Franklin Food Service video shows how a local grass fed meal is prepared (video)

how a local grass fed meal is prepared

Franklin Public Schools, MA (@FranklinPSNews) posted on Tue, Jan 07, 2025:

"Today, Franklin High School featured Local Grass Fed Beef on their menu from Weatherlow Farms in Westport, MA served with a Ginger Lemon Risotto.  

To watch the video on how it was made, visit: https://t.co/AYUR0JdhZi "

Shared from -> https://x.com/FranklinPSNews/status/1876715334880600373

State of the Commonwealth scheduled for Jan 16 at 7 PM (video)

Jan 16 at 7 PM (video)

Via MA Governor Maura Healey:

"On January 16, I'll deliver my 2025 State of the Commonwealth Address from the State House. This year, we're going to keep bringing down costs, cutting through the red tape and making Massachusetts the #1 state to live, work and learn.  

Watch at http://Mass.gov/SOTC"

Shared from -> https://x.com/MassGovernor/status/1876389328214958407

For reference the 2024 State of the Commonwealth can be found here ->   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=utiXKNHWWSg

The scheduled 2025 State of the Commonwealth can also be found here ->    https://www.mass.gov/state-of-the-commonwealth

Registration Now Open for Tomorrow's Stars Flag Football Camp 2025

Registration Now Open

Registration Now Open for Tomorrow's Stars Flag Football Camp 2025! 🏈

📍 Location: Beaver Pond Turf Field

🕘 Time: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

📅 Dates & Pricing:

➡️ Week 1: June 23–26 | $130

➡️ Week 2: June 30–July 2 (Short Week) | $100

➡️ Week 3: July 14–17 | $130

This camp is perfect for young football enthusiasts ready to learn the game at their own pace! Each day includes skill-building drills, scrimmages, and group activities.

Don’t wait—spots fill up fast!

💻 Register now and secure your child’s place for an unforgettable summer!

https://franklinma.myrec.com/info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=29895

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/1EYpxK2hHr/

Meta ending third-party fact-checking partnership with US partners, including PolitiFact

"Meta will get rid of factcheckers, “dramatically reduce the amount of censorship” and recommend more political content on its platforms, including Facebook, Instagram and Threads, founder Mark Zuckerberg has announced.

In a video message, Zuckerberg vowed to prioritise free speech after the return of Donald Trump to the White House and said that, starting in the US, he would “get rid of factcheckers and replace them with community notes similar to X”.

X, the social media platform owned by Elon Musk, relies on other users to add caveats and context to contentious posts.

Zuckerberg said Meta’s “factcheckers have just been too politically biased and have destroyed more trust than they’ve created”."

Shared from -> https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/jan/07/meta-facebook-instagram-threads-mark-zuckerberg-remove-fact-checkers-recommend-political-content

And from PolitiFact, a part of the Poynter Institute and a winner of a Pulitzer Prize

"By now you may have seen the news that Meta is ending its partnership with fact-checking organizations like PolitiFact in the United States so, as CEO Mark Zuckerberg put it, Facebook can get “back to our roots around free expression.”

Instead of relying on a group of 10 independent and independently operated journalism organizations, Zuckerberg said that Facebook would be launching a community notes program like the one that currently exists on X.

We hope that program succeeds.

But it didn’t need to be an either or. It could have been both.

Back in 2016, when we were among the first group of journalism organizations to partner with Facebook to add fact-checks to online posts, we did so because we thought adding more speech, more voices and more information to what social media users saw online would help the information ecosystem.

Facebook’s approach at the time was novel. Information from a set of independent journalists would be paired with posts online, and users would be able to see a fuller picture of the stories and news of the day.

More speech.

More information."

Read more -> https://www.politifact.com/article/2025/jan/07/meta-ending-third-party-fact-checking-partnership/

Music boosters fund raiser @ Pokemoto scheduled for Jan 17

Music boosters fund raiser 

 

Support Franklin Music programs by dining out at Pokemoto Hawaiian Poke on January 17

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/DEdUGCayotu/

Valentine’s Day charCUTEerie box to benefit the Franklin Food Pantry - Order by Feb 9

Valentine’s Day charCUTEerie boxes

"So so excited for this collaboration! 

Join us for Valentine’s Day charCUTEerie boxes, and a portion will be donated directly back to the Franklin Food Pantry 💜

But wait, it gets BETTER!! 

