Saturday, July 27, 2019

Equifax Data Breach Settlement: How to Claim Your Benefits




Consumer Alerts from the Federal Trade Commission
by Alvaro Puig, Consumer Education Specialist, FTC

Earlier this week, we told you that roughly half the people in the country can get benefits under a settlement that the FTC and others reached with Equifax. Now, you can now find out if you were affected by the September 2017 breach and make your claim for benefits.

Read more
https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2019/07/equifax-data-breach-settlement-how-claim-your-benefits?utm_source=govdelivery 

This is a free service provided by the Federal Trade Commission.



If you were part of the unlucky group affected by the data breech as I was, then confirm that you were via this link  ftc.gov/Equifax

confirm that you were part of the Equifax breech via this link  ftc.gov/equifax
confirm that you were part of the Equifax breech via this link  ftc.gov/equifax
Once confirmed, you can also file a claim. The instructions are clear and the website easy to use. I filed my claim this morning
 
https://www.equifaxbreachsettlement.com/file-a-claim
https://www.equifaxbreachsettlement.com/file-a-claim
 

Fiscal Year 2020 1st Quarter Real Estate and Personal Property Tax Bills are due August 1, 2019

Fiscal Year 2020 1st Quarter Real Estate and Personal Property Tax Bills are due August 1, 2019

Fiscal Year 2020 1st Quarter Real Estate and Personal Property Tax Bills are due August 1, 2019
Reminders:
  • You can pay online here
https://www.franklinma.gov/home/pages/online-payments-and-applications
  • If you are mailing in your payment, please be sure to include the remittance copy with your check.
  • If you choose to use your Online Banking to pay your bills, please remember to reference the bill number(s) you are paying.
Thank you!

This is an automatic message from Town of Franklin MA and shared from
https://www.franklinma.gov/treasurer-collector/news/fiscal-year-2020%C2%A01st-quarter-real-estate-and-personal-property-tax-bills

Fiscal Year 2020 1st Quarter Real Estate and Personal Property Tax Bills are due August 1, 2019
Fiscal Year 2020 1st Quarter Real Estate and Personal Property Tax Bills are due August 1, 2019
 

In the News: Investigation of fire on Providence Line; UMass tuition increase likely

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"Workers continue to investigate the cause of a fire that broke out in the locomotive engine of a Providence-bound train Thursday night, according to a spokesman for commuter rail operator Keolis.

The fire, captured in videos posted to social media, was “brief and contained” to the engine of a locomotive at about 8:30 p.m., Keolis spokesman Justin Thompson said.

Passengers were transferred to another train on the line, and no injuries were reported.

Thompson said there were a “handful of residual delays” along the Providence line as a result of the incident, though the MBTA’s Commuter Rail Twitter page indicated at the time that some delays were close to an hour."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190726/officials-probe-locomotive-fire

 Investigation of fire on Providence Line
 Investigation of fire on Providence Line


It looks like a 2.5 percent tuition increase is likely for University of Massachusetts students this fall, system President Marty Meehan said Thursday.

The $43.1 billion state budget that the Legislature sent to Gov. Charlie Baker’s desk includes $558 million in aid to UMass, which has 75,000 students. Despite the last-minute addition of $317 million in spending above and beyond spending levels approved this spring by the House and Senate, UMass was unable to secure about $10 million in additional funds that could have led to a tuition freeze for the coming academic year.

