"A willingness to accept change"

Franklin has some of the ingredients that helped Hudson: 

• The SNETT rail trail is located just outside of downtown
• Local zoning was changed in 2017 to allow distiller, winery or brewery tasting rooms
• The downtown renovation project was just completed in 2016
• Local businesses and town officials are talking about what needs to be done

What remains to be done now?

"Downtown Hudson was quiet when Michael Kasseris stepped out into the late night air in 2012. 

Behind him was a Main Street space that had once housed a printing shop, a bagel shop and a gifting shop. 

His uncle owned the building. Kasseris and his two business partners had just opened Rail Trail Flatbread Co. -- a trendy new restaurant featuring wood-fired pizza and craft beer. 

He looked around. The downtown stores, tucked inside historic brick buildings, were empty. The parking spaces were empty. There was no foot traffic."

Continue reading the MassLive article about Hudson
http://www.masslive.com/news/index.ssf/2017/08/hudson_how_this_small_massachu.html

"It was the historic buildings and their curb appeal, the rail trail, the economy in an upswing,
the streetscaping and a dozen little things that became big things."

Hat tip to Melanie for sharing the article!

"so many people don’t understand the way government works"

As Franklin gets to prepare for the town election this November, Franklin Matters will be sharing some of the basic information to help you cast informed votes. Interviews with the candidates are being scheduled. The results of those will be published here. Information on each of the committee and boards will be shared: what is their scope of operation? what do they do?

And coincidentally, in this article from the Milford Daily News (MDN), there is a movement afoot to have more education on civics. How does our government work? What does the Federal government do that the State doesn't? How does the State affect directly or indirectly Franklin?

"Recent studies show many Americans would struggle to pass a U.S. citizenship test, an exam that many states are adopting as a high school graduation requirement. 

Civics in the classroom 

High school students in 23 states need to pass a civics test before graduating, and there’s a proposal to bring the same requirement to Massachusetts. 

The Civics Education Initiative, a project of the Arizona-based nonprofit Joe Foss Institute, calls for high schools to require that students pass a test on 100 basic facts of U.S. history and civics taken directly from the United States Citizenship Civics Test, the exam that immigrants must pass when applying for American citizenship."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170818/could-you-pass-us-citizenship-test

There is also a sample US Citizenship test linked to in the MDN article 

The Downtown Improvement Project was the result of Federal fund administered by the State
and designed in collaboration with Franklin government and community participation

Franklin Almanac Episode 9 (YouTube)

Franklin Almanac Episode 9 with Host Polikseni Manxhari was published on Jul 24, 2017. It is available for replay on YouTube after being broadcast on the local Verizon and Comcast cable channels.

• Introduction- 0:00-0:35
• Franklin Legion 5k- 0:36-3:51
• Housing Threshold- 3:52-11:25
• Algonquin Pipeline- 11:26-18:54
• Franklin Farmers Market- 18:56-23:51
• Final thoughts and closing-23:52-25:20

two rows of vendors at the Franklin Farmers Market

Boys and Girls Youth Soccer Clinic - October 15

Presented by the Franklin High School Soccer Program

Instruction Provided by: FHS Soccer Team Members and Coaches

All skill levels welcome

Grades 1-6 boys 9-10:30 am Grades 1-6 girls 11-12:30 PM- Cost $25

The clinic will run rain or shine

Location: Franklin High School New Turf Field.

Content: The clinic will focus on skills and techniques for any level player.

Equipment: sneaker or cleats, shin guards and a soccer ball. 

Payment: Send the form with a check payable to Franklin Soccer Boosters by October 8, 2017: Kathleen O’Neil at 560 Coronation Dr., Franklin MA 02038. Email: franklinsoccerboosters@gmail.com

Boys and Girls Youth Soccer Clinic - October 15

Train Excursion through the Blackstone Valley

Tickets available now! Don't miss this fun fall train trip!

For tickets, call 401-495-1213 or Visit our website Join us for a scenic trip through the Blackstone Valley, and a day filled with fun autumn activities! Enjoy a relaxing train ride, Putnam's Annual Pumpkin Festival, many antique and gift shops, a farmers' market, local restaurants, and more! Last year's trip sold out! Get your tickets today!

