Monday, February 28, 2022

Norfolk County Registry of Deeds collects the fees for Community Preservation Act (CPA)

Dear Friend of the Registry and Registry Stakeholders,

The fees for the Community Preservation Act are set by the State Legislature on land documents recorded here at the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds.  I thought the chart on the reverse side would be of interest to you.  It provides an illustration of the funds generated by the Community Preservation Act (CPA) in your community based on recorded real estate filings during the 2021 calendar year. 

 

The Community Preservation Act was signed into law on September 14, 2000. Today there are 187 Massachusetts communities that have adopted this act. 19 communities out of the 28 communities that make up Norfolk County have adopted the law. As of December 31, 2019, fees collected for the Community Preservation Act were increased to $50.00 for most land documents recorded and $30.00 for municipal lien certificates. The Registry of Deeds, at no additional cost to the Commonwealth or local communities, collects these revenues once a land document is recorded and forwards the monies to the Massachusetts Department of Revenue on a monthly basis. The funds forwarded to the Commonwealth are then redistributed back to the communities that have adopted the Community Preservation Act. 

 

As you may or may not be aware the Norfolk Registry of Deeds has been fighting to keep its 2-person permanent onsite direct report Registry IT Technology Department.  This department which includes a Registry Chief Information Officer that heads it has been key in implementing technology and modernization initiatives.  There are also cyber security and ransomware risks when you look at not just the CPA monies collected but the over 82 million dollars the Norfolk Registry of Deeds collected in calendar year 2021.  Please see the attached resolution, as voted by the Town of Millis Select Board.

 

Please urge the Norfolk County Commissioners to keep the onsite direct report Registry IT Department as to continue to do otherwise is an unsound public policy that is negatively impacting Registry operations and the services it provides.  Their contact information is attached along with the representatives to the Norfolk County Advisory Board.  The failure to have a permanent onsite Registry CIO and a permanent direct report onsite Registry IT Technology Department is evidently going to be taken up as part of the county budget process. Please contact your Norfolk County Advisory Board members as well as your Select Boards, City Councilors and Mayors who appoint your community’s Norfolk County Advisory Board member to urge keeping the Registry IT Technology Department with a Registry CIO like it has had for well over 35 years.

 

Thank you for any assistance you can give in this matter.  2021 has certainly been a very challenging year.  I wish you and yours a happy and healthy new year in 2022.

                                                                       

Sincerely yours,


William P. O’Donnell

Norfolk County Register of Deeds



NORFOLK COUNTY REGISTRY OF DEEDS

 

COMMUNITY PRESERVATION ACT (CPA)

SURCHARGES BY TOWN FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2021

 

TOWN

TOTAL

AVON

$64,775.00

BELLINGHAM

$257,975.00

BRAINTREE

$460,750.00

BROOKLINE

$605,800.00

CANTON

$359,525.00

COHASSET

$151,925.00

DEDHAM

$338,425.00

DOVER

$94,225.00

FOXBOROUGH

$223,975.00

FRANKLIN

$440,125.00

HOLBROOK

$142,425.00

MEDFIELD

$201,000.00

MEDWAY

$186,850.00

MILLIS

$138,375.00

MILTON

$366,525.00

NEEDHAM

$444,575.00

NORFOLK

$173,300.00

NORWOOD

$333,600.00

PLAINVILLE

$116,625.00

QUINCY

$887,050.00

RANDOLPH

$361,225.00

SHARON

$255,625.00

STOUGHTON

$367,625.00

WALPOLE

$349,300.00

WELLESLEY

$349,950.00

WESTWOOD

$224,400.00

WEYMOUTH

$707,775.00

WRENTHAM

$197,725.00

 

Link to the Norfolk Deeds letter ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1XVah_ejUdPHcplsLKWWxU4EYMxd9wyGd/view?usp=sharing


Norfolk County Registry of Deeds
Norfolk County Registry of Deeds 


Reminder: Geography Night - FHS Cafeteria - Mar 1, 2022 - 5 to 8 PM

 The Franklin High School Diversity Awareness Club is holding a cultural fund raising night on March 1, 2022 in the cafeteria.

