Summer STAR Classes - Openings still available!

Franklin Public Schools ~ Lifelong Learning Institute Summer STAR Classes .... Openings are still available Dates Class Grades Week 1: July 11 - 15 Nature Detectives 1, 2 Week 1: July 11 - 15 Accessorize Yourself 3, 4, 5 2 Weeks, July 11 - 22 Rock Band 4, 5, 6 Week 2: July 18 - 22 CLASSES ARE FULL Week 3: July 25 - 29 Franklin Pirates 1, 2, 3 Week 4: August 1 - 5 Nature Outdoors 1, 2 Week 4: August 1 - 5 Princess Magic 1,2 Week 4: August 1 - 5 STAR Music Studio 1, 2, 3 Week 4: August 1 - 5 Clay's the Way 3, 4, 5 Click on any of the class titles to see more information  about the class and to register. Register Lifelong Learning Institute ~ Website

FPS- Lifelong Learning, 355 East Central Street, Franklin, MA 02038 Sent by lifelong@franklin.k12.ma.us in collaboration with Try it free today

Autism Eats - May 2 at Restaurant 45

"Going to a family restaurant should be an enjoyable experience. A time to relax, enjoy good food and spend time with your family. Let someone else do the cooking and cleaning. 

Unfortunately, for those of us who have a child with autism dining out can be anxiety provoking and stressful. As parents, we may feel that "all eyes are on us" when our kids exhibit certain behaviors, have outbursts or refuse to sit still. Other diners may be disturbed and the well intentioned wait staff doesn't really know the best way to help out. 

Many of us decide it is just not worth the effort and that is unfortunate.
We created Autism Eats to bring the fun back to eating out. 

Our dinner parties are held in private rooms of restaurants or function facilities. Food is served buffet or family style so there is no waiting. Music and lighting are adjusted to accommodate those with sensory sensitivity. These are family dinners and all attending have a loved one on the spectrum so there is no need to apologize, explain or feel uncomfortable. It is an opportunity to enjoy a night out and socialize with others who have many of the same joys and challenges in common."

From the Autism Eats webpage   http://autismeats.org/#page_about

May 2, 2016 - Medway, MA

Restaurant 45, 45 Milford St. Medway, MA 02053
6:00pm to 8:30pm

Ticket Prices: Adults: $23.00. Kids: $15.00

Click here to To Order Tickets for May 2, 2016

April is Autism Awareness Month - Autism Eats - May 2

FHS boys tennis win, girls lose to Foxboro on Friday

The FHS tennis teams split their matches against Foxboro with the boys winning 5-0 and the girls losing 2-3. Results courtesy of Hockomock Sports

Boys Tennis

• Franklin, 5 @ Foxboro, 0 – Final 

– Juniors Rahul Herur and Eli Brooks each battled through three sets to get wins in singles to lead the Panthers. Herur won 6-3, 4-6, 6-4 at first singles and Brooks won 2-6, 6-2, 7-6 at second singles. Tom Mancini picked up a 6-0, 6-0 win at third singles. Cam Piana and James Johnston won 6-1, 6-0 at first doubles and Dan Barrow and Jeremy Gan won 6-1, 6-2 at second doubles.

Girls Tennis

• Foxboro, 3 @ Franklin, 2 – Final 

– Foxboro used wins at second and third singles and first doubles to get the win. Sophomore Sophia Prinos won 6-1, 6-2 at second singles and junior Lexi Nelson won 6-0, 6-0 at third singles. Sophomore Kayla Prag and freshman Julia Muise paired together for a 6-4, 4-6, 7-5 win at first doubles. Franklin’s Hannah Sweeney won a marathon match at first singles, 4-6, 6-4, 7-6 (8-6) and Selina Wu and Sarah Lobo teamed together for a 6-3, 2-6, 6-4 win at second doubles.

