Franklin Matters

Saturday, March 6, 2021

Fraudulent fundraiser uses illegal robocalls to harass consumers

Consumer Alerts from the Federal Trade Commission

Fraudulent fundraiser uses illegal robocalls to harass consumers

by Rosario Méndez, Attorney, Division of Consumer and Business Education, FTC

In 2015, the FTC and state partners sued and shut down four sham charities that harassed millions of people with more than 1.3 billion illegal robocalls about donating to charity. The FTC and 46 charity state regulators from 38 states and the District of Columbia are holding the fundraisers that made those illegal calls accountable in a lawsuit announced today.

The next time you get a call with a pre-recorded message from charity fundraisers, remember these tips:

This is a free service provided by the Federal Trade Commission.

Friday, March 5, 2021

Franklin's Event Outlook: Mar 5 - Mar 11, 2021

Be safe, be social (at a distance!)

Friday, March 5
February StoryWalk at DelCarte Reservation

Saturday, March 6
February StoryWalk at DelCarte Reservation
9:00am - Girl Scout cookie sale

Sunday, March 7
February StoryWalk at DelCarte Reservation
1:00pm - Historical Museum (open and free admission)

Monday, March 8
February StoryWalk at DelCarte Reservation

Tuesday, March 9
February StoryWalk at DelCarte Reservation
9:00am - wfpr.fm: Pamela Hines – Jazz Journey
12:00pm - wfpr.fm: Pamela Hines – Jazz Journey
6:00pm - wfpr.fm: Pamela Hines – Jazz Journey
7:00pm - Rail Trail Committee - monthly meeting

Wednesday, March 10
February StoryWalk at DelCarte Reservation
10:00am - wfpr.fm: "The Wonderful World of Wine" – Mark/ Kim
1:00pm - wfpr.fm: "The Wonderful World of Wine" – Mark/Kim
7:00pm - wfpr.fm: "The Wonderful World of Wine" – Mark/Kim
7:30pm - Let’s Laugh Today is Free on ZOOM!

Thursday, March 11
February StoryWalk at DelCarte Reservation
Temple Etz Chaim: Virtual 3K Walk, Run, Ride
10:00am - wfpr.fm: "Frank’s Music" – Frank Falvey
11:00am - wfpr.fm: "Talkin’ the Blues" – Jim/Todd
1:00pm - wfpr.fm: "Frank’s Music" – Frank Falvey
2:00pm - wfpr.fm: "Talkin’ the Blues" – Jim/Todd
7:00pm - wfpr.fm: "Frank’s Music" – Frank Falvey
8:00pm - wfpr.fm: "Talkin' the Blues!" - Jim/Todd

Find the full calendar https://www.franklinmatters.org/p/blog-page.html

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication: https://forms.gle/oPdi8X3ZbHHyrHzo6

The Town meeting calendar is found https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar

The School district meeting calendar is found https://www.franklinps.net/calendar-by-event-type/26

Community Calendar

FM #480 - Economic Development Subcommittee Mtg - 03/03/21 (audio)

FM #480 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 480 in the series.

This shares the Economic Development Subcommittee meeting that was held on Wednesday, March 3, 2021.

The meeting was conducted in a hybrid mode; some of the key participants were in the Council Chambers, the Chair Melanie Hamblen led the meeting remotely along with many others via Zoom conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

Links to the meeting agenda and my notes are in the show notes. The meeting recording runs about fifty nine minutes. Audio file = https://player.captivate.fm/episode/aada591e-6ed2-401b-90de-d949d30e7ab1

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Meeting agenda including bylaw revision for food trucks and draft "Business Guide"
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/edc_agenda_3-3-2021.pdf

My notes captured via Twitter and shared here in summary form
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/03/recap-of-economic-development-meeting.html

Quick Recap:

Modification to bylaw requirement for up to 25% of the space allowed for the tasting room proposed for removal. Few other communities require such. Approved to bring to Council. Would still require approval process loop through the Planning Board and back to Council before effective
Discussion on draft of new Franklin Business Guide. Good suggestions made. If you have any, please send to Anne Marie Tracy
Discussion on proposal to change restrictions on food trucks. Would allow for private parties on private property. For a public event on private property (i.e. a business like Pour Richard's) they could get a permit for it. The current zone for food trucks would remain in place at the Town Common. Plans for them during the summer (assuming COVID protocols allow) for Farmers Market/Concerts on the Common. Approved to bring to Council for further discussion

Photos captured during the meeting and shared via Twitter can be found in one album https://photos.app.goo.gl/PbwWoeJjCLhCyHDY8

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We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm).

