4th Annual Empty Bowls Dinner Tickets on Sale

To help the more than 1,100 individuals seeking food assistance from the Franklin Food Pantry, the Pantry is partnering with the Franklin High School Empty Bowls Club in the 4th Annual Empty Bowls Dinner on May 2, from 6 – 8 PM at Franklin High School.

The dinner event, which features a simple meal of soup and bread served “soup-kitchen” style, will set the stage for community members to join in support of the Franklin Food Pantry. The open house format welcomes attendees any time between 6 – 8 PM.

The event serves as a reminder of the many “empty bowls” that exist in the lives of those who experience hunger. The awareness and fundraising event is family-friendly and caters to all ages.

4th Annual Empty Bowls Dinner on May 2

According to Amy Cataldo, the Pantry’s Interim Executive Director, “Many in our community are unaware of the level of hunger that exists in our own backyard. The number of families counting on the Pantry is the highest it’s been in four years. The need is very real. The Empty Bowls Dinner is an opportunity for our community to support our neighbors in need.”

The Pantry distributed more than 300,000 pounds of food in 2018, which was a 24 percent increase over the prior year.

Empty Bowls Club Member Megan Torey
(left) and event attendee Kate Cataldo 

Cataldo said the event would not be possible without the partnership of the Franklin High School Empty Bowls Club and FHS Art Teacher Brenna Johnson. “Our students are excited to be part of such a meaningful effort,” said Johnson, adviser for the Empty Bowls Club. “We have been making ceramic bowls throughout the year and have hosted bowl-making events open to the community. The hand-painted, ceramic bowls are given to attendees to take home as a reminder that “somewhere, someone’s bowl is empty.”

The event includes a silent auction featuring more elaborate pieces that have been created and painted by members of the FHS Empty Bowls Club and community members. In addition, kids of all ages will have an opportunity to make a bowl to take home with them as part of ArtWeek. 

Donations made via the Giving Wall will be used to purchase food for neighbors in need. All proceeds from the event will benefit the Franklin Food Pantry and will be used to fight hunger locally.

Tickets must be bought in advance and can be purchased online at www.franklinfoodpantry.org. Seating is limited to 400 guests so tickets will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis. The cost is $20 for adults and $10 for children and students.

Empty Bowls is an international grass roots effort to fight hunger and raise funds to support local pantries. The Franklin Food Pantry and the FHS Empty Bowls Club work together to support the cause locally. For more information on the dinner, visit www.franklinfoodpantry.org or call 508-528-3115.

"Franklin resident Chris Lim will complete a rare marathon feat"

In just a couple of weeks, Franklin resident Christian (Chris) Lim will complete a rare marathon feat when he finishes the London Marathon. He will have completed all 6 Abbott World Marathon Majors and receive the Six Star Medal. Only 4,989 people in the world have earned this medal so far.

His journey began in 2015 when he decided to run the Boston Marathon with charity – the Dana Farber / Jimmy Fund. After his father’s passing, Chris decided to complete the rest of the world majors.

The Abbott World Marathon Majors consist of the following 6 marathons, in order of the races throughout the year: Tokyo, Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago and New York. Each world major has three groups of entrants: time qualifier, random ballot, or charity. Each race has a time qualifier that is very fast – under 3 hours 20 minutes in each case. Chris has battled a number of injuries and does not run that fast.

Chris had phenomenal luck and got into 2017 Chicago, 2018 Berlin and 2018 New York all on the random ballot drawing. He ran for Ronald McDonald House Charity in 2019 Tokyo and is running for Children with Cancer UK for 2019 London. He has raised almost $20,000 across those three charities with his running. In addition, he has set a new personal best with each marathon. For those who know about marathons, that is 4 world major marathons in just 8 months. His current best time is 3:53:16, which he set on March 3, 2019 in Tokyo.

Chris had been competing locally in triathlons but injured his shoulder. While recovering, he found he could run longer and longer distances and wanted to challenge himself. He enjoys running in the big cities and seeing the sights with the huge crowd support at each of these marathons.

He continues to cheer on his Dana Farber teammates each year since he ran Boston. He runs training runs with them and helps support for those running Boston on race day.

For more information about the Abbott World Majors see https://www.worldmarathonmajors.com/

To support Chris’ latest charity fundraising as he runs London, see https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/donation-web/fundraiser?fundraiserActivityId=1016836

"Franklin resident Chris Lim will complete a rare marathon feat"

MSAA-MIAA 5th Annual Mental Health Summit - Apr 26

The MSAA-MIAA 5th Annual Mental Health Summit being held on Friday, April 26th at the Doubletree Hotel in Westborough, MA. 

