Fallen Hero Recognition Ceremonies for 2024 (video)

Franklin’s Veterans’ organizations, the Edward L. Grant American Legion Post 75, and the Veteran’s of Foreign Wars Post 3402, under the auspices of the Town’s Veterans Council, have developed a program to further honor those who died for our nation, to ensure they are remembered, and their stories are kept alive.

The brief program will include  

• the placing of a Memorial Wreath for the day 
• the playing of Taps 
• a salute from those present
• a reading of whatever history  may be available for that veteran  

This is a way of keeping the memory of that veteran alive.

The program is conducted on the Franklin Town Common along the Veterans Walkway by the granite column of the individual being remembered on the day of their recorded passing.

Franklin TV has been recording each of the recognition ceremonies and they can all be found here (the most recent on top, the earlier in 2024 are found as you scroll down)

There is also a playlist for the Franklin TV videos ->    https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLbAODFjFPJ0zOqXRuHZ5-_LPf6UwmBNSA

Video of the set for #7 -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nV5dN9ta9Hs

Video of the set for #6 ->  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sJyxuhgHiuI

Video of the set for #5 -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6UaM6y8eFsw

Video of the set for #4 -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tP9ghB7K5WA

 

Video of the set for #3 -> https://youtu.be/GpFAlD8_1Js?si=ZwEzePScne58Ugzt

Video of the set for #2 ->  https://youtu.be/SbC8N5K7jgQ?si=-LsDoX6pst94mLLS

Video of the set for #1 ->  https://youtu.be/Fo3eJGInVXU?si=TBQeb-sPxUa96XfF

 Honoring Our Franklin Veterans Who Died In Service to Our Country

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Sunday, June 30, 2024?

Sunday, June 30

10:00am FUSF Summer Sunday Worship Series - "Equity's Call"

1:00pm Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

1:00pm Musical Bingo (Teddy Gallagher's Pub)

**  NO Town Meetings today

What's happening today in Franklin? 

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

Why are there 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://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://bit.ly/Submit2Calendar

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 TV: Go Fourth, and Celebrate!

May the Fourth Be With You!

by Pete Fasciano, Executive Director 06/30/2024

If there’s a town in America that knows how to party on our nation’s birthday, it’s us, right here in Franklin. From July 3 through July 7, we party, party, and party. How does this huge party come together? We thank the Franklin July 4th Coalition.

For a complete schedule of events and festivities, visit www.franklin4th.com

Hint: It’s a lot.

Go Fourth, and Celebrate!

We’ll do our best to cover it all on Franklin.TV.

It’s a lot of music - for 5 straight days. Bring a blanket or lawn chair to the Common. It’s a lot of decadent food, rides, amusements, and festivities. It’s a lot of fireworks – starting at 10 pm, Saturday night at the high school.

All in, it’s a lot of fun.

That said, It also takes a lot of planning, work and funding. Private funding – from generous sponsors and individual donations.

While you’re visiting their website to plan your own family activities on the Fourth, consider making a donation. Big or small, it all helps to ensure that next year, America’s birthday party can continue.

I’ll have a corn dog and funnel cake, please.

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

In this Quarterbacking session, we condense the 5 hour 45 minute Town Council session June 26 to less than 30 minutes (audio)

FM #1242 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1242 in the series. 

This session shares my conversation with Town Council Chair Tom Mercer. The Council met on Wednesday, June 26, 2024 for the last meeting of the Fiscal Year 2024. As the session was a marathon one, extending into Thursday morning, completing at 12:45 AM, we met on Friday to recap the long 5 hour and 45 minute session. 

We look to focus on 

• ok, what just happened? 

• What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?

Topics for this session:

• Recognition 

• of Rabbi Tom Alpert retiring

• Of Gabrielle “Ellie” Dalton & Community Outreach Dog, “Officer” Ben Franklin

• Failed to approve the license transfers between BJs and Pour Richard's. Likely to be appealed and appeal upheld by ABCC (the reasons the Council verbalized for denial are not within the 2 criteria allowed per ABCC regulations, as I understand things)

• After much discussion, cut the Town budget $1.1M to provide that money to the FPS school budget. Also in principle agreed to fund another $1M next month from debt stabilization

• Raised water rate, Trash/recycle rate, & storm water rate

g. By-Law Amendment 24-910: Chapter 82, Municipal Service Fees Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 82, Water Usage Rates - Second Reading 

h. By-Law Amendment 24-911: Chapter 82, Municipal Service Fees Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 82, Curbside Trash Fee - Second Reading 

i. By-Law Amendment 24-912: Chapter 82, Municipal Service Fees Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 82, Stormwater Service Charge - Second Reading  (Motion to Approve Bylaw Amendment 24-912 - Majority Roll Call Vote)

• TA Report

• Road condition report published

• Finance reorganization

• Linda Darling appointed, Chris Sandini retiring, Kerri Bertone appointed, org chart coming next time

The recording runs about 27 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Tom.

Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1242-town-council-quarterbacking-06-28-24

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

The Franklin TV broadcast 06/05/24  ->  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JkF-BLT5Vns 

Agenda - > 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/town_council_agenda_-_june_26_2024.pdf 

Updated budget document -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/june_26_2024_town_council_meeting_agenda_fixed.pdf

My notes for this meeting  captured via Twitter can be found in one PDF file -> 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1fFz4yUhZUIdxhE9P_mi6ASkaLwWnMiw5/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"

In this Quarterbacking session, we condense the 5 hour 45 minute Town Council session June 26 to less than 30 minutes (audio)

FPS teacher percent salary increase over the contract years from 1999-2000 to 2024-2025

Shared from Al Charles, Franklin School Committee

"The image shows the yearly contract increases for the Franklin educators since 1999. 64% of the yearly increase was less than 2.5%. This includes years with a 0 or 0.5% increase.  

Over this duration the average increase was 2.23%. Without the 3 years with a 4% increase the average drops to 2.02%.  

Did the 4% improve the town budget concerns, no.  

Was it the primary driver of the town's financial problems, no. The "pie" is just not big enough."

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/Q3iGKjtNuasaDk8f/

July 2024 Franklin Library News & Events for Children, Kids & families

** LIBRARY EVENTS **

Weekly/Monthly for Children

Move Along! Mondays @ 10:30AM (Ages 0-5)
This thirty-minute program features music, movement, stories, and other interactive activities to encourage social skills and promote early literacy! No registration required!

Cool Cruisers! Tuesdays @ 9:30AM (Crawlers & Early Walkers)
Babies who have graduated from tummy time and are scooting all over the place are welcome to this playgroup just for them! We recognize that this fun age of exploring is very different from their first few months, so join us for a special playgroup just for this exciting time! No registration required!

Pre-K Bootcamp! Tuesdays @ 10:30AM (Ages 3-5)
This 30-minute program for kids ages 3-5 is a perfect jumpstart for kiddos that are approaching school-age! Stories, music, movement, and engaging activities designed to prepare kids for a school environment! No registration required!

Afternoon Doodles! Tuesdays @ 4:00PM (Ages 5+)
Do you love to draw? Join us for an hour of doodling and learn how to create new drawings each week! All materials will be provided, and no registration required!

Toe-Tapping Tots! Tuesdays & Thursdays @ 4:00PM (Ages 2-5)
Let's play some music and get those toes tapping! We will have fun learning to move to the music while building coordination and confidence. No registration required!

Bookworm Bounce! Wednesdays @ 4:00PM (Ages 0-5)
Join us for an afternoon story time full of music, movement, stories, and other interactive activities to encourage social skills and promote early literacy! No registration required!

Tummy Time! Thursdays @ 9:30AM
Babies and caregivers: join us each Thursday morning for Tummy Time! Nurture your baby's development with gentle music, movement, and sensory play at the library! Please bring a small blanket or towel for your baby's comfort! No registration required!

Toe-Tapping Tots! Tuesdays & Thursdays @ 4:00PM (Ages 2-5)
Let's play some music and get those toes tapping! We will have fun learning to move to the music while building coordination and confidence. No registration required!

Barefoot Ballet! Thursdays @ 5:00PM (Ages6-8)
Registration Required! (Registration is for all 6 dates). Calling all aspiring ballerinas! Join Miss Bree for this special 6-week introductory Ballet class. Ballet shoes and attire are not required, but please wear comfortable clothes!

Happy Feet! Alternating Fridays @ 10:30AM (Ages 0-5)
Let's play some music and get those feet moving! Join us for 30-minutes of creative movement and dancing fun! No registration required!

Move Along! Alternating Fridays @ 10:30AM (Ages 0-5)
This thirty-minute program features music, movement, stories, and other interactive activities for littles! Parents and caregivers are welcome and encouraged to participate. No registration required!

