FHS wrestling goes 2-1 at Hock Quad meet; Best Buddies fund raiser a success on Saturday

Via HockomockSports.com and Twitter, we share the results of the winter sports competition for Franklin High School on Saturday, January 28, 2023. We also provide the link to the full set of Hockomock League results below.

Girls Hockey = Franklin, 0 @ Canton, 4 – Final

Wrestling = Hock Super Quad (Franklin, Mansfield, Oliver Ames, North Attleboro, Sharon), 9:00 (@ Oliver Ames)

Good day of wrestling going 2-1 today  with wins against mansfield and Oliver Ames and a tough loss to Sharon pins from sauer,carlucci (2), Leaman,foley (3) bramson (2), rosenberg (2),O’Connell (2), francois, gabis🚨OW goes to DARREL Francois clinching the win against mansfield

https://twitter.com/FHSWrestle/status/1619421427165450241

For other results around the Hockomock League

https://hockomocksports.com/saturdays-schedule-scoreboard-01-28-23/

FHS Best Buddies Students vs Teachers game

Full court game of knock-out after the students DESTROYED the staff at an epic @bestbuddies @BestFHSBuddies  bball game!! The stands were packed!  @FHSSports @FranklinMatters @fps4students @coachleighto an’t wait for PROM!!

https://twitter.com/cathyklein03/status/1619453507073097731

FHS Best Buddies Students vs Teachers game

Panther TV: Panther News for Friday, January 27, 2023 (video)

Panther TV (@fhspanthertv) tweeted on Fri, Jan 27, 2023:

On this week's Panther News, a preview of the @bestbuddies basketball match between students and teachers, and boy's hockey takes on catholic memorial! @FHS_PuckCoach @FranklinHS @FHSPantherbook @FHSSports @FranklinMatters @FranklinPSNews

Video link => https://t.co/8GNceaaMDz via @YouTube

Shared from Twitter -> https://twitter.com/fhspanthertv/status/1618976082564374529

Watch "Franklin High School Special Olympics 2021" on YouTube

Franklin High School Special Olympics 2021 - Produced by Panther TV reporter, Amanda Wylie. Video link => https://youtu.be/A4EMHQAHXXg

FHS Unified Music presents "I want it that way"

"Hey everyone! Here is the final product of the video we have been working on for the last few weeks! Hope you enjoy!"

YouTube Link = https://youtu.be/ZSgg6RDHcd8




Shared via Twitter:
https://twitter.com/FHSUnifiedMusic/status/1253445557659541505?s=09

Best Buddies: Inclusion is everywhere.

'Friendship is the Light of Life' As Best Buddies has grown across the world over the last 30 years, so has our annual Leadership Conference. This year, international guests from 13 different countries made the trek to Indiana University in July. With attendees from Germany to Kenya to Haiti, we show that inclusion knows no bounds, and we hope you'll help us continue to prove this point in celebration of #GivingTuesday, the world's biggest day of giving.  Two first-time attendees were Chloe Wong and Sandy Chow, a Chapter President and Ambassador from Hong Kong. The pair endured 17-hour flights just to be in the company of others who believe in inclusion as much as they do. If you ask either of them, they won't hesitate to tell you it was all worth it. As Chloe put it: "I was honored to be a part of the Leadership Conference with my Best Buddy, Sandy. It was a dream come true, and I was amazed to see Sandy's growth at the conference. She finished her very first speech in English and made friends from all over the world. The Leadership Conference gave us both the confidence to be ourselves. Best Buddies makes us better, and it's taught me that friendship is the light of life." Each year, people like Sandy and Chloe are truly transformed by the Leadership Conference. It shines a light on people's abilities and empowers leaders to be themselves. But you don't have to look halfway around the world to find people who need these opportunities. You probably don't even have to leave your neighborhood. In every country, every state, and every single city across the world, there are Chloes and Sandys who are just waiting to be given a chance. For #GivingTuesday, we're asking you to be a spark in your community. More than $50,000 are now being matched across the country, so there's no better time to ignite inclusion with us.

