Saturday, June 10, 2023

Spring 2023 News from The Franklin Food Pantry!


Spring 2023

Tina's Take

This has been the most amazing spring so far! The Pantry has finally moved into our new home at 341 West Central St., formerly known as the iconic Edwin's Gift Shop. The building increases our client shopping area and warehouse threefold; we now have the capacity to receive, store, and distribute much more fresh food, household products, and personal care items - and much more safely and efficiently.


As we love to say at The Pantry though, "It's not about the building, it's about what we will do in the building!"


Our new facility has: increased client shopping space; a two-story warehouse for storing and prepping bags for distribution, mobile pantries, and home delivery; offices and meeting space for staff; and a dedicated work space for our volunteers. Intentionally and thoughtfully designed, it is energy-efficient and ADA-compliant. Most importantly, it is a dignified, warm and welcoming space where we hope our neighbors will feel very comfortable and safe shopping and seeking assistance.


There are so many people to thank for making this dream a reality that I can't begin to list them all here. We would, however, like to send a special shout out to MASS Development for a $500,000 Underutilized Properties grant that allowed us to renovate the space and bring it into compliance with current environmental and ADA standards. And a special thanks to the MA Legislature for two years (and counting!) of support through special building grants.


The silent phase of our major gift campaign has been very successful and we are more than 58% of the way to our $3.5 million goal. A heartfelt thanks to all those who have contributed so far! We are about to go public and hope that your generosity will continue through the coming year! If you would like to support the new building and the program improvements we are planning to offer, please reach out to Marsha Tait.


If you know someone who may need our services, please do not hesitate to refer them to us by emailing or calling Laura Du.


Knowing that all of us face inflation and increased expenses in our own lives, we are especially grateful for your continued support of our mission and vision.


With much appreciation,


Tina Powderly

Executive Director




New Web Site Launched!


In May, after working with Dionne Katinas and Rich Frongillo at Tinetrix for many months, and with great support from our Campaign Communications Committee, we launched our newly updated web site! There is a lot of easy-to-use information available. Check it out: www.franklinfoodpantry.org


New Pantry Staff

Please join us in welcoming new staff members!



Laura Doherty joined The Pantry in April as Associate Director. Laura is a dynamic leader with more than 16 years of experience as the Executive Director of an international nonprofit. She is an innovative and strategic thinker! You can reach Laura here.

Linda Rondeau joined The Pantry in April as Volunteer Coordinator. Linda is a 30-year Franklin resident who first became involved with The Pantry as a volunteer photographer. You can reach Linda here.

The Pantry Partners with the

Franklin Farmers Market

Did you know...


That 10% of Franklin residents face food insecurity? In 2021, 3,284 Franklin residents participated in MassHealth insurance programs while only 1,508 were enrolled in the Supplemental Nutritional Access Program (SNAP). That means that at least 1,776 additional individuals could benefit from SNAP and could shop at The Pantry.


Last summer, The Pantry partnered with the Franklin Farmers Market to offer SNAP at the market. SNAP participants could swipe their benefit debit cards at the Franklin Honey booth and receive tokens that they then used to purchase fresh food from many of the farmers and vendors. Through donated funds, we were able to match the amounts that shoppers debited to make their dollars stretch further.


The Pantry and the Franklin Farmers Market are partnering again this summer to raise awareness about SNAP and to encourage SNAP recipients to shop for fresh locally-produced food at the market. Tokens will once again be available at the Franklin Honey booth. If you would like to donate in support of this program, please reach out to Marsha Tait.

Join us at the Strawberry Stroll!


The Franklin Downtown Partnership is hosting its annual Strawberry Stroll on Friday June 9 Saturday June 10, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm.


The stroll is a wonderful tradition featuring strawberry shortcakes supplied by Dean Bank and Dean College, music, and more than 95 local vendor booths.


Come see us at The Pantry's table!

Save the Date: La Cantina Fundraiser!


Join us at La Cantina on Wednesday, June 21 from 6:00 - 8:30 pm for live music, good food and libations! Tickets are $30 each and include one free drink. The Sons of Sam Pizza mobile truck will be on site! Proceeds will support our building campaign. Tickets are available here.