"Community members can immerse themselves in different cultures as they experience music, art, and try foods from all around the world!" 
Reminder: Geography Night - FHS Cafeteria - Mar 1, 2022 - 5 to 8 PM
Reminder: Geography Night - FHS Cafeteria - Mar 1, 2022 - 5 to 8 PM


Episode 199-Vincent Anter "V is For Vino" Interview (audio & video)

Caught the recent Wonderful World of Wine podcast by Mark Lenzi and Kim Simone to find out about the wine show "V is for Vino" as they interviewed Vincent Anter.

What Mark and Kim does for audio, Vincent is expanding to video to explore all aspects of wine. A fun show to add to your video queue.

Podcast link -> https://soundcloud.com/user-492543397/episode-199-vincent-anter-v-is-for-vino-interview

"V is for Vino" season 1, episode 1 -> https://youtu.be/VJ8TSSX70_0

 


Episode 199-Vincent Anter V is For Vino Interview
Episode 199-Vincent Anter V is For Vino Interview


Can you say "Dinobaby? - Virtual Presentation on Ageism - Monday 3/14/22 @ 6:30 PM

Please share this with anyone who could benefit by attending.

I shared it a couple of weeks ago and a few days someone shared it with me. They suggested I might want to see it.  I replied, "I'm presenting!"

This Zoom program is made possible by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, and presented by the Southwick Public Library.

I've updated the presentation-- more animation; less text. Yes, there will be discussion time; breakout sessions; recent news.  Can you say "Dinobaby?"

If you are concerned about ageism during your job search, please seriously consider joining the event.

It's virtual.  You don't have to drive out to Southwick. You can join us from the comfort of your own home!  (BTW, it's a beautiful library.)

To sign up:   Email Southwicklibrary@comcast.net

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to me.

Have a great week!
--
Ed Lawrence
Authorized DISC Administrator
Member, CPRW Certification Committee; NCOPE

Can you say "Dinobaby? - Virtual Presentation on Ageism - Monday 3/14/22 @ 6:30 PM
Can you say "Dinobaby? - Virtual Presentation on Ageism - Monday 3/14/22 @ 6:30 PM
1st interactive session of 50+Program: Tuesday, Nov 9 , 2021

Franklin TV and wfpr.fm schedule for Monday, Feb 28, 2022

  • wfpr.fm or 102.9 on the FM dial = Monday

9 AM 12 PM and 6 PM Talkin’ the Blues – Jim Derick & Todd Monjur
2 hours of awesome blues music, info, interviews

11 AM 2 PM and 8 PM A More Perfect Union – with Dr. Michael Walker-Jones,
Representative Jeff Roy and Dr. Natalia Linos

  • Franklin All Access TV - Our Public Access Channel (Comcast 8, Verizon 26) = MONDAY

7:59:00 am Mass Department of Public Health: CO-VID 19
8:00:00 am SAFE Coalition: The Hamlins
9:00 am Concerts on the Common: Heather Deary & Carolyn Rae
12:00 pm Brooke'n'Cookin: Mac'n'Cheese
12:30 pm Sandhya: Eclairs
1:00 pm Comfort Food: Comfort Food
1:30 pm Pizzapalooza: Margherita Pizza
2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Fall 2019 show 4
3:00 pm Candlepin New Generation: Spring 2019 Show 2
3:30 pm Physician Focus: Common and Emerging Diseases
4:00 pm The Only Cure Is Education
4:30 pm Extended Play Sessions: Season 10 Show 1 - Tweed funk
5:30 pm Senior Connection: Kitchen Gadgets Pt. 1
6:00 pm Veterans' Call: SHINE
7:30 pm Frank Presents: State House Pt. 3
8:30 pm The Black Box: Beth Leavel 

