“What we are seeing is that there are more families in need because of job losses”

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

“We’re unsure what’s going to happen at the end of the month, when that extra money runs out,” Franklin Food Pantry’s Lynn Calling said, of federal benefits set to expire at the end of July. “That’s something a lot of pantries are talking about. .... We don’t know what it will look like. This is nothing we can plan for.” 

Closing in on four months into statewide shutdowns driven by the global pandemic, the region’s food pantries are settling into a “new normal” of more clients, longer hours, and fewer volunteers. 

“I hate to use that term (but) I think really it’s the only expression that’s accurate,” United Way of Tri-County President and CEO Paul Mina said. “I think during this time frame, people have come to trust that we’re going to be there when we say we’re going to be there, and there’s going to be food.” 

The United Way of Tri-County oversees three pantries – Pearl Street Community Cupboard and Café in Framingham, Marlborough Community Cupboard, and WHEAT Community Cupboard and Café in Clinton."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200726/months-after-shutdown-due-to-coronavirus-food-pantries-find-new-normal-as-they-feed-hungry-in-metrowest-and-milford-area?rssfeed=true

You can donate directly to the Franklin Food Pantry via their secure online donation link. You can set up for a one time donation or recurring, from a bank account or a credit card.  http://weblink.donorperfect.com/Donation2FoodPantry  or go the the Food Pantry page and select "Donate"  https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/

Note: I was honored to lead the  Board of Directors for the Food Pantry for several years and will be helping them with the capital campaign to fund the purchase and buildout of their new building on East Central St.

Franklin Food Pantry

Rockland Trust’s Affiliated Charitable Foundations announce more than $200,000 in Grants to Local Non-Profit Organizations

Rockland Trust’s two affiliated charitable foundations (Rockland Trust Charitable Foundation, Inc. and Rockland Trust-Blue Hills Charitable Foundation, Inc.) announced combined giving of more than $200,000 to 40 local organizations providing services to at-risk populations during the second quarter of 2020. The $200,000 of affiliated foundation second quarter giving was in addition to $460,000 of donations made by the foundations during the second quarter of 2020 to support pandemic relief efforts.

During the second quarter of 2020 the Rockland Trust Charitable Foundation provided support to 25 organizations including;

• The Brockton Visiting Nurse Association: An organization based out of Brockton, MA that provides innovative and cost effective health care services in home.
• The S.E.A.L. Foundation: A Plymouth County organization that creates and funds educational and social opportunities in non-public school and camp settings for students who learn differently in order to ensure they maximize their potential.
• The Brockton Together Fund: A collaborative effort between the City of Brockton, the United Way of Greater Plymouth County, and the United Way of Massachusetts Bay & Merrimack Valley that will provide direct resources for emergency assistance and expanded food distribution to the most economically vulnerable populations in Brockton.

The Rockland Trust-Blue Hills Charitable Foundation provided support to 15 organizations during the second quarter of 2020 including;

• Franciscan Children’s Hospital: A pediatric post-acute hospital located in Brighton, MA where children with complex medical, mental health and educational needs receive specialized care whom are committed to excellence, innovation and family support.
• Horace Mann Educational Associates: A Norfolk County based organizations that supports, teaches and empowers adults with developmental disabilities and their families to live a meaningful life of their choice.

“We were thrilled to provide grants to these incredible organizations, all of which have a tremendous positive impact on the individuals and communities they serve,” said Edward Seksay, President and Chair of both the Rockland Trust Charitable Foundation, Inc. and the Rockland Trust – Blue Hills Charitable Foundation, Inc. “By assisting these non-profits we hope to help provide our communities with the services they need to flourish.”

Rockland Trust’s affiliated charitable foundations focus on giving that supports affordable housing, community development, education, financial literacy, health and human services and youth programs.

For more information about the organizations who have received funding from the affiliated foundations please visit, RocklandTrust.com.

ROCKLAND TRUST CHARITABLE FOUNDATION, INC.

The Rockland Trust Charitable Foundation, Inc. became affiliated with Rockland Trust in 2009 and has contributed more than $7 million dollars to non-profit organizations.

ROCKLAND TRUST- BLUE HILLS CHARITABLE FOUNDATION, INC.

The Rockland Trust-Blue Hills Charitable Foundation, Inc. became affiliated with Rockland Trust in 2019 and has contributed more than $6.8 million dollars to non-profit organizations.

