Friday, December 13, 2024

Holiday Sip & Shop at La Cantina Winery - Dec 15

Join La Cantina Winery in Franklin, Ma and local artisans and vendors at this Holiday Sip & Shop! 

Get your last minute gifts while enjoying delicious food and wine!
Holiday Sip & Shop at La Cantina Winery - Dec 15
Holiday Sip & Shop at La Cantina Winery - Dec 15
Current vendors
๐ŸฅฃPottery by Tracy
๐ŸงดLimelife by Alcone with Joanie
๐ŸŒŒPure Lit Intention Candles
๐ŸฆฉFlock & Flourish
๐ŸซWright Old School Chocolates
๐Ÿ“ธ๐ŸThe Photo Hive
๐ŸงขReVamped Threads - Julie Warner’s customized Jean jackets, blazers, hats and more!
๐Ÿง€Red Apron Charcuterie
๐Ÿ’Mellow Mi Jewelry
๐ŸŒธRosey Cheeks Creative - customized and personalized gifts made while you wait!
๐ŸŽ„Crafty Chris - handmade cards & more!
๐Ÿพ Woofin’ Good Treats
๐ŸญSweet Inspirations
๐Ÿ“ธPeter Willis Photography



Final days to share your input to the Franklin Community News Survey

Final days to share your input to this survey. 
  • Where do you get your Franklin News? 
  • What types of news are you looking for?
Survey closes on Sunday, Dec 16 at midnight

Franklin TVFranklin Public Radio, and Franklin Matters are working together striving to advance the greater good, bringing us together as a community, so that our focus is not on what divides us, but what brings us together. To that end, we need your help with the following survey questions. 

Please fill out (online -> https://bit.ly/FCCA_NewsSurvey ) or via paper copy (and send to Franklin TV) so we can evaluate our services for the community and enhance as necessary. 

Your thoughts are important to us. 

Thank you!

Holiday Decorations Map compiled by Community Kangaroo

Community Kangaroo has compiled a Holiday Decorations Map for the Greater Boston area.  
Here's a link to what they have so far -- any help is appreciated! It is interactive and updated as more info is gathered.

Holiday Decorations Map compiled by Community Kangaroo
Holiday Decorations Map compiled by Community Kangaroo 


Franklin TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) schedule for Friday, Dec 13, 2024

  • wfpr.fm or 102.9 on the FM dial = Friday
9:00a/12:00p /6:00p Chapters – Jim Derick  Insightful, life-affirming stories and interviews

10:00a/1:00p/7:00p Music to Lift the Spirit - Jim Derick & Frank Falvey

11:00a/2:00p/8:00pm Senior Story Hour – Senior Center Scribblers Group


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

7:00 am Second Sunday Speaker Series: Rod & Gun Club
8:30 am Frank Presents: Daniela Masters Pt 1
10:00 am Riffing on Main Street: Steve Sherlock
11:00 am Senior Connection: Kitchen Gadgets Pt. 1
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 Winning Ways with the MIAA: Referee Shortage 2
4:00 pm Franklin Art Association: Vincent Crotty
5:30 pm Veterans' Call: Lauren Turner
8:00 pm Franklin Interfaith Thanksgiving 2024
9:30 pm Shelley Otis: Harpist

  • Franklin Pride TV - Our Educational Channel        (Comcast 8, Verizon 28) = FRIDAY
7:00 am Public School Concert: Annie Sullivan Winter Music 2023
8:30 am Mental Health: Susan Dunshee & Allison Tambolleo
9:30 am Public School Concert: Horace Mann Winter Music 2022
11:00 am FHS Varsity Swimming v King Philip 01-25-24
2:00 pm FHS Winter Chorus & Orchestra 2022
3:30 pm Universe of Adolescent Sleep
4:30 pm Varsity Football: Franklin v King Philip 11-28-24
7:30 pm FHS Girls Varsity Hockey v Boston Latin Academy 02-14-24
9:30 pm FHS Theater Company: Cinderella

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

8:00 am  Zoning Board of Appeals 11-21-24

2:00 pm  Zoning Board of Appeals 11-21-24


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


Thursday, December 12, 2024

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Thursday, December 12, 2024 ???

