Lowell Folk Festival starts revealing their performer lineup for 2025

2025 THE LOWELL FOLK FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES FIRST GROUP OF PERFORMERS!

Cajun Legend BeauSoleil, Irish Favorites Solas, Blues Rockers Lil’ Ed & the Blues Imperials, and Bhangra Sensation Red Baraat among the artists set to play this free multi-stage festival July 25-27.

The 2025 Lowell Folk Festival has announced the first group of artists scheduled to perform at one of America’s most popular free summer events. With folk music traditions that span the globe, world-class musicians will bring the world to Downtown Lowell July 25-27 on stages throughout the Mill City.

Lowell Folk Festival

“The Lowell Folk Festival has celebrated the extraordinary spectrum of folk music from around the world for nearly 40 years,” said Art Sutcliffe, Chairman of the Lowell Festival Foundation. “Musicians from Louisiana to Ireland, Colombia to Chicago, Spain to Quebec, and more will share traditions on multiple stages throughout downtown Lowell.”

Featured Performers

• BeauSoleil avec Michael Doucet – celebrating their 50th anniversary with Louisiana’s irresistible Cajun music
• Cécilia – bringing Québécois and Celtic music from Eastern Canada
• Crooked Road Revival – honoring Virginia’s Crooked Road with bluegrass, old-time, and gospel
• Lil’ Ed & the Blues Imperials – classic Chicago blues and house-rockin' energy
• LOS RICOS featuring Sonia & Ismael – intimate, graceful, powerful flamenco traditions
• Red Baraat – a huge brass band sound fusing South Asian, Bollywood, jazz, and hip hop
• Solas – a force in the Irish music scene since debuting at the 1994 Lowell Folk Festival
• Yeison Landero – carrying the legacy of Andrés Landero, king of Colombian cumbia

Check out the lineup with more to be announced at https://lowellfolkfestival.org/

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/192pz63J6k/

Is that unexpected text a scam?

Is that unexpected text a scam? By BCP Staff Did you know that people almost always open text messages? In a new Data Spotlight about the big jump in reported fraud losses involving text scams, the FTC notes a study finding open rates can be as high as 98%. Those are really good odds for a scammer. And when scammers get you to respond to their messages, they're cashing in. Here's how you can increase your chances of keeping your money safe. Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2025/04/unexpected-text-scam

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule for Friday, April 18, 2025

Yes, Franklin has it's own radio station -> wfpr.fm. Franklin Public Radio has a brand new schedule for the locally produced shows that fill our air waves. 

It is available anywhere, anytime at wfpr.fm or in the local Franklin, MA area at 102.9 on the FM dial.

Tune in to listen to the following:

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule for Friday

8:00 AM, 1:00 PM, and 6:00 PM - Franklin Matters Radio – Steve Sherlock
Franklin and its local government, services and events 

• This segment features the recent Chalkboard Chat with School Committee Chair Dave Callaghan -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/04/this-chalkboard-chat-condenses-both.html

9:00 AM, 2:00 PM, and 7:00 PM

10:00 AM, 3:00 PM, and 8:00 PM - Talkin’ the Blues – Jim Derick & Nick Remissong. 2 hours of awesome blues music, info, interviews

11:00 AM, 4:00 PM, and 9:00 PM - “The Vibe” show plays music for everyone searching for some enjoyment, some dance, a happy or thinking mood, and most importantly, having fun.  Tune in to wfpr.fm and listen to “DJ Vibe” spin music across many genres and join this new vibing experience

Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf   

Watch Listen Read all things that matter in Franklin MA

Franklin TV schedule for Friday, April 18, 2025

• Franklin All Access TV - Our Public Access Channel         (Comcast 6, Verizon 26) = FRIDAY

7:00 am Arts Advocacy: How-Tos

8:30 am Frank Presents: Mark Minnichelli

10:00 am Temple Etz Chaim Community Gathering

11:00 am Senior Connection: Ariel Doggett

12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin: Tai Salad

12:30 pm Cooking with Linda: Pork Chops

1:30 pm Pizzapalooza: Black Bean, Roasted Pepper & Garlic Pizzetta

2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Summer 2019 Show 4

3:00 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Referee Shortage 2

7:00 pm 12-Tone Music

8:30 pm Veterans' Call: VA Pension

9:30 pm Metrowest Boston Annual Meeting 2025 Pt 1

• Franklin Pride TV - Our Educational Channel        (Comcast 8, Verizon 28) = FRIDAY

