FTC: Timeshare resale scheme preyed on older adults

Timeshare resale scheme preyed on older adults by Lisa Weintraub Schifferle Attorney, FTC, Division of Consumer & Business Education If you're thinking about selling your timeshare through a resale company, research the company first. Read about this recent FTC case against Pro Timeshare Resales, and you'll know why. Read more

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA: FRI 5/25/18 - THU 5/31/18

FRIDAY 5/25/18
9am   Memorial Day Breakfast @ Franklin Senior Center
9:30am   Mommy Real Talk @ Franklin Public Library
10am-12pm   Knitting Group @ Franklin Public Library
2pm   Tech Help with HMMS Students @ Franklin Senior Center
5:30pm   Heart with Hope Restorative Yoga (for parents and loved ones of those suffering from addiction) @ Sacred Tree Yoga, Norfolk
6pm   Local Artist Series: The Peacheaters and The DayBreakers @ The Black Box
7pm   Yoga for Recovery @ Sacred Tree Yoga, Norfolk

SATURDAY 5/26/18
10am-1pm   Franklin Historical Museum Open
11am   Goat Yoga (pre-registration required) @ Fairmount Fruit Farm
1pm   Franklin Foragers : Rocks and Fossils! @ Franklin Public Library
10:30am   Baby Sensory @ Franklin Public Library

SUNDAY 5/27/18
All Day   Library Closed
1-4pm   10am-1pm   Franklin Historical Museum Open

MONDAY 5/28/18 - Memorial Day
All Day   Library Closed
10:30am-12pm   Franklin's Memorial Day Parade @ Downtown Franklin

TUESDAY 5/29/18
10:30am   Get Ready for Kindergarten @ Franklin Public Library
11:15am   Todler Playgroup @ Franklin Public Library

WEDNESDAY 5/30/18
10:30am   Terrific Toddlers @ Franklin Public Library
11am   Toddler Playgroup @ Franklin Public Library
4pm   Construction Junction @ Franklin Public Library

THURSDAY 5/31/18
9:30am   Baby Tummy Time @ Franklin Public Library
10:30am   Story and Craft @ Franklin Public Library
11:15am   Toddler Playgroup @ Franklin Public Library
1pm   Introduction to Drawing @ Franklin Senior Center
4pm   Girl Scout Information Meeting @ Franklin Public Library
5-8pm   Franklin Historical Museum Open
6:30pm   Genealogy Club @ Franklin Public Library
7pm   Healing Hearts Community Support Group @ Franklin YMCA

For the Town of Franklin Public Calendar click HERE.

For all other events and Franklin happenings click HERE.

*To submit an event for the Community Calendar, please use this FORM

Tri-County Seniors Showcase Projects & Innovation at Senior Project Fair

Tri-County Regional held its annual Senior Project Fair in the high schools' gymnasium. The event was held to showcase the three top senior projects from each of the school's 16 career programs. The seniors presented their innovations to the community. These projects are the result of the applied knowledge and skills acquired in their career programs. All students are required to complete a senior project in order to graduate.

Four seniors were recognized for their superior creativity and design. Congratulations to:

• 1st Place: Michael Barrett of Walpole – Carpentry for his design forward Contemporary Interchangeable Bench.
• 2nd Place: Lauren Stanley of Millville - Metal Fabrication for her lovely French Café Bistro set restoration.
• 3rd Place: Danielle Curley of Walpole - Early Education for her serene "Quiet Place".
• The Student Colleague Choice Award – Trever Langille of North Attleboro - Carpentry for his timely Little House.

The Senior Project is a capstone project for all Tri-County students. In their junior year, students must research a topic which partners with their trade program area but is outside of the curriculum. Under the direction of their English instructors they take that information and produce an extensive research paper. They then develop and manufacture a product that is relevant to their research.

Vocational instructors provide assistance and advice during the development of the product, as well as the research process. The completed product must reflect a minimum of 40 hours of work. Students turn in their finished products in January. The seniors present their products to a panel of industry professionals and Tri-County faculty members. The top three products from each Career Program are then selected to be showcased during the Senior Project Fair.

