Yes, we're back on Facebook

Franklin Matters has returned to Facebook as part of the Franklin.News page. The page will share all the goodness of Franklin.TV, Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm or 102.9) and the digital news from Franklin Matters.

Feel free to follow us there and share with your Franklin friends and neighbors.

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550645254683

The best way to stay informed is to subscribe for the Franklin Matters email. One email a day gets you everything shared in one place. There is NO guarantee you will see everything we share on Facebook due to the black magic algorithm in use there.

Franklin Matters has returned to Facebook as part of the Franklin.News page

Sunday's Lemonade stand: a fundraising success story!!!

Via Stephanie Izzi's post to Facebook Monday morning:

"Our family is waking up this morning, feeling so loved and grateful for our amazing community that showed up to support Sofia and Pitt Hopkins Research Foundation! 

please…

The Lemonade Stand Fundraiser for Sofia raised a total of $2,500.00 that will be matched by my husbands company totaling $5,000.00!!!!! All because of this incredible community that showed up for our family yesterday! Not only did we get donations yesterday, but those who weren’t able to attend donated online... bringing our online donations to $750! Which means a total of $5,750 is going to straight to research!!!!

First and foremost, I want to thank Meg, and her amazing son’s JD and Ben.. thank you so much for choosing Sofia’s charity for your 2023 Lemonade Stand! 

You touched our family in a way I could never explain. It’s been so incredible working together, and I’m so excited for year 2! 

A huge thank you to:

- The incredible Franklin Community for showing up to support Sofia 

- Friends and Family who donated baskets, and gift cards! 

- Town of Franklin for allowing us to use the Common

- The Helen Keller 2nd Graders and their families for helping to run the event! Watching these kids work, asking what they could do next, and proudly being apart of the day was everything 

- Fiori and Fern

- Birchwood Bakery + Kitchen

- Santa Fe Burrito Grill

- Girl Scout Troop 64036

- Memorable moments by Meg for donating and setting up the gorgeous balloon arch 

- Penny Jones for donating the friendship bracelet supplies

- G5 football team- (Julie and Scotty)

- Stevi Briggs for making the incredible Sofia’s Squad cups that went in less than 1 hour! (Stay tuned in the next couple of weeks for pre-order options on the cups if you missed out on grabbing yours!) 

- Michelle for bringing her camera and snapping memories that will last a life time 

Thank you all for one of the best days ever!!! We love you all! "

Sunday's Lemonade stand: a fundraising success story!!!

Shared from -> (follow link for additional photos and comments) 

https://facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=pfbid02fupC8c26C19kkq2tSmSFKpTbfRYbpKEGWMHDK9mrB6BE3tQaTU6ME2o4wxK3JRaNl&id=1235970206&mibextid=Nif5oz

DPW updates on the sewer lining work underway around town (video)

"Exciting stuff, if you like Sewer work! The sewer main lining that happened in September is complete and now a crew is in Town Grouting the services and ends. 

If you see these guys around town, they are the grouting crew that is the final step to keep the ground water out of the sewer. For a virtual representation of what is being done check out this video - " 

Sewer line sealing -> https://youtu.be/F2oqgS0W9ew

 

Shared from DPW Facebook account ->

https://www.facebook.com/FranklinDPW/posts/pfbid02oENiJgHhcjjdhD7h3oG3SYzKZLGTh6xQnXFvSUZPwEotjSytZR8hdHoSmtzxC76Fl

DPW updates on the sewer lining work underway around town 2

DPW updates on the sewer lining work underway around town 1

DPW roadwork and construction delayed explained

"Because you asked! Installing a new watermain in the "Country Club" neighborhood.  For the most part, the work is going smoothly, however material shortages is slowing the job down. The new water is made of Ductile Iron pipe and it is very short supply due to COVID, which caused the foundry to shut down for a period of time. There is also an increased demand for pipe nationwide because of increased Federal Funding for Public Works projects. 

Two years ago there was no waiting for pipe, now there is wait time of 26 to 40 weeks till the pipe is available.  For example the pipe below was ordered in February,  made in New Jersey on 9/10, delivered to Franklin on 9/16 and started going into the ground on 9/19!