For the complete results of Friday's spring sports
http://www.hockomocksports.com/fridays-schedule-scoreboard-040816/

FHS Panthers

In the News: softball team holds recycling event, try your hand at curling, Art Association spring show scheduled

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin

"The Franklin High School softball team will hold a recycling event from 8 a.m. to noon April 16 at the Franklin Elks Lodge, 1077 Pond St. 

The team will collect bottles, cans and all types of electronic items for a nominal fee between $5 and $20. 

All proceeds benefit the FHS Girls Softball Team."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160408/franklin-high-school-softball-team-to-hold-recycling-event

"The Blackstone Valley Curling Club will hold a Learn to Curl event from 2 to 4:30 p.m. and from 5:30 to 8 p.m. May 21 at the Blackstone Valley IcePlex, 121 Plain St. 

Certified curling instructors will be on hand to teach the basics. The clinic will cost $40 per person and is for ages 18 and older. 

Those planning on trying out curling at the Learn to Curl should wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing, such as a jogging suit, and rubber-soled shoes. The club will provide all other equipment needed to participate. 

The Blackstone Valley Curling Club’s league season will begin in October, and space is limited. 

For information and to register: LTC.bvcurlingclub.com. Walk-ins will not be permitted."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160408/blackstone-valley-curling-club-to-hold-learn-to-curl-event

curling pictogram (from wikipedia)

"The Franklin Art Association’s annual Spring Members Art Exhibit and Sale will be held from noon to 8 p.m. April 30 and from noon to 3 p.m. May 1 at The Black Box, 15 W. Central St. 

The multimedia show will include oils, acrylics, water media, pastel/charcoal, mixed media and photography. Food and beverages will be provided. 

The event is free and open to the public."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160408/franklin-art-association-to-hold-member-art-exhibit-sale

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA Area: FRI 4/8/16 - THU 4/14/16

FRIDAY 4/8/16
2:10-7pm   2nd Annual Cut-A-Thon and Style-A-Thone at Tri-County HS. Benefits Dana Farber. Cost: $10/adults, $5/students
7pm   FHS Presents “Beauty and the Beast” at the Franklin HS
7:30pm   Dean College presents “Hair” at the Dean College Campus
8pm   Local Artist Series at The Black Box: Chick Magnets and the Ben Gardner’s Boat

SATURDAY 4/9/16
9am-3pm   Buck a Book - Franklin Public Library Book Sale before move. Library will be closing on Monday 4/11 for relocation.
12:30-1:30pm   FYHA Try Hockey for Free - Girls only! (ages 7-12) at the Pirelli Veterans Arena
1pm   Adult Coffee and Craft at the Franklin Public Library
2pm   Dean College presents “Hair” at the Dean College Campus
5pm   Spring Porketta at the Franklin Road and Gun Club (sold out!)
7pm   FHS Presents “Beauty and the Beast” at the Franklin HS
7pm   FSPA’s Annual Disney Showcase at The Black Box
7:30pm   Dean College presents “Hair” at the Dean College Campus
8pm   Circle of Friends Coffeehouse: Billy Novice and Guy Van Duser at First Universalist Society Meetinghouse

SUNDAY 4/10/16
7:30-10:30am   Sunday Morning Breakfast at Franklin Rod and Gun Club
1-4pm   Cinema Sunday at the Franklin Historical Museum - Stanley Chilson Films
2pm   Dean College presents “Hair” at the Dean College Campus
2pm   FPAC Family Concert Series: The Three Little Pigs - FREE Opera for Kids at The Black Box
3pm   Model Matzah Bakery and Chocolate Seder at the Chabad House in Milford

MONDAY 4/11/16
4-7pm   Kindergarten Registration at the Horace Mann MS (224 Oak Street)
Library Closed Until May 2nd. Will relocate to temporary location at 25 Kenwood Circle. 

TUESDAY 4/12/16
4-7pm   Kindergarten Registration at the Horace Mann MS (224 Oak Street)
7:30pm   Franklin and Bellingham Rail Trail Committee Monthly Meeting at the Franklin YMCA. Public welcome to attend.

