Remember when: August 6, 2012

Monday, August 6, 2012

Uncas Pond

Having heard of Uncas Pond here and here, I decided a needed to go exploring to find it. Sunday was humid. I needed a little extra incentive to run in the heat. I decided that since Uncas Pond was off Summer St, I'd go find it. Finding it would give me an excuse to stop for pictures (and rest as well).

Uncas Pond

Continue reading in the archives
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/08/uncas-pond.html

Advocates share agenda for 100% renewable energy as election season heats up

With election season just around the corner, environmental advocates and local leaders gathered at Franklin’s town common to share ideas for accelerating Massachusetts’ transition to 100 percent renewable energy.

The 100% Renewable Energy Agenda, developed by the Environment Massachusetts Research & Policy Center, includes more than 30 policies that the winner of this fall’s gubernatorial election can implement to reduce energy consumption and rapidly repower all sectors of the economy with clean energy.

“For decades, the Commonwealth has led the nation in preserving the environment, protecting public health, and reducing global warming pollution,” said Ben Hellerstein, State Director for the Environment Massachusetts Research and Policy Center. “Now more than ever, Massachusetts must lead the way. With support from our state’s top leaders, we can power our homes, our businesses, and our transportation system with clean, renewable energy.”

Advocates described how Massachusetts’ solar and wind resources, combined with emerging technologies like electric vehicles, air source heat pumps, and battery storage, will enable us to meet our energy needs with clean, renewable power at all times of the day and night.

After discussing the recommendations in the 100% Renewable Energy Agenda, local leaders discussed the ways that clean energy is supported at the local level, and what more needs to be done.

“Franklin has done a lot to ensure that our town exemplifies what a Green Community should be,” said former city councilor, and renewable energy advocate, Brett Feldman. “Our electricity load for our municipal and school buildings is 95 percent covered by our town solar farm on the Mount St. Mary’s Abbey. On top of that, we have upgraded all of our buildings to maximum efficiency, and by the end of the year will convert of our town lights to LED. We are doing all we can, and we want the state to be able to say the same.”

Speakers also pointed to the urgent need for action before the end of the legislative session.

In June, the Massachusetts Senate passed a bill that would eliminate caps on solar net metering and increase renewable energy to 50 percent of Massachusetts’ electricity consumption by 2030 and 100 percent by 2047. The House has passed a bill for 35 percent renewable electricity by 2030. Legislators must reach an agreement before July 31, or start from scratch next year.

A report by the Applied Economics Clinic found that increasing the renewable portfolio standard by 3 percent per year, along with other clean energy policies, would result in 600,000 fewer metric tons of greenhouse gases per year by 2030 (equivalent to taking 128,000 cars off the road) at little to no additional cost to the public.

Since 2007, Massachusetts has seen a 246-fold increase in the amount of electricity it gets from the sun. Wind energy generation in Massachusetts is set to increase dramatically in the coming years, with a commitment to install 1,600 megawatts of offshore wind capacity.

Massachusetts’ offshore wind potential is equivalent to more than 19 times the state’s annual electricity consumption. According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, rooftop solar installations alone could provide 47 percent of Massachusetts’ electricity.

“Even beyond rooftop solar, community solar projects, like the one we installed in Holliston, expand the possibility of who can benefit from the solar boom,” said Jeff Lord, senior Vice President of Project Development at the Clean Energy Collective. “ There are dozens of community solar projects in the Commonwealth, including one in nearby Holliston, but many more are needed if we’re to truly provide equal access to the benefits of renewable energy to all of our states homes, businesses, towns, and organizations.”

Last week, 16 academics, researchers, and clean energy industry leaders sent a letter to state officials affirming that “there are no insurmountable technological or economic barriers to achieving 100 percent renewable energy.”

“Now is the time for us to go big on clean energy,” said Hellerstein. “Come January, we’re ready to work with whoever occupies the corner office on Beacon Hill to help Massachusetts go 100 percent renewable.”

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The Environment Massachusetts Research and Policy Center is dedicated to protecting Massachusetts’ air, water and open spaces. We investigate problems, craft solutions, educate the public and decision-makers, and help Bay Staters make their voices heard in local, state and national debates over the quality of our environment and our lives.

