Wednesday, April 3, 2024

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

Franklin LGBTQ Alliance: Meeting at Pinz, Apr 4; announces date for Celebrate with Pride = June 22

In this newsletter we include an invitation to our next meeting and community events, including our next book club discussion, and include more opportunities to get involved.

You're Invited to our Upcoming Meeting 
Join us for bowling and food at PINZ in Milford! 
Where: 110 S Main Street Milford, MA
When: 6:00 PM

Franklin LGBTQ Alliance
Franklin LGBTQ Alliance

 -----------------

Drum roll please... We are excited to announce:
 
Celebrate with Pride will be on June 22nd this year from 12-4 PM! (with a rain date of June 23rd)
 
Are you interested in getting involved? Stay tuned for volunteer opportunities!
 
Are you an organization looking to participate in the event? Sign-up here to request space:  https://forms.gle/t2CkqitzK2BcyZfE8 

Celebrate with Pride will be on June 22
Celebrate with Pride will be on June 22

Franklin TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) schedule for Wednesday, Apr 3, 2024

  • wfpr.fm or 102.9 on the FM dial = Wednesday

9:00 AM 12:00 Noon and 6:00 PM Franklin Matters Radio – Steve Sherlock
Franklin and its local government, services and events  (repeats Saturday at 9 AM)

10:00 AM 1:00 PM and 7:00 PM  The Wonderful World of Wine – Mark Lenzi, Kim Simone    All about wine, its culture, lore and finer point.
11:00 AM 2:00 PM and 8:00 PM Franklin Matters Radio – Steve Sherlock
Franklin and its local government, services and events (repeats Saturday at 3 PM)

  • Franklin All Access TV - Our Public Access Channel (Comcast 6, Verizon 26) = WEDNESDAY

7:30 am Mental Health: Kallie Montagano & Sonja Wagner
8:30 am FPAC: Hamlet
10:00 am Second Sunday Speaker Series: Rob Lawson
11:30 am Cooking Thyme: Ice Cream
12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin': Quinoa
12:30 pm Sons & Daughters of Italy: Ciambotta
1:00 pm Norfolk County Prevention Coalition: Narcan Availability
1:30 pm Pizzapalooza: Meat-Lovers Pt. 2
2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Summer 2018 Show 6
3:00 pm Candlepin New Generation: Show 3
3:30 pm Veterans' Call: Robert Pierson
4:30 pm The Millis Berfield Band
8:30 pm Circle of Friends: Ellis Paul

  • Franklin Pride TV - Our Educational Channel        (Comcast 8, Verizon 28) = WEDNESDAY

8:30 am Lifelong Music: Band
10:00 am SAFE Coalition: Woody Geissman
11:00 am Winning Ways with the MIAA: Referee Shortage Pt1
12:30 pm FHS Varsity Softball: v Milford 05-22-23
2:30 pm Franklin Rec Basketball" 5th & 6th Grade Boys Championship
7:00 pm FHS Track and Field: v North Attleboro 05-09-23

  • Franklin Town Hall TV - Our Government Channel (Comcast 9, Verizon 29) = WEDNESDAY

8:00 am Town Council 03-13-24
12:00 pm Economic Development 03-13-24
2:00 pm  Town Council 03-13-24
5:30 pm  Subcommittee for Arts & Culture: LIVE, Chambers  890 9816 3504

Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf 

Tuesday, April 2, 2024

Silent Saturdays: "The Thief of Baghdad" - April 6 at 6 PM

Silent Saturdays start at 6 PM on four Saturdays of the month: Chris Leverone, a videographer and graphics artist from Franklin, has directed promotional and fundraising videos, and is currently a producer at Franklin TV. He developed this program of films in cooperation with the Franklin Senior Center.
The Thief of Baghdad
The Thief of Baghdad
  • April 6 -- The Thief of Baghdad, a Douglas Fairbanks classic with marvelous stunts and production design that brings the audience into a fanciful `Thousand and One Nights’ landscape of mischief, mystery, and intrigue.

