Sunday, August 28, 2022

Franklin TV: We Are Fortunate !

Pete Fasciano, Executive Director 8/28/2012

These days no one has money to burn. No one. Most certainly, no one that I know.
Citizens actually burned money in their stoves for warmth

Understatement: Inflation is not our friend.

Following the First World War, the Weimar Republic saw an extreme level of hyperinflation that made its currency worthless. Citizens actually burned money in their stoves for warmth. Burning worthless currency gave off more heat energy than the fuel it could buy.

Compared to that sorry history our current inflation woes are miniscule. However, it’s clear that today’s dollars just ain’t what they yoosta be, B.C., before COVID. It’s true for us at Franklin●TV and for all of our other local nonprofit organizations. 


The Franklin Area Nonprofit Network supports our local citizens in need – in many ways. The great irony is that as money tightens through inflation, donations shrink in two ways: donors drop off, and the money that does come in buys less services. (Ouch and ouch!) Yet, the great need for their services becomes all the more urgent. Visit the FANN website and get to know (and help) these local organizations. Can’t donate? Consider volunteering some of your time. (Remember, time is money.)

We at Franklin TV are somewhat fortunate. We are subsidized through the cable carriers, Comcast and Verizon. We do not receive tax money or public funds of any sort. Yes, we are also seeing income reductions. Yes, we are tightening our tight belt. That said, in these recent inflationary months we have donated $13,000.00 to local charities and deserving student scholarships.

We’re doing what we can.
– If only we had money to burn. 

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

 

Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf  

Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm)
Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm)

Downtown Franklin Harvest Festival Scheduled for October 1

Franklin Downtown Partnership’s 19th annual Harvest Festival will be held in downtown Franklin Saturday, October 1, with a rain date of October 2, from noon to 5 PM. It will encompass the areas of Main Street, Dean Avenue, West Central Street, and Depot Street, as well as the large parking area behind Rockland Bank. 

There will be more than 150 vendor booths, in addition to entertainment, foods, kids’ activities, balloon art, specials from downtown merchants, and artwork and crafts.

The last day to register for booth space is Sept. 15, but organizers expect to sell out sooner. Booths are assigned on a first-come first-serve basis. View the registration link at http://bit.ly/FranklinHF.

The Partnership welcomes business owners to become Harvest Festival sponsors. Please email the FDP office at downtown.franklin@yahoo.com to learn about sponsorship opportunities. 

The Harvest Festival sponsors are: Platinum level sponsors Dean Bank, Dean College, PhysiciansOne Urgent Care, RI Motorsports, and Safford AXiA Insurance. Glen Meadow Apartments is a Gold sponsor. Silver sponsors are Arcadia Dental, Camford Property Group, Hockomock YMCA, Middlesex Savings Bank and Rockland Trust. Bronze levels sponsors are Beaux Regards Photographic Art, Chestnut Dental, D G Ranieri Real Estate, Digital Federal Credit Union, Fenton Financial Group, Keefe Insurance Agency, LeafFilter, MyFM 101.3, and The Enclave of Franklin. Mint Dental of Franklin is a Friends level sponsor.

The Franklin Downtown Partnership, www.franklindowntownpartnership.org, is a nonprofit, 501©3 organization made up of more than 400 business owners, community leaders and residents working to stimulate economic development downtown and create a positive impact throughout the area.
Planning underway for Franklin Harvest Festival - Oct 1
Planning underway for Franklin Harvest Festival - Oct 1

Franklin Public Library: News & Events Scheduled for September 2022

September 2022 Franklin Library News & Events

Library Hours

The Library's hours are Monday through Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., and Friday and Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The Library will be closed Monday, September 5th for Labor Day. Sunday hours will resume September 11th, and will be 1:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Book Sale

Franklin Library Book Sale
Friday, September 23rd, 1:00-5:00 p.m.  Saturday, September 24th, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon.
All books are just one dollar!
Bag Sale - $5 A Bag—Saturday, September 24th, from 1:00-4:00 p.m.
Come fill a brown bag with all the books you can!

From the Friends of the Franklin Library

From the friends…This summer is flying by and as we look ahead to fall, we have some exciting projects in the works. First, we want to thank those who came out to the Franklin Farmers Market and stopped by the Friends table. It was great to meet all of you! We also want to congratulate Diane Padula, the winner of our summer giveaway raffle. Your continued support and input are critical as we work to make our library a resource for all.

