Story time with Mrs Claus at the Franklin Historical Museum - Dec 1

Story time with Mrs Claus

Everyone’s favorite storyteller, Mrs. Claus, returns to the Franklin Historical Museum, for her annual visit on Sunday, December 1, from 1:30-3:30. Join us for some warm cocoa, candy canes and story time with Mrs. Claus. 

Children of all ages enjoy this special time of year, listening to a Christmas story from their special holiday friend. There will still be plenty of time to head down to the common for Christmas on the Common (at 4 PM). 

Make it an afternoon of holiday delights for the children. Mrs. Claus will be waiting.


Visit the Franklin Historical Museum online at https://www.franklinmuseum1778.com/

“We create lifestyles for people”

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

"Ever since they began as makers of woolen fabric during the mid-19th century, operators of the sprawling mill on Franklin’s Union Street have found little ways to reinvent the building’s purpose - from making woolen uniforms for Union forces during the Civil War, to selling woolen remnants in the 1940s, to stocking millions of yards of fabrics and yarns, threads and ribbons, and offering classes to turn it all into something useful and beautiful. 

For more than 150 years, the mill has become a proud Franklin fixture - like a beloved, if worn, heirloom passed from generation to generation - and has continued to draw people through its doors: First to create, and then to inspire creativity. 

Once again, there is reinvention taking place within the faded brick walls of The Franklin Mill Store. The vision builds upon the success of the fabric and sewing supplies store and spins forward the notion of the mill as a place of creation and artistry, with an eye toward making the mill into a suburban iteration of the types of interior design centers that usually require a trip into a big city. 

The third-generation family textile business recently celebrated a soft launch of its newly renovated design center, and unveiled a new partnership with local artists that exhibits their work and offers it for sale to those who come to the center in search of fresh interior touches or entirely new interior design ideas."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20191115/beautiful-by-design-franklin-mill-store-takes-on-role-as-center-for-art-interior-design

“We create lifestyles for people”

The Franklin Mill Store (https://franklinmillstore.com/) is well positioned in the "Crossing" section of Franklin which is also being planned for additional and appropriate economic development. If you have not yet answered the survey being conducted, please do so. You can find it on the Town’s Economic Development Site: https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/franklin-economic-development-survey

Catholic Memorial remains undefeated to end the FHS football playoff run

Via HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the FHS fall sports action on Friday, Nov 15, 2019

Football = D1 South Final = #2 Franklin, 8 @ #1 Catholic Memorial, 42 – Final

for other results around the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/fridays-schedule-scoreboard-11-15-19/


Kevin Stone provides the write up on the game for MetroWest

"It had been 37 years since the Franklin football program had a sectional or state trophy to put on display at Franklin High School. And while the consolation hardware wasn’t what the Panthers were looking for on Friday night, there is no denying how far the program has come. 

Second-seeded Franklin lost to top-seeded Catholic Memorial in the Division 1 South championship, 42-8. With the win, the Knights (10-0) advance to the Division 1 Super Bowl at Gillette Stadium in a few weeks. 

The Panthers (7-3) still have one game left on Thanksgiving, but the Division 1 South finalist trophy that is headed back to Franklin signifies quite a bit of growth from a program that just was a two-win team during head coach Eain Bain’s first year in 2016. 

“It’s a consolation prize, but we haven’t put a trophy in the case at Franklin High School since 1982,” Bain said following the loss. “I wasn’t even born yet, some of our coaches weren’t even born yet, so look, tonight wasn’t our night. CM is a great program. They’re able to bring in guys from all over and they’ve assembled a lot of talent."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.metrowestdailynews.com/sports/20191115/not-so-fast-catholic-memorial-halts-franklin-footballs-run-in-div-1-south-final

Follow Kevin on Twitter https://twitter.com/kstone06

Catholic Memorial remains undefeated to end the FHS football playoff run

Town of Franklin Job Opportunities with ZBA, DPW, Facilities, and Fire Dept

Job Opportunities

To apply for a vacant position, please submit a resume and cover letter to apply@franklinma.gov.  Please put the job title in the subject line of your email.  

• Clerk 2 - Zoning Board of Appeals (Building and Inspections, Health, Planning and Conservation Offices) 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/clerk2-buildingandinspections-zba-jobposting-nov2019.pdf

• Heavy Motor Equipment Operator - Department of Public Works 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/hmeo-external-posting-october252019.pdf

• Part-Time and Substitute Custodian positions - Facilities Department 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/part-time.and-substitute-custodians-oct252019.pdf

• Firefighter/Paramedics - The Town of Franklin's Fire Department is in the Massachusetts Civil Service system
  • If you are currently a Firefighter/Paramedic in a Civil Service community and are interested in working for Franklin, send a resume and cover letter to apply@franklinma.gov. 
  • Please note: new hires must have and maintain a paramedic certification and complete an Associate's Degree within 5 years of the date they are hired.   

