CommonWealth Magazine: "Home energy upgrades could be challenge"

 

"THE MASSACHUSETTS LEGISLATURE has once again sent a comprehensive climate bill to Gov. Charlie Baker, and this time Baker has sent it back with a series of amendments. While the two sides agree on the broad terms of the bill, a major sticking point is an interim goal on the road to net zero emissions by 2050. The bill would mandate that emission levels reach 50 percent of 1990 levels by 2030. The Baker administration (and current state policy) favors a 45 percent goal.

That difference of 5 points almost seems like a rounding error, but it has major implications for everyday residents, especially for homeowners. Among other measures, Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs Kathleen Theoharides says that extra 5 percentage points would require the complete elimination of heating oil. EEA estimates retrofitting oil-heated homes would cost an additional $3 billion over 10 years. Meanwhile, under either interim target scenario, tens of thousands of homes need to convert from carbon-heavy fuels like oil and gas to renewables like solar and wind." 

Continue reading the article online

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/news-analysis/poll-home-energy-upgrades-could-be-challenge/

CommonWealth Magazine: "Home energy upgrades could be challenge"

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - Mar 9, 2021

Franklin School Committee 

March 9, 2021 - 7:00 PM

 

Meetings are recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon channel 29. Zoom connection info located in the agenda doc linked to below

□ 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.

 

Call to Order 

Pledge of Allegiance 

Moment of Silence

I.    Routine Business
A.    Review of Agenda
B.    Citizen’s Comments
In the spirit of open communication, “the Committee will hold a public participation segment (also called Citizen’s Comments) about matters not related to an agenda item at the beginning of each regular School Committee meeting. The Committee will listen to, but not respond to any comment made…. A Committee member may add an agenda item to a future meeting as a result of a citizen comment…. The Committee will hear public comments related to an agenda item when the Chair deems appropriate during the Committee meeting. Topics for discussion during the meeting must be limited to those items listed on the Committee meeting agenda for that evening…. ” - from Policy BEDH
C.    FHS Student Representative Comments
D.    Superintendent’s Report
 

II.    Guests/Presentations
A.    Helen Keller Elementary School Highlights – Eric Stark, Principal; Jesse Craddock, Assistant Principal   https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/keller-presentation

B.    FY22 Superintendent’s Recommended Budget and discussion
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/supt-rec-budget-3-9-21

 

III.    Discussion/Action Items
A.    Policy - First Reading
I recommend moving Policy GBEB - Staff Conduct to a second reading as discussed.

https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/disc-policy-0

 
B.    Approval of FY 21 Capital Requests
I recommend approval of the FY21 Capital requests as discussed.

https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/disc-b-capital
 

IV.    Discussion Only Items
A.    Franklin Public Schools In-person Learning Proposal and Status Update

https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/status-update-3-4-21

 

V.    Information Matters
A.    School Committee Sub-Committee Reports (e.g. Ad Hoc Supt. Evaluation, Ad Hoc Facilities Planning, Budget, Community Relations/Public Schools Advocacy, Policy, Transportation)
B.    School Committee Liaison Reports (e.g. Joint PCC, Substance Abuse Task Force, School Wellness Advisory Council, Franklin Racial & Social Justice Task Force)VI.    New Business
A.    To discuss any future agenda items
 

VII.    Consent Agenda
A.    Approval of Minutes
I recommend approval of the minutes from your February 23, 2021 meeting as detailed.
B.    Music Gift
I recommend acceptance of cash & checks totaling $620.00 from Music parents for in-house enrichment as detailed.
C.    Jefferson Gift
I recommend acceptance of a check for $32.50 from Daddario Hardware for supplemental supplies at Jefferson Elementary School as detailed.
D.    Request to Sell Leckey Mygo Stander
I recommend approval of the request of Paula Marano to sell the Leckey Mygo Stander to Bellingham Public Schools as detailed.

VIII.    Payment of Bills    Dr. Bergen
 

IX.    Payroll    Atty. Pond-Pfeffer
 

X.    Executive Session
A.    Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A, §21(a)(3) to discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining with the FEA as an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on
the bargaining position of the School Committee and the chair so declares.
 

XI.    Adjournment

Agenda doc = https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/3-9-21-agenda

Meeting packet folder = https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee/pages/march-9-2021-school-committee-meeting-packet

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - Mar 9, 2021

FM #482 - Toward a More Perfect Union - 03/02/21 (audio)

FM #482 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 482 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Natalia Linos, State Rep Jeff Roy, and Dr. Michael Walker-Jones. 

