Volunteers need to help with Beautification Day set for May 18

Volunteers are needed on May 18 from 8 AM to 12 PM for the annual Beautification Day, organized by the Franklin Downtown Partnership and the Franklin Garden Club. Many hands are needed to plant flowers in the downtown area.

Volunteers Wanted for May 18 Downtown Beautification Day (photo from 2018)

Volunteers with trucks: meet at 7:30 at Fairmount Fruit Farm at 887 Lincoln St. to pick up trays of flowers and deliver downtown. If you don’t have a truck, arrive by 8:00 at the municipal parking lot near The Rome restaurant and Ferrera’s Market. Bring work gloves, rakes and garden tools, if you can.

Students: if you have community service hours to satisfy, this is the ideal opportunity to earn your hours. You will get a note documenting your service.

Volunteers are also needed this summer to water plants. There are 18 weeks of watering needed over the summer, said Eileen Mason, Beautification Day Chairperson. Pick the weeks that work for you.

"I hear from many people around the area about how beautiful our downtown looks each summer. It's exactly why we do it, to make the downtown area look inviting,” Mason said. “We couldn't do it without all of our resident volunteers, the FHS baseball team, and sponsors who make this possible each year. Thank you to all and enjoy the plantings!"

Email Eileen Mason at emason4234@gmail.com to volunteer to plant on May 18th or water this summer.

“We are very grateful for Eileen Mason, the Garden Club, DPW and all who volunteer every year to plant and water the flowers. We also appreciate the sponsors who support the beautification of our downtown,” said Lisa Piana, Executive Director of the Franklin Downtown Partnership.

The Downtown Partnership is very grateful for the following sponsors of Beautification Day. Platinum sponsors: Camford Property Group, Inc.; Doherty, Dugan, Cannon, Raymond & Weil, P.C.; Eileen Mason, REMAX; Glen Meadow Apartments; and Middlesex Savings Bank. Gold sponsors: Dean Bank; Elizabeth’s Bagels; D.G. Ranieri Real Estate; and Notturno Home Services. Silver sponsors: Fenton Financial Group.

Stay up to date info and follow the Franklin Downtown Partnership at:

https://www.instagram.com/franklindowntownpartnership/  and  

https://www.facebook.com/franklindowntownpartnership.org/

The Franklin Downtown Partnership is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization made up of more than 350 business owners, residents, and community leaders working to revitalize downtown Franklin. Residents can join the Downtown Partnership for $25. The Partnership manages events like the Strawberry Stroll and the Harvest Festival, and initiatives such as beautification, streetscape design, greenspace, alley murals, and sculpture projects. For more information go to www.franklindowntownpartnership.org

Can you be a volunteer driver for the Franklin Office of Meals on Wheels?

The Franklin Office of Meals on Wheels (MOW) needs volunteer delivery drivers.  If you can devote about 2 hours each week, we need you!  

Volunteers are reimbursed at $0.56 per mile & a small stipend is paid as well.

MOW provides healthy meals to our homebound seniors in Franklin, Medway, Bellingham & Blackstone.  Without our kindhearted drivers, we cannot complete this mission.  

If you have a couple of hours & would like to chip in and help out, please call Jeanne, Mon - Fri from 10:30 AM - 1:00 PM at 508.520.1422 for information.  

*** Substitute/On Call drivers also needed.***

Can you be a volunteer driver for the Franklin Office of Meals on Wheels?

The FBRTC 5k - Seeking Volunteers

Sign up to volunteer for the FBRTC 5k

View this email in your browser FBRTC 5k - Seeking Volunteers   Hello! The FBRTC is looking for volunteers to help the morning of May 18, 2024 for our annual 5k fundraiser.  Our partners at Tri-Valley Front Runners will be leading the event, but need assistance in the following areas: Parking Greeting/Direction Raffle Tent Registration / Bib Pick Up / Check In Road Crew Water Stop / Turn Around Spot Timing / Start / Finish / Results / Awards We need volunteers at different times of the morning, from setting up the event starting around 8:00 AM, to supporting the race at 9:00 AM, to breaking down the event starting at 10:00 AM. If you can help out at all, please sign up using this link. Warm regards, Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee Copyright © 2024 Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee, All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee PO Box 68 Franklin, Ma 02038

Senator Rausch thanks the Franklin Food Pantry volunteers with video message (video)

Franklin Food Pantry (@FranklinFoodPan) posted on Mon, Apr 01, 2024:

"April is Volunteer Appreciation Month! We're kicking off the recognition with a special thank you message to Pantry volunteers from Senator Becca Rausch.  Thank you, volunteers!

