First ever Pride flag raising scheduled for June 1 at 10 AM

Big news: Franklin will be having our first pride flag raising this year!

We are so excited to announce the first ever Pride flag raising for the town of Franklin! We are thrilled that the town admin and town council worked on a policy and voted ‘yes’ for making a visible show of support, solidarity and welcoming to the LGBTQ+ community.

We hope you will join us to watch as the flag is raised and celebrate with us the beginning of June and Pride month 

When: June 1 at 10 AM

Where: Franklin Town Hall - 150 Emmons Street

 

We hope to see you there!

First ever Pride flag raising scheduled for June 1 at 10 AM

From the June archives - if you missed it then, you can catch up to it now (audio)

FM #1011 - The audio of the Franklin Food Pantry Grand Opening Ceremony held outside the new facility at 341 West Central Street. The familiar Edwin’s has been renovated to house the Food Pantry operations -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/06/franklin-food-pantry-celebrates-grand.html

FM #1013 - The audio of Tri-County RVTHS 4th in a series of Community Updates to share information on the school building project on Thursday, June 15, 2023 -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/06/tri-county-building-project-update.html

FM #1016 - The audio of my conversation with Amber Wilson, President of the Franklin LGBTQ Alliance -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/06/preparing-to-celebrate-with-pride-in.html

 

You can find more in the Franklin Matters Radio podcast page here ->   https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/

Franklin Matters Radio podcast page

Celebrating with Pride (poetic photo essay)

Shooed the bug away, realizing too late

It's a ladybug, real life is exhausting 

White pickup truck, moving slow revved powerfully, 

Trying to create strife is exhausting

Joy from youthful bubble chasers challenging

The rainbow globes half-life is exhausting 

Black pickup follows the white, slowly, other direction

Still looking for wildlife is exhausting 

Many chats, introducing folks, connecting the dots 

All good work, improving our whole life is exhausting 

Painting Venus, in shaded tent, renders the gazebo

Prideful colored as still life is exhausting

Ladybug returns, that must be telling you something Sherlock 

You know reporting on good life is exhausting

Reflections on the pride celebration in Franklin, captured while on the Town Common, editing completed later that day, 06/25/23 - shared from ->   https://www.quietpoet.com/2023/06/celebrating-with-pride.html

the ladybug, that came and then returned

Second Son opened the musical entertainment

jamele with an impromptu Pride recognition

Sioo performing

Amy Adams, aka "Painting Venus" busy about her art

The Freedom Trail Band closed out the musical performances

Celebrate with Pride on the Franklin Town Common - Sunday, June 25, 2023 from noon to 4 PM

Celebrate With Pride

Sunday, June 25th

Franklin Town Common
 

The second annual Celebrate with Pride is on Sunday, June 25, noon-4pm on the Franklin Town Common.  This family-friendly event is organized by a grassroots, volunteer run non-profit, the Franklin LGBTQ Alliance.  Come enjoy performers, vendors, food trucks, LGBTQIA+ organizations, crafts, games, and vendors!!! We can truly Celebrate with Pride.  

Franklin LGBTQ Alliance relies on the generosity of our community to help fund the event. These funds are then used to pay performers, promote the event,  and purchase/rent equipment needed for the event. 

We are excited to Celebrate with Pride with you this weekend! 

Music

12-1   Second Son 

1-2    Sioo

2-3    Freedom Trail Band 

PARKING

Parking is available at one of the following locations (listed from most to least preferred):

1.  Downtown Franklin (on Main Street or Central Street); 

2.  Franklin Public Library, 118 Main Street; 

3.  Franklin Senior Center, 10 Daniel McCahill Street;  

4.  Franklin Federated Church, 171 Main Street; or

5.  The parking lot with entrances on Pleasant Street and Main Street next to Saint Mary's School.

PUBLIC RESTROOMS

There will be no public restrooms in Franklin Town Common on the day of the event.  However, there will be public restrooms available at the following locations nearby:

1.  Franklin Federated Church, 171 Main Street, 11 AM to 5 PM

2.  Franklin Public Library, 118 Main Street, from 1:30 PM to 5 PM

Listen to the audio recording (podcast) with Amber Wilson talking about the event and development of the group -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/06/preparing-to-celebrate-with-pride-in.html

Town Common Layout of booths for Celebrate with Pride

https://drive.google.com/file/d/12WGrOlzcCZzLnm8ORwwkK9C52iCllXcn/view?usp=drive_link

Celebrate with Pride on the Franklin Town Common - Sunday, June 25, 2023 from noon to 4 PM

Preparing to Celebrate with Pride in Franklin Sunday, June 25 from 12 to 4 PM (audio)

FM #1016 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1016 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Amber Wilson, President of the Franklin LGBTQ Alliance. We talk about the Celebrate with Pride event scheduled for the Franklin Town Common on Sunday, June 25. We talk about the evolution of the committee and future plans for the group.

