Showing posts with label christmas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label christmas. Show all posts

Monday, December 25, 2023

Interfaith Thanksgiving 2023 (video)

On the Sunday before Thanksgiving, the annual Franklin Interfaith Council Service was held and live streamed by Franklin TV

The video replay of that service is available here ->  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cjdn5lUg0Kc

For more about the Franklin Interfaith Council and the work they do, please visit their page ->  https://franklininterfaith.org/

Interfaith Thanksgiving 2023 (video)
Interfaith Thanksgiving 2023 (video)




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"

Monday, November 20, 2023

Get a Head Start on Holiday Shopping at St. John’s Christmas Fair - December 2, 2023

Get a head start on your holiday shopping at St. John’s Episcopal Church Christmas Fair on Saturday, Dec. 2nd from 9 AM to 2 PM at 237 Pleasant Street, Franklin. 
Get a Head Start on Holiday Shopping at St. John’s Christmas Fair
Get a Head Start on Holiday Shopping at St. John’s Christmas Fair

You will find lots of gift cards from popular restaurants and stores. Browse among many silent auction and raffle items. There’s something for everyone among the gift baskets like sports; spa, health and wellness; food and wine; coffees and teas; games and toys; pet items. 

For those who appreciate unique items hand-made with love, you’ll find decorative holiday greenery, scarves, mittens, hats and blankets.  Pick out your favorite treats like cookies, fudge and other baked goods at the Cookie Walk. Food and drinks will be served during the fair. 

For more information:  Call 508-528-2387 
Visit us on Facebook at St John’s Episcopal Church 
See our website at www.stjohnsfranklinma.org


Get a Head Start on Holiday Shopping at St. John’s Christmas Fair - December 2, 2023
Get a Head Start on Holiday Shopping at St. John’s Christmas Fair - December 2, 2023

Sunday, December 25, 2022

Merry Christmas to all celebrating!

I hope you can and will enjoy this holiday with family and friends. 

If you have time to catch up on some Franklin news, feel free to scroll through the 
And if you haven't already subscribed for the one email you receive daily with all the Franklin news, please consider doing so ->   https://www.franklinmatters.org/p/welcome.html

Merry Christmas to all celebrating!
Merry Christmas to all celebrating!


Thursday, December 22, 2022

Franklin Senior Center is closed Friday (12/23) and Monday (12/26)

The Franklin Senior Center will be closed Friday 12/23 
and Monday 12/26. 
Happy Holidays to all!
Franklin Senior Center is closed Friday (12/23) and Monday (12/26)
Franklin Senior Center is closed Friday (12/23) and Monday (12/26) 

Tuesday, December 20, 2022

Franklin DPW Notice: Regular Curbside/ Recycling Schedule & Holiday Recycling Center Hours

Regular Curbside/ Recycling Schedule & 
Holiday Recycling Center Hours

Notice from the Department of Public Works:

Curbside trash/recycling pickup will operate on a regular schedule during both holiday weeks (December 26 - 30, 2022 and January 2 - 6, 2023).

The Recycling Center Holiday hours are as follows:
  • Saturday, December 24: 8 AM - 1 PM
  • Sunday, December 25: CLOSED
  • Saturday, December 31: 8 AM - 1 PM
  • Sunday, January 1: CLOSED

Shared from Town of Franklin page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/dpw-notice-regular-curbside-recycling-schedule-holiday-recycling-center-hours

With Christmas and New Year's on Sundays, there is no planned delay in the pickup schedule.

Franklin DPW Notice: Regular Curbside/ Recycling Schedule & Holiday Recycling Center Hours
Franklin DPW Notice: Regular Curbside/ Recycling Schedule & Holiday Recycling Center Hours

Sunday, December 18, 2022

Franklin.TV: "It’s All Chrimsy! Christmas everywhere you look" (video)

by Pete Fasciano, Executive Director 12/18/2022


The Senior Center’s Christmas Wonderland on Thursday evening was indeed an extravaganza of yuletide cheer, goodies, décor, music, along with Santa & the Mrs.. Many civic groups decorated themed trees. Christmas creativity was everywhere. One tiny toddler summed it up. It’s all Chrimsy!

Winter wonderland - 12/15/22 - P Fasciano #1
Winter wonderland - 12/15/22 - P Fasciano #1

Winter wonderland - 12/15/22 - P Fasciano #2
Winter wonderland - 12/15/22 - P Fasciano #2

Questions? Call us. 508-541-4118. 
Thanks for listening to 102.9 wfpr●fm. 
And – as always – thanks for watching.

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

holiday symbols 2022

Additional photos from the Winter Wonderland can be found in this album


The Winter Wonderland was recorded and is available for replay on your schedule

At about 16 minutes, PE James begins performing Christmas classics 

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

Sunday, December 11, 2022

DPW Curbside & Recycling Ctr schedule for holiday weeks Dec 26-30, 2022 & Jan 2-3, 2023

DPW Notice: 
Curbside trash/recycling pickup will operate on a regular schedule during holiday weeks  
(Dec. 26- 30, 2022 and Jan. 2-3, 2023).

