Good Friday ‘Cross Walk’ - Franklin Town Common - Friday, April 14

Good Friday ‘Cross Walk’ is scheduled 

on the Franklin Town Common

Friday, April 14th – 12:00 Noon-1:00 pm

St Mary’s teen ministry is organizing a ‘Cross Walk’ procession on the Franklin Town Common beginning at Noon on Good Friday. Christians of all denominations and ages are welcome. 

Participants will gather on the Church Square end of the common. Together, they will walk through and around the Franklin Town Common and back to St Mary's lawn, pausing along the way to reflect on Jesus’ great love for us. Teens from The Rock Youth Ministry of St Mary’s parish will read reflections and prayers at each stop. 

Anyone who wishes to may help share the burden of carrying the heavy cross during the procession. All Franklin residents and their families and friends from surrounding communities are encouraged to take part in this meaningful procession on Good Friday to remember Christ's Passion.

Good Friday ‘Cross Walk’ - Franklin Town Common - Friday, April 14

Attention: Franklin Area Sophomores in high school

It’s that time of year again and The Rotary Club of Franklin is interested in community leadership, not only for today but for tomorrow as well.

For this reason, Rotary District 7910 will conduct the annual Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) Conference at Fitchburg State University on June 23-25, 2017. The program will be staffed by carefully selected counselors and Rotary leaders.

The Rotary Club of Franklin

Our objective is to offer outstanding high school sophomores an opportunity to live, work and interact together in an atmosphere of friendly competition. Also, we provide them with a program designed to challenge them to utilize and improve their skills and accept the responsibilities of leadership. Much of the students’ time will be structured with programs including interactive Leadership Labs, exciting guest speakers, and challenging mental and physical activities that will provide them with a chance to excel amongst and with their peers. The greatest benefit may come from sharing this experience with the more than 150 other outstanding young men and women selected from schools and organizations through Rotary District 7910 in Central Massachusetts.

Our Rotary Club is asking your help to spread the word to the young men and women who will benefit most from this experience. They will be selected by the Franklin Rotary first for leadership potential, second for good citizenship, third for their desire to attend the Conference and fourth for scholarship. These characteristics are listed in that order so that latent leaders are not overlooked because of grades. They are extremely important to keep in mind to ensure the success of the student’s experience and the entire program.

The only requirement is that in order to be nominated, the individual must be a student who is currently a Sophomore in high school and in the Franklin area. We send children to RYLA from Bellingham High, Franklin High, King Philip High, Medway High and Tri-County High. 

Applications should be made e-mailed to Julie Rougeau at jrougeau@comcast.net no later than March 3, 2017. 

Our club’s RYLA Selection Committee will then conduct interviews and select the students we will sponsor for RYLA.  

For more information about RYLA or Rotary, visit us online at http://www.ryla7910.org/

The student application 

https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B0wjbnXDBhczai1HLWotVWZTdV9oQXY0UW1qaVZDNm95LXJN

A flyer that describes RYLA

Franklin Youth Hockey - Try Hockey For Free

On Sat. Nov. 7 @ 1:00 PM in Franklin at Veterans Arena, Franklin Youth Hockey is holding a Try Hockey For Free Day as we participate in USA Hockey's Come Play Hockey Month.

Try Hockey for Free on Saturday, Nov 7

For additional information visit the Facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/events/454164111435706/

For additional information about the Franklin Flyers Youth Hockey visit them on the web  http://franklinflyers.org/

The Hockomock Area YMCA and Dean College announce partnership to help teens succeed in taking their next steps after high school

The Hockomock Area YMCA’s Bernon Family Branch in Franklin and Dean College have joined forces to provide mentoring and guidance to young adults currently enrolled in high school. The new Teen Transitions Program is a free 7-week series designed to assist young adults preparing to start college or enter the workforce.

Dean College celebrates 150 years

“Our organizations share a commitment to youth development with a common mission that calls us to meet the emerging needs of our communities,” said Scott Martin, Executive Director of the Bernon Family Branch of the Hockomock Area YMCA. “We want to invest in our future leaders and ensure they have the skills necessary to put their best foot forward as they enter a competitive market.”

