Friday, December 8, 2023

#LOVEfranklin // Emergency Shelter Humanitarian Aid UPDATE for Dec 7, 2023

Everything is settling into a routine at the Emergency Shelter in Franklin. Many of the residents at the Emergency Shelter are beginning to receive state services that were, initially, slow to start. This means that our efforts will slowly begin to move from emergency meeting of needs and service gap-filling to long-term support that will ultimately help families transition out of the shelter (which is still going to be a long, slow process).

The After-School Program is now a regular part of community life and providing a helpful outlet for support and play for children in elementary, junior high, and high school. It is offered Wednesday afternoons (when there's not a half-day or holiday). If you'd like to learn more or potentially help out, contact Rev. Kathy McAdams at rector@stjohnsfranklinma.org.

The initial push for donation sorting and packing is over. Just about everyone has received warm clothes and at least one coat. That being said, there are still needs to be met and plenty of opportunities to help. 

Next week, there will be opportunities to volunteer Monday through Friday. We need to move all the donations to a new location inside the Franklin United Methodist Church (82 W. Central Street, Franklin)--from the basement to the balcony. This new location is slightly larger and will be much more convenient, especially as works begins on the church's sanctuary ceiling. You can signup to help by going to franklininterfaith.org/donation-sorting/

If you have any questions about the donation sorting/packing/moving or would like to sign up a group at a special time, feel free to reach out directly to me at jacob@franklinumc.org.

The Franklin Interfaith Council voted today to bulk order new socks and underwear. Once received we will pack socks and underwear to go out to everyone at the shelter. Over the next several weeks, we will be doing our best to fulfill needs that were partially fulfilled (or not at all) in the first round of donation distribution. As such, we're asking for a new list of donations. See the attached flyer (.pdf and .jpeg)

Please note: we are not taking furniture donations nor are we taking toy donations at this time. Christmas gifts for emergency shelter residents have already been taken care of separately from this effort.

Thank you for your on-going support! If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Peace.

Jacob


PS ~To stay up to date on all that is going on with the Franklin Interfaith Council, subscribe to our website by going to franklininterfaith.org and submitting your email address at the bottom of the page.


><O><O><O><O><O><O><O><


Rev. Dr. Jacob W. Juncker
Pastor, Franklin United Methodist Church
President, Franklin Interfaith Council

Download the flyer to share ->

#LOVEfranklin // Emergency Shelter Humanitarian Aid UPDATE for Dec 7, 2023
#LOVEfranklin // Emergency Shelter Humanitarian Aid UPDATE for Dec 7, 2023

We’ve been approved as a 501(c)(3)! Support us to help the Children’s Museum of Franklin grow!


We're now an official 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ 

FHS girls & boys Indoor Track teams tops North Attleboro on Thursday

Via Twitter and our subscription to HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the fall sports competition for Franklin High School on Thursday, Dec 7, 2023. 

Boys Indoor Track (@ the TRACK at New Balance)

Franklin, 65 @ North Attleboro, 35 – Final 
– Taking nine points from both the shot put and the 55M hurdles, and eight more from the long jump, Franklin took care of business in a win over North Attleboro. Jacob Bowser won the shot put with Cole Sidwell and Julian Rampino completing the sweep, and Quinten Hardt took first in the 55M hurdles followed by Jaret Schmidt and Peter Gubka. Aidan Thorne added a win in the long jump with Gubka taking second for eight more points. Hardt had another win in the high jump, Brad Morin won the 600M, and Andrew Scotland crossed first in the 1 Mile (5:02.25). Abraham Guir was a double-winner for the Rocketeers, taking first in the 55M dash (6.72) and the 300M (37.08) while Connor Peterson clocked in at 2:46.99 to win the 1000M.

Complete boys results for the indoor meet

Girls Indoor Track (@ the TRACK at New Balance)

Franklin, 81.5 @ North Attleboro, 17.5 – Final 
– Franklin took first place in all but one event, sweeping three of them in a win over North Attleboro. The Panthers took the top three spots in the shot put (Lily Deforge, Elizabeth Hopkins, Darby Nicholson), the 55M hurdles (Sarah Dumas, Ella Chandaria, Cailyn Bruno), and the 600M (Sophia Cuneo, Allison Powderly, Callie Joyce). Dumas also won both the high jump and the long jump, Chandaria took first in the 55M dash (7.73) and the 300M (43.72), and Madison Bruno crossed first in the 1000M (3:17.66). Molly Galgoczy won the 2 Mile race for the Rocketeers in 12:19.50.

