Yes, Franklin Matters Weekly stepped up as a field sponsor for the Eddie Grant Kickball Tournament

Yes, Franklin Matters Weekly stepped up as a field
sponsor for the Eddie Grant Kickball Tournament

Via Franklin Fathers:

"A sincere THANK YOU to the team at @franklinmatters.ma for their field sponsorship for this Sunday’s Eddie Grant Tournament.


Also, if you haven’t listened to Steve’s interview with Chris on the tournament, our mission, and our core pillars, you can find it embedded below here in the comments, on the FM website, on Apple, or Spotify!"

Shared from - https://www.instagram.com/p/DZZ7i5CRt2q/

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1760-inaugural-eddie-grant-kickball-06-05-26/

Chris Stickney talks about the Inaugural Eddie Grant Kickball Tournament June 14 (audio)

FM #1760 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1760 in the series. 

This episode shares my conversation with one of the founders of Franklin Fathers, Chris Stickney. We recorded in the Franklin TV & Radio studio on Friday, June 5, 2026. 

• Inaugural Eddie Grant Kickball Tournament, Sunday, June 14, 2026

• Double elimination, teams of 10

• Food trucks, refreshments, games for kids & families

• Fund raising for Franklin Fathers, the American Legion Post, and the Franklin Food Pantry

The conversation runs about 20 minutes, let’s listen in

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1760-inaugural-eddie-grant-kickball-06-05-26/

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Register for the Kickball tournament   https://forms.gle/LqbaRKZz3kHYKZ9D7! 

Franklin Fathers operates from a Facebook page (for now) 

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61580257836187 

Volunteer to help at the Kickball tournament

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/06/volunteers-needed-for-inaugural-eddie.html 

NOTE: travel to Beaver Pond Field via Grove St on Sunday, June 14 as Beaver St is closed at the MBTA railroad tracks.

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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 out. 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"

Volunteers needed for the Inaugural Eddie Grant Kickball Tournament - June 14

via Franklin Fathers

Calling all Volunteers!

@franklinfathers is in need of volunteers on Sunday, 6/14, at our inaugural Eddie Grant Kickball Tournament.

We’ve got shifts available from 8AM set up to 4PM break down, so there’s a spot for everyone and plenty to do!

High schoolers — if you’re in need of hours for any reason, we’re happy to commit.

• Sign up via the Google Form - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe_kXGteo2WtVp9_P4StBpOURp-jFwKDlhXJW0C9CFD3aedog/viewform

• or email us at franklinfathersma@gmail.com

#community

#franklinma

Reminder: Franklin Fathers schedule the Inaugural Eddie Grant Kickball Tournament - June 14

via Franklin Fathers:

"Take us out to the Ballgame!

Reminder: Franklin Fathers schedule the
Inaugural Eddie Grant Kickball Tournament - June 14

We’re thrilled to announce we’ve opened team registrations for the Inaugural Eddie Grant Kickball Tournament, a family-friendly event coming to Beaver Pond on Sunday, June 14th!

We’ll be posting more about Eddie’s incredible story, our fundraising efforts, and our wonderfully gracious community partners soon, but we’d love to have you join us.

Scan the QR code or find the registration link ->   https://forms.gle/LqbaRKZz3kHYKZ9D7!"

#community 

#franklinma

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/1FMHFhBtxN/

Franklin Fathers appeal to Community Business Partners

Dear Community Business Partner,

On behalf of Franklin Fathers, we invite you to become a founding sponsor of our inaugural community kickball tournament and raffle. This will be the first of what we plan to grow into an annual community event and fundraiser, and we hope you will take this opportunity to secure your involvement at the ground level.

Franklin Fathers launched in Fall 2025 as a 501(c)(4) community organization dedicated to uniting fathers and caregivers to build family connections, promote wellness, and advocate for local families. Guided by these principles, we have quickly grown to more than 50 active members committed to strengthening the Franklin community.

In just a few months, our members have contributed over 70 combined volunteer hours with the Franklin Food Pantry and Old Colony Habitat for Humanity. We have also organized more than ten community-focused events, including our HarvestFest launch, monthly socials at local businesses, volunteer service days, Daddy Daughter Hair School at the Franklin Public Library, Holiday Stories & Songs, Trunk or Treat, Dean College football tailgates, Sunday morning run club, and additional family-oriented activities throughout town.

