"Some have found ways to juggle work, child care and virtual schooling"

"Around 10 million U.S. mothers living with their own school-age children were not actively working in January — 1.4 million more than during the same month last year, according to new U.S. Census Bureau data.

The pandemic has had a devastating effect on employment overall but especially on mothers’ paid labor. The 10 million not working accounted for over one-third of all mothers living with school-age children in the United States, according to the Current Population Survey."

Continue reading from the Census Bureau:

https://www.census.gov/library/stories/2021/03/moms-work-and-the-pandemic.html

 

Some have found ways to juggle work, child care and virtual schooling

WOW, 20 incredABLE Years! Help HMEA raise some funds for their cause!

We are celebrating the 20th Anniversary incredABLE Day and there are so many ways to get involved – contests, challenges, raffles, virtual trivia and bingo, and more!

Click one of the buttons below to start your incredABLE journey!

 

Find all the buttons on one page

https://myemail.constantcontact.com/WOW--20-incredABLE-Years-.html?soid=1114254466392&aid=aXXjDrC4mwk

 

 

or visit  https://www.hmea.org/incredable-day/

 

WOW, 20 incredABLE Years! Help HMEA raise some funds for their cause!

 

Q & A with the FPS Digital Learning Integrationists - Feb 3

Franklin Public Schools, MA (@FranklinPSNews) tweeted on Fri, Jan 22, 2021:

Families: Mark your calendars for the next Q & A with the FPS Digital Learning Integrationists on Wednesday, February 3rd from 7 - 7:45 PM. They are here to help and answer any questions you may have. 

Google Meet link = https://t.co/pvyJV2jDwq

@mertenladybugs @MZogby @Jim_dEntremont

Shared from Twitter: https://t.co/X7NaRGuAgC

Q & A with the FPS Digital Learning Integrationists - Feb 3

Rotary Club of Franklin MA - "Say it with Art" A Valentines Date Night & Virtual Art Auction!

Good Afternoon,

I am writing to you today to share our upcoming fundraiser flyer with you and ask that you kindly share it via email and other, with everyone you know and encourage them to check it out! This is our very first virtual event, so this means anyone from around the globe can participate. All purchased art is framed and will be shipped to the home address, FREE within the U.S.!

In addition, we encourage folks to support local businesses by pre-ordering their custom Valentine Date Basket by February 5^th  for only $50. Each basket will include: A personalized Valentine, Wine or Bubbles; Chocolates & Cheeses all sourced & delivered locally by February 12. Just in time to enjoy it along with the live simulcast Virtual Art Auction that will start promptly at 8 PM EST!

Due to Covid-19, our Rotary Club of Franklin MA has struggled to provide our annual awards and community service projects. This event will support the our Rotary Club scholarship and leadership awards, as well as, the many service projects for the elderly and underserved in our area planned for 2021.

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to me directly and I thank you in advance for your support!

Diane M. Padula

Rotary Club of Franklin MA, Fundraiser Chair

padularotary@gmail.com

508-284-9598

• Pre-order baskets by Feb 5

Support local businesses by pre-ordering our custom Valentine Date Basket by February 5th  for only $50. 

Each basket will include: A personalized Valentine, Wine or Bubbles; Chocolates & Cheeses all sourced & delivered locally by February 12.  

 

Purchase through this link = https://portal.clubrunner.ca/3689/Event/say-it-with-art

• Virtual Live Auction - Feb 12 - 8 PM

Pre-register, PreBid and Preview: Wed., February 10 @ 10 AM, EST, Thru Fri, February 12th

Live Simulcast Auction w/ Auctioneer, February 12 @ 8 PM EST

Just in time to enjoy it along with the live simulcast Virtual Art Auction that will start promptly at 8pm EST!  Just login to https://bid.marlinart.com/.

Link for QR code = https://qrs.ly/ywc7wy0

"Say it with Art" A Valentines Date Night & Virtual Art Auction!

The People's Inauguration - January 21, 2021

 

"On January 20th, we will celebrate the work of democracy as we watch a new President and barrier-breaking Vice President make an oath of office. 

The next day, on January 21st, we will join them in making a commitment to do our part to heal and rebuild America. 

We envision a nation that is anti-racist, equitable, and sustainable. 

Each of us has a role in that labor, and we will only succeed if we lead with love."

Find out more about this virtual event and how to "lead with love"

https://thepeoplesinauguration.org/#1610435353072-9f11905a-dba5

The People's Inauguration - January 21, 2021

Franklin TV: Building Back Better Than Ever!

Looking back, looking ahead – things are looking up. 

by Pete Fasciano, Executive Director 01/17/2021

 

A year ago at this time we began worrying about this new virus cum pandemic. Eleven months ago we shut down. Our studios remain closed.  They will likely remain closed well into Spring – perhaps longer. Our TV and radio studios are dark. Painful, but necessary.

