January Group Walk on the SNETT - Jan 20

Please join us for our monthly group walk on the SNETT. Our January walk is planned on Monday, January 20th, 2020 (MLK Holiday) at 10 AM at the Center Street Trailhead in Bellingham.

Our December walk proved that having a pair of slip on ice crampons in a car is a great idea for winter walks. As always, this event is kid friendly and leashed dogs are welcome too.

Keep an eye on the event here or our Facebook page for any changes due to weather.

See you on the trail!

Please note: We are changing the location to Center St. trailhead in Bellingham. Since we are going to be walking by the Kindness Rocks spot, please feel free to bring a kindness rock or two to add. Thank you.

When: Monday, January 20, 2020 at 10 AM – 11:30 AM


Follow the event on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/595517817682623/

The slope at Prospect St where the tunnel will eventually go through on the SNETT  (and under Prospect St)

James Montgomery Band with Opening Act The DayBreakers - Jan 17

THE BLACK BOX welcomes back the James Montgomery Band with opener - The DayBreakers.

When blues legend James Montgomery plays the harmonica, he "brings it on home." Whether it's recording with Kid Rock, sitting in with Gregg Allman, or fronting his hot band of thirty years, Montgomery plays with authority. While growing up in Detroit he, learned first-hand from the masters - James Cotton, John Lee Hooker, and Jr. Wells - at the legendary "Chessmate." Over the years, he's carried on in the tradition and continues to be a vital presence in Blues as one of the most dynamic performers on the scene.

In 1970, while attending Boston University, Montgomery formed The James Montgomery Band. His inimitable (oh yeah, he majored in English) harmonica playing combined with his incredibly energetic live shows led to the band's quick ascension on the New England music scene. Within two years, The James Montgomery band was among the hottest acts in Boston along with J. Geils and Aerosmith, and they were quickly signed to a multi-album deal with Capricorn Records.

Since that time, James has recorded six albums. His first, "First Time Out" has been remastered and re-released by MRG/Capricorn. Other include "James Montgomery Band" on Island Records which was number nine on Billboard's national playlist, "Duck Fever" with members of the David Letterman Band, "Live Trax," with the Uptown Horns (the Rolling Stones' horn section), and his release on Tone-Cool, "The Oven Is On."


The DayBreakers

Fueled by two songwriters with contrasting approaches, the DayBreakers craft their distinct sound through a blend of folk rock melodies, blues guitar muscle and rock and roll grit. The five piece band, led by lead singer/guitarist Kyle Murphy, and bassist Matt Schairer has played many of New England's most revered rooms (The Middle East, TT the Bears, Thunder Road, Cape Cod Melody Tent) and shared the stage with some of the region's best roots rockers (Entrain, the Silks, Delta Generators, Frank Viele), while also supporting national touring acts The High Divers, Christian Lopez and Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band. 

Murphy's songwriting draws from a combination of jazz and heartland rock, fusing the complex chord changes of bebop with the boot stomping choruses of Seger and Mellencamp. Schairer's songwriting is tied tighter to country and folk, with an emphasis on storytelling akin to the Drive By Truckers and Springsteen. 

The tension of two songwriters has led to artistic breakthroughs, but it has not been without its struggle. Plagued by line up changes and stylistic clashes, the band spent half a decade chasing the shadow of a dream in half-filled bar rooms. These nights led the band to be highly qualified to write their second full length album, a concept record named "Worn Out Dream," about a band that doesn't make it and looks to move on with their lives. 

For tickets or for more information about other events at THE BLACK BOX, visit www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com or call (508) 528-3370. 

James Montgomery Band with Opening Act The DayBreakers - Jan 17

IRS Free File offers free tax prep options for military personnel

The Internal Revenue Service today reminded active duty military personnel that IRS Free File offers them multiple options for free federal tax preparation.

Free File is for individuals or families whose adjusted gross income was $69,000 or less last year. Free File is a private-public partnership between the IRS and the Free File Inc.

