What's happening Saturday? May 4

Saturday, May 4

9:00am Mah Jongg: Play All Day (FUSF)

10:00am Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

10:00am Horace Mann Birthday Celebration (Franklin Historical Museum)

11:00am Disability Expo 2024 (Franklin Senior Center)

1:00pm Pen to Picture: A Graphic Novelist Panel (Franklin Public Library)

7:00pm Tri-County Drama presents "A Simpler Time"

7:30pm Sheamus McShea (live music)

What's happening this weekend in Franklin? 

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

Why are there multiple calendars?

There is a Cultural events calendar upon which other community events are layered to create the Community calendar.

Respectfully, 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 

The Franklin Art Association Art Gallery remains open for viewing (and purchasing the art displayed) during business hours at Escape into Fiction (Main St, Franklin)

Comprehensive School Facilities Planning Subcmte schedules Listening Session (redistricting) - May 7 at 7 PM, FHS

Franklin Public Schools

Franklin School Committee

Comprehensive Facilities Planning Subcommittee Listening Session

May 7, 2024 - 7:00 - 9:00 PM

Location: Franklin High School Auditorium

A G E N D A

"The listing of matters are those reasonably anticipated by the Chair which may be discussed at the meeting. Not all items listed may in fact be discussed and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by law."

● Public Input on Master Planning Recommendation

No remote participation enabled per the agenda doc ->

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/comprehensive_facilities_planning_subcom-5_7_24_revised.pdf

 

Comprehensive School Facilities Planning Subcmte schedules Listening Session - May 7 at 7 PM, FHS

For reference find the presentation doc from the April 30 meeting

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/comp_school_facilities_recommendation_presentation-_april_30_2024.pdf

The frequently asked questions are updated here ->

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/comprehensive_schools_facilities_assessment_faq_0.pdf

Find additional info on the new website created for this

https://www.franklinps.net/district/comprehensive-school-facilities-assessment

Building Equitable Neighborhoods for Franklin (BEN 4 Franklin) schedules launch events - Friday, May 10 & Saturday, May 11

BEN 4 Franklin is pleased to invite anyone who lives or works in Franklin to our two public launch events: 

launch party - May 10

On Friday, May 10, 2024, Ben 4 Franklin will host a launch party at 7:00 PM at the Franklin TV Studio, 23 Hutchinson Street. In addition to a short speaking program with featured speaker Jesse Kanson-Benanav, Executive Director of Abundant Housing Massachusetts, this interactive event will be a place where attendees can share memories of Franklin from the past and envision Franklin in the future through discussion, storytelling and artistic expression. Light refreshments will be provided.  

Jane Jacobs Walk - May 11

On Saturday, May 11, 2024, there will be a second BEN 4 Franklin launch event: Cobi Frongillo and Franklin Matters’ Steve Sherlock will be leading a 90-minute Jane Jacobs Walk (rain or shine!) at 10:30 AM starting from the Franklin TV Studio, to explore the history, physical structure and architecture of Franklin’s built downtown environment. The community walk-and-talk will be one of thousands of Jane Jacobs Walks that take place every May in honor of the late social activist and placemaker. The walk will be accessible to wheels and paws, and participants are invited to gather afterwards at La Cantina Winery to share thoughts and observations. 

For more information and to RSVP for either or both of the two launch events, or to sign up for BEN 4 Franklin’s mailing list, please visit: tinyurl.com/ben4franklin

Visit the web page for more information -> https://ben4franklin.org/

Tree Planting Ceremony at Franklin’s Dacey Field Park - April 30

The Town of Franklin, in partnership with TruGreen has accepted the donation of 100 trees through their “TruNeighbor” program.  The donation of the trees, coordinated by State Representative Jeffery N. Roy (D-Franklin), will help support the Commonwealth’s and town’s initiatives in combating climate change.  The trees are part of a partnership between TruGreen and the National Arbor Day Foundation.  

Left to Right - Tony Brunetta (Assistant Highway & Grounds Superintendent), Amy M. Frigulietti (Deputy Town Administrator) Ted Cormier-Leger (Town Councilor), Cobi Frongillo (Town Councilor),  Carlos Rebelo (Highway & Grounds Superintendent), Jeffrey N. Roy (State Representative), David Leonhard (TruGreen Region Director) and Michael Reed, (TruGreen Market General Manager)

TruGreen has donated four types of trees consisting of Black Gum, October Morning Glory, Kousa Dogwood, and Grenspire Linden trees. 

