Thursday, June 30, 2022

Franklin Food Pantry Awarded Community Investment Grant from The Greater Boston Food Bank

Franklin-based Non-Profit to Use Community Investment Funds to Advance Local Hunger-Relief Efforts

The Greater Boston Food Bank (GBFB), the largest hunger-relief organization in New England, awarded $13,831 to Franklin Food Pantry of Franklin, MA to support its ability to combat hunger in the area, bolstering GBFB's network of food agencies and advancing hunger-relief efforts across Eastern Massachusetts in response to an increased need for food in the state.

The annual grant program, originally founded in 2013, pivoted this year to strategically identify and invest in communities facing a heightened need for food. This investment aims to strengthen Franklin Food Pantry's ability to provide nutritious food to the Franklin community.

The grant will be used to fund technology upgrades and supplies for the Franklin Food Pantry's community garden which grows fresh vegetables for the Pantry to distribute to its neighbors.

A GBFB partner, the Franklin Food Pantry provides choice-based shopping to over 1,100 people in the Franklin community. The Pantry offers a unique hybrid model offering its neighbors appointment-based indoor shopping or a curbside distribution. Neighbors can shop weekly. Other programs include weekend backpacks for Franklin school students, home-delivery, mobile pantries, three holiday distributions and a robust community garden.

"We are so grateful to The Greater Boston Food Bank for awarding us the Community Investment grant. Franklin Food Pantry is focused on providing our neighbors with the highest quality of fruits and vegetables is committed to programming that improves our neighbor's quality of life," said Tina Powderly, Executive Director of the Franklin Food Pantry. "Ninety percent of our donations go directly to supporting our neighbors.  The GBFB grant enables us to invest in much needed technology to enhance our client service operations and improve our organizational efficiency, enabling our staff and volunteers to spend more time directly assisting our neighbors and fulfilling our mission. We are also grateful for the support to our Community Garden. Our neighbors enjoy receiving freshly grown organic produce each week. The GBFB support is critical as the Community Garden grows into a core Pantry program supporting the overall health of our neighbors."

This grant follows the release of GBFB's second annual report on food insecurity, equity and access in Massachusetts. The study, "Opportunities to Improve Food Equity & Access in Massachusetts," reveals rising rates of food insecurity in the state and sustained disparities in food access for communities of color; with Latinx, Black and LGBTQ+-identifying adults experiencing the highest rates of food insecurity.

"It is solely through collaboration with our network of partner agencies that we are able to address food insecurity across Eastern Massachusetts on such a large scale," said Catherine D'Amato, president and CEO at GBFB. "In response to the sustained inequities in food access, we aim to invest in those communities facing a heightened need for food and drive equitable progress towards hunger relief through strategic grantmaking to our network of partner agencies. As food costs continue to rise nationwide, we look forward to seeing how these funds bolster the Franklin Food Pantry's ability to provide nutritious meals to our neighbors in Franklin.

 

About the Franklin Food Pantry

The Franklin Food Pantry offers supplemental food assistance and household necessities to almost 1,100 individuals per year. The Franklin Food Pantry is not funded by the Town of Franklin. As a private, nonprofit organization, we depend on donations from individuals, corporations, foundations, and other strategic partners. We are grateful for our many partnerships, including that with the Greater Boston Food Bank, that allow us to achieve greater buying power and lower our costs. Donations and grants fund our food purchases, keep our lights on, and put gas in our food truck. Other programs include home delivery, Weekend Backpack Program for Franklin school children in need, mobile pantry, emergency food bags and holiday meal packages. The Pantry is located at 43 W. Central St. in Franklin on Route 140 across from the Franklin Fire Station. Visit www.franklinfoodpantry.org for more information.   

About The Greater Boston Food Bank:
The Greater Boston Food Bank (GBFB) is the largest hunger-relief organization in New England and among the largest food banks in the country. In response to the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, GBFB distributed the equivalent of nearly 97 million meals in fiscal year 2021 through its network of 600 dedicated food distribution partners and programs in the 190 cities and towns across Eastern Massachusetts. A member of Feeding America, the nation's food bank network, GBFB's mission is to end hunger here and it is committed to providing at least three healthy meals a day to everyone in need. For more information, visit us at GBFB.org, follow us on Facebook, Twitter (@gr8bosfoodbank) and Instagram, or call us at 617.427.5200.