7:00 am All-Town Concert: Band 2025

8:30 am Mental Health: Joanne Spillane

9:30 am FHS Concert Hour 02-26-25

11:00 am FHS Track and Field: v North Attleboro 05-09-23

1:30 pm FHS Varsity Baseball v Bridgewater Raynham 04-11-25

6:00 pm ArtWeek: Theater in the Open

7:00 pm All-Town Concert: Chorus & Orchestra

8:30 pm FHS Theater Company: Cinderella

• Franklin Town Hall TV - Our Government Channel (Comcast 9, Verizon 29) =  FRIDAY

8:00 am  Zoning Board of Appeals 03-27-25

2:00 pm  Zoning Board of Appeals 03-27-25

Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf   

Watch Listen Read all things that matter in Franklin MA

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Thursday, April 17, 2025 ???

Thursday, April 17

 Library & Senior Center events 

* Franklin Art Association Art Show and Sale Exhibit

* * Creative Corner Silent Auction Fundraiser

8:30am State & Town Officials Office Hour (Franklin Senior Center)

9:00am Fallen Hero: John J. Kell (Veterans Walkway, Franklin Town Common)

5:00pm Board Game Night (Pete's Nerd Emporium)

6:00pm Band School of Franklin Spring Concert (Horace Mann School)

7:00pm 350 Mass Greater Franklin Node Meeting (First Universalist Society Franklin)

7:00pm BEN 4 Franklin Mtg (Franklin TV and Radio Studio)

7:30pm Musical Bingo (Teddy Gallagher's Irish Pub)

For additional details on Library & Senior Center events ->  

https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar.aspx?CID=37,24&showPastEvents=false

 

 

** Town Meetings today   **

Town Council Office Hours

Thursday, April 17  Time: 8:30 AM

No agenda expected for this informal business hour 

Franklin Housing Authority Meeting

Thursday, April 17  Time: 4:30 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04172025-1681 

Franklin Public Schools Community Relations Meeting

Thursday, April 17   Time:  5:30 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04172025-1683

Conservation Commission Meeting

Thursday, April 17  Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Item/372?fileID=4420 

Council On Aging (COA) Meeting

Friday, April 18  Time: 1:30 PM

no posted agenda at this time

-------------

What's happening today in Franklin? 

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-calendars

Fallen Hero Recognition: John J. Kell - April 17, 2025 at 9 AM

Fallen Hero Recognition is conducted each date that one of the 45 were reported to have died. All recognitions are held at 9 AM on the Town Common Veterans Walkway.

The brief program (approx. 5 minutes) includes the placing of a Memorial Wreath for the day, a reading of whatever history may be available for that veteran, a salute from those present, and the playing of Taps. 

This is a way of keeping the memory of that veteran alive. The public and any family members are welcome to attend.

Fallen Hero: Corporal John J. Kell, U.S. Army

Corporal John J. Kell, U.S. Army, was born in Franklin on November 4, 1924 to parents Archibald and Inez Kell. John lived with his parents, brothers and sisters at 39 Raymond Street and attended the Franklin Schools. 

CPL Kell volunteered from Franklin and served two years with the military police in England before asking for a transfer to active duty on the war front. John received a transfer to the infantry and was on active duty for several months before he was killed in action in Germany on April 17, 1945. 

Memorial services were conducted here in Franklin on May 13, 1945 honoring CPL John J. Kell whose eternal resting place is in an American Cemetery in Germany. 

Corporal Kell was 20 at the time of his death serving his country in World War II.

Fallen Hero: Corporal John Kell

First Congregational Church of Franklin Partners with the Franklin Public Library to Preserve Historic Town Records

The First Congregational Church of Franklin, in partnership with the Franklin Public Library, is proud to announce the successful completion of a year-long project to organize and preserve a remarkable collection of 18th and 19th century records that document the early civic and spiritual life of the Town of Franklin.

Spearheaded by Vicki Earls, Reference Librarian at the Franklin Public Library, and Christine Brown, longtime church member, the project brought together historical expertise and community dedication to ensure that these fragile and invaluable documents are protected for future generations. These records, originating from the time when the church functioned as the de facto seat of government in colonial Massachusetts, are not only essential to the church’s history, but also serve as critical town archives from Franklin’s earliest days.

Lyn and Vicki library archive room April 2025

“This effort was a true collaboration rooted in a shared respect for our town’s deep history,” said Brown. “It was an honor to help care for these documents, which tell the story of both our congregation and our community.”