Best Buddies International is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to establishing a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, leadership development, and inclusive living for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). bestbuddies.org/giving-tuesday

Best Buddies International 100 SE 2nd Street, Suite 2200 Miami, FL 33131 Phone: (305) 374-2233

 

Best Buddies - Wine Tasting 2019 - May 4

Kristen posted a new update to Best Buddies - Wine Tasting 2019 Thank you for all of your generous donation for Best Buddies! We are excited for the event on Saturday - we hope you can make it! Live music, wine, Kentucky Derby - What is... View update https://www.gofundme.com/best-buddies-2nd-annual-wine-tasting?

GoFundMe® 855 Jefferson Ave, PO Box 1329, Redwood City, CA 94063

This year, Best Buddies International is incredibly proud to celebrate 30 years of inclusion for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ 

Happy 30th Anniversary, Best Buddies! 🎉  Dear Friends, This year, Best Buddies International is incredibly proud to celebrate 30 years of inclusion for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). When I started Best Buddies 30 years ago at Georgetown University, I never imagined that this organization would impact the lives of more than 1.2 million people across the globe, spanning 53 countries and six continents. Furthermore, If someone had told me then that I would live to see individuals with IDD working in a tech lab earning more than $50,000, participating in pension plans and receiving full healthcare benefits; reporting for a national television show, testifying in front of Congress; and delivering the keynote address at an annual corporate conference in Silicon Valley; I would not have believed any of it. Fast forward 30 years to a world that is indeed more inclusive and diverse, although there is still so much more to be done. To celebrate our 30th Anniversary, we are excited to launch the organization's newest program, Best Buddies Living. Best Buddies is elevating our mission to meet the significant need for inclusion by establishing a residential living experience for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their peers.  This new program represents our organization's newest and fourth key mission pillar, Inclusive Living. Best Buddies Living will provide individuals with and without IDD the opportunity to live together in a vibrant community that supports all residents in advancing their employment, financial literacy, continued education and life skills as they work to achieve their personal goals.  Located in Los Angeles in partnership with UCLA, the first house will create innovative residents and pioneer ways to support individuals with disabilities and their peers. As the program expands, Best Buddies Living residences will continue to be near college campuses, cultivating mutually transformative relationships and growth opportunities for people of all abilities. For more information about Best Buddies Living, please visit: bestbuddies.org/living. Our 30th Anniversary is a special milestone and I am beyond blessed that I get to wake up each day and do what I love. My appreciation and gratitude for this gift is unimaginable! As we look ahead, I am excited to watch a new generation of leaders step up to the plate to guide our global movement to new levels. I was only in my early 20's when all of this began, and I have never lost faith in the endless creativity, genius level talent, leadership and power that young people have. We will need each of you to help lead our movement forward as I am confident that the spirit of Best Buddies will continue to live on through each of you. As we celebrate the impact Best Buddies has had on millions of lives, please know that I am eternally grateful to each and every one of you who have supported this organization over the past 30 years. Without you, we would not have reached this momentous milestone. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for making this world a better place for people with special abilities.   Forever grateful, Anthony K. Shriver Founder, Chairman & CEO Best Buddies International

Best Buddies International is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to  establishing a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities  for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment,  leadership development, and inclusive living for people  with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).bestbuddies.org

Best Buddies International 100 SE 2nd Street, Suite 2200 Miami, FL 33131 Phone: (305) 374-2233

Best Buddies: There’s still time to make twice the difference

Franklin is fortunate to have an active Best Buddies group in the schools, The first community to have a Best Buddies program that covers elementary, middle and high school. As the year comes to a close, if you are looking to make a charitable contribution for tax purposes, this is one organization to consider.

On my personal blog, I have a listing of other worthy non-profit organizations that I support  http://steves2cents.blogspot.com/2018/12/yes-it-is-birthday-time.html

Every time you support Best Buddies, you are helping make the world a more inclusive place for people with IDD and there is no better time to support Best Buddies than today. Until December 31st, every dollar will be matched, up to $200,000! It is because of people like YOU that our participants are able to become leaders and advocates for themselves in their communities.

‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ 

Stronger leaders and advocates, thanks to YOU. Dear Best Buddies Family, People with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are often marginalized from society, and it is through our programs that they often times find their voice.  Every time you support Best Buddies, you are helping make the world a more inclusive place for people with IDD and there is no better time to support Best Buddies than today. Until December 31st, every dollar will be matched, up to $200,000! GIVE NOW It is because of people like YOU that our participants are able to become leaders and advocates for themselves in their communities. People like YOU have changed the lives of our participants, like Christina Hundley, one of our Global Ambassadors from Florida, who is now living her dream and advocating for herself and others within the IDD community. Christina Hundley was born at Tampa General Hospital in 1983 and was raised by her aunt BJ in Florida after her parents dropped her off at her grandmother's house and never came back. Christina Hundley, Best Buddies Global Ambassador For Christina, life before finding Best Buddies was challenging.  "I was teased until I found Best Buddies in middle school. My bond with my middle school buddy helped me because I felt protected from everyone's teasing and her friendship gave me something to look forward to every day." – Christina Hundley, Best Buddies Global Ambassador Not only did Best Buddies give her a friendship, but it also placed Christina in a job she loves.  Through Best Buddies and her role as a Global Ambassador, Christina also gets the opportunity to share her love and passion for music. She is invited again and again to perform at national Best Buddies events, something she says has given her the chance to "share her talent with the world." Her story is one about success and what it means to pursue your dreams, and I hope it inspires you as much as it inspires us. We couldn't make stories like Christina's a reality each and every day without your support.  From the bottom of our hearts, Thank YOU.

Best Buddies International is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) rganization ddicated to establishing a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment and leadership development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). bestbuddies.org/holidaygiving https://www.bestbuddies.org/holidaygiving/?engageddonorid=58586aa6-7fd1-4b6a-b562-06be622dc808

Best Buddies International 100 SE 2nd Street, Suite 2200 Miami, FL 33131 Phone: (305) 374-2233

Teenage classic rock band SOAR to host fundraiser benefiting Best Buddies - July 8

SOAR wanted to make their July 8, 2018 show at the Foxboro Orpheum Theater (Marilyn Rodman Performing Arts Center) a bit more special, and decided to turn their show into a fundraiser with the goal of benefiting other kids. 

From June 8th through July 8th, SOAR is giving back to the community by performing at a number of fundraising events, including two Relay for Life events (fundraisers for American Cancer Society; Attleboro and Medway, MA) and a fundraiser for Gilly’s House (www.gillyshouse.com a residential program for young men struggling to recover from addiction). 

While SOAR is honored to provide entertainment for these great fundraisers, SOAR’n for Best Buddies is distinct because this event was conceived and organized by SOAR. The band discussed a number of potential beneficiaries for the fundraiser, but quickly decided on Best Buddies (www.bestbuddies.org) as one of SOAR’s band members has a sibling who benefited from the Best Buddies program while in high school. 

This fundraising event gives the band an opportunity to give back to an organization that has helped so many, including a band member’s sister.

About the Event

SOAR’n for Best Buddies will feature special guest host Chachi Loprete, longtime host of Boston’s Breakfast with the Beatles radio program. 

This is a concert fundraiser to benefit Best Buddies, featuring live classic rock music as performed by SOAR. The fundraiser is on Sunday July 8th; the music starts at 6:30 PM and the show will run for 2+ hours. 

In addition to being a fundraiser, the show is also intended to be a fun event for Best Buddies. To ensure that our Best Buddies guests can all enjoy the show, SOAR will not use any strobe lights and foam earplugs will be available at no cost.

The pre-show meet and greet pizza party with the band (and any special guests) starts at 5 PM. This event includes pizza and drinks (non-alcoholic); pictures with the band (and any special guests) and first-choice seating via early entry into the theater (see ticket information below).

