Friday, November 3, 2017

FHS volleyball and field hockey win to advance in playoffs

From Hockomock Sports we share the results of the Franklin High School fall sports playoff results on Thursday, Nov 2.


Volleyball = D1 Central West
#6 Franklin, 3 vs. #11 Wachusett, 0 – Final
– Franklin took care of business in its opening game of the state tournament, sweeping Wachusett (25-21, 25-15, 25-23). Junior setter Lauren McGrath had a balanced game with 31 assists while adding six digs and a pair of aces. Maggie Doyle (one block) had nine kills while fellow middle Meaghan Maguire (one block) finished with eight kills. FHS coach Kate Horsmann noted Riley Marino, Shannon Gray, and Lauren Bissanti all played well defensively and in serve receive.


Field Hockey = D1 South
#18 Franklin, 7 @ #15 Westwood, 3 – Final

Joe Clark, HockomockSports.com Student Reporter provides the game recap

"Playing on the road is no easy feat, especially in the playoffs. 
The Franklin girls field hockey team started strong, survived a comeback attempt and finished with a comfortable 7-3 victory over #15 Westwood in the preliminary round of the MIAA D1 South State Tournament. 
Just 19 seconds into the game, Franklin got their first corner opportunity, and while they were unable to convert, they would get two others before two minutes would tick down on the clock. On their third attempt, Cassi Ronan saw her aerial just got over the top of the net, but seconds later, on Franklin’s fourth corner of the first half, Ronan was able to find the back of the net to put the Panthers up 1-0. 
Franklin earned two more corners at the 23:50 and the 23:17 marks, but stout defense and play from Westwood goalie Megan Brown would keep the Franklin lead at 1-0. However, on their sixth corner of the first half, Victoria Quinn would find the back of the net, and the Panthers led 2-0."
Continue reading the recap online
https://hockomocksports.com/strong-start-helps-franklin-field-hockey-land-big-win-at-westwood/

Click here for a photo gallery from this game
https://hockomocksports.smugmug.com/20172018/Fall-2017/Franklin-Westwood-Field-Hockey-11-02-17/

For the other results around the Hockomcok League on Thursday
https://hockomocksports.com/thursdays-schedule-scoreboard-110217/

Franklin’s Cassi Ronan (left) carries possession past a Westwood defender in the first half. (Ryan Lanigan/HockomockSports.com)
Franklin’s Cassi Ronan (left) carries possession past a Westwood defender in the first half. (Ryan Lanigan/HockomockSports.com)

Franklin Candidate for Board of Health: Bridget Sweet

Bridget Sweet (BS) and I (FM) sat down at Panera Bread to talk about her candidacy for the Franklin (MA) Board of Health in the election scheduled for November 7, 2017.


FM: Tell me a bit about yourself, your family, and your life here in Franklin? What is your Franklin story?

I am originally from Dorchester but we moved here from Brockton about 4.5 years ago. I attended Massachusetts Maritime Academy and graduated with my degree in Marine Safety and Environmental Protection, where I also met my husband. We have four children Timothy, Devin, Cameron and Dillon. Lived in Brockton for over 10 years and moved to Franklin. Some of the challenges associated with living in an urban area began to outweigh the benefits and Franklin was the perfect fit. It was a feasible commute for Kevin in Maynard, who at the time was interviewing as the Town Administrator. He has been in Maynard for over 8 years, and the Town Administrator for over four.

The sense of community and neighborhood that we encountered here has been amazing. My kids are at Jefferson, Remington, and Franklin High. I can’t say enough about the Remington/Jefferson communities, it has been great. With four kids, we have been pretty involved with sports. The younger three have been in lacrosse and one also plays football with the Chargers. The majority of my interactions are through school or sports events.

This may have been your typical city to Franklin move. At first I couldn’t fall asleep at night as it was too quiet. It has been a learning curve but it definitely has been amazing. It has been really good for the kids, the weekend after we moved to town we had our first ever block party. The Recreation program that Franklin has is unbelievable compared to other communities, they offer a wide array of options that are fee based yet affordable.

The location of course is also key. When I traveled for Whole Foods, my base was at the Bellingham store but I could get to all the other MA stores and back within the day. This was ideal for my family life; not having to leave the kids for an extended overnight stay. Now that my kids are older, my youngest is eight,  I have some spare time … I guess more available time is the better way to say it. This past year I joined the Franklin Chargers Board. It was a good experience to support the program as they support the children in the community.

