Everyone is welcome. You may wish to bring a “beach chair” to sit on. "
Providing accurate and timely information about what matters in Franklin, MA since 2007. * Working in collaboration with Franklin TV and Radio (wfpr.fm) since October 2019 *
Saturday, June 11, 2022
Support for Ukraine - Sunday, June 12 - 5 PM
Everyone is welcome. You may wish to bring a “beach chair” to sit on. "
Friday, December 24, 2021
Franklin's Event Outlook: Dec 24 - Dec 30, 2021
Friday, December 24
Christmas Eve
Day off for Christmas Day
Christmas Day
9:00am - walk off the cookies
1:00pm - Historical Museum (always free)
Find the full calendar https://www.franklinmatters.org/p/blog-page.html
If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication: https://forms.gle/oPdi8X3ZbHHyrHzo6
Sunday, December 19, 2021
Candlelight Vigil for Shirley Owen - 12/19/21 (audio)
FM #682 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 682 in the series.
This shares audio recording of the candlelight vigil in memory of Shirley Owen. The vigil was held on the Franklin Town Common and attended by a couple of thousand neighbors, friends, and members of the Franklin community.
The event ‘master of ceremonies’ was State Representative Jeff Roy.
Link to the GoFundMe for the Owen family is included in the show notes. At the time of the vigil, over $225,000 had been raised.
The recording runs about 33 minutes. Let’s listen to this recording of the candlelight vigil held Dec 19, 2021
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GoFundMe for Shirley Owen https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/12/gofundme-for-shirley-in-our-hearts.html
Link to photos of the vigil ->https://photos.app.goo.gl/fhNJYofT7V7AsHqz7
--------------
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 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!
------------------
You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"
Friday, November 19, 2021
Franklin's Event Outlook: Nov 19 - Nov 25, 2021
Friday, November 19
1:00pm - Book Sale
7:30pm - Rising Stars Cabaret
Saturday, November 20
9:00am - Book Sale
9:00am - Decorating Downtown (volunteers needed)
10:00am - Winter Farmers Market
10:00am - Historical Museum (always free)
1:00pm - Bag Sale
Sunday, November 21
1:00pm - Historical Museum (always free)
7:00pm - Interfaith Thanksgiving Service
Find the full calendar https://www.franklinmatters.org/p/blog-page.html
If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication: https://forms.gle/oPdi8X3ZbHHyrHzo6
Wednesday, November 17, 2021
Reminder: Franklin Interfaith Council schedules Thanksgiving Service - Nov 21
The Franklin Interfaith Council announces its annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Service for the community. Everyone is welcome! Please join us on Sunday, November 21 at 7 PM at St Mary’s Catholic Parish, 1 Church Square (masks required) and live streamed at stmarysfranklin.org, then click Live-stream Masses.
This year, the service features preacher Rev. Dr. Marylayna Schmidt, Interim Minister at Franklin Federated Church, and live performance by the Interfaith Choir, directed by Mary Diehl of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The collection will benefit Gilly’s House addiction treatment center in Wrentham (gillyshouse.com).
The Franklin Interfaith Council is an organization whose membership is composed of faith communities in the town of Franklin, Massachusetts. It addresses the various needs of its community by recognizing the power of faith as defined by the individual spiritual traditions. However, it is these same traditions that unite us in the common goal to initiate and sponsor activities that enrich and challenge the citizens of Franklin.
The intent of the council is to sensitize the Franklin community to issues of deprivation and social injustice, and to promote tolerance and understanding through shared worship, programs, performances, and publications, and to bring the understanding of our faith traditions to bear on these issues. Additionally, through these same devices, the council seeks to acknowledge and celebrate both the diversity and the common values existing within the community. The council is a nonprofit organization that has as its primary purpose the betterment of the community it serves.
Participating Houses of Worship :
● First Universalist Society in Franklin
● Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
● Franklin United Methodist Church
For more information, go to www.FranklinInterfaith.org or on Facebook: Franklin Interfaith Council.
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Franklin Interfaith Council schedules Thanksgiving Service - Nov 21 |
Tuesday, November 9, 2021
Interfaith Thanksgiving Service scheduled for Nov 21
The Franklin Interfaith Council announces its annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Service for the community. Everyone is welcome! Please join us on Sunday, November 21 at 7 PM at St Mary’s Catholic Parish, 1 Church Square (masks required) and live streamed at stmarysfranklin.org, then click Live-stream Masses.
This year, the service features preacher Rev. Dr. Marylayna Schmidt, Interim Minister at Franklin Federated Church, and live performance by the Interfaith Choir, directed by Mary Diehl of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The collection will benefit Gilly’s House addiction treatment center in Wrentham (gillyshouse.com).
