Reminder: SAFE Gala online auction open and ready

OUR ONLINE AUCTION IS OFFICIALLY OPEN! https://tinyurl.com/bidsafe

You don't have to attend the gala to bid—anyone can participate in our virtual silent auction supporting SAFE Coalition's 10th Anniversary Gala!

Browse 60+ items including tickets to Kimberly Akimbo and Motley Crue, gift cards to local restaurants, custom portraits, self-care packages, and so much more. New items added daily!

How to participate:

• Already have a gala ticket? You're all set—log in with the email on your ticket.
• Want to bid but not attending? Register for FREE by clicking "Buy Tickets" and selecting "Virtual Auction Access" (does NOT include admission to the gala)

All proceeds support SAFE's life-saving prevention, recovery, and mental health services. Happy bidding!

Note: Tickets for the Gala have sold out

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1HmLqqk2pm/

Kids Online Safety Caucus Co-Chairs Auchincloss, Houchin on Meta, YouTube verdict

 Joint Statement from Bipartisan Kids Online Safety Caucus Co-Chairs Reps. Jake Auchincloss and Erin Houchin on the Meta, YouTube Social Media Trial Verdict

 

"Today is a good day in the overdue effort to hold social media corporations accountable. Meta and YouTube tried to deny, deflect, and delay – but a jury heard the evidence and found them negligent in how they designed their apps for children.

However, Congress must be clear-eyed about the limits of litigation. Going forward, the platforms will change their terms of service language and continue to hide their exploitation of children behind bad-faith Section 230 defenses.

Lawmakers must come together in a bipartisan effort to pass a federal age assurance law that raises the age of Internet adulthood to at least 16 years old and holds apps liable for adhering to it. We have the bills, we're on the committee of jurisdiction, and we're committed to working together to make it happen."

Representatives Jake Auchincloss (D-MA) and Erin Houchin (R-IN)

Contact:Georgina.Burros@mail.house.gov (Auchincloss)

Parker.Armstrong@mail.house.gov (Houchin)

Have you got your tickets? We're talking about the Party for The Pantry - March 28 (audio)

FM #1682 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1682 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Marsha Tait, Development Director of the Franklin Food Pantry, Jen Johnson, Development Associate, and Bill Donavan, (Director of A/V with Stage Edge). We had our conversation in person in the community room at The Franklin Food Pantry on Monday, March 2, 2026. 

Discussion items: 

• Tickets on sale for Party for the Pantry; March 28 at THE BLACK BOX

• Online bidding for silent auction items opens March 19

• Bidding for travel opportunities opens the night of

• 3 bands to provide entertainment - Fab 3, Karate Show, and South Street Six

• Light food items catered by Chef Kristen Precourt, KCooks 

The conversation runs about 20 minutes. Let’s listen in 

audio link -  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1682-party-for-the-pantry-03-02-26/

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Party for The Pantry page (tickets and travel auction descriptions) https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/happenings/events/party/

Sponsorships still open at link above

Raydio (Your 24/7 Local Soundtrack via the Internet) - https://localraydio.com/ 

K-Cooks LLC - https://www.k-cooks.com/

2025 Annual report of The Pantry - https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/FY25-Annual-Report-2-page.pdf 

Franklin Food Pantry web page -> https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/ 

Follow The Pantry on

Facebook ->  https://www.facebook.com/FranklinFoodPantry 

Instagram ->  https://www.instagram.com/franklinfoodpan/ 

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We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.  

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

• And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach out. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do

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"

The Guardian: "I am a 15-year-old girl. Let me show you the vile misogyny that confronts me on social media every day"

“I have even questioned whether I can find love in the future because of this.”

A 15-year-old girl living in the UK gives us a shocking insight into the abuse she has had on her Instagram and Tiktok feeds. 

“Like most teenagers I spend a fair portion of my spare time on social media. I actively try to avoid online misogyny, but I am met with it incessantly whenever I open my apps. It only takes a few minutes before there’s subtle or overt misogyny: the comment sections on a girl’s post filled with remarks about her body, videos made by men or boys captioned with a degrading joke, and even topics such as domestic violence or rape, trivialised and laughed about.”

Swipe to read part of her story – and for the full opinion piece follow the link - https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2026/feb/23/15-year-old-girl-misogyny-social-media-online-abuse.

Illustration by @rfressonok for the Guardian

Safe online standards introduced by the Mental Health Coalition

Safe online standards introduced by the Mental Health Coalition

From the Mental Health Coalition comes:

Introducing Safe Online Standards (S.O.S.), a first-of-its-kind framework to ensure safer digital spaces for young people.

