In this Talk Franklin episode, some updates, and then its all budget talk, until we lighten up with the Top 20 songs about schools (audio)

FM #1168 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1168 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen, Deputy Town Administrator Amy Frigulietti, School Superintendent Lucas Giguere, and Asst Superintendent Dr Tina Rogers on Wednesday, April 3, 2024.    

We get a brief recap of current events and the dive into the major discussion of the budget and the timeline around its final development. Information on the key questions that remain to be answered are discussed. 

Budget timeline:

• April 9 - School Committee votes on school’s budget

• April 12 - Town FY 2025 budget released

• April 17 - Finance Committee meeting

• April 24 - Joint meeting of School Committee & Town Council at FHS Auditorium

• May 6, 8, and 15 - Finance Committee budget hearings

• May 22, 23  - Town Council budget hearings

We close on a lighter note with discussion and laughter around the Top 20 songs about schools .https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AEq1QElhBShhGAMjH-S_uEceAfNPftlC/view?usp=drive_link 

Our conversation runs about 55 minutes.    Audio link -> https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/letstalkfranklin/episodes/Talk-Franklin--A-Podcast-from-the-Town-Administrators-Office---April-3--2024-e2i7jh3/a-ab5fial

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Contact info: for Jamie & Amy -> https://www.franklinma.gov/administrator 

Contact info for Lucas ->  https://www.franklinps.net/district/superintendent 

and Tina ->  https://www.franklinps.net/district/office-teaching-and-learning 

Town Budget page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/webforms/fy-25-budget-materials 

School Budget page -> https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-district-budget/pages/1-fy2025-budget 

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We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.  

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We 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 something here, please let me know

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

For additional information, please visit www.franklin.news/ or  www.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"

In this Talk Franklin episode, some updates, and then its all budget talk

FHS girls tennis tops Foxboro to improve to 3-0 for season; girls Outdoor track tops Taunton on Tuesday

Via Twitter and our subscription to HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the Spring sports competition for Franklin High School on Tuesday, Apr 9, 2024.

Boys Tennis = Foxboro, 3 @ Franklin, 2 – Final 

– Foxboro’s Ryan Fossella emerged from a three-set battle at third singles to help secure a key win on the road at Franklin. Fossella won the first set 7-5 before dropping the second 4-6, forcing the deciding third. In the third, Fossella took a 6-2 decision to complete the win for the Warriors. Luca Meyer added a 6-4, 6-4 win at second singles and the team of Niki Illia and Evan Paluzzi secured a 6-4, 6-1 win at first doubles. Franklin’s Jay Gorgas prevailed 6-3, 7-5 in a battle at first singles while Dan Reis and Gabe Terry took a three-set thriller 4-6, 6-0, 6-1 at second doubles.

Girls Tennis = Franklin, 3 @ Foxboro, 2 – Final

Panthers with a good win over a tough Foxboro team 3-2!

Brooke Taylor improved to 3-0 with the lone win in singles.

Brooke Daniels & Sydney Tolonen, along with Ava Davies & Avalon Thomes, both won their doubles matches.

Franklin is now 3-0 and travels to Taunton on Wednesday.   https://twitter.com/fhs_gvtennis/status/1777837151159255054

Boys Outdoor Track = Franklin @ Taunton, 3:45

Girls Outdoor Track = Franklin, 112 @ Taunton, 24 - Final

– Franklin took the top two spots in seven of 11 events plus first in both relays to earn a big win on the road over Taunton. The Panthers went 1-2 in the 100M (Ella Chandaria, Olivia Costa), the 400M (Madison Bruno, Carli Walbert), the 1 Mile (Meghan Griffith, Emma Pruitt), the 2 Mile (Victoria Courtwright-Lim, Alex Batla), the 100M hurdles (Sarah Dumas, Cailyn Bruno), the 400M hurdles (Dumas, Anna Cliff), and the shot put (Lily DeForge, Darby Nicholson) to secure key points. Chandaria also won the 200M (26.9), DeForge was first in the discus with a PR toss of 119’6′, and Liz Hopkins won the javelin at 132’9″. Taunton’s Emersyn DePonte took a win in the 800M at 2:28.8 while sophomore Renee Leao was third in the 100M hurdles (17.6) and second in the javelin (88’0″). Franklin’s 4×100 (Costa, Clare Loukota, C. Bruno, Cliff) won in 51.5 while the 4×400 (Sophia Cuneo, M. Bruno, Savannah Copeland, Kyra McSweeney) crossed first in 4:27.5.

