"Story of the Personalized Calendars" - on display at Franklin Historical Museum through March 10, 2024

Via Claire Griffin: 

"I know it's last minute, but I have an event that I wanted to let folks know about. For the last couple of weeks I've been scrambling and framing 35 calendars that I created. 

They will be on display at the Franklin Historical Museum this weekend, February 24th and 25th through March 10th.  

As I framed them, I found myself looking back in time, remembering the 37 years I've been married. So many memories of family, friends, neighbors who I've shared them with.  

If you're in the Franklin area, stop by Saturday or Sunday for a visit, and a walk down memory lane."

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/CHjs7REm745zuXQ5/?mibextid=oFDknk

"Story of the Personalized Calendars" - on display at Franklin Historical Museum through March 10, 2024

Franklin Public Library: News & Events for March 2024

**LIBRARY NEWS**

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

Franklin Public Library's 2024 Reading Challenge!
March: A Book Written by More Than One Author
Welcome to the Franklin Public Library's first Annual Reading Challenge! For each monthly prompt that you complete and submit on time you will receive a Free Book Coupon that's good at the library's Book Sale. Submissions MUST be submitted by the last day of each month in order to qualify for that month's Free Book Coupon. If you complete all 12 months (again, submissions must be received on time to qualify) you will be entered in to win one of multiple grand prizes! For complete details and to sign-up, visit our website! Grand prizes made possible by the Friends of the Franklin Library!

Good Deeds: History Comes Alive - Franklin Public Library
Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell, in collaboration with Quincy Access Television, embarked on a project to create videos that feature historic area landmarks, with the aim of showcasing historic buildings and places from each town in Norfolk County.  This month's featured landmark is...the Franklin Public Library!  Click HERE to watch the video.

Consumer Reports - just a click a way!
Are you thinking about buying new household appliances because the old ones are making scary noises? You may need Consumer Reports! Franklin residents have home access to all of the valuable content on the Consumer Reports Database. This library subscription offers 1,000+ ratings, reviews, expert buying advice, product comparisons, consumer user reviews, and even "price & shop" links to major retailers.  Grab your Minuteman Library card and head over to the alphabetically list of free library databases!

The Massachusetts Legal Forms Library
Official, Massachusetts Specific, Federal, Business, Personal, Real Estate and General forms covering hundreds of legal subjects and issues, all downloadable in Microsoft Word and ready to be personalized. Home access available with your Minuteman card. Find it on the list of free online library databases

Museum Passes
Now is a great time to reserve passes to the area's most popular museums, aquariums, and more! Passes are available to be reserved up to thirty days in advance.

Franklin Library Book Sale
Friday, March 15^th, 1:00-5:00 p.m.  Saturday March 16^th, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon
All books are just one dollar!
Bag Sale - $5 A Bag—Saturday, March 16^th, from 1:00-4:00 p.m.
Come fill a brown bag with all the books you can!

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program
In our second year of providing free tax preparation assistance through the VITA IRS program the Franklin Public Library is looking for volunteers! While tax season started in February; planning, training, and scheduling can begin today! To sign up or to find more information please email Site Coordinator Mitzi Gousie at mgousie@minlib.net!

Franklin Library ESL & Adult Literacy Program
Volunteer tutors needed! To volunteer please be at least 18 years old, have a High School diploma, & speak English clearly.  No prior teaching experience needed!  Volunteer tutors and students do not need to be Franklin residents. If interested, please fill out the registration form on the library's website.

 

**FRIENDS OF THE FRANKLIN LIBRARY**

Valentine's Day Fudge Sale: THANK YOU for your support! A big thank you to those who ordered fudge as part of the Friends' 2024 Valentine's Day Fudge Sale. We hope you enjoyed your fudge, and we thank you for your support of the Friends!

Limited Copies of Franklin Library Association Book Available. Do you or someone you know love reading about local history? If so, we have the perfect book for you: The Franklin Library Association: Building the Future of the Nation's First Public Library 1858-2022. The book tells the story of the Franklin Library Association which managed and funded the Franklin Public Library for more than a century. Copies of this book are available now with a donation to Friends of the Franklin Library. Interested in a copy? Reach out to us at fofl02038@gmail.com.

