Fall Fun, Food Planned for Franklin’s Harvest Stroll October 6

Celebrate fall and the completion of the Roadway and Streetscape Improvement Project at the Franklin Downtown Partnership’s Harvest Stroll on Thursday, October 6, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

The Partnership is planning exciting new attractions for its 14th annual fall festival, including a hayride, delicious food options, a variety of entertainers, and more games and activities for kids.

Franklin Downtown Partnership

Main Street will be closed to car traffic for the event, which also will include participating businesses and activities along Summer, East Central and West Central streets. Join members of the FDP and state and local government at a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Main Street to officially mark the revitalization project.

“We have a lot to celebrate this year. The downtown revitalization project is nearly complete and the downtown is more walk-able than ever before. The Franklin Downtown Partnership is excited to invite the community to our fall street festival and showcase the unique offerings of our local businesses,” says Scott Martin, event co-chair.

Organizers expect thousands of visitors to enjoy the party that evening, sampling fall-themed foods and activities, watching talented local artists, discovering shopping specials and learning about helpful community resources at more than 50 booths and locations downtown.

“We invite everyone to come see first-hand the revitalization of our downtown and enjoy the new amenities,” says Lisa Piana, FDP Executive Director. “For 15 years FDP members have worked hard to bring more economic viability to downtown Franklin and we look forward to showing off the progress that’s been made so far.”

There is still time for crafters, organizations, performers and interested community groups to participate in the Harvest Stroll. Booths are free to FDP members and cost $75 for non-members ($150 for non-member food vendors). Registrations are due by September 15. Forms can be found on www.franklindowntownpartnership.org or on the FDP Facebook page. Contact Scott Martin at scottm@hockymca.org with questions.

Many local businesses are sponsoring this event. 

• Middlesex Savings Bank and Rockland Trust are Gold Sponsors.
• Dean Bank, Franklin Ford and Keefe Insurance are Silver Sponsors.
• Beaux Regards Photographic Art by Marjorie Sardella, Chestnut Dental and Michael Dunsky, Branch Manager Guaranteed Rate, Inc. are Bronze Sponsors.
• D.G. Ranieri Real Estate, Maven Hair Company, Simon’s Furniture and Tom Fricker Heating & A/C, Inc. are Friends Sponsors.

If you would like to sponsor this event, please contact the FDP office at downtown.franklin@yahoo.com or (774) 571-3109. Sponsorship forms and a full list of opportunities can be found on the FDP website, www.franklindowntownpartnership.org, under the Sponsors tab.

The Franklin Downtown Partnership is celebrating its 15th year as a non-profit, 501©3 organization made up of businesses, residents and community leaders working to revitalize downtown Franklin. The Partnership runs events such as the Strawberry Stroll, the Harvest Stroll and the Holiday Stroll, and is involved in streetscape and design efforts, greenspace and sculpture projects. New members are always welcome. Learn more at www.franklindowntownpartnership.org.

Sep 10 Garnet Rogers at Circle of Friends Coffeehouse

Next show is Sep 10th featuring Garnet Rogers. Tom Rush on Sep 24th. View this email in your browser GARNET ROGERS with Shawna Caspi Sep 10th 8PM $20 The Circle of Friends Coffeehouse begins its 27th season on Saturday September 10th with famed Canadian singer Garnet Rogers.  Garnet has established himself as "one of the major  talents of our time". Hailed by the Boston Globe as a "charismatic performer and singer", Garnet is a man with a powerful physical presence and a voice to match. With his "smooth dark baritone" his incredible range, and thoughtful, dramatic phrasing, Garnet is widely considered by fans and critics alike to be one of the finest singers anywhere. His music, like the man himself, is literate, passionate, highly sensitive, with a deep purpose. An optimist at heart, Garnet sings extraordinary songs about people who are not obvious heroes and of the small victories of the everyday.  As memorable as his songs, his over the top humor and lightning-quick wit moves his audience from tears to laughter and back again. Garnet suggests that you bring a non-perishable food item as a donation to the Franklin Food Pantry.  http://www.garnetrogers.com/ Toronto based singer Shawna Caspi will open the show. She sings of love, travel, home, and heart, distilling each experience into a series of vibrant snapshots, colored with humor and grace and arranged with care and craft. Her latest release, Apartments for Lovers, is a solo guitar and voice album that showcases her rich voice and remarkable fingerstyle guitar technique. http://www.shawnacaspi.com/ Don't forget to order tickets for Tom Rush who will be appearing on September 24th. All of his previous shows at Circle of Friends have been sellouts. The Circle of Friends Coffeehouse is a non-profit organization affiliated with Franklin's First Universalist Society. Concerts are presented in a smoke free and alcohol free environment at the Society's handicapped accessible Meetinghouse, 262 Chestnut St. in Franklin, and begin at 8:00 PM; doors open at 7:30 PM. Beverages and gourmet desserts will be available. Admission is $20. Please call (508)528-2541 or visit http://www.circlefolk.org/ to purchase tickets or for more information.  Upcoming Shows Sep 10      Garnet Rogers with Shawna Caspi Sep 24      An Evening with Tom Rush Oct 15      Jim Henry and Abbie Gardner (Red Molly) Nov 5        Matt Nakoa, Rachael Kilgour, & Kirsten Maxwell Nov 19      The Kennedys

