Franklin Public Library Special Events for September 2024

 

Library Hours

The Library’s hours are Monday through Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Friday and Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sunday Hours Resume on September 8th 1:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. The Library will be closed Monday September 2nd for Labor Day.

 

Franklin Public Library Special Events for September 2024

Franklin Public Library’s 2024 Reading Challenge!

September: A book whose title starts with the letter “S”!

For complete details and to sign-up, visit our website! Grand prizes made possible by the Friends of the Franklin Library!

 

ESL & Adult Literacy Program

The Franklin Public Library has started an English as a Second Language and Adult Literacy Program to serve Franklin and its surrounding communities.  Volunteers and students do not need to be Franklin residents. If interested, fill out the registration form on the library’s website.

*** Special Events for Kids

September Book Bingo! Tuesday, September 3rd – Monday, September 30th

Collect your BINGO board at the Children's Room Reference Desk and play along all month long! Complete a row in any direction and win a special coloring sheet! Complete the entire board and win a prize pack!! Deadline to pick up prizes is Saturday, October 5th.

Pirate Party! Saturday, September 14th @ 1:00PM

Ahoy mateys! Set sail to the library and join us for a swashbuckling afternoon on the high seas! Don't miss our pirate-themed crafts and activities, or you'll have to walk the plank! No registration required!

Captain Robbie Bones Pirate Magic Show! Tuesday, September 17th @ 1:00PM

Set sail with a treasure chest full of magic and a trunk filled with laughter! This Pirate will have everyone's attention the minute he is on deck, from juggling cannon balls to a snake in a basket that performs magic tricks! However, this pirate needs lots of help to get through his show, so be prepared for lots of audience participation! No registration required!

Blue Dog Bash! Saturday, September 21st @ 1:00PM

Let's celebrate everyone's favorite canine family with an awesome morning of games, crafts, snacks, dancing and more! No registration required!

*** Special Events for Teens

Hack Your College Application! Wednesday, September 4th @ 6:00PM

Applying to college can be a stressful process. Are looking to get ahead of the game and start your application early? Have you started your application and just need help polishing it? Are you unsure if college is the path for you and you need someone to talk it out with? Then come by and meet with Mx. Jorge Marinez, a former College Guidance Counselor and a current Admissions Counselor at Dean College, and up your chances of standing out on college applications!

Broadway Musical Bingo! Wednesday, September 25th @ 5:00PM

Join us for Musical Bingo! Part Bingo, part trivia, participants will listen to the music as it plays and fill in their bingo cards! This month's Bingo theme: Broadway musicals!

*** Special Events for Adults

Adult Painting Saturday September 14th 1:00 PM

Registration Required

Grown Ups! Are you feeling creative? Join Miss Lily to create your own step-by-step painting of a Paul Cezanne inspired still life! All materials will be provided.

Author Talk with Ted Reinstein, Thursday September 19th @ 6:30 PM

Journalist and author Ted Reinstein has reported all around New England for 25 years, telling the colorful stories of this historic yet ever-changing corner of America. Now, he condenses his countless travels into a single, unique labor of love: a journey through the heart and soul of New England, meeting the most memorable people—and their unlikely stories—all along the way. Join us in welcoming Ted to present and discuss his new book, "Travels through the Heart and Soul of New England: Stories of Struggle, Resilience, and Triumph".

One Book, One Community Book Talk: The Humans, Saturday September 21st @ 3:00 PM

Join us for refreshments and discussion around our Franklin One Book, One Community read!

** Special Events for All Ages

Health Fair! Wednesday, September 25th @ 3:00PM

Come join us for a free and fun filled afternoon at the Franklin Public Library for Franklin Health Departments Fall Health Fair! The event will include local vendors, local health resources, health services exhibitors, activities for kids, and much more!

Winter Berry Farms: Angora Rabbit Visit, Friday September 27th 3:00 PM

No registration required

Join us in welcoming back some of the fluffiest bunnies around! Kick off the Harvest Festival weekend by learning about the care and needs of rabbits and how they help us stay warm! As a special treat learn how to spin angora fur into fiber for wool! A great event for crafters and animal lovers of all ages!

