FHS' Brigham, Quinn, Quaile, Edgehill, Sullivan recognized as 2020 Hockomock League Basketball All Stars

The Franklin High School selections for the Hockomock League basketball all stars are shared here.

"Below are the official 2020 Hockomock League Girls Basketball All Stars, selected by the coaches in the league.

Hockomock League MVP
Ali Brigham, Franklin

Hockomock League All Stars
Ali Brigham, Franklin
Olivia Quinn, Franklin

Honorable Mentions
Erin Quaile, Franklin


Below are the official 20020 Hockomock League Boys Basketball All Stars, selected by the coaches in the league.

Hockomock League MVP
Bryant Ciccio, Attleboro

Hockomock League All Stars
Chris Edgehill, Franklin

Honorable Mentions
Brayden Sullivan, Franklin"


For the complete girls listing
https://hockomocksports.com/2020-hockomock-league-girls-basketball-all-stars/

For the complete boys listing
https://hockomocksports.com/2020-hockomock-league-boys-basketball-all-stars/

FHS' Brigham, Quinn, Quaile, Edgehill, Sullivan recognized as 2020 Hockomock League Basketball All Stars

COVID-19 Find Your Power!

Knowledge is Power. Connectedness is Community. 
by Pete Fasciano, Executive Director 03/22/2020

"They say nature abhors a vacuum. Fear often fills a vacuum – of understanding. When we don’t know what to expect in trying times, we often fear the worst. The adage, ‘Hope for the best. Prepare for the worst’, is sound advice, but when the worst is unclear, unformed, unknown – preparing becomes more difficult, and whatever comfort and solace that effort might provide becomes more elusive.

Seek two things: Knowledge and Connectedness. Knowledge is where you begin to fight back. These are trusted world, federal, state, and local sources of knowledge.

https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/index.html

https://www.mass.gov/resource/information-on-the-outbreak-of-coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19

https://franklin.wickedlocal.com/news/20200306/franklin-to-sanitize-public-buildings-over-weekend

And, most importantly, here at home:
https://www.franklinma.gov/home/urgent-alerts/coronavirus-information-portal-updates-here


Connectedness. We are all stronger together than apart. Connect frequently with family and friends – even distant ones. Remember those times when you meant to contact – follow up – and didn’t because your busy day was filled. While you are at home being socially distant, (and smart) this is that opportunity to connect – and reach out to others who matter to you.

Beyond washing them often, what better way to spend all that time on your hands? 

If the Internet is one thing, it is connectedness.

Beyond social media, there is text, email and – Virtual Visits Via Video. That’s – Victory.

And – as always –
Thank you for listening to wfpr●fm. And, thank you for watching."

----------


Our weekly wfpr●fm program schedule lists interviews and musical programs of interest hosted by Franklin residents. Our current slate of programs runs Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Programs repeat at 9am, Noon, and 6pm, and Saturdays, starting at 9am.

Wednesday:
9:00a/12:00p /6:00p FPS Voice – Anne Marie Tracey - All about Franklin Public Schools

10:00a/1:00p/7:00p The Wonderful World of Wine – Mark Lenzi, Kim Simone - All about wine, its culture, lore and finer points 

11:00a/2:00p/8:00p Franklin Matters Radio – Steve Sherlock - Franklin and its local government, services and events

Thursday:
9:00a/12:00p/6:00p The Tabernacle Choir - from Salt Lake City 

10:00a/1:00p/7:00p Frank’s Music – Frank Falvey - Frank explores a range of music genres and artists 

11:00a/2:00p/8:00pm Talkin’ the Blues – Jim Derick - Exploring the music of the great Blues tradition

Friday:
9:00a/12:00p /6:00p Chapters – Jim Derick - Insightful, life-affirming stories and interviews 

10:00a/1:00p/7:00p Music to Lift the Spirit - Jim Derick & Frank Falvey - An hour of uplifting music for all 

11:00a/2:00p/8:00pm Senior Story Hour – Senior Center Scribblers Group - Original short stories presented by the authors

Weekdays:
3:00p Music of the Swingin’ Big Band Era
4:00p Starlight Songs from the Great American Songbook

Listen each week on the air at 102●9 fm, and online at our website, wfpr●fm as we bring more of our community – to community radio.

