Showing posts with label community. Show all posts
Showing posts with label community. Show all posts

Thursday, November 7, 2024

FHS Unified Community Night scheduled for Monday, Nov 25

FHS Unified Community Night
FHS Unified Community Night

 

Monday, November 25th, 5:30 PM
Franklin High School Gym
Please come out to support two great programs, the FHS Unified Sports Program and the Franklin Food Pantry!!!
Thank you in advance!





Friday, November 1, 2024

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Friday, November 1, 2024 ???

Friday, November 1 
7am Fiber Art Installation (Franklin Public Library)
8am Early Voting (Town Clerk's Office)
9 – 10am Free community Narcan trainings (Norfolk Public Library)
10am Knitting Group (Franklin Public Library)
10:30 – 11:00am Free community Narcan trainings (Medway Public Library)
11:30am – 12pm Free community Narcan trainings (Fiske Public Library Wrentham)
2pm Thrifty Threads (Franklin Federated Church) 
7pm Arts Mosaic (Dean College Guidry Theater)
7pm FHSTC presents THE OUTSIDERS (Franklin High School) 
7:30pm It's a J Thing (live music) (La Cantina Winery) 
9pm Good Thomas (live music) (3 Restaurant)

(if you need additional details on these events, the live community calendar link is listed below)


**  NO  Town Meetings today   **


What's happening today in Franklin?
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



Monday, October 28, 2024

StickMan Blue debut scheduled for FUMC Community Concert Nov 16

Kaye Kelly (photo by Jake Jacobson)
Kaye Kelly (photo by Jake Jacobson)

via Kaye Kelly 

"Mark and I have been quietly working this up for a few months. Local friends, I hope you’ll save the date for the debut of “StickMan Blue” on November 16th at 7 PM.
We’ll be giving a candlelit show right downtown.
This is part of a free concert series given by the Franklin UMC.  
Hope to see you there!"

Saturday, October 26, 2024

FHS Boys Soccer Boosters announce Community Night at Pisini Stadium - Oct 29

Community Night at Pisini Stadium - Oct 29
Community Night at Pisini Stadium - Oct 29
FHS Boys Soccer Boosters (@FHSBoysSocBSTRs) posted:
📣‼️Calling all soccer fans‼️📣

Next Tuesday, October 29th is FHS Boys Soccer COMMUNITY NIGHT!
 
Join us at Pisini Stadium as we celebrate all levels of Franklin Soccer--from Pee Wee to our high school athletes.

Wear your FHS colors 💙🩵🤍 and cheer on the boys in the LAST
Shared from -> https://t.co/wI6SZgnYAa

Monday, September 30, 2024

Reminder: FREE Community Concert features organist Cathy Cargill Koch - Oct 5

FREE Community Concert @FranklinUMC featuring Catherine (Cathy) Cargill Koch on Saturday, October 5, at 7 PM. 

Franklin United Methodist Church (UMC) is located at 82 W. Central Street, Franklin (MA). Parking is available in the parking lot between the church and the Franklin Historical Museum. 

Free street parking is available on East St., West St., and Church Ave.

Catherine (Cathy) Cargill Koch’s musical began playing the organ at the age of 12, when she would walk to the Franklin Methodist Church daily after school to practice the organ. She became the church’s organist following the resignation of the previous organist in 1967. She held this position until her graduation from Franklin High School in 1971, after which she pursued a degree in music education and organ performance at Bucknell University. Catherine furthered her studies at Syracuse University’s School of Visual and Performing Arts, earning a master’s degree in the same fields.

FREE Community Concert features organist Cathy Cargill Koch - Oct 5
 organist Cathy Cargill Koch - Oct 5

For the past 38 years, Catherine has been the organist at the Manlius United Methodist Church in Manlius, New York. She has also served as a substitute organist for various churches in Central New York, including her home church in Franklin.

Beyond her role as an organist, Catherine enjoyed a 44-year career as a music teacher in both public and private schools until her retirement in 2020. She taught music theory, studio music, and directed choirs, including barbershop, men’s, and mixed choruses. She also led guitar clubs and musicals, and was a guest choral conductor and accompanist for All-County and All-City performances. Catherine has presented workshops, given performances at All-State conventions, professional development days and college music education classes. Additionally, she maintained a private studio for voice, piano, and guitar lessons.

In retirement, Catherine continues to share her love of music by teaching her grandchildren piano and guitar, accompanying their school chorus concerts, and playing piano for church services at several senior retirement homes. She also supports local school districts by accompanying choral and orchestra concerts.

