Deputy Chief Mill retires (FPD Facebook photo) |
Providing accurate and timely information about what matters in Franklin, MA since 2007. * Working in collaboration with Franklin TV and Radio (wfpr.fm) since October 2019 *
Wednesday, November 3, 2021
Franklin Police Dept.: Deputy Chief James Mill retires
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."
Facebook is shuttering a feature, introduced in December 2010, that automatically identified people who appeared in users’ digital photo albums. Credit...Carlos Barria/Reuters |
Thursday, October 21, 2021
Radio Margaritaville features Franklin's Pete Scaccia
Pete Scaccia (Franklin resident and longtime youth sports coach) is going to be the featured “Fruitcake on the Radio” on Radio Margaritaville this week. His segment will air on SiriusXM channel 24 on the following dates:
10/24 @ 4:00pm
10/25 @ 8:00pm
Attached is a picture of the recent Facebook post from Radio Margaritaville. Here is the content from the SiriusXM post for context (quoted content written by Pete):
Tune in Thursday morning at 10 AM EST to hear our new Fruitcake on the Radio/Guest DJ!!
“Hi my name is Pete Scaccia and I am your Fruitcake on the Radio. I live in Franklin, Massachusetts with my wife of 19 years and fellow concert goer Jacqui along with our two sons Nick and Ben. When not running a courier company I enjoy coaching my kid’s sports teams, driving with the top down on the jeep, fishing, scuba diving, clamming and just about anything else you can do on or around the water! I also enjoy collecting different types of maps and am a Civil War buff. Some of my favorite memories with my family have been around the water. Whether it was growing up spending summers on Cape Cod, living in Annapolis, MD, taking a Caribbean cruise or driving onto the beach in the Outer Banks of North Carolina, Jimmy’s music can always be heard playing in the background.”
Radio Margaritaville features Franklin's Pete Scaccia |
Sunday, October 10, 2021
DPW Director Robert "Brutus" Cantoreggi receives Top Ten Public Works Leader of the Year Award
"Congratulations to our national award winners who were recognized at the NEAPWA Fall Conference Awards Dinner by the National 2021 President Mary Joyce Ivers.Brutus Cantoreggi - Top Ten Public Works Leader of the Year Award"
Monday, October 4, 2021
60 Minutes "a betrayal of democracy" leads to decision that Franklin Matters Facebook page to go away Dec 1, 2021
"The version of Facebook that exists today is tearing our societies apart and causing ethnic violence around the world," says former Facebook employee France Haugen. She points to Myanmar, where the military used Facebook to launch a genocide.
“The version of Facebook that exists today is tearing our societies apart and causing ethnic violence around the world,” says former Facebook employee France Haugen. She points to Myanmar, where the military used Facebook to launch a genocide. https://t.co/WU4IumjHkO pic.twitter.com/cy9Ed9MgbH
— 60 Minutes (@60Minutes) October 3, 2021
Note: this is a continuation of the revelations about Facebook since the Cambridge Analytica scandal. in 2018 I attempted to remove Franklin Matters updates from Facebook at that time and the readers, followers on Facebook created an uproar so I stayed reluctantly.
As a data security and privacy professional I can no longer condone the Facebook business model. Effective Dec 1, 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.
- 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/
Monday, September 20, 2021
Recap: Franklin Recycling and Energy Event - Sep 18, 2021
An update on the Recycling event held Saturday, Sep 18, 2021 via State Representative Jeff Roy, one of the co-sponsor:
"We had a very successful Franklin Recycling and Energy Event at Chilson Beach Parking Lot on Beaver Street today. Over 300 cars were served and over 100 dehumidifiers were delivered in exchange for $30 and a rebate on a new purchase.
The program typically brings in 1,600 dehumidifiers annually across the state, and we did 100 in just one day in Franklin. We also collected four truckloads of furniture for Habitat for Humanity and two truckloads of electronics for recycling. We had folks from Eversource and Mass Save to sign up customers for energy savings repairs in their homes. It was a great way to help fight climate change and reduce energy costs.
Much thanks to Fred Frederick Cullen at Green Team Junk Removal, Marcie Rappa, National Grid, MassSave, Habitat for Humanity, and the Town of Franklin for helping put it all together and make it a success. And thank you to the residents for helping save the planet by showing up and turning in your unused goods and recycling them."