Advocates share agenda for 100% renewable energy

In the News: competition for Senator Ross' seat; PMC rides through Franklin; A resident against bag ban in Natick

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"The Sept. 4 primary for the state Senate race is fast approaching, and three Democrats are vying for the chance to challenge incumbent Republican Richard Ross of Wrentham for the Norfolk, Bristol and Middlesex District Senate seat. 

The district covers parts of Wellesley and Needham, as well as sections of Franklin, Millis, Norfolk, Plainville, Wrentham, Attleboro, North Attleborough, Natick, Sherborn and Wayland."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180805/three-democrats-aim-to-unseat-senator-richard-ross

"Before hundreds of cyclists rolled into the Jefferson Elementary School, Kevin Lydon held back tears. 

Lydon was a volunteer at Saturday’s water stop for cyclists participating in the annual Pan-Mass Challenge to raise money for cancer treatment and research. 

Lydon, a Mansfield resident, choked up when he said his cancer returned last month. He had been in remission before a surgical oncologist told him his lymphoma is back. The diagnosis has not been confirmed, although test results are expected this week."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180805/pmc-ride-makes-stop-in-franklin-outpouring-of-love-for-those-lost-to-cancer

"A resident is on a crusade to repeal the town’s plastic bag regulation, and he’s meeting with town officials to state his case. 

Brent Longtin called it “a disaster,” and he wants officials to encourage residents to focus on re-usable bags. 

Natick’s policy allows plastic bags with a minimum thickness of 2 millimeters. Retailers can also provide bags made of recycled paper or reusable bags made of cloth or other washable fabric."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180805/resident-calls-naticks-plastic-bag-regulation-disaster

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Aug 8, 2018

The published agenda and documents for the Franklin Town Council meeting scheduled for Wednesday, August 8, 2018

(Note: where there are active links in the agenda item, it will take you to the associated document)

You can also find the full set of documents in one PDF

http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/august_8_2018_town_council_agenda_complete.pdf

