Showing posts with label family. Show all posts
Showing posts with label family. Show all posts

Monday, August 4, 2025

Mulliken Family History: A Connection to the American Revolution (audio)

FM #1487 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1487 in the series. 


This session shares my conversation with Peter Mulliken, Franklin resident with some relatives having a role in the American Revolution. We had our discussion on Tuesday, July 29, 2025 in his residence here in Franklin.

 

We talk about 

  • Nathaniel Mulliken and his story in Lexington

  • Lydia Mulliken, Nathaniel’s daughter and betrothed to Dr Samuel Prescott

  • Dr Prescott’s role completing the ride of Revere & Dawes


As Massachusetts celebrates the 250th anniversary, leading to the 250th anniversary of Franklin in 1778, there may be other family connections worth sharing with the community.


The recording runs about 24 minutes, so let’s listen in. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1487-mulliken-history-connection-to-american-revolution-07-29-25/



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Lexington Minutemen profile of Nathaniel Mulliken -> https://lexingtonminutemen.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/natemulliken.pdf 


Nathaniel’s background as a clockmaker ->

Nathaniel’s background as a clockmaker
Nathaniel’s background as a clockmaker
https://www.delaneyantiqueclocks.com/clocks/maker/nathaniel-mulliken-i-lexington-massachusetts


Tour Lexington and see the Mulliken house

https://www.tourlexington.us/listing/nathaniel-mulliken-house/ 


Dr Samuel Prescott background -> https://www.battlefields.org/learn/biographies/samuel-prescott

And

https://www.americanhistorycentral.com/entries/samuel-prescott-midnight-rider/


Nathaniel’s deposition of the fighting at Lexington and along the battleroad can be found in “William Diamond’s Drum” by Arthur Bernon Tourtellot. Copies are available through the interlibrary loan from libraries in Concord, Lexington and others.




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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"


Thursday, July 31, 2025

Mitzi & I review all the big events and activities for the Library for August 2025 (audio)

FM #1486 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1486 in the series. 


This session shares my conversation with Mitzi Gousie, Programming and Outreach Librarian with the Franklin Public Library. We had our discussion on Monday, July 21, 2025 in the Franklin TV & Radio Studio.

 

We talk about 

  • Reviewed the regular open hours, book sale and holiday scheduling for the month

    • Closed on Sundays for summer, and winter due to budget reduction

    • Book sale weekend August 15 & 16

  • Library events for August 2025

    • Family events

    • Kiddos, or “littles”

    • Teens

    • Adults


Registration for those events required should be done through the Town website, Library page. There are nefarious folks trying to convince folks otherwise via Facebook. Be safe, use the official Town and Library pages.


The show notes include links to the Library page and to the calendar of events where registration for some of the events is required/recommended.


The recording runs about 42 minutes, so let’s listen in. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1486-franklin-public-library-august-2025-highlights-07-21-25/



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Whalemobile - Friday, Aug 1
Whalemobile - Friday, Aug 1
Mitzi Gousie’s email -> mgousie@minlib.net 


Franklin Public Library page ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/233/Franklin-Public-Library 


Library event calendar -> https://www.franklinma.gov/942/Calendar-of-Events 


August Library newsletter -> (link to be added when available) 




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

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"


Monday, June 23, 2025

July 2025 Franklin Library News & Events: Kids & Families; Teens

**LIBRARY NEWS**

Library Hours
The library’s hours are Monday through Thursday, 9am to 8pm, Friday and Saturday, 9am to 5pm.  The library is closed on Sundays. The library will be closed on Friday, July 4th in recognition of Independence Day.
2025 Reading Challenge
2025 Reading Challenge


Special Events for Kids & Families

Tiny Art Show, June 13 - July 18
We're hosting a Tiny Art Show and we want you to be in it! Artists of all ages and skill levels are encouraged to create their own mini masterpiece on a 4 x 4 inch canvas provided by the library. Canvases can be picked up at the circulation desk anytime June 13 - July 18. No registration required.