Weekend radio is big. We’ve been fine-tuning our weekend radio programming. It’s a reprise of all our weekday shows that some folks don’t get to hear at work. 

Here’s what’s up for the weekend – on the air on 102.9 and online at wfpr●fm.

Saturday:
9:00a FPS Voice – Anne Marie Tracey All about Franklin Public Schools 
10:00a Frank’s Music – Frank Falvey Frank explores a range of music genres and artists 
11:00a Music to Lift the Spirit - Jim Derick & Frank Falvey An hour of uplifting music for all 
12:00p The Tabernacle Choir from Salt Lake City
1:00p The Wonderful World of Wine – Mark Lenzi, Kim Simone All about wine, its culture, lore and finer points
2:00p Chapters – Jim Derick Insightful, life-affirming stories and interviews 
4:00p Senior Story Hour – Senior Center Scribblers Group Original short stories presented by the authors 
5:00p Talkin’ the Blues – Jim Derick Exploring the music of the great Blues tradition.

Sunday:
9:00a The Tabernacle Choir from Salt Lake City
10:00a Music to Lift the Spirit - Jim Derick & Frank Falvey An hour of uplifting music for all
11:00a Frank’s Music – Frank Falvey Frank explores a range of music genres and artists 
1:00p Music to Lift the Spirit - Jim Derick & Frank Falvey An hour of uplifting music for all

Questions? Call us at 508–528–9377. That’s 508–528–wfpr.

The full program guide to Franklin.TV and Franklin PUblic Radio can be found
http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf

COVID-19  Find Your Power!

Wake up with Mr Barrett - TuNesday - 8 AM (YouTube)

"Mr. Barrett is ready to start your morning off right!

Please join us THIS TuNesday at 8:00 AM for a half hour of fun music! This will be another Live YouTube Stream concert."

https://youtu.be/YE9drcLLtLc

Follow the Facebook event for updates:  https://www.facebook.com/events/201236874501695/

Shades IN Place: This wasn't the plan! (3/22/20)

Keeping you up to date on the latest...

The Blind Spot March 2020 I hope that you are safe and well during this crazy time. Like me, I bet you did not plan to stay put in your own home this Spring. In fact, I was scheduled to head down to Charlote, NC for a national convention this coming week. But sometimes, life throws a curvy ball at us, doesn't it? We are living an unprecedented time and a global crisis that no one ever considered be possible (other than Hollywood movies) Every business and every person / family will get a punch. Some will feel it harder than others, but nobody is out of the woods.  I am sure that my shade business is not your top priority at this moment. I get that, but please consider supporting the local small businesses in your neighborhood. They have a smaller financial cushion than large corporations. Order food from local restaurants, keep your house cleaner schedule and why not get your shades from a local shady guy? My hope is that since you are spending extra time inside your home, you will notice those twenty-year old mini-blinds must go. All jokes aside, I wish that you and your family stay safe, wash your hands often and consider social distancing to slow the spread of the virus. We are a strong nation and UNITED STATES to fight this pandemic. God Bless America and the World. Roger Magalhaes started in the window coverings industry in 2006 as a part-time installer for a national chain. After only two months, he was asked to leave for "standing out." Clients continuously requested him over the other installers and this didn't sit well with his colleagues. He knew he was on to something! Following this experience, Roger traveled to many parts of the country, acquiring formal training and receiving certifications from respected vendors such as Somfy, Hunter Douglas, Norman Shutters and Lutron. He also attended the Custom Home Furnishings Academy for formal installation training focusing on drapery and other soft treatments. Roger is the owner of Shades IN Place, Inc., located in the Boston area. He has done installations in seven states, as well as Cape Cod and the islands of Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket. He is the founder of the Facebook group Free Speech Window Covering Pros, a regular columnist for Window Fashion VISION magazine, a presenter at the International Window Coverings Expo and the installation instructor for the Window Fashion Certified Professional FastTRACK program. Learn more 508-520-6700   roger@shadesinplace.com   www.shadesinplace.com   ‌ ‌

