Registration for the 2025 Panther Football Academy Camp is Open

Good Evening Panther Nation,

I hope everyone is enjoying their off season. 

2025 Panther Football Academy Camp

Registration for our 2025 season will be opening very soon, but before that we have a fantastic opportunity for our players to be coached by our very own head coach Todd Kiley and his FHS Panther Football Staff and Players. 

Please see below for a link to the 2025 Panther Football Academy Camp that is being offered this coming July at FHS. 

Please note that you will register directly through the link that is on the flyer. 

Spots are very limited so please do not hesitate signing up as the intention is to keep camp numbers low so that the athletes are coached at a low ratio of athletes to coaches. 

Please reach out with any questions. We hope to see everyone at camp in July.

Go Panthers!!

Registration for Camp -> 

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfy0ADLR14u77yJgxntvEosO4IPF0axXwl_Ny85FuJ7wXH-6Q/viewform

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/DFbkQ5YxHLO/

Town Council recognizes Youth football teams, keeps Ben & adds logo, hears of forthcoming survey & more (audio)

FM #1345  This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1345 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin (MA) Town Council Meeting of Wednesday, Dec 18, 2024.  8 of the 9 members participated in Council Chambers, 1 absent (Jones). Special vote to appoint Frongillo as temporary clerk for the meeting to be authorized to sign the documents (approved 8-0-1). 

An overflow audience filled the Chambers to start and then filtered away as their recognition section was completed.

Quick recap:

PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS  a. Fourth and Sixth Grade Youth Football Teams -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/G8RxjgueNHCd5UcH8 

b. Peter Brunelli

c. Steve Carlucci -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/GAaiWxXj6nxTAQTR6 

5. APPOINTMENTS a. Agricultural Commission - Benjamin Rousseau

Approved by vote 8-0-1 (1 absent) 

Annual License Renewals = Approved by vote 8-0-1 (1 absent) 

PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSIONS

a. National Citizen Survey (aka Citizen Satisfaction Survey) - Kate Hinckley, Director of GIS  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/8a._-_discussion_-_national_citizen_survey.pdf 

b. Biennial Town Council - Town Administrator Midterm Goals Review - Jamie Hellen, Town Administrator  motion tabled from a resolution vote perspective as some of the goals will be noted as unable to complete due to funding/resource constraints.

c. Town Seal and Logo Presentation - Amy Frigulietti, Deputy Town Administrator

after some contentious discussion, the vote to approve the logo passes 6-2-1 (1 absent)

d. The Distribution of Town Initiated Ballot Question Materials - Jamie Hellen, Town Administrator; Mark Cerel, Town Attorney; and Nancy Danello, Town Clerk   

No real good way to accomplish this

Resolution 24-82: Adoption of Updated Fiscal Policies

approved after discussion around implication for directing school budget policy

Resolution 24-80: Cable Funds in Support of PEG Service and Programming per MGL Ch. 44, §53F3/4  Approved by vote 8-0-1 (1 absent) 

Resolution 24-81: Gift Acceptance - Veterans’ Services Department ($2,735), Senior Center ($130.02) , Fire Dept. ($1,515)  Approved by vote 8-0-1 (1 absent) 

Let’s listen to the meeting recording which runs 2 hours & 45 miuntes.  Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1345-franklin-ma-town-council-mtg-12-18-24/

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Franklin TV video of the meeting available for replay ->   https://www.youtube.com/live/5h-UYum-TtQ?&t=132 

The agenda doc ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/tc_agenda_-_dec_18_2024.pdf 

My set of notes collected in one PDF -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1yn6Ems4Gc0TfI9L-9vE_Ll40oVGHPfFU/view?usp=drive_link 

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We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial. 

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

• If you don't like something here, please let me know

• And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/  or www.franklin.news 

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

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You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

vote to approve the logo passes 6-2-1 (1 absent)

Town Council recognizes Youth football teams, keeps Ben & adds logo, hears of forthcoming survey & more (video)

The Franklin, MA Town Council met on Wednesday Dec 18, 2024 as scheduled. 8 of the 9 members participated in Council Chambers,, 1 absent (Jones). Special vote to appoint Frongillo as temporary clerk for the meeting to be authorized to sign the documents (approved 8-0-1). 

An overflow audience filled the Chambers to start and then filtered away as their recognition section was completed.

