What's Happening Around & About Gazette Country

Franklin Police continue toy collection

FRANKLIN -- The Franklin Police Department is still collecting toys until Dec. 15 at the police station.

The department had a very successful "Fill The Cruiser" drive over the Thanksgiving weekend, but still needs help. Gift cards for older children also are very helpful, as they are more difficult to provide for. Gifts can be dropped off at the front desk.

Bellingham Youth LAX now taking registrations

BELLINGHAM – Registration for Bellingham Youth Lacrosse is now open through Dec. 15.

The organization is not presently accepting registration fees, but just needs to determine how many teams they will have. To register, visit www.bellinghamhawx.org/

Boys still require a MBYLL registration number at $30 per player. Girls require a FGLL member ID at $30 per player.

For more information, visit the website above or go to www.facebook.compg/bellinghamhawxlax

Millis holding flu clinic

MILLIS – The Millis Health Department is holding a town flu clinic on Wednesday, Dec. 9 at the Veterans Memorial Building, room 130, 900 Main St., Millis.

The clinic will be held 4-7 p.m. by appointment only. Call the Board of Health office at 508-376-7042 to schedule. Masks are required. The clinics are for those who are age 8 and older.

Norfolk Lions selling Christmas trees

NORFOLK -- The Norfolk Lions Club is ready for its annual Christmas tree sale, a month-long event that is one of the club's most important fundraisers, and a great opportunity for the Lions to connect with so members of the community during the holiday period.

Sales began on Saturday, Nov. 21, and continue until all trees are gone.

As has been its tradition over the past several years, the Norfolk Lions tree sale is located on the lot next to the Dunkin Donuts on Main Street in downtown Norfolk. The Lions thank the owners of the local Dunkin Donuts for their continued support of the club.

Selling hours are weekdays from 3-9 p.m. and weekends from 9 a.m.-9 p.m.

The Lions will be happy to trim the bottom of your tree and secure it to your car, although pickup trucks are very much appreciated. The Lions accept cash and checks payable to the Norfolk Lions. Sorry no credit cards.

Did you know that it takes 10 to 12 years of growing time and professional care to bring a Christmas tree to harvest? The Lions' trees come from northern Maine and are fresh and beautiful. They have both balsam and Fraser fir trees, which are the most popular. They also have a selection of wreaths, as well as tree bags and tree life preservative to promote needle retention and help keep the trees fresh.

All of the proceeds go right back into the local Norfolk community and to various Lions charities.

“Monies that the Lions generate go to seed such research as blindness prevention, diabetes prevention and numerous other causes”, says Kevin Roche, this year’s president and King Lion.

This year the Lions will again have a collection bin at the tree lot for “Coats 4 Kids." They will be collecting coats for men, women and children to be given to families in need in the community. Any and all coats in good condition are needed. All will be dry-cleaned, courtesy of Anton’s Cleaners.

The Lions will also be collecting non-perishable food donations for the benefit of the Norfolk Food Pantry. Paul Terrio, co-chairman of the Christmas tree sale, further comments, “Your contributions to the Norfolk Food Pantry are much appreciated at this time of year”.

Once again, the Boy Scouts of Norfolk will offer a Tree Pick-Up Service after the holidays. For $5 for seniors and $15 for all others, the Scouts will pick up your tree at any home in Norfolk and bring it to the transfer station for recycling. You can register for this service online. The Boy Scouts will be on site at the tree lot to answer questions and hand out information fliers with all the details.

Note that the will be observing all state and CDC regulations and guidelines regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. Be sure to wear a mask.

For more information or to get involved with the Norfolk Lions Club, visit www.NorfolkMALions.org, or send email to norfolklionsmembership@gmail.com or talk to any Lions member you may know.

Bellingham Women of Today plan holiday events

BELLINGHAM -- The Bellingham Women of Today are planning two upcoming holiday events.

First is the club's annual Letters from Santa effort.

