Franklin Newcomers and Friends are back!!!

We're pleased to announce that the Franklin Newcomers and Friends are back!!  We're excited to be able to hold our monthly meetings again.   One change that we've made is that we now meet on the 3rd Wednesday of the month at "3" Restaurant in Franklin.  We previously met on the 2nd Wednesday . . . "3 at 3" is much easier to remember!

This month, in addition to reconnecting with members and welcoming new friends, we'll be highlighting a few local charities and how to get involved. We'll also share more about Newcomers and the kind of activities and events that we offer.

Come join your Franklin friends and neighbors at our next monthly gathering on Wednesday, September 15th. We meet upstairs at "3" Restaurant at 7:30 PM on the 3rd Wednesday of each month.  We welcome any resident of Franklin, or a surrounding town that doesn't have a Newcomers Club, to join us.   "3" Restaurant is located at 461 West Central Street, Franklin. Complimentary appetizers and beverages are provided and a cash bar is available. We hold our meetings September through May. Additionally, we host many fun and varied events to stay connected throughout the year.   We hope you'll join us!!

For more information or to join visit our Meetup Page.  

https://www.meetup.com/Franklin-Newcomers-Friends

Franklin Newcomers & Friends

The Friends of Franklin Library Scholarship awarded to Emily Vinson

Emily Vinson, a 2020 Franklin High School graduate, has won The Friends of Franklin Library Scholarship in Memory of Wilma Winters. She received $1,000 toward the cost of her college education.

Vinson was selected as the contest winner based on her essay about a book that changed her thinking, "Becoming" by Michelle Obama. The former first lady's autobiography, Vinson wrote, inspired her to persevere through difficulties and to serve her community. 

"In these challenging times today, I hoped what I learned in the book 'Becoming' can help me focus on the positive, recognize there is still good in the world, and help others," Vinson wrote.

Now a Providence College student, Vinson has volunteered at the library, senior center and elsewhere. She also served as a basketball referee through the Franklin Recreation Department, an experience she used in her essay as an example of how perseverance turned her from a soft-spoken, unsure official to a confident one that over time earned the respect of players and coaches.

The Friends of Franklin Library established its scholarship program in 2014 as part of an effort to honor 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. Winters died in 2011, leaving a sizable donation to The Friends. 

The scholarship program has assisted college-bound Franklin students in each of the past seven years. It will be awarded again this year to a member of the Class of 2021.  

Lisa Rein, left, a Friends of Franklin Library board member, presents a check to Emily Vinson, winner of the Friends of Franklin Library Scholarship in Memory of Wilma Winters

Franklin Newcomers and Friends Update

We may be paused, but we're still here!

Typically we would be announcing our upcoming September Meeting at this time.  But like everyone and everything else, we're social distancing and staying safe.

BUT, that doesn't mean we're not here if you need us!

Our goal remains to enrich the lives of new and long-time residents of Franklin and nearby towns.  Through our monthly meetings, common interest groups and volunteerism we aim to foster a sense of community as well as new and lasting friendships.  

You can keep up with our plans for the 2020/2021 season on our Facebook and Meetup pages.  

www.facebook.com/FranklinNewcomersFriendsClub/

www.meetup.com/Franklin-Newcomers-Friends/

Check in with us on social media to learn about virtual and social distance gatherings and plans for when we can restart our programs and Craft Fair.  And you can always reach out to us with any questions about Franklin or if you're looking to make a social connection.  It is because of and through this organization that we have found lifelong friends!  We love hearing new ideas so please share . . . but , we especially love welcoming new friends

Franklin Newcomers and Friends Update

Franklin Newcomers and Friends features Steve Sherlock - March 11

Come join your friends and neighbors at the Franklin Newcomers and Friends monthly Meeting. Meet us upstairs at "3" Restaurant on Wednesday, March 11 at 7:30. 

We are so pleased to welcome Steve Sherlock as our speaker. He single-handedly created Franklin Matters in 2007, a daily source of information about everything that matters in Franklin. Anyone can sign up for a free subscription on Franklinmatters.org. In addition to attending local government meetings, school events and supporting local community organizations, Steve provides some photojournalism as he reports on his weekly walks around our community. He is a true treasure in Franklin; a local Hero! It will be an interesting and informative evening!

Franklin Newcomers and Friends

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 2nd Wednesday of the month (occasionally we switch Wednesdays to accommodate holidays or speakers). We run our meetings September through May. 

We meet at “3” Restaurant, 461 W. Central Street, Franklin, upstairs in a private room. Complimentary hot appetizers and beverages are provided and a cash bar is available.

