One of the great sadnesses of our current age is how politics has polluted so much of our public discourse and spread into realms that once seemed free of partisanship. That this occurs at a time when much of the Republican Party has adopted the posture of a bully and is gripped by extremist ideology and attacks on truth and justice makes it all the more dangerous and dispiriting. Perhaps nowhere is this more true than in the battlegrounds that our schools have become. We are living in an age when the number of books being banned is on the rise and the willingness to confront America's complicated history is on the decline. We see intolerance worn as a badge of toughness, while inclusion, the great promise of what public education can be, is treated as weakness. We see a concerted effort to take over school boards, especially in deeply conservative areas, with true believers in the culture wars eager to inflict their small-mindedness, bias, and mean-spirited ideology on shaping how young minds are taught. Teaching, already an underappreciated profession in this country, is becoming an even less appealing line of work. We have educators who have spent decades in the classroom now forced to look over their shoulders, wondering whether the books on their shelves or their carefully honed lesson plans will run afoul of the new draconian mandates. And we have young idealists with freshly minted teaching certificates wondering whether they can impart their excitement and new ideas into the students before them. Some of these concerns are not new. When I was a student, for example, racial injustice in the form of legally segregated schools was a hallmark of public education. Schools have always been shaped by the larger societal forces that whip around them. Public education is, after all, about molding the minds and the mores of future citizens. Few institutions have more power in determining what this country will become than our schools. But there have been decades of progress on what and how our children are taught, and today that wave of advancement is retreating in many parts of America. Sadly, there are so many examples of far-right ideology shaping curricula, on issues ranging from race to LGBTQ rights to science, that to call them all out individually is an impossible task. This is a broad movement not confined by school or district; much of the effort is being directed at the state level. Republican politicians have learned that they can rally their base through bad-faith misrepresentations of school culture, which they depict as out of control with so-called "woke" ideology (which we wrote about in Steady here) and the bogeyman of "critical race theory," which they totally mischaracterize — and which is taught in almost none of the schools where they have made it an issue. Nearly every parent wants good schools for their children, and Republicans are playing to fears they have carefully fanned to lure in voters even beyond their base. This was notably true in the last gubernatorial election in Virginia. Meanwhile, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has cultivated his political reputation (and a likely presidential run) by attacking professional educators — and indeed the very idea that schools should be welcoming, tolerant learning environments. The elections that lie ahead — not only the big, marquee ones, but more importantly, those for school boards and other local offices — will do a lot to shape what will happen in our schools in the years to come. But there is another force that is even more powerful, and as we mark the beginning of a new school year, let us recognize it: teachers. While we should grapple with the political context laid out above, let us shift the tone of this piece now to one of celebration. Writing about teachers, singing their praises, honoring them as American heroes has long been one of my favorite activities. It never gets old, and it never gets less important. I would like to use whatever platform I have to shine a spotlight of deep respect on these invaluable public servants. And I am pleased that if you search for quotes from me online, one of the most popular is this: "The dream begins with a teacher who believes in you, who tugs and pushes and leads you to the next plateau, sometimes poking you with a sharp stick called 'truth.'" I believe every word of it. These aren't empty sentiments. They come from my lived history. A while back here on Steady, I shared my own experiences as a student of public schools, including an emotional return to my elementary school in Houston. For all the challenges our schools face, right now millions of children are learning about the world and themselves thanks to dedicated teachers. Teachers are going the extra mile, reaching out to kids in need, tweaking lesson plans to include new insights, passing their own inspirations to the young people before them. The work is not easy — far from it. And it can be an incredible grind, especially when it seems that society doesn't value it or is even outright hostile to teachers. With this as a backdrop, it is understandable that many are choosing to leave the profession. This is not a reflection on them, but rather on the nation that is allowing it to happen. Teachers, you are our inspiration and our hope. You nurture the flames of our democracy. You literally save lives. You work miracles every day. Your resourcefulness, resilience, and creativity are boundless. We saw it during the heart of the pandemic. And we see it now. It is all the more reason you should not be taken for granted. Dear readers, how many of you can close your eyes and be transported to a classroom from your past? Do you see a favorite teacher? Hear that word of encouragement or hard truth that shaped the course of your life? Teachers are the winds that propel our children's sails forward. They are the North Stars that help guide us all. I apologize if this reads as a bit trite. I can imagine red ink on the page from some of my previous English teachers marking my excesses. Sadly, those teachers are all now long gone. But in me, as in my classmates, as in all of you, the work of our teachers lives on. We cannot thank our teachers enough. Each day the gifts they have given us are renewed. We should do everything we can to protect them and value them. A lot of this work must be done at the ballot box, but it can also be accomplished through words of encouragement and support. To all the teachers out there: thank you. Note: If you are not already a subscriber to our Steady newsletter, please consider doing so. And we always appreciate you sharing our content with others and leaving your thoughts in the comments. Thanks for subscribing to Steady. This post is public, so please feel free to share it. © 2022 Dan Rather |
Monday, August 29, 2022
Dan Rather: Dear Teachers
Norfolk Register of Deeds: Register O'Donnell Promotes Consumer Notification Service
Taking note of publicity relating to “deed theft”, Norfolk Register of Deeds William P. O’Donnell today reminded Norfolk County homeowners about the Registry’s Consumer Notification Service.
