Reminder: Interfaith Teen Climate Change group scheduled to meet St John’s Episcopal Church - Jan 22

We had a small initial gathering with great discussion about how youth can make a difference in the fight against climate change. We watched a video of teen Swedish Climate Activist Greta Thunberg. The group is interested in learning more about Climate Justice - how climate change affects the poorest peoples disproportionately. 

Join us for the next meeting on Sunday, January 22 at 7 PM at 237 Pleasant Street in Franklin.

For more information:

Call 508-528-2387 Email Rector@StJohnsFranklinMA.org

Like us on Facebook  and Twitter

See our website at www.stjohnsfranklinma.org  

St John's Episcopal Church

"significantly fewer people support requirements that children be vaccinated against measles, mumps and rubella than did just two years ago"

"Vaccine disinformationists have cherry-picked data to support their claims, failing to note that genetic connective tissue disorders are important risk factors for ascending aortic aneurysms (and in my husband’s case the most likely risk factor, as early genetic test results suggest).

When disinformation profiteers leverage tragedies like Grant’s and Mr. Hamlin’s for their personal gain, they re-traumatize families, compromising our ability to interpret information and distinguish truth from lies and putting all of us at risk. The results of allowing this to continue will be disastrous. Merchants of disinformation argue that vaccines killed my husband, but they’re also at least in part responsible for the return of polio to the United States and the fact that so many children in Ohio are suffering from measles right now. A recent Kaiser Family Foundation poll found that while most of the public still supports routine childhood vaccinations, significantly fewer people support requirements that children be vaccinated against measles, mumps and rubella than did just two years ago. In December, Congress repealed a Covid vaccine mandate for troops even though doing so threatens military readiness and puts our nation’s security at risk."

Continue reading the article online - (gifted article hence long URL)

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/08/opinion/grant-wahl-celine-gounder-vaccine.html?unlocked_article_code=m2-kre8YItxU0muS6_jLsN-NNQqZ8ozQdQKP0IDPtam6WwTGfNzKAjkQn7_E7zIZ_1XruxpG7LghYON1oeYx3RqzJq02SpQwTEPUI-PEDxc7In7363SFTNpG4vI9jf2RQfQvNL7M0gx844SGh8Pul_sbljZw1Cp2cjsLOZbV-0fsYUwId34fLPtzYrOsNW5EjOwXJEfgP7s2cyCr2_tbMEeIM1FQsJv0A8f88hSIvjYnEfJzzuKVTMQu5AwzkDei7aGzWxganIwjxUj7rhPEMWV3lzbA6IN_M18GDBkBdlsoXqflP7iU5w86ZytvejhNCQcfPlMWyYAEea0xo2MOyup0-4yK4F3Xl-kh&smid=tw-share

Céline  Gounder & Grant Wahl (via Céline Gounder)

CommonWealth Magazine: "Overcoming the restrictions on multi-family housing"

"CITIES AND TOWNS of Greater Boston have a long history of using zoning to restrict development of multi-family housing that might accommodate families with children. The systematic restrictions have disadvantaged multi-generational households seeking homes in condo or apartment buildings. The restrictions have also undermined the housing market’s dynamism and its ability to meet the region’s housing needs.

In response to these problems, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts adopted the MBTA Communities zoning law requiring cities and towns served by the MBTA to zone for transit-oriented multi-family housing “without age restrictions” and “suitable for families with children.” Once implemented, the reform should enable the market to meet the needs of diverse households.

For decades, municipalities have been limiting development of family-suitable apartments and condos through a few zoning mechanisms, including age-restrictions for occupants (typically for residents who are at least 55 years old), bedroom restrictions, and discretionary approval processes. I studied these practices in a 2018 survey of zoning bylaws and ordinances in 100 cities and towns across Greater Boston."