Blackstone Valley Tourism Council | 175 Main Street, Pawtucket, RI 02860 Sent by info@tourblackstone.com in collaboration with Try it free today

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA Area: FRI 8/18/17 - THU 8/24/17

FRIDAY 8/18/17
9:30am   Family Yoga @ Franklin Public Library
12-6pm   Franklin Farmers Market @ Town Common
3:30pm   Lemonade and Giant Legos @ Franklin Public Library

SATURDAY 8/19/17
9am-5pm   Random Smile Project: 5th Annual Wiffle Ball Tournament  @ Fletcher Field
9-10am   Rep Roy Office Hours @ Galante Restaurant in Medway
10-1pm   Franklin Historical Museum Open
6pm   Vet Ruck Walk coming through Franklin @ Franklin Town Common

SUNDAY 8/20/17
1-4pm   Farm Bureau Harvest Festival @ Pour Richard’s
1-4pm   Franklin Historical Museum Open

MONDAY 8/21/17
7pm   Learn to Cope Franklin Chapter Meeting @ FUSF

WEDNESDAY 8/23/17
6-9pm   Local Author Kim Rezendes @ La Cantina Winery
6:30-8pm   Concerts on the Common: The Leeds/Elaine Kessler - Children's Program (rescheduled from 7/12) @ Franklin Town Common

THURSDAY 8/24/17
1-6pm   American Red Cross Blood Drive @ Elks Lodge
5-8pm   Franklin Historical Museum Open
7-8pm   Healing Hearts Community Support Group @ Franklin YMCA

For the Town of Franklin Public Calendar click HERE.

For all other events and Franklin happenings click HERE.

*To submit an event for the Community Calendar, please use this FORM

"it’s no surprise to see exceptional results like these”

FHS Class of 2015 graduate Kyle Pandiscio is making waves!

"In a field of 1150 teams, Isenberg undergraduate Kyle Pandiscio ’19 (Marketing) and Julia Keefe ’17 (BDIC) won first-place honors in the billboard display category in Project Yellow Light, a national advertising competition that promotes safe driving practices. The competition’s high-profile sponsors include AdCouncil, Clear Channel, I Heart Radio, Mazda, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, U-Haul, and the National Organizations for Youth Safety. Unveiled on a Times Square billboard on June 7, the winning design by the UMass Amherst duo currently graces more than 1,000 Clear Channel digital billboards across the nation. 

Kyle and Julia’s concept, captured in the photo, marshals “auto-correct”-inspired messaging to convey a dire consequence of driving while texting. With no-nonsense clarity, the billboard’s message reminds drivers to self-correct (i.e., eliminate) the potentially fatal habit of texting while driving—auto-correction for auto drivers, if you will."

Continue reading about Kyle
https://www.isenberg.umass.edu/news/student-team-wins-national-advertising-competition

Student Team Wins National Advertising Competition (UMass immge)

Thanks to the helpful reader for tipping this our way!

8th Anniversary of LET'S LAUGH TODAY in Franklin

Celebrate the 8th Anniversary of Let's Laugh Today in Franklin with laughter and refreshments and feel like a little kid again! 

Boost your joy factor, lighten up, release happy chemicals and open channels of expression and well-being to source your natural aliveness! 

Experience the health benefits of joyful laughter on Wednesday, September 13th from 7:30pm to 8:45pm at the Meetinghouse of the First Universalist Society in Franklin, 262 Chestnut Street, Franklin. They meet the second Wednesday of every month. 

Laughter Yoga is a body/mind practice for well-being that involves deep breathing and a few stretches, playful laughter exercises (no jokes or comedy), clapping and deep relaxation. 

It can strengthen the immune system, combat the negative effects of stress, and is a powerful antidote to depression and anxiety. Any age and any level of physical ability can participate in this uplifting experience! 

New laughers are always welcomed! $5 donation to the church, $10 maximum per family. Please bring your water bottle because laughing is dehydrating. 

Led by Certified Laughter Yoga Teachers, Linda and Bill Hamaker. If you have any questions, just call them at 508-660-2223 or e-mail billandlinda@letslaughtoday.com. See other opportunities to laugh at www.letslaughtoday.com.

8th Anniversary of LET'S LAUGH TODAY in Franklin

Franklin Almanac Episode 8 (YouTube)

Franklin Almanac Episode 8 With Host Polikseni Manxhari is available for replay on YouTube. The show was originally posted on Jul 5, 2017

• Intro - 00:00-00:42
• Strawberry Stroll - 00:43-06:30
• Interview with Nan Rafter - 06:31-14:52
• Plaque dedication for Harvey Nasuti - 14:53-20:00
• LED streetlights - 20:01-27:40
• Final Thoughts - 27:41-29:57

Fletcher Field flag pole honors Harvey Nasuti 1

Announcement Regarding Tree Pruning for Aug-Sep-Oct

National Grid will have ABC Professional Tree Service in town for approximately three months starting August 23, 2017. They will be performing preventive tree pruning to their electrical lines throughout the town. 

If you have any questions you can contact Michelle Badolato at 508-482-1073.

Read more: http://www.franklinma.gov/node/136063

This is an automatic message from Town of Franklin MA

Announcement Regarding Tree Pruning for Aug-Sep-Oct

23rd Annual Backpack Drive

The St. Mary's Conference of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul is excited to announce its 23rd annual collection of back-to-school supplies to help children prepare for a wonderful school year. If you would like to participate, please buy a school backpack, and fill it with back to school supplies. 

