Business License Scams: A Barrier for Reentrants

Business License Scams: A Barrier for Reentrants by Lisa Lake Consumer Education Specialist, FTC Many reentrants don't believe they will ever get a business license through the usual channels. That makes them vulnerable to scams. Some reentrants may find themselves frustrated by occupational licensing regulations that don't make sense. Maybe their trade is licensed in some states, but not others. That's confusing. If you're looking to get a professional or business license, here are three things you should do before you pay anyone money: Read more This is a free service provided by the Federal Trade Commission.

In the News: Candidates Night - Oct 17

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

"Twenty candidates for the upcoming town election discussed various topics and issues at a candidates night on Tuesday. 

The event was sponsored by the Franklin Chamber of Commerce and the Daily News. The election takes place on Nov. 7. 

Here are highlights from each candidate:"

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20171017/franklin-candidates-night-hosts-20

The format of the questions for the candidates was differently handled for the School Committee and Town Council. School Committee candidates went first. Each had an opening statement for 1 minute, questions were answered in 1 minute and then the closing statement from each was also 1 minute.

The Town Council had the opening and closing statements the same as the School Committee, 1 minute for each. The answer to the question was 1.5 minutes and then each candidate got up to 30 seconds to add to or provide a rebuttal to the first answer. This allowed all candidates to weigh in a particular question.

Only 7 of the 8 School Committee candidates appeared. Diane Feeley was unable to. All 12 candidates fir the Town Council appeared.

The two Board of Health candidate actually kicked off the evening. Bridget Sweet appeared to present her statement. Bruce Hunchard was unable to attend and his statement was read for him. There were no questions. All the other positions for the Nov 7 election are uncontested.

part of the Council candidates are shown int his photo

Alive After Five - Dean College

The United Regional Chamber of Commerce will hold its "Alive After Five" on October 18 from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM at Dean College, 99 Main Street, Franklin.

"Over the next few years both the talent pool we hire from as well as our client base will shift from Boomers and Gen Xer’s to Millenials and the generations behind them. 

If you don’t think these generations are different, you are sorely mistaken. Thea Cerio the Director of Career Planning and Internships at Dean College will be providing information on some tricks and tips for working with the younger generations. 

This session will start at 4:45 so there will still be plenty of time to network."

Alive After Five - Dean College

Community Forum on Sexting - Twitter Summary

A collection via Storify of the Twitter posts during the Community Forum on Sexting held at Franklin High School, Franklin, MA on Oct 16, 2017.

Be sure to scroll within the Storify widget to view all the posts.

Community Forum on Sexting - Twitter Summary

Franklin Newcomers and Friends Club: Brenda Reed - Nov 8

The Franklin Newcomers and Friends Club will meet on Wednesday, November 8. We are pleased to host as our speaker, Brenda Reed, currently the Director for Lifelong Community Learning in Franklin. Reed is a former chief executive for the New England Press Association, a former public servant – both elected and appointed – a former founder and co-owner of a successful weekly newspaper, and a former Attleboro mayor and School Committee member.

In those positions Reed has been at the intersection of public policy and business management. She understands the crucial importance of good organization, setting priorities, feasible strategies, attention to detail, the need to collaborate successfully with staff team members, volunteers, and the public.

She will be speaking about the Lifelong Community Learning programs and the opportunities for partnership. Lifelong Community Learning is a program of the Franklin Public Schools Lifelong Learning Institute and is dedicated to providing quality learning experiences for residents in the Town of Franklin and surrounding communities.

We invite any resident of Franklin, or a surrounding town that doesn't have a Newcomers Club, to join us at "3" Restaurant, 461 West Central Street, Franklin. Complimentary appetizers and beverages are provided and a cash bar is available. We meet upstairs at 7:30 PM on the 2nd Wednesday of the month. We run our meetings September through May. Additionally, we hold many fun and varied events to stay connected throughout the year.

For more information, please visit our website www.franklinnewcomers.com or our Facebook page, Franklin Newcomers and Friends Club.

Franklin Newcomers and Friends Club: Brenda Reed - Nov 8

FHS field hockey and volleyball post wins on Monday

From Hockomock Sports we share the results of the Franklin High School fall sports results on Monday, Oct 16.


