FTC Consumer Alerts: New brochure for social media influencers

Who is a "social media influencer?" Actually while this message is targeted to those on social media who are attempting to make a living doing so, anyone on social media can be an influencer. It is good to be aware of the legal rules we should all play by.

FTC Consumer Alerts: brochure for social media influencers New brochure for social media influencers by Lesley Fair, Attorney, FTC Division of Consumer & Business Education Chances are you know an influencer – a person who works with a brand to recommend or endorse a product in social media. Maybe you work at a company that uses influencers or perhaps that describes you, a friend, or a family member.  Then you should read a new FTC brochure: Disclosures 101 for Social Media Influencers. Read more and download the brochure https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2019/11/new-brochure-social-media-influencers?utm_source=govdelivery  This is a free service provided by the Federal Trade Commission.

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“We live in the hub of the robotics universe”

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"The site of a long-vacant drug manufacturing plant on Otis Street is getting a new life.

Amazon.com Inc. announced plans on Wednesday to construct a $40 million Amazon Robotics Innovation Hub at the former AstraZeneca site at 50 Otis St. and bring 200 new jobs to town. The 35,000-square-foot facility will be in addition to the Amazon Robotics facility in North Reading that will together serve as the e-commerce giant’s epicenter of robotics innovation.

“We are going to completely re-do that site,” said Tye Brady, Amazon Robotics chief technologist, in a phone interview with the Daily News. “I can guarantee it’s going to be a world-class, state-of-the-art facility.”

The innovation hub will feature corporate offices, research and development labs and manufacturing space. The new location will allow Amazon Robotics to grow its engineering, manufacturing, support and test teams in the state. Crews will design, build, program and ship robots all under the same roof that will improve delivery speeds for customers around the world, said Brady."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20191106/amazon-to-build-robotics-innovation-hub-at-former-astrazeneca-site-in-westborough

This is good news. There are robotics groups in local schools. There is also the robotics group that has moved into the Red Brick School to utilize that facility for their robotics activities.

For more info about 4H Alarm Robotics 2079 visit their page   https://www.alarmrobotics.com/

"The Alarm 2079 robotics team is a competitive high school robotics team"

School Committee - Recap of 10/15/19 meeting

Catching up to this recap (apologies for the delay, was spending time on the election prep which was more important at the time).

• The Superintendent's Report announced the authors visit to the three middle schools. This visit was funded by an FEF grant. 
• FHS students along with FHS teachers Kevin McCarthy and Mike Walsh provided an update on their trip to Germany this summer. 66 students participated in what was summarized as a success!
• NEASC Two-Year Update – Paul Peri and William Klements provided an update that FHS did receive the accreditation. In the final report, there were 9 highlighted recommendations; 3 were completed outright and 6 of the 9 deal with 21st century and are connected with the Portrait of a Graduate work already underway.
• Joyce Edwards and Kristin Letendre provided and update on the Health and Wellness program (presentation copy found below)
• Policy updates on the meeting procedure were approved
• The Superintendent's new contract was approved (1% increase in line with other contracts)

4 FHS students providing the update on the trip to Germany

Presentation on Health and Wellness from Franklin Matters

The Superintendent's Report
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/superintendents-report-10-15-19

MetroWest Slides
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/metrowest-slides
 
The agenda and other  documents released for this meeting can be found
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/october-15-2019-school-committee-packet

Franklin TV has the video of this meeting available for replay
https://view.earthchannel.com/PlayerController.aspx?&PGD=franknma&eID=690
 
Additional details can be found in my notes captured live during the meeting

• Live reporting: Consent Agenda to Closing 

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/10/live-reporting-consent-agenda-to-closing.html

• Live reporting: Discussion Only Items

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/10/live-reporting-discussion-only-items.html

• Live reporting: Discussion - Action Items

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/10/live-reporting-discussion-action-items.html

• Live reporting: School Committee - October 15, 2019

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/10/live-reporting-school-committee-october.html

Lifelong Community Learning: Message From Spirits - Nov 14

Register Today: Mediumship Experience

‌ Lifelong Community Learning Message From Spirits: A Mediumship Experience  REGISTER NOW Thursday November 14, 2019 7:00-9:00 PM $40 per person This mediumship demonstration will include a discussion of some frequently asked questions about spirits, as well as an introduction, explanation, and demonstration of how mediumship works. Stephanie McBride has been connecting people with lost loved ones for more than 15 years. Workshop located at: Franklin High School 218 Oak Street Franklin, MA

FPS- Lifelong Community Learning | 218 Oak Street, Franklin, MA 02038 Sent by lcl@franklinps.net in collaboration with Try email marketing for free today!