Tickets

• Available from band members for $12
• Available at www.brownpapertickets.com/event/3490482 or www.orpheum.org (Note: there is a $1.41 service fee per ticket on-line)

Teenage Classic Rock Band SOAR to Host Fundraiser to Benefit Best Buddies - July 8

Teenage Classic Rock Band SOAR to Host Fundraiser to Benefit Best Buddies - July 8

SOAR wanted to make their July 8th, 2018 show at the Foxboro Orpheum Theater (Marilyn Rodman Performing Arts Center) a bit more special, and decided to turn their show into a fundraiser with the goal of benefiting other kids. 

From June 8th through July 8th, SOAR is giving back to the community by performing at a number of fundraising events, including two Relay for Life events (fundraisers for American Cancer Society; Attleboro and Medway, MA) and a fundraiser for Gilly’s House (www.gillyshouse.com a residential program for young men struggling to recover from addiction). 

While SOAR is honored to provide entertainment for these great fundraisers, SOAR’n for Best Buddies is distinct because this event was conceived and organized by SOAR. The band discussed a number of potential beneficiaries for the fundraiser, but quickly decided on Best Buddies (www.bestbuddies.org) as one of SOAR’s band members has a sibling who benefited from the Best Buddies program while in high school. 

This fundraising event gives the band an opportunity to give back to an organization that has helped so many, including a band member’s sister.

About the Event

This is a concert fundraiser to benefit Best Buddies, featuring live classic rock music as performed by SOAR. The fundraiser is on Sunday July 8th; the music starts at 6:30 PM and the show will run for 2+ hours. In addition to being a fundraiser, the show is also intended to be a fun event for Best Buddies. To ensure that our Best Buddies guests can all enjoy the show, SOAR will not use any strobe lights and foam earplugs will be available at no cost.

The pre-show meet and greet pizza party with the band (and any special guests) starts at 5 PM. This event includes pizza and drinks (non-alcoholic); pictures with the band (and any special guests) and first-choice seating via early entry into the theater (see ticket information below).

Tickets

Show Only
• Available from band members for $12
• Available at www.brownpapertickets.com/event/3490482 or www.orpheum.org (Note: there is a $1.41 service fee per ticket on-line)

Meet and Greet plus Show
• These tickets are available via direct sales only on a first come, first served basis by emailing soaringband@gmail.com; these tickets will be reserved for Best Buddies until 6 PM on June 27th and will then be made available to the general public based upon the order in which we received the email requests (these tickets are $17 for Best Buddies and $22 for the general public).

Teenage Classic Rock Band SOAR to Host Fundraiser to Benefit Best Buddies - July 8

Best Buddies Fundraiser @ La Cantina Winery - May 6

"Please join us for an afternoon of wine tasting as we raise money for Best Buddies!

Stop in for as long as you like to try these amazing, award winning wines made in Franklin from grapes from Chile and California!

$30 Suggested Donation
https://www.gofundme.com/bestbuddieswinetasting

Sunday, May 6, 2018 - 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM

First 25 people to sign-up will be entered into a drawing for a special prize."

Todd and Kris Sajdak

Best Buddies Fundraiser @ La Cantina Winery - May 6

Follow the Facebook event
https://www.facebook.com/events/200495547217271/

“Best Buddies is so fun and I recommend it to anyone"

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

"The beautiful ladies and dapper gentlemen of the Franklin Best Buddies flaunted their gowns and suits during the promenade on Friday night, just a short time before the real dancing began. 

This year’s prom took place at the Franklin Elks Lodge and was, as always, a bonding experience and great success with about 80 students in attendance. 

Best Buddies is an international organization dedicated to ending the stigma towards those with intellectual and developmental disabilities by pairing them up with people without disabilities for outings and events like the Best Buddies Prom. 

