Saturday, December 25, 2021

Reporting by Walking Around: Franklin is well decorated for the holiday

Merry Christmas! 

I hope your day will be festive and full of family, friends, and neighbors. 

A few photos to share of the seasonal look around Franklin, MA taken on Christmas Eve, Dec 24, 2021.

Veterans Walkway on the Town Common
Veterans Walkway on the Town Common

gazebo on the Town common
gazebo on the Town common

Franklin Public Library
Franklin Public Library

wreathed light pole on the Town Common
wreathed light pole on the Town Common

sleigh and decorations on the triangle downtown
sleigh and decorations on the triangle downtown

Franklin Senior Center
Franklin Senior Center



016 - The Holiday Season, The Importance of Family & Spending Time With Loved Ones

The new episode of "A Priest. a Minister, and a Rabbi" is appropriate listening for today. In this episode,  Dr. Pandora Carlucci is joined by Reverend Eric Cherry, Reverend Kathy McAdams and Rabbi Tom Alpert to discuss the holiday season, the traditions of family in religion, and spending the holiday season with your loved ones.

Audio file ->  https://priest-rabbi-minister.captivate.fm/episode/016-the-holiday-season-the-importance-of-family-spending-time-with-loved-ones

Or the embedded player  below-> 

016 - The Holiday Season, The Importance of Family & Spending Time With Loved Ones
016 - The Holiday Season, The Importance of Family & Spending Time With Loved Ones


FBRTC Group Walk - Walk off the cookies, Dec 26 - 9 AM


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FBRTC Group Walk
Walk off the cookies, Dec 26 - 9 AM

Walk Off the Cookies: FBRTC Group Walk
Sunday December 26th, 9am

Center Street Parking Lot, Bellingham

Join us for a post holiday group walk on the SNETT in Bellingham. Get some fresh air, partake in some good conversation and walk off those cookies!

Visit our website for more information. We hope to see you on the trail!
 
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Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee
PO Box 68
Franklin, Ma 02038

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Friday, December 24, 2021

Franklin's Event Outlook: Dec 24 - Dec 30, 2021

The Christmas holiday weekend is upon us. Many of the Interfaith Council of Churches (https://franklininterfaith.org/have services scheduled for in-person and remote participation. Sunday, you can join the group walk on the rail trail to "walk off the cookies" at 9 AM.

Otherwise, given COVID is still rather prevalent, PLEASE be careful when you gather. We all need to be healthy going into the new year. There is a whole lot to do. Health first, civil conversation next to take on the tasks ahead.

 
Friday, December 24

Christmas Eve
Day off for Christmas Day

Saturday, December 25
Christmas Day

Sunday, December 26
9:00am - walk off the cookies
1:00pm - Historical Museum (always free)

Find the full calendar  https://www.franklinmatters.org/p/blog-page.html

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://forms.gle/oPdi8X3ZbHHyrHzo6

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar
The School district calendar is found   https://www.franklinps.net/calendar-by-event-type/26

Community Calendar
Community Calendar

Senate President Spilka Holiday Video Message

 

Senate President Spilka Holiday Video Message
Senate President Spilka Holiday Video Message

FHS' Bain = Coach of the Year; Arone, Gulla, Kindred, Tracey, Marino, Tirrell, and Portesi recognized with football awards

HockomockSports.com has posted the Football Awards for the fall 2021 season. Franklin High School was well represented by the following individuals: 

HOCKOMOCKSPORTS.COM HOCK 5 QUARTERBACKS
Jared Arone – Franklin – Senior
Franklin senior Jared Arone had a standout season at quarterback for the Kelley-Rex division champion Panthers, guiding the team to one of their best seasons in program history. Arone was very confident in the pocket and spread the ball around to a talented group of receivers. He rarely made mistakes (only two interceptions) and put a lot of pressure on defenses with his ability to read the coverage and find open receivers — and deliver on the mark. “The leader of the Kelley-Rex’s leading offense, Jared threw for over 2,000 yards while completing 68% of his passes,” said Franklin head coach Eian Bain. “His 28 touchdown throws compared to only two interceptions had Jared as one of the most efficient quarterbacks in the state.”