Franklin Cultural District Partners Meeting - Nov 21

Franklin Cultural District Partners and Franklin residents and business owners are invited to join the Franklin Cultural District Committee (FCDC) and the Massachusetts Cultural Council (MCC) in discussing culture, arts and the humanities in Franklin’s Cultural District. The meeting is scheduled for Thursday, November 21 at 7 PM at the Franklin Senior Center, 10 Daniel McCahill Street.

Mr. Luis Edgardo Cotto, Cultural Districts Program Manager for MCC, will be the featured speaker. The presentation will focus on the mission of Franklin’s Cultural District and will provide information about contributing to culture and the arts.

For questions and/or additional information, please contact Nancy Schoen, Chair, at nschoenfranklinculture@gmail.com.

Franklin Cultural District Partners Meeting - Nov 21

For more info about the Cultural District https://www.franklinculture.org/

LET'S LAUGH TODAY in Franklin is on Tuesday, Nov 12

Let’s Laugh Today in Franklin is on Tuesday, November 12th (and every second Tuesday once a month) from 7:30pm to 8:30pm at the Meetinghouse of the First Universalist Society in Franklin, 262 Chestnut Street, Franklin, Massachusetts. 

Enjoy this delightful practice, appropriate for all ages and levels of fitness. When we laugh, we energize our bodies and revive our spirits. All that is involved is deep breathing and a few stretches, playful laughter exercises (no jokes or comedy), clapping and deep relaxation. 

It has many benefits besides the joy of laughter. It can strengthen the immune system, combat the negative effects of stress, and is a powerful antidote to depression and anxiety. 

$5 donation to the church, $10 maximum per family. Please bring your water bottle because laughing can be dehydrating. 

Led by Certified Laughter Yoga Master Trainers and Laughter Ambassadors, Linda and Bill Hamaker. See www.letslaughtoday.com for opportunities to laugh in other towns. If you have any questions, just call Hamakers at 508-660-2223 or e-mail billandlinda@letslaughtoday.com. 

LET'S LAUGH TODAY in Franklin is on Tuesday, Nov 12

FHS Chamber Concert - Nov 7

The FHS Chamber Concert is scheduled for 7:00 PM on Thursday, Nov 7.  Conveniently, you can take in Panther Pride Night and then stop by the FHS auditorium for the concert.

FHS Chamber Concert - Nov 7

Veterans' Services: Free cruise, free bowling events

Veterans' FREE Boston Harbor Cruise; Saturday, November 9, 2019

A special cruise highlighting the military history of the Boston Harbor islands. A visit to Georges Island, a tour of Fort Warren, kid's programs and a commemorative flag wreath laying.

Ferry passage free of charge for veterans and military and up to 3 family members. For free veteran tickets please call Boston Harbor Cruises at 617-227-4321. For all other members of the general public, please follow the ticket link to purchase a $10 ticket for this cruise http://bostonharborislands.org/event/veterans-day-cruise/

Veterans' Services: Free cruise

VETERANS BOWL FREE ON VETERANS' DAY!
One free game and complimentary shoe rental at PINZ in Milford, MA

https://pinzbowl.com/milford-ma/ 

Veterans' Services: free bowling events

Shared from the Town of Franklin Veterans' Service page
https://www.franklinma.gov/veterans-services

In the News: Daniel O’Connell’s Sons Inc to rebuild Natick Station; Franklin election results

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"A Franklin company has won a $36 million contract to overhaul the Natick Center rail station.