Complete girls results for the indoor meet

For other results around the Hockomock League (subscription required)

Coach Bailey (@FranklinHSXC) posted on Thu, Dec 07, 2023:

"Live results from tonight's meet. Good luck everyone! https://t.co/wLO0M724as"

FHS Panther sports results shared via subscription to HockomockSports.com
FHS Panther sports results shared via subscription to HockomockSports.com

FHS' Steel, Sullivan, Lewandowski & Nelson recognized as 2023 Hockomock League Golf All Stars

Below are the official 2023 Hockomock League Golf All Stars, selected by the coaches in the league.

HOCKOMOCK LEAGUE MVP
Ethan Sullivan, King Philip

HOCKOMOCK LEAGUE ALL STARS
CJ Steel, Franklin
Caden Sullivan, Franklin
Liam Lewandowski, Franklin

Honorable Mentions
Jack Nelson, Franklin

For the complete listing for the Hockomock League (subscription required)

FHS' Steel, Sullivan, Lewandowski & Nelson recognized as 2023 Hockomock League Golf All Stars
FHS' Steel, Sullivan, Lewandowski & Nelson recognized as 2023 Hockomock League Golf All Stars

WBUR.ORG: "Mass. outlines new strategy for getting customers and utilities off of natural gas"

Miriam Wasser (@MiriamWasser) posted on Thu, Dec 07, 2023:

"What's the future of natural gas in Massachusetts? A new order from the Dept of Public Utilities says won't it won't be "renewable natural gas."

The order is a sweeping rejection of "business as usual" More on what's in it 👇
https://t.co/GpRtnI6Wsr"



WBUR.ORG: "Mass. outlines new strategy for getting customers and utilities off of natural gas"
WBUR.ORG: "Mass. outlines new strategy for getting customers and utilities off of natural gas"

Jack Frost Jubilee - family fun today beginning at 4 PM (SAFE Coalition fund raiser)

Celebrate the season with the SAFE Coalition: Unwrap the magic of Christmas with Santa, Reindeer, Stories, Live Music and Sweet Treats!

Won’t you and the family join us Friday evening for carols, treats, and SANTA!
5:00 - Hot chocolate bar in the barn!
6:00 - Gingerbread Man decorating!
7:00 - Story time with Santa!

Where: The Proctor MansionInn (36 Common St, Wrentham, MA)

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1551606135109407/permalink/3570252859911381/

Jack Frost Jubilee - family fun today beginning at 4 PM (SAFE Coalition fund raiser)
Jack Frost Jubilee - family fun today beginning at 4 PM (SAFE Coalition fund raiser)

Clues for art give away! Where might this be?

If you heard about the Painting Venus art give away, did you catch the clues?

"If you are following me, then you know today is Wednesday- the holiday Art Gift Away Clues for Week #1.  

Remember these are made manageable enough for anyone to play, share a little light and learn a little more about our Town of Franklin locations. 
Art drops happen on Sunday mornings. Don’t forget to share what you find.
Clues for week 1:
*I am just off center
*Missing all of the laughter and play
*I sit near the eldest building for enriching young minds
*Find the red haired maiden, she keeps me guarded.

Original post about "Finding the light"

example of a public place where art (package shown at bottom of image) can be found
example of a public place where art (package shown at bottom of image) can be found

Franklin Health Dept: Weekly Wellness Update -> It's National Influenza Vaccination Week!

Via Franklin Health Dept:

"It is National Influenza Vaccination Week! 
It can take up to two weeks to build immunity after getting the flu shot. 
Find flu and COVID-19 vaccine locations near you by visiting vaccines.gov"


Franklin Health Dept: Weekly Wellness Update -> It's National Influenza Vaccination Week!
Franklin Health Dept: Weekly Wellness Update -> It's National Influenza Vaccination Week!

