Saturday, July 13, 2019

FTC shuts down student loan debt relief scheme




FTC shuts down student loan debt relief scheme
by Colleen Tressler, Consumer Education Specialist, FTC

It's a staggering number. More than 42 million Americans owe a total of nearly $1.5 trillion in student loan debt. It's no wonder people look for help. But not all help is legit. Scammers are targeting borrowers with student loan debt relief schemes that can actually make things worse.

Read more
https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2019/07/ftc-shuts-down-student-loan-debt-relief-scheme?utm_source=govdelivery


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


Friday, July 12, 2019

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA: FRI - Jul 12 to THU - Jul 18

Friday, July 12
10:00am
 Knitting Group
10:30am
 SUMMER PROGRAM: Happy Feet!
12:00pm
 Farmers Market
1:00pm
 SUMMER PROGRAM: Farmer's Market Fun!
8:00pm
 Daniel Ian Smith and the Generations Ensemble
Saturday, July 13
10:00am
 Franklin Historical Museum (Always free)
1:00pm
 SUMMER EVENT: Dragons Love Tacos Party
3:00pm
 TEEN EVENT: Disney Trivia
Sunday, July 14
1:00pm
 Franklin Historical Museum (always free)
Monday, July 15
10:30am
 SUMMER MOVE ALONG (outside if permitting, otherwise in Community Room)
1:00pm
 SUMMER PROGRAM: Picnic Storytime
Tuesday, July 16
9:30am
 Cool Cruisers
1:00pm
 SUMMER PROGRAM: Light Science!
4:00pm
 TEEN SUMMER Code It!
6:30pm
 Foreign Film Series
Wednesday, July 17
10:30am
 SUMMER Family Chess and More!
11:00am
 Monthly Morning Prayer at St. John’s
12:00pm
 TEEN EVENT: Harry Potter Party Strategy Session
4:00pm
 SUMMER Crafternoon!
5:00pm
 Book Bites
Thursday, July 18
9:30am
 Baby Tummy Time
3:30pm
 TEEN SUMMER Board Game Cafe!
5:00pm
 Franklin Historical Museum (always free)
5:00pm
 SUMMER Thursday Movie Night
6:30pm
 John Locke: The Father of Liberalism

For the interactive version, please visit
For the Town of Franklin Public Meeting Calendar
https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar

Submit an event for the Community Calendar, please use this link

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA: FRI - Jul 12 to THU - Jul 18
Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA: FRI - Jul 12 to THU - Jul 18

"The least you can do is give us an on-going personal finance education"

Hat tip to Ron Taylor for sharing this article via Twitter from Anastasia Basil. Well worth the read.
"For a long time you will say I am not listening, not paying attention. You will insist I do not care, that I am lazy. At best, a daydreamer.

A neurological explanation will be found. You will give me cures: Here is extra time to complete the test. And a calculator. And medicine for your daydreaming brain. You will feel good about yourselves: See how we have accommodated, how kind we are, how helpful and understanding?

And I will wonder how very awful I must be. They gave me extra time, gum to chew, notes to view and still, I can’t do better than before. Where there was only suspicion (Am I stupid?) now there is proof: my scarlet letters, Ds and Fs. You don’t make me wear these as an armband or sewn onto my shirt, but I can’t take them off, either. They’re mine for good.

"Try harder. Work harder. Pay attention. Sit still. Stop drawing. Stop humming. Begin again," you say."
Continue reading the article online
https://humanparts.medium.com/dear-school-eff-your-f-e61971ece228

Photo: Florian Gaertner/Getty Images
Photo: Florian Gaertner/Getty Images

“We’re getting robbed of something culturally and financially”

From the Boston Globe, articles of interest for Franklin:

"An artist’s rendering showed a shiny new ballpark filled with Red Sox fans. State officials called it a historic moment. City officials hailed a “spirit of optimism.” Business leaders vowed to build restaurants and offices nearby.

There was even a polar bear mascot on hand.