If you do not have a resume, you may send a completed Application for Employment instead.

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/application_for_employment_-_town_of_franklin.pdf

To receive notifications of all job opportunities in the Town of Franklin, subscribe here  https://www.franklinma.gov/subscribe 

Town of Franklin Job Opportunities with ZBA, DPW, Facilities, and Fire Dept

Dunkin replacing foam cups with cardboard

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

"By Dec. 1, all Dunkin’ restaurants across New England will have phased out foam cups and replaced them with double-walled paper cups, the company announced Friday. 

But that’s not the only change. 

The brand is also taking a stand against double cupping, encouraging customers to “break up with the double cup,” said Dunkin’ Chief Operating Officer Scott Murphy. 

Dunkin’ is launching a marketing campaign to alert customers to the end of the practice of nesting an iced beverage — already in a plastic cup — inside a foam cup to provide additional insulation, resulting in added waste."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20191115/dunkin-to-eliminate-foam-cups-in-new-england-shops

Dunkin replacing foam cups with cardboard

FTC Consumer Alert: AT&T Unlimited Data Customers Getting Refunds

AT&T Unlimited Data Customers Getting Refunds by Alvaro Puig, Consumer Education Specialist, FTC You might have heard that AT&T agreed to return $60 million to customers for allegedly reducing the data speed on their unlimited data plans without telling them.  In its 2014 complaint, the FTC said that AT&T's practice of data throttling – slowing down the data speed for unlimited customers who used large amounts of data – was unfair and deceptive.  It was unfair because AT&T promised unlimited data, but didn't give customers the data they paid for. And it was deceptive because AT&T didn't tell customers it was reducing their data speed, says the FTC. Read more  https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2019/11/att-unlimited-data-customers-getting-refunds?utm_source=govdelivery This is a free service provided by the Federal Trade Commission

---

Additional details on settlement

https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/press-releases/2019/11/att-pay-60-million-resolve-ftc-allegations-it-misled-consumers

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA: FRI - Nov 15 to THU - Nov 21

Friday, November 15

 Hidden Mickey Scavenger Hunt!

8:00am

 Downtown Partnership Networking Breakfast

10:00am

 Knitting Group

1:00pm

 Book sale

3:30pm

 Chess Club for Kids

Saturday, November 16

 Hidden Mickey Scavenger Hunt!

9:00am

 Electronics and bicycle recycling

9:00am

 Book Sale

10:00am

 Franklin Historical Museum (Always free)

1:00pm

 Bag Sale

7:30pm

 Rising Stars Cabaret

8:00pm

 Peter Mulvey: Circle of Friends Coffeehouse

Sunday, November 17

 Hidden Mickey Scavenger Hunt!

1:00pm

 Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

4:00pm

 Quartett Giocosa

Monday, November 18

 Hidden Mickey Scavenger Hunt!

10:30am

 Move Along

3:30pm

 D&D for Kids

7:00pm

 VAPING: Everything You Need to Know

7:30pm

 Greater Franklin Distinguished Young Women Information Night

Tuesday, November 19

9:30am

 Cool Cruisers

10:30am

 Get Ready for Kindergarten

4:00pm

 Code I.T.

6:00pm

 Inhaling the Facts: A Panel of Experts on the Vaping Epidemic

6:30pm

 Sleep Research Events - Dr Judith Owens

6:30pm

 Documentary Film Night

Wednesday, November 20

10:30am

 Terrific Toddlers

5:00pm

 Book Bites

6:30pm

 Self Care Series: How to Live a Purpose-Driven Life

7:30pm

 Dean College Presents: "Wonderful Town"

7:30pm

 Franklin Newcomers and Friends

Thursday, November 21

9:30am

 Baby Tummy Time

10:30am

 Story Xplorers

4:00pm

 Bookworm Bounce Storytime!

6:00pm

 Volunteens

7:00pm

 Franklin Cultural District - Partners Meeting

7:30pm

 Dean College Presents: "Wonderful Town"

For the interactive version, please visit

https://www.franklinmatters.org/p/blog-page.html

For the Town of Franklin Public Meeting Calendar

https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar

Submit an event for the Community Calendar, please use this link

https://www.franklinculture.org/things-do/links/submit-event

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA: FRI - Nov 15 to THU - Nov 21

The Peacheaters and Bearly Dead to play THE BLACK BOX on Black Friday

THE BLACK BOX Tribute Series will present The Peacheaters and Bearly Dead on Friday, November 29 at 8:00 pm.

