Franklin Matters

Tuesday, January 13, 2015

Live reporting - Presentations (Excellence Awards, Special Education)

2. Guests/Presentations
a. MASS Academic Excellence Awards

1. Madison Wendell
2. Haley Frank

recognized by Superintedent as in the Top 1% of their class

b. Trends in Special Education – Elizabeth Fitzmaurice

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/01/fps-special-education-update.html

Stephanie Gedis, Dillon Scarnicki, and Sara Mulcahey

right around state average of 16% of students identified as 'special education'

767 - serviced in main stream classrooms
81 - sub-separate serviced within district but not mainstreamed in the classrooms
68 - out of district serviced

extremely fortunate to be resourced as they are

par for the course, most of the students and families are happy with the service
some due go to litigate but that is a private peice that is not fair to the students and families involved

student achievement is on the rise, it is very exciting
if you have to do it, you might as well get something out of it

Sarah Mulchaey, Vide President, Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC)
http://franklinsepac.org/

mission to support the parent of special education students
Transition Fair - a big success coordinated recently
there is a feeling of isolation, in that there is no one to help, when there is a community to provide support
the town has been amazing supporting us

Best Buddies in the high school and middle schools, now expanding to elementary schools

Inclusion

Transition
how do it on their own beginning at 14

Dillon Scarnicki
provided a video of the goal he recently scored for the FHS hockey team
as well as other likes and dislikes, and shared his dream

Parent view
Brendan, a student at Oak St
now takes the bus rather than the white van

you can't make it in this world if you can't speak up for yourself

The first tweet by the @FPS4Students account (was also retweeted by @FranklinMatters)

A successful night at school committee showcasing student achievements. Thank you @FHS_Puck #ourfirsttweet
— FPS PPS (@fps4students) January 14, 2015

O'Malley - this is the best sporting performance where a team (or most of it) shows up to support you Dillon

Rohrbach - thank you, this was a great presentation tonight. It shows how important the parent parnters are. The out of district expenses are very much asn issue, but you do a great job in managing those out of district tuitions.

Fitzmaurice - about $5 of the total school budget is for out of district tuition; are able to manage some of the students to return to service within the district. We are careful before sending a student outside. They go because that is the best place for them to get those specific services and the decision is not taken lightly. We try to make things work here.

Rohrbach - we have been very innovative to provide the students the opportunity to stay here

Jewell - tonight is one of the most emotional nights I have had sitting in this role. The next man up is a good philosophy. This team can go to the state becuase it is a team effort, a lot of average players are playing above because they are playing encouraged by the others. I can tell you how well I feel tonight.

Trahan - this is an amazing night, thank you. We are a community in this town!

Mullen - I have heard several presentations over the years, this was the best.

Live reporting: School Committee - Jan 13, 2015

Present: Douglas, O'Malley, Rohrbach, Clement, Mullen, Trahan, Jewell
Absent: none

1. Routine Business
Citizen’s Comments - none

Review of Agenda - none

Minutes: I recommend approval of the minutes from the December 9, 2014 School Committee Meeting. motion to approve, seconded, passed 7-0

Payment of Bills Mr. Clement
motion to approve, seconded, passed 7-0

Payroll Mrs. Douglas

FHS Student Representatives
re: the robe discussion
five options

each choose
alternate rows
chhose color per grad/year
alternate by person
(one other to be added)

Correspondence: Budget to Actual – Miriam Goodman

The Curry House - now open

Reporting by walking around Sunday, I grabbed a new photo of the sign changes for The Curry House, now open on RT 140.

The Curry House is now open on RT 140

I also stopped by Monday to pick up a menu. The menu is still a work in progress according to the gentlmen I talked with. The formal copies are due this week. (Note: the menu is one large double sided 11 x 17 sheet so I managed to make a PDF in four sections.)

You can find The Curry House on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Curry-House/996915603668154

The webpage linked to from Facebook is not yet ready

"join Rattle City in supporting the Panthers"

Caroline Cafasso writes about Rattle City in Pantherbook:

If you come to a Franklin High School sports game, there’s a good chance you’ll see the famous Rattle City. In fact, it probably would be hard to miss.

You’ll see dozens of FHS students, some decked out in odd and festive costumes, and others holdings signs and pictures. Everyone, however, will be chanting and screaming, rooting for their beloved Panthers.

