Santa Claus comes to the Franklin Town Common

Thanksgiving leftovers are plentiful and still delicious, sometimes tasting even better than the first time around! With Thanksgiving behind us, Santa Claus must be coming to Franklin soon. He is scheduled to make his appearance on the Franklin Town Common at 4:00 PM Sunday, Dec 1.

Santa Claus arrives Sunday

Santa ready for pictures

Additional photos from 2011 can be found here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/steve_sherlock/sets/72157628187894073/with/6417755069/

"print newspapers no longer provide the reach"

The Milford Daily News reports that:

State Rep. Jeffrey Roy, D-Franklin, has drafted legislation that would authorize municipalities to post public notices online rather than having to pay the local newspaper to publish them. 

Roy last week testified before the House Joint Committee on the Judiciary, arguing that his bill would increase transparency and help "cash-strapped" cities and towns save money. 

Also testifying at the hearing were newspaper publisher executives who oppose the legislation. Newspapers, they say, "play a unique and time-tested role in publishing public notice advertising, and "to remove these ads from newspapers would be to undermine accountability, reduce transparency and weaken the economy."

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x915448749/Franklin-Rep-Roy-pushes-for-online-public-notices#ixzz2m882w7SY

Respectfully, I disagree with the position of the newspapers.They are in a dying market and lack a sustaining funding model. It is a matter of time before they go away. Something (like citizen journalism) will arise to fulfill the news gap to keep transparency and accountability around. I think their cynical approach is one of the contributing factors to their own decline but that is just my two cents.

In the News: virtual school, Santa arrives

Virtual school proposal gains support

A proposed virtual school in the region is getting plenty of support from MetroWest lawmakers and school officials, who have told the state they have confidence in the education collaborative behind the plan.

Santa Claus coming to Franklin on Sunday

With leftovers all that remain of Thanksgiving, the annual Christmas on the Common on Sunday evening will celebrate with a familiar flourish the beginning of the holiday season.

Exercise in Giving!

About 400 runners and walkers were up bright and early Thanksgiving morning to take part in the Turkey Trot 5K. Held at the LDS Church on Jordan Rd and put on by Feed The Need, the event was quite successful! Raising money and food for the Franklin Food Pantry, the donations filled the truck.

Erin Lynch, Director of Development for the Franklin Food Pantry posed by the full truckload of donations

More photos of the event can be found here
http://www.flickr.com/photos/steve_sherlock/sets/72157638175273655/with/11116316576/

The official race results will be posted to http://feedtheneed.org/


When the final tally on runners/walkers and donations is ready, it will be shared. In the meantime, thank you! thank you! thank you! This is wonderful support for our community!


This was also posted to the Franklin Food Pantry web page here
http://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/2013/11/an-exercise-in-giving.html

"None of those books will ever be read again"

Were they banned or burned? No, this comes from a loyal reader who finds that the NY Times mentions the Franklin Public Library and its book preservation efforts by writing:

In 1785, Benjamin Franklin shipped to the town of Franklin, Mass. — the first town of many named in his honor — 116 books for a public library. His sister Jane, who never went to school and never learned to spell, asked him to send her a list of those books. “My Reason for this Request is I have a grat deal of time on my hands,” she explained. “I Love Reading ...and I dont doubt I can Borrow of won and another of my Acquaintance.” Then she set about trying to read every book on that list, from Locke to Montesquieu, from Blackstone to Newton. 

In Franklin, Mass., those books — the gift from Benjamin Franklin — are still there, in the town library. They are locked in a cabinet. A few years back, the library’s board, citing a lack of funds for the care of rare books, decided that the door to that cabinet must never be opened. None of those books will ever be read again.

You can read the full article here:
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/24/opinion/sunday/a-most-expensive-book.html?_r=1&

Hockomock League All Stars: Soys, Soccer, Field Hockey and Cross Country

Hockomock Sports.com is continuing to publish their listing of season awards.