Field Hockey = Oliver Ames, 0 @ Franklin, 2 – Final
– Franklin junior Anna Jardine had a strong game in net, making nine saves, including a gutsy slide tackle and a beautiful diving save – both in the second half – to help the Panthers preserve the win. Juniors Cassi Ronan and Regan Paterson each scored once in the first half for Franklin. FHS head coach Lisa Cropper said junior Annie Walsh played an outstanding game, creating numerous offensive chances and stopping OA from mounting an attack. Oliver Ames goalie Caitlin Grant made eight saves in net.

Volleyball = Franklin, 3 @ Taunton, 0 – Final
– Franklin mounted a late comeback in the second half to help sweep the Tigers on the road. Junior Lauren McGrath (four aces) put the Franklin offense in motion with 30 assists while Meaghan Maguire had 10 kills and two blocks and Lauren Lockhart chipped in with eight kills.

FHS Hailey Sanders ready for the ball vs. Taunton (Hockomock Sports photo)

HockomockSports has a photo gallery from the volleyball game
https://hockomocksports.smugmug.com/20172018/Fall-2017/Taunton-Franklin-Volleyball-10-16-17/


For the other results around the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/mondays-schedule-scoreboard-101617/

Absentee Ballots now available at the Town Clerks Office

ABSENTEE BALLOTS ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT THE

TOWN CLERK’S OFFICE

BIENNIAL TOWN ELECTION NOTICE

DATE: TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2017

TIME: 6:00a.m. – 8:00p.m.

PLACE: FRANKLIN HIGH SCHOOL ON OAK STREET

*ALL PRECINCTS*

LAST DAY TO REGISTER TO VOTE: Wednesday, October 18th at 8:00pm at the Town Clerk’s Office, First Floor, 355 East Central Street, Municipal Building.
Or, register online at (registertovotema.com).

Absentee Ballot Information: Absentee ballots are now available in the Town Clerk’s office. A registered voter who will be unable to vote at the polls on Election Day due to the following reasons may vote absentee in the Town Clerk’s Office up to 12:00 noon Monday, November 6, 2017
(1) absence from your city or town during normal polling hours; or
(2) physical disability preventing you from going to the polling place; or
(3) Religious belief.

To request an Absentee Ballot:
(1) Email: (tburr@franklinma.gov)
(2) Visit the Town Clerk’s website at (franklinma.gov) to print out an Absentee Ballot request form and either email or fax (508)520-4913.

If you have any questions, please contact Teresa M. Burr, Town Clerk at (508)520-4900 or
Email (tburr@franklinma.gov)

Franklin Election Collection - 2017

Help fill the St. Vincent de Paul Thanksgiving food baskets

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

Each year, the St. Vincent de Paul headquarters in Stoughton offers the Franklin St. Mary’s St. Vincent de Paul Thanksgiving food baskets ($10 each) for distribution throughout the community. Those in need of assistance can call the St. Vincent de Paul office at 508-918-2291. 

The St. Mary’s St. Vincent de Paul Society will be conducting its 9th annual Thanksgiving Food Drive on the weekend of Nov. 18-19, to enhance the baskets from HQ and to restock food pantry shelves. Suggested items to donate include applesauce, cranberry juice, popcorn, peanut butter, jelly, jams, cookies, crackers, bread mix, pudding, candy corn, cranberry sauce, stuffing, cereal, fruit cocktail, coffee/tea/cocoa, boxes of chocolate, canned yams and vegetables, rice, chowder and a Thanksgiving tablecloth or decoration.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20171016/strongst-vincent-de-paul-announces-food-drivestrong

Help fill the St. Vincent de Paul Thanksgiving food baskets

Franklin Candidate for Town Council - Eamon McCarthy Earls

Eamon McCarthy Earls (EME) and I (FM) sat down at Panera Bread to talk about his candidacy for the Franklin (MA) Town Council in the election scheduled for Nov 7, 2017.

FM - Tell me a bit about yourself, your family, and your life here in Franklin? What is your Franklin story?

EME - I grew up in Franklin, attended public schools here and graduated from Franklin High School. My family lives in Franklin and I have many friends throughout the town. Growing up here, I became interested in our community's history from talking with lifelong residents such as Stella Jeon, or Howard and Sandy Crawford. I was inspired by their stories to research and write a history of the town from colonial times to the present day that I published in 2012.  Today, I'm also a homeowner in Franklin, invested in our town's future and committed to seeing this community thrive.

FM - What experience or background will help you to serve in this role? What do you bring to the table that helps to set you apart from the others?

