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?

School Committee agonizes over budget cuts, hears an update from Oak St and about the middle school school civics program (audio)

FM #1012 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1012 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares part of the Franklin, MA School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, June 13, 2023.

The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: all of the School Committee members, school district personnel along with some of the public were in the Council Chambers. Some members of the public participated via conference bridge.

Brief recap:

• Moment of silence to recognize the tragic passing of an FHS graduating senior

• During the Superintendent's Report, 2 highlights were shared. (1) a quick overview of the Spanish trip during Spring break. (2) recognition of three FHS outdoor track athletes for their accomplishments at the Meet of Champions

• Recognition of Michelle Kingsland Smith retiring for the 2nd time this year with 50 years of education experience. Recognition of Miriam Goodman's retirement as Business Administrator

• Middle school civics program provided an update on the process across the three schools and a student presentation from Horace Mann.

• The Oak St Elementary team provided and interactive question and answer update on the happenings and progress within the school this year

• The additional funds from the Town saves some positions but there are still 26.7 positions removed from the budget, 16 of which were enrollment related. The Committee agonized over the cuts, appreciating the effort and thought that went into trying to minimize the impacts of these. One member said as hard as it is this year, we'll look back to this budget next year as a good one. And that is not something to look forward to

Links to the meeting agenda and associated documents released for this meeting are included in the show notes. The link to my notes taken during the meeting is also provided.

Let’s listen to this segment of the School Committee meeting June 13, 2023

 

Timing on the recording when each segment Starts

• Spain trip - approx. 12 minutes

• Girls Outdoor Track - approx. 20 minutes

• Michelle Kingsland Smith - approx. 29 minutes

• Middle School Civics - approx. 42 minutes

• Oak St Update - approx. 73 minutes

• Discussion Action Items (budget) - approx. 1 hour 56 minutes

Audio file ->  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1012-franklin-ma-school-committee-mtg-06-13-23

--------------

Meeting packet folder ->  https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/june-13-2023-school-committee-meeting-packet

Meeting agenda doc (includes remote participation info) ->   https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/scagenda_6-13-23.pdf

My notes captured during the meeting (in one PDF file)

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Q2Uwk3QIX9rejAPGl2offT65fqVLCOYf/view?usp=drive_link 

Franklin TV Video link -> https://www.youtube.com/live/EVNd_SfjvbY?feature=share

--------------

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

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!

------------------

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

Franklin, MA: School Committee Meeting Agenda for June 13, 2023

School Committee agonizes over budget cuts, hears an update from Oak St and about the middle school school civics program (video)

The Franklin School Committee met on Tuesday, June 13 for their penultimate session for this school year. The Franklin TV video recording is available for replay.

Video link -> https://www.youtube.com/live/EVNd_SfjvbY?feature=share

Brief recap:

• Moment of silence to recognize the tragic passing of an FHS graduating senior
• During the Superintendent's Report, 2 highlights were shared. (1) a quick overview of the Spanish trip during Spring break. (2) recognition of three FHS outdoor track athletes for their accomplishments at the Meet of Champions
• Recognition of Michelle Kingsland Smith retiring for the 2nd time this year with 50 years of education experience. Recognition of Miriam Goodman's retirement as Business Administrator
• Middle school civics program provided an update on the process across the three schools and a student presentation from Horace Mann.
• The Oak St Elementary team provided and interactive question and answer update on the happenings and progress within the school this year
• The additional funds from the Town saves some positions but there are still 26.7 positions removed from the budget, 16 of which were enrollment related. The Committee agonized over the cuts, appreciating the effort and thought that went into trying to minimize the impacts of these. One member said as hard as it is this year, we'll look back to this budget next year as a good one. And that is not something to look forward to

Meeting packet folder ->  https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/june-13-2023-school-committee-meeting-packet

Meeting agenda doc (includes remote participation info) ->   https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/scagenda_6-13-23.pdf

Franklin, MA: School Committee Meeting Agenda for June 13, 2023

Expand Your Social Security Knowledge With These Four Terms

"We strive to explain your benefits using easy-to-understand, plain language. The Plain Writing Act of 2010 requires federal agencies to communicate information clearly in a way “the public can understand and use.” This can be particularly challenging when talking about complicated programs like Social Security, Supplemental Security Income, and Medicare.

Take a moment to learn a few common Social Security terms and acronyms! 