Community garden harvest at a Franklin Food Pantry distribution
Community garden harvest at a Franklin Food Pantry distribution

FHS' O'Rourke, Baker, Carney, Grasso, O'Neil, Peterson, Regan, & Tanner recognized for Hockomock League Girls Lacrosse; O'Rourke as MVP

Below are the official 2022 Hockomock League Girls Lacrosse All Stars, selected by the coaches in the league.  We share the Franklin selections and provide links to the full league list.

HOCKOMOCK LEAGUE MVP
Kate O’Rourke, Franklin

HOCKOMOCK LEAGUE ALL STARS
Kenzie Baker, Franklin
Kaitlyn Carney, Franklin
Anna Grasso, Franklin
Jackie O’Neil, Franklin
Kate O’Rourke, Franklin
Katie Peterson, Franklin
Stella Regan, Franklin

Honorable Mentions
Jamie Tanner, Franklin

For the complete Hockomock League Girls Lacrosse listing

FHS Panthers
FHS Panthers

FHS' Davis, Consigli, Sacchetti, Alexander, Harvey & Walsh recognized for Hockomock League Boys Lacrosse; Davis as MVP

Below are the official 2022 Hockomock League Boys Lacrosse All Stars, selected by the coaches in the league. We share the Franklin selections and provide links to the full league list.

HOCKOMOCK LEAGUE MVP
Luke Davis, Franklin

HOCKOMOCK LEAGUE ALL STARS
Luke Davis, Franklin
Jayden Consigli, Franklin
Tyler Sacchetti, Franklin
Justin Alexander, Franklin
Ben Harvey, Franklin

Honorable Mentions
John Walsh, Franklin

For the complete Hockomock League Boys Lacrosse listing
https://hockomocksports.com/2022-hockomock-league-boys-lacrosse-all-stars/

FHS Panthers
FHS Panthers

FHS boys basketball team needs your help to get to Florida (video)

 

"The Franklin High School Basketball team has the opportunity to attend the National tournament in Florida this season.  
Please watch this video and help us get there."

"The Franklin Boys basketball team is heading to Orlando Florida this summer and could use you help. Literally any donation amount would be amazing and appreciated. Click below to help support our team. "

Video link -> https://youtu.be/M-SZmhMj65g 

Donation link ->  https://givebutter.com/OrlandoTournament

Shared from Twitter:


Franklin Public Library July 2022 News & Events

Franklin Public Library July 2022 News & Events

Library Hours

The Franklin Public Library will be closed Monday, July 4th for Independence Day. The Library's summer hours are Monday through Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., and Friday and Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The Library is closed on Sundays in July and August.

Book Sale

Franklin Library Book Sale
Friday, July 15th ,  1:00-5:00 p.m.  Saturday, July 16th , 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon.
All books are just one dollar!
Bag Sale - $5 A Bag—Saturday, July 16th, from 1:00-4:00 p.m.
Come fill a brown bag with all the books you can!

Museum Passes

Your Franklin Public Library card gives you the opportunity to receive either free or reduced cost admission to many of the areas' most popular museums and attractions! Some of the most popular destinations are the Boston Children's Museum, New England Aquarium, the Museum of Science, and the Mass State Parks Pass. Reservations may be made up to thirty days in advance on the Museum Pass page of the library's website. Be sure to check back regularly as we are continually adding more passes for you to enjoy!   http://www.eventkeeper.com/mars/tkflex.cfm?curOrg=FRANKLIN&curapp=passes

New Materials

See the latest additions to our collections at the Franklin Public Library! ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library/pages/new-materials

Special Events for Kids & Families

 

Rolie Polie Guacamolie Concert! Saturday July 2 @10:30AM

Holy Guacamole! The award-winning kiddie music titans of Brooklyn, Rolie Polie Guacamole, are ready to raise the roof with a rocking, all-ages show! Rolie Polie Guacamole is pure FUN with high-energy songs all done up in folk, funk, rock, Latin and country styles, about eating healthy, staying active, and places the band loves to go, with a sprinkling of animal tunes thrown in for good measure.