FM: What do you see as your role’s biggest challenge and do you have any suggestions on how we can resolve it?

I’ve wanted to run for the Board of Health (BoH)since we moved here. I figure it may be a shot in the dark but if I don’t try, I may regret it. Public health is a challenging field to assess outcomes within, especially when there is a lack of understanding with what the department is tasked with. I think an additional challenge within Franklin is that the meetings are held during the work day. It is hard to engage community involvement as well as support local businesses if the meetings are held during the day. I believe that a potential challenge within the Franklin BoH will be how to handle the recreational marijuana and how this will impact public health, access, and food safety.

I believe that education and transparency are required to help guide public health within the community. Massachusetts is moving towards a more proactive model, not just relying on enforcement/regulatory actions to spur compliance. Massachusetts is in the midst of adopting updates to various regulations that directly impact the health department. Updates in the food regulation, housing regulation, camp regulation and pool regulation are imminent and it is imperative that the staff be up to speed on these changes so that they can educate and support local business to strive for compliance. I am a firm believer that the answer should not always be “NO”, but “how can we do this safely.”

I think that is the challenge coming into a Board like this. I don’t know everything. I don’t know what’s best. The first several months would be “What do I need to learn? How can I help?” I have all these ideas that are great on paper but until you’re there, they may not be transferable. That’s ok. I don’t have an ego, I just want to work to support the community and local public health.


FM: What experience or background will help you to serve in this role? What do you bring to the table that helps to set you apart from the others?

Franklin is fortunate to have a well-qualified staff. As a former local public health official, I understand the dynamic between the Board and the staff. I’d like to offer some innovative and alternative solutions so the Health Dept would still be meeting their minimum required standards but to also be stewards of the community. There is a wealth of expertise in this department that should be showcased. I bring various credentials to the table, and a wide variety of previous experience but I am cautious to lean too heavily on these. 

My role would not be that of the Health Director or Health Agent, but to serve on the Board in a support capacity. I bring my passion and my knowledge to help review policies and to support the staff as they continue to protect public health. I am well versed in the policy role having served on various task forces within the State of Rhode Island, as well as previously serving on the Massachusetts Health Officer Association Executive Board.

I really am excited about the opportunity to support the community in a field that I am so passionate about. I simply ask that when you cast your ballots next week you consider my name. I don’t have a specific reason as to why, but simply a general “why not”?

To follow up with Bridget directly you can reach her via email at 
blsweet9@gmail.com

You can also find out more about her campaign at her Facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/sweetforboh/



Noteworthy: This information is intended to help the Franklin voters when we all head to the ballot box on November 7. The interview candidates have had an opportunity to review the text before publishing to ensure the accuracy of our discussion. 

Offer to Candidates 2017
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/08/offer-to-candidates-for-franklin.html 


Franklin Public Library: The Transformative Power of Ten Minutes - Nov 6


Join clinical psychologist and author, Dr. Beth Kurland, at the Franklin Public Library Monday, November 6 at 6:30 p.m. as she shares strategies from her new book The Transformative Power of Ten Minutes: An Eight Week Guide to Reducing Stress and Cultivating Well-Being. 
Discover how setting aside just ten minutes a day, and bringing simple tools such as mindfulness into the course of your day, can help you reduce stress and develop a deeper sense of well-being. The book was awarded Finalist in the Health and Wellness category by Next Genertion Indie Book Awards. 
Dr. Kurland has an outpatient practice in Norwood, MA where she specializes in mindfulness and mind-body strategies to help her patients achieve whole person health and wellness. Free audio and video meditations can be found on her website at BethKurland.com.


This was shared from the Town of Franklin page
http://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library/events/142163

Franklin Public Library: The Transformative Power of Ten Minutes - Nov 6
Franklin Public Library: The Transformative Power of Ten Minutes - Nov 6

