Greetings from the Greater Franklin Chamber of Commerce and Choose Franklin!

Make community involvement part of your new year, please share this newsletter with co-workers, friends and family, and as always, e-mail your community news as well as requests to be added to (or removed from) the e-mail list to Kelly Untiet at: info@experiencethreerivers.com.  Enjoy!

New Events

Franklin

Choose Franklin

March 1

The monthly meeting of Choose Franklin will be held Thursday, March 1st at Franklin Regional Hospital in Franklin at 8:00 am. 

Small Business Resource Clinic Open to the Public in NH

March 1 

Start, Grow and Succeed in Business in New Hampshire.  Small Business Resource Clinic presents Where the Free Help Is, How to Locate Funding Sources and Who to Connect with to Make Your Business Dream a Reality. The event is free and open to the public and is intended to help anyone interested in pursuing a new business or anyone already in business and looking to expand. The event will take place on Thursday, March 1, 2007 from 1:00 pm to 5:30 pm. at the New Hampshire Technical Institute, 31 College Drive, Concord, New Hampshire.  To learn more about the Small Business Resource Clinic, visit http://www.buzgate.org/nh/news_resource_clinic.html or contact BUZGate at (603) 658-0340, ext. 2#. Participants must pre-register by visiting www.buzgate.org/nh/contact.php?dgfTo=askbuz and mention Resource Clinic in the Comments field.

Franklin Little League Registration

March 3

Franklin Little League will hold final registration on Saturday March 3rd from 2-5pm at the Franklin Parks and Recreation Center. For more information call 934-2118.

Franklin Opera House Emerging Artist Series

March 3

The Franklin Opera House will be rocking with the bands "Not Like That", a four-piece alternative punk rock band based in Sanbornton, and "The Metros", a three-piece alternative rock group from the Lakes Region.   For more information or to reserve tickets call the Franklin Opera House box office at (603) 934-1901 or visit www.franklinoperahouse.org . Tickets are also available at Radio Shack at 760 Central Street in Franklin. Show begins at 7:30. The Franklin Opera House is located at 316 Central Street in historic City Hall.

Franklin City Council

March 5

You‘re invited to the Franklin City Council meeting Monday March 5th at 7pm. Students from Franklin High School are joining with the Sierra Club to propose plans to make the city more environmentally friendly. The meeting takes place at Franklin City Hall.

Get the Facts! Homeownership Workshop

March 5

Laconia Area Community Land Trust and Franklin Savings Bank will be hosting the Get the Facts! workshop at the Franklin Savings Bank Main Office, 387 Central Street in Franklin, on Monday, March 5^th from 6:00pm – 8:00 p.m.  Registration is free and all attendees will be entered to win one of two $25 gas cards.  To register, or for more information, call Sarah Denoncourt at LACLT at (603) 524-0747.  The Get the Facts! workshop was created by Freddie Mac, one of the nation’s largest residential mortgage investors.

Are You Living with Joint Pain?  We Can Help!

March 6

Join LRGHealthcare Physical Therapist Laurie Shephard and Dr. Christopher Fitz Morris for this FREE lunch and learn program.  Learn more about the causes of joint pain, exercises that may help reduce pain, and the latest treatment options available. All are welcome to attend!  10:30-11:30am, TRIP Center, Downtown Franklin.  Please call 934-2060 ext. 369 for more information or to register.

Youth Archery

March 6

The Franklin Parks and Recreation Department, in conjunction with New England School of Archery, is offering a youth archery clinic for ages eight and up on Tuesday, March 6^th from 6:00pm-7:00pm at the Franklin Recreation Center.  The cost for this program is $10.00 per person.  For more information or to register, contact the Franklin Parks and Recreation Department at 934-2118 or e-mail rec@franklinnh.org

Hospice Volunteer Training

March 6^th

Hospice Training

March 6

The Hospice Program of the Franklin Visiting Nurse Association will be offering free hospice volunteer training on 6 consecutive Tuesdays starting March 6, 2007 (through April 10, 2007 TIME: 2:00 – 5:00 PM). Training will take place at the VNA, located at 75 Chestnut St. Franklin Hospice volunteers are adult men and women of all ages and backgrounds who offer their time to assist the hospice team with patient care and family support. For further information call Linda Hebert, Hospice Volunteer Coordinator at the Franklin VNA & Hospice at 934-3454.

Fit & Healthy Teenstyle

March 7

This fun and informative FREE 4-week series will teach teens ages 12-14 about how to eat healthier and become more active. The program will include fun physical activities and information on fast foods and how to make healthy snacks at home. Taught by a Registered Dietician.  Wednesdays beginning March 7^th, 4:00-5:15pm Franklin Parks & Recreation, Memorial Street, Franklin. Pre-registration is required. To register or for more information, please call 934-2060 ext 369

Diabetes Fair: The Latest and Greatest in Diabetes Care!

