Saturday, December 15, 2018

FPAC presents Neverland’s Ice Age: A Peter Panto - Dec 21-22

The Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) will wrap up its holiday season with Neverland’s Ice Age: A Peter Panto December 21 and 22 at THE BLACK BOX. In Britain there is a holiday tradition called a “panto.” Back in 1717, the actor/manager John Rich first created a type of show that involved a well-known fairy tale told in an exaggerated style filled with audience participation, popular songs, slapstick comedy, jokes and dances. 

At its best, a panto thrills children with the opportunity to cheer for the hero and boo at the villain and sing along with some of their favorite songs. But the brilliance of a good panto lies in its ability to also entertain adults with double entendre, references to modern culture, open satire of other works and the opportunity to sing along with some of their favorite songs.

In FPAC’s fourth annual panto, Peter Pan strikes out for London to seek assistance from Wendy and the boys when an ice age suddenly overtakes Neverland. During his travels, he encounters other lands and secures unexpected allies. He will need all of their combined help to unravel the wintry mystery and free Neverland from its frozen fate. FPAC’s “American Panto” is a new holiday tradition for all ages.

For tickets and more information, visit www.fpaconline.com or call the box office at 508-528-3370

FPAC presents Neverland’s Ice Age: A Peter Panto - Dec 21-22
FPAC presents Neverland’s Ice Age: A Peter Panto - Dec 21-22

Mixed Business Innovation (MBI) Zoning District proposed

The text of the memo introducing the set of zoning bylaw changes to create a Mixed Business Innovation (MBI) Zoning District. This is targeted to control and enable reuse of the Clark Culter property. This is on the agenda for the Town Council meeting Wednesday, Dec 19.


"As you know the Department of Planning and Community Development (DPCD) has been working on rezoning concepts for the former Clark Cutler McDermott (CCM) property on West Central, Fisher and Hayward Streets. CCM went bankrupt after decades at that location, and the property is being managed and marketed by a court-appointed Trustee.
The industrial and warehouse/distribution property is currently underutilized, and the Trustee has struggled to obtain a buyer. In addition to the CCM properties, there are several adjacent industrially-zoned parcels that are either in need of redevelopment or currently being utilized for non-Industrial uses. DPCD recommends rezoning seven industrial parcels on or near Fisher and Hayward Streets. Attached is a diagram showing the in the area, and a list of parcels proposed for rezoning.

This cluster of industrially-zoned properties is surrounded by residential neighborhoods that could be negatively impacted if any of the seven industrial parcels were utilized for heavy manufacturing, which is allowed by right in the Town’s Industrial Zoning District. For this reason DPCD proposes to rezone the seven parcels from the Industrial Zoning District to a zoning district that would eliminate heavy industrial uses and permit uses that would have less impact on adjacent residential neighborhoods.

DPCD has struggled with rezoning to a current Zoning District; for that reason a new Zoning District has been drafted. DPCD proposes creation of a new Mixed Business Innovation (MBI) Zoning District that allows the current level of manufacturing and warehouse/distribution uses at the CCM properties, allows for a greater range of uses by-right or by special permit, and increases the likelihood of the property being redeveloped.

Given the area’s proximity to the Downtown and the Franklin Cultural District, DPCD has included a wide variety of uses that could support reinvestment and reuse of the properties for light industrial, commercial, arts and cultural, institutional, or entertainment uses. Some of the uses DPCD recommends allowing by-right or by Planning Board special permit include art galleries, performance venues, studio space, artisanal or craft maker space, research and development, business incubator and co-working space, restaurants, cafes, services and retail.