So what exactly is Rattle City? Despite its size and prominence, there are still many FHS students, particularly underclassmen, who do not know or understand its role. It may be because the name “Rattle City” may not have an obvious meaning to everyone. The idea is to have a fan section that is so rowdy and enthusiastic that it psyches the opposing team out. It was inspired by various colleges whose students practiced such a strategy during sports games.

Pantherbook photo of Rattle City at a Basketball game in January 2015

Read the remainder of the Rattle City story here: http://pantherbook.org/top-stories/2015/01/12/the-story-of-rattle-city/#sthash.8eBAR5tE.dpuf

LiveArts: Kevin Owen - Jan 25

From the LiveArts webpage, we read about the next concert, Sunday Jan 25 at 3:30 PM:

A first at LiveARTS: the featured solo instrument is the French horn! Liberated from the orchestral brass section, virtuoso French hornist, Kevin Owen, with his pianist wife, Asako Shibata, “cuts loose” in an awe-inspiring demonstration of what the French horn is all about. Often regarded as the most difficult of the instruments in the orchestra, the French horn and its lovely tonality will be demonstrated by Owen in performance and in informative remarks that will be not only illustrative but fascinating. Owen is widely recognized as one of the the finest horn players today, and his participation in an exceptionally wide variety of ensembles throughout his career is nothing short of astounding.

Kevin Owen, French Horn (LiveArts photo)

LiveArts postcard

For additional information and ticket procing, visit their webpage here
http://www.liveartsfranklin.org/

Monday, January 12, 2015

Kidz Plaster Zone - 524 W Central St

Reporting by walking around walk on Sunday, I found a 'new' business on RT 140. Located in the stores in front of Primrose Car Wash and next to Dadarrio Hardware. From their webpage, I find that they opened in Aug 2014.

For those looking for crafty parties for kids, and those looking for a crafty adult night out this is an option!

Our specialty is crafty fun for all ages!

Every kid loves plaster painting. We carry a large selection for boys and girls as well as adults. Pieces are ready to take home the same day! With a wide variety of plaster figures, plaques, curio boxes, picture frames to choose from, there is something for every age, interest and budget.

We have a fun and friendly place to create your very own masterpiece.

We provide kids safe paint, brushes, smocks, glaze, glitter - you provide the creativity.

Fantastic Birthday Parties and a delightful area to get together and celebrate.

Paint, eat and have fun.

Walk-ins are always welcome at our beautiful and conveniently located studio -

drop in anytime!

Prices range from $5-$30 with all materials included.

Gift Certificates are available in $10.00, $25.00, and $50.00 denominations.

Kids Plaster Zone - 524 West Central St

Looking for a perfect venue to celebrate your child's birthday?

Check out our Birthday Party Package and let us take care of all the party details for you.

Priced to fit everyone's budget!

For more information, visit their webpage here
http://www.kidzplasterzone.com/

or find them on Facebook here
https://www.facebook.com/kidzplasterzone

Kidz Plaster Zone street sign

Plan "a week-long celebration of the arts"

The Franklin Cultural District Steering Committee is in the process of planning a week-long celebration of the arts in downtown Franklin in July.

We envision a celebration that would include participation by all things Cultural that are Franklin-based.

We’ll celebrate Franklin’s

Musicians

Dancers

Actors

Artists

Writers

Poets

History through Museum and Library tours and events

OTHER SUGGESTIONS

The week could include performances at venues throughout the downtown such as Franklin Common, THE BLACK BOX and others. Museum and Library tours. Events at our Downtown Restaurants. Let’s think out of the box.

BRING YOUR IDEAS. Plans are not finalized yet. The purpose our meeting is to develop some enthusiasm and get your feedback to drive this event to a wonderful week celebrating the arts and perhaps to build an annual celebration.

When: January 15 at 7PM
Where: THE BLACK BOX

THE BLACK BOX Theater - 15 West Central St, Franklin

Winter Dance – Friday, Jan 23rd

Franklin Chargers will have their next middle school dance on Friday Jan 23rd from 7 to 10pm

The Dance is open 5th - 8th Graders

Dances are held at Tri-County Regional High School from 7pm-10pm.

Admission is $10 at the door.

Snacks and drinks will be available for sale.