  • Franklin Pride TV - Our Educational Channel (Comcast 96, Verizon 28) = MONDAY

7:00 am Public School Concert: Lifelong Music Pt. 2 01-29-19
8:30 am Public School Event: Concert Hour Day 1
10:00 am Public School Concert: FHS Concert Night 2019
12:30 pm FHS Boys Varsity Hockey: v St. John's Prep 02-16-22
2:30 pm SAFE Coalition: The Hamlins
3:30 pm The Only Cure Is Education
4:00 pm It Takes A Village: 40 Percent Club
5:00 pm FHS Girls Varsity Hockey: v Canton 02-22-22
6:30 pm U. S. Army: Jazz Ambassadors 04-01-19
9:30 pm FHS Varsity Swimming: v Taunton 01-13-22

  • Franklin Town Hall TV - Our Government Channel (Comcast 11, Verizon 29) = MONDAY

8:00 am Planning Board: 02-07-22
11:00 am School Committee: 02-16-22: Face Coverings
2:00 pm Planning Board: 02-07-22
7:00 pm Planning Board: LIVE, Chambers, 876 5091 4764

Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf  

Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm)
Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm)

Sunday, February 27, 2022

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - March 2, 2022 - 7 PM

FRANKLIN TOWN COUNCIL
Agenda & Meeting Packet
March 2, 2022 - 7:00 PM

Meeting will be held at the Municipal Building, 2nd floor, Council Chambers, 355 East Central Street


1. ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM THE CHAIR
a. This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon Channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by others.
b. Chair to identify members participating remotely.

2. CITIZEN COMMENTS
a. Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to three minutes on a matter that is not on the agenda. The Council will not engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Town Council will give remarks appropriate consideration and may ask  the Town Administrator to review the matter.

3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

4. PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS
5. APPOINTMENTS
6. HEARINGS - 7:00pm
7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS

8. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSIONS
a. Presentation: Other Post-Employment Benefits - Dan Sherman, Sherman Actuarial Services

9. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

10. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

11. SUBCOMMITTEE & AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS
a. Capital Budget Subcommittee
b. Budget Subcommittee
c. Economic Development Subcommittee

12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
13. COUNCIL COMMENTS

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION
a. Exemption #3: Collective Bargaining (all Town unions) - To discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining if an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the public body and the chair so declares.
15. ADJOURN

Note:
Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes
Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting



South Franklin Congregational Meeting House
South Franklin Congregational Meeting House

Economic Development Subcommittee - Agenda - March 2 - 5:45 PM

Economic Development Subcommittee Meeting
Agenda & Meeting Packet
March 2, 2022 - 5:45 PM

Meeting will be held at the Municipal Building, 2nd floor, Council Chambers, 355 East Central Street


Agenda: 
1. EDC + Steering Committee: Discussion from MAPC about the “Franklin For All” zoning reform project for Franklin Center, including the Downtown Commercial District and surrounding neighborhoods. To register for the Public forum on March 7th, 2022 click here -> https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJUrdeutpzwvHdyO2z-d4dc6OS0py3faxZR7 

2. Downtown parking follow up from the Town Council meeting on February 16, 2022.

Agenda doc with remote connection info ->


Economic Development Subcommittee - Agenda - March 2 - 5:45 PM
Economic Development Subcommittee - Agenda - March 2 - 5:45 PM





Escape Into Fiction - Grand Opening & First Indoor Market - March 5

Grand Opening Information!!

Next Saturday, March 5 from 10-5 PM we will hold our official #GrandOpening for the #bookstore and #IndoorMarket at Escape Into Fiction!!

We will have @dogliocoffee @leonasbakingco @theloungingbee and @cravemead as our very first #localbusiness vendors!!

