Just a reminder as you are decluttering, The Thrifty Threads Thrift Store at the Franklin Federated Church, 171 Main St., will gladly accept your clean, in good condition clothing ( men's, women's and children's), shoes, purses and jewelry.
The Thrifty Threads Thrift Store can help you declutter
You can drop off at the Thrift Store during our open hours, Fridays 1-4, Saturdays 9-1.
via the Children's Museum of Franklin:
"Joyfully announcing our newest corporate partners: @cesar.barbershop, a true Franklin destination, and @bostonnetworks, opening its newest location in Franklin next month!
Thank you for your support and commitment to this community!"
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| Children's Museum of Franklin adds Corporate Sponsors |
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| "Socksgiving Drive" for Heading Home |
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| donated more than 1,400 pairs of socks to Heading Home |
FM #1322 This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1322 in the series.
This session shares the Franklin (MA) Town Council Meeting of Wednesday, Nov 20, 2024. 9 members were present in Council Chambers.
Quick recap:
The Elks Riders presented a check for $2000 to the Town and were recognized for their generosity
The tax rate public hearing was held and after a brief presentation, followed by clarification questions from Councilors and community members, the Council vote to accept the rate at 11.62, down from 11.79 (due to the increased assessed valuation of the residential, commercial. and industrial properties in Town)
Several zoning bylaw modifications were referred to the Planning Board. Once they review and respond, the measure will come back to the Council for public hearing and two readings before official vote to implement as proposed or modified
Town Administrator Jamie Hellen outlined the alignment of stars to enable the start of the purchase of the unused rail bed from CSX to extend the SNETT rail trail to the Crossing and access to downtown Franklin. The process still requires multiple approvals including at the Federal level but this could be very beneficial for economic development
Resolution 24-72: Local Acceptance of G.L. Chapter 59, Section 5, Clause 22I; moved, second, discussion. The Hero Act added a new provision effective July 1, 2025. This is a Local acceptance statue enabling annual cost of living adjustments. The measure passed 9-0
Resolution 24-73: Local Acceptance of G.L. Chapter 59, Section 5, Clause 41C As Amended By Chapter 184, Section 51 Of The Acts of 2002; Moved, second, discussion; reduces required age from 70 to 65, increases ceiling on income levels, broadens ownership status, effectively beneficial for seniors that met these requirements. Thanks to recommendation from Max Morrongiello made earlier this year
Let’s listen to the meeting recording which runs a little over 3 hours. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1322-franklin-ma-town-council-mtg-11-20-24/
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Franklin TV video -> https://www.youtube.com/live/LbYhD3Ak3-4?t=137
The Town Council full agenda doc -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/tc_agenda_nov_20_2024.pdf
My set of notes in one PDF -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1FEABusbIglE2ocUlB9eKZfgBa2U2q00h/view?usp=drive_link
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We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.
This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.
How can you help?
If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors
If you don't like something here, please let me know
And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do
Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.
For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news
If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com
The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.
I hope you enjoy!
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You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"
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| Elks Riders present gift |
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| Elks Riders present gift |
"Hayley Henson, spokesperson for the disaster relief nonprofit Operation Blessing said her community of Asheville, N.C., was blindsided by Hurricane Helene. The storm made landfall last weekend along Florida’s Gulf Coast and then carved a 500-mile path of destruction through the Southeast to the middle of the Appalachian Mountains.“The good thing is that the water is now receded, but the bad thing is that the work to be done is so big that it is hard to even know,” Henson said.Operation Blessing is among the national and local organizations — including some from Massachusetts — that are rushing to help those affected. Here is how to help."
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| Relief choices to help Hurricane Helene survivors |
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| 4th of July Celebration |
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| Franklin Food Pantry: Celebrating One Year at 341 W. Central St. |
MRN Diagnostics is looking for individuals who have a history of alcohol or substance use within their lives to donate blood in our latest clinical collection.
This study aims to improve testing modalities for medical research through your blood donation.
Please enroll in our "High-Risk Behavior" collection online or by calling us at (508) 384-0033.
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| Compensation offered to the Blood Test Donors sought by MRN Diagnostics |
"The Community Closet @FranklinUMC has seen nearly 70 visitors in the last two weeks and we're running low on clothing items.
We are looking for donations of infant through adult spring and summer clothing items.
Click the link to learn more about the Community Closet @FranklinUMC and how you can meet, share, and serve with neighbors" -> https://franklinumc.org/2024/04/11/seeking-clothing-donations-community-closet-franklinumc/
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| The Community Closet @FranklinUMC seeks clothing donations |
Download each flyer as a reminder or to share
Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/p/FMxkeUYCNkYiQvEo/
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| Meg Hagen & Erin Gallagher |
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| The Dean College vocal ensemble provided some musical entertainment |
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| The table centerpieces were in the fancy and playful theme. My grandson would have been playing with the magna tiles all night had he been there |
"On behalf of the many people who contributed to the Registry's food drive, it is my pleasure to deliver these items to the Franklin Food Pantry," stated Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell. "I am thankful that so many Norfolk County residents, including our employees and title examiners, took the opportunity to donate and to help those with hardships during the holiday season."
