St John’s extends invitation to all for two new opportunities to socialize

You are invited to two new opportunities to socialize. We hope you’ll join us:

Walking group:

St John’s Episcopal Church

Let’s get some fresh air and exercise together. Every Saturday at 10 AM, weather permitting, beginning May 17. Meet in the parking lot. Kids, dogs, and friends welcome.

Gather ‘round the fire:

Every Sunday at sunset, weather permitting, beginning May 18. Bring a chair, a beverage, something to cook on a stick, a musical instrument, a poem, or a friend. On the lawn at St John’s.

St John’s Episcopal Church, 237 Pleasant Street, Franklin

For more information:

Call 508-528-2387 Email Rector@StJohnsFranklinMA.org

Like us on Facebook See our website at www.stjohnsfranklinma.org   

 

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Sunday, May 4, 2025 ???

Sunday, May 4 - Horace Mann's Birthday

10:00am Jane's Walk - Franklin (Depot Plaza)
11:00am Sunday Brunch (Teddy Gallagher's Irish Pub)
12:00pm Kenny Hadley LEGACY Big Band (THE BLACK BOX)
1:00pm Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

1:00pm Celebrate Horace Mann's Birthday (Franklin Historical Museum)
3:00pm LiveARTS: Rachel Childers & Ann Sears (Murray Unitarian Universalist church)
7:00pm Rehearsal for Distinguished Young Women (Patti Eisenhauer Dance Center)

For additional details on Library & Senior Center events ->   

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

**  NO  Town Meetings today   **

 

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What's happening today in Franklin? 

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

Join Cobi & I for an informative discussion on Jane's Walk in downtown Franklin, Sunday, May 4

Via Cobi Frongillo:

Jane's Walk in downtown Franklin, Sunday, May 4

"Happy to be co-hosting a third annual Jane's Walk with Steve Sherlock and BEN 4 Franklin!  

Meet us 10AM THIS SUNDAY (5/4) at the Depot Street parking lot for a walk-and-talk of Downtown Franklin.  

Wheels and paws welcome!"

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/p/16RhpxVLLZ/

You can join us along the way if you miss the start. We'll be along Main St to Emmons, to West Central, to Cottage, to Winter, to East Central, to Ruggles and then back East Central to Main and the Depot parking lot.

Join Cobi & I for an informative discussion on Jane's Walk

 

Note: the route covers 1.5 miles.

Join us for a Jane's Walk in Franklin on Sunday, May 4 at 10 AM

Join Cobi Frongillo & Steve Sherlock NEXT SUNDAY (5/4) for our third annual walk around Downtown Franklin to reflect on placemaking and town planning.

The event is part of an annual international series of walks to honor the social activist Jane Jacobs.

Meet at the Depot St parking lot Sunday morning. We will leave at 10:00 AM and should meander back by 11:30 AM.

Join us for a Jane's Walk in Franklin on Sunday, May 4 at 10 AM

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1AHWKwXMp5/

Find out more about Buliding Euitable Neighborhoos For Franklin (BEN 4 Franklin)  https://ben4franklin.org/

MOMS ONLY (kid free) STROLL in Franklin at SNETT - Sep 3

FRANKLIN - NEW POP UP LOCATION!!

When: Tuesday SEPT 3 at 6:30 PM

Where: Southern New England Trunkline

(Link to sign up below!)

Ideal for moms in the thick of it with younger kids (under age 7/8 ) in need of some kid free time!! Come join us for a leisurely walk , KID FREE, to recharge and refill your cup as we head into fall!!   

MOMS ONLY (kid free) STROLL

Ditch a witching hour, bath time or bedtime to move your body, calm your mind and have some adults only time to chat, uninterrupted, with other local moms!!

🌟RSVP to this free event and see details at the link below! The weather can be unpredictable, so please fill out the form or message me so I can reach you if plans change!

🌟🌟 GET ON THE LIST!!! If you’d like to be on the notifications list for more fall dates and events, please also fill out the form!! If you’d like a location closer to you, let me know that too!

Form ->   https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScqt0oMWBS_Z_yJPhnglruobEItbec7M-TW_Kal_Ii7OT39Kg/viewform

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

Join Cobi & I for a 2nd Jane's Walk in Franklin, May 11 at 10:30 AM

On Saturday, May 11, 2024, there will be a second BEN 4 Franklin launch event: Cobi Frongillo and Franklin Matters’ Steve Sherlock will be leading a 90-minute Jane Jacobs Walk (rain or shine!) at 10:30 AM starting from the Franklin TV Studio, to explore the history, physical structure and architecture of Franklin’s built downtown environment. 