It was a moment many imagined happening in Rhode Island over the past few years as the Pawtucket Red Sox considered moving from the old McCoy Stadium to Providence or, perhaps, a new Pawtucket ballpark."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/rhode-island/2019/07/11/pawsox-fans-bitter-worcester-breaks-ground-new-stadium/k5RnS2tesTMxssjatstsQM/story.html

I grew up in Pawtucket, just down the street from McCoy Stadium. I played pick up baseball on the fields outside the park that are now parking lots. I will still go to games at McCoy before they leave for Worcester. It is an easy ride, free parking and a relatively reasonable night out. The starting lineup for the PawSox will usually have one or more players who had been called up to Boston, if not a regular who is down for rehab before getting back to Boston. I wasn't close enough to the wheeling and dealing to get a deal done but it will be a sad day when the team leaves.

sunset at McCoy in June, 2019
sunset at McCoy in June, 2019



"called the use of such bags 'an inordinate amount of waste'"

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

As of Aug. 1, if you don’t bring your own bags to Big Y supermarkets in Massachusetts and Connecticut, prepare to break out your coin purse.

Big Y Foods, Inc. announced Thursday afternoon that it moved up its planned elimination of single-use plastic bags at check-out counters, from 2020 to August 2019. Customers without their own bags can pay for paper bags at checkout at 10 cents a pop.

The company owns 80 supermarkets and specialty stores in Massachusetts and Connecticut, including one each in Franklin and Milford.

“Big Y has been complying with single-use plastic bag bans in several Massachusetts communities since 2014,” a press release announcing the change said. “Coming off of recent changes to laws in various towns across the New England region, Big Y has moved up its 2020 timeline to eliminate single-use plastic at checkouts in all of its locations in order to streamline operations and to do its part to support sustainability.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190711/big-y-moves-up-plastic-bag-ban-to-aug-1

The MDN article referenced this brief video released by Big Y on how to clean the re-usable bags.



I'll need to re-think about where I keep my supply of bags (curretnly in the car).

 


Big Y - Franklin, MA

Thursday, July 11, 2019

Actions Taken by Town Council - June 26, 2019 meeting

I missed the June 26, 2019 Town Council meeting. The "Actions Taken" document was just released to confirm the votes taken during the meeting. We'll need to wait for the video to be released by Franklin TV and or the full minutes of the meeting to find out the additional details covered during the session.

When the video is available it will be posted here. Currently, meetings through June 12, 2019 are available  https://www.franklinma.gov/home/pages/live-meetings-stream

In the meantime, here is the "Actions Taken" doc:

Town of Franklin file location
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/news/town_council_actions_taken_for_june_26_2019.docx.pdf

Franklin Matters file location
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1IVqTU3ggNoZzTGMlKHNYP-G_yWKcY8_u/view?usp=sharing




Actions Taken by Town Council - June 26, 2019 meeting
Actions Taken by Town Council - June 26, 2019 meeting

Farmers Market: Library Market Fun and Music at the Market - Friday, Jul 12

After taking a one week break due to the 4th of July Celebration occupying the Town Common, the Farmers Market returns this Friday, July 12. There are two additional features for this market.

The Library:

  • Farmer’s Market Fun! Fridays, July 12 and 26, 1:00 PM
Join the Franklin Public Library in a special collaboration with the Franklin Farmer's market! Enjoy special themed events each week, from storytimes, to scavenger hunts, to craft events and beyond!
Shared from the Town of Franklin page 
https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library/events/209203


Music at the Market - The Bad Apples: (from 3 to 6 PM)

"Join local musicians, Katelyn Hinds, Kevin Sawyer and Bob Adams, for a live performance at the Farmers' Market.
These locals began getting together in the past year to share their love of music and The Bad Apples were born! The group covers a variety of musical styles from folk, country and classic rock as well as some original songs. The Bad Apples are excited to be bringing music to the Franklin Farmer's Market and look forward to other opportunities to share their passion for music with the community!
Performance on Friday 7/12 will also feature a solo acoustic guitar performance from special guest Tim Mac of Franklin."

Shared from the Facebook event:  https://www.facebook.com/events/632895430548502/

Franklin Farmers Market MA‎ Music at the Market - The Bad Apples
Franklin Farmers Market MA‎ Music at the Market - The Bad Apples

FTC Consumer Alert: Outlet shopping - The deal is in the details




FTC Consumer Alert: Outlet shopping - The deal is in the details
by Colleen Tressler, Consumer Education Specialist, FTC

For many of us, it just wouldn't be a summer beach vacation without shopping at the local outlet mall. Over the years, we've picked up a few tips for outlet shopping.