As a special event we will have #storytime at 11 AM and 2 PM with #MotherGoose by a wonderful #franklin resident Heather Honekamp. So make sure you bring the #kids


Indoor Market vendors ->
The Lounging Bee  https://theloungingbee.com/

Doglio Coffee is a regular feature at Escape Into Fiction   https://dogliocoffee.com/


Shared from Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/p/CadXS4jlXQL/

Escape Into Fiction - Grand Opening & First Indoor Market - March 5
Escape Into Fiction - Grand Opening & First Indoor Market - March 5


FHS gymnastics team takes first in D1 South Sectionals

"This is a special group of girls!! Not done!!!" https://twitter.com/fhs_gymnastics/status/1497659934061776897

FHS gymnastics team takes first in D1 South Sectionals
FHS gymnastics team takes first in D1 South Sectionals

 Top5 Team results

Top5 Team results
Top5 Team results

FHS all around results

all around results: White 1st, Rudolph 4th
all around results: White 1st, Rudolph 4th

Complete meet results in this PDF ->  http://mahsgc.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/SOUTH-AA.pdf

FHS basketball playoff seeds, Indoor track State Meet results

Via HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the FHS winter sports action on Saturday: 
  • Basketball
Boys - Division 1
#5 Franklin (20-3) will host the winner of #28 Durfee (14-6)/#37 Marshfield (14-6) on Friday, March 4 at 6:30

Girls - Division 1
#6 Franklin (20-1) will host #27 Braintree (10-8)/#38 Durfee (11-9) on Friday, March 4 at 6:30


For other basketball seedings around the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/hockomock-basketball-playoff-seeds-matchups/

  • Indoor Track State Meet results
Girls 300 Meter Dash
11 # 7138 Jillian Fenerty 12 Franklin 41.93 4

Girls 55 Meter Hurdles
17 # 7137 Sarah Dumas 10 Franklin 9.02 3

Girls 4x200 Meter Relay
18 Franklin 1:52.17 31) #7135 Sophia Cuneo 10 2) #7137 Sarah Dumas 10
3) #7132 Anna Cliff 10 4) #7138 Jillian Fenerty 12

Girls 4x400 Meter Relay
14 Franklin 4:17.77 3
1) #7134 Olivia Costa 10 2) #7132 Anna Cliff 10
3) #7137 Sarah Dumas 10 4) #7138 Jillian Fenerty 12

Girls High Jump
14 # 7140 Ava Fraulo 12 Franklin J5-00.00
4-10 5-00 5-02
O XO XXX

Girls Shot Put
21 # 7136 Lily Deforge 10 Franklin 32-05.00 1
32-05 31-04 30-05.25

Boys 600 Meter Run
15 # 7667 Tyler Powderly 12 Franklin 1:26.31 1



FHS Panthers
FHS Panthers

FHS swim results for D1 Sectionals

"Way to go girls!! Fabulous way to go out of the 2022 season!! We had an awesome 400 free relay placing in 8th! and Sydney Bourgeois placing 7th in her 500 and 200 freestyle! Great season Franklin"

Complete GIRLS meet results for the D1 South Sectionals ->  http://miaa.ezstream.com/index.cfm?ChnID=314&SubID=-1&chncd=314,-1&itemid=8477&parid=-1&Org=MIAA&CFID=2874710&CFTOKEN=868c5c20d81ee8ba-503F7795-960B-B24F-CA2CAE56C2F18BFF  (MIAA website has some issue so this is a 'backdoor' link to the page)

Complete BOYS meet results for the D1 South Sectionals ->    http://miaa.ezstream.com/index.cfm?ChnID=314&SubID=-1&chncd=314,-1&itemid=8479&parid=-1&Org=MIAA&CFID=2874710&CFTOKEN=868c5c20d81ee8ba-503F7795-960B-B24F-CA2CAE56C2F18BFF

 

FHS swim results for D1 Sectionals
FHS swim results for D1 Sectionals


Franklin Public Library News & Events for March 2022

March 2022 Franklin Public Library News & Events

Library Hours

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.

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

Homework Help Program

The Franklin Public Library is now offering its free Homework Help program for grades 1-8. The program takes place Monday through Thursday, 3:00-5:00 p.m. Students will be assisted by either retired teachers or high school students. Application forms for both participants and volunteers are available at the Circulation Desk and on the Library's website https://www.franklinma.gov/children-teen-services/pages/homework-assista... .

