Franklin Cultural Council to Offer Artweek Festival Grants

The Franklin Cultural Council (FCC) announced today that it is again the community collaborator for ArtWeek, a statewide festival happening April 26 – May 5, 2019. Applications for the festival are now available at artweekma.org. 

The early bird deadline to submit an ArtWeek event is January 11, 2019 and the final deadline is February 22, 2019. The FCC will also be offering ArtWeek grants to events that are free and open to the public in Franklin. Grant applications open Dec. 15, 2018, and close Jan. 31, 2019.

ArtWeek is an award-winning innovative festival featuring hundreds of unique and creative experiences that are hands-on, interactive or offer behind-the-scenes access to arts, culture, and the creative process. Now an annual statewide festival, ArtWeek was born in Boston in 2013 and recently expanded its footprint across the Commonwealth.

"Franklin has one of the most vibrant arts scenes in MetroWest," says FCC Chair Stacey David. "Our role as a collaborator is to help artists, performers and venues partner together to create a truly memorable ArtWeek festival. Last year, there were 50 Franklin ArtWeek events, which was 10% of all the events in the state. We hope to offer as many again this year."

The Franklin Cultural Council ArtWeek grants are for up to $250 each for programs that are offered free of charge to the public, at a Franklin venue. Grant applications can be filed online at www.bit.ly/FCCartweekgrants. 

If you are an interested artist, educator, performer or venue that would like help creating an ArtWeek event, or for information on ArtWeek grants, please email FCC Chair Stacey David at franklinculturalcouncil02038@gmail.com.

About the Franklin Cultural Council — The mission of the Franklin Cultural Council (FCC) is to encourage participation and enhance opportunities for enrichment in the cultural arts and sciences throughout our community. Comprised of committed residents, the FCC meets monthly with the purpose of supporting events and programs through grants from the Town of Franklin, the Massachusetts Cultural Council, and the National Endowment for the Arts. 

About ArtWeek – Presented by Highland Street Foundation and produced by the Boch Center, ArtWeek has become an annual award-winning innovative festival featuring hundreds of unique and creative experiences. Statewide partners include: Mass Cultural Council, Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism as well as Mass Center for the Book, MASSCreative, MassHumanities, MassPoetry, New England Foundation for the Arts, New England Museum Association, Young Audiences of Massachusetts and VSA Massachusetts. To learn more about ArtWeek, visit www.artweekma.org.

Franklin Cultural Council to Offer
Artweek Festival Grants

The Hockomock Area YMCA Teamed Up with Soldiers’ Angels Treats for Troops to Collect Halloween Candy for Troops and Veterans

By virtue of families, non-profit groups, radio sponsorship and corporate philanthropy, the Hockomock Area YMCA is gratified to share results of the recent candy giveback spearheaded at the Franklin Y to aid and comfort the men, women and veterans of the United States Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard.

Treats for Troops ran successfully and was a rewarding initiative for Brandi Jacobs, senior membership experience director at the Franklin Y—who launched the community-wide effort. “Many times, following Halloween, the Y gets inquiries about sharing extra candy with soldiers. The Y has historically been happy to do so, however shipping costs can add up and that can be an obstacle toward pulling off such a drive.”

an astonishing 2,258 pounds
of candy–in 102 boxes

The Hockomock Area YMCA, with facilities in Franklin, Foxboro and North Attleboro, has 31,000 members as well as meaningful partnerships within the fifteen communities served. So when Jacobs enrolled on Halloween Day to become a Soldiers’ Angels drop-off site, she guessed there would be no shortage of donations. 

“In the end, our collective purpose to provide comfort to those who serve meant we would find a way to cover shipping costs and deliver donations where they would have the most impact. The fact that there is a national nonprofit, Soldiers’ Angels, that coordinates volunteers with the mission that no soldier goes unloved was instrumental in moving us in the right direction,” said Jacobs.

Shortly after sharing the drive’s goals and drop off locations, the Y received a call from radio host Ray Auger, intent on publicizing the drive over the 101.3 FM network. Donations following the November 8 radio interview with Jacobs poured in, including from the following: members of the YMCA, community members, Dell Technologies, Frederick W. Hartnett Middle School in Blackstone, Dudley Elementary School, and The Franklin Lion’s Club through their collection across Franklin public schools.

On November 19, an astonishing 2,258 pounds of candy–in 102 boxes–was loaded onto a truck headed to Stratton VAMC/Voluntary Service in Albany, NY. A sincere thank you goes out to Marine veteran Jeff Harris, owner of LBP Solutions of Foxboro, who offered to rent a truck and drive the candy to its destination.