“It looks like it would be about a two and a half percent increase,” Meehan told two reporters after telling House Bonding Committee members about capital spending plans and a $3.3 billion deferred maintenance backlog.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190726/meehan-umass-tuition-hike-looks-like-25

Friday, July 26, 2019

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA: FRI - Jul 26 to THU - Aug 1

Friday, July 26
9:30am
 SUMMER Family Yoga (outside if permitting)
10:00am
 Knitting Group
12:00pm
 Farmers Market
12:00pm
 School Committee Information Tent
1:00pm
 SUMMER PROGRAM: Farmer's Market Fun!
8:00pm
 Kenny Hadley Big Band
Saturday, July 27
10:00am
 Franklin Historical Museum (Always free)
10:30am
 SUMMER BYO(Baby)
8:00pm
 Ali Funkhouser: I Only Wanna Laugh
Sunday, July 28
1:00pm
 Franklin Historical Museum (always free)
Monday, July 29
10:30am
 SUMMER MOVE ALONG (outside if permitting, otherwise in Community Room)
1:00pm
 SUMMER PROGRAM: Picnic Storytime (CALEIGH)
Tuesday, July 30
9:30am
 Cool Cruisers
1:00pm
 TEEN SUMMER Page to Screen Showdown: Dumplin'
6:30pm
 Foreign Film Series
7:00pm
 Franklin Public Library Book Club
Wednesday, July 31
10:30am
 SUMMER Family Chess and More!
1:00pm
 SUMMER EVENT: Harry Potter Party!
4:00pm
 SUMMER Crafternoon!
6:00pm
 Concerts on the Common: Kids Show TBD
6:30pm
 Concerts on the Common: Electric Youth
Thursday, August 1
9:30am
 Baby Tummy Time
3:30pm
 TEEN SUMMER Board Game Cafe!
5:00pm
 Franklin Historical Museum (always free)
5:00pm
 SUMMER Thursday Movie Night

For the interactive version, please visit
For the Town of Franklin Public Meeting Calendar
https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar

Submit an event for the Community Calendar, please use this link

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA: FRI - Jul 26 to THU - Aug 1
Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA: FRI - Jul 26 to THU - Aug 1

"finding the right partner would allow us to accelerate our growth plans"

The Franklin business news radar finds this story to share:

"Aurora Capital Partners, a Los Angeles private equity firm, is acquiring Cold Chain Technologies Inc., a maker of thermal packaging that includes plastics.

Franklin, Mass.-based Cold Chain has been around since 1967 and has been led by CEO Larry Gordon for the past 21 years.

The company produces single-use and reusable packaging to help keep products cold during shipment. Key markets include commercial manufacturing, pharmaceutical distribution, clinical trials and direct-to-patient deliveries.

Cold Chain uses both expanded polystyrene and polyurethane shipping containers as well as plastics in a variety of other temperature-control products. Those other products include plastic bottles, pallet systems, gel packs and foam bricks all designed to retain cold temperatures during transit."

Continue reading the article online
https://www.plasticsnews.com/news/private-equity-firm-buys-cold-chain-technologies

For more about Cold Chain, visit their webpage  https://www.coldchaintech.com/

Aurora Capital Partners, a Los Angeles private equity firm, is acquiring Cold Chain Technologies Inc., a maker of thermal packaging that includes plastics.
Aurora Capital Partners, a Los Angeles private equity firm, is acquiring Cold Chain Technologies Inc., a maker of thermal packaging that includes plastics.

Healthy Weight and Your Child Program Enrolling for September 10 Start at Burke Memorial School

In response to a critical health care issue that can lead to serious health conditions including heart disease, diabetes and some cancers, the YMCA’s Healthy Weight and Your Child (HWYC) is an evidence-based, weight-management program that seeks to empower children and families through education, healthy eating, and physical activity. The program’s goal is to elicit positive change and help families learn skills and behaviors that enable them to live a healthier lifestyle so that children enter adulthood at a healthy weight.

foster the health and wellbeing of our students
foster the health and wellbeing of our students

"Medway Public Schools recognizes the importance of collaborating with community partners to best foster the health and wellbeing of our students,” says Dr. Ryan Sherman, Director of Wellness for Medway Public Schools. “We are extremely proud to partner with the Hockomock Area YMCA and Community Pediatrics of Medway, with the support of the Greater Milford Community Health Network, to assist our families in living a healthy lifestyle. Healthy Weight and Your Child has the potential to greatly impact our students' health and ability to learn."

