Saturday, November 30, 2024

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Saturday, November 30, 2024 ???

Saturday, November 30
  • Fiber Art Installation (Franklin Public Library)
  • Winter Coat Drive (4 drop off locations)
  • Franklin’s Holiday Happenings & Gift Guide (downtown Franklin, MA)

9:00am Thrifty Threads (Franklin Federated Church)
9:00am Fallen Hero: Robert L. Cummings (Veterans Walkway, Franklin Town Common)
10:00am Franklin Historical Museum (always free)
10:30am Santa Walk (Franklin Public Library)
4:00pm Orchard Sl'Hay Rides (Fairmount Fruit Farm)
8:00pm Karaoke (Raillery Public House)
8:00pm The Zajac Brothers Band (live music) (THE BLACK BOX)


**  NO  Town Meetings today   **


What's happening today in Franklin?
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

Fallen Hero Recognition: Robert L. Cummings - Nov 30, 2024 - 9:00 AM

Memorial event today (11/30/24) at 9 AM on the Town Common Veterans Walkway to honor Captain Robert L. Cummings.

This program will include the placing of a Memorial Wreath for the day, the playing of Taps, a salute from those present, and a reading of whatever history  may be available for that veteran.  This is a way of keeping the memory of that veteran alive.

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Fallen Hero: Captain Robert L. Cummings, U.S. Army

Captain Robert L. Cummings, U.S. Army, was born on August 10, 1915, the son of Louis and Ruth Cummings. Robert lived with his parents, one brother and two sisters at 65 Union Street. 

Robert graduated from Franklin High School with honors in 1933 and enlisted in the Army as a private in 1936. In 1937, he was appointed to West Point and upon completion, 4 years later, was commissioned a Second Lieutenant. In 1942 he received his promotion to First Lieutenant. In November of 1942, Robert married the former Blanche Barwell of North Andover. 

In January of 1943, Robert L. Cummings was promoted to Captain. Captain Cummings served overseas beginning in March of 1944. He took part in the invasion of Guam after having completed special jungle fighting training. Captain Robert L. Cummings, an officer of the famous 77th Infantry Division, lost his life on November 30, 1944 fighting against the Japanese on Leyte. 

Captain Robert L. Cummings was 29 years old at the time of his death on Leyte.

Fallen Hero: Cummings
Fallen Hero: Cummings

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

Photo album of the Fallen Hero pillars along the Veterans Walkway

The video series of recognition ceremonies for 2024 (YTD) 

13th Annual Franklin Turkey Trot Raises $49,630 for the Franklin Food Pantry

The Franklin Food Pantry, which provides supplemental food assistance and programs in Franklin, Massachusetts, announces that a record-breaking $49,630 was raised by more than 950 runners and 65 sponsors at this year’s annual Turkey Trot held on Thanksgiving Morning, Thursday, Nov. 28, 2024. The funds raised support programs and services that assist more than 1,800 individuals and families and surpasses last year’s fundraising effort of $45,000. Organized in conjunction with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Franklin, this is the thirteenth year for the family-friendly fun run, which welcomed participants of all levels and abilities.
13th Annual Franklin Turkey Trot
13th Annual Franklin Turkey Trot

“Whether you ran, walked, donated, or cheered us on, your support means the world to those we serve,” said Tina Powderly, Executive Director of the Franklin Food Pantry. “Thanks to your generosity and the help of our amazing sponsors, we raised nearly $50,000 to provide nutritious food and essential goods to our neighbors in need. We’re so grateful to be part of such a caring and giving community—thank you for making a difference!”