Deed theft can take different forms. The most common type of fraud preys on people who are in danger of losing their property, usually rental property, through foreclosure. The owners are told that they qualify for a “short sale” – a process where the foreclosing lender settles for less than the amount owed or the mortgage – and that if they sign the deed over to a third party, they can avoid the foreclosure. The owner signs a deed over to the third-party scammer, not realizing they are still responsible for the debt, and the scammer, rather than negotiating the short sale, collects and keeps the rental payments until the lender eventually forecloses. Another form of deed theft preys on the elderly homeowner who, subject to undue influence often by a family member, signs over their property, not realizing what they are signing.
Less common is forgery, where a scammer fakes a homeowner’s signature on a deed and records it in the registry of deeds. A forged deed is not valid and conveys nothing. If a buyer or a lender rely on a forged deed and don’t do their due diligence on a property’s title, they are out of luck. They, not the legitimate property owner, will ultimately lose any money paid to the thief. Forgery is a felony in all fifty states, punishable by jail time and heavy fines. The court may also require restitution for damages caused by the forgery, such as the costs of clearing the title.
There are companies that now offer paid subscription services that will periodically monitor the public records and notify an owner if a deed has been recorded transferring the ownership of their property. It is not title insurance and usually will offer no additional services if a fraudulent transaction has taken place.
Commenting on the issue, Register O’Donnell stated, “Our mission at the Registry of Deeds is the safety and security of all property records. We recognize that there are unscrupulous individuals that may try to take advantage of the property rights of others. We have initiated a Consumer Notification Service at the Registry, a free service whereby subscribers sign up to be notified when any document is recorded under their name. While I can’t speak to the paid subscription services, we have confidence in our “alert” or notification system.”
Information on “Consumer Notification” can be found on the Registry website, www.norfolkdeeds.org under the heading, “Services”. The Registry Customer Service Department can assist anyone who would like to set up the notification for their property.
Register O’Donnell concluded, “I want to reiterate that our free notification service, like the paid services, does not protect against fraud but will at least alert an owner if a fraudulent deed has been recorded. Owners should be always be aware of what they are signing when it comes to any document that may affect the title to their real estate and should scrutinize any company that promises to alleviate debt if you sign over a deed to them. In Massachusetts a deed should always be signed in front of a notary public. Massachusetts notaries are obligated to request identification from the party signing the deed.”
If you have any questions about the notification service, please contact our Customer Service Center at 781-461-6101, Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:30AM-4:30PM. Our trained staff are more than willing to answer any questions you may have.”
To learn more about these and other Registry of Deeds events and initiatives, like us at facebook.com/NorfolkDeeds or follow us on twitter.com/NorfolkDeeds and Instagram.com/NorfolkDeeds.
The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds is located at 649 High Street in Dedham. The Registry is a resource for homeowners, title examiners, mortgage lenders, municipalities and others with a need for secure, accurate, accessible land record information. All land record research information can be found on the Registry’s website www.norfolkdeeds.org. Residents in need of assistance can contact the Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center via telephone at (781) 461-6101, or email us at registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org.
 |
| Norfolk Register of Deeds: Register O'Donnell Promotes Consumer Notification Service |
Frank Presents: 036 - Kathleen Liberty, Alicia Sullivan and Cassia Monteiro (audio)
In this episode, Frank Falvey is joined by Kathleen Liberty, the health director in Franklin, Alicia Sullivan, and epidemiologist Cassia Monteiro, to discuss COVID over the last two years, their backgrounds, and the work they're doing in Franklin and beyond.
