“This bill is not just about our past, it’s about our future”

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

"Days after the 2016 election, a swastika was discovered painted on the side of Mount Tom in Easthampton, alongside anti-Semitic and pro-Donald Trump messages.

Henia Lewin, a survivor of the Holocaust who lives in Amherst, described it as a “wakeup call” and the motivation she needed to share her story.

Lewin was one-and-a-half years old in 1941 when she was smuggled by her parents in a suitcase out of a Lithuanian ghetto set up that summer by invading Nazi forces. She now tells her survival story to students and teachers around the state, hoping that by educating young people about what happened in Europe she can discourage hatred and prejudice in the future.

“I have found that people don’t know about the Holocaust, not just kids in school and college students, but even adults,” Lewis told the Joint Committee on Education on Monday."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20191007/franklins-roy-behind-genocide-education-bill

For additional details on this proposed legislation
https://malegislature.gov/Bills/191/H566

Franklin Public Library October 2019 News & Events for Children, Teens, and Families

Library Hours

The Franklin Public Library will be closed Monday, October 14 for Columbus Day. The Library’s regular hours are Monday through Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Friday and Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Sunday, 1:30-5:00 p.m.

Programs for Children and Teens

Mondays

Move Along. 10:30 a.m. For ages 0 – 5 years
This thirty minute program features 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 is required! Join us immediately after for an informal playgroup with toys and books for children who are accompanied by an adult. Connect with other parents and let little ones interact with one another!

Dungeons and Dragons Club for Kids! Monday Afternoons, 3:30-5:00 p.m.
Kids ages 7-13 are invited to join us for a weekly Dungeons and Dragons Club! Dungeons and Dragons, also known as D&D, is one of the most complex tabletop games in history. The library will supply dice, rule books, and blank character sheets! We will be using the 5th edition books and rules. (Dungeon Masters must be ages 12 and up) Email mgousie@minlib.net to sign up!



Tuesdays

Cool Cruisers: a Playgroup for crawlers and early walkers! 9:30 a.m.
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 fun age of exploring is very different from their first few months, so join us for a special playgroup just for this exciting time!

Get Ready for Kindergarten. 10:30 a.m. For ages 3 – 5.
This 45 minute program featuring stories, songs, activities, and crafts will help prepare your children for preschool and kindergarten. Parents and caregivers can attend with their child if they wish. No registration is required.

Code IT! First and Third Tuesday of the Month, 4:00 p.m.
Welcome to the evolution of technology programming at the Franklin Public Library. Come on in for an Begginer level Hour of Code! Recommended for 4th grade and up. To sign up contact mgousie@minlib.net.

Bookworm Bounce! 4th Tuesday of the Month, 4:00-4:45 p.m. (0-5)
Kids ages 0-5 are welcome to join us for an afternoon 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!



Wednesdays

Terrific Toddlers. 10:30 a.m. For ages 18 months to 3 years.
Enjoy thirty minutes of interactive stories, songs, and activities for families and children from birth to age 3. No registration is required. Join us immediately after for an informal playgroup with toys and books for children who are accompanied by an adult. Connect with other parents and let little ones interact with one another!

Construction Junction! First Wednesday of the Month, 5:00-6:00 p.m. (5+)
Kids 5 and up are welcome to join us on the first Wednesday of each month for a building bonanza! We’ll use Legos, Lincoln Logs, Jix, and more to complete themed challenges! Bring your imagination!

Crafternoon! 2nd Wednesday of the Month, 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. (3+)
Join us on the 2nd Wednesday of each month for a fabulous variety of themed arts and crafts designed for all ages!

Book Bites! Third Wednesday of the month, 5:00-6:00 p.m. (8-11)
Kids ages 8-11! Join us each month for snacks and a casual conversation about your favorite reads! Share what books you’re loving lately, and get great book recommendations from others! This is a low key (and delicious) way to find your next favorite book or series!