The Franklin Food Pantry is grateful for the following organizations and individuals who served as this year’s race sponsors:
Presenting Sponsors: G&C Plumbing & Heating and Sweetgreen 
Platinum Sponsors: Accurate Baker Elman, LDS Church Franklin, MyFM 101.3, Next9Up, Physician One Urgent Care, Notturo Home Services, Terrazza, and Wild Birds Unlimited
Gold Sponsors: America’s Best Defense, Body Fit Training, Club Pilates Franklin Village, Eagle Stainless Tube & Fabrication, Inc., Franklin Knights of Columbus Council 1847, Franklin Physical Therapy, Middlesex Bank, Mount Street Farm, Paul A. Longobardi & Sons Trucking, Sabolinski Family, Vet Med Pet Supplies, and Wicked Fitness Franklin
Silver Sponsors: Active Recovery Boston, Adirondack Club, Advanced European Repair, Baur Family, Dean Bank, Elizabeth’s Bagels, Emmons St. LLC, Franklin Matters, Grove Street Auto Repair, Hilltop Auto, Junk Dunkers, Keefe Insurance, Mint Dental, Nutrify Performance Nutrition for Women, LLC., Poirier Home Improvement, Simon’s Furniture, Spiffy Designs, Starr & Glick Orthodontics, Valerie Fila, Vendetti Motors, Inc., and Xpression Prints 
Friends Sponsors: Allegra Marketing, Daniella Bush, Chestnut Dental, Donohue Family, Robert Doyle, Fitzgerald Family, Franklin Interfaith Council, Alexandra Frey, William Haddad, Rebecca Hauk, Timothy Hughes, Johnson Family, Janine Kizik, Lobo Family, Normandin Family, O’Neill Family, Powderly Family, The Rome Restaurant, Sancher Family, Allison Sheen, Tait/Shimer/Shanks Family, Van Roon Chiropractic, and Whitmore Family 
The Franklin Food Pantry thanks the following local businesses and partners who provided food for race day morning: Garelick Farms, Shaw’s Supermarket, and members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 
The Franklin Food Pantry thanks the following local business and partners who provided door prizes for the event: Body Fit Training, Child Therapy Boston, Comer Teng Studio, Elizabeth’s Bagels, Learning Express Toys, Kevin Holmes, Level 99, Muffin House, Stott Family, Urban Air Adventure Park, USMMA, and Wicked Fitness Franklin
For more information on the Franklin Food Pantry, to receive food assistance, or to donate funds and food, please visit www.franklinfoodpantry.org.

About the Franklin Food Pantry, Inc.
The Franklin Food Pantry, Inc. offers supplemental food assistance, household necessities, and resource referral programs to more than 1,800 individuals per year. The Pantry relies on donations and grants to purchase items and pay for daily operations, and partnerships with The Greater Boston Food Bank, Spoonfuls, and local grocery stores to achieve greater buying power and lower costs. 
Programs include In-person Shopping, Curbside Pick-up, Emergency Food Bags, Mobile Pantries, Home Delivery, Kids’ Snack Bags, Weekend Backpacks, Holiday Meal Kits, and the SNAP match at Franklin Farmers Market. The Pantry is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization in good standing in Massachusetts, recognized by Charity Navigator as a Four-Star Charity, and awarded GuideStar’s Platinum Transparency ranking. The Pantry is located at 341 W. Central St. in Franklin, MA on Route 140. Please visit www.franklinfoodpantry.org for more information.

Mitzi & I preview all the key events at the Library for Dec 2024 (audio)

FM #1329 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1329 in the series. 


This session shares my conversation with Mitzi Gousie, Programming and Outreach Librarian with the Franklin Public Library. We had our discussion in person at the Franklin TV & Radio studio on Thursday, November 21, 2024.

 

We talk about 

  • Reviewed the regular open hours, book sale and holiday scheduling for the month

    • Open on Sundays 

    • Book sale weekend November 15 & 16

    • Closing early Tuesday, Dec 24 at 2:00 PM

    • Closed Wednesday, Dec 25 for Christmas Day 

    • Closing early Tuesday, Dec 31 at 12 noon

    • Closed Wednesday, Jan 1, 2025 for New Year’s Day

  • Library events for December 2024

    • Family events

    • Kiddos, or “littles”

    • Teens

    • Adults


The show notes include links to the Library page and to the calendar of events where registration for some of the events is required/recommended.


