Tickets on sale for the All Night Party - FHS Class of 2025

All Night Party - FHS Class of 2025

"Purchase your all night party tickets now!!! 

Link in bio to purchase and for more information"

Tickets ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1TTz82c3FBbJPZ6KIEtUKKXiRu-FK4JV_/view

Volunteer to help ->   https://docs.google.com/document/d/1bo-zn2E5JAYisuYDVDNstEqhyGYiOZCQTcGFkBIZXhM/edit?tab=t.0

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/DHKLd-3y2KX/

Town of Franklin is seeking volunteers for Town boards and committees!

The Town of Franklin is seeking volunteers for Town boards and committees!

Franklin residents who are looking to get involved and contribute to the enhancement of our wonderful community are encouraged to apply for membership on a Town board or committee!  For a complete list of our boards and committees and to learn what each does, please visit our Board and Committees website:  https://www.franklinma.gov/158/Boards-Committees.

To view current vacancies and apply, submit an online application here: https://franklinmaboards.vt-s.net/newcaf.php.  Applicants are welcome to apply to multiple boards & committees listed in the application.  We encourage applications even when there are no current vacancies, as these applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis as vacancies arise.

Town of Franklin

Please note, many boards & committees have membership terms that expire annually on June 30th, so this is a great time of year to apply for seats that may become vacant on July 1st!  We strongly advise submitting your volunteer application by April 4th to be considered for one of these opportunities. 

Interested candidates are highly encouraged to attend a committee meeting and visit the Town's YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp4_sDQGHNa9MKpqfmXGZrg) to view past meetings to get a sense if your selected committee is the right fit!  Interested candidates are also welcome to contact committee members for more information.  

If you have any questions please contact Julie McCann in the Town Administration Office at (508) 520-4949 or visit the office located on the 3rd floor of the Municipal Building, 355 East Central St.

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/civicalerts.aspx?AID=46

They are not the enemy

Not the city council, the funding group or the code enforcement. It's the way we do things ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏

View in browser SaveYour.Town Becky McCray Howdy Neighbor, The city council members are not your enemy. The code enforcement officials are not your enemy. The funding board members who keep giving money to other projects are not your enemy. On every round of our Survey of Rural Challenges, people tell us about leaders not moving forward, officials not acting on suggestions or new ideas, people with a "poor us" attitude, and communities breaking into factions for and against change. Personal agendas, local organizations that don't work together and infighting hold communities back. In 2019, one response said: The old guard had a lot of experience – good & bad – and with new ideas tended to say "we tried something like that once…" and instead of taking what didn't work & learning from it, crossed it off the list of things to try at all That doesn't make the people your enemies. The enemy is the old way of working that holds us back from addressing our challenges. We've all struggled to work on our challenges in the old ways. We've created committees, task forces and action teams. We've let those few people vote on what ideas to include. We've spent untold effort writing plans that represent an idealized and static future while we face rapid change all around us. How many times will we keep doing the same thing: organize people into a hierarchy and write plans to address our challenges? We don't have to do that anymore. We have new tools and new behaviors that let us break free and create the better future we all want. No one has to take minutes, no one has to be in charge, and no one needs to force accountability on others. There's no need for more deciding, voting or shaming. We can involve a lot more of the community, reach new people, accomplish big things in new small ways. That's how we'll address our challenges and stop treating each other as the enemy. You know I'm talking about the Idea Friendly Method. It's the foundation of what we do to help rural communities at SaveYour.Town. Next week, Deb and I will be joined by Andrew Button for a webinar to share more of our 10-year insights into small town and small business challenges, assets and action steps for you to take right away. Check the details below. Keep shaping the future of your town, Becky PS - In case you missed it, here's the link to the 10 Year Survey report. A lot has changed in 10 years, and you may want to share this with some folks. Next week: 10 Years of Rural Insights webinar with us and Andrew Button Next week: 10 Years of Rural Insights webinar with us and Andrew Button Wed Feb 26, 11:30am Central time Deb and I will be reviewing the Survey highlights, Andrew will share his insights from working with rural entrepreneurs across the US and Canada, and we'll all be answering your questions. No charge. Learn more at 10 Years of Rural Insights webinar. Sign up for the webinar right away! Read or share this article online Also available on LinkedIn and Medium You are always welcome to reprint my articles in your rural publications. SaveYour.Town SaveYour.Town, 151 Grand View Drive, Biloxi, MS, 39531 Powered by

Franklin Middle School's Theatre Club, the Footlighters, is looking for community volunteers!