Teen Transitions is an innovative approach that will pull together professionals and industry experts living and working in our community to volunteer their time presenting tips and best practices on the topics listed below. Peer mentors from Dean College’s National Society for Leadership and Success (NSLS) will add input assisting with a number of small group breakout discussions.

Hockomock YMCA

“As young people ask themselves ‘What is the next step?’, we aim to ensure that resources are available and that youth in our community know they are supported to achieve their goals,” said Gregg Chalk, Vice President Marketing and Business Development at Dean College. “For over a decade, Dean College and the Hockomock Area YMCA have worked side by side to make a positive impact on the Franklin community. This program will keep kids moving forward and strengthen the community.”

Speakers in the series include: Bill Chouinard, Sr. Director of Operations, Creative Services, Inc.; Megan Lafayette, Principal, Norton High School; John Fenton, Certified Financial Planner, Owner, Fenton Financial Group; P. Gerard Shaw, Associate Professor, Dean College; Nate Packert, Hockomock Area YMCA Teen Program Coordinator; Cody Albright, Hockomock Area YMCA Director of Outdoor Education; Mary Gablaski, Hockomock Area YMCA Vice President of Human Resources; and more.

Teen Transitions meetings are open to ages 14-18 and will take place at Dean College’s Campus Center, room 206 on Monday evenings beginning October 19th. Meetings will run from 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Please call the YMCA at 508-528-8708 to enroll today, as space is limited.

Week 1 10/19 Social Media Impact 
• Facebook/Twitter/Snapchat/LinkedIn/Instagram; example: impact on job opportunities, potential college admission; shared stories of social media impacting students.

Week 2 10/26 Building Positive Relationships 
• 1st roommate & roommate contract; scenarios and possible solutions; college room tour.

Week 3 11/2 How to Manage the College Search Process 
• PSAT, SAT, ACT; college fairs and financial role in decision making; campus visits/interviews and how will you know what the best fit is?

Week 4 11/9 FAFSA/College Applications 
• How to do FAFSA; how to fill out college applications; what to look for in a college.

Week 5 11/16 Developing Personal Values 
• Definition of success; personal values & true colors.

Week 6 11/23 Financial Planning 
• Managing your own money; needs vs. wants and creating your first budget; credit card debt; getting loans and payment plans; different levels of wealth and problems keeping up with peer spending.

Week 7 11/30 Interview Skills 
• Networking to find out who’s hiring; interviewing for internships; mock interviews.

About Hockomock Area YMCA:

Where Cause Meets Community. At the Hockomock Area YMCA, strengthening community is our cause. The Hockomock Area YMCA is an organization of men, women, and children sharing a commitment to nurture the potential of kids, promote healthy living, and foster a sense of social responsibility.

Our YMCA is committed to partnering and collaborating with others to create and deliver lasting personal and social change in the 15 communities we are privileged to serve. The Hockomock Area YMCA is a not-for-profit charitable cause-driven organization with facilities in North Attleboro, Foxboro, Franklin, and Mansfield. For more information visit hockymca.org.

About Dean College:

Founded in 1865, Dean College is a private, residential college located in Franklin Massachusetts, 45 minutes from Boston, Massachusetts, and Providence, Rhode Island. Dean College offers baccalaureate degrees, associate degree programs, as well as a robust schedule of part-time continuing and professional education credit and certificate programs throughout the calendar year. For more information visit www.dean.edu.

Franklin Library: LEGO Club - Dec 18th

The LEGO Club will meet on Thursday at the Franklin Library. Open for ages 3 to 12, this starts at 4:00 PM on Dec 18th.

LEGO Club

This was shared from the Franklin Library page here
http://franklinpl.blogspot.com/2014/12/lego-club.html

FYSA: Spring 2015 Soccer Registration is Open!

Spring 2015 soccer registration is open! 

