FranklinMA250 Programs | January 2025 *Sneak Peek*

Share YOUR community programs by 1/3/25

Franklin Culture | FranklinMA250 #FranklinMA250 FranklinMA250 Digital January 2025 Guide Dear Franklin Community, As we usher in 2025, we're thrilled to invite you to join in the Massachusetts 250 celebrations right here in Franklin! #FranklinMA250 January promises to be a month full of inspiration, discovery, and fun as we honor our town's namesake, Ben Franklin, through special programs at the Franklin Historical Museum and the Franklin Public Library. From exploring Franklin's revolutionary industrial ideas to marveling at Ben Franklin's ingenious inventions, our community members have packed the month with opportunities to learn, create, and celebrate together. Click here for a *Sneak PEEK* at our FranklinMA250 Program guide, highlighting all that January 2025 has to offer. January Highlights at the Franklin Historical Museum | Kicking off Ben Franklin Book Month - Click here for program press release. 📍 80 West Central Street Regular Hours: Saturday, 10 AM–1 PM | Sunday, 1–4 PM (Special hours for programs below!) Ongoing Exhibits: Franklin-ventions: Revolutionary Ideas in Franklin Industries and Ben Franklin's famous inventions. "Ben Gave Us Books and We Gave the World Books": A display of Franklin-authored works past and present. Signature Events: 📚 Thursday, January 9th, 6:30 PM: Junto Non-Fiction Book Club discusses Think Again by Adam Grant. 🎶 Saturday, January 11th, 11 AM–3 PM: Kickoff Concert with Franklin Underground at the Franklin Public Library. 🎤 Sunday, January 12th, 1:15 PM: Second Sunday Speaker Series (Speaker TBA). 🎉 Friday, January 17th: Ben Franklin's Birthday celebration with activities at the museum and library. 🎥 Saturday, January 18th: Short Franklin-related films. 🎼 Sunday, January 19th, 1 PM: "Music at the Museum" featuring a showcase of Ben Franklin in Paris. 📖 Thursday, January 23rd, 1:30–8 PM: Ben Franklin Autobiography LIVE Readathon with tea and performances! Franklin Public Library Highlights Click here for all program details. 📍 118 Main Street 🎨 Monday, January 6th, 4 PM: Petite Picassos Paint Party (Ages 6–12, registration required). 🎉 Friday, January 17th, 1 PM: Ben Franklin's Birthday Bash with music, games, and costume contests! 🎨 Saturday, January 18th, 1 PM: Adult Paint Party with Miss Lily (registration required). 📚 Library Book Sale: January 17–18. Ben Franklin Book Month Program Finale at Dean College Sunday, January 26th, 1:30 PM: Vera Meyer performs on Ben Franklin's glass armonica at Marvin Chapel, Dean College. Experience this ethereal instrument alongside a performance of Franklin's witty play Ben Franklin and the Gout. Many events are free and open to the public. Visit www.franklinmuseum1778.com or www.franklinpubliclibrary.org for details. Let's make history together and honor Ben Franklin's incredible legacy. We can't wait to see you at these exciting programs! Interested in including your community program in our printed FranklinMA250 Program booklet? There is still time! Deadline is January 3rd [Accidentally opened this email after the January 3rd deadline? Email Cory Shea [cshea@franklinma.gov] We Need Your Help! We're inviting community members and organizations to contribute to this program by sharing events and programs that align with the MA250 themes. Whether it's a historical tour, cultural festival, educational talk, or civic engagement initiative, we want to include it! 📅 Submit your event by January 3rd to be featured in our first-ever MA250 Franklin program booklet. Click here for program submission. Have questions? Please email to Cory Shea, Town of Franklin Director of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy. What is MA250 on a state level? "Our First 250 was Revolutionary. Celebrating our country's 250th birthday in the birthplace of the Revolution is not something we're taking lightly. Over the past 250 years, Massachusetts has been home to some pretty incredible firsts. The first public garden and university, the first legal gay marriage and the first quarterback picked in the 6th round to win 6 championships. But even more exciting than all of that is what we're doing now and what's to come..." Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism. Connecting Massachusetts History across the Country. "Healey-Driscoll Administration Launches New "Made Possible" Tourism Campaign to Promote State History and Culture, Attract New Travelers..."Our state is full of go-getters and change-makers, each with an amazing story to tell and invaluable contributions to make in our diverse communities," said Governor Healey. "Everyone is welcome here, and we proudly showcase this on a global scale. The Made Possible campaign will engage a new generation of travelers and future residents and demonstrate that anything is possible here in Massachusetts." Governor Maura Healey-Driscoll.  Click here to read more information. MA 250 - A History of Possibility