Congressman Joe Kennedy III will be serving as the keynote speaker. The flier is on the MIAA wellness page at http://www.miaa.net 
The cost is $55.00 and all are welcome


Get your copy of the event flyer here
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczTndqQkcwSGFxWnJHODhaSjZnajA1R2ZHNjBV/view?usp=sharing

MSAA-MIAA 5th Annual Mental Health Summit - Apr 26

Franklin Library: Impact of the 1918 Flu Epidemic - Apr 9

What was the impact of the 1918 flu epidemic? The talk is scheduled for Tuesday, April 9 at 6:30 PM at the Franklin Library.

"The 1918 flu pandemic killed up to 100 million people worldwide in less than a year, disproportionately taking healthy young adults. The personal impact was devastating and wide-ranging, including immigration, families split apart, and openings for women in the workforce. This talk draws on stories and newspaper articles to explore the multi-faceted ways the 1918 flu epidemic impacted families, sometimes for generations. This talk will be presented by Genealogist Lori Lyn Price."

impact of the 1918 flu epidemic

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA: FRI - Apr 5 to THU - Apr 11

Friday, April 5

10:00am

 Knitting Group

1:30pm

 Half Day Matinee! (FoFL)

3:00pm

 MICCA Festival - Music

4:00pm

 Intro to Knit

7:00pm

 Culinary Cabaret

7:00pm

 TOM RUSH with Matt Nakoa

Saturday, April 6

9:00am

 Recycling Event

10:00am

 Franklin Historical Museum (Always free)

10:30am

 Baby Sensory! (FOFL Room)

3:00pm

 MICCA Festival - Music

Sunday, April 7

1:00pm

 Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

Monday, April 8

10:30am

 Move Along

11:00am

 Toddler Playgroup

3:00pm

 Monday Crafternoons

3:30pm

 Dungeons & Dragons for Kids ( Teen Room)

7:00pm

 OSKEY Rehearsal

Tuesday, April 9

9:30am

 Cool Cruisers

10:30am

 Get Ready for Kindergarten

3:30pm

 French Storytime! (FOFL Room)

3:30pm

 Play S.t.e.a.m.

6:30pm

 Doggie Tales (FOFL)

6:30pm

 Impact of the 1918 Flu Epidemic

7:00pm

 School Committee

7:00pm

 Wine Tasting 101

7:30pm

 Franklin Bellingham Rail Trail Committee Public Meeting

Wednesday, April 10

10:30am

 Terrific Toddlers

11:00am

 Toddler Playgroup

2:30pm

 Preschool Play N' Learn (Community Room)

4:00pm

 Construction Junction

6:30pm

 Christian Zen Weekly Meditation

6:30pm

 Grandparents Raising Grandchildren

6:30pm

 Teen Advisory Board

7:00pm

 OSKEY Rehearsal

7:00pm

 Town Council Meeting

7:30pm

 LET'S LAUGH TODAY

Thursday, April 11

9:30am

 Baby Tummy Time

10:30am

 Story & Craft

3:30pm

 Discovery Workshop

4:00pm

 Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

6:00pm

 Volunteens

6:30pm

 Lenten Soup Supper and Book Study

6:30pm

 Charles River Meadowlands Community Forum

For the interactive version, please visit

http://www.franklinmatters.org/p/blog-page.html

For the Town of Franklin Public Meeting Calendar

http://www.franklinma.gov/calendar

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

https://goo.gl/forms/7Pr1iBuAiIna7cUo2

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA: FRI - Apr 5 to THU - Apr 11

What is a Dementia Friendly Community? (video)

What is a Dementia Friendly Community?

A place where individuals living with dementia and their care partners can live as independently as possible, continue to be part of their communities by receiving support and understanding at local facilities such as banks, shops, cafes and restaurants and maintain their social networks.

For more about dementia and what the town is offering to become a dementia friendly community visit  https://www.franklinma.gov/dff

FHS baseball and softball teams top King Philip

Via HockomockSports, we share the results of the FHS sports action on Thursday, Apr 4, 2019


Baseball = Franklin, 11 @ King Philip, 1 – Final
– Franklin opened its season in style with an 11-1 win on the road against King Philip. Junior Brennan Rivera earned the win on the mound, scattering five hits with no walks over six innings of work. Rivera also struck out three without allowing an earned run. Jack Nally had two hits — a double and a triple — with two RBI and three runs scored while Scott Elliott added three hits, an RBI and a run scored. Alex Haba (RBI, run), Jake Macchi (two runs), Cooper Ross (two RBI), JB Floris (RBI), and Joe Lizotte (two runs) each had two hits apiece for Franklin.

