What's happening in Franklin, MA: Saturday, December 14, 2024 ???

Saturday, December 14

• Fiber Art Installation (Franklin Public Library)
• Franklin Art Association, Art Show & Sale (Norfolk Public Library)

9:00am Thrifty Threads (Franklin Federated Church)

9:00am Book Sale (Franklin Public Library)

10:00am Community Winter Coat Giveaway 600+ (Franklin United Methodist Church)

10:00am Cookie Walk (First Universalist Society Franklin) 

10:00am Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

10:30am Pancakes and Pajamas (Franklin Public Library)

1:00pm Bag Sale (Franklin Public Library)

4:00pm Orchard Sl'hay rides (Fairmount Fruit Farm)

8:00pm Jamie Barrett (live music) (Cedar House Restaurant & Bar)

8:00pm Karaoke (Raillery Public House)

8:00pm The Rescignos: Franklincense (THE BLACK BOX)

**   NO  Town Meetings today   **

What's happening today in Franklin? 

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

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

FREE WINTER COAT GIVEAWAY! -> December 14 from 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

via Franklin United Methodist Church 

"We are utterly overwhelmed with the generosity of our community! Thank you to everyone who donated to the Winter Coat Drive! We are excited to welcome the community tomorrow, December 14 from 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM, at the FREE WINTER COAT GIVEAWAY!  

We have some 600 or so coats ... to hand out

We have some 600 or so coats that have been donated to hand out! We also have hats, gloves, and scarves. And, the Community Closet will be open to explore other clothing options you might be looking for. EVERYTHING IS FREE! 

Thank you to everyone who donated! Thank you to everyone who will volunteer and stop by to pick out a new-to-them coat and clothes tomorrow! You make this community amazing!"

Shared from ->  https://www.facebook.com/FranklinMaUMC/posts/pfbid0mydfH3to6LTyhwFFiUGoE1iYk3EkScNEhSPyxMmMQbG8MgHJycBTvgX6KJ9sP6oEl

 

 

Economic Development Committee reviews and approves revisions to branding proposal (audio)

FM #1336 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1336 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the audio recording of the Economic Development Subcommittee (EDC) held on Wednesday, December 11, 2024 in the Council Chambers. 

All 4 members of the subcommittee participated in Chambers (Hamblen, Sheridan, Frongillo & Chandler).

Quick recap:

• After last session, follow up discussion on the branding with one member along with a check on how much of the seal can be “changed”  within the cleanup currently authorized

• Memo outlines the walk through of how we got here

• Visual presentation of the logo/brand with clarification on terms to be used, discussion on revision; rescission of prior recommendation and vote to accept the revision by 4-0

• Visual presentation on the seal and proposed changes, addition of the glasses likely too much of a change, rescission of prior recommendation and vote to accept the revision by 4-0

• Both updates scheduled for Town Council agenda Dec 18

Motion to adjourn, passes 4-0 

The recording of the meeting runs about 40 minutes.   

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

Franklin TV video available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/live/B7xXNIA2ULo?si=elUr9XSRh6M8Whwu&t=27 

Agenda doc -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/2024-12-11_edc_agenda.pdf 

Revisions as presented and approved Dec 11 -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/franklin_phase_2_-_revision_wbs_1.pdf

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"

Economic Development Committee reviews and approves revisions to branding proposal (audio)

FHS' Garrett Scagliarini named MVP for Kelley-Rex Division for Boys Soccer

2024 Hockomock League Girls Soccer All Stars

Kelley-Rex Division MVP

Dani Lomuscio, King Philip

Davenport Division MVP

Taylor deVos, Oliver Ames

Hockomock League All Stars

Kelly O’Connor, Franklin

Cassidy Carmignani, Franklin

Morgan Lovell, Franklin

Honorable Mentions

Ava Villella, Franklin

https://hockomocksports.com/2024-hockomock-league-girls-soccer-all-stars/

2024 Hockomock League Boys Soccer All Stars

Kelley-Rex Division MVP

Garrett Scagliarini, Franklin

Davenport Division MVP

Luke Churchill, Oliver Ames

Hockomock League All Stars

Garrett Scagliarini, Franklin

Matt Honekamp, Franklin

Wyatt Herndon, Franklin

Honorable Mentions

Gabe Terry, Franklin

https://hockomocksports.com/2024-hockomock-league-boys-soccer-all-stars/

FHS' Garrett Scagliarini named MVP for Kelley-Rex Division for Boys Soccer

FHS' Haley Wernig named Kelley-Rex Division Field Hockey MVP for 2024

2024 Hockomock League Field Hockey All Stars

Below are the official 2024 Hockomock League Field Hockey All Stars, selected by the coaches in the league.

