Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA Area: FRI 8/19/16 - THU 8/25/16

FRIDAY 8/19/16
12-6pm   Franklin Farmers Market @ The Town Common
1pm   Mr. Vinny’s Puppet Shadow Puppet Puppet Show @ Franklin Public Library
5pm   FSPA in the Box: Bye Bye Bieber
7:30pm   FSPA in the Box: Bye Bye Birdie
 
SATURDAY 8/20/16
8am-3pm   4th Annual Wiffle Ball Tournament - Random Smile Project @ Fletcher Field
9am-3pm   Book Sale @ Franklin Public Library
2pm   Chess Group @ Franklin Public Library

SUNDAY 8/21/16
9am   Bag Sale @ Franklin Public Library
1-4pm   Pour Richard's Snappy End of the Summer Bash

MONDAY 8/22/16
8am   SAFE Coalition Inaugural Golf Tournament @ Franklin Country Club
1pm   End of Summer Jam with Jamie Barrett @ Franklin Public Library

TUESDAY 8/23/16
10:30am   Legos and Giant Games @ Franklin Public Library
12-2pm   Teen and Tween End of Summer Party @ Franklin Public Library

WEDNESDAY 8/24/16
10:30am   Comedian - Juggler Bryson Lang @ Franklin Public Library
8:15pm   Movies in the Park @ Choate Park in Medway

THURSDAY 8/25/16
10:30am   Family Storytime @ Franklin Public Library
5-9pm   SAFE Coalition Substance Abuse Drop In Center @ St. John’s Episcopal Church (237 Pleasant Street)
6:30pm   Art Night Uncorked @ Franklin Art Center

For all the Town of Franklin Public Meetings click HERE.

For event details click HERE.

*If you have any suggestions or events for the calendar, please email Renata@BetterLivingRE.com

Franklin School for the Performing Arts Hosts Open Houses - Sep 1 and Sep 10

Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FSPA) will hold back-to-school Open Houses for prospective students and families on Thursday, September 1 from 4-8 p.m. and Saturday, September 10 from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. at 38 Main Street in downtown Franklin. The community is invited to tour the facilities, speak with faculty and staff, and learn more about FSPA programs in music, dance, and drama. Prospective students are also encouraged to try a complimentary class.

Franklin School for
the Performing Arts (FSPA)

Founded in 1985 by Director Raye Lynn Mercer, FSPA has been dedicated to the enjoyment of the arts for all ages and to the artistic growth and development of young people. The school provides an extraordinary faculty of artist-teachers and a nurturing environment where students grow skills for the stage and for life. FSPA offers extensive classes in all dance disciplines, acting, musical theater, voice, and instrumental instruction, whether for recreational enjoyment or serious study. FSPA is also home to the Little Music School, an innovative program that teaches children as young as 18 months to play the piano.

A year-round calendar of performing opportunities features musicals, plays, voice and instrumental recitals, opera scenes, chamber ensembles, acoustic coffee houses, musical theater showcases, summer theater, ballet and dance company performances, and the school’s signature Spring Concert. THE BLACK BOX, the home of the Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC), is located just behind the school and provides a professional venue for FSPA student productions. Many FSPA students also participate, by audition, in FPAC’s annual season of shows.

Registration is ongoing. Beginners are welcome and encouraged. For more information, including fall class schedule and catalogue, call (508) 528-8668 or visit online at www.FSPAonline.com.

Set your calendar: Ladybug 5k - Saturday, October 15

This year's Ladybug 5k will be on Saturday, October 15th, starting from Kennedy School at 551 Pond St. In addition to the 5K, there will be kids races, games, face painting, and raffles. Fun, family friendly event.

• Race registration and number pick up start at 8:30 AM
• Kids race at 9:30
• 5K at 10 AM
• Cash prize for top male and top female overall in the 5K

Registration is available for the 5K, kids race and family pricing of $50 per family.

