Saturday, December 28, 2019

FHS boys basketball, gymnastics, and boys hockey teams all post wins on Friday

Via HockomockSports.com and Twitter, we share the results of FHS winter sports action on Friday.

Boys Basketball = Franklin, 68 vs. Charlestown, 59 – Final
– Franklin used a 14-6 run over the final 3:34 of the third quarter to create a double-digit lead and made enough plays down the stretch to earn the win in the first round of the Larry Fisher Holiday Tournament held at Bridgewater-Raynham. Senior Steven Karayan scored eight of his team-high 18 points during that run, hitting a pair of three-pointers. Senior Brayden Sullivan also drained a pair of threes in that stretch, finishing with a career-high 11 points. Senior Chris Edgehill helped the Panthers take a lead after one quarter (21-14) and kept his side in the game by halftime (down 36-35) by scoring 14 of his 16 points in the first half. Jack Rudolph (nine points) had a key three in the fourth quarter and Thomas Gasbarro scored five of his seven points in the final frame. Franklin will play host B-R in the final of the tournament on Sunday at 7:00.

– for a photo gallery of this game:
https://hockomocksports.smugmug.com/2019-2020/Winter-2019-2020/Franklin-Charlestown-Boys-Basketball-12-27-19/

Boys Hockey = Franklin, 3 vs. LaSalle Academy (PA), 2 – Final (OT)
– Franklin junior Joey LeBlanc deposited the game-winner in overtime to help the Panthers upend LaSalla Academy. For MIAA purposes, the game goes down as a 2-2 tie but for the Mount St. Charles Holiday Faceoff, the game went into overtime. LeBlanc’s winner means Franklin will take on host Mount Saint Charles at 8:00 on Saturday night. Franklin took the lead in the first on a goal from Shea Hurley on an assist from Dylan Marchand but LaSalle scored twice in the second to take the lead. Tommy Tasker brought the Panthers level on a goal midway through the third on an assist from Sean Connolly.

Girls Gymnastics = Franklin, 132.7 @ Taunton, 128.65 – Final 
– Sophomores Kate Rudolph (34.2) and Caroline Woelfel (32.25) took first and second, respectively, in the All Around as the Panthers picked up a win over Taunton. Rudolph was first for Franklin in the vault, bars, and floor while Lexi Lupien earned a first place finish in the beam. Woelfel took second in both the vault and floor while taking third in the bars.

Results: Vault – Kate Rudolph 9.0, Caroline Woelfel 8.75, Maddie McGuire 8.65, Lexi Lupien 8.4; Bars – K. Rudolph 8.3, Emma Nelson 8.1, C. Woelfel 7.3, M. McGuire 7.1; Beam – L. Lupien 8.5, E. Nelson 8.4, Olivia Reagan 8.2, K. Rudolph 8.1; Floor – K. Rudolph 8.8, C. Woelfel 8.6, L. Lupien 8.3, E. Nelson 8.2.


Wrestling = Lowell Tournament (Canton, Franklin, Stoughton, Taunton), 9:00





For other results around the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/fridays-schedule-scoreboard-12-27-19/

And via Twitter:
https://twitter.com/FranklinMatters/lists/fhs-sports







FHS Senior Brayden Sullivan
FHS Senior Brayden Sullivan


Commuter Rail notice: Include the MBTA in your New Year's Eve plans

On New Year's Eve, the Commuter Rail will run on a regular weekday schedule with some changes to last train departure times due to the fireworks.

All MBTA service, including the Commuter Rail, will be free after 8 PM on New Year's Eve.

Bikes, including folding bikes, are not allowed on all inbound trains between 10 am and 6 PM and on all outbound trains from 4 PM until the end of service.

For additional information visit mbta.com/holidays.

Last Updated: Dec 27 2019 02:30 PM 

What is the Franklin Line schedule?  https://mbta.com/schedules/CR-Franklin/timetable

Commuter Rail notice: Inlcude the MBTA in your New Year's Eve plans
Commuter Rail notice: Include the MBTA in your New Year's Eve plans

"Promote participation of eligible voters in elections"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:
"In Massachusetts, automatic voter registration begins Jan. 1 as directed by legislation that state lawmakers passed and Gov. Charlie Baker signed in 2018. 
When Baker signed the election-reform bill two summers ago, Massachusetts became the 14th state, plus Washington, D.C., to adopt an automatic-voter registration system. 
Now, beginning immediately in the new year, the state registers eligible citizens to vote when they interact with the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles, MassHealth and Health Connector – unless they opt out. The system will be in place ahead of the presidential primaries in March, according to Secretary of State William F. Galvin."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20191227/in-massachusetts-automatic-voter-registration-begins-jan-1