Last of the 5 part series

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/opinion/overcoming-the-restrictions-on-multi-family-housing/

 

Part 4 

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/opinion/where-should-new-multi-family-housing-go/

Part 3   

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/opinion/seeking-predictable-permitting-for-new-housing/

Part 2 

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/opinion/solving-the-mbta-communities-zoning-puzzle/

Part 1

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/01/commonwealth-magazine-understanding-new.html

New multi-family housing in Sudbury, Mass. (Photo by Amy Dain)

Franklin TV and wfpr.fm schedule for Monday, Jan 9, 2023

•   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

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

8:00 am SAFE Coalition: Task Force

9:00 am     Second Sunday Speaker Series: Jeff Roy

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

12:30 pm Sandhya: Donuts

1:00 pm         Cooking Thyme: Appetizers

1:30 pm         Pizzapalooza: Healthy Pizza Crusts

2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Fall 2019 Show 2

3:00 pm Candlepin New Generation: Show 11

5:00 pm Extended Play Sessions: Acoustic X

6:00 pm Veterans' Call: VA Pension

7:30 pm         Frank Presents: Caron Grupposo

9:00 pm The Black Box: Beth Leavel

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

8:30 am         SAFE Coalition: Critical Conversations

10:30 am Lifelong Music: Band & Chorus: Band

12:00 pm FHS Boys Varsity Basketball: v Taunton 01-06-23

2:00 pm SAFE Coalition: The Hamlins

3:00 pm Public School Concert: Horace Mann Winter Music 2022

4:30 pm         FHS Girls Varsity Basketball: v Wachusett 01-04-23

6:30 pm         Battleship Cove: Inside The History Pt. 6

9:30 pm         FHS Girls Varsity Hockey: v Mansfield-OA-Foxboro 01-04-23

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

8:00 am Planning Board: 12-19-22

12:00 pm Economic Development 01-04-23

2:00 pm Planning Board: 12-19-22

7:00 pm Planning Board: LIVE, Chambers, 824 4314 2971

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)

Town of Franklin: Finance Committee - Meeting Agenda - January 11, 2023

Finance Committee Meeting

Agenda & Meeting Packet

Wednesday, January 11, 2023 = 7:00 PM

Meeting will be held at the Municipal Building

2nd floor, Council Chambers

355 East Central Street

Agenda

1. Call to Order

2. Public Comment

3. Approval of Minutes: None

4. The Bill Dowd “Deep Dive” Series

a. Discussion: Compensation & Classification Study

i. Final Report, Results & Methodology -   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/class_and_comp_draft_final_report.pdf

ii. Compensation & Classification Plan -   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/class_and_comp_plan.pdf

5. FY23 Capital Plan

a. Town Administrator FY23 Capital recommendations memo -   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/capital_memo.pdf

b. FY23 Department Summary Requests & Capital Plans  -   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/capital_requests_5yr_plan_sheets.pdf

c. Quotes (if available)  -   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/capital_quotes_and_backup.pdf

6. 2023 Finance Committee Member Committee Assignments -    https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/franklin_finance_committee_roster_fy_2022_website_0.pdf

7. Standing Updates:

a. Stabilization Funds -   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/stabilization_fund_balances_11-30-2022.pdf

b. FY23 Year To Date -   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/ytd_budget_report.pdf

c. MMA Letter to incoming Governor Healey  -   https://www.mma.org/advocacy/mma-letter-to-incoming-governor-outlines-key-municipal-priorities-for-fy24-local-aid-and-ch-90-funding/

8. Future Agenda Items

9. Adjourn

The agenda doc contains remote participation info ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/fin_com_agenda_jan_11_2023.pdf

Town of Franklin: Finance Committee Meeting - January 11, 2023

Town Council Quarterbacking gets inside the meeting of Jan 4, the recognition, legislation, and creation of 4 committees (audio)

FM #912 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 912 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 of Jan 4, 2023: 

• ok, what just happened? 

• What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?

