Class of 2020 -> Register for High School Experience

Going to be a Franklin High School freshman in September? This is one key thing to do this summer!

Welcome Class of 2020 to Franklin High School! High School Experience 2016 Be part of the experience! Register Today! August 9 to 12, Tuesday - Friday 9 AM to Noon Franklin High School $100 During the week students will: meet other incoming freshman meet faculty members from the Freshman Collaborative participate in Project Adventure Challenge by Choice games learn about FHS technology and receive a chromebook collaborate on Class Motto receive t-shirt and water bottle lifelong@franklin.k12.ma.us, 508.553.4814

FPS- Lifelong Learning | 355 East Central Street | Franklin | MA | 02038

In the News: Chapter 90 road funds, peaker plant gets one State approval, Franklin arrested for bad checks

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin

"Cantoreggi said Franklin would receive just shy of $1 million under the Baker’s budget that will go to putting in new water lines and rebuilding roads. 

The Northgate neighborhood, Cleveland area and Summer Street are expected to be reconstructed. 

Like Milford, any additional money would benefit Franklin. 

“If the additional money comes through, typically what we do is preventative maintenance, which would be crack sealing and chip sealing. It is not necessarily the most glamorous type of work, but it makes the roads last a lot longer,” said Cantoreggi."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160331/milford-franklin-towns-counting-on-highway-money-from-state

Road construction on East Central St is currently funded with a State grant

A state official has given the environmental go-ahead to energy company Exelon to expand, but the firm still needs another key state board's approval to build. 

Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs Michael Beaton said Exelon’s Final Environmental Impact Report “adequately and property complies” with the state Environmental Protection Act. 

“The project has been clearly described and presented, its impacts have been identified, feasible alternatives to the project have been analyzed commensurate with the project’s purpose and need, and the (report) includes clear commitments to mitigate (d)amage to the (e)nvironment,” Beaton wrote in the March 18 certificate which was posted on the state Department of Public Utilities website this week.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160331/medway-state-executive-oks-exelon-expansion

"A Franklin man was arraigned Thursday in Wrentham District Court on charges of larceny and forging several checks stolen from a relative, authorities say. 

Michael J. Boudreau, 25, of 951 Pond St., faces two counts of forging a check, two counts of attempting to commit a crime and uttering (passing) a false check."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160331/franklin-man-arrested-for-bogus-checks

FHS girls lacrosse drop match in double OT 15-14

Spring sports is already underway and the FHS girls lacrosse team played Needham Thursday going into double overtime before coming out on the short end of a 15-14 final score. Results are from Hockomock Sports.com

Girls Lacrosse

• Franklin, 14 @ Needham, 15 – Final (2OT) 

– Seven different players found the back of the net in Franklin’s opening game. Kenzie Pleshaw led the way with a team-high four goals and Emily Spath netted three goals. Sam Jones forced three turnovers on defense and had a pair of ground balls. Dani Lonati made seven saves in net.

FHS Panthers

http://www.hockomocksports.com/thursdays-schedule-scoreboard-033116/

April Happenings At The Franklin Historical Museum

ITEM OF THE MONTH

The April item featured in the Museum’s ongoing Item of the Month series is a small Native American Stone Knife from our collection. There is a lot to be learned about how Native Americans in this area used stone tools to create axes, grinding tools, etc. to shape their environment and live off the land. The knife, a general purpose tool, with both a tapering point and a thick edge, demonstrates the highly advanced workmanship and ingenuity of the local Wampanoag tribe. 

The research and exhibit is put together by Justin Edwards, a Dean College history major and a student of American History professor Rob Lawson, and by Susan Elliott, museum volunteer.

CINEMA SUNDAY – APRIL 10TH

Visit the museum Sunday April 10th from 1:00PM-4:00PM and view Stanley Chilson Films from the 1950s. See a bit of the Simple Life of Mid Century Franklin on the museum’s large movie screen. Stanley Chilson was a photographer who chronicled life in Franklin from the early 1930s through 1960. His films are rare treasures, that give us a unique view of how life once was in our town.

KID’S WEEK - HISTORY MYSTERIES DURING APRIL SCHOOL VACATION

The Museum will be open from 11:00AM-2:00PM Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, April 19th, 20th and 21st - School Vacation Week. Open to the public and always free the Museum hopes to encourage families looking for something to do with the kids during school vacation. Enjoy ‘History Mysteries’ by guessing the age of a vintage American Flag from our collection. Student visitors will be encouraged to fill out an index card with their guesses. Winners will receive a letter of commendation and a small token of appreciation for visiting and participating. View a Herbert Hoover campaign poster and determine how old it might be. There will even be a question or two to try to stump our older visitors. Enjoy portions of the animated series Liberty’s Kids on the museum large viewing screen. There’s lots to see and much to learn from a visit to the Franklin Historical Museum. Spend your vacation learning a little bit of Franklin’s history.