Scott Martel Magic Show, Wednesday, July 2 @ 10:30am
Join us as we welcome Magician Scott Martell and enjoy a family magic show featuring lots of comedy and surprises! Suggested Ages: 4-12. No registration required.

Rainforest Reptiles, Monday, July 7 @ 4pm
Travel with us to the different rainforests around the world and meet the alligators, turtles, snakes and more that call these places home! Real, LIVE Animal Fun for All Ages! No registration required.

R.I. Pirate Guy, Tuesday, July 8 @ 1pm & 3pm
Registration Required – 1pm
Registration Required – 3pm
Join the R.I. Pirate Guy for a rollicking adventure to recover his wrongfully gained treasure while learning pirate skills along the way!

Fairytale Fun, Wednesday, July 9 @ 10:30am
Join us for a special Royal Ball fit for a princess (and her Fairy Godmother)! Be sure to come dressed in your best. There will be singing, dancing, interactive storytelling and a photo opportunity with each special guest. No registration required.

Library Lawn Games, Friday, July 11 & July 25 @ 2pm
Before the Common starts rocking, roll over to the library for a round of classic board games made GIANT! We'll be chilling on the library lawn with mega-sized games to enjoy. (Fear not, if the weather is too wet or hot we'll play inside in the library Meeting Room.) No registration required.

Dog Man Party, Saturday, July 12 @1pm
Supa Fun! Join us for an epic afternoon celebrating everyone's favorite canine crimefighter! Enjoy games, crafts, snacks, and more. No registration required.

Mr. Vinny Bubble Show, Monday, July 14 @ 4pm
Mr. Vinny, using giant bubble wands designed and constructed by the Bubble Guy himself, will gather kids for an hour long game of watch, chase, and pop the bubbles! No registration required.

Petite Picassos, Monday, July 14 @ 4pm
Registration Required
Join Miss Lily and create your very own step-by-step painting of a sea turtle! This paint party is a great fit for children ages 6 through 12. All materials will be provided.

Mike Bent Magic Show, Wednesday, July 16 @ 10:30am
Join us for an exciting and fun comedy magic show developed especially for kids and families! AbraKidabra!™ combines amazing magic, big laughs, audience participation and hilarious surprises for a one-of-a-kind, interactive experience that will leave the whole family impressed. No registration required.

Science Chefs: Slushies, Thursday, July 17 @ 4pm
1 part food, 1 part science, and unlimited fun! We'll be exploring questions like how cold is frozen and can a liquid be freezing cold without actually freezing?? No registration required.

Animal Affair, Friday, July 18 @ 1pm
Make some new furry or feathered friends when the Animal Affair Traveling Petting Zoo visits the Franklin Public Library!  Everyone is welcome to pet, brush, feed, hold, and play with the animals. Participants are taught the proper way to hold and handle the animals.  Animal Affair will be bringing ducks, chickens, goats, pigs and rabbits! No registration required.

Legendary Foam Party, Saturday, July 19 @ 10:30am
We're bubbling with excitement! Join us for some tunes and sudsy fun with Legendary Foam. (Don't forget your towel!) No registration required.

Music at the Blissful, Monday, July 21 @ 4pm
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. No registration required.

Ants on a Log Band, Wednesday, July 23 @ 10:30am
Ants on a Log plays music for children and the childlike at heart. Their award-winning music centers positivity, social justice, and silliness. Full of humor and harmony, Ants concerts are energetic, interactive, and a delight for children and adults. No registration required.

Puzzle Mania, Thursday, July 24 @ 5pm
Registration Required
Join us for a family-fun puzzle challenge! Bring your family or group of friends and work as a team to see how quickly you can complete a 500-piece puzzle! (Please submit only 1 registration per team/family).

Parody Playhouse, Monday, July 28 @ 4pm
Join us for a special kid-friendly spin on your favorite musical hits! Parody Playhouse features child-appropriate parodies of popular songs by a range of artists, with themes like learning shapes, colors, emotions, parts of the body, animals, and even social-emotional learning. It's sure to be a blast! No registration required.

