Sarah & Ariel fill us in on the closure & alternate sites for events during March 2025 (audio)

FM #1394 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1394 in the series. 

This session shares my conversation with Sarah Amaral, Director and Ariel Doggett, Programming & Volunteer Coordinator with the Franklin Senior Center. We had our discussion virtually via Zoom on Friday, February 28, 2025.

 

We talk about 

• The Listening Session March 4 at 9:30 AM (free breakfast)

• The closure begins at 1:00 PM on March 4

• Many (but not all programs) have an alternate site beginning March 5

• Keep in touch via the newsletter, social media accounts, and if necessary, call the Center

• Key special events when the center reopens

• Fire Dept St Patrick’s lunch date to be determined

• Lunches available at Tri-County during the closure, need to call day before 

• except for March 14, which will be a box lunch picked up at the Municipal Bldg (also need to call day before)

The show notes include links to the Senior Center page, the calendar of events and to subscribe to the monthly newsletter. 

The recording runs about 23 minutes, so let’s listen in. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1394-franklin-senior-center-march-2025-highlights-02-28-25/

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

Franklin Senior Center page ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/583/Franklin-Senior-Center-Council-on-Aging 

March 2025 newsletter -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4503/Franklin-Newsletter-March-2025?bidId= 

Alternate site schedule

https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4551/March-newsletter-insert?bidId= 

Subscribe to the newsletter -> by calling 508-520-4945

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

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial. 

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

• If you don't like something here, please let me know

• And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/  or www.franklin.news 

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

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

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

Sarah & Ariel fill us in on the closure & alternate sites for events during March 2025 (audio)

The Senior Center week of March 3 - March 7; closure for repairs begin

The Senior Center week of March 3 - March 7

**ATTENTION**. The senior center will be CLOSED starting Tuesday, March 4th at 1pm. 

We have many excellent programs running at our WONDERFUL community partners around town. 

Information is available on our website, social media pages, in our newsletter, through Franklin Matters and on the Town website. 

YOU MUST STILL REGISTER for programs!! Here’s what’s happening this week at the #franklinseniorcenter

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/reel/DGs2l-9RAYF/

For details on these highlight events, or on the regular daily schedule, please visit the Senior Center online at ->    https://franklinma.gov/583/Franklin-Senior-Center-Council-on-Aging

Check out the Franklin Public Library's full schedule of event highlights for March 2025

Library Hours

The Library’s hours are Monday through Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Friday and Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Sundays 1:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

 

Franklin Public Library’s 2025 Reading Challenge!

March: Say her name!

Welcome to the Franklin Public Library's second Annual Reading Challenge! For each monthly prompt that you complete and submit on time you will receive a Free Book Coupon that's good at the library's Book Sale. Submissions MUST be submitted by the last day of each month in order to qualify for that month's Free Book Coupon. For complete details and to sign-up, visit our website! Grand prizes made possible by the Friends of the Franklin Library!

Franklin Public Library VITA: Volunteer Income Tax Assistance

Open Saturdays from 9:30 to 4:00 PM

The IRS's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program offers free tax return preparation to qualified individuals. Qualified individuals generally includes: People who generally make $68,000 or less, Persons with disabilities; and Limited English-speaking taxpayers. This is a walk in site with potential wait times.

Learn more at the Library Web Page under adult services or email site coordinator Mitzi Gousie at mgousie@minlib.net

https://www.franklinma.gov/942/Calendar-of-Events

ESL & Adult Literacy Program

The Franklin Public Library has started an English as a Second Language and Adult Literacy Program to serve Franklin and its surrounding communities.  Volunteers and students do not need to be Franklin residents. If interested, fill out the registration form on the library’s website.

Special Events for Kids

Music at the Blissful! Saturday, March 8th @ 10:30AM

Join us for a fun, high energy music program for children and their grownups! Musician Evan Haller brings the energy to get the whole crowd up and dancing!

Mario Party! Tuesday, March 11th @ 1:00PM

It’s a half day for the Franklin Public Schools and we are celebrating with a special in-person real life version of Mario Party! Work your way through the stations and games, and find more surprises along the way!

