Talking all about the Party For The Pantry March 29 with Marsha & Jen (audio)

FM #1407 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1407 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Marsha Tait, Development Director, and Jen Johnson, Development Associate. We had our conversation in the Franklin Food Pantry at Edwin’s on Monday, March 10, 2025. 

We talk about the Party for The Pantry scheduled for March 29 at THE BLACK BOX with musical entertainment provided by JP Royer, Matt Zajac, & The Pub Kings. 

Silent auction will be available online before and during the event closing out at 9:15 PM. Special bidding in person for one or more trips being offered by AMFund. The opportunity to bid on dream destinations, including Paris, Florence, Greece, Sedona, Ireland, Portugal, Scotland, and Africa—all while supporting The Pantry.

The recording runs about 30 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Marsha and Jen  Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1407-party-for-the-pantry-03-10-25/

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Party for The Pantry page -> https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/happenings/events/party/ 

AMFund travel information details -> https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/travel-auction/ 

Food Pantry current needs page -> https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/get-involved/pantry-needs/ 

Amazon wish lists -> https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2SIL7UR08ZZUC?ref_=wl_share 

Sign up for a public tour of the Pantry -> https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0f4baaa622a4f4c43-pantry#/ 

The Franklin Food Pantry is here for you. If you need us, we are here with not only food, but useful programs and resources for individuals, seniors and families struggling with food insecurity. If you can support us, we thank you - visit www.franklinfoodpantry.org  to explore volunteering, donating funds, donating food, or supporting our Capital Campaign to keep the lights on and the programs, from food elves to weekend backpack stuffing. It truly takes a village to keep our food pantry running and supporting the increasing demand, supporting our Franklin neighbors.

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We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm). 

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

 

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

• If you don't like something here, please let me know

• And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach out. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

 

For additional information, please visit www.franklin.news or www.Franklinmatters.org/ 

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

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You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

Talking all about the Party For The Pantry March 29 with Marsha & Jen (audio)

American Revolution 250th Celebration Gets Local Boost in Wrentham and its “Daughter” Towns

Historically minded individuals and town groups plan to mark the mustering of Wrentham-area militia who marched to support the fighting at Lexington and Concord on April 19, 1775.

Two hundred and fifty years ago, Wrentham (which then also included the modern towns of Franklin, Norfolk, and Plainville), was a quiet farming town, but one where local patriots were well aware of the tensions building with the mother country, Great Britain, and most were determined to protect what they saw as their most basic rights.

vintage Minutemen stamp

On the morning of April 19, 1775, news began to filter in about the British Army’s march to Lexington and Concord and then the news that fighting had broken out. It was news that was feared but locals were ready and, according to historians, two groups of local Wrentham-area soldiers were soon on the march to support their fellow Minutemen and militia members.

To commemorate that important local historical event, groups and individuals are pooling resources.

On April 19, 2025, at about 10 AM, the Gavel Restaurant in Wrentham, 36 South Street Wrentham, will play the role of the Colonial-era, Man Tavern with a brief pageant, commemorating the arrival of THE news and the mustering of the first Minutemen from the area.

Weather permitting, the event will continue outside, on the Common until approximately 11:30 AM. Seating in the Gavel is very limited. For updated information closer to the date, visit https://alanrearls.wixsite.com/mysite-1

Tri-County Stellar Engineering Students Excel in NASA HUNCH Competition and Head to Johnson Space Center

Each year, engineering students, guided by their dedicated instructor Kristen Magas, participate in the prestigious NASA HUNCH (High School Students United with NASA to Create Hardware)  Program. This program inspires and empowers high school students through a hands-on, Project-Based Learning approach, equipping them with 21st-century skills and real-world experience in designing and fabricating products for NASA.

This year, twenty-four engineering juniors showcased their talents at the Northeast Regional HUNCH Critical Design Review held at Rutgers University in New Jersey. Presenting their final designs and prototypes to NASA representatives and industry professionals, four of our student teams earned the distinction of being selected as finalists. These exceptional teams have been invited to the HUNCH Final Showcase at NASA's Johnson Space Center (JSC) in Houston, Texas in April.

During their time in Houston, students will tour the JSC Mission Control Center and the Space Vehicle Mockup Facility, guided by Tri-County engineering alumnus and current International Space Station flight controller, Ethan Mace. Additionally, they hope to visit the Human Exploration Research Analog (HERA) facility, where their instructor, Kristen Magas, served as an analog astronaut during a simulated Mars mission this past fall.