ROCKLAND TRUST

Independent Bank Corp. (NASDAQ Global Select Market: INDB) is the holding company for Rockland Trust Company, a full-service commercial bank headquartered in Massachusetts. Named in 2019 to The Boston Globe’s “Top Places to Work” list for the 11th consecutive year, Rockland Trust offers a wide range of banking, investment, and insurance services. Rockland Trust serves businesses and individuals through more than 95 retail branches, commercial and residential lending centers, and investment management offices in eastern Massachusetts, including Greater Boston, the South Shore, the Cape, and Islands, as well as in Worcester County and Rhode Island. The Bank also offers a full suite of mobile, online, and telephone banking services. Rockland Trust is an FDIC member and an Equal Housing Lender. To find out why Rockland Trust is the bank “Where Each Relationship Matters®,” please visit RocklandTrust.com.

Rockland Trust’s Affiliated Charitable Foundations announce more than $200,000 in Grants to Local Non-Profit Organizations

Contollo Mass Manufacturing donates PPE as promised

On Tuesday, June 30, 2020 Contollo Mass Manufacturing donated PPE gowns, both reusable and disposable to several of the local fire departments in a brief ceremony at the Franklin Fire Station #1.

Franklin Town Council Chair Tom Mercer opened the remarks. He had received the first call inquiring about the machine at the former Clark-Cutler-McDermott facility and who the current owner was.

State Representative Jeff Roy spoke highlighting that Contollo was one of a couple of dozen Mass companies to receive grants from the State.

Peter Berzin, CEO of Contollo (https://contollomassmanufacturing.com/), spoke of the effort to get started and that they are operating currently on one shift producing about 7,000 gowns per day, with plans to expand to second shift and increase capacity.

Chief James McLaughlin coordinated with the local area fire departments (Milford, Medway, Plainville, Bellingham, Norfolk) to have representatives there for the ceremony. 

Photos from the brief event:

Contollo Mass Manufacturing donates PPE as promised

FTC Consumer Alert: Donating in difficult times

Donating in difficult times by Jennifer Leach, Associate Director, Division of Consumer and Business Education, FTC These days, there are just so many reasons why people want to do to something to help, to make a difference, to take action. In addition to volunteering or putting their feet to the pavement, lots of people are putting their hands in their wallets to try to make an impact.  Once again, though, scammers will be there. As ever, they follow the headlines and pop up wherever there's money to be made. So, before you make a donation to support any cause, here are a few things to think about and do. Read more https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2020/06/donating-difficult-times?utm_source=govdelivery  This is a free service provided by the Federal Trade Commission.

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Franklin Food Pantry Annual Appeal: You can help the Food Pantry help Rose!

We began planning for our annual appeal before the COVID-19 crisis began. While we are still happy to be able to share Rose’s story with you, we now know that it is even more important than ever that the Pantry keep its doors open and service everyone who has been impacted by this global crisis.

Please read more about Rose’s experience and learn how you can help her and everyone who needs the Pantry.

When Rose graciously invited us into her home to share a cup of tea and her experience at the Pantry, we weren’t expecting to feel such happiness and pride. It is such an honor to be a part of an organization that helps to create and facilitate community and acceptance from the moment one walks through our doors! You help make that happen.

Rose has lived a full life. She has contributed so much to the world and is now at a point where her life circumstance will not change. We know that with a 13% increase in the number of seniors who came to the Pantry last year, our presence makes their life a little easier. Rising medical costs, living on a fixed income, and daily expenses add up. The Pantry helps to alleviate financial stress by providing a place for our neighbors to receive fresh food on a regular basis – all while also providing a sense of community support.

Your donation is critical for the Pantry to continue to provide food, personal care items, and a physical location for our neighbors in need. The Pantry is so much more than a place to get food. We receive no state or town funding and we rely on the generosity of people like you to help to foster this community and continue to make lives better for families, veterans, and seniors – our friends and neighbors. People like Rose.

You can help us make sure that our shelves are always stocked – no matter what time of the year – and that everyone in Franklin has access to healthy food. A gift of any amount makes a difference and you will be supporting your neighbors right here in Franklin.

