Franklin Cultural District: Art Assoc & Downtown Partnership meetings, Arts Mosaic at Dean, Election Day Tuesday

Wednesday, November 1

10:00am  - Veterans Coffee Social (Senior Center)

1:00pm - Senior Scribblers (writing group) NO Session Today, See you Nov 8)

6:30pm - Franklin Art Association (Senior Center)

Thursday, November 2

8:30am - Franklin Downtown Partnership General Mtg (Dean College - Student Center)

6:00pm - Ken Barney (live music) (La Cantina Winery)

6:30pm - Franklin LGBTQ Alliance - monthly meeting (Franklin Public Library)

Friday, November 3

6:00pm - Piano Steve (live music)  (La Cantina Winery)

7:00pm - Arts Mosaic (ticketed event) (Dean College)

Saturday, November 4 

10:00am - Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

4:00pm - Tyler Zajac (live music) (La Cantina Winery)

6:00pm - Annual FPAC Gala (in person and virtual event) (THE BLACK BOX)

7:00pm - Arts Mosaic  (ticketed event) (Dean College)

Sunday, November 5

Daylight Saving Time ends (clocks fall back 1 hour)

1:00pm - Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

Tuesday, November 7 = Election Day

6:00am - Town of Franklin Election (Franklin High School)

6:00pm - Franklin Garden Club - meeting (Franklin Public Library) 

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The Franklin Art Association Art Gallery remains open for viewing (and purchasing the art displayed) during business hours at Escape into Fiction (Main St, Franklin)

Visit the Cultural District page ->  https://www.franklinculture.org/

Find the full Community event 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 

Franklin Cultural District: Arts are happening here!

Franklin (MA) Public Library News & Events for November 2023

Library Hours

The Library's hours are Monday through Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Friday and Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Sunday, 1:30 – 5:00. The Library will be closed November 11^th for Veteran's Day. For the Thanksgiving Holiday, the library will be open from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM on November 22^nd and closed on November 23^rd.

The Minuteman Library Network is getting a new Library Catalog!
Although the current library catalog will remain available for several more months, you can start using the new catalog now! Go to franklin.minlib.net, click on "sign in" (upper right of the page), and enter your library card and pin number.  Start searching & requesting! If you have been saving your reading history in the old catalog, you may want to transfer your history to the new catalog.  Click on your name in the upper right corner, this will bring you to your account. Click on Reading History and follow the prompts to transfer your reading history.  Questions? Contact the library Reference Desk at 508-520-4941, x4525.

Health Fair Wednesday November 8^th @ 3:00pm
Come join us for a free and fun filled evening at the Franklin Public Library for Franklin Health Department's annual fall health fair from 3PM-6PM on Wednesday November 8th, 2023! The event will include local vendors, health screenings, refreshments, kids' activities, raffles & freebies, and much more! This is a great opportunity to get involved in your local community and a fun night out for all ages!

Diwali Celebration! Sunday, November 19^th, 2:00-3:30PM
Join us for a special Diwali celebration for the whole family, including crafts, music, color, henna, and more. All ages are welcome!

Museum Passes
Now is a great time to reserve passes to the area's most popular museums, aquariums, and more! Passes are available to be reserved up to thirty days in advance.

New Materials
See the latest additions to the library's collection!

Check out these Ways To Support the Library

Franklin Library Book Sale
Friday, November 17^th, 1:00-5:00 p.m.  Saturday November 18^th, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon
All books are just one dollar!

Bag Sale - $5 A Bag—Saturday, November 18^th, from 1:00-4:00 p.m.
Come fill a brown bag with all the books you can!

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program
In our second year of providing free tax preparation assistance through the VITA IRS program the Franklin Public Library is looking for volunteers! While tax season starts in February; planning, training, and scheduling can begin today! To sign up or to find more information please email Site Coordinator Mitzi Gousie at mgousie@minlib.net!

Franklin Library ESL & Adult Literacy Program
Volunteer tutors needed! To volunteer please be at least 18 years old, have a High School diploma, & speak English clearly.  No prior teaching experience needed!  Volunteer tutors and students do not need to be Franklin residents. If interested, please fill out the registration form on the library's website.

