Come join your Franklin friends and neighbors at the Franklin Newcomers and Friends Club annual Holiday Yankee Swap - Dec 13

Come join your Franklin friends and neighbors at the Franklin Newcomers and Friends Club annual Holiday Yankee Swap.

Not just for Newcomers . . .

Join us Wednesday, December 13th, 7:00 PM at Franklin’s local bookstore, Escape Into Fiction, 12 Main Street, Downtown Franklin. The night will include our Holiday themed trivia contest and our Yankee Swap. Bring a wrapped gift ($20 limit) and get one in return. Prizes are awarded to trivia winners and we’ll be serving refreshments from Birchwood, a lovely cafe/bakeshop located in Franklin. Come early and check out the bookstore to get a jump on Holiday shopping. There is always a wonderful selection for all ages.

We are a multi-generational, member-driven organization and are always excited to welcome new faces and new ideas. Residents of Franklin, or any surrounding town that doesn't have a Newcomers Club, are welcome to join us. In addition to our bi-monthly meetings, we hold fun and varied events to stay connected throughout the year. Upcoming meetings will be held in February and April.

Look for us on social media for more information: 

https://www.meetup.com/Franklin-Newcomers-Friends 

https://www.facebook.com/FranklinNewcomersCraftFair/

Franklin Newcomers and Friends Club annual Holiday Yankee Swap - Dec 13

The playoff runs for both the FHS field hockey and volleyball teams ended on Wednesday

Via Twitter and our subscription to HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the fall sports playoff competition for Franklin High School on Wednesday, Nov 15, 2023.

Field Hockey - Division 1 Final Four = #4 Franklin, 2 vs. #1 Walpole, 4  (@ Taunton)

"Final: Walpole 4, Franklin 2, Porkers pick up the win and return to the state title game, Panthers suffer only loss of the season in the state semifinal"

https://twitter.com/Josh_Perry10/status/1724931661970755703

Josh Perry, Managing Editor of HockomockSports.com, provides the game recap: 

"Franklin seemed confident in the build up to Wednesday night’s Div. 1 state semifinal at Taunton’s Aleixo Tiger Stadium. The Panthers had rolled through their first three playoff opponents, outscoring them 14-0. Everything appeared to be lined up for the Final Four game against Walpole to be a classic.

But, there is always a difference between preparing to face the top seeded Porkers and actually putting the plan in motion once you get on the field with them.

It took a little over a quarter for Franklin to start playing its typical game and by then the Panthers trailed by two goals. While the Kelley-Rex division champions had long stretches where they had Walpole on its heels, the Porkers took advantage of their corners and strong goalkeeping to pull out a 4-2 win and advance to yet another D1 final.

“They were nervous and uptight,” admitted Franklin coach Michelle Hess. “They were so tight in the first quarter and in between I was like, listen, you need to settle in. I tried to send them the message, yeah we’re playing Walpole but it’s just another game on our schedule. Them scoring that first goal kind of set the tone and made us think, uh oh here we go.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription required)

https://hockomocksports.com/franklin-field-hockey-stopped-in-the-state-semifinal-by-walpole/

For a photo gallery from this game

https://hockomocksports.smugmug.com/2023-2024/Fall-2023/Franklin-Walpole-Field-Hockey-11-15-23

Boston Globe coverage -> https://www.bostonglobe.com/2023/11/15/sports/walpole-field-hockey-tops-franklin-earn-third-straight-trip-division-1-state-finals-vs-andover/

MIAA bracket for D1 field hockey

http://miaa.statebrackets.com/tmenu.cfm?tid=6983

Volleyball - Division 1 Final Four = #10 Franklin, 0 vs. #2 Barnstable, 3 (@ Oliver Ames)

"Barnstable takes set 3, 25-22

Final score

Barnstable 3

Franklin 0"

https://twitter.com/FHSTrainingRoom/status/1724955095664574893

MIAA D1 volleyball bracket -> 

http://miaa.statebrackets.com/tmenu.cfm?tid=6974

For other results around the league (subscription required)

https://hockomocksports.com/wednesdays-schedule-scoreboard-11-15-23/

FHS Panther sports results shared via subscription to HockomockSports.com

Town Council keeps leadership team for new session; mattress fee to increase, snow removal bylaw revived (video)

The Franklin, MA Town Council met for the first time post election and kept the leadership team in place via roll call vote. In the session on Wednesday, Nov 15, Council Chair Mercer, Vice-Chair Dellorco, and Clerk Jones were all re-elected to their roles unanimously. Jones participated remotely for this portion of the meeting Dellorco participated remotely for the remainder of the meeting requiring a roll call vote for all measures.

