FREE Community Concert featuring Michael Rivelis, Feb 7 at Franklin United Methodist

FREE Community Concert featuring
Michael Rivelis, Feb 7 at
Franklin United Methodist

Join us for a FREE Community Concert @FranklinUMC featuring Michael Rivelis on Saturday, February 7, at 7 PM.

Michael, originally from Plainview, NY, moved to the Boston Metro area after graduating from Northeastern University in 1984. For over 15 years, he’s been performing Folk Rock and Classic Rock hits from the ’60s to the ’90s, including songs by Bob Dylan, John Prine, The Beatles, Bruce Springsteen, and more. 

Michael has played at numerous benefits, pubs, and bars, and has hosted open mics throughout the Metro West area. Check out Michael’s YouTube channel here ->  https://www.youtube.com/@riv1961

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Saturday, January 10, 2026 ???

Saturday, January 10

8:30am Girl Scout Cookie Sales (also collecting 4 Food Panty) (United States Postal Service)

9:00am Thrifty Threads (Franklin Federated Church)

9:00am St Mary's Women’s Faith Formation Meeting (St. Mary's Parish)

10:00am Girl Scout Cookie Sales (Shaw's)

10:00am Winter Farmers Market (Fairmount Fruit Farm)

10:00am Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

10:00am Franklin in Miniature (Train Town 3) (Franklin Historical Museum)

10:00am Open House (Franklin Children's School)

10:30am  Stuffed Animal Village! (Franklin Public Library)

1:00pm Community Concert: Vera Meyer (glass armonica) (Franklin United Methodist Church)

1:00pm  Painting for Adults! (Franklin Public Library)

2:00pm  Craftalong for Adults! (Franklin Public Library)

4:00pm The Franklin Stove: An Unintended American Revolution  (Franklin Public Library)

6:00pm Avery Markle Band (CraftRoots Brewing)

7:00pm Karaoke (La Cantina Winery)

7:30pm Kim Moberg & Jenna Nicholls (ticketed concert) (Circle of Friends Coffeehouse) 

8:00pm Karaoke at The Raillery (Raillery Public House)

For additional details on Library events -> 

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

**  NO Town Meetings today   **

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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

Glass armonica concert at Franklin United Methodist, Saturday, Jan 10 at 1 PM

Glass armonica concert at Franklin United
Methodist, Saturday, Jan 10 at 1 PM

Join the Franklin Historical Museum and the Franklin UMC on January 10 at 1:00 PM to hear music played on a glass armonica (an instrument invented by Benjamin Franklin). Vera Meyer, Co-Founder of the Glass Music Society will perform. The sounds are both beautiful and ethereal. 

To learn more, go to https://franklinumc.org/2026/01/08/community-concert-feat-vera-meyer-on-the-glass-armonica/

This event is FREE. It is being organized by the Franklin Historical Museum, funded by a grant from the Franklin Cultural Council, and hosted by the Franklin UMC

January Community Concert features Vera Meyer on the glass armonica

This event is being co-coordinated with the Franklin Historical Museum as part of Ben Franklin month. What is a glass armonica? 

Check out this short video by Ken Burns: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=57-JQlwRDqc. There will be more information to share in the coming weeks.

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Vera Meyer has appeared at the Franklin Historical Museum previously (2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, and most recently (Jan 2025 at Dean College) at part of the Ben Franklin Month Celebration. 

Franklin TV video of her visit and glass armonica performance in 2024

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/07/ben-franklin-book-week-vera-meyer-glass.html  or directly to YouTube -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=24tz4q1n8hg

From 2011

Holiday Stories & Sing-a-Long with Franklin Fathers - Saturday, Dec 13 at 4 PM

Holiday Stories & Sing-a-Long with
Franklin Fathers - Saturday, Dec 13 at 4 PM

Join us for a Holiday Stories & Sing-a-Long with Franklin Fathers on Saturday, December 13, at 4 PM. Wear your favorite holiday jammies or ugly sweaters (appropriate for a family event!). Prizes will be offered to the most festively dressed. Children are invited to bring a pillow and/or blanket to sit around the readers. Holiday cookies and hot chocolate will be served.

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. To learn more about the group, check out their Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61580257836187)

This event is part of the Concerts @FranklinUMC program. Franklin United Methodist Church (UMC) is located at 82 W. Central Street, Franklin (MA). Parking is available in the parking lot between the church and the Franklin Historical Museum. Street parking is available on East St., West St., and Church Ave.

Shared from -> https://franklinumc.org/2025/12/01/holiday-stories-sing-a-long-with-franklin-fathers/

Winter Coat give away scheduled for Saturday, Dec 13

Winter Coat give away scheduled for Saturday, Dec 13

The gathering, collecting phase is complete. Now the distribution can begin. Saturday, Dec 13 from 9 AM to noon. 

Download the flyer as a reminder or to share:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1mLCFjx7rDC-UEIX798YKtzj_eH73cbGG/view?usp=drive_link

Reminder: Rise Up Open House is scheduled for Saturday, Dec 20

The Rise Up Open House is scheduled for Saturday, Dec 20. Anyone 18+ is welcome to attend, with or without a disability.

