Franklin Food Pantry Offers Eight Unforgettable Vacations at Party for the Pantry Event - March 29

The Franklin Food Pantry is thrilled to be selected by the American Fundraising Foundation (AmFund) to offer exclusive travel packages for the silent auction at Party for The Pantry on Saturday, March 29, 2025. AmFund provides fundraising travel programs to non-profit organizations, helping raise crucial funds through unique and memorable travel experiences. 

Party for The Pantry attendees will have the opportunity to bid on eight once-in-a-lifetime vacations including Africa, Florence, Paris, Ireland, Sedona, Greece, Scotland, and Portugal.

8 Unforgettable Vacations at  Party for the Pantry Event

"We are excited to partner with AmFund to offer these incredible vacation packages," said Marsha Tait, Development Director, Franklin Food Pantry. "This is a unique opportunity for our supporters to experience the trip of a lifetime while making a meaningful difference in our community."

AmFund travel packages support the vital work of the Franklin Food Pantry and include the following:

• Trips valid for 3 years with no blackout dates

• 4 and 5-star accommodations

• Most packages include round-trip airfare for two from any major U.S. international airport

• Dedicated AmFund travel specialist to assist with every detail

• Options to upgrade, extend, and add travelers

A representative from AmFund will be present at Party for The Pantry to manage the trips auction and oversee all transactions. Individuals who are unable to attend Party for the Pantry but are still interested in participating in the vacation auction can contact Julie Manninen, AmFund Development Director, at Julie@amfund.org for details.

features local bands

Party for The Pantry will also host a traditional silent auction. Starting March 20, 2025, mobile bidding for auction items will be available on GiveButter. The online silent auction is open to Party for The Pantry attendees, as well as individuals not attending the event.  

Party for the Pantry takes place on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at 7 PM at The Black Box in Franklin, Massachusetts. Tickets are required for the 21+ event which features local bands JP Royer, Matt Zajac, and The Pub Kings. 

Proceeds from the event will go directly to The Pantry to help fight food insecurity in our community. Purchase tickets online at www.franklinfoodpantry.org. 

About the Franklin Food Pantry, Inc.

The Franklin Food Pantry, Inc. offers supplemental food assistance, household necessities, and resource referrals to more than 1,800 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, 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 Meals, and the SNAP match at 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.

About the American Fundraising Foundation

Each year, the American Fundraising Foundation (AmFund) carefully chooses organizations to support through sponsorship of events, year-end grant distribution, virtual silent auctions, and other programs to raise much-needed unrestricted funds for the important mission of those organizations. AmFund currently partners with nearly 700 organizations in support of their funding needs. 

The national headquarters is in Florida and opens its training center to nonprofit organizations for lunch and learns and special programs. Its Educational Foundation is a federally recognized 501(c)3 and provides professional training for Development Directors, Executive Directors, Board Members, and others leveraging more than two decades of fundraising experience. It offers expertise in a variety of topics for groups ranging in size from 12 to 1000. 

Since its inception in 1999, the AmFund Foundation has distributed more than $60 million for worthy causes. Its signature silent auctions featuring once-in-a-lifetime experiences are presented at organizations’ special events drawing admiration, praise and excitement as the entire process elevates the event in the eyes of patrons, board members and the community. 

AmFund annually donates unrestricted funds known as Golden Pear Grants, to select organizations. The Golden Pear, prominently part of AmFund’s logo, is deeply rooted in history as well as in its mission. Throughout history the pear has been honored as a sacred fruit signifying wisdom, prosperity, good health, longevity, and future happiness – all the things Amfund seeks for its nonprofit partners. For more information about AmFund, visit www.amfund.org. 

You can listen to a rescent radio interview about Party for The Pantry ->

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/03/talking-all-about-party-for-pantry.html

The Kennedys scheduled to perform at the Circle of Friends Coffeehouse on April 5

The Kennedys April 5th,2025  7:30 PM $25  Doors open at 7:00 pm.  The Kennedys 1st CD, "River of Fallen Stars" was released in January of 1995 - 30 years ago! Since then they've released 17 albums, and for their 30th anniversary tour, they'll play songs from all 17 albums at each show, with different song selections at each show. Upcoming Shows Last show for the 2024-2025 season will feature John Gorka, May 17th

Circle of Friends Coffeehouse · First Universalist Society · 262 Chestnut St · Franklin, MA 02038 · USA

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Franklin area firefighters conduct specialized technical rescue drill

specialized technical rescue drill 

On Monday, your Franklin Firefighters teamed up with our peers from the Franklin Water Department, the Plainville and Millis Fire Departments to conduct a specialized technical rescue drill at the Grove Street Water treatment building. 

