MyFM's Stuff-a-Bus - Dec 2-3

On Saturday, December 2nd at 6 AM right through Sunday, December 3rd at 12 PM, MyFM Media will be setting up camp outside of Target on Fortune Boulevard in Milford for their first annual Stuff-a-Bus event collecting toys for Toys For Tots. 

"Folks are invited to visit us on location, right outside of Target with an unwrapped toy donation for Toys For Tots", explains MyFM's "Mr. Everything" Ray Auger. "The idea is to fill a Vendetti Bus in that 30-hour period. It's a aggressive goal but I know the kind of people we are working with in this community and I know it can be done."

The idea came to Auger from past Stuff-a-Bus events he was involved with working on radio station on Cape Cod and Portsmouth, NH. Target was quick to agree to help with the location and Vendetti Bus, a good friend of MyFM, was happy to lend them the bus. In case of exceeding their goal, the MyFM and Asphalt Engineering Station Wagon will also be on hand for additional storage of toys.

"We are very excited to add this event to our myriad of community outreach programs at MyFM Media," says MyFM Media President Tom McAuliffe. "Our local community supports us in so many wonderful ways, so giving back like this is never a question."

Can't make it to the event or want to give a little more? "We are offering a fun incentive for anyone who would like to donate $200 to the Stuff-a-Bus efforts", Auger adds. "We will broadcast a Facebook Live Shopping Spree in your honor to thank you for your generous donation. Anyone interested should contact me at your convenience."

If you would like more information about MyFM's Stuff-a-Bus, please contact Ray Auger at 617-851-7542 or www.myfm1013.com.

MyFM's Stuff-a-Bus - Dec 2-3

Artists, educators, performers & venues wanted for ArtWeek Franklin 2018

We want YOU for ArtWeek Franklin! The Franklin Cultural Council is bringing ArtWeek, a statewide arts festival, to Franklin April 27 - May 6, 2018...and we want YOU involved! ArtWeek is a 10-day festival featuring unique and unexpected arts and cultural experiences that are participatory, interactive, or offer behind-the-scenes access to artists or the creative process. Anyone can host an ArtWeek event…organizations, businesses, schools and individual artists. And while the VENUE has to be in Franklin to be part of ArtWeek Franklin, the HOST or participating organization does not! Successful events are often partnerships between artists and venues, such as a theater or dance performance in a restaurant, or an art workshop in a retail space.   What makes an event an ArtWeek event? ArtWeek events should be unique, memorable and inspired experiences that offer a taste of the arts, culture, and/or creativity unlike others that you can traditionally experience throughout the rest of the year. Plenty of events are outside-the-box, but you can also easily transform an existing event or performance that would normally be available to the general public by adding a simple "ArtWeek twist" like: Inviting the public to what is typically a closed rehearsal or offering a free pre- or post-show talk or discussion  Hosting a hands-on workshop or demonstration (and it's extra cool to host them in an unexpected place) Adding a twist to open studios by including a 30-minute mini-workshop or how-to session with an artist Creating a partnership event between artists and businesses Offering a tour, hosting a lecture or creating a panel to discuss a relevant topic in arts, culture or creativity If you're a restaurant, consider participating in the Art of Food. Learn More Why participate? ArtWeek brings tourists to town, customers to your business, and  attendees to your events. It can drive revenue, raise awareness, create a sense of community, promote good will, and get more people interested in your goods, services, programs, and more. Plus, ArtWeek will promote you for free! Need inspiration? The great people at ArtWeek have created handy inspiration sheets for every type of business, organization and venue. Follow the link below to start generating ideas for how YOU can create a unique ArtWeek event. ArtWeek Inspiration Sheets So let's talk money... ArtWeek events must be open to the public (though you can limit the number of attendees through ticket sales or other means), but they don't have to be free. All events must be under $50, and you keep all revenue. Want to host a free event? Well, that's certainly encouraged too! In fact, the Franklin Cultural Council believes so strongly in ArtWeek that we are providing special grants just to those programs offered free of charge! To apply, click here: FCC ArtWeek grants Let's talk promo... The beauty of ArtWeek is that it's a partnership! ArtWeek helps coordinate and promote the events through their unique, searchable database (they'll create a web page for your event free of charge!), as well as ads, press releases, and on social media. State and regional partners such as the Mass Office of Travel and Tourism, the Mass Cultural Council, and the MetroWest Visitors Bureau will promote ArtWeek through their channels. The Franklin Cultural Council, the Town of Franklin, and our local partners will also help raise awareness through all of our efforts. That's a whole lot of extra visibility to amplify your own efforts! Location, location, location... Have an idea, but don't know where to host the event? Have a venue, but looking for a program? We can help! We are putting together a list of events and venues to help match up partners. If you're interested, simply fill out this Google form: ArtWeek Partnership Form So where do you sign?? Ready to participate? If so, follow the link below to apply directly to ArtWeek for your event to be part of the fun! It's a short form and easy to fill out – we promise! The early bird deadline is Jan. 8; final deadline is Feb. 28. And if you don't mind, drop us a line at the Franklin Cultural Council at franklinculturalcouncil02038@gmail.com so that we know you want to be involved. We can't wait! Still have questions? Visit ArtWeek's FAQ's for more info. Apply Now Copyright © 2018 Franklin Cultural Council, All rights reserved.

