Bring Joy & Discovery to Our Community – Please Give Today to help the Children's Museum

Hear from some of our biggest fans in a new video!

Give Joy, Build Legacy Imagine, as the caretaker of a child, finding a place in your community to learn and grow that feels welcoming and inclusive regardless of your family's background.  A place where physical ability does not limit experience; a place where sensory and social emotional needs are thoughtfully considered throughout the design; a place where finances do not impact access; a place where learning is engaging, explorative, joyful; a place where an outing with kids feels easier.  That's what we're building at Children's Museum of Franklin. If you've donated already, THANK YOU! Please share this campaign on with your community. This Giving Tuesday, your donation has the power to create a lasting legacy by sparking curiosity, inspiring creativity, and bringing joy to children right here in your community. Your support ensures Children's Museum of Franklin becomes a cornerstone of the community, opening its doors to families of all backgrounds and providing every child with engaging, hands-on learning experiences. We're counting on generous donors like you to help us reach our funding needs to continue building. Every dollar you give will stay in our community, supporting initiatives like building interactive exhibits, completing construction, and launching innovative programs that will benefit generations to come. Together, we can reach our upcoming opening at 157 Cottage Street, Franklin with a celebration of community, learning, and play—creating a legacy of discovery and connection for years to come. Let's create a brighter future—one child at a time. Thank you for believing in the power of play and discovery. With gratitude, Erin & Meg Support Joy & Learning: Donate Now Let's create a community  together.

USA Facts: What does the Department of Education do?

"The Department of Education (DOE) is a relatively new federal agency – it was founded on May 4, 1980 when legislation split the old Department of Health, Education, and Welfare into two new departments: Education, and Health and Human Services.

The DOE has received 4.0% of all federal funding in 2024, totaling $268.35 billion. That makes it the sixth highest-funded federal agency.

The Education Department has received 4.0% of all federal funding in FY 2024. (see chart)

It’s also the smallest of any cabinet-level department, employing about 4,100 full-time employees in 2023. The next closest was Housing and Urban Development with around 8,100 full-time employees in 2023.

According to the Department of Education, education is primarily a local and state responsibility rather than a federal one. Elementary and secondary education are mostly funded by local governments, while state governments support higher education, per the Census Bureau’s Annual Survey of State and Local Government Finances. The Department of Education's budget makes up 21% of total education spending in the country. "

 

Continue reading "What does the Dept of Education do?" at USA Facts ->  https://usafacts.org/articles/what-does-the-department-of-education-do/?

Back by Popular Demand… Karaoke Night at La Cantina - Weds, Dec 4 from 7 to 9:30 PM

Karaoke Night at La Cantina

Join us this Wednesday, December 4, for an evening of wine, tapas, and fun at La Cantina Winery! 

Show off your singing skills or cheer on your friends while enjoying our delicious tapas and handcrafted wines. 

Open 4:30-10:00PM - don’t miss it! 

Karaoke 7:00-9:30 PM  

Bring your crew and let’s make it a night to remember. See you there! 

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/19fwGs7e8o/

Invitation for Bid (IFB) : Renovation of Franklin Historical Museum Cupola Project

In accordance with MGL c. 149, it is the intention of the Town of Franklin to retain the services of a Contractor for the renovation of the Franklin Historical Museum Cupola.

Additional Information:  IFB - Renovation of Franklin Historical Museum Cupola Project

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/purchasing/bids/ifb-renovation-franklin-historical-museum-cupola-project

The Franklin Historical Museum had gone under extensive renovation of the exterior but the cupola had been left for later. The time is now approaching

Franklin TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) schedule for Tuesday, Dec 3, 2024

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

9:00 AM 12:00 Noon and 6:00 PM  Jazz Journey – with Pamela Hines

2 hours. An insightful tour of Jazz Greats in a golden era

11:00 AM 2 PM and 8:00 PM SAFE Radio– Jim Derick and Dr. Anne Bergen Addressing issues of Drug Abuse Disorder 