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Town of Franklin Franklin Culture District | 355 East Central Street | Franklin, MA 02038 US

Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O’Donnell Thanks Contributors to Registry’s Annual Holiday Food Drive

Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O’Donnell today expressed his sincere appreciation to everyone who contributed to the Registry’s 2024 Annual Holiday Food Drive. With the help of the local community, The Registry collected over 200 pounds of food this year.

“I am thankful that so many Norfolk County residents, including our employees and title examiners, took the opportunity to donate and to help those with hardships during this holiday season. We received a lot of pastas, sauces, soups, cereals, canned vegetables, and household products,” stated Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O’Donnell.

The non-perishable food collected during the drive will be dispensed to several pantries throughout Norfolk County.

Annual Holiday Food Drive

Register O’Donnell stated, “While the holiday food drive has ended, it does not stop hunger from affecting many of our neighbors. There is definitely a need for more food assistance. Household expenses are higher due to the cost of home heating fuel and increased food costs. These increased costs disproportionately impact some Norfolk County families.”

Today, according to the latest Project Bread statistics, 17.9% of all households in Massachusetts are considered food insecure. Furthermore, 22.9% of households with children in the state are also considered food insecure. The increasing cost of housing and food are likely factors that contribute to the rising rates of food insecurity. ​

Register O’Donnell concluded by saying, “I urge residents to consider dropping off supplies at their local pantries. Besides food, many pantries are requesting toiletries and paper products. Dropping off a donation at your local food pantry can make a world of difference to a struggling family, especially in the winter months when the cost of fuel can play havoc with a family’s budget.”

For a list of food pantries, please visit the Registry of Deeds website at www.norfolkdeeds.org, go to the top of the menu bar, click on News and Events and then in the drop-down box click on Norfolk County Food Pantries.

To learn more about these and other Registry of Deeds events and initiatives, “like” us on Facebook at www.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.

Creative Corner offers coupon for any 4 week art class session

New Year, new opportunities for you to explore your creative side ! Winter months best time to be inside doing something creative with friends. 

Still have openings T and Th art club for elementary ages and Friday night teen ( middle and high school ages). 

Creative Corner offers coupon

Coupon good for adult group nights events Thursday night options call to book your girls night, girls scout troops or birthday party with us ! 

www.creativecornerfranklin.com   Locally owned small business

Shared from ->   https://www.facebook.com/share/p/14aab2uwxP/

Secretary Ed Augustus Jr. (@MA_EOHLC) shares video on importance of housing (video)

Secretary Ed Augustus Jr.

Secretary Ed Augustus Jr. (@MA_EOHLC) posted  Fri, Dec 27, 2024:

As a former City Manager, I understand the importance of working with our local communities to build more #housing for every income. 

I look forward to continuing to work together to ensure everyone has a safe and dignified home. https://t.co/tGbrtBUlec

Video link -> https://x.com/MA_EOHLC/status/1872749300821967246

Invisible People ➤ Imagine Everyone With a Home (@invisiblepeople)

Invisible People ➤ Imagine Everyone With a Home 

Invisible People ➤ Imagine Everyone With a Home (@invisiblepeople) posted on Sun, Dec 29, 2024:

1843: Scrooge believed poverty was the fault of the poor. 2024: That same belief fuels homelessness, inequality, and apathy. 

