In the News: new high school, STEM roundtable, clean water grant

Every student has been assigned a Google Chromebook — affordable laptops — to use in class, Waite noted, saying it’s one of the things she’s been most excited about. 

Bates and Waite, as well as the other members of the student-led transition teams, were integral in preparing the school for the first day, Light said. 

"It was impressive work by a group of kids who were so enthusiastic and positive and willing to do all of the hard work behind the scenes to get the school up and running," he said. "That, to me, is really the most exciting thing: This is a place for the students, and we’re trying to create a culture where it’s led by the students, as well."

Continue reading the article in the Milford Daily News (subscription maybe required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20140904/NEWS/140908725/1994/NEWS

Sparking interest in science and engineering early at the middle school level is one way to build a stronger workforce in the high-tech manufacturing fields, according to officials in the industry. 

Executives from four such companies on Wednesday met with U.S. Rep. Joseph Kennedy III and state Rep. John Fernandes, D-Milford, for a roundtable discussion on potential solutions to the problems the industry faces. 

Kennedy, a Democrat who represents the state’s 4th Congressional district, organized the session in part to update leading manufacturers on his bill that aims to establish regional manufacturing institutes across the country for education and research. The government would dole out funding for the centers through a competitive grant system.

Continue reading the article in the Milford Daily News (subscription maybe required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20140904/NEWS/140908721/1994/NEWS

The town has received $117,650 in state funds to improve storm water runoff, the state Department of Environmental Protection announced today. 

The money will aid the town in "mitigating the effects of polluted storm water," according to a press release.. 

"Clean lakes and streams mean thriving communities and healthy ecosystems," said Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner David W. Cash.

Continue reading the article in the Milford Daily News (subscription maybe required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20140902/NEWS/140909473

Friends of Franklin Library - Meeting Agenda - Sep 3

FOFL Meeting Agenda for Wednesday, September 3, 2014

Meeting time:  7PM

Meeting place:  Franklin Library, Community Room

·         Welcome and introductions

·         Public Comments

·         Library Director

·         Library Board of Directors

·         Acceptance of minutes from last (June) meeting

·         Treasurer's report

·         Committee updates

o   Membership 

o   Outreach – Facebook/Twitter

§  newsletter

o   Downtown Partnership  

§  Harvest Festival

·         Continuing items

o   Scholarship 2015

o   FoFL Bulletin board content, monthly themes

·         New Items

o   Fundraising 2014-2015      

o   Presenting/sponsoring programs in conjunction with other town groups

§  Upcoming:  October 7 with Garden Club at Alumni.          

·         Author of "Garden Club Mysteries' and other mysteries (Neal Sanders)

o   Other authors?  Topics?

o   Other

Franklin Public Library

Starbucks: Another chemical dumped (almost...)

Given the recent hype about the new Starbucks, this seems appropriate to share. Caveat emptor!

Hi from New York City! 

I can't believe we did it again. We are bending policies of multi-billion dollar companies overnight. It really blows my mind! 

In this latest post, I reveal the email exchanges I had with the Starbucks PR team leading up to last week, including what happened after they invited me to their headquarters in Seattle.  

And…because of what you did last week, their stance completely changed. 

Watch me talking about this issue on national TV this morning & read the latest news HERE. 

At the end of this post, I have one little favor to ask. Even though Starbucks has agreed to some of our requests, they have a lot more work to do. Millions of people are still drinking these chemicals as I am typing! 

None of these changes could become a reality without you and your unwavering determination to improve the quality and safety of our food. 

I hope you are proud of yourself. I certainly am. 

Thank you for standing with me and for your continued love and support.

Xo,
Vani 

Blog | Facebook | Twitter

P.O. Box 31521 Charlotte, NC 28231

Drink Starbucks? Wake Up And Smell The Chemicals!

Franklin Area Kids Hiking Group - September hike descriptions

The hikes for September have been scheduled and posted to the group Facebook page:

Sept 5th Creatures of the night hike Delcarte Playground Franklin 6pm Join in this hike for a night of face painting and creature finding. We will discuss all the different nocturnal animals as well as a take home craft for each child! 15 child limit $5 per child

Sep 9th Open hike 4pm Join us for a free open hike through the cranberry bog and woods trail at Bass Pro Franklin Ma (Foxboro??)

