Showing posts with label Santa. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Santa. Show all posts

Sunday, December 24, 2023

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

Wednesday, December 6, 2023

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

Thursday, November 30, 2023

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."

Santa and Mrs. Claus at Franklin Police Station - Sunday, Dec 3 from 9 AM to noon
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
Franklin Recreation schedules annual Pizza Party with Santa - Friday, Dec 8

Sunday, November 26, 2023

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

Saturday, November 4, 2023

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
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
Santa arrives on the Franklin Town Common Nov 26

Wednesday, December 14, 2022

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 



Tuesday, December 13, 2022

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


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

Franklin Senior Center schedules Winter Wonderland - Dec 15
Franklin Senior Center schedules Winter Wonderland - Dec 15

Tuesday, December 6, 2022

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
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
Toy Drive & Pictures with Santa - Dec 11





Saturday, December 3, 2022

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 Senior Center schedules Winter Wonderland - Dec 15

Thursday, December 1, 2022

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

Tuesday, November 22, 2022

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
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

Saturday, November 12, 2022

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
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

Sunday, December 12, 2021

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


Wednesday, December 1, 2021

Franklin Police Dept. to Santa and Mrs. Claus for pictures on sat, Dec 4


*** SANTA IS COMING TO TOWN ***

Join us at the station this Saturday, December 4, 2021 from 9 AM - 12 PM and get your picture taken with Santa! 
Pictures are free but we're asking for donations of new and unwrapped toys to benefit our annual toy drive and the Santa Foundation. 
Shared from Twitter: https://t.co/ch8woluW72


Franklin Police Dept. to Santa and Mrs. Claus for pictures on sat, Dec 4
Franklin Police Dept. to Santa and Mrs. Claus for pictures on sat, Dec 4

The Franklin Police Station is located at 911 Panther Way in Franklin.

Sunday, November 21, 2021

Santa scheduled to arrive on the Town Common - Nov 28 - 4 PM

For the young and young at heart, Santa arrives on the Town Common, Sunday, Nov 28, 2021 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
Download the flyer as a reminder of this special event



Annual Christmas on the Common - Sunday, Nov 28 - 4:00 PM
Annual Christmas on the Common - Sunday, Nov 28 - 4:00 PM

Monday, December 21, 2020

Dr Fauci gave the vaccine to Santa (video)

The video with the quote we shared from Dr Fauci on bringing the vaccine to Santa
"This made me cry. Listening to the worry in those little voices and the relief they must feel thanks to the good doctor."
Direct link to YouTube video = https://youtu.be/Dx25ZNY6p1s

Sunday, December 20, 2020

Dr. Fauci vaccinated Santa

"Children around the world should not worry about the logistics of Christmas present delivery while the coronavirus pandemic rages, Dr. Anthony Fauci said – because he vaccinated Santa himself.

“I took care of that for you,” the top US infectious diseases expert told CNN. “Because I was worried that you’d all be upset.

“So what I did a little while ago, I took a trip up there to the North Pole. I went there and I vaccinated Santa Claus myself. I measured his level of immunity, and he is good to go. He can come down the chimney. He can leave the presents, he can leave, and you have nothing to worry about. Santa Claus is good to go.”
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

Friday, November 27, 2020

Franklin's weekend outlook: Nov 27 - 30, 2020

A quiet Thanksgiving weekend. The library does have Curbside Pickup available Friday, November 27 and Saturday, November 28 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Santa arrives Sunday in a drive by event on the Town Common at 4:00 PM.


* Friday, November 27

Native American Heritage Day
9:00am - Town of Franklin offices CLOSED

* Sunday, November 29

1:00pm - Historical Museum (open and free admission)
4:00pm - Santa on the Common - Drive by event



If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://forms.gle/oPdi8X3ZbHHyrHzo6
 
Community Calendar
Community Calendar


Tuesday, November 24, 2020

Reminder: Santa on the Common - now a drive by event - Nov 29

Due to the pandemic we are changing the format of Santa on the Common. A Drive By is planned where you can see Santa in your car. You must follow these simple rules:
  1. Santa will be on the corner of Main and High St. 
  2. You family must enter by Union St. and exit Main St.
  3. You and your family must wear masks
  4. Before you see Santa give your Christmas list to the person before Santa
  5. When you are in front of Santa you can wave and greet him and he will give you a souvenir of the event
  6. After you have greeted Santa you will be given a gift certificate for a treat 
  7. We hope you join us, for Santa wants to be able to see  you before his magical flight
When?
Sunday - November 29, 2020 - 4:00 PM

Reminder: Santa on the Common - now a drive by event - Nov 29
Reminder: Santa on the Common - now a drive by event - Nov 29



Download a copy of the flyer as a reminder