Sunday, November 7, 2010

Challenge for charities: Will more go hungry?

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

via The Milford Daily News News RSS by Scott O'Connell/Daily News staff on 11/6/10

food pantry 4
The holiday season is a busy time already for food pantries, and recent statistics show that this year's demand will be even higher than usual.

Things you can do from here:



The Franklin Food Pantry has two fund raisers coming up this weekend where you can help.

Saturday, Nov 13 - Bigelow Station plays at the 3 Restaurant
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/10/fund-raiser-for-franklin-food-pantry.html

Sunday, Nov 14 - Fund Raising at Legacy Place
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/10/fund-raiser-for-franklin-food-pantry_23.html

How does the Legacy Place fund raiser work?
You buy a ticket for $10. This gets your name on the listing at Legacy Place. When you arrive on Sunday, Nov 14th. Check in to get a bracelet. You wear the bracelet during your shopping trip. The bracelet is an easy sign for the merchants to see that your part of the fund raising "Legacy of Giving" and you obtain the appropriate discount.

The $10 goes entirely to the Franklin Food Pantry. You gain by getting discounts on your purchases at participating vendors. A win-win!


Franklin, MA

Saturday, November 6, 2010

Art of the Educator - Hunakai Studio - through Nov 19th

After posting about the 'Art of the Educator' exhibit at the Hunakai Studios in Foxborough. I caught up with Carla Carey, the Executive Director. The exhibit has been extended until Nov 19th due to the positive interest shown. There are works from about 14 teachers representing Franklin, Foxborough, Mansfield, Medfield, Middleborough and Sharon.

There are about 50 pieces of art work being exhibited covering multiple forms of expression; sculpture, painting, and pottery. Carla was enthusiastic talking about the show. "It is kind of surprising to see some of the work, it is not your 'always conservative' teacher showing. It is really super and fun."

The show is a biannual affair for the studio to feature the importance of art education for the community. Carla hopes that the parents will see this and look to foster the creative arts in their communities. The creative arts teach problem solving techniques. With the current budget issues most school districts are facing, this kind of creative problem solving is becoming all the more important.

The Hunakai Studio operates as a school of fine arts serving students from 5 to 92. The studio will work with the schools to develop a portfolio. They have five separate studios to work with. The teachers are themselves professional artists. The environment is very much alive!



Hunakai School of Fine Arts
16 Chestnut Street Suite 410
Foxboro, MA 02035
(508) 543-5665


Studio hours
Mon: 10:00 am - 8:00 pm
Tues: 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Wed: 9:00 am - 8:00 pm
Thurs: 10:00 am - 8:30 pm
Fri: 10:00 am - 6:30 pm
Sat: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm



View Larger Map


Franklin, MA

If Franklin matters, you can help

I believe Franklin matters, hence the name for this site. I have written of how the site came to be and how it is my public service effort here.

I am realizing that as much as I can do, there is still more to be done and hence can use some help.
  • If you believe that Franklin, MA matters
  • If you have some skill in writing
  • If you have a willingness to learn some Web 2.0 tools
I would like to expand the writers on this site.
I would like to include those who have answered Yes to the questions above and would be willing to help.

In particular, there are Planning Board, Conservation Commission, and Design Review meetings that would be good to attend and report on. I have focused on the Town Council, School Committee, Finance Committee and Financial Planning Committee to "follow the money". These other areas are important to cover and I can not do it all. Nor would I attempt to.

If you already have some skill and interest and a topic that would be good to share with the Franklin community, then we should talk as well.

So if you are reading this, you already maybe someone who can help or know of someone who might be able to.

If you'd like to explore what this would mean (and what help/training I would provide) please let me know.

You can comment or send me an email at shersteve@gmail.com.

Thank you!


Franklin, MA


In the News - veterans honored, Class of 1947 reunion, concert Sunday


Franklin honors its veterans


LiveARTS sponsors Sunday concert



Franklin, MA

Friday, November 5, 2010

Ze Frank - fun for Friday!

I haven't posted recently on our Web 2.0 series so I thought I would do so today.

I miss Ze Frank's "The Show" - It was a glorious exploration, everyday something new. Yes, some worked better than others but going through each day, it was magic.