Franklin TV video link -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=04-9DhPNSzU&t=5132s

Agenda doc for this meeting ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/nov15_2023_town_council_agenda.pdf

The audio recording of the meeting and my notes from the meeting will be ready in a day or so.

Town Council swearing in at the meeting on Nov 15

Volunteers Needed to help with the Winter Decorating Activities on Saturday, Nov. 18

WINTER DECORATING VOLUNTEERS NEEDED Volunteers are needed for Winter Decorating Day on Sat., Nov. 18 to help install wreaths, bows and greenery.  Please email Eileen Mason at emason4234@gmail.com if you are able to help dress up the downtown for the holidays!

Franklin Downtown Partnership | 9 E. Central St., Franklin, MA 02038 Sent by franklindowntownpartnership@gmail.com powered by Try email marketing for free today!

Request for Proposals ~ Comprehensive Facilities Assessment

Request for Proposals ~ Comprehensive Facilities Assessment

In accordance with MGL c. 30B, §6, it is the intention of the Town of Franklin, to retain the services of a consultant for the development of a comprehensive facilities assessment and master plan for the Franklin Public Schools all located in Franklin, MA. 

Additional Information:  Comprehensive Facilities Assessment

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/purchasing/bids/request-proposals-comprehensive-school-facilities-assessmen

Request for Proposals ~ Comprehensive Facilities Assessment

CommonWealth Beacon: "State seal and motto commission punts to Legislature"

"A SPECIAL COMMISSION that spent close to three years analyzing the state seal and motto concluded its work on Tuesday by urging the Legislature to make a change while offering no specific recommendations on what that change should be.

The current seal features an image of a Native American holding a bow and arrow and a sword hanging over his head. The Latin motto translates as:  “By the sword we seek peace, but peace only under liberty.” 

The special commission, created in the aftermath of the nationwide reckoning in 2020 over the symbols and names that harken to institutional racism, said it will forward its final report to the Legislature on Wednesday and urge lawmakers to create a second commission to actually hire a designer and come up with a final motto and seal incorporating symbols and terms that are aspirational and inclusive of diverse perspectives.

Although the commission raised several possibilities for the seal and motto, the panel punted a decision to the Legislature. How that decision will be made is unclear at the moment."

Continue reading the article online -> https://commonwealthbeacon.org/state-government-2/state-seal-and-motto-commission-punts-to-legislature/ 

Link to the final Commission meeting video is available ->   https://malegislature.gov/Events/Hearings/Detail/4792

The Commission report was not yet available at the time of this publication.

Boston Globe coverage ->  https://www.bostonglobe.com/2023/11/15/metro/massachusetts-state-seal-motto-commission-native-american/

CommonWealth Beacon: "State seal and motto commission punts to Legislature"

Franklin TV and wfpr.fm schedule for Thursday, Nov 16, 2023

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

9:00a/12:00p/6:00p   A Priest, A Minister, and a Rabbi

10:00a/1:00p/7:00p   Frank’s Music – Frank Falvey and Jim Derick

11:00a/2:00p/8:00pm   Frank Presents – Frank Falvey Presents

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

8:00 am Veterans' Call: PACT Act

9:00 am Second Sunday Speaker Series: Michael Tougias

10:30 am SAFE Coalition: Danny Lagarce

11:30 am Cooking Thyme: Appetizers

12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin: Waffles

12:30 pm Franklin Harvest Festival 2023

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

2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Summer 2018 Show 5

3:00 pm Riffin' on Main Street: James Johnston

4:00 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Pete Smith

4:30 pm Senior Scribblers

7:00 pm Extended Play Sessions: Alice Wallace

8:00 pm Frank Presents: Daniela Masters Pt 2

9:30 pm The Black Box: Wicked

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

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

8:30 am All-Town Showcase 2023: Band

10:00 am FHS Varsity Swimming v King Philip 01-19-22

1:00 pm Public School Event: Horace Mann Winter Music 2021

2:30 pm FHS Theater Company: Lord of the Flies

3:30 pm U. S. Army: Jazz Ambassadors 04-01-19

6:00 pm FHS Girls Varsity Soccer: v Algonquin 11-08-23

8:00 pm Public School Concert: MICCA Showcase Pt. 1 03-14-18

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

8:00 am Conservation Commission 11-02-23

12:00 pm Economic Development: 11-02-23

2:00 pm Conservation Commission 11-02-23

7:00 pm Conservation Commission: LIVE, Chambers 811 6044 2078

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

Watch Listen Read all things that matter in Franklin MA

Franklin Cultural District: 2 musicals, book & bag sale, craft fair, & Interfaith Service among the choices as #artshappenhere