Click here to register: http://www.franklinyouthsoccer.org/registration 

Registration cost is $65 per player (family max of $195).
Pee-Wee registration cost is $40. (uniform costs additional if needed)
Late fee of $30 will be assessed after NOVEMBER 15 

The age groups stay the same from Fall to Spring (just as school grade stays the same).
High School Travel teams will also be formed for the spring season U16 and U18. 

We will try to keep the spring schedule close to what the fall schedule currently is and as can be seen on our website. However, the schedule may change as we try to work with the town for field space and to limit conflicts with other sports like lacrosse. 

So please understand that we can not give you an exact time/day for games and practices until early spring. 

Please email if you have any questions: info@franklinyouthsoccer.org 

Don't forget to register before November 15th.

FYSA	Franklin Youth Soccer Association, Inc. - Registration www.franklinyouthsoccer.org FYSA

Community Service Project: Support the YMCA Youth Scholarship Fund

Click here to support YMCA Youth Membership Fund by Ansh Tarafder

				Click here to support YMCA Youth Membership Fund by... My name is Ansh Tarafder and I am a 8th grader at the Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School In Franklin, Massachusetts. I am working on my...
				View on www.gofundme.com	Preview by Yahoo

From Ansh's project page on GoFundMe

My name is Ansh Tarafder and I am a 8th grader at the Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School In Franklin, Massachusetts. I am working on my community service project in my school called Capstone. In my project, I am working on increasing health awareness in kids. I chose this project as we kids are the future of our country and we need to be healthy so that we can learn better and also help advance it. 

As a part of my project, I have set up a Wellness Committee in my school. We had our first meeting on 30th September 2014. From now on, the Committee will be working independently to increase awareness in my school community and I will continue to be a part of it. The Hockomock Area YMCA and Action For healthy Kids are supporting my efforts in this regard. 

My other goal is to raise $600 to sponsor 2 YMCA youth memberships for 2 kids who cannot afford it. I am a member of the YMCA and it is a fun & nice place for kids to play, exercise and get healthy. Please help me reach my goal by donating to my cause. Thank you to everyone who supported me in my project .

at the Franklin Farmers Market

Franklin Flyers Learn to Skate and Introduction to Hockey registration is now open!

Franklin Youth Hockey has opened the registration for their Learn to Skate and Introduction to Hockey programs. Each program has three consecutive 9-week sessions. Session 1 will start on Sunday September 21, 2014. 

You can register and get additional information on their website, franklinflyers.org. Act now before the sessions fill up, these are the only Learn to Skate and Introduction to Hockey programs affiliated with the Franklin Flyers.

Franklin Flyers website

Annual FYBO Bill Capen Memorial Scholarship Golf Tournament

The Annual FYBO Bill Capen Memorial Scholarship Golf Tournament will be held on Sunday, Aug 17. It will start at 11:30 AM at the New England Country Club in Bellingham.

FYBO Scholarship Golf Tournament

Additional information can be found here
https://www.facebook.com/events/601510479955798/

Patriots Alumni's Free "Football for YOU" Clinic Featuring Hockomock YMCA's Integrated Program Coming to Foxborough June 26

New England Patriots Alumni

                                                    

Free 'Football for YOU' Youth Clinic Featuring Hockomock Area YMCA's Integrated Program Hosted by New England Patriots Alumni Coming to Foxborough Thursday, June 26

WHO:           Former Patriots offensive lineman Pete Brock

                    Patriots Alumni players
Individuals from Hockomock Area YMCA Integration Initiative Program
Individuals from East Greenwich, R.I. Unified Sports

                   

WHAT:       Former Patriots offensive lineman Pete Brock will team up with other Patriots alumni to host a FREE youth football clinic on Thursday, June 26, inside the Dana-Farber Field House behind Gillette Stadium. This is one of 16 clinics being hosted by Patriots Alumni this spring and summer across New England. Boys and girls, ages 11-14, are invited to join individuals with special needs from the Hockomock Area YMCA Integration Initiative Program and East Greenwich, R.I. High School Unified Sports.