To commemorate, a tree-planting ceremony was held at Dacey Field in Franklin, in which one of the first trees received was planted.  Dacey Field will receive 25 trees. Even before the ceremony started DPW crews were hard at work planting them in the center of the parking lot.  Held at noon on Tuesday April 30, Representative Roy was also joined by town leaders, Town Councilors, DPW officials, and representatives from TruGreen.

"On the heels of Earth Day and Arbor Day, we would like to extend our gratitude to both TruGreen Lawn Care in Franklin for their donation of 100 trees and Representative Roy for coordinating this gift to the Town", stated Amy Frigulietti, Franklin's Deputy Town Administrator. "Franklin has made significant strides in recent years towards protecting and enhancing our green infrastructure through open space acquisition, conservation efforts and sustainable practices. Over the next few weeks, the Town's DPW will work to find suitable homes for all of these trees and I look forward to seeing them enhance Franklin's landscape."  

Representative Roy stated, “From the perspective of climate change and global warming, these trees  are actually carbon-capture devices and I’m thrilled that TruGreen made them available to us.  These trees will provide monetary   savings for Franklin residents, including:

• 109,542 KW Hours of energy over 20 years or $16,373.91 in electric savings

• $4,713.82 in fuel savings

• $9,936.92 in stormwater value

• $7,889.80 in CO2 value

• $4,742 in air value

This adds up to a total of $43,614.87 in savings, along with continued help in fighting climate change.” 

Carlos Rebelo, Town of Franklin Highway and Grounds Superintendent added, “On behalf of the Town of Franklin we appreciate Representative Roy working with TrueGreen to donate 100 trees to our community. Being recognized as a ‘Tree City USA Member’ in 2022 we were very excited when Representative Roy reached out to us with this generous donation.  As a member, we take pride in planting trees around town and understand the many benefits trees provide.  When I heard about the tree donation, I knew exactly where we could benefit from some new tree plantings.  At the Dacey Community Park located on Lincoln Street we will be planting 25 trees at this park which will provide many benefits like shade, support wildlife, add curb appeal, oxygen for the environment and helping to combat global warming. The other trees will be given away through a Street Tree Lottery for residents to plant and also to other environmental justice areas like the Franklin Housing Authority.”

Town Council member Cobi Frongillo remarked that, "We are incredibly grateful to TruGreen for their donation and to Representative Roy for his assistance. The trees will help save Franklin money, beautify the Town, and reduce our carbon footprint."

Michael Reed, TruGreen’s Market General Manager said, “TruGreen has been a proud member of the Franklin business community for over 20 years.  We are excited to be able to partner with State Representative Jeff Roy and The National Arbor Day Foundation with the donation of 100 trees to our hometown of Franklin.”  

Once the speeches ended, the officials used both shovels and hands to plant the tree.  

In addition to the 25 trees, the grass in the medians at Dacey Field is being replaced with wood chips to lower maintenance, costs, and pesticide use.  The remaining 75 trees will be planted in parks and open spaces throughout the town.  The upcoming "street tree lottery" with will be advertised throughout the Town and social media.  The one condition will be that the tree has to planted along the roadside in front of their property.

Additional photos can be found in one album ->  https://photos.app.goo.gl/xLJgjyfUPJ4wYc5u9

Redistricting FAQs published, add your questions if they aren't already on the listing

Dear Franklin Public Schools Community,

This is a follow-up to this week’s presentation to the School Committee regarding the recommendation of the Comprehensive School Facilities Assessment.  We believe this recommendation will bring balance and equity to the district while stabilizing enrollment fluctuations and creating a more sustainable model for the future.

We listened to the committee and public comments, and we are in the process of gathering questions and grouping them into themes in an FAQ to address the questions that we can answer at this time.  You are invited to continue sharing questions via email (facilities-planning@franklinps.net), and we will use those questions as we update this FAQ document. 

A vote on this recommendation will come on May 14. 

Sincerely,
Franklin Public Schools

Redistricting FAQs published, add your questions if they aren't already on the listing

Find all the info in one place -> https://www.franklinps.net/district/comprehensive-school-facilities-assessment

Update from The Community Closet @FranklinUMC

"The last week of March and all of April was a busy time. The Community Closet @FranklinUMC saw over 110 persons shop over the four weeks we were open in April. We averaged 3 volunteers per week over the five weeks we sorted donations. 

Thank you to everyone who donated last month when clothing ran short. Our bins and closet rods are well stocked of adult clothing, but we continue to see a high need for children’s clothing–warm weather, newborn through 8T clothing is needed most.

In order to better accommodate shoppers, we have reorganized the shopping area–hanging more clothing and placing the bins in clearly defined areas."