The recording runs about 21 minutes, so let’s listen in. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1329-franklin-ma-public-library-dec-2024-highlights-11-21-24/



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Mitzi Gousie’s email -> mgousie@minlib.net 


Franklin Public Library page ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library 


New event calendar -> https://franklinma.assabetinteractive.com/calendar/2024-november/


December newsletter -> https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library/news/december-2024-franklin-library-news-events


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

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"


Celtic & Christmas Concert
Celtic & Christmas Concert

Franklin’s Holiday Happenings & Gift Guide

Just in time for Small Business Saturday, the Holiday Guide spotlights all things Franklin making it easy to “keep it local” for shopping this winter season.

Find the full guide online -> https://myemail.constantcontact.com/Franklin-Holiday-Happenings---Gift-Guide-2024.html?soid=1120641810412&aid=-tD8KZw1HyI

Or download a PDF version here ->    https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GUFd2T05Hsqb9wKckwE4ajO63AKVnCUw/view?usp=drive_link

Franklin’s Holiday Happenings & Gift Guide
Franklin’s Holiday Happenings & Gift Guide

Franklin School Committee Budget Subcmte reviews & recommends capital budget 11/26/24 (audio exclusive)

This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee Budget Subcmte Meeting held on Tuesday, Nov 26, 2024. 2 members participated (McNeill, O’Sullivan), 1 not present (Griffin).


Quick recap:

  • Capital budget preview, also up for discussion at the full School Committee meeting immediately following this session

  • 2 vans requested for replacement, after this intention to get back on the regular van replacement schedule. Recall one had been denied previously then failed and the Town scrambled to get a replacement into service. These 2 have seen their useful life expire and are likely not to pass inspection next time

  • Traffic design funding requested. Anticipated that the study (to be completed in Jan 2025) will require some rework of the traffic flows around the remaining buildings. This would fund the design of the work to enable the purchasing and bid process.

  • Traffic improvements themselves would fund the actual work, likely to be phased in over a period (TBD)

  • Playground expansion at the existing North South complexes. Recall that each currently is built for half the capacity expected after the redistricting is implemented. Not critical for the opening of the schools in Sept 2025. Could get phased in, they would be additions to what exists currently.

  • The listing would likely require some further prioritization depending upon funding available. Some of the items placeholders to be refined as the specifics become available

  • Motion to recommend to full committee, second, passes 2-0-1 (2 yes, 1 absent)


The recording runs about 15 minutes, so let’s listen in. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1328-franklin-ma-school-cmte-budget-subcmte-11-26-24/



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School Committee Budget Subcmte agenda -> 

https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/5041657/11-26-24_AGENDA-BudgetSubCom.pdf 


My notes for the full session are captured in one PDF file ->   

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1X_CHsmmb0vnTiRg_lKlF4M-pxz51Qv5v/view?usp=drive_link 


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

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


This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.


How can you help?

  • If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

  • If you don't like something here, please let me know

  • 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"


Franklin School Committee Budget Subcmte reviews & recommends capital budget 11/26/24 (audio)
Franklin School Committee Budget Subcmte reviews & recommends capital budget 11/26/24 (audio)


4th Annual Art Gift Away begins Dec 1

The Fourth Annual Art Gift Away scavenger hunt is set to begin Thanksgiving weekend. Local artist and community builder Amy Adams, will leave a gift wrapped piece of art at an undisclosed location for the community to find. This series called "Finding the Light", was created to be uplifting to the community around the holidays to encourage everyone to “keep searching for the light”. 

Gifts will be set every Sunday morning from December 1st - December 29th.

 Clues will be shared via the Franklin Cultural District Newsletter every Wednesday. You can also find them on Painting Venus (Facebook) https://www.facebook.com/share/1H97PjnuSK/?mibextid=LQQJ4d 

Happy hunting everyone!

