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Monday, October 26, 2015
S.A.F.E. Community Coalition - October 2015 Update
In the News: Tri-County conf room, Pellegri runs for Town Council
Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School dedicated the school’s main office conference room to founding school committee members Louis E. (Ted) Hoegler, of Walpole, and Robert J. Rappa, of Franklin, during a ceremony on Oct. 21.Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20151025/NEWS/151027268/1994/NEWS
Longtime Town Clerk Deborah Pellegri is looking to serve the town in a different capacity during her retirement - as a member of the Town Council.Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
Pellegri, a lifelong resident, is one of 14 candidates seeking nine council seats in Franklin's Nov. 3 election. After 31 years in office, she will retire as clerk next month.
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20151025/NEWS/151026925/1994/NEWS
Sunday, October 25, 2015
Franklin Turkey Trot 5K Family Run - Thanksgiving morning
Run Now Gobble Later at the Franklin Turkey Trot 5K Family Run on Thanksgiving morning at 8:00 AM.
Online registration is open at www.feedtheneed.org.
There will be free t-shirts to the first 100 people to pick-up their race packets. Along with free breakfast items and raffle at the end of the race.
Last year we raised $6175.00 and 1800 pounds of food at the race for the Franklin Food Pantry, let's keep the tradition going
Online registration is open at www.feedtheneed.org.
There will be free t-shirts to the first 100 people to pick-up their race packets. Along with free breakfast items and raffle at the end of the race.
Last year we raised $6175.00 and 1800 pounds of food at the race for the Franklin Food Pantry, let's keep the tradition going
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| Yes, it had snowed overnight before the race on Thanksgiving morning. Will it do so again? |
Town Council Summary: TIF approved, Library renovation to take 1 year and $11.5M
The published agenda was adjusted during the meeting to get most of the Council business done before the recognition of the retirement of Town Clerk Debbie Pellegri and to work around the public hearing scheduled for the Lewis St resolution.
The Tax Increment Finance (TIF) agreement for Cole Chain was approved. This is a growing company looking to relocate to the Forge Hill Industrial Park. Franklin was able to make this happen in about 3 weeks. This is due to the work already done before hand by the town functional groups to coordinate the TIF process.
During the recent reconstruction of the Lewis and Crocker Sts, it was discovered that there were 8 houses that still owned part of Lewis St. The owners signed over the rights to the middle of the road so that Franklin could officially take ownership of the and thereby cover themselves for the roadwork already underway.
There was a presentation by the Library Building Committee who came forward with the more detailed plans for the renovation and addition to the Library. The price almost doubled to 11.5M. The other interesting news was the decision to shut the building and temporarily operate the library services from some other site to be determined for one year. If the decision was not to shut, the construction would have been messier getting around the vehicles and taken 18-24 months. Shutting the building allows the construction to speed up and complete in the one year time frame.
As Franklin has some debt capacity within the operating budget, there is no increase planned for the tax rate (other than the normal 'automatic' 2.5%). Franklin can effectively self-fund the work for the library as they have for the building of the downtown fire station, the Senior center, the Historical Museum, etc.
The recognition of Town Clerk Deborah Pellegri's retirement brought forth commendations from many parties. The listing is contained in the detailed notes reported live during the meeting.
Steve Williams was also recognized for his service with proclamations from the MA House and Senate. He is not running for re-election to the Town Council.
For additional details on the meeting as reported live from the room check these links
The Tax Increment Finance (TIF) agreement for Cole Chain was approved. This is a growing company looking to relocate to the Forge Hill Industrial Park. Franklin was able to make this happen in about 3 weeks. This is due to the work already done before hand by the town functional groups to coordinate the TIF process.
During the recent reconstruction of the Lewis and Crocker Sts, it was discovered that there were 8 houses that still owned part of Lewis St. The owners signed over the rights to the middle of the road so that Franklin could officially take ownership of the and thereby cover themselves for the roadwork already underway.
There was a presentation by the Library Building Committee who came forward with the more detailed plans for the renovation and addition to the Library. The price almost doubled to 11.5M. The other interesting news was the decision to shut the building and temporarily operate the library services from some other site to be determined for one year. If the decision was not to shut, the construction would have been messier getting around the vehicles and taken 18-24 months. Shutting the building allows the construction to speed up and complete in the one year time frame.
