Franklin Community Newsletter

February, 2008                    www.franklinkansas.com

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 Anna (Femec) Kosir and Mary (Sadovy) Bogatay

UPCOMING EVENTS

March 1 - Bargain Bazaar & Chili Feed

March 2 – FCCI Board Meeting

March 13 – Lifelong Friends

BARGAIN BAZAAR & CHILI FEED             (March 1, 2008)

Donations of rummage sale items needed.    Please help support the council in providing programs that benefit the entire area.    Fund raising proceeds help keep the community center, park and welcome sign in operation.  Special events are also funded by the proceeds.  Daily operating expenses can add up quickly.  While we realize everyone does not have the ability to donate toward our projects the rummage sale provides a great way to help out.  Donate your items that you no longer use or need. Now is a great time to clean out your closets, cabinets, storage shed and garage.  We thank everyone for their support. 

          We are now accepting items.  Please help us make this a success.   Please do not make us a trash drop off.   We will accept clean, usable items.   Please do not think we are being picky but last year we received nearly a truckload of broken and unusable items that had to be taken to the trash. If you need items picked up please call the center (347-4220) and arrangements will be made.   Items accepted until Thursday, February 28. 

HELP  NEEDED        

We will be setting up for the Bargain Bazaar and need strong backs to help set up tables, clothing racks, move boxes from the storage building as well as organize the storage building. We also need help throughout the week including the day of the sale.  Please call the office (347-4220) or stop by if you are able to help on any of these dates.  You can select a work time from the schedule. Most are 3-4 hour shifts except Saturday which are longer shifts.   Thanks to those who see something that needs to be done and takes care of  it!  They have an attitude that this is their community and step up when something needs to be done.  We appreciate their help.

WELCOME TO NEW MASCOTS
Please  note my error.  The names of the cats are reversed.  Frankie is the striped cat and Buddy is the orange cat.

If you’ve noticed two furry friends at the center be sure to welcome them as our new mascots.  Frankie (orange cat)  and Buddy (gray striped) were cold and hungry when they were found at the center. After a search for their owners or a new home we were unable to locate one.   Thanks to the SEK Humane Society for seeing that they were spayed and neutered.    They have now settled into their new home at the community center.   They welcome visitors as they drive up and one of their favorite spots is sitting in the front window.   They welcome pats on the head or a scratch behind the ear.    They are very loving and well mannered cats.

ANNEXATION

A statewide coalition has been formed to support passage of House Bill 2747.  This bill will require any annexation to be put to a vote of the people being affected.   This does not stop annexation but gives property owners the chance to have their voices heard.  In order for this coalition to be successful they must retain a lobbyist which can be very expensive.   If you are interested in seeing this bill move forward please drop your donations by the center or mail them to us and we will send them on.   The voices of small communities such as Franklin must be heard.    All donations in any amount will be welcome.  We did not organize this group but are passing along the information and will collect and send all donations directly to them.     They feel a lobbyist will be key to the success of the bill.  If you have further questions contact Craig at 620-249-1326 as he is in contact with this group.   A petition is also at the community center in support of passage of this bill.  Please stop by to sign this very important petition.  This is not only for Franklin residents.  Anyone in the state of Kansas of legal age can sign this petition. If you know friends who live in other outlying areas who have concerns about being annexed please tell them about this petition.  The petition can be signed anytime during normal business hours (Monday through Saturday 10am-3pm)

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Franklin receives recognition award at SEK Inc. Annual Meeting  January 23, 2008

A regional development organization,  SEK Inc. conducted its Annual Meeting, with the theme, "To the Stars through Difficulties," at the Liberty Theatre, Fort Scott. The purpose of the meeting was to celebrate efforts by many southeast Kansas communities who rebuilt after suffering major disasters in recent years.    It was a celebration of Southeast Kansas and the communities that have suffered disasters over the past seven years and have bounced back or are in the process of planning and rebuilding.  It was to celebrate the resiliency of the communities and the people who live here and make great things happen.    The event included the presentation of a special recognition award to Franklin which is on display in the historic display cases at the Community Center. Please stop by to take a look.   This award is for the entire community of Franklin.   A pictorial display illustrating what the community has been through and what direction we are headed in the future was set up for the event.