Bump and Beyond: A Group for Expecting Parents! Fourth Wednesday of the Month, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
No matter what stage you're at in your (or your partner's) pregnancy, you probably have questions. (Is this normal? What should we expect? How will we handle feeding and sleeping issues?)You're not alone! Join us at the library to share your questions, get answers, meet other expecting parents and build your parent tribe! We will be joined each month by lactation specialists, Nurse Practitioners, and parents Katie and Kim of Northeast Moms and Babies, who will be on hand to answer all your questions!


Thursdays

Baby Tummy Time! 9:30 a.m. (For pre-walkers ages 0-18 months)
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!

StoryXplorers. 10:30 a.m. For ages 0-5.
Join us for 30 minutes of themed stories, songs, and movement followed by 30 minutes of craft and sensory play!

Tales for Tails. 2nd Thursday of the Month, 6:30 p.m. (2nd grade +)
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. REGISTRATION REQUIRED. SPOTS ARE LIMITED. Email bcomeau@minlib.net to sign up!


Fridays

Chess Club for Kids! 1st & 3rd Friday of the Month, 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. (8-13)
A fun and educational program for kids? What more could you ask for? Whether you are new to the game or are a more seasoned player, we invite all kids ages 8-13 to join us!

Happy Feet! 2nd and 4th Friday of the Month, 10:30 a.m. (3-5)
Let’s play some music and get those little toes moving! Join us for an introductory class into creative movement using very basic ballet moves. We will have fun learning to move to the music while building coordination and confidence. Laughter and giggles are definitely expected!



Saturdays

Baby Sensory! First Saturday of the Month, 10:30 a.m.
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!)



Special Programs

Storytime S.T.E.A.M.! Wednesday, October 9th, 10:30-11:30 a.m. (K-5th Grade!)
Join us for a special reading of “Mixed” by Arree Chung, followed by a colorful and scientific story-related craft!

Baby-Wearing Dance Party! Friday, October 11th, 9:00-9:30 a.m.
Strap your little one in and join us for music and movement together! Bond with your baby in a fun, interactive way for this half-hour program!

Dr. Junglestein’s Halloween Spooktacular Madness Show! Saturday, Oct 12th, 1:00 p.m.
Are you ready for some ghoul times? This 45-minute program combines Halloween fun with Jungle Jim’s special brand of balloon magic. Performance includes the Thriller Dance Challenge, Mummy Balloon Wrap Extravaganza, Ghostbusters Training and the giant 6-foot balloon!

Book Baddies Scavenger Hunt! Friday, October 18th - Sunday, October 20th
Some of the baddest baddies have escaped their books! Help us search the Children's and Teen Rooms to get all the baddies back where they belong!

Trunk or Treat! Sunday, October 27th, 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Families! Dress up and join us in the library parking lot for a safe, little-kid friendly afternoon of trick-or-treating in the daylight! The parking lot will be full of decorated trunks and fun activities!


Teen Programs

Artist Amigos! 1st Wednesday of the Month, 6:00-7:00 p.m.
Join us for a monthly artsy meetup in the teen room! Bring your own art projects to work on, or get inspired by fun prompts devised by our youth services librarians! Materials and snacks will be provided!

Teen Acrylic Paint Pour Night! Wednesday, October 2nd, 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Come join us for a special artistic night of paint pouring led by local instructor Denise Palmieri! Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just starting out, it’s sure to be fun (and a bit messy) for everyone! Space is limited!! Please email Bree at bcomeau@minlib.net to register.

Teen Pumpkin Painting! Saturday, October 5th, 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Teens! Join us outside on the library lawn for a lovely afternoon of pumpkin painting and fall snacks!

Teen Advisory Board, 2nd Wednesday of the Month @ 6:30 p.m.
Join us each month for Teen Advisory Board! The Teen Advisory Board is a GREAT opportunity to get involved here at the library! You'll help plan events and programs, create displays and decorate the teen space, and help drive decisions around the kinds of materials we bring to the YA collection, from books and beyond, all while eating snacks and getting volunteer hours! It's a win-win-win!