This project was scheduled for next year, as part of the Town's on going "watermain replacement / new roads" program but we were able to use ARPA funding for this work during the current construction season. The old pipe being replaced is made out of asbestos concrete.  

If you would like to know more about water pipe, check out this article:

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ductile_iron_pipe

https://www.exponent.com/services/practices/engineering/buildings--structures/capabilities/asbestoscement-transite-pipe-in-water-distributi__/?serviceId=962f01e0-65f2-41ec-b20e-940340a4ab50&loadAllByPageSize=true&knowledgePageSize=7&knowledgePageNum=0&newseventPageSize=7&newseventPageNum=0&professionalsPageNum=1...

Have a great Public Works Day!"

DPW roadwork and construction delayed explained 1

DPW roadwork and construction delayed explained 2

Shared from DPW Facebook page ->  https://www.facebook.com/FranklinDPW/posts/pfbid02z88GotHyJkTTXXQdJQn65WEPig14jARdPvXRZtruxUiGVZjve351vG1LeZBqXLgCl

Stop and think about it Before you share it

"A Facebook post on the Franklin MA Virtual Yard Sale group has been brought to our attention alleging a potential child abduction yesterday. The Facebook post states the child ran away from the attempted abduction and the incident was reported to the police. This post had over 75 shares. After looking into the matter we can confidently say this post is a SCAM. No incident similar to this was reported to the FPD. The poster, Nobuhle Magutshwa, posted the same post on various Facebook groups all around the country. Other activity on her Facebook page is consistent with other social media scams. In the future, any urgent public safety matters like will be shared immediately by the FPD social media accounts."

Shared from Town of Franklin Police Dept Facebook page

https://www.facebook.com/franklinmapolice/posts/pfbid0F7JUTp2qvp8phQNVEQuCPopFjGuFfWJLzaS5dFDVXyBBVc5GovHHhGTsCi8qyN3yl

Coincidentally, this type of post was covered in the recent session on "How to Spot Misinformation"

Misinformation & Fact checking resources

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/07/misinformation-fact-checking-resources.html

If you missed the session, you can take the MediaWise course on your own

https://www.poynter.org/shop/fact-checking/how-to-spot-misinformation-online-july-2021/

 

How to Spot Misinformation Online

Info on the clothing drive scheduled for Saturday was left off the mailer; as you drive to recycle Saturday don't forget the clothing!

In addition to the items mentioned Monday for the Recycling and Energy Drive scheduled for Saturday, May 21 at Beaver Pond/Chilson Beach - Clothing is also being collected. 

DPW Director Brutus Cantoreggi has this message to provide the update on Project Just Because (https://www.projectjustbecause.org/)

Shared from Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10158756305096313&id=730296312&sfnsn=mo

Or view the embedded Facebook post here ->

In case you missed the mailer (via US Postal Service) 

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/05/get-ready-for-saturday-may-21-recycling.html

as you drive to recycle Saturday don't forget the clothing!

Walpole Police and Franklin Police declared 2021 Gingerbread contest Co-Champions

Who won the contest? It finished with co-champions declared

"What a fantastic contest we had this year!  31 departments entered their gingerbread creations!  We had some very close matches and it all came down to the last 2!  I’d like to congratulate Walpole Police Department and Franklin Police Department on being the 2021 Gingerbread contest Co-Champions!  

We had to get a little bit creative this year with the winners.  It was so close, right down to the last hours when both Walpole and Franklin had some votes come in that were not actual individual votes, but seemed to be some sort of fake votes (no fault of either department at all). So, to keep the purpose and spirit of the competition alive, both departments are this year’s champs!!!  We can’t allow a little something like this ruin the fun we’ve had and the hard work put in from all participating departments and all of the folks that followed and supported their departments throughout the competition! 

We were able to raise $1,500 toward a cause to be chosen on Saturday, January 1st!  Along with the additional awards decided by me!  Have a happy and safe New Year everyone and thank you so much for participating and for your generosity!"