The Peacheaters dig deep into the 40 + year catalog of Allman Brothers Band music and deliver an experience like no other. The Peacheaters make these songs feel as fresh as the first time you heard them. Fueled by admiration and passion for the music of the Allman Brothers Band, The Peacheaters have been rocking audiences for over 15 years. 

The Boston Globe, WZLX, Boston's Classic Rock Radio, and many other media outlets have raved about the authenticity of the band's performances. From festivals to concert halls, the band's success has taken them all over the U.S.—including performances at venues such as Showcase Live, The House of Blues, Daytona's Bike Week, The Big House in Macon, GA, and B.B. Kings, NYC.

The band's dedication to this music, and to “hitting the note” every night, has helped them build a loyal and ever-growing fan base. The “Peach” has won multiple “Best Tribute Band” awards, and shared stages with legends such as The Outlaws, Melvin Seals (Jerry Garcia Band), Matt Abts (Gov’t Mule), The Zen Tricksters, and James Montgomery.

Bearly Dead is an all-star cast of players with deep roots in the New England jam & festival scene. While the band plays all of The Grateful Dead classics, they also dive into an extended catalog, which may include any song that any member of the Dead ever performed. With over 230 songs in rotation and new material being added all the time, Bearly Dead performs wildly different set lists every night and ensures that each show is a unique experience. With no designated “Jerry” or “Bobby”, this band is able to breathe new life into songs with their fresh, high-energy approach to them. Bearly Dead is a set list-nerd’s dream.

Tickets for Black Friday at THE BLACK BOX are available at www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com, by calling the box office at 508-528-3370, or at the door. 

The Peacheaters and Bearly Dead to play THE BLACK BOX on Black Friday

Franklin High School Theatre Company Presents "Almost,Maine" - Nov 23-24, 2019

The Franklin High School Theatre Company will perform "Almost, Maine" on Saturday, November 23 and Sunday, November 24, 2019.

Welcome to Almost Maine, a place that's so far north, it's almost not in the United States. It's almost in Canada. And it's not quite a town, because its residents never got around to getting it organized. So it almost doesn't exist. One cold, clear, winter night, as the northern lights hover in the star filled sky above, the residents of Almost, Maine, find themselves falling in and out of love in unexpected and hilarious ways. Knees are bruised. Hearts are broken. But the bruises heal, and the heats mend - almost - in this delightful midwinter night's dream.

The Franklin High School Theatre Company's production of Almost, Maine will take place at Franklin High School, 218 Oak Street, Franklin at 7:00 PM Saturday 11/23 and 2:00 PM Sunday 11/24.

• Pre-Sale/Online Tickets: Adults - $10, Students - $5
• Walk-up/At-The-Door Tickets: Adults $12, Students - $7

To learn more and purchase tickets, visit https://www.onthestage.com/show/franklin-high-school-theatre-company/almost-maine-58249/about

"Almost,Maine" - Nov 23-24, 2019

FHS Theatre Company Presents "Almost,Maine"

Governor Baker Signs Legislation to Support Financial Stability in Higher Education and Protect Students and Families from Abrupt Closures

Thursday, November 14, Governor Charlie Baker joined Lt. Governor Karyn Polito, Senate President Karen Spilka, Secretary of Education Jim Peyser, Senator Anne Gobi, Representative Jeff Roy, the Association of lndependent Colleges and Universities in Massachusetts (AICUM), and SEIU Local 509 to sign An Act to Support Improved Financial Stability in Higher Education (H4099) which will clarify and enhance the authority of the Board of Higher Education to monitor the financial health of Massachusetts' colleges and universities. 

This legislation requires any institution facing financial challenges that may jeopardize the institution's ability to fulfill its obligations to current and admitted students to notify the Board of Higher Education, as well as submit a contingency plan for approval that includes arrangements for students to complete their studies.

"Massachusetts is home to some of the world's most impressive public and private colleges and universities that also serve as major employers and drivers of business across the Commonwealth," said Governor Charlie Baker. "We are very pleased to have worked alongside the Legislature to sign this important bill into law that will protect students and families from sudden college closures, while also guaranteeing those institutions confidentiality as the Department of Higher Education works with them to understand their financial status."