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| screen grab of the presentation showing the new Library at night |
As Franklin has some debt capacity within the operating budget, there is no increase planned for the tax rate (other than the normal 'automatic' 2.5%). Franklin can effectively self-fund the work for the library as they have for the building of the downtown fire station, the Senior center, the Historical Museum, etc.
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| Deborah Pellegri and Andrew Dowd |
The recognition of Town Clerk Deborah Pellegri's retirement brought forth commendations from many parties. The listing is contained in the detailed notes reported live during the meeting.
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| Deborah Pellegri and Rep Jeff Roy |
Steve Williams was also recognized for his service with proclamations from the MA House and Senate. He is not running for re-election to the Town Council.
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| Senator Karen Spilka, Steve Williams, Rep Jeff Roy |
For additional details on the meeting as reported live from the room check these links
School Committee - Oct 13, 2105 - Meeting Summary
The School Committee meeting of Tuesday, October 13 lasted approximately 50 minutes and covered the following items:
The Annie Sullivan and Remington Middle School Improvement Plans were reviewed. Copies are available. (Recall the Horace Mann Improvement Plan was covered in the last Sep meeting.)
Superintendent Sabolinski provided the School Committee an overview of the NEASC accreditation process as it had been about 10 years since the last on site visit. The completion of the new FHS building had finally taken the district off warning status. The visit had been scheduled initially for the first year of the school operation and by mutual agreement with NEASC was rescheduled to 2017.
The policy on family leave was reviewed for an update and the policy on international students was recommended for removal. The international student policy was significantly out of date and as the school district was not accepting outside students for School Choice, there was no capacity for international students. Franklin students do get to travel internationally so the interchange is covered on that front.
Superintendent Sabolinski received her review and was marked 'exemplary'. Other School Committee members concurred with the results of the subcommittee.
Of note: Asst Superintendent Sally Winslow will be retiring at the end of the current school year. She will be missed after being here seven years. Up for discussion and vote at the next School Committee meeting will be the recommendation for Peter Light to move into Sally's Asst Superintendent spot with Paul Peri moving into Peter's role as principal at FHS.
Additional details can be found in the notes as reported live during the meeting:
The Annie Sullivan and Remington Middle School Improvement Plans were reviewed. Copies are available. (Recall the Horace Mann Improvement Plan was covered in the last Sep meeting.)
Superintendent Sabolinski provided the School Committee an overview of the NEASC accreditation process as it had been about 10 years since the last on site visit. The completion of the new FHS building had finally taken the district off warning status. The visit had been scheduled initially for the first year of the school operation and by mutual agreement with NEASC was rescheduled to 2017.
The policy on family leave was reviewed for an update and the policy on international students was recommended for removal. The international student policy was significantly out of date and as the school district was not accepting outside students for School Choice, there was no capacity for international students. Franklin students do get to travel internationally so the interchange is covered on that front.
Superintendent Sabolinski received her review and was marked 'exemplary'. Other School Committee members concurred with the results of the subcommittee.
Of note: Asst Superintendent Sally Winslow will be retiring at the end of the current school year. She will be missed after being here seven years. Up for discussion and vote at the next School Committee meeting will be the recommendation for Peter Light to move into Sally's Asst Superintendent spot with Paul Peri moving into Peter's role as principal at FHS.
Additional details can be found in the notes as reported live during the meeting:
- Live reporting: School Committee closing
- Live reporting: Action items
- Live reporting: Discussion only items - policy upd...
- NEASC Update to the School Committee
- Middle School Improvement Plans - Annie Sullivan, ...
- Live reporting: School Committee - Oct 13, 2015
- Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - Oct 13, ...
Protesters needed for important Fracked Gas Conference in Boston Monday!
Hi, 350Mass pipeline fighters,
Now that earlier this month the DPU authorized itself to give permission to utilities to sign long-term contracts with gas companies, the vultures are circling! We just heard about an important fracked gas pipeline conference on Monday and--guess what--we're having a protest to draw public attention to this nasty development!