Healthy Weight and Your Child is a 25-session program, which will begin Tuesday September 10, 2019 and run for 15 weeks. From September 10th through November 14th, participants and their parent or guardian will meet Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Burke Memorial School (16 Cassidy Ln, Medway, MA). The final five meetings will run one day a week through December 17th. 

Each session includes content and physical activity. Made up of groups of 10 to 15 families (child and adult), the program creates a safe, fun, and active environment where families have the opportunity to explore and adopt proven methods to living a healthier lifestyle. Included in this program is a no charge family membership to the YMCA for the duration of the sessions.
HWYC program emphasizes three elements
HWYC program emphasizes three elements

The HWYC program emphasizes three elements: healthy eating, regular physical activity and behavior change, and engages the whole family, so together they can understand how the home environment and other factors influence the choices that lead to a healthy weight.

To be eligible for the program, each child must be between the ages of 7 and 13, have a body mass index greater than or equal to the 95th percentile, be cleared for physical activity by a health care provider or school nurse, and be accompanied by a parent or caregiver at every session.

Thanks to a generous grant from CHNA 6 and the continued support of the Stop and Shop Our Family Foundation, there will be no cost for the first ten families enrolled in the upcoming Medway class. Please contact marykateb@hockymca.org or call 508-339- 4053 to join HWYC. For more information, visit hockymca.org/franklin/healthy-weight-and-your-child/ and attend an information night for families on September 10th (also at Burke Memorial School).

About the Hockomock Area YMCA:
Where Cause Meets Community. At the Hockomock Area YMCA, strengthening community is our cause. The Hockomock Area YMCA is an organization of men, women, and children sharing a commitment to nurture the potential of kids, promote healthy living, and foster a sense of social responsibility.

The Hockomock Area YMCA is committed to partnering and collaborating with others to create and deliver lasting personal and social change in the 15 communities they are privileged to serve. The Hockomock Area YMCA is a not-for-profit charitable cause-driven organization with facilities in North Attleboro, Foxboro, Franklin, and Mansfield. For more information visit hockymca.org.

"It’s really giving people another option to getting around"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:
"Transportation officials outlined several initiates to increase cycling and walking in its final State Bicycle Transportation Plan and State Pedestrian Transportation Plan released last week.

Constructing safer bike networks, increasing bike share programs and improving maintenance of trails are some initiatives state transportation officials are eyeing to get more cyclists on the roads.

The state Department of Transportation last week released its final Bicycle Transportation Plan and Pedestrian Transportation Plan highlighting initiatives to make streets safer for bicyclists and pedestrians. The bike plan was last updated in 2008 and the pedestrian plan in the late 1990s. There have been several advances in technology, research and design during that period.

“The transportation sector is evolving so rapidly,” said Jackie DeWolfe, DOT director of sustainable mobility."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190725/state-transportation-leaders-release-plans-to-increase-bicycle-pedestrian-traffic

view the bicycle plan - https://www.mass.gov/service-details/bicycle-plan
view the pedestrian plan - https://www.mass.gov/service-details/pedestrian-plan


view the bicycle plan
view the bicycle plan

"estimated delays will be reduced by 91 percent"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"The state’s preferred design for the reconstruction of the troublesome Interstate-495-Mass Pike interchange eliminates weaving that often causes bottlenecks and crashes at the existing junction.

State transportation leaders unveiled the preferred project design at the first of four public information meetings at Hopkinton Town Hall on Thursday. The design includes designated ramps and lanes for each traffic maneuver to make getting off the highway and merging much safer.

The interchange is known for significant traffic during peak hours, weekends and summertime. It also has a high crash rate. More than 75,000 vehicles pass through the junction each day. More than 450 crashes – including two fatalities – occurred there between 2011 and 2015. Joseph Cahill, a consultant on the project, estimated a crash occurs there once every three or four days.