These drills and interagency collaborations allow us to be better prepared to protect the community through our all-hazards emergency response skillset. 

Thank you to The Franklin Water Department for hosting us! It was a very successful training drill.

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/DHdqAR6MPuf/

YMCA holding auditions for performance of "Rock of Ages"

auditions for performance of "Rock of Ages"

Calling All Rock stars! Date: Tuesday, March 25th, 2025 Time: 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM (by appointment)  

Location: Mansfield Arts & Education Center, 40 Balcom St, Mansfield, MA Contact Emily at emilyh@hockymca.org for more info or Sign up Now at https://qrcodes.pro/YNaDH9.

Shared from ->   https://x.com/HockomockYMCA/status/1903752385081598312

Norfolk County Register finds First Deeds in Fall of 1793

In the spirit of exploring Norfolk County's rich history, Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell has set out to discover some of its earliest deeds recorded from various communities throughout Norfolk County.

 

Norfolk County Register finds First Deeds in Fall of 1793

Land records at the Registry can shed light on some of the earliest property transactions that occurred in the early years after Norfolk County was established, offering insight into the origins of landownership in the region. It is possible to reveal the names of early settlers and prominent figures who may have played significant roles in shaping the communities they lived in.

"There is a wealth of historic information in the more than 13.1 million land records recorded in 42,297 Registry books dating back to when Norfolk County was created in 1793 and stored at The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds and available online at https://www.norfolkresearch.org," stated Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell. 

"We have also made this research process even easier for you through our History Comes Alive Transcription Program where all the Registry documents written in hard-to-read cursive penmanship from 1793 to 1900 were transcribed into clearly readable print."

This second of a four-part series focuses on real estate transfers that occurred in the Fall of 1793 between November 5th and December 3rd, during the County's formative months following Governor John Hancock's signing of the legislation that established Norfolk County on June 20, 1793.

The very first document from Dover in Book 1, Page 28 was recorded at the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds on November 5, 1793, more than 43 years before the community officially became a town. The deed shows that Thomas Larrabee purchased land on Strawberry Hill from Kazia Morse. Larrabee settled in Dover on his return from the Revolutionary War in 1778 after serving under the command of George Washington during the crossing of the Delaware and at Valley Forge. He, along with his fellow veterans, built a home on the property, which stayed in the Larrabee name until 1865, when the home was willed to "the inhabitants of Dover forever for the relief, comfort, and benefit of the poor persons who have a legal settlement in Dover."

On November 11 in 1793, Jacob and Lydia Parker sold a portion of their land to their son Jacob Parker, Jr. for 60 pounds, recorded in Book 1, Page 33. In this first deed from Needham, the Parkers state that their son is allowed access to one room in the house, a third of the cellar, a third of the barn, and the privilege of baking in the oven. They also permitted him the liberty of using the well. This deed highlights the practical arrangements some families may have needed to make at the time and also provides a glimpse into the daily lives and domestic setups of early settlers in Norfolk County.

Book 1, Page 39, contains a deed from Brookline that transfers property from Ebenezer Davis to Jonas Tolman. This deed provides clues about Jonas Tolman and the property. Jonas Tolman was a shoemaker working with new leather, and the property was located on Watertown Road, which was paved and renamed Washington Street in 1840. These clues indicate that this Jonas Tolman, mentioned in the deed, is the original owner of the Tolman House on the corner of Washington and Cypress Streets. The Tolman House, still standing today, was built in 1795 and is a Brookline landmark.

Book 1 of the Norfolk County Land Records is a treasure trove of interesting land records because, in addition to the notable deeds mentioned so far, on page 43 of Book 1 is a deed from Elkanah and Mary Thayer to future President of the United States John Adams, who at the time was serving as President George Washington's Vice President. The deed, dated November 19, 1793, describes a property with portions of the land situated in both Braintree and Quincy.

