Are You Age 70 or Older and Not Yet Getting Your Social Security Retirement Benefits?

Retirement is not one-size-fits-all. It can mean different things to different people. Perhaps you have not applied for Social Security retirement benefits because you're still working or are delaying applying so you can get the higher benefit. 

If you're age 70 or older, you should apply now for the benefits you're owed. Your benefits will not increase if you continue to delay applying for them because you are 70 or older.

Did you know that you can receive benefits even if you still work? Your earnings can increase your monthly benefit amount – even after you start receiving benefits. Each year that you work, we check your earnings record. It’s possible your latest year of earnings is one of your highest 35 years. If so, we will automatically recalculate your benefit amount and pay you any increase due.

Continue reading the article online -> https://blog.ssa.gov/are-you-age-70-or-older-and-not-yet-getting-your-social-security-retirement-benefits/

Are You Age 70 or Older and Not Yet Getting Your Social Security Retirement Benefits?

Town of Franklin, MA: Announces Diane Montanez as HR Benefits Coordinator

Town of Franklin, MA (@TOFranklinMA) tweeted  on Tue, Jun 27, 2023:

"Welcome HR Benefits Coordinator Diane Montanez! She has over 20 years of experience in HR at the City of Marlborough & Mass Container Corp. 

In her role, she will support management of benefits & records for town, school, & retired employees. 

Fun fact, she is fluent in Portuguese! https://t.co/I6KTgKPHft"

Shared from -> https://twitter.com/TOFranklinMA/status/1673813211328512000

Town of Franklin, MA: Announces Diane Montanez as HR Benefits Coordinator

Medicare for You: What You Need to Know (Part 2)

This is part two of our series on Medicare benefits. Did you miss the first blog? Please check it out here.

"Did you know you can save money on Medicare costs this year? The Inflation Reduction Act which President Biden signed into law in August 2022, will help you save money on Medicare prescription drug costs and recommended adult vaccines starting in 2023.

Let’s explore a few of the ways that this new law will lower your Medicare prescription drug costs."

Continue reading the article online ->  

https://blog.ssa.gov/medicare-for-you-what-you-need-to-know-part-2/

Medicare for You: What You Need to Know (Part 2)

Franklin Town Council closes out last meeting of 2022 with approval of an open space purchase to reach 200 acres in about 18 months (video)

The Franklin Town Council meet for the last time in the 2022 calendar year on Dec 14, 2022. The last agenda was a full one even after revising it to remote a couple of items for a future session.

After about 2 hours and 10 minutes, they entered Executive Session and returned after approx. 35 minutes to approve two more items and then close the meeting.

The Franklin TV video replay is available here -> https://youtu.be/qVbiUMlcbL8

The full agenda doc also contains remote participation info ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/dec_14_tc_mtg_agenda-revised.pdf

My notes captured via Twitter during the meeting (in 1 PDF file)

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1TT_f9Y9eVXExUtjlcCD2XKtSTjcwG582/view?usp=share_link

The meeting audio and my recap will be shared in a day or so.

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda & Documents for Dec 14, 2022 7:00 PM

Veterans' Call: PACT Act (video)

Hoping to learn more about the PACT Act? 

For an overview from local experts, visit https://youtu.be/-qzZkUMsheI

The show features guest speakers Matt Ching and Tom Ryan from the state of MA Department of Veterans' Services.  Matt and Tom are both National Service Officers who provide technical assistance and advice to VSO's regarding VA claims. 

Their expertise and knowledge helps Veterans across the Commonwealth,  so please take advantage of this opportunity to hear from them directly.

If you have any follow-up questions or want to file a claim, just give our office a call!  

