Introducing, A-Wreath-of-Franklin!

Upcoming Community Program

Introducing a collaborative community Program: A-Wreath-of-Franklin! Brought to you by your Franklin Cultural community volunteers (Franklin Council and Franklin District), Franklin Downtown Partnership and the Town of Franklin Department of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy.

Join us for A-Wreath-of-Franklin, a festive community celebration! Local artists, schools, and community members are invited to decorate wreaths in their interpretation of our inaugural theme, "Stories of the Season". Our cultural volunteers will pair community wreaths to be displayed at local businesses throughout the downtown area (December through January). Deadline for community wreath sign up is November 22nd. Click here! On December 7th, 12-7pm, enjoy a "Sip, Shop, Stroll & Roll" event. Community members are welcomed Downtown to vote for their favorite wreaths, shop, eat and enjoy local festivities! Don't miss the fun!

About the Wreaths Just as each wreath is carefully crafted, our traditions and acts of kindness weave together to create a stronger, more united community.  What does our theme, "Stories of the Season" mean to you? Is it celebrating your family heritage? Interpreting a favorite book from your book club? What will your story be? Once the wreaths have been created our volunteers will match the wreath with a local business located in the Downtown/Cultural District area. Wreaths will be placed in windows, with a QR code sign enabling our community to vote for their fan favorite! About the Downtown Event - Sip, Shop, Stroll & Roll | Saturday, December 7th, 12-7pm Franklin's Cultural volunteers and community members are working hard in coordinating festive program elements that will include raffles, custom beverages, music performances and more! Stay tuned to our website as we add event details. Wreath Making Community Workshop | Thursday November 14th at Fairmount Fruit Farm. Free workshop; Spots are limited, please RSVP here! In this hands-on wreath-making session, participants will craft beautiful wreaths while building meaningful connections with other community members. Whether you're an experienced crafter or trying something new, this event offers a welcoming space to develop new skills and embrace the joy of making art together. As this workshop is free, we'll have some materials onsite; but we ask participants to bring a few things of their own to join in on the fun! - Wreath (real of faux, whichever you prefer) - 'Adult' scissors - Wire - Any special elements you might be saving for 'a project'  Light snacks and beverages will be provided. Thank you to our workshop hosts, Fairmount Fruit Farm for sharing their beautiful space with us! Guests will also have the option of purchasing any Fairmount Fruit Farm goodies onsite. Please RSVP for the number of people in your party to make sure we have enough materials!

Have questions? Please reach out to the Director of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy, Cory Shea.

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Town of Franklin Franklin Culture District | 355 East Central Street | Franklin, MA 02038 US

Franklin Garden Club hosts “Fantastical Folktales of Flowers” - Oct 1 at Franklin Public Library

The Franklin Garden Club, in partnership with the Franklin Public Library, invites community residents to a unique, free program, “Fantastical Folktales of Flowers,” a delightful weave of storytelling, music and song.  The program, created for an adult audience, will take place on Tuesday October 1, at 7:00pm at the Franklin Library located at 118 Main Street, Franklin, MA.  

(L-R) Diane Edgecomb, Margot Chamberlain

This program is supported in part by a grant from the Franklin Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.  

The program is open to the public at no charge.

Retold by award-winning storyteller and theatre artist, Diane Edgecomb, along with long-time collaborator and Celtic harper, Margot Chamberlain, these stories conjure a magical world bringing new meaning to favorite garden flowers. The centerpiece of the performance is the Persian legend of Nightingale and Rose. 

Diane’s original adaptation weaves together myths from many lands that tell how the rose got its special powers of beauty and scent. The program captures the hearts and minds of the audience.  

As an attendee at another performance stated, “You brought my garden alive to me in the most unusual and delightful way. I will never see a rose in the same way again!” 

Senior Story Hour - WFPR: Episode 064 - Red Squirrel Court Case, April Showers, Love Poems and more (audio)

In this episode, The Franklin Senior Center Writers Group share stories, poems, and writings about a red squirrel court case, Ms. April Showers, poems of love, Alice's new book getting published and much more...