Attached are the following for consideration:

  • Diagram of the area showing the current and proposed zoning;
  • List of parcels proposed for rezoning from Industrial (I) to the new Mixed Business Innovation (MBI) Zoning District;
  • A summary of the Zoning By-law Amendments required to create the new Mixed Business Innovation Zoning District, including mention of the more important Zoning Bylaw changes being proposed; and
  • The following Zoning Bylaw Amendments:
  • Zoning Bylaw Amendment 19-829: Districts Enumerated. Creation of Mixed Business Innovation Zoning District
  • Zoning Bylaw Amendment 19-830: Mixed Business Innovation Zone Use Regulations
  • Zoning Bylaw Amendment 19-831: Mixed Business Innovation Zone Dimensional Regulations
  • Zoning Bylaw Amendment 19-832: Changes to §185-20. Signs, Mixed Business Innovation Zoning District
  • Zoning Map Amendment 19-833: Zoning Map Changes from Industrial to Mixed Business Innovation an Area on or near Fisher and Hayward Streets
  • Zoning Bylaw Amendment 19-834: Changes to Sign District Overlay Map, Mixed Business Innovation Zoning District.


If the Economic Development Committee supports the rezoning concept DPCD recommends they refer Zoning By-law Amendments 18-829 through 19-834 to the Town Council for a presentation, and eventually referral to the Planning Board for a public hearing. Please let me know if you have questions or require additional information for clarification.


Mixed Business Innovation (MBI) Zoning District proposed
Mixed Business Innovation (MBI) Zoning District proposed

10f. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Zoning Bylaw Amendment 19-829: District Enumerated-Creation of Mixed Business Innovation Zoning District-Referral to the Planning Board ( Motion to Refer Zoning Bylaw Amendment 19-829 to the Planning Board- Majority Vote (5))
10g. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Zoning Bylaw Amendment 19-830: Use Regulations- Mixed Business Innovation Zoning District -Referral to the Planning Board (Motion to Refer Zoning Bylaw Amendment 19-830 to the Planning Board- Majority Vote (5))
10h. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Zoning Bylaw Amendment 19-831: Mixed Business Innovation Zone Dimensional Regulations -Referral to the Planning Board (Motion to Refer Zoning Bylaw Amendment 19-831 to the Planning Board- Majority Vote (5))
10i. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Zoning Bylaw Amendment 19-832: Changes to §185-20. Signs, Mixed Business Innovation Zoning District -Referral to the Planning Board ( Motion to Refer Zoning Bylaw Amendment 19-832 to the Planning Board- Majority Vote (5))
10j. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Zoning Bylaw Amendment 19-833: Zoning Map Changes from Industrial to Mixed Business Innovation on Area on or near Fisher and Hayward Streets -Referral to the Planning Board (Motion to Refer Zoning Bylaw Amendment 19-833 to the Planning Board- Majority Vote (5))
10k. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Zoning Bylaw Amendment 19-834: Changes to Sign District Overlay Map, Mixed Business Innovation Zoning District -Referral to the Planning Board (Motion to Refer Zoning Bylaw Amendment 19-834 to the Planning Board- Majority Vote (5))
PDF copy of the memo shared above from Bryan Taberner, Director of Dept of Planning and Community Development
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczUnRybTFQVnNSLWJCMU5JYzIyTVY1bUg0Mll3/view?usp=sharing

Districts enumerated
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczUVpjWlpjSTQxVjNaeUNncHh2ZUFWaWc1TWJB/view?usp=sharing

Use regulations
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczb2JsbU41bDBia3V2M19IRzRmd2gwR0N1cGt3/view?usp=sharing

MBI zone dimensions
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczejdzaWo5VjlwV05KdU9CSUFfbGQ0UWVOZzdB/view?usp=sharing

Changes to §185-20
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczLTFRdWF0cEpHRzRYX1dIS296Si1wNEs2N0JB/view?usp=sharing

Zoning Map changes
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczMGhDd2xkOUhlMHRiM2xYdFNNaHB4d1NuWVZj/view?usp=sharing

Changes to signs for MBI
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczRHBaX3VxbG53NnJ5bnJrSlFrdEE3WDNaUmx3/view?usp=sharing

FHS varsity basketball and swim teams post victories on Friday

Via HockomockSports and Twitter we share the results of the FHS sports action on Friday, Dec 14, 2018

Boys Basketball = King Philip, 39 @ Franklin, 62 – Final
– After scoring 21 points in the first half, Franklin exploded for 21 points in the third quarter along to pull away from the Warriors. The Panthers led 21-13 at half but held a 42-29 advantage through three quarters. The Panthers added 20 more points in the final frame. Junior Chris Edgehill netted a team-high 16 points while Jack Rudolph added 14 points and Thomas Gasbarro finished with 13 points. Alex Fritz had a team-high 13 points for King Philip.

Girls Basketball = Franklin, 62 @ King Philip, 34 – Final
– Ali Brigham continued her strong start to the season, scoring 28 points to lead the Panthers to a second straight win. Franklin jumped in front 46-14 after three quarters with Megan O’Connell adding 19 points and Bea Bondhus scoring six. KP was led by Faye Veilleux with 14 points.

Boys Swimming = Franklin, 36 @ Stoughton, 7 – Final

Girls Swimming = Franklin, 73 @ Stoughton, 31 – Final
– Franklin’s 200 free relay team of Heather McCarthy, Alyssa LaPuma, Katie Chew, and Katie Cashin qualified for sectionals with a time of 1:53.97.

For the other results around the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/fridays-schedule-scoreboard-12-14-18/

Via the Twitterverse
https://twitter.com/FranklinMatters/lists/fhs-sports






FHS swim team celebrates (via @coachB_fhs)
FHS swim team celebrates (via @coachB_fhs)


New Bedford leads in value of fish caught

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:
"For the 18th straight year, the port of New Bedford in 2017 had the highest valued commercial fisheries catch, notching 111 million pounds valued at $389 million, according to federal statistics released Thursday. 
NOAA Fisheries said sea scallops accounted for 80 percent of the value of landings in New Bedford last year. 
The value of landings in New Bedford was up last year from $327 million in 2016. 
In a separate report, also released Thursday, NOAA estimated the New England fisheries accounted for 97,000 jobs and $8.7 billion in sales during 2016."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20181213/new-bedford-is-top-us-fishing-port----again


I would recommend a visit to New Bedford. It has a lot to offer. The whaling museum is a worthy stop, there is a good harbor walk and several historical sites.

a good harbor walk along the New Bedford waterfront
a good harbor walk along the New Bedford waterfront


When we visited New Bedford in 2017, I found out that Captain Henry Martyn Robertshad been assigned there to build Fort Rodman (now called Fort Tabor Park) to protect the entrance to the harbor. It was while stationed there, he conducted a meeting and lost control of it. He went home that night to write down the process so that wouldn't happen the next time. These parliamentary procedures are what we know and use today as Robert's Rules of Order.


Captain Henry Martyn Roberts had been assigned there to build Fort Rodman (now called Fort Tabor Park)
Captain Henry Martyn Roberts had been assigned to
build Fort Rodman (now called Fort Tabor Park)


"excited about expanding its offshore wind presence"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:
"A lease auction of about 600 square miles acres off the coast of Massachusetts for the development of offshore wind energy has drawn a record $405 million in winning bids. 
If fully developed, the three parcels could generate about 4.1 gigawatts of energy — enough to power nearly 1.5 million homes. 
Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke said Friday the auction was the nation’s eighth competitive lease sale for the development of offshore wind. He said it smashed the previous highest grossing offshore wind lease sale record of $42 million for an area off New York in 2016. 
The provisional winners of the auction were Equinor Wind US, Mayflower Wind Energy and Vineyard Wind. They bid $135 million each for three similarly sized parcels of approximately 130,000 acres."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20181214/auction-of-wind-parcels-off-mass-coast-draws-record-405m-in-bids

Image from Equinor's web page
Image from Equinor's web page
More about Equinor Wind US  https://www.equinor.com/en/news/us-wind-dec2018.html

More about Mayflower Wind Energy LLC
https://www.bloomberg.com/research/stocks/private/snapshot.asp?privcapId=279756673

More about Vineyard Wind  https://www.vineyardwind.com/

Friday, December 14, 2018

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA: FRI Dec 14 - THU Dec 20



For the interactive version, please visit
 
For the Town of Franklin Public Meeting Calendar
http://www.franklinma.gov/calendar


Submit an event for the Community Calendar, please use this link

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA: FRI Dec 14 - THU Dec 20
Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA: FRI Dec 14 - THU Dec 20

Tri-County Q1 2018-2019 Honor Roll

The Honor Roll for the first quarter from Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School in Franklin. 

Students who receive term grades of B- or better in all subjects earn honor roll status. 
Students who earn grades of A- or better in all subjects receive high honors.




You can also find this copy online
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1H9YaydYQJ7wkBvRYOm7-SzMY8fDajqaK/view?usp=sharing

For more about Tri-County, visit their web page  https://www.tri-county.us/

Tri-County Q1 2018-2019 Honor Roll
Tri-County Q1 2018-2019 Honor Roll

FHS boys hockey tops Malden Catholic 3-0

Via HockomockSports and Twitter we share the results of the FHS sports action on Thursday, Dec 13, 2018


Boys Hockey = Franklin, 3 @ Malden Catholic, 0 – Final
– Senior Matt Holmes scored twice and senior Ryan Cameron recorded a shutout as Franklin opened up its season with a win over Malden Catholic. Cameron made 17 stops in net for the shutout while senior CJ Spillane added an empty netter in the final minutes for the Panthers.

For the other results around the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/thursdays-schedule-scoreboard-12-13-18/

Via the Twitterverse
https://twitter.com/FranklinMatters/lists/fhs-sports

FHS Panthers
FHS Panthers














Anglican Church of the Redeemer: Christmas Worship Services

The Anglican Church of the Redeemer in Franklin will hold its Annual Christmas Eve Candlelight Service on Monday, December 24 as they honor the birth of our Savior. Members of the community are invited to the 4:30 PM worship service. The service is held at 31 Hayward Street, which includes the Liturgy of the Word and the celebration of Holy Communion.

Annual Christmas Eve Candlelight Service on Monday, December 24
Annual Christmas Eve Candlelight Service on Monday, December 24

And the community is also invited to join Redeemer Franklin on Sunday, December 30, as they celebrate Lessons and Carols.

Sunday, December 30, celebrate Lessons and Carols
Sunday, December 30, celebrate Lessons and Carols

Father Dan Sylvia, Fr. Jeff Dorn, and all the members of the congregation invite everyone to come, to study and to worship with us.  You don't have to be a believing Christian; if you are a "seeker," please come and seek God with us.  There is ample parking and the church is accessible to all.  The Church of the Redeemer is a parish of the Anglican Diocese in New England of the Anglican Church in North America.  Information about the parish is available by calling 508-346-3423 or at www.redeemerfranklin.com.

Pictures with Santa and Mrs Claus - Dec 15

Pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus at the Franklin Police Department on December 15, 2018 from 9 AM to noon.

Pictures are free with an unwrapped gift for our community toy drive.


Pictures with Santa and Mrs Claus - Dec 15
Pictures with Santa and Mrs Claus - Dec 15

Follow the Franklin Police Department event on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/events/1936339859794591/


“They really are great sandwiches”

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

"Foodies are getting excited about a new sign that popped up on Rte. 140 in Franklin on Wednesday afternoon, teasing a new place to eat. 
Jersey Mike’s Subs plans to open a shop in the plaza at 471 West Central St., the company’s corporate office confirmed. The company did not provide an opening date. 
Franklin will be the company’s second Massachusetts shop, the other being in Marlborough. 
Some folks are familiar with Jersey Mike’s classic Italian sub and grilled chicken cheesesteak."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20181214/jersey-mikes-sub-shop-is-coming-to-franklin