Click here to view the post on the Franklin Chargers website http://franklinchargers.org/2015/01/08/winter-dance-friday-jan-23rd/

Franklin Chargers middle school dance

Franklin Library: LEGO Club - Jan 15 - 4:00 PM

The LEGO Club returns to the Franklin Library on Thursday. Gather the kids for a fun time building with LEGOs

LEGO Club at the Franklin Library

Good for kids aged 3-12, the club event starts at 4:00 PM

This was shared from the Franklin Library page
http://franklinpl.blogspot.com/2015/01/lego-club.html

Sunday, January 11, 2015

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - Jan 13, 2015

Vision Statement

The Franklin Public Schools will foster within its students the knowledge and skills to find and achieve satisfaction in life as productive global citizens.

AGENDA

"The listing of matters are those reasonably anticipated by the Chair which may be discussed at the meeting. Not all items listed may in fact be discussed and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by law."

The Key to Learning - Franklin Public Schools

1. Routine Business

Citizen’s Comments
Review of Agenda
Minutes: I recommend approval of the minutes from the December 9, 2014 School Committee Meeting.
Payment of Bills Mr. Clement
Payroll Mrs. Douglas
FHS Student Representatives
Correspondence: Budget to Actual – Miriam Goodman

2. Guests/Presentations

a. MASS Academic Excellence Awards

1. Madison Wendell
2. Haley Frank

b. Trends in Special Education – Elizabeth Fitzmaurice
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/01/fps-special-education-update.html

c. Capital

3. Discussion Only Items

Policy – Elimination (First Reading)

o GCBA – Professional Staff Salary Schedules
BICO Collaborative Agreement

2015-2016 School Calendar Draft

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/01/fps-school-calendar-for-2015-2016-draft.html

4. Action Items

a. I recommend moving Policy GCBA – Professional Staff Salary Schedules to a second reading for elimination as discussed.
b. I recommend approval of the BICO Collaborative Agreement as discussed.
c. I recommend acceptance of two checks Davis Thayer Elementary School totaling $550.00:
1. $50.00 from Lueders Environmental, Inc.
2. $500.00 from BOKS, Reebok Foundation
d. I recommend acceptance of a check for $2,260.26 from O’Connor Portraiture, Inc. for supplemental curriculum materials at Keller Elementary School.
e. I recommend acceptance of a check for $250.00 from the RMS PCC for field trips.
f. I recommend acceptance of six checks for FHS totaling $3,914.67:

1. $175.29 from PBC
2. $459.38 from All American Publishing
3. $1,800.00 from Franklin Music Boosters
4. $250.00 from Maura Schaeffer Jobin
5. $243.00 from various parents
6. $987.00 from various parents

g. I recommend acceptance of two checks totaling $1,481.20 ($1,186.20 & $295.00) from Parmenter PCC for field trips.
h. I recommend acceptance of the donation of computer monitors from Sy Tech Inc. for the Technology Department. (approximate value $100.00)
i. I recommend approval of the Capital plan as presented.
j. I recommend approval of the request of Brad Sidwell for the Boys Ice Hockey team to travel to Barnstable, MA on 2/18-19/15 for a Hockey Competition.
k. I recommend acceptance of a check for $3,300.00 from the Music Boosters for district-wide extra-curricular music.

5. Information Matters

Superintendent’s Report
School Committee Sub-Committee Reports
School Committee Liaison Reports

6. New Business

To discuss future business that may be brought before the School Committee.

7. Executive Session

Personnel Update

8. Adjourn

FPS: Special Education Update

The presentation released for discussion at the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting scheduled for Tuesday, Jan 13, 2015.

The full agenda for the School Committee meeting can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/01/franklin-ma-school-committee-agenda-jan.html

screen grab of Pupil Personnel Services page

screen grab of Pupil Services page

For additional information on the Pupil Personnel Services, you can visit their webpage here
http://franklindistrict.vt-s.net/Pages/FranklinDistrict_PupilServices/index

FPS: School Calendar for 2015 - 2016 DRAFT Only

One of the documents released for the School Committee meeting on Tuesday, Jan 13, 2015 is the draft calendar for the next school year.

You can view the calendar here

community entrance to Franklin High School

The full agenda for the School Committee meeting can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/01/franklin-ma-school-committee-agenda-jan.html

FHS boys basketball tops Mansfield at TD Garden

The FHS basketball and hockey teams had games on Saturday. The girls hockey team lost while the other three teams won according to the results from Hockomock Sports.