Recap: Franklin Recycling and Energy Event - Sep 18, 2021 |
Tuesday, September 14, 2021
Franklin Dog Park help needed on Saturday, Sep 18
Saturday, September 11, 2021
School Committee candidate campaign pages
- Camille Bernstein: https://www.facebook.com/groups/430251844946562
- Mark Bisson: https://www.facebook.com/groups/993032414806154
- Dave Callaghan: https://www.facebook.com/Dave-Callaghan-for-School-Committee-105575838510215
- Al Charles: https://www.facebook.com/AlCharlesFSC
- Jennifer D'Angelo
- John McCormack: https://www.facebook.com/McCormack4SC
- Dave McNeill: https://www.facebook.com/DaveMcNeillforSC
- Mary Jane Scofield
- Denise Spencer: https://www.facebook.com/SpencerforSchoolCommittee
- Elise Stokes: https://www.facebook.com/GetStokes4Franklin
- Dashe Videira http://www.dasheforfreedom.com/
- Meghan Whitmore: https://www.facebook.com/Meghan-Whitmore-for-Franklin-School-Committee-106021458463361
Wednesday, September 8, 2021
Townwide Curb event - Sep 25-26
"Place all of your gently used or unwanted items on your curb and let the treasure hunting begin!
Everyone would be responsible for removing any unwanted items from their curb after the event."
Townwide Curb event - Sep 25-26 |
Wednesday, July 28, 2021
Lions Heart drive a success
"Thank you Franklin Chapter for collecting 36 bags of clothing and 16 boxes of books for Cradles To Crayons. They picked up donations today and we’re very happy."
Lions Heart drive a success |
Milford Daily News: "Did you find a painted whelk in Franklin?"
"For three years, Katie Loder, 63, was reminded by doctors that she would probably die soon.
But they also didn’t know exactly what was wrong with her — and still don’t, said Loder, who also previously had esophageal cancer.
The Wareham resident wasn’t allowed to go outside or near anyone, not even to the mailbox. But eventually, doctors said she could go alone to the beach. More often than not it was Onset Beach. It’s where she would often find an array of whelk shells -- from the larger knobbed whelks to smoother channeled and waved whelks, to smaller Stimson’s whelks -- and started collecting them.
Today, you can find more than 300 of those shells scattered across Franklin -on benches, outside the window sills of storefronts and sometimes even in random front yards when she tosses them from her moving car while driving by. "
https://milforddailynews-ma.newsmemory.com?selDate=20210728&goTo=A07
Friday, July 23, 2021
Rep Roy's recap of Franklin Historical Museum reopening
State Representative Jeff Roy writes:
"Delighted to be a part of the grand re-opening of the Franklin Historical Museum last week. The re-opening brought back to life our local laboratory for history and culture and offered residents a chance to see Franklin over the years since 1778.
It was also a treat to hear James Johnston describe the new federal parlor display and hear Jamie Barrett sing his ode to Davis Thayer (brief video included below). Check out the newly re-opened and expanded museum. Thank you Mary Olsson for making it all happen."
Shared from Facebook: https://facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10165185454565034&id=534850033
ribbon cutting of the Franklin Historical Museum reopening |
Sunday, July 11, 2021
PMC Kids Ride returns in September 2021
"WE'RE BACK!
Please join us this fall for our 2021 ride (in person)!!! It will be held on Sunday, September 19th at Jefferson Elementary School! We would love to have you ride with us! Registration is now open. Get a team together and sign up today!!"
Saturday, July 10, 2021
Lions Heart starts fund raising drive July 12
"Lions Heart of Franklin is hosting a children's book and clothing drive from July 12- July 25 to benefit CRADLES TO CRAYONS non-profit in Boston.
All you have to do is share this with your neighbors, friends and family and collect any donated items. All donations can be delivered to me at end of two week period and I will get them to the Giving Factory in Boston.
Be creative, make fliers, use social media...let everyone know that we are doing this. Lets see if we can fill a few cars with gently used boys and girls clothing and books. Summer time is a great time to clean out those closets."
Lions Heart starts fund raising drive July 12 |
Wednesday, June 30, 2021
Sad news from TC Scoops
Via TC Scoops
"It is with a broken heart that I need to inform you that tomorrow, June 30th, will be our last day in operation at the Medway Shopping Plaza. After nearly 10 years, the owner has decided suddenly, unexpectedly and, in my opinion, unnecessarily not to renew my lease after a month of attempting to come to an agreement. Even as of last Friday it seemed like we were going to be able to come to some sort of arrangement, to no avail.
