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

What is your Franklin residence's "Walk score"?

Walkability is a concept and frequently mentioned in current discussion. There is a web site that calculates the "walkability" of an address. I have tried it and there are a couple of addresses I have share here. It is free to use so try addresses on your own. 

Walk Score = https://www.walkscore.com/

The overall walk score for the Town of Franklin is shown below as 22 (out of 100). And as the samples show, the average is purely that, an average. Some locations (Library) are higher than others (121 Grove) and High School (218 Oak St).

The web site calculates and provide the methodology for their results on the 'walk score', 'transit score' and 'bike score'. San Francisco, New York and Boston are the Top 3 walkable cities. Interesting to note that Franklin has no 'transit score'. Other than GATRA and Commuter Rail we really don't have a public transit option.

"City of Franklin Town

This location is in the city of Franklin Town, MA. Franklin Town has an average Walk Score of 22 and has 31,635 residents."

Franklin High School - https://www.walkscore.com/score/218-oak-st-franklin-ma-02038?s=03

Franklin High School

121 Grove St (site of a proposed 40B) https://www.walkscore.com/score/121-grove-st-franklin-ma-02038

121 Grove St (site of a proposed 40B)

Franklin Library, 118 Main St - https://www.walkscore.com/score/118-main-st-franklin-ma-02038

Franklin Library, 118 Main St

"The pushback against the 15-minute city"

"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."

Continue reading the article online (Subscription maybe required)  

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2023/03/06/opinion/pushback-against-15-minute-city/

A man sits on a picnic table with a view of downtown Cleveland in 2014. Conspiracy theorists are increasingly convinced the concept of a “15-minute city” is the latest plot to curtail individual freedoms. But urban experts say the design principle embraced by cities, including Cleveland, is simply about building more compact, walkable communities where people are less reliant on cars.TONY DEJAK/ASSOCIATED PRESS

Join the Fall Foliage Hike scheduled for the SNETT on Saturday, Oct 15

 Saturday, October 15th, at 11:00am, Grove St. Trailhead 

Hello fellow SNETT lovers!   We're gearing up for a great fall hike this year--right in the middle of peak foliage!  Come join us on Saturday, October 15th, at 11:00am (Grove St. Trailhead) as we set off for a leisurely hike down towards Bellingham and back.  Strollers and pets are most welcome!  You may want to have a jacket, and you'll definitely want to have a camera to catch all the fall colors.  🍂  And 67 Degrees Brewery will be open by the time we're back--not a bad start to the season!  😉 From your friendly, neighborhood Rail Trail Committee MEMBERSHIP! VOLUNTEER! Copyright © 2022 Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you have opted in to stay informed about the Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee

St. Mary's St. Vincent de Paul Friends of the Poor Walk scheduled for Saturday, Oct 15, 2022

 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.

St. Mary's St. Vincent de Paul Friends of the Poor Walk

St. Mary's St. Vincent de Paul Friends of the Poor Walk Saturday, October 15, 2022

SAVE THE DATE!

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.

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" 

@MassDOT

MA Walk, Bike & Roll to School Day - May 4

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/ 

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 

Listen to the recording with Neighborhood Support Team members Jerika Lowry and Adam Calvert as they provide details on how they organized to support the Afghan family living here and how this fund raising will help the cause ->   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/02/inside-shamrock-walk-for-refugees.html   

Shamrock Walk for Refugees - Saturday, Mar 19, 2022

Sign up for the Shamrock Walk for Refugees - March 19 - 9 AM

We are less than 3 weeks away from the big event!

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 

Listen to the recording with Neighborhood Support Team members Jerika Lowry and Adam Calvert as they provide details on how they organized to support the Afghan family living here and how this fund raising will help the cause -> 

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/02/inside-shamrock-walk-for-refugees.html 

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/ 

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

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"

 

Inside the Shamrock Walk for Refugees scheduled for Mar 19, 2022 (audio)

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

Donate to the cause, and/or register for the walk online

https://walkforrefugees.org

Shamrock Walk for Refugees - March 19 - 9 AM

Franklin's Event Outlook: Dec 24 - Dec 30, 2021

The Christmas holiday weekend is upon us. Many of the Interfaith Council of Churches (https://franklininterfaith.org/) have services scheduled for in-person and remote participation. Sunday, you can join the group walk on the rail trail to "walk off the cookies" at 9 AM.

