SADD Walk of Tears - May 4

The annual SADD Walk of Tears in loving memory of Amy Callaghan of Franklin High School, and Maura Howard, a graduate of King Philip, and both victims of drunk driving accidents, will take place May 4, 2014 at Franklin High School. 

The walk is approximately 3 miles, and there will be refreshments and water available. 

Registration begins at promptly 9:30 AM and the walk begins at 10 AM. 

The SADD Chapter uses the donations collected to fund scholarships at both King Philip and Franklin High Schools. 

Students Against Destructive Decisions

This event has raised and distributed thousands of scholarship dollars to worthy SADD members at both high schools. Donations are accepted from anyone, with checks payable to TOWN OF FRANKLIN.  T-Shirts will be distributed to anyone who raises $20. 

Please join the Walk  against injuries and deaths caused by destructive decisions! 

Any questions contact Mrs. Cerce (Chapter head), Alana LeBlanc (President), Julia Cowell (Vice President), Shawnie Connolly (Secretary), or Katherine Donahue (Treasurer). 

Thank you from the students of both King Philip and Franklin High Schools. Rain or shine, we hope to see you there!

Re-posted from the Panther Book

http://pantherbook.org/top-stories/2014/04/17/annual-sadd-walk-of-tears/

Franklin Library: Mr Vinny's Little Puppet Show

Tuesday Apr 22, at 3:00 PM.

Mr Vinny's Little Puppet Show

For more about Mr Vinny you can visit their webpage
http://www.toejampuppetband.com/

May 17 - Beautification Day

Brush off your garden gloves and dig in the dirt with the Franklin Downtown Partnership and the Franklin Garden Club on Saturday, May 17. The 11th annual Beautification Day will run from 9 a.m. to Noon, rain or shine. Volunteers and donations are needed to help make this project a success. 

This year organizers were extra thoughtful when planning the plantings, choosing flowers and a blue and pink color scheme with recent community events and the streetscape construction project in mind. 

Franklin Downtown Partnership

“We were thinking about children, in the wake of losing several young adults and children in town this year,” says Eileen Mason, Beautification Day chairperson. “Our hope is that everyone who sees these flowers will think of their children and embrace their individuality, creativity and zest for life.” 

Pink and white petunias and blue and white Lobelia, provided by Fairmount Fruit Farm in Franklin, are colorful and hardy plants that should last all season in full sunlight and a harsh construction environment. 

The flowers will be displayed in boxes on the bridges and in front of some downtown businesses, but not in planter barrels on the center island this year due to road construction. Volunteers will also plant flowers and mulch the memorial gardens on the Town Common. 

Residents, especially students in need of community service hours, who are interested in volunteering should contact Eileen Mason at emason11@verizon.net. Volunteers will meet at 9:00 a.m. on the center island in front of the Rome Restaurant. Anyone with a pickup truck is asked to help transport plants from Fairmount Farm at 8:00 a.m. Each year, Franklin Ford donates the use of their truck, which is a huge help to volunteers. 

“We’re fortunate to have the help of the Franklin High School hockey teams and a great group of volunteers from the YMCA helping again this year. This is a wonderful opportunity for the community to create a welcoming image,” Mason adds. 

Sponsors and donations are needed to help offset the costs of the Beautification Day committee’s year-round planning, growing, planting and maintenance efforts. For as little as $150, businesses or residents can be a bronze sponsor. Watering help will also be needed in the greenspace garden across from the Mega Bites Deli. 

Gold and platinum-level sponsors will have their names prominently displayed on signs for the 2014 season. Silver sponsors will have their name displayed on a group sign for the remainder of the year. Details about sponsorship can be found at franklindowntownpartnership.org/. 

The Franklin Downtown Partnership is a non-profit, 501(c)3 organization and all contributions are tax deductible. Please make checks out to: Franklin Downtown Partnership, P.O. Box 413, Franklin, MA, 02038. 

For more information about the Partnership, membership, or the FDP’s mission, projects and events, contact Executive Director Lisa Piana at (774) 571-3109 or downtown.franklin@yahoo.com, or go to franklindowntownpartnership.org/.

Click here to see our Sponsorship Opportunities

Click here for a 2014 Sponsorship Registration Form

Happy Easter

May you and your family enjoy this Easter Sunday.

