Dear Friends of Franklin Library members,
The Friends of Franklin Library (FoFL) was extremely disappointed to receive the attached letter from Library Board of Directors (BofD) chair Cynthia Dobrzynski notifying us that her group had abruptly cancelled the FoFL’s planned October book sale. These semi-annual sales of donated books have produced significant funds that have been used to help our library expand its collections, purchase museum passes, offer programs to the community, enhance library services, and even buy furniture.
The FoFL board had decided to delay notification to members pending a request that the BofD reconsider its decision. That appeal was made at the board’s September 23 meeting, but was rejected without a discussion or vote. The BofD stated that its decision was based upon the results of last winter’s survey which “clearly set the direction” and was not subject to change.
We disagree with the BofD’s decision and would have welcomed – and expected - the chance to discuss it and present data in support of the popular and profitable event, but that did not happen.
We are proud of the contributions made by the Friends over the years. Money raised by our members and supportive residents has been able to supplement town allocations, funding programs and initiatives that might otherwise not be possible.
Since 2005, the book sales have generated a net revenue of $153,734.00, and the FoFL has given that, plus additional funds, to the library – a total of $179,235.00. So far this calendar year the FoFL has given the library $10,280.59, which was used for passes, programs, books, audiobooks, e-books, supplies and a new fixture for the Children’s Room.
We expected our October book sale would have shown a profit of roughly $6,000. And, as with all of the Friends’ efforts, this would have been achieved without any cost to the library or town.
The FoFL’s desire to support the library remains intact. We will continue to fulfill our mission as community advocates for the library. We believe that our library is a cornerstone of our community and provides opportunities for residents to engage in the joy of life-long learning and connect with the thoughts and ideas of others, from ages past to present. Even though our revenue stream has been impacted, we will continue to provide financial support, as requested, to support those things that are outside of the town budget, and will explore other avenues of fund-raising.
As always, we meet on the first Wednesday of each month at 7PM in the Community Room at the library. All meetings are open to anyone interested.
Please join your fellow FoFL members downtown at the Harvest Festival, on Sunday October 6 from 11am to 4pm. The Friends’ display will have literature, bookmarks, calendars along with a few surprises, and we would love your support.
Regards,
The Friends of Franklin Library
Email: Fofl02038@gmail.com
Maria Lucier, President
Kevin O’Malley, Vice President
Jan Martin, Treasurer
Vidya Vedapuri, Recording Secretary
Jim Beaulieu, Corresponding Secretary
Kathie Nosek, Director
Joe Mullen, Director
Barbara Christensen, Director
Carolyn Marr, Director
Franklin Performing Arts Company’s 23rd season opens with the Broadway and worldwide phenomenon, Les Misérables! The record-breaking musical’s enduring appeal may be attributed to its epic storyline, memorable characters and Tony Award-winning score, which includes such beloved songs as “Bring Him Home,” “I Dreamed a Dream,” “On My Own” and “One Day More.” Set against a backdrop of the 1832 Paris uprising and reflecting a nation in the grip of a revolution, the acclaimed Les Misérables is a powerful story of redemption and a moving tribute to the passion and resiliency of the human spirit. FPAC’s production features a professional live orchestra and a large ensemble cast of 85 talented area performers.
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| Pictured in rehearsal for Franklin Performing Arts Company’s October production of Les Misérables are Anna Grasso (Young Eponine) and Kellie Stamp (Madame Thénardier) of Franklin and, in the foreground, Catherine Oliviere (Young Cosette) of North Easton |
A distinctive, suburban non-profit arts organization founded in 1991, the Franklin Performing Arts Company presents quality programming with a focus on youth development and a commitment to live music. FPAC brings together professional artists, community performers, families and students of the arts in a collaborative and creative environment. Productions draw performers and audiences from more than 50 communities throughout the region.
FPAC presents Les Misérables on Friday, October 18, and Saturday, October 19, at 7:30 p.m. and on Sunday, October 20, at 3:00 p.m. at the New England Chapel, located at 40 Kenwood Circle in Franklin. Tickets are $30 and $28. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.fpaconline.com or call (508) 528-8668.
The Franklin Children's School held a fair on Saturday.
Fairmount Fruit Farm in Franklin gets apples ready for sale on Monday.
A Blackstone man was arraigned in Wrentham District Court on Monday on charges stemming from an altercation at his ex-girlfriend’s Brook Street home on Sunday morning.
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| SNETT Trail sign |
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| the rails end here at Grove St |
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| New England aster |
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| motorbikes create ruts on the trail |
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| toad in the sun |
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| wooley bear caterpillar |
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| life found and framed |
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| spider web |
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| Spring St crossing |
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| shaded trail |
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| http://www.unitedregionalchamber.org/ |
Four races top the Nov. 5 ballot, including for seats on the Town Council.
Ten residents will square off for the nine two-year council seats up for election.
Incumbents Andrew Bissanti, Glenn Jones, Matthew Kelly, Tom Mercer, Judith Pfeffer and Robert Vallee are seeking re-election. Since nomination papers were made available in August, four hopefuls have emerged to challenge for the seats: Charles Delfino Jr., Brett Feldman, Peter Padula and Stephen Williams.
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| F.X. O'Regan ECDC |
After spending several years working to update the master plan, Loomis said town officials will continue to use the plan to help guide the town’s future development.
"There’s always work to be done," said Loomis. "The master plan is a living, working document."
After nearly three years of public hearings and visioning meetings, Franklin is on the cusp of updating its master plan for the first time since 1997. Planning Board members will likely accept the plan early next month, said Town Planner Beth Dahlstrom.
"Our thought was, ‘Why do you kick $6,000 to $7,000 out of the window?' " said Kathie Nosek, who has planned the sale for the last two years. "Why would you not take that in addition to your sales?"
Five days later, Nosek said Friday, the decision still perplexes her.
"I think the Friends are still in shock about it to be honest," she said. "We never assumed that someone could be so mathematically challenged as to not look at the figures."
Lucier on Friday questioned why the board would cancel an event that is put on at no cost to the library or town and which results in revenue for a library that needs it.
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| Ben Franklin statue in 2008 |
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| Pencil pizazz |
GateHouse Media Inc., owner of The MetroWest Daily News, the Milford Daily News and more than 150 weekly newspapers and Wicked Local websites in Massachusetts, has filed for voluntary Chapter 11 bankruptcy in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for Delaware.
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| farmers market sign downtown |
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| farmers market on a sunny day |
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| SNETT sign on Grove St |
