"I think kindness and goodness prevailed”

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"Hate is difficult to track. 

The Southern Poverty Law Center, which tracks hate groups across the country, has pegged a single group in the MetroWest and Milford area - Framingham-based Concerned Citizens and Friends of Illegal Immigration Law Enforcement (CCFIILE) – out of 12 groups in Massachusetts. 

The most recent numbers from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, which tracks hate crimes across the country, have 411 such crimes reported in Massachusetts in 2015. Six came from the Milford or MetroWest area, and none were as high profile as the Charlottesville, Virginia rally that ended in a woman’s death last weekend. 

That doesn’t mean those six incidents and one group haven’t been harmful, civil rights groups say."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170815/police-say-hate-crimes-not-huge-concern-locally

sign on some Franklin lawns

Economic Development Committee - meeting audio - Aug 9, 2017

FM #131

This internet radio show or podcast is number 131 in the series for Franklin Matters. This captured the audio recording of the Economic Development Committee (EDC) meeting held August 9, 2017.

EDC Chair Andy Bissanti opens the meeting ad after some discussion on the two agenda items with approval to bring them to the Town Council as formal proposals, the meeting adjourned..

Worthy of note, there were additional councilors in the room when Council Chair Matt Kelly stopped by just before the meeting. Tom Mercer got up and left, Debbie Pellegri remained. This becomes an item towards the end of the meeting when Debbie tries to ask a question. Per Peter Padula, a Town Councilor, not a member of the committee, can be present in the meeting as long as they do not take any active part in the meeting. THey can only observe. If they take part, then their presence can raise a question on whether the Council has enough members for a quorum. As there are four Town Councilors on the Committee (Chair Bissanti, Padula, Vallee, and Pfeffer), another participating Town Councilor raise the participation to five which is sufficient for a Town Council meeting.

Without further ado, here is the recording

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


This brings the recording of the Economic Development Committee (EDC) meeting held August 9, 2017 to a close..

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

How can you help?

If you like this, please tell your friends and neighbors.
If you don't like this, please let me know.

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements.
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!



The notes for the meeting were also published here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/08/economic-development-committee-quick.html

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You can also subscribe and listen to the audio on iTunes = search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters on iTunes

Franklin Public Library: Jungle Jim's Minecraft Madness, Weds - Aug 1

The Franklin Public Library has Jungle Jim's Minecraft Madness scheduled for Wednesday, August 16, 10:30 AM.

"Join Jungle Jim as he leads participants through the magical world of Minecraft! Combining balloon artistry, magic, comedy and improv, Jim creates an amazing experience for children. Activities include Giant Dragon creation, the Building Block Madness Tournament, a riveting Zombie Chase and the Balloon Firework Rocket extravaganza! Appropriate for children ages 4-11."

Franklin Public Library: Jungle Jim's Minecraft Madness, Weds - Aug 1

For more about Jungle Jim  https://www.junglejimboston.com/

This was shared from the Franklin Library webpage
http://franklinpl.blogspot.com/2017/08/jungle-jims-minecraft-madness-wednesday.html

In the News: Anne's Market to close; Vet Ruck Walk arrives Saturday

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"With her husband sick at home, Anne Saunders headed down the street Saturday to grab an item that was sure to lift his spirits: an egg salad sandwich from his favorite spot. 

Saunders, of Franklin, said her husband visits Anne’s Country Market on West Central Street every few days to pick up lunch, stock up on cigarettes and beer and chat with the owners. Feeling under the weather Saturday, Doug Saunders asked his wife to bring home some comfort food from the store. 

This week marks a sad chapter for Saunders and other loyal customers of the store, who recently learned that after three decades, store owner Anne Brunelli and her family are preparing to close the market for good. 

In a message posted to Facebook last week, the business announced it would close its doors on Friday. While she’s happy to see Brunelli finally start her retirement, Anne Saunders said customers like her husband will miss the neighborhood market."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170814/franklin-annes-market-to-close-friday

"It takes more than physical training to hike 200 miles across Massachusetts in three days carrying army sacks and armor; it also takes motivation and a purpose. 

Nine veterans, active-duty members and civilians will ruck across the state this week to spread awareness about the needs of veterans when they return home. 

“To ruck means to carry a heavy load,” founder of Warrior Thunder Foundation and event coordinator Darren Bean said. “We’ll either carry backpacks or body armor, simulating the burden that our veterans carry when they leave service.” 