Softball = King Philip, 0 @ Franklin, 2 – Final
– Franklin edged out a pitcher’s duel against the defending league champions thanks to a dominant start from senior Jackie Cherry. She allowed no hits to the potent KP lineup and struck out 10 batters. Cherry allowed only four base-runners, three on walks and one batter reached on an error. Faith Turinese was almost as good for the Warriors, limiting the Panthers to just one earned run. Anna Balkus led-off the bottom of the first with a single, advanced to second on a sac bunt by Gabby Colace and to third on a single by Allie Shea (2-for-3 in the game). Maddy White drove in what turned out to be the game-winning run with an RBI-single. Franklin added a second run in the fifth. Colace doubled to lead off the inning and advanced to third on a groundout, before scoring on a wild pitch. Peyton Arone went 2-for-3 for Franklin and made a pair of great catches in left.

Boys Tennis = King Philip, 3 @ Franklin, 2 – Final
– King Philip’s second doubles team of Tyler Dowd and Jake Mager pulled out a 6-4, 6-7 (5), 6-4 win to give the Warriors a 3-2 win over rival Franklin. The Warriors also got wins from Nick Putney (6-3, 4-6, 6-3) at second singles and Jack Cannon (6-4, 6-0) at third singles. Franklin’s Liam Marr won 6-7 (4), 6-3, 6-3 at first singles and the team of Saketh Saripalli and Vayshnav Malhotra won 6-1, 6-3 at first doubles.

Girls Tennis = Franklin, 0 @ King Philip, 5 – Final


For other results around the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/thursdays-schedule-scoreboard-04-04-19/

FHS Panthers

Franklin Municipal Building will be closed on Wednesday, April 24 from 8 AM to 11 AM for internal training

Franklin Municipal Building will be closed on Wednesday, April 24th from 8 AM to 11 AM for internal training

Franklin Municipal Building

In the News: MA has first case of measles this year; Nursing homes closure threatens health care

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

MA has first case of measles this year

"John F. Enders is likely turning in his grave. 

Massachusetts in April reported this year’s first case of the measles, for which Enders created a vaccination more than 50 years ago. The deadly virus is making a comeback across the United States. 

“There is heightened concern,” said Dr. Lawrence Madoff, director of the Epidemiology and Immunization Division at the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. “The United States is seeing hundreds of cases this year – way above normal levels.” 

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in March said 387 measles cases were reported in 15 states, already exceeding the total from 2018. Massachusetts joined the list on April 1 when state officials reported the first case of 2019, and warned residents of potential exposure in multiple locations, including Braintree, Framingham, Hyannis, Plymouth and Waltham."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190403/heightened-concern-about-measles-in-massachusetts

# of measles cases reported by year (CDC)

Nursing homes closure threatens health care

"Almost three dozen nursing homes across Massachusetts are at risk of closing this year, threatening the ability of senior citizens to access needed care, an industry group warned. 

In recent months, 20 facilities have shuttered, and another 35 could do so by the end of the year if lawmakers do not act to close a $360 million annual funding gap, according to the Massachusetts Senior Care Association. 

MassHealth allocated an additional $25 million last fall to stabilize nursing homes, but the MSCA called for additional investment ahead of a Joint Committee on Elder Affairs hearing scheduled for Monday. 

“It is crucial that we continue this important progress and address the growing nursing facility workforce and funding crisis, which impacts all nursing facilities — not-for-profit, for profit and family owned,” MSCA President Tara Gregorio said in a statement. “However, significantly more is needed in order to prevent many regions of the state from losing core facilities.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190404/industry-says-35-nursing-homes-at-risk-of-closure-in-massachusetts

FTC Alerts: Ads for diamond jewelry should be crystal clear

Ads for diamond jewelry should be crystal clear by Bridget Small Consumer Education Specialist, FTC If friends know you're shopping for diamond jewelry, they may say, "Remember the 4Cs: color, cut, clarity and carat."  Here are three more important letters for jewelry shoppers: F-T-C. The FTC enforces laws against false advertising and created the Jewelry Guides, which show jewelry businesses how to avoid making deceptive claims.  FTC staff recently looked through diamond jewelry ads on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and other sites to find out what shoppers are seeing. Read more: https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2019/04/ads-diamond-jewelry-should-be-crystal-clear?utm_source=govdelivery This is a free service provided by the Federal Trade Commission.

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Seniors - Sign up now for ArtWeek floral arrangement with Garden Club!

