Prepare for winter weather emergencies while avoiding scams

Prepare for winter weather emergencies while avoiding scams By Terri Miller Scammers don't hibernate in the winter. Just like you, they're watching the weather reports and preparing for storms — and they're counting on catching you unawares. Read more -> https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2022/10/prepare-winter-weather-emergencies-while-avoiding-scams

Prepare for winter weather emergencies while avoiding scams

State Rep Jeff Roy outlines help available for high energy costs this winter

State Representative Jeffrey Roy writes:

"I am sure you have been hearing and reading about increased energy costs. In summary, due to high natural gas and oil prices stemming from the Russia-Ukrainian war and other factors, heating and electricity utility bills will dramatically increase this winter.  To help you manage these steep increases, my office has compiled a list of resources that can help.  In addition, the Baker-Polito Administration is consulting with the federal government to create a winter heating plan, which we will share once available.   

It is important to keep in mind that our overreliance on natural gas to both heat our homes and serve as a fuel for electricity generation has made Massachusetts vulnerable to price swings.  In current and previous sessions, the Legislature has directed the state to contract and prepare the grid for large amounts of offshore wind and other clean energy resources in an effort to reduce this overreliance and mitigate climate change impacts.  While the benefits of these future projects will not impact this winter’s heating season, once online, they will help stabilize utility bill prices while also providing economic benefits and transitioning us to the Commonwealth’s clean energy future. 

The following resources are available, should you need them.   

Utility payment plans 

Massachusetts’ investor-owned utilities offer flexible payment plans, regardless of income, and potential balance forgiveness.  Enrolling in a payment plan can protect constituents against shutoffs for up to 12 months with most utility companies.  Please refer to the list at the bottom of this post for information to contact your utility.*   

Income-eligible assistance programs 

For customers with a household income not greater than 60 percent of the state median income, Massachusetts utilities offer a discount on a customer’s total utility bill as well as individualized payment plans known as arrearage management plans (AMPs) where a customer can have some or all of their outstanding balance forgiven.*  These customers can also apply at any time throughout the winter season for fuel assistance through the federal Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).  Community action agencies can help walk constituents through the process of applying and answer any questions they may have.   

Constituents between 60 to 80 percent of the state median income are encouraged to see if they qualify for financial help from the Good Neighbor Energy Fund. 

Winter heating shutoff protections 

You are protected by Massachusetts law (MGL c.164, § 124F) from having your gas or electric utilities shutoff from November 15, 2022, to March 15, 2023 if those services are used for heating.  Constituents will still be responsible for any unpaid bills when the shutoff ends.  The Attorney General’s office encourages customers to enroll in a utility payment plan, which also provides shutoff protections, and avoids accumulating debt.  As stated above, most utilities offer payment plans for up to 12 months. 

Energy efficiency audit 

The nation-leading Mass Save energy efficiency programs run by the Massachusetts investor-owned utilities can provide constituents with information about how to reduce their energy use.  This should lead to lower bills over time.  In addition, income-eligible customers can participate in Mass Save’s low-income offering, known as the Low-Income Energy Affordability Network.*   

Municipal aggregation programs 

Constituents in communities with active municipal aggregation programs may consider switching from their electric company to the aggregation.  The long-term electricity contracts used in these programs, typically set for three years’ time, result in stabilized electricity costs that are not subject to the same short-term price fluctuations (although upon program renewal, prices may increase). We encourage all communities to consider whether municipal aggregation is a good fit for them moving forward.    

Please do not hesitate to reach out to my office if you have any questions or concerns and stay safe and warm this winter season! "

For the utility information you can find that at https://jeffreyroy.com/2022/09/24/help-with-high-energy-costs-this-winter/

For the Franklin National Grid customers who are part of Municipal Aggregation, there is no increase. Our contract price is not affect by this rate change.

For more about Franklin's Municipal Aggregation program, visit the town page  https://www.franklinma.gov/administrator/pages/municipal-aggregation

Franklin's Municipal Aggregation program

Franklin Families = sign up for Youth Basketball at Downtown Sports this winter!

Youth Basketball Association at Downtown Sports!

Dear Basketball Families,

Downtown Sports would like to welcome you to one of our newest winter offering, the Youth Basketball Association for players in Grades K-4. 

To improve outcomes for players in basketball we surveyed parents, listened to coaches one-on-one, and facilitated focus groups on improving results on the court.

From this collaborative work we created the Youth Basketball Association which we feel can provide an alternative for families looking for more engagement and growth.