In the News: Library set to reopen Sunday; Taste of Bellingham begins Nov 8

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

"After almost seven months of construction, the Franklin Public Library will be ready for its re-opening on Monday. 
The $10.5 million renovation of the Main Street building includes a large addition which expanded the children’s and teens area, added a new computer lab, a new circulation desk, and hundreds of new books. Even the older part of the building had a facelift; the scagliola in the main reading room has been refurbished and looks brand new. 
Starting Monday, all scheduled programming will resume, including Tummy Time for babies on Thursdays at 9:30 a.m., and scheduled storytime, while new programs will take hold, such as Construction Junction every Wednesday from 4 to 5 p.m. Children of all ages will spend the hour letting their imaginations go wild with Legos, Lincoln Logs, and other building toys."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20171102/franklin-library-to-re-open-monday


the entrance from Main St was re-done re-purposing some of the red granite
the entrance from Main St was re-done re-purposing some of the red granite

"The Bellingham Business Association is opening its 10th “Taste of Bellingham” event to the public, giving residents the chance to sample dishes from local restaurants. 
The event - set to run on Wednesday, Nov. 8 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Frank Webb Home on South Main Street - is shaping up well, with a good number of local businesses taking part, said association President John Orthman. 
“We pretty much invite all restaurants in town to participate,” he said. “If they do take part, we waive their membership fees for the association.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20171103/sample-taste-of-bellingham-next-week

Thursday, November 2, 2017

Franklin Candidate for Town Council: Mickey Whitmore

This interview with Mickey Whitmore (MW), candidate for Franklin Town Council, was collaborated on via email.

FM: Tell me a bit about yourself, your family, and your life here in Franklin? What is your Franklin story?

MW: My name is Mickey Whitmore, but my friends call me Mick. I grew up in a very small town in North East PA., but relocated to Massachusetts when I was 19. I bought a great fixer upper here in town in my early 20’s and went about giving it an overhaul. My neighbor invited me to a Memorial day barbecue at their house where I spotted a pretty red head. 

 Many years of marriage and three children later we are still here, and are quite taken with this community. Our youngest children are five years old and just started kindergarten, and our oldest is in the fourth grade. They are all currently attending public school here in town.

FM: What experience or background will help you to serve in this role? What do you bring to the table that helps to set you apart from the others?

MW: I am a Data Center Consultant by trade. It is my responsibility to ensure that confidential and proprietary information is securely stored for our clients. Imagine if the building where you do your banking were to have a fire, and some computers were damaged. The information from the computer is stored (sent electronically) elsewhere, to a Data center. This is what I design. I create and translate business requirements into Data Center architectural designs and solutions. I’m able to I analyze and project what the future outcomes.

I think what I bring to the table is that I have zero agenda. I am not in real estate, I don’t own a local business, I am not self-employed. Simply put, I am willing to volunteer my time, and I think I have the ability to review all issues and options that are presented to the town council with care.

FM: What do you see as your role’s biggest challenge and do you have any suggestions on how we can resolve it?

MW: I’m concerned about the building in Franklin, in particular in the residential areas. Franklin pays their bills with money brought in from taxes, state funding, and some receipts from things like excise tax, or pulling a permit. However, each year what we need to spend on expenses, exceeds the amount of money coming in. Add to the deficit new group dwellings filled with new occupants, and we have a recipe for putting further strain on our schools, and town resources. We are just adding fuel to the fire.

I support commercial and industrial development in their respective zones. This type of real estate will bring in tax revenue without further burdening our resources and finances. My interest is in preservation. Preservation of what small town charm we have left, and our preserving our budget.

The Franklin Cultural Council submitted this question for Town Council candidates:
"As you know, Franklin has applied to the state for an official Cultural District designation in town. What do you feel is the role of arts and culture in Franklin, and what is your plan to advance that agenda?"
MW: I’m really excited about the prospect of Franklin having an official Cultural District designation. Not only do my wife and I appreciate the arts, but anything that could potentially promote jobs and new business in our community is a plus. I would plan to support this initiative to the fullest. Potentially keeping and reusing our old buildings would further preserve our towns history, and maintain some of the character.


To follow up with Mickey send him an email at mickeywhitmore@gmail.com
Visit his campaign page on Facebook
 https://www.facebook.com/vote4mickey


Noteworthy: This information is intended to help the Franklin voters when we all head to the ballot box on November 7. The interview candidates have had an opportunity to review the text before publishing to ensure the accuracy of our discussion. 

Offer to Candidates 2017
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/08/offer-to-candidates-for-franklin.html 


A Look at How Franklin Has Honored Its Heroes - Nov 4

The last full measure of devotion – A LOOK AT HOW FRANKLIN HAS HONORED ITS HEROES

A captured enemy ship, a time capsule, and the generosity of a Franklin-born Civil War veteran all figure in the story of how Franklin got its first two war memorials. 

