Voices of Franklin: One Franklin "Shared Values Lead to a Common Goal"

One Franklin (Ballot Question Committee) is proud to stand with educators and grateful for the support of the teachers who serve our community every day. 

We share the mission to advocate for quality public education in an environment in which lifelong learning can flourish. 

All campaign finance reporting requirements are being fully followed. Any materials paid for by outside organizations will be clearly disclosed, and we are in compliance with all state laws.

One Franklin and our town’s educators share a deep concern about what will happen to the Franklin Public Schools and our town services if the override does not pass.

We often hear the saying “It takes a village”. In Franklin’s case, the village that supports our students, and all of us, includes the town police officers who keep our town safe and who keep our students feeling secure, the town fire personnel who show up for us when we need emergency assistance, the town’s outstanding senior center and library that offer socialization and support for senior and young people alike, and the DPW that takes care of our buildings, roads, and open spaces. All of these departments and all of you, the people in our community, working together, make up Franklin's village.

This is a pivotal moment for Franklin, and by coming together to support our public safety, public services, and public schools, we can preserve this wonderful community that we all share.

Please consider voting Yes on June 3rd for our Town of Franklin!

With gratitude,

Jenna Cohen and One Franklin Team

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If you have something to say, you can find the guidelines here
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/03/introducing-voices-of-franklin.html

Voices of Franklin:  One Franklin "Shared Values Lead to a Common Goal"

3rd Annual Pen to Picture Festival features Raúl the Third at the Franklin Public Library, May 10

3rd Annual Pen to Picture Festival features Raúl the Third

Since 2023, Franklin Public Library and the Franklin middle schools have joined forces to host world-renowned graphic novelists and celebrate the art of storytelling. On May 10, Franklin's 3rd annual Pen to Picture Festival will welcome Raúl the Third to the Franklin Public Library. This town-wide event is free and open to all families. 

Raúl the Third will share his process, art, and latest titles. He is the author and illustrator of many elementary and middle grade books, including The Snips: A Bad Buzz Day, Stuntboy: In the Meantime, Stuntboy: In-Between Time, The Lowriders series, and multiple picture books. Breakout sessions, photo ops and book signing will also be available.

Pen to Picture originated three years ago, the result of a collaborative effort among Ms. Bree Comeau (Franklin Public Library Asst. Youth Services Librarian) and Franklin middle school reading specialists Pam Allard and Erin O’Leary. The three literary leaders recognized their students’ growing appetite for the graphic novel format and sought funding from their schools’ parent organizations to create a town-wide festival. Pen to Picture’s mission is to expose Franklin families to contemporary titles and creators and foster the creative relationship between art and the written word. 

In its first year, the program welcomed Scott Magoon, Matt Tavares, and Maris Wicks; built on its overwhelming success, Pen to Picture welcomed Jarrett J. Krosoczka the following year.  

Graphic novels (a literary format) have exploded in popularity and both librarians and reading specialists are excited to welcome local authors and illustrators to engage students in an appreciation of the genre, learn about the process and time required to develop a graphic novel, and champion the relationship between visual arts and storytelling. We invite the community to join us at the library on Saturday, May 10. 

This year, Pen to Picture is made possible by a grant from the Massachusetts Cultural Council. 

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Tuesday, April 29, 2025 ???

Library & Senior Center events 

Tuesday, April 29

11:00am Community Closet (Franklin United Methodist Church)

2:30pm Rainbow Cafe (Franklin Senior Center)

7:00pm Finance Cmte Budget hearing - Public Safety & Public Works (Council Chambers)

7:00pm Musical Bingo (Raillery Public House)

7:00pm Theatre Senior Showcase (Dean College Main Stage Theater)

For additional details on Library & Senior Center events ->   

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

**   Town Meetings today   **

 

Massachusetts Strategic Health Group (Medway)

Tuesday, April 29 Time: 1:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04292025-1708 

Finance Committee Meeting (3rd Floor Trng Room)   

YouTube  https://bit.ly/FTV-Schools 

Tuesday, April 29 Time:7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04292025-1699 

Franklin School Committee Meeting (Council Chambers)

YouTube  https://bit.ly/FTV-TownHall

Tuesday, April 29 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04292025-1704 

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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

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Monday, April 28, 2025 ???

