FHS Class of 1975 celebrating 50th Reunion

FHS Class of 1975 celebrating 50th Reunion

The FHS Class of 1975 is celebrating 50 years!

Members of that class, please read this.

RSVP by May 12th via the form ->   bit.ly/3WRwkbC

Shared from ->   https://www.facebook.com/share/p/15JbbCvN4C/

Celebrate with Pride 2025 - Saturday, June 21 from 12 PM to 4 PM

Celebrate with Pride 2025 - Saturday, June 21

It's almost that time of year again! Mark your calendars and get ready to celebrate PRIDE in Franklin!

Celebrate with Pride 2025 is made possible through the support of the Franklin Cultural District, the Franklin Cultural Council, the MetroWest Boston Visitors Bureau, and many generous supporters.

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18sj5P8kq1/

FPAC Golf Tournament - June 10

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!

New England Country Club, 180 Paine St, Bellingham, MA 02019

Single Entry: $125, Foursome: $580

Participants must register online by June 1st.

https://fundraiser.support/FPACGOLF2025

FPAC Golf Tournament - June 10

Deadline to register FAA 'Fakes and Forgeries", May 25

CALLING ALL ARTISTS:  

1st Annual Fakes and Forgeries Exhibit

The Franklin Art Association is collaborating with the Franklin Historical Museum to present the 1st Annual Fakes and Forgeries Exhibit.  This exhibit is open to all artists including student artists in Franklin and the surrounding areas.  

There is no entry fee to participate.   

The exhibit will be held at the Franklin Historical Museum June 7 - June 22, with a registration deadline of May 25.  

Please register online at  https://forms.gle/DT4yys85cPNPPQAK7 

So get those brushes and paints out and help make this first of its kind Franklin community event a huge success!

Holy Week and Easter, join us at Franklin United Methodist Church

Dear Franklin UMC members and friends, We are half-way through Holy Week, the final days leading up to Easter. How goes it with your soul? In thes...

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	Holy Week and Easter, join us at Franklin UMC
	Dear Franklin UMC members and friends, We are half-way through Holy Week, the final days leading up to Easter. How goes it with your soul? In these final days of the Lenten season, as Easter quickly approaches, I wanted to take a quick moment to remind you of all that will be going on over the next few days: Good Friday (April 18) worship will be held in the sanctuary at Franklin UMC and via Google Meet at 7p. We will also stream the service on YouTube. We will acknowledge the suffering of the world as we bear witness to the suffering of Christ and bear his reproach. The bulletin, joining information and links will be made available on franklinumc.org. Easter worship will be on Sunday, April 20, at 10a. We will meet in the sanctuary, via Google Meet, and stream on YouTube. Information will be published ahead of worship per the usual. We will share in holy communion on Easter Sunday. Community Easter Egg Hunt will follow our Easter worship, on Sunday, April 20. Children ages 0-10 will be released in age-specific areas to hunt eggs at 11:15a. We had a fantastic group of volunteers stuff hundreds of eggs last Sunday.  The church will be open for family photos and refreshments during and after the Egg Hunt. Here's a link to the Facebook Event (https://www.facebook.com/share/18ruGaPWpb/) and website post (https://franklinumc.org/2025/03/19/community-easter-egg-hunt-sunday-april-20-2025/) Lent is the holiest of seasons. Easter is the highest of holy days, the most important holiday we celebrate as Christians, as we rejoice in the triumph of God's love.  I hope you'll join us on Good Friday and Easter. It is important that you're there; and, invite your friends, family, and neighbors. If you (or they) have any questions about our worship, the season, or just have questions about faith and what it all means, know that you can always reach out. I'm happy to correspond and chat.  I look forward to seeing you in worship--in-person in the sanctuary, via Google Meet, or streaming on YouTube over the next couple of days as we conclude the season of Lent and celebrate Easter together. Peace. Jacob >< Rev. Dr. Jacob W. Juncker Pastor, Franklin United Methodist Church

Medway Pride Flag Raising - Choate Park - June 1

Medway Pride Flag Raising - Choate Park - June 1

"Save the date!

This year, there will be lots of new activities, including local vendors, artists, and a selfie wall.

Come celebrate PRIDE with us!"

Shared from ->   https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BCcgCN7Hr/

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