Franklin TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) schedule for Friday, Dec 8, 2023

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

9:00a/12:00p /6:00p Chapters – Jim Derick  Insightful, life-affirming stories and interviews

10:00a/1:00p/7:00p Music to Lift the Spirit - Jim Derick & Frank Falvey

11:00a/2:00p/8:00pm Senior Story Hour – Senior Center Scribblers Group

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

9:00 am Frank Presents: Jay Elias Pt 1
10:00 am Riffin' on Main Street: Erin Gallagher
11:00 am Senior Connection: Joe Landry
12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin: Meatballs
12:30 pm ArtWeek: Theater in the Open
1:00 pm Physician Focus: Winter is Coming
1:30 pm Pizzapalooza: Margherita Pizza
2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Summer 2018 Show 6
3:00 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Districts
4:00 pm Extended Play Sessions: Season 10 Show 4 - Dicenso Clark
5:00 pm Second Sunday Speaker Series: Wrentham 350
8:30 pm Circle of Friends: Cheryl Wheeler

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

7:00 am Public School Concert: MICCA Showcase Pt. 2 03-14-18
8:30 am Menthal Health: Donna Grady
10:00 am FHS Varsity Field Hockey: v Beverly 11-03-23
12:30 pm ArtWeek: Art + Music
1:30 pm Public School Event: Annie Sullivan Winter Music 2022
3:00 pm Critical Conversations: Social Media
5:30 pm FHS Varsity Swimming: v Taunton 01-13-22
8:30 pm FHS Boys Varsity Soccer: v Milford 10-26-23

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

8:00 am  Zoning Board of Appeals 11-09-23
2:00 pm  Zoning Board of Appeals 11-09-23

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

Thursday, December 7, 2023

OnTrack - The Growing Miniature World of 1932 Franklin at Franklin Historical Museum

For the past two years, Scott Mason, a professional creator of miniature models and dioramas and a member of the Franklin Historical Commission, has been gradually creating the world of 1932 Franklin, centered on the historic depot that still sits at the heart of the town, just off of Depot Street.  

The original model, measuring about eight feet long and including the depot, coal company, piano factory building, and much more, was displayed last December and January. This year it is back, joined by a newly created model of the Thomson Press factory (current location of Station 117) and the railroad ‘roundhouse’, both located about a quarter mile to the east of the depot. Together they provide a mesmerizing window into the Franklin of nearly a century ago.

This miniature world exhibit, fascinating to young and old alike, will be on display until mid-January during the museum’s normal operating hours, Saturdays 10-1 and Sundays 1-4. 


Photo album of some of the view for the new section displayed as of Dec 2, 2023 ->    https://photos.app.goo.gl/XmDcRiygct5kg6Vh7

You can listen to Scott and I talk about the Train Town exhibit and how it came together in this episode ->  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/12/scott-mason-talks-about-train-town.html


loading off the spur to the Thompson Press
loading off the spur to the Thompson Press

The Franklin Library Reading Challenge for 2024 can bring rewards!

Via Franklin Public Library 

"Here in the Youth Services Department we love our special reading challenges - whether it's Book Bingo or Bookopoly - and that's why we are SO EXITED to be bringing you a year-long reading challenge for 2024!! 
Readers of all ages are encouraged to participate!
.
For full details and to sign up visit https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library/pages/2024-reading-challenge (link in bio).
.
Happy Reading!"

The Franklin Library Reading Challenge for 2024  can bring rewards!
The Franklin Library Reading Challenge for 2024  can bring rewards!

3x Coach of Year Awards for Franklin High School

via FHS Athletics 

"Congratulations to these amazing FHS Coaches: Zach Brown, John Leighton, Kristin Igoe!! 
All three are  @MIAA033  Coach of the Year Recipients!!! Coach Igoe is also NFHS Section 1 Coach of the Year for GLax!!"

Congratulations to these amazing FHS Coaches: John Leighton, Kristin Igoe & Zach Brown
Congratulations to these amazing FHS Coaches: John Leighton, Kristin Igoe & Zach Brown

Sweet Retains role of Chair as Board of Health re-organizes (audio)

FM #1112 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1112 in the series. 


This session of the radio show shares the Town of Franklin Board of Health Meeting held on Wednesday, Dec 6, 2023. All three board members participated; Harris, Sweet, and newly elected member Kim Mu-Chow. Health Dept staff present were in the 3rd floor Conference room (not training room). 