The community walk-and-talk will be one of thousands of Jane Jacobs Walks that take place every May in honor of the late social activist and placemaker. The walk will be accessible to wheels and paws, and participants are invited to gather afterwards at La Cantina Winery to share thoughts and observations. 

For more information and to RSVP for the event, or to sign up for BEN 4 Franklin’s mailing list, please visit: tinyurl.com/ben4franklin

Visit the web page for more information -> https://ben4franklin.org/

If you miss us leaving at 10:30, this is the planned route we'll take. You may be able to join us along the way.

You can also find the public route https://www.mapmywalk.com/routes/view/6039415273

Join Cobi & I for a 2nd Jane's Walk in Franklin, May 11 at 10:30 AM

Building Equitable Neighborhoods for Franklin (BEN 4 Franklin) schedules launch events - Friday, May 10 & Saturday, May 11

BEN 4 Franklin is pleased to invite anyone who lives or works in Franklin to our two public launch events: 

launch party - May 10

On Friday, May 10, 2024, Ben 4 Franklin will host a launch party at 7:00 PM at the Franklin TV Studio, 23 Hutchinson Street. In addition to a short speaking program with featured speaker Jesse Kanson-Benanav, Executive Director of Abundant Housing Massachusetts, this interactive event will be a place where attendees can share memories of Franklin from the past and envision Franklin in the future through discussion, storytelling and artistic expression. Light refreshments will be provided.  

Jane Jacobs Walk - May 11

On Saturday, May 11, 2024, there will be a second BEN 4 Franklin launch event: Cobi Frongillo and Franklin Matters’ Steve Sherlock will be leading a 90-minute Jane Jacobs Walk (rain or shine!) at 10:30 AM starting from the Franklin TV Studio, to explore the history, physical structure and architecture of Franklin’s built downtown environment. The community walk-and-talk will be one of thousands of Jane Jacobs Walks that take place every May in honor of the late social activist and placemaker. The walk will be accessible to wheels and paws, and participants are invited to gather afterwards at La Cantina Winery to share thoughts and observations. 

For more information and to RSVP for either or both of the two launch events, or to sign up for BEN 4 Franklin’s mailing list, please visit: tinyurl.com/ben4franklin

Visit the web page for more information -> https://ben4franklin.org/

Join the Rail Trail Committee for the January Trail Walk on Saturday morning (1/27/24) at 10 AM

Via the Franklin Bellingham Rail Trail Committee: 

"Join us for our January Trail Walk on Saturday morning at 10 AM!"

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/C2gf_dCt5YO/ 

Join the Rail Trail Committee for the January Trail Walk on Saturday morning (1/27/24) at 10 AM

Post Thanksgiving Trail Walk - Saturday, Nov 25 at 10 AM

Join us for a post Thanksgiving Trail Walk! Saturday 10am

View this email in your browser Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee

Post Thanksgiving Trail Walk - Saturday, Nov 25 at 10 AM Happy thanksgiving, Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee

Copyright © 2023 Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee, All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee PO Box 68 Franklin, Ma 02038

First Annual Spring Ladybug Trail Walk Saturday

Franklin Downtown Partnership  9 E. Central Street, Franklin, MA 02038 (774) 571-3109 • downtown.franklin@yahoo.com  Ladybug Trail Spring Walk The FDP's 1st Annual Ladybug Trail Spring Walk is schedule for Sat., April 15 (rain date April 16). Celebrate spring by coming to downtown Franklin and walking the Ladybug Cultural & Historical Trail. Stop by the Franklin Historical Museum or Escape Into Fiction for a Ladybug trail map and ladybug merchandise. The museum and bookstore will have free ladybug give aways as well as unique ladybug merchandise for sale. Please drop off items to be donated to the Franklin Food Pantry at the Museum or Escape Into Fiction. Personal care items especially needed are: Toothpaste Toothbrushes Shampoo (8oz – 24oz) Conditioner (8oz – 24oz) Disposable Razors - Individual (no blades please) Body and Hand Lotion (8oz – 24oz) Liquid Hand Soap (6oz – 24oz) Scott brand WRAPPED ROLL 1000 Sheets per roll     Franklin Downtown Partnership | 774-571-3109 downtown.franklin@yahoo.com | www.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! View the Ladybug Trail video ->

First Annual Ladybug Trail Spring Walk - Saturday, April 15

The Franklin Downtown Partnership (FDP) is hosting the First Annual Ladybug Trail Spring Walk. On Saturday, April 15 (rain date April 16), the Partnership invites residents to walk the Ladybug Cultural and Historical Trail to celebrate spring. 