"In order to be successful in the workplace as well as in higher education, our seniors must master this innovative project," said Mary Ellen MacLeod, Director of Cooperative Education. "The Senior Project serves as a pathway for Tri-County students to develop and exhibit what they have learned throughout their four years of high school while putting them into real-life practices. We believe the community has been inspired and awed in what our students have achieved."

Tri-County RVTHS, located at 147 Pond Street in Franklin, is a recipient of the High Schools That Work Gold Achievement Award and serves the communities of Franklin, Medfield, Medway, Millis, Norfolk, North Attleboro, Plainville, Seekonk, Sherborn, Walpole, and Wrentham.

Carpentry for his design forward Contemporary Interchangeable Bench

Lauren Stanley of Millville - Metal Fabrication for her lovely French Café Bistro set restoration

Early Education for her serene "Quiet Place"

Trever Langille of North Attleboro - Carpentry for his timely Little House

FHS baseball wins to advance in Pedroli Tournament

Via HockomockSports we share the results of the FHS spring sports action on Thursday, May 24, 2018.


Baseball = Franklin, 4 vs. Lincoln-Sudbury, 1 – Final
– Senior Colby Fitzgibbons and juniors Scott Elliott and Cooper Ross each had two hits to help the Panthers pick up a win over the Warriors in the first round of the Pedroli tournament. Fitzgibbons had two doubles and scored a run while Elliott had a triple, a run scored and an RBI in the win. Evan Wendell (hit) and Alex Haba (RBI) each added a run scored. Bryan Woelfel earned the win, scattering eight hits, striking out six, walking one and allowing just one run in 5.2 innings of work. Jason Ulrickson earned the save with 1.1 perfect innings of relief.

Softball = Franklin, 0 @ Milford, 12 – Final (6 inn.)
– Milford senior Kelley Reichert fired a no-hitter to lead the Hawks to a win over Franklin. Reichert struck out eight without issuing a walk for the Hawks. Offensively, Kate Irwin (two runs, stolen base), Sabrina Haarstick (double, two runs, RBI) and Antonia Bonina (two runs) had three hits apiece for the Hawks while Jess Tomaso (two doubles, four RBI) and Maddy Bonvino (two-run home run, three RBI, two runs) each recorded two hits.

Girls Lacrosse = Franklin, 8 vs. Notre Dame Academy, 15 – Final
– Franklin cut the deficit to just three late in the first half but the visitors scored three goals inside the final minute to push the lead to six, a lead they wouldn’t relinquish the rest of the way. Erin Walsh had three goals and an assist and Katie Jones scored twice and had an assist. Head coach Kristin Igoe Guarino said Annie Walsh (seven draw wins) played well in the midfield and Grace MacCallum had a strong game defensively.

For the other results around the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/thursdays-schedule-scoreboard-05-24-18/

FHS Panthers

Lifelong Community Learning: Summer Yoga Classes

Still Time To Register

Franklin Public Schools Lifelong Learning Institute  Summer YOGA on the COMMON and Summer YOGA in the STUDIO * * * * * * * Friday Flow Yoga on the Common Register A late afternoon class on Friday with Tranquil Souls staff that will leave you feeling happy and balanced after your work week and get you ready for your weekend! Bring your mat and positive energy to the Franklin Town Common on Friday afternoons.   Fridays, June 8 to June 29 Time: 5:30 - 6:30 pm Number of Sessions: 4 Location: Franklin Town Common Cost: $50 Hatha Yoga - Wednesday in Studio Register   This session will take place at Tranquil Souls studio. The practice of Hatha Yoga helps to increase strength, flexibility and posture, and decrease stresses of everyday life. Yoga, which has been around since the 15th century,  helps to quiet the mind and improve health. This class is geared toward beginners who have never done yoga before or anyone looking for a more gentle approach to exercise. Please bring a mat and wear comfortable clothes to class. Wednesdays, June 13 to August 8Time: 8:00 - 9:00 pmNumber of Sessions: 8Location: Tranquil Souls StudioCost: $80 Contact Lifelong Community Learning 508-613-1480 LCL@franklinps.net www.FranklinLifelongLearning.com Register today

