Get Wright Old School Chocolates at Christmas Fair Sat, Dec 11

Where do you #shopFranklin for chocolate? Wright Old School Chocolate is now available online or this Saturday in Foxboro: 

"Join us for Christmas with Grace: A Neighborhood Celebration. Bundle up and join us to experience Christmas through different time periods, an interactive experience of lights, music, and Christmas festivities! With activities for all ages, this celebration is sure to be added to your Christmas traditions year after year.

Guests will be able to explore at your own pace- strolling through Christmas scenes from different time periods, as well as an indoor marketplace to purchase some gifts while supporting local vendors. To ensure we prepare well for our guests, we encourage everyone to RSVP in advance, letting us know which timeframe you'll most likely join us for. There is no charge for admission, but we encourage everyone to bring spending money for the marketplace, as well as donations of men's winter hats and gloves to support our friends with LYNN Ministries, as they care for neighbors in need in Brockton. "

Register for this event (no free, COVID protocol's required)   https://www.grace.org/event/3858089-2021-12-11-christmas-with-grace--foxboro/

Listen to the Wright Old School  Chocolate Story ->   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/07/fm-577-inside-wright-old-school.html

Shop for Wright Chocolates online ->  https://wrightoldschoolchocolate.com/

Get Wright Old School Chocolates at Christmas Fair Sat, Dec 11

Franklin Federated Church: Advent and Christmas Activities 2021

• 12/11   Saturday  7 PM

Dr. Seuss' Original TV special  

(26 min) "How the Grinch Stole Christmas"

in the Sanctuary.  Enjoy a craft and trinket to remember those in our hearts at Christmas.

Sundays, Dec.12, 19 & 24 join us on Facebook, in person or livestream for Advent/Christmas services at franklinfederated.org

• 12/19     Sunday  7 PM

Outdoor Christmas Caroling

Front lawn of Franklin Federated Church.  Sing carols around the firepit, drink hot chocolate and share fellowship. (Hot Chocolate and other snacks will be available from C&C Food Truck) 

Sundays Dec. 12, 19 & 24, join us on Facebook, in person or livestream for Advent/Christmas services at franklinfederated.org

Franklin Federated Church: Advent and Christmas Activities 2021

St John’s Episcopal Church: Christmas and Epiphany services scheduled

Celebrate Christmas and Epiphany with us at St John’s Episcopal Church

Christmas Eve, December 24:
5pm - Children’s Pageant with Communion
Seating is limited due to COVID protocols, so please reserve space in advance at:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A054CAAAE29A7F58-christmas

9pm - Candlelight Service - no reservation required

Sunday, December 26:
10am - Holy Eucharist with Christmas Carols - no reservation required

Sunday, January 2, 2022:
10am - The Epiphany family service - no reservation required

Everyone is invited! Hope to see you there.

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

St John’s Episcopal Church: Celebrate Christmas and Epiphany services scheduled

Reminder: Christmas on the Town Common - Nov 28 at 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?

Christmas on the Town Common - Nov 28 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/1kxaDVWd6MQaEBDa5k9xkuy3X_5j0NtZS/view?usp=sharing

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

"a strong supply chain is vital for everyone"

The CDL or truck driver shortage reported previously as affecting the trash/recycling pickup and was also highlighted in the two open jobs that the DPW is looking to fill, is not just a US issue. This article shares the info on preparation for the Christmas season in Europe (UK and Iceland in particular). 

"The UK government must allow retailers to recruit HGV drivers from foreign countries to avoid a supply chain crisis that could ruin Christmas, a senior supermarket chain boss has warned. 

Richard Walker, Iceland’s managing director, said the UK faced a shortage of 100,000 HGV drivers that was already causing 30-40 deliveries to its stores to be cancelled daily, and would upend plans to begin building Christmas stock from next month. 

“We’ve got Christmas around the corner, and in retail we start to stock build really from September onwards, for what is a hugely important time of year,” he told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme on Wednesday."