One Book, One Community Winter 2022

The Franklin Public Library is having a Winter 2022 One Book, One Community program as a way to have the community come together through the reading and discussion of a common book. This winter, we are reading The 71/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle by Stuart Turton.  Turton's book is a mixture of "Locked room mystery" (a la Agatha Christie), psychological thriller, romance, and...maybe...time travel? That's for you to find out!

Print copies of the book are available at the library, and it is also available through interlibrary loan.  If you'd prefer a digital copy, it's available as both and ebook and audiobook through the Hoopla and Libby apps. Please visit our One Book, One Community webpage to learn more about author Stuart Turton, read the book discussion questions, and experience the online escape room challenge! The library will be hosting a discussion of the book on Tuesday, March 22nd at 7:00 p.m.

New Materials

Check out our list of newly added books, movies, music, ebooks and e-audiobooks!

https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library/pages/new-materials

Featured Databases: hoopla & Kanopy

With hoopla, you can borrow thousands of movies, television, music, and audiobook titles for free with your library card. Always available, no waiting lists. Enjoy on your PC, tablet, or phone. Access to this database is limited to Franklin residents. Watch video tutorials on using hoopla here.

Kanopy is an on-demand movie streaming video service with access to thousands of documentary, foreign, silent, and independent films. Stream over 30,000 films from hundreds of popular producers such as The Criterion Collection, The Great Courses, and PBS, as well as thousands of independent filmmakers. Stream Kanopy on your computer or download the app on your phone, tablet or Roku device. Access to this database is limited to Franklin residents.

Programs for Children and Teens

Weekly Events for Families!

Move Along! Mondays @ 10:30AM

This thirty minute program features music, movement, stories, and other interactive activities to encourage social skills and promote early literacy!

Idea Club! Mondays @4:00PM

Join us for a weekly storytime celebration of all the ways we are different and wonderful! We'll read, sing, play and learn about our diverse world and talk about how we can make it kinder and more inclusive!

Dungeons and Dragons Club for Kids! Mondays, 4:00-6:00PM (7+)

Kids are invited to join us for a weekly Dungeons and Dragons Club! The library will supply dice, rule books, and blank character sheets! (Dungeon Masters must be ages 10 and up) Email mgousie@minlib.net to sign up!

Animation Nation Anime Club! Mondays, 6:00-7:30PM (7+)

Your weekly dose of anime goodness at The Franklin Public Library! Come watch the latest releases and popular anime shows, ideal for ages 7+!

Cool Cruisers! Tuesdays @ 9:30AM

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! Tuesdays @10:30AM (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 required!

Homeschool Hangout! Tuesdays from 12:00-2:00PM

Join other local homeschool families in a space dedicated to you! Each Tuesday between 12-2PM, the Friends of the Franklin Library Room will be available for homeschool families to hang out, get work done, and connect!

Toe-Tapping Tuesdays! Tuesdays @ 4:00PM (2-4)

Let's play some music and get those little toes moving! We will have fun learning to move to the music while building coordination and confidence.

Girls Who Code! Grade 3-5 Meeting time Tuesdays @ 4:00 PM

Spring 2022 Session Sign ups on the library website!

This club is a great introduction to coding languages and concepts while building the community and group work skills needed to excel! Whether you want to try something new, build on skills, make friends, or help someone else grow... Welcome to our club!

Terrific Toddlers! Wednesdays @10:30AM (18 mos–3yrs)

Enjoy thirty minutes of interactive stories, songs, and activities for families and children from birth to age 3. No registration required!

Science Junction! 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month @4:00PM

(Also 1st and 3rd Thursdays of the Month for Homeschool families @2:30PM)

FHS Seniors Mani and Vedika are so excited to share their love for science and foster that love in elementary-level kids! Join them once a month for fun science experiments, activities, and more! From dinosaurs to chemical reactions the possibilities are endless!

Tummy Time! Thursdays @ 9:30AM

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!

