Saturday, December 16, 2017

FHS boys and girls basketball, boys hockey all post wins on Friday

Via HockomockSports and Twitter we share the results of the FHS sports action on Friday, Dec 15, 2017


Boys Basketball = Milford, 36 @ Franklin, 55 – Final
– Franklin sophomore Chris Edgehill exploded for a career-high 28 points, helping the Panthers race past Milford. Franklin built a double-digit lead in the first quarter and kept a comfortable cushion the rest of the way, leading 34-21 at the break. Junior Jalen Samuels added 10 points and eight rebounds in the win for Franklin. Andrew Fraioli led Milford with eight points.

Girls Basketball = Franklin, 58 @ Milford, 47 – Final
– Three players scored in double digits, as Franklin improved to 3-0 on the season. Bea Bondhus scored 19 points, Megan O’Connell scored 17 and Ali Brigham had 10 points for the Panthers. Gillian Valanzola was Milford’s top scorer with 13 points.

Boys Hockey = Canton, 0 @ Franklin, 2 – Final

Josh Perry, Managing Editor for HockomockSports provides the game recap
"Two good bounces turned into two goals for Franklin, one for Dan Magazu in the second period and one for Brendan O’Rielly in third, and senior netminder Owen Ginley made 27 saves to make those goals stand up, as the Panthers pulled out a 2-0 victory over rival Canton in a non-league meeting on Friday night at Pirelli Veterans Arena. 
“We had a really bad practice yesterday after a big win Wednesday (4-3 against defending Div. 1 state champion St. Mary’s of Lynn) and I just didn’t know what to expect,” said Franklin coach Chris Spillane. 
“Canton did a great job taking a lot of space away. When we’re playing our best hockey is when we’re using our team speed and they didn’t allow us to do that tonight. We just had to grind it out.”

Continue reading the hockey recap
https://hockomocksports.com/franklin-hockey-shuts-out-canton-in-non-league-matchup/


For the remainder of the results around the Hockomock League on Friday
https://hockomocksports.com/fridays-schedule-scoreboard-12-15-17/

Franklin senior forward Brendan O’Rielly celebrates the second goal of the game in the Panthers 2-0 victory over Canton. (Josh Perry/HockomockSports.com)
Franklin senior forward Brendan O’Rielly celebrates the second goal of the game
in the Panthers 2-0 victory over Canton. (Josh Perry/HockomockSports.com)




















“Every space can be a stage”

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

"Amidst the regular smell of perfume and hairspray at the Franklin Performing Arts Center, now lives the new aroma of freshly brewed coffee, thanks to their latest addition The Intermission Café. 
Intermission held a formal ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday but will officially open its doors to the public on Jan. 2, 2018. The café is located behind the FPAC building at 15 West Central St. 
The café features a welcoming space that emphasizes the original brickwork of the 100-year-old building. With warm red accents and dark stained wood, Intermission is a cozy escape from the increasingly cold weather. 
“We restored as much of the brick as possible. I really fought for the floors. They’re the original floors and they were a mess,” laughed FPAC director Raye Lynn Mercer."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20171215/franklin-arts-center-to-open-intermission-cafe

Intermission Café is located behind the FPAC building at 15 West Central St
Intermission Café is located behind the FPAC building at 15 West Central St

FTC Scam Alert: Don’t give to a charity imposter



Federal Trade Commission Consumer Information
by Emma Fletcher

Division of Consumer and Business Education, FTC

When you give to a charity, you're giving because you care and want to help — and you want to be sure your money actually gets to those you're trying to help. But scammers who pretend to be a charity try to get to your wallet. So consider these tips before you give.
Read more

SUBSCRIBER SERVICES:  Manage Preferences  
This is a free service provided by the Federal Trade Commission.


Friday, December 15, 2017

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA Area: FRI 12/15/17 - THU 12/21/17

FRIDAY 12/15/17
11am-1pm   Holiday Party and Holiday Sweater Contest @ Senior Center
11:30am   Mommy and Me Fitness (ages 3-8) @ Fairmount Fruit Farm
2-3pm   Tech Help with HMMS Students @ Senior Center

SATURDAY 12/16/17
10-1pm   Franklin Historical Museum Open
10am-1pm   Visit with Santa! @ Franklin Police Department
10-11:30am   The Drummer’s Studio Guitar and Bass Holiday Show (please RSVP) @ The Drummer’s Studio
10:30am   Pancakes and Pajamas Party @ Franklin Public Library
11am-1pm   Crafts with Santa’s Elves! @ My Little Sunshine Boutique
1-4pm   Craft and Wrap for Teens @ Franklin Public Library
4pm   Om for the Holidays @ Tranquil Souls Yoga
5-8pm   Sneak Peek Party at Dress Code Boutique @ 58 East Central St.
6-8pm   Holiday Party for Customers and Friends @ Clarion Farm
8pm   Americana Songstress Kate From @ The Black Box