Sep 11th Art in Nature Bird Park Walpole 4pm Join us for this beautiful hike and fun activity. The children will be using materials from nature to create their very own masterpieces. 15 child limit $5 per child

Sept 13th Owling Dacey Field 6pm Join us for a trip through the woods while we look for our friends of the night OWLS!! The kids will learn how to do owl calls and pick up some not so appetizing info on the owls digestive system!!! Take home craft provided for each child. 15 child limit $5 per child

Sep 14th Apples Apples Apples The Big Apple Wrentham Ma 10am This delicious hike is perfect for a weekend morning outing. The children will be making their own apple prints as well as exploring the farm land!! After the hike during our activity, the kids can enjoy apple cider donuts along with water and of course APPLES!!! 15 child limit $7 per child

Sep 17th Open Hike Hopedale Parklands 4pm. Join us on another free hike to explore a wonderful area with wild and plant life all around!!

Sep 19th Hike and Learn Plants. Choate Park Medway 4:30 pm Each child who joins this hike will be given their very own field guide and taken on a hike to identify and learn about different native plants that grow in the area. After the hike there will be a plant related Craft. !5 child limit $6 per child

Sep 22 Changing of the seasons SNETT Trail Franklin Ma 4pm This fun filled adventure will consist of take home field guides and lots of detective work to find the different signs of a changing season. After the hike the kids will be given a take home seasonal craft. 15 child limit $6 per child

Sep 25th Open Hike Bellingham Town Common. 4:30pm This is a fun afternoon hike as it is not to strenuous or even in the woods! A great place to walk and finish with some time on the playground

Sep 28th Yoga for kids and Moms Borderland State Park. Easton Ma !0am This is one of the most beautiful places to sit by the water and find some Sunday morning inner peace. A great way to get ready for a new week for both your child and you. All ages of children welcome. 15 child limit $2 entrance fee $4 per child hike fee

The schedule in a calendar view

September 2014 hiking calendar

The Facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/groups/830232910335361/

Important Emmons St Meeting WEDNESDAY - 5:30 pm

The Economic Development Committee will be making their recommendations for the RFP on Emmons Street property on Wednesday.

At the last meeting they discussed cutting the greenspace and leaving in the possibility of a drive-thru. They are very interested in citizens input, but people need to attend the meeting.

Emmons Street Property Discussion

Economic Development Committee Meeting

Wednesday, September 3rd

5:30 pm-Town Hall meeting room-3rd floor

Committee will decide on specific recommendations to be included in the RFP

Public encouraged to attend

150 Emmons St

This is a reprint of the Downtown Partnership notice posted earlier

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/08/franklin-downtown-partnership-reminders.html

  

Franklin High School Preview for boys soccer and football

Hockomock Sports has the preview for Franklin in Boys Soccer and Football

Franklin
2013 Record: 13-2-5 (11-0-5)
2013 Finish: Lost in MIAA D1 South Quarterfinal
Coach: Fran Bositis

Last fall, the Panthers were a minute from upsetting one of the top teams in the state, before Klisman Sousa scored an equalizer for New Bedford, which went on to win on penalties. Franklin returns 14 players from that squad, including 13 seniors who will be looking to make it a perfect four for four in league titles over their careers. As coach Fran Bositis explained, “There are no real flashy players, but they all fit well as a team.” 

The Panthers will be without the box-to-box talent of midfielder Joe Kalil this season, but Bositis believes that he has a ready-made replacement in senior Tim Larowe, who played mostly at defensive mid last year. Bositis believes that Larowe, a two-year captain, has the capability of adding more attacking to his game. Offensively, Franklin will look to junior forward Austin Kent to provide the goals, but this will be a team based as always on energy, defense, and speed. 