We'll meet at 2:30 pm at the baseball fields at the Boston Common before heading out to the conference. Bring signs, especially about the gas tariff. See the Facebook event page listed below for more details and to RSVP (if you don't do Facebook, let me know you're coming).
https://www.facebook.com/events/1052588228098901/
Now that earlier this month the DPU authorized itself to give permission to utilities to sign long-term contracts with gas companies, the vultures are circling! We just heard about an important fracked gas pipeline conference on Monday and--guess what--we're having a protest to draw public attention to this nasty development!
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| image from Facebook event |
We'll meet at 2:30 pm at the baseball fields at the Boston Common before heading out to the conference. Bring signs, especially about the gas tariff. See the Facebook event page listed below for more details and to RSVP (if you don't do Facebook, let me know you're coming).
https://www.facebook.com/events/1052588228098901/
If you have any questions, call me since time is short.
Carolyn
The Walker Family Pasta Dinner Fundraiser
Please help us raise funds to support the Walker Family in a difficult time. John Walker passed away suddenly last month and this fund is to help the Walker family with any expenses until his estate is settled.
Pasta dinner will be served from 6:30-8:30 pm. Followed by entertainment and a photo booth.
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| Facebook event photo of the Walker family |
This is a family friendly event and we will have raffles and a silent auction. Cash bar is also available from 6:30-10:30pm.
Tickets are $15 per adult and children 12 and under are $12.
Any questions or to have tickets delivered please contact Sandy Brown at JSBjakey@yahoo.com or Teresa Fernald at HomeRepairSpecialists@verizon.net or 508-265-7846 by text or phone.
Pre purchasing tickets with free delivery is available and encouraged. Tickets are also available at the door. This is a cash only event.
Friday, November 6 at 6:30pm - 10:30pm - at the Franklin Elks
Elizabeth's Bagels rewards voters with 20% off on Nov 3rd
One of Franklin's best assets are the amazing small businesses that gives our town it's charm and keep the community thriving.
Besides encouraging employees to vote on Nov. 3rd, Elizabeth's Bagels is stepping up to thank Franklin voters by offering 20% off any order to Franklin residents that bring in their "I VOTED" sticker on Nov. 3rd.
So put it in your calendars to head over to the Franklin High School gym to vote, ask for your "I Voted" sticker and then enjoy the best bagels in New England.
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| Elizabeth's bagels |
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| #voteFranklin |
Tri-County dedicates the "Louis E. Hoegler and Robert J. Rappa" Conference Room
Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School dedicated the school’s main office conference room to Founding School Committee members Louis E. (Ted) Hoegler, of Walpole, and Robert J. Rappa, of Franklin, during a ceremony on Wednesday, October 21.
Mr. Hoegler and Mr. Rappa joined family members, current and former School Committee members, former Tri-County superintendents John M. Jones and Barbara M. Renzoni, and Tri-County’s administrative team at a Dedication Ceremony for the Louis E. Hoegler and Robert J. Rappa Conference Room.
Jones, School Committee Chairman Steven Trask, and Superintendent-Director Stephen F. Dockray lauded Mr. Hoegler and Mr. Rappa for their exemplary service to the students and faculty of Tri-County. Superintendent Dockray said it was fitting that the conference room be named after two individuals who have worked in it since the school first opened in 1977.
“It is rather amazing when you think that both of these gentlemen have close to 80 combined years serving on Tri-County’s School Committee if you count the time they spent on the Building Committee prior to construction of the school,” said Dockray.
Dockray added that both are integral members of the Budget Subcommittee and continue to support Tri-County students after graduation with the Hoegler Rappa Scholarship Fund.
In addition to their contributions to Tri-County, both men are dedicated to their hometowns. Hoegler served as Town Clerk in Walpole for 28 years and as a Town Meeting Member, Charter Commission Member and a member of the 250th and 275th Town Celebration Committees. He was also appointed a trustee at Norfolk County Agricultural High School by governors Volpe, Sargent and Dukakis.
Rappa worked as the Town of Franklin’s Treasurer-Collector for many years before moving on to Keefe Insurance Agency where he worked for 38 years. Mr. Rappa was a long-time member of the Board of Directors of the Dean Cooperative Bank.
