FTC Consumer Alert: Netflix phishing scam: Don’t take the bait

Netflix phishing scam: Don't take the bait by Colleen Tressler Consumer Education Specialist, FTC Phishing is when someone uses fake emails or texts to get you to share valuable personal information – like account numbers, Social Security numbers, or your login IDs and passwords. Scammers use your information to steal your money, your identity, or both. They also use phishing emails to get access to your computer or network. If you click on a link, they can install ransomware or other programs that can lock you out of your data. Read more https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2018/12/netflix-phishing-scam-dont-take-bait?utm_source=govdelivery This is a free service provided by the Federal Trade Commission.

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Fiscal Year 2019 Third Quarter Real Estate and Personal Property Tax Bills

Fiscal Year 2019 Third Quarter Real Estate and Personal Property Tax Bills are due February 1, 2019

You can pay online at http://www.franklinma.gov/home/pages/online-payments

Reminders:

• Payments received after the due date are charged 14% interest.
• If you are mailing in your payment, please be sure to include the remittance copy with your check.
• If you choose to use your Online Banking to pay your bills, please remember to reference the bill number(s) you are paying.

Shared from
https://www.franklinma.gov/treasurer-collector/news/fiscal-year-2019%C2%A0third-quarter-real-estate-and-personal-property-tax-bills

Fiscal Year 2019 Third Quarter Real Estate and Personal Property Tax Bills

Preschool Program is now accepting application for Fall 2019

The Franklin Public Schools Preschool Program is now accepting application for Fall 2019!

NEW STUDENT OPEN HOUSE

January 25th 9-11 AM

Looking for an exciting learning environment where your preschooler (3 by Aug 31st) is encouraged to problem-solve and build connections while getting ready for kindergarten? Consider joining our ECDC family!


Applications available and more information available on the principal’s blog, http://www.ecdcprincipalpage.blogspot.com/ and on the ECDC website https://www.franklinps.net/ecdc .


Families unable to attend the open house but interested in scheduling a tour at ECDC can contact Kelty Kelley, ECDC Principal via email @ kelleyk@franklinps.net or by phone @ 508 541-8166




Review the December Newsletter for info on what is happening:
https://www.smore.com/matk2-ecdc-newsletter

the ECDC is located on Oak St behind the Oak St and Horace Mann schools

“Preserving and protecting land comes at a cost"

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

The Metacomet Land Trust raised more than $30,000 in donations and grants to reach its 30th anniversary fundraising goal in 2018. 

“We are pleased to be celebrating our 30 year milestone as a regional land trust serving 15 communities,” said the organization’s president, Lisa Mosczynski. “We started out 30 years ago with three towns and as more communities saw the need to partner with a land trust to preserve and protect their valuable open space we have expanded to help them. 

Today we own 473 acres of conservation land and hold conservation restrictions that restrict development on an additional 343 acres. Among other partners, the trust works with individual owners, municipalities and the Commonwealth to preserve critical open space in the region.” 

In 2018 the trust finalized the acquisition of another 32 acres through landowner donations in Mendon, Sutton and Upton.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://franklin.wickedlocal.com/news/20181221/metacomet-land-trust-meets-30th-anniversary-fundraising-goal

Read more about the Land Trust on their page
https://metacometlandtrust.org/

Donate to the cause for 2018  (scroll to the bottom of their home page to find the Donate button)

“Preserving and protecting land comes at a cost"

FBRTC: Upcoming Events - first up - Trail walk, Thursday, Dec 27

View this email in your browser https://mailchi.mp/300b378cf711/2-3395473?e=a29a9f98b7 Franklin and Bellingham Rail Trail Committee Upcoming Events There is plenty going on over the next couple of months with the FBRTC. Check out the events below for more information. We hope to see you at one of the events or on the trail! SNETT Walk with FBRTC Thursday, December 27th 11 AM - 12 PM Center Street trailhead in Bellingham Join members of the FBRTC for a group walk on the trail! More info 2019 Annual Meeting Tuesday, January 8, 2019 7:30 PM  – 9 PM Hockomock YMCA, Franklin Please join us for our Annual Meeting and get firsthand information on how the trail is shaping up! More info January FUNdraiser Pour Richards Sunday, January 27th 1 PM - 4 PM Join us at Pour Richard's Wine and  Spirits for our winter FUNdraiser of beer, wine tasting and great conversations! More info Copyright © 2018 Franklin and Bellingham Rail Trail Committee, All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee PO Box 68 Franklin, Ma 02038

Merry Christmas

Wishing you and your family a wonderful day!