Lifelong Community Learning, 218 Oak Street, Franklin, MA 02038 Sent by lcl@franklinps.net in collaboration with Try it free today

Franklin Liquors - Wine Club Events this June

There are two Wine Club events hosted by Franklin Liquors this June.

• Exploring Scotch With Glen Moray - June 7
• Exploring Rosé Wines - June 21

Registration for these events is available online

• Glen Moray   http://meetu.ps/e/FhZ5V/1yMmG/a
• Rose Wines   http://meetu.ps/e/FkccK/1yMmG/a

7:00 PM ‐ 8:30 PM at Franklin Liquors, 363 East Central Street, Franklin, MA

Franklin Liquors - Wine Club Events this June

Library Closed for Memorial Day

Yes, the Library is closed both Sunday and Monday. Stock up on books and other reading materials today and Saturday!

only a couple of weeks ago, in the days of the early blooming period

PJ's Service Dog Benefit - June 16

We shared the GoFundMe for PJs Service Dog earlier. Now there is a Family Fun Day scheduled for June 16
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2018/04/gofundme-service-dog-for-pj.html


We hope you will join us for a fun family afternoon and help make this dream come true for PJ!

DJ, Food, Raffle Items, Silent Auction, Field Games, Cash Bar and more!

Food generously provided by:

• The Rome
• Fitzy’s Pub
• Franklin Pizza and Deli
• Cole’s
• Jimmy D’s

Field games generously provided by:

• Taylor Rental of Norfolk

Some of our wonderful silent auction items:

• Interior Design package valued at $375
• Maple Gate Country Club Golf 18 hole foursome package valued at $240
• Norfolk Glass Fancy Mirror
• Cooking Class for Six by Celestina
• Simons Furniture piece
• Pony Party
• Multiple Photo Sessions by local professional photographers
• and more!!!

Ticket Price:

Adults: $20.00
Kids 12 and under: FREE!

FAQs

What can I bring into the event?

• Bring friends and family to help support PJ!

How can I contact the organizer with any questions?

• Phone/ Text: Kristie at (508) 488-7582 or Jen at (508) 918-8553
• Email: Kristie at tkmax4@aol.com

Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event?

• No

Can I buy tickets day of/at the event?

• Yes! Cash or check accepted at the event

Eventbrite site for tickets in advance

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/pjs-service-dog-benefit-tickets-46087114801

PJ's Service Dog Benefit - June 16

US Census Bureau: Which Jobs Have the Largest Gender Pay Gap?

Women continue to earn less than men in nearly all occupations, but the largest pay gap is...

America Counts: Stories Behind the Numbers Which Jobs Have the Largest Gender Pay Gap? Women continue to earn less than men in nearly all occupations, but this is more pronounced in fields that predominantly employ men and in professions with a comparable mix of men and women. Read More Overall, women are also more likely to be employed in lower-paying jobs. "The pay gap has narrowed over the last 50 years," said Lynda Laughlin, chief of the Industry and Occupation Statistics Branch at the U.S. Census Bureau. "However, the gender pay gap continues across the board in almost all occupations. In 2016, median earnings for women was $40,675, compared with $50,741 for men."  The America Counts Team Related: America Counts - Employment Stories If you like our stories, use the hashtag #AmericaCounts to share them on social media.  About America Counts America Counts tells the stories behind the numbers in a new inviting way. It features stories on various topics such as families, housing, employment, business, education, the economy, emergency preparedness, and population. Contact our Public Information Office for media inquiries or interviews.  Share this message or view it as a web page.

