Citizens Comment: Dave Rittenhouse on the climate crisis to Town Council Mtg 04/13/22

Good Evening. Thank you for the opportunity to make a citizen comment. I’m David Rittenhouse on Hunters Run and I’m a climate activist and member of 350 Mass. Our meetings are open to the public and are announced via the Franklin Matters Newsletter.

The climate crisis has become increasingly difficult to ignore in the last few years:

Smoke from western wildfires for months last year blew across the whole continent to Massachusetts contributing to our local air pollution so that people with respiratory illnesses and parents had to look at air quality indexes to know whether it was safe to go outside.

Just last week torrential downpours created flash floods in dry Australia, of all places, with flash floods in Sydney and thousands ordered to evacuate. Faraway places are harder to feel a connection to so I’ll focus on closer to home.

One place I pay attention to is the American Southeast as I have friends and relatives who live there. Tornadoes are happening with increasing frequency, numbers and severity all over the South, often with whole clusters as part of a strong weather front that passes through. Every time I worry about their safety.

It used to be that it was helpful to know if you needed an umbrella or not, but now with climate change making the weather more severe, it’s not a casual thing anymore.

It will only get worse unless we take bold action. Yes, it’s a big problem and yes, Franklin is only one town, but everyone needs to do their part, from individual action to town wide initiatives to coordinating on the regional and state levels. Franklin can take bold action.

I’m pleased with the progress Franklin has made with town electric vehicles and LED street lighting and being a Green Community. Franklin schools & town buildings get 95% of their electrical power from local solar panels. That’s fantastic! Currently, 80% of Massachusetts Towns & Cities are designated Green Communities and I’m glad we’re a part of that effort.

But we can do more. I would like to see these additional actions:

1. Make efforts to move new construction away from oil & gas heat to electric heat pumps.
2. Change by-laws for new construction to require 240v EV outlets in garages.
3. Give preference to multi unit housing projects that use geothermal heating and cooling grid systems.
4. Join the 17 cities & towns of MassEnergize, a non-profit building community involvement in climate friendly individual actions. By joining MassEnergize, we would become part of the 5% of Mass communities committed to doing more and building community involvement. https://www.massenergize.org/

Thank you for hearing my comments encouraging Franklin to take additional steps in climate action. Please consider joining our next 350 Mass Meeting 

https://www.massenergize.org/

Tri-County AD, Sara Martin, was recognized with the Theodore “Ted” Damko award by the Massachusetts’ Secondary Schools Athletic Directors Associations (MSSADA)

Over five years ago, Sara Martin accepted the position of Athletic Director (AD) at Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School. Martin has been a history teacher for more than 20 years at Tri-County and coached girls soccer, girls basketball, and track and field before her AD appointment.

Martin’s passion and dedication is being recognized as she has been selected for the Theodore “Ted” Damko Award from the Massachusetts’ Secondary Schools Athletic Directors Associations (MSSADA). This award is presented annually to an athletic administrator with 3-5 years of experience who has exemplified the highest standards of their profession and has made significant contributions to their school and community. “Sara is a dedicated and passionate Athletic Director. She is constantly supporting and cheering on our athletes. She is engaged with our athletes during and outside of games, always committed to their well-being. As a coach, I appreciate her support during the seasons, she makes sure that we always have what we need. She is always brainstorming new ideas to bring in culture to our athletic program. The athletes appreciate her support of them!” says Julie Caffrey, coach and Special Education teacher.

Martin was a three-sport athlete at North Smithfield High School in Rhode Island and a graduate of Providence College. Her dedication to the students’ well-being both on and off the field speaks volumes about her character. She feels that education and sports go hand-and-hand. “Sports are an extension of the classroom. The things that students are learning in the classroom, they can take with them out on the field,” remarks Martin.

One of the biggest challenges Martin has faced is the uncertainty of the pandemic. With games being canceled and attendance restricted, Martin and Tri-County coaches had to adapt and meet the challenge with passion. “Kids aren’t going to remember the scores, wins and losses. They are going to remember the memories that they make with their teammates,” Martin says. This mindset helped the Athletic Department persevere, so the students could continue participating in the activities they love.

