Library Book Sale weekend

• Saturday

9am-3pm   Book Sale @ Franklin Public Library

• Sunday

9am-12pm   Bag Sale @ Franklin Public Library (fill up a bag for only $5)

Library Book Sale weekend

Bottle Can/Drive - Today for FHS All Night Party

There is a bottle and can drive at the FHS parking lot to benefit the FHS All Night Party

 bottle and can drive at the FHS parking lot to benefit the FHS All Night Party

From 9:00 AM to noon on Saturday, Sep 17

Governor Baker Signs Climate Change Strategy Executive Order

Building on the Baker-Polito Administration’s strong leadership to mitigate and adapt to climate change, Governor Baker today signed an Executive Order links to PDF file which lays out a comprehensive approach to further reduce greenhouse gas emissions, safeguard residents, municipalities and businesses from the impacts of climate change, and build a more resilient Commonwealth. The Order, Establishing an Integrated Climate Change Strategy for the Commonwealth, represents the collaboration between the Office of the Governor, the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security, and key state, local and environmental stakeholders.

“Combatting and preparing for the impacts of climate change will require a holistic approach across state and local government and collaboration with stakeholders from all corners of the Commonwealth,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “By signing this Executive Order, our administration is taking an important step to protect public health and safety, local infrastructure, small businesses, and our state’s abundant natural resources from the effects of climate change.”

“Cities and towns across Massachusetts are on the front lines of climate change and our administration stands ready to help them meet this challenge,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. “Building on our administration’s commitment to municipalities through the Community Compact and Green Communities programs, the Executive Order signed by Governor Baker continues to enhance strong state and local partnerships, and provides direct support and technical assistance to help cities and towns adapt to climate change.”

• For the full press release

http://www.mass.gov/governor/press-office/press-releases/fy2017/gov-baker-signs-climate-change-strategy-executive-order.html

• For the full executive order

http://www.mass.gov/eea/docs/executive-order-climate-change-strategy.pdf

screen grab of Gov Baker Executive Order on Climate Change

FHS golf and boys soccer win, field hockey ties, football loses on Friday

From Hockomock Sports we share the FHS fall sports results


Golf = Franklin, 158 @ Medway, 169 – Final

Field Hockey = Oliver Ames, 3 @ Franklin, 3 – Final

– Franklin put up a pair of goals to go into halftime with a 2-0 lead but Oliver Ames came storming back in the second half. Brayden Downing opened the scoring off an assist from Cassie Ronan and Maddie Hinckley netted her first goal off a feed from Kayla Marshall to give the Panthers a 2-0 lead. Dimitra Efremidis brought OA back within one eight minutes into the second half and Kendall Clifford scored off a corner to tie the game. Dana Lewandowski put the Panthers back ahead midway through the second half off an assist from Maeve Ledwith but OA had an answer again. Liz Nuss scored on a breakaway with just over eight minutes to play to tie the game. Christina Lucini had four saves in net for Franklin while Katie Vamosi had a strong day in the cage for OA.

Boys soccer = Foxboro, 1 @ Franklin, 2 – Final

• for a recap of the game.

https://hockomocksports.com/franklin-boys-soccer-holds-off-foxboro-to-grab-third-win/

Milford senior Blake Hill (42) rushed for 179 yards and three touchdowns to help the Hawks end a long losing streak against Franklin. (Josh Perry/HockomockSports.com)

Football = Franklin, 7 @ Milford, 35 – Final

1st Quarter: No scoring.
2nd Quarter: (M) Blake Hill 13-yard rush, Sean Lehane XP good; (F) Jake Noviello 9-yard pass to Kinley Baird, K. Baird XP good.
3rd Quarter: (M) B. Hill 31-yard rush, S. Lehane XP good; (M) Asong Aminmentse 1-yard rush, S. Lehane XP good.
4th Quarter: (M) Matt Curran 11-yard pass to Tyler Joyce, S. Lehane XP good; (M) B. Hill 14-yard rush, S. Lehane XP good.

https://hockomocksports.smugmug.com/20162017/Fall-2016/Milford-Franklin-Football-9-16/

• for a recap of the game.

https://hockomocksports.com/milford-football-run-past-franklin-in-second-half-to-end-streak/

For all the results around the Hockomock League on Friday
https://hockomocksports.com/fridays-schedule-scoreboard-091616/

In the News: Fire Dept busy, hunger largely invisible problem, MIlford tops FHS in football

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

"The Fire Department fought two fires on the same street Friday afternoon - one at a home and another at a compost pile. 

