"Diary of a Dreamer" kicks off exciting activities at the Library during December 2023 (audio)

FM #1106 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1106 in the series. 

This session shares my conversation with Mitzi Gousie, Programming and Outreach Librarian with the Franklin Public Library. We had our discussion at the Franklin TV Studios on Wednesday, November 22, 2023.

 

We talk about 

• Reviewed the regular open hours, and month ending holiday times

• Library events for December 2023

• All ages

• Kiddos, or “littles”

• Teens

• Adults

• Explains the need for volunteers for

• The English as Second Language tutoring program

• Assisting with simple tax preparation forms

• Training is provided for both of these programs for those who volunteer

The show notes include links to the Library page and to the calendar of events where registration for some of the events is required/recommended..

The recording runs about 28 minutes, so let’s listen in. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1106-franklin-public-library-dec-2023-highlights-11-22-23

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Event highlights we covered in this conversation

https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library/news/december-2023-franklin-library-news-events

Franklin Public Library page ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library 

Library Calendar of Events ->  http://www.eventkeeper.com/mars/xpages/F/FRANKLIN/ekp.cfm 

"Diary of a Dreamer" info -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/11/diary-of-dreamer-by-fatima-wojohat-dec.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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"Diary of a Dreamer" kicks off exciting activities at the Library during December 2023 (audio)

Workshop for parents and caregivers of teens and tweens on Mental Health, Suicide Awareness & Prevention - Dec 5

Franklin SEPAC & SAFE Coalition present a workshop for parents and caregivers of teens and tweens on Mental Health, Suicide Awareness and Prevention.

Learn from a SAFE Coalition Social Worker about:

• How to speak with your children about mental health

• Social media and bullying

• Tools, resources, and information about suicide awareness and drug use

This is an in-person event.  

Register here: https://forms.gle/wuMmwjzQK5ik7q9L8… Please note: this is open to all community members - your child does not need to be receiving special education for you to participate.

When: December 5, 2023  from 6:30 PM - 8 PM

Where: Town Hall/Central Office

355 E. Central St, Franklin, MA   3rd Floor Training Room

www.safecoalition.org

www.franklinsepac.org

 

Workshop for parents and caregivers of teens and tweens on Mental Health, Suicide Awareness & Prevention - Dec 5

Shared from -> https://twitter.com/DStokes2447/status/1729679294605963324

Celebrate the Holidays with Humbug! Dec 16 & 17

FPAC Holiday Productions will close its December season with the return of Humbug! December 16 and 17. 

A family favorite since debuting as part of FPAC’s 2008 season, Humbug! is an original musical retelling of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, starring the script’s writer, Nick Paone, as Ebenezer Scrooge. With musical hits of every genre and live accompaniment by a 10-piece band of professional musicians, Humbug! transports audiences from Dickensian England to contemporary America as the novel’s iconic characters and storyline are cleverly reimagined with modern setting and dialogue. Humbug! delivers a holiday gift of hilarity with a timely – and timeless – message.

Celebrate the Holidays with Humbug! Dec 16 & 17

The FPAC original features sets of parents and their children, siblings, and friends that are like family as part of a large ensemble cast of over 100 professional artists, community performers and students of the arts. “Live theater creates a space where we can come together and have a collective experience,” says Mireille Eastman, mother of two “Humbug!” student cast members Ameline and Emmett Eastman. She has previously also performed in the production along with her husband, Charley Eastman, and all three of their children. “We are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to be involved in 'Humbug!' as a family. Sharing our passion for live theater with our children has brought us all closer together.”

The show also features mother/daughter pairs Kylie and Edna Bodiya, Kim and Baree Frigon, Lindsay and Lila Hartman, Kristin and Polly Palson, and Robin and Zoey Tucker. Siblings Christopher and Owen Charles, Katie and Helena Cornwell, Jenna and Anna Cusano, Julia and DJ Ormond, Brodie and Devin DeAngelis, Aida and Julian DiChiara, Kayla and Macie Hoben, Liam and Grayson Kerrigan, Matthew and Shane Packard, and Charlotte and Katherine Weldon all perform together as well as married couples Tim and Liz Ayres-Kerr and Greg Leach and Michele Webster. 

Youth development in the arts is a special focus of FPAC, founded in 1991 by Artistic Director Raye Lynn Mercer. Productions provide ongoing opportunities for families to connect through the arts, with multiple generations sharing rehearsals and time on stage together.

Humbug! is presented at the Franklin High School Auditorium. For tickets and more information, visit www.FPAConline.com or call the box office at 508-528-3370. 

Master Plan Update Cmte discusses, Inventory Report, Survey, Outreach efforts, & approves Meeting schedule for 2024 (video)

The Master Plan Update Committee met as scheduled on Wednesday, Nov 28 at 6:30 PM. 