Audio link -> https://senior-scribblers.captivate.fm/episode/episode-064-red-squirrel-court-case-april-showers-love-poems-and-more

Senior Story Hour - WFPR: Episode 064 - Red Squirrel Court Case, April Showers, Love Poems and more (audio)

Senior Story Hour - WFPR = The Franklin Senior Center Writer's Group

Steve Sherlock hosts The Franklin Senior Center Writer's Group for a monthly reading of short stories, essays, poetry and more. 

Find more episodes here (or on your favorite podcast app) ->   https://senior-scribblers.captivate.fm/episodes

What’s Your Story? An Evening of Storytelling - April 6

First Universalist Society in Franklin hosts

What’s Your Story? An Evening of Storytelling

April 6, 2024  = 7:00 pm to 8:30 PM

Inspired by The Moth Radio Hour, the theme of the night is “Surprises.” Join us for an evening of fun as amateur storytellers dare to share their personal stories about surprises they have experienced. Snacks and beverages will be provided during intermission but feel to bring your own. 

What’s Your Story? is a family-friendly event hosted by the First Universalist Society in Franklin in our beautiful meetinghouse. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children 12-18. Tickets can be purchased in advance at FUSF.org/upcoming events. Cash or checks are also accepted. 

The First Universalist Society in Franklin (fusf.org) is a Unitarian Universalist Welcoming Congregation located at 262 Chestnut Street, Franklin MA.  For more information about the Society please contact Interim Minister Beverly Waring at 508-528-5348 or minister@fusf.org.  

What’s Your Story? An Evening of Storytelling - April 6 

"What’s Your Story?" An Evening of Storytelling - April 6

What’s Your Story? is an evening of storytelling hosted by the First Universalist Society in Franklin (262 Chestnut St.) April 6, 2024 from 7 PM to 8:30 PM.

Inspired by The Moth Radio Hour, What’s Your Story? is a family friendly event with the theme “Surprises.” Join us for an evening of fun as amateur storytellers dare to share their personal stories about surprises they have experienced.

Snacks and beverages will be provided during intermission but feel to bring your own.

Tickets: $10 for adults, $5 for children 12-18. Can be purchased in advance at FUSF.org/upcoming events. Cash or checks are also accepted.

For more information about First Universalist Society in Franklin (fusf.org), contact Interim Minister Beverly Waring at 508-528-5348 or minister@fusf.org.

"What’s Your Story?" An Evening of Storytelling - April 6

Local author Don Wilding shares stories on the Cape Cod storms - Oct 4

Join me at the Milford (Mass.) Town Library on October 4, when I’ll take a look back at the Cape’s greatest storms. dwCapeCod.com/events

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/CxF3iu-AqGF/

Local author Don Wilding shares stories on the Cape Cod storms  - Oct 4

Senior Story Hour - WFPR: Episode 052 - Sproing, Love Poems, Egocentricity, and more (audio)

In this episode, The Franklin Senior Center Writers Group share stories, poems, and writings about How Spring Has Sproing, Poems of love, Egocentricity and more.

 

This episode aired on Franklin Radio for April 2023.

 

Audio file ->  https://player.captivate.fm/episode/2d9f8869-480c-47ea-9b03-9c3ca5f5cc39

 

Senior Story Hour - WFPR = The Franklin Senior Center Writer's Group

Steve Sherlock hosts The Franklin Senior Center Writer's Group for a monthly reading of short stories, essays, poetry and more. 

Find more episodes here (or on your favorite podcast app) ->  https://senior-scribblers.captivate.fm/episodes

Senior Story Hour - WFPR

 

Senior Story Hour - WFPR: Episode 051 - March, St. Patrick's Day, Valentines Day, "Fifty Ways To Love Your Lover" (audio)

In this episode, the Franklin Senior Center Writers Group share stories, poems, and writings about love, obituaries, is it Memorex? and much more.

This episode aired on Franklin Radio for March 2023.

Audio file -> https://senior-scribblers.captivate.fm/episode/episode-051-march-st-patricks-day-valentines-day-fifty-ways-to-love-your-lover

Senior Story Hour - WFPR = The Franklin Senior Center Writer's Group

Steve Sherlock hosts The Franklin Senior Center Writer's Group for a monthly reading of short stories, essays, poetry and more. 