Massachusetts Center for the Book 2023 Reading Challenge
November: A Book Recommended by a local bookseller
Do you have a cozy reading corner you've been wanting to spend more time in? Do you have a group of friends who like to select books together? Maybe a little constraint helps you choose what to read next. If you are looking for a fun, unique reading challenge to take on in 2023, Massachusetts Center for the Book has you covered. Check it out today! https://www.massbook.org/readingchallenge

The Library newsletter was shortened for publication here. To find the full set of text, visit ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library/news/november-2023-franklin-library-news-events

Franklin (MA) Public Library News & Events for November 2023

Senior Scribblers Book Release Party celebrated at the Franklin Senior Center (video)

For those who missed the book release party, you can watch recording of the event by Franklin TV.  A number of the contributors to the books read one or more selections. 

Those in the audience could leave with a copy of the book.  You still have a chance for a copy:

• If you want to buy a copy of the book, some are in the gift shop in the Senior Center ($5)
• You can also check out a copy at the Franklin Public Library via the circulation desk
• If you want to download the PDF file of the book to read on your device, follow this link ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1bgpdM9_m3ERc9h3QkGlG40NsWcrFuL0B/view?usp=sharing

Video link -> https://youtu.be/oDFSNn55kYg?si=dIY1BBadObM9Y7Ur

Faith Flaherty (left) and Al Larkin (right)

Candidate Interview: Glenn Jones, incumbent candidate for Town Council (audio)

FM #1092 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1092 in the series. 

This session shares my conversation with Glenn Jones, incumbent candidate for Franklin MA Town Council. We had our discussion via Zoom on Sunday, October 29, 2023. 

We covered the standard set of questions for candidate interviews:

1. What is your ‘Franklin story’? Tell us briefly about your road to Franklin, living & your involvement here

2. While the law does not require citizens to vote, voting is a very important part of any democracy. How important is it that we elect people who are active participants in the election process

3. What experience or background will help you to serve in this role? Or what do you bring to the table that helps to set you apart from the others

4. The Town Council approves the annual budget which sets the priorities for how Franklin operates. Faced with the reported fiscal challenges of the next several years, what are the financial priorities we need to address? How do you explain to the voters and residents what needs to be done

The recording runs about 30 minutes, so let’s listen in. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1092-candidate-interview-glennjones-10-29-23

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Glenn can be reached on Facebook or via his Town email address gjones@franklinma.gov 

The “Election Collection” for 2023 -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/07/franklin-election-collection-2023.html 

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We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial. 

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

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

• If you don't like something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/  or www.franklin.news 

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

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You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

Candidate Interview: Glenn Jones, incumbent candidate for Town Council (audio)

350 Mass Greater Franklin Node: Meeting, Thursday, November 2, 2023

The 350 Mass Greater Franklin Node will meet this Thursday, November 2nd, at 7:00 pm. This will be a Zoom-only meeting. 

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81930304274?pwd=Tm9VdGxYcDFaVTVDUkwyT3YvUnlFdz09             

Meeting ID: 819 3030 4274

Passcode: 350ma

Dial-in +1 646 876 9923

We will use the meeting to discuss progress and activities related to the 350 Mass Campaigns, and local actions and opportunities. 

There are some upcoming events that we've been announcing. Here they are again: 

Campaign: the Zero Carbon Renovation Fund (ZCRF). The ZCRF is a bold proposal to allocate $300 million from the Massachusetts State Legislature for a Fund to jumpstart the market for zero carbon renovations in existing buildings in Massachusetts. Renovations supported by the ZCRF will include improvements and renovations that are aligned with a zero carbon future and incorporates one or more of the following: (1) maximizing energy efficiency through building envelope upgrades; (2) electrification of building systems; (3) maximizing usage of on-site renewable energy, wherever possible; and (4) consideration of building retrofit materials that are low embodied carbon. The ZCRF will prioritize affordable housing, public housing, low- and moderate-income homes, schools, BIPOC and women businesses, and buildings located in Environmental Justice communities. 

