"Did you know that Massachusetts’ official state insect is the ladybug?The law was passed in 1974 after a large group of second graders from Kennedy School in Franklin, Mass. visited lawmakers at the State House in Boston while wearing homemade ladybug costumes.Since ladybugs are considered good luck, and protect plants from pests without being harmful to gardens, the children and their teachers considered the insect worthy of becoming the Bay State’s official state’s bug."
Providing accurate and timely information about what matters in Franklin, MA since 2007. * Working in collaboration with Franklin TV and Radio (wfpr.fm) since October 2019 *
Tuesday, April 23, 2024
MassLive: "Former students mark 50th anniversary of ladybug becoming Mass. state insect"
Wednesday, April 10, 2024
Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the “Ladybug” - April 20
• Convenient access to restrooms and trail maps for trail walkers• Sale of special hand-crafted ladybug items (key chains and book marks) created by local crafter, Rhondy Rosita, with all sales benefiting the museum.• At 11 AM, State Representative Jeff Roy will speak about the Ladybug kids and about the legislative process then and now – an informative topic for kids and adults!• The Museum will also be showing throughout the day, a short Chronicle segment about the Ladybug Trail and a presentation about the 1974 ladybug kids and the 1984 Kennedy School kids that went to the statehouse in 1984, for the 10th anniversary.• Vintage newspaper clips and ladybug outfits used by Franklin children in their 1974 ‘lobbying’ effort.• And, late in the afternoon, we plan to release live native ladybugs at the nearby Methodist Church garden as a finale for the celebration.• All Saturday events are rain or shine (the Downtown Partnership’s Trail Walk, however, has a rain date of Sunday, April 21). The museum will only be open for regular hours, 1-4 pm, on that day.
Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the “Ladybug” - April 20 |
Monday, January 22, 2024
"A gathering of ladybugs is called a loveliness"
"I did not know this! How about that ? #LadybugTeacher"
"A gathering of ladybugs is called a loveliness. A loveliness of ladybugs . This very idea makes the world seem, somehow, a little more gentle"
A gathering of ladybugs is called a loveliness |
Tuesday, September 6, 2022
Save the Date! The Ladybug 5K returns! Oct 16
Save the Date! The Ladybug 5K returns! Oct 16 |
Sunday, June 19, 2022
Franklin Historical Museum: Fire Dept celebrate 150 years, ladybug Christmas ornaments for sale
Congratulations to the Franklin Fire Department who recently celebrated 150 years of service to our town. We want to thank FFD for letting us borrow the 1909 hand drawn pumper to display in front of the museum on a beautiful Sunday afternoon in June.
1909 hand drawn pumper |
Franklin Fire Department recently celebrated 150 years of service |
Visit our gift shop for a unique variety of Franklin theme items including our newest hot gift, the Ladybug Christmas Ornament, celebrating Franklin's place in Massachusetts legislative history. Be sure to get one for yourself and any friends who love Franklin. A thoughtful gift for friends and family living out of town. The gift shop is run by the Friends of the Franklin Historical Museum.
Ladybug Christmas Ornament |
The museum is located at 80 West Central Street, is wheelchair accessible and entry is always free.
You can also visit the Historical Museum on the web at http://franklinhistoricalmuseum.org/
or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/FHM02038
Monday, June 13, 2022
Hometown History #64: About Those Lady Bugs
ladybug at the Franklin Public Library |
Friday, June 10, 2022
Shop for Christmas in June? Why not, it is the new Ladybug ornament!
