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Are You Age 70 or Older and Not Yet Getting Your Social Security Retirement Benefits? |
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 *
Saturday, July 8, 2023
Are You Age 70 or Older and Not Yet Getting Your Social Security Retirement Benefits?
Thursday, June 15, 2023
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
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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"
Wednesday, June 14, 2023
School Committee agonizes over budget cuts, hears an update from Oak St and about the middle school school civics program (video)
- 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
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Franklin, MA: School Committee Meeting Agenda for June 13, 2023 |
Friday, August 26, 2022
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/
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Expand Your Social Security Knowledge With These Four Terms |
Friday, May 27, 2022
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"
Friday, February 25, 2022
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."
https://blog.ssa.gov/6-ways-to-make-saving-for-retirement-easier/
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6 Ways to Make Saving for Retirement Easier |
Sunday, January 16, 2022
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.
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.
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
a. Proclamation/Recognition: Police Department: Retirement - Sgt. Brian Johnsonb. Proclamation/Recognition: Police Department: Retirement - Patrol Officer Rick Groverc. Recognition: Police Department: Moving On - Kallie Montagano, Clinical Social Worker
7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS- None Scheduled
a. FY23 Department of Public Works Budget & Enterprise Fund Preview Brutus Cantoreggi, Director of Public Works
9. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
a. Capital Budget Subcommitteeb. Budget Subcommitteec. Economic Development Subcommittee
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.pdfb. 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.pdfc. 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
Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes
Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting
Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Jan 19, 2022 |
Wednesday, November 3, 2021
Franklin Police Dept.: Deputy Chief James Mill retires
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Deputy Chief Mill retires (FPD Facebook photo) |
Tuesday, September 21, 2021
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
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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"
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Slide from the SAFE Coalition presentation by Jennifer Knight-Levine |
Monday, September 20, 2021
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
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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"
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FM#604 - Town Council Quarterbacking - 09/15/21 (audio) |