FHS boys basketball team posts win to advance to D1 Central Final on Friday

Ryan Lanigan, founder and Editor-in-Chief of HockomockSports.com, provides the game recap for the FHS boys basketball game win vs. Worcester South 45-42

"The Franklin boys basketball team has proven to be a serious threat from behind the three-point season throughout the course of the season.

The Panthers have a handful of capable shooters that can get hot any given quarter of any given game.

But on Sunday evening, Franklin couldn’t find its rhythm. Only senior Chris Edgehill connected from deep, once in the first quarter, and once each in the third and fourth quarters. The rest of the Panthers, despite some good looks, just couldn’t find the range, missing on nearly two dozen attempts from deep as a team.

So when push came to shove, Franklin turned to what the program has hung its hat on year in and year out: defense.

The sixth-seeded Panthers got five straight stops to close its D1 Central Semifinal matchup with Worcester South, including a pair of three-pointers that could have tied the game, to earn a hard-fought 45-42 win over the second-seeded Colonials.

...

Franklin boys basketball (18-5) advances to its fifth D1 Central Final appearance in the past seven seasons. And for the fourth time, the Panthers will meet up with St. John’s Shrewsbury, the top-seed in the bracket this year, on Friday at 6:00 at Worcester State University. "

Continue reading the game reap:
https://hockomocksports.com/franklin-boys-basketball-claw-past-colonials-in-central-semis/

For a photo gallery from this game:
https://hockomocksports.smugmug.com/2019-2020/Winter-2019-2020/Franklin-Worcester-South-Boys-Basketball-03-01-20/

For other results around the Hockomock League on Sunday
https://hockomocksports.com/sundays-schedule-scoreboard-03-01-20/

Franklin senior Brayden Sullivan goes up for a layup against Worcester South in the second half. (Ryan Lanigan/HockomockSports.com)

Tax Time Guide: Millions make IRS.gov their first stop for tax help

Whether on home computers or mobile devices, the number of taxpayer visits to IRS.gov continues to grow year after year. Millions of taxpayers take advantage of the easy-to-use tools available 24 hours a day on the official website − IRS.gov.

IRS.gov is home to IRS Free File, “Where’s My Refund?”, the Tax Withholding Estimator and a host of other convenient applications.

The Tax Time Guide is series of news releases designed to help taxpayers get the information they need to file an accurate tax return. Additional help is available in Publication 17, Your Federal Income Tax, available on IRS.gov.

 

https://twitter.com/IRSnews

Research is easier with tools like the Interactive Tax Assistant (ITA), a tax law resource that works using a series of questions and provides responses. There are also answers for Frequently Asked Questions.

Tax information is also available in Spanish Español; Chinese 中文; Korean 한국어; Russian Pусский; and Vietnamese TiếngViệt.

Online account tool
Taxpayers can use the View Your Account tool to see their tax account. Information such as a payoff amount, the balance for each tax year owed, up to 24 months of their payment history and key information from their current tax year return as originally filed.

‘Where’s My Refund?’
Taxpayers can easily find the most up-to-date information about their tax refund using the "Where’s My Refund?" tool on IRS.gov and on the official IRS mobile app, IRS2Go. Within 24 hours after the IRS acknowledges receipt of an e-filed return, or four weeks after a paper return is mailed, taxpayers can start checking on the status of their refund.

Finding free tax return preparation
The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program offers free tax help to individuals who generally make $56,000 or less, persons with disabilities, the elderly and individuals with limited English proficiency who need assistance in preparing their taxes. The Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) program offers free tax help for all taxpayers, particularly those age 60 and older.

Eligible taxpayers can find the nearest community-based site staffed by IRS trained and certified volunteers using the VITA/TCE Site Locator. There, they can get their tax returns prepared and filed electronically without charge.

Free DIY tax preparation
The IRS Free File program, available only through IRS.gov, offers 70% of all taxpayers the choice of 10 brand-name tax preparation software packages to use at no cost. The software does all the work of finding deductions, credits and exemptions for which the taxpayer qualifies. It is free for those who earned $69,000 or less in 2019. Some of the Free File packages also offer free state tax return preparation.