Participants can preregister at https://racewire.com/register.php?id=6650

For more details see our website at www.ladybug5k.com

The start of the Ladybug 5K in 2015

Franklin Public Library: Book Sale - Aug 20-21

The monthly Library Book Sale is being held Saturday and Sunday at the temporary location 25 Kenwood Circle. The book sale is on Saturday from 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM and the Bag Sale on Sunday from 9:00 to Noon.
This would be a good time to stock up for your late summer reading!

This was shared from the official Town of Franklin webpage
http://franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_News/I02471121

In the News: weight loss program at Y, drought conditions worsen

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

"The Hockomock Area YMCA has announced that all three of its branches will now offer a 10-week weight loss program called Weigh to Change following the success of the Foxborough spring program, during which 31 members lost a total of 267 pounds and 318.5 inches. 

An information session will take place at the following locations:

• Bernon Family Franklin Branch, 45 Forge Hill Road, at 6:30 p.m. Aug. 30; or 10 a.m. Sept. 3.
• Invensys Foxboro Branch, 67 Mechanic St., 6:30 p.m. Sept. 1; 9 a.m. Sept. 10.

The fall program will begin Sept. 12 and will run through Nov. 19."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160818/hockomock-area-ymca-to-hold-weight-loss-program

"The weekly report from the U.S. Drought Monitor shows that the area in Massachusetts experiencing extreme drought conditions has expanded dramatically despite spotty downpours last weekend and this week. 

According to the monitor, which is overseen by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the area in the state seeing the second highest level of drought jumped from 3.66 percent last week to 16.86 percent this week. The area in extreme drought includes much of MetroWest and the Milford area. The extreme drought area includes the eastern two-thirds of Middlesex County, the northern half of Norfolk County, nearly all of Essex County and all of Suffolk County.

U.S. Drought Monitor Massachusetts

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160818/extreme-drought-worsens-in-mass

Franklin Historical Museum To Host Miniature Metals Exhibit In October

A very special exhibit will open October 2nd at the Franklin Historical Museum. A personal collection of miniature metal artwork, hand crafted by Franklin born Abraham Megerdichian will be on display for the month of October. Megerdichian’s son Robert will open the exhibit with a presentation and talk about the history of his father’s work.

A selection of about 20 tiny recreations of everyday objects, made from brass, aluminum, stainless-steel and copper will be on display. A sampling of items for this exhibit include: a brass Asphalt Roller, a copper and steel Cannon with Cannonballs, an aluminum Inkwell with Feather Pen, a Flexible Flyer Sled and tiny brass Roller Skates.

miniature metal artwork 1

In his life time, the elder Megerdichian, a machinist by trade, made over 300 miniatures for family and friends as gifts for holidays and special occasions. Just a hobby to him at the time, his work is now being recognized as the intricate creative artwork that it is. It’s a labor of love by his son Robert to bring his father’s work out of storage and into the public eye.

Various pieces are currently being exhibited at The Attleboro Area Museum of Industry, The Science Museum in Boston, The Lynn Museum, the Providence Children’s Museum, and soon at Connecticut’s New Britain Industrial Museum. Robert approached the Franklin Historical Museum because of his father’s connection to Franklin.

miniature metal artwork 2

Abraham was born in Franklin in 1923 to Armenian Immigrants, but the family later moved to Cambridge where he was raised. The family kept close ties to Franklin and Abraham helped build Camp Haiastan, the Armenian Youth Federation (AYF) Camp on Summer Street.

Robert Megerdichian’s presentation will cover his father’s craft, his artwork, his love of family, as well as an interesting history and anecdotal stories of Franklin’s Armenian Community.

miniature metal artwork 3

Join us for this very special event, 1:30PM, Sunday afternoon, October 2nd, 80 West Central Street, Franklin. 

Visit us on our Facebook page and our webpage franklinhistoricalmuseum.com. Admission is always free and the museum is wheelchair accessible.

