PMC Kids Ride marked their 20th anniversary in Franklin on June 7, 2026

PMC Kids Ride in Franklin on June 7, 2026 marked the 20th anniversary of the event, part of a statewide movement of young cyclists helping fund life-saving cancer research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

What began two decades ago with siblings Olivia Garrity and Jack Marchioni riding through a rainstorm in Medfield and turning that moment into a simple idea that Franklin should have its own PMC Kids Ride has since grown into one of the region’s largest events. Today, the founding spirit has come full circle, with Olivia now a parent herself and still closely connected to the ride she helped inspire.

Katie and Joe Clark - pedal hard (Hollywood Agency photo)

Across Franklin and beyond, hundreds of children ages 2 to 15 participate each summer, collectively reinforcing a powerful message: you are never too young to make a difference. The impact is substantial. Since the PMC Kids program began in 2005, young riders have raised more than $12 million for Dana-Farber. Across the broader Pan-Mass Challenge community, contributions have surpassed $1.125 billion since 1980.

Jen Lyons, a Franklin teacher and longtime PMC Kids Ride participant, started with PMC 14 years ago. A few years back, she and another elementary school teacher started a friendly competition to see who could recruit more students for the ride. One year, she even recruited 70 students!

The Franklin PMC Kids Ride stands as a living example of community-driven impact and proof that small riders can help drive enormous change.

Have you got your tickets to the La Cantina Fundraiser to Support The Pantry on July 9 ??

This August, the Franklin Food Pantry Falmouth Road Race Team will hit the pavement, tackling the iconic 7-mile course to raise funds for The Pantry. Every single dollar raised by our runners goes directly toward supporting The Pantry and our neighbors—and you can help them reach their fundraising goal. 

Join the team for an evening of community and celebration at The Pantry’s upcoming fundraiser:

When: Thursday, July 9, from 6 to 8pm

Where: La Cantina Winery (230 Cottage Street, Franklin, MA)

Tickets: $35 per person

What’s Included? 

Your $35 ticket includes a complimentary beverage of your choice, delicious small bites, live music and a chance to win fun giveaways.

Space at the event is limited. Don't miss out on a great night an even greater cause.

Purchase your tickets today, cheer on The Pantry’s race team, and help make a lasting impact.  https://wl.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E188424&id=108

Celebrate Rainbowrrito Day on Saturday, June 13

Via Franklin LGBTQ Alliance

Celebrate Rainbowrrito Day on Saturday, June 13

"March on over to Santa Fe Burrito for Rainbowrrito Day!

Present this flyer so a percentage of profits of the day will be donated to the Franklin LGBTQ Alliance."

Download flyer for yourself and/or a friend

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1TZ8O_x_qi49kwOJY0lzu8ISkyDoFecAc/view?usp=drive_link

July Community Road Race to benefit the Hockomock Area YMCA Reach Out Campaign

July Community Road Race to benefit the
Hockomock Area YMCA Reach Out Campaign

"July Community Road Race. Join our friends at the Town of North Attleborough on Sunday, July 12 as they celebrate 250 years of independence at the Twice is Nice Road Race!

Best of all, proceeds will benefit the Hockomock Area YMCA Reach Out Campaign, helping provide vital programs and services to individuals and families in need throughout our community.


Register for the Twice is Nice Road Race: https://www.nattleboro.com/m/newsflash/home/detail/753"

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What's happening in Franklin, MA: Sunday, June 7 2026 ???

Sunday, June 7

8:00am PMC Kids Ride (Washington St School)

1:00pm Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

2:00pm ONCE (THE BLACK BOX)

6:30pm T.3 in Concert (THE BLACK BOX)

*** NO Town Meetings today   ***

---------

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

Car wash fund raising effort to support the FHS Gymnastics Team - June 19

Car wash fund raising effort to support the FHS Gymnastics Team -  June 19

"COME SUPPORT FHS GYMNASTICS‼️‼️

06/19 @ Franklin Car Wash"

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Are you ready for the Franklin Police Annual Golf Tournament - Aug 31, 2026 at Franklin Country Club ???

Mark your calendars for August 31, 2026 and join us at Franklin Country Club for a great day of golf, community, and giving back!

This isn’t just a tournament—it’s our ONLY annual fundraiser, and it directly supports so much in our community, including:

• Scholarships for Franklin High School seniors
• Local youth sports teams
• Events like the annual luncheon at the Senior Center
• Supplemental support for our holiday toy drive
• …and more

Scan the QR code OR register here:   https://birdease.com/35204

✔️ Register your foursome

✔️ Explore sponsorship opportunities

✔️ Make a donation if you’d like to support the cause

Whether you’re playing, sponsoring, or donating—every bit makes a difference right here in Franklin.