Bositis also highlighted his other captains Cal Harmon and Ben Labelle and said that a player to keep an eye on this season will be sophomore midfielder Hatim Brahimi, who can add some creativity in the center of the pitch as he gets accustomed to the league’s physicality. 

With scrimmages against perennial powers such as Medway, Ludlow, and Algonquin, Bositis believes that his team will be ready to try and challenge Attleboro and KP for the title.

You can read the complete boys soccer Kelly-Rex Division preview here
http://www.hockomocksports.com/blog/hockomock-boys-soccer-kelley-rex-division-preview

new FHS Panthers logo

Franklin
2013 Record: 5-6 (1-4)
2013 Finish: Missed Playoffs
Coach: Brad Sidwell (21st Year, 118-88-3)
Key Players: Colton Cardinal, Sr. TE/LB, 6-4, 235 lbs.; Andrew Parent, Sr. WR/CB, 5-9, 165 lbs.; Daevon Weathers, Sr. RB, 5-6, 170 lbs.; Luke Gordon, Jr. WR/S, 6-1, 175 lbs.; Sam Harrell, Jr. WR, 5-11, 180 lbs.; Kyle Skidmore, Sr. QB/DB, 6-3, 200 lbs.; Nick Yelle, Jr. WR/DB, 5-9, 175 lbs.; Jake Garrity, Sr. WR/DB, 5-8, 165 lbs.; Brian Sugrue, Sr. OL/DL, 6-2, 255 lbs.; Joey Giacalone, Jr. OL/DL, 6-1, 260 lbs.; Ben Riggs, Jr. OL/DL, 6-2, 285 lbs.; Brian Casali, Sr. LB, 5-9, 185 lbs.

Offense: Kyle Skidmore will take over the reins at quarterback this fall and the lefty will have to try and build an offense that features a number of new faces in the skill positions. Daevon Weathers will be the primary back with Sam Harrell, Luke Gordon, Jake Garrity, and senior captain Andrew Parent among the players that will be counted on to make plays at receiver. 

Franklin has plenty of size up front with Brian Sugrue, Joey Giacalone, and Ben Riggs all at least 6-1. The line will need to protect the passer against its speedier Kelley-Rex rivals. Weathers is a smaller back but likes to go downhill and attack the hole quickly, which will again make interior line play a crucial component to the offense’s success. 

Defense: Parent will be one of the key players in the Panthers’ inexperienced secondary. Many of the receivers will also be playing on the other side of the ball. Like Parent, senior linebacker Colton Cardinal, who has DI interest and was named one of HockomockSports.com Defensive Players to Watch, was missing during parts of preseason and will be a pivotal player for Franklin. Cardinal will be a key weapon in the pass rush and with his ability to recognize and call out screens or to judge the zone read, which is a component of many Hockomock offenses. 

The size that is a strength of the offense is also a factor on defense. Franklin is a team that can bunch the middle and will be tough to run against inside the tackles. Cardinal will get some help in the linebacking corps from senior Brian Casali. 

Outlook: Franklin struggled offensively against the top teams in the division last season and that could be an issue again as it searches for the right combination of playmakers and Skidmore becomes comfortable with the system. The Panthers do bring three of their rivals to Pisini Field, but reaching the playoffs could be a tough task this season.

You can read the full Kelly-Rex Division preview here
http://www.hockomocksports.com/blog/hockomock-football-kelley-rex-division-preview

Franklin Newcomers and Friends - meeting Sep 10

Hi Steve,

Our committee is gearing up for our first official meeting of the year.  We're reaching out to see if you'd be able to post our events on your Franklin Matters blog.  We all subscribe and we're big fans of your blog.  We're thankful for the time you take to keep us all in know about anything that "matters" in Franklin!  We'd appreciate your help and thank you in advance!

Our first meeting will be on Wednesday, September 10th  at "3" Restaurant, 461 West Central Street in Franklin.  We gather at 7:30 for complimentary appetizers and non-alcoholic beverages.  A cash bar is available.  Our meetings start by 8pm.