• Jesse d'Entremont, Joe Kalil, and Tim LaRowe represent Franklin on the Boys Soccer All Stars.  Alex Garrity was given Honorable Mention. See the full listing of Hockomock League Boys Soccer All Stars here

http://www.hockomocksports.com/1/post/2013/11/hockomock-league-2013-boys-soccer-all-stars.html

• Marta Vesprille, Kelly Dubowski, Tara Doherty, and Maddie Bressler represent Franklin on the Field Hockey All Stars.  See the full listing of Hockomock League Field Hockey All Stars here

http://www.hockomocksports.com/1/post/2013/11/hockomock-league-2013-field-hockey-all-stars.html

• Devon Strok, Caroline Knous, Nicole Mucciarone, and Brittany Robinson made the Cross Country All Stars. See the full listing of Hockomock League Cross Country All Stars here 

http://www.hockomocksports.com/1/post/2013/11/hockomock-league-2013-cross-country-all-stars.html 

"enhancing these public spaces for everyone to enjoy"

The Southern New England Trunk Line Trail (SNETT) is the beneficiary of two recent grants.

Last year, the Friends reached out to the six communities through which the trail passes, getting them to agree to help fulfill the groups’ goal of fixing up the entire trail. 

The groups say the grant funds will go toward two specific projects, including cutting back overgrowth and re-grading the surface of a roughly 2-mile section of the trail between South Street and Monroe Street in Douglas. 

And with help from the National Parks Service — made possible thanks to another grant — the groups aim to create a long-term development plan for the trail. The plan will include a protocol to inventory and assess trail conditions and structures.

Read the full article here: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x915448755/Trunkline-Trail-groups-pick-up-state-grant#ixzz2m2Q9xVK3

part of the SNETT in Franklin, the old utilities pole remains

For additional information on the development efforts of the SNETT trail visit the Franklin Bellingham Rail Trail Committee web page here  http://www.franklinbellinghamrailtrail.org/

or on Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/pages/Franklin-Bellingham-Rail-Trail-Committee/185258844899495

Black Friday deal

Pour Richard's Wine and Spirits

Stop by Pour Richard's on Black Friday! Bring in a non-perishable food item for the Franklin Food Pantry or a new, unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots, and we'll take 10% off your purchase. Thank you for supporting these important programs! 

Pour Richard's is located at 14 Grove Street, Franklin. Phone 508-520-9163. Friday hours are 10 AM-9PM.

In the News: 'angel' trees, local events

Friends of Franklin 'Angel' trees are up, awaiting holiday helpers for local families in need

The Friends of Franklin, a charitable organization that assists local families in need, has put up its "Angel" trees, brimming full of holiday wishes and needs from about 400 local children whose families need some extra help this year.

Holiday season gets underway, local events planned

The holiday season is going into full swing, and there is no lack of festive activity in the area. Here is a town-by-town listing of some of the things we know about that are going on this weekend and next. More listings for events later in the month will come next week.

Thank You

This website, newsletter, and Facebook page have seen six years of learning and sharing.

There were times of frustration

and times of joy!

There were times I thought I would quit.
More often than not, there were (and still are) times that keep me going!


Thank you for reading,

for subscribing,
for commenting,
for sending an encouraging email,
for sending along news and events to post,
for sharing this site with your friends and neighbors.

Franklin has over 30,000 people of which about 20,000 are registered to vote and fewer actually show up to do so.

For those who care, you are the reason this site exists.

Thank you!

Thank you

As an alternative to watching a football game this evening,

consider the special from Story Corps on PBS

As an alternative to Black Friday, and cyber Monday there is #givingTuesday.

Consider making a donation either one-time or recurring to the Franklin Food Pantry or your most important charity!

Note: this will be the only post today.
Spend time with your family and friends.
Share a story or two.
Listen to a story or two.


Thank you!
Steve Sherlock

Turkey Trot Reminders

Race reminders for the Franklin Turkey Trot

Feed the Need - Turkey Trot 5K

Registration

• Wednesday Night from 7-9 pm 

Avoid the lines on Thanksgiving morning and either register for the race OR finalize your registration and pick up your bib, free shirt, etc. at the LDS Church, 91 Jordan Rd, Franklin

• Thanksgiving Morning from 7-8 am

Free T-shirts

150 shirts on a first come first serve basis. If you really want a shirt, you should come to the Wed. night registration.

