Franklin Matters

Tuesday, March 18, 2025

Apply to be a technical assistance vendor for Green School Works

Dear Friend of MassCEC,

MassCEC is pleased to announce the release of the Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for technical assistance vendors for Green School Works.

MassCEC seeks qualified vendors to provide technical assistance for eligible K-12 public schools and districts looking to begin or supplement their decarbonization planning.

The deadline to submit statements of qualifications to the Green School Works Technical Assistance RFQ is Friday, April 4, 2025, 11:59PM ET. MassCEC will consider additional qualifications on a rolling basis after the deadline if vendors apply with a partner school or district for an eligible project.

Learn more & apply here

RFQ questions should be submitted via email to greenschools@masscec.com. "TA RFQ Questions" should appear in the subject line. Please submit questions by Wednesday, March 26 by 11:59PM ET. Answers will be posted March 31 to the TA RFQ page. Interested potential applicants may also attend an informational webinar to learn more about this opportunity on March 24 at 3:00PM ET.

Thank you!
MassCEC Green School Works team

Our mailing address is:

Massachusetts Clean Energy Center

294 Washington St.

Suite 1150

Boston, MA 02108

wfpr.fm Schedule for Tuesday, March 18, 2025 - Franklin Public Radio

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm or 102.9 on the FM radio dial

Tuesday

SAFE Radio – Jim Derick and Dr. Anne Bergen Addressing issues of Drug Abuse Disorder

Jazz Journey – with Pamela Hines - An insightful tour of Jazz Greats in a golden era

wfpr.fm Schedule for Tuesday - Franklin Public Radio

Franklin TV schedule for Tuesday, March 18, 2025

Franklin All Access TV - Our Public Access Channel (Comcast 6, Verizon 26) = TUESDAY
7:30 am Joe Landry: Industry
9:00 am Mental Health : Amanda Ayer & David Gove
10:00 am Care For Ukraine
12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin: Meatballs
12:30 pm Cooking with Linda: Meatballs
1:30 pm Pizzapalooza: Meat-Lovers Pt. 2
2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Summer 2019 Show 3
3:00 pm Candlepin New Generation: Show 12
3:30 pm Riffin' on Main Street: Pauline Spender
4:30 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Referee Shortage Pt1
5:30 pm Sons & Daughters of Italy: Italian Cookies
6:30 pm Franklin Art Association: Erin Spencer
8:00 pm Critical Conversations: Social Media

Franklin Pride TV - Our Educational Channel (Comcast 8, Verizon 28) = TUESDAY
7:00 am FHS Winter Jazz 01-29-25
9:00 am Public School Concert: Horace Mann Winter Music 2022
10:30 am Winning Ways with the MIAA: Pete Smith
11:30 am Mental Health : Amanda Ayer & David Gove
12:30 pm FHS Concert Hour 02-26-25
2:00 pm FHS Boys Varsity Hockey v Arlington 02-25-25
4:30 pm FHS Boys Varsity Basketball State Finals 03-16-25
9:00 pm Critical Conversations: Student Wellbeing

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

8:00 am School Committee 03-11-25
2:00 pm School Committee 03-11-25
6:30 pm Joint Budget Subcommittee Listening Session 6 03-12-25

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

Monday, March 17, 2025

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Monday, March 17, 2025 ???

Monday, March 17, 2025 - St. Patrick's Day

* "Look Up" Gallery (Franklin Public Library during open hours)

* Senior Center closed (re-opening Weds, March 19)

4:00pm Jamie Barrett (live music) (Napper Tandy's, Millis)

6:30pm Franklin Q&A (Franklin Public Library)

For additional details on Library events ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar.aspx?CID=37,24&showPastEvents=false

** 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/calendar.aspx?CID=37&showPastEvents=false

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

3rd Annual Pen to Picture Festival features Raúl the Third - May 10 at 1:00 PM

3rd Annual Pen to Picture Festival features Raúl the Third

Since 2023, Franklin Public Library and the Franklin middle schools have joined forces to host world-renowned graphic novelists and celebrate the art of storytelling. On May 10, Franklin's 3rd annual Pen to Picture Festival will welcome Raúl the Third to the Franklin Public Library. This town-wide event is free and open to all families.