Speaking of support and sharing ideas…do you know all are welcome to attend our monthly meetings? This is a great opportunity to learn more about the Friends, hear about the exciting initiatives in the works, and share your ideas with us. Our next meeting will be held on Wednesday, September 14 at 7pm in the Friends Meeting Room. If you can't make it, don't worry, our meetings are usually held on the first Wednesday of every month.

Now, we know many are still holding onto the last few weeks of summer, but who isn't excited for Franklin's Annual Harvest Festival happening Saturday, October 1? We sure are and we hope you'll stop by the Friends of the Franklin Library table to say hi, learn how you can support the Friends and take advantage of our book giveaway. We will have a variety of books for all ages, don't miss out!

Friends of the Franklin Library is an all-volunteer, nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and promoting the Franklin Public Library's collections and programs. Want to learn more about becoming a Friend? Drop us a line at FoFL02038@gmail.com for more information on the Friends.

Read more of the events for September -> https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library/news/september-2022-franklin-library-news-events

Franklin Public Library: News & Events Scheduled for  September 2022
Franklin Public Library: News & Events Scheduled for  September 2022

Exploring Marcelo Bocardo Wines - Sep 8

Exploring Marcelo Bocardo Wines
September 8 = 7 - 8:30 PM

This will be a sit down wine tasting/education event held in the Franklin Liquors wine room.

We will be exploring some of the best of Mendoza. Marcelo has three vineyards that are located in Maipú (Certified Organic), Luján de Cuyo, and El Cepillo (Sustainably Grown) at altitudes ranging between 2,600 and 3,900 ft ASL. At these elevations, there is a significant fluctuation between daytime and nighttime temperatures resulting in grapes with a higher concentration of color, aromas, and flavors.

Furthermore, the water that irrigates the vineyards is sourced from the pure and clean melted snow from the Andes Mountains.

Our guest speaker Wendy Koder has worked in the industry 39 years. She is experienced in every aspect of the industry. Representing some of the finest wineries from South America and actually some of the first ‘fine wines’ from Argentina.

You may be familiar with Marcelos wines as he fulfilled his dream of having his own winery when in 2001 he founded Proemio which we explored with Wendy in the past.

Sign up for Exploring Marcelo Bocardo Wines (ticket = $5)  https://meetu.ps/e/LmZrZ/1yMmG/i

Exploring Marcelo Bocardo Wines - Sep 8
Exploring Marcelo Bocardo Wines - Sep 8

More Perfect Union: 057 - The Local News Crisis (audio)

In this episode, the group is joined by Stephen Sherlock of Franklin Matters, Alan Earls of the Franklin Observer, and Martin Luttrell, former long-time reporter for the Worcester Telegram & Gazette, to dive into the issue of "The Local News Desert" - the dissolution of smaller local news outlets, discussing the decline of readership seen by newspapers, the economics of small businesses, the importance journalism plays in your community and the online future for regional reporting.

If you'd like to learn more about Steve Sherlock and the news Franklin Matters brings to the Franklin community, you can visit their here:   https://www.franklinmatters.org/

If you'd like to learn more about Alan Earls and the reporting done from Franklin Observer, you can visit them here:   https://franklinobserver.town.news/

Audio file -> https://more-perfect-union.captivate.fm/episode/057-the-local-news-crisis

Franklin.TV: A More Perfect Union (audio)
Franklin.TV: A More Perfect Union (audio)


Auchincloss Op Ed: Afghanistan can be stabilized and America's first step should be with mining

As we mark the one year anniversary of the troop withdrawal from Afghanistan, please see the below oped from Congressman Auchincloss. Congressman Auchincloss commanded infantry in Afghanistan and special operations in Panama. In Afghanistan in 2012, he led patrols through villages contested by the Taliban. In Panama as part of the Marines' elite reconnaissance branch, his team trained local units to stop the drug trade. He's now a major in the reserves.

Key Point:
"Without boots on the ground, we have more resources to counter Russia and China, while maintaining the capability to take terrorists off the battlefield. Afghanistan, though, is struggling. But there is a path forward that helps the Afghan people while further strengthening America. Western mining can do what Western militaries never could: put Afghanistan on the path of self-sufficiency. Afghanistan has vast mineral wealth. Mining could bootstrap economic development for the Afghan people. It could also secure for the United States the raw materials necessary to boost semiconductor and clean energy production, as intended by the blockbuster Chips and Science Act and Inflation Reduction Act....The American people owe this support to the Afghan people as we work to stabilize the region. Our greatest gift, though, will not be assistance, but economic empowerment. Mining is the first step."  

