Did you hear about the student loan announcements? Scammers did, too

Did you hear about the student loan announcements? Scammers did, too By K. Michelle Grajales, Attorney, Division of Financial Practices You've probably already heard about the new government plan that will forgive some federal student loans, once it's up and running. Also in the news: the federal student loan payment pause has been extended to December 31, 2022.  But scammers are watching the news, too, so know this: you don't need to do anything or pay anybody to sign up for the new program — or the pause. Nobody can get you in early, help you jump the line, or guarantee eligibility.  And anybody who says they can — or tries to charge you — is (1) a liar, and (2) a scammer. Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2022/08/did-you-hear-about-student-loan-announcements-scammers-did-too

Did you hear about the student loan announcements? Scammers did, too

Franklin's Event Outlook: Aug 26, 2022 to Sep 1, 2022

Ah, school starts next week. That truly is the end of summer! But that is also next week, and there is stuff to do in and around Franklin in the meantime. Start with the Farmers Market, take in the Franklin TV block party, get a head start on the State Primary by voting on Saturday... and make the most of #artshappenhere in Franklin!

Friday, August 26
1:00pm - Farmers Market (Franklin Town Common)  NOTE time change due to weather forecast - market will open ONLY from 1 to 4 PM

4:30pm - Riana's Plate (food truck) (67 Degrees Brewery)
6:00pm - Patrick Durkin (live music) (La Cantina Winery)
6:00pm - Dave Penza (live music) (67 Degrees Brewery)

Saturday, August 27
11:00am - Yoga in the Taproom (ticketed event) (67 Degrees Brewery)
9:00am - State Primary - In Person Early Voting (Franklin High School)
10:00am - Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

2:00pm - South Street Six (live music) (La Cantina Winery)
3:00pm - Franklin Cable Block Party (Franklin TV Studios Hutchinson St)
4:00pm - Franklin Cable Annual Meeting  (Franklin TV Studios Hutchinson St)

Sunday, August 28
1:00pm - Franklin Historical Museum (always free)  

Monday, August 29
9:00am - State Primary - In person early voting (Franklin High School) 

Tuesday, August 30
9:00am - State Primary - In person early voting (Franklin High School)

5:00pm - Author Susan K Hamilton book launch for "Stone Heart"  (Escape Into Fiction)

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

The Franklin Art Association Art Gallery remains open during business hours at Escape into Fiction (Main St, Franklin)

Find the full calendar  https://www.franklinmatters.org/p/blog-page.html

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://forms.gle/oPdi8X3ZbHHyrHzo6

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar

The School district calendar is found  https://www.franklinps.net/calendar-by-event-type/26 

Community Calendar

School Committee Space Needs working on vendor RFP evaluations

The Franklin Public Schools, School Committee - Space Needs Subcommittee met on Thursday afternoon, Aug 25, at 2:00 PM.  My notes taken during the meeting while participating remotely are as follows:

Quick Recap: 

• Discussion on recap of what got them to this point, three proposal out for evaluation by team members, need to evaluate the specifics of the proposed process then look at the dollars associated with the proposals to make an overall recommendation. Individuals to complete their evals by 9/5, Miriam to compile for subcommittee to review at next meeting (9/13) and prepare recommendation for full committee to review at the 9/27 meeting.
• Discussion on stakeholders to ensure appropriate representation of community segments, likely to request via a form for participation on such working group to have ready when vendor selection is complete so they can move forward. Expectation setting for stakeholders on work required and overall timeline for work to be completed (report Mar to May) for School Committee to decide before end of 2023 school year (June 2023). (Implementation timeline would be part of approval/decision but likely to be at least a year away from decision.)

participants (either by voice or view - I joined a couple of minutes late) 

Chair Al Charles, E Stokes, D Spencer, L Giguere, M Goodman

Chair Al Charles began with a recap of prior actions of the subcommittee.

RFP proposals being evaluated by core team, between 15&27, to SchCmte for approval, and then to contract

Proposal evaluation includes two aspects, one for specifics, a second for the dollars, only evaluation on the work proposed before getting to the dollars, layer the $s in later

Reference checks on the proposals put forward, individuals can do so, as well as the procurement office, to be accumulated by Lucas to avoid open meeting law (OML) issues

Clarification questions on process: Dollar amounts determine level of involvement, between $10-50k, RFP allows for evaluation of separate proposals; Discussion on background of RFI vs RFP processing, out to bid can force acceptance of lowest 'qualified' bidder - qualifications need to be specified in the bid proposal process

Discussion on time to read, review, Lucas example of about an hour; individuals would be to be done by 5th, the Subcomm to meet the week of the 12th, to allow for review, etc, before SchCom meeting on the 27th where this would be up for discussion and approval

Redistricting cmte discussion (examples of stakeholder groups)

• Subcom
• Facility's
• Parents of each sch
• Town Council rep
• 3 non parent members (possible prior parents of redistricting)