Suzanne Gendreau                  Lynn Calling
Board Member                          Executive Director
Franklin Food Pantry                Franklin Food Pantry
Fundraising Chair

P.S. – Rose shared that she has recommended the Pantry to friends and has brought in additional people needing help. She knew that the Pantry employees and volunteers would treat her friends with dignity and respect.

P.S.S. You may have seen the exciting news that the Pantry has purchased a new building in Franklin to expand our offerings and better serve our neighbors. While we will need to launch a capital campaign our annual appeal is strictly for operation spending. Thank you!

The Franklin Food Pantry is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization FEIN #04-3272663
https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/

Find the full flyer content with Rose's story in the PDF
https://drive.google.com/file/d/19TLue7Zl2KrTR733CjK2olCosncRiicD/view?usp=sharing

Donate to the Franklin Food Pantry here

Hockomock Area YMCA Responds with Food Collection & Distribution

The Y served over 5,700 meals in the first weeks of responding to the Coronavirus health crisis, and will continue to be on the front lines preventing hunger to the most vulnerable - our children. As the community need continues to grow, the Hockomock Area YMCA has announced that family-sized bags of food will be available for drive-up distribution on Wednesdays from 1-2 PM and 5-6 PM at the YMCAs located in Foxboro, Franklin and North Attleboro. No registration is required.

Last week, at these locations (67 Mechanic Street Foxboro; 45 Forge Hill Road Franklin; and 300 Elmwood Street North Attleboro) the effort resulted in the distribution of 259 bags of much appreciated food for local families in need.

In partnership and collaboration with school nutrition and many other community partners, the Hockomock Y is also providing grab and go meals Monday through Friday in North Attleboro at the Community School and in Milford at the Memorial Elementary School. “To date, we have provided 5,729 meals,” says Ed Hurley, president of the Hockomock Area YMCA.

marykate-bergen-director-of-health-innovation

“It is with heartfelt gratitude that the Hockomock Area YMCA acknowledges and thanks all of our community partners and Y members, friends and donors for their extraordinary generosity during this time of need,” continues Hurley.

For anyone interested in helping out, the Y has located collection bins for non-perishable food donations at the above sites, which are available seven days a week from 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM. The response from Y members and our community has been heartwarming. But the demand will continue to grow in the coming days and weeks. Suggested donations include the following food items: oatmeal cups/packets, macaroni & cheese boxes/cups, granola bars (nut free whole grain preferred), applesauce or mandarin orange cups (no added sugar), whole grain crackers, tuna pouches in water (low sodium), Progresso chicken soup (low sodium), rice boxes/cups, Barilla Ready Pasta and pasta boxes.

Needless to say, these are challenging times that none of us could have predicted just a few short weeks ago. Despite the social distancing that is required these days, let us not miss the opportunity to benefit from social connection. Technology and social media offer great opportunities to still stay connected. But let’s also pick up our phones to check on our friends and loved ones more—which is something the YMCA is doing for its senior members: calling to check on them.

scott-martin-bernon-family-branch-executive-director

“As our YMCA has always done, we will face these challenges head on and continue to do whatever we can to meet the incredible community need that exists all around us,” says Hurley. “We encourage those who are able to provide contributions of non-perishable foods to do so at any of our Hockomock Area YMCA branches.”

If you are interested in providing monetary donations, please contact Katie Moore at katiem@hockymca.org or 508-643-5265. Thank you to these leadership donors who have joined our philanthropic efforts: CVS Health, United Way of Massachusetts Bay, Dave and Anne Doran, Tom and Trish Gruppioni, Stop & Shop, The Captain Kyle R. Van De Giesen Memorial Award Fund, and anonymous donors.

For more information, please visit: hockymca.org.

About Hockomock Area YMCA:

Where Cause Meets Community. At the Hockomock Area YMCA, strengthening community is our cause. The Hockomock Area YMCA is an organization of men, women, and children sharing a commitment to nurture the potential of kids, promote healthy living, and foster a sense of social responsibility.

Our YMCA is committed to partnering and collaborating with others to create and deliver lasting personal and social change in the 15 communities we are privileged to serve. The Hockomock Area YMCA is a not-for-profit charitable cause-driven organization with facilities in North Attleboro, Foxboro, Franklin, and Mansfield. For more information visit hockymca.org.

FM #230 - Lynn Calling, Franklin Food Pantry - 3/25/20 (audio)

FM #230 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 230 in the series.

