Franklin PorchFest extends registrations to April 30. More than 24 bands registered so far!

Franklin PorchFest … the momentum is building and we are thrilled with the initial response! We are up to 24 bands and counting. Local businesses are getting in on the excitement; for example, Intermission will be open during the entire event for anyone looking for a bite to eat between performances. Other eateries are hosting musicians and extending service to outside areas. There has also been tremendous interest in hosting musicians.

Franklin PorchFest 2024

To accommodate so many requests, we are extending our registration through April 30th for both porch hosts and performers. If you are interested in participating you still have time to sign up.

If you would like to host a band or performer on your Porch or if you have a band or are a performer and would be interested in performing at Franklin PorchFest, go to our website https://franklin.porchfest.info and register for the event. All the information you need to register is on our website. Also on our website you will find links so you can follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Franklin PorchFest is made possible with funds granted from the Mass Cultural Council through the Franklin Cultural District Committee. The Franklin PorchFest Committee is thankful for the support it has received from the Cultural Council, the Cultural District and the Town of Franklin.

Franklin PorchFest will be held Saturday, June 1st from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM with a rain date of June 2nd. Save the date . . . we look forward to seeing you!

Made possible by a grant from Mass Cultural Council through the Franklin Cultural District Committee

Ji-Yann Chin has won The Friends of Franklin Library Scholarship in Memory of Wilma Winters

Ji-Yann Chin has won The Friends of Franklin Library Scholarship in Memory of Wilma Winters. A 2023 graduate of Franklin High School, Ji-Yann recently received $1,000 toward the cost of a college education.

Students were asked to write an essay about what gives them hope for the future. In her essay, Ji-Yann wrote about some of the frustrations she felt growing up in Franklin. “Nobody pronounced my name right. … and Lunar New Year was never acknowledged. But over time, this all changed.”

At Franklin High, for example, several teachers asked Ji-Yann to email them voice memos so that they could learn to properly pronounce her name. “The fact that so many teachers are using technology as a tool to pronounce their students’ names correctly gives me hope for the future,” Ji-Yann wrote in the winning essay.

Ji-Yann, a first-year student at the University of Massachusetts in Amherst, is studying both microbiology and public health. 

The Friends of Franklin Library, an independent, non-profit organization committed to supporting the Franklin Public Library, established its scholarship program in 2014. The annual scholarship is part of several efforts undertaken to honor the late Wilma Winters, a longtime Franklin resident and library supporter. Winters, who had a long career in higher education, worked for many years as a librarian, including at Boston University Medical School and Harvard’s School of Public Health. She spent her retirement years volunteering at the Franklin Public Library.

The scholarship will be awarded again this year to a member of the Class of 2024.

Members of the Friends of Franklin Library’s board recently presented Ji-Yann Chin with a check for winning the Friends’ annual essay contest

Franklin TV: Linda Waters - We’re Cookin’ Again

by Pete Fasciano, Executive Director 03/17/2024

Our Franklin TV kitchen is serving up 3 new chicken dishes in the kitchen.

Tim and Linda – cooking it all up in the kitchen

Linda Waters promotes confidence for college bound students through her cooking sessions, and – well – Not gonna lie. We got to sample and enjoy the tasty results. Linda and Tim whipped up three chicken dishes – ‘Marry Me’ Chicken, Chicken Parm, and Chicken Marsala.

Tim and Linda

I rate them all at ‘Five Chickens’.  

Yep. It’s all good.

Thanks for listening to 102.9 wfpr●fm. 

And – as always – thanks for watching

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

Grieving Hearts Workshop to create Remembrance Rocks - March 23

Grieving Hearts Workshop

"When it comes to communicating our feelings sometimes words are not enough. Creating art is a powerful way to express these emotions and reduce stress. That's right! 

Painting is just one way to help your mind and body relax and restore. We know how hard grief can be and although it comes in waves it's an exhausting process to mourn the person we lost. 

We invite you to take these two hours for you and paint a memory or words of hope on a rock in honor of your person. 

Each participant will be given two rocks. One to keep and one to put into a community grief garden.

This workshop is for all ages and all abilities! We will be using special paint markers and not actual paint.

This event is sponsored by the Franklin Cultural Council through grant funding."

When: Saturday, March 23 from 10 AM to noon

Where: Franklin High School

Find out more about Grieving Hearts on their website www.grieving-hearts.org

La Cantina Winery is still looking for help in operation of their new location. Maybe that's right for you?

La Cantina Winery is still looking for help

 

"We are quickly approaching our opening date and need a few more energetic people that want to join our team. 

Please reach out if you or someone you know is interested!"

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/C4k2tOxsaRW/

Mass Cultural Council offers Operating Grants (yes, really!)

via Mass Cultural Council 

"Apply Now: Operating Grants for Organizations!

