A Halloween House Decorating Contest, a couple great acts at the Franklin Senior Center and an extended deadline for grant submissions are what’s going on at the Franklin Cultural Council this month. Although at deadline, specifics were not yet available, Franklin residents are encouraged to take part in a Halloween House Decorating Contest, from October 22nd through October 30th, the final day of which judges will pick winning houses. Look for more details on Facebook on the Franklin Cultural Council page.

Franklin Cultural Council members were excitedly working on the specific dates for two great shows at the Franklin Senior Center. The performances will be outside, limited to 50 people, and hopes were to offer two shows per concert, so that the first audience can leave and make room for a second. Planners noted that seniors can listen from in or around their cars. Featured artists will include:

• Singer/songwriter Susan Cattaneo performing a solo “USO” show in the second week of October

• The Mark Shilansky trio playing jazz and big band standards in the fourth week of October

The Franklin Cultural Council will be posting more concert details on their Facebook page as they are available.

Finally, while the deadline for grant proposals is usually October 15th each year to the Franklin Cultural Council, this year that deadline has been pushed back by a month, to November. The Franklin Cultural Council awards grants to local programs in the arts, humanities and sciences. Last year, it awarded 37 grants, totaling nearly $19,500.

Applications will be available October 1st.  To view requirements, as well as last year’s award recipients in Franklin, visit https://www.mass-culture.org/franklin 

The mission of the Franklin Cultural Council (FCC) is to encourage participation and enhance opportunities for enrichment in the cultural arts and sciences throughout our community. Comprised of committed residents, the FCC meets monthly with the purpose of supporting events and programs through grants from the Town of Franklin and the Massachusetts Cultural Council.