Be A Friend! Friends of the Franklin Library is an all-volunteer, nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and promoting the Franklin Public Library's collections and programs. We welcome new ideas and new Friends as we grow our organization. Please join us on Wednesday, March 6  at 7:00pm in the Friends of the Franklin Library Community Room to Learn more about becoming a Friend!

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library/news/march-2024-franklin-library-news-events

Franklin Public Library: News & Events scheduled for March 2024

MIAA hockey brackets at 10 AM; basketball at 1 PM - both live broadcasts via Franklin TV

MIAA (@MIAA033) posted on Fri, Feb 23, 2024:

The MIAA Hockey Tournament brackets are being released tomorrow at 10 AM.  The first analysis show is at 10:15 with teams, coaches, and the media talking about the tourney.  

Here is the link -> Hockey - https://youtu.be/MgP371EEpfM

MIAA hockey brackets at 10 AM

The MIAA Basketball Tournament brackets are being released tomorrow at 1 PM. The first analysis show is at 1:15 PM with teams, coaches, and the media talking about the tourney.  

Here is the link -> Basketball - https://youtu.be/lBbJxr0MHbQ

MIAA basketball at 1 PM

Sunday brunch returns to Teddy Gallagher's Pub - Feb 25

Back by popular demand 

Come by this Sunday for brunch 10:30 AM to 4:00 PM and enjoy live music from Dallas Corbin

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/C3qhmyVRlRr/

Sunday brunch returns to Teddy Gallagher's Pub - Feb 25

Fallen Hero: Corporal David Laughlan III, U. S. Marine Corps - Feb 24, 2024

Memorial event today (2/24/24) at 9 AM on the Town Common Veterans Walkway to honor  Corporal David Laughlan III, U. S. Marine Corps

"Corporal David Laughlan III, U.S. Marine Corps, was born on March 20, 1923 son of David and Elsie Laughlan. David lived with his parents, a sister and a brother at 55 North Park Street. David attended the Franklin Public Schools and graduated from Franklin High School, Class of 1941. David joined the Marine Corps two months before Pearl Harbor. 

Corporal David Laughlan III saw a great deal of action as a member of a rifle company fighting against the enemy on Saipan, the Marianas Islands on June 30 and again on July 1, 1944. CPL Laughlan volunteered to lead patrols into enemy territory obtaining valuable information of great value to his company commander. The information was used by his commander in planning the company’s many subsequent successful attacks against the enemy. Corporal David Laughlan III was injured on Saipan and was awarded the Bronze Star for his performance of valor. 

Corporal David Laughlan III later returned to action for the torrid battle on Iowa Jima and lost his life there on February 24, 1945. 

Corporal David Laughlan III was 21 years old when he became a battle casualty while in combat during WWII."

Fallen Hero: Corporal Laughlan

For the full series of Fallen Heroes you can visit this link
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/franklin-fallen-heroes-series.html

Originally posted -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/fallen-hero-corporal-david-laughlan-iii.html

The 7th Annual Black Excellence Showcase at Dean College - Saturday at 7, Sunday at 1:30

The 7th Annual Black Excellence Showcase is a night of art, celebration, joy that highlights BIPOC students of Dean College. It is a collaboration between My Black Speaks and Black Student Union. Students showcase poetry, singing, acting, spoken word, dance, and more.

Doors open 6:30 PM on Saturday, February 24 and 1:30 PM on Sunday, February 25. There will be a pre-show cocktail hour for guests 21+, and after show reception for the Saturday performance. 

With this year's theme of Black Love, we are excited to embody and showcase love through different lenses! Please join us as we celebrate our talented students!

Tickets available online -> https://www.dean.edu/events/details/black-excellence-showcase-2/2024-02-24/

The 7th Annual Black Excellence Showcase at Dean College - Saturday at 7, Sunday at 1:30

Invitation to bid: On-Call HVAC/KMS Controls for Town/School Buildings

On-Call HVAC/KMS Controls for Town/School Buildings

In accordance with MGL c. 149, it is the intention of the Town of Franklin to retain the services of an HVAC firm for a multi-year contract, subject to annual appropriation, providing on-call HVAC services at various town and school buildings within the Town of Franklin.