SUNDAY 12/17/17
7:30-10:30am   Sunday Breakfast @ Franklin Rod and Gun Club
12pm   Holiday Jazz Brunch @ The Black Box
1-4pm   Franklin Historical Museum Open
1-4pm   Intentions of the Heart Mediation Workshop @ Tranquil Souls Yoga
4:45pm   Free Christmas Concert and Dinner @ Medway Community Church
6-7:30pm   FYHA’s 2017 Santa Skate (benefits Franklin Food Pantry) @ Pirelli Veterans Arena

MONDAY 12/18/17
10am   Silvertones and Friends Holiday Singalong @ Senior Center
10am   Storytime (all ages) @ Fairmount Fruit Farm
10:30am   Move Along (ages 0-5) @ Franklin Public Library
11am   Toddler Playgroup @ Franklin Public Library
3pm   Monday Crafternoons @ Franklin Public Library
7pm   Learn to Cope Franklin Chapter Meeting @ FUSF

TUESDAY 12/19/17
10:30am   Get Ready for Kindergarten (ages 3-5) @ Franklin Public Library
11:15am   Toddler Playgroup @ Franklin Public Library
6:30pm   Wine Glass Painting (ages 13+) @ Fairmount Fruit Farm

WEDNESDAY 12/20/17
10am   Animal Tales (for ages 2.5-5) @ Fairmount Fruit Farm
10-11am   Sen. Richard Ross holds Office Hours @ Senior Center
10am   Christmas Cookies and Wii Bit of Fun @ Senior Center
10:30am-12pm   International Holiday Buffet @ Gerry’s Place, Tri-County HS
10:30am   Terrific Toddlers (ages 18months to 3 years old) @ Franklin Public Library
11am   Toddler Playgroup @ Franklin Public Library
4-6pm   Construction Junction @ Franklin Public Library
5-6pm   Book Bites for Tweens @ Franklin Public Library
6:30pm   Fall Sports Awards Night (friends and family welcome) @ Tri-County HS
6:30pm   Christian Zen Weekly Meditation @ McMahon Guest House (1061 Upper Union Street)
7pm   FHS Drama: 451 Fahrenheit @ Franklin High School

THURSDAY 12/21/17
9:30am   Baby Tummy Time (pre-walkers, ages 0-18 months) @ Franklin Public Library
10:30am   Story and Craft (ages 3 to 6) @ Franklin Public Library
11:15am   Toddler Playgroup @ Franklin Public Library
3pm   Lego Robotics Club (registration required) @ Franklin Public Library
7pm   FHS Drama: 451 Fahrenheit @ Franklin High School
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

Franklin Education Foundation Announces the 2017-2018 Grant Awardees

The Franklin Education Foundation (FEF) has awarded 14 grants totaling $28,310 for the 2017-2018 school year to teachers in the Franklin Public School (FPS) system. A committee composed of FEF representatives and FPS staff read all proposals through a blind review process and selected the recipients.

“Consideration was given to need, innovation, impact, and integration with other school programs when selecting applications for funding. These 14 grants will provide needed funding for innovative programs at the Early Childhood Development Center, elementary, middle and high schools”, stated Kit Brady, Ph.D., Chair of the FEF Grant Review Committee.

This year’s recipients at the Early Childhood Development Center are: Kelty Kelley, Parent/guardian lending library update; and Christine Duggan, Student engagement/learning activities on the playground.

At the elementary school level, recipients (lead applicant listed first) are: District-wide - Mary MacMurray, Jamie Barrett, Allison Fuller, and Brian Gustafson, 5th grade elementary ukulele program (Year 2); Jefferson Elementary School – Victoria Saldana, Greg Tang family math night kits.

At the middle school level are: Remington Middle School – Ingrid Ahlberg and Suzanne Roma, Program to update and reorganize the middle school book room (Year 2); Amanda Christopoulos and Kyle Duguay, Improving students’ cardiovascular endurance via rowing machines; Tulani Husband-Verbeek, Book club with author visits (Year 3); Jane Pichette and Jeff Chaffee, Interdisciplinary program to create a mosaic art installation (Year 2); and Dan Chase and Susan Richards, Video production studio; Annie Sullivan Middle School - Carol Allen and Daniel Kelley, Astronomy Club.
FEF Announces the 2017-2018 Grant Awardees
FEF Announces the 2017-2018 Grant Awardees

At Franklin High School are: Ron DiBona, 40% Club (aka the FHS Happiness Club); Carolann Tebbetts, Panthers' pride painting project; Patricia London and John Menard, Enhance the summer reading program via New York Times bestseller access; and Patricia London, Karen Alves (Franklin Senior Center), Caleigh Ross (Franklin Public Library), Intergenerational (FHS and Franklin Senior Center) book group with author visit via Skype.