Audio link -> https://frank-falvey.captivate.fm/episode/036-frank-presents-kathleen-liberty-alicia-sullivan-and-cassia-monteiro
 |
| Frank Presents: 036 - Kathleen Liberty, Alicia Sullivan and Cassia Monteiro (audio) |
Frank Falvey - WFPR
Frank Falvey dives into current events, hot button topics and invites guests give their insights
Frank Falvey examines everything from Franklin to U.S. politics; from current events to the local community, giving his personal thoughts and considerations. Frank is also joined by local guests to talk the Franklin community and dissect current events.
It’s National Preparedness Month. Are you ready?
|
Franklin TV and wfpr.fm schedule for Monday, Aug 29, 2022
- wfpr.fm or 102.9 on the FM dial = Monday
9 AM 12 PM and 6 PM Talkin’ the Blues – Jim Derick & Todd Monjur
2 hours of awesome blues music, info, interviews
2 hours of awesome blues music, info, interviews
11 AM 2 PM and 8 PM A More Perfect Union – Discussing American Politics and Current Events - Peter Fasciano, Dr. Michael Walker Jones, Dr. Natalia Linos, State Rep Jeff Roy, Chris Woolf, and Nick Remissong host a round table discussion on current events and American politics, bringing about thoughtful conversation, compelling discourse, and a look at what the future might hold for the United States
- Franklin All Access TV - Our Public Access Channel (Comcast 8, Verizon 26) = MONDAY
7:00 am Battleship Cove: 3D Print Lab
8:00 am SAFE Coalition: Youth Sports
9:00 am 4th of July 2022: Backyard Swagger
12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin: Scones
12:30 pm Sandhya: Homemade Cheez-Its
1:00 pm Cooking Thyme: Grillin'
1:30 pm Pizzapalooza: White Pizza
2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Fall 2019 Show 1
3:00 pm Candlepin New Generation: Show 3
3:30 pm Physician Focus: Too Much Medicine?
4:00 pm Veterans' Oral History Project: Dave Cargill
5:30 pm Senior Connection: COVID Updates
6:30 pm Veterans' Call: Dale Kurtz
7:30 pm Frank Presents: Keith Carreiro
8:30 pm Concerts on the Common: Bus-14
- Franklin Pride TV - Our Educational Channel (Comcast 96, Verizon 28) = MONDAY
7:00 am Public School Event: Remington Spring Music '22
10:00 am Public School Concert: Strings School 05-16-16
12:00 pm Public School Concert: MICCA Showcase Pt. 2 03-14-18
2:00 pm SAFE Coalition: Youth Sports
3:00 pm Battleship Cove: 3D Print Lab
4:00 pm FHS Varsity Field Hockey: v Central Catholic 11-09-21
6:30 pm FHS Girls Varsity Soccer: v King Philip 10-27-21
8:30 pm U. S. Army: Jazz Ambassadors 04-01-19
- Franklin Town Hall TV - Our Government Channel (Comcast 11, Verizon 29) = MONDAY
8:00 am Planning Board: 08-22-22
2:00 pm Planning Board: 08-22-22
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) |
Sunday, August 28, 2022
Town of Franklin (MA): Five Year Fiscal Forecast - FY 2023 (part 2 of 5)
This continues to share the Five Year Fiscal Outlook for the Town of Franklin as published by the Town Administrator, Jamie Hellen:
FY23 Financial Outlook
Revenues
As the Town enters FY23, revenues look to be stable in all areas: local receipts, state aid, and new growth. Up until FY23, state aid has remained at less than a 1% annual increase due to the dynamics of the Chapter 70 formula, town demographics and the Town’s growing affluence. Local receipts have remained on a steady increase due to the incredible work of our municipal staff due to an increased demand in services, such as ambulance, EMS services and permitting. FY22 saw a decrease in New Growth from FY19, FY20 and FY21. I expect a modest, stable year again. It is important to reemphasize that our permitting boards continue to see a lukewarm construction market relative to the pre-pandemic years with a notable leveling off of applications before the permitting boards. With supply chain problems continuing globally, I expect property improvement investments will maintain a plateau until there is greater confidence in those goods being provided and/or cost increases subside.
Property values, which are the foundation of the entire town budget through the property tax levy, remain strong due to supply and demand dynamics in the real estate and housing markets. Property taxes are the baseline, as well as largest source of revenue, for the town's services. As long as property values maintain a high value, the town will see decent stability in the budget.