These three folks are joined by Frank Falvey (the host) and Pete Fasciano (Franklin TV/Radio Executive Director) for a weekly conversation on the broad topic of our democratic republic. This particular session gets into why have the new show “Towards A More Perfect Union”

Jeff opens the discussion on Why with a reading of the preamble:

“We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.”

We had our conversation via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

The  show is broadcast on Monday’s at 11 AM, 2 PM and 8 PM. A podcast version of this show is in development so if you miss the radio timeslot you will still be able to listen.

Links to the panel profiles are included in the show notes. The recording runs about 51 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Natalia, Jeff, and Michael.  Audio file = https://player.captivate.fm/episode/86c659d4-6cb3-4e3e-901b-8d6a7d39c6ce

--------------

Natalia Linos  Executive Director of the François-Xavier Bagnoud Center for Health and Human Rights at Harvard University. Natalia’s Harvard profile page = https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/profile/natalia-linos/ 

Natalia’s opinion piece as mentioned was published on March 2, 2020  https://www.washingtonpost.com/outlook/2020/03/02/coronavirus-could-hit-us-harder-than-other-wealthy-countries/

State Representative Jeffrey Roy legislative profile page = https://malegislature.gov/People/Profile/JNR1 

Dr. Michael Walker-Jones  LinkedIn profile = https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-michael-walker-jones-9b326925/ 

Link to the Preamble of the US Constitution  https://constitution.congress.gov/constitution/preamble/  

--------------

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm).

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.
 
How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors
• If you don't like something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.
 
For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news/

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

------------------

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

FM #482 - Toward a More Perfect Union - 03/02/21 (audio)

Pantherbook: "The Inevitable Consequences of Remote Learning"

 

"As we near the one-year anniversary of when the world seemingly shut down, I want to take some time to reflect upon the toll that remote learning had on students. Although most of the effects of a virtual learning environment have been negative, it is important to not lose sight of the few positives. This school year has been like none other, and we look to share our experiences with future generations."

Continue reading the article online

https://franklinpanthers.us/news/school-news/2021/03/04/the-inevitable-consequences-of-remote-learning/

 

 

Graphic by Siddharth Chandra, Images from Vectr and Pinterest

FHS Track schedule for Fall II

Here's an updated track schedule with corrected dates #onetinymistake

PDF file = https://t.co/SVVx7IUIWR

 

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/FranklinHSXC/status/1367896189522354180

 

 

FHS Track schedule for Fall II

 

FPS - Message about in person learning

March 5, 2021

Revised

Dear Franklin Families,

We hope you are doing well this afternoon.

As you know, we have been exploring full and in-person learning at the various levels throughout the district and thank you for your contributions to our efforts in completing several surveys recently. There is much support among FPS families for in-person learning. Please be assured that we are always taking all health and safety aspects of COVID-19 mitigation into great consideration.

As mentioned in last Sunday's letter, I will be presenting a framework for full and in­ person learning to the School Committee at their March 9 Regular School Committee meeting. This will also be a meeting about the recommended budget for FY 22. We encourage you to attend the meeting (limit of 500 via Zoom) or watch it live on TV.

Working collaboratively with the FEA, we want to let you know that right now the plan would be to have K-5 return Monday, April 5, and Middle and High School return Monday, April 12. Details will be presented Tuesday at the School Committee meeting as a "Discussion Only" agenda item. Please note that remote learning will remain for the remainder of the school year.

We know there will be questions and concerns. The School Committee meeting is a regularly scheduled business meeting and will not be an open forum for families' Q and A. We will be sure to provide opportunities for families to learn more at a future date.

Have a nice weekend, 

Sara Ahern
Superintendent of Schools

FPS - Message about in person learning

Franklin Senior Center: Meet the Sheriff - Mar 8

Hello, 

Norfolk County Sheriff Patrick McDermott, who was elected in 2020, will be available to meet with Franklin Seniors on Monday, March 8th at 1:00 PM via Zoom. Sheriff McDermott will introduce himself, discuss some of the services that the Sheriff's office provides for seniors, and engage in conversation. Please join us! 

To attend, register here: 

 https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJ0rdu2qrj8oGdVJ_ZyiF27wa8rI5o_9ar0Q

You will then automatically receive an email with the link to join. 

Erin Rogers 

Director, Franklin Senior Center

10 Daniel McCahill Street, Franklin, MA 02038

508-520-4945 (phone)

508-520-4917 (fax)

Franklin Senior Center: Meet the Sheriff - Mar 8

Franklin TV: "More Meetings"

More Open, More Engagement.
by Pete Fasciano, Executive Director 03/07/2021

Per Massachusetts Open Meeting Laws, many communities have their government meetings televised on a dedicated cable channel. In Franklin, it’s Town Hall TV on Comcast 11 and Verizon 29.
 