We cover the following key topics

PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS

a. Proclamation: Franklin Panthers 4th Grade Football Team

PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION

National Register Historic Districts in Franklin - Vicki Earls, Franklin Public Library https://youtu.be/KdGHozDRa1E 

Town Council Goals Update - Jamie Hellen, Town Administrator

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/8b._goals.pdf 

LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

Renewal of Municipal agreement with Tri-County for school resource officer

Ratification of 3 contract adjustments with Police (2) and Fire (1)

Authorize formation of four committees

• Arts & Culture

• Master Plan

• Police Station

• Davis Thayer reuse

Our conversation runs about 41 minutes

Links to the meeting agenda and associated documents released for this meeting are included in the show notes. 

Let’s listen to this session of Town Council Quarterbacking recorded Jan 5, 2023

Audio file ->  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-912-town-council-quarterbacking-01-05-23

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

Meeting agenda and documents released for this session ->

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/01/franklin-ma-town-council-meeting-agenda.html

The National Register Historic Districts presentation ->   https://youtu.be/KdGHozDRa1E

Watch the Franklin.TV video replay on YouTube ->  https://youtu.be/N-WomocGBlc

My notes in one threaded PDF document -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1iIH7JAlnlgN69HDkUYIS-3U44pUSUW15/view?usp=share_link 

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

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

• 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 your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

Councilor Cormier-Leger reading the proclamation for the Panthers 4th grade team

FHS boys hockey team tops Canton 2-0 on Saturday

Via HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the fall sports competition for Franklin High School on Saturday, January 7, 2023. We also provide the link to the full set of Hockomock League results below.

Boys Hockey = Canton, 0 @ Franklin, 2 – Final

Ryan Lanigan, the founder and Editor-in-Chief of HockomockSports.com, provides the game recap:

"On paper, it’s just one of eight league games on the schedule, but there’s no hiding the significance of when Canton and Franklin meet on the ice.

The Bulldogs have won the Davenport every single year since the league split into two divisions and the Panthers have had a hand in all but one — a combined 23 division titles over the past 12 seasons.

Both squads are the favorites to win their respective division again this year and are the top two ranked teams in the league, meaning bragging rights were on the line at Pirelli Veteran’s Arena on Saturday night in front of a packed crowd.

Franklin junior goalie Colby Wagner was terrific in net from the opening puck drop, turning in a 38-save shutout performance to lead the Panthers to a 2-0 win."

Continue reading the game recap -> https://hockomocksports.com/colby-wagner-franklin-boys-hockey-blank-canton-in-hockomock-showdown/

For a photo gallery from this game -> https://hockomocksports.smugmug.com/2022-2023/Winter-2022-2023/Franklin-Canton-Boys-Hockey-01-07-23/

Girls Hockey = Franklin, 1 @ Dedham, 3 – Final

1-1 after one Nina with a great tip in !  https://twitter.com/FHSGirlsPuck/status/1611852596968554496 

Empty netter ends it. Franklin losses 3-1 to Dedham.  https://twitter.com/FHSGirlsPuck/status/1611891229666549761

For other results around the Hockomock League

https://hockomocksports.com/saturdays-schedule-scoreboard-01-07-23/

Franklin junior Dylan McEvoy takes a shot in the second period against Canton. (Ryan Lanigan/HockomockSports.com)

Franklin Wrestling finish Natick RedHawks Duals taking 3rd place with 4-1 record

Franklin Wrestling (@FHSWrestle) tweeted at 3:47 PM on Sat, Jan 07, 2023:

"Great day at Natick RedHawks duals Franklin takes 3rd with a record of 4-1. 

Pins from Winiker (2), Sauer (1), Carlucci (2), Leaman (1), Foley (5), Fitzgerald (1), Rosenberg (2), O'Connell (2), Pritoni (3), large (2), Dylan (1) 

Outstanding wrestler to Will Pritoni with 3 pins"

Shared from Twitter -> https://twitter.com/FHSWrestle/status/1611826872895115265

FHS Panthers

Franklin TV: Squinting at 2023

by Pete Fasciano, Executive Director 01/08/2023

Note that while I certainly wish all a happy and prosperous New Year – I'm keeping a suspicious eye on 2023. I’m squinting – askance – at 23 with deep distrust.

