Santa on the Common 2024 (video)

If you missed Santa arriving on the Town Common, you can relive the moment with this Franklin TV video -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J007TCZmXls

Santa's visit is sponsored by the Concerts on the Common and helped by Franklin Fire, Police, and other volunteers.

Hockomock Area YMCA schedules "Fun With Santa Event" Friday, Dec 13

Hockomock Area YMCA (@HockomockYMCA) posted  Fri, Dec 06, 2024:

"Fun With Santa Event! 🎅 Festivities include a meet & greet with Santa and photo opportunity, Holiday games & crafts (representing a variety of holidays), and a take home goodie bag.

Visit  https://bit.ly/HAYSantaFun to register."

Hockomock Area YMCA schedules "Fun With Santa Event" Friday, Dec 13

Shared from -> https://t.co/GmwK3pbNMP

Santa and Mrs. Claus at Franklin Police Station - Dec 8

Santa and Mrs. Claus at Franklin Police Station - Dec 8 

Looks like Santa and Mrs. Claus are trading in the sleigh for a squad car this year! Watch out, naughty list - the Franklin Police Department just got a festive upgrade!

This Sunday, December 8 from 9 AM to 12 PM, Santa and Mrs. Claus will take over the Chief's Office.

This event is free, however we do ask for a toy donation (new and unwrapped). 

Toys collected through our toy drive go back to the children in our community who need a little extra Christmas cheer.

Shared from ->   https://www.facebook.com/share/p/14TEZdRLX6/

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Sunday, December 1, 2024 ???

Sunday, December 1, 2024

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

?? "Finding the Light" free art gift from Painting Venus

10:00am Why Covenants Matter (First Universalist Society Franklin)

12:00pm Weekend Watercolor (Franklin Public Library)

1:00pm Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

1:00pm Stocking-Stuffer Sunday (Franklin Historical Museum)

4:00pm Santa & Mrs. Claus (Franklin Town Common)

**  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

Concerts on the Common presents Santa & Mrs. Claus Sunday, Dec 1, 2024 at 4 PM

 Sunday, Dec 1, 2024 at 4 PM

 

It’s that time of year to mark your calendars again!  

Santa on the Common is Dec 1, 2024  

Santa and Mrs. Clause will be delivered via the Franklin Fire Dept. Jingles the Elf and DJ Mike will entertain while you wait.  

We have also added Venmo for donations this year!  

Don’t forget to bring your letters to Santa with your address so you can get return letter.  

Can’t wait to see you all…..

Concerts on the Common presents Santa & Mrs. Claus Sunday, Dec 1, 2024 at 4 PM

 Sunday, Dec 1, 2024 at 4 PM

It’s that time of year to mark your calendars again!  

Santa on the Common is Dec 1, 2024 this is the Sunday after Thanksgiving.  

Santa and Mrs. Clause will arrive by fire truck, Jingles the Elf and DJ Mike will entertain while you wait.  

We have also added Venmo for donations this year! Don’t forget to bring your letters to Santa with your address so you can get return letter. Can’t wait to see you all…..

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/1B3Z9BhSWi/

Franklin TV: "Yes, Virginia" and a response "Yes, Ginny"

Yes, Virginia

by Francis Church, New York Sun, September 21, 1897

Virginia, your little friends are wrong. They have been affected by the skepticism of a skeptical age. They do not believe except they see. They think that nothing can be which is not comprehensible by their little minds. All minds, Virginia, whether they be men's or children's are little. In this great universe of ours, man is a mere insect, an ant, in his intellect, as compared with the boundless world about him, as measured by the intelligence capable of grasping the whole of truth and knowledge.

Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and you know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy. Alas! how dreary would be the world if there were no Santa Claus! It would be as dreary as if there were no Virginias. There would be no child-like faith then, no poetry, no romance to make tolerable this existence. We should have no enjoyment, except in sense and sight. The eternal light with which childhood fills the world would be extinguished.

"Yes, Virginia"

Not believe in Santa Claus? You might as well not believe in fairies! You might get your papa to hire men to watch in all the chimneys on Christmas eve to catch Santa Claus, but even if you did not see Santa Claus coming down, what would that prove? Nobody sees Santa Claus, but that is no sign that there is no Santa Claus. The most real things in the world are those that neither children nor men can see. Did you ever see fairies dancing on the lawn? Of course not, but that's no proof that they are not there. Nobody can conceive or imagine all the wonders there are unseen and unseeable in the world.

