Existence as Resistance Sunday, June 15, 2025 @ 10:00 AM

We exist!  

When turbulence blows in and lives become rattled, we unite to grow stronger.  We strengthen our community and use our actions and voices to resist.  

The LGBTQIA+ community and their allies have weathered these ferocious storms in the past, and we will again!  

Existence as Resistance Sunday, June 15, 2025 @ 10:00 AM

Our existence is our resistance, and once again we must stand strong against the opposing winds!  

The FUSF Welcoming Congregation Team will be sharing their personal stories. Please join us and gather together in solidarity.  

The First Universalist Society in Franklin (FUSF) is a Unitarian Universalist Welcoming Congregation located at 262 Chestnut Street, Franklin. 

Our Interim Minister is Reverend Beverly Waring. For more information about FUSF please visit our website at Fusf.org. You can also contact us at info@fusf.org or by calling 508-528-5348.  

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Thursday, April 24, 2025 ???

Thursday, April 24

Library & Senior Center events

** Franklin Art Association Art Show and Sale Exhibit (Norfolk Public Library)

10:30am Animal Affair! (Franklin Public Library)

4:00pm Rockin' Rhythms (Franklin Public Library)

5:00pm Board Game Night (Pete's Nerd Emporium)

6:30pm Running Your First 5K (Pond Street Recreation Facility)

7:00pm An Exploration of French Wines (333 E Central St)

7:00pm Dance Company (Dean College Main Stage Theater)

7:00pm An Evening of Conversation Regarding Food Sovereignty and Access (First Universalist Society Franklin)

7:30pm Musical Bingo (Teddy Gallagher's Irish Pub)

For additional details on Library & Senior Center events ->   

https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar.aspx?CID=37,24&showPastEvents=false

 

 

**  Meetings today   **

Zoning Board of Appeals ZBA Meeting

Thursday, April 24 Time: 7:30 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04242025-1676

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What's happening today in Franklin? 

Find the full Community event calendar  https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://bit.ly/Submit2Calendar

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/Calendar.aspx
The School district calendar is found  https://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/o/fpsd/page/school-calendars

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Saturday, March 15, 2025 ???

Saturday, March 15

* "Look Up" Gallery (Franklin Public Library during open hours)

9:00am Thrifty Threads (Franklin Federated Church) 

9:30am Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) (Franklin Public Library) 

10:00am Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

7:00pm Country Dance: Reels and More! (First Universalist Society Franklin)

7:30pm FPAC: Mel Brooks "The Producers" (THE BLACK BOX)

For additional details on Library events ->    

https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar.aspx?CID=37,24&showPastEvents=false

** NO Town Meetings today   **

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Why are there multiple calendars?

What's happening today in Franklin? 

Respectfully, the Library and Senior Center calendars are too full of events to include all their events so we tend to focus on the major events. Town and School meetings are also kept separate. Links for all the calendars are shared here:

Find the full Community event calendar  https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://bit.ly/Submit2Calendar

The Library calendar of events ->    calendar link

The Senior Center calendar of events ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar.aspx?CID=37&showPastEvents=false

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/Calendar.aspx
The School district calendar is found  https://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/o/fpsd/page/school-calendars

Moving Towards an Indigenous Worldview & Find Your Oxygen Mask - An Interactive Workshop - Jan 19

Moving Towards an Indigenous Worldview

Sunday January 19, 2025 @ 10:00 AM

Moving Towards an Indigenous Worldview

Our planet faces so many crises, it can be hard to read the news. And yet, throughout the world, Indigenous communities and nations hold out a different way of being. Guest preacher, Claire Karl Muller will speak to this vision, finding our personal stake in it and what UU Mass Action is doing with Indigenous leaders here in Massachusetts to get there. Find out more about UU Mass Action on their website www.uumassaction.org

About CLAIRE KARL B.W. MÜLLER (THEY): Claire Karl is a force of nature. They are a 5th generation Germanic settler to Eastern Massachusetts and identify as a white, middle-class, non-binary, small-fat, queer organizer. Their values are curiosity, compassion, and truth and people power. They feel called to work with other white middle class folks on racial, economic and climate justice and joined the team at UU Mass Action in 2020. Claire Karl is coordinator of the statewide climate justice coalition Mass Power Forward, which they co-founded in 2015, as well as the UU Mass Action staff lead for Indigenous Solidarity.

Find Your Oxygen Mask - An Interactive Workshop 

Sunday, January 19, 2025 from 11:45 AM - 1:00 PM

The FUSF Welcoming Congregation Initiative Team invites you to an interactive workshop titled, “Find Your Oxygen Mask.”  Members of the LGBTQIA+ community, their allies, and anyone interested in learning more, are welcome to attend. We will connect, learn, and share resources, fears, and hopes during these uncertain times. We hope that whoever you are, wherever you are from, whomever you love, whether your heart is heavy or light, you will join us. 

2nd Annual Cookie Walk Scheduled for Saturday, Dec 14

2nd Annual Cookie Walk Scheduled for Saturday, Dec 14

The First Universalist Society in Franklin 2nd Annual Cookie Walk is scheduled for Saturday, Dec 14, 2024 from 10 AM - 1 PM. More than 40 bakers will provide you with lots of holiday goodies at only $10/lb.

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1CrpEkPzZ8/

Kathleen & Norman talk about their development of the forthcoming performance of "The Belle of Amherst" by William Luce (audio)

FM #1293 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1293 in the series. 

This session shares my conversation with Kathleen Mary Mulligan, Actor and Producer, and Norman Johnson, Director. We had our conversation virtually via Zoom on Monday, Oct 14, 2024. We talked about their roles in the forthcoming production of “The Belle of Amherst” by William Luce. The play will be performed on Saturday, Oct 26 at the First Universalist Society in Franklin.

During the discussion we find out about a connection between Emily Dickinson and Beirut, Lebanon, where a series of performances of “The Belle of Amherst” were interrupted by the uprising in October, 2019. 

The recording runs about 55 minutes, so let’s listen in. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1293-belle-of-amherst-promo-10-14-24/

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Wikipedia entry for the play -> https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Belle_of_Amherst 

FUSF link for tickets -> https://fusf.org/2024/08/22/the-belle-of-amherst/ 

Kathleen’s profile page at Ithaca College -> https://www.ithaca.edu/faculty/kmulligan 

Norman’s profile page at Ithaca -> https://www.ithaca.edu/faculty/njohnson 

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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?

• 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

• And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do

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"

Kathleen Mary Mulligan, Actor and Producer

Special Sunday Service – Why Legislation Matters for the LGBTQIA+ community and supporters

Sunday services at First Universalist Society in Franklin (FUSF) offer prayer, acceptance, music, reflection, and so much more. 

Please join the FUSF Welcoming Congregation Initiative Team to explore the theme of “Why Legislation Matters” for members of the LGBTQIA+ community.

With over 800 anti-LGBTQIA+ bills introduced in the US last year, you may be surprised to learn just how much the beliefs of those who are elected, and the laws they support, can impact the fundamental rights of people around you.  We hope to shed some light, promote equality, and will share personal stories during this highly anticipated service. 

The First Universalist Society in Franklin is a Unitarian Universalist Welcoming Congregation located at 262 Chestnut Street, Franklin MA. For further information about FUSF please explore our website at fusf.org or contact our Interim Minister, the Reverend Beverly Waring at 508- 528- 5348 or minister@fusf.org.

Special Sunday Service – Why Legislation Matters for the LGBTQIA+ community and supporters

The First Universalist Society in Franklin Presents “The Belle of Amherst” by William Luce - Oct 26

“The Belle of Amherst”

by William Luce

A Tony Award Winning One Woman Play

Based on the Life of Emily Dickinson

"The Belle of Amherst,” a Tony Award Winning play by William Luce, and directed by Norman Johnson, brings the poet Emily Dickinson to life for modern audiences. "Based on Dickinson’s life from 1830 to1886, the play is set in her Amherst, Massachusetts home and makes use of her work, diaries, and letters to explore both the agony of her infamous seclusion with moments of joy amid the people closest to her."

Kathleen Mulligan (Actor and Producer) is a Professor of Voice and Speech at Ithaca College in Ithaca, NY. She is a proud member of Actors’ Equity Association, the union of professional stage actors. Acting credits include The Acting Company (national tour), American Repertory Theater, The Huntington Theatre Company, and PCPA Theatrefest in Santa Maria, CA. She has performed The Belle of Amherst in Lebanon, Laos, and across northern India while on a Fulbright-Nehru grant in 2023.

For tickets, please go to FUSF.org and click on “Upcoming Events.” Ticket prices are: Adults - $20, and Students (18 and under or with a valid student ID) - $10. Tickets will also be sold at the door. Accepted payments include: Cash, check, or credit card.  

Direct link for tickets -> https://fusf.org/2024/08/22/the-belle-of-amherst/

The First Universalist Society in Franklin is a Unitarian Universalist Welcoming Congregation located at 262 Chestnut Street, Franklin MA. For further information about FUSF please explore our website at fusf.org or contact our Interim Minister, the Reverend Beverly Waring at 508- 528- 5348 or minister@fusf.org.

Download a copy of the flyer as a reminder or to share ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/11YdeYCbRtZOTVJmmZHW5iYO9KpD8S3kE/view?usp=drive_link

Summer Sunday Worship Series: UU Value of Justice: What We Choose to Center July 28, 2024

First Universalist Society in Franklin (FUSF) is pleased to announce our Summer Sunday Worship Series for June 30, 2024 through July, 2024.  Please join us each Sunday as we explore the Unitarian Universalist (UU) values of Equity, Transformation, Generosity,

 Interdependence, Justice, Pluralism and Love.

All services start at 10:00 AM.

Afterwards, please plan to stay for cookies and conversation.

UU Value of Justice: What We Choose to Center

July 28, 2024

Lay Leader: Louise Marcoux

The UU value of Justice challenges Unitarian Universalists “to work to be diverse multicultural Beloved Communities where all thrive”.  What practices can help us cultivate a community in which all belong?   Please join Louise Marcoux, a Lay leader at FUSF, to reflect on what our stories place at the center – and what they marginalize – and explore how we each might become more open to narratives different from our own.  

The First Universalist Society in Franklin is a Unitarian Universalist Welcoming Congregation located at 262 Chestnut Street, Franklin MA. For further information about FUSF please explore our website at fusf.org or contact our Interim Minister, the Reverend Beverly Waring at 508- 528- 5348 or minister@fusf.org. 

 

Summer Sunday Worship Series: UU Value of Justice: What We Choose to Center July 28, 2024

Summer Sunday Worship Series: UU Value Interdependence: The Web of All Existence - July 21

The First Universalist Society in Franklin (FUSF) is pleased to announce our Summer Sunday Worship Series for June 30, 2024 through July, 2024.  Please join us each Sunday as we explore the Unitarian Universalist (UU) values of Equity, Transformation, Generosity, Interdependence, Justice, Pluralism and Love.

All services start at 10:00 AM. 

Afterwards, please plan to stay for cookies and conversation.

UU Value Interdependence: The Web of All Existence - July 21

UU Value Interdependence: The Web of All Existence

July 21, 2024

Join us as FUSF lay leader and landscape architect Steve Derdiarian explores one of the new Unitarian Universalist values, Interdependence. He will start with examining the Interdependent Web against the perspective of the scale of time, then how we share  relationships with plants and living creatures in our own backyard and finally, how we, as humankind, fit into this amazing tapestry of life. 

Steve will also touch upon some of the things we each can do to promote biodiversity in our lives, and share the first exciting steps FUSF has taken this spring to promote biodiversity on our property. After service please feel free to walk the grounds which include new native plant gardens, a peace pole and garden and a labyrinth.

