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Newcomers & Friends schedule a game night for Weds, March 8 at Escape Into Fiction |
Providing accurate and timely information about what matters in Franklin, MA since 2007. * Working in collaboration with Franklin TV and Radio (wfpr.fm) since October 2019 *
Friday, March 3, 2023
Newcomers & Friends schedule a game night for Weds, March 8 at Escape Into Fiction
Wednesday, January 25, 2023
The Friends of Franklin Library Announce Scholarship Award to Gwenne Balcius
Balcius was selected as the contest winner based on her essay about someone who inspired her. Rather than identify a lone individual, Balcius wrote about the many librarians she encountered during her military family's moves from California to Virginia to Massachusetts.
"I ask you to consider the collective influence of every librarian I crossed paths with over the course of my life … the librarians with their subtle encouragement as I checked out mountains of books in Carlsbad, the librarian who became one of my first friends in Chesapeake, and the librarians who helped me feel at home in a place I knew I wouldn't stay long," Balcius wrote in her winning essay.
Now in her first year at Clark University in Worcester, Balcius is studying education with plans to pursue an advanced degree in library science. Her goal is to one day become a librarian as inspiring as the ones who influenced her along her own journey.
"In 2022, we received over 30 applications to review and essays to read," said Lisa Rein, president of FoFL's board. "The prompt we chose this past year reflects the continuing challenges from a pandemic and the heroes who help us navigate difficult situations. Gwenne's essay was so heartfelt and aligned well with her affection for libraries and the librarians who work there."
The Friends of Franklin Library, an independent, non-profit organization committed to supporting the Franklin Public Library, established its scholarship program in 2014. The annual scholarship is part of several efforts undertaken to honor the late Wilma Winters, a longtime Franklin resident and library supporter. Winters, who had a long career in higher education, worked for many years as a librarian, including at Boston University Medical School and Harvard's School of Public Health. She spent her retirement years volunteering at the Franklin Public Library.
The scholarship program has assisted college-bound Franklin students in each of the past eight years. It will be awarded again this year to a member of the Class of 2023. Essay entries will be coordinated through the school's guidance department.
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Members of the Friends of Franklin Library's board recently presented Gwenne Blacius, left, with a check for winning the Friends' annual essay contest |
Tuesday, January 24, 2023
Not just for Newcomers . . . acupuncture insights on Feb 8, 2023 at Escape Into Fiction
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Not just for Newcomers . . . acupuncture insights on Feb 8, 2023 at Escape Into Fiction |
Get some fudge for Valentine's Day and help the Friends of the Franklin Library; orders due Feb 3, 2023
Friends of the Franklin LibraryPO Box 147Franklin, MA 02038
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Get some fudge for Valentine's Day and help the Friends of the Franklin Library |
Friday, January 13, 2023
From the Friends of the Franklin Library - Some Sweet News!
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Tuesday, November 29, 2022
Franklin Public Library: December 2022 News & Events
The Library's regular 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 Sunday 1:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. The library will be closing at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, December 23rd, and Saturday, December 24th for Christmas Eve. The library will also be closing at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 31st for New Year's Eve. The library will be closed on Sunday, December 25th and Monday, December 26th for Christmas Day (observed).
Franklin Library Book Sale
Friday, December 9th , 1:00-5:00 p.m. Saturday, December 10th , 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon.
All books are just one dollar!
Bag Sale - $5 A Bag—Saturday, December 10th, from 1:00-4:00 p.m.
Come fill a brown bag with all the books you can!
Volunteer Tutors Needed for ESL & Adult Literacy Program
The Franklin Public Library is starting an English as a Second Language and Adult Literacy Program to serve Franklin and its surrounding communities. If you have the time and interest to help adult learners improve their English, reading, writing, speaking and listening, please consider volunteering!