Franklin Library Book Sale

Friday, September 20th, 1:00-5:00pm.  Saturday, September 21st, 9:00am to 12:00 Noon

All books are just one dollar!

Bag Sale - $5 A Bag—Saturday, September 21st, from 1:00-4:00pm

Come fill a brown bag with all the books you can!

Find more events and updates on the Library page ->    https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library

August 14 Town Council meeting - audio in 2 parts: legislative update (2 hours) & remainder of meeting (1:40 )

FM #1263-1264  This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1263-1264 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin (MA) Town Council Meeting of Wednesday, June 17, 2024.  All 9 members were present in Council Chambers. We split the audio into 2 parts, creating a section just of the State legislature update by Senator Becca Rausch and State Rep Jeff Roy, and leaving the opening hour, and remainder of the Council session in the first part.

Quick summary of Part 1 (#1263)

Annual Reappointments and New Appointments of Boards and Committees Members

Unanimous approval for the appointments/re-appointments. This should complete the slate of current board, committee, commission positions with a couple of exceptions. Town Administrator Jamie Hellen updated that likely early in 2025, an effort to solicit more volunteers for the various positions would be conducted to help refill the potential candidate pool for future opportunities. Note: all the positions appointed are for staggered terms within the respective boards, etc. This is done to enable some organizational knowledge retention among the members of each org. It is easier for 1, 2, or 3 members of a committee to ‘get up to speed’ than it is for an entire group.

PUBLIC HEARINGS

a. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-906: Changes to §185-3. Definitions, Mixed Use Development Definition

b. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-907R: Changes to §185-21 Parking, Loading and Driveway Requirements

c. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-908: §185 Attachment 7. Part VI, Addition of Mixed Use Development to Use Regulation Schedule

The passage of these 3 measures should bring us into compliance with the MBTA Community requirements set out by the State. We were close to begin with, and then with the changes started with the Franklin For All project, we got closer. There are still some improvements possible that could be coming as part of the Master Plan. These 3 get us into compliance with the State requirements which keeps the coffers open for grant opportunities. The 3 measures were approved unanimously.

d. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-913: Zoning Map Changes from Business to Commercial I, an Area on Union Street Near Franklin Crossing

This measure rezones the area along Union and Cottage near the Mill Store and sets it up for redevelopment in mixed use, both residential and commercial/retail space. You can see what the developer is doing with the former Clark-Cutler-McDermott building as an example of what can happen here. This should be good. It was approved unanimously.

PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION

a. Presentation & Discussion: 4H Alarm Robotics Club 2079

c. Discussion: Norfolk Registry of Deeds Update - Register William O’Donnell

Resolution 24-51: Gift Acceptance - Fire Department ($100), Senior Center ($10,070), Veterans’ Services Department ($150)

Resolution 24-52: Revised 2024 Town Council Meeting Schedule

Part 2 (#1264)

b. Discussion: Legislative Delegation - Senator Rebecca Rausch and Representative Jeffrey Roy

Rep Roy and Senator Rausch provided updates on the legislative session that formally closed on July 31. They also responded to questions from the Council and community members present in the room or remotely participating in the meeting.

The recording runs 3 hours and 40 minutes, so let’s listen to Town Council meeting of August 14, 2024

Audio link - Part 1 (#1263)

https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1263-town-council-mtg-08-14-24-part-1-of-2/

Audio link - Part 2 (#1264)

https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1264-town-council-mtg-08-14-24-part-2-of-2/

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

The Franklin TV video of the 3 hour 40 minute session can be found ->  https://www.youtube.com/live/ucR5rvaR-Pk?t=73s 

Agenda document for this session: 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/town_council_agenda_aug_14_2024.pdf

My notes as captured during the session can be found in one PDF

https://drive.google.com/file/d/10kZggKLArBB2AbSMxRKHWb8b2iUFIhZH/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"

August 14 Town Council meeting - audio in 2 parts: legislative update (2 hours) & remainder of meeting (1:40 )

SAVE THE DATE: Annual Electronics Recycling Event! Sep 14

Join us on Saturday, September 14th for our annual electronics recycling event! 

