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Franklin Newcomers and Friends Club annual Holiday Yankee Swap - Dec 13 |
Providing accurate and timely information about what matters in Franklin, MA since 2007. * Working in collaboration with Franklin TV and Radio (wfpr.fm) since October 2019 *
Wednesday, November 29, 2023
Reminder to join your Franklin friends and neighbors at the Franklin Newcomers and Friends Club annual Holiday Yankee Swap - Dec 13
Davis-Thayer Building Reuse Cmte Pauses until after Expression of Interest generate returns (video)
1. Town Administrator Updates2. Continued discussion of potential future uses and Open Houses
- a. Expression of Interest
- b. Appraisal
- c. Kaestle Boos Study
Franklin Senior Center: Senior Connection Newsletter for December 2023
Hello!
We are ending 2023 with a bang here at the Franklin Senior Center! Take a look at all the fun programs and events you won't want to miss! You can sign up for Eat Around the World: Finland on December 8 NOW, but all other program reservations you can either call or stop by the senior center on the 1st to reserve a spot!
Check out Franklin Senior Center's December 2023 Senior Connection Newsletter Here!
A couple of programs to highlight
- Eat Around the World: Finland on December 8 at 11 AM (CALL TO RESERVE A SPOT NOW!!)
- Busy Bee Bazaar and Craft Fair on Monday December 4 and Tuesday December 5
- Winter Wonderland Community Holiday Event - open to any and all! Thursday, December 14 from 4:30 PM to 7 PM
- Holiday Fun on December 22 at 1 (Enjoy the movie White Christmas with friends, wear your ugly sweaters, listen to some carolers, and enjoy some trivia and fun cheer for all to hear!)
- Toast to the New Year on Friday, December 29 at 12 PM. Join us for a toast to the New Year!
Happy Holidays for our family here at the Franklin Senior Center to yours!
-Franklin Senior Center Staff
Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-senior-center/pages/franklin-senior-center-december-2023-senior-connection-newsletter
Direct link to newsletter -> https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-senior-center/files/december-2023-newsletter-senior-connection
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Winter Wonderland Community Holiday Event |
Franklin Public Library News & Events for December 2023
Library Hours
The Library's hours are Monday through Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., and Friday and Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. This Holiday season the Library will be open Saturday December 23rd and 30th from 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM. The Library will be closed December 24th, 25th, 31st, and January 1st.
Franklin Reads!
This winter's community-wide read is Tracy Kidder's Rough Sleepers, a real-life portrait of Boston's homeless population and those on a mission to help them.
About the book: After Jim O'Connell graduated from Harvard Medical School and was nearing the end of his residency at Massachusetts General, the hospital's chief of medicine made a proposal: Would he defer a prestigious fellowship and spend a year helping to create an organization to bring health care to homeless citizens? That year turned into O'Connell's life's calling. Tracy Kidder spent five years following Dr. O'Connell and his colleagues as they work with thousands of homeless patients, some of whom we meet in this illuminating book. We travel with O'Connell as he navigates the city streets at night, offering medical care, socks, soup, empathy, humor, and friendship to some of the city's most endangered citizens.
Where can I get a copy of Rough Sleepers? Beginning December 1st there will be many extra print copies available at the library and it is also available on Libby and through interlibrary loan.
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.
Franklin Library Book Sale
Friday, December 8th, 1:00-5:00 p.m. Saturday December 9th, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon
All books are just one dollar!
Bag Sale - $5 A Bag—Saturday, December 9th, 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
December: A Book Published in 2023
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
Shared from -> (Read the full newsletter here) https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library/news/december-2023-franklin-library-news-events
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Franklin Public Library News & Events for December 2023 |
Franklin TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) schedule for Wednesday, Nov 29, 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 shares my conversation with my climate guide Ted McIntrye as we "Make Sense of Climate" https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/11/starting-with-bicycle-story-we-shift.html
- In this episode hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi interview Mandy Naglich
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/11/wonderful-world-of-wine-www-episode-251.html
- This slot features a combination of Chalkboard Chat & Town Council Quarterbacking episodes https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/11/this-chalkboard-chat-recaps-school.html & https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/11/this-town-council-quarterbacking.html
- Franklin All Access TV - Our Public Access Channel (Comcast 6, Verizon 26) = WEDNESDAY
- Franklin Pride TV - Our Educational Channel (Comcast 8, Verizon 28) = WEDNESDAY
- Franklin Town Hall TV - Our Government Channel (Comcast 9, Verizon 29) = WEDNESDAY
Tuesday, November 28, 2023
12th Annual Franklin Turkey Trot Raises $48,000 for the Franklin Food Pantry
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ready for the Turkey Trot! |
Platinum Sponsors: MyFM 101.3, LDS Church Franklin, Next9Up, Physician One, bLuxe, G&C Plumbing and Heating, Notturo Plumbing and Heating, Terrazza, Raillery Public House, Middlesex Bank.