I recall back at the first PodCamp Boston, Steve Garfield coordinated a session that produced this video on "Riding the Fire Eagle Danger Day"!

Ze Frank summarizes some of his work in this TED talk. The two best parts are the Ray story and the last piece on "Hey, you're okay"




Of course, you should have fun everyday and not just Friday!

What are you going to do to have fun today?


Note: email subscribers will need to click through to Franklin Matters to view this video

This was originally posted to Steve's 2 Cents
http://steves2cents.blogspot.com/2010/10/ze-frank-fun-for-friday.html

For additional posts on the Web 2.0 series, you can use the search feature on the top right column and look for "Web 2.0".


Franklin, MA

Stress and Your Teen Conference - Nov 13

Are you a parent dealing with teenagers? Have a challenging time?

This conference might be good to learn what contributes to teenage stress and get some tools to help your family live a happier and healthier life amidst everyday stresses!

Stress and Your Teen Conference


Register at  http://www.yourteen.org/

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2010 8:30AM – 3:00PM
BLACKSTONE VALLEY REGIONAL VOCATIONAL TECHNICAL SCHOOL, UPTON, MA
$15 PER PERSON ($25 FOR TWO PEOPLE WHO REGISTER TOGETHER)
BREAKFAST & LUNCH INCLUDED


Franklin, MA

United Regional Chamber moves downtown

The United Regional Chamber of Commerce is celebrating its new downtown Franklin office location with a ribbon cutting ceremony and open house. The event will be held Nov. 12 at 11 a.m. at 4 West St., Franklin, on the corner of West Central and West streets. Please RSVP to the Chamber at 508-222-0801.


The United Regional Chamber of Commerce is a non-profit, business support organization serving the communities of Attleboro, Bellingham, Blackstone, Foxborough, Franklin, Mansfield, Medfield, Medway, Millis, Norfolk, North Attleborough, Norton, Plainville, Rehoboth, Seekonk, and Wrentham.



Franklin, MA

Remington 3rd Annual Turkey Trot

WHO - Remington Middle School students and staff

WHEN - Friday - November 19, 2009 1:50 to 4:00pm RAIN or SHINE

WHERE - Remington cafeteria (628 Washington St, Franklin, MA)

WHY - Remington students who donate $1 and a canned good will participate in a one mile run/walk around campus to benefit those in need. Money donations will go towards purchasing items for Thanksgiving baskets and canned goods will be donated to the Franklin Food Pantry. There will be free food and music in the cafeteria following the trot.

Hope to see you there

Please contact Jennifer Wynn (wynnj@franklin.k12.ma.us)
or Michaela Libby (libbym@franklin.k12.ma.us) for more information.


Franklin, MA

Thursday, November 4, 2010

Story Walk: "The Curious Garden"

The book you read on the Story Walk is "The Curious Garden" by Peter Brown.

"The Curious Garden" was inspired by what developed in New York City. An elevated railroad freight line was discontinued, fell into disarray, was re-discovered and became a park with some grass roots efforts instead of being demolished.
The High Line was built in the 1930s, as part of a massive public-private infrastructure project called the West Side Improvement. It lifted freight traffic 30 feet in the air, removing dangerous trains from the streets of Manhattan's largest industrial district. No trains have run on the High Line since 1980. Friends of the High Line, a community-based non-profit group, formed in 1999 when the historic structure was under threat of demolition. Friends of the High Line works in partnership with the City of New York to preserve and maintain the structure as an elevated public park. 
You can find out all about the High Line Park on their website
http://www.thehighline.org/

I had heard about the park via the Renegade Cabaret performances that started as the park began to open. Elizabeth Soychek lived in a 4th floor apartment with a fire escape that overlooked the High Line Park. She was inspired to sign and entertain the walkers along the path. Opening night of the "Renegade Cabaret" was recorded for replay:




Some folks in Franklin are looking to create a community garden. You can find more information about this local group on their website http://www.franklincommunitygardens.org/


Franklin, MA

Franklin won't have to go as far

Bostonians who crave locally brewed Red Barn Coffee now have to look a bit harder or walk a bit farther to get a cup of their favorite java.


Fortunately, Franklinites don't have to go far to get Red Barn. This is the coffee served by Cafe Dolce!



Read the article in the Boston Globe West section today



Franklin, MA