To volunteer, you must have a high school diploma or equivalent, have patience, and be able to speak English clearly. Prior teaching experience is not required. Volunteer Tutors will be given training and all supporting materials will be provided. The time commitment is one orientation session, 18 hours of tutor training, and to meet with your student 2 hours per week for one year. Volunteers and students do not need to be Franklin residents. If interested, please contact Assistant Library Director Kim Shipala at kshipala@minlib.net, or fill out the registration form on the library's website .
Volunteers Needed for Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program
Volunteers are always needed for the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance and Tax Counseling for the Elderly programs… better known as VITA and TCE. Many volunteer roles are available. You can help as a greeter, an interpreter or a computer specialist. Most of all, we need tax preparers!
Learn more & Sign up at: https://www.irs.gov/individuals/irs-tax-volunteers
For more information, please contact Mitzi Gousie at mgousie@minlib.net .
From the Friends of the Franklin Library...
The holiday season is upon us, and we have a lot to be thankful for this year. Like so many, the Friends took some time to reflect on the past year and the activities we've been fortunate to participate in.
Here is a look back at some of our highlights:
- 200 museum passes for The Butterfly Place
- National Library Week - Library Staff Appreciation Brunch
- In-Person event with Nancy Rubin Stuart author of Poor Richard's Women: Deborah Read
- Franklin and the Other Women Behind the Founding Father
- Annual $1,000 Friends of the Franklin Library Scholarship to a graduating FHS '22 Senior
- Farmer's Market Booth with Summer Bucket of Fun Raffle Prize
- Harvest Festival Booth with over 400 books given away
- Raffle Baskets at this year's Health Fair
- Comics 4 Culture teen event
- Tables and chairs for the library's new outdoor patio space
Were you able to enjoy any of the above programs or find yourself frequenting our Library? Why not play an active role in supporting the amazing programs offered to our local community. Here are ways that you can show your support:
1. Become a Friend! We would love to add more Friends to our group. We have several committees which you can choose from or be more of a supporting member.
2. Make a donation in the name of your favorite bookworm. Have that one Franklin person on your holiday list who is hard to buy for? Why not make a donation in their name that will support their local library?
3. Take advantage of your company's employee match program. Many companies offer matching gift programs to encourage employees to contribute to charitable organizations.
All membership dues and contributions are tax deductible and will go directly to supporting the Franklin Public Library's collections and programs.
To join the Friends or make a donation, CLICK HERE.
Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library/news/december-2022-franklin-library-news-events
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Franklin Public Library: December 2022 News & Events |
Monday, November 21, 2022
Franklin Newcomers & Friends annual Yankee Swap scheduled for Dec 14, 2022
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Franklin Newcomers and Friends Club |
Friday, September 23, 2022
VETERANS' EXPO - SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 - 10 AM to 2 PM at the VA Brockton Campus
VETERANS' EXPO - SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 24
- 10 AM - 2 PM at the VA Brockton Campus
Vets, Troops, Family & Friends are Invited! NEW COVID Boosters!
Live Bands, Music, Free Food, Fun Prizes! Jobs & Career Fair!
Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/veterans-services/news/veterans-expo-saturday-september-24-10-am-2-pm-va-brockton-campus
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VETERANS' EXPO - SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 - 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. VA Brockton Campus! |
Wednesday, August 31, 2022
Franklin Newcomers & Friends: We have a new home !!! - Join us Sep 14 at Escape Into Fiction
The Newcomers are back …. with a NEW time and location!!
The Franklin Newcomers and Friends Club will be holding their monthly meetings at Escape Into Fiction at 12 Main St in Franklin. They'll be meeting earlier . . . now at 7 PM. The first gathering of the 2022/2023 season is on Wednesday, September 14.
Any resident of Franklin, or a surrounding town that doesn't have a Newcomers Club, is invited to attend. Meetings are held on the 2nd Wednesday of the month from September through May. Additionally, many fun and varied events are held to stay connected throughout the year.
