Franklin 4th of July Celebration: Saturday, July 6

Schedule Of Events On The Town Common

Saturday, July 6
11 AM: Adult Road Race (5K) / check-in at 10 AM at the Gazebo

11:45 AM: Children's Road Race (1.2 mile / registration and check-in at 10:30 AM at the Gazebo)

Races sponsored by the Franklin Recreation Department. Sign-up for the Adult race through Race Wire  https://my.racewire.com/event/6413 
and for the Children's Road Race through the Recreation website https://www.franklinma.gov/recreation-department/news/4th-july-road-race 

12-10 PM: Rides and food booths open (WRIST BANDS FROM 12 -5 PM - $30 )

12:30 PM: Children' s Bike Parade (sponsored by the Franklin Lions Club)

1-3 PM: Flippo the Clown

4-6 PM: DJ Mike Rutkowski

7-10 PM: Duppy Conquerors (a Bob Marley tribute band)

10 PM: FIREWORKS/ Franklin High School

Good morning,
Due to the anticipated weather conditions this evening, the Franklin fireworks will be postponed from 10 PM this evening until 9:15 PM tomorrow, Sunday July 7th.

Food Booths (sponsored by various non-profit organizations in Franklin):

• Democratic Party- Pizza and water
• Franklin July 4th Coalition - Soda, seltzer water, Gatorade, ice cream and a 50/50 raffle
• Republican Party- Corn dogs, nachos, watermelon and root beer floats
• Rod & Gun Club - Fried dough and French fries
• Rotary Club - Sausages, peppers and onions
• Temple Etz Chaim - Soft pretzels, fresh squeezed lemonade and a raffle board

For the latest updates to our Schedule of Events please visit www.franklin4th.com

Download your copy of this schedule
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/8a._4th_of_july.pdf
 

thanks for the contributions by the sponsors 1

thanks for the contributions by the sponsors 2

Sunrise Montessori School in Franklin welcomes new Head of School

Sunrise Montessori School, Inc. is pleased to announce Andrea Rossick as its next Head of School.

Andrea Rossick is pictured (on right) next to Karen Roeber

Sunrise Montessori School is located at 31 Hayward St., Franklin and provides preschool, pre-k and kindergarten programs as well as a summer program to children in Franklin and the surrounding towns.

Andrea is pictured (on right) next to Karen Roeber, who is a founder of Sunrise Montessori School. Karen retired in June after serving 14 years as the school's Director.

Please see the school's website for additional information: www.MySunriseMontessori.com

“The parking situation is a major obstacle to the commute"

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

"It’s often challenging for commuters to find a parking spot at commuter rail stations in MetroWest, the Milford area and across the state after 7 a.m. State legislators are asking for more investment in commuter rail parking through the MassWorks grant program to help ease the problem.

Finding a parking spot after 7 a.m. on weekdays at some commuter rail stations along the Framingham-Worcester and Franklin lines can be dicey for people just trying to get to work.

Noreen Reilly-Harrington faces that challenge every day."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190705/legislators-seek-funding-for-more-framingham-and-franklin-commuter-rail-parking

Franklin commuter rail train heading to Franklin Dean Station

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

Friday, July 5

 Franklin 4th of July Celebration

9:30am

 SUMMER Family Yoga (outside if permitting)

10:00am

 Knitting Group

1:00pm

 SUMMER PROGRAM: Super Science Experiment-za!

3:00pm

 Peter Willis at Orleans Artist Cottages

Saturday, July 6

 Franklin 4th of July Celebration

8:30am

 Peter Willis at Orleans Artist Cottages

10:00am

 Franklin Historical Museum (Always free)

10:30am

 Baby Sensory!

Sunday, July 7

» 8:00pm

 Franklin 4th of July Celebration

10:00am

 Peter Willis at Orleans Artist Cottages

1:00pm

 Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

Monday, July 8

10:30am

 SUMMER MOVE ALONG (outside if permitting, otherwise in Community Room)

1:00pm

 SUMMER PERFORMER: Jungle Jim Manning

4:00pm

 TEEN SUMMER Writer's Block!