Size problem with logistics, steering committee and communications absolutely required

Approx 30 as proposed

Target for a Mar to May report timeline, with recommendations by SchCom before end of school year

Discussion on school start time large group and multiple subcommittees, a different process

Setting expectations up front will be key, keeping all informed is important, it will be a lot of info to review and discuss, so over communication is better than missing someone/something

Clarity, and nonbinding req for responses, tied to release of info on process outline

There will be other resources as needed to provide specific data details as they arise

Next meeting, Sep 13 at 6:00 to 6:45pm

Possible agenda topics: 

• Compilation of RFP data
• Questionnaire draft
• Comms draft
• Determine timeline targets, consultant approval at the 27th meeting, then contract required
• Laying foundation for the work to set up for the real work

The published agenda is here:

• Call to Order
• Recap of Events
• Review RFP process and Timeline
• Advisory Committee Planning
• Adjourn

Complete agenda including remote connection info ->

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/spaceneedssubcom-8_25_22.pdf

School Committee Space Needs working on vendor RFP evaluations

Escape Into Fiction sets up teacher wish lists

"New #teacher wish lists in the store for our #localteachers. Come in or email to create yours!  

We love our #teachers. Mail@escapeintofiction.com 10 books/author, grade, school!  

#franklin #franklinpublicschools

@FranklinPSNews

@FranklinMatters

@TOFranklinMA

#wrenthamma #kpschools"

Shared from Twitter ->  https://twitter.com/EscapeIntoFictn/status/1562446370036142080

Where is Escape Into Fiction? 12 Main St in downtown Franklin or visit them on the web at -> https://escapeintofiction.com/

Escape Into Fictions sets up teacher wish lists

Senator Rausch: Sep 6 - Primary Voting Info

Everything you need to vote by mail, vote early, or vote in person on Election Day.

View this email in your browser Senator Rausch State House Briefing    Part 2, Chapter 20 (August 25, 2022)    It's primary season! Do you have a plan to vote in the Tuesday, September 6 Massachusetts primary election? As a registered voter, you have the choice to vote by mail, vote early, or vote on Election Day. I fought incredibly hard to bring vote by mail to our Commonwealth, and I'm deeply proud that we have expanded access to the ballot box through my legislative work. In such uncertain times, it is crucial that we protect our democracy by preserving our constitutional right to vote.  In this newsletter, you'll find everything you need to make a voting plan for the Massachusetts primary election. For real-time updates, please follow me on Twitter and Facebook. If you are a constituent and need assistance, please don't hesitate to contact me and my team via phone (617-722-1555) or email (becca.rausch@masenate.gov). We are here to help.    Happy voting! Yours in service,     Senator Becca Rausch    Resources at a Glance  Check your voter registration, find your polling place, and preview your ballot  Find your early voting site Register to vote or update your voter registration  Download an application to vote-by-mail, call 800-462-VOTE (8683) to request an application, or email elections@sec.state.ma.us (and include an e-signature)  Application and ballot tracker Find your local election office  REGISTER TO VOTE   The deadline to register for the September 6 primary election is Saturday, August 27. You can check your voter registration, find your polling place, and preview your ballot here.  VOTE BY MAIL Fill out a vote by mail application   If you did not receive a vote by mail application in the mail, you can request one online, contact your local election office, or call 1-800-462-VOTE to get a copy mailed to you. If you are an unenrolled or independent voter, make sure you indicate on the application which party's primary ballot you want to receive. If you do not apply for a mail-in ballot for the primary, or you miss the deadline, you should get another application in the mail in September to vote by mail in the November 8 general election.  Send in your vote by mail application  Simply mail, email, fax, or drop off your application to your town or city clerk. The application sent to you will be addressed with guaranteed prepaid postage. If you submit the application via email, the application must have your signature on it. Your town or city clerk must receive your application by 5PM on Monday, August 29.  Submit your mail-in ballot  You can submit your mail-in ballot via mail, ballot drop box, or at your early voting location.  A mail-in ballot will be sent to you at the address where you registered to vote, or a different address of your choosing if you designated it on your application. You will receive your ballot, instructions for voting by mail and completing your ballot, and an envelope pre-addressed with postage guaranteed to send to your local clerk. Remember to check the back side of your ballot and vote there too. Do not forget to sign your ballot!  The deadline to drop off your ballot is 8 PM on Election Day, Tuesday, September 6. If you mail your ballot, it must be postmarked no later than Election Day and received by your town or city clerk by 8 PM on Tuesday, September 6.  VOTE IN PERSON - EARLY OR ON ELECTION DAY If you do not want to vote by mail, you can still vote early in person or head to the polls on Election Day.   In-Person Early Voting  Polling will begin on Saturday, August 27 and end on Friday, September 2.  Voting on Election Day  Polls will be open from 7AM-8PM on Election Day, Tuesday, September 6th. If you are in line by 8PM, you must be allowed to vote.   If you have any questions about voting in Massachusetts, please don't hesitate to reach out to my office at 617-722-1555 or the Elections Division of the Secretary of the Commonwealth's office at 1-800-462-VOTE. Happy voting!   Virtual Evening Office Hours   My team and I host virtual office hours every month. Residents from any part of the Norfolk, Bristol and Middlesex District, as well as residents of the Norfolk, Worcester and Middlesex District (which takes effect in January 2023), are welcome to share their questions and opinions on state issues with me and my team via video chat or phone call.     Sign up for a 15-minute appointment here.          Upcoming virtual office hours:     Monday, September 12, 5-6 PM Our mailing address is: The Office of Senator Becca Rausch Massachusetts State House, Room 218 24 Beacon Street, Boston, MA 02133