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| Founding School Committee members Robert J. Rappa, of Franklin, and Louis E. (Ted) Hoegler, of Walpole |
Tri-County RVTHS, located at 147 Pond Street in Franklin, is a recipient of the High Schools That Work Gold Achievement Award and serves the communities of Franklin, Medfield, Medway, Millis, Norfolk, North Attleborough, Plainville, Seekonk, Sherborn, Walpole, and Wrentham.
Emails to state your case for/against the proposed power plant expansion in Medway
Hi Steve!
A letter or e-mail written to one or more of these public officials is the most effective thing you can do.
Siting Board:
State Officials
Board of Selectmen
Bos@townofmedway.org
Please mention "West Medway EFSB15-01" in the subject line.
You can find sample letters under "Contact Officials" on the www.stopmedwaypeaker.com website.
I'm not sure if you've already posted this on Franklin Matters, but if people want to make their voice heard about the proposed power plant expansion in Medway, here are all of the contact emails together in one place along with my favorite quote from the MA Constitution :)
Thanks again for all you do to help keep us Franklin people informed!!!
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| image from Stop Medway Peaker Plant webpage |
CALL TO ACTION:
A letter or e-mail written to one or more of these public officials is the most effective thing you can do.
Siting Board:
- Kathryn Sedor - Kathryn.Sedor@state.ma.us
- Barbara Shapiro - Barbara.Shapiro@state.ma.us
State Officials
- Senator Karen Spilka - Karen.Spilka@mastate.gov
- Representative Jeff Roy - Jeff.Roy@mahouse.gov
Board of Selectmen
Bos@townofmedway.org
Please mention "West Medway EFSB15-01" in the subject line.
You can find sample letters under "Contact Officials" on the www.stopmedwaypeaker.com website.
"The people shall have the right to clean air and water, freedom from excessive and unnecessary noise, and the natural, scenic, historic, and esthetic qualities of their environment; and the protection of the people in their right to the conservation, development and utilization of the agricultural, mineral, forest, water, air and other natural resources is hereby declared to be a public purpose." Constitution of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Article 97.
Taste of the Region, Oct 27 - Even More Restaurants Added
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In the News: part-time officers, Bissanti seeks reelection
The Milford Daily News has an article covering the pros/cons of area police departments using part-time officers. Franklin quoted in the article.
Franklin’s department, comprised of 45 full-time officers, stopped employing reserve officers in the early 2000s.
“It becomes an issue relative to training, liability,” said Stephan Semerjian, Franklin's police chief. "You're technically putting quasi civilians, armed, out on the streets to do police work.”Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20151024/NEWS/151027005/1994/NEWS
Town Council member Andrew Bissanti, seeking re-election this fall, said the council should neither be anti-development nor pro-development, but pro-Franklin.
Bissanti, a four-year councilor, is one of 14 candidates seeking nine seats on the council in the Nov. 3 election.
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20151024/NEWS/151027239/1994/NEWS
Dean College buys Franklin Center Commons II
MassDevelopment has issued a $4.5 million tax-exempt bond on behalf of Dean College, a Franklin school that will use bond proceeds to buy Franklin Center Commons II, a 36,000-square-foot, three-story building at 17 East Central Street. The first floor of the building houses retail businesses and the second and third floors consist of 21 apartments. The college had leased the second and third floor of the building, which is less than one-quarter mile away from the campus, to house 75 students and one residence director. The college expects the project will create 15 jobs. Citizens Bank purchased the bond.
“The purchase of Franklin Center Commons II will help to ensure that Dean College has an adequate supply of safe, convenient student housing for years to come,” said MassDevelopment President and CEO Marty Jones. “MassDevelopment is pleased to support Dean College as it increases housing options for its growing student body.”
“Dean College is proud to partner with MassDevelopment for the purchase of Franklin Center Commons II,” said Vice President of Financial Services and Treasurer of Dean College Daniel Modelane. “This facility is a key to our success as we continue to grow our junior and senior students. In addition, we believe that mixed use of retail and housing will continue to add to the revitalization of downtown Franklin.”