We're a social gathering of local residents.  We welcome you whether you are new to the area or have lived here forever.  We meet the 2nd Wednesday of the month, September through May.  We have additional gatherings each month based on different interests.  We meet regularly for morning breakfasts, lunch or dinner.  We have Ladies Nights Out, Wine Tastings, movie nights, events for couples and families . . .singles too!  Everyone's input is valued and if you have something you'd like to do,  we offer a place to come together with your ideas and an opportunity to socialize with others.  We like to give back to the community so we hold events that raise funds that support local programs and organizations. Our goal is to provide friendship and promote camaraderie among local residents.

Giving back to the community is important to us.  The proceeds raised at our annual fundraiser, the Franklin Newcomers and Friends Craft Fair, is donated to local charities and organizations.  We also look for opportunities to lend our support through volunteering.

For more information, check out our website www.franklinnewcomers.com.  For ease in communication, we utilize MeetUp.com for events outside of our regular monthly meetings.  If you have any questions, contact us by email at franklinnewcomers@hotmail.com.

Thanks for helping us spread the word . . . 

Karilyn Hammer

Franklin Newcomers and Friends

Board Member

Franklin Newcomers and Friends website

MA Candidates for Governor

Only a week remains before the Sep 9th primary election. There are a pack of candidates running for governor of MA. WBUR's website provides an intro to each candidate:

http://www.wbur.org/2014/08/04/massachusetts-gubernatorial-candidates


The campaign sites for each candidate are as follows:

Denocrat

Martha Coakley -  http://www.marthacoakley.com/
Steve Grossman - http://stevegrossman.com/
Donald Berwick - http://www.berwickforgovernor.com/

Republican

Charlie Baker - https://www.charliebaker2014.com/
Mark Fisher - http://www.markfisher2014.com/

Independent

Evan Falchuk - http://www.falchuk2014.org/
Jeff McCormick - http://www.jmacforgov.org/
Scott Lively - http://www.livelyforgovernor.com/

From the Milford Daily News we find:

Since Jan. 1, the gubernatorial candidates have spent a combined $9.16 million. Grossman has spent $1.78 million, followed by Coakley ($1.61 million), Baker ($1.40 million), Berwick ($1.16 million) and Fisher ($290,000). 

United Independent Party candidate Evan Falchuk has spent $865,000, while independents Scott Lively and Jeff McCormick have spent $9,400 and $901,000, respectively.

Continue reading the article on campaign spending here (subscription maybe required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20140902/NEWS/140909738/1994/NEWS


Absentee ballots are available to the Town Clerks office

Primary election notice for Sep 9, 2014

Riding-mower tuneup promotion

Hello Steve,

Below is a late-summer incentive for you to keep your riding mower in top shape. If you don't own a riding mower, please ignore and sorry for the trouble. 

The rates below are for routine preventive maintenance for a fully operational machine with no known problems. Repairs extra.

Riding mower or commercial walk-behind up to 42": $30 off = $169 ($199)

Riding mower or commercial walk-behind over 42": $40 off= $199 ($239)

Extended area charge (where applicable): $10 off = $19 ($29)

Must be booked on-line by September 8, 2014.

Book now (Use promo code (RM914)

See what's included

Mower n More

http://www.mowernmore.com/

This message is sent to you as a customer of Mower n More. We believe the content to be beneficial to you, but if you would like to be removed from future mailings, you can unsubscribe Mower n More, P.O. Box 201, Hopedale MA, 01747. (508) 478-2004

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Franklin Public Schools: Welcome Back

A message from FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT

September 1, 2014

Welcome Back to our Students, Parents and Faculty!

As the 2014-2015 academic year begins let me welcome back our faculty, students and families. We will continue to offer opportunities for excellence and will reaffirm the importance of public education through our work with the children of Franklin. When we open our doors on Tuesday, our administration, faculty and staff will share their commitment, talent and passion to inspire your children to achieve. 

This school year will welcome the Class of 2018 to the new Franklin High School. Much of this short summer was spent completing the new school and preparing for the transition. The new high school is an amazing gift to our students from the community and we invite you to join us for a tour when we officially dedicate the facility. Dedication weekend will be September 20 and 21. (Details to follow). 

The Facilities Department and DPW personnel engaged in a number of summer projects. Anyone who traveled down Lincoln Street this summer will know that the town completed an expansive project and it include renovation and addition of sidewalks. Also the concrete curbs at the Keller/ASMS complex were replaced with granite curbs thus making the entry much safer. 

While students were vacationing many of our educators engaged in rigorous professional development. About 50 of our staff attended the Building Learning Communities (BLC) conference in Boston. Many of us learned much about using technology to support learning. We will be developing a Digital Learning Committee of educators and administrators to design a comprehensive plan to use digital learning. 

Also this summer our elementary teachers worked on developing lessons to support the implementation of the new mathematics program Envisions. We will be setting up a series of math programs aimed at parents to review the program and to understand the mathematical content in K-5. 

On September 4 and 5 all of our kindergarten teachers will attend a mandated training by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). This training will teach the educator how to use the MKEA, the Massachusetts Kindergarten Educational Assessment tool. As we accept state funds to implement free full- day kindergarten we are mandated to complete the assessment and staff must be trained. We will report back to the School Committee as the assessment of students begins in late fall. 

The Franklin Public Schools has gone global and you will be hearing from FHS teacher Mike Walsh and his students who visited China in early summer. Also our Director Art Education, Jane Hogan and Director Instructional Services Pre K-12, Joyce Edwards spent two weeks in China visiting schools and learning about education in China. We look forward to hearing about their journey at a School Committee meeting in late September. 

As we open school please extend your thanks and appreciation to the Facilities Staff and DPW who worked tirelessly to open all of our schools. Also as we now have busses, vans and students on the road again, we ask that you leave some extra time for traffic and to be mindful of all crosswalks. We want all our students to get to school safely.

Warm Regards and All the Best for a Successful Year,

Maureen Sabolinski
Superintendent of Schools

This e-mail has been sent to you by FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT. To maximize their communication with you, you may be receiving this e-mail in addition to a phone call with the same message. 

Franklin High School

For more information about the Franklin Public Schools you can visit their webpage via the Franklin Town site or directly here  http://franklindistrict.vt-s.net/Pages/index

Labor Day and 'back to school' week

The wikipedia entry for Labor Day reads in part:

To take advantage of large numbers of potential customers free to shop, Labor Day has become an important sale weekend for many retailers in the United States. Some retailers claim it is one of the largest sale dates of the year, second only to the Christmas season's Black Friday.^[7] 

Ironically, because of the importance of the sale weekend, some of those who are employed in the retail sector not only work on Labor Day, but work longer hours. More Americans work in the retail industry than any other, with retail employment making up 24% of all jobs in the United States.^[8] As of 2012, only 3% of those employed in the retail sector were members of a labor union.^[8]

Parmenter School sign with opening schedule for 2014-2015 school year

Labor Day is also the traditional end of summer and return to school. Franklin schools got out early in June 2014 in part due to the snow days but also deliberately to assist with the move out of the old FHS building. Schools are also opening after Labor Day this year to provide the time for the new FHS building to get completed (construction has been) and the facility moved into (by faculty, etc.).

In elementary, Grades 1-5 report on Sep 3

Friday Sep 5, there is a one hour Kindergarten orientation and on Monday, Sep 8th, Kindergarten will start their full day schedule.

The K schedule is different this year due to a new state requirement for an assessment of all kndergarteners.  The K teachers are being trained on the assessment process, Weds and Thur (Sep 3-4).

Middle school and high school opens for all grades on Sep 3

31 thermal totes collected and delivered

You may recall that Megan DeKing posted about collecting some thermal totes for new born infants at the intensive care unit of an area hospital. With your help she collected 31 totes and delivered them last Friday. She posted the following to our Franklin Matters Facebook page

Thank you so much to those that helped collect NICU totes! Just dropped them off and the moms there were so thankful!

Megan DeKing (far right) delivering the totes

The totes were delivered to the NICU at Newton Wellsley Hospital

The fund raising was initially posted here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/07/fund-raising-thermal-totes-for-infants.html

September is Campus Fire Safety Month

Did you know that September is Campus Fire Safety Month? With students returning to college campuses within and outside the state, including Franklin's Dean College, it makes sense.