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Franklin Food Pantry | 341 West Central St., Franklin, MA 02038 508-528-3115

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Franklin, MA: Job Opportunities with Senior Center, DPW, & Facilities

To apply for a vacant position, please submit a resume and cover letter to apply@franklinma.gov.  Please put the job title in the subject line of your email. 

Supportive Programming Assistant - Senior Center

Heavy Motor Equipment Operators - Department of Public Works

Part Time and Substitute Custodians - Facilities Department

Summer Employment - Facilities Department 

Updated 06/09/2023

If you do not have a resume, you may send a completed Application for Employment instead.

To receive notifications of all job opportunities in the Town of Franklin, subscribe here .

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/human-resources/pages/job-opportunities

Franklin, MA: Job Opportunities with Senior Center, DPW, & Facilities
Franklin, MA: Job Opportunities with Senior Center, DPW, & Facilities

FHS girls lacrosse top Wellesley on Friday, head to Final Four


Girls Lacrosse = Division 1 = #7 Franklin, 12 @ #2 Wellesley, 5 – Final

12-5 Franklin over Wellesley final!! Franklin is heading to the FINAL FOUR!!!

Congratulations FHS Girls Lacrosse players & coaches!!  Final Four Bound!! Special shout out to Kaitlyn, Payten, Emily, Ella M, Raena, Julia F… way to go!!  Best of luck…. Keep winning… all the way to the ‘ship
https://twitter.com/FHS_FH_02038/status/1667345975734677504

Strawberry Stroll - scheduled for June 10, 2023 -> 4 PM to 8 PM in Downtown Franklin

The Franklin Downtown Partnership will be hosting the Strawberry Stroll THIS SATURDAY, June 10, 2023 from 4 PM - 8 PM Downtown. Live music will be provided by Heath Nisbett from 4 PM - 6 PM and Dom DeBaggis from 6 PM - 8 PM. There will be over 95 booths full of fun, freebies and strawberry shortcake of course!

Be sure to swing by the Franklin Fire Department Headquarters to get a glimpse of the fire trucks, including the antique ladder truck up close! Sparky will be out and about greeting guests and handing out plastic red helmets to the children. 

At the Historical Museum, fresh popcorn will be served, and vintage wedding dresses will be displayed. 

Rain date has been activated for Saturday, June 10, 2023 4 PM - 8 PM. Learn more here: https://www.franklindowntownpartnership.org/2023/06/many-activities-and-booths-set-for-june.html

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/weekend-fun-franklin-strawberry-stroll-june-9-2023

Weekend Fun in Franklin - Strawberry Stroll - June 9, 2023 -> 4 PM to 8 PM
Weekend Fun in Franklin - Strawberry Stroll - June 10, 2023 -> 4 PM to 8 PM

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda for June 13, 2023 Meeting

Franklin School Committee 
June 13, 2023 - 7:00 PM
Municipal Building – Council Chambers


Call to Order Ms. Spencer
Pledge of Allegiance 
Moment of Silence

I. Routine Business
A. Review of Agenda
B. Payment of Bills Mr. McNeill
C. Payroll Ms. Spencer
D. FHS Student Representative Comments
E. Superintendent’s Report
 
II. Guests/Presentations
A. Civics Projects Presentation
B. Oak Street Elementary School Highlights
III. Discussion/Action Items
A.   Revised FY24 Budget Vote
I recommend approval of the revised FY24 Budget in the amount of   $71,989,431.00 as discussed.
B. Superintendent’s Evaluation
I recommend your approval of the Superintendent’s composite evaluation for the 2022-2023 school year as discussed.
C.   School Committee Norms & Protocols
The Chair recommends adoption of the amendments in the School Committee Norms & Protocols as discussed.
IV. Discussion Only Items
A. none
V. Information Matters
A. School Committee Sub-Committee Reports
B. School Committee Liaison Reports
VI. Consent Agenda
A. Approval of Minutes
I recommend approval of the minutes from your May 23, 2023 School Committee meeting as detailed.
B.   Music Gift
I recommend acceptance of a check for $489.00 from Music Parents for in-house enrichment for the Music Department as detailed.
C. ASMS Gift
I recommend acceptance of a check for $2,043.70 from the ASMS PCC for in-house enrichment as detailed.
D. Surplus Books
I recommend declaring the attached list of math, science & ELA books as surplus.
VII. Good of the Order