Wild Kat Hoops, Wednesday, July 30 @ 10:30am
We're thrilled to invite you to the most awesome kids' hula hoop event of the year! It's time to put on your dancing shoes and grab those dazzling hoops for an unforgettable workshop of hula hoop magic! No registration required.

The BenAnna Band, Thursday, July 31 @ 10:30am
Join us for this super-fun, high energy, interactive music concert that is sure to have the whole family up dancing! No registration required.

Weekly / Monthly Events for Teens

Into the Dungeon, Mondays @ 2 - 4pm
Registration Required
Roll for initiative as we bring to life stories from your favorite series! Into the Dungeon is a single event adventure using the Fate tabletop role-playing system to insert yourself into a story set in worlds we know and love. Each week will play out challenges with player choices and chance writing the story!! This is great for regular players to try a new system, and for people to try out games like D&D. Sign up and see what adventure awaits! Each adventure will play out twice, please only register for one of the dates.

Summer Skill Up, Tuesdays @ 4pm
All ages are welcome to level up their knowledge by trying a new skill! Every week we will be providing a new small project to practice, learn, and grow! All Supplies are provided. No registration required.

Game Bytes Overdrive, Wednesdays @ 3:30 - 5:30pm
Game Bytes is Leveling Up for a summer of FUN! Bring a snack and join us for two hours of casual co-op and solo play. Bring your own device or play on the big screen! No registration required.

Summer Concert Series, Wednesdays @ 6pm
Join us Wednesday evenings on the library patio all summer long for live music for all ages!
July 2: Jamie Barrett
July 9: Kat Chapman
July 16: DJ Sam & Andy
July 23: Jeff Roy
July 30: The Oh Mys Band

Teen Advisory Board, 2nd Wednesday of the Month @ 6:30pm
Join us each month for Teen Advisory Board. The Teen Advisory Board is a GREAT opportunity to get involved here at the library! You'll help plan events and programs, create displays and decorate the teen space, and help drive decisions around the kinds of materials we bring to the YA collection, all while eating snacks and getting volunteer hours. It's a win-win-win! No registration required.

Service Squad, Thursdays @ 1pm
Teens looking for community service are invited to join the Youth Services Department to help strategize and prepare crafts and activities for storytimes and events! This is an ideal opportunity for creative, organized, crafty teens who love to take initiative. No registration required.

Tuesday, May 27, 2025

Sunday, May 25, 2025

Franklin Library News & Events for June 2025 (part 3 of 5)

Special Events for Kids & Families 

Petite Picassos, Monday, June 2 @ 4pm
Registration Required
Join Miss Lily and create your very own step-by-step painting of a colorful gumball machine! This paint party is a great fit for children ages 6 through 12! All materials will be provided. The same painting will be taught on June 2 and June 16 - please sign up for only ONE of these dates!

Franklin Porchfest 2025, Saturday, June 7 @ 12 – 6pm
Porchfest is coming back to Franklin, MA! Come spend the day in Franklin’s beautiful Cultural District while listening to live music. Musicians and bands of all genres will be performing on porches and patios throughout the district. Be sure to check out the following performers throughout the day at the library:
12 – 1pm: Tommy Feeley
1 – 2pm: Jamie Barrett
2:30 - 3:30pm: Dave Perry
4 – 6pm: Jeffrey Scornavacca
In the event of inclement weather, the rain date will be Sunday, June 8.

Animal Affair, Monday, June 9 @ 1 – 3pm
Make some new furry or feathered friends when the Animal Affair Traveling Petting Zoo visits the Franklin Public Library!  Everyone is welcome to pet, brush, feed, hold, and play with the animals! Participants are taught the proper way to hold and handle the animals.  Animal Affair will be bringing ducks, chickens, goats, pigs and rabbits! No registration required.

Strawberry Stroll on the Library Lawn, Friday, June 13 @ 4 – 8pm
This year the Strawberry Stroll extends all the way to the Library Lawn! We are celebrating with inflatables, summer reading signups, and more! No registration required.

