Franklin TV & Radio Programming Guide: December 2012

Monday, December 24, 2012

Elf on the shelf

Some Facebook updates over the past couple of weeks talked about moving or forgetting to move the 'elf on the shelf'. This is a vehicle for some families to help reinforce good behavior in advance of Christmas. It helps to set expectations. Do something wrong, the elf will know. Do something right, the elf will know.

Some may quibble about the silliness of the elf, while others are living by it. Either way, setting expectations and consequences for behavior is good. Whether it is the elf or some higher power watching over us, there is a sense of right and wrong that I believe is inherent in humanity.

Christmas is one of many opportunities during the year to pause and reflect on what has happened, good and bad. There are consequences for both. Some of the consequences are immediate, some will play out over time.

In this holiday season, this time of darkness, find a light, even if it is a glimmer of light. I do believe that there is a light and that light will bring hope and love. Hope that neighbors will help neighbors. That the neighbors will become a community, and live in a community of love and respect for one another.

This will be the last weekly summary for 2012.

Except for December, I have summarized the major event of each month as we progressed though the "12 Days of Donating." If you missed those updates you can find them here: http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/12/12-days-of-donating-day-12.html

May you and your family have a great holiday season, and may the New Year bring goodness to Franklin!

12/23

Markham Nolan: How to separate fact and fiction online
What is ALiCE?

12/22

12/21

12/20

12/19

12/18

12/17

Monday, December 17, 2012

Roller coaster ride

The rising high from the successful 12 Days of Donating, the performance of "A Christmas Carol" on Thursday was brought back to earth suddenly on Friday with the school shooting in CT.

Flag at half mast on the Franklin Town Common

The School Department has been busy coordinating with the Police and Fire Departments over this weekend. They provided a couple of timely updates. Chief Semerjian published his comments on Saturday. There was a joint release by Town Administrator Jeff Nutting, Police Chief Stephen Semerjian, Fire Chief Gary McCarraher and School Superintendent Maureen Sabolinski on the preparations for the normal opening of schools on Monday.

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/12/joint-statement-on-franklin-schools.html

Looking ahead to the meetings of this week, the Planning Board continues their discussion on the proposed Stop & Shop gas station among the many items on their agenda. The Town Council recognizes former Rep Jim Vallee with a Citizenship Award. There is a public hearing on the proposed revamping of the site plan review procedures as well as approval of the purchase agreement for the solar energy 'farm' being established at Mount St Mary's among the items on the agenda for the meeting. You can attend in person or view via local cable or web broadcast.

We will survive the roller coaster ride. The spirit of caring and giving in Franklin is alive and well.

12/16

12/15

12/14

12/13

12/12

12/11

12/10

Monday, December 10, 2012

Slowing to the end of the year

The School Committee meeting has a light schedule for its agenda on Tuesday. The Town Council meets again on the 19th. The Planning Board meeting on the 17th may get some attention with the Stop and Shop gas station (among other items) on the agenda.

simple sign of the holiday season along Forest St in Franklin

The Franklin Food Elves will be closing out the 12 Days of Donating this week. The performance of A Christmas Carol to benefit the Food Pantry will be held on Thursday Dec 13. Arranged by the Historical Commission and hosted at the Franklin United Methodist Church, this should be a fun evening.

Folks will be taking time off from work to spend with family around the holidays. For those traveling, please be safe.

As I complete this weekly wrap up, let me remind you that

If you like what I am doing here, please tell your friends and neighbors
If you don’t like something, please tell me

You can sign up for the daily dose, the weekly summary or find us on Facebook. All the links to enable that are in one place: http://www.franklinmatters.org/p/welcome.html

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Dec 3

Monday, December 3, 2012

Next up: Remington-Jefferson school tour, Dec 6 - 6;00 PM

Coming off the Thanksgiving Holiday, one of our family traditions has been listening to Alice's Restaurant. This tradition started many years ago, before we moved to Franklin. My wife and I are native Rhode Islanders and would return for the holidays from our NJ home. The song was one of a standard set to play on the road.

Towards the end of the song, Arlo talks about the movement. How if one person did something, they would think he is crazy. If two people did something, they would think they are gay. How if three people did something, they would be an organization. How if 50 people did something, they would be a movement.

Getting from 3 to 50 to get a movement going is a challenge. You need to catch their attention and give them a reason to act. You are already reading this, so I have your attention. Thank you! The School District has scheduled a series of tours, one school (or school complex) a month for this school year. Members of the School Committee, Central Office and the principal of the school give of their time this Thursday night beginning at 6:00 PM to welcome Franklin residents for a walk through the Remington-Jefferson schools.

Horace Mann Middle School entrance

If you have children in school, you should participate. Even if you don't have children in school, you should participate. This is a great time to see what is happening in school. To ask questions in an informal setting as the tour goes room to room, around the school. From the front entrance to the boiler room, to the gym, to the cafeteria. You get to see the inside of the school that you wouldn't otherwise see!

Join us Thursday night at the Remington Jefferson Schools, 6:00 PM!

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Dec 1

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