"After years of tireless advocacy to popularize greener and more accessible neighborhoods — where the necessities of daily life can be reached within a short walk or bike ride — champions of the 15-minute city are suddenly the target of far-right conspiracies. The theory is getting its 15 minutes of fame — not as people-centered urban spaces but rather as dystopian, quarter-hour prisons, with opponents saying that they will threaten personal freedom.Yet, with societies increasingly fractured and fragmented, the concept could be the solution to bridging our divides. By creating more open, integrated, and healthy neighborhoods, it is possible to restore the in-person connections that are an antidote to polarization.The concept of a 15-minute city emerged in the 1990s as an alternative to the single-use zoning paradigm that had dominated urban planning during the postwar era. It is the ultimate mixed-use development where residences, schools, shops, and parks stand side by side and are accessible within minutes by foot or bicycle. The intention is not just to reduce dependence on polluting vehicles and eliminate the need for long commutes but to also reduce food deserts and promote healthier and more sustainable lifestyles."
Providing accurate and timely information about what matters in Franklin, MA since 2007. * Working in collaboration with Franklin TV and Radio (wfpr.fm) since October 2019 *
Tuesday, March 7, 2023
"The pushback against the 15-minute city"
Wednesday, October 5, 2022
Join the Fall Foliage Hike scheduled for the SNETT on Saturday, Oct 15
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Monday, October 3, 2022
St. Mary's St. Vincent de Paul Friends of the Poor Walk scheduled for Saturday, Oct 15, 2022
October 15, 2022
Friends of the Poor Walk
Blessing for the Walk will be at 9:00 AM on the Town Common, registration at 8:00 AM Participants can Collect donations and Walk with us or donate online at https://www.fopwalk.org/eventlisting/eventdetail/?eventid=2750
All money raised stays in Franklin, to assist anyone in need of help. Put your feeling of compassion into action.
Wednesday, September 7, 2022
St. Mary's St. Vincent de Paul Friends of the Poor Walk Saturday, October 15, 2022
St. Mary's St. Vincent de Paul Friends of the Poor Walk |
SVdP Annual Fundraiser
October 15, 2022
Friends of the Poor Walk
Blessing for the Walk will be at 9:00 AM on the Town Common, registration at 8:00 AM Participants can Collect donations and Walk with us or donate online at https://www.fopwalk.org/eventlisting/eventdetail/?eventid=2750
All money raised stays in Franklin, to assist anyone in need of help. Put your feeling of compassion into action.
Friday, April 29, 2022
MA Walk, Bike & Roll to School Day - May 4
"MA Walk, Bike & Roll to School Day is only ONE week away! Schools: “Gear” up for this event on Wednesday, May 4th (which also happens to be Star Wars Day) by registering here https://tinyurl.com/3m7xm75w"
MA Walk, Bike & Roll to School Day - May 4 |
Friday, March 18, 2022
Shamrock Walk for Refugees - Saturday, Mar 19, 2022
- Check-in begins at 8 AM, with walking starting at 9 AM. If you have friends that are still thinking about walking, there will be same-day registration (starting at 8 AM)!
- EVERYONE, young or old is invited to register! There is no set distance, but expect to walk 30-60 minutes TOTAL!
- The event will take place at the Franklin High School Outdoor Track off of Oak Street. Please park as close to the track as possible – there will be shamrock signs to help you navigate to the track.
Register or donate via the website, https://walkforrefugees.org/
Shamrock Walk for Refugees Organizers (Team Franklin NST)
Sign up for the Shamrock Walk for Refugees - March 19 |
Our GRACIOUS sponsors:
- Active Recovery Boston
- Bellingham Palace
- Capstan Atlantic
- Crossfit Tri-County
- Elizabeth's Bagels
- Franklin Nutrition
- Jersey Mike's
- Park Street Books
- Shaw's
- Sheryl & Patrick Perez
- TB12
Shamrock Walk for Refugees - Saturday, Mar 19, 2022 |
Sunday, March 6, 2022
Sign up for the Shamrock Walk for Refugees - March 19 - 9 AM
Here are a few reminders/notes as we get closer to the event:
- Check-in begins at 8 AM, with walking starting at 9 AM. If you have friends that are still thinking about walking, there will be same-day registration (starting at 8 AM)!
- EVERYONE, young or old is invited to register! There is no set distance, but expect to walk 30-60 minutes TOTAL!
- The event will take place at the Franklin High School Outdoor Track off of Oak Street. Please park as close to the track as possible – there will be shamrock signs to help you navigate to the track.
Please remember to reach out to family and friends for pledges. They can use the same website, https://walkforrefugees.org/ and donate as much or as little as they want. Make sure they put your name when donating. As you increase the number of pledges you increase the number of raffle tickets you will receive the day of the event. There are some pretty AMAZING raffle prizes (see the sponsor list at the end)!