Listen to the recording of our conversation (approx. 43 minutes) -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1016-celebrate-with-pride-06-19-23

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The event page on Facebook ->  https://www.facebook.com/events/724337825660145 

2023 Celebrate with Pride flyer -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/14vD-daq8ufUKqE2rzbzt4h2IsyBEQnul/view?usp=drive_link

Sign up for the Franklin LGBTQ Alliance emails on this Google Form https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfnRB-LK3z7DKSe1Rl0ClaY7LQpAteHAhf3YpLLjejFi_A6gQ/viewform 

Send an email FranklinLGBTQAlliance@gmail.com  if you questions or to express interest in helping with the group

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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

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"

Preparing to Celebrate with Pride in Franklin Sunday, June 25 from 12 to 4 PM (audio)

The Franklin LGBTQ Alliance schedule for June 2023

Pride Flags on Franklin Town Common

Thursday, June 1st, 6:00 PM 

We are meeting at the Franklin Public Library, walking with all our flags waving to the common, and then planting our flags on the common! Don't forget to wear your pride.  Meet us at the library at 6 pm or at the Franklin Town Common shortly after 6 pm. All ages welcome. 

Shirt Sales

Order by emailing, messaging us, or finding us in the community

We will be selling our new Franklin shirts this month! $25 donation for each shirt.  

Medway Flag Raising 

Friday, June 2, 5:15 PM 

Franklin LGBTQ Alliance is excited to celebrate in Medway.  Come say hello at our table and make your own free button/pin. 

Franklin Farmers Markets

Friday, June 16 & 23, 2-6 PM

We will have a table at the Franklin Farmers Market where we will sell our t-shirts, collect donations, and spread the word about our Celebrate with Pride event. 

Bellforge Pride Event
June 10, 12-7 PM
Come say hello at our table at Bellforge Pride. Bellforge Pride is a joyful event honoring the equality, visibility, and acceptance of our LGTBQ+ community members and allies. All are welcome at this family-friendly, fun and free celebration. Live music will range from alternative to indie to pop; lineup coming soon! (Event Page)

Celebrate with Pride on Franklin Town Common
Sunday, June 25, 12-4 PM

Join us to celebrate our LGBTQIA+ community on the Franklin Town Common.  We will have so much fun listening to live music, shopping the local vendors, eating yummy food truck food, playing lawn games, creating kindness rocks, and various other activities. This is a family friendly event.  Let's Celebrate with Pride!  

The Franklin LGBTQ Alliance schedule for June 2023

Franklin Pride Celebration - June 25 on the Town Common from Noon to 4 PM

Friendly reminder to mark your calendar

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/Cstcb_ivk7E/

Franklin Pride Celebration - June 25 on the Town Common from Noon to 4 PM

Reminder: Franklin Pride 2023 Vendor Sign-Up Form

Thanks once again to all vendors who have already signed up to participate in Celebrate with Pride 2023 at Franklin Town Common on Sunday, June 25, 2023, from 12 PM to 4 PM!

This is a reminder that the deadline for reserving a space at Pride is one week away:  Sunday, May 28, 2023! 

Sign up today!

Franklin LGBTQ Alliance Celebrate with Pride 2023 Vendor Sign-Up Form

More information about Pride can be found at the top of the form.

If you have any questions, please contact Robin Baidya at <robin.baidya@gmail.com>.

We hope to see you in June!

The Franklin LGBTQ Alliance

Franklin Pride 2023 Vendor Sign-Up Form

Franklin LGBTQ Pride T-shirt free with donation

Front and Back of our new shirts! Available in kids, tapered, and uni sizing! 

Free with a $25 donation, we will be getting these super soft shirts out into the community just in time for Pride Month! 

Wear your Pride shirt throughout June and all year round to show your support 

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/CsU-JCdt2ty/

Donate via -> https://givebutter.com/celebratewithpride

Franklin LGBTQ Pride T-shirt free with donation 

Town Council Quarterbacking condenses the meeting to what it means for Franklin residents & taxpayers (audio)

FM #980 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 980 in the series. 

This shares my conversation with Town Council Chair Tom Mercer in our Town Council Quarterbacking session. This is one of the series of conversations meant to provide a recap of the prior night’s Town Council meeting. 

Akin to one of the many sports post-game analysis broadcasts we are familiar with in New England, this would be a discussion focused on the Franklin Town Council meeting of Apr 26, 2023: 

• ok, what just happened? 

• What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?