There are many more ways you can stay connected with us! Join the conversation on social media

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FHS girls and boys lacrosse teams top Canton

Via HockomockSports we share the results of the FHS spring sports action on Wednesday, May 23, 2018.


Softball = Franklin, 0 @ Bridgewater-Raynham, 3 – Final
– Franklin had the same amount of hits as Bridgewater-Raynham but couldn’t string them together to find a run. Both teams had five hits but the Trojans cashed in on a couple of unearned runs. Jackie Cherry had two hits for the Panthers while Maggie Hobby had one and made two nice catches in foul territory behind the plate. Emily Valentino allowed five hits while striking out four.

Boys Lacrosse = Franklin, 12 @ Canton, 5 – Final
– Franklin built a 7-1 lead after 24 minutes of play and never looked back to finish its regular season with a win on the road over Canton. Eric Civetti netted seven goals and had three assists while Jake Davis scored a hat trick and had two helpers for the Panthers.

Girls Lacrosse - Canton, 1 @ Franklin, 20 – Final
– Katie Jones led Franklin’s offense with four goals and two assists as the Panthers picked up a win at home. Lilly Kolb added two goals and an assist while Haley DeStefano found the back of the net twice for the Panthers.

For the other results around the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/wednesdays-schedule-scoreboard-05-23-18/

FHS Panthers

‘End of the Line – How it Starts.” - May 24

The SAFE Coalition, with sponsorship by the Rotary Club of Foxboro and Infinity Family Care, PC of Mansfield, is pleased to present a play entitled ‘End of the Line – How it Starts.” The program is intended to help our community bring addiction into the light and to talk about it.

Improbable Players will perform “End of the Line - How it starts,” a short play followed by a talkback and Q& and A. Based on true stories, the play is performed by actors in long-term recovery. Through education and reducing stigma, their mission is to stop addiction before it starts and help end the opioid epidemic. The show is appropriate for anyone 6th grade and up.

When: Thursday, May 24th at 7:00 PM
Where: Marilyn Rodman Performing Arts Center (Formerly The Orpheum Theatre), 1 School Street, Foxboro, MA
Tickets: This event is FREE and open to the public
Reserve your seat at: www.facebook.com/SAFECoalitionMA

‘End of the Line – How it Starts.” - May 24

SAFE is a regional coalition of community partners in Western Norfolk County who have come together to provide a pathway for support, education, treatment options and coping mechanisms for those affected by substance abuse disorder. We do so by empowering those affected, including their families, with the tools necessary to succeed on their journey to recovery. We understand that while I can’t, we can!   http://www.safecoalitionma.org/

Limited seats still available! Sign up now for Lifelong Learning summer programs.

Franklin Public Schools’ Lifelong Learning Institute summer programs are taught by creative and dedicated faculty and staff members. While many programs are full, limited seats are still available. Join Lifelong Learning this summer for fun and enrichment!

See the PDF below or visit http://franklinlifelonglearning.com/summer_program/index.php for available programs.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczVFg0TXZKWTZYZ2lyUWVkOWZzejJYUDlxTHVj/view?usp=sharing

Sign up now for Lifelong Learning summer programs

FTC: New alert for Western Union refunds

New alert for Western Union refunds by Karen Dodge Senior Attorney, Midwest Region, Federal Trade Commission Did you lose money to a scam, wiring the money via Western Union between January 1, 2004 and January 19, 2017? If so, you might know that May 31 is the deadline for filing your claim to get money back from the FTC's and the Department of Justice's settlement with Western Union.  With the deadline fast approaching, we know two things: (1) there will probably be a rush of last-minute filers; and (2) scammers will try to take advantage of the people filing claims. Read more

Norfolk County Register of Deeds schedules Franklin office hours - May 24

Norfolk County Register of Deeds 

Franklin Office Hours

Thursday, May 24, 2018

10:00 AM – 12:00 Noon

MUNICIPAL BUILDING

Council Chamber

355 East Central Street

The Register and members of his staff will be available to help answer questions or concerns about any Registry of Deeds matter.