Raúl the Third will share his process, art, and latest titles. He is the author and illustrator of many elementary and middle grade books, including The Snips: A Bad Buzz Day, Stuntboy: In the Meantime, Stuntboy: In-Between Time, The Lowriders series, and multiple picture books. Breakout sessions, photo ops and book signing will also be available.

Pen to Picture originated three years ago, the result of a collaborative effort among Ms. Bree Comeau (Franklin Public Library Asst. Youth Services Librarian) and Franklin middle school reading specialists Pam Allard and Erin O’Leary. The three literary leaders recognized their students’ growing appetite for the graphic novel format and sought funding from their schools’ parent organizations to create a town-wide festival. Pen to Picture’s mission is to expose Franklin families to contemporary titles and creators and foster the creative relationship between art and the written word.

In its first year, the program welcomed Scott Magoon, Matt Tavares, and Maris Wicks; built on its overwhelming success, Pen to Picture welcomed Jarrett J. Krosoczka the following year.

Graphic novels (a literary format) have exploded in popularity and both librarians and reading specialists are excited to welcome local authors and illustrators to engage students in an appreciation of the genre, learn about the process and time required to develop a graphic novel, and champion the relationship between visual arts and storytelling. We invite the community to join us at the library on Saturday, May 10.

This year, Pen to Picture is made possible by a grant from the Massachusetts Cultural Council.

"A Mile for the Mind" fund raiser to benefit Brain Injury Association Saturday, March 22 at the Sculpture Park

via Hunter Schulz, Miss Blackstone Valley 2024

I met Hunter at Ali's "Look UP" gallery show

Hi!

I'm hosting my fundraiser "A Mile for the Mind" benefiting the Brain Injury Association of America on Saturday March 22nd, 12-2 PM at the Franklin Sculpture Park (911 Panther Way Franklin, MA 02038 United States)!

There will be raffles, snacks, prizes, and more 😊

You can make a donation online -> https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=biausa&id=321

The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW): Episode 285 - Interview with Jim Spadaccini (audio)

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

Immersive Wine Experiences: The Future of Tasting with Ideum

Episode Summary:

Join Kim and Mark on The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) as they delve into the cutting edge of wine technology with Jim Spadaccini of Ideum. Discover how Ideum is revolutionizing the wine tasting experience with its innovative interactive tasting tables.

In this episode, Jim shares the story behind Ideum and its expertise in creating captivating museum exhibits. He then dives into the fascinating details of their wine tasting table technology, explaining how it enhances the user experience. Learn how the tables cater to both still and sparkling wines with their different modules, providing a unique and informative journey for wine enthusiasts.

Jim also discusses the accolades Ideum has received for its groundbreaking work and how their experience in museum interactives has contributed to the development of this exciting wine technology. Looking ahead, he offers insights into the future of wine experiences and how technology like Ideum's tasting tables will continue to shape the industry.

Episode 285 - Interview with Jim Spadaccini (audio)

About Ideum:

Ideum is a company specializing in the design and development of interactive experiences. Their wine tasting table technology is transforming the way people engage with wine, offering a blend of education and enjoyment.

Learn More:

Ideum: www.ideum.com

The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW): www.thewww.wine

Cheers!

Kim and Mark

🍷🍷🍷

http://www.thewww.wine

#wine #thewonderfulworldofwine #ideum #winetasting

https://soundcloud.com/user-492543397/episode-285-interview-with-jim-spadaccini?

The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) · Episode 285-Interview with Jim Spadaccini

HockomockSports.com: "Franklin Outlasts Newton North To Win First Ever State Championship"

Ryan Lanigan || HockomockSports.com Editor, will have a more complete update and photo gallery later today (Monday):

"For the first time in program history, the Franklin boys basketball team are state champions.

The top-seeded Panthers held off a late push from #3 Newton North, including a potential game-tying three at the buzzer, to secure the title with a 55-52 win.