Photo gallery of the FHS vs Taunton outdoor track meet (subscription required) ->    https://hockomocksports.smugmug.com/2023-2024/Spring-2024/Taunton-Franklin-Outdoor-Track-04-09-24

For other results around the Hockomock League (subscription required) 

https://hockomocksports.com/tuesdays-schedule-scoreboard-04-09-24/

FHS Panther sports results shared via Twitter & subscription to HockomockSports.com

Town of Franklin: Job Opportunities with Fire dept, Facilities, Finance, & DPW

Job Opportunities

To apply for a vacant position, please submit a resume and cover letter to apply@franklinma.gov.  Please put the job title in the subject line of your email. 

Junior Building Custodian - Facilities Department 

Summer Custodians - Facilities Department

Heavy Motor Equipment Operator - Department of Public Works

Firefighter/Paramedic - Fire Department

Chief Financial Officer - Finance Department

Budget and Fiscal Analyst - Finance Department

Mechanic/Motor Equipment Repair Person - Department of Public Works

Summer Employment - Department of Public Works

Part Time and Substitute Custodians - Facilities Department 

Updated 04/09/2024

If you do not have a resume, you may send a completed Application for Employment instead.

To receive notifications of all job opportunities in the Town of Franklin, subscribe here .

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/human-resources/pages/job-opportunities

Town of Franklin: Job Opportunities with Fire dept, Facilities, Finance, & DPW

Talkin' TC Episode 5: Mental Health Awareness (video)

"On this episode, we shine the spotlight on the many support services offered here on campus. 

Our guest is Mrs. Freya Messias, L.R.C., M.A., one of three school adjustment counselors on staff. She discusses a multitude of topics as well as discussing her background and offering sound advice."

video link ->  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bQRl2Hq4rC0

"Lean In Girls" starts April 22 - Learn more and register today!

"Here at Children's Museum of Franklin, we're passionate about the importance of empowering girls.  

The Lean In Girls curriculum, a subset of Sheryl Sandberg's original Lean In program, was established in 2023 as a “leadership program that helps girls see themselves as leaders in a world that often tells them they’re not.”

Over the course of the program, through strength-building activities and discussion, participants will learn resilience, confidence, and inclusivity.

This is a free program!"

Learn more & register -> https://www.childrensmuseumfranklin.org/lean-in-girls

"Lean In Girls" starts April 22 - Learn more and register today!

Register now for the 13th Annual FBRTC 5K: Saturday, May 18, 2024

13th Annual FBRTC 5K: Saturday, May 18, 2024 Please join us for the 13th Annual FBRTC 5K Road Race Hosted by TVFR & FBRTC ​ Location: Grove Street SNETT Trailhead – Parking at Waters Corporation, 210 Grove St., Franklin, MA. 02038 Entry Info:  18 yrs & Under: $25.00 pre-registration / $30.00 day-of 19 yrs - 69 yrs: $30.00 pre-registration / $35.00 day-of 70 yrs and Above: Free Awards:  5K Awards will be First Place Overall M/F. Age Group Awards: Top 3 M/F: 14 & Under, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+ Event Details: Race start time: 9:00 AM. Registration opens at 7:30 AM. Course Details: Out-and-back 5k on hard-packed dirt trail. Course map available soon! Amenities:  1. Plenty of water and refreshments. 2. Walkers welcome. 3. Post-race refreshments 4. Awards to top 3 in each age group 5. Post-race gathering for raffle door prizes 6. Commemorative Race Gift to registered participants prior to Midnight April 30, 2024. Additional gifts available until they run out! Additional Info Available at https://www.tri-valleyfrontrunners.com/fbrtc This race benefits the continuing efforts to develop the Southern New England Trunkline Trail (SNETT) into a multiuse path for Franklin & Bellingham. The SNETT is an abandoned rail bed running from Franklin through Douglas to the CT boarder, sections of which have become fully developed multi-use paths linking communities across southern Central Massachusetts. For more info & to learn how else you can help visit: https://www.franklinbellinghamrailtrail.org/ Register Here