Join us at The SHED craft bar & kitchen after pick up, for dinner and 10% of your food sales will be donated directly back to the Franklin Food Pantry as well!"

Scan the QR Code in the image, or go to the order form ->    https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1i3tbbSz8wzzD-VnS1EYe9QNmgCGoDX_apgytciz1e0c/edit

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/groups/1551606135109407/posts/3873031636300167/

IRS Free File now open: Free tax filing service available to millions on IRS.gov

The Internal Revenue Service announced today (1/07/25) that the IRS Free File Guided Tax Software is now available for taxpayers ahead of the official start of tax season later this month.

IRS Free File now open

Starting January 10, the IRS Free File will begin accepting individual tax returns. Millions of taxpayers nationwide can access free software tools offered by trusted IRS Free File partners by visiting IRS.gov.

"The IRS remains committed to its partnership with Free File Inc. to ensure taxpayers have free and secure options for filing their taxes electronically," said IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel. "Taxpayers have multiple filing choices, including trusted tax professionals, tax software, Free File, Direct File or free preparation services through IRS partners. Over the years, Free File has helped millions of taxpayers, providing a fast and simple way to file their returns. This program continues to be a valuable resource for eligible individuals looking to file their taxes for free through this unique program."

Entering its 23rd filing season, IRS Free File is just one of many free options available to taxpayers for filing their tax returns, whether online or in person. This service is made possible through a public-private partnership between the IRS and Free File Inc. (formerly the Free File Alliance). As part of this partnership, tax preparation and filing software partners offer their online products to eligible taxpayers for free. To access these free tools, taxpayers must start from the IRS Free File page on IRS.gov.

This year, eight private-sector partners will provide online guided tax software products for taxpayers with an Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) of $84,000 or less in 2024. Additionally, one partner will offer a product in Spanish.

Although the IRS official tax filing season begins later this month, IRS Free File providers will allow taxpayers to prepare and file returns now and hold them until they can be electronically filed on that date. Many other software companies offer a similar option.

Taxpayers with an AGI above $84,000 can use the Free File Fillable Forms (FFFF) starting January 27. These electronic versions of IRS paper forms are ideal for individuals who are comfortable preparing their own taxes using IRS instructions and publications.

Understanding IRS Free File

Each IRS Free File trusted partner establishes its own eligibility criteria based on age, income, state residency and military status.

Taxpayers with an AGI of $84,000 or less in 2024 can find an IRS Free File product; some providers include free state tax return preparation and filing. All partners offer active-duty military personnel with an AGI of $84,000 or less in 2024, free tax preparation and filing using IRS Free File.

Use IRS Free File to claim valuable tax credits if eligible

IRS Free File offers a simple, no-cost way for taxpayers to claim the full amount of tax benefits for which they're eligible, including the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), the Child Tax Credit and other valuable credits. The EITC is available to qualified taxpayers with earned income under $66,819. The EITC Assistant, available in English and seven other languages, can help taxpayers determine if they qualify.

The EITC is just one of several refundable tax credits related to family and dependent care that individuals without a filing requirement may still be eligible to claim. Refundable tax credits allow taxpayers to receive a refund even if they owe no tax, or refundable credits can reduce the amount of tax owed, potentially leading to a refund. For more details on the EITC and other tax credits, visit Earned Income Tax Credit.

How to find the right IRS Free File product

Taxpayers are responsible for determining their eligibility for a free federal tax return from the list of trusted partners.

• Go to IRS.gov/freefile,
• Click on Explore Free Guided Tax Software button. Then select the Find a Trusted Partner tool for help in finding the right product, or
• Use the Browse All Trusted Partners tool to review each offer,
• Select the desired product, and
• Follow the links to the trusted partner's website to begin their tax return.

No computer? No problem. IRS Free File products support mobile phone access. Taxpayers can do their taxes on their smart phone or tablet.

IRS Free File participants

For 2025, the following trusted partners are participating in IRS Free File:

• 1040Now
• Drake (1040.com)
• ezTaxReturn.com
• FileYourTaxes.com
• On-Line Taxes
• TaxAct
• TaxHawk (FreeTaxUSA)
• TaxSlayer

For 2025, ezTaxReturn.com will provide an IRS Free File product in Spanish.

IRS Free File helps taxpayers save money and file their taxes quickly and easily. For more information or to get started on a tax return today, visit IRS Free File: Do your taxes for free.