Art Gift Away Clues - Week One

I sit in a triangle ready to welcome everyone down

People drive past me, but I too can be the Main character in a Central place

I can be festive during the holiday season, often dressed in greenery and bows

I am flanked by short walk bridges, training little ones to be safe

I hope this time you’ll see my place, holding your gift at the base of my vase

example of a public place where art (package shown at bottom of image) can be found
example of a public place where art (package shown at bottom of image) can be found

Voices of Franklin: Registry Disaster Recovery office in Dedham to be "permanently closed"

Dear Norfolk County resident,
I am thankful for the privilege and opportunity to serve the residents of Norfolk County as their Register of Deeds.
It disappoints me to have to write this letter to Registry users and to those that rely on the land records at the Registry for title to their home. I was informed that the longtime Registry Disaster Recovery office in Dedham since it was established will be permanently closed by the County Chief Information Technology Officer (CIO) under the direct control and supervision of County Director John J. Cronin.
This Disaster Recovery Office was opened a decade ago as part of a business continuity plan should the Registry of Deeds building in Dedham become incapacitated. This Registry Disaster Recovery office was used during the COVID-19 pandemic and was part of the reason the Norfolk Registry of Deeds remained open and operational every work day during the pandemic. This story will sound familiar to those that followed the saga of the Norfolk County Commissioner and County Director John J. Cronin eliminating the direct report to the Register of Deeds Information Technology Department and staff.
This unfortunately is the sequel. The County CIO wrote that this decision had been looked at over the last 18 months. Yet in those 18 months neither I nor Registry staff were informed of any of this or even consulted by the County Information Technology Department or County Director. There has been no discussion about this matter with me nor my staff. Possibly the Disaster Recovery office could be kept in Dedham where the Registry has been located and doing land recordings since 1793 in addition to whatever planned new Disaster Recovery Office that hopefully gets opened.
This lack of discussion and transparency is a hall mark of Norfolk County Government operations. It is troubling especially when there was a recent "information technology incident" or breach of the Norfolk County Commissioners Administration office that was so bad employees are getting notifications at home from the County's insurance company to watch their personal accounts. It is all so troubling and compels me to let those who depend on Registry services to know about this development.
Sincerely yours,
Bill O'Donnell, 
Norfolk County Register of Deeds


Voices of Franklin: Registry Disaster Recovery office in Dedham to be "permanently closed"
Voices of Franklin: Registry Disaster Recovery office in Dedham to be "permanently closed"


If you have something to say, you can find the guidelines here
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/03/introducing-voices-of-franklin.html

Cultural District Investment Funds - Applications extended to December 6

Please use the following link to apply and get information: Cultural Investment Grants: FY25 | Franklin Cultural District. -> https://www.franklinculture.org/cultural-investment-grants-fy25

If you have a project/initiative that will benefit and promote culture in our community and want to request funding, please complete the Funding Request online form. If you have any questions, please contact: John LoPresti, johntlopresti@gmail.com or Amy Adams, amyadams665@gmail.com. All requests for funding must be submitted by 5:00 PM on December 6, 2024.  

The Franklin Cultural District Committee will discuss and vote on the Cultural District Investment Grant funding requests at its Thursday, December 12, 2024 committee meeting scheduled to be held in-person at Pete's Nerd Emporium on Main Street at 7:00 PM.

Cultural District Investment Funds - Applications extended to December 6
Cultural District Investment Funds - Applications extended to December 6

Franklin Public Library: News & Events for December 2024 for Kids & Families

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. The Library will close at 2:00 PM on Tuesday, December 24th and will be closed Wednesday, December 25th for Christmas. The library will close at 2:00 PM on Tuesday, December 31st for New Year's Eve.

Franklin Public Library's 2024 Reading Challenge!
December: A 2024 Goodreads Choice Award Nominee or Winner!
For complete details and to sign-up, visit our website! Grand prizes made possible by the Friends of the Franklin Library!

MyHeritage Library Edition - a must for genealogy research!
What's in the MyHeritage Library Edition?

