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Thank you! Celebrating 10 months of the Community Closet! | ||||
I just wanted to send you a quick email thanking you for your involvement with the Community Closet in 2024. We officially "opened" in March of 2024 and over the course of the next 9 months the Closet logged over 400 visits helping an estimated 700 people. It was a tremendous year thanks in no small part to the time you gave to help sort donations and host shoppers. Thank you! In case you are unaware, I post regular updates to the FranklinUMC website about the Closet. You can find the latest (January/February) update here: https://franklinumc.org/2025/01/09/community-closet-franklinumc-january-february-2025/. I have also attached the updated flyer for January/February 2025. Please feel free to share the flyer -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CZDpnbqJw9YVhlnGb9tnHg4EC9U1pmW1/view?usp=drive_link As we begin a new year, I am hoping to stay better connected with all of the Community Closet volunteers. To do that, I'm going to be leveraging our database. It would be immensely helpful if you registered in the system. This has a couple perks: 1) it will allow you to track your involvement with the Closet; and, 2) allow you to keep your contact information up-to-date. I have you listed as "volunteer;" so if you're concerned about being overrun with church related emails, know that that is not the intent of having you register. Registering simply keeps the line of communication open for opportunities to volunteer with the Community Closet (and, potentially, other such similar opportunities). You can register the next time you sign up to volunteer (there's a link in the update mentioned above). You can also register by going to https://onrealm.org/FranklinUMC. And, I can also send you a personalized link/invitation through the database. If you'd like that link, let me know. If you have questions about the Closet and what we hope to accomplish in 2025, don't hesitate to reach out. Thank you again for your help--for taking time to meet, serve, and share with our neighbors. Peace. >< Rev. Dr. Jacob W. Juncker 508-528-1092 (o)
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Providing accurate and timely information about what matters in Franklin, MA since 2007. * Working in collaboration with Franklin TV and Radio (wfpr.fm) since October 2019 *
Thursday, January 16, 2025
Thank you! Celebrating 10 months of the Community Closet!
MassDOT Alerts Customers of Smishing Scam
The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) was alerted that a text message-based scam, also known as smishing, is fraudulently claiming to represent tolling agencies from across the country. The scammers are claiming to represent the tolling agency and requesting payment for unpaid tolls.
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MassDOT Alerts Customers of Smishing Scam |
MassDOT urges customers to be cautious about email, text, and phone scams demanding payment of outstanding toll balances. Some attempts have been made to trick customers into sharing credit card numbers and other sensitive information by directing them to a website to pay their outstanding balances. MassDOT strongly encourages customers not to click the link contained in those messages.
Please Note: The targeted phone numbers seem to be chosen at random and are not uniquely associated with an account or usage of toll roads.
Customers who receive an unsolicited text, email, or similar message suggesting it is from EZDriveMA or another toll agency should not click on the link.
EZDriveMA customers can verify a valid text notification in several ways:
• EZDriveMA will never send invoices by text
• EZDriveMA will never request payment by text
• All links associated with EZDriveMA will include www.EZDriveMA.com
This smishing scam is part of a series of smishing scams that the FBI is aware of:
https://www.ic3.gov/PSA/2024/PSA240412
The FBI recommends individuals that receive the fraudulent messages do the following:
1. File a complaint with the IC3, https://www.ic3.gov/, be sure to include:
• The phone number from where the text originated.
• The website listed within the text
2. Check your account using the toll service's legitimate website.
3. Contact the toll service's customer service phone number.
4. Delete any smishing texts received.
5. If you clicked any link or provided your information, take efforts to secure your personal information and financial accounts. Dispute any unfamiliar charges.
We encourage all customers to stay alert to these types of scams and to contact us at https://www.ezdrivema.com/
with any questions about EZDriveMA notifications.
Finance Committee approves recommended capital budget & gets the insights on the "hold harmless" liability the Town faces (video)
The Finance Committee met as scheduled on Wednesday, January 15, 2025. 7 of the 9 members were present in Council Chambers.
Many of the Town department leaders were present and participating as needed. School Superintendent Lucas Giguere participated as did Interim School Business Administrator Jana Melotti along with consultant Dr Bob Dutch.
