ATTENTION
Visit www.experiencethreerivers.com for additional community information as well as copies of the Choose Franklin Community Newsletter!!!

NEW EVENTS THIS MONTH

First Day Franklin
January 1
Join your community in celebrating the New Year! Events to take place all day beginning with a Pancake Breakfast at the TRIP Center, corner of Smith & Canal Streets, to benefit the Franklin Animal Shelter from 8:00 am to 11:00 am; all you can eat for only $5 per adult and $3 per child under 12. 11 am ¡V 2 pm: Watch dozens of white water kayakers as they maneuver from Class 1 to Class 4 rapids. Prime viewing is available from the Winnipesaukee River Trail and Trestle View Park, both available from Central Street in Franklin, and the bridge at Cross Mill Road on the Franklin/Northfield town line. * Warm up in the heated tent at Trestle View Park. While there, enjoy refreshments and gather information from vendors and organizations. * Take part in the First Day Scavenger Hunt. Every participant is a winner! For more information, contact Sandy Marshall at Franklin Regional Hospital at 934-2060, extension 207 or Sarah Stanley at Franklin Savings Bank at 934-8343.

Trip to Boston Bruins Hockey Game
 January 2
The Franklin Parks and Recreation Department will be taking a trip to the Fleet Center for the Boston Bruins vs. Philadelphia Flyers game on Monday, January 2nd.  The game begins at 1:00pm and the bus will be departing from the Franklin Recreation Center at 10:00am.  Monday, December 19th is the registration deadline for the trip. The cost for this trip is $40.00 (which includes coach bus transportation and game ticket). We will be taking a maximum of 50 individuals; children twelve and under must be accompanied by an adult.  To register or for more information stop by the Parks and Recreation Department office, 124 Memorial St.; Phone: 934-2118; E-mail: rec@franklinnh.org; website: www.franklinnh.org.

You and Your Stress
January 10th
Linda Hebert, R.N. from the Visiting Nurse Association will be at the TRIP Center Tuesday January 10th at 10:30 am to tell us how we can try to manage stress during the winter months. During this season many stress level rise. Stop by and listen. This is open to the public.

Super Bowl Buffet
January 12th
The first Super Bowl was played on January 15, 1967. Celebrate the anniversary of this great event with us at the TRIP Center. Join us on Thursday, January 12th at 11:30 am for sandwiches, meatballs, salads, chips, dips, and Nancy will make her famous chili! After lunch we will have a Super Bowl theme BINGO game. There will be raffles and more. Sign up at the Center by January 4th. Hope to see you there.

National Penguin Awareness Day
January 13th
Join the TRIP Center for a special movie presentation of ¡§March of the Penguins.¡¨ This movie was just released in November. It is a movie about the life cycle of penguins in the wild filmed in Antarctica by National Geographic. We will serve hot buttered popcorn for you to enjoy. Movie will begin at 12:30 pm.

Community Action Area Center
January 18th
Calley Gogan, outreach worker, will be at the TRIP Center January 18th at 10:45 to tell us about all the services available and how to take advantage of them. Also she will give a brief overview of the Meals-on-Wheels program. Call the Center, 934-0219, or stop by for more information. All guest speaker presentations are FREE and are open to the public.

Mystery Lunch
January 20th
Join the TRIP Center for another exciting mystery trip on Friday, January 20th at 10:00 am. Enjoy lunch at a surprise location. The cost is $6.00 per person for transportation; lunch is your responsibility. Sign up early at the Center.

Foxwood's Casino
January 21st
Try your luck. This is always a lot of fun. The package includes transportation and bonus package in place at time of trip. Stop by the TRIP Center to sign up. Space is limited. Bus to depart at 7:00 am. The cost is $30.00 per person.

