Thursday, July 30, 2015

Why support a Cultural District for Franklin, MA


From Warren Reynolds writing at 02038.com, we share this excellent summary:

Franklin, MA’s first Cultural Festival is up and running now through Sunday, August 2, offering five consecutive days of artistic performances and fun events staged throughout the Franklin downtown area.
Franklin Cultural Festival
Franklin Cultural Festival - Arts Happen Here!
It’s great to see another family oriented celebration in Franklin taking its place on a roster of quite a number of annual festivals and events hosted in this Massachusetts town of some 32,000. Here’s just a partial list of the events in town that Franklin residents already enjoy every year: summertime Concerts on the Common, the Strawberry Festival, the 4th of July Celebration, the Feast of St. Rocco, the Harvest Festival, and the Holiday Stroll.
Cultural districts help communities thrive
But the importance of this new Festival to the Franklin community extends well beyond the inauguration of another fun thing to do in town.  The Franklin Cultural Festival is a key component of a joint effort by town officials, local businesses and Franklin educational institutions to have a Franklin Cultural District in the downtown area officially recognized (or “designated”) by the Massachusetts Cultural Council (MCC) under its Cultural Districts Initiative.
MA Cultural Council
MA Cultural Council
The goal of the MCC’s Cultural District Initiative is to help artists, cultural organizations, and arts-related businesses to locate and thrive in the approximately 30 designated cultural districts that already exist throughout the Bay State. The Initiative seeks to spur economic growth and foster tourism in each district, helping promote the reuse and revitalization of older urban centers while increasing property values throughout the communities in which each district is located. 
MCC designated cultural districts can receive support and assistance under certain programs established or identified by the MCC and draw on existing cultural resources to encourage artists to live and work in the host communities. 
If Franklin is successful in getting an officially designated district, it could become another major step forward in the ongoing revitalization of the Franklin downtown area.
Can’t have a cultural district without a lot of “culture” already in place
The key to a successful effort in obtaining official designation of a cultural district is demonstrable community participation in the arts. The Franklin community has many valuable building blocks already in place that will support a vibrant culture district and should help the Franklin Cultural District get designation from the MCC. 
These resources include educational institutions such as the Dean College School of the Artsand Dean’s respected Palladino School of Dance.
Franklin’s downtown is also home to the nationally recognized Franklin School for the Performing Arts.
Franklin School for the Performing Arts
Franklin School for the Performing Arts
Having a Franklin Cultural District in place should encourage some of the students at these educational institutions to decide to stay in town after graduation and practice their crafts in locally.

Other supports for a Franklin Cultural District
Main Stage Theater Dean College
Dean College's Main Stage







Franklin is home to performance venues such as the BLACK BOX Theater, the Circle of Friends Coffee House, and the Main Stage Theater at Dean College. In addition, the Franklin Town Common is eminently walk-able from the downtown area and hosts summertime concerts and many annual community events. The auditorium at the new Franklin High School is stunning and should be an asset to the community for years to come.  
All these venues would help sustain the Franklin Cultural District by giving performing artists stages on which to put their talents on display.
Tourism and business good for Franklin
Franklin abounds with good places to eat and drink, which is important for the tourism aspect of the proposed Franklin Cultural District. Here are the eateries scheduled to participate in the “Taste of Franklin” event Sunday during the Franklin Cultural Festival in Franklin, MA.

A "Taste of Franklin" - Sunday - Aug 2
A "Taste of Franklin" - Sunday - Aug 2
The Franklin Historical Museum is another asset to the downtown’s intellectual life and is a good tourist destination.
Franklin Historical Museum
Franklin Historical Museum


If you are looking for more proof of an economic rationale for a Franklin Cultural District,Jane’s Frames is a stalwart of the arts in the heart of downtown Franklin. The Franklin Art Center opened in town within the last five years and has become a successful supporter of the visual arts in Franklin. The Franklin Art Center was instrumental in the recent establishment of the Franklin Sculpture Park.

