Veterans Memorial Walkway and Franklin Veteran Featured in National Magazine

Memorial Walkway and Franklin Veteran Featured in National Magazine

Leatherneck Magazine - December 2019 Issue

"The Veterans Memorial Walkway and former Franklin Marine Larry Bederian were featured in the December 2019 issue of Leatherneck of the Marines Magazine.

Special thanks to Franklin resident Paul Carbone who submitted a letter and photos to the magazine's editor describing Franklin's newly created Veterans Walkway."

Shared from the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinma.gov/veterans-services/news/memorial-walkway-and-franklin-veteran-featured-national-magazine

Additional photos of the walkway throughout the seasons can be found online
https://photos.app.goo.gl/oRGdmq9krLNEBnjJ7

Veterans Memorial Walkway and Franklin Veteran Featured in National Magazine

Single Stream Recycling features DPW Director "Brutus" Cantoreggi on Boston TV

Franklin's DPW Director Robert "Brutus" Cantoreggi shared this on Facebook: 

"Self promoting! In case you missed it had an awesome morning at Fox 25! Did a live interview and “the girl” was able to join me for the experience. All the folks at Fox 25 were just so welcoming and kind!"

Direct link to video clip https://www.boston25news.com/video/?id=4823650





As noted previously, one of the "watch items" for 2020 is the multiple fiscal challengers. The trash/recycling rate increase Brutus mentions is part of the list.

Franklin Issue on the 2020 'Watch List': Multiple Fiscal Challenges
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/01/franklin-issue-on-2020-watch-list_6.html

Single Stream Recycling features "Brutus" Cantoreggi on Boston TV 

As mentioned in the video clip, China shut down the recycling stream going to them, as a results, one of the Chinese companies dependent upon recycling for their own production use is now renovating a paper mill in Maine. Read the full story in this New York Times article (subscription may be required)
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/15/us/maine-mill-china.html

In the News: Lodi sisters in video interview

In September 2019, the story of the Lodi sisters as the first sisters to be generals in the US Army appeared in the news. Military Kind, a part of USA Today, has just shared a video interview with the Lodi sisters:

"Maj. Gen. Maria Barrett and younger sister Brig. Gen. Paula Lodi have become the first two sisters to attain the general’s rank in the service’s 244-year history. 

The two sisters talk about what leadership is and about their leadership styles. In this sit down interview, they talk about how their father, Ruston Lodi, set an example in many ways including as an elementary school principal. 

“He was always out front greeting the children as they got off the bus, whether it was ran or shine,” said Lodi. She said she has always been adamant about being on the tarmac when soldiers are deploying or returning from deployment. “I had a sergeant major one time ask me, who taught you that. ... I would like to think it is a little bit connected to who he was.”

https://www.usatoday.com/videos/news/militarykind/2020/01/16/244-years-army-has-never-seen-sisters-like/2607535001/




Links to the prior Franklin Matters posts
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/09/the-sisters-achievement-is-remarkable.html

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/09/in-news-2-follow-up-articles-on-lodi.html

Original USA Today article
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2019/09/05/army-first-two-sisters-become-generals/2094498001/

Military Kind video link
https://www.usatoday.com/videos/life/militarykind/2020/01/15/244-years-army-has-never-seen-sisters-like/4476605002/

FTC says “Success By Health” is a pyramid scheme

FTC says "Success By Health" is a pyramid scheme by Seena Gressin, Attorney, Division of Consumer & Business Education, FTC Earn UNLIMITED income! Quit your job! Change your life! Do we have your attention? Good!  Are you rolling your eyes? Even better. That means you've heard warnings about illegal pyramid schemes that masquerade as legitimate multi-level marketing (MLM) businesses and promise life-changing income, but take your money instead. Read more  https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2020/01/ftc-says-success-health-pyramid-scheme?utm_source=govdelivery  This is a free service provided by the Federal Trade Commission.