Summer Reading Kickoff Celebration, Saturday, June 14 @ 10:30am – 12:30pm
Join the library for an epic start to the summer, featuring balloons, inflatables, games, and a foot stomping musical performance by the Moonbellies! No registration required.

Drum Circle with Dave Curry, Saturday, June 14 @ 2pm
Enjoy a hand-drumming workshop for all ages! This live event will explore different drumming styles from across the globe, celebrating the universality of this much-loved instrument. No registration required.

Legendary Foam Party, Monday, June 16 @ 1pm
We're bubbling with excitement! Enjoy some tunes and sudsy fun with Legendary Foam. (Don't forget your towel!) No registration required.

Petite Picassos, Monday, June 16 @ 4pm
Registration Required
Join Miss Lily and create your very own step-by-step painting of a colorful gumball machine! This paint party is a great fit for children ages 6 through 12! All materials will be provided. The same painting will be taught on June 2 and June 16 - please sign up for only ONE of these dates!

Touch-a-Truck, Tuesday, June 17 @ 1 – 3pm
It's a half day for public schools and we're celebrating the start of summer! Join the Fire, Police, and DPW in the library parking lot for a special touch a truck event. No registration required.

Toe Jam Puppet Band, Wednesday, June 18 @ 1pm
Join the Toe Jam Puppet Band for a rockin' concert at the Franklin Public Library! This hilarious show is sure to have the whole family laughing along. No registration required.

Rainbow Slime, Friday, June 20 @ 1pm
Enjoy a relaxing and fun craft of slime with a rainbow of glitter options! No registration required.

Under the Sea Party, Saturday, June 21 @ 1 – 3pm
Dive in for an epic afternoon of ocean fun for the whole family! Enjoy a variety of games, crafts and more. No registration required.

Science Chefs: 3D Printers, Monday, June 23 @ 3pm
1 part food, 1 part science, and unlimited fun! We will be exploring the workings of a 3D printer by being one ourselves! We will be using Icing for this exercise so dress for mess. No registration required.

Mr. Vinny’s Giant Bubbles, Monday, June 23 @ 4pm
Mr. Vinny, using giant bubble wands designed and constructed by the Bubble Guy himself, will gather kids for an hour-long game of watch, chase, and pop the bubbles! No registration required.

Summer Skill Up, Tuesday, June 24 @ 4pm
All ages are welcome to level up their knowledge by trying a new skill. Every week we will be providing a new small project to practice, learn, and grow! All Supplies are provided. Young children may need an adult to help. Enjoy crafting a Custom Journal to capture all your summer memories! No registration required.

Flying High Dogs. Wednesday, June 25 @ 10:30am
Join us on the Library Lawn for extreme tail wagging fun for the whole family! Mike Piazza and his team of Border Collies are set to impress with their Frisbee tricks and more. No registration required.

DJ Dance Party, Wednesday, June 25 @ 6pm
Presenting the Library Summer Concert Series! Join us Wednesday evenings on the Library patio all summer long for live music for all ages. No registration required. 

Puzzle Mania, Thursday, June 26 @ 5pm
Registration Required
Join us for a family-fun puzzle challenge! Bring your family and work as a team to see how quickly you can complete a 500 piece puzzle! Please submit only 1 registration per family.

Family Line Dancing, Friday, June 27 @ 4pm
Get ready to slide, clap, and shake with the whole family! Join us for a high-energy dance party featuring easy-to-follow favorites like the Cha Cha Slide, Macarena, and more. No experience needed—just bring your best moves and a smile. Perfect for fun for the whole family! No registration required. 

Elijah T. Grasshopper Band, Saturday, June 28 @ 11am
Join Elijah T. Grasshopper, Emma "Go-Go Green" Bean, and their puppet pals for some super-duper interactive music and a hopping good time! Ideal for kids Ages 2-8. No registration required. 

Mario Kart Tournament, Saturday, June 28 @ 1 – 4pm
Registration Required
Ready… Set… Go for gold! Join solo or as a team in Mario Kart 8 with all courses, characters, and parts unlocked! Bring the noise as 30 racers vie for the cup! During the tournament, enjoy Mario crafts and activities to level up the fun. Teams, please register as one person - you'll trade off drivers as a single entity within the bracket.