Shared from Facebook -> https://www.facebook.com/shelovespolice/posts/936223143702036 

Original post -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/12/tri-county-culinary-shop-created.html

gingerbread Franklin Police Station

Franklin Matters Leaving Facebook collection (not going away, just leaving Facebook)

The collection of posts alerting to the removal of the Franklin Matters Facebook page effective Nov 30, 2021. 

We're not going away, just leaving Facebook and its corrupt business environment behind. 

Nov 3, 2021
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/11/franklin-matters-is-leaving-facebook.html

Nov 5, 2021

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/11/franklin-matters-is-leaving-facebook_091766810.html

seven tweets atwitter

six ways to remain in the know

five meetings reported on

four info sessions scheduled

three more reminders

two Talk Franklin sessions a month

one daily newsletter

Nov 23, 2021

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/11/on-seventh-day-before-leaving-facebook.html

Nov 24, 2021

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/11/on-sixth-day-before-leaving-facebook-my.html

Nov 25, 2021

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/11/on-fifth-day-before-leaving-facebook-my.html

Nov 26, 2021

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/11/on-fourth-day-before-leaving-facebook.html

Nov 27, 2021

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/11/on-third-day-before-leaving-facebook-my.html

Nov 28, 2021

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/11/on-second-day-before-leaving-facebook.html

Nov 29, 2021

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/11/on-last-day-before-leaving-facebook-my.html

Franklin Matters Leaving Facebook collection (not going away, just leaving Facebook)

On the last day before leaving Facebook My true love sent to me

"On the last day before leaving Facebook 

My true love sent to me

A daily newsletter via email"

Yes, only one email and a good one each day with everything that matters!

The audio session to celebrate the anniversary of Franklin Matters can be found here -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/11/happy-anniversary-franklin-matters.html 

On the last day before leaving Facebook My true love sent to me

 

On the second day before leaving Facebook My true love sent to me

"On the second day before leaving Facebook 
My true love sent to me
Two Talk Franklin sessions a month"

The two "Talk Franklin" session can be considered a bonus that you receive by subscribing (for free). These sessions with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen get you insights on what's going on that are not available elsewhere.

And because you acted promptly, we’ll include the Town Council Quarterbacking sessions with Town Council Chair Tom Mercer. In about 20-30 minutes we provide a condensed view of what happened at the recent Town Council meeting.

These interviews are among those regularly scheduled and available to Franklin Matters subscribers. The audio session to celebrate the anniversary of Franklin Matters can be found here -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/11/happy-anniversary-franklin-matters.html 

On the second day before leaving Facebook My true love sent to me

 

On the third day before leaving Facebook My true love sent to me

"On the third day before leaving Facebook 

My true love sent to me

Three more reminders'

Very true; there are only three more reminders to sign up for the once per day newsletter before the info stops going to Facebook.

There are other ways to remain in the know (besides the daily newsletter). For info on those check out ->

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/11/on-sixth-day-before-leaving-facebook-my.html

The audio acknowledging the anniversary this November,

and the leaving of Facebook. There was life before Facebook

and there will be life after. https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/11/happy-anniversary-franklin-matters.html 

On the third day before leaving Facebook my true love sent to me

On the fourth day before leaving Facebook my true love sent to me

"On the fourth day before leaving Facebook 

My true love sent to me

Four seasons a year"

Yes, this is a stretch but it does fit the scheme. The information shared here does cover all the season throughout the year including all the high school sports seasons (via HockomockSports.com).

The audio acknowledging the anniversary this November,

and the leaving of Facebook. There was life before Facebook

and there will be life after. https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/11/happy-anniversary-franklin-matters.html 

On the fourth day before leaving Facebook my true love sent to me

On the fifth day before leaving Facebook, my true love sent to me

"On the fifth day before leaving Facebook 

My true love sent to me

Five regular meetings to report on"  (Town Council, Finance Committee, School Committee, Board of Health, Community Preservation Committee)

While I 'follow the money" with the Town Council, Finance Committee, and School Committee, the Board of Health and the Community Preservation Committee are usually scheduled such that I can regularly attend.

If you have an interesting in doing any reporting, please feel free to reach out and let me know.

The audio acknowledging the anniversary this November, and the leaving of Facebook.