FOX: Afghanistan can be stabilized and America's first step should be with mining

By: Congressman Jake Auchincloss 

America can use mining partnership in Afghanistan to force human rights improvements

One year after ending the failed war in Afghanistan, the United States is in a stronger position. Without boots on the ground, we have more resources to counter Russia and China, while maintaining the capability to take terrorists off the battlefield. Afghanistan, though, is struggling. But there is a path forward that helps the Afghan people while further strengthening America.

Western mining can do what Western militaries never could: put Afghanistan on the path of self-sufficiency. Afghanistan has vast mineral wealth. Mining could bootstrap economic development for the Afghan people. It could also secure for the United States the raw materials necessary to boost semiconductor and clean energy production, as intended by the blockbuster Chips and Science Act and Inflation Reduction Act.

We can't delay. Days after the United States left, the Chinese Communist Party started ramping up its decade-long designs on Afghanistan's $1 trillion of mineral deposits. The Chinese see 20 years and $2 trillion of American blood, sweat, and treasure as the groundwork for their own extractive industries. Their designs include a tenuous contract with the Afghans to mine copper at Mes Aynak, near Kabul.

The Chinese offered a power plant and a railroad as part of the contract. They work well with the Taliban's allies in Pakistan. And, they do not hold the Taliban to account for its human-rights abuses and drug trade.

There is an opening for the United States, though. The Chinese are not delivering economic development. They reneged on building the railroad. They also balk at establishing copper processing on site. Instead, they want to transport the raw ore out of the country, preventing Afghan industry from climbing the next rung of the value chain. The Taliban's Minister of Mines and Petroleum is reported to prefer American to Chinese miners; this year, he had a virtual meeting with a few American companies, inviting them to invest in Afghanistan.  

The United States and its Western allies should take him up on the offer, with strict conditions. The agreement could start with copper mining at Mes Aynak, a direct rebuttal to the Chinese. Cooperation might then expand to sites with lithium, iron, rare earth elements, gold, lapis lazulis, and other in-demand minerals or gems. Also, possible: oil and gas production in northern Afghanistan, where the China National Petroleum Corporation seeks to restart operations in the Amu Darya Basin, but where U.S. companies are also well-positioned.

In exchange for Western investment in the mineral extraction and processing, power generation, transportation, and workforce development necessary to build an Afghan mining industry from scratch, U.S. diplomats must require the Taliban to partner with one or several multilateral development banks (MLB), such as the Asian Development Bank or the U.S. Development Finance Corporation. The MLB would draft and enforce the contracts, especially royalty rates. It would also work to ensure that mining revenues support social and economic development, not narco-terror cabals. Funding should be a public-private partnership; unfrozen Afghan central bank funds and global aid could be first dollars in, starting with a feasibility study, to de-risk companies' long-term investments.

The challenges in this project are immense. The Taliban might lie, cheat, and steal. China and Pakistan might obstruct. Mining companies might drag their feet. But, we must do something to change the status quo. The Afghan economy runs on opium and meth. The only near-term alternative to drugs is minerals. So, let's try it. As a first step, I have a bill in Congress to direct the State Department to study a Special Economic Zone in Afghanistan for mining.

This project is also not an excuse for inaction on immediate crises. The United States, already the world's largest humanitarian donor to Afghanistan, must do more to improve food security, especially for children. To honor our commitment to allies, the administration should expand Operation Allies Welcome and Congress must pass the Afghan Adjustment Act. And, we must use every point of leverage to change the Taliban's most egregious behavior, particularly regarding the rights of women and girls and the release of Mark Frerichs.

The American people owe this support to the Afghan people as we work to stabilize the region. Our greatest gift, though, will not be assistance, but economic empowerment. Mining is the first step.  

Jake Auchincloss represents the Massachusetts Fourth Congressional District in Congress where he is Vice Chairman of the House Financial Services Committee.