"The IRS takes special steps to help military members and their families with their taxes, and the Free File program is part of that effort," said IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig. "Almost 10% of the IRS workforce are veterans. We greatly appreciate the service to the nation of every veteran and their supportive families, and we will do all we can to assist them."

For active duty military and their spouses, Free File has a special offer. Individuals and their families who meet the income limitation may choose from any of nine companies without regard to additional eligibility requirements.

The nine special offers are from 1040Now, Inc., FileYourTaxes.com, Free tax Returns.com, H&R Block, On-Line Taxes, Inc., Tax ACT, TaxHawk, Inc., TaxSlayer (English and Spanish) and TurboTax.

Active duty military stationed in combat zones also have more time to file their tax returns. However, those with spouses and families may opt to file as soon as they are able to claim various tax benefits for which they may be eligible. If only one spouse is present to file a joint return, they must have proper authorization to file a joint tax return on behalf of their spouse.

The IRS will begin processing tax returns on Jan. 27. With Free File, you can use any digital device, personal computer, tablet or smart phone. Free File products are mobile enabled so you can do your taxes on your smart phone or tablet and e-File with your hand-held device.

Here's how Free File works:

1. Go to IRS.gov/FreeFile to see all Free File options.
2. Military personnel who meet the income requirement can select from any of the nine providers that have "Free for Active Military for Adjusted Gross Income of $69,000 or less" in their offer. Nine of the 10 partners are making the offer. One product is in Spanish.
3. Select a provider and follow the links to their web page to begin your tax return.
4. Complete and e-File your tax return only if you have all the income and deduction records you need. The fastest way to get a refund is by filing electronically and selecting direct deposit. If you owe, use direct pay or electronic options.

Generally, each Free File partner sets additional eligibility requirements that civilian taxpayers must meet. Non-military personnel should use the "look up" tool at IRS.gov/FreeFile to find the best match.

Military members can get more information on their special tax benefits at IRS.gov/military.

Free File is available now through October to accommodate extension filers.

IRS Free File offers free tax prep options for military personnel

Both FHS varsity basketball teams post wins vs. North Attleboro

Via HockomockSports.com, we share the results of FHS winter sports action on Tuesday.

Boys Basketball = North Attleboro, 29 @ Franklin, 72 – Final
– Franklin bounced back from its first loss in a big way, running away with a win against visiting North Attleboro. After a back-and-forth first quarter saw the Panthers take a 17-14 lead, Franklin’s defense clamped down and didn’t allow more than six points in a quarter the rest of the way. Franklin senior Brayden Sullivan scored a career-high 28 points, hitting on a three-pointer in each of the first three quarters while going a perfect 4-for-4 from the free throw line. Chris Edgehill added 16 points in the win for Franklin while sophomore Brody Rosenberg netted a team-high nine points for North Attleboro.

Girls Basketball = Franklin, 53 @ North Attleboro, 33 – Final
– Franklin remained unbeaten with a road win at North Attleboro. The Panthers scored 24 points in the first quarter to get off to a perfect start, led by 18 at the half, and then held North to only three points in the third to put the game away. Ali Brigham was the game’s top scorer with 26 points and Olivia Quinn put up 13 for the Panthers. Franklin also used its advantage in the paint to dominate on the glass. On a rough shooting night for the Rocketeers, Regan Fein led the way with nine points and Amanda Kaiser added eight.

Girls Hockey = Franklin, 4 vs. Westwood, 5 – Final
– Franklin went toe-to-toe with one of the top teams in the state in Westwood but the Wolverines scored with less than a minute to go in the game to earn the win.

For other results around the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/tuesdays-schedule-scoreboard-01-14-20/

Both FHS varsity basketball teams posts wins vs. North Attleboro

 

Franklin Recycles almost 37,000 Pounds of Clothing Last 2 Months of 2019

We are pleased to announce the clothing recycling program in Franklin has been more than successful. Clothing pickup started mid-November and we have collected 36,949 pounds of clothing in the pink bags.

Please spread the news and let everyone you know to take advantage of the easiest way to recycle/reuse clothing. More bags can be sent to you by going to simplerecycling.com.