Volunteens! 1st & 3rd Thursday of the Month, 6:00-7:00 p.m.
Calling all Tweens and Teens! Are you looking to build your resume? Have you ever been interested in volunteering at the library? Well now’s your chance. Join us Thursday nights twice a month for volunteer projects! Attendance to at least one meeting a month is required.
For more information please contact Bree at bcomeau@minlib.net.

Chapter Chew! 4th Thursday of the Month, 6:00-7:00 p.m. (8th-12 Grade)
Join us each month for snacks and refreshments as we discuss our recent YA reads! Share what books you're loving and get recommendations from others! Have fun connecting with other readers and who knows, maybe you'll discover your next favorite book or series along the way!

Since we will be discussing YA titles, this group is recommended for students in Grades 8 and up, however anyone age 12 and up is welcome at their own (and their parents) discretion.

Girls Who Code! 2nd & 4th Saturday of the Month 1:00-3:00 p.m. (6th-8th Grade!)
Club curriculum focuses on a culminating Girls Who Code Project, where girls work in teams to use their coding skills and bravery to solve a real world problem they care about by engaging in fun and simple self-guided coding tutorials that range from beginner to advanced in Scratch, Python, JavaScript, and Thunkable. REGISTRATION REQUIRED. Please email mgousie@minlib.net to join!

Salem Witch Trials: A Murder Mystery! Thursday, October 31st, 6:00 p.m.
Teens are invited to step back in time this Halloween to solve a murder inspired by the true events of the Salem Witch Trials!

Franklin Public Library October 2019 News & Events for Children, Teens, and Families

October News and Events at the Franklin Public Library - Adult Programs

Library Hours

The Franklin Public Library will be closed Monday, October 14 for Columbus Day. The Library’s regular hours are Monday through Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Friday and Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Sunday, 1:30-5:00 p.m.

Programs for Adults

Self Care Series, Wednesdays, October 9, 16, & 23, 6:30 p.m.
Professional Life Coach Bethany Amatucci will lead a six-week Self Care Series to help you on the journey to living your best life! These classes are free and open to the public. No registration is required.

Wednesday, October 9, 6:30 p.m. Stress Management Without Medication
Stress and anxiety can make it hard to function, and can make even the smallest inconveniences feel overwhelming and unbearable. This week we will cover strategies to overcome those moments of hardship and panic, in a natural manner. You will have a variety of tools to add to your toolbox and when the next tough time comes, you’ll be ready!

Wednesday, October 16, 6:30 p.m. Mindfulness and Being Intentional in our Busy Lives
In a world full of juggling responsibilities and being exhausted, it can be difficult to slow down and enjoy the present moment. This week’s focus will be on mindfulness and how being intentional can improve our eating habits, our relationships, our work ethic, and our overall happiness.

Wednesday, October 23, 6:30 p.m. Vision board Making: Plan your best year yet!
This week we will talk about the power of positive thinking and how it relates to your goals and future. We will create vision boards to help you dream up your ideal year and give you an image to keep you motivated daily. Positive actions start with positive thoughts! All vision board materials will be provided.

Guglielmo Marconi, the Wizard of Wireless, Thursday, October 3, 6:30 p.m.
October is Italian Heritage month in Massachusetts (see https://italianheritagemonth.com)! To kick off Italian Heritage month in Massachusetts, Alan Earls, local historian and ‘at large’ member of the Massachusetts Sons of Italy, will be delivering a slide show and talk about Guglielmo Marconi, the Wizard of Wireless, who pioneered so many of the technologies we rely on today. Alan will talk about the Massachusetts connections of Marconi and explain some of the key technologies Marconi helped develop. The event will start at 6:30 PM on Thursday, Oct. 3 at the library.

Drum Circle with Mike Leo, Saturday, October 5, 12:00 p.m.
The joy of making music is for everyone! Mike Leo brings a unique rhythm-based experience to individuals of all ages and abilities. All are welcome! This program will be outside on the Library’s lawn, weather permitting. Drums will be provided, or bring your own! This program is free, and open to the public.

