Old Colony Habitat For Humanity Seeking New Homeowners For Upcoming Project In Norton, MA

Old Colony Habitat for Humanity is pleased to announce that it will soon break ground on its next homebuilding project in Norton, Massachusetts. Applications for families seeking affordable homeownership open July 15, 2026. 

Eligible first-time homebuyers are encouraged to review the qualifications on our website at https://oldcolonyhabitat.org/own-a-home/ and sign up to receive application information. The application period closes on September 15, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.

“As we prepare to break ground in Norton, we are reminded that affordable homeownership is a critical foundation for long-term stability and opportunity,” said Kim Thomas, CEO of Old Colony Habitat for Humanity. “This project reflects the strength of community partnership and the shared commitment of our volunteers, donors, and supporters to helping local families build brighter futures.”

“Every Habitat home is the result of a community coming together with a shared belief that everyone deserves a safe, affordable place to call home,” said Brenda McDonough, President of the Board of Directors for Old Colony Habitat for Humanity. “We are grateful to all of our supporters whose generosity makes projects like our Norton build possible.”

Habitat for Humanity partners with local families on the path to affordable homeownership, making the dream of owning a home possible for many first-time buyers. To be considered, applicants must live and/or work within Old Colony Habitat for Humanity’s 24 cities and towns in Bristol and Norfolk County for at least one year and meet additional program qualifications. 

As Habitat Partner Families, selected homeowners work alongside volunteers by completing at least 250 hours of sweat equity—helping build their own home, supporting other Habitat projects, and participating in homeownership education. This hands-on partnership helps prepare families for successful homeownership while strengthening connections within the community. A down payment is also required.

Complete eligibility requirements are available on the Own a Home page of our website

Interested families can find more information on our website or contact us directly at family@oldcolonyhabitat.org. We look forward to beginning our next home build with a new Partner Family and seeing our community continue to flourish.

To learn how to support Old Colony Habitat for Humanity, visit https://oldcolonyhabitat.org/0-island-road-in-norton/

For more information about Old Colony Habitat for Humanity, visit https://linktr.ee/oldcolonyhabitat 

Mission: Old Colony Habitat for Humanity is dedicated to providing decent, affordable housing in partnership with families in need. Together, we help families improve their housing locally and around the world while building strength, stability, and self-reliance through shelter.

Rotary Club of Franklin Annual Craft Fair scheduled for November 14; applications due July 10, 2026

Rotary Club of Franklin proudly announces continuation of this craft fair (formerly run for 50 years by Franklin Newcomers & Friends). Our 2026 Craft Fair will be held on November 14, 9 AM - 3 PM, at Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical School. 

The application to our juried craft fair is now available. All participants from last year should have an email with the application and contract attached.

If you'd like to participate this year and were not in our fair last fall, please download the application and contract. The deadline to be included in the jury process is July 10, 2026.

Any questions please email us at rotarycluboffranklinma@gmail.com or send a DM to this page. Do not respond to any messages with any individuals, if anyone is contacting you and asking for online payment, they are a scammer. We will only communicate via our official email address or through this page, and we only accept checks for payment with a mailed application to our PO Box.

Please note that our Craft Fair is for handmade items only. We do not accept MLM companies or other resellers, the person listed on the application must be in attendance, no sales reps are allowed. Please review the materials carefully and be sure to include all required information on your application, including email address, and payment for the booth space and any extras (tables, electricity).

Photographs are required and should follow the guidelines set forth on the application and contract. Missing information may result in us not being able to consider you for one of our spots so please take your time with this. We will be jurying during the last weeks of July and will send out acceptances in August.

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Crafters sought for the 2026 Craft Fair at Tri-County, Nov 14

Rotary Club of Franklin proudly announces continuation of this craft fair (formerly run for 50 years by Franklin Newcomers & Friends). Our 2026 Craft Fair will be held on November 14, 9am-3pm, at Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical School. 

The application to our juried craft fair is now available. All participants from last year should have an email with the application and contract attached.

If you'd like to participate this year and were not in our fair last fall, please download the application and contract. The deadline to be included in the jury process is July 10th.

Any questions please email us at rotarycluboffranklinma@gmail.com or send a DM to this page. Do not respond to any messages with any individuals, if anyone is contacting you and asking for online payment, they are a scammer. We will only communicate via our official email address or through this page, and we only accept checks for payment with a mailed application to our PO Box.