Although the gesture of donating excess candy may seem small, it is a wonderful way to remind our men and women in the Armed Forces, as well as veterans of all eras, that we are all thankful for the services and sacrifices they have provided for our country and our families.

About Hockomock Area YMCA:Where Cause Meets Community. At the Hockomock Area YMCA, strengthening community is our cause. The Hockomock Area YMCA is an organization of men, women, and children sharing a commitment to nurture the potential of kids, promote healthy living, and foster a sense of social responsibility.

Our YMCA is committed to partnering and collaborating with others to create and deliver lasting personal and social change in the 15 communities we are privileged to serve. The Hockomock Area YMCA is a not-for-profit charitable cause-driven organization with facilities in North Attleboro, Foxboro, Franklin, and Mansfield. For more information, visit hockymca.org.


About Soldiers’ Angels:Soldiers' Angels is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides aid and comfort to the men and women of the United States Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, their families, and the growing veteran population. Founded in 2003 by the mother of two American soldiers, hundreds of thousands of Soldiers' Angels "Angel" volunteers assist veterans, wounded and deployed personnel and their families in a variety of unique and effective ways. (Tax ID# 20-0583415). Learn more at www.soldiersangels.org.

FHS Balkus, Atwood, Frongillo and Addi recognized by HockomockSports

We share the HockomockSports.com girls soccer awards for FHS. Note: all photos from HockomockSports.com


HOCKOMOCKSPORTS.COM BEST XI

Anna Balkus

Anna Balkus – Franklin – Midfield
Franklin junior Anna Balkus played all across the midfield and spent some time up front for the Panthers this season and her energy and versatility helped the program bounce back and challenge Mansfield for the Kelley-Rex division title. Balkus scored six goals this season and added three assists, but she also gave the team leadership and was the motor in the center of the pitch. Franklin coach Tom Geysen said, “Anna played all three midfield positions and all positions up front as well. She is an outstanding two-way player with boundless energy and stamina. Anna can play any position on the field.”

Breanna Atwood

Breanna Atwood – Franklin – Goalie
Franklin junior goalie Breanna Atwood continued a long run of strong goalkeeping for the Panthers with a stellar season between the posts. Atwood played all 18 games for the Panthers this season and recorded nine clean sheets. The Panthers allowed a league-low 10 goals this season and only King Philip managed to score more than one goal in a game against Franklin this year. Franklin coach Tom Geysen said, “Bre was a major reason we gave up two goals only once and one or none in all the other games. She’s athletic, tough mentally and physically, and plays at her best under pressure.”


HOCKOMOCKSPORTS.COM SECOND XI

Calen Frongillo

Calen Frongillo – Franklin – Midfield
Franklin senior midfielder Calen Frongillo was the top playmaker for the Panthers this season, leading the team with 14 points on two goals and 12 assists. Providing strength on the ball and control in the center of the pitch, Frongillo showed an eye for a dangerous pass and the skill to spray the ball from side to side and open up scoring opportunities for her teammates. She was also dangerous from set pieces. Franklin coach Tom Geysen said, “Calen has great vision and touch on the ball and is very dangerous on restarts, corners and anticipating in the box. She has a very high soccer IQ.”

Sabrina Addi

Sabrina Addi – Franklin – Defense
Franklin junior defender Sabrina Addi was stellar in the heart of the league’s top defensive unit, helping the Panthers allow a league-low 10 goals this season. Addi provided a physical presence, had the speed and read the game well enough to always be in the right spot and formed a formidable partnership with Grace Gallo in the middle. Addi also scored once and had three assists as one of Franklin’s set piece takers. Franklin coach Tom Geysen said, “Sabrina was a rock in the back. She has great soccer skills, is very good in the air, is physical and aggressive and demonstrates great leadership skills at all times.”

For all the awards for girls soccer
https://hockomocksports.com/awards/girls-soccer/2018-2/

FHS Edgehill "player to watch"; FHS girls basketball preview via HockomockSports

Via HockomockSports we share the FHS information from the "Top 10 boys basketball players to watch" and the FHS girls basketball preview. 


CHRIS EDGEHILL, JUNIOR – FRANKLIN

Franklin’s Chris Edgehill became just the second sophomore to be selected to the HockomockSports.com First Team, joining Mansfield’s Brendan Hill in 2013. Edgehill enters his junior year with two years of starting experience and has helped the Panthers reach the D1 State Finals in both of those seasons. 