The Best of Improv Asylum
January 21st
Whose Line is it Anyway? meets Saturday Night Live! Opened in 1998, Improv Asylum has performed over 2,500 shows, for over 500,000 people.  Their critically acclaimed shows focus on developing comedic scenes on the spot, based on audience suggestions, with written sketch comedy interspersed throughout. Improv Asylum has been featured on HBO, and has performed in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Austin, Aspen, and throughout the country. They offer unique corporate training, hilarious customized corporate shows and a student training center. Improv Asylum is based out of their resident theater in Boston, but has casts in New York and Los Angeles as well.  They travel around the country bringing our one-of-a-kind performance to audiences of all varieties. Advance Tickets: $18 Adults, $15 Senior/Student. Add $2 for tickets purchased on the day of show. Group rates available.  Please call the Franklin Opera House at (603) 934-1901 for more information or go online to www.franklinoperahouse.org

Christmas Tree Shop
January 23rd
Take advantage of the great after holiday sales! We travel to the Christmas Tree Shop on Monday, January 23rd at 8:00 am and will stop for lunch along the way. The cost is $6.00 for the van; lunch is your responsibility. To attend any TRIP Center event, sign up at the Center or call to reserve a seat.

Beach Day
January 25th
Let's take a break from the cold weather! Wear your favorite summer outfit and come to the TRIP Center for a day of fun. The menu will consist of Cape Cod chowder in a bread bowl, egg salad, lobster sensation salad, cookies and more. After lunch we will watch the movie ¡§Blue Hawaii¡¨ with Elvis Presley. Come and enjoy the day.

Free Income Tax Preparation
Beginning January 28
The Franklin Asset Building Coalition will again be offering free income tax return preparation be IRS-certified volunteers, this year adding a second location.  We will once again be at the TRIP Center, Saturdays from 9-3 from January 28-February 11, 2006 (!) and will also be at the Jennie Blake Elementary School in Hill on Monday February 6 & February 13 from 3-6 PM.  Call 934-3315 to schedule an appointment.

11th Annual Lakes Region Snowmobile Club Radar Runs
January 29th
Join us for the 11th Annual Lakes Region Snowmobile Club (LRSC) Radar Runs at Webster Lake in West Franklin.  This is a fun event, perfect for the entire family! Races begin at 10:30 am. For more information, call Alan Carignan at 496-6146 or Steve Proulx at 934-2170.

Chinese New Year
January 31st
Join the TRIP Center for an exciting day, beginning at 11:30 am. Celebrate the Chinese New Year with egg rolls, sweet and sour pork, chow mein, rice, vegetables, and fortune cookies. Stay and play BINGO after lunch. Sign up at the TRIP Center, 934-0219

ROUTINE MONTHLY EVENTS

City Government

Franklin City Council Meeting
January 2
The Franklin community is always welcome at the Franklin City Council Meetings, typically the first Monday of each month.  Meetings are held at 7:00 pm in Council Chamber of Franklin City Hall, otherwise known as the Franklin Opera House. 

Franklin School Board Meeting
January 16
All are welcome to attend the monthly meeting of the Franklin School Board.  Meetings are held the third Monday of each month in the Franklin High School Library at 7:00 p.m. For a copy of the agenda prior to the meeting, stop by the SAU #18 Office on the Franklin High School campus.  Your attendance and input is welcome and encouraged!

Franklin Planning Board Meeting
January 25
The monthly meeting of the Franklin Planning Board takes place the fourth Wednesday of each month in the Franklin City Council Chambers at 7:00 p.m., otherwise known as the Franklin Opera House.

Community Organizations

Franklin Rotary Club
January 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31
The Franklin Rotary Club meets every Tuesday morning from 7:00 to 8:00 a.m.; join a meeting at Mr. D's Restaurant on North Main Street in West Franklin. To find out more about the great events and programs sponsored by the Franklin Rotary Club, visit http://franklinrotaryclub.org, or call Club President, Dave Liberatore, at 286-9507.

