Welcome to your weekly bulletin for Franklin, NJ. Bundle up, check the forecast, and enjoy these winter happenings close to home.
This week at a glance
- Sun Jan 11 - Winter Bird Walk at Franklin Pond, 9:00-10:30 AM. Bring binoculars if you have them. Weather permitting and icy-path caution advised.
- Mon Jan 12 - Council workshop and public comment, Municipal Building, 7:00 PM. Arrive early if you plan to speak.
- Tue Jan 13 - Cozy Crafts Night at the Library, 6:00-7:30 PM. Yarn, paper, and winter card making. All ages welcome with a caregiver.
- Wed Jan 14 - Indoor Pickleball Open Play, Rec Center Gym, 6:00-8:00 PM. Paddles available for beginners.
- Thu Jan 15 - Community Blood Drive at the Firehouse, 2:00-7:00 PM. Photo ID required. Hydrate and eat beforehand.
- Fri Jan 16 - Family Movie Night, Community Center, 6:30 PM doors, show at 7:00 PM. Bring a blanket for floor seating.
- Sat Jan 17 - Winter Farmers Market, Senior Center Hall, 9:00 AM-noon. Root veggies, baked goods, small-batch soups. Plus, Pond Path Snowshoe Stroll, 1:00 PM, trailhead by the pavilion - weather dependent.
Seasonal tips and town notes
- Ice safety: Skating is allowed only when posted by Recreation staff. Do not venture onto the ice without signage. - Snow reminders: Keep sidewalks cleared within 24 hours after snowfall. Avoid shoveling snow back into the street. - Overnight parking: When snow emergencies are declared, move vehicles off posted routes so plows can operate. - Tree recycling: Curbside collection of undecorated natural trees continues through Jan 31. Place trees curbside on your usual pickup day, no bags or tinsel. - Warming spaces: On especially cold days, the Library and Community Center offer daytime warming areas during regular hours.
Get moving and feel good
Beat the midwinter slump with easy options around Franklin. Early risers can join the informal Walk the Halls group weekday mornings at the Rec Center track. The Library hosts Gentle Chair Yoga on Thursday at 10:00 AM for all abilities. If snow arrives, the Pond loop offers a picturesque mile for snowshoeing or microspikes, and the sledding hill beside the lower field will open when posted by Recreation staff. Remember water, layers, and traction.
For families this week
The Library Storytime returns Wednesday at 10:30 AM for preschoolers. Friday afternoon features Teen Board Game Drop-In, 3:00-5:00 PM, with classics and strategy games. Scouts and youth teams looking for volunteer hours can check in at the Community Center front desk about weekend setup help for events.
Civic corner
January is dog license renewal month. Renew by Jan 31 to avoid late fees. The clerk also notes that notary hours are limited during weather events; call ahead before visiting. Public Works reminds residents to keep storm drains clear of snow berms where safe to do so.
Save the dates - later this month
- Mon Jan 19: MLK Day of Service Gathering, Community Center, 9:00-11:30 AM. Brief kickoff, then local service projects. - Thu Jan 22: Board of Education meeting, 7:00 PM, High School Media Center. - Sat Jan 24: Free Rabies Clinic for dogs and cats, DPW Garage, 9:00-11:00 AM. Bring proof of prior vaccination if available. - Sun Jan 25: Community Soup Night, VFW Hall, 4:00-6:00 PM. Bring a labeled pot or come to taste and vote. - Wed Jan 28: Winter Heritage Talk, upstairs hall at the Senior Center, 6:30 PM. Local historians share mining town stories. - Through Jan 31: Coat and mitten drive collection bins at the Library and Municipal Building lobby.
Quick checklist
Pack traction for trails, carry ID for the blood drive, bring cash for the market, and confirm weather-related changes before you go. Have an event to share next week? Drop a flyer at the Community Center front desk by Thursday noon.
