Franklin Cultural District: Library events daily, labyrinth walk, & more lead to New Year as #artshappenhere

Wednesday, December 27

6:30am Trash-Recycle Pickup delayed 1 day this week

8:00am Gingerbread Character Scavenger Hunt!  (Franklin Public Library)

10:30am Music at the Blissful! A Fun Family Concert!  (Franklin Public Library)

6:00pm Buildwave Family Night!  (Franklin Public Library)

Thursday, December 28

6:30am Trash-Recycle Pickup delayed 1 day this week

8:00am Gingerbread Character Scavenger Hunt!  (Franklin Public Library)

10:30am Interactive Puppet Storytime!  (Franklin Public Library)

6:00pm Open Mic Night (67 Degrees Brewing)

Friday, December 29

6:30am Trash-Recycle Pickup delayed 1 day this week

8:00am Gingerbread Character Scavenger Hunt!  (Franklin Public Library)

11:00am Noon Year's Eve Party!  (Franklin Public Library)

7:00pm Comedy Show (ticketed event) (3 Restaurant)

Train Town Franklin; Part 2

Saturday, December 30

6:30am Trash-Recycle Pickup delayed 1 day this week

8:00am Gingerbread Character Scavenger Hunt! (Franklin Public Library)

10:00am Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

10:00am Train Town Franklin; Part 2 (Franklin Historical Museum)

Sunday, December 31 = New Year's Eve

5:00pm Labyrinth Walk (First Universalist Society of Franklin)

Monday, January 1, 2024 = New Year's Day

Tuesday, January 2, 2024

7:30pm Voice of Franklin, part of Toastmasters International (Franklin TV Studio)

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

The Franklin Art Association Art Gallery remains open for viewing (and purchasing the art displayed) during business hours at Escape into Fiction (Main St, Franklin)

Visit the Cultural District page ->  https://www.franklinculture.org/

Find the full Community event calendar   https://www.franklinmatters.org/p/blog-page.html

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:   https://forms.gle/oPdi8X3ZbHHyrHzo6

The Library calendar of events ->    http://www.eventkeeper.com/mars/xpages/F/FRANKLIN/ekp.cfm?curOrg=FRANKLIN&curMode=LOGOUT&curHelp=&woof&CFID=23662954&CFTOKEN=d411d9e119c07574-BBA36F88-D4AE-528A-5350C00C60ACA17E

The Senior Center calendar of events -> https://www.franklinma.gov/node/39/events/month/39/2023-12

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar
The School district calendar is found  https://www.franklinps.net/calendar-by-event-type/26 

Franklin Cultural District: Arts are happening here!

New Year’s Eve Labyrinth Walk at First Universalist Society in Franklin - Dec 31, 2023 from 5 to 7 PM

The First Universalist Society in Franklin (FUSF) — 262 Chestnut Street, Franklin, MA — will host a New Year’s Eve Labyrinth Walk on Sunday, December 31, from 5 to 7 PM. 

This annual, free, event offers an opportunity to experience a candlelit labyrinth in our sanctuary. Finger labyrinths will be available for people who want to experience the labyrinth but have mobility issues. 

Labyrinths are found throughout the world with the oldest dating back thousands of years. In contemporary use, labyrinths provide an opportunity for personal reflection, spiritual practice, or the reduction of stress. Labyrinths are located in both public and private settings and vary in style. The FUSF indoor labyrinth is a Chartres Labyrinth. 

 

Please allow at least 30 minutes to walk the indoor labyrinth. Socks are required for the indoor walk.  Booties that cover footwear will be provided for those who need shoes to walk. 

Call Judy at 508-769-6664 for more information about the New Year’s Labyrinth event. In the event of a storm, or unsafe driving conditions, the walk will be canceled, and a notice will be posted to the FUSF Facebook page.  For more information about the First Universalist Society in Franklin please visit FUSF.org or call 508-528-5348.

New Year’s Eve Labyrinth Walk at First Universalist Society in Franklin - Dec 31, 2023 from 5 to 7 PM

The First Universalist Society in Franklin (FUSF) is located at 262 Chestnut Street, Franklin. For more information about either event or FUSF, please contact us at info@fusf.org or call 508-528-5348.  FUSF is a Unitarian Universalist Welcoming Congregation.

Walking a labyrinth and diamond painting, tools for the toolbox to help with mental health (audio)

FM #1071 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1071 in the series. 

This shares my conversation with Rick Rollingcross. We had our conversation in the Franklin TV Studio on September 21, 2023. 

Rick provides his short story, and as a retired psychologist advocates for additional tools in the toolkit to deal with time away from screens. He has a regular session at the Senior Center for “diamond painting” which he describes during our talk. He also advocates for walking a labyrinth. 

Sessions on diamond painting are available through Tri-County Continuing Education.

Our conversation runs about 16 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Rick recorded Sep 21, 2023

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1071-labyrinths-diamond-painting-09-21-23

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

Tri-County Continuing Ed catalog for the Fall of 2023 -> https://a9m535.a2cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/BROCHURE-8.30edit1.pdf 

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

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

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 your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

Update: As this was prepared for publication, Rick added this update on his foundation:

"The Rollingcross Foundation has been given state and federal permission to operate as a non profit and I am in the process of setting up its account. Understanding that the school year has been off to a chaotic start with the unexpected arrival of 30 migrant students i waited until October before reaching out again to the schools. I have sent a letter with research that I hope will give us some traction to Assistant Superintendent Paula Marano"

The labyrinth at FUSF on a sunny day in 2016

Sunday's service at FUSF: The Spirituality of the Labyrinth

The description for this coming Sunday's lay-led summer service "The Spirituality of the Labyrinth" at the First Universalist Society of Franklin (FUSF).

Bobbi Gerlits has two spiritual practices that involve the labyrinth – walking the labyrinth herself, and facilitating labyrinth walks for others. She feels most nourished when her life includes opportunities to engage in both spiritual practices. During this service Bobbi will facilitate a walk on her indoor canvas labyrinth. She will invite those present to find their inner stillness and silence and be open to what the labyrinth has to offer. 

Sunday's service at FUSF: The Spirituality of the Labyrinth

The service is set for 10:00 AM on Sunday, July 23 at the First Universalist Society in Franklin (FUSF), at 262 Chestnut Street. 

FUSF is a Unitarian Universalist LGBTQIA+ Welcoming Congregation. 

For more information about the FUSF, please visit our website: www.FUSF.org or call the Office at 508-528-5348. 

Schedule of Spiritual Practices Sundays at FUSF:

July 30: Prayer as a Portal

August 6: Sangha and Mindfulness 

August 13: Respect for all living things

August 20: Trees: Bridges to Spirit

August 27: Everyday Spiritual Practices 

Walk for Peace on World Labyrinth Day - May 6, 2023

On Saturday, May 6, 2023, thousands of people will participate in the fifteenth annual World Labyrinth Day as a moving meditation for peace and celebration of the labyrinth experience. Many participants will “Walk as One at 1” by walking a labyrinth at 1:00 p.m. local time to create a rolling wave of peaceful energy passing from one time zone to the next around the globe. Whether you are familiar with labyrinths or new to the idea of non-maze labyrinth paths, all are welcome to learn more and take part.

Labyrinths are found throughout the world with the oldest dating back thousands of years. In contemporary use, labyrinths provide an opportunity for personal reflection, spiritual practice, or the reduction of stress in many different public and private settings. Over 6,000 labyrinths are listed on the World-Wide Labyrinth Locator website: https://labyrinthlocator.com/ . The outdoor labyrinth on the grounds of the First Universalist Society in Franklin is listed on the World-Wide Labyrinth Locator.

Join us in Franklin, MA as we participate in World Labyrinth Day. You will have the opportunity to walk an outdoor labyrinth, use a finger labyrinth, and learn about labyrinths.

There will be a brief introduction to World Labyrinth Day at 12:30 PM, after which people will be invited to walk the labyrinth. If you have walked a labyrinth many times, or if you have never walked a labyrinth, we welcome you. 

This is a FREE community event for all ages. 

Stop by between 12:30 PM and 2:00 PM and be a part of this moving meditation for world peace.

Contact Bobbi Tayne Gerlits with any questions: bobbigerlits@icloud.com

Walk for Peace on World Labyrinth Day - May 6, 2023

Reminder: One Path, Many Experiences: A Labyrinth Workshop - Mar 26, 2023 - 12:30 PM

One Path, Many Experiences: A Labyrinth Workshop

Sunday, March 26, 2023: 12:30 PM -3:00 PM

First Universalist Society in Franklin

262 Chestnut Street, Franklin, MA 02038

Walking a labyrinth quiets the mind and reduces stress. Some labyrinths are walked with your feet while others are “walked” with your finger. Please join us for a labyrinth workshop where we’ll hear a brief history of the labyrinth, learn the difference between a labyrinth and a maze, experience the labyrinth firsthand, and share our experiences on the labyrinth. Workshop participants can choose to either walk an indoor canvas labyrinth with their feet or “walk” a handheld labyrinth with their finger. 

Please wear or bring socks to protect the canvas labyrinth. Booties that cover footwear will be provided for those who need shoes to walk. 

This workshop is FREE of charge. Please pre-register by emailing Bobbi Tayne Gerlits: bobbigerlits@icloud.com; 508-446-5131.  Contact her with any questions.  

One Path, Many Experiences: A Labyrinth Workshop - Mar 26, 2023 - 12:30 PM

Register to Learn how to build and use a labyrinth in your backyard - March 21

Creating this healing space helps us to unplug and reconnect with both nature and ourselves.

You will learn what a labyrinth is and is not.

You will be able to describe types of labyrinths, how to create them, and their uses.

1 CLASS, TUES. MARCH 21 6:30-7:30 PM, $10

Tri County Regional Vocational Technical High School Adult and Continuing Education  at 147 Pond Street, Franklin

REGISTER:    https://tri-county.us/adult-education/continuing-education/

Learn how to build and use a labyrinth in your backyard - March 26

One Path, Many Experiences: A Labyrinth Workshop scheduled for Mar 26, 2023 - 12:30 PM

One Path, Many Experiences: A Labyrinth Workshop

Sunday, March 26, 2023: 12:30 PM -3:00 PM

First Universalist Society in Franklin

262 Chestnut Street, Franklin, MA 02038

Walking a labyrinth quiets the mind and reduces stress. Some labyrinths are walked with your feet while others are “walked” with your finger. Please join us for a labyrinth workshop where we’ll hear a brief history of the labyrinth, learn the difference between a labyrinth and a maze, experience the labyrinth firsthand, and share our experiences on the labyrinth. Workshop participants can choose to either walk an indoor canvas labyrinth with their feet or “walk” a handheld labyrinth with their finger. 

Please wear or bring socks to protect the canvas labyrinth. Booties that cover footwear will be provided for those who need shoes to walk. 

This workshop is FREE of charge. Please pre-register by emailing Bobbi Tayne Gerlits: bobbigerlits@icloud.com; 508-446-5131.  Contact her with any questions.  

One Path, Many Experiences: A Labyrinth Workshop - Mar 26, 2023 - 12:30 PM

Register for "Building a Backyard Labyrinth" one hour course via Tri-County Adult Ed

"Learn how to build and use a Labyrinth in your backyard.  Creating this healing space helps us to unplug and reconnect with both nature and ourselves.  You will learn what a Labyrinth is and is not.  You will be able to describe types of Labyrinths, how to create them and their uses."

Scheduled for Tuesday, March 21 from 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM

You can register at the Tri-County Adult Education website -> 

https://registration.xenegrade.com/tri-county/courseDisplay.cfm?schID=3661

Check out other courses offered with Tri-County adult education

https://registration.xenegrade.com/tri-county/calendar.cfm?

"Building a Backyard Labyrinth"

  

One Path, Many Experiences: A Labyrinth Workshop - Mar 26, 2023 - 12:30 PM

One Path, Many Experiences: A Labyrinth Workshop

Sunday, March 26, 2023: 12:30 PM -3:00 PM

First Universalist Society in Franklin

262 Chestnut Street, Franklin, MA 02038

Walking a labyrinth quiets the mind and reduces stress. Some labyrinths are walked with your feet while others are “walked” with your finger. Please join us for a labyrinth workshop where we’ll hear a brief history of the labyrinth, learn the difference between a labyrinth and a maze, experience the labyrinth firsthand, and share our experiences on the labyrinth. Workshop participants can choose to either walk an indoor canvas labyrinth with their feet or “walk” a handheld labyrinth with their finger. 

Please wear or bring socks to protect the canvas labyrinth. Booties that cover footwear will be provided for those who need shoes to walk. 

This workshop is FREE of charge. Please pre-register by emailing Bobbi Tayne Gerlits: bobbigerlits@icloud.com; 508-446-5131.  Contact her with any questions.  

One Path, Many Experiences: A Labyrinth Workshop - Mar 26, 2023 - 12:30 PM

New Year’s Eve Labyrinth Walk at First Universalist Society of Franklin (FUSF)

New Year’s Eve Labyrinth Walk

The First Universalist Society of Franklin — 262 Chestnut Street, Franklin, MA — will host a New Year’s Eve Labyrinth Walk on Saturday, December 31, from 5 - 7 PM. 

This annual free event offers both an outdoor labyrinth in the pine grove, and a candlelit labyrinth in our sanctuary. Finger labyrinths will be available for people who want to experience the labyrinth but have mobility issues. 

We will begin our walk with an Opening Ceremony at 5 PM. Dress accordingly for the weather and allow at least 30 minutes to walk the indoor labyrinth, and less for the outdoor labyrinth. Socks are required for the indoor walk.  Booties that cover footwear will be provided for those who need shoes to walk. Face masks are recommended. 

In the event of a storm, or unsafe driving conditions, the walk will be canceled.  Call Judy Swaim at 508-769-6664 for more information, as well as for possible cancelations due to weather.

The labyrinth on a sunny day in 2016

“It’s a meditative walk"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"For many, welcoming the new year involves noise, parties and lots of revelry. The First Universalist Society in Franklin, though, offered a more tranquil way to contemplate 2018 on Sunday evening: a labyrinth walk.

The event, said organizer Judy Swaim, is a tradition at the church - it has been held there every New Year’s Eve for the past 11 years or so. 

“It was part of our services this morning, so that was new and kind of fun,” she said. “We get calls about it from all over Massachusetts. People read about it in the paper and want to participate.” 

Labyrinths, she said, date back thousands of years and can be found all around the world, having seemingly developed independently in multiple civilizations."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180101/first-universalist-in-franklin-welcomes-new-year-with-labyrinth-walk

the outdoor labyrinth walk at FUSF on a warmer day

Labyrinth Walk - Dec 31, 5 PM to 7 PM

Found walking this week:

Labyrinth Walk - Dec 31, 5 PM to 7 PM

Via wikipedia:

"In English, the term labyrinth is generally synonymous with maze. As a result of the long history of unicursal representation of the mythological Labyrinth, however, many contemporary scholars and enthusiasts observe a distinction between the two. In this specialized usage maze refers to a complex branching multicursal puzzle with choices of path and direction, while a unicursal labyrinth has only a single path to the center. A labyrinth in this sense has an unambiguous route to the center and back and is not difficult to navigate.^[5][6][7][8] 

Unicursal labyrinths appeared as designs on pottery or basketry, as body art, and in etchings on walls of caves or churches. The Romans created many primarily decorative unicursal designs on walls and floors in tile or mosaic. Many labyrinths set in floors or on the ground are large enough that the path can be walked. Unicursal patterns have been used historically both in group ritual and for private meditation, and are increasingly found for therapeutic use in hospitals and hospices."

the labyrinth at the First Universalist Society on a sunny morning in November 2016

In the News - storm, labyrinth, softball, library

A quiet storm

by Brian Benson/Daily News staff

New Year's Eve labyrinth walk planned in Franklin

by Staff reports

Franklin Girls Softball Association plans pitching, catching clinics

by GateHouse Media, Inc.

Friends of Franklin Library slate meeting, Jan. 5

by GateHouse Media, Inc.

Franklin, MA