Franklin Outing Club Meeting
January 4
Join the Franklin Outing Club as they meet the first Wednesday of the month at 7:00 pm at the Veteran's Memorial Recreation Area Lodge.  Meetings are open to all members as the volunteers are in full swing of the ski season. Contact Kathy Fuller at mkf@metrocast.net for more info or call 934-3296.

Bessie Rowell Elementary School PTO Meeting
January 4
Join the Bessie Rowell Elementary School Parent Teacher Organization the 1st Wednesday of each month for great discussion between parents and educators to maximize the learning potential of our community youth, grades 2 - 4. Your attendance and input is most welcome! Meetings are held in the library of Bessie Rowell School on Rowell Drive from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. For more information, contact PTO President, Linda Lafever, at 934-4127.

Choose Franklin
January 5
Are you interested in being a part of a very active group of community-minded residents, business leaders, city officials, and civic group members to improve the economic, social and civic life in Franklin?  If so, Choose Franklin may be for you!  Join us at Franklin Regional Hospital.  All are welcome!  Mark your calendars for meetings to be held the 1st Thursday of each month at alternating locations.

Winnipesaukee River Trail Association
January 10
Monthly meetings are held at 6:30 pm at Health First Family Care Center on the second Tuesday of every month.  Health First Family Care Center is located at 841 Central Street in Franklin.

Franklin Middle School PTO Meeting
January 10
Join the parents and staff of the Franklin Middle School for our monthly PTO Meeting, held the 2nd Tuesday of each month from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the school Library at 200 Sanborn Street in Franklin. Your thoughts and ideas are most welcome!

FHS Booster Club
January 11
All are welcome to the Franklin High School Booster Club meetings the 2nd Wednesday of every month at 7:00 pm in the teacher¡¦s room (by cafeteria) at the high school.  They are looking for new members to join their endeavors.  Check them out!

Paul Smith School PTO Meeting
January 11
Join the Paul Smith Elementary School Parent Teacher Organization (usually the 2nd Wednesday of each month) for great discussion between parents and educators to maximize the learning potential of our community youth, grades K ¡V 2. Your attendance and input is most welcome! Meetings are held in the teachers¡¦ room of Paul Smith School on Daniel Webster Drive in West Franklin from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. For more information, contact PTO President, Kristi Sottile, at 934-2189.

Franklin Heritage Commission
January 12
Heritage Commission will have its monthly meeting the second Thursday of every month at 6:00 pm on the 2nd floor of the Franklin Public Library. Please come to learn or help out. If you would like to hear about the proposed Franklin Historic District, or help save the history and heritage of Franklin please attend our meeting or leave a message about your interest at 934-3900.

Franklin Opera House Board Meeting
January 17
All are welcome to attend the monthly meeting of the Franklin Opera House held the third Tuesday of each month in the Opera House (also known as Franklin City Hall) at 7:00 p.m.  For more information call the Franklin Opera House at 934-1901.

Franklin Historical Society
Will meet again beginning in April
Thank you for a great year. As is our custom, the Franklin Historical Society will not be meeting again until the spring, with our first gathering scheduled for the 1st Thursday of April. Keep up with our activities and notices by visiting www.histsoc.org/NH/FHS

For Adults

Adult Volleyball
January 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29
Any adult (18 years and older) interested in playing pick-up volleyball is welcome to the Franklin Recreation Center on Sunday evenings from 5:00pm ¡V 6:30pm.  This is an on-going program with a one time fee of $10.00 for Franklin residents and $15.00 for non-residents.
 
Old Timers' Basketball
January 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29
Individuals forty years of age and older are welcome to participate in open basketball nights.  The Franklin Recreation Center is open on Sunday evenings from 6:30pm ¡V 8:30pm for pick-up basketball games.  This is an on-going program with a one time of $10.00 for Franklin residents and $15.00 for non-residents. For more information or to register, contact the Franklin Parks and Recreation Department: Phone: 934-2118; e-mail: rec@franklinnh.org or our web page at www.franklinnh.org

Adult Recreation
January 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30
Adult Recreation will meet on Mondays from 6:30pm ¡V 7:30pm at the Franklin Recreation Center.  This program encourages socialization as well as physical activities for adults with special needs.  This is an on-going program with a one time fee of $10.00 for Franklin residents and $15.00 for non-residents.