  • More than 20 billion historical records from all over the world
  • The USA federal census (1790-1940) and the UK census (1841-1901) with images
  • More than 2.4 billion exclusive family tree profiles from MyHeritage and Geni
  • 816 million US public records
  • Hundreds of millions of Nordic records
  • More than a hundred million tombstone photos
  • More than 1146 million historical photographs
  • Military records, immigration records and passenger lists
  • Citizenship & naturalization records
  • Directories, guides, references, biographies and yearbooks
  • Government, land and court records
  • Wills and probate records
  • Exclusive databases such as the Jewish Chronicle historical newspaper
  • Additional content under license including Tributes obituaries, WikiTree, Billion Graves, Canadian Headstones and many others

    Home Access is available!  Find it here: alphabetical list of free 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, December 13th, 1:00-5:00pm; Saturday, December 14th, 9:00am to 12:00 Noon

All books are just one dollar!
Bag Sale
Saturday, December 14th, 1:00-4:00pm - $5 Per Bag

Come fill a brown bag with all the books you can!

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.

Franklin Public Library VITA: Volunteer Income Tax Assistance
Volunteers are always needed for the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance and Tax Counseling for the Elderly programs… better known as VITA and TCE.
Many volunteer roles are available. You can help as a greeter, an interpreter, and many other roles, but most of all, we need tax preparers. Training for certification is provided! Learn more at https://www.irs.gov/individuals/irs-tax-volunteers or email site coordinator Mitzi Gousie at mgousie@minlib.net

JUNTO, a Non-Fiction Book Club, Starts in January!
The JUNTO (from the Spanish junta or assembly) was a club for mutual improvement established in 1727 by Benjamin Franklin. Franklin Public Library's JUNTO Book Club is a place to discuss a book of the month and share our insights from the book and beyond! The first meeting is Thursday January 9th at 6:30PM. The January Book is Think Again by Adam Grant! Get a physical or digital copy through the Library Catalog!

 

**LIBRARY EVENTS**

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.

Pre-K Pals! Tuesdays & Thursdays @ 10:30AM (Ages 3-5)
This 30-minute program for kids ages 3-5 is a perfect jumpstart for kiddos that are approaching school-age! Stories, music, movement, and engaging activities designed to prepare kids for a school environment! No registration required.

Toe-Tapping Tots! Tuesdays @ 4:00PM (Ages 2-5)
Let's play some music and get those toes tapping! Join us for a 30-minute energetic, interactive, and creative movement based storytime. From tip toeing, twirling and skipping to jumping and 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.

Pre-K Pals! Tuesdays & Thursdays @ 10:30AM (Ages 3-5)
This 30-minute program for kids ages 3-5 is a perfect jumpstart for kiddos that are approaching school-age! Stories, music, movement, and engaging activities designed to prepare kids for a school environment! No registration required.

Ballet Buddies! Thursdays @ 4:00PM (Ages 3-5)
Put on your dancing shoes and join Miss Bree for a special dance program for the littlest dancer! This 30-minute class, with a focus on ballet basics, will help kids develop coordination, rhythm and flexibility in a fun and engaging way! Ballet shoes and attire are not required, but please wear comfortable clothes! 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 as we study art history through the creation of unique and beautiful artwork!
This month's projects are:

  • Dec. 5: Printmaking Mandala design
  • Dec. 12: Snow globe
  • Dec. 19: Winter landscape "Collage"

Barefoot Ballet! Thursdays @ 5:00PM (Ages 6-8)
Registration Required (Registration is for all 6 dates)
Calling all aspiring ballet dancers! Join Miss Bree for this special 6-week introductory Ballet class. Ballet shoes and attire are not required, but please wear comfortable clothes! Dates for this session are: November 7, 14, 21 and December 5, 12, 19.

Happy Feet! Alternating Fridays @ 10:30AM (Ages 0-5)
Let's play some music and dance! Join us for a 30-minute energetic, interactive, and creative movement based storytime. Laughter and giggles are definitely expected! 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! Laughter and giggles are definitely expected during this energetic, interactive and creative movement based class! No registration required.