Circle of Friends Coffeehouse · First Universalist Society · 262 Chestnut St · Franklin, MA 02038 · USA

A new edition of The Franklin Connection is available

A new edition of The Franklin Connection has been published on the Town of Franklin web site.

Click the link below to read the latest edition.
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Senior/sept16connection.pdf

Franklin Senior Center

For more about the Senior Center, visit their page on the Town of Franklin website
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Senior/index

• You can also get a copy of the Sep 2016 Connection here

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczMmN1dEtLVjl5R0k/view?usp=sharing

In the News: back pack drive success, Walgreens recognized

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"Thanks to a robust backpack donation drive, more than 250 needy students in the area now have the supplies necessary for the new school year. 

The effort - held this summer - was organized by the Hockomock Area YMCA, in partnership with the Franklin Elks and the Franklin School District. Drive leader Michell Branche said 274 backpacks full of supplies were distributed to families in the area. 

Branche said the partnerships helped the drive acquire more supplies than last year's iteration, which garnered 64 backpacks. 

"It certainly grew from last year's total," she said. "We got quite a lot of support from the community ... I thought we could get a couple hundred backpacks. This is perfect."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160830/franklin-ymca-backpack-drive-success

"Area officials, emergency personnel and elected representatives were on hand Tuesday afternoon to recognize the local Walgreens pharmacy for providing access to overdose-counteracting drugs. 

The award, according to Norfolk County Assistant District Attorney Jennifer Rowe, came as the result of a survey of area pharmacies. Undercover visitors, she said, went to the county's 120 pharmacies and provided the results of their trips. The Franklin pharmacy rated highly in providing Narcan, which counteracts the effects of an opioid overdose. 

While the district attorney's office has recognized pharmacies before - for things like vigilance in rooting out forged prescriptions - Rowe said this is the first Narcan-availability award given out."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160830/franklin-walgreens-rates-highly-in-providing-anti-overdose-drugs

Walgreens - at the corner of happy and healthy

Franklin Police sets hiring exam for Nov 5

The Town of Franklin is currently seeking interested and qualified candidates for full-time Police Officer positions.

A great place to live, work and do business! One of the “Best Town’s for Families” The Town of Franklin was named one of Family Circle’s 2007 "Ten Best Towns for Families" in the United States. This honor was bestowed on Franklin and nine other towns and small cities "that offer what parents and children want most - affordable homes, good jobs, top-rated schools, open spaces and a lot less stress".

Franklin is located 28 miles south of Boston, 26 miles north of providence, RI and is bounded by the towns of Medway, Norfolk, Wrentham and Bellingham. The town has a residential population of 33,590 and spans 27.01 square miles.

Franklin Police Dept, 911 Panther Way

Franklin enjoys good transportation networks with Route 140, two exits to Interstate 495, and easy access to major routes such as Interstate 90 (Massachusetts Turnpike), Interstate 95, Route 1 and Route 126. In addition to a well integrated roadway system, Franklin is host to two MBTA commuter rail stations, and has fixed route bus service through the Greater Attleboro Taunton Regional Transit Authority.
​
The mission of the Franklin Police Department is to work collaboratively in partnership with our community to enhance the quality of life in our town, while maintaining order and protecting the people we serve. We will accomplish this mission by providing high quality law enforcement service, doing so with professionalism, honor and integrity.
​
The Franklin Police Department currently employs 47 sworn officers, 8 full-time and 4 part-time civilian personnel who provide telecommunication and administrative services.