Please help maintain a fragrance-free and sensory-friendly environment. Please avoid the use of any scented products while in attendance (perfume, cologne, body spray, scented lotion, strongly scented detergent, etc.)

Date: Saturday, December 20

Time: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM (come and go any time)

Rise Up Open House is scheduled for Saturday, Dec 20

Location: Franklin United Methodist Church at 82 West Central Street

Parking: On the left side of the building

Entrance: On the left side of the building, either a choice of a ramp or stairs

Restrooms: Handicap accessible gender-neutral restroom

Environment: Cheerful, yet calm 

Food and Drinks: Free variety of food and drinks

Activities: Making holiday cards and socializing 

Anyone can learn more about Rise Up here.

You can also follow Rise Up on Facebook here.

Holiday Pop Up Shop, Saturday, Dec 6

Holiday Pop Up Shop, Saturday, Dec 6 

via Ali Rheaume

"It would mean the world to me if you would consider coming by to say hi, shop, or spend the word!

I will also be joined by Samantha Piette who will be selling beautiful floral bouquets, so stay tuned for more!"

Holiday Stories & Sing-a-Long with Franklin Fathers - Dec 13

Holiday Stories & Sing-a-Long
with Franklin Fathers - Dec 13

"Join us for a Holiday Stories & Sing-a-Long with Franklin Fathers on Saturday, December 13, at 4 PM.

Wear your favorite holiday jammies or ugly sweaters (appropriate for a family event!). Prizes will be offered to the most festively dressed.

Children are invited to bring a pillow and/or blanket to sit around the readers.

Holiday cookies and hot chocolate will be served.

Franklin United Methodist Church (UMC) is located at 82 W. Central Street, Franklin (MA). Parking is available in the parking lot between the church and the Franklin Historical Museum. Street parking is available on East St., West St., and Church Ave. "

Shared from ->   https://www.facebook.com/share/17ouM8j6vG/

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Tuesday, December 2, 2025 ???

Tuesday, December 2

9:30am Busy Bee Holiday Bazaar (Franklin Senior Center)

12:00pm Community Closet (Franklin United Methodist Church)

12:00pm Joe Landry presentation "Once Upon a Town" (Franklin TV and Radio Studio)

6:00pm Table Top (Franklin Public Library

6:30pm Franklin Garden Club - monthly meeting (Franklin Senior Center)

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

**  Town Meetings today   **

Massachusetts Strategic Health Group

Tuesday, December 2 Time: 1:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_12022025-2023 

Franklin Cultural Council

Tuesday, December 2 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_12022025-2027 

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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

Rise Up Open House is scheduled for Saturday, Dec 20

The Rise Up Open House is scheduled for Saturday, Dec 20. Anyone 18+ is welcome to attend, with or without a disability.

Please help maintain a fragrance-free and sensory-friendly environment. Please avoid the use of any scented products while in attendance (perfume, cologne, body spray, scented lotion, strongly scented detergent, etc.)

Date: Saturday, December 20

Time: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM (come and go any time)

Rise Up Open House is scheduled for Saturday, Dec 20

Location: Franklin United Methodist Church at 82 West Central Street

Parking: On the left side of the building

Entrance: On the left side of the building, either a choice of a ramp or stairs

Restrooms: Handicap accessible gender-neutral restroom

Environment: Cheerful, yet calm 

Food and Drinks: Free variety of food and drinks

Activities: Making holiday cards and socializing 

Anyone can learn more about Rise Up here.

You can also follow Rise Up on Facebook here.

FREE Community Concert @FranklinUMC: Stickman Blue and Kaye Kelly - Nov 18

Join us for a FREE Community Concert @FranklinUMC featuring Stickman Blue and Kaye Kelly on Saturday, November 15, at 7pm.

Kaye Kelly and Mark Hardt (Stickman Blue) are a powerhouse husband-and-wife musical duo whose performances blend soul, sophistication, and decades of artistic mastery. With over 30 years in the music industry, their sound is equal parts heartfelt and refined—an elevated musical experience that captivates listeners across generations.

FREE Community Concert
@FranklinUMC:  Stickman Blue
and Kaye Kelly - Nov 18

Kaye Kelly is an award-winning vocalist, songwriter, and professor at Berklee College of Music, known for her expressive voice, compelling original music, and deep commitment to nurturing the next generation of artists. Her partner on stage and in life, Mark Hardt is a seasoned touring musician and innovative Chapman Stick player whose artistry brings a distinctive texture and depth to the duo’s sound.

Together, they perform original songs rooted in rich storytelling and genre-spanning influences, from jazz and soul to folk, pop, and beyond. They’re also celebrated for their transformative takes on cover songs—breathing new life into familiar tunes with fresh arrangements, unexpected harmonies, and a musical connection that only decades of collaboration can create.

Whether on festival stages, in intimate venues, or curated listening rooms, Kaye Kelly and Mark Hardt deliver unforgettable performances that are both technically masterful and emotionally resonant.

