Train Excursion through the Blackstone Valley

Tickets available now! Don't miss this fun fall train trip!

For tickets, call 401-495-1213 or Visit our website Join us for a scenic trip through the Blackstone Valley, and a day filled with fun autumn activities! Enjoy a relaxing train ride, Putnam's Annual Pumpkin Festival, many antique and gift shops, a farmers' market, local restaurants, and more! Last year's trip sold out! Get your tickets today!

Blackstone Valley Tourism Council | 175 Main Street, Pawtucket, RI 02860 Sent by info@tourblackstone.com in collaboration with Try it free today

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA Area: FRI 8/18/17 - THU 8/24/17

FRIDAY 8/18/17
9:30am   Family Yoga @ Franklin Public Library
12-6pm   Franklin Farmers Market @ Town Common
3:30pm   Lemonade and Giant Legos @ Franklin Public Library

SATURDAY 8/19/17
9am-5pm   Random Smile Project: 5th Annual Wiffle Ball Tournament  @ Fletcher Field
9-10am   Rep Roy Office Hours @ Galante Restaurant in Medway
10-1pm   Franklin Historical Museum Open
6pm   Vet Ruck Walk coming through Franklin @ Franklin Town Common

SUNDAY 8/20/17
1-4pm   Farm Bureau Harvest Festival @ Pour Richard’s
1-4pm   Franklin Historical Museum Open

MONDAY 8/21/17
7pm   Learn to Cope Franklin Chapter Meeting @ FUSF

WEDNESDAY 8/23/17
6-9pm   Local Author Kim Rezendes @ La Cantina Winery
6:30-8pm   Concerts on the Common: The Leeds/Elaine Kessler - Children's Program (rescheduled from 7/12) @ Franklin Town Common

THURSDAY 8/24/17
1-6pm   American Red Cross Blood Drive @ Elks Lodge
5-8pm   Franklin Historical Museum Open
7-8pm   Healing Hearts Community Support Group @ Franklin YMCA

For the Town of Franklin Public Calendar click HERE.

For all other events and Franklin happenings click HERE.

*To submit an event for the Community Calendar, please use this FORM

"it’s no surprise to see exceptional results like these”

FHS Class of 2015 graduate Kyle Pandiscio is making waves!

"In a field of 1150 teams, Isenberg undergraduate Kyle Pandiscio ’19 (Marketing) and Julia Keefe ’17 (BDIC) won first-place honors in the billboard display category in Project Yellow Light, a national advertising competition that promotes safe driving practices. The competition’s high-profile sponsors include AdCouncil, Clear Channel, I Heart Radio, Mazda, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, U-Haul, and the National Organizations for Youth Safety. Unveiled on a Times Square billboard on June 7, the winning design by the UMass Amherst duo currently graces more than 1,000 Clear Channel digital billboards across the nation. 

Kyle and Julia’s concept, captured in the photo, marshals “auto-correct”-inspired messaging to convey a dire consequence of driving while texting. With no-nonsense clarity, the billboard’s message reminds drivers to self-correct (i.e., eliminate) the potentially fatal habit of texting while driving—auto-correction for auto drivers, if you will."

Continue reading about Kyle
https://www.isenberg.umass.edu/news/student-team-wins-national-advertising-competition

Student Team Wins National Advertising Competition (UMass immge)

Thanks to the helpful reader for tipping this our way!

8th Anniversary of LET'S LAUGH TODAY in Franklin

Celebrate the 8th Anniversary of Let's Laugh Today in Franklin with laughter and refreshments and feel like a little kid again! 

Boost your joy factor, lighten up, release happy chemicals and open channels of expression and well-being to source your natural aliveness! 

Experience the health benefits of joyful laughter on Wednesday, September 13th from 7:30pm to 8:45pm at the Meetinghouse of the First Universalist Society in Franklin, 262 Chestnut Street, Franklin. They meet the second Wednesday of every month. 

Laughter Yoga is a body/mind practice for well-being that involves deep breathing and a few stretches, playful laughter exercises (no jokes or comedy), clapping and deep relaxation. 

It can strengthen the immune system, combat the negative effects of stress, and is a powerful antidote to depression and anxiety. Any age and any level of physical ability can participate in this uplifting experience! 