Continue reading the article online (subscription maybe required)
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/aug/25/iceland-boss-hgv-drivers-shortage-cancel-christmas-immigration-rules-uk

 

The Franklin DPW is hiring 2 for Heavy Motor Equipment Operator positions

Christmas Tree pick up schedule = Week of Jan 11

From the current Solid Waste flyer

"Christmas Tree Collection Days 

Week of January 11, 2021"

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/franklin_program_guide_2020-2021.pdf

Christmas Tree pick up schedule = Week of Jan 11

Merry Christmas

I wish you all a merry Christmas. Please be safe and social (at a distance)!

Feel free to explore the archives today, there will be very limited posting of new items in order to spend time with my family.

Note: Please be safe, the Franklin COVID-19 stats have increased over the prior week. We are now at just over 6% positivity and going the wrong direction.
Details in this week's report:  https://www.mass.gov/doc/weekly-covid-19-public-health-report-december-24-2020/download

Merry Christmas - 2020

Trinity Rep performs A Christmas Carol - "Brimming with creativity and innovation"

A Christmas Carol Online = Unlimited free streaming through Jan. 10

Trinity Rep's A Christmas Carol Online is now streaming for free. Simply register at the links below for your access link. Watch as many times as you want and on your schedule!

"The results offer delightful contrasts — traditional yet trendy, spooky yet warm, edgy yet endearing — that will prove appealing to audiences of all ages...streaming for free through Jan. 10, is a show for the ages, brimming with the creativity and innovation Trinity audiences have missed for months...  - Providence Journal

"...bringing invention and tradition together in a celebration of innovative spirit and holiday cheer...In a year when we have lost so much and so many, Trinity Rep's A CHRISTMAS CAROL ONLINE is an inspired holiday transformation that - much like Scrooge's own - feels nothing short of a Christmas miracle." - Broadway World

For detailed information about viewing the show, including tips for technical set up, view our FAQ page  https://www.trinityrep.com/box-office/how-to-watch-faqs/

Check out our Viewer Guide to read more about the show and artists, and get family activities, games, and recipes   https://www.trinityrep.com/app/uploads/2020/12/ACC-viewer-guide-2020.pdf

A Christmas Carol Online = Unlimited free streaming through Jan. 10

Christmas Masses at St. Mary’s

As a reminder, those who wish to attend Masses in-person this Christmas at St. Mary’s must:

1.    Pre-register online (www.stmarysfranklin.org) prior to arriving at the church. From the home page, click on the “Mass Registration” link. Then choose a Mass, provide your name(s), an email address, and a phone number.
2.    Allow a temperature screening to take place. Everyone with a temperature below 100.4 degrees will be allowed into the church building.

Schedule and Options:

CHRISTMAS EVE: (Thursday)

• Masses (upper church & live-streamed to lower church and online): 1 PM, 3 PM, and 6 PM
• Outdoor Communion only: 1–2:15 PM, 3–4:30 PM, 6–7:30PM 
• Church closes after 6 PM 
• No Midnight Mass

CHRISTMAS DAY (Friday)

• Masses (upper church & live-streamed to lower church and online): 7:30 AM, and 10:30 AM
• Outdoor Communion only: 7:30–9 AM and 10:30–12 AM
• Visits (upper church only): 12–6 PM
  

About us:

The community of St. Mary is a Roman Catholic parish of the Archdiocese of Boston located at 1 Church Square, Franklin MA. Founded as a parish in 1877, it currently serves the spiritual needs of over 4,500 families.