Local Music Scene Raises $3000 For Franklin Food Pantry

On June 25th, 2016, local musicians in The Greater Milford Area Local Music Scene came together to raise much needed money for the Franklin Food Pantry at The Black Box located right next door to the pantry.

Co-organizer Bill Donovan explains why he and co-organizer Ray Auger decided to raise money for the pantry. "The Franklin Food Pantry does not receive funds from the state or town. They rely ultimately on us, the community, to help keep the shelves full."

Auger and Donovan decided to throw a concert with some of their friends to help raise money for this worthy cause. The two are founding members of Fringe Benefits and Charity Case respectively. These are fundraising event bands made up of different members from other local bands. 

Franklin Food Pantry

"You've heard of super groups, this is along the same lines with the exception that we don't share their money and fame, lol," explains Auger. "It's a chance for local musicians to collaborate with each other and raise a little money for various local causes. I had been doing Fringe Benefits for some time now with my acoustic partner Justin Redden. Recently I talked Bill into forming Charity Case with Matt Zajac. How it works is that we choose a cause, put a set list together, piece together the rest of the band and play a show."

Dan Feeley and South Street Six, all musicians with ties to the Franklin area, joined Fringe Benefits and Charity Case at The Black Box for a night of great music and dancing to benefit the Franklin Food Pantry. A small ticket price, some great raffles items, good friends and generous sponsor donations from Dean Bank, F&P Molla Inc, and Elemen-Tree House led to a grand total of $3000 raised from the night.

James puts that into perspective, "An average bag of groceries costs $18 to put together. That's about 167 bags of groceries that we were able to donate to those in our community in need. It feels good to do something we love as musicians while giving back. Music heals and music helps and we are looking forward to doing more great events like this."

In the News: Charles River Meadowlands meeting, last day to register for state primary

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

"The Charles River Meadowlands workshop will take place 6-9 p.m. Sept. 27 at the First Universalist Society in Franklin, 262 Chestnut St. 

Community activists have been meeting for the past six months as they work to raise awareness of the Charles River Meadowlands in the Franklin/Bellingham/Medway area. 

Led by Franklin resident Alan Earls, the group has gained support from state and local officials, and the Army Corps of Engineers, which oversees the Charles River Meadowlands. The open space, designed to provide a natural buffer in times of flooding, also offers opportunities for outside recreation."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160817/charles-river-meadowlands-workshop-announced

image from Charles River MEadowlands webpage

"Friday is the deadline to register to vote in the Sept. 8 state primary. 

Clerk’s offices at city and town halls will be open from 9 a.m. until 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 19, for voter registration. Voters can also register on line at sec.state.ma.us/OVR, in person at Registry of Motor Vehicles offices or by mail by downloading a form available on the secretary of state’s website and sending it to or dropping it off at the local city or town hall. Mail-in forms must be postmarked by Friday for a voter to be eligible for the primary. Some town halls may close voter registration at 5 p.m. Friday - please contact your town for details."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160814/friday-last-day-to-register-to-vote-in-state-primary

Mr Vinny's Shadow Puppet - Puppet Show comes to the Library

Mr Vinny's Shadow Puppet Puppet Show comes to the Franklin Public Library on Friday, August 19 at 1:00 PM.

The puppet show is best for kids from 3 - 9 years old.


Note: the Library is operating from its temporary location at 25 Kenwood Circle while construction and renovation work is done on the main building downtown.

Mr Vinny's Shadow Puppet - Puppet Show comes to the Library

This was shared from the official Town of Franklin webpage
http://franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_News/I02471121

Mr Vinny was also scheduled to appear here in June.
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/06/mr-vinnys-shadow-puppet-puppet-show.html

In the News: site plan process changed, appraisal day scheduled

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

"The town has approved new rules that allow for less paperwork for certain building renovations and alterations. 

