E-mail Community Calendar Info to: fred@mix941fm.com. 

*****Franklin Savings Bank is currently looking for teams to play in this year‘s 15th Annual FSB Charity Softball Tournament.  The tournament consists of co-ed softball teams who play in a double elimination tournament at Odell Park in Franklin beginning September 3rd.  The tournament entry fee is $150.00 and all proceeds from the entry fee, concession stand and raffles will be donated this year to the MacDonald Family Scholarship, created in memory of Beth, Molly and Jennifer MacDonald, who lost their lives in a tragic fire earlier this year. The scholarship will be given annually to deserving students at Franklin High School.  If you would like to participate or need more information, please call Cheri at 934-8340. Deadline is August 11th.

*****The parents and supporters of the two-time Class M Champion Franklin High School softball team are asking for your help as they honor this year championship team with championship jackets and shorts for each player. Your tax deductible donation in any amount may be sent to Franklin High School, Central Street, Franklin, NH 03235, attention Joan Shanelaris.  For more information contact Terry Ross at 715-4335. The parents and supporters would like to thank the following for their donations so far:
--Franklin High School Booster Club-$1,000
--Pizza Market-$250
--Joe LaQuire Builders $100
--Franklin Savings Bank $100
--Kidder Fuels $50
--Hill Irving Service Center $50
--Twin Rivers Babe Ruth  $20 (Andy Phelps)
--Tri State Painting $250.
--W.E. Hurd Construction $25.
--Bonnie Walshaw $50.
--Baker Valley Floors Inc. $300
--Bergeron Insurance $50

*****The Pines Teen center, in conjunction with Project T-N-S are sponsoring a number of trips for teens and those entering sixth grade in the Winnisquam Regional School District. Trips include Canobie Lake Park, Hampton Beach, a tour of Fenway Park, New England Aquarium, the tram at Cannon Mountain and more. The highlight of the summer is an overnight trip to Maine with rafting on the Kennebec River. To register, contact the Pines Community Center at 286-8653 or the Winnisquam Regional Middle School at 286-7143. Seating is limited, these trips are first come, first served.

Now-9/21/08...Get Reading w/Hall Memorial Library
Hall Memorial Library in Northfield is offering an exciting reading program right through the summer. It‘s ‘Reading Bingo‘! Pick up a ‘Reading Bingo Card‘ at the library filled with reading suggestions from a variety of genres and fill in the appropriate titles as you read them. Completed lines on you ‘Reading Bingo Card‘ gets you a raffle ticket for a great prize at the end of the summer! ‘Reading Bingo‘ runs from June 20th through September 21st. For more information contact Trudy at  the Hall Memorial Library at 286-8971.

7/26/08...Tardif Park Yard Sale
Tardif Park, 51 Crescent St. in Laconia, will be having a yard sale on Saturday July 26th, from 8:00 am - 1:00 pm. If you are interested in renting a table, donating your items to the park house or if you are interested in taking all the leftover items from the yard sale, please call Kevin at 528-4136.

7/26/08...Fundraiser For Twin Rivers Interfaith Food Pantry
The Twin Rivers Interfaith Food Pantry will host a benefit "all you can eat" Pancake Breakfast on Saturday, July 26 from 8am to 10am at Applebee‘s Restaurant in Tilton. The cost is $7.00 per person. Proceeds will help to fund food purchases for the pantry which supports 8 surrounding communities in the Franklin-Tilton area and provides food to over 700 people each month who are in need. Tickets are available in advance by calling Chuck Doyle at 535-3053 and at the door. There will be door prizes. Bring a canned or boxed food item for donation to
the pantry and be entered in a special drawing.

7/26/08...Hazardous Waste Disposal Day
The Lakes Region Planning Commission is hosting hazardous waste disposal days at a number of area facilities on Saturday July 26th. Here‘s a safe way to get rid of those pesticides, oils, paints and other hazardous materials that have been hanging around your garage and basement. Stop in at the Belmont Fire Station; Franklin Transfer Station; Gilford and Meredith Public Works departments. Hours are 8:30-Noon. 279-8171 for info.