New laughers are always welcomed! $5 donation to the church, $10 maximum per family. Please bring your water bottle because laughing is dehydrating. 

Led by Certified Laughter Yoga Teachers, Linda and Bill Hamaker. If you have any questions, just call them at 508-660-2223 or e-mail billandlinda@letslaughtoday.com. See other opportunities to laugh at www.letslaughtoday.com.

8th Anniversary of LET'S LAUGH TODAY in Franklin

Franklin Almanac Episode 8 (YouTube)

Franklin Almanac Episode 8 With Host Polikseni Manxhari is available for replay on YouTube. The show was originally posted on Jul 5, 2017

• Intro - 00:00-00:42
• Strawberry Stroll - 00:43-06:30
• Interview with Nan Rafter - 06:31-14:52
• Plaque dedication for Harvey Nasuti - 14:53-20:00
• LED streetlights - 20:01-27:40
• Final Thoughts - 27:41-29:57

Fletcher Field flag pole honors Harvey Nasuti 1

Announcement Regarding Tree Pruning for Aug-Sep-Oct

National Grid will have ABC Professional Tree Service in town for approximately three months starting August 23, 2017. They will be performing preventive tree pruning to their electrical lines throughout the town. 

If you have any questions you can contact Michelle Badolato at 508-482-1073.

Read more: http://www.franklinma.gov/node/136063

This is an automatic message from Town of Franklin MA

Announcement Regarding Tree Pruning for Aug-Sep-Oct

23rd Annual Backpack Drive

The St. Mary's Conference of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul is excited to announce its 23rd annual collection of back-to-school supplies to help children prepare for a wonderful school year. If you would like to participate, please buy a school backpack, and fill it with back to school supplies. 

Please label the backpack either Grades K-3, Grades 4-5, Grades 6-8, or Grades 9-12. 

The backpacks should not be specific for either a boy or a girl. 

The backpacks may be dropped off in Sacred Heart Hall (lower level of the church) on the weekend of August 19/20 and on Monday, (August 21st) until noon. 

Members of the St. Vincent de Paul Society will deliver backpacks to families in town with school-aged children. We are also hoping to have enough backpacks to offer them to families living in area shelters. 

Last year, 132 children and teens benefited from your generosity. It is so important for children and youth to see the goodness in the world.

Suggestions for supplies may be found on our website. 
http://stmarysfranklin.org/media/1/19/2017%20BackpackDrive&List.pdf

Lists are also available at the front doors of the church.

23rd Annual Backpack Drive

Franklin Public Library: Teen Book Brunch - Summer Reading Wrap-Up Party

Two events are scheduled at the Franklin Public Library for Friday, August 18. The Teen Book Brunch, Friday, will be held at 10:30 AM and the Summer Reading Wrap-Up Party begins at 3:00 PM

Franklin Public Library: Teen Book Brunch

Franklin Public Library: Summer Reading Wrap-Up Party

This was shared from the Franklin Library webpages
http://franklinpl.blogspot.com/2017/08/teen-book-brunch-friday-august-18-1030.html

http://franklinpl.blogspot.com/2017/08/summer-reading-wrap-up-party-friday.html

MassBudget is Hiring!

Job opening for Senior Policy Analyst or Policy Analyst

MassBudget    Information.    Participation.  Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center    Democracy. MassBudget is hiring a part-time Senior Policy Analyst or Policy Analyst! We're seeking a Senior Policy Analyst or Policy Analyst with experience in one or more of the following policy areas: MassHealth, public health, mental health, human services, and early education. The Analyst will lead our research in at least one of these policy areas and will help expand access to our analysis and data by building relationships with a diverse set of stakeholders, delivering presentations, and more. This opening provides a great opportunity to join a group of people working to make life better for low- and moderate-income children and adults in Massachusetts through research, analysis, and data-driven recommendations. MassBudget conducts rigorous non-partisan policy research, always with an eye towards presenting our work in ways that are accessible to and easily used by the general public, grassroots organizations, policy advocates, policymakers, and the media. We are looking for candidates who are passionate about our mission; who have experience in policy research, preferably with a fiscal analysis component; and who can effectively communicate to a wide variety of audiences. A full job description and information on how to apply can be found HERE. We believe our work is better when we have a diversity of voices on our team. We strongly encourage people of diverse backgrounds to apply. The Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center (MassBudget) produces policy research, analysis, and data-driven recommendations focused on improving the lives of low- and middle-income children and adults, strengthening our state's economy, and enhancing the quality of life in Massachusetts. MASSACHUSETTS BUDGET AND POLICY CENTER 15 COURT SQUARE, SUITE 700 BOSTON, MA 02108

Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center, 15 Court Square, Suite 700, Boston, MA 02108 Sent by nberger@massbudget.org in collaboration with Try it free today image from Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center (MassBudget)

Harvest Festival - Aug 20

Meet your local farmers and sample cocktails and food made with locally grown produce, cheese, ice cream, and meats!

All food prepared by Chef Daniele Baliani of Waltham’s La Campania Ristorante.
Cocktails prepared by Palm Bay’s Corey Bunnewith.

Plus two local breweries and delicious organic and sustainable Italian wines.

Celebrate Local. Celebrate Small. Celebrate Delicious!

100% of your ticket will be donated to the Norfolk County Chapter of Mass Farm Bureau Scholarship Fund. Pour Richard’s will also donate a portion of sales. Big thanks to the farmers who donated product and made this event possible!

The Harvest Festival will be held this Sunday, Aug 20 at Pour Richard's at 14 Grove St, Franklin from 1 to 4 PM. Tickets $10 at door.

Harvest Festival - Aug 20

Concerts on the Common: Matt Zajac and Friends - Aug 16

Set aside Wednesday evening for "family night" on the common. Bring a blanket, chairs, and a picnic meal; relax and enjoy the evening.

August 16 - Matt Zajac and Friends

Concerts on the Common: Matt Zajac and Friends - Aug 16

In the event of rain, the concert will be held at:St Mary's/Ben Franklin Charter School - across the street from the common.

Wednesdays 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Children's Programs 6:00 PM - 6:30 PM 



Note the July 12 concert which was rained out has been rescheduled for Aug 23

August 23 - Leeds

• Elaine Kess1er - Children's program

Furry Friends of Franklin Dog Park says "Thank you!"

I like to thank all the volunteers that came to help out on August 12th, at the Franklin Dog Park clean up.

Sincerely,

Gennarino D'Onofrio
Furry Friends of The Franklin Dog Park

https://www.facebook.com/FranklinDogPark/

The Cake Bar's Alec Callahan

"Today we’d like to introduce you to Alec Callahan. 

Alec, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far. 

Growing up I had many interests such as sports, I loved playing baseball, reading comic books and super heroes which is an obsession still to this day. I would say one of the main reasons I ended up going toward the culinary field was coming from such a large family that was cooking all the time. No matter what time of day it was it felt like my mom and aunts were in the kitchen cooking. Sometimes I would offer to help but the majority of the time I would just complain and ask if it was ready yet. I grew up with my older brother and 2 cousins who are basically my sisters. The 4 of us were always together and did anything and everything together including going out to eat to the point of being a well-known foursome in many of the town’s local restaurants. Our tastes have changed but not our love of food."

Read the remainder of Alec's article online
http://bostonvoyager.com/interview/meet-alec-callahan-cake-bar-franklin-ma/

The Cake Bar's Alec Callahan

Attention Franklin Residents: Unclaimed Checks

The Treasurer/Collector has posted over 60 outstanding checks amounting to over $22,000 to the Town of Franklin webpage. If you are on the listing, you can contact the Treasurer/Collectors office to begin the process of obtaining the funds.

Treasurer/Collector webpage  
http://www.franklinma.gov/treasurer-collector

Outstanding Funds Process  (also copied below)
http://www.franklinma.gov/treasurer-collector/news/town-franklin-outstanding-check-process

Did you know there are six ways to pay bills?

You can also find the listing on the Town of Franklin webpage
http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/news/fleet_outstanding_checks_posted_to_the_web_site_7-21-17.pdf

MASS GENERAL LAW CHAPTER 200A SECTION 5: Subject to the provision of section one A, all intangible personal property not otherwise presumed to have been abandoned under any other section of this chapter, including but not limited to all certificates of ownership, dividends, stocks, bonds, money, drafts and claims for money and credit …. shall be presumed abandoned unless claimed by the beneficiary or person entitled thereto within three years after the date prescribed for payment or delivery.