Weekend Wiggles! Alternating Saturdays @ 10:30AM (Ages 0-5)
A weekend storytime for littles and their grown-ups! Let's play some music and dance! We will have fun learning to move to the music while building coordination and confidence. Laughter and giggles are definitely expected! No registration required!

Special Events for Kids & Families

Slime Time! Monday, July 1^st @ 4:00PM
Make your very own slime at the library! All materials provided! No registration required.

Slime Time! Monday, July 1st @ 4:00PM

Little Groove Band! Wednesday, July 3^rd @ 10:30AM
Get ready for a groovy, fun, and interactive concert with Little Groove! In this fun and interactive 45-minute concert, children ages 0-5 and their caregivers will move and sing along with a musician from Little Groove. No registration required.

Fun with Drones! Friday, July 5^th @ 1:00PM
Join licensed drone pilot Brian Kourtz of Boston 25 News as he shows us the different types of drones, uses for drone footage, how to get your pilot's license, and of course, how to fly a drone! No registration required!

Crafternoon! Saturday, July 6^th @ 1:00PM
Beat the heat and join us for a fun afternoon of refreshments and crafting for kiddos of all ages! We'll have an assortment of summer themed crafts to enjoy! No registration required.

Flying High Dogs! Monday, July 8^th @ 4:00PM
Join us on the Library Lawn for extreme tail wagging fun for the whole family! Mike Piazza and his team of Border Collies are set to impress with their Frisbee tricks and more! No registration required!

Todd Brodeur Frisbee Demo! Wednesday, July 10^th @ 10:30AM
Join 2-time World Freestyle Frisbee Champion Todd Brodeur for a super fun hands on Frisbee demonstration! Learn some new moves and have fun! No registration required!

Petite Picassos! Wednesday, July 10^th @ 1:00PM
Join Miss Lily and create your very own step-by-step painting of summer fruits! This paint party is a great fit for children ages 6-12! All materials will be provided. Registration is Required! The same painting will be taught on July 10th and July 24th- Please only sign up for ONE of these dates!!

Learn to Play Ukulele! Thursday, July 11^th @ 10:30AM
Want to try an instrument that is fun and easy to play? Join Julie Stepanek as she shows the fundamentals of ukulele playing. No experience necessary! Ukuleles provided. No registration required!

Henry the Juggler! Friday, July 12^th @ 1:00PM
Join us for a show that is known to cause spontaneous outbursts of laughter! You will be left completely amazed as you watch Henry the Juggler juggle his CLUBS, RINGS, TORCHES and MORE! Caution: Henry is known to use innocent bystanders in his act! No registration required!

Toe Jam Puppet Band! Saturday, July 13th @ 10:30AM
Join the Toe Jam Puppet Band for a rockin' concert at the Franklin Public Library! This hilarious show is sure to have the whole family laughing along! No registration required!

Fairytale Fun! Saturday, July 13th @ 1:00PM
You're invited to be our guest for a special royal visit from everyone's favorite story-loving princess! There will be singing, dancing, interactive storytelling and a photo opportunity with each guest! No registration required!

Mr. Vinny Bubble Show! Monday, July 15th @ 4:00PM
Mr. Vinny, using giant bubble wands designed and constructed by the Bubble Guy himself, will gather kids for an hour long game of watch, chase, and pop the bubbles! No registration required!

Caravan Puppet Show: Timeless Tales! Wednesday, July 17th @ 10:30AM
Join us for an awesome puppet show featuring wildly creative puppets, original, and multi-cultural productions, beautiful staging, original dance-able music, and loads of interaction! No registration required!

Animal Affair! Wednesday, July 17th @ 3:00-6:00PM
Make some new furry or feathered friends when the Animal Affair Traveling Petting Zoo visits the Franklin Public Library!  Everyone is welcome to pet, brush, feed, hold, and play with the animals! Participants are taught the proper way to hold and handle the animals.  Animal Affair will be bringing ducks, chickens, goats, pigs and rabbits! No registration required!

Family Yoga! Thursday, July 18^th 10:30AM
Come join Katie from Sprouting Tree Yoga for a fun, interactive toddler & kids yoga class. Together we will explore yoga and mindfulness concepts through movement, songs, storybooks, games and more. This class is designed to help your child improve their balance, coordination, and flexibility while learning self-regulation skills and relaxation techniques. No previous yoga experience is necessary. Please bring a yoga mat or towel. Parents are welcome to participate as well!