The Franklin Historical Museum is located at 80 West Central Street, Franklin. The museum is open Saturday mornings from 10 AM - 1 PM and Sunday afternoons from 1 PM - 4 PM. 


When visiting the museum, please consider donating a non-perishable item for the Franklin Food Pantry. Check their current needs listing here ->   https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/get-involved/pantry-needs/


Visit the Museum online at https://www.franklinmuseum1778.com



Party for The Pantry, a Musical Fundraiser for the Franklin Food Pantry, Raises $19,000

The Franklin Food Pantry, which provides supplemental food assistance and programs in Franklin, Massachusetts, is grateful to be the recipient of the Party for The Pantry fundraising event organized by Ray Auger and Bill Donovan. The ticketed party, which took place on Friday, March 29, 2024, at GlenPhamer Distillery in Franklin raised more than $19,000 to benefit The Pantry. The evening’s entertainment included music from The Pub Kings, South Street Six, and J.P. Royer, a silent auction, and numerous raffle prizes. 

Sponsors for the event included: Allegra Marketing Print Mail, Coastal Closets New England, Colonial Fence Co., Core Chiropractic & Physical Therapy, Eagle Stainless Steel, Elemen-Tree House, Franklin LGBTQ Alliance, Franklin Matters, Tim Rice Photo, UpFront Guitars, J.M. Aldrich, The Baur Family, The Chouinard Family, The Gendreau Family, and Laura and Kyle Juszczyszyn. 

“Coming together for a night of music, fun, and friendship is a great way to bring awareness to a growing need and support those experiencing hunger,” said Ray Auger, co-organizer of Party for The Pantry. “The Franklin Food Pantry positively impacts thousands of lives, and we love giving back to this organization that assists so many.”

Independent fundraising events are an essential operating revenue source for The Pantry.  Funds raised allow The Pantry to purchase food and personal care items, offer programs and services, and support daily operations. 

“We are extremely grateful to Ray Auger and Bill Donovan for organizing this year’s amazing Party for The Pantry, and the event sponsors, raffle donors, and attendees for their generosity and support,” said Tina Powderly, Executive Director, Franklin Food Pantry. "The proceeds from this year's Party for The Pantry will go directly to feeding people, make a difference in the fight against food insecurity, and help strengthen our community."  

Party for The Pantry, a Musical Fundraiser
Party for The Pantry, a Musical Fundraiser
For more information on supporting the Franklin Food Pantry, or to attend an upcoming fundraising event, please visit the Franklin Food Pantry website.

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, Lovin’ 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, Community Gardens, and the 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.

Culinary Cabaret at THE BLACK BOX, Friday, April 5 raises funds to support Electric Youth 2024

Join us at THE BLACK BOX when the culinary and performing arts unite for an inspired evening of fabulous food, libations, and entertainment!
 
The 12th annual Culinary Cabaret spotlights this region’s outstanding culinary talent, showcasing fine wines, craft beer, delectable spirits, flavorful dishes and mouth-watering desserts!

Featuring entertainment by Electric Youth and special guest artists of the Franklin Performing Arts Company. Culinary Cabaret supports Electric Youth 2024! This year’s growing list of partners includes Parker’s Pub, 3, The Shed, Curry House, JK Catering, Caribbean Press, Sierra’s, Applause, Pour Richard’s and more!

Tickets available at THEBLACKBOXonline.com or by calling the box office at 508-528-3370!

Culinary Cabaret at THE BLACK BOX, Friday, April 5 raises funds to support Electric Youth 2024
Culinary Cabaret at THE BLACK BOX, Friday, April 5 raises funds to support Electric Youth 2024 

Town of Franklin: Job Opportunities with Fire Dept, Finance, DPW, & Facilities

To apply for a vacant position, please submit a resume and cover letter to apply@franklinma.gov.  Please put the job title in the subject line of your email. 