Shop for Christmas in June? Why not, it is the new Ladybug ornament! |
Recall that the Historical Museum will host a LiveARTS concert Saturday morning and the Second Sunday Speaker Series on Sunday as part of the weekend ArtWALK activities! https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/06/franklin-cultural-district-artwalk.html
Saturday, October 30, 2021
Pantherbook - series on "History of Franklin"
History of Franklin: America’s First Public Library
"Considered “America’s first public library”, the Franklin Public Library is located in Franklin, MA and was named in honor of Dr. Benjamin Franklin. In exchange for the library being named after Franklin, he was asked to donate a bell for the town’s church. Rather than donating a bell, though, Dr. Franklin decided that in return, he would actually donate books for the citizens of Franklin to use. Later on, there were many disputes over who should be allowed to use those gifts. In 1790, the people of Franklin voted to let the books be free for anyone to borrow. This was the vote that had established the Franklin collection of books as the first public library in the US. "Continue reading -> https://franklinpanthers.us/news/2021/10/15/a-history-of-franklin-americas-first-public-library/
History of Franklin: The Red Brick School
"In the nineteenth century, school was quite different than it is now. Children, flushed red in the cheeks from their wearisome trudge through the fickle New England weather, gathered in a one-room schoolhouse clutching a bundle of wood, a thin slate, and perhaps an apple to slice with their friends over lunch. They relied on the glowing flames of the fireplace, and later the wood-stove, as their heat source. "Continue reading -> https://franklinpanthers.us/news/2021/10/20/history-of-franklin-the-red-brick-school/
History of Franklin: The Ladybug Story
"To those who have never heard of “The Ladybug Story,” the several ladybug decorations around Franklin may seem like mere ornaments, or perhaps contributors to an obscure joke that only townies understand.
However, the red-and-black bugs hold much more significance than what meets the eye. Whether they be represented in kindness rock gardens or in sculptures downtown, ladybugs make clear to passersby that they are a significant aspect of Franklin’s cultural fabric. "
Continue reading -> https://franklinpanthers.us/entertainment/2021/10/29/history-of-franklin-the-ladybug-story/
One of the Ladybugs around Franklin is at the Library |
Saturday, April 10, 2021
FM #506 - Economic Development SubCommittee Mtg - 04/07/21 (audio)
FM #506 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 506 in the series.
This shares the Economic Development Subcommittee meeting that was held on Wednesday, April 7, 2021.
The meeting was conducted in a hybrid mode; some of the key participants were in the Council Chambers, the Chair Melanie Hamblen led the meeting remotely along with several others via Zoom conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.
Links to the meeting agenda and my notes are in the show notes. The meeting recording runs about 58 minutes. Let’s listen to the Economic Development Subcommittee meeting
Audio file = https://player.captivate.fm/episode/de5abca6-def8-46ef-a57a-d778d91c618a
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https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/2021-4-7_edc_agenda_.pdf
https://www.slideshare.net/shersteve/franklin-downtown-partnership-planning-ladybug-trail
My notes captured via Twitter and shared here in summary form
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/04/recap-economic-development-subcomm-mtg.html
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We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm).
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
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"
FM #506 - Economic Development SubCommittee Mtg - 04/07/21 (audio)
Friday, April 9, 2021
Recap-Economic Development SubComm-Mtg - 04/07/21 - Ladybug trail being planned, business guide released
- Meeting opens with a presentation on the Ladybug Trail being planned for downtown Franklin. Slides included in notes below. Photos captured during the presentation shared as well
- The Business Guide is now released. A flowchart to follow for starting a business and what approvals are required is a key development since the draft was shared earlier.
- Discussion o the overall marketing strategy and key branding elements is desired but the meeting ran out of time to get into.
The Twitter hashtag can be found online #edc0407
https://twitter.com/search?q=%23edc0407&src=typeahead_click
- Real time reporting underway for the Economic Development subcommittee meeting https://www.franklinma.gov/economic-development-subcommittee/agenda/edc-agenda-25 #edc0407
- Ladybug trail up first, Lisa Piana of the Downtown Partnership #edc0407 to present after brief intro by Chair Melanie Hamblen
- The ladybug trail will reappear in downtown Franklin #edc0407
- The ladybugs first appeared in 2014. #edc0407
- Slides to be shared later but some key ones are captured here #edc0407
- Concept of trail and sidewalk marking still in development. Would use the map and QR codes to trigger the audio with information #edc0407
- Consensus among EDC members to proceed; mural design being worked with the artists and building owners, they will be family friendly and non controversial. #edc0407
- Next up, business guide close to 'final' #edc0407 reviewing changes since the draft was shared in this meeting previously now includes a flow chart to follow
- Also updated to include the food truck as well as the farmers market #edc0407 should help the jumping around town hall that occurs today and should be alleviated using this going forward.