Shades IN Place Inc. | 76 Grove St, Franklin, MA 02038 Sent by roger@shadesinplace.com in collaboration with Try email marketing for free today!

“there is no such thing as ... ‘flushable wipes’”

From the Milford Daily News, an article of interest for Franklin:

"#nowipesinthepipes. Despite the seriousness of the problem, public works departments have an appreciation of the humor behind the underlying topic. A few have taken to social media to spread the message. With an appreciation for a good poop joke, the hashtags abound.

In the pitch dark of 3 a.m. Wednesday, Hopkinton Department of Public Works employees found themselves struggling against an unexpected side effect of the coronavirus pandemic.

Clogged pipes.

The culprit? Sanitary wipes labeled “flushable.”

“They’re not made to go through the sewer systems,” Hopkinton Water and Sewer Superintendent Eric Carty said. “They just bind all together, and just make a giant clog. It literally shuts the pump down.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200322/amidst-perceived-toilet-paper-shortage-due-to-coronavirus-dpw-officials-see-spike-in-wipes-clogging-sewer-systems

The Franklin DPW flyer on "What not to Flush!"
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GJrzqnr0t8Nuv-LzOBmHzucwKiGVAWSn/view?usp=sharing

from an April 2013 DPW presentation on pumps stuck with non-flushable swipes

99 ToGo is ready for your order!

"For years, #TheNines has been committed to supporting our local hometown communities, and we’re here for you today. 

Like all of you, we have to adapt during these times, and we are doing so. 

We look forward to continuing to serve you via Curbside To Go Service: https://bit.ly/99OrderOnline

Shared from Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/84449432507/posts/10157864231132508/

The family meal deals seem scrumptious

99 ToGo is ready for your order!

First positive case of COVID-19 confirmed in Franklin, MA

March 22, 2020

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health notified the Franklin Board of Health today, March 22, 2020, that the Town has a positive COVID-19 case. The patient is in isolation. 

This is a reminder that COVID-19 is highly contagious, and the residents of the town should remain diligent following CDC Guidelines:

● Wash Hands Frequently. Protecting yourself by following public health advice about keeping your hands clean and covering coughs and sneezes.
● Illness. Stay home if you are sick. If you need to consult a healthcare provider, call ahead first or use telehealth services.
● Social Distancing. Protect others who are most at risk of COVID-19 by keeping your distance from people (at least 6 feet away from others), especially those who are older, and people living with chronic health conditions.
● Avoid crowds. If you are outside, avoid crowds. Don’t shake hands or hug.
● Loved ones. Stay connected to friends and loved ones by phone or through other technology. Take care of your emotional health and help others do the same.

If you need emotional support during these stressful times, call 2-1-1 and choose the “CALL2TALK” option.

Residents should continue to follow www.franklinma.gov for all of the latest information locally. Or See Mass.gov or the Center for Disease Control and Prevention for all information pertaining to COVID-19.

Cathleen Liberty, MPH Board of Health
Bridget Sweet, Chair Director of Public Health 

First positive case of COVID-19 confirmed in Franklin, MA

Shared from the Town of Franklin press release
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Y9TeWCfx1g8NzJuFTH0E181yY5Ux557X/view?usp=sharing

FM #227 - Town Administrator Jamie Hellen - COVID-19 updates

FM #227 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 227 in the series.

This session of the radio show was recorded virtually. The three of us connected via conference bridge, and aside from a couple of brief bits of background noise, the conversation recording went very well at this new ‘social distance’.