The Franklin TV video is available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/live/yzii8AGsv7k?&t=234
The agenda doc also contains supporting information -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/finance_committee_meeting_agenda_-_january_15_2025.pdf
- Town Administrator Jamie Hellen walking the committee thru the memo on the capital budget https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/04a._fy25_capital_improvement_plan_memo.pdf
- Many clarification questions on what for when, as well as possible reallocation of the recommendation
- Chart on free cash is for information purposes
- First resolution on use of free cash for the capital budget resulted in a discussion around amending the amount and creating a technology stabilization fund but ultimately that did not get amended and it was approved as proposed by a 7-0-2 (7 for, 2 absent) vote
- Second resolution on funding from the enterprise accounts was approved as recommended with the same 7-0-2 vote
- Now to the Opioid settlement funds. Memo https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/5a._opioid_settlement_funds.pdf and the Resolution for approval https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/5b._1_-_resolution_25-02_-_opioid_funding.pdf
- After explanation of the current funding and a look at future funds coming (approx. $1.2M) the vote to approve the resolution passed 7-0-2
- Now to the "hold harmless" topic for Chapter 70 school funding. State house news article references a commission to look at school funding https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/6b._with_new_term_dawning_spilka_eyes_k-12_funding_reform_primary_care_overhaul_senate_statehousenews.com_.pdf
- We are currently getting $12m over what the school funding formula calls for. We are the
- 2nd largest hold harmless (Boston #1) A change to the formula takes time. Jamie has been warning of this for some years.
- Approximately 18-20m of town costs for school functions go to the net school spending. accounting to determine the per pupil spending calculation. ** $27m for FY 2024 fiscal year is actual. Confirmed that 24, 25 and 27 for last 3 years
- Long and complex discussion around the possible review of the formula
- Folks see the buildings going up but the population has been flat. Great quote from Jamie (to clip later) on the wealth growth and the hold harmless getting worse unless we choose to pay more
Master Plan Update Committee meeting 1/15/25 (video)
Open Burning Season begins - permit required via Franklin (MA) Fire Dept
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Open Burning Season begins - permit required |
Open Burning Season begins today (1/15/25).
Permits can be obtained through our website: https://www.franklinma.gov/fire-department/pages/burning-permits-2025
Franklin TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) schedule for Thursday, Jan 16, 2025
wfpr.fm or 102.9 on the FM dial = Thursday
- Show 15 features The Beatles album experience produced by The Vibe and Pauly G called the Turntable "Extravaganza Album". It’s very difficult to select one of the 12 amazing Beatles albums for the Turntable Album Hour. This show premiers our first special album show specifically for The Fab Four. The Extravaganza release is simple…your hosts assemble their favorite albums and hits…Prepare a Side 1 and Side 2… and take our wfpr.fm listeners on a Beatles journey.
- See the Beatles Playlist: https://tinyurl.com/TurntablePlaylists
Franklin All Access TV - Our Public Access Channel (Comcast 6, Verizon 26) = Thursday
Franklin Pride TV - Our Educational Channel (Comcast 8, Verizon 28) = Thursday
Franklin Town Hall TV - Our Government Channel (Comcast 9, Verizon 29) = Thursday
8:00 am Conservation Commission 01-09-25
2:00 pm Conservation Commission 01-09-25
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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Watch Listen Read all things that matter in Franklin MA |
Wednesday, January 15, 2025
What's happening in Franklin, MA: Wednesday, January 15, 2025 ???
- Fiber Art Installation (Franklin Public Library)
- Fund raising for FHS Cheerleaders (Santa Fe Burrito Grill)
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What's happening today in Franklin? |
The School district calendar is found https://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/o/fpsd/page/school-calendars
Franklin Food Pantry Increases December 2024 Holiday Meal Distribution by 42%
Dedicated volunteers, generous community support, and the utilization of Oasis Insight contributed to The Pantry's successful distribution
The Franklin Food Pantry, Inc. offers supplemental food assistance, household necessities, and resource referral programs to more than 1,800 individuals per year. The Pantry relies on donations and grants to purchase items and pay for daily operations, and partnerships with The Greater Boston Food Bank, Spoonfuls, and local grocery stores to achieve greater buying power and lower costs. Programs include In-person Shopping, Curbside Pick-up, Emergency Food Bags, Mobile Pantries, Home Delivery, Kids’ Snack Bags, Weekend Backpacks, Holiday Meals, and the SNAP match at Franklin Farmers Market.
The Pantry is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization in good standing in Massachusetts, recognized by Charity Navigator as a Four-Star Charity, and awarded GuideStar’s Platinum Transparency ranking. The Pantry is located at 341 W. Central St. in Franklin, MA on Route 140. Please visit www.franklinfoodpantry.org for more information.
Tracy Grammer scheduled to perform at the Circle of Friends Coffeehouse, Feb 8
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Tracy Grammer scheduled to perform Feb 8 |
"Her pure voice conveys the simple truths of these songs; her gifts as a musician are like that of a painter who is a master of chiaroscuro, offering light and shadow at every turn." - Mary Chapin Carpenter
Tracy will be accompanied by world class guitarist/dobro/mandolin player Jim Henry. http://www.jimhenry.net/
The Circle of Friends Coffeehouse is a non-profit organization affiliated with Franklin's First Universalist Society. Concerts are presented in a smoke free and alcohol free environment at the Society's handicapped accessible Meetinghouse, 262 Chestnut St. in Franklin, and begin at 7:30 PM; doors open at 7:00 PM. Beverages and gourmet desserts will be available.
