First poem contest - deadline to enter is March 15

First poem contest - deadline to enter is March 15

Hey, batter-batter swing! If you’re a New England poet, Mass Poetry wants you to step up to the plate and take a crack at our First Poem Contest for the chance to kick off the first headlining event of the 2025 Massachusetts Poetry Festival, taking place May 31st and June 1st.

The winner and two honorable mentions will be invited to read their poem in person at the Festival. The cash prize is $250 for the winner and $50 for honorable mentions. 

There is a $10 entry fee, which supports the Festival and the contest. A fee-free option is available for students or anyone for whom the entry fee would present a barrier. The deadline to submit is March 15th.

More info here:  https://festival.masspoetry.org/first-poem-contest/

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/DGQxLU2P2KX/

In this SOUPer Bowl, everyone wins

In this SOUPer Bowl, everyone wins

The Franklin Food Pantry and Weymouth Food Pantry are going head-to-head in a SOUPer Bowl matchup! Now through February 9, 2025, each community is challenged to donate cans of soup to their respective town’s food pantry. The pantry that receives the most soup donations will be crowned Souper Bowl Champ 2025!

Donations for the Franklin Food Pantry can be placed in the purple bin on The Pantry’s loading dock at 341 W Central St. Franklin, MA, or sent directly to via The Pantry’s Amazon Wish List.

Get in on the action! Take a pic of your donation, post, and tag the Franklin Food Pantry and Weymouth Food Pantry!  Help us tackle hunger and everyone wins!

5th Grade class takes honors for one of the MassDOT snow plow names = "Mac N’ Freeze"

"The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) has announced the winners of the third annual “Name A Snowplow” contest for elementary and middle school students in Massachusetts. 

This contest received entries from public school classrooms located all across Massachusetts to name the 12 MassDOT snowplows that will be in service during this 2024/2025 winter season. The purpose of the contest is to celebrate the snow and ice season and to help recognize the hard work and dedication shown by public works employees and contractors during the winter season.  

MassDOT snow plow name contest

"Maintaining safe and clear roads across Massachusetts during winter is no easy task. We appreciate how educators are engaging their students in this fun competition that honors this vital public service," said Transportation Secretary and CEO Monica Tibbits-Nutt. "Congratulations to the winning classrooms, and we look forward to seeing your snowplows out in the field."

Oak Street Elementary School submitted the Winning Submissions for 5th through 8th Grade. The 5th Grade class led by Abby Normandin selected Mac N’ Freeze as the Chosen Plow Name,

The full press release and all the other school winning entries can be found ->  https://www.mass.gov/news/massdot-announces-the-winners-of-the-2024-name-a-snowplow-contest

A Wreath of Franklin winner announced!

The Votes Are In! 

Announcing the Winner of the First-Ever A-Wreath-of-Franklin Community Wreath Contest! 

The Franklin community has spoken, and we’re excited to crown @Grecodesignshop as the fan-favorite wreath designer!  Their festive and creative design stole the show and brought the holiday spirit to life. 

@Grecodesignshop as the fan-favorite wreath designer

Thank you to everyone who voted and celebrated the incredible talent in our community—it’s your enthusiasm that makes events like this so special. 

Stop by all of our wreath locations (map still linked in our profile + website) for the next month to see the winning wreath and enjoy the holiday cheer all of our community wreaths adds to downtown Franklin!

Plus take a moment to fill out our community survey on what we can do to improve the program for next year - share your voice in Franklin’s newest town tradition (also linked in our Instagram profile above as well as on the Wreath-of-Franklin website). 

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/15bq1uFHbV/

3rd Annual Hydrant Painting Contest Winners Announced by DPW

Via the Franklin DPW:

"We had a great time at our DPW Touch a Truck event today! Thank you to those who stopped by and a big thank you to those who participated in our third annual Hydrant Painting Contest.

Congratulations to this years winners!