By using this valuable program you save time and money. All money received for the clothing goes to offset the curbside trash and recycling fee.

 

Franklin Recycles almost 37,000 Pounds of Clothing Last 2 Months of 2019

For more about the clothing recycle program
https://www.franklinma.gov/recycling-solid-waste/news/franklin-recycles-almost-37000-pounds-clothing-last-2-months-2019

Decoding the Kid Behind the IEP: A Quick Guide - Jan 16

UPCOMING WORKSHOP = Decoding the Kid Behind the IEP: A Quick Guide

WHEN: Thursday, January 16, 2020 at 7 PM – 9 PM

WHERE: Franklin Municipal Building, 3rd floor training room. Take the stairs or elevator to the third floor and head RIGHT!

Do you ever feel overwhelmed when describing your child? You know your child best! But it can be difficult to give people the right information (but not too much info!) to help them understand.

A Face Sheet is a 1-page summary sheet about your child; a simple overview in a friendly format. Face Sheets make it easy to share important info with educators/ care providers/ coaches/ specialists/ extended family members/ etc.

Come join us to create a Face Sheet for your child(ren)! This workshop will be facilitated by Elise Stokes, a parent and educational consultant.

We will also have a special presentation by Directory of Student Services, Paula Marano about Franklin's "Portrait of a Graduate."

This will be a productive and informative evening and we look forward to seeing you!

*Bring a laptop if you have one!

Decoding the Kid Behind the IEP: A Quick Guide - Jan 16

Shared via Twitter
https://twitter.com/FranklinPSNews/status/1216819820597075973

For more about Franklin Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC)
http://franklinsepac.org/

Franklin Cultural District meeting - Jan 22

Dear Franklin Cultural District Partners,

The next meeting of the Franklin Cultural District Committee (FCDC) is scheduled for:  Wednesday, January 22 at 7:00 PM in the 3rd Floor Training Room in the Municipal Building.

This Franklin Cultural District Committee (FCDC) received a $5,000 grant from the Massachusetts Cultural Council. The funds must be spent by June 30, 2020. The FCDC has earmarked $500 for marketing/promotion of the Cultural District. Importantly, the FCDC would like to distribute $4,500 to Cultural District Partners to fund cultural events associated with ArtWeek (May 1 to May 10) and/or the Strawberry Stroll (June 12).

Cultural District Partners are invited to this meeting to share their ideas/suggestions about the disbursement of these grant funds. Please attend this meeting and share your ideas.

Best,

Pandora

____________________

Pandora Carlucci, Ed.D.
Cultural District Committee Member
pcarluccifranklinculture@gmail.com

Franklin Cultural District meeting - Jan 22

MBTA - Commuter Rail will operate regular schedule for MLK Day

The Commuter Rail will be operating on a regular weekday schedule for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Monday, January 20, 2020.

For more information: http://www.mbta.com/holidays

Last Updated: Jan 14 2020 10:22 AM

MBTA - Commuter Rail will operate regular schedule for MLK Day

Franklin Residents: "Adopt a hydrant" Program available

"The Franklin Department of Public Works has created a new program that will give residents the opportunity to help the Fire Department ensure hydrants are clear and visible after a snow storm.This will speed the response time in case of an emergency and alleviate time spent by firefighters searching for and clearing hydrants buried in drifts or plowed snow. 

Adopt a hydrant

Volunteers should clear at least a 3' circle of snow from the area around the hydrant and wear visible and appropriate weather related clothing when clearing snow. Hand shoveling or using a snow blower is the best option for clearing snow from a hydrant, please do not use a snow plow.

Residents and civic groups (Scouts, local youth groups, Franklin High School teams, etc.) can "adopt" a hydrant or hydrants. This is intended to be a commitment for the 2019/2020 snow season and can be applied towards student community service hours.

Please contact us if you know of any hydrants that are located near a resident's house and they are not physically able to clear the hydrant themselves. These hydrants can be delineated as "high priority" and would be highlighted in yellow and available to adopt.

If you have any questions, difficulty selecting and adopting a hydrant, or are a student and would like to adopt a hydrant as part of your community service requirements, please email RoseanneS@franklinma.gov for more information."

