“We’ve developed a pretty unique model to make sure everyone is successful"

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

"Dining out with children can often be a challenge but even more so when those children are autistic. 

Santa will be sitting down for lunch with the families of children with autism at the 45 Restaurant on Sunday Dec. 3, to give everyone to a chance to spend time with the big guy before Christmas. 

Local nonprofit, Autism Eats, will host the lunch at the 45 Restaurant on 45 Milford St., from noon to 2 p.m. The meal costs $21 for adults and $15 for children. Reservations are required, and space is limited. Payments are made online beforehand. 

The event will be held in a private section of the restaurant, and food will be set up buffet style, so there’s no waiting."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20171125/opening-doors-to-autistic-children

Make your reservations online
https://bostonwebcreative.wufoo.com/forms/r1h0te2l0x42jv7/

Meet Santa at this very special Autism Eats-
Dell True Ability holiday lunch event - Dec 3

For more about the non-profit organization Autism Eats visit their webpage

http://www.autismeats.org/

With #givingTuesday approaching consider a donation to this cause

http://www.autismeats.org/#page_donate

“Now, the common is really decorated nicely”

You can get Santa twice this weekend. Saturday in Bellingham and Sunday in Franklin.  From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"Santa Claus will take a quick jaunt through Bellingham Saturday evening before being delivered to the town common for a lighting ceremony involving hot cocoa, holiday songs and seasonal cheer. 

Santa’s journey will start at 5:25 p.m. at the Bellingham Middle School, and he will be escorted along South Main Street to the common. Local residents are invited to join the escort or view the procession along the route while students hand out candy canes. 

Santa’s quick trip to the common is organized by the Bellingham Lions Club. 

The lighting itself - which begins at 6 p.m. - is a tradition that dates back to the establishment of the town common 20 years ago. Town Common Trustee Chairwoman Joanne Arcand said the ceremony had grown a lot over the years."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20171124/bellingham-town-common-lighting-set-for-saturday


Reminder: The Committee For Concerts on the Common presents The Annual Christmas on the Common Sunday, November 26, 2017 - 4:00 PM

Annual Christmas on the Common - Sunday, Nov 28 - 4:00 PM

Additional info on Franklin's event can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/11/annual-christmas-on-common-sunday-nov.html

Small Business Saturday - Nov 25, 2017

While American Express helps to celebrate Small Business Saturday, many of us know how important it is to shop local and #shopFranklin all year.

Small Business Saturday is a holiday shopping tradition that happens every year on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. 

Founded by American Express in 2010, this nationwide movement helps bring attention to the importance of supporting small businesses in communities across America.

There are plenty of small business to  wisely spread your dollars around.

View the Franklin map to see the small businesses identified by American Express

https://www.americanexpress.com/us/small-business/shop-small/maps/near=Franklin,MA,02038/cl=42.0697133,-71.38836350000001?linknav=us-open-shopsmall-globalheader-map&lang=en-US

Small Business Saturday - Nov 25, 2017

Franklin Garden Club - Annual Holiday Auction - Dec 5

For the first time, the Franklin Garden Club will open its annual Holiday Auction to the public. The event will take place on Tuesday, December 5, beginning at 6:00 PM. at the Franklin Senior Center, 10 Daniel McCahill Street, Franklin. 

 A Silent Auction will run from 6:00 – 7:00 PM followed by a live auction beginning at 7:15 PM. Appetizers and desserts will be served throughout the evening.

The auction will feature a wide variety of holiday items made by Franklin Garden Club members, as well as other donated articles. Items will include beautiful live flower and evergreen arrangements, holiday decorations, baked goods, and other types of home and garden items.

“The auction is a wonderful way to jump start your holiday decorating and purchase gifts for friends and family,” noted Janice Cederquist and Mary Anne Dean, co-presidents of the Garden Club.