Franklin wins another award - this time for water conservation

The Mass Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) has announced that Franklin has won an award for its efforts on water conservation.

The MassDEP writes:

MassDEP recognizes the effort and dedication your system has evidenced in implementing exemplary water conservation measures during the 2013 calendar year. Conserving our drinking water to ensure that we have enough water for future generations and to minimize impacts to our water resources is a major initiative we must all take. It is our belief that public water systems going above and beyond what is required should be recognized for their endeavors. 

Franklin DPW headquarters

You can find the full statement of the award on the Franklin webpage here
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_News/01D3668E-000F8513

or here

Celebrate Earth Day!!! - Apr 26

Earth Day 2014

Saturday, April 26th
9 – noon (rain or shine)

Meet at Beaver Pond parking lot and volunteer to clean up targeted areas and assist with planting flowers and shrubs around Franklin.

Please bring your own gloves and rakes.

• Community service certificates will be issued.
• Free pizza and beverages for volunteers after the clean-up.
• Free T-shirts to the first 300 volunteers!
• Free dogwood, rose of sharon and spruce tree saplings to first 100 volunteers!
• Flowers and shrubs donated by Waste Management.

seedlings from Earth Day 2013

This was re-posted from the Franklin DPW page
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_DPW/General_Pages/Earth_Day

Solarize Franklin

On the Town Council agenda for Wednesday was the reference to "Solarize Franklin". The reference lead to the posting of this flyer on the town website.




To learn more about the program visit the Solarize Mass webpage here
http://www.masscec.com/solarizemass

If you are interested in participating, you can contact Franklin's Dept of Planning and Community Development by calling 508-520-4907 or via email at TOFPlanning@franklin.ma.us

Franklin Girls Softball Officially Opens 2014 Season

The long winter yielded to a beautiful spring weekend as the Franklin Girls Softball Association (FGSA) officially kicked-off the 2014 season at Pisani Field on Saturday, April 12. More than 300 Franklin girls and their families attended the annual celebration that marked the opening of the recreational softball season which offers 24 teams across four divisions of play for girls in kindergarten through eighth grade. 

The celebration started with the national anthem sung by Hannah Stahl, age 12 and senior division player, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by a Girl Scout Color Guard comprised of league players.

Following the ceremonial first pitch, thrown by Makayla Kuykendall, age 6 of the instructional division, the girls enjoyed a team scavenger hunt, hot dogs, DJ dancing, hair coloring provided by David Christopher Coiffures, and whoopie pies donated by Making Whoopie. 

“FGSA’s Opening Day Celebration has become a tradition looked forward to by players and their families,” said Tom Healey, organizer of the celebration and a senior division coach. “It’s a wonderful opportunity for players of all ages to gather, socialize and have fun. Following the brutal winter, the day has also become a celebration of spring finally arriving to New England.” 

In addition to running Franklin’s recreational softball league, FGSA offers two competitive travel summer teams, Franklin Fusion and Franklin Tornadoes. For more information, visit www.fgsafastpitch.org.

Girl Scout Color Guard

Elizabeth Hamilton, age 12, leads the Girl Scouts Color Guard in the Pledge of Allegiance at the Franklin Girls Softball Association Opening Day Celebration on April 12.

Sox with Team

Members of the Blue Diamonds Junior Division softball team pose with “Sox,” the Pawtucket Red Sox mascot, at Franklin Girls Softball Association Opening Day Celebration on April 12. Pictured left to right are Taylor Padula, Stefany Padula, Marissa Barber, Madelyn Corvi, Caroline DeSimone, Marina Komari and team coach John DeSimone.

Girl Getting Hair Dyed

Jill Hamilton, age 5, receives hair dye to match her team’s color from a stylist at league sponsor David Christopher Coiffures during the Franklin Girls Softball Association Opening Day Celebration on April 12.

Girl Dancing

Caroline DeSimone, age 9, enjoys dancing on the softball field with friends during the Franklin Girls Softball Association Opening Day Celebration on April 12.

Girl Watching

Leila Frankina, age 11, anxiously awaits her turn during the team scavenger hunt relay at the Franklin Girls Softball Association Opening Day Celebration on April 12.

Girl Running with Ball

Taylor Aten, age 11, runs in with a softball during the team scavenger hunt relay during the Franklin Girls Softball Association Opening Day Celebration on April 12.