Senior Caden Sullivan scored 11 of his game-high 31 points in the fourth quarter, including some clutch free throws in the final minute to help Franklin get the win."

Shared from (subscription required)

https://hockomocksports.com/franklin-outlasts-newton-north-to-win-first-ever-state-championship/

The Boston Globe also provides coverage

"There was a lot of weight on Caden Sullivan’s shoulders down the stretch of Sunday’s thrilling Division 1 boys’ basketball state final at Tsongas Center.

The weight of a grieving community, of a team full of new starters, and a program desperately trying to get over the hump for its first state title.

Franklin’s senior captain took it all in stride, stepping up with 14 of the Panthers’ final 16 points to out-duel Newton North star senior Teagan Swint in a 55-52 victory that went down to the final buzzer."

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2025/03/16/sports/miaa-division-1-boys-basketball-franklin-newton-north-caden-sullivan/?

How to access the Boston Globe with your Franklin library card https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/02/how-to-access-online-resources-with.html

FHS Cheerleaders take 1st at Nationals

"Nationals 2025 ✅

We are beyond proud of this team and everything they have accomplished throughout the whole year.

Thank you seniors for everything and we wish you the best next year!"

Shared from (also has more photos of their time in Florida) -> https://www.instagram.com/p/DHSTsoVOfVs/

The Yellow Boat continues to sail to the State Finals

"THE YELLOW BOAT IS SETTING COURSE FOR STATE FINALS!!!!

The Yellow Boat continues to sail to the State Finals

We are so excited and grateful for this opportunity as we move forward in 2025 Dramafest. Congratulations to all of our cast, crew, and All Star Award winners for an amazing performance!!

See you at finals!"

The Yellow Boat continues to sail to the State Finals 2

Shared from ->

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1F5AggUxVo/

Good Deeds: Norfolk County Registry of Deeds Celebrates Women's History Month

Women's History Month is celebrated in March to acknowledge the vital contributions and significance of women in our society. Recognizing the achievements of women throughout history is essential in understanding the nation we live in today.

The observance of Women’s History Month began in 1978 as a week-long celebration to coincide with International Women’s Day in Santa Rosa, California. The movement gained widespread support, leading to its national recognition. By 1980, women's organizations and historians successfully lobbied for a national celebration. President Jimmy Carter issued the first presidential proclamation establishing March 8th as National Women's History Week. Each president continued this tradition until 1987 when Congress passed Public Law 100-9, designating March as "Women’s History Month." Since 1995, every president has issued an annual proclamation designating March as "Women’s History Month."

Registry of Deeds Celebrates Women's History Month

Each year, the National Women’s History Alliance selects a theme. This year's theme, “Moving Forward Together! Women Educating & Inspiring Generations,” inspired me to share the remarkable stories of five women who have left an indelible mark on our history.

Mary Pratt, from Quincy, was a remarkable female baseball player. She played as a pitcher in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League (AAGPBL) from 1943 to 1947. Pratt was known for her exceptional skills on the mound, and she pitched a no-hitter in 1944. Her contributions to women's baseball helped pave the way for future generations of female athletes. After her baseball career, Pratt continued to inspire others as an educator and coach, advocating for the advancement of women in sports.

The stories of athletes like Mary Pratt are often brought to life through the lens of dedicated journalists who capture their achievements.

Jackie MacMullan, born in Westwood, is a renowned sports journalist and author. Throughout her career spanning from 1982 to 2021, she has broken barriers in the male-dominated field of sports journalism. MacMullan's insightful reporting and storytelling have earned her numerous awards and accolades, including induction into the Basketball Hall of Fame. Her work has paved the way for future generations of women in sports media.

Education has always been a cornerstone of societal progress, and it plays a crucial role in shaping future generations.