Tuesday, July 9

9:30am

 Cool Cruisers

1:00pm

 TEEN SUMMER Page to Screen Showdown

6:30pm

 Foreign Film Series

7:30pm

 Franklin Bellingham Rail Trail Committee Public Meeting

Wednesday, July 10

10:30am

 SUMMER A Royal Reception: Princess Meet & Greet

4:00pm

 SUMMER Crafternoon!

6:30pm

 Grandparents Raising Grandchildren

6:30pm

 Teen Advisory Board

Thursday, July 11

9:30am

 Baby Tummy Time

3:30pm

 TEEN SUMMER Board Game Cafe!

5:00pm

 Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

5:00pm

 SUMMER Thursday Movie Night

For the interactive version, please visit

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

For the Town of Franklin Public Meeting Calendar

https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar

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

https://www.franklinculture.org/things-do/links/submit-event

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

Franklin 4th of July Celebration: Friday, July 5

Schedule Of Events On The Town Common

Friday, July 5
6-10 PM : Rides and food booths open

6-7 PM: Jamie Barrett (solo acoustic)

7-10 PM: Groove Doctors (a seven piece rock-soul-blues-funk whirlwind)


Food Booths (sponsored by various non-profit organizations in Franklin):

• Democratic Party- Pizza and water
• Franklin July 4th Coalition - Soda, seltzer water, Gatorade, ice cream and a 50/50 raffle
• Republican Party- Corn dogs, nachos, watermelon and root beer floats
• Rod & Gun Club - Fried dough and French fries
• Rotary Club - Sausages, peppers and onions
• Temple Etz Chaim - Soft pretzels, fresh squeezed lemonade and a raffle board

For the latest updates to our Schedule of Events please visit www.franklin4th.com

Download your copy of this schedule
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/8a._4th_of_july.pdf

Franklin's own Jamie Barrett (solo acoustic)

Groove Doctors (a seven piece rock-soul-blues-funk whirlwind)

“They’re unbelievable - they’re bikes with a boost”

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

"Whipping around a series of orange cones in the Franklin Police Department parking lot, Sgt. Jason Reilly sped up inches away from two cones placed side by side to create a barrier before gripping his front and rear brakes.

A radar gun clocked the Franklin police sergeant’s speed at 26 mph.

“That’s the fastest we’ve had right there – nice job, Sarge!” said Sgt. Jeff Watson of the Medway police, standing beside one of the $3,600 Trek electric bikes used by Reilly. They are brand-new to the Medway, Franklin and Millis police departments.

“This style of bike is the ultimate police bike,” said Watson, a mountain bike instructor for the past 24 years and owner of Police Mountain Bike Training New England."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190704/franklin-medway-and-millis-police-take-to-electric-bikes

“They’re unbelievable - they’re bikes with a boost”

Franklin 4th of July - Schedule of Events

Schedule Of Events On The Town Common

Thursday, July 4
12-10 PM: Rides and food booths open (WRIST BANDS FROM 12 -5 PM - $30)

3-5 PM: Hot Tamale Brass Band (an exciting excursion into New Orleans Dixieland jazz)

5-6 PM: Matt Zajac (solo acoustic)

7-10 PM: ZOD Band (a fusion of high energy rock and heavy funk)


Food Booths (sponsored by various non-profit organizations in Franklin):

• Democratic Party- Pizza and water
• Franklin July 4th Coalition - Soda, seltzer water, Gatorade, ice cream and a 50/50 raffle
• Republican Party- Corn dogs, nachos, watermelon and root beer floats
• Rod & Gun Club - Fried dough and French fries
• Rotary Club - Sausages, peppers and onions
• Temple Etz Chaim - Soft pretzels, fresh squeezed lemonade and a raffle board

For the latest updates to our Schedule of Events please visit www.franklin4th.com

Download your copy of this schedule
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/8a._4th_of_july.pdf

the carnival rides will be operating from noon to 10 PM on the 4th

Ellis Paul: “Five Alarm Fire on the 4th of July” (video)

Ellis Paul is scheduled to return to the Circle of Friends Coffeehouse this September. His new album features this song for the 4th of July.

"“Five Alarm Fire on the 4th of July” is the true story of Ellis Paul’s family reunion in Washburn, Maine back in 1979. The song appears on his album THE STORYTELLER'S SUITCASE on his own imprint, Rosella Records. Using archival family footage from that day and other family gatherings, Ellis has assembled a video that is both heart warming and humorous, reminding us all that every family mishap can be overcome by a circle of family support."

https://youtu.be/KXKF9Y7B5f4




Tickets are on sale for the Circle of Friends Coffeehouse shows including Ellis Paul - Sep 21   http://circlefolk.org/sched.html

"Fireworks and PTSD: an emotional combination for some veterans"

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

"Fireworks on the Fourth of July are as common as parades down Main Street and cookouts in the back yard.

But for Bruce Walmsley, they can be a nightmare.

The 69-year-old Vietnam War veteran from Brockton doesn’t have a problem with organized fireworks shows. He can mentally prepare for them, and is happy to pull up a chair and watch.

When fireworks explode unexpectedly in neighborhoods in the days around July 4, however, that’s when things get rough."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190703/fireworks-and-ptsd-emotional-combination-for-some-veterans-around-july-4

Franklin fireworks in 2018

Fireworks this year are scheduled for 10 PM on Saturday, July 6
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/06/franklin-4th-of-july-schedule-of-events_30.html

Franklin 4th of July Celebration: Wednesday, July 3

Schedule Of Events On The Town Common

Wednesday, July 3
6-10 PM: Rides and food booths open (WRIST BANDS FROM 6 -10 PM - $ 30)
7-10 PM: Backyard Swagger Band (a high energy country rock cover band)


Food Booths (sponsored by various non-profit organizations in Franklin):

• Democratic Party- Pizza and water
• Franklin July 4th Coalition - Soda, seltzer water, Gatorade, ice cream and a 50/50 raffle
• Republican Party- Corn dogs, nachos, watermelon and root beer floats
• Rod & Gun Club - Fried dough and French fries
• Rotary Club - Sausages, peppers and onions
• Temple Etz Chaim - Soft pretzels, fresh squeezed lemonade and a raffle board

For the latest updates to our Schedule of Events please visit www.franklin4th.com

Download your copy of this schedule
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/8a._4th_of_july.pdf

Franklin 4th of July Celebration: Wednesday, July 3

Consumer Confidence Report: 2018 (part 3 of 3)

This is part 3 of 3 featuring sections from the Consumer Confidence Report published annually by the Franklin, MA DPW - Water and Sewer Division.
https://www.franklinma.gov/water-sewer-division

"This report describes Franklin’s drinking water sources and treated water quality for the calendar year 2018, and programs that protect the high quality of our water supply. This publication is mandated by the federal public right-to-know regulation requiring community water suppliers to provide specific treated water quality information annually to their customers. This report includes additional information beyond the minimum federal requirements in order to respond to typical questions our customers ask about Franklin’s water system."

Franklin’s Water Sources

Currently the Town of Franklin obtains its drinking water from 12 groundwater supply wells. In recent years this supply has been unable to meet peak water demands due to rapid growth and development in Franklin as well as declining water quality and capacity in some of our wells. As a result, and as required by our water withdrawal permit, annual water usage restrictions have been implemented during the spring and summer months. Franklin’s water mains have interconnections with Bellingham, Medway, Wrentham, and Norfolk. In the event of an emergency, Franklin could utilize these interconnections to maintain water pressure throughout the distribution system.

In addition to the 12 active water supply wells, the Town operates 6 booster pumping stations, 6 water storage tanks, 2,000 hydrants, 158 miles of water main and approximately 9,000 water services."

The full report can be found online
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/2018_ccr_web.pdf


One of the frequent comments from residents about the amount of growth Franklin is seeing is that it is too much and will negatively affect our water supply. No, it won't. The water restrictions we have are part of the permit from the MA EPA. We have sufficient capacity. We are limited by the permit to pump less than we could.