As you’ll hear, I was joined by Town Administrator Jamie Hellen and Marketing and Communication Specialist Anne Marie Tracey.

Anne Marie provided updates from Superintendent Sara Ahern. Among the updates:

• Distance learning underway
• School grounds closing
• Food service (breakfast and lunch) available for children in Franklin who are not FPS students; pick up at the high school
• More details on school closing and what it means will be coming from the Superintendent
• All communications translated into multiple languages and posted on web page

Jamie was scheduled to get out for a walk later Friday (we recorded at noon time) because he had been so busy this week, he had not been able to do so. He provided multiple updates on:

• Town of Franklin business still being conducted
• Pointing to the portal for updates and details, please check at least daily
• Please follow recommendations to maintain social distancing, washing hands, etc.
• Town Council, School Committee and board/committee meetings going forward - how to conduct them remotely is being worked out
• The budget timeline has been rescheduled; Finance Committee meetings after Memorial Day, Town Council budget hearings in June

There were other topics along the way in this conversation but this should be enough of a teaser to have you spend a few minutes to listen. The audio segment runs about 40 minutes, so please listen in to my conversation with Jamie and Anne Marie   https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HWHSsjcX



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

The Town of Franklin Coronavirus Information Portal https://www.franklinma.gov/home/urgent-alerts/coronavirus-information-portal-updates-here

Link to the Superintendents’ messages in multiple languages
https://www.franklinps.net/district/superintendent/pages/messages-superintendent-regarding-coronavirus

The link to the main Franklin Public schools (FPS) page https://www.franklinps.net/

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm).

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

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors
• If you don't like something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I 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 #227 - Town Administrator Jamie Hellen - COVID-19 updates

Franklin, a community that helps all

Franklin, a community that helps all

We just wanted to take a moment to talk about one of the things that makes Franklin such a great place to live, work, and visit. That is our shared sense of community. Helping our families, neighbors, and businesses as we all navigate this difficult time.

We as the Police Department will always be ready to respond to emergencies and crisis. However there are many other things going on that we can't be the answer for, and that's where we need your help.

Please check in on our most vulnerable residents. The sick, the elderly, or those with special needs. Many of our neighbors rely on public transportation to help them get to and from the stores for their everyday needs. Many of those transportation services are shutting down. Reach out, see if on your way out to the store you can pick up some items for them. They may have no other way of getting food, or medicine. Practice safe social distancing especially when communicating and helping out.

Support our local businesses as they too also are seeing a reduction in customers. If you can find what you need, shop locally.

Unfortunately as this pandemic continues we know that many families may suffer financially, and struggle to put food on the table at all. Franklin is fortunate enough to have a wonderful organization in the Franklin Food Pantry. Their mission is to help those in need. This is the definition of what it means to be in a community. However with the expected increase in demand for their services, they need our help too.

The Food Pantry purchases from the Greater Boston Food Bank. This allows them to purchase the items they need at a substantially reduced cost. Donations of physical goods are helpful, but "Cash is King". With money they can purchase and provide for more people than they can on food donations alone.

Donations can be taken online for the Franklin Food Pantry. Please click here to be taken to their donation site  https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/.

The men and women of the Franklin Police Department will be here for all. Please help us in being there for each other as well.


Thank you

Franklin Food Pantry

Hockomock Area YMCA Responds with Food Collection & Distribution

During this unprecedented public health crisis, the Hockomock Area YMCA is inspired by the efforts of the community to come together to support those in need. These efforts include assembling take home meals and coordinating food drive collections and distribution – all for children, families and individuals in need – supporting the fifteen communities the Hockomock Area YMCA serves.

The Hockomock Area YMCA is working with school nutrition departments and community partners to ensure that children and families have meals while schools remain closed. The Y is collaborating in North Attleboro and Milford to provide take home meals to serve children and families. In just four days more than 2,200 grab and go meals were distributed. No advanced paperwork or signup is required. 

