FTC Consumer Alert: Car wrap scam targets college students

Car wrap scam targets college students by Ari Lazarus, Consumer Education Specialist, FTC If you have a car, you know how expensive the upkeep can be. Gas, maintenance, parking – the whole lot. So what if a company offered to pay you to drive around – which you were already doing – with their branding wrapped onto your car? It could sound like a good deal. Read more https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2019/12/car-wrap-scam-targets-college-students?utm_source=govdelivery This is a free service provided by the Federal Trade Commission.

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Last chance to reply to the Economic Development Survey

Franklin Economic Development Survey

The Town of Franklin, in conjunction with the MAPC (Metropolitan Area Planning Council) in conducting a community survey regarding economic development in our town. 

Please click on this link to access the survey form: https://forms.gle/6SJpXeWPvg2H37A96 

This survey will be available until December 13. There are hard copies available in the town administrators office if needed. Thank you in advance for your input, ideas and feedback!

Last chance to reply to the Economic Development Survey

FM #187 - Office of Campaign and Political Finance - Dec 11

FM #187

This internet radio show or podcast is number 187 in the series for Franklin Matters.

This recording shares the Office of Campaign and Political Finance presentation and discussion during the Town Council meeting on Wed, Dec 11, 2019.

The presentation document will be shared as soon as it is available. My notes and a few pictures of the presentation are available
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/12/office-of-campaign-and-political.html

The meeting runs about 50 minutes so without further ado here is the recording for the Office of Campaign and Political Finance presentation and discussion

https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HZWt0YkX






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

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors.
• If you don't like 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 & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

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You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

the Anderson case set the precedent for not using town resources in a campaign

HockomockSports.com Awards for Field Hockey 2019: FHS' Ledwith, Lewandowski, Clark, Carney, Rondeau, Hess

Here are the FHS athletes selected for the HockomockSports.com Awards for Field Hockey 2019.

HockomockSports.com Editor’s Note: The HockomockSports.com Awards are selected strictly by our staff and have no affiliation to the official Hockomock League all stars.

HockomockSports.com First Team

Maeve Ledwith – Franklin – Defense

Maeve Ledwith (HockomockSports.com photo)

Franklin senior Maeve Ledwith was named an all-star for the third straight season, leading the Panthers defensive unit and helping them return to the top of the league for the first time in three seasons with an unbeaten run through Hock play. Ledwith was also selected to the Best of 60 Senior All-Star Team after leading the Panthers to the Div. 1 South quarterfinal. Franklin coach Michelle Hess said, “Maeve is a tenacious and fierce defender who uses her speed and stick skills to perform as one of the top defenders in the State. Maeve is a talented defender who sees the field and does an excellent job of flying on corners where she breaks up many shot attempts from opposing players.”

Amanda Lewandowski – Franklin – Forward

Amanda Lewandowski (HockomockSports.com photo)

Franklin junior forward Amanda Lewandowski continued the momentum she built during last year’s impressive playoff run by leading the Kelley-Rex division champion Panthers in scoring. Lewandowski finished second in the league with 30 points on 20 goals and 10 assists. She was selected as a league all-star for the second straight season after pushing her career stats to 33 goals and 23 assists. Franklin coach Michelle Hess said, “Amanda is a highly-skilled offensive threat. Her aggressive and impressive stick skills and her ability to find the net or dish to a teammate make her a scoring threat each and every time she has the ball. Amanda has a special talent where she can redirect or deflect many shots on net.”

HockomockSports.com Second Team

Elizabeth Clark – Franklin – Defense

Elizabeth Clark (HockomockSports.com photo)

Franklin senior Elizabeth Clark improved over the course of her four-year varsity career to earn a starting spot in the Panthers defensive unit this fall and she helped the Panthers get back to the summit of the Kelley-Rex division and make a run to the Div. 1 South quarterfinal. Her ability to read the game and strength in the challenge were important pieces to the success of the Panthers’ back line. Franklin coach Michelle Hess said, “Elizabeth’s leadership both on and off the field was instrumental in our success as a team. She is a highly skilled fullback with outstanding field sense and relies on her block tackle and channeling skills to keep opposing players out of the circle.”

