Saturday, January 18, 2014

Three children, two families, one night of mourning

It seemed most of Franklin was in mourning Friday evening. Walking to the Town Common for the Monroe Family vigil, the line of folks paying their respects for the McGrath Family wound through the parking lot to the sidewalk at the Ginley Funeral Home.

In the Franklin Federated Church parking lot, several media trucks were parked motors running, antennas reaching up and out.

High St was blocked off and the Franklin Police detail were assisting with directing traffic.

The bandstand was lit and drew folks from all sides towards it. As you approached, you could pick up a candle. Individuals, couples, families all flowed towards the bandstand forming a rather quiet circle. Small conversations occurred as neighbors met, or introductions were made.


candlelight
candlelight

When the notice was given, one light was quietly and effectively passed from candle to candle until all the candles were lit. A single guitar cast its notes into the evening.




Many of the Franklin Interfaith Council were present and each took a turn leading the group in a prayer or reflection.  A singer step up to perform "Amazing Grace"

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.
amazing grace
amazing grace



The children were called to gather to assist in the balloon release. The bunches of balloons tied to the railings around the bandstand were distributed. A couple released early one at a time, finding the night sky. Most did hold a good grip until the time was right to release them as the singer performed  "Over the Rainbow"

Somewhere over the rainbow, way up high
There's a land that I heard of, once in a lullaby
Somewhere over the rainbow, skies are blue
And the dreams that you dare to dream, really do come true

balloon release
balloon release

There was a pause as two larger lanterns were put together and the family moved from one side of the bandstand to the other to assist in their release.. The lanterns quietly flew into the night heading towards Pleasant/Lincoln St until then joined the other star lights in the sky.




Additional ways to provide support are listed here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/01/supportpossible-in-many-ways.html

As more are announced they will be shared here and on Facebook

FPAC to Present Free Family Concert Series


FPAC's popular Family Concert Series kicks off this season with Ben Rudnick and Friends on February 2 at 1 p.m. at 38 Main Street in Franklin!
Franklin Performing Arts Company
Franklin Performing Arts Company

Multiple award winners in family music (including seven Parent's Choice awards), Ben Rudnick and Friends delivers fun for all ages, with an entertaining mix of their own upbeat tunes and original interpretations of familiar songs.

FPAC's Family Concert Series of three Sunday performances continues with Mark Poniatowski Presents Jazz for Kidz on March 2 and Opera for Kids on March 23. Admission is FREE!

In the News: candlelight vigil, biotech training, fund raiser


With tears, music, prayer and glowing lanterns, family, friends and neighbors on Friday night remembered Sean and Lexi Monroe, the brother and sister, who died Sunday in a household accident that touched parents across the nation.

See more at: http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20140117/NEWS/140118704/1994/NEWS#sthash.skn7YLTo.dpuf



Engineering students at Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School will soon have the chance to study in the burgeoning field of biotechnology with the aid of a nearly $100,000 grant.

See more at: http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20140118/NEWS/140118732/1994/NEWS#sthash.la5VxhPP.dpuf



A yard sale and bake sale are planned for Feb. 9 to benefit the Munroe family whose two children died in a tragic accident.
The sale will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Hall, 1034 Pond St.
Anyone wishing to donate or for more information, email: my7catz@yahoo.com or franklinyardsale@gmail.com.

See more at: http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20140117/NEWS/140118885#sthash.3C3XQEko.dpuf

Friday, January 17, 2014

Support…possible in many ways

From Lisa Buccella:

A Franklin family has endured great pain as they navigate their steps while mourning the sudden deaths of their two young children.  Whether you know them or not, there are many ways to offer subtle support as our town comes together.  There are many businesses working to find ways to show solidarity and comfort.  I'm sure there will be many more and we can share the info on social media too.  Please, consider helping our local businesses offer what they can to the family and check the websites for the dates....most are today.

If you buy a cupcake or 12 at The Cake Bar, it will have an impact on the family.  

If you buy one bottle of wine or a case at Pour Richards, it will have an impact on the family.

If you ate at Rick's Cafe this week and had a cup of coffee or a meal, it will have an impact on the family.

If you take a class at Live, Love, Barre or Tranquil Souls, it will have an impact on the family.

If you choose to make a donation of any amount to Dean Bank or the online gofundme that is available, it will have an impact on the family.

If you choose to support them by attending the vigil tonight, it will have an impact on the family.



My experience tells me that this type of support definitely makes an impact on a family. My sister and her three young children were the recipients of huge community support in their town in Florida during the time when her husband was ill and passed away.    Their community showed support is so many ways that were meaningful, comforting and offered bright moments.   The outpouring of love is very comforting.

And, I feel it in my own heart when I think of what others did for them.    

Historical Museum: Ben's Birthday - Sunday


CELEBRATE BEN’S BIRTHDAY WITH US

Stop by the Franklin Historical Museum on Sunday January 19th and enjoy a piece of cake to celebrate Ben Franklin’s Birthday. The famous Revolutionary was born January 17, 1706. Stop in and celebrate our town’s namesake’s 308th birthday. Museum Hours Sunday 1:00pm – 4:00pm.

Franklin Historical Museum
Franklin Historical Museum


THE HISTORY OF VALENTINE’S DAY

The month of February celebrates Valentine’s Day and the Franklin Historical Museum has researched some fun facts about the origin of the day, when Valentine cards were first exchanged and various customs associated with the day. The informative exhibit will run February 1st through February 23rd.



INTERESTED IN VOLUNTEERING AT THE MUSEUM?

The Franklin Historical Museum is looking for additional volunteers to help with various aspects of running the museum. If you are interested in helping with research, correspondence, hosting and/or working with exhibits, please send an email to maryolsson1@verizon.net or call the Town Clerk’s office at 508 520 4900 leave your name and phone number. A volunteer meeting will be held in February.


You can also follow the Historical Museum on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/FHM02038

FSPA to Present Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat!


FSPA will present an all-student production of the hit family musical Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat on Saturday, February 8, at 7:30 p.m. 
The performance will be held at the New England Chapel, 40 Kenwood Circle, Franklin, MA. Based on the biblical Joseph story, the lively Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice musical follows the trials and triumphs of Jacob's favorite son in a high-energy, high adventure retelling of epic proportions!
FPSA performs
FSPA performs
The musical is entirely sung-through and boasts catchy songs of many musical styles, from country western and calypso to pop, disco and rock 'n roll. The enduringly popular Joseph is a colorful and uplifting show for audiences of all ages.

To purchase tickets please go to our website: www.fspaonline.com. Tickets are $22 for adults and $20 for seniors/students.


In the News: vigil Friday night, land purchased approved, hope chest recall


A candlelight vigil for Lexi and Sean Munroe will be held at 7 p.m. Friday on the Franklin Town Common. 
See more at: http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20140117/NEWS/140118946#sthash.q8EHJgz0.dpuf


In a move to protect more land for recreation, the Town Council on Wednesday agreed to purchase an 18-acre property off Daniels Street.

See more at: http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20140117/NEWS/140118948#sthash.hTsCFIWk.dpuf


Following the news that two Franklin children died after accidentally locking themselves in a wooden hope chest, local second-hand furniture store owners are examining their shops and wondering what they can do differently to prevent such a tragedy.

Read more: http://www.wickedlocal.com/franklin/news/x1266957512/Federal-agency-investigates-hope-chests-may-re-announce-recall#ixzz2qeSqn9yJ