We are proud to announce our Operating Grants for Organizations, which offer multi-year, unrestricted operating funds to nonprofit cultural organizations and cultural affiliates that enrich cultural life across the Commonwealth. 

- Grant amounts start at $6,000 in FY25.
- Deadline: June 13, 2024.

Register for an information session on March 20, 2024 and/or office hours (through early June) to learn more."

Link for additional info -> https://massculturalcouncil.org/blog/new-operating-grants-for-organizations-available/ 

Program guidelines -> https://massculturalcouncil.org/organizations/operating-grants-for-organizations/application-process/

@masscultural

Mass Cultural Council offers Operating Grants (yes, really!) 

Get your Franklin questions answered, in person or remotely - March 20 at 11 AM

What is going on with .... ?

What happened to ....?

How come .... ?

Join Steve Sherlock, Franklin Matters & Franklin Public Radio Community Information Director (volunteer), for an informal and informative Q&A session. 

What is the session about?

• Steve provides some updates on what's happened in the past month in the first 10-15 minutes, then opens the floor to answer whatever questions you have

Steve will also be interested to find out what you think should be on the "watch list" for 2024? 

When: Wednesday, March 20, 2024 at 11:00 AM  

Where: Franklin Senior Center (2nd floor conf room) and via Zoom

If you want the Zoom link, please use this form (https://forms.gle/DJWtDepRgPxZ3ytP6), or check with the Senior Center front desk, or email me directly.  

Note: While this event is held at the Senior Center it is not limited to seniors. Any one in Franklin can participate in person or remotely.

Download this flyer as a reminder or to share

https://drive.google.com/file/d/16fR4nLs6tJtp0HXobreBjiIusdAoatfo/view?usp=drive_link

Get your Franklin questions answered, in person or remotely - March 20 at 11 AM

FHS Class of 2024: Tickets for the All Night Party still available!!!

FHS Class of 2024

"FHS Class of 24! 

There's still time to get tickets for the ALL Night Party!

They're still accepting sign-ups, but they must be done as soon as possible.

Every student who attends this party has had a sensational time it's really amazing. They won't be disappointed. 

May 31, 11 PM - 5 AM  https://t.co/iThY1Fmuz5

Shared from -> https://twitter.com/ggzub/status/1768619423789679089

Rotary Club of Franklin MA 2nd Annual Comedy Night Fundraiser, Saturday, April 20, 2024

“3 Comedian’s Walk into a bar…well, not a bar, but the Franklin Elks Lodge…” 

If you want to know how this joke ends, and you’re looking for some great laughs, delicious dinner, while supporting a local non-profit... Franklin Rotary has the just the ticket!

Come join us for our 2nd Annual Comedy Night Fundraiser at the Franklin Elks, 1077 Pond St., Franklin, MA 02038, on April 20.  Doors open at 5:30 PM where you will enjoy buffet dinner, cash bar, FREE door prize chance, raffles and the comedic stylings of 3 comic headliners; Jody Sloane, Harrison Stebbins, and the return of Mark Scalia.

Rotary Club of Franklin MA 2nd Annual Comedy Night Fundraiser

“We filled the room last year, and we are looking forward to an even better show this year!” said Joe Collins, incoming President Elect (24-25).  He continued, “We work tirelessly to give back to our community and it’s fundraisers like this, which help to make it all possible.”

Reserve your table of 8 today! Tickets are only $50/pp and may be purchased by calling 508-284-9598, or online (+ $2 processing fee that covers dinner and the show) are available at: https://ci.ovationtix.com/35936/production/1190666

The Rotary Club International is a non-profit organization made up of a diverse group of men and women “who come together to create positive, lasting change in our communities and around the world.” https://www.rotary.org/en/about-rotary

Attention Franklin Residents: Town Board & Committee Volunteer Opportunities Are available for YOU!

Town Board & Committee Volunteer Opportunities

The Town of Franklin is seeking volunteers! 

If you are interested in serving on a Town board or committee to enhance the great quality of life in Franklin, click here!

Positions open for 

• Agricultural Commission
• Conservation Commission 
• Design Review Commission (DRC) 
• Franklin Cultural Council 
• Franklin Disability Commission

Shared from ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/2024-03-14_-_boards_committees_vacancies_announcement.pdf

Attention Franklin Residents: Town Board & Committee Volunteer Opportunities Are available for YOU!

Master Plan Subcommittees: Land Use & Zoning OR Open Space and Recreation, and Natural, Cultural, and Historic Resources

You have a choice of two Master Plan subcommittee meetings to view or attend on Monday, March 18, 2024.