Interactive Puppet Storytime! Monday, July 22nd @ 4:00PM
Join Leigh Baltzer of Through Me to You Puppetry for a special Puppet Storytime! Enjoy 30 minutes of interactive stories & songs performed by the puppets, allowing the kids to engage both their minds and bodies in a creative way! After the show, enjoy a hands-on Puppet Free Play session, where kids are invited to try out some of the hand puppets & finger puppets! No registration required!

The BenAnna Band! Wednesday, July 24th @ 10:30AM
Join us for this super-fun, high energy, interactive music concert that is sure to have the whole family up dancing! No registration required!

The BenAnna Band! Wednesday, July 24th @ 10:30AM

Petite Picassos! Wednesday, July 24th @ 1:00PM
Join Miss Lily and create your very own step-by-step painting of summer fruits! This paint party is a great fit for children ages 6-12! All materials will be provided. Registration is Required! The same painting will be taught on July 10th and July 24th- Please only sign up for ONE of these dates!!

Family Yoga! Thursday, July 25^th 10:30AM
Come join Katie from Sprouting Tree Yoga for a fun, interactive toddler & kids yoga class. Together we will explore yoga and mindfulness concepts through movement, songs, storybooks, games and more. This class is designed to help your child improve their balance, coordination, and flexibility while learning self-regulation skills and relaxation techniques. No previous yoga experience is necessary. Please bring a yoga mat or towel. Parents are welcome to participate as well!

Rainforest Reptiles! Friday, July 26th @ 1:00PM
Travel with us to the different rainforests around the world and meet the alligators, turtles, snakes and more that call these places home! Real, LIVE Animal Fun for All Ages! No registration required!

Scott Martell Magic Show! Saturday, July 27th @ 10:30AM
Join us as we welcome Magician Scott Martell and enjoy a family magic show featuring lots of comedy and surprises! Suggested Ages: 4-12 No registration required!

Chess Group! Saturday, July 27^th @ 2:00PM
Chess - The Game of Kings has resumed play! All ages and ability levels are welcomed.  If you would like to learn how to play chess, you are welcome as well! Learn an opening, develop strategic & tactic abilities, improve endgame skills. Sets will be available. No registration required

Music at the Blissful Concert! Monday, July 29th @ 4:00PM
Join us for a fun, high energy music program for children and their grownups! Musician Evan Haller brings the energy to get the whole crowd up and dancing! No registration required!

Mike Bent's EcoMagic Show! Wednesday, July 31st @ 10:30AM
Gather the family and get ready for amazing magic, storytelling, music and hilarious kid-friendly comedy with a green theme! We guarantee this will be the most fun you'll ever have learning about the environment, pollution, recycling, and more! No registration required!

Shared from ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library/news/july-2024-franklin-library-news-events

Music at the Blissful Concert! Monday, July 29th @ 4:00PM

Tickets on sale for 3 Restaurants' Second Annual Patio Party

Tickets on sale

 Via 3 Restaurant:

 

"Tickets on sale NOW for our Second Annual Patio Party ☀️🕶️

We’ll have great food, live music, games, prizes, and more! Tickets may be purchased by calling (508) 528-6333.

See you there!"

Shared from ->   https://www.instagram.com/p/C8sUhhXR1tZ/

Unexpected messages on social media about investing are almost always scams

Unexpected messages on social media about investing are almost always scams By Andrew Rayo With so many people on social media, it's no surprise that scammers are there, too. A scammer might, for example, send you a message on Facebook, LinkedIn, or WhatsApp offering a chance to invest in cryptocurrency.  But there's no investment opportunity — just a scammer trying to take your money. Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2024/06/unexpected-messages-social-media-about-investing-are-almost-always-scams

Unexpected messages on social media about investing are almost always scams

 

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Saturday, June 29, 2024?

Saturday, June 29

10:00am Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

10:30am Pumpernickel Puppets (Franklin Public Library)

1:00pm Painting for Adults! (Registration Required!) (Franklin Public Library)

6:00pm Wicked Queer Game Night (Pete's Nerd Emporium)

8:00pm Karaoke Night (Raillery Public House)

**  NO Town Meetings today

What's happening today in Franklin? 

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

Why are there 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://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://bit.ly/Submit2Calendar

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