Dickens' A Christmas Carol is more relevant than ever—see why society hasn't learned. 🎄 https://t.co/ESBvkJT0U9

Shared from -> https://x.com/invisiblepeople/status/1873374162275770670

Franklin TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) schedule for Monday, Dec 30, 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: James McLaughlin

8:00 am SAFE Coalition: The Hamlins

9:00 am FPAC: The Nutcracker 2024

12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin: Scones

12:30 pm Cooking with Linda: Quiche

1:00 pm Cooking Thyme: Centerpieces

1:30 pm Pizzapalooza: White Pizza

2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Summer 2018 Show 6

5:30 pm Circle of Friends: Heather Pierson Trio

7:00 pm Frank Presents: Jim Derick

8:00 pm Second Sunday Speaker Series: Boston Floating Hospital

9:30 pm FPAC Holiday Special: Tis The Season

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

8:00 am FHS Girls Varsity Basketball v King Philip 12-20-24

10:30 am FHS Winter Music: Chorus and Orchestra 2024

12:00 pm FHS Winter Music: Band 2024

1:30 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Pete Smith

3:30 pm Public School Concert: MICCA Showcase Pt. 2 03-14-18

5:00 pm FHS Boys Varsity Hockey v Catholic Memorial 12-18-24

7:30 pm SAFE Coalition: The Hamlins

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 12-16-24

12:00 pm Economic Development 12-18-24

2:00 pm Planning Board 12-16-24

5:00 pm  Master Plan Sustainability CMTE  ZOOM ONLY  892 5967 8093

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: Sunday, December 29, 2024 ???

Sunday, December 29

• Fiber Art Installation (Franklin Public Library) 

1:00pm Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

**   NO  Town Meetings today   **

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

Why are there multiple calendars?

What's happening today in Franklin? 

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

Ben Franklin Book Week is now Ben Franklin MONTH - January 1-30, 2025 (Franklin, MA)

Ben Franklin Book Week was born in 2024 as "A Community Rediscovery of Ideas, Literature, and the Shared Gift of Language." 

In its second year, this is annual event, now the whole month of January, celebrates the birth month of Benjamin Franklin, America's most inspiring 'founding father.' Ben's gift of books to the town of Franklin led to creation of the First Free Public Lending Library in North America and set the tone for Franklin's history ever since. 

Ben Franklin Month recognizes the town's ongoing book- and learning-friendly culture and the many other ways Franklin has inspired and continues to inspire creative endeavors with a growing slate of events and activities! 

Ben Franklin Month is led by the Franklin Historical Museum, with support from Franklin Public Library, and Dean College with grant funding provided by Mass. Cultural Council through the Franklin Cultural District Committee.

PLANNED EVENTS INCLUDE:

Sat. 1/4 Franklin-ventions: Revolutionary Ideas in Franklin Industries + a look at some of Ben Franklin's famous inventions. Continues all month during regular hours (Sat. 10-1 and Sun 1-4) at the Franklin Historical Museum, 80 West Central Street.

Sat. 1/4 'Ben Gave us Books and We Gave the World Books' -- a display of Franklin-authored books, past and present. Continues all month during regular hours (Sat. 10-1 and Sun 1-4) at the Franklin Historical Museum, 80 West Central Street. (Are you a Franklin Author? -- contact alan.r.earls@gmail.com to join the display!)

Thurs. 1/9 JUNTO A Non-Fiction Book Club at the Franklin Library Starts in January! (Inspired by Ben Franklin's famous Philadelphia reading group, the Junto)! The first meeting is Thursday January 9th at 6:30PM. The January Book is Think Again by Adam Grant! Get a physical or digital copy through the Library Catalog!

Sat. 1/11 1:00—3:00 PM Ben Franklin Week Kickoff Concert at the Franklin Public Library with popular local favorite, Franklin Underground!

Sun 1/12 Second Sunday Speaker Series (Speaker to be announced) at the Franklin Historical Museum. Museum open 1-4, program starts at 1:15.

Fri. 1/17 Franklin Library Children’s Dept features Ben Franklin Birthday Bash. Check library website for details.

Sat. 1/18 Short Franklin-related films at Historical Museum during regular 10-1 hours.

Sun. 1/19 Third Sunday “music at the museum’ – Come learn about and experience the lively, underappreciated musical, Ben Franklin in Paris that ran for 215 performances on Broadway (1964-5)! Free.