All proceeds from the auction help to support the Club’s community activities, which include the awarding of a scholarship to a graduating high school student, the distribution of pine tree seedlings to Franklin first graders to mark Arbor Day, and maintenance of the Franklin Town Common Garden in partnership with the Town.

The Franklin Garden Club, founded in 1987, is a member of the Garden Club Federation of Massachusetts.

Franklin Garden Club - Annual Holiday Auction - Dec 5

Franklin Library: Paul Speidel Blues & Jazz Trio, Nov 29

The Paul Speidel Blues and Jazz Trio will be performing at the Franklin Public Library Wednesday, November 29 at 6:30 p.m. For over twenty years, Paul Speidel has been performing at major clubs and festivals in the Greater Boston area, such as Scullers, Ryles, Johnny D's, Acton Jazz Cafe, and many others. 

He taught Jazz and Blues in the Newton Public Schools during this time, and has presented music programs at public and private venues for just as long. Last year, he had the privilege of performing live on WBUR’s “Radio Boston” program to nearly 500,000 listeners, and has appeared on countless other area radio shows over the years. 

With nine CDs to his credit, Paul’s recordings have been critically recognized nationally, including a 3½ star review in Downbeat in 2011. His credits also include performances with Patti Page, Howard Alden, Jay Geils, Duke Robillard, James Montgomery and Shirley Lewis, to name just a few… 

“Speidel shines with calibrated, elevated playing that draws on his muse and on a congenital sense of what makes sense musically…Three and a half stars!” – Frank-John Hadley, Downbeat Magazine (July 2011) 

“Love it! One of the finest guitarists out there…So great having you on the show. You’re terrific!” (Jordan Rich, WBZ-1030, Boston) 

"Paul Speidel's guitar playing is impressive. He manages to mix blues and jazz and funk naturally and effortlessly. The band is tight and the songs are strong. If you haven't seen Paul, you're missing out on something special right here in Boston!” --Dana Marshall (DJ, Program Manager,WXRV 92.5-FM The River)

Franklin Library: Paul Speidel Blues & Jazz Trio, Nov 29

This was shared from the Franklin Library webpage
http://franklinpl.blogspot.com/2017/11/paul-speidel-blues-jazz-trio-wednesday.html


For more about Paul Speidel visit his webpage  http://www.paulspeidelband.com/

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA Area: FRI 11/24/17 - THU 11/30/17

FRIDAY 11/24/17
7:30pm  Flashback Friday @THE BLACK BOX

SATURDAY 11/25/17
10-1pm   Franklin Historical Museum Open
7:30pm   Christmas Handbell Concert @ Franklin Federated Church

SUNDAY 11/26/17
7:30-10:30am   Sunday Breakfast @ Franklin Rod and Gun Club
1-4pm   Franklin Historical Museum Open
4-6pm   Annual Christmas on the Town Common - visit with Santa and Jingle Elves

MONDAY 11/27/17
10:30am   Move Along (ages 0-5) @ Franklin Public Library
7pm   Learn to Cope Franklin Chapter Meeting @ FUSF

TUESDAY 11/28/17
10:30am   Get Ready for Kindergarten (ages 3-5) @ Franklin Public Library
1pm   Three TED Talks @ Senior Center

WEDNESDAY 11/29/17
10am   Th Constitution with Gary Highlander @ Senior Center
10:30am   Terrific Toddlers (ages 18months to 3 years old) @ Franklin Public Library
4pm   Construction Junction! @ Franklin Public Library
6:30pm   Christian Zen Weekly Meditation @ McMahon Guest House (1061 Upper Union Street)
6:30pm   Learn About Franklin Arts Academy Program at FHS (grade 8-10 students and families welcome) @ FHS
6:30pm   Paul Speidel Blues and Jazz Trio @ Franklin Public Library

THURSDAY 11/30/17
9:30am   Baby Tummy Time! (ages 0-18 months) @ Franklin Public Library
10am   Tinkergarten - FREE trail class @ Fairmount Fruit Farm
10:30am   Story and Craft (ages 3 to 6) @ Franklin Public Library
1pm   Make Lovely Holiday Cards @ Senior Center
6:30pm   Make a Terrarium Class @ Pour Richard’s Wine and Spirits
6:30pm   Community Forum with Superintendent Dr. Ahern @ Municipal Building (3rd floor). All are welcome.
7pm   Healing Hearts Community Support Group @ Franklin YMCA 

Guide to Holiday Lights and Events (includes Franklin, MA) click HERE.