Back in 2019 BP – (Before Pandemic) we covered the following meetings regularly: 

• M - Planning Board
• T -  School Committee
• W -  Town Council
• T - Conservation Commission – or – Zoning Board of Appeals Finance Committee

Recently, we’ve added:

• Economic Development Committee Town Administrator’s Review Budget Subcommittee
• Community Preservation Committee – Their inaugural meeting was last week.  
• Candidates’ Forum – Special meetings for Town Council Elections 
• Agriculture Commission – May begin soon with a limited series.
  

Check this week’s schedule of live and replay meetings on our last page.

Today we also stream the government channel meetings live on our website. Just click on the Town Hall TV logo. Past meetings are searchable on demand as well.

Adding our live Zoom connection has been a real game chan– um, a meeting changer. Our government meetings, whether originating in town Chambers or remotely, Zoom makes citizen participation possible and convenient. What you see over Zoom is very much like what you see at home on TV, but you can participate easily. Just remember your Zoom etiquette. Please keep your microphone muted until you are addressed by the meeting chairperson during the public portion of the meeting. Place your computer in a quiet location that is well lit. Note that because you can see everyone – everyone can also see you.

And – as always –
Thank you for listening to wfpr●fm. 

And, thank you for watching.

 

Get this week's program guide for Franklin TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online

http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf  

or for archive purposes   https://drive.google.com/file/d/12XtEe_HZCYR-CVu4GYw6eqWIscn2jHu5/view?usp=sharing

 

 

Franklin TV: "More Meetings"

"businesses warn recovery ‘is not going to be flicking a switch’"

"CDC links restaurant dining to a rise in cases"

"Even as officials in Texas and Mississippi lifted statewide mask mandates, researchers at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Friday offered fresh evidence of the importance of face coverings, reporting that mask-wearing mandates were linked to fewer infections with the coronavirus and COVID-19 deaths in counties across the United States.

Federal researchers also found that counties opening restaurants for on-premises dining — indoors or outdoors — saw a rise in daily infections about six weeks later, and an increase in COVID-19 death rates about two months later.

The study does not prove cause and effect, but the findings square with other research showing that masks prevent infection and that indoor spaces foster the spread of the virus through aerosols, tiny respiratory particles that linger in the air.

“You have decreases in cases and deaths when you wear masks, and you have increases in cases and deaths when you have in-person restaurant dining,” Dr. Rochelle Walensky, the director of the CDC, said Friday. “And so we would advocate for policies, certainly while we’re at this plateau of a high number of cases, that would listen to that public health science.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/03/06/nation/cdc-links-restaurant-dining-rise-cases/

 

Editor's Note: So just because you can doesn't mean you should.

------------

 

"As Massachusetts prepares for final phase of reopening, businesses warn recovery ‘is not going to be flicking a switch’"

"After a year of hunkering down, the country is about to bask in the biggest boom in nearly four decades. But the scars of the pandemic linger.

By summer, most American adults should be vaccinated, and life is expected to return to something approaching normal as people eat in restaurants, hop on a plane, or catch a game at Fenway Park. Getting out of the house for work and recreation will swell the economy, juiced by another big federal stimulus program and trillions of dollars in savings that consumers are eager to spend.

Yet that rosy outlook isn’t reflected in the sentiments of many local employers who would benefit greatly from a post-pandemic resurgence. Hammered by COVID-19 shutdowns, they remain wary after earlier forecasts about the trajectory of the disease proved too optimistic.

Instead of the rapid rebound projected by economists, these employers — from small business owners to big institutions such as hospitals and universities — expect a more gradual recovery marked by fits and starts. So they’re ramping up slowly and delaying hiring decisions until the picture is clearer."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/03/06/business/massachusetts-prepares-final-phase-reopening-businesses-warn-recovery-is-not-going-be-flicking-switch/

Memory Cafe: Monday March 8 at 2 PM - Not your typical cafe'!

Hi everyone,

We are trying something different for our next memory cafe - the Nick & Heather Show.

Here is the link:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84796688114?pwd=NXBhS0NPTnp0MFp0VEwra2ZCelpBUT09

Meeting ID: 847 9668 8114
Passcode: 903006

 

Memory Cafe:  Monday March 8 at 2 PM - Not your typical cafe'!

--

Ariel Doggett

Virtual Program Coordinator

Respite Coordinator

"We rise by lifting others" - Robert Ingersoll

There is no act of kindness too small

 

FM #481 - Town Council "Quarterbacking" - 03/04/21 (audio)

FM #481 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 481 in the series. 