Franklin Sculpture Park
Franklin Sculpture Park



A Franklin Cultural District should encourage more such arts-related businesses to open in Franklin, MA.
Increasing the appeal of Franklin as a place in which to live and grow
This post has reviewed some of the significant cultural resources that exist in Franklin, Massachusetts.  These help make Franklin, MA a great place to call home! 
The Franklin Cultural District would help tie all those cultural resources together and augment their beneficial impact on the Franklin community. Having a designated Franklin Cultural District would also further cement Franklin’s growing recognition among Massachusetts home buyers as a “destination community” on the I-495 corridor. The District would help Franklin compete for business and attract more educated, affluent home buyers. Franklin residents have so many reasons to support the establishment Franklin Cultural District! 
Contact Franklin broker Warren Reynolds for help with buying or selling a home in Franklin, Massachusetts!
Copyright ©2015 02038.com
Warren approved sharing of this post. You can view the original on his page here
http://02038.com/2015/07/franklin-ma-cultural-district/

Note: a couple of photos were substituted from the Franklin Matters files.


In the News: Pond St developers, election papers available Aug 3


"This is probably the most important and most influential commercial site the town of Franklin has," said Judith Pond Pfeffer 
Richard McCarthy, an engineer with Kearsarge’s partner on the project, Innovative Engineering Solutions Inc., reasoned that solar projects do not cause the same headaches as large commercial ones. 
“The people of Franklin need to say, ‘OK, we’re going to get $125,000 a year, but what do we then get? Do we get more traffic? No. Do we get more kids in the schools? No. Do we get more lights? No. Do we get more signs? No,’” McCarthy said. “You get a very passive neighbor that basically sits there and doesn’t do much of anything to anybody.”
Continue reading the Milford Daily News here
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150729/NEWS/150726277



Residents interested in running in the November town election will be able to take out nomination papers starting next week. 
Papers for the Nov. 3 election will be available from Monday, Aug. 3, to Monday, Sept. 14, from Town Clerk Deborah Pellegri, whose office is located on the first floor of the Franklin Municipal Building, 355 East Central St. 
Residents will need to return signed papers by Wednesday, Sept. 16, at 4 p.m. 
All nine seats on the Town Council are up for election, as well as seven seats on the School Committee. 
Voters will choose a new town clerk, as Pellegri is retiring from the four-year paid position. At least two people have already shown interest in running: Assistant town clerk Teresa Burr is considering pulling nomination papers; Diane Padula-O'Neill in late March said she would pursue the seat. 
The ballot also includes seats on the Board of Assessors, Board of Health and Planning Board.
Continue reading the Milford Daily News here
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150729/NEWS/150726233/1994/NEWS

Access Northeast is proposing a “similar loop”


Although the project is in the early stages of development, a proposed natural gas pipeline would bring 21.2 miles of pipeline through Milford, Medway, Franklin, Bellingham and several other area towns. 
The Access Northeast project, announced by Spectra Energy last fall, will reportedly bring up to 1 billion cubic feet of natural gas to the region’s gas-fired power plants each day to help keep costs low and save electric customers $1 billion each year. 
The $3 billion project would directly connect to up to 70 percent of New England’s power plants helping to lower electricity rates as early as winter 2018.

http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150729/NEWS/150726273/1994/NEWS

screen grab from Spectra Energy Access Northeast page
screen grab from Spectra Energy Access Northeast page


The Spectra Energy Access Northeast project page can be found here
http://www.spectraenergy.com/Operations/New-Projects-and-Our-Process/New-Projects-in-US/Access-Northeast/

Wednesday, July 29, 2015

"another RFP (Request for Proposal) for hotel and commercial space" ???

Via Peg Forbes who participated in the Economic Development Committee meeting on Monday and provided this summary:

At 5:00 Monday evening, Franklin’s Economic Development Committee had a meeting during which three companies presented their proposals for development of the town owned land on Pond Street. Two of the proposals were from solar companies proposing solar farms, one proposal was from a real estate developer proposing an 85+ unit condominium development.  
The members did not like the proposals, so this will most likely go out for another RFP (Request for Proposal) for hotel and commercial space. The concerns raised about increased traffic congestion were dismissed, the reason given was that “A traffic study will be conducted by interested developers”. In relation to the existing and available 246,000 square feet of commercial/office space for rent in Franklin (a quick calculation/approximation made by adding up what is currently on loopnet.com), according to some members of the sub-committee, that inventory has no impact. The reason given was that if the land is sold to a developer, commercial space is built and then remains empty, the owner is still responsible for the taxes.  
The overall take-away that I got from this evenings EDC meeting was that the low community attendance (two) is perceived by a good amount of the elected board members as low community interest. (This was mentioned in relation to the meeting this evening as well as other town meetings.)  
They will ultimately make their decision based on what they personally view what would be best for Franklin overall, not taking into consideration the potential negative impacts the proposed projects may have on the immediate surrounding area.  
The only way to ensure that concerns are heard is better attendance by the community (significant, if at all possible), as well as communicating with the elected members via emails or phone calls stating the concerns about proposed projects.  
The fewer people that attend, the more they are seen as "squeaky wheels" who do not represent the community as a whole.
The Town Council is scheduled to meet on August 7th. Their agenda will be published later this week.