Read more 
https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2019/07/outlet-shopping-deal-details?utm_source=govdelivery
 


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


In the News: iguana rescued from tree

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:
"Wednesday was Day 5 for an iguana trapped high atop a tree on homeowner Cynthia Mulvey’s property on King Street.

She had called animal control, the state Environmental Police and reptile experts over the past week, but to no avail.

Taking matters into her own hands, she scheduled a tree removal company to come by in the next few days to save the iguana, who was lounging on a tree branch and surviving off a diet of leaves.

But early Wednesday morning, the elusive and lonely reptile was saved – thanks to an Environmental Police officer, who heard about her situation on the news. The officer arrived with a Franklin police officer to get the job done."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190710/police-rescue-trapped-iguana-in-franklin

Wednesday, July 10, 2019

4th of July Fireworks 2019 (video)

In case you missed the fireworks on Saturday, or want to see it again, and maybe from a different point of view, here you go. This is from the hill between the Senior Center and the Horace Mann/Oak St Complex. 

I took some photos of the first couple of minutes then decided to record so this is the last 15 minutes of the fireworks.

Thank you Franklin 4th of July Coalition for a great show!




Franklin residents: Time to Order Your Rain Barrel

Time to Order Your Rain Barrel!

It's that time of year again! Time to order your rain barrel!

Franklin is once again partnering with The Great American Rain Barrel Company to offer residents discounted barrels for just $69. Residents may then apply for a $50 water conservation rebate from the DPW for a total cost of only $19!! 

Order by Wednesday, September 11 and pick up at the DPW Admin Office (257 Fisher St) on Wednesday, September 18 from 4-6 PM.

Click here for more information or to order
https://www.greatamericanrainbarrel.com/community/

Click here for a water conservation rebate application
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/news/rain_barrel_rebate_application_0.pdf

Franklin_CommGardenRainBarrels
rain barrels at the Franklin Community Garden

Hockomock Area YMCA Hosts 13th Annual Triathlon and Announces New Youth Splash and Dash Event - Jul 21

The Hockomock Area YMCA will be hosting two healthy living events on Sunday, July 21st at Lake Pearl in Wrentham. The first race is the 13th annual Spier Family Triathlon which begins at 8:00 AM (registration is at 6:00 AM) and consists of a ¼ mile swim in Lake Pearl, a 9 mile bike ride, and a 3.1 mile run. The second event is the Youth Splash and Dash, a swimming and running aquathlon competition taking place at 12:00 PM for ages 5 to 14.

This friendly USAT Sanctioned Sprint triathlon is designed to work for beginners, youth/junior (ages 14+) triathletes, paratriathletes, 2 or 3 person relay teams and advanced triathletes.

Great park venue, with all proceeds benefiting the Reach Out to Youth and Families Campaign at the Hockomock Area YMCA. The race will have you enjoying picturesque New England landscapes through quaint Wrentham Center. Bike and run provide moderate hills. The grass transition area is centrally located and easily accessed; each participant will enjoy roomy and secure transition space. 

This USA Triathlon sanctioned event is limited to 400 registered athletes. The Y is proud that this is the first paratriathlete-friendly USAT event in New England, beginning in 2013.Participants can expect a high-quality race at an affordable price. If space is available, registration will begin at 6:00 AM day of event - Sunday, 7/21.

Register online at https://www.hockymca.org/triathlon by July 18th. Day of registration will begin at 6:00 AM on Sunday, July 21st if space permits.

After the Spier Family Triathlon, beginning at 12:00 PM, the Hockomock Area YMCA will host a Youth Splash and Dash event. This is a free event open to children ages 5-14. The race includes a swimming and running portion. (requires a $10 USAT day license fee)

Participants will be separated into two age groups with one race including 5-9 year olds, and another race including 10-14 year olds. The 5-9 age group will swim 25 yards in lap lanes and then run a quarter mile to the finish line. The 10-14 age group will swim 100 yards in lap lanes and then run a half mile to the finish line. For more information and to register for the race, visit https://www.hockymca.org/youth-splash-dash

All proceeds will benefit the Hockomock Area YMCA’s Reach Out for Youth & Families Annual Campaign which is the primary vehicle in subsidizing confidential scholarship assistance and programs for youth, individuals and families to have a YMCA experience regardless of ability to pay. Funds raised provide confidential scholarship assistance, giving Y experiences including summer camp, child care and teen programs to local children and families in need.
Triathlon participants at the 2018 Hockomock Area YMCA Triathlon
Triathlon participants at the 2018 Hockomock Area YMCA Triathlon

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.