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 Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news/

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"

cover of the draft "Business Guide"

FM #479 - Board of Health Meeting - 03/03/21 (audio)

FM #479 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 479 in the series.

This session shares the Franklin, MA Board of Health meeting held on Wednesday, March 3, 2021.

The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: some of the Health Dept. were in the Municipal Building, the remainder, Committee, and public were remote via conference bridge, all to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

The show notes contain links to the meeting agenda and to my notes.

The meeting recording runs about 22 minutes. Let’s listen to the Board of Health meeting held on Wednesday, Mar 3. Audio file = https://player.captivate.fm/episode/daa307f2-99b6-468e-96b1-e6c3e7ea09af

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Agenda doc
https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/agenda-3-3-21_revised_0.pdf

Health Dept./Board of Health page https://www.franklinma.gov/health-department

My notes from the meeting
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/03/recap-of-board-of-health-meeting-mar-3.html

Quick Recap:

Partnered with Housing Authority to schedule vaccine clinic for 3/5/21. Last clinic of this type anticipated due to DPH and supply restrictions
COVID message covered by State/Federal funding
House on Jordan Rd condemn to provide for legal recuse due to owner inaction since fire

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We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm).

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 Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news/

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

FM #479 - Board of Health Meeting - 03/03/21 (audio)

Affordable Housing Opportunity - 24 Shayne Road, Unit 111

Affordable Housing Opportunity

Franklin Heights Estates – First Come First Serve 24 Shayne Road, Unit 111 - Resale

$191,780

Garden Style Condominium, 1st Floor, 2 Bedrooms, 1 Bath, 1,000 sf, with Gas Heat and Central Air Conditioning

Includes: Refrigerator, Stove/Oven, Microwave, Dishwasher, Washer/Dryer, Hard Wood Floors, Basement-Storage Unit

Taxes: $14.65 per $1,000, Condo Fee $174.00/Month Maximum Income Guidelines:

1 Person Household: $67,400 2 Person Household: $77,000 3 Person Household: $86,650

4 Person Household: $96,250

Maximum Household Asset Limit is $75,000.

First complete application received as of 3/12/21 will have the opportunity to purchase. You Must Be a First Time Homebuyer. For Application contact Maxine at 508-553-4890 or mkinhart@franklinma.gov or https://www.franklinma.gov/municipal-affordable-housing-trust page.

Shared from the Housing Trust page

https://www.franklinma.gov/municipal-affordable-housing-trust/news/affordable-housing-opportunity-24-shayne-road-unit-111

Franklin Public Library is reopening March 22 - Find the details here!

We are back and we missed you!

We are pleased to announce that the Franklin Public Library will be re-opening for in-person hours beginning on Monday, March 22nd! Our hours will be as follows:

Monday: 1 - 4 pm
Tuesday 1 - 4 pm
Wednesday 1 - 4 pm
Thursday: 4 - 8 pm (Senior hour 3 - 4 pm)
Friday 1 - 4 pm
Saturday 1 - 4pm

Curbside services will continue with pick up hours as follows:

Monday - Thursday 10am - 8pm
Friday - Saturday 10am - 5pm

The Library at a Glance

What's available:

Browsing the stacks (Please limit your visit to 30 minutes maximum)
Checking out items (Please use the self-check app or self-check computers)
Logging into your account to pay late fees and lost materials with your credit card
WIFI access
Public computer workstations (May be used for up to 60 minutes only)
Printing, scanning, faxing, and photocopying (Please bring exact change)
Museum passes (Please check with the museum prior to your visit. Further action may be necessary)

What's not available:

Study rooms
Meeting rooms
Toys
Children's play area
Local history collection
Restrooms

Health & Safety Practices

All patrons entering the library will be required to do the following:

Wear face coverings covering their nose and mouth at all times inside the Library
Use remote services – phone, email, and curbside –if you cannot wear face coverings for medical reasons.
Sanitize hands upon entering and complete the contact tracing form

Practice social distancing

Please remember to maintain a distance of at least six feet away from other patrons and staff

Library Programming

All programming will continue to be either virtual or take-and-make kits.

If you have any questions, please contact the Franklin Public Library at 508-520-4941 or at frkill@minlib.net .

Visit our website https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library

Franklin Public Library 508-520-4941

www.franklinma.gov/fraklin-public-library

Town of Franklin | 355 East Central Street, Franklin, MA 02038

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Panther TV: Panther News - March 5, 2021

We're baaaaack!!!... with a new TV crew and lots of news about pool testing, vaccines and the start of Fall 2 sports! @FHSPantherbook @FranklinPSNews @FranklinHS @FranklinMatters

https://youtu.be/F2Iaw57MTE0 via @YouTube

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/fhspanthertv/status/1367529464054300679