Wed. 1/22 (even. Dean College Student History Reception at Franklin  Historical Museum 80 West Central Street

Franklin's Congressman Jake Auchincloss

Thurs., 1-23, Ben Franklin Autobiography LIVE Readathon at the Franklin Historical Museum, 80 West Central Street, 1:30 PM to approximately 8 pm Come and participate! 

Contact Alan Earls with any questions (alan.r.earls@gmail.com). FREE. Note, the 'kick off ' reader (prerecorded) will be Franklin's Congressman, Jake Auchincloss followed by State Senator Becca Rausch (also prerecorded).  Volunteer readers typically participate for 10-15 minutes in sharing this classic work of American literature. Completion times vary but the event will likely end around 8 pm and will also include a 'tea' (Ben's favorite kind!) and reading of a short play written by Ben Franklin. Watch for a signup link on the website or come by to listen or participate!

Fri. 1/17 BIG Library Book Sale at the Franklin Public Library Friday, January 17th, 1:00-5:00

Sat. 1/18 Big Library Book Sale Continues 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon and from 1-4 its the Big Library BAG SALE

Sun. 1/26 Vera Meyer and Ben Franklin's Glass Armonica at Marvin Chapel, Dean College at approximately 1:30 (check back closer to the date) Among Ben Franklin's most amazing inventions is the glass armonica (or harmonica) , a series of concentric, rotating crystal glass bowls that can be played (think of the sound of wine glass rims being rubbed). Mozart and others composed music for it. And Boston area musician and expert Vera Meyer will return to Franklin for a performance featuring many styles of music [LISTEN TO SAMPLE HERE]. Don't miss the haunting, ethereal, and beautiful sounds of the armonica at the Dean College Marvin Chapel (second floor of Dean Hall) The event is also planned to include performance of Ben Franklin's funny, tongue-in-cheek play. Ben Franklin and the Gout. FREE

Check back for updates and/or new events and activities at https://benfranklinbookweek.com

Franklin Library News & Events for Kids & Families in January 2025

Library Hours

The Library's hours are Monday through Thursday 9:00am to 8:00pm, Friday and Saturday 9:00am to 5:00pm, and Sundays 1:30 to 5:00pm. The Library will be closed Wednesday, January 1 for New Year's Day and Monday, January 20 for Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

Franklin Public Library's 2025 Reading Challenge
January: Get Inspired!
For complete details and to sign-up, visit our website. Grand prizes made possible by the Friends of the Franklin Library.

Consumer Reports
Did you know January is Financial Wellness Month? The library gives you free access to Consumer Reports - an independent, nonprofit testing and information organization. Since 1936, CU's mission has been to test products, inform the public and protect consumers. It is a comprehensive source for unbiased advice about products and services, personal finance, health and nutrition, and other consumer concerns. 
Accessible for Franklin residents!  Find it on our alphabetical list of free library databases.

Museum Passes
Now is a great time to reserve passes to the area's most popular museums, aquariums, and more! Passes are available to be reserved up to thirty days in advance on our website.

Franklin Library Book Sale
Friday, January 17: 1:00-5:00PM; Saturday, January 18: 9:00AM to 12:00PM
All books are just one dollar!
Bag Sale - $5 A Bag
Saturday, January 18: 1:00-4:00PM
Come fill a brown bag with all the books you can!

Franklin Library ESOL & Adult Literacy Program
Volunteer tutors needed! To volunteer, please be at least 18 years old, have a High School diploma, & speak English clearly.  No prior teaching experience needed!  Volunteer tutors and students do not need to be Franklin residents. If interested, please fill out the registration form on the library's website.

Franklin Public Library VITA: Volunteer Income Tax Assistance
Site Opening: Saturday, February 1
Volunteers are always needed for the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance and Tax Counseling for the Elderly programs, better known as VITA and TCE.
Many volunteer roles are available. You can help as a greeter, an interpreter, and many other roles, but most of all, we need tax preparers. Training for certification is provided! Learn more at https://www.irs.gov/individuals/irs-tax-volunteers or email site coordinator Mitzi Gousie at mgousie@minlib.net

**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.

Dungeons and Dragons Club for Kids & Teens! Mondays, 4:00PM (Ages 7+)
Kids are invited to join us for a weekly Dungeons and Dragons Club! The library will supply dice, rule books, and blank character sheets. (Dungeon Masters must be ages 12 and up.) Email mgousie@minlib.net for registration and more information.