Both took place on Beaver Street - the house fire at 73 Beaver St., the compost fire at the town recycling center at 455 Beaver St. 

According to Fire Chief Gary McCarraher, the house fire was reported around 4 p.m. He said three adults and a child were in the home then, and that all three were got out safely. The fire, he said, was under control by 4:37 p.m."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160916/franklin-firefighters-have-busy-day

"While more than 10 percent of eastern Massachusetts residents struggle to put food on the table, Greater Boston Food Bank President and CEO Catherine D’Amato characterizes hunger as a largely invisible problem. 

She hopes a new awareness campaign will help bring hunger out of the shadows. The Greater Boston Food Bank, which provides food for more than 550 member agencies in 190 communities, is participating in the national Hunger Action Month this September. D’Amato recently discussed the campaign with Wicked Local and shared her thoughts on hunger in Massachusetts."

The Franklin Food Pantry is a proud member agency of the Greater Boston Food Bank

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160916/food-bank-sheds-light-on-hidden-epidemic

"It had been a long time—20 years, in fact—since the Milford football team had beaten rival Franklin. While they have only been in the same league for five years, the Panthers had been a pain in the Scarlet Hawks’ side for two decades. That includes last year when the Panthers overcame a 14-point, second-half deficit to upend Milford in the final minute. 

This time, though, the Scarlet Hawks simply refused to lose. Although the Panthers manufactured a game-tying drive to even the score in the final seconds of the first half, Milford utilized its dominant running game to ultimately pull away with a 35-7 victory over visiting Franklin."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/sports/20160916/milford-35-franklin-7-scarlet-hawks-win-worth-wait

MassBudget: Reports Explore Lessons of New Census Data

New Reports Explore Lessons of Newly Released Census Data With the release this week of new Census Bureau data from the American Community Survey (ACS), it is clear that working families nationwide and here in Massachusetts made some important gains from 2014 to 2015 -- and that opportunities exist to build on these gains. MassBudget's new factsheet, U.S. and MA Households Make Meaningful Gains in 2015, explores what can be learned from this new data. While the overall U.S. poverty rate declined meaningfully, there was no clear drop in the Massachusetts poverty rate. Median incomes saw strong growth in 2015 in the U.S. as a whole and somewhat more modest growth here in Massachusetts. Poverty rates in Massachusetts and the U.S. as a whole remain well above pre-recession levels (2007), and median incomes remain below pre-recession peaks, underscoring the importance of policy improvements that can boost wages and incomes and make sure everyone -- including working families -- shares in the benefits of a growing economy. In 2015 close to 1 in every 9 people in Massachusetts lived below the federal poverty threshold (which is roughly $24,000/year for a family of four). Only 12 other states had lower overall poverty rates in 2015. In the U.S., close to 1 in every 7 people lived below the poverty threshold in 2015. Poverty remains more widespread for children than for adults in Massachusetts and in the U.S. -- and higher than pre-recession levels. The childhood poverty rate in Massachusetts remained virtually unchanged in 2015, with 1 in 7 children in poverty. MassBudget today has also released a factsheet on the new ACS kids' data, One in Seven Children in Massachusetts Still in Poverty; Almost All Have Health Insurance. Today's Census data also tells an encouraging story about the effectiveness of federal and state safety net policies that help individuals and families pay for basic necessities. An official Supplemental Poverty Measure shows that programs such as Social Security, SNAP (food stamps), housing subsidies, and the Child Tax Credit move 38 million people above the poverty line. Together, these programs cut the poverty rate nearly in half. Read MassBudget's new factsheet on income and poverty data from the Census ACS survey here (LINK). Read MassBudget's new factsheet on child poverty and health insurance coverage, using this week's Census data here (LINK). For more on this data and related data on wages, jobs and education, see the 2016 State of Working Massachusetts (LINK) The Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center (MassBudget) produces policy research, analysis, and data-driven recommendations focused on improving the lives of low- and middle-income children and adults, strengthening our state's economy, and enhancing the quality of life in Massachusetts. MASSACHUSETTS BUDGET AND POLICY CENTER 15 COURT SQUARE, SUITE 700 BOSTON, MA 02108

Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center, 15 Court Square, Suite 700, Boston, MA 02108 Sent by nberger@massbudget.org in collaboration with Try it free today

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA Area: FRI 9/16/16 - THU 9/22/16

FRIDAY 9/16/16
12-6pm   Franklin Farmers Market @ The Town Common
6:30-8:30pm   Appraisal Day @ Franklin Historical Museum
6:30pm   Art Night Uncorked @ Franklin Art Center
6:30pm   Plies, Pinot and Painting with Tranquil Souls Yoga and Fiori

SATURDAY 9/17/16
8am-1pm   Team Fitness Blood Drive @ CrossFit Franklin
9am-3pm   Book Sale @ Franklin Public Library
9am-12pm   Bottle and Can Drive @ FHS (supports All Night Party)
4pm   Beer Extravaganza @ Pour Richard’s
8pm   The Love Dogs @ The Black Box

SUNDAY 9/18/16
9am-12pm   Bag Sale @ Franklin Public Library (fill up a bag for only $5)

MONDAY 9/19/16
4-8pm   FSPA Open House @ FSPA, 38 Main Street

TUESDAY 9/20/16
1:30-3pm   Knitting Circle for Adults @ Franklin Public Library
6:30pm   Easy Walks in MA: Fall hikes and more @ Franklin Public Library

WEDNESDAY 9/21/16
6:30pm   Doggie Tales @ Franklin Public Library. Read to a service dog, grades 2 and up, registration required.

THURSDAY 9/15/16
5-9pm   SAFE Coalition’s Substance Abuse Drop In Center @ St. John’s Episcopal Church
7pm   Franklin SEPAC Workshop: Introduction to Special Needs Programming in Franklin/Rights and Regulations @ Franklin Town Hall, 3rd floor

For all the Town of Franklin Public Meetings click HERE.

For event details click HERE.

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

FHS girls soccer tops Foxboro, FHS golf tops KP

From Hockomock Sports we share the FHS fall sports results from Thursday

Girls Soccer = Franklin, 1 @ Foxboro, 0 – Final 

FHS Panthers

– Miranda Smith scored just seven minutes in from an Ellie Teixeira assist. It was her third goal in the last two games and it turned out to be the game winner for the Panthers.

Golf = King Philip, 164 @ Franklin, 161 – Final 

– Jason Collins carded a round of 39 to lead the Panthers to the win. King Philip’s Sebastian Ladoulis was the match medalist, shooting 37.

For the remainder of the results around the Hockomock League on Thursday
https://hockomocksports.com/thursdays-schedule-scoreboard-091516/

In the News: schools work on communications, open meeting law training, Dean ranked as Best Value School

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

"The school district is considering ways to improve its communication with the community and solicit feedback on school activities. 

The School Committee discussed the effort at its meeting this week. 

Committee member Denise Schultz said the community relations subcommittee will continue its series of "coffee hours" with the public. 

"It's wonderful to see some of the work already done at the coffees show up in the school improvement plans," she said."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160915/franklin-school-officials-review-communication-efforts

"In an effort to better inform the public and government officials about the Open Meeting Law and its requirements, Attorney General Maura Healey’s office will hold a free training on the law from 6 to 8 p.m. Sept. 20 at the Mendon Board of Selectmen’s Room, Upper Meeting Room, 20 Main St. 

State, local, regional and county public bodies are required to comply. 

The AG’s office will also hold three other regional educational forums in Brockton, Watertown and Agawam this fall. 

The open meeting law training sessions will be conducted by attorneys from Healey’s Division of Open Government, are open to the public and are being offered free of charge.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160915/ags-office-to-hold-free-open-meeting-law-training

"Dean College, a private, residential college located in Franklin, ranked 19th in the U.S. News & World Report for the Best Regional Colleges, north category. Additionally, Dean placed ninth in its category for Best Value Schools. 

dean college

This is the sixth consecutive year that Dean College has received the honor, and the highest ranking in the college’s history. 