Otherwise, given COVID is still rather prevalent, PLEASE be careful when you gather. We all need to be healthy going into the new year. There is a whole lot to do. Health first, civil conversation next to take on the tasks ahead.

 
Friday, December 24
Christmas Eve
Day off for Christmas Day

Saturday, December 25
Christmas Day

Sunday, December 26
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

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

Community Calendar

"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

Shared from FBRTC page ->  https://www.franklinbellinghamrailtrail.org/event/walk-off-the-cookies/

"Walk off the Cookies" - Sunday, Dec 26

Franklin's Event Outlook: Sep 24 - Sep 30, 2021

A rainy forecast currently for Friday, Saturday - we'll see how it plays out for the outdoor schedule of events. Farmers Market today, Friends of the Poor Walk and a bottle/can drive Saturday morning. The "townwide curbside" event is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday. Seems to be sunshine for Sunday when the 4th Annual Car Show drives into the Dean parking lot.

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

 

Friday, September 24
2:00pm - Farmers Market
3:30pm - Kids craft activity by Library Youth Services

Saturday, September 25
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)

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

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar

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

Community Calendar

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:

• 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 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.

1. Send a check to: SVDP 1 Church Square Franklin, MA 02038 Or   
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.

Download a copy of the flyer as a reminder

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1JkMmLv0oDBGLMbPE0G4s1l-akAU-yehn/view?usp=sharing

Annual Friends of the Poor Walk - Sep 25

 

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:

• 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 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.

1. Send a check to: SVDP 1 Church Square Franklin, MA 02038 Or   
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.

Download a copy of the flyer as a reminder

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1JkMmLv0oDBGLMbPE0G4s1l-akAU-yehn/view?usp=sharing

Annual Friends of the Poor Walk - Sep 25

Temple Etz Chaim: Virtual 3K Walk, Run or Ride FUNdraiser - March 11 - 14

Temple Etz Chaim of Franklin, MA is pleased to announce our Virtual 3K Walk, Run or Ride FUNdraiser. This year, we're welcoming walkers, runners and bicyclists from near and far to join us in our social distancing 3K. All proceeds from this event will help support Temple Etz Chaim as we support our local community.

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.  

 

We're also encouraging participants to get on Facebook and tag us @TempleEtzChaimMA (https://www.facebook.com/TempleEtzChaimMA) showing us your favorite way to get active and healthy while staying safe.

For race questions or for more info, please contact Cindy Heilweil at sisterhood@temple-etzchaim.org or Margot Rivelis at boarddirector3@temple-etzchaim.org

 

 

For additional info and to register:

https://runsignup.com/Race/MA/Franklin/TempleEtzChaim3KFunRunFUNdraiser

 

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/TECFranklin/status/1358419028973412352

Temple Etz Chaim: Virtual 3K Walk, Run or Ride FUNdraiser - March 11 - 14

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."

 

Direct YouTube link: https://youtu.be/ZQYPlEoU9ko

 

Sign up for the group walk on the SNETT - Jan 24, 2021

Please join us for a socially distanced group walk on the SNETT on Sunday, January 24 at 10 AM. We will start from the Center Street parking lot in Bellingham.

Masks are required for anyone 2 years old and up. Leashed dogs are always welcome. 

 

***Registration is required***
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). 

 

Questions, please email us at fbrtcommittee@gmail.com. Thank you.

 

Shared from the Rail Trail Committee page

https://www.franklinbellinghamrailtrail.org/event/january-2021-guided-walk/

Follow the event on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/events/1540318952825885/?post_id=1540318959492551&view=permalink

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."

 

friendly reminder