Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA Area: FRI 11/20/15 - THU 11/26/15

FRIDAY 11/20/15
1pm   FDP Networking Luncheon at Dean College
6pm   Trivia Night at Horace Mann MS
6:30pm   Family Paint Night at Franklin Art Center
7pm   Middle School Dance (grades 5-8) at Tri-County HS
7:30pm   The Black Box: Rising Stars Cabaret
8-9:50pm   Frozen Friday DJ Public Skate at Pirelli Arena
9pm   Comedy Night featuring Paul Keenan at “3” Restaurant

SATURDAY 11/21/15
9am-3pm   Book Sale at the Franklin Public Library with live music by Betty Kushner at 9-10am
2pm   The Black Box Children’s Series: Jamie Barrett

SUNDAY 11/22/15
7:30-10:30am   Weekly Sunday morning breakfast at Franklin Rod and Gun Club, open to public.
9am-12pm   Winter Beautification Downtown Franklin, contact Eileen Mason if you would like to help out: emason4234@gmail.com
9am-12pm   Bag Sale at Franklin Public Library (fill up a paper bag with books for only $5)
12-3pm   Holiday Vendor Shopping at The Cake Bar
2pm   FSPA in The Box: Amahl and the Night Visitors (at The Black Box)
7pm   Franklin Interfaith Council Thanskgiving Service at Franklin Federated Church

MONDAY 11/23/15
9am   Tea and Tangles at the Franklin Art Center (come Zentangle)
10am-12:30pm   Annual Pie Sale at Tri-County HS (Gerry’s Place)

TUESDAY 11/24/15
10am-12:30pm   Annual Pie Sale at Tri-County HS (Gerry’s Place)

WEDNESDAY 11/25/15
9:30am   Kids Paint: Owl at the Franklin Art Center

THURSDAY 11/26/15 - ***HAPPY THANKSGIVING!***
8am   Annual Turkey Trot Family 5K Fun Run - to benefit Franklin Food Pantry. Race begins at 8am. Entry fee $20 or 20 nonperishable food items.
More details HERE.

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

FHS represented on the Hockomock League Girls Soccer All Stars

From Hockomock Sports, we share the official Hockomock League Girls Soccer All Stars, selected by the coaches in the league.


HOCKOMOCK LEAGUE MVP

Francesca Calabraro, Oliver Ames

FHS Panthers

HOCKOMOCK LEAGUE ALL STARS

• Victoria Stowell, Franklin
• Dani Lonati, Franklin
• Meghan Dieterle, Franklin
• Alexis Stowell, Franklin

HONORABLE MENTIONS

• Lauren Rudolph, Franklin

For the complete listing

http://www.hockomocksports.com/the-2015-hockomock-girls-soccer-all-stars-hms/

FHS represented on the Hockomock League Boys Soccer All Stars

From Hockomock Sports, we share "the official Hockomock League Boys Soccer All Stars, selected by the coaches in the league."


HOCKOMOCK LEAGUE MVP

Devante Teixeira, Foxboro

FHS Panthers

HOCKOMOCK LEAGUE ALL STARS

• Nick Parent, Franklin
• Henri Guilmette, Franklin
• Dan Geraci, Franklin

HONORABLE MENTIONS

• Hatim Brahimi, Franklin

For the complete listing

http://www.hockomocksports.com/the-2015-hockomock-boys-soccer-all-stars-hms/

Stay in touch with updates from the SAFE Coalition

Please like our SAFE Coalition Facebook page and follow us on Twitter. Lots of programs and initiatives to battle our drug epidemic. Stay tuned.

Looking for news and resources on substance abuse, recovery and support?

*Follow us on Twitter: @safecoalitionma

*Like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/safecoalitionma

*Visit our website for event details contact information and more: www.safecoalitionma.com

FHS represented on the Hockomock League Volleyball All Stars

From Hockomock Sports, we share "the official Hockomock League Volleyball All Stars, selected by the coaches in the league."


HOCKOMOCK LEAGUE MVP

Elizabeth Hamilton, Canton

FHS Panthers

HOCKOMOCK LEAGUE ALL STARS

• Dayna McCue, Franklin
• Beth Neal, Franklin
• Caroline Maguire, Franklin

HONORABLE MENTIONS

• Aubrie Kutil, Franklin

For the complete listing of the Volleyball All-Stars
http://www.hockomocksports.com/the-2015-hockomock-volleyball-all-stars-honorable-mentions/

Turkey Trot in Franklin on Thanksgiving to Benefit Franklin Food Pantry

It's a worthwhile price to pay when you register for the annual Turkey Trot Family 5K Fun Run and Walk to be held Thanksgiving morning. The registration fee of $20, or 20 nonperishable food items, will go directly to the Franklin Food Pantry, keeping donations local to help those in need during this holiday season. 