• Master Plan-Land Use & Zoning Subcommittee

Event Date:  Monday, March 18, 2024 - 7:00pm

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/landusezoningagenda_-_2024-03-18.pdf

• Open Space and Recreation, and Natural, Cultural, and Historic Resources (OSRP) Subcommittee

Event Date:  Monday, March 18, 2024 - 7:00pm

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/osrp_and_nchr_subcommittee_agenda_-_march_18th_2024.pdf

And don't forget about the Master Plan Open House at Dean College on Saturday, March 23  https://www.franklinma.gov/master-plan-update-committee/pages/events

Master Plan Subcommittees: Land Use & Zoning OR Open Space and Recreation, and Natural, Cultural, and Historic Resources 

Franklin, MA: Agenda for School Committee Meeting - March 19, 2024 (includes budget hearing)

Franklin School Committee

March 19, 2024 - 7:00 P.M

Municipal Building – Council Chambers

Call to Order                 Mr. Callaghan

Pledge of Allegiance

Moment of Silence

I. Routine Business

A. Review of Agenda

B. Payment of Bills Mr. Callaghan

C. Payroll Mr. McNeill

D. FHS Student Representative Comments

E. Superintendent’s Report

F. FY25 Budget Open Hearing 

(presentation doc not posted but the full budget book is available ->  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/fy25_complete_budget_book.pdf)

II. Guests/Presentations

A. None

III. Discussion/Action Items

A. Student Opportunity Act Plan Approval

I recommend approval of the Student Opportunity Act Plan as discussed.

B. Policy First Reading

I recommend moving policy JFABB - Admittance of Foreign Exchange Students to a

second reading as discussed.

C. Policy Second Reading/Adoption

I recommend adoption of policy CA - Administrative Goals as discussed.

D. ACCEPT Collaborative Agreement

I recommend approval of the ACCEPT Collaborative Agreement as detailed.

IV. Discussion Only Items

A. None

V. Information Matters

A. School Committee Sub-Committee Reports

B. School Committee Liaison Reports

VI. Consent Agenda

A. Approval of Minutes

I recommend approval of the minutes from your March 5, 2024 School Committee

meeting as detailed.

B. Recurring Cooperstown Field Trip

I recommend approval of the request of Karrah Ellis to take FHS Baseball team to

Cooperstown, NY from April 14-15, 2024 to play against the Natick Redhawks as

detailed.

C. ASMS Gifts

I recommend acceptance of 3 checks totaling $5,000.00 from the ASMS PCC for field

trips as detailed.

D. Recurring HMMS Save the Bay Field Trip

I recommend approval of the request of Rebecca Motte for Gr. 6 students to travel to

Providence RI on May 20 and 21, 2024 for the Save the Bay Program as detailed.

E. Recurring Keller RW Zoo Field Trip

I recommend approval of the request of Caitlin Colahan to take Keller students to

Roger Williams Zoo in Providence, RI on May 30, 2024 as detailed.

F. Parmenter Gift

I recommend acceptance of a check for $3,240.00 from the Parmenter PCC for field

trips as detailed.

VII. Citizen’s Comments

VIII. New Business

To discuss any future agenda items

IX. Adjournment

Meeting packet folder -> https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/march-19-2024-school-committee-meeting

full FY 2025 budget book is available

Hockomock Area YMCA shares Tyler's story to highlight the support they provide (video)

Hockomock Area YMCA shares video of the support they provide:

"VIDEO link ≈ https://t.co/TtpS9vNn05  

Watch the moving story of Tyler and his family. We're here to help individuals and families in need of an immediate safety net. 

None of this support is possible without the generosity of all who support our Campaign. #BeCauseY #YForAll #ReachOut"

Shared from Twitter -> https://twitter.com/HockomockYMCA/status/1768624505310629937

To contribute to the cause -> https://www.hockymca.org/our-cause/give/

Beaver Street Interceptor Construction Alert: night work starting Sunday, March 17 at 9 PM

Beaver Street Interceptor

 

 

 

CONSTRUCTION UPDATE:

Starting Sunday March 17 through Wednesday March 20 night work on Rt. 140 will be occurring between the hours of 9 PM and 5 AM. Work will be between 541 & 520 West Central (Rt. 140). 
Limited lane closures will be present during this time.  

It is anticipated that the week of March 25 the construction crew will be back
on Old West Central near Tri-County Drive. This will mean that the Tri-County detour will be back in place during this time. More information on this work
will be provided by the end of next week.

We appreciate the public's continued support and understanding and will
continue to communicate as work progresses.


Please see our interactive map below for more details.

BEAVER STREET INTERCEPTOR HOTLINE: 508-553-5526
(PLEASE LEAVE A MESSAGE AND WE WILL RETURN YOUR CALL)
EMAIL: BSI-info@franklinma.gov

night work starting Sunday, March 17 at 9 PM

 

Beaver Street Interceptor Rehabilitation/Replacement Project

This project consists of the replacement and repair of Franklin's largest piece of sewer infrastructure, originally constructed in 1914. 