Any taxpayer, regardless of income, who is comfortable preparing their own taxes can use Free File Fillable Forms. This electronic version of paper IRS tax forms is also used to file tax returns online.

Finding a tax professional
The taxpayer is responsible for the accuracy of their tax return and should choose their tax professional carefully. Tax return preparers have differing levels of skills, education and expertise. There is a searchable directory on IRS.gov to help taxpayers find a tax professional in their area. The list can be sorted by credentials and qualifications.

Get a tax return transcript
A Tax Return Transcript shows most line items from an original tax return, along with any forms and schedules, but not changes made after it was filed. The Get Transcript tool is free and available on IRS.gov. Taxpayers can view, print or download their tax transcripts after the IRS has processed the return. The IRS redesigned tax transcripts to partially mask all personally identifiable information for any person or entity on the 1040-series tax return. All financial entries remain fully visible. Ordering a tax transcript will not speed up a taxpayer’s refund or provide an updated refund date.

How to make a tax payment
Taxpayers should visit the “Pay” tab on IRS.gov to see their payment options. Most tax software products give taxpayers various payment options, including the option to withdraw the funds from a bank account. These include:

• IRS Direct Pay offers taxpayers a free, fast, secure and easy way to make an electronic payment from their bank account to the U.S. Treasury.
• Use an approved payment processor to pay by credit, debit card or digital wallet options for a fee. Make monthly or quarterly tax payments using IRS Direct Pay or through the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System.
• Pay by cash at a participating retail store.

Need more time to file?
An extension of time to file a tax return does not grant an extension of time to pay taxes. Taxpayers should estimate and pay any owed taxes by the April 15 deadline to help avoid possible penalties. Taxpayers must file their extension request no later than the regular due date of their return.

Individual tax filers, regardless of income, can use IRS Free File to electronically request an automatic tax-filing extension. This gives the taxpayer until Oct. 15 to file a return. To get the extension, the taxpayer must estimate their tax liability and should also pay any amount due.

Can’t pay a tax bill?
Everyone should file their 2019 tax return by the tax filing deadline regardless of whether or not they can pay in full. Taxpayers who can’t pay all their taxes have options including: 

• Online Payment Agreement — Most individual taxpayers and many business taxpayers may qualify to use Online Payment Agreement to set up a payment plan. Available payment plan options include a full-pay agreement, a short-term plan of up to 120 days to pay in full, or a long-term monthly payment plan (installment agreement). The amount a taxpayer owes and their tax- filing compliance determines which payment plan options may be available. Taxpayers can setup a plan on IRS.gov/paymentplan in a matter of minutes. Setup fees may apply for some types of plans.
• Delaying Collection — If the IRS determines a taxpayer is unable to pay, it may delay collection until the taxpayer's financial condition improves.
• Offer in Compromise (OIC) — Taxpayers who qualify enter into an agreement with the IRS that settles their tax liability for less than the full amount owed.

Face-to-face IRS help
Nearly every tax issue can be resolved online or by phone, but some taxpayers still need face-to-face help from the IRS. All IRS Taxpayer Assistance Centers (TACs) provide service by appointment. To find the closest IRS TAC, enter a five-digit ZIP Code into the TAC Office Locator tool on IRS.gov. To schedule an appointment, call 844-545-5640. Taxpayers need valid photo identification and a taxpayer identification number, such as a Social Security number, to receive services.

Tax Withholding Estimator
The Tax Withholding Estimator is a tool on IRS.gov designed to help taxpayers determine how to have the right amount of tax withheld from their paychecks. The Tax Withholding Estimator will help determine if a taxpayer needs to adjust their withholding and submit a new Form W-4 to their employer. The IRS urges employees to perform a Paycheck Checkup using the Tax Withholding Estimator on IRS.gov. A Paycheck Checkup can help taxpayers see if they’re having their employer withhold the right amount of tax from their paychecks. Even taxpayers who changed their 2019 withholding should recheck their withholding now. A mid-year withholding change in 2019, for example, may have a different full-year impact in 2020. It’s a good idea to check withholding every year. In addition to changes in tax law, life events like marriage, divorce or adopting a child, can have an effect on withholding, too.