You tear apart the baby's rattle and see what makes the noise inside, but there is a veil covering the unseen world which not the strongest man, nor even the united strength of all the strongest men that ever lived, could tear apart. Only faith, fancy, poetry, love, romance, can push aside that curtain and view and picture the supernal beauty and glory beyond. Is it all real? Ah, Virginia, in all this world there is nothing else real and abiding.

No Santa Claus! Thank God! he lives, and he lives forever. A thousand years from now, Virginia, nay, ten times ten thousand years from now, he will continue to make glad the heart of childhood.

(But, Church’s Santa story is not over. Read on.)

Yes, Ginny

by Pete Fasciano, Franklin●TV & wfpr●fm, 12 / 24 / 2023

Ginny, your little friends are wrong. While skeptics may argue their doubts regarding the existence of Santa, there are likewise good reasons to believe – to know – that Santa is real. He is as real as the warming Sun, and just as you can feel the Sun’s warmth, even on the coldest days you can feel the glow of Santa’s warmth as well – whenever you may wish – wherever you chance to be – and however you so choose to embrace his goodly spirit.

Yes, Ginny, there is a Santa Claus. Across the centuries, Santa has been there for children everywhere as a jolly countenance – a timeless exemplar – of niceness above naughtiness. He reminds us annually that good can and must prevail against the travails of our world.

Not believe in Santa Claus? You might as well not believe in fairies! True, there are Santa naysayers whose hearts can run cold. Indifferent to the darker conditions that beset these times, they deny their own light; a light to be kindled within each of us. Here present is the Santa imperative. He is the quintessence of that most festive light of good will. A supernal light of charity; returning each year to rid the darkest days and uplift our better spirits.

Some say that nobody can see Santa Claus, but that is no sign that there is no Santa Claus. Some say Santa is everywhere. Better said, he is never far away. In point of fact, he is as near and dear to our giving hearts as a simple Christmas wish – and deed – joining others in joy and peace – and sharing the fulgent, yet unseeable beauty of this season – this life.

Yes, Ginny, we may open our eyes and gaze upon Santa’s good works as we so choose. Better still, by opening our generous hearts to humanity, humility, wonder and whimsy, enchantment, lyric lore, faith, hope, and yes, charity – we discover a most profound truth. Santa’s gift of love for each child grows with and within that child; as love, received in childhood, is then so given, shared and shared again tenfold throughout that child’s life.

And, dear Ginny, in that magical moment of giving – joy abides. Through giving moments across centuries gone and centuries yet to be, Santa lives on. His Christmas Spirit finds those givers of the heart. As we embrace Santa’s spirit, he in turn embraces us – young and old alike in fullest measure. And, gladly, we all become Santa – jolly, merry, real and true.

And – as always –

Thank you for listening to wfpr●fm.

And, thank you for watching.

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

Franklin TV: "Yes, Virginia" and a response "Yes, Ginny"

You're going to Winter Wonderland 2023 aren't you? Dec 14, from 4:30 to 7 PM

The Friends Of Franklin Elders and the Franklin Senior Center presents Winter Wonderland 2023.

Come out for an evening of holiday cheer to see a display of beautifully decorated Holiday Trees and decor while enjoying 

Live Entertainment, 

Hot Cocoa & Cookies,

a visit from Santa & Mrs. Claus!

Fun for the whole family!

Thursday, December 14, 2023 from 4:30 to 7 PM at the Franklin Senior Center

Download a copy of the flyer as a reminder or to share ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Ip5Mj6txpTWrgH2WSjriHYS2-VavFbEQ/view?usp=drive_link

You're going to Winter Wonderland 2023 aren't you? 

Santa and Mrs. Claus at Franklin Police Station - Sunday, Dec 3 from 9 AM to noon

Via Franklin Police Dept: 

"Looks like Santa and Mrs. Claus are trading in the sleigh for a squad car this year! Watch out, naughty list - the Franklin Police Department just got a festive upgrade! 

This Sunday, December 3 from 9 AM to 12 PM, Santa and Mrs. Claus will take over the Chief’s Office. 

