Monday, December 15, 2025

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Monday, December 15, 2025 ???

Monday, December 15

Library & Senior Center events
Library & Senior Center events


For additional details on Library events -> 

For additional details on Senior Center events ->   



** Town Meetings today   **


Franklin Public Schools Community Relations Sub Committee Meeting

Monday, December 15 Time: 6:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_12152025-2050 


250th Anniversary Celebration Committee (Events & Logistics Subcmte)

Monday, December 15 Time: 7:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_12152025-2061 


Planning Board Meeting

Monday, December 15 Time: 7:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_12152025-2056 



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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 Franklin Art Association's First Meeting of the New Year features Katie Kindilien - Jan 7, 2026

The Franklin Art Association's First Meeting of the New Year!
Wednesday, January 7, 2026
Guest Artist — Katie Kindilien


The Franklin Art Association warmly welcomes the public to our first public meeting of the new year, at 6:30 PM on January 7, 2026 at the Franklin Senior Center. Our artist demonstrator will be Katie Kindilien.

Katie is a landscape and still life painter who currently lives in New Haven, CT. She received her undergraduate degree in painting from Tyler School in Philadelphia. A year studying in Rome opened her eyes to fresco and oil painting. She taught art in public school, as she painted and took classes to develop her own skills.

Guest Artist — Katie Kindilien
Guest Artist — Katie Kindilien
Katie's work is inspired by the everyday moments of beauty that surround us. She hopes her paintings and demonstrations will bring light and joy to others, and she says of her approach:


"My work is inspired by the everyday moments of beauty that surround us. Whether I’m painting a still life in the studio or a landscape outdoors, I hope to capture the fleeting sense of light and space, as well as infusing the work with feeling and authenticity. The process of putting paint to canvas and creating something that’s never been made before continues to excite me and fill me with anticipation!"

Why not make it a your New Year's resolution to join us on Wednesday, January 7th and all our monthly meetings for art instruction, the camaraderie of art conversation and refreshments at intermission?

The Franklin Art Association takes pride in offering a student scholarship yearly to a local art student wishing to continue their art career in art instruction after high school graduation.


January Community Concert features Vera Meyer on the glass armonica

This event is being co-coordinated with the Franklin Historical Museum as part of Ben Franklin month. What is a glass armonica? 

Check out this short video by Ken Burns: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=57-JQlwRDqc. There will be more information to share in the coming weeks.

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Vera Meyer has appeared at the Franklin Historical Museum previously (2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, and most recently (Jan 2025 at Dean College) at part of the Ben Franklin Month Celebration. 

Franklin TV video of her visit and glass armonica performance in 2024

HistMuseum_Vera
From 2011

Talking with JM Celi about the next stage in the "Unlife of Lisa Cooper" (audio & video)

FM #1607 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1607 in the series. 


This session of the radio show shares my recorded conversation with local author J.M. Celi. We had our conversation via Zoom to record the video & audio on Tuesday, December 9, 2025. 


Our conversation lets you find out more about Jamie and his third independently published work “The Unlife of Lisa Cooper: Vengeance." 


This is the second in the planned series of the vampire, Siobhan McSweeny or Lisa Cooper.  


We talk about Jamie’s writing process, the road through multiple reviews and edits to publication. He has some other works out for possible publication. He is working on the outline for the 3rd in the Lisa series. There may be other works covering specific decade time periods in Boston. 


The recording runs about 39 minutes so let’s listen to my conversation with Jamie

Video link -> 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CQAW9ZvaJhc

Audio link ->  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1607-author-jm-celi-12-09-25/




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J.M. Celi’s author web site -> https://www.jmceli.com/


The Unlife of Lisa Cooper: Conviction", The Vampires of 1863” and “The Unlife of Lisa Cooper: Vengeance"  can be found in most bookstores. 


Prior audio recordings


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


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

 

How can you help?

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

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


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


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


If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com


The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.


I hope you enjoy!

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


Good Deeds: Holiday Trivia and Greetings

By: William P. O’Donnell, Norfolk County Register of Deeds


The holidays are here, and for many individuals and families, traditions are what make this season so special. At the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, we have our own tradition this time of year.