Parent and Child Meetings
January 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31
Join Caroline McBee of the Riverbend Parent Child Centers Tuesday evenings from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Unitarian Church on Central Street in Franklin.  This meeting is for parents and children.  Transportation is available!  Call Caroline McBee at 226-7505, ext. 3210.

Circle of Parents
January 4, 11, 18 & 25
Circle of Parents is a parenting support group that meets every Wednesday from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at the Franklin United Methodist Church at 88 Franklin St. in Franklin.  The group is designed to encourage parent leadership and develop parenting skills in a non-judgmental and supportive atmosphere. Moderated by a skilled facilitator, the group follows the national model of "sharing ideas, sharing support" where topics of discussion can be anything related to raising kids, such as discipline techniques, school behaviors and performance, youth culture and health and safety. Parents decide the topics, lead the discussions and are involved with group decision-making. The support group is free and childcare is provided.  Anyone seeking information about this group should call Joan Valk at 934-4885.

Taking Life in Control Support Group
January 4 & 18
Taking Life in Control is a support group for cancer survivors or anyone who is dealing with the diagnosis of cancer. Family, friends and new participants are always welcome. No advance registration is necessary.  Meetings take place the first and third Wednesday of the month from 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. Oncology waiting room at LRGH.

Open Basketball
January 4, 11, 18 & 25
Any adult (18 years and older) interested in playing pick-up basketball games is welcome to the Franklin Recreation Center from 7:30pm ¡V 9:00pm on Wednesdays.  This is an on-going program with a one time fee of $10.00 for Franklin residents and $15.00 for non-residents.

Parent Meetings
January 5, 12, 19 & 26
Join Caroline McBee of the Riverbend Parent Child Centers every Thursday morning from 9:00 ¡V 11:00 a.m. at 53 Kendall Street to learn more about effective parenting.  This meeting is for parents with no child care or transportation provided; if you are in need of these services, please refer to the Tuesday evening program, above.  Call Caroline McBee at 226-7505, ext. 3210.

At the TRIP Center

Bus to Concord
January 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30
The TRIP (Twin Rivers Intergenerational Program) at the corner of Smith and Canal Streets in downtown Franklin (across from Franklin Savings Bank) coordinates a bus into Concord every Monday.  Go bowling, shopping, or make an appointment ¡K and get there for only $1 round trip!  If more information is needed, call Nancy Marceau at 934-4151.

Pokeno
January 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30
The TRIP (Twin Rivers Intergenerational Program) at the corner of Smith and Canal Streets in downtown Franklin (across from Franklin Savings Bank) has a Pokeno game every Monday at 12:15 p.m.  Stop by and join the fun!  If more information is needed, call Nancy Marceau at 934-4151.

Strength Training Classes
January 2, 6, 9, 13, 16, 20, 23, 27 & 30
Sandy Marshall will teach this new class at the TRIP Center beginning Monday, October 3rd. The classes will be held on Monday¡¦s and Friday¡¦s from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Call Sandy at 934-2060 for more information and to sign up.

Line Dancing
January 2, 6, 9, 13, 16, 20, 23, 27 & 30
The TRIP (Twin Rivers Intergenerational Program) at the corner of Smith and Canal Streets in downtown Franklin (across from Franklin Savings Bank) has line dancing every Monday and Friday at 10:00 a.m.  Stop by and join the fun!  If more information is needed, call Nancy Marceau at 934-4151.

Craft Group
January 3, 5, 10, 12, 17, 19, 24, 26 & 31
This group of varied crafters that meets every Tuesday and Thursday at 10:30 a.m. to work on diverse projects for the Center craft fairs. All materials provided; they just need your talent. The TRIP (Twin Rivers Intergenerational Program) Center is at the corner of Smith and Canal Streets in downtown Franklin (across from Franklin Savings Bank).  Stop by and join the fun!  If more information is needed, call Nancy Marceau at 934-4151.

