Volunteers Needed to help with the Winter Decorating Activities on Saturday, Nov. 18

WINTER DECORATING VOLUNTEERS NEEDED Volunteers are needed for Winter Decorating Day on Sat., Nov. 18 to help install wreaths, bows and greenery.  Please email Eileen Mason at emason4234@gmail.com if you are able to help dress up the downtown for the holidays!

Franklin Downtown Partnership | 9 E. Central St., Franklin, MA 02038 Sent by franklindowntownpartnership@gmail.com powered by Try email marketing for free today!

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED - DelCarte Turtle Nesting Habitat on Thursday, Oct 19

Thursday, October 19 10 AM - 2 PM

Please join us this Thursday, October 19 anytime from 10AM - 2PM at the DelCarte Conservation Area. There is no obligation to stay the entire four hours - we'll be there, but you don't have to be. Our turtle nesting habitat is in dire straights and needs some autumn prep. Come prepared to hand pull invasive species and spread native seeds. Service hours validated and snacks provided. Please park in the parking lot next to the playground. See you there!

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/conservation/news/volunteers-needed-delcarte-turtle-nesting-habitat

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED - DelCarte Turtle Nesting Habitat on Thursday, Oct 19

Celebratory Luncheon Hosted for Franklin Food Pantry Volunteers

The Franklin Food Pantry, which provides supplemental food assistance, information, and referral to Franklin residents and beyond, held its annual volunteer luncheon to recognize and celebrate the more than 140 pantry volunteers who gave over 7,000 hours of time and talent in 2022 to help address food insecurity. 

The event was held at Mount Street Farm in Franklin and attended by special guests Representative Jeff Roy (D), Franklin Town Council Chair Tom Mercer, Franklin Town Council Member Cobi Frongillo, and Deputy Town Administrator Amy Frigulietti. Shaw’s Supermarket, East Central Starbucks, The Big Apple, and 3 Restaurant provided refreshments and food for the luncheon. 

Some of the group in conversation during the event

During the celebration, Rep. Roy presented the 2022 President’s Volunteer Service Award to 18 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 Community Gardens and Diane Daddario. The Silver Award, for 250 to 499 volunteer hours, was presented to Suzanne Gendreau, Chris Kilburn and Maureen Kilburn. The Bronze Award, for 100 to 174 volunteer hours, was presented to Amber Baur, Mary Anne Dean, Vicki Coates, David Custer, Rachel Flum, Donna Hines, Carol Malachowski, Donna O’Neill, Kym Pruitt, Jim Roche, Maureen Sobolewski, Nancy Schoen, and Roberta Trahan. 

“As a non-profit with limited resources and staff, we rely on committed volunteers to keep our warehouse full, our shelves stocked, and our daily operations running,” said Tina Powderly, Executive Director, Franklin Food Pantry. “Our volunteers are the very heart of The Pantry and we are eternally grateful for their dedication and service to our community.” 

The Pantry offers a variety of volunteer opportunities for individuals and groups of all ages and abilities, is named Best Place to Volunteer by MyFM 101.3 in 2023 and 2022, and certified as an Al!VE Service Enterprise Organization.  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 and household necessities to more than 1,300 individuals per year. The Franklin Food Pantry is not funded by the Town of Franklin. We are grateful for our many partnerships, including that with the Greater Boston Food Bank, that allow us to achieve greater buying power and lower our costs. Donations and grants fund our food purchases, keep our lights on, and put gas in our food truck. 

Programs include home delivery, a weekend backpack program for Franklin school children in need, mobile pantries, emergency food bags, and holiday meal packages. The Pantry is located at 341 W. Central St. in Franklin, Massachusetts on Route 140. Visit www.franklinfoodpantry.org for more information.

 

Attention Middle and High Schoolers the sign up for the Food Elves is open

Middle and high schoolers! Join the 75 students who have already registered for The Food Elves-our largest fundraiser of the year! 

Last year we had over 200 Food Elves, we're about 1/3 of the way there. Let's make this our biggest year yet!

This is a fun and easy way to make the holidays brighter for our neighbors in need.

Click the link below to find out more and to sign up today:

https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/get-involved/volunteer/franklin-food-elves/

Attention Middle and High Schoolers the sign up for the Food Elves is open 

Shared from -> https://facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=pfbid02ztMDtrScGRqGDhioCxdrxGrHkkWtqHRaKFDg6RxCSjcPVjgJ2xkBiJ9uQgTojbVFl&id=100064488767698&mibextid=Nif5oz

Maybe you can help the Franklin Meals on Wheels office by calling to volunteer

The Franklin Meals on Wheels office needs volunteers!  