Learn more: safeonlinestandards.org

Shared from - https://www.instagram.com/p/DUlOZN1imkS/

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

Escape Into Fiction returns to business for online book sales

Escape Into Fiction returns to business

 via Escape Into Fiction

"Hello world!!! We’re baaaaaccccckkkk……. Spread the word!!

We finally settled in and have returned to selling online!!! 

We can’t wait to “see” you and help you find your next favorite #read www.escapeintofiction.com. If you have a gift card feel free to use it!

For the next few weeks we will only be selling what’s in stock, so we thank you for your patience."

Shared from ->   https://www.instagram.com/p/DEtb72DzkmO/

Are you a parent with kids spending time online? Safety training webinar could be for you!

via Officer Frankie: 

"The US Attorney’s Office is hosting a virtual internet safety presentation for parents. 

The presentation will educate parents on the dangers children face on the internet and how to keep them safe online. 

*Registration is required. Space is limited."

Are you a parent with kids spending time online? Safety training webinar could be for you!

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Project Safe Childhood Presentation for Parents

Nauset Regional High School

September 10, 2024

The U.S. Attorney’s Office will be hosting a statewide, virtual presentation for parents on Wednesday, October 9th @ 6:30 pm.  Please feel free to share this flyer with your local police departments, school administrators and community partners.  Let me know if you have any questions.

What:   Webex Webinar – Keeping Children Safe and Secure Online:  A Project Safe Childhood Presentation for Parents

When:  Wednesday, October 9th @ 6:30 pm (log in begins at 6:00 pm)

Registration link:  https://usao.webex.com/weblink/register/r3c6f24c5e409d764c38ac82d069f700e

 *Registration is required. Space is limited. The Webex platform has a maximum capacity of 1000 attendees.  If you have any questions or if we have reached registration capacity, please email USAMA.PSCOutreach@usdoj.gov  to be put on a waitlist for the next presentation.

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/C_6Rnx4voyd/

Is that person you met online really a military servicemember…or a scammer?

Is that person you met online really a military servicemember…or a scammer? By Cristina Miranda If you meet someone on social media or a dating website or app, how can you tell if their profile is real?  They say they're in the military — but scammers especially like to pose as military servicemembers stationed overseas.  What's the best way to spot a fake? Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2024/06/person-you-met-online-really-military-servicememberor-scammer

Is that person you met online really a military servicemember…or a scammer?

So an online scam is NOT what you ordered?

So an online scam is NOT what you ordered? By Kira Krown, Consumer Education Specialist This time of year, you're probably buying lots of things online. Gifts, decorations, food!  But what if something you've ordered shows up different than advertised? Or damaged?  Or never comes at all? If so, you're not alone. Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2023/11/so-online-scam-not-what-you-ordered YouTube video -> https://youtube.com/shorts/yEoeGmIw3l0?si=2bhYpHOEkvZjCB-u So an online scam is NOT what you ordered?

Next Size Up Kids - 4 day sale - Sep 19-22, 2023

Find all the BARGAINS you're used to finding at our in-person sales, but this fall, shop from your couch in your pjs! Can't get better than that! You'll find clothing (sized infant to young men/young women & maternity), shoes, toys, baby gear, games, puzzles, furniture, decor, books and more!

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Public shopping for 4 DAYS ONLY - don't miss it!

PUBLIC SALE HOURS - Free Admission: Tues., 9/19 - opens at 8 PM through Thurs., 9/21 - closes at 2 PM

HALF PRICE SALE HOURS (many items marked 1/2 price) Fri., 9/22 - opens 6 AM - Midnight WANT TO SHOP EARLY on 9/18 or 9/19?

Watch for announcements and see our website for details - NextSizeUpKids.com!

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PICK UP YOUR BARGAINS!

Thurs., 10/5 (10am-7pm) or Fri., 10/6 (9am-2pm) *you must sign up for an apt. after checkout Location: 119 Prospect Heights, Milford, MA (Portuguese Club) *pick up only, no shipping

Next Size Up Kids - 4 day sale - Sep 19-22, 2023

Reminder: Franklin Newcomers and Friends Club - Meeting on May 3 - topic 'online safety'

Come join your Franklin friends and neighbors at the Franklin Newcomers and Friends Club May Meeting.

We typically meet the 2nd Wednesday of the month … we made a date change for this presentation. Join us on Wednesday, May 3rd at 7:00 PM. Robin Putnam, Events & Outreach Manager from the MA Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation, will present on online safety. The presentation will include information about her Office and what they do. It will also cover how to be safe online, whether it be on your smart device, social media or online banking, phishing emails and general protection from scams and identity theft.

Join us at Escape Into Fiction Book Store, 12 Main Street, Downtown Franklin. The presentation will start at 7 PM but feel free to come early to socialize, get some refreshments and shop.

