Ladybugs to be honored at State House on 50th anniversary of bill signing

In 1974, something was bugging the second graders at Kennedy Elementary School in Franklin. They were puzzled that among all the symbols in the Commonwealth, there was no state insect. Since ladybugs are considered good luck and protect plants from pests without being harmful to gardens, the children and their teacher considered the insect worthy of becoming the Bay

State’s official state bug.

50th anniversary of bill signing

These second graders swarmed the State House while wearing homemade ladybug costumes and visited lawmakers to make their case. After some heroic efforts by these pioneering students and their teacher, involving a petition, testimony before a legislative committee, and letters to legislators, the ladybug became the official state insect in 1974.

On Friday, October 4, 2024, the same ladybugs, along with family and friends, will return to the State House for a 50th Anniversary celebration and tour. Organized by State Representative Jeffrey N. Roy (D-Franklin), the Ladybugs will also meet and have their picture taken with Governor Maura Healey. They will be also joined by the family of their teacher, the late Palma Johnson during the State House visit.

 

homemade ladybug costumes

“Although five decades have passed since H.5155, An Act designating the Ladybug as the official bug of the Commonwealth, was signed into law, the passage of time has not diminished the importance of their achievement and timeless inspirational story,” said Representative Roy, “Their efforts and dedication in 1974 showed how anyone with a good idea can affect change. It was the ultimate civics lesson for these students and we will celebrate their accomplishment on Friday.”

One of the students in the class took that civics lesson to heart. Twenty years after the bill signing, Jim Vallee was elected to the Massachusetts House of Representatives where he served Franklin for 19 years. He is expected to attend the anniversary event on Friday.

ladybug became the official state insect in 1974

Their historic accomplishment by the Franklin students is now part of the State House lore and is featured on its website (https://www.sec.state.ma.us/divisions/cis/ciskid/kidlbs/lbsidx.htm) and celebrated in a booklet distributed in the building. 

The accomplishment was also featured several years ago on an episode of WCVB’s Chronicle (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=weoanYKnVKM).

Vietnam War 50th Anniversary Commemoration - March 29 at 11 AM

Vietnam War 50th Anniversary Commemoration

Vietnam War 50th Anniversary Commemoration

Friday, March 29, 11:00 AM to Noon - VA Jamaica Plain Lobby

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/veterans-services/news/vietnam-war-50th-anniversary-commemoration

Have you volunteered with FISH of Franklin? Do you know about the 50th celebration? (audio)

FM #1053 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1053 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my recorded conversation with Barbara Steele, Nancy Rappa and Terry Robbins, all with FISH of Franklin. We had our conversation in the Franklin TV Studio conference room on Tuesday, August 29, 2023. 

The FISH of Franklin organization will be celebrating 50 years of community service this coming October 18 at Dean College. A “Save the Date” mailing was sent to the current list of volunteers and those they were able to find records for from prior years. However, they fear they may be missing some. Hence our conversation to get the word out so those who have volunteered in the past 50 years can get on the listing. 

Secondly, the FISH of Franklin are also looking for volunteers. We discussed their origin story, how the service they provide has evolved over the years, and that volunteering really is only a commitment for driving or handling the phone calls once a month. We talked of the three blessings for this volunteer effort. 

The recording runs about 35 minutes so let’s listen in and learn about the three blessings of volunteering for FISH of Franklin. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1053-fish-of-franklin-celebrate-50-years-08-29-23

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FISH of Franklin volunteers provide rides to Franklin neighbors for medical or social service related appointments. You can call 508-528-2121 to arrange a ride or to volunteer

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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?

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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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Have you volunteered with FISH of Franklin? Do you know about the 50th celebration? (audio)