The First Universalist Society in Franklin is a Unitarian Universalist Welcoming Congregation located at 262 Chestnut Street, Franklin MA. For further information about FUSF please explore our website at fusf.org or contact our Interim Minister, the Reverend Beverly Waring at 508- 528- 5348 or minister@fusf.org.  

First Universalist Society in Franklin: Present Moment, Wonderful Moment - July 7, 2024

First Universalist Society in Franklin (FUSF) is pleased to announce our Summer Sunday Worship Series for June 30, 2024 through July, 2024. Please join us each Sunday as we explore the Unitarian Universalist (UU) values of Equity, Transformation, Generosity, Interdependence, Justice, Pluralism and Love.

All services start at 10:00 am.

Afterwards, please plan to stay for cookies and conversation.

UU Value of Transformation: Present Moment, Wonderful Moment - July 7, 2024

Present Moment, Wonderful Moment - July 7, 2024

Lay Leaders: Ann Willever & Ellen Adduci

FUSF Lay leaders Ann Willever and Ellen Adduci will explore the Unitarian Universalist value of Transformation through the teachings and practice of Zen Buddhist monk and peace activist, Thich Nhat Hanh. Ann and Ellen are also members of the Path of Peace Sangha that meets at FUSF on Monday evenings. The service will include guided, silent and walking meditation, all of which are part of the Monday evening Sangha gatherings. Thich Nhat Hanh’s teachings focus on mindfulness and, together, we will reflect on how this practice has helped us deal with the challenges of everyday life and transform suffering as we discover more joy and compassion. No previous meditation experience is needed.   

The First Universalist Society in Franklin is a Unitarian Universalist Welcoming Congregation located at 262 Chestnut Street, Franklin MA. For further information about FUSF please explore our website at fusf.org or contact our Interim Minister, the Reverend Beverly Waring at 508- 528- 5348 or minister@fusf.org.  

Summer Sunday Worship Series starts with "Equity's Call" scheduled for June 30, 2024

First Universalist Society in Franklin (FUSF) is pleased to announce our Summer Sunday Worship Series for June 30, 2024 through July, 2024.  

Please join us each Sunday as we explore the Unitarian Universalist (UU) values of Equity, Transformation, Generosity, Interdependence, Justice, Pluralism and Love.

All services start at 10:00 AM.

Afterwards, please plan to stay for coffee, cookies and conversation.

UU Value of Equity: Equity’s Call

June 30, 2024 

Lay Leader: Marggi

Summer Sunday Worship Series starts with "Equity's Call" scheduled for June 30, 2024

Jon and Luis talk about the Chamber Opera "Mary Anning Fossil Hunter" scheduled for June 9 (audio)

FM #1226 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1226 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Jon Mitchell, composer of the Chamber opera, Mary Anning, Fossil Hunter. Conductor Luis Viquez joined us for the discussion on the origin of this opera and its forthcoming World Premiere. 

Scheduled for June 9 at 3 PM at the First Universalist Society of Franklin (FUSF) at 262 Chestnut St, Franklin.

We met to record this conversation in the Franklin TV & Radio studios on Monday, May 20, 2024.  

We talk about 

• Origin story

• Cast of historical characters

• Chamber opera in 2 acts

• Preview by dinosaur specialist Dr. David Fastovsky

The performance is free and partially supported by the Franklin Cultural District. Donations are accepted.

The conversation runs about 39 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Jon and Luis. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1226-mary-anning-fossil-hunter-05-20-24

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Mary Anning Fossil Hunter

Jon Ceander Mitchell -> his UMass Boston profile page (although he is now retired) https://faculty.umb.edu/jon_mitchell/ 

Luis Viquez webpage -> https://www.luisviquezmusic.com/ 

David Mitchell’s webpage -> https://davidmitchellbooks.com/ 

Dr David Fastovsky’s URI profile page -> https://web.uri.edu/geo/meet/david-fastovsky/ 

Mary Anning’s wikipedia page -> https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_Anning 

--------------

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?

• 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 www.franklin.news/ or  www.Franklinmatters.org/ 

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!

------------------

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"