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Thursday, December 27, 2012
Franklin Library: Family Story Time & Craft
10 Tax Gifts from the DOR
Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:
via Commonwealth Conversations: Revenue by Ann Dufresne-DOR Communications Director on 12/26/12
1. Unclaimed Refund List
The DOR has millions of dollars in refunds that have been returned to the agency and are waiting to be claimed. See if your name is on the list at DOR's Unclaimed Refund List.
2. Veterans and Surviving Spouses Exemption
Qualified veterans and surviving spouses may be eligible for a property tax exemption up to the full tax bill from their local Board of Assessors. Check the Veterans Property Tax Brochure to see if you qualify.
3. Senior Circuit Breaker Tax Credit
Residents who are 65 and over before January 1, 2013 may be eligible to claim a refundable senior "Circuit Breaker" tax credit up to $1,000 against their personal income taxes for the rent or real estate taxes they paid on their principal residence. See Circuit Breaker Information for eligibility criteria. There are also provisions for claiming the credit for prior years.
4. Turnpike Fuel Excise Refund
Any motorist or commercial motor carrier who buys gasoline or special fuels in Massachusetts and travels on the MassPike can apply for a refund of the 21-cent a gallon excise tax. Now that gas prices are dropping, more commuters might benefit from this program. For details and forms go to Turnpike Refund Guide.
5. Credit for Taxes Paid to Rhode Island
Massachusetts residents working in Rhode Island can claim a credit against their Massachusetts personal income tax for mandatory payments to Rhode Island under that state's Temporary Disability Insurance Act. See DOR Directive 12-1 for more information.
6. Rental Deduction
You may be entitled to a rental deduction equal to one half of the rent you paid during the calendar year up to $3,000 for your principal residence in MA. See the Rent Deduction for details.
7. Commuter Deduction
Commuting costs such as tolls paid through an EZPass account or for weekly or monthly transit commuter passes for MBTA transit, bus commuter rail and commuter boat may be deductible. See the Commuter Deduction for details.
8. Deduction for FICA and Government Retirement System Contributions
Contributions up to $2,000 paid to Social Security (FICA), Medicare, Railroad and U.S. or MA Retirement Systems may be claimed as a deduction on your state income tax return. Government employees who are not covered by the Social Security system often forget to add the amount contributed to U.S. or MA Retirement Systems to their Medicare contributions in calculating this deduction.
9. Child and Dependent Care Expenses
Massachusetts law allows taxpayers to exceed the federal limit on employment-related expenses for the care of a qualified child under the age of 13, a disabled dependent or a disabled spouse.
The maximum deduction is $4,800 for one qualifying individual and $9,600 for two or more.
10. Earned Income Credit
Massachusetts taxpayers who qualify for and claim the federal earned income credit are allowed a state refundable credit equal to 15% of the federal amount.
There are a number of other exemptions and credits Massachusetts taxpayers may be able to claim on their state tax return. Why not join 96% of Massachusetts taxpayers and file electronically? Try DOR's WebFile for Income. It's free and fool-proof. The software program won't let you make a mistake like forgetting to sign your name or attach a schedule and you get your refund quicker than filing paper forms. If you choose direct deposit, your refund will be even faster.
And after you file, you can download DOR's Mobile App on your iPhone or Android smartphone to track your refund.
The DOR has millions of dollars in refunds that have been returned to the agency and are waiting to be claimed. See if your name is on the list at DOR's Unclaimed Refund List.
2. Veterans and Surviving Spouses Exemption
Qualified veterans and surviving spouses may be eligible for a property tax exemption up to the full tax bill from their local Board of Assessors. Check the Veterans Property Tax Brochure to see if you qualify.
3. Senior Circuit Breaker Tax Credit
Residents who are 65 and over before January 1, 2013 may be eligible to claim a refundable senior "Circuit Breaker" tax credit up to $1,000 against their personal income taxes for the rent or real estate taxes they paid on their principal residence. See Circuit Breaker Information for eligibility criteria. There are also provisions for claiming the credit for prior years.
4. Turnpike Fuel Excise Refund
Any motorist or commercial motor carrier who buys gasoline or special fuels in Massachusetts and travels on the MassPike can apply for a refund of the 21-cent a gallon excise tax. Now that gas prices are dropping, more commuters might benefit from this program. For details and forms go to Turnpike Refund Guide.