The ruckers are scheduled to make their way through Natick around noon on Saturday. They plan to make a stop at the War Memorial on Main Street in Franklin to meet with veterans, citizens and officials in town at 6 p.m. Bean encourages everyone interested to attend and show their support."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170814/vets-organization-plans-ruck-across-state

Check the real map for updates from Aug 17 - Aug 20

Lifelong Learning: Public Safety Partnership Classes Coming This Fall

Franklin Public Schools  - Lifelong Learning Institute Presents Citizen Police Academy, Women's Self Defense  and Home Safety for Children    In Partnership with  Franklin Police Department

Citizen Police Academy      Have you ever wondered what it's like to ride along with an on-duty officer? How you would react in an emergency situation? How evidence is collected? What to do if you are stopped for speeding? The Franklin Police Department hopes to answer some of those questions that you may have regarding the police department and law enforcement. And, in addition, each attendee will be given the opportunity to ride with a Franklin Police Officer during his or her tour of duty to experience the duties and responsibilities of the officers.  Ten (10) Wednesdays - Sept. 13 - Nov. 15 6:30 to 9:30 PM  Franklin Police Station, Panther Way, Franklin Cost: $90 Register Online Now.  Click Here  ___________________________________________ Women's Self-Defense Workshop  Great class for mothers and daughters to attend together.  Learn how to put power into your own hands. Participate in this very important three-night workshop to learn realistic self-defense strategies for women of all ages.   Officers Tara Lagoa & Lee Ann Baker will discuss risk reduction and avoidance, situational awareness, how to trust your intuition, and basic hands-on self-defense techniques. Three (3) Mondays - Oct 16, 23, 30 6:00 to 9:00 PM Remington Middle School, 628 Washington Street, Franklin Cost:  $90 Register Online Now. Click Here Home Alone Safety - Grades 1-5      Children will learn the basics of being safe when home alone for short periods of time, whether by plan or because of an emergency.   Franklin Police Community Service Officer will explain how to safely answer the telephone and door, as well as Internet safety, accident prevention, and fire protection.  Simple First Aid techniques will also be taught.  Tuesday, Oct 17 4:00 to 5:00 PM Horace Mann Middle School Gym, 224 Oak Street, Franklin Cost:  $10 Register Online Now. Click Here ____________________________________ Contact Contact: Brenda Reed, Director Lifelong Community Learning 508-613-1480 reedb@franklinps.net www.FranklinLifelongLearning.com Register Today

Circle of Friends Schedule for Sep 2017- May 2018

Tickets available now

The Circle of Friends Coffeehouse schedule for the upcoming season is now posted on our website http://www.circlefolk.org/sched.html and tickets are available for all shows. The Circle of Friends Coffeehouse is a non-profit organization affiliated with Franklin's First Universalist Society. Concerts are presented in a smoke free and alcohol free environment at the Society's handicapped accessible Meetinghouse, 262 Chestnut St. in Franklin, and begin at 8:00 PM; doors open at 7:30 PM. Beverages and gourmet desserts will be available. Admission is $20. Please call (508)528-2541 or visit http://www.circlefolk.org/ to purchase tickets or for more information.

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

Offer to candidates for the Franklin Election Nov 7, 2017

To the registered voters and potential candidates for Franklin's biennial election scheduled for November 7, 2017: 

I extend an offer to conduct and post an interview with you here on Franklin Matters and on the corresponding Facebook page. The interview can be either text or audio.

You are running for a position to conduct business on behalf of Franklin. Together, we can share your views, your objectives, and help to spread the word to create an informed voter.

Send me an email (shersteve at gmail dot com) and we can arrange a mutually convenient time before Election Day (to be conducted no later than October 20, 2017). 

This is my public service effort conducted solely to enable informed voters here in Franklin.

the band stand at the Town Common, The stage will be replaced next year
and be portable so it can be used in places other then the Common

For reference you can dig into the archive of interviews for the prior Franklin elections covered here such as

• 2015  http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/08/election-collection-nov-3-2015.html
• 2013  http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/10/franklin-election-2013.html
• 2011  http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2011/08/election-2011-summary.html
• 2009  http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2009/10/2009-election-collection.html

The election collection for 2017 can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/08/election-collection-2017.html

TIMELESS CrossFit and Fitness: Free Trial Tuesday

TIMELESS CrossFit and Fitness is kicking off our 1st TIMELESS Women's FIT Boxing Session!! It's back!