- Can add a zoning map link to the guide so they would have the info available. Development is separate and much more detailed, this is for the more frequent use if opening a business, building a development would require more and much is on the Town pages #edc0407
- Discussion on a marketing strategy to include brand elements, logo, fonts, tag line to use as a common and consistent presentation if the town to the world up for future
- #edc0407 motion to adjourn, second, passes 4-0 via roll call
- Town Council meeting coming up at 7
FDP Ladybug Trail presentation doc: https://www.slideshare.net/shersteve/franklin-downtown-partnership-planning-ladybug-trail
Business Guide -> https://www.canva.com/design/DAEN5lnYNIY/xubMHMzbUK7uF--x0mx6Og/view
Wednesday, April 7, 2021
Economic Development Subcommittee - Agenda - April 7, 2021 - 5:45 PM
Wednesday, April 29, 2020
JF Kennedy School video
"Hi Ladybugs! Check out this awesome video from your teachers and staff members at JFK! We miss you so much! We are proud of the great work you are doing to keep learning alive at Kennedy!"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1icmlmGaqWvw7wEGKDzNK3yTvVe8oIxqO/view
Shared via Twitter
https://twitter.com/jfkladybugs/status/1255189379699572738?s=09
Sunday, September 29, 2019
Register for the Ladybug 5K - Oct 6
John F Kennedy School School
551 Pond Street - Franklin MA
USATF Sanctioned Event
Professional Timing 3C Race Productions
Cash Prize for the Top Male and Female finisher
Raffle (Tickets: 1 for $1 OR 12 for $10)
- Kids Fun Run begins at 9:30 AM
- 5K begins at 10 AM
- Bib number pick up begins at 8:30 AM
Register online
https://g2racereg.webconnex.com/ladybug5k19?fbclid=IwAR3WmRHbiXqWAgSaQo37lNG5Oltz_B2-SJ4dz5IoXIobpFrUznyWp9_cvfM
The start of the Ladybug 5K in 2015 |
Tuesday, September 3, 2019
Ladybug 5K - Oct 6
USATF Sanctioned Event
Professional Timing 3C Race Productions
Cash Prize for the Top Male and Female finisher
Raffle (Tickets: 1 for $1 OR 12 for $10)
- Kids Fun Run begins at 9:30 am
- 5K begins at 10 am
- Bib number pick up begins at 8:30 am
https://g2racereg.webconnex.com/ladybug5k19?fbclid=IwAR3WmRHbiXqWAgSaQo37lNG5Oltz_B2-SJ4dz5IoXIobpFrUznyWp9_cvfM
The start of the Ladybug 5K in 2015 |
Tuesday, January 30, 2018
In the News: ladybugs to gather again; “A Pirate’s Life for Me”
"In the spirit of springtime, the Franklin Downtown Partnership hopes to find all of the ladybug sculptures purchased by business owners in 2014, so the metal bugs can scale buildings and keep park-goers company.
Lisa Piana with the Downtown Partnership said the sculptures always bring smiles, and she hopes to see them all outside for everyone to enjoy.
“They’re really fun to look at, each one is unique,” she said. “We thought it would be fun to walk downtown and see them in all different places.”
Businesses, which bought the ladybugs from the cultural council about three years ago, should lend them for public display this spring, Piana said."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180129/downtown-partnership-is-looking-for-ladybugs-to-decorate-franklin-this-spring
ladybugs to gather again |
"The Fine and Performing Arts Department at the Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School has announced upcoming performances of “A Pirate’s Life for Me,” set for 7 to 9:30 p.m. March 2 and 2 to 4:30 March 3 at Horace Mann Middle School, 224 Oak St.