FHS girls & boys tennis teams, girls lacrosse, and softball team all open Spring season with a win

Via Twitter and our subscription to HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the Spring sports competition for Franklin High School on Monday, Apr 1, 2024.


Baseball = Oliver Ames, 5 @ Franklin, 3 – Final 
– Oliver Ames only collected three hits but took advantage of its opportunities to upset Franklin and snap the Panthers’ 27-game league unbeaten streak in the season opener. Courtesy runner Ben Newton (Drew Hall walk) came home to score on a wild pitch for the first run, David Rodgers knocked in Ian Kelly (walk) with a single to left and then eventually scored on another wild pitch to give OA a 3-0 lead in the top of the. second. The Panthers pulled one back in the bottom of the third on an RBI single from junior Matt Luccini to score Henry Digiorgio (double) but the Tigers pushed back with a pair in the top of the fifth. Harrison Fitzpatrick (single), Andrew Livingstone (walk), and Lucas Riley (walk) loaded the bases and a walk to Hall brought a run in. Rodgers delivered again, this time with a two-out infield single to make it 5-1. Franklin got two back in the sixth with RBI singles from Matt Miller and Cole Sidwell, and then put the tying run on base in the seventh but Andrew Whiteside (2IP, 2H, 0R, 2BB, 3K) got a strikeout to end the game. Riley got the win on the mound, allowing three runs on two hits and seven walks, striking out seven in five innings.


Softball = Franklin, 12 @ Oliver Ames, 3 – Final 
– Single runs in each of the first and third innings gave the Panthers an early lead before the offensive got going with 10 runs over the final four innings to pull away for good. Junior Sarah Boozang gave Franklin a boost with a solo home run in the third inning that made it 2-0 and finished the day 3-for-4 with a double, two RBI, and three runs scored while junior Marley Allen drove in a team-high three runs in the win. Sophomore Sophia Sacramone went 4-for-5 on the day with a pair of RBI and also had a strong day in the circle, allowing two runs on three hits and five walks, striking out six in five innings of work for the win. Crystaliah Covel and Paige Taylor both recorded two hits and one RBI each for OA.


Girls Lacrosse = Franklin, 19 @ Attleboro, 4 – Final 
– Franklin scored five goals in each of the first two quarters to stake a 10-2 lead by half and never looked back to take down Attleboro on the road to start the 2024 season. Emily Carney helped set the tone with a dominant performance on the draw, winning nine controls and adding five goals to lead the charge. Katie Ryan tacked on four goals and two assists, Gabi Consigli scored twice with four helpers, Sophia Sacchetti had a hat trick with one assist, and Liza Kudish scored a pair of goals and chipped in two helpers. Noah MacCallum and Keira Kucich anchored a strong defensive performance for the Panthers in front of Maise Streesman (six saves). Isabella Cavallini and Amelia Collins both had two points with a goal and an assist for Attleboro while Molly Moore and Addison Papagolos each added one goal.


Boys Tennis = Franklin, 3 @ Oliver Ames, 2 – Final

Girls Tennis = Oliver Ames, 1 @ Franklin, 4 – Final 
– Taking two wins from both singles and doubles action, Franklin defended home court in its season-opener against visiting Oliver Ames. In singles action, Franklin senior Brooke Taylor notched a 6-1, 6-2 victory at second singles while sophomore Isabelle Simino landed a 6-1, 6-1 win at third singles. The Panthers posted a pair of wins in doubles with the all-junior first doubles team of Brooke Daniels and Sydney Tolonen taking a 6-2, 6-1 verdict and the team of senior Ava Davies and sophomore Avalon Thomes adding a 6-1, 6-3 win at second doubles. OA junior Hannah Farber started her campaign off with an impressive 6-0, 6-1 win at first singles.

