Pathway to a Better Life looking for volunteers to help staff this winter

via Kim at New England Chapel:

Pathway to a Better Life is the temporary pop-up shelter that can operate up to 55 days a year at Saint Mary of the Assumption Church, 17 Winter Street, Milford, MA 01757. 

We have been operating in the winter months since 2019. We are looking to recruit volunteers to staff the pop-up shelter so we can open the doors when the temperature is less than 22F. 

Since we are an emergency pop up shelter, we are inspected annually by Police, Fire, and Health Departments of the town of Milford. 

Dates of our training are in the attached image. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at neccares@nechapel.org.  

Thanks for your help!

Pathway to a Better Life looking for volunteers to help staff this winter

Franklin's Neighbor Brigade is closing down its operation

Dear Franklin Community,

We are sharing a difficult, but necessary message regarding Neighbor Brigade.

You probably do not know, but our organization has faced challenging headwinds for the past few years. Tough economic times have made fundraising increasingly harder, while new solutions empowered by technology, such as convenient and affordable meal delivery, ride-sharing, and telemedicine, have reduced the overall demand for our services. 

Franklin's Neighbor Brigade is closing down

Consequently, after more than 14 years of dedicated service to thousands of neighbors, families, and communities in sudden crisis across New England and beyond, Neighbor Brigade will be winding down its services by the end of the year.

Franklin has been privileged as a chapter in doing this special and meaningful work over the past 12 years by the chapter volunteers. People who once were strangers became our neighbors. Often we do not know when a neighbor is going through a challenge, and we have been happy to serve 12 years, caring and loving individuals and families get to the other side of their crisis. 

The holidays are coming ever so quickly and we can assure you, there are many people who live around you that are in need of a little help from the one who lives next door. We know it as we close out 2024 supporting and directing many needs. Our volunteers in the Franklin Neighbor Brigade can attest to feeling like they received more in helping than they ever could have imagined.

May it live on with the seed that has been planted, and the footsteps made, of help being next door for all❤️

With gratitude, 

Linda Gagnon and Cheryl Ferri, 

Franklin Neighbor Brigade chapter leaders 

Franklinma@neighborbrigade.org

Calling to the attention of middle and high school students to gain community service hours as part of the Pantry Elves

Pantry Elves

"Attention middle and high school students looking for community service hours - sign up for "Pantry Elves" - an essential fundraising campaign that helps feed our neighbors over the holiday season and winter months.  

Please note there are changes to the campaign and participants will not canvass neighborhoods. Sign up today or learn more on our website!"

Register for Pantry Elves -> https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/get-involved/volunteer/pantryelves/

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/sGT6XaY1AtXcYXqe/

Seniors enjoy pasta dinner hosted by Rotary & Lion's Heart

About 90 seniors began arriving early and waited patiently for the home cooked pasta meal to be prepared by volunteers from the Franklin Rotary and served by members of the Lion's Heart group on Thursday, October 10, 2024.

There was lots of happy faces and many empty plates for this event at Central Park Terrace. It was originally scheduled for June but the weather that day was forecasted to be one of the high heat days and wisely the event was rescheduled. It was much more comfortable to enjoy the meal on Thursday.

Diane Padula thanking the Lion's Heart volunteers

Photo album -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/WpDq1mDNYeJn4Jgh6

Attention Middle & High School Students: Join the Pantry Elves and Help Raise Funds for the Franklin Food Pantry

The Franklin Food Pantry, which provides supplemental food and household necessities, invites middle and high school students to volunteer for the Pantry Elves campaign!

Join the Pantry Elves

Since 2005, hundreds of students have participated in this holiday-inspired campaign, which has evolved into one of The Pantry’s largest fundraising events of the year. The annual campaign has been instrumental in raising funds to fight food insecurity during the holiday season and throughout the year.

This year, Pantry Elves will fundraise electronically from their friends and family members and will not canvass neighborhoods. Donations, which will be used to purchase fresh produce, dairy, meats and proteins, and household necessities, will be sent directly to The Pantry.

Pantry Elves registration is open through December 2, 2024, and volunteers will receive 12 hours of community service. 

To register, visit www.franklinfoodpantry.org/get-involved/volunteer/pantryelves, or contact Jen Johnson, Development Associate Franklin Food Pantry, at jjohnson@franklinfoodpantry.org.

Harvest Festival help needed -can you volunteer an hour or 2 ???

via the Franklin Downtown Partnership (FDP):

"Attention Franklin residents!!!  

You know the old saying…it takes a village!  

The Harvest Festival is a beloved family event that the downtown partnership has hosted for 21 years!!! But we CANNOT do it alone.  

Our entire committee is made up of volunteers giving their time to make sure the event can go off successfully and safely. If you have 1-2 hours to give on Sept 28th please email us at fdpevent@gmail.com.  