Local historian, Alan Earls presents a slide show and tells the story of the town's monuments to its large contingent of Civil War soldiers as well as the related and far more tangled tale of the town's Spanish American War monument.

Saturday November 4. 10:30 AM 

Hours of Operation: Saturday 10-1, Sunday 1-4, Thursdays 5-8. Always Free and handicap accessible

A Look at How Franklin Has Honored Its Heroes - Nov 4
A Look at How Franklin Has Honored Its Heroes - Nov 4


Find out more about the Franklin Historical Museum on the web at
http://franklinhistoricalmuseum.org/

 

Newcomers and Friends: Craft Fair - Tri-County on Saturday, Nov 4

Newcomers and Friends: Craft Fair - Tri-County on Saturday, Nov 4
Newcomers and Friends: Craft Fair - Tri-County on Saturday, Nov 4

YMCA Basketball and Cheerleading Teams Are Forming

Winter Leagues start Dec. 2 (for ages 3-11)

As winter approaches and kids anticipate shooting hoops and hustling on the courts, we’re reminded that the sport of basketball was invented by a YMCA institution – nearby in Springfield, MA. Moreover, the game’s first professional team came from a YMCA. Locally, the Hockomock Area YMCA is currently enrolling youth for an active winter of basketball and cheerleading leagues.

Millions of people have been introduced to sports at the Y, and whether your child is just starting, new to team sports, or a regular on the courts, YMCA Sports are worth checking out.

With an emphasis on skill development and sportsmanship, you’ll find an environment where everyone plays and develops. Enrollment for the 8-week season (running December 2-January 27) is now open. Details as follows:
YMCA Basketball and Cheerleading Teams Are Forming
YMCA Basketball and Cheerleading Teams Are Forming


YOUTH BASKETBALL LEAGUE (3–8 YRS)

Practices are developed to meet the needs of each group. The first 3 weeks are devoted to practice and the last 5 weeks to games. Runs for 1 hour, Saturdays @ The Foxboro Y: 4 YRS 10:00am; 5–6 YRS 11:15am, 12:30pm, 3:00pm; 7–8 YRS 1:45pm, 3:00pm. @ The Franklin Y: 3–4 YRS 10:15am; 5–6 YRS 11:30am; 7–8 YRS 12:45pm. And @ The North Attleboro Y: 4 YRS 10:00am; 5–6 YRS 11:00am; 7–8 YRS 12:00pm.

YOUTH BASKETBALL LEAGUE (9–11 YRS)

League play for youth ages 9-11 includes the option of signing up on a weekly basis if you cannot commit to all eight weeks. Runs for 1 hour, Saturdays @ The Franklin Y 1:45pm and @ The North Attleboro Y 1:00pm; runs Fridays @ The Foxboro Y 6:00pm.

Also offered for 3 year olds, Youth Basketball Prep. In this class setting, children will learn skills related to dribbling, passing, shooting, and defense. Includes games designed for that age group based on cognitive and social ability. Runs Saturdays in Foxboro and North Attleboro, 9:00-9:45am.

CHEERLEADING LEAGUE (6-9–YRS)

Learn fun routines and enjoy being part of a team. Girls will cheer at basketball games during the second half of YMCA leagues season. Beginning level, includes jumps and tumbling. Saturdays @ The North Attleboro YMCA 11:00am-12:00pm.
Also offered for younger girls, ages 4-5, at the same location is Cheerleading Prep. This program runs Saturdays 10:00-10:45am.

Team shirt and end of season award will be given to season participants. Cost is as follows. Youth Basketball League: $42 (family-type member), $84 (youth member), $126 (program member) - or – weekly drop in rate (ages 9-11): $11/day (member), $17/day (program member). Cheerleading cost: $57 (family-type member), $114 (youth member), $171 (program member) includes uniform. Prep classes cost: $71 (member), $107 (program member).

For more information, visit hockymca.org/winter-leagues. See you at the Y!


About Hockomock Area YMCA: Where Cause Meets Community. 
At the Hockomock Area YMCA, strengthening community is our cause. The Hockomock Area YMCA is an organization of men, women, and children sharing a commitment to nurture the potential of kids, promote healthy living, and foster a sense of social responsibility. Our YMCA is committed to partnering and collaborating with others to create and deliver lasting personal and social change in the 15 communities we are privileged to serve. The Hockomock Area YMCA is a not-for-profit charitable cause-driven organization with facilities in North Attleboro, Foxboro, Franklin, and Mansfield. For more information visit hockymca.org.