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Lynn Calling, the Executive Director of the Franklin Food Pantry. We did a conference all to adhere to the ‘social distance’ requirements of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Lynn discusses how we can help the Pantry and how the Pantry has been changing their operations due to the precautions of the pandemic and ‘social distancing’.

The conversation runs 15 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Lynn.
Audio file - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-265-franklin-food-pantry-new-bldg-plus-5-04-20

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Food Pantry home page  https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org

Donate directly  https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/give-help/donate-funds/

The current needs listing  https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/give-help/donate-food/current-needs-list/

For the record, I had an active relationship with the Pantry from 2010 to 2015 during which time I also lead the Board of Directors. I continue to support the Pantry with financial donations and by sharing what they do via the Franklin Matters social channels.

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm).

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/
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"

FM #230 - Lynn Calling, Franklin Food Pantry - 3/25/20 (audio)

Tri-County RVTHS Donates Medical Supplies to Facilities in Need of PPE

Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School delivered medical supplies, including Clorox wipes, face masks, gowns, hand sanitizer, and safety glasses, gathered from several of its program departments to facilities in need of personal protection equipment (PPE). These PPE supplies are critical in keeping medical staff safe as they combat COVID-19. Facilities include UMass Memorial, Sturdy Memorial and Countryside Manor.

Several Tri-County graduates who are now working in the medical field have been coordinating with Health Careers instructor Suzanne Dodakian to get these medical supplies, which are in high-demand in the midst of this global pandemic, where they are needed.

“There is no doubt that our doctors, nurses and caretakers are needed now more than ever,” said Superintendent Stephen Dockray. “We are grateful to be able to help them do their jobs and do them safely. Thank you to every medical staff member who is selflessly working to take care of their communities and those who in need of treatment.”

With support from Facilities Director, Harry Takesian, Vocational Coordinator, Cathie Rebelo, and LPN teachers, Patricia Munger, Tara Lane, Maureen Johnson, Suzanne Dodakian, and Lisa Ferrigno we were able to collect, box, and deliver these supplies. From all of us at Tri-County: Stay home, stay healthy, and stay safe.

 

From left to right: Cathie Rebelo, Stephen Dockray, Harry Takesian

From left to right: Patricia Munger, Tara Lane, Maureen Johnson, Suzanne Dodakian, and Lisa Ferrigno

Franklin, a community that helps all

Franklin, a community that helps all

We just wanted to take a moment to talk about one of the things that makes Franklin such a great place to live, work, and visit. That is our shared sense of community. Helping our families, neighbors, and businesses as we all navigate this difficult time.

We as the Police Department will always be ready to respond to emergencies and crisis. However there are many other things going on that we can't be the answer for, and that's where we need your help.

Please check in on our most vulnerable residents. The sick, the elderly, or those with special needs. Many of our neighbors rely on public transportation to help them get to and from the stores for their everyday needs. Many of those transportation services are shutting down. Reach out, see if on your way out to the store you can pick up some items for them. They may have no other way of getting food, or medicine. Practice safe social distancing especially when communicating and helping out.

Support our local businesses as they too also are seeing a reduction in customers. If you can find what you need, shop locally.

Unfortunately as this pandemic continues we know that many families may suffer financially, and struggle to put food on the table at all. Franklin is fortunate enough to have a wonderful organization in the Franklin Food Pantry. Their mission is to help those in need. This is the definition of what it means to be in a community. However with the expected increase in demand for their services, they need our help too.

The Food Pantry purchases from the Greater Boston Food Bank. This allows them to purchase the items they need at a substantially reduced cost. Donations of physical goods are helpful, but "Cash is King". With money they can purchase and provide for more people than they can on food donations alone.

Donations can be taken online for the Franklin Food Pantry. Please click here to be taken to their donation site  https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/.

The men and women of the Franklin Police Department will be here for all. Please help us in being there for each other as well.


Thank you

Franklin Food Pantry

Franklin Food Pantry Will Be Open Next Week (March 17 - 20)

Important Update From The Pantry

The Franklin Food Pantry will be open regular hours next week, March 17 - March 20. We will be open to our current neighbors and anyone who needs us including families who count on the breakfast and lunch options provided by the Franklin area schools. We will provide a prepackaged bag full of nonperishable items to help you through this time. You can visit us daily if needed. We will reopen on March 24 with our regular shopping hours and procedures.