Kaitlyn Carney – Franklin – Midfield

Kaitlyn Carney (HockomockSports.com photo)

Franklin freshman Kaitlyn Carney had a very impressive rookie campaign, jumping right into the Panthers midfield and helping them reclaim the Kelley-Rex division crown and reach the Div. 1 South quarterfinal. Carney scored 14 goals and added eight assists this season, which put her in the top five in the league with 22 points. Her tenacity in the midfield pushed the Panthers forward and made it difficult for the opposition to get through. Franklin coach Michelle Hess said, “Kaitlyn is one of the most talented freshman players I have had the pleasure of coaching. Kaitlyn’s stick skills are impressive and her drive and shots on goal are quite impressive. I am excited to see her continue to grow and improve as a player.”

Olivia Rondeau – Franklin – Forward

Olivia Rondeau (HockomockSports.com photo)

Franklin senior right winger Olivia Rondeau gave the Panthers an explosive player on the edge to finish off chances and create looks for her teammates in the middle. Rondeau, who had only two goals prior to this fall, scored 13 goals and added eight assists to finish sixth in the league in scoring and to help the Panthers regain the Kelley-Rex division crown for the first time in three seasons and reach the Div. 1 South quarterfinal. Rondeau was selected for the Best of 60 Senior All-Star Team. Franklin coach Michelle Hess said, “Olivia is a fast and talented right-wing that stepped up her game this year. This season she stepped up in a big way and was a major contributor to our offensive success as a team.”

Underclassman of the Year

Franklin freshman midfielder Kaitlyn Carney has been selected as the 2019 HockomockSports.com Field Hockey Underclassman of the Year. Carney was one of the top five scorers in the league this season, helping the Panthers earn the Kelley-Rex division title for the first time in three season.

Carney stepped right into the heart of the Franklin midfield this fall, with the unenviable task of replacing Cassi Ronan, and her tenacity and energy was a driving force for the Panthers. She scored 14 goals and recorded eight assists this season, which was in the top five in the league. Carney made an instant impact and her fiery personality gave Franklin additional edge in the midfield. Continue reading the write up on Kaitlyn https://hockomocksports.com/awards/field-hockey/2019-2/

Coach of the Year

Michelle Hess (HockomockSports.com photo)

Franklin’s Michelle Hess has been selected as the 2019 HockomockSports.com Field Hockey Coach of the Year. Hess led the Panthers to their first Kelley-Rex division title since 2016, finishing unbeaten in Hockomock play, and to the Div. 1 South quarterfinal.

“Franklin carried over the momentum from last year’s playoff run and took control of the league title race right from the start,” said HockomockSports.com Managing Editor Josh Perry. “Michelle had the team focused, made big decisions to fill spots left open by graduation, and got the Panthers believing they were the team to beat in the league. Finishing unbeaten in a league as competitive as the Hock is an impressive feat.” Continue reading the write up on Michelle https://hockomocksports.com/awards/field-hockey/2019-2/

For all the Field Hockey awards for the Hockomock League https://hockomocksports.com/awards/field-hockey/2019-2/

Franklin Public Schools: Two important Announcements

Job opening: Activity Monitors!

Job opening: Activity Monitors! Looking to fill a role at DT & for substitute monitors - you can pick your days! Must be positive, patient, composed & most of all, enjoy working with children! Visit the Town Hall Human Resources Office for an application or call 508-553-4840 pic.twitter.com/layk6XNkxJ

— Franklin Public Schools, MA (@FranklinPSNews) December 11, 2019

Save the Date: Jan 6, 2020

Please mark your calendars for this event. You can find a PSA about vaping as well as links to resources here: https://t.co/D9t3BgBIvR @FranklinHS @RMS_Remdawgs @HMMSLightning @sullythehusky @jfkladybugs @parmenterschool @DT_Bobcats @JeffersonLabs @KellerSchool @OakStElementary pic.twitter.com/JNvPhbEV7v

— Franklin Public Schools, MA (@FranklinPSNews) December 11, 2019

Save the Date: Jan 6, 2020

https://t.co/D9t3BgBIvR

Town of Franklin: Holiday Hours for Dec-Jan 2019

Holiday Hours for 2019

Please make note of the business hours during the upcoming holiday week

Town of Franklin: Holiday Hours for Dec-Jan 2019

Shared from the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/holiday-hours-2019
 

Mary ‘Saville’ Bennett, Franklin’s senior-most senior, dies at 109

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

"After more than 109 years of life, the holder of the town’s Boston Post cane - given to the senior most senior - has died.