As part of the preservation effort, the historic records have been carefully relocated to the Franklin Public Library’s secure, environmentally controlled archive room. This facility will ensure the long-term safety of the documents, protecting them from temperature fluctuations, humidity, and other environmental factors that contribute to deterioration.

The project would not have been possible without the enthusiastic support of Felicia Oti, Library Director, who generously enabled Earls to dedicate time and expertise to the work. The church also extends special thanks to Lyn Pickhover, Church Historian, whose years of careful custodianship laid the foundation for this preservation initiative.

Together, the team carefully reviewed, organized, and rehoused the documents to prevent further degradation and to make them more accessible for future research.

“This project reflects the spirit of Franklin,” said Earls. “It’s about honoring our past, working together across institutions, and ensuring that the stories of those who came before us are not lost.”

Plans are in place to continue preserving and digitizing the collection to allow for broader public access and educational use.  

Digitized records currently available can be found on the Internet Archive: https://archive.org/details/@first_congregational_church_of_franklin

For more information about the project or the records, please contact Vicki Earls at Franklin Public Library.

Rise Up will be at the Franklin Sculpture Park for a special Accessible Earth Day Event - April 19

Rise Up will be at the Franklin Sculpture Park this Saturday for a special Accessible Earth Day Event!!

Rise Up will be at the Franklin Sculpture Park

Date: Saturday, April 19th

Time: 10:00-11:00 AM

Location: Franklin Sculpture Park, off Panther Way (Next to the Police Station)

Event: (See attached graphic)

- Painting rocks for a sculpture that our very own Lauren Sanford will be creating for the park!!

- Cleaning up the park

- Socializing and having fun

- Co-hosted with Franklin Culture and Grieving Hearts (Lauren's non-profit)

Other Details: 

- Free

- There is a restroom in the Police Station

- There is a parking lot, or you can park along the street if you wish (There is one additional handicap parking spot off Edwards St)

- We will be gathered on the large "dock" area 

- There will be tables and chairs set up, with space for wheelchairs too

- The park has benches placed around the whole location (some with backs to them) and is lovely place for a stroll

- Dogs are allowed, if they are well trained - We will ask that any dogs that jump, continue barking, or are otherwise not in control take a break from the event. Please do not allow the dog to go up to people unless consent is given.

- See attached Map (below)  or interactive Google map ->   https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZKqYmHbuS3HrF7EP7

Hope to see you there!!

Franklin Sculpture Park

Town Council starts with recognitions before conducting business (video)

The Town Council met as scheduled Wednesday, April 16, 2025 with all nine members present for a 3 hour recogntions and business session.

The Franklin TV video is available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/live/C9jXhRmTTlI?&t=94

The agenda and released documents can be found -> https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04162025-1682 

Quick recap:

• School Committee Chair D Callaghan provided an update on recent meeting updates including the potential naming of the "Horace Mann Campus"
• per Town Clerk, notification of election coming via mail re: the override election June 3. Postcard with QR code to register to vote, also includes a vote by mail application. Only one card to head of household not one per every voter
• Proclaimations and recognition for 
• the FHS Cheerleaders
• the FHS boys basketball team
• members of the Dean College Athletic Training first responders who saved the life of an individual at a recent athletic event
• Appointment of the 2025 election workers was approved by unanimous vote
• Public hearing conducted on 2 related bylaw changes to allow Shared-Use Commercial Kitchens in commercial zones. The Planning Board had approved also, these measures were moved to a second reading (at a future meeting)
• Presentation and update on work being done by  Franklin Police Department Mental Health Clinician Division - Kallie Montagano, Clinician Program Manager
• Followed by an update on the Franklin Crisis Action Team by Deputy Administrator Amy Friguiletti. Housing and temp shelter the top issue the FCAT group sees
• Resolution 25-18: June 3, 2025 Election Early & Mail in Voting was approved unanimously. The scheduled early voting dates will be added to the Community calendar
• A Zoning Bylaw to Amend Chapter 185, Section 24, Floodplain District - Referral to the Planning Board was approved unanimously. Apparently, the Town slipped in knowing that this had a 5 year life expectancy and was due to be updated. Only minor changes required but the due process is being initiated now with this referral
• Approval for acceptance of gifts from the Robert Catalano family and estate was unaninmous. It also led to a discussion on how the funds such as these are used. Mostly for programs but if there is something specifically funded, the Council would like to be notified.