7/26/08...Masons Benefit Breakfast
The Masons at Doric-Center Lodge # 20 in Tilton are putting on a public breakfast and bake sale on Saturday, July 26th, from 7-10 AM at the Masonic Building on Route 3 in Tilton.  The price is $5.  Proceeds will benefit the various charities we support. There will also be a raffle (no extra charge), using the breakfast tickets, for 2 free car washes.

7/27/08...Free Concert Downtown Tilton
Singer/songwriter Michelle Ribeiro with guest Lisa Doscher will perform a free community concert at Trinity Episcopal Church, Main Street, downtown Tilton, on Sunday July 27th beginning at 1:30pm. Folk artist Bob Dorley with guest Chris Gilb will open this afternoon of music. Light refreshments will be available for purchase during the intermission.

7/27-8/31/08...Savina Hartwell Free Concerts In Tilton
Enjoy another summer of free concerts courtesy of the Savina Hartwell Memorial Concert Series , every Sunday at 6:30pm at the Tilton Island Park. Bring a chair or blanket and enjoy the music every Sunday night through August 31st. The next concert is:
July 27th...Annie & The Orphans
August 3rd...Karen Morgan and Pony Express
August 10th...Day Janiero
August 17th...Onion River Jazz Band
August 24th...Compac Big Band
August 31st...Bean Hill Bluegrass
Refreshments will be available. For more information call Alan Hartwell at 286-3000.

7/28/08...New Beginnings Needs Volunteers For Training
Interested women and men are needed to staff the 24-hour crisis line, one of the central services New Beginnings provides to people in the community whose lives have been affected by domestic and sexual violence and stalking. Training will take place the weeks of July 28th and August 4th on Monday-Thursday evenings, in the office in Laconia.  People from all backgrounds and walks of life are encouraged to apply.  To get an application or more information, please call New Beginnings at 528-6511.

7/29/08...Foster & Adoption Care @ Spaulding
Orientation for Spaulding Youth Center‘s training classes in foster and adoption care takes place Tuesday July 29th from 6-9pm at the center in Northfield. You are welcome to sign up for one class or for the whole series. It‘s free and open to the public. Please contact Carol Sanborn to register: 603-286-8901 or carolsanborn@spauldingyouthcenter.org.

7/29-8/19/08...Child & Family Services ‘Overcoming Trauma‘
In Belknap County alone, approximately 4 out of 10 children have been exposed to violence of some kind. To help children and families understand and cope with the affects of trauma and violence, Child and Family Services of NH and New Beginnings Women‘s Crisis Center present ‘Overcoming Trauma‘-support groups for children ages 6-12 and their parents. The meetings are free and will run every Tuesday July 15th through August 19th. 528-6511 for more information.

7/29/08...Waterville Valley Penny Carnival 
The Waterville Valley Penny Carnival is on Tuesday,  July 29th, from 6 to 8 p.m. Guests will have a unique experience as they spend the evening with the  Recreation Department in Town Square as the staff transforms into pirates.  There will be games and prizes to be won. All ages welcome. Call 1-800-GO-VALLEY for more information.

7/30-8/20/08...Franklin Public Library Craft Programs
Join the Franklin Public Library for their craft programs, every Wednesday this summer! These programs are free. Call the library for more information, 934-2911.

8/1/08...Puppet Show @ Franklin Public Library
Join the Franklin Public Library Friday, August 1 at 11:00 AM as Diane Kordas presents the Romper Rhythm Puppets! This event is free and open to all ages. For more information call 934-2911.

8/2/08...Charity Auction In Gilford
The First Untied Methodist Church in Gilford will hold silent and live auctions Saturday August 2nd at 10am at 500 Gilford Avenue. Preview starts at 9am. Bid on hundreds of items, including antiques, new and used furniture, gift certificates, fine crafts, gift baskets, time care vacations and more. Call Joyce for more information, 524-3289.

8/2/08...Hazardous Waste Disposal Day
The Lakes Region Planning Commission is hosting hazardous waste disposal days at a number of area facilities on Saturday August 2nd. Here‘s a safe way to get rid of those pesticides, oils, paints and other hazardous materials that have been hanging around your garage and basement. Stop in at the Laconia Public Works Department; the NH DOT garage in Bristol; or the Moultonboro and Ossipee Highway garages. Hours are 8:30-Noon. 279-8171 for info.