Find more episodes here (or on your favorite podcast app) ->  https://senior-scribblers.captivate.fm/episodes

Senior Story Hour - WFPR

Senior Story Hour - WFPR: Episode 050 - Valentine's Day, Groundhog Day, Presidents Day more (audio)

In this episode, the Franklin Senior Center Writers Group share stories, poems, and writings about February holidays; Groundhog Day, Valentine's Day, Presidents Day, love, and more.

This episode aired on Franklin Radio for February 2023.

Audio file -> https://senior-scribblers.captivate.fm/episode/episode-050-valentines-day-groundhog-day-presidents-day-more

Senior Story Hour - WFPR

Senior Story Hour - WFPR = The Franklin Senior Center Writer's Group

Steve Sherlock hosts The Franklin Senior Center Writer's Group for a monthly reading of short stories, essays, poetry and more. 

Find more episodes here (or on your favorite podcast app) ->  https://senior-scribblers.captivate.fm/episodes

Second Sunday Speaker Series: History Of Franklin Written In Stone - Sunday, Mar 12

Stories from the Union Street Cemetery

 

Just who were the prominent people and families who helped shape our town in the early days after incorporation? The Mann Family, Oliver Dean, the Rays, Thayers, Ponds, Metcalfs, Fishers, Fletchers, etc. Many of these families sent notable men into the world as well as many who lent high standards of service to our town. 

 

They’re all resting peacefully in the Union Street Cemetery and they all have a story to share. Come learn about their lives, their influence and see the beautiful monuments and gravestones that mark their life and passing. 

Sunday March 12, 2023. Doors open at 1:00, presentation starts at 1:15. Admission is always free. 

We’re collecting paper towels to donate to the Franklin Food Pantry. Please consider making a donation. 

 

When you visit the Museum and make a purchase in our gift shop, you help support the museum and its programs. The gift show is run by the Friends of the Franklin Historical Museum.

Ray family monument at Union St cemetery

The backstory to a famous children's story

Maria Popova writes of the backstory to the familiar children's story:

"Six weeks before my grandmother was born on the other side of the world, the Brooklyn Daily Eagle announced the publication of a book described only as “a children’s story of a bull,” sold for $1.

In The Story of Ferdinand (public library), a gentle-souled young misfit sits out the perpetual head-butting by which his peers hone their bull-skills, choosing instead to smell the flowers under his favorite cork tree in solitude. His mother, at first worried about his bullness, recognizes her son’s difference and trusts that he would find his way.

And so he does."

The backstory to a famous children's story

Senior Story Hour: Episode 046 - Fall Stories & More (audio)

In this episode, the Franklin Senior Center Writers Group share stories, poems, writings plays and more about the autumn season, cars, violence in schools and more.

This episode aired on Franklin Public Radio for October 2022.

Audio file -> https://senior-scribblers.captivate.fm/episode/episode-046-fall-stories-more

The writer's group meets weekly on Wednesday's at 1 PM either in person at the Senior Center or virtually via Zoom. Once a month we meet at the Franklin TV studio to record this session for radio and podcast.

If you would like to join the writer's group contact the Senior Center or send me an email (shersteve @ gmail.com) and we'll get you on the mailing list.

Senior Story Hour: Episode

Senior Story Hour - WFPR: Episode 045 - Work & Post Summer Stories (audio)

In this episode, The Franklin Senior Center Writers Group share stories, poems, writings plays and more about work & labor, end of summer stories, "The Hokey Pokey" in the style of Shakespeare and more.

This episode aired on Franklin Radio for September 2022.

Audio file -> https://senior-scribblers.captivate.fm/episode/ep-045-work-post-summer-stories

Senior Story Hour - WFPR

Senior Story Hour - WFPR = The Franklin Senior Center Writer's Group

Steve Sherlock hosts The Franklin Senior Center Writer's Group for a monthly reading of short stories, essays, poetry and more. 

#LoveFranklin - Open Mic Night at THE BLACK BOX - 12/08/21 (audio)

FM #689 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 689 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the audio recording of the #LoveFranklin Open Mic Night held on Wednesday, Dec 8, 2021 at THE BLACK BOX.  