The MBTA Control Board on Monday awarded the contract for the project to Daniel O’Connell’s Sons Inc. T officials said the station will be “rebuilt,” with plans for two elevators, three new stairways, two accessible ramps, new platforms, better signs and the installation of emergency lighting. An existing pedestrian bridge will also be replaced.

T officials also plan to raise the inbound track and upgrade infrastructure to address existing flooding problems."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20191105/franklin-firm-wins-natick-rail-station-project

Note: While they have a location in Franklin, they were founded and are headquartered in Holyoke, MA. Find out more about DOC online at http://www.oconnells.com/

"Following Tuesday’s biennial town election, continuity is the word for the Town Council, with all seven of the incumbents who sought re-election successfully retaining their seats on the nine-member panel.

And for the School Committee, change is the name of the game, though with just two of seven incumbents throwing their hats into the ring for another term, that was expected.

In the only other race on the ballot, voters retained all three of the town’s incumbent constables.

A total of 3,851 voters turned out at the polls at Franklin Hight School to cast ballots -- the figure represents about 15 percent of the town’s registered voters."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20191105/franklin-election-continuity-for-town-council-change-for-school-board

For the workbook with the unofficial results
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/11/town-of-franklin-unofficial-results-nov.html

precinct tables are quiet after 8:00 PM when the polls have closed

Lifelong Community Learning: Tasting Spanish Wines - Nov. 12

Offered in partnership with Franklin Liquors

‌ Lifelong Community Learning Exploring Spanish Wines REGISTER NOW Spanish Wine is so much more than Sangria This "Old World" region has so many great wine values. We will explore the regions, laws, grapes, terms, and more. Come explore all things Spain from Rioja to Sherry.  Note: Participants must be at least 21 years of age Cost: $25 November 12 7:00-9:00 PM Workshop held at: Franklin Liquors 363 East Central St Franklin, MA Franklin Liquors' Mark Lenzi, will be your guide www.FranklinLifelongLearning.com

FPS- Lifelong Community Learning | 218 Oak Street, Franklin, MA 02038 Sent by lcl@franklinps.net in collaboration with Try email marketing for free today!

Town of Franklin - Unofficial Results - Nov 5, 2019

these are the unofficial results, write in ballots still need to be added to the totals and then the whole total and results certified before Friday.

3851 voters or about 15% of the registered total

"Reconstructing History and Genealogy: Mom's WWII Letters" - Nov 10

Join us for our next installment of our SECOND SUNDAY SPEAKER SERIES, Sunday November 10 = "Reconstructing History and Genealogy: Mom's WWII Letters"

The discovery of more than 100 letters and correspondence from WWII brought unexpected insights and connections for Corinne Smith.

In May 2017, she found her mother's stash of letters from 16 servicemen that she had corresponded with in 1944-1945. Most of the men were from her mother's hometown of Allentown, Pennsylvania, or from her college roommate's hometown of Trenton, New Jersey. Nearly all of the writers were now gone and could no longer offer information or explanations for what they had written. Corinne began to trace the soldiers' family trees with one goal in mind: to return the letters in person to their children. 

Learn about her on-going project, and hear some of the stories of the men, their experiences, and what their relatives have to say today. This presentation links history and genealogy to present-day research and diligence. It revisits a time that we may not want to forget. And it may prompt audience members to wonder for themselves what treasures may be lurking in their own old family boxes -- and how they can share the information with others.

This is a 90 minute presentation with slides. The museum opens at 1:00 and the presentation begins at 1:10. Admission is free. 

Please consider bringing a non-perishable food item for the Franklin Food Pantry. This event is sponsored by the Friends of the Franklin Historical Museum. Our gift shop is open and Franklin Common Gazebo ornaments are available while they last.

 

"Reconstructing History and Genealogy: Mom's WWII Letters" - Nov 10

Wanted Food Elves for the Franklin Food Pantry!

The food elf program has fundraised for the Franklin Food Pantry for thirteen years and is our largest fundraising event. This program is unique because it is driven by high school and middle school students only. 