Agile Up!
January 3, 5, 10, 12, 17, 19, 24, 26 & 31
Agile Up! meets at the TRIP Center on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:45 to 9:45 a.m. The cost of the 6-week program is $30.00 ($2.50 per class) due at registration. We need a minimum of 15 people to hold the class and the class is open to the public. Please call the TRIP Center at 934-4151 to reserve a space in this great class.

BINGO
January 3, 5, 10, 12, 17, 19, 24, 26 & 31
The TRIP (Twin Rivers Intergenerational Program) Center at the corner of Smith and Canal Streets in downtown Franklin (across from Franklin Savings Bank) coordinates BINGO every Tuesday and Thursday after lunch at 12:15 pm.  Stop in and try you luck!  They play for an hour and have a terrific caller.  If more information is needed, call Nancy Marceau at 934-4151.

Chair Exercises
January 3, 5, 10, 12, 17, 19, 24, 26 & 31
The TRIP (Twin Rivers Intergenerational Program) at the corner of Smith and Canal Streets in downtown Franklin (across from Franklin Savings Bank) coordinates chair exercises every Tuesday and Thursday at 10:00 am.  Seniors are welcome to stop in for some exercise!  If more information is needed, call Nancy Marceau at 934-4151.

HICEAS (Health Insurance Counseling Education Assistance Service)
January 3 & 17
Do you have questions about your Medicare Coverage?  Would you like free and confidential assistance determining your health insurance needs?  Are you confused or overwhelmed by all of the Medicare paperwork?  Do you know what to do if you can¡¦t afford to pay the Medicare deductibles and co-insurance?  Roger Yacopocui, HICEAS volunteer will be at the Twin Rivers Intergenerational Program (TRIP) Center the first and third Tuesday of each month from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. for confidential and free counseling. Call 934-4151 for more information.

Old Time Radio
January 4, 11, 18 & 25
Join the TRIP Center for a new weekly program beginning on Wednesdays at 12:15 p.m. Listen to cassettes of all the old radio shows like The Shadow, Lights Out, and The Inner Sanctum Mysteries. We also have an extensive collection of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and more. This will bring back great memories for some people and we encourage people who have never heard the classic radio shows to join us too! Refreshments will be served and this is open to the public.

Whist
January 6, 13, 20 & 27
The TRIP (Twin Rivers Intergenerational Program) at the corner of Smith and Canal Streets in downtown Franklin (across from Franklin Savings Bank) has Whist every Friday at 12:15 p.m.  Stop by and join the fun!  If more information is needed, call Nancy Marceau at 934-4151.

Blood Pressure Clinic
January 24
The TRIP (Twin Rivers Intergenerational Program) at the corner of Smith and Canal Streets in downtown Franklin (across from Franklin Savings Bank) has blood pressure testing the fourth Tuesday of each month from 10 ¡V 11 a.m., provided by the Franklin VNA.  If more information is needed, call Nancy Marceau at 934-4151.

For Children

Story Time & Crafts
January 3, 5, 10, 12, 17, 19, 24, 26 & 31
Join the Franklin Public Library every Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. and Thursday at 10:30 p.m. for a story reading and craft program.  Geared to preschool and Kindergarten aged children, this program is open to all with no sign-up needed, and it's free! Call the Franklin Library at 934-2911 for more information.

Mark Your Calendar Now For Great Upcoming Events!