Your spared hour goes a LONG way for us!  

Help us keep this event going!" #volunteer #communityservice #franklinma

PS - in the FDP general meeting last week, they also indicated they would like to expand the Strawberry Stroll (and Harvest Festival) by continuing up Main St past Eamons to the Library. That cannot be done without additional volunteers.

Harvest Festival help needed -can you volunteer an hour or 2 ???

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/p/TWawF8WKNvJEYMg2/

State budget allocates $50,000 to support enhanced client programs provided by the Franklin Food Pantry

The Franklin Food Pantry, a private, nonprofit organization offering supplemental food assistance, was granted $50,000 in the Massachusetts Fiscal Year 2025 State Budget. State Representative Jeffrey Roy spearheaded the funding, which will support enhanced client programs including in person shopping, the Franklin Public Schools Weekend Backpack program, food delivery for homebound clients, and The Pantry’s building upkeep and maintenance. This is the fourth consecutive year that Representative Roy, a champion in ending hunger, has secured funding for The Pantry from the state. 

(L-R) Marsha Tait, Development Director, State Rep Jeff Roy, Tina Powderly, Executive Director (Photo Credit: Paul Vicario)

"Individuals and families in our community are experiencing hunger,” says Tina Powderly, Executive Director, Franklin Food Pantry. “In the past year, The Pantry has welcomed lifelong residents and families who for a variety of reasons or circumstances seek food assistance. Because of the support from our leaders and lawmakers including State Representative Jeffrey Roy, we’re able to help those in need and provide access to healthy, nutritious food.” 

Upon moving to 341 W. Central St. in Franklin in June of 2023, The Pantry saw an immediate increase in demand of about 40 percent over last year—and that increase remained constant through Fiscal Year 2024. Pantry staff attributes the increase to greater visibility on route 140, as well as the high cost of food, housing, and other expenses.

“The Franklin Food Pantry is essential to our community in providing supplemental food assistance to more than 1,300 individuals each year,” said State Representative Jeffrey Roy (D) 10th Norfolk. “I am happy to have secured $50,000 in the Massachusetts Fiscal Year 2025 State Budget as so many residents in the Commonwealth are struggling with food insecurity and these funds will help with finishing the building project and enhancing programs in the new facility. I am grateful to The Pantry for its continued commitment and dedication to our community.”

To learn more about how you can support the Franklin Food Pantry, and help end food insecurity in the community, please visit www.franklinfoodpantry.org.

About the Franklin Food Pantry, Inc.

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, 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, 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.

 

Note: By way of disclosure, I am supporting the Food Pantry by volunteering on two of their committees and happy to give my time freely for this important effort. 

The Franklin Cultural Council seeking members

@franklinculturalcouncil02038 is looking for new members!

If you’re a Franklin resident and interested in becoming involved, please go to our profile and fill out the official town board/committee application #artshappenhere #aroundtownfranklin #powerofculture

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/C84tj4rRx4f/

Apply by filling out the volunteer form online -> https://franklinmaboards.vt-s.net/newcaf.php

The Franklin Cultural Council seeking members

Trak & field volunteers looked for

Coach Bailey (@FranklinHSXC) posted on Mon, Jul 01, 2024:

"Attention all T&F and XC athletes! Volunteers needed for the following:

Sat, July 6th: Volunteers needed for kids 1 Mile run. Meet at common at 8:30am

July 9, 16, & 23rd: Volunteers needed for the FHS Youth track meets. Meet at FHS at 4:45pm

Email Coach Bailey for more info"

https://x.com/FranklinHSXC/status/1807854826686238918

Senior Center is looking for volunteers

"We are looking for volunteers at the Franklin Senior Center! Come join our team, make new friends and give back to the community!

Contact Ariel Doggett adoggett@franklinma.gov"

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/KPunsWPvqZ95Q9Wm/

 

Senior Center is looking for volunteers

 

Franklin Food Pantry Thanks Volunteers with Celebratory Luncheon

President’s Volunteer Service Award Presented to 28 Individuals for Exemplary Service

The Franklin Food Pantry, which provides supplemental food assistance and essential service programs, held a volunteer luncheon to recognize and celebrate pantry volunteers who collectively gave more than 10,000 hours in 2023 to help end food insecurity. 

Held on April 24, 2024, the event took place during National Volunteer Appreciation Month and included special guests Franklin Town Administrator Jamie Hellen, Deputy Town Administrator Amy Frigulietti, and Franklin Town Board Members Cobi Frongillo and Mel Hamblen. 

