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.
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| Veterans Walkway on the Town Common |
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| gazebo on the Town common |
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| Franklin Public Library |
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| wreathed light pole on the Town Common |
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| sleigh and decorations on the triangle downtown |
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| Franklin Senior Center |
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.
Or the embedded player below->
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| 016 - The Holiday Season, The Importance of Family & Spending Time With Loved Ones |
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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
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| Community Calendar |
Wishing you and yours a joyous holiday season and a happy and healthy 2022! #mapoli #happyholidays
— Senate President Karen Spilka (@KarenSpilka) December 23, 2021
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| Senate President Spilka Holiday Video Message |
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.
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.”
"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
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| FHS Panthers |
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| Gymnastics = Franklin, 143.45 @ Taunton, 122.4 – Final |
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| FHS Panthers |
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| Emily Warren |
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| Saluting America's Band Directors |
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| Be careful this holiday season, the COVID-19 cases are climbing, and that is not good |
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| 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.
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| Help stop Omicron by using all the tools to protect yourself and others |
"Please make sure you water your tree."
https://t.co/V20Tg4csKp
Shared from Twitter https://twitter.com/FranklinMAfire/status/1474042769127706630
"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"
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| News Literacy Project --> a concise one-pager to better understand and avoid misinformation |
"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
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"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! "
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| Franklin Police toy drive 1 |
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| Franklin Police toy drive 2 |
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| Franklin Police toy drive 3 |
Shared from Franklin (MA) Police Dept. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/franklinmapolice/posts/10157976283050916
"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 |
"Franklin High School: 'Twas The Day Before Break"
Video link -> https://youtu.be/970YZGgBIC0
Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/fhspanthertv/status/1474007043489075200
HockomockSports.com has posted the Volleyball Awards for the fall 2021 season. Franklin High School was well represented by the following individuals:
"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
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.”
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.”
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.”
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| Franklin senior Cailyn Mackintosh has been selected as the 2021 HockomockSports.com Volleyball Player of the Year |