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

7:30 am Joe Landry: Grocery Stores

9:00 am MentalHealth_RionJames_111324

10:00 am Frank Presents: Christel Akouri

12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin: Chicken Salad

12:30 pm Cooking with Linda: Garlic Mashed Potatoes

1:30 pm Pizzapalooza: White Pizza

2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Summer 2018 Show 4

3:00 pm Candlepin New Generation: Show 5

3:30 pm Riffin' on Main Street: Katherine Kennedy

4:30 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Referee Shortage Pt1

5:30 pm Sons & Daughters of Italy: Italian Cookies

6:00 pm Fallen Heroes Pt 8

6:30 pm Metrowest Arts & Culture Symposium 2023

9:00 pm Franklin Interfaith Thanksgiving 2024

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

7:00 am Public School Event: FHS Winter Music 2021

9:00 am Public School Concert: Horace Mann Winter Music 2022

10:30 am Winning Ways with the MIAA: Referee Shortage Pt1

11:30 am FHS Varsity Swimming v Attleboro 01-12-24

2:00 pm MentalHealth_RionJames_111324

3:00 pm FHS Boys Varsity Soccer v Canton 10-01-24

5:30 pm All-Town Showcase 2024: Chorus and Orchestra

7:00 pm FHS Varsity Volleyball v Stoughton 09-23-24

9:30 pm FHSTC: Peter and the Starcatcher

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

8:00 am School Committee 11-26-24

12:00 pm Economic Development 11-20-24

2:00 pm School Committee 11-26-24

6:00 pm Police Station Building Committee 11-14-24

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

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Monday, December 2, 2024 ???

Monday, December 2

• Fiber Art Installation (Franklin Public Library)
• Winter Coat Drive (4 drop off locations)
• Franklin Art Association, Art Show & Sale (Norfolk Public Library)

9:00am Free community Narcan trainings (Norfolk Public Library)

10:30am Free community Narcan trainings (Medway Public Library)

11:30am Free community Narcan trainings (Fiske Public Library) 

4:00pm Petite Picassos  (Franklin Public Library)

6:00pm Sound Bath (Franklin High School)

**   Town Meetings today   **

Library Board of Directors

Event Date:  Monday, December 2, 2024 - 7:00pm to 8:00pm

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/events/agenda_december_2_2024.doc

What's happening today in Franklin? 

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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

MetOpera Ballet Dancer to Star in The Nutcracker with FPAC Holiday Productions

FPAC Holiday Productions will kick off December with the holiday classic: The Nutcracker, presented December 7 and 8 at the Franklin High School Auditorium. Experience all the festive magic and colorful splendor of The Nutcracker as FPAC stages its cherished annual production of the holiday classic with live orchestra conducted by Austin Davy, special guest artists and more than 100 area dancers. 

The Nutcracker remains a highly anticipated and treasured part of the FPAC season - a popular holiday tradition for more than 20 years. The world-famous ballet, set to Tchaikovsky’s beloved score, delights the imaginations of audiences young and old with a professional production at a reasonable price.  

Paula Alvarez

Metropolitan Opera Ballet Dancer Paula Alvarez will dance the role of the Sugar Plum Fairy. Alvarez, from Mexico City, started training at the Academia de Ballet San Angel Inn where she completed the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dance (ISTD) syllabus with Distinction. Upon graduating high school, she moved to New York City to train at the Joffrey Ballet School under the direction of Era Jouravlev. 

There she had the opportunity to perform leading roles in classical ballets such as Swan Lake, Sleeping Beauty, Don Quixote and The Nutcracker as well as Voices of Spring Pas de Deux by Fredrick Ashton. She started her career as a Soloist at Menlowe Ballet in California where she danced for 3 seasons. During quarantine, she got her CPYB teacher certification and has been working for Joffrey Ballet School as Master Faculty, choreographer and guest dancer, since September 2021. She danced for New York Theatre Ballet performing several soloist roles of The Nutcracker all over New York State. 

Paula’s story has been featured in major international newspapers. During the 2022-2023 season she joined the Metropolitan Opera in Lincoln Center to be a part of the 2019 revival of La Traviata and she is excited to continue working with the MetOpera Ballet as part of their classical production of Turandot in 2024.

James Monroe Števko returns to FPAC Holiday Productions as The Cavalier, having previously danced the role in Franklin in 2021. He is a NYC-based dancer who started dancing at the late age of 18 and was dubbed a "Late Bloomer" by Dekalb's Daily Chronicle eventually leading to his principal acting debut in the award-winning Fiddler on the Roof in Yiddish as Mendl. 

Previously, he has danced at: The Metropolitan Opera, seven seasons at the Lyric Opera of Chicago, The Radio City Christmas Spectacular, The Met Gala with Katy Perry, Milwaukee Ballet and City Ballet of San Diego. He teaches regularly and is a mentor to new graduates hoping to move to NYC in a new program, Off the Lane. 

FPAC Holiday Productions are 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. 

Why Franklin.news? (audio)

FM #1331 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1331 in the series. 

Why Franklin.news?

Timely and accurate information is so important these days. Major shifts in the media landscape have challenged our normal news outlets so they stop printing, cut back coverage, or simply go out of business.

Franklin TV, Franklin Public Radio, and Franklin Matters are the three public service community oriented valid sources of information that come together under the Franklin.news umbrella.

