|
| This email was sent to shersteve@gmail.com using GovDelivery Communications Cloud on behalf of: FTC Consumer Alerts · 600 Pennsylvania Ave., NW · Washington, DC 20580 · 1-877-382-4357 |
Showing posts with label international travel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label international travel. Show all posts
Friday, March 13, 2026
How to avoid scams while applying for Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA)
Friday, March 6, 2026
Have you got your tickets? We're talking about the Party for The Pantry - March 28 (audio)
FM #1682 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1682 in the series.
This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Marsha Tait, Development Director of the Franklin Food Pantry, Jen Johnson, Development Associate, and Bill Donavan, (Director of A/V with Stage Edge). We had our conversation in person in the community room at The Franklin Food Pantry on Monday, March 2, 2026.
Tickets on sale for Party for the Pantry; March 28 at THE BLACK BOX
Online bidding for silent auction items opens March 19
Bidding for travel opportunities opens the night of
3 bands to provide entertainment - Fab 3, Karate Show, and South Street Six
Light food items catered by Chef Kristen Precourt, KCooks
The conversation runs about 20 minutes. Let’s listen in
audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1682-party-for-the-pantry-03-02-26/--------------
Party for The Pantry page (tickets and travel auction descriptions) https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/happenings/events/party/
Sponsorships still open at link above
Raydio (Your 24/7 Local Soundtrack via the Internet) - https://localraydio.com/
K-Cooks LLC - https://www.k-cooks.com/
2025 Annual report of The Pantry - https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/FY25-Annual-Report-2-page.pdf
Franklin Food Pantry web page -> https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/
Follow The Pantry on
Facebook -> https://www.facebook.com/FranklinFoodPantry
Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/franklinfoodpan/
--------------
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
And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach out. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do
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"
Saturday, January 17, 2026
Chalkboard chat condenses the 4 hour Jan 13, 2026 School Cmte meeting to an hour (video & audio)
FM #1627 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1627 in the series.
This session shares my conversation with School Committee member Reis Hansen. We had our discussion via Zoom on Friday, January 16, 2026. We condense and get into the explanations behind the key items from the recent School Committee meeting January 13, 2026.
Our conversation covered the following topics:
Early insights on role as school committee member
Subcommittee work on Policy & Horace Mann Legacy
Meeting recap
Recognition of cheerleaders
FHS trip to Galapagos for 2027 was approved
FHS 2026-27 Program of Studies Update
how courses are added, selection by students
Office of Teaching & Learning District Assessment Presentation
The role of teaching & learning
The use of data to provide support and interventions as needed
MCAS still used just not a requirements for graduation
Franklin Childcare Presentation
The planning underway for initial opening for 9 student with 2 teachers
For school dept personnel first, then Town employees
Further expansion possible for community over time
Can provide revenue to sustain program
We close with a discussion on screen time and use of technology in the classroom
based upon a resident comment
Our conversation runs about 72 minutes. Let’s listen
Video link -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UnBKBSydGU4
--------------
School Committee page (with contact info) -> https://www.franklinps.net/o/fpsd/page/school-committee
School Committee subcommittee assignments ->
https://www.franklinps.net/o/fpsd/page/subcommittees-and-liaisons
Franklin TV video for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GaXy2prDrCI
Agenda -> https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_01132026-2086
Meeting packet folder (copies of the presentation are not yet available, once posted they should be in this folder) -> https://www.franklinps.net/documents/departments/school-committee/meeting-packets/2025---26-meeting-packets/january-13%2C-2026-sc-meeting-packet/24614180
Pictures of the slides shared captured in one album for
The Galapagos trip presentation -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/amcYuXHUxJfRbu6Y7
The FHS Program of Studies -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/p5zRxxEXyke76hV66
Teaching & Learning update -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/LotQq5wCQJ8qJmUy9
Little Solutions Childcare update -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/JoMPxdB2v7a2TMV26
-------------
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
And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach out. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do
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"
Monday, January 12, 2026
Traveling to the Olympics in Italy? Here’s how to avoid a scam
|
 |
| Traveling to the Olympics in Italy? Here’s how to avoid a scam |
Friday, April 4, 2025
Franklin Community Raises Over $31,000 for Food Assistance at 'Party for the Pantry'
From Live Music to Dream Vacations, Franklin Food Pantry’s Annual Fundraiser a Resounding Success
The Franklin Food Pantry, which provides food assistance and programs in Franklin, Massachusetts, is pleased to announce it raised over $31,000 at this year’s Party for The Pantry which took place on Saturday, March 29, 2025. The ticketed party, which took place at THE BLACK BOX, featured live music from The Pub Kings, J.P. Royer, and Matt Zajac and Friends, as well as a silent auction and numerous raffle prizes.