Cool Cruisers! Tuesdays @ 9:30AM
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 Pals! Tuesdays & Thursdays @ 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.

Toe-Tapping Tots! Tuesdays @ 4:00PM (Ages 2-5)
Let's play some music and get those toes tapping! Join us for a 30-minute energetic, interactive, and creative movement based storytime. From tip toeing, twirling and skipping to jumping and tapping, we will have fun learning to move to the music while building coordination and confidence. No registration required.

Story Tots! Wednesdays @ 10:30AM (Ages 18 mos. – 3yrs)
Enjoy thirty minutes of interactive stories, songs, and fun! No registration required.

Bookworm Bounce! Wednesdays @ 4:00PM
Join us for an afternoon story time full of music, movement, stories, and other interactive activities to encourage social skills and promote early literacy! Ideal for ages 0-5. 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.

Pre-K Pals! Tuesdays & Thursdays @ 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.

Artsy Afternoons Thursdays @ 4:00 PM (Ages 5-11)
Registration Required for Each Program
Join local instructor Sharon Carloni for this step-by-step craft specifically for kids! All materials will be provided as we study art history through the creation of unique and beautiful artwork.
This month's projects are:
Jan 2: Mobile Mobiles
Jan 9: Dreaming Dot Painting
Jan 16: Cityscape Silhouettes
Jan 23: Self Portrait of Kings and Queens
Jan 30: Keith Harding Figure Painting

Rockin' Rhythms! Thursdays @ 4:00PM (Ages 0-5)
Put on your dancing shoes and join Miss Bree for 30 minutes of dancing fun for the whole family! This upbeat, high-energy and interactive program will help kids develop coordination, rhythm and flexibility in a fun and engaging way. No registration required.

Barefoot Ballet! Thursdays @ 5:00PM (Ages 6-8)
Registration Required (Registration is for all 6 dates)
Calling all aspiring ballet dancers! Join Miss Bree for this special 6-week introductory Ballet class. Ballet shoes and attire are not required, but please wear comfortable clothes.  Dates for this session are: January 9, 16, 23, 30 and February 6, 13.

Happy Feet! Alternating Fridays @ 10:30AM (Ages 0-5)
Let's play some music and dance! Join us for a 30-minute energetic, interactive, and creative movement based storytime. Laughter and giggles are definitely expected! 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 during this energetic, interactive and creative movement based class! No registration required.

Special Events for Kids & Families

Petite Picassos! Monday, January 6 @ 4:00PM
Registration Required 
Celebrate Ben Franklin's birthday with Miss Lily by creating a painting of his famous Kite Experiment! This paint party is a great fit for children ages 6 through 12. All materials will be provided. The same painting will be taught on January 6 and January 13 - please only sign up for ONE of these dates!

Doggie Tales! Monday, January 6 @ 4:00PM
Registration Required
For kids in grade 1 and up. Improve your reading skills and make a new friend by reading aloud to a trained therapy dog! Bring your favorite book or pick out one of ours to read. Spots are limited - please register for only one time slot per month (siblings should share a time slot)!

Baby Sensory! Saturday, January 11 @ 9:30AM
Join us for a 45-minute baby sensory program. Watch your little one interact and engage with a variety of sensory items. Sensory play is a fantastic way to help babies explore their worlds, stimulate the senses, and create little inquisitive explorers! Babies under 2 are welcome and encouraged. (Got older siblings? They can bring along a stuffed toy or baby and play along!) No registration required.

Saturday Bookworm Bounce! Saturday, January 11 @ 10:30AM
Kids ages 0-5 are welcome to join us for a fun storytime full of music, movement, stories, and other interactive activities to encourage social skills and promote early literacy! Parents and caregivers are welcome and encouraged to participate. No registration required.

