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/

Santa Foundation Bingo scheduled for June 17

What do Bingo and Baseball have in common? 

We’re getting excited for our Santa Foundation Bingo Fundraiser on June 17th — where every game brings fun, community, and prizes. Someone will be winning Red Sox tickets! 

Grab your lucky bingo dauber, bring your friends, and join us for a night of laughs, prizes, and giving back.

Who’s feeling lucky? Get your tickets! 

@everyone

https://www.sfjoy.org/products-and-events

Redsox luckywinner

Still time to register for the 15th Annual FBRTC 5K: Saturday May 16, 2026

~ Counting down to Race Day! ~ Please join us for the 15th Annual FBRTC 5K Road Race Hosted by TVFR & FBRTC ​ Date: Saturday May 16, 2026  Start Time: 9am Location: Grove Street SNETT Trailhead – Parking at Waters Corporation, 210 Grove St., Franklin, MA. 02038 Entry Info:  18 yrs & Under: $25.00 pre-registration / $40.00 day-of 19 yrs - 69 yrs: $30.00 pre-registration / $40.00 day-of 70 yrs and Above: $25 / $40.00 day-of Awards:  5K Awards will be First Place Overall M/F. Age Group Awards: Top 3 M/F: 14 & Under, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+ Event Details: Race start time: 9:00 AM. Registration opens at 7:30 AM. Course Details: Out-and-back 5k on hard-packed dirt trail. Course map available soon! Amenities:  1. Plenty of water and refreshments. 2. Walkers welcome. 3. Post-race refreshments 4. Awards to top 3 in each age group 5. Post-race gathering for raffle door prizes 6. Commemorative Race Tee-Shirts to the first 150 registered participants - sizes as available after April 17th. Early Bib Pick-Up / In-Person Registration on Friday May 15 at BFT (Body Fit Training) at 220 Franklin Village Drive, Franklin (across the shopping plaza from the Stop and Shop) from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Race Day Registration - Available on-site until 8:45 AM. ​ Additional Info Available at https://www.tri-valleyfrontrunners.com/fbrtc This race benefits the continuing efforts to develop the Southern New England Trunkline Trail (SNETT) into a multiuse path for Franklin & Bellingham. The SNETT is an abandoned rail bed running from Franklin through Douglas to the CT boarder, sections of which have become fully developed multi-use paths linking communities across southern Central Massachusetts. For more info & to learn how else you can help visit: https://www.franklinbellinghamrailtrail.org/ Register Here

Tri-Valley Front Runners
PO Box 125, Milford,MA, 01757 United States

Friends - Your Gift to the Children's Museum Will be Matched this May!

If you're having trouble viewing this email, you can see it online. Friends, With every child, grown-up, and family we have had the joy of welcoming, we have learned more about what matters most at Children’s Museum of Franklin and in our community. That’s how we shaped our five core values. These values come to life when children and grown-ups alike feel welcomed, when families build relationships through shared play, and when access opportunities help all young minds grow with confidence. As a non-profit organization, these moments are made possible by people like you. That is why we are excited to share a generous $15,000 matching gift challenge for the month of May to help grow our Friends of the Museum community. Every gift made before May 31 will be matched dollar for dollar. When you make a gift, you are not simply donating – you are helping build a place where our values come to life for all children and families. Every gift matters and, for the rest of the month of May, every gift is doubled. Will you help us meet the match? Gratefully, Children’s Museum of Franklin Team

FHSTC asks your help to support the capital campaign !!!

Franklin needs YOU to help us!!

We’re on a mission to fix the lights and invest in our community facilities. Better spaces don’t just look great, they help bring more events and revenue back into our town!

Every small contribution helps, and thank you so much to everyone who has already donated!! Let’s keep our town shining and give our students the best program!

Shared from - https://www.instagram.com/p/DYAuELKGeVz/

Continue reading about the capital campaign via this link - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NNvquCDizUxJGWDUx2P2WUJcF5bU6vMR/view?usp=drive_link

Fund raising link - https://givebutter.com/FPSCaptialCampaign2026

FHS Boys Lacrosse fund raiser at Jimbo's Diner - Saturday, May 9

FHS Boys Lacrosse fund raiser at
Jimbo's Diner - Saturday, May 9

via FHS Boys Lacrosse Boosters

"This Saturday come out to celebrate the mom in your life while supporting your FHS Boys Lacrosse Program!

Jimbo’s NY Diner is generously donating a portion of the proceeds from sales on Saturday 5/9 to help support our program and players!