Annual Electronics Recycling Event! Sep 14

This is a fantastic opportunity to responsibly dispose of all your unwanted electronics, appliances, items with a plug, batteries, and even bicycles in any condition.

Event Details:

Date: Saturday, September 14th

Location: Old Benjamin Franklin School Parking Lot

Cost: See event page for details

Help keep our community clean and sustainable. Spread the word to friends and neighbors, and let's make this event a huge success!

For more information, visit the event page ->   https://www.facebook.com/events/326537483873662/?ref=newsfeed

Franklin TV: 1A v AI

The First Amendment Requires Genuine Intelligence

by Pete Fasciano, Executive Director 08/24/2023

This election cycle is at risk. Perhaps more than ever. Regardless of your choice for candidate, please consider the sources of your information. Has what you read or heard been responsibly curated – vetted by professional and objective journalists?

Artificial Intelligence is a new and powerful arrow in the quiver of those who seek to deceive us. We must meet AI with GI, Genuine Intelligence, born of experience, wisdom and a healthy investigative skepticism.

We all know that we can’t yell, “Fire”, in a crowded theater. It would produce a serious harm. That practical example limits the first amendment. AI begs the question about outright lies, deception and resulting harms in more abstract form. AI lies can cause serious harm to democracy. Perpetrators should be charged. Claims about first amendment rights should offer no safe harbor.

Now that the RNC and DNC are past, the real war of words will be in full force and effect all the way to November. Many words will come from questionable sources.

Bad actors seek to erode our confidence in American politics and all sources of information, true or not. The overarching effect is to discredit everything that we hear so that no one will believe anyone about anything – resulting in voter apathy. 

That’s their goal.

So they would hope.

But diligence – personal due diligence – can prevail. Your vote is too precious to squander. Vote wisely. The road to every election is paved with sacrifice. Let’s all do our part to apply genuine intelligence.

And – as always –

Thank you for listening to wfpr●fm. 

And, thank you for watching.

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

4H Alarm Robotics schedules LEGO Stop Motion Animation Workshop for Ages 10-14

LEGO Stop Motion Animation Workshop

 

"Alarm Robotics, a non-profit community robotics team from Franklin, is offering this free class for students ages 10-14!

Participants will use their phones (required) and the Stop Motion Animation app to produce a Lego stop motion animation.

Registration is required and space is limited. Call 508-699-0122 to register."

When: Tuesday, Sep 24, 2024
Where: Richards Memorial Library, North Attleboro 

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/p/x5dr8NdvxqKk2jSx/

FTC Reveals "Five ways to keep scammers and hackers away"

Five ways to keep scammers and hackers away By Alvaro Puig We're living in the data age. The things we do on our phones and computers, on our internet-enabled smart devices, and on websites leave a trail of our activities and our personal information.  That personal information has value — not just to us, but to scammers and hackers who want to steal our identities. Here are five things you can do to keep scammers and hackers at bay. Read more >  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2024/08/five-ways-keep-scammers-and-hackers-away

FTC Reveals "Five ways to keep scammers and hackers away"

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Saturday, August 24, 2024?

Saturday, August 24

9:00am Last day to Register to Vote in Primary Election (Sept 3) (Town Clerk's Office)

9:00am Early Voting - Primary (Town Clerk's Office)

9:00am Thrifty Threads (Franklin Federated Church)

9:30am Baby Sensory (Franklin Public Library)

10:00am Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

11:00am The Dog Project (Franklin Town Common)

1:00pm Summer Reading Wrap-Up: Mobile Mini Golf (Franklin Public Library)

5:00pm Community Cookout (Franklin United Methodist Church)

7:00pm The Little Mermaid presented by Hockomock Area YMCA (Marilyn Rodman Performing Arts Center, Foxboro)

8:00pm Karaoke Night (Raillery Public House)

**  NO Town Meetings today   **

What's happening today in Franklin? 