COLA, credits, earnings record, FICA

Continue reading the article -> https://blog.ssa.gov/expand-your-social-security-knowledge-with-these-four-terms/

Expand Your Social Security Knowledge With These Four Terms

Franklin, MA School Committee hears District Improvement Plan updates, recognizes 19 retirees (audio)

FM #803 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 803 in the series. 

This session of the radio show is the audio recording of the Franklin, MA School Committee meeting conducted on Tuesday, Sep 24, 2022. All seven members of the committee were present. After the set of retiree recognitions, the meeting took a break and then resumed. 

The recording runs about 2 hours and 27 minutes, so let’s listen in.

 Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-803-school-committee-mtg-05-24-22

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Agenda document ->   https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/scagenda_5-24-22.pdf

 

Meeting packet folder with documents released for this meeting ->   https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/may-24-2022-school-committee-meeting-packet

Franklin TV YouTube video ->    https://youtu.be/gP5hyu8WZ3I

My notes via Twitter -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1pO0ZkELeiMwFcz4sZg_NGLfujYDkmuo-/view?usp=sharing 

--------------

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

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!

------------------

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

SSA: 6 Ways to Make Saving for Retirement Easier

I heartily endorse starting small as one of the steps to save for your future retirement. The Social Security Administration provides additional tips in this article. I am fortunate to be in a good retirement position now having saved early on and then gradually increased my savings along the way. 

"It’s America Saves Week! That means it’s a great time to see how you’re doing with your savings goals. Most working Americans know they need to save for retirement. Sometimes though, because retirement is far off in the future, we may delay saving. When everyday expenses routinely pop up, saving for a time that is years away in the future can seem less urgent.

We’re working with Social Security to help you consider what your retirement will look like. The following strategies can make it easier for you to save for retirement:

Start Small. Saving something is better than saving nothing – especially with compound interest. Just $5 per day could yield a return of $1 million in 48 years with the right investments. Consider saving as early as possible. Start with 1% and increase how much you save each year."

Continue reading the SSA's tips to save
https://blog.ssa.gov/6-ways-to-make-saving-for-retirement-easier/

6 Ways to Make Saving for Retirement Easier

 

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Jan 19, 2022

 
1. ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM THE CHAIR

a. This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon Channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by others.
b. Chair to identify members participating remotely.

2. CITIZEN COMMENTS

a. Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to five minutes on a matter that is not on the agenda. The Council will not engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Town Council will give remarks appropriate consideration and may ask the Town Administrator to review the matter.

3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
a. December 15, 2021  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/december_15_2021_tc_meeting_minutes_-_draft_for_review.pdf
b. January 5, 2022  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/january_5_2022_tc_meeting_minutes_-_draft_for_review.pdf

4. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS

a. Proclamation/Recognition: Police Department: Retirement - Sgt. Brian Johnson

b. Proclamation/Recognition: Police Department: Retirement - Patrol Officer Rick Grover

c. Recognition: Police Department: Moving On - Kallie Montagano, Clinical Social Worker

5. APPOINTMENTS - None Scheduled

6. HEARINGS - 7:10pm - None Scheduled
7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS- None Scheduled

8. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
a. FY23 Department of Public Works Budget & Enterprise Fund Preview Brutus Cantoreggi, Director of Public Works

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/8a._presentation_dpw_budget_.pdf
 
9. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS

a. Capital Budget Subcommittee

b. Budget Subcommittee

c. Economic Development Subcommittee

10. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

a. Resolution 22-04: Adoption of 2021-2022 Town Council Goals (Motion to Approve Resolution 21-74 - Majority Vote)  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/10a._22-04.pdf

b. Resolution 22-05: FY22 Transfer of MECC Appropriation (Motion to Approve Resolution 21-74 - Majority Vote)  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/10b._22-05.pdf

c. Resolution 22-06: Gift Acceptance - Senior Center ($1,700)  (Motion to Approve Resolution 21-74 - Majority Vote)  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/10c._22-06.pdf

11. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEM

13. COUNCIL COMMENTS

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION

15. ADJOURN

Note:
Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes
Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting

Full agenda doc from Town of Franklin page (including remote connection info ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/tc_agenda_jan_19_2022.pdf

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Jan 19, 2022

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)

Franklin, MA Town Council Meeting - Wednesday, September 15, 2021 - Three Part Audio Segments

FM #605-606-607 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, numbers 605-606-607 in the series. 

This shares the three part audio segments of the Franklin, MA Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, September 15, 2021. 