 #NationalVolunteersMonth #volunteers #thankyou"

Video link -> https://t.co/FwPeHN6SC6 

Shared from -> https://t.co/8getk7yWGw

Rausch, Franklin Food Pantry Video 2024 from Rausch Events on Vimeo.

Senator Rausch thanks the Franklin Food Pantry volunteers with video message (video)

Celebrate Volunteer Appreciation Month and help the Food Pantry with a swag purchase

Have a Franklin Food Pantry volunteer in your life? April is Volunteer Appreciation Month so why not say “thank you” with a gift from our store? 

Get your swag on! Support The Pantry by sporting the latest gear including, hats, t-shirts, bags and so much more!

Don’t delay – the store is only open through April 14, 2024.

Click here: https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/get-involved/swag/

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/p/qGqHcX9gtNpYRjkD/

Celebrate Volunteer Appreciation Month and help the Food Pantry 

Friends of the Franklin Library looking for new Board Members

Board Members Needed! Friends of the Franklin Library is an all-volunteer, nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and promoting the Franklin Public Library. We have several Board Members stepping down in June and would like to invite interested community members to become Friends and to join our Board of Directors. 

Please join us on Wednesday, April 3^rd at 7:00pm in the Friends of the Franklin Library Community Room to learn more about becoming a Board Member. 

If you cannot make this meeting, please email fofl02038@gmail.com for more information.

Friends of the Franklin Library looking for new Board Members

One Franklin could use some "Lit volunteers" for their Literature Campaign

Via the One Franklin group:

"Are you a parent/grandparent/caregiver for a school aged child in Franklin? 

One Franklin could use some "Lit volunteers" 

Do they take the bus? 

Do they play a sport, play in the jazz band? Are they in a club? Are you?

Do you want to help spread awareness about this budget deficit, but have no time to give? 

Our team is looking for those with no time to give for 'Lit(e)' work by creating a team of "Lit Volunteers" to drop off literature (see what we did there?) Their purpose will be to drop off information to fellow parents/caregivers, friends and neighbors. 

People who you probably already see at the bus stop, playground, soccer field, etc... or perhaps you could help by dropping some literature off to your child's classmates or neighborhood (no door knocking, just door hangers). We drop the printed materials right to your home when they're ready to go out. 

Many hands make light work, come be a part of the solution! Please fill out the form below if you want to help. "

Form to sign up -> https://forms.gle/RSEuKexxsoHtJLcG6

Find out more about One Franklin at -> https://onefranklinma.com/

Franklin PorchFest extends registrations to April 30. More than 24 bands registered so far!

Franklin PorchFest … the momentum is building and we are thrilled with the initial response! We are up to 24 bands and counting. Local businesses are getting in on the excitement; for example, Intermission will be open during the entire event for anyone looking for a bite to eat between performances. Other eateries are hosting musicians and extending service to outside areas. There has also been tremendous interest in hosting musicians.

Franklin PorchFest 2024

To accommodate so many requests, we are extending our registration through April 30th for both porch hosts and performers. If you are interested in participating you still have time to sign up.

If you would like to host a band or performer on your Porch or if you have a band or are a performer and would be interested in performing at Franklin PorchFest, go to our website https://franklin.porchfest.info and register for the event. All the information you need to register is on our website. Also on our website you will find links so you can follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Franklin PorchFest is made possible with funds granted from the Mass Cultural Council through the Franklin Cultural District Committee. The Franklin PorchFest Committee is thankful for the support it has received from the Cultural Council, the Cultural District and the Town of Franklin.

Franklin PorchFest will be held Saturday, June 1st from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM with a rain date of June 2nd. Save the date . . . we look forward to seeing you!

Made possible by a grant from Mass Cultural Council through the Franklin Cultural District Committee

Attention Franklin Residents: Town Board & Committee Volunteer Opportunities Are available for YOU!

Town Board & Committee Volunteer Opportunities

The Town of Franklin is seeking volunteers! 

If you are interested in serving on a Town board or committee to enhance the great quality of life in Franklin, click here!

Positions open for 

• Agricultural Commission
• Conservation Commission 
• Design Review Commission (DRC) 
• Franklin Cultural Council 
• Franklin Disability Commission

Shared from ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/2024-03-14_-_boards_committees_vacancies_announcement.pdf

Attention Franklin Residents: Town Board & Committee Volunteer Opportunities Are available for YOU!

There is a Conservation Commission Vacancy - Apply Today!

Conservation Commission Vacancy - Apply Today!

Do you have an interest in conservation, wildlife, wetlands, and the environment? 

Do you see yourself as a leader in Franklin for green initiatives and open space planning? 

Would you like to a part of decision making processes for the growth and development around Town? 