Along the way we have had to pivot – shift gears – call it what you will, but this new normal that is still defining itself has forced us to revisit everything that we do. Our technical facilities and operations had to be reworked from the ground up – quickly.

First up – Get the radio station reworked to enable remote operations from homes. Franklin Public Radio relies on volunteers to create our weekly programming heard on wfpr.fm. Since last year our volunteers have risen from 17 to 30, almost double. Their programming has expanded from four days to span the entire week.

Town Chambers required a significant facility redesign to incorporate live remote interaction between residents and meeting officials via Zoom. This was done with permanence in mind, providing greatly valued, very convenient access for all. There are more planned improvements pending through Spring. We have also upgraded our website, adding live streaming in HD for all three of our channels as well as video-on-demand service for our programs and government meetings.

More recently, we have also added live high school sports coverage for parents who can’t attend our Panther games. We are continuing to refine and expand this effort. We are working with neighboring towns to carry the ‘away’ games as well. Like our radio and government efforts, this also is a permanent change for the better.

Change happens. Each and every day we make choices – to have that change affect us as it will, or to drive that change toward a direction of our choosing; converting the daunting challenges of unexpected change into newfound opportunities for growth. Given all that has happened to us in 2020 – and all that we have made happen - and all that we will continue to make happen in 2021 – I am enthused – and grateful. IMHO, 2021 and beyond will be nothing short of amazing – for all of us.

And – as always –
Thank you for listening to wfpr●fm.
And, thank you for watching.

Get this week's program guide for Franklin TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online

http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf  or for archive purposes https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CoeD9xGfhClRjtc8yyZicUOCb3zO5yB1/view?usp=sharing

 

 

Franklin TV: Building Back Better Than Ever!

Trinity Rep performs A Christmas Carol - "Brimming with creativity and innovation"

A Christmas Carol Online = Unlimited free streaming through Jan. 10

Trinity Rep's A Christmas Carol Online is now streaming for free. Simply register at the links below for your access link. Watch as many times as you want and on your schedule!

"The results offer delightful contrasts — traditional yet trendy, spooky yet warm, edgy yet endearing — that will prove appealing to audiences of all ages...streaming for free through Jan. 10, is a show for the ages, brimming with the creativity and innovation Trinity audiences have missed for months...  - Providence Journal

"...bringing invention and tradition together in a celebration of innovative spirit and holiday cheer...In a year when we have lost so much and so many, Trinity Rep's A CHRISTMAS CAROL ONLINE is an inspired holiday transformation that - much like Scrooge's own - feels nothing short of a Christmas miracle." - Broadway World

For detailed information about viewing the show, including tips for technical set up, view our FAQ page  https://www.trinityrep.com/box-office/how-to-watch-faqs/

Check out our Viewer Guide to read more about the show and artists, and get family activities, games, and recipes   https://www.trinityrep.com/app/uploads/2020/12/ACC-viewer-guide-2020.pdf

A Christmas Carol Online = Unlimited free streaming through Jan. 10

Christmas Masses at St. Mary’s

As a reminder, those who wish to attend Masses in-person this Christmas at St. Mary’s must:

1.    Pre-register online (www.stmarysfranklin.org) prior to arriving at the church. From the home page, click on the “Mass Registration” link. Then choose a Mass, provide your name(s), an email address, and a phone number.
2.    Allow a temperature screening to take place. Everyone with a temperature below 100.4 degrees will be allowed into the church building.

Schedule and Options:

CHRISTMAS EVE: (Thursday)

• Masses (upper church & live-streamed to lower church and online): 1 PM, 3 PM, and 6 PM
• Outdoor Communion only: 1–2:15 PM, 3–4:30 PM, 6–7:30PM 
• Church closes after 6 PM 
• No Midnight Mass

CHRISTMAS DAY (Friday)

• Masses (upper church & live-streamed to lower church and online): 7:30 AM, and 10:30 AM
• Outdoor Communion only: 7:30–9 AM and 10:30–12 AM
• Visits (upper church only): 12–6 PM
  

About us:

The community of St. Mary is a Roman Catholic parish of the Archdiocese of Boston located at 1 Church Square, Franklin MA. Founded as a parish in 1877, it currently serves the spiritual needs of over 4,500 families.

 

Christmas Masses at St. Mary’s

Franklin Garden Club: Virtual Gift Basket Sale through December 19

The Franklin Garden Club is holding a virtual gift basket auction from December 17 -  December 19 through its Facebook and Instagram sites where there are full descriptions of each basket.  

The gift basket themes include: projects for quilters;  food and other goodies to enjoy around a campfire; holiday ornaments, candles and candy; kitchen accessories;  women’s accessories; and creative nature projects for children. They may be purchased through the garden club Facebook page and Instagram account.  