As part of the Town of Franklin’s ArtWeek activities, the Franklin Garden Club will partner with the Franklin Senior Center to sponsor a free, fun, hands-on floral arrangement workshop at the Franklin Senior Center on Friday, May 3 from 1:00 – 3:00 PM. Each participant will create an arrangement to take home. 

No special skills are required and everyone will be able to do it. Franklin Garden Club members will provide simple design instructions and assistance. All containers and many different types of fresh flowers will be provided, along with refreshments. It is open to all seniors from Franklin and other communities. Advanced sign-up is required.

Participants must register by Friday, April 19. They may do so by either calling 508-520-4945 or in person at the Franklin Senior Center between 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM, Monday – Friday. The Center is located at 10 Daniel McCahill Street, Franklin.

Franklin Garden Club Co-Presidents Susan Childers and Janet Cederquist stated, “The Garden Club looks forward to offering this ArtWeek activity. Seniors can have fun while creating a beautiful fresh floral arrangement to take home and enjoy for many days.”

Seniors - Sign up now for ArtWeek floral arrangement with Garden Club!

Hear what you are missing? - Apr 10 - 1:00 PM

The Franklin Senior Center is starting a new program to support individuals experiencing hearing loss. We will have a kick-off event next week.

The program will be available every Wednesday from 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM in a dedicated room here at the Senior Center to provide:

• Information, research, and referrals to hearing support services and agencies
• Information on the latest hearing assistive technology and equipment
• Information on hearing aids components and research on their effectiveness
• Behavior, communication and/or coping tips-n-tools for clients and family members
• Monthly support group meeting with guest speakers from a variety of hearing organizations

Please feel free to share this info with your clients/friends, and please join us at our Kick-off event: Wednesday, April 10, at 1:00 PM at the Franklin Senior Center


Print or download your copy:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NfuqmAIh2DUBMnFLzTlPpjNIBuWC_dPZ/view?usp=sharing

Hear what you are missing? - Apr 10 - 1:00 PM

Edgehill, Samuels recognized for HockomockSports Boys Basketball Awards

Jalen Samuels – Franklin – Forward

Jalen Samuels
(HockomockSports.com photo)

Franklin senior Jalen Samuels had his best season in his final year for the Panthers. Samuels was a force on both ends of the court, earning HockomockSports.com Defensive Player of the Year honors. He was second on the team with 12.5 points per game while leading the Panthers with 8.4 rebounds, 2.6 steals, and 1.7 blocks per game. He also had 3.0 assists and averaged a charge taken a game. “Jalen is the most well-rounded player I have ever coached,” said Franklin coach CJ Neely. “All throughout his time as a Franklin Panther he has filled the stat sheet in every possible way.




Chris Edgehill – Franklin – Guard

Chris Edgehill
(HockomockSports.com photo)

Franklin junior Chris Edgehill had a memorable third season on varsity for the Panthers. He led the Panthers in scoring again this season( 16.5 ppg) while hauling in five boards and dishing out four assists per game. He scored his 1,000th point this season in a win over North Andover in February. “His ability to handle pressure and score in so many different ways really helped our team throughout the season,” said Franklin coach CJ Neely. “Scoring 1,000 points in your junior year is a really special accomplishment that shows how he has had sustained success here at Franklin.”

Boys Basketball Defensive Player of the Year

Boys Basketball Defensive Player of the Year
"Franklin senior Jalen Samuels has been named the HockmockSports.com Boys Basketball Defensive Player of the Year for the 2018-2019 season, the eighth year the award has been given out. Samuels was also named the HockomockSports.com First Team. It’s the second straight season a Panther has won the award.

Samuels was a force on the defensive end for the Panthers, who finished the season as the best defensive team in terms of points against (48.9 points per game) and the lone team to average under 50 points against this season. Samuels was a big reason for that because of his versatility and ability to guard every position.

“Jalen is a next level defender who has always been ready to take on the challenge of opposing team’s best players regardless of their position,” said Franklin coach CJ Neely. “He has guarded and shut down explosive wing players, dominant big men and all players in between. He led our team in blocks, charges, steals, and rebounds and is always willing to put his body on the line to dive for a loose ball to get a stop. He allows his teammates to be extremely aggressive with their pressure on the ball, knowing that Jalen will be there on the back line to clean up the mess if they get beat off the dribble.