The Hockomock Y is also coordinating food drive collections. “Our Y will continue to be a force of good in these difficult times,” says Ed Hurley, president of the Hockomock Area YMCA. “We encourage those who are able to provide contributions of non-perishable foods to do so at any of our Hockomock Area YMCA branches.” 

Donation boxes are located outside of the Y’s branches in Foxboro, Franklin, and North Attleboro every weekday between 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. for non-perishable food items. Through these food collections, beginning next week the Hockomock Y will be distributing a family-size food bag at its branches in Foxboro, North Attleboro, and Franklin. 

Details and schedules are available on the Y’s website at www.hockymca.org and will be updated daily. Hurley acknowledged the many local businesses and organizations who have already joined in these efforts. Said Hurley, “CVS Health, Stop & Shop, the United Way of Massachusetts Bay and the Captain Kyle Van De Giesen Award fund have stepped up with generous financial contributions in this time of need.”

“Challenging times often brings out the best in people. Please know that our Y is committed to being there for our members, our staff and our community,” adds Hurley.

Additional information on these food distribution and collection efforts in the community, as well as suggested donation items, are available at hockymca.org.

If you are interested in providing monetary donations, please contact Katie Moore at katiem@hockymca.org or 508-643-5265.

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.

Hockomock Area YMCA Responds with Food Collection & Distribution

State Rep Jeff Roy: Update #4 on COVID-19

COVID-19 update #4

I continue share your concerns about the spread of the Corona virus (COVID-19) and am providing these updates regularly to keep you informed. New information is coming out regularly and in great volume. To keep the information timely and manageable, I will post only new information in these update emails and ask you to visit https://jeffreyroy.com/covid-19-updates/ for a compilation of all of the updates. That site will be updated frequently to keep you up to speed on the latest developments. 

Here are the updates since my last email:

• Current cases. In Massachusetts, there are a total of 413 cases of COVID-19, out of the 4,091 individuals that have been tested. For complete details, click here (https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-cases-quarantine-and-monitoring). The state's capacity to test has been expanded so we expect that number to rise as more people get tested.

• Testing ramping up. Massachusetts has a goal of conducting a minimum of 3,500 coronavirus tests each day and is on track to get to that level through an enormous increase in testing capacity by early next week (March 22-28). Quest Diagnostics in Marlborough is ramping up labs to be able to test 20,000 people per day across the country. CEO Steve Rusckowski said the company hopes to eventually be able to test 2,000 to 3,000 people a day in Massachusetts. Health and Human Services Secretary Marylou Sudders said that, using South Korea as a model, Massachusetts needs to be testing 3,500 people each day at a minimum. Massachusetts officials confirmed the state's first positive COVID-19 case on Feb. 1.

• Unemployment town hall Sunday, March 22 at 3:30 p.m. To help with the increased demand on the unemployment system and the increased volume or your constituent service staff, the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development and the Department of Unemployment Assistance will be hosting virtual town hall meetings. We will take all who sign up through a step by step process of achieving a successful unemployment claim. We will also be taking questions from claimants across the Commonwealth. The first virtual town hall will be held this Sunday, March 22nd, at 3:30pm. Sign up information for the virtual town hall is available by clicking here (https://www.mass.gov/forms/massachusetts-department-of-unemployment-assistance-dua-virtual-town-halls). To further help claimants through the process of applying for benefits, DUA has made specific web page updates that include the latest guidance for employee qualifications and additional resources like contact forms and a COVID-19 specific unemployment claim handbook that can be viewed by clicking here (https://www.mass.gov/resource/information-on-unemployment-and-coronavirus-covid-19).

