How to Access Online Resources with your Franklin Library card

As you have noticed, I share pertinent articles from other legitimate media sources.

When I do that for the Boston Globe and NY Times, you can access the full article in the newspaper with a Franklin Public Library card. If you don't already have one, might be a good idea to get one.

There are a whole listing of online resources available with a library card. You'll need to go the Library page, Online resources, and then follow that link which will prompt you for your library card to get access. A few clicks but those clicks save you the subscription fee.

How to access the Online Resources step by step with the Boston Globe newspaper shown as an example:

Go to the Library page ->  https://franklinma.gov/233/Franklin-Public-Library 

Select “Online Resources” as indicated by the red arrow

Select “Online Resources” as indicated by the red arrow

Scroll alphabetically, or chose the alpha section to the one you want

Scroll alphabetically, or chose the alpha section to the one you want

On the next screen enter your Library card # and then enjoy the online access to this resource

On the next screen enter your Library card # and then enjoy the online access to this resource

While these steps are the easy one two three for most of the databases, there are a few that require some extra steps. If you need help getting access please contact the library through the website contact forms (https://www.franklinma.gov/235/Contact-Us) or call the main line at 508-520-4941

Download this info as a one page PDF to remember or to share

https://drive.google.com/file/d/16jrK4oH3oAR7R0dcAtVHBbMBQzW__089/view?usp=drive_link

Enjoy the FREE Children's Museum mobile exhibits at Patriot Place on Sunday, Feb 23

Patriot Place Sunday, Feb 23

 "We’re back! Join us Feb 23 at Patriot Place (indoors!) for a FREE Mobile Museum featuring ALL of our themed areas, including (sock)

skating! 

There are no time blocks for this event - come anytime between 10 AM and 5 PM!  

Register at: childrensmuseumfranklin.org/register"

Did you listen to the excitement in Erin & Meg's voices as we talked of the opening of their facility on Cottage St here in Franklin?

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/02/erin-meg-share-their-excitement-as.html

Shared from -> https://childrensmuseumoffranklin.app.neoncrm.com/nx/portal/neonevents/events?path=%2Fportal%2Fevents%2F13914

IRS Free File now open: Free tax filing service available to millions on IRS.gov

The Internal Revenue Service announced today (1/07/25) that the IRS Free File Guided Tax Software is now available for taxpayers ahead of the official start of tax season later this month.

IRS Free File now open

Starting January 10, the IRS Free File will begin accepting individual tax returns. Millions of taxpayers nationwide can access free software tools offered by trusted IRS Free File partners by visiting IRS.gov.

"The IRS remains committed to its partnership with Free File Inc. to ensure taxpayers have free and secure options for filing their taxes electronically," said IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel. "Taxpayers have multiple filing choices, including trusted tax professionals, tax software, Free File, Direct File or free preparation services through IRS partners. Over the years, Free File has helped millions of taxpayers, providing a fast and simple way to file their returns. This program continues to be a valuable resource for eligible individuals looking to file their taxes for free through this unique program."

Entering its 23rd filing season, IRS Free File is just one of many free options available to taxpayers for filing their tax returns, whether online or in person. This service is made possible through a public-private partnership between the IRS and Free File Inc. (formerly the Free File Alliance). As part of this partnership, tax preparation and filing software partners offer their online products to eligible taxpayers for free. To access these free tools, taxpayers must start from the IRS Free File page on IRS.gov.

This year, eight private-sector partners will provide online guided tax software products for taxpayers with an Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) of $84,000 or less in 2024. Additionally, one partner will offer a product in Spanish.

Although the IRS official tax filing season begins later this month, IRS Free File providers will allow taxpayers to prepare and file returns now and hold them until they can be electronically filed on that date. Many other software companies offer a similar option.

Taxpayers with an AGI above $84,000 can use the Free File Fillable Forms (FFFF) starting January 27. These electronic versions of IRS paper forms are ideal for individuals who are comfortable preparing their own taxes using IRS instructions and publications.

Understanding IRS Free File

Each IRS Free File trusted partner establishes its own eligibility criteria based on age, income, state residency and military status.