While most Franklinites were likely watching the Patriots, the FHS boys basketball team beat Mansfield on the parquet floor at the TD Garden.

Girls Basketball

Franklin, 58 @ New Bedford, 19 - Final

Boys Hockey

Foxboro, 1 @ Franklin, 10 - Final - Foxboro's Gus Herlihy scored the Warriors' lone goal.

Girls Hockey

Franklin, 0 @ Medway, 3 - Final

FHS benchreactsto the game - Hockomock Sports photo by Josh Perry

Additional results from Hockomock League action on Saturday can be found here
http://www.hockomocksports.com/blog/hockomock-schedule-scoreboard-011015

Game of the Week - Boys Basketball

Mansfield, 54 vs. Franklin, 57- Final (@ TD Garden) - Dylan Reno scored nine of his 14 points in the fourth quarter to help Franklin come back from 49-44 to go on a 13-2 run to take control in the final minutes. Tim Prunier led the Panthers with 17 points and had four assists, Shawn Hanley had 13 points, and Marcus Geise finished with 10 points and nine rebounds. Mansfield was led by Ryan Boulter with 13 points (nine in the third) and seven rebounds. Michael Boen had 12 points, 14 rebounds, and five assists, and Nicholas Baskin scored 11 points.

An extended write up of the game against Mansfield can be found here
http://www.hockomocksports.com/blog/late-run-helps-franklin-edge-mansfield-at-td-garden

Including Hockomock Sports photos of the game here
http://hockomocksports.smugmug.com/Franklin-Mansfield-Boys/

You can volunteer to help run Franklin

The Town of Franklin is looking for Members for the following committees: If you are interested in becoming a member, please complete the attached form and return the Town Administrator's Office.

Conservation Conservation Commission

Cultural Council Cultural Council

Disabilities Commission

Municipal Affordable Housing Trust - Contact Maxine Kinhart 508-520-4949

Zoning Board of Appeals - Associate Member ZBA

screen grab of Franklin webpage with town committee openings

The application form can be found here
http://www.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_News/01E3B9EF-000F8513.0/TOWN%20OF%20FRANKLIN%20VOLUNTEER%20FORM.pdf

BFCCPS Information Sessions Scheduled

The Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School (BFCCPS) has scheduled two events at the school

one on January 22nd from 6-8pm
one on February 7th from 10am to noon

Both events at BFCCPS will include building tours and an arts showcase

They will also offer information sessions

at the Bellingham Public Library on January 27th from 6-8pm
at the Milford Town Library on February 5th from 6-8pm

BFCCPS school sign

The BFCCPS brochure can be reviewed and downloaded from here

Hockomock Y: Winter Wonderland - Jan 16

The Hockomock Area YMCA invites area families to enjoy a free Winter Wonderland evening event on Friday, January 16th from 6:30pm-8:00pm at its Bernon Family Branch (45 Forge Hill Road, Franklin), Invensys Foxboro Branch (67 Mechanic Street, Foxboro) and North Attleboro Branch (300 Elmwood Street, North Attleboro).

This free family community event offers lots of interactive winter games, activities and crafts for members and non-members alike. Some of the activities at our North Attleboro Branch include ‘snowman dress’ relays, S’more making, and Face Painting as well a dinner option for a nominal cost.

Some of the Bernon Family Branch activities will include Ana’s Hot Chocolate station, winter freeze dance party, and journey through the ice tower. Some of the activities at our Invensys Foxboro Branch will include a bouncy house, winter games, music, crafts, and a dinner option for a nominal cost.

These are just a few of the fun activities planned at our annual Winter Wonderland, an event sure to express the beauty and magic of winter.

For more information, call 508-695-7001 (North Attleboro Branch); 508-543-2523 (Foxboro Branch); and 508-528-8707 (Franklin Branch) or visit our website at www.hockymca.org.

Winter Wonderland - Jan 16

About the Hockomock Area YMCA

We believe that lasting personal and social change can only come about when we work together to invest in our kids, our health, and our neighbors. That’s why, at the Y, strengthening community is our cause. Every day, we work side by side with our neighbors in our community to make sure that everyone, regardless of age, income or background, has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive. Reach Out for Youth & Families is our annual support campaign to provide a YMCA experience to more than 15,000 local children and families in need.