 |
| Franklin Community Raises Over $31,000 |
New this year, the event featured a travel auction from AmFund Foundation, which provides fundraising travel programs to non-profit organizations, helping raise crucial funds through unique and memorable travel experiences. Party for The Pantry attendees had the opportunity to bid on eight once-in-a-lifetime vacations, including trips to Africa, Florence, Paris, Ireland, Sedona, Greece, Scotland, and Portugal. Those who were unable to attend the event but still wish to support The Pantry by purchasing travel packages can contact Julie Manninen from AmFund Foundation at julie@amfund.org.
“We are incredibly grateful for the overwhelming support from our community at this year’s Party for The Pantry,” said Tina Powderly, Executive Director of the Franklin Food Pantry. “The generosity shown by our attendees, sponsors, and volunteers will enable us to continue providing vital resources to our neighbors in need.”
Fundraising events are an essential operating revenue source for The Pantry. Money raised will purchase food and personal care items, pay for the cost of programs and services, and support daily operations.
For more information on supporting the Franklin Food Pantry, or to attend an upcoming fundraising event, please visit the Franklin Food Pantry website at www.franklinfoodpantry.org.
About the Franklin Food Pantry, Inc.
The Franklin Food Pantry, Inc. offers supplemental food assistance, household necessities, and resource referrals to more than 1,800 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, 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 Meals, and the SNAP match at 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.
Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting 03/25/25 - audio in 3 parts for easy access
FM #1420-1421-1422 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1420-1421-1422 in the series.
This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, March 25, 2025. 7 members participated, 6 in Council Chambers.1 remote (Gallagher).
The audio for the meeting is split into 3 segments for ease of listening
Part 1 - #1420 = the beginning and ending of the meeting (approx. 58 minutes)
Part 2 - #1421 = the High School course curriculum update (approx. 1 hour, 22 minutes) https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1421-franklin-ma-school-cmte-mtg-03-25-25/
Part 3 - #1422 = the Middle School redistricting update (approx. 1 hour 28 minutes) https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1422-franklin-ma-school-cmte-mtg-p3-of-3-03-25-25/
Quick recap:
During the Superintendent's Report recognition was made of the Boys Basketball team for their first State D1 Championship. Recognition also made of the Cheerleaders with their National Championship multiple years doing so
One team is still in competition, that is the FHS Theatre Co is scheduled to perform in the finals on Friday, with results known on Saturday evening. Tickets available via the website metg.org
France, England & Scotland Field Trip - Nikki Hafele - an EF Tour proposed for 2026, approved via roll call by 7-0 vote
Franklin High School Update - Dr. Weber, H McVay - an update on the course selection process and student choices within that, discussion also around budget and range of offerings as well as the trend of choices seems to be changing
Middle School Reorganization Update - Mr. Williams; Evolution of the master schedule, mention of the must haves, can haves and nice to haves...
A unique year to do a middle school experience for all three grades, but thereafter would be for the incoming new 6th grade as they get welcomed from the future 2 elementary sending schools
Policy - 1st Read & Elimination - I recommend moving the following policies to a second reading: ACA - Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Sex Elimination: ACA-R - Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Sex Under Title IX Including Sex-Based Harassment; Motion to move to second, passes via roll call 7-0
Motion to enter Executive Session not to return to public session, passes 7-0 via roll call
--------------
Franklin TV video for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/live/RwZ6HFEvzx8?&t=95
The meeting agenda can be found -> https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03252025-1651
Documents released for this agenda after the meeting can be found ->
My full set of notes taken during the meeting can be found in one PDF ->
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PEGYx0qPwSu93ymlY0Xn7y57Rd0_s-kY/view?usp=drive_link
-------------
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
And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do
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"
 |
| FHS boys basketball State D1 Champs pose with School Committee |
 |
| FHS cheerleaders multiple times National Champs pose with School Committee |
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)