All photos and text courtesy of the Franklin Girls Softball Association

Stuff A Truck Challenge At Healthy Kids Day!

The Franklin Food Pantry will be bringing their new Mobile Pantry Truck to Healthy Kids Day and we challenge you to help us fill it with healthier items!

The Stuff a Truck Challenge will close out the Hockomock Area YMCA 2014 Healthy Futures Food Drive.

When: Saturday, May 3rd

Where: Patriot Place NRG Plaza, Foxborough MA

Time: 10:00 am - 2:00 pm

Hockomock YMCA

 Suggested donation items include: high fiber cereal, low sodium canned vegetables, toiletries, paper goods, whole grain pasta, pasta sauce, olive oil, spices, 100% fruit juice, multi-vitamins, white tuna, cans of beans, oatmeal, nuts or seeds

Mass in Motion

Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FSPA) - Open House

The Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FSPA) will hold an Open House for prospective students and families on Wednesday, April 30 from 4-8 p.m. at 38 Main Street in downtown Franklin. The community is invited to tour the facilities, observe classes and rehearsals, speak with faculty and staff, and learn more about FSPA programs for all ages and abilities in music, dance, and drama, whether for recreational enjoyment or serious study. Prospective students are also encouraged to try a complimentary class. 

Franklin School for the Performing Arts

Since 1985, FSPA has been dedicated to the enjoyment of the arts for all ages and to the artistic growth and development of young people. Founded by Director Raye Lynn Mercer and built upon the notion that arts experiences are an integral part of a well-rounded education, FSPA provides a nurturing environment where students grow skills for the stage – and for life. 

Bringing the performing arts disciplines together under one roof, FSPA offers an extensive roster of classes in all dance disciplines, acting, musical theater, voice and instrumental instruction. An unparalleled calendar of performing opportunities features studio voice recitals, opera scenes, acoustic coffee houses, Glee Club, musical theater troupes, dance companies, Ballet Repertoire Series, chamber music, jazz and percussion ensembles. Many FSPA students also participate in the affiliated Franklin Performing Arts Company’s annual season of shows. 

FSPA classes for the school year continue through June 23 and registration for upcoming summer and fall sessions is ongoing. For more information or to request a course catalog, call (508) 528-8668. Visit online at www.fspaonline.com.

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA Area: FRI 4/18/14 - THU 4/24/14

FRI 4/18  6:30pm   Art Night Uncorked - Franklin Art Center

SAT 4/19   9am-3pm   Book Sale - Franklin Public Library
SAT 4/19   4pm-6pm   Bag Sale - Franklin Public Library

TUE 4/22   10am   Bocce Club Meeting - New Members Welcome, Franklin Senior Center
TUE 4/22   10:30am   Family Storytime, Franklin Public Library
TUE 4/22   3pm   Mr. Vinny’s Lil’ Puppet Show - Franklin Public Library

WED 4/23  10:30am   Drop-In Crafts for Children - all ages. Franklin Public Library.
WED 4/23   3pm   Acrobat Li Liu, Franklin Public Library
WED 4/23   6:30pm   “Doggie Tales” Read to Dogs Program at Franklin Public Library (sign up)

THU 4/24   10:30am   Wally the Green Monster visits Franklin Public Library.
THU 4/24   4pm   Lego Mania (ages 6-12) at Franklin Public Library.

For more details on above events click HERE and select the event of interest.

For April vacation camps/programs click HERE.

*If you have any suggestions or events for the calendar, please email Renata@BetterLivingRE.com

Stamp Out Hunger - May 10 (video)

The postal carriers will be conducting their annual "Stamp Out Hunger" food drive to help the Franklin Food Pantry.

Stamp Out Hunger - May 10

FHS Softball Boosters Bottle and Can

The FHS Softball Boosters are planning a Bottle and Can Fundraiser at the Franklin Elks on Saturday May 17th from 8am-noon. I am hoping you can add this posting to the calendar of events on your Blog and also your email blats. The flyer is attached with all the details.  We would love to have as many Bottles and Cans as we can get that day.  

By sending out the flyer now we can have folks save up their bottles and cans and bring them to our fundraiser on 5/17. Our goal is to buy a pitching machine for our 3 teams (Freshman, Junior Varsity and Varsity) to share.   