Taxpayers with an AGI of $84,000 or less in 2024 can find an IRS Free File product; some providers include free state tax return preparation and filing. All partners offer active-duty military personnel with an AGI of $84,000 or less in 2024, free tax preparation and filing using IRS Free File.

Use IRS Free File to claim valuable tax credits if eligible

IRS Free File offers a simple, no-cost way for taxpayers to claim the full amount of tax benefits for which they're eligible, including the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), the Child Tax Credit and other valuable credits. The EITC is available to qualified taxpayers with earned income under $66,819. The EITC Assistant, available in English and seven other languages, can help taxpayers determine if they qualify.

The EITC is just one of several refundable tax credits related to family and dependent care that individuals without a filing requirement may still be eligible to claim. Refundable tax credits allow taxpayers to receive a refund even if they owe no tax, or refundable credits can reduce the amount of tax owed, potentially leading to a refund. For more details on the EITC and other tax credits, visit Earned Income Tax Credit.

How to find the right IRS Free File product

Taxpayers are responsible for determining their eligibility for a free federal tax return from the list of trusted partners.

• Go to IRS.gov/freefile,
• Click on Explore Free Guided Tax Software button. Then select the Find a Trusted Partner tool for help in finding the right product, or
• Use the Browse All Trusted Partners tool to review each offer,
• Select the desired product, and
• Follow the links to the trusted partner's website to begin their tax return.

No computer? No problem. IRS Free File products support mobile phone access. Taxpayers can do their taxes on their smart phone or tablet.

IRS Free File participants

For 2025, the following trusted partners are participating in IRS Free File:

• 1040Now
• Drake (1040.com)
• ezTaxReturn.com
• FileYourTaxes.com
• On-Line Taxes
• TaxAct
• TaxHawk (FreeTaxUSA)
• TaxSlayer

For 2025, ezTaxReturn.com will provide an IRS Free File product in Spanish.

IRS Free File helps taxpayers save money and file their taxes quickly and easily. For more information or to get started on a tax return today, visit IRS Free File: Do your taxes for free.

Shared from the Press Release -> https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-free-file-opens-friday-free-tax-filing-service-available-to-millions-on-irsgov

Holiday carols, Cookies, and Cocoa with Jamie Barrett - Dec 7

Holiday carols, Cookies, and Cocoa

Join us for a FREE Community Concert at Franklin UMC (Franklin, MA). Join us for holiday carols, cookies, and cocoa, featuring Jamie Barrett. 

All are welcome to catch a little holiday spirit, enjoy the company of new and old friends, and sing a long!

Franklin United Methodist Church (UMC) is located at 82 W. Central Street, Franklin (MA). Parking is available in the parking lot between the church and the Franklin Historical Museum, and in the parking lot behind Cornetta Law Office. Street parking is available on East St., West St., and Church Ave

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1w4LmgGZvf/

Talking about "Create Art Around the World" with the NAHS student leadership team (audio)

FM #1158 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1158 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with the leadership team of the National Art Honor Society (NAHS). Amy Edson, FHS Art teacher, and club advisor. The leadership team students introduce themselves as we go around:  

• Raena, the President of NAHS and leading the Singapore room

• Allie, the Vice-President, and leading the Spain room

• Gia, the Data Manager, and leading the Columbia room

• Christine, the Social Media Director and leading the Sudan room

We had our conversation in one of the art rooms where the Create Art Around the World will be taking place. 

Thanks to the Franklin Cultural Council for the grant to enable this event for free.

Let’s listen to this conversation about the kid friendly (and did we say, “Free”) Create Art Around the World scheduled for Wednesday, April 24, 2024 from 5:30 to 7:30 PM.  Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1158-fhs-nahs-create-art-round-the-world-03-07-24

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FHS Clay Studio Instagram account -> https://www.instagram.com/fhs_claystudio/ 

More about the Franklin Cultural Council -> https://www.franklinma.gov/cultural-council 

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We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm). 

