Charitable Givings with Pete's and Franklin Agway - Nov 24 to Dec 8

Due to the incredible generosity of Melanie Hamblen of the Franklin Agway, we are proud to support the SAFE Coalition.

From Saturday the 24th of November until Saturday the 8th of December for every 4 board games purchased at Pete's Nerd Emporium, Franklin Agway will donate a brand new one to the Safe coalition.

Lets help stomp out stigma and find real solutions this holiday season.

Thank you,
-Pete

When = Nov 24 at 12 PM – Dec 8 at 12 PM

Where = Pete's Nerd Emporium, 10 Main st., Franklin, Massachusetts 02038

SAFE Coalition  http://www.safecoalitionma.org/
Franklin Agway  https://www.franklinagway.com/

Charitable Givings with Pete's and Franklin Agway - Nov 24 to Dec 8

This was shared from the Facebook event
https://www.facebook.com/events/743054996055846/

In the News: hotel proposal looking for exception; Turkey Trot moved to Saturday

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

"Representatives from Foursquare Development LLC came to a public hearing on Monday to hear input about their newest project, the Home2 Suites Hilton Hotel on 725 Union St. 

The 92,000-square-foot undeveloped property is located directly behind Joe’s American Bar & Grill. This would be the third Hilton Hotel in Franklin. The idea for the hotel is to accommodate extended-stay hotel visits. 

Developers are seeking two special permits from the town. One is seeking to change the lot’s usage to accommodate hotels, and the other is to make sure that the hotel can be built up to 50 feet. The building is designed to have four stories and 100 rooms available. 

There will be no restaurant or bar in the proposed hotel."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20181122/proposed-hotel-discussed-at-franklin-hearing

Because of the extreme cold weather on Thursday, the Franklin Turkey Trot 5K Family Fun Run was moved to Saturday, Nov. 24. The event takes off at 8 a.m. from, and ends at, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints on Jordan Road.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20181122/franklin-turkey-trot-5k-to-benefit-food-pantry---on-saturday

For more info on the race, visit the web page  www.franklinturkeytrot.org

Franklin Turkey Trot rescheduled to Saturday, Nov 24

Once Upon a Town: Morse Block, Clark Square and Main Street (Video)

"Explore the stories of Franklin, Massachusetts with local historians Joe Landry and Eamon McCarthy Earls. On this episode: A visit to the Morse Block, Clark Square, the Post Office and Depot Ave."

The first eagle eye person to spot the typo, send me an email and you'll get a prize.

Clarke Sq is mentioned beginning about 10 minutes into the video

Hockomock YMCA: School-Based Food Pantry Partnerships

The Hockomock Area YMCA is proud to announce a new focus on school-based food pantry partnerships and collaborative models across its 15-community service area. This work is part of the Y’s Healthy Futures Initiative, a commitment to promoting physical activity and nutrition to improve health outcomes for youth and communities. This initiative is generously supported by the Stop and Shop Our Family Foundation.

While local food pantries provide a critical service in our communities, school-based food pantry options can complement community offerings. These models allow students to discreetly access a supply of healthy food directly from their schools, especially prior to the weekend when there are often challenges with reliable sources of healthy meals. Additionally, school personnel who know the children and families in the district can help to identify those who may be in need of this service or who may not be comfortable accessing a traditional food pantry.

Hockomock YMCA

In 2017, the Hockomock Area YMCA and the Stop and Shop Our Family Foundation supported five school-based food pantry launched through the Stop and Shop Mini Grant program, and several more school-district/food pantry partners will be applying for program launch support in 2018-2019.

School districts that received funding to start these projects in 2017 included Franklin, Plainville, Wrentham, Hopedale, and Bellingham. The Franklin Food Pantry, Our Daily Bread Food Pantry in Plainville, and the Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry in Bellingham have been invaluable partners to their respective school districts as these projects grow.

The Foundation for MetroWest is also supporting the Hockomock Area YMCA’s efforts to grow this program in Milford in 2018, where several elementary schools will partner with the Daily Bread Food Pantry in Milford to offer this service to students.

Eric Elmore, Brookside Elementary School Principal shared, “Brookside Elementary School is excited to collaborate with the Hockomock Area YMCA to support our scholars and their families. In order to provide our scholars with the best educational opportunities it is important their basic needs are met first. Only when they have food in their stomachs can they focus on learning and growing.”

Food pantries can always benefit from additional donations to support these and similar programs. Needed items include healthy staples that are lightweight and small enough in size to go home in a backpack. 