Grab your friends, swing for a cause, and help us continue giving back to the community we’re proud to serve 

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Celebrate with Pride T-shirts available for sale

Celebrate with Pride is funded in part by the

Franklin Cultural Council.

Check out the campaign Celebrate with Pride 2026 T-shirt Fundraiser on Givebutter! https://givebutter.com/celebrate-with-pride-2026-t-shirt-fundraiser-f5kuuz

Support The Pantry's Falmouth Road Race Team!

Via the Franklin Food Pantry

"Join us at La Cantina Winery for a great night and a great cause! Enjoy small bites, a beverage of choice, live music, and a chance to win awesome door prizes. 

Most importantly, you'll be cheering on our runners as they raise money to support The Pantry. 

Tickets are limited, so don't delay!

Tickets are $35 each and include one drink coupon, small bites, live music, and one door prize ticket - https://wl.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx"

FHS Soccer Boosters issue calendar appeal to local businesses

Dear FHS Soccer Families,

As you may know, our Raffle Calendar is our most important fundraiser of the year. The funds raised directly support our players and programs throughout the season. Each year, we are able to provide scholarships to graduating seniors, purchase gear for all players (including backpacks, practice jerseys, and more), and support many additional team needs and activities.

As we begin preparations for this year’s fundraiser, we are reaching out to local businesses to request donations for our raffle calendar. If you own a business and would be willing to donate a product, service, or gift card, we would greatly appreciate your support.

Additionally, if you have a strong relationship with a local business and would be willing to ask them to contribute, we would love your help in making those connections.

With more than 120 players in our Boys and Girls programs, we expect that more than 1,500 calendars will be sold. This is a great way for a business to get exposure in the community.

Any donation, large or small, makes a meaningful impact on our program and our student-athletes. If you are interested in donating or helping us secure donations, please reach out to us.

Thank you for your continued support of FHS Soccer!

Go Panthers!

Lianne Chelman (lianne.chelman@gmail.com)

Gretchen McAuley (mansfieg@hotmail.com)

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Reminder: The FPAC Golf Tournament, golf to help an artistic & charitable cause

"The FPAC Golf Tournament is coming up fast. We are very excited to make this year’s tourney bigger and better.

Take a day off work for a charitable cause, and test your skills in 18 holes of golf at the New England Country Club! Compete with friends, family, and co-workers for on-course hole contests (50/50 Hole, Closest to the Pin, Longest Drive) and raffle prizes!

The FPAC Golf Tournament, golf to help an artistic & charitable cause

Golf proceeds support FPAC programming and THE BLACK BOX while encouraging the development of emerging artists. FPAC’s fundraising events help bring world-class talent to perform in downtown Franklin, amplifying the cultural fabric of MetroWest Boston.

For additional info and to register - https://fpaconline.com/golf-tournament/"

Reminder: Franklin Fathers schedule the Inaugural Eddie Grant Kickball Tournament - June 14

via Franklin Fathers:

"Take us out to the Ballgame!

Reminder: Franklin Fathers schedule the
Inaugural Eddie Grant Kickball Tournament - June 14

We’re thrilled to announce we’ve opened team registrations for the Inaugural Eddie Grant Kickball Tournament, a family-friendly event coming to Beaver Pond on Sunday, June 14th!

We’ll be posting more about Eddie’s incredible story, our fundraising efforts, and our wonderfully gracious community partners soon, but we’d love to have you join us.

Scan the QR code or find the registration link ->   https://forms.gle/LqbaRKZz3kHYKZ9D7!"

#community 

#franklinma

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Save the date for the Santa Foundation Bingo Fundraiser - Weds, June 17

Save the date for the Santa Foundation Bingo Fundraiser - Weds, June 17

"BINGO... with a TWIST!

We're putting a Santa Foundation spin on a classic favorite, and trust us... this isn't your average bingo night!

What do you think the "twist" might be?

We'll give you a hint: there will be plenty of fun, lots of laughs, and prizes with a Santa Foundation twist!"

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/p/19Afj7jetb/

Reminder: PMC Kids Ride scheduled for Sunday, June 7

Reminder: PMC Kids Ride scheduled for Sunday, June 7

"Join us on Sunday, June 7th for the Franklin PMC Kids Ride, a bike ride for kids ages 3-14. Kids can choose from a 3, 6, or 10-mile course. 

Younger riders, not yet on two wheels, can take part in the Tikes and Trikes course in a fun, contained area. 100% of every rider-raised dollar goes directly to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute through its Jimmy Fund. 

Kids can join a team, create their own or ride solo! All local communities are encouraged to participate. This is our 20th year so come join the Fun! 