Summer is coming to an end and a new school year is about to begin. As students return to campus and off-campus apartments across Massachusetts, the state designates September Campus Fire Safety Month. Through fire safety education, the Commonwealth aims to reduce occurrences of fire and the resulting losses of life or property damage. 

According to the Department of Fire Services (DFS), 39 Massachusetts civilians died due to fires in 2012. In fact,69% of all residential building fires originated in the kitchen due to unsafe cooking practices that year.

MA.gov blog on fire safety

Continue reading the MA Gov blog article here to find out the fire safety tips they provide http://blog.mass.gov/blog/safety/campus-fire-safety-month/

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Sep 3, 2014

A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

B. ANNOUNCEMENTS
This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by Franklin Matters.

C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS

D. CITIZEN COMMENTS

E. APPOINTMENTS

Election Workers

Jeanne Blanchard
Joyce Pedersen

Advisory Committee

Bruce Hunchard
Nancy Rafter

F. HEARINGS

G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS

H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
Special Permits – Beth Wierling

I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS

J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 14-50: Chapter 61B – 1st Refusal Option – Property Located Off East Central Street
2. Resolution 14-51: Chapter 61B – 1st Refusal Option – Off East Central Street
3. Resolution 14-52: Appropriation – Recreation – Tot Lot
4. Resolution 14-53: Prior Year Bill
5. Resolution 14-54: Authorization to Issue Request for Proposals – Pond Street Property
6. Bylaw Amendment 14-741:Chapter 65, Collection Containers – 1st Reading

K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

L. OLD BUSINESS

M. NEW BUSINESS

N. COUNCIL COMMENTS

O. EXECUTIVE SESSION
Negotiations, Litigation, Real Property, as May Be Required

P. ADJOURN

Franklin Municipal Building - site of Town Council meetings

The full set of documents released for this agenda can be found on the official Franklin page here
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_CouncilAgendas/2014/090314.pdf

Preparing for school lunches - lunch lady heroes and more

It is time to get back to school so that means it is back to either making lunches or getting lunch in the cafeteria. In this TED Talk, Jarrett Krosoczka talks about his lunch lady and lunch lady heroes!





You can find more about Jarrett with his TED bio page  http://www.ted.com/speakers/jarrett_j_krosoczka

or on his own website   http://www.studiojjk.com/



And while we are on the topic of school lunches, Lisa Leake has some good ideas and recipes to help create healthy lunches.

Lisa Leake's 100 Days of Real Food website

Follow this link to read her post on tips to making school lunches:
http://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2013/08/14/real-food-tips-10-recipes-to-freeze-for-school-lunches-which-makes-packing-a-breeze/

Lincoln St construction update

On my walk last weekend (8/24), I finally got out to check on the Lincoln St construction. The paving had been delayed starting and based upon the view last week is close to getting finished.

There will be islands put in to help calm the traffic and improve the safety around the Keller Sullivan schools. I confirmed this in a brief conversation with DPW Director Robert (Brutus) Cantoreggi at the recent Sculpture Parking opening.

Looking towards downtown on Lincoln St (Keller Sullivan to the right)

cones in the middle indicate where the islands will be

single lane restriction for culvert work

one of the new culverts from stream side

culvert work near Winterberry

Franklin Girls Soccer: "another tournament run seems guaranteed"

In the Hockomock Sports preview on the Kelly-Rex Division they write the following about the Franklin High School girls soccer team:

Franklin
2013 Record: 17-2-3 (12-1-3)
2013 Finish: Lost in MIAA D1 State Semifinal
Coach: Tom Geysen

In 2010, Franklin coach Tom Geysen said he stopped setting season goals for his team and told his players to focus on one game at a time. The focus seems to have had the right effect with a state title in 2012 and sectional titles in three of the past four seasons. This year, that focus will be even more important with Franklin drawing not just statewide admiration but also national attention. After the first few days of practice, Geysen said that he wasn’t worried because the players “had the right attitude” and “came to work hard” this preseason. 