(That’s right, ‘23. I’m lookin’ at you.) After the global shenanigans of 2020, 21, 22, 2023 better wipe its feet at the door before entering, and say, 'Please & Thank you'.

Standing at the threshold of 2023 (and wondering if I should let it in), I’m looking at yet another covid eruption in China – with more supply side issues to follow, a megalomaniacal dictator in Russia, an expanding missile farm in North Korea, a meltdown of basic freedoms in Afghanistan. What’s New in the New Year – is old. Lots of bad vibes lurking.  So, I’m skeptical, cynical, downright mistrustful.

Normally, I’m pretty optimistic. The joyful arrival of each New Year is rife with bright hope. This year? Not so much. Hope can go wait in the car. We’re all still busy dealing with the aftermath – consequences, direct, indirect and subsequent, of these last three years that introduced us to doom-scrolling. Wallowing in all that bad news. Who needs that? For now, I will constrain my wallowing – and my hopes for the best as I remain dutifully prepared for the worst.

So, I gird my loins while I squint with suspicion at 2023. I’m putting 23 on notice.

One false move and I may pen a sternly worded letter to The Times.

2023 notwithstanding, I’ll ignore that tiny black cloud hanging just above my head.

I’ll continue to hold up my end, maintain my sunny disposition and be nice to folks.

Let that be my New Year’s Resolution.

May 2023 smile warmly, kindly upon us all. 

Uh-huh…

     We shall see.

         We shall see.

Franklin TV: Squinting at 2023

Thanks for listening to 102.9 wfpr●fm. 

And – as always – thanks for watching.

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

Did you read the SAFE Coalition message on e-cigarettes?

"E-cigarettes are devices that heat a liquid into an aerosol that the user inhales. The liquid usually has nicotine and flavoring in it, and other additives. The nicotine in e-cigarettes and regular cigarettes is addictive. E-cigarettes are considered tobacco products because most of them contain nicotine, which comes from tobacco.

Besides nicotine, e-cigarettes can contain harmful and potentially harmful ingredients, including: ultrafine particles that can be inhaled deep into the lungs; flavorants such as diacetyl, a chemical linked to serious lung disease; volatile compounds; heavy metals, such as nickel, tin, and lead.

Adolescent years are times of important brain development. Brain development begins during the growth of the fetus in the womb and continues through childhood and to about age 25. Nicotine exposure during adolescence and young adulthood can cause addiction and harm the developing brain.

E-cigarettes are very popular with young people. Their use has grown dramatically in the last five years. Today, more high school students use e-cigarettes than regular cigarettes. The use of e-cigarettes is higher among high school students than adults.

No matter how it’s delivered, nicotine is harmful for youth and young adults. E-cigarettes typically contain nicotine as well as other chemicals that are known to damage health. For example, users risk exposing their respiratory systems to potentially harmful chemicals in e-cigarettes. Read about these and other risks young people face if they use e-cigarettes."

Shared from Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/reel/CnGPZaNKEwl/

Find out more about the SAFE Coalition online ->   https://www.safecoalitionma.org/

Get Help Now! For Help Call the SAFE Support Hotline: 508-488-8105

Did you read the SAFE Coalition message on e-cigarettes? 

You can help your neighbors and the Fire Dept by Adopting a hydrant!

With the Town's Adopt-A-Hydrant program, you can select a hydrant near you to clear following a snow storm! By adopting a hydrant you can...

◼️ Assist the Fire Department in the event of an emergency by alleviating time spent searching for a clearing hydrants buried in snow.

◼️ Support your neighbors by letting DPW know if a hydrant is located near a neighbor who is unable to clear a hydrant on their property and we will label them as "high priority" on our adopt a hydrant webpage.

◼️ Earn community service hours for your community service group or as an individual.

Check out this link to learn more about our Adopt-A-Hydrant program!  

https://www.franklinma.gov/water-sewer-division/pages/adopt-hydrant

Shared from Town of Franklin Instagram ->  https://www.instagram.com/p/CnC5a-Rsgy2/

You can help your neighbors and the Fire Dept by Adopting a hydrant! 