Franklin Meals on Wheels

We have both onsite positions & delivery driver positions, all with very flexible, morning shifts.  Volunteer drivers receive $0.56 per mile with a stipend.  

Meals on Wheels provides nutritious meals to in-need, homebound seniors in Franklin, Bellingham, Blackstone & Medway.  

If you are interested in helping out or want further info please call Jeanne at 508.520.1422 on Monday to Friday from 10 AM to 1 PM

#LOVEfranklin // Emergency Shelter Humanitarian Aid Update & Call to Action

To those who #LOVEfranklin:

Nearly two years ago you signed onto a "A Call to Our Community," written by the Franklin Interfaith Council (FIC) in response to several incidences including targeted hate speech and vandalism against members of the LGBTQIA+ community, racial slurs at public events, and anti-Semitic graffiti. The FIC issued a call to #LOVEfranklin. Part of that call was an expressed commitment of each signer to "create a beloved community where all persons regardless of their gender, identity, sexual orientation, race, ethnic background, stature, ability, creed or faith can find a home."

As most of you are aware, the State of Massachusetts has opened some 80 emergency shelters across the state, including in Franklin, to help support "homeless families in crisis."  You can find a copy of the town press release here. Currently the emergency shelter in Franklin is housing some 120 people. The shelter is expected to fill over the next few weeks to a capacity of 400-500 people. Over half the people currently placed in Franklin are native English speakers. While the state is providing most of the basic needs for these individuals and getting them setup with social services, many needs remain unmet as people try to make a new home for their family.

This is where you come in. The Franklin Interfaith Council will be regularly communicating the needs of the families placed in the emergency shelter in Franklin, providing local drop-off points for you to make donations, and distributing the donations at the shelter. In addition to tangible donations like food, clothing, and hygiene products, we will also help communicate volunteer opportunities. There are many ways you can help.  See the attached flyer for a listing of current needs and volunteer opportunities. We will update and distribute this flyer regularly.

If you know of people who would like to be added to this distribution list, please have them email info@franklininterfaith.org. If you would like to be removed from this distribution list, please respond to this email and let me know.

Thank you for your on-going commitment to #LOVEfranklin and your efforts to help others make a home and fall in love with Franklin too!

Peace.
Jacob

 

><O><O><O><O><O><O><O><

Rev. Dr. Jacob W. Juncker

Pastor, Franklin United Methodist Church

President, Franklin Interfaith Council

><O><O><O><O><O><O><O><

Flyer -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DI6Xtcy2Q-tcaG6LYsfeCpcJypqbDuze/view?usp=drive_link

#LOVEfranklin // Emergency Shelter Humanitarian Aid Update & Call to Action

Additional Links:

• "A Call to Our Community: #LOVEfranklin" (https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/10/a-call-to-our-community-lovefranklin.html)
• Town of Franklin Press Release from 8/24/23 (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZrtRuZM0DyW9gbQ1K5GPRaKD2-1iMokO/view).
• Town Administrator's Report on the Migrant Housing Status – 9/06/23 (https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/09/town-administrators-report-on-migrant.html)
• Town Administrator's Report on the Migrant Housing Status - 09/20/23 (https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/09/town-administrators-report-on-migrant_20.html)
• "1,000 families now arriving in Massachusetts shelter every month, officials estimate," WCVB.com, September 8, 2023 (https://www.wcvb.com/article/migrant-crisis-massachusetts-emergency-shelter-rapidly-growing/45049626)

Did you know that there is a Conservation Commission Vacancy - Time to Apply is Now!

Conservation Commission Vacancy - Apply Now!

Do you have an interest in conservation, wildlife, wetlands, and the environment? 

Do you see yourself as a leader in Franklin for green initiatives and open space planning? 

Would you like to a part of decision making processes for the growth and development around Town? 

Then what are you waiting for? Apply to the Franklin Conservation Commission today!

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Land planning, environmental science, engineering, or construction experience a plus, but not required. 

Training and continued education provided upon appointment. Applications can be submitted online at https://franklinmaboards.vt-s.net/newcaf.php. For more information about the vacancy, please contact Breeka Li Goodlander via email at bgoodlander@franklinma.gov or via phone at 508-520-4847.

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/conservation/news/conservation-commission-vacancy-apply-now

Did you know that there is a Conservation Commission Vacancy - Time to Apply is Now!

Volunteer Fair not interrupted by tornado warning, folks did find volunteer opportunities

A couple of dozen folks braved the weather (and the tornado warning) to meet and greet the various nonprofits gathered to find out what the nonprofits do and how volunteers can help them. 