EME - I am well prepared for our complex financial and environmental challenges with an MBA and a bachelors degree in geology from UMASS-Amherst. Town Council is a new way to serve my town, building on the work that I did as an Associate member of the Franklin Historical Commission, helping to set up the Town Museum in 2010, that now anchors our Cultural District. In addition, I've had other longstanding involvements in town whether collecting used bicycles or supporting the Charles River meadowlands initiative.

FM - What do you see as your role's biggest challenge and do you have any suggestions on how we can resolve it?

EME - Engaging the public is one of the biggest challenges, which requires active outreach on the part of the Council. Councilors complain that nobody cares so they just do what they want. I want to encourage a more active citizenry and more people getting involved in our community.

More transparency is needed so that citizens can find the services they need, express their concerns and participate. Some of this can be accomplished through new technology, even potentially apps. But above all, councilors need to be out talking to citizens and not just a select few.

FM - As you know, Franklin has applied to the state for an official Cultural District designation in town. What do you feel is the role of arts and culture in Franklin, and what is your plan to advance that agenda?

EME - It's a great opportunity to invigorate the downtown as a destination for residents and for visitors from out of town. The exact shape of it will evolve overtime, but between the town museum, our historic library and the resources of Dean College as well the Franklin Art Association we have a great foundation.

It's both an economic development opportunity and a chance to increase the quality of life for residents through new opportunities for visual arts, performing arts. Our existing town codes could be seen as blocking the creation of certain art galleries and antiques businesses that might otherwise be a great element in a cultural district.

FM - Would you like to add a closing statement?

EME - All of the people on the council boast about the same things, bringing in business, reducing taxes, almost the same line the entire time. With the 250^th anniversary of the town coming up, it's time to take stock and see if we have the right mix of business and how it may evolve over coming years with the changing demographics of the town. Will the town grow in a way that matches its schools and infrastructure? What are we doing to understand and manage that for the long term. Some of the approaches have tended to be tactical, bringing in specific employers or dealing with the problems of a single property. Active town council that shapes the long term agenda. It's not clear exactly how long it will take to clean up our Superfund site and finally get some closure on our polluted Grove St. brownfields.

Clearly there are public health challenges too, the continued challenges of opiods and the growing threat from new tick-borne illnesses. We should be making sure that our local public health infrastructure and schools are equipped to deal with these things.

As a town councilor, I will rise to meet these challenges and work to make the Council a transparent, responsive and engaged group that talks to citizens and works closely with other parts of town government such as the School Committee.


Eamon's email address is eamon4newftc@gmail.com and his campaign Facebook page is @eamon4newftc.


Offer to Candidates 2017
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/08/offer-to-candidates-for-franklin.html

From the FM archives: 

Eamon's presentation at the Historical Museum on his book  http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/01/talking-about-edge-city.html

and info on his book Franklin: From Puritan Precinct to 21st Century ‘Edge City’
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/01/historical-museum-book-signing-jan-13.html


Noteworthy: This information is intended to help the Franklin voters when we all head to the ballot box on November 7. The interview candidates have had an opportunity to review the text before publishing to ensure the accuracy of our discussion. 

Franklin Election Collection - 2017

Christine Lavin and Don White Live at the Circle of Friends Coffeehouse - Oct 28

Christine Lavin and Don White 

"On the Funny Side"

at the Circle of Friends Coffeehouse

Music and laughter on October 28

Seeing Christine Lavin or Don White is a treat. Seeing Christine Lavin and Don White is an experience. Between the two of them, they more than 40 years of combined experience making music and laughter. Don't miss them at the Circle of Friends Coffeehouse on October 28 at 8PM.

The Lavin/White co-bills have packed audiences in wherever they've played, from the Regent Theatre in Boston to The Ark in Ann Arbor Michigan. Audiences get a one-hour shot of each performer during their solo sets, and then a free-for-all when White and Lavin take the stage together and display the kind of chemistry you get from old friends and seasoned performers. You'll never see the same show twice.

"Our show doesn't sound like a folk concert, it sounds like a comedy concert, there's 400 people screaming with laughter for the whole two hours," says White.

"It's hard to describe what it is that Don does onstage, because there simply isn't anyone out there like him," says Lavin. "I'm a brave performer to share the bill with someone who knocks audiences out the way he does."

Christine Lavin is a multi-award winning singer-songwriter, author, and knitter. She released her memoir, Cold Pizza for Breakfast: A Mem-wha??, in 2010. She is also a founding member of the popular folk collective, The Four Bitchin' Babes. 