The Franklin.news portal will deliver the 3 Public Education, and Government (PEG) TV stations, 3 corresponding YouTube channels, the low band FM radio broadcast, audio podcasts, and the news reporting on town and school meetings, and events.

You can sign up for the daily digital newsletter in a simple 2 step process, add your email address, respond when the confirmation email comes in, and you'll get the newsletter in your Inbox once a day. It leads off with the calendar of events and town meetings and closes with the combined TV and radio schedule for that day

In between are all the important items for that day, reporting on past meetings, agendas for future meetings, info on cultural events, etc. We provide the links to the Franklin TV/ YouTube videos, and the podcast audio shows from Franklin Public Radio.

Too busy to participate in town or school meetings, we understand that and provide a quick recap summarizing the key items of each session we cover. The summary also includes the video or audio (or both) as well as the agenda, docs released for that session, and my set of notes captured during the meetings we cover. While we can’t and don’t cover all the meetings (at least until that ‘clone’ thing starts working), the major meeting video and agendas are provided.

This is all part of our public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

How can you help?

• If you use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

• If you don't like something here, please let us know

• And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach out. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do

Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1331-franklin-news-promo-12-02-24/

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

Why Franklin.news? (audio)

Franklin Senior Center Connection for December 2024

Franklin Senior Center Connection

Newsletter December 2024

View the Franklin Senior Center's Monthly Newsletter: December 2024

Don't miss some of our December Highlights:

December 3rd & 4th - Busy Bee Bazaar

December 6th - Shred Event

December 12th - Winter Wonderland (Community Event for all ages!)

December 13th - Mocktails and Karaoke

December 18th - Southeastern MA Community Concert (Community Event for all ages)

Dec 19th - Pizza and Movie Night: It's a Wonderful Life

Dec 20th - Eat Around the World: Morocco

December 24th - Closing at 12pm
December 25th - Closed
December 26th - Closed
December 31st - Closing at 12pm 
 

Download your copy of the Newsletter for December 2024 (PDF) ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/december_2024_newsletter.pdf

Did you listen to Sarah & Ariel reveal December event highlights at the Senior Center?  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/11/sarah-ariel-reveal-december-event.html

Franklin Senior Center Connection for December 2024

First Deeds: September - October 1793

In the spirit of exploring Norfolk County's rich history, Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell has set out to discover some of its earliest deeds recorded from various communities throughout the County.

 

Land records at the Registry can shed light on some of the earliest property transactions that occurred in the early years after Norfolk County was established, offering insight into the origins of landownership in the region. It is possible to reveal the names of early settlers and prominent figures who may have played significant roles in shaping the communities they lived in.

Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell

“There is a wealth of historic information in the more than 13.1 million land records recorded in 42,122 Registry books dating back to when Norfolk County was created in 1793 and stored at The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds and available online at https://www.norfolkresearch.org,” stated Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell. “We have also made this research process even easier for you through our History Comes Alive Transcription Program where all the Registry documents written in hard-to-read cursive penmanship from 1793 to 1900 were transcribed into clearly readable print.”

 

This first of a four-part series focuses on real estate transfers that occurred between September 1793 and October 1793, during the County’s formative months following Governor John Hancock's signing of the legislation that established Norfolk County on June 20, 1793.

 

The very first document recorded in Book 1 Page 1 is a partition of land in Foxborough between Bazaliel Bryant, Francis Jones, and John Robinson. The owners marked the limits of the property with heaps of stone and divided it into three separate lots. Among their neighbors was John Carpenter, brother to Revolutionary War veteran Ezra Carpenter of Foxborough.

 

It has been over 230 years since Norfolk County was founded, but the second deed recorded at the Registry in Book 1, Page 2, mentions a section of meadowlands known as Green Lodge Meadow, an area of Dedham still known as Green Lodge. Ebenezer Fairbanks bought the property from David and Jemima Everett. The property that Ebenezer purchased is situated a little over a mile away from the home built by his great-great-great grandfather, Jonathan Fairbanks, which still stands today and is the oldest known timber frame house still standing in North America.

 

Book 1, Page 5, contains a deed from Wrentham that transfers property from Beulah Edes to John Trescott. This deed contains some clues about John Trescott, he was from Dorchester, lived during the 1790s, and worked as a baker. These clues indicate that John Trescott may be the father of famed Revolutionary War hero Major Lemuel Trescott. Major Trescott led the successful raid against Fort Slongo in 1781.