Events for Adults

Franklin Reads!
Summer reading is not just for kids!  Beginning July 1st, in connection with the Hoopla Book Club, we'll be reading The Temps by Andrew DeYoung.  Is it a post-apocalyptic mystery? Witty satire of the corporate machine? Page-turning thriller? Or all of the above? Grab a copy and find out! Both audiobook and ebook are available through the Hoopla app, and print copies will be available at the library or through interlibrary loan.

Foreign Film Night, Tuesday July 5 & 19, 6:30 p.m.

Enjoy an evening of world cinema! Light refreshments will be served.

  • Tuesday, July 5th: Certified Copy, 2010, France

Juliette Binoche stars in this enchanting romantic drama about two strangers who fall in love on one luxurious day in gorgeous Tuscany.

  • Tuesday, July 19th: A Man Called Ove, 2015, Sweden

Ove, an ill tempered, isolated retiree who spends his days enforcing block association rules and visiting his wife's grave, has finally given up on life just as an unlikely friendship develops with his boisterous new neighbors. Based on the bestselling novel.

The films also can be viewed at home using your library card on Kanopy.com !

This is a short listing of the full slate of events for July. To view the full listing, please visit the library page ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library/news/franklin-public-library-july-2022-news-events

Franklin Public Library July 2022 News & Events
Franklin Public Library July 2022 News & Events

Updated Stretch Energy Code Regulations scheduled for hearing & public comment

"Draft Stretch Energy Code Regulations have been filed with the Secretary of State on June 24th.

These codes are now open for public comment. Please join the dates below and provide your feedback.  Virtual Link for August 8th meeting:
Shared from the Mass Climate Action Network Instagram account

Find the new release of stretch code regulations and how to provide comments on them ->

Updated Stretch Energy Code Regulations scheduled for hearing & public comment
Updated Stretch Energy Code Regulations scheduled for hearing & public comment

CommonWealth Magazine: "Judge tosses 2 police questions as out of bounds"

"JUST DAYS before the deadline for thousands of law enforcement officers to be recertified, a judge has ruled that two of the eight questions that the Massachusetts Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission asks as part of the process are out of bounds and any responses to those specific questions the commission already received should be ignored.

Superior Court Judge Jackie Cowin ruled Monday that the plaintiffs in a lawsuit filed against the POST Commission this spring by the Massachusetts Coalition of Police, Boston Police Superior Officers Federation, and Boston Police Detectives Benevolent Society were likely to succeed on the merits of their arguments, which contended that a POST Commission recertification question dealing with social media postings is too broad and too vague and that a question inquiring about membership in any groups that unlawfully discriminate is unconstitutional as written."

Continue reading the CommonWealth Magazine article online ->

"Judge tosses 2 police questions as out of bounds"
 "Judge tosses 2 police questions as out of bounds"

Franklin TV and wfpr.fm schedule for Thursday, June 30, 2022

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

9:00a/12:00p/6:00p   A Priest, A Minister and a Rabbi

10:00a/1:00p/7:00p   Frank’s Music – Frank Falvey and Jim Derick

11:00a/2:00p/8:00pm   Frank Presents – Frank Falvey Presents 

  • Franklin All Access TV - Our Public Access Channel (Comcast 8, Verizon 26) = Thursday

7:30 am Cooking Thyme: Ice Cream

8:00 am Veterans' Call: Social Security

9:00 am Second Sunday Speaker Series: Leigh Schoberth

10:30 am SAFE Coalition: Kyle Brodeur

12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin': Quinoa

12:30 pm Sandhya: Cupcakes

1:00 pm Physician Focus: Telemedicine

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

2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Fall 2019 show 4

3:00 pm Let's Talk Sports: Brett Feldman

3:30 pm Cooking Thyme: Ice Cream

4:00 pm Once Upon A Town: Ray Block

4:30 pm Frank Presents: Kathy McAdams

5:30 pm ArtWeek: Theater in the Open

7:00 pm Extended Play Sessions: Season 10 Show 6 - Swinging Steaks

8:00 pm Care For Ukraine

9:30 pm Metrowest Arts & Culture Symposium


  • Franklin Pride TV - Our Educational Channel (Comcast 96, Verizon 28) = Thursday