 

All year long, the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds releases numbers and statistics that help readers get a picture of the real estate market. But during the holiday season, the spirit of celebration takes center stage, and those numbers can wait for another day.

 

Good Deeds: Holiday Trivia and Greetings
Good Deeds: Holiday Trivia and Greetings

There have been many trivia challenges given to each of you in past "Good Deeds" articles. Trivia has involved history, such as naming the four former Presidents of the United States who were born here in Norfolk County. In the past, you have been tasked with identifying notable residents of Norfolk County and their hometowns. This time, we’re keeping it festive with something everyone loves—holiday movies! From laugh-out-loud comedies to heartwarming classics, these films have become part of our seasonal traditions. I must say the Christmas movie “Elf" is one of my favorite Christmas films. It is uplifting and funny.

 

So, grab a cup of cocoa or eggnog, settle in, and see how well you know these holiday favorites. Some of these Christmas questions may be very obvious to some but that makes up for some other questions. I hope you will enjoy this trivia, and you might find it useful at a work holiday party or family gathering.

 

Trivia Questions:

 

#1: In National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, what animal causes chaos in the Griswold home?

A. A deer

B. A raccoon

C. A squirrel

 

#2: In The Polar Express, what is the first gift of Christmas?

A. A silver bell

B. A golden ticket

C. A magical ornament

 

#3: In Elf, what is the name of the department store where Buddy works?

A. Bloomingdale’s

B. Macy’s

C. Gimbels

 

#4: In A Christmas Story, what gift does Ralphie desperately want?

A. A Buck Rogers rocket set

B. A Red Ryder BB gun

C. A Swiss Army Knife

 

#5: In Frosty the Snowman, what brings Frosty to life?

A. A magic hat

B. A Christmas wish

C. A magic scarf

 

#6: In Home Alone, what toy—made popular by the movie—did Kevin use to play tricks on the burglars?

A. Walkman

B. Yak Bak

C. Talkboy

 

#7: In Jingle All the Way, what is the name of the must-have toy Arnold Schwarzenegger’s character is trying to find?

A. Turbo Man

B. Action Hero Max

C. Scuba Steve Extreme Diver

 

#8: In How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000), what is the name of the Whoville girl who befriends the Grinch?

A. Martha May Whovier

B. Cindy Lou Who

C. Betty Lou Who

 

#9: In The Santa Clause, what does Scott Calvin do that makes him become Santa?

A. He puts on Santa’s suit

B. He opens the magic sack of presents

C. He rides in Santa’s sleigh

 

#10: In Miracle on 34th Street, what does Susan Walker want for Christmas?

A. For everyone to believe in Santa

B. The house in the Cole's catalog

C. For Clarence to get his wings

 

Answers:

1: C, 2: A, 3: C, 4: B, 5: A, 6: C, 7: A, 8: B, 9: A, 10: B.

 

I cannot promise you a grand prize or a guaranteed spot on Santa’s “Nice List” for answering these trivia questions, but I do hope you had fun. May Santa be good to you this season. And remember, as Buddy the Elf says: “The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.” So, from all of us at the Norfolk Registry of Deeds, we wish you a joyful holiday season and a healthy and happy new year to all.


 

Creative Corner Art Studio: creative workshops Weds 12/17 & Thur 12/18

This Week Creative Workshops hosting amazing local artists and creative keep sakes and memories.

Wednesday, Dec 17

Wednesday, Dec 17
Wednesday, Dec 17


Thursday, Dec 18

Thursday, Dec 18
Thursday, Dec 18

The Franklin Interfaith Council is developing a new site at FranklinMAinterfaith.org

The Franklin Interfaith Council has lost the domain name for its long-held website, and is in the process of developing a new site at FranklinMAinterfaith.org.

Until that is completed, please follow us on Facebook: Franklin Interfaith Council.