VIII. Citizen’s Comments

IX. New Business
To discuss any future agenda items

X. Executive Session
To approve the minutes from the May 23, 2023 Executive Session of the School Committee.

XI. Adjournment


Meeting agenda doc (includes remote participation info) ->   https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/scagenda_6-13-23.pdf

Franklin, MA: School Committee Meeting Agenda for June 13, 2023
Franklin, MA: School Committee Meeting Agenda for June 13, 2023

Economic Development Subcommittee hears of grants for Nu-Style clean up, discusses GR 5 & cannabis overlap zoning modification (video)

The Economic Development Subcommittee met on Wednesday, June 7, 2023 (prior to the Town Council meeting) and covered three key items as follows:

Quick recap:

  • Nu-Style property now has $600K to support its clean up from two sources; $100K from ARPA funds, and a new grant received for $500K. Thanks to Brian Taberner who has continued to write for grants for this brownfield project and persisted in that effort

  • General residential 5 (GR 5) zoning changes initially proposed to increase the impervious coverage for the property and for the property plus parking would be increased as well as reducing the setbacks required for multi-family 

    • Discussion around what percent the amounts should be, was currently, initially proposed to increase to 35, 45. 

    • Amendment to change to 50, 60, second; after discussion amendment revised to be 45,55, seconded, passes 3-1 (Jones no)

    • Recommendations as amended to move to the Council, passes unanimous 4-0

  • Cannabis overlay district; this is literally only a house cleaning of the map itself, nothing else in the bylaw changes. As businesses changed, this allowed for other changes with restrictions removed


Franklin TV YouTube video ->  https://www.youtube.com/live/UbMxtOXP6ms?feature=share 


The agenda doc also includes remote participation info ->   

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/edc_meeting_agenda_-_june_7_2023.pdf


My notes captured via Twitter during the meeting (in 1 PDF file)

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZCa5NThqjXcxviE57inxIZMM7ycfnT9B/view?usp=drive_link 




Economic Development Subcommittee - Agenda for June 7, 2023  Meeting at 5:45 PM
Economic Development Subcommittee - Agenda for June 7, 2023  Meeting at 5:45 PM

Medicare Fraud Prevention Week

"Did you know that Medicare fraud costs Americans an estimated $60 billion per year? It also affects Medicare beneficiaries in terms of time, stress, and health.

Learn how to protect yourself and others against these scams. Join Social Security and the Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) for Medicare Fraud Prevention Week from June 5-11, 2023. You can remember the start date as “6-5,” as most people become eligible for Medicare when they turn 65 years old."
Continue reading about what you can do to help Medicare fraud ->

Medicare Fraud Prevention Week
Medicare Fraud Prevention Week

Friday, June 9, 2023

Franklin's Event Outlook: June 9, 2023 to June 15, 2023

Strawberry Stroll has been postponed due to the forecast to Saturday, same time.


Saturday offers good choices with stage performances at FHS and THE BLACK BOX, afternoon concert at the Library, and music at both La Cantina and 67 Degrees. Get some history about the Wrentham State School at the Second Sunday Speaker Series at the Historical Museum.


Friday, June 9

Love Letter - art display (Franklin Public Library during open hours)

2:00pm - Franklin Farmers Market (Town Common)

2:00pm - Sioo (live music) (gazebo - Town Common)

4:00pm - Strawberry Stroll (Main St - downtown Franklin)

4:30pm - Sons of Sam Pizza (food truck) (La Cantina Winery)

6:00pm - Anna Freitas Trio (live music) (67 Degrees Brewery)

6:00pm - Kimberlee (live music)  (La Cantina Winery)

7:00pm - FHSTC performs "Get SMART" (ticketed event) (Franklin High School)

7:30pm - FPAC performs "Violet" (ticketed event) (THE BLACK BOX)


Saturday, June 10

Love Letter - art display (Franklin Public Library during open hours)

10:00am - Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

2:00pm - LiveARTS Classical Quarter Concert  (Franklin Public Library)

4:00pm - Strawberry Stroll (Main St - downtown Franklin)

4:00pm - Heath Nesbitt (live music) (Strawberry Stroll stage)

4:00pm - Emily & Nick (live music)   (La Cantina Winery)

6:00pm - Dom DeBaggis (live music) Strawberry Stroll stage)

6:00pm - The Pockets (live music) (67 Degrees Brewery)

7:00pm - FHSTC performs "Get SMART" (ticketed event) (Franklin High School)

7:30pm - FPAC performs "Violet" (ticketed event) (THE BLACK BOX)


Sunday, June 11

Love Letter - art display (Franklin Public Library during open hours)

1:00pm - Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

1:15pm - Second Sunday Speaker (Franklin Historical Museum)


Monday, June 12

Love Letter - art display (Franklin Public Library during open hours)

3:00pm - SAFE Coalition Meet & Greet for Non-Profits (SAFE offices on Hayward St)


Tuesday, June 13

Love Letter - art display (Franklin Public Library during open hours)

7:00pm -  FBRTC Meeting (monthly meeting (67 Degrees Brewery)

7:00pm - Yankee Quilters (monthly meeting) (Emma’s Quilt Cupboard)


Wednesday, June 14

Flag Day

Love Letter - art display (Franklin Public Library during open hours)

1:00pm - Senior Scribblers (writing group)

7:00pm - St Mary's Women's Faith Formation Group


Thursday, June 15

Love Letter - art display (Franklin Public Library during open hours)

8:30am - Town Council Office Hours (Franklin Senior Center)

6:00pm - Kendo (Live music) (La Cantina Winery)


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


The Franklin Art Association Art Gallery remains open during business hours at Escape into Fiction (Main St, Franklin)

Find the full Community event calendar  https://www.franklinmatters.org/p/blog-page.html

The Cultural calendar displays only the cultural events      https://www.franklinculture.org/things-do/pages/calendar

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://forms.gle/oPdi8X3ZbHHyrHzo6

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar
The School district calendar is found  https://www.franklinps.net/calendar-by-event-type/26 


Franklin's Event Outlook: June 2, 2023 to June 8, 2023
Franklin's Event Outlook: June 2, 2023 to June 8, 2023

Jefferson Elementary Students ‘Tackle’ Public Art with New "Traveling School of Fish” Installation at the Franklin Sculpture Park.

On June 7, 2023, Jefferson students, family, staff and the greater Franklin community gathered for a rededication ceremony at the Franklin Sculpture Park. The park first opened in 2014, the installation "The School of Fish", previously donated by the (now closed) Franklin Art Center, had appeared weathered due to time. 

Seeing an opportunity to refresh the installation and involve the community, local artist and Jefferson parent, Amy Adams partnered with Franklin Public Schools Art Director, Adam Gooder, Jefferson Art Teacher Caroline Whelan, Jefferson Principal Stefani Wasik and Town Administrator Jamie Hellen to re-imagine the installation.

Adams worked to clear and prepare each individual fish, Jefferson staff then worked with students to create the new art. The refreshed installation, retitled "Traveling School of Fish", will be updated yearly by new students within the district. During the dedication, Adams spoke with the students and encouraged "all of the little artists here to keep shining your lights. They are beautiful and bright."

This new initiative aims to nurture the artistic talents of our youth, while showcasing their work with the greater Franklin community through public art. FPS Art Director Gooder notes, "Any time students of any age get a chance to show their work publicly, it motivates them to do their best. Art is meant to be seen; this initiative gives students an opportunity to see how people react and how their artistic voice can make a positive impact on others." 

The "Traveling School of Fish" installation is available to the public at the Franklin Sculpture Park on Panther Way in Franklin, MA next to the Franklin Police Station.


Traveling School of Fish 1
Traveling School of Fish 1

Traveling School of Fish 2
Traveling School of Fish 2