What's happening in Franklin, MA: Saturday, November 23, 2024 ???

Saturday, November 23

• Fiber Art Installation (Franklin Public Library)
• Winter Coat Drive (4 drop off locations)

8:30am Holiday Decorations Downtown (downtown Franklin, at the triangle)

9:00am Thrifty Threads (Franklin Federated Church)

10:00am Winter Farmers Market (Fairmount Fruit Farm)

10:00am Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

2:00pm New Dancer Showcase (Dean College Main Stage Theater) 

7:00pm New Thespian Showcase (Dean College Main Stage Theater)

7:30pm Sheamus McShea (live music) (Teddy Gallagher's Irish Pub)

8:00pm Karaoke (Raillery Public House)

** NO  Town Meetings today   **

What's happening today in Franklin? 

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Why are there multiple calendars?

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:

Find the full Community event calendar  https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://bit.ly/Submit2Calendar

The Library calendar of events ->    calendar link

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

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar
The School district calendar is found  https://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/o/fpsd/page/school-calendars

"Third Sunday" Music at the Museum: Sounds of the Season by The Greenwich Bay Brass

"Third Sunday" Music at the Museum program (postponed from Nov. 17 to Nov 24) features Greenwich Bay Brass with a selection of holiday favorites. 

Come for the music and explore the museum!

The Greenwich Bay Brass has been together since 2006. It is an all- volunteer, British style brass ensemble with unique instrumentation. Based in Rhode Island, the GBB has made numerous appearances around the state including concerts at First Lutheran Church in East Greenwich, the Barrington Congregational Church, Gloria Dei Lutheran Church Providence, and outdoor appearances at Hearthside House in Lincoln, and Wilcox Park in Westerly. 

The Greenwich Bay Brass

Additionally, the ensemble has traveled to Massachusetts and Maine, with a concert at the historic Union Church in South Carver, MA and a joint concert together with the Salvation Army Brass Band in Old Orchard Beach, ME. 

The museum, located at 80 West Central Street, opens at 1 and the program will start at about 1:15. 

The event is FREE, but donations are always welcomed.

Franklin, MA: School Committee agenda for meeting Nov 26, 2024 at 7 PM

Franklin School Committee

November 26, 2024 - 7:00 PM

Municipal Building – Council Chambers

Call to Order Mr. Callaghan

Pledge of Allegiance

Moment of Silence

I. Routine Business

A. Review of Agenda

B. Payment of Bills Mr. Callaghan

C. Payroll Mr. McNeill

D. FHS Student Representative Comments

E. Superintendent’s Report

II. Guests/Presentations

A. FHS Theatre Update

B. Office of Teaching & Learning Presentation

III. Discussion/Action Items

A. Policy – First Reading

I recommend moving the following policies to a second reading as discussed:

● ACA – Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Sex

● ACA-R – Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Sex under Title IX  Including Sex-Based Harassment

B. Varsity Ski Co-Op

I recommend approval of the request of FHS Athletics for a Co-Op Varsity Skiing

with Nipmuc Regional High School as detailed. 

C. Capital Requests

I recommend approval of the Capital Requests as detailed. 

D. Student & Family Handbook Revision

I recommend approval of the Student & Family Handbook revisions as detailed

below:

1. HS- Requested revisions- pages 68, 77-79.

2. MS- Requested revisions on pages 20-21, 28, 41-43.

3. Elem- Requested revisions on pages 10, 12, 13, 14.

IV. Discussion Only Items

A. Inclement Weather Notice

V. Information Matters

A. School Committee Sub-Committee Reports

B. School Committee Liaison Reports

VI. Consent Agenda

A. Approval of Minutes

I recommend approval of the minutes from your November 12, 2024 meeting as detailed.

B. Keller Gifts

I recommend the acceptance of $8581.16 as detailed:

Keller PCC $5,950.00 Field Trips

O’Connor Studios $2,631.16 Supplemental Supplies

C. ECDC Gift

I recommend acceptance of $500.00 from the MA Special Olympics for

Supplemental supplies as detailed.

VII. Citizen’s Comments

VIII. New Business

To discuss any future agenda items

IX. Executive Session

A. Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A, § 21, (2) To conduct strategy sessions in preparation for negotiations with nonunion personnel or to conduct collective

bargaining sessions or contract negotiations with nonunion personnel

X. Adjournment

https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/5043040/SCAGENDA_11-26-24.pdf

Meeting folder for this session -> https://www.franklinps.net/documents/departments/school-committee/meeting-packets/2024---25-meeting-packets/november-26%2C-2024-sc-meeting-packet/726241

Franklin, MA: School Committee agenda for meeting Nov 26, 2024 at 7 PM

Pantry Elves shift from collecting food to encouraging donations digitally (audio)

FM #1321 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1321 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Tina Powderly, Franklin Food Pantry Executive Director and with Jen Johnson, Franklin Food Pantry Development Associate. We had our conversation at the Franklin Food Pantry at Edwin’s. 