My full set of notes captured during the meeting

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nIb72BBNqBkuEgMCgS9ggo5T5UR8A7BD/view?usp=drive_link

Photo albums of the recognitions ->   https://photos.app.goo.gl/NFs8QPA39vzy5tzn8

members of the Dean College Athletic Training first responders who save the life of an individual at a recent athletic event

FHS baseball, girls & boys tennis, girls & boys lacrosse teams all post wins on Wednesday

Via Twitter, Franklin TV, and our subscription to HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the Spring sports competition for Franklin High School on Wednesday, April 16, 2025

Baseball = Franklin, 4 @ Attleboro, 3 – Final 

– Attleboro scored twice in the bottom of the seventh and had the tying run at third but Franklin held on for a 4-3 victory for their first league win of the season. Franklin sophomore Cal McKenna came on in relief with the tying run at second and one out and got a fly ball to center for the second out. After Attleboro pinch runner Austin Taliaferro stole third to get the tying runner a bag away from home, McKenna got a punch out to end the game. Franklin took the lead with two runs in the top of the second on an RBI ground out from Cole Sidwell and a two-out RBI double from Jack Sullivan (2-for-4, double, triple). The teams traded runs in the third with Matt Luccini bringing in a run with an RBI groundout in the top half for the Panthers while Attleboro tied it after Jeremy O’Hara reached on a dropped third strike and Aidan Landers (2-for-3, run) came home from third. Franklin tacked on what looked like an insurance run in the top of the seventh, but it proved to be the game-winner. Joey Goguen plated Drake McAlpine with a sac fly to make it 4-1. O’Hara had a two-run single in the bottom of the seventh to pull the Bombardiers within a run. Michael Huntington added two hits, two stolen bases, and a run for the Bombardiers. DJ Silverstein pitched well in a no-decision, allowing just one unearned run on five hits and four walks, striking out eight in 5.1 innings for the Panthers. Nick Daley gave up just one unearned run on one hit and one walk in three innings of relief for Attleboro, striking out one.

Softball = Attleboro, 7 @ Franklin, 4 – Final 

– Attleboro scored in six straight innings, building its lead over time to secure a win on the road at Franklin. The Bombardiers took the lead right off the bat in the top of the first on a two-run home run from Lola Ronayne but the Panthers responded right away, plating three in the bottom half to jump ahead: Sarah Boozang and Marley Allen each clubbed an RBI double and Addi Weiss came through with a two-out single to plate another run. From there, Attleboro scored once in five straight innings, tying the game in the top of the second when Emily Eby reached on a two-out error, and taking the lead back in the top of the third when Nina Sullivan had a two-out single to center. Eby added an RBI single in the fourth, Savannah Boedecker plated one with a sac fly in the fifth, and Jenna Callahan (ROE) scored on a wild pitch in the sixth. Ella Weston connected on an RBI double in the bottom of the seventh for the Panthers. Callahan earned the win in the circle for Attleboro, surrendering four runs on six hits and three walks, striking out a season-high 10 batters.

Boys Lacrosse = Canton, 4 @ Franklin, 10 – Final 

– Canton scored three straight goals at the end of the third quarter to cut a six-goal deficit in half but Franklin and senior goalie Sam Freedman stood tall the rest of the way, winning the fourth quarter 3-0 to fend off a feisty Bulldog squad. Franklin staked a 6-1 lead at halftime and scored the first goal of the third as the lead peaked at six goals. Canton’s Cam Conley scored two of his goals in a two-minute span and Cullen O’Brien added one with 1:34 to go in the third to make it 7-4. The game stayed that way for nearly five minutes into the fourth until Quinn Kielty deposited a shot from just outside the crease. Franklin tacked on insurance goals with just under five minutes to go and another with just over a minute left into an empty net. Freedman was the main difference, turning aside 15 shots to keep Canton at bay for the majority of the game. Thomas Quinn scored a hat trick to lead Franklin while Kielty and Charlie Ballarino each had two tallies.

Franklin TV video -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iN9nrO9TcDc

Girls Lacrosse = Franklin, 16 @ Canton, 0 – Final 

– Senior Maisie Streesman (five saves) and freshman Codi Lai (one saved) combined to earn the shutout in net as Franklin returned home from Canton with a convincing 16-0 win. Freshman Clara Blongastainer led the charge for the visitors, scoring five goals and adding one assist for a team-high six points. Senior Julia Flynn had seven draw controls and added four goals, Izzy Cross netted a hat trick, Vera Hansen tallied twice, and both Liza Kudish and Gabi Consigli (assist) found the back of the net once in the win.