The Town Council recently gave its final, unanimous approval to a zoning bylaw amendment that would allow for limited - instead of full - site plans for some of those projects, should they meet certain criteria. 

Since full site plans are costly - owing to engineering work and the need to notify neighbors - town officials said they may dissuade building owners from improving their properties. It's hoped the change will improve that situation."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160817/franklin-approves-limited-site-plan-process

Additional information from the most recent Town Council meeting (8/10/16) can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/08/town-council-actions-taken-august-10.html

word on the street says the development of the Ficco's and Keagan space was waiting on this change

"The Franklin Historical Museum, 80 W. Central St., will hold Appraisal Day from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Sept. 16. 

Antiques will be appraised by certified appraiser Nancy Wyman, of Coyles Auction Gallery of Bellingham. Guests are allowed a maximum of three items to be appraised at a rate of $5 each."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160817/franklin-historical-museum-to-hold-appraisal-day

What Has The Franklin Downtown Partnership Been Doing For 15 Years?

You've visited, walked by or driven past these places and things for years, yet have you ever stopped to think how they came to be? 

Here are some of the projects and events the Franklin Downtown Partnership has created or been involved with since 2001:

1 - The multi-year $7.25 million Streetscape Improvement Project 

2 - The Franklin Commons Development

3 - The Cake Bar patio on East Central Street

4 - The Summer Street patio area and green space

5 - The green space sitting area on West Central Street

6 - The design of the green space in front of the Historical Museum

7 - The bronze statue of the straw hat boy in front of the Historical Museum

8 - The park benches in downtown

9 - The downtown changeable gateway signs

10 - The new trash and recycling barrels

11 - The downtown holiday decorations and lights 

12 - Beautification and flowers throughout the downtown

13 - The launch and early management of the Farmers’ Market

14 - The Food Elves “12 Days of Donating” campaign

15 - The Franklin downtown map and brochure

16 - Emmons Street development property

17 - The 150 Emmons Street green space and Horace Mann Statue 

18 - Franklin High School scholarships

19 - On-going Economic Development 

20 - The Annual Strawberry Stroll

21 - The Annual October Stroll

22 - The Annual Holiday Stroll and Tree Lighting

23 - Progressive Dinner and Third Thursday Events

24 - On-going community outreach and business support

25 - Won’t you join us this year for our next exciting downtown project?

• This was shared from the Franklin Downtown Partnership webpage

http://www.franklindowntownpartnership.org/2016/08/what-has-fdp-been-doing-for-15-years.html

Note the last day to register to vote has CHANGED

Last day to register to vote or change party affiliation, for the State Primary is now Friday August 19. The Town Clerk's office will be open until 5:00pm. 

Last day to register to vote or change party affiliation, State Election is Wednesday, October 19 till 8:00pm in The Town Clerk’s Office

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

State Primary = Thursday, September 8, 2016

State Election = Tuesday, November 8, 2016

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All Franklin precincts vote in one place

• Franklin High School, Oak Street, 6:00am – 8:00pm

election booths at FHS will be ready for the State Primary on Thursday, Sep 8, 2016

The updated notice from the Secretary of the Commonwealth can be found here
http://franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_News/02499CB5-000F8513

This was shared from the official Town of Franklin webpage
http://franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_News/02499CF2-000F8513

Updated Absentee Ballot info
http://franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_News/02499CE0-000F8513

Last "Concert on the Common" for this summer

6:00 pm – 6::30pm -> Children's Program

• Elaine Kessler - Story Teller

6:30pm – 8:30pm

• Matt Zajak and Partner

last concert on the common for this summer, Aug 17

LET'S LAUGH TODAY in Franklin returns on Wednesday, September 7th!

Experience the health benefits of joyful laughter on Wednesday, September 7th (and every first Wednesday of the month) from 7:30pm to 8:30pm at the Meetinghouse of the First Universalist Society in Franklin, 262 Chestnut Street, Franklin. 