Franklin TV video of the meeting available for replay ->   https://www.youtube.com/live/5h-UYum-TtQ?&t=132

The agenda doc ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/tc_agenda_-_dec_18_2024.pdf

Quick recap:

PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS

a. Fourth and Sixth Grade Youth Football Teams -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/G8RxjgueNHCd5UcH8

Fourth and Sixth Grade Youth Football Teams

b. Peter Brunelli ->

Peter Brunelli recognition

c. Steve Carlucci https://photos.app.goo.gl/GAaiWxXj6nxTAQTR6

Steve Carlucci family & coworkers photo

5. APPOINTMENTS

a. Agricultural Commission - Benjamin Rousseau

Approved by vote 8-0-1 (1 absent) 

Annual License Renewals = Approved by vote 8-0-1 (1 absent) 

PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSIONS

a. National Citizen Survey (aka Citizen Satisfaction Survey) - Kate Hinckley, Director of GIS   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/8a._-_discussion_-_national_citizen_survey.pdf

b. Biennial Town Council - Town Administrator Midterm Goals Review - Jamie Hellen, Town Administrator motion tabled from a resolution vote perspective as some of the goals will be noted as unable to complete due to funding/resource constraints.

c. Town Seal and Logo Presentation - Amy Frigulietti, Deputy Town Administrator

after some contentious discussion, the vote to approve the logo passes 6-2-1 (1 absent)

vote to approve the logo passes 6-2-1 (1 absent)

d. The Distribution of Town Initiated Ballot Question Materials - Jamie Hellen, Town Administrator; Mark Cerel, Town Attorney; and Nancy Danello, Town Clerk   

No real good way to accomplish this

Resolution 24-82: Adoption of Updated Fiscal Policies

approved after discussion around implication for directing school budget policy

Resolution 24-80: Cable Funds in Support of PEG Service and Programming per MGL Ch. 44, §53F3/4 Approved by vote 8-0-1 (1 absent) 

Resolution 24-81: Gift Acceptance - Veterans’ Services Department ($2,735), Senior Center ($130.02) , Fire Dept. ($1,515) Approved by vote 8-0-1 (1 absent) 

Volunteers sought for the Youth football and Cheerleading board

Have you been wondering about ways to get involved in our ever-growing program? You should consider joining our Board!!

We are opening all of our Manager and Assistant Manager positions:

 • Registration Manager

 • Equipment Manager (and Assistant Manager)

 • Concessions Manager

 • Facilities/Scheduling Manager

 • Fundraising Manager (and Assistant Manager)

 • Public relations/Social Media Manager

 • Pro-Shop Manager (and Assistant Managers for both Football and Cheer)

If you are interested in one of these opportunities, please email president@franklinpanthersyfb.com and vice-president@franklinpanthersyfb.com, no later than January 1st. 

Be sure to include your name, the position you're interested in, and any additional information you'd like to include. 

We'll be looking to fill these roles at our January 10th meeting. 

We look forward to hearing from you!!

Volunteers sought for the Youth football and Cheerleading board

"The Franklin Panthers is a non-profit organization that offers children, ages 7-14 years, the opportunity to participate in football and cheerleading. All board members, coaches, and assistants are volunteers and are here to ensure that every child participates in a safe and enjoyable, yet disciplined environment. We as parents, board members, and coaches feel it is essential to emphasize fun, teamwork, sportsmanship, camaraderie, and physical fitness throughout all phases of our program. Our hope is that each child will take with them the positive lessons, values, and memories experienced during their years with the Chargers organization. Franklin Panthers is part of the American Youth Football and Cheer organization."

Shared from -> https://twitter.com/FranklinCharger/status/1735759132270174602

and https://www.facebook.com/franklinpanthersyfb/posts/pfbid0mfxKB6P1AB4tAuo7kQRhBtfGEmZaNM15VxCUUdxAQ1vJuyYaVseFdsZpXLqgmMHEl

Parent Fun Night scheduled for Friday, Aug 25 at La Cantina Winery fundraiser for Panther Youth Football & Cheer

Parent Fun Night Celebrate The Kickoff To The 2023 Season!