 

Christmas Masses at St. Mary’s

Franklin Federated Church - Christmas Eve Service - Dec 24

Franklin Federated Church will LIVESTREAM  special Christmas services via the FFC Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/franklinfederated) 

Thursday, December 24 = 5:00 PM

Christmas Eve Worship (Live)

• Reading of Clement Moore's "Twas the Night Before Christmas"
• Reading from Luke 2....The story of Jesus's birth
• Christmas Carols
• Candle lighting 

Franklin Federated Church - Christmas Eve Service - Dec  24

Franklin Federated Church - Christmas Services - Dec 20 and Dec 24

Franklin Federated Church will LIVESTREAM  special Christmas services via the FFC Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/franklinfederated) 

 
Sunday, December 20 = 10:00 AM  

Story of Jesus's birth

• Readers will be live and on video 
• Carols
• Jenna Van Hyning on guitar "Mary Did You Know" 
• Grace Newton playing violin "Silent Night"

------------------------------------------------------
 
Franklin Federated Church will LIVESTREAM  special Christmas services via the FFC Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/franklinfederated) 

Thursday, December 24 = 5:00 PM

Christmas Eve Worship (Live)

• Reading of Clement Moore's "Twas the Night Before Christmas"
• Reading from Luke 2....The story of Jesus's birth
• Christmas Carols
• Candle lighting 

Franklin Federated Church - Christmas Services - Dec 20 and Dec 24

St John's Episcopal - Christmas Eve Service - 9 PM

You are invited to join us for a festive Christmas Eve service at 9 PM on Facebook Live: St John's Episcopal Church (https://www.facebook.com/stjohnsfranklinma). 

Blessings to you and yours in this season of light and hope.

St John's Episcopal - Christmas Eve Service - 9 PM

Lyon Landscape and Nursery - Christmas Tree go on sale Nov 27

"The holidays will be here before we know it. Escape the long lines this holiday season and stop by Lyon Landscape Nursery for a fresh cut Christmas tree. We have plenty of Fraser firs to choose from; starting at 5’. We will also be selling fresh wreaths made on site. Sales start on Friday, November 27 and will continue during the weekends in December."

For more info visit the Facebook posting 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1551606135109407/permalink/2761443574125651/

 

Visit Lyon Landscape and Nursery on the internet
https://www.lyonlandscapenursery.com/

Lyon Landscape and Nursery - Christmas Tree go on sale Nov 27

Missed getting the Christmas tree picked up? Take it to Beaver St

I was walking on Wednesday and saw another Christmas tree on Pleasant St. I slowed to type an email to the DPW email address:

"As I walk around I do see some trees still in front of houses. Whether they came out late or missed getting picked up, is unknown. is there anything that can be done with the trees now? Will recycling center take them? Or??"

I got a quick reply from DPW Director Robert "Brutus Cantoreggi:

"I have instructed to folks at the recycling center to allow people to drop xmas tress off even if they do not have a sticker. 

Thanks for your support. 

Brutus"

So if your tree is still around, you can take it to the Recycle Center on Beaver St. It is open Friday/Saturday and Sunday and they will take your tree if you have a sticker or not. They'll tell which place in the Center to put the tree.

Per the DPW page  https://www.franklinma.gov/recycling-solid-waste

Recycling Center Hours of Operation  (445 Beaver St.)
Fri/Sat: 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Sun: 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM

Missed getting your Christmas tree picked up? Take it to Beaver St

Christmas Tree Collection Days = Week of January 13, 2020

Christmas Tree Collection Days scheduled for the day of your normal pickup during the Week of January 13, 2020

One tree, two trees
Big trees, little trees
Pick up time is your
Trash day this week!

Without the pseudo poetic treatment, confirmed with the Town of Franklin newsletter
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/tof_e-newsletter_jan_2020_final_linked.pdf

and the Solid Waste Flyer
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/franklin_2019_2020_mailer.pdf

One tree

two trees

Merry Christmas

Amid the darkness of winter, there is more light each day. I hope you are all able to spend some quality time with family and friends.

If you need some additional reading, feel free to cruise through the archives. The archives contain over 21,000 posts going back to 2007.

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors.
• If you don't like this, please let me know.

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements.