We've held our auditions and the cast list is being created!  Rehearsals begin after February vacation!  The middle school students are very excited to begin their work on "High School Musical Jr."  The performances will be held at HMMS on May 2nd and 3rd.  

We are in need of volunteers to attend rehearsals, along with the Directors, to serve as an extra adult in the HMMS auditorium and assist with supervision. 

Your responsibility would be to:

• 2:10 PM - Arrive at HMMS to sit in the auditorium with the students until the rehearsal begins at 2:30 PM
• 2:30 PM - For the safety of the cast, you would sit in the auditorium during the rehearsals to serve as an extra adult for supervision.  (Bring a book, computer or knitting :)  

Please consider volunteering.  We need you!  If you are interested, please fill out THIS FORM.  

Questions?  Contact Diane Plouffe at plouffed@franklinps.net or 508-613-1650 

Franklin Middle Schools Theatre Club, the Footlighters, is looking for community volunteers!

You have 2 chances to get your Franklin Questions Answered in February 2025

What is going on with .... ?

What happened to ....?

How come .... ?

Join Steve Sherlock, Franklin Matters & wfpr.fm Community Information Director (volunteer), for an informal and informative Q&A session. 

What is the session about?

• Steve provides some updates on what's happened in the past month in the first 10-15 minutes, then opens the floor to answer whatever questions you have.

When: Saturday, February 15, 2024 at 3:30 PM  

Where: Franklin Public Library (Community Room) and via Zoom

  Or

When: Wednesday, February 19, 2024 at 11:00 AM  

Where: Franklin Senior Center (2nd floor conf room) and via Zoom

If you want the Zoom link, please use this form, or check with the Library/ or Senior Center front desk, or email me:  https://forms.gle/Nh8RxkMtG1J1DGwj9

Download this flyer as a reminder ->    https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Ep1nLKpM28FUhSsXzkRPxemeB4BuPdUZ/view?usp=drive_link

You have 2 chances to get your Franklin Questions Answered in February 2025

Erin & Meg share their excitement as the opening the Children's Museum of Franklin gets closer (audio)

FM #1371 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1371 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with the founders of the Children’s Museum of Franklin; Meg Hagen and Erin Gallagher. 

Meg and Erin fill us in on their Franklin story, the idea for the museum, started as a mobile museum to help build interest and prove the concept would work. They are getting closer to opening their physical space on Cottage St (former Agway building). 

• You hear the excitement mounting as the building nears completion 

• Fundraising is still important, there are many ways to provide financial support 

• There is a free mobile museum scheduled for Patriot Place on Feb 23 from 10 AM to 5 PM

• Opportunities to volunteer will open in a few weeks

 

The show notes contain links to their web page where you can view the architectural renderings of what the museum will look like as well as to contribute.

The recording runs about 38 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Erin & Meg. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1371-update-on-the-childrens-museum-of-franklin-02-04-25/

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

Franklin Children’s Museum -> https://www.childrensmuseumfranklin.org/ 

Events -> https://www.childrensmuseumfranklin.org/events 

Prior recording (Jan 2024) 

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/01/the-childrens-museum-of-franklin-to.html

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

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. 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!

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

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

Erin & Meg share their excitement as the opening the Children's Museum of Franklin gets closer (audio)

FISH of Franklin need volunteers - Can you help?

TRANSPORTATION AND TELEPHONE VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!

Do you have one day a month to volunteer for FISH of Franklin?