Veterans' Day Luncheon - Nov 10

Veterans' Day Luncheon being held next Friday, November 10 at 11:00 AM at the Franklin Elks Lodge at 1077 Pond Street.

All Franklin veterans are invited (at no charge). Those interested should contact the Senior Center at: (508) 520-4945 to register as seating is limited.

Dale Kurtz will discuss new veterans' programs and the new Veterans' Memorial Brick Walkway being constructed on the Franklin Town Common.

Veterans' Day Luncheon - Nov 10
Veterans' Day Luncheon - Nov 10


In the News: time zone change considered; Lions victims of fraud

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

"Turning the clock back in the fall could become a thing of the past in Massachusetts. A special commission created by the state Legislature voted Wednesday to adopt a report recommending that moving the state into a different time zone could be a good idea under certain conditions, but only if other northeastern states are also onboard. 
As the matter moves to the full Legislature, here are some things to consider about what it would mean to change time zones. 
1. If Massachusetts moves to the Atlantic Time Zone, it would be an hour ahead of the rest of the East Coast for much of the year, joining Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and the easternmost parts of Canada. The report recommends that any time zone move should only be done in coordination with other neighboring states, such as New York and the rest of New England. Similar proposals have been introduced elsewhere in New England."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20171101/5-things-to-consider-about-mass-changing-time-zones

"The Franklin Lions Club has filed a formal fraud complaint with police against an undisclosed marketing company regarding the fraudulent sale of tickets on the Lions Club’s behalf. 
Club president Shawn Sherry did not to disclose the name of the company and police said it’s still too early in the investigation to confirm any details. As a result, they were unable to be contacted for their side of the story. 
Sherry said that the organization had hired the outside company to promote ticket sales for a Beach Boys tribute concert."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20171101/franklin-lions-club-victims-of-alleged-fraud

The announcement from the Lions can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/10/announcement-from-franklin-lions-club.html

Announcement from Franklin Lions Club
Announcement from Franklin Lions Club

Candidates Night video - available on demand

To help prepare to decide who to vote for in the contested elections for Town Council, School Committee, or Board of Health, the Candidates Night video is available for replay upon demand.


View video 
http://view.earthchannel.com/PlayerController.aspx?PGD=franknma&eID=497



Election Collection - 2017

Election Collection - 2017

Wednesday, November 1, 2017

Beatlemania Stage Show - Nov 3 - Special Student Ticket Prices ($10 at the door)

The Franklin High School music students are preparing for their participation in the Beatlemania concert being held at Franklin High School November 3 at 7:30 PM.

The music students will be performing back up instrumentation on a few songs with the national touring production of Beatlemania Stage Show. Students will perform on the songs “Yesterday” with the school’s orchestra; “Sgt. Pepper” with the marching band and “Yellow Submarine” with the chorus.

The concert is a benefit to offset some of the expenses for the school’s music department’s trip to Washington DC in the spring for a music festival and competition.

The concert is titled “Help Keep Music Education Alive” which benefits music education programs throughout New England.

The concert is a full professional production with big venue sound and lighting brought in to facilitate the concert experience. Paul Lococo event organizer said “The Franklin High School has a brand new state of the art auditorium and will be a nice place to stage such a production.” 

The Beatlemania Stage Show is the complete Beatle’s experience with period costume changes and vintage Beatle’s instruments. The show will take you from the Beatle’s early years from the Ed Sullivan days to Sgt. Pepper’s Magical Mystery Tour and beyond.

Help Keep Music Education Alive - Nov 3
Help Keep Music Education Alive - Nov 3

Diane Plouffe, the Franklin High School Music Director said “This is a unique community event supporting the music students and a fun event for both the students and the community.”

“The show is educational for our students as well as they learn the music of the Beatle’s and get to perform in a professional production right here at Franklin High.” Stated Plouffe.

Tickets for the show are on sale at Purplepass.com and Shaw’s Market in Franklin




Massachusetts Skills Capital Grant awarded to Tri-County

Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School is pleased to announce it has been awarded $119,326 from the Massachusetts Skills Capital Grant to expand the Advanced Manufacturing component of the Engineering program.