Story and Craft, Thursdays @10:30AM (3+)

Join us for 30 minutes of themed stories, songs, and movement followed by 30 minutes of craft and sensory play. For children ages 3 and up that can attend on their own. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to watch from the adjoining room.

Bookworm Bounce! Thursdays @ 4:00PM

Join us for an afternoon story time full of music, movement, stories, and other interactive activities to encourage social skills and promote early literacy!

Doggie Tales! 1st and 3rd Thursday of the Month @4:30 PM (1st 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. Register on our website to reserve your spot.

Happy Feet! Alternating Fridays @10:30AM (2-4)

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!

Silly Songs and Stories! Alternating Fridays @10:30AM (0-5)

This thirty minute program features music, movement, stories, and other interactive activities for littles! Parents and caregivers are welcome and encouraged to participate. No registration required!

Lego Free-Build Friday! Alternating Fridays @2:30 (0-5)

Let imaginations run WILD! Enjoy 2 hours of Friday fun time to build what you like with the Library Legos! Cool builds will be displayed on the Library Website & Facebook! ALL Legos are washed in between sessions!

Special Events for Kids & Families

March Madness Character Challenge!

Our favorite characters are competing again in the hopes of being crowned Franklin's Favorite Character! 2018 - Harry Potter; 2019 - Gerald and Piggie; 2020 - Dog Man; 2021 - Curious George; 2022 - Who will win? Only YOU can decide!

Kids Take & Make: Pot of Gold!

Starting Tuesday, March 1st stop by and pick up your very own Pot of Gold Kit. Kits include supplies and instructions for making your very own paper plate pot of gold! SUPPLIES ARE LIMITED! Pot of Gold Kits will be distributed on a first come first serve basis!

Tape Town! Saturday, March 5th @10:30AM

Families! Spend an imaginative morning at the library! Bring along a small toy vehicle (or borrow one of ours) and cruise along our "roads" made of tape all through our big meeting room, and enjoy a series of interactive pretend play stations all through the town!

Baby Sensory! Saturday March 19th @9:30AM

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!)

Rainbow Scavenger Hunt! March 14-19!

Can you find all of the colors of the rainbow hidden around the children's and teen rooms? Find every color to win your own pot of gold!

Encanto Fiesta! Saturday March 19th @10:30AM

Families! Join us for a special fiesta celebrating the film, family and casita everyone is loving lately! We'll have crafts, games, songs, and more!

Weekend Wiggles! Saturday March 12th and March 26thth @10:30AM

A weekend storytime for littles and their grown-ups! Let's play some music and get those little toes moving! We will have fun learning to move to the music while building coordination and confidence. Laughter and giggles are definitely expected! Ideal for children ages 2-5!

Kids Paint Party! Saturday March 26th @1:00PM

Join local instructor Denise Palmieri for this step-by-step paint party specifically for kids! All materials will be provided and you'll get to take home your very own lucky masterpiece! Space is limited!! Register on our website to reserve your spot. For Ages 5-11!

Weekly / monthly Events for Teens

Animation Nation Anime Club! Mondays, 6:00-7:30PM (7+)

Your weekly dose of anime goodness at The Franklin Public Library! Come watch the latest releases and popular anime shows, ideal for ages 7+!

Teen Book Bites! Weekly on Wednesdays, 5:30-PM

Teens! Bring along a snack and join us in the teen room each Wednesday for a casual chat about what we're all reading!

Teen Advisory Board, 2nd Wednesday of the Month @ 6:30PM

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! 2nd & 4th Thursday of the Month, 6:00-7:00PM (6th-12th Grade)

An elite volunteering program for dedicated library volunteers, this program is designed to facilitate unique volunteer opportunities for committed teens to work on special library projects. You will learn all about event planning and execution, hone your creative and crafty skills, and build your resume!

For more information please contact Bree at bcomeau@minlib.net.

Special Events for Teens

Teen Take & Makes: Chalk Boards!