Riders can register, and donations can be made online at www.kids.pmc.org/franklin"

3rd Annual Celebration of Life Fun Run & Fireworks Festival - June 20

3rd Annual Celebration of Life Pin Fun Run & Fireworks Festival

Saturday, June 20, 2026 | 5–11 PM

Field of Dreams, 80 School Street, Plainville, MA 02762

3rd Annual Celebration of Life Fun Run
& Fireworks Festival - June 20

For Kids' Sake Foundation hosts its annual community fundraising 5K and fireworks festival--this year's 5K features a first-of-its-kind collectible enamel pin experience along the race route, including a limited-edition collaboration pin with An Unlikely Story, the Plainville bookstore owned by Diary of a Wimpy Kid creator Jeff Kinney. 

The evening also includes: live music, food and drink vendors, festival games, silent auction & raffle prizes, and an incredible professional fireworks finale

All proceeds fund CAR-T cancer research at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and Seattle Children's Hospital. 

Free fireworks and festival admission for all.

Register, donate, or learn more: forkidssakefoundation.org/5k2026

Full story: sites.google.com/view/fks-festival-content-2026/media-kit

Franklin Fathers appeal to Community Business Partners

Dear Community Business Partner,

On behalf of Franklin Fathers, we invite you to become a founding sponsor of our inaugural community kickball tournament and raffle. This will be the first of what we plan to grow into an annual community event and fundraiser, and we hope you will take this opportunity to secure your involvement at the ground level.

Franklin Fathers launched in Fall 2025 as a 501(c)(4) community organization dedicated to uniting fathers and caregivers to build family connections, promote wellness, and advocate for local families. Guided by these principles, we have quickly grown to more than 50 active members committed to strengthening the Franklin community.

In just a few months, our members have contributed over 70 combined volunteer hours with the Franklin Food Pantry and Old Colony Habitat for Humanity. We have also organized more than ten community-focused events, including our HarvestFest launch, monthly socials at local businesses, volunteer service days, Daddy Daughter Hair School at the Franklin Public Library, Holiday Stories & Songs, Trunk or Treat, Dean College football tailgates, Sunday morning run club, and additional family-oriented activities throughout town.

Looking ahead, we are planning wellness seminars for the summer and fall centered on parenting, mental health, and family support — further expanding our impact for local families.

This tournament will serve as our primary fundraiser for the upcoming year, providing the majority of our operational budget to continue hosting community events, volunteer initiatives, and educational programming. In addition, proceeds from the event raffle will be donated to the local VFW in honor of Eddie Grant.

Our members are deeply engaged in Franklin civic life, with many serving or having served on the Town Council, School Committee, 250th Anniversary Celebration Committee, Design Review Commission, Finance Committee, Master Plan Update Committee, Davis-Thayer Building Reuse Advisory Committee, and Planning Board. By sponsoring this event, your business will be aligning with a growing network of engaged local families and community leaders.

We designed this event specifically to highlight and support local businesses. Your sponsorship helps us build a sustainable annual tradition while providing visibility among dozens of active families and the broader Franklin community. Early sponsors of this inaugural event will receive special recognition as founding partners as we establish what we expect to become a long-standing community tradition.

Please see the tiers of giving on the reverse side for sponsorship levels and associated recognition opportunities. Thank you for considering this opportunity to partner with us and invest in Franklin families and community life. 

Sincerely,

Franklin Fathers 

FranklinFathersMA@gmail.com

Franklin Fathers host the inaugural Eddie Grant Memorial Kickball Tournament on Saturday, June 14

Franklin Fathers, a local dads and caregivers group dedicated to community, wellness, and civic connection, will host the inaugural Eddie Grant Memorial Kickball Tournament on Saturday, June 14, bringing together families, local organizations, and businesses for a day of recreation, remembrance, and community spirit. The event will take place at Beaver Pond.

The tournament honors Eddie Grant, a Franklin native, Major League Baseball player, and World War I veteran who was killed in action in 1918. Organizers hope the event will help introduce Grant’s legacy to a younger generation of Franklin residents who may not yet know the story behind one of the town's most distinguished historical figures.

“Part of the goal is simply to reconnect Franklin with one of its own,” organizers said. “We want to re-introduce Franklin to one of its most remarkable sons: an athlete, scholar, soldier, and public servant whose legacy still represents the very best of our community."

The family-friendly tournament will feature community teams, food, music, children’s activities, and a 50/50 raffle, with raffle proceeds benefiting the American Legion.

The tournament is still accepting teams, with room remaining for four additional entries. Community groups, friend groups, businesses, neighborhood teams, and organizations are all encouraged to participate.

Interested teams can register by emailing or completing the registration form at tinyurl.com/EddieGrantKickball.