The Franklin Interfaith Council is an organization whose membership is composed of faith communities in the town of Franklin, Massachusetts. It addresses the various needs of its community by recognizing the power of faith as defined by the individual spiritual traditions. However, it is these same traditions that unite us in the common goal to initiate and sponsor activities that enrich and challenge the citizens of Franklin.
The intent of the council is to sensitize the Franklin community to issues of deprivation and social injustice, and to promote tolerance and understanding through shared worship, programs, performances, and publications, and to bring the understanding of our faith traditions to bear on these issues. Additionally, through these same devices, the council seeks to acknowledge and celebrate both the diversity and the common values existing within the community. The council is a nonprofit organization that has as its primary purpose the betterment of the community it serves.
Participating Houses of Worship :
● First Universalist Society in Franklin
● Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
● Franklin United Methodist Church
For more information, go to www.FranklinInterfaith.org or on Facebook: Franklin Interfaith Council.
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Franklin Interfaith Council schedules Thanksgiving Service - Nov 21 |
Monday, November 1, 2021
Franklin Interfaith Council schedules Thanksgiving Service - Nov 21
The Franklin Interfaith Council announces its annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Service for the community. Everyone is welcome! Please join us on Sunday, November 21 at 7 PM at St Mary’s Catholic Parish, 1 Church Square (masks required) and live streamed at stmarysfranklin.org, then click Live-stream Masses.
This year, the service features preacher Rev. Dr. Marylayna Schmidt, Interim Minister at Franklin Federated Church, and live performance by the Interfaith Choir, directed by Mary Diehl of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The collection will benefit Gilly’s House addiction treatment center in Wrentham (gillyshouse.com).
The Franklin Interfaith Council is an organization whose membership is composed of faith communities in the town of Franklin, Massachusetts. It addresses the various needs of its community by recognizing the power of faith as defined by the individual spiritual traditions. However, it is these same traditions that unite us in the common goal to initiate and sponsor activities that enrich and challenge the citizens of Franklin.
The intent of the council is to sensitize the Franklin community to issues of deprivation and social injustice, and to promote tolerance and understanding through shared worship, programs, performances, and publications, and to bring the understanding of our faith traditions to bear on these issues. Additionally, through these same devices, the council seeks to acknowledge and celebrate both the diversity and the common values existing within the community. The council is a nonprofit organization that has as its primary purpose the betterment of the community it serves.
Participating
Houses of Worship :
● First
Universalist Society in Franklin
● Church
of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
● Franklin United Methodist Church
For more information, go to www.FranklinInterfaith.org or on Facebook: Franklin Interfaith Council.
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Franklin Interfaith Council schedules Thanksgiving Service - Nov 21 |
Friday, October 29, 2021
A Call to Our Community: #LOVEfranklin
We are appalled by the recent lack of respect and civility shown to Mackenzie Atwood, a Franklin High School senior and student representative to the Franklin School Committee, who spoke with courage at the October 26, 2021, Franklin School Committee meeting about the discrimination she and her friends experience on a regular basis. The interruption and attempt to silence Mackenzie by speaking over her cannot and should not be tolerated.
Over the last several months, we have become acutely aware of an increase in hate-filled rhetoric and vandalism in our community. Hate speech and vandalism against members of the LGBTQIA+ community, racial slurs, and anti-Semitic graffiti cannot and should not tolerated. We cannot allow ourselves to become numb to hate-filled language and actions no matter how frequently they may occur in our community or elsewhere. We must speak out and act against hate to build a better community.
Each of our faith traditions calls us to love: to value the sacred worth of everyone, treating each person with dignity and respect. To be very specific, let us love Franklin. We resolve to create a beloved community where all persons regardless of their gender identity, sexual orientation, race, ethnic background, age, stature, ability, creed, or faith can find a home.
Therefore, we commit ourselves to love Franklin. And, we ask you to commit yourself to love Franklin too.
- Rabbi Tom Alpert, Temple Etz Chaim
- Susan Borchard, Franklin Federated Church
- Rev. Eric Cherry, First Universalist Society in Franklin
- Mary Diehl, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Franklin Interfaith Choir Director
- Rev. Maggie Geller, St. John's Episcopal Church
- Alisa Hansen, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
- Rev. Dr. Jacob W. Juncker, Franklin United Methodist Church
- Father Brian Manning, Saint Mary Parish, Franklin MA
- Rev. Kathleen McAdams, St. John's Episcopal Church
- Rev. Dr. Marlayna Schmidt, Franklin Federated Church
I hope you’ll consider adding your name and encouraging others to do the same. You can find a link to the statement along with a form to add your name here: https://forms.gle/
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A Call to Our Community: #LOVEfranklin |
Friday, September 10, 2021
A Statement by the Franklin Interfaith Council: In Support of COVID-19 Vaccination
“Love your neighbor as yourself” is a key principle of the religions we practice. We believe it’s what God calls us to do. But while it’s an easy phrase to remember and recite, it can be challenging to actually live it out in our daily lives.