The essential functions of a Franklin Police Officer are:

• Perform a variety of duties involved in the enforcement of laws and prevention of crimes;
• Control traffic flow and enforce State and local traffic regulations;
• Participate in and conduct a variety of criminal investigations;
• Provide a high level of customer service and integrate the community into policing activities;
• Participate in community based police activities and programs; and
• Perform a variety of technical and administrative tasks in support of law enforcement services and activities.

The work of this position involves responsibility for the protection of life and property, and prevention of crime, apprehension of criminals and the general enforcement of State laws, and local ordinances.

Duties normally consist of routine patrol, preliminary investigation, and traffic regulation and community policing. Patrol officers also may be assigned duties as detective, school resource officer, field training officer, K-9 handler, bicycle patrol, motorcycle patrol, Drug Recognition Expert, etc. The work involves an element of personal danger and the employee must be able to act without direct supervision and to exercise independent judgment in meeting emergencies.

The Franklin Police Department is partnering with Police Exam Solutions to host a police officer entrance exam on Saturday, November 5, 2016. This is a great opportunity for anyone interested in beginning a career in law enforcement. The department expects to have several patrol officer positions available in the near future for qualified candidates. For more information and to register, please click the link below.
​
Thank you for your interest in the Franklin Police Department.

Registrations accepted online here -->>


This was shared from
http://www.policeexamsolutions.com/#!franklin-pd-exam/otv9u

Meeting to focus on Regional Transportation Challenges

The 495/MetroWest Suburban Edge Community Commission, co-chaired by Senator Karen Spilka, Representative Kate Hogan, and Assistant Secretary for Communities and Programs Juan Vega, will hold a meeting focused on regional transportation challenges.

The 495/ MetroWest Suburban Edge Community Commission was established by the Legislature in Section 233 of Chapter 165 of the Session Laws of 2015. The commission will study development challenges experienced by edge communities, including transportation, water, cellular, and energy infrastructure, transit services, residential development, reuse of former industrial facilities and historic mills, brownfields reclamation, downtown redevelopment and other such constraints. 

The commission will then develop policy responses and recommendations to ensure that edge communities can participate in state development initiatives and benefit from state resources. The commission will focus its investigation and study on the 35 municipalities served by the 495/MetroWest Corridor Partnership, Inc. and develop a pilot program to address the issues to be studied and investigated by the commission.


WHEN: 
Friday, September 16, 2016, 11:00 am

WHERE: 
Warren Conference Center
529 Chestnut St,
Ashland, MA 01721

WHO: 
Senator Karen Spilka
Representative Kate Hogan
Assistant Secretary for Communities and Programs Juan Vega
Senator James Eldridge
Senator Richard Ross
Representative Carolyn Dykema
Representative David Muradian

http://www.mass.gov/hed/economic/initiatives/metrowest-suburban-edge-community-commission.html

• Additional info on the Commission can be found her

http://www.mass.gov/hed/economic/initiatives/metrowest-suburban-edge-community-commission.html

School Wellness Advisory Council: "Nutrition Nuggets"

The School Wellness Advisory Council has published "Nutrition Nuggets" and shared here:

Remington Middle School

Dancing Principal 1st day dance 2016

And what has become a tradition on the first day of school at Remington Middle School happened again this morning. Principal Brian Wildeman danced for the first day and some brave students joined along!





For more about Remington visit their webpage
http://remington.franklin.k12.ma.us/Pages/index

Remington Middle School, Franklin, MA

Facing Addiction Across America (Part 3 and 4 - YouTube series)

"In recovery, community and support are such major factors"

"Join Ryan Hampton and Garrett Hade on their journey into Denver, CO in Part 3 of our Facing Addiction Across America docuseries. Watch and meet even more inspiring individuals at Young People in Recovery and Peter Hamilton from Freedom From Addiction. Tune in now and join their#ISupportRecovery movement. Learn more: http://bit.ly/29QcpCu"

Ryan and Garrett arrive in Texas where they meet with Michael Dadashi and KC Davis of Infinite Recovery, both people in long-term recovery. Watch and comment.





I'll continue to post a pair of episodes until the series completes. If you want to feel free to find the next in the series by clicking through to YouTube.

You can help support the SAFE Coalition which works to provide support for those of our neighbors who need it.  http://safecoalitionma.com/

S.A.F.E. is a coalition of community partners who have come together to provide support, education, treatment options, and coping mechanisms for those affected by substance abuse disorder.