After finishing one phase of the engineering technology plant expansion, Tri-County is now remodeling a third shop area to further broaden its Advanced Manufacturing program. This expansion will also enhance adult manufacturing courses offered through a partnership with Wentworth Institute of Technology.

The Skills Capital Grant Program awards grants to support vocational/technical training, upgrades and expansion of career technical education, and training of high-quality career pathway programs that are aligned with regional economic and workforce development priorities for in-demand industries.

Tri-County was among 35 educational institutions in Massachusetts that were recently awarded workforce skills capital grants. The competitive grants are awarded to educational institutions that demonstrate partnerships with industry, as well as align curriculum and credentials with businesses’ demand, in order to maximize hiring opportunities in each region of the state.

“Manufacturing is the fourth largest economic sector in this region today,” said Superintendent Stephen Dockray. “We are extremely thankful and proud to have been awarded this grant. It will allow us to train our students using the latest equipment and technology so they have the best possible training and knowledge to be successful in the job market.”

Tri-County RVTHS, located at 147 Pond Street in Franklin, is a recipient of the High Schools That Work Gold Achievement Award and serves the communities of Franklin, Medfield, Medway, Millis, Norfolk, North Attleborough, Plainville, Seekonk, Sherborn, Walpole, and Wrentham.
Massachusetts Skills Capital Grant awarded to Tri-County
Massachusetts Skills Capital Grant awarded to Tri-County

Charles River Meadowlands hike recap

The Oct. 28 Charles River Meadowlands hike attracted a total of 20 people. The group made it through the rugged, wet, and overgrown terrain south of Oak Street Extension, eventually emerging in beautiful upland fields and tall stands of evergreens, ultimately exiting via White Avenue. 

Two town council candidates attended the event: Eamon McCarthy Earls and Andy Bissanti. 

“It was great to have so many people exploring this area,” said Meadowlands organizer, Alan Earls. “We got to see the challenges for trail development in the wetter areas as well as the enormous potential in the extensive field and forest sections,” he added.

Charles River Meadowlands hike recap
Charles River Meadowlands hike recap

In the News: Board of Health Candidate Profiles

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

"The Franklin town election will take place on Nov. 7.
Here are profiles for the two candidates running for a position on the board of health.
 
Bridget Sweet 
What do you think makes a good Board of Health member? 
One who can be subjective and listen to both sides of issues always having the best interest of the community first. Commitment to the health department staff. 
What makes you want to be in this position? 
I am passionate about public service and giving back to the community, as well as passionate about public health and education. As science and technology advance, various state regulations are in the process of being updated. I would love to be a part of an educational board that helps residents and business comply with these updates to promote and protect public and environmental health."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20171031/franklin-board-of-health-candidate-profiles

This post will serve as the collection point for all the posts related to the Franklin biennial election scheduled for Nov 7, 2017. Every two years, Franklin voters select who will run our community government.
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/08/election-collection-2017.html

Election Collection - 2017

Election Collection - 2017

In the News: Dacey retires; election campaigns in final days

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:
"An hour before his official retirement began Tuesday afternoon, long-time treasurer-collector, Jim Dacey, reflected on his 18-year career in municipal government. 
He spent his day doing the usual work, but with cohorts of citizens and co-workers alike coming to wish him a happy retirement, it was hard for Dacey to see things being business as usual. 
Dacey’s successor and previous assistant treasurer-collector, Kerri Bertone, has officially started in the position full-time."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20171031/franklin-treasurer-collector-looks-back-on-his-career



"With a large turnout expected, the town election is set for Tuesday, Nov. 7. Franklin High School. Polls for all precincts at Franklin High School are open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. 
There are nine seats open on the Town council with 12 candidates. For the School Committee, there are seven open seats with eight candidates. In the race for the Board of Health, two candidates are running for one slot. 
The race for a seat on the Board of Assessors is uncontested, as well as three available seats on the Planning Board."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20171031/full-slate-for-franklin-town-election


Election Collection - 2017

Election Collection - 2017


IR-2017-182: 10 Million Taxpayers Face an Estimated Tax Penalty Each Year; Act Now to Reduce or Avoid it for 2017; New Web Page Can Help


IRS.gov Banner
IRS Newswire October 31, 2017

News Essentials

What's Hot
News Releases
IRS - The Basics
IRS Guidance
Media Contacts
Facts and Figures
Around The Nation
e-News Subscriptions