"We bet you know someone who would love to get a letter from Santa," the members say. "Santa and his elves are so busy preparing for Christmas, the Bellingham Women of Today will be helping him send personal letters to anyone on your list. They are a great gift for children, seniors, college students and anyone young at heart."

The cost is $2 for each letter or three for $5. Send the name and address of each recipient along with your name and phone number, including any information you would like added to the letter to BWOT, PO Box 405, Bellingham, MA 02019 before Dec. 14.  For questions contact bwotevents@hotmail.com.

BWOT is also continuing its Santa's Elves effort to support the Adopt-A-Family program through the St. Blaise Church. Because of Covid restrictions, the club will not be collecting toys this year, but will continue to raise funds through personal and business monetary donations to aid hundreds of local families in need during the holiday season through this program. 

Thanks to the generosity of businesses and individuals, more than 300 children and their families were helped through the BWOT Santa’s Elves program last year.   Monetary donations may be mailed to BWOT, PO Box 405, Bellingham, MA 02019.

 See the club's Facebook page for more details or email bwotevents@hotmail.com.

Temple Etz Chaim worship services

FRANKLIN – Temple Etz Chaim, 900 Washington St., Franklin, is holding services remotely in response to the current COVID-19 emergency. To access the livestream, go to https://temple-etzchaim.org/live.

Friday, Dec. 4: Family Erev Shabbat service, 7-8:30 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 11: Family Erev Shabbat service and Menorah lighting, 7-8:30 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 18: Erev Shabbat service, 7:30-8:30 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 25: Erev Shabbat Service, 7:30-8:30 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 1, 2021: Erev Shabbat service, 7:30-8:30 p.m.

For more information, call the temple at 508-528-5337 or visit the website at http://www.temple-etzchaim.org

KP Warrior Wear for sale now

WRENTHAM -- King Philip Warrior Wear is selling new Nike T-shirts online and at the DECA mini mall at King Philip High School, 201 Franklin St., Wrentham.

All proceeds directly support the KP DECA chapter. For online purchases visit https://kingphilipdeca.onlineweb.shop/ or stop by King Philip High School on Saturdays between 1 and 2 p.m.

The T-shirts are being sold for $25. Follow Warrior Wear on Instagram and Facebook @kp.warriorwear.

Franklin St. Mary's women's group to meet

FRANKLIN -- The St. Mary's Women’s Faith Formation Group invites all interested women to attend their monthly Zoom meeting, held the first Saturday of each month.

The next meeting will take place on Dec. 5 from 9:30-10:15 a.m.

Fr. Vin Dailey will talk on the topic of "Hope during a pandemic Christmas." There will be time at the end of the program for attendees to share thoughts and ideas. If interested in attending, email Deacon Guy (deaconguy@stmarysfranklin.org) to receive the link to the zoom meeting.

Let's Laugh Today meeting on Zoom

FRANKLIN -- Let's Laugh Today, a laughter yoga group, is offered free every Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. on the Zoom app.

In these challenging times, there is nothing like a good belly laugh to help release stress and anxiety. Laughter exercises and deep breathing help to bring more fresh oxygen into the body and brain helping you feel more energetic and healthy. It's a great way to connect with other people through eye contact while remaining socially distant and it is thoroughly uplifting and immunity-boosting.

See www.letslaughtoday.com for a link to the free Zoom meeting. All ages are welcome. You can sit or stand the entire time.

During normal circumstances, Let's Laugh Today meets on the second Tuesday of each month at the meetinghouse of the First Universalist Society in Franklin, 262 Chestnut St., Franklin, 7:30-8:30 p.m. Free in-person meetings will resume once it is OK to do so.

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 has many benefits besides the joy of laughter. 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. There are no poses. Have a water bottle on hand because laughing can be dehydrating.

The group is led by certified master trainers, Bill and Linda Hamaker. For more information, call 508-660-2223 or e-mail billandlinda@letslaughtoday.com. New laughers are always welcomed.