Kelley-Rex Division MVP

Haley Wernig, Franklin

Davenport Division MVP

Carolyn Schiavo, Canton

Hockomock League All Stars

Haley Wernig, Franklin

Raena Crandall, Franklin

Devon Barry, Franklin

Ella Griffin, Franklin

Honorable Mentions

Ella Marzullo, Franklin

https://hockomocksports.com/2024-hockomock-league-field-hockey-all-stars/

FHS' Haley Wernig named Kelley-Rex Division Field Hockey MVP for 2024

Fallen Heroes' Remembrance Ceremonies on Town Common: January - March 2025

Franklin Fallen Heroes' Upcoming Remembrance Ceremonies

In honor of the 45 Franklin Veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces, remembrance ceremonies are held on the anniversary of their KIA date. 

The ceremonies are led by members of the American Legion Post 75 and VFW Post 3402 and are held at 9:00 AM on the Veterans Memorial Walkway on the Franklin Town Common. 

Family members, friends and members of the community are all welcome to attend. In the event of inclement weather, the ceremony will be postponed to the following day.

• January 26 – William O. Martello - WWII
• February 18 – Alan W. Willard - Vietnam
• February 22 – James P. Murray - WWI
• February 24 – David Laughlan III - WWII
• February 26 – Richard L. Desper - Vietnam
• March 10 – Marshall E. Rollins - WWII
• March 10 – John A. Schur - WWII
• March 18 – Elton E. Ekstrom - WWII
• March 30 – W. Franklin Lynch - WWI

Franklin TV has recorded each of the ceremonies. You can view the archive on YouTube ->   https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLbAODFjFPJ0zOqXRuHZ5-_LPf6UwmBNSA

You can also find the collection -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/07/fallen-hero-recognition-ceremonies-for.html

Fallen Heroes' Remembrance Ceremonies on Town Common: January - March 2025

Franklin Cheerleading Wins State, Regional and League Championships in Fall 2024

Superintendent Lucas Giguere and Athletic Director Karrah Ellis are pleased to share that the Franklin High School Cheerleading team went undefeated for their fall season, capturing a trifecta of championship titles at the league, regional and state levels.

Franklin High School's varsity cheerleading team won the MSAA Div. 1 2024 Fall Cheerleading State Championship held at Worcester State University on Nov. 24, 2024. The win capped off an undefeated season for the Panthers, who also took first place at the Hockomock League Championship and the MSAA Div. 1 South Regionals. (Photo courtesy Franklin Public Schools)

The varsity team, with a 12-person roster, began its series of championship victories on Nov. 10, by taking down the Hockomock League Championship held at Franklin High School. The Panthers then went on to capture the Massachusetts School Administrators' Association (MSAA) Div. 1 South Regionals held at Franklin High School on Nov. 17. Finally, the Franklin High School Cheerleading team capped it off by winning the MSAA Div. 1 2024 Fall Cheerleading State Championship held at Worcester State University on Nov. 24.

The win at Worcester State marked the fourth state championship in a row for Franklin, spanning fall and winter seasons. Throughout its history, the Franklin High School Cheerleading team has notched 15 state championship titles.

"It's been inspiring to watch the dedication and camaraderie of this group," said Varsity Cheerleading Coach Doni Gill, who came to Franklin in 2017. "It's been a very special and memorable season, watching them grow into champions together. They've worked so hard since Day 1. We're very proud of all of the student-athletes in our cheerleading program, and we're very happy to once again call them state champions." 

The fall 2024 Franklin High School varsity team included seniors Emma Rondeau, Ana Cecilia Pineda Campos, Lea Exposito, Keira Owens, Jeffrey Li, and Taylor Briggs; juniors Ariel Orrell, Lilah Wainwright, Cassidy Stanley and Emily Bartlett; and sophomores Aria Nicholson and Ashley Rickey. 

In addition to its fall 2024 championship titles, the Franklin High School Cheerleading team also shined at several invitational competitions, winning first place at the King Philip Invitational on Nov. 3, the Shamrock Showdown on Oct. 27, and the Tri-County Invitational on Oct. 20.

"I would like to congratulate the team on a phenomenal season," said Athletic Director Karrah Ellis. "Thank you to all of the families, faculty and community members that have supported our cheerleaders and helped contribute to another successful season. I'd also like to give a special thanks to Coach Doni Gill for her dedication to these student-athletes and for her role in their accomplishments. Congratulations and let's go Panthers."

Additional photos from each of the 2024 competitions can be found in one album

https://photos.app.goo.gl/o5uqZxeiWX7BYPXk8

Jamie Barrett performance schedule for Saturday, Dec 14

Jamie Barrett performance schedule for Saturday, Dec 14

Where is Jamie on Saturday? 