I just OPENED on July 31st so stop by to visit and see the facility ... something for everyone!!! So excited to share this!

mc@timelesscrossfit.com — at Timeless CrossFit and Fitness.

FREE TRIAL TUESDAY!

ALL are Welcomed to come to Timeless this Tuesday and try a Class or 2 for FREE!

No experience needed, no level of fitness expected, something for everyone!

Bring a friend too if you'd like! We will assist you with anything you need.

I have child watch from 8am-10:30am Tuesday if you have a child who wants to play while you take some time for YOU! You need to contact me before 7pm tomorrow night (Mon) if you want to use Child Watch. 508-528-8900 or email at mc@timelesscrossfit.com

Remember you can Bring a friend with you if you'd like!

For safety these classes are not for children under age 15 years old. Watch for CrossFit Kids and Sport Team Training, Small Group, and Personal Training coming soon!!

You can email me or call me at:
mc@timelesscrossfit.com or # 508-528-8900 if you'd like to come!!

You can come to any of the following classes on Tuesday:
CrossFit is Team Tuesday!

- 5:30am-6:30am CrossFit class
- 5:30-6:30am Power Yoga
- 8-9amam Kettlebell Craze
- 9-10am CrossFit class
- 12:30-1:30pm CrossFit class
- 5:30-6:30pm CrossFit class
- 5:30-6:30pm cycle class
- 6:30-7:30pm CrossFit class
- 6:30-7:30pm Women's FIT Boxing (specialty class for women only)

Hope you can stop by! Life is full of obstacles and to-dos but if you don't have your health life can become much harder. Let me help you to be better in life! 

"feel the presence of joy and peace of one another"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"Three days before the 690th anniversary of St. Rocco’s death, four men carried a small statue of the medieval man down the steps of St. Mary parish, across the intersection of Church Square and Pleasant Street, through a school parking lot, and onto the field of grass and woodchips that has served as an annual fairgrounds for 39 years. 

One hundred people joined the short procession after the 10:30 a.m. Mass Sunday. Turning their backs to carnival booths that were selling Belgian waffles, clam cakes, calzones, and manicotti, they stood in a circle as the Rev. Brian Manning blessed the statue of a man who died in the 14th century – but still touches lives in the 21st. 

“He’s a patron of the sick, and there are many times when you’re not feeling that well or you’re hit with a severe injury or a severe sickness, you do turn to St. Rocco,” said Bob Catalano, 94, a Navy veteran of World War II. “He’s a healer of the sick. So we take advantage of it.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170813/franklin-community-turns-to-st-rocco

one of the carnival booths on Friday evening

Franklin Cultural Council Announces Grant Workshop and Opening of Grant Applications for 2018

The Franklin Cultural Council is calling for funding proposals from organizations, schools, and individuals. Council grants support a variety of arts, science, and humanities projects in Franklin—including exhibits, festivals, field trips, short-term artist residencies or workshops, lectures, and performances in schools, the library, the senior center, or for the community at large. 

Online applications will be available from Sept. 1 through Oct. 16, 2017. Only online applications will be accepted this year, and can be accessed at www.mass-culture.org. Proposals that are past the deadline will not be considered.

To help applicants in preparing an effective funding proposal, the Council will hold a grant writing workshop on Sep 14 at 7:00 pm in the 3rd Floor Training Room of the Franklin Municipal Building at 355 E. Central Street, Franklin.

The session is open to non-profit cultural organizations, artists, schools, and residents interested in applying for funding from the Franklin Cultural Council. The workshop will walk attendees through the online application and answer any questions about the grant process. In addition, FCC members will be on hand to discuss specifics of individual proposed projects to give advice and suggestions. To RSVP or for any questions, please e-mail Stacey David, FCC Chair, at franklinculturalcouncil02038@gmail.com

"We really encourage applicants to attend the workshop as well as carefully read the grant application guidelines and grant priorities, which can all be found on our website," says FCC Chair Stacey David. "We had to deny several applications last year because they did not follow the guidelines and submitted incomplete project proposals."

While grant allocations have yet to be announced from the FCC's state funding source, the Massachusetts Cultural Council, the FCC anticipates disbursing approximately $11,000 in grants for 2018. Previously funded projects include: the Franklin Cultural Festival, programs/field trips for six of Franklin’s schools (public and charter), Concerts on the Common, Franklin Downtown Partnership Harvest Stroll, LiveArts concerts, Southeastern MA Community Concert Band, and the Franklin Art Association, to name a few.