Life is better when you're laughing

Laughter Yoga is a unique and playful practice that does not rely on humor, jokes or comedy. Laughter Yoga will have you smiling frequently and laughing heartily. Learn simple exercises to help you lighten up about life and bring more laughter into it! 

Laughing strengthens the immune system and helps with stress, depression and anxiety. There are no fancy postures and is appropriate for all ages and all physical levels. You can sit or stand. New laughers are always welcomed! 

$5 donation to the church, $10 maximum per family. Please bring your water bottle because laughing can be dehydrating. Led by Certified Laughter Yoga Teachers, Linda and Bill Hamaker. 

If you have any questions, just call them at 508-660-2223 or e-mail billandlinda@letslaughtoday.com. 

See more information and other opportunities to laugh at www.letslaughtoday.com.

Blackstone Heritage Corridor - Strategic Plan Now Available for Public Comment

BHC's Strategic Plan Now Available for Public Comment Blackstone Heritage Corridor, Inc. (BHC) has developed a ten-year strategic plan and is inviting the public to review and comment on it. To develop the Plan, subcommittees of the BHC Board of Directors were formed to lead the work in specific areas of the BHC mission:  Environment, Historical & Cultural Resources, and Economic Development & Community Revitalization.  Nearly 50 people participated on those subcommittees, representing Board of Director members, partners, residents, businesses, corporations, municipalities, nonprofits, state agencies and federal agencies.  Participants applied their extensive knowledge base to contemplate challenges and opportunities that BHC and the National Heritage Corridor are likely to face during the ten-year period of the plan.  Each subcommittee gave birth to an overall vision for the resource category and developed a list of strategies that would achieve their vision. Those visions and strategies were then compiled into this strategic plan. To review the strategic plan, click here. Comments should be directed to Charlene Perkins Cutler by email at CCutler@BlackstoneHeritageCorridor.org and should be sent by September 1, 2016.  Volunteer Show & Tell Are you interested in volunteering in your community? Have you been looking for an opportunity to get connected to the Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor? We would love to show you how through the Volunteers-in-Parks program. Join us  for a Volunteer Open House. RSVP to Suzanne Buchanan at volunteer@BlackstoneHeritageCorridor.org or call (508 ) 234-4242. When: Monday, September 10, 2016 from 6:30-8 p.m. Where: 670 Linwood Avenue, Whitinsville, MA 01588 Get ready to GO! Explore in September Enjoy the rest of summer but know that the best is yet to come! BHC is proud to bring GO! back for another exciting September, featuring 75 different experiences throughout the National Heritage Corridor. This year's program features new events, offering at least one adventure in each of the 25 National Heritage Corridor communities. The program begins on  Thursday, September 1st at 1:30 p.m. with a kickoff celebration at BHC headquarters at 670 Linwood Avenue, Whitinsville, MA, and includes a tour of the historic Linwood Mill. Immediately after the building tour, enjoy a Ranger Walking Tour of the historic village of Whitinsville, beginning at 3:00 p.m. For a full copy of the GO! program, click HERE, or pick up a brochure at any of the BHC's Visitor Centers, at one of the brochure kiosks throughout the National Heritage Corridor or at the BHC office at 670 Linwood Avenue, Whitinsville, MA. Follow Blackstone Heritage Corridor, Inc. on Facebook for news and updates on GO! and more. NOTE: A reminder to GO! experience leaders: there is a volunteer training meeting on Wednesday, August 17 at 6:30 p.m. at BHC headquarters at 670 Linwood Avenue, Whitinsville, MA. Please come to pick up your 2016 t-shirt and signs. Blackstone Heritage Corridor, Inc. | Mail@BlackatoneHeritageCorridor.org | 508-234-4242| BlacktoneHeritageCorridor.org See what's happening on our social sites:

Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor, 670 Linwood Avenue, Whitinsville, MA 01588 Sent by mail@blackstoneheritagecorridor.org in collaboration with Try it free today

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