There was life before Facebook and there will be life after. https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/11/happy-anniversary-franklin-matters.html 

On the fifth day before leaving Facebook, my true love sent to me

On the sixth day before leaving Facebook, My true love sent to me

"On the sixth day before leaving Facebook 

My true love sent to me

Six ways to remain in the know"

Yes, you can keep informed by

1. subscribing via the daily email newsletter
2. visiting the webpage
3. follow updates via Twitter
4. follow the podcast
5. listen to the radio
6. or participate in the monthly Franklin Matters Q&A session

Happy Anniversary Franklin Matters! Goodbye Facebook!

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/11/happy-anniversary-franklin-matters.html 

On the sixth day before leaving Facebook , My true love sent to me

On the seventh day before leaving Facebook , My true love sent to me

On the seventh day before leaving Facebook 

My true love sent to me

Seven tweets a twitter'

Happy anniversary Franklin Matters! Goodbye Facebook! (audio)

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/11/happy-anniversary-franklin-matters.html 

Yes, the count down is underway....  

follow Franklin Matters on Twitter ->  https://twitter.com/FranklinMatters

On the seventh day before leaving Facebook , My true love sent to me

"You Are the Object of a Secret Extraction Operation"

As part of the run up to Nov 30, there'll be a series of articles on Facebook and its technology. I have made my decision. Maybe the information will help inform you.

"You Are the Object of a Secret Extraction Operation" 

- By Shoshana Zuboff 

Dr. Zuboff is a professor emeritus at Harvard Business School and the author of “The Age of Surveillance Capitalism.”

"Facebook is not just any corporation. It reached trillion-dollar status in a single decade by applying the logic of what I call surveillance capitalism — an economic system built on the secret extraction and manipulation of human data — to its vision of connecting the entire world. Facebook and other leading surveillance capitalist corporations now control information flows and communication infrastructures across the world.

These infrastructures are critical to the possibility of a democratic society, yet our democracies have allowed these companies to own, operate and mediate our information spaces unconstrained by public law. The result has been a hidden revolution in how information is produced, circulated and acted upon. A parade of revelations since 2016, amplified by the whistle-blower Frances Haugen’s documentation and personal testimony, bears witness to the consequences of this revolution."

Continue reading the article online. (Subscription maybe required)

https://www.nytimes.com/2021/11/12/opinion/facebook-privacy.html

"Why Facebook won’t let you control your own news feed"

"In at least two experiments over the years, Facebook has explored what happens when it turns off its controversial news feed ranking system — the software that decides for each user which posts they’ll see and in what order, internal documents show. That leaves users to see all the posts from all of their friends in simple, chronological order.

Both tests appear to have taught Facebook’s researchers the same lesson: Users are better off with Facebook’s software calling the shots.

The internal research documents, some previously unreported, help to explain why Facebook seems so wedded to its automated ranking system, known as the news feed algorithm. That system is under intense public scrutiny."

Continue reading the article online. (Subscription maybe required)

https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2021/11/13/facebook-news-feed-algorithm-how-to-turn-it-off/

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/11/happy-anniversary-franklin-matters.html

Franklin Matters is leaving Facebook; your alternatives to consider to remain "in the know" (part 1)

Effective Nov 30, 2021 the Franklin Matters Facebook page will go away. You are given notice to find one of the other options to obtain the valuable information shared but not longer directly by me on Facebook.

• You can subscribe via email to the daily update (an easy way)  https://www.franklinmatters.org/p/welcome.html
• You can subscribe via RSS and get everything as it posts (actually the best way)  The 7 best RSS Readers for 2021 (I personally use Feedly)   https://bloggingwizard.com/free-rss-feed-readers/
• You can follow Franklin Matters on Twitter    https://twitter.com/FranklinMatters

Someone can also set up a way to take what I share and share it themselves to Facebook. I have no way to stop that. Folks occasionally do so on their own today.

My personal account will remain on Facebook to maintain my family and network connections. I have limited what is posted and shared in that way and am willing to take the risk to maintain those family connections.

I can no longer take the risk exposing your information in this way. Facebook needs to change and only actions like this will get their attention to do so.

Why Nov 30?