"While we do not want to see any college or university close its doors, it is important to ensure sufficient notice to students and staff to make arrangements if the institution where they study or work is at high risk of closure, so they can complete their studies with as little disruption as possible, or have sufficient time to find new employment," said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. "This legislation will better protect students, families and higher education professionals."

In March 2019, Governor Baker filed legislation to enhance the authority of the Board of Higher Education to monitor the financial health of Massachusetts' colleges and universities. Under this legislation, colleges and universities shall immediately notify the Board of Higher Education of any known financial liabilities or risks which are reasonably likely to result in the imminent closure of the institution, or negatively affect the institution's ability to fulfill its obligations to current or admitted students. The institution would be required to submit to the Board for approval a contingency plan that includes provisions for providing advance notice to students and staff.

"Through this legislation, the Board and Department of Higher Education can ensure transparency for students and families without being overly burdensome to colleges," said Education Secretary James Peyser.

"We're especially pleased to see the votes on this legislation passing the House and Senate unanimously in recent weeks," said Carlos E. Santiago, Commissioner of Higher Education. "It is a sign of the deep levels of support for our work to monitor institutional finances with the goal of making sure that all students have the ability to complete their programs of study and pursue meaningful careers of their choice."

"Massachusetts has a global reputation for excellence in higher education, and it1s essential for all of us to work together to sustain and burnish public confidence in our colleges and universities," said Chris Gabrieli, Chair of the Massachusetts Board of Higher Education.

The Board of Higher Education will be responsible for establishing an annual process for screening every college and university to assess its financial condition, and to identify any institution that may be at risk of imminent closure. The Department of Higher Education is encouraged to work with the regional accrediting agency to conduct these annual screenings, in lieu of doing the screening itself.

The Board of Higher Education will also establish a training program for members of boards of trustees of public institutions of higher education on the proper governance of an institution of higher education. The instruction will include an overview of open meeting, public records, state procurement laws and state finance provisions established under state law, along with fraud prevention and fiduciary responsibilities.

The legislation signed today paves the way for the Board of Higher Education to vote on regulations by which it will exercise its oversight authority, expected at its December Board meeting.

"I am proud we have taken this important step as a Commonwealth towards furthering transparency and providing stability in our higher education system," said Senate President Karen E. Spilka. "No student's degree aspirations or financial resources should ever be put in limbo due to the sudden closure of their school."

"Today we've taken action to protect students, families, and staff of our higher education institutions by increasing the transparency of the financial health of institutions - requiring stronger oversight, reporting and accountability," said House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo. "Thank you to the Higher Education Committee Chairs Jeffrey Roy and Anne Gobi for their diligent work on this legislation and for the support of House Ways and Means Chair Michlewitz and Representative Kenneth Gordon on these issues."

"In the wake of the Mount Ida closure last year, I heard from an extraordinary amount of people who were negatively affected and asked that the legislature take steps to protect students, faculty, and staff," said Senator Michael J. Rodrigues, Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. "I applaud the Baker-Polito Administration for supporting measures such as the development of student-focused contingency plans for public colleges and universities expected to close. This legislation will help to bring stability and transparency to our institutions of higher learning."

"Today is a good day for students, faculty, staff, and the Commonwealth," said Senator Anne M. Gobi, Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Higher Education. "We have shown, in a bipartisan manner, that our institutions of higher learning are important and their stability is necessary. Through these efforts, if problems arise they can be detected early with a set, transparent process in place that will safeguard our students and offer them a path to continue their higher education.

"This is a great day for students and their families, and this legislation will provide transparency and restore confidence in our Higher Education institutions," said Representative Jeff Roy, House Chair of the Joint Committee on Higher Education. "The strength of our colleges and universities is paramount to our success as a commonwealth, as it promotes civic discourse and drives economic opportunity. When students and their families invest in their future, they deserve to know that their institution stands on a solid foundation. Through this legislation, the state will be a partner in providing transparency and accountability to promote resiliency and financial stability, and to ensure that our students have access to the opportunities that they need, that they can count on, and that deliver for the long-term strength of our state."

"We are fortunate to have vibrant private colleges across the Commonwealth that graduate tens of thousands of students each year who go on to contribute to the Massachusetts economy," said AICUM. "Today's legislation will help ensure that our colleges and universities continue to educate our students, employ our residents, further important research and enhance our host communities. I want to thank Governor Baker, Secretary Peyser, Commissioner Santiago, Senate President Spilka and House Speaker DeLeo for working collaboratively with AICUM to develop a process that utilizes the expertise and experience of the regional accrediting agency to annually screen our institutions and ensures confidentially to colleges and universities as they participate in the screening process."