Information will be available concerning the Massachusetts Homestead Act. Internet ready computer terminals will be on hand to print a Registry recorded deed, confirm the status of a mortgage discharge or check on any other recordings.

No appointment is needed.

Norfolk County Register of Deeds Franklin Office Hours - May 24

This was shared from the Town of Franklin webpage
http://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/norfolk-county-register-deeds-franklin-office-hours

Statement by Dr Monica Linden, Franklin, MA School Committee member

The statement read by Dr Monica Linden, School Committee member at the School Committee meeting on Tuesday, May 22, 2018.


"I’d like to thank the evaluation sub-committee for what must have been challenging work to combine the assessments into an aggregate report. However, I would like to express my concern that the superintendent evaluation, as prepared by the evaluation sub-committee, especially the particular rankings themselves, does not reflect my voice as a School Committee member. I’d like to start by being clear that my evaluation of Dr. Ahern is positive, and I am pleased with her progress. Additionally, I know that in my day job I am known for being an especially critical, observant assessor who provides assessment feedback intended for growth. In this case as well, I devoted significant time and thoughtfulness to provide feedback meant to honor the hard work that Dr. Ahern has done for the district while providing clear commentary intended for growth to help elevate the Franklin Schools.

One area of particular concern to me in the evaluation is that for all 4 district improvement plan goals, it was deemed that the goals were met. To me, this means that either the goals were not ambitious enough, or we should have one of the very best districts in the state. While we have a great district, it is not the best. In terms of the ambition of the goals, I believe that Dr. Ahern established excellent, visionary goals for the district. To say that she has met them during her brief tenure does a disservice to the hard work that has actually been done and undermines what students, parents, and community members should expect from the district. While I do not believe that any of the four goals have been fully realized, to respect everyone’s time, I will use DIP #2 as an example. As a reminder the goal reads:

To ensure that all students are supported and challenged to reach their full potential, the FPS will align curriculum, best practices, and varied assessment opportunities to personalize learning and meet individualized needs. [emphasis mine]

Personally, I love this goal because a goal like this should be a goal of public education. I also want to emphasize that I appreciate and value the hard work under Dr. Edwards that has been done to strengthen the Franklin Schools’ curriculum. However, I do not understand how we can conclude that this goal has been met. Many of the parents that I speak with either say that the individual special circumstances for their students are not being fully met or that their students are not challenged enough in their courses. In fact, the only parent that attended the last community coffee chat spoke about her son not being challenged in his courses at Franklin High School. Furthermore, while great work is being done to differentiate in the classroom, we are far from realizing truly individualized, personalized learning. To me, saying that this goal has been met, means we do not need to continue to work towards it. Rather, I believe lots of great progress has been made, but the Superintendent should continue on this path to help improve the Schools for all of our learners.

I believe similar cases can be made for each of the other district goals and one of the professional practice goals. Similarly, I disagree with the assessments against the standards. [I did not read this section in the meeting due to time…. As an example here, with Standard III-A, Family and Community Engagement, I acknowledge the excellent work done to honor the diversity of our community and to be inclusive, however I believe more can be done to make sure ALL families are included, for example, providing more materials in other languages if necessary.]

Frankly, Dr. Ahern is showing that she has the makings of an exceptional superintendent. As elected officials, we owe it to the community to expect more from her so that she can grow and support our schools to the best of her abilities. Rubber-stamping her work does not sit well with me. For these reasons, I will be voting against the composite evaluation. Furthermore, I request that my individual evaluation be made public as an addendum to the composite evaluation so that my voice can be represented. Thank you for your consideration."

The statement can also be found online

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1c0pF3jj02gOH6yFWY5IS0Jm7Win3h_BACPDu2qvD1Aw/edit?usp=sharing

Note: The evaluation document was not made public prior to the meeting. It will be shared here once it is available

Franklin Matter's notes from the Tuesday meeting recorded live during the session

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2018/05/live-reporting-discussion-action-items_22.html