For more information or to inquire about donations, please contact Marykate Bergen, Director of Community Wellness at the Hockomock Area YMCA, marykateb@hockymca.org, 774-571-8029.

About the Foundation for MetroWest:
Established in 1995, the Foundation for MetroWest is the only community foundation serving the 33 cities and towns in the region. We promote philanthropy in the region, help donors maximize the impact of their local giving, serve as a resource for local nonprofits, and enhance the quality of life for all our residents. 

Since inception, the Foundation has granted $15 million to charitable organizations and currently stewards more than $22 million in charitable assets for current needs and future impact. To learn more, please visit www.foundationformetrowest.org or call 508-647-2260.

About the 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.

The Hockomock Area YMCA is committed to partnering and collaborating with others to create and deliver lasting personal and social change in the 15 communities they 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.

Pantherbook: "FHS Sports: Monumental Fall Seasons"

Elizabeth Clark provides a great recap of the fall sports season for Franklin High School:

This fall sports season for Franklin High School was monumental. Almost every team placed high in the Kelley-Rex division of the Hockomock League, and many advanced far in the sectional (and even state) tournament, some even winning the whole thing! We had upsets against high seeds, along with devastating overtime losses. Overall, each team left everything they had on their field or court, and FHS will go into the winter as a force to be reckoned with.

Continue reading the full article at Pantherbook
https://franklinpanthers.us/sports/2018/11/20/fhs-sports-monumental-fall-seasons/

https://twitter.com/FHScheer_/status/1064331664208334849

Reminder: Christmas on the Common - Nov 25 - 4:00 PM

With Halloween behind us, Christmas rapidly approaching, the tree lights will be turned on at the Town Common on Sunday, November 25 at 4:00 PM.

Santa Claus will be delivered via the Franklin Fire Dept. There will be music and refreshments and "Jingles, the Elf".

To help decorate the Town Common, donations are welcome by sending to

Concerts on the Common
PO Box 92
Franklin, MA  02038

Christmas on the Common - Nov 25

This was shared from the Town of Franklin page
http://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/christmas-common-community-event

Reminder: Christmas on the Common - Nov 25 - 4:00 PM

Tri-County: The TC Insider

November 21, 2018 To the Tri-County Community, Since my last update, we have completed our NEASC visit. I want the thank the School Committee, parents, students, and faculty for their support. The very next week we sponsored our Career Days on October 25thand 26th, where area middle schools visited us over a two-day period to explore career options and our programs. The two career days were followed immediately on November 1st by our Grade 8 Open House. Over 400 visitors attended the Open House that kicks off our admissions effort for the coming year. In sports, we had five teams that competed in the MIAA, State Vocational, and league tournaments in the past few weeks. Boys' soccer qualified for the MIAA tournament and lost a tough battle in the quarterfinals to Cardinal Spellman. The girls' soccer team won the State Vocational tournament but came up short to Dover-Sherborn in the MIAA quarterfinals. The Golf team won the Mayflower League Championship. The girls' volleyball team won the State Vocational Championships as well as the quarterfinals of the MIAA tournament but lost to Millbury in semi-finals. The football team moved through the MIAA South Sectional quarterfinals but lost to West Bridgewater in the semifinals as well. We have had a very successful and exhausting fall and I want to thank the students, faculty, and parents that have come out to all these playoff games these past few weeks. In football, we still look forward to the Cougar Cup. This year we will face off with Old Colony at Taunton HS for the annual Thanksgiving-eve classic. We postponed our National Honor Society induction ceremony scheduled for Thursday, November 8th as many of the members and inductees were involved in sports competitions the same evening. We have rescheduled the induction for Thursday, November 29th. Lastly, our Parent/Teacher Conferences will be held on Thursday, December 6th from 7 to 9 pm.  At 6:30 pm, please join the Dean of Students in the auditorium for a discussion on Bullying Prevention and other student issues.  On Saturday, November 24th, at 9 am, all Tri-County families will receive both a phone call and an email letting them know the link is up and running for signing up for Parent/Teacher Conferences.  Families will have from November 24th through December 5th to sign up for conferences. More detailed information will be sent via email. If your email is not on file with Tri-County, you will not be able to sign up for conferences. Please call the Guidance office at 508-528-5400 ext. 125 to update your email information. Thanks for your support and have a great Thanksgiving.    Remember – Work Hard, Today Counts, Mr. Procaccini Upcoming Events Thanksgiving Recess November 22-23 National Honor Society Induction Ceremony November 29 Parent Night (All Grades) December 6 Gerry's Place International Buffet December 13 Early Release Day December 10 Early Release Day December 21 Winter Holiday Vacation December 24 - January 1 Early Release January 8 About The TC Insider The TC Insider is a biweekly newsletter for the families of Tri-County students. View Email In Browser Tri-County RVTHS 147 Pond Street Franklin, MA 02038 www.tri-county.us 508-528-5400