How can you help?

We are so grateful to our community and have received many questions on how you can help us during these uncertain times. If you are able, the best way to support The Pantry is through a monetary donation. Monetary donations allow us to purchase the items we need at a cheaper price through the Greater Boston Food Bank. If you are interested in donating items, please visit our current needs list. https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/give-help/donate-food/current-needs-list/

Please check back regularly as we update frequently. Thank you for your continued support of the Franklin Food Pantry.

Please stay safe and reach out if we can help in any way: 508-528-3115

Thank you! 

 

Franklin Food Pantry Will Be Open Next Week (March 17 - 20)

Veterans Memorial Walkway: Fourth Brick Installation Planned

The next installation of engraved bricks on the Veterans Memorial Walkway on the Franklin Town Common is scheduled for May 2020. The cut-off date for purchasing bricks for this installation is April 1, 2020.

Engraved bricks are $100 each and include the U.S. veteran’s or current service member’s first, middle and last name and branch of service. Those being honored with a brick do not have to be Franklin residents. 

For more information or to purchase a brick, contact the Veterans Services Office at: (508) 613-1315 or go to www.franklinveteransbricks.com for online orders

 

Veterans Memorial Walkway: A brick for my father is located here. Do you have a relative to honor?

Tri-County RVTHS Recieves Donation From The Michael Simmons Charitable Foundation

Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School's Education Foundation is excited to announce receiving a $40,000 donation from the Michael Simmons Charitable Foundation (MSCF) Board of Directors, which will go towards supporting the high school and its student body.

Stephen Dockray

"We truly appreciate this wonderful donation from the Michael Simmons Charitable Foundation. Every day, our teachers and staff work to provide students with a comprehensive academic education and state-of-the-art technical skills through creative and cooperative partnerships with local employers. Whether for college, the service or employment, Tri-County strives to prepare students for the twenty-first century. This donation will go towards supporting just that," said Tri-County Superintendent-Director, Stephen Dockray.

MSCF, based out of Colorado, seeks to support organizations who embody their mission "maintenance, support, health, education."

"Education is critical to the future of our youth, our country, and our world. Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School Education Foundation offers students a way to enhance their skills and express their creativity through its occupational & vocational education programs and its encouragement of & participation in extra-curricular competitions. By enabling and encouraging students to learn these skills, you help each individual succeed, and, in turn, they contribute to the vitality of our communities," wrote the MSCF Board of Directors in a letter. "Thank you for your courage and vision."

Established in 1977, Tri-County RVTHS has just under 1,000 students enrolled from Bristol, Middlesex and Norfolk counties.  https://www.tri-county.us/

Holiday greeting from the Franklin Food Pantry

Holiday Greetings 

There is so much for us to be thankful for and celebrate this holiday season. That said, I wish that I was writing this letter to say that because of these successes, we no longer have to be here to serve our community. But, food insecurity does not go away even during the happiest times of the year. The holidays can be even harder for those thinking about where their next meal is going to come from. Through the support of our community, we are able to provide food and other items to our friends and neighbors in Franklin and help ease the stress of the holidays. 

We have been very busy here at the Pantry. While so many people are out doing their holiday shopping, we are making sure that our friends and neighbors have food on their tables. We could not do that without YOU. Through the generosity of our community, we were able to provide 440 meal packages for the Thanksgiving and winter holidays. There were numerous drives that were held to stock our shelves and provide daily necessities like toothpaste, shampoo, and other items. 

In addition, some of the younger members of our community also showed their support by being Food Elves - middle and high school students who create awareness about, and raise money for, the Pantry every year during the first 12 days of December. The Food Elves reached their goal of raising $28,000 for the Pantry so that our neighbors can have access to fresh fruits, vegetables, and food throughout the year. If you missed your Food Elf, or were not visited by one, you can still support this effort by going here. 

In 2020, let's continue to work together to support one another and help to alleviate food insecurity. Whether you live, work, or do business in Franklin, our community is a better place because of you.

Thank you, 

Lynn Calling
Executive Director
Franklin Food Pantry

Holiday Meal Distribution

On Thursday December 19, our Pantry volunteers distributed over 200 holiday meals to our neighbors. The meal packages included a ham, fixings, some special chocolates and a blanket.