The evening master of ceremony duties were shared by MacKenzie Atwood and jamele adams.

The original raw recording runs an hour and 36 minutes. You’ll be listening to the edited version which is shortened by about 12 minutes. 

Key reasons for shortening the recording (1) to spare your ears the jarring sound of cleaning the microphone between performers. (2) A couple of the audience participation exercises were shortened. (How much indistinct audience/crowd noise can you listen to?). 

One percussion performance added at the last minute during the evening was also shortened. The percussion exercise was good to be in while it happened but would have been headache inducing to listen to. So we spared you that. No other performance was shortened or edited in any way.

Let’s listen to the Love Franklin Open Mic Night of Dec 8, 2021.

https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-689-lovefranklin-open-mic-night-12-08-21

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The lineup for the "Love Franklin" Open Mic Night at THE BLACK BOX

1. jamele adams - poem

2. Mia Magliari - All I Ask by Adele

3. Audrey Olmstead - She by Dodie

4. Hope Guanga - If I knew by Bruno Mars

5. Mackenzie Atwood - Back In (self written poem)

6. Joe Maple and Audrey Olmstead - Can't Help Falling in Love with you

7. Meghan Whitmore - Her Personal Story

8. Andrew Mitchell - Crisis by Joshua Bassett

9. Maria Zaki - Complainers by Rudy Francisco

10. Steve Sherlock - Poem: Variations on the theme of "A dark and stormy night"

11. Hope Guanga - Crocodile Rock by Elton John

12. Judi Perez - percussion exercise

jamele closes with a recap of some of the audience inspirations

More information about the Freedom Team can be found online -> https://www.franklinfreedomteam.org/

More of my poetry can be found at quietpoet.com/ 

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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 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"

 

for the 'selfie exercise' with Meghan Whitmore

Pantherbook article on this event -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/12/pantherbook-lovefranklin-open-mic-night.html

Pantherbook: LoveFranklin Open Mic Night - Dec 8, 2021

Pantherbook: LoveFranklin Open Mic Night - Dec 8, 2021

Overview 

"From the cast of Franklin High School’s Mamma Mia! to a Dean College faculty member, Franklin community members from all backgrounds were able to express themselves on stage on December 8th, 2021. Mackenzie Atwood, FHS senior, had the emcee position for the first half of the night and, expectedly, provided a very entertaining experience for the audience members. She kept the audience constantly engaged through small anecdotes about the participants and subtle quips. (Notable audience members included Steve Sherlock and Dr. Sara Ahern). Atwood started the night off by highlighting her recent experience at the October school committee meeting and emphasized the importance of “speaking up for people who can’t speak up for themselves.” She later conveyed her experiences as an openly gay student through an original poem– a beautiful one, might I add. Participants in the latter portion of the night were introduced by Jamele Adams, the leader of the Franklin Freedom Team. "

Interview

"An Accepting Community – Meghan Whitmore

For those of you who don’t know, Meghan Whitmore is a transgender woman who delivered a heartfelt speech on Open Mic Night about her experience transitioning and the reception she received afterward. Her moving words illustrated the importance of inclusivity, and Whitmore even stressed how touching it was to have people accept her as a woman."

Interview

"Love One Another, Stand for Change – jamele adams

Needing no introduction due to his large impact on Franklin, jamele adams immediately captivated his listeners when he began to recite his poem. Although he was a participant in the event, adams also played a significant role in organizing Open Mic Night, so when I broached the idea of making it an annual show, he enthusiastically replied, “More than once a year, hopefully, this could happen once a week!“, elaborating on the fact that “the Open Mic affected everyone in this space […] Folks shared that they were absolutely moved and then at the end when people were asked to write about how they were inspired, they shared how they were inspired […] People were moved in the space. People shared their narrative because they trusted in the space, and the energy was powerful and welcoming, and warm, supportive, and filled with advocacy for love. “

Continue reading the article online 
https://franklinpanthers.us/news/2021/12/08/open-mic-night-a-forum-for-all-to-express-themselves/

Pantherbook: LoveFranklin Open Mic Night - Dec 8, 2021