"committee members typically support candidates of the party at different levels"

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

"As Super Tuesday approaches, most know which presidential candidate they’ll be voting for. But for those in some communities, what about those other names on the ballot - those running for town and state committee seats?

Massachusetts is among a few states that list town and state committee members alongside presidential candidates to be voted on during the Super Tuesday primary. But what exactly do town and state committee members do, and how do they affect local, state and national politics?

Why are state and town committee candidates on the Super Tuesday ballot, and what do they do?

These locally-elected candidates act as a bridge between local party issues and state issues; they’re elected every four years. Local caucuses are held in individual communities to narrow down who appears on the Super Tuesday ballot."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200301/why-are-town-and-state-committee-members-on-super-tuesday-ballot-and-what-do-they-do


Specimen ballot for the March 3 Presidential Primary for Town of Franklin
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1IT2O5dnk16Y7zaF6IDGqj_r9CCYVTf33/view?usp=sharing

"committee members typically support candidates of the party at different levels"

 

Franklin Public Library - March 2020 Youth Services Events

Library Hours

The Library's regular hours are Monday through Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Friday and Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Sunday, 1:30-5:00 p.m.

Programs for Children and Teens

Mondays

Move Along! 10:30 a.m.  For ages 0 – 5 years.

This thirty minute program features music, movement, stories, and other interactive activities to encourage social skills and promote early literacy! Parents and caregivers are welcome and encouraged to participate. No registration is required! Join us immediately after for an informal playgroup with toys and books for children who are accompanied by an adult. Connect with other parents and let little ones interact with one another!

Dungeons and Dragons Club for Kids! 3:30-5:00 p.m. For ages 7-13.

Kids ages 7-13 are invited to join us for a weekly Dungeons and Dragons Club! Dungeons and Dragons, also known as D&D, is one of the most complex tabletop games in history. The library will supply dice, rule books, and blank character sheets! We will be using the 5th edition books and rules. (Dungeon Masters must be ages 12 and up) Email mgousie@minlib.net to sign up!

Tuesdays

Cool Cruisers: a Playgroup for crawlers and early walkers! 9:30 a.m.

Babies who have graduated from tummy time and are scooting all over the place are welcome to this playgroup just for them! We recognize that fun age of exploring is very different from their first few months, so join us for a special playgroup just for this exciting time!

Get Ready for Kindergarten! 10:30 a.m. For ages 3 – 5.

This 45 minute program featuring stories, songs, activities, and crafts will help prepare your children for preschool and kindergarten.  Parents and caregivers can attend with their child if they wish.  No registration is required.

Toe-Tapping Tuesdays! 4:00 p.m. For ages 2-4.

Let's play some music and get those little toes grooving! Join us for an introductory class into creative movement using basic ballet moves and props. From tip toeing, twirling and skipping to jumping and tapping, we will have fun learning to move to the music while building coordination and confidence.

Code IT! 1st & 3rd Tuesday of the Month, 4:00 p.m. For Grades 4+.

Welcome to the evolution of technology programming at the Franklin Public Library.  Come on in for a Beginner level Hour of Code! Recommended for 4th grade and up. To sign up contact mgousie@minlib.net.

Wednesdays

Terrific Toddlers! 10:30 a.m.  For ages 18 months to 3 years.

Enjoy thirty minutes of interactive stories, songs, and activities for families and children from 18mo to age 3. No registration is required. Join us immediately after for an informal playgroup with toys and books for children who are accompanied by an adult. Connect with other parents and let little ones interact with one another!

Creation Station! 3:30-4:30 p.m. For ages 4+.

Join us each Wednesday for an afternoon of crafting, building, and flexing our creative muscles! We'll have themed crafts and building challenges each week in this special drop-in program that combines arts and crafts, Legos, and other fun surprises! There's sure to be something for everyone!

RAD Storytellers Club! 3rd Wednesday of the month, March 18th, 6:00-7:30 p.m.

Join local author James Rad for a special book club and storytelling class for all ages! Young storytellers will share, learn, and create with middle-grade author James Rad and art teacher Amy Rad! Plus--pizza!