For other results around the Hockomock League (subscription required) 

FHS Panther sports results shared via Twitter & subscription to HockomockSports.com
FHS Panther sports results shared via Twitter & subscription to HockomockSports.com

Stop by to view the Spring Art Showcase on Tuesday April 2 in the FHS Media Center (4 to 6 PM)

Panther TV (@fhspanthertv) posted on Mon, Apr 01, 2024
Spring Art Showcase on Tuesday April 2
Spring Art Showcase on Tuesday April 2

"Join us for our Spring Art Showcase on Tuesday 4/2 in the FHS Media Center
You'll be amazed at the work of our talented students from all disciplines, across all grade levels! 
@FHSPantherbook @FranklinHS @FranklinPSNews"  https://t.co/xjq6DzBN7o




The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Episode 260 - Andrea Immer Robinson (audio)

In this episode of The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Kim and Mark interview the renowned Andrea Immer Robinson 

In this captivating episode, we delve into the fascinating world of wine with the esteemed sommelier, chef, television personality, and author Andrea Immer Robinson.

She is one of twenty six women Master Sommeliers in the world and was the first woman to be named  as the best sommelier in the United States. She has been the recipient of three James Beard Awards. 
Andrea Immer Robinson
Andrea Immer Robinson


We explored her remarkable journey and contributions to the wine industry:

1. Wine Credentials and Background
   -Andrea's impressive credentials include being a Master Sommelier, a prestigious title achieved by only a select few in the wine world.
   - Her extensive experience spans working in top restaurants, educating wine enthusiasts, and contributing to wine publications. We discuss her connection to New York’s Twin Towers.


2. Education on the Big 6 Grapes
   - Andrea is passionate about educating wine lovers on her Big 6 Grapes.  Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Pinot Noir.
   - She demystifies these grape varieties, helping listeners appreciate their unique characteristics and flavors.


3. Simply Wine TV Show
   - Andrea hosted the popular television show Simply Wine, where she shared her expertise and made wine accessible to viewers.
   - Through engaging storytelling, she simplified wine concepts and encouraged exploration.


4. The One Wine Glass
   - Andrea's innovation extends to the One Wine Glass a versatile glassware design that enhances the tasting experience for various wine styles.
   - We discuss the science behind this groundbreaking glass and its impact on wine appreciation.


5. Pairings with Andrea and Cooking Background
   - Andrea's culinary background shines through in her show Pairings with Andrea
   - She skillfully pairs wines with dishes, emphasizing the magic that happens when food and wine harmonize.


6. Connect with Andrea
   - Visit Andrea's website at https://andreawine.com to explore her resources, articles, and upcoming events.

Tune in to this episode to discover Andrea Immer Robinson's passion for wine, her insights, and her unwavering commitment to making wine enjoyable for all. 


Cheers
Kim and Mark

#wine #thewonderfulworldofwine #andrearobinson #wineeducation 




Franklin Public Library News & Events for Adults during April 2024 (audio)

Events for Adults


Knitting Group Fridays, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Love to knit or crochet? Join our group of local fiber artists who will be meeting in the Friends of the Franklin Library Community Room on Fridays 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Tax Preparation Help with VITA Site Open Saturdays 10 AM - 4PM
Taxes are due by April 15th! The last day the site will be open is April 13th!
The site is open! Walk-in clients are welcome!
The IRS's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program offers free basic tax return preparation to qualified individuals. VITA sites offer free tax help to people who need assistance in preparing their own tax returns, including:

  • People who generally make $64,000 or less
  • Persons with disabilities; and
  • Limited English-speaking taxpayers.

Table Top, Tuesday, April 2nd & 16th @ 6:00 PM
Registration Required. No Experience Necessary.
It's time to dust off your dice, grab a source book and role play your way through hijinks and horrors! Table Top is a Monthly game of Tabletop Role Playing Games for Adults!
Email mgousie@minlib.net to sign up or get more info!

Friends of Franklin Library Meeting, Wednesday, April 3rd @ 7:00 PM
Love the Library? Then how about joining the Friends! Attend the next Friends of Franklin Library meeting! Contact the FOFL at: fofl02038@gmail.com | Follow the Friends on Twitter: @FriendsFranklin

Rough Sleepers Community Discussion April 4th @6:30pm & April 27th @2:00pm
Join us for a discussion of Tracy Kidder's Rough Sleepers, open to the whole community!
We are having two discussion group sessions to allow everyone to participate! Please come to one or both!