Thank you to all our volunteers and thank you to the Interfaith Council, MetroWest Provisions, customers of MetroWest Provisions, Chris Feeley and family, Sue Kilcoyne and all those that participated in her holiday event to benefit the Pantry, and our holiday greeting card creators for their generous donations to help make everyone's holiday brighter.

https://twitter.com/FranklinFoodPan/status/1208023233573863424

You can contribute to the Franklin Food Pantry securely online
https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/

Disclosure: as a former Food Pantry board member, this organization remains a top priority for my charitable contributions.

Franklin Food Elves Launch Holiday Drive - Dec 1

This year the Franklin Food Elves "12 Days of Donating" Campaign marks 14 years of helping neighbors in need during the holiday season and beyond. Starting on December 1 and running through December 12, the neighborhood collection by local middle and high school student serves as the largest fundraiser for The Pantry.

Again this year, the Elves will collect monetary donations only for The Pantry. With dozens of food and fund drives underway, the Pantry is out of space to store the inventory. The Pantry uses the collected monetary donations to purchase chicken, beef and other meats, dairy products, eggs, fresh vegetables and fruits.

"Our community becomes very involved this time of year collecting food for the Pantry," said Lynn Calling, executive director for the Franklin Food Pantry. "We are grateful for the incredible amount of food we receive. But, after the holidays, when end-of-year giving subsides and food drives are infrequent, monetary donations will help us through the lean months that follow."

"In addition, monetary gifts allow us to buy what we need when we need it. They give us the flexibility we need to provide for the more than 1000 individuals who count on us. We are also able to purchase food through the Greater Boston Food Bank for much less money than people pay in the grocery story allowing our dollars to have more buying power."

The Food Elves will notify their neighbors about how the can support the Pantry. They will distribute flyers in their neighborhoods about the Food Elves Drive. Neighbors can make donations in two ways through a check donation that the elves will pick up personally; or through each Elf's own online personal campaign page. Each Elf will be able to keep track of how much they personally raise.

The Franklin Food Pantry thanks our middle and high school students who serve as our Food Elves. Any student interested in becoming a Food Elf can visit: https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/franklin-food-elves/

Some of this year's Food Elves gather at the Pantry for an orientation and tour

About the Franklin Food Pantry

The Franklin Food Pantry offers supplemental food assistance and household necessities to over 1,000 individuals. Clients have access to a variety of fresh, frozen and nonperishable foods on monthly scheduled shopping trips as well as Walk-in Fridays. They can visit the Pantry daily for fruits, vegetables, bread and pastry. As a nonprofit organization, the Pantry depends entirely on donations, and receives no town or state funding.

In 2018, 304,824 pounds of food was provided to clients. Other programs include the Weekend Backpack Program, Carts for Clients, Mobile Pantry, Healthy Futures Shelf, emergency food bags and holiday meal packages. Visit www.franklingfoodpantry.org for more information.

Franklin Food Elves Launch Holiday Drive - Dec 1

Tri-County Receives Donation from Lutron Technologies

Lighting control manufacturer Lutron Electronics has generously donated $3,000 to the Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School Electrical Wiring Technology vocational program to help energize student learning in the school’s electrical program.

The gift, a Lutron Vive lighting and energy management control, was donated by Joseph Pero of Lutron and Keith MacKay of Yusen Associates of Woburn, Massachusetts and was presented to Cathie Rebelo, Director of Vocational Education at Tri-County, Electrical Instructors, Francis McKeown and Robert Sprague, and Electrical Wiring Technology students.

Lutron’s Vive is a revolutionary, simple and scalable wireless lighting control solution for new and existing buildings. Vive wireless works great as a retrofit application, providing flexible wireless lighting design and installation options. The new Vive Wireless Hub provides Vive Vue software allowing facility managers and building owners the ability to maximize productivity and building performance.

The Electrical Wiring Technology vocational program is reliant on equipment like the Lutron Vive to develop and build projects which advance learning and promote real-world application and experience for students. The plan is to use this equipment in the classroom to control lighting and HVAC systems.

After discovering that the electrical program may not be able to afford to purchase the Lutron equipment on their own, John Narducci, Branch Manager of Electrical Wholesalers of Franklin, stepped in to help by contacting Lutron and asking for a donation of the product. “Electrical Wholesalers have already helped and supported the Tri-County Electrical program by sponsoring school field trips to the Museum of Science in Boston,” said Francis McKeown, Electrical Instructor at Tri-County. “We are so grateful for this generous gift as well.”