The first (and not last) event of this kind was held Wednesday night at THE BLACK BOX thanks to FSPA, FPAC, and the Mercers.

The following nonprofits were scheduled for tables at the event. 

• Department of Children & Families [DCF]
• Franklin Public Radio
• Franklin Special Education Parents Advisory Council [SEPAC]
• SAFE Coalition
• Franklin Lions Club
• Metacomet Land Trust
• One Franklin
• Franklin Democratic Town Committee [FDTC]
• Franklin Senior Center
• Franklin Neighbor Brigade
• Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee
• Franklin Food Pantry
• Franklin LGBTQ Alliance
• Franklin Downtown Partnership
• New Hope, Inc.
• Foster Care Essentials
• Franklin Performing Arts Company [FPAC]

For info and updates from the Franklin Area Nonprofit Network (a FANNTastic group!) visit the FANN online at -> https://www.franklinareanonprofitnetwork.org/

some of the conversation at the SAFE Coalition table

Franklin Cultural District: Volunteer Fair, Farmers Market, Library Book & Bag Sale, & more

Wednesday, September 13

1:00pm - Senior Scribblers (writing group) (Franklin Senior Center)

6:00pm - Volunteer Fair (free to stop by) (THE BLACK BOX)

Thursday, September 14

2:30pm - Free Child Car Seat Check (SAFE Coalition)

6:00pm - Dave Penza (live music) (La Cantina Winery)

Friday, September 15

12:00pm - Essential Needs Drive (SAFE Coalition)

1:00pm - Book Sale ($1/book) (Franklin Public Library)

2:00pm - Franklin Farmers Market (Franklin Town Common)

2:00pm - Thrift Threads thrift shop (Franklin Federated Church)

6:00pm - Jamie Barrett (live music) (La Cantina Winery)

6:00pm - Alec and his Band (live music) (67 Degrees Brewery)

Saturday, September 16

9:00am - Book sale ($1/book) (Franklin Public Library)

10:00am - Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

1:00pm - Bag sale (books at $5/bag) (Franklin Public Library)

5:00pm - Mexican Independence Day (tickets req'd) (La Cantina Winery)

5:00pm - Patrick Durkin (live music) (Birchwood Bakery)

Sunday, September 17

7:30am - All you can eat Breakfast (Franklin Rod & Gun Club)

1:00pm - Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

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

The Franklin Art Association Art Gallery remains open for viewing (and purchasing the art displayed) during business hours at Escape into Fiction (Main St, Franklin)

Visit the Cultural District page ->  https://www.franklinculture.org/

Find the full Community event calendar   https://www.franklinmatters.org/p/blog-page.html

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:   https://forms.gle/oPdi8X3ZbHHyrHzo6

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar
The School district calendar is found  https://www.franklinps.net/calendar-by-event-type/26 

Franklin Cultural District: Arts are happening here!

Want to figure out who to volunteer for? Stop by THE BLACK BOX and check out at least 16 options

Free for volunteers to figure out which organization your could help. The following non-profits have registered for a table to talk with you about how you can help them: 

• Department of Children & Families [DCF]
• Franklin Public Radio
• Franklin Special Education Parents Advisory Council [SEPAC]
• SAFE Coalition
• Franklin Lions Club
• Metacomet Land Trust
• One Franklin
• Franklin Democratic Town Committee [FDTC]
• Franklin Senior Center
• Franklin Neighbor Brigade
• Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee
• Franklin Food Pantry
• Franklin LGBTQ Alliance
• Franklin Downtown Partnership
• New Hope, Inc.
• Foster Care Essentials
• Franklin Performing Arts Company [FPAC]

When: THE BLACK BOX, Wednesday, September 13 from 6 to 8 PM.

Franklin Volunteer Fair - Weds, Sep 13 at THE BLACK BOX

Franklin Bellingham Rail Trail Cmte: Monthly Meeting = Sep 12 & Volunteer Fair = Sep 13

Join us at 67 Degrees Brewing on Tuesday night for beers and rail trails

View this email in your browser Franklin Bellingham Rail Trail: September Monthly Meeting and Volunteer Fair

September Monthly Meeting and Volunteer Fair On Tuesday, September 12,  we have our monthly meeting at 67 Degrees Brewing, 158 Grove Street, Franklin, at 7 PM For anyone that wants to get more involved we'd love to see you. Alternatively, Committee Members will in attendance at the Franklin Volunteer night on Wednesday, September 13 at THE BLACK BOX, 15 West Central St in Franklin, 6-8 PM. Please stop by! Warm regards, Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee

Copyright © 2023 Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee, All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee PO Box 68 Franklin, Ma 02038

Franklin Food Pantry to Take Part in Hunger Action Month®

September is Hunger Action Month®, and the Franklin Food Pantry is joining Feeding America and a nationwide network of food pantries to raise awareness and inspire the public to act on behalf of people experiencing hunger. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, more than 34 million people, including 9 million children, in the United States are food insecure. 