Town Clerk's office completes testing of the voting machines

"The Town Clerk’s office has been hard at work preparing for ballot testing this week. All of our tabulators have been tested for accuracy & have been confirmed as ready for voters! In-person voting for the State Primary Election is 9/6/22 at Franklin High School from 6 AM - 8 PM"

Early voting opens Saturday, Aug 27 at 9 AM at Franklin High School. All 9 precincts vote in one place.

Shared from Twitter -> https://twitter.com/TOFranklinMA/status/1562828012986703873 

More info on the election can be found on the Town Clerk page

https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk

Testing conducted in public on Wednesday, Aug 24 was also reported via

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/08/town-of-franklin-voting-machines-pass.html

All of our tabulators have been tested for accuracy & have been confirmed as ready for voters (Town of Franklin photo)

 

Episode 513 of Freakonomics Radio asks a good question: "Should Public Transit Be Free?"

Episode 513 of Freakonomics Radio asks a good question: "Should Public Transit Be Free?" 

The episode byline reads "It boosts economic opportunity and social mobility. It’s good for the environment. So why do we charge people to use it? The short answer: it’s complicated."

Listen to the full episode here ->  https://freakonomics.com/podcast/should-public-transit-be-free/

CommonWealth Magazine has coverage of this episode here (Boston Mayor Michelle Wu participates in this episode)  -> https://commonwealthmagazine.org/the-download/a-freakanomics-debate-about-free-fares-2/  

Episode 513 of Freakonomics Radio asks a good question: "Should Public Transit Be Free?" 

Expand Your Social Security Knowledge With These Four Terms

"We strive to explain your benefits using easy-to-understand, plain language. The Plain Writing Act of 2010 requires federal agencies to communicate information clearly in a way “the public can understand and use.” This can be particularly challenging when talking about complicated programs like Social Security, Supplemental Security Income, and Medicare.

Take a moment to learn a few common Social Security terms and acronyms! 

COLA, credits, earnings record, FICA

Continue reading the article -> https://blog.ssa.gov/expand-your-social-security-knowledge-with-these-four-terms/

Expand Your Social Security Knowledge With These Four Terms

Franklin TV and wfpr.fm schedule for Friday, Aug 26, 2022

•  wfpr.fm or 102.9 on the FM dial = 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

11:00a/2:00p/8:00pm Senior Story Hour – Senior Center Scribblers Group

• Franklin All Access TV - Our Public Access Channel (Comcast 8, Verizon 26) = FRIDAY

7:30 am Care For Ukraine

9:00 am Frank Presents: Eric Lesser

10:00 am Physician Focus: Too Much Medicine?

11:00 am Senior Connection: COVID Updates

12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin: Scones

12:30 pm Sandhya: Homemade Cheez-Its

1:30 pm Pizzapalooza: White Pizza

2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Fall 2019 Show 8

3:00 pm SAFE Coalition: Youth Sports

4:00 pm Senior Connection: Danielle Hopkins

4:30 pm Concerts on the Common: Northeast Groove

7:00 pm Norfolk County Prevention Coalition: Repeat Offenders

• Franklin Pride TV - Our Educational Channel (Comcast 96, Verizon 28) = FRIDAY

7:00 am Public School Concert: Lifelong Music Pt. 2 05-14-19

8:30 am It Takes A Village: 40 Percent Club

9:30 am FHS Oskey 2022

11:30 am FHS Varsity Volleyball: v Lynn Classical 11-05-21

1:30 pm Public School Concert: FHS Spring Jazz '22

3:30 pm Cultural District: Brent Selby

6:00 pm Battleship Cove: 3D Print Lab

7:00 pm FHS Boys Varsity Soccer: v King Philip 10-06-21

9:00 pm FHS Varsity Field Hockey: v Central Catholic 11-09-21

• Franklin Town Hall TV - Our Government Channel (Comcast 11, Verizon 29) =  FRIDAY

8:00 am Zoning Board of Appeals: 07-28-22

2:00 pm Zoning Board of Appeals: 07-28-22

Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf   

Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm)