Boston Globe: "Coyotes are finding a home across Mass"

"One of the world’s most adaptable animals, coyotes have learned to live in urban environments. And as they become more accustomed to their surroundings, and with plentiful amounts of discarded food, they can grow less fearful of their human neighbors, wildlife experts say.

“They’re out there, and they’re here to stay. The best thing we can do is learn how to live with them,” said Elizabeth Magner, an animal advocacy specialist for the MSPCA. “We all need to be aware of the wild animals around us.”

State officials estimate that as many as 11,500 coyotes are living in Massachusetts, and they’ve been reported in every city and town on the mainland. Only Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard, to date, have failed to record a sighting."

Continue reading the article online. (Subscription maybe required) 

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/09/08/metro/coyotes-neighborhood-theyre-here-stay/

A younger coyote, an increasingly familiar sight in the state.MASSWILDLIFE/BILL BYRNE

Franklin's Event Outlook: Sep 10 - Sep 16, 2021

A great weekend to look forward to: Farmers Market with zucchini races (among other events) today and then the Cultural Festival returns to the Town Common on Sunday with a full slate of things to do to help foster "Community Unity"

 
Friday, September 10
2:00pm - Farmers Market
2:00pm - Zucchini Races
3:30pm - Kids craft activity by Library Youth Services
4:00pm - Kitchen Sink Quintet

Saturday, September 11
10:00am - FSPA Open House
10:00am - Historical Museum (always free)

Sunday, September 12
12:00pm - Franklin Cultural Festival "Community Unity"
12:30pm - FCF: Franklin School of the Performing Arts
1:00pm - Historical Museum (always free)
1:15pm - Second Sunday Speakers Series
1:30pm - FCF: INDIA SHOWCASE
2:00pm - FCF: @ the Kid's Corner, "Puppet Showcase Theater"
2:30pm - FCF: The Pamela Means Project
3:30pm - FCF: @ the Kid's Corner, "Puppet Showcase Theater"
4:00pm - FCF: Salsa Dance Instructions by RI Latin Dance School
4:30pm - FCF: Eguie Castrillo & Mar del Norte Salsa Orchestra

Find the full calendar  https://www.franklinmatters.org/p/blog-page.html

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://forms.gle/oPdi8X3ZbHHyrHzo6

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar

The School district meeting calendar is found   https://www.franklinps.net/calendar-by-event-type/26

 

Community Calendar

A Statement by the Franklin Interfaith Council: In Support of COVID-19 Vaccination

“Love your neighbor as yourself” is a key principle of the religions we practice.  We believe it’s what God calls us to do.  But while it’s an easy phrase to remember and recite, it can be challenging to actually live it out in our daily lives.  

We are in the middle of a pandemic.  To state the obvious, it has been a stressful, scary, exhausting, grief-filled year and a half, and it’s not over yet.  The advent of the Delta variant is ramping things up again.  

In the middle of our own stress, can we stop to consider what our neighbors might need from us?  How might we, practically, treat them with love?

One way to answer that question:  
Please get the Covid 19 vaccine!     (if you are eligible)

Here are some reasons we would like everyone who is eligible to get the COVID-19 vaccine:

• It drastically reduces the possibility of you contracting the virus and spreading it to others.
• Even if a vaccinated person does get a breakthrough infection, they get a MUCH milder case, as the vaccine is highly effective at preventing hospitalization and death.   
• Since vaccinated people are less likely to contract the virus and pass it on, it protects the people around them, particularly children and the immunocompromised who are not eligible for the vaccine.  
• More vaccinated people means fewer hosts for the virus, thus less virus present in the community.
• Fewer people infected with COVID means fewer people dying, fewer people hospitalized, and therefore less risk for healthcare workers, and fewer people missing work and school.
• Since the vast majority of people hospitalized with COVID are unvaccinated, if everyone chose to get vaccinated, that would free up ICU’s, doctors, and nurses to treat people with other conditions.