Read the full update -> https://franklinumc.org/2024/04/30/community-closet-franklinumc-may-2024-update/

Update from The Community Closet @FranklinUMC

Do you have the urge to sing? Consider the EnChorus! A Show Choir for Adults

The EnChorus! A Show Choir for Adults Ages 18 & up from Encore Music Academy & Recording Studios.

Our latest class addition in 2024, the EnChorus is our first adult singing group!

Open to anyone who loves singing, this class focuses on choral arrangements of contemporary music, jazz, a capella and show tunes.

Students will learn about singing in an ensemble, healthy vocal technique and introductory music reading skills. No prior experience needed.

www.encoremusicacademy.net    or call 508.533.7700

Franklin Public Library: Weekly/Monthly Events for Children & Special Events for Kids & Families - May 2024

Weekly/Monthly for Children

Move Along! Mondays @ 10:30AM (Ages 0-5)

This thirty-minute program features music, movement, stories, and other interactive activities to encourage social skills and promote early literacy!

Dungeons and Dragons Club for Kids & Teens! Mondays, 4:00-6:00 PM (Ages 7+)

Kids are invited to join us for a weekly Dungeons and Dragons Club! The library will supply dice, rule books, and blank character sheets! (Dungeon Masters must be ages 12 and up) Email mgousie@minlib.net for registration and more information.

Cool Cruisers! Tuesdays @ 9:30 AM

Babies who have graduated from tummy time and are scooting all over the place are welcome to this playgroup just for them! We recognize that this fun age of exploring is very different from their first few months, so join us for a special playgroup just for this exciting time! No registration required!

Toe-Tapping Tots! Tuesdays & Thursdays @ 4:00PM (Ages 2-5)

Let’s play some music and get those toes tapping! We will have fun learning to move to the music while building coordination and confidence. No registration required!

Story Tots! Wednesdays @ 10:30AM (Ages 18 mos. – 3yrs)

Enjoy thirty minutes of interactive stories, songs, and fun! No registration required!

Bookworm Bounce! Wednesdays @ 4:00PM

Join us for an afternoon story time full of music, movement, stories, and other interactive activities to encourage social skills and promote early literacy! Ideal for ages 0-5. No registration required!

Tummy Time! Thursdays @ 9:30AM

Babies and caregivers: join us each Thursday morning for Tummy Time! Nurture your baby’s development with gentle music, movement, and sensory play at the library! Please bring a small blanket or towel for your baby’s comfort! No registration required!

Toe-Tapping Tots! Tuesdays & Thursdays @ 4:00PM (Ages 2-5)

Let’s play some music and get those toes tapping! We will have fun learning to move to the music while building coordination and confidence. No registration required!

Artsy Afternoons Thursdays @ 4:00 PM (Ages 5-11)

Registration required per event. Register on the Calendar of Events!

Join local instructor Sharon Carloni for this step-by-step craft specifically for kids! All materials will be provided and you'll get to take home your very own masterpiece!

This month’s projects are:

• May 02 - Under the Seas with Ocean Animals
• May 09 - Mexican Bark Painting
• May 16 - “My Tree House”
• May 23 - Garden of Flowers painting
• May 30 - Art Show with Folded Puppets

Happy Feet! Alternating Fridays @ 10:30AM (Ages 0-5)

Let’s play some music and get those feet moving! Join us for 30-minutes of creative movement and dancing fun! No registration required!

Move Along! Alternating Fridays @ 10:30AM (Ages 0-5)

This thirty-minute program features music, movement, stories, and other interactive activities for littles! Parents and caregivers are welcome and encouraged to participate. No registration required!

Weekend Wiggles! Alternating Saturdays @ 10:30AM (Ages 0-5)

A weekend storytime for littles and their grown-ups! Let’s play some music and dance! We will have fun learning to move to the music while building coordination and confidence. Laughter and giggles are definitely expected! No registration required!

Special Events for Kids & Families

 

Kids Take & Make:! Available Wednesday, May 1st

Starting Wednesday, May 1st stop by the library to pick up your very own Paper Plate Parrot Kit!

Kits include supplies and instructions for making your very own tropical bird! The perfect bright and colorful craft! SUPPLIES ARE LIMITED! Kits will be distributed on a first come first serve basis!

Pen to Picture: A Graphic Novelist Panel! Saturday, May 4th @1:00PM

Join us in partnership with the Franklin Public Middle Schools as we welcome writer, illustrator, and graphic novelist Jarrett J. Krosoczka to Franklin! Hear all about his creative process and participate in interactive breakout sessions. Photo ops and book signings too! Event made possible by a grant from the Mass Cultural Council.