The Town of Franklin and the surrounding community are not immune to food insecurity with The Pantry providing more than 1,300 individuals with supplemental food assistance and services. As a private, non- profit organization, The Pantry relies on the generosity of donors and volunteers, offering community groups and individuals many opportunities to become involved in the fight against hunger.

“Over the past two years, the Franklin Food Pantry has experienced a sharp increase in the need for supplemental food assistance,” said Tina Powderly, Executive Director, Franklin Food Pantry. “Hunger Action Month calls on our community to join the fight on hunger, restock our shelves, and make sure everyone in our community has access to nutritious food and services.”

Individuals and groups can take action against hunger by participating in the following:

• Organize a food or fund drive

• Donate funds, food, or other pantry needs to the Franklin Food Pantry

• Learn about the impact hunger has on Franklin and Norfolk County

• Volunteer at the Franklin Food Pantry

• Write to local elected officials and urge them to fight hunger

• Wear orange on Hunger Action Day (Friday, September 23, 2023) to spread awareness and show commitment toward ending hunger

• Join the conversation by posting photos or stories to social media with #HungerActionMonth For more information on Hunger Action Month visit HungerActionMonth.org.

About the Franklin Food Pantry, Inc.

The Franklin Food Pantry, Inc. offers supplemental food assistance and household necessities to more than 1,300 individuals per year. The Franklin Food Pantry is not funded by the Town of Franklin. We are grateful for our many partnerships, including that with the Greater Boston Food Bank, that allow us to achieve greater buying power and lower our costs. Donations and grants fund our food purchases, keep our lights on, and put gas in our food truck. 

Programs include home delivery, a weekend backpack program for Franklin school children in need, mobile pantries, emergency food bags, and holiday meal packages. The Pantry is located at 341 W. Central St. in Franklin, Massachusetts on Route 140. Visit www.franklinfoodpantry.org for more information.

September is Hunger Action Month

Rail Trail Committee raises a Call for Volunteers!

We need your skills and your help. Join us at a meeting or drop us an email

View this email in your browser Call for Volunteers!! We hope this email finds you well and enjoying the beauty of our community. We are reaching out to you today because we believe that your unique skills, passion, and energy could be a fantastic addition to our team at the Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee. Our committee has been dedicated to the development and upkeep of the Southern New England Trunkline Trail in Franklin & Bellingham, a cherished community space that promotes wellness, unity, and outdoor enjoyment. We have achieved significant milestones over the years, but we understand that our continued success depends on the collective efforts of dedicated volunteers like you. We are currently seeking volunteers to support us in a variety of capacities, and we firmly believe that there is a role perfectly suited to your skills and interests: Event Support: Our events, such as the upcoming Harvest Festival, rely on volunteers to manage booths, assist with logistics, and ensure everything runs smoothly. Trail Walk Leaders: If you have a passion for the outdoors and love interacting with others, consider leading our monthly trail walks. It's a wonderful way to connect with fellow community members and promote the beauty of our trail. Marketing Communications: If you're a creative thinker with a knack for spreading the word, we could use your talents in helping us create compelling communications to engage the community and promote our events. Grant Writing: Are you skilled in writing persuasive proposals? Help us secure essential funding by applying for grants that will enable us to enhance our trail and continue our mission. Account Management: For those who are organized and detail-oriented, managing our accounts and financial records is an area where your skills can truly shine. Your contribution, whether it's an hour or two at an event or a regular commitment in a specialized role, will make a significant impact. Volunteering with us is not only a chance to give back to your community but also an opportunity to build new friendships, develop skills, and be a part of a dynamic team that's passionate about creating positive change. If you're interested in joining our ranks of dedicated volunteers, come to one of our meetings, the second Tuesday of every month at 67 Degrees Brewing meet the team and enjoy a beer on us - next meeting is Tues Sep 12th at 7pm! Or, just reach out to us at fbrtcommittee@gmail.com with your area of interest. We'll provide you with more information and discuss how your involvement can best align with your schedule and abilities. Thank you for considering this invitation. Together, we can continue to make the SNETT a vibrant and enriching space for all. Warm regards, Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee Copyright © 2023 Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you have opted in to stay informed about the Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee Our mailing address is: Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee PO Box 68 Franklin, Ma 02038