HOCKOMOCKSPORTS.COM HOCK 5 RUNNING BACKS
Mack Gulla – Franklin – Senior
Franklin senior Mack Gulla was a workhorse for the Panthers this season, not only adding a key element in the running game to balance the offense but emerging as one of the most dangerous backs in the Hockomock League. The Panthers have had a strong passing game for a bit but Gulla really made the offense as good as it was with his strong running, often overpowering his way through the defense. “The focal point of the Franklin attack, Mack ran for 1,700 yards on 250 carries,” said Franklin head coach Eian Bain. “Mack’s 17 touchdowns were among the leaders in the league. Also a threat out of the backfield, Mack had over 200 yards receiving and while being a workhorse on the ground.”

HOCKOMOCKSPORTS.COM HOCK 5 WIDE RECEIVERS/TIGHT ENDS
Shane Kindred – Franklin – Senior
Franklin senior Shane Kindred was one of the toughest covers around, not only in the Hockomock League but in the surrounding region and in all of Division 1. After developing some chemistry during the Fall 2 season, Kindred and quarterback Jared Arone were in sync throughout the entire year, leading to a Kelley-Rex division title and the top seed in the D1 State tournament. It seemed like Kindred was a threat to take it to the house almost every time he got his hands on the ball. “Settings school records for receptions (59) and yards (1,020), Shane found the end zone 12 times on the year,” said Franklin head coach Eian Bain. “Shane had a knack for making big plays in the passing game, while also playing special teams for the Panthers.”

Will Tracey – Franklin – Senior
Franklin senior Will Tracey had a breakout season at receiver for the Panthers, who won their first-ever Kelley-Rex division title and first Hockomock crown since 2009. Tracey joined fellow weapons Shane Kindred and Mack Gulla to make the Panthers one of the most well-balanced and dangerous offenses in the league and Division 1. If defenses tried to focus on the other options, Tracey continually made defenses pay. He also came up with some of his biggest performances in some of the biggest moments of the year. “Will seemed to come up big and in the biggest moments,” said Franklin head coach Eian Bain.”Tracey hulled in 41 receptions for 551 yards and 10 touchdowns. In the playoffs, and in big league games, he shined the most.”

HOCKOMOCKSPORTS.COM HOCK 5 LINEBACKERS
Jack Marino – Franklin – Senior
Franklin senior Jack Marino was one of the unsung heroes of the Kelley-Rex division champion Panthers this season, emerging as a reliable and depending option at linebacker for head coach Eian Bain. He was a key piece of a much improved Franklin defense, starring at middle linebacker. He will be remembered in program history for his fourth down stop against KP on Thanksgiving, clinching the Panthers’ first win over the Warriors in a decade on the holiday. “Jack Marino always came through in the biggest moments for the league-leading defense,” said Franklin head coach Eian Bain. “Eighty-seven tackles, 10 tackles for loss, and six passes defended made Jack a stalwart on a dominant defense.”

HOCKOMOCKSPORTS.COM HOCK 5 DEFENSIVE BACKS
Joe Tirrell – Franklin – Senior
Franklin senior Joe Tirrell was very dependable for the Kelley-Rex division champion Panthers, shining on the defensive end of the ball for head coach Eian Bain. Tirrell was like a coach on the field for the Panthers, organizing a defense that allowed a league-low 167 points against (under 16 per game). Not only could he drop back in coverage and make plays, but his speed was also utilized in blitz packages to pressure opposing defenses. “One of the most versatile defenders in the Hock, Joe Tirrell amassed 78 tackles to go with 10 QB pressures, two forced fumbles, five passes defended, and four tackles for loss,” said Franklin head coach Eian Bain.