"The powerful story of an inspiring doctor who made a difference, by helping to create a program to care for Boston’s homeless community—by the Pulitzer Prize–winning, New York Times bestselling author of Mountains Beyond Mountains"-New York Times

Bird Painting for Adults Saturday, April 6th @ 1:00 PM
Grown-ups! Are you feeling creative? Join Miss Lily and create your very own step-by-step painting of a beautiful bluebird! All materials will be provided, and REGISTRATION is required!

The Weekend Watercolor Sunday, April 7th & 21st @ 2:00 PM
Registration Required. Registration Required.
Project Details: Butterflies and Bugs &
 Carousel Horses
Relax with a Sunday watercolor class for adults 18 and over.

April Fool’s Concert Saturday April 13th @3:00pm
No Registration Required!
Fool around with Peter and Sue in a concert designed to make you laugh! Enjoy Nonsense Diddy's & Comedy Classics by artists such as Woody Guthrie, Tom Lehrer, and Allen Sherman.
Best for Adults and Teens. All ages welcome.

Chess Group, Sundays, April 14th & 28th @ 2:00 PM
Chess - The Game of Kings has resumed play! All ages and ability levels are welcomed.  If you would like to learn how to play chess, you are welcome as well! Learn an opening, develop strategic & tactic abilities, improve endgame skills. Sets will be available. No registration is required, and there is no fee.

How to Steal a Masterpiece Thursday April 18th @6:30pm
Hybrid program in person and over Zoom
Explore the underworld of stolen art, examining the little known stories from some of history’s greatest art heists! Art Historian Mallory Mortillaro leads us through the most significant art thefts in the last century and a half! Let’s question and discuss how the legitimate art market has managed to pique the interest of so many criminals!

Genealogy Club Thursday April 25th @ 6:30 PM
Open to all, no registration required!
Massachusetts Land Records with Seema Kenney
Massachusetts Land Records are a FREE resource and date back to 1731! Learn how to effectively search for and print documents from MassLandRecords.com.

Tricky Trivia Thursday, April 25th @ 6:30 PM
No Registration Required!
Are you ready to prove your trivia knowledge is more than trivial? Do you have the facts to fight for the title of Franklin’s Trivia Master? Join us for snacks and a Family Trivia Challenge at the Library! Play as a team or go solo for ultimate bragging rights!

Family Game Night, Tuesday, April 30th @ 6:00 PM
No Registration Required.
Try a new game! Introduce your favorite! Most importantly... Play games!
This a monthly group dedicated to the great board games out there and a space to find some new people to play with! All ages welcome!

**From the Friends of the Franklin Library**
 

Be sure to thank our AWESOME Franklin Public Library team! Did you know that National Library Workers’ Day is celebrated on Tuesday, April 9, 2024? This is an opportunity to show love to those who keep our libraries running while we get lost in the wonderful books, programs, and opportunities they offer every day. Be sure to take a moment to thank your favorite librarians when you are next at our library, and especially so if you happen to be there on “their” day, April 9th! And from the Friends to the entire Franklin Public Library staff, THANK YOU for all you do!

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 3rd 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.

Listen to Mitzi and I cover all the highlights for April 2024. The recording runs about 32 minutes, so let’s listen in. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1160-franklin-public-library-april-2024-event-highlights-03-18-24
Franklin Public Library News & Events for Adults during April 2024 (audio)
Franklin Public Library News & Events for Adults during April 2024 (audio)

Town of Franklin is looking to hire Firefighter/ Paramedics

"We’re hiring Firefighter/Paramedics. 
Check out the flyer. 
Here is a link to the job posting: https://shorturl.at/otEQZ"


Town of Franklin is looking to hire Firefighter/ Paramedics
Town of Franklin is looking to hire Firefighter/ Paramedics