The Franklin Cultural Council is part of a network of 329 Local Cultural Councils serving all 351 cities and towns in the Commonwealth. The LCC Program is the largest grassroots cultural funding network in the nation, supporting thousands of community-based projects in the arts, sciences, and humanities every year. The state legislature provides an annual appropriation to the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency, which then allocates funds to each community.

Franklin Cultural Council Announces Grant Workshop and Opening of Grant Applications for 2018

Franklin Election 2017: Candidates Listing Updated

As of Friday, August 11, 2017, the following list of residents had taken out nomination papers for the upcoming Biennial Town Election this November 7, 2017.

Town Council

Deborah L. Pellegri - Candidate for Re-Election
Judith Pond Pfeffer - Candidate for Re-Election
Glenn Jones - Candidate for Re-Election
Andrew Bissanti - Candidate for Re-Election
Thomas D. Mercer - Candidate for Re-Election
Robert Dellorco - Candidate for Re-Election
Peter E. Padula – Candidate for Re-Election
Matthew Kelly – Candidate for Re-Election
Eamon McCarthy-Earls
Melanie Hamblen
Patrick Casey
Anthony D. Padula

School Committee

Denise L. Schultz - Candidate for Re-Election
Dr. Monica Linden
Virginia (Gigi) Zub

Planning Board

Joseph Halligan - Candidate for Re-Election
Anthony D. Padula – Candidate for Re-Election

Board of Health

Bruce J. Hunchard - Candidate for Re-Election

Board of Assessors

Christopher K. Feeley – Candidate for Re-Election



Important Dates for the November 2017 Election
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczdHVWamxEMGJLZnM/view?usp=sharing

sidewalks nearing completion along Chestnut St

21st Annual Dean College President’s Cup Golf Tournament - Sep 18

The 21st Annual Dean College President’s Cup Golf Tournament will take place on Monday, September 18, 2017 at the Franklin Country Club, 672 East Central Street, Franklin, MA. Proceeds from this event will benefit the Dean College Scholarship Fund.

Throughout the past 20 years, the Dean College President’s Cup Golf Tournament has had a profound and positive effect on the education of Dean College students. Support from players and sponsors has helped the College raise more than $1,000,000 for Dean College Scholarship Fund.

By sponsoring or playing in this event, you could help deserving students attend Dean College.

To learn more about the tournament, sponsorship opportunities and to register, visit www.dean.edu/golftournament.

21st Annual Dean College President’s Cup Golf Tournament - Sep 18

Dean College is a private, residential New England college grounded in a culture and tradition that all students deserve the opportunity for academic and personal success. A uniquely supportive community for more than 150 years, Dean has woven together extensive student support and engagement with exceptional teaching and innovative campus activities. Our graduates are lifetime learners who thrive in their careers, embrace social responsibility and demonstrate leadership. This is The Dean Difference.

Hockomock Area YMCA Hosts YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program Information Sessions

With millions of Americans at risk for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes, the Hockomock Area YMCA is encouraging community members to learn their risk and take action to prevent the disease. Currently, diabetes affects nearly 29 million people; another 86 million Americans have prediabetes, yet only about 10 percent are aware of it.

To learn more about the YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program at the Hockomock Area YMCA, the community is invited to attend an upcoming information session:

• Wednesday, August 23rd at 1:00pm at the North Attleboro Branch (300 Elmwood St)
• Wednesday, August 23rd at 6:30pm at the Bernon Family Branch in Franklin (45 Forge Hill Road)
• Wednesday, September 13th at 1:00pm at the North Attleboro Branch
• Wednesday, September 13th at 6:30pm at the Bernon Family Branch in Franklin

Prediabetes is a condition in which individuals have blood glucose (sugar) levels that are higher than normal, but not high enough to be classified as diabetes. People with prediabetes are at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease and stroke. Understanding your risk is the first step in preventing diabetes. 

Several factors including family history, age, weight and physical activity level can contribute to developing type 2 diabetes. Learn your risk for type 2 diabetes, about our program and take the diabetes risk test, visit https://www.hockymca.org/north-attleboro/diabetes-prevention/

For those at risk for diabetes, the YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program is designed to help individuals reduce their risk. The Program uses a CDC-approved curriculum and is part of the CDC-led National Diabetes Prevention Program. The year-long program consists of 16 weekly sessions and three sessions every other week during the first six months followed by 6 monthly sessions in the second six months. 

