Thursday, January 16, 2020

Thank You volunteers for remembering Our Fallen Heroes

"Thank you to the following volunteers who hung Christmas wreathes on the 45 Fallen Heroes' pedestals in December 2019:
Janet Bederian, Larry Bederian, Richard Douglas, John Hefele, Dave Labonte, Jim McNeil, Charlie Oteri, Rose Turco, and Bruce Watkins."

Shared from the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinma.gov/veterans-services/news/thank-you-volunteers


Thank You volunteers for remembering Our Fallen Heroes
Thank You volunteers for remembering Our Fallen Heroes

Wednesday, January 15, 2020

January Group Walk on the SNETT - Jan 20


Please join us for our monthly group walk on the SNETT. Our January walk is planned on Monday, January 20th, 2020 (MLK Holiday) at 10 AM at the Center Street Trailhead in Bellingham.

Our December walk proved that having a pair of slip on ice crampons in a car is a great idea for winter walks. As always, this event is kid friendly and leashed dogs are welcome too.

Keep an eye on the event here or our Facebook page for any changes due to weather.

See you on the trail!

Please note: We are changing the location to Center St. trailhead in Bellingham. Since we are going to be walking by the Kindness Rocks spot, please feel free to bring a kindness rock or two to add. Thank you.

When: Monday, January 20, 2020 at 10 AM – 11:30 AM


Follow the event on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/595517817682623/

The slope at Prospect St where the tunnel will eventually go through on the SNETT (and under Prospect St)
The slope at Prospect St where the tunnel will eventually go through on the SNETT  (and under Prospect St)


James Montgomery Band with Opening Act The DayBreakers - Jan 17

THE BLACK BOX welcomes back the James Montgomery Band with opener - The DayBreakers.

When blues legend James Montgomery plays the harmonica, he "brings it on home." Whether it's recording with Kid Rock, sitting in with Gregg Allman, or fronting his hot band of thirty years, Montgomery plays with authority. While growing up in Detroit he, learned first-hand from the masters - James Cotton, John Lee Hooker, and Jr. Wells - at the legendary "Chessmate." Over the years, he's carried on in the tradition and continues to be a vital presence in Blues as one of the most dynamic performers on the scene.

In 1970, while attending Boston University, Montgomery formed The James Montgomery Band. His inimitable (oh yeah, he majored in English) 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."


The DayBreakers

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, Delta Generators, Frank Viele), while also supporting national touring acts The High Divers, Christian Lopez and Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band. 

Murphy's songwriting draws from a combination of jazz and heartland rock, fusing the complex chord changes of bebop with the boot stomping choruses of Seger and Mellencamp. Schairer's songwriting is tied tighter to country and folk, with an emphasis on storytelling akin to the Drive By Truckers and Springsteen. 

The tension of two songwriters has led to artistic breakthroughs, but it has not been without its struggle. Plagued by line up changes and stylistic clashes, the band spent half a decade chasing the shadow of a dream in half-filled bar rooms. These nights led the band to be highly qualified to write their second full length album, a concept record named "Worn Out Dream," about a band that doesn't make it and looks to move on with their lives. 

For tickets or for more information about other events at THE BLACK BOX, visit www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com or call (508) 528-3370. 


James Montgomery Band with Opening Act The DayBreakers - Jan 17
James Montgomery Band with Opening Act The DayBreakers - Jan 17

IRS Free File offers free tax prep options for military personnel

The Internal Revenue Service today reminded active duty military personnel that IRS Free File offers them multiple options for free federal tax preparation.

Free File is for individuals or families whose adjusted gross income was $69,000 or less last year. Free File is a private-public partnership between the IRS and the Free File Inc.

"The IRS takes special steps to help military members and their families with their taxes, and the Free File program is part of that effort," said IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig. "Almost 10% of the IRS workforce are veterans. We greatly appreciate the service to the nation of every veteran and their supportive families, and we will do all we can to assist them."

For active duty military and their spouses, Free File has a special offer. Individuals and their families who meet the income limitation may choose from any of nine companies without regard to additional eligibility requirements.

The nine special offers are from 1040Now, Inc., FileYourTaxes.com, Free tax Returns.com, H&R Block, On-Line Taxes, Inc., Tax ACT, TaxHawk, Inc., TaxSlayer (English and Spanish) and TurboTax.

Active duty military stationed in combat zones also have more time to file their tax returns. However, those with spouses and families may opt to file as soon as they are able to claim various tax benefits for which they may be eligible. If only one spouse is present to file a joint return, they must have proper authorization to file a joint tax return on behalf of their spouse.

The IRS will begin processing tax returns on Jan. 27. With Free File, you can use any digital device, personal computer, tablet or smart phone. Free File products are mobile enabled so you can do your taxes on your smart phone or tablet and e-File with your hand-held device.

Here's how Free File works:
  1. Go to IRS.gov/FreeFile to see all Free File options.
  2. Military personnel who meet the income requirement can select from any of the nine providers that have "Free for Active Military for Adjusted Gross Income of $69,000 or less" in their offer. Nine of the 10 partners are making the offer. One product is in Spanish.
  3. Select a provider and follow the links to their web page to begin your tax return.
  4. Complete and e-File your tax return only if you have all the income and deduction records you need. The fastest way to get a refund is by filing electronically and selecting direct deposit. If you owe, use direct pay or electronic options.

Generally, each Free File partner sets additional eligibility requirements that civilian taxpayers must meet. Non-military personnel should use the "look up" tool at IRS.gov/FreeFile to find the best match.

Military members can get more information on their special tax benefits at IRS.gov/military.

Free File is available now through October to accommodate extension filers.

IRS Free File offers free tax prep options for military personnel
IRS Free File offers free tax prep options for military personnel

Both FHS varsity basketball teams post wins vs. North Attleboro

Via HockomockSports.com, we share the results of FHS winter sports action on Tuesday.

Boys Basketball = North Attleboro, 29 @ Franklin, 72 – Final
– Franklin bounced back from its first loss in a big way, running away with a win against visiting North Attleboro. After a back-and-forth first quarter saw the Panthers take a 17-14 lead, Franklin’s defense clamped down and didn’t allow more than six points in a quarter the rest of the way. Franklin senior Brayden Sullivan scored a career-high 28 points, hitting on a three-pointer in each of the first three quarters while going a perfect 4-for-4 from the free throw line. Chris Edgehill added 16 points in the win for Franklin while sophomore Brody Rosenberg netted a team-high nine points for North Attleboro.

Girls Basketball = Franklin, 53 @ North Attleboro, 33 – Final
– Franklin remained unbeaten with a road win at North Attleboro. The Panthers scored 24 points in the first quarter to get off to a perfect start, led by 18 at the half, and then held North to only three points in the third to put the game away. Ali Brigham was the game’s top scorer with 26 points and Olivia Quinn put up 13 for the Panthers. Franklin also used its advantage in the paint to dominate on the glass. On a rough shooting night for the Rocketeers, Regan Fein led the way with nine points and Amanda Kaiser added eight.

Girls Hockey = Franklin, 4 vs. Westwood, 5 – Final
– Franklin went toe-to-toe with one of the top teams in the state in Westwood but the Wolverines scored with less than a minute to go in the game to earn the win.

For other results around the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/tuesdays-schedule-scoreboard-01-14-20/

Both FHS varsity basketball teams posts wins vs. North Attleboro
Both FHS varsity basketball teams posts wins vs. North Attleboro


 

Franklin Recycles almost 37,000 Pounds of Clothing Last 2 Months of 2019

We are pleased to announce the clothing recycling program in Franklin has been more than successful. Clothing pickup started mid-November and we have collected 36,949 pounds of clothing in the pink bags.

Please spread the news and let everyone you know to take advantage of the easiest way to recycle/reuse clothing. More bags can be sent to you by going to simplerecycling.com.

By using this valuable program you save time and money. All money received for the clothing goes to offset the curbside trash and recycling fee.

 
Franklin Recycles almost 37,000 Pounds of Clothing Last 2 Months of 2019
Franklin Recycles almost 37,000 Pounds of Clothing Last 2 Months of 2019


For more about the clothing recycle program
https://www.franklinma.gov/recycling-solid-waste/news/franklin-recycles-almost-37000-pounds-clothing-last-2-months-2019

Decoding the Kid Behind the IEP: A Quick Guide - Jan 16

UPCOMING WORKSHOP = Decoding the Kid Behind the IEP: A Quick Guide

WHEN: Thursday, January 16, 2020 at 7 PM – 9 PM

WHERE: Franklin Municipal Building, 3rd floor training room. Take the stairs or elevator to the third floor and head RIGHT!

Do you ever feel overwhelmed when describing your child? You know your child best! But it can be difficult to give people the right information (but not too much info!) to help them understand.

A Face Sheet is a 1-page summary sheet about your child; a simple overview in a friendly format. Face Sheets make it easy to share important info with educators/ care providers/ coaches/ specialists/ extended family members/ etc.

Come join us to create a Face Sheet for your child(ren)! This workshop will be facilitated by Elise Stokes, a parent and educational consultant.

We will also have a special presentation by Directory of Student Services, Paula Marano about Franklin's "Portrait of a Graduate."

This will be a productive and informative evening and we look forward to seeing you!

*Bring a laptop if you have one!

Decoding the Kid Behind the IEP: A Quick Guide - Jan 16
Decoding the Kid Behind the IEP: A Quick Guide - Jan 16
Shared via Twitter
https://twitter.com/FranklinPSNews/status/1216819820597075973

For more about Franklin Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC)
http://franklinsepac.org/