Saturday, June 7, 2014

All Night Party - A labor of love

While the senior class and their families were participating in the graduation ceremony in the Franklin Field House, hundreds of volunteers were busy transforming the high school corridor to another world.

What can you do with a high school corridor? It is wide, concrete, has a tiled floor and not very exciting to look at. Well you'd be surprised by what can be done with a little creativity, lots of volunteers and have it all abide by the fire code for safety.

You see safety is one of the prime motivators behind the All Night Party anyway. What would high school seniors do on graduation night but go and party! With offsite parties, there would likely be alcoholic beverages. With such beverages, there would be an inevitable tragedy.

The All Night Party avoids all that. It magically transforms the high school corridor to a fun place for a party without alcoholic beverages and volunteer adult chaperones. The graduates can have a good time and their parents and families can rest assured for one night.

I was fortunate to be able to get behind the scenes and take these photos as the corridor was transformed. There was still work to be done after the graduation ceremony finished in the field house. There would be other exercise activities set up.

So let's walk along the corridor as it is being transformed...

From the field house, up the stairs to New York City at night with the stars out.

up the stairs to NYC
up the stairs to NYC

The stars are all the graduates!

FHS graduate photo as a youth
FHS graduate photo as a youngster

Through the doorway, to Hollywood. Yes, more stars.

more stars in Hollywood
more stars in Hollywood

A hand painted mural.

hand painted mural of a theater
hand painted mural of a theater

Hand crafted replicas of the Oscars! (Yes, Franklin has talent!)

one of the two Oscars with their creators
one of the two Oscars with their creators

From Hollywood, we step into Mardi Gras!

Mardi Gras display
Mardi Gras display

and yes, Franklin does love a party!

FHS loves Mardi Gras
FHS loves Mardi Gras

Then we get into the high school Marathon

the memory wall
the memory wall
I'd like to have seen the memory wall at the end of the night

the Marathon Team poses
the Marathon Team poses

the marathon finish leads to Hogwarts
the marathon finish leads to Hogwarts
We catch our breathe by stepping into Hogwarts

did you bring your broom? it is quidditch time!
did you bring your broom? it is quidditch time!

watch out for the death eaters
watch out for the death eaters
From the darkness of Hogwarts, we jump into the sunshine of Panther Beach

Panther Beach
Panther Beach

pose with a local beach drifter
pose with a local beach drifter

get some good advice
get some good advice

From the beach, we take a ride to the Derby

another hand painted mural
another hand painted mural

take a ride around Franklin Downs

Franklin Downs
Franklin Downs
The horse figure first made its appearance at the All Night Party in 2004. My oldest daughter graduated that year. I wonder if she'll remember. The word has it that is has been more of a chameleon over the year than a horse, also showing up as a mule and a dinosaur at different times as well as changing color.

pose with the roses
pose with the roses

From the Derby, we join the casino cruise.

card game tables at the ready
card game tables at the ready

card game tables at the ready on both sides
card game tables at the ready on both sides

be careful how you play
be careful how you play
To contribute to or get involved in the All Night Party for next year visit their website for contact information


The full set of photos from the preparation for the All Night Party can be found on Flickr
https://www.flickr.com/photos/steve_sherlock/sets/72157645098126833


40th Anniversary Celebration - St Mary's - June 8th


On June 8, 2014, the Parish of Saint Mary in Franklin is privileged to celebrate the fortieth anniversary of ordination to the priesthood of two members of the Parish clergy. Pastor Brian T. Manning and Parochial Vicar John L. Sullivan will be jointly celebrating this significant event. 
A Mass of Thanksgiving will be celebrated at 10:30 AM at St. Mary’s Church. Concelebrating the Mass will be Reverend Manning, principal celebrant, Reverend Sullivan, homilist, and Reverend Anthony V. Le, as well as numerous priests from throughout the Archdiocese of Boston and other friends of the celebrants. 
The liturgy will include music directed Mr. Terrance Kerr, Parish Music Director, with participation by the St. Mary Adult choir and the Children’s choir. A String Quartet and Trumpet will accompany the choirs. Music literature will include the Adult Choir singing “Laudate Dominum” by Mozart, and the Children’s Choir singing “Shall We Gather at the River” by Robert Lowry. 
Following the Mass of Thanksgiving, there will be a reception on the parish grounds. Parishioners, as well as the families and friends of the celebrants, will be in attendance.
St Mary's Church, Franklin
St Mary's Church, Franklin