Wednesday, November 15

7:00am Yard Waste Curbside Pick up (on your trash day)

11:00am Franklin Q&A (hybrid event) (Senior Center)

1:00pm Senior Scribblers (writing group)  (Senior Center)

6:00pm Brain Freeze Bonanza  (Senior Center)

7:00pm RENT (sold out) (Dean College)

Thursday, November 16

7:00am Yard Waste Curbside Pick up (on your trash day)

8:30am Town Council Office Hours   (Senior Center)

2:00pm Trek & Tales (Riverbend recreation)

6:00pm Kendo (live music) (La Cantina Winery)

7:00pm RENT  (sold out) (Dean College)

Friday, November 17

7:00am Yard Waste Curbside Pick up (on your trash day)

1:00pm Book Sale ($1/book) (Franklin Public Library)

6:00pm Dom DeBaggis (live music)  (La Cantina Winery)

6:00pm Kendo (live music) (67 Degrees Brewery)

7:00pm RENT  (sold out) (Dean College)

7:30pm Legally Blonde - The Musical (ticketed event) (Franklin High School)

8:00pm Buyer & Cellar (ticketed event) (THE BLACK BOX)

Saturday, November 18

8:00am Decorate Downtown Franklin for Winter (Downtown Partnership)

9:00am 48th Annual Franklin Newcomers & Friends Craft Fair (Tri-County)

9:00am Book sale ($1/book)  (Franklin Public Library)

Craft Fair

10:00am Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

10:00am Women Veterans Tea  (Senior Center)

1:00pm Bag sale (books at $5/bag) (Franklin Public Library)

2:00pm Buyer & Cellar (ticketed event) (THE BLACK BOX)

4:00pm David Rak (live music) (La Cantina Winery)

7:00pm RENT  (sold out) (Dean College)

7:30pm Legally Blonde - The Musical (ticketed event) (Franklin High School)

8:00pm Seth Glier (ticketed event) (Circle of Friends Coffeehouse)

8:00pm Buyer & Cellar (ticketed event) (THE BLACK BOX)

Sunday, November 19

7:30am All you can eat Breakfast (Franklin Rod & Gun Club)

1:00pm Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

2:00pm Legally Blonde: The Musical (ticketed event) (Franklin High School)

2:00pm Buyer & Cellar (ticketed event) (THE BLACK BOX)

7:00pm RENT  (sold out) (Dean College)

7:00pm Franklin Interfaith Thanksgiving Service (St John’s Episcopal Church)

-----------------

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!

48th annual Craft Fair at Tri-County High School - Nov 18

Coming up this Saturday, November 18th, Franklin Newcomers and Friends Club’s 48th annual Craft Fair at Tri-County High School in Franklin. Entry is $3 for people 12 years of age and older. 

We are returning to our original location in the building at 147 Pond Street in Franklin. You’ll find a great selection of items for yourself, your home or for gift-giving. 

This popular event is an opportunity for members to volunteer and work together, help raise funds, and give back to the community.

Look for us on social media for more information: 

https://www.meetup.com/Franklin-Newcomers-Friends https://www.facebook.com/FranklinNewcomersCraftFair/

48th annual Craft Fair at Tri-County High School - Nov 18

FHS Cheerleaders take first place at MSAA Regionals

"Huge congratulations to varsity for first place at regionals today!! (11/12/23) so proud of this team!"

FHS Cheerleaders take first place at MSAA Regionals

FHS Cheerleaders take first place at MSAA Regionals - D1 South

Shared from Twitter -> https://twitter.com/FHScheer_/status/1723852442297671836

HockomockSports.com: Player of the Week -> Raena Crandall, Franklin Field Hockey

"Franklin junior Raena Crandall has been selected as the HockomockSports.com Player of the Week, presented by Morse Insurance, for Nov. 6 through Nov. 12. Crandall is the 10th player chosen as Player of the Week for the 2023-24 school year.