Some Highlights of the YBA...

• Program runs from late November to Early March.
• Provides one weekly, weekday Targeted Training Session (Practice) which will be facilitated by a lead coach and supported by your child's head coach. This will always be on the same day and time.
• Game modifications utilized based on best-practice for the grades/grade-spans we service. Ex. Size of Ball, Rim Height.
• Game Times (Saturday's) always at the same time each week.
• Professional Development for our Head and Assistant Coaches and an expectation of teaching the same skills so all players are provided a guaranteed curriculum. 
• Supplemental Training option on Friday afternoons focused on dribbling and/or shooting. 
• A Travel Team Option (Grades 2-3)
• A per hour cost rate that is similar to other area programs which includes a team pinnie and all weekly practices/games.

Our Divisions include:

• Kindergarten Co-ed
• 1st/2nd Boys
• 1st/2nd Girls
• 3rd/4th Boys
• 3rd/4th Girls
• Travel 2nd Boys for players who demonstrate grade-level proficiency in basketball
• Travel 2nd/3rd Girls  for players who demonstrate grade-level proficiency in basketball

To Register, please click here. Once at the page view by category and scroll down to Winter Basketball. 

If you have any other questions regarding this new Winter Basketball Program do not hesitate to reach out to the Coaches at Downtown Sports

Franklin Families = sign up for Youth Basketball at Downtown Sports this winter!

Where is Downtown Sports? 240 Cottage St, Franklin
Visit their webpage -> https://www.downtownsports.net/

Tri-County Sports Winter Season Review (video)

"Get ready for Winter Awards Night with a review of the season!!! "

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/TriRvths/status/1503530998298034177

Video link -> https://youtu.be/7eC1k53d4wo

Curbside Trash and Recycling Will Be Picked Up on Saturday (2/26) Instead of Friday (2/25); Parking Ban 1 AM to 8 PM during storm

1 - Curbside Trash and Recycling Will Be Picked Up on Saturday (2/26) Instead of Friday (2/25)

2 - Parking ban in effect 2/25/22 from 1:00 AM to 8 PM 

Curbside Trash and Recycling Will Be Picked Up on Saturday (2/26) Instead of Friday (2/25); Parking Ban 1 AM to 8 PM during storm

Shared from https://www.franklinma.gov/recycling-solid-waste/news/curbside-trash-and-recycling-will-be-picked-saturday-226-instead-friday

Panther TV: FHS Band, Winter Concert - Dec 9, 2021 (video)

"FHS Band,Winter Concert, December 9, 2021
@FranklinHSMusic @FHSPantherbook @FranklinPSNews @FranklinHS"

https://t.co/bdL3rrfgyV or  https://youtu.be/NxIPLwBuJu4

Shared from Twitter:  https://twitter.com/fhspanthertv/status/1472984916606529538

FHS Chorus and Orchestra Winter Concert - Dec 1, 2021 (video)

Did you miss the concert? Now, you can catch up to view it via video.

"FHS Chorus and Orchestra Winter Concert, December 1, 2021  @FranklinHSMusic @FHSPantherbook @FranklinPSNews @FranklinHS"
https://t.co/h6smTFldAt   or  https://youtu.be/bzC_IG1rpoU

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/fhspanthertv/status/1471890925953638402

Franklin Athletics : Winter Sports Reminder from Hockomock League

"Hockomock League - Winter reminders for athletes and spectators. Please read. Thank you!"

Link to Hockomock League page with statement -> https://t.co/saDw79kV0L   or

https://hockomockleague.blogspot.com/2021/12/winter-sport-reminders-from-hockomock.html

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/FHSSports/status/1468998768964124676

Winter Sports Reminder from Hockomock League

MIAA continues mask policy used for Fall sports to start Winter season

"This #MIAA memo regarding Winter Masking guidelines was recently sent to schools. #patience #understanding #OneTeamOneMIAA" 

 Shared from Twitter: https://t.co/LZBxAHutWu

MIAA continues mask policy used for Fall sports to start Winter season

Franklin Historical Museum - Winter Hours Reminder

As the days grow shorter and colder the museum has switched to our Winter schedule. 

We’re open weekends only, Saturday mornings 10AM-1PM and Sunday afternoons 1PM-4PM.  

Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and visit our website Franklinmuseum1778.com for event schedules and updates. We are ADA compliant and admission is always free.

Franklin Historical Museum - Winter Hours Reminder

Volunteers needed for Winter decorating, maybe you can help!

