In Other News

Home Prices Continue Rise

Fewer single-family homes were sold in Massachusetts last month compared to a year prior, but real estate market analysts at The Warren Group said Tuesday that the first quarter of 2025 gave them hope that inventory pressures are receding slightly.  There were 2,460 single-family home sales in Massachusetts in March, a 4.2% decrease from March 2024's 2,569 sales, The Warren Group reported. The median price for the homes sold in March was $600,000, up 3.4% over last March.

Medway FD Vehicle Involved in Franklin Crash

According to the Franklin Fire Department,  Franklin Engine 1, Ambulance 1, and Battalion 1 were dispatched for a reported motor vehicle accident with entrapment in the area of 1034 Pond Street at 4:13pm on Monday. While enroute the units were provided an update that indicated a Medway Fire Department SUV was one of the vehicles involved in a three car accident. Franklin Engine 1 extricated one patient from one vehicle. A Medway Ambulance transported one patient to UMass Hospital in Worcester. Franklin Ambulance 1 obtained two refusals. Franklin Engine 1 and Battalion 1 remained on scene while the vehicles were removed.

Cradles to Crayons by way of the Marathon

This year, nine runners will represent Team Cradles to
Crayons in the 26.2 mile Marathon on Monday, April 21. Among them is Mike
Pennini (shown above with son Aiden)  from Franklin. Cradles to Crayons provides new and gently
used clothing and other necessities – free of charge – to
children experiencing homelessness, crisis, or low-income situations.
These runners not only raise awareness of the important work Cradles
to Crayons is doing to support children in need across Massachusetts.
They also raise funds to participate in the marathon. Those funds
will directly support Cradles to Crayons’ mission to purchase
clothing items, which can then be distributed to children in the
community. “After my wife and I had our son four years ago, I learned
more about clothing insecurity,” Pennini said. “The work that
Cradles to Crayons is doing, is incredible,” he added. “Every
step I take will help deliver clothing and school supplies to
children who require a helping hand. Together, we can make a
difference and ensure that every child has the tools they need to
thrive.” This is Mike’s 9th marathon. The local husband and
father has run more than 20 half marathons and several trail races as
he prepared for the Boston Marathon over the past 10 years. . "I would have lost my mind if it weren’t for the support of the great Franklin community businesses and neighbors. Thanks to them, I've hit my fundraising goal! It's a great cause, and I encourage everyone to support the rest of the Cradles to Crayons Boston Marathon team."

Another Franklin Namesake With Troubles

A Cape publication reports that the Chatham Ben Franklin store — apparently the last in Massachusetts and perhaps one of just two remaining in New England — will close this summer, undone by big box retailers and Amazon. At one time there were thousands of Ben Franklin across the country.

Rise  Up to Be at Sculpture Park

Rise
Up will be at the Franklin Sculpture Park this Saturday for a special
Accessible Earth Day Event! Date: Saturday,
April 19th,  Time: 10:00-11:00am at the Franklin
Sculpture Park, off Panther Way (Next to the Police Station)

Activities include - 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.

“Ancient Lore with Modern Applications"

How Digitization is Transforming Cultural Heritage at Germany’s Berlin State Library” --An Evening Talk by Dr. John Woitkowitz at Franklin Public Library --April 22, 2025

How is technology transforming our cultural heritage held in libraries and archives around the world? Dean College’s Humanities in Action Initiative and the Franklin Historical Commission are pleased to welcome Dr. John Woitkowitz, head of the Stabi Lab at Germany’s Berlin State Library, to speak on the future of libraries and digital humanities. Dr. Woitkowitz will give a talk entitled “Ancient Lore with Modern Applications: How Digitization is Transforming Cultural Heritage at Germany’s Berlin State Library” followed by Q&A at the Franklin Public Library (118 Main St, Franklin, MA) at 6:30 pm on Tuesday, April 22, 2025. The talk will take place in the Meeting Room (ground floor). Please RSVP using this link. All are welcome!