As usual, once the state legislature is done with the legislative session and the various legislative packages being considered are complete, including the state budget, staff will see where all the numbers fall later this summer and propose any adjustments to the Town budget prior to the tax rate hearing in December. I anticipate an increase in state aid, but as discussed for years, not by enough to make a significant new investment impact in the local budget. Any additional revenues will be used to cover shortfalls in other areas due to rising costs of goods and services and labor/personnel.
Expenditures
As of this publication, the main fiscal concerns and challenges for the Town in FY23 are the issues we are all seeing in the news: rising interest rates; inflation; gas/diesel and electricity/gas costs; rising costs of goods and services; health care costs; labor and personnel costs; and the overall uncertainty of the economy. FY23 appears to be a “settle into a new normal” year of actually feeling the impacts of inflation within the local budget.
There will be stress on the FY23 budget due to inflation and increased costs. For example, the Town is looking at a doubling of the cost of fuel/diesel over FY22. Additionally, we are looking at escalating electricity rates of possibly two-plus cents a KW higher. As basic operating costs, such as utilities rise, this will have an impact on other areas of the budget.
We are also seeing bids for construction projects coming in much higher than anticipated. For example, the recent SNETT trail project we are working on with the state DCR was estimated at $200,000 a year ago when the work was designed and approved by the Conservation Commission. The bids came in between $400,000 to $800,000 - double to four times the estimated cost from one year ago! We are seeing similar issues on smaller projects. The Red Brick Schoolhouse bids came in $50,000 to $250,000 over the estimated cost, which was just designed four months ago! These examples depict an environment everyone will need to get used to: money will not be going “as far” as it did a year ago. The Town is only one month into the fiscal year and inflation is going to settle into the budget.
To weather this storm, the Town must use nimble strategies throughout the fiscal year to make sure there are no significant cost overruns by next spring. The community should be prepared
that costs for basic services, such as snow and ice removal, parts, supplies, personnel, goods, services, etc., will all place a strain on the FY23 budget throughout the year and therefore may require services to be reduced in areas of the budget. FY23 has all the markings of an adjustment year in terms of what levels of service the tax levy can support and how consistent the economy can be for revenues.
FY23 should also see all major collective bargaining agreements being resolved, which is good for labor relations and recruitment, staff morale, as well as financial predictability. The downside is that to complete these contracts, the use of one-time revenues for the school and town unions sets up an inflationary situation within the Town’s operating budget come the expiration of those funds in the next couple of years.
FY23 capital projects
To ensure the Town is ready for the altering dynamics in FY23, any new capital improvement projects (facilities, roads, infrastructure, borrowing) that come to our attention after August 1st, 2022 will be postponed and put on hold for discussion to ensure the Town has the accurate resources to fund current projects. All capital projects currently authorized by the Town Council or in the Town Council’s goals for 2022-2023 will continue to move forward. However, as we move through the phases of a project (design, procurement, borrowing, awarding contracts, beginning work), I will not commit to any new projects until the town has greater certainty around the cost effects of that project. In other words, unless there is a significant public emergency, do not expect new projects entering the pipeline. As described above, inflation is caused by the high demand in spending with not enough supply to accommodate the demand. Franklin will need to consider doing our part to decrease the demand in the marketplace.
I will have to evaluate and view the FY22 capital program in a new light when free cash is certified later this fall. I cannot make any commitments for new projects due to rising interest rates and the fact that many of the projects currently in the pipeline are seeing cost increases that may need to be augmented from capital funding later this fall and winter.
The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) federal stimulus money is proving to be a bridge for the town on many fiscal obligations that could have had a negative effect on the town’s budget and delivery of services. ARPA money allowed the town to push the implementation date of the new stormwater utility fee out one year to FY24 (July 1, 2023), which has provided financial relief to all citizens for this upcoming FY23. Other financial obligations such as water main infrastructure, sewer infrastructure, personnel and labor costs, and the mental health crisis are all areas that the Town would not have been able to subsidize or invest in without these funds.