5. Credit for Taxes Paid to Rhode Island
Massachusetts residents working in Rhode Island can claim a credit against their Massachusetts personal income tax for mandatory payments to Rhode Island under that state's Temporary Disability Insurance Act. See DOR Directive 12-1 for more information.
6. Rental Deduction
You may be entitled to a rental deduction equal to one half of the rent you paid during the calendar year up to $3,000 for your principal residence in MA. See the Rent Deduction for details.
7. Commuter Deduction
Commuting costs such as tolls paid through an EZPass account or for weekly or monthly transit commuter passes for MBTA transit, bus commuter rail and commuter boat may be deductible. See the Commuter Deduction for details.
8. Deduction for FICA and Government Retirement System Contributions
Contributions up to $2,000 paid to Social Security (FICA), Medicare, Railroad and U.S. or MA Retirement Systems may be claimed as a deduction on your state income tax return. Government employees who are not covered by the Social Security system often forget to add the amount contributed to U.S. or MA Retirement Systems to their Medicare contributions in calculating this deduction.
9. Child and Dependent Care Expenses
Massachusetts law allows taxpayers to exceed the federal limit on employment-related expenses for the care of a qualified child under the age of 13, a disabled dependent or a disabled spouse.
The maximum deduction is $4,800 for one qualifying individual and $9,600 for two or more.
10. Earned Income Credit
Massachusetts taxpayers who qualify for and claim the federal earned income credit are allowed a state refundable credit equal to 15% of the federal amount.
There are a number of other exemptions and credits Massachusetts taxpayers may be able to claim on their state tax return. Why not join 96% of Massachusetts taxpayers and file electronically? Try DOR's WebFile for Income. It's free and fool-proof. The software program won't let you make a mistake like forgetting to sign your name or attach a schedule and you get your refund quicker than filing paper forms. If you choose direct deposit, your refund will be even faster.
And after you file, you can download DOR's Mobile App on your iPhone or Android smartphone to track your refund.
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"the fire inside was not fully extinguished"
Having the proper tool often makes the job much easier. In this case, having the proper tool allowed the firefighters to get at the fire without taking down the whole wall.
Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x1084477878/Franklin-firefighters-put-out-chimney-fire-on-Christmas-Eve#ixzz2GG2WpUEq
McCarraher said that when firefighters arrived, they could only see smoke because the fire itself was fragmented and hidden inside the wall. So they used a thermal imaging camera to locate any hot spots.
Such cameras allow firefighters to see clumps of heat through darkness and smoke by capturing infrared radiation.
Once the firefighters pinpointed the pockets of heat, they broke through the wall to put the flames out, McCarraher said.
Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x1084477878/Franklin-firefighters-put-out-chimney-fire-on-Christmas-Eve#ixzz2GG2WpUEq
Wednesday, December 26, 2012
Annual Report 2012: Franklin Town Council
On behalf of the Franklin Town Council, it is my pleasure to submit our annual report to the Citizens of Franklin for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2012.
We ended the year on a positive note and passed a balanced budget that included no layoffs for the first time in several years. In March the Citizens approved a Debt Exclusion vote for a new model High School.
We have had a busy year and accomplished a lot with help from you, the citizens.
The Long Range Financial Planning Committee has submitted their final report that was accepted by the Council. The Recycling Committee gave their final report to the Council in June and gave the Town good marks for their recycling efforts. The Council thanks both of these hard working committees for their volunteer efforts.
The Franklin Garden Club works hard to keep the Common and the downtown looking spectacular and the Concerts on the Common Committee brings you phenomenal entertainment on Wednesday nights during the summer months. These two committees work tirelessly for no recognition. The Council thanks them for their efforts.
This year the Council created the Master Plan Committee to look at the Master Plan that was last adopted in 1997. This new Master Plan Committee has been given 18 months to develop an action plan of goals and objectives for the Planning Board and Town Council and identify key issues with an eye towards Franklin’s future.
Also created was the Citizens Committee to provide valuable input to the Council on issues such as improving the quality of life of Franklin’s citizens, improving citizen participation, evaluating the permitting process and business development as a revenue stream.