Interview Preparation Part 2, Tuesday, October 22, 6:30 p.m.
Led by Employment Specialist Gary Gekow, this is an interactive and informal question and answer session where paticipants role-play typical interview questions and how best to answer them. The seminar also includes ways to avoid job candidates' most common interview mistakes. This program is free and open to the public.

Author Talk with Jane Eagles, Thursday, October 10, 6:30 p.m.
"Chester’s Lessons: Life, loss, and love"

Drawn from her own experiences of life, loss, and love and that of the many clients Jane has counseled, Chester’s Lessons tells the story of Chester’s life, and of the love that permeated that life, nurtured his relationship with Jane, and ultimately sustained her in his loss. It is Chester’s story and the lessons learned from it.

Having earned a B.A. in biology and 25 years later a M.Ed. and Ph.D. in psychology and in the interim having raised a family, Jane Eagles has worked as an oncology researcher and as a psychotherapist. Writing since adolescence, with her first poems published in her high school literary magazine, Jane has since added multiple essays, with her poems often illustrated by her own photographs.

Composting 101 with Blackstone Valley Veggie Gardens, Tuesday, October 15, 6:30 p.m.
Did you know you can recycle all your kitchen scraps and yard waste, and turn it into beneficial food for your plants? Yep. We've got it all covered, from the "how to" to the "how much". This program is free and open to the public.

The Life and Times of Luigi Galleani: Wrentham Anarchist, Wednesday, October 30, 6:30 p.m.

Alan Earls, local historian and ‘at large’ member of the Massachusetts Sons of Italy, will be delivering his second talk in celebration of Italian Heritage month, with a slide show and talk about Luigi Galleani, the famous anarchist who called Wrentham home and inspired violent action by some of his followers, including the attempted 1919 bombing of the Ray Mill in Franklin. Alan will provide an overview of the life and times of Gallleani, who is the subject of a new biography in English. The event will start at 6:30 pm on Wednesday, Oct. 30 at the library.

Genealogy Club, Saturday, October 19, 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Swedish Genealogy
Presented by the Swedish Ancestry Research Association.

Genealogy Club, Thursday, October 31, 6:30 p.m.

Overview of Online Genealogy Subscriptions, presented by Richard Reid from Friends of Irish Research

Ancestry, FindMyPast, and MyHeritage are the big three. Each one has its strengths and weaknesses which are explored in this presentation. Besides the big boys, there are many lesser known subscription services that can be of great assistance in your family research.

Franklin Public Library Book Club, Tuesday, October 22, 7:00 p.m.

The book for discussion is The Witch Elm, by Tana French. A limited number of copies of the book will be available for checkout at the Circulation Desk. Refreshments will be served. For more information, please contact Assistant Library Director Kim Shipala at kshipala@minlib.net .

Knitting Group, Fridays, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Love to knit or crochet? Join our group of local fiber artists who will be meeting in the Friends of the Franklin Community Room on Fridays 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Franklin Library Book Sale
Friday, October 18, 1:00-5:00 p.m. Saturday, October 19, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon.
All books are just one dollar!
Bag Sale - $5 A Bag—Saturday, October 19, from 1:00-4:00 p.m.
Come fill a brown bag with all the books you can!