Best regards, 

Shannon

Shannon Nisbett

Veterans' Services Officer

10 Daniel McCahill Street

Franklin, MA 02038

Email: snisbett@franklinma.gov

T: 508.613.1315

Hear about the Veterans' Bonuses available on the new "Veterans' Call" (video)

Hello all,

Please watch my recent interview with Steven Croteau, state Veterans' Bonus Manager, on Franklin TV's YouTube Channel!  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cPWo7SlM47A

We've also posted the link to the video on our website under News and Announcements.  https://www.franklinma.gov/veterans-services

Please spread the word and share this info with other veterans.  If you want to apply for a bonus, just give our office a call!

Sincerely, Shannon

--

Shannon Nisbett

Veterans' Services Officer

10 Daniel McCahill Street

Franklin, MA 02038

Email: snisbett@franklinma.gov

T: 508.613.1315

veterans memorial son the Franklin Town Common at night

Finance Committee: Budget Hearing #1 - General Government - May 9, 2022 - 6:30 PM

Finance Committee 

Meeting Agenda & Meeting Packet 

Monday, May 9, 2022  - 6:30 PM

 
Agenda
1. Call to Order

2. Public Comments

3. Approval of Minutes

a. March 9, 2022

4. 2022 Capital Budget Round 2

5. FY23 Town Administrator Operating Budget Hearing:

FY23 Town Administrator Budget Materials website

https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/webforms/fy-23-budget-materials

a. General Government - Accounts 111 Town Council, 123 Town Administrator, 131 Finance Committee, 135 Comptroller, 141 Assessors, 147 Treasurer-Collector, 151 Legal, 152 Human Resources, 155 Information Technology, 161 Town Clerk, 164 Elections & Registration, 176 Appeals Board (ZBA), 177 Planning & Growth Management, 184 Agricultural Commission, 192 Public Properties & Buildings, 196 Central Services

b. Human Services - 510 Board of Health, 541 Council on Aging, 543 Veterans Services

c. Culture & Recreation - 610 Library, 630 Recreation, 690 Historical Museum, 691 Historical Commission, 695 Cultural Council, 696 Cultural District Committee.

d. Debt & Interest - 710 Debt Service - Principal, 750 Debt Service - Interest

e. Employee Benefits: 910 Retirement & Pension, 945 Risk Management (Liability Insurance)

6. Future Agenda Items

7. Adjourn

The agenda document includes remote connection info -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/_2022-05-09_finance_committee_agenda_1.pdf

FY23 Town Administrator Budget Materials website

Veterans Coffee Social - Learn about property tax exemptions for eligible vets! March 2 - 10 AM

March 2022 Coffee Social

Learn about property tax exemptions for eligible vets!

Join us for coffee and conversation!

All veterans are welcome!

• When: March 2 - 10 AM
• Where: Franklin Senior Center

Shared from ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/veterans-services/news/march-2022-coffee-social

Veterans Coffee Social - Learn about property tax exemptions for eligible vets! March 2 - 10 AM

Social Security Benefits Increase 1.3 % in 2021

From the Social Security Administration we share:

"Approximately 70 million Americans will see a 1.3 percent increase in their Social Security benefits and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments in 2021. Federal benefit rates increase when the cost-of-living rises, as measured by the Department of Labor's Consumer Price Index (CPI-W).

Continue reading   https://blog.ssa.gov/social-security-benefits-increase-in-2021/

 

Social Security Benefits Increase in 2021

Don White online concert to benefit Franklin Food Pantry - July 23 - 7 PM

Don is hilarious 7/23 7PM

Don White and special guests View this email in your browser Don White online show July 23 7 PM Donations The Circle of Friends Coffeehouse presents an online concert by Don White, on Thursday, July 23rd at 7 PM to benefit the Franklin Food Pantry. http://www.donwhite.net/ This Zoom event will be interactive – meaning that Don and the audience will be able to hear laughter and applause as it happens. At the end of the show, there will be an after party. Special guests Peter Yarrow and John Gorka will join him and perform!  Franklin's Jamie Barrett will open the show with one song. If you want to be in the interactive Zoom concert use this access information. Go to www.Zoom.com and “Join Meeting” Meeting ID: 825 8331 9277 Password: 646619 You may also view the show on YouTube please go to https://youtu.be/Zwoc7dXhnpU There is no fee but donations will be accepted and benefit the Franklin Food Pantry. PayPal : https://www.paypal.me/donwhitefolk Venmo: @DonWhiteFolk Or you may mail a check to Circle of Friends, PO Box 21, Franklin, MA 02038 Upcoming Online Shows Aug 8       Peter Yarrow Sep 12     John Gorka