“Drive-In” Movie! Wednesday, March 12th @ 1:00PM

Families! Join us for a “Drive-In” movie (indoors of course!) in our program room! First we’ll decorate our “cars” (aka boxes we’ve been saving up for the event) then we’ll relax and enjoy a movie and some popcorn in our spiffy new rides! You’re welcome to bring your own box to decorate, or use one of ours!

Local Hero Storytime! Tuesday, March 18th @ 1:00PM

Join us as we welcome our friends from the Franklin Fire Department for a special local hero storytime!

Crafternoon! Tuesday, March 18th @ 2:00PM

Join us for a fun afternoon of crafting for kiddos of all ages! We'll have an assortment of seasonal crafts for all to enjoy!

Kat Chapman Concert! Saturday, March 22nd @ 10:30AM

Join us for a super fun music and movement program for kiddos! Kat Chapman has an extensive background as a touring singer-songwriter, performer, and music enrichment specialist. Come and sing or play along with rhythm and props!

Special Events for Adults

JUNTO Non Fiction Book Club, Thursday, March 20th 6:30PM

The JUNTO (from the Spanish junta or assembly) was a club for mutual improvement established in 1727 by Benjamin Franklin. Franklin Public Library’s JUNTO Book Club is a place to discuss a book of the month and share our insights from the book and discuss how! The March Book is Eve by Cat Bohannon! Get a physical or digital copy through the Library Catalog!

Hydrangeas P's & Q's, Tuesday, March 4th @7:00PM

This presentation addresses common issues raised about hydrangeas, including when and how to plant; how to raise or lower the soil pH to control bloom color; when and how to prune hydrangea that bloom on old wood (e.g. H macrophylla, H serrata) and new wood (e.g. H arborescens, H paniculata); and common fungal problems and pests. And extra time is saved to answer your questions.

Maker Moment: Hand Warmers, Thursday, March 6th @6:30PM

Registration Required

Join Mrs. Mitzi for a craft class guaranteed to warn your hands and hopefully your heart! We will be stitching together heart shaped hand warmers. All Materials Provided. This program is designed for adults 18+ but open to ages 15+.

Special Events for All Ages

Irish in America, Saturday, March 15th @3:00PM

Free Concert

A musical journey celebrating the ‘Irish in America‘. Irish immigrants captured the heart of the nation with their mix of Irish jigs, ballads, folk songs, storytelling and humor. Every year is a new show so, get your green on, warm up your voices, and enjoy the warmth, spirit and hilarity of the ‘Irish in America’. This program is funded in part by a grant from the Franklin cultural council, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.

Franklin Library Book Sale

Friday, March 14th, 1:00-5:00pm.  Saturday, March 15th, 9:00am to 12:00 Noon

All books are just one dollar!

Bag Sale - $5 A Bag—Saturday, March 15th, from 1:00-4:00pm

Come fill a brown bag with all the books you can!

Franklin Senior Center has 47 activities on the Schedule this week

Here’s what’s happening this week at the #franklinseniorcenter

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/reel/DGaxM6ZR1UO/

Check out the Senior Center online ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar.aspx?CID=37&Keywords=&startDate=&enddate=&

Franklin Senior Center has 47 activities on the Schedule this week

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Friday, February 14, 2025 ???

Friday, February 14 = Valentine's Day

10:00am Knitting Group (Franklin Public Library)

1:00pm Library Book Sale (Franklin Public Library)

1:00pm Thrifty Threads (Franklin Federated Church)

4:15pm Valentine's Day dining (La Cantina Winery)

6:00pm Love Story (movie) (free) (Franklin Historical Museum)

8:45pm Cupid's Cocktail Lounge - with Good Thomas (live music) (3 Restaurant)

**  NO   Town Meetings today   **

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

Why are there multiple calendars?

What's happening today in Franklin? 

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/calendar.aspx?CID=37&showPastEvents=false

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/Calendar.aspx
The School district calendar is found  https://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/o/fpsd/page/school-calendars

Sarah & Ariel give us the insights on the special events in February 2025 (audio)

FM #1377 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1377 in the series.