8/4/08...Sing-A-Long @ Franklin Public Library
Join the Franklin Public Library Monday, August 4 at 10:30 AM as musician Steve Blunt, accompanied by  Joseph Carringer, playing the didgeridoo, present a sing-along! This event is free and open to all ages. Call 934-2911 for more information.

8/5/08...Foster & Adoption Care @ Spaulding
Spaulding Youth Center‘s training classes in foster and adoption care are now underway. The 2nd class in the series - Regulations-and takes place Tuesday August 5th form 6-9pm at Spaulding Youth Center in Northfield. You are welcome to sign up for one class or for the whole series. It‘s free and open to the public. Please call to register: 603-286-8901, extension 212 or  email carolsanborn@spauldingyouthcenter.org.

8/6 & 8/26/08...Living With Low Vision With LRGH
Are you living with low vision? Join LRGHealthcare‘s Christine Huntoon, Occupational Therapist for a free program that will provide you with information on  Ways to make lives easier for anyone living with problematic eyesight and techniques and technology for the everyday challenges of someone living with
failing eye vision. The program takes place  at Franklin Regional Hospital Wednesday August 6th, 6:00-7:30pm and at the HealthLink Building, Downtown Laconia Tuesday August 26th, 6:00-7:30 p.m. Registration is required.  Please call   527-2997 or  934-2060 x329.

8/7/08...Winnisquam Sports Meeting
Coaches, parents and student athletes for the Winnisquam Regional High and Middle Schools are invited to an informal ‘Meet & Greet‘ Thursday August 7th in the high school auditorium. A mandatory coaches meeting will take place at 5pm, followed by the meet and greet. Here‘s a great chance for parents and athletes to meet their coaches and get paperwork filled out before the fall sports season begins. For more information contact athletic director Jeff Cloos at 286-4531.

8/8-8/10/08...Robbie Mills Softball Tournament
The 2nd annual Robbie Mills Softball Tournament takes place August 8-10 at Memorial Park in Laconia. This is an ASA sanctioned event. $250 per team, full concession stand available and much more. To reserve your spot call Rob at 527-9078.  Proceeds will benefit the Robbie Mills Foundation.

8/9/08...Brenda‘s Ride To Fight Cancer
Save the date-Saturday, August 9th and join 10-year breast cancer survivor Brenda Ganong for the 6th annual ‘Brenda‘s Ride with Friends: Fighting Cancer One Mile at a Time‘. The ride begins at 9am from Meredith Harley Davidson to Waterville Valley and back. Festivities include a barbecue, bands and great raffles. Proceeds will benefit the fight against breast cancer at LRGHealthcare. For more information and to register call Brenda at 520-5553.

8/9/08...March Of Dimes Fundraiser In Northfield
A chicken barbecue, live music, raffles and more takes place Saturday August 9th at the Keyser Residence, Union Road in Northfield. All proceeds benefit the March of Dimes. Barbecue begins at 4pm, horseshoe tournament at 5pm and live music by Club Soda and Rainy Tuesday. Tickets are $20 each and incudes food, music and a raffle ticket for over $2,000 in prizes donated by ,local businesses. For tickets and more information call 455-3755. The party is in honor of Sophia Lauren LaBranche. She was born on Father‘s Day, 2007. She  weighed only 2 lbs. 4 oz.  and today, she‘s a little over a year old and weighs  20 lbs., crawling all over the place. Thanks to the doctors and nurses at Dartmouth Hospital and organizations like the March of Dimes!

8/9/08...Classic Movie Night @ Opera House
Saturday August 9th at 7 pm, classic movie nights at the Franklin Opera House presents "An American in Paris" with Gene Kelly and songs by Gershwin. Comfortable seats, great sound, big screen, and fresh popcorn-- the way movies are supposed to be seen! There is a suggested donation of $5 at the door. The Franklin Opera House is located at 316 Central Street, inside the Franklin City Hall.