Tri-Valley Front Runners
PO Box 125, Milford,MA, 01757United States

Franklin TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) schedule for Wednesday, April 10, 2024

• wfpr.fm or 102.9 on the FM dial = Wednesday

9:00 AM 12:00 Noon and 6:00 PM Franklin Matters Radio – Steve Sherlock
Franklin and its local government, services and events  (repeats Saturday at 9 AM)

• This slot features the Board of Health meeting held Apr 3, 2024 ->   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/04/audio-recording-of-franklin-ma-board-of.html

10:00 AM 1:00 PM and 7:00 PM  The Wonderful World of Wine – Mark Lenzi, Kim Simone    All about wine, its culture, lore and finer point.

• In this episode hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi talk with  Kathy McCabe-PBS Dream of Italy ->   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/03/the-wonderful-world-of-wine-www-episode.html

11:00 AM 2:00 PM and 8:00 PM Franklin Matters Radio – Steve Sherlock

Franklin and its local government, services and events (repeats Saturday at 3 PM)

• This slot features the new Talk Franklin episode on the budget with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen, Deputy Town Administrator Amy Frigulietti, School Superintendent Lucas Giguere, and Asst Superintendent Dr Tina Rogers on Wednesday, April 3, 2024 -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/04/in-this-talk-franklin-episode-some.html

• Franklin All Access TV - Our Public Access Channel (Comcast 6, Verizon 26) = WEDNESDAY

7:30 am Mental Health: Kallie Montagano & Sonja Wagner

8:30 am FPAC: Hamlet

10:00 am Second Sunday Speaker Series: Joe Landry & Scott Mason

11:30 am Cooking Thyme: Ice Cream

12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin': Quinoa

12:30 pm Cooking with Linda: Marry Me Chicken

1:30 pm Pizzapalooza: Meat-Lovers Pt. 2

2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Summer 2018 Show 6

3:00 pm Candlepin New Generation: Show 3

5:30 pm Veterans' Call: Robert Pierson

6:30 pm Metrowest Arts & Culture Symposium 2023

8:30 pm Circle of Friends: Ellis Paul

• Franklin Pride TV - Our Educational Channel        (Comcast 8, Verizon 28) = WEDNESDAY

8:30 am Public School Event: Lifelong Music Pt. 2 05-13-19

10:00 am SAFE Coalition: Woody Geissman

11:00 am Winning Ways with the MIAA: Referee Shortage Pt1

12:30 pm FHS Varsity Softball: v Milford 05-22-23

2:30 pm Rec Basketball: 5th & 6th Grade Boys Championship

7:00 pm FHS Track and Field: v North Attleboro 05-09-23

• Franklin Town Hall TV - Our Government Channel (Comcast 9, Verizon 29) = WEDNESDAY

8:00 am Town Council 03-13-24

2:00 pm Town Council 03-13-24

7:00 pm Town Council  LIVE-Chambers  826 9683 9444

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

Watch Listen Read all things that matter in Franklin MA

Silent Saturdays: "Metropolis" - April 13 at 6 PM

Silent Saturdays start at 6 PM on four Saturdays of the month: Chris Leverone, a videographer and graphics artist from Franklin, has directed promotional and fundraising videos, and is currently a producer at Franklin TV. He developed this program of films in cooperation with the Franklin Senior Center.

• April 13 – Metropolis, is a formative film in the science fiction genre by Fritz Lang. It portrays a convincing, futuristic and totalitarian city complete with creepy robots. 

Metropolis

The Franklin Historical Museum is located at 80 West Central Street, Franklin. The museum is open Saturday mornings from 10 AM - 1 PM and Sunday afternoons from 1 PM - 4 PM. 

When visiting the museum, please consider donating a non-perishable item for the Franklin Food Pantry. Check their current needs listing here ->   https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/get-involved/pantry-needs/

Visit the Museum online at https://www.franklinmuseum1778.com

Will the Town Council whiff again? or vote to encourage 40b development?

The Town Council gets a chance to lend their approval of a "friendly 40b" on Wednesday, April 10, 2024. They whiffed on their chance last year rejecting the 121 Grove St proposal by a 4-5 vote. (vote & meeting info below)

The chance this time is for the proposal to develop the Stobbart's property bringing 264 rental units, 66 of them would be "Affordable."