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| Dean College, Franklin, MA |
About MassDevelopment
MassDevelopment, the state’s finance and development agency, works with businesses, nonprofits, financial institutions, and communities to stimulate economic growth across the Commonwealth. During FY2014, MassDevelopment financed or managed 314 projects generating investment of more than $2.9 billion in the Massachusetts economy. These projects are projected to create more than 6,300 jobs and build or rehabilitate more than 1,600 residential units.
About Dean College
Founded in 1865, Dean College is a private residential college that creates and cultivates an environment of academic and personal success. The Dean Difference emphasizes quality teaching, personalized academic support, leadership opportunities, and professional development, promoting a lifetime of learning and achievement. Today, Dean serves more than 1,000 full-time students and nearly 300 part-time students, for a total enrollment of almost 1,400 and more than 25,000 alumni.
Saturday, October 24, 2015
Franklin Candidate for Town Clerk - Diane Padula-O'Neill
Diane Padula-O'Neill and I sat down at Panera recently. This is the summary of our conversation about her candidacy for Town Clerk.
If you have any follow up questions for Diane, you can contact her via ctedianepadulaoneill@gmail.com
You also visit her website http://www.dianepadulaoneill.com/
Of find her on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/dianepadulaoneill/timeline/
Noteworthy: This information is intended to help the Franklin voters when we all head to the ballot box on November 3rd. The interview candidates have had an opportunity to review this text before publishing to ensure the accuracy of our discussion.
FM - What is your Franklin story?
Padula-O'Neill - I was born and raised in Franklin, along with my two sisters Darlene Denommee and Denise DePedro, by our parents John R. Padula and the late Sheila (Spadoni) Padula. I currently live in Franklin with my husband Stephen and my four stepchildren.
I started at Dean Bank in a traveling role in 2002. With my personality and previous business and banking knowledge, I could easily bring myself to other branches and I fit in well. Within my first year, I was chosen to become Dean Bank's Electronic Services Coordinator and have been in this position 13 years. In this job I have learned both the service and backend of the online and telephone banking products as well as ATM and Point of Sale, making me the primary contact for both customers and Customer Service Rep's in the Dean Bank's Operations Department.
It was not long after settling into this position that I made the decision to go back to school and eventually graduating from Dean College in 2006 with an Associate Degree in Business and going on to Emmanuel College to earn my Bachelor's Degree in Business in 2011. It took me a bit longer than I originally anticipated as I received a diagnosis of breast cancer in 2007 and needed time off for surgery, radiation treatments and to take care of myself. I had met my husband only one year prior but knew he was a keeper soon after my diagnosis. Through it all, I had the love and support of my family, friends and my employer who directly contributed to my success and I am stronger today because of it.
My parents were greatest examples and taught me the importance of getting involved, investing in our youth and community. For many years I coached both Pop Warner and High School Cheerleading and participated in many Relay for Life events too. I am a Commissioner for Franklin Housing Authority and member of the Franklin Art Association. I have volunteered with a number of local organizations like the Downtown Partnership "Beautification Days", Franklin Food Pantry annual food drives, Friends of Franklin and the Franklin Rotary Club's Annual Pasta Supper for the elderly where I enjoy serving dinners and I'll even get up a sing a few songs to entertain.
FM - What do you see as a challenge for the position of Town Clerk?
Padula-O'Neill - The Office of the Town Clerk oversees the town's vital records, town census, town meeting actions, town and state elections and voter registration. I don't see any real challenges but I do see many opportunities. I have taken a proactive approach by announcing my candidacy in March. I have met with our Town Administrator and Town Clerk's in our surrounding towns. I know what is expected of a Town Clerk and I am looking forward to the future of the Franklin Town Clerk's office.
This job will provide me the latitude to work toward obtaining my Town Clerk Certification while working to increase voter registration through education and improving our civic engagement through visibility. I want to bring the office into the 21st century especially now that online voter registration is available in MA.
I will work to forge a better relationship between the Clerk's office and our high school students. Because students can pre-register to vote at the age of 16, my goal is to educate and spark their interest in their rights as voters in America and citizens of Franklin.
FM - What do you bring to the position that would set you apart from the other candidates?