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

Why are there multiple calendars?

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:

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/upcoming

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar
The School district calendar is found  https://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/o/fpsd/page/school-calendars

Franklin, MA: School Committee Agenda for August 27, 2024 meeting at 7 PM

Franklin School Committee

August 27, 2024 - 7:00 PM

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

II. Guests/Presentations

A. None

III. Discussion/Action Items

A. Elementary Student Handbook Approval

I recommend approval of the Elementary Student handbooks as detailed.

B. Middle School Student Handbook Approval

I recommend approval of the Middle School Student handbooks as detailed.

C. FHS Student Handbook Approval

I recommend approval of the FHS Student handbook as detailed.

D. FY25 Revised Final Budget Vote

I recommend approval of the FY25 School Budget in the amount of

$77,470,190.00 as discussed.

E. Policy 2nd Reading/Adoption

I recommend adoption of Policy GBEBD - Online Fundraising and Solicitation - Crowdfunding as discussed.

IV. Discussion Only Items

A. New Hire Update

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 August 13, 2024 meeting as

detailed.

VII. Citizen’s Comments

VIII. New Business

To discuss any future agenda items

IX. Adjournment

Agenda doc also contains remote participation info -> 

https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/4746981/SCAGENDA_8-27-24.pdf

Franklin, MA: School Committee Agenda for August 27, 2024 meeting at 7 PM

State Primary Early Voting Schedule for Town of Franklin voters begins today, Aug 24, 2024

Per Town Clerk Nancy Danello, the early voting schedule for the State Primary (September 3) begins Saturday, August 24. Today is also the last day to register to vote for the Sep 3 election.

The last day to vote for the Nov 5 Presidential Election is October 26

Early voting for the State Primary will ONLY be at the Town Clerk's Office in the Municipal Building 355 East Central St. Early voting for the Presidential Election on Nov 5 will also be in the Town Clerk's office.

Day of voting for Sep 3 (and Nov 5) will be at Franklin High School from 6 AM to 8 PM.

State Primary early voting schedule

• Saturday, August 24th 9AM - 3PM
• Monday, August 26th 9AM - 3PM
• Tuesday, August 27th 9AM - 3PM
• Wednesday, August 28th  9AM - 5PM
• Thursday, August 29th  9AM - 3PM
• Friday, August 30th  9AM - 12PM

You can listen to Nancy & I talk about voting for the Primary in this podcast episode ->  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/08/franklin-ma-town-clerk-nancy-danello.html

Download a copy of the Primary Early Voting schedule ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/news/state_primary_early_voting_hours.pdf

State Primary Early Voting Schedule for Town of Franklin voters begins today, Aug 24, 2024

Housing and Economic Development Subcommittee - Aug 26 at 5:15

Housing and Economic Development Subcommittee

August 26, 2024 - 5:15 PM

Meeting will be held at the Municipal Building

Town Council Chambers, 2nd Floor

355 East Central Street

Agenda

1. Approve the last meeting minutes

2. Discuss and refine Goals and Objectives

3. Discuss Implementation Plan

4. Adjourn 

Agenda doc contains remote participation info -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/housing_economic_development_subcommittee_-_08262024_1.pdf

 

Housing and Economic Development Subcommittee - Aug 26 at 5:15

Bill O'Donnell announces endorsements from Dellorco, Grossman, & Vallee

Bill O'Donnell current Register of Deeds for Norfolk County, and candidate for re-election has announced endorsements from three prominent folks.

"Former State Treasurer of the Commonwealth and businessman Steve Grossman endorses William P. O'Donnell for reelection as Norfolk County Register of Deeds.

"Register Bill O'Donnell is a proven leader and effective administrator at the No1folk County Registry of Deeds. He has made the Registry a valuable and accessible resource thanks to the technology resources he invested in its operation." noted former State Treasurer Steve Grossman.