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

 

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

• If you don't like something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

 

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/  or www.franklin.news 

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

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You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

Create Art Around the World scheduled for Apr 24, 2024 - free & kid Friendly at FHS

Create Art Around the World scheduled for Apr 24, 2024 - free & kid Friendly at FHS

"Save the date!  

We are holding our 3rd annual Art Around the World event on April 24th here at Franklin High School.

Check out the Franklin Matters website and hear from our club advisor, Ms. Edson, and our leadership team as we introduce our new selection of art activities from Colombia, Spain, Sudan, and Singapore (audio interview to be shared shortly)."

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/C4OtbjouFkG/

Create Art Around the World scheduled for Apr 24, 2024 - free & kid Friendly at FHS

Hockey Triple Header at DCU in Worcester - FREE TICKETS FOR VETS!

Veterans Appreciation Day & Night - Saturday, March 30, 2024 
- Reserve your seat today!

Join the Department of Massachusetts VFW for a day of camaraderie and hockey on Saturday, March 30 beginning at 2:30 p.m. at the DCU Center in Worcester!

Reserve your seat today by calling: Mike Raymond at: (603) 608-6898

Read more

Hockey Triple Header at DCU in Worcester - FREE TICKETS FOR VETS!

MBTA offers Free travel on New Year's Eve

"Free travel on all modes after 8 PM New Year's Eve

All subway lines will also be operating with additional service after

3 PM on Sunday, December 31.

Commuter Rail lines will provide late-night service with last trains held at North and South Stations until after midnight. 

See more details here -> https://www.mbta.com/holidays

 

MBTA offers Free travel  on New Year's Eve

Reminder: SheGrooves to perform at Circle of Friends Coffeehouse - April 1

Fabulous six piece female band

SheGrooves band April 1 View this email in your browser SheGrooves April 1 - 8 PM FREE! Using our Voices for Positive Change: A Celebration of Empowered Female Musicians! SheGrooves is Boston's premiere female contemporary band. Groove-based, Neo-Soul and fierce, this group of Berklee College of Music women aims to represent modern female musicians.  This family-friendly public event will explore how women historically have used their voices for positive change within the world. SheGrooves repertoire currently includes original tunes as well as unique covers of Joni Mitchell, Aretha Franklin, as well as jazz greats, Nancy Wilson and Dianne Reeves. We aim to inspire and empower communities to celebrate, elevate and respect the female voice. This is a FREE show thanks to grants from the Massachusetts Cultural Council, but please email coftix@gmail.com to reserve seats. Thanks. The Circle of Friends Coffeehouse is a non-profit organization affiliated with Franklin's First Universalist Society. Concerts are presented in a smoke free and alcohol free environment at the Society's handicapped accessible Meetinghouse, 262 Chestnut St. in Franklin, and begin at 8:00 PM; doors open at 7:30 PM. Beverages and gourmet desserts will be available.  Please visit http://www.circlefolk.org/  for more information. Upcoming Shows Apr 29     John Gorka

Circle of Friends Coffeehouse · First Universalist Society · 262 Chestnut St · Franklin, MA 02038 · USA

FREE Beginner Yoga Class for Veterans - March 24

FREE Beginner Yoga Class for Veterans

Friday, March 24, 6:15 PM - Vets and Spouses/Partners Invited!

Christopher Boehm, Veteran, and Certified Yoga Instructor, invites Vets and their spouses/partners to join him on Friday, March 24 at 6:15 PM for a FREE BEGINNER yoga class at Franklin Family Karate.

Interested? Email Chris at: christopher.m.boehm@gmail.com

See flier for details!

Shared from ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/veterans-services/news/free-beginner-veterans-yoga-class

FREE Beginner Yoga Class for  Veterans - March 24

Circle of Friends Coffeehouse: We are back this Saturday with Pamela Means in a free concert at 8 PM

PAMELA MEANS - Power of the Protest Song

Saturday Sep 24 at 8:00 PM  

FREE with reservation

We are super excited to be presenting this free concert on Saturday.

"POWER OF PROTEST SONG: OUR SHARED HISTORY & PRESENT DAY"

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Part performance and part presentation, this family-friendly public event will explore the origin stories and lineages of protest songs, how their meanings and impacts continue to transform through time and space, and how they have inspired – and continue to inspire – movements and cultural shifts within the realms of racial and social justice.