Children's Hospital Blood mobile - today from 1 to 6 PM

Did you know that each pint of blood donated saves as many as 3 lives? This Thanksgiving season show your thanks by giving the gift of life through blood donation. 

Sophia Sabini-Leite, a senior at Franklin High School, is carrying on the work of her sisters and sponoring regular blood drives in the Franklin community for Boston Children's Hospital.

This Wednesday, November 22, the Children's Hospital Blood mobile will be stationed at the Hockomock YMCA in Franklin from 1 PM to 6 PM. 

Sign up online at: halfpints.childrenshospital.org for an appointment, 
or contact Sophia at (857) 236-1910, 
or sophiaeleanor@hotmail.com for more information and to sign up.

Hope to see you on Wednesday, November 22nd, at the Boston Children's Blood Mobile!

Children's Hospital Blood mobile - today from 1 to 6 PM

Franklin Food Pantry: A Season of Thanks

November 2017   A Season of Thanks    Dear Community, Every Thanksgiving my mother says the same thing, "Please invite anyone to join us for dinner, we don't want anyone to be alone today!"   I try to carry her wise words with me always. In so many ways this is what the  Franklin Food Pantry is all about. Making sure that everyone has a place at the table. Throughout the year each one of you has helped us share food and comfort with those who need it, and we are truly grateful. Wishing you and yours a very Happy Thanksgiving from all of us! THANK YOU for your support,   -Erin   Donate to Food Pantry      Additional leadership gift and corporate sponsor opportunities available, for details please email Erin Lynch erin@franklinfoodpantry.org Franklin Food Pantry       www.franklinfoodpantry.org  Our facility is generously donated by Rockland Trust. We are located at 43 West Central Street, Franklin MA, on Route 140 in the Rockland Trust parking lot,  across the street from the fire station.

Franklin Food Pantry, 43 West Central Street, PO Box 116, Franklin, MA 02038 Sent by erin@franklinfoodpantry.org in collaboration with Try it free today

In the News: Bellingham to set split tax rates

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

"This year’s tax rate is expected to hew closely to last year’s, town officials announced this week. 

Selectmen held a tax classification hearing on Monday, with the board opting to retain its current split between residential and commercial tax rates. The hearing was continued to Nov. 29, as issues related to power-plant payments in lieu of taxes must be settled. 

Town Chief Financial Officer Chris Laviolette said the proposed tax rate for a residential property would be $14.34 per thousand dollars of assessed value - the same amount as last year’s actual tax rate. He noted, though, that the number could be affected by a number of things, including abatements and exemptions for taxpayers who meet certain criteria (those who are veterans, blind or elderly, for example)."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20171121/bellingham-retains-tax-shift

At the tax rate hearing scheduled for Wednesday, Nov 29, the Town Council will make a couple of decisions. The two significant decisions would be (1) single rate vs. split tax rate and (2) agreeing with the Board of Assessors math to set the Franklin FY 2018 tax rate.

Franklin has historically had a single tax rate. To move to a split rate would mean that lowering the residential rate by $1 would raise the business/commercial rate by $4. The amount of commercial industrial property in Franklin is not sufficient to justify a split tax rate.

In advance of the actual calculations for this year, you can find the prior year numbers in the archives:

FY 2017
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/12/2-police-officers-sworn-in-tax-rate-set.html

FY 2015
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/11/the-town-council-reorganizes-sort-of.html

What does the Board of Assessors do?
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/08/election-prep-what-does-board-of.html


MA DLS has a nice Prop 2 1/2 explanation that can be found here
http://www.mass.gov/dor/docs/dls/publ/misc/levylimits.pdf

Veterans Walkway Bricks now on sale

"Did you happen to catch the Town Council meeting? The Veteran's Walkway project for the Town Common has been approved. This walkway will run from the flag pole near the War Memorials to Union Street. All along the walkway will be granite posts with bronze plaques in recognition of our Franklin residents who gave their lives in defense of our country since World War I. 