New England Sled Dog Club Races
February 4 and 5
Join the New England Sled Dog Club on February 4th & 5th, 2006 at the Profile Falls/Franklin Falls Dam area.  This event is a two day Sprint race with 4-dog, 6-dog, 8-dog and unlimited classes, ski-jor 1+2 dog, 1 + 3 dog Junior divisions as well.  The races start at 9:00 am and run until 5:00.  There are typically 15 min. breaks between classes and dogs run all day long.  Last year¡¦s event brought 78 teams running and a capacity crowd at the start/finish line, Profile Falls.  The Corp of Engineers and the New England Dog Sled Club are hosting this event with help from The lakes region snowmobile club.  The Lions Club will be on hand as a food vendor.  There will also be club merchandise on hand for purchase.  Go to www.nesdc.org for more details. 

Kids Circus On Stage
February 5th
Join the Franklin Opera House as they witness The Russian American Kids Circus On Stage transform professional performing skills into a circus spectacular on theatrical stages worldwide.  These artists fill the stage with a blur of spangles, synchronized unicycling, expert juggling, daring aerial feats and acts of precision balancing, featuring outrageous costumes, staged under magical lighting and state of the art techniques in the hallowed tradition of the circus¡KAn artistic endeavor like no others. The Russian American Kids Circus On Stage is a unity and synthesis of circus elements, theatre, dance, music and comedy; all giving birth to an entirely new genre of the theatrical experience. The Russian American Kids Circus on Stage has performed over 1200 shows including Bill Cosby Shows, Commercials (CVS/Pharmacy, Coca-Cola, Target), and The Walt Disney World Millennium Celebration at Epcot Center (just to name a few.)  Show times are 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm. Advance Tickets: $18 Adult, $15 Senior/ Student. Add $2.00 for tickets purchased on the day of the show. Please call the Franklin Opera House at (603) 934-1901 for more information or go online to www.franklinoperahouse.org

Trip to Boston Celtics Basketball Game
February 10
The Franklin Parks and Recreation Department will be taking a trip to the Fleet Center for the Boston Celtics vs. Portland Trail Blazers game on Friday, February 10th.  The game will be starting at 7:30pm and the bus will be departing from the Franklin Recreation Center at 4:30pm.  The registration deadline is January 6th, and a maximum of 50 individuals will be accepted.  Cost for this trip is $45.00 (which includes coach bus transportation and a ticket for lower level seating „Çsection 15 and 16„Ç), and must be paid in full by January 6th.  After January 6th no refunds will be allowed and tickets will no longer be held.  Children twelve and under must be accompanied by an adult.  To register or for more information stop by the Parks and Recreation Department office, 124 Memorial St.; Phone: 934-2118; E-mail: rec@franklinnh.org; website: www.franklinnh.org.

Gary Szedzienski
February 17
In response to many requests the Franklin Opera House is pleased to bring Gary Szedzienski back for two shows on Friday, February 17th at 2:00 pm and 7:30 pm. Gary Sredzienski demonstrates the diversity of the piano accordion with a wide variety of styles encompassing several continents.  Gary commented, ¡§The piano accordion is an amazingly versatile instrument with roots in many cultures. I have dedicated my life to preserving the ¡¥old world¡¦ tradition of the performing accordionist.¡¨ Tickets are $11 for adults; $9 for students and seniors; and $5 for children 12 and under. Add $1 for tickets purchased on the day of the show. Family and group rates are available.  Please call the Franklin Opera House at (603) 934-1901 for more information or go online to www.franklinoperahouse.org or visit Gary online at www.garysred.com.