Thursdays

Baby Tummy Time! 9:30 a.m. For pre-walkers ages 0-18 months

Babies and caregivers: join us each Thursday morning for Tummy Time! Nurture your baby's development with gentle music, movement, and sensory play at the library! Please bring a small blanket or towel for your baby's comfort!

StoryXplorers! 10:30 a.m. For ages 0-5.

Join us for 30 minutes of themed stories, songs, and movement followed by 30 minutes of craft and sensory play!

Bookworm Bounce! 4:00-4:45 p.m. For ages 0-5.

Kids ages 0-5 are welcome to join us for an afternoon storytime full of music, movement, stories, and other interactive activities to encourage social skills and promote early literacy! Parents and caregivers are welcome and encouraged to participate! No registration required!

Tales for Tails!  2nd Thursday of the Month, 6:30 p.m. For Grades 2+.

Improve your reading skills and make a new friend by reading aloud to a trained therapy dog! Bring your favorite book or pick out one of ours to read. REGISTRATION REQUIRED. SPOTS ARE LIMITED. Email bcomeau@minlib.net to sign up!

Fridays

Happy Feet! Fridays, March 13th & 27th, 10:30 a.m. For ages 2-4.

Let's play some music and get those feet moving! Join us for an introductory class into creative movement using very basic ballet moves. We will have fun learning to move to the music while building coordination and confidence. Laughter and giggles are definitely expected!

Chess Club for Kids! March 13th & 27th, 3:30 - 5:00 p.m. For ages 8-13.

A fun and educational program for kids? What more could you ask for? Whether you are new to the game or are a more seasoned player, we invite all kids ages 8-13 to join us! 

Saturdays

Baby Sensory! First Saturday of the Month, 10:30 a.m.

Join us for a 45 minute baby sensory program! Watch your little one interact and engage with a variety of sensory items! Sensory play is a fantastic way to help babies explore their worlds, stimulate the senses, and create little inquisitive explorers! Babies under 2 are welcome and encouraged! (Got older siblings? They can bring along a stuffed toy or baby and play along!)

Special Programs

Dog Man Party! Saturday March 7th, 10:30 a.m.

Join us for games, crafts, snacks and more as we celebrate everyone's favorite crime-biting canine!

Leprechaun Scavenger Hunt! March 13th-17th

Can you find the mischievous leprechaun hiding in the library? Drop in to the library at any point St. Patrick's Day weekend and follow the clues to win your share of the treasure!

Baby-Wearing Dance Party! Friday, March 13th, 9:00-9:30 a.m.

Strap your little one in and join us for music and movement together! Bond with your baby in a fun, interactive way for this half-hour program!

Storytime S.T.E.A.M.! Saturday, March 21st, 2:00 p.m.

Join us for a special reading of "How to Catch a Leprechaun" by Adam Wallace followed by a lucky gold challenge!!

Super Power Celebration! Saturday March 21st, 9:00 a.m.

Celebrate Down Syndrome Awareness Day with a fun celebration of the way our differences are our superpowers!

Teen Programs

Artist Amigos! First Wednesday of the Month, March 4th, 6:00-6:30PM

Join us for a monthly artsy meetup in the teen room! Bring your own art projects to work on, or get inspired by fun prompts devised by our youth services librarians! Materials and snacks will be provided!

Volunteens! 1st & 3rd Thursday of the Month, 6:00-7:00 p.m.

Calling all Tweens and Teens! Are you looking to build your resume? Have you ever been interested in volunteering at the library? Well now's your chance. Join us Thursday nights twice a month for volunteer projects! Attendance to at least one meeting a month is required.

For more information please contact Bree at bcomeau@minlib.net.

Teen Pasta Party! Saturday March 7th, 3:00-4:00 p.m.

Teens! Bring along a bowl of your favorite cooked pasta as we celebrate one of our favorite ways to eat carbs! We'll have a topping bar to enjoy, and maybe some pasta related surprises!

Teen Advisory Board, 2nd Wednesday of the Month @ 6:30 p.m.