We talk about the Pantry Elves campaign which happens during December. Middle, high school. and college students will conduct a digital campaign within their circles. 

We talk about how the Pantry Elves have evolved, from the initial 12 Days of Giving, primarily a food drive to more recently focusing on fundraising and this year going digital with the fund raising. Ah, but there is also a purple envelope tie in.

Disclosure: during the conversation you will hear that I was previously on the Board and currently volunteering on a couple of committees to help the Food Pantry mission. 

The recording runs about 22 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Tina and Jen. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1321-franklin-food-pantry-pantry-elves-go-digital-11-18-24/

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Pantry Elves campaign -> https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/get-involved/volunteer/pantryelves/ 

Food Pantry current needs page -> https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/get-involved/pantry-needs/ 

Amazon wish lists -> https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2SIL7UR08ZZUC?ref_=wl_share 

Schedule a food & fund drive page -> https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/get-involved/food-and-fund-drives/ 

Sign up for a public tour of the Pantry -> https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0f4baaa622a4f4c43-pantry#/ 

The Franklin Food Pantry is here for you. If you need us, we are here with not only food, but useful programs and resources for individuals, seniors and families struggling with food insecurity. If you can support us, we thank you - visit www.franklinfoodpantry.org  to explore volunteering, donating funds, donating food, or supporting our Capital Campaign to keep the lights on and the programs, from food elves to weekend backpack stuffing. It truly takes a village to keep our food pantry running and supporting the increasing demand, supporting our Franklin neighbors.

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We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm). 

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

• And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

 

For additional information, please visit www.franklin.news or www.Franklinmatters.org/ 

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"

Pantry Elves shift from collecting food to encouraging donations digitally (audio)

Back to back budget meetings for the School Committee - Nov 26 - 5:30 & 6:30 PM

Back to back budget meetings for the School Committee, one a workshop, one a subcommittee session. Both take place before the full School Committee meeting Tuesday, Nov 26 at 7:00 PM

• Franklin Public Schools Budget Workshop Meeting

Event Date:  Tuesday, November 26, 2024 - 5:30pm

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/events/franklin_public_schools_budget_workshop_meeting.pdf

• Franklin Public Schools Budget Subcommittee Meeting

Event Date:  Tuesday, November 26, 2024 - 6:30pm

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/events/franklin_public_schools_budget_sub_committee_meeting_0.pdf

Back to back budget meetings for the School Committee - Nov 26 - 5:30 & 6:30 PM

Economic Development Subcmte views branding refinements and makes recommendation to Council (audio)

FM #1320 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1320 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the audio recording of the Economic Development Subcommittee (EDC) held on Wednesday, November 20, 2024 in the Council Chambers. 

All 4 members participated in Council Chambers (Chandler, Frongillo, Hamblen, Sheridan).

Quick recap:

• The subcommittee reviewed the tweaks to the work in progress for the new branding logo, seal, etc. Designer, Franklin resident AJ Ribecci walked through the modifications based upon prior feedback 

• Ultimately the vote to recommend to the Council was for Option B on the logo and C2 for the seal refinements

Motion to adjourn, passes 4-0

The recording of the meeting runs about 48 minutes.    Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1320-franklin-ma-economic-development-subcmte-mtg-11-20-24/

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Franklin TV video link -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dHJT5eyhqDQ 

Agenda doc  -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/_2024-11-20_edc_agenda_.pdf 

My notes in one PDF -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/11Uma_Vq7HfLajj8VyCSc4VoWSq7kuWDE/view?usp=drive_link 

Photos of the slides captured in one album -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/DnqaiuRjR7d4CjFY8   

Additional info on the branding process can be found ->    https://www.franklinma.gov/economic-development-subcommittee/webforms/edc-branding-presentations 

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

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 

• And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do

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"

Option B (center items)

C2 (bottom right corner)

Reminder & Updated Location Listing: Community Winter Coat Drive now through Dec 7

Late breaking news! New coat donation bin added to list below.