For more on the MA Legislation
https://www.mass.gov/info-details/mass-general-laws-c51-ss-65

For more about Franklin voting, visit the Town Clerk page
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk


Friday, December 27, 2019

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA: FRI - Dec 27 to THU - Jan 2

Friday, December 27
10:00am
 Knitting Group
10:30am
 Performer: Sound Explorers!
1:30pm
 Storytime S.T.E.A.M.
7:00pm
 Community Outdoor Menorah Lighting and Shabbat Service
Saturday, December 28
10:00am
 Franklin Historical Museum (Always free)
10:30am
 Sing to Your Baby with Julie Stepanek (FOFL)
1:00pm
 Girls Who Code Holiday Party
1:00pm
 Box City!
Sunday, December 29
1:00pm
 Franklin Historical Museum (always free)
3:00pm
 Whalemobile!
Monday, December 30
10:30am
 Move Along
1:00pm
 Stop-Motion Legos with Fungineers!
3:30pm
 D&D for Kids
Tuesday, December 31
New Year's Eve
9:30am
 Cool Cruisers
11:00am
 Noon Year's Eve Party!
2:00pm
 Library Closing
Wednesday, January 1, 2020
 Library Closed
 New Year's Day
Thursday, January 2, 2020
9:30am
 Baby Tummy Time
4:00pm
 Chess Club for Kids
4:00pm
 Bookworm Bounce Storytime!
5:45pm
 FAA Booster Mtg
6:00pm
 Volunteens

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

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

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA: FRI - Dec 27 to THU - Jan  2
Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA: FRI - Dec 27 to THU - Jan  2

In the News: map at the Library restored; growing alarm over salt used for treating ice

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

"Sometimes, it takes a map to locate historical treasures -- the proverbial “x” marks the spot on a faded document, in ink turned brown. 
But at the Franklin library, it is a map that is actually the treasure: An age-stained, 26″ x 20 3/8″ document that provides a view of the town’s layout when Henry Clay sat in the oval office -- about to be defeated by Andrew Jackson -- and Princess Victoria was still five years shy of ascending the throne of Great Britain. 
Recently, a custom-framed reproduction of the map was put up for display in the hallway by the circulation desk on the first floor of the library, so it could be shared with the public. The original, restored through the efforts of the Friends of the Franklin Library, is carefully stored in the library’s new climate-controlled archives room. 
“It was found rolled up in a drawer, as I’m told, during packing up for the renovations,” said Phil Sweeney, president of the Friends board, referring to the renovation and expansion project completed in 2017."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://franklin.wickedlocal.com/news/20191224/early-map-of-franklin-preserved-replica-hung-in-library

In the News: map at the Library restored;
In the News: map at the Library restored;


"Each year, Americans spread more than 48 billion pounds of salt on roadways to ward off the effects of winter weather. But it comes at a cost: De-icing salt degrades roads and bridges, contaminates drinking water and harms the environment, according to a slate of scientists expressing growing alarm. 
“The issue of road salt has been out in front of us for decades but has received very little attention until the past five years,” said Rick Relyea, a biological scientist at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute near Albany, New York. “Then we see, my goodness, it is everywhere, and it is a growing problem.” 
It’s a problem that’s growing exponentially. 
The country used about 164,000 tons of road salt in 1940, U.S. Geological Survey data shows. It broke one million tons in 1954, 10 million in 1985, and now averages more than 24 million tons a year."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20191226/scientists-alarmed-by-massive-amounts-of-road-salt-used-in-northeast


Lifelong Community Learning: 2020 Winter / Spring Registration Open

Registration is open for winter/spring classes at Lifelong Community Learning. Classes begin in January and continue through the spring months.

Participation is open to individuals, organizations, and businesses alike in Franklin and the surrounding region towns. Classes include everything from arts and crafts to child care education and various food and wine offerings. 

February and April vacations will include babysitting certification classes held in partnership with the Hockomock Area YMCA in Franklin. For children, the Kids’ Corner programs include cooking, language, coding with JavaScript, family paint night, and so much more!

This spring, participants will also find as many exercise and sports programs as ever, including yoga, Zumba, and community walking. Badminton is back along with men’s basketball and coed volleyball classes rounding out the field.

Looking ahead to late spring, Enhancing Your Economic Security, a special one-night expert panel discussion will take place on May 7. This is a free event BUT registration is required.

For more information, go to www.FranklinLifelongLearning.com and click on Lifelong Community Learning. Or call Lifelong Community Learning at 508-613-1480.