Join us each month for Teen Advisory Board! The Teen Advisory Board is a GREAT opportunity to get involved here at the library! You'll help plan events and programs, create displays and decorate the teen space, and help drive decisions around the kinds of materials we bring to the YA collection, from books and beyond, all while eating snacks and getting volunteer hours! It's a win-win-win!

Girls Who Code! 2nd & 4th Saturday of the Month 1:00-3:00 p.m. (6th-8th Grade!)

Club curriculum focuses on a culminating Girls Who Code Project, where girls work in teams to use their coding skills and bravery to solve a real world problem they care about by engaging in fun and simple self-guided coding tutorials that range from beginner to advanced in Scratch, Python, JavaScript, and Thunkable. REGISTRATION REQUIRED. Please email mgousie@minlib.net to join!

Teen Spring Cleaning Swap! Saturday March 21st, 3:00-4:00 p.m.

Teens! Are you in spring cleaning mode? Bring along clean, gently used clothes, accessories, or decor that no longer "spark joy", and swap with your friends! Discover new treasures and help your old ones find a new home!

This was shared from the Town of Franklin page

https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library/news/franklin-public-library-march-2020-youth-services-events

Franklin Public Library - March 2020 Youth Services Events

Franklin Public Library - March 2020 News & Events

Library Hours

The Library's regular hours are Monday through Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Friday and Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Sunday, 1:30-5:00 p.m.

Drop-In ESL Conversation Class, Tuesdays, 6:00-8:00 p.m.

Join us every Tuesday night for a drop-in conversation class for all levels of English language learners. This class will focus on helping students become more comfortable using English in everyday life. We call it a class, but it's really more of a group. Proctored by a certified ESL instructor, we will spend each session discussing a different topic--or wherever the conversation takes us! Resources will be provided by the Franklin Public Library so all you need to bring is a willingness to participate and learn. This program is free and open to all who wish to join.

Friends of the Franklin Library Meeting, Wednesday, March 4, 7:00 p.m.

The Friends of the Franklin Library are looking for new members! We meet monthly in the Friends of the Franklin Library Community Room at 7:00 p.m. on the first Wednesday of every month. For more information, please contact the Friends at fofl02038@gmail.com . Follow us on Twitter @FriendsFranklin !

Cookbook Club, Saturday, March 7, 3:00 p.m.

The cookbook selection for March is The Little Women cookbook : tempting recipes from the March sisters and their friends and family, by Winifred Moranville. From the publisher, "Experience the exciting and heartwarming world of the March sisters and Little Women right in your own kitchen. Here at last is the first cookbook to celebrate the scrumptious and comforting foods that play a prominent role in Louisa May Alcott's classic novel Little Women". A copy of the book will be available to view at the Circulation Desk. Sign up for a recipe, and bring your creation to the meeting to share! For more information, please contact Assistant Library Director Kim Shipala at kshipala@minlib.net or 508-520-4941.

Celebrating Ireland

Celebrating Ireland In Story and Song, Sunday, March 8, 3:00 p.m.

Enjoy Celtic music with 'Celebrating Ireland in Story & Song'. Come join us for an afternoon celebrating the music, hilarity and dance of Ireland. Phil Edmonds (originally from County Clare), is an (alleged) leprechaun who plays the tin whistle and button accordion with great warmth and spirit. Kevin Fallon (by way of county Roscommon and Mayo) is a soulful guitarist, fiddler and singer. Mary King (Up Donegal & Cavan) joins in with the fiddle, Celtic Harp and voice. She also teaches a beginning Irish step 1/2 hour before the program. Get your green on, warm up your voices and sit back and enjoy the 20th anniversary of the program. This program is free and open to the public.

Padula's Jazz Etc

Padula's Jazz Etc, Sunday, March 15, 3:00 p.m.

Padula's Jazz Etc. will perform at the Franklin Public Library on Sunday, March 15  at 3:00 p.m. Featuring Brenda Padula, Frank Padula, and their sons, the group plays a range of music including jazz, Motown, blues and pop. This performance is free and open to the public.

Paint Your Own Palm Tree Sunset, Saturday, March 28, 1:00 p.m.