Since its inception in 1997, the FEF has awarded over $375,000 in grants to FPS. Yearly fundraisers such as November’s Harlem Wizards basketball game, the annual Trivia Bee, as well as an annual fund campaign, provide much appreciated support from businesses, families, and organizations for the FEF grants. 

To see a list of programs the FEF has funded over the years, visit www.franklined.org. Follow us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/franklined.org/) and Twitter (https://twitter.com/FranklinEdOrg). 

The Franklin Education Foundation is a 501c3 non-profit organization. All gifts are fully tax deductible. New members are always welcome – see our web site for an application or email: franklined.org@gmail.com.


FHS Noviello, Leonard, Driscoll recognized for Hockomock Football Awards

HockomockSports has published the 2017 Hockomock League Football Awards. The FHS student athletes selected are shown here. Links to the complete listing are also provided.


HOCKOMOCKSPORTS.COM HOCK 5 QUARTERBACKS

Jake Noviello – Franklin – Senior
Franklin senior quarterback Jake Noviello put together a strong senior season, leading the Hockomock League in touchdown passes this fall. Noviello, who has one of the strongest arms in the league, completed 171-of-342 passes for 2,173 yards (more than 250 yards per game in the league) and 18 touchdowns for the Panthers. He also ran for a pair of scores and converted a pair of two-point conversions. Franklin coach Eian Bain said of Noviello, who is committed to Fairfield University for baseball, “We put the entire offense in his control, from pass protection to audibles at the line of scrimmage. Jake has the physical tools to make every throw.”


HOCKOMOCKSPORTS.COM HOCK 5 WIDE RECEIVERS/TIGHT ENDS

Sean Leonard – Franklin – Junior
Franklin junior Sean Leonard emerged as Jake Noviello’s favorite target and a big-play receiver in the Panthers downfield passing attack in his second year as a starter. Leonard led the Hockomock League with eight touchdown receptions. He finished with 36 catches for 561 yards this season and also added a two-point conversion. Franklin coach Eian Bain is excited about Leonard’s potential for next season. Bain said, “He makes defenses have to account for the middle of the field, plays multiple spots, is deceptively fast, and it a tenacious blocker. He became Jake’s favorite target in any tight spot, and made many memorable catches.”

HOCKOMOCKSPORTS.COM HOCK 5 DEFENSIVE BACKS

Ryan Driscoll – Franklin – Junior
Franklin junior defensive back Ryan Driscoll built on a strong sophomore campaign to become one of the top cover guys in the Hockomock League, while also chipping in at wide receiver as well. Driscoll had an injury-shortened season but still made 35 tackles (two for loss), broke up four passes, and had one interception. He also caught 23 passes for 539 yards and four touchdowns. Franklin coach Eian Bain said of Driscoll, “The most explosive athlete on our team, Ryan usually drew the assignment of covering the opponents best receiver. Ryan also was one of our leading tacklers before injury cut short his 2017 season.”

For the complete listing of football awards, view this link
https://hockomocksports.com/awards/football/2017-2/

FHS Panthers
FHS Panthers

Can we get more responses to the Election Survey? Please

We currently have just over 170 responses to the survey. Can we get more to respond please? Would like to especially hear from more who did not vote.


An open survey for the voters and residents of Franklin, MA to provide feedback on the recent Biennial Election. The voter 17% turnout was less than average. The information gathered here will hopefully improve the turnout for future elections. 
The survey is meant gather the information anonymously. However, if you would be willing to provide more in depth responses, there  is an option to leave your contact information at the end of the survey. 
This survey is being conducted by Steve Sherlock, Community Information Director (volunteer) for Franklin Matters. The information gathered by the survey will be shared and used as applicable to guide future informational sharing efforts.



Can we get more responses to the Election Survey? Please
Can we get more responses to the Election Survey? Please


  • Tally shown in the chart below is as of 5:30 AM Friday, Dec 15, 2017

Forms response chart. Question title: Did you vote in the Franklin Biennial Election on November 7, 2017 at Franklin High School. Number of responses: 171 responses.

FHS O'Rielly, Paterson selected as Hockomock hockey players to watch

HockomockSports has published their 2017-2018 hockey players to watch. The Franklin summary is shared here. The links for the complete Hockomock listing is provided below.