The proposal documentation is found here:

a. Franklin Town Council Support for Proposed GL Chapter 40B Affordable Housing Project at 444 East Central Street Pursuant to DHCD’s Local Initiative Program (LIP): Friendly 40B

i. Town Administrator Memo, 40B Process Outline  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/8a_1_-_presentation_friendly_40b_stobbarts.pdf

ii. Project Presentation  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/8a._2_central_st_residences_tc_presentation_041024_v17_pdf_final.pdf

iii. Current Project Plans  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/8a._3_csr_preliminary_plans_update_tc_040324.pdf

iv. Town Board/Committee and staff comment letters  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/8a._4_letters.pdf

v. Related articles on the need for housing  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/8a._articles.pdf

The full Council agenda (including remote participation info) 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/april_10_2024_town_council_meeting_agenda.pdf

Meeting notes for March 15, 2023 covers the 121 Grove St "friendly 40b" proposal that was rejected by the Council -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/03/town-council-ratifies-master-plan.html  (includes links to the video, audio and my notes)

Will the Town Council whiff again? or vote to encourage 40b development?

FHS girls and boys lacrosse teams post wins on Monday

Via Twitter and our subscription to HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the Spring sports competition for Franklin High School on Monday, Apr 8, 2024.

Baseball = Foxboro, 1 @ Franklin, 0 – Final 

– Foxboro scored the lone run of the game in the second inning and that was enough for juniors Nolan Gordon and Ryan O’Leary, who combined for a shutout with just three hits allowed. Gordon helped his own cause in the second with a one-out single and advanced to second (stolen base) and to third (passed ball) before scampering home on a wild pitch. Gordon was impressive on the mound for the Warriors, scattering three hits (all singles) with two walks, striking out five for the win. O’Leary tossed the final two innings with no hits allowed and three strikeouts. Franklin had the tying run on second in the seventh inning after Dom Caccavelli (one-out walk) stole second but O’Leary induced a grounder to third baseman Tom Watts (two hits) for the final out. Franklin’s Austin Campbell was also strong on the mound with one unearned run allowed on six hits and two walks, striking out six in as many innings. Matt Miller (two strikeouts) tossed a scoreless seventh for the Panthers.

Softball = Foxboro, 5 @ Franklin, 3 – Final (8 inn.) 

– Franklin rallied for a pair of runs in the bottom of the seventh inning to keep the game going but Foxboro answered right back with two of their own in the top of the eighth for a key extra innings win on the road. Franklin had the lone run of the game through the first five innings when courtesy runner Sophie Arena, who was on third after a leadoff triple from Marley Allen, came home on a dropped third strike. Foxboro orchestrated a two-out rally in the sixth, pushing three runs across to take the lead. Natalia Leach (walk) scored on a two-out single from Vittoria Cuscia to tie the game, and back-to-back singles from Ava Hill and Mia Flanagan loaded the bases for the Warriors. A single to right from Jill Slattery brought two home to put Foxboro ahead 3-1. In the bottom of the seventh, Ella Weston had a leadoff walk, stole second, moved to third on a bunt single from Katie Dowley, and scored after an infield error. Dowley came home on a ground out to tie the game. Franklin had the winning run at third but Cuscia induced a pair of infield fly balls to force extras. In the top of the eighth, back-to-back doubles from Meghan Kelley and Cuscia scored one run, and a double from Flanagan brought another run home. Cuscia (eight strikeouts) retired the side in order in the bottom half to close it out. Sophia Sacramone had nine strikeouts for the Panthers.

Boys Lacrosse = Canton, 5 @ Franklin, 12 – Final – Franklin built a four-goal lead at halftime and limited visiting Canton to just one tally in the second half to earn a win at home. The Panthers took a 3-1 lead at the end of the first and had an 8-4 advantage at halftime. Franklin blanked the Bulldogs in the third to extend the lead to 11-4 going into the final frame. Eddie O’Brien had three goals and three assists to pace the Panthers’ offense while Drew Hansen added a pair of goals and three helpers, and Ryan Grasso had a hat trick and one assist. Brendan Tourgee and Cullen O’Brien each scored twice for Canton while Dillon Albert added one goal. Pat Drury was strong in net with 17 saves for the Bulldogs.