Merry Christmas

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors
• If you don't like this, please let me know

Music Together - Winter Session Register by Dec 31

Join the fun this winter!

Join the fun this winter! Register before Dec 31st and save $10! Use code PREREGWINTER10 at checkout

Register:  https://bit.ly/2KJjTbH

"MUSIC TOGETHER IS:
• An internationally recognized early childhood music program for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, kindergartners and the adults who love them
• Research based, developmentally appropriate curriculum that emphasizes and facilitates adult involvement
• Kids learn by engaging in playful, musically immersive activities"

https://www.franklinmmm.com/why-music-together

Register O'Donnell Promotes Registry's Social Media

	Norfolk County Registry of Deeds
	Register O'Donnell Promotes Registry's Social Media Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell today reiterated the importance he places on the Registry's use of social media platforms to communicate directly with the citizens of Norfolk County. O'Donnell noted, "At the Registry of Deeds, we put a high value on making important information readily available on a 24/7 basis. After all, just because our doors close at the end of the business day doesn't mean the Registry has to stop working for you. For example, our website www.norfolkdeeds.org lets people review scanned images of over 8.5 million land documents dating back to 1793, as well as to learn about our latest consumer protection programs. I also want people to note that Registry information is available not just from using their workstations or laptops, but also from their smartphones or tablets." The Register also noted that you can print out an application of the popular Homestead Act. A Homestead provides a homeowner with limited protection against the forced sale of their primary residence to satisfy unsecured debt up to $500,000. Norfolk County residents can also sign-up on-line for its free Consumer Notification Service. This program will alert a person anytime a land document has been recorded against their name in Norfolk County. Additionally, there is valuable county real estate information that can be researched and tracked based on the monthly and quarterly real estate statistical reports, such as the number of residential and commercial properties sold and average prices of property sold, and much, much more. Besides the Registry website, other forms of social media utilized by the Registry of Deeds include Facebook, facebook.com/NorfolkDeeds, Twitter, twitter.com/NorfolkDeeds, and Instagram. "The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds," noted O'Donnell, "has utilized Facebook and Twitter to provide information to the general public. We are also utilizing Instagram which will capture the demographics of younger property owners and real estate professionals. We are optimistic that homeowners, and in particular first-time home buyers, will use these social media platforms. They can learn more about home ownership and other consumer initiatives like protecting themselves against Deed Scam rip-offs, along with other outreach services, including learning about Registry office hours in their community." The Registry has also filmed multiple service announcements (PSA's) which are available on the Registry's website and YouTube. These PSA's have touched on a variety of issues such as assistance for residents who have received a Notice to Foreclose Mortgage from a lender. Videos highlighting the Registry's various philanthropic initiatives, such as its Annual Holiday Food Drive, Toys for Tots campaign, and its Suits for Success program, which helps people who are attempting to re-enter the workforce, can also be viewed. Concluding, Register O'Donnell stated, "My office recognizes the value of using social media platforms to forward important information to Norfolk County residents. If you have questions related to real property, I urge you to take a look at our social media offerings." To learn more about these and other Registry of Deeds events and initiatives, like us at facebook.com/NorfolkDeeds or follow us on twitter.com/NorfolkDeeds and instagram.com/NorfolkDeeds. The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds is located at 649 High Street, Dedham. The Registry is a resource for homeowners, title examiners, mortgage lenders, municipalities and others with a need for secure, accurate, accessible land record information. All land record research information can be found on the Registry's website at www.norfolkdeeds.org. Residents in need of assistance can contact the Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center at (781) 461-6101, or email us at registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org. Register William P. O'Donnell Norfolk County Registry of Deeds email: registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org phone: 781-234-3336 web: https://www.norfolkdeeds.org

Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, 649 High Street, Dedham,, MA 02026-1831 Sent by registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org in collaboration with Try it free today Norfolk County Registry of Deeds (screen grab of web page)

In the News: NationalGrid negotiations resume Dec 26; vehicles sold in MA required to be electric by 2040

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

"The calendar for the next two weeks is creating some interesting interplay between a benefit bill for locked-out workers, Christmas and the end of the 2017-2018 session, and contract talks between National Grid and its 1,200 locked-out natural gas workers. 

Lawmakers on Friday agreed to the details of a bill extending unemployment benefits for locked-out workers and it appears they may take enactment votes to send that bill to Gov. Charlie Baker’s desk on Monday, Christmas Eve. 

Meantime, National Grid has been saying for days that it hoped to strike a deal with two employee unions by Christmas. However, a company spokeswoman on Saturday confirmed to the News Service that after seven consecutive weekdays of bargaining, the next session won’t be held until Wednesday, Dec. 26. 

And in another new wrinkle, the unions and the company issued a rare joint statement Friday night that suggested some optimism about a potential deal and markedly contrasted with the snippy statements that both sides have regularly issued after unsuccessful talks."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20181223/national-grid-union-hope-to-end-impasse-by-friday

"Ready or not, Massachusetts is speeding headlong into a brave new transportation world. 

It may not include flying cars, but state leaders are looking to help pave the way for self-driving cars, an all-electric car future, a transportation grid resilient to climate change and a planned “reinvention” of the commuter rail system serving metropolitan Boston. 

Among the recommendations laid out in a hefty, two-volume report released this month by a state commission on the future of transportation in Massachusetts is for the state to set a goal “that all new cars, light duty trucks, and buses sold in Massachusetts will be electric by 2040.” 

It’s part of a wider blueprint to create what the commission called “a 21st-century mobility infrastructure” that will help the state and its cities and towns both manage and make the most of emerging changes in transportation technology and behavior."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20181223/brave-new-world-for-mass-transportation

In case you missed the post shared here last week:
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2018/12/focused-on-big-picture-on-what-and-why.html

Visit the Commission page  
https://www.mass.gov/orgs/commission-on-the-future-of-transportation

Report - Volume 1:
Choices for Stewardship: Recommendations to Meet the Transportation Future
https://www.mass.gov/files/documents/2018/12/14/FOTCVolume1_1.pdf 

Report - Volume 2:
Choices for Stewardship: Background Books – Facts, Trends, and Issues 
https://www.mass.gov/files/documents/2018/12/14/FOTCVolume2.pdf

Commission on the Future of Transportation, recommends 18 ways the state
should prepare for potential changes in transportation

Trash-Recycle Schedule offset this week due to Christmas

Along with the Town office closures for Christmas, only Monday's trash/recycling will be picked up as normal. Tuesday, there is no pickup so you can imagine DPW Director Brutus Cantoreggi calling with the message. "Tuesday will be picked up Wednesday. Wednesday on Thursday, and so forth."

The most recent solid waste flyer with the schedule for trash/recycling pickup
http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/news/franklin_2018_2019.pdf

Franklin trash and recycle bins or totters

*** Closure Schedule ***

Town Offices

• Monday, December 24
• Tuesday, December 25
• Tuesday, January 1

Senior Center

• Monday, December 24
• Tuesday, December 25
• Monday, December 31
• Tuesday, January 1

Library

• Monday, December 24
• Tuesday, December 25
• Closing at 5 PM, Monday, December 31
• Tuesday, January 1

Recreation

• Monday, December 24
• Tuesday, December 25
• Tuesday, January 1

Holiday Hours for Franklin Town Offices, Library, Senior Center and Recreation

This was shared from the Town of Franklin page

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/news/holiday_closings_0.pdf

Register your dog, enter the Top Dog Contest!