"It’s Pajamas @ Pancakes at Franklin Public Library @ 10:30 am on Saturday morning,

then to Cedar House Saturday night from 8:00-11:00! Sure would be great to see you this weekend!"

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/p/15WfV99H6N/

Beaver Street Interceptor Project: Construction Update for the Week of December 16

Beaver Street Interceptor (BSI) Project

 

 

BSI Construction Update for the Week of December 16th!

Monday (12/16) - Friday (12/20): The construction crew will be preparing the jacking and receiving pits for the trenchless installation of the sewer under Rt. 140.  The work will be occurring off the road at 38 Pond Street and within the Franklin Village Mall Area.  No traffic impacts are expected. 

At the Franklin Recreation Center, the construction of the new Beaver Street Interceptor
Pump Station will continue with concrete form placement and rebar tying for the last section of the pump station foundation walls.

There will be limited work occurring the week of 12/23 & 12/30 for the Christmas and New Years holiday weeks.   HAPPY HOLIDAYS!  

Please reference the interactive map below and posted signs for details and updates.

Beaver Street Interceptor Project:  Construction Update for the Week of December 16

We appreciate the public's continued support and understanding and will
continue to communicate regularly via social media, our dedicated email list, and the construction map below as work progresses.

BEAVER STREET INTERCEPTOR HOTLINE: 508-553-5526
(PLEASE LEAVE A MESSAGE AND WE WILL RETURN YOUR CALL)
EMAIL: BSI-info@franklinma.gov

Fall/Winter 2023 - Anticipated Construction Start

Summer 2026 -  Anticipated Construction Completion

Read more -> https://www.franklinma.gov/water-sewer-division/pages/beaver-street-interceptor-project

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Friday, December 13, 2024 ???

Friday, December 13

• Fiber Art Installation (Franklin Public Library)
• Franklin Art Association, Art Show & Sale (Norfolk Public Library)

10:00am Knitting Group (Franklin Public Library)

1:00pm Book Sale (Franklin Public Library)

2:00pm Thrifty Threads (Franklin Federated Church)

2:30pm Bottle/Can Drive (FHS Class of 2025 fundraiser) (Franklin High School)

4:00pm Orchard Sl'hay rides (Fairmount Fruit Farm)

6:00pm  Annual Holiday Dinner Concert with Martin & Kelly (GlenPharmer Distillery)

9:00pm Brian Cabral (live music) (3 Restaurant)

**   NO  Town Meetings today   **

What's happening today in Franklin? 

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

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

SAFE Coalition Delivers Housing-Support Services Through Town Of Franklin ARPA Funds

SAFE Coalition, a local nonprofit agency, is proud to offer ARPA-supported services to the Town of Franklin’s housing-insecure population. 

A longtime partner with Franklin’s local schools, police, fire, faith, and civic communities, SAFE is dedicated to enhancing the security and wellness of each individual and family they connect with. SAFE has become a staple in the community for local, no-cost, accessible care, understanding that partnering with other systems of care offers the greatest opportunity for success for those receiving support.

SAFE Coalition

In 2021, the American Rescue Plan Act federal stimulus bill (ARPA) was created to address public health and economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. This bill included support for rental and housing services, affordable housing initiatives, utility assistance, grant programs for tenants and landlords, food security programs, childcare, and community outreach services. 

In receiving an ARPA grant from the Town of Franklin in 2024, SAFE increased their ability to meet the needs of residents experiencing housing insecurity and the issues that come with it. 

“We are excited to support our community and know we can meet the shifting needs of those asking for help,” says Jen Levine, CEO and co-founder of SAFE. “SAFE is the dedicated non-profit in Franklin doing this work. These funds have allowed us to provide necessary, direct, and timely care to all Franklin residents.” 

Over the last eight months, SAFE has been providing consistent, compassionate support to sheltered and unsheltered homeless populations through an array of services:

• One-on-one support planning with staff social worker. Housing insecure individuals receive guided assistance assessing needs, connecting with resources, wellness checks, and creating a 90-day plan to execute their goals

• Welcomed the South Middlesex Opportunity Council (SMOC) into parttime office space at SAFE HQ, connecting people with federal housing vouchers

• Skill-supported pipeline for helping people apply for state-aided, subsidized housing system CHAMP, health insurance, SSI, SSDI

• Transportation access to help people reach emergency housing and shelters

• Rental assistance program for housing-precarious families

These services empower people to make decisions in their own best interest. 

“I honestly don’t know how to thank you guys,” said a client recently, “you literally saved us. I am beyond thankful. I would love to give back if there are any volunteer opportunities.”

SAFE believes that when we uphold the dignity of our housing-insecure neighbors, we support the building of relationships and the strengthening of our community. 

Those looking to get involved with SAFE’s housing support initiatives can do so on the SAFE website or by emailing info@safecoalitionma.org.