For the Town of Franklin Public Calendar click HERE.

For all other events and Franklin happenings click HERE.

Submit an event for the Community Calendar, please use this FORM

DPW provides an update on the snow/ice plan for winter

The Franklin DPW is scheduled to provide their annual update to the Town Council and community on the snow and ice preparations for this winter.

The document released for the November 29, 2017 meeting is shown below

Franklin (MA) DPW Snow/Ice Presentation - 2017 from Franklin Matters

The full agenda for the Town Council meeting Nov 29 can be found online
http://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/november-29-town-council-agenda

KP tops FHS in Thanksgiving Day game

From HockomockSports we share the results of the FHS football game vs. King Philip on Thanksgiving.


Franklin, 0 @ King Philip, 28 – Final
1st Quarter: (KP) Brendan Lydon 1-yard rush, Cole Baker XP good.
2nd Quarter: (KP) B. Lydon 12-yard pass to Jack Piller, C. Baker XP good; (KP) B. Lydon 37-yard pass to David Morganelli, C. Baker XP good.
3rd Quarter: (KP) Ryan Halliday 3-yard rush, C. Baker XP good.
4th Quarter: No scoring.


For all the results around the Hockomock League on Thanksgiving
https://hockomocksports.com/thursdays-schedule-scoreboard-11-23-17/

FHS Panthers

#GivingTuesday is right around the corner! Help FPAC light the stage!

#GivingTuesday is right around the corner! Help FPAC light the stage!

Please support FPAC and help us light the stage!

After Black Friday and after Cyber Monday, Giving Tuesday allows each of us to step into the giving season with opportunities to support organizations that touch our lives throughout the year. 

Please support the Franklin Performing Arts Company as we continue to bring professional, family friendly entertainment to your backyard. Your gift to FPAC will allow us to purchase much needed lighting equipment to better light the stage for the year of performances ahead! 

Currently we are required to rent equipment to supplement what is now installed in THE BLACK BOX. FPAC's Giving Tuesday goal is $3,000 with which a spotlight, several instruments and lamps will be purchased.

http://hosted.verticalresponse.com/1156763/3208cf1413/547960375/9b055c5183/

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Click to view this email in a browser

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Franklin Performing Arts Company PO Box 48 15 West Central Street Franklin, Massachusetts 02038 US Read the VerticalResponse marketing policy.

“A big part of the forums is for me to do less talking and more listening”

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

"As part of her entry plan, newly hired superintendent Sara Ahern will hold a community forum to both introduce herself to the community and to gather perspectives on the school system. 

The forum will take place from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 3 on the third floor of the Franklin Municipal Building, 355 East Main St. 

Part of her entry plan is to listen to residents and others across the district to understand their perspectives about the schools. Ahern already met with parent groups and will be meeting with students and faculty as well, she said. 

“Really what I’m trying to understand is what do they perceive to be the strengths and what opportunities for growth do they see,” she said. “I think it’s important for me to understand the district from many different perspectives as I come in new to Franklin Schools.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20171123/franklins-new-school-superintendent-to-hold-community-forum


Superintendent Ahern's Entry Plan was published here earlier
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczZmF5TTlBN2xwU3N6a0piT1dsdlkzZm9VUHlj/view?usp=sharing

Community Forum with Superintendent Sara Ahern - Nov 30 - 6:30 PM

Cultural District Committee Appointments scheduled for approval

One of the agenda items for the Town Council meeting November 29 will be the appointment of the 7 member Cultural District Committee. This committee would oversee and coordinate the cultural efforts for Franklin. The memo to the Town Council summarizes the proposal.