U.S. News & World Report is a multi-platform, publisher of news and information. The U.S. News ranking system for the Best Regional Colleges rests on two pillars. The formula uses quantitative measures that education experts have proposed as reliable indicators of academic quality, and it is based on research of graduation rate performance, academic reputation and financial selectivity, among others."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160915/dean-college-ranked-by-us-news--world-report

36th Annual Cracker-Barrel Fair

"The 36th Annual Cracker-Barrel Fair opens Friday, September 16. The fair will feature music, rides, exhibits and games. 

Friday local bands performing include Stepping Stone and Elastic Five.
Saturday, the bandstand will welcome Southeastern MA Community Concert Band and the Hitmen. 

Sunday, Showcase Dance Production of Wrentham will hold a performance followed by The Reminisants. 

Throughout the weekend there will hayrides pulled by an antique tractor and opportunities to enjoy a variety of food booths. The 4-H club will having various agricultural exhibits. Local artisans will be display their work and magicians, animal shows, jugglers and face painters will provide additional entertainment."

For more about the Cracker-barrel Fair
http://www.wrenthamtimes.com/wrentham/2016/09/cracker-barrel-fair-starts-friday.html

or here
http://friendsofwrentham.org/cb1414.html

In the News: drought conditions worsen, big dollar donors for ballot questions

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

"The latest data from the U.S. Drought Monitor shows rapid worsening of the extreme drought in Massachusetts as another week of above average temperatures and very little rain added to the months-long crisis affecting farmers and water supply managers. 

Data released this morning showed 52.13 percent of the state is considered to be in extreme drought. Last week that figure stood at at 22.67 percent. That means the area of the state now in extreme drought increased by 130% in just one week. Extreme drought is the second highest stage of drought issued by the drought monitor. At least 89.95 percent of the state is in at least severe drought, up from 77.38 percent last week."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160915/extreme-drought-expands-in-massachusetts

The official drought monitor map is impressive but the local photos shown below, I think are more dramatic.

http://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/Home/StateDroughtMonitor.aspx?MA

Uncas Brook is a 'small' but important water way here in Franklin

"When it comes to campaign cash, proponents of each of the four Massachusetts ballot questions hold a sizeable advantage over their opposition. 

Recent campaign finance filings to the state provide a look into where each ballot committee is drawing its monetary support."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160914/ballot-question-proponents-enjoy-cash-advantage

Representative Roy Announces Office Hours for October and November

State Representative Jeffrey Roy (D-Franklin) announced today that constituent office hours will be held in Medway and Franklin for the Months of October and November on the following days:

• Franklin – Thursday October 13th, 8:30-9:30AM at the Franklin Senior Center, 10 Daniel McCahill St. Franklin, MA

• Medway – Saturday November 5th, 9:00-10:00AM at the Medway Muffin Café, 116 Main St. Medway, MA

• Franklin – Thursday November 10th, 8:30-9:30AM at the Franklin Senior Center, 10 Daniel McCahill St. Franklin, MA

Christopher Yancich, his legislative aide, will be accompanying him.

Representative Roy stated that all office hours are open to any residents of Franklin and Medway who may have questions or concerns that they wish to bring to his attention. Walk-ins are welcome; no appointment necessary. He looks forward to hearing from you.

He also invites all constituents to call him at his State House office at (617) 722-2020, to stop by Room 527A in the State House, or to email him at Jeffrey.Roy@MAhouse.gov.

Franklin Senior Center

Electric Youth at 2016 Franklin Cultural Festival (video)

Turning back time (or #TBT) to that Wednesday in July 2016 when the Franklin Cultural Festival opened for the 2nd time. 

Here are some highlights from the opening night concert by the FSPA's 'Electric Youth':





For more about the Electric Youth check out their website
http://fspaonline.com/pages.php?pname=fspa_se_ey

Electric Youth performing at the 2016 Franklin Cultural Festival

• This was originally posted at the Franklin Cultural District page

http://www.franklinsculturalfestival.org/2016/09/electric-youth-at-2016-franklin.html

FHS boys soccer, volleyball. field hockey, and golf all post wins on Wednesday

From Hockomock Sports we share the FHS fall sports results from Wednesday

FHS Panthers

Boys Soccer = Franklin, 2 @ Milford, 0 – Final

– Farley Asmath scored both goals for the Panthers, with both coming in the second half. Asmath’s first strike in the 56th minute came off an assist from Hatim Brahimi. Asmath then earned a penalty in the final minutes and converted in the 78th minute for his second goal. Fred Beckmann earned the shutout in net.

