Franklin Community Newsletter
January, 2007
www.franklinkansas.com

We would like to extend our sympathies to the families of the following people who were residents of Franklin at some point in their lives and passed away this past month.   We value the importance of all our residents (past and present).   In memory of:   John Seglie. 

FUNERAL DINNERS:  Please remember that the community center is available for funeral dinners at no charge to the family.  Franklin Community Council, Inc. will once again begin providing meals for funeral dinners for Franklin residents AND former Franklin residents.  Families are responsible for paying for meat for the dinner but side dishes and beverages will be prepared and served by residents of the community.   Call Marion Kobak at 620-347-8444 to make arrangements. 

ANNUAL MEETING:  FCCI Annual Meeting was held January 11 at the Community Center.  The Board of Directors for 2007 consists of:  Craig Stokes, Henry Ashbacher, Mary Ann Shull, Ray Hamblin, Frances OBlak, Norine Laird and Margaret Kennedy. 

CONTRIBUTORS:   Thanks to Robert E. Luth,  PEO Chapter AQ,  Elizabeth Strukel, Eva Gartner, John & Irene Bell and Westar Energy made a donation in honor of Leroy Younger for his volunteer work.  We are truly grateful for each and every donation and are blessed to have such wonderful residents and “friends”. 

ENDOWMENT FUND:  This month funds were established in the names of: John Houck and Filip & Juana (Franketi) Lipovsek.

“CENTENNIAL” (Phyllis Bitner, 620-347-8387)     June 23-24, 2007
Don’t forget to send your family information in with your water bill. If you have lost your form just write the information on a piece of paper.  Please take care of this as soon as possible as we will be making the historic signs soon and need this information.  If you want your name to appear please send this info with your water bill this month.   Please remind friends and family who may be coming for the event to make their reservations soon as rooms are filling up quickly at the local hotels and bed and breakfasts.  Thanks to “Occasions” in Pittsburg for helping us with selling our collectible items.  Be sure to stop in and get your centennial calendar, hat pins and those unique necklaces that were designed specifically for Franklin .   There are only 8 left ($75 each). There will be no reproductions.  The remaining necklaces may be purchased at Occasions.     What a great opportunity to have a necklace designed by a famous New York City artist.   The cookbooks ($8.50) have just arrived.   Contact Dianna Morrison if you’d like one (347-8807 ).   Interest has been very high in the event and everyone is sure to have a great week-end.  Vendors from as far away as Nebraska have been contacting us about setting up at the event.  Tickets are being sold with the top prize of $1,000, 2nd prize $500, 3rd prize $250, 4th prize $100 as well as many other prizes.   If you’d be interested in selling tickets or purchasing them contact Margaret Kennedy at 347-4358. 
SPONSORSHIP:  Thanks to the following businesses that are sponsoring the centennial events:   UNB (University National Bank), A & O Signs,  Pittcraft,  Scotty’s Classic Car Museum, Jody Phillips Dance Studio,  Fox Insurance Agency (Rob Lessen).  

BROCHURE RACK:   This rack contains information on any of our programs, items you may wish to purchase, centennial information, endowment fund, paver project and much more.   For any information on any of our programs or questions about donating you can contact any board or committee member or find a brochure at the center.  All order forms or brochures are also available on the website (www.franklinkansas.com)

COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS PARTY: Many residents enjoyed this year’s Christmas Party. We’d like to thank  Crawford County RWD #7,  Franklin Community Council, Inc., and  Cukjati Farms for hosting this party for the community. 

PLANNING & LAND USE: (Ray Hamblin 620-347-4228)
Work Day:  Mark your calendars for April 14.  We will meet at the park at 8 am to complete a list of projects.  Lunch will be served. Please come and help in any way that you can.
 Pavers:    If you haven’t already ordered your paver please do so as this is an on-going project.  Our 3rd order is underway.  They are a nice way to leave a permanent remembrance for your family, school class, business, organization, memorial or whatever you choose  
Storm Siren:   Testing will be every other Wednesday at noon.  The Crawford County Sheriff’s Department will be  in charge of setting off the siren

PUBLIC RELATIONS/MARKETING/MEDIA: (Craig Stokes 620-347-8519 or 620-249-1326) 
New Years Eve Dance:  The New Year’s Eve celebration was a huge success.   Everyone was glad to see the event returning to Franklin.

Valentine’s Dinner & Dance:  (Norine Laird 347-4453) Franklin Community Council, Inc. kicks off their centennial year with a Valentine's Dinner & Dance on February 11, 2007.   Music will be provided by the Johnnie Zibert Band (Johnnie Zibert & Johnnie Joe Zibert). The dance will be held at the Franklin Community Center, 7th & Broadway, Franklin, Ks.  from 2-5 pm.   Dinner will be served following the dance.   Catering is being provided by Schroeder’s Butchering, Arma,  Ks.   The menu will consist of BBQ Beef, Sausage, Scalloped Potatoes, Baked Beans, Bread, Refreshments.  Cost is $10 per person.   Reservations are required.   Seating is limited so make your reservations early as last years event was sold out.    For reservations call Norine at 620-347-4453 or 620-347-4220.  You may also send your check to  FCCI, P. O. Box 43, Franklin, Ks. 66735.  Tickets will be mailed to you or they can be picked up at the door.