Thank you for supporting such a wonderful cause! We appreciate your support and look forward to walking with you, whether it be in-person or virtually!
Shamrock Walk for Refugees Organizers (Team Franklin NST)
Sign up for the Shamrock Walk for Refugees - March 19 |
Our GRACIOUS sponsors:
- Active Recovery Boston
- Bellingham Palace
- Capstan Atlantic
- Crossfit Tri-County
- Elizabeth's Bagels
- Franklin Nutrition
- Jersey Mike's
- Park Street Books
- Shaw's
- Sheryl & Patrick Perez
- TB12
Friday, February 25, 2022
Inside the Shamrock Walk for Refugees scheduled for Mar 19, 2022 (audio)
FM #739 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 739 in the series.
This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Jerika Lowry and Adam Calvert. They came together as part of the Franklin Neighborhood Support Team to provide support for an Afghan family now living here. We recorded this via the Zoom conference bridge Feb 22, 2022.
We talk about the Shamrock Walk for Refugees scheduled for March 19, 2022 on the Franklin High School track, the organization of the Neighborhood Support Team and their fundraising effort.
The recording runs about 17 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Jerika and Adam. Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-739-shamrock-walk-for-refugees-02-22-22
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Register or donate to the Shamrock Walk For Refugees -> https://walkforrefugees.org/
For more about Acentria, the New England based non-profit providing some of the infrastructure for the Neighborhood Support Teams -> https://www.ascentria.org/
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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
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 your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"
Inside the Shamrock Walk for Refugees scheduled for Mar 19, 2022 (audio) |
Wednesday, February 9, 2022
Shamrock Walk for Refugees - March 19 - 9 AM
A walk at the Franklin High School track is scheduled for Saturday morning, March 19, 2022 as a fundraiser to raise awareness and to raise funds for the Afghan family resettled to Franklin. All proceeds will support our family in Franklin.
Registration opens at 8 AM, the walk begins at 9 AM
Shamrock Walk for Refugees - March 19 - 9 AM |
Friday, December 24, 2021
Franklin's Event Outlook: Dec 24 - Dec 30, 2021
Friday, December 24
Christmas Eve
Day off for Christmas Day
Christmas Day
9:00am - walk off the cookies
1:00pm - Historical Museum (always free)
Find the full 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
Wednesday, December 22, 2021
"Walk off the Cookies" - Sunday, Dec 26
'Walk Off The Cookies' with us on Sunday (12/26). Link in bio!
Meet at 9 AM at the Center St parking area in Bellingham. https://t.co/wGqnwp8vp6
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"Walk off the Cookies" - Sunday, Dec 26 |
Friday, September 24, 2021
Franklin's Event Outlook: Sep 24 - Sep 30, 2021
Friday, September 24
2:00pm - Farmers Market
3:30pm - Kids craft activity by Library Youth Services
Townwide -curbside event
8:00am - FHS Hockey Bottle & Can | Food Pantry Drive!
9:00am - St Vincent dePaul - Friends of the Poor Walk/Run
10:00am - Historical Museum (always free)
8:00pm - Beth Leavel: It's not about me
Sunday, September 26
Townwide -curbside event
10:00am - 4th Annual Car Show
1:00pm - Historical Museum (always free)
If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication: https://forms.gle/oPdi8X3ZbHHyrHzo6
Tuesday, August 17, 2021
St. Vincent de Paul - Friends of the Poor Walk - Sep 25, 2021
Each year, the St. Vincent de Paul Society of St. Mary’s Church walks to bring awareness to the Franklin Community of the struggles some residents experience that impact their daily lives. For thirty years, SVdP has been helping people in need in regardless of race, religious beliefs or ethnic background. The SVdP members work closely with many charitable and government organizations in Franklin.
The SVdP members are all volunteers. Members assist people in a number of ways to help them retain their dignity and to help them to become self-sustaining. Some ways in which the SVdP society assists those in need include:
• Provide clothing and furniture through our SVDP Thrift Stores
• Supply non-perishable food and paper products from our pantry to supplement other food resources
• Assist financially during an unexpected crisis helping to pay rent, medical, car repairs etc.
Last year we helped Franklin Families 345 times for $59,319.00
This year walk participants will follow a route around the town common. Participants may walk between one and three miles. One time around the common is a third of a mile. Registration opens at 8 AM. Walk begins at 9 AM.
If you would like to support our mission of helping residents of Franklin in need, you may make a financial donation in one of two ways.