The newsletters was shortened for publication here, to review the full contents:
https://us6.campaign-archive.com/?u=a03272e278ec395d5f164106a&id=e821dd5fdd

State Rep Jeff Roy's COVID-19 page  https://jeffreyroy.com/covid-19-updates/

State Rep Jeff Roy: Update #4 on COVID-19

ArtWeek 2020 - canceled

"We assumed this might happen, but are very disappointed to cancel the 40 programs we were bringing to the community this May. 

When the time is right, we will regroup and find a way to bring these to Franklin! Thank you to all that participated in submitting proposals and had begun planning. We'll bounce back from this even stronger!"

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

"Dear ArtWeek Community,

With regret that is beyond words, we are announcing the cancellation of ArtWeek 2020, our award-winning community program. We had originally hoped that a different version of the festival might be possible as we continually reassessed the circumstances surrounding the COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak, but the ever-increasing bad news in terms of the virus and its effects, added to the increasing government restrictions on public gatherings, have led us to follow the lead of national, state, and local authorities and make this extremely difficult decision.

We realize that this is very disappointing, but we also know that many of our event hosts, partners, and sponsors are also facing similar critical decisions. Ultimately, what is most important is that you, your communities, and everyone you interact with remain safe and well, so we feel that this is the right decision to make at this time.

We have also been deeply inspired by the sense of community and creative sharing across various platforms during this time and hope that you are taking advantage of the many creative ideas that are being offered from virtual tours, online classes and activities, and the brilliant “creative acts of kindness” that are popping up everywhere.

At the same time, we know many nonprofits and creative communities are deeply suffering and urge everyone to show support however you can by making a donation or an online purchase, getting a gift certificate, or simply staying in touch to offer support. We are all in this together, and every positive action makes a big difference towards supporting a longer-term resiliency.

Sincerely,

The ArtWeek Team
artweek@bochcenter.org"

Shared from the Franklin Cultural Council Facebook update
https://www.facebook.com/FranklinCulturalCouncil/photos/a.399579373729229/1110981599255666/?

ArtWeek 2020 - canceled

Internal Revenue Service - federal income tax filing date now July 15, 2020

The Treasury Department and Internal Revenue Service announced today that the federal income tax filing due date is automatically extended from April 15, 2020, to July 15, 2020.

Taxpayers can also defer federal income tax payments due on April 15, 2020, to July 15, 2020, without penalties and interest, regardless of the amount owed. This deferment applies to all taxpayers, including individuals, trusts and estates, corporations and other non-corporate tax filers as well as those who pay self-employment tax.

Taxpayers do not need to file any additional forms or call the IRS to qualify for this automatic federal tax filing and payment relief. Individual taxpayers who need additional time to file beyond the July 15 deadline, can request a filing extension by filing Form 4868 through their tax professional, tax software or using the Free File link on IRS.gov. Businesses who need additional time must file Form 7004.

The IRS urges taxpayers who are due a refund to file as soon as possible. Most tax refunds are still being issued within 21 days.

“Even with the filing deadline extended, we urge taxpayers who are owed refunds to file as soon as possible and file electronically,” said IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig. “Filing electronically with direct deposit is the quickest way to get refunds. Although we are curtailing some operations during this period, the IRS is continuing with mission-critical operations to support the nation, and that includes accepting tax returns and sending refunds. As a federal agency vital to the overall operations of our country, we ask for your personal support, your understanding – and your patience. I’m incredibly proud of our employees as we navigate through numerous different challenges in this very rapidly changing environment.”

The IRS will continue to monitor issues related to the COVID-19 virus, and updated information will be posted on a special coronavirus page on IRS.gov (https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus).

This announcement comes following the President’s emergency declaration last week pursuant to the Stafford Act. The Stafford Act is a federal law designed to bring an orderly and systematic means of federal natural disaster and emergency assistance for state and local governments in carrying out their responsibilities to aid citizens. It was enacted in 1988.

Treasury and IRS will issue additional guidance as needed and continue working with Congress, on a bipartisan basis, on legislation to provide further relief to the American people.