Thursday, December 12
  • Kennedy PCC fund raiser (Papa Ginos, Franklin)
  • Franklin Art Association, Art Show & Sale (Norfolk Public Library)
4:30pm Winter Wonderland - a Community Holiday Event (Franklin Senior Center)
5:00pm Board Game Night (Pete's Nerd Emporium)
5:00pm Holiday Market (Birchwood Bakery & Kitchen)
6:00pm Remington MS Winter Concert (Horace Mann School)
7:00pm Cultural District Committee (Franklin Public Library)


**   Town Meetings today   **

Charles River Pollution Control District Meeting (Medway)
Event Date:  Thursday, December 12, 2024 - 3:00pm


Conservation Commission Meeting (Council Chambers & broadcast)
Event Date:  Thursday, December 12, 2024 - 7:00pm


Cultural District Committee Meeting (Franklin Public  Library)
Event Date:  Thursday, December 12, 2024 - 7:00pm


Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School Board of Trustees Meeting (charter school)
Event Date:  Thursday, December 12, 2024 - 7:00pm



What's happening today in Franklin?
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

Franklin Garden Club to Sell Holiday Arrangements beginning Dec 17

Franklin Garden Club to Sell Holiday Arrangements beginning Dec 17
Garden Club to Sell Holiday Arrangements
The Franklin Garden Club will sell holiday fresh floral arrangements on Instagram and Facebook beginning December 17. The Franklin Garden Club Instagram handle is @franklingardenclubma. The sales will benefit several different club activities.  Payment for all purchases can be made with cash, check, or credit card. Pricing for all items will range from $25 - $40.

Club Co-Presidents Pat Donnelly and Mary Anne Dean stated, “We are very excited to offer area residents the opportunity to purchase beautiful arrangements created by members of the Franklin Garden Club.  This will help those who may not have the time to make arrangements or need a festive gift for someone else, while also assisting the Club. 

All proceeds will benefit Garden Club activities, including the Club scholarship, pine tree seedling program for elementary school students, some of the Franklin Common and library plantings, and education programs open to the public. 

The Franklin Garden Club is a member of the Garden Club Federation of Massachusetts.

2nd Annual Cookie Walk: December 14, 2024 - starts at 10:00 AM

The First Universalist Society in Franklin (FUSF) will hold their second annual “Holiday Cookie Walk” on Saturday, December 14, 2024 from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. 

2nd Annual Cookie Walk
2nd Annual Cookie Walk
Come and stroll through the festively decorated Meetinghouse at 262 Chestnut St, Franklin, as you select from a delicious assortment of homemade treats provided by more than 30 bakers. You are sure to find the perfect confections for your holiday table, a hostess gift, or your next party. 

Cookies will be available for $10 per pound. Containers, decorated with your choice of holiday sticker, will be provided. Cash, check, or electronic payments accepted.

Make this event part of your annual holiday fun! 

Remington Middle School students conduct "Socksgiving Drive" for Heading Home

In a heartwarming display of compassion and community spirit, students from Remington Middle School organized a wildly successful SocksGiving Drive during November. 
Remington Middle School students conduct "Socksgiving Drive" for Heading Home
"Socksgiving Drive" for Heading Home

Students collected and donated more than 1,400 pairs of socks to Heading Home, one of the state’s leading providers of shelter and services for homeless families with children.
 
“This clothing will go a long way in helping so many families forced to rely on help,” said Heading Home COO Heather Martin, a Franklin resident. “We’re grateful the school chose our organization. There’s an added sense of pride knowing that these are students in my town rallying to make such a compassionate and caring gesture.”
 
Students turned their enthusiasm and dedication for cause into a tangible act of kindness, making a meaningful difference in the lives of those in need.

donated more than 1,400 pairs of socks to Heading Home
donated more than 1,400 pairs of socks to Heading Home

Reminder: Winter Coat Give Away - Saturday, Dec 14

Reminder: Winter Coat Give Away - Saturday, Dec 14
Reminder: Winter Coat Give Away - Saturday, Dec 14

Come pick out a FREE coat and shop the Community Closet for FREE winter clothing.


Questions?
Contact Jacob Juncker (jacob@franklinumc.org
or Kim Mu-Chow (neccares@nechapel.org).



Economic Development Committee reviews and approves revisions to branding proposal (video)

The Economic Development subcommittee met as scheduled on Wednesday, Dec 11. All 4 members were present in Chambers for this session.




Quick recap:
There were 2 votes each to rescind their prior approval of the (1) brand proposal and (2) seal proposal and recommend the revisions as presented during the session. Both votes were 4-0 by the subcommittee. The proposals are now targeted for the Town Council agenda for Dec 18 meeting.

The memo recap of the work leading to the revisions to be presented during the session:
"As you may recall, at the last EDC meeting on November 20, 2024, the Committee voted 3-1 to recommend the logo from the second round of revisions, by designer and Franklin resident, AJ Rebecchi, to the Town Council at their December 18, 2024 meeting. The EDC also voted unanimously to use the lowercase “f” (entitled Responsiveness Option B in the presentation) and Option C-2 of a revised Town Seal.