2. Online to the SVDP team at: https://www.fopwalk.org/event/2617
If you have any questions, please call SVDP 508-918-2291. All donations stay in Franklin and all information is kept confidential.
Thursday, August 5, 2021
St. Vincent de Paul Announces Friends of the Poor Walk - Sep 25, 2021
Each year, the St. Vincent de Paul Society of St. Mary’s Church walks to bring awareness to the Franklin Community of the struggles some residents experience that impact their daily lives. For thirty years, SVdP has been helping people in need in regardless of race, religious beliefs or ethnic background. The SVdP members work closely with many charitable and government organizations in Franklin.
The SVdP members are all volunteers. Members assist people in a number of ways to help them retain their dignity and to help them to become self-sustaining. Some ways in which the SVdP society assists those in need include:
• Provide clothing and furniture through our SVDP Thrift Stores
• Supply non-perishable food and paper products from our pantry to supplement other food resources
• Assist financially during an unexpected crisis helping to pay rent, medical, car repairs etc.
Last year we helped Franklin Families 345 times for $59,319.00
This year walk participants will follow a route around the town common. Participants may walk between one and three miles. One time around the common is a third of a mile. Registration opens at 8 AM. The walk begins at 9 AM.
If you would like to support our mission of helping residents of Franklin in need, you may make a financial donation in one of two ways.
2. Online to the SVDP team at: https://www.fopwalk.org/event/2617
If you have any questions, please call SVDP 508-918-2291. All donations stay in Franklin and all information is kept confidential.
Monday, February 8, 2021
Temple Etz Chaim: Virtual 3K Walk, Run or Ride FUNdraiser - March 11 - 14
Join us Thursday, March 11th through Sunday, March 14th to get out and get in your steps. Use your iphone, fitbit, pedometer, google maps, or any other tracking device to measure your distance. Walk, run or bike as an individual, with your family, or join a larger team remotely, and submit your results here.
For race questions or for more info, please contact Cindy Heilweil at sisterhood@temple-etzchaim.org or Margot Rivelis at boarddirector3@temple-etzchaim.org
Temple Etz Chaim: Virtual 3K Walk, Run or Ride FUNdraiser - March 11 - 14 |
Friday, January 29, 2021
Watch "Life Is A Walking || Native American Wisdom" on YouTube
"Life is a walking. At any time in your life you have the power to turn forward." -Good Buffalo Eagle, THE SEVEN PATHS
Anasazi Foundation is a nonprofit 501©(3) wilderness therapy program headquartered in Mesa, Arizona. Anasazi Foundation gives young people an opportunity, through a primitive living experience and a philosophy that invites healing at the hands of nature, to effect a change of heart--a change in one's whole way of walking in the world."
Thursday, January 14, 2021
Sign up for the group walk on the SNETT - Jan 24, 2021
Masks are required for anyone 2 years old and up. Leashed dogs are always welcome.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E084BAAAC28A13-january
In case the parking area at Center St is full, please proceed to Fox Run Rd for additional trail parking (marked).
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Sign up for the group walk on the SNETT - Jan 24, 2021 |
"Please make sure you take home everything you bring on the trail. That includes dog poop bags. Thank you."
Friday, September 25, 2020
Franklin's Weekend - Sep 25, 26, 27
Monday, September 21, 2020
St. Vincent de Paul Announces Friends of the Poor Walk - Sept. 26
Saturday Sept. 26, 2020
Each year, the St. Vincent de Paul Society of St. Mary’s Church walks to bring awareness to the Franklin Community of the struggles some residents experience that impact their life. For 30 years, we have been there to help people in need in Franklin. We work closely with many charitable and government organizations.
We are all volunteers and assist people in a number of ways to help them retain their dignity and return to become self-sustaining.
• Guide them to other resources, both state and charitable
• Provide clothing and furniture through our SVDP Thrift Stores
• Supply non-perishable food and paper products from our pantry to supplement other food resources
• Assist financially during an unexpected crisis helping pay rent, medical, car repairs etc.
Last year we helped Franklin Families 186 times for $65,000
This year due to COVID 19 we have had to change our format to operate a safe event. Only SVPD members and their families will be walking at assigned times at the Franklin Common on Saturday 9/26/20 from 9:00AM to 4:00PM. However, we are looking for community support.
If you would like to support our mission of helping residents of Franklin in need, you may make a financial donation in either of two ways.
1. Send a check to: SVDP 1 Church Square Franklin, MA 02038 Or
2. Online to the SVDP team at:
https://www.fopwalk.org/eventlisting/eventdetail/donate/?eventid=2507
If you have any questions please call SVDP 508-918-2291. All donations stay in Franklin and all information is kept confidential.
Thursday, April 23, 2020
HMEA's incredABLE Virtual Community Walk
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