Teens! Starting Tuesday, March 1st stop by the library to pick up your very own Chalk Board kit! Kits include supplies and instructions for making your very own hanging (or standing) chalk board! SUPPLIES ARE LIMITED! Chalk Board Kits will be distributed on a first come first serve basis!

Python Problem, Saturday, March 5, 2:00 p.m.

A Python challenge to: Learn some new expressions, Code new applications, or Fix broken code.

Each session starts with an explanation of a concept or code piece followed by a challenge using that code or concept!

Crime Time Mysteries! Saturday March 12th @2:00PM

AGES 13+ Join us for an immersive murder mystery game from "Hunt a Killer" that is told over the course of six "episodes." Each episode contains different clues that you'll use to solve the ongoing investigation! Examine the evidence to uncover critical clues, corroborate alibis, create timelines, and identify each suspect's means, motive, and opportunity! It is not required that you attend all 6 meetings, but since the episodes build on themselves, it is highly encouraged!

As You Wish: An Interactive Princess Bride Viewing! Saturday March 19th @3:00PM

Join us for a special viewing of a cult classic movie, complete with props and snacks and interactive fun!

Teen Paint Party! Thursday March 31st  @5:00PM

Teens! Join local instructor Denise Palmieri for this step-by-step paint party for teens! All materials will be provided and you'll get to take home your very own Owl painting! Ages 12+

Programs for Adults

Take and Make Craft for Adults: Macramé

Kits will be available starting March 1st at the Circulation Desk. Supplies are limited. There is a limit of one kit per adult.

Love crafting? Check out the CREATIVEBUG database! Available to Franklin residents with a valid Minuteman Library Network library card. Creativebug.com has more than 1,000 award-winning art and craft video classes, taught by recognized design experts and artists.

Celebrating Ireland in Story & Song, Saturday, March 5, 3:00 p.m.

Celtic music with 'Celebrating Ireland in Story & Song'. Come join us for an afternoon celebrating the music, hilarity and dance of Ireland. Phil Edmonds (originally from County Clare), is an (alleged) leprechaun who plays the tin whistle and button accordion with great warmth and spirit. Kevin Fallon (by way of county Roscommon and Mayo) is a soulful guitarist, fiddler and singer. Mary King (Up Donegal & Cavan) joins in with the fiddle, Celtic Harp and voice. She also teaches a beginning Irish step 1/2 hour before the program. Get your green on, warm up your voices and sit back and enjoy. This program is in-person, free, and open to the public. For more information about Celebrating Ireland, please visit https://marykingharpist.com/celebrating-ireland/ .

Indoor Seed Starting with Blackstone Valley Veggie Gardens, Tuesday, March 8, 7:00 p.m.

There are so many more varieties of vegetables than what the garden centers offer!  We'll show you everything you need to know to start your own plants from seed. This program is in-person, free, and open to the public. For more information about Blackstone Valley Veggie Gardens, please visit https://www.blackstonevalleyveggiegardens.com/ .

Before  Brooklyn: The Unsung Heroes Who Helped Break Baseball's Color Barrier with Author Ted Reinstein, Tuesday, March 15, 7:00 p.m.

In April of 1945, exactly two years before Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier in major league baseball, liberal Boston City Councilman Izzy Muchnick persuaded the Red Sox to try out three black players in return for a favorable vote to allow the team to play on Sundays. The Red Sox got the councilman's much-needed vote, but the tryout was a sham; the three players would get no closer to the major leagues. It was a lost battle in a war that was ultimately won by Robinson in 1947. This book tells the story of the little-known heroes who fought segregation in baseball, from communist newspaper reporters to the Pullman car porters who saw to it that black newspapers espousing integration in professional sports reached the homes of blacks throughout the country. It also reminds us that the first black player in professional baseball was not Jackie Robinson but Moses Fleetwood Walker in 1884, and that for a time integrated teams were not that unusual. And then, as segregation throughout the country hardened, the exclusion of blacks in baseball quietly became the norm, and the battle for integration began anew.

