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4th of July Celebration |
Providing accurate and timely information about what matters in Franklin, MA since 2007. * Working in collaboration with Franklin TV and Radio (wfpr.fm) since October 2019 *
Monday, June 24, 2024
4th of July Coalition looks for donations to help put on all the events of the Celebration next week
Thursday, June 13, 2024
Franklin Food Pantry: Celebrating One Year at 341 W. Central St.
Monday, June 10, 2024
Compensation offered to the Blood Test Donors sought by MRN Diagnostics
MRN Diagnostics is looking for individuals who have a history of alcohol or substance use within their lives to donate blood in our latest clinical collection.
This study aims to improve testing modalities for medical research through your blood donation.
Please enroll in our "High-Risk Behavior" collection online or by calling us at (508) 384-0033.
Sunday, April 14, 2024
The Community Closet @FranklinUMC seeks clothing donations
"The Community Closet @FranklinUMC has seen nearly 70 visitors in the last two weeks and we're running low on clothing items.
We are looking for donations of infant through adult spring and summer clothing items.
Click the link to learn more about the Community Closet @FranklinUMC and how you can meet, share, and serve with neighbors" -> https://franklinumc.org/2024/04/11/seeking-clothing-donations-community-closet-franklinumc/
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The Community Closet @FranklinUMC seeks clothing donations |
Download each flyer as a reminder or to share
- a -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1z3SMUOnuiRWtl23_gAYFEnd3JVkN9ugR/view?usp=drive_link
- b -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1z5Qjw1zZJ_KfVCRYNTooQuFXoKwKFoyT/view?usp=drive_link
Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/p/FMxkeUYCNkYiQvEo/
Friday, April 12, 2024
Great Night @ The Museum Gala (photo essay)
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The Dean College vocal ensemble provided some musical entertainment |
THE BLACK BOX served the mobile museum and gala purpose delightfully. Space was allocated for tables for guest to eat, drink and converse. There was a delicious spread of food from 3 Restaurant Catering, accompanied by desserts from Birchwood Cafe & Bakery. A few of the mobile creative play stations were set up for the adults to try out.
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The table centerpieces were in the fancy and playful theme. My grandson would have been playing with the magna tiles all night had he been there |
Monday, March 18, 2024
Register O’Donnell Delivered Food Donations to the Franklin Food Pantry
"On behalf of the many people who contributed to the Registry's food drive, it is my pleasure to deliver these items to the Franklin Food Pantry," stated Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell. "I am thankful that so many Norfolk County residents, including our employees and title examiners, took the opportunity to donate and to help those with hardships during the holiday season."
Register O’Donnell Delivered Food Donations to the Franklin Food Pantry
The Registry collected more than 280 pounds of food during the drive, including items such as boxes of spaghetti, jars of sauce, canned soups, and fruits.
"Community donations are a big help and give us a good deal of variety that we wouldn't otherwise have," said Anne McGillis, Operations Director for the Franklin Food Pantry.
Last year, the Franklin Food Pantry helped more than 1,324 individuals in more than 650 households. Of those who received food assistance, more than one in four were children, and 36% were 65 or older.
"The food pantries throughout Norfolk County provide a valuable and much-needed resource for residents facing both long-term and temporary hardships, including children, families, and individuals, and I am grateful to be able to help in this small way," said Register O'Donnell.
According to Project Bread, household food insecurity in Massachusetts has been fluctuating between 20 and 26%. Many Norfolk County food pantries have seen a significant increase in demand in the last year.
"It is a great feeling to be able to help the community and to know that other members of the community understand that there is a need for this," said McGillis.
Franklin residents in need of assistance can register for services, schedule shopping appointments, or schedule home delivery by contacting the Franklin Food Pantry Client Services Coordinator at 508-528-3115.
Register O'Donnell concluded, "Hunger does not stop after the holidays it is a persistent issue affecting many of our neighbors. I encourage residents to consider dropping off food supplies at their local pantry. Pantries are requesting canned goods, breakfast cereals, pasta, sauces, toiletries, and paper products. Dropping off a food donation at a local pantry can make a world of difference in helping a family in need."
To see a list of Norfolk County food pantries, visit the Registry of Deeds website: https://www.norfolkdeeds.org/support/FAQs/where-are-the-norfolk-county-food-pantry-locations-142. Donations are needed all year long.
To learn more about these and other Registry of Deeds events and initiatives, "like" us on Facebook at facebook.com/norfolkdeeds. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram at @norfolkdeeds.
The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, located at 649 High St., Dedham, is the principal office for real property in Norfolk County. All land record research information can be found on the Registry's website, www.norfolkdeeds.org. Residents in need of assistance can contact the Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center at (781) 461-6101 or email us at registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org.