In Book 1, Page 44, is a deed from Samuel Vose to Captain Isaac Tucker, recorded November 22, 1793, for property in Milton. Isaac Tucker served in the Revolutionary War and was called to muster on December 25, 1775. He eventually became the captain of a company in the 6th Regular Militia, with his commission signed and recognized by Governor John Hancock.

On December 3, 1793, Roger Braley sold property in Franklin to his son Solomon Braley for the sum of four pounds, recorded in Book 1, Page 79. Roger Braley was a prominent figure in the Quaker community, serving in Rochester town offices from the late 1740s to the late 1760s. He later moved to Franklin, where he became a staunch supporter of the town, so much so that despite being exempt from serving during the Revolutionary War, Roger Braley and his two sons, Israel and Elijah, were listed in the 1777 military census and prepared to serve if needed.

"The primary mission of the registry is always the security, accuracy, and accessibility of our communities' land records and reliable service to the residents of Norfolk County. Moreover, these legal documents, beyond their importance in establishing ownership of a property, offer a glimpse into the daily lives of early settlers and preserve the legacy of prominent figures who have shaped Norfolk County from its founding in 1793 to the present," concluded Register O'Donnell.

To learn more about these and other Registry of Deeds events and initiatives, "like" us on Facebook at facebook.com/norfolkdeeds. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram at @norfolkdeeds.

The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, located at 649 High St., Dedham, is the principal office for real property in Norfolk County. The Registry is a resource for homeowners, title examiners, mortgage lenders, municipalities, and others with a need for secure, accurate, and accessible land record information. All land record research information can be found on the Registry's website, www.norfolkdeeds.org. Residents in need of assistance can contact the Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center at (781) 461-6101 or email us at registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org.

St. Mary's Catholic Women's Club will be hosting their annual brunch - March 30

LADIES OF ST. MARY PARISH, LET’S BRUNCH NEXT SUNDAY!

 annual brunch - March 30

St. Mary's Catholic Women's Club will be hosting their annual brunch on Laetare Sunday (March 30, 2025) at Restaurant 3 located at 461 West Central St. in Franklin.

The cost is $30 per person. ALL women of St. Mary Parish are invited to attend.

Please email Pat Tomasetti if you are planning to attend at ptoma2245@gmail.com.

Make your check out to "St. Mary's Catholic Women's Club" and mail it to: Patricia Tomasetti, 3 Mackintosh Street, Franklin, MA 02038.

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Bpf2csziA/

Save the Date for FHS Class of 1985 Reunion - Oct 4, 2025

FHS Class of 1985 Reunion - Oct 4, 2025

 

Save the date class of ‘85 for an FHS reunion!!

Shared from ->   https://www.instagram.com/p/DHa-m-huNKJ/?

The next Heart Of Massachusetts Networking & Referral Group is April 16

We’re excited to share that our good friend Bee Santangelo, will be our April 16th Sponsor of The Heart Of Massachusetts Networking & Referral Group!

next Heart Of MA Networking & Referral Group is Apr 16

Bee is the Owner of @busybsocial BusyBSocial - Social Media | Marketing | Advertising Agency. She extremely talented and is our number one referral partner! We’ve been collaborating for years on social media to bring value to the people in our lives - more specifically, the network we’ve built together. She’s a friend, mentor and networking partner. I trust her so much and can say from my heart that you’re in the absolute best hands with her helping your business with social media advertising! 🐝

You can register on Eventbrite -> https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-heart-of-massachusetts-networking-referral-group-tickets-1290253265249?

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/DHhXLZmxoxQ/

wfpr.fm Schedule for Monday, March 24, 2025 - Franklin Public Radio

Yes, Franklin has it's own radio station -> wfpr.fm. Franklin Public Radio has a brand new schedule for the locally produced shows that fill our air waves. 

It ia available anywhere, anytime at wfpr.fm or in the local Franklin, MA area at 102.9 on the FM dial.