Friday, Aug 25 From 5-9 PM at La Cantina Winery, 357 Union Street, Franklin, MA 02038

Tickets are $35 In Advance, $40 At The Door.  Cash and Venno Accepted. Venno -@FranklinPanthersYouth

Price Includes: 1 Drink Ticket. Food From Santa Fe Burrito and Grill And The Meat Bar And A Donation To Franklin Panthers Youth Football Cheer Program

Raffle Tickets Sold At Door

Sports Themed Items and Memorabilia 

Parent Fun Night scheduled for Friday, Aug 25 at La Cantina Winery fundraiser for Panther Youth Football & Cheer

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/CwK5Ly3LU7n/

Clinic scheduled for Franklin Panthers Youth Football - July 26 & July 27

Free Football Clinic hosted by Coach Bain at Franklin High School.  

Please check the image for details & more information on how to register!!

Shared from Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/100063797070372/posts/pfbid02tL93sm9h2CU8vMUx5uxH5ejtHTxAKbjrPV6uoDGRKFhkEhaXeWB6Mxnfv3t1R2VMl/

Visit the home page for the Franklin Panthers Youth Football organization ->   https://www.franklinpanthersyfb.com/

Clinic scheduled for Franklin Panthers Youth Football - July 26 & July 27

In the Globe: "Familiarity has been key to the success of these dynamic passing duos"

In case you missed it, the Boston Globe has an article on football friendship for quarterback and receiver duos. One of the pairs in the article is Franklin's own Thomas Gasbarro and Jake Davis

"The same can be said for Franklin’s Thomas Gasbarro and Jake Davis, who began playing Pop Warner together in fifth grade.

As a junior, Davis caught five passes and two touchdowns from all-scholastic Nick Gordon, but this year, he’s leading D1 with seven touchdowns and has 387 yards on 23 receptions through four games.

While that spike in production can be attributed to increased opportunity, the fact that Davis is catching passes from old friend Thomas Gasbarro can’t be overlooked.

The best friends rode that momentum into a successful freshman campaign, then teamed up in the defensive secondary the past two years for the Panthers varsity squad."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/high-schools/2019/10/10/schfbprev/Ddh5IWvjtgbC9lOXyOBUEI/story.html?

Franklin’s passing duo of quarterback Tom Gasbarro (14) and receiver Jake Davis (23) have developed a rapport since they began playing Pop Warner together as fifth graders. Jen Papa

In the News: MBTA gets fare hike approved; bill to ban tackle football for youth filed

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

MBTA gets fare hike approved for commuter rail and subway

"Commuters will have to pay more to ride the commuter rail and subway in the Boston area. 

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority’s Fiscal and Management Control Board on Monday voted to boost fares an average of about 6 percent. Subway fares would rise 15 cents to $2.40. Commuter rail prices would vary by region, but the maximum increase for a one-way fare would be 75 cents. 

The board opted to exempt bus fares from hikes. Student and senior fares would also be exempt from the hike. 

The fare hikes would take effect July 1. The T says they would raise about $29 million annually."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190311/mbta-control-board-votes-to-hike-fares

MBTA gets fare hike approved for commuter rail and subway

"The sun was bright and the temperature unseasonably warm last month when the New England Patriots once again climbed atop duck boats and rolled down Boylston Street to celebrate their latest Super Bowl win. 

But a few miles away on Beacon Hill, a shadow was looming over the future of youth football in Massachusetts. 

That’s because a bipartisan bill calling for a ban on tackling in football until after seventh grade had been filed in the state Legislature. 

The bill, titled An Act for No Organized Head Impacts to Children (nicknamed “No Hits Act”), would involve financial penalties – $2,000 for the first offense and $5,000 for the second offense – for any school league or other entity that does not comply with the rule."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190312/bill-to-ban-tackling-in-youth-football-gains-ground-on-beacon-hill

"The teamwork and dedication is unbelievable for these young boys"

From a proud Franklin mother:

"My son Jack Murphy, grade 6 Horace Mann Middle School, is playing for the MASS ELITE FOOTBALL TEAM 6th Grade team. This past weekend all three teams 6, 7, and 8th grade won the Northeast Region and are heading to Naples, Florida on Dec 15 to play against teams from each region across the country for the National Title. Jack will be representing Franklin. 

He currently plays for our youth program here in town and has since he was 7. MASS ELITE had tryouts in November and for the 6th grade level they had close to 100 kids tryout out and only 32 made it. 

The kids that make up the MASS ELITE team are the best of the best in our state and are not just athletes but great students as well. Their practice schedule is weekly on school nights and these kids still manage to maintain their grades. 