Shared from the Press Release -> https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-free-file-opens-friday-free-tax-filing-service-available-to-millions-on-irsgov

Franklin TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) schedule for Wednesday, Jan 8, 2025

• 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 segment features my conversation with Mitzi Gousie on the Library's event highlights for Jan 2025  -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/01/mitzi-joins-me-to-talk-about-librarys.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 points.

• Mark & Kim are Sweet Treats & Wine Pairings
   -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/01/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 features my conversation with Sarah Amaral & Ariel Doggett as we preview the event highlights for the Senior Center in Jan 2025  -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/01/sarah-ariel-join-me-in-reviewing-senior.html

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

7:00 am Historical Museum: Greenwich Bay Brass Band

7:30 am Mental Health: Abigail Drake

8:30 am Pack 92 Pinewood Derby 2022

10:00 am FUMC: Cathy Cargill Koch

11:30 am Cooking Thyme: Centerpieces

12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin: Scones

12:30 pm Cooking with Linda: Salmon

1:00 pm Santa on the Common 2024

1:30 pm Pizzapalooza: White Pizza

2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Summer 2018 Show 7

3:00 pm Candlepin New Generation: Show 8

3:30 pm Circle of Friends: Heather Pierson Trio

5:00 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Referee Shortage Pt1

6:00 pm FPAC: The Nutcracker 2024

9:00 pm Winter Wonderland 2024

9:30 pm FPAC Holiday Special: Tis The Season

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

7:00 am Public School Concert: MICCA Showcase Pt. 2 03-14-18

8:30 am Public School Concert: Horace Mann Winter Music 2023

10:00 am SAFE Coalition: Michelle Palladini

11:00 am Public School Event: Annie Sullivan Winter Music 2022

12:30 pm FHS Boys Varsity Hockey v Newburyport 12-31-24

3:00 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Referee Shortage Pt1

4:00 pm FHS Varsity Swimming v Milford 01-03-25

8:00 pm FHS Girls Varsity Hockey v Stoughton 12-18-24

10:00 pm FHS Girls Varsity Basketball v Taunton 01-03-25

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

8:00 am Town Council 12-18-24

2:00 pm Town Council 12-18-24

6:00 pm Joint Budget Subcommittee 12-17-24

5:45 pm  Economic Development Subcommittee  CHAMBERS  890 5052 3175

7:00 pm Town Council  CHAMBERS 832 8682 5178

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

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Tuesday, January 7, 2025 ???

Tuesday, January 7, 2025

• Tree pick up this week on your normal trash day
• Fiber Art Installation (Franklin Public Library)
• Children's Museum Fund raiser (Chipotle Mexican Grill)

6:00pm Table Top (Franklin Public Library)

7:30pm Voice of Franklin, part of Toastmasters International (Franklin TV and Radio Studio)

**   NO  Town Meetings today   **

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

Why are there multiple calendars?

What's happening today in Franklin? 

Respectfully, the Library and Senior Center calendars are too full of events to include all their events so we tend to focus on the major events. Town and School meetings are also kept separate. Links for all the calendars are shared here:

Find the full Community event calendar  https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://bit.ly/Submit2Calendar

The Library calendar of events ->    calendar link

The Senior Center calendar of events ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/node/39/events/upcoming

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar
The School district calendar is found  https://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/o/fpsd/page/school-calendars

2 chances to get your Franklin Questions Answered in January 2025

What is going on with .... ?

What happened to ....?

How come .... ?

Join Steve Sherlock, Franklin Matters & wfpr.fm Community Information Director (volunteer), for an informal and informative Q&A session. 

What is the session about?

• Steve provides some updates on what's happened in the past month in the first 10-15 minutes, then opens the floor to answer whatever questions you have.

When: Monday, January 13, 2024 at 6:30 PM  

Where: Franklin Public Library (Community Room) and via Zoom

  Or

When: Wednesday, January 15, 2024 at 11:00 AM  

Where: Franklin Senior Center (2nd floor conf room) and via Zoom

If you want the Zoom link, please use this form, or check with the Senior Center front desk, or email me:  https://forms.gle/ZXRPtwkQC9egWed47

Download this flyer as a reminder ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AonbWBAUi1yfnNITQlDN4rFFFjkF94rV/view?usp=drive_link

2 chances to get your Franklin Questions Answered in January 2025

Economic Development Subcmte to Review and Discuss 2024-2025 Goals - Jan 8 at 5:45 PM

