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

Sponsors for the event included: Allegra Marketing Print Mail, THE BLACK BOX, Direct Federal Credit Union, Laura and Kyle Juszczyszyn, Middlesex Savings Bank, Raydio, CR Schmall Building and Remodeling, The Baur Family, The Gendreau Family, Colonial Fence, Eagle Stainless Tube and Fabrication, Mike and Maureen Sabolinski, Elemen-Tree House, K Cooks, and Upfront Guitars.

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)

 https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1420-franklin-ma-school-cmte-mtg-p1-of-3-03-25-25/

 

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

 

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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 -> 

https://www.franklinps.net/documents/departments/school-committee/meeting-packets/2024---25-meeting-packets/march-25%2C-2025-sc-meeting-packet/776268 

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 

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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

• 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

 

Chalkboard Chat condenses the School Committee meeting to get to the gist of the matters (audio)

FM #1417 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1417 in the series. 

This session shares my conversation with School Committee Chairperson Dave Callaghan. This is a new episode of our continuing “Chalkboard Chat” series. We had our discussion virtually via Zoom on Wednesday, March 26, 2025. We had the opportunity to recap the School Committee meeting of March 25, 2025. 

 

We cover 

• Recognition of Boys Basketball & Cheerleaders; acknowledgment of FHSATC still competing in State finals

• European capitals trip outlined; Paris, London, Edinburgh; approved by unanimous vote for 2026

• FHS update, trending on course selections; indication of the budget cuts and program stability in choices (my view)

• Middle school update

• Budget remains a concern -June 3 date for override vote

The recording runs about 38 minutes, so let’s listen in. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1417-chalkboard-chat-03-26-25/

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Contact info for Dave Callaghan -> callaghand@franklinps.net   

School Committee Meeting Info

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 -> 

https://www.franklinps.net/documents/departments/school-committee/meeting-packets/2024---25-meeting-packets/march-25%2C-2025-sc-meeting-packet/776268 

My notes captured 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"

Chalkboard Chat condenses the School Committee meeting to get to the gist of the matters (audio)

Talking all about the Party For The Pantry March 29 with Marsha & Jen (audio)

FM #1407 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1407 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Marsha Tait, Development Director, and Jen Johnson, Development Associate. We had our conversation in the Franklin Food Pantry at Edwin’s on Monday, March 10, 2025. 

We talk about the Party for The Pantry scheduled for March 29 at THE BLACK BOX with musical entertainment provided by JP Royer, Matt Zajac, & The Pub Kings. 

Silent auction will be available online before and during the event closing out at 9:15 PM. Special bidding in person for one or more trips being offered by AMFund. The opportunity to bid on dream destinations, including Paris, Florence, Greece, Sedona, Ireland, Portugal, Scotland, and Africa—all while supporting The Pantry.

The recording runs about 30 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Marsha and Jen  Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1407-party-for-the-pantry-03-10-25/

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Party for The Pantry page -> https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/happenings/events/party/ 

AMFund travel information details -> https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/travel-auction/ 

Food Pantry current needs page -> https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/get-involved/pantry-needs/ 

Amazon wish lists -> https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2SIL7UR08ZZUC?ref_=wl_share 

Sign up for a public tour of the Pantry -> https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0f4baaa622a4f4c43-pantry#/ 

The Franklin Food Pantry is here for you. If you need us, we are here with not only food, but useful programs and resources for individuals, seniors and families struggling with food insecurity. If you can support us, we thank you - visit www.franklinfoodpantry.org  to explore volunteering, donating funds, donating food, or supporting our Capital Campaign to keep the lights on and the programs, from food elves to weekend backpack stuffing. It truly takes a village to keep our food pantry running and supporting the increasing demand, supporting our Franklin neighbors.

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

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

• 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 www.franklin.news or www.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!

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

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

Talking all about the Party For The Pantry March 29 with Marsha & Jen (audio)

Travel Awaits at Party for The Pantry!

Don't miss your chance to bid on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure while supporting our community!

Hello Neighbor, Have you ever dreamed of a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Greece or Africa, or Ireland or Paris? Well, now you may be able to make that dream a reality while benefiting our community!  The Franklin Food Pantry is partnering with AmFund Foundation to offer high-end travel packages by silent auction at Party for The Pantry on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at 7 p.m. at The Black Box! There will be eight trips available for bid—Paris, Florence, Greece, Sedona, Ireland, Portugal, Scotland, and Africa! Visit Our Website to Learn More! These extraordinary trips come with incredible perks:  Trips are valid for three years with no blackout dates  Most packages include round trip airfare for two (from any major international airport in the United States)  4- and 5-Star Accommodations  Dedicated AmFund travel specialist  Options to upgrade, extend, and add additional travelers are available  More details about Party for The Pantry and this amazing auction are on our website. Not able to attend Patry for the Pantry but still want to take part in the trips auction? No worries! Simply contact Julie Manninen from AmFund at Julie@amfund.org and she will give you all the details!    Sincerely,   Marsha Tait  Development Director, Franklin Food Pantry Franklin Food Pantry | PO Box 116 | Franklin, MA 02038 US