Twitter profile image for Jersey Mike's
Twitter profile image for Jersey Mike's

Twitter = https://twitter.com/jerseymikes
Webpage = https://www.jerseymikes.com/

In the News: third of folks go without care; grant applications available for ArtWeek

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:
"Most adults who sought care for mental health or substance use disorders in Massachusetts in the last year had trouble obtaining that care, regardless of whether or not they had insurance coverage to help pay for the care. 
The 2018 Massachusetts Health Reform Survey found that more than a third of the people who sought behavioral health care in the last 12 months have gone without that care and that 57 percent of the people who sought care said they had trouble finding a provider who would see them. 
The Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Foundation on Tuesday morning will release the results of the survey conducted by the Urban Institute and Social Science Research Solutions earlier this year based on responses from 2,201 individuals. 
“I think all in all, it’s sort of another set of data that indicates what we all sort of anecdotally experience and hear about: that there are real access problems with getting mental health and substance use disorder care,” Audrey Shelto, president of the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Foundation, said. She added, “In a state where we have made such dramatic gains in coverage, it is disturbing that so many people with mental health and substance use conditions face these challenges in getting treatment.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20181211/survey-mass-residents-have-trouble-accessing-behavioral-health-care


"Grant applications are now available for the ArtWeek 2019 in Franklin, the second year the town is participating in the statewide event. 
ArtWeek is a 10-day festival that features unique artistic experiences from local businesses and organizations. Some of the events offered are participatory, while others offer a look at how artists do their work. 
Chairman of the Franklin Cultural Council, Stacey David said that the town hosted 50 events in 2018′s ArtWeek. This year, Franklin hosted 10 percent of the state’s events, and had a massive turnout, she said. For 2019, they’re hoping for even more, she said. 
“The response was really great,” David said. “Everything was very well-attended and the people there were really excited.”
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20181212/franklin-artweek-grant-program-is-now-open

Franklin Cultural Council to Offer Artweek Festival Grants
Franklin Cultural Council to Offer Artweek Festival Grants

Thursday, December 13, 2018

FPAC Announces Open Auditions for You Can’t Take It With You

The Franklin Performing Arts Company is excited to announce open auditions for You Can't Take it With You. Auditions open to ages 16+ on Saturday, December 15 or by appointment. To schedule an appointment, call 508-528-3370 or email Raye Lynn Mercer at rlmercer@fpaconline.com. Those auditioning may prepare a monologue or sides will be available. The production runs January 25-27 at THE BLACK BOX.

FPAC Announces Open Auditions for You Can’t Take It With You
FPAC Announces Open Auditions
for You Can’t Take It With You
You Can't Take It with You, by Moss Hart and George S. Kaufman, is a classic comedy about a family living “to the beat of a different drum”. Set in the summer of 1938 in New York City, the play introduces audiences to the freethinking Sycamore family and the mishaps and mayhem that ensue when their daughter's fiancé brings his conservative, straight-laced parents to dinner on the wrong night. You Can’t Take It with You won the 1937 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, and the screen adaptation won the Academy Award for Best Picture and Best Director.

For more information, visit www.fpaconline.com or call 508-528-3370


FHS Gordon, Driscoll, Nally, Wertz, and Cheuvront recognized with HockomockSports football awards

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


HOCKOMOCKSPORTS.COM HOCK 5 QUARTERBACKS

Nick Gordon
Nick Gordon
Nick Gordon – Franklin- Senior
Franklin senior quarterback Nick Gordon added a different dimension to the Panthers offense this season with his ability to make plays through the air or with his feet. Gordon, who was chosen as the Hockomock League MVP, threw for 24 touchdown passes and exactly 2,100 yards to help Franklin reach the Div. 1 South semifinal. He also rushed for 419 yards and eight touchdowns, setting school records for passing and total TDs and total yards. Franklin coach Eian Bain said, “Nick stepped into the roll of QB for us and our system evolved to utilized his play making ability. He steadily improved as the season progressed.”