Pond St aerial view - Town of Franklin photo
Pond St aerial view - Town of Franklin photo

Goodbye modulars, hello open space!

Via Glenn Jones, the Davis Thayer modular space is now back to 'almost normal'. Almost because the ground will be seeded, grass grown, some plants returned and that takes time.

In the meantime, the space is open and more welcoming!

Davis Thayer after the modulars are removed - 1
Davis Thayer after the modulars are removed - 1

Davis Thayer after the modulars are removed - 2
Davis Thayer after the modulars are removed - 2

The 'last' photos I took of the modulars last week can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/07/davis-thayer-modular-units-to-be-removed.html

Franklin Cultural Festival - Opening Day Schedule

Wednesday, July 29 
1:00 PM - Pumpernickel Puppets, Franklin Library 
Pumpernickel Puppets perform "Peter Rabbit"
Pumpernickel Puppets perform "Peter Rabbit"

6:00 PM - OPENING CEREMONY, Town Common 

6:00 PM - Zentangle at Jane’s Frames (pre-registration req'd but a no cost event)

6:15 PM - Electric Youth, Town Common 
Electric Youth pose before their recent European tour
Electric Youth pose before their recent European tour

8:30 PM - FPAC: One Acts, THE BLACK BOX
Franklin Cultural Festival - Arts Happen Here
Franklin Cultural Festival - Arts Happen Here


Schedule subject to change, any changes will be updated as soon as known

The full schedule of performances and events for the first annual Franklin Cultural Festival can be found here http://www.franklinsculturalfestival.org/ 

In the News: Dance and Art, Rooke joins Dean, Bemiss heads MESPA



The Franklin Art Center and Dean College Palladino School of Dance will be at the Franklin Sculpture Park on Saturday, Aug. 1 from 12-3 p.m. during the Franklin Cultural Festival, for a combination of art and dance in the park, 5 Main St., Franklin. 
Performances by the Palladino School of Dance will begin at 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. 
Join the dancers and musicians as they perform at the sculptures in the park. After their performance, children can join Franklin Art Center in a community sculpture project. Students will paint wooden fish that will be installed on a fence as a permanent piece at the Sculpture Park.
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150728/NEWS/150727075/1994/NEWS


Dean College announced John Rooke as director of the Center for Business, Entertainment and Sport Management and distinguished executive faculty in the Schools of Business and the Arts. 
The Center was created by Dean College as an academic partnership with the Kraft Sports Group. It will provide opportunities for students to gain insight from KSG officials, including executives of the New England Patriots, New England Revolution and Patriot Place. 
“I’m thrilled to be a part of this initiative at Dean College,” said Rooke. “I am looking forward to working with the students to provide new educational experiences through our relationship with the Kraft Sports Group, including the Patriots and the Revolution. The students at Dean will be the real winners here. It’s a chance to learn from professionals in the sports and entertainment industries.”

http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150728/NEWS/150726858/1994/NEWS


Brian Bemiss, of Franklin, principal of the Huckleberry Hill School in Lynnfield, was named president of the Massachusetts Elementary School Principals’ Association Education Foundation. 
Bemiss worked in education for the past 20 years. He was a fifth-grade teacher in Melrose and Reading before taking on the role of principal in Lynnfield in 2009. Brian has been an active member of MESPA for the past seven years. 
MESPA provides professional development, advocacy and other support to elementary and middle school principals across the state. It was the first association in the country to develop an alternative program for principal certification and has offered both masters and doctoral programs in conjunction with local universities.

http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150728/NEWS/150726794/1994/NEWS

MESPA screen grab
MESPA screen grab

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda for 7/28/15

Vision Statement
The Franklin Public Schools will foster within its students the knowledge and skills to
find and achieve satisfaction in life as productive global citizens.

AGENDA
"The listing of matters are those reasonably anticipated by the Chair which
may be discussed at the meeting. Not all items listed may in fact be discussed
and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent
permitted by law."