We are in the middle of a pandemic. To state the obvious, it has been a stressful, scary, exhausting, grief-filled year and a half, and it’s not over yet. The advent of the Delta variant is ramping things up again.
In the middle of our own stress, can we stop to consider what our neighbors might need from us? How might we, practically, treat them with love?
Please get the Covid 19 vaccine! (if you are eligible)
- It drastically reduces the possibility of you contracting the virus and spreading it to others.
- Even if a vaccinated person does get a breakthrough infection, they get a MUCH milder case, as the vaccine is highly effective at preventing hospitalization and death.
- Since vaccinated people are less likely to contract the virus and pass it on, it protects the people around them, particularly children and the immunocompromised who are not eligible for the vaccine.
- More vaccinated people means fewer hosts for the virus, thus less virus present in the community.
- Fewer people infected with COVID means fewer people dying, fewer people hospitalized, and therefore less risk for healthcare workers, and fewer people missing work and school.
- Since the vast majority of people hospitalized with COVID are unvaccinated, if everyone chose to get vaccinated, that would free up ICU’s, doctors, and nurses to treat people with other conditions.
If you are fearful about the vaccine, talk with your doctor. Read up on the science behind the vaccine on the websites of the Centers for Disease Control (cdc.gov), the World Health Organization (who.int), Massachusetts Department of Health (mass.gov/covid-19-updates-and-information), or other local governments. We hope that everyone will use their God-given powers of reason, discernment, and understanding to make an informed decision to get vaccinated and care for their neighbors as well as themselves.
- Rabbi Tom Alpert, Temple Etz Chaim
- Susan Borchard, Franklin Federated Church
- Rev. Eric Cherry, Minister, First Universalist Society in Franklin
- Mary Diehl, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
- The Rev. Maggie Geller, Deacon, St. John’s Episcopal Church
- Rev. Dr. Jacob W. Juncker, Pastor, Franklin United Methodist Church
- Rev. Brian Manning, Pastor, Saint Mary Parish
- The Rev. Kathy McAdams, Rector, St. John’s Episcopal Church
- Rev. Dr. Marlayna Schmidt, Interim Pastor, Franklin Federated Church
Visit www.FranklinInterfaith.org
Like us on Facebook: Franklin Interfaith Council
Saturday, August 21, 2021
wfpr.fm: A Priest A Rabbi and A Minister - 011 - June 2021
"Dr. Pandora Carlucci is joined by Rev. Cherry, Priest McAdams and Rabbi Alpert to discuss faith in their own congregations and how listeners can discover more opportunities to practice faith in their own lives. "
Direct link -> https://player.captivate.fm/episode/279c12e6-1a5c-4c56-abee-9cd17d0a98c6
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wfpr.fm: A Priest A Rabbi and A Minister - 011 - June 2021 |
Friday, August 20, 2021
wfpr.fm: A Priest A Rabbi and A Minister - 010 - May 2021
"Dr. Pandora Carlucci is joined by Rev. Cherry, Priest McAdams and Rabbi Alpert to discuss faith in their own congregations and how listeners can discover more opportunities to practice faith in their own lives."
Direct link -> https://player.captivate.fm/episode/624cf907-27ab-4cae-99ae-4d8352c2ce84
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wfpr.fm: A Priest A Rabbi and A Minister - 010 - May 2021 |
Thursday, August 19, 2021
wfpr.fm: A Priest A Rabbi and A Minister - 009 - March 2021
"Jay Horrigan and Dr. Pandora Carlucci join Rev. Cherry, Priest McAdams and Rabbi Alpert to discuss faith in their own congregations and how listeners can discover more opportunities to practice faith in their own lives."