Catherine finds her greatest joy in selecting, preparing, and playing music for church worship, praising God through the majestic compositions of the great masters. She considers it an honor and privilege to contribute to worship services, giving glory to God through her music.

Organ Postlude || Sunday, March 3, 2024 via YouTube -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NSz5VYsyCwU

Thursday, September 19, 2024

FREE Community Concert features organist Cathy Cargill Koch - Oct 5

FREE Community Concert @FranklinUMC featuring Catherine (Cathy) Cargill Koch on Saturday, October 5, at 7 PM. 

Franklin United Methodist Church (UMC) is located at 82 W. Central Street, Franklin (MA). Parking is available in the parking lot between the church and the Franklin Historical Museum. 

Free street parking is available on East St., West St., and Church Ave.

Catherine (Cathy) Cargill Koch’s musical began playing the organ at the age of 12, when she would walk to the Franklin Methodist Church daily after school to practice the organ. She became the church’s organist following the resignation of the previous organist in 1967. She held this position until her graduation from Franklin High School in 1971, after which she pursued a degree in music education and organ performance at Bucknell University. Catherine furthered her studies at Syracuse University’s School of Visual and Performing Arts, earning a master’s degree in the same fields.

FREE Community Concert features organist Cathy Cargill Koch - Oct 5
 organist Cathy Cargill Koch - Oct 5

For the past 38 years, Catherine has been the organist at the Manlius United Methodist Church in Manlius, New York. She has also served as a substitute organist for various churches in Central New York, including her home church in Franklin.

Beyond her role as an organist, Catherine enjoyed a 44-year career as a music teacher in both public and private schools until her retirement in 2020. She taught music theory, studio music, and directed choirs, including barbershop, men’s, and mixed choruses. She also led guitar clubs and musicals, and was a guest choral conductor and accompanist for All-County and All-City performances. Catherine has presented workshops, given performances at All-State conventions, professional development days and college music education classes. Additionally, she maintained a private studio for voice, piano, and guitar lessons.

In retirement, Catherine continues to share her love of music by teaching her grandchildren piano and guitar, accompanying their school chorus concerts, and playing piano for church services at several senior retirement homes. She also supports local school districts by accompanying choral and orchestra concerts.

Catherine finds her greatest joy in selecting, preparing, and playing music for church worship, praising God through the majestic compositions of the great masters. She considers it an honor and privilege to contribute to worship services, giving glory to God through her music.

Organ Postlude || Sunday, March 3, 2024 via YouTube -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NSz5VYsyCwU

Sunday, September 1, 2024

"BEN Wins BIG On 3A Zoning"

Joyce Mandell, Abundant Housing Massachusetts writes:
 
"In under two year, the Town of Franklin has made positive strides in passing policies that support housing and transit oriented development including the following:
  • Increased housing density downtown to up to 18 units/acre
  • Created affordability requirements for complexes over 10 units
  • Legalized 3-family homes by-right around the commuter rail
  • Passed Accessory Dwelling Unit by-law delineating standards and approval process
  • Rezoned historic downtown factory for mixed-use development
  • Advanced two affordable housing developments
  • Appointed pro-housing members to Zoning Board and Master Plan Committee
Here is the topper: On August 14, nine town councilors voted unanimously in support of Franklin’s proposed zoning ordinance to comply with the MBTA Communities Law!  In contrast to towns that have settled for “paper compliance”, Franklin went steps further: concentrating the new zoning district in the downtown core, allowing for mixed use development to stimulate a walkable, livable district, removing parking minimums for commercial properties and reducing parking minimums from 1.5 to 1 spaces for residential properties.  Eliminating and lowering parking requirements is a tested way to prevent the risk of overestimating needed parking, allowing developers to decide the parking requirement for the intended use and therefore, lowering the cost of development without adding unnecessary parking construction costs."

Continue reading the article online -> 
https://www.abundanthousingma.org/ben-wins-big-on-3a-zoning/
 
Find out more about Building Equitable Neighborhoods for Franklin ->   https://ben4franklin.org/

"BEN Wins BIG On 3A Zoning"
"BEN Wins BIG On 3A Zoning"


Friday, August 30, 2024

"Thanks for what you do" goes both ways!

One of your subscribers sent you this message using FeedBlitz's "Contact the Publisher" feature. The message is:
"Hello, I just wanted to reach out and extend my appreciation for all you do summarizing and providing all this information to the town. 
I can only imagine how much work goes into this, but my family and I look forward to these emails and keeping us informed on local happenings and we truly appreciate all you do with this newsletter!"
Thank you, your note is much appreciated. 