Tickets are priced at $17 for adults and $13 senior citizens and children younger than 10. Tickets will be sold at the door or an order form will be available for download at http://bfccps.org."
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180129/strongbenjamin-franklin-classical-charter-to-present-a-pirates-life-for-mestrong
Join the Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School for “A Pirate’s Life for Me” |
Tuesday, October 10, 2017
Annual Ladybug 5K and Kids Fun Run - Oct 14
1 The Annual Ladybug 5K Road Race and Kids Fun Run is about to hit the roads of Franklin once again next Saturday, Oct. 14. The event takes off from Franklin’s John F. Kennedy Elementary School on Pond Street.
2 The Ladybug 5K benefits the Kennedy School PCC, which funds enrichment activities for students, such as field trips, guest speakers and more.
3 The course of this USATF sanctioned event with professional timing is as follows: Start on Joval Court, right onto Southgate, right onto Coronation, left onto Oakland Parkway, right onto Ashbury Drive, left onto Norumbega Circle, left onto Charles River Drive, left onto Franklin Springs Drive, left onto Maple Street, left onto Southgate Road, ending with a left back onto Joval Court.
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://franklin.wickedlocal.com/news/20171008/annual-kennedy-school-pcc-ladybug-5k-kids-fun-run-set
The start of the Ladybug 5K in 2015 |
Friday, October 14, 2016
In the News: Rappa recognized, Ladybug 5K on Saturday
"Franklin resident Robert Rappa was recently voted chairman emeritus by the Tri-County Regional School Committee in recognition of his decades long commitment to the district.
Rappa, a member of the committee since the building first opened in 1977, announced plans to step down from his post last spring after 40 years. He was also a member of the building committee prior to construction of the school.
In a unanimous vote on Sept. 21, the school committee awarded Rappa the title of chairman emeritus."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161013/tri-county-regional-school-committee-honors-franklin-resident
"A 5-kilometer race in town this weekend will raise funds for enrichment activities for Kennedy Elementary School.
The race - the Ladybug 5K and hosted by the school's Parent Communication Council (PCC) - is set to start from the school at 10 a.m. Saturday.
Race director Stacey Federico said the PCC works to provide students with opportunities they might not otherwise have.
"We're the parent group that fundraises for enrichment activities," she said. "(Without those funds), schools wouldn't be able to do things like field trips."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161013/franklin-ladybug-5k-set-for-saturday
The start of the Ladybug 5K in 2015 |
Thursday, October 6, 2016
Don't miss out on the Ladybug 5K - Saturday, October 15
- Race registration and number pick up start at 8:30 AM
- Kids race at 9:30
- 5K at 10 AM
- Cash prize for top male and top female overall in the 5K
Registration is available for the 5K, kids race and family pricing of $50 per family.
Participants can preregister at https://racewire.com/register.php?id=6650
For more details see our website at www.ladybug5k.com
The start of the Ladybug 5K in 2015 |
Tuesday, September 20, 2016
Did you register for the Ladybug 5K - Saturday, Oct 15?
- Race registration and number pick up start at 8:30 AM
- Kids race at 9:30
- 5K at 10 AM
- Cash prize for top male and top female overall in the 5K
Registration is available for the 5K, kids race and family pricing of $50 per family.
Participants can preregister at https://racewire.com/register.php?id=6650
For more details see our website at www.ladybug5k.com
The start of the Ladybug 5K in 2015 |
Wednesday, September 7, 2016
Ladybug 5K - Saturday, October 15
- Race registration and number pick up start at 8:30 AM
- Kids race at 9:30
- 5K at 10 AM
- Cash prize for top male and top female overall in the 5K
Registration is available for the 5K, kids race and family pricing of $50 per family.
Participants can preregister at https://racewire.com/register.php?id=6650
For more details see our website at www.ladybug5k.com
The start of the Ladybug 5K in 2015 |