Additionally, we hold many fun and varied events to stay connected throughout the year. Look for us on our website www.franklinnewcomers.com, or on our Facebook page or on Meetup.com, Franklin Newcomers & Friends Club. 


Yes, this is a public appearance which I will make and be the speaker, not the reporter. I have a few stories to tell, some photos to share, and a few tips on navigating the news. Bring your questions!

Franklin Newcomers and Friends: Steve Sherlock to speak - March 11

The Franklin Newcomers & Friends will meet at 7:30 PM March 11 at “3” Restaurant, 461 W. Central St., Franklin.

The group will welcome local resident Steve Sherlock, who created Franklin Matters in 2007, a daily source of information about everything that matters in Franklin. In addition to attending local government meetings, school events and supporting local community organizations, and sharing newspaper articles of interest to Franklin, Sherlock provides photos as he reports on his weekly walks around the community.

The group will meet upstairs at “3″ Restaurant. There is no need to RSVP. Anyone from Franklin or local towns that don’t have newcomers organizations is welcome. This is a multi-generational club offering a wide range of activities for all ages with an emphasis on fun and camaraderie.

Complimentary hot appetizers and beverages are provided and a cash bar is available. Additionally, the Newcomers hold many events to stay connected throughout the year.

For information, visit http://franklinnewcomers.com.

If you don't already subscribe to Franklin Matters, you can do so online
https://www.franklinmatters.org/p/welcome.html

Franklin Newcomers and Friends: Steve Sherlock to speak - March 11

Franklin Newcomers and Friends meeting - Feb 12

Come join your friends and neighbors at the Franklin Newcomers and Friends monthly Meeting. Meet us upstairs at "3" Restaurant on Wednesday, February 12 at 7:30 PM.

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 2nd Wednesday of the month (occasionally we switch Wednesdays to accommodate holidays or speakers). We run our meetings September through May. We meet at “3” Restaurant, 461 W. Central Street, Franklin, upstairs in a private room. Complimentary hot appetizers and beverages are provided and a cash bar is available.


Additionally, we hold many fun and varied events to stay connected throughout the year. Look for us on our website www.franklinnewcomers.com, or on our Facebook page or on Meetup.com, Franklin Newcomers & Friends Club.

 

Franklin Newcomers and Friends meeting - Feb 12

Newcomers and Friends Club: JANUARY 8 Meeting features Stephanie McBride a Spiritual Medium

Come join your friends and neighbors at the Franklin Newcomers and Friends monthly Meeting. Meet us upstairs at "3" Restaurant on Wednesday, January 8 at 7:30. 

We're excited to host Stephanie McBride, a Spiritual Medium from Franklin. Stephanie will tell us about herself and how she communicates with those who have passed and want to send a message to their loved ones. She will share some stories of people she has helped and will have time to answer some of our questions. It will be an interesting and informative evening!

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 2nd Wednesday of the month (occasionally we switch Wednesdays to accommodate holidays or speakers). We run our meetings September through May. We meet at "3" Restaurant, 461 W. Central Street, Franklin, upstairs in a private room. Complimentary hot appetizers and beverages are provided and a cash bar is available. 

JANUARY 8 Meeting features Stephanie McBride a Spiritual Medium

Additionally, we hold many fun and varied events to stay connected throughout the year. Look for us on our website www.franklinnewcomers.com, or on our Facebook page or on Meetup.com, Franklin Newcomers & Friends Club. 

Franklin Newcomers and Friends - Yankee Swap - Dec 11

Come join your Franklin friends and neighbors at the Franklin Newcomers and Friends annual Yankee Swap and Holiday Party. Meet us upstairs at "3" Restaurant on Wednesday, December 11 at 7:30. To participate in the swap, bring a wrapped gift ($20 limit) and get one in return during the swap - you never know what you'll get! No need to RSVP, just join us!

We invite any resident of Franklin, or a surrounding town that doesn't have a Newcomers Club, to join us at "3" Restaurant, 461 West Central Street, Franklin. Complimentary appetizers and beverages are provided and a cash bar is available. We meet upstairs at 7:30 PM on the 2nd Wednesday of the month. We run our meetings September through May. Additionally, we hold many fun and varied events to stay connected throughout the year.

For more information, please visit our website www.franklinnewcomers.com or our Facebook page, Franklin Newcomers & Friends Club.