The Newsroom Topics

Multimedia Center
Noticias en Español
Radio PSAs
Tax Scams
The Tax Gap
Fact Sheets
IRS Tax Tips
Armed Forces
Latest News Home

IRS Resources

Compliance and Enforcement
Contact My Local Office
Filing Options
Forms and Instructions
Frequently Asked Questions
News
Taxpayer Advocate
Where to File
IRS Social Media

Issue Number:    IR-2017-182

Inside This Issue


10 Million Taxpayers Face an Estimated Tax Penalty Each Year; Act Now to Reduce or Avoid it for 2017; New Web Page Can Help

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today reminded taxpayers assessed an estimated tax penalty for tax year 2016 that they still have time to take steps to reduce or eliminate the penalty for 2017 and future years.

To help raise awareness about the growing number of estimated tax penalties, the IRS has launched a new "Pay as You Go, So You Don't Owe" web page. The IRS.gov page has tips and resources designed to help taxpayers, including those involved in the sharing economy, better understand tax withholding, making estimated tax payments and avoiding an unexpected penalty.

Each year, about 10 million taxpayers are assessed the estimated tax penalty. The average penalty was about $130 in 2015, but the IRS has seen the number of taxpayers assessed this penalty increase in recent years. The number jumped about 40 percent from 7.2 million in 2010 to 10 million in 2015.

Most of those affected taxpayers can easily reduce or, in some cases, eliminate the penalty by increasing their withholding or adjusting estimated tax payments for the rest of the year. With a little planning, taxpayers can avoid the penalty altogether.

By law, the estimated tax penalty usually applies when a taxpayer pays too little of their total tax during the year. The penalty is calculated based on the interest rate charged by the IRS on unpaid tax.

How to Avoid the Penalty
For most people, avoiding the penalty means ensuring that at least 90 percent of their total tax liability is paid in during the year, either through income-tax withholding or by making quarterly estimated tax payments. Keep in mind exceptions to the penalty and special rules apply to some groups of taxpayers, such as farmers, fishers, casualty and disaster victims, those who recently became disabled, recent retirees, those who base their payments on last year's tax and those who receive income unevenly during the year. For details, see Form 2210 and its instructions.

Taxpayers may want to consider increasing their tax withholding in 2017, especially if they had a large balance due when they filed their 2016 return earlier this year. Employees can do this by filling out a new Form W-4 and giving it to their employer. Similarly, recipients of pensions and annuities can make this change by filling out Form W-4P  and giving it to their payer.

In either case, taxpayers can typically increase their withholding by claiming fewer allowances on their withholding form. If that's not enough, they can also ask employers or payers to withhold an additional flat dollar amount each pay period. For help determining the right amount to withhold, check out the Withholding Calculator on IRS.gov.

Taxpayers who receive Social Security benefits, unemployment compensation and certain other government payments can also choose to have federal tax taken out by filling out Form W-4V and giving it to their payer. But some restrictions apply. See the form and its instructions for details.

For taxpayers whose income is normally not subject to withholding, starting or increasing withholding is not an option. Instead, they can avoid the estimated tax penalty by making quarterly estimated tax payments to the IRS. In general, this includes investment income —such as interest, dividends, rents, royalties and capital gains —alimony and self-employment income. Those involved in the sharing economy may also need to make these payments.

Tips to Make Estimated Tax Payments
Estimated tax payments are normally due on April 15, June 15, Sept. 15 and Jan. 15 of the following year. Any time one of these deadlines falls on a weekend or holiday, taxpayers have until the next business day to make the payment. Thus, the next estimated tax payment for the fourth quarter of 2017 is due Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2018.

The fastest and easiest way to make estimated tax payments is to do so electronically using IRS Direct Pay  or the Treasury Department's Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS). For information on other payment options, visit IRS.gov/payments. Taxpayers may also use Form 1040-ES to figure these payments. IRS Publication 505, Tax Withholding and Estimated Tax, is a resource on withholding and estimated payments.


Thank you for subscribing to the IRS Newswire, an IRS e-mail service.
If you know someone who might want to subscribe to this mailing list, please forward this message to them so they can subscribe.

This message was distributed automatically from the mailing list IRS Newswire. Please Do Not Reply To This Message.

Internal Revenue Service (IRS) · Internal Revenue Service · 1111 Constitution Ave. N.W. · Washington DC 20535 GovDelivery logo