Stop by the Franklin Historical Museum or Escape Into Fiction for a free trail map and ladybug surprise. The Museum is open Saturdays 10 AM to 1 PM and Sundays 1 PM to 4 PM Escape Into Fiction is open Tuesdays through Saturdays 10 AM to 5 PM and Sundays noon to 5 PM.

The Ladybug Cultural and Historical Trail uses ladybug sculptures to tie approximately 25 historical, cultural and business sites together in downtown Franklin. The walk provides an opportunity to view more than 10 art murals painted by members of the Franklin Art Association located in the alleys and the many daffodils that will be popping up along the trail. 

The purpose of the Trail is to promote economic development in downtown Franklin by encouraging residents and visitors to enjoy all that Franklin center has to offer by visiting, dining, and shopping at downtown businesses while they walk the trail. Since Franklin was once the leading manufacturer of straw hats, the FDP encourages trail walkers to wear their spring hats.

“The Ladybug Trail Spring Walk is a chance to celebrate spring by walking the Ladybug Trail and enjoying all the wonderful shops and restaurants in downtown center,” said FDP Executive Director Lisa Piana. “It is another fun way to support our local businesses.”

The town of Franklin has a unique connection with the ladybug. In 1974, Franklin’s John F. Kennedy School second grade students and their teacher, Palma Johnson, petitioned the bill to name the ladybug the state insect and subsequently witnessed it signed into law.  

Members of the Ladybug Cultural and Historical Trail committee are: Pandora Carlucci, Jane Curran, Melanie Hamblen, Eileen Mason, Mary Olsson, Lisa Piana, Beth Simon, and Roberta Trahan.

The Franklin Downtown Partnership is a nonprofit, 501©3 organization made up of more than 360 business owners, community leaders and residents working to stimulate economic development downtown and create a positive impact throughout the area. Learn more about the Partnership at www.franklindowntownpartnership.org. 

First Annual Ladybug Trail Spring Walk - Saturday, April 15

The 1st Annual Ladybug Trail Spring Walk is scheduled for April 15

The Franklin Downtown Partnership’s 1st Annual Ladybug Trail Spring Walk is scheduled for Saturday, April 15 (rain date April 16). 

Celebrate spring by coming to downtown Franklin and walking the Ladybug Cultural & Historical Trail. 

Stop by the Franklin Historical Museum or Escape Into Fiction for a Ladybug trail map and ladybug merchandise.

Shared from the Franklin Downtown Partnership page ->   https://www.franklindowntownpartnership.org/2023/03/ladybug-trail-spring-wal.html

For more about the Downtown Partnership ->   https://www.franklindowntownpartnership.org/

Ladybug Trail Spring Walk scheduled for April 15

Liturgy of Easy Walks: a conversation with Marjorie Turner Hollman - 03/28/22 (audio)

FM #764 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 764 in the series. 

This session shares my conversation with local area author Marjorie Turner Hollman. Our conversation was conducted via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

We had an easy conversation catching up with Marjorie since we had last talked in Sep 2020. Marjorie has just released a new book now, My Liturgy of Easy Walks. More of a memoir than an easy walk guide, she gets into the back story on how and why she developed easy walks in a series of essays as she recovered. 

Let’s listen to my conversation with Marjorie which runs about 20 minutes.

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-764-liturgy-of-easy-walks-with-marjorie-turner-hollman-03-28-22

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Links to 

• The new book page on Amazon -> https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0989204391/ 

• Marjorie’s webpage which among other things features her books   https://marjorieturner.com/ 

• ‘Easy Walks, Massachusetts, RI and Beyond’ group on Facebook   https://www.facebook.com/groups/616401235386068/ 

The video links to our walk and conversations around the Sculpture Park in Franklin

https://youtu.be/IBYcPoNICv0   and Choate Park in Medway https://youtu.be/aGrspVpaMs4 

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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 https://www.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 with your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

 

Liturgy of Easy Walks: a conversation with Marjorie Turner Hollman