FPAC Announces Open Auditions For 26th Season

The Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) will hold open auditions for several fall and holiday productions featured as part of the company’s 26th season. FPAC proudly presents the musical theater masterpiece Fiddler on the Roof, Neil Simon’s hilarious The Odd Couple, Tchaikovsky’s timeless ballet The Nutcracker, the FPAC family-favorite musical Humbug!, and an original American panto with a twist on a fairy tale classic.

Opening FPAC’s season, Fiddler on the Roof will be presented on October 15, 16, 21, 22 and 23 at THE BLACK BOX, FPAC’s home and performance venue in downtown Franklin. The iconic musical, winner of nine Tony Awards for the 1964 premiere production, features the beloved classics “Sunrise, Sunset,” “Miracle of Miracles,” “If I Were a Rich Man,” “Tradition,” and “Matchmaker.” Auditions will be held on Wednesday, September 7 at 5:30 p.m. for children ages 8 and older (limited roles), 6:00 for teens, and 7:00 for adults. Please prepare 16 measures of a legitimate musical theater song in the style of the show. A dance combination will be taught at the audition. 

Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC)

The Odd Couple auditions will take place on Tuesday, September 13 at 8 p.m., with performances scheduled for November 4-6 at THE BLACK BOX. The two-person comedy is an epic mismatch of personalities as an incompatible pair of suddenly single pals becomes roommates. Please be prepared for cold readings; a monologue is optional.

Presented with live professional orchestra on December 3 and 4 at the Franklin High School auditorium, FPAC’s magical journey of The Nutcracker features more than 100 area dancers and special guest artists. Open auditions for The Nutcracker will be held on Sunday, September 18. Students, ages 6 and older, from all area dance schools are welcome. Ballet attire is required. Audition times are 9:30-10:00 a.m. for ages 6 and 7, 10:00-10:45 for ages 8 and 9, 11:00-11:45 for ages 10 and 11, 11:45-12:45 for ages 12 and 13, 1:00-2:00 for ages 14+ (off pointe), and 2:45-3:45 for ages 12+ (pointe audition; must be on pointe for at least one year). Off-pointe callbacks are scheduled at 2:00-2:30 p.m., with pointe callbacks from 3:45-4:45.

FPAC’s original American panto follows in the British tradition, retelling a well-known fairy tale in an exaggerated style filled with audience participation, popular songs, slapstick comedy, jokes, dances and more. The production will be staged at THE BLACK BOX on December 10 and 11. 

FPAC’s large-cast holiday musical, Humbug!, will be presented on December 17 and 18 at Franklin High School auditorium. A family favorite since debuting as part of the company’s 2008 season, Humbug! is a contemporary adaptation of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol.

Open auditions for both holiday musicals will take place on Saturday, October 8 at 1 p.m. for ages 6-8, 1:30 for ages 9 and 10, 2:00 for ages 11 and 12, 2:30 for teens, and 3:30 for adults. Students must be 6 years of age or older on the audition date to participate. Beginners and all levels are welcome. Please prepare 16 measures of a musical theater or pop song. A simple dance combination will be taught at the audition.

All FPAC auditions will take place at THE BLACK BOX, located at 15 West Central Street in downtown Franklin. For more information, call (508) 528-3370 or visit www.FPAConline.com

Welcome back to School

The 2016-2017 school year begins today. 

"The first day of school for Grades 1 - 12 is Tuesday, August 30, 2016 

First day for Kindergarten is Wednesday, August 31, 2016 

Please note that Friday, September 2nd is a Professional Development Day for all staff and there is no school for students."

The school calendars can be found here
http://franklindistrict.vt-s.net/Pages/FranklinDistrict_SchoolCalDocs/index


Other information about the Franklin School District can be found here
http://franklindistrict.vt-s.net/Pages/index

Remington-Jefferson School sign on Washington St

School Committee begins search process for new Superintendent

My coverage of the School Committee meeting on Tuesday, Aug 23 was interrupted by my own work commitment. (Yes, I do this part time in my spare time and sometimes my work for a global company takes priority). 

I did catch up to the Franklin TV recording of the meeting to view the remainder of the ECRA presentation and then the balance of the committee meeting.