Starting December 1 for twelve days the elves participate in "12 days of giving" and collect funds from their neighborhoods. Each elf is assigned to a particular neighborhood and drops off a customized envelope and flyer to a Franklin resident and then returns to pick up a donation to the Franklin Food Pantry. Elves can also fundraise online through our donorperfect platform.

The Franklin Food Pantry provides all the elves with everything they need including their own webpage, flyers and thank you notes. Each elf also receives either between 10 and 12 community service hours for participating in the program.

Interested volunteers can visit our website to sign up at: https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/franklin-food-elves

Wanted Food Elves for the Franklin Food Pantry!

FHS boys soccer advances with 1-0 win; girls soccer, volleyball, and field hockey teams end playoff runs

Via HockomockSports.com, we share the results for the FHS fall sports playoff action on Monday, Nov 4, 2019.

Boys Soccer = D1 South = #11 Franklin, 1 @ #6 Natick, 0 – Final
– Franklin scored an early goal and the defense had a great game to earn a 1-0 upset of #6 Natick. Lucas Moura scored on an assist from Donny Tappin to put the visitors ahead. Jack Rudolph was outstanding in net in the shutout for Franklin. The Panthers will play the winner of #3 Brockton and #14 Braintree.

Field Hockey = D1 South = #5 Franklin, 0 @ #4 Westwood, 1 – Final

Volleyball = D1 Central/West = #6 Franklin, 1 @ #3 Algonquin, 3 – Final

Girls Soccer = D1 South = #9 Franklin, 0 @ #8 Oliver Ames, 1 – Final (OT)
Ryan Lanigan, founder and Editor-in-Chief of HockomockSports.com, provides the game recap:

“Big girl soccer.”

That was just one of many positive mantras Scott Dolan was known for, and it was the perfect way to describe Monday evening’s clash between #8 Oliver Ames and #9 Franklin.

Eighty minutes wasn’t enough to decide the physical contest between the two league rivals, with neither team willing to give an inch.

But finally, in the 89th minute, OA sophomore Allison Evin delivered the game-winner with a perfectly struck shot to the far post, just sneaking inside the far post into the side netting to give the Tigers a 1-0 emotional overtime win over the Panthers.

“I felt like we could score one goal we had a chance,” said Oliver Ames head coach Britt Sellmayer. “The last time [Franklin] gave up a goal was forever ago. They had 12 shutouts in the last 13 games and the only team that scored against them was KP and they only got two. They are just so hard to break down because they have such quality players back there.”

Continue reading the game recap
https://hockomocksports.com/oliver-ames-girls-soccer-overtime-win-over-franklin/

For a Photo Gallery from this game
https://hockomocksports.smugmug.com/2019-2020/Fall-2019/Oliver-Ames-Franklin-Girls-Soccer-11-04-19/

For other results around the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/mondays-schedule-scoreboard-11-04-19/

FHS' Erni Quaile preparing to play a ball in the air (Ryan Lanigan/HockomockSports.com)

Reminder: Panther Pride Night - Nov 7

Friendly Reminder:  Panther Pride Night is November 7, 2019 and features Clubs, Activities, and  Athletic Teams! 

Join us from 5:30 PM-7:30 PM in the gym to see all that Franklin High School has to offer!

Panther Pride Night = Nov 7

This was shared from Twitter  https://twitter.com/MsTaranto/status/1184989478496149507

MBTA Update: Franklin Line notice - Last day for weekday shuttle is today

Weekdays, until Nov 5, from 8:00 am - 3:30 pm, buses replace Franklin Line service between Forge Park/495 and Franklin/Dean due to track maintenance. Passengers may experience delays due to bus connections. Normal train service will resume on Wednesday, Nov 6.

This necessary tie job replacement project will improve service and reliability on the Commuter Rail.

Please visit https://www.mbta.com/FRKwork for more details about bus shuttle schedules. Passengers may experience delays of up to 15 minutes.

Please note the pickup/drop off locations for shuttle buses:

Franklin/Dean: Please board in the main station parking lot near the shelter.
Forge Park/495: Please board at the end of the driveway to the parking lot.