Then what are you waiting for? 

Apply to the Franklin Conservation Commission today!

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Land planning, environmental science, engineering, or construction experience a plus, but not required. Training and continued education provided upon appointment. 

Applications can be submitted online at https://franklinmaboards.vt-s.net/newcaf.php. For more information about the vacancy, please contact Breeka Li Goodlander via email at bgoodlander@franklinma.gov or via phone at 508-520-4847.

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/conservation/news/conservation-commission-vacancy-apply-today

Conservation Commission Vacancy - Apply Today!

Reminder: FHS restores Community Services Hours as a grad requirement; Non-profits - Let's be ready to take advantage of this!

 At a recent Franklin School Committee meeting, Josh Hanna, the Principal of FHS, provided an update on the program of studies at the high school. The update is scheduled annually and gives the community a preview on significant course changes, adds, etc. before the students start registering for the next school year.

One key aspect that was announced can benefit the Franklin area nonprofits; the restoration of Community Services Hours as a graduation requirement at FHS. This becomes effective with the graduating class of 2028.

“Beginning with the class of 2028 Franklin High School students are required to complete 20 hours of community service as part of the requirement for graduation”  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/2024-2025_fhs_program_of_studies_.pdf 

As you have community service hour opportunities, please let Josh know. Please also give advance notice. He plans to be the central contact for now. He also plans to add a section to the FHS newsletter which goes out every 2 weeks to spread the word. Josh’s email is -> hannaj@franklinps.net 

Sample of a recent school newsletter -> https://t.co/Dv0lAS1YAz

If you want to listen to the meeting to hear the update the audio is available ->

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/01/school-committee-hears-about-oak-st-fhs.html

(due to some technical difficulties that night, the broadcast video is not yet available)

FHS restores Community Services Hours as a grad requirement; Let's be ready to take advantage of this!

Shared from FANN -> https://www.franklinareanonprofitnetwork.org/2024/01/fhs-restores-community-services-hours.html

The Children’s Museum of Franklin to start with pop ups (audio)

FM #1136 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1136 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with the founders of the forthcoming Children’s Museum of Franklin; Meg Hagen and Erin Gallagher. 

Meg and Erin fill us in on their Franklin story, the idea for the museum, starting as a pop up or mobile museum for now to help build interest and community excitement.

There are opportunities to help volunteer and contribute in other ways as well as financially. The show notes contain links to their web page with their pop up schedule and contact and contribution forms.

Let’s listen to my conversation with Meg and Erin

Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1136-childrens-museum-franklin-starts-with-popups-01-10-24

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Franklin Children’s Museum -> https://www.childrensmuseumfranklin.org/ 

Events -> https://www.childrensmuseumfranklin.org/events 

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We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.  

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

 

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

• If you don't like something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news/

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

------------------

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

The Children’s Museum of Franklin to start with pop ups (audio)

Franklin Food Pantry recognizes Community Garden Success

"The numbers are in! 

This year Franklin Community Gardens grew more than 1,650 lbs. of produce for The Food Pantry, which equates to approximately $14,000 of fresh-grown, local, and organic vegetables and herbs. 

The group also donated 100 flower arrangements to neighbors in need. 

We are grateful for our community of dedicated volunteers."

Shared from -> https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=pfbid02ordtKjLJoFvASS7uGTQiBJFhhsQRERYosja1ZkCfbcc4wkFasWAea5Nt2eM2yEjJl&id=100064488767698&mibextid=Nif5oz

Franklin Food Pantry recognizes Community Garden Success

Volunteers sought for the Youth football and Cheerleading board

Have you been wondering about ways to get involved in our ever-growing program? You should consider joining our Board!!

We are opening all of our Manager and Assistant Manager positions:

 • Registration Manager

 • Equipment Manager (and Assistant Manager)

 • Concessions Manager

 • Facilities/Scheduling Manager

 • Fundraising Manager (and Assistant Manager)

 • Public relations/Social Media Manager

 • Pro-Shop Manager (and Assistant Managers for both Football and Cheer)

If you are interested in one of these opportunities, please email president@franklinpanthersyfb.com and vice-president@franklinpanthersyfb.com, no later than January 1st. 

Be sure to include your name, the position you're interested in, and any additional information you'd like to include. 

We'll be looking to fill these roles at our January 10th meeting. 

We look forward to hearing from you!!