Special Events for Kids & Families

Miss Bree's Bookopoly! Starting Friday, November 1st
Join the fun for a super awesome interactive game to finish out the year! Roll the dice, move your piece on our giant board, and have fun with a variety of reading and creative challenges, and chances to win prizes galore! Deadline to "buy" prizes is Saturday, January 11th

Petite Picassos! Monday, December 2nd @ 4:00PM
Registration Required
Join Miss Lily and create your very own step-by-step painting of a festive gingerbread cookie! This paint party is a great fit for children ages 6-12! All materials will be provided.

Doggie Tales! Monday, December 2nd @ 4:00PM
For Kids in Grade 1+. 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. SPOTS ARE LIMITED. Email Bree at bcomeau@minlib.net to register. Please register for only one time slot per month (siblings should share a time slot)!

Holiday Crafternoon! Saturday, December 7th @ 1:00PM
'Tis the season! Join us for a fun afternoon of crafting for kiddos of all ages! We'll have an assortment of winter and holiday themed crafts for all to enjoy! No registration required.

Concert: Celtic & Christmas with Jeff Snow, Saturday December 7th at 3:00 PM
Join us in welcoming Jeff Snow as he combines the music, stories and history from Scotland, Ireland and England into a concert on the 'softer side of Celtic' to warm the heart.

Mike Bent's Ho-Ho-Hocus Pocus Magic Show! Wednesday, December 11th @ 1:00PM
Join us for a winter wonderland of amazing magic, hilarious comedy, music, puppets, and snowy surprises! Children (and adults) of all ages will love this holiday-themed magic show! No registration required.

Pancakes & Pajamas! Saturday, December 14th @ 10:30AM
Keep your jammies on and join us for a cozy pancake breakfast, hot cocoa, and holiday music with Jamie Barrett! What better way to celebrate the warmth of the season than in the coziest way we can think of!

Doggie Tales! Monday, December 16th @ 4:00PM
For Kids in Grade 1+. 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. SPOTS ARE LIMITED. Email Bree at bcomeau@minlib.net to register. Please register for only one time slot per month (siblings should share a time slot)!

Fairytale Fun! Saturday, December 21st @ 1:00PM
Bundle up in your winter finest and join us for a special visit from our favorite royal sisters! After all, the cold has never bothered us! There will be singing, dancing, interactive storytelling and a photo opportunity with each guest! No registration required.

Mobile Mini Golf! Monday, December 23rd @ 1:00-4:00PM
Bring your friends and family and we'll provide the rest! Join us as we transform the library into a Mini Golf course that's fun for all ages*!!  
*Children under the age of 14 MUST be accompanied by an adult.

Pumpernickel Puppets! Thursday, December 26th @ 10:30AM
Join us for a fun show, including a cast of colorful puppet characters, live voices and sound effects!

Toe Jam Puppet Band! Friday, December 27th @ 1:00PM
Join the Toe Jam Puppet Band for a rockin' concert at the Franklin Public Library! This hilarious show is sure to have the whole family laughing along!

Scott Martell Magic Show! Saturday, December 28th @ 10:30AM
Join us as we welcome Magician Scott Martell and enjoy a family magic show featuring lots of comedy and surprises!

Wish Upon a Star Slime! Saturday, December 28th @ 1:00PM
Wrap a little glimmer of star glitter in slime as we wish for a shiny new year!

Zoo Show with Records & Burpee! Monday, December 30th @ 1:00PM
Join us for a Wild and Educational program featuring live exotic animals! Best for ages 5 and up.

Noon Year's Eve Party! Tuesday, December 21st @ 11:00AM
Let's sendoff 2024 in style! Join us for an end of the year bash as we ring in 2025 early! We'll have music, snacks, games, and a super new year's celebration! See you there!

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

Franklin Public Library:  News & Events for December 2024 for Kids & Families
Franklin Public Library:  News & Events for December 2024 for Kids & Families