This newsletter was shortened for publication here, to review the full content https://mailchi.mp/aa097fabb2db/the-tc-insider-2857357?e=a64020e338

Electric Youth Announces 2019 Debut at THE BLACK BOX - Jan 5

Electric Youth 2019 will debut at THE BLACK BOX on January 5 with two shows at 6:30 and 8:30 PM. The 2019 group of talented young singers and dancers includes Laney Dragsbaek, Hayley Driscoll, Tatiana McAlpine, Kelly McCormick, Emma Nicholson, Hannah Rezendes, Madison Rezendes, and Lindsey Wyner of Franklin, Susauna Wickstrom of Wrentham, Griffin Wilkins and Caroline Wilkins of Walpole, and Cassidy Baratta and Kelsey Breslin of Hopkinton.

Electric Youth delivers high-energy, fully choreographed performances of classic rock, contemporary pop, Broadway, and country hits for audiences of all ages. The American touring ensemble of talented singer-dancers, ages 14-18, is backed by the eight-piece Boston Show Band — world class musicians who’ve worked with music legends Tony Bennett, Aretha Franklin, Dizzy Gillespie, B.B. King, Diana Ross, The Temptations, Van Morrison and more. Electric Youth is trained at the Franklin School for the Performing Arts. 

Electric Youth Announces 2019 Debut at THE BLACK BOX - Jan 5

The group has toured Europe 15 times, performing in such renowned venues as Vienna’s Konzerthaus, Musikverein and Schonbrunn Palace; Sanremo’s Ariston Theatre; England’s Arundel Festival; Disneyland Paris; and professional theatres in Bristol, London and Windsor. EY has also headlined Fourth of July shows for U.S. troops stationed in Italy at Camp Ederle, Camp Darby, and Aviano Air Force Base. 

The ensemble has performed on Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas, on Fox-TV and WBZ Radio, and at Fenway Park, Gillette Stadium, the Smithsonian Museum Theater, the United Nations and the U.S. Embassy in Vienna. Electric Youth has released six albums, including 2014’s Power Chord, available on iTunes. This summer, they will tour France, Italy, the U.K., and Switzerland.

Collectively, the members of Electric Youth 2019 have performed with Broadway stars, sung the National Anthem for Boston sports teams, been selected to perform at “Broadway Sessions” in NYC, won national gymnastics titles, worked with choreographers from So You Think You Can Dance, performed on televised dance specials, and more. Alumni of Electric Youth have gone on to appear on Broadway, in national and international tours, television, regional theater, feature film, professional dance companies, cruise ships, and more.

Tickets for the January 5 Debut shows are available at www.theblackboxonline.com or by calling the box office at 508-528-3370.

In the blink of an eye

Holiday Edition 2018    Thankful for you.    Dear Friends, In the blink of an eye, it will all be over. The harried pace of the next few weeks will roll into a post-holiday calm that will be welcomed by many of us. We, at the Pantry, will take pause and look back at all that we have accomplished, thankful to our generous community of supporters who made it all possible. Many nonprofit organizations appeal to their donors for support during the holiday season and encourage end-of-year giving. We are no different. We offer a variety of ways to engage our supporters to capture the spirit of giving that abounds this time of year. The gifts that are made now will help us get through the leaner months ahead, when giving subsides and food drives are less frequent. There are so many ways you can support the Pantry. However you choose, we are grateful. Join us Thanksgiving morning for the Franklin Turkey Trot Buy groceries online through our GivingTuesday Campaign Support your neighborhood Food Elf through the "12 Days of Donating" Campaign  Make a one-time donation or set up a monthly recurring gift to feed our families all year long When the season of giving ends, the need continues. Your gifts now will help us care for the 1,000 individuals who count on us long after the holidays are over.  THANK YOU for your support, however you choose to help the Pantry. Wishing you and your families a very Happy Thanksgiving!   Warmly, Erin  Franklin Food Pantry       www.franklinfoodpantry.org Our facility is generously donated by Rockland Trust. We are located at 43 West Central Street, Franklin, MA, on Route 140 in the Rockland Trust parking lot,  across the street from the fire station.