"officer was placed on unpaid administrative leave"

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

A local police officer is on unpaid administrative leave after his arrest late last month on an assault-and-battery charge in Foxborough, according to the Norfolk County District Attorney’s Office.

Trever LaCasse, 25, of Wrentham, pleaded not guilty to assault and battery (misdemeanor) on a family or household member during his arraignment July 1 in Wrentham District Court, according to David Traub, spokesman for the Norfolk County District Attorney’s Office.

LaCasse, a Franklin patrol officer, was ordered to return Aug. 28 for pre-trial conference, Traub said.

As is common in cases involving the prosecution of police officers, the case has been assigned to an independent prosecutor to avoid any appearance of conflict of interest, said Traub.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190709/franklin-police-officer-charged-with-assault-on-unpaid-leave

Tuesday, July 9, 2019

THE BLACK BOX presents Daniel Ian Smith and the Generations Ensemble - July 12

THE BLACK BOX, the region’s premier music, theater, and event venue, will present Daniel Ian Smith and the Generations Ensemble on Friday, July 12 at 8 pm as part of their “Jazz in July” Series. Daniel Ian Smith, a new resident of Franklin, is a saxophonist, flutist, educator and composer with over 30 years of professional experience. Smith has recorded and been featured on over 30 albums. 

Most recently, he has been featured on widely acclaimed recordings with Fernando Brandao, The Fernando Huergo Big Band, The Pablo Ablanedo Octet, The Jazz Composers Alliance Orchestra, Brian McCarthy and the Better Angels of Our Nature, and Ron Reid and Sunsteel. New recordings will soon be released by his Generations Quintet, New World Jazz Composers Octet, and The Latin Side of Billy Strayhorn.
THE BLACK BOX presents Daniel Ian Smith
THE BLACK BOX presents Daniel Ian Smith

Other July programming at THE BLACK BOX includes Lauren Kinhan with the Mark Poniatowski Trio (Jazz in July), the acclaimed Kenny Hadley Big Band (Jazz in July), and musical theatre comedian Ali Funkhouser (BLACK BOX Cabaret). Visit www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com or call 508-528-3370 for more information. 

Follow THE BLACK BOX on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. THE BLACK BOX is located at 15 W. Central St. in downtown Franklin, MA.


"it is important for residents to comply with the full water ban until further notice"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:
"A stringent water ban is in effect throughout town after a mechanical failure at the main treatment plant late Saturday night caused heavy smoke and forced a shutdown of the facility, in addition to two associated wells.

Town Administrator Jamie Hellen on Monday said the ban will remain in effect until further notice, as officials work to determine the cause of the failure, assess damages and undertake necessary repairs and replacements.

“We don’t know how long this (ban) will be in effect for,” Hellen said.

The DPW put out an advisory about the ban early on Sunday, stepping up water use restrictions from the conservation measures that are always in effect and that allow all types of watering one day a week according to a schedule based on address."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190708/franklin-calls-for-full-water-ban-after-malfunction-smoke-force-main-treatment-plant-shutdown


No longer allowed during the ban are the following uses:
  • Irrigation of lawns and landscaping via sprinklers or automatic irrigation systems
  • Washing of vehicles, except in a commercial car wash or as necessary for operator safety
  • Washing of exterior building surfaces, parking lots, driveways and sidewalks
Residents may continue to water gardens, flowers and ornamental plants, but with hand-held hoses only.

Franklin DPW headquarters building
Franklin DPW headquarters building

Open Track & Field Meet - Jul 18

Open track and field meet coming up on Thursday, July 18, July 25 and August 1. Check in and field events start at 5:00 PM. Running events start at 6:00 PM.

All events take place at Franklin High School. $5 entry fee (unlimited events)

Via Twitter:
https://twitter.com/FHS_girlsXC/status/1147978975421050881


Open Track & Field Meet - Jul 18
Open Track & Field Meet - Jul 18

"pointed to a lack of enforcement at the federal level as one reason for growing interest in the issue"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:
"A bill before the Massachusetts Legislature, if approved, would create a Student Loan Bill of Rights that includes appointing a state student loan ombudsman in the state Attorney General’s office.