Merry Christmas

MBTA: Wednesday Christmas - Commuter Rail to operate on normal Sunday schedule

The Commuter Rail will operate on a normal Sunday schedule on Christmas Day, Wednesday December 25.

There will be no diversions on the Rockport/Newburyport, Lowell, Fitchburg or Franklin Line.

There will be no diversions on the Rockport/Newburyport, Lowell, Fitchburg or Franklin Line.

On December 28 and 29, all lines will also operate on a normal weekend train schedule, including lines mentioned above.

Affected routes:

• Newburyport/Rockport Line
• Haverhill Line
• Lowell Line
• Fitchburg Line
• Framingham/Worcester Line
• Needham Line
• Franklin Line
• Fairmount Line
• Providence/Stoughton Line
• Middleborough/Lakeville Line
• Kingston/Plymouth Line
• Greenbush Line

Last Updated: Dec 19 2019 11:59 AM 

MBTA: Wednesday Christmas - Commuter Rail to operate on normal Sunday schedule

FPAC brings Broadway Home to Franklin for the Holidays - Dec 20-22

The Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC), Franklin TV, and The Woonsocket Museum of Broadcast Technology will team up this week to bring a special holiday show to THE BLACK BOX. 

Together, they will present the world premiere of Christopher Rice's The Tappy Christmas Special: LIVE! based on Rice's viral #TAPPY video series which has been seen by more than 10 million people worldwide. THE BLACK BOX will be transformed into a classic soundstage where Broadway's Christopher Rice (Pretty Woman, Book of Mormon) will bring his Christmas variety show to life and whirl the audience away to a world filled with classic holiday songs, tap dancing feet, and special Broadway guests including Liz Byrne (Baby It’s You!), Clay Thomson (Newsies, Matilda, KING KONG), and Jennifer Johns (Founder of Broadway Artists Alliance).

Christopher Rice

The exciting artistic endeavor is sponsored by Dean Bank , Michael Dunsky of Fairway Mortgage Company, and the Kim Williams Team at Coldwell Banker. “Dean Bank is delighted to play a small role in bringing Christopher Rice’s work to THE BLACK BOX this Holiday Season,” says President and CEO, Kevin Goffe. “The varied elements of nostalgia alongside one of Broadway’s brightest lights makes for an exciting combination. We’re honored for the opportunity and thank the FPAC for their commitment to making the arts accessible to Franklin area residents through THE BLACK BOX.”

Christopher Rice’s The Tappy Christmas Special: LIVE! Runs December 20-22 at THE BLACK BOX. 

Tickets are available at 508-528-3370 or www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com.

Choose and cut your own Christmas tree at Lyon Landscape Nursery

"Looking for a Christmas tree this year?

Come on over to Lyon Landscape Nursery located on 250 Bent street starting Friday (11/29) at 8 AM to get your own locally grown tree. Trees under 8’ are $55, over 8’ $75."

We stopped by on Saturday to walk the rows of tree to pick out a nice one for our house.

Choose and cut your own Christmas tree at Lyon Landscape Nursery (Lyon Nursery Facebook photo)

Info shared from Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=2793680260645052&set=gm.2461858754084136&type=3&theater

Reminder: Christmas on the Common - Dec 1

On December 1, Concerts on the Common will have Santa arriving on the Franklin Fire Truck and the lighting of the trees. 

Time is 4:00 PM. 

Santa will be welcomed by Mike the DJ who will entertain the children with games and music. 

Santa will give gifts to the children. Goodies and milk will be available.

Thanks to the Franklin High School hockey team who will have decorated the Common on November 30th with wreathes made by Hillside Nurseries

Mark your calendar for "Christmas on the Common" - Dec 1

For a classical preparation for Santa's arrival, stop by the Library at 2:00 for a concert.

"The Renaissance V Brass Quintet will play a Holiday Concert, at the Franklin Public Library on Sunday, December 1, 2:00 PM."

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/11/franklin-library-renaissance-v-brass.html

December 1, Concerts on the Common