This event is free, however we do ask for a toy donation (new and unwrapped). Toys collected through our toy drive go back to the children in our community who need a little extra Christmas cheer."

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/C0PCGJGMuZl/

Santa and Mrs. Claus at Franklin Police Station - Sunday, Dec 3 from 9 AM to noon

Franklin Recreation schedules annual Pizza Party with Santa - Friday, Dec 8

via Franklin Recreation Dept 

"Don't forget to join us next Friday as Santa pays a visit to the Rec Department for a Pizza Party!!! 

We will have crafts, bounce house, face painting and of course pizza! 

Register online at franklinma.myrec.com"

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/C0O8-VuOKef/

Franklin Recreation schedules annual Pizza Party with Santa - Friday, Dec 8

Santa arrives on the Franklin Town Common Nov 26 at 4 PM

For the young and young at heart, Santa arrives on the Town Common, Sunday, Nov 26, 2023 at 4 PM. He is reported to be arriving via a special Franklin fire truck. Will Mrs. Claus be with him too?

Sponsored by Concerts on the Common. Donations to help with this and the Town Common decorations are appreciated. Checks can be mailed to 

"Concerts on the Common"
PO Box 92
Franklin, MA 02038

Santa arrives on the Franklin Town Common Nov 26 at 4 PM

 

Santa arrives on the Franklin Town Common Nov 26 at 4 PM

Santa arrives on the Franklin Town Common Nov 26

For the young and young at heart, Santa arrives on the Town Common, Sunday, Nov 26, 2023 at 4 PM. He is reported to be arriving via a special Franklin fire truck. Will Mrs. Claus be with him too?

Santa arrives on the Franklin Town Common Nov 26

Sponsored by Concerts on the Common. Donations to help with this and the Town Common decorations are appreciated. Checks can be mailed to 

"Concerts on the Common"
PO Box 92
Franklin, MA 02038

Santa arrives on the Franklin Town Common Nov 26

Have breakfast with Santa at Franklin Recreation - Friday, Dec 16

Santa is coming to Franklin Rec for some Breakfast on December 16th! We will have a professional photographer taking Santa photos. 

Registration is available on franklinma.myrec.com

Two times slots available on Friday, Dec 16; likely to fill up quickly!

Recommended for ages 2-5 years old.

"Join us for breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus!  This is a parent and child event where your child can choose to participate in several crafts and activities including making reindeer food, antler ring toss and creating a Santa selfie hat.  Breakfast includes pancakes, assorted fruit and muffins. Fee is per child."

https://franklinma.myrec.com/info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=29935 

Have breakfast with Santa at Franklin Recreation - Friday, Dec 16

Shared from Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/p/CmEruUsrbz6/

Winter Wonderland - INSIDE at the Senior Center - Dec 15 (or listen/watch)

Enjoy walking/driving* around the Senior Center to view beautifully decorated trees & lights, visit with Santa, live entertainment, Hot Cocoa & Cookies, and more! 

Free to the public and fun for the whole family-an event you don't want to miss! #winterwonderland #community #lights 

4:30 PM to 7:00 PM - Walk around Inside the Senior Center  

• listen via wfpr.fm or 102.9 on the FM radio dial

5:30 PM to 6:30 PM - Driving

• listen to the LIVE broadcast via wfpr.fm or 102.9 on the FM radio dial and watch via Franklin All Access TV - Our Public Access Channel (Comcast 8, Verizon 26)  AND  YouTube   https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCahhxS6rENnYA3iH0pgf0jA

* changed to interior event only due to the weather forecast for Thursday evening.

Franklin Senior Center schedules Winter Wonderland - Dec 15

Franklin Police Department Toy Drive & Pictures with Santa - Dec 11

"Say cheese! 

This Sunday, December 11, 2022 the Franklin Police Department will host Pictures with Santa from 10 AM - 1 PM at the station! 

Franklin Police Department Toy Drive & Pictures with Santa - Dec 11

 

Pictures are free, but donations of new or unwrapped toys for all ages are requested as part of the FPD's Toy Drive.

Donations will be accepted at the station any time before Christmas!
Check out @franklinmapolice for more info!"