No need to be a newcomer to the area . . . and no need to RSVP. Come make connections in your community. This is a multi-generational club offering a wide range of activities for all. It is a member driven organization and new faces and new ideas are always welcome. Franklin Newcomers & Friends: We have a new home !!! - Join us Sep 14 at Escape Into Fiction
Mark your calendar for the return of The Franklin Newcomers and Friends Annual Craft Fair. It will be held on November 5th at Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School. We are still accepting applications for crafters. All items must be handmade. Please contact franklincraftfair@gmail.com for more information and an application.
For more information about Newcomers, please see the "About" portion of their Meetup or Facebook pages.
Sunday, May 8, 2022
Furry Friends of Franklin Dog Park need your help Sat, May 14 to spread some mulch
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Dacey Field dog park |
"Hello dog lovers. Save this date.
Furry Friends of the Franklin Dog Park Volunteer Committee needs your help on Saturday May 14th at 9:30 am to spread 30 yards of fresh wood chips.
We need shovels, rakes, and wheelbarrows. Refreshments will be there for those who help and Gino’s famous peanut butter, blueberry dog biscuits for our furry friends.
Thanks. "
Shared from Facebook -> https://www.facebook.com/groups/1551606135109407/permalink/3157913507811987/
Sunday, April 17, 2022
Newcomers & Friends: Bringing Earth Day Home - Apr 20
We are pleased to announce that Lisa Mosczynski and Susan Speers, volunteers with Metacomet Land Trust, will be joining us with a program on “Bringing Earth Day Home.” The program will introduce the conservation group, with a focus on its work to preserve open space in Franklin since 1988. Metacomet is a member-supported nonprofit which serves 15 towns and is based in Franklin.
To mark the 52nd anniversary of Earth Day on April 22nd, Mosczynski and Speers will share a slide presentation on the group’s conservation work, education programs, and behind the scenes assistance to landowners and towns wishing to permanently preserve natural habitat. Metacomet’s local efforts include helping Franklin to connect town open space and Metacomet’s land. Metacomet is a 501-(c)-3 charity. More information can be found at www.MetacometLandTrust.org.
Bringing Earth Day Home
We welcome you to come join your friends and neighbors. Meet us upstairs at "3" Restaurant on Wednesday, April 20 at 7:30. Hot and cold appetizers and beverages are provided. No need to be a newcomer to the area . . . and no need to RSVP. Come make connections in your community. We are a multi-generational club offering a wide range of activities for all ages with an emphasis on fun and camaraderie. We are a member driven organization and are always excited to welcome new faces and new ideas.
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Newcomers and Friends Club |
Residents of Franklin, or any surrounding town that doesn't have a Newcomers Club, are welcome to join us. We run our meetings September through May, typically meeting the 3rd Wednesday of the month. We also hold many fun and varied events throughout the year to stay connected.
Look for us on our Meetup and Facebook pages for more information.
https://www.meetup.com/Franklin-Newcomers-Friends https://facebook.com/FranklinNewcomersFriendsClub
Thursday, March 17, 2022
Not just for Newcomers: Meeting to feature Hellen and Ahern - March 23
We are pleased to announce that Jamie Hellen, Town Administrator, and Dr. Sara Ahern, School Superintendent, will be speaking at our March meeting. Our town budget, construction, commercial and residential development are just some of the topics that Jamie will address. There’s also a lot going on in the school system for Sara to discuss. There will be no shortage of topics . . . come bring your questions! It’s an informal meeting and a great opportunity to practically have a one on one conversation with these community leaders.
We welcome you to come join your friends and neighbors at the Franklin Newcomers and Friends March Monthly Meeting. Meet us upstairs at "3" Restaurant on Wednesday, March 23 at 7:30, one week later than our usual 3rd Wednesday of the month. Hot and cold appetizers and beverages are provided. No need to be a newcomer to the area . . . and no need to RSVP.
Come join us and have fun while you make connections in your community. We are a multi-generational club offering a wide range of activities for all ages with an emphasis on fun and camaraderie. We are a member driven organization and are always excited to welcome new faces and new ideas.
