Franklin Community Newsletter

July,  2007

<>We would like to extend our sympathies to the families of the following people who were residents or former residents of Franklin and passed away this past month.   We value the importance of all our residents (past and present).   In memory of: Frank Kokak.   

WHERE, OH WHERE, IS MY MASTER NOW?

<>Happy to report that all 3 pets that were tornado victims have found a new home. 

FUNERAL DINNERS  (Marion Kobak 620-347-8444)

<>Please remember that the community center is available for funeral dinners at no charge to the family.  FCCI will provide 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.
 

PARK  (Ray Hamblin 620-347-4228)

<>Reservations:  While there is no charge for using the park,  reservations for the shelter are necessary in order to ensure your family has full access to the shelter. Due to the rains and other problems the bathrooms are not usuable. However we have placed a porta-potty at the park for the convenience of park users.   Please do not abuse this privilege.  Volunteers work very hard to maintain the park and the entire area.   We do not have extra funds to pay for vandalism and other problems that are caused by only a few people.   For reservations call Phyllis at 620-249-9333.
 

A new group of pavers were laid prior to the centennial.  Another order has been started.  Be sure to send in your information if you would like a lasting tribute to your family, class, business, etc.    The cost of the large paver is now $125.  The price was increased by the manufacturer.     Smaller pavers are available for $75 and $50.

ATTENTION:    There have been several instances of vandalism and mischief at the park lately.   Please keep your eyes and ears open.   It is a privilege for everyone to use the park and we would like to keep it open and accessible to all.    Reports of children damaging playground equipment, defacing the building, etc. keep our volunteers busy cleaning up and repairing the premises.   Guilty parties will be prosecuted.  Parents – please talk to your children about this.  This is a community park.  If you see someone taking part in a malicious act please immediately contact the Crawford County Sheriff’s department.   Also please report any problems that you see or any suspicious activity to Ray or one of the board members. Your name will be kept confidential.    

CONTRIBUTORS

A new endowment fund has been set up for Scepansky/Rae family and McQueen/Hutchinson family.   Remember once an endowment fund is established donations of any amount can be made in memory of a special date (birthday, anniversary,etc.)

<>Thanks to Polona Filpi for donations of memorabilia to be housed in the glass case. Polona donated early SNPJ books from the Women’s Auxiliary,  the gavel they used at their meetings, a certificate for the auxiliary and other historic documents and letters.  These items were donated in memory of the Podpechan family.  Thanks to Linda Knoll for the beautiful display in the hall relating to the mining industry, the Amazon Army and in remembrance of her grandparents, John and Frances (Femec) Paulin.   We are truly grateful for each and every donation and are blessed to have such wonderful residents and “friends”.  All donations (large and small) help keep Franklin a strong community.    All donations go directly toward projects that benefit Franklin and the surrounding area.  No directors receive any payment for work they do.   


While the community center debt has been retired there are still many ongoing day to day expenses and we want to continue the programs that benefit everyone.   Insurance, maintenance, utilities, lawn care, park maintenance, historical preservation, kitchen supplies, hall supplies, etc. are just a few of the ongoing expenses that we continue to incur.  In many instances volunteers continue to use their own equipment, gas, office supplies, etc. to keep the community activities going.  We would like to reach a point where the community is self sufficient and we only need to depend on volunteers for labor.    

 

HISTORIC SIDEWALK

Thanks to those who continue to uncover their “Historic Sidewalk”. Everyone should have great pride in having this historic piece of property running through the community.   

COMMUNITY CLEAN UP

<>Thanks to everyone who joined in the spirit of the centennial and cleaned up their yards and area so we were all proud of our community.  The out of town visitors could see what pride we take in our small community.  A huge thank you to those who participated. 

COMMUNITY CENTER  (Dianna Morrison 620-347-8807 or 620-249-2948)

Call for rental information.   We constantly receive compliments on the beauty of the facility as well as it being “user friendly”.

<>

“CENTENNIAL”

As I’m sure many of you have read 3,000 came to Franklin to say “Happy 100th Birthday”.   Comments have been received from the entire country (California, Texas, Michigan, etc.) about what a wonderful celebration this was.   Those who came and took part in the activities enjoyed themselves and were reminded of the struggles of this small community in the early 1900s when the settlers came from the Little Balkan countries to the struggles faced by the current generation. 

 

Games and activities were available for everyone of all ages.   The Amazon Army Program which was produced and directed by Linda Knoll was one of the highlights of the week-end.   They performed to a packed house with “Standing Room Only”.   We can never thank them enough for their hard work and dedication.


One of the most visited areas of the week-end was the historic glass cases and the historic display of photos at the community center.   Residents spent hours looking through the old items and photos which brought back many happy memories.    Millers Professional Imaging re-produced all the photos in the center as well as other historic photos which has enhanced the community center immensely.  The new veterans and school photo display brought much attention.           Contest Winners:  Notice has been sent to the Morning Sun of winners of all contests.  

  <>
THANK YOU!!  A huge thank you to everyone who worked so hard to make this event a success!!  <>

Centennial Items Reduced (Also will be available at Arma Homecoming)

(Call Phyllis 620-347-8387 or 620-249-9333 to pick up any of these items prior to the homecoming or call if you would like to have them sent to you.  You can then send a check to FCCI, P. O. Box 43, Franklin, Ks. 66735.  Some items are very limited.)

Centennial Keepsake Newspaper -50 cents

DVD - $20.00

SEK Living Magazine  (4 page full color Franklin article) - $4.00

Historic Flooring Trivets - $15.00 each (Made from the original flooring salvaged from the Hall and St. Philip Neri.  Very Few Left.  Handcrafted)

Chalkboard   $10.00   (Very few remaining pieces of original chalkboard from Franklin School) – These are small pieces (2-1/2  x 4” approx.) with a small gold plaque attached.;    

Tapestry - $35.00  (centennial logo) 50" x 66"

Tote - $20.00  (centennial logo)  Lined and double sided

Magnets, Key Rings (Centennial Logo) - $2.00

Patches  (Centennial Logo or The Spirit Logo) - $2.00

Hat/Lapel Pins - $2.00 each. 

Christmas Ornaments - $3.00 each (choice of Centennial Logo or The Spirit Logo)

Calendars - $3.00  (full of photos and memories)

Cookbooks - $5.00

  <>Also available at Arma Homecoming

Hats  $5.00

T-Shirts   $3.00

Sweat Shirts   $5.00

Denim long sleeve shirt   $12.00


FCCI DIRECTORS:

Robert Craig Stokes, 620-347-8519

Henry Ashbacher, 620-347-4070

Margaret Kennedy, 620-347-4358

Norine Laird, 620-347-4453

Frances OBlak, 620-347-4312

Ray Hamblin, 620-347-4228

Mary Ann Shull,  620-347-8411

WATER BOARD DIRECTORS:

Craig Stokes, 620-347-8519

Jim Rhuems, 620-347-3498

Doris Morlock, 620-347-4958

Ray Hamblin,  620-347-4228

Dianna Morrison,  620-347-8807

Upcoming Events

September 20  Lifelong Friends


$100 for 100 years

Help us remember the centennial in a special way.
 Donate $100 to the endowment fund in your family name.  
Purchase a $100 paver to be placed in the park. 
Donate $100 for current maintenance, repairs & upkeep.  
Donate $100 for future projects.   (see form below)

Newsletter Editor: Phyllis Bitner
620-249-9333






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