CONTEST RULES

License Your Dog During Dog Registration Period January 1—April 1 2019

Send Us Your Pup’s Photo

You may drop off your photo, or send picture to: tburr@franklinma.gov

or

Teresa Burr Franklin Town Clerk

355 East Central Street Franklin, MA 02038

(Include Pet’s name, Owner’s name and contact information with photo!)

Winners will be drawn on Tuesday, April 2nd

Please Note: photos will NOT be returned

• Spayed Female: $20.00 / Neutered Male: $20.00
• Unaltered Female: $30.00 / Unaltered Male: $30.00

After April 1st A Late Fee Of $30.00 Is Applied To Licensing Fee


Download the Top Dog Contest flyer:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1tqZeijepVbLWQz8a4YQuv_tdw2GWwDl_/view?usp=sharing

Register your dog, enter the Top Dog Contest!

Town Council summary - Dec 19, 2018

The recap of the Town Council meeting held Wednesday, Dec 19, 2018.

Liquor license renewals
The annual liquor license renewals came up for approval. Those businesses with outstanding bills will have their license held until the outstanding items are completed. 
The listing of the current liquor licenses can be found online

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/2019_alcohol_renewals.pdf

Technology Update
Tim Raposa, Technology Director, provided an update on the work of the department. "There isn’t a department in here that doesn’t need technology" was aptly quoted in the MDN article on his presentation. I took several photos of his presentation and will share the deck when it is available (not yet posted to Town page).

Photos captured of the presentation can be found online
https://photos.app.goo.gl/z9aGETegsyeeCEZJ8


Mixed Business Innovation
The package of 6 zoning bylaw amendments came before the Town Council for potential referral to the Planning Board. They had been reviewed at the Economic Development Committee and came forward with a 3-1 vote (Kelly the lone 'no' vote).

Kelly clearly wants something in the bylaw to allow for residential use but exactly what would meet that requirement was not discussed explicitly or agreed to during the meeting. While some other councilors agree that residential use would make sense, it doesn't for the building that is currently on site. The bylaw amendments did get referred to the Planning Board. Kelly voted against one of the amendments but voted for all the others.

The Planning Board will hold two public hearings and make a recommendation on the measures to send back to the Council. The Council will also hold two public hearings and either make adjustments to the language or leave it as is. The timing on all of this would bring a 'final' decision sometime as early as mid-February or March 2019.

The formal "Actions Taken" document was not yet published. When it is, it will be linked to here.

one of the Technology slides depicts the town school split for the technology personnel

My detailed notes taken during the meeting can be found in the links below:

• Live reporting: from Town Administrators Report to...

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2018/12/live-reporting-from-town-administrators.html

• Live reporting: Legislation for Action

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2018/12/live-reporting-legislation-for-action.html

• Live Reporting: Technology Dept

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2018/12/live-reporting-technology-dept.html

• Live Reporting: Town Council - Dec 19, 2019

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2018/12/live-reporting-town-council-dec-19-2019.html

FHS wrestling, gymnastics, and girls hockey teams post wins on Saturday

Via HockomockSports and Twitter we share the results of the FHS sports action on Saturday, Dec 22, 2018


Girls Basketball = Franklin, 43 @ Coyle and Cassidy, 51 – Final

Boys Hockey = Franklin, 1 @ Newburyport, 3 – Final

Girls Hockey = Franklin, 4 vs. Algonquin, 1 – Final 
– Cassi Ronan scored two goals for the second straight game to help Franklin stay unbeaten on the season and hand the T-hawks their first loss. Gina Vignone and Amanda Lewandowski also scored for the Panthers, while sophomore Gabby Colace returned from injury to pick up her first win in net.

Wrestling = Franklin, 51 @ Ashland, 17 – Final

Gymnastics = Franklin, 136 @ King Philip, 131.6 – Final
– Franklin’s Mia Lizotte won the all-around with a score of 36.35. Lizotte finished with scores of 9.35 on the bar, 9.2 on the vault and the floor exercise, and 8.6 on the beam. Sophomore Emma Owens (8.9), freshman Kate Rudolph (8.85), and sophomore Lexi Lupien (8.5) also had high scores on the vault. On the floor, Franklin got an 8.8 from Rudolph and 8.5 from her classmate Caroline Woelfel, as well as scores of 8.4 from Owens and senior Sadie Rondeau.