WEDNESDAY 4/13/16
6-8pm   FEF’s Trivia Bee at the Horace Mann Middle School
7:30pm   Laughter Yoga - Let’s Laugh Today at the FUSF

THURSDAY 4/14/16
7pm   Concert for the Senses: Music and Art Appreciation Night at the Franklin HS

For all the Town of Franklin Public Meetings click HERE. 

For event details click HERE.

*If you have any suggestions or events for the calendar, please email Renata@BetterLivingRE.com

Chick Magnets, Ben Gardner's Boat play Friday Night at THE BLACK BOX

What are you doing Friday night? 

Hear great music at THE BLACK BOX! 

Franklin Downtown Partnership star performers include Barry Madden, Chick Magnets keyboardist and Franklin Ford owner, and Jeff Roy, guitarist in Ben Gardner's Boat and Franklin's State Representative!

Buy tickets: www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com

This was shared from the Franklin Downtown Partnership page

http://www.franklindowntownpartnership.org/2016/04/chick-magnets-ben-gardners-boat-play.html

FHS Baseball Preview

Hockomock Sports has posted the preview of the Kelly-Rex Division where Franklin High School competes. 

FHS Panthers

• 2015 Record: 16-8
• 2015 Finish: Reached D1 South Semifinals
• Coach: Zach Brown

"The Panthers reached the D1 South Semifinals last year but there will be some voids left from graduation that Franklin needs to fill in order to get back there.

“We have a lot of positions up for grabs,” head coach Zach Brown said. “But I’m really excited about the opportunity we have this season. We have a lot of new talented players that are competing hard for playing time and open positions and roles. We will be relying on some younger guys, sophomores and juniors, to help fill some critical positions. Competition during practice and scrimmages has been intense. I think we have a unique blend of veterans and a new influx of talent. I’m very optimistic about what this team can become by the end of the season.”

The talent that Franklin does have back is a good group with Alex Bissanti returning at second base, Mike Skaza back to pitch and patrol the outfield, Nick Santucci at shortstop, Tyler Gomes will move to catcher full time and Jake Lyons will handle centerfield duties. Joe Corsi will handle a variety of roles and Josh Macchi will take over first base.

Franklin graduated 10 seniors from last year’s squad that included the entire pitching rotation and closer. Brown noted sophomores Jake Noviello and Matt Foley will see time on the mound this season."

for the complete Kelly-Rex Division preview check this
http://www.hockomocksports.com/baseball-kelley-rex-division-preview-2016/

The FHS Baseball schedule can be found here
http://www.hockomocksports.com/schedules/baseball/franklin/2016-2/

SAFE/JAG Substance Abuse Intervention Drop In Centers Open

ATTENTION: Anyone who needs assistance with substance abuse disorder

MILFORD: 

First and Third Tuesday of the month (April 5th, 19th May 3rd, 17th June 7th, 21st) Community Impact, 211 Main Street Milford MA. 5:00-9:00 PM

FRANKLIN: 

Second and Fourth Thursdays of the month (April 14th, 28th May 12th, 26th June 16th, and 30th ) at Saint John’s Episcopal Church Franklin MA 237 Pleasant Street Franklin. 5:00 to 9:00 pm.

* If you or a loved one is struggling with Substance Abuse Disorder please visit one of our centers for assistance with treatment and support.

* If you are the family member or loved one of someone struggling with Substance Abuse Disorder, please visit one of our centers for supportive services and information.

Drop in Centers provide a gateway to professional resources for persons with Substance Use Disorders, their friends and family members. The centerpiece for this outreach and intervention program will be to provide licensed counselor(s) who will assist participants with medical and psychological needs including referrals to outpatient counseling, medical detoxification, in/outpatient rehabilitation programs and other treatment modalities that may be indicated. Learn to Cope volunteers will also be present to assist families and loved ones.

Please contact us at comm@safecoalitionma.com with any questions.

SAFE Coalition

MassBudget: Confused about charter school funding?