1. Under the age of 12 - Koi Fish Pond - Rachel Redfern

2. 12 to 17 - Mosaic - Violet Wiernicki and Sarah Clark

3. 18 and over - Boston Hydrant - Thomas Grimaldi

4. Judges' Choice - R2D2 - Jay Hanson

Please visit the story map to see all the amazing hydrants that were painted around Town - https://storymaps.arcgis.com/.../97211a8b1a5b4454b5a74fc7...

#keepfranklinflowing #TouchATruck2024 #franklinma

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/RB19t1Xm28rVB4YL/

3rd Annual Hydrant Painting Contest Winners Announced by DPW

Franklin DPW Hydrant painting contest opens up for 2024

It's time for the Franklin DPW's 2024 Hydrant Painting Event!

For more information, including event rules, application and frequently asked questions, please visit:  https://www.franklinma.gov/water-sewer-division/news/franklin-dpws-2024-hydrant-painting-event

Franklin DPW Hydrant painting contest opens up for 2024

Shared from ->

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/73Xki6dR399Qf15j/

massDOT Work Zone: "Winners in Work Zone Awareness Billboard Design Contest"

"Congratulations to the winners of the 2024 #MassDOTWork Zone Safety Awareness Billboard Design Contest!

Look out for these winning designs on Highway billboards across Massachusetts."

The 2024 winners are:

1st Place: Emma Greenblatt, Endicott College, class of 2027

2nd Place: Erik Vandergrift, Clark University, class of 2025

3rd Place: Samantha VanZandt, University of Massachusetts Amherst, class of 2025

Read the full press release online -> https://www.mass.gov/news/massdot-announces-winners-in-work-zone-awareness-billboard-design-contest

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/C6ecywZxQ5c/

"Winners in Work Zone Awareness Billboard Design Contest"

MA College Students: Do you want to try your hand at the Digital billboard contest?

"Attention MA college students! #MassDOT is hosting its 2nd work zone safety billboard design contest.

Winning designs will receive a scholarship and be featured on billboards statewide during the 2024 construction season!"

Enter at: https://mass.gov/work-zone-billboard-contest-2024

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/C4x_CR5LxXi/?

MA College Students: Do you want to try your hand at the Digital billboard contest?

Entries for "The Sowell Man Essays" open until Saturday, March 23, 2024 no later than 5 PM

Two Awards Totaling $1,500

Essay submissions should be submitted by Saturday, March 23rd, 2024 no later than  5 PM. Details below: 

• 1st Place Award - $1,000
• 2nd Place Award - $500

First and second place winners will have their essays published online. 

The mission of The Sowell Man Essays is to introduce students to Thomas Sowell and learn about people who use facts to challenge the orthodoxy of mainstream social, cultural, and other narratives  - those who often stand alone and are “putting truth above popularity”.

The Sowell Man Essays is sponsored by some residents of Franklin.

The contest is open to Franklin, MA residents currently attending any high school grades 9-12, including public, private, and home schools. We are limiting this to Franklin residents this year and will consider opening this up next year.

The winners of the essay contest will be contacted on Saturday, April 9, 2024. 

The Essay

Each contestant will write an essay showcasing Thomas Sowell’s story and contributions. For example, but not limited to:

• Who is Thomas Sowell? What should we know about him?
• How does he challenge the orthodoxy of social and cultural mainstream narratives?
• What does it mean to be “A man alone”?
• Examples of his contributions

The essays will be judged for quality of content, grammar, writing style, and how well you understand and describe Thomas Sowell to the reader. Each contestant must cite references. There is no length restriction. AI generated content will disqualify you from the contest.

Additional details from the organizer of this essay contest ->

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1hmj_DcJkbQi5Fhvt2Dmhldo2c6pWMDtMkH6x-2LrySA/edit#heading=h.vs44wg13b4k9

Franklin's finest "Touch a Truck" event scheduled for Saturday, Oct 14 from 10 AM to 2 PM

Police, Fire, and Department of Public Works vehicles on display

Sand box, food, information booths and more...