Please note that our Craft Fair is for handmade items only. We do not accept MLM companies or other resellers, the person listed on the application must be in attendance, no sales reps are allowed. Please review the materials carefully and be sure to include all required information on your application, including email address, and payment for the booth space and any extras (tables, electricity).

Photographs are required and should follow the guidelines set forth on the application and contract. Missing information may result in us not being able to consider you for one of our spots so please take your time with this. We will be jurying during the last weeks of July and will send out acceptances in August.

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Franklin Commission on Disability Seeking Two New Members

The Franklin Commission on Disability (COD) is excited to expand their team and is seeking two additional Franklin residents to join their efforts of advocacy, support, and education for disability in our community. Franklin Commission on Disability is seeking two new volunteer members. 

Franklin Commission on Disability Seeking Two New Members

Deadline 3/25/26

Of the two available seats:

• One position will begin with a one-year term expiring in 2027.
• The second position will begin with a two-year term expiring in 2028. (Both positions may transition to three-year terms upon renewal.)

Applications submitted by March 25 will be prioritized for consideration.

Residents interested in serving on the Commission can apply online at: https://franklinmaboards.vt-s.net/newcaf.php

For assistance with the application process, contact COD Chairperson Alison Rheaume at COD.FranklinMA@gmail.com or (508) 455-5687.

The Town encourages residents who are passionate about improving accessibility and supporting individuals with disabilities in Franklin to consider applying.

Think Summer 2026: The Vendor / Performer Applications for the 2026 Franklin Farmers Market now open !!!

2026 Franklin Farmers Market

Did you know that planning for the 2026 season has already gotten underway!?

There is a lot that happens behind the scenes so that things kick off smoothly in June.

• Vendor application for the 2026 season is live
• Performer application for the 2026 season is live

Youth Table and Community table application coming in March.

Find all the information on our website. Be sure to read everything and then reach out if you have questions.

Apply here -> https://www.franklinfarmersmarketma.com/application

Franklin Children's School schedules Open House Saturday, Jan 10 for prospective parents/students

Franklin Children's School schedules Open House
Saturday, Jan 10 for prospective parents/students

Franklin Children's School is currently accepting applications for the 2026-2027 school year!

All those interested in applying must complete an application and program selection form by Friday, January 30, 2026.

Applications may be mailed to the school with a $60 registration fee or dropped off in the white mailbox at the front door.

**** Applications can be found ->  https://www.fcskids.com/enrollment

Enrollment Applications Now Open at The Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School

The Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School (BFCCPS), located in Franklin, Massachusetts, has begun accepting applications for the upcoming 2026-2027 school year.  BFCCPS is a regional public charter school for students in Kindergarten through Grade Eight.  This year BFCCPS celebrates its 30th year of operation.  The school was founded in 1995 and is one of the oldest and most successful charter schools in the state of Massachusetts. 

Siblings of currently enrolled students will have priority enrollment status; thereafter applicants from communities in the school's district will have a chance at securing a spot for their child through the annual enrollment lottery to be held on February 25, 2026.  Applicants from outside of the region (who reside within the state of Massachusetts) will be eligible for enrollment should additional spaces remain after all sibling and regional applicants have been placed.  

Enrollment Applications Now Open

For the 2026-2027 school year 100 spaces will be offered for Kindergarten and students at all other grade levels will receive a waiting list number.  Offers for Grades One through Eight would be contingent upon currently enrolled students electing not to return next year. 

The school provides a well-rounded, rigorous academic program designed to educate the whole child providing courses in art, music, languages, technology, and physical education.  In addition to our core academic and co-curricular classes, students in Grade Six through Eight participate in weekly Classical Enrichment Courses and start Latin studies in Grade Six. Middle schoolers are also eligible to participate in our Spring Musical. Students in Grades 5-8 also have the opportunity to participate in overnight field trips each spring.

Round trip bus transportation is available with bus stops currently in Bellingham, Blackstone, Franklin, Norfolk, Mendon, Medway, Milford, Millis, Norfolk, and Wrentham. 

BFCCPS alumni continue to excel during their attendance at local public high schools as well as independent high schools. 

Please visit the school’s website at www.bfccps.org for enrollment details, including applications.  Enrollment information sessions and building tours will be held on January 24th and February 7 from 10 AM to noon . Please note that the enrollment period will come to a close on February 11, 2026 at 4 PM.