The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: members of the Town Council and Town Administration personnel, the Police retirement and promotion individuals, along with their guest and family members were in the Council Chambers, some members of the public participated in person, some via the Zoom conference bridge, all to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

I’ve split the just about two hours and forty-five minutes ( 2:45 total elapsed time) into three (3) logical segments:

• First (#605) - covers the opening, citizen comments, Police retirement and promotions. The break after the police ceremonies was excluded from this audio.  (~40 mins)

• Second (#606) - covers three appointments, one license transaction and the SAFE Coalition presentation by Jennifer Knight-Levine (~ 58 minutes) 

• Third (#607) - covers the DelCarte invasive species update by Conservation Agent Jennifer Delmore, Legislation for Action, Council Comments and meeting close. (~ 58 minutes)

The show notes contain links to the meeting agenda. Let’s listen to this segment of the Town Council meeting of Sep 15, 2021

Part 1 (#605) -> https://player.captivate.fm/episode/5563727f-a24f-4aa8-b4e2-9901951bd693

Part 2 (#606) -> https://player.captivate.fm/episode/ab9ec365-5692-4151-883f-04fe5e8014cd

Part 3 (#607) -> https://player.captivate.fm/episode/c0a7f4f2-5afb-4d2d-9daf-64422c92b1f1

--------------

Agenda document 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/09-15-2021_town_council_agenda.pdf 

My notes from the meeting  -> 

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/09/recap-introduction-retirement-promotion.html 

Town Council Quarterbacking session (a short recap with Council Chair Tom Mercer) -> 

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/09/fm604-town-council-quarterbacking.html 

--------------

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

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

 

For additional information, please visit www.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!

------------------

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

 

Slide from the SAFE Coalition presentation by Jennifer Knight-Levine

FM#604 - Town Council Quarterbacking - 09/15/21 (audio)

FM #604 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 604 in the series. 

This shares my conversation with Town Council Chair Tom Mercer. This is one of a series of conversations meant to provide a recap of the prior Council meeting. Akin to one of the many sports post-game analysis broadcasts we are familiar with in New England,  this would be a discussion focused on the Franklin Town Council meeting of September 15, 2021: 

• ok, what just happened? 

• What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?

We cover the following key topics

4.       PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS

a.        Police Department:

i.          Sergeant Lee Drake - Retirement

ii.         Sergeant Louis Marguerite - Promotion

 

5.        APPOINTMENTS

a.        Janice Prentice - Associate member, Historical Commission   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/5a._appointment_-_prentice.pdf 

b.        Chuna Keophannga - Finance Committee   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/5b._appointment_-_keophannga.pdf 

c.         Tyrel Hansen - Finance Committee   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/5c._appointment_-_hansen.pdf 

 

7.        LICENSE TRANSACTIONS

a.        Franklin Shed, LLC d/b/a Franklin Shed, New Section 12 Restaurant, All Alcoholic Beverages, and approval of manager, located at 340 East Central Street, Franklin, MA.   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/7a._web_franklin_shed.pdf 

 

8.        PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS

a.        SAFE Coalition, Jennifer Knight-Levine, Executive Director

b.        Delcarte Conservation Area Weed Remediation, Jennifer Delmore, Conservation Agent  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/8b._delcarte_weeds_pres.pdf

 

10.      LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

a.        Resolution 21-53: Gift Acceptance, Franklin Public Library $5,890, Veterans’ Service Department $300, Fire Department $200 (Motion to Approve Resolution 21-53 - Majority Vote)

b.        Bylaw Amendment 21-875: Chapter 82, Trash and Recycling Fee Increase - Second Reading

(Motion to adopt Bylaw Amendment 21-875 - Majority Roll Call Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/10b._21-875_trash.pdf 

The show notes include links to the meeting agenda and associated documents.

Our conversation runs about 25 minutes, so let’s listen in to my quarterbacking session with Tom Mercer. Audio file => https://player.captivate.fm/episode/9ff2fbfe-abca-4e0b-893e-e69b66a08c5c

--------------

Agenda doc (including connection info) -> 

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/09/recap-introduction-retirement-promotion.html 

Volunteer form -> http://franklinmaboards.vt-s.net/newcaf.php 

The report tab is configured for two reports, one on vacancies -> http://franklinmaboards.vt-s.net/vt.php 

And one on expiring terms -> http://franklinmaboards.vt-s.net/et.php  

-------------

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

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!

------------------

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

 

FM#604 - Town Council Quarterbacking - 09/15/21 (audio)