Friday, December 29, 2023
Franklin Food Pantry Distributes Record Number of Holiday Meal Kits
The Franklin Food Pantry, Inc. offers supplemental food assistance, household necessities, and resource referral programs to more than 1,300 individuals per year. The Pantry relies on donations and grants to purchase items and pay for daily operations, and partnerships with The Greater Boston Food Bank, Lovin’ Spoonfuls, and local grocery stores to achieve greater buying power and lower costs.
Programs include In-person Shopping, Curbside Pick-up, Emergency Food Bags, Mobile Pantries, Home Delivery, Kids’ Snack Bags, Weekend Backpacks, Holiday Meal Kits, Community Gardens, and the Franklin Farmers Market. The Pantry is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization in good standing in Massachusetts, recognized by Charity Navigator as a Four- Star Charity, and awarded GuideStar’s Platinum Transparency ranking. The Pantry is located at 341 W. Central St. in Franklin, MA on Route 140. Please visit www.franklinfoodpantry.org for more information.
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Franklin Food Pantry Distributes Record Number of Holiday Meal Kits |
Tuesday, December 26, 2023
Please consider a year end contribution to the Franklin Food Pantry
The Food Elves Campaign, which runs through mid-December, is usually The Pantry’s biggest fundraiser of the year, but we’re only at a little over 60% of our goal.
Please consider making a donation before the end of the year and help us alleviate food insecurity in the Franklin Community. No donation is too small (or too big!)
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Consider a year end contribution to the Franklin Food Pantry |
Wednesday, December 20, 2023
Still time to support the Franklin Food Pantry Food Elves campaign
Didn't receive a purple envelope from the Food Elves?
You can still donate and support us online.
Link to contribute here -> http://weblink.donorperfect.com/FranklinFoodPantry/FranklinFoodElves2023
Sunday, November 19, 2023
Franklin Food Pantry Invites Community Support 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.
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.
Wednesday, October 25, 2023
Give blood, help a great cause
Please call us at (508) 384-0033 to learn more about this COVID-19 research study and to enroll.
We, at MRN Diagnostics, would like you to be a part of our journey in creating the next generation of diagnostic tests. Without individual contributors like you, these critical diagnostics tests will not be available to patients seeking rapid and accurate diagnoses.
For more information on how you can take part, please contact us at (508) 384-0033 or email collections@mrndx.com
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Give blood, help a great cause |
Tuesday, October 24, 2023
Holiday Hand Soap Drive launched by the Franklin Food Pantry
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Holiday Hand Soap Drive launched by the Franklin Food Pantry |
Wednesday, October 11, 2023
Take part in a MRN Clinical Trial to build the repository & earn some compensation (audio)
FM #1073 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1073 in the series.
This shares my interview and discussion with MRN Diagnostics CEO Dr. Greg Chiklis. Our discussion was conducted on site at the MRN facility in the Forge Park Industrial Park.
What is MRN’s mission? The role of the MRN’s Clinical Research Division
About the clinical research studies that are currently available (Ageros, Leidos)
Studies are handled by an experienced team of clinical coordinators who follow stringent protocols to ensure the safety of our donors and the integrity of our studies
Donors will receive compensation for each study that they participate in
Create the Biorepository for future studies
How we can get involved in one or more of these clinical collections
For more information on how you can take part, please contact us at (508) 384-0033 or email collections@mrndx.com
The recording runs about 36 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Dr. Greg Chiklis. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1073-mrn-diagnostics-dr-greg-chiklis-10-05-23
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Home page for MRD -> https://www.mrndx.com/
Clinical Collections Flyer -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PYwt2IFAnf6TYSQKQLyAWQZZDWPw87GL/view?usp=drive_link
How to donate to one of the collections -> https://www.mrndx.com/donor-home
Clinical Compensation summary -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GBAv27U-0aGb7K5jAtnc2xchHBVHs8EU/view?usp=drive_link
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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 franklin.news/ or Franklinmatters.org/
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!
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You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"
Saturday, September 30, 2023
#LOVEfranklin // Emergency Shelter Humanitarian Aid Update & Call to Action
To those who #LOVEfranklin:
Nearly two years ago you signed onto a "A Call to Our Community," written by the Franklin Interfaith Council (FIC) in response to several incidences including targeted hate speech and vandalism against members of the LGBTQIA+ community, racial slurs at public events, and anti-Semitic graffiti. The FIC issued a call to #LOVEfranklin. Part of that call was an expressed commitment of each signer to "create a beloved community where all persons regardless of their gender, identity, sexual orientation, race, ethnic background, stature, ability, creed or faith can find a home."
As most of you are aware, the State of Massachusetts has opened some 80 emergency shelters across the state, including in Franklin, to help support "homeless families in crisis." You can find a copy of the town press release here. Currently the emergency shelter in Franklin is housing some 120 people. The shelter is expected to fill over the next few weeks to a capacity of 400-500 people. Over half the people currently placed in Franklin are native English speakers. While the state is providing most of the basic needs for these individuals and getting them setup with social services, many needs remain unmet as people try to make a new home for their family.