Register O’Donnell Delivered Food Donations to the Franklin Food Pantry
The Registry collected more than 280 pounds of food during the drive, including items such as boxes of spaghetti, jars of sauce, canned soups, and fruits.
"Community donations are a big help and give us a good deal of variety that we wouldn't otherwise have," said Anne McGillis, Operations Director for the Franklin Food Pantry.
Last year, the Franklin Food Pantry helped more than 1,324 individuals in more than 650 households. Of those who received food assistance, more than one in four were children, and 36% were 65 or older.
"The food pantries throughout Norfolk County provide a valuable and much-needed resource for residents facing both long-term and temporary hardships, including children, families, and individuals, and I am grateful to be able to help in this small way," said Register O'Donnell.
According to Project Bread, household food insecurity in Massachusetts has been fluctuating between 20 and 26%. Many Norfolk County food pantries have seen a significant increase in demand in the last year.
"It is a great feeling to be able to help the community and to know that other members of the community understand that there is a need for this," said McGillis.
Franklin residents in need of assistance can register for services, schedule shopping appointments, or schedule home delivery by contacting the Franklin Food Pantry Client Services Coordinator at 508-528-3115.
Register O'Donnell concluded, "Hunger does not stop after the holidays it is a persistent issue affecting many of our neighbors. I encourage residents to consider dropping off food supplies at their local pantry. Pantries are requesting canned goods, breakfast cereals, pasta, sauces, toiletries, and paper products. Dropping off a food donation at a local pantry can make a world of difference in helping a family in need."
To see a list of Norfolk County food pantries, visit the Registry of Deeds website: https://www.norfolkdeeds.org/support/FAQs/where-are-the-norfolk-county-food-pantry-locations-142. Donations are needed all year long.
To learn more about these and other Registry of Deeds events and initiatives, "like" us on Facebook at facebook.com/norfolkdeeds. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram at @norfolkdeeds.
The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, located at 649 High St., Dedham, is the principal office for real property in Norfolk County. All land record research information can be found on the Registry's website, www.norfolkdeeds.org. Residents in need of assistance can contact the Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center at (781) 461-6101 or email us at [email protected].
The Franklin Food Pantry, Inc. offers supplemental food assistance, household necessities, and resource referral programs to more than 1,300 individuals per year. The Pantry relies on donations and grants to purchase items and pay for daily operations, and partnerships with The Greater Boston Food Bank, Lovin’ Spoonfuls, and local grocery stores to achieve greater buying power and lower costs.
Programs include In-person Shopping, Curbside Pick-up, Emergency Food Bags, Mobile Pantries, Home Delivery, Kids’ Snack Bags, Weekend Backpacks, Holiday Meal Kits, Community Gardens, and the Franklin Farmers Market. The Pantry is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization in good standing in Massachusetts, recognized by Charity Navigator as a Four- Star Charity, and awarded GuideStar’s Platinum Transparency ranking. The Pantry is located at 341 W. Central St. in Franklin, MA on Route 140. Please visit www.franklinfoodpantry.org for more information.
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| Franklin Food Pantry Distributes Record Number of Holiday Meal Kits |
The Food Elves Campaign, which runs through mid-December, is usually The Pantry’s biggest fundraiser of the year, but we’re only at a little over 60% of our goal.
Please consider making a donation before the end of the year and help us alleviate food insecurity in the Franklin Community. No donation is too small (or too big!)
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| Consider a year end contribution to the Franklin Food Pantry |
Didn't receive a purple envelope from the Food Elves?
You can still donate and support us online.
Link to contribute here -> https://weblink.donorperfect.com/FranklinFoodPantry/FranklinFoodElves2023
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| Still time to support the Franklin Food Pantry Food Elves campaign |
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| Franklin Food Pantry Invites Community Support on #GivingTuesday |
The Franklin Food Pantry, Inc. offers supplemental food assistance and household necessities to more than 1,300 individuals per year. The Franklin Food Pantry is not funded by the Town of Franklin. The Pantry partners with several organizations including the Greater Boston Food Bank to achieve greater buying power and lower costs.
Donations and grants fund food purchases, keep lights on, and put gas in the Pantry truck. Programs include home delivery, a weekend backpack program for Franklin school children, mobile pantries, emergency food bags, and holiday meal packages. The Pantry is located at 341 W. Central St. in Franklin, Massachusetts on Route 140. Visit www.franklinfoodpantry.org for more information.
Please call us at (508) 384-0033 to learn more about this COVID-19 research study and to enroll.
We, at MRN Diagnostics, would like you to be a part of our journey in creating the next generation of diagnostic tests. Without individual contributors like you, these critical diagnostics tests will not be available to patients seeking rapid and accurate diagnoses.
For more information on how you can take part, please contact us at (508) 384-0033 or email [email protected]
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| Give blood, help a great cause |