ABOUT US: Lifelong Community Learning is a program of the Franklin Public Schools Lifelong Learning Institute, dedicated to providing diverse and enriched education and experiences for all area residents and children – a resource for all ages.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczV2R1V1E3LW5IRDJHTXJwamFXS3hnSVBtQ2hz/view?usp=sharing




Lifelong Community Learning: 2020 Winter / Spring Registration Open
Lifelong Community Learning: 2020 Winter / Spring Registration Open

Thursday, December 26, 2019

"Community Arts will be adding another layer"

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

"You won’t need 20/20 vision to see the artistry of Franklin next year when the town launches its first visual art installation project, painting its town buildings with collaborative art pieces created by residents of all ages. 
The end product – which will be a surprise up until it’s mounted – will reflect the culture and character of Franklin, said Anne Marie Tracey, Marketing and Communications Specialist at Franklin Public Schools (FHS) and the town of Franklin. 
Late last week, the town of Franklin announced the project – called Franklin Community Arts – with the goal to permanently display at least five pieces of collaborative artwork around in town buildings, like the Town Hall, library, and the Senior Center, said Tracey. Each two-dimensional painting or mixed-media piece will involve 32 to 40 participants, and once combined, mounted and framed, the final image will result in a large-scale visual piece with the subject matter relating to Franklin and/or its artists. 
Each project will require two workshops to complete, said Tracey. The first workshops are scheduled in January and will be geared towards children ages 10-14. The workshops are free and are filled on a first-come, first-serve basis. Another set of workshops will be scheduled for late February/early March and will involve a different age group of artists working on another collaborative piece for display in a different location, she said, the trend continuing with each piece."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20191225/visual-arts-installation-project-coming-next-year-to-franklin

https://franklinrecreation.activityreg.com/selectactivity_t2.wcs

Step by step process for the website navigation:

Step by step process for the website navigation
Step by step process for the website navigation

https://www.franklinma.gov/home/pages/franklin-community-arts-project
https://www.franklinma.gov/home/pages/franklin-community-arts-project

Franklin Downtown Partnership 2020 Calendar of events

Time to set some events on the calendar as we get closer to 2020. Here is the Franklin Downtown Partnership listing of the major events (Strawberry Stroll, Harvest Festival) and minor events (general meetings, networking breakfasts, etc.) to put on your planning calendar.

Residents can join the Partnership for only $25/year, students and senior citizens for only $15/year. For more about the Downtown Partnership, visit their web page  https://www.franklindowntownpartnership.org/





Franklin Downtown Partnership 2020 Calendar of events
Franklin Downtown Partnership 2020 Calendar of events
Disclosure: I am proud to be a member of the Downtown Partnership since 2010

“We need a commitment to start it"

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

"State Sen. Eric Lesser, D-Longmeadow, sits in his office gesturing at a table with maps of high-speed rail in Massachusetts. In 2014, the former Obama White House staffer came home and ran for state Senate – his pitch to voters included plans for an ambitious infrastructure project. 
Five years later, he has large printouts of the final six options the Massachusetts Department of Transportation has come up with. 
A feasibility study – which failed to pass the House in 2015, was vetoed in 2016, and didn’t pass again in 2017 – is finally expected to be completed next spring. Lesser wants to create an economic corridor that will equalize quality of life and housing across the state and take cars off the road, despite roadblocks such as building through mountains. 
“The technology is not the issue, the logistics are not the issue, the issue is building the political will,” he said. “For us in western Massachusetts that’s always been the challenge because we have a relatively small share of the state’s population so getting attention and investment and focus on western Mass. projects has always been a challenge.”
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20191225/how-will-high-speed-rail-service-get-from-pittsfield-to-boston

More from MA DOT on the high-speed rail study
https://www.mass.gov/east-west-passenger-rail-study

MassDOT is conducting a study to examine the costs, benefits, and investments necessary to implement passenger rail service from Boston to Springfield and Pittsfield
MassDOT is conducting a study to examine the costs, benefits, and investments necessary to implement passenger rail service from Boston to Springfield and Pittsfield


Wednesday, December 25, 2019

Merry Christmas


Amid the darkness of winter, there is more light each day. I hope you are all able to spend some quality time with family and friends.

If you need some additional reading, feel free to cruise through the archives. The archives contain over 21,000 posts going back to 2007.
  • If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors.
  • If you don't like this, please let me know.
Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements.


Merry Christmas
Merry Christmas

Tuesday, December 24, 2019

Trash delayed one day this week for those scheduled for Wed-Thu-Fri

Christmas falls on Wednesday so those with trash/recycle pick up (like at my house) get delayed one day along with those scheduled for Thursday and Friday.