Tune in to listen to the following:

wfpr.fm Schedule for Monday, March 24, 2025 - Franklin Public Radio

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

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule

Franklin TV schedule for Monday, March 24, 2025

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

7:00 am Riffin' on Main Street: Tom Mercer

8:00 am SAFE Coalition: Youth Sports

9:00 am ArtWeek: Airmen of Note

12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin: Meatballs

12:30 pm Cooking with Linda: Meatballs

1:05 pm Cooking Thyme: Spring

1:35 pm Pizzapalooza: Meat-Lovers Pt. 2

2:02 pm New England Candlepins: Summer 2019 Show 3

3:02 pm Candlepin New Generation: Show 12

4:00 pm Franklin Art Association: Christine West

5:30 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Referee Shortage Pt1

7:00 pm Care For Ukraine

8:30 pm Circle of Friends: Joe Crookston

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

9:30 am Winning Ways with the MIAA: Referee Shortage Pt1

10:30 am Cultural Council: BT ALC Big Band

12:00 pm All-Town Showcase 2024: Band

1:30 pm FHS Girls Varsity Hockey v Stoughton 12-18-24

3:30 pm Lifelong Music: Strings School 01-22-25

5:00 pm FHS Girls Varsity Basketball v Taunton 02-27-25

7:30 pm SAFE Coalition: Youth Sports

8:30 pm FHS Boys Varsity Hockey v Attleboro 02-05-25

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

 

8:00 am Planning Board 03-10-25

2:00 pm Planning Board 03-10-25

6:00 pm Joint Budget Subcommittee Listening Session 6 03-12-25

7:00 pm Planning Board  CHAMBERS  868 1242 2050

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

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Sunday, March 23, 2025 ???

Sunday, March 23

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

11:00am Sunday Brunch (Teddy Gallagher's Irish Pub)

1:00pm Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

2:00pm Children's Museum Fundraiser (Teddy Gallagher's Irish Pub)

2:00pm (sold out) FPAC: Mel Brooks "The Producers" (THE BLACK BOX)

2:00pm An Evening of Short Plays (Dean College Main Stage Theater)

7:00pm Rehearsal for Distinguished Young Women (Patti Eisenhauer Dance Center)

** NO Town Meetings today   **

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

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

Franklin Together: One Franklin 2025 Engagement Launch for Successful Override

Hello One Franklin,

The Franklin Town Council has voted to put an override on the ballot for a special election on June 3rd, following the recommendation by the Joint Budget Subcommittee (JBSC) last week.

It is time to activate One Franklin to ensure that this override passes, and it is going to take a full team effort! 

We are looking for volunteers for our field and community engagement team. The purpose of these teams is to educate and inform the broader community about the override, and the importance of voting YES to preserve Franklin's public safety, public services and public schools.

Community Engagement & Field Team 

Please complete this form to share with the One Franklin Community Engagement & Field team how you'd like to engage in the coming weeks (more information on the different opportunities below)!  Any level of engagement is welcome and needed, and please pass this along to others who might be interested.  

We will be scheduling 2 volunteer trainings in late March/early April to provide resources and answer questions so all volunteers feel comfortable engaging in conversations with community members and elected officials.   Please let us know within the form what time of day/day of week is best for you within the form so we can do our best to accommodate the majority of volunteers.

If you have any questions, please email onefranklinvolunteers@gmail.com.  

Thank you for helping us pass this override, together!

One Franklin Team

Ways to Engage - let us know how you want to engage here:

Precinct Captains: Identify hosts and organize conversations with friends and neighbors in homes and/or in neighborhood establishments (e.g. restaurants, coffee shops, etc.).  Elected officials and One Franklin members can also attend to answer questions.  

Community Liaisons: Connect with smaller communities within Franklin (e.g. faith-based communities, pre-schools, clubs, etc.) and organize a couple people to host conversations in their homes and/or in neighborhood establishments. 

The precinct captains and community liaisons will work in conjunction with the One Franklin Community Engagement & Field Teams to facilitate and coordinate these events. 

Sign placement: Purchase sign(s) to place on your yard and in other high-trafficked areas in town.  

Literature drops/canvassing: Walk specific streets and neighborhoods to share information via flyers in the couple of weeks leading up to the override vote on June 3rd. 

Donations: If you'd like a sign, we'd appreciate a $10 donation.  If you are interested in and able to donate more, please do - these dollars will be used to promote the override vote and educate the community.