HOCKOMOCKSPORTS.COM HOCK 5 SPECIAL TEAMS
Garrett Portesi – Franklin – Junior
Franklin junior Garrett Portesi made the most of his opportunities in his first year as the starting kicker for the Panthers. Franklin had a very reliable kicking game the past couple of seasons and Portesi continued that trend this season. He was very consistent in the kicking game, getting a lot of work after Franklin scored 340 points this season. His kickoffs also helped the Panthers often win the field position battle. “His first year on the varsity roster, and the second year overall playing football, Garrett was as clutch as could be in the kicking game,” said Franklin head coach Eian Bain. “With key field goals against Milford and Methuen, he helped secure big wins along the way to a 10-1 record.”

COACH OF THE YEAR
"Franklin head coach Eian Bain has been selected as the 2021 HockomockSports.com Football Coach of the Year. Bain led the Panthers to their first ever Kelley-Rex title and first Hock title since 2009 as well as the top seed in the Division 1 state tournament. 
The Panthers went 10-1 on the season, going a perfect 5-0 against division opponents to win the Kelley-Rex. Franklin’s lone loss came in the D1 State Semifinal in a shootout with Springfield Central, who went on to win the D1 State Final. Franklin was the top defense in the league with under 16 points per game allowed and the top offense in the Kelley-Rex with over 30 points per game. 
In the playoffs, Franklin dominated both Braintree and Metheun to reach the semifinals. Franklin went toe-to-toe with the Golden Eagles, Bain helping the Panthers respond almost every time before falling 60-49."
Continue reading the write up on Coach Bain and all the other Hockomock football awards
https://hockomocksports.com/awards/football/2021-2/

 


FHS Panthers
FHS Panthers

FHS boys basketball, gymnastics, and wrestling teams post wins on Thursday

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

Boys Basketball = Franklin, 77 @ New Bedford, 48 – Final 
– Franklin set the tone early with a 21-point first quarter and then dominated the third quarter, outscoring the Whalers, 22-9, to run away with a big win on the road. Sophomore Sean O’Leary was a big part of both of those quarters, scoring seven in the first and nine in the third, finishing with a team-high 22 points. Sophomore Henry Digiorgio scored all 15 of his points in the first three quarters, senior Sean Vinson added 14 points, and junior Justin Allen chipped in with 10 points.

Wrestling = Sharon Quad (Sharon, Franklin)


Gymnastics = Franklin, 143.45 @ Taunton, 122.4 – Final 
– Franklin senior Emma White won two events and took second in two more, taking first overall in the All Around to help the Panthers push past Taunton. White scored a 37.25 while senior Kate Rudolph recorded a 36.9. 

Gymnastics = Franklin, 143.45 @ Taunton, 122.4 – Final
Gymnastics = Franklin, 143.45 @ Taunton, 122.4 – Final

For other results around the Hockomock League

FHS Panthers
FHS Panthers

BFCCPS Music School Teacher to Participate in the Rose Parade

The Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School is excited to announce that Emily Warren, our Grade Six through Eight music teacher will be participating in the Rose Parade as a member of Saluting America's Band Directors. Miss Warren applied for the program and was selected to participate in the marching band and will represent Massachusetts and will be playing the baritone.
Emily Warren
Emily Warren

This is a marching band made up of 275+ band directors from all 50 states, Canada and Mexico. It is the first time in Rose Parade history that a performing group is going to be both a float AND a marching band (all other groups have been either a float or a band) and it's the first marching band of its kind in history.
We are thrilled to see Miss Warren participating in this band which is a tribute to band directors across the country and will pay tribute to the exceptional instruction, character development and inspiration provided by music educators everywhere. We hope you will tune in to watch and cheer her on! The show will air on New Year's Day morning on ABC, NBC, Hallmark Channel, and Univision starting at 11 AM EST. Saluting America's Band Directors is expected to air in the second half of the parade (in other words, the second hour of the broadcast) and the group will be announced on TV before they perform.
Saluting America's Band Directors
Saluting America's Band Directors

You can make a donation to have a rose on the parade float dedicated to a music educator, past or present, that has made a lasting impact on your life using this link: https://rose-parade-float-campaign.myshopify.com/.../copy...
A huge congratulations to Emily, and we can't wait to see you on New Year's Day! You can learn more about enrollment at the Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter School which is currently accepting applications for the 2022-2023 school year at www.bfccps.org/info