Volunteers sought for the Youth football and Cheerleading board

"The Franklin Panthers is a non-profit organization that offers children, ages 7-14 years, the opportunity to participate in football and cheerleading. All board members, coaches, and assistants are volunteers and are here to ensure that every child participates in a safe and enjoyable, yet disciplined environment. We as parents, board members, and coaches feel it is essential to emphasize fun, teamwork, sportsmanship, camaraderie, and physical fitness throughout all phases of our program. Our hope is that each child will take with them the positive lessons, values, and memories experienced during their years with the Chargers organization. Franklin Panthers is part of the American Youth Football and Cheer organization."

Shared from -> https://twitter.com/FranklinCharger/status/1735759132270174602

and https://www.facebook.com/franklinpanthersyfb/posts/pfbid0mfxKB6P1AB4tAuo7kQRhBtfGEmZaNM15VxCUUdxAQ1vJuyYaVseFdsZpXLqgmMHEl

Both FHS Girls & Boys Panther Hockey Teams help with the downtown decorations on Sunday

FHSPantherHockey (@FHSPantherHocke) posted on Sun, Nov 19, 2023:

"FHS Boys Hockey decorating Downtown Franklin. 

Tis the Season 7 days till tryouts!

@FHSSports @ToFranklinMa @FranklinDowntwn" https://t.co/oNhqjt5u9I

FHS Boys Hockey decorating Downtown Franklin

The FHS Girls hockey team was a great help on Sunday ->

Members of the FHS Girls hockey team

Before photo

downtown decorations on Sunday - before

After photo

downtown decorations on Sunday - after

Additional photos from Eileen Mason ->    https://www.facebook.com/eileen.mason1/posts/pfbid0rNxwPmU9Y64gaNixG5tydbSToDmVT13Jqt56wpp2EHiHZ2m59fxH4WcBExMoiDRzl

Franklin Food Pantry Invites Community Support on #GivingTuesday

Demand for Food Assistance and Programs Continues to Increase as Winter Months Approach

The Franklin Food Pantry, which provides supplemental food assistance and programs in Franklin, is encouraging the community to support The Pantry through acts of giving and service on #GivingTuesday. The annual event occurs the Tuesday following Thanksgiving and inspires people to give, collaborate, and celebrate generosity.  

In recent months, The Pantry has experienced a sharp increase in demand for food and services including weekend backpack meals for school children, holiday meal kits, and health and wellness items. By supporting The Pantry on #GivingTuesday, Franklin residents can make a lasting, positive impact in their immediate community.  

Franklin Food Pantry Invites Community Support on #GivingTuesday

“#GivingTuesday is an opportunity for everyone to reflect on their blessings, and pass that gratitude on to others in need,” said Tina Powderly, Executive Vice President, of Franklin Food Pantry. “The holiday season can be a time of tremendous stress for individuals and families experiencing food insecurity. By coming together, we can provide hunger relief that lasts throughout the new year.”

How to support the Franklin Food Pantry on #GivingTuesday:

• Donate—Make a monetary donation and help provide food and goods to the more than 1,300 individuals and families who rely on The Pantry each year. In Norfolk County, the average cost for a meal is about $5. A donation of $20 helps a family of four start their day with breakfast, eat lunch at work or school, or provide a nutritious dinner at night. Recurring monthly donations to help The Pantry budget for everyday expenses are also available. Click HERE to donate. 
• Show Support—Share support for the Franklin Food Pantry on social media channels. Share The Pantry’s posts or create original content that links to The Pantry website or #GivingTuesday donation page. Be sure to use #GivingTuesday.  
• Volunteer—The Franklin Food Pantry has flexible volunteer options to meet almost everyone's desire to help. To volunteer, complete the online application and a volunteer coordinator will be in contact. Please note that availability for new Pantry volunteers will begin after the holiday season. For more information, click HERE.
• Organize a Food or Fund Drive—Individuals, corporations, schools, churches, community groups, and other organizations can coordinate a food and fund drive using The Pantry’s online toolkit. Collected food and funds will help The Pantry provide assistance throughout the season and into the new year. 

#GivingTuesday takes place on November 28, 2023. To add a #GivingTuesday reminder to an online calendar, please click HERE. For more information or to learn about the Franklin Food Pantry, visit www.franklinfoopantry.org.

About the Franklin Food Pantry, Inc.

The Franklin Food Pantry, Inc. offers supplemental food assistance and household necessities to more than 1,300 individuals per year. The Franklin Food Pantry is not funded by the Town of Franklin. The Pantry partners with several organizations including the Greater Boston Food Bank to achieve greater buying power and lower costs. 

Donations and grants fund food purchases, keep lights on, and put gas in the Pantry truck. Programs include home delivery, a weekend backpack program for Franklin school children, mobile pantries, emergency food bags, and holiday meal packages. The Pantry is located at 341 W. Central St. in Franklin, Massachusetts on Route 140. Visit www.franklinfoodpantry.org for more information.