How to avoid travel website scams

How to avoid travel website scams By BCP Staff Hoping to take a trip in the warmer weather? Before you start planning, know that some scammers set up websites advertising free or cheap travel deals. Learn to spot these scammy sites and other schemes designed to steal your money and personal information. Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2025/06/how-avoid-travel-website-scams?utm_source=govdelivery

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.

The Party for the Pantry: online silent auction is still open

While tickets for The Party for the Pantry are SOLD OUT, the online silent auction is still open!

The Party for the Pantry:  online silent auction is still open

Anyone can bid on amazing prizes which have been generously donated from our community! 

All proceeds benefit The Pantry so bid, bid, bid! The silent auction promptly ends at 9:15 PM on March 29, 2025, during Party for The Pantry - so make sure you check back early and often!

Click here to start bidding, https://givebutter.com/c/partyforthepantry25/auction

Find out more about the silent auction and the travel auction in this episode

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/03/talking-all-about-party-for-pantry.html

8 Unforgettable Vacations at  Party for the Pantry Event

Franklin Food Pantry Offers Eight Unforgettable Vacations at Party for the Pantry Event - March 29

The Franklin Food Pantry is thrilled to be selected by the American Fundraising Foundation (AmFund) to offer exclusive travel packages for the silent auction at Party for The Pantry on Saturday, March 29, 2025. AmFund provides fundraising travel programs to non-profit organizations, helping raise crucial funds through unique and memorable travel experiences. 

Party for The Pantry attendees will have the opportunity to bid on eight once-in-a-lifetime vacations including Africa, Florence, Paris, Ireland, Sedona, Greece, Scotland, and Portugal.

8 Unforgettable Vacations at  Party for the Pantry Event

"We are excited to partner with AmFund to offer these incredible vacation packages," said Marsha Tait, Development Director, Franklin Food Pantry. "This is a unique opportunity for our supporters to experience the trip of a lifetime while making a meaningful difference in our community."

AmFund travel packages support the vital work of the Franklin Food Pantry and include the following:

• Trips valid for 3 years with no blackout dates

• 4 and 5-star accommodations

• Most packages include round-trip airfare for two from any major U.S. international airport

• Dedicated AmFund travel specialist to assist with every detail

• Options to upgrade, extend, and add travelers

A representative from AmFund will be present at Party for The Pantry to manage the trips auction and oversee all transactions. Individuals who are unable to attend Party for the Pantry but are still interested in participating in the vacation auction can contact Julie Manninen, AmFund Development Director, at Julie@amfund.org for details.

features local bands

Party for The Pantry will also host a traditional silent auction. Starting March 20, 2025, mobile bidding for auction items will be available on GiveButter. The online silent auction is open to Party for The Pantry attendees, as well as individuals not attending the event.  

Party for the Pantry takes place on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at 7 PM at The Black Box in Franklin, Massachusetts. Tickets are required for the 21+ event which features local bands JP Royer, Matt Zajac, and The Pub Kings. 

Proceeds from the event will go directly to The Pantry to help fight food insecurity in our community. Purchase tickets online 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.

About the American Fundraising Foundation

Each year, the American Fundraising Foundation (AmFund) carefully chooses organizations to support through sponsorship of events, year-end grant distribution, virtual silent auctions, and other programs to raise much-needed unrestricted funds for the important mission of those organizations. AmFund currently partners with nearly 700 organizations in support of their funding needs. 

The national headquarters is in Florida and opens its training center to nonprofit organizations for lunch and learns and special programs. Its Educational Foundation is a federally recognized 501(c)3 and provides professional training for Development Directors, Executive Directors, Board Members, and others leveraging more than two decades of fundraising experience. It offers expertise in a variety of topics for groups ranging in size from 12 to 1000. 

Since its inception in 1999, the AmFund Foundation has distributed more than $60 million for worthy causes. Its signature silent auctions featuring once-in-a-lifetime experiences are presented at organizations’ special events drawing admiration, praise and excitement as the entire process elevates the event in the eyes of patrons, board members and the community. 

AmFund annually donates unrestricted funds known as Golden Pear Grants, to select organizations. The Golden Pear, prominently part of AmFund’s logo, is deeply rooted in history as well as in its mission. Throughout history the pear has been honored as a sacred fruit signifying wisdom, prosperity, good health, longevity, and future happiness – all the things Amfund seeks for its nonprofit partners. For more information about AmFund, visit www.amfund.org. 

You can listen to a rescent radio interview about Party for The Pantry ->

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/03/talking-all-about-party-for-pantry.html

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.

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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!

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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"

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

Sarah & Ariel reveals what's happening at the Senior Center this August 2024 (audio)

FM #1255 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1255 in the series. 

This session shares my conversation with Sarah Amaral, Director, and Ariel Doggett, Programming & Volunteer Coordinator with the Franklin Senior Center. We had our discussion at the Franklin Senior Center on Wednesday, July 31, 2024.

 

We talk about 

• Guided Meditation

• Intro to line dancing. Come learn the basics before joining our line dancing class at 11. 

• Neuroscience of Mental Health

• Hip Hop Chair Dance Class

• Laughter Yoga

• Pizza and Movie Night: If

• Eat Around the World: Iceland

• Memory Cafe 

• Monthly Party: Fish Fry with Barbershop Quartet

And many other aspects of the very busy and fun place that the Senior Center is for the whole community, not just seniors!

The show notes include links to the Senior Center page ,the calendar of events and to subscribe to the once  a month newsletter 

The recording runs about 30 minutes, so let’s listen in. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1255-franklin-ma-senior-center-august-2024-highlights-07-31-24/

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Franklin Senior Center page ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/fsc 

August newsletter -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/august_newsletter.pdf 

Subscribe to the newsletter -> by calling 508-520-4945

August 2024 Calendar of Events ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/node/39/events/month/2024-08 

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

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 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"

Sarah & Ariel reveals what's happening at the Senior Center this August 2024 (audio)

MassDOT Travel alerts for the Memorial Day weekend 2024

#MemorialDay? Plan for the best time to go and use the #MassDOT Mass511 mobile app or mass511.com to view live cameras, travel times, real-time traffic conditions before setting out on the road.

ℹ️ https://mass.gov/orgs/massachusetts-department-of-transportation/news

 

MassDOT Travel alerts for the Memorial Day weekend 2024

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/C7R8i8Jx868/