Trash delayed one day this week for those scheduled for Wed-Thu-Fri
Trash delayed one day this week for those scheduled for Wed-Thu-Fri (Franklin DPW Facebook photo)

Town Council recap for Dec 18 - plastic bag waste reduction moves forward

The FHS student group working on the plastic bag reduction plan achieved a milestone after several meetings with the Economic Development Subcommittee to prepare, the Town Council agreed to move the measure forward to be developed as a bylaw. The draft language previously discussed in the EDC meetings will be tweaked and brought forward to the Council for the first of two public readings, a public hearing and eventual vote.

Several items on the alcohol license front:
  • La Cantina received a license for the Farmers Market
  • Acupalco's move from downtown to Union St was approved
  • The Chateau corrected their operating hours changing them slightly
  • Glen Pharma Distillery gained approval for their tasting license
  • The yearly batch of license renewals was approved

The Actions Taken document has not yet been published. Once it has that link will be added.

Additional details can be found in my notes recorded live during the meeting
  • Live reporting: TA Report through to Closing
 https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/12/live-reporting-ta-report-through-to.html
  • Live reporting: Town Administrator Evaluation
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/12/live-reporting-town-administrator.html
  • Live reporting: Plastic Bag Waste Reduction
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/12/live-reporting-plastic-bag-waste.html
  • Live reporting: Alcohol Licenses - new, changes, a...
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/12/live-reporting-alcohol-licenses-new.html
  • Live reporting: Town Council - December 18, 2019
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/12/live-reporting-town-council-december-18.html

Glen Pharma Distillery gained approval for their tasting license
Glen Pharma Distillery gained approval for their tasting license

FHS' Olivia Quinn = HockomockSports.com Player of the Week


"Franklin sophomore Olivia Quinn has been selected as the HockomockSports.com Player of the Week, presented by Morse Insurance, for Dec. 15 through Dec. 21. Quinn is the 13th player chosen as Player of the Week for the 2019-20 school year and the second for the winter season.

Quinn has gotten off to a great start to her second season on varsity, helping the Panthers win their opening three games and scoring at least 17 points in all three, including 20-plus in both games this week. Her emergence as an inside-out threat has added a different dimension to the Panthers’ attack and helped them score 80 points twice and win by an average margin of 38 points per game.

“Olivia has work tremendously hard during the off season,” said Franklin coach John Leighton. “She has developed into a threat from the wing as well as in the paint. We are excited to see her continue to grow as a player.”

Continue reading about Olivia at HockomockSports.com
https://hockomocksports.com/player-of-the-week-olivia-quinn-franklin-basketball/


FHS' Olivia Quinn = HockomockSports.com Player of the Week
FHS' Olivia Quinn = HockomockSports.com Player of the Week

FHS gymnastics, wrestling, girls and boys basketball teams all post wins on Monday

Via HockomockSports.com and Twitter, we share the results of FHS winter sports action on Monday.

Boys Basketball = Franklin, 63 @ St. Peter Marian, 53 – Final 
– The Panthers used a strong first half to go on the road and secure a win over a potential playoff foe in St. Peter Marian on Monday evening. Franklin put up 16 points in the first quarter and then outscored the Guardians 19-8 in the second frame to take a 35-19 advantage into the halftime break. Eight different players scored in the opening half to help the visitors create the double-digit lead with Chris Edgehill (16 points) scored five in the first, Brayden Sullivan (eight points) added four in the first, and both senior Steven Karayan (11 points) and Declan Walmsey (six points) hit a pair of second quarter three-pointers to give Franklin the lead. Andrew Byfield scored eight of his 10 points in the opening half as well. Edgehill sank a pair of fourth quarter triples to help the Panthers keep the lead.



Girls Basketball = Franklin, 44 @ Holy Name, 40 – Final 
– The Panthers trailed by as many as eight at several points but were able to rally in the fourth quarter to pull out the win. Erin Quaile came up with the big defensive play in the final 10 seconds, stealing the ball and making a pair of free throws to seal the win. Ali Brigham scored 24 points to lead Franklin, while Olivia Quinn added 11.


Wrestling = Franklin, 48 @ Ashland, 19 – Final
Pins by DiFilippo, Carlucci, O’Leary, Fracasa, Sauer, Sackley, Nawn, Leofanti.
https://twitter.com/FHSWrestle/status/1209256910924460034


Girls Gymnastics = Franklin, 136.75 @ Norton, 122.6 – Final
– Franklin sophomore Kate Rudolph took All-Around honors for the second straight meet, helping the Panthers pick up a non-league win over Norton. Rudolph was the top Panther in each event, earning All-Around score of 35.4.