Boys Tennis = Attleboro, 0 @ Franklin, 5 – Final

Attleboro, 0 @ Franklin, 5 – Final – Franklin freshman Deklan Morin and Anish Bokil prevailed from a three-set battle at first doubles to complete the 5-0 sweep for the Panthers. Morin and Bokil earned a 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 win while the team of senior Jai Kandula and Max Sebell added a 6-4, 6-1 second doubles victory. Franklin won all three singles matches in straight sets with senior Danny Reis winning at first singles (6-3, 6-2), senior Aaron Ramaswamy earning a victory at second singles (6-4, 6-3), and senior Gabe Terry securing a hard-fought third singles win (7-5, 6-3).

Girls Tennis = Franklin, 5 @ Attleboro, 0 – Final

Franklin, 5 @ Attleboro, 0 – Final – Franklin took all five matches in straight sets and the Panthers bounced back from their first loss of the season with a 5-0 sweep on the road. Junior Gabby Cura (first singles, 6-0, 6-2), senior Izzy Trull (second singles, 6-2, 6-3), and junior Isabelle Simino (6-1, 6-0) secured wins in singles action for the Panthers. Seniors Brooke Daniels and Sydney Tolonen notched a 6-4, 6-0 first doubles victory, and the team of junior Avalon Thomes and freshman Anna Powers rolled to a 6-1, 6-2 win at second doubles.

For other results across the Hockomock League (subscription required)
https://hockomocksports.com/wednesdays-schedule-scoreboard-04-16-25/

FHS Panther sports results shared via Twitter & subscription to HockomockSports.com

Mah Jongg Play All Day Event - May 3

Come alone or bring your regular group. We will rotate tables throughout the day.

All levels welcome, but some experience is required. 

Be sure to bring your own 2025 NMJL card, along with $5 in change to play with.  If you run out of money, we will have extra for you to use.

Mah Jongg Play All Day Event - May 3

Cost: $35, includes door prizes and lunch (vegetarian and gluten-free options available upon request). We will also have coffee and mini muffins to start your day. 

To Register:

●  Register by April 25, 2025 to reserve your spot. For more details and to register please visit FUSF.org/Upcoming Events. Once you register you will receive confirmation and more details about the day.

The First Universalist Society in Franklin (FUSF) is a Unitarian Universalist Welcoming Congregation located at 262 Chestnut Street, Franklin. 

Our Interim Minister is Reverend Beverly Waring. 

For more information about FUSF please visit our website at Fusf.org. or contact us at info@fusf.org; call 508-528-5348.

Reminder: An Evening of Conversation Regarding Food Sovereignty and Access - Apr 24

The FUSF Food Justice team invites you to share an evening of thoughtful discussion with our special guest, Sister Anna Gilbert–Muhammad. Sister Anna will focus on the current state of food justice, access and sovereignty issues in Massachusetts. This is a particularly timely topic given the current pressures on our food system from climate change and the rapidly changing policies at the federal level.  Her discussion will include actions we can take to make an impact. 

A reception with light snacks will follow the speaking event. Donations to FUSF will be gratefully accepted but are not required to attend.  We hope to see you on April 24th!   

Sister Anna Gilbert-Muhammad currently serves as the Equity Director and Food Access/Webinar Coordinator for Northeast Organic Farmer’s Association - MASS Chapter (NOFA/MA). Anna is responsible for the alliances of NOFA/Ma, with groups working on food access issues, food policy and food sovereignty efforts. In her home town of Springfield, MA, Anna works with the “Youth Leader Organic Gardening/Cooking Program” at Home City Housing, “The Open Pantry Community Garden Project” and smaller projects in the Boston and Springfield Area. Sister Anna wants to see all residents in all communities in Massachusetts have the access they deserve to fresh, wholesome food and to assist all that wish to grow food in their homes.

An Evening of Conversation Regarding Food Sovereignty and Access  - Apr 24

Hosted by: the FUSF Food Justice Team  

Thursday, April 24, 2025 - 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM 

The First Universalist Society in Franklin (FUSF) is a Unitarian Universalist Welcoming Congregation located at 262 Chestnut Street, Franklin. Our Interim Minister is Reverend Beverly Waring. For more information about FUSF please visit our website at Fusf.org. or contact us at info@fusf.org; call 508-528-5348.  

Girls Lacrosse Youth Clinic - Apr 22

Girls Lacrosse Youth Clinic - Apr 22

Form to sign up ->   https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfw6E_zD9JzJ-Y0IZ9bPC6tD-Sf-J9Lv9UG7Qz54WpJQkEajQ/viewform

Shared from ->   https://x.com/Fhsglax/status/1911782701985571120