---

Get up-to-date information this tax filing season with redesigned IRS e-News Subscriptions

As the 2020 tax season approaches, the Internal Revenue Service today encouraged taxpayers, businesses, tax professionals and others to take advantage of a variety of improved e-mail subscription services.

The e-News Subscription Service has been redesigned and updated in recent months to make it easier to subscribe to specific areas that people and organizations are interested in. Among others, the IRS offers subscription services tailored to tax exempt and government entities, small and large businesses and individuals.

The IRS currently has 20 registration-based e-News options, including:

• IRS Tax Tips – These brief, concise tips in plain language that cover a wide-range of topics of general interest to taxpayers. They include the latest on tax scams and schemes, tax reform, tax deductions, filing extensions and amending a return. IRS Tax Tips are distributed daily during tax season and periodically throughout the year. https://service.govdelivery.com/accounts/USIRS/subscriber/topics
• IRS Newswire − Subscribers to IRS Newswire receive news releases the day they are issued. These cover a wide range of tax administration issues ranging from breaking news to details related to legal guidance. 
• IRS News in Spanish (Noticias del IRS en Español) − Readers get IRS news releases, tax tips and updates in Spanish as they are released. Subscribe at Noticias del IRS en Español. https://service.govdelivery.com/accounts/USIRS/subscriber/new
• e-News for Tax Professionals − Includes a weekly roundup of news releases and legal guidance specifically designed for the tax professional community. Subscribing to e-News for Tax Professionals gets tax pros a weekly summary, typically delivered on Friday afternoons.
• IRS Outreach Connection − This newest IRS subscription offering delivers up-to-date materials for tax professionals and partner groups inside and outside the tax community. The material for Outreach Connection is specifically designed so subscribers can share the material with their clients or members through email, social media, internal newsletters, e-mails or external websites. Subscribe by visiting IRS.gov/outreachconnect.

For more information and other IRS subscriptions designed for specific groups, visit IRS e-News Subscriptions  https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/e-news-subscriptions. 
The resources will help taxpayers and organizations keep up with the latest information during and after filing season.

For more information and other IRS subscriptions designed for specific groups, visit IRS e-News Subscriptions

Franklin Public Schools: Friday, Jan 17 is an early release day for K-12 and there is no school on Monday, Jan 20

Friday, Jan 17 is an early release day for K-12 and there is no school on Monday, January 20, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr Day.

Please plan accordingly and enjoy the long weekend. For the early release schedule, click here: http://bit.ly/2m4ptNJ

Franklin Public Schools: Friday, Jan 17 is an early release day for K-12 and there is no school on Monday, Jan 20

This is an automatic message from Franklin School District. You can subscribe to this and other notifications from the individual schools or the District here 
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/franklinmaps/files/uploads/new_connect_with_us_screen_.pdf
 

10th Annual FBRTC 5K Road Race - May 2

Register today for the Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee (FBRTC) annual road race happening on Saturday, May 2, 2020 at the Remington Middle School in Franklin. 

Race starts at 10 AM. You can run 5K or walk 2K.

We are very excited to team up with the Tri-Valley Front Runners (TVFR) organization to help us run the race. Check out their website https://www.tri-valleyfrontrunners.com/

10th Annual FBRTC 5K Road Race - May 2

Register link
https://www.active.com/franklin-ma/running/distance-running-races/10th-annual-fbrtc-5k-road-race-2020
 

FM #191 - Municipal Affordable Housing Trust - Jan 13, 2020 (audio)

FM #191

This internet radio show or podcast is number 191 in the series for Franklin Matters now collaborating with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm).

This recording shares the Municipal Affordable Housing Trust meeting held on Monday, January 13, 2020 in room 205 at 9:00 AM at the Municipal Building.

Agenda:

• Jon Juhl of JNJUHL & Associates will give an update on Franklin Ridge Senior Housing
• Bryan Taberner, Director of Planning and Community Development, to discuss the Housing Production Plan

The link to the proposal document for Franklin Ridge Senior Housing to follow along
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1fEIDh_9lPWMMLpmE_vilz9E0YMODrwf-/view?usp=sharing

After the presentation, the folks in the room do a round of introductions as this was the first time meeting in awhile. I had stepped out of the room to arrange for a copy of the presentation so did not participate in the round.