Saturday, January 10, 2015

Representative Roy Host’s Franklin Economic Development Meeting

On Tuesday, January 10, 2015 Massachusetts State Representative Jeffrey Roy (D - Franklin) hosted a Life Sciences Development Meeting in Franklin, MA. Local biotechnology companies, Franklin town officials and members of the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center joined the discussion about the opportunities within the Life Sciences Industry, the potential for future development within the region and what Franklin has already done to successfully attract and retain life science companies.

Cornerstones of Life Sciences Industry range from pharmaceuticals and medical devices to diagnostics and biotechnology. Thanks to its world-class academic institutions and medical centers, its talented and innovated workforce and its industry-sector leading companies, Massachusetts has firmly established itself as a global leader in the Life Sciences and has fully committed the state's economic well-being to the development and advancement of these Industries.

"Franklin has positioned itself well to attract life science businesses to the area," said Representative Roy "In 2014 its BioReady ranking was elevated from Gold to Platinum signifying Franklin's readiness to work with biotechnology companies interested in locating in the area. On top of that, it has great schools and reasonable housing prices, making it a great place to live, work and raise a family."

"Franklin has been the perfect community for growing my start up business to the point of having close to a hundred employees," said Dr. Gregory Chiklis, President and CEO of Franklin's ZeptoMetrix Corporation. "It has been due to the support and resources available to me in Franklin that we have been able to grow ZeptoMetrix."

"The Life Sciences are the fastest growing industry sectors in Massachusetts," said Susan Windham-Bannister, Ph.D., President and CEO of the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center, the agency charged with implementing the state's ten-year, $1 billion Life Sciences Initiative.

"All regions across the state and workers at all skill levels are benefiting as the life sciences ecosystem continues to grow and thrive. We are excited about Representative Roy's efforts to bring leaders together to discuss strategies for regional life sciences growth in and around Franklin, and we look forward to a continued partnership in those efforts."

"I am very excited that Rep. Roy brought together this group of educators, government officials and industry leaders to shine a light on all that Franklin has to offer to biotech and other businesses," said Attorney Michael Doherty of Doherty, Ciechanowski, Dugan & Cannon, P.C.

"I am hopeful that we will be able to encourage businesses to locate to one of our industrial parks in Franklin." Doherty, Ciechanowski, Dugan & Cannon, P.C. is a firm that represents local business in Franklin and surrounding communities."

"As Chief Medical Officer of a well-established Boston biotechnology company, I believe that Franklin offers all the attributes and ingredients to create a dynamic and vibrant environment for the development of innovative treatments to address unmet medical needs of patients," said Dr. Michael Sabolinski, founder of Sabolinski, LLC.

"Among these are access to medical centers of excellence, key opinion leaders in multiple therapeutic areas, and experts in clinical research. I look forward to the growth of biotechnology in Franklin, and am excited about the opportunities that the town presents for both start up and well established Companies."

"It was wonderful that Representative Roy brought the players to the table to help jumpstart Franklin's efforts in economic development and the life sciences," said Jeff Nutting, Franklin Town Administrator.

"I would like to thank Rep. Roy for putting together the life sciences meeting. He and our Town Administrator Jeff Nutting are doers and put together an excellent program," said Robert Vallee, Franklin Town Council's Chair. "I look forward to getting the entire Town Council involved in the discussion and pursuing this issue as hard as we can."

"Franklin has done much to attract a higher level of commercial and industrial investment to our industrial areas, including creation of priority development sites and economic development areas, and streamlining of permitting processes for biotechnology uses," said Bryan Taberner, Franklin's Director of Planning and Community Development. "The Town currently contains a cluster of life sciences companies, including bio-storage, robotics, medical devices and instrumentation, and biotechnology. I look forward to working with Representative Roy to attract additional life science companies to this great community."

"What sets Franklin apart from many communities is the collaboration and commitment of all stakeholders," said Maureen Sabolinski, Superintendent of Schools "Our elected and town officials work in concert with business and higher education to meet the needs of our community members and always strive to improve all public services. The shared sense of community enables stakeholder to establish a shared vision and mission."

With Massachusetts as a foundation, Franklin's attractiveness for business development has created a unique opportunity to provide positive economic growth, help advance the development of the Life Sciences and benefit the global community.