Mary “Saville” Bennett, who was ceremonially presented with Franklin’s Boston Post cane in October 2013 by former Town Clerk Debbie Pellegri, would have turned 110 next May. She left the world on Nov. 26, in Milford, where she had been living at Milford Center, a nursing facility.

A funeral service for Bennett was held Dec. 6 at Franklin Federated Church, followed by interment at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Boston."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20191211/mary-saville-bennett-franklins-senior-most-senior-dies-at-109


Related post
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/12/mary-saville-bennett-franklins-oldest.html

Tips for holiday gift card shopping

Tips for holiday gift card shopping by Cristina Miranda, Division of Consumer and Business Education, FTC Gift cards are one quick way to get through your last-minute holiday shopping list. But before you give (and get) gift cards, here are a few things you need to know. Read more  https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2019/12/tips-holiday-gift-card-shopping?utm_source=govdelivery  This is a free service provided by the Federal Trade Commission.

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Office of Campaign and Political Finance presentation

Present: Chandler, Hamblen, Pellegri, Dellorco, Mercer, Kelly, Earls, Bissanti 
Absent: Jones

Many of the School Committee, Finance Committee and other departments heads present

Jason Tait, Director to make presentation. Copy of the deck to be shared later.

primary responsibility is disclosure and reporting

should also contact the Ethics Commission to make sure that you are covered

they don't look for the headlines, they are providing help to raise money properly, spend it properly and report it to the public

independent agency, appointment for 6 years
joint decision between Republican, Democrat, Sec of Commonwealth 

public employees can NOT solicit (phone calls, sell tickets)

examples of public employees in MA

social media is ground zero for public employees; need to be very careful about what is said and done about ballot or political campaigns

OCPF will write some regulations based upon recent changes to campaign finance law

public employees can not have fund raisers at their private homes

public employees may not be treasurers for political committees

spousal exception for fund raising at a home, the wife would need to leave the house if the husband would be holding the fund raising event

the Anderson case set the precedent for not using town resources in a campaign

no government email addresses as part of campaign emails or mailing snail mail

information can be provided and some level of advocacy but not a clear campaign advocacy for or against an issue

equal access needs to be provided for meetings or information at public property

no contribution limits for ballot questions, for candidates, yes....

public employees can take a position on a campaign but not advocate for it on official time

the "who, what, when, where, why" of a ballot question meeting or info session can be posted to an official town web page; confirm text with OCPF and Ethics first,  but not advocacy
 

FM #186 - Finance Committee - Capital Budget FY 2020- session 1 of 2

FM #186

This internet radio show or podcast is number 186 in the series for Franklin Matters.

This recording shares the Finance Committee meeting held on Tuesday, Dec 10, 2019.

This is the first of two sessions to review the Capital Plan for FY 2020. This session started with the Schools and covered all the departments except for the DPW and the enterprise Water and Sewer accounts. Those will be addressed in the second session scheduled for Tuesday, Dec 17 at the Senior Center beginning at 6:30 PM.

The documents for the meetings are available on the Town of Franklin page as well as Franklin Matters. The links are contained here so you can follow along.

The meeting runs about 90 minutes so without further ado here is the Finance Committee meeting of Dec 10.

FY 2020 Capital Budget document
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/files/fy20-capital-budget

FinCom Agenda doc
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/2019-12-10_finance_committee_agenda_fy20_capital_plan_1.pdf

Meeting Recording  https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/Hr1R4CkX





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

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors
• If you don't like 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 & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

------------------

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

sidewalks have been part of the plan but not this year

It is our legal duty to protect your information. Learn more from our new Public Service Announcements.

