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| The start of the Ladybug 5K in 2015 |
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| A screen shot from the WCVB website shows Rep. Jeff Roy speaking at Town Hall about The Ladybug Story booklet. |
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| and they're off! the leaders of the pack head out |
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| the pack #1 |
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| the pack #2 |
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| the pack #3 |
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| the pack #4 |
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| the pack #5 |
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| and the back of the pack |
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| how cold was it? the frost on the grass melted as the sun shown on it |
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| one of the kids fun runs |
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| the playground is set for a New England autumn scene |
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| goodie bags for the age group race winners |
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| Ladybug 5K race start |
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| Ladybug Trek - Franklin's small business scavenger hunt |
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| The Delegate Ladybug |
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| Claire Griffin and Kai Olsson of the Franklin Cultural Council |
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| Left to right: Sen Ross, Rep Roy, Sen Spilka and Delegate Ladybug |
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| Rep Roy speaking about the Ladybug story |
After a summer of touring and festivals, the ladybug sponsored by Franklin's State Legislative delegation has found a new home. And where better than the home of Franklin's government.
On Tuesday, February 10, 2015, Representative Jeffrey N. Roy (D-Franklin), Senator Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland) and Senator Richard J. Ross (R-Wrentham) will be hosting a ceremony delivering the delegation's ladybug to town officials. They will also commemorate the 40th anniversary of the class project that successfully traversed the legislative process and made the Ladybug the official bug of the Commonwealth.
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| The "Proclamation Bug" as shown on the Town Common lawn in Aug 2014 |
In 1974 Ms. Pamela Johnson's second grade class from the Kennedy School in Franklin was learning about the Legislative process when they decided that they would like to make a difference and try their hand at legislating. Since Massachusetts already had an official state bird, tree and fish, they decided that the State needed an official bug. Ms. Johnson's class pooled its resources and with the direction of their State Representative worked through the committee process, visited legislators, lobbied on the bill's behalf and ultimately passed the bill that made the Ladybug the official Bug of the Commonwealth.
"Forty years ago, that second grade class got the ultimate civics lesson and had a direct hand in legislating," said Representative Jeffrey Roy. "For one of the students in the class -- former Rep James Vallee -- it sowed the seeds for a 19 year run on Beacon Hill. I am thrilled to honor and recognize that class today, and hope that this ladybug will be a reminder to everyone who visits Town Hall that they can play a direct role in their government."
"The ladybug story is a shining example of how an idea can be translated into law," said Senator Spilka. "I hope that the Franklin delegation's ladybug will be a constant symbol of the power of civic engagement, encouraging more people in our community to get involved in the political process and make their voices heard."
"We truly live in a remarkable state when citizens, no matter what age, have the ability to impact the legislative process," said Senator Ross. "Forty years later, this testament remains true, and it is a privilege to recognize the success of the Kennedy School with this ladybug that will reside in Franklin Town Hall for generations to come."
The brief ceremony will take place on February 10 at 6 p.m. at the Franklin Municipal Building. 355 East Central Street Franklin, MA 02038. Any questions can be directed to Christopher Yancich at 617-722-2400 or by email at Christopher.Yancich@MAhouse.gov
Join us as we honor the 40th Anniversary of our State Bug. As this year long celebration of the 1974 2nd grade class from the Kennedy Elementary School and their teacher, Palma Johnson comes to a close, enjoy this final chance to see all 25 of the 2 foot artistically decorated Ladybugs together in one place.
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| Franklin Art Center ladybug |
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| you could get your face painted |
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| music was provided by Tyler Zajac |
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| chalk was available to be creative |
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| selection of items for the silent auction |
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| you could make a tie dye shirt |
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| the trophy table |
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| ladybug 5K t-shirts |
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| off to run at the start of the 5K |
The Ladybug 5k and Kids Fun Run is coming on October 18
Don't forget to register for this fun Kennedy event!!!
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| Ladybug 5K at JF Kennedy School |
The Ladybug 5k and Kids Fun Run is coming on October 18
Don't forget to register for this fun Kennedy event!!!
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| Ladybug 5K at JF Kennedy School |
Follow your FHS students' schedule and experience HS all over again
2K or 5K road race and complete SPARTAN Obstacle CourseSunday 10/5 at 10:45 at Remington/Jefferson Races begin at 11:00Two Obstacle Courses ( 1 for adults and 1 for children)Great snacks and food available
See Remington/Jefferson web site and click onto PCC
Food, entertainment and fun- see Downtown Partnership web site for event schedule and sponsor list
Kennedy School fun run on October 27th at 9:30 a.m.See JFK PCC web site for details
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| Remington Jefferson Challenge |
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| Ladybug 5K Road Race |
Dear FAA members,
The Franklin Downtown Partnership/Jane's Frames are looking for an artist for their lady bug. This is the last of the lady bugs to be painted. Here is what they are hoping to see:
A background using mostly the blue of the partnership's color with some other colors to give it some texture interest, we could then decoupage some information cutting our "stuff" in the shape of some buildings to make it look downtown-ish. We would use the bottom 8 inches or so for the "buildings". We also like to keep the look of a ladybug, so we wanted it to have a face, with some antennae.
Contact Claire Griffin (Griffinink@comcoast.net) for details.
Deadline for production is Oct. 5th.
Hannah Close
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FAA Corresponding Secretary
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| Home Is Blooming |
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| Home Sweet Home |
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| Ladybug spots |
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| Home Sweet Home |
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| Home Sweet Home - detail 1 |
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| Home Sweet Home - detail 2 |
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| Franklin Art Bug |
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| Franklin Art Bug - detail 1 |
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| Franklin Art Bug - detail 2 |
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| Franklin Art Bug - detail 3 |
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| Franklin Cultural Council |
The Franklin Cultural Council is truly grateful to you for joining the Ladybug Spots Project. We want to remind you that the decorated ladybugs will be on display this coming weekend, August 9th and 10th, from 12p.m. to 4p.m. on Franklin Common. We would love to see you and catch up among the beautiful, bright and creative two foot fiberglass ladybugs, each one a unique piece of public art. Stop by before or after a trip to St. Rocco's Italian Festival on St. Mary's former School Grounds. Maybe bring a cannoli or two to share.
If you can't make it this weekend or still want sponsor a ladybug, don't worry. We have just five left and they are looking for homes. Contact franklinculture@hotmail.com for more details.
Attached is a flier for you to share with friends and neighbors. We look forward to celebrating the 40th Birthday of our state bug, born right here in Franklin. Remember that with your help, we are raising funds toward a permanent sculpture honoring the 1974 2nd grade class from Kennedy Elementary School and their teacher, Palma Johnson, who inspired them to petition and follow the bill through to witness it signed into law.
Again, thank you for being a part of this exciting event,
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| Ladybug spots - Aug 9 and 10 |
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| Ladybug |
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| Davis Thayer's Ladybug |
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| Ladybug |
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| Davis Thayer's Ladybug |