Franklin Newcomers and Friends - Yankee Swap - Dec 11

Franklin Newcomers and Friends - Nov 20

The Franklin Newcomers and Friends club welcomes you to attend our November event. We are meeting one week later than our usual 2nd Wednesday of the month. On November 20th, we’re hosting two speakers . . . Town Administrator Jamie Hellen and Franklin School Superintendent Sara Ahern. They’ll be updating us regarding the FY 2021 Budget and other important matters in Franklin. Come with your questions!

No need to RSVP, just join us at 7:30 at “3”! We run our meetings September through May at “3” Restaurant, 461 W. Central Street, Franklin. Heavy appetizers and beverages are complimentary; a cash bar is available.

Residents of Franklin, or any surrounding town that doesn't have a Newcomers organization, are welcome to join us the 2nd Wednesday of the month (occasionally we switch Wednesdays to accommodate holidays or speakers).

Additionally, we hold many fun and varied events to stay connected throughout the year. Look for us on our website www.franklinnewcomers.com, or on our Facebook page or on Meetup.com, Franklin Newcomers & Friends Club.

 

Franklin Newcomers & Friends meeting: Nov 20

Franklin Newcomers & Friends meeting: Nov 20

The Franklin Newcomers and Friends club welcomes you to attend our November event. We are meeting one week later than our usual 2nd Wednesday of the month. On November 20th, we’re hosting two speakers . . . Town Administrator Jamie Hellen and Franklin School Superintendent Sara Ahern. They’ll be updating us regarding the FY 2021 Budget and other important matters in Franklin. Come with your questions!

No need to RSVP, just join us at 7:30 at “3”! We run our meetings September through May at “3” Restaurant, 461 W. Central Street, Franklin. Heavy appetizers and beverages are complimentary; a cash bar is available.

Residents of Franklin, or any surrounding town that doesn't have a Newcomers organization, are welcome to join us the 2nd Wednesday of the month (occasionally we switch Wednesdays to accommodate holidays or speakers).

Additionally, we hold many fun and varied events to stay connected throughout the year. Look for us on our website www.franklinnewcomers.com, or on our Facebook page or on Meetup.com, Franklin Newcomers & Friends Club.

 

Franklin Newcomers & Friends meeting: Nov 20

Head's up on the Newcomers and Friends meetings for October/November 2019

Not just for Newcomers . . . 

Two Great Wednesday Nights . . . mark your calendar!!!

On October 9th, Rick Lacroix will introduce us to The Dementia Friends. This global movement’s purpose is to educate people about dementia and ways they could help make a difference in their communities, by making them friendly places for people living with Dementia. By attending this session you become a Dementia Friend!

Newcomers and Friends meetings

This November we’re meeting one week later than our usual 2nd Wednesday of the month. On November 20th, we’re hosting two speakers . . . Town Administrator Jamie Helen and Franklin School Superintendent Sara Ahern. They’ll be updating us regarding the FY2021 Budget and other important matters in Franklin. Come with your questions! 

No need to RSVP, just join us at 7:30 at “3”! We run our meetings September through May at “3” Restaurant, 461 W. Central Street, Franklin. Heavy appetizers and beverages are complimentary; a cash bar is available.

Residents of Franklin, or any surrounding town that doesn't have a Newcomers organization, are welcome to join us the 2nd Wednesday of the month (occasionally we switch Wednesdays to accommodate holidays or speakers). 

Additionally, we hold many fun and varied events to stay connected throughout the year. Look for us on our website www.franklinnewcomers.com, or on our Facebook page or on Meetup.com, Franklin Newcomers & Friends Club.

 

The Newcomers are back! - Wednesday, September 11

Come join your friends and neighbors at the Franklin Newcomers and Friends monthly Meeting. Meet us upstairs at "3" Restaurant on Wednesday, September 11th at 7:30 PM.

The Newcomers are back!

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 2nd Wednesday of the month (occasionally we switch Wednesdays to accommodate holidays or speakers). 

We run our meetings September through May. We meet at "3" Restaurant, 461 W. Central Street, Franklin, upstairs in a private room. Complimentary hot appetizers and beverages are provided and a cash bar is available.

Additionally, we hold many fun and varied events to stay connected throughout the year. Look for us on our website www.franklinnewcomers.com, or on our Facebook page or on Meetup.com, Franklin Newcomers & Friends Club.

Friends of the Franklin Library - brochure

The Friends of the Franklin Library membership brochure is available for reading and downloading. Are you already a member? Why not join?