Residents of Franklin, or any surrounding town that doesn't have a Newcomers Club, are welcome to join us. We run our meetings September through May, typically meeting the 3rd Wednesday of the month. We also hold many fun and varied events throughout the year to stay connected.
Look for us on our Meetup and Facebook pages for more information.
https://www.meetup.com/Franklin-Newcomers-Friends https://facebook.com/FranklinNewcomersFriendsClub
Hellen and Ahern (with Miriam Goodman in the middle) presenting to the Joint Budget Subcommittee March 10, 2022 |
Friday, March 4, 2022
Attention FHS senior class: Friends of the Franklin Library Scholarship Opportunity
Friends of the Franklin Library Scholarship Opportunity
Attention FHS Class of 2022! The Friends of the Franklin Library will once again be providing a $1,000 scholarship to a college-bound graduating senior from Franklin High School.
The scholarship, in memory of Wilma Winters, will be awarded to a student who is a Franklin resident, has done well academically, and has contributed to both FHS and the Franklin community.
Applications, including this year's essay prompt, will be available from the FHS Guidance Department in early March. We look forward to reading your submissions!
For more information, please contact fofl02038@gmail.com .
Shared from Town of Franklin page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library/news/friends-franklin-library-scholarship-opportunity
Saturday, January 15, 2022
Reminder game night at Franklin Newcomers & Friends - Jan 19
Not just for Newcomers . . .
We will also be collecting personal care items and cleaning supplies for the Franklin Food Pantry. Please bring one or more items from the following list: shampoo (8 oz-24 oz), conditioner (8 oz-24 oz), disposable razors, hand and body lotion (8 oz-24 oz), liquid hand soap (6 oz-24 oz), Scott’s toilet paper (single WRAPPED roll 1000 sheets), cleaning wipes, all purpose cleaner spray (32 oz), ajax or comet cleansers.
Come join us and have fun while you make connections in your community. We are a multi-generational club offering a wide range of activities for all ages with an emphasis on fun and camaraderie. We are a member-driven organization and are always excited to welcome new faces and new ideas.
No need to be a newcomer to the area…residents of Franklin (or any surrounding town that doesn't have a Newcomers Club) are welcome to join us. We run our meetings September through May on the 3rd Wednesday of the month (occasionally we switch Wednesdays to accommodate holidays or speakers) upstairs in a private room at “3” Restaurant, 461 W. Central Street, Franklin.
Additionally, we hold many fun and varied events to stay connected throughout the year. Look for us on our Meetup page for more information. https://www.meetup.com/Franklin-Newcomers-Friends
Franklin Newcomers & Friends - meeting Jan 19 - a game night! |
Wednesday, January 12, 2022
Recap: Senior Center new Director and Deputy introduced to Council on Aging (audio)
- Town Administrator Jamie Hellen introduced the new Senior Center Director Danielle Hopkins and Deputy Director Christina LaRose to Council on Aging
- First day was yesterday and they are back so that is good. Christina to primarily handle day to day, Danielle to focus on personnel, long term planning Lots to do
- Posted for chef and deputy chef, not likely to fulfill until late Feb/Mar so cafe will be down for a period. Looking to bring back and improve things when they do
- Assessment of programs which are working and should continue, which are not and maybe stop; survey to gather input on wants/needs
- Redefine the role of the Council, had not been part of the program process before, would like to be more than 'rubber stamp' approval; next COA meeting to look into the COA scope, mission, etc. Need to have full COA membership involved
- Friends of Franklin Elders would like accounting for what they have provided and look to help as things go forward
- "best meeting since I've been on the board"
Meeting agenda => https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/untitled_document.pdf
Link to Council on Aging (including membership) -> https://www.franklinma.gov/council-aging
- Ready for live reporting of the #coa0111 Council on Aging meeting about to begin
- Town administrator Jamie Hellen arrives and meeting commences. Introduces new Senior Center director Danielle Hopkins. Deputy director Christina LaRoche also introduced. They provide their background #coa0111
- Correction LaRose not LaRoche #coa0111
- Round of intros of attendees, only folks on Zoom had appeared to be nefarious folks and removed. #coa0111
- Deputy director added to senior center to bring alignment with other town Dept. Had been gradually building budget with part-time resources #coa0111
- Christina to primarily handle day to day, Danielle to focus on personnel, long term planning, etc #coa0111 Yesterday was first day on job, so getting a feel for it
- Job posted yesterday for chef and kitchen manager. Will take time to fulfill role. #coa0111 cleaning was done, broken furniture taken care of, additional inspection of equipment while 'down time' is here.