Additional Information:  On-Call Maintenance for HVAC/KMS Controls for the Town and School Building

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/purchasing/bids/call-hvackms-controls-townschool-buildings

Invitation to bid: On-Call HVAC/KMS Controls for Town/School Buildings

FTC says H&R Block pressures people into overpaying for tax prep

FTC says H&R Block pressures people into overpaying for tax prep By Ari Lazarus People hate filing taxes, but they love getting something for free. So, when H&R Block advertises that people can use its online tax product for free, people listen. The problem, according to the FTC? It often isn't free. Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2024/02/ftc-says-hr-block-pressures-people-overpaying-tax-prep FTC says H&R Block pressures people into overpaying for tax prep

Franklin's Event Outlook: February 23, 2023 to February 29, 2024

Friday, February 23

7:00pm Good Thomas (live music)

Saturday, February 24

9:00am Fallen Hero Recognition: David Laughlan III - WWII (Veterans Memorial Walkway - Town Common)

10:00am Girl Scout cookies (Stop & Shop)

10:00am Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

6:00pm Cinema 80: "The Freshman"  (Franklin Historical Museum)

7:00pm Jamie Barrett (live music) 

Sunday, February 25

8:00am Girl Scout cookies (Dunkin, King St)

11:00am Girl Scout cookies (Learning Express)

1:00pm Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

Monday, February 26

9:00am Fallen Hero Recognition: Richard L. Desper - Vietnam (Veterans Memorial Walkway - Town Common)

Tuesday, February 27

2:30pm Rainbow Café (Franklin Senior Center)

7:00pm Trivia Night (Railery Public House)

Wednesday, February 28

7:30pm She Loves Me (ticketed event) (Dean College)

Thursday, February 29

7:30pm She Loves Me (ticketed event) (Dean College)

Why have multiple calendars?

There is a Cultural events calendar upon which other community events are layered to create the Community calendar. The Library and Senior Center calendars are too full of events to include all their events so we tend to focus on the major events. Town and School meetings are also kept separate. Links for all the calendars are shared here:

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

Find the full Community event 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 Library calendar of events ->    calendar link

The Senior Center calendar of events ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/node/39/events/month/39/2023-12

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 

Franklin's Event Outlook: February 23, 2023 to February 29, 2024

Get your tickets to the Party for The Pantry scheduled for March 29 at GlenPharmer Distillery

The Franklin Food Pantry and partners Ray Auger of MyFM 101.3 and William James of The Pub Kings will host Party for The Pantry; a night of celebration, and community, on Friday, March 29, 2024, at 7 PM, at GlenPharmer Distillery in Franklin, Massachusetts. 

Dance the night away with sensational performances from local bands and take part in silent auctions and raffles. All proceeds from the event will support the Franklin Food Pantry, which offers supplemental food assistance, household necessities, and resource referral programs to individuals and families throughout the Franklin community. 

Tickets to this 21+ event are $40 each and can be purchased at www.franklinfoodpantry.org.

Sponsorship opportunities are available for $350 and include a listing on the event banner, mention on MyFM 101.3, social media posts on MyFM 101.3 and Franklin Food Pantry, and two tickets to the event.  

For more information, visit www.franklinfoodpantry.org/happenings/events.

Get your tickets to the Party for The Pantry scheduled for March 29 at GlenPharmer Distillery

Disclosure: Franklin Matters is proud to be a sponsor of this Party for the Pantry event.

MIAA (@MIAA033) announces new bracket release show on Franklin TV with MassLive

MIAA (@MIAA033) posted Thu, Feb 22, 2024:

"Big News from the MIAA, MassLive, and Franklin TV as the first Bracket Release Analysis Show will be this Saturday.  

Hockey will be on about 10:15, Basketball at 1:15.  

Coaches, media, student-athletes are going to be live as they talk about the tournament.  Link to follow."

Shared from -> https://twitter.com/MIAA033/status/1760730427344736696

The show can be found on the Franklin Pride TV  channel ->   https://www.youtube.com/@franklinpridetv7819/streams

MIAA (@MIAA033) announces new bracket release show on Franklin TV with MassLive

Kayak rental at Beaver Pond coming soon

Coming to Beaver Pond soon will be a self service kayak station with 4 kayaks, paddles, and life jackets. Families can rent kayaks for $25 for 2 hours/$15 for each additional hour, sun up to sun down.  

Plans for a small dock and kayak launch will follow. 

mock up of Kayak rental

Kayak launch video https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=lO6ZcnjjnWw 

More about Beaver Pond's Chilson Beach -> https://www.franklinma.gov/.../beaver-pond-chilson-beach

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/48DwtzpN4pvEnuUV/

New flashing signs at Rail Trail crossing on Grove St

"New Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFBs) are now installed at the Grove Street trailhead. These signs are similar to what were installed at the Center Street trailhead, and should increase pedestrian safety. 