If you are fearful about the vaccine, talk with your doctor.  Read up on the science behind the vaccine on the websites of the Centers for Disease Control (cdc.gov), the World Health Organization (who.int), Massachusetts Department of Health (mass.gov/covid-19-updates-and-information), or other local governments.  We hope that everyone will use their God-given powers of reason, discernment, and understanding to make an informed decision to get vaccinated and care for their neighbors as well as themselves.  

Signed by the following Franklin Interfaith Council representatives:   

• Rabbi Tom Alpert, Temple Etz Chaim
• Susan Borchard, Franklin Federated Church
• Rev. Eric Cherry, Minister, First Universalist Society in Franklin
• Mary Diehl, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
• The Rev. Maggie Geller, Deacon, St. John’s Episcopal Church
• Rev. Dr. Jacob W. Juncker, Pastor, Franklin United Methodist Church
• Rev. Brian Manning, Pastor, Saint Mary Parish
• The Rev. Kathy McAdams, Rector, St. John’s Episcopal Church
• Rev. Dr. Marlayna Schmidt, Interim Pastor, Franklin Federated Church

For more information:
Visit    www.FranklinInterfaith.org
Like us on Facebook:     Franklin Interfaith Council 

Download a PDF copy of the statement ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1FM3lxpWutEN6sBHSauq-9Omz2l2FnT6t/view?usp=sharing

A Statement by the Franklin Interfaith Council: In Support of COVID-19 Vaccination 

Lifelong Learning Announces Fall 2021 Programs - Registration Now Open

Registration is now open at Franklin’s Lifelong Learning Institute. We are so happy to be back! We hope you can join us. 

Lifelong Learning is the community education branch of Franklin Public Schools, and provides educational experiences for Franklin residents, and those from surrounding towns, from elementary school through retirement.

In Lifelong Community Learning, adult participants can choose from a very interesting variety of options this fall, including Arts & Crafts, Exercise & Wellness, Team Sports, and Online Learning. Some of the exercise and sports choices are: Badminton, LaBlast Dance Fitness, Yoga, Volleyball, and Ladies Light Hiking.  

For children, Lifelong Community Learning’s ever popular Kids’ Corner program is once again offering Kids’ Cooking classes. In these 1-hour classes, students will gain kitchen skills like searing, sautéing, folding, and more. They will create 1 -2 dishes per week depending on complexity and timing.

Lifelong Music Academy’s after-school music options for students in grades 3-12 are also back this year.  The Band School offers beginner instruction for grades 4-5 and Honor Band for grades 6-9. The String School offers a progression of levels for grades 3-12. The Chorus School focuses on grades 3-5 with our popular Elementary Glee program. Plus, we offer one-on-one private music lessons for grades 2-12 (plus adults!) in 16 different instruments.

The Solutions Extended Day program from Lifelong Learning offers a safe and enriching program before and after school (Franklin Public Elementary Schools only) to accommodate the needs of a working family. There is limited availability at many schools right now. Check the website for details.

Currently all Lifelong Learning students who are enrolled in classes held in a Franklin Public Schools building will need to abide by the FPS mask policy which reads, “Effective August 25, 2021 all students, staff, and visitors are required to wear masks in school buildings.”   

Visit www.FranklinLifelongLearning.com for full course details and to register.  You may also call Lifelong Community Learning at 508-613-1480, Lifelong Music Academy at 508-613-1481, or Solutions Extended Day at 508-613-1771.

 

Lifelong Learning Announces Fall 2021 Programs - Registration Now Open

Football: 2021 Kelley-Rex Division Preview - FHS

Via @HockomockSports we share the Football: 2021 Kelley-Rex Division Preview for FHS. Link to the full league preview is found below  

FRANKLIN
2020 Record: 3-4
Coach: Eian Bain

Key/Returning Players: 

Jared Arone, Sr., QB; Shane Kindred, Sr., WR; Will Tracey, Sr., WR; Mack Gulla, Sr., RB; Ethan Aeillo, Sr., OL; Jack Porkorny, Sr., OL; Jonathan Martins, Sr., DL; Cullen Pek, Sr., LB; Joe Tirrell, Sr., DB; Luke Davis, Jr., DB.