- Desire for better accounting on the ins/outs. Likely not reopening until later Feb/Mar. Kitchen folks had not been part of the tax work off program, looking for better volunteer structure. #coa0111 pandemic is major factor for cafe operations
- Tri-county maybe more formally helping to support the food service, how about the public schools? They already serve the students with 10 kitchens, this could be "1" more. At leverage where possible the ops program they have with weekend backpack for students ...
- Seniors have food needs on the weekend also. #coa0111 had been only 'rubber stamping' ops, would like to be more involved in programming, and then communications, and plans for execution. COA is rather loose.
- Some things work, some things not so well, there are a lot of opinions; need to survey and assess to plan accordingly. Statement on COA read, motion to redefine at next meeting, second, passes (not sure of #) #coa0111
- New office will work with COA to determine agenda, gets posted to Town page, and then shared via all channels. GATRA is only one of many topics that can use help in getting the word out. Some use phone, internet, computer, others don't #coa0111
- Printed copies made available at stores, etc. Where possible and made aware of. #coa0111 Friends needs feedback on gifts to Senior Center, provided gift cards at Christmas for distribution. Who got them? Tri-county did print work for COA, newsletter etc.
- Friends have more than $49k to help support operations. Annual fund raising generally gets $25k (+/-). Need to do labels for this year's mailing. #coa0111 "best meeting since I've been on the board"
- Need all members engaged in the scope discussion at the next meeting #coa0111 reinforce the sign in process to ensure better counts
- Motion to adjourn, second, passes #coa0111
Angelina Silva-Perez chosen as a 2021 Scholarship by Friends Of Franklin Library
Angelina Silva-Perez was chosen as a 2021 Scholarship recipient of the Friends Of Franklin Library / In Memory of Wilma Winters.
Angelina was awarded a check for $1000.00 at the Franklin Public Library on Saturday, January 8, 2022.
It was presented by Lisa Rein and members of the Friends of Franklin Library Committee.
Angelina Silva-Perez (front) poses with members of the Friends |
Angelina's essay including details on the scholarship process can be found in the embedded file below or at this link -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/11OSIslOAUjHuixYOk5jwURU6SO8rz-ya/view?usp=sharing
Wednesday, January 5, 2022
Franklin Newcomers & Friends - meeting Jan 19 - a game night!
We will also be collecting personal care items and cleaning supplies for the Franklin Food Pantry. Please bring one or more items from the following list: shampoo (8 oz-24 oz), conditioner (8 oz-24 oz), disposable razors, hand and body lotion (8 oz-24 oz), liquid hand soap (6 oz-24 oz), Scott’s toilet paper (single WRAPPED roll 1000 sheets), cleaning wipes, all purpose cleaner spray (32 oz), ajax or comet cleansers.
Come join us and have fun while you make connections in your community. We are a multi-generational club offering a wide range of activities for all ages with an emphasis on fun and camaraderie. We are a member-driven organization and are always excited to welcome new faces and new ideas.
No need to be a newcomer to the area…residents of Franklin (or any surrounding town that doesn't have a Newcomers Club) are welcome to join us. We run our meetings September through May on the 3rd Wednesday of the month (occasionally we switch Wednesdays to accommodate holidays or speakers) upstairs in a private room at “3” Restaurant, 461 W. Central Street, Franklin.