“We’re significantly improving the safety of the interchange,” said Cahill."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190725/state-officials-unveil-preferred-design-for-overhaul-of-i-495-mass-pike-interchange

For more info on the project visit their webpage
https://www.mass.gov/i-495i-90-interchange-improvements

There is an interactive map for comments
  https://wikimapping.com/wikimap/I495I90.html


an interactive map
an interactive map

Thursday, July 25, 2019

Veterans: August Coffee Social - Aug 7

Veterans Coffee Social
Wednesday ▪ August 7 ▪ 10:00 AM
Franklin Senior Center Café

Come And Chat With Other Vets
Coffee And Pastry Will Be Provided
All Vets Are Invited!

For More Information, Contact The Veteran Services Office At: (508) 613-1315

Veterans: August Coffee Social - Aug 7
Veterans: August Coffee Social - Aug 7

“We need to be creative and offer a panoply of options"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"Lawmakers who spent months studying ways to reduce the death toll from opioid overdoses did not parse words when presenting their findings Wednesday: failing to pilot a supervised injection site, as a commission recommended, would be “essentially sentencing people to death,” Rep. Jeff Roy, D-Franklin, said.

At a hearing packed with testimony from parents who lost children to overdoses and doctors who have watched patient after patient die despite available addiction treatments, officials who worked on the Harm Reduction Commission made their most forceful arguments yet that the state should pursue a program where drug users can receive medical supervision without fear of arrest, regardless of prosecution threats from federal authorities.

“I know that the idea of safe consumption sites is uncomfortable to many, but if they are proven to save lives, then we have an obligation to at least give them a try,” Sen. Cindy Friedman, one of two lawmakers on the commission alongside Roy, told a committee Wednesday. “Lives are at stake and we cannot wait any longer.”

Although the statewide death rate slightly declined last year, 2,033 people died from opioid overdoses, according to state figures. A key factor in recent years has been the increasing presence of the synthetic substance fentanyl, which was detected in 89 percent of 2018 deaths where a toxicology screen occurred."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190724/roy-no-supervised-injection-site-like-sentencing-people-to-death

What the FTC Facebook settlement means for consumers




What the FTC Facebook settlement means for consumers

by Lesley Fair, Attorney, Division of Consumer & Business Education, FTC
The next time users visit Facebook, things might not look different, but big changes are brewing behind the scenes. The FTC's record-breaking $5 billion settlement requires Facebook to conduct a massive overhaul of its consumer privacy practices. The settlement also makes major changes to Facebook's operations and CEO Mark Zuckerberg no longer has sole control over privacy.

Read More

https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2019/07/what-ftc-facebook-settlement-means-consumers?utm_source=govdelivery

This is a free service provided by the Federal Trade Commission.


Wednesday, July 24, 2019

LIve reporting: from Town Administrator report to closing

11. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
Sandy Fanning to retire next week
water ban still in effect; small fire at DPW
have found the source that it was attributed to lightning causing a hardware failure; tank is lined, water needs to be replenished before turning the ban off

the people have responded very well, water main breaks also contributed to the fill rate; response to alarms was key testement to avoiding larger damages; est couple of hundred thousand dollars
once taken off, it will be broadcast

State budget sent to Governor this week, some small amounts in there for Franklin, assuming it makes it though the Governor's signature; education and local aid funding was a major item; Governor has ten days to adjust or veto

memo sent to Gov and Lt Gov today, thanks to legislative delegation for their help on this matter

without their efforts, we could have been looking at deeper cuts
 

12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
smoke stack fell in the 1950's killing 2 workers, is the one near Franklin Paint safe


13. COUNCIL COMMENTS
Hamblen - rain barrells orderable from DPW - rebate available
happy birthday to mom, turing 90 tomorrow

Casey - congrats to 4th of July Coaltion; great ambassadors for the Town

Dellorco - Jones should ahve put glasses on long ago, he read it much better


thanks for the response on the tree work after the storm

thanks to the 4th

thanks to the 4th

Jones - son and 150 recruits passed boot camp, it was a wonderful graduation
with regards to the cheeters, maybe I wouldn't struggle so much
working on a three year project on EV chargers
some of the costs to implement need to be considered