Pamela Means is a multi-talented performer, singer, songwriter, composer and producer,. Her multiple honors include being named Falcon Ridge Folk Festival's "# 1 Most Wanted New Artist," "Wisconsin Folk Artist of the Year," "Wisconsin Female Vocalist of the Year," and her politically provocative album, Single Bullet Theory, was voted 2004's "Outmusic Outstanding New Recording." Means's latest album, Precedent, elegantly addresses a range of themes from the state of the union to the state of the heart. Curve Magazine calls her "one of the fiercest guitar players and politically-rooted singer-songwriters in the music industry today."  

She performed at the last Franklin Cultural Festival in 2021 and has appeared at the Circle of Friends Coffeehouse.  https://www.pamelameans.com/


**
Proof of vaccination required. Masks strongly suggested.
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This is a FREE concert but seating is limited.

Please email coftix@gmail.com to reserve seats.

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

Pamela Means: Power of the Protest Song

Free school meals extended through the 2022-2023 school year!

@MassGov

has extended free school meals through the 22-23 school year! This means that meals will continue to be served at NO COST to ALL STUDENTS. Household applications for free/reduced meals are still important to fill out & will be available in the coming weeks.

Free school meals extended through the 2022-2023 school year!

Shared from FPS Twitter ->   https://twitter.com/FranklinPSNews/status/1554836497123065858

Need to Read? Try a Little Free Library? or Start a new one

"Welcome to the world’s largest book-sharing movement! Join us in:

• Building Community
• Sparking Creativity
• Inspiring Readers"

https://littlefreelibrary.org/

Little Free Library locations in Franklin, MA

https://littlefreelibrary.org/ourmap/

On map:

• 26 Lawrence Dr
• Franklin Federated Church, 171 Main St
• 109 Union St
• 131 Hillside Road

Not on map:

• 366 Lincoln St
• 28 East Park St
• Davis Thayer
• Hockomock YMCA (Forge Hill) (added via feedback)
• ??

If you know of one not on this listing, please let me know

Little Free Library locations in Franklin, MA (as of 3/14/20 noon)

Need to Read? Try a Little Free Library

Planet Fitness To Open Its Doors to Teens FOR FREE All Summer Long

Planet Fitness will invite high schoolers ages 15 – 18 to work out for free at any of its locations throughout the U.S., including all clubs across Massachusetts, from May 15 through September 1 as part of the nationwide Teen Summer Challenge initiative. The nationwide launch builds on a successful local program first launched last summer in Planet Fitness' home state of N.H.

In Massachusetts, 11.7% of high school students are considered obese and 14% are considered overweight; 54.3% of high school students are physically active for less than an hour a day on five or more days a week. Planet Fitness' Teen Summer Challenge offers a solution for teenagers looking for an opportunity to stay active during the summer when school sports programs, gym classes or after school activities wind down.

Please see press release below for full details on the program and let us know of any questions.

Planet Fitness, Inc., one of the largest and fastest-growing franchisors and operators of fitness centers in the U.S. and home of the Judgement Free Zone®, is inviting high school teenagers ages 15 – 18 to work out for free at any of its more than 1,700 Planet Fitness locations throughout the United States from May 15 through September 1 as part of the nationwide Teen Summer Challenge initiative. Free fitness classes specifically for teenagers will also be available Monday through Friday via certified fitness trainers. 

Additionally, all teens who sign up beginning May 15 are automatically entered into Planet Fitness' Scholarship Sweepstakes. By the end of summer, 51 lucky teens across all 50 states and Washington, D.C., will be randomly selected to receive a $500 scholarship, and one teen will receive a $5,000 grand prize. Teens will also have the chance to win exciting prizes on Planet Fitness' Twitter and Instagram channels throughout the summer, such as club swag, movie tickets and wireless headphones. 

The nationwide launch of the Teen Summer Challenge builds on a successful local program first launched last summer in New Hampshire, Planet Fitness' home state. To sign-up, visit a Planet Fitness near you beginning May 15. Teens under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at sign-up. 