Padula-O'Neill - I am rooted in Franklin, I know Franklin, I care deeply about Franklin because it's my lifelong home. I am competent, dedicated and forward thinking. My integrity, education and expertise in customer service will be best served when dealing with the needs and wants of our Taxpayers and other Municipal Departments. I plan to modernize the Clerk's office with a strong focus on customer convenience where my extensive work experience in business and electronic banking services coupled with my passion for serving our community make me the stand out candidate to see this through.
Although I enjoy seeing people in person, this is not always conducive. Over the next four years, I will work to make the Clerk's office more accessible introducing more online contact and services. For instance, by improving upon the online access of our annual report making it more interactive and user friendly. People don't want to leaf through every page to get to where they want to be. It could be better indexed. I'd also like to look at a Point of Sale (POS) system to handle online orders and in office payments too. The office should be able to take credit and debit cards for payments for copies of certificates and licenses and for services provided by the clerk's office. Not everyone carries cash anymore.
If you have any follow up questions for Diane, you can contact her via ctedianepadulaoneill@gmail.com
You also visit her website http://www.dianepadulaoneill.com/
Of find her on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/dianepadulaoneill/timeline/
Noteworthy: This information is intended to help the Franklin voters when we all head to the ballot box on November 3rd. The interview candidates have had an opportunity to review this text before publishing to ensure the accuracy of our discussion.
"We are in the arena. We are the change"
It has taken me roughly three weeks to process the events that occurred on the National Mall in Washington, DC on October 4th, 2015. I cannot remember a time where I felt such a wide range of emotions in such a short period of time. I have never, in my entire life, felt such an outpouring of love, momentum and hope.
When we first heard about Unite to Face Addiction, it was merely an idea. It wasn't even called "Unite to Face Addiction" yet. Greg Williams sat in my living room and talked about this idea that he had to bring the recovery community to the National Mall and give addiction it's "AIDS quilt moment." Our friend Mario was in the other room making phone calls to potential backers and entertainers. We wondered what it would look like. We wondered if the recovery community would stand behind it. It seemed so far into the future. I am finding it hard to believe that it is now behind us.
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| Kate Meyer photo of UNITE 10/4/15 |
Continue reading Kate's reflections on the historic day on the Washington Mall
http://www.iamnotanonymous.org/unite-to-face-addiction/2015/10/20/the-day-the-silence-ended
FHS boys soccer and field hockey teams win, football loses
Via Hockomock Sports we share the results of the fall sports action on Friday. The FHS football team lost to Attleboro 35-0. The FHS boys soccer team beat Taunton 3-1 and the field hockey team also beat Taunton 3-2.
For all the results around the Hockomock League on Friday:
http://www.hockomocksports.com/fridays-schedule-scoreboard-102315/
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| FHS Panthers |
Football
Attleboro, 35 @ Franklin, 0 – Final- First Quarter: (A) Brendan Nunes 12 yard rush, Elijah Lewis XP; (A) B. Nunes 9 yard rush, E. Lewis XP.
- Second Quarter: (A) B. Nunes 38 yard rush, E. Lewis XP.
- Third Quarter: (A) B. Nunes 11 yard rush, E. Lewis XP; (A) Cam Furtado 8 yard rush, E. Lewis XP.
- Fourth Quarter: No scoring.
Boys Soccer
Taunton, 1 @ Franklin, 3 – Final– David Stowell put Franklin ahead in the first half off an assist from Wes Kozil. Brian Czuba got his first goal before the break off an assist from Cam LeBlanc. Taunton pulled within one in the second half off a free kick from Austin Botelho but Czuba added an insurance goal off an assist from Hatim Brahimi.
Field Hockey
Taunton, 2 @ Franklin, 3 – Final– Caroline Lounsbury scored the game winning goal with 44 seconds left off assists from Taylor Reutlinger and Kenzi Pleshaw to lift the Panthers. Taunton held a 1-0 lead at halftime but Diana Griffin knotted the game just three minutes into the second half off assists from Cassi Ronan and Reutlinger. Annie Walsh put Franklin ahead at 2-1. Abbey Kingman scored both of Taunton’s goals.
For all the results around the Hockomock League on Friday:
http://www.hockomocksports.com/fridays-schedule-scoreboard-102315/
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