What's happening in Franklin, MA: Sunday, April 6, 2025 ???

Sunday, April 6

** Franklin Art Association Art Show and Sale Exhibit (Norfolk Public Library)

10:00am Climate: What will you do? (First Universalist Society Franklin)

11:00am Sunday Brunch (Teddy Gallagher's Irish Pub)

11:00am POSTPONED due to weather Franklin Fest (Longley Athletic Complex)

1:00pm Franklin Historical Museum (always free) 

2:00pm We stand with our Jewish neighbors (Franklin Town Common)

2:00pm Freaky Friday (Dean College Main Stage Theater)

3:00pm LiveARTS: Kingsley Chen (First Universalist Society Franklin)

7:00pm Rehearsal for Distinguished Young Women (Patti Eisenhauer Dance Center)

For additional details on Library & Senior Center events ->  

https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar.aspx?CID=37,24&showPastEvents=false

** NO Town Meetings today   **

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

What's happening today in Franklin? 

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 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

We stand with our Jewish neighbors - Sunday, April 6 at 2 PM

Following an incident of vandalism at Temple Etz Chaim on Tuesday night
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/04/franklin-police-report-investigations.html the Franklin Interfaith Council and Franklin Freedom Team invite you to stand in solidarity and support of our Jewish neighbors. 

 

We stand with our Jewish neighbors

Antisemitism is on the rise all over our country, and it’s not OK. We don’t accept it and won’t allow it to spread in Franklin. Franklin stands for love.

Let’s show the Jewish community and the Temple Etz Chaim congregation that they’re not alone; that we people of all faiths stand with them.

THIS Sunday, April 6, 2025
2 PM on Franklin Town Common

For more information contact:

The Rev Kathy McAdams
Vice President, Franklin Interfaith Council
857-237-9428
Rector@StJohnsFranklinMA.or

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Sunday, November 24, 2024 ???

Sunday, November 24

• Fiber Art Installation (Franklin Public Library)
• Winter Coat Drive (4 drop off locations)

1:00pm Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

1:15pm 3rd Sunday: Music - "Sounds of the Season" (Franklin Historical Museum)

2:00pm New Thespian Showcase (Dean College Main Stage Theater)

7:00pm Interfaith Council Thanksgiving Service (First Universalist Society in Franklin; FUSF)

** NO  Town Meetings today   **

What's happening today in Franklin? 

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

Why are there multiple calendars?

Respectfully, the Library and Senior Center calendars are too full of events to include all their events so we tend to focus on the major events. Town and School meetings are also kept separate. Links for all the calendars are shared here:

Find the full Community event calendar  https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://bit.ly/Submit2Calendar

The Library calendar of events ->    calendar link

The Senior Center calendar of events ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/node/39/events/upcoming

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

Interfaith Council Annual Thanksgiving Service - Nov 24, 7:00 PM

The Interfaith Council Annual Thanksgiving Service is scheduled for Sunday, Nov 24 at 7 PM. This is a 1-hour service representing the participating faith organizations will be held at the First Universalist Society in Franklin (FUSF).

if you can't make it in person, the service will be live streamed by Franklin TV to YouTube. You can find it ->  https://bit.ly/FTV-AllAccess

Interfaith Council Annual Thanksgiving Service - Nov 24, 7:00 PM

Interfaith Thanksgiving Service - Nov 24, at 7 PM

Interfaith Thanksgiving Service  - Nov 24, at 7 PM

The annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Service will be on Sunday, November 24, beginning at 7 PM at First Universalist Society of Franklin (FUSF) (262 Chestnut Street, Franklin). 

All are welcome.

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Sunday, October 27, 2024 ???

Sunday, October 27

7 – 7:30am Fiber Art Installation (Franklin Public Library) 

9am – 1pm Early Voting (Town Clerk's Office, 355 E Central St) 

12 – 4pm 5th Annual Pumpkin Patch (St John's Episcopal Church) 

1 – 4pm Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

2 – 4:30pm FPAC: The School of Rock (THE BLACK BOX) 

3 – 5pm LiveARTS: Michael Lewin (First Universalist Society Franklin) 

4 – 5pm Franklin Celebration of Love and Diversity (Franklin Town Common)

**  NO Town Meetings today   **

What's happening today in Franklin? 

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

Why are there multiple calendars?

Respectfully, the Library and Senior Center calendars are too full of events to include all their events so we tend to focus on the major events. Town and School meetings are also kept separate. Links for all the calendars are shared here:

Find the full Community event calendar  https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://bit.ly/Submit2Calendar

The Library calendar of events ->    calendar link

The Senior Center calendar of events ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/node/39/events/upcoming

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

Event in support of St. Mary’s, Sunday, Oct 27 at 4 PM

Franklin Celebration of Love and Diversity:  Responding to violence with compassion and unity

In the wake of suspected arson at St Mary's, this is a time to be together, to support each other, to pray and to sing. Sunday, October 27 at 4 PM on the Franklin Town Common

Sponsored by the Franklin Interfaith Council and the Franklin Freedom Team

Franklin Town Common

Franklin Celebration of Love and Diversity: Responding to violence with compassion and unity - Oct 27 at 4 PM

Franklin Town Common

Franklin Celebration of Love and Diversity:

Responding to violence with compassion and unity

Sunday, October 27 at 4 PM

Franklin Town Common

 

Sponsored by the Franklin Interfaith Council and the Franklin Freedom Team

In the wake of suspected arson at St Mary's, this is a time to be together, to support each other, to pray and to sing.

Discussion on the intersection of Patriotism and Christianity - Oct 2

Patriotism and Christianity - Oct 2

"Join Pastor Jacob, Rev. Kathy McAdams from St John's Episcopal Church, and Rev. Doreen Oughton from the Franklin Federated Church on Wednesday, October 2 from 7-8:30p, as we discuss the intersection of Patriotism and Christianity, define Christian Nationalism, and discuss ways of responding to it. 

To learn more, go to 

https://franklinumc.org/2024/09/09/christianity-patriotism-a-discussion/

 

Shared from ->  https://www.facebook.com/share/p/Px9D4TGYCGVrVpD1

Can you be a Christian AND a Patriot? 3 Franklin pastors schedule a discussion for Weds, Oct 2

Can you be a Christian AND a Patriot?

What is the place of patriotism in Christianity?

Three local pastors: Jacob Juncker, Kathy McAdams, and Doreen Oughton help to define “Christian” Nationalism, discuss why it’s not actually Christian or patriotic, and explore ways that we can all resist it.

Christian Nationalism involves the melding of the worship of cross and flag, confusion of Christian with American values, and the amassing of wealth and power over, and fear of, others. 

“Christian nationalism is the belief that the American nation is defined by Christianity, and that the government should take active steps to keep it that way. Popularly, Christian nationalists assert that America is and must remain a ‘Christian nation’—not merely as an observation about American history, but as a prescriptive program for what America must continue to be in the future. “ – Paul D. Miller, “What Is Christian Nationalism?”; Christianity Today, February 3, 2021

Wednesday, October 2, from 7-8:30 PM

At Franklin United Methodist Church and on Zoom

For more information or for Zoom link: Email jacob@franklinumc.org

Can you be a Christian AND a Patriot?  3 Franklin pastors schedule a discussion for Weds, Oct 2

LOVEfranklin // EA Shelter Humanitarian Aid UPDATE (rev.20240319)

Dear friends, community members, and all who #LOVEfranklin,

I want to start by offering my apologies for being so long in updating you on the Franklin Interfaith Council's efforts to support the families placed at the EA Shelter in Franklin. The population at the shelter is relatively stable and most services and supports put in place by the state are operating pretty smooth. Work permits are being issued and families are becoming more integrated into the community we all love so much. Regular meetings of stakeholders, convened both by the Town of Franklin and by the Franklin Interfaith Council, have ceased and are meeting only as needed.

As I have mentioned in past posts, our support is evolving. Due to changing needs, and the challenge of securing volunteers, we have discontinued the After-School Program. Many thanks are due Rev. Kathy McAdams and her team of volunteers for rapidly getting this program off the ground and filling an important need at the shelter. For those individuals looking to volunteer in a similar way, we encourage you to consider volunteering with the ESL classes and other outreach being offered through the Franklin Public Library.

As we move from winter into spring, and as most of the families are receiving supplemental income, the mass distribution of emergency clothing will be evolving. The need for clothing persists beyond the shelter. The effort facilitated by the Franklin Interfaith Council will be continuing but under the umbrella of the Franklin United Methodist Church. This new ministry is tentatively being called the Community Closet @FranklinUMC. Regular hours are being established for all community members, not only those living at the EA Shelter, to come and pick out the clothing they need, free of charge. As we make this transition, I am looking for volunteers to help sort and fold donations. We are no longer looking for donations of winter items, but would welcome spring/summer clothing. If you'd like to signup to help with the sorting, click the dates/links below:

• Friday, March 22, 10-11:30a
• Tuesday, March 26, 10-11:30a
• Tuesday, April 2, 10-11:30a
• Tuesday, April 9, 10-11:30a
• Tuesday, April 23, 10-11:30a
• Tuesday, April 30, 10-11:30a

As we evolve into this new community ministry, the Franklin United Methodist Church (FranklinUMC) will continue looking for volunteers to help. If you have any questions, feel free to email me at jacob@franklinumc.org. You will be able to find updates and opportunities to volunteer with this effort at franklinumc.org.

The Franklin Interfaith Council is continuing to look for ways of supporting our new community members. As new opportunities arise, we will do our best to keep you updated. We have several things "in the works" so "stay tuned" for those announcements.

Thank you all for the many ways in which you have supported our work over these last (almost) six months. The work we have done together in support of the families at the EA shelter has been nothing short of miraculous and life-transforming. Personally, I am humbled by your generosity and compassion and immensely proud of you and this community for the ways in which we sought, and continue to seek, to welcome these new members of our community. Thank you, from the deepest part of my heart, for the many ways you have and will continue to #LOVEfranklin.

Peace.

Rev. Dr. Jacob W. Juncker

President, Franklin Interfaith Council

Pastor, Franklin United Methodist Church

To sign up for one of the volunteer options, follow this link ->

https://franklininterfaith.org/lovefranklin-ea-shelter-humanitarian-aid-update-rev-20240319/

LOVEfranklin // EA Shelter Humanitarian Aid UPDATE (rev.20240319)

Franklin Faith Forum - WFPR: 035 - Religion and the Environment (audio)

In this episode, Dr. Pandora Carlucci and Jay Horrigan are joined by Reverend Juncker, Reverend Oughton and Rabbi Alpert to talk about the relationship between religion and the environment; how faith ties into taking care of the planet, what different religious texts say and teach and much more.

If you would like to reach out with any questions, concerns or future discussion topics you can contact franklinfaithforum@gmail.com

You can keep up to date with the Franklin Interfaith Council here:   https://www.facebook.com/FranklinInterfaithCouncil

Audio link -> https://franklin-faith-forum.captivate.fm/episode/035-religion-and-the-environment

Franklin Faith Forum - WFPR

Bringing More Faith Into Your Day

Jay Horrigan and Dr. Pandora Carlucci join Pastor Juncker, Reverend Oughton, and Rabbi Alpert to discuss faith in their congregations and how listeners can embrace faith in their own lives.

Find all the episodes -> https://franklin-faith-forum.captivate.fm/

Franklin Faith Forum - WFPR

Franklin, MA: Town Council Agenda for January 17, 2024 Meeting

Franklin Town Council

Agenda & Meeting Packet

January 17, 2024 - 7:00 PM

Meeting will be held at the Municipal Building

2nd floor, Council Chambers 355 East Central Street

1. ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM THE CHAIR

a. This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 9 and Verizon Channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by others.

b. Chair to identify members participating remotely.

c. Upcoming Town Sponsored Community Events

2. CITIZEN COMMENTS

a. Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to three minutes on a matter that is not on the agenda. The Council will not engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Town Council will give remarks appropriate consideration and may ask the Town Administrator to review the matter.

3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

a. December 20, 2023   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/december_20_2023_tc_meeting_minutes_-draft_for_review.pdf

b. January 3, 2024  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/january_3_2024_tc_meeting_minutes_-draft_for_review.pdf

4. PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS

a. Proclamation: FISH of Franklin

5. APPOINTMENTS - None Scheduled

6. PUBLIC HEARINGS - 7:00 PM - None Scheduled

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS - None Scheduled

8. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION

a. Discussion: Franklin Food Pantry Update - Tina Powderly, Executive Director 

b. Discussion: Homelessness Report - Amy Frigulietti, Deputy Town Administrator and Crisis Intervention Team (CIT)

 

9. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

a. Resolution 24-05: Termination of the Massachusetts Statewide Opioid Settlement Stabilization Fund, as well as Dedication of Revenues Thereto, as Authorized by G.L. Chapter 77 of the Acts of 2023 (Motion to Approve Resolution 24-05 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/9a._24-05_-_termination_of_and_dedication_into_the_opioid_settlement_stabilization_fund.pdf

10. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

a. Migrant Housing Update

11. SUBCOMMITTEE & AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS

a. Capital Budget Subcommittee

b. Economic Development Subcommittee

c. Budget Subcommittee

d. Master Plan Committee

e. Davis-Thayer Reuse Advisory Committee

f. Police Station Building Committee

g. GATRA Advisory Board

12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

13. COUNCIL COMMENTS

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION - None Scheduled.

15. ADJOURN

Note: Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes

Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting

The agenda doc also contains remote participation info -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/town_council_agenda_-_jan_17_2023.pdf

Franklin, MA: Town Council Agenda for January 17, 2024 Meeting

#LOVEfranklin // Emergency Shelter Humanitarian Aid UPDATE for Dec 29, 2023

As we role into year's end, we have been busy maintaining programs and beginning to shift our focus from emergency management to long-term sustainability and support for the families in the Emergency Aid (EA) Shelter in Franklin.

The After-School Program continues to offer a weekly outlet for children in elementary, middle, and high school. The program runs weekly on Wednesday afternoons (when there's not a holiday). The program is working with the hotel staff so that the program can run on days when Franklin Public Schools let out early for a half day. If you would like to learn more about the After-School Program or volunteer to help, contact Rev. Kathy McAdams at rector@stjohnsfranklinma.org.

Over the last two weeks, we have made major transitions with donation sorting at the Franklin United Methodist Church. Due to construction in the sanctuary and the inability to continue to use that space as additional storage and a walk-thru, all donations have been moved to a new, bigger location within the church on the second floor (the old balcony). This expanded space allows for more storage and a better working environment for volunteers. All volunteers must (still) be able to navigate stairs in order to enter the space.

new, bigger location within the church on the second floor

In addition to moving spaces, volunteers have also been able to pack bags of underwear, socks, and hygiene supplies to all but about 20 families that we have information for. Many thanks to everyone who has donated to the Franklin Interfaith Council's Humanitarian Aid Fund. Your contributions paid for all the socks and underwear! And, many thanks to Stop & Shop for donating the paper bags.

many thanks to Stop & Shop for donating the paper bags

As we move into the new year, the needs at the shelter are shifting. Most of the families are now receiving services that afford them with basic necessities and (in some cases) a modest income. Donations are now being used to supplement the services families are receiving. We are working to figure out what that looks like. We are trying to figure out how donations can be accessed by families in a way that brings some amount of personal agency and choice to the process. We will do our best to keep you up to date as to what those transitions look like as they are happening.

All of that being said, the Franklin Interfaith Council is continuing to solicit donations and regular volunteers to help sort the donations. You can signup to help by going to franklininterfaith.org/donation-sorting/. If you have any questions about the donation sorting or would like to sign up a group at a special time, please contact Pastor Jacob Juncker at jacob@franklinumc.org.

Below is the updated flyer detailing the specific donations we are looking for. As a reminder: all donations should be dropped off inside the main entrance of the Franklin United Methodist Church and NOT at the EA Shelter/Best Western Hotel.

Thank you all for your continued support. The work we have accomplished together is nothing short of monumental and life-changing. Thank you! If you have any questions, please email info@franklininterfaith.org.

#LOVEfranklin // Emergency Shelter Humanitarian Aid UPDATE for Dec 29, 2023

Shared from -> https://franklininterfaith.org/lovefranklin-ea-shelter-humanitarian-aid-update-rev-20231229/#

Franklin Faith Forum - WFPR: 034 - Lightness & Darkness (audio)

In this episode, Dr. Pandora Carlucci and Jay Horrigan are joined by Reverend Juncker, Reverend Oughton and Rabbi Alpert to talk about lightness and darkness, what the symbolism means in each respective faith, the story of Hanukkah, is darkness the absence of light? and much more.

If you would like to reach out with any questions, concerns or future discussion topics you can contact franklinfaithforum@gmail.com

You can keep up to date with the Franklin Interfaith Council here:   https://www.facebook.com/FranklinInterfaithCouncil

Audio link -> https://franklin-faith-forum.captivate.fm/episode/034-lightness-darkness

Franklin Faith Forum - WFPR

Bringing More Faith Into Your Day

Jay Horrigan and Dr. Pandora Carlucci join Pastor Juncker, Reverend Oughton, and Rabbi Alpert to discuss faith in their congregations and how listeners can embrace faith in their own lives.

Find all the episodes -> https://franklin-faith-forum.captivate.fm/

Franklin Faith Forum - WFPR

Interfaith Thanksgiving 2023 (video)

On the Sunday before Thanksgiving, the annual Franklin Interfaith Council Service was held and live streamed by Franklin TV. 

The video replay of that service is available here ->  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cjdn5lUg0Kc

For more about the Franklin Interfaith Council and the work they do, please visit their page ->  https://franklininterfaith.org/

Interfaith Thanksgiving 2023 (video)

#LOVEfranklin // Emergency Shelter Humanitarian Aid UPDATE for Dec 7, 2023

Everything is settling into a routine at the Emergency Shelter in Franklin. Many of the residents at the Emergency Shelter are beginning to receive state services that were, initially, slow to start. This means that our efforts will slowly begin to move from emergency meeting of needs and service gap-filling to long-term support that will ultimately help families transition out of the shelter (which is still going to be a long, slow process).

The After-School Program is now a regular part of community life and providing a helpful outlet for support and play for children in elementary, junior high, and high school. It is offered Wednesday afternoons (when there's not a half-day or holiday). If you'd like to learn more or potentially help out, contact Rev. Kathy McAdams at rector@stjohnsfranklinma.org.

The initial push for donation sorting and packing is over. Just about everyone has received warm clothes and at least one coat. That being said, there are still needs to be met and plenty of opportunities to help. 

Next week, there will be opportunities to volunteer Monday through Friday. We need to move all the donations to a new location inside the Franklin United Methodist Church (82 W. Central Street, Franklin)--from the basement to the balcony. This new location is slightly larger and will be much more convenient, especially as works begins on the church's sanctuary ceiling. You can signup to help by going to franklininterfaith.org/donation-sorting/. 

If you have any questions about the donation sorting/packing/moving or would like to sign up a group at a special time, feel free to reach out directly to me at jacob@franklinumc.org.

The Franklin Interfaith Council voted today to bulk order new socks and underwear. Once received we will pack socks and underwear to go out to everyone at the shelter. Over the next several weeks, we will be doing our best to fulfill needs that were partially fulfilled (or not at all) in the first round of donation distribution. As such, we're asking for a new list of donations. See the attached flyer (.pdf and .jpeg)

Please note: we are not taking furniture donations nor are we taking toy donations at this time. Christmas gifts for emergency shelter residents have already been taken care of separately from this effort.

Thank you for your on-going support! If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Peace.

Jacob

PS ~To stay up to date on all that is going on with the Franklin Interfaith Council, subscribe to our website by going to franklininterfaith.org and submitting your email address at the bottom of the page.

><O><O><O><O><O><O><O><

Rev. Dr. Jacob W. Juncker

Pastor, Franklin United Methodist Church

President, Franklin Interfaith Council

Download the flyer to share ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1cD8x5M58kzwqqSR1cpQK9wguV1SYrBSG/view?usp=drive_link

#LOVEfranklin // Emergency Shelter Humanitarian Aid UPDATE for Dec 7, 2023

#LOVEfranklin // Emergency Shelter Humanitarian Aid UPDATE (as of 11/22/23)

The population at the Emergency Shelter in Franklin is stable. Here's the quick update regarding volunteer opportunities and donations.

The After-School Program has been on a two-week hiatus due to parent teacher conferences and school vacation. It is scheduled to resume next week. If you'd like to volunteer for this program, you must first be screened and trained. Please reach out to Rev. Kathy McAdams at rector@stjohnsfranklinma.org for more information.

Donation sorting and packing for distribution continues at the Franklin United Methodist Church. We have provided clothes and supplemental hygiene products to just over 100 people. We are going to do a major push next week to get donations out. The (ambitious) goal is to distribute to another 100 people next week! We have five packing days scheduled. All volunteers are asked to register. Due to the abundance of donations and the limited space in the rooms where items are being stored, we are limiting the number of volunteers per session to six people. You can signup to help by going to franklininterfaith.org/donation-sorting/. If you have any questions about the donation sorting/packing or would like to signup a group at a special time, please contact Pastor Jacob Juncker at jacob@franklinumc.org.

Below is the updated flyer. Our donation needs are shifting a bit. We are looking for donations of suitcases and large duffle bags. We are packing items in them (when we have them) for distribution to the hotel. Families keep the bags. We are also asking for new (in the package) socks and underwear (all sizes). Please note: we are not taking massive lots of clothes, furniture, or toys at this time.

#LOVEfranklin // Emergency Shelter Humanitarian Aid UPDATE (as of 11/22/23)

Thank you! What we are accomplishing together is impressive. Your generosity is inspiring. You are making a huge impact in the lives of the 90+ families placed in the Emergency Shelter. I really cannot say it enough: thank you for your continued support.

Download a (.pdf) of the flyer here and distribute as you see fit.

You can also find this update online -> https://franklininterfaith.org/lovefranklin-emergency-shelter-humanitarian-aid-update-5/#