The Council adopted Remote Participation as they explored ways to remain ever vigilant to represent the citizens while individuals were out of town. Remote Participation allows a Councilor who is out of town to phone into a council meeting and participate via a dedicated line. The Councilor can speak and be heard and
hear as if they were in the room. It is limited to one member per meeting. It has been used a number of times and has worked well.
As you can see, Franklin’s government relies heavily on its volunteers. Franklin is your town and this is your government, it needs your input whether serving on a committee, weeding a garden, planning a concert, or serving in an elected position.
In closing, you can be assured that you have dedicated, competent, and professional individuals working and volunteering their time on your behalf.
I want to thank our Town Administrator, Jeff Nutting, for his dedication and service and all of the Town employees who go to work every day and help to make this community a great place to live and work.
On behalf of my fellow councilors, Andy Bissanti, Bob Dellorco, Glenn Jones, Matt Kelly, Tom Mercer, Judy Pfeffer, Tina Powderly, and Jeff Roy, I want to thank you for the opportunity you have given us to serve this great community.
Respectfully Submitted,
Robert Vallee
Chairman, Franklin Town Council
From the Town clerk page on annual reports. This comes from the 2012 report
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_Clerk/annual/
Voice of Franklin: Where is the Presumption of Innocence for Annie Dookhan?
Inquiring minds are asking: Why is a longtime civil libertarian like myself defending Annie Dookhan, a state chemist accused by the Boston Globe of cavorting with state prosecutors who build their careers on the backs of nonviolent drug defendants in the racist war on drugs? Answer: I am not defending anyone. Rather, I am defending things; namely western jurisprudence and its central pillar, the presumption of innocence.
The recent furor over Dookhan's loosened curfew demonstrates that she has already been found guilty in the media, long before her side of the story has been aired in a public trial. Too many observers seem eager to jump ahead in this case to the punishment phase. But let us remember that everything we have been told so far about Annie Dookhan, including the idea that she "admitted to the allegations," has been the product of her government accusers and of shockingly biased media coverage. There is a major difference between an accused person admitting to a set of allegations and her state accusers claiming she's admitted to them -- particularly when, as in this case, several of those accusing Dookhan stand to benefit personally if their version of events is to be believed.
It is ironic that those condemning Dookhan are essentially doing to her what so many are claiming she did to drug defendants: presume guilt and unjustly convict. Perhaps Annie's pre-judgers would prefer she be shipped off to G'tmo for a quick waterboarded confession so we can get this case over with already. But that is not how true justice works.
If by some miracle it is still possible for Annie Dookhan to receive a fair trial, and if she is legitimately found guilty, then she will of course deserve to be punished. For now let us be careful to remember that she is entitled to the same presumption of innocence that we all would hope for ourselves or our loved ones if we are ever accused of a crime.
Rich Aucoin
Franklin
The recent furor over Dookhan's loosened curfew demonstrates that she has already been found guilty in the media, long before her side of the story has been aired in a public trial. Too many observers seem eager to jump ahead in this case to the punishment phase. But let us remember that everything we have been told so far about Annie Dookhan, including the idea that she "admitted to the allegations," has been the product of her government accusers and of shockingly biased media coverage. There is a major difference between an accused person admitting to a set of allegations and her state accusers claiming she's admitted to them -- particularly when, as in this case, several of those accusing Dookhan stand to benefit personally if their version of events is to be believed.
It is ironic that those condemning Dookhan are essentially doing to her what so many are claiming she did to drug defendants: presume guilt and unjustly convict. Perhaps Annie's pre-judgers would prefer she be shipped off to G'tmo for a quick waterboarded confession so we can get this case over with already. But that is not how true justice works.
If by some miracle it is still possible for Annie Dookhan to receive a fair trial, and if she is legitimately found guilty, then she will of course deserve to be punished. For now let us be careful to remember that she is entitled to the same presumption of innocence that we all would hope for ourselves or our loved ones if we are ever accused of a crime.