About the Author: Ted Reinstein has been a reporter for "Chronicle," WCVB-TV/Boston's award-winning—and America's longest-running, locally-produced—nightly news magazine since 1997. In addition, he has been a contributor for the station's political roundtable show and sits on WCVB's editorial board. He lives just west of Boston with his wife and two daughters. He is also the author of New England Notebook (Globe, 2013) and Wicked Pissed (Globe, 2016). To find out more about Ted, please visit https://tedreinstein.com/ 

Computer Confluence Saturday, March 19, 3:30 p.m.

Basic Computer skills for the digital age! Topics for this session are: Windows Navigation, Windows Settings and Controls, Keyboarding, & Devices & Peripherals. If you have a topic you would like covered at a future program please email mgousie@minlib.net with suggestions 

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

The book for discussion is the library's Winter 2022 One Book, One Community title The 71/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle by Stuart Turton.  Turton's book is a mixture of "Locked room mystery" (a la Agatha Christie), psychological thriller, romance, and...maybe...time travel? That's for you to find out!

Print copies of the book are available at the library, and it is also available through interlibrary loan.  If you'd prefer a digital copy, it's available as both and ebook and audiobook through the Hoopla and Libby apps. Please visit our One Book, One Community webpage to learn more about author Stuart Turton, read the book discussion questions, and experience the online escape room challenge! The library will be hosting a discussion of the book on Tuesday, March 22nd at 7:00 p.m.

For more information, please contact Assistant Library Director Kim Shipala at kshipala@minlib.net . Book Club meetings are now taking place both in-person at the Library and on Zoom. To participate through Zoom, please register at https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0kduuppj0oGd1riTUPnGfsy7Qph0W... .

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 Library Community Room on Fridays 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Shared from the Town of Franklin page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library/news/march-2022-franklin-public-library-news-events


Franklin Public Library News & Events for March 2022
Franklin Public Library News & Events for March 2022

Franklin TV: Finding Ben Franklin, Part 5

by Pete Fasciano, Executive Director 02/27/2022 

As noted at the outset of my quest for Ben, there was no photography. However, there was an optical imaging device, known as a ‘camera lucida’.
a ‘camera lucida’
‘camera lucida’


The Renaissance masters had proto-cameras of a sort. They just didn’t have film. Today, it
is widely believed that the portrait masters used a lucida to project their subjects onto a canvas. This enabled them to sketch-trace the subject’s likeness quite accurately, then paint
a life-like portrait over the tracing. Et voila!

The camera lucida also could project the original tracing as a template onto a second canvas for final painting. The artist could then paint several fairly identical portraits from the same sketch. The camera lucida also enabled an impatient (or important) subject to keep the sitting brief. Quick sketch in hand, the artist was free to paint, and the subject was free to go.

There is visual evidence that Duplessis used a camera lucida in his work. (No shame in that.) 

Finding Ben Franklin, Part 5
Finding Ben Franklin, Part 5
In the three extant Duplessis portraits there are consistent optical anomalies. Whether Duplessis traced Franklin’s likeness or not, he was working directly from the posed subject. A 
camera lucida enhances the fidelity of Franklin’s portrayal.

The renaissance portraits that regale us to this day are very much like visual magic. And, like the magician says, “ It’s all done with mirrors.”

The camera lucida. Still in use to this day.


And – as always –
Thank you for listening to wfpr●fm.
And, thank you for watching.


Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf    

Visual Capitalist: maps with background info on Ukraine and Russia

Visual Capitalist: Map explainer on Ukraine -> https://www.visualcapitalist.com/map-explainer-ukraine/

Visual Capitalist: Map explainer on Ukraine -> https://www.visualcapitalist.com/map-explainer-ukraine/
Visual Capitalist: Map explainer on Ukraine -> https://www.visualcapitalist.com/map-explainer-ukraine/

Also from Visual Capitalist: 4 Historical Maps that Explain the USSR ->   https://www.visualcapitalist.com/4-historical-maps-that-explain-the-ussr/

4 Historical Maps that Explain the USSR - 1930's
4 Historical Maps that Explain the USSR - 1930's