I do this because it is needed and no one can come close to the complete coverage I (really "we") provide especially with the close coordination with Franklin TV and Public Radio. 

Our vision is one portal branded in an "umbrella fashion" as Franklin (MA) News (Facebook) (or Franklin.news/) so all who want the info can get it in the media format of their choice. 

You'll be able to 
  • Watch (3 cable channels, and 3 YouTube channels)
  • Listen to live radio 24x7x365 at 102.9 FM in the local area or from anywhere at wfpr.fm
  • Read the digital news from the Town and School meetings reported on
The better informed this community is, the better we will be prepared to appropriately deal with all the challenges life presents.

I really do mean "we". You all deserve kudos as well for sending in comments,  questions, and items of community interest to share. I don't do this alone. The multiple dozens of 'informers' are critical to what you all get to see. 

It is all of us working together to deliver the news.

Thank you

Thanks for what you do, goes both ways!
Thanks for what you do, goes both ways!

Sunday, August 18, 2024

Get your Franklin questions answered, in person or remotely - Wednesday, August 21 at 11 AM

What is going on with .... ? 
What happened to ....? 
How come .... ?

Join Steve SherlockCommunity Information Director, for Franklin Matters & Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm),  for an informal and informative Q&A session. 

What is the session about?
Steve provides some updates on what's happened in the past month in the first 10-15 minutes, then opens the floor to answer whatever questions you have.
When: Wednesday, August 21, 2024 at 11:00 AM  
Where:  via Zoom or in person at the Senior Center

If you want the Zoom link, please use this form or check with the Senior Center front desk:      https://forms.gle/46H3gb4FZ4HSvwQJ6

Download this flyer as a reminder or to share ->

Get your Franklin questions answered, in person or remotely - Wednesday, August 21 at 11 AM
Get your Franklin questions answered, in person or remotely - Wednesday, August 21 at 11 AM

Saturday, August 10, 2024

Master Plan Subcommittee meetings for the week of Aug 12, 2024

Master Plan Subcommittee meetings for the week of Aug 12
  • Community Services, Facilities & Circulation (CSFC) Subcommittee
Event Date:  Monday, August 12, 2024 - 6:00pm

  • Land Use & Zoning Subcommittee Meeting
Event Date:  Tuesday, August 13, 2024 - 7:00pm

Master Plan Subcommittee meetings for the week of Aug 12, 2024
Master Plan Subcommittee meetings for the week of Aug 12, 2024

Sunday, July 28, 2024

MBTA Communities Update: 71 communities have now passed local zoning

Secretary Ed Augustus Jr. (@MA_EOHLC) posted on Sat, Jul 27, 2024:
#MBTACommunities Update: 71 communities have now passed local zoning intended to comply with the law and create multi-family zoning districts in their communities. https://t.co/pvB4R30esm

MBTA Communities Update: 71 communities have now passed local zoning
MBTA Communities Update: 71 communities have now passed local zoning

Note: after the August 14 Town Council meeting, assuming the 2nd readings of the 3 bylaw changes to bring Franklin into compliance are approved, and after the submittal by the Town to the State to confirm, our status should change from grey to blue on the map and increase the overall compliance number.

The set of three zoning changes were all moved to second reading by an 8-0-1 vote (8 - yes, 0 - no, 1 - absent) at the July 17, 2024 Council meeting.
c. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-906: Changes to §185-3.  Definitions, Mixed Use Development Definition - First Reading (Motion to Move Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-906 to a Second Reading - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/9c._24-906_907_908.pdf

d. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-907: Changes to §185-21 Parking, Loading and Driveway Requirements, Elimination of Minimum Parking Requirements in Downtown Commercial Zoning District - First Reading
(Motion to Move Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-907 to a Second Reading - Majority Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/9d._bylaw_amendment_24-907.pdf

e. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-908: §185 Attachment 7. Part VI, Addition of Mixed Use Development to Use Regulation Schedule - First Reading (Motion to Move Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-908 to a Second Reading - Majority Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/9e._24-908.pdf

Sunday, June 23, 2024

Upzone Update offers analysis of MBTA Community compliance efforts

"Upzone Update offers analysis of MBTA-C compliance efforts, produced by zoning expert Amy Dain and the staff of Boston Indicators. This week's article is by Amy Dain.