Continue reading the write up at HockomockSports.com
https://hockomocksports.com/awards/boys-basketball/2018-2019/

For all the boys basketball awards
https://hockomocksports.com/awards/boys-basketball/2018-2019/

FHS boys and girls lacrosse teams top Attleboro

Via HockomockSports, we share the results of the FHS sports action on Wednesday, Apr 3, 2019


Boys Lacrosse = Franklin, 20 @ Attleboro, 0 – Final

Girls Lacrosse = Attleboro, 3 @ Franklin, 24 – Final
– The Panthers raced out to a big lead at halftime and never looked back. Franklin had 13 players register a point in the win, led by junior Kelsey MacCallum (five goals, two assists) and freshman Jackie O’Neil (two goals, four assists). Freshman Kenzie Baker scored four goals while freshman Jill Fenerty had a strong game in the midfield with six draw controls. Kyra Lyons, Sydney DiLiddo, and Rylee Fontes each scored for the Bombardiers.

For other results around the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/wednesdays-schedule-scoreboard-04-03-19/

FHS Panthers

FHS' Shea among HockomockSports.com's "Softball: Ten Players to Watch for 2019"

HockomockSports.com has published their "Softball: Ten Players to Watch for 2019" which features one player from FHS.


ALLY SHEA, SENIOR – FRANKLIN
"Franklin senior Ally Shea has been a consistent presence in the Panthers lineup since jumping in midway through her freshman season. The lefty batted .344 last season, which was down slightly from an even more prolific sophomore campaign, and finished with 22 hits. Shea has the power to find the gaps and rack up extra bases and defies expectations by being a hitter that likes to take the ball the other way. She loves to hit it through the hole between second and short and use the gap in left-center. 

The key for the Panthers will be getting more players on base ahead of her to get her up in more run-producing situations and with a strong core returning Franklin will see an opportunity for a return to the playoffs this spring. Shea is also a versatile player who can play catcher, first base and a little outfield when called upon, which makes her a mainstay in the Franklin lineup and allows flexibility for changes as the game goes along."

Read the full listing of softball players to watch 
https://hockomocksports.com/softball-ten-players-to-watch-for-2019/

FHS Panthers

Tri-County Librarian Receives Massachusetts School Library Association President’s Award

The Massachusetts School Library Association (MSLA) has named Ariel Dagan, Library-Media Specialist at Tri- County Regional Vocational Technical High School in Franklin, as a recipient of the 2019 President’s Award. This award honors an MSLA member who, in a career of one to five years, has made a significant impact on student learning through a quality school library program.

Since coming to Tri-County in March 2014, Mr. Dagan has made extensive changes that have been beneficial to the students, faculty and the school in general. He began by renaming the school library to The Library Media Center, a name meant to promote a place within the school that is a resource center that students and teachers love to visit. Then he rearranged the Library in a way that created greater use by students and staff. He purchased tall café-style tables for students and staff to use when working in small groups and new rolling tables that allow for flexibility based on group activity. 

Ariel Dagan, Library-Media Specialist at Tri- County

Recently, the Library Media Center hosted classes listening to first hand stories from a Vietnam Veteran, and an initial performance by thespians in the school’s Music Club during lunch. Mr. Dagan created an online library portal filled with useful information and lesson plans co-designed with staff. The goal is to allow patrons to become better consumers of credible information for their academic or vocational programs and advance in their media literacy skills acquisition.

Mr. Dagan has collaborated with the various vocational career programs, initiating independent reading in both the Medical Careers and Metal Fabrication career programs. He has been working with the Early Education career program to develop online resources enabling students to find the material they want to use in their lessons with pre-school aged children. Mr. Dagan was instrumental in introducing Newsela to vocational and academic teachers, bringing differentiated learning in classes. 

MSLA President, Carrie Tucker
with Ariel Dagan

Under Mr. Dagan’s leadership, Tri-County significantly increased database usage in the school for five years in a row. By developing independent online guides for each of the 16 vocational career programs, he has enabled them to reach specific online tools that would help them with their Senior Project research, a requirement for graduation for all Tri-County seniors.

Mr. Dagan received the award this past Sunday, March 31, 2019 at the MSLA Awards Banquet at the Sheraton Framingham Hotel and Conference Center. The awards ceremony is a part of the MSLA Annual Conference, “School Libraries are for Everyone.” He also participated in the IdeaLab, featuring projects/initiatives from the Tri-County library program.

“Mr. Dagan is an inspiration to our students and the school itself,” said Superintendent Stephen Dockray. “His innovative approach and seemingly limitless wealth of knowledge of collecting, maintaining and making accessible media resources to students and faculty has been remarkable. We look forward to seeing more of what his vision and passion will bring to our school.”

The Massachusetts School Library Association works to ensure every school has a school library program that is fully integrated at all grade levels across the curriculum and has a significant and measurable impact on student achievement. For more information, consult the MSLA website, maschoolibraries.org.

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 Attleboro, Plainville, Seekonk, Sherborn, Walpole, and Wrentham.