Shared from ->   https://www.facebook.com/100064487150311/posts/pfbid02rqLonHEhfLU6VQtPGdxgJaosgk6khfUSq3GmwKPcametaQkN5UE1g9erTcCFqmNel/?mibextid=Nif5oz

Franklin's finest "Touch a Truck" event scheduled for Saturday, Oct 14

Franklin Food Pantry announces contest looking for names for their purple donation bin

CONTEST TIME!!!!

Kids!  

We are looking for a name for our donation bin and need your help! Our purple bin collects all of the food donations and we'd love to hear your ideas for its name!

Grownups! 

-Like & follow The Franklin Food Pantry

-Comment below with your child's choice for the name

-The winner will receive a $25 Target gift card!!

-One entry per child please

-Enter by August 18th and the winner will be announced on the 1st day of school!

*Staff will vote on the winning name and the winner will be notified via DM on Facebook. We cannot wait to see what you come up with!

Click here to learn more about donating to The Pantry, https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/get-involved/donate-food/

Shared from -> https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=pfbid037jBoNPKHnzrRW3ujQNqkHWHFvve4ZmgMzR6rDSRQp4vTM23ac7sSeiVEuZP8Egwbl&id=100064488767698&mibextid=Nif5oz

Franklin Food Pantry announces contest looking for names for their purple donation bin

What is the sound of human knowledge?

"Sound helps shape our perception and how we learn about the world around us. Some sounds are quite simple to identify, like the sound of a rocket launch or the sound of waves crashing against the shore. But how about the sound of all human knowledge?

The Wikimedia movement is searching for a sound logo that will identify content from all of our projects, like Wikipedia, when visual logos are not an option — for example, when virtual voice assistants answer queries.

Through an open contest, organised by the Wikimedia Foundation, we are inviting the world to create The Sound of All Human Knowledge. This sound will help communicate what the Wikimedia movement stands for — trustworthy, reliable, open, and accessible knowledge for all."

Shared from -> https://soundlogo.wikimedia.org/?mtm_campaign=central-notice-banner-Phase2

What is the sound of human knowledge?

Reminder: Would you like to paint a Town of Franklin fire hydrant? Registration due Aug 12, 2022

Fire Hydrant Painting Event Rules

The design should be appropriate for a public space and should not be political in nature, or be offensive in any way.

Potential design themes include:

• Designs inspired by the Historic Places, People and Events in Franklin
• Designs with a whimsical or humorous twist that will make viewers smile
• Context-sensitive designs that would uniquely connect a particular fire hydrant with its immediate surroundings
• Colorful, abstract designs

The public and private space immediately around the fire hydrant should be kept clean and neat when not directly working on the fire hydrant. Please respect the property.

Registration is open until Aug. 12, 2022. Proposed designs must be submitted for approval during this period, along with a completed application. Applicants will be notified by Aug. 19, 2022.

Painting of fire hydrants can begin upon notification of your assigned hydrant and must be completed by Sept. 30, 2022.

Paint only on the assigned fire hydrant. The caps must be able to open after the paint dries. You must provide your own exterior paint or sealant. Nothing can be attached to the fire hydrant.

If words are included in your design, all words must be approved as a part of the design.

You may use stencils, air brush with masking tape, or freehand your design.

You must apply the design submitted in this application. If you desire to make changes, you must seek approval from the Town of Franklin prior to changing your design.

If rules are not followed your hydrant will be painted over.

Judging will take place between Oct. 3 and Oct. 7, 2022. Winners will be announced at the DPW Touch a Truck event on Oct. 15, 2022 for most whimsical, most patriotic, most creative, and judges’ choice.

Any questions should be addressed to: Doug Martin, Town of Franklin Water & Sewer Superintendent at 508-553-5500 or domartin@franklinma.gov.

Town of Franklin will be basing their decision to approve applications for painting based on creativity, originality, imagination, and appropriateness. All decisions on applications are final. 