Register Bill O'Donnell responded to Treasurer Grossman's endorsement noting, "I am both humbled and honored to receive the support of Steve Grossman. He was a prudent fiscal manager as State Treasurer and a leader in the business and civic communities."

You can find the full endorsement by Grossman press release here ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/109G-9PPWeWJlI5KbAxqtHkrB6YG-5y10/view?usp=drive_link

"A six-term Franklin town councilor and a former Majority Leader of the Massachusetts House of Representatives both endorsed William P. O'Donnell for reelection as Norfolk County Register of Deeds. 

"Register Bill O'Donnell's efficient operations have collected thousands of dollars in Community Preservation Act (CPA) funds for every city and town in Norfolk County which help fund important community projects. We appreciate his efforts," noted Franklin Town Councilor Bob Dellorco, who is vice chair of the Council.

Jim Vallee, who served nearly 20 years as state representative for the town of Franklin, spoke about working with Register O'Donnell on several key Registry issues, "Whether it was about Homestead legislation protecting your house, technology legislation to bring Registry services directly to your home computer, or consumer issues to protect homeowners from fraudulent practices, you could count on Bill to be the lead advocate for the Registers."

Register Bill O'Donnell responded to their endorsements noting, "I have been most fortunate over the years to have worked with Bob and Jim. They have always put people first when it comes to public service."

You can find the full endorsement by Dellorco & Vallee press release here ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/10CKjW58u0rEfZ6QxJwuP62UEgBuOp9Ov/view?usp=drive_link

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

Information regarding the dates and timelines for the State Primary (Sep 3) and Presidential Election (Nov 5) can be found -> https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerkelection-administrator/pages/important-information-regarding-elections-voting

You can also listen to Town Clerk Nancy Danello & I discuss the details around the Sep Primary and voting process -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/08/franklin-ma-town-clerk-nancy-danello.html

Register O'Donnell & Franklin Town Councilor Bob Dellorco

Beaver Street Interceptor Project: Construction update for week of Aug 26 - Aug 30, 2024

Beaver Street Interceptor (BSI) Project

 

Beaver Street Interceptor (BSI) Project

 BSI Construction Update for the Week of August 26!

Monday (8/26) - Friday (8/30) the construction crew will be working on Grove Street from Rt. 140 south towards the MBTA train tracks between the hours of 7am - 4pm. There will be limited lane closures on Grove Street during this time. Please follow posted detour signs for directions.

At the Franklin Recreation Center, the construction of the new Beaver Street Interceptor Pump Station will continue with excavation to get the final grade depth for the pump station foundation. 

Please reference the interactive map below and posted signs for details and updates.

Beaver Street Interceptor Project: Construction update for week of Aug 26 - Aug 30, 2024

We appreciate the public's continued support and understanding and will
continue to communicate regularly via social media, our dedicated email list, and the construction map below as work progresses.

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

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

Weekly specials at the Common Grounds Cafe in the Franklin Senior Center - week of Aug 26 - Aug 30, 2024

Weekly specials at the Common Grounds Cafe

via the Franklin Senior Center 

 

"Hungry?!?! Here’s what’s cooking at the Common Grounds Cafe next week. Bring your appetite and a friend or two!"

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/K7TuiBDA79JBavvi/

TRIVIA NIGHT at La Cantina Winery Thursday, Sept 5, 2024 - hosted by FHS Girls Soccer Boosters

"Join us for TRIVIA NIGHT at La Cantina Winery — hosted by FHS Girls Soccer Boosters! 

SPACE IS LIMITED!  Buy your tickets in person before — with the FHS Girls Soccer Boosters. 

Bring $45 cash/check to the general FHS Girls Soccer Boosters meeting—and we will get you on the guest list!"

Shared from -> https://x.com/boosters_fhs/status/1826433404130201670

TRIVIA NIGHT at La Cantina Winery Thursday, Sept 5, 2024 - hosted by FHS Girls Soccer Boosters