This is where you come in. The Franklin Interfaith Council will be regularly communicating the needs of the families placed in the emergency shelter in Franklin, providing local drop-off points for you to make donations, and distributing the donations at the shelter. In addition to tangible donations like food, clothing, and hygiene products, we will also help communicate volunteer opportunities. There are many ways you can help. See the attached flyer for a listing of current needs and volunteer opportunities. We will update and distribute this flyer regularly.
If you know of people who would like to be added to this distribution list, please have them email info@franklininterfaith.org. If you would like to be removed from this distribution list, please respond to this email and let me know.
Thank you for your on-going commitment to #LOVEfranklin and your efforts to help others make a home and fall in love with Franklin too!
Peace.
Jacob
><O><O><O><O><O><O><O><
Rev. Dr. Jacob W. Juncker
Pastor, Franklin United Methodist Church
President, Franklin Interfaith Council
><O><O><O><O><O><O><O><
Flyer -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DI6Xtcy2Q-tcaG6LYsfeCpcJypqbDuze/view?usp=drive_link
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#LOVEfranklin // Emergency Shelter Humanitarian Aid Update & Call to Action |
Additional Links:
- "A Call to Our Community: #LOVEfranklin" (https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/10/a-call-to-our-community-lovefranklin.html)
- Town of Franklin Press Release from 8/24/23 (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZrtRuZM0DyW9gbQ1K5GPRaKD2-1iMokO/view).
- Town Administrator's Report on the Migrant Housing Status – 9/06/23 (https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/09/town-administrators-report-on-migrant.html)
- Town Administrator's Report on the Migrant Housing Status - 09/20/23 (https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/09/town-administrators-report-on-migrant_20.html)
- "1,000 families now arriving in Massachusetts shelter every month, officials estimate," WCVB.com, September 8, 2023 (https://www.wcvb.com/article/migrant-crisis-massachusetts-emergency-shelter-rapidly-growing/45049626)
Sunday, September 24, 2023
The donation bin at the Franklin Food Pantry has a name -> "Purple People Feeder"
Six-year-old twins Addison and Gracelyn, winners of the donation bin naming contest, and their little sister visited with Tina Powderly, Executive Director of the Franklin Food Pantry, to check out the "Purple People Feeder."
Come visit the Purple People Feeder on The Pantry's loading dock and be sure to bring a non-perishable donation to feed our neighbors.
For a complete tour of the pantry, sign up online at: https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/new-building/
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Six-year-old twins Addison and Gracelyn, winners of the donation bin naming contest, and their little sister visited with Tina Powderly, Executive Director of the Franklin Food Pantry |
Thursday, September 7, 2023
Franklin Food Pantry to Take Part in Hunger Action Month®
• Organize a food or fund drive• Donate funds, food, or other pantry needs to the Franklin Food Pantry• Learn about the impact hunger has on Franklin and Norfolk County• Volunteer at the Franklin Food Pantry• Write to local elected officials and urge them to fight hunger• Wear orange on Hunger Action Day (Friday, September 23, 2023) to spread awareness and show commitment toward ending hunger• Join the conversation by posting photos or stories to social media with #HungerActionMonth For more information on Hunger Action Month visit HungerActionMonth.org.
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. We are grateful for our many partnerships, including that with the Greater Boston Food Bank, that allow us to achieve greater buying power and lower our costs. Donations and grants fund our food purchases, keep our lights on, and put gas in our food truck.
Programs include home delivery, a weekend backpack program for Franklin school children in need, 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.
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September is Hunger Action Month |
Thursday, August 24, 2023
Franklin Food Pantry serves record number of our neighbors in a single day
Via the Franklin Food Pantry
"Yesterday (Tuesday, 8/22/23) we served a RECORD NUMBER of 112 neighbors between client appointments, emergency bags, and curbside distribution. None of this would have been possible without our new, larger space where we can accommodate more clients and have the capacity to store more food.
We are asking you to join us in our efforts!
We have reached 56% of our $3.5 million campaign goal to raise funds for the purchase and renovation of our building, enhance our client programs and services, and create a rainy-day fund for future building expenses.
We are deeply grateful for your support, and cannot help our neighbors in need without you!"
Recent podcasts about the Franklin Food Pantry. Their work servicing our neighbors is enhanced by the new facility.
- Executive Director Tina Powderly https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/08/franklin-food-pantry-launches-building.html
- Anne McGillis & Yianna Zicherman https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/08/this-franklin-food-pantry-conversation.html
- Suzanne Gendreau & Donna O'Neill https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/08/this-franklin-food-pantry-conversation_01022713506.html
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Franklin Food Pantry serves record number of our neighbors in a single day |