Quick Recap:

Live reporting on the Board of Health meeting, follow along with the agenda #boh1206 https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/events/boh_agenda_and_packet_12.6.23.pdf 


Motion to accept minutes of prior meeting, 2-0, 3rd member wasn't part at the time (although was at the meeting as a visitor). Minutes moved to be accepted as corrected adding a hyphen in Kim's name. Motion to nominate Bridget as chair, second, passes 3-0. Motion to nominate...


Jeff as Vice-chair, second, passes 3-0


New business, discussion on bylaw to amend code sewers. Town enforcing exterior grease traps, BoH will end up with more responsibility with this change. See agenda for doc details


Addition of the health director as enforcement, to issue fines. To also go before Town Council for approval before becoming effective


Motion to accept increase in maximum allowable cover as noted in agenda doc, for repair only. Second, passes 3-0


Inspector report, for November. Two recall inspections requested by State, to Dollar Tree to check compliance on recall of product


Only 14 flu cases confirmed since Aug 2023. Bingo at Central Park Terrace, food pantry visits monthly

Visiting with migrants at the hotel, checking on the patients, pregnancy follow up. 51 COVID cases confirmed for Nov. Weekly wellness updates sent out


Assisted with application for grant with Senior Center and will follow up to create the webpage as the grant was received


Health fair was well received at the library 


No comments, questions


Motion to adjourn, passes 3-0



The meeting runs about 25 minutes. Let’s listen to the Board of Health meeting Dec 6, 2023. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1112-franklin-ma-board-of-health-mtg-12-06-23



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


The Board of Health agenda can be found ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/events/boh_agenda_and_packet_12.6.23.pdf 


Meeting packet (including individual reports) -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/events/boh_agenda_and_packet_12.6.23.pdf  not available for this meeting


My notes collected in a Twitter thread PDF ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GwQinzNgDno9LssHaiy3dJaKGM3-zrm0/view?usp=drive_link 


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

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!

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


You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"


Sweet Retains role of Chair as Board of Health re-organizes (audio)
Sweet Retains role of Chair as Board of Health re-organizes (audio)

FHS' Zub, O'Connor, Welch & Carmignani recognized as 2023 Hockomock League Girls Soccer All Stars

Below are the official 2023 Hockomock League Girls Soccer All Stars, selected by the coaches in the league.

HOCKOMOCK LEAGUE MVP
Heidi Lawrence, King Philip

HOCKOMOCK LEAGUE ALL STARS
Anya Zub, Franklin
Kelly O’Connor, Franklin
Rachel Welch, Franklin

Honorable Mentions
Cassidy Carmignani, Franklin


For the complete listing for the Hockomock League (subscription required)

FHS' Zub, O'Connor, Welch & Carmignani recognized as 2023 Hockomock League Girls Soccer All Stars
FHS' Zub, O'Connor, Welch & Carmignani recognized as 2023 Hockomock League Girls Soccer All Stars

FHS' Cinelli named MVP; Cain, O'Leary, Scagliarini & O'Neill recognized as 2023 Hockomock League Boys Soccer All Stars

Below are the official 2023 Hockomock League Boys Soccer All Stars, selected by the coaches in the league.

HOCKOMOCK LEAGUE MVP
Rex Cinelli, Franklin

HOCKOMOCK LEAGUE ALL STARS
Rex Cinelli, Franklin
Noah Cain, Franklin
Sean O’Leary, Franklin
Garrett Scagliarini, Franklin

Honorable Mentions
Andrew O’Neill, Franklin

For the complete listing for the Hockomock League (subscription required)

FHS' Cinelli named MVP; Cain, O'Leary, Scagliarini & O'Neill recognized as  2023 Hockomock League Boys Soccer All Stars
FHS' Cinelli named MVP; Cain, O'Leary, Scagliarini & O'Neill recognized as  2023 Hockomock League Boys Soccer All Stars

3 Restaurant schedules Annual New Years Comedy Show - December 29 at 7 PM

via 3 Restaurant: 

"Cheers to the New Year!🥂

Join us Friday, December 29 at 7 PM to kick off New Year's weekend with our annual comedy show!

This event will feature a delicious dinner buffet, dessert, champagne toast, good laughs, and an even better time ringing in 2024✨

Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased by calling (508) 528-6333"

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/C0cPvGuRYq_/

3 Restaurant schedules annual comedy show - December 29  at 7 PM
3 Restaurant schedules annual comedy show - December 29  at 7 PM