"the combined pressure of drought and overconsumption is proving to be more than it can bear"

"Without dramatic cuts to water consumption, Utah’s Great Salt Lake is on track to disappear within five years, a dire new report warns, imperiling ecosystems and exposing millions of people to toxic dust from the drying lake bed.

The report, led by researchers at Brigham Young University and published this week, found that unsustainable water use has shrunk the lake to just 37 percent of its former volume. The West’s ongoing megadrought — a crisis made worse by climate change — has accelerated its decline to rates far faster than scientists had predicted.

But current conservation measures are critically insufficient to replace the roughly 40 billion gallons of water the lake has lost annually since 2020, the scientists said."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-environment/2023/01/06/great-salt-lake-utah-drying-up/

Access the report directly at -> https://pws.byu.edu/great-salt-lake   

or this PDF ->  https://pws.byu.edu/GSL%20report%202023

Figure 5. Great Salt Lake water budget, including a breakdown of consumptive water use. The reported numbers represent estimates from 2020-2022, the period of accelerated decline1,3,25,60,62,66,67. Because of inadequate monitoring and data availability, many of these estimates are uncertain.

Wine Barre 02038 scheduled for Jan 12 & 19, 2023

Happy New Year! 

Join us for Wine Barre 02038 January 12 & 19 from 7:00-9:30 PM!  

Adults are invited to stop by Intermission for wine and charcuterie boards by Kim Rezendes! (21+ welcome)

Wine Barre 02038 scheduled for Jan 12 & 19, 2023

Shared from Instagram ->  https://www.instagram.com/p/CnCd-YPu6Qr/

Follow up on Supreme Court report "What Went Unsaid in the Chief Justice’s Report on the Judiciary"

 

“A judicial system cannot and should not live in fear,” Chief Justice Roberts added as he thanked Congress for passing a law last year to protect judges. The new law was named in honor of Daniel Anderl, the son of Judge Esther Salas of the U.S. District Court of New Jersey, who was murdered in 2020 in an assault meant for the judge at her home. The law screens from the public the personal information of federal judges and their families, including identifiers such as license plate numbers and addresses. Leaders like the chief justice deserve praise when they highlight the dangers all public officials now face.

Focusing on the Brown decision was nonetheless surprising. After all, the court appears poised to reverse a decision upholding affirmative action in school admissions, one of the very remedies that the Brown decision spawned, and which all nine members of the court stood squarely behind in 1954 and reaffirmed in a subsequent case in 1958.

In past years, the chief justice sometimes used his year-end report to describe substantive reforms in the federal courts, like the task force created in 2018 in response to allegations that federal judges had harassed their staffs sexually and in other ways. Not so in his latest report, which was four pages long with a five-page appendix. Chief Justice Roberts did not mention any of the many issues that made the news about the court last year — the lack of an effective recusal requirement for justices whose actions or those of family members raise questions about impartiality, the leak of a draft of the court’s decision overturning abortion rights, the insufficiency of financial disclosure and questions about fund-raising for the Supreme Court Historical Society."

Continue reading the article in the New York Times (subscription may be required)

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/07/opinion/supreme-court-chief-justice-report.html

The original article linking to the report itself ->

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/01/chief-justices-year-end-reports-on.html

J. Scott Applewhite/Associated Press

US House of Representatives minority and majority leader initial speeches as the 118th Congress opens

Franklin is where we are, and a recipient down the 'food chain' so to speak from the Federal level, to the State (actually Commonwealth in our case), to the local. While Congress is not a direct influence, there is plenty of indirect influence. 

Hence it does matter for us to be aware of what happens there. Here are the two opening speeches of the newly elected House of Representatives. What they say, how they say it, and what they don't say, will effect us in ways we will find out as it happens.

House minority leader H Jefferies -> https://youtu.be/JLOAQjjKJbM

 

House majority leader K McCarthy -> https://youtu.be/pb_gA0009b4 

 

For more about the US Congress visit their page -> https://www.congress.gov/

https://www.congress.gov/