This was shared from the Facebook post:
https://www.facebook.com/931498886934582/posts/2830605863690532/


To Adopt-A-Hydrant, please sign up at this link:
http://townoffranklin.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=9b2624de1eaf43b8acb5e62ccba2e9d1

Franklin Residents: "Adopt a hydrant" Program available

wfpr.fm Radio Schedule for week of Jan 15, 2020

Our weekly wfpr●fm program schedule lists interviews and musical programs of interest hosted by Franklin residents. 

Our current slate of programs runs Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. 

Programs repeat at 9 AM, Noon, and 6 PM, and Saturdays, starting at 9 AM.

Wednesday:

9:00a/12:00p /6:00p FPS Voice – Anne Marie Tracey

All about Franklin Public Schools

10:00a/1:00p/7:00p The Wonderful World of Wine – Mark Lenzi, Kim Simone

All about wine, its culture, lore and finer points 

11:00a/2:00p/8:00p TBA


Thursday:

9:00a/12:00p/6:00p The Tabernacle Choir from Salt Lake City

10:00a/1:00p/7:00p Frank’s Music – Frank Falvey
Frank explores a range of music genres and artists 

11:00a/2:00p/8:00pm Talkin’ the Blues – Jim Derick
Exploring the music of the great Blues tradition.

Friday:

9:00a/12:00p /6:00p Chapters – Jim Derick
Insightful, life-affirming stories and interviews 

10:00a/1:00p/7:00p Music to Lift the Spirit - Jim Derick & Frank Falvey
An hour of uplifting music for all 

11:00a/2:00p/8:00pm Senior Story Hour – Senior Center Scribblers Group
Original short stories presented by the authors


Weekdays:

3:00p Music of the Swingin’ Big Band Era

4:00p Starlight Songs from the Great American Songbook

Listen each week on the air at 102●9 fm, and online at our website, wfpr●fm as we bring more of our community – to community radio.


This Weekend – wfpr●fm!

Weekend radio is big. We’ve been fine-tuning our weekend radio programming. It’s a reprise of all our weekday shows that some folks don’t get to hear at work. 

Here’s what’s up for the weekend – on the air on 102.9 and online at wfpr●fm.

Saturday:

9:00a FPS Voice – Anne Marie Tracey

All about Franklin Public Schools 

10:00a Frank’s Music – Frank Falvey

Frank explores a range of music genres and artists 

11:00a Music to Lift the Spirit - Jim Derick & Frank Falvey

An hour of uplifting music for all 

12:00p The Tabernacle Choir from Salt Lake City

1:00p The Wonderful World of Wine – Mark Lenzi, Kim Simone 
All about wine, its culture, lore and finer points

2:00p Chapters – Jim Derick
Insightful, life-affirming stories and interviews 

4:00p Senior Story Hour – Senior Center Scribblers Group
Original short stories presented by the authors 

5:00p Talkin’ the Blues – Jim Derick
Exploring the music of the great Blues tradition.


Sunday:

9:00a The Tabernacle Choir from Salt Lake City

10:00a Music to Lift the Spirit - Jim Derick & Frank Falvey 
An hour of uplifting music for all

11:00a Frank’s Music – Frank Falvey

Frank explores a range of music genres and artists 

1:00p Music to Lift the Spirit - Jim Derick & Frank Falvey

An hour of uplifting music for all

Questions? Call us at 508–528–9377. That’s 508–528–wfpr. And – as always –

Thank you for listening to wfpr●fm. 
And, thank you for watching.

wfpr.fm Radio Schedule

Reminder: Ben Franklin Autobiography Readathon 2020 - Jan 16

Ben Franklin Autobiography 

Readathon 2020

Thursday, January 16, 2020 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM

In honor of the 314th birthday of Benjamin Franklin, the namesake of our town and founder of our library, the Franklin Public Library will be holding its third annual "readathon" – a marathon reading of the full text of the Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin.

The book is considered a classic of American literature. According to the Library of Congress, "It was not only the first autobiography to achieve widespread popularity, but after two hundred years remains one of the most enduringly popular examples of the genre ever written."