Girls Lacrosse = Franklin, 15 @ Canton, 5 – Final 

– A six-goal first quarter helped Franklin build a big lead that it never relinquished on the road at Canton. Emily Carney was dominant on the draws once again, registering 11 controls while getting the offense going with five goals and one assist. Katie Ryan added a hat trick of goals and assists, Sophia Sacchetti also netted a hat trick with one assist, and Julia Flynn scored twice with a pair of assists. Norah MacCallum was strong defensively with two caused turnovers.

Boys Tennis = Franklin @ Bishop Feehan, 4:00

For other results around the Hockomock League (subscription required) 

https://hockomocksports.com/mondays-schedule-scoreboard-04-08-24/

FHS Panther sports results shared via Twitter & subscription to HockomockSports.com

Fallen Hero Recognitions: Sgt. Paulette & Airman 1C Shaw (Vietnam) - April 9, 2024 - 9 AM

There are 2 Fallen Hero Recognition events today (4/09/24) at 9 AM on the Town Common Veterans Walkway to honor Sergeant Joseph Ronald Paulette, Vietnam and Airman 1C Russell W. Shaw. 

This program will include the placing of a Memorial Wreath for the day, the playing of Taps, a salute from those present, and a reading of whatever history  may be available for that veteran.  This is a way of keeping the memory of that veteran alive.

* Fallen Hero: Sergeant Joseph Ronald Paulette

Sergeant Joseph Ronald Paulette was born on October 13, 1948, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Preston Daggett, who lived in Franklin before moving their family to New Bedford. As a young man Joseph spent his summers in Franklin with his uncle and aunt, Mr. And Mrs. Roger Villiard of Brook St. Sgt. Paulette had requested that if anything happened to him while in the service, that his funeral and burial take place in Franklin. 

Sergeant Paulette enlisted late in 1965 and became a member of the 101st·Airborne Battalion. Sergeant Paulette served two years in the Army with his Vietnam tour beginning on December 13,1967. Sgt. Paulette was killed along with five other casualties by hostile small arms fire on April 9, 1968 leading a combat mission in Quang Tri province, South Vietnam. 

Sergeant Joseph R. Paulette was 19 years old at the time of his death in Vietnam.

Sergeant Joseph Ronald Paulette

 

* Fallen Hero: Airman 1C Russell W. Shaw

Airman 1C Russell W. Shaw was born on June 30, 1952, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Conrad Shaw. Russell lived with his parents and four sisters at 561 Lincoln St. A 1970 graduate of Franklin High School Russell enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in July of that year. 

Airman Shaw graduated with honors from a technical training course at Sheppard AFB, Texas. He learned to maintain and service turbo-propeller aircraft and was assigned to Clark AFB for duty with a unit of the Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Service. 

Airman Shaw was killed in a motoring accident while serving at Clark Air Force Base, the Philippines on April 9, 1971. 

Airman 1C Russell W. Shaw was 18 years old at the time of his death while serving during the Vietnam War.

 

Airman 1C Russell W. Shaw

For the schedule of Fallen Hero recognitions 

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/03/honoring-our-franklin-veterans-who-died.html

 

For the full published series of Fallen Heroes you can visit this link
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/franklin-fallen-heroes-series.html

Photo album of the Fallen Hero pillars along the Veterans Walkway

https://photos.app.goo.gl/oRGdmq9krLNEBnjJ7 

2nd Annual Comedy Fundraiser benefits the Franklin Rotary Club - Apr 20

“3 Comedian’s Walk into a bar…well, not a bar, but the Franklin Elks Lodge…” 

If you want to know how this joke ends, and you’re looking for some great laughs, delicious dinner, while supporting a local non-profit... Franklin Rotary has the just the ticket!

Come join us for our 2nd Annual Comedy Night Fundraiser at the Franklin Elks, 1077 Pond St., Franklin, MA 02038, on April 20.  Doors open at 5:30 PM where you will enjoy buffet dinner, cash bar, FREE door prize chance, raffles and the comedic stylings of 3 comic headliners; Jody Sloane, Harrison Stebbins, and the return of Mark Scalia.

Rotary Club of Franklin MA 2nd Annual Comedy Night Fundraiser

“We filled the room last year, and we are looking forward to an even better show this year!” said Joe Collins, incoming President Elect (2024-25).  He continued, “We work tirelessly to give back to our community and it’s fundraisers like this, which help to make it all possible.”