Looking ahead, we are planning wellness seminars for the summer and fall centered on parenting, mental health, and family support — further expanding our impact for local families.

This tournament will serve as our primary fundraiser for the upcoming year, providing the majority of our operational budget to continue hosting community events, volunteer initiatives, and educational programming. In addition, proceeds from the event raffle will be donated to the local VFW in honor of Eddie Grant.

Our members are deeply engaged in Franklin civic life, with many serving or having served on the Town Council, School Committee, 250th Anniversary Celebration Committee, Design Review Commission, Finance Committee, Master Plan Update Committee, Davis-Thayer Building Reuse Advisory Committee, and Planning Board. By sponsoring this event, your business will be aligning with a growing network of engaged local families and community leaders.

We designed this event specifically to highlight and support local businesses. Your sponsorship helps us build a sustainable annual tradition while providing visibility among dozens of active families and the broader Franklin community. Early sponsors of this inaugural event will receive special recognition as founding partners as we establish what we expect to become a long-standing community tradition.

Please see the tiers of giving on the reverse side for sponsorship levels and associated recognition opportunities. Thank you for considering this opportunity to partner with us and invest in Franklin families and community life. 

Sincerely,

Franklin Fathers 

FranklinFathersMA@gmail.com

Franklin Fathers host the inaugural Eddie Grant Memorial Kickball Tournament on Saturday, June 14

Franklin Fathers, a local dads and caregivers group dedicated to community, wellness, and civic connection, will host the inaugural Eddie Grant Memorial Kickball Tournament on Saturday, June 14, bringing together families, local organizations, and businesses for a day of recreation, remembrance, and community spirit. The event will take place at Beaver Pond.

The tournament honors Eddie Grant, a Franklin native, Major League Baseball player, and World War I veteran who was killed in action in 1918. Organizers hope the event will help introduce Grant’s legacy to a younger generation of Franklin residents who may not yet know the story behind one of the town's most distinguished historical figures.

“Part of the goal is simply to reconnect Franklin with one of its own,” organizers said. “We want to re-introduce Franklin to one of its most remarkable sons: an athlete, scholar, soldier, and public servant whose legacy still represents the very best of our community."

The family-friendly tournament will feature community teams, food, music, children’s activities, and a 50/50 raffle, with raffle proceeds benefiting the American Legion.

The tournament is still accepting teams, with room remaining for four additional entries. Community groups, friend groups, businesses, neighborhood teams, and organizations are all encouraged to participate.

Interested teams can register by emailing or completing the registration form at tinyurl.com/EddieGrantKickball.

Organizers are also still seeking local business sponsors for the event. Sponsorships offer an opportunity for businesses to connect directly with Franklin-area families while supporting a positive community initiative rooted in local history and civic engagement.

Businesses interested in sponsoring the tournament can contact organizers at franklinfathersma@gmail.com.

Additional event details, including schedules and participating organizations, will be announced in the coming weeks.

Have you signed up for the Inaugural Eddie Grant Kickball Tournament - June 14 ???

via Franklin Fathers:

Franklin Fathers schedule the Inaugural
Eddie Grant Kickball Tournament - June 14

"Take us out to the Ballgame!

We’re thrilled to announce we’ve opened team registrations for the Inaugural Eddie Grant Kickball Tournament, a family-friendly event coming to Beaver Pond on Sunday, June 14th!

We’ll be posting more about Eddie’s incredible story, our fundraising efforts, and our wonderfully gracious community partners soon, but we’d love to have you join us.

Scan the QR code or find the registration link ->   https://forms.gle/LqbaRKZz3kHYKZ9D7!"

#community 

#franklinma

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/1FMHFhBtxN/

Franklin Fathers meeting Thursday (5/21) & 2 events on Saturday (5/23)

Via Franklin Fathers:

"While we continue to gear up for the Eddie Grant Kickball Tourney on 6/14, we did want to take a minute to shout out a few events coming up in May!

This THURSDAY, 5/21, we’ll be back at The Tavern on Central at 7:30 PM for our May Member Meetup. Come grab some grub or a beverage, catch up, and have a few laughs.