Toy Drive & Pictures with Santa - Dec 11

Shared from Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/p/Cly8w7YOrWV/

Franklin Senior Center schedules Winter Wonderland - Dec 15

Franklin Senior Center (@FranklinSrCntr) tweeted Fri, Dec 02, 2022:

Enjoy driving/walking around the Senior Center to view beautifully decorated trees & lights, visit with Santa, live entertainment, Hot Cocoa & Cookies, and more! 

Free to the public and fun for the whole family-an event you don't want to miss! #winterwonderland #community #lights 

Shared from Twitter -> https://t.co/wKyz0iL1vB

Franklin Senior Center schedules Winter Wonderland - Dec 15

Franklin Police: Annual Toy Drive, Photos with Santa, Dec 11

From the Franklin Police Dept: 

"On December 11 from 10 AM to 1 PM stop by the station for pictures with Santa as part of our annual toy drive. 

Pictures are free but we’re asking for donations of new and unwrapped toys for all ages. 

We hope to see you there!"

Shared from Instagram ->  https://www.instagram.com/p/CljXy4FOCmJ/

Franklin Police: Annual Toy Drive, Photos with Santa, Dec 11

Reminder: Christmas on the Common - Sunday, Nov 27 at 4 PM

For the young and young at heart, Santa arrives on the Town Common, Sunday, Nov 27, 2022 at 4 PM. He is reported to be arriving via a special Franklin fire truck. Will Mrs. Claus be with him too?

Christmas on the Town Common - Nov 27 at 4 PM

Sponsored by Concerts on the Common. Donations to help with this and the Town Common decorations are appreciated. Checks can be mailed to 

"Concerts on the Common"
PO Box 92
Franklin, MA 02038

Download the flyer as a reminder of this special event

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1K56mRgocCaz2Yf_BjFtNhL_2klfC1Djm/view?usp=share_link

Annual Christmas on the Common - Nov 27 at 4 PM

For the young and young at heart, Santa arrives on the Town Common, Sunday, Nov 27, 2022 at 4 PM. He is reported to be arriving via a special Franklin fire truck. Will Mrs. Claus be with him too?

Christmas on the Town Common - Nov 27 at 4 PM

Sponsored by Concerts on the Common. Donations to help with this and the Town Common decorations are appreciated. Checks can be mailed to 

"Concerts on the Common"
PO Box 92
Franklin, MA 02038

Download the flyer as a reminder of this special event

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1K56mRgocCaz2Yf_BjFtNhL_2klfC1Djm/view?usp=share_link

Santa's Magical Mailbox - highlights the goodness of our Franklin community

"Santa's Magical mailbox 

I would like to give credit where credit is due. Ann Marie Donovan was trying to raise money for the Food pantry asking kids to drop a letter to Santa and a small donation for the food pantry at her personal mailbox last year. I contacted her and asked if she would like to have a mailbox at my light show because I get a decent amount of traffic and figured we could raise more money that way. She thought is was a good idea and so that's how it all began. 

Ann is in charge of writing letters along with some really great elves. Thankfully we also have some generous people donating stamps because less than 20% of the letters we get come with a donation and each letter returned to the kids cost us around $1. We understand that not everyone can afford a donation and all kids will get a return letter no matter what. 

The mailbox is taken in and out every night to keep it in as good shape as possible. It should be out by 5:30 every day. We have received letters from many towns in MA including some that are not very close. The elves are working hard and hopefully the first batch of letters will go out soon. 

I named it Santa's Magical Mailbox because I feel like it was magical how members of the community help donate their time, material and skills to make it come to fruition. Scott Firestine made the mailbox and donated it which was absolutely amazing. After just a day or two the paint got ruined so Power Painting Plus ( Rick and John Power) came and picked up the mailbox, repainted it at no cost, then took it to "Signs by Cam" where they redid all of the lettering, which was also at no cost. 

This mailbox belongs to Franklin. I just store it and try my best to keep it in good shape. I hope to pass it on to someone else in Franklin one day. 

Thank you everyone for your support. We hope its a great year for the Franklin Food Pantry and that your kids enjoy their letters from Santa. "

Laura McCarthy

To send a donation, please find the info on the Facebook post 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1551606135109407/permalink/3052436671693005/

Santa's Magical Mailbox - highlights the goodness of our Franklin community