The project is being funded entirely by donations from members of the community. You may purchase a brick to honor a veteran or currently serving member of the Armed Forces for $100. The proceeds from the sales of bricks will be used to pay for the project. Please stay tuned and we will post the artists renderings of the project." 

The Brick order form  https://post3402.org/documents

Make checks payable to Franklin VFW Post 3402

screen capture of proposed Veterans Walkway for Franklin Town Common

FPAC To Stage 3 Holiday Season Productions

Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) celebrates the holidays with three festive productions. Ring in the season with Tchaikovsky’s timeless ballet The Nutcracker, FPAC’s original musical ’Tis the Season!, and the Company’s third annual holiday panto, with a twist on a fairy tale classic.

The Nutcracker remains a highly anticipated and treasured part of the FPAC season – a popular holiday tradition for more than 20 years. Set to Tchaikovsky’s beloved score, the world-famous ballet delights the imaginations of audiences of all ages with festive magic and colorful splendor. FPAC’s production is presented with professional orchestra, special guest artists, and more than 100 area dancers. 

FPAC invites audiences to fall under Drosselmeyer’s dreamy spell and join Clara and her Nutcracker Prince on a journey full of surprises and wonder. FPAC presents The Nutcracker on Saturday, December 2 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, December 3 at 2 p.m. at the Franklin High School auditorium, located at 218 Oak Street. Middlesex Savings Bank is The Nutcracker 2017 Production Sponsor.

FPAC To Stage 3 Holiday Season Productions

’Tis the Season! is an original large cast musical first presented by FPAC in 1995. The upbeat, jazzy holiday extravaganza features members of the Kenny Hadley Big Band and contemporary arrangements of favorite holiday classics in musical styles ranging from R&B, gospel, and Motown to rock, pop, and Broadway. FPAC presents ’Tis the Season! at the Franklin High School auditorium on Saturday, December 9 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, December 10 at 2 p.m.

FPAC’s original panto will be staged at THE BLACK BOX in downtown Franklin on Friday, December 22 at 7:30 p.m., with two shows on Saturday, December 23 at 2:00 and 7:30. The production follows in the British tradition, retelling a well-known fairy tale in an exaggerated style filled with audience participation, popular music, slapstick comedy, jokes, dances, and more. Audiences are invited to cheer for the hero, boo at the villain, and sing along to favorite songs. The panto also entertains with double entendre, references to modern culture, and open satire of other works. THE BLACK BOX theatre, music, and event venue is located at 15 West Central Street. 

Founded in 1991, the nonprofit FPAC supports educational arts experiences, quality entertainment and outstanding performance opportunities for professional artists, community performers, and students of the arts. With a focus on youth development and a commitment to live music, FPAC celebrates its 27th season. 

Tickets are $32, $34, and $36 for The Nutcracker and ’Tis the Season!, with a $34 ticket price for the holiday panto. For more information or to purchase tickets, call (508) 528-3370 or visit www.FPAConline.com.

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

"As your new Superintendent of Schools, I am seeking to gain the perspectives of various stakeholders across the Franklin Public Schools. 

I am thrilled to invite community members to attend a forum where I will engage in listening to your thoughts on the strengths of the district and opportunities for growth. 

Additionally, the forums will afford me the opportunity to share more about myself and my thoughts on education." 

-- Sara E. Ahern, Ed.D.

DATE: November 30, 2017
TIME:  6:30 - 8:00 PM
PLACE: 
Municipal Building - 3rd Floor Training Room
355 East Central St.

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

This was shared from the Franklin Public Schools page (PDF)
http://franklindistrict.vt-s.net/Pages/FranklinDistrict_News/025B74C4-000F8513.0/Community%20Forum%20%20Announcement%202017.pdf


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

Franklin Library closing early Wednesday, closed Thursday

The Franklin Public Library will close at 3:00 PM on Wednesday, Nov 22 and be closed all day Thursday, Nov 23 for Thanksgiving.