This Weekend

WINTER DECORATING VOLUNTEERS NEEDED Winter Decorating Day has been scheduled for Sat., Nov. 20 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Volunteers are needed to help install wreaths, bows and greenery. Please email Eileen Mason at emason4234@gmail.com if you are able to help dress up the downtown for the holidays!

Franklin Downtown Partnership | 9 E. Central St., Franklin, MA 02038 Sent by franklindowntownpartnership@gmail.com powered by Try email marketing for free today!

How to save money heating your home this winter

How to save money heating your home this winter by Colleen Tressler Division of Consumer and Business Education, FTC The days are getting cooler — in fact, some parts of the U.S. have already seen snow. Experts report it's going to be an expensive winter to heat your home, but there are things you can do now to cut your energy costs. Read more ->  https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2021/11/how-save-money-heating-your-home-winter?utm_source=govdelivery

How to save money heating your home this winter

Frequently Asked Questions - how to deal with rising heating and utility costs

The MA Attorney General's Office has prepared a Frequently Asked Questions page on how to deal with rising heating and utility costs this winter.

"Many residents are struggling to pay their bills, including their monthly utility bills. Electricity and Gas are essential services—that’s why it is important that customers know their rights and where they can go for help if they need it."

Visit https://www.mass.gov/info-details/frequently-asked-questions-about-electric-and-gas-utilities-during-covid-19

• English version PDF -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/17QqpZ0o9fkNhv3WBLVJ2jq-KJZYmaqvG/view?usp=sharing
• Spanish version PDF -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/17TQgZmfwrFKlTpi-8APKeA7sFLunvUge/view?usp=sharing

Frequently Asked Questions - how to deal with rising heating and utility costs

Tip of the hat to Tyngsborough for the info links ->

https://twitter.com/TyngsboroughMA/status/1456248576418500608

Franklin Recreation publishes Winter Brochure, registrations opens Nov 1

"Our Winter Brochure is officially LIVE!!!. Check out all the amazing Winter Programs we have in stored this year.  

Registration for these programs will open on Monday November 1st @ 8:30 AM."

https://www.franklinma.gov/.../winter_brochure_2021_0.pdf

Shared from Facebook:    https://www.facebook.com/1534091636891556/posts/2735806150053426/

Franklin Recreation publishes Winter Brochure, registrations opens Nov 1

Recap: Town Council meeting - deserved recognitions made; 2 restaurant alcohol licenses approved; open meeting law complaint received and addressed

Quick Recap:

• Two sets of recognitions: one for officer Mellor leaving to go to law school; second, for the multiple police and fire personnel from Franklin and Norfolk who responded to the Winter St fire
• Two restaurant all alcohol licenses issued, one for Sierra Brick Over Pizza, the other for Proof to operate the second floor as a separate restaurant in the same building as Glen Pharma
• Open meeting complaint received and acknowledged for not approving meeting minutes in the timely manner as required by law; changes being made to adjust process
• Two transactions to help close out the FY 2021 finances, both about 200K in total and considering these are the adjustments on a over $100+ budget during a pandemic year, the Town did (and does) well managing their budget
• Veterans Officer Dale Kurtz to retire, replacement to be hired
• parking bylaw change referred to Planning Board for their review and decision before it comes back to the Council for 2 readings before final vote

----

As with most meetings in this pandemic period, I took my notes via Twitter during the meeting reporting in real-time via the virtual session

 

Photos captured during the meeting and shared via Twitter can be found in one album  https://photos.app.goo.gl/guZrk1xe1hnUSs5C6

The Twitter hashtag can be found online  #schcom0608

https://twitter.com/search?q=%23schcom0608&src=typeahead_click 

 

Agenda folder -> https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/june-23-town-council-agenda

 

Agenda doc (including connection info) ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/6-23-21_town_council_agenda.pdf

 

 

• Getting ready for the Town Council meeting at 7 PM. The agenda doc can be found. #tc0623 https://franklinma.gov/town-council/a
  
• Dial in info for the session can be found in the image #tc0623
  
• Frongillo participating remotely, Dellorco not present in the ViceChair spot. Steve Gilmore talking of the Be The Match for Gigi, link and info shared earlier https://franklinmatters.org/2021/06/be-match-for-gigi-june-26-video.html?m=1. #tc0623
  
• Match entries on Saturday will be entered into a drawing for tickets to a Patriots game when #12 visits this season #tc0623 Citizen commenting on the condition of the Brick School. Unipay payments fee will be waived beginning in July (hurrah!) For bank transfer
  