Boys Hockey


BRENDAN O’RIELLY, SENIOR – FRANKLIN
Franklin senior forward Brendan O’Rielly will be hoping to lead the Panthers on a run similar to his sophomore season when they won the Div. 1 state title. O’Rielly was the team’s leading scorer last year with a team-best 20 goals plus 11 assists for 31 points. He will spearhead an experience group of forwards and will use his strong skating, good stick-handling, and accurate shooting to help Franklin make another run at a Kelley-Rex division title. As a three-year varsity player, O’Rielly has continued to develop throughout his career and has the potential to be one of the league’s leading scorers again this winter.


Girls Hockey


REGAN PATERSON, JUNIOR – FRANKLIN
Franklin junior Regan Paterson will be one of the primary attackers for Franklin, as the Panthers compete for the first ever Hockomock League title and book a return to the state tournament. Paterson score 11 goals and had five assists as a sophomore and is coming off a strong fall for the Franklin field hockey program. Her experience will be counted on to lead a young Panthers roster this winter.

For the complete listing of the Hockomock League hockey players to watch
https://hockomocksports.com/hockomock-hockey-players-to-watch-2017-2018/


Franklin senior forward Brendan O’Rielly will be one of the players to watch as the Hockomock League hockey season kicks off. (Josh Perry/HockomockSports.com)
Franklin senior forward Brendan O’Rielly will be one of the players to watch as the Hockomock League hockey season kicks off. (Josh Perry/HockomockSports.com)

In the News: Cannabis Control Commission; Bellingham bomb investigation continues

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

"The first day of policy debate among state marijuana regulators indicated that the Cannabis Control Commission is working towards industry regulations that would give consumers more options for how they obtain marijuana and where they will be able to use it. 
The commission on Monday worked through policies dealing with home delivery of marijuana products and social consumption of marijuana, among others. The policies, some of which were agreed to Monday, will be enshrined into draft regulations for the newly legal industry, which the CCC plans to put on file with the state by the end of the month. 
The commission spent about an hour Monday discussing how to address social consumption, essentially allowing adults to buy and use marijuana at the same location much like purchasing alcohol at a bar or a cigar at a cigar bar, an idea that the CCC’s advisory board suggested could reduce the risk of children getting a hold of the drug and may limit how much legal marijuana is illegally transported out of state by tourists."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20171214/special-event-licenses-home-delivery-marijuana-restrictions-debated



"Federal agents raided the Rhode Island home of a 62-year-old Bellingham High School science teacher earlier this week as part of the ongoing investigation into a pipe bomb that exploded outside the principal’s home in Blackstone last month. 
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) confirmed that a search warrant was executed on Tuesday morning in Woonsocket, Rhode Island, in relation to the pipe bombing. City records list the owner of 22 Carey Court as Susan Seery. 
Bellingham School Superintendent Peter Marano confirmed that Seery has been under paid administrative leave since Nov. 15, two days before the pipe bomb incident. Marano released a statement on Thursday night saying they could not comment on the ongoing investigation. 
According to Seery’s son, Michael McNamara, agents kicked in the door of the house at 6 a.m. despite agreeing to a search days prior."


Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20171214/bellingham-instructors-home-raided-by-atf

Thursday, December 14, 2017

Real time Reporting: Town Council - Dec 13, 2017

I had another business meeting Wednesday evening so I used Twitter to post my notes for the portion of the meeting that I was able to watch (until 8:00 PM)






Honoring Public Safety - Teerith Pasricha, Audrey DiMella
Honoring Public Safety - Teerith Pasricha, Audrey DiMella

Honoring Public Safety - Teerith Pasricha, Audrey DiMella p2
Honoring Public Safety - Teerith Pasricha, Audrey DiMella - p2



















The official Actions Taken doc published by the Town of Franklin can be found here
http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/town_council_actions_taken_for_december_13_2017.pdf

Tri-County Student Receives M.A.S.S. Certificate of Academic Excellence

Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School senior, Jeffrey Blenkhorn, has been chosen as this year's recipient of the Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents (M.A.S.S.) Certificate of Academic Excellence. The certificate is awarded each year to a student of excellent academic standing who has made significant contributions to the Tri-County community.

Tri-County RVTHS student, Jeffrey Blenkhorn and Stephen Dockray, Superintendent
Tri-County RVTHS student, Jeffrey Blenkhorn
and Stephen Dockray, Superintendent
With an academic schedule that includes Advanced Placement Physics, Calculus, and Literature and Composition, Jeff currently maintains a 4.48 GPA. The Engineering Technology student has acquired several certifications including Certified Solidworks Associate, MACWIC Level 1 and Level 2 Manufacturing, AutoCAD Certified User, Revit Certified User and 10 Hour OSHA Card. Jeff has also received the Tri-County Perfect Attendance Award, having had perfect attendance during his high school years.