Be careful this holiday season, the COVID-19 cases are climbing, and that is not good

Via Nathan Ahlgren, the updated State and Franklin numbers in Flourish

Be careful this holiday season, the COVID-19 cases are climbing, and that is not good
Be careful this holiday season, the COVID-19 cases are climbing, and that is not good



Customize your own view of the data -> https://app.flourish.studio/visualisation/4817758/ 

THE MA DPH numbers as of Thursday, Dec 23, 2021 show Franklin with a 5.49 positivity rate. up about 1 each of the last 2 weeks. Not the way to go Franklin

COvid-19 cases 12/23/21 https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/04/15/nation/massachusetts-confirmed-coronavirus-cases-by-city/
COvid-19 cases 12/23/21 https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/04/15/nation/massachusetts-confirmed-coronavirus-cases-by-city/


The Omicron variant spreads more easily than the original virus that causes #COVID19. Help stop Omicron by using all the tools to protect yourself and others.

Learn more: https://t.co/wbu65L0mgM.
Help stop Omicron by using all the tools to protect yourself and others
Help stop Omicron by using all the tools to protect yourself and others

 

Reminder from Franklin Fire: water your tree daily (yes, every day!)


"Please make sure you water your tree."  
https://t.co/V20Tg4csKp 

 

Shared from Twitter   https://twitter.com/FranklinMAfire/status/1474042769127706630

Reminder from Franklin Fire: water your tree daily (yes, every day!)


News Literacy Project --> a concise one-pager to better understand and avoid misinformation

"New from @NewsLitProject -- a concise one-pager with key insights, takeaways and reminders to help you and your loved ones better understand and avoid misinformation:

More about misinformation -> https://t.co/8UTBmli8NO
 
One pager ->  https://t.co/3FyPn4Wg4a"

News Literacy Project --> a concise one-pager  to better understand and avoid misinformation
News Literacy Project --> a concise one-pager  to better understand and avoid misinformation


News Literacy in Cedar Falls: Ande McMorris (video)


"When I'm on social media I see a lot of misinformation. Sometimes I think [it's] true. It really mixes up my train of thought." - Ande McMorris, a Sr & 🏈 captain at Cedar Falls HS, IA

But using @NewsLitProject's #Checkology has made a big diff 4 Ande ⤵️ Video link -> https://t.co/X3Fc7rewpc or https://youtu.be/im-xg0zK8mk

Shared from Twitter:  https://twitter.com/jakelam2116/status/1473075132155318272

Find the NewsLitProject -> https://newslit.org/

50+Job Seekers Bilingual Workshop Series/Seminarios Bilingües


Roundtable Networking.png

Anunciando Nuevos Talleres Interactivos Bilingües de Búsqueda de Empleo para la Comunidad Latina de Mas de 50 años

Announcing New Interactive

Bilingual Job Seekers Workshops for the Over 50 Community

Bilingual Images.jpg

¡Inicia un viaje hacia tu autorrealización, tu reinvención y tu transformación! 


EL PROGRAMA BILINGÜE para personas de 50 o más años que buscan trabajo, reiniciará actividades el 12 de enero y las culminará el 29 de junio de 2022.


Acompáñanos en sesiones quincenales de desarrollo, para mejorar tus habilidades para establecer contactos y crear tu conjunto de herramientas para la búsqueda de empleo. El programa se imparte a través de ZOOM e incluye


• 12 sesiones interactivas quincenales 


Además, ofrece la oportunidad de participar en otros eventos:

• DAR para RECIBIR (G2G [give to get]) 

• Sesiones de asesoramiento gratuito para los ganadores de la "Rueda de nombres"

• Conferencias de expertos invitados a las sesiones

• Eventos especiales mensuales


Serie de talleres intercativos 

1. 12 de enero – Autoevaluación

2. 26 de enero – Resumés: herramienta de mercadeo

3. 9 de febrero – Introducción a redes de contactos

4. 23 de febrero – Historias STAR/PAR 

5. 16 de marzo – LinkedIn Parte 1: tu perfil 

6. 30 de marzo – LinkedIn Parte 2: la búsqueda de trabajo

7. 13 de abril – Preparación para las entrevistas 

8. 27 de abril – Prácticas para las entrevistas

9. 11 de mayo – Cartas de presentación 

10. 25 de mayo – Negociación y cierre de acuerdos

11. 15 de junio – Trabajo en equipo y personas difíciles 

12. 29 de junio – Caja de herramientas - ¿Qué falta? 