By participating in the Fire Hydrant Design Event you acknowledge that the Town of Franklin and its affiliates are not responsible in any way for any injury or property damage directly or indirectly associated with this event.

By signing you acknowledge that participants are aware of all rules, guidelines and criteria associated with this event

For more information including event rules, application and frequently asked questions, please visit:   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/pages/town_of_franklin_2022_fire_hydrant_painting_event_0.pdf

Would you like to paint a Town of Franklin fire hydrant? 

Would you like to paint a Town of Franklin fire hydrant? Register by Aug 12, 2022

Fire Hydrant Painting Event Rules

The design should be appropriate for a public space and should not be political in nature, or be offensive in any way.

Potential design themes include:

• Designs inspired by the Historic Places, People and Events in Franklin
• Designs with a whimsical or humorous twist that will make viewers smile
• Context-sensitive designs that would uniquely connect a particular fire hydrant with its immediate surroundings
• Colorful, abstract designs

The public and private space immediately around the fire hydrant should be kept clean and neat when not directly working on the fire hydrant. Please respect the property.

Registration is open until Aug. 12, 2022. Proposed designs must be submitted for approval during this period, along with a completed application. Applicants will be notified by Aug. 19, 2022.

Painting of fire hydrants can begin upon notification of your assigned hydrant and must be completed by Sept. 30, 2022.

Paint only on the assigned fire hydrant. The caps must be able to open after the paint dries. You must provide your own exterior paint or sealant. Nothing can be attached to the fire hydrant.

If words are included in your design, all words must be approved as a part of the design.

You may use stencils, air brush with masking tape, or freehand your design.

You must apply the design submitted in this application. If you desire to make changes, you must seek approval from the Town of Franklin prior to changing your design.

If rules are not followed your hydrant will be painted over.

Judging will take place between Oct. 3 and Oct. 7, 2022. Winners will be announced at the DPW Touch a Truck event on Oct. 15, 2022 for most whimsical, most patriotic, most creative, and judges’ choice.

Any questions should be addressed to: Doug Martin, Town of Franklin Water & Sewer Superintendent at 508-553-5500 or domartin@franklinma.gov.

Town of Franklin will be basing their decision to approve applications for painting based on creativity, originality, imagination, and appropriateness. All decisions on applications are final. 

By participating in the Fire Hydrant Design Event you acknowledge that the Town of Franklin and its affiliates are not responsible in any way for any injury or property damage directly or indirectly associated with this event.

By signing you acknowledge that participants are aware of all rules, guidelines and criteria associated with this event

For more information including event rules, application and frequently asked questions, please visit:   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/pages/town_of_franklin_2022_fire_hydrant_painting_event_0.pdf

Would you like to paint a Town of Franklin fire hydrant? 

Would you like to paint a Town of Franklin fire hydrant?

Fire Hydrant Painting Event Rules

The design should be appropriate for a public space and should not be political in nature, or be offensive in any way.

Potential design themes include:

• Designs inspired by the Historic Places, People and Events in Franklin
• Designs with a whimsical or humorous twist that will make viewers smile
• Context-sensitive designs that would uniquely connect a particular fire hydrant with its immediate surroundings
• Colorful, abstract designs

The public and private space immediately around the fire hydrant should be kept clean and neat when not directly working on the fire hydrant. Please respect the property.

Registration is open until Aug. 12, 2022. Proposed designs must be submitted for approval during this period, along with a completed application. Applicants will be notified by Aug. 19, 2022.

Painting of fire hydrants can begin upon notification of your assigned hydrant and must be completed by Sept. 30, 2022.

Paint only on the assigned fire hydrant. The caps must be able to open after the paint dries. You must provide your own exterior paint or sealant. Nothing can be attached to the fire hydrant.

If words are included in your design, all words must be approved as a part of the design.

You may use stencils, air brush with masking tape, or freehand your design.

You must apply the design submitted in this application. If you desire to make changes, you must seek approval from the Town of Franklin prior to changing your design.

If rules are not followed your hydrant will be painted over.