As a sophomore, Edgehill led the Panthers in scoring with 17.1 points per game while dishing out 3.5 assists and grabbing 2.5 rebounds. Don’t be surprised if he replicates those numbers this year, or even improves on them. Edgehill is one of the most dangerous shooters in the region and on top of that, he’s a gifted scorer around the rim. 

He isn’t afraid of contact, and he’ll make you pay with terrific free throw shooting. There will certainly be a lot of defensive attention on Edgehill after what he’s accomplished the past two years, but Edgehill will make sure to get the players around him involved.

for the other players to watch around the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/boys-basketball-players-to-watch-2018-2019/


Franklin
2016-2017 Record: 15-9
2016-2017 Finish: Reached Div. 1 Central first round.
Coach: John Leighton

The Panthers bring back 10 players from last year’s roster, which reached the state tournament but lost in the opening round to Natick, and there are high expectations on Oak St. as the new season gets underway. Franklin enters the season as the favorite in the Kelley-Rex division and its balanced lineup has the potential to make a run in the state tournament as well.

Much of the enthusiasm for Franklin’s chances this winter come from 6-foot-3 center Ali Brigham. The junior recently committed to George Washington (where her father once played) and is the lone returning player from last season HockomockSports.com First Team. While she (deservedly) garners much of the attention, the Panthers have a number of other weapons to give the opposition headaches. Senior guard Bea Bondhus, who committed to Springfield College, is one of the top three-point shooters in the Hock and sophomore guard Elizabeth Wilson is back from an injury that cut short the promising start to her varsity career.

The Panthers will also bring back versatile junior forwards Megan O’Connell and Breanna Atwood, who add size in the paint but can also take defenders off the dribble or knock down outside shots. Seniors Hailey Sanders and Calen Frongillo add depth to the frontcourt, while senior Shannon Gray and juniors Kelsey MacCallum and Sydney Garilli are capable of stepping in at either guard position.

“It is our goal to compete each night and to improve from last year,” said Franklin coach John Leighton. “With 10 returning players, we feel our experience will help us to better prepare for the season and compete against the best in our league.”


Continue reading the girls basketball preview
https://hockomocksports.com/2018-2019-hockomock-girls-basketball-preview/

FHS Panthers

“This is about value, not values”

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"The “Fearless Girl” statue that inspired millions with a message of female empowerment was installed Monday at her new home in front of the New York Stock Exchange. 

“Welcome to the neighborhood, ‘Fearless Girl,’” said Betty Liu, executive vice chairman of the stock exchange. “You’re among friends here at the New York Stock Exchange.” 

The 4-foot bronze statue’s unveiling at what officials said would be her permanent location happened nearly two years after Boston-based financial firm State Street Global Advisors first deposited her opposite Wall Street’s “Charging Bull” in what the company said was an effort to spur companies to put more women on their boards."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/zz/news/20181210/fearless-girl-statue-gets-new-permanent-home/1

Fearless girl photo by Daniel Norton via Flickr

Franklin Library/Senior Center: Dementia and Your Family - Dec 11

Dementia and Your Family will be presented by Dr. Lyn O’Brien and Maggie Gundersen on Dec. 11, at 4:00 PM at the Franklin Public Library. 

Over the holidays, you may notice behaviors in elderly relatives that concern you and wonder if it could be dementia. As part of the Dementia Friendly Franklin program, this presentation will help families understand more about this condition and determine how best to navigate these issues together. All ages welcome, including children. 

Please call the Center to sign up: 508-520-4945

Franklin Library/Senior Center: Dementia and Your Family - Dec 11

There is also DEMENTIA FRIENDS TRAINING at 10:00 AM on Dec 27. Learn to think differently about dementia, understand how it affects people and how you can help. Call the Center to sign up: 508-520-4945

DEMENTIA FRIENDS TRAINING - Dec 27

For more about Dementia Friendly Franklin visit their web page
https://www.franklinma.gov/dff

THE BLACK BOX Presents a Holiday Jazz Brunch Featuring the Music of A Charlie Brown Christmas

BLACK BOX Jazz presents A Holiday Jazz Brunch featuring music from A Charlie Brown Christmas on Sunday, December 16 at noon. For many, Christmas is not complete until they have watched Linus explain the true meaning of the holiday to Charlie Brown at the holiday pageant.