For more information: https://www.mbta.com/FRKwork


Last Updated: Nov 04 2019 01:38 PM

MBTA Update: Franklin Line notice - Last day for weekday shuttle is today

"the commuter rail system needs to transform itself"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"The MBTA board voted Monday to back substantial investment in the commuter rail, calling for electrification of the system and more frequent service through the most dense corridors in a step that transportation advocates praised as historic.

The Fiscal and Management Control Board adopted unanimously resolutions calling for the T to develop a “commuter rail transformation office” within three months that will then oversee long-term work to electrify most of the network and run trains with 15-minute headways between key stations in a regional or urban rail model.

The decision still leaves questions unanswered about how the MBTA will pay for the changes, which will carry a price tag in the billions. Onlookers and activists who have long called for railway improvements complimented the board for supporting a plan to improve transit equity, take cars off congested roadways and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

“It’s definitely a win,” said Jarred Johnson, chief operating officer of the TransitMatters advocacy group. “It’s a win for better service, it’s a win for equity concerns, and I think they also heard the call loud and clear that commuter rail fares have to be much, much more affordable.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20191104/mbta-board-commits-to-reimagined-commuter-rail-system/1

"the commuter rail system needs to transform itself"

In the News: Franklin constable election finds 4 candidates for 3 positions

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"The town’s biennial town election ballot includes a race for constable, with four candidates seeking election to three, four-year terms.

Candidates include: Incumbent Philip M. Brunelli Sr., incumbent John S. Power, incumbent Daniel J. McCahill, and Rancourt (Randy) Larosa, who has served as constable on an appointed basis.

Following are profiles for McCahill and Larosa. Brunelli and Power have not as yet sent their statements."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20191104/town-constable-race-on-franklin-ballot


For additional info on the candidates and election overall, visit the Franklin Election Collection 2019
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/07/franklin-election-collection-2019.html

Franklin Election Collection - 2019

 

Tuesday November 5th, is Election Day!

Tuesday November 5th, is Election Day!

Polls are open from 6 AM until 8 PM at Franklin High School.

Asst Clerk Nancy Danello and Town Clerk Teresa Burr

Items of note:

• There will be a 'selfie' photo spot in the FHS gymnasium to take a photo and share (if you wish) after you have voted
• Plenty of "I voted" stickers are available as well as "Future Voter" stickers for the children accompanying the adults
• Franklin Radio will broadcast the results from the FHS gym as soon as they are available. Tune in at 7:00 PM for a special program on election music. And stay tuned in when the polls close at 8:00, we'll share some info on the election process while waiting for the results to be announced.  Franklin Radio is available at wfpr.fm or 102.9 on the FM dial.
• Printed copies of the Annual Report are available as you leave after voting.

THE BLACK BOX presents Quartett Giocosa - Nov 17

Quartett Giocosa presents MACABRE on Sunday, November 17 at 4:00 p.m. as part of THE BLACK BOX Classical Series. This Halloween themed concert will feature Schubert’s famous quartet “Death and the Maiden,” in which the Spectre of Death stalks a young girl. Also on the program is Saint Saens’ “Danse Macabre” and a few other creepy treats. Tea service by Franklin’s Intermission Cafe will be available in the lobby.

Quartett Giocosa is a professional classical quartet featuring violinists Heather Goodchild and Irina Fainkichen with Irina Naryshkova on Viola and Elizabeth Schultze on Cello. Giocosa means "joy." Quartett Giocosa lives up to their name and reputation by bringing exuberance, passion, and vibrancy to the stage with every performance. The group has played with musicians including Yo-Yo Ma, Joshua Bell, Mstislav Rostropovich, Anne Sophie Mutter, Mark O’Connor, Wynton Marsalis, Sarah Vaughan, Christoph Eschenbach, Michael Tilson Thomas, Jane Glover, Lorin Maazel, Seiji Ozawa, and Jung-Ho Pak.

THE BLACK BOX, the region’s premier music, theater, and event venue, is located at 15 W. Central St. in Franklin, MA. Visit www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com or call 508-528-3370 for tickets and more information. 

THE BLACK BOX presents Quartett Giocosa - Nov 17