You won’t want to miss this... breakfast, brunch, or lunch we hope to see you at the diner this Saturday! Jimbos NY Diner"

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

Franklin Fathers schedule 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/

Santa Foundation: Transparency, Gratitude & Our 2026 Gala Plans

Dear Friends and Supporters, Like all nonprofits, raising funds is essential to sustaining our work—but just as important, is maintaining the trust of our community. We are proud to share that Santa F Dear Friends and Supporters, Like all nonprofits, raising funds is essential to sustaining our work—but just as important, is maintaining the trust of our community. We are proud to share that Santa Foundation has earned Platinum Transparency on Candid, reflecting our commitment to openness and accountability in everything we do. Candid is a nonprofit organization that collects and provides trusted data and insights about nonprofits. It helps donors understand organizations’ missions, finances, and impact so they can make more informed giving decisions. You can view our profile here: https://app.candid.org/profile/7055151/santa-foundation-inc-20-5564341/?pkId=a67f3638-081e-4144-9701-6ed780943c50&activeTab=4 We hope this recognition strengthens confidence in our mission and helps open doors to new donations, grants, and fundraising opportunities. Looking ahead, we’re excited to share that our Annual Gala is scheduled for October 2, 2026 — our largest fundraising event of the year. Planning is already underway, and we are currently seeking support for raffle and live auction donations. If you, your business, or someone you know may be able to contribute an item, experience, or service, we would truly appreciate hearing from you. Some examples include: ~$150 items Themed gift baskets (coffee, self-care, local favorites) Family activity packages (mini golf, bowling, arcade) Local restaurant or business gift certificates $400–$500 items Photography sessions Spa or wellness packages Concert, theater, or sports tickets $2,000+ experiences Weekend getaway or Airbnb (on or off season) Private chef or curated dining experience NYC/Boston show, dinner, hotel package Many of our most successful auction items come from community connections and simple acts of generosity—often sparked by someone asking, “How can I help?” If you would like to donate, sponsor, or talk through ideas, please reply to this email. Every contribution, large or small, directly supports Santa Foundation programs and the families we serve. Thank you for your continued support and for being such an important part of our community. We look forward to connecting with you and hope to see you at our upcoming events. With gratitude, Santa Foundation 275 Washington St, Franklin MA, USA Powered by Squarespace

Franklin Police Annual Golf Tournament - Aug 31, 2026

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 

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BVK9VG3wV/

FPAC Golf Tourney scheduled for June 10 - at New England Country Club

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!

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/

Testimonials recorded at the SAFE Gala - April 17, 2026 (audio)

FM #1730 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1730 in the series. 

This episode shares the testimonials I was able to gather during the SAFE Coalition Gala held on April 17, 2026 at Gillette Stadium. I was fortunate to have an official Press Pass for the evening and am grateful to be able to share these recorded testimonials with the community. 

Testimonials from

• Lucas Giguere, Superintendent Franklin Public Schools

• Jim Derick, co-founder of the SAFE Coalition

• Jeff Roy, Franklin’s State Representative

• Bob Dellorco & Greg Connor

The conversation runs about 15 minutes, let’s listen

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1730-testimonials-at-safe-gala-04-17-26/

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SAFE Coalition web page  https://www.safecoalitionma.org/ 

Franklin TV recorded the speaker portion of GALA  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A-Xby1B-lQM 

Video testimonial from Mark, a client of SAFE https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/04/safe-coalition-hear-marks-story-video.html 

Other links of the SAFE Gala  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/04/safe-coalition-holds-their-10th.html 

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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

• And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach out. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit 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 on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

Franklin Music Boosters schedule fund raiser at Santa Fe Burrito Grill - May 1

Franklin Music Boosters schedule fund
raiser at Santa Fe Burrito Grill - May 1

Via Franklin Music Boosters:

"Please join us for our fundraiser on May 1st at Santa Fe Burrito Grill, dine-in or take-out, all day!"

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18QKAAgr7m/

3rd Annual #NickStrong Golf Tournament - June 15

We’re looking forward to our third annual golf tournament!

The Nick Strong Foundation is dedicated to supporting pediatric cancer research and helping pediatric cancer patients and their families.

Driving Towards Hope

We are pleased to announce that 100% of the proceeds from the golf tournament will go directly towards funding germ cell tumor research at the Jackson Laboratory. 

The past two year’s generous donations to the Jackson Laboratory allowed tangible progress to happen quickly. With traditional funding, the research may have had to wait two more years before making the level of progress we helped make in a matter of months.

We are truly grateful for Dr. Lau and his team of experts who are working around the clock on finding a cure. Without your help, research like this can not move forward, especially with federal funding being cut. Together, we hope to find a cure in honor of Nick and all other children who have faced this horrific disease!

• Monday June 15
• New England Country Club
• 7 AM to 3 PM

Additional info on this event including Registration & Sponsorship opportunities

https://nickstrongfoundation.com/golf-tournament-2026/