Tri-County Stellar Engineering Students Excel in
NASA HUNCH Competition and Head to Johnson Space Center

These engineering students have worked diligently since September to refine their prototypes and implement the engineering design process. They also sought funding from the Massachusetts Space Grant Consortium, successfully securing grant money to support their travels. Last week, the student groups proudly presented their innovative products to parents and peers, showcasing their expertise, dedication, and creativity.

The students heading to Houston to showcase their projects in the Health & Biomedical Science areas are Sophie Anderson, Colleen Layton, and Rebecca Hall (biodegradable packaging of medications project); Vincenzo Gaybor, Michael Love, Amy Manzanarez, and Adison Sobczak (mental health in space project); Rhys Beck and Bernardo Martinez de Freitas (medical inventory with facial recognition project).

The students heading to Houston to showcase their projects in the Design & Prototyping areas are Riley Heney, Nathan O'Connell, and Kyleigh Weddeke (lunar landing legs project).

This remarkable journey highlights the hard work and achievements of our engineering students and their bright futures in the STEM field.

 

Shared from TCRVTHS -> https://www.tri-county.us/article/2093302

Charter School shares news from the Massachusetts Science & Engineering Fair (MSEF) Regional Science Fair

via Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School: 

"We are excited to share details the Massachusetts Science & Engineering Fair (MSEF) regional science fair. Congratulations to the following BFCCPS students in Grades 7 and 8 for their outstanding achievements this year. Many thanks to Mrs Nestor and Mr Rutt for their support!

Our students will next participate in the MSEF State Fair on May 10th!

Charter School shares news (photo courtesty Charter School)

Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge Nominees: Navya Satishkumar

CABOT Corporation Grand Prize: Navya SatishKumar

Tom Cahill Award: Chittesh Patel

Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge Nominees: Chittesh Patel

Aparna Naravane Memorial Award: Aagam Shah, Anagha Balagurumoorthy

First place in Middle School: Chittesh Patel

Second place in Middle School: Aisiri Praveen, Aagam Shah

Third Place in Middle School Division: Anagha Balagurumoorthy, Romir Iyer"

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/12FRRHNNvv7/

Exploring Italian Wines With Ciro - March 27 at vFranklin Liquors Wine Room

Exploring Italian Wines With Ciro

Date: March 27th Time: 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM 

Location: Franklin Liquors Wine Room

Join us for an exclusive, sit-down wine tasting and educational event featuring the renowned Ciro Pirone from PSP Wines. Ciro, a frequent and beloved guest host, will lead us on a delightful journey through the diverse and exquisite wines of Italy.

We'll be exploring:

• Sparkling wine from the Veneto region
• Rich and robust Tuscan reds
• The prestigious "King of Wines" from Piedmont

Ciro's expertise and passion for Italian wines are unmatched, making this an evening you won't want to miss. Come and experience the beauty and complexity of Italian wines with fellow enthusiasts.

Exploring Italian Wines With Ciro - March 27

RSVP Required

https://www.meetup.com/franklin-wine-club/events/306624746/?

About Ciro:

Ciro Pirone, VP of business development PSP Wines, Former Director of Italian Wines for Horizon Beverage Company, is a graduate of the Istituto Alberghiero (Hotel and Restaurant Management school) of Salerno, Italy and a Vinitaly Wine Ambassador (Vinitaly Wine Academy). Traveling and working in Italy, England and the US, Ciro developed an incredible passion for wine, food and culture. After all, growing up in Italy, wine was always a very important part of his family’s lifestyle and traditions

In 1999, Ciro moved to the US permanently. He landed in Boston, where he continued his wine studies at Boston University, the International Sommelier Guild, the London –based Wine & Spirits Educational Trust (WSET), as well as he completed and passed with Honors the Italian Wine Specialist Certification by the North American Sommelier Association (part of the worldwide recognized Italian Sommelier Association). In June of 2017 (and again in 2019) he completed the Vinitaly Wine Academy and received the prestigious Vinitaly Wine Ambassador certification. 

In 2019 also passed with Honors the Italian Wine Scholar program by the Wine Scholar Guild. In 2007, Ciro accepted the position of Italian Wine Specialist for Horizon Beverage. After successful growth at HBC, Ciro accepted on a new challenge as the US Brand Manager for the Arnaldo Caprai Winery of Montefalco (Umbria), the top producer of worldwide recognized Sagrantino di Montefalco. In June 2011, Ciro returned to Horizon Beverage with a new position of Director of Italian Wines in support of their expanding presence in the New England marketplace. 

Ciro is happy to share his passion for Italian wine and culture in an effort to give the American wine consumer a better understanding and appreciation for Italian wine!