The Facebook page is called Franklin Garden Club – Massachusetts @franklinmagardenclub  (or direct link = https://www.facebook.com/franklinmagardenclub). 

The Garden Club Instagram handle is @franklingardenclubma  (or direct link = https://www.instagram.com/franklingardenclubma). 

Online payment options will be available. 

 

Franklin Garden Club:   Virtual Gift Basket Sale through December 19

St John's Episcopal - Christmas Eve Service - 9 PM

You are invited to join us for a festive Christmas Eve service at 9 PM on Facebook Live: St John's Episcopal Church (https://www.facebook.com/stjohnsfranklinma). 

Blessings to you and yours in this season of light and hope.

St John's Episcopal - Christmas Eve Service - 9 PM

Annual Community Thanksgiving Service - Nov 22 - 7:00 PM

Join us on Sunday, November 22 at 7 PM for our Annual Community Thanksgiving Service, “How We Give Thanks.”

All are welcome. The event will be live-streamed:  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/5085285348

May the blessings of Thanksgiving be yours in abundance!

Franklin Interfaith Council
https://franklininterfaith.org/event/annual-community-thanksgiving-interfaith-service/

Annual Community Thanksgiving Service - Nov 22 - 7:00 PM

You are invited to celebrate with FPAC - Nov 14

You are invited to celebrate with FPAC

THE BLACK BOX web page https://www.theblackboxonline.com/

FPAC web page  https://www.fpaconline.com/

Franklin 5K Turkey Trot Adapts to Covid-19 Regulations

Franklin 5K Turkey Trot Adapts to Covid-19 Regulations
9th Annual Family Fun Run Benefits Franklin Food Pantry

 
The Franklin Food Pantry is pleased to announce that the annual Franklin Turkey Trot will still happen in 2020! The fun 5K will occur with a few changes to keep all of our runners safe and provide help to the Franklin Food Pantry neighbors.

While the turkey trot will still officially run on Thanksgiving morning, November 26th, each runner can run or walk their own personal 5K when it is most convenient for them and can map out their favorite course anywhere throughout town. Once runners have finished the race, they can post a picture on social media sharing that they completed their run and their time while tagging the Franklin Food Pantry and using the hashtag #turkeytrot2020.

The registration fee of $25 goes directly to the Franklin Food Pantry, keeping donations local to help feed those in need, and participants can register online at franklinturkeytrot.org. This year, the Franklin Food Pantry will not be able to accept food donations instead of the fee. Thank you for understanding this change in policy. The first 100 registers will receive a commemorative t-shirt. Runners can also purchase a t-shirt directly from the registration page.

"This year, more than ever, we have seen the importance of the Food Pantry to our Franklin Community. Between June 2019 and July 2020, we have seen an increase of 21% of households that visit us. Our neighbors are feeling the effects of Covid-19 and are turning to the Pantry for food and support during these trying times, said Lynn Calling, executive director for the Franklin Food Pantry. "Thanksgiving will look different for many this year, but one thing that will not change is the tradition of the The Franklin Turkey Trot to rally our community to give back and help protect others from the threat of hunger. The over 1,400 individuals we serve are grateful to our community for coming out to support us."

There are also several opportunities for local businesses to sponsor the race. Funds received from sponsorships are used to purchase t-shirts for the first 100 registered race participants, and other costs associated with the event. Any additional money from sponsorships will go directly to support the Franklin Food Pantry. Interested sponsors should contact Kim Cooper at kcooper@franklinfoodpantry.org or Krystal Whitmore at franklinturkeytrot@gmail.com.

"I'd also like to take the time to thank Race Director Krystal Whitmore who volunteers every year to coordinate this wonderful event. We weren't sure if we'd be able to have this event this year, but we are so fortunate We are fortunate to have an incredibly hard-working group of volunteers, led by Krystal, to still make this event happen," said Calling. "Krystal organizes church members, high school students, and her own family members to volunteer. The amount of work involved is amazing. We could not do this without them."

About the Franklin Food Pantry

The Franklin Food Pantry offers supplemental food assistance and household necessities to over 1,400 individuals. As a nonprofit organization, the Pantry depends entirely on donations, and receives no town or state funding. Between June 2019 and July 2020, 287,691, pounds of food was provided to clients. Other programs include the Weekend Backpack Program, Carts for Clients, Mobile Pantry, and holiday meal packages. Visit www.franklingfoodpantry.org for more information.