Speaking of sewer, an issue to watch in FY23 is the Beaver Street Interceptor project: the 109-year old pipe that hauls ⅔ of all town sewerage to the Charles River Pollution Control District. This will be one of the most expensive and complicated public works projects in town history. Sewer rates are expected to rise in late FY23/FY24 to pay off the borrowing with this project. While some may say to put a project like this on hold, the truth is the cost of inaction will be far more expensive and damaging to the community than the cost of the rate increases. Nonetheless, a project of this size and importance will be taken step by step to ensure the best return on investment for the ratepayers and may require nimble decision making based on market conditions as the project moves forward. These rate increases will only affect sewer system customers, not private septic residents.
In closing, FY23 appears to be a transitional year toward a new, inflated normal with inflation, interest rates and rising costs. I remind all readers, what happens in the news on a daily basis around the economy can take months or years to actually settle in at the local level. That relates to both the good and bad news. Also, reversal of these trends also can take months or years (even decades) to recover from. As everyone knows, every day has both positive and negative signs for future economic fortunes. I have provided a few economy related reference points as the fiscal year starts to offer context as to how international and national affairs have an impact on the state and local budgets:
● The Federal Reserve has recently increased interest rates multiple times and will continue to raise them until a recession-like economy is inevitable.
● On July 27, 2022, WBUR provided a great summary on the national economics and the Federal Reserve. Many of the trends in this story ring true in Franklin.
● Massbenchmarks’ latest “Current and Leading Index” report shows what we all know: inflation, labor supply, labor and personnel costs, and uncertainty weigh on consumers in Massachusetts.
● The message coming from Fortune 500 CEOs shows a recession is inevitable.
One thing is for certain: economic volatility and mixed signals will continue for the foreseeable future, as the country struggles to get into a pre-pandemic economic rhythm. ALL departments need to be cautious about overspending. The effects of inflation could be significant as the fiscal year evolves.
Continue reading the full report in this PDF -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/2022-08-15_fy23_to_fy27_town_administartor_fiscal_forecast_1.pdf
Part 1 (FY 2022 closing) was shared previously
 |
| Town of Franklin Earns AAA Bond Rating |
Franklin TV: We Are Fortunate !
Pete Fasciano, Executive Director 8/28/2012
Understatement: Inflation is not our friend.
Following the First World War, the Weimar Republic saw an extreme level of hyperinflation that made its currency worthless. Citizens actually burned money in their stoves for warmth. Burning worthless currency gave off more heat energy than the fuel it could buy.
Compared to that sorry history our current inflation woes are miniscule. However, it’s clear that today’s dollars just ain’t what they yoosta be, B.C., before COVID. It’s true for us at Franklin●TV and for all of our other local nonprofit organizations.
The Franklin Area Nonprofit Network supports our local citizens in need – in many ways. The great irony is that as money tightens through inflation, donations shrink in two ways: donors drop off, and the money that does come in buys less services. (Ouch and ouch!) Yet, the great need for their services becomes all the more urgent. Visit the FANN website and get to know (and help) these local organizations. Can’t donate? Consider volunteering some of your time. (Remember, time is money.)
We at Franklin TV are somewhat fortunate. We are subsidized through the cable carriers, Comcast and Verizon. We do not receive tax money or public funds of any sort. Yes, we are also seeing income reductions. Yes, we are tightening our tight belt. That said, in these recent inflationary months we have donated $13,000.00 to local charities and deserving student scholarships.
We’re doing what we can.
– If only we had money to burn.
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
|
| Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) |
Downtown Franklin Harvest Festival Scheduled for October 1
Franklin Downtown Partnership’s 19th annual Harvest Festival will be held in downtown Franklin Saturday, October 1, with a rain date of October 2, from noon to 5 PM. It will encompass the areas of Main Street, Dean Avenue, West Central Street, and Depot Street, as well as the large parking area behind Rockland Bank.
There will be more than 150 vendor booths, in addition to entertainment, foods, kids’ activities, balloon art, specials from downtown merchants, and artwork and crafts.
The last day to register for booth space is Sept. 15, but organizers expect to sell out sooner. Booths are assigned on a first-come first-serve basis. View the registration link at http://bit.ly/FranklinHF.
The Partnership welcomes business owners to become Harvest Festival sponsors. Please email the FDP office at downtown.franklin@yahoo.com to learn about sponsorship opportunities.