Judging will take place between Oct. 3 and Oct. 7, 2022. Winners will be announced at the DPW Touch a Truck event on Oct. 15, 2022 for most whimsical, most patriotic, most creative, and judges’ choice.

Any questions should be addressed to: Doug Martin, Town of Franklin Water & Sewer Superintendent at 508-553-5500 or domartin@franklinma.gov.

Town of Franklin will be basing their decision to approve applications for painting based on creativity, originality, imagination, and appropriateness. All decisions on applications are final. 

By participating in the Fire Hydrant Design Event you acknowledge that the Town of Franklin and its affiliates are not responsible in any way for any injury or property damage directly or indirectly associated with this event.

By signing you acknowledge that participants are aware of all rules, guidelines and criteria associated with this event

For more information including event rules, application and frequently asked questions, please visit:   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/pages/town_of_franklin_2022_fire_hydrant_painting_event_0.pdf

Would you like to paint a Town of Franklin fire hydrant? 

Walpole Police and Franklin Police declared 2021 Gingerbread contest Co-Champions

Who won the contest? It finished with co-champions declared

"What a fantastic contest we had this year!  31 departments entered their gingerbread creations!  We had some very close matches and it all came down to the last 2!  I’d like to congratulate Walpole Police Department and Franklin Police Department on being the 2021 Gingerbread contest Co-Champions!  

We had to get a little bit creative this year with the winners.  It was so close, right down to the last hours when both Walpole and Franklin had some votes come in that were not actual individual votes, but seemed to be some sort of fake votes (no fault of either department at all). So, to keep the purpose and spirit of the competition alive, both departments are this year’s champs!!!  We can’t allow a little something like this ruin the fun we’ve had and the hard work put in from all participating departments and all of the folks that followed and supported their departments throughout the competition! 

We were able to raise $1,500 toward a cause to be chosen on Saturday, January 1st!  Along with the additional awards decided by me!  Have a happy and safe New Year everyone and thank you so much for participating and for your generosity!"

Shared from Facebook -> https://www.facebook.com/shelovespolice/posts/936223143702036 

Original post -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/12/tri-county-culinary-shop-created.html

gingerbread Franklin Police Station

Franklin Cultural Council announce Halloween Decoration Contest winners

Oy! The Facebook Live feature today is cranky! I give up! 

Here are our amazing winners!!! Thank you to all for helping us to BUILD community, STRENGTHEN community and have a little fun and joy while doing so! 

• 1st Place Winner = "When Dinosaurs Ruled Halloween", 2 Russet Hill Road 
• 2nd Place Winner = "All Souls Cemetery", 404 Martello Road
• 3rd Place Tied Winners = "Scorched Souls" (28 Anthony Road)
•                     AND "The Scary, Scary Skeletones" (6 Hayden Lane)

AMAZING HONORABLE MENTIONS!

 - Horror on East Street

 - Haunting on Shady Lane

 - Pumpkin Patch of the Dead

- Red Rum Manor

Pick up a MAP tomorrow at Allegra Marketing and Print at 317 Union Street and be sure to thank them for always helping out the community! 

Have fun, Franklin!

Shared from Franklin Cultural Council -> https://facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=206956758217106&id=100067083505968

Halloween Decoration Contest Map -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/10/the-halloween-decoration-contest-map-is.html

Franklin Cultural Council announce Halloween Decoration Contest winners

Please Vote for Franklin in America's Main Streets Contest!

Franklin Nominated for "America's Main Streets" Contest Franklin's town center is among 114 American Main Streets nominated in the "America's Main Streets Contest," a movement of independently owned businesses dedicated to educating communities about buying local. Learn more about the nomination in the Country Gazette article. You can vote multiple times. Vote for Franklin Here Franklin Downtown Partnership • 774-571-3109 • FranklinDowntownPartnership.org

Franklin Downtown Partnership | 9 E. Central St., Franklin, MA 02038 Sent by franklindowntownpartnership@gmail.com powered by Try email marketing for free today!