Rich Aucoin
Franklin
Tri-County Children's Center holds Holiday Traditions celebration
Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:
via The Milford Daily News News RSS by Mike Gleason/Daily News staff on 12/25/12
The Tri-County Children's center held their annual celebration of Holiday Traditions for families of preschoolers on Tuesday, Dec. 18. The event is planned and hosted by Tri-County's Early Childhood Careers students and invites family members of preschoolers to bring a holiday dish that is traditional to them to share with the class. During the celebration, families are also given a gingerbread house to decorate and take home.
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Tuesday, December 25, 2012
Monday, December 24, 2012
Franklin Calendar for 2013
Christmas Eve
the elf on the shelf is ready
the children are ready
will Christmas be white? time will tell
Consider getting a calendar for the 2013
Available at the Franklin Art Center, the calendar depicts some views of Franklin each month. An artist chose a medium (watercolor, photography, etc.) to show a familiar or a good view of Franklin that you may not have seen before.
Several months provide information on the importance of a particular date for that month in the history of Franklin. Proceeds from the sale of the calendar go to the Franklin Historical Commission which operates the Franklin Historical Museum.
Note: the calendars were printed in error to say "Society," they should say "Commission"
the elf on the shelf is ready
the children are ready
will Christmas be white? time will tell
Consider getting a calendar for the 2013
Available at the Franklin Art Center, the calendar depicts some views of Franklin each month. An artist chose a medium (watercolor, photography, etc.) to show a familiar or a good view of Franklin that you may not have seen before.
Several months provide information on the importance of a particular date for that month in the history of Franklin. Proceeds from the sale of the calendar go to the Franklin Historical Commission which operates the Franklin Historical Museum.
Note: the calendars were printed in error to say "Society," they should say "Commission"
In the News: pitching clinic, open house
Last day to sign up for this clinic!
Franklin Girls Softball slates annual pitching clinic, sign up by Dec. 24
Franklin Girls Softball slates annual pitching clinic, sign up by Dec. 24
Sunday, December 23, 2012
Markham Nolan: How to separate fact and fiction online
The difference between fact and fiction is more than in the eye of the beholder. Yes, that is a mixed metaphor. Maybe it caught your attention. Maybe it turned you off. As a citizen journalist, the difference between fact and fiction is so important.
You can watch Markham in this TEDTalk. About 15 minutes.
"Truth is emotional, it's fluid, and above all, it's human. No matter how quick we get with computers, no matter how much information we have, you'll never be able to remove the human from the truth-seeking exercise.” (Markham Nolan)
You can watch Markham in this TEDTalk. About 15 minutes.
What is ALiCE?
The newspaper has an article on the current safety protocol "freeze" and a recent alternative called ALiCE which stands for "alert, lockdown, inform, counter and evacuate."
Read more: Schools explore new armed-intruder protocol - Franklin, MA - Wicked Local Franklin http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/features/x65619491/Schools-explore-new-armed-intruder-protocol#ixzz2FsQfzFEB
More about ALiCE can be found on the Response Options website
http://www.responseoptions.com/
Several members of the Franklin Police Department work in the schools, though not as full-time school resource officers.
Franklin Superintendent Maureen Sabolinski said two officers were able to attend the ALiCE training for free since it was hosted in town.
However, she said ALiCE has not been implemented since protocol changes require "a lot of coordination’’ among the schools, emergency departments and surrounding towns that would likely be called in if a violent intruder entered a school.
Police departments that have ALiCE trainers on staff include Framingham, Hudson, Franklin, Hopedale, Natick and Wellesley, according to Response Option’s website.
Read more: Schools explore new armed-intruder protocol - Franklin, MA - Wicked Local Franklin http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/features/x65619491/Schools-explore-new-armed-intruder-protocol#ixzz2FsQfzFEB
More about ALiCE can be found on the Response Options website
http://www.responseoptions.com/
Saturday, December 22, 2012
Food Elves Press Release
Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:
via Franklin Downtown Partnership by noreply@blogger.com (Franklin Downtown Partnership) on 12/21/12
Food Elves Collect Over 2 Tons of Food
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"We need to think hard about what message we're sending to kids"
The Milford Daily News reports on NRA executive vice president Wayne LaPierre's comments calling for armed security at school. Local officials comment on the NRA idea.
Read more: http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/news/x1631896249/Local-officials-blast-NRA-plan-for-school-guns#ixzz2FmayyuE3
"There are armed guards in a lot of public places," said Franklin Superintendent Maureen Sabolinski, who called the NRA's plan "silliness." "That doesn't isolate them from violence."