The Harvest Festival sponsors are: Platinum level sponsors Dean Bank, Dean College, PhysiciansOne Urgent Care, RI Motorsports, and Safford AXiA Insurance. Glen Meadow Apartments is a Gold sponsor. Silver sponsors are Arcadia Dental, Camford Property Group, Hockomock YMCA, Middlesex Savings Bank and Rockland Trust. Bronze levels sponsors are Beaux Regards Photographic Art, Chestnut Dental, D G Ranieri Real Estate, Digital Federal Credit Union, Fenton Financial Group, Keefe Insurance Agency, LeafFilter, MyFM 101.3, and The Enclave of Franklin. Mint Dental of Franklin is a Friends level sponsor.
The Franklin Downtown Partnership, www.franklindowntownpartnership.org, is a nonprofit, 501©3 organization made up of more than 400 business owners, community leaders and residents working to stimulate economic development downtown and create a positive impact throughout the area.
 |
| Planning underway for Franklin Harvest Festival - Oct 1 |
Franklin Public Library: News & Events Scheduled for September 2022
September 2022 Franklin Library News & Events
Library Hours
The Library's hours are Monday through Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., and Friday and Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The Library will be closed Monday, September 5th for Labor Day. Sunday hours will resume September 11th, and will be 1:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Book Sale
Franklin Library Book Sale
Friday, September 23rd, 1:00-5:00 p.m. Saturday, September 24th, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon.
All books are just one dollar!
Bag Sale - $5 A Bag—Saturday, September 24th, from 1:00-4:00 p.m.
Come fill a brown bag with all the books you can!
From the Friends of the Franklin Library
From the friends…This summer is flying by and as we look ahead to fall, we have some exciting projects in the works. First, we want to thank those who came out to the Franklin Farmers Market and stopped by the Friends table. It was great to meet all of you! We also want to congratulate Diane Padula, the winner of our summer giveaway raffle. Your continued support and input are critical as we work to make our library a resource for all.
Speaking of support and sharing ideas…do you know all are welcome to attend our monthly meetings? This is a great opportunity to learn more about the Friends, hear about the exciting initiatives in the works, and share your ideas with us. Our next meeting will be held on Wednesday, September 14 at 7pm in the Friends Meeting Room. If you can't make it, don't worry, our meetings are usually held on the first Wednesday of every month.
Now, we know many are still holding onto the last few weeks of summer, but who isn't excited for Franklin's Annual Harvest Festival happening Saturday, October 1? We sure are and we hope you'll stop by the Friends of the Franklin Library table to say hi, learn how you can support the Friends and take advantage of our book giveaway. We will have a variety of books for all ages, don't miss out!
Friends of the Franklin Library is an all-volunteer, nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and promoting the Franklin Public Library's collections and programs. Want to learn more about becoming a Friend? Drop us a line at FoFL02038@gmail.com for more information on the Friends.
Read more of the events for September -> https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library/news/september-2022-franklin-library-news-events
 |
| Franklin Public Library: News & Events Scheduled for September 2022 |
Exploring Marcelo Bocardo Wines - Sep 8
Exploring Marcelo Bocardo Wines
September 8 = 7 - 8:30 PM
This will be a sit down wine tasting/education event held in the Franklin Liquors wine room.
We will be exploring some of the best of Mendoza. Marcelo has three vineyards that are located in Maipú (Certified Organic), Luján de Cuyo, and El Cepillo (Sustainably Grown) at altitudes ranging between 2,600 and 3,900 ft ASL. At these elevations, there is a significant fluctuation between daytime and nighttime temperatures resulting in grapes with a higher concentration of color, aromas, and flavors.
Furthermore, the water that irrigates the vineyards is sourced from the pure and clean melted snow from the Andes Mountains.
Our guest speaker Wendy Koder has worked in the industry 39 years. She is experienced in every aspect of the industry. Representing some of the finest wineries from South America and actually some of the first ‘fine wines’ from Argentina.
You may be familiar with Marcelos wines as he fulfilled his dream of having his own winery when in 2001 he founded Proemio which we explored with Wendy in the past.
Sign up for Exploring Marcelo Bocardo Wines (ticket = $5) https://meetu.ps/e/LmZrZ/
 |
| Exploring Marcelo Bocardo Wines - Sep 8 |
More Perfect Union: 057 - The Local News Crisis (audio)
In this episode, the group is joined by Stephen Sherlock of Franklin Matters, Alan Earls of the Franklin Observer, and Martin Luttrell, former long-time reporter for the Worcester Telegram & Gazette, to dive into the issue of "The Local News Desert" - the dissolution of smaller local news outlets, discussing the decline of readership seen by newspapers, the economics of small businesses, the importance journalism plays in your community and the online future for regional reporting.