This shares my conversation with Town Council Chair Tom Mercer. This is one of a series of conversations meant to provide a recap of the prior Council meeting. Akin to one of the many sports post-game analysis broadcasts we are familiar with in New England,  this would be a discussion focused on the Franklin Town Council meeting: ok, what just happened? What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?

The show notes include links to the meeting agenda and associated documents.

Our conversation runs about 25 minutes, so let’s listen in to my quarterbacking session with Tom Mercer.  Audio file = https://player.captivate.fm/episode/72e1df51-f768-44c7-8b98-b768880320ad

--------------

Agenda document (and released supporting materials in one PDF) 
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/march-3-town-council-agenda  

My notes from the meeting
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/03/recap-of-town-council-meeting-mar-3.html 

--------------

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm).

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.
 
How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors
• If you don't like something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.
 
For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news/

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

------------------

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

FM #481 - Town Council "Quarterbacking" - 03/04/21 (audio)

"authority to force districts to reopen their schools full-time"

 

"BREAKING: Massachusetts education officials plan to postpone this spring's MCAS testing in an effort to ensure a smooth reopening of schools."

https://t.co/MrgYlWjeeI

"Massachusetts education officials announced on Friday they will postpone this spring’s MCAS testing in an effort to ensure a smooth reopening of schools, a move that was criticized by some teachers unions but lauded by other education advocates.

The decision came hours before the Massachusetts Board of Elementary and Secondary Education voted to give Commissioner Jeffrey Riley the authority to force districts to reopen their schools full-time.

The return of students to five days a week of in-person learning will begin with students in pre-kindergarten through grade 5 on April 5 — the same date that MCAS testing was previously scheduled to begin."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/03/05/metro/massachusetts-school-officials-postpone-spring-mcas-testing/

And CommonWealth Magazine coverage on this topic - Read the article online  https://commonwealthmagazine.org/education/ed-board-gives-riley-power-to-force-school-reopenings/

Pantherbook: Mock Trial Team advances to Sweet 16

"Congrats to the Mock Trial team for their victory over a brilliant Wayland team yesterday, 105-104. Both schools' coaches called it the most epic battle either had ever seen. With the win, Franklin advanced to the statewide Sweet 16 of the Mock Trial Tournament's "March Madness."

"The following Mock Trial students earned exemplary scores yesterday: Nipun Goel, Akash Shetty, Pratusha Nouduri, Erin McCaffrey, Nihara Lijan, Paris Arffa, Charlene Peng, and Matthew Parrella."

 

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/FHSPantherbook/status/1367891063533404165

and here => https://twitter.com/FHSPantherbook/status/1367891124782850050

Pantherbook: Mock Trial Team advances to Sweet 16

5 FHS Music Students to perform with the MA All State Orchestra and Jazz Band

Massachusetts Music Educators Association is holding the 2021 All-State Music Festival virtually this year. Five students from the Franklin High School music program were selected for an ensemble and will participate in a virtual concert some time later this spring.

Students first attended a two hour master class on March 6th with the conductors of their ensembles.  Following this class, students will study their music and video record themselves performing their parts. These videos will be submitted by March 20th and will be professionally edited to create a virtual performance which will be presented to the public as a YouTube Premiere later this spring.

The Franklin High School students selected to the All-State Orchestra are: Christopher Broyles - Viola, Chai Harsha - Viola and Grace Newton - Violin.   Colin Manocchio - Trombone and Ian Richardson - Electric Bass were both selected to perform with the Jazz Band.

------

In addition to performing with the Massachusetts All State Orchestra, Christopher Broyles and Chai Harsha were also selected to perform virtually with the All Eastern Honor Orchestra.  This festival will be presented in a similar format.  These are incredible accomplishments for our student musicians.  

Download a copy of this announcement
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GCqYwzPK_k5eHtURystnZfxP3MtzBtw3/view?usp=sharing

Left to Right: Ian Richardson - Bass, Colin Manocchio - Trombone, Chai Harsha - Viola, Christopher Broyles - Viola and Grace Newton - Violin

Pantherbook: "FHS Athletes' Perspectives on Fall II "

Take a look at FHS Athletes' Perspectives on Fall II 

@FranklinHS @FHSSports
https://t.co/crucFqJunJ

Direct link to Pantherbook

https://franklinpanthers.us/sports/2021/03/04/athletes-perspectives-on-fall-ii/#

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/FHSPantherbook/status/1367625056428437505

The football field is partially covered in a snowbank and the track is slightly wet from the weather.