Providing accurate and timely information about what matters in Franklin, MA since 2007. * Working in collaboration with Franklin TV and Radio (wfpr.fm) since October 2019 *
Saturday, March 1, 2025
Franklin Porchfest returns Saturday, June 7 from noon t 6 PM
Monday, February 10, 2025
Hail, hail, the gang's all here; this "gang" cares about the Library and what they offer (audio)
FM #1378 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1378 in the series.
This session shares my conversation with Felicia Oti, Director of the Franklin Public Library. We were joined by many of her staff, see the list of names below. We had our discussion virtually on Wednesday, February 5, 2025.
I opened the conversation with my recitation of “Hail, hail, the gang's all here… what the heck do we care now?” We all care about the Franklin Public Library which is why we are here now, and are about to find out some of the breadth of services they cover.
Felicia Oti, Library Director
Allison Smith, Deputy Director
Kara Naff, Circulation Supervisor
Vicki Earls, Head of Reference
Mitzi Gousie, Public Services Librarian
Caleigh Keating, Youth Services Librarian
Among the many services the Library offer are:
Digitization of Franklin History
US Citizenship test prep
Subscription to Khan Academy
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) both a opportunity that provides training for those that volunteer , as well as a service for those with income less than 65K to file their taxes
Decodable books for beginning readers now in the library
Citizen science kits co-sponsored by Conservation Commission
From Mass Cultural Council, Franklin Cultural Council & Franklin Cultural District come grant funded programs, including a typewriter orchestra concert coming in April
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 58 minutes, so let’s listen in. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1378-franklin-public-library-group-shares-highlights-02-05-25/
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Franklin Public Library page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/233/Franklin-Public-Library
Event calendar -> https://www.franklinma.gov/942/Calendar-of-Events
English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)
https://franklinma.gov/313/English-for-Speakers-of-Other-Languages-
Prior recording April 2020 #248
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/04/fm-248-franklin-public-library-staff.html
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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
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!
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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"
Thursday, March 21, 2024
Senator Becca Rausch recognizes Roberta Trahan for Women's History Month
Today's local leader shout-out goes to Roberta Trahan of @TOFranklinMA.
A dedicated nurse of 47 years, Roberta is a pillar of the community, having served on the School Committee, serving as VP of @FranklinDowntwn and supporting many groups.
Thank you, Roberta!
#mapoli #WHM2024 https://t.co/ecfJPz6Wai
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Senator Becca Rausch recognizes Roberta Trahan for Women's History Month |
Thursday, April 27, 2023
Franklin Cultural Festival is taking an "intermission" for 2023
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Monday, September 12, 2022
Franklin Cultural Festival 2022 - photos by Jake Jacobson
For a limited time these photos are available for download. If you want to use a photo, give credit to Jake Jacobson!
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prior to the Indian Wedding Showcase (Jake Jacobson photo) |
Check out the 200+ photos in the Google Photo album -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/xmKLFvJyZbjJfLYw9
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salsa dancing at the end of the day to the music by Eguie Castrillo Salsa Orchestra (Jake Jacobson photo) |
Friday, September 9, 2022
What's happening at the Franklin Cultural Festival on Saturday? Download this 1 sheet guide
- where to park
- the schedule for the Main Stage
- the layout of the Cultural Festival on the Town Common
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What's happening at the Franklin Cultural Festival on Saturday? Download this 1 sheet guide |
Thursday, September 8, 2022
Franklin Cultural Festival: Entertainment lined up to showcase cultural diversity on the Town Common Saturday
The 2nd Annual Cultural Festival "Community Unity" in addition to featuring food trucks, a beer & wine garden, artisan vendors, nonprofit alley also showcases a variety of entertainment on the Franklin Town Common.
12:00pm - Main Stage: FHS Theatre Company performs "Cinderella Medley"
12:45pm - Main Stage: Onot Isreali Dance Troupe
1:30pm - Main Stage: Ron Reid's Sunsteel Quartet
2:45pm - Main Stage: Indian Wedding Showcase
3:45pm - Main Stage: She Grooves
4:30pm - Main Stage: Eguie Castrillo Salsa Orchestra
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Franklin Cultural Festival: Entertainment lined up to showcase cultural diversity on the Town Common Saturday |
Wednesday, September 7, 2022
Franklin Cultural District: #artshappenhere - Cultural Festival has a full schedule for the Main Stage
Summer is behind us, the rain has ended for now and it looks like a great weekend for the 2nd Franklin Community Unity Cultural Festival. Food trucks, beer & wine garden, artisan vendors, non-profit alley, and entertainment all afternoon on the Main Stage all in and around the Town Common.
And that is not the only reason to get out for #arthappenshere in many other ways this weekend as the listing below indicates.
Wednesday, September 7
7:00pm - Franklin Art Association - abstract painter Deborah Drummond (Franklin Senior Center) (meeting at 7; networking begins at 6:30pm)
Thursday, September 8
8:30am - Franklin Downtown Partnership: General Meeting (Dean College)
6:00pm - Dave Penza (live music) (La Cantina Winery)
Friday, September 9
9:00am - 9/11 Remembrance (Franklin Senior Center) Farmers Market
2:00pm - Farmers Market (Franklin Town Common)
5:00pm - Papalias Pizza (67 Degrees Brewery)
6:00pm - Hit the Bus (live music) (67 Degrees Brewery)
6:00pm - Santa Foundation fund raiser (ticketed event) (La Cantina Winery)
Saturday, September 10
10:00am - Franklin Historical Museum (always free)
12:00pm - 2022 Cultural Festival (Franklin Town Common)
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Town Common |
12:00pm - Cultural Festival - features food trucks, beer & wine garden, artisan vendors, nonprofit alley and entertainment (see Main Stage listing) (Franklin Town Common)
12:00pm - Main Stage: FHS Theatre Company performs "Cinderella Medley"
12:45pm - Main Stage: Onot Isreali Dance Troupe
1:30pm - Main Stage: Ron Reid's Sunsteel Quartet
2:45pm - Main Stage: Indian Wedding Showcase
3:45pm - Main Stage: She Grooves
4:30pm - Main Stage: Eguie Castrillo Salsa Orchestra
6:00pm - Patrick Durkin (live music) (La Cantina Winery)
Sunday, September 11
10:00am - 125 Anniversary Celebration Worship Service (St John’s Episcopal)
1:00pm - Franklin Historical Museum (always free) Franklin Historical Museum
1:15pm - Second Sunday Speaker: Maureen Taylor, Photo Detective (Franklin Historical Museum)
Tuesday, September 13
7:00pm - FBRTC Meeting (67 Degrees Brewery)
7:00pm - Yankee Quilters (Emma’s Quilt Cupboard)
The Franklin Art Association Art Gallery remains open during business hours at Escape into Fiction (Main St, Franklin)
Find the full 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 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
Franklin Cultural District: #Artshappenhere |
Franklin Cultural Festival: parking map for Sat, Sep 10
"Parking!
Please note there won't be parking available ON the common this year. While we know this is a hardship, we have prioritized our handicapped parking spaces this year and are using all of Union Street for these. (And the amazing FOOD TRUCKS will fill up all of Main Street!).
Please keep Union Street available for those with mobility issues."
Shared from Cultural Festival page -> https://www.facebook.com/FranklinCulturalCouncil/posts/pfbid0CXp1gZXNTVevC1cqWWWrgFrR4y1Zh82fs8RE6g6mWVa4AFtKEvfW9Yq5zkE4Fie4l
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Franklin Cultural Festival: parking map for Sat, Sep 10 |