Franklin Knights holding holiday food card drive

FRANKLIN -- The Franklin Knights of Columbus Council 1847 are holding their Sixth Annual Holiday Food Card Drive through Dec. 14.

Proceeds will support the ongoing charitable efforts of the Knights of Columbus and help feed those who are in need. This need is particularly critical due to COVID 19. This year there will be two ways you may purchase and donate a Stop & Shop food card for those in need: Online or through the mail.

Visit the council's website at www.kofc1847.org. Online orders will accept credit card payment. There is a link - Holiday Food Card Drive -- to donate food cards

Or mail a check and order form to: Knights of Columbus c/o Food Card Drive/PO Box465/Franklin, MA, 02038. Checks should be made out to Knights of Columbus Council 1847. Order form should include name, phone, email, and indicate whether you'd like to donate a $10 food card with 100 percent of sales helping those in need, or if you'd like to purchase a $10 give card with 5 percent of sales helping those in need, or both.

Purchased cards will be mailed back by Dec. 15.

For questions, contact Scott Kyle at 508-736-8944 or email d_scott13@comcast.net

Angelcat Haven plans virtual craft fair

PLAINVILLE -- Angelcat Haven is planning its first ever virtual craft fair, in place of the in-person craft fair it has hosted for more than 10 years. The event will feature many repeat vendors, who are back with their handmade crafts and small businesses.

The event will be hosted on the website and Facebook now through Dec. 8.

Check out vendors including Purple Basset, Jennifer L. Turner Art, Notso Kitty, Scout & Cellar, Papparazzi fashion jewelry, Scentsy, Pampered Chef, Touchstone Crystal, Lularoe, Got Nails, Sassy Sarah's Shoppe, My Sweet Alibi, Thirty-One Gifts, Our Crafting Nook, Christmas Memories, Color Street, Tupperware, Holly's Hobby, Origami Owl, Cardi's Custom Creations, and Handmade from the Heart.

Each vendor will be highlighted on a separate date and many have coupon codes to use. Visit www.angelcathaven.com/events/2020-11/ or go to Facebook at www.facebook.com/AngelcatHaven/events

Angelcat Haven Feline Rescue (ACH) is an all-volunteer, 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to rescuing stray and abandoned cats in Southeastern Massachusetts and has rescued more than 1,000 cats since 2006.

For more information, or to volunteer, call the message center at 508-203-4240 or visit www.angelcathaven.com. Tax deductible donations may be sent to Angelcat Haven, P.O. Box 2261, Plainville, MA 02762.

Patriots Hall of Fame gears up for holidays

FOXBOROUGH – The Patriots Hall of Fame presented by Raytheon Technologies is gearing up for the “Hall-iday” season with sales, offers and sweepstakes to help illuminate the holiday spirit. Additional information can be found on The Hall’s website – www.patriotshalloffame.com.

Hall-iday Mystery Bags: Running each weekend through Dec. 20, visit The Hall and register for the chance to win one of four Mystery Gift Bags. Each bag includes a premium autographed item, gift cards and much more.  No purchase necessary to enter.

Friday, Dec. 4 – Sunday, Dec. 6: Get a family fun pack – buy one adult and one child admission ticket for $10. This can be purchased at The Hall or online for future use. Pick your day, make your purchase and come visit The Hall!

Saturday, Dec. 5 – Sunday Dec. 6: Visit The Hall and purchase an adult admission ticket to receive a Drew Bledsoe Patriots Hall of Fame bobble head while supplies last (limit one per person).

Friday, Dec. 11 – Sunday, Dec. 13: Purchase a one-year Hall Membership in-person or online and receive an additional three months free. That’s a 15-month membership for the price of 12.

Saturday, Dec. 12 – Sunday, Dec. 13: Visit The Hall and purchase an adult admission ticket to receive a Troy Brown Patriots Hall of Fame bobble head while supplies last (limit one per person).