Auchincloss Oped: Afghanistan can be stabilized and America's first step should be with mining
Auchincloss Oped: Afghanistan can be stabilized and America's first step should be with mining


Saturday, August 27, 2022

Town of Franklin (MA): Five Year Fiscal Forecast (FY 2023-2027) Now Available

The Office of the Town Administrator has released the Five Year Fiscal Forecast for FY23-27. This memorandum provides a synopsis of the financial outlook for each year as well as a "snapshot" of the town today. 

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

August 15, 2022

To: Town of Franklin

From: Jamie Hellen, Town Administrator

Re: Town Administrator Five-Year Fiscal Forecast FY23-FY27

Welcome to the first “Five-Year Fiscal Forecast” from my office in almost three years. Due to the immense time pressures put on the office during the pandemic in 2020 and 2021, as well as the consistent economic shifts, it was difficult to depict an accurate picture of future town fiscal affairs. As mentioned in this year's budget narrative, I’m committed to getting back on a regular routine with this traditional update now that the country is moving past the regulatory structure of the COVID-19 pandemic. With the global and national economy in the center of everyone’s minds and the start of the new fiscal year (FY23) upon us, summer is a perfect time to hit a quick reset on town fiscal matters and get the view from 30,000 feet. I am hopeful to publish a more comprehensive version later this fall/winter as the Town approaches its annual tax rate hearing in December. By then, staff will have revenue trends through the first quarter of the fiscal year, finalized state aid numbers, and expected new growth figures. The forecast is also a requirement of bond rating agencies.

Quality of life and organization stability in Franklin

Before I dive into the forecast details, I believe it is worth taking a step back for a moment to pause and reflect. Over the past few years, our community, like the rest of the world, has gone through a tremendous disruption. Everyone has dealt with unforeseen adversity, challenge, and loss. Yet despite these professionally and personally challenging times for everyone, the overall quality of life in Franklin, as well as Massachusetts as a whole, could be considered some of the best in the United States.

The Town has exceptional, diverse schools and education opportunities, unprecedented achievement in public education, one of the most prepared local public safety operations in the state, a dedicated and well-trained public works department and countless exceptional

amenities for families and citizens of all ages and backgrounds. The Town is an attractive area for major corporate businesses and has a strong local economy with many diverse economic sectors. The Town continues to make historic investments in open space and recreation to add to the great quality of life in town.

The Town has developed a proven financial management strategy. We have had strong financial audits for many consecutive years. For the first time in the Town’s history, a AAA Bond rating was awarded due to prudent financial management, a diverse economy and well executed financial policies. For details, please visit the S&P Global Rating from May 2022 for the facts surrounding the AAA Bond rating. It is one of the most important documents to read for any member of the community.

From a bird’s eye view, everyone should feel an incredible sense of achievement for being a model community that is supportive, innovative and full of continued promise. We owe an immense amount of gratitude to our municipal and school employees for their incredible dedication over the last three years, by not only weathering a global pandemic, but improving the organization and continuing to succeed at an elite level. The social fabric of the community and citizens remains very good with a positive outlook given the countless events, festivals, community organizations and opportunities for all. As we move into a fiscal year without any COVID-19 restrictions or regulations for the first time in three years, I believe Franklin is more resilient and prepared for the future than we were three years ago. The organization remains very stable.

FY22 Closeout

Fiscal Year 2022 (FY22) closed out on June 30th. July is one of the busiest times for the Finance staff closing out the past fiscal year, entering the new one, working on state required reporting and closing out budgets. I am pleased to report that all departments did a phenomenal job managing their budgets in FY22. As a result, very few year end transfers were required and another sterling financial audit was presented in May for FY21.

The revenue source with the greatest fluctuation to economic conditions, “Local Receipts”, ended up coming in at pre-pandemic levels, which is very good news. This dynamic was predicted and reflected in the FY23 budget revenue assumptions.

This trend is bolstered by a slowly returning local economy. Hotel revenues are now about 60% back to pre-pandemic numbers. The new cannabis excise (sales) tax provided an additional $104,000 in new revenue for less than a half a year of collections. Motor vehicle excise taxes were higher than budgeted due to the valuation of cars increasing. Ambulance receipts have increased due to higher demand for EMS services. As the Town enters FY23, revenues remain steady in this category, but FY24 may need some expenditure adjustments in order to deliver the services that we see trending in demand.