Doggie Tales! Monday, May 6th @ 4:00PM (1st grade +)

Improve your reading skills and make a new friend by reading aloud to a trained therapy dog! Bring your favorite book or pick out one of ours to read. REGISTRATION REQUIRED!! SPOTS ARE LIMITED. Register on our website to reserve your spot.

My Lady & Me Jewelry Workshop! Wednesday May 8 @5:30PM

Join Paulina Teng of PT Color Market for a special jewelry workshop with your favorite grown-up, just in time for May 12! Celebrate each other with matching necklaces and bonding time! REGISTRATION REQUIRED! Register on our website to reserve your spot.

Caravan Puppets! Saturday May 11 @10:30AM

Join us for an awesome puppet show featuring wildly creative puppets, original, and multi-cultural productions, beautiful staging, original (dance-able!) music, and loads of interaction!

Poop Museum! Saturday May 11 @1:00PM

The Poop Museum covers the serious science of poop and pooping, and is delivered with the silliness that you might imagine accompanying a program about poop for young kids. It is the perfect combination of fun, and fabulous, fascinating facts, so that kids (and grown-ups) never forget what they learned!

Laughter is the Best Medicine: Comedy Mime Show! Saturday, May 18th @1:00PM

Join us for a fun afternoon of smiles, giggling, and roaring laughter! Through humorous mime stories, spoken word physical comedy and a zany cast of characters, Robert Rivest transforms an empty stage into pure hilarity! This is a cultural arts comedy event that you will never forget, full of imagery rich stories, awe inspiring mime illusion, and PLENTY of playful audience participation. No registration Required!

Doggie Tales! Monday, May 20th @ 4:00PM (1st grade +)

Improve your reading skills and make a new friend by reading aloud to a trained therapy dog! Bring your favorite book or pick out one of ours to read. REGISTRATION REQUIRED!! SPOTS ARE LIMITED. Register on our website to reserve your spot.

Music at the Blissful Concert! Saturday May 25 @10:30AM

Join us for a fun, high energy music program for children and their grownups! Musician Evan Haller brings the energy to get the whole crowd up and dancing!

For the full Library newsletter for May events ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library/news/may-2024-franklin-library-news-events

Franklin Public Library:  Weekly/Monthly Events for Children - May 2024

2024 Call Data Highlights from the MECC (our regional dispatch center)

From the MECC otherwise known as the Metacomet Emergency Communications Center which is the regional dispatch center for Franklin, Mendon, Millville, Norfolk, Plainville, and Wrentham.

The call activity for Jan, Feb, Mar & Apr 2024:

🚨2024 Call Data Highlights🚑🚔🔥

💥Top Reasons for Calls📞:

1. Burglar alarms-656

2. Fall-607

3. Fire alarm-504

4. MVA’s non injury-480  (MVA = motor vehicle accident)

Fun fact: In the age of smartphones, over 80% of 911 calls are made from mobile devices.📱#911funfacts

Visit the MECC at www.meccdispatch.org/

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/p/fUu65iquWFkfMEZq/?mibextid=oFDknk

Franklin Public Library: Weekly / Monthly Events for Teens & Special Events for Teens - May 2024

Weekly / Monthly Events for Teens

 

Dungeons and Dragons Club for Kids & Teens! Mondays, @ 4:00-6:00 PM (Ages 7+)

Kids are invited to join us for a weekly Dungeons and Dragons Club! The library will supply dice, rule books, and blank character sheets! (Dungeon Masters must be ages 12 and up) Email mgousie@minlib.net for registration and more information.

Code Club! Tuesdays @ 4:00 PM (3rd-8th Grade)

This is an after school hour of code focusing on exploration of computer programming through play. This is not a classroom. This is a playground where Coders have access to: optional tutorials & walkthroughs, monthly challenges, and mentoring in their coding journey. All levels of skill are welcome and personal projects are encouraged! This can be a great way to dip your toes in the pool and see what learning to code can do for you! Sign up on the Library website to let us know you are coming and if you need any technology from the library!

Teen Advisory Board! 2nd Wednesday of the Month @ 6:30PM

Join us each month for Teen Advisory Board! The Teen Advisory Board is a GREAT opportunity to get involved here at the library! You'll help plan events and programs, create displays and decorate the teen space, and help drive decisions around the kinds of materials we bring to the YA collection, from books and beyond, all while eating snacks and getting volunteer hours! It's a win-win-win!

Game Bytes! Thursdays @ 4:00PM

No registration required!