Franklin Library closing early Weds, closed Thursday

For more info about the renovated Franklin Public Library visit their official Town of Franklin web page  http://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library

A Remembrance of Alice Wiggin - (1878 - 1966)

Shared by Robert Percy, Franklin Historical Commission:

In 1885, two seven year old girls moved to Franklin, and lived in two newly built houses right next to each other on Crescent St. One was May Fales; the other was Alice Wiggin. They would become fast friends, and remained best friends for the rest of their lives.

Alice Wiggin taught English at Franklin High School for 42 years, starting as a young woman. She had attended Radcliffe College, one of the finest womens’ colleges in the country. By all accounts she was a talented and beloved teacher. The 1929 Franklin High School yearbook, the Oskey, was dedicated to her. In it, her students say:

She is a master of the art of teaching English literature… She is a critic capable of grasping and explaining her subject with clearness and precision by the use of short and simple words… She shows a remarkable breadth of judgment, a patience that never wearies, a quiet enthusiasm which no difficulty can distort or destroy, and great insight which can give richness to literature and new meanings to old dogmas.

This is powerful praise from her students. They go on to say:

As a friend, she loves her pupils for what they are, radiating to them by precept, sympathy and example, what she would have them be. Her creed — “Be a friend; the rest will follow.”

We are here today because of something that happened much earlier. In 1911, an eight year old girl and her four younger siblings were abandoned at South Station in Boston by their mother. This little girl was Sophie Aronofsky, who later came to live with a foster family in Franklin. At first, the soft-spoken Sophie was a student in Alice Wiggin’s English class. 

Because she showed such great promise as a student and as a human being, Alice took a great interest in her, and she came to live at Alice’s house. Alice encouraged Sophie to apply to Radcliffe College, which she attended from 1919 to 1923. Inspired by Alice’s example, Sophie went on to become a high school teacher in Duxbury and Quincy, and teacher of French, Latin, and English in California.

We are honored to have Sophie’s family here today. Sophie’s daughter Sarita Jo Mattson has powerful and loving memories of traveling from California to Massachusetts to stay with Alice multiple times while her mother was battling

cancer: once in 1948 when she was eight, for an entire year in 1952 when she was 12, and again at age 16 in 1956. Alice would also visit Sophie and family in San Diego several times while Sophie was battling cancer there.

Alice had a brilliant and active mind, but she was not the best housekeeper. Items were piled high everywhere, but visitors and neighbors and guests of all kind were always welcome.

In the words of Sarita Jo Mattson, Alice’s house was sort of a mini retirement home. Living with her was another Franklin High School teacher named Doc Fraser. Another was Frank Weaver, a visually impaired piano tuner, along with his wife Florence. The couple lived with Alice for the remainder of their lives. Alice also cared for two other foster daughters: Alice Dutton and Elizabeth Stewart Kubli, and for Sophie’s brother Samuel and sister Lil.

In later life, Alice would read new books for the Town Library and advised them on what to buy. Alice was a good cook and enjoyed cooking and eating. She helped people in need by cooking for them and delivering meals to their houses. She drove neighbors and friends to doctors’ appointments.

Alice passed away from a heart attack in 1966 at the age of 88. The whereabouts of her remains was a mystery for some time. We are honored and humbled that she rests here, in the place she cared so much about, in the town she has done so much for.

Her lifelong friend May lived to be 100, and rests here with her husband, brother… and her dear friend Alice. In this place of remembrance, their close bonds remain.


Union Street Cemetery 
Franklin, MA 
November 18, 2017

A Remembrance of Alice Wiggin - (1878 - 1966)

Mary Olsson before the unveiling

those who gathered pose for a photo

THE BLACK BOX Local Artist Series: DayBreakers with Copilot - Nov 22

THE BLACK BOX Local Artist Series presents DayBreakers with Copilot at 8 p.m. on Wednesday, November 22. Blending folk-rock melodies with blues guitar muscle and rock ‘n’ roll grit, the DayBreakers have crafted their own sound on the backs of bands like the Rolling Stones, The Black Crowes, The Allman Brothers, and the Eagles. Combining rock ‘n’ roll, blues, country, and funk, the band has worked tirelessly to craft a sound that is filled with hard riffs and soulful melodies. 

Copilot is an American Pop duo based in Norfolk, Massachusetts. As Copilot, Ry McDonald and Maggie Quealy explore their passion and unique Americana music through their popular covers and original songs in a way that many listeners haven’t heard before. 

Tickets are $10 if purchased in advance or $12 at the door. For tickets and more information, visit www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com or call (508) 528-3370

THE BLACK BOX Local Artist Series: DayBreakers - Nov 22

THE BLACK BOX Local Artist Series: Copilot - Nov 22