If you'd like to learn more about Steve Sherlock and the news Franklin Matters brings to the Franklin community, you can visit their here: https://www.franklinmatters.org/
If you'd like to learn more about Alan Earls and the reporting done from Franklin Observer, you can visit them here: https://franklinobserver.town.news/
Audio file -> https://more-perfect-union.captivate.fm/episode/057-the-local-news-crisis
 |
| Franklin.TV: A More Perfect Union (audio) |
Auchincloss Op Ed: Afghanistan can be stabilized and America's first step should be with mining
As we mark the one year anniversary of the troop withdrawal from Afghanistan, please see the below oped from Congressman Auchincloss. Congressman Auchincloss commanded infantry in Afghanistan and special operations in Panama. In Afghanistan in 2012, he led patrols through villages contested by the Taliban. In Panama as part of the Marines' elite reconnaissance branch, his team trained local units to stop the drug trade. He's now a major in the reserves.
Key Point:
FOX: Afghanistan can be stabilized and America's first step should be with mining
One year after ending the failed war in Afghanistan, the United States is in a stronger position. Without boots on the ground, we have more resources to counter Russia and China, while maintaining the capability to take terrorists off the battlefield. Afghanistan, though, is struggling. But there is a path forward that helps the Afghan people while further strengthening America.
Western mining can do what Western militaries never could: put Afghanistan on the path of self-sufficiency. Afghanistan has vast mineral wealth. Mining could bootstrap economic development for the Afghan people. It could also secure for the United States the raw materials necessary to boost semiconductor and clean energy production, as intended by the blockbuster Chips and Science Act and Inflation Reduction Act.
We can't delay. Days after the United States left, the Chinese Communist Party started ramping up its decade-long designs on Afghanistan's $1 trillion of mineral deposits. The Chinese see 20 years and $2 trillion of American blood, sweat, and treasure as the groundwork for their own extractive industries. Their designs include a tenuous contract with the Afghans to mine copper at Mes Aynak, near Kabul.
The Chinese offered a power plant and a railroad as part of the contract. They work well with the Taliban's allies in Pakistan. And, they do not hold the Taliban to account for its human-rights abuses and drug trade.
There is an opening for the United States, though. The Chinese are not delivering economic development. They reneged on building the railroad. They also balk at establishing copper processing on site. Instead, they want to transport the raw ore out of the country, preventing Afghan industry from climbing the next rung of the value chain. The Taliban's Minister of Mines and Petroleum is reported to prefer American to Chinese miners; this year, he had a virtual meeting with a few American companies, inviting them to invest in Afghanistan.
The United States and its Western allies should take him up on the offer, with strict conditions. The agreement could start with copper mining at Mes Aynak, a direct rebuttal to the Chinese. Cooperation might then expand to sites with lithium, iron, rare earth elements, gold, lapis lazulis, and other in-demand minerals or gems. Also, possible: oil and gas production in northern Afghanistan, where the China National Petroleum Corporation seeks to restart operations in the Amu Darya Basin, but where U.S. companies are also well-positioned.
In exchange for Western investment in the mineral extraction and processing, power generation, transportation, and workforce development necessary to build an Afghan mining industry from scratch, U.S. diplomats must require the Taliban to partner with one or several multilateral development banks (MLB), such as the Asian Development Bank or the U.S. Development Finance Corporation. The MLB would draft and enforce the contracts, especially royalty rates. It would also work to ensure that mining revenues support social and economic development, not narco-terror cabals. Funding should be a public-private partnership; unfrozen Afghan central bank funds and global aid could be first dollars in, starting with a feasibility study, to de-risk companies' long-term investments.
The challenges in this project are immense. The Taliban might lie, cheat, and steal. China and Pakistan might obstruct. Mining companies might drag their feet. But, we must do something to change the status quo. The Afghan economy runs on opium and meth. The only near-term alternative to drugs is minerals. So, let's try it. As a first step, I have a bill in Congress to direct the State Department to study a Special Economic Zone in Afghanistan for mining.
This project is also not an excuse for inaction on immediate crises. The United States, already the world's largest humanitarian donor to Afghanistan, must do more to improve food security, especially for children. To honor our commitment to allies, the administration should expand Operation Allies Welcome and Congress must pass the Afghan Adjustment Act. And, we must use every point of leverage to change the Taliban's most egregious behavior, particularly regarding the rights of women and girls and the release of Mark Frerichs.