“It’s to give them an opportunity like every other high schooler,” said Miriam Connolly, adviser for Best Buddies. “Honestly, it’s a ball. They dance and dance. My typical students will tell me they have more fun at this than the other prom.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180316/franklin-best-buddies-dance-night-away

https://www.bestbuddies.org/

FHS Best Buddies Prom 2018. Oh What A Night!! @FranklinHS @BestFHSBuddies @BestBuddiesMA pic.twitter.com/2tr4tEaSVz

— FPS Student Services (@fps4students) March 16, 2018

Best Buddies Prom 2018. Oh What a Night! @FranklinHS @BestFHSBuddies @BestBuddiesMA pic.twitter.com/j2IxZqC28m

— FPS Student Services (@fps4students) March 16, 2018

Best Buddies Prom 2018. Oh What a Night! @FranklinHS @BestFHSBuddies @BestBuddiesMA pic.twitter.com/nJ0UE4gpAw

— FPS Student Services (@fps4students) March 16, 2018

Best Buddies Online Auction 2018

Best Buddies Online Silent Auction – Opens Saturday, March 3, 2018.

Team GT for KT is hosting our annual online silent auction to raise funds for Best Buddies. Please support our auction by bidding and sharing our auction information with your friends. Online bidding closes on Friday, March 16, 2018. Items include:

• Tom Brady Autographed NFL Football
• Red Sox Tickets
• New England Revolution Tickets
• Bose SoundLink Revolve Speaker
• ESBE Jewelry Party
• A Week at Tomorrow's Stars Basketball Camp (Dean College)
• Golf for 4 at Maplegate Country Club



Best Buddies

• Restaurants and more!

To bid go to https://www.32auctions.com/GT4KT2018

Best Buddies International is a non-profit organization that provides friendship and integrated employment opportunities to children and adults with developmental disabilities. Best Buddies has a number of active chapters serving students enrolled in the Franklin Public Schools.

Special thanks to all our 2018 donors!

"promote inclusion through team practice and competition"

"This fall, Franklin High School will be introducing a Unified Basketball program. As defined by the Special Olympics website, Unified Sports “Brings together ATHLETES with intellectual disabilities and athletes without intellectual disabilities (UNIFIED PARTNERS) to train and compete on the same team. Participants improve their physical fitness, sharpen their skills and learn acceptance and inclusion while participating in Unified Sports. A primary goal of Unified Sports is to equalize the ability level of Special Olympics athletes with their partners and to promote inclusion through team practice and competition. 

Franklin’s Unified program will meet two days a week after school, in addition to playing 4-6 games against other teams in the Hockomock League or other regional teams. The first practice is Wednesday, September 13th and the season goes until the end of October. 

“Last spring, Unified Track was very popular and we hope to continue that with Unified Basketball,” said senior Grace Sameski, who is helping with the program.

Continue reading the article on Unified Basketball at the Pantherbook
https://franklinpanthers.us/sports/2017/09/02/introducing-unified-basketball/

2017 Best Buddies Basketball Clinic (Pnatherbook image)

The Unified Basketball proposal was discussed and approved at the School Committee meeting held on Aug 22, 2017.

Other items from the School Committee meeting Aug 22 can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/08/schools-are-ready-to-open-on-schedule.html

Live reporting: Discussion Only Items

3. Discussion Only Items

• Unified Basketball Proposal
• Superintendent’s Entry Plan
• District Improvement Plan 2017-2018

Unified Basketball

Sep to Nov, twice a week practice, share space with volleyball

registration through Family ID process

proposed expenses for transportation for 3 games, coaching fee, team jerseys

graduated fees, include volunteers for clock keepers, officials, etc.

an action item for approval later in the program

participant fees would cover some of the costs, other expenses would come from the athletic budget

(proposal doc to be added later)

https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B0wjbnXDBhczSFhyM2VWaEpHcVV5ZExwcFZWeldlcTFYRFZj