It has been an intense spring of zoning reform, as housing prices continue to escalate. The Upzone Update has been reporting on wins, opportunities, and also some disappointments.

Stay tuned for more editions of the Upzone Update due out in the fall, when votes on zoning reform will resume, and the SJC will hear the Milton case.

In the meantime, don’t hesitate to be in touch with your own insights and updates. Contact us at upzoneupdate@bostonindicators.org

Continue reading the recent update ->    https://mbtacommunities.bostonindicators.org/mbtac-its-all-in-the-details/ 

 

Upzone Update offers analysis of MBTA-C compliance efforts
Upzone Update offers analysis of MBTA-C compliance efforts

Monday, June 10, 2024

The Town of Franklin is conducting a Survey to upgrade the town website, please provide your input!

Franklin Website Upgrade Community Survey

The Town of Franklin is updating their website, and we need your help!

The administrative team is working on constructing a new more accessible website for the Franklin community. As part of this project, we're seeking valuable insight from the community through a survey that will ask various questions about your opinions on the current website. This is in order to make the most accessible, informative, and user-friendly experience for the next version of the website. 

Please click the link below to fill out the Community Survey:

https://forms.gle/gfQr7p2qRvNDCX5R8

We greatly appreciate your input!

Shared from ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/franklin-website-upgrade-community-survey


The Town of Franklin is conducting Community Survey to upgrade the town website, please provde your input!
The Town of Franklin is conducting a Survey to upgrade the town website, please provide your input!

Sunday, June 9, 2024

Franklin Public Schools Wellness Advisory Council Recognized for Completing MA SWITCH Program

Superintendent Lucas Giguere and Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning Dr. Tina Rogers are pleased to share that Franklin Public Schools was recognized for completing the School Wellness Initiative for Thriving Community Health (SWITCH) Massachusetts Wellness Coaching Program.  

On May 21, Franklin Public Schools School Wellness Advisory Council (SWAC) was recognized at the Healthy Kids, Healthy Programs Summit by the Acting Commissioner of the Department of Education and Secondary Education (DESE). The District also received a large banner outlining the recognition that will be displayed on the fencing of the Oak Street Complex.

Franklin Public Schools Wellness Advisory Council Recognized for Completing MA SWITCH Program
Franklin Public Schools Wellness Advisory Council Recognized for Completing MA SWITCH Program


The SWITCH program is a statewide initiative for supporting and advancing wellness efforts for Massachusetts students, schools and communities.
 
Members of the council worked to conduct a Wellness Policy Assessment, updating the policy to meet state and federal requirements, as well as action planning, prioritizing and implementing wellness initiatives and monitoring and evaluating results.

"I am very proud of our council members on this great accomplishment for our District," said Superintendent Giguere. "In our schools, we are dedicated to providing students with the top wellness practices, allowing for academic success and overall student performance."

The SWAC was created in 2013. It was established to recommend, review and help implement school district policies addressing school nutrition, nutrition education, physical activity and related issues that impact student health. The SWAC meets monthly and includes representation from students, parents, FPS staff, School Committee members and administrators from across the district developing programs that actively promote wellness in schools and maximize opportunities for grant awards.

The SWAC was selected to participate in DESE's two-year coaching model. The first year focused on evaluating and then revising Franklin's Wellness Policy using the WELLSAT Scorecard. The second year focused on implementing the policy.

Many community members have participated in SWAC over the years. Currently, the committee is chaired by Assistant Superintendent Dr. Tina Rogers and members include, Director of Food Services Colin Boisvert, Director of Life Long Learning Pattie Gay, YMCA Coordinator Krystina Edens, FHS Nurse Melissa Conroy, Community Member Elise Stokes, School Committee Member KP Sompally, Public Health Nurse Alisha Deptula,  Health and Wellness Director Kristin Letendre Smith, parent Stacey Federico,  Associate Director of Franklin Food Pantry Laura Doherty and three Franklin High School students.

On behalf of SWAC, "The SWAC Committee is fortunate to have built connections with many community partners. These relationships strengthen our initiatives by expanding our reach and providing support from businesses and organizations. We are grateful to these businesses and organizations for their support of education in Franklin."

SWAC will host a table at the June 14 Franklin Farmers' Market.

Thursday, May 30, 2024

Tuesday, June 4 - Employer Event at Natick Community & Senior Center

This free program is available through a grant from the Massachusetts Councils on Aging (MCOA) and the Executive Office of Elder Affairs

Meet Local Employers

Align Opportunity and Need

Tuesday June 4th

At the Natick Community & Senior Center

117 E Central St

2 – 3:30 pm


Join us to meet and chat with some area employers. Hear their perspectives on the current market and learn what skills are in demand. Ask questions and learn what they say you must do to impress employers.