Organizers are also still seeking local business sponsors for the event. Sponsorships offer an opportunity for businesses to connect directly with Franklin-area families while supporting a positive community initiative rooted in local history and civic engagement.

Businesses interested in sponsoring the tournament can contact organizers at franklinfathersma@gmail.com.

Additional event details, including schedules and participating organizations, will be announced in the coming weeks.

Raydio’s 2026 Battle of the BartendersRaises $4,440 for Child Awaiting Heart Transplant

Raydio’s 2026 Battle of the Bartenders Raises $4,440 for Child Awaiting Heart Transplant

Sunday (5/17/26) night’s Raydio 2026 Battle of the Bartenders at Legends Sports Bar & Grille was more than just a bartending competition. It was a night filled with energy, laughter, creativity, community spirit, and an incredible outpouring of generosity.

Hosted by Raydio at the DoubleTree by Hilton Boston Milford, the event featured six talented local bartenders competing in a series of fun and challenging contests while raising money for a very special cause.

When the final scores were tallied, Iris Bentley of Cornell's Irish Pub was crowned the 2026 Battle of the Bartenders Champion, earning the $250 grand prize after narrowly edging out a strong field of competitors.

Participating bartenders included:

• Ashley Smith from Valley Pub / Polish Hall
• Kristen Precourt from The SHED / K Cooks
• Iris Bentley from Cornell's Irish Pub
• Jeanne Barry from The Black Harp
• Zack Andrew from Rail Trail Flatbread Co.
• Dario Palombo from Italian Vets in Milford

Each bartender also received a $50 tip bonus in appreciation for participating and helping support the fundraiser.

While the cocktail competition kept the crowd entertained, the true focus of the evening was raising money for 5-year-old Elina, who is bravely living with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome while awaiting a heart transplant at Boston Children's Hospital.

The fundraiser was held in partnership with Radiate Positivity Initiative, whose mission is to support children and families facing difficult medical journeys.

Funds raised from the event will help provide Elina with an oxygen concentrator, portable oxygen tanks, battery packs, and support for her adaptive bicycle, giving her greater freedom and independence while she continues her fight.

“With everything Elina and her family are facing, seeing the community rally together like this was incredibly emotional,” said Ray Auger, owner and operator of Raydio. “We thought our goal of $3,800 was going to be difficult to hit, but the generosity in that room was absolutely amazing.”

By the end of the night, attendees and sponsors helped raise an incredible $4,440 for Elina and other children in need through Radiate Positivity Initiative.

Raydio would like to thank judges Rich Cyr, Juli Johnson, and Amanda Bedrossian, last year’s Battle of the Bartenders champion, for helping make the evening a success, along with the outstanding staff at Legends and the DoubleTree.

Special thanks also go out to Tim Rice Photo for capturing the event and to sponsors:

• Blackstone Valley Power Washing
• DoubleTree by Hilton Boston Milford
• Masters Touch Design Build
• Berry Hill Farm, which also made an additional donation to the cause

Raydio also extended a heartfelt thank you to Julie Atherton of Milford Hardwood Floors for her generous contribution.

Raydio continues its mission of bringing the community together through fun, meaningful local events that make a positive impact throughout the Greater Milford area.

For more information about Raydio, visit www.localraydio.com or follow @LocalRaydio on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

Have you signed up for the Inaugural Eddie Grant Kickball Tournament - June 14 ???

via Franklin Fathers:

Franklin Fathers schedule the Inaugural
Eddie Grant Kickball Tournament - June 14

"Take us out to the Ballgame!

We’re thrilled to announce we’ve opened team registrations for the Inaugural Eddie Grant Kickball Tournament, a family-friendly event coming to Beaver Pond on Sunday, June 14th!

We’ll be posting more about Eddie’s incredible story, our fundraising efforts, and our wonderfully gracious community partners soon, but we’d love to have you join us.

Scan the QR code or find the registration link ->   https://forms.gle/LqbaRKZz3kHYKZ9D7!"

#community 

#franklinma

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/1FMHFhBtxN/

The FPAC Golf Tournament, golf to help an artistic & charitable cause

The FPAC Golf Tournament is coming up fast. We are very excited to make this year’s tourney bigger and better.

Take a day off work for a charitable cause, and test your skills in 18 holes of golf at the New England Country Club! Compete with friends, family, and co-workers for on-course hole contests (50/50 Hole, Closest to the Pin, Longest Drive) and raffle prizes!

The FPAC Golf Tournament, golf to help an artistic & charitable cause

Golf proceeds support FPAC programming and THE BLACK BOX while encouraging the development of emerging artists. FPAC’s fundraising events help bring world-class talent to perform in downtown Franklin, amplifying the cultural fabric of MetroWest Boston.

For additional info and to register - https://fpaconline.com/golf-tournament/