As recognizable as these beloved characters are, a few notes from pianist Vince Guaraldi's jazz soundtrack are enough to bring the spirit of the season back to any Peanuts fan. Mark Poniatowski (Bass), Kenny Hadley (Percussion) and Joe Mulholland (Piano) are joined by the Franklin Performing Arts Company Youth Ensemble and special guest April Hall for an afternoon of Holiday Cheer.

April Hall

Jazz vocalist April Hall combines her deep roots in southern gospel and blues with an urban soulfulness and jazz sophistication. Her voice, described as “glorious” by the Boston Globe, is an instrument of astonishing beauty and versatility, capable of ranging from the purest whisper to the most powerful soul-drenched delivery. But her masterful performances are always centered on bringing every song to life through emotional interpretation, playful phrasing, and rock solid rhythm.

Hall graduated from Berklee College of Music, where she received the prestigious Louis Armstrong Performance Award. She has done projects for Atlantic Records under the direction of Arif Mardin, for the likes of Chaka Khan, Melissa Manchester, and Bette Midler and has performed with artists such as Rosemary Clooney, Al Jarreau, Jim Ed Brown, Helen Cornelius, and Dinah Shore.

Kenny Hadley (drums) has played European and South American tours, as well as performances with Van Morrison, Dizzy Gillespie, the Count Basie Orchestra, Peter Wolf, The Drifters, Rebecca Paris, the North Shore Music Theater, and Franklin School for the Performing Arts. His acclaimed Kenny Hadley Big Band has shared the stage with the Count Basie Orchestra, Dizzy Gillespie’s Band, and The Duke Ellington Orchestra.

Mark Poniatowski (bass) is a New England based bassist and arranger. Playing both the electric and acoustic bass, Poniatowski’s performance highlights with Sid Caesar, Floyd Dixon, Janiva Magness, Rita Moreno, Bob Newhart, and Junior Watson, The Nutcracker with the Franklin Performing Arts Company; the Manchester Jazz and Blues Festival with the Toni Lynn Washington Band; the Boston Blues Festival with Joe Bargar and the Soul Providers; The Music of Gershwin And Porter with Rebecca Parris and the Kenny Hadley Big Band; Eric in the Evening, WGBH radio on-air performance with Alexis Tsiganov; and the Boston Globe Jazz Festival with the Bruce Katz Band.

Joe Mulholland (piano) an accomplished pianist, recording artist, composer, and teacher, he has released three CDs of original music written for his sextet, and has composed numerous electronic scores for Boston-area dance companies, including a tango suite commissioned by the Northeast Youth Ballet that was performed in Massachusetts and New Jersey. Mulholland performs with his trio 100 nights per year at the Top of the Hub, an upscale jazz venue in Boston, in addition to appearing as a sideman and vocal accompanist in numerous other concert and club settings.

Come enjoy the spirit of the holiday, as Acme Jazz performs holiday standards followed by a set of favorites from the 1965 TV special. Brunch begins at 11:30 a.m., with music beginning at noon. Tickets are available at www.theblackboxonline.com or by calling the box office at 508-528-3370.

Tip a Cop - Special Olympics Fund Raising - Dec 12

Tip-A-Cop, Special Olympics fundraiser, Dec. 12 5-9 PM at @BritishBeerCo in the Franklin Village Mall.

Come down to the British Beer Company to enjoy dinner and help raise money for Special Olympics. Officers will be working with wait staff to give you extra special service!

Tip a Cop - Special Olympics Fund Raising  - Dec 12

Follow the event on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/events/527254447755248/

FHS McGrath selected Player of the Year to lead several Volleyball awards for FHS

We share the HockomockSports.com Volleyball awards for FHS. Note: all photos from HockomockSports.com

Volleyball Player of the Year

"Franklin senior Lauren McGrath has been selected as the 2018 HockomockSports.com Volleyball Player of the Year. The Panthers’ setter played a huge part in helping her team win the Kelley-Rex division title and the program’s first ever Division 1 Central-West Sectional title. 

McGrath was also voted as the Hockomock League MVP by the coaches after guiding Franklin to an undefeated regular season, including a perfect 16-0 in Hockomock League play. 

“Lauren was the heart and soul of this season and she played her heart out every game this season,” said first-year Franklin head coach Kelsey Weymouth. “We wouldn’t have been so successful without her!”