Feel the summer breeze in the air when you paint your own Palm Tree Sunset!  Paint along with artist Denise Palmieri, and create your own tropical paradise! This free class is for adults, and is limited to twenty participants. Please register with Assistant Library Director Kim Shipala at kshipala@minlib.net or by calling 508-520-4941.

Changing Careers: Reinventing Oneself in Today's Job Market, Tuesday, March 31, 6:30 p.m.

Transitioning into a new profession can be a challenging and daunting undertaking. We will discuss and explore various strategies to help make the transition from one industry to another a smooth one.  This is a group discussion where everyone's experiences and opinions are welcomed. This program is free and open to the public.

Technology Help with Nerds to Go, Saturday, March 14, 10:00 a.m.—11:00 a.m.

Staff from Nerds To Go Computer Service will be available to assist patrons with common technology issues such as email access, password reset/recovery, cell phone feature usage, getting onto public Wi-Fi, and accessing information on line. This service is free and is on a first come, first serve basis.

Franklin Public Library Book Club, Tuesday, March 24, 7:00 p.m.

The book for discussion is Olive, Again by Elizabeth Strout. Olive Kitteridge has returned, as indomitable as ever, this time as a person getting older, navigating her next decade as she comes to terms with the changes--sometimes welcome, sometimes not--in her own life. Here is Olive, strangely content in her second marriage, still in an evolving relationship with her son and his family, encountering a cast of memorable characters in the seaside town of Crosby, Maine. Whether it's a young girl coming to terms with the loss of her father, a young woman about to give birth at a baby shower, or a nurse who confesses a secret high school crush, the irascible Olive improbably touches the lives of others.

A limited number of copies of the book will be available for checkout at the Circulation Desk. Refreshments will be served. For more information, please contact Assistant Library Director Kim Shipala at kshipala@minlib.net .

Genealogy Club, Thursday, March 26, 6:30 p.m.

Advanced French-Canadian research with Sandra Goodwin.

Library Tech Time, Thursdays, 2:00-3:00 p.m.

Need help downloading ebooks to your Kindle? Trouble downloading the Libby or Minuteman apps? Curious about hoopla, Kanopy, or the many databases available to Franklin residents? Stop by or make an appointment during Tech Time now available on Thursdays 2:00-3:00 p.m. Can't make that time? Don't worry, technology assistance is always available at the Reference Desk. Please contact Assistant Library Director Kim Shipala or Reference Librarian Vicki Earls for more information.

Proctoring Services

The Franklin Public Library will now be offering proctoring services to its patrons. Proctoring will be free of charge, and by appointment only. Contact Library Director Felicia Oti or Assistant Library Director Kim Shipala for more information. 

Knitting Group, Fridays, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Love to knit or crochet? Join our group of local fiber artists who will be meeting in the Friends of the Franklin Community Room on Fridays 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Franklin Library Book Sale
Friday, March 20, 1:00-5:00 p.m.  Saturday, March 21, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon.
All books are just one dollar!
Bag Sale - $5 A Bag—Saturday, March 21, from 1:00-4:00 p.m.
Come fill a brown bag with all the books you can!

This was shared from the Town of Franklin page

https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library/news/franklin-public-library-march-2020-news-events

Franklin Public Library - March 2020 News & Events

"To do what she did for me was a very special"

Via the Franklin Food Pantry and Channel 5's series "5 for Good"

"At a recent visit to Mint Dental in Franklin, Jeff Bowditch expressed his deep gratitude to dentist, Dr. Olga Krikunenko. 

"I can't thank you enough for everything you've done," Bowditch said.

It wasn't that long ago that the Army veteran spent most of his time trying to hide his teeth. Old crowns had fallen off, leaving old injuries exposed. 

"He was getting some care at the VA at some point, but he stopped being able to get there," Kirkunenko said."

Continue reading the article online and watch this video clip at
https://www.wcvb.com/article/5-for-good-franklin-dentist-returns-smile-to-bellingham-veteran/31134135

"To do what she did for me was a very special"

For more about the Franklin Food Pantry, visit them online
https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/

For more about Mint Dental, visit them online  https://www.dentistfranklinma.com/
or visit their YouTube channel 
 https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClqU9OVT5jsVnXsU39Z6NKw/featured