8/10/08...Golf Tourney For Hospice
The Oak Hill Ladies Twilight League invites local women to join their Annual Ladies Invitational on Tuesday,  August 19th at 4:30 p.m. This year‘s 9 – hole invitational is a fundraising benefit for Lakes Region Community Health and Hospice in memory of former league players Judi Wernig and Diane Milligan. Interested golfers should sign-up with $35 fee by August 10th to Barbara Jenkins at Oak Hill Golf Course, 159 Pease Road, Meredith, NH 03253. Player fee includes greens fees, dinner, prizes and donation. As part of the Las Vegas Night fun the League is raffling off a variety of prizes including 4 tickets to a Red Sox game. Any businesses or community members looking to contribute to the League‘s fundraising efforts can contact Kristin Paterson at 603-387-0790 for more information. Oak Hill Golf Course located on Pease Rd in Meredith.

8/12/08...Foster & Adoption Care @ Spaulding
Spaulding Youth Center‘s training classes in foster and adoption care are now underway. The 3rd class in the series - The Developing Child-takes place Tuesday August 12th from 6-9pm at Spaulding Youth Center in Northfield. You are welcome to sign up for one class or for the whole series. It‘s free and open to the public. Please call 603-286-8901 x 212 or carolsanborn@spauldingyouthcenter.org.

8/14/08: Classic Car Show @ NH Veterans Home
The New Hampshire Veterans Home (NHVH) will hold its Second Annual Classic Car Show on Thursday, August 14th from 6:00pm to 8:00pm. The rain date is Thursday, August 28th. Admission is free and there is no entry fee for cars. The NHVH Car Show will be held at the NHVH Pavilion on the Veterans Home campus at 139 Winter Street in Tilton, New Hampshire. Prizes will be awarded for various categories. There will be music and refreshments. For more information please call: Maureen Campbell at 603-527-4889 or 603-527-4438.

8/14/08...Foster & Adoption Care @ Spaulding
Spaulding Youth Center‘s training classes in foster and adoption care are now underway. The 4th class in the series - Experiencing Grief & Loss-takes place Thursday August 14th from 6-9pm. You are welcome to sign up for one class or for the whole series. It‘s free and open to the public.  Please contact Carol Sanborn to register: 603-286-8901 x 212 or carolsanborn@spauldingyouthcenter.org.

8/15/08...Veggie Van @ Franklin Public Library
Join the Franklin Public Library Friday, August 15 at 11:00 AM for a Summer Reading Celebration at the Library with music by Jay Mankita and a visit from his veggie van! This is an environmentally friendly vehicle. Bring a bag lunch for a picnic after the show on the Library lawn. Cake and punch will be provided. This event is free and open to all ages. 934-2911 for more information.

8/15/08...The Jungle Book @ FOH
FACT (Franklin Area Children‘s Theater)- presents Disney‘s ‘The Jungle Book‘ on Friday August 15th at 1 pm and 7 pm.  In it‘s second season, FACT includes over 100 kids ages 4-18 singing and dancing together on the Franklin Opera House stage with all your favorite Disney characters.  For tickets and more information call 934-1901.

8/19/08...Lunch & Learn @ Franklin Regional Hospital
Are you living with joint pain? LRGH can help! Join LRGHealthcare Physical Therapist Laurie Shephard and  Dr. Christopher Fitzmorris 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. The program takes place Tuesday, August 19th, noon-1pm at Franklin Regional Hospital. To register or for more information, call 934-2060 ext. 329.

8/19/08...Foster & Adoption Care @ Spaulding
Spaulding Youth Center‘s training classes in foster and adoption care are underway. The 5th class in the series - The Effects of Childhood Trauma-takes place Tuesday August 19th from 6-9pm at Spaulding Youth center in Northfield. You are welcome to sign up for one class or for the whole series. It‘s free and open to the public. Please call to register: 603-286-8901, ext. 212 or carolsanborn@spauldingyouthcenter.org.

8/21-8/31/08...Hello Dolly @ Franklin Opera House
Franklin Footlight Theatre celebrates its 15th summer season with the classic musical comedy ‘Hello Dolly‘! Performances are  August 21, 22, 23 and August 28, 29 and 30 at 7:30 pm and August 24 and 31 at 2 pm.  Tickets are available at 934-1901 or at franklinoperahouse.org.