In January 2019, Director Brutus Cantoreggi and Water Supervisor Laurie Ruszela provided an update to the Town Council. The recording of that portion of the meeting (along with the slides shown here) should answer the question on our supply.

The audio recording is found here:
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/02/fm-159-dpw-water-works-audio.html
 

Water Presentation - Jan 30, 2019 from Franklin Matters

DPW Director Brutus Cantoreggi and Water Supervisor Laurie Ruszela provided an update to the Town Council, Jan 2019

FHS 2019 HockomockSports girls lacrosse awards: Cameron, Toolin, E Walsh, Field, MacCallum, A Walsh = Player of Year; Igoe Guarino = Coach of Year

We share the HockomockSports.com FHS selections for the girls lacrosse awards:

2019 HockomockSports.com Girls Lacrosse Player of the Year

Franklin senior midfielder Annie Walsh has been named the 2019 HockomockSports.com Girls Lacrosse Player of the Year. Walsh led the Panthers to a ninth straight Kelley-Rex division title, a second straight Div. 1 East semifinal, and extend their Hockomock League win streak to 80 games.

Annie Walsh (HockomockSports.com photo)

“Annie has been one of the league’s best players for four years and during her career, Franklin has made itself a perennial state power,” said HockomockSports.com Managing Editor Josh Perry. “She always seems to play her best in the biggest games and is a standout all over the field, from scoring goals to grabbing draws to getting back and providing defensive cover.”

Walsh, a Boston College-commit who was also named the 2017 Underclassman of the Year and has been a three-year first team selection, scored 87 goals and had 28 assists this season. She was in the top five in the league in goals, assists, and overall points and also grabbed 112 draw controls. Walsh was a critical piece to Franklin being both the league’s top offensive and defensive units and she earned Hockomock League All-Star, EMass All-Star, and U.S. Lacrosse All-American honors this spring.

Continue reading the write up on Annie:
https://hockomocksports.com/awards/girls-lacrosse/2019-2/

HockomockSports First Team

Gianna Cameron – Franklin – Goalie

Gianna Cameron (HockomockSports.com photo)

Franklin junior Gianna Cameron had another outstanding season in the cage for the Panthers, helping them secure a ninth straight league title and extend its league winning streak to 80 games. The University of Oregon-commit was selected as a league all-star, an EMass all-star, and as an All-American, while backstopping a defensive unit that allowed nearly 50 fewer goals than any other Hock team. She made 161 saves, stopped 50.8 percent of the shots she faced and allowed only 6.9 goals per game. Franklin coach Kristin Igoe Guarino said, “Gianna has been a three-year starter in goal, and is the core to our defensive unit. We are looking forward to her best year yet next season!”

Hailey Toolin – Franklin – Defense

Hailey Toolin (HockomockSports.com photo)

Franklin senior defender Hailey Toolin was integral to the Panthers winning a ninth straight league title and being the league’s top defensive unit by nearly 50 goals. Toolin moved from midfield into defense this spring and was frequently charged with guarding the other team’s top attacker. Toolin scooped 30 ground balls and had 11 caused turnovers, but beyond the stats was also able to limit the scoring chances for players she was guarding. Franklin coach Kristin Igoe Guarino said, “Hailey made the move from midfield to starting defender this year because we needed a strong, smart, and fast player to lead our defense. Her leadership and communication on the defensive end really helped us win some tough games.”

Erin Walsh – Franklin – Attack

Erin Walsh (HockomockSports.com photo)

Franklin junior attacker Erin Walsh, the 2018 HockomockSports.com Underclassman of the Year, finished among the top three in scoring in the league with 129 points, recording 77 goals and a league-best 52 assists. The Boston College-commit also grabbed 53 draw controls. Walsh was named a league all-star, an EMass all-star, and was selected as an All-American for helping Franklin win a ninth straight league title. Franklin coach Kristin Igoe Guarino said, “Erin was dominant for us on the attacking end. Her ability to score in many ways, as well as her outstanding feeding ability, made her hard to stop. She is a true competitor and we are looking forward to having her back next year!”