"Each year, it is always difficult to select only one student, given how many deserving candidates we have here at Tri-County," said Stephen Dockray, Superintendent. "Jeff has not only excelled academically, but has participated in many extracurricular activities during his four years at Tri-County including SkillsUSA, NASA HUNCH and is a member of the National Honor Society."

A Medway resident, Jeff is involved in Boy Scouts of America where he is pursuing the rank of Eagle Scout. Jeff also works part-time for Roche Bros as a cashier. Through his rigorous schedule, Jeff has developed and honed his time management skills.

Jeff plans to pursue a mechanical engineering degree in college.

Tri-County RVTHS, located at 147 Pond Street in Franklin, is a recipient of the High Schools That Work Gold Achievement Award and serves the communities of Franklin, Medfield, Medway, Millis, Norfolk, North Attleborough, Plainville, Seekonk, Sherborn, Walpole, and Wrentham.

FHS boys hockey open with win at St Mary's, wrestling wins at Sharon

Via HockomockSports and Twitter we share the results of the FHS boys hockey and wrestling results from Tuesday, Dec 12, 2017


Boys Hockey = Franklin, 4 @ Saint Mary’s, 3 – Final
– Franklin rallied from a 2-1 deficit with three goals in the final period to pick up a win over the defending D1 State Champions. Senior Luke Downie scored the tying goal to make it 2-2 shortly before Zac Falvey gave the Panthers a 3-2 lead. Matt Holmes tipped in a shot from Connor Norton with four minutes to play for the game-winner. Brendan O’Rielly had a first-period goal for Franklin.

Wrestling = Franklin, 68 @ Sharon, 3 – Final


For all the results around the Hockomock League on Tuesday
https://hockomocksports.com/wednesdays-schedule-scoreboard-12-13-17/



Preparing for the wrestling home opener with Franklin at SHS tonight @SHS_Eagles @HockomockSports
Preparing for the wrestling home opener with Franklin at SHS tonight @SHS_Eagles @HockomockSports

Via the Twitterverse

You can follow all the sports results for the FHS related Twitter accounts with this listing
https://twitter.com/FranklinMatters/lists/fhs-sports













FHS McGrath, Maguire, Marino recognized for Hockomock Volleyball Awards

HockomockSports has published the 2017 Hockomock League Volleyball Awards. The FHS student athletes selected are shown here. Links to the complete listing are also provided.


HOCKOMOCKSPORTS.COM FIRST TEAM

Lauren McGrath – Franklin – Setter
Franklin junior Lauren McGrath followed up a stellar sophomore season with another strong campaign for the Panthers. Last year’s HockomockSports.com Underclassman of the Year put the Panthers’ offense in motion as the setter, and also gave Franklin a boost on the defensive side. She finished the season with 545 assists, 148 service points with 37 aces, and 63 digs. “Lauren is one of the most athletic players we have had in our program,” said FHS head coach Kate Horsmann. “Her decision making is really good and I haven’t seen many setters at the high school level who are as good defensively.”


HOCKOMOCKSPORTS.COM SECOND TEAM

Meaghan Maguire – Franklin – Middle
Franklin senior middle hitter Meaghan Maguire was a force in the center for the Panthers on both attack and defense, helping Franklin finish with 15 wins, take second place in the Kelley-Rex division and reach the second round of the Div. 1 Central/West tournament before a loss to eventual state finalist Hopkinton. Maguire finished with a team-high 138 kills and also had 41 blocks for the Panthers this season. Franklin coach Kate Horsmann said, “Meaghan had a great senior year. She led a very balanced front line in kills and blocks. What she didn’t kill block she often block touched; she was an intimidating force at the net.”

Riley Marino – Franklin – Defensive Specialist
Franklin junior libero Riley Martino was a standout on the defensive side of the game and at the service line to help the Panthers finish second in the Kelley-Rex division, sweep Wachusett in the state tournament and reach the Div. 1 Central/West quarterfinal before a loss to eventual state finalist Hopkinton. Marino was one of the league leaders with 140 digs and had 358 receptions this fall. She also had 11 assists, 28 aces, and 133 service points for the Panthers. Franklin coach Kate Horsmann said, “Riley is aggressive and has a nose for the ball; both are important traits we look for from our liberos.”


For the full listing of Volleyball awards
https://hockomocksports.com/awards/volleyball/2017-2/

FHS Panthers
FHS Panthers