I thought with all the negative that surrounds tackle football and the fact that our numbers are dwindling fast here in Franklin, maybe a article to show all the positives that come out of football as well. 

Many of these boys that play for MASS ELITE go off to D1 schools with full scholarships, these boys are from all over and none of them knew one another, but yet have meshed, bonded, and played as a team from the start. The teamwork and dedication is unbelievable for these young boys."

The 7th grade photo was tagged as such, the 8th graders are the older youth, so by process of elimination, this should be the 6th grade team

"The teamwork and dedication is unbelievable for these young boys"

Goodbye Chargers, hello Panthers!

The Franklin Chargers recently made the decision to leave the Hockomock Pop Warner Association and join the American Youth Football organization. The Franklin Chargers have been a part of Pop Warner (The Hock) for many years but unfortunately the direction of the league (increased weight schematic for older/lighters, etc) does not line up with the direction in which The Chargers wanted to go, particularly when it comes to player safety.

So effective immediately, they are joining the Bay State Conference (a division of AYF) along with several of their current opponents. In addition to switching leagues, the board of directors have elected to change the name of the organization to be more in line with the Town of Franklin. Like our high school, they will now be known as the Franklin Panthers.

Joining them in this exciting new adventure will be Attleboro, North Attleboro, King Philip, Foxboro, Mansfield, Easton, and Canton. AYF is a grade based system rather the age/weight based. This means in place of Unlimited, B, C, D and mites there will be an 8th grade, 7th grade, 6th grade, 5th grade, 4th grade and a 2nd/3rd grade team. This change also eliminates weight restrictions which means regardless of weight (light or heavy) anyone can play in their particular grade. Players will now play with their grade each season, grow in the sport together and enter high school still playing on the same team. 

Cheerleading will also be making the switch to AYC which is age based with more flexibility for teams as they tend to be smaller in size.

The Baystate league is a very strong and well run organization that better aligns with the Panthers vision of safety and competition for both football and cheer. Please feel free to view their website at www.bsyfcc.com

A “town hall” meeting was held on April 12th at Franklin High School with the directors and coaches from the Panthers, along with Coach Bain from FHS Football and Coach Tirrell from Dean College Football to go into as much detail as was needed to help educate everyone on the move that was made. 

Recording of the meeting can be seen here: 



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HEFiQeGDQGY

To register for Franklin Panthers Youth Football, click here: http://franklinchargers.org

Pat Patriot Surprises Franklin Recreation at Flag Football Finale

Youth flag football players in Franklin were greeted by a special guest on Tuesday, Nov. 8, as they took the field for the final time this season during Franklin Recreation’s annual Flag Football Finale.

New England Patriots mascot, Pat Patriot

New England Patriots mascot, Pat Patriot, surprised the youth players, ranging in age from 6-14 years old, on the field at Beaver Pond Recreation Area. Pat supported the youth flag football teams as they played their final games of the year and joined in on the action – playing catch with the players and posing for photos with the teams.

Pat Patriot posing for photos

“It was great to see the smiles on the children’s faces when they saw Pat Patriot walk through the gate and onto the field,” said Ryan Jette, director of Franklin Recreation. “He was full of energy and very engaging with all of our players. He even threw passes and ran plays with the teams. I especially enjoyed when he sat in the equipment cart and let the kids wheel him around the field. A huge thank you to the New England Patriots and the Kraft Group for their support. Pat was a wonderful addition to this year’s NFL Flag Football Finale.”

The Franklin NFL Flag Football program was established by Franklin Recreation in 1999 and has grown from 24 children in its first year to 498 children registered in 2016. The league includes six 6-year-old teams, six 7-year-old teams, ten 8 and 9-year-old teams, twelve 10 and 11-year-old teams and six 12 to 14-year-old teams. The 14-week season wrapped up on Nov. 8.

To find out more about programs that the Recreation Department offers, visit their webpage
http://www.franklinma.gov/recreation-department

Franklin Recreation - 275 Beaver St

Franklin Chargers - registration begins March 1

Registration for football and cheer opens on March 1st.

Time to schedule those physicals!

The forms for 2016 can be downloaded on our registration page.

Franklin Chargers registration - Mar 1

Franklin Chargers B&D squads make the Super Bowl - Nov 15

Please join us in Foxboro for 2 Super Bowl games featuring the Franklin Chargers.