About The Franklin Wine Club Founder:

Mark C Lenzi CSW,CSS,CWAS,FWS,IWS*,SWS,IWM owner of Franklin Liquors

• Certified Specialist of Wine (CSW) And Spirits( (CSS) by the Society of Wine Educators. 
• California Wine Appellation Specialist (CWAS) by the San Francisco Wine School. (First In MA)
• French Wine Scholar(FWS)/instructor, Spanish Wine Scholar (SWS), And Italian Wine Scholar (IWS*) by the Wine Scholar Guil
• Italian Wine Specialist (IWS*) by the North American Sommelier Association. 
• Oregon Wine Expert (OWE) by the Napa Valley Wine Academy,
• Italian Wine Maestro (IWM) by the Vinitaly International (First USA Class)
• Co Host-Podcast/Radio Show The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW)
• Founder-The Franklin Wine Club

Fix your flapper

Via DPW Water & Sewer Division 

Fix your flapper

"Household leaks waste nearly 10,000 gallons of water per year on average, or the amount of water it takes to wash 300 loads of laundry!  

For Fix a Leak Week we will be posting five simple steps for five minutes per day to save water all year long!  

If you have questions about your usage, go to https://franklinma.watersmart.com/ to find your answers!"

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/1GVYzk7BUq/

MMA: "House OK’s bill to extend remote and hybrid meeting authorizations"

"The House today (3/17/25) passed a bill that would extend the authorizations for local boards and committees to hold public meetings remotely or in a hybrid format for more than two more years.

The bill, H. 62, would also extend the remote meeting option for representative town meetings and permit reduced quorums for open town meetings. The extensions would run through June 30, 2027.

In a prepared statement, Senate President Karen Spilka said the Senate and House have reached agreement on the bill and that her chamber will take it up on Thursday."

Continue to read the article online -> https://www.mma.org/house-oks-bill-to-extend-remote-and-hybrid-meeting-authorizations/

The legislation can be found ->  https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H62

a Franklin Town Council meeting from Dec 2024 with Zoom as the basis for the Franklin TV broadcast

Cultural arts a key force for our economy

Via the Mass Cultural Council 

On Monday, Mass Cultural Council Executive Director Michael Bobbitt and Senior Director of Public Affairs Bethann Steiner testified before the Legislature’s Joint Committee on Ways & Means in support of the Agency’s $28 million funding request for Fiscal Year 2026.

The hearing, which was held in Gloucester City Hall and chaired by Representative Ann-Margaret Ferrante and Senator Jake Oliveria, was focused on the Governor’s H. 1 budget recommendations for various economic development focused secretaries, state agencies, boards, and commissions, such as the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities, the Executive Office of Economic Development, the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development, Mass Cultural Council, Mass Board of Library Commissioners, Commission on the Status of Women, and the Cannabis Control Commission.

During their presentation, Mass Cultural Council’s representatives outlined the reasons for the Agency’s $28 million request and were available to respond to questions from the Committee members. Once the Committee completes its schedule of hearings, the House Committee on Ways and Means will release its spending plan for debate in April, followed by the Senate budget debate in May. FY26 begins on July 1, 2025.

Related to this action:

"Artists and cultural organizations fuel our economy, communities, and identities as a vital health and human service—yet too many are barely getting by.

Today Mass Cultural Council released the 2024 Massachusetts Cultural Asset Inventory. This comprehensive project, developed in collaboration with Diversity North Group, identifies and documents thousands of cultural organizations, programs, and individuals contributing to the state’s vibrant cultural landscape.

The Cultural Asset Inventory provides a wealth of information that will be instrumental in informing future cultural policies, programs, and initiatives. Its key findings are outlined in the Agency’s press release and detailed in a Summary Report, and County Fact Sheets."

Continue reading the article -> https://massculturalcouncil.org/blog/this-is-a-wake-up-call/

Press release on Fact Sheets -> https://massculturalcouncil.org/blog/2024-cultural-asset-inventory-reveals-key-insights/

Final report on Asset Inventory -> https://massculturalcouncil.org/documents/2024_MA_Cultural_Asset_Inventory_Final_Report.pdf  or  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1vHBMogmqINexnjd7zdyK1-xI_dXIT3VZ/view?usp=drive_link

Norfolk County summary ->   https://massculturalcouncil.org/documents/2024_MA_Cultural_Asset_Inventory_Norfolk_1pager.pdf  or 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/13oWWJ3CqvQ9DHkvrzcfXyLvqWE5TNda3/view?usp=drive_link

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm Schedule for Wednesday, March 19, 2025