The current Housing Production Plan referred to can be found on the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/ahs.pdf

Additional info on the Municipal Affordable Housing Trust can be found on the Town of Franklin page https://www.franklinma.gov/municipal-affordable-housing-trust

The meeting runs about 75 minutes, so without further ado here is the Municipal Affordable Housing Trust meeting of Jan 13, 2020.


Audio link -> https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HXFgV7SX


-------------


This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but I can't do it alone. I can always use your help.

How can you help?

Overall:
If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors.
If you don't like this, please let me know.

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements.
Thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/
If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

------------------

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

FM #191 - Municipal Affordable Housing Trust - Jan 13, 2020 (audio)

FHS wrestling and boys hockey teams post wins on Wednesday

Via HockomockSports.com and Twitter, we share the results of FHS winter sports action on Wednesday.

Wrestling = Taunton, 15 @ Franklin, 56 – Final
– Franklin picked up a half dozen wins via pinfall, two through major decision, and another pair through decision to knock off visiting Taunton. Devon Bramson (126), Jake Carlucci (132), Alex Fracassa (145), Dom Sackley (160), Dylan Nawn (182), and Matt Walker (220) pinned down wins for the Panthers. Ken Sauer won 9-0 at 152 and Luke Cashin picked up a 15-3 win at 170, both major decisions. Drew Difilipio earned an 8-1 decision at 120 and Ahmed Jawando picked up a 10-7 victory at 138. Taunton’s James Collins pinned down a victory at 106 and Jackson Wellman earned a 3-1 decision at 195 for the Tigers.

Boys Hockey = Attleboro, 2 @ Franklin, 9 – Final


For other results around the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/wednesdays-schedule-scoreboard-01-15-20/

And via Twitter:
https://twitter.com/FranklinMatters/lists/fhs-sports

Great 9-2 win over Attleboro tonight. Hard hat to JT Dwyer for getting 2 goals and an assist. #LETSGOOO

13:26 left in first Lovett snipes one! Assisted by Kyle Hedvig . @FHS_Puck 1 @AboroHockey 0

— FHSPantherHockey (@FHSPantherHocke) January 16, 2020

With 11:25 left in first Connor O’Neil puts the loose puck into the net @FHS_Puck 2 @AboroHockey 0

— FHSPantherHockey (@FHSPantherHocke) January 16, 2020

Sean Connelly tucks one by the goalie! Assisted by Dwyer. @FHS_Puck 3 @AboroHockey 0. 4:50 left in first

— FHSPantherHockey (@FHSPantherHocke) January 16, 2020

End of first @FHS_Puck 3 @AboroHockey 0 shots on goal Franklin 15 Attleboro 5

— FHSPantherHockey (@FHSPantherHocke) January 16, 2020

10:32 left in 2nd and Attleboro gets one. @FHS_Puck 3 @AboroHockey 1

— FHSPantherHockey (@FHSPantherHocke) January 16, 2020

Franklin gets it back! Sean Dunbar assisted by Benny Jarosz with 9:44 left in 2nd @FHS_Puck 4 @AboroHockey 1

— FHSPantherHockey (@FHSPantherHocke) January 16, 2020

Kevin O’Reilly tucks one in at 3:40 left in second @FHS_Puck 4 @AboroHockey 1

— FHSPantherHockey (@FHSPantherHocke) January 16, 2020

End of 2 @FHS_Puck 6 @AboroHockey 1

— FHSPantherHockey (@FHSPantherHocke) January 16, 2020

Attleboro with a power play goal at 11:24 left in 3rd @FHS_Puck 7 @AboroHockey 2

— FHSPantherHockey (@FHSPantherHocke) January 16, 2020

Great 9-2 win over Attleboro tonight. Hard hat to JT Dwyer for getting 2 goals and an assist. #LETSGOOO pic.twitter.com/phf21NkRrz

— Franklin Hockey (@FHS_Puck) January 16, 2020

St Mary's Women's Faith Formation - Feb 1

The St. Mary's Women's Faith Formation Group invites all interested women to attend a monthly program based on Bishop Robert Barron's critically acclaimed "Catholicism" series. 