Mobile Mini-Golf, Monday, June 30 @ 3 – 6pm
Bring your friends and family and we will provide the rest. Join us as we transform the library into a Mini Golf course that is fun for all ages! Children under the age of 14 MUST be accompanied by an adult. No registration required.


Monday, May 19, 2025

Library events for kids, teens, and families the week of May 19, 2025

Check out all the fun happenings for kids, teens, and families this week at the Franklin Public Library!

Library events for kids, teens, and families the week of May 19, 2025
Library events for kids, teens, and families the week of May 19, 2025

Tuesday, April 1, 2025

Attention Parents: Check out the Interent Safety event April 3; it comes with free kid care & a meal

Vis Donna Grady:

"Franklin Community,
Most of you know me as the President of the Franklin Education Association. I'm also Chair of the Massachusetts PTA Health, Safety and Wellness Committee.
Attention Parents: Check out the Interent Safety event April 3; it comes with free kid care & a meal
Interent Safety event April 3
THIS coming Thursday, April 3, from 5:30 -7pm at FHS, my committee is hosting a FREE Family Safety Awareness Forum about Online Safety and CyberBullying. Our doors open at 5:30 for child care, with the adult program running from 6-7pm. We have food for the kids and adults and activities for the kids. We're giving away an IPad as well.
Please come learn how to identify online dangers and how to protect your kids and family."


You can listen to Donna & I talk about the importance of this event

Sunday, March 30, 2025

Family Science Night - April 10

Family Science Night - April 10
Family Science Night - April 10
Family Science Night – Free Event! 

Join the FHS Science National Honor Society on Thursday, April 10th, from 5:30–8:00 PM for an exciting night of interactive experiments, hands-on activities, and live demonstrations!

Theme: Movie Night! Each science group—covering topics from biology to forensics—has chosen a movie to bring their subject to life.

FREE ENTRY! This event will be accepting donations for the Franklin Food Pantry.

Bring your family and friends for a night of science, fun, and discovery—we can’t wait to see you there! 




Monday, February 10, 2025

Hail, hail, the gang's all here; this "gang" cares about the Library and what they offer (audio)

FM #1378 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1378 in the series. 


This session shares my conversation with Felicia Oti, Director of the Franklin Public Library. We were joined by many of her staff, see the list of names below. We had our discussion virtually on Wednesday, February 5, 2025.


I opened the conversation with my recitation of “Hail, hail, the gang's all here… what the heck do we care now?”  We all care about the Franklin Public Library which is why we are here now, and are about to find out some of the breadth of services they cover.


  • Felicia Oti, Library Director

  • Allison Smith, Deputy Director

  • Kara Naff, Circulation Supervisor

  • Vicki Earls, Head of Reference 

  • Mitzi Gousie, Public Services Librarian

  • Caleigh Keating, Youth Services Librarian


Among the many services the Library offer are:

  • Digitization of Franklin History

  • US Citizenship test prep

  • Subscription to Khan Academy

  • Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) both a opportunity that provides training for those that volunteer , as well as a service for those with income less than 65K to file their taxes

  • Decodable books for beginning readers now in the library

  • Citizen science kits co-sponsored by Conservation Commission

  • From Mass Cultural Council, Franklin Cultural Council & Franklin  Cultural District come grant funded programs, including a typewriter orchestra concert coming in April


The show notes include links to the Library page and to the calendar of events where registration for some of the events is required/recommended.


The recording runs about 58 minutes, so let’s listen in. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1378-franklin-public-library-group-shares-highlights-02-05-25/



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Franklin Public Library page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/233/Franklin-Public-Library 


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


English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)

https://franklinma.gov/313/English-for-Speakers-of-Other-Languages-


Prior recording April 2020 #248

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/04/fm-248-franklin-public-library-staff.html 


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

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"


Hail, hail, the gang's all here; this "gang" cares about the Library and what they offer (audio)
Hail, hail, the gang's all here; this "gang" cares about the Library and what they offer (audio)