March 7

Come and see the latest in blood sugar monitors, insulin pumps, diabetes supplies, and foot care. There will also be exhibits on exercise and nutrition. A team of nurses and dietitians will be available to answer your questions. Call 527-2850 for more information. Wednesday, March 7, 12:00-2:00, Franklin Regional Hospital

Mystery Lunch

March 8

Join the TRIP Center at 10:30 for a nice meal out with friends. This is a great opportunity to end up at a restaurant you have never tried before. Maybe you will discover a new favorite lunch spot. Sign up soon, this trip fills up fast. The cost of transportation is $6.00 per person and lunch is your responsibility.

International Working Women’s Day

March 8

Visit the TRIP Center at 10:30 am and share a story about your past profession. Bring in a picture of yourself, your workplace, or some other piece of memorabilia. We will share our stories, guess who did what, and enjoy a lovely lunch together.

Pot Roast Supper

March 10

The Congregational Christian Church of West Franklin will be hosting a pot roast supper Saturday March 10th from 5-6pm. 934-4242 for more information.

Russian American Kids Circus

March 10

Join the Franklin Opera House Saturday, March 10th, for two daytime performances, at 12 noon and 2 pm-- RUSSIAN AMERICAN KIDS CIRCUS comes to the Franklin Opera House for a return engagement with new acts to enthrall and amaze! Enjoy our new comfortable orchestra seats while being entertained by the comic and acrobatic talents of these adolescent professionals.  For more information or to reserve tickets call the Franklin Opera House box office at (603) 934-1901 or visit www.franklinoperahouse.org . Tickets are also available at Radio Shack at 760 Central Street in Franklin. The Franklin Opera House is located at 316 Central Street in historic City Hall.

10th Annual Franklin Sportsmen’s Show
March 10 & 11
The Greater Franklin Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce that the 10th Annual Sportsman’s Show will be returning to the Franklin Middle School, 200 Sanborn St. Franklin, on March 10th and 11th.

As the community's only event dedicated solely to those who love the outdoors, this is a great opportunity to see the best new products and most accomplished sportsmen in New England! Slated for this year’s event are over 40 vendors ranging from the Northstar Guide Service and Outfitter to the Sausage Source to Friends of the Northern Rail Trail.  Each vendor will present products and services essential for the outdoorsman. A number of informational seminars have also been scheduled for this two day event. Seminars will include on Saturday, “Demystified Moose” hosted by Dave Kelso of Northern Hideaway Guide Service and on Sunday, “Hunting and Calling Trophy Whitetail Deer” hosted by Bill Saiff of Cabin Country and Saiff Fishing Charters. The show will run from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm on Saturday and 9:00 am to 3:00 pm on Sunday. Admission is $8.00 per person and children under the age of 12 are admitted for free with a paying adult. Food and drinks will be available at the show For more information and a complete list of seminars contact the Greater Franklin Chamber of Commerce at (603)934-6909 or visit their website, www.experiencethreerivers.com. 

Ken Fernald Concert

March 10

Ken will be singing newer gospel songs along with old favorites. Love offering will be received. Place: Living Hope Community Church 31 Summer St Penacook NH Date & Time: March 10 at 7 PM

Caleb’s Country Store & More 

March 12

The TRIP Center will spend some time shopping at the famous Caleb’s Country Store. Caleb’s is the oldest general store in NH. There is so much to browse, from fresh cheeses to penny candy, to kitchen appliances. This place is truly a step back in time. There is an attached gift shop with lots of nice things to choose from.  We will also go to the Christmas Dove, a wonderful Christmas themed destination spot you won’t want to miss. To finish off the day we will stop at the Gateway Restaurant. The gateway has an enormous menu, with something for everyone. The cost of transportation is $10.00. The cost of lunch and shopping is your responsibility. Bus will depart at 9:00 am.

Servicelink

March 15

Visit the TRIP Center on March 15th at 10:30 am. Eve Slawsky from Servicelink will be here to discuss this helpful senior assistance program. Eve will set aside some one on one time for those with specific questions.

Saint Patrick’s Day Brunch

March 16

Come into the TRIP Center and enjoy a delicious brunch buffet at the TRIP center. There will be many yummy items to choose from including corned beef hash, potatoes, sliced corned beef, eggs, breads, beans, and more. There will be raffles and special Saint Patrick’s Day Trivia at 10:30am. Lunch at 11:30. This will be a fun time so bring a friend.

The HPV Vaccine- Have You Heard?