"We are requesting the Town Council ratify the following individuals to be members of the newly formed Cultural District Committee:

1. Christopher Brady for a three-year term to expire on June 30, 2020.
2. Stacey David for a three-year term to expire on June 30, 2020.
3. Robert DeRobertis for a two-year term to expire on June 30, 2019.
4. John LoPresti for a two-year to expire on June 30, 2019.
5. Philip Regan for a one-yeart erm to expire on June 30, 2018.
6. Nancy Schoen for a one-year term to expire on June 30; 2018.
7. Tyler Warren for a one-year term to expire on June 30, 20.18.

Please note all seats are three-year terms. These are the initial terms to introduce the staggered years of the committee for initial appointments. It's anticipated the one-year termed candidates will be
considered for reappointment in June 2018.

In June 2017, the Council approved Resolution 17-44 authorizing the creation of a Cultural District Committee (resolution, map and memo attached). Over the summer, the Town held an open application period for anyone in the community to apply. We received almost two dozen applications. Through the fall, Jeff and I met with each candidate in person. Suffice to say, choosing seven folks out of the group was very difficult given the passion, creativity and interest from all applicants.

Given the work the Committee will be doing moving forward, it was important to get a diverse set of skills and interests. Our recommendation includes backgrounds in arts and culture, media, marketing, public relations, downtown economic development and more.

As always, we are happy to answer any questions you may have."






Earlier this year, the Town Council approved this step
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/07/the-town-is-excited-to-move-to-this.html

Franklin Cultural Festival

FHS alumni still busy in collegiate athletics

HockomockSports put together the Campus Report for the fall season of 2017. Several FHS alumni were mentioned for their respective athletic accomplishments:

Quintin McDermott, Alexis Stowell, Victoria Stowell, Allison Burke, Nicole Ellin, Meghan Dieterle, Maddie Bressler, Taylor Cogliano, Dani Lonati, Sammy Rondeau, and Joe Kalil.

Read the full details here
https://hockomocksports.com/the-campus-report-looking-back-at-fall-2017/

FHS alumni still busy in collegiate athletics

“We did it entirely through a grassroots operation”

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

"Many cities and towns closed their municipal offices early on Wednesday, the day before Thanksgiving. But town and city clerks in every Massachusetts community remained behind their counters until 5 p.m. 

Wednesday was the deadline to submit signatures for questions to appear on the 2018 ballot. The Attorney General’s office certified ballot questions on 18 topics earlier this year – 17 proposed laws and one proposed constitutional amendment. 

The groups behind the ballot questions needed to collect at least 64,750 signatures by Wednesday to proceed to the next step in the process. The residents of any one county cannot comprise more than 25 percent of those signatures. 

Local clerks must certify the signatures of the registered voters in their communities. That is, the signatures of Milford residents are submitted to the Milford town clerk – and so on."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20171122/town-clerks-delay-holiday-for-2018-ballot-question-deadline

For the complete listing of initiative petitions filed for the next election, check out the Attorney General's webpage here
http://www.mass.gov/ago/government-resources/initiatives-and-other-ballot-questions/

“We did it entirely through a grassroots operation”

Franklin Town offices closed for Thanksgiving

Town offices will be closed Thursday and Friday and re-open on Monday, Nov 27.

The Library is closed today but will be open on Friday and the rest of the weekend for its normal schedule.
 

Franklin Town offices closed for Thanksgiving

Library is closed today but will be open on Friday

This was shared from the Town of Franklin web pages
http://www.franklinma.gov/home/urgent-alerts/town-office-closure-holiday

http://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library/bulletins/thanksgiving-hours-0