Agenda Item	Summary
Town Council Meeting Agenda	Meeting of August 8, 2018 - 7:00PM
1. ANNOUNCEMENTS	a. This meeting is being recorder by Franklin TV and shows on Comcast Channel 11 and Verizon Channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by others.
2. CITIZEN COMMENTS	a. Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to five minutes on a matter that is not on the agenda.  The Council will not angage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments.  The Town Council will give remarks appropriate consideration and may ask the Town Administrator to review the matter.
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES	July 11, 2018
4. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS	a. Swearing in of Firefighters
5. APPOINTMENTS	Community Garden Committee- Crystle Chase
6. HEARINGS
6a. HEARINGS	Zoning Bylaw Amendment 18-815: Changes to Section 185, Attachement 9, Schedule of Lot, Area, Frontage, Yard and Height Requirements.
6b. HEARINGS	Zoning Bylaw Amendment 18-816: Changes to Section 185, Use Regulations Schedule Oarts I and VII, Attachment 2 and 8.
6c. HEARINGS	Zoning Bylaw Amendment 18-818: Maximum Building Height Dimensional Regulations.
6d. HEARINGS	Bylaw Amendment 18-819: Chapter 170 Vehicles and Traffic
7a. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS	Franklin BBC, LLC d/b/a British Beer Company- Change of Manager
7b. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS	Table and Vine, Inc. - Change of Manger
8. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
8a. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS	Facilities Department
8b. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS	Open Space Committee Discussion
8c. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS	Fourth of July Coalition
9. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS	a. Capital Budget Subcommittee b. Budget Subcommittee c. Economic Development Subcommittee
10. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
10a. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION	Resolution 18-45: Participation in Opioid and Engagement of Legal Counsel for that Purpose ( Motion to Approve Resolution 18-45 - Majority Vote (5))
10b. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION	Zoning Bylaw Amendment 18-803R: Zoning Map Changes from Industrial, or Industrial & Single Family Residential IV, or Industrial & Rural Residential I, to Single Family Residential IV, or Industrial, or Rural Residential I, an Area On Or Near Fisher, Hayward and McCarthy Streets - 2nd Reading ( Motion to Move Zoning Bylaw Amendment 18-803R -  ⅔ Majority Roll Call Vote (6))
10c. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION	Zoning Bylaw Amendment 18-805: Changes to §185-21 Parking, Loading and Driveway Requirements - 2nd Reading (Motion to Move Zoning Bylaw Amendment 18-805 - ⅔ Majority Roll Call Vote(6))
10d. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION	Zoning Bylaw Amendment 18-810: Definitions. Small, Medium, Large Ground Mounted Solar Energy Systems, Accessory Use, and Accessory Building or Structure - 2nd Reading ( Motion to Move Zoning Bylaw Amendment 18-810 - ⅔ Majority Roll Call Vote (6))
10e. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION	Zoning Bylaw Amendment 18-811: Changes to §185-19. Accessory Building and Structures - 2nd Reading ( Motion to Move Zoning Bylaw Amendment 18-811 -  ⅔ Majority Roll Call Vote (6))
10f. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION	Zoning bylaw Amendment 18-812: Ground-Mounted Solar Energy System Use Regulations - 2nd Reading ( Motion to Move Zoning Bylaw Amendment 18-812 -  ⅔ Majority Roll Call Vote (6))
10g. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION	Zoning Bylaw Amendment 18-815: Changes to Section 185, Attachment 9, Schedule of Lot, Area, Frontage, Yard and Height Requirements-1st Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 18-815 to a 2nd Reading- Majority Vote (5))
10h. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION	Zoning Bylaw Amendment 18-816: Changes to Section 185, Use Regulations Schedule Parts I and VII, Attachments 2 and 8 - 1st Reading (Motion to Move Zoning Bylaw Amendment to a 2nd Reading- Majority Vote (5))
10i. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION	Zoning Bylaw Amendment 18-818: Maximum Building Height Dimensional Regulations - 1st Reading (Motion to Move Zoning Bylaw Amendment 18-818 to a 2nd Reading - Majority Vote (5))
10j. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION	Bylaw Amendment 18-817: Amendment to Water System Map - 2nd Reading ( Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 18-817- Majority Vote (5))
10k. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION	Bylaw Amendment 18-819: Chapter 170, Vehicles and Traffic -1st Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 18-819 to a 2nd Reading- Majority Vote (5))
11. TOWN ADMINISTRATORS REPORT
12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
13. COUNCIL COMMENTS
14. EXECUTIVE SESSION	None Scheduled
14. ADJOURN

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Aug 8, 2018

Electronics Recycling Event - August 18

SATURDAY, August 18th - 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM
St. Mary’s Church, 201 Main St, Franklin MA

Accepting:
Any and all electronics and appliances, including TV’s, monitors, computers, printers, microwaves, AC’s, washers, dryers, lawn mowers and any item that has a plug.

Our Costs:
● $5 each — Computers, DVD players, Laptops, Misc. Electronics, etc.
● $10 each — Microwaves & Small Appliances, Exercise Equipment, Grills, Lawn Mowers & Snow Blowers (gas removed)
● $15 each — TV’s under 19," Computer Monitors, AC’s, Dehumidifiers
● $20 each — Washing machines, Dryers, Stoves, Large appliances, TV’s between 19” and 26"
● $25 each — TV’s between 27” and 31,” Large Refrigerators
● $30 each — TV’s between 32" and 35”
● $35 each — TV’s over 36”
● $40 each — Projection TV’s
● NO CHARGE: Cell Phones, Tablets, Bikes, Car or Truck Batteries

RAIN OR SHINE, CASH OR CHECK, ZERO LANDFILL

Questions? 
Contact Jim Wood J.wood36@Yahoo.com

Electronics Recycling Event - August 18

Download the flyer
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczb085QVNCaDQxVmFDcVFSNS14dEJIUUE3THFV/view?usp=sharing

Franklin Almanac - Episode 10 (video) - from the archives

Re-posting the Franklin Almanac - Episode 10 (video) from the archives in August 2017. Polikseni has moved on to a regular weekend position with a TV station in Vermont.


Franklin Almanac Episode 10 with Host Polikseni Manxhari was originally broadcast on Aug 14, 2017.

• Introduction- 00:00-00:36
• Sara Ahern, Superintendent of Franklin Public Schools- 00:37-09:52
• Franklin Cultural Festival-09:53-15:17
• Operation Chill-15:18-21:00
• DARE Program-21:01-27:05
• Final Thoughts-27:06-28:30

Note: you might recognize someone as he talks about letting "magic happen" at the end of the Franklin Cultural Festival segment

https://youtu.be/7sDrKRgzaNw

Electric Youth and Future Shock pleased the crowd at the Town Common
on the opening night of the 3rd Annual Cultural Festival

Remember when - August 5, 2011

Friday, August 5, 2011

British Beer Company - ribbon cutting

The United Chamber of Commerce welcomed the British Beer Company (BBC) with a ribbon cutting ceremony this week. The British Beer Company opened in January in the former Applebee's location at the Franklin Village Mall. It is a very popular place with waits up to 90 minutes on Friday's nights.

British Beer Company - ribbon cutting

Continue reading in the archives

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/08/british-beer-company-ribbon-cutting.html

Changes to MassCEC's Woodstove Changeout and Air-Source Heat Pump Programs

Updates from MassCEC Clean Heating & Cooling

Dear Friends of MassCEC's Clean Heating and Cooling Programs, We have updates for you regarding our Woodstove Change-Out and Air-Source Heat Pump Programs. Enclosed are details on making the move to low-emission stoves as well as information about new ASHP rebate levels. Woodstove Change-Out Extended! The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) is extending the 2018 Woodstove Change-Out Program deadline to September 25, 2018. Any Massachusetts resident or business currently operating a non-EPA-certified wood stove or fireplace insert is eligible for a rebate of up to $1,750 when replacing an existing stove with an eligible model. Those that meet certain income requirements are eligible for rebates of up to $3,000. To date, 114 woodstoves have been changed out with our program and we've awarded $193,500 in rebates. If you own an old wood stove and would like to replace it with a new, low-emission EPA-certified wood or pellet stove, visit MassCEC's website to find out more. You will need to contact a local stove professional who can determine the eligibility of your old stove and submit a rebate application on your behalf after installing your new stove. Act now to make sure you don't miss this newly extended application deadline! MassCEC webpage                            https://masscec.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=cfa86dfbf4982660c6328daa0&id=b97e9e9f13&e=952cc7b7a1 local stove professionals https://masscec.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=cfa86dfbf4982660c6328daa0&id=81d573c207&e=952cc7b7a1 Air-Source Heat Pump Updates The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) is making some changes to our Residential Air-Source Heat Pump Program. This program provides rebates for the installation of qualifying air source heat pump systems at homes and small businesses in Massachusetts. The new standard rebate levels will range from $500 to $2,500. Homeowners that meet certain income requirements will be eligible for rebates of up to $4,000. Those replacing electric resistance heating with heat pumps are eligible for additional funds. The changes to the program can be found in our Program Manual. Any applications submitted after November 1 will be subject to the new rebate amounts. If you would like to install a heat pump in your home, visit MassCEC's website to find out more. You will need to contact an eligible installer who will discuss with you what heat pumps will satisfy your needs and complete the install. Thank you for your interest in our Commonwealth Woodstove Change-Out and Air-Source Programs! The MassCEC Woodstove Change-Out Team Massachusetts Clean Energy Center 63 Franklin St, 3rd Floor  Boston, MA 02110 Telephone:  617-712-1109 woodstoves@masscec.com masscec.com The MassCEC Air-Source Heat Pump Team Massachusetts Clean Energy Center 63 Franklin St, 3rd Floor  Boston, MA 02110 Telephone:  617-712-1109 ashp@masscec.com  masscec.com Massachusetts Clean Energy Center   Grow the state's clean energy industry while helping to meet the Commonwealth's clean energy and climate goals. Copyright © 2018 Massachusetts Clean Energy Center, All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: 63 Franklin Street, 3rd Floor Boston, MA 02110 Phone: 617-315-9300 Fax: 617-315-9356

Massachusetts Clean Energy Center · 63 Franklin Street · 3rd Floor · Boston, MA 02110 · USA