Like other readathons, this one invites the public to participate! Readers are encouraged to sign up in advance for 15-minute segments. Commencing when the library opens at 9 AM on January 16 [the day before Ben's actual birthday], readers will share the words of Ben Franklin with anyone interested in dropping by for all or part of the event.

It is expected that the reading will be completed between 6 PM and 8PM, when the library closes. Water and other refreshments will be available for readers and audience.

To register, visit https://forms.gle/tpwzALpEb4XhzD279 .

Ben Franklin Autobiography Readathon 2020 - Jan 16

Capital Budget Subcommittee Meeting - Jan 15, 2020

Capital Budget Subcommittee Meeting

Municipal Building

355 East Central Street, 3rd Floor Training Room Franklin, MA

January 15, 2020

6:00 PM

1. Free Cash Overview

2. Department Presentations

• a. School Department
• b. Facilities Department
• C. Recreation Department
• d. Technology Department
• e. Administration Department
• f. Fire Department
• g. Police Department
• h. Public Works Department

3. Final Recommendation of the FY20 Capital Plan


Capital Budget agenda document
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/capital_budget_agenda_1-15-2020.pdf

Capital budget supplemental information
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/fy20_capital_plan_2_supplemental_materials_1.pdf

This is a meeting of the Franklin Town Council Sub-Committee; under the Open Meeting Law, this subcommittee is a separate "public body" from the Town Council. Therefore, unless the Town Council has separately noticed and posted its own meeting, Councilors who are not members of this subcommittee will not be permitted to speak or otherwise actively participate @ this meeting, although they may attend and observe. This prohibition is necessary to avoid the potential for an Open Meeting Law Violation.

The Finance Committee reviewed and approved the capital budget over two session and the recording segments are available here

Dec 10, 2019
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/12/fm-188-finance-committee-capital-plan.html

Dec 17, 2019
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/12/fm-186-finance-committee-capital-budget.html

Capital Budget Subcommittee Meeting - Jan 15, 2020

FHS girls hockey posts win at Leominster, gymnastic post top team performance vs. Mansfield

Via HockomockSports.com and Twitter, we share the results of FHS winter sports action on Monday.


Girls Hockey = Franklin, 7 @ Leominster, 0 - Final

Girls Gymnastics = Mansfield, 141.85 @ Franklin, 139.15 Final

Tonight was Epic! Check out the highlights!! We are not done! These girls continue to impress! When rightly motivated it’s amazing what your team can accomplish!! Next stop Attleboro 1/20 10am Butlers. @FHSSports @MetroWestSports @HockomockSports @FranklinMatters pic.twitter.com/oJgOxNWYy6

— FHS Gymnastics (@fhs_gymnastics) January 14, 2020

Info shared via @FHS_Gymnastics Twitter
https://twitter.com/fhs_gymnastics/status/1216923315056599040

We are not done! These girls continue to impress!

For other results around the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/mondays-schedule-scoreboard-01-13-20/

And via Twitter:
https://twitter.com/FranklinMatters/lists/fhs-sports

Awesome 7-0 win over Leominster tonight. Great teamwork ladies🤩Home game tomorrow @ 6:30 Vs Westwood, come show your support‼️

— FHS Girls Hockey (@fhsvgockey) January 14, 2020

Nice win by the JV today as they traveled to Framingham. 6-3 win!! Benny Jarosz with the Bull Head tonight with 2 goals and an assist! Way to go Benny and team!! @PanthersJvPuck @FHSSports @FHS_Puck @FranklinRec @MassHSHockey pic.twitter.com/yiluYCNYDk

— FHSPantherHockey (@FHSPantherHocke) January 13, 2020

"Much of the platform will become a construction zone" at South Station

From the Boston Globe, an article of interest to Franklin Line commuters

"The tens of thousands of commuter rail and bus riders who pour through South Station every day will soon have a more complicated course through the terminal.