This was shared from the IRS page
https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/tax-day-now-july-15-treasury-irs-extend-filing-deadline-and-federal-tax-payments-regardless-of-amount-owed 


Related posts on IRS:

It's that time again
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/01/its-that-time-again-irs-has-started.html

Tax time Guide
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/03/tax-time-guide-millions-make-irsgov.html

Internal Revenue Service - federal income tax filing date now July 15, 2020

Franklin Public Schools: student art works featured in digital "Youth Art Month"

"Youth Art Month at Worcester Art Museum goes digital! FPS has over 15 pieces in this show. Enjoy the video linked below."

Shared from the Tweet:
https://twitter.com/FranklinPSart/status/1241083575342153734

Video link:   https://youtu.be/gcIaPTKL2c0

"The Worcester Art Museum is pleased to present the 2020 Central MA Regional Youth Art Month Exhibit. Youth Art Month is a national celebration endorsed by Council for Art Education, the National Art Education Association, and the Massachusetts Art Education Association, and is proudly hosted by the Worcester Art Museum.

This annual celebration emphasizes the value of art education for all children and encourages support for quality art programs in public and private schools. This special digital video of the exhibit features each of the 461 artworks from Massachusetts students in grades K-12 that were put on display in the Higgins Education Wing of the Worcester Art Museum .

We would like to recognize the efforts of the wonderful young artists and the dedication that their teachers show in annually volunteering their time to coordinate this exhibition. The theme for 2020 was Take a Journey through Art, and I invite you to do just that through this video. The Museum’s Pick Winners, normally announced at the Exhibition Celebration, will be announced via the Worcester Art Museum’s Facebook page on March 22nd."

Please enjoy. https://www.worcesterart.org/

MA Small Business Development Center Network: Prepare For Recovery

While focused on the small business owner, the advice can apply more broadly


PREPARE FOR RECOVERY
By Cliff Robbins, MSBDC Senior Business Advisor

"NOW what do I do?" This is the question on every small business persons' mind. Well, this is the time to prepare yourself for a post-coronavirus world: Especially because you have probably been forced to shutter or otherwise change your business approach.

1) CFIMITYM - Cash Flow Is More Important Than Your Mother.
Conserve your cash. Act like you're in a turnaround crisis because you probably are [too]. If you haven't done so already, project your cash needs out for the next twelve months. (We can help with that.) Go to MSBDC.org/SEMass and contact an advisor.

2) COMMUNICATE
Talk to your customers; communicate with your bank; invest in your social media; let them know that you're still around; keep them engaged. Try selling gift certificates. This is a great time to try that for future business. Send them emails to let them know you're still here and OKAY!

3) CREATE
Most small business people don't continually create content because they say they just don't have the time. Well, now your schedule is a little more open today, so create some content. Create educational content about your products and services; create instructional videos; create stories that you can share in the near future to tell the world how great your business has been and still is!

4) ADVERTISE YOUR LOCAL SERVICES
If you work at people's homes, particularly for services like landscaping, or other home improvement services that are low-touch, get the word out that you're available. If people aren't ready today, the nicer weather will catch up with them quickly once this all starts to sort itself out.

5) PREPARE AND INVEST - Now's the time to get a leg up on the competition:

• Get that new website started, it's going to take a little time to get going, and this downtime will help you modernize.
• Optimize your business for local search, it takes a few weeks for optimizations to happen, so get the leg up once people are ready to leave the house again.
• Sort out the back-end of your business: Your CRM, your customer databases, your online store. Make sure these are all up and running so that you are prepared for the future.

"This too shall pass."

Look at this period as an opportunity to get ahead, and stay focused on growth.

The region sure needs it!

Shared from the Southeast Regional Office MSBDC
http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?m=1101853174121&ca=27eb69bc-325e-4f7e-beee-d0a98b2711f6

MA Small Business Development Center Network: Prepare For Recovery