The Franklin election is important and as divisive as Facebook is, for those who depend upon it for info, I will provide some time for them to begin to make their move to one of the alternatives.

Need or want Help

If you need or want help setting up email or RSS, I've scheduled a few Zoom sessions to walk through the options to subscribe (other than Facebook). 

** Please sign up here -> https://forms.gle/x4gWma8PgrmDD1i66

Reference points on Facebook data leaks

• Franklin Matters attempt to shut down in 2018 was announced with this post ->  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2018/04/fixing-companys-problems-will-take-years.html
• Data leak reported in April 2021 (actually occurred during 2019) ->  https://blog.mozilla.org/en/privacy-security/facebook-data-leak-explained/
• Data leak in 2017 ->  https://techcrunch.com/2018/09/28/everything-you-need-to-know-about-facebooks-data-breach-affecting-50m-users/
• Cambridge Analytica aftermath -> https://techcrunch.com/2020/09/25/cambridge-analyticas-former-boss-gets-7-year-ban-on-being-a-business-director/

Mark Hurst's Good Report also has a listing on RSS Readers to add to what I shared here.  https://goodreports.com/post/rss-reader.html

Mark also went to so far as to urge community organizations to get off Facebook

https://creativegood.com/blog/21/leave-facebook-now.html

Franklin Matters is leaving Facebook; your alternatives to consider to remain "in the know"  (part 1)

Previously announced Oct 4, 2021  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/10/60-minutes-betrayal-of-democracy-leads.html  

Franklin Police Dept.: Deputy Chief James Mill retires

***DEPUTY CHIEF MILL RETIRES***

"On 11/02/2021, Deputy Chief James Mill concluded a 27+ year career with the Franklin  Police Department.  DC Mill started his career  in 1994 and worked several years in the patrol division before being promoted to Sergeant in 1999. In 2000 he was made a Detective Sergeant and led the Criminal Investigations Unit for 16 years. As a Detective Sergeant he directed the investigation of hundreds of criminal cases that led to the successful prosecution of many responsible criminals. 

In 2016 he was promoted to Deputy Chief and through his leadership and tenacity the FPD was awarded Certification status from the Massachusetts Accreditation Commission.

Although well known by many as a superb criminal investigator, he will be remembered most by those who worked with him and the victims of the crimes he investigated, as a compassionate, altruistic and caring man.

Affectionately known as Millzy by those who know him best, he was always available for a conversation, to active listen and to provide the best advice one could receive. Millzy was the textbook definition of a cop’s cop. He was always quick to stop you in the hallway, ask if you needed anything, and how your family was doing. 

Deputy Chief Mill, your tireless dedication, leadership and service to the Franklin Police Department and the residents of Franklin is irreplaceable. We all wish you and your family the best and hope your retirement brings nothing but joy."

Shared from Franklin Police Facebook: 

https://www.facebook.com/162770995915/posts/10157897508400916/

Deputy Chief Mill retires (FPD Facebook photo)

New York Times: "Facebook, Citing Societal Concerns, Plans to Shut Down Facial Recognition System"

"Facebook plans to shut down its decade-old facial recognition system this month, deleting the face scan data of more than one billion users and effectively eliminating a feature that has fueled privacy concerns, government investigations, a class-action lawsuit and regulatory woes.

Jerome Pesenti, vice president of artificial intelligence at Meta, Facebook’s newly named parent company, said in a blog post on Tuesday that the social network was making the change because of “many concerns about the place of facial recognition technology in society.” He added that the company still saw the software as a powerful tool, but “every new technology brings with it potential for both benefit and concern, and we want to find the right balance.”

The decision shutters a feature that was introduced in December 2010 so that Facebook users could save time. The facial-recognition software automatically identified people who appeared in users’ digital photo albums and suggested users “tag” them all with a click, linking their accounts to the images. Facebook now has built one of the largest repositories of digital photos in the world, partly thanks to this software."

Continue reading the article online. (Subscription maybe required)

https://www.nytimes.com/2021/11/02/technology/facebook-facial-recognition.html

Facebook is shuttering a feature, introduced in December 2010, that automatically identified people who appeared in users’ digital photo albums. Credit...Carlos Barria/Reuters