Support Pisini Field - Franklin, MA

The High School Field Concession Stand has a GoFundMe page:

"Our Town is fortunate to have a state of the art athletic track and field (Pisini Field) to complement our new Franklin High School. Most afternoons, evenings, and weekends throughout the year the facility is utilized by either FHS or town sports teams. Pisini Field host many youth and high school programs such as, girl’s youth lacrosse, youth soccer, Franklin Chargers football, and spring track. Currently, there are no bathroom or sanitary facilities for this athletic facility which sees more use than any other athletic facility in our Town. 

Throughout the year, a number of portable toilets are situated adjacent to the new Franklin High School to accommodate the families and children participating in the sports at Pisini Field. With the high frequency of events at this facility, maintaining the cleanliness of these temporary bathroom facilities is virtually impossible and often creates unsanitary and embarrassing conditions. During large high school events such as football games, the Horace Mann School is opened and the bathrooms closest to the field can be used by the spectators at the game. However, this provides a minimal number of facilities and is still supplemented by the temporary bathroom facilities adjacent to our new high school. 

Our proposal will provide a bathroom facility as well as areas for storage and concessions. The number of actual toilets proposed far outnumbers the amount that has typically been made available (combining temporary and Horace Mann bathrooms) during the largest events at the field, and would also provide a small sanitary area to be used as a concession stand. This new facility would eliminate the need for the current temporary concession trailer, which is in severe dis-repair, poor sanitary condition, and an eye sore to the entire facility. 

Additionally, this new bathroom facility would be handicap accessible for both the concession area and sanitary facilities, which is not the case for the existing facility or temporary bathrooms. 

We expect the cost of the facility to be in the range of $250,000. In order to cover these costs of construction, we are hoping to raise donations of materials, labor and $. We’ve included a list of materials and labor items required to complete the construction (You can check out the drawings included here as well). Please pass this along to anyone who may be able to donate materials or time towards the project. For those unable to assist with material or time donations, we certainly appreciate any monetary contributions. Thank you for taking the time to read and with your support we can improve such a significant part of the Franklin community!

*Should you have any questions, please contact Michael Socci at msocci@masbuildingandbridge.com"

For additional information on the materials required, or to contribute to the fund raising, visit the GoFundMe page https://www.gofundme.com/z35a8n-support-pisini-field-franklin-ma

Support Pisini Field - Franklin, MA

The proposal document as discussed at the Town Council meeting, Wednesday, Dec 20
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/12/high-school-concession-stand-proposal.html

The New Franklin Agricultural Commission is now accepting member volunteer applications!

The Town of Franklin recently established a new committee called the Franklin Agricultural Commission. The Town encourages all residents who are interested in volunteering for the Agricultural Commission to apply now for the first round of committee appointments.

The Franklin Agricultural Commission has been created to promote, develop and foster agricultural resources in the Town of Franklin. The Committee will consist on 5 Members with 3-Year terms after the initial staggering of the appointments. 

To create staggered terms for the initial (first) appointments will be as follows:

• 2 members will be appointed for a 3-year term;
• 2 member will be appointed for a 2-year term (at annual re-appointments member can renew for a 3 year term); and
• 1 member will be appointed for a 1-year term (at annual re-appointments member can renew for a 3 year term).

To apply please visit the Town’s website and fill out the online volunteer form at:
http://franklinmaboards.vt-s.net/newcaf.php


The Application period will begin on Friday, December 22nd and the deadline for applying will be Friday, February 2nd by the close of business at 1:00 PM.


Any interested party may also apply in person in the Town Administrator’s Office in the Municipal Building at 355 East Central Street.