MassBudget    Information.    Participation.  Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center    Democracy. Read our brief Charter School Funding, Explained   By most measures, Massachusetts schools are the best in the nation. We have a long way to go, however, to make sure that we provide every child with a great public education. MassBudget's research has examined a number of strategies that can contribute to progress towards that goal. And when our public schools give all children the opportunity to reach their full potential, it's not only good for our economy, but also for our democracy and our communities. As John Adams wrote in our constitution, our "rights and liberties" depend on "(w)isdom and knowledge, as well as virtue, [being] diffused generally among the body of the people." With so much focus in education policy debates on charter schools, our new fact sheet Charter School Funding, Explained provides a clear explanation of the facts surrounding the school finance elements of this contentious issue. The explainer provides detail on: Charter school tuition calculations Issues with funding for special education students Charter school reimbursements for sending districts The cost of underfunding reimbursements in recent years Transportation funding Recent proposals for changing some of these mechanisms To read the report, click HERE.  #     #     # 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

MassBudget Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center, 15 Court Square, Suite 700, Boston, MA 02108 Sent by nberger@massbudget.org in collaboration with Try it free today

TeamFitness: FREE April Break Kids Training

Develop Competitive Skills to be the BEST!

FREE Program for Kids Over April Break! Check Out This Boston Globe Article on CFour Training... http://www.bostonglobe.com/lifestyle/health-wellness/2015/02/20/more-young-athletes-work-out-for-sports/4nllIrfRbG7mNPxhLrI5pM/story.html?event=event25  Team Fitness and CrossFit Franklin  | 508-541-8330  |  tom@teamfitnessfranklin.com| CFour Website Copyright © 2016. All Rights Reserved.

Team Fitness Franklin, 100 Franklin Village Drive, Franklin, MA 02038 Sent by tom@teamfitnessfranklin.com in collaboration with Try it free today

Buck a Book - Book Sale at the Library on Saturday!

Help the Library minimize the number of books they'll move by taking out as many as you want (return in four weeks) or go to the Book Sale on Saturday and get books for $1 each.

Buck a book - book sale - Apr 9

This was shared from the Library page here
http://franklinpl.blogspot.com/2016/04/franklin-public-library-book-sale.html

If you missed hearing about the pending renovations at the Library, that it will relocate to 25 Kenwood Circle for about one year while the work is being done, then you can catch up here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/03/multiple-updates-on-franklin-library.html

In the News: "Bible doesn't say that", Elks Care 5K, Sheriff speaks to Town Council

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin

The Bible doesn't say that

The author of “The Bible Doesn’t Say That!” will speak in Franklin on Monday, April 11, starting at 7 p.m., at the Franklin Federated Church,171 Main St., Franklin. 

An internationally acclaimed teacher, author and translator, Dr. Joel M. Hoffman brings “fresh insights and interpretations about religious life in the 21st century.” Well known for engaging both academic and popular audiences alike, Hoffman looks back through 2000 years of revisionism to the text as it originally was.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160407/franklin-houses-of-worship-to-host-the-bible-doesnt-say-that-author

"The Franklin Elks will hold its fourth annual Elks Care Elks Share 5K Road Race Walk and Run at 9 a.m. May 7 at the Franklin Elks Lodge, 1077 Pond St. 

The event will feature a 5K road race and walk through the neighborhood with trophies for the top three finishers in various age categories. Refreshments will be provided and T-shirts will be supplied to all who register online by May 1"

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160407/franklin-elks-to-hold-5k-road-race-walk

"Norfolk County Sheriff Michael Bellotti spoke before the Town Council this week about strategies to prevent recidivism among area offenders. 

Bellotti, speaking at the council's Wednesday night meeting, said it is important to connect offenders with services before their sentences are up. 

"We hear time and time again - up to 90 percent of (offenders) have alcohol or drug issues," he said, adding that other problems - like a lack of housing or vocational skills - contribute to offending or re-offending. "What we try to do is assess where their deficits are."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160407/sheriff-speaks-to-franklin-town-council