HockomockSports Second Team

Alex Field – Franklin – Defense

Alex Field (HockomockSports.com photo)

Franklin junior Alex Field has been a three-year starter in the Panthers defense and emerged this season as one of the league’s top defensive players, providing an imposing presence in front of the cage. She grabbed 18 ground balls and caused eight turnovers for the nine-time league champions and was one of the reasons that the Panthers finished with nearly 50 fewer goals allowed than any other team in the Hock. Franklin coach Kristin Igoe Guarino said, “Alex has been a three-year starter on defense for us, and really stepped up her communication and leadership this year. She has an excellent understanding of our defense, and is also an awesome teammate.. we are looking forward to her senior season!”

Kelsey MacCallum – Franklin – Attack

Kelsey MacCallum (HockomockSports.com photo)

Franklin junior Kelsey MacCallum continued her emergence as one of the most dynamic attackers in the league and added another weapon for an already dangerous offense. Franklin scored 363 goals as a team, which was best in the Hock. MacCallum, a University of New Hampshire-commit, scored 58 goals and had 28 assists and was named a league all-star and a second team EMass all-star for her efforts this spring. Franklin coach Kristin Igoe Guarino said, “Kelsey really improved her dodging and feeding game on the attacking end this year. She works extremely hard and leads by example. She was a junior captain this season, and we are looking forward to having her back next year!”

Coach of the Year
Franklin head coach Kristin Igoe Guarino has been named the 2019 HockomockSports.com Girls Lacrosse Coach of the Year after leading the Panthers to a ninth straight league title and to a second straight Div. 1 East semifinal appearance.

Kristin Igoe Guarino (HockomockSports.com photo)

The Panthers played one of the toughest schedules in the state and finished with only three losses (20-3), including another perfect run through the league. Franklin extended its win streak in the Hock to 80 games dating back to 2012. Igoe Guarino has yet to suffer a single league loss since she took over the program. In addition to its success in the Hock, Franklin also earned wins against the likes of Bromfield, Lincoln-Sudbury, North Andover, and D2 state champion Cohasset this spring.

Franklin finished with the most goals scored in the Hock, by more than 30 goals over the second best team, and allowed nearly 50 fewer goals than any other team in the league.

Continue reading the write up on Kristin and find all the other award selections:
https://hockomocksports.com/awards/girls-lacrosse/2019-2/

FHS 2019 HockomockSports boys lacrosse awards: W Davis, Morrison, Harvey, J Davis, Lazzaro, Arsenault, Chaudhury, Kolb, Greco and Alexander = Player of Year, Verrochi = Coach of Year

We share the HockomockSports.com FHS selections for the boys lacrosse awards:

2019 HockomockSports.com Boys Lacrosse Player of the Year

Franklin senior midfielder Jacob Alexander has been selected as the 2019 HockomockSports.com Boys Lacrosse Player of the Year. Alexander was instrumental in leading the Panthers to their seventh straight Kelley-Rex division title and was one of the most dominant face-off specialists in the state over the past four years.

Jacob Alexander (HockomockSports.com photo)

Alexander dominated at the face-off ‘X’ yet again, winning 357 out of 410 draws this year, for an eye-popping 87.1% success rate in the regular season. He has been widely regarded as the top face-off specialist in the state over the past couple of seasons, earning Hockomock League MVP for 2019 and first team All American for the second straight season.

“There have been a lot of great players that have come through the Hockomock League but there hasn’t been anyone as dominant as Jacob has been at the face-off ‘X,'” said HockomockSports.com Editor-in-Chief Ryan Lanigan. “Despite being very good early on, Jacob continued to get better and better each season. While he never led the league in scoring, his impact on the game was colossal and gave Franklin a gigantic advantage.”