This session shares my conversation with Sarah Amaral, Director and  Ariel Doggett, Programming & Volunteer Coordinator with the Franklin Senior Center. We had our discussion at the Franklin TV & Radio Studio on Wednesday, January 29, 2025.

We talk about

•     Key special events throughout February
•     A short month but not short in activities

And many other aspects of the very busy and fun place that the Senior Center is for the whole community, not just seniors!

The show notes include links to the Senior Center page, the calendar of events and to subscribe to the monthly newsletter.

The recording runs about 35 minutes, so let’s listen in. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1377-franklin-senior-center-feb-2025-highlights-01-29-25/

 

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

Franklin Senior Center page ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/583/Franklin-Senior-Center-Council-on-Aging

February 2025 newsletter -> https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4307/February-2025-Newsletter?bidId=

Subscribe to the newsletter -> by calling 508-520-4945

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

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors
• If you don't like something here, please let me know
• And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach out. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/  or www.franklin.news

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

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

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

 

Sarah & Ariel give us the insights on the special events in February 2025 (audio)

Senior Center events for the week of Feb 3 - Feb 7, 2025

 

"Here’s what’s happening this week at the #franklinseniorcenter come in and join the fun! 

#blackhistorymonth #kindnessmatters #franklinma"

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/reel/DFlC0KpRrda/

For details on these highlight events, or on the regular daily schedule, please visit the Senior Center online at ->    https://franklinma.gov/calendar.aspx?CID=37&showPastEvents=false

Senior Center calendar for for week or Feb 3- Feb 7, 2025

Senior Center event highlights for week of Jan 27 - Jan 31, 2025

Senior Center event highlights

 

"Here’s what’s happening at the #franklinseniorcenter this week. Come join us for some fun! 

*** NO CHAIR YOGA THIS WEEK ***"

Shared from ->   https://www.instagram.com/reel/DFSruCNRlQR/

For details on these highlight events, or on the regular daily schedule, please visit the Senior Center online at ->    https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar.aspx?CID=37&Keywords=&startDate=&enddate=&

Senior Center event highlights for the week of Jan 20 - Jan 24

Senior Center event highlights for the week of Jan 20 - Jan 24

"Here’s what’s happening at the #franklinseniorcenter this week. 

We are closed Monday in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day."

Shared from ->   https://www.instagram.com/reel/DFBftq2Pu_E/

Correction to this posting of Senior Center events: The Franklin Q&A session is NOT on the 22nd, it was held last week.

For details on these highlight events, or on the regular daily schedule, please visit the Senior Center online at ->    https://www.franklinma.gov/fsc

Did you get to listen to my conversation with Sarah Amaral & Ariel Doggett as we preview the event highlights for the Senior Center in Jan 2025  -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/01/sarah-ariel-join-me-in-reviewing-senior.html

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Sunday, January 12, 2025 ???

Sunday, January 12

1:00pm Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

1:15pm Second Sunday Speaker (Franklin Historical Museum) 

2:00pm FPAC: To Tell a Story About the Earth (THE BLACK BOX)

2:30pm Chess Group (Franklin Public Library)

**  NO  Town Meetings today   **

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

Why are there multiple calendars?

What's happening today in Franklin? 

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

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar
The School district calendar is found  https://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/o/fpsd/page/school-calendars

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Saturday, January 11, 2025 ???

Saturday, January 11

9:00am Thrifty Threads (Franklin Federated Church)

9:00am Women's Faith Formation (St. Mary's Parish)

10:00am Winter Farmers Market (Fairmount Fruit Farm)

10:00am Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

10:00am Franklin-ventions: Revolutionary Ideas in Franklin Industries (Franklin Historical Museum)

10:00am ‘Ben Gave us Books and We Gave the World Books’ (Franklin historical museum)

1:00pm Franklin Underground (live music) (Franklin Public Library)

7:00pm Padula Brothers (live music) (La Cantina Winery)

7:30pm FPAC: To Tell a Story About the Earth (THE BLACK BOX)

7:30pm Peter Mulvey (live music) (Circle of Friends Coffeehouse)

**  NO  Town Meetings today   **

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

Why are there multiple calendars?

What's happening today in Franklin? 

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

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar
The School district calendar is found  https://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/o/fpsd/page/school-calendars