A trained lifestyle coach helps participants learn tactics for healthy eating, physical activity and other lifestyle changes. The YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention resulted from a study by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) which showed how healthier eating, increasing physical activity and losing a modest amount of weight could lead to better health in participants and an overall reduction of new type 2 diabetes cases.

Recently, the Hockomock Area YMCA received Full CDC Recognition Status of the YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program and are currently the first Y in Massachusetts and the only organization in the state that is CDC recognized based on the outcomes of their program. The goal of the program is to help adults at risk for diabetes reduce their body weight by 5 to 7 percent and increase their physical activity to 150 minutes per week. Studies have shown that programs like the YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program can prevent or delay new cases of type 2 diabetes in adults by 58 percent and by as much as 71 percent in those over age 60.

The program is available at more than 1,400 sites in 44 states. Locally, the progream is offered at all three branches of the Hockomock Area YMCA in Foxboro, Franklin and North Attleboro with programs set to begin in October in North Attleboro and Franklin.

The YMCA encourages you to call the Program Coordinator at 508-643-5271 to learn more or contact your medical provider for a referral. Or for more program information visit hockymca.org.

Hockomock Area YMCA Hosts YMCA’s
Diabetes Prevention Program Information Sessions 

About Hockomock Area YMCA:

Where Cause Meets Community. At the Hockomock Area YMCA, strengthening community is our cause. The Hockomock Area YMCA is an organization of men, women, and children sharing a commitment to nurture the potential of kids, promote healthy living, and foster a sense of social responsibility.

Our YMCA is committed to partnering and collaborating with others to create and deliver lasting personal and social change in the 15 communities we are privileged to serve. The Hockomock Area YMCA is a not-for-profit charitable cause-driven organization with facilities in North Attleboro, Foxboro, Franklin, and Mansfield. For more information visit hockymca.org.

StoryWalk® on the SNETT - Aug 25

"Come read and walk on the local rail trail. Book(s) are suitable for ages 3 and up, but all are welcome! Participants will be entered into a drawing for a free book. 

This is a pop up StoryWalk® that will only be available on Aug 25th between 9-11am. 

There is a parking area near the kiosk on Center Street, the StoryWalk® will be across the street from parking.

The StoryWalk® Project was created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, VT and developed in collaboration with Kellogg-Hubbard Library. StoryWalk® is a registered service mark owned by Ms. Ferguson. 

Thank you to the Bellingham Public Library for help with the book selections."

StoryWalk® on the SNETT - Aug 25

For updates, follow the Facebook event from the Rail Trail Committee

https://www.facebook.com/events/461541297550902/

FHS Boys Basketball Updates

The FHS Boys basketball team did well in summer competition

The FHS Boys basketball team did well in summer competition
(FHS Panthers Facebook image)

Also on the FHS Boys basketball front, a fund raising golf event is coming up in October

2nd Annual Golf Tournament is October 14. Register here:https://fhsboysbasketballgolf.eventbrite.com/

Two quick updates on Tinkergarten

Two quick updates on Tinkergarten, the new outdoor classes that were recently announced as coming to Franklin. (1) they are a MA based company (2) they just announced additional capital funding to help them expand their leader recruiting efforts.

"Tinkergarten announced on Tuesday it has raised a $5.4 million Series A round of financing led by Owl Ventures, with additional investment from existing investors Omidyar Network (the philanthropic investment firm established by eBay founder Pierre Omidyar and his wife Pam) and Reach Capital.

“KIDS NOW SPEND UPWARDS TO 8 HOURS PER DAY IN FRONT OF A SCREEN. PARENTS HAVE A STRONG NEED TO BALANCE THAT TIME WITH HEALTHY […] TIME OUTDOORS.”

The Northampton, MA-based company uses an online platform to organize outdoor educational activities for kids ages 1-8 years old. A mix of learning and play, activities are conducted by trained “leaders,” people with a passion for teaching who can be educators, scientists, artists or even attorneys."