• Paperless payments coming to more payments, fee waivers at 35 cents vs. postage at 55 cents #tc0623 per Kerri Bertone the Treasurer/Collector
  

Recognitions

• Officer Mellor leaving Police Dept to go to law school. #tc0623
  
• Plaque presented #tc0623
  
• Chair Mercer lists the fire and police personnel from Franklin and elsewhere who were involved in the Winter St fire #tc0623 2 min recess to allow for in person recognitions
  

Annual Appointments

• Clerk Jones reads the listing of annual appointments to boards and committees #tc0623
  
• Motion to approve appointments, second, passes (Kelly also not present during break) (although both are expected some time for the meeting) #tc0623 vote via roll call 7-0-2
  

License approvals

• License approval for https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/7a._sierras.pdf sierra brick oven pizza #tc0623 Attny Doherty speaks for the applicant who is present via zoom; ABCC licenses for restaurants capacity of 40; unlimited qty for us; motion and seconded, passes 7-0-2 2 absent
  
• Another license for Proof https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/7b._proof.pdf #tc0623 motion and second, proof to open on 2nd floor of the space at Glen Pharma vote on motion via roll call 7-0-2 (2 absent)
  
• Interesting stat from the 495/MetroWest partnership showed that the largest sector of employment in Franklin was restaurants #tc0623 a copy of the stat can be found in this doc
  

Presentations/Discussion

• Next up, open meeting complaint about Town Council meetings not approved timely. #tc0623 well handled with response by Town Administrator Jamie Hellen https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/
  
• "This is petty, of all the things we do, and this is the worse thing to happen?" #tc0623 "I hope Mr Higgins isn't reading my thought bubbles" "A rule is a rule, a law is a law, and we must comply." Attny Cereal recommends an authorized response (vote by council) vote ->
  
• Motion and second, via roll call 7-0-2 (2 absent) EDC met last Weds, two discussions, HPP and home based business;

Legislation for action

• Legislation for action: https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/10a._21-33_fletcher.pdf #tc0623 motion and second for Fletcher Foundation funding for recreation via roll call 7-0-2 (2 absent)
  
• Downtown zoning and marketing capital account https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/10b._21-34_dt_zoning_marketing_commerical.pdf #tc0623 motion and second; last time study like this was done in 2003; civic engagement targeted for Sep/Oct/Nov vote via roll call 7-0-2 (2 absent)
  
• Appropriation transfers https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/10c._21-35_fy21_aprop._transfers.pdf #tc0623 motion and second, only a $70+K transfer on a over $100M budget is a good thing, especially during the pandemic vote via roll call 7-0-2 (2 absent)
  
• franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/10d._21-36_pd_gift_100.pdf gift acceptance, motion and second, vote via roll call 7-0-2 (2 absent)
  
• Termination of veterans services Agreement, https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/10e._21-37_term._vets._agrmnt.pdf Dale Kurtz to retire in Sep 2021 motion and second, vote 7-0-2 (2 absent) kudos for Dale from all the Councilors and TA Jamie Hellen
  
• Acceptance of gift https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/10f._21-26_historical_donation.pdf #tc0623 Motion and second, vote via roll call 7-0-2 (2 absent)
  
• Zoning bylaw amendment referral to planning board, https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/10g._21-875_dt_parking.pdf #tc0623 motion to refer to Planning Board, vote via roll call 7-0-2 (2 absent)
  

Town Administrator's Report

• TA report, will look at the red brick school house, was scheduled for historical tour for CPC #tc0623 job posting to replace Anne Marie Tracey was made, interviews hopefully in July. Looking to fill before Sep. Chrissy will be leaving and part of transition; Alysia ->
  
• Will replace Chrissy, backfilling for Chrissy, job posted In council comments, cool story on the 2nd performance of Bright Stars during the storm Sat night. #tc0623 Chair Mercer recognizes that the police and fire personnel come out in good numbers in recognition of some ->
  
• That the public may not always be aware of or see,

Executive Session

• Motion to move to executive session (to return) via roll call 7-0-2 #tc0623
• They're supposed to come back to open session but that's all for me tonight, catch you next time! #tc0623

Note: I did not wait for their return. Per conversation with Chair Mercer the morning after, one of the two items for the session were in fact brought to a vote, the other was held due to the 2 absent councilors (Dellorco, Kelly)

 

Audio recording of meeting to be available in couple of days

 

The Winter St heroes, Franklin police and fire along with some Norfolk personnel