7:00 am Public School Event: Concert Hour Day 2

9:00 am FHS: Senior Awards Night 2022

11:10 am FHS Oskey 2022

1:10 pm Cultural District: Brent Selby

2:10 pm Public School Concert: Horace Mann Spring Music '22

3:40 pm FHS Varsity Baseball: State Finals v Taunton 06-18-22

6:10 pm Let's Talk Sports: Brett Feldman

8:00 pm FHS Graduation 2022


  • Franklin Town Hall TV - Our Government Channel (Comcast 11, Verizon 29) = Thursday


8:00 am Conservation Commission: 06-23-22

2:00 pm Conservation Commission: 06-23-22

 

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

Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm)
Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm)

Wednesday, June 29, 2022

Franklin Cultural District - Celebrating the 4th of July #artshappenhere (through July 5)

The line up for the Cultural District is almost all the 4th of July activities on the Town Common thanks to the 4th of July Coalition, yet another community organization bringing good things to all of Franklin!

Aside from the Historical Museum, La Cantina Winery, and the Public Library all events listed are on the Town Common except for the fireworks Saturday night from Franklin High School.

Celebrating the 4th of July
Celebrating the 4th of July 

Download a copy of the recent Franklin 4th July mailer with the complete schedule of events  ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1sALIW_iu5PT84eQ_p3kUCncZaUnJB0NM/view?usp=sharing

Thursday, June 30

5:00pm - Kimberlee M O'Brien (live music) (La Cantina Winery)

6:00pm - 4th July: Rides and food booths open (WRIST BANDS 6-10)

7:00pm - 4th July: Mo Bounce (Boston's uncut Funk, Soul and R&B party band)


Friday, July 1

6:00pm - 4th July: Rides and food booths open

7:00pm - 4th July: Duppy Conquerors (the quintessential testimonial to Bob Marley's spirit and his music)


Saturday, July 2

10:00am - Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

10:30am - Rolie Polie Guacamole (all ages) (Franklin Public Library)

12:00pm - 4th July: Rides and food booths open (WRIST BANDS 12-5)

12:00pm - 4th July: Padula Trio Plus One (2nd Annual Franklin Blues Festival)

2:00pm - 4th July: Neal & The Vipers (2nd Annual Franklin Blues Festival)

4:00pm - 4th July: Ed Peabody and the Big Blue Thang (2nd Annual Franklin Blues Festival)

5:00pm - Sioo (live music) (La Cantina Winery)

6:00pm - 4th July: Mike Crandall Bandblues (2nd Annual Franklin Blues Festival)

8:00pm - 4th July: Sugar Ray & The Bluetones (2nd Annual Franklin Blues Festival)

food booth options
food booth options

10:00pm - 4th July: fireworks (Franklin High School)


Sunday, July 3

1:00pm - 4th July: Rides and food booths open (WRIST BANDS FROM 12‐5)

1:00pm - Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

1:00pm - 4th July: Attleboro School of Rock

3:00pm - 4th July: Michael Ravelis

4:30pm - 4th July: Matt Zajac

7:00pm - 4th July: Backyard Swagger (high energy country rock show covering hits by top artists)


Monday, July 4 = Independence Day

12:00pm - 4th July: Rides and food booths open (WRIST BANDS 12-5)

12:00pm - 4th July: Jamie Barrett (solo acoustic)

1:30pm - 4th July: Granite Brass

4:00pm - 4th July: Jesse Liam Band (Their deep catalog of cover songs spans popular music)


Find the full calendar  https://www.franklinmatters.org/p/blog-page.html

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://forms.gle/oPdi8X3ZbHHyrHzo6

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar

The School district calendar is found  https://www.franklinps.net/calendar-by-event-type/26


Franklin Cultural District: Arts are happening here!
Franklin Cultural District: #Artshappenhere

Inside the Franklin 4th of July Celebration with Paul & Joe (audio) - 06/23/22

FM #823 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 823 in the series. 


This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Franklin 4th of July Coalition organizers Paul Kortick and Joe Carmignani. We had our conversation via Zoom on Thursday, June 23, 2022.


We talk about the 4th of July Celebration full 5 day schedule

  • Food booths provided by non-profits, with food trucks on Saturday

  • Carnival hours, wrist band/ card discount hours

  • The music lineup each day with the Blues Festival on Saturday

  • Fireworks return on Saturday night at 10 (at Franklin High School))


This is a community event so donations are appreciated, info is on their webpage to donate online, via Venmo, or via post office mail (see below).