We are a multi-generational, member-driven organization and are always excited to welcome new faces and new ideas. Residents of Franklin, or any surrounding town that doesn't have a Newcomers Club, are welcome to join us. Our monthly meetings run September through May.

Additionally, we hold fun and varied events to stay connected throughout the year.

As always, we are thankful for the generosity and kindness we receive from April Rock, Owner, Escape Into Fiction. Our extended community is so fortunate to her and her business in Franklin. If you haven’t yet, please visit this gem of a book store!

Look for us on our Meetup page for more information. https://www.meetup.com/Franklin-Newcomers-Friends

Not just for Newcomers . . . Franklin Newcomers and Friends Club - Meeting on May 3 - topic 'online safety'

Not just for Newcomers . . . Franklin Newcomers and Friends Club - Meeting on May 3 - topic 'online safety'

Come join your Franklin friends and neighbors at the Franklin Newcomers and Friends Club May Meeting.

We typically meet the 2nd Wednesday of the month … we made a date change for this presentation. Join us on Wednesday, May 3rd at 7:00 PM. Robin Putnam, Events & Outreach Manager from the MA Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation, will present on online safety. The presentation will include information about her Office and what they do. It will also cover how to be safe online, whether it be on your smart device, social media or online banking, phishing emails and general protection from scams and identity theft.

Join us at Escape Into Fiction Book Store, 12 Main Street, Downtown Franklin. The presentation will start at 7 PM but feel free to come early to socialize, get some refreshments and shop.

We are a multi-generational, member-driven organization and are always excited to welcome new faces and new ideas. Residents of Franklin, or any surrounding town that doesn't have a Newcomers Club, are welcome to join us. Our monthly meetings run September through May.

Additionally, we hold fun and varied events to stay connected throughout the year.

As always, we are thankful for the generosity and kindness we receive from April Rock, Owner, Escape Into Fiction. Our extended community is so fortunate to her and her business in Franklin. If you haven’t yet, please visit this gem of a book store!

Look for us on our Meetup page for more information. https://www.meetup.com/Franklin-Newcomers-Friends

Not just for Newcomers . . . Franklin Newcomers and Friends Club - Meeting on May 3 - topic 'online safety'

Shopping online? Here’s what to do when things go wrong

Shopping online? Here's what to do when things go wrong By Andrew Rayo Ever had a bad online shopping experience? Maybe you ordered one thing but got another.  Or that new company never shipped your order, despite charging you. So, what do you do? Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2023/03/shopping-online-heres-what-do-when-things-go-wrong

Shopping online? Here’s what to do when things go wrong

Nonprofit going after the online advertising revenue to stop disinformation online sets new target

An internet search result is provided free because the provider gets ad revenue from other sources. By following the money in the online advertising world, this nonprofit aims to take the advertising dollars out of the disinformation revenue streams.  

"A nonprofit aiming to defund disinformation online that has taken money out of the pockets of several prominent far-right websites now has its sights set on its most formidable target yet: Fox News. 

The group, Check My Ads, is hoping the success it has had in stripping advertising dollars from right-wing provocateurs including Steve Bannon, Glenn Beck and Dan Bongino will give it momentum as it attempts to confront a powerful media empire. 

On Thursday, the outfit announced a new campaign directed at Fox's website and its popular YouTube channel calling on the public to pressure online ad exchanges to stop doing business with Fox. It comes just as the House committee investigating the Capitol riots kicks off a series of hearings focused on violence that unfolded on Jan 6."

https://www.npr.org/2022/06/09/1103690822/group-aiming-to-defund-disinformation-tries-to-drain-fox-news-of-online-advertis

Check my Ads new campaign -> https://checkmyads.org/fox/

The video explanation on how they do this -> https://youtu.be/yHkf1wTOLLo

Claire Atkin (left) and Nandini Jammi founded the nonprofit group Check My Ads, which aims to defund disinformation online. Now, they have launched a campaigned aimed at Fox News' online empire. Jon McMorran

How to Spot Misinformation Online - Self-directed course, free, start anytime

Attention seniors (but anyone who wants to know really!) 

"This free short course from MediaWise for Seniors will teach you how to tell what’s true and false on the internet. By looking at examples of political, health, travel and climate misinformation, you will learn techniques for identifying false information and how to seek out trustworthy sources.

Christiane Amanpour, Joan Lunden, Lester Holt, Hari Sreenivasan and Dave Jorgenson — MediaWise Ambassadors — will also pop in to share their advice as experienced journalists to help you navigate information on platforms like Google, Facebook and more."

You can register for a Poynter account, then register for the free course.

https://www.poynter.org/courses/how-to-spot-misinformation-online/

How to Spot Misinformation Online - Self-directed course, free, start anytime

This is not the only course available via MediaWise for Seniors 

https://www.poynter.org/mediawise-education-resources/