1. Routine Business

Citizen’s Comments
Franklin Public Schools - the key to learning
Franklin Public Schools - the key to learning
Review of Agenda
Minutes: I recommend approval of the minutes from the June 23, 2015
School Committee Meeting.
Payment of Bills Mr. Clement
Payroll Mrs. Douglas
FHS Student Representatives
Correspondence: none

2. Guests/Presentations

a. Debbie Dixson, Director of Student Services

3. Discussion Only Items

Policy – First Readings
  • JT – Electronic Device Policy
  • JKAA – Non-Violent Physical Crisis Intervention Policy

Policy – Second Readings
  • GCCD – Domestic Violence Leave Policy
  • KF – Community Use of School Facilities
  • KF-E1 – Rules and Regulations
  • KF-E2 – FHS Building Use
  • KF-E3 – Facility Rental Fee Schedule
  • KF-E4 – FHS Facility Rental Fee Schedule
  • KF-E5 – FHS Grounds Rental Fees

School Lunch Prices

4. Action Items

a. I recommend adoption of the following policies as discussed:
1. GCCD – Domestic Violence Leave Policy
2. KF – Community Use of School Facilities
3. KF-E1 – Rules and Regulations
4. KF-E2 – FHS Building Use
5. KF-E3 – Facility Rental Fee Schedule
6. KF-E4 – FHS Facility Rental Fee Schedule
b. I recommend moving the following policies to a second reading:
1. JT – Electronic Device Policy
2. JKAA – Non-Violent Physical Crisis Intervention Policy
c. I Recommend increasing school lunch prices as recommended:
1. Elementary – from $2.30 to $2.50
2. Middle – from $2.75 to $3.00
3. High School – stay at $3.00
d. I recommend approval of the Budget Transfers as detailed.
e. I recommend acceptance of a check for $1,421.20 from the Davis Thayer PCC for Supplemental Curriculum Materials.
f. I recommend acceptance of the donation of 1 year MATLAB software license valued at $495.00 from Doug Newton for supplemental supplies at Franklin High School.
g. I recommend acceptance of a check for $100.00 from the Keller PCC for Supplemental Supplies.

5. Information Matters

Superintendent’s Report
School Committee Sub-Committee Reports
School Committee Liaison Reports

6. New Business

To discuss future business that may be brought before the School Committee.

7. Executive Session

Personnel Update

8. Adjourn

Tuesday, July 28, 2015

Ciao Bella now open on Union St

Did you get a mailer from Ciao Bella?


Ciao Bella mailier
Ciao Bella mailier


It is a new Italian Kitchen just opening on Union St, across from the Union St Grille

Ciao Bella store front on Union St
Ciao Bella store front on Union St
You can visit them on the internet at http://ciaobellafranklin.com/index.php

"Consumers must take extra time and be cautious when searching for tickets at third-party websites"

Summer time, a season fro outdoor concerts and big name events to come to your favorite venue. How do you ensure you are paying the right price for the ticket?

The MA Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulations has some good advice:
The Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation reminds consumers to consider the following when looking to purchase tickets online:
  • Try to purchase tickets from the venue first—the price may be considerably lower;
  • Know the face value of the ticket to determine the amount of the markup;
  • Research the company you are buying from by checking to see if they have any complaints with the Better Business Bureau or Attorney General’s Office or even on online consumer forums;
  • Use a licensed reseller.
Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation
Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation

You can read the full article on the MA.GOV blog posting here

Note for the upcoming Franklin Cultural Festival, tickets are only needed for the School House Rock performance scheduled for THE BLACK BOX on Saturday. You can purchase those tickets online via THE BLACK BOX webpage or at the door.


Free paper shredding at DCU on Aug 1


Digital Federal Credit Union, 500 W. Central St., will offer free paper shredding to the public 9 a.m.- 1 p.m. on Aug. 1. 
DCU has partnered with E.L. Harvey, a professional document destruction company, to offer free personal document shredding where the public can safely destroy documents containing sensitive and private information. No sign up necessary. Show up with your documents to be shredded and E.L. Harvey & Sons will take care of the rest. 
In order to accommodate as many guests as possible and offer this is as a free service for the community, there is a limit of up to five banker’s boxes (size 24” x 12” x 10 1/4”) or five paper grocery bags (size 12” x 17”) per vehicle.
Continue reading the article
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150727/NEWS/150727100/1994/NEWS


Monday, July 27, 2015

Enjoy a "Taste of Franklin" Sunday at the 1st Annual Franklin Cultural Festival

A special treat for the 1st Annual Cultural Festival is the "Taste of Franklin." You can sample from eight Franklin restaurants.