Our next meeting will take place on February 1 from 9:30-10:30 AM in the Sacred Heart Hall in the lower church, located at One Church Square, Franklin, MA. We will meet on the first Saturday of each month. 

Come with an open mind, a willingness to share in informal discussion and a desire to learn more about our Catholic faith. Light refreshments will be served. All are welcome.

 

St Mary's Women's Faith Formation - Feb 1

Temple Etz Chaim will hold Shabbat Shirah - Feb 7

Please join us for Shabbat Shirah, our annual Sabbath of Song. 

We celebrate the Torah's Song at the Sea by sharing some of the best in contemporary Jewish music. Our choir has several treats in store for us. Your ears will be happy that you came!

When: Friday, Feb 7 at 7:30 PM
Where: First Universalist Society in Franklin, 262 Chestnut St, Franklin

Temple Etz Chaim will hold Shabbat Shirah - Feb 7

For more about Temple Etz-Chaim  https://temple-etzchaim.org/
For more about First Universalist Society in Franklin  https://fusf.org/

Thank You volunteers for remembering Our Fallen Heroes

"Thank you to the following volunteers who hung Christmas wreathes on the 45 Fallen Heroes' pedestals in December 2019:

Janet Bederian, Larry Bederian, Richard Douglas, John Hefele, Dave Labonte, Jim McNeil, Charlie Oteri, Rose Turco, and Bruce Watkins."

Shared from the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinma.gov/veterans-services/news/thank-you-volunteers

Thank You volunteers for remembering Our Fallen Heroes

January Group Walk on the SNETT - Jan 20

Please join us for our monthly group walk on the SNETT. Our January walk is planned on Monday, January 20th, 2020 (MLK Holiday) at 10 AM at the Center Street Trailhead in Bellingham.

Our December walk proved that having a pair of slip on ice crampons in a car is a great idea for winter walks. As always, this event is kid friendly and leashed dogs are welcome too.

Keep an eye on the event here or our Facebook page for any changes due to weather.

See you on the trail!

Please note: We are changing the location to Center St. trailhead in Bellingham. Since we are going to be walking by the Kindness Rocks spot, please feel free to bring a kindness rock or two to add. Thank you.

When: Monday, January 20, 2020 at 10 AM – 11:30 AM


Follow the event on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/595517817682623/

The slope at Prospect St where the tunnel will eventually go through on the SNETT  (and under Prospect St)

James Montgomery Band with Opening Act The DayBreakers - Jan 17

THE BLACK BOX welcomes back the James Montgomery Band with opener - The DayBreakers.

When blues legend James Montgomery plays the harmonica, he "brings it on home." Whether it's recording with Kid Rock, sitting in with Gregg Allman, or fronting his hot band of thirty years, Montgomery plays with authority. While growing up in Detroit he, learned first-hand from the masters - James Cotton, John Lee Hooker, and Jr. Wells - at the legendary "Chessmate." Over the years, he's carried on in the tradition and continues to be a vital presence in Blues as one of the most dynamic performers on the scene.

In 1970, while attending Boston University, Montgomery formed The James Montgomery Band. His inimitable (oh yeah, he majored in English) harmonica playing combined with his incredibly energetic live shows led to the band's quick ascension on the New England music scene. Within two years, The James Montgomery band was among the hottest acts in Boston along with J. Geils and Aerosmith, and they were quickly signed to a multi-album deal with Capricorn Records.