Franklin Food Pantry

Sponsored by Feed the Need, the event begins and ends at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (LDS Church) at 91 Jordan Road in Franklin. The race, open to runners and walkers of all ages, is a great opportunity for the entire family to get out and exercise together before their traditional Thanksgiving feast. And, there's the added benefit of helping to relieve hunger in the community. 

"We are inspired by the great turnout for the Franklin race," said Erin Lynch, executive director for the Franklin Food Pantry. "Thanksgiving is a time for everyone to truly appreciate what they have, but also an occasion to think of others who are struggling to put food on their tables. The Turkey Trot rallies our community to give back and help protect others from the threat of hunger. We are grateful to Feed the Need for spearheading the race and raising awareness about our own need in Franklin."

The November 26 race will begin at 8 a.m. To participate in the Turkey Trot, you can pre-register online at www.feedtheneed.org; or sign up the day of the race from 7 – 8 a.m., or 7 – 9 p.m. the night before, at the LDS Church. The first 100 race participants to register Wednesday night will receive race t-shirts. For those interested in making food donations instead of the $20 registration fee, the Pantry is in most need of tuna, canned fruit, and health and hygiene products such as deodorant.

For more information, call 508-520-9864.

The entire Kilburn family of Franklin was among the almost 400 individuals who participated in last year's Turkey Trot

"you’ve come to the right imperfect place"

The Special Ed Parent Advisory Council is pleased to present Patty and Gina, imperfect sisters, and authors of Shut Up About Your Perfect Kid, A Survival Guide for Ordinary Parents of Special Children and creators of The Movement of Imperfection. 

Designed for caregivers of special children, this humorous, heartwarming 90-minute workshop is based on their best selling book. Using hilarious anecdotes and fun exercises (no Spandex required), the sisters will show attendees how to let go of the expectations they have for their children and embrace the reality.

• Does the school principal have your family’s phone number on speed dial?
• Are you on a first-name basis with your pharmacist?
• Do you carry noise cancelling headphones in your purse?
• Do you host parades when your child tries a new food?
• Does “date night” with your spouse consist of couple’s therapy?
• Does your idea of a “beauty day” consist of one in which you’ve combed your hair?”

If you answered “Yes” to any of these questions, you’ve come to the right imperfect place.

The Movement of Imperfection

In addition to sharing the same sense of humor, cramped childhood bedroom, and the habit of talking about themselves in the third person, Gina Gallagher and Patricia Konjoian are sisters and among the growing number of parents raising children with disabilities. Gina’s daughter, Katie, has Asperger’s syndrome and Patty’s daughter Jennifer has bipolar disorder.

The event is open to the public, for more information please contact the Director of Student Services, Mrs. Pat Fairbanks. Learn more about this year’s Special Ed PAC speakers on their website.

In the News: recount adds one to Burr, roadwork wrapping up, cupcake decorating class, PARCC results for Charter School

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin

"After a four-hour recount session, Teresa Burr was affirmed as the winner of the town clerk election. 

Burr, who led the election-night tally, widened her margin of victory over second-place finisher Diane Padula-O'Neill by one vote, taking the race 1,114 to 1,081. 

The recount, which took place in the council chambers at the Franklin Municipal Building, had election workers hand-counting the cast ballots. They were overseen by observers from both campaigns."

Read the full article online here (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20151119/NEWS/151115003/1994/NEWS

"Roadwork in town is wrapping up as the winter months near, according to town officials. 

Town Administrator Jeffrey Nutting told the Town Council at its Wednesday night meeting that projects in town were drawing to a close. 

"We're hoping the weather holds while we finish up Oak Street," he said, noting that the road there needs paving. 

Nutting spoke about the downtown improvement project, which will be ending for the season, but will resume next year."

new traffic calming island on Oak St

Read the full article online here (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20151119/NEWS/151114990/1994/NEWS

"Franklin Public Schools, Lifelong Learning Institute and the Center for Adult Education & Community Learning will host a cupcake-decorating event from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Dec. 2 at Franklin High School, 218 Oak St."

Read the full article online here (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20151119/NEWS/151115477/1994/NEWS

"Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School students outperformed state averages on all tests on the new Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers tests taken last spring. 

Across all grade levels tested, students at BFCCPS averaged an 81 percent proficiency rate on PARCC English language arts exams and 70 percent in math, compared to average statewide proficiency rates of 46 percent and 45 percent, respectively."

Read the full article online here (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20151120/NEWS/151129981/1994/NEWS

Franklin Lions Candy Drop collects over 550 pounds

From November 1 - 7, the Franklin Lions Club collected candy for their 3rd Annual Candy Drop. All candy donated is delivered to troops overseas through Operation Gratitude. 