October News and Events at the Franklin Public Library - Adult Programs

MassBUdget: Concentrated Poverty Affects 90,000 Massachusetts Children

Economic Growth Doesn't Reach All Neighborhoods in the Commonwealth

90,000 Kids in Massachusetts Live in Concentrated Poverty New Data Highlights How Concentrated Child Poverty Persists Despite Economic Growth  Did you know that more than 1 in 16 children live in concentrated poverty in the Commonwealth? Using recent data from the U.S. Census Bureau and the Annie E. Casey Foundation's data snapshot, we examined how concentrated poverty has affected children across the state despite a long period of national economic expansion. In Massachusetts, living in high-poverty neighborhoods affects six percent of all children, and these neighborhoods are mostly in the Gateway Cities and the City of Boston.  Our new snapshot on concentrated poverty in the Commonwealth http://massbudget.org/reports/pdf/Concentrated%20Poverty%20(002).pdf "Growing up in high-poverty neighborhoods has long-term impacts on our kids," said Marie-Frances Rivera, MassBudget's President. "All children and families deserve quality education, housing and access to opportunity. Investing in solutions that uplift children in poverty will create the change needed for everyone in the Commonwealth to thrive." Growing up in a community of concentrated poverty - that is, a neighborhood where 30 percent or more of the population is living in poverty - is one of the greatest risks to child development. Alarmingly, more than 8.5 million children live in these settings. That's nearly 12 percent of all children in the United States. Children in high-poverty neighborhoods tend to lack access to healthy food and quality medical care and they often face greater exposure to environmental hazards, such as poor air quality, and toxins such as lead.  Financial hardships can also cause chronic stress linked to diabetes, heart disease and stroke. And when these children grow up, they are more likely to have lower incomes than children who have relocated away from communities of concentrated poverty. Children should be allowed to learn and grow no matter where they live or their socioeconomic status. Policies at the community and state level that can have a significant impact on the lives of children in struggling families include: Fixing our "upside-down" state and local tax system so that those who have benefited most from our economic growth pay their fair share and invest in the public good to ensure a bright future for our children; Providing equitable education funding so that opportunity is available to young people from all communities and backgrounds to give them the chance to succeed; Ensuring that all our neighbors and family members have the same opportunities to thrive regardless of immigration status; Investing in our public transit systems, roads, and bridges to allow everyone access to economic opportunity and jobs; and Guaranteeing that all workers can earn decent wages to help keep a roof overhead, provide for their families, and receive dignity and respect from their employers. MassBudget thanks the Mass. Association for Community Action (MASSCAP) for supporting our research on poverty and their work in calling on national, state and local stakeholders to act now to help families lift themselves out of these circumstances.  Interested in learning how you can help combat child poverty? View the snapshot here and join the conversation with us online @MassBudget.  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.  Connect with us on Facebook and Twitter.

Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center, One State Street, Suite 1250, Boston, MA 02109 Sent by rwilliams@massbudget.org in collaboration with Try email marketing for free today!

LET'S LAUGH TODAY is Tuesday, Oct 8 at 7:30 PM

Celebrating Ten Years Of Let's Laugh Today 

So There Will Be Treats!

Wear A Fun Hat Or Costume If You Want. 
Also Will Play Monster Mash At The End!

LET'S LAUGH TODAY is Tuesday, Oct 8 at 7:30 PM

Let's all exercise our laughter muscles by attending Let's Laugh Today in Franklin at the Meetinghouse of the First Universalist Society in Franklin, 262 Chestnut Street, Franklin, MA at 7:30 PM every second Tuesday of every month except in July and August.

Laughter Yoga

Laughter Yoga is a low cost, spirit-lifting, and absolutely powerful method of laughing your way to better health and fitness. All ages and all physical abilities can do these simple, fun exercises! If you can breath and laugh, you can do Laughter Yoga! There is a $5 donation to the church with a $10 maximum per family.

Please bring your water bottle as laughing is dehydrating. See www.letslaughtoday.com (http://www.letslaughtoday.com/) for other opportunities to laugh or e-mail Linda and Bill Hamaker, your local Certified Laughter Yoga Teachers and Master Trainers at billandlinda@letslaughtoday.com

Encore Music: TICKETS AVAILABLE: You are invited to join us in giving The Gift of Music!