The recording runs about 25 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Paul & Joe as we talk about the upcoming 4th of July on the Franklin Town Common.


Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-823-franklin-4th-of-july-celebration-06-23-22



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


4th of July Coalition home page   https://www.franklin4th.com/

Franklin July 4th Coalition

c/o Dean Bank

P.O. Box 307

Franklin, MA 02038



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

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


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

 

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


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!

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


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


FHS' Trull, Schiavo; Malhotra, Broyles, O'Keefe, & Mahoney recognized for Hockomock League Tennis

Below are the official 2022 Hockomock League Girls & Boys Tennis All Stars, selected by the coaches in the league. We share the Franklin selections and provide links to the full league selection list.

Girls HOCKOMOCK LEAGUE ALL STARS
Izzy Trull, Franklin

Honorable Mentions
Sarah Schiavo, Franklin

Boys HOCKOMOCK LEAGUE ALL STARS
Vayshnav Malhotra, Franklin
Thomas Broyles, Franklin
Tim O’Keefe, Franklin

Honorable Mentions
Drew Mahoney, Franklin


Complete girls listing

Complete boys listing

FHS Panthers
FHS Panthers

Behind stall doors | Caroline Williams | TEDxAmherst (video)

Via State Rep Jeff Roy: 

"I met Caroline Williams three years ago when she was a student at Medway High School. She shared her passion for an issue involving menstrual equity that we turned into a piece of legislation. She has been a fierce advocate for the bill and shares herstory in this TEDx talk called Behind stall doors. It’s a great public health and civics talk. I’m honored to have crossed paths with her and her passion and enthusiasm for policy change is illuminating."

Link to Tedx video ->  https://youtu.be/xPRPIpLo0Es

 

Will the songbirds keep singing? (audio)

Via The Climate Minute:
"Hear an inspiring young activist describe why she cares about climate change and what she is doing about it."


Dan Rather: Shaken

This seems surreal. But it's all too real.  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

Thank you for joining the Steady community. A gentle reminder that paid subscribers help fund our effort, allowing us to produce more content freely available to all.


Shaken

This seems surreal. But it's all too real.

I am shaken. And I don't feel like I shake easily. 

Our nation. The president. A set of facts — damning testimony — that would have been beyond most of our abilities to imagine. But here we are. 

I have seen a lot over the course of my life, but I have never seen anything like this. I know I have said that a lot recently, but events keep escalating. And it continues, sadly, to be true.

This seems surreal. But it's all too real. This happened. What we learned today in the committee hearing is that the president of the United States knowingly fomented, and was eager to lead, an armed mob to attack the U.S. Capitol. 

The threat of violence was known far in advance. We now have eye and ear witness testimony plus other strong evidence of proof that the threat of bodily harm on a branch of government wasn't an unfortunate byproduct — it was a driving force. 

Sometimes fate shines a bright spotlight on people who have been far outside the public's consciousness. Before reporters last night identified today's star witness as Cassidy Hutchinson, an aide to White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows, how many Americans had heard her name? Now she will forever occupy a place of import in American history. 

There are some who are dismissing Hutchinson's courage. They note that she was a loyal acolyte of the Trump White House. She kept these secrets until compelled under oath to testify. What choice did she have, the argument goes, but to speak? 

There is some merit to all of this, but I would not dismiss what it means to stand up and tell these truths to a global audience when we have seen such vindictiveness and threats leveraged from the former president and his enablers and henchmen. Hutchinson's story is beginning. We will see where she goes. And let us not overlook how stark her example stands in contrast to the cowardice of all who have remained silent — mostly senior men of privilege and power. 

There will be time for much more thoughtful analysis to put what we are learning now in real time into greater context. For now, however, we must remember how close we came to never learning the full story. 

If the Republicans had a majority in the House, there would be no committee. The majority of elected officials in that party are not only eager to sweep this insurrection under the rug, they still pay fealty to the would-be dictator who fomented it. We have had far too much silence. Far too much complicity. Far too many lies. 

And I have a sickening feeling that we will learn a lot more. I dearly hope we can purge this cancer from our body politic and that all who are responsible feel the full weight of justice.

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