Additional information on St Mary's Parish can be found on their webpage


Tastebuds Fresh Marketplace: Now Open on Sundays

Hi Steve 
We wanted to let your readership know that Tastebuds Fresh Marketplace, your local neighborhood Butcher shop, is now open on Sundays from 11:00am -3:00am for all your grilling needs. We have marinated beef and turkey tips, steaks cut to order and a variety of marinated chicken breasts , homemade sausage and fresh ground burger. 
Customers can call us at 508 528 4100 during the week and we can have your order ready for pickup before you head north or to the Cape. 
For a full listing of our hours, check our website www.tastebudsfreshmarketplace.com 
Thanks
Dave and Donna Lanni

Tastebuds Fresh Marketplace
Tastebuds Fresh Marketplace


Related posts on Tastebuds

Mar 2014 - Now open for business
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/03/tastebuds-fresh-marketplace-now-open.html

Apr 2014 - Grand Opening
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/04/tastebuds-fresh-marketplace-grand.html

Dave Matthews Band helps the Franklin Food Pantry

The Dave Matthews Band is helping the Franklin Food Pantry via the BamaGreen Project. As the band tours, it is coordinating with local farms and local pantries (yes, us!) to raise awareness and funds for the local farmers.

Dave Matthews Seed Packets are for sale ($5) at each concert venue.

The BamaGreen Food Drive
The BamaGreen Food Drive

Click here to view a video on the project http://www.reverb.org/DMB/DMB2.html

Additional info on how you can take action to help can be found here
http://www.reverb.org/DMB/action.html


If you are not going to the concert and would like to contribute, the Franklin Food Pantry accepts donations securely online here
Donate to the Food Pantry
Donate to the Food Pantry


Note the Dave Matthews Band appearance at the Xfinity Center on Saturday, Jun 7th is sold out
http://davematthewsband.com/tour/2014-06-07-xfinity-center

Friday, June 6, 2014

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA Area: FRI 6/6/14 - THU 6/12/14

FRI 6/6   12pm-6pm Opening Day for Farmer's Market at Franklin Town Common. Every Friday until October 31!
FRI 6/6   6:30pm-8:30pm   Art Night Uncorked at Franklin Art Center

SAT 6/7   9am-3pm   Blood Drive in honor of Noah Smith at Franklin United Methodist Church. Please make an appointment at halfpints.childrenshospital.org
Sponsor code is FRMETHCH. Or call Susan Touhey at 508-404-6914. Positive ID required.

SAT 6/7   11:00am to 4:00pm  Norfolk Community Day at the Holmes Complex at 22 Myrtle St in Norfolk

SAT 6/7   9am-2pm   Kindercare Annual Yard Sale, Pond Street, Franklin.

SAT 6/7   4pm-7pm   2nd Annual Drink Pink For Cure at Pour Richard’s. Rose wine tastings, food, music - benefits American Cancer Society. Purchase your tickets HERE.

SUN 6/8  - 10:30 AM Mass - 40th Anniversary Celebration of Ordination - Pastor Brian T. Manning and Parochial Vicar John L. Sullivan -  St Mary's

TUE 6/10   7:30pm   Franklin and Bellingham Rail Trail Committee Meeting at Franklin YMCA. Public is always welcome.

WEDS 6/11 1:00pm - Easy Walks in Franklin. Marjorie Turner Hollman presents at the Senior Center

THU 6/12   4pm-7pm   Annual Strawberry Stroll in Downtown Franklin.
THU 6/12  7:00pm -  Easy Walks in Franklin. Marjorie Turner Hollman presents at the Franklin Public Library

For all the Town of Franklin Public Meetings click HERE.

For more details on the events above click HERE.

*If you have any suggestions or events for the calendar, please email Renata@BetterLivingRE.com

Do we pay for the roads, or not that is the question...

*** The Town Council voted to put the ballot question before the voters to raise $1.5 million on a dedicated override to pay for roads and sidewalks. The dedicated override if approved, can only be used for this purpose. This is not line an 'operational' override which for the first year has a cause to rally around it, but in subsequent years the fund drop into the general fund.

road work on Uncas St
road work on Uncas St

If approved, the money raised by the vote would be voted on by the Town Council in July of 2015 to be used for repairing some roads. If the Council in subsequent years, doesn't vote the full amount or any amount, then no money would be spent on the roads. The voters could change the amount or stop the override in another vote.