Circle of Friends Coffeehouse · First Universalist Society · 262 Chestnut St · Franklin, MA 02038 · USA                                          Don White online concert to benefit Franklin Food Pantry - July 23 - 7 PM

Don White Concert to benefit the Franklin Food Pantry - July 23

The Circle of Friends Coffeehouse is presenting an online concert by Don White, on Thursday, July 23 at 7 PM to benefit the Franklin Food Pantry. Don is an award-winning singer/songwriter, a comedian, an author, and a storyteller. He’s been bringing audiences to laughter and tears for thirty years. He is a Circle of Friends regular whose songs and stories always have our crowds rolling in the aisles. http://www.donwhite.net/

Don White Concert to benefit the Franklin Food Pantry

Franklin's Jamie Barrett opens the show.

A special surprise guest will be joining Don at the end of the show.

You will be able to view this show on YouTube at https://youtu.be/Zwoc7dXhnpU

There is no fee but donations will be accepted and benefit the Franklin Food Pantry.

Franklin's Jamie Barrett opens the show

The Circle of Friends Coffeehouse is a non-profit organization affiliated with Franklin's First Universalist Society. Please visit  http://www.circlefolk.org/ for more information.

You may be eligible for SNAP benefits

AlertsMA: Need help buying healthy food? You may be eligible for SNAP benefits. Visit Mass.gov/covid-snap for more information and how to apply.

"You may be eligible for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) administers SNAP benefits. SNAP provides a monthly benefit to buy nutritious foods.

To get SNAP, you must be low-income and be a U.S. citizen or legal noncitizen (restrictions apply). Eligibility for SNAP benefits depends on financial and nonfinancial criteria."

You may be eligible for SNAP benefits

Good flowchart to explain MA unemployment benefits

Via the Dept of Unemployment Assistance

"The Department of Unemployment Assistance is moving swiftly to implement three new public benefit programs that will expand unemployment eligibility; temporarily increase weekly benefits for all claimants; and allow additional categories of people to claim unemployment benefits.

The move, the largest expansion of assistance for the Commonwealth’s workforce since the Great Depression, follows new guidance from the federal government regarding the CARES Act."

For additional info visit their MA.gov page
https://www.mass.gov/info-details/update-massachusetts-department-of-unemployment-assistance-announces-guidance-on-cares

Good flowchart to explain MA unemployment benefits

"these programs are really a win, win, win"

Via Commonwealth Magazine, we find that the State is suspending the HIP program as of Feb 24. The Farmers Market today in Franklin is not affected but the next markets in Mar and Apr will be.

"AT A MONTHLY WINTER FARMERS market run by Roots Rising in Pittsfield, shoppers can buy apples, canned tomatoes, carrots, potatoes, onions, and winter squash. A shopper using SNAP benefits can spend $1 to buy $2 of produce under the state’s Healthy Incentives Program, or HIP.

But as of Feb. 24, shoppers on public benefits will no longer get that extra money. The state is suspending HIP for the winter, with plans to restore it May 15. State officials say the program – which doubles the impact of SNAP benefits when produce is bought from a participating farm – is a victim of its own success and has outgrown its budget.

Without a temporary suspension of the program, state officials say its $6.5 million state appropriation would run out quickly and no money would be left during the busier buying and growing season this summer.