White is a celebrated singer/songwriter/storyteller who has released eight albums and three DVDs. His new CD, More Alive, is available now. His book, Memoirs Of A C Student, is available in print and for the Kindle and Nook. Lavin and White have also released a digital only live album, Live At the Ark: The Father's Day Concert, available on CDFreedom.com.


CHRISTINE LAVIN AND DON WHITE LIVE
October 28, 8 PM
The Circle of Friends Coffeehouse
At the First Universalist Society Meetinghouse, 262 Chestnut St, Franklin, Ma
Tickets: $25
www.circlefolk.org
508-528-2541

Christine Lavin and Don White Live at the Circle of Friends Coffeehouse - Oct 28

Christine Lavin Resources:

Web: www.christinelavin.com/

Music: www.christinelavin.com/index.php?page=cds

For Press: http://www.poetinmo.com/christine-lavin-25th.html

Publisher: www.tellmepress.com

Don White Resources:

Web: www.donwhite.net

Music: http://www.reverbnation.com/lumperboy

Video: http://www.youtube.com/user/Lumperboy16

For Press: http://9is9.com/donwhite/photos-9.htm

Milford Daily News: School Committee candidate profiles

The eight School Committee candidate profiles have been posted by Milford Daily News. You can read them here:
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20171013/franklin-school-committee-profiles


The Franklin Matters' candidate interviews are in process and will be posted as they become available. You can find all the election related posts in one place
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/08/election-collection-2017.html


The Candidate Night is scheduled for Tuesday evening (Oct 17) in the Council Chambers at 7:00 PM. It will be broadcast by Franklin TV and made available for replay on demand. It will also be broadcast on Verizon Channel 29 and Comcast Channel 11. You can find the on demand or live broadcast on the Town of Franklin webpage here
http://www.franklinma.gov/home/pages/live-meetings-stream


Note the candidate night is focused on the contested races for Town Council and School Committee. Accommodations are reported to be made for the Board of Health candidates where the incumbent (who can't appear) may have a statement read and the challenger (who can appear) will make a statement.

Franklin TV will be covering candidates night live on Tue 10/17 @ 7 PM. on Com Ch 11 and Ver Ch 29. It will be rebroadcast over 2 weeks.

— Ken Norman (@wknorman) October 15, 2017

Franklin Election Collection - 2017

Register O'Donnell Reports Slowdown for 3rd Quarter 2017 Real Estate Activity

	Norfolk County Registry of Deeds
	Register O'Donnell Reports Slowdown for 3rd Quarter 2017 Real Estate Activity Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell reported Norfolk County real estate activity continued to experience a slowdown during the 3rd quarter 2017, (July-Sept). The one bright note among the sobering statistics was the continued reduction in foreclosure activity. Register O'Donnell noted, "There is no question real estate activity numbers were disappointing for the 3rd quarter. The total number of real estate sales in Norfolk County, both residential and commercial, was 5,085, a 4% reduction from the previous year. In addition, the total dollar sales volume, for both the residential and commercial sectors, decreased by 23% to $2.2 billion. Lastly, the average real estate sales price, for combined residential and commercial stock was $653,539." "The Norfolk County real estate market," noted O'Donnell, "is being impacted by the same sluggish headwinds affecting real estate sales throughout Massachusetts and nationwide: low inventory levels. It is especially the case with starter homes, as potential new homeowners attempt to crack the market. This is good news for sellers, but frustrating and disappointing news for first-time buyers." Another sobering indicator was a 14% reduction in the total number of land documents recorded at the Registry during the 3rd quarter. "In addition to the reduced number of real estate sales, the overall decline in the number of land documents recorded can be directly attributed to a reduced number of mortgage recordings," noted O'Donnell. Regarding mortgage activity, 7,300 mortgages were recorded during the quarter compared to 9,717 during the same time period in 2016. An anomaly was seen with total mortgage borrowing increasing by 69% during the quarter to $7.8 billion. This number was skewed by a $1.6 billion mortgage against a commercial property in Weymouth. The Register stated, "There is no question the lending market is being negatively driven by the reduced amount of real estate sales as well as the creeping rise in interest rates." Another slowdown in consumer activity was seen in the lowering number of Norfolk County homeowners availing themselves of the Homestead Act. A total of 3,543 Homesteads were recorded during the 3rd quarter, a 5% decrease year over year. "The Homestead law provides limited protection against the forced sale of an individual's primary residence to satisfy unsecured debt up to $500,000. I urge Norfolk County residents to consider this consumer protection tool," noted O'Donnell. As previously stated, foreclosure activity was one of the few bright spots experienced during the quarter. The total number of foreclosure deeds recorded was 61, a 27% decrease year over year. More significantly, the number of Notice to Foreclose Mortgage recordings, the first step in the foreclosure process, fell 49% from the 3rd quarter of 2016. O'Donnell stated, "While the decrease in foreclosure recordings was certainly good news, I realize this is little consolation to those facing the threat of foreclosure. The Registry continues to work with Quincy Community Action Programs, 617-479-8181 x376, and NeighborWorks Southern Mass, 508-587-0950 to help homeowners who received a Notice to Foreclose Mortgage. A third option is to contact the Massachusetts Attorney General's Consumer Advocacy and Response Division (CARD) at 617-727-8400. Register O'Donnell concluded, "It is not surprising that we saw disappointing real estate activity numbers, especially when you consider the low level of housing inventory. These numbers especially impact first-time homebuyers who are trying to buy property at an affordable price. Furthermore, we are also seeing the effect is has on the lending market. While the eastern Massachusetts economy generally remains on solid footing, any increases in interest rates will only make the recovery a more challenging one for real estates sales and financing." To learn more about these and other Registry of Deeds events and initiatives, like us at facebook.com/NorfolkDeeds or follow us on twitter.com/NorfolkDeeds and instagram.com/NorfolkDeeds. The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds is located at 649 High Street, Dedham. The Registry is a resource for homeowners, title examiners, mortgage lenders, municipalities and others with a need for secure, accurate, accessible land record information. All land record research information can be found on the Registry's website at www.norfolkdeeds.org. Residents in need of assistance can contact the Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center at (781) 461-6101, or email us at registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org. Register William P. O'Donnell Norfolk County Registry of Deeds email: registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org phone: 781-234-3336 web: http://www.norfolkdeeds.org

Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, 649 High Street, Dedham,, MA 02026-1831 Sent by registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org in collaboration with Try it free today Register O'Donnell Highlights Registry Customer Service Center

“Families these days want families activities"

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

"Mendon Scoutmaster Alan Koufos has heard from girls over the years who have wanted to join the ranks of Boy Scout Troop 44. 

In fact, two of their mothers were the ones who broke the news to him this week that the Boy Scouts of America will soon allow girls into its programs. 

“I remember both of their daughters saying, ’Boy I wish I could be with my brothers,” Koufos recalled Friday. 

Now with that opportunity on the horizon, local scout leaders have mixed views on whether the change was necessary."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20171015/scouting-leaders-mixed-on-boy-scout-decision

https://beascout.scouting.org/

ICYMI - 60 Minutes episode on opioid crisis

In case you missed it (ICYMI), the link to the CBS 60 Minutes episode on the opioid crisis can be found here  Ex-DEA agent: Opioid crisis fueled by drug industry and Congress 85 BILL WHITAKER CBS NEWS

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/ex-dea-agent-opioid-crisis-fueled-by-drug-industry-and-congress/

Twitter image for CBS

FM #133 - School Committee Budgeting Workshop - Oct 10

FM #133

This internet radio show or podcast is number 133 in the series for Franklin Matters. This captures and shares the audio recording of the Franklin (MA) School Committee Budgeting Workshop held October 10, 2017.

Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-133-school-committee-budgeting-workshop

Chairman Kevin O’Malley opens the meeting with an overview of the meeting format on budgeting for the next fiscal year. There are no numbers to review, time would be spent on developing goals for what should be prioritized, etc.

There is reference along the way to some documents which were part of the package for the Committee. Some of the documents were also shown on the overhead projector. The documents released are contained in the PDF file associated with this post.

Much discussion was around how to communicate this information to tell the story of Franklin School Budget. What it has lost, what it needs, what can be done to prepare our students for their future.

The meeting recording runs about and hour and 20 minutes. Without further ado, here is the recording

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This brings the recording of the School Committee Budgeting Workshop to a close..

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but I can't do it alone. I can use your help.

How can you help?

If you like this, please tell your friends and neighbors.
If you don't like this, please let me know.

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

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/
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 and Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission

I hope you enjoy!

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The documents for the meeting can be found here
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B0wjbnXDBhczcTV2QldjaXg4bUdqaUlhUXkzbmI5UHJvUkxr

My notes for the meeting were also published here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/10/live-reporting-school-committee.html

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You can also subscribe and listen to the audio on iTunes = search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters on iTunes