Additionally, we hold many fun and varied events to stay connected throughout the year. Look for us on our Meetup page for more information. https://www.meetup.com/Franklin-Newcomers-Friends
Franklin Newcomers & Friends - meeting Jan 19 - a game night! |
Sunday, November 28, 2021
Franklin Newcomers and Friends: Annual Yankee Swap and Holiday Party - Dec 15
No need to be a newcomer to the area . . . and no need to RSVP. Come join us and have fun while you make connections in your community. We are a multi-generational club offering a wide range of activities for all ages with an emphasis on fun and camaraderie. We are a member driven organization and are always excited to welcome new faces and new ideas.
Residents of Franklin, or any surrounding town that doesn't have a Newcomers Club, are welcome to join us the 3rd Wednesday of the month. Occasionally, special circumstances may cause us to switch Wednesdays. We run our meetings September through May. We also hold many fun and varied events throughout the year to stay connected. We meet at “3” Restaurant, 461 W. Central Street, Franklin, upstairs in a private room.
So come join us on the 3rd Wednesday at “3”!
Look for us on our Meetup and Facebook pages for more information.
https://www.meetup.com/Franklin-Newcomers-Friends
https://facebook.com/FranklinNewcomersFriendsClub
Monday, October 18, 2021
Reminder: Not just for newcomers . . .
Come join your friends and neighbors at the Franklin Newcomers & Friends Club monthly Meeting. Meet us upstairs at "3" Restaurant on Wednesday, October 20th at 7:30. We are pleased to announce that Mary Olsson, Chair of the Franklin Historical Commission, will be our speaker. Mary will explain the history of the town as well as provide some information about the Franklin Historical Museum and volunteer opportunities that are available. Please join us for an informative presentation. Complimentary appetizers and beverages will be served and a cash bar is available.
No need to be a newcomer to the area . . . and no need to RSVP. Come join us and have fun while you make connections in your community. We are a multi-generational club offering a wide range of activities for all ages with an emphasis on fun and camaraderie. We are a member driven organization and are always excited to welcome new faces and new ideas.
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Not just for Newcomers . . . |
Residents of Franklin, or any surrounding town that doesn't have a Newcomers Club, are welcome to join us the 3rd Wednesday of the month. We run our meetings September through May. We also hold many fun and varied events throughout the year to stay connected. We meet at “3” Restaurant, 461 W. Central Street, Franklin, upstairs in a private room.
So come join us on the 3rd Wednesday at “3”!
Look for us on our Meetup and Facebook pages for more information.
https://www.meetup.com/Franklin-Newcomers-Friends https://facebook.com/FranklinNewcomersFriendsClub
Friday, October 8, 2021
Not just for Newcomers . . .
Come join your friends and neighbors at the Franklin Newcomers & Friends Club monthly Meeting. Meet us upstairs at "3" Restaurant on Wednesday, October 20th at 7:30. We are pleased to announce that Mary Olsson, Chair of the Franklin Historical Commission, will be our speaker. Mary will explain the history of the town as well as provide some information about the Franklin Historical Museum and volunteer opportunities that are available. Please join us for an informative presentation. Complimentary appetizers and beverages will be served and a cash bar is available.
No need to be a newcomer to the area . . . and no need to RSVP. Come join us and have fun while you make connections in your community. We are a multi-generational club offering a wide range of activities for all ages with an emphasis on fun and camaraderie. We are a member driven organization and are always excited to welcome new faces and new ideas.
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Not just for Newcomers . . . |
Residents of Franklin, or any surrounding town that doesn't have a Newcomers Club, are welcome to join us the 3rd Wednesday of the month. We run our meetings September through May. We also hold many fun and varied events throughout the year to stay connected. We meet at “3” Restaurant, 461 W. Central Street, Franklin, upstairs in a private room.
So come join us on the 3rd Wednesday at “3”!
Look for us on our Meetup and Facebook pages for more information.
https://www.meetup.com/Franklin-Newcomers-Friends https://facebook.com/FranklinNewcomersFriendsClub