Advocates for farmers and low-income individuals say the loss of HIP will hurt shoppers and sellers. Recently, 89 legislators wrote to Department of Transitional Assistance Commissioner Amy Kershaw protesting the suspension, and the lack of notice."

Continue reading the article online
https://commonwealthmagazine.org/state-government/state-suspending-farm-food-benefits-program/

Winter Farmers Market

When: Sat, February 15, 10am – 2pm

Where: Fairmount Fruit Farm, 887 Lincoln St, Franklin, MA 02038, USA (map)

Description: A winter farmers market where local farms and crafters/vendors can gather together to sell products and network within their community

 

 

"these programs are really a win, win, win"

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

Franklin Agway sales to benefit SAFE Coalition - March 24-25

"March savings at the Franklin Agway. More deals on our anniversary weekend. Support the SAFE Coalition 3/24-3/25 when purchasing your all natural Bonide products."

Franklin Agway sale to benefit SAFE Coalition

More about the SAFE Coalition can be found on their webpage
http://safecoalitionma.com/

Public Notice to All Veteran's & Surviving Spouses

This notice is to reassure all qualifying Veteran's and their surviving spouses that information on the 2017 veteran's exemption is on its way. The Board of Assessor's has sent letters to all qualifying Veteran's and surviving spouses of their eligibility for veteran's exemptions for Fiscal Year 2017. 

Within the next 3-4 weeks, the Department of Veteran's Affairs (VA) will send you a summary of benefits you currently receive from the VA including a disability rating. To apply for an exemption, please attach a copy of this new VA letter to your new FY 2017 veteran’s tax exemption application when you return it to us. 

The Board of Assessors can be reached at 508-520-4920 

Dale Kurtz, Veteran's Officer, can be reached at 508-613-1315

This was shared from the Town of Franklin page
http://franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_News/Public%20Notice%20to%20All%20Veteran.pdf

Franklin Senior Center

Franklin High School hosting benefit concert on Tuesday, May 26

The Franklin High School “Tri-M” Music Honor Society and “Change for a Chance” club are hosting a benefit concert on Tuesday, May 26 at 6:30 p.m. at the Franklin High School Courtyard. 

Suggested donation is $5 and all proceeds will go to the East African Center for the Empowerment of Women and Children (EAC) based in Takaungu Kenya. The EAC nonprofit helps people improve their own lives by empowering women and children, providing assistance to communities and providing access to resources and tools for change.

The concert, open to the public, will feature musicians, singers, bands and chamber groups from Franklin High School.

The Tri-M Music Honor Society is the international music honor society for middle/junior high and high school students. It is designed to recognize students for their academic and musical achievements, reward them for their accomplishments and service activities, and to inspire other students to excel at music and leadership.

Change for a Chance is a student club that organizes events to support local and international charities.

Tickets are available at the door on the night of the concert

Franklin High School

Franklin's portion of the Norfolk County Retirement System

Unfunded liability is an item of discussion for the Franklin budget. There are two areas of unfunded liability. The Norfolk County Retirement System and the towns own post-retirement benefit liabilities. Town administrator Jeff Nutting reviewed this worksheet with the Finance Committee at the December meeting. It was the first time that Franklin had received such detail from Norfolk County.

As you read the table in the attachment below, FRA is the Franklin line. We have an outstanding liability of $36.4M.



How Franklin will save to pay for this unfunded liability will continue to be a discussion item each budget cycle.

In the News: children, Emery, OPBA, firefighters, bullying

Children have their day of celebration in Franklin

by Matt Tota/Daily News staff

Emerys’ love has lasted a lifetime in Franklin

by Matt Tota/Daily News staff

Most towns poorly prepared to pay for retirement benefits

by David Riley and Michael Morton and Laura Krantz, Daily News staff

How many fires do firefighters really fight?

by Jessica Trufant/Daily News staff

No age limit on bullying

by Laura Krantz/Daily News staff