On Saturday, 5/30, we’re thrilled to be joining our friends at Franklin Public Library Official Site for a very dapper double feature: Hairstyling Workshop for Grownups + Kiddos at 1 PM, and then, starting at 2 PM, the library’s very first Petite Prom!

If you’re interested in the hairstyling session, please make sure you register on the library event calendar (link in the comments of the Facebook post )."

Shared from : https://www.facebook.com/share/14cNXETxUwx/

Franklin Fathers schedule the Inaugural Eddie Grant Kickball Tournament - June 14

via Franklin Fathers:

Franklin Fathers schedule the Inaugural
Eddie Grant Kickball Tournament - June 14

"Take us out to the Ballgame!

We’re thrilled to announce we’ve opened team registrations for the Inaugural Eddie Grant Kickball Tournament, a family-friendly event coming to Beaver Pond on Sunday, June 14th!

We’ll be posting more about Eddie’s incredible story, our fundraising efforts, and our wonderfully gracious community partners soon, but we’d love to have you join us.

Scan the QR code or find the registration link ->   https://forms.gle/LqbaRKZz3kHYKZ9D7!"

#community 

#franklinma

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/1FMHFhBtxN/

Franklin Fathers schedule Wine tasting evening, Thursday, April 23

For all the father figures looking to catch an evening out during the well intentioned chaos that is school vacation week, we’ve got you covered at our April Members Meetup!

Come raise a glass to the end of “Fake Spring” with Franklin Fathers and our friends at @pourrichardswinema!

The event kicks off next Thursday, April 23, at 7 PM. 

Come hear more about us and our upcoming events; we’ve got a full slate coming up as the weather gets warmer!

Shared from - https://www.instagram.com/p/DXMUj0GkT8h/

Inaugural Eddie Grant Classic Kickball Tournament - June 14

Inaugural Eddie Grant Classic Kickball Tournament

Presented by Franklin Fathers

Join us for the **first-ever Eddie Grant Classic Kickball Tournament**, a fun-filled community event bringing families, friends, and local businesses together for a day of friendly competition and fundraising. This double-elimination tournament will feature teams from across the community competing for bragging rights, a trophy, and prizes — all while supporting local causes and celebrating community spirit.

Who Was Eddie Grant?

Eddie Grant was a Franklin native, Major League Baseball player, Dean- and Harvard-educated attorney, and World War I soldier who exemplified leadership, service, and community spirit. After volunteering for military service during WWI, he was killed in action in 1918 while assisting wounded soldiers. His legacy reflects teamwork, sacrifice, and dedication to something greater than oneself — values we aim to honor through this community-focused event.

🗓 **Date:** June 14, 2026

⏰ **Time:** 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Tournament Details

* Double elimination format (8 teams max)

* 5-inning games

* 30-minute time limit (revert to last full inning if time expires)

* Played using official kickball rules

Team Composition

* Minimum of 10 players per team

* At least **3 kids (ages 12–17)**

* At least **3 women (age 17+)**

💲 **Registration Cost:** $200 per team

🏆 **Prize:** Trophy & prize for 1st place team

More Than Just Kickball!

This is a full community event with something for everyone:

* 🎟 Day-of raffles featuring prizes & baskets from local businesses

* 💰 50/50 raffle (proceeds benefiting the VFW)

* 🚚 Food trucks on-site

* 🏰 Kids activities including bounce house & face painting

* 🥤 Light refreshments available for purchase

Volunteers Needed

We’re also looking for volunteers to help with day-of tasks such as setup, scorekeeping, raffles, and cleanup. If you’re interested in helping, please reach out!

Bring your team, bring your family, and come enjoy a great day of community, competition, and fun. Spots are limited to **8 teams**, so register early!

More details and registration information coming soon.

Facebook event - https://www.facebook.com/events/990288313511154

Franklin Fathers golf event scheduled for March 26

Franklin Fathers golf event scheduled for March 26

Grab your clubs and keep the ibuprofen within arm’s reach for the morning — March’s Members Meetup is a night at the simulators with our friends at GolfX in Franklin!

Whether you shoot in the 70s, or occasionally “practice” your swing in the backyard when no one’s watching, this will be a fun night to hang out, have some laughs, and swing the sticks.

Plenty of space and camaraderie for non-golfers, too.