We cover the following key topics

2 license transactions

• Transfer of Section 15 Wine and Malt Beverages Package Store License and Approval of Parth Patel as the Manager - Marlboro Food, Inc. d/b/a 7-Eleven, Located at 664 Union St.   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/7a._1_license_transaction_-_7-eleven_transfer_of_section_15.pdf 

• Robert Vozzella / La Cantina Winery - Farmer-Winery, Farmer’s Market License    https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/7b._license_transaction_-_la_cantina.pdf 

1 piece of legislation

• Resolution 23-28: Town Council Approval of County ARPA Funds  (Motion to Approve Resolution 23-28 - Majority Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9a._23-28_arpa_700k.pdf 

PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION

a. Discussion: Open Space & Recreation Plan Update - Breeka Li Goodlander, Conservation Agent and Natural Resources Manager  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/8a._1_-_memo_-_osrp_presentation_.pdf 

b. Discussion: Display of Flags on Town Flagpoles or Property     https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/8b._flags_0.pdf 

Links to the meeting agenda and associated documents released for this meeting are included in the show notes. 

Our conversation runs about 32 minutes. Let’s listen to the Town Council Quarterbacking session recorded Apr 27, 2023

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-980-town-council-quarterbacking-04-27-23

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The agenda doc can also be found on the Town of Franklin page ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/town_council_agenda_-_april_26_2023_0.pdf 

My notes in one PDF file -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1a-fQYmqnEnma1RPjufiBjVjft3nJ5-GW/view?usp=share_link 

Franklin TV meeting video ->  https://www.youtube.com/live/VTsQ6p7Pc_w?feature=share 

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

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 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!

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

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

Franklin, MA: Town Council Agenda for April 26, 2023 meeting

Reminder: Franklin Pride 2023 Vendor Sign-Up Form

Thanks to all vendors who have already signed up to participate in Celebrate with Pride 2023 in Franklin!

The Franklin LGBTQ Alliance is still accepting applications from vendors who wish to participate!

Sign up today!

*

The Franklin LGBTQ Alliance was created in 2022 to support, raise awareness of, and build connections within the greater Franklin LGBTQIA+ community.

In support of this mission, the Franklin LGBTQ Alliance will host Celebrate with Pride 2023 in Franklin Town Common on Sunday, June 25, 2023, from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.

If you would like to participate as a vendor, please submit the following form by Sunday, May 28, 2023:

Franklin LGBTQ Alliance Celebrate with Pride 2023 Vendor Sign-Up Form

More information about Celebrate with Pride 2023 can be found at the top of this form.

If you have any questions, please contact Robin Baidya at <robin.baidya@gmail.com>.

We hope to see you in June!

The Franklin LGBTQ Alliance

Franklin Pride 2023 Vendor Sign-Up Form

Franklin Pride 2023 Vendor Sign-Up Form

Are you interested in being a vendor at Celebrate with Pride 2023 in Franklin, Massachusetts? 

The Franklin LGBTQ Alliance would love to have you!

The Franklin LGBTQ Alliance was created in 2022 to support, raise awareness of, and build connections within the greater Franklin LGBTQIA+ community.

In support of this mission, the Franklin LGBTQ Alliance will host Celebrate with Pride 2023 in Franklin Town Common on Sunday, June 25, 2023, from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.

If you would like to participate as a vendor, please submit the following form by Sunday, May 28, 2023:

Franklin LGBTQ Alliance Celebrate with Pride 2023 Vendor Sign-Up Form

More information about Celebrate with Pride 2023 can be found at the top of this form.

If you have any questions, please contact Robin Baidya at <robin.baidya@gmail.com>.  

We hope to see you in June!

The Franklin LGBTQ Alliance

Franklin Pride 2023 Vendor Sign-Up Form

Franklin TV: Even More YouTube

 We’re Expanding Our YouTube Channels

by Pete Fasciano, Executive Director 07/10/2022

In early May we began live-streaming our government meetings, along with some school sports and events on YouTube. The programs were also posted as videos. For those who “do video” (and yes, we do), YouTube is where folks expect us to be. YouTube is a video destination.

What we said in May:

Get with the program. We’ve all been so advised at one point or other. In this case, it’s about getting you to the programs you want – exactly the way you want them.

We’re now posting our programs on YouTube. It’s familiar. It’s what we all know. It’s immediate. You can now watch our key meetings and events LIVE on YouTube. They will also be there for replay. In a world where we all want what we want – when, where and how we want it, YouTube fills the bill.

In these past two months our YouTube videos have been well received, and now we’re going all in. We’re simplifying our website (for your convenience of course). We’ve organized our YouTube streams into Public Access, School and Government channels so it works just like our three local cable channels. This also enables us to livestream multiple events simultaneously. (We’re often busy that way.)

Just click on the appropriate channel logo on our home page. It will take you to our YouTube Live link for that channel’s scheduled livestream event.

Our YouTube Access, School and Government channels also have earlier programs and meetings, all organized as Video on Demand playlists. Watch any time.

Note: When you visit our YouTube channels you can also choose to Subscribe.

Now you can get with the program directly – whenever you want.

And – as always –
Thank you for listening to wfpr●fm. 
And, thank you for watching.

Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf   

Franklin TV All-Access YouTube Channel

Franklin TV - School YouTube Channel 

Franklin TV  - Town Hall YouTube Channel