At the meeting one member raised questions and expressed confusion concerning the revised logo and later spoke with the Administration to clarify their questions and concerns. In an e๏ฌ€ort to ensure the Committee feels heard, the Administration worked with the designer on an additional round of designs to address the concerns raised and bring forth design changes accommodating these concerns.

At the next meeting we will have the designer provide an updated design and ask the Committee to consider new updates to the design for recommendation to the Town Council. We would also like to revisit the Town Seal discussion, as we have concerns with making signi๏ฌcant changes to the seal, as such changes will trigger a lengthy process evolving the state to change the o๏ฌƒcial town seal. With that, we recommend the Committee consider just digitally cleaning up the seal, as the project originally proposed, but keeping the historic seal of record.

As a reminder, this project was part of the Town Council goals and was started several years ago and picked back up last spring. Over the last four months we have had several rounds of meetings with the designer and opportunities for public comment and feedback, including a townwide survey. Once the logo is ๏ฌnalized, the designer can work with the Administration on the various departmental lockups, brand guidelines, templates and training. Our hope is to incorporate this new logo into our website redesign to be launched on January 7, 2025. 
The Town Branding Project is being funded through a state economic development earmark enacted by Governor Baker in November of 2022 and cannot be used for other municipal purposes."


Economic Development Committee reviews and approves revisions to branding proposal (video)
Economic Development Committee reviews and approves revisions to branding proposal (video)



Franklin MBTA parking lot will be closed Wednesday, Dec 18

via the MBTA:
The Franklin parking lot will be closed Wednesday, Dec 18th (full day closure), due to construction. Vehicles left in the lot during this time will be relocated or towed at the vehicle owner's expense.

Alerts can be found on the MBTA page -> https://www.mbta.com/schedules/CR-Franklin/alerts

 

Franklin MBTA parking lot will be closed Wednesday, Dec 18
Franklin MBTA parking lot will be closed Wednesday, Dec 18


Franklin TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) schedule for Thursday, Dec 12, 2024

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

9:00a/12:00p/6:00p Turntable – "Enjoy a fun experience with co-hosts The Vibe and Pauly G sharing personal discussions about a featured rock n roll vinyl record (1st hour) and the best, all music Vibe Playlist (2nd hour)"  
  • This week's Show 16 features our local band Boston and their amazingly successful debut record titled "Boston".   Released in August 1976,  Boston achieved record setting sales becoming one of the best-selling debut albums in the US at that time and for all time.  The songs "More Than a Feeling", "Peace of Mind" and "Foreplay/Long Time" were instant major hits!  The album hour features the entire record and the Vibe playlist hour includes both Boston and some live 1970's classic rock hits to bring the experience back to Boston time. 
  • Playlist ->   https://tinyurl.com/TurntablePlaylists
11:00a/2:00p/8:00pm Frank Presents – Notable Local Conversations
 
  • Franklin All Access TV - Our Public Access Channel (Comcast 6, Verizon 26) = Thursday

7:00 am Fallen Heroes Pt 8
7:30 am Veterans' Call: Lauren Turner
9:00 am Franklin Interfaith Thanksgiving 2024
10:30 am SAFE Coalition: Woody Geissman
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 Riffing on Main Street: Steve Sherlock
4:00 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Referee Shortage 2
5:00 pm Franklin Art Association: Vincent Crotty
6:30 pm Mrs. Claus Storytime
7:00 pm Frank Presents: Daniela Masters Pt 1
8:00 pm Second Sunday Speaker Series: Rod & Gun Club
9:00 pm Franklin Interfaith Thanksgiving 2024
10:30 pm Winter Wonderland: Elvis Presley

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

4:30 am FHS Varsity Swimming v King Philip 01-25-24
7:00 am Public School Concert: MICCA Showcase Pt. 1 03-14-18
8:30 am FHS Winter Chorus & Orchestra 2022
1:30 pm Universe of Adolescent Sleep
2:30 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Referee Shortage 2
4:00 pm FHS Boys Varsity Hockey v Bishop Feehan 02-07-24
6:30 pm FHS Theater Company: Cinderella
9:00 pm FHS Girls Varsity Hockey v Boston Latin Academy 02-14-24

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

8:00 am Conservation Commission 11-14-24

2:00 pm Conservation Commission 11-14-24

7:00 pm Conservation Commission  CHAMBERS  947 2549 4477


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
Watch Listen Read all things that matter in Franklin MA

Wednesday, December 11, 2024

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Wednesday, December 11, 2024 ???