The Committee decided to 

• have Central Office do some reference checks on the two companies that presented. 
• find out why MASC did not show up and have them try again at the next meeting
• adjust the next meeting agenda to split the school improvement plans (FHS and middle schools one night, elementary schools, the next)

ECRA Group – John Connolly

Dr Carolyn Burke, Dr. Art Bettencourt, Executive Director, Dr Sally Diaz - NESDEC

"4. Action Items
a. I recommend moving the following policies to a second reading at the next School Committee meeting: 

1. DJE – Bidding Requirements
2. DKC – Expense Reimbursements
3. JJF – Student Activity Accounts
4. JJF-R – Student Activity Accounts
5. JJFG – Disposition of Student Activity Accounts"

motion to move to a second reading, seconded, passed 7-0

b. I recommend approval of the budget transfers as detailed. 
motion to approve, seconded, passed 7-0

c. I recommend acceptance of a check for $2705.29 from the Parmenter PCC for supplemental supplies at Parmenter Elementary School. 
motion to approve, seconded, passed 7-0

5. Information Matters
Superintendent’s Report 

• Enrollment Update

enrollment down in Elementary and up in middle and high school as expected
3 days of academic training conducted last week for administrators, budget balancing exercise was revealing and worthwhile
worked on the District and School improvement plans

new staff orientation begins, instructional expectations being set
total of 41 new staff starting this year, one of the smaller groups in several years
a really engaged group, wide range of experience some new and some with 10-15 years elsewhere

Transportation update
2681 to be bussed as of 8/20/16
160 signed up in the prior 14 days, 50 on waiting lists (primarily on FHS buses)
1832 in 'pay to ride'; 849 are bus eligible
reduced ridership brought about consolidation of some routes
responding to changes and requests as soon as possible 
probably additions can be made towards the end of September as bus counts normalize


School Committee Sub-Committee Reports 

• Community Engagement

Policy sub committee to meet on Monday, Sep 19 to address the dress code policy

274 backpacks were prepared and 170+ distributed already

Y and Elks coordinated with the School District

backpacks going to schools in the Hockomock area

thanks to the community for stepping up to make a difference for the kids

7. Motion to Adjourn 
– Dr. O’Malley 
approved, 7-0


Note from the earlier sections of the meeting can be found here:

• Real time reporting: 2nd Search Firm - ECRA Group
• Real time Reporting: School Committee - Aug 23, 20...

You can view the Franklin TV video

http://view.earthchannel.com/PlayerController.aspx?PGD=franknma&eID=388

Walgreen’s Pharmacy to receive award from SAFE Coalition and Norfolk County DA

WHAT: Community Participation Award to Walgreen’s
WHERE: 160 E CENTRAL ST in Franklin MA
WHEN: 1:30 pm, Tuesday, August 30, 2016

The S.A.F.E. Coalition of MA and Norfolk County District Attorney’s Office are pleased to present the first award for proficiency in providing Narcan to the community to Walgreen’s Pharmacy in Franklin, MA. 

The presentation will occur at 1:30 PM, Tuesday August 30, 2016 at the Walgreen’s Pharmacy, 160 East Central Street, Franklin MA. S.A.F.E. goals are to empower those affected by substance abuse disorders, including their families, with the tools necessary to succeed on their journey to recovery. 

Walgreen’s is a primary example of community involvement in providing the tools for medical detoxification by health professionals. Representatives S.A.F.E. Coalition will be present.

The S.A.F.E. Coalition of MA is a 501(3)(c) non-profit organization.

S.A.F.E. is a coalition of community partners who have come together to provide support, education, treatment options, and coping mechanisms for those affected by substance abuse disorder. We do so by empowering those affected, including their families, with the tools necessary to succeed on their journey to recovery. We understand that while I can't, we can.

Representative Roy and fellow members of the SAFE coalition will be hosting a small event on Wednesday August 30, 2016 at 1:30PM to honor the Walgreens in Franklin. Walgreen’s is being honored for their dedication to safety and well-being of their community and for receiving the Naloxone “Best Practices” award. Representative Roy and the coalition will be joined by Norfolk County District Attorney, Michael Morrissey. 

“The amount of support that everyone in Franklin has shown in combating the Commonwealths opioid epidemic has been truly remarkable,” said Representative Jeffrey N. Roy (D-Franklin) “I am pleased to be able to acknowledge the hard work that another local group is doing to keep our community safe and healthy.” 