If you'd like to learn more about the educational mission of the school or have enrollment related questions please contact the school's Communication Coordinator, Joanne Basile at jbasile@bfccps.org or 508-541-3434 x104.

About the Benjamin Franklin Charter School

The Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School's mission is to assist parents in their role as primary educators of their children by providing students with a classical academic education coupled with sound character development and community service. Our mission is supported by four distinct, yet interconnected pillars that provide for a collaborative, rigorous education for all students. These pillars guide, direct and define the school in all it does.

Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School Opens Applications for the 2026-2027 school year

Applications for the 2026-2027 school year are now open!  

Click here to learn more about this regional public charter school for students in Kindergarten through Grade Eight and even apply now! 

https://www.bfccps.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=517821&type=d&termREC_ID=&pREC_ID=993702

Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School Opens Applications for the 2026-2027 school year

Results of EOHLC Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Survey

"The Healey-Driscoll Administration has made it easier to build an ADU, just one part of our strategy to solve our housing crisis. And the data is clear: this one change is unlocking more housing while filling a need for many families.

The goal of the Affordable Homes Act was to give renters and homeowners greater choice over where they live and to lower their costs. This administration continues to use every available resource to help end our housing shortage. "

Continue reading the Press Release -> https://www.mass.gov/news/adu-applications-surge-statewide-under-governor-healeys-affordable-homes-act

Results of EOHLC Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Survey

• Survey administered to municipal building inspectors July 9th-August 1st 2025
• Application and permitting numbers for the period January 1st-June 30th, 2025

Results of EOHLC Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Survey

Cultural Council Grant Applications open

Cultural Council Grant Applications open

Submit application -> https://massculturalcouncil.org/local-council/franklin/

Click here for information about Massachusetts Cultural Council granting process.

Old Colony Habitat for Humanity opens Family Service Applications August 15

Big news coming August 15!

Family Service Applications will be opening for our home build in Franklin August 15th. At Old Colony Habitat for Humanity, we believe in affordable housing for everyone — and we give a hand-up, not a hand out.

"Habitat partner family/families are selected based on the following guidelines and level of need as determined by: In order to qualify for our homeowner program, applicants must 

(a) have a need for safe and decent housing;  

(b) have lived or worked in our service area for at least a year; 

(c) attend homeownership / financial management seminars at our offices;  

(d) meet the HUD median income guidelines;  

(e) have secure employment, good credit, legal residency, no felony convictions, and no more than one misdemeanor;  

(f) be able to pay a down payment;  

(g) demonstrate an ability to pay a mortgage on time, in full, each month;  

(h) willing to partner with Old Colony Habitat for Humanity by completing the required sweat equity. The requirement is 250 hours of sweat equity hours."

Learn more here: https://oldcolonyhabitat.org/home-ownership/

Old Colony Habitat for Humanity opens Family Service Applications August 15

Evaluating Your College Financial Aid Offers - March 26

What to Expect

Evaluating Your College
Financial Aid Offers - March 26

Not all college financial aid offers are created equal. For families with students recently accepted to college, making sense-and cents-of the various financial aid offers they receive can be a difficult and confusing process. This session will focus on better understanding the nuances associated with financing a higher education and the many aspects that contribute to net cost, including merit scholarships, need-based grants, state and federal aid, student and parent loans, the FAFSA and beyond. The event will include a Q&A period.

Presenters

• Jean Ricker, Assistant Vice President, Student Financial Planning Dean College
• Bonnie Quinn, Director, Student Financial Services  Wellesley College

Wednesday, March 26, 2025 7:00PM

Golder Room, 2nd Floor, Dr. Paula M. Rooney Student Center, Dean College

Sponsored by Woods Career and College Counseling. 

For more information, contact Kathleen Woods at kwoodsp5@comcast.net.

Register for this event -> https://bit.ly/3QCdZfd

Charter school applications close Friday, Feb 14

There are just a few days left to apply for the 2025-2026 school year!  

Here's a short video from BFCCPS Alum Pat O'Toole with the alumnni perspective on enrollment at our school. Pat was a member of our Grade 8 Class of 2021, and a senior at Franklin High.  

Appplications close on February 14th (this Friday!) at 4 PM

Video link -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0amkTsvnJMc

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MA HEAP Program — help with your heating costs this winter may be available

MA HEAP Program

With colder weather expected this year as compared to last, now is the perfect time for folks in Franklin to explore their eligibility to apply for the Massachusetts Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP).