Economic Development Subcommittee

Agenda & Meeting Packet

January 8, 2025 - 5:45 PM

Review and Discuss 2024-2025 Goals - Jan 8 at 5:45 PM

Meeting will be held at the Municipal Building

Council Chambers, 2nd Floor

355 East Central Street

Agenda:

1. Review and Discuss 2024-2025 Goals Update ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/1a._2024-2025_edc_goals_review.pdf

The agenda doc contains remote participation info ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/2025-01-8_edc_agenda.pdf

Franklin, MA: Board of Health agenda for meeting Jan 8 at 5 :00 PM

BOARD OF HEALTH 

AGENDA

January 8, 2025

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

● December 4, 2024

NEW BUSINESS

● METACOMET Advisory Board recommendation and vote

Board of Health agenda for meeting Jan 8 at 5 :00 PM

● Community coat drive update

● 427 Oakland Parkway update

● Local upgrade requested for 145 Pleasant Street

● Metacomet shared service grant regional health agent report

● Metacomet shared service grant public health nurse report

CITIZENS COMMENTARY

ADJOURNMENT

The agenda doc contains remote participation info ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/1-8-25_boh_agenda.pdf

Hey 8th Graders, got plans for Jan 30? No. Good, that is Panther Pride Night at FHS. Be there!

PANTHER PRIDE NIGHT = Thursday, January 30, 2025

We invite incoming Grade 9 Students and their families to come and learn about FHS!

Academic Scheduling Presentation - Auditorium

Hey 8th Graders, got plans for Jan 30

Please plan to attend as follows:

• Families A-K at 6:15 PM (last names beginning with A-K)
• Families L-Z at 7:15 PM (last names beginning with L-Z)

Building Tours - Ongoing from 6:00 - 7:30 PM, leaving from the Library

Extracurricular Fair - Ongoing from 6:00 - 8:00 PM in the Cafeteria

Shared from -> https://t.co/FAluEuzB1E

Direct link to FPS page -> https://www.franklinps.net/o/fpsd/article/1946892

MA HEAP Program — help with your heating costs this winter may be available

MA HEAP Program

With colder weather expected this year as compared to last, now is the perfect time for folks in Franklin to explore their eligibility to apply for the Massachusetts Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP).

HEAP is a free statewide resource that helps cover heating costs for eligible renters and homeowners to ensure residents can keep their homes safe and warm during the colder months.

Residents can apply through their local administering agency or online at https://toapply.org/MassHEAP to receive assistance for all heating sources, including oil, electricity, natural gas, propane, kerosene, wood and coal.

Bernon Family Branch YMCA in Franklin is offering free 6-month memberships for Franklin teens

free 6-month memberships for Franklin teens

Hockomock Area YMCA (@HockomockYMCA) posted Mon, Jan 06, 2025:

'‼️ Exciting news! ‼️ 

The Bernon Family Branch YMCA in Franklin is offering free 6-month memberships for Franklin residents ages 13-17. 

Get Moving. Get Connected. Stay Healthy.

 https://t.co/p4tGFctL3M #YMCA #TeenMembership #FranklinMA"

Shared from -> https://t.co/1RTZUNWHuv

Franklin Youth Baseball opens registration for Spring 2025

registration for Spring 2025

 

"Registration is now OPEN for the spring season! 

Visit franklinyouthbaseball.com to sign-up today!"

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/DEXa3QtRCkt/

"Bacchus Buster", a new twist on "Pennywise" for Pour Richard's - Jan 25

Bacchus Buster

"Bacchus Buster, our fresh take on “Pennywise”. 

6 Tables of Discoveries and hidden gems. A celebration of character-packed bottles that overdeliver on flavor without overindulging your wallet. 

From unexpected varietals to under-the-radar vintages, each pour is a revelation, proving that great taste is an art, not an expense.

Jan 25th, 1-5 PM. Taste it, love it, reserve it for pick up the following week in-store. Put it on the books."

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/DEbZ3RYNhhN/

Please hold that gelato. Applause Franklin closing for Winter season, reopening in Spring

Please hold that gelato desire, reopening in Spring

via Applause Franklin 

"We are closed for the season but will be re-opening on April 11! Stay Warm Franklin!"

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/p/15XXPbyDuL/

The archives tell us that Applause opened in March 2023, closed for Feb & March in 2024, and reopened in April 2024. This move is inline with what they did previously.

Applause Franklin web site ->   https://www.applausefranklin.com/