Outlook:

"All eyes are on Mansfield and King Philip as the favorites in the Kelley-Rex and that’s how coach Eian Bain likes it. The Panthers are certainly flying under the radar a bit but that might not last very long, especially after their success during the preseason has turned some heads.

Having a lot of familiar faces in key positions will be an early advantage for the Panthers, who have a strong non-league schedule that starts with Wachusett and features perennial state powerhouse Duxbury. Senior Jared Arone gained a lot of experience at quarterback during the Fall 2 season and could be poised for a big year with a full schedule on tap. Part of the reason why is because of all the weapons around him. Both Shane Kindred and Will Tracey developed a lot of chemistry with the QB in the abbreviated season and will be his main two targets this year.

And while the Panthers have developed a reputation for a pass-heavy offense, we saw a much more balanced approach during the spring and with senior running back Mack Gulla ready for a breakout season, it’s likely that balance continues. Gulla is a tough runner that will keep defenses honest; he isn’t just going to help set up the passing game, he’s a true threat to run all over defenses. It will all start up front and the Panthers have center Ethan Aeillo and tackle Jack Porkorny back in starting roles.

Senior Joe Tirrell and junior Luke Davis give the Panthers a veteran presence in the secondary. Franklin allowed over 20 points per game last season but will be looking to bring that number down some this year as they try and establish themselves as a contender in the division. Senior Jonathan Martins impressed last season and will be a key piece on the defensive line while the linebackers will be anchored by senior Cullen Pek.

“The Panthers return many familiar faces but face a tough task of replacing some key positions,” Bain said. “Many players have stepped up but there is still a lot to be answered before the home opener against Wachusett.”

To read the complete Hockomock Kelley-Rex Division Football preview

https://hockomocksports.com/football-2021-kelley-rex-division-preview/

Football: 2021 Kelley-Rex Division Preview - FHS

2021 Hockomock League Volleyball Preview - FHS

Via @HockomockSports we share the 2021 Hockomock League Volleyball Preview for FHS. Link to the full league preview is found below  

2019 Record: 12-1
Coach: Samantha Elliott

FRANKLIN

"Franklin has won at least a share of the past three Kelley-Rex titles and last year also claimed the first-ever Hock Cup. Even while graduating important players, like leading hitter Ally Bonnet-Eymard, the Panthers continue to build squads that look ready to compete for the title every season.

The strength for the Panthers is at setter. Senior Cailyn Mackintosh is a three-year starter and one of the best passers in the league. Her ability to spread the ball around and hit spots opens up the floor for the offense and makes Franklin hard to match up against. Sophomore Taylor Lacerda will be one of Mackintosh’s top targets this year following a strong freshman season on the outside. Senior Lindsey Tarantola will be the main threat in the middle and senior Brigid Earley will be back at opposite. Defensively, the Panthers will count on senior Meghan Linkkila, who will be moving from defensive specialist to libero this season, to control the back row.

“I have high expectations for these players but more importantly they have high expectations for themselves,” said second-year Franklin coach Samantha Elliott. “This team is striving to continue proving themselves and working hard to be the best they can be, and hopefully, that is another Hockomock title."

To read the complete Hockomock volleyball preview
https://hockomocksports.com/2021-hockomock-league-volleyball-preview/ 

2021 Hockomock League Volleyball Preview - FHS

2021 Hockomock Football: Players to Watch on Offense - FHS

From HockomockSports.com we share the "2021 Hockomock Football: Players to Watch on Offense"  for Franklin High School. Link to the full listing is shared below.

JARED ARONE, SENIOR – FRANKLIN

"Playing quarterback in an up-tempo, pass-heavy offensive set against the defenses in the Kelley-Rex division is a difficult task for an experienced signal-caller. Arone stepped behind center for the Panthers last year and got his first taste of varsity action. 