The FBRTC is also working to get similar RRFBs installed at the Lake Street trailhead."

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/C3fidN4sWAF/

New flashing signs at Rail Trail crossing on Grove St

Escape into Fiction introduces Silent Book Club - Feb 28

"Coming up!!

Don't forget to email the store mail@escapeintofiction.com if you'd like to come to the Silent Book Club before 2/28!"

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/C3lCa_uu3bI/

Escape into Fiction introduces Silent Book Club - Feb 28

Invitation to Bid: Purchase of Milk for Franklin Public Schools

Purchase of Milk for Franklin Public Schools

In accordance with MGL c.30B, it is the intention of the Town to enter a contract for the 2024-2025 school year, with two (2) one-year Town options to renew, with a supplier and distributor of milk products for the Franklin Public Schools. 

Additional Information:  Purchase of Milk for Franklin Public Schools

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/purchasing/bids/purchase-milk-franklin-public-schools

Invitation to Bid: Purchase of Milk for Franklin Public Schools

Protecting Yourself from QR Code Fraud

via Social Security Administration:

"Quick Response codes, better known as QR codes, are a very popular way to get information. QR codes are scannable barcodes that will direct you to a website.

There are many legitimate and helpful uses for QR codes, from paying for parking to viewing a restaurant menu. But since scammers often use QR codes to carry out their schemes, it’s important for you to learn how to spot a fake!

Scammers create QR codes to trick people into visiting a fraudulent website or downloading malware that compromises their personal information."

Continue reading the article online to get those tips 

https://blog.ssa.gov/protecting-yourself-from-qr-code-fraud/

Protecting Yourself from QR Code Fraud

Franklin TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) schedule for Friday, Feb 23, 2024

• 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 6, Verizon 26) = FRIDAY

• Franklin Pride TV - Our Educational Channel        (Comcast 8, Verizon 28) = FRIDAY

• Franklin Town Hall TV - Our Government Channel (Comcast 9, Verizon 29) =  FRIDAY

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

Watch Listen Read all things that matter in Franklin MA

Schools reduce capital budget request, Capital Budget Subcmte approves all votes (but one) by 4-0 (audio)

FM #1146 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 978 in the series. 

This session of the radio show is the audio recording of the Franklin, MA Town Council Capital Budget Subcommittee meeting conducted on Wednesday, February 21, 2024. All four members of the subcommittee were present: Chair Debbie Pellegri, Vice Chair Bob Dellorco, Ted Cormier-leger, Brian Chandler. 

Town Administrator Jamie Hellen, Deputy Administrator Amy Frigulietti, Treasurer/Collector Kerri Bertone, Superintendent Lucas Giguere, along with almost all of the Town Department leaders (at least those with capital budget requests).

This meeting covered the first round of capital budgeting. As noted during the session, there is about $1.5M remains of “Free Cash” to be allocated during round 2.

You can follow along with the agenda as each department section was covered and line item by line item, votes were conducted (with a few exceptions) on each line item. Only one vote did NOT finish 4-0. That being the vote to fund the town/school website upgrade which passed 3-1 (Cormier-Leger cast the “no” vote). 

As noted when I shared the agenda, while this proposal was reviewed by the Finance Committee on Feb 7, it has been modified since then. It was also adjusted further during the meeting with School Supt Lucas Giguere reducing their school capital request from $1.2 M to $900+K. The capital budget as adjusted now moves forward to the full Town Council for their meeting on February 28.

The recording runs about just over 2 hours minutes, so let’s listen to this capital budget discussion. Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1146-town-council-capital-budget-subcmte-mtg-02-21-24

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Agenda document ->   

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/capital_budget_subcommittee_agenda_-_feb_21_2024.pdf 

My notes via Twitter ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_3lpxnItRZ54gVEfc06Gu4F5FIGydByY/view?usp=drive_link 

Franklin TV video for the Finance Committee meeting of Feb 7 -> https://www.youtube.com/live/ULrmiu9zaew?si=tdKlf5BEx86wnl55

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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!

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You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

Capital Budget Subcmte to review adjustment to what FinCom already approved - Feb 21 at 10:00 AM