8/21/08...Foster & Adoption Care @ Spaulding
Spaulding Youth Center‘s training classes in foster and adoption care are underway. The 6th class in the series - Promoting Positive Behavior-takes place Thursday August 21st from 6-9pm at the center in Northfield. You are welcome to sign up for one class or for the whole series. It‘s free and open to the public. Please contact Carol Sanborn to register: 603-286-8901 x 212 or carolsanborn@spauldingyouthcenter.org.

8/22/08...Gehring Memorial Golf Tournament
The Sarah and Philip Gehring Memorial Golf Tournament takes place August 22nd at Loudon Country Club. It‘s an 8am shotgun start with great prizes, fun and food for everyone. Golfers of all abilities are welcome. For more information about how you can help honor the memory of Sarah and Philip call 856-7737 or email knight7737@comcast.net.

8/26/08...WRHS Mandatory Parent/Student-Athlete Meeting
Tuesday August 26th there will be a mandatory parent/student athlete meeting in the auditorium of Winnisquam Regional High School starting at 6:30pm. Student/athletes will not be able to participate in a game until this meeting is held, so make plans to be there. To make other arrangements, contact athletic director Jeff Cloos at 286-4531.

8/26/08...Winnisquam Soccer Alumni Game
The Winnisquam Regional High School soccer team will host its annual alumni game Tuesday August 26th at the high school field. Any alumni interested in playing, contact coach Amy Dutton at 568-2375 or stop by the field. Game time is 6pm.

8/26/08...Foster & Adoption Care @ Spaulding
August 26, 2008 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm Spaulding Youth Center, Northfield, NH.
Spaulding Youth Center‘s training classes in foster and adoption care wraps up Tuesday August 26th from 6-9pm with the 7th class in the series - Lifelong Connections. It‘s free and open to the public. Contact Carol Sanborn to register: 603-286-8901 x 212 or carolsanborn@spauldingyouthcenter.org.

9/29/08...Capital Region Food Program Golf Tournament
A golf tournament to benefit the Capital Region Food program takes place Monday September 29th at Concord Country Club. All proceeds will benefit the Holiday Food Basket Project and the Year-Round Distribution Project. For more information contact Allyson at 848-4849.

10/4/08...NH Marathon And Craft Show
The Newfound Region Chamber of Commerce presents the  16th annual NH Marathon and Craft Show  Saturday October 4th at 9am at Newfound Memorial Middle School in Bristol. The day‘s events include the marathon, 10K, 5K judged race walk and the craft show. Proceeds benefit the Mayhew and Circle Programs and the Tapply-Thompson Community Center. More information is available at http://www.nhmarathon.com/ or by calling 744-3335 or 744-7973.

10/4-10/5/08...Northern New England Sled Dog Trade Fair
The Northern new England Sled Dog Trade Fair and Seminar takes place Saturday October 4th at the Hopkinton State Fair Grounds Saturday and Sunday, October 4th and 5th. Hours are 9am-5pm Saturday, 8:30am-3pm Sunday. The fair features vendors, raffles and two record setting mushers. Camp sites are available at the fairgrounds. Call 207-457-3949 for more information or visit maine made dog sleds.com.

Ongoing:

*****The Pines Community Center in Northfield needs your help. This non-profit organization, serving the Tilton, Northfield and Sanbornton areas, suffered major roof damage last winter and is in need of major repairs which could cost in excess of $40,000. They have started their ‘Raise The Roof‘ campaign to raise the necessary funds and need your help. They are looking for individuals to purchase shingles for as little as a ten dollar donation for one shingle, $100  for a bundle of fifteen. You can also become a Supporter for a $500 donation and a Corporate Sponsor for a $1,000 donation. All contributors will be acknowledged in the Pines lobby area and will be invited to a special dinner in September. Please contact the Pines at 286-8653 for more information and to make your tax deductible donation.  

*****Let‘s not forget our friends and neighbors who need a helping hand. The Twin Rivers Interfaith Food Pantry is always in  need of contributions. Your help is needed and greatly appreciated. Send monetary donations to Twin Rivers Interfaith Food Pantry, PO Box 184, Franklin, NH 03235. Or drop off any type of food donation to 237 Central Street, the old St. Jude‘s Church, in Downtown Franklin, Tuesday & Thursday 9am-11:30am or Wednesdays from 5-7pm. Call the food pantry at 934-2662 or Esther at 286-8110. Twin Rivers Interfaith Food Pantry serves the towns of Franklin, Tilton, Northfield, Sanbornton, Hill, Andover, Salisbury and Danbury.

*****The Daniel Webster Birthplace on Route 127 in Franklin is now open weekends through September. Although only the cabin and grounds will be available for the public to visit, the state park, which closed in 2005, will have a knowledgeable individual to answer questions and give out free vintage (1970‘s) postcards. As he did last summer, Jack Tobey will be in the cabin Saturdays and Sundays, 9 am to 5 pm, to regale any visitor with the history of the park , the controversies over the Sawyer House (closed for lack of funding for proper maintenance and declared unsafe), the birthplace cabin and the mysterious disappearance of the chiseled stone which once marked the site as the birthplace of Webster. And if the weather is inclement, step inside the cabin and Mr. Tobey will tell you all about the man who is Franklin‘s favorite son.

*****The Special Olympics New Hampshire Recycle For Gold Program is back! You can support SONH athletes by donating your unwanted vehicle to Car World. Call 1-800-639-2608, extension 29 for more information.

*****The Winnipesaukee River Trail Association is launching an ‘Adopt a Section of Trail‘ program. They‘re looking for people to provide ongoing light maintenance and clean up along one-tenth of a mile section of trail. If you‘re interested email wburns44@verizon.net.

*****Franklin Head Start is now accepting enrollment applications for the 2008-2009 school year.  Children must be at least 3 years old by September 30th 2008 to apply. For more information or to pick up an application,  stop in at 15 Elkins Street or call 934-2161.

You are invited to Children‘s Storytime every Tuesday at 9:30am and Thursday at 10:30am with Miss Rachel in the Children‘s Room at Franklin Public Library. All ages are welcome. Call 934-2911 for more information.

Here‘s another chance for the entire family to get out and have fun outdoors together while learning cool stuff about nature at Prescott Farm Audubon Center‘s ‘Wildquest Family Camp‘. It happens every second Saturday of the month until school ends in June, from 1-3:30pm at the center, 928 White Oaks Road in Laconia. For more information and to register call 366-5695.

The ‘Strengthening Families in Community Libraries‘ project has come to Franklin in the form of a DVD series and printed educational resources through the NH Children‘s Trust Fund. Entitled ‘I Am Your Child‘, the video series is produced by Rob Reiner and available at the Franklin Public Library. For more information about the project, call Casey Family Resource Centers at 1-800-417-7375.

Lakes Region families interested in hosting an international high school student during the ‘07-‘08 school year are asked to call Shannon Robinson-Beland in Gilford, 524-1795.

Immediate opening for position of ‘Angel of Change‘. Must be kind, generous, and enjoy helping others. Benefits include making a difference in the lives of people living with disabilities. Do you have what it takes to be an ‘Angel of Change‘? For more information visit EasterSealsNH.com!

The Senior Citizens law project help New Hampshire seniors 60 and over with many types of legal questions. The free advice line can answer many legal questions. For more information call the senior citizens law project at 1-866-353-9944.

The Franklin Asset Building Coalition is offering free information about money management. The information available ranges from tax credits provided by the IRS, basic budgeting and debt management to information on home buying and starting your own business. For more information call 934-3170.

Donate blood at an American Red Cross Bloodmobile event. If you‘re at least 17 years of age and in good health, you can give blood. For more information on the next Red Cross Bloodmobile in your area, call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE or log on at http://www.redcross.org/.

Do you have a place in your heart & home to help a deserving child? Spaulding Youth Center seeks caring individuals in the greater Merrimack & Belknap counties area who are interested in becoming foster parents. Call Carol Sanborn at 286-8901, extension 212 or visit http://www.spauldingyouthcenter.org/

The Concord Area Red Cross holds a number of courses each month, including adult, child and infant CPR; Water Safety; First Aid, Babysitting Instruction and more. For more information call 225-6697.