The $1.5 million would likely be paired with the approx. $1M of water/sewer line repairs and $900,000 in Chapter 90 funds from the State to help make a dent in the overall backlog of repairs required by the 200 miles of roads in Franklin.

The text of the ballot question can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/06/resolution-14-45-dedicated-override-to.html

*** The Town Council voted to fund the hiring of a project manager and architect to proceed with the Library renovations and expansion. This funding would allow for the more detail planning that a formal committee would do to eventually come back to the Council with a more detailed design and cost estimate for the work. The return would like be about this time next year.

The amount authorized was $1M. The amount would be funded within the existing debt service plan and not require any increase in taxes. The same funding method was use to provide for the Senior Center, the Fire Stations, and other significant capital expenses outside of the schools which have been covered by debt overrides (and an appropriate increase in taxes).

Franklin Public Library
Franklin Public Library
The Finance Committee meeting had a more detail overview of the project. The presentation and those notes can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/06/live-reporting-finance-committee-060314.html



*** The Town Council also heard from Alan Mercer on the proposal for creation of a "Cultural District" in Franklin. There are many benefits to do so and the Council spoke in favor of the process.

revised outline of proposed Cultural Council for Franklin
revised outline of proposed Cultural Council for Franklin


My notes as captured during the meeting on Wednesday can be found here
Live reporting: Closing 
Live reporting: Legislation 
Live reporting: Cultural Council presentation 
Live reporting: Town Council - June 4

LadyBug Spots Public Art Project


The LadyBug Spots Public Art Project is coming to Franklin this summer and into the fall. This fantastic art project will give business, civic organizations, and the whole Franklin community something to celebrate as we honor the 40th anniversary of the law naming our state bug, born in Franklin. 
Local area professional artists will collaborate with sponsors to create 25 unique pieces of art. Funds raised from the project will be used towards erecting a sculpture honoring Palma Johnson and the work she did with her students from the Kennedy Elementary School.
If you would like more information about sponsoring a ladybug or would like to be one of the many artists, please contact the Franklin Cultural Council at franklinculture@hotmail.com.

You can also find an article that ran in June issue of Local Town Pages, Franklin:
http://www.franklintownnews.com/content/franklin-ladybugs-get-their-spots


plain Ladybug - ready for adoption
plain Ladybug - ready for adoption

adopted Ladybug and in progress
adopted Ladybug and in progress

Ladybug Spots information
Ladybug Spots information

DelCarte Program - June 4, 2014

The program handed out at the ribbon cutting for the DelCarte Recreation and playground on Wednesday is available here for your reading (and download).

DelCarte Recreation and Conservation Area
DelCarte Recreation and Conservation Area




The photos were here posted yesterday and also shared on Facebook




Please note: The recreation area is also conservation space so it will be a "what you carry in, you also carry out" place like other parks.

Norfolk Community Day - Nov 7th

The Franklin Food Pantry truck will be in Norfolk as part of the Norfolk Community Day, Saturday, June 7th.
Franklin Food Pantry truck
Franklin Food Pantry truck

Sponsored by the Norfolk Lions, the event is scheduled to begin at 11:00 AM and end at 4:00 PM. It will be held at the Holmes Complex at 22 Myrtle St.

Bring a non-perishable item for the Food Pantry and get an entry into the Community Day raffle.
The Norfolk Lions are sponsoring a food drive this year at Community Day set for June 7th from 11 to 4 pm at the Holmes Busing Company located on Myrtle Street. We have partnered with the Norfolk and Franklin Food Pantry's and are requesting folks attending Community Day bring non-perishable food items or any of the following to the event: 
  • Shampoo
  • Hand soap/sanitizer
  • Toothpaste
  • Deodorant
  • Cereal
  • Shaped pasta
  • Granola bars
  • White tuna
We will have a collection station in the parking lot, all donors will be entered in a drawing, and we will draw two winners for gift certificates around 3 pm during Community Day. You do not have to be present to win! 
The need in our community continues to rise steadily, and the summer months are typically the slowest for donations. Combined, the Norfolk and Franklin Food Panty's service over 600 local families, and each is committed to providing immediate relief from hunger while working towards healthy sustainable solutions. We would appreciate your support in helping the Lions conduct a successful food drive! 
- EM and PM, Community Day Co-Chairs
http://www.norfolknet.com/norfolk/