"We encourage public support for continuing development of the library and supplement the library budget. We enhance the library community by providing a combination of programming, services, and financial support, including:

• Children’s Programs and Concerts
• Summer Reading Program
• Book, Music, and Movie Supplements to the Library Collection
• Adult and Teen Programs and Concerts
• Book Discussion Group
• Educational Materials"

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczQUNsdEhibzVTUmJMU0dYRDVVS0FtYWdpWWdj/view?usp=sharing

Friends of the Franklin Library - brochure

Reminder: You're Invited - A reception to celebrate the completion of the Library patio - Jun 1

You're Invited - A reception to celebrate the completion of the Library patio - Jun 1

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Friends of the Franklin Library * P.O. Box 147 * Franklin, MA  02038 * fofl02038@gmail.com

Friends of Franklin Library: Brick Patio Celebration - June 1

To celebrate the Franklin Public Library's new brick patio, the Friends of Franklin Library will host a reception on Saturday, June 1, from 2 to 4 PM at the library.

The patio, located at the library's School Street entrance, consists of thousands of bricks. What makes it special is the inclusion of hundreds of individually engraved bricks. Beginning in 2017, residents and businesses were invited to have a brick engraved with a name or message of their choosing. Interest in these engraved bricks wildly exceeded expectations, prompting a second order to be placed in 2018. In all, 750 engraved bricks were purchased and installed.

Friends of Franklin Library: Brick Patio

In addition, several donors stepped forward to sponsor the purchase of benches and large flower urns for the patio area and front entrance.

The Friends of Franklin Library, which organized the brick campaign, will host the June 1 event as a way to thank donors and to invite the public to take note of the new space. All are invited to participate in this special celebration. 

Refreshments will be served. A room inside is available, too, in case of bad weather.

Those who purchased bricks will be able to request a printed certificate of acknowledgement.

Proceeds from the brick sale have been used to supplement library programs. Since 1992, Friends of Franklin Library has raised and donated more than $500,000. Recent projects have included the purchase of new tables and chairs in the library's main reading room, funding of summer children's programs, and the institution of an annual scholarship program for a graduating senior at Franklin High School.

Franklin Matters is proud to be a brick sponsor

Franklin Newcomers and Friends Club - May 1 - last one of the season

Not just for Newcomers . . .

Come join your friends and neighbors at the Franklin Newcomers and Friends Club monthly Meeting. Meet us upstairs at "3" Restaurant on Wednesday, May 1st at 7:30 PM.
This month we welcome our Deputy Town Administrator, Jamie Hellen. Our town budget, construction, commercial and residential development are just some of the topics that he will address. There will be no shortage of topics . . . come bring your questions!

Franklin Newcomers
and Friends Club

We are a non-profit social and service organization. We aim to promote good fellowship within the community through social and charitable activities. It is a wonderful opportunity to meet new friends, develop lasting friendships and give back to the community.

No need to RSVP, just join us! We are a multi-generational club offering a wide range of activities for all ages and abilities with an emphasis on fun and camaraderie. As a member driven organization . . . your ideas count and we want to implement them!

Residents of Franklin, or any surrounding town that doesn't have a Newcomers organization, are welcome to join us the 2nd Wednesday of the month (occasionally we switch Wednesdays to accommodate holidays or speakers). 

We run our meetings September through May at “3” Restaurant, 461 W. Central Street, Franklin. Heavy appetizers and beverages are complimentary; a cash bar is available.

Additionally, we hold many fun and varied events to stay connected throughout the year. Look for us on our website www.franklinnewcomers.com, or on our Facebook page or on Meetup.com, Franklin Newcomers & Friends Club.

Friends of Franklin Library Receives $15,000 gift from Middlesex Savings Bank

The Friends of Franklin Library announces the receipt of a $15,000 gift from Middlesex Savings Bank. The donation will allow the organization to continue its work aiding programs at the Franklin Public Library.

“We would like to extend our thanks to Middlesex Savings Bank for their generous donation,” said Joseph L. Mullen, president of Friends of Franklin Library. Mullen noted that the donation is one of the largest made to the organization in recent years.

The Friends is an independent, nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization that has supported library programs in Franklin for more than 20 years. Most recently, the group spearheaded the installation of 750 engraved bricks in the new patio outside the library’s School Street entrance, oversaw the addition of several benches and planters on the library grounds, and paid for new tables and chairs in the main reading room.

The recently renovated and expanded library on Main Street is home to a collection of books donated to the town by Benjamin Franklin. When town leaders decided in 1790 that those books should be made available for any resident to borrow, the collection became the first public lending library in America.

“Local libraries play a major role in making our communities the special places that they are,” said Mike McAuliffe, president and CEO of Middlesex Savings Bank. “They provide important resources that residents of all ages can utilize and enjoy. We are pleased to be making this gift to help support all that they do.”