Thank you for all of your support over the years, you have all made me happy and proud to be part of the Medway community.
We will be operating out of the ice cream bus as much as possible, and will regularly post here as to where you can find it.
If you would like to tell ownership how you feel about this decision, feel free to call the home office at 617 227-0893 or email the plaza manager at jgriffin@dfi.cc.
We will end up on our feet, sometime, somewhere so until then adios!"
Web page https://tcscoops.com/index.html
Sad news from TC Scoops |
Thursday, June 24, 2021
Project envoy continues its work - "Survey finds significant food insecurity among Massachusetts families"
Project Envoy will be at the community table for the next 5 weeks sharing information about food insecurity and bringing awareness to the Franklin Food Pantry.
Be sure to stop by and visit them.
"Nearly half of Massachusetts parents in a recent survey said their families experienced food insecurity during the coronavirus pandemic, but many who were eligible for federal assistance didn’t seek it because they weren’t fully informed about the program, according to The MassINC Polling Group.About 47 percent of those surveyed reported experiencing food insecurity over the past year, but only about 40 percent of that group received benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, commonly known as food stamps, according to a statement from MassINC.Fewer than half of those making $25,000 a year or less, an income that would most likely allow them to qualify for SNAP, actually received benefits, according to the survey."
https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/06/24/metro/survey-finds-significant-food-insecurity-among-massachusetts-families/
BEN GARVER/ASSOCIATED PRESS |
Sunday, June 13, 2021
Clothing Drive for Franklin Crossing
"Please help and share this information any question message me (Theresa Auciello Shea) or Megan Langevin or Andy Bissanti-or email the Lions, But its pretty simple we need your clothing your not using or anything made of material or cloth, even in the most poor condition, we will earn dollars so we can donate to the Families that have suffered a big loss from the fire at Franklin Crossing."
Saturday, June 5, 2021
Franklin Area Moms: Lessons for Littles - Jun 6 at 3 PM
"Live Stream for Sunday: https://www.facebook.com/events/200734355254645/Please click on the link above to access the live stream on Sunday, June 6 at 3 PM. The video will also be available on the Franklin Area Moms public Facebook page. You will be able to ask questions through the live stream. Cobi Frongillo, the moderator for the event, will get through as many of the questions as the panel is able to during the event.*Don't forget, Franklin TV and several other local access TV stations will be airing the event as well!"
Thursday, May 27, 2021
Franklin fire donation information
"The Franklin MA Lions Club and Franklin Elks Lodge #2136 are working with the Red Cross to help families affected by today’s fire. We have been told the best donations right now are that of gift cards to various clothing, drug stores, food and restaurants. Please reach out to Franklin Lions to make your donation.
Update: The Lions met this evening. We have had an outpouring for clothing donations. For this reason we have decided to do a fund-drive to turn clothing and cloth material such as shoes, curtains, stuffed animals, blankets, etc into cash. We hope to collect 5000lbs by July 7th. We currently will pick up but are working on drop off locations for bags.
Update: we have set up an account with Rockland Trust: Franklin Lions Disaster Fund. Donations can be made there. 100% will be used to assist families to get back on their feet. In addition at the downtown Franklin branch across from post office is a drop box for gift cards. Gift cards and checks can also be mailed to
- Franklin LionsPO Box 3,Franklin , MA.
The Red Cross is still trying to reach all 36 families. If you know of a family or are a family affected by today’s fire. Please contact the Red Cross at 1-800-564-1234.
Sunday, May 16, 2021
New business - CleanX Franklin opens for business
Proud to announce my new office cleaning business is up and running. CleanX Franklin is a local office cleaning business open Monday through Saturday. If you or anyone you know is in need of an office cleaning please contact us at cleanxfranklin@gmail.com
From their About page: https://www.cleanxfranklin.com/
"Our mission at CleanX is simple: to provide high-quality services for our valued clients. Our team goes above and beyond to cater to each project’s specific needs. Through open communication and exceptional service, we hope you’ll find what you’re looking for with our Office Cleaning Service. For more information or general inquiries, get in touch today."
CleanX Franklin opens for business |