This year, thanks to the parishioners of St. Mary's, and families of Jefferson Elementary, Parmenter Elementary and Stapleton Elementary in Framingham, a total of 556 pounds was collected, sorted, boxed and shipped to support our troops. The largest collection yet. The club also donated 25 tooth care kits. 

Upcoming events include the Bellingham/Franklin Senior Luncheon on Saturday, December 5 and Painting with the Easter Bunny on Saturday, March 12. Please be on the lookout for more details. 

candy collection 01

candy collection 02

Any questions please contact the club directly at franklinmalions@gmail.com or visit our website http://www.e-clubhouse.org/sites/franklinma.

FHS represented on the Hockomock League Field Hockey All Stars

Below are the official Hockomock League Field Hockey All Stars, selected by the coaches in the league, shared from Hockomock Sports.


HOCKOMOCK LEAGUE MVP

Angela Connolly, Stoughton

FHS Panthers

HOCKOMOCK LEAGUE ALL STARS

• Samantha Jones, Franklin
• Taylor Reutlinger, Franklin
• Kenzie Pleshaw, Franklin
• Annie Walsh, Franklin

HONORABLE MENTIONS

• Abby Egan, Franklin

For the complete listing of All Stars follow the link here
http://www.hockomocksports.com/the-2015-hockomock-field-hockey-all-stars/

FHS represented on the Hockomock League Golf All Stars

Below are the official Hockomock League Golf All Stars, selected by the coaches in the league and shared from the Hockomock Sports.


HOCKOMOCK LEAGUE MVP

Ryan Tomaso, Milford

FHS Panthers

HOCKOMOCK LEAGUE ALL STARS

• Bryan Woelfel, Franklin

HONORABLE MENTIONS

• Matt Dao, Franklin

For the full listing
http://www.hockomocksports.com/the-2015-hockomock-golf-all-stars-honorable-mentions/

Franklin Federated Church to Host Franklin Interfaith Council Thanksgiving Service Sunday, November 22, 2015 – 7 pm

People of faith in the Franklin community have a long-standing tradition of gathering annually for an Interfaith Thanksgiving worship service. Sponsored by the Franklin Interfaith Council, this year’s Thanksgiving Service will be held on Sunday evening, November 22 at 7 pm at Franklin Federated Church. 

Thanksgiving Service and Prayer

The Interfaith Thanksgiving service is a shared celebration and remembrance for the blessings in our lives for which we are grateful. The service is a wonderful occasion for people of various faith backgrounds to come together as an interfaith community to give thanks for the goodness in our lives and express our gratitude for God’s blessings. 

The community gathers in worship to share some readings, reflections and prayers from Franklin’s clergy leaders and to enjoy special musical offerings by the Franklin Interfaith Choir. The service opens our eyes to the various faith communities within Franklin and reminds us of the religious freedom we enjoy in America. 

The event also provides the opportunity to support Franklin’s Fuel Assistance program administered by the Interfaith Council. A free-will offering will be received to fund this important resource to help Franklin families pay their heating bills during the winter months. 

As we express our thanks we also remember those within our community who are financially stressed and need a helping hand. Checks may be made payable to the Franklin Interfaith Council. Your generosity is encouraged! 

Join with your fellow Franklinites of faith on Sunday evening, November 22nd to give thanks with a grateful heart. Amen.

Downtown Project Update #18 - traffic flow map for 2016

The Downtown Project Update #18. Page 2 shows the detail on the traffic flow that will change some time in 2016.  When will the date/time for the switch from one-way to 2-way traffic be? Stay tuned. No one knows today.

There are detail sections for the corner of Emmons and West Central as well as at the railroad bridge (triangle).

patched spot on West Central St

Note: when traveling east to get to Main St from West Central, you'll need to turn at Emmons. Once you get to the bridge, there is no left turn to Main St.

Senator Spilka Honored for Juvenile Justice Leadership

Senator Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland) received the 2015 Leadership Award from Citizens for Juvenile Justice at the organization’s annual Leadership Celebration last week, in recognition of her work to reform the juvenile justice system, invest in children and support communities in Massachusetts.

“If we want to truly reform the juvenile justice system, we need to invest in our children,” said Senator Spilka. “I am honored to work with such a caring, compassionate community of juvenile justice reform advocates in Massachusetts. I look forward to continuing the work to create a society where more children have opportunities to learn and succeed.”

Scott Harshbarger, former Massachusetts Attorney General and Senior Counsel at Proskauer Rose LLC; Senator Karen Spilka; Naoka Carey, Executive Director, Citizens for Juvenile Justice

“Senator Spilka is an exceptional leader on behalf of young people in the Commonwealth,” said Naoka Carey, Executive Director of Citizens for Juvenile Justice. “As a result of her work, thousands of children and families are benefiting from a more effective, more community-based system of services. Seventeen year olds who once faced time in adult jails are now receiving far more appropriate services in our juvenile justice system. She is as compassionate as she is tenacious.”