Wednesday, December 11
  • Franklin Art Association, Art Show & Sale (Norfolk Public Library)
1:00pm Ho-Ho-Hocus Pocus Magic Show (Franklin Public Library)
1:00pm Writer's Group (Franklin Senior Center)
5:00pm Weekly Trivia Night (GlenPharmer Distillery)
6:30pm LGBTQ+ Book Club (Pete's Nerd Emporium)
7:00pm 350 Mass Greater Franklin Node Meeting (First Universalist Society Franklin)
7:00pm FHS Concert Band & Wind Ensemble - Winter Concert (Franklin High School)


**   Town Meetings today   **

Economic Development Subcommittee Meeting (Council Chambers & broadcast)
Event Date:  Wednesday, December 11, 2024 - 5:45pm



What's happening today in Franklin?
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

Franklin Food Pantry Distributes Record Number of Thanksgiving Meals

Client Feedback Helps Transform Holiday Meal Program to Reach More People 

The Franklin Food Pantry, which provides supplemental food assistance in Franklin, provided 484 Thanksgiving meals this November— a 73% increase from the 279 meals distributed last year. The significant increase is attributed to a new Thanksgiving meal distribution process. This year, every client who shopped at The Pantry in November was provided with a grocery store gift card and extra bag to choose traditional Thanksgiving offerings or culturally relevant options and celebrate in ways that are meaningful to them.
Franklin Food Pantry
Franklin Food Pantry

The new distribution process was made in response to client feedback, and to reach a greater number of people over an extended period of time. In previous years, The Pantry distributed pre-packed holiday meal kits during a single, designated time. The new process eliminates the need to sign up in advance to receive a meal, confusing pickup times and waiting lists, and the burden of an additional trip to The Pantry. 

"The Pantry's new approach to providing holiday meals allows us to reach more families and provide food and resources to help everyone celebrate this special time of year," said Tina Powderly, Executive Director, Franklin Food Pantry. "We are grateful to the dedicated volunteers and generous donors who have made this enhanced client-centered program possible."

This December, The Pantry is repeating the successful meal distribution process for the winter holidays. For more information on supporting the Franklin Food Pantry through donations or volunteerism, please visit www.franklinfoodpantry.org/get-involved.
 
If you or someone you know needs food assistance, please visit www.franklinfoodpantry.org/get-help, or contact The Pantry at 508-528-3115. 

About the Franklin Food Pantry, Inc.
The Franklin Food Pantry, Inc. offers supplemental food assistance, household necessities, and resource referral programs to more than 1,800 individuals per year. The Pantry relies on donations and grants to purchase items and pay for daily operations, and partnerships with The Greater Boston Food Bank, Spoonfuls, and local grocery stores to achieve greater buying power and lower costs. 
Programs include In-person Shopping, Curbside Pick-up, Emergency Food Bags, Mobile Pantries, Home Delivery, Kids’ Snack Bags, Weekend Backpacks, Holiday Meal Kits, and the SNAP match at Franklin Farmers Market. The Pantry is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization in good standing in Massachusetts, recognized by Charity Navigator as a Four-Star Charity, and awarded GuideStar’s Platinum Transparency ranking. 
The Pantry is located at 341 W. Central St. in Franklin, MA on Route 140. Please visit www.franklinfoodpantry.org for more information.

Franklin School Committee gets updates on Lifelong Learning & Redistricting, approves FHS trips for 2026 (video)

The Franklin School Committee met on Tuesday, Dec 10, 2024 as scheduled. 6 of the 7 members participated (5 in Chambers, 1 remote, 1 absent).

Franklin TV video available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u0JNS07rsB4


Quick recap: 
Lifelong Learning Presentation - find the photo album of the slides presented ->  https://photos.app.goo.gl/omNCc8A4rfPxAHtt9
Reorganization Level-Based Presentation - find the photo album of the slides presented ->  https://photos.app.goo.gl/xR1omYuPvXTHSciP6
Japan 2026 Field Trip Request & Hawaii 2026 Field Trip Request - a combined presentation and the slides captured in one album ->  https://photos.app.goo.gl/HZw9TKfELZPPLRRS9  Both trips were approved by the same 6-0-1 (1 absent) vote via roll call
Policy – Second Reading/Adoption
I recommend the adoption of the following policies as discussed:
● ACA – Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Sex
● ACA-R – Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Sex under Title IX Including Sex-Based Harassment  
approved by 6-0-1 (1 absent) vote via roll call

My full set of notes in one PDF ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1JnjmLo3gEfEVC1odtP4MnJLox38RYtGA/view?usp=drive_link