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/water-sewer-division/pages/beaver-street-interceptor

Town of Franklin: Job Opportunities updated 03/15/24

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. 

Chief Financial Officer - Finance Department

Budget and Fiscal Analyst - Finance Department

Mechanic/Motor Equipment Repair Person - Department of Public Works

Summer Employment - Department of Public Works

Junior Building Custodian - Facilities Department

Part Time and Substitute Custodians - Facilities Department 

Updated 03/15/2024

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 updated 03/15/24

Next guest speaker at Metrowest Networkers Group - March 29

Today(3/15/20)  David Bayuk spoke about working with recruiters.

In two weeks, Dana Hall - FranNet of Boston - will present on "Franchising - Is it right for you?"

Our list server (the email distribution ) currently has 65 members and the LinkedIn group has 102 members!  Not bad for a group that just formed in January.

It's a start, but with your help we can grow the group much larger and accomplish more.

If you have not yet joined, We invite you to join us,

* Our group is free.

* We meet in a convenient location that has plenty of parking.

* We bring in guest speakers.

* We provide societal networking---the most effective type of networking according to Sociologist Ofer Sharone.

* Our website welcomes guest articles. Help others and promote your own skill set.

Thanks and have a terrific weekend!

Website:   http://mwnetworkers.wix.com/home

--

Ed Lawrence

www.getstart-ed.com

CPRW; NCOPE

Certified Interview Coach

Authorized DISC Administrator

Member, CPRW Certification Committee

Next guest speaker at Metrowest Networkers Group - March 29

Franklin's Event Outlook: March 15, 2023 to March 21, 2024

Friday, March 15

1:00pm Book Sale (Franklin Public Library)

7:30pm Tarzan (ticketed event) (THE BLACK BOX)

Saturday, March 16

9:00am Book Sale (Franklin Public Library)

10:00am mobile Children's Museum of Franklin (ticketed event) (Annie Sullivan Middle School)

10:00am Winter Farmers Market (Fairmount Fruit Farm)

10:00am Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

Rise Up (Franklin United Methodist)

11:00am Beyond the Palmer Method – Learn about calligraphy (Franklin Historical Museum)

1:00pm Bag Sale (books by the bag) (Franklin Public Library)

2:00pm Tarzan (ticketed event) (THE BLACK BOX)

3:00pm Irish in America Concert (Franklin Public Library)

6:00pm `Cinema 80’ Feature Films "The Lodger" (Franklin Historical Museum)

7:30pm Tarzan (ticketed event) (THE BLACK BOX)

Sunday, March 17 - St. Patrick's Day

1:00pm Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

2:00pm Tarzan (ticketed event) (THE BLACK BOX)

Monday, March 18

9:00am Fallen Hero: Elton E Ekstrom (Franklin Veterans Walkway, Town Common)

Tuesday, March 19

7:00pm Trivia Night (Raillery Public House)

7:30pm Voice of Franklin, part of Toastmasters International (Franklin TV Studio)

Wednesday, March 20

5:30pm Femita Ayanbeku (Dean College)

Thursday, March 21

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

6:30pm Bringing the stars Indoors (Franklin Public Library)

7:00pm Community Coffee Conversations: One Franklin (Birchwood Bakery)

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

Why have multiple calendars?

There is a Cultural events calendar upon which other community events are layered to create the Community calendar.

Respectfully, the Library and Senior Center calendars are too full of events to include all their events so we tend to focus on the major events. Town and School meetings are also kept separate. Links for all the calendars are shared here:

The Cultural calendar displays only the cultural events      https://www.franklinculture.org/things-do/pages/calendar

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 Library calendar of events ->    calendar link

The Senior Center calendar of events ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/node/39/events/month/39/2023-12

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's Event Outlook: March  15, 2023 to March  21, 2024

Stand-Up Comedy Show with Laugh Boston! at Glen Pharmer on March 27 (7 PM)

Glen Pharmer proudly presents a stand-up comedy show on Wednesday, March 27, featuring three hilarious comedians from Laugh Boston!

Stand-Up Comedy Show with Laugh Boston! at Glen Pharma

Say goodbye to winter blues and hello to longer days! The arrival of daylight savings means a new season of laughter with our Spring Comedy Show. This hilarious event promises to swing you into the cheerful spirit of spring, faster than the clocks spring forward!

Your ticket includes your first cocktail, beer, or glass of wine. 

Hungry? Join us before the show in our main Tasting Room.

(Appy Hour from 4-6 PM with 1/2 priced appetizers!) 

If dining with us, separate reservations are strongly recommended.

(Note: Food is not included with the comedy show.)

Wednesday, March 27, 2024 

Doors open at 7:00 PM

Show starts at 7:30 PM 

$49.95 per person (plus tax) 

Tickets can be purchased online ->  https://www.opentable.com/booking/experiences-availability?rid=1076491&restref=1076491&experienceId=277214