The American people owe this support to the Afghan people as we work to stabilize the region. Our greatest gift, though, will not be assistance, but economic empowerment. Mining is the first step.
"Without boots on the ground, we have more resources to counter Russia and China, while maintaining the capability to take terrorists off the battlefield. Afghanistan, though, is struggling. But there is a path forward that helps the Afghan people while further strengthening America. Western mining can do what Western militaries never could: put Afghanistan on the path of self-sufficiency. Afghanistan has vast mineral wealth. Mining could bootstrap economic development for the Afghan people. It could also secure for the United States the raw materials necessary to boost semiconductor and clean energy production, as intended by the blockbuster Chips and Science Act and Inflation Reduction Act....The American people owe this support to the Afghan people as we work to stabilize the region. Our greatest gift, though, will not be assistance, but economic empowerment. Mining is the first step."
By: Congressman Jake Auchincloss
America can use mining partnership in Afghanistan to force human rights improvements
Western mining can do what Western militaries never could: put Afghanistan on the path of self-sufficiency. Afghanistan has vast mineral wealth. Mining could bootstrap economic development for the Afghan people. It could also secure for the United States the raw materials necessary to boost semiconductor and clean energy production, as intended by the blockbuster Chips and Science Act and Inflation Reduction Act.
We can't delay. Days after the United States left, the Chinese Communist Party started ramping up its decade-long designs on Afghanistan's $1 trillion of mineral deposits. The Chinese see 20 years and $2 trillion of American blood, sweat, and treasure as the groundwork for their own extractive industries. Their designs include a tenuous contract with the Afghans to mine copper at Mes Aynak, near Kabul.
The Chinese offered a power plant and a railroad as part of the contract. They work well with the Taliban's allies in Pakistan. And, they do not hold the Taliban to account for its human-rights abuses and drug trade.
There is an opening for the United States, though. The Chinese are not delivering economic development. They reneged on building the railroad. They also balk at establishing copper processing on site. Instead, they want to transport the raw ore out of the country, preventing Afghan industry from climbing the next rung of the value chain. The Taliban's Minister of Mines and Petroleum is reported to prefer American to Chinese miners; this year, he had a virtual meeting with a few American companies, inviting them to invest in Afghanistan.
The United States and its Western allies should take him up on the offer, with strict conditions. The agreement could start with copper mining at Mes Aynak, a direct rebuttal to the Chinese. Cooperation might then expand to sites with lithium, iron, rare earth elements, gold, lapis lazulis, and other in-demand minerals or gems. Also, possible: oil and gas production in northern Afghanistan, where the China National Petroleum Corporation seeks to restart operations in the Amu Darya Basin, but where U.S. companies are also well-positioned.
In exchange for Western investment in the mineral extraction and processing, power generation, transportation, and workforce development necessary to build an Afghan mining industry from scratch, U.S. diplomats must require the Taliban to partner with one or several multilateral development banks (MLB), such as the Asian Development Bank or the U.S. Development Finance Corporation. The MLB would draft and enforce the contracts, especially royalty rates. It would also work to ensure that mining revenues support social and economic development, not narco-terror cabals. Funding should be a public-private partnership; unfrozen Afghan central bank funds and global aid could be first dollars in, starting with a feasibility study, to de-risk companies' long-term investments.
The challenges in this project are immense. The Taliban might lie, cheat, and steal. China and Pakistan might obstruct. Mining companies might drag their feet. But, we must do something to change the status quo. The Afghan economy runs on opium and meth. The only near-term alternative to drugs is minerals. So, let's try it. As a first step, I have a bill in Congress to direct the State Department to study a Special Economic Zone in Afghanistan for mining.
This project is also not an excuse for inaction on immediate crises. The United States, already the world's largest humanitarian donor to Afghanistan, must do more to improve food security, especially for children. To honor our commitment to allies, the administration should expand Operation Allies Welcome and Congress must pass the Afghan Adjustment Act. And, we must use every point of leverage to change the Taliban's most egregious behavior, particularly regarding the rights of women and girls and the release of Mark Frerichs.
The American people owe this support to the Afghan people as we work to stabilize the region. Our greatest gift, though, will not be assistance, but economic empowerment. Mining is the first step.
Jake Auchincloss represents the Massachusetts Fourth Congressional District in Congress where he is Vice Chairman of the House Financial Services Committee.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)