 

Governor Baker Signs Legislation to Support Financial Stability in Higher Education (Facebook photo via Rep Roy)

In the News: 2nd Annual Toys for Tots at Alumni

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

"With a blended family of five children ages 6-17, John MacLennan and his wife, Tara, try their “absolute best” to keep a smile on the kids’ faces.

For the Plainville couple, there is nothing quite like inspiring smiles and joy. And they don’t keep it just within the family.

The pair are the organizers behind the Toys For Tots Festival planned for Saturday at Franklin’s Alumni Restaurant. The event, which will take place from 3-11 p.m., is aimed at bringing people together to enjoy entertainment, food and cheerful company while also benefiting a cause that is sure to inspire countless smiles come Christmas morning.

This is the second year the couple is planning the event."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20191114/couple-plan-toys-for-tots-festival-at-franklins-alumni-restaurant


Follow the Facebook event:  https://www.facebook.com/events/441604416644253/ — at The Alumni Restaurant and Bar.

2nd Annual Toys For Tots Festival at Alumni on Nov 16

FHS Hockey Concert, Nov 23

Join fellow FHS Hockey families and friends for a fun night of music and dancing at the Franklin Elks on Saturday, November 23, 7:00 PM - Midnight. 

3 Bands will be performing their latest cover tunes; Slewfoot, South Street Six, and Backyard Swagger will each perform 1 hr. and 15 minutes of music. 

Tickets are $20 per person. There will be a cash bar and an opportunity to purchase restaurant gift cards from Rock n' Coal and 3 Restaurant. 

To purchase tickets, visit: https://fhspanthershockey.bpt.me

For more information, please email: fhspanthershockey@gmail.com

Follow the Facebook event  
https://www.facebook.com/events/2471940966358819/

FHS Hockey Concert, Nov 23 (Facebook event image)

Karate Show and Long Shadow Sheep headline Thanksgiving Eve at THE BLACK BOX

THE BLACK BOX Local Artist Series will present Karate Show and Long Shadow Sheep on Wednesday, November 27 at 8:00 pm. The Thanksgiving Eve concert is 21+ only. ID will be checked at the door.

Karate Show, Boston's most rocking cover band, plays a wide spectrum of rock and roll hits from bands like Pearl Jam, The Killers, Tom Petty, Foo Fighters, Kings of Leon, The White Stripes, Green Day, The Ramones, and The Who. The band includes Franklin native Mike Briggs on lead vocals, Anthony Mantia on lead guitar and vocals, Mike Molloy on drums, Joe Broderick on rhythm guitar, and Tony DelBuono on bass.

Long Shadow Sheep is an independent folk-rock band hailing from MA. Following the release of a solo record “Violins,” singer/songwriter Brady O’Keefe returned to Franklin, recruiting long-time friends Matt Zajac (drummer) and Doug Buckley (bassist) to extend the performance capabilities of his acoustic-based material. The creation of the new, collaborative group brought the musical project in a new direction, both sonically and energetically. Guitarist and songwriter Nick Sabet joined as lead guitar player, bringing a highly-refined and versatile skill set, evolving the band’s original sound.

Tickets for Thanksgiving Eve are available at www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com, by calling the box office at 508-528-3370, or at the door. The venue features a full bar. 

Karate Show and Long Shadow Sheep headline Thanksgiving Eve at THE BLACK BOX

Franklin Newcomers and Friends - Nov 20

The Franklin Newcomers and Friends club welcomes you to attend our November event. We are meeting one week later than our usual 2nd Wednesday of the month. On November 20th, we’re hosting two speakers . . . Town Administrator Jamie Hellen and Franklin School Superintendent Sara Ahern. They’ll be updating us regarding the FY 2021 Budget and other important matters in Franklin. Come with your questions!

No need to RSVP, just join us at 7:30 at “3”! We run our meetings September through May at “3” Restaurant, 461 W. Central Street, Franklin. Heavy appetizers and beverages are complimentary; a cash bar is available.

Residents of Franklin, or any surrounding town that doesn't have a Newcomers organization, are welcome to join us the 2nd Wednesday of the month (occasionally we switch Wednesdays to accommodate holidays or speakers).

Additionally, we hold many fun and varied events to stay connected throughout the year. Look for us on our website www.franklinnewcomers.com, or on our Facebook page or on Meetup.com, Franklin Newcomers & Friends Club.

 

Franklin Newcomers & Friends meeting: Nov 20