Recycling Center Holiday hours are as follows:
  • Sat., Dec. 24: 8AM-1PM
  • Sun., Dec. 25: CLOSED
  • Sat., Dec. 31: 8AM-1PM
  • Sun., Jan. 1: CLOSED 

Thursday, December 8, 2022

Teddy Gallagher's: Kids Christmas Party - Dec 11

Fun for the whole family this Sunday Noon - 5!
  • Irish Step Dancers at 1 PM
  • Pix with Santa from 2-4 PM
  • Ice cream soda station for the kids
  • Bloody Mary’s and Mimosa’s for the adults

 

Shared from Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/p/Cl168lLvbO8/

Teddie Gallagher's: Kids Christmas Party - Dec 11
Teddy Gallagher's: Kids Christmas Party - Dec 11


Sunday, December 4, 2022

Saturday, November 26, 2022

Reporting by walking around: Photos this week 11/21 - 11/25/22

Found a couple of the hydrants from the painting contest conducted earlier this year.  DPW page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/water-sewer-division/pages/join-fun-and-enter-franklins-fire-hydrant-painting-event

hydrant from the painting contest 1
hydrant from the painting contest 1


hydrant from the painting contest 2
hydrant from the painting contest 2


A 10-unit apartment building under construction on Chestnut St
Project documents reviewed by the Planning Board

A 10-unit apartment building under construction on Chestnut St
A 10-unit apartment building under construction on Chestnut St

Some trees along the shoreline at DelCarte were removed, new trees are planted and picnic tables are arranged.

trees along the shoreline at DelCarte were removed
trees along the shoreline at DelCarte were removed

Friendly reminder on the Christmas Fair coming up next weekend at St John's Episcopal Church.

Friendly reminder on the Christmas Fair
Friendly reminder on the Christmas Fair

Friendly reminder on the Tree lighting and Santa's arrival to the Town Common at 4 PM on Sunday, Nov 27, 2022

Friendly reminder on the Tree lighting and Santa's arrival to the Town Common
Friendly reminder on the Tree lighting and Santa's arrival to the Town Common

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

Monday, November 21, 2022

Christmas Trivia Night scheduled for St Mary's, Tuesday, Dec 6 - Bring your "sense of humor and holiday spirit"

Take a break from your holiday bustle and hustle yourself over to the Sacred Heart Hall in Saint Mary’s Church on Tuesday, December 6th at 7 PM for a Christmas trivia program. This program is free and open to the public. The program will be hosted by the internationally acclaimed Krissy E (Ed Padden) with the help of the Quiz Belles of St. Mary’s (Nancy Rappa and Beth Mucciarone) and the pert and perky Princess of PowerPoint (Mary Padden). The program will begin with a brief series of hopefully humorous Christmas cartoons and pictures. There will follow a group of written and oral quizzes with full audience participation. All quizzes will pertain to Christmas subjects, including vocabulary, television, movies, music, literature, history, tradition, and more. Pens and buzzers and answer sheets will be provided, but attendees are asked to supply their own sense of humor and holiday spirit. The highlight of the evening will be the final fifty-question ultimate Christmas test – the Krissy Krismas Kriz. Be prepared for a fast-moving, informal, and unusual and entertaining night of Christmas fun.

Christmas Trivia Night scheduled for St Mary's, Tuesday, Dec 6
Christmas Trivia Night scheduled for St Mary's, Tuesday, Dec 6 

Friday, November 18, 2022

Christmas Fair returns to St John’s Episcopal Church - Dec 3

Load up the family on Saturday, December 3rd from 9 AM - 2 PM (new end time) for a cookie walk, children’s activities, refreshments, a silent auction, raffle items, and fresh wreaths. 

Fun for all ages!

St John’s Episcopal Church, 237 Pleasant Street, Franklin

For more information:
Call 508-528-2387 Email Admin@StJohnsFranklinMA.org
Like us on Facebook  and Twitter
See our website at www.stjohnsfranklinma.org  


Christmas Fair returns to St John’s Episcopal Church
Christmas Fair returns to St John’s Episcopal Church

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

Tuesday, October 18, 2022

Christmas Fair returns to St John’s Episcopal Church

Load up the family on Saturday, December 3rd from 9am - 3:30pm for baked goods, a cookie walk, children’s activities, refreshments, a silent auction, raffle items, and fresh wreaths. Fun for all ages!

St John’s Episcopal Church, 237 Pleasant Street, Franklin

For more information:
Call 508-528-2387 Email Admin@StJohnsFranklinMA.org
Like us on Facebook  and Twitter
See our website at www.stjohnsfranklinma.org    

Christmas Fair returns to St John’s Episcopal Church
Christmas Fair returns to St John’s Episcopal Church

Saturday, January 8, 2022

Town of Franklin, MA: Reminder that the tree collection will be held Jan 10 to Jan 14

Town of Franklin, MA (@TOFranklinMA) tweeted on Fri, Jan 07, 2022:
The Franklin Department of Public Works will commence Christmas Tree Collection Jan 10 - Jan 14 during normal trash collection hours https://t.co/UTgy7aDjaQ

 

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/TOFranklinMA/status/1479471398036856832

Reminder that the tree collection will be held Jan 10 to Jan 14
Reminder that the tree collection will be held Jan 10 to Jan 14


Wednesday, December 29, 2021

Christmas tree pickup is scheduled for week of Jan 10, 2022

While walking on Monday, I saw a Christmas tree already on the curbside. I checked with the DPW and confirmed that the tree pickup remains on schedule for the week of Jan 10, 2022. Thanks to them for responding so quickly!

Christmas tree pickup scheduled for week of Jan 10, 2022
Christmas tree pickup is scheduled for week of Jan 10, 2022

The curbside flyer can be found on the Town of Franklin page