The Franklin TV video is available for replay on YouTube ->   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JnMfCfe-RnI

The agenda:

1. Meeting Minutes: September 13 & 27, 2023 & October 25, 2023

2. Subcommittee Updates

3. Existing Conditions & Inventory Draft Report - Discussion

4. Tabling and outreach for Survey

5. 2024 Meeting Dates

The agenda doc ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/master_plan_agenda_-november_29_2023_0.pdf 

My notes captured via Twitter in one PDF ->    https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Gl1LBNE_LqXQiMuCNFdhqwZu6sinTkDZ/view?usp=drive_link

Master Plan Update Cmte discusses, Inventory Report, Survey, Outreach efforts, & approves Meeting schedule for 2024 (video)

Town of Franklin: Job Opportunities for custodians, heavy equipment operator, and a Director of Arts, Culture & the Creative Economy

To apply for a vacant position, please submit a resume and cover letter to apply@franklinma.gov.  Please put the job title in the subject line of your email. 

Junior Building Custodian - Facilities Department

Director of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy - Office of the Town Administrator 

Heavy Motor Equipment Operator - Department of Public Works

Part Time and Substitute Custodians - Facilities Department 

Updated 11/29/2023

If you do not have a resume, you may send a completed Application for Employment instead.

To receive notifications of all job opportunities in the Town of Franklin, subscribe here .

Shared from ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/human-resources/pages/job-opportunities

Town of Franklin: Job Opportunities for custodians, heavy equipment operator, and a Director of Arts, Culture & the Creative Economy

Santa and Mrs. Claus at Franklin Police Station - Sunday, Dec 3 from 9 AM to noon

Via Franklin Police Dept: 

"Looks like Santa and Mrs. Claus are trading in the sleigh for a squad car this year! Watch out, naughty list - the Franklin Police Department just got a festive upgrade! 

This Sunday, December 3 from 9 AM to 12 PM, Santa and Mrs. Claus will take over the Chief’s Office. 

This event is free, however we do ask for a toy donation (new and unwrapped). Toys collected through our toy drive go back to the children in our community who need a little extra Christmas cheer."

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/C0PCGJGMuZl/

Santa and Mrs. Claus at Franklin Police Station - Sunday, Dec 3 from 9 AM to noon

Franklin Recreation schedules annual Pizza Party with Santa - Friday, Dec 8

via Franklin Recreation Dept 

"Don't forget to join us next Friday as Santa pays a visit to the Rec Department for a Pizza Party!!! 

We will have crafts, bounce house, face painting and of course pizza! 

Register online at franklinma.myrec.com"

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/C0O8-VuOKef/

Franklin Recreation schedules annual Pizza Party with Santa - Friday, Dec 8

What to do if you can’t make car payments

What to do if you can't make car payments By Colleen Tressler Trouble making car payments? Worried about repossession? Unexpected life events, like a job loss or drop in income, may affect your ability to pay your bills, including car payments.  If you're worried that you won't be able to make your next car payment, take action as soon as possible. If you get behind on your payments, your lender could repossess your car — sometimes without warning. Read on to learn what to do. Read more >  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2023/11/what-do-if-you-cant-make-car-payments

What to do if you can’t make car payments

Franklin TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) schedule for Thursday, Nov 30, 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: VA Pension

9:00 am Franklin Interfaith Thanksgiving 2023

10:30 am SAFE Coalition: New Facility

11:30 am Cooking Thyme: Fish

12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin: Meatballs

12:30 pm ArtWeek: Theater in the Open

1:30 pm Pizzapalooza: Margherita Pizza

2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Summer 2018 Show 6

3:00 pm Riffin' on Main Street: Raye Lynn Mercer

4:00 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Districts

4:30 pm Veterans Day Luncheon 2023

7:00 pm Extended Play Sessions: Alice Wallace

8:00 pm Frank Presents: Daniela Masters Pt 2

9:30 pm The Black Box: Disney Stars of Broadway

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

7:00 am Public School Concert: Horace Mann Winter Music 2022

8:30 am Public School Event: Annie Sullivan Winter Music 2022

10:00 am FHS Varsity Swimming: v Taunton 01-13-22

1:00 pm All-Town Showcase 2022: Band

2:30 pm ArtWeek: Ed Iannuccilli

3:30 pm FHS Theater Company: Cinderella

6:00 pm Girls Varsity Soccer Franklin v Hopkinton 11-11-23

8:00 pm Public School Concert: MICCA Showcase Pt. 2 03-14-18

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

8:00 am Conservation Commission: 11-16-23

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

2:00 pm Conservation Commission: 11-16-23

7:00 pm Conservation Commission: LIVE Chambers  824 4511 5733

7:30 pm Zoning Board of Appeals: LIVE Remote  987 9588 8612

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: Diary of a Dreamer, Train Town Part 2 opens, Dance & Thespian showcases & more as #artshappenshere

Wednesday, November 29

1:00pm Senior Scribblers (writing group) (recording session - TV studio)

Thursday, November 30

6:00pm Charlie Rock (live music) (La Cantina Winery)

7:00pm New Thespian Showcase (ticketed event) (Dean College)

"Diary of a Dreamer"

Friday, December 1

3:00pm "Diary of a Dreamer" (multiple forms of art) (Franklin Library)

