The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW): Episode 278 - Christmas & Holiday wine traditions around the world

Hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi explore all things wine with you!

In this show, we're talking about holiday wine traditions around the world. From England to Italy, Germany to the USA, we'll explore how different cultures celebrate the holidays with wine.

England: Port Wine and Stilton Cheese

In England, the holidays are a time for tradition. One popular tradition is to enjoy a glass of port wine with Stilton cheese. Port wine is a fortified wine from Portugal that is often enjoyed after a meal. Stilton cheese is a blue cheese from England that is known for its rich, creamy flavor.

Germany: Glühwein

In Germany, Glühwein is a popular holiday drink. Glühwein is a mulled wine that is made with red wine, spices, and sugar. It is typically served hot and is perfect for a cold winter night.

Italy: Feast of the Seven Fishes

In Italy, the Feast of the Seven Fishes is a traditional Christmas Eve meal. We revisit last years talk and explore wine pairings.

USA: What is the tradition?

In the USA we discuss what is the Holiday beverage of choice?

Holiday Gift Buying Advice

If you're looking for a holiday gift for a wine lover we give a few tips,

Cheers 

Happy Holidays 

Merry Christmas

Kim and Mark

Audio link -> https://soundcloud.com/user-492543397/episode-278-christmasholiday-wine-traditions-around-the-world?

Episode 278 - Christmas & Holiday wine traditions around the world

The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) · Episode 278-Christmas/Holiday Wine Traditions Around The World

Reminder: 350 Mass Greater Franklin node MEETING CHANGED to Weds, Dec 11

As mentioned in the earlier alert about changing our node meeting date, we will be meeting both in-person and by Zoom tomorrow night (Dec 11) at 7 PM to review and discuss Monday's Statewide Campaign presentation.  This will help guide us in determining our campaign focus for the foreseeable future. 

If you can come but you'll be late, that's OK. We'd rather you come if you can. And while the meeting will be hybrid, both in-person and Zoom, it is preferable to be in person for a full-fledged discussion. 

Our in-person meeting will take place at First Universalist Society in Franklin at 262 Chestnut Street at 7 PM.

350 Mass Greater Franklin node

Carolyn will be unable to join in person, having tested positive for Covid.  Rand has tested negative three times and will attend wearing a mask. Please bring a mask to wear so our holidays can be healthy.  As a further precaution we will meet in the larger Cooke Room at the back left side of the RE wing for greater separation.

We will share a screen in Zoom to show the YouTube presentation for everyone, allowing us to pause to discuss points.  Sometimes Zoom running a YouTube video can be a bit choppy. If it doesn't work for you, you can run the recording directly. We are also attaching a link to the YouTube presentation here in case there are technical difficulties so all can view it.

Meeting Zoom link:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81930304274?pwd=Tm9VdGxYcDFaVTVDUkwyT3YvUnlFdz09

Meeting ID: 819 3030 4274    Passcode: 350ma

Dial-in +1 646 876 9923

We will postpone our Holiday Party until Thursday, January 2, at which time we will also discuss and provide feedback to the Statewide Steering Team for their Wednesday, February 5, meeting to vote on statewide campaign(s). 

We hope this works for you all. December is always problematic with families having busy holiday plans! 

Please join us!

With gratitude,

Carolyn and Steve

Papa Gino's fund raiser for Kennedy PCC - Thursday, Dec 12

Kennedy PCC - Thursday, Dec 12

Don’t cook on Thursday and support the Kennedy PCC!

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/p/12KL6otZx8y/

The low-down on health insurance ads during open season

The low-down on health insurance ads during open season By Christopher E. Brown During open season for the Health Insurance Marketplace, you might have seen an increase — maybe a flood — of ads for health plans. The ads might promise comprehensive health insurance…but the plan turns out to have limited benefits.  Or it's a medical discount card and not insurance at all. Some ads might promise rewards or rebates to anyone who signs up for a plan.  Or they might say they're from the government – or government-endorsed, hoping to gain your trust. How to make heads or tails of it all? Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2024/12/low-down-health-insurance-ads-during-open-season? The low-down on health insurance ads during open season

Franklin TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) schedule for Wednesday, Dec 11, 2024

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

9:00 AM 12:00 Noon and 6:00 PM Franklin Matters Radio – Steve Sherlock
Franklin and its local government, services and events  (repeats Saturday at 9 AM)

• This segment features the conversation with MC Alexander & Pete about Timeless Crossfit and fitness training for life  -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/11/talking-fitness-training-for-life-with.html

10:00 AM 1:00 PM and 7:00 PM  The Wonderful World of Wine – Mark Lenzi, Kim Simone    All about wine, its culture, lore and finer points.