Entry Plan

Superintendent Sara Ahern's Entry Plan
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczZmF5TTlBN2xwU3N6a0piT1dsdlkzZm9VUHlj/view?usp=sharing

listen to stake holders
review of key documents and data
observations of schools and classrooms

looking to expand circle even wider with schools opening
looking to shadow students at each school

document outline; communications, cultural and human resources
process has begun, as it unfolds, I'll share tentative findings periodically as we go along

C - I think it is a wonderful document, I like to see the feedback mentioned
perhaps in your doc review you might see some gaps with your fresh lens

C - this is exptensive

This will be shared on the website for parents and other stakeholders will be prepared 

Revised - District Improvement Plan

Revised - District Improvement Plan

Revised - Franklin Public Schools: District Improvement Plan 2017-18 from Franklin Matters

website update part of the plan added to this version

Policy Update

Proposed agenda
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczaDA4bWZhLUdkTGpvYUlLUHVTVWpJWG9vYWU4/view?usp=sharing

Current agenda
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczalp4M2FCS0h2UGNVMXNDX2JkVUctVDdpNUVV/view?usp=sharing

how to engage the high school students for feedback
discussion on presentations and format
better coordination of content and who speaks when on the agenda items
policies for two readings don't change; only some items would have the discussion and action aligned together

this could be voted on this time, move to second, and approved next meeting
would then be effective for the 2nd meeting in Sep (assuming approval)

I stepped in to make a citizens comment and suggestions around sharing of info before hand to enable better communication and conversation during the meeting

FHS Unified Track competes in Hockomock League Championships

Via the Twitterverse, we can share tweets and photos of the FHS Unified Track team at the Hockomock Championship on Monday.

FHS Unified Track competes in Hockomock League Championships

FHS UNIFIED TRACK TEAM competed in today's HOCKOMOCK CHAMPIONSHIP MEET! We are so proud of this OUTSTANDING TEAM! #PantherPride pic.twitter.com/tmdO16xlfO

— FranklinAthletics (@FHSSports) May 15, 2017

FHS UNIFIED TRACK TEAM competed in today's HOCKOMOCK CHAMPIONSHIP MEET! We are so proud of this OUTSTANDING TEAM! #PantherPride pic.twitter.com/AqWo05h0Yw

— FranklinAthletics (@FHSSports) May 15, 2017

FHS UNIFIED TRACK TEAM competed in today's HOCKOMOCK CHAMPIONSHIP MEET! We are so proud of this OUTSTANDING TEAM! #PantherPride pic.twitter.com/C7Hv2TxNKZ

— FranklinAthletics (@FHSSports) May 15, 2017

FHS UNIFIED TRACK TEAM competed in today's HOCKOMOCK CHAMPIONSHIP MEET! We are so proud of this OUTSTANDING TEAM! #PantherPride pic.twitter.com/kiZxywygBT

— FranklinAthletics (@FHSSports) May 15, 2017

"It’s very exciting - the kids worked really hard”

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

"Members of the Helen Keller Elementary School’s Best Buddies program gathered on the school’s “cafetorium” stage Friday morning as they were honored for their participation in the group. 

Those students - dressed in black Best Buddies T-shirts - had been recognized as an “Outstanding Promoter Chapter” by the state branch of the organization, which works to partner students with those with intellectual and developmental disabilities. School officials have said the Keller Best Buddies group, established in 2015, is the only one in the country based in an elementary school. 

The recognition was announced during an all-school community meeting that morning. Principal Eric Stark said the recognition came at an appropriate time, as the school was celebrating inclusion; a large number of students at the assembly were wearing brightly colored shirts, meant to evoke the “Autism Awareness” ribbon."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170428/franklin-state-group-honors-keller-schools-best-buddies

https://twitter.com/BestFHSBuddies

In the News: Best Buddies walk at Sullivan; drought conditions improve

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

"Annie Sullivan Middle School students - garbed in blue and yellow - took part in a “Boston Strong” walk midday Thursday to honor and remember those injured and killed in the Marathon bombing four years ago. 

The event was the culmination of a “spirit week” at the school, organized by students in the “Best Buddies” program. 