The Gift of Music Fundraising Gala TICKETS NOW AVAILABLE You're Invited! WHEN:  Sunday, November 10th from 5:00pm to 10:00pm WHERE: The Milford DoubleTree Hotel at 11 Beaver Street On Sunday, November 10th, The Encore Music Education Foundation, Inc., in collaboration with Encore Music Academy and Recording Studios, is hosting a fundraiser for The Foundation's scholarship program. The evening will include: Cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, and a sit-down dinner Live performances by Encore ensembles and soloists Silent Auction and Raffles Purchase tickets at the link below, and join the event on Facebook!  Buy Tickets Now https://encoremusicacademy.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=eb54fbf3dd80bdbef8d1ee90f&id=ab1f9dd908&e=7bf06582a2 AUCTION ITEMS SOON AVAILABLE TO VIEW:  The Gift of Music Silent Auction online opens on October 15th and will close on November 10th at 9pm. Live, in-person bidding will take place at the event on Sunday, November 10th from 5:00-9:00pm. Bookmark the auction page to keep an eye out as new items are revealed: BiddingForGood: The Gift of Music Auction Mobile-friendly auction page: The Gift of Music Auction (Mobile) Copyright © 2019 Encore Music Academy and Recording Studios, All rights reserved. Provided Email and authorization via registration forms or webform Our mailing address is: Encore Music Academy and Recording Studios 3 Bent St Franklin, MA 02038

Franklin Public Schools: Important Dates

October - November  2019

Contact Information Changes - If you need to change an email address or phone number in your student's Aspen contact information, click here to send us those changes

________________________________

Wednesday, October 9th-No School-Yom Kippur

Thursday, October 10th-Junior Parents Night -College Search/Planning @ 6:30pm-8:00pm in the FHS Auditorium

Friday, October 11th-1/2 Day of School PDD Dismissal at 10:55 AM, no lunch served

Monday, October 14th-No School, Columbus Day

Tuesday, October 15th and Wednesday, October 16th- School Pictures taken by Lifetouch

Wednesday Oct 16th and Thursday, October 17th-"Cabaret" performed in the FHS Auditorium @7:00PM

Saturday October 19th-PSAT ADMINISTRATION for Juniors-Class of 2021 @ 7:30 AM to 12 noon. 

Tuesday, October 29th, and Wednesday, October 30th-Parent Conferences; both days are 1/2 days of school, Dismissal at 10:55 AM, no lunch served

Tuesday, November 5th- No School PDD

Thursday, November 7th-Panther Pride Night for all Franklin 8th graders 5:30PM-7:30 PM in the FHS Gymnasium

Thursday, November 7th Chamber Concert at FHS 7:00 PM in the Auditorium

Monday, November 11th-No School Veteran's Day

No School and Half days of school 2019-2020

Date	Event
10/9/19	No School-Yom Kippur
10/11/19	½ Day of School; Dismissal at 10:55 AM  -PDD
10/14/19	No School-Columbus Day
10/29/19	½ Day of School: Dismissal at 10:55 AM-Parent Conferences
10/30/19	½ Day of School: Dismissal at 10:55 AM-Parent Conferences
11/5/19	No School PDD Day
11/11/19	No School-Veteran's Day
11/27/19	No School-Thanksgiving Break
11/28/19	No School-Thanksgiving Break
11/29/19	No School-Thanksgiving Break
12/13/19	½ Day of School; Dismissal at 10:55 AM  -PDD
12/23/19-through 1/1/2020	Holiday Break, No School
01/17/20	½ Day of School; Dismissal at 10:55 AM  -PDD
01/20/20	No School- Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day
02/07/20	½ Day of School; Dismissal at 10:55 AM  -PDD
02/17/20 through 2/21/20	Winter Break, No School
03/03/20	No School PDD Day
04/03/20	½ Day of School; Dismissal at 10:55 AM  -PDD
04/10/20	No School- Good Friday
04/20/20 through 04/24/20	Spring Break-No School
05/08/20	½ Day of School; Dismissal at 10:55 AM  -PDD
05/25/20	No School- Memorial Day
06/17/20	Last day of School-IF NO SNOW DAYS

Franklin Public Schools: Important Dates