A FOCUS ON TEEN HEALTH 

The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services recently released new physical activity guidelines, which revealed that 80 percent of Americans do not currently meet the recommended amount of physical activity. The guidelines also challenge youth (ages 6 – 17) to pursue a minimum of 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity each day. 

Planet Fitness' Teen Summer Challenge offers a solution for teenagers eager for an opportunity to stay active during the summer when school sports programs, gym classes or after school activities wind down.

"Teens today are under ever-increasing pressure to succeed academically and socially, battle a growing list of responsibilities both inside and outside of the classroom and become well-rounded members of their community," said Chris Rondeau, Chief Executive Officer at Planet Fitness. "At Planet Fitness, a healthy and active lifestyle should never be a challenge – which is why we're flipping that notion on its head with the launch of the nationwide Teen Summer Challenge. 

We want to give teens across the United States the chance to stay active when school is out – a time when they may not otherwise have access to organized fitness or athletic programs, which is why we're offering a safe space to exercise for free and spend time with their friends all summer long." 

BY THE NUMBERS 

To uncover how teens ages 15 – 18 view health and fitness today, Planet Fitness commissioned a national study that sheds light on how teens and parents feel about health and wellness, and how best to motivate youth toward pursuing an active lifestyle and setting them up for success through adulthood. Key findings include: 

Wellness is On the Brain. Today's teens are more health-conscious than ever before, seeing exercise as not only a way to be in shape, but believing that – among those who work out already – it positively impacts their mental health (72 percent) and focus on schoolwork (47 percent). 

Sadly, nearly half of all teens (42 percent) lack a positive body image, noting they're self-conscious and have trouble finding the confidence to try something physically challenging. 

In addition, with two-in-five (42 percent) of today's teens also battling anxiety and body image issues, many teenagers are recognizing that exercise may be the answer. Those who work out note they feel more confident (47 percent) and happier (43 percent) in addition to feeling less stressed (37 percent) and anxious (24 percent). 

Schedule's Booked. Nearly three-in-five (57 percent) teens surveyed say that between school and extracurricular activities, they do not have enough time to make exercise a part of their daily routine – a sentiment also shared by more than one-third (36 percent) of teens' parents, who feel today's youth have fewer opportunities to exercise on a daily basis than they did a generation ago. 

Not surprisingly, over two-in-five (41 percent) report that their fitness levels decrease over the summer when school is out. 

That said, nearly all (91 percent) agree that they want to stay healthy and active over the summer. 

Having Access Doesn't Infer Action. Parents and teens (50 and 54 percent, respectively) agree teens have greater access and options to exercise than previous generations. But almost two in five (39 percent) of teens say they don't have enough guidance on how to exercise or where to event start (36 percent), which may be why 39 percent feel negatively towards fitness. 

Exercise Your Body, Not Just Your Fingers. When asked how they'd prefer to spend their free time, more than one-third (36 percent) wished to exercise or work out more (regardless of school schedules), which is greater than the number of teens who want to spend more time playing video games (27 percent), browsing social media (16 percent) or watching TV (16 percent). 

All-Star Student. Working out works to many teens' advantage, too, as fitness can be a secret recipe for straight As. In fact, among surveyed teens who see improvements based on exercise (91%), two in five (40%) have reported that exercise helps them to find more focus, with 23 percent directly attributing it to making them a better student. 

Friends who Sweat Together Stay Together. Having friends at the gym is a big motivator, with almost two-thirds (65 percent) saying they would go to the gym more often with a buddy. 

In addition to opening its doors to all teens ages 15 – 18 all summer long, Planet Fitness also offers extremely low prices and a variety of benefits, including a hassle-free environment, brand name cardio and strength equipment, fully equipped locker rooms, flat screen televisions and much more. 

For more information on the Teen Summer Challenge, including how to sign up for the free membership at any of the more than 1,700 Planet Fitness locations nationwide, visit PlanetFitness.com/TeenSummerChallenge.

Planet Fitness To Open Its Doors to Teens
FOR FREE All Summer Long