Crandall has four goals, including two game winners, and four assists during Franklin’s playoff run, as the Panthers have rolled into their second state semifinal in the past three seasons. The five-time defending Kelley-Rex champions have outscored their three playoff opponents 14-0, maintaining their unbeaten record (20-0-1) this fall. Crandall was second in the Hock in scoring during the regular season, just one point behind Foxboro’s Mary Collins.

“Raena Crandall is a player I am extremely honored to coach,” said Franklin head coach Michelle Hess. “Raena gives 110% effort and energy every single game and practice. She is tenacious… hard to defend due to her ability to mix up her shots, her stick skills, and her speed.” 

Continue reading the article online (subscription required)

https://hockomocksports.com/player-of-the-week-raena-crandall-franklin-field-hockey/

HockomockSports.com: Player of the Week ->  Raena Crandall, Franklin Field Hockey

State Semi-Finals - Gm 29: 11/15 5 PM 

- Walpole vs. Franklin at: ***Taunton HS

http://miaa.statebrackets.com/tmenu.cfm?tid=6983

350 Mass Greater Franklin Node: Meeting, Thursday, November 16, 2023

The 350 Mass Greater Franklin Node will meet this Thursday, November 16, 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. 

350 Mass Greater Franklin Node: Meeting

Here are some highlights about local campaigns, plus a quick action to protect the Western Arctic Reserve:

Campaign: Make Polluters Pay. Make Polluters Pay is a campaign supporting legislation that will create a climate superfund, penalizing the worst polluters of greenhouse gasses, and funding resilience and adaptation projects in communities most impacted by climate change. 350 Mass joins Better Future Project and other groups like Communities Responding to Extreme Weather (CREW), Mass Youth Climate Coalition (MYCC), and Mass Power Forward – with more partners on the way – to drive a grassroots campaign to hold polluters accountable. The fund will raise an estimated $75 billion over 25 years from the largest polluting companies. This influx of funds will enable the commonwealth to prepare for the coming climate impacts, guided by the vision of the communities with most at stake. This campaign is part of a national push to Make Polluters Pay, as we are campaigning alongside political leaders and activists in Vermont, Maryland, and New York. Learn more on the website, here.  You can view a recent webinar on the topic and campaign, here.  You can read the legislation we filed in the House H.872 and in the Senate S.481. Also, please sign the petition asking Governor Healey to establish a Climate Change Adaptation Superfund now.  

Campaign: Emissions Free Buildings Campaign. The goals are:

• Kickstart local action to drive down CO2 emissions from Massachusetts buildings; 
• Recruit new activists by engaging people in local projects; and
• Promote related legislation to support local projects, e.g. reforming MassSave or allowing green school retrofits.

The Nodes are asked to pick to pick a local action project, such as:

• Community choice aggregation
•  Municipal Specialized Opt-in Stretch Code
• Work with local groups and coalitions on efficiency and electrification
• Clean Green Schools
• Fight gas pipelines wherever they rear their ugly heads

Planning and implementing the campaign is organized around teams with specific tasks (e.g., outreach, materials, coaching, and legislation). If you would like to help with the Campaign, please send an email to one of our co-coordinators, Carolyn and Ralph (emails listed below). 

RSVP for Mass Power Forward's Decentralized Lobby Day. We need more climate and environmental justice policy state-wide! By December, we'll be closing in on the committee deadline for bills. Join us on Tuesday, December 5th to educate our legislators on crucial climate bills from winning better air quality to putting gas in the past to making polluters pay. You can connect with your legislators at the State House or in your district. RSVP here. 

If you're new to the process, we'll give you everything you need to succeed. You can sign up for a training on Wed, Nov 15 at 5 pm or Wednesday, Nov 29 at 6 pm.

Action: Protect the Western Arctic Reserve. The environmental law organization Earthjustice asks us to send a message to the Biden administration and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to thank them for the progress toward protecting the Arctic and to urge them to consider the strongest possible protections for this region, where 13 million acres of ecologically significant public lands are vulnerable to oil and gas drilling. Comments on BLM's proposed new rule are due by December 7. Sign Earthjustice's letter here. Please add your own words or comments so your personalized letter counts; otherwise all identical letters from Earthjustice, no matter how many, will only count as one letter. 

We hope you can join us on Thursday.

Our next Node meeting will be on the 1st Thursday of December. 

Node Co-coordinators,
Carolyn Barthel, carolyncbarthel@gmail.com
Ralph Halpern, ralph.halpern@comcast.net

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

339-203-5017