Reserve your table of 8 today! Tickets are only $50/pp and may be purchased by calling 508-284-9598, or online (+ $2 processing fee that covers dinner and the show) are available at: https://ci.ovationtix.com/35936/production/1190666

The Rotary Club International is a non-profit organization made up of a diverse group of men and women “who come together to create positive, lasting change in our communities and around the world.” https://www.rotary.org/en/about-rotary

Talkin' TC Episode 4: Student Voices (video)

"On this episode we hear from a trio of students, all seniors, walking us through their TC Journey as their time on Pond Street is coming to a close."

Video link -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LZl4cp65kjc 

IR-2024-99: Special Saturday help available April 13 at 70 IRS Taxpayer Assistance Centers nationwide; no appointment needed

As the April 15 federal tax filing deadline nears, the Internal Revenue Service today announced it will open more than 70 Taxpayer Assistance Centers (TACs) around the country on Saturday, April 13, for face-to-face help. This special help is available from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. local time.

At TACs, people meet face-to-face with IRS employees to get help with tax account issues, such as authenticating someone's identity, asking about account adjustments and making payments by check or money order. The IRS plans one additional special Saturday opening on May 18.

"IRS employees have been working hard throughout this tax season to help taxpayers, and the special Saturday hours are one more way we've expanded our services," said IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel. "With the help of additional funding through the Inflation Reduction Act, we've been able to serve more taxpayers and provide additional assistance. For these special Saturday sessions, we encourage taxpayers to plan ahead so they have the right information. Frequently, taxpayers can get the help they need by visiting IRS.gov."

Before travelling to an office, the IRS encourages everyone to visit the event page IRS face-to-face Saturday help to get current information. The IRS notes representatives can't accept cash payments during the special Saturday openings, and tax return preparation is not an available service.

The IRS has online resources for many common tax situations, including several tools for making payments, getting an extension to file and setting up installment agreements. Taxpayers can make payments using their personal financial accounts, debit or credit cards and even digital wallets using tools on IRS.gov.

Tips for taxpayers planning a visit

Individuals should bring the following documents when they visit IRS Taxpayer Assistance Centers:

• Current government-issued photo identification, along with a second form of identification for identity verification services.
• Social Security or Individual Taxpayer Identification numbers for themselves and all members of their household, including their spouse and dependents (if applicable).
• Any IRS letters or notices received and related documents.
• A copy or digital image of the tax return in question if one was filed.

The IRS noted that because appointments aren't necessary for these special Saturday hours, some locations may see high demand and wait times can be longer than usual. To help with this and avoid delays, the IRS encourages people to plan ahead, review key tips and come prepared with needed information. IRS employees will be working hard to serve as many people as quickly as possible.

Extended office hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays

During the filing season, the IRS has also been providing extended office hours at many TACs nationwide. The added hours will end on Tuesday, April 16. To see if a nearby office is participating in the program, check its listing on the IRS/taclocator. Taxpayers can walk in or make appointments for service during extended hours. Cash payments are accepted during the additional office time, but taxpayers must have an appointment at a TAC currently accepting cash.

Taxpayer Assistance Center Office Locator

Normally, TACs are open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and provide service by appointment only. To make an appointment, call 844-545-5640.

Services provided

The IRS's Contact Your Local Office site lists all services provided at specific TACs. Tax return preparation is not a service offered at IRS TACs during these events or any operating hours. The IRS will provide information to anyone needing to find free local tax preparation resources. Additionally, File your return on IRS.gov gives step-by-step information on how to file individual tax returns.

If someone has questions about a tax bill or IRS audit, or if they need help resolving a tax problem, they'll receive assistance from IRS employees specializing in those services. If these employees aren't available, the individual will receive a referral for these services. IRS Taxpayer Advocate Service employees may also be available to help with some issues.

Professional foreign language interpretation will be available in many languages through an over-the-phone translation service. For deaf or hard of hearing individuals who need sign language interpreter services, IRS staff will schedule appointments for a later date. Alternatively, these individuals can call TTY/TDD 800-829-4059 to make an appointment.

During the visit, IRS staff may also request the following information:

• A current mailing address,
• Proof of financial account information included on a tax return to receive payments or refunds by direct deposit.