Scott Harshbarger, former Massachusetts Attorney General and Senior Counsel at Proskauer Rose LLC, and a group of young people from the Teens Leading The Way advocacy coalition presented the award to Senator Spilka. Senator Spilka is working closely with Teens Leading the Way on legislation related to the expungement of juvenile criminal records, to give young people a chance to learn from their mistakes and the clean slate they need to pursue jobs, higher education and stable, productive lives as adults.

Scott Harshbarger, former Massachusetts Attorney General and Senior Counsel at Proskauer Rose LLC; Senator Karen Spilka; Teens Leading the Way youth

Senator Spilka worked for seven years on a comprehensive overhaul of the Child in Need of Services (CHINS) system, which handles children who consistently get in trouble at home or at school, including runaways and students who are habitually truant. In 2012, the Legislature began the process of establishing a statewide network of community-based Family Resource Centers, which provide mental health, substance abuse and family counseling services to children and families outside of the court system.

In 2013, the Legislature passed legislation to raise the age of juvenile jurisdiction by one year, bringing 17-year-olds into the juvenile justice system. Raising the age of juvenile jurisdiction acknowledges that teenagers have unique developmental needs and gives young people the chance to receive the support services they need to get back on track and succeed in the future.

In the 2015-2016 legislative session, Senator Spilka is working with juvenile justice reform advocates on an omnibus bill to address a wide array of reforms, including expungement.

In the News: 'Tis the season, public records, OPEB liability explained

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin

"The Franklin Performing Arts Company will host a special performance of the original holiday musical “’Tis the Season!” for community youth, family and social services organizations at 3 p.m. Dec. 19 at the Franklin High School auditorium, 118 Oak St. 

FPAC will distribute complimentary tickets for the performance through community organizations including the Hockomock Area YMCA, local Best Buddies chapters and the Franklin Food Pantry."

Read the full article online here (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20151118/NEWS/151115487/1994/NEWS

"Ahead of the unanimous passage of what they said was the first public records overhaul in more than four decades on Wednesday, a key House lawmaker said the measure would increase transparency without adding an unfunded mandate on cities and towns. 

"As a former local official and someone who pays a lot of attention to municipal government, I don't view anything in this bill as an unfunded mandate," House Ways and Means Committee Vice Chairman Stephen Kulik said. He said, "Any public agency, including cities and towns, have responsibilities inherent to provide public access to the documents of what they do."

Read the full article online here (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20151118/NEWS/151115463/1994/NEWS

"The Town Council was told at its meeting Wednesday that Franklin is in relatively good shape in terms of other post-employment benefits (OPEB), but should continue to ramp up its contributions. 

Consultant Dan Sherman gave a presentation to the council on the concept."

Read the full article online here (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20151118/NEWS/151115448/1994/NEWS

26th Annual Gourmet Guys - Attleboro Elks Lodge - Nov 20th

An evening of great food, family and friends! An Attleboro institution, Gourmet Guys features a buffet-style feast prepared by our hometown heroes. All proceeds benefit New Hope, a non-profit working to end domestic and sexual violence in our communities.

New Hope

Event Details:

• Tickets: $30 adults; $20 kids/seniors
• Doors open: 6:30 p.m.
• Dinner served: 7:00 p.m.
• Family-Friendly environment
• Raffles and Silent Auctions
• Cash Bar

26th Annual Gourmet Guys - Attleboro Elks Lodge - Nov 20th

In the News: Jamie Barrett performs, RMV adds online services

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin

The Black Box Children’s Series kicks off its second season this Saturday, Nov. 21, featuring Franklin singer-songwriter, guitarist and music teacher Jamie Barrett. 

Back by popular demand with an engaging mix of family-favorite songs, Barrett presents a fun and interactive program for audiences of all ages, beginning at 2 p.m.

Read the full article online here (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20151118/NEWS/151116448/1994/NEWS

The Registry of Motor Vehicles announced Wednesday it will now allow many drivers to pay their road test and license fees online rather than in line. 

Registry officials said the prepay function has the potential to eliminated 50,000 trips a year to its offices. 

Customers who have a regular Class D permit or a motorcycle Class M permit will be eligible to visit massrmv.com before completing a road test and avoid the lines altogether.

Read the full article online here (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20151118/NEWS/151115782/1994/NEWS

Franklin Fracked Gas Pipeline Petition link

Dear Fellow Franklinites, 

I urge you to sign this online petition to oppose a fracked gas pipeline proposed to run through Franklin. 

The petition explains the reasons for our opposition.

proposed route for fracked gas pipeline

https://www.change.org/p/jeffrey-roy-karen-spilka-richard-ross-stop-the-spectra-energy-pipeline-from-going-through-franklin-ma-we-don-t-need-or-want-it?recruiter=424738166&utm_source=share_for_starters&utm_medium=copyLink