Direct link -> https://player.captivate.fm/episode/4d8cda14-ed14-4686-bd64-9631a5ab459e
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wfpr.fm: A Priest A Rabbi and A Minister - 009 - March 2021 |
Wednesday, August 18, 2021
wfpr.fm: A Priest A Rabbi and A Minister - 008 - February 2021
"Jay Horrigan and Dr. Pandora Carlucci join Rev. Cherry, Priest McAdams and Rabbi Alpert to discuss faith in their own congregations and how listeners can discover more opportunities to practice faith in their own lives. "
Direct link -> https://player.captivate.fm/episode/9e062e20-b56b-49e2-bf96-16708695a3df
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wfpr.fm: A Priest A Rabbi and A Minister - 008 - February 2021 |
Tuesday, August 17, 2021
wfpr.fm: A Priest A Rabbi and A Minister - 007 - January 2021
"Jay Horrigan and Dr. Pandora Carlucci join Rev. Cherry, Priest McAdams and Rabbi Alpert to discuss faith in their own congregations and how listeners can discover more opportunities to practice faith in their own lives. "
Direct link -> https://player.captivate.fm/episode/a80e38c0-0968-49a9-9c4a-304f7510a75b
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wfpr.fm: A Priest A Rabbi and A Minister - 007 - January 2021 |
Monday, August 16, 2021
wfpr.fm: A Priest A Rabbi and A Minister - 006 - December 2020
"Jay Horrigan and Dr. Pandora Carlucci join Rev. Cherry, Priest McAdams and Rabbi Alpert to discuss faith in their own congregations and how listeners can discover more opportunities to practice faith in their own lives."
Direct ink -> https://player.captivate.fm/episode/c25496ff-369a-4b6f-9248-051fa5506f2b
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wfpr.fm: A Priest A Rabbi and A Minister - 006 - December 2020 |
Wednesday, May 5, 2021
Project Envoy – Thank you! – Franklin Food Pantry
"We’d like to thank you everyone who worked hard to make Project Envoy a success! Project Envoy, a community driven project, designed to support local restaurants who in-turn donated some of their proceeds to The Franklin Food Pantry, ran from February 1 through April 30.
Thank you to the following restaurants who participated: 360 Pizzeria, Acapulcos, Central Pizza, The Curry House, Dacey’s Market & Deli, Franklin Pizza, George’s Pizza, Intermission Café, King Street Café, Rhapsody’s Victorian Coffee House, The Rome Restaurant, Santa Fe, Sierra’s Brick Oven Pizza, and Spruce Pond Creamery.
We’d especially like to thank the Franklin Interfaith Council Team members representing St. Mary’s Parish, St. John’s Episcopal, Temple Etz Chaim, the First Universalist Society in Franklin, the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter Day Saints, and the Franklin Federated Church for their time and dedication in running this program."
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Project Envoy – Thank you! – Franklin Food Pantry |
Wednesday, April 28, 2021
Franklin Interfaith Council Celebrates Earth Day by Planting Trees
Thursday, April 22nd was an unseasonably cold morning, but members of St John’s Episcopal Church, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, First Universalist Society of Franklin (FUSF), and Franklin Federated Church gathered to plant trees. “It was a wonderful way to celebrate God’s gift of Creation,” said The Rev. Kathy McAdams, Rector of St John’s and President of the Franklin Interfaith Council.
In preparation for Earth Day, McAdams led an online lesson with the St John’s Church School to discuss the many benefits that trees provide, such as erosion protection, filtering of the air we breathe and the water we drink, noise reduction, shade that reduces the need for air-conditioning, food and habitat for birds and other animals, food and raw materials for people, the fun of climbing them, and the beauty of looking at them.
The Interfaith group planted seven trees - maples, oak, cherry, and purple beech - at several sites in Franklin. The Department of Public Works chose the locations and dug the holes at Horace Mann Middle School, Franklin High School, Keller-Sullivan School, and the Community Garden at King Street Memorial Park. Participants, then, planted the trees, added compost, and have committed to continue watering the trees until they are well-established. McAdams added, “We give thanks for all that God gives us in Creation, and we show our gratitude by being good stewards.”
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tree planted at King St Memorial Park, near the Community Garden |
Tuesday, March 9, 2021
FM #484 - Dan Feerick for Project Envoy - 03/02/21 (audio)
FM #484 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 484 in the series.
This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Dan Feerick. Dan is part of the Franklin Interfaith Council - Food Security Team. We had our conversation via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.
We talk about: Project Envoy
- February was good, more restaurants added
- Calendar set for March
- Eat in, take out at the restaurant of the day (per calendar)
- This helps out the restaurants during the pandemic
- The restaurant in turn will contribute a portion of the sales to help out the Franklin Food Pantry
- A win, win, win for Franklin
The link to the Project Envoy page is included in the show notes. Our conversation runs about 16 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Dan Feerick. Audio file = https://player.captivate.fm/episode/092329d4-2258-4922-b2d3-39aecb79a991
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Link to Project Envoy page = https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/project-envoy/
Link to March calendar = https://149356006.v2.pressablecdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/0001-1-300x232.jpg
Hashtag your social post with #ProjectEnvoy #noonegoeshungryFranklin
We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm).
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 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!
------------------
You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"
![]() |
Project Envoy March calendar |