The students are excited to work hands-on with the equipment. This gift creates an amazing opportunity for the electrical students. “The Lutron Vive lighting and energy management control is an investment in student success and its impact on student learning will be felt over the coming years,” said Robert Sprague, Tri-County Electrical Instructor.

Electrical Wholesalers is a full service electrical distributor with branches throughout Massachusetts, Rhode Island and New Hampshire and provide the highest quality service to electrical contractors as well as residential, commercial and industrial. Electrical Wholesalers is owned by US Electrical Services, Inc., the largest distribution company in the country.

Lutron Electronics Co. Inc. (www.lutron.com), headquartered in Coopersburg, Pennsylvania, designs and manufactures lighting controls and automated window treatments for residential and commercial applications. Lutron products save energy and make light bulbs last longer, making them an eco-friendly addition to the home and office.

Tri-County RVTHS, located at 147 Pond Street in Franklin, is a recipient of the High Schools That Work Gold Achievement Award and serves the communities of Franklin, Medfield, Medway, Millis, Norfolk, North Attleboro, Plainville, Seekonk, Sherborn, Walpole, and Wrentham.

Tri-County Receives Donation from Lutron Technologies

FTC Consumer Alert: Operation Donate with Honor continues

Operation Donate with Honor continues by Rosario Méndez Attorney, Division of Consumer and Business Education, FTC Last year, the FTC and state charity regulators joined in Operation Donate with Honor to stop sham veterans charities from lying to donors.  Today the FTC is announcing that it shut down two more operations that collected donations with false promises of helping veterans and military service members. Read more online https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2019/03/operation-donate-honor-continues?utm_source=govdelivery This is a free service provided by the Federal Trade Commission.

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Franklin Ford Donates Car to Tri-County’s Auto Technology Career Program

Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School is pleased to announce that Franklin Ford has generously donated a Ford Edge SUV to the Tri-County Automotive Technology program to assist with advanced curriculum.

With a shortage in qualified technicians, service departments around the country have been scrambling to find new talent. Ford Motor Company recognized the labor shortage in the industry and decided to do something about it. Last September, Ford started the TechDrive Program throughout the United States. Each Ford Regional Talent Placement Specialist was challenged with building partnerships with their region’s Ford Dealerships that have an automotive technician shortage and connecting them with local technical high schools.

Tri-County has been chosen as one of the Technical High Schools to take part in the TechDrive Program. Franklin Ford has agreed to sponsor Tri-County, with the expectation that the partnership will fulfill their technician hiring needs. As part of the TechDrive Program, Ford has furnished Training Modules to Tri-County students.

“With the automotive technician shortage, we’ve had to create innovative ways to find, hire, train and keep service techs,” said Frank LaMonica, Fixed Operations Manager at Franklin Ford. “We are pleased to have partnered with Tri-County in the TechDrive Program. We hope the Tri-County students will enjoy working on the car in order to prepare them for future career opportunities. Here at Franklin Ford, many of our automotive technicians are graduates of Tri-County. We look forward to hiring more in the future.”

“Our goal is to build the relationship between Education & Industry, and for Ford Dealers to have a pipeline of quality automotive technicians,” said Michael Nixon, Regional Technical Talent Placement Specialist at Ford Motor Company. “With 15 dealerships within my region, finding new ways to hire qualified service technicians has been a challenge. Hopefully, the TechDrive Program will help our dealerships to fill that shortage in technicians.”

“Our students in the Auto Technology program can’t wait to reverse engineer this vehicle,” said Superintendent Stephen Dockray. “We are thankful and honored to have been given the Ford Edge and are looking forward to our students gaining the knowledge and critical thinking skills required to meet the growing demands in the automotive industry.”

Franklin Ford Donates Car to Tri-County’s Auto Technology Career Program

Tri-County RVTHS, located at 147 Pond Street in Franklin, is a recipient of the High Schools That Work Gold Achievement Award and serves the communities of Franklin, Medfield, Medway, Millis, Norfolk, North Attleboro, Plainville, Seekonk, Sherborn, Walpole, and Wrentham.