The Franklin Walgreens is located at 160 East Central Street. Anyone interested in celebrating Walgreens achievement are welcome. 

Store manager: Brian Votolato, Pharmacy manager Tricia Ngyuen.

Pick a date/time to hear about Easy Walks in MA

Leaf peepers in south Central Massachusetts can learn about the best places to admire the fall colors, from local cemeteries to off-the- beaten-path hideaways, when Bellingham author Marjorie Turner Hollman visits eight libraries in September.

Hollman's slide show features photos of vivid fall color, and she will point out simple things to look for while exploring, and the best places to take the kids and the dog. Peak color in eastern Massachusetts is generally the first two weeks in October.

"Seek out local cemeteries," she said. "You will often find spectacular sugar maples that look like they're ablaze. No power lines to obscure the view, the neighbors are peaceful, and the walkways are often paved."

Here's the schedule:

• Douglas Sr. Center/Douglas Library, 331 Main St. Douglas, MA slide show, brownbag lunch, then take an Easy Walk on the SNETT in Douglas, Sept. 12, 11AM
• Upton MA Library, Upton Town Hall, slide show of Easy Walks Sept. 14, 6:30PM
• Medway MA Library, 26 High St., slide show of Easy Walks Sept.15, 7PM
• Blackstone, MA Library, 86 Main St., slide show of Easy Walks, Sept. 20, 1PM
• Franklin, MA Library 25 Kenwood Circle, slide show of Easy Walks, Sept.20, 6:30PM
• Milford, MA Library, 80 Spruce St., Foliage detectives slide show of Blackstone Valley and Upper Charles river watershed, Sept. 21, 7PM
• Weston, MA Library, 87 School Street, “Fall Foliage is right around the corner” slide show of Easy Walks in the Upper Charles, Neponset and Sudbury River Watersheds, Sept. 22, 2:30PM
• Millville, MA Library, 169 Main St. Slide show of Easy Walks, Sept. 28, 6:30PM

Easy Walks in MA

Her favorite spot for leaf peeping?

"An overlook in the Blackstone Valley National Historical Park," she said. "It's an easy quarter-mile walk from parking to the overlook, then a little scramble onto the rock to enjoy the view. I’m a sucker for a view, even if it's a little challenging."

Hollman is a personal historian who loves the outdoors, and has completed two guides to easy walking trails in Massachusetts: the just released, Easy Walks in MA 2nd edition https://www.amazon.com/Easy-Walks-Massachusetts-2nd-Northbridge/dp/0989204340 ($21.95) and More Easy Walks ($20), both available on Amazon. The two books together include location maps, information on where dogs are welcome and much more about 80+ local trails in 31 surrounding communities. Hollman will sign copies of her books at each library.

http://marjorieturner.com/2015/07/30/find-fantastic-fall-foliage/

Franklin Garden Club meets Sep 6

The Franklin Garden Club, which is now affiliated with the Garden Club Federation of Massachusetts, will hold its first meeting of the 2016-17 season on Tuesday, September 6 from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. at the Franklin Senior Center, located at 26 Daniel McCahill Street. Membership is open to all members of the community. Those interested in joining the club are invited to attend this meeting to learn more about the club’s activities and services. Attendees are encouraged, but not required, to bring a perennial to swap with others.

A highlight of this year’s programming will be a joint program with the Millis and Norfolk garden clubs on November 1 that will focus on “Pots with Pizzazz,” presented by Enchanted Gardens. Other programs scheduled for this year are: October 6 - Native Plants and Pollinators; February 7 – Cooking with Winter Vegetables; March 7 - A Sustainable Enough Garden; April 4 – Pruning 101; and May 2 – Cooking with Gardening Herbs. Other activities for the coming year include field trips to Borderland State Park in Easton, MA and Blithewold Mansion and Gardens in Bristol, RI.

Franklin Garden Club

The Franklin Garden Club was founded in 1987 and became a member of The Garden Club Federation of Massachusetts, Inc. in 2015. Activities include a combination of education and service. Speakers provide information on different garden related topics. Members volunteer to plant and maintain the Veteran’s Memorial Garden at the Town Common, distribute pine tree seedlings to all first graders in Franklin schools, and provide a scholarship to a graduating senior pursuing an education in horticulture or environmental studies. Members also participate in a yearly fundraiser, enjoy field trips to area gardens, plan a holiday dinner and auction and provide helpful support to each other with gardening problems and questions.