For more information or questions about a Board or Committee, please visit the Committee Website at: http://www.franklinma.gov/agricultural-commission
or contact the Town Administrator’s Office, at 508-520-4949

Shared from http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/news/2017-12-21agriculturalcommissionvolunteer_0.pdf

at the Town Council meeting Weds Dec 20, Rep Jeff Roy presented Councilor Melanie Hamblen copies of the legislation signed by Governor Baker creating the Franklin Agricultural Commission

FHS boys basketball tops North Attleboro 45-28

Via HockomockSports we share the results of the FHS sports action on Friday, Dec 22, 2017


Boys Basketball = Franklin, 45 @ North Attleboro, 28 – Final

Ryan Lanigan, Editor in Chief of HockomockSports provides the game recap

"In a game when points are at such a premium, even the smallest of runs can be game-changers. 

Franklin used a pair of those short spurts to create enough separation and delivered a signature tough defensive effort in a 45-28 win over North Attleboro.
With both squads playing their best on the defensive end, points were especially hard to come by early on. 

Franklin’s first field goal came with 6:31 left in the first quarter, and North tied it with 3:41 to play as the teams combined for just four points over the opening six minutes.

But in the last two minutes of the opening frame, Franklin’s offense came to life with an 8-0 run. Sophomore Chris Edgehill (eight points) drained a step back three and hit one of two free throws to start the run. Paul Rudolph scored in transition and Matt Elias converted an offensive rebound shortly before the buzzer to give the Panthers a 10-2 lead after one."

Continue reading the game recap
https://hockomocksports.com/franklin-boys-basketball-gets-past-north-attleboro-in-defensive-battle/

For photos from the game, check this link
https://hockomocksports.smugmug.com/20172018/Winter-2017-2018/North-Attleboro-Franklin-Boys-Basketball-12-22-17/

For the remaining results around the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/fridays-schedule-scoreboard-12-22-17/

Franklin’s Matt Elias (right) pulls up for a shot against North Attleboro’s Jake Petersen. (Ryan Lanigan/HockomockSports.com)

Franklin Food Pantry: Wow!

December 2017    Thank you!    Dear Friends, "Wow" is the word that comes to mind when I look back at the last few weeks of our busiest time of year. I am touched by a community that has such tremendous capacity to think of, and do for, others. The spirit of giving throughout the season was embraced by all ages. Davis Thayer students once again embarked on their trek through town to deliver goods to the Pantry. In the month of November alone, community groups held 30 food and fund drives bringing in 10,000 pounds of food! The Franklin Food Elves Campaign was the most successful drive in its 12-year history, giving us the means to purchase fresh food to supplement the product donations. The Franklin Turkey Trot broke all records with nearly 1,000 people coming out to support the Pantry.  On the receiving end of this generosity are 1,000 individuals, including nearly 300 children, who will be less hungry because of your gifts. They will have enough nutritious food to enjoy the holidays without the distraction of hunger. They will have access to food and personal care essentials throughout the winter because of your support in recent weeks. This week, when we finished our ham dinner distribution to more than 200 families, I felt a huge sense of pride in being part of such a giving community. A group of supporters, donors and volunteers, who made it possible for our clients to enjoy the comfort of a holiday meal with their loved ones. A compassionate community that continues to help us fight hunger. I cannot thank all of you enough. May you have an especially wonderful holiday season full of as much joy as you have brought to so many others. Erin  End-of-Year Giving Remember that the need continues long after the holidays are over. There's still time to make a donation before the end of the year. You can make a monetary gift online here; or mail a check payable to the Franklin Food Pantry to P.O. Box 116, Franklin, MA 02038. Mail that is postmarked by December 31 is tax-deductible for 2017. Thank you for your support! Additional leadership gift and corporate sponsor opportunities available, for details please email Erin Lynch erin@franklinfoodpantry.org Franklin Food Pantry       www.franklinfoodpantry.org  Our facility is generously donated by Rockland Trust. We are located at 43 West Central Street, Franklin MA, on Route 140 in the Rockland Trust parking lot,  across the street from the fire station.