Franklin Police: B&E Suspect Looked For

If you recognize this person please call Franklin Police Dept.

screen grab of wanted poster

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If you would like to subscribe, follow this link
http://www.franklin.ma.us/subscriber-news

Benjamin Franklin's Birthday Party - Jan 18th - Historical Museum

Printer, author, scientist, musician, inventor, diplomat and revolutionary.

On Sunday, January 18th the museum will be celebrating the birthday of our town's namesake, Benjamin Franklin, born January 17, 1706.

The town of Franklin was originally to be named Exeter. As our forefathers made their way to Dedham to establish the charter of incorporation, word of Ben's success in establishing the French alliance with Louis XVI had made it's way to the Colonies.

And, as noted in the History of Franklin by Mortimer Blake, a last minute decision was made, '... and it was with graceful tribute to the successful diplomatist, Franklin, that the town, just at that date applying for incorporation, should bear his name.'

As a special treat, Vera Meyer will return to the museum to perform on the glass harmonica, a unique instrument invented by Benjamin Franklin.

Vera Meyer and Town Clerk Debbie Pellegri in 2011

About the instrument:

The glass harmonica was invented by Benjamin Franklin in 1761. The instrument enjoyed wide popularity in Europe (where Franklin was living at the time) for about 40 years until it was banned by German police around 1830.

It was feared by people and thought to cause insanity, nervous disorders, convulsions in dogs and cats, marital disputes, and even wake people from the dead.

It is possible that the lead in the glasses used at the time caused a neurological problem for people. However, maybe it was the haunting tones of the instrument, or maybe it was because Anton Mesmer used the instrument to hypnotize his patients.

We have discovered about 300 compositions originally written for glass harmonica, including works by Mozart and Beethoven.

Prior posts:

Ben's birthday in 2013
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/01/the-glass-harmonica.html

in 2012
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/01/historical-museum-photo-essay-jan-29.html

in 2011
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/01/vera-meyer-glass-harmonica.html

Five issues that will shape the news of 2015 - The Climate Minute Podcast

New post on Mass Climate Action Network (MCAN)

Five issues that will shape the news of 2015- The Climate Minute Podcast

by massclimateaction

What are the underlying issues that will drive climate progress in 2015? We discuss a Congress that denies global warming, low oil prices, the Trans-Pacific partnership, upcoming negotiations in Paris, and the impact of the Pope's views on global warming.

First, we note that Cape Wind is in jeopardy. There seems to be enough momentum behind the wind industry the progress in other areas is likely.

Congress is targeting the Keystone pipeline. Read Dave Roberts who says about the whole controversy that "This is the first time since cap-and-trade that the movement defined a clear fight specifically about climate. They picked something Obama could block and then set out making the case that he should block it. It was something that could could have passed without a blink from anyone, and they charged it with meaning. They marched, protested, organized, wrote, and marched some more. They got big money to enter political races behind the issue. They got key allies to speak out against it. They've managed to delay and delay it. They even got Obama to say that he'll reject it if it has any impact on greenhouse gases. (Imagine that standard applied to all future infrastructure projects!)"

It seems the President will veto the bill, but this is just the beginning of a long fight. Bill McKibben said "This is a tribute to the millions of people who have made this one of the center pieces of a fast growing climate movement. So far their desire to protect the land and climate have been a match for the fountains of dirty money that constitute the oil industry's only real argument." If you want to find your rep's phone number, click here, for your Senator, click here.

Robert Reich says this about the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) "Even better for global companies, the tribunal can order compensation for any lost profits found to result from a nation's regulations. Philip Morris is using a similar provision against Uruguay (the provision appears in a bilateral trade treaty between Uruguay and Switzerland), claiming that Uruguay's strong anti-smoking regulations unfairly diminish the company's profits.

What does the acronym INDC mean? "Intended Nationally Determined Contributions." Say that three times fast! It is a statement of how much carbon each country will promise to cut in the preparation for negotiations in Paris at COP21 next December.

Pope Francis is said to be preparing an important statement on climate next year, but will likely anger some conservatives.

Because we recognize the necessity of personal accountability for our actions, because we accept responsibility for building a durable future and because we believe it is our patriotic duty as citizens to speak out, we must insist that the United States put a price on carbon.

Thanks for listening.

…Ted McIntyre