Additional info on Community Day can be found here
http://www.norfolkwrenthamnews.com/content/norfolk-lions-community-day-june-7-2014


Thursday, June 5, 2014

DelCarte Opening Day - Photo Essay



another sign by Cam, this at the entrance of the new playground and recreation area
another sign by Cam, this at the entrance of the new playground and recreation area

Town administrator Jeff Nutting opened with his remarks to thanks all those involved
Town Council Chair Bob Vallee expressed his thanks to all involved

Senator Richard Ross had a few remarks and presented a letter of thanks to Franklin
Senator Richard Ross had a few remarks and presented a letter of thanks to Franklin

Rep Jeff Roy's Legislative Aide Chris Yancich presented on behalf of Rep Roy
Rep Jeff Roy's Legislative Aide Chris Yancich presented on behalf of Rep Roy
Conservation Commission Chair Jeff Livingstone also had a few remarks
Conservation Commission Chair Jeff Livingstone also had a few remarks
then it was time for some eager youths to cut the ribbon to the playground
then it was time for some eager youths to cut the ribbon to the playground
The site has a dedication to former Conservation Agent Nick Alfieri
The site has a dedication to former Conservation Agent Nick Alfieri

close up of the dedication to Nick Alfieri
close up of the dedication to Nick Alfieri

picnic tables have a view of the ponds
picnic tables have a view of the ponds

one of the native snapping turtles made an appearance
one of the native snapping turtles made an appearance

Blackstone Valley Heritage Corridor: Things to do in June

A long list of activities along the Blackstone River not far away in Rhode Island!



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Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor
June: Things to do in the Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor

For a complete, detailed listing of events, see the event calendar

Ranger Walkabouts


Ranger Walkabouts - Abby Kelly  
Thursday, June 5
Ranger Walkabout:
1770 Quaker Meeting House: A Lecture in a Historic Building
Uxbridge, MA
Start time: 6:30 pm
This year the schedule kicks off at the 1770 Quaker Meeting House in Uxbridge, MA as we hear about some of the Fiery Females and Freedom Seekers who made the Blackstone Valley their home, at least for a short time.
One of the most significant historical figures in America when it comes to talking about the Abolitionist Movement and Women's Rights, Abby Kelly Foster called the Blackstone Valley her home. The 1770 Friends Meeting House in South Uxbridge was her meeting house....then she said, "I'm outta here." Why? What was it like to be a Quaker? How were issues sorted out? What made Abby Kelly leave her faith, or was it her organized faith left her? And, what is the connection to the Underground Railroad? Join Ranger Chuck Arning and Carol Masiello of the Uxbridge Friends for an interesting evening of discussion. 
Parking: Quaker Meeting House is located at the intersection of Rt. 146A and Rt 98 in Uxbridge, MA. Limited parking up by the site itself; driveway can be tricky. Parking is available along the highways - Rt. 98 & Rt. 146A.  

Pawtucket Proud Day


Thursday, June 5

Pawtucket Proud Day was created by The Pawtucket Foundation to bring the city's business community together to help showcase public spaces, neighborhood parks, and gateways of the city.

Held each June, the event attracts upwards of 100 volunteers to clean up, plant, paint, mulch and otherwise care for public spaces. Over the years, more than 1,000 volunteers, representing 100 companies, have participated in 60 projects throughout the community. 




Canal District Alliance Annual Meeting


Thursday, June 5
Worcester Hibernian Cultural Centre
19 Temple Street
Worcester, MA
Start time: 6:00 pm

The annual meeting will highlight Canal District Events and initiatives over the past year, what to watch for in the year ahead, include election of board members, and a presentation from special guest Robert Radliff of the National Park Service. This event is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be available.




Family Fun Day at Pleasant Valley
mass audubon
Saturday, June 7 

10:00 am - 4:00 pm 


Featured presenters this year include:
  • Falconer Brian Bradley of Skyhunters
  • Special presentation of "Four Season Bear" by the Caravan Puppets 
  • Local favorite Tom Tyning and his stupendous snakes
  • Live music by George Wilson
  • Nature crafts for the kids
  • Guided nature walks and more!

American Girl Doll Tea

Saturday, June 7 and Sunday June 8

Hearthside
american girl doll tea
757 Great Road
Lincoln, RI
2 Seatings: 12:30 pm, 2:30 pm 


The event is especially designed for girls ages 5-10 and their American Girl Dolls® and offers all the fixings of Hearthside's elegant Afternoon Teas. 