Franklin Town Administrator Jamie Hellen (R) presents David Bascom (L) with the 2023 President’s Volunteer Service Award at the Franklin Food Pantry’s annual volunteer lunch

New England Chapel of Franklin donated space for the luncheon, East Central Starbucks and Twist Bakery donated refreshments and food, and Shaw’s Supermarkets and The Chateau provided items at a discounted cost.

The celebration included presentation of the 2023 President’s Volunteer Service Award to 28 volunteers whose service positively impacts the Franklin Community and inspires others to act. 

• The Gold Award, for 500+ volunteer hours in a calendar year, was presented to Amber Baur and Community Garden volunteers. 
• The Silver Award, for 250 to 499 volunteer hours, was presented to Diane Daddario, Suzanne Gendreau, Joseph O’Koren, Kym Pruitt, and Maureen Sabolinski. 
• The Bronze Award, for 100 to 174 volunteer hours, was presented to Dominic Agostino, David Bascom, Chris Bond, Colleen Bond, Teresa Burr, Vicki Coates, Erika Cummings, David Custer, Mary Anne Dean, Kim DeCrescenzo, Robert Doyle, Angela Draper, Rachel Flum, Karen Guiliano, Richard Guiliano, Pat Llewellyn, Carol Malachowski, Donna O’Neill, Scott Pond, Nancy Schoen, and Roberta Trahan.

“Frankin Food Pantry volunteers are extraordinary individuals who have dedicated their time, effort, and compassion to serve our community,” said Tina Powderly, Executive Director Franklin Food Pantry. “Their commitment alleviates hunger and plants the seeds of empowerment, dignity, and resilience within our community.”  

Franklin Food Pantry Volunteer and Board of Director's Chairperson Rachel Flum (L) with Franklin Food Pantry Executive Director Tina Powderly (R) at the annual volunteer luncheon

Each week, more than 100 individuals volunteer at The Pantry, which strives to make the volunteer experience both welcoming and rewarding. The Pantry recently conducted a volunteer survey with 99 percent of respondents stating they enjoyed working with other volunteers, felt appreciated, found staff helpful, and are very satisfied with their volunteer experience. In 2022 and 2023, The Pantry was voted as Best Place to Volunteer by Myfm 101.3’s Quest for the Best contest.

For more information, or to submit a volunteer application, please visit www.franklinfoodpantry.org.

About the Franklin Food Pantry, Inc.

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, 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, 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.

Photos by: Lynn Ann Falvey and David Marshak, Stony Brook Camera Club 

Volunteers need to help with Beautification Day set for May 18

Volunteers are needed on May 18 from 8 AM to 12 PM for the annual Beautification Day, organized by the Franklin Downtown Partnership and the Franklin Garden Club. Many hands are needed to plant flowers in the downtown area.

Volunteers Wanted for May 18 Downtown Beautification Day (photo from 2018)

Volunteers with trucks: meet at 7:30 at Fairmount Fruit Farm at 887 Lincoln St. to pick up trays of flowers and deliver downtown. If you don’t have a truck, arrive by 8:00 at the municipal parking lot near The Rome restaurant and Ferrera’s Market. Bring work gloves, rakes and garden tools, if you can.

Students: if you have community service hours to satisfy, this is the ideal opportunity to earn your hours. You will get a note documenting your service.

Volunteers are also needed this summer to water plants. There are 18 weeks of watering needed over the summer, said Eileen Mason, Beautification Day Chairperson. Pick the weeks that work for you.

"I hear from many people around the area about how beautiful our downtown looks each summer. It's exactly why we do it, to make the downtown area look inviting,” Mason said. “We couldn't do it without all of our resident volunteers, the FHS baseball team, and sponsors who make this possible each year. Thank you to all and enjoy the plantings!"

Email Eileen Mason at emason4234@gmail.com to volunteer to plant on May 18th or water this summer.

“We are very grateful for Eileen Mason, the Garden Club, DPW and all who volunteer every year to plant and water the flowers. We also appreciate the sponsors who support the beautification of our downtown,” said Lisa Piana, Executive Director of the Franklin Downtown Partnership.

The Downtown Partnership is very grateful for the following sponsors of Beautification Day. Platinum sponsors: Camford Property Group, Inc.; Doherty, Dugan, Cannon, Raymond & Weil, P.C.; Eileen Mason, REMAX; Glen Meadow Apartments; and Middlesex Savings Bank. Gold sponsors: Dean Bank; Elizabeth’s Bagels; D.G. Ranieri Real Estate; and Notturno Home Services. Silver sponsors: Fenton Financial Group.