  <>BRIDAL SHOW

Thanks to Carolyn Hartman for the beautiful display she organized for the Bridal Show at Memorial Auditorium.  Carolyn set up the display on Friday and attended the booth the entire day on Saturday.  Many brides and their families visited the booth, viewed photos of the hall and visited with Carolyn about potential rentals.   A door prize (50% off next rental) was awarded to Stacy Hampton, Pittsburg.  Several brides and family members have already contacted the center to arrange for rentals.

  <>VETERANS  <>

Please send us your veteran’s pictures for our veterans memorial display. They can be dropped off at the community center and the original will be returned to you.  This includes those currently serving.  We would like to have a special area for those who are currently enlisted.  Please update us with that information.  If anyone who is serving will soon be coming home please let us know that information as well.  KOAM continues to seek photos and information for their Four State Heroes program.   If you would like for your veteran to be a part of this special program we would be happy to help you with that.  Veterans must have served during wartime.   A picture of the veteran along with his service information is required.  Forms are available at the community center and we will be glad to help with sending those to KOAM.    <>

FUNERAL DINNERS   (Norine Laird - 620-347-4453)

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.

CONTRIBUTORS
Thanks to Betty (Ales) Devoss for the huge assortment of small kitchen appliances, cookware,  miscellaneous and items for the rummage sale and to Marion Kobak for the large griddle.   Thanks to Antoinette Blazic, Tony & Ruth Zemlock and Bob Femec for their support of our organization.    We appreciation all donations and will put the items and money to good use for the benefit of the entire community.

LIFELONG FRIENDS       (Margaret Kennedy    620-347-4358)             March 13      March 20

Watch newspaper for time and further information or call the office  620-347-4220.  Everyone has enjoyed the luncheons and the programs have been outstanding.    The remainder of the afternoon has been enjoyed by everyone by visiting, playing cards, games, etc.

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APRIL POLKA DANCE (Norine Laird 620-347-4453)

For Reservations call 620-347-4220                    Music by Johnnie Zibert Band

3-6 pm                  $5 per person    

REUNION - Cancelled for this year. 

With the 5^th anniversary remembrance and symposium being held in May there hasn’t been enough interest in holding a separate event.   We’ll see if there is enough interest next year.

FRANKLIN COMMUNITY CENTER  & HERITAGE MUSEUM

“NEW HOURS”   Monday-Saturday 10 am-3pm      

Please help to promote the community center to your friends. It is a wonderful rental facility and works perfectly for weddings, bridal & baby showers, birthday parties, etc.   Rental fees help to maintain the center and keep it in operation.   If you know of anyone looking for a special place to hold their next event please recommend the center.  Brochures are available in the office and a tour can be taken at any time during normal business hours.  Information as well as the complete rental packet along with rates is on the website (www.franklainkansas.com)     

CENTENNIAL & FRANKLIN Collectibles are always available for purchase at the community center.  Keep in mind when you need a special gift.    Thanks to those who continue to help us in our quest of saving historical items and documents relating to Franklin.  We are dedicated to preserving the history of the community and appreciate support toward these projects. 

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WATER DEPARTMENT DROP BOX

The Drop Box for RWD #7 water is located in front of the Franklin Community Center just south of the portico pillars. You may mail your payments to P.O. Box 44 Franklin, Ks 66735.  If you have any questions please call Veda Maxwell at 347-4747.

WATER BOARD DIRECTORS:

Craig Stokes, 620-347-8519;   Jim Rhuems, 620-347-3498;   Doris Morlock, 620-347-4958;  Dianna Morrison,  620-347-8807

MORE WAYS TO HELP

FCCI has a booth space in the new Iron Wheel Flea Market as a fund raiser.  If you have antiques or collectibles that you would like to donate please drop them by the community center during normal business hours or call to make arrangements for pickup.  This is a great way to support your favorite non-profit and to help with the community.  All proceeds go 100% directly to programs that benefit the community.