Games will be played at Ernie George Field – 201 Payson Rd, Foxboro MA, Sunday, Nov 15

Franklin Chargers - Super Bowl Sunday, Nov 15

9:00am D Squad v. North Attleboro

12:30pm B Squad v. North Attleboro

This is a big accomplishment for the players and coaches. The kids have worked hard all year and are fired up to play in the big game. Let’s get a big crowd to cheer them on!

Go Chargers !


This info was shared from
http://franklinchargers.org/2015/11/10/super-bowl-sunday-november-15th/

Franklin Chargers: 5th Annual Food Drive

From the Franklin Chargers:

Sunday October 12th, 2014 the Franklin Chargers Football and Cheer Squads will be holding our 5th Annual Food Drive to benefit the Franklin Food Pantry. We will have collection sites on 10/12 at Beaver Street Field for our E Squad and at Franklin High School (near concessions) for our Unlimited, B, C & D Squads. Both collection sites will be active for our first teams arriving at 8am and remain open for all games at each site.

5th Annual Food Drive to benefit the Franklin Food Pantry

You can find out more information on the Franklin Chargers on their webpage
http://franklinchargers.net/

Your neighborhood may also have received a flyer for a collection by one of the team members.

How much do you want to play football?

Nine year old Kyle Florio has been deaf since birth. He was born with the love of football. Kyle's parents are also deaf and they wanted their son to be able to play sports just like all the other kids. So they supported his decision when he wanted to join the Pop Warner league. 

"I feel like it's a little different. Most of the time, feels just normal," says Kyle through an interpreter. 

This year mark the third year Kyle has been drafted by the Charger's as a defensive back. And thanks to his team's generosity, they have raised thousands of dollars every year to make sure Kyle has an interpreter right there on the field with him, putting Kyle on a level playing field with everyone else. 

"It's really nice to have an interpreter there. Have full communication access, full enjoyment. It's almost like a sense of equity among the players, says Steve Florio, Kyle's father, through an interpreter.

Read more: http://www.myfoxny.com/story/23233829/team-raises-funds-for-child#ixzz2cqHBKTky

The fund raiser was held this past Friday night at Cole's. If anyone knows if the team is still accepting donations and where to send them, please let me know. We can update this posting to share the info.

The team needed to raise $3,600 to pay for an interpreter this season. If you'd still like to help the team, visit: http://www.gofundme.com/Communication-Access-Fund 

Read more: http://www.myfoxboston.com/story/23247306/2013/08/24/franklin-football-players-raise-10k-to-help-deaf-teammate#ixzz2d0ya5QA3

New York News

Recreation Department

Continuing to explore the 2008 Annual Report I find information on the Recreation Department.

Within the Franklin Recreation Department's website, you will find information regarding:

• Programs and activities (PDF)
  
• Parks and playgrounds
  
• Department policies
• Chilson Beach
• Franklin youth sports organization links

Mission/Function

The Recreation Department is committed to provide quality recreational programs and facilities to the residents of Franklin. By providing consistency, dependability and an obligation to our residents and the programs they partake, we strive to elevate the quality of life for our community.

Objectives

The Recreation Department is a service-based department. We work interactively with local sports associations, school departments, individual Town residents, private groups, church and civic groups, as well as other Town departments. In the course of a given year, over 8,000 people are affected by Recreation operations. Our clientele continues to increase each year. Recreation is responsible for scheduling all fields, playgrounds, and courts. The Recreation Department continues to serve the residents in the area of recreation and leisure services. Our department handles everything from sporting activities for children, to families in need.

• Coordinate recreational activities with the youth sports organizations, school department, and other citizens groups.
• Better utilize and renovate parks, ball fields, and conservation land within the Town of Franklin.
• Improve the quality of life and involve residents in recreational programs.
• Establish new programs as self-supporting and explore ways of generating additional revenue through grants, donations and fundraising.
• Recreation activities are coordinated through our office, which is comprised of one full time director and one full time clerical staff person.
• The Recreation Advisory Board is looking for additional volunteers who are interested in promoting the planning of programs for Franklin residents.

If you have not picked up your hard copy of the report at Town Hall, you can try to view it online here: http://www.town.franklin.ma.us/pages/FranklinMA_Clerk/2008arpt.pdf