28th Annual Webster Lake Fishing Derby
February 18th & 19th
Please join us for the 28th Annual Webster Lake Fishing Derby.  This traditional event is great for families and is open to anglers of all ages.  All participating children will receive a prize.  Additional prizes will be awarded to the largest fish caught in several categories on both days of the event.  There will be hourly cash & prize drawings from 10am ¡V 3pm on Saturday and Sunday.  This year we are introducing the ¡§Teach a Kid to Fish¡¨ Clinic where any child 15 or younger, accompanied by an adult, can learn how to ice fish with one of our experts.  All anglers must comply with NH Fish & Game laws.  Food and refreshments will be served.  Pre-registration is $12 for adults and $3 for children 15 and under.  Onsite registration is $15 for adults and $5 for children 15 and under.  Pre-registration prices are valid through Noon on February 18th. The Fishing Derby is on Saturday & Sunday from 5am ¡V 3pm.  Pre-registrations can be done at Newfound Sales & Trading Post, 414 Central Street in Franklin, NH up until the day of the event.  All other registrations can be done onsite at the Fishing Derby on Saturday from 5am ¡V 3pm, and on Sunday from 5am ¡V 11am.  ¡§Teach a Kid to Fish¡¨ Clinic will be held on Saturday at 8am at Griffin Beach (aka ¡§The Old Beach¡¨).Volunteers from the Franklin Elks Lodge 1280, The Webster Lake Association and The Franklin Outing Club make the Webster Lake Fishing Derby possible. For more information contact Miles Pellegrini, 603-724-6584.

Did You Know?

The Franklin Historical Society is spearheading a fund drive to pay for and have mounted in the wall below the sculpture, a brass plaque explaining the significance of the Daniel Webster bust which now graces a space in front of the Congregational Christian Church, where Webster worshipped as an adult while in Franklin. The plaque will be created by Lincoln Charles, a Franklin metal caster and artisan. You may mail your check made payable to the Franklin Historical Society, P.O. Box 43, Franklin, NH, 03235, with the words "Webster Bust Plaque Fund" on the "memo" or "for" line. All contributions are gratefully accepted. Anyone contributing $100 or more will receive a complimentary copy of Alice Shepard's "The History of Franklin". For additional information, please visit www.histsoc.org/NH/FHS

The third grade students at the Bessie Rowell School in Franklin are going to begin a book program in January.  Each child will receive a bag of books to take home and read.  When the bag is returned, the students can pick a new bag of books.  While the school has some books, we are looking for donations to make the program successful.  If you have any new or "gently used" books that you would like to donate, we would be grateful.  Books can be dropped off at the Bessie Rowell School, 12 Rowell Drive in Franklin, Monday through Friday from 8:00 - 3:30 beginning on Tuesday, January 3.  If you have any questions, call 934-5116 and ask for Nancy or email her at npfrench@franklin.k12.nh.us.  Thank you for any help you can give us.

January is National Mentoring Month! The Friends Program invites you to share what you know and become a mentor. It doesn¡¦t take special skills to mentor a young person- just a willingness to listen, offer encouragement, and share what you¡¦ve learned about life. The power of one adult, one child, one time a week¡K.call today! The Junior Senior Friends Program 1-800-536-1193.

The AARP is offering FREE help with your income taxes each Wednesday and Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. through April 15th. Tax volunteers will be here at the TRIP Center to help you fill out your income tax returns. You must bring last year¡¦s tax return with you. This service is for all ages. Call 934-4151 for more information.

Library services to persons with disabilities is a FREE service for any resident of New Hampshire who is unable to read standard print due to a permanent or temporary visual or physical disability. The organization loans books and magazines on cassette or in Braille at no cost through the US Mail. The library is part of the national network of the National Library Services for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS), Library of Congress. Funding is provided by the State of NH and the Federal Government. For more information about this service, please call 1-800-491-4200.

If you have children, live in Franklin or Hill and worked in 2005 you may qualify for the Earned Income Credit. You can get your taxes done for FREE at the TRIP Center. Call 934-3315 for an appointment or for more information. The Franklin Asset Building Coalition sponsors this event.

Trestle View Park is not yet complete! Help the Winnipesaukee Trail Association by purchasing a brick for the commemorative walkway through Trestle View Park. The bricks you buy will be engraved with your inscription, up to three lines of 14 characters each. You may purchase bricks in your name or to honor a family member, friend or loved one. Engraved bricks may be purchased for $50 each. Blank bricks are available for $10 each. Bricks will be laid twice a year. Please contact Carolyn Hurst at 603-934-5236 for more information or to purchase a brick.