School Principal Beth Witcoff said the Best Buddies program works to partner students with members of the school’s class for those with intellectual disabilities. 

“The program is introduced in sixth grade, and students apply by writing an essay,” she said. “By eighth grade, they’re allowed to choose officers and have more opportunities for one-on-one interaction.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170413/franklin-students-walk-for-bombing-victims

"The snow and rain during the last few months may have helped curb the arid effects of last year’s intense drought, but MetroWest and the Milford region are not in the clear yet, according to the latest figures and local officials. 

The U.S. Drought Monitor map released Thursday indicates just less than half of Massachusetts, including northern sections of Worcester and Middlesex counties, is experiencing abnormally dry conditions. 

Though the other half, which includes towns like Milford and Framingham, falls into the non-drought category, local officials say the change is not significant enough for them to roll back water restrictions in their communities. 

“I know they’re predicting a hot summer,” said Barry Smith, deputy director of Medway’s Public Works Department. “I hope we don’t (end up) in the same situation as the last year.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170413/region-drought-conditions-improve

US Drought Monitor Comparison: Oct4, 2016 (left) vs. Apr 11, 2017 (right)

"Everyone should feel special"

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

"It wasn't exactly springlike outside, but the sunny mood inside the cosmetology shop at Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School Friday afternoon -- and, later, inside the Adirondack Club -- more than made up for that. 

Scattered around the hair styling and manicure stations, several special young ladies were being preened and pampered by members of the freshman and junior cosmetology class, their fingernails taking on the pastel shades of spring flowers, their lips and cheeks blooming pink like unfolding roses, their hair wound into spirals as bouncy as spring lambs or woven into braids as delicate as new willow branches. 

It was all in preparation for the 2017 Best Buddies Prom Friday night, an annual event for students involved in the Franklin Public Schools' Best Buddies Program. The program is an initiative that pairs Franklin High School's students with intellectual disabilities, the "buddies," with teams of their high school peers. They socialize at school, and do special outside activities together at least once a month, though many get together more frequently."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170324/franklin-best-buddies-prom-brings-community-together

Best Buddies Prom 2017 via https://twitter.com/fps4students

Via the Twitterverse

We had a great time tonight at prom! Big thanks to everyone who helped out!

— FHS Best Buddies (@BestFHSBuddies) March 25, 2017

@BestBuddiesMA students from @FranklinHS came to @TriCountyRVTSD's Cosmetology salon to have hair, makeup & nails done for tonight's prom. pic.twitter.com/pfbiHQhRcT

— Tri-County Regional (@TriCountyRVTSD) March 24, 2017

FHS Best Buddies Prom tonight Adirondack Club have a raging good time to all -thanks faculty-students and business supporters ❤️

— Franklin Public, MA (@FranklinPSNews) March 24, 2017

Best Buddies Prom 2017 pic.twitter.com/RcsUrSBQmw

— FPS Student Services (@fps4students) March 24, 2017

Best Buddies Online Silent Auction – Opens Friday, March 3rd

Team GT for KT is hosting our annual online silent auction to raise funds for Best Buddies. 

Online bidding opens on Friday, March 3, 2017 and will close on Friday, March 17, 2017. 

Please support our auction by bidding and sharing our auction information with your friends. Items include:

• Julian Edelman Signed NFL Football
• Red Sox Tickets
• Bose SoundTouch10 Wireless Music System
• Sage Salon Mini Luxury Package
• A Week at Tomorrow’s Stars Basketball Camp (Dean College)
• Golf for 4 at Maplegate Country Club
• Restaurants and much more!

To bid go to https://www.32auctions.com/GT4KT2017

Best Buddies Online Silent Auction – Opens Friday, March 3rd

Best Buddies International is a non-profit organization that provides friendship and integrated employment opportunities to children and adults with developmental disabilities. Best Buddies has a number of active chapters serving students enrolled in the Franklin Public Schools.

Special thanks to all our 2017 donors!