Now, a few months later, Arone will try to build on that experience to make the Franklin offense even more potent. From the opening game, against a loaded Mansfield defense, Arone showed that he has the accuracy to make the offense tick and the willingness to stand in the pocket and make throws down field. He developed a better rapport with his also relatively inexperienced receivers over the course of the season and there is potential for the Panthers to be prolific in the passing game this fall. 

In a division that continues to be loaded with talent, Franklin will hope that Arone can continue his growth and help the Panthers challenge perennial powers Mansfield and KP for the Kelley-Rex crown."

For the complete listing
https://hockomocksports.com/2021-hockomock-football-players-to-watch-on-offense/

2021 Hockomock Football: Players to Watch on Offense - FHS

FHS girls soccer team opens season with 3-0 win vs. Canton

Via @HockomockSports and Twitter we share the results of FHS fall sports action on Thursday, Sep 9, 2021 

Girls Soccer = Canton, 0 @ Franklin, 3 – Final

"Bigggg 3-0 win over Canton today!! Goals from Anya (2) and Riley + assists from Izzy, Riley, and Kelly O! G2 goes to Riley "

https://twitter.com/fhsgvsoccer/status/1436113472203501569

For other results around the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/thursdays-schedule-scoreboard-09-09-21/ 

FHS girls soccer team opens season with 3-0 win vs. Canton

Call for Community Input: Franklin Public Schools ESSER III Fund Survey

Call for Community Input: FPS ESSER III Fund Survey

Survey closes Wednesday, September 15th, 2021 at 4pm.

Through the American Rescue Plan, Franklin Public School District was granted $1,046,173 in ESSER III funds to be spent through June 2024. These funds will be disbursed via a multi-year plan with the goal of supporting district response during the COVID-19 pandemic. FPS is seeking input from community stakeholders as a part of the planning process. The survey will close on Wednesday, September 15th at 4pm.

Franklin Public Schools has created this survey to inform each stakeholder group of anticipated district priorities and to collect feedback around anticipated activities involving these funds. Community Stakeholders refers to students, parents/ guardians, FPS employees, Franklin residents, groups representing the interests of school children, and more. Community Stakeholder input is encouraged and accessible through this survey, which can be accessed via the link below.

ESSER III Community Input Survey

Link ->  https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfXcyoJIeIEIR-g2SJEW-s2fcQYs8W2uW10mUnZ0feUdgCHOA/viewform

More information regarding American Rescue/ Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund :

The American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act of 2021, Public Law 117-2, was enacted on March 11, 2021. The ARP Act provides additional funding for school districts to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Education portion of ARP is known as the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER III or ARP ESSER) Fund. The purpose of the ESSER III fund is to support the safe reopening and sustaining safe operations of schools while meeting students' academic, social, emotional, and mental health needs resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. 

A full scope of requirements is available here: https://www.doe.mass.edu/federalgrants/esser/

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/call-community-input-fps-esser-iii-fund-survey

Call for Community Input: Franklin Public Schools ESSER III Fund Survey

Registration is open for 2021 Food Elves

"Registration is open for 2021 Food Elves! 

Earn #communityservice hours and help fight hunger in your community.
@FHS_EmptyBowls @FranklinHS @FoodElves
#foodelves "

For more info, please visit ->  https://t.co/kUiwXbrjIO 

Shared from Twitter -> https://t.co/aM4NZLF5g0

Registration is open for 2021 Food Elves

Franklin, MA: The Railroad in Franklin (video)

Joe Landry presented at the Franklin Senior Center on Wednesday, Sep 8, 2021 

 

Direct link -> https://youtu.be/ybL3JUiRDsc

NATURE: A Walking Play -> Sep 24 - Oct 3

"NATURE: A Walking Play is coming to Bird Park! Don’t miss this immersive and family-friendly performance that highlights the natural world and Emerson & Thoreau’s love for nature.  

Walk along with the actors as the play’s scenes unfold throughout beautiful Bird Park.  