White linen and lace tablecloths, fancy tiered dishes and elegant china, miniature sandwiches and sweets, and tea or lemonade are featured.


Blackstone Valley Leisurely Bicycle Tours

Saturday, June 7, 14, 21, 28leisurely bike tours



Participants enjoy a fun and relaxing way to experience culture, nature, history and recreation on the Blackstone Valley Leisurely Bicycle Tours.
Tours last 4 hours, are ridden at a very leisurely pace, stop often and are appropriate for all fitness levels. 


Downtown Sundown Series

downtown sundown
All events held at:

Roger Williams National Memorial
282 North Main Street
Providence, RI


June 5, 6, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 15

The Rhode Island Shakespeare Theatre will be performing 
Shakespeare's Henry IV Part One.
Concert Series
Saturday, June 21
  • Steve Allain
  • Emma Joy Galvin
  • Tracie Potochnik
  • Lisa Couto & Ray Cooke

4th Annual Blackstone River Theatre
Summer Solstice Festival

Saturday, June 21
Diamond Hill State Park, Rte 114 (directions)
Cumberland, RI
11:00 am - 7:00 pm (Rain date: June 22nd)  

Atwater~Donnelly Trio * Cantrip * Aoife Clancy * Core 4 Sheila Falls & Mark Roberts * Genticorum * The Gnomes Paddy Keenan * Cassie & Maggie MacDonald Robbie O'Connell * Pendragon * Tir Na Nog Irish Dance
summer solstice festival

Rhode Island Great Outdoors Pursuit Event #2 - Navigating the Great Outdoors

Sunday, June 22
Pulaski Memorial State Park
Rhode Island Great Outdoors Pursuit
Glocester, RI
11:00 am - 3:00 pm

Learn how to get around in the great outdoors with modern GPS devices and old-fashioned compasses. You'll also learn about geo caching and letterboxing and meet Smoky Bear.





2nd Annual Woonsocket Arts & Music Festival

Saturday, June 28       Art Guild of Woonsocket

River Island Park
Bernon Street
Woonsocket, RI
10:00 am - 7:00 pm
This event has art work produced by members of the Arts Guild and other artists, as well as many handcrafted items by local artisans. Music will be provided all day. Food vendors will offer a varied cusine for your tastes. 


100th Anniversary of the Trolley Coming to Chepachet & 200th Anniversary of Job Armstrong Store

chepachet village Sunday, June 29
Chepachet Village
Glocester, RI
2:00 - 6:00 pm
The Chepachet Union Church and Glocester Heritage Society will sponsor a celebration of the 100th anniversary of the advent of Trolley service into Glocester and Chepachet. 

It's Patriots, Whirligigs and Fun at the
Smith-Appleby House

smith appleby Sunday, June 29
Smith-Appleby House Museum
220 Stillwater Road
Smithfield, RI
Get ready to show your patriotic spirit with a special craft and historical tour at the Smith-Appleby House.
Kids will make a whirligig (pinwheel) to show their Spirit of American Independence, and everyone gets to tour the historical Smith-Appleby House to see and hear what daily life was really like in Colonial Rhode Island during the American Revolution. Tours are led by educators and history enthusiasts in Colonial dress. 

Event Calendar

Check out the event calendar for a more complete, detailed listing of Blackstone Corridor Events:

We are glad to include Corridor-related news and events, both on our web site calendar and in our monthly newsletter, Corridor Currents.

Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor
About The Blackstone River Valley
National Heritage Corridor
Congress established the National Heritage Corridor in 1986 to restore and preserve the nationally significant heritage of the Blackstone River Valley, where the industrialization of America began. It has become a successful program of partnerships between federal, state and local government agencies, as well as nongovernment organizations, pooling their resources and pursuing a common agenda of preservation and revitalization. 

Ongoing Blackstone Corridor programs and projects include historic preservation, river cleanup, land conservation and stewardship, visitor centers, ranger walks, programs with schools, recreational programs and events, support for arts and cultural events, training for partners and volunteers and assistance to towns trying to preserve their heritage while also improving the local and regional economy.
One Depot Square
Woonsocket, Rhode Island 02895
Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor
401-762-0250

Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor | One Depot Square | Woonsocket | RI | 02895