Is My 2020 Census Data Safe? The U.S. Census Bureau is bound by law to protect your 2020 Census responses and keep them strictly confidential. In fact, every employee takes an oath to protect your personal information for life. Watch this Public Service Announcement (PSA) by the U.S. Census Bureau to learn more about how census data is private, protected by law, and stored securely. Watch Now Spread the Word The Census Bureau provides resources to help ensure partners and stakeholders have the tools they need to effectively engage their communities. PSAs are an effective way to educate the public about the importance of the 2020 Census and why participation matters. The PSA Toolkit enables partners and stakeholders to access produced PSAs or create their own using pre-approved messages. Get Started Help us spread the word about the 2020 Census. Share this on social media or forward it to a friend. Share This About the Census Bureau We serve as the nation's leading provider of quality data about its people and economy. The Census Bureau is the federal government's largest statistical agency. We are a scientific organization focused on data. Policy-makers, businesses, and the public use our information to make far-reaching decisions.

Video Link ->  https://youtu.be/qzmB5oJQ_z4

Middle School Glee Starts Feb. 3, 2020

Lifelong Music Academy

Registration Now Open for Middle School Glee (grades 6–8)

Middle school singers and performers, please join our weekly singing and movement class featuring Pop music, Broadway music, and movie soundtracks!

· Mondays from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Franklin High School.

· Class begins Monday, February 3, 2020. 

· Concert Tuesday, May 12, 2020, 6:00 PM.

· Tuition for the 13-week program is $160.00.

Register Online: www.FranklinLifelongLearning.com

Choose "Lifelong Music Academy" then "Chorus School".

"Replacing old and damaged turnout gear is a financial challenge"

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

"Governor Charlie Baker and Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito today announced $920,000 in grant awards to 174 Massachusetts fire departments for gear and equipment that will reduce firefighters’ exposure to cancer-causing chemicals on the job.

“These grants will help local departments purchase critical gear to support firefighters as they put themselves in harm’s way to protect the Commonwealth’s communities,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “Helping to protect them from the physical and occupational hazards of the job is a key way we can show our appreciation for the dedicated service of our first responders.”

“Many fire departments across the Commonwealth are all too familiar with the increased risk of occupational cancers faced by fire service personnel,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “These grant awards will support many ongoing cancer prevention initiatives at the local level by reducing the amount of cancer-causing chemicals thousands of firefighters are exposed to in the coming years.”

“On a daily basis, modern firefighters face countless dangers, but we now know that occupational cancers caused by exposure to smoke and other combustion byproducts are as dangerous to them as knocking down fires and conducting rescue operations,” said Secretary of Public Safety and Security Thomas A. Turco III. “Fire departments across Massachusetts have made significant changes to the way they work to combat these risks in recent years, and these grant programs will help many to move their cancer prevention efforts forward.”

https://franklin.wickedlocal.com/news/20191210/fire-department-grants-geared-toward-reducing-cancer-risk

Franklin is on the list to receive $2480 from this grant
https://www.mass.gov/news/baker-polito-administration-announces-920000-in-fire-department-grant-awards

This kind of gear and the cleaning equipment for it was part of the capital budget discussion on Tuesday, Dec 10. The Finance Committee will complete their discussion with the DPW next Tuesday, Dec 17 and forward the recommendation to the Town Council for action to vote on to approve all or part of the $1.7M capital currently in the discussion.

The meeting recording is available
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/12/fm-186-finance-committee-capital-budget.html

Franklin Fire Department

FTC settlement against University of Phoenix

FTC settlement against University of Phoenix by Colleen Tressler, Consumer Education Specialist, FTC Most people go to college to earn a degree and get a good job. In a competitive job market, it helps to have connections. So when a college or university claims it has relationships with well-known employers, that may convince you to attend. But beware: Claims like this may be a ploy to attract new students — and your tuition dollars.  In fact, the FTC says that's just what one for-profit university did as part of an extensive advertising campaign. Read more https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2019/12/ftc-settlement-against-university-phoenix?utm_source=govdelivery   This is a free service provided by the Federal Trade Commission.