 

Why you need to attend this session: In this competitive market you need every edge you can gain. Who better to learn from than the companies that are hiring!

 

Currently Scheduled to Appear:

·        AFLAC

·        Michael J. Connolly & Sons

·        MassHire

·        MilliporeSigma

·        Town of Natick

·        United States Army Garrison – Natick



New to the program? Register at: https://50plusjobseekers.org/register/

 

For more information email: 50plusjobseekersadmin@mcoaonline.com


-- -------------------------------

Ed Lawrence
CPRW; NCOPE
Certified Interview Coach
Authorized DISC Administrator
Member, CPRW Certification Committee
 

 
_

Thursday, May 9, 2024

Tri-County Cougar Community Night - May 14

"Don't miss this opportunity to talk to our staff and students about our extracurricular offerings!!!"
Tri-County Cougar Community Night - May 14
Tri-County Cougar Community Night - May 14

For more about Tri-County visit them on the web at -> https://www.tri-county.us/

Saturday, April 27, 2024

Community Relations Subcommittee schedules meeting May 13 at 6 PM

Franklin Public Schools - Franklin School Committee
Community Relations Subcommittee
May 13, 2024 = 6:00 - 7:30 PM

Municipal Building - 3rd Floor Training Room

A G E N D A
"The listing of matters are those reasonably anticipated by the Chair which may be discussed at the meeting. Not all items listed may in fact be discussed and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by law."
● Follow Up from Previous Meeting
● Legislative Forum Update
● Strawberry Stroll Update
● Newsletter Update & May Newsletter Planning
● New Website Update



Community Relations Subcommittee schedules meeting May 13 at 6 PM
Community Relations Subcommittee schedules meeting May 13 at 6 PM

Thursday, April 25, 2024

Franklin Food Pantry recognized for service to the community with Tree of Life Award by Temple Etz Chaim

From the Franklin Food Pantry Facebook posting: 

"From an idea over 30 years ago, The Pantry has blossomed into a beacon of hope, nourishing over 660 households last year - and Temple Etz Chaim has been there from the beginning. We are humbled by their unwavering support and deeply honored to receive the Tree of Life Award for service to the community.  
Photo: Rachel Flum, Chair, Board of Directors (R) accepts the Tree of Life Award on behalf of the Franklin Food Pantry alongside Isaac Chartoff (L) who was also awarded for his individual service."
Franklin Food Pantry recognized for service to the community with Tree of Life Award by Temple Etz Chaim
Franklin Food Pantry recognized for service to the community with Tree of Life Award by Temple Etz Chaim






Tuesday, April 16, 2024

Community Read discussion scheduled for Tracy Kidder's "Rough Sleepers"

"Community Read Discussion incoming! 
We have two dates and times! (1 behind, 1 forthcoming!)
What are some questions you have to start us off?"

Community Read discussion scheduled for Tracy Kidder's "Rough Sleepers"
Community Read discussion scheduled for Tracy Kidder's "Rough Sleepers"

Saturday, April 6, 2024

Sign up to perform with the Franklin Public Schools Music Department at PorchFest - June 1

You have heard that Franklin Porchfest 2024 will be held on June 1 (rain date June 2). You can sign up to join the "Community Side by Side Performance" with the Franklin Public Schools Music Department for this event.

Whether you  have not performed since High School or you are a professional musician, come perform side by side with our talented FHS Symphony Orchestra, Band, and Chorus in a performance of "God Bless Americaat the Franklin Porchfest on June 1! 

Rehearsals will take place at FHS:
  • Wednesday, May 15 - 6-7 PM Room 131 @ FHS
  • Wednesday, May 29 - 6-7 PM Room 131 @ FHS
Performance
  • Saturday, June 1 (rain date Sunday, June 2) at the Franklin Town Common 3:15 PM (Time subject to change)
Final details will be sent to those who sign up by May 9.
Sign up here to sing -> https://forms.gle/g6us4yQ89nHqehW29

Sign up to perform with the Franklin Public Schools Music Department at PorchFest - June 1
Sign up to perform with the Franklin Public Schools Music Department at PorchFest - June 1

Download a copy of the flyer to share or as a reminder ->  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xM4CWqmG3Lh7r2ALRcRrPYuRWvdFUfBi/view?usp=drive_link