March 22

Join Doneta Fischer, ARNP for a free discussion on the Pap Smear and the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine, including who should get the vaccine and why. Come and get your questions answered! This program is free of charge. Please pre-register by calling 934-2060 ext. 369, Thursday, March 22^nd, 6:00-7:30pm, Franklin Regional Hospital

Storytelling with Loretta Phillips

March 22

If you like to laugh then this is the event for you. Back by popular demand, the talented Loretta Phillips will come into the TRIP Center share some humorous stories with us. Bring a friend; you will be glad you came. Show begins at 10:30am.

Free Computer Class

March 20 - 29

Intro to Computers is a free two-week beginner’s class, open to any adults wishing to build their confidence in using a computer. No experience necessary... Relaxed, fun, and free! Class meets Tues. & Thurs. 10am - 12noon. Call 934-4400 to register.

Free GED Practice Test

March 24

If you need your GED and are wondering if you are ready for the exam, or if you wish to identify your strengths and weaknesses to prepare for the GED Exam, take the official GED Practice Test at On-Track Training! We will test you on all GED subjects in a simulated testing environment. Receive your scores the same day! Test is scheduled for 9:00am - 1:30pm. Call to register: 934-4400.

Franklin Opera House Emerging Artist Series

March 24

The final concert in the Emerging Artists Series opens with singer-songwriter Kelley Morris and her lyric-driven bluesy folk music. "The Fallen Free", featuring Jen Major on vocals and Erik Benoit on percussion, will also perform.   For more information or to reserve tickets call the Franklin Opera House box office at (603) 934-1901 or visit www.franklinoperahouse.org . Tickets are also available at Radio Shack at 760 Central Street in Franklin. Show begins at 7:30. The Franklin Opera House is located at 316 Central Street in historic City Hall.

Blood Pressure Clinic

March 27

The VNA will be at the TRIP Center the forth Tuesday of the month beginning at 10:45 am to take the blood pressure of those interested.

Italian Day

March 28

Whether you are of Italian decent or not, you will be sure to enjoy this festive spaghetti and meatball meal. While we eat we will enjoy the music of Italian crooners Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra. Be sure to stay for the surprise entertainment to follow. Lunch will begin at the TRIP Center at 11:30 am.

Sanbornton

"An Inconvenient Truth"

March 2

"An Inconvenient Truth", a film about global warming will be shown Friday night March 2nd at the Sanbornton Congregational Church at 7pm. 279-8848 for more information.

Folk Music in the Woods
March 16
Sant Bani School Ashram Road, Sanbornton NH, is pleased to present Folk Music in the Woods with Amit Peled, Cello; Daniel Del Pino, Piano; Katie Lansdale, Violin. Tickets $15 single ticket; $13 seniors. Children free. For more information call (603) 934-4240 or visit www.santbani.org.

Tilton/Northfield

New England Spring Flower Show

March 1

The Pines Community Center is Northfield is offering discounted tickets to the 2007 New England Spring Flower Show at the Bayside Expo Center in Boston any day March 17-25. Transportation is available on a limited basis. Pre-register by March 1st. For additional information call the Pines at 286-8653.

Winnisquam Babe Ruth Registration

March 3

Winnisquam Babe Ruth will hold a registration night for the 2007 season Saturday March 3rd from 9am-Noon at the Pines Community Center in Northfield. Players ages 13-15 who live in Tilton, Northfield and Sanbornton are eligible to play. The Babe Ruth season does not conflict with school baseball, so players can do both. For more information contact Mike Wakefield at 286-2884. Please bring along a copy of your birth certificate.  

It’s Girl Scout Cookie Time!

March 4

Brownie Troop 306 of Tilton/Northfield will be at Lowe‘s in Tilton Sunday March 4th selling Girl Scout Cookies. They‘re also doing ‘Operation Cookie‘. Purchase a box of cookies which will be sent to our troops in Iraq! A portion of the proceeds will also help send to girls to camp this year. They‘ll be at Lowe‘s selling the cookies Sunday from 10am-4pm.

Tilton/Northfield Little League Sign-ups

March 3, 10, & 13

The Tilton/Northfield Little League holds sign-ups for the upcoming season at the Pines Community Center on the following dates: March 3rd and 10th, 9am-Noon and March 13th, 6-8pm. All registrations take place at the Pines Community Center in Northfield. For more information call 520-2143. The Tilton/Northfield Little League is also looking for coaches for all levels for the 2007 season.

Red Cross Mobile Unit

March 10

The Red Cross Mobile Unit will be at Tanger Outlet Center in Tilton for a blood drive Saturday March 10th from 10am-4pm. If you‘re at least 17 years old, weight at least 110 pounds and in good health you can give the gift of life! Stop by and donate.

Red Cross Mobile Unit

March 12

The Red Cross Bloodmobile will be at Winnisquam Regional High School Monday March 12th from 9am-2pm for a blood drive.  If you‘re at least 17 years old, weight at least 110 pounds and in good health you can give the gift of life! Stop by and donate.

Upcoming Events

Baseball Camp

April 21

Concord Sports Center and the Tilton Northfield Little League are hosting a pre-season baseball camp for Little Leaguers Saturday April 21st at the Pines in Northfield. 9am-Noon is for the younger kids and 1-4pm for the majors. Members of the Winnisquam Regional High School Baseball program will also take part. For more information contact Concord Sports Center at 224-1655. Former Tilton/Northfield Little Leaguer and professional baseball player Bryan Caruso will run the clinic.

LRGH Auxiliary Scholarship

May 1

The Lakes Region General Hospital Auxiliary‘s 2007 scholarship applications are now available. The scholarship is available to those entering a medical or health related field, which are Belknap County residents or reside within the LRGHealthcare service area. Applications are available in the LRGH lobby and at area high schools. For more information call 527-2895. Application deadline is May 1st.  

Choose Franklin Community Day

May 12

The 3rd annual Choose Franklin Community Day is set for Saturday May 12th. A parade, with the theme "Franklin, A Fun Place To Play" will kick things off at 10am. A downtown street fair with games, food, craft and flea market tables will be held from 10am-2:30pm. There‘ll be entertainment at Trestle View Park, Scott Marceau Memorial Park and the Franklin Opera House. Places are still available for the flea market, vendors, non-profits, etc. For more information contact Marcia by email mrollins@franklin.k12.nh.us or call 934-3108, extension 420.

Did You Know?

The Odell Park Centennial Committee has requested funds from the Hamburger Helper - My Hometown Helper program.  They need your help!!!  The more comments that are posted on their project page the better.  The Committee would appreciate it if you could make a comment to support the project and share this information with as many people as possible! To post your comments visit, www.myhometownhelper.com/ViewProject.aspx?tell=2&id=11235.

Bessie C. Rowell School, along with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society are conducting its annual ‘Pennies for Patients‘ program. The program encourages students, families, businesses and community members to collect spare change now through March 9th. Monies raised will support blood cancer research and patient service programs. Rowell School had adopted a child hero, nine-year old Amelia. Amelia has been diagnosed with Leukemia and is currently in remission. For more information contact Donna Magoon at 934-5116.  

Seeking Volunteers

The Greater Franklin Chamber of Commerce is looking for volunteers to help out with the 10th Annual Sportsmen’s Show. Volunteers would be needed on Friday, March 9th, Saturday, March 10th, and/or Sunday, March 11th. Volunteer an hour or two and gain FREE admission to the show! Call the Greater Franklin Chamber of Commerce at 934-6909 to sign up!

The TRIP Center is looking for donations of computer/copier paper. We could also use printer cartridges for our Epson Stylus C86. If you are looking to give the Center a holiday gift these items would be a huge help. The TRIP Center can be reached at 934-4151.

Andover Community Access Cable TV is looking for one or more volunteers to update the on-air bulletin board every week. Computer experience is nice, but will train an interested person. For more information contact Charlie Darling, station manager, at 735-6099 or Charlie@andovercabletv.com.

The Proctor Volunteerism program would like to extend its community service based mission to the town and its people in need. This program involves a few students in the afternoon for two hours or so, two to three times per week when school is in session. If you, your club, or your association needs help, or if you know someone who could use assistance please contact Eric Viandier at 735-5149 or eric_viander@proctornet.com.

The Twin Rivers Interfaith Food Pantry (TRIFP) needs your help!!! Currently, the pantry in need of funds to help continue operations and meet the needs of our community. We fed 13,503 meals in the month of February 2006. We average approximately 12,000 meals each month throughout the year serving eight communities, Andover, Danbury, Franklin, Hill, Northfield, Salisbury, Sanbornton and Tilton. We purchase the food by the pound from the New Hampshire Food Bank through donations and are blessed to have USDA food and donations from Hannaford. We have never turned away a family in need, from any area, without food and a telephone number of a Food Pantry located in the area in which they live. The Twin Rivers Food Pantry is supported strictly through generous donations, of funds, time, talents, resources and prayers. We are very fortunate to have friends and benefactors willing to come together with mutual respect and a purposeful vision of feeding the hungry. Please feel welcome at any time to come and visit the TRIFP. We welcome any visitors and welcome ideas and suggestions. Our hours of operation by volunteers only are; Tuesday and Thursday from 9:00 am to 11:00 am and Wednesdays from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. We are located at Central Street at the St Jude’s Church (the brown building across from the public library).

We hope you’ve enjoyed this issue of the Three Rivers Newsletter.

Thanks for reading; now you’re ready to enjoy our community!