The "Taste of Franklin" will be available on Sunday, August 2 from 12 Noon – 5:00 PM in the parking lot outside THE BLACK BOX theater.

The Circle of Friends stage will be set up to keep you entertained while you enjoy your taste.

What Franklin restaurants will be there?


The 'Taste of Franklin' - 1st Annual Franklin Cultural Festival
The 'Taste of Franklin' - 1st Annual Franklin Cultural Festival


What does it cost?

There is a $2 minimum for each signature taste!

Franklin Cultural Festiva - Arts Happen Here!
Franklin Cultural Festiva - Arts Happen Here!




The full schedule of performances and events for the first annual Franklin Cultural Festival can be found here http://www.franklinsculturalfestival.org/

Franklin Community Coalition on Opioid Abuse Update



The next meeting of the coalition is Wednesday, August 12 at 7 p.m. at Franklin High School
View this email in your browser

Coalition work continues


Since our first meeting, a lot has happened. Two support groups have begun meetings in Franklin (see more information below), our board of incorporators has been crafting our next steps, and we are starting the process of developing a web and social media presence. For our next meeting (Wednesday, August 12 at 7 p.m.), Dr. John F. Kelly, the director of the Addiction Recovery Management Service at Mass General Hospital, will be the featured speaker.

The two support groups consist of Franklin HOPE (Healing Ourselves, Preserving Each other) which meets on Monday evenings and Healing Hearts which meets on Thursdays. The groups offer support for families struggling with addiction and recovery. Both preserve anonymity and create a safe place" for people and families in crisis.

In the meantime, we have adopted S.A.F.E. (Support for Addicts and Families by Empowerment) as our coalition name. It speaks well to the work we are doing.

On the organizational front, we have begun discussing a leadership structure and seeking volunteers to serve as officers in the coalition. In addition, we have formed subcommittees to formulate a community survey, to address our web and social media needs, and to attend meetings (including the DA coalition, the regional CHNA, and Learn to Cope). There has been a great outpouring of support for our efforts.

We are trying to line up speakers for future events, so if you have ideas or suggestions, please pass them along.

Thank you for your continued commitment to this effort and I look forward to seeing you on Wednesday, August 12 for our next meeting.

addressing an epidemic

Next Coalition Meeting on August 12 at 7 pm

On Wednesday, August 12, S.A.F.E. will feature a talk by Dr. John Kelly, the director of the Addiction Recovery Management Service at Mass General Hospital. His talk will be followed by a panel discussions and questions from the audience.

Please let your friends and family know about this important event and be sure to join us for an informative and robust discussion.

Click here to view the flyer and Facebook page for this event.

Franklin HOPE meets on Monday

Franklin HOPE (Healing ourselves, preserving each other) has begun meeting on Monday evenings at the Unitarian Universalist Church at 262 Chestnut Street in Franklin at 7 p.m. The group offers support for families struggling with addiction and recovery. Its preserves anonymity and creates a safe place for people and families in crisis.

HOPE's mission is a peer led support network for families dealing with addiction and recovery. It is striving to become an official Learn to Cope chapter. Until then, it will adopt the Learn to Cope meeting format and bring resources to the table for families in crisis.

The group will also provide mobile support (in home) for parents and family members who need help but don't want a meeting. And the network will provide opportunities for people to call someone in crisis.

The group will meet weekly. At the meeting on Monday, the discussion will begin with comments from Brooke and Ally, two recovering addicts who will share their stories in an effort to help others.

For more information, contact Jim Derick by clicking here
Forward this email to a friend
STOP Addiction in its tracks
STOP addiction in its tracks

Closer to Home than You Think: A Personal Look Inside The Opiate Epidemic

On Wednesday, July 29, the Milford Library is hosting an opiate awareness program featuring Amy Leone, MA, MS, LMHC of Community Impact, Inc. and the Juvenile Advocacy Group (JAG); Mike Rodrigues, Founder of the EVAN Fund; Katie Triutt and Meghan Triutt Giacomuzzi of the Missin' Matt Walk.