Monday, April 28

Library & Senior Center events

For additional details on Library & Senior Center events ->   

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

**   Town Meetings today   **

 

Finance Committee Meeting (Council Chambers)

Monday, April 28    Time:7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04282025-1700

Planning Board Meeting (3rd Floor Trng Room)

Monday, April 28    Time:7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04282025-1701 

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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

What is happening in May 2025 at the Franklin Library??

Library Hours
The Library’s 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 Sundays 1:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. The Library will be closed Monday May 26th for Memorial Day.
 
Franklin Public Library’s 2025 Reading Challenge!
May: Unearth the world!
Welcome to the Franklin Public Library's second Annual Reading Challenge! For each monthly prompt that you complete and submit on time you will receive a Free Book Coupon that's good at the library's Book Sale. Submissions MUST be submitted by the last day of each month in order to qualify for that month's Free Book Coupon. For complete details and to sign-up, visit our website! Grand prizes made possible by the Friends of the Franklin Library!

ESL & Adult Literacy Program
The Franklin Public Library has started an English as a Second Language and Adult Literacy Program to serve Franklin and its surrounding communities.  Volunteers and students do not need to be Franklin residents. If interested, fill out the registration form on the library’s website.

Special Events for Kids
The Whalemobile! Friday, May 2nd @ 1:00-3:00PM
Kids in grade K-6! Join us for a special event to learn about how whales and humans are similar and different! Explore the different learning stations, touch baleen, teeth and bones, including the chance to journey inside Nile—the life-sized inflatable humpback whale! 20 Participants will be admitted into the whale at a time, so bring your patience and flexibility!

My Lady & Me Jewelry Workshop! Wednesday, May 7th @ 5:30PM
Registration Required!
FOR KIDS IN GRADES 3-5! Join local artist Paulina Teng for a special workshop with the special lady in your life celebrating the love we have for the strong women who raise us and support us!

Music at the Blissful! Saturday, May 17th @ 10:30AM
Join us for a fun, high energy music program for children and their grownups! Musician Evan Haller brings the energy to get the whole crowd up and dancing!

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

Special Events for Adults
 

Planning for Human Ingenuity in the Fight Against Climate Change, Saturday May 3rd @ 3:00PM

Join us in welcoming Professor Erin Baker of UMASS Amherst as we discuss the technologies for combating climate change and implications for energy justice.

Erin is a Distinguished Professor of Industrial Engineering and the Faculty Director of the Energy Transition Institute. Her research is in decision making under uncertainty applied to the field of energy and the environment; with focus on energy justice and publicly-funded energy technology Research and Development portfolios in the face of climate change.

Painting for Adults, Saturday, May 24th @ 1:00PM
Registration is required!
Grown-ups! Are you feeling creative? Join Miss Lily to create your very own step-by-step painting of a covered bridge! All materials will be provided.

Special Events for All Ages

The Music of Taylor Swift: A Concert Presented by the Blackstone Valley Quartet! Saturday, May 3rd @ 10:30AM
Taylor Swift is one of the largest names in music today. This concert is an opportunity to enjoy her music like never before! The Blackstone Valley Quartet, based in North Grafton, specializes in mixed genre performances on stringed instruments. From iconic pop hits to timeless classical favorites, the Blackstone Valley Quartet reimagines familiar melodies with a fresh, innovative twist. The Blackstone Valley Quartet strives to unite people of all ages and all walks of life through the power of music. This event is made possible through the generous support of the Franklin Cultural District and the Massachusetts Cultural Council through the Franklin Cultural District Investment Grant.