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FTC settlement against University of Phoenix

Finance Committee - Capital Budget summary worksheet

Trying to make sense of how much of the $1.7M remaining free cash is proposed for the capital budget? Or how much is on the "wish list"? I put together the listing of departmental requests from the Agenda document on a spreadsheet to help keep track.

You can get the PDF copy here
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1a_4PYuFDGR8-WhbgXKd9Kkpj-kmTRP_x/view?usp=sharing

or the Excel spreadsheet here
https://drive.google.com/file/d/11XDuEZJIIyO1Bsn0DjLKxCFilnY-iHPq/view?usp=sharing


AGENDA

1. Call to Order
2. Departmental Capital Budget Presentation:

• a. Schools

3. Public Comments
4. Approval of Minutes
5. FY20 Town Administrator Capital Plan and Free Cash Overview
6. Departmental Capital Budget Presentations:

• a. Facilities
• b. Recreation
• c. Technology
• d. Administration
• e. Fire
• f. Police

7. Adjournment (Next meeting December 17, 2019 6:30@ Senior Center) 


The full agenda doc including supporting capital budget materials
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/2019-12-10_finance_committee_agenda_fy20_capital_plan_1.pdf

Finance Committee - Capital Budget summary worksheet

Releated post on the Finance Committee meeting of Dec 10
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/12/franklin-ma-finance-committee-agenda.html

Franklin Public Library Closed Monday, December 16 Through Wednesday, December 18

Franklin Public Library Closed Monday, December 16 Through Wednesday, December 18

The Franklin Public Library will be closed on Monday, December 16 through Wednesday, December 18, 2019 for the cleaning of its brick hallways on the first floor. 

All fines will be waived on materials returned during that week. Items on the hold shelf will be made available for pickup for an additional three days. Museum passes reserved for those dates may be picked up by Sunday, December 15. 

For more information, please contact Library Director Felicia Oti at 508-520-4941 or foti@franklinma.gov


You might be asking "Why close now?"
This period is actually a slower period. Folks are busy preparing for the holidays. Once on school break, the Library will be a busy place so they want to get the work done now.

Why close the Library to clean the floors?
Two of the entrances have brick walkways. Even if they shut both those doors, that would only leave one door open. Not good for safety sake. As part of the cleaning process they also need ventilation and while the library has windows, they don't open. So the doors, fans, and tubes need to be used to ventilate and it would be nosier and inconvenient.

cleaning of its brick hallways

cleaning of its brick hallways 2

Concert Band and Wind Ensemble's Winter Concert - broadcast on Panther TV

Can't get to the high school to watch the concert, tune in from your mobile device or smart home system.

"Tune into Panther TV LIVE Tuesday night at 7 PM for the Concert Band and Wind Ensemble's Winter Concert. "

Watch on YouTube live:  https://www.youtube.com/c/PantherTVLive/live

Other FHS  accounts to follow:

• @FranklinHSMusic  https://twitter.com/FranklinHSMusic
• @FHSPantherbook  https://twitter.com/FHSPantherbook
• @FranklinHS  https://twitter.com/FranklinHS

Tune into Panther TV LIVE Tuesday night at 7PM for the Concert Band and Wind Ensemble's Winter Concert. @FranklinHSMusic @FHSPantherbook @FranklinHS @FranklinMatters https://t.co/2uCSrkZPTB

— Panther TV (@fhspanthertv) December 9, 2019

Panther TV

"a need to provide more for teens and young adults"

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

"Giving can be infectious.

Mason and William Roddy have experienced that feeling in spades in the process of organizing their Toys for Tufts gift donation drive. Although they’ve been doing the drive for three years, this is the second “official” year that Franklin’s Keller Elementary School and Annie Sullivan Middle School have been involved.

The drive continues through this week, with pick-up of donations planned early on Friday, Dec. 13.

“We are so excited to be doing this again, and to have the support of so many,” says Paetra Ranieri, the boys’ mother."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20191209/franklin-teen-family-organize-gift-drive-for-young-cancer-patients

#KellerSchoolCommunity it’s the final week to donate to our second annual Toys for Tufts drive. pic.twitter.com/2HU9gSPXAN

— Helen Keller School (@KellerSchool) December 8, 2019

"a need to provide more for teens and young adults"