Franklin Public Radio is available anywhere, anytime at wfpr.fm and in the local Franklin, MA area FM radio dial at 102.9

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm Schedule for Wednesday, March 19, 2025

8:00 AM, 1:00 PM and 6:00 PM   Franklin Matters Radio – Steve Sherlock 

Franklin and its local government, services and events  (repeats Saturday at 2 PM)  

This segment features the my conversation the Community Conversation about Art Pharmacy held at THE BLACK BOX last Wednesday

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/03/use-of-opioid-settlement-funds-to-bring.html

9:00 AM, 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM  The Wonderful World of Wine – Mark Lenzi, Kim Simone    All about wine, its culture, lore and finer points.    (repeats Saturday at 1 PM)  

Mark & Kim talk conduct an Interview with Jim Spadaccini on the Immersive Wine Experiences: The Future of Tasting with Ideum

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/03/the-wonderful-world-of-wine-www-episode.html

 

Franklin TV schedule for Wednesday, March 19, 2025

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

7:30 am Mental Health : Amanda Ayer & David Gove

8:30 am Millis Berfield Band

10:00 am Franklin Library Association: Role of the Library in American Democracy

11:30 am Cooking Thyme: Spring

12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin: Meatballs

12:30 pm Cooking with Linda: Meatballs

1:30 pm Pizzapalooza: Meat-Lovers Pt. 2

2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Summer 2019 Show 3

3:00 pm Candlepin New Generation: Show 12

4:00 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Referee Shortage Pt1

5:00 pm Concerts on the Common: Padula Band

8:00 pm Critical Conversations: Social Media

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

7:00 am FHS Winter Jazz 01-29-25

8:30 am Public School Concert: Horace Mann Winter Music 2022

10:00 am SAFE Coalition: Youth Sports

11:00 am All-Town Showcase 2024: Band

12:30 pm FHS Boys Varsity Hockey v Arlington 02-25-25

2:00 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Pete Smith

3:00 pm FHS Girls Varsity Hockey v Canton 02-05-25

5:00 pm Track and Field: v Taunton 05-18-21

8:30 pm Rec Basketball: 6th - 8th Grade Girls Championship 2025

9:30 pm Rec Basketball: 5th & 6th Grade Boys Championship 2025

11:00 pm Rec Basketball: 7th & 8th Grade Boys Championship 2025

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

8:00 am Town Council 03-05-25

2:00 pm Town Council 03-05-25

7:00 pm Town Council CHAMBERS  853 4467 7191

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

Watch Listen Read all things that matter in Franklin MA

Senior Center Update for Opening March 19 (audio)

Sarah Amaral, Director, Franklin Senior Center with an update that the center will open on Wednesday, March 19.

The second floor will not be available so some programs/events will shift within the building.

Senior Center Update for Opening March 19 (audio)

Note: Franklin Q&A is scheduled for the second floor conf room, so we'll have to check the white board when we get there to find out where we'll be. We have moved about before so it shouldn't matter much. You'll still ahve questions, I'll strill have updates and answers

Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1407-franklin-senior-center-update-for-openeing-3-19-25/

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Tuesday, March 18, 2025 ???

Tuesday, March 18

* Dine out at Hot Table on March 18 to help the Music Boosters

* Senior Center Closed today, no events other than bus service

* "Look Up" Gallery (Franklin Public Library during open hours)

9:00am Fallen Hero: Elton E Ekstrom (Veterans Walkway, Franklin Town Common)

11:00am Community Closet (Franklin United Methodist Church)

6:00pm Table Top (Franklin Public Library)

7:00pm Musical Bingo (Raillery Public House)

For additional details on Library events ->    

https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar.aspx?CID=37,24&showPastEvents=false

** Town Meetings today   **

Franklin School Committee - Negotiations - Executive Session

Tuesday, March 18th  Time: 4:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/School-Committee-35/?#_03182025-1585

Franklin School Committee Community Relations Subcommittee Meeting (virtual only) = Tuesday, March 18th Time: 5:30 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03182025-1610

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Why are there multiple calendars?

What's happening today in Franklin? 

Respectfully, the Library and Senior Center calendars are too full of events to include all their events so we tend to focus on the major events. Town and School meetings are also kept separate. Links for all the calendars are shared here:

Find the full Community event calendar  https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://bit.ly/Submit2Calendar

The Library calendar of events ->    calendar link

The Senior Center calendar of events ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar.aspx?CID=37&showPastEvents=false

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/Calendar.aspx
The School district calendar is found  https://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/o/fpsd/page/school-calendars