“Sara is unafraid to try new things in order to create opportunities for our teams. She communicates in an organized and professional manner. All of the coaches and Sara share a common vision- centered around the success and development of our student athletes. Put simply, Sara is certainly deserving of all of the accolades she receives,” remarked Steven LaPlante, coach and English teacher.

“I’d like to recognize the herculean efforts of my coaching staff before, during, and after the pandemic. They have worked tirelessly to keep kids engaged over the last two years. The amount of time and energy they invest in their athletes and helping them be the best versions of themselves goes unrecognized. They embody the values of the Tri-County Community and the mission of the Athletic Department,” commented Martin.

We extend our congratulations to Martin and wishes for continued success both on and off the field.

 

Tri-County AD, Sara Martin, was  recognized with the Theodore “Ted” Damko award by the Massachusetts’ Secondary Schools Athletic Directors Associations (MSSADA)

FHS boys tennis team post win vs. North Attleboro on Wednesday

Via HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the FHS spring sports action on Wednesday:  

 
Baseball = Franklin, 4 @ North Attleboro, 7 – Final 

– North Attleboro senior Brody Rosenberg blasted a second inning grand slam and classmate Tyler Bannon had a strong showing on the mound as the Rocketeers knocked off visiting Franklin. Danny Curran had a lead off single, Bannon followed with a single, and Christian Bates walked to load the bases for Rosenberg’s home run. North added three more in the bottom of the fifth as Dillon Harding and Derek Maceda singled, and pinch runner Kyle Conroy scored on an RBI double from Tyler DeMattio. Maceda came home to score on a wild pitch and DeMattio eventually scored on a double steal to make it 7-0. Franklin plated four runs in the top, including a pair of two-out singles. Bannon finished with 6.1 innings pitched, striking out six with two hits allowed, retiring the side in order in the first three innings. Chris Goode had two hits and an RBI for the Panthers, Evan Raider added a hit, a walk, and an RBI, and Jack Marino chipped in with an RBI and a run scored.

softball = North Attleboro, 10 @ Franklin, 0 – Final 

– North’s bats came alive to back up a stellar performance in the circle from Zoey McDonough. The Rocketeers totaled 16 hits including four from Kelly Colleran, who blasted a pair of homers and drove in seven of North’s 10 runs. McDonough was lights out, striking out 14 and holding Franklin to five hits. Ally Levine had three hits for North, which also got two hits apiece from Mandi Hanewich (two runs scored), McDonough, and Emma Hanwell. Maryellen Charette had a hit and an RBI and Grace Simmons made a nice catch in right and assisted on an out at second.

Boys Tennis = North Attleboro, 0 @ Franklin, 5 – Final 

– After splitting the first two sets, Franklin senior Thomas Broyles won a 10-point tiebreaker to complete the sweep for the Panthers. Broyles ended with a 6-3, 4-6, 10-8 win at second singles, Vashnav Malhotra added a 6-0, 6-1 first singles victory, and senior Drew Mahoney won 6-1, 6-3 at third singles. The team of senior Tim O’Keefe and sophomore Jay Gorgas notched a 6-1, 6-0 win at first doubles, and senior Sameen Shaik and sophomore Ahan Shetty won 6-0, 6-1 at second doubles.

For other results around the Hockomock League 

https://hockomocksports.com/wednesdays-schedule-scoreboard-04-13-22/

FHS Panthers

School Committee votes for the proposed budget and to rename Columbus Day as Indigenous Peoples Day among items of note

FM #774 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 774 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the regular School Committee meeting held Tuesday, April 12, 2022. 

This was the first meeting using the new order of business format; the most notable item was the movement of the citizen comments section to the end of the meeting.

Quick Recap:

• Updated school budget, minor internal adjustments, no change to bottom line. With Health cost savings expected vs what had been the placeholder, they can re-allocate $100K to fund the hiring of an asst principal and Keller. 

• Committee voted to approve the budget; next steps are one of the budget hearing nights with Finance Committee during week of 5/9-12, followed by Town Council budget hearings May 25-26

• School choice once again voted not to enable, proposal has history of this going back to 2003 for those interested. Has some benefits in that it can provide incremental income where student capacity is available. However, once opening the door, the student is committed to for the full K-12 slot. Could be considered as part of the overall work on building and capacity planning

• Revised school calendar approved, this adds 3 half days to last years 11, now a total of 14; some added were specifically so on Weds to allow for team planning/collaboration within schools on their meeting days

• Committee approved renaming Columbus Day as Indigenous Peoples day. Not to take away from the study underway on consideration of other holidays, this is renaming an existing one.