Friday, Dec. 18- Sunday, Dec. 20: Super Six Pack Sale – buy six Hall adult admissions for $30. That is a savings of $30. These admissions are sold as gift certificates and must be purchased on site, but can be used any time and do not expire. Stuff those stockings with Patriots history.

Saturday, Dec. 26 – Sunday, Jan. 3: Get a free 2020 Patriots Yearbook (while supplies last) with the purchase of Hall admission. Also, register for the chance to win a Julian Edelman signed elite jersey (no purchase necessary to enter).

The Patriots Hall of Fame presented by Raytheon Technologies is currently open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. It is planning to be open during school holiday vacation from Dec. 26 through Jan. 3, from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. each day.  The Hall is closed on Christmas. For more information on any of the holiday promotions, visit www.patriotshalloffame.com or call 508-698-4800.

Stony Brook Camera Club meeting virtually

FRANKLIN -- After 50 years of in-person meetings, the Stony Brook Camera Club is meeting via Zoom until it is safe to return. SBCC continues to offer the same high quality programming, now delivered virtually and interactively.

The program committee has put together a full calendar for the 150 members of national, international and local speakers as well as image studies, competitions and Saturday workshops. Just some of the speaker topics between now and the end of the 2020 include: The Wild Side of Nature Photography, Time Lapse Photography, Astrolandscape Photography, Processing for Black and White, The Art of Landscape Photography, and The Well-Equipped Macro Photographer.

Field trips and camping trips to expand members' photographic experience will resume when the group can meet in person once again. SBCC welcomes members of all ages and abilities. Everyone from smartphone shooters to experienced photographers can hone their skills through the club.

SBCC has just initiated an exciting mentoring program that pairs inexperienced with experienced shooters.

Visit www.StonyBrookCC.com to find out more and to view the full 2020-2021 calendar of events. See “Be Our Guest” on the home page to fill out the form to be notified of the Zoom connection for the next meeting. This registration entitles new people to a 30-day free membership and access to meetings.

Plainville Library Friends holding book sale

PLAINVILLE -- The Friends of the Plainville Public Library have an ongoing book sale in the Friends’ hallway, and, since they did not have a Summer Book sale, they have set up tables in front of the circulation desk for the rest of the year.

New donations are added every Monday. They are also selling puzzles, CDs, and DVDs. Prices for hardcover/trade & CDs $1, mass market & children’s books .50, DVDs & Books on CD $2 and puzzles .25-$3. They also have books of gift giving quality, which are priced slightly higher (.75-$5). Additionally, there is a good selection of summer reading books for several school districts available to purchase for $1. They may have some of the required/optional reading suggestions.

The Plainville Public Library hours are Mondays-Thursdays 10 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-3 p.m., Wednesdays 4-7 p.m. and Fridays 2-5 p.m..

Donations of items may be dropped off at the library during normal library hours throughout the year. The Plainville Public Library is located on Rte. 1A at 198 South St. For more information, call the Plainville Public Library at 508-695-1784 or checkout the Friends website at www.plainvillepubliclibrary.org.

Plainville Library Friends seek help with puzzles

PLAINVILLE -- The Friends of the Plainville Public Library are looking for volunteers to complete puzzles, which have been donated for their puzzle sale planned for February.

If you like doing puzzles, the Friends have from 100- to 3,000-piece puzzles waiting for you. Just go to the Plainville Public Library’s circulation desk, leave your name and contact information and you will be given all the information. Then pick out the puzzles you would like to complete at home. You do not have to be from Plainville.

The Plainville Public Library hours are Mondays-Thursdays 10 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-3 p.m., Wednesdays 4-7 p.m. and Fridays 2-5 p.m.

Book and puzzle donations may be dropped off at the library during normal library hours throughout the year. The Plainville Public Library is located on Rte. 1A at 198 South St.

For more information, call the Plainville Public Library at 508-695-1784 or visit www.plainvillepubliclibrary.org.