Volleyball = Foxboro, 0 @ Franklin, 3 – Final 

– Erin Skidmore led the Panthers with 11 kills and added three aces. Lauren McGrath had nine aces and 15 assists for Franklin, while Meaghan Maguire chipped in with seven kills and a block.

Field hockey = Foxboro, 0 @ Franklin, 3 – Final 

– Caroline Lounsbury scored the opening goal with 17:55 left in the first half off an assist by Cassi Ronan and it turned out to be the game-winner for Franklin. Brayden Downing scored two minutes later on an assist from Annie Walsh and then Walsh made it 3-0 early in the second half off an assist by Maeve Ledwith. Christina Lucini earned the shutout in goal with three saves.

Golf = Attleboro, 184 @ Franklin, 159 – Final 

– The Panthers got an even par 35 from captain Bryan Woelfel and a 40 from Eric Civetti. Attleboro was led by Corey McKenna, who shot a 42.

For the remainder of the results around the Hockomock League on Wednesday
https://hockomocksports.com/wednesdays-schedule-scoreboard-091416/

HiSET (formerly GED) Test Preparation

The class is being offered at Tri-County on Mondays and Wednesdays from Sep 26 through November 30 and from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM each evening.

The high school equivalency test (HiSET) preparation classes are for adults who wish to study high school level science, social studies, mathematical reasoning, and reasoning through language arts in order to prepare for the HiSET exam and to qualify for a high school equivalency certificate issued by the State of Massachusetts.

HiSET (formerly GED) Test Preparation

Additional information including online register
https://registration.xenegrade.com/tri-county/courseDisplay.cfm?schID=2083

Sidewalk Chalkfest - Wrentham Village - Oct 15th

Franklin Rotary Club, in conjunction with Simon Properties, is holding a sidewalk artists Chalkfest at Wrentham Outlets on Saturday October 15th. There will be cash rewards presented courtesy of the mall to Adult/Professional artists, as well as several age groups for children. 

Adults are assigned a 8x8 ft panel of sidewalk and kids are given a 3x3 ft panel. There are plans for a storefront area for professional enrollees to display their art for sale. 

Sponsorships are $250 for adults (see rules on application forms) and $50 for children. If artists cannot get their own sponsor, the Rotary Club can match sponsors as needed.

Rotary International

This is the first time that a Chalkfest has been done at Wrentham Outlets, but the Rotary Clubs of Providence and Cambridge have been doing Chalkfests successfully for several years (some of their artists might even be at the Wrentham show to help - and to participate!)

Information and rules and application forms can be gotten from Rotary President Terry Katsaros at Rockland Trust Bank (theodosios.katsaros@rocklandtrust.com, 508-245-4127), Carlos Aguilera (caguilera@DEAN.edu, 508-541-1810) or Dr William Koplin (drwizortho@aol.com, 508-528-0528). 

Please register as soon as possible to help us set up our layout at the mall! 

Rain date is October 22nd.

MassBudget: Massachusetts leads all states in health coverage

MassBudget    Information.    Participation.  Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center    Democracy. Today's Census data shows healthcare coverage improved in U.S. and Massachusetts last year Massachusetts continues to lead all states Massachusetts is the national leader in providing health insurance coverage to its residents, thanks to health reform measures adopted a decade ago. Data released today by the U.S. Census Department and summarized in a new MassBudget report show the state's health insurance coverage rate in 2015 was 97 percent, up about half a point from 2014. The gap between Massachusetts' "nearly-universal" health care coverage and fully "universal" health care coverage gets smaller every year. The U.S. Census Bureau estimates that last year only 2.8 percent of Massachusetts residents, 189,000 people, still do not have coverage. Nationally, the rate of uninsured was 9.4 percent, over three times higher. Today's data shows that there are 15 million fewer people without health insurance than when key provisions of the Affordable Care Act took effect in 2013. That is a remarkable policy accomplishment, and it started right here in Massachusetts. Our state led the way by creating near-universal coverage - and is a model for the nation.  Read more about today's new Census results in MassBudget's factsheet, including information showing how states that have expanded Medicaid are making some of the biggest health coverage gains. The Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center (MassBudget) produces policy research, analysis, and data-driven recommendations focused on improving the lives of low- and middle-income children and adults, strengthening our state's economy, and enhancing the quality of life in Massachusetts. MASSACHUSETTS BUDGET AND POLICY CENTER 15 COURT SQUARE, SUITE 700 BOSTON, MA 02108

Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center, 15 Court Square, Suite 700, Boston, MA 02108 Sent by nberger@massbudget.org in collaboration with Try it free today

In the News: substance abuse coalition planning, Temple to show movie, FHS improvement plan

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

"The Support for Addicts and Families through Empowerment (SAFE) coalition is engaging in strategic planning as the anti-substance-abuse group enters its second year. 