REGÍSTRATE AQUÍ para asistir a estos seminarios GRATUITOS


The Bilingual 50+ Job Seekers Networking Group program returns January 12th and runs through June 29th.


Join us at our biweekly skills-building sessions to enhance your networking skills and create your Job Search Tool Kit. Our free program is delivered via Zoom and includes:


• 12 interactive sessions (2 per month)


Opportunity to join other events:

• G2G [give to get] sessions

• Free coaching sessions for Wheel of Names winners

• Guest speaker series

• Monthly special events


Interactive Workshop Series

1. Jan. 12th - Self-assessment

2. Jan. 26th - Resumes: Marketing Tool

3. Feb. 09th - Networking Introductions

4. Feb. 23rd - STAR/PAR Stories

5. Mar. 16th - LinkedIn Part 1: Your Profile

6. Mar. 30th - LinkedIn Part 2: The Job Search

7. April 13th - Interview Preparation 

8. April 27th - Interview Practice

9. May 11th - Cover Letters

10. May 25th - Closing & Negotiating the Deal

11. June 15th - Teamwork & Difficult People

12. June 29th - Toolbox – What's missing?


REGISTER HERE for these FREE Workshops


Promoción/Promo:


Programa bilingüe en español


Bilingual Program in English


Massachusetts Association of Councils on Aging | 116 Pleasant Street, Suite 306, Easthampton, MA 01027

Sent by 50plusjobseekersadmin@mcoaonline.com in collaboration with
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Thursday, December 23, 2021

Officer Andressa Rosa leads Franklin Police effort with successful toy drive

"This has turned out to be one of our most successful drives yet. With your help we were able to help over 70 Franklin children. We were left with a massive amount of toys that were dropped off to Franklin’s Santa Foundation. From there, these toys will go to families in need this holiday season. A special thanks to the Depoto family and Hillside Nurseries & Florist for letting us use their box truck to move theses toys.

This toy drive would not have been a success without the hard work and passion from Officer Andressa Rosa. Each year she continuously out does herself in her collection. There is no doubt Officer Rosa is responsible for bringing many smiles to many Franklin families this holiday season. Alongside Officer Rosa was Sergeant Eric Copeland and other Franklin officers who donated their time at our stuff a cruiser toy drive and pictures with Santa toy drive. 

We can’t thank everyone who donated gifts this year enough. Whether it was in person at one of our events, at the station, or through our Amazon wishlist, it all added up. Thank you and happy holidays! "


Franklin Police toy drive 1
Franklin Police toy drive 1


Franklin Police toy drive 2
Franklin Police toy drive 2


Franklin Police toy drive 3
Franklin Police toy drive 3

Shared from Franklin (MA) Police Dept. Facebook:   https://www.facebook.com/franklinmapolice/posts/10157976283050916 

AN ACTCONCERNING GENOCIDE EDUCATION - Signed by Gov Baker on Wednesday, Dec 22

Via State Representative Jeff Roy:
"Our new genocide education law will give students the opportunity to explore how stereotypes, prejudice, and religious and ethnic hatred can escalate to atrocity. 
Honored to be part of the team that made it happen. Thanks @MassGovernor for signing it today.