HOCKOMOCKSPORTS.COM HOCK 5 WIDE RECEIVERS/TIGHT ENDS

Ryan Driscoll
Ryan Driscoll
Ryan Driscoll – Franklin – Senior
Franklin senior Ryan Driscoll was one of the top big play threats in the state this season, averaging more than 31 yards per catch and pulling in 12 touchdowns, which was half of QB Nick Gordon’s total passing touchdowns. He had 842 receiving yards this season, as well as 188 yards on special teams to eclipse 1,000 total yards for the year. Driscoll was also one of the top cover guys in the Panthers secondary. Franklin coach Eian Bain said, “Ryan had a flair for the big play, and scored in all but three games this season. He became the go-to in the big moments. He also had big plays on special teams in the return game.”



HOCKOMOCKSPORTS.COM HOCK 5 ATHLETES

Jack Nally
Jack Nally
Jack Nally – Franklin – Junior
Franklin junior Jack Nally found a number of different ways to make an impact for the Panthers on both sides of the ball, helping them reach the D1 South semifinals. Nally averaged five yards per carry this season and rushed for one touchdown, while catching four touchdowns and totaling nearly 400 yards receiving. He also had more than 350 return yards (922 yards total) and was a strong presence on the defensive side of the ball. Franklin coach Eian Bain said, “Jack was our best overall athlete. We need to invent new and creative way to get him the football. He was a focal point of our game plan each week in all three phases.”



HOCKOMOCKSPORTS.COM HOCK 5 LINEBACKERS

Evan Wertz
Evan Wertz
Evan Wertz – Franklin – Junior
Franklin junior linebacker Evan Wertz has already set school records during his two years in the middle of the Panthers defense, as he racks up tackles each week. He had an incredible 122 tackles in 11 games this season (11 per game), including 45 solo efforts and 10 tackles for loss. He also had three pass break-ups and an interception, as he showed the ability to drop into coverage when needed. Franklin coach Eian Bain said, “One of the best linebackers in the state, Evan has a nose for the football. He has great lateral quickness and is a technician with his block destruction. He has set multiple school records already as a linebacker.”



HOCKOMOCKSPORTS.COM HOCK 5 DEFENSIVE BACKS

Ryan Driscoll
Ryan Driscoll
Ryan Driscoll – Franklin – Junior
Franklin senior defensive back Ryan Driscoll emerged as one of the top two-way players for the Panthers, making big plays in the passing game on offense and preventing them on defense. He finished with 31 tackles (15 solo tackles), 10 pass breakups, two interceptions, and a blocked punt. He also accumulated more than 1,000 total yards as Franklin’s top target in the passing game (see above). Franklin coach Eian Bain said, “Defensively, Ryan drew the toughest match-ups each week. He was one of our most sure tacklers, and had many solo tackles on the perimeter. His playmaking extended to the defensive side of the ball.”



HOCKOMOCKSPORTS.COM HOCK 5 SPECIAL TEAMS

Parker Cheuvront
Parker Cheuvront
Parker Cheuvront – Franklin – Sophomore
Franklin sophomore Parker Cheuvront stepped into the kicking role this season and turned into a weapon for the Panthers as they made a run to the Div. 1 South semifinal. He made 38-of-39 extra points this season and also went 3-of-6 on field goals. He made attempts from 32, 16, and 23 yards and finished with 47 total points in his first season for the Panthers. Franklin coach Eian Bain said, “Parker stepped in to sure up our kicking game this season. He is a master of his craft, and worked tirelessly to add an element to our team that we desperately lacked. As he got used to the bright lights on Friday, he became more and more consistent.”