         Hearing and Testimony: The Legislature's Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities, and Energy will hold a hearing on an Act to establish the ZCRF, H.3232, on Tuesday October 31, starting at 10 AM. The public can advocate for the legislation through written, virtual or in-person testimonies. The toolkit describes the logistics of the hearings, key messages of the ZCRF, structure of comments, recommendations, and social media advocacy. Please consider submitting oral or written testimony.  See also the notice on 350 Mass' website.

         Carolyn Barthel, our Node coordinator, will testify at the hearing. She will discuss it at our meeting on Thursday.

Action: Take Back Our Energy Grid. ISO (independent system operator)-New England is a not-for-profit corporation responsible for keeping electricity flowing across the six New England states. The goal statements include the transition to clean energy, but ISO-NE is too heavily influenced by the fossil fuel industry. The Board of Directors will hold their annual open Board meeting in Boston's Seaport Hotel on November 1.

       350 Mass's Climate Courage, Fix the Grid, and Third Act are inviting you to participate in a lively street action that will send a clear message to ISO-NE, the press, the governor, and the people of this region. Join us at noon, November 1, at the nearby South Boston Maritime Park for the rally, speakers, music, and "street theater." (This is not a civil disobedience event, no arrests, just fun.)  Information and registration here.

Town of Mendon - Electricity Aggregation. Municipal aggregation is the process by which a municipality purchases electricity in bulk from a competitive supplier on behalf of the residents and businesses within the community. While it is common throughout the state, some cities and towns are still working to implement it. Mendon's Select Board has it on its agenda for this Wednesday, November 1. Carolyn Barthel, Mendon resident, will speak at the meeting. She will tell us about it at our Node meeting.

We hope you can join us on Thursday.

Our next Node meeting will be on the 3rd Thursday of the month, November 16.

Node Co-coordinators,
Carolyn Barthel
Ralph Halpern

Ralph Halpern
ralph.halpern@comcast.net
781-784-3839 (h)

339-203-5017   

Reminder: Fall yard waste curbside collection scheduled for November 13 to 17, 2023

Leaves and brush will be collected curbside November 13 through 17, 2023.  

Reminder that yard waste is also accepted at the Beaver St. Recycling Center -- an annual pass is required.

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/100064487150311/posts/pfbid02YSibG5evvbj2eXmHUwYkVFwqFPEGzJkRdM7xV6Z21FAMYsDdqvHtupQfJLbX39gTl/?mibextid=2JQ9oc

Fall yard waste curbside collection scheduled for Week of November 13 to 17, 2023

 

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program's Winter Heating Season to Begin November 1

Massachusetts Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program's Winter Heating Season to Begin November 1  

 

Applications are now open for eligible Massachusetts households to apply for financial assistance this heating season (Nov. 1, 2023 – April 30, 2024) 

 

The Massachusetts Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC) is pleased to announce November 1 as the start of the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) 2023-2024 winter heating season. LIHEAP is a free, statewide service funded by the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program that helps eligible households stay warm during the winter months by paying a portion of winter heating bills. 

 

Applications for home energy assistance are currently being accepted online at toapply.org/massliheap, and income-eligible households may receive financial help to offset heating bills from November 1, 2023, through April 30, 2024.  

 

Both homeowners and renters can apply online or through local administering agencies for LIHEAP assistance. Households must meet specific eligibility requirements to qualify for aid, which will be paid directly to their heating vendor.  

 

Eligibility is based on several factors, including household size and combined gross annual income of residents 18 and older. Qualifying households – including those with the cost of heat included in the rent – can receive assistance for all sources of heat, including oil, electricity, natural gas, propane, kerosene, wood and coal.  

 

"The Massachusetts home energy assistance program is free, because no resident should have to worry about heating their home during the wintertime," said Ed Augustus Jr., Secretary of Housing and Livable Communities. "High fuel costs can have a devastating effect on household budgets and can even endanger Massachusetts' most vulnerable residents. We encourage anyone who needs heating assistance to explore their eligibility by applying online or visiting the nearest administering agency. And to please share the information with loved ones or neighbors who could benefit from this free resource." 