Upcoming Shows
Mar 8 Joe Crookston
Apr 5 The Kennedys
May 17 John Gorka
Rise Up this Saturday 🌄, January 18, 2025 at 10 AM
- individuals navigating life with disability to meet others they can relate with
- community partners to learn more about the population and share resources
- support persons to meet other support persons
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Navigating life with disability? Check out the Rise Up group meeting Saturday at 10 AM to see if it is for you |
School Committee recognizes FHS Cheerleaders, approves temporary naming for redistricting, gets update from Franklin TV (video)
- FHS Cheerleaders recognized for winning multiple championships, approved for travel to the National Championship
- Superintendent's report included multiple updates on redistricting efforts underway
- FHS school update provided insights in the school year thus far
- FHS Program of Studies update raised some clarification questions and at least one surprise that the community service hours added to the graduation requirements are not being monitored this year due to the budget cut that removed the individual who would have done that tracking. Community hours were being done by students, no one single person was tracking to ensure all the students were doing so this school year
- Franklin TV provided an update on the programming provided to the community including the live broadcast of this meeting (across town, 2 school concerts were also broadcast and the FHS girls basketball game was also broadcast). revenue is dropping due to cable cutting, proposal at State Legislature on potential alternate revenue for cable operations, new Federal administration may attempt to dismantle the Federal authorization for cable broadcasting
- Discussion action items
- approved after much discussion as amended the notification on the temporary names for the schools as part of the redistricting
- Capital budget modified from initial preview and approved
- 3 policies for first reading approved to move to second reading
- Update on educational expenses for the student from the emergency shelter. Quarterly reimbursement from DESE only used to offset the costs of educating these students. Reimbursement at rate of $104/per day/per student. The override had nothing to do with the education of these students. FPS does not use the operational budget to educate the student from the emergency shelter
- Grants to the amount of $1.6 M were preview by the committee (document not part of the public set released prior to the meeting). Over what period these grants covered was not mentioned out loud.
- Round of subcommittee updates
- Motion to enter executive session, not to return to public meeting, passed 6-0-1 (1 absent)
My full set of notes in one PDF -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1JdupV2TntAObJjwWAik_BBpoPfpLPHVH/view?usp=drive_link
Band School Concert & Middle School Winter Jazz Concerts available for Replay (video)
Both FHS girls (video) & boys basketball teams post wins vs. Stoughton on Tuesday
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FHS Panther sports results shared via Twitter & subscription to HockomockSports.com |
FHS Best Buddies vs Faculty basketball game Jan 18
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FHS Best Buddies vs Faculty basketball game |
"Come on out this Saturday to support our amazing Franklin High Best Buddies as they take on the FHS staff.
This fun event helps raise money to help fund the Best Buddies prom that takes place each May.
Come out and cheer on these fantastic kids!"
Sunrise Montessori School schedules Open House for Pre-school & Kindergarten Programs - Jan 25
Franklin TV live streaming for Schools this week
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live streaming for Schools week of Jan 13 |
All you can eat breakfast at the Rod & Gun Club, Sunday, Jan 19 from 7:30 - 11 AM
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Rod & Gun Club, Jan 19 from 7:30 - 11 AM |
"New year, same delicious (and affordable) breakfast down at the Franklin Rod & Gun Club.
This month's all-you-can-eat extravaganza is Jan. 19 from 7:30-11 am at 53 Florence St. in Franklin.
Eggs, pancakes (plain & chocolate chip), French toast, home fries, sausage, corned beef hash, baked beans, and coffee/juice. All-you-can-eat.
And it's only $10 (just $5 for kids 12 and under). Ten. Freaking. Bucks. For as much food as you want!
We'll have a fire going to keep you warm and we've even got some free video games the kids can play while you're finishing up eating. Or the parents can play the video games while the kids eat.
You do you, we don't judge.
And if there's anything left over, we donate the rest of the food to Gilly's House to help our friends in recovery.
Good food, good prices, and good deeds. We look forward to serving you on Sunday."
Dean College baseball team calendar fund raiser
via Donna Goyette:
"A little over a week left to get your calendar raffle to help support the Dean College Baseball Team!
Dean College Baseball is selling calendar raffles for the month of February. Lots of great prizes!
Pricing is 1 ticket for $10 or 3 for $20
You can Venmo me at @Donna-Goyette-4
Message me if you have any questions.
Thanks"