That said, Local Receipts are revenues mostly generated based on consumer behavior (hotels, meals, cannabis, licenses) and public demand (such as ambulance runs or building permits). Thus, they can stabilize or decrease with the changes in consumer patterns and the broader economy. They can also increase, which the Town must consider that staffing or equipment may be needed to adjust to meet those demands. The fees in this category need to mirror the capacity at the staff level to deliver the services.

Indications from the Federal Reserve and leading local economists acknowledge that to quell inflation, policy will be focused on reducing demand for goods, services and products to help ease cost increases. I tend to believe any policy action at the federal or state levels will take a while to settle into the local consumer patterns that drive revenues in local receipts.

Nonetheless, this is an area of revenue that the Town will need to monitor in FY23 heading into FY24 to ensure we have the capacities to meet the demand for services. We'll also need to monitor any major declines in revenues from attempts to quell inflation.

A couple of final statistics to close out FY22: only ten (10) single family homes were built in Franklin during Fiscal Year 2022. By comparison, in 1994, at the Town’s peak, the Town built 172 single family homes. Population in 2021 decreased for the 1st time in over four decades.

Population in 2021 decreased for the 1st time in over four decades
Population in 2021 decreased for the 1st time in over four decades



Town of Franklin Earns AAA Bond Rating
Town of Franklin Earns AAA Bond Rating

SAFE Coalition asks you to join them WEDNESDAY for International Overdose Awareness Day


SAFE Coalition
SAFE Coalition asks you to join them WEDNESDAY for International Overdose Awareness Day

In addition to our candle light vigil, we will be placing 2,290 purple flags on the Franklin, Wrentham, and Millis town commons.

These 2,290 flags represent the number of lives lost on Massachusetts last year to an opioid overdose.

Would you like to join us in placing the flags?

I would like to volunteer!

The Franklin High School Newsletter has your back to school info

Check out the latest Franklin High School Newsletter for all the back-to-school information you will need:

Shared from Twitter -> https://twitter.com/FHS_PCC/status/1563268778204753920 

The Franklin High School Newsletter has your back to school info
The Franklin High School Newsletter has your back to school info

Dan Rather: We Should Not Become Inured to the Shock

After the affidavit  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌
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Dan Rather: We Should Not Become Inured to the Shock
We Should Not Become Inured to the Shock

The Department of Justice has released the affidavit it used to obtain permission to search Mar-a-Lago and seize files from Donald Trump. The document fills in some details but leaves many questions unanswered, largely because it is heavily redacted — as it should be. The sanctity of the investigation demands it. So does the security of the nation.

What we knew before has been further confirmed — Trump absconded with hundreds of classified documents. We now know these were incredibly sensitive and included information on clandestine human sources and secrets not to be shared with foreign governments. We may never know the documents' exact contents — that's how sensitive this material is. 

What is so striking, as many others have observed, is that as president, Trump was notoriously uninterested in details. He doesn't read. He certainly doesn't pore over policy details. He is famous (or infamous, depending on who is assessing) for "not getting into the weeds." So why these documents? Why did he care so much? What, if anything, do they have in common? Can they point to a motive? We can speculate on what that might be, understanding that he has long ago lost any benefit of the doubt. 

The government said it gleaned the information it included in the affidavit from "a significant number of civilian witnesses." This detail will undoubtedly fuel Trump's paranoia, but it also suggests just how unsafe these national secrets were at Mar-a-Lago. 

As we learn more, as we look for clues, as we wonder and question, we should be careful not to lose track of the big picture. 

At the very minimum, this situation represents a major breach of national security. Do we really believe that any other citizen of this country, which is who post-presidency Trump is, would be walking free if found in possession of these documents? Rather than being persecuted, as Trump self-servingly claims, this affidavit makes it clear that the Department of Justice was extraordinarily patient — possibly to a fault. They gave Trump every opportunity to hand these over. And yet he didn't. Why not? 

At this moment, around the world, women and men are risking their lives for our country. We have a system of secrecy that protects the most sensitive aspects of our national security. It is in place for a reason. Because the lives of Americans and the future health and safety of the nation depend on it. 

That this saga has become "partisan" is not a reflection on the seriousness of these documents. Rather, it is a reflection of how unserious the Party of Trump is when it comes to our national wellbeing.

As shocking as this episode is, we must not become inured to it. Shock like this should not wear off. It should propel us forward to ensure that justice is served and nothing like this ever happens again. 