The meeting opened at 7:01 PM and ran approx. 70 minutes.

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-774-school-committee-mtg-04-12-22

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Meeting agenda->  

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/scagenda_4-12-22.pdf 

My notes -> 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1IdZxWxFQ73XdRBPVLBSKafqa3BDxgZwz/view?usp=sharing 

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We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.  

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

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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!

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FHS update provided by Mackenzie Atwood via Zoom

Franklin Police Officer Lagoa recognized with CIT Award

Proud day for the Franklin Police Department as Officer Tara Lagoa is presented with an award from Norfolk County TTAC and Brookline MA Police Department. The award recognizes Officer Lagoa’s contributions to the community to the FPD and her actions during the performance of her duties when responding to mental health emergencies and calls involving persons in crisis. Officer Lagoa was presented the award by Brookline’s Detective Sergeant Malinn.

CIT is an advanced level of training for officers to help them recognize and assist those individuals experiencing a mental health crisis. Congratulations Officer Lagoa! 

Shared from FPD Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/p/CcRYiRHL18P/

Franklin Police Officer Lagoa recognized with CIT Award

The Franklin DPW hiring for summer work, apply now

Need a summer job?  

The DPW is hiring! Visit our website for more information and to apply: https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/summer-jobs-posting-march2022.pdf

Shared from Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/FranklinDPW/posts/347787280714174

The Franklin DPW hiring for summer work, apply now

Franklin Downtown Partnership: Beautification Sponsors Needed

Downtown Springing to Life

BEAUTIFICATION SPONSORS NEEDED The Partnership's Beautification Committee and the Franklin Garden Club will be planting hundreds of flowers in downtown center in May.   We are in need of sponsors to help fund this initiative to make the center even more attractive and draw customers to downtown businesses. Here is a rundown of sponsorship opportunities: Platinum Sponsor (Industry Exclusive) $800 Gold Sponsor $500 Silver Sponsor $300 Bronze Sponsor $250  As a sponsor, your business will be listed on the signs in downtown center for a year! Your company name will be listed in our press releases, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and on our website. View this year's sponsorship opportunities and the benefits of membership. Please email the FDP office to let us know you are interested in being a sponsor! Franklin Downtown Partnership • 774-571-3109 • FranklinDowntownPartnership.org ‌ ‌ ‌

Franklin Downtown Partnership | 9 E. Central St., Franklin, MA 02038 Sent by franklindowntownpartnership@gmail.com powered by Try email marketing for free today!

Celebrate the Earth with Metacomet Land Trust

Please help us do more to preserve natural lands!

View this email in your browser This Earth Day, We Look to the Future! Spring is the season of hope and renewal and this Earth Day's theme asks us to make an investment in our planet. I'm asking you to help the Metacomet Land Trust do precisely that by replenishing our special Land Preservation Fund so we can continue our land preservation work and surpass the milestone of preserving 1,000 acres! This fund was created with a bequest from Allan Shaw of Norfolk. Allan was a Metacomet Board member, a long time member of Norfolk's Conservation Commission and an ardent environmentalist. Our Land Preservation Fund is specifically designated to cover the due diligence costs needed to complete land preservation transactions. Out-of-pocket costs include attorney's fees (that we are fortunate to have deeply discounted), surveys, title searches, environmental contamination assessments and recording fees. "We love where we live" and now we need to replenish and grow Allan's special fund. Our goal is to raise $15K this year. We are fortunate to start this campaign with a generous challenge donation that lets us match your gift up to $5,000 so we can reach and surpass our goals in acres and dollars in 2022. Please join others and #InvestInOurPlanet by giving a special donation to our Land Preservation Fund this Earth Day!  In conservation, Lisa Mosczynski, President P.S. Your donation today can help us save more special properties for tomorrow! If you can help, please mail a check to Metacomet at PO Box 231, Franklin MA 02038 or donate securely online at our giving page  Copyright © 2022 Metacomet Land Trust, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email as a subscriber to our e-newsletter. Our mailing address is: Metacomet Land Trust P.O. Box 231 Franklin, MA 02038

This newsletter was shortened for publication here. To view the full contents, please visit ->  https://mailchi.mp/4c6dce1d22f8/thank-you-for-your-gift-to-conservation-13617884?e=935e913775

Weekly Wellness Update - April is alcohol awareness month

April is alcohol awareness month. 95,000 people die from excessive alcohol use in the U.S. each year.  