Continue reading the write up on Jacob:
https://hockomocksports.com/awards/boys-lacrosse/2019-2/

HockomockSports First Team

Will Davis – Franklin – Goalie

Will Davis (HockomockSports.com photo)

Franklin senior goalie Will Davis had to bide his time before getting the starting role and he jumped right in and continued the Panthers run of strong play in the cage, helping them earn a seventh straight league title and a spot in the D1 South semifinal for just the second time ever. The St. Anselm College-commit allowed only 5.3 goals per game this season, which was best in the league. He made 190 saves, stopping 67.8 percent of the shots he faced, which was also best in the league. He was an academic All-American and won the program’s prestigious Coach Davey Award. Franklin coach Lou Verrochi said, “We were extremely fortunate to have Will — he’s a coach’s dream: great player, leader, and teammate.”

Patrick Morrison – Franklin – Defense

Patrick Morrison (HockomockSports.com photo)

Franklin senior pole Patrick Morrison continued his run as one of the toughest defenders in the league and the Boston University-commit was integral to the Panthers allowing only 113 goals in 21 games, which was the best defensive record in the Hock. Morrison used his size, quickness, and his stick work to be a menace to opposing attackers, while also being able to jump into attack when he snagged a ground ball. Morrison was named a first-team All-American this season, despite missing a couple of game due to an early-season injury. Franklin coach Lou Verrochi said, “Pat is the best and smartest pole we’ve had at Franklin and we’ve had a lot of good ones. He was the top vote-getter of all ‘D’ this year for All-American.”

Will Harvey – Franklin – Midfield

Will Harvey (HockomockSports.com photo)

Franklin senior Will Harvey proved to be one of the top defensive midfielders in the league again this season and his ability to stay with attackers and keep them away from the cage was a huge advantage for the Panthers. It was almost like they had an extra pole on defense, which was a reason that the league champs had the best defensive record in the league. The St. Anselm College-commit was no slouch on offense either, scoring 14 goals and recording six assists this season. Franklin coach Lou Verrochi said, “Will is the best short-stick defensive midfielder we’ve had in the program. Our players always comment ‘nobody gets by Harve.’ He’s so valuable and unselfish; gave up an offensive role to play ‘D’ because we needed it.”

Jake Davis – Franklin – Attack

Jake Davis (HockomockSports.com photo)

Franklin junior attacker Jake Davis emerged as one of the top attackmen in the league this season and helped propel the Panthers to a seventh straight league title and the program’s second appearance in the D1 South semifinal. The UMass Lowell-commit tied for the league lead with 66 goals in the regular season and he also added 36 assists. His 102 total points finished third in the league during the regular season and he came through in a number of big games against some of the state’s premier programs. Franklin coach Lou Verrochi said, “Jake is the best and most accurate shooter on our team. He was in the conversation for All-American and many coaches were impressed with Jake’s game.”

Matt Lazzaro – Franklin – Attack

Matt Lazzaro (HockomockSports.com photo)

Franklin sophomore attacker Matt Lazzaro, the 2019 HockomockSports.com Underclassman of the Year (see below), stepped into the program’s long line of talented attacks and has shown the potential to be one of the best to come through Beaver Street field. Lazzaro, a first-team All-American this spring, scored 59 goals and racked up 48 assists for the league’s top offensive unit. His 107 regular season points were second best in the league and he continues to impress against some of the state’s best teams, such as his seven-point day against BC High. Franklin coach Lou Verrochi said, “Matt always gets the top pole yet still finds a way to put up great numbers; we’re very fortunate to have him for the next two years.”

HockomockSports Second Team

Liam Arsenault – Franklin – Defense

Liam Arsenault (HockomockSports.com photo)

Franklin senior pole Liam Arsenault flew under the radar among the other Panthers stars but he was a critical component of the league’s best defense. His ability in close defense helped Franklin hold opponents to only 113 goals in 21 games and allowed double-digit goals in only one game this season. This was a major component of the program’s seventh straight league title and its run to a second-ever D1 South semifinal. Arsenault was also an Academic All-American this spring. Franklin coach Lou Verrochi said, “Liam didn’t get the accolades that he deserved because we had so many kids up for consideration. He was an important part of our team ‘D’ that was outstanding.”