FHS - home of the Panthers

Spring Fertilization of School / Town Grounds

A message from FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT

Hello 

The Town of Franklin will be fertilizing all School and Town Athletic Fields on April 20 and 21. Per state law we are required to notify the public this is taking place. It is recommended that individuals not use any Town or School grounds on Sunday, April 20. State official also recommend that if you have any chemical sensitivity you should avoid the  grounds fro 72 hours after the application. 

If you would like additional information about the application of fertilizer, the  "Standard Written Notification can be found on the front page of the district web site (left corner). The documents can also be found on the DPW web site . A copy will also be posted on the front door of all schools.

Thank  You

This e-mail has been sent to you by FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT. To maximize their communication with you, you may be receiving this e-mail in addition to a phone call with the same message. If you wish to discontinue this service, please inform FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT either IN PERSON, by US MAIL, or by TELEPHONE at 508-613-1777.

Parmenter School sign

What about Ben's books?

The Library will get an addition. Felicia Oti, Library Director and members of the Library Board of Directors made the case that Franklin has outgrown the current space provided by the Library facility. It was built in 1904, added to in 1988 and due for a new expansion now.

There was not an opportunity for public discussion but I was itching to ask how Ben's books are being handled in this renovation. Where are they stored today? Word has it that they are in the 'safe'. Which  may be a secure place but for ancient text, is it the best climate controlled environment for a true legacy of Franklin? If not, then this renovation proposal would be a great time to provide for them books properly. As the renovation committee gets formed and details get worked out, there will be time to address this aspect of Franklin's legacy.

The remainder of the Town Council meeting was a busy one on Wednesday evening. As reported when the agenda was published here on Sunday, there was a full slate of monetary action items to be voted on.

The full accounting of the $1,592,000 to be spent on the various departmental capital requirements is outlined in the following document. The source of funds is tallied on page 2. Most of the funds come from the 'free cash' but there are several other capital accounts that are being closed out and those funds are being used here. A perfectly acceptable method!




The individual posts as reported live during the Town Council meeting on Wednesday:

• Live reporting: closing
• Live reporting - Legislation
• Live reporting - Library Presentation
• Live reporting - Solarize Franklin
• Live reporting - Ambulance presentation
• Live reporting - Town Council - Apr 16

Library Book Sale - Sat April 19th

A new edition of The Franklin Connection is available

A new edition of The Franklin Connection has been published on the Town of Franklin web site.

Click the link below to read the latest edition.

http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Senior/May14connection.pdf

Franklin Senior Center

Best Buddies Dodgeball Tournament

Last year you were very helpful in getting the word out about our Dodgeball Tournament to benefit Best Buddies on May 4th. We're hoping you'll do the same this year. 

I've attached our flyer for you to use. If that doesn't work, or you'd like more information, please let me know. 

Thank you so much!

Best Buddies Dodgeball - May 4th

For additional info visit the Facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/events/596704650406803/

Holy Week Services at the Franklin United Methodist Church

Maundy
Thursday 7:30 pm Service

Franklin United  Methodist Church

Good Friday
7:30 pm Service

Easter Sunday
10 am Worship Service

https://facebook.com/profile.php?id=233251690075655

Franklin TV - Stations of the Cross broadcast schedule

Steve, is it at all possible to re-post the information about the broadcast of the Stations of the Cross on Franklin TV on Good Friday at 2:00 PM. Comcast Channel 8 and Verizon Channel 26? 

There is also a special REFLECTIONS show for Holy Thursday being broadcast @ 1:30 PM on the same Channels, and the Easter show is being broadcast @ 8:00 AM and 8:00 PM also on Comcast Channel 8 and Verizon 26

Franklin.TV

The post on the Stations of the Cross schedule
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/04/stations-of-cross-broadcast.html

Live reporting: closing

K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
reminder on earth day
always a good day to help clean up Franklin

L. OLD BUSINESS
working on Wachusett St, tentative closing date of May 7th

M. NEW BUSINESS


N. COUNCIL COMMENTS
Bissanti - has an opportunity to visit with Stella, doing well and in good spirits

Kelly- proud to know Stella

Padula - talked with Stella about squirrel nuts and for a penny you could pull out any filling


P. ADJOURN
motion to adjourn, passed 7-0