HEAP is a free statewide resource that helps cover heating costs for eligible renters and homeowners to ensure residents can keep their homes safe and warm during the colder months.

Residents can apply through their local administering agency or online at https://toapply.org/MassHEAP to receive assistance for all heating sources, including oil, electricity, natural gas, propane, kerosene, wood and coal.

IRS provides transition relief for third party settlement organizations; Form 1099-K threshold is $5,000 for calendar year 2024

The Internal Revenue Service today (11/26/24) issued Notice 2024-85 PDF providing transition relief for third-party settlement organizations (TPSOs), also known as payment apps and online marketplaces, regarding transactions during calendar years 2024 and 2025.

Under the guidance issued today, TPSOs will be required to report transactions when the amount of total payments for those transactions is more than $5,000 in 2024; more than $2,500 in 2025; and more than $600 in calendar year 2026 and after.

Notice 2024-85 also announces for calendar year 2024, that the IRS will not assert penalties under section 6651 or 6656 for a TPSO’s failure to withhold and pay backup withholding tax during the calendar year.

TPSOs that have performed backup withholding for a payee during calendar year 2024 must file a Form 945 and a Form 1099-K with the IRS and furnish a copy to the payee.

For calendar year 2025 and after, the IRS will assert penalties under section 6651 or 6656 for a TPSO’s failure to withhold and pay backup withholding tax.

For additional info -> https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-provides-transition-relief-for-third-party-settlement-organizations-form-1099-k-threshold-is-5000-for-calendar-year-2024

IRS PDF link -> https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-drop/n-24-85.pdf

Time running out, apply today for Cultural District Investment Grants – accepting applications until November 30th

The Town of Franklin and Franklin Cultural District Committee (FCDC) have received a Cultural District Investment Grant from the Massachusetts Cultural Council for fiscal year 2025.  The FCDC is announcing the availability of cultural district investment grant to FCD Partners for funding proposals for cultural initiatives planned in the district.

accepting applications until November 30

Please use the following link to apply and get information; Cultural Investment Grants: FY25 | Franklin Cultural District. If you have a project/initiative that will benefit and promote culture in our community and want to request funding, please complete the Funding Request online form.  

If you have any questions, please contact; John LoPresti, johntlopresti@gmail.com or Amy Adams, amyadams665@gmail.com.  

All request for funding must be submitted by 5 PM on November 30, 2024.  

The FCDC will discuss and vote on the investment grant funding requests at its Thursday, December 12, 2024 committee meeting scheduled to be held in-person at the Franklin Public Library community room at 7 PM.

Town of Franklin, MA: Looking to hire an Appraiser, application due Nov 15

Looking to hire an Appraiser

Town of Franklin, MA (@TOFranklinMA) posted Tue, Nov 12, 2024:

Do you see the value in everything?

Do you want to add value to our team?

We are looking for our next appraiser; Submit your application materials by 11/15/24 to apply@franklinma.gov

Shared from -> https://t.co/5Gk5jm9aPj

Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School (BFCCPS) is accepting applications for the upcoming 2025-2026 school year

The Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School (BFCCPS), located in Franklin, Massachusetts, has begun accepting applications for the upcoming 2025-2026 school year. BFCCPS is a regional public charter school for students in Kindergarten through Grade Eight. 

This year BFCCPS celebrates its 30th year of operation. The school was founded in 1995 and is one of the oldest and most successful charter schools in the state of Massachusetts.

Siblings of currently enrolled students will have priority enrollment status; thereafter applicants from communities in the school's district will have a chance at securing a spot for their child through the annual enrollment lottery to be held on February 24, 2025. 

BFCCPS

Applicants from outside of the region (who reside within the state of Massachusetts) will be eligible for enrollment should additional spaces remain after all sibling and regional applicants have been placed.

 

For the 2025-2026 school year 100 spaces will be offered for Kindergarten and students at all other grade levels will receive a waiting list number. Offers for Grades One through Eight would be contingent upon currently enrolled students electing not to return next year.

The school provides a well-rounded, rigorous academic program designed to educate the whole child providing courses in art, music, languages, technology, and physical education. In addition to our core academic and co-curricular classes, students in Grade Six through Eight participate in weekly Classical Enrichment Courses and start Latin studies in Grade Six.