The Franklin Interfaith Council is an organization whose membership is composed of faith communities in the town of Franklin, Massachusetts. It addresses the various needs of its community by recognizing the power of faith as defined by the individual spiritual traditions.  However, it is these same traditions that unite us in the common goal to initiate and sponsor activities that enrich and challenge the citizens of Franklin. 
The Franklin Interfaith Council is developing a new site at FranklinMAinterfaith.org
The Franklin Interfaith Council is developing
a new site at FranklinMAinterfaith.org

The intent of the council is to sensitize the Franklin community to issues of deprivation and social injustice, and to promote tolerance and understanding through shared worship, programs, performances, and publications, and to bring the understanding of our faith traditions to bear on these issues. 

Additionally, through these same devices, the council seeks to acknowledge and celebrate both the diversity and the common values existing within the community. 

The council is a nonprofit organization that has as its primary purpose the betterment of the community it serves.

Participating Houses of Worship :
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
First Universalist Society in Franklin
Franklin Federated Church
Franklin United Methodist Church
New England Chapel
St. John’s Episcopal Church
St. Mary’s Catholic Parish
Temple Etz Chaim

Sewer Lining Project work continues this week; Dec 15 to Dec 19

Sewer Lining Project work continues this week; Dec 15 to Dec 19
Sewer Lining Project work continues this week; Dec 15 to Dec 19
Phase 9 - Sewer Lining Project Continues on Tuesday December 16th thru Friday December 19th.

Below is the anticipated schedule for the Sewer Lining work that National Watermain will be conducting:
Tuesday, 12/16 thru Friday 12/19 - Lateral lining

Please follow posted detour signs and use caution when driving in these areas.

During this part of the lining residents that will be directly affected will be notified. If you experience any issues please call the DPW at 508-553-5500.
This work will help to improve the structural integrity of our sewer system and reduce groundwater intrusion which reduces our bill from the Charles River Pollution Control District.


Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm Schedule for Monday, December 15, 2025

Yes, Franklin has it's own radio station -> wfpr.fm. Franklin Public Radio has a brand new schedule for the locally produced shows that fill our air waves.   

It is available anywhere, anytime at wfpr.fm or in the local Franklin, MA area at 102.9 on the FM dial.  

Tune in to listen to the following:
wfpr.fm Schedule for Monday - Franklin Public Radio
wfpr.fm Schedule for Monday - Franklin Public Radio

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

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule for Sunday
Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule

Franklin TV schedule for Monday, December 15, 2025 (Your local Public, Education & Government "PEG" station)

  • Franklin All Access TV - Our Public Access Channel (Comcast 6, Verizon 26) = MONDAY
7:00 am Aging Boldfully: Jenn Goebel
8:00 am SAFE Coalition: Overdose Awareness Vigil 08-31-25
9:00 am Concerts on the Common: Frank Padula Band
11:30 am Cooking Thyme: Centerpieces
12:00 pm Brooke'n'Cookin: Mac'n'Cheese
12:30 pm Cooking with Linda: Quiche
1:30 pm     Pizzapalooza: Healthy Pizza Crusts
2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Summer '19 Show 2
3:00 pm Candlepin New Generation: Show 7
4:30 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Referee Shortage 2
5:30 pm Second Sunday Speaker Series: Wolfgang Bauer
7:00 pm Frank Presents: Jim Derick
8:30 pm Circle of Friends: Heather Pierson Trio

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

7:00 am Cultural Council: BT ALC Big Band
8:30 am SAFE Coalition: Overdose Awareness Vigil 08-31-25
9:30 am Winning Ways with the MIAA: Referee Shortage 2
10:30 am FHS Winter Music: Band and Wind Ensemble
11:30 am FHS Winter Music: Chorus and Orchestra
1:30 pm     FHS Varsity Wrestling v Milford 01-08-25
3:00 pm FHS Boys Varsity Basketball v Central Catholic 03-10-25
7:00 pm FHS Boys Varsity Hockey v Attleboro 02-05-25

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


8:00 am Planning Board 11-03-25
11:00 am Finance Committee 12-10-25
2:00 pm Planning Board 11-03-25
7:00 pm Planning Board  CHAMBERS  896 0775 2906


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