Learn more at: www.cdc.gov/alcohol

Weekly Wellness Update - April is alcohol awareness month

Franklin TV and wfpr.fm schedule for Thursday, Apr 14, 2022

• wfpr.fm or 102.9 on the FM dial = Thursday

9:00a/12:00p/6:00p   A Priest, A Minister and a Rabbi

10:00a/1:00p/7:00p   Frank’s Music – Frank Falvey and Jim Derick

11:00a/2:00p/8:00pm   Frank Presents – Frank Falvey Presents 

• Franklin All Access TV - Our Public Access Channel (Comcast 8, Verizon 26) = Thursday

7:30 am Cooking Thyme: Spring

8:00 am Veterans' Call: Social Security

9:00 am Veterans' Oral History Project: Dave Cargill

10:30 am SAFE Coalition: Woody Geissman

12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin: Chicken Salad

12:30 pm Sandhya: Cupcakes

1:00 pm Physician Focus: Alzheimer's

1:30 pm Pizzapalooza: Meat-Lovers Pt. 1

2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Summer 2018 Show 7

3:00 pm Battleship Cove: Inside The History Pt. 8

3:30 pm Cooking Thyme: Spring

4:00 pm Once Upon A Town: Franklin 500

4:30 pm Frank Presents: Shawn Dooley

5:12 pm Frank's Musings: Back to Ukraine

5:30 pm Arts Advocacy: Impact

6:00 pm Extended Play Sessions: Alice Wallace 

• Franklin Pride TV - Our Educational Channel (Comcast 96, Verizon 28) = Thursday

7:00 am Public School Event: Lifelong Music Pt. 2 05-13-19

9:00 am Critical Conversations: Social Media

11:00 am FHS Girls Varsity Tennis: v Canton 04-08-22

1:00 pm FHS Varsity Baseball: v Oliver Ames 04-08-22

3:00 pm ArtWeek: Ed Iannuccilli

5:00 pm Public School Event: FHS Spring Jazz '22

8:30 pm Track and Field: v Taunton 05-18-21

• Franklin Town Hall TV - Our Government Channel (Comcast 11, Verizon 29) = Thursday

8:00 am Conservation Commission: 03-31-22

11:00 am Economic Development: 04-06-22

2:00 pm Conservation Commission: 03-31-22

7:00 pm Conservation Commission: LIVE, Chambers, Zoom code TBD

Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf     

Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm)

Calling all middle/high school students! Senator Rausch schedules Youth Legislative Forum April 25 via Zoom

You're invited! Join me for my 3rd Students Speak Youth Legislative Forum.

View this email in your browser Hi , Are you a student in my district? Join me for my Spring Youth Legislative Forum on Monday, April 25 from 7-8 PM on Zoom! This pandemic has been a difficult time for our communities, but particularly young people in our Commonwealth. I want to hear from students across my district about the issues facing our communities to inform my legislative work. In this forum, I also hope to give youth an opportunity to participate in the democratic process, providing space to discuss current legislation on Beacon Hill and students' policy priorities. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER This event is open exclusively to high school and middle school students living or studying in Attleboro, Bellingham, Dover, Franklin, Medfield, Milford, Millis, Natick, Needham, Norfolk, North Attleboro, Plainville, Sherborn, Wayland, Wellesley, and Wrentham. If you know of any students interested in politics or community engagement, feel free to invite them! If you have any questions, please email Evan Berry, Communications Director, at evan.berry@masenate.gov. See you soon! Yours in service,   Senator Becca Rausch    Our mailing address is: The Office of Senator Becca Rausch Massachusetts State House, Room 218 24 Beacon Street, Boston, MA 02133