For other results around the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/saturdays-schedule-scoreboard-12-22-18/

Via the Twitterverse
https://twitter.com/FranklinMatters/lists/fhs-sports

FHS Panthers

This was such a great win! So proud of these girls. @FHSSports @FranklinHS @FranklinMatters @Josh_Perry10 @HockomockSports pic.twitter.com/CHHXNjdqzl

— FHS Gymnastics (@fhs_gymnastics) December 23, 2018

Ugh stupid auto correct. Tsuk not Tusk igh lol 😂 nice job kate rudolph.

— FHS Gymnastics (@fhs_gymnastics) December 23, 2018

#PantherPride https://t.co/kjmvBK91MT

— FranklinHighSchool (@FranklinHS) December 23, 2018

Way to go!! #PantherPride https://t.co/5x69sqZ6Lm

— FranklinHighSchool (@FranklinHS) December 23, 2018

51-17 Win over Ashland. Pins from Fracassa, Jordan, Zogby, MacLean, Sackley, Nawn and Walker.

— Franklin Wrestling (@FHSWrestle) December 22, 2018

Franklin drops one to a scrappy Newburyport team 3-1. @FHSAthletic @In_The_Slot @HockomockSports @MetroWestSports @BGlobeSports @MyHockeyLive @MassHSHockey

— Coach Spillane (@FHS_PuckCoach) December 22, 2018

Final here from Henry Graf Skating Arena, @Port_Athletics 3, @FHS_Puck 1. Newburyport goalie, Jackson Marshall was the difference

— Franklin Recreation (@FranklinRec) December 22, 2018

Final: Coyle 51 Franklin 43. Kaylee Haynes scores a team-high 17 points while Sam Hourihan posts 12 points, 10 rebounds, 5 blocks. Ali Brigham finishes with 20 points, 15 rebounds & 4 blocks.

— Greg Dudek (@gdudek10) December 22, 2018

After 3: Coyle 38 Franklin 33. Balanced scoring attack for the Warriors with Haynes & Kassidy Field with 9 points. Bondhus with 8 pts for Franklin in the quarter. Brigham with 16 pts & 13 rebounds

— Greg Dudek (@gdudek10) December 22, 2018

Halftime: Coyle 25 Franklin 20. Brigham with 14 pts, 10 rebounds, 3 blocks. Sam Hourihan making her work for everything down low & she has 5 pts, 5 rebounds, 3 blocks, 2 assists

— Greg Dudek (@gdudek10) December 22, 2018

After 1: Franklin 12 Coyle 12. Brigham already nearing a double-double with 8 pts, 7 rebounds. Haynes with 7 pts, 4 rebounds for the Warriors

— Greg Dudek (@gdudek10) December 22, 2018

"an all-day operation, opening in the morning to serve coffee and the brewery serving beer later"

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

"Owners of Lost Shoe Brewing and Roasting Company outlined their proposed coffee roasting operation to city councilors this week, and expressed excitement about bringing their concept to the city. 

J.P. and Melynda Gallagher – who have already received approval to open a brewery at the former Speakers nightclub on Weed Street – are seeking a special permit to operate a coffee roaster at the same location. 

A zoning amendment approved by city councilors this fall permitted coffee roasters to operate in the Marlborough Village district downtown, business, industrial and limited industrial zones. Coffee roasting – a manufacturing operation – was previously not allowed in those areas. 

Prospective roasters are required to apply for a special permit, in part, due to odors that emanate during the operation. Requiring roasters to go through the special permit process provides a layer of security for the city if an odor problem arises."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20181222/marlborough-lost-shoe-brewing-seeks-permit-for-roaster

Marlboro business opens brewing coffee and beer

Related post from January 2018

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2018/01/in-news-students-sent-kindness-letters.html

More info on Lost Shoe at their web page  https://lostshoebrews.com/