Franklin Food Pantry, 43 West Central Street, PO Box 116, Franklin, MA 02038 Sent by erin@franklinfoodpantry.org in collaboration with Try it free today

The newsletter was shortened for publication here, to view the full contents
http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?m=1114432653691&ca=9d64fc33-62fc-4e8f-a4ea-039bc2793c59

"it is an opt-in program"

From the Mass Consumer Affairs blog we find out about a new credit score becoming available in 2019.

"Your credit score has long been determined by a standard measurement known as FICO. Your score is determined using the information in your credit report, such as your payment history and how much debt you owe, and creditors and lenders, along with insurance firms and landlords, use your score to determine your credit-worthiness. The lower your score, the higher interest rates you will pay on your loans and credit cards, if you are approved for them at all. 

Starting in 2019, however, a new opt-in credit score system, UltraFICO, is being implemented and consumers could see a boost to their credit scores. 

Here are the important differences you should know: the original FICO score takes into account debt levels, new credit, payment history, length of credit history, credit mix, and several other factors. UltraFICO will also focus on cash behaviors, such as how much you keep in your checking, savings, and money market accounts, and how you use this money; how long you have maintained a bank account; and whether you’ve had negative balances."

Continue reading the article online
http://blog.mass.gov/consumer/massconsumer/ultrafico-the-ultimate-in-credit-scores/

Other resources on this topic

From Consumer Reports
https://www.consumerreports.org/credit-scores-reports/ultrafico-new-fico-credit-score/

From Lifehacker
https://twocents.lifehacker.com/heres-how-the-new-ultrafico-credit-score-will-work-1829909471

From the FICO site
https://www.fico.com/ultrafico/

It is a good thing that this new scoring is an opt in program which means you have to sign up for it. I would really think about it before doing so. Given the history of data breeches, you would effectively be giving the credit agencies, more of your data. What could go wrong with that?

"it is an opt-in program"

MassBudget: Massachusetts taxes on par with U.S. average

Read our new report

MassBudget    Information.    Participation.  Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center    Democracy. November 20, 2018 Massachusetts taxes on par with U.S. average Education, transportation, public safety, and other essential services are possible because of state and local taxes. The Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center (MassBudget) notes, in a pair of new briefs, that Massachusetts' level of combined state and local taxes are about average compared with the rest of the United States in Fiscal Year 2016, the year for which most recent data are available. Since 1977, Massachusetts has cut taxes more than most other states - by 26.2 percent. This directly affects the amount of revenue that the Commonwealth and local communities are able to collect and, therefore, the services they can provide. Read the reports, MA Taxes on Par with U.S. Average in FY 2016 and How Has the Level of Taxes in Massachusetts Changed Compared to Other States? The Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center (MassBudget) produces policy research, analysis, and data-driven recommendations focused on improving the lives of low- and middle-income children and adults, strengthening our state's economy, and enhancing the quality of life in Massachusetts. MASSACHUSETTS BUDGET AND POLICY CENTER 15 COURT SQUARE, SUITE 700 BOSTON, MA 02108

Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center, 15 Court Square, Suite 700, Boston, MA 02108 Sent by mrivera@massbudget.org in collaboration with Try it free today

In the News: social media diet is beneficial; student loan servicing company adding to student debt

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

"If you were considering going on a social media diet, new research backs up the benefits. 

According to a paper in the Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology’s December issue, tightening Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat use can lower loneliness and depression. 

University of Pennsylvania psychologist Melissa G. Hunt led the study, which surveyed 143 students at Penn. Researchers divided the undergrads into groups that limited social media use and groups that continued to use the platforms as they pleased. Participants, who were predominately female, were offered academic credit for their time. 

The study did not ask students to abstain from social media. The researchers explained this choice in the paper, noting, “It is unrealistic to expect young people to forgo this information stream entirely.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/zz/news/20181120/study-cutting-social-media-time-can-lessen-depression-and-loneliness

https://www.instagram.com/franklinmatters.ma/

"One of the nation’s largest student loan servicing companies may have driven tens of thousands of borrowers struggling with their debts into higher-cost repayment plans. 

That’s the finding of a Department of Education audit of practices at Navient Corp., the nation’s third-largest student loan servicing company. 

The conclusions of the 2017 audit, which until now have been kept from the public and were obtained by The Associated Press, appear to support federal and state lawsuits that accuse Navient of boosting its profits by steering some borrowers into the high-cost plans without discussing options that would have been less costly in the long run. 

The education department has not shared the audit’s findings with the plaintiffs in the lawsuits. In fact, even while knowing of its conclusions, the department repeatedly argued that state and other federal authorities do not have jurisdiction over Navient’s business practices."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/zz/news/20181120/is-national-student-loan-servicer-swindling-borrowers