Petite Picassos! Monday, January 13 @ 4:00PM
Registration Required
Celebrate Ben Franklin's birthday with Miss Lily by creating a painting of his famous Kite Experiment! This paint party is a great fit for children ages 6 through 12. All materials will be provided. The same painting will be taught on January 6th and January 13th - please only sign up for ONE of these dates!

Doggie Tales! Monday, January 13 @ 4:00PM
Registration Required
For kids in grade 1 and up. Improve your reading skills and make a new friend by reading aloud to a trained therapy dog! Bring your favorite book or pick out one of ours to read. Spots are limited - please register for only one time slot per month (siblings should share a time slot)!

Ben Franklin Birthday Bash! Friday, January 17 @ 1:00PM
Join us as we celebrate the birthday of Ben Franklin himself with music, games, costume contests, and more! No registration required

Winter Carnival! Saturday, January 18 @ 1:00PM
Join us for an epic afternoon of winter fun for the whole family! Enjoy a variety of carnival games, crafts, snacks, and more. No registration required.

Family Literacy Night! Wednesday, January 22 @ 5:30PM
Join us for an evening celebration of reading for the whole family! Presented in partnership with the Franklin Public schools. Browse our curated tables of family read-alouds, get tips, tricks, and free resources to make reading fun at home, and visit with Franklin's favorite police dogs for some fun independent reading practice. No registration required.

Saturday Bookworm Bounce! Saturday, January 25^th @ 10:30AM
Kids ages 0-5 are welcome to join us for a fun storytime full of music, movement, stories, and other interactive activities to encourage social skills and promote early literacy! Parents and caregivers are welcome and encouraged to participate. No registration required.

Read more -> https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library/news/january-2025-franklin-library-news-events

Franklin Library News & Events for Kids & Families in January 2025 

FPAC to Present a New Play by Miranda Rose Hall

The Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) is excited to present To Tell a Story About the Earth, a new play by Miranda Rose Hall in development by LubDub Theatre Co January 10-12 at THE BLACK BOX. The production will be directed by NYC’s Eliza Palter. 

After a disastrous first production, a fledgling theater company has decided to call it quits. But when the local librarian requests a new performance for Earth Day, the young artists have a decision to make, and questions abound: what's the deal with this weird fish? Who built the room we're standing in? Isn't there supposed to be a storm tonight? Part scripted play, part guided introduction to devising methods, part environmental investigation, and part fill in the blank, To Tell a Story About the Earth prompts ensembles everywhere to create and share an original show about the natural world close to home. 

To Tell a Story About the Earth ensemble cast

The ensemble is led by FPAC’s Kellie Stamp as The Librarian. Stamp is joined by Dean College Theatre students Aiden Day as Taylor and Kylie Parsons as Jo. The cast is rounded out by FPAC Student Apprentices from the Franklin School for the Performing Arts Matthew Packard as Sam, Aida Ryan DiChiara as CJ, and Liam Nolan-Hayun as Riley. 

Director Eliza Palter’s credits include Antigone (New Relic Theatre), The Nest (The Quickening Room), The Convent of Pleasure (NRT), As You Like It (NRT), and LEAN OUT (Union Hall). She has directed, devised, and assisted shows with LubDub Theatre Company (NYC), Theatre J. (DC), The Transmigration Festival of New Works (Cincinnati), Svandovo Divadlo (Prague), and Cherry Lane Theatre (NYC). Palter is also the founder and artistic director of New Relic Theatre, a production company that stages adaptations of classical plays and ancient texts. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Theatre & Performance Studies and Anthropology from Georgetown University. 

FPAC’s 2024-25 season will continue with Mel Brooks’ The Producers March 14-23 and conclude with the musical adaptation of Little Women June 6-8 at THE BLACK BOX. 

FPAC is an Actors’ Equity Small Professional Theater company based at THE BLACK BOX in downtown Franklin. Each season, FPAC produces musicals, plays, ballets, and more featuring Broadway stars, professional actors, local artists, and students of the arts. 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.