FISH of Franklin is a non-profit organization of volunteers that provides transportation to medical appointments for Franklin residents who have no other means of transportation. Our local Franklin Chapter has been providing services to clients since 1973.

FISH volunteers are caring and compassionate men and women who devote one day a month to telephone and/or transportation for our FISH clients.

FISH of Franklin need volunteers - Can you help? 

To learn more about FISH volunteer opportunities, please call:

FISH of Franklin

508-528-2121

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BWZspvk84/

You can also listen to my conversation with Barbara Steele, Nancy Rappa and Terry Robbins, all with FISH of Franklin. We had our conversation in the Franklin TV Studio conference room on Tuesday, August 29, 2023.

Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1053-fish-of-franklin-celebrate-50-years-08-29-23

Santa on the Common 2024 (video)

If you missed Santa arriving on the Town Common, you can relive the moment with this Franklin TV video -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J007TCZmXls

Santa's visit is sponsored by the Concerts on the Common and helped by Franklin Fire, Police, and other volunteers.

All Night Party for Class of 2025 in jeopardy, please respond to survey by Jan 19

Paste of recent email regarding All Night Party…

Dear FHS Families, and Class of 2025 Students, 

We are writing today to let you know that as of this time, there will NOT be an All Night Party (ANP) for the Senior Class after their Graduation on June 6th. Unfortunately, the long-time chairperson of this event needed to step down and there is not an existing committee or volunteer base to take over. 

It is important to point out that the All Night Party is not an event affiliated with or provided by the Franklin School District or the FHS PCC - it is a community event planned and executed independently by parents, families, and community volunteers. 

We are sharing this information with you today to get everyone thinking about what the future of the ANP should/could look like and how the Class of 2025 would like to move forward. With that goal in mind, we would like to begin by gauging overall interest in the ANP from both the senior students, and all FHS families. Additionally, we need to know if there is in fact a group of parents and community members that is willing to step up immediately to begin the work. 

It is extremely important for everyone to understand that unless there are parents, and community members willing to not only volunteer a couple of hours of time, but to plan and execute the entire event, the All Night Party WILL NOT TAKE PLACE in June. 

All Night Party for Class of 2025 in jeopardy

Please complete the applicable survey by this Sunday, January 19th. Once the Class Advisors and a PCC Liaison have reviewed the responses, we will reach out again to let you know the results and to help guide any future efforts. 

SENIOR STUDENTS ONLY - Please take just a minute to complete this quick ANP Student Survey (linked below) regarding your feelings toward an All Night Party after Graduation.   https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdngPpus2j-Td5F_pUuP91784F2Wp7OsGZaRlf6CZkqF9ko5A/viewform

ALL FHS PARENTS/GUARDIANS and COMMUNITY MEMBERS - Please complete this short ANP Parent & Community Survey (linked below) about your wishes for the continuation of the ANP as well as your ability to volunteer. You do not have to have a senior at FHS to volunteer.  

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe6WfDhykupbGrT9k5MlqaV1IFx87brCQQ04eS28yL8LJezQA/viewform

 

Thank you for your time and quick response. 

Sincerely, 

The Class of 2025 Advisors and FHS PCC

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1EpLok8okN/ 

Martin Luther King Day of Service scheduled by Franklin Federated Church on Jan 18 from 1 to 3 PM

Martin Luther King Day of Service

Martin Luther King Day of Service

January 18 from 1-3 PM

Franklin Federated Church, 171 Main St.

We'll be putting together birthday bags for the Franklin Food Pantry, Valentine Bags for Meals on Wheels, and Diapers etc. for Foster Care Essentials.

Snacks provided. 

Pathway to a Better Life looking for volunteers to help staff this winter

via Kim at New England Chapel:

Pathway to a Better Life is the temporary pop-up shelter that can operate up to 55 days a year at Saint Mary of the Assumption Church, 17 Winter Street, Milford, MA 01757. 

