On February 23, 2019, Members of the Franklin Odd Fellows held a fundraiser Cornhole Tournament at the Downtown Sports facility 240 Cottage St. in Franklin.  Ten teams came together for a fun time in a double elimination, blind draw style tournament that was organized to raise funds for the Massachusetts Arthritis Foundation and other local charities. This was a first of a kind event for the Odd Fellows who wanted a team sport oriented fundraiser in one of the winter months to balance out a similar event that was held in June of 2018. Facility owners, Richard Frongillo and Kevin Sayward, were gracious hosts throughout the day and lodge members put on a free buffet lunch complete with lasagna, chili, meatballs and rolls, salads, pastas, chips, soft drinks and desserts.

The Grand Prize for the winning team received an all expenses, round trip experience to Nantucket Island on Daffodil Weekend that included round trip tickets for two on the Grey Lady high speed boat out of Hyannis, and participation in the hugely popular Antique Car Parade. The winning team of “Two Kids and a Bean Bag” were by Shane Jackson & Dan Labonte. The second place team of “J & R” was fielded by Ralph Delucia and Jerry Rinkel. Raffle prizes included Red Sox and Patriots shirts and a hand-made ball point pen that retails at $80.00. This high quality and very unique pen is made by the current Noble Grand of the Odd Fellows lodge, Rob Knospins of Millis, MA.

Downtown Sports is an athletic Facility available to teams, clubs, and the community at large for the enjoyment and development of athletes. The sports complex includes a turf field and a multi- sport court with separate space for fitness and exercise classes, training and group activities.

William F. Ray Lodge #71 is located at 330 West Central St and has been doing good charitable behind the scenes work in Franklin since 1878. This article, with pictures, can be seen on the lodge’s web site: www.franklinmassoddfellows.org