Please label the backpack either Grades K-3, Grades 4-5, Grades 6-8, or Grades 9-12. 

The backpacks should not be specific for either a boy or a girl. 

The backpacks may be dropped off in Sacred Heart Hall (lower level of the church) on the weekend of August 19/20 and on Monday, (August 21st) until noon. 

Members of the St. Vincent de Paul Society will deliver backpacks to families in town with school-aged children. We are also hoping to have enough backpacks to offer them to families living in area shelters. 

Last year, 132 children and teens benefited from your generosity. It is so important for children and youth to see the goodness in the world.

Suggestions for supplies may be found on our website. 
http://stmarysfranklin.org/media/1/19/2017%20BackpackDrive&List.pdf

Lists are also available at the front doors of the church.

23rd Annual Backpack Drive

Franklin Public Library: Teen Book Brunch - Summer Reading Wrap-Up Party

Two events are scheduled at the Franklin Public Library for Friday, August 18. The Teen Book Brunch, Friday, will be held at 10:30 AM and the Summer Reading Wrap-Up Party begins at 3:00 PM

Franklin Public Library: Teen Book Brunch

Franklin Public Library: Summer Reading Wrap-Up Party

This was shared from the Franklin Library webpages
http://franklinpl.blogspot.com/2017/08/teen-book-brunch-friday-august-18-1030.html

http://franklinpl.blogspot.com/2017/08/summer-reading-wrap-up-party-friday.html

MassBudget is Hiring!

Job opening for Senior Policy Analyst or Policy Analyst

MassBudget    Information.    Participation.  Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center    Democracy. MassBudget is hiring a part-time Senior Policy Analyst or Policy Analyst! We're seeking a Senior Policy Analyst or Policy Analyst with experience in one or more of the following policy areas: MassHealth, public health, mental health, human services, and early education. The Analyst will lead our research in at least one of these policy areas and will help expand access to our analysis and data by building relationships with a diverse set of stakeholders, delivering presentations, and more. This opening provides a great opportunity to join a group of people working to make life better for low- and moderate-income children and adults in Massachusetts through research, analysis, and data-driven recommendations. MassBudget conducts rigorous non-partisan policy research, always with an eye towards presenting our work in ways that are accessible to and easily used by the general public, grassroots organizations, policy advocates, policymakers, and the media. We are looking for candidates who are passionate about our mission; who have experience in policy research, preferably with a fiscal analysis component; and who can effectively communicate to a wide variety of audiences. A full job description and information on how to apply can be found HERE. We believe our work is better when we have a diversity of voices on our team. We strongly encourage people of diverse backgrounds to apply. The Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center (MassBudget) produces policy research, analysis, and data-driven recommendations focused on improving the lives of low- and middle-income children and adults, strengthening our state's economy, and enhancing the quality of life in Massachusetts. MASSACHUSETTS BUDGET AND POLICY CENTER 15 COURT SQUARE, SUITE 700 BOSTON, MA 02108

Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center, 15 Court Square, Suite 700, Boston, MA 02108 Sent by nberger@massbudget.org in collaboration with Try it free today image from Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center (MassBudget)

Harvest Festival - Aug 20

Meet your local farmers and sample cocktails and food made with locally grown produce, cheese, ice cream, and meats!

All food prepared by Chef Daniele Baliani of Waltham’s La Campania Ristorante.
Cocktails prepared by Palm Bay’s Corey Bunnewith.

Plus two local breweries and delicious organic and sustainable Italian wines.

Celebrate Local. Celebrate Small. Celebrate Delicious!

100% of your ticket will be donated to the Norfolk County Chapter of Mass Farm Bureau Scholarship Fund. Pour Richard’s will also donate a portion of sales. Big thanks to the farmers who donated product and made this event possible!

The Harvest Festival will be held this Sunday, Aug 20 at Pour Richard's at 14 Grove St, Franklin from 1 to 4 PM. Tickets $10 at door.

Harvest Festival - Aug 20

Concerts on the Common: Matt Zajac and Friends - Aug 16

Set aside Wednesday evening for "family night" on the common. Bring a blanket, chairs, and a picnic meal; relax and enjoy the evening.

August 16 - Matt Zajac and Friends

Concerts on the Common: Matt Zajac and Friends - Aug 16

In the event of rain, the concert will be held at:St Mary's/Ben Franklin Charter School - across the street from the common.

Wednesdays 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Children's Programs 6:00 PM - 6:30 PM 



Note the July 12 concert which was rained out has been rescheduled for Aug 23

August 23 - Leeds

• Elaine Kess1er - Children's program