The $15,000 gift to Friends of Franklin Library is part of a cumulative gift of $1.4 million that Middlesex Savings Bank distributed to 84 non-profit organizations including libraries, food pantries and senior centers. Natick-based Middlesex Savings Bank, founded in 1835, is one of the largest independent banks in Massachusetts. It has 30 branch offices located in 25 area communities.

Michael McAuliffe, CEO of Middlesex Savings Bank, with Friends of Franklin Library board members Kathie Nosek (center) and Maria Lucier (right) (Middlesex Bank photo)

Newcomers and Friends Club: April Meeting Update

Not just for Newcomers . . .

Come join your friends and neighbors at the Franklin Newcomers and Friends Club monthly Meeting. Meet us upstairs at "3" Restaurant on Wednesday, April 10 at 7:30.

The Franklin Newcomers and Friends Club is a non-profit social and service organization. Our purpose is to extend a welcoming hand to both newcomers and existing residents. Our goal is to promote good fellowship within the community through social and charitable activities. It is a wonderful opportunity to meet new friends, develop lasting friendships and give back to the community where we live.

No need to RSVP, just join us! We are a multi-generational club offering a wide range of activities for all ages and abilities with an emphasis on fun and camaraderie. As a member driven organization . . . your ideas count and we want to implement them!

Newcomers and Friends Club

Residents of Franklin, or any surrounding town that doesn't have a Newcomers organization, are welcome to join us the 2nd Wednesday of the month (occasionally we switch Wednesdays to accommodate holidays or speakers). 

We run our meetings September through May. We meet at "3" Restaurant, 461 W. Central Street, Franklin, upstairs in a private room. Complimentary hot appetizers and beverages are provided and a cash bar is available.

Additionally, we hold many fun and varied events to stay connected throughout the year. Look for us on our website www.franklinnewcomers.com, or on our Facebook page or on Meetup.com, Franklin Newcomers & Friends Club

Newcomers and Friends Club: Book/White Elephant Swap - Jan 16

Not just for Newcomers . . .

Since it’s the New Year, why not start fresh! The Newcomers are cleaning off our bookshelves and emptying our closets. We’re having a Book and/or White Elephant Swap. Whatever you bring, you’ll bring home something similar. So, if you want to participate, bring a wrapped (brown paper or foil will do!!!) book and/or unwanted Holiday Gift to swap. Books of fiction or cookbooks are suggested.

We’re also doing a collection drive for the Franklin Food Pantry. We’re collecting bars of soap . . . please bring wrapped bars of soap to donate if you’d like to participate.

Newcomers and Friends Club:
Book/White Elephant Swap - Jan 16

Come join your Franklin friends and neighbors at the Franklin Newcomers and Friends monthly Meeting. Meet us upstairs at "3" Restaurant on Wednesday, January 16 at 7:30. Due to a conflict, we had to change our January date.

No need to RSVP, just join us to 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. As a member driven organization . . . your ideas count and we want to hear them!

Residents of Franklin, or any surrounding town that doesn't have a Newcomers Club, are welcome to join us the 2nd Wednesday of the month (occasionally we switch Wednesdays to accommodate holidays or speakers). We run our meetings September through May. We meet at “3” Restaurant, 461 W. Central Street, Franklin, upstairs in a private room. Complimentary hot appetizers and beverages are provided and a cash bar is available.

Additionally, we hold many fun and varied events to stay connected throughout the year. Look for us on our website www.franklinnewcomers.com, or on our Facebook page or on Meetup.com, Franklin Newcomers and Friends Club.

Franklin Newcomers and Friends 45th annual Craft Fair - Nov 10

Less than a week to go until the Franklin Newcomers and Friends 45th annual Craft Fair! 

It will be held this Saturday, November 10, from 9 AM to 3 PM at the Tri-County High School in Franklin. 

Entry fee is $3, no charge for children ages 12 and under.

In addition to all the great artisans, bake table items and raffle prizes, we'll be collecting donations for the Franklin Food Pantry. 

Please consider bringing some items on their current needs list:

• Flour (white, 2 lbs. or larger)
• Coffee
• White tuna
• Stuffing
• Granola bars
• Small boxes of cereal
• Apple filling
• Soap bars
• Toothbrushes
• Feminine hygiene products
• Razors
• Toothpaste
• Deodorant

Thank you in advance for your donations!

Franklin Newcomers and Friends 45th annual Craft Fair - Nov 10