 

In the fall of 1793, David Day sold a small home with a barn to brother Joseph Day for 60 pounds, recorded in Book 1, Page 19. Seven years later, Joseph Day sold the property for 65 pounds, recorded in Book 13, Page 133, to another brother, Ebenezer Day, who is the father of leather trader Joseph Day. Joseph Day the leather trader and son of Ebenezer Day is known for his connection to the Norwood landmark, the Fred Holland Day House.

 

In book 1, page 20, is a deed from Nathaniel Guild to his son Nathaniel Guild, Jr., recorded just 28 years after the town of Sharon became incorporated. In 2024, more than two centuries after the original purchase of the property, you might find yourself on Nathaniel Guild Road while driving through Sharon, as this road named after this owner still remains today.

 

On Halloween, 1793, Timothy and Mary Shepard sold property to Sara Townsend for 85 pounds, as recorded in Book 1, Page 26.  Sara was the daughter of Reverend Jonathan Townsend, who was the First Parish of Medfield’s minister from 1745 to 1769. Also, in 1760, during the Revolutionary War, Reverend Townsend served as chaplain in Colonel Bagley’s regiment at Louisburg.

 

Recorded in Book 1, Page 27, is a deed from Stoughton conveying property from James and Lydia Lewis to their son, Laban Lewis. Laban was a shoemaker working in an area of Stoughton that in 1797 would become the Town of Canton. Laban’s Diary can be found in the archives of the Canton Historical Society titled “Diary of Laban Lewis: Day-to-Day Life of Mr. Lewis,” June 1803 - Oct. 1810.

 

“The primary mission of the registry is always the security, accuracy, and accessibility of our communities’ land records and reliable service to the residents of Norfolk County, but if you think about it, the registry also records history every day, accurately preserving a detailed chain of events on Norfolk County properties from 1793 to the present,” concluded Register O'Donnell.

 

To learn more about these and other Registry of Deeds events and initiatives, “like” us on Facebook at facebook.com/norfolkdeeds. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram at @norfolkdeeds.

 

The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, located at 649 High St., Dedham, is the principal office for real property in Norfolk County. The Registry is a resource for homeowners, title examiners, mortgage lenders, municipalities, and others with a need for secure, accurate, and accessible land record information. All land record research information can be found on the Registry's website, www.norfolkdeeds.org. Residents in need of assistance can contact the Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center at (781) 461-6101 or email us at registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org.

Senior Center Event Highlights for the Week of Dec 2 - Dec 6, 2024

Senior Center Event Highlights

"Here’s What’s Happening this week at the #franklinseniorcenter 

Be sure to come by and check bout the beautiful hand crafted items for sale at the Busy Bees Bazaar! 

Tax return work off applications are being accepted starting Monday at 8:30 AM."

 

For details on these highlight events, or on the regular daily schedule, please visit the Senior Center online at ->    https://www.franklinma.gov/fsc

Did you listen to Sarah & Ariel reveal December event highlights at the Senior Center?  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/11/sarah-ariel-reveal-december-event.html

Shared from ->   https://www.instagram.com/reel/DDCpCb4x0TK/

Franklin TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) schedule for Monday, Dec 2, 2024

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

9 AM 12 PM and 6 PM - Talkin’ the Blues – Jim Derick & Nick Remissong
2 hours of awesome blues music, info, interviews

11 AM 2 PM and 8 PM - Frank’s Music – with Frank Falvey

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

7:00 am Riffin' on Main Street: Katherine Kennedy

8:00 am SAFE Coalition: Woody Geissman

9:00 am The Black Box: Wicked

12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin: Chicken Salad

12:30 pm Cooking with Linda: Garlic Mashed Potatoes

1:10 pm     Cooking Thyme: Lasagna

1:30 pm Pizzapalooza: White Pizza

2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Summer 2018 Show 4

3:00 pm Candlepin New Generation: Show 5

3:30 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Referee Shortage Pt1

4:30 pm Metrowest Arts & Culture Symposium 2023

7:00 pm Frank Presents: Christel Akouri

8:00 pm Franklin Interfaith Thanksgiving 2024

9:30 pm Circle of Friends: Joe Jencks

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

8:00 am FHS Girls Varsity Soccer v Milford 10-24-24

10:30 am All-Town Showcase 2024: Chorus and Orchestra

12:00 pm Public School Event: Remington Winter Music 2021

1:30 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Referee Shortage Pt1

2:30 pm SAFE Coalition: Woody Geissman

3:30 pm Public School Event: FHS Winter Music 2021

6:00 pm FHS Varsity Volleyball v Stoughton 09-23-24

8:30 pm Varsity Football: Franklin v King Philip 11-28-24

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

8:00 am Planning Board 11-18-24

12:00 pm Economic Development 11-20-24

2:00 pm Planning Board 11-18-24

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