We have been operating in the winter months since 2019. We are looking to recruit volunteers to staff the pop-up shelter so we can open the doors when the temperature is less than 22F. 

Since we are an emergency pop up shelter, we are inspected annually by Police, Fire, and Health Departments of the town of Milford. 

Dates of our training are in the attached image. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at neccares@nechapel.org.  

Thanks for your help!

Pathway to a Better Life looking for volunteers to help staff this winter

Franklin's Neighbor Brigade is closing down its operation

Dear Franklin Community,

We are sharing a difficult, but necessary message regarding Neighbor Brigade.

You probably do not know, but our organization has faced challenging headwinds for the past few years. Tough economic times have made fundraising increasingly harder, while new solutions empowered by technology, such as convenient and affordable meal delivery, ride-sharing, and telemedicine, have reduced the overall demand for our services. 

Franklin's Neighbor Brigade is closing down

Consequently, after more than 14 years of dedicated service to thousands of neighbors, families, and communities in sudden crisis across New England and beyond, Neighbor Brigade will be winding down its services by the end of the year.

Franklin has been privileged as a chapter in doing this special and meaningful work over the past 12 years by the chapter volunteers. People who once were strangers became our neighbors. Often we do not know when a neighbor is going through a challenge, and we have been happy to serve 12 years, caring and loving individuals and families get to the other side of their crisis. 

The holidays are coming ever so quickly and we can assure you, there are many people who live around you that are in need of a little help from the one who lives next door. We know it as we close out 2024 supporting and directing many needs. Our volunteers in the Franklin Neighbor Brigade can attest to feeling like they received more in helping than they ever could have imagined.

May it live on with the seed that has been planted, and the footsteps made, of help being next door for all❤️

With gratitude, 

Linda Gagnon and Cheryl Ferri, 

Franklin Neighbor Brigade chapter leaders 

Franklinma@neighborbrigade.org

Calling to the attention of middle and high school students to gain community service hours as part of the Pantry Elves

Pantry Elves

"Attention middle and high school students looking for community service hours - sign up for "Pantry Elves" - an essential fundraising campaign that helps feed our neighbors over the holiday season and winter months.  

Please note there are changes to the campaign and participants will not canvass neighborhoods. Sign up today or learn more on our website!"

Register for Pantry Elves -> https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/get-involved/volunteer/pantryelves/

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/sGT6XaY1AtXcYXqe/

Seniors enjoy pasta dinner hosted by Rotary & Lion's Heart

About 90 seniors began arriving early and waited patiently for the home cooked pasta meal to be prepared by volunteers from the Franklin Rotary and served by members of the Lion's Heart group on Thursday, October 10, 2024.

There was lots of happy faces and many empty plates for this event at Central Park Terrace. It was originally scheduled for June but the weather that day was forecasted to be one of the high heat days and wisely the event was rescheduled. It was much more comfortable to enjoy the meal on Thursday.

Diane Padula thanking the Lion's Heart volunteers

Photo album -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/WpDq1mDNYeJn4Jgh6

Attention Middle & High School Students: Join the Pantry Elves and Help Raise Funds for the Franklin Food Pantry

The Franklin Food Pantry, which provides supplemental food and household necessities, invites middle and high school students to volunteer for the Pantry Elves campaign!

Join the Pantry Elves

Since 2005, hundreds of students have participated in this holiday-inspired campaign, which has evolved into one of The Pantry’s largest fundraising events of the year. The annual campaign has been instrumental in raising funds to fight food insecurity during the holiday season and throughout the year.

This year, Pantry Elves will fundraise electronically from their friends and family members and will not canvass neighborhoods. Donations, which will be used to purchase fresh produce, dairy, meats and proteins, and household necessities, will be sent directly to The Pantry.

Pantry Elves registration is open through December 2, 2024, and volunteers will receive 12 hours of community service. 

To register, visit www.franklinfoodpantry.org/get-involved/volunteer/pantryelves, or contact Jen Johnson, Development Associate Franklin Food Pantry, at jjohnson@franklinfoodpantry.org.