Free Sunglasses

The Ironman sunglasses from last year have been kindly donated again.

Free Raffle Items

We will be having a free raffle at the end of the race following the awards ceremony. Some raffle items include Boston Harbor Dinner Cruise for two, iTunes gift cards, etc.

Race Start

8 am - Thursday morning
at the LDS Church, 91 Jordan Rd, Franklin

Race Map

To view the race map, see the PDF here




or view it online at www.feedtheneed.org

Dress Warm

It looks like it will be a cold morning!

Holiday Decorating Day - Thank you

The email text from Lisa Piana, Executive Director of the Franklin Downtown Partnership, is one I will second:

A big thank you to Eileen Mason and all the volunteers who came out to decorate downtown center.  It was a cold one! Special thanks to the FHS students and the Garden Club. 

Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

Franklin holiday decorations

the water trough is looking spiffy!

the bridge railing is nicely decked out for the holidays!

If you want to help out with the Franklin Downtown Partnership for future activities, consider joining. Membership as a citizen is only $25. For more information on the Downtown Partnership visit their website here   http://www.franklindowntownpartnership.org/

Hockomock All-Stars: Girls Soccer and Golf

Hockomock Sports.com announced the All Stars for Girls Soccer and Golf

• Girls Soccer

Franklin junior Taylor Cogliano was voted as the league's Most Valuable Player by the coaches. Taylor was joined on the soccer All Stars by team mates Nicole Ellin, Jane Scafati, and Bailey Knous.

The complete list of Hockomock Soccer All Stars can be found here
http://www.hockomocksports.com/1/post/2013/11/hockomock-league-2013-girls-soccer-all-stars.html

• Golf

Ben Bedarian and Stephen Wyman represent FHS on the Hockomock Golf All Stars as selected by the coaches

The complete list of Hockomock Golf All Stars can be found here
http://www.hockomocksports.com/1/post/2013/11/hockomock-league-2013-golf-all-stars.html

Team Fitness: Advocare Information Night - Dec 3, 2013

You're invited to the Advocare informational meeting at Team Fitness and CrossFit Franklin Have you noticed that a group of Team Fitness and CrossFit Franklin team members and members have been participating in the Advocare 24-Day Challenge?  Want to know what its all about? Come and find out why this is making us feel so GOOD!  If you are interested in learning more about ADVOCARE, the 24 day challenge, or any of their products, come for a meet and greet and informational meeting with Mia and Ritch Finnegan.  Also, see what the members who began our original 24-day challenge on Nov 4 really thought of it! Mia and Ritch will give you all the information you need to help give you the extra push you need to keep you moving in the right direction. These products can be for everyone wanting to better themselves. Easy to do and you will have group support.  Click the link below for details: https://www.advocare.com/24daychallenge/default.aspx Also available is a TRIM line, ACTIVE line, WELLNESS line and  PERFORMANCE line.  Ask us today! When? Tuesday  December 3, 2013  From 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm Where? Team Fitness Franklin 100 Franklin Village Drive Franklin, MA 02038 Contact us at 508-541-8330 regarding any questions. See you on December 3rd! Forward this email STAY CONNECTED

Forward this email Team Fitness Franklin | 100 Franklin Village Drive | Franklin | MA | 02038

In the News: PanMass riders, house fire, Ben and the turkey

Local cyclists raise more than $500K for Jimmy Fund at Pan-Mass Challenge

Of the record-setting $39 million raised for cancer research by cyclists of the 2013 Pan-Mass Challenge, 86 Bellingham, Franklin, Medway, Mendon, Milford and Upton residents raised nearly $552,700.

Child's toy causes fire in Franklin, displaces seven

A woman was taken to the hospital with smoke inhalation after fire broke out Tuesday afternoon in a single-family home on Marks Way with the woman's three children inside.