FHS girls & boys basketball teams & wrestling post wins, boys hockey skates to a tie on Saturday

Via Twitter, Franklin TV, and our subscription to HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the Winter sports competition for Franklin High School on Saturday, December 28, 2024 

Boys Basketball = Franklin, 60 @ Providence Classical, 52 – Final

Girls Basketball = Franklin, 52 vs. Lawrence (ME), 35 – Final 

– Franklin made it a perfect 2-0 on its trip to Maine, earning its second win in 24 hours. The Panthers turned up the defense after falling behind 15-7 after one quarter, allowing just 20 points over the final 24 minutes. Elle Bonacci and Sophia Sacramone each hit threes in the first but the Franklin offense struggled to get going. Chloe Fales provided the spark in the second, scoring eight of Franklin’s 12 points to pull the Panthers within three (22-19) going into the locker room. Franklin took the lead in the third, outscoring Lawrence 13-6 in the frame. Fales added another five points in the quarter on her way to a game-high 15. The Panthers put the game away with a dominant fourth quarter (18-7). Tessah Rodrigues and Lena Malymina both knocked down threes in the quarter, while Lauryn DiGiorgio scored half of her eight points, and Mallory Santos had six of her 10 points in the fourth. Franklin will travel to last year’s Div. 1 runner up Wachusett on Monday to close out 2024.

Boys Hockey = Franklin, 2 vs. Marshfield, 2 – Final

Franklin 2 Marshfield 2 final.  Balducci 🚨 Drake McAlpine 🚨.  Torraco solid in net.   https://x.com/FHSPantherHocke/status/1873156341222785336

Wrestling = Franklin Duals (Foxboro, Franklin, Canton, Stoughton), 10:00AM

Another successful day 2 of the Franklin duals Franklin goes 2-0 with a 42-0 win against Algonquin and a win against Weymouth 49-30!! OW goes to Quinn Carter!!

https://x.com/FHSWrestle/status/1873041597174301045

For other results across the Hockomock League (subscription required)

https://hockomocksports.com/saturdays-schedule-scoreboard-12-28-24/

FHS Panther sports results shared via Twitter & subscription to HockomockSports.com

Trash/Recycling Schedule for New Year's week in Franklin, MA

Trash/Recycling Schedule for New Year's week in Franklin

The trash and recycling schedule for New Year's is scheduled for the one day delay for those with Wednesday, Thursday & Friday pickups.

Shared from -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/public-works/news/curbside-trashrecycling-schedule-dec-30-jan-4

Franklin TV: Putter Day, 2025

A New Year’s Tradition Since – umm…

by Pete Fasciano, Executive Director 12/29/2024

I first wrote about Putter Day back in 2014. I went public. My ersatz (albeit highly productive and satisfying) holiday actually goes back much farther. The stencil font says it all. As I have noted, Putter Day is industrial strength.

In Nov we gave thanks. In Dec we made merry. Now in Jan – time to get down to it. We can spend any other day of the year putting things off, postponing, delegating, yada-yada, but Putter Day It's not about delegating. It's about the joy of doing. So, let the puttering and doing commence.

Truly inveterate, work-hardened putterers begin this most earnest day of days at first light. You step out your front door and squarely face the day. Clutching that to-do list, you declare – loudly – unabashedly, “This day is mine. I shall prevail.” Note: A bullhorn makes for a nice touch.

Putter Decor:

The Duct Tape Wreath – It can be your first Putter Day Project – a nod to duct tape as that grand unifying force for all things great and small in the Universe.

The Putter Day Sacrificial Induction Ceremony: ( for beginners ) Accidentally hit a thumb, forefinger or other body part with a hammer. ( Or anything handy/hard/heavy that you tried to deploy as a hammer. ) If you ended up in the emergency room – Bonus!

Walk tall. my friend. ( Or limp as need be. )

Putter Day Gift Guide: Easy! Tools. Any tools... or duct tape. First Aid kit – A thoughtful stocking stuffer that shows you care.

Advanced Putter Day activities: Anything to do with Ikea Instructions. 

On this Putter Day – hold thy head and hammer high, my friend.

And – as always – 

Thank you for watching. 

Thank you for listening to wfpr●fm.

And staying informed at Franklin●news.

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

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