Kelly - the road report was done in 2013
actually updated last year - Hellen
thanks for the 4th

Mercer -thanks for the 4th, it was a great celebration
a great job on everyone's part

speaking to the DPW fire, had been there, to watch the Fire Dept control the situation with multiple towns cooperating and coordinating equipment; control board with who is where, doing what, it was really impressive to see them operate



14. EXECUTIVE SESSION

a. Pending Litigation: 290 Beaver St LLC v. Town of Franklin, Norfolk Superior Court Docket NO. 1932CV00593 - Challenging Validity of West Central Street Zoning District.
motion to enter executive session, not to return to open meeting
motion seconded, passed 9-0 (via roll call)


15. ADJOURN

Notes:
Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes
Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting

The agenda doc can be found on the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/2019-07-24_town_council_agenda_2.pdf

The meeting packet (all documents released for this meeting)
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/july_24_town_council_meeting_packet_7.19.pdf

Live reporting: Public Hearings - Legislation for Action


6. HEARINGS
a. West Central Street Zoning
motion to move hearing to Sep 18 at 7:10 PM
motion approved, seconded, passed 9-0
 
b. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 19-842: Changes to Chapter 185 section 40.D(3)(a)
hearing opened
 
Gus Brown, Building Commissioner
zoning adjustment for impervious coverage
unfortunately created a conflict with another section in same area, hence removing the conflict

no comments from audience
hearing closed

motion to close hearing, seconded, passed 9-0
 
c. Acceptance of Clearview Drive as Public Way
hearing opened

ongoing work to get title clearances to allow for the road acceptences


no comments from audience

motion to close hearing, seconded, passed 9-0

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
- None

8. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS 
- None

9. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
a. Capital Budget Subcommittee
no meeting
b. Budget Subcommittee
joint on June 19, and again today
nothing scheduled for next meeting yet
 
c. Economic Development Subcommittee
Aug 14 meeting 5:30
Keegan site and plastic bag continued item
 

10. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
a. Resolution 19-49: Authority For Town Administrator to Negotiate and Execute Tax Agreement with Owner Of Ground-Mounted Solar Facility Located Off Upper Union Street (Motion to Approve Resolution 19-49 - Majority Vote (5))

motion approved, seconded, passed 9-0

b. Resolution 19-50: Order of Layout, Acceptance, and Taking of Clearview Drive and Drainage Lot Parcel A (Motion to Approve Resolution 19-50 - Two -Thirds Majority Vote (6))

motion approved, seconded, passed 9-0

c. Resolution 19-51: Acceptance of Gift-Franklin Public Library (Motion to Approve Resolution 19-51 - Majority Vote (5))

motion approved, seconded, passed 9-0

d. Resolution 19-52: Appropriation of Funds Received from the Franklin Community Cable Access Inc. to the Town for the Public Safety Communications Infrastructure. (Motion to Approve Resolution 19-52 - Majority Vote (5))

motion approved, seconded, passed 9-0

e. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 19-842: Changes to Chapter 185 section 40.D(3)(a) -1st Reading (Motion to Move Zoning Bylaw Amendment 19-842 to a 2nd Reading- Majority Vote (5))

motion to move to second reading, seconded, passed 9-0
part of the public hearing noted in meeting earlier
  

Live Reporting: Town Council - July 24, 2019

Present: Hamblen, Casey, Dellorco, Kelly, Mercer, Jones, Padula, Pellegri, Earls
Absent: none


1. ANNOUNCEMENTS

a. This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon Channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by others.

2. CITIZEN COMMENTS
a. Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to five minutes on a matter that is not on the agenda. The Council will not engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Town Council will give remarks appropriate consideration and may ask the Town Administrator to review the matter.