This unique program seeks to provide individuals with special needs an opportunity to participate with typically developing peers. This is a one-day, free, non-contact clinic that teaches leadership, teamwork, and commitment. In addition to being coached by former Patriots players, the young athletes will also learn from St. John's Shrewsbury's high school football coaching staff.

The clinic begins at 3:30 p.m. with registration and ends at 7 p.m. The day includes a complimentary snack and dinner. The clinic will feature educational stations for parents and discuss topics including concussion awareness, proper nutrition, strength and conditioning and teamwork. Visit www.patriotsalumni.com for more details and online registration.

"Football for YOU" is a program created by the New England Patriots Alumni Club in partnership with the New England Patriots Charitable Foundation and the NFL Foundation to teach the fundamentals of football in 16 locations throughout New England.

The Patriots Alumni Club is teaming up with Fuel Up to Play 60, the nation's largest in-school wellness program that empowers students to drive change and make their school a healthier place. During the clinics, Fuel Up to Play 60 will host interactive nutrition education sessions for parents/guardians interested in learning techniques for encouraging active kids to fuel up with nutrient-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat or fat-free dairy.

WHEN:        Thursday, June 26

        3:30pm: Registration begins.

        4:15pm: Skills clinic begins.

        6:30pm: Alumni speaker and group photo

       

WHERE:        Dana-Farber Field House, Gillette Stadium

                    One Patriot Place, Foxborough, MA 02035

About the New England Patriots Alumni Club

The New England Patriots Alumni Club's mission is to provide an opportunity for former Patriot players to remain actively involved with each other, the Patriots organization and the community by supporting and funding youth football throughout New England. Their programs emphasize leadership, teamwork and achievement through lessons learned on the football field.  The New England Patriots Alumni Club, Inc. is recognized as a non-profit organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.  Learn more about all the 'Football for YOU' 16 sites at www.patriotsalumni.com.

About the New England Patriots Charitable Foundation

The purpose of the New England Patriots Charitable Foundation is to support programs that aid the youth and families of the New England region by assisting programs that foster cultural diversity, education, family and health and fitness. To learn more, visit www.patriots.com/community.

Youth Community Involvement Club - Connecting FHS with the Franklin Community

Conor Lemanowicz writes:

As citizens of Franklin it is our duty to give back to the community that has given us so much throughout our lives. Giving back is the mission that the Youth Community Involvement Club was founded upon. Founded this year by a group of students led by Dan Robert, the YCIC’s goal is to create an organization that will have a profound effect on Franklin for years to come.  

Youth Community Involvement Club

If you have never heard of the YCIC, you are not alone. It is a relatively new organization with large goals. The YCIC is an eight member board that acts as a catalyst to facilitate outreach between the students at Franklin High and the many people in our community in need of assistance. The YCIC works directly with the Franklin Food Pantry to help support the families of those in need. The Franklin Food Pantry is already a very established organization in town. With the help of the YCIC, the food pantry can reach more people, more efficiently, and with more consistency. 

YCIC meets every Thursday in Mr. Penza’s room. Meetings are open to the public to come in and provide ideas. The more awareness we can spread, the greater the effect we can have. The YCIC also helps to organize and to spark interest for community events. The first of these events is the Elks Care Elks Share 5K Road Race and Walk. The event, which will take place on May 10th not only helps to benefit the Franklin Food Pantry but it also helps the Wounded Warrior Project. The YCIC hopes to lay a foundation to make the organization an integral part of student life at Franklin High. With your help, the YCIC can be extremely beneficial for generations to come. 

If you are interested in helping out with the YCIC in any way or if you would like to participate in the 5K please contact ycic.fhs@gmail.com or contact any of the members of the board.