Stay up to date info and follow the Franklin Downtown Partnership at:

https://www.instagram.com/franklindowntownpartnership/  and  

https://www.facebook.com/franklindowntownpartnership.org/

The Franklin Downtown Partnership is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization made up of more than 350 business owners, residents, and community leaders working to revitalize downtown Franklin. Residents can join the Downtown Partnership for $25. The Partnership manages events like the Strawberry Stroll and the Harvest Festival, and initiatives such as beautification, streetscape design, greenspace, alley murals, and sculpture projects. For more information go to www.franklindowntownpartnership.org

Can you be a volunteer driver for the Franklin Office of Meals on Wheels?

The Franklin Office of Meals on Wheels (MOW) needs volunteer delivery drivers.  If you can devote about 2 hours each week, we need you!  

Volunteers are reimbursed at $0.56 per mile & a small stipend is paid as well.

MOW provides healthy meals to our homebound seniors in Franklin, Medway, Bellingham & Blackstone.  Without our kindhearted drivers, we cannot complete this mission.  

If you have a couple of hours & would like to chip in and help out, please call Jeanne, Mon - Fri from 10:30 AM - 1:00 PM at 508.520.1422 for information.  

*** Substitute/On Call drivers also needed.***

Can you be a volunteer driver for the Franklin Office of Meals on Wheels?

The FBRTC 5k - Seeking Volunteers

Sign up to volunteer for the FBRTC 5k

View this email in your browser FBRTC 5k - Seeking Volunteers   Hello! The FBRTC is looking for volunteers to help the morning of May 18, 2024 for our annual 5k fundraiser.  Our partners at Tri-Valley Front Runners will be leading the event, but need assistance in the following areas: Parking Greeting/Direction Raffle Tent Registration / Bib Pick Up / Check In Road Crew Water Stop / Turn Around Spot Timing / Start / Finish / Results / Awards We need volunteers at different times of the morning, from setting up the event starting around 8:00 AM, to supporting the race at 9:00 AM, to breaking down the event starting at 10:00 AM. If you can help out at all, please sign up using this link. Warm regards, Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee Copyright © 2024 Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee, All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee PO Box 68 Franklin, Ma 02038

Senator Rausch thanks the Franklin Food Pantry volunteers with video message (video)

Franklin Food Pantry (@FranklinFoodPan) posted on Mon, Apr 01, 2024:

"April is Volunteer Appreciation Month! We're kicking off the recognition with a special thank you message to Pantry volunteers from Senator Becca Rausch.  Thank you, volunteers!

 #NationalVolunteersMonth #volunteers #thankyou"

Video link -> https://t.co/FwPeHN6SC6 

Shared from -> https://t.co/8getk7yWGw

Rausch, Franklin Food Pantry Video 2024 from Rausch Events on Vimeo.

Senator Rausch thanks the Franklin Food Pantry volunteers with video message (video)

Celebrate Volunteer Appreciation Month and help the Food Pantry with a swag purchase

Have a Franklin Food Pantry volunteer in your life? April is Volunteer Appreciation Month so why not say “thank you” with a gift from our store? 

Get your swag on! Support The Pantry by sporting the latest gear including, hats, t-shirts, bags and so much more!

Don’t delay – the store is only open through April 14, 2024.

Click here: https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/get-involved/swag/

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/p/qGqHcX9gtNpYRjkD/

Celebrate Volunteer Appreciation Month and help the Food Pantry 

Friends of the Franklin Library looking for new Board Members

Board Members Needed! Friends of the Franklin Library is an all-volunteer, nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and promoting the Franklin Public Library. We have several Board Members stepping down in June and would like to invite interested community members to become Friends and to join our Board of Directors. 

Please join us on Wednesday, April 3^rd at 7:00pm in the Friends of the Franklin Library Community Room to learn more about becoming a Board Member. 

If you cannot make this meeting, please email fofl02038@gmail.com for more information.

Friends of the Franklin Library looking for new Board Members

One Franklin could use some "Lit volunteers" for their Literature Campaign

Via the One Franklin group:

"Are you a parent/grandparent/caregiver for a school aged child in Franklin? 

One Franklin could use some "Lit volunteers" 

Do they take the bus? 

Do they play a sport, play in the jazz band? Are they in a club? Are you?

Do you want to help spread awareness about this budget deficit, but have no time to give? 

Our team is looking for those with no time to give for 'Lit(e)' work by creating a team of "Lit Volunteers" to drop off literature (see what we did there?) Their purpose will be to drop off information to fellow parents/caregivers, friends and neighbors. 

People who you probably already see at the bus stop, playground, soccer field, etc... or perhaps you could help by dropping some literature off to your child's classmates or neighborhood (no door knocking, just door hangers). We drop the printed materials right to your home when they're ready to go out. 

Many hands make light work, come be a part of the solution! Please fill out the form below if you want to help. "

Form to sign up -> https://forms.gle/RSEuKexxsoHtJLcG6

Find out more about One Franklin at -> https://onefranklinma.com/