Bathsheba Benedict was a pioneer in education and the benefactress of Benedict College. Born Bathsheba Adams Barber in Bellingham, Massachusetts, in 1809, she married Stephen Benedict, a banker, mill owner, Baptist church deacon, and early abolitionist from Pawtucket, in 1830. After her husband’s death in 1868, Bathsheba used proceeds from his insurance policy and estate, along with a donation from her brother-in-law, to coordinate a donation of several thousand dollars to the American Baptist Home Mission Society. This donation helped start a Baptist school for freed slaves in the South. Bathsheba Benedict's contribution laid the foundation for what would become Benedict College, established in Columbia, South Carolina, in 1870.

Bathsheba Benedict's legacy extends into the realm of civil rights and social activism, where another trailblazer, Florida Ruffin Ridley, made significant strides.

Florida Ruffin Ridley, born in 1861, was an African American civil rights activist, suffragist, and writer from Brookline. She was one of the first African American teachers in the Boston Public Schools and co-founded the Woman's Era Club, one of the first African American women's clubs in the United States. Ridley used her writing to advocate for racial equality and women's rights, contributing to publications such as the "Woman's Era" newspaper. Her efforts in advancing civil rights and women's suffrage left a lasting impact on society. In November 2019 the Brookline Town Meeting voted to rename the Coolidge Corner School as the Florida Ruffin Ridley School.

The drive to improve lives and inspire change is also evident in the field of public health and nutrition, as demonstrated by Charlotte Barrell Ware's pioneering work.

Charlotte Barrell Ware, born in 1868, was a pioneering figure in the dairy industry who developed protocols for producing and bottling the healthiest milk available at the time. The innovative methods in dairy farming she taught at the Warelands Dairy School located in the town of Norfolk set new standards for quality and safety, benefiting countless families and communities. Ware's commitment to improving public health and nutrition was evident in her relentless pursuit of excellence. She advocated for better sanitation practices in milk production, which significantly reduced the incidence of milk-borne illnesses. Ware's legacy lives on through the continued emphasis on food safety and quality in the dairy industry.

These women have had a profound influence on various fields: Bathsheba Benedict in education, Florida Ruffin Ridley in civil rights and suffrage, Charlotte Barrell Ware in science and public health, Mary Pratt in sports, and Jackie MacMullan in journalism. Their pioneering efforts and dedication have not only advanced their respective fields but also inspired countless individuals to follow in their footsteps, demonstrating the power of resilience, innovation, and excellence.

As we celebrate Women's History Month, let us recognize and honor the achievements of these extraordinary women. Their contributions have shaped our society and continue to inspire us today. Our communities, nation, and world are better because of the impact these women have made.

Parents Night Out Hosted by the Class of 2028

Looking for a fun night for your kids while you enjoy some time off?

Crafts & entertainment

Pizza

Paired with responsible high school mentors

Supervised by Franklin HS staff

For grades K-5 (limited to 100 kids)

Drop-off at the Community Entrance (by the gym). Pick-up by 8 PM. Only listed individuals can pick up your child.

Register & pay online by March 24, 2025 ($20 for 1 child, $10 for additional siblings (up to 2 siblings!)). No payments at the door. Signed release form required at drop-off (provided at drop-off).

Don’t miss out on this exciting event!

Link to Registration: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdOZuPK6PjMex5AD6AuT2qc9geYBSwyduHYFcoP3KdBKkh5Yw/viewform

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/groups/FranklinParents/posts/3025953800888249/

Town of Franklin looking to hire a Director of Planning and Community Development

Our Department of Planning and Community Development is led by the Director of Planning and Community Development with a focus on planning and implementing policies and initiatives to fulfill the land use-related goals of the people of Franklin.

Director of Planning and Community Development

Working collaboratively with the Director of Conservation and Town Planner; the mission of the DPCD is to make every effort to maintain the character of the community while enhancing its economic, recreational and social vitality. DPCD balances its approach to these initiatives through long-term planning and public participation.

⤵️ Check out the full posting here (https://lnkd.in/e3Mz7xUd)

📩 Application materials due: April 11, 2025

Shared from ->

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/town-of-franklin-ma-economic-development_director-of-planning-and-community-development-activity-7305722768619196417-4EdP

The full posting can also be found here -> https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/4709/Director-of-Planning-and-Community-Development----March-12-2025-PDF