You can also follow the YCIC on twitter @FHSYCIC

Member Contact List:Conor Lemanowicz
Thomas Cerrier
Gabbie Blood
Cobi Frongillo
Ashley Jacques
Haley Frank
Cathryn Noon

This was originally posted on the FHS Pantherbook
http://pantherbook.org/student-life/2014/03/31/connecting-fhs-with-the-franklin-community/

MassBudget: Unlocking Potential: The Cost and Availability of Juvenile Detention and its Alternatives in MA

MassBudget    Information.    Participation.  Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center    Democracy. Unlocking Potential: The Cost and Availability of Juvenile Detention and its Alternatives in Massachusetts MassBudget's new KIDS COUNT report explores budget trends for juvenile detention over time. It looks at newer alternative programs for kids entering the juvenile justice system, and compares costs across the detention continuum. Juveniles are in "Detention" when they are in custody of DYS before trial or before a probation violation hearing. Many such children are charged only with misdemeanors, and there is significant evidence that for many juveniles placement outside of a jail-like facility is at least as effective from a public safety perspective -- and better for the child. The report finds that there are significantly different costs for different types of placements: Placement in a jail-like facility ("Secure Detention") is the most expensive. A community placement in foster care is less than half the cost of a secure placement. Alternatives to detention, which allow kids to receive services while at home, are even less expensive than foster care. The report also finds that the number of alternative placements is increasing but that implementation has been slow and uneven. Read the report here. A companion KIDS COUNT report from Citizens for Juvenile Justice examines how and why detention is harmful to kids, the characteristics of children detained, and what alternatives to detention are working well in Massachusetts.   National and state data on juvenile justice are available at the Kids Count Data Center. MassBudget's Children's Budget includes a section on juvenile justice.  The Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center (MassBudget) produces policy research, analysis, and data-driven recommendations focused on improving the lives of low- and middle-income children and adults, strengthening our state's economy, and enhancing the quality of life in Massachusetts. MASSACHUSETTS BUDGET AND POLICY CENTER 15 COURT SQUARE, SUITE 700 BOSTON, MA 02108

Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center | 15 Court Square | Suite 700 | Boston | MA | 02108

Reach Out For Youth and Families Breakfast

Good Morning Healthy Futures Franklin!

Attached is an invitation to our Reach Out for Youth and Families Breakfast.  The Hockomock Area YMCA's annual Reach Out for Youth in Families Breakfast benefits our Annual Campaign.  This year's breakfast is on Thursday, March 27th at Gillette Stadium (Putnam Club).  I hope you can join me as a guest and hear the powerful stories of our Y's impact and how our number one priority is being there for our community.

Hockomock Ymca

Through our Annual Campaign, our Y supports youth, adults, seniors, and families on a daily basis.  Whether a family has been stricken with an illness and finds themselves needing childcare or a sports class to keep the children busy, or an older adult finds themselves looking for a way to connect with others and find social interaction, we are there for all ages.  We do not turn away anyone from YMCA services or programs, regardless of their ability to pay.  Our Health Innovation Team specifically works with our partner school districts and community groups in increasing physical activity and nutrition and supporting individuals with, or at risk for, a chronic disease through our Healthy Futures Initiative and our Prescription for a Healthy Lifestyle Program.  Our Adventures in Respect and Darkness to Light Initiatives are a couple of the other powerful ways in which our Y gives back to our local partners and community members.   

In 2013, we gave out over $1.5 million in financial assistance.  All of that stayed in our 15 communities, directly helping kids, families and adults that needed it most.  This year, our goal is to raise over $1 million as we expect the need in our communities to continue.

I hope you will consider joining me on Thursday, March 27th as we kick off this year's campaign and continue to support our efforts to help even more kids and families through our 2014 Reach Out for Youth and Families Campaign.

Please forward to anyone you think would be interested in joining us at the breakfast and I ask that you either RSVP to me or the email/phone number included on the invitation (realimpact@hockymca.org or 508-643-5278).  If you cannot make the breakfast we are having our post event in Franklin at 3 Restaurant on April 1^st.

Hope to see you there!