Gold Sponsors: Capstan Atlantic, Paul A. Longobardi & Sons Trucking, Franklin Knights of Columbus, Mount Street Farm, Eagle Stainless Tube, Dean Bank, Spiffy Designs, VetMed Pet Supplies, Franklin Pizza and Deli.
Silver Sponsors: Franklin Matters, The Baur Family, Mint Dental, Keefe Insurance, Simons, Vendetti Motors, Emmons St. LLC, Starr and Glick Orthodontics, The Adirondack Club, Hilltop Auto, The Sabolinski Family, Grove Street Auto Repair, Nutrify Performance Nutrition for Women, LLC, Custom Kitchens, Gloria Meredith Photography, Xpressions Print, Accurate Baker Elman.
Friends Sponsors: Donahue Family, Chestnut Dental, Bradosky Family, DRR Contracting, Pool Pals, Lobo Family, Campbell Family, Tait/Shimer/Shanks Family, Fitzgerald Family, Schmitt Family, Whitmore Family, O'Neill Family, Franklin Interfaith Council, Van Roon Chiropractic, Johnson Family, Zicherman Family, Powderly Family, Bergen Family, Normandin Family, Wicked Fitness Franklin, Sompally Family, and Sancher Family.
The Franklin Food Pantry, Inc. offers supplemental food assistance and household necessities to more than 1,300 individuals per year. The Franklin Food Pantry is not funded by the Town of Franklin. The Pantry partners with several organizations including the Greater Boston Food Bank to achieve greater buying power and lower costs. Donations and grants fund food purchases, keep lights on, and put gas in the Pantry truck.
Programs include home delivery, a weekend backpack program for Franklin school children, mobile pantries, emergency food bags, and holiday meal packages. The Pantry is located at 341 W. Central St. in Franklin, Massachusetts on Route 140. Visit www.franklinfoodpantry.org for more information.
Join the Backyard Ecosystem Education (BEE) Program in 2024
Registration Opens January 2, 2024 - Closes February 29, 2024
The Backyard Ecosystem Education (BEE) Program is an interactive program for Franklin residents and business owners to design and create a native, biologically diverse habitat at their property. The BEE Program consists of five themed workshops and one field day giving residents and business owners the skills to:
- Attract wildlife and plant life to their habitat;
- Support their habitat through climate change and other ecological stressors;
- Plan and design their backyard habitat with professional practitioners; and
- Be considered a Backyard Ecosystem Advocate
Upon successful completion and attendance of the BEE Program, participants will be considered a "Backyard Ecosystem Advocate" and their habitats, once established, will have the opportunity to become "Certified Wildlife Habitats" through the National Wildlife Federation.
Registration opens January 2, 2024 and is on a first come, first serve basis. Registration closes February 29, 2024. Registration is available to all residents regardless of ownership/rental status or living situation, all Franklin business owners, and up to five FPS high school students. The Conservation Department is currently collaborating with FPS - STEM to excuse up to five students for the scheduled field day, so students - please apply if you are interested!
Workshop descriptions are listed below. Questions? Email bgoodlander@franklinma.gov.
Workshop Title | Date, Time, and Location | Description |
Wildlife | Wednesday, April 3, 2024 4p - 6p Location TBD | Residents will learn common wildlife species that they may find in their backyard habitats and/or how to attract these wildlife species to their habitats. |
Plant Life | Wednesday, April 10, 2024 4p - 6p Location TBD | Residents will learn common native and wildlife friendly plants and common invasive plants they may plant and/or find in their backyard habitats. |
Landscapes and Regional Context | Wednesday, April 17, 2024 4p - 6p Location TBD | Residents will learn to identify what landscape they live in, its regional context, and how to design a habitat suitable for their surroundings. |
Climate and Other Ecological Stressors | Wednesday, April 24, 2024 4p - 6p Location TBD | Residents will learn how to plan their habitat for climate change, design their habitat considering climate resilience, and mitigate future environmental stressors and disturbance events. |
Planning and Design | Wednesday, May 1, 2024 4p - 6p Location TBD | Residents will be able to sit down in small groups with professional practitioners to design their own specific backyard habitat applying all lessons learned in previous workshops. |
Field Day and Graduation Luncheon | Friday, May 10 10a - 2p Location TBD | Residents will be bussed around Town for a tour of raingardens, biodiversity areas, turtle nesting habitats, regenerative forests, gardens, and more. Lunch and a graduation ceremony will be provided. |
Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/conservation/news/join-backyard-ecosystem-education-bee-program-2024
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Join the Backyard Ecosystem Education (BEE) Program in 2024 |
School Committee participates in MASC Workshop on Roles & Responsibilities (audio)
FM #1105 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1105 in the series.
