Free Young Authors Contest for kids 5 to 12

KidLore Books, a Franklin business started by a local mom that publishes picture books written by kids, is running a free Young Authors Contest for kids ages 5 to 12.

Kids can enter a written story of up to 500 words or a drawn story of 4 to 8 pages, and a parent enters by email. Three winners, one per age group, get their story published as a picture book. 

Free, no purchase needed.

 

Winners announced by March 15, 2027 in time for March Reading Month. 

Details and rules: https://kidlorebooks.com/pages/young-authors-contest

Entries open January 5, 2027. Get a reminder email sent so you don't miss it.

Annual Knights of Columbus Basketball Free Throw Contest - January 17, 2026

Annual Knights of Columbus, 

Sacred Heart Council 1847, Franklin, MA

 

Basketball Free Throw Contest 

January 17, 2026

Location : Hockomock YMCA, Franklin, MA.

Date and Time: Saturday, January 17, 2026 3 PM - 5 PM

Annual Knights of Columbus Basketball
Free Throw Contest - January 17, 2026

Boys and Girls:  9- 14 years old.

Parents are asked to accompany the " Participants".

Registration will be from 3PM -5PM at the Registration Table in the Gymnasium.

Competition: 

• Boys shoot against Boys
• Girls shoot against Girls

Contact: 

Jim Lane, KOC Free Throw Coordinator, JDLane58@hotmail.com, 774-571-9804

2025 Hydrant Painting Contest Winners announced !!!

Thank you to those who participated in our Fourth annual Hydrant Painting Contest!!

For pictures and locations of all the participants in 2025 please visit the Storymap -> https://tinyurl.com/3by4s2k6

Congratulations to this year's winners!

1. Under the age of 12 - Green Monster - Elle B.

2. Under the age of 12 - Rapunzel's Tower - Mae B.

3. 18 and over - Jaws 50th Anniversary - Kelly Q.

4. Judges' Choice - Red Winged Black Bird - Judy B.

Please visit Franklin's Annual Fire Hydrant Painting Contest story map to see all the amazing hydrants that were painted around Town over the last 4 years ->

https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/3f6fc6eabe0c4fbaa4f5bf19fc6f5aaa

Under the age of 12 - Rapunzel's Tower - Mae B

Under the age of 12 - Green Monster - Elle B

18 and over - Jaws 50th Anniversary - Kelly Q

Judges' Choice - Red Winged Black Bird - Judy B

MassDOT announces annual high school video contest entries due Oct 5, 2025

MassDOT announces annual high school
video contest entries due Oct 5, 2025

The annual #Massdot @srts_ma  Safe Streets Smart Trips, High School Video contest is back!

Theme: Safe Walking, Biking, and Driving Behaviors

​

Deadline: Sunday, October 5, 2025 @ 11:00 PM ​

Create a 30–60 second PSA video on:​

• Distracted driving​
• Being a pedestrian/bike-friendly driver​
• Safe walking, biking, or rolling behaviors​

Winning videos will be featured at the 2025 MassDOT “Moving Together” Conference this Fall!

Additional details available at MassDOT ->  https://www.mass.gov/roadway-safety-video

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/DOoX2FDEmwW/

Let’s have some fun… What the most popular dog name was in 2024?

Dog 1

Via Town Clerk Nancy Danello:

"Can you guess what the most popular dog name was in 2024?

Was It Princess?? Was It Franklin?? Was It Jeff??

The First Place winner will receive:

1. A paid dog tag for the life of the dog
2. Receive dog tag #1 for 2026
3. A picture of your dog will appear on the 2026 dog registration form sent to all town residents

Dogs 2

The Second Place winner will receive:

1. Receive dog tag #2 for 2026
2. A dog-themed goodie basket

Dog 3

Submit your guess to TOWNCLERK@FRANKLINMA.GOV

Deadline to submit your guess is 10/15/2025 BY 4:00PM

All prizes will be paid for by the Town Clerk.

One guess per family. 

Winner will be pulled on 10/16 via live feed. 

More info to come regarding the live feed."

Shared from Town Clerk PDF ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/11VQp7bbFWz9v8_BF1BX3Km19d1s-YvsW/view?usp=drive_link

Reminder: Franklin DPW's 2025 Hydrant Painting Event open until August 1, 2025

It's time for the Franklin DPW's 2025 Hydrant Painting Event!

For more information, including event rules, application and frequently asked questions, please visit: https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/1160/2025-Hydrant-Painting-Event

The Franklin DPW hydrant painting contest comes around again

The Franklin DPW hydrant painting contest comes around again

It's time for the Franklin DPW's 2025 Hydrant Painting Event!

For more information, including event rules, application and frequently asked questions, please visit: https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/1160/2025-Hydrant-Painting-Event

The Franklin DPW hydrant painting contest comes around again

MetroWest Boston Visitors Center: Enter our Photo Contest and Win $250!

See your photos featured in our new Visitors Guide or marketing campaigns!

͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌    ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­

WE WANT YOUR PHOTOS! The MetroWest Boston Visitors Bureau is launching our new Visitors Guide, and we want to showcase YOUR fabulous photos of the region! We are looking for high resolution, great photos of festivals/special events, activities, dining/ food, historic sites, outdoor adventures, attractions, and more! You can upload your photos directly via this form. If your photo is selected as the winning cover photo for the next guide, you will win $250! To be considered for a cover photo, please keep the following parameters in mind: vertical orientation, colorful, showcases a fun family-friendly attaction/activity/location, and positions MetroWest as interesting and unique as a destination. MetroWest includes the following towns: Ashland, Bellingham, Framingham, Franklin, Holliston, Hopedale, Hopkinton, Hudson, Marlborough, Medway, Milford, Millis, Natick, Northborough, Sherborn, Southborough, Sudbury, Wayland and Westborough. Deadline extended! Entries will be accepted until June 30, 2025 at 11:59pm, so enter to win now! Enter the Contest Questions? Problems entering? Email us at info@metrowestvisitors.org View this email in your browser MetroWest Boston Visitors Bureau | 860 Worcester Road | Framingham, MA 01702 US Funded in part by the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism

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