Festivities start at 7 PM on Thursday, March 26th. Hope to see you there!

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/19W1qYvbnC/

Franklin Fathers: Game Night at Pete's Nerd Emporium - Feb 18

Franklin Fathers: Game Night at Pete's Nerd Emporium - Feb 18

February’s Member Meetup will be Game Night at Pete's Nerd Emporium Wednesday evening, 2/18, starting at 6:30 PM.

Join us for a night of board games and laughs. Special thanks to Pete for opening his doors for us!

Snacks and drinks will be available for purchase (cash preferred), but you’re welcome to bring your own, too.

Hope to see you there!

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/1AoCCqMo1A/

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Friday, January 16, 2026 ???

Friday, January 16

10:00am Knitting Group (Franklin Public Library)

1:00pm Library book sale (Franklin Public Library)

1:00pm Thrifty Threads (Franklin Federated Church)

7:00pm The Grafters (live music) (La Cantina Winery)

Library & Senior Center events

For additional details on Library events -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/942/Calendar-of-Events

For additional details on Senior Center events ->   

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

** NO Town Meetings today   **

-----------

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-calendar

“Daddy Daughter Hair School” scheduled for Friday, Jan 16 at the Franklin Public Library

The Franklin Public Library will host a hands-on, family-friendly event titled “Daddy Daughter Hair School” on Friday, January 16, at 3:30 p.m. at the Franklin Public Library. The event, presented in partnership with Franklin Fathers is open to grown-ups and kiddos and is designed as a fun, practical hairstyling workshop to kick off the new year.

“Daddy Daughter Hair School” scheduled for
Friday, Jan 16 at the Franklin Public Library

Participants will learn several simple, kid-friendly hairstyles and leave with a take-home kit to continue building skills at home. The workshop is intentionally welcoming to caregivers of all experience levels and emphasizes learning through doing. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own brush (BYOB).

“Events like this remind us that fatherhood is learned in small, everyday moments,” said Andy Majcher, a founding member of Franklin Fathers. “Whether it’s mastering a ponytail or spending an hour focused on your child, those moments add up—to stronger families and a stronger Franklin.”

“Daddy Daughter Hair School” is part of a growing series of community events organized by Franklin Fathers. Franklin Fathers is a community-based organization dedicated to uniting men and caregivers in Franklin around the shared goals of building family and neighborhood connections, promoting mutual support, and advocating for local families. Recent and ongoing programs include holiday Stories & Songs events, Dads & Donuts at Downtown Sports, casual social meetups for dads and caregivers, and additional offerings planned throughout the year.

“Part of our mission is helping men get better at being dads and better at being members of the community,” said Matt Hickey, a founding member of Franklin Fathers. “Sometimes that means learning practical skills, sometimes it means showing up and building relationships—but it always means being present and engaged with our kids and our town.”

The event is free and open to the public. Space may be limited, and early arrival is encouraged.

Event Details:
What: Daddy Daughter Hair School
When: Friday, January 16, 3:30 p.m.
Where: Franklin Public Library
Who: Grown-ups and kiddos
Bring: Your own hair brush

For more information about Franklin Fathers and upcoming events, community members are encouraged to follow Franklin Fathers on Facebook/Instagram or email franklinfathersma@gmail.com 

Franklin Fathers - scheduled to meet at The Tavern on Central, Jan 8

Franklin Fathers - scheduled to meet at The Tavern on Central, Jan 8

"JUST ANNOUNCED! 

Join us at our first members meetup of 2026 this THURSDAY, January 8th.

Thank you to The Tavern on Central for accommodating!"

Shared from ->   https://www.facebook.com/share/p/14SoHrfbcCo/

For more about the Franklin Fathers group, you can visit their Instagram page ->   https://www.instagram.com/franklinfathers?

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Tuesday, December 30, 2025 ???

Tuesday, December 30

8:30am Dads & Donuts (Downtown Sports)

2:30pm Rainbow Cafe (Franklin Senior Center)

6:30pm FYHA Skills Clinic (Pirelli Veterans Arena)

Library & Senior Center events

For additional details on Library events -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/942/Calendar-of-Events

For additional details on Senior Center events ->   

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

** NO Town Meetings today   **

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

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-calendar