 

Via Senator Becca Rausch:

The Genocide Education Bill is now Massachusetts law. As the granddaughter of a Holocaust survivor, it was a tremendous honor vote YES on this legislation and attend today's bill signing at the State House. May the memory of those we've lost be a blessing. #mapoli


The legislation can be found online ->   https://malegislature.gov/Laws/SessionLaws/Acts/2021/Chapter98 

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeffroy/status/1473768475667664901  and 


Signed by Gov Baker on Wednesday, Dec 22
Signed by Gov Baker on Wednesday, Dec 22


Panther TV: 'Twas The Day Before Break (video)

"Franklin High School: 'Twas The Day Before Break"

Video link -> https://youtu.be/970YZGgBIC0


Shared from Twitter:  https://twitter.com/fhspanthertv/status/1474007043489075200

FHS Mackintosh = Player of Year; Lacerda and Tarantola recognized with volleyball awards

HockomockSports.com has posted the Volleyball Awards for the fall 2021 season. Franklin High School was well represented by the following individuals:  

Volleyball Player of the Year = Cailyn Mackintosh
"Franklin senior Cailyn Mackintosh has been selected as the 2021 HockomockSports.com Volleyball Player of the Year. The Panthers’ veteran setter was the heart and soul of the team, helping Franklin secure a third straight Kelley-Rex division title and a trip to the Division 1 State Semifinals. 
Mackintosh was also selected as the MVP of the Hockomock League by the coaches. She is a six-position player who almost never came off the court for the Panthers, shining at the service line, in the back row, and as the setter. Her consistent high-level play helped the Panthers record another successful season. 
“Cailyn is an exceptional team leader on and off the court,” said Franklin head coach Samantha Redmond. “She has always put the team’s goals before her own and truly wants the best for everyone around her.”
Continue reading the write up on Cailyn
https://hockomocksports.com/awards/volleyball/2021-2/

HOCKOMOCKSPORTS.COM FIRST TEAM

Cailyn Mackintosh – Franklin – Setter
Franklin senior Cailyn Mackintosh closed out her impressive three-year varsity career with another solid all-around season. Mackintosh finished the year with a team-high 535 assists, including the 1,000th of her career, and 70 aces. She also added 32 blocks and 241 digs, helping the Panthers earn a share of their third straight Kelley-Rex division title and reach the Div. 1 state semifinal. Mackintosh was chosen as the Hockomock League MVP by the coaches and the HockomockSports.com Player of the Year (see above). Franklin coach Samantha Redmond said, “Cailyn is an exceptional team leader on and off the court, she has always put the team’s goals before her own and truly wants the best for everyone around her.”

Taylor Lacerda – Franklin – Outside Hitter
Franklin sophomore hitter Taylor Lacerda was the team leader in kills, turning into the team’s top threat on the outside and helping the Panthers earn a share of the Kelley-Rex division title for the third straight year and advance to the Div. 1 state semifinal. Lacerda had 188 kills this year and added 258 digs and 34 aces. She was selected as an all-star by the Hockomock League coaches. Franklin coach Samantha Redmond said, “Taylor has a great volleyball mind, she is only a sophomore but she is one of the best at seeing the court, whether it is offense or defense she is going to give it 110% every single time. She is constantly trying to improve, is extremely competitive, and strives for perfection.”

HOCKOMOCKSPORTS.COM SECOND TEAM

Lindsey Tarantola – Franklin – Middle
Franklin senior Lindsey Tarantola emerged as a strong presence at the net on both attack and defense, giving the Panthers an important weapon in the middle to help them earn a share of a third straight Kelley-Rex division title and reach the Div. 1 state semifinal. Tarantola had 97 kills and 62 total blocks this season and proved to be a consistent, athletic option for the Panthers. She was selected as an all-star by the league coaches. Franklin coach Samantha Redmond said, “Lindsey is one of the hardest workers we have, she is constantly trying to improve and figure out what she can change to better the team at any given moment. She has a quiet confidence about her that makes everyone feel relaxed and connected on the court.”

For all the volleyball awards please visit ->
https://hockomocksports.com/awards/volleyball/2021-2/

Franklin senior Cailyn Mackintosh has been selected as the 2021 HockomockSports.com Volleyball Player of the Year
Franklin senior Cailyn Mackintosh has been selected as the 2021 HockomockSports.com Volleyball Player of the Year