Read more about the capital funding here
https://www.americaninno.com/boston/tinkergarten-raises-5-4m-to-get-more-kids-learning-outside/

ICYMI - the prior posting on the Tinkergarten classes coming to Franklin
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/08/tinkergarten-classes-scheduled-for.html

image from Tinkergarten webpage

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA Area: FRI 8/11/17 - THU 8/17/17

FRIDAY 8/11/17
9:30am   Family Yoga @ Franklin Public Library
12-6pm   Franklin Farmers Market @ Town Common
3:30pm   Lemonade and Giant Legos @ Franklin Public Library
5-10pm   Feast of St. Rocco: Rides, Food Booths, Entertainment @ 201 Main Street

SATURDAY 8/12/17
8-11am   Franklin Dog Park Clean Up @ Dacey Field
10-1pm   Franklin Historical Museum Open
10am   Feast of St. Rocco Anointing Mass under the tent @ 201 Main Street
10:30am   Pancake Breakfast with author Josh Funk @ Franklin Public Library
11am-10pm   Feast of St. Rocco: Rides, Food Booths, Entertainment @ 201 Main Street
2-4pm   Cultural Diversity Pot Luck @ Franklin Public Library
8pm   The Black Box Summer Concert: The Love Dogs @ The Black Box

SUNDAY 8/13/17
10:30am   Feast of St. Rocco: Closing Mass @ St. Mary’s Parish
12-8pm   Feast of St. Rocco: Rides, Food Booths, Entertainment @ 201 Main Street
1-4pm   Franklin Historical Museum Open

MONDAY 8/14/17
2:30pm   Maker Mondays @ Franklin Public Library
7pm   Learn to Cope Franklin Chapter Meeting @ FUSF

TUESDAY 8/15/17
9am   Do Gooders DIYs @ Franklin Public Library

WEDNESDAY 8/16/17
10:30am   Jungle Jim’s Minecraft Madness @ Franklin Public Library
6:30-8pm   Concerts on The Common: Matt Zajac and Friends @ Franklin Town Common

THURSDAY 8/17/17
9-10am   Rep Roy Office Hours @ Elizabeth’s Bagels
9:30am   Baby Tummy Time @ Franklin Public Library
10:30am   Story and Craft @ Franklin Public Library
12pm   Park it and Read @ various Franklin Parks - check with the Library
3pm   Memory Cafe for Caregivers and their Loved Ones @ Franklin Senior Center
5-8pm   Franklin Historical Museum Open
7-8pm   Healing Hearts Community Support Group @ Franklin YMCA

For the Town of Franklin Public Calendar click HERE.

For all other events and Franklin happenings click HERE.

*To submit an event for the Community Calendar, please use this FORM.

The Vet Ruck Walk will travel through Franklin Saturday, Aug 19

Franklin's Veterans' Services Officer Dale Kurtz says:

"We expect the walkers to enter Franklin about 6 PM on Saturday, August 19. They will travel Lincoln St to make a brief stop at the War Memorial on the Town Common and then proceed through town via Main St to East Central expecting to exit at 7 PM into Wrentham. There will be 8 to 9 walkers and supporters are invited to join in, but we must keep up the pace of the team for them to make their timelines. We hope that veterans, scout groups and town people will come out to support the walkers."


From the Warrior Thunder Facebook page:  

"OUR WTFI ATHLETES ARE AT IT AGAIN! 

NINE OF OUR AMAZING ENDURANCE ATHLETES WILL BE RUCKING 200 MILES (10 MILES FOR EVERY VETERAN WHO TAKES HIS/HER LIFE) ACROSS THE STATE OF MASSACHUSETTS. 

Oh, and they will be doing it nonstop over 3 days. 

The transition from military to civilian life can be difficult, especially when dealing with injuries, illnesses, the scars of combat and loss of comrades. Those who have not served have a difficult time understanding this and bringing Veterans back into the community, while Veterans have a hard time sharing their stories and becoming part of the community that wants them. 

This 200-mile ruck across Massachusetts will help raise awareness for the needs of Veterans, specifically, the need for them to become part of the community after service, the prevention of suicide and to raise charitable donations to support programs to help them. 

We will start at Bates Memorial State Park and finish at Plymouth Rock Park.
Check out our route at the site below.
http://www.warriorthunderfoundation.org/vet-ruck-new-england/

Grab all of your friends and meet us along the route in your town or any town and cheer us on. I mean, 200 miles, nonstop...come on. 

Wave your flags, bring all your Veteran friends, bring ALL your friends, family, dogs ... even your mother in law (no we won't take her with us).

Check out our website (by clicking tickets above) for the route. We will post the times of each location we travel through. If you would like to be sponsor or want your group or town leaders to meet with us, please contact Darren Bean. (508) 244-9950 or darrenbean@warriorthunder.org 

We are proudly sponsored by Skeleton Optics, Cascade Designs, Petzl, The Cabby Shack and Reebok!! Thank you for supporting our Veterans and their Families."

The Vet Ruck Walk will travel through Franklin Saturday, Aug 19

Download and print this poster to help spread the word: