Social Security’s Plain Language Is “An Excellent Model to Follow”

"I know how important it is that we communicate information to you—and everyone—in a clear and concise way. Our programs and policies can sometimes be complex and difficult. This is why we strive to use plain language that is easy to read, understand, and use.

I am proud to say that we achieved the highest score of any agency in government on the Center for Plain Language’s 2022 Federal Plain Language Report Card.

The Center evaluated 21 Executive Branch agencies, including all 15 cabinet-level departments, and graded each between an A+ and F- for writing quality and organizational compliance.

Social Security received an A+ for organizational compliance and an A for writing quality. This is an improvement over last year’s high scores of A+ and B."

Continue reading the article at the Social Security page -> 

https://blog.ssa.gov/social-securitys-plain-language-is-an-excellent-model-to-follow/ 

Social Security’s Plain Language Is “An Excellent Model to Follow”

Town Council Quarterbacking with Tom Mercer to condense the meeting of 2/15/23 (audio)

FM #946 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 946 in the series. 

This shares my conversation with Town Council Chair Tom Mercer. This is one of a series of conversations meant to provide a recap of the prior Council meeting. Akin to one of the many sports post-game analysis broadcasts we are familiar with in New England,  this would be a discussion focused on the Franklin Town Council meeting of Feb 15, 2023: 

• ok, what just happened? 

• What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?

We cover the following key topics

Street Acceptances: Maple Tree Lane & Oak Tree Lane

Three key items regarding money were all approved by 8-0-1 votes (8 for, none against, 1 absent (Pellegri))

• Resolution 23-18: FY23 Capital Improvement Plan

• Resolution 23-19: Free Cash to Stabilization Accounts Transfers

• Resolution 23-20: Water Retained Earnings Transfer to Water Main Capital Project R19-05

The two referrals to the Planning Board on Inclusionary Zoning were also moved forward after some clarification questions by the Councilors were answered by TA Jamie Hellen or Bryan Taberner, Director of Planning and Community Development.

• Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-889: A Zoning Bylaw to Amend the Franklin Town Code at  Chapter 185, Attachment 7., Part VI, Use Regulation Schedule: Residential Uses - Referral to the Planning Board 

• Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-890: A Zoning Bylaw to Amend the Franklin Town Code at  Chapter 185, Section 5 - Referral to the Planning Board

4 podcasts in housing/zoning Franklin For All ‘series’ provide additional details

Senior Center update, café priority for opening

Links to the meeting agenda and associated documents released for this meeting are included in the show notes. 

Our conversation runs about 35 minutes. Let’s listen to this session of Town Council Quarterbacking recorded Feb 16, 2023

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-946-town-council-quarterbacking-02-16-23

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The complete agenda doc  ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/feb_15_2023_agenda.pdf

The Franklin TV video is available for replay ->   https://www.youtube.com/live/TxINM8EMueg?feature=share 

My notes and the audio of the meeting will be ready in a couple of days. In the meantime, the PDF with my Twitter thread of notes is available here

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1e3mWHu8EEyeIooV0ryedEmH-aY3hdmGY/view?usp=share_link

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We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.  

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/ or www.franklin.news/

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 your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

Town Council Quarterbacking with Tom Mercer to condense the meeting of 2/15/23 (audio)

The Franklin Municipal Building will be CLOSED on Monday, February 20, 2023

The Franklin Municipal Building will be CLOSED on Monday, February 20th, 2023

The Franklin Municipal Building will be CLOSED on Monday, February 20th, 2023 in observance of Presidents' Day. We will reopen on Tuesday, February 21st, 2023.

Shared from ->    https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/franklin-municipal-building-will-be-closed-monday-february%C2%A020th-2023

The Franklin Municipal Building will be CLOSED on Monday, February 20, 2023

Franklin's Event Outlook: Feb 17, 2023 to Feb 23, 2023

Book and bag sale at the Library with a bunch of events for the kiddos of all ages during school vacation week.

Friday, February 17

1:00pm - Library Book Sale (books for $1) (Franklin Public Library)

5:30pm - The Caribbean Press (food truck) (67 Degrees Brewery)

7:00pm - Black History Month Bingo  (67 Degrees Brewery)

Saturday, February 18

9:00am - Library Book Sale (books for $1) (Franklin Public Library)

10:00am - Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

10:00aam - FAA Paint-in (artists painting in action) (Escape into Fiction)

11:00am - Silent Saturday: Safety Last! (free silent movie) (Franklin Public Library)

1:00pm - Library Bag Sale (books by the bag for $5/bag) (Franklin Public Library)

3:00pm - Joey D's Wingz & Thingz (food truck) (67 Degrees Brewery)

5:30pm - The Elastic Five (live music)  (67 Degrees Brewery)

Sunday, February 19

7:30am - All you can eat Breakfast (Franklin Rod & Gun Club)

1:00pm - Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

Monday, February 20 - Presidents' Day

Tuesday, February 21

10:30am - Ed Popielarczyk Magic Show (Franklin Public Library)

1:00pm - Jewelry Making with PT color Market (grades 3-5) (Franklin Public Library)

6:00pm - Dean Neighborhood Alliance (Dean College) 

6:00pm -  2023 OSRP First Public Hearing (Council Chambers, Municipal Bldg)

Wednesday, February 22

1:00pm - Mr. Vinny's Shadow Puppets (Franklin Public Library)

1:00pm - Senior Scribblers (writing group) (recording session at TV Studio)

5:30pm - Teen Interactive Movie Screening (Franklin Public Library)

7:00pm - Harriet Tubman: She Came to Slay! –Virtual (Franklin Public Library)

Thursday, February 23

10:30am - Snowflake Sing-Along (Franklin Public Library)

6:00pm - 67 Degrees @ UNO Tap Takeover

6:00pm - Community Conversations (Franklin Public Library)

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

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

The Cultural calendar displays only the cultural events      https://www.franklinculture.org/things-do/pages/calendar

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

2023 OSRP First Public Hearing - Location Change to Council Chambers - Feb 21, 2023

Good Morning Everyone,

Due to the recent closing of the Franklin Senior Center, the 2023 Open Space and Recreation Plan public hearing on February 21 from 6-8p has been moved to Town Hall Council Chambers. 

In an effort to ensure citizen engagement and due to the concerns regarding the COVID-19 virus, this Open Space and Recreation Plan Public Hearing is available to be attended in person and via the ZOOM platform. 

Citizens will be able to dial into the meeting by calling 929-205-6099, meeting number is 819 0246 6050 (Cell phone or Landline Required) OR citizens can participate by copying or clicking the link https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81902466050 (Phone, Computer, or Tablet required). 

If you are having trouble accessing through the link, please call on your phone and use *6 to toggle between mute/unmute and *9 to raise your hand. 

The public hearing can also be accessed remotely on the Franklin TV All-Access channel (Channel 8 Comcast/Channel 26 Verizon). 

For residents that do not have cable, the public hearings can be accessed live on the Franklin TV All-Access YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@franklinmaall-accesstv7535. 

If you wish to attend in person, the meeting will be held in Council Chambers, second floor at Town Hall at 355 East Central Street.

See you there!

Breeka LÍ Goodlander, CWS, PWS, CERPIT

Conservation Agent/Natural Resource Protection Manager

Town of Franklin

Office: 508.520.4929

bgoodlander@franklinma.gov

Subscribe here to receive all the latest Conservation and OSRP news.
Visit here to stay up to date on the OSRP update process and provide public comment.

2023 OSRP First Public Hearing - Location Change to Council Chambers - Feb 21, 2023

School Cmte hears about JFK School highlights, middles school advisory program, EduSpeak terms, and approves trip to Belize (audio)

FM #945 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 945 in the series.

This session shares the Franklin, MA School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, February 14, 2023. The meeting was conducted in the Council Chambers with four members present and three members absent (Callaghan, Whitmore, McNeill). The meeting entered Executive Session and did not return to open meeting about 9:30 PM

School Committee Chair Denise Spencer opens the meeting at 7:01 PM.

Key items on the agenda

    JFK Highlights – Dr. Connolly, Mr. Haynes - presentation included a video, 1 or 2 positions are still open at the school, not getting good candidates; use of ‘power blocks’ in their schedule to provide the additional resources required for students so their help doesn’t cause a miss on introduction of new content

    Belize Presentation – Ms. Balliro & Ms. Quigley - presented their overview of a proposed STEM based experiential trip to Belize during Feb break in 2024. Would be targeted for students with specific class experience, incorporating Portrait of a Graduate attributes as benefits of the trip. Cost and accessibility concerns addressed

    Advisory Update – MS Advisors & Principals -  how the advisory period works as a daily check in for students with teachers

    EduSpeak Update – Supt Giguere & Dr Rogers - (effectively will be a glossary document posted to the schools page with the acronyms used frequently - link added below)

    The Committee did enter Executive Session not to return to open meeting


The show notes contain a link to the full agenda and to my notes & photos captured via Twitter during the meeting.

The recording runs about 2 hours and 26 minutes, so let’s listen to the Franklin School Committee on February 14, 2023. Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-945-franklin-ma-school-committee-mtg-02-14-23

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School Committee page -> https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee

Inclement weather page -> https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/weather_2022_2.pdf

Guests/Presentations

A. JFK Highlights – Dr. Connolly, Mr. Haynes - photos album -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/m8oxLk4HzAeURnMF7

B. Belize Presentation – Ms. Balliro & Ms. Quigley - photos album -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/FgVmgsGHmXAEA1xm9

C. Advisory Update – MS Advisors & Principals - photos album -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/piXbXCXcwF72JxyQ6

D. EduSpeak Update – Supt Giguere & Dr Rogers - (effectively will be a glossary document posted to the schools page with the acronyms used frequently, to be expanded as more suggestions on terms used are added)  https://www.franklinps.net/district/superintendent/pages/eduspeak-glossary-educational-terms-acronyms

Agenda doc with remote participation info -> https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/agenda-2-14-23

Meeting packet folder -> (the documents not released prior to the meeting are supposed to be posted here on Wednesday, as we got ot press Friday morning, they are not yet available) https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/february-14-2023-school-committee-meeting-packet

Franklin TV video is available -> https://www.youtube.com/live/pzZUAhR1_x0?feature=share

My full set of notes in one PDF doc -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1jI59o9T1hhMR_RMByloONyLV2EwL9cCu/view?usp=share_link

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

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.

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/ or www.franklin.news/

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"

School Cmte hears about JFK School highlights, middles school advisory program, EduSpeak terms, and approves trip to Belize (audio)

FHS Results for the 2023 Hockomock Gymnastics Meet 02/11/23

 Via HockomockSports.com, we share the FHS results of the Hockomock Gymnastics Meet conducted Saturday, February 11, 2023. We also provide the link to the full set of Hockomock League results below.

TEAM RESULTS

1. Oliver Ames – 140.65

2. King Philip – 140.35

3. Mansfield – 139.75

4. Attleboro – 137.55

5. Franklin – 136.95

6. Taunton – 135.8

7. North Attleboro – 134.15

8. Canton – 127.65

9. Sharon – 126.4

KELLEY-REX MEET RESULTS

1. King Philip – 140.35

2. Attleboro – 137.55

3. Franklin – 136.95

4. Taunton – 135.8

5. North Attleboro – 134.15

ALL-AROUND EVENT – KELLEY REX

All-Around

1. Abby Lefebvre, King Philip – 36.55

2. Emma Nelson, Franklin – 36

Kelley-Rex All-Around Beam

1. Emma Nelson, Franklin – 9.2

2. Abby Lefebvre, King Philip – 9

3. Maia Keohane, Franklin – 8.6

Kelley-Rex All-Around Bars

1. Abby Lefebvre, King Philip – 9.4

2. Emma Nelson, Franklin – 8.8

Kelley-Rex All-Around Vault

1. Abby Lefebvre, King Philip – 9.45

3. Emma Nelson, Franklin – 9.2

5. Maia Keohane, Franklin – 8.85

Kelley-Rex All-Around Floor

1. Caroline DiMarco, Attleboro – 9.3

2. Emma Nelson, Franklin – 8.8

INDIVIDUAL EVENT RESULTS – KELLEY-REX

Beam

1. Kai Gallagher, North Attleboro – 9.3

T5. Katie Valutkevich, Franklin – 8.7

Vault

1. Ty Nickerson, North Attleboro – 9.55

T5. Molly Chandler, Franklin – 8.9

Floor

1. Ty Nickerson, North Attleboro – 9.2

T2. Olivia Raegan, Franklin – 9

For the full Hockomock League gymnastics results

https://hockomocksports.com/hockomock-gymnastics-meet-2023-results/

Via FHS Gymnastics we had shared their results earlier this week

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/02/fhs-gymnastics-hockomock-league.html

FHS Gymnastics - Hockomock League Championship meet results - 2/11/23

Panther TV: Panther News for Friday, Feb 17 (video)

"On this week's Panther News: A great night for girls track, all you need to know about spring sports registration, and hear from students about how they'll be spending winter break! 

@FranklinPSNews @FranklinHS @FHSPantherbook @FranklinMatters 

View the episode -> https://t.co/59rrvIx769 via @YouTube

shared from Twitter -> https://twitter.com/fhspanthertv/status/1626275167633547267

Franklin Food Pantry provides new building updates and a friendly reminder that you too can contribute!

Quite a bit is happening with construction of the new Franklin Food Pantry at 341 West Central Street! 

"A lot of progress has been made and preparations for the big move are in motion! Here’s what we’ve been up to: 

Interior framing, electrical, and low voltage wiring for phones and computers are in process.

• Windows, doors, walk-in coolers and freezers are in process.
• A sliding shelf system that increases storage capacity for dried goods is being ordered. 
• The exterior loading dock is in process and will create a level surface for safely unloading our refrigerated truck directly into the warehouse.
• Weather protection over the loading dock is in process and will protect food and volunteers from the elements which will also support food safety.

We are so thankful for all those who have donated time and product."

Please reach out to Marsha Tait, Director of Fund Development (via email at mtait@franklinfoodpantry.org) if you are interested in making a donation of any kind, or make a contribution to the campaign online ->   https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E188424&id=32. 

Additional photos of construction progress can be found ->

https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/new-building-updates/

Franklin Food Pantry provides new building updates

Franklin Art Association: Paint-In

 Saturday February 18, 202

Paint In - Hands on group paint time 10-1 pm, at Escape into Fiction, a still life will be set up.  Artists should bring their own materials. Coffee will be available for purchase from Escape. Chairs, drop cloths and wash water will be provided. 

Hope to see you all there!

Franklin Art Association Art Gallery at Escape Into Fiction

Libraries Are Meeting the Needs of Their Communities With More Than Books - The New York Times

"A Love Letter to Libraries, Long Overdue

The New York Times sent photographers to seven states to document the thrum and buzz in buildings once known for silence. "

"Just as reading has changed (from paper to pixel to audio) and tools for research have streamlined (sorry, World Book), so have the places that house the goods. Silence is no longer a requirement; versatility is.

It’s easy to romanticize libraries. But, the fact is, they’re not “just” about the written word. Were they ever? As local safety nets shriveled, the library roof magically expanded from umbrella to tarp to circus tent to airplane hangar. The modern library keeps its citizens warm, safe, healthy, entertained, educated, hydrated and, above all, connected"

Continue reading the article online (subscription maybe required)

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/02/14/books/review/library-public-local.html

And while we are talking about libraries and their services, The New York Times is a subscription available through the Franklin Library with your library card.

Check this page, then scroll down to find the Times link

At the Northtown branch of the Chicago Public Library, a young reader curled up with a picture book.Credit...Todd Heisler/The New York Times

ESPN publishes doctored photo to social media

A widely viewed image shared by ESPN supposedly showing Cincinnati quarterback Joe Burrow after his AFC Championship loss was doctored, prioritizing the emotion of the moment over accuracy.

Hello, A widely viewed image shared by ESPN supposedly showing Cincinnati quarterback Joe Burrow after his AFC Championship loss was doctored, prioritizing the emotion of the moment over accuracy. Share this RumorGuard entry now and make sure your friends and family aren't fooled by this football fakery. ESPN posted manipulated image of Joe Burrow after AFC Championship loss Following the AFC Championship game on Jan. 29, sports news outlet ESPN shared a striking image to its official Twitter, Facebook and Instagram accounts that supposedly showed Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow watching the Kansas City Chiefs fans celebrating. However, the photo isn't authentic — it's manipulated. Let's look at the facts. RumorGuard, a resource from the News Literacy Project, helps you stay on top of viral misinformation that is trending online with clear, concise explanations of credible fact-checks. It also provides insights and resources designed to help you take control of your social media feeds and help others avoid being exploited by falsehoods. We want to hear from you! Provide your feedback about RumorGuard here or send us a recent rumor you think we should cover at rumorguard@newslit.org.

Support news literacy by donating today.

Visit us at rumorguard.org, newslit.org, checkology.org and newslitnation.org. The News Literacy Project, a nonpartisan education nonprofit, is building a national movement to advance the practice of news literacy throughout American society, creating better informed, more engaged and more empowered individuals — and ultimately a stronger democracy. The News Literacy Project 5335 Wisconsin Ave. NW, Suite 440, Washington, DC 20015