Note: Franklin Matters is proud to be a sponsor of this event

2019 Turkey Trot Runners

THE BLACK BOX presents T.3 - virtual performance - 2 shows on Oct 3

T.3 is a New York based vocal group composed of Liam Fennecken (School of Rock), Jim Hogan (Waitress) and Brendan Jacob Smith (The Simon & Garfunkel Story).  They gained popularity on social media platforms with covers of Disney, Broadway and Pop hits. They’re excited to share their music with you tonight! Feel free to follow them on social media: @t.3official #T3Thursday #tiktoktenors

Buy Tickets to watch in person at THE BLACK BOX: Two shows on Saturday, Oct 3: 6:30 PM or 8:15 PM  https://www.theblackboxonline.com/events.php?id=1411&month=10&year=2020

Want to watch from home?  Click here to purchase a virtual ticket and watch the Live Stream!
https://www.theblackboxonline.com/events.php?id=1411&month=10&year=2020

Jim Hogan is a New York City based actor, singer, musician and member of viral-sensation vocal group, T.3!  His Broadway National Touring credits include Waitress, The Phantom of the Opera and Spring Awakening.  Jim has performed as a soloist with Symphony Orchestras across the US and Canada. Training: Penn State University. Follow Jim on all social media outlets: @jimhogan220!

Liam Fennecken is a proud graduate of the Penn State BA Theatre program.  He is an actor, musician, and songwriter living in NYC.  He recently toured the US and South Korea in School of Rock, and has toured North America with Once, American Idiot, and Peter Pan 360.  Follow along on social media @liamfennecken!

Brendan Jacob Smith is an Actor, Singer and Songwriter based in Brooklyn, Ny. A recent graduate of Ithaca College, Brendan will be playing Art Garfunkel in the US/ Canada Company of The Simon and Garfunkel starting this spring. He recently finished up his time as a member of Hyannis Sound, Cape Cod’s professional A capella group, and was seen as Frankie Epps in Parade at The Rev Theatre Company. Follow on Social media @Brendanjacobsmith! 

THE BLACK BOX presents T.3 - virtual performance - 2 shows on Oct 3

Morini Gallery - "In the Zone" - Online Juried Exhibit

In the words of Emily Hill, the journalist, being "in the zone" is delicious, immersive, and kinda trippy.  Time collapses. Sound falls away. Suddenly we look up, and it's 4 AM.  This tunnel-vision phenomenon is reported by athletes, creatives, and psychologists alike as a hyper-focused, sometimes spiritual, state of mind where anything is possible. It is where we become our most productive, creative, and powerful selves.

Artist's were asked to take a moment to recall that feeling and show us examples of when they truly felt they were… "In the Zone".

This exhibition is presented in a virtual format and can be viewed HERE https://mmas.org/online-exhibit-2/

 

 

“In the Zone” Online Juried Exhibition

September 1 – December 31, 2020

Morini Gallery - In the Zone Online Juried Exhibit

FM #344 Franklin Senior Center - September Updates - 9/01/20 (audio)

FM #344 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 344 in the series. 

This session shares my conversation with outgoing Senior Center Director Karen Alves and incoming Director Erin Rogers. Our conversation was conducted via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

In case you missed it along the way, Karen is retiring Sep 17. There will be a socially distanced party in the parking lot to see her off. Details are in the September newsletter.

We also review a number of the activities during September, mostly conducted virtually but some careful steps are being made to move safely to an in person where possible.

Reminder to call the Senior Center to register for an event, to get on the mailing list, or to order from the Curbside Cafe.

Audio link = https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HBwZftrK

 

Links to the 

Senior Center page  https://www.franklinma.gov/fsc 

Newsletter sign up  https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-senior-center/pages/connection-newsletter 

Curbside cafe menu   https://www.franklinma.gov/Curb  or call 508-613-1313

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

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/

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

 

FM #344 Franklin Senior Center - September Updates - 9/01/20 (audio)

Circle of Friends Coffeehouse: John Gorka online concert Sept 12 - 7:00 PM

Our third online concert features John Gorka

John Gorka Sep 12 - 7 PM View this email in your browser JOHN GORKA online September 12 - 7 PM donations Sorry for the short notice, but we had to verify the links below. Our third online concert to benefit the Franklin Food Pantry features John Gorka. John has been called "the pre-eminent male singer-songwriter of the New Folk movement" by Rolling Stone. He possesses a  beautiful baritone voice and his articulate guitar playing compliments superb lyrics on songs that are romantic, cosmic, poetic, and haunting in their imagery or hilarity. http://johngorka.com/ There is no fee but donations will be accepted in a virtual tipjar and will benefit John and the Franklin Food Pantry. The show will be viewable on both Facebook and YouTube. Youtube Link: (David Tamulevich's Youtube Page) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Ou3t-KQBoE&feature=youtu.be Facebook Link: (Mustard's Retreat Facebook Page)  https://www.facebook.com/mustardsretreat/live/ The Circle of Friends Coffeehouse is a non-profit organization affiliated with Franklin's First Universalist Society.   Please visit http://www.circlefolk.org/  for more information. Upcoming Shows

Circle of Friends Coffeehouse · First Universalist Society · 262 Chestnut St · Franklin, MA 02038 · USA