FHS Panthers

The Panthers return 10 of 11 starters from the team that reached the state semifinal last season, including 2013 HockomockSports.com Player of the Year Taylor Cogliano. In addition, Franklin brings back senior Eastern Mass. all-star Nicole Ellin at the back and a host of juniors that are motivated to return to the state championship game. Among the juniors are forwards Alexis Stowell and Bailey Knous and Underclassman of the Year Victoria Stowell. With Lexi Martin, Julia Mastaj, Jane Scafati and goalkeeper Dani Lonati also back, it’s no wonder that Franklin is considered among the favorites for the Hockomock title. 

Geysen raved about the fitness levels of his team in the preseason and credited the players for the willingness to share minutes to make the team better. He also said that he intends on using a lot of players over the course of the season so that the bench will be prepared if needed during the tournament. With the players Franklin has back, another tournament run seems guaranteed.

Continue reading the Kelly-Rex Division article here
http://www.hockomocksports.com/blog/hockomock-girls-soccer-kelley-rex-division-preview

The write up on the Davenport Division can be found here
http://www.hockomocksports.com/blog/hockomock-girls-soccer-davenport-division-preview

Franklin has soccer players in the "Top Ten to Watch"

Hockomock Sports continues their preview of the fall high school season with the following articles on high school soccer. The articles featured here today cover the top ten players to watch on both girls and boys soccer.

Taylor Cogliano, Franklin - Senior Forward/Midfielder

The defending HockomockSports.com Player of the Year and Hockomock MVP returns for her senior season and will once again be one of the most creative and skillful players in the league. Combining a low center of gravity, confidence and patience on the ball, and the ability to read the spaces in the defense, Cogliano is able to be a playmaker for the Panthers array of attackers and also the lead forward. Her versatility is perfect for Franklin’s system and she steps up in big moments as her play in each of the last two state tournaments attests. 

Victoria Stowell, Franklin - Junior Midfielder

It is hard to select just one or two Franklin players for this list, but the returning Underclassman of the Year is the fulcrum in the midfield on which the Panthers build their attacks. She finds little spaces in which to collect the ball and has no problem taking a pass in traffic and then finding the right pass to spring Franklin forward. She is capable of the short pass to keep the ball and the audacious (her assist for the equalizer against Feehan being the perfect example).  Although far from the biggest midfielder in the league, Stowell is not afraid of stepping into a tackle and is not easy to push off the ball when in possession. That combination offers freedom for Taylor Cogliano to play in the space behind the striker and for the wingers to get forward on the outside.

Continue reading the 10 players to watch in girls Hockomock League soccer
http://www.hockomocksports.com/blog/hockomock-girls-soccer-ten-players-to-watch-in-2014

new FHS sports logo

Boys soccer

Tim Larowe, Franklin - Senior Midfielder

Larowe will be the sparkplug in the middle of the pitch for Franklin and will be tasked with marking many of the names that appear on this list. He is a defensive-minded player by nature, but with Joe Kalil graduated, Larowe may need to add box-to-box play, which could lead to more scoring opportunities. For a team that prides itself on physicality and high pressure, Larowe is the lynchpin and leads by example with seemingly non-stop energy.

Continue reading the boys top ten players to watch here
http://www.hockomocksports.com/blog/hockomock-boys-soccer-ten-players-to-watch-in-2014

Franklin featured in AAA

A photo you saw here first was selected for the small article about Franklin in the monthly AAA Horizons publication.

photo of the Horizon's issue with my photo

Thanks to Cindy Cornwall for prompting AAA to include this article which in turn sent them scouring for pictures of the Town Common where the opportunity fell to me to provide some photos. I sent them several and they chose this one.

screen view of Franklin article on the Southern New England AAA site

If you are not a AAA member you should still be able to view the Franklin article online here
http://www.aaahorizons.com/content.cfm?a=2573

For more info about AAA you can visit their website here:   AAA.com

And the original full photo of the World War I Memorial on the Town Common

World War I memorial 'doughboy'