Lifelong Friends:  (Margaret Kennedy 347-4358) The January meeting was cancelled due to bad weather.   The February meeting will be held February 15.  The program will be “Change Something”   (Part of a statewide campaign to improve the health of all Kansans through nutrition & physical activity)  and will be presented by Kim Clark, Development Director, Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas.   Meetings are held the 3rd Thursday of each month.    Admission is free.   Refreshments are available.  Please join us for this informative program.

Bargain Bazaar & Chili Feed:  (Marion Kobak 620-347-8444 and Gay Kranker 620-347-4305) March 3    Start cleaning out your closets and getting ready for this annual event.    We are accepting donated items to be sold.  Proceeds will go directly to the community center debt.  If you have items to donate call Marion or Gay.  If you are able to work at the sale please fill out the form below.  We are accepting new and used items.  Now is the time to clean out those closets and get rid of those unwanted gifts and other items.    Last years sale was a huge event.   Lots of fun for everyone.  Chili made by Franklin’s own Leroy Younger.  Chili will be served starting at 11 am.  Sale starts at 8 am.  

HERITAGE: (Phyllis Bitner 620-347-8387 or 620-249-9333)
Historic Items & Photos: We continue our search for family, business, veteran and other Franklin photos.   Please contact Phyllis at 347-8387 or 249-9333 if you have photos that can be copied and used for displays in the community center or if you have items to donate. 

FINANCE: (Paul Christman)
Please help us with paying off the debt from the community center construction in any way you can.  Donations can be sent directly to: FCCI, P.O. Box 43, Franklin, Ks. 66735.  All donations are tax deductible.  

Endowment Fund:  This will ensure that Franklin has the proper funding to continue its activities, etc. for years to come.    Anyone can make a donation to the endowment fund.  With an initial donation of $100 a fund is set up in your name or your family’s name.  The fund can be added to at any time (and in any amount)  and is an especially nice way to remember a family on special occasions such as date of birth, wedding anniversary, date of death, etc.  Funds have been established in the following names:  Robert Luth,  Henry Ashbacher, Lipovsek Family, Frank Pristave, Joe Keller, Don Kranker, Eva Palango, Jennie (Lampe) Strukel, Marie (Newbery) Shadix, Joe & Susan Polhlopek,  Mary Sullivan,  Mary (Ponce) Cukjati,  Frank and Anna (Cvelbar) Lipasek, John Houck and Filip & Juana (Franketi) Lipovsek.    Anyone can donate any amount at any time in memory of these names or you can establish a fund in your own family name.   These funds will ensure that future programs in Franklin will continue.  This money is managed by the Greater Kansas City Area Foundation of which we are a sub-fund.  The funds are placed in a secure account with the intention of using the interest for future expenses and programs. 

COMMUNITY CENTER:  (Dianna Morrison 620-347-8807 or 620-249-2059)   Call for rental information.   The hall has been used for a variety of events and everyone has enjoyed using the facility.  Everyone can be very proud of this facility.  Dianna attended the bridal affair at  Memorial Auditorium this past week to show the features of our community center.

WEBSITE:  (Phyllis Bitner 620-347-8387 or 620-249-9333)   You can visit the website for all the current information, photos of the community (past and present), community center rental information, keep up with the latest events and programs and much more.  The website has recently been updated.  www.franklinkansas.com

SEWER:  The project is moving forward. Kramer engineering reported that Dale Yeager has been contacted and was notified that he would be receiving the final plans and specs for the project within 6 to 8 weeks. When rural development receives the paperwork for there approval a bid date will be set. It is possible that the bid date can be set prior to approval of the final plans which will save some time or allow the project to move forward faster. We will keep everyone updated via newsletter as project moves ahead.

FRANKLIN COMMUNITY COUNCIL:  Meetings are very informative and everyone is invited to attend.    Bring your suggestions, ideas, etc. and take part in your community’s activities.   Meetings are held at the community center.   Everyone is welcome.  If you have any questions at any time please contact one of the members of the Board or a Committee Chairperson

VOLUNTEERS:   We always welcome new volunteers.  Contact any of the directors or committee chairpersons.

Check the areas in which you are able to volunteer your time or talent and return with your water bill or send to FCCI.  
Bargain Bazaar & Chili Feed (March 3)
_______   Help with set up and pricing
_______   Work the day of the sale
 
______  Community Work Day  (April 21)
 
  Centennial  (June 23-24)
________  Help week prior to centennial
________  Work 2-3 hour session in a booth
________   Sell raffle tickets from now until event
________   Help in any way I am needed
________   Attend events in the area at a display table to promote the centennial event.

 
Name:  ______________________________________________________________________________________
 
Address:  ____________________________________________________________________________________
 
Phone:  _______________________  Cell Phone: ____________________  E-mail: ______



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