Continue reading the full press release here ->   https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/special-saturday-help-available-april-13-at-70-irs-taxpayer-assistance-centers-nationwide-no-appointment-needed

Franklin TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) schedule for Tuesday, Apr 9, 2024

• wfpr.fm or 102.9 on the FM dial = Tuesday

9:00 AM 12:00 Noon and 6:00 PM  Jazz Journey – with Pamela Hines
2 hours. An insightful tour of Jazz Greats in a golden era

11:00 AM 2 PM and 8:00 PM SAFE Radio– Jim Derick and Dr. Anne Bergen Addressing issues of Drug Abuse Disorder 

• Franklin All Access TV - Our Public Access Channel (Comcast 6, Verizon 26) = TUESDAY

7:30 am Joe Landry: Grocery Stores and Markets

9:00 am Mental Health: Kallie Montagano & Sonja Wagner

10:00 am Frank Presents: Corey Shea

12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin': Quinoa

12:30 pm Cooking with Linda: Marry Me Chicken

1:00 pm Pizzapalooza: Meat-Lovers Pt. 2

1:30 pm Franklin Fallen Heroes Pt 2

2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Summer 2018 Show 6

3:00 pm Candlepin New Generation: Show 3

3:30 pm Riffin' on Main Street: Jacob Juncker

4:30 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Referee Shortage Pt1

5:30 pm Master Plan Committee Open House

6:00 pm Senior Connection: Disabilities Commission

7:00 pm FPAC: Hamlet

8:30 pm Endless Konnections: Introduction

8:34 pm Endless Konnections: Natasha Ward Pt 1

9:30 pm Franklin Art Association: Vincent Crotty

• Franklin Pride TV - Our Educational Channel        (Comcast 8, Verizon 28) = TUESDAY

7:00 am Public School Event: Concert Hour Day 1

9:00 am Public School Event: Lifelong Music Pt. 2 05-13-19

11:30 am Rec Basketball: 5th & 6th Grade Boys Championship

1:00 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Referee Shortage Pt1

2:00 pm Mental Health: Kallie Montagano & Sonja Wagner

6:30 pm Jazz Cafe 2019

8:00 pm FHS Boys Varsity Lacrosse v Attleboro 04-02-24

10:00 pm FHS Girls Varsity Lacrosse v Stoughton 04-04-24

• Franklin Town Hall TV - Our Government Channel (Comcast 9, Verizon 29) = TUESDAY

8:00 am School Committee 03-19-24

12:00 pm Town Council Subcommittee for Arts and Culture 04-03-24

2:00 pm School Committee 03-19-24

7:00 pm School Committee  LIVE-Chambers  885 7353 6372  Code 249672

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

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The James Montgomery Band Returns to THE BLACK BOX - Friday, April 12

THE BLACK BOX will welcome back The James Montgomery Band on Friday, April 12 at 7:30 PM with The DayBreakers. 

In 1970, while attending Boston University, Montgomery formed The James Montgomery Band. His inimitable 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."

James Montgomery Band Returns

Montgomery has toured with many major artists, including Aerosmith, Bonnie Raitt, Bruce Springsteen, the Allman Brothers, Steve Miller, and others. He has jammed on stage with B.B.King, Buddy Guy, John Lee Hooker, Jr. Wells, James Cotton, Charlie Daniels, Bonnie Raitt, Greg Allman, Laverne Baker, Patti LaBelle, and Peter Wolf among others, including an impromptu session with Mick Jagger at New York's "Trax." Over the years, Montgomery's band has been a springboard for many musicians. Members of his band have included Billy Squire, Wayne Kramer (MC-5), Jeff Golub (Rod Stewart), Jim McCarty (Mitch Ryder and the Detroit Wheels), Nunzio Signore (Bo Diddley), Jeff Pevar (Ray Charles Orchestra, Crosby, Stills & Nash), Bobby Chouinard (drummer with Ted Nugent, Squire and Robert Gordon), Jeff Levine (Joe Cocker), Aerosmith's Tom Gambel, and many others.

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, Frank Viele), while also supporting national touring acts Christian Lopez and Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band. In August of 2018, the group was nominated for "Rock Act of the Year" by the New England Music Awards.  

Tickets are available at  www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com or by calling the box office at 508-528-3370. Follow THE BLACK BOX on social media to stay updated on the venue’s offerings.