CHAPTER 200A SECTION 9A: On or before November first of each year the treasurer of any city or town holding checks issued by said city or town which have not been cashed and which are deemed abandoned under section five may issue a written determination that it is in the best interest of said city or town to follow the procedures set out in this section.

Checks issued by the Town of Franklin that remain un-cashed are subject to the following actions:

1. Letters are sent to payee's of un-cashed checks along with an acknowledgement form for claiming the funds.
2. For checks over $100.00 an advertisement is placed in the local newspaper.
3. An un-claimed check list is posted on the web-site. 

FAQ:

1. What if my name appears on the list, how do I claim my money?
Please contact the Treasurer’s Office

2. What happens if no one claims a check?
Checks that remain unclaimed after all the necessary steps have been taken are returned to the town's general fund.

3. I received notice of an un-cashed check, what is it for?
Checks issued from the Town of Franklin could be refunds of overpayments of taxes, payment of an invoice or payroll checks. You should contact the Treasurer’s office at 508-520-4950 for more information.


http://www.franklinma.gov/treasurer-collector/news/town-franklin-outstanding-check-process

Mass Cultural Council: Artist News - August

Artist News View this email in your browser Announcing the 2018 Artist Fellowships Program Kim Carlino (Drawing & Printmaking Fellow '16), Landscape 1. This month, the artist exhibits at Hope and Feathers Framing and Printing in Easthampton, Mass. and Gavey/Simon in NYC. Apply Now in Drawing and Printmaking, Poetry, and Traditional Arts   We are pleased to announce the launch of the 2018 Artist Fellowships Program. The Artist Fellowships are competitive, anonymously-judged grants for Massachusetts artists, with awards based solely on the artistic quality and creative ability of the work submitted*. Currently, Fellowship awards are $12,000, and Finalist awards are $1,000 (award amounts are contingent upon the finalized legislative appropriation). Read tips on applying. There are two deadlines per funding cycle. Applications are now being accepted in Drawing & Printmaking, Poetry, and Traditional Arts. Application deadline: October 2, 2017. Read program guidelines and apply now. Mass Cultural Council will accept applications in Choreography, Fiction/Creative Nonfiction, and Painting beginning December 15, 2017. Application deadline: January 29, 2018. * Traditional Arts applications are not anonymous and have additional review criteria. Artist Voices and Resources on ArtSake Cover art for The Weight of Ink by Rachel Kadish (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt 2017); Rachel Kadish (Fiction/Creative Nonfiction Fellow '02, '08), photo by Neil Giordano. Visit the redesigned ArtSake blog, our online resource to support new art and Massachusetts artists. Every week, we round up a list of opportunities for artists - a way to find your next contest, artist residency, call to artists, publication, and more. Do you want to find or list creative space? Check out our Creative Space Resources. Rachel Kadish talks about her new novel The Weight of Ink and how "characters plus pressure equals plot." Kathy Crowley, twice an Artist Fellow, shares the story of the independent bookshop she opened with spouse (and fellow Mass Cultural Council awardee) Chris Abouzeid. About Mass Cultural Council Mass Cultural Council is a state agency that promotes excellence, inclusion, education, and diversity in the arts, humanities, and sciences to foster a rich cultural life for all Massachusetts residents and contributes to the vitality of our communities and economy. We pursue our mission through a wide range of grants, initiatives, and advocacy for artists, communities, organizations, and schools. Mass Cultural Council's Artists Department Kelly Bennett, Exhibitions Curator/Program Officer (Visual Arts & Choreography) Dan Blask, Program Officer (Literary Arts, Film/Video, & Music Composition) Maggie Holtzberg, Folk Arts Program Manager Copyright © 2017, All rights reserved. This e-mail was sent from Mass Cultural Council Our mailing address is: Mass Cultural Council • 10 St. James Ave., 3rd floor • Boston, MA 02116 • 617-858-2700

This newsletter was shortened for publication here, to read the full contents View this email in your browser