This session shares the Franklin, MA School Committee MASC Workshop held on Monday, Nov 27, 2023. The meeting was conducted in the 3rd floor training room.
Chair Dave Callaghan opened the meeting. Six of the seven School Committee members were present along with Superintendent Lucas Giguere, School Business Manager Dr Bob Dutch, Asst Supt for Student Services Paula Marano, and Asst Supt for Teaching & Learning Dr. Tina Rogers.
Chair Callaghan introduces Tracy Novick, the MASC Field Director responsible for Franklin. (MASC = Mass Assoc of School Committees)
The show notes contain a link to the presentation copy so you can follow along.
The recording runs about 85 minutes, so let’s listen to the School Committee MASC Workshop of Nov 27, 2023. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1105-fps-school-committee-masc-workshop-11-27-23
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MASC Presentation document -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1iS3oQAk96xVk-SKYLo8iAgashzFASHvT/view?usp=drive_link
School Committee page -> https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee
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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/
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"
Make a fabulous wreath! Register now for workshop Dec 5 at 6 PM
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Timeless Leadership by Scott Monty talks with Rick Wilson of The Lincoln Project (audio)
Via Scott Monty:
"If you were faced with the prospect of losing your business, losing friends, and being ostracized in your industry for simply doing what you thought was right, do you think you be able to do it?That's exactly the scenario that faced Rick Wilson, co-founder of The Lincoln Project and 30-year advertising veteran for Republican political candidates. When he chose to break from the party to stop Donald Trump, he lost nearly everything. He was humiliated and horrified, but he didn’t trade his morals for money.Our discussion includes the origin story of The Lincoln Project and its methods, the impact of social media and tightly controlled vertical platforms on society, and Elon Musk's decimation of Twitter.It's all tied to human nature, integrity, and the courage to make hard choices when faced with moral quandaries."
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Timeless Leadership by Scott Monty talks with Rick Wilson of The Lincoln Project (audio) |
Cycle Strong event Dec 16 at The Adirondack Club benefits #1NickStong18
"The Adirondack Club in Franklin has chosen The Nick Strong Foundation for their Cycle Strong event on December 16th.
Grab a team of 3 or cycle for all 3 hours with some of the best instructors!"
Register online -> https://adirondack.clubautomation.com/calendar/event-info?id=30915&style=0&isFrame=0
Cycle Strong event Dec 16 at The Adirondack Club benefits #1NickStong18 |
Franklin TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) schedule for Tuesday, Nov 28, 2023
- wfpr.fm or 102.9 on the FM dial = Tuesday
2 hours. An insightful tour of Jazz Greats in a golden era
- Franklin All Access TV - Our Public Access Channel (Comcast 6, Verizon 26) = TUESDAY
- Franklin Pride TV - Our Educational Channel (Comcast 8, Verizon 28) = TUESDAY
- Franklin Town Hall TV - Our Government Channel (Comcast 9, Verizon 29) = TUESDAY
Monday, November 27, 2023
Ian Kabat art works on exhibit at 67 Degrees - Dec 2, from 2 to 4 PM with music by Kai Olsson
"Check out 67 Degrees on Dec 2 & meet local artist Ian Kabat.
Have a beer. Relax. Enjoy music by Kai Olsson.
His work will be on display through January"
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Ian Kabat art works on exhibit at 67 Degrees - Dec 2, 2 to 4 PM with music by Kai Olsson |
Franklin Senior Center highlights for the upcoming week 11/27 to 12/01
"Here’s what’s happening this week at the Franklin Senior Center.
Registration for December events opens on Friday.
Eat Around the World (Finland) scheduled on Dec 8 is OPEN NOW TO REGISTER.
Tax work off paperwork for 2024 is available online now. 100 spaces are available through the senior center and 100 spaces for Veterans."
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Franklin Senior Center highlights for the upcoming week 11/27 to 12/01 |