Since that time, James has recorded six albums. His first, "First Time Out" has been remastered and re-released by MRG/Capricorn. Other include "James Montgomery Band" on Island Records which was number nine on Billboard's national playlist, "Duck Fever" with members of the David Letterman Band, "Live Trax," with the Uptown Horns (the Rolling Stones' horn section), and his release on Tone-Cool, "The Oven Is On."


The DayBreakers

Fueled by two songwriters with contrasting approaches, the DayBreakers craft their distinct sound through a blend of folk rock melodies, blues guitar muscle and rock and roll grit. The five piece band, led by lead singer/guitarist Kyle Murphy, and bassist Matt Schairer has played many of New England's most revered rooms (The Middle East, TT the Bears, Thunder Road, Cape Cod Melody Tent) and shared the stage with some of the region's best roots rockers (Entrain, the Silks, Delta Generators, Frank Viele), while also supporting national touring acts The High Divers, Christian Lopez and Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band. 

Murphy's songwriting draws from a combination of jazz and heartland rock, fusing the complex chord changes of bebop with the boot stomping choruses of Seger and Mellencamp. Schairer's songwriting is tied tighter to country and folk, with an emphasis on storytelling akin to the Drive By Truckers and Springsteen. 

The tension of two songwriters has led to artistic breakthroughs, but it has not been without its struggle. Plagued by line up changes and stylistic clashes, the band spent half a decade chasing the shadow of a dream in half-filled bar rooms. These nights led the band to be highly qualified to write their second full length album, a concept record named "Worn Out Dream," about a band that doesn't make it and looks to move on with their lives. 

For tickets or for more information about other events at THE BLACK BOX, visit www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com or call (508) 528-3370. 

James Montgomery Band with Opening Act The DayBreakers - Jan 17

IRS Free File offers free tax prep options for military personnel

The Internal Revenue Service today reminded active duty military personnel that IRS Free File offers them multiple options for free federal tax preparation.

Free File is for individuals or families whose adjusted gross income was $69,000 or less last year. Free File is a private-public partnership between the IRS and the Free File Inc.

"The IRS takes special steps to help military members and their families with their taxes, and the Free File program is part of that effort," said IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig. "Almost 10% of the IRS workforce are veterans. We greatly appreciate the service to the nation of every veteran and their supportive families, and we will do all we can to assist them."

For active duty military and their spouses, Free File has a special offer. Individuals and their families who meet the income limitation may choose from any of nine companies without regard to additional eligibility requirements.

The nine special offers are from 1040Now, Inc., FileYourTaxes.com, Free tax Returns.com, H&R Block, On-Line Taxes, Inc., Tax ACT, TaxHawk, Inc., TaxSlayer (English and Spanish) and TurboTax.

Active duty military stationed in combat zones also have more time to file their tax returns. However, those with spouses and families may opt to file as soon as they are able to claim various tax benefits for which they may be eligible. If only one spouse is present to file a joint return, they must have proper authorization to file a joint tax return on behalf of their spouse.

The IRS will begin processing tax returns on Jan. 27. With Free File, you can use any digital device, personal computer, tablet or smart phone. Free File products are mobile enabled so you can do your taxes on your smart phone or tablet and e-File with your hand-held device.

Here's how Free File works:

1. Go to IRS.gov/FreeFile to see all Free File options.
2. Military personnel who meet the income requirement can select from any of the nine providers that have "Free for Active Military for Adjusted Gross Income of $69,000 or less" in their offer. Nine of the 10 partners are making the offer. One product is in Spanish.
3. Select a provider and follow the links to their web page to begin your tax return.
4. Complete and e-File your tax return only if you have all the income and deduction records you need. The fastest way to get a refund is by filing electronically and selecting direct deposit. If you owe, use direct pay or electronic options.

Generally, each Free File partner sets additional eligibility requirements that civilian taxpayers must meet. Non-military personnel should use the "look up" tool at IRS.gov/FreeFile to find the best match.

Military members can get more information on their special tax benefits at IRS.gov/military.

Free File is available now through October to accommodate extension filers.

IRS Free File offers free tax prep options for military personnel