• Mark & Kim talk about Christmas & Holiday wine traditions around the world
   -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/12/the-wonderful-world-of-wine-www-episode.html

11:00 AM 2:00 PM and 8:00 PM Franklin Matters Radio – Steve Sherlock
Franklin and its local government, services and events (repeats Saturday at 3 PM)

• This features the Master Plan Update Cmte Meeting of Dec 4, 2024 -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/12/master-plan-update-committee-sets_8.html

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

7:30 am Mental Health: Susan Dunshee & Allison Tambolleo

8:30 am Veterans Day Luncheon 2024

10:00 am Second Sunday Speaker Series: Rod & Gun Club

11:30 am Cooking Thyme: Candy Apples

12:00 pm Brooke'n'Cookin: Mac'n'Cheese

12:30 pm Cooking with Linda: Garlic Mashed Potatoes

1:30 pm Pizzapalooza: Deep Dish

2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Summer 2018 Show 5

3:00 pm Candlepin New Generation: Show 6

5:00 pm Franklin Art Association: Vincent Crotty

6:30 pm The Black Box: Michael James Scott

9:30 pm Shelley Otis: Harpist

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

8:30 am Public School Concert: Annie Sullivan Winter Music 2023

10:00 am SAFE Coalition: Woody Geissman

11:00 am Public School Concert: Horace Mann Winter Music 2022

12:30 pm FHS Boys Varsity Hockey v Bishop Feehan 02-07-24

3:00 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Referee Shortage 2

4:00 pm FHS Girls Varsity Hockey v Boston Latin Academy 02-14-24

6:00 pm Public School Concert: MICCA Showcase Pt. 1 03-14-18

7:30 pm FHS Varsity Swimming v King Philip 01-25-24

10:00 pm FHS Girls Varsity Basketball v Milford 01-26-24

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

8:00 am Town Council 11-20-24

2:00 pm Town Council 11-20-24

5:45 pm        Economic Development Live Chambers 

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: Tuesday, December 10, 2024 ???

Tuesday, December 10

• Franklin Art Association, Art Show & Sale (Norfolk Public Library)

6:00pm Family Game Night (Franklin Public Library)

7:00pm FBRTC Rail Trail Cmte Mtg (Franklin TV and Radio Studio)

7:00pm FHS Chorus & Orchestra - Winter Concert (Franklin High School)

**   Town Meetings today   **

Municipal Affordable Housing Trust Meeting - Canceled

Event Date:  Tuesday, December 10, 2024 - 10:00am

Franklin School Committee Policy Subcommittee Meeting (3rd floor training room)

Event Date:  Tuesday, December 10, 2024 - 6:00pm

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/events/franklin_school_committee_policy_subcommittee_meeting_0.pdf

Joint Subcommittee-Land Use & Zoning and Housing & Economic Development (Room 106)

Event Date:  Tuesday, December 10, 2024 - 6:30pm

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/20241210_landuse-zoning_and_housing-econdev_joint_agenda.pdf

Design Review Meeting Agenda (virtual meeting)

Event Date:  Tuesday, December 10, 2024 - 7:00pm 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/design_review_meeting_12-10-2024.pdf

Franklin School Committee Meeting (Council Chambers & broadcast)

Event Date:  Tuesday, December 10, 2024 - 7:00pm

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/events/franklin_school_committee_meeting_9.pdf

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

FPAC Holiday Productions to Present ‘Tis the Season! - 2 shows on Dec 21

On December 21 at 2:00 PM and 7:30 PM, the holidays are jolly and bright as 'Tis the Season! returns to entertain audiences with great merriment, fanfare, and fun. 

An original large cast musical first presented by FPAC Holiday Productions in 1995, 'Tis is an upbeat, jazzy extravaganza with contemporary arrangements of favorite holiday classics in musical styles ranging from R&B, gospel, and Motown to Rock, Pop, and Broadway.

FPAC Holiday Productions to Present ‘Tis the Season!; photo courtesy of Paul Vicario

‘Tis the Season! is directed by FPAC Artistic Director Raye Lynn Mercer with Music Direction by Hallie Wetzell. It also features exciting choreography by Mercer, Kellie Stamp, and Clyde Nantais. 

FPAC Holiday Productions are presented at the Franklin High School Auditorium. Tickets are available at FPAConline.com or by calling the box office at 508-528-3370. Follow Franklin Performing Arts Company and THE BLACK BOX on Facebook and Instagram for updates on programming.

Bethany shares lessons from her Olympic journey, to help moms with their wellness (audio)

FM #1334 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1334 in the series. 