Franklin Food Pantry, 43 West Central Street, PO Box 116, Franklin, MA 02038 Sent by erin@franklinfoodpantry.org in collaboration with Try it free today

You're Invited: Senator Spilka's Social-Emotional Learning Forum - Jan 9, 2018

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YOU'RE INVITED: Senator Spilka's MetroWest Kids exSEL Forum     Tuesday, January 9, 2018 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Hayden Lodge  Warren Conference Center 529 Chestnut Street, Ashland CLICK HERE TO RSVP!  Please join Senator Karen Spilka on January 9, 2018 for a conversation with the Rennie Center for Education Research and Policy about exSEL: Excellence through Social-Emotional Learning, a network bringing together school districts across Massachusetts to design and implement policies and practices that promote social-emotional learning (SEL). The project is led by the exSEL Coalition, whose members include the Massachusetts Association of School Committees, Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents, Massachusetts Organization of Educational Collaboratives and Massachusetts School Administrators Association. The exSEL Coalition's non-profit partners, the Rennie Center and Teachers 21, provide expertise, support and training for the network. Click here to RSVP! If you have questions about this event or Senator Spilka's MetroWest Kids Initiative, please contact Puja Mehta. Office of State Senator Karen E. Spilka Room 212, State House Boston, Massachusetts  02133 Phone: (617) 722-1640 - Fax: (617) 722-1077 http://www.karenspilka.com

Senator Karen E. Spilka, Massachusetts State House, Room 212, Boston, MA 02133 Sent by karen.spilka@masenate.gov in collaboration with Try it free today

Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell Delivers Toys for Tots

Press Release ~ Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell Delivers Toys for Tots

Dedham, MA - The Eleventh Annual Marine Corp Reserve Toys for Tots Drive at the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds was a great success, according to Register Bill O'Donnell. "Every year many people come by, and are so generous in their giving. This year we had a great bunch of gifts ranging from sports equipment to puzzle and games to art supplies." Register O'Donnell noted that during the past 11 years, approximately 1,650 toys have been collected by the Registry thanks to the generosity of Registry employees, county advisory board members, title examiners and the general public "I would like to thank everyone for making the event such a wonderful success. Additionally, we are truly honored to partner with the Marine Corps Reserve in their Annual Toys for Tots drive which help makes the holiday brighter for more than 7 million children each year," said Register O'Donnell. On hand to deliver the toys to Master Sergeant Jim Hughes of Norwood were Register Bill O'Donnell and Treasurer Jim Timilty. To learn more about these and other Registry of Deeds events and initiatives, "like" us on www.facebook.com/norfolkdeeds, follow us on twitter and www.instagram.com/norfolkdeeds. The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, located at 649 High St., Dedham, is the principal office for real property in Norfolk County. The Registry is a resource for homeowners, title examiners, mortgage lenders, municipalities and others with a need for secure, accurate, accessible land record information. Residents in need of assistance can contact the Registry of Deeds Customer Service Department via telephone at (781) 461-6101, or visit us on the web at  www.norfolkdeeds.org.    Register O'Donnell Delivers Toy for Tots Drive From left to right: Norfolk County Treasurer Jim Timilty, Master Sergeant Jim Hughes and Register of Deeds Bill O'Donnell From left to right: Treasurer Jim Timilty and Register Bill O'Donnell loading up the Toys for Tots Van! email: registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org phone: 781-461-6116 web: http://www.norfolkdeeds.org STAY CONNECTED:

Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, 649 High Street, Dedham,, MA 02026-1831 Sent by registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org in collaboration with Try it free today

Town of Franklin: Offices Closed Monday December 25

Town Offices Closed Monday December 25

Town of Franklin: Offices Closed Monday December 25

This was shared from http://www.franklinma.gov/home/urgent-alerts/town-offices-closed-monday-december-25th

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA Area: FRI 12/22/17 - THU 12/28/17

FRIDAY 12/22/17
10-11am   Bill of Rights Lecture @ Senior Center
7:30pm   Christmas Panto: Alice in a Winter Wonderland @ The Black Box

SATURDAY 12/23/17
10-1pm   Franklin Historical Museum Open
10am-2pm   Produce Christmas Sale @ Grateful Farm
2pm   Franklin Public Library Closing
2:30pm   Christmas Panto: Alice in a Winter Wonderland @ The Black Box
7:30pm   Christmas Panto: Alice in a Winter Wonderland @ The Black Box

SUNDAY 12/24/17
All Day   Franklin Public Library Closed

MONDAY 12/25/17
All Day   Franklin Public Library Closed

TUESDAY 12/26/17
10am   Baby Wearing Dance Party @ Franklin Public Library
1pm   Jamie Barrett Holiday Sing Along @ Franklin Public Library

WEDNESDAY 12/27/17
10am   Animal Tales (for ages 2.5-5) @ Fairmount Fruit Farm
10:30am   Ukulele Storytime @ Franklin Public Library
2pm   Family STEAM Challenge @ Franklin Public Library
6:30pm   Christian Zen Weekly Meditation @ McMahon Guest House (1061 Upper Union Street)

THURSDAY 12/28/17
10:30am   Teen Book Brunch @ Franklin Public Library
10:45am   Franklin Dance Workshop Student Recital @ Franklin Senior Center
1pm   Box City! @ Franklin Public Library
7pm   Healing Hearts Community Support Group @ Franklin YMCA 

Guide to Holiday Lights and Events (includes Franklin, MA) click HERE.

For the Town of Franklin Public Calendar click HERE.

For all other events and Franklin happenings click HERE.

*To submit an event for the Community Calendar, please use this FORM

"There are two children that stole our hearts and we will not let Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy steal them"

"Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is the most common fatal genetic disorder diagnosed in childhood, affecting approximately 1 in every 3,500 live male births (about 20,000 new cases each year).” Although there are medical treatments that may help slow its progression, there is currently no cure for Duchenne. 

We began this journey with DMD in July 2013 when our 7-year-old son, Caeden, went to Children's hospital for a neurological evaluation and blood tests were conducted. We received a call several days later that his CPK levels were extremely elevated which indicates a muscle disorder. We then went to the Neuromuscular Disease Center at Childrens Hospital the following week where another assessment stated he was showing signs for Duchenne, Becker, or Limb girdle muscular dystrophy. 

We were shocked to say the least and researched all the disorders and hoped for none but if it had to be one not Duchenne. Caeden had genetic testing done to determine the form of muscular dystrophy and told we would get the results in about a month. We received the call about a month later which diagnosed Caeden with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy(DMD). We were beyond devastated and a lot of tears were shed and so much uncertainty. 

Several weeks later we were told that Devin would need to be tested as well since it is a genetic disorder and it mainly effects boys. 

Devin had his testing and another blow Devin was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy as well. We were not even able to process the diagnosis for Caeden and now we had to digest the same diagnosis for Devin. So many emotions especially since our only two children have been diagnosed with such a devastating disease. 

So where we stand right now is we live day to day and we love them. The boys have good days and bad days and we know due to the diagnosis there are a lot more bad days in the future. We had moved to a new home in July before all this happened and now we have a home with stairs to get in the house and for the boys to get to their bedrooms and that is not functional. The boys have a very hard time ascending and descending stairs. We need to add an addition so the boys bedrooms and bathroom are on one level and we have a lift to get them in our home from outside. The cost for this addition is $200,000. 

On top of all the boys medical expenses this is very hard for us to accomplish. We had to purchase a used minivan as it is a little easier for the boys to get in and out of however at some point in the future we will need a fully accessible van and they are very costly. We know there are many other things we will have to consider or think about in the future.

Right now HOPE is all we have. Hope that all these biotechnology companies and medical researchers will come up with a treatment that works to save our sweet boys and all the boys with DMD."

"There are two children that stole our hearts and we will not let Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy steal them"

Please consider making a donation to help:
https://www.youcaring.com/medical-fundraiser/c-d-united/278046

C & D UNITED- For: Caeden and Devin Parisi

Both FHS swim teams post wins vs. Sharon

Via HockomockSports and Twitter we share the results of the FHS sports action on Thursday, Dec 21, 2017


Girls Basketball = Franklin, 44 vs. Coyle Cassidy, 61 – Final

Boys Hockey = Franklin, 1 @ Pope Francis, 6 – Final

Boys Swimming = Franklin, 91 @ Sharon, 49 – Final

Girls Swimming = Franklin, 99 @ Sharon, 70 – Final



For the remainder of the results around the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/thursdays-schedule-scoreboard-12-21-17/

Via the Twitterverse

Pope Francis 6 Franklin 1 @FHSSports @MassHSHockey @MyHockeyLive @In_The_Slot @BGlobeSports @MetroWestSports @HockomockSports

— Coach Spillane (@FHS_PuckCoach) December 22, 2017

Final. Loss to Coyle Cassidy. pic.twitter.com/bH99JUdQpd

— Sandy Sauer (@FHSCoachSandy) December 22, 2017

Amazing job to all of the girls and @FHSBVSWIM for bringing home the win against Sharon! Let’s keep the momentum going after break! #roadtohocks pic.twitter.com/5ks6TUG5XN

— FHS Girls Swim (@FHSGVSWIM) December 22, 2017

[Boys Winter Varsity Swimming] Franklin HS defeats Sharon HS, 91 to 49.
Highlights: 200 Medley Relay of Cashin '21 Wang '19 Choudhury '18 Cashin '18 qualified to Sectionals & Cashin '18 Qualified for Sectionals in the 100 Breaststroke. #PantherPride

— FranklinAthletics (@FHSSports) December 22, 2017

Franklin LADY swimmers defeat Sharon 99-77.
Double event winners:
Ashley Loomis
Katie Cashin

— CoachP_FHS_Swim (@CoachP_FHSswim) December 22, 2017

End of 1st Panthers down by 3 (11-14) vs. Coyle Cassidy. @FHSSports @fhsgvbasketball pic.twitter.com/CrzCtj1jjl

— Sandy Sauer (@FHSCoachSandy) December 21, 2017

Franklin Boys beat Sharon 91-47! Way to go boys! 2-0 to start the season let’s keep it up. #GoPanthers pic.twitter.com/fjaHeF4BjW

— FHS Boys Swim (@FHSBVSWIM) December 21, 2017

FHS Panthers

Lifelong Community Learning Announces Classes - Winter / Spring Registration Opens - Jan 3

Registration opens for the winter/spring semester at Lifelong Community Learning on January 3 and classes begin in early-February. Again for this session, most classes have been extended to a full semester of 14 weeks rather than the 10 week sessions in previous years.

Lifelong Community Learning
Announces Classes

Participation is open to individuals, organizations and businesses alike in Franklin and the surrounding region towns. Participants can choose from a very interesting variety of options. Classes include everything from Child Care Education, Basics of Internet Safety for Adults, Special Occasion Photography to various food and wine offerings, and a Wine Tasting Reception in early May. 

For kids, participants will find an expanded Kids’ Corner program including cooking, language, robotics and so much more.

This session participants will also find more exercise and sports programs than ever – Yoga, Zumba, Community Walking and a Community Walking Wellness Challenge, beginning in February. Badminton is back along with Men’s Basketball, Intermediate and Advanced Volleyball classes rounding out the field.

If you would like more information, you can go online www.FranklinLifelongLearning.com and click on Community Learning. While you’re there, you can register. You can also call Community Learning at 508-613-1480 for more information.

ABOUT US: Lifelong Community Learning is a program of the Franklin Public School’s Lifelong Learning Institute, dedicated to providing diverse and enriched education and experiences for all area residents and children – a resource for all ages.