Johnston: Mr. Franklin and the Turkey

O Rare Ben Franklin! A turkey already? A turkey for a National Bird! Yes, that's right. The great Ben Franklin lauded the turkey as a noble bird while he considered the eagle as a sneaky and morally depraved specimen of bird kind. How could Ben, a man of the world, ever have entertained such a thought that the turkey and not the eagle be our national symbol?

Franklin TV - studio update

The local cable channel for Franklin switched from being operated by the town to a separate 501c(3) organization during 2012. They purchased to former market building at 23 Hutchinson St and are in the process of doing their renovations to make it a state of the art media studio.

Franklin.tv

The roof is being replaced.

roof work underway

Once the roof is complete, interior work will begin. There will also be built a smaller building behind this one as I recall to provide garage space for their truck and equipment.

roof first, then interior

Have you visited Franklin.tv online yet?

Hockomock Football and Volleyball All-Stars

The Hockomock Sports.Com has announced the All-Stars for football and volleyball as voted on by the league coaches. Griffin Tighe represents Franklin for football. Lauren Irvine and Dayna McCue represent Franklin for volleyball.

You can review the full football listing here
http://www.hockomocksports.com/1/post/2013/11/hockomock-league-2013-football-all-stars.html

the full volleyball listing here
http://www.hockomocksports.com/1/post/2013/11/hockomock-league-2013-volleyball-all-stars.html

Patriots Raffle tickets - benefit the Franklin Food Pantry

This is a pretty good deal! With a limited number of tickets to be sold by Sunday, Dec 1 your chances can be good.



Raffle tickets available at

Team Fitness Franklin
M-Th 5am-9pm, Fri 5am-7:30pm, Sat 7am-3pm
100 Franklin Village Drive, Franklin

Franklin Food Pantry 
43 W. Central St, Franklin
Tu-Fri 9am-1pm

Investigative Report - WCVB

WCVB - Channel 5 had this investigative report recently.



The text accompanying the video can be found here

You may recall the incident from the opening of school this year
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/09/talking-about-elephant-in-room.html

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/make-sure-due-process-occurs.html

Thanksgiving - much to be thankful for

The Franklin Food Pantry is able to perform its service due to the gracious and giving community of donors and volunteers. The next several weeks are the busiest time of the year as the holidays bring out the giving spirit. The Food Pantry is poised to serve, to give, to share, and to collect.

Turkey Trot Family 5K

1 - The Turkey Trot 5K Family Fun Run and Walk will be held bright and early Thanksgiving morning. Registration can be done online here. The registration fee is $20 per person or 20 items for the Food Pantry.  

2 - For Patriot fans, we are holding a raffle for a chance to win 5 luxury box seats and a parking pass for the Dec 8th game. Tickets are available at the Food Pantry or contact me directly. The raffle winner will be announced Sunday Dec 1 at 4:00 PM.

3 - The Franklin Food Elves will be collecting for the Food Pantry in their annual "12 Days of Giving" campaign.  "More than 60 Food Elves will be collecting goods in neighborhoods around Franklin. If you don't have an Elf in your neighborhood, you can still participate in our food drive! Look for the red collection bins at these participating FDP member businesses:

• DCU, 500 West Central St.
• Dean Bank, 21 Main St. 
• Dean College, Campus Center
• Emma's Quilt Cupboard, 12 Main St.
• Franklin Downtown Partnership Office, 9 East Central St.
• Jane's Frames, 11 East Central St.
• Murphy Business, 15 East Central St.
• Pour Richard's Wine & Spirits, 14 Grove St.

For additional information on the Food Elves visit here

4 - The dramatic performance of "The Christmas Carol Times Two" returns this year on Thursday, Dec 12th. Maybe you heard good things about this sellout performance last year. Get your tickets early this year. The easiest way is to buy your tickets online here. Or you could stop by the Food Pantry.

Franklin Food Pantry

5 - Finally, the Food Pantry webpage has updated its donation widget. You can donate securely online using a credit card or via an electronic funds transfer (EFT) from a bank account. You can make a one time or set up a recurring payment.  You can find the donation widget on the Food Pantry webpage or here on Franklin Matters. (Either way, the transaction is processed directly to the Food Pantry. The link here simply makes it easier to do so).

Thank you!