Marissa L. Garofano MPH, CHES

Director of  Community Wellness

Hockomock Area YMCA

Youth Employment In Massachusetts and Nationwide

MassBudget    Information.    Participation.  Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center    Democracy. Youth Employment - In Massachusetts and the U.S. Here in Massachusetts, close to 1 in 7 young people is unemployed. Nationwide, 6.5 million "disconnected youth" are out of school and also out of work. A new report from the Annie E. Casey Foundation, "Youth and Work: Restoring teen and young adult connections to opportunity," describes the many challenges today's youth face as they look to enter the job market. A separate issue brief from MassBudget, "Youth and Work in Massachusetts," provides more focused information about youth employment in Massachusetts. At the state level, we find that: The unemployment rate among young adults (16-24) has more than doubled since 2000. High School dropout rates have been improving, but significant disparities remain for low-income students, students with disabilities, and students with limited English proficiency. Funding for higher education--which helps provide a path towards good jobs--has declined 30% since 2001. The national KIDS COUNT report also tracks the growing population of "disconnected youth"--meaning young adults aged 16 to 24 who are out of work and also out of school. Since 2000, the number of disconnected youth has increased by over 30% nationwide; and in Massachusetts, the numbers have grown from 92,000 to 134,000. As the report details, "youth who miss out on an early work experience are more likely to endure later unemployment and less likely to achieve higher levels of career attainment." Read YOUTH EMPLOYMENT IN MASSACHUSETTS AND THE U.S. Visit our FACEBOOK PAGE to share these reports, along with your thoughts. The Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center (MassBudget) produces policy research, analysis, and data-driven recommendations focused on improving the lives of low- and middle-income children and adults, strengthening our state's economy, and enhancing the quality of life in Massachusetts. MASSACHUSETTS BUDGET AND POLICY CENTER 15 COURT SQUARE, SUITE 700 BOSTON, MA 02108

This email was sent to shersteve@gmail.com by nberger@massbudget.org |   Update Profile/Email Address | Instant removal with SafeUnsubscribe™ | Privacy Policy. Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center | 15 Court Square | Suite 700 | Boston | MA | 02108

YMCA - Youth Basketball League

The Bernon Family YMCA is accepting registrations for the winter Youth Basketball League, which begins December 10th for children ages 3-10 years old. The first three weeks are devoted to practice and the last five weeks to playing games (all games will be held on Saturdays). The league is open to players of all levels.

The Youth Basketball League (YBL) is the YMCA’s most popular youth sports league. The coed league focuses primarily on skill development, sportsmanship and fun. Emphasis will be placed on dribbling, shooting, passing, teamwork, and having fun. The first three weeks of practices are developed to meet the needs of each age group and to best advance their skills in a healthy and fun way. For the following five weeks, children will compete in games (times are TBA).

Each player in YBL will receive a team t-shirt and a trophy at the end of the season banquet.
The cost for the program is $66 for members and $99 for non-members. Hurry and sign up today because after November 25th winter league prices will increase.

To register, please stop by the Bernon Family YMCA located at 45 Forge Hill Road in Franklin, contact the front desk at (508) 528-8708 or visit us online at www.hockymca.org (only members can register online). For further information please contact Association Youth Programming Director, Jeff Laliberte at (774) 235-2746 or JeffreyL@hockymca.org.

In the News - school ROI, youth hockey, Charter school, absentee ballots

Franklin schools garner national notice

from The Milford Daily News News RSS by Ashley Studley, Daily News staff

Franklin Youth Hockey Golf Tournament planned

from The Milford Daily News News RSS by GateHouse Media, Inc.

Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter School hosts fair

from The Milford Daily News News RSS by GateHouse Media, Inc.

Absentee ballots available in Franklin

from The Milford Daily News News RSS by GateHouse Media, Inc.

Franklin, MA

In the News - youth mass, solar panels

Youth Mass at Franklin church fills the pews

from The Milford Daily News News RSS by Angel Roy, Daily News staff

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Bellingham farm using solar panels to save on energy costs

from The Milford Daily News Homepage RSS by Angel Roy, Daily News staff

Pictures of the Trolley Crossing Farm solar panels were posted to the Franklin Area Climate Team blog here