Five states so far this year have passed new laws aimed at protecting student loan borrowers. Another three are steps away from doing so and similar bills filed in a handful of others, including Massachusetts, according to a new report.

Action on the state level is in reaction to the relaxation of federal oversight, according to an issue paper from the Hildreth Institute, a Boston nonprofit focused on college affordability

“In the absence of federal leadership on regulating the loan servicing industry,” states have been left with no choice but to pass legislation that provides such oversight, the report says."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190708/massachusetts-legislators-take-steps-to-protect-student-borrowers

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
  Visit the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau online https://www.consumerfinance.gov/

Monday, July 8, 2019

FHS Boston Globe All Scholastics - Spring 2018-2019 Season

The Boston Globe has published their All Scholastics section for the Spring season of 2018-2019. Several Franklin High School athletes were named.

Baseball
Alex Haba = Franklin | Senior
Haba was named team and Hockomock MVP after helping lead the Panthers back to the Super 8. The senior shortstop batted at a .423 clip with 21 RBIs, 30 runs scored, and 27 steals. He will play at Merrimack College.

All Stars: Hockomock
Franklin: Liam Dailey, Scott Elliott, Alex Haba (MVP), Jake Macchi, Brennan Rivera.

Boys Lacrosse
Jacob Alexander = Franklin | Senior
The Hockomock MVP and Bryant commit won a stunning 87 percent of his faceoffs this season, a total of 410 wins. The two-time All-American set a program mark with 1,330 career faceoff wins, adding 38 goals and 41 assists over four seasons.

All Stars: Hockomock
Franklin: Jacob Alexander (MVP), Nitin Chaudhury, Jake Davis, Will Davis, Will Harvey, Ben Kolb, Matt Lazzaro, Pat Morrison.

Girls Lacrosse
Gianna Cameron = Franklin | Junior
Cameron allowed fewer than seven goals per game and stopped more than half the shots that came her way. She finished with 161 saves and led the Panthers to the Division 1 East semifinals. She is committed to Oregon.

Annie Walsh = Franklin | Senior
Walsh amassed 263 goals and 326 points in her career, and was a three-time team MVP and a four-time Hockomock All-Star. She is a three-time All-American and three-time Eastern Mass. All-Star. The midfielder will play at BC.

Softball
All Stars:Hockomock
Franklin: Anna Balkus, Jackie Cherry, Ally Shea.

Boys Outdoor Track
All Stars: Hockomock
Franklin: Tyler Brogan, Nicholas Calitri, Michael Hagen, Cam Harrington, Dylan Kehoe.

Girls Outdoor Track
All Stars: Hockomock
Franklin: Halle Atkinson, Julia Fenerty, Brandi Osborne, Bella Pierre, Samantha Powderly.

Boys Tennis
All Stars: Hockomock
Franklin: Vayshnav Malhotra.Rohan Herur, Vayshnav Malhotra, Liam Marr, Saketh Saripalli.


The complete listing of Boston Globe All Scholastics can be found online
https://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/high-schools/all-scholastics/

FHS Panthers
FHS Panthers

Friends of the Franklin Library - brochure

The Friends of the Franklin Library membership brochure is available for reading and downloading. Are you already a member? Why not join?


"We encourage public support for continuing development of the library and supplement the library budget. We enhance the library community by providing a combination of programming, services, and financial support, including:
  • Children’s Programs and Concerts
  • Summer Reading Program
  • Book, Music, and Movie Supplements to the Library Collection
  • Adult and Teen Programs and Concerts
  • Book Discussion Group
  • Educational Materials"
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczQUNsdEhibzVTUmJMU0dYRDVVS0FtYWdpWWdj/view?usp=sharing





Friends of the Franklin Library - brochure
Friends of the Franklin Library - brochure

In the News: still no State budget

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:
"There were no fiscal fireworks coming from the Massachusetts Statehouse this past week as a deadline for producing a new state budget passed quietly without eliciting much, if any, concern from state leaders.

A six-member legislative conference committee led by Senate Ways and Means Chairman Michael Rodrigues and House Ways and Means Chairman Aaron Michlewitz is working to settle disagreements between the two chambers over a $42.7 billion spending plan for the 12-month period that started July 1.

Meanwhile state government is operating on a stopgap budget."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190707/talks-drag-into-states-new-fiscal-year


https://malegislature.gov/Legislators/Senate
https://malegislature.gov/Legislators/Senate