Did you know¡KThe Franklin Senior Center provides a nutritious midday meal at 11:30 a.m. Monday through Friday (there is a $2.00 requested donation), Meals on Wheels to homebound seniors and individuals with disabilities, senior transportation on our wheelchair accessible Community Action Program bus Monday through Friday (door-to-door service is available upon request), fellowships, information, entertainment, learning opportunities and much more.
We are a ServiceLink satellite office providing information and referrals on issues related to aging, chronic illness, and disabilities. We are available to assist you with your needs. You will have access to a wide variety of brochures and informational materials in our Resource Room or stop by to speak to a ServiceLink representative. Also, please call us at 934-0219 with any questions. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Please call 934-4151 for a meal reservation, ride, or just stop by for a visit!

You may need Medicare D Counseling. On January 1, 2006, there will be significant changes in your prescription drug coverage. NH Medicaid will no longer pay for your prescription drugs BUT NH Medicaid will still pay for your medical expenses such as doctor bills and hospital bills.  Medicare D counseling will be offered at the TRIP Center and at the Bradford Center. Please call ServiceLink to schedule an appointment at 1-866-634-9412 or 228-6626.

Mondays, beginning November 21st and ending February 13th, the Franklin Recreation Center will open the gym, exclusively for children ages 1-5 only, from 10:00am-11:00am. This program allows parents a place to bring their children to play during the winter months.  This is an open gym, and will have no instructor; parents must supervise their own children.  Balls, mats, and mini hoops will be provide for children to play with.  Program Fee:      $20.00 (Resident) / $30.00 (Non-Resident).

The Veterans Memorial Ski Area is gearing up for a great ski season!  This all-volunteer ski area will soon be selling season passes at VERY affordable prices.  What better gift can you give this holiday season than one that is affordable, supports fitness, and simultaneously supports a local, historic, family recreational area?  Don't want to spend lots of money in gas to travel to ski?  Ski our family ski area in West Franklin!  For more information contact Kathy Fuller at mkf@metrocast.net or call 934-3296.

 Around The State House

State Representatives Dennis Reed (R) and Jim Ryan (D) would like to hear from their constituents.  What's important to you?  What would you like to see addressed in the Legislature?  Let them know!  Dennis Reed: (home) 934-3657; (office) 934-6607; (cell) 387-9120; e-mail at dreed1@msn.com.  Jim Ryan: (home) 934-2703; (office) 746-3102 or (800) 258-3774 x3282; and e-mail at jryan@metrocast.net.

Other Community Events Seeking Volunteers

Volunteers needed! Franklin Regional Hospital has openings in Emergency Services Medical Imaging and Medical Records. Join a great group of volunteers; make new friends, give a few hours a week and see the benefits! Call Sandy Marshall at 934-2060 ext. 207.

Chem-Free Planning Committee is seeking parents and community members interested in helping to plan the Fourth Annual Chem-Free After Prom Party.  Any adults interested in providing Franklin High School students with a safe, supervised, fun place to spend time with each other on one of the most dangerous nights of the year for young people are urged to attend.  The meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month at 6:00pm at the Franklin High School library.  For more information contact Jay Bachelder at bachelderj@cfsnh.org

What is a foster grandparent? If you are 60 years of age or older, can volunteer 20 hours a week and like children and want to make a difference in a child¡¦s life, then the Friends Program Foster Grandparents Program is for you. Find out more about this great program by calling 1-800-424-8867 or visit their web site at: www.seniorcorps.org.

Twin Rivers Interfaith Food Pantry continues to serve 7 local towns. They are in need of Volunteers to help out at the Food Pantry, pick up food at several locations (a large truck is need for USDA food deliveries once a month), fundraising, etc. Please call Rev Randall Scheri at 286-8780 or Dennis Dyer 296-3935.

We hope you've enjoyed this issue of our Choose Franklin Community Newsletter.   Thanks for reading, now you're ready to enjoy our community!

The object of a new year is not that we should have a new year.  It is that we should have a new soul.  ~G.K. Chesterton