Franklin senior Lauren McGrath has been selected as the
2018 HockomockSports.com Volleyball Player of the Year

HOCKOMOCKSPORTS.COM FIRST TEAM

Lauren McGrath

Lauren McGrath – Franklin – Setter
Franklin senior Lauren McGrath capped a strong career with a memorable senior, earning Hockomock League MVP and HockomockSports.com Player of the Year honors. McGrath had 547 assists while leading the Panthers to a Kelley-Rex division title, a D1 Central-West sectional title (first in program history) and an appearance in the D1 State Semifinal. She finished with 31 aces (89.3% serving percentage) and set a program record with 56 assists. “Lauren was the heart and soul of this season and she played her heart out every game this season,” said Franklin coach Kelsey Weymouth. “We wouldn’t have been so successful without her!”

Ellie Wisniewski

Ellie Wisniewski – Franklin – Outside Hitter
Franklin senior Ellie Wisniewski had a terrific final year with the Panthers, helping the team win the Kelley-Rex division title and the program’s first-ever D1 Central-West Sectional championship. As one of the top attacking options in the league, Wisniewski finished the season with a team-high 151 kills while also chipping in with 59 digs and 41 aces. “Ellie could do it all for us at any time,” said Franklin coach Kelsey Weymouth. “Front row or back row, she was a force to be reckoned with, and other opponents knew this as well. She was such a dominant asset on this successful team, and no matter the situation we were in, Ellie played to win.”

Riley Marino

Riley Marino – Franklin – Defensive Specialist
Franklin senior Riley Marino had another terrific season as the Panthers’ libero. The Panthers went undefeated in Hockomock League action to win the Kelley-Rex title and won the program’s first sectional title, and Marino was a vital part of that. Franklin rarely made mistakes defensively, and Marino was the anchor of that unit, recording a team-high 218 digs. She added 27 aces this season. “Riley’s energy and drive drove this team to give all the effort they could every game,” said Franklin coach Kelsey Weymouth. “Her defensive was impeccable, and the confidence I had in her kept growing from the start, and she helped take us all the way.”


HOCKOMOCKSPORTS.COM SECOND TEAM

Hailey Sanders

Hailey Sanders – Franklin – Opposite/Middle
Franklin senior Hailey Sanders was a versatile option for the Panthers, getting reps on the right side as well as the middle. After being mostly a middle prior to this season, Sanders gave Franklin a dangerous option from the right side in 2018 and really helped keep defenses off balance. In the playoffs, Sanders moved back to the middle and helped Franklin win its first sectional title. She finished the season with 100 kills (50% kill percentage) and 35 blocks. “Hailey’s versatility as an athlete made her a huge asset to our team’s success,” said Franklin coach Kelsey Weymouth. “She was able to play any position, and as a coach, that’s what you look for in a player.”

Maggie Doyle

Maggie Doyle – Franklin – Middle
Franklin senior Maggie Doyle made a big impact on both sides of the ball for the Kelley-Rex division winning Panthers in 2018. Doyle was a key piece in the offense from her middle spot but also gave Franklin an advantage defensively with her blocking abilities. Doyle finished with 135 kills (46.1% kill percentage) and was among the best blockers in the Hock with 65 blocks (47 solo). “Maggie’s presence at the net was so dominant she didn’t let many balls get by her, and when they did, she turned it right back around with a kill,” said Franklin coach Kelsey Weymouth. “She was a go-to hitter for us all season.”



COACH OF THE YEAR

Kelsey Weymouth

Franklin head coach Kelsey Weymouth has been selected as the 2018 HockomockSports.com Volleyball Coach of the Year. In her first year, Weymouth guided the Panthers to a 20-1 overall record, a perfect 16-0 in the Hockomock League, and the program’s first-ever sectional title.

The Panthers won their first Kelley-Rex title since 2015 and won the title outright for the first time since 2011. After going a perfect 16-0 in league play (and 17-0 for the regular season), Weymouth guided the Panthers to three straight playoff wins in five sets, the last of the three a win over 3-2 win over Shrewsbury to secure the program’s first-ever sectional title.

“Coach Weymouth had a strong group of players with high expectations, and she was able to help the Panthers live up to them,” said HockomockSports.com Editor-in-Chief Ryan Lanigan. “The Panthers were dominant during the regular season, and then Weymouth pushed all the right buttons during an impressive run that led to a sectional title.”


For the complete listing of volleyball awards
https://hockomocksports.com/awards/volleyball/2018-2/

FHS Brigham a "player to watch"; FHS boys basketball preview by HockomockSports

Via HockomockSports we share the FHS information from the "Top 10 girls basketball players to watch" and the FHS boys basketball preview. Given that FHS lost to Mansfield in the D1 State Final, the Hockomock League looks to be very competitive again this year.