Note: If you are not already a subscriber to our Steady newsletter, please consider doing so. And we always appreciate you sharing our content with others and leaving your thoughts in the comments.

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© 2022 Dan Rather
548 Market Street PMB 72296, San Francisco, CA 94104

Rainbow Café - Tuesday, August 30 at 10 AM

Hello All,

Rainbow Café - Tuesday August 30 at 10 AM
Rainbow Café - Tuesday August 30
I am looking forward to seeing you all on Tuesday, August 30 at 10 AM at the Franklin Senior Center for our Rainbow Café.  If you know anyone who would enjoy attending please share and invite them to join us.

Thank you and have a wonderful weekend!

Ariel


--
Ariel Doggett

Respite Coordinator
Supportive Day Coordinator

Ariel Doggett

"We rise by lifting others" - Robert Ingersoll
There is no act of kindness too small

Episode 023 - Weddings and Religion; Same-Sex Marriage, Interfaith Marriage, and more (audio)

A Priest, a Rabbi, and a Minister walk into a radio station:

"In this episode, Dr. Pandora Carlucci and Jay Horrigan are joined by Reverend Junger, Reverend McAdams and Rabbi Alpert to discuss the role of religion in marriage, what the responsibilities of religious leaders are in the marriage process, what religion teaches us about marriage, how the different religions have handled disputed types of marriages like same-sex and interfaith marriages and much more."

Audio link ->  https://priest-rabbi-minister.captivate.fm/episode/023-weddings-and-religion-same-sex-marriage-interfaith-marriage-and-more- 

"A Priest, a Rabbi and a Minister walk into a Radio Station…"
"A Priest, a Rabbi and a Minister walk into a Radio Station…"

Did you hear about the student loan announcements? Scammers did, too


Consumer Alerts from the Federal Trade Commission

By K. Michelle Grajales, Attorney, Division of Financial Practices

You've probably already heard about the new government plan that will forgive some federal student loans, once it's up and running. Also in the news: the federal student loan payment pause has been extended to December 31, 2022. 

But scammers are watching the news, too, so know this: you don't need to do anything or pay anybody to sign up for the new program — or the pause. Nobody can get you in early, help you jump the line, or guarantee eligibility. 

And anybody who says they can — or tries to charge you — is (1) a liar, and (2) a scammer.




Did you hear about the student loan announcements? Scammers did, too
Did you hear about the student loan announcements? Scammers did, too

Friday, August 26, 2022

Franklin's Event Outlook: Aug 26, 2022 to Sep 1, 2022

Ah, school starts next week. That truly is the end of summer! But that is also next week, and there is stuff to do in and around Franklin in the meantime. Start with the Farmers Market, take in the Franklin TV block party, get a head start on the State Primary by voting on Saturday... and make the most of #artshappenhere in Franklin!

Friday, August 26
1:00pm - Farmers Market (Franklin Town Common)  NOTE time change due to weather forecast - market will open ONLY from 1 to 4 PM
4:30pm - Riana's Plate (food truck) (67 Degrees Brewery)
6:00pm - Patrick Durkin (live music) (La Cantina Winery)
6:00pm - Dave Penza (live music) (67 Degrees Brewery)

Saturday, August 27
11:00am - Yoga in the Taproom (ticketed event) (67 Degrees Brewery)
9:00am - State Primary - In Person Early Voting (Franklin High School)
10:00am - Franklin Historical Museum (always free)
2:00pm - South Street Six (live music) (La Cantina Winery)
3:00pm - Franklin Cable Block Party (Franklin TV Studios Hutchinson St)
4:00pm - Franklin Cable Annual Meeting  (Franklin TV Studios Hutchinson St)

Sunday, August 28
1:00pm - Franklin Historical Museum (always free)  

Monday, August 29
9:00am - State Primary - In person early voting (Franklin High School) 

Tuesday, August 30
9:00am - State Primary - In person early voting (Franklin High School)
5:00pm - Author Susan K Hamilton book launch for "Stone Heart"  (Escape Into Fiction)

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


The Franklin Art Association Art Gallery remains open during business hours at Escape into Fiction (Main St, Franklin)

Find the full calendar  https://www.franklinmatters.org/p/blog-page.html

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://forms.gle/oPdi8X3ZbHHyrHzo6

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar

The School district calendar is found  https://www.franklinps.net/calendar-by-event-type/26 

Community Calendar
Community Calendar