3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
a. June 5, 2019
b. June 12, 2019
c. June 26, 2019

motion to approve June 5, seconded, passed 9-0 
motion to approve June 12, seconded, passed 9-0 
motion to approve June 26, seconded, passed 9-0   
 

4. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS 
- None

5. APPOINTMENTS
a. Swearing in of 3 Firefighters

(2 minute recess)
 
b. Board of Registrars, Richard Kerr
motion to approve, seconded, passed 9-0


“This consensus Fiscal Year 2020 budget strikes a balance"

Representative Jeffrey Roy (D-Franklin) along with his colleagues in the Massachusetts Legislature passed its Fiscal Year 2020 (FY20) budget, which invests in programs and services across the Commonwealth. Funded at $43.1 billion, the budget makes major investments in education, housing, substance use disorder services, health care, and other areas while projecting a more than $476 million deposit into the Stabilization Fund – bringing the fund’s balance to more than $3 billion to safeguard the future of vital programs and services.

“I am proud of this fiscally responsible budget that supports the needs of individuals, families, and communities across the Commonwealth through thoughtful investments that increase local aid, strengthen our health care system and protect the environment,” said House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo (D-Winthrop). “This budget bolsters our ongoing efforts to combat the opioid crisis, invest in high-quality early education and care and makes another significant deposit into the state’s Stabilization Fund. These investments will have a long and lasting positive effect on the residents of Massachusetts. I want to thank Chair Michlewitz for his leadership and my colleagues in the House, especially those on the conference committee, who worked to put this package together.”

“This budget reaffirms our commitment to local aid and our communities and includes funds for important projects in Franklin and Medway,” said Representative Roy. “The House and Senate were successful at including significant local and regional money throughout the Commonwealth in this coming fiscal year’s budget. Additionally, Massachusetts is dealing with several important societal issues, like the opioid epidemic, public safety, aging infrastructure, and an aging population. The Legislature has struck a balance that takes on these challenges and maintains our commitment to our communities, our children, our seasoned citizens, and the disabled as well as advancing economic development and the arts.”

“Education is a top Senate priority, and I am therefore proud of the significant investments we make in K-12 education in the final FY2020 budget,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “Not only have we voted to advance the largest year-over-year increase in Chapter 70 education funding in the last two decades, we have also made a substantial down payment towards funding the recommendations of the Foundation Budget Review Commission (FBRC). In addition, we fund health and wellness in schools, and provide considerable increases in reimbursement for special education, charter schools, and regional school transportation. Finally, I am very pleased that the conference budget includes $10 million in new funding for mental and behavioral health. These funds will allow the Commonwealth to address the root causes of many of the challenges facing our residents, including substance abuse, homelessness, unemployment and school bullying, among other things. I commend all of the members of the conference committee for their very fine work on this budget.”

Continue reading Representative Jeff Roy's press release in the full text:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1YwGHEVtd4C_iqVdeSvMRoa4GJHinXWAw/view?usp=sharing
 
The web page has been updated with the Conference Report.
https://malegislature.gov/Budget/ConferenceCommittee
 

https://malegislature.gov/Budget/ConferenceCommittee
https://malegislature.gov/Budget/ConferenceCommittee

FDA announce first youth e-cigarette prevention (YouTube)


announced their first youth e-cigarette prevention TV ads & new posters w/ e-cigarette prevention messaging for high schoolers. Learn more about the ways
is working to stop the youth e-cigarette epidemic. #NoEcigs4Kids"
Found via Twitter

https://youtu.be/xw1vffiNyVM



SOAR LIVE at Mickey Cassidy's - Jul 26

"Come see us at our last public show of the season! You'll get to hear some awesome classic rock and party with us as we rock the house. This will be our final show of Summer 2019. Friday, June 26th at 8 PM. Don't miss it!"

Additional details can be found at the Facebook event
https://www.facebook.com/events/2448350135224406/

https://www.facebook.com/events/2448350135224406/
https://www.facebook.com/events/2448350135224406/