 

For more information, or to find your local LIHEAP agency, visit www.toapply.org/MassLIHEAP. 

 

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program's Winter Heating Season to Begin November 1

About EOHLC 

The Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC) was established in 2023 to create more homes and lower housing costs in every region. EOHLC also distributes funding to municipalities, oversees the state-aided public housing portfolio, and operates the state's EA family shelter. 

 

Franklin Downtown Partnership General Meeting scheduled for Nov 2 at 8:30 AM

The next Franklin Downtown Partnership General Meeting will be held on Thursday, November 2 at 8:30 AM at the Dean College Dr. Paula M. Rooney Student Center.

the scene of a prior meeting at Dean

Shared from the Downtown Partnership page ->   https://www.franklindowntownpartnership.org/2023/10/november-general-meeting.html

Franklin TV and wfpr.fm schedule for Wednesday, Nov 1, 2023

• wfpr.fm or 102.9 on the FM dial = Wednesday

9:00 AM 12:00 Noon and 6:00 PM Franklin Matters Radio/FPS Voice – Steve Sherlock
Franklin and its local government, services and events  (repeats Saturday at 9 AM)

• This slot features Mitzi Gousie as she highlights the events at the Franklin Library for November 2023  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/10/mitzi-gousie-highlights-events-at.html

10:00 AM 1:00 PM and 7:00 PM  The Wonderful World of Wine – Mark Lenzi, Kim Simone    All about wine, its culture, lore and finer point.

• In this episode hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi talk with David Morrison The Wine Gourd Blog Interview  ->     https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/10/wonderful-world-of-wine-www-episode-249.html

11:00 AM 2:00 PM and 8:00 PM Franklin Matters Radio – Steve Sherlock

Franklin and its local government, services and events (repeats Saturday at 3 PM)

• This slot features a candidate interview with Ted Cormier-Leger, incumbent candidate for Town Council -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/10/candidate-interview-ted-cormier-leger.html

• Franklin All Access TV - Our Public Access Channel (Comcast 6, Verizon 26) = WEDNESDAY

7:30 am Mental Health: Shannon Nesbitt

8:30 am Addressing Hate in School Sports

10:00 am Second Sunday Speaker Series: Michael Tougias

11:30 am Cooking Thyme: Sweet Corn Risotto

12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin: Waffles

12:30 pm Franklin Harvest Festival 2023

1:00 pm Norfolk County Prevention Coalition: Advocates for Children

1:30 pm Pizzapalooza: Shrimp, Tomato & Greens Pizzetta

2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Summer 2018 Show 4

3:00 pm Candlepin New Generation: Show 6

3:30 pm Franklin Observer: Candidates Night 2023

5:00 pm Concerts on the Common: Northeast Groove

8:00 pm Circle of Friends: She Grooves

• Franklin Pride TV - Our Educational Channel        (Comcast 8, Verizon 28) = WEDNESDAY

7:00 am Public School Event: Remington Winter Music 2022

8:30 am Public School Concert: Lifelong Music Pt. 2 05-14-19

10:00 am SAFE Coalition: Danny Lagarce

11:00 am Winning Ways with the MIAA: Pete Smith

12:30 pm FHS Girls Varsity Soccer: v North Attleboro 10-19-23

2:30 pm FHS Varsity Field Hockey: v N. Attleboro 10-26-23

4:35 pm Volleyball vs North Attleboro _102023

8:00 pm FHS Varsity Football: v Milford 10-27-23

• Franklin Town Hall TV - Our Government Channel (Comcast 9, Verizon 29) = WEDNESDAY

8:00 am Town Council: 10-18-23

12:00 pm Davis Thayer Re-Use Advisory 10-17-23

2:00 pm Town Council: 10-18-23

5:30 pm    Economic Development:  LIVE Chambers  852 2364 2869

7:00 pm Town Council: LIVE Chambers  875 7019 7750

Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf 

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