President James Derick said the coalition has been holding planning sessions over the past several months, looking to set goals for the coming six months, year and three years. 

"We've learned a lot," he said. "The first thing is that the community really needs help, and I think we've had some real success in that area."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160914/franklin-safe-coalition-looks-to-future

"Temple Etz Chaim will invite the community to join for S’lichot at 8 p.m. Sept. 24 at the temple building, 900 Washington St., Franklin. 

The group will view the Oscar-nominated film “Footnote,” the story of a father and son, both Talmudic scholars. One is beloved and respected; the other is unpopular and ignored. Attendees will see what happens when one receives the honor the other has so desperately sought. 

Participants can watch the movie and join the discussion. For information: 508-528-5337."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160914/temple-etz-chaim-to-show-footnote

"High school officials discussed steps to improve - including a focus on social and emotional learning and the building's culture - at a School Committee meeting this week. 

The presentation, given by new Principal Paul Peri and Deputy Principal William Klements, was part of an overall discussion on school and district improvement plans at the Tuesday night session. The two said the school's plan had several areas in which to grow - social and emotional learning; building climate and culture; and communication were discussed. 

According to Klements, the school would be addressing social and emotional well-being through several avenues. He said personnel were collaborating with the district's School Wellness Advisory Council to look at mental health, physical activity and nutrition."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160914/franklin-high-school-presents-improvement-plan

FHS Deputy Principal William Klements and Principal Paul Peri present to the School Committee

Franklin VFW announces Patriot's Pen - essay contest for grades 6 to 8

"This is our first year trying the Patriots Pen (grades 6-8). We've done the Voice of Democracy for several years. Our post winners are honored at our annual dinner in March, Rep. Roy is usually in attendance and sits with the winners and their family. They are presented with a small cash prize, a certificate signed by the Speaker of the Mass House, and a certificate from the Post. 

Post winners advance to the district competition (Franklin Post 3402 is a part of Norfolk District 5, which covers Norfolk county VFW Posts). District winners advance to the state level competition. And the state winner goes to nationals in D.C.

Patriot's Pen

Each year more than 132,000 students in grades 6-8 enter the VFW’s Patriot’s Pen youth essay contest. The first-place winner from each state competes for national awards totaling $54,500, with each first-place state winner receiving a minimum of $500 at the national level. The national first-place winner wins $5,000 and an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C.

The essay contest encourages young minds to examine America’s history, along with their own experiences in modern American society, by drafting a 300- to 400-word essay, expressing their views based on a patriotic theme chosen by the VFW Commander-in-Chief.

VFW's Patriot's Pen essay contest

THE 2016-17 THEME IS: THE AMERICA I BELIEVE IN

Students can ask a teacher or youth group leader to supervise their progress in the competition. Then students can contact a local participating VFW Post and establish a contact person who is a member of that Post or its Auxiliary.

Essays must be no less than 300 words and cannot exceed 400 words. They should be submitted to the Post, along with the completed Patriot's Pen entry form no later than the November 1 deadline.

JUDGING CRITERIA:

• Knowledge of the theme is worth 30 points. You must show a thorough knowledge of the theme in your work. Demonstrate you have researched the issue extensively.
• Theme development is worth 35 points. Answer all relevant facts about the theme such as the who, what, where, when and why. Relate the theme to your own experiences.
• Clarity of ideas is worth 35 points. Write your essay in an easy-to-understand format. Leave your reader with a clear understanding of your explanation of the theme.

Additional information can be found here http://www.vfw.org/PatriotsPen/


The entry form and brochure can be found here
http://www.vfw.org/uploadedFiles/VFWorg/MY_VFW/PatriotsPenEntryFormandBrochure.pdf