Girls Basketball: Ten Players to Watch in 2018-2019

ALI BRIGHAM, JUNIOR – FRANKLIN

Brigham is the lone member of last season’s HockomockSports.com First Team to return this season, the two-time reigning HockomockSports.com Underclassman of the Year is one of the reasons that expectations are really high in Franklin this winter. Last year, while averaging 15 points per game, Brigham showed that her game is expanding, as she demonstrated the ability to step away from the basket to knock down shots and even take players off the dribble. 

At 6-foot-3, she will tower over most teams in the Hock this season and should be penciled in for a double-double just about every night with her ability to control the paint on both ends of the floor. Teams are going to throw double teams, zones, and different defensive looks at Brigham every night, so her movement to find pockets of space and her passing will be important to keep the Panthers humming on offense. 

Already one of the league’s best rebounders (14 rebounds per game last year) and shot blockers (twice recording more than 10 blocks in a game), Brigham, who is getting Div. I looks, should also be one of the league’s top scoring threats this season and a top contender for player of the year.

https://hockomocksports.com/hockomock-girls-basketball-players-to-watch-in-2018-2019/

2018-2019 HOCKOMOCK BOYS BASKETBALL PREVIEW

FRANKLIN
2017-2018 Record: 23-4
2017-2018 Finish: Reached D1 State Final
Coach: CJ Neely

The Panthers have reached the D1 State Final each of the past two seasons and it looks like they have the tools to try and make a third straight appearance. Franklin brings back two of the top players in the Hockomock League in senior Jalen Samuels and junior Chris Edgehill.

Both Samuels (13.1 ppg, 8.7 rpg) and Edgehill (17.1 ppg, 3.5 apg) have a wealth of varsity experience that the Panthers will rely on as others battle for minutes in the rotation. Edgehill is one of the most dangerous guards offensively and can score in a variety of ways while Samuels can present a matchup problem for most teams. Will Harvey also has varsity experience and will likely see an increased role in the 2018-2019 season.

The rest of the rotation is up for grabs but there is a lot of choices for head coach CJ Neely, who noted there is a strong amount of depth and balance on this year’s squad. Unsurprisingly, Franklin will be focused on causing problems on the defensive side of the ball. The Panthers have been known as a gritty defensive squad and they are looking to continue that tradition this year. Offensively, Neely is hoping unselfishness and outside shooting will help replicate the success of previous seasons.

“It will be a season long battle for minutes and guys will have to earn our trust through defensive intensity and unselfish play on offense,” Neely said. “Our goal is to focus on the process of competing hard and improving each day and the results will reflect our daily effort and attitude.”

Continue reading the boys basketball preview. 
https://hockomocksports.com/2018-2019-hockomock-boys-basketball-preview/

FHS Panthers

SNETT - Design Permitting for Prospect St Tunnel

"Exciting sighting! 

DCR has begun Phase 1, the Design and Permitting for the Prospect Street Tunnel. This initial Phase is expected to be completed by early 2019. 

Once approved, construction bids will follow and then the actual construction. The completed tunnel will provide a continuous pathway from Grove St. in Franklin on into the connecting trail in Bellingham."

SNETT - Design Permitting for Prospect St Tunnel

For more about the SNETT rail trail  http://www.franklinbellinghamrailtrail.org/

Getting the tunnel connected will help with the overall usability of the trail. Currently the Franklin side sorta ends at Prospect St and the Bellingham side is well worth getting up and over Prospect St to use.

Franklin side of SNETT

Bellingham side of SNETT

In the News: No rush to get a ReadID

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"Massachusetts residents planning to renew their driver’s licenses in the new year may want to consider getting a Real ID, as 2019 marks the final year before the long-anticipated IDs will be required for domestic flights and to enter federal buildings. 

Getting the new IDs, however, isn’t quite as simple as before. 

The state started issuing the new identification cards in March 2018 and through November the Registry of Motor Vehicles had issued 474,406 Real IDs, according to a spokeswoman with the Massachusetts Department of Transportation. But not everyone is jumping at the opportunity. 

Nearly 689,000 residents opted to stick with the standard ID during the same time period, and while it’s difficult to know exactly why residents choose one ID over the other – especially considering the cost is the same – getting a Real ID is definitely more complicated."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20181209/no-rush-to-real-id-in-massachusetts

Check the MA RMV site for info on the ReadID process and documentation requirements
https://www.mass.gov/decision-tree/real-id-real-answers-a-tool-to-help-you-determine-if-you-need-a-real-id

No rush to get a ReadID