Best Buddies: There’s still time to make twice the difference

Franklin is fortunate to have an active Best Buddies group in the schools, The first community to have a Best Buddies program that covers elementary, middle and high school. As the year comes to a close, if you are looking to make a charitable contribution for tax purposes, this is one organization to consider.

On my personal blog, I have a listing of other worthy non-profit organizations that I support  http://steves2cents.blogspot.com/2018/12/yes-it-is-birthday-time.html

Every time you support Best Buddies, you are helping make the world a more inclusive place for people with IDD and there is no better time to support Best Buddies than today. Until December 31st, every dollar will be matched, up to $200,000! It is because of people like YOU that our participants are able to become leaders and advocates for themselves in their communities.

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Stronger leaders and advocates, thanks to YOU. Dear Best Buddies Family, People with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are often marginalized from society, and it is through our programs that they often times find their voice.  Every time you support Best Buddies, you are helping make the world a more inclusive place for people with IDD and there is no better time to support Best Buddies than today. Until December 31st, every dollar will be matched, up to $200,000! GIVE NOW It is because of people like YOU that our participants are able to become leaders and advocates for themselves in their communities. People like YOU have changed the lives of our participants, like Christina Hundley, one of our Global Ambassadors from Florida, who is now living her dream and advocating for herself and others within the IDD community. Christina Hundley was born at Tampa General Hospital in 1983 and was raised by her aunt BJ in Florida after her parents dropped her off at her grandmother's house and never came back. Christina Hundley, Best Buddies Global Ambassador For Christina, life before finding Best Buddies was challenging.  "I was teased until I found Best Buddies in middle school. My bond with my middle school buddy helped me because I felt protected from everyone's teasing and her friendship gave me something to look forward to every day." – Christina Hundley, Best Buddies Global Ambassador Not only did Best Buddies give her a friendship, but it also placed Christina in a job she loves.  Through Best Buddies and her role as a Global Ambassador, Christina also gets the opportunity to share her love and passion for music. She is invited again and again to perform at national Best Buddies events, something she says has given her the chance to "share her talent with the world." Her story is one about success and what it means to pursue your dreams, and I hope it inspires you as much as it inspires us. We couldn't make stories like Christina's a reality each and every day without your support.  From the bottom of our hearts, Thank YOU.

Best Buddies International is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) rganization ddicated to establishing a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment and leadership development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). bestbuddies.org/holidaygiving https://www.bestbuddies.org/holidaygiving/?engageddonorid=58586aa6-7fd1-4b6a-b562-06be622dc808

Best Buddies International 100 SE 2nd Street, Suite 2200 Miami, FL 33131 Phone: (305) 374-2233

Mass Poetry: Poetry for a New Year

View this email in your browser Dear Friend of Mass Poetry – New Year's Resolutions come in many stripes; here at Mass Poetry we're resolved to double our reach in 2019. But to do that, we need your help. In 2018, we put poetry in front of more New Englanders than ever before: ·      With our "Poetry on the T" program, tens of thousands of Bostonians encountered a poem on their commute, while riding the T; ·      More than 4,000 middle school and high school students across the state of Massachusetts participated in one of our "Student Day of Poetry" events – for many of those students it was their first encounter with poetry; ·      "Raining Poetry" (if you haven't watched the video – more than 24 million views! – watch it now) surprised people all over the Boston metro area by revealing poetry on the sidewalk – but only when it rains; https://www.facebook.com/NewYorkMag/videos/10154210845129826/ ·      Thousands of people from across New England attended our Poetry Festival this past year in Salem; ·      Hundreds of classrooms and book groups used our Common Threads poetry guide to celebrate National Poetry Month; ·      Our Spring Showers poetry installation at the Prudential Center in Boston brought poetry to a whole new audience. But our aspirations for 2019 are even greater. Why? Because words matter. In our increasingly connected-but-distant world, poetry captures a kind of magic that makes the moment sing. Bringing poetry to all kinds of communities around Massachusetts is the purpose of Mass Poetry – and your contribution, no matter how modest, makes a difference. With your help, we can double our reach in 2019. Please give today. Thank you for everything you do for poetry – Nicco Mele P.S. Please give – every dollar counts If you love the work we do to support poets and spread the power of poetry to students, T riders, and more, please consider supporting us with a recurring monthly donation. Donate Now Copyright © *2017* *Mass Poetry*, All rights reserved.