Pen to Picture! Saturday, May 10th @ 1:00PM
Since 2023, Franklin Public Library and the Franklin middle schools have joined forces to host world-renowned graphic novelists and celebrate the art of storytelling. This year we welcome three-time Pura Belpré award-winning illustrator, author, and artist Raúl the Third to Franklin! Raúl the Third will share his process, art, and latest titles. He is the author and illustrator of many elementary and middle grade books, including The Snips: A Bad Buzz Day, Stuntboy: In the Meantime, Stuntboy: In-Between Time, The Lowriders series, and multiple picture books. Breakout sessions, photo ops and book signing will also be available. This event was made possible with a grant from the Mass Cultural Council.

Holi Celebration! Saturday, May 17th @ 2:00PM
Join the Franklin Public Library for a special celebration of the Holi Festival, outside on the Town Common!  Music, activities, and of course, COLOR!! Wear something that you don't mind getting messy! In the event of inclement weather, the Rain date will be Saturday 5/31. This program is made possible through the generous support of the Franklin Cultural Council and the Massachusetts Cultural Council.

Music of Lennon & McCartney, Saturday May 31st @ 3:00PM
Free Concert
Join us in welcoming Melodious Zach as we jam to the music and history of John Lennon and Paul McCartney.

Franklin Library Book Sale
Friday, May 16th, 1:00-5:00pm.  Saturday, May 17th, 9:00am to 12:00 Noon
All books are just one dollar!
Bag Sale - $5 A Bag—Saturday, May 17th, from 1:00-4:00pm
Come fill a brown bag with all the books you can!

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Friday, April 25, 2025 ???

Friday, April 25

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

9:00am Strong Like a Tree: A Pop-Up Family Yoga Event! (Franklin Public Library)

10:00am Knitting Group (Franklin Public Library)

10:30am Toe Jam Puppet Band!  (Franklin Public Library)

1:00pm Thrifty Threads (Franklin Federated Church)

2:00pm Flower Slime  (Franklin Public Library)

6:00pm 1st Annual Comedy for a Cause (cocktail hour) (Walpole Country Club)

7:00pm Karaoke Night (La Cantina Winery)

7:00pm 1st Annual Comedy for a Cause (show)  (Walpole Country Club)

7:00pm Dance Company (Dean College Main Stage Theater)

For additional details on Library & Senior Center events ->   

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

 

 

**  NO Town Meetings today   **

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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

Caleigh, Erin & I had a blast talking about BLAST (audio)

FM #1434 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1434 in the series. 

This session shares my conversation about the origin story of BLAST - Bringing Libraries and Schools Together. We talk with Erin O’Leary and Caleigh Keating, the collaborators who start with “Yes” and then figure it out. We recorded this conversation virtually on Thursday, April 17, 2025. 

• Caleigh Keating, Youth Services Librarian

• Erin O’Leary, Reading Specialist at Horace Mann Middle School

We cover the following in our conversation

• The origin story

• A ‘free’ service but dependent upon the override passing

• Middle school and elementary school coordination

• How redistricting will simplify the operations

• Summer reading kickoffs being planned for

The recording runs about 32 minutes. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1434-blast-fun-04-17-25/

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

Erin O’Leary email address -> olearye@franklinps.net 

Caleigh Keating email address -> ckeating@minlib.net 

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We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial. 

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

• If you don't like something here, please let me know 

• And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach out. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/  or www.franklin.news 

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

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You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

 

BLAST is referenced in the Strategic Plan

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Thursday, April 24, 2025 ???

Thursday, April 24

Library & Senior Center events

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

10:30am Animal Affair! (Franklin Public Library)

4:00pm Rockin' Rhythms (Franklin Public Library)

5:00pm Board Game Night (Pete's Nerd Emporium)

6:30pm Running Your First 5K (Pond Street Recreation Facility)

7:00pm An Exploration of French Wines (333 E Central St)

7:00pm Dance Company (Dean College Main Stage Theater)

7:00pm An Evening of Conversation Regarding Food Sovereignty and Access (First Universalist Society Franklin)

7:30pm Musical Bingo (Teddy Gallagher's Irish Pub)

For additional details on Library & Senior Center events ->   

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

 

 

**  Meetings today   **

Zoning Board of Appeals ZBA Meeting

Thursday, April 24 Time: 7:30 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04242025-1676

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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