Results: Floor – Kate Rudolph 8.9, Caroline Woelfel 8.5, Ashley Hammann 8.3, Lexi Lupien 8.15; Beam – K. Rudolph 8.8, A. Hammann 8.4, L. Lupien 8.15, Elizabeth Schirduan 8.2; Bars – K. Rudolph 8.5, Emma Nelson 8.3, A. Hammann 8.3, E. Schirduan; Vault – K. Rudolph 9.2, L. Lupien 9.1, C. Woelfel 8.9, Maia Keohane 8.3.


For other results around the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/mondays-schedule-scoreboard-12-23-19/

And via Twitter:
https://twitter.com/FranklinMatters/lists/fhs-sports
 

So proud of the teams win today! Way to go girls!!
So proud of the teams win today! Way to go girls!!

The 2020 schedule for the Circle of Friends Coffeehouse has one or more concerts you'll like!




Winter/Spring Circle of Friends Concerts
View this email in your browser
Circle of Friends Coffeehouse in 2020
Give the gift of music this season. Visit http://circlefolk.org/sched.html
The Circle of Friends Coffeehouse is a non-profit organization affiliated with Franklin's First Universalist Society. Concerts are presented in a smoke free and alcohol free environment at the Society's handicapped accessible Meetinghouse, 262 Chestnut St. in Franklin, and begin at 8:00 PM; doors open at 7:30 PM. Beverages and gourmet desserts will be available. 

Circle of Friends Coffeehouse · First Universalist Society · 262 Chestnut St · Franklin, MA 02038 · USA                                         

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"need to take ample time to study it further -- thoughtfully and thoroughly”

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

"Results of a district-wide demographic study of the town’s school population is expected to be ready in January, according to Superintendent Dr. Sara Ahern.

Meanwhile, school officials continue to define the scope of a facilities adequacy study of Davis Thayer School, as well a functional space study of all of the town’s schools as part of determining whether to shutter the Davis Thayer building.

“The first step for the space study will be to assess the current use of all facilities,” Ahern wrote in an update sent out last week.

At a recent meeting of the school board, a three-person subcommittee was formed to work with Ahern on a Davis Thayer closing analysis."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20191223/franklin-continuing-functional-space-study-of-schools/1



Davis Thayer School sign from May 2019
Davis Thayer School sign from May 2019



Monday, December 23, 2019

Holiday greeting from the Franklin Food Pantry

Holiday Greetings 
There is so much for us to be thankful for and celebrate this holiday season. That said, I wish that I was writing this letter to say that because of these successes, we no longer have to be here to serve our community. But, food insecurity does not go away even during the happiest times of the year. The holidays can be even harder for those thinking about where their next meal is going to come from. Through the support of our community, we are able to provide food and other items to our friends and neighbors in Franklin and help ease the stress of the holidays. 
We have been very busy here at the Pantry. While so many people are out doing their holiday shopping, we are making sure that our friends and neighbors have food on their tables. We could not do that without YOU. Through the generosity of our community, we were able to provide 440 meal packages for the Thanksgiving and winter holidays. There were numerous drives that were held to stock our shelves and provide daily necessities like toothpaste, shampoo, and other items. 
In addition, some of the younger members of our community also showed their support by being Food Elves - middle and high school students who create awareness about, and raise money for, the Pantry every year during the first 12 days of December. The Food Elves reached their goal of raising $28,000 for the Pantry so that our neighbors can have access to fresh fruits, vegetables, and food throughout the year. If you missed your Food Elf, or were not visited by one, you can still support this effort by going here. 
In 2020, let's continue to work together to support one another and help to alleviate food insecurity. Whether you live, work, or do business in Franklin, our community is a better place because of you.

Thank you,
 
Lynn Calling
Executive Director
Franklin Food Pantry



Holiday Meal Distribution

On Thursday December 19, our Pantry volunteers distributed over 200 holiday meals to our neighbors. The meal packages included a ham, fixings, some special chocolates and a blanket.

Thank you to all our volunteers and thank you to the Interfaith Council, MetroWest Provisions, customers of MetroWest Provisions, Chris Feeley and family, Sue Kilcoyne and all those that participated in her holiday event to benefit the Pantry, and our holiday greeting card creators for their generous donations to help make everyone's holiday brighter.

https://twitter.com/FranklinFoodPan/status/1208023233573863424
https://twitter.com/FranklinFoodPan/status/1208023233573863424

You can contribute to the Franklin Food Pantry securely online
https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/

Disclosure: as a former Food Pantry board member, this organization remains a top priority for my charitable contributions.