Nitin Chaudhury – Franklin – Midfield

Nitin Chaudhury (HockomockSports.com photo)

Franklin senior midfielder Nitin Chaudhury was the ultimate glue guy and an integral piece of the Panthers winning a seventh straight league title and getting to the D1 South semifinal. Speedy, tough, and with an accurate shot, Chaudhury was more than capable of scoring on his own, as evidenced by the 15 goals and 20 assists he had this season, but he was also heavily involved in grabbing ground balls off the draw and whatever else the team needed. “Wow, every team needs a Nitin,” said Franklin coach Lou Verrochi. “He’s the most versatile player in our league, plays man up and down, on the wings on face-offs, ground ball machine, tremendous dodger with great vision, and he’s the best teammate and leader we’ve ever had.”

Ben Kolb – Franklin – Midfield

Ben Kolb (HockomockSports.com photo)

Franklin senior midfielder Ben Kolb was a key player for the Panthers because he contributed on both ends of the field during the team’s run to a seventh straight league title and to the D1 South semifinal. The Western New England University-commit developed his offensive game in the off-season and turned in his best season with 18 goals and 12 assists in the regular season. As a short-stick defensive midfielder for most of his career, Kolb also provided extra cover on the ride and in the defensive end of the field. Franklin coach Lou Verrochi said, “Ben really worked hard to become a more complete player this season. This season he was one of our best two-way middies.”

Ben Greco – Franklin – Attack

Ben Greco (HockomockSports.com photo)

Franklin junior attacker Ben Greco set a new program record for assists this season and his vision and ability to pick out the right pass from behind the cage opened up the offense’s potent ball movement. Greco scored 35 goals of his own and set a new program mark with 52 assists in the regular season. His 87 points were tied for fifth best in the Hockomock League and his ability to combine with Jake Davis and Matt Lazzaro helped Franklin score a league-best 310 goals this season. Franklin coach Lou Verrochi said, “Ben is probably the most unselfish (sometimes to a fault) players ever to play for us. He is a tremendous rider and has a knack for coming up with ground balls; always backing up shots and has a great lacrosse IQ.”

Underclassman of the Year

Franklin sophomore attack Matt Lazzaro has been selected as the 2019 HockomockSports.com Boys Lacrosse Underclassman of the Year. After a solid freshman campaign, Lazzaro had a breakout season and emerged as one of the most lethal goal scorers in both the Hockomock League and in the state.

Matt Lazzaro Underclassman of the Year (HockomockSports.com photo)

Lazzaro, who was also selected to the HockomockSports.com First Team, a Hockomock League All Star, and a First Team All American, was one of the most dangerous players with the ball in his possession. Not only could he take defensemen on by himself and score but he also was one of the top passers in the league, finishing second in the Hockomock League in helpers (48 in the regular season).

“Matt was one of the most talented players on the field this season across the Hockomock League,” said HockomockSports.com Editor-in-Chief Ryan Lanigan. “It’s rare that you have a player that is so good at scoring yet is also one of the most unselfish players. That combination makes him one of the best players in the area.”

Coach of the Year

Franklin head coach Lou Verrochi has been named the 2019 HockomockSports.com Boys Lacrosse Coach of the Year after guiding the Panthers to another league title, their seventh straight, and to their second appearance in the Div. 1 South semifinal, which is the furthest that the program has made it.

Lou Verrochi (HockomockSports photo)

“Lou continues to build the Franklin program into a state power,” said HockomockSports.com Managing Editor Josh Perry. “By loading the schedule with some of the top teams in the state, the Panthers are no longer just a dominant team in the Hock but are now regularly considered a threat in the state as a whole.”

The Panthers went 18-3 this season and all three losses were by a single goal, including two in double overtime. All three losses were to teams that reached a sectional final. Franklin scored 310 goals, which was nearly 60 more than the second highest total in the league, and allowed only 113, also best in the Hock. Franklin won two playoff games and only a last-second loss to perennial power Duxbury cost the Panthers a chance at their first South final. Franklin also garnered three All-American nods and led the league in all-star selections.

Continue reading the write up on Lou and find all the other award selections:
https://hockomocksports.com/awards/boys-lacrosse/2019-2/