Middle schoolers are also eligible to participate in our Spring Musical. Students in Grades 5-8 also have the opportunity to participate in overnight field trips each spring.

Round trip bus transportation is available with bus stops currently in Bellingham, Blackstone, Franklin, Norfolk, Mendon, Medway, Milford, Millis, Norfolk, and Wrentham.

BFCCPS alumni continue to excel during their attendance at local public high schools as well as independent high schools.

Please visit the school’s website at www.bfccps.org for enrollment details, including applications. Enrollment information sessions and building tours will be held on January 11th and February 8 from 10 AM to noon . Please note that the enrollment period will come to a close on February 14, 2025 at 4 PM.

 

If you'd like to learn more about the educational mission of the school or have enrollment related questions please contact the school's Communication Coordinator, Joanne Basile at jbasile@bfccps.org or 508-541-3434 x104.

About the Benjamin Franklin Charter School

The Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School's mission is to assist parents in their role as primary educators of their children by providing students with a classical academic education coupled with sound character development and community service. Our mission is supported by four distinct, yet interconnected pillars that provide for a collaborative, rigorous education for all students. These pillars guide, direct and define the school in all it does.

Franklin Cultural District Committee is now accepting proposals for Cultural District Investment Grants

The Franklin Cultural District Committee is now accepting proposals for Cultural District Investment Grants until November 30, 2024. 

The Town of Franklin and Franklin Cultural District Committee (FCDC) have received a Cultural District Investment Grant from the Massachusetts Cultural Council for fiscal year 2025.  

accepting proposals for Cultural District Investment Grants

The FCDC is announcing the availability of cultural district investment grant to FCD Partners for funding proposals for cultural initiatives planned in the district.

Please use the following link to apply and get information; Cultural Investment Grants: FY25 | Franklin Cultural District . If you have a project/initiative that will benefit and promote culture in our community and want to request funding, please complete the Funding Request online form.  

If you have any questions, please contact; John LoPresti, johntlopresti@gmail.com or Amy Adams, amyadams665@gmail.com.  All request for funding must be submitted by 5 PM on November 30, 2024.  

The FCDC will discuss and vote on the investment grant funding requests at its Thursday, December 12, 2024 committee meeting scheduled to be held in-person at the Franklin Public Library community room at 7 PM.

Cultural District Investment Grant info & application ->   https://www.franklinculture.org/cultural-investment-grants-fy25

Cultural Council grant application deadline approaching - they are due October 16, 2024

The FY25 Local Massachusetts Cultural Council Grant Applications are now available. Learn more and create your account and submit your grant application at:

https://massculturalcouncil.org/communities/local-cultural-council-program/application-process/

• Application Opened: September 1, 2024
• Application Deadline: October 16, 2024

Cultural Council grants available

Franklin Cultural Council Funding Priorities for FY25 are:

1. Engaging Our Community:

- Held in the Town of Franklin or actively involves Franklin residents.

- Occurs within the boundaries of the Franklin Cultural District, the vibrant, walkable area that surrounds Downtown Franklin. For a map of the FCD, visit franklinculture.org.

2. Uplifting our Neighbors:

- Links the arts to the emotional well-being of Franklinites and contributes to personal and community resiliency and joy.

3. Promoting Cultural Diversity, Equity and Inclusion:

- Elevates the voices and experiences of historically marginalized groups to create a more inclusive culture sector in Franklin.

4. Preserving Cultural Heritage:

- Commemorates Franklin’s local history and celebrates our new traditions.

5. Removing Barriers:

- Makes cultural experiences accessible to all, regardless of physical or economic constraints.

6. Supporting the Next Generation of Artists:

- Educates and/or supports school age children (grades K-12) in music, theatre or art programs.

Franklin Cultural Council Funding Guidelines for FY25 are:

1. The applicant's project should elevate the rich cultural life of our community by expanding access, improving education, promoting diversity, and encouraging participation in and appreciation of the arts, humanities, civics, history or social sciences.

2. The applicant’s project must provide adequate public access for all and should be documented in the grant application.

3. Applicants must have a clear, written commitment from the sponsoring organization or venue.

4. Franklin Cultural Council funds are not intended to be used as the sole source of funding for projects.

5. Ticket prices for events will be taken into consideration during the grant approval process and must be included in your application.

6. Applicants must take into consideration local and state public health guidelines in place at the time of their event.

Apply today!

Spread the word to people and organizations who fit these priorities and guidelines!

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