You can listen to Stickman Blue’s music on YouTube.com/@StickManBlueMusic; and, you can find Kaye Kelly on Facebook.com/OneCreativeLife/.

Community Closet is open Tuesdays from 12 PM to 2 PM

Community Closet is open
Tuesdays from 12 PM to 2 PM

Community Closet @ Franklin UMC is here for our neighbors — new and gently used clothing, free to anyone who needs it.

We’re open Tuesdays, 12–2 PM at 82 W. Central St., Franklin.

No appointment needed; volunteers are on hand to help.

If you want to donate or volunteer, learn how to get involved and read the full update here: https://franklinumc.org/2025/10/10/community-closet-franklinumc-update/

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1CS1dvaV3m/

Winter Coat Giveaway - Community Closet, Dec 13 from 9 AM to Noon

The Franklin UMC and New England Chapel have joined together to collect new and gently used coats. 

On December 13 from 9 AM to 12 PM, the Community Closet at FranklinUMC (82 W. Central Street, Franklin) will be open and distributing coats to neighbors who want and/or need one. 

Winter Coat Giveaway - Community Closet,
Dec 13 from 9 AM to Noon

All are welcome to come and pick out a new-to-them coat and some new clothes. And, everything is FREE! We have coats and clothing in sizes from infant to XXL adult.

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You do not need to register for this event. The winter coats are a mix of new and gently used in all sizes from infant through adult. We are sorting to make sure that they are all in good condition.

There will be a limit to the number of coats people can take: 1 coat per person in a household. This will help supplies last longer. 

We will hand out coats for as long as supplies last. The Community Closet will be open for the duration from 9 AM to 12 PM.

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WANT TO VOLUNTEER? HAVE QUESTIONS?

If you'd like to volunteer to help with setup, hospitality, and cleanup for this event or you have questions about this event, you can message this page or email jacob@franklinumc.org.

Community Concert featuring Eric Christensen on Saturday, October 18

Join us for a FREE Community Concert @FranklinUMC featuring Eric Christensen on Saturday, October 18, at 7 PM.

Eric Christensen has performed and taught professionally on guitar for over twenty years. Primarily a classical guitarist, he has performed as a recitalist, chamber musician, and concerto soloist throughout the United States and Canada. He has appeared in several major cities including New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago as well as popular destinations such as Cape Cod, Aspen, and Palm Beach. 

Eric Christensen on Saturday, October 18

He has appeared on many concert series including Music on the Hill, East Greenwich, Rhode Island; Spire Series, Pompano Beach, Florida; and Classical Mandolin Society of America, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He has performed live on National Public Radio (NPR) in Palm Beach, Florida.  

Eric gives master classes and chamber music instruction to area high schools and special presentations to elementary schools throughout the country. He has directed and adjudicated the Rhode Island All-State Guitar Ensembles. He has recorded CDs with such ensembles as Enigmatica and the Providence Mandolin Orchestra. Eric studied at Lawrence University, Yale University School of Music, and the New England Conservatory. 

His primary teachers were Michael Nicolella, Benjamin Verdery, Robert Paul Sullivan, and Eliot Fisk. He currently teaches guitar at Rhode Island College, Lifelong Learning Academy, Ivy Music Academy and Ensemble Music School.

Shared from -> https://franklinumc.org/2025/09/26/community-concert-feat-eric-christensen-saturday-october-18/

Fall Fashion Fling and Find at Franklin United Methodist Church from noon to 5 PM, Sep 27

Fall Fashion Fling and Find at Franklin United
Methodist Church from noon to 5 PM, Sep 27

We look forward to seeing you for the Fall Fashion Fling and Find during the Franklin Harvest Festival between 12-5p.

Come find new-to-you treasurers and refresh your wardrobe. There will be a FREE cookout to follow from 5-6:30p.


To learn more, go to https://franklinumc.org/2025/09/04/fall-fashion-fling-september-27-2025/

Rise Up scheduled to meet on Saturday, Sep 20 at 10 AM

Rise Up this Saturday will be held at our regular location. We will visit the fire station in October instead.

Rise Up scheduled to meet on Saturday, Sep 20 at 10 AM

Date: Saturday, September 20th

Time: 10 - 11 AM

Location: Franklin United Methodist Church, 82 West Central Street, Franklin, MA (parking and entrance/ramp on left side) 

Agenda: 

- Come in, open social time

- Group discussion, including planning for upcoming farmers market table and other events

- More group and open social time

- Wrap up

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This one-hour social meet-up is intended to be a safe space for:

• individuals navigating life with disability to meet others they can relate with
• community partners to learn more about the population and share resources
• support persons to meet other support persons

For additional information about this event, please visit ->  https://alirheaume.com/rise-up

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Tuesday, September 16, 2025 ??

Library & Senior Center events

Tuesday, September 16

12:00pm Community Closet (Franklin United Methodist Church)

6:00pm Table Top (Franklin Public Library)

For additional details on Library & Senior Center events ->        

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

** NO Town Meetings today   **

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

What's happening in Franklin, MA

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