6:30pm Alex Cohen (live music) (Raillery Public House)

7:00pm New Dancer Showcase  (ticketed event) (Dean College)

Saturday, December 2

9:30am Holiday Wreath and Arrangement Sale (Daddarios Hardware) 

Dean College

10:00am Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

10:00am Train Town Franklin; Part 2 Opens (Franklin Historical Museum)

1:00pm New Dance Showcase  (ticketed event) (Dean College)

2:00pm The Nutcracker (ticketed event) (Franklin High School)

2:00pm Ian Kabat: Art exhibit opens (67 Degrees Brewery)

6:00pm Northeast Groove (live music) (67 Degrees Brewery)

7:00pm New Thespian Showcase  (ticketed event) (Dean College)

7:30pm The Nutcracker  (ticketed event) (Franklin High School)

8:00pm Ellis Paul (ticketed event) (Circle of Friends Coffeehouse)

8:00pm Viva Las Elvis: A Vegas Christmas (ticketed event) (THE BLACK BOX)

Sunday, December 3

12:00noon Holiday Market (67 Degrees Brewery)

The Nutcracker

1:00pm Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

1:00pm Train Town Franklin; Part 2 (Franklin Historical Museum)

2:00pm The Nutcracker  (ticketed event) (Franklin High School)

Tuesday, December 5

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!

THE BLACK BOX to present Holiday Comedy Show starring The Rescignos - Dec 9

THE BLACK BOX, the region’s premiere concert, theater, and event venue, will present The Rescignos: Franklincense, a brand new iteration of Paul Rescigno and Robbie Rescigno’s acclaimed holiday comedy show on December 9 at 8:00pm.

For over a decade the Rescigno brothers have performed a brand new holiday show in NYC, and this year they are bringing another new holiday show to Franklin. Critic Roy Sander writes of the show, "Brilliant...I would be hard put to think of anyone I would rather be entertained by for an hour than The Rescignos." Cabaret Scenes' Rob Lester says, "The Rescigno twins raise sibling squabbling to an art form." Paul and Robbie add, "We also look pretty good in our sweater vests." This show is rated PG-13.

Paul Rescigno and Robbie Rescigno

In addition to their theater, film, and TV credits, Paul and Robbie have appeared together on THE BLACK BOX stage in the Franklin Performing Arts Company productions of The Drowsy Chaperone, Sweeney Todd, and Something Rotten!. Additionally, Paul starred earlier this season in Buyer & Cellar and Robbie will return this January for Bright Star. While performing in Franklin, the Rescignos have guest taught classes for the Franklin School for the Performing Arts and Dean College. 

Tickets are available at www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com or by calling the box office at 508-528-3370. THE BLACK BOX is located at 15 W. Central St. in downtown Franklin. 

School Committee hears from Parmenter, FHS Honor trip & District educational assessment (video)

The Franklin School Committee met as scheduled on Tuesday, November 28.

Quick recap:

• Parameter update from Principal Chelman, and Asst Principal Harvey
• FHS Art Honor Society proposal for two museums in one trip
• District Assessment presentation, Dr Rogers remote; Dr Frazier, Director of Curriculum for humanities; Eric Stark, Director of Curriculum for STEM
• Al Charles speaks to the point of success seen a couple of years after the SchCmte funded the curriculum investments made in Math
• It is important to know that MCAS is just one data point and that it takes more than that for students to strive 

Franklin TV video link -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2J9NdQCWqlM

My notes collected via PDF (captured during meeting via Twitter)

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1dKDfMFeUK43g70Li6XbLlhdVssSKLZAv/view?usp=drive_link

The agenda -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/11/franklin-ma-school-committee-agenda-for_0289625050.html

last slide from the District educational assessment

Reminder to 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

Davis-Thayer Building Reuse Cmte Pauses until after Expression of Interest generate returns (video)

The Davis-Thayer Building Reuse Advisory Committee met as scheduled on Tuesday, Nov 25 at 7 PM. They got an update on the "Expression of Interest" (EOI) and given little other work to do immediately determined to suspend meetings for a few months until the EOI provided some information, assuming someone did reply to the EOI.

Agenda:

1. Town Administrator Updates

• a. Expression of Interest
• b. Appraisal
• c. Kaestle Boos Study

2. Continued discussion of potential future uses and Open Houses

The agenda doc has the remote participation info ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/_2023-11-28_davis-thayer_reuse_agenda_.pdf

Franklin TV video link -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=djVBycM44AM

The Artsy Box creation by Molly Dee brightens up the corner near Davis Thayer

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

Winter Wonderland Community Holiday Event

Franklin Public Library News & Events for December 2023

**LIBRARY NEWS**

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 23^rd and 30^th from 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM. The Library will be closed December 24^th, 25^th, 31^st, and January 1^st.

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 8^th, 1:00-5:00 p.m.  Saturday December 9^th, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon
All books are just one dollar!

Bag Sale - $5 A Bag—Saturday, December 9^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
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

Franklin Public Library News & Events for December 2023