This session shares my conversation with Bethany Hart Gerry,  owner/operator of Destined 2 Evolve Wellness. We had our discussion in person at the Franklin TV & Radio studio on Tuesday, December 3, 2024.

Bethany Hart Gerry

We talked about 

• Bethany short story on how we got to the studio

• Her Olympic journey and lessons

• Her work focusing on wellness for moms

The audio recording runs about 35 minutes. Let’s listen in -> Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1334-destined-2-evolve-12-03-24/

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Bethany’s contact info -> bethany@destined2evolvewellness.com 

Destined 2 Evolve Wellness web page ->  www.destined2evolvewellness.com 

Instagram -> @destined2evolvewellness 

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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

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

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!

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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"

Reporting by Walking Around: A Wreath of Franklin - Dec 7 (photo essay)

The first "A Wreath of Franklin" was held on Saturday Dec 7, 2024.  I did my walking around to catch a few of the multiple events. My wife and I also came back (via car) to catch the Celtic & Christmas concert at the Library at 3 PM.

The wreaths are scheduled to be on display through December.

The story map of the wreath locations. A screen grab of the map is shown, the link  takes you to the interactive map ->   https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/aaa1de9182414b349cf62a16057b8a89

wreath outside Fire Station #1

Eddie Grant wreath at the Historical Museum

sock skating rink temporarily set up by the Children's Museum of Franklin

display of student art inside the former bookstore set up as a popup shop for the day

display of student art inside 2 the former bookstore set up as a popup shop for the day

wreath crafted by the Rise Up group (I did participate in a segment of the crafting)

A Wreath of Franklin booklet

If you missed picking up the booklet, I have a PDF copy available for download here -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/172dz2ZFH_7r7x_LVCtDL5G1yCOztJ-TO/view?usp=drive_link

Of note, the #ThinkFranklinFirst gifts are being revived. An info session will be held at Dean Bank in early 2025. I'll share the info details once I get it.

All the photos can also be found in one album ->   https://photos.app.goo.gl/F7ivkU97yCoCPLHaA

Beaver Street Interceptor (BSI) Project: Construction update for week of Dec 9, 2024

Beaver Street Interceptor (BSI) Project

 

 

 

BSI Construction Update for the Week of December 9th!

Thursday (12/12) - Friday (12/13): The construction crew will be working off the road on Pond Street @ Old West Central and within the Franklin Village  Area.

At the Franklin Recreation Center, the construction of the new Beaver Street Interceptor Pump Station will continue with concrete form placement and rebar tying for the last section of the pump station foundation walls. 

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

Beaver Street Interceptor (BSI) Project: Construction update for week of Dec 9, 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 

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.

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

Comment Period Opens on Proposed Accessory Dwelling Unit (#ADU) regulations for Mass

Proposed Accessory Dwelling Unit (#ADU) regulations for Mass

Secretary Ed Augustus Jr. (@MA_EOHLC) posted  Mon, Dec 09, 2024:

#EOHLC is excited to invite you to comment on proposed Accessory Dwelling Unit (#ADU) regulations.  

We look forward to engaging with stakeholders on this important tool to help meet our growing #housing needs. 

Please visit https://t.co/5BJc6SsKWX for more information.

Shared from -> https://t.co/EX15aa5rTx

For more info on ADUs -> https://www.mass.gov/info-details/accessory-dwelling-units

USA Facts: How much money do people spend in December?

If you can’t tell it’s the winter holiday season from the festive commercials and lights, you might be able to tell by your dwindling bank account balance. Unsurprisingly, retail spending amps up in this final month of the year. Here’s the data to put it into perspective.  

USA Facts:  How much money do people spend in December?

• Americans spent an estimated $586.98 billion on retail in December 2023, or about $1,750 per person. For comparison, people spent an estimated $532.85 billion in November that year.
• February is usually the lowest sales month of the year, with an average spending of $320 billion. Sales tend to increase incrementally towards the end of the year, rising 4.5% from September to October, 4.7% from October to November, and 18.9% from November to December.  
• December spending reached a recent peak in 2021 at $593.34 billion. That was up 9.0% compared to 2020 and 1.1% higher than in 2023.  

For more on this topic visit this page -> https://usafacts.org/articles/how-much-money-do-americans-spend-on-holiday-shopping-2023/?

USA Facts:  USAFacts is a not-for-profit, nonpartisan civic initiative making government data easy for all  https://usafacts.org/about-usafacts/

Watch "Coldplay - ALL MY LOVE (Official Video) (Directors' Cut)" on YouTube

For anyone who watched Dick Van Dyke on TV or in Mary Poppins or nay number of his other performance, you'll appreciate this. 

Video link -> https://youtu.be/o4OlL0OpbW8

Dick Van Dyke