Bring a snack and let's play! Bring your own devices or try a retro game while we talk shop about the latest and greatest in Video Games! New Releases, Events, Streamers, Speed Running and more!!

Family Game Night, Tuesday, May 14th @ 6:00 PM

No Registration Required.

Try a new game! Introduce your favorite! Most importantly... Play games!

This a monthly group dedicated to the great board games out there and a space to find some new people to play with! All ages welcome!

Tricky Trivia Thursday, May 16th @ 6:30 PM

No Registration Required!

Are you ready to prove your trivia knowledge is more than trivial? Do you have the facts to fight for the title of Franklin’s Trivia Master? Join us for snacks and a Family Trivia Challenge at the Library!

Play as a team or go solo for ultimate bragging rights!

Special Events for Teens

Teen Regency Era Tea Party! Wednesday May 15 @5:30PM

Gentle Reader, you are formally invited to a celebration of Jane Austen, Bridgerton, and all things Regency! Please join us for an early evening tea party complete with sandwiches and sweets and the soundtrack to match!

College Life Panel Discussion for Teens! Wednesday May 22 @5:30PM

Teens! Join a panel of FHS graduates as they share their experiences and advice, as well as answer any questions you may have about college with a uniquely Franklin perspective!

For the full Library newsletter for May events ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library/news/may-2024-franklin-library-news-events

Franklin Public Library:  Weekly/Monthly Events for Teens - May 2024

Mix and Mingle scheduled for May 10 for small business & professionals at Franklin Carpet One

Mix and Mingle scheduled for May 10 

"Save The Date!!

We can’t wait to meet you all and chat!

RSVP to Sandy 😊  Sandy@franklintilecarpetone.com"

Shared from ->   https://www.instagram.com/p/C6b7XqBxwmx/?igsh=cmQ2aHBmemh1a2xz

Registration for Tri-County summer camp is open now

Check out Tri-County's summer camp offerings for students in grades 6 - 8 (during the 2024-25 school year)!  

Each camper gets a t-shirt and their choice of one of our amazing experiences!  

Use the link to register today ! https://ow.ly/qW7l50RvF1c

Use the link to register today ! https://ow.ly/qW7l50RvF1c

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/p/NVzrtgHoCMgvp7Nx/?mibextid=oFDknk

Town Council after much discussion votes to set June 11 as date for a $6.8M Prop 2 1/2 override (audio in 2 parts) Town Council after much discussion votes to set June 11 as date for a $6.8M Prop 2 1/2 override (audio in 2 parts)

FM #1190-91 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1190-91 in the series. 

This session shares the Town Council meeting of Wednesday, May 1, 2024 in 2 parts. 

All 9 councilors took part in Chambers.

Part 1  (~2 hours)

Covers the first hour of the meeting

• Citizen Comments

• Approval of Minutes - March 13, 2024

• Proclamation: Chris Stearns, Franklin TV 

• Police Department - Introduction of Mental Health Clinician Caroline Ferris

• Appointment to Conservation Commission - Nicole Chiaramonte

• Presentation: FY23 Financial Audit - Scott McIntire, Partner, Marcum LLP

And then skips past the Override presentation to jump to the citizens comments on the override and then the closing of the meeting

Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1190-franklin-ma-town-council-mtg-05-01-24-part-1-of-2

Part 2 (~ 2 and a quarter hours)

Includes the entire section of the joint presentation by Town Administrator Jamie Hellen and School Superintendent Lucas Giguere including the Council question and answers

Many department heads also spoke for the pledge

Legislation for Action

• Resolution 24-19: Override Pledge to the Citizens of Franklin

• Resolution 24-20: Setting Date of Proposition 2 ½ Override Ballot

• Resolution 24-21: Proposition 2 ½ Override Ballot Question 

Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1191-franklin-ma-town-council-mtg-05-01-24-part-2-of-2

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

The Franklin TV broadcast of the 4 hour plus session is available for replay on YouTube ->  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w9nkmKHkrxA 

Agenda and supporting documents for this session -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/fixed_tc_agenda_v4.pdf 

Joint presentation doc-> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/4b._2024-05-01_override_pledge_presentation.pdf 

My notes captured via Twitter can be found in one PDF file -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Fv18ylsYtYhbaSiLXkEDkZLQkm8C-2Q1/view?usp=drive_link 

Photo album with the slides as captured during the presentation on Wednesday

https://photos.app.goo.gl/dDxgDMFrcXDaNqR78 

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

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"

Town Council after much discussion votes to set June 11 as date for a $6.8M Prop 2 1/2 override (audio in 2 parts)