Performances at the park run from September 24-October 3. Please visit https://thetrustees.org/program/nature-play/ to order tickets. 

Performances also take place at Fruitlands Museum in Harvard and Appleton Farms in Ipswich."

Shared from Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/187390667963129/posts/4516651385037014/

NATURE: A Walking Play  -> Sep 24 - Oct 3

Mass Cultural Council: Artist News - September 2021

A periodic newsletter for artists from Mass Cultural Council

View this email in your browser Artist News Announcing the 2022 Artist Fellowships Grant Cycle Lynda Schlosberg (Painting Fellow '20), Crossing Over (2019). Mass Cultural Council believes that the work of individual artists is essential to a thriving society. We are excited to announce the launch of the Fiscal Year 2022 grant cycle of the Artist Fellowships to support Massachusetts artists and their exceptional creative work.   The Artist Fellowships are unrestricted, anonymously-judged awards. Grant decisions are based solely on the artistic quality and creative ability of the original work submitted. (Please note the Traditional Arts category is not anonymously-judged and has slightly different criteria and rules.)   This cycle, Mass Cultural Council is committing over $1 million to the Artist Fellowships, with the goal of doubling the artists funded through the program. The Fellowship grants are $15,000. Finalist awards will increase this year from $1,500 to $5,000.   Currently, we welcome Artist Fellowship applications in: Choreography Poetry Traditional Arts Info Session: October 5, 2021. Deadline: October 25, 2021   Beginning December 15, 2021 (expected), we will accept applications in: Drawing & Printmaking Fiction/Creative Nonfiction Painting Deadline: January 24, 2022 Learn more and apply now. https://massculturalcouncil.org/artists-art/artist-fellowships/application-process/ Artists Department Kelly Bennett, Exhibitions Curator/Program Officer (Visual Arts & Choreography) Dan Blask, Program Officer (Literary Arts, Film/Video, & Music Composition) Maggie Holtzberg, Folk Arts Program Manager About Mass Cultural Council Mass Cultural Council is a state agency supporting the arts, sciences, and humanities, to improve the quality of life in Massachusetts and its communities. It pursues its mission through a combination of grants, services, and advocacy for nonprofit cultural organizations, schools, communities, and artists. Copyright © 2021 Mass Cultural Council, All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: Mass Cultural Council 10 St. James Avenue Boston, MA 02116 The newsletter was shortened for publication here. For the full contents please visit this link -> https://mailchi.mp/art/artist-news-546522?e=b386273bd4

Franklin Cultural Festival - main stage schedule for 9/12/21

The Franklin Cultural Festival happens on Sunday, Sep 12 in and around the Town Common from noon to 6 PM.

The main stage schedule looks like this:

12:30 -> Franklin School of the Performing Arts

1:30 -> INDIA SHOWCASE

2:00 -> @ the Kid's Corner, "Puppet Showcase Theater"

2:30-3:30 -> "The Pamela Means Project"

3:30 -> @ the Kid's Corner, "Puppet Showcase Theater"

4:00 -? Salsa Dance Instructions by RI Latin Dance School

4:30 - 6:00 -> Eguie Castrillo & Mar del Norte Salsa Orchestra 

The map of the events in and around the Town Common

• food trucks on Main St
• beer/wine garden on the Hayward Manor grounds
• artisan vendors along the Common walkways

Follow the Franklin Cultural Council for updates:   https://www.facebook.com/FranklinCulturalCouncil

Follow the event on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/186230283428825

Franklin Cultural Festival  9/12/21

Farmers market: Kitchen Sink Quintet plays in background for zucchini races - Sep 10

"We are excited to have the Kitchen Sink Quintet join us again this Friday. They will be performing from 4-6 PM in the Gazebo. "

Shared from Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/533086900084632/posts/4558620137531268/

Additional info on the races and rules can be found ->   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/08/zucchini-races-return-to-farmers-market.html

Farmers market: Kitchen Sink Quintet plays in background for zucchini races - Sep 10