Donate gently used or new coats to help your Franklin-area neighbors in the Winter Coat drive from November 18 to December 7

Donations can be dropped off at

• Franklin Fire Dept., 40 West Central Street, Franklin, MA
• Franklin United Methodist Church, 82 West Central Street, Franklin, MA
• Hockomock YMCA, 45 Forge Hill Road, Franklin, MA
• Franklin Police Dept., 911 Panther Way, Franklin, MA

Community Coat Drive now through Dec 7

Questions? 

Contact Kim Mu-Chow at NECCARES@NECHAPEL.ORG.

Download this PDF as a reminder or to share ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/13GUK8wIdrV-YDwgAcxz80M6UaVHWgM5i/view?usp=sharing

The Community Closet @FranklinUMC will be offering a FREE COAT GIVEAWAY on Saturday, December 14, from 10a-2p to distribute coats donated through this drive.

Look What The Franklin Food Pantry Accomplished in Fiscal Year 2024

Because of You!

The Pantry Newsletter November 2024 Hello, I am excited to share our FY24 Annual Report, a snapshot of the incredible impact we've made together this past year. With the support of our dedicated staff, Board, volunteers, donors, businesses, and the amazing Franklin community, we served over 1,800 individuals in 850 families. Your generosity and commitment made this possible, and this report illustrates the power of your support. Please click here to read the Annual Report.   This year's Annual Report highlights some exciting initiatives, including a grant-funded strategic planning process that's shaping our path forward. We're also proud of our growing commitment to sustainability as we strive to ensure our programs and resources can meet the needs of our community for years to come.   And what a year it has been! We saw a 38% growth in the number of people we served, a 48% increase in weekend backpacks for Franklin students, and a 61% jump in mobile pantry visits - all clear signs of the rising need and the collective effort it takes to meet it.   I hope you'll take a moment to explore the Annual Report and celebrate what we've accomplished together. Thank you for being such an important part of this journey—you are the heart of everything we do!   With sincere gratitude for your ongoing support and excitement for the future,      Tina Powderly   Executive Director Franklin Food Pantry  Support The Pantry Calling all runners, walkers and wobblers! It's time for the annual Franklin Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning! Since 2012, the Franklin Turkey Trot has been a Thanksgiving tradition for families from Franklin and beyond. Last year, a record-breaking $45,000 was raised by more than 1,000 runners and 60 sponsors at the annual Thanksgiving morning race. Organized in partnership with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Franklin, our family-friendly 13th Annual 5K Turkey Trot will be held on Thursday, November 28, 2024. We welcome and encourage participants of all levels and abilities to join us.  Proceeds from the Turkey Trot directly benefit The Pantry. We wish all of our runners, walkers, and stroller-pushers the best of luck! To register for the Turkey Trot, please click below. Register for the Turkey Trot  You may have heard about the Franklin Food Elves and the annual Twelve Days of Caring campaign. Did you know that the Franklin Food Elves began 19 years ago by two local schoolkids wearing elf hats and collecting food for The Pantry in their little red wagon? Over the years, with your support, that small gesture of caring for our neighbors at the holidays has evolved into one of The Pantry's biggest fundraising events. Hundreds of middle and high school students have collected funds from their families, friends, and neighbors for The Pantry by leaving bright purple envelopes hanging on doors – and if you responded with a donation, thank you! Your support has ensured that we can help our neighbors not only at the holidays but throughout the year.  We know that our Elves have not been able to reach every household in Franklin with purple envelopes and their heartfelt pleas for donations. So this year, Pantry Elves will be fundraising electronically from their friends and family members during December, but will not be canvassing their neighborhoods door-to-door. If you hear from one of our Pantry Elves, please support their efforts! If you live in Franklin, you have also received a letter in the mail asking you to support the Pantry Elves Campaign - we hope you will! Our thanks to Allegra Franklin for their graphic design and production support for this mailing. Pantry Elves Donation Giving Tuesday - an international movement to reimagine a world built upon shared humanity and generosity - is December 2 this year. Please consider supporting The Pantry on Giving Tuesday by making a Pantry Elves Campaign donation here.  We are so deeply grateful for our community - at the holidays and always!  Giving Tuesday Donation As you will see from reading our FY24 Annual Report, The Pantry has experienced a 38% overall increase in demand for our programs and services over last year and that demand continues as the year-end holidays approach. During our fiscal year 2024, ended June 30, we estimate that we reached 24,958 people with your help. With your generous support, we can meet increased demand and demonstrate our community's love and respect for our neighbors who need a little bit of extra help at this time of year. Thank you! Support The Pantry

Franklin Food Pantry | 341 W. Central St. | Franklin, MA 02038 US