Construction zones will go up in and around the station and platforms as work begins this month on a 51-story tower above the railbed area where passengers board trains. Over the coming months, the open area in front of the platforms will slowly be cordoned off, as workers build an extension of the loading zone over a portion of the rails, according to detailed construction plans the Massachusetts Department of Transportation posted on a new website late Friday.

Construction zones will also be set up along the Atlantic Avenue and Summer Street side entrances to the platform areas, and work will begin on an expanded bus terminal.

By July, work will be in full swing, and passing through the station will be a very different experience."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2020/01/11/construction-zones-coming-soon-south-station-platforms/EFN7GJkEFViUaBpkZgScxI/story.html?

Rendering of the final expanded outdoor concourse area. (image from https://southstationairrights.com/)

Additional info on the MA DOT project page    https://southstationairrights.com/

South Station Construction Sequence video  https://youtu.be/zm3JNciahIM

Youth Basketball Leagues Enrolling for Smart Team Player Development through Fast-Paced Games in 3 v 3 Format (grades 1-6)

The YMCA is hosting 1 hour 15 minute youth basketball leagues, which will run Saturdays starting February 8th in Foxboro and Franklin and Sundays starting February 9th in North Attleboro. This eight week program is an addition to YMCA offerings and is available through partnership with the premier teaching program for youth basketball—Crafty Basketball, which is based in Mansfield, MA.

Youth Basketball Leagues

Crafty 3x3 Basketball develops players in grades 1-6 with its focus on doing the things smart team basketball players do. The benefit of 3 on 3 games vs traditional youth leagues is players will get more touches of the ball. Develop smarter, savvier players in a format different than 5 on 5 basketball. Learn how a passion for the game develops from playing beautiful, team-based basketball with an emphasis on combining skill and smarts.

Here is the breakdown of times by age group:

• SATURDAYS (2/8-3/28): GRADE 1-2 8:30 a.m. (Franklin) 10:00 a.m. (Foxboro) coed; GRADE 3-4: boys 10:00 a.m. (Franklin) 11:30 a.m. (Foxboro) and girls 11:30 a.m. (Franklin) 1:00 p.m. (Foxboro); GRADE 5-6: boys 1:00 p.m. (Franklin) 2:30 p.m. (Foxboro) and girls 2:30 p.m. (Franklin) 4:00 p.m. (Foxboro)
• SUNDAYS (2/9-3/29): GRADE 1-2 11:15 a.m. (North Attleboro) coed; GRADE 3-4: boys 12:30 p.m. (North Attleboro) and girls 1:45 p.m. (North Attleboro); GRADE 5-6 3:00 p.m. (North Attleboro) boys & girls divisions

Changing the way basketball is taught. Innovative scoring will reward your son or daughter for doing the things smart team players do: 1 Point awarded for any unassisted basket, 2 Bonus Points awarded for assisted back door cuts, 2 Points awarded for any other assisted basket, 1 Point awarded for free throw. Assisted scoring play occurs when player scores after pass and no more than 1 dribble. Each player on a winning team is awarded two points for a win. For games ending in a tie, all players receive 1 point.

Enroll today at: www.hockymca.org/crafty. Cost is $85 and you do not have to by a member of the Y. Non-members will be required to start an account by simply providing an email address and password. Questions, please contact the YMCA or your local Y’s sports director: in Foxboro Ashli Phillips ashlip@hockymca.org 508-772-1353; in Franklin Alex Dorson alexd@hockymca.org 774-235-2752; in North Attleboro Kerrie Francis kerrief@hockymca.org 508-643-5215.

About Hockomock Area YMCA: Where Cause Meets Community. At the Hockomock Area YMCA, strengthening community is our cause. The Hockomock Area YMCA is an organization of men, women, and children sharing a commitment to nurture the potential of kids, promote healthy living, and foster a sense of social responsibility. 

Our YMCA is committed to partnering and collaborating with others to create and deliver lasting personal and social change in the 15 communities we are privileged to serve. The Hockomock Area YMCA is a not-for-profit charitable cause-driven organization with facilities in North Attleboro, Foxboro, Franklin, and Mansfield. For more information visit hockymca.org.