For Sabolinski, the federal funds that would go to placing those officers at schools should instead be used for educational services and programs geared toward violence prevention.
Read more: http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/news/x1631896249/Local-officials-blast-NRA-plan-for-school-guns#ixzz2FmayyuE3
Friday, December 21, 2012
Yes, you can help the Rail Trail effort!
Dear Friends,
Thank you for your past interest and support of the the Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee (FBRTC). We are working hard to turn the Southern New England Trunkline Trail (SNETT) abandoned railroad tracks into a multiuse, universally accessible trail for walking, biking, hiking, horseback riding, cross country skiing, and other outdoor recreational activities. We hope you have had a chance to use the trail in 2012.
 |
| SNETT sign at Grove St entrance |
Did you know that the FBRTC offers an annual membership donation? Your tax-deductible membership fee of $25 or more ($15 for students or those on a limited income) gives us important operating expense funds to allow us to apply for grants at the federal, state and local levels. As a member, your level of involvement with the FBRTC is up to you. You can join us for our various activities during the year, or you can simply let your membership be your involvement. I am writing to ask for your continued support in 2013. Please take a few minutes to renew online or print the attached form and send a membership donation.
You can renew your support online at www.franklinbellinghamrailtrail.org/support
Membership includes, voting privileges, advanced notice of trail events, meetings, and agendas, updates on important trail news and developments, and 10% off on parts and accessories at Crossing Cycles in Franklin.
Wondering what the FBRTC did in 2012? Here is a quick summary of how your support has made a difference.
- Early in the 2012, we revised our mission statement and officially changed our name to the "Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee" to reflect the growing membership base, and the locality of towns involved in the effort.
In the spring, a team of committee members and groups from Bellingham (Boy Scouts) cleaned up a section of the trail in Bellingham. - In May, the committee received notice from DCR that it was approved for a grant of $10,801. Over the course of the summer, the committee worked with DCR to identify how the grant would be used. Gates are in the process of being erected at trail entrances in Bellingham and Franklin.
- Also in May, the committee held it's second annual 5K run (1 mile walk) fundraiser event. Over 100 people entered the race, and the committee raised over $3,000.
- The committee had a table at the Franklin "Harvest Festival" on September 30th. It was another great opportunity to increase community awareness of our efforts.
- On October 13th, we conducted a guided "trail walk" with DCR's Ron Clough. Almost 50 people attended.
- The towns of Bellingham and Franklin continue to be supporting of our efforts.
- A boy scout troop in Bellingham is planning to build a kiosk at the trail entrance on Center St.
- The town of Bellingham has marked the trail crossing at Lake St and Center St.
- A parking lot is being planned for Center St. in Bellingham.
- The Ben Franklin Charter Public School 5th grade held a "Community Service Day" at the trail in the fall. They planted flowers, and cleaned around the kiosk at the trail-head at Grove St in Franklin. They were also given an interpretive tour of the trail by Ron Clough from Massachusetts DCR (Department of Conservation and Recreation).
- Developed a map of the SNETT in Franklin and Bellingham to guide users on parking areas and other points of interest.
- Became and active partner with the Towns of Bellingham and Franklin in participating in a grants received by the Town of Bellingham from the NPS (National Parks Service) for "Rivers,Trails and Conservation Assistance". This grant allows all towns and interested groups along the trail to work together to create a master plan for the trail's development.
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Franklin-Bellingham-Rail-Trail-Committee/185258844899495 The page contains over 100 "likes". We use our Facebook page and web site (www.franklinbellinghamrailtrail.org) to inform the people of the community of our activities.
The SNETT is a tremendous asset for our community. Please consider making a membership donation today and become a vital piece in making change happen.
FBRTC Mission: The Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee (FBRTC) is a volunteer advocacy group dedicated to the development, maintenance, and financial support of the Southern New England Trunkline Trail as a multi-use, universally accessible recreational path.
FBRTC is a subsidiary of the Grand Trunk Trail Blazers, a recognized 501(c)(3), working in partnership with federal, state and local governments, members of the FBRTC are committed to exploring all private, state and federal funding avenues to implement all necessary design plans.
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