The Rodrigues family lost Evan Rodrigues, age 19 in 2014 to a heroin overdose. The EVAN Fund honors his life and aims to help other youth and their families be educated about this widespread problem.The Truitt family lost Matt Bertulli, Katie's son and Meghan's brother in 2012, also due to a heroin overdose. They are planning a memorial walk in September, the Missin' Matt Walk to fundraise for families on the road to recovery.

Amy Leone is part of the S.A.F.E. coalition and works closely with adolescents and their families to address and cope with addiction, treatment, and recovery. She will also speak about Learn to Cope, a growing  peer-led support network that provides hope and community to families. Milford and Franklin do not currently have chapters.

Following the short presentations, there will be time to ask questions and connect.Sponsored by The Milford Regional Medical Center, The Milford Town Library, Community Impact,Inc, and JAG, this event is free and open to the public. We urge you to attend this important forum.

healing heartsHealing Hearts meet on Thursday

Healing Hearts has begun meeting on Thursday evenings on the second floor of the Franklin YMCA at 45 Forge Hill Road in Franklin at 7 p.m. The group offers support for families struggling with addiction and recovery. Its preserves anonymity and creates a safe place" for people and families in crisis. 

The group will also provide mobile support (in home) for parents and family members who need help but don't want a meeting. And the network will provide opportunities for people to call someone in crisis. 

For more information, contact Jennifer Knight by clicking here.
Copyright © 2015 Jeffrey.Roy@MAHouse.gov, All rights reserved.
You are receiving this email because you expressed an interest in joining the fight against opioid abuse in our community.

Our mailing address is:
Jeffrey.Roy@MAHouse.gov
State House - Room 527A
Boston, MA 02133

Add us to your address book


Email Marketing Powered by MailChimp

Franklin Art Association: "America, An Artful Journey" - Sep 2

The Franklin Art Association will meet Wednesday, September 2nd from 6:30-9:00 pm at the Franklin Senior Center, 10 Daniel McCahill Street. Refreshments and socialization will begin at 6:30. 
The program will continue with a presentation from Jill Sanford. Please see below for information on the presentation. 
Franklin Art Association
Franklin Art Association
Meetings are free and opened to the public. 
For more information please visit our website at www.franklinart.org and www.facebook.com/FranklinArtAssoc



America, An Artful Journey

Art For Your Mind is an engaging, educational, interactive art observation experience designed to broaden the minds of its participants. No prior art experience is necessary. 
Join us for an enjoyable hour of challenging your mind in a whole new way! This back to basics way of looking at art in a group setting is interesting and fun. The featured topic, America, An Artful Journey offers a way to experience American paintings from colonial times through the 21st century as they tell America's story. 
From "primitive" folk art portraits, to surprising realism, then on to modern abstract images. Visualize not only America's growth and change, but also America's developing artistic styles through time.

Please visit www.artforyourmind.com for additional information.


From the Newspapers: Electric Youth at the Cultural Festival, Food Pantry grant


In the Sunday Boston Globe West edition:
ELECTRIC PERFORMANCE Earlier this month, they were on stage at Disneyland Paris and the coast of Normandy, followed by performances in England for US troops stationed at Lakenheath, Mildenhall, and Feltwell air force bases. But this Wednesday, July 29, Electric Youth will perform a free outdoor concert for a hometown crowd when they appear on the Franklin Town Common as part of the first annual Franklin Cultural Festival, hosted by the Franklin Cultural District Committee.
Continue reading the article here (subscription maybe required)
http://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/regionals/west/2015/07/23/teens-perform-for-hometown-crowd-franklin/5rVXaLZdkPu1l1odN68DvO/story.html


GBFB photo - Greater Boston Food Bank CFO Carol Tienken presents Franklin Food Pantry Director Erin Lynch with a check for $10,000. Courtesy photo
GBFB photo - Greater Boston Food Bank CFO Carol Tienken presents Franklin Food Pantry Director Erin Lynch with a check for $10,000. Courtesy photo

From the Sunday Milford Daily News
The food pantry downtown has received a $10,000 grant from the Greater Boston Food Bank to help improve how it stores and delivers perishable goods. 
The grant, awarded earlier this month, will go toward a $20,000 project that includes buying new refrigerators for the West Central Street pantry and upgrading its food truck or “mobile pantry.”
Continue reading the article here
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150726/NEWS/150727326/1994/NEWS