For all the HockomockSports.Com football awards
https://hockomocksports.com/awards/football/2018-2/

FHS Lizotte, Tasker - "players to watch"; FHS boys hockey season preview

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


JOE LIZZOTTE, SENIOR – FRANKLIN
Lizzotte is one of Franklin’s top returning forwards from last year’s league title-winning side and he could make the move up from the second to the first line for the Panthers this season. His energy and tenacity in the offensive zone made him one of Franklin’s top scoring threats, as the Panthers advanced to the final of the competitive Mount St. Charles tournament and got a point for the first time against Malden Catholic. 

Lizzotte scored nine times and assisted on four other goals, partnering with Zac Falvey on the second line and both are back to keep Franklin rolling into a new season. Lizzotte utilizes his speed to open up space for diagonal passes and is willing to chase pucks into the corners to try and keep the offense going. In addition to league play, Franklin has a schedule loaded with some of the top teams in Div. 1, so Lizzotte and the forwards will need to be firing right from the start to help the Panthers compete with some of the state’s best.

TOM TASKER, SENIOR – FRANKLIN
Tasker jumped into the mix for Franklin and made a quick impression as a solid performer on the blue line in all three zones, providing big hits and a hard shot from the point. Now as a junior Tasker has solidified himself as a mainstay and one of the leaders of the Panthers defense as they try to continue their dominance in the Kelley-Rex division and make another run in the tournament. 

Tasker is a physical presence in the defensive zone but also showed good touch on his outlet passes to get the Panthers into the attack quickly. He scored four goals and had four assists last season and became a dangerous weapon on the power play. After a year of experience on the varsity level, Tasker will be one of the leaders in the back line and keep driving the team forward from the defensive zone. Expectations are high for Franklin defensemen but Tasker seems more than capable of meeting them.

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



FRANKLIN
2017-2018 Record: 12-6-5
2017-2018 Finish: Reached Div. 1 South first round.
Coach: Chris Spillane

Franklin started well last winter, reaching the final of the prestigious Mount St. Charles tournament and taking a point off Malden Catholic for the first time, but the Panthers couldn’t carry the momentum throughout the season and were knocked out in the first round of the tournament. As usual, Franklin graduated a lot of players, but also return a strong corps of experienced players to take on arguably the program’s toughest regular season schedule, which is loaded with some of the state’s top teams.

The Panthers return 11 seniors for this season, including eight forwards, but also have a group of eight sophomores that are jumping up from the JV to contribute on varsity this season. The forward line has plenty of experience and should be able to fire in the goals this year. Seniors Joey Lizotte, Zac Falvey, Scott Elliott, Dan Magazu, and C.J. Spillane will all be able to jump into the top scoring lines after playing major roles last year.

Defensively, the top five defensemen will be juniors Tom Tasker (who was on the HockomockSports.com All-Underclassman Team last year) and Colin Hedvig and seniors Cam Casella, Matt D’Errico, and Evan Forbes. Three sophomores will also see time on the blue line for the Panthers this season. After graduating three senior goaltenders, the job is open to senior Ryan Cameron and junior Ray Ivers, who are both making the jump from JV.

“Our hope is that team speed will drive the offense and that our returning defense will have the experience to make sound decisions in our end,” said Franklin coach Chris Spillane. “The boys are looking forward to the upcoming season. I see the Hockomock as an extremely competitive league this year. We will also challenge our boys with a high-end non-league schedule.”

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

FHS Panthers
FHS Panthers

FHS girls hockey tops Medway; FHS wrestling pins Tri-County

Via HockomockSports and Twitter we share the results of the FHS sports action on Wednesday, Dec 12, 2018


Girls Hockey = Franklin, 4 vs. Medway, 3 – Final
– Cassi Ronan scored a pair of goals and Regan Paterson and Libby Carter each tallied once to lift the Panthers to a season-opening win.


Wrestling = Franklin, 49 vs. Tri-County, 19 – Final


For the other results around the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/wednesdays-schedule-scoreboard-12-12-18/

Via the Twitterverse
https://twitter.com/FranklinMatters/lists/fhs-sports







FHS Panthers
FHS Panthers