Franklin Historical Museum

The Museum is located at 80 West Central Street, Franklin. Hours of operation are Saturdays 10:00AM – 1:00PM, Sundays 1:00PM – 4:00PM and starting again in April, Thursday evenings 5:00PM – 8:00PM. There is handicap access through the back door of the museum with an elevator to the 1st floor exhibits. Visit soon!

Franklin Art Association - Spring Show - April 30, May 1

Franklin Art Association - Spring Show - April 30, May 1
at THE BLACK BOX

Rudolph and Kutil recognized by Hockomock Sports

Hockomock Sports has published the Girls Basketball awards for the recently completed 2015-2016 season. Lauren Rudolph and Aubrie Kutil were recognized for their contributions to the Franklin High School team.

Girls Basketball 1st Team - Hockomock Sports photo

Girls Basketball 2nd Team - Hockomock Sports photo

2nd Team

• Lauren Rudolph – Franklin – Guard

Franklin senior guard Lauren Rudolph put in a solid all-around season for the Panthers to help them finish in third place in the Kelley-Rex division and qualify for the playoffs before bowing out after a tough trip to Westford. Rudolph averaged 9.4 points per game this season, while also grabbing nearly four rebounds and four steals per game. Rudolph spearheaded Franklin’s pressure defense and flourished in the drive and kick offense that the Panthers favor. She has committed to play at Springfield College next year.

Girls Basketball 3rd Team - Hockomock Sports photo

3rd Team

• Aubrie Kutil – Franklin – Forward

Franklin senior center Aubrie Kutil developed into a force in the paint for the Panthers this winter, the culmination of a strong four-year varsity career. Kutil led Franklin with 9.5 points per game, while shooting 52 percent from the floor. She added 7.4 rebounds per game and also showed off great vision and touch as a passer out of the post, which was the perfect fit for the Panthers style of offense. Kutil was named a Hockomock all-star by the league’s coaches for her play this season.

For all the details on the Girls Basketball Hockomock awards
http://www.hockomocksports.com/awards/girls-basketball/2015-2016/

Hydrant Flushing resumes April 4

The Franklin Department of Public Works, Water Division will begin its hydrant flushing program on Monday April 4, 2016.

This program is conducted annually to improve Franklin’s water quality and fire flows. Some hydrants will be flushed in the evening hours on weekdays and in the morning on weekends, while others will be completed during the day. Hydrant flushing will continue depending on water availability and system pressures.

Residents may experience temporary water loss or discolored water while hydrants are being flushed in their area. Even though the water may be discolored, it is still safe for human consumption.

Thank you in advance for your cooperation and we apologize for any inconvenience that this may cause. If you have any questions or concerns, please call the DPW office at 508-553-5500.

Flushing Areas will be posted here once the program has commenced.
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_PublicWorks/General_Pages/Hydrant_Flushing

hydrant flushing at Parmenter School

In the News: Dean to use common app, Library move scheduled, empty bowls dinner set, discrimination lawsuit dismissed

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin

"Students applying to Dean College for 2017-18 will now have the ability to do so through the Common Application, an online system used by nearly 700 colleges and universities in the United States and around the world to manage the college admission process. 

By becoming a Common Application member, Dean College gains the opportunity to discover students who may not have been reached in the past."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160330/dean-college-to-utilize-common-application

"To accommodate a renovation and addition to its building, the Franklin Public Library will be closing on April 11 and re-opening in a temporary location in early May. 

The library this week released a timeline of the effort, which will result in its re-opening at 25 Kenwood Circle on May 1. The year-long, $10.5 million project will add a new section to the building, as well as updating its heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160330/timeline-of-franklin-library-move-set

"The Franklin Food Pantry and the Franklin High School Empty Bowls Club will co-host the Empty Bowls Dinner from 6 to 8 p.m. April 27 in the Franklin High School cafeteria, 218 Oak St. 

Attendees will choose a hand-painted ceramic bowl to take home. A silent auction will feature select pieces that have been created and painted by members of the FHS Empty Bowls Club and local youth, adult and corporate groups. Proceeds from the event benefit the Franklin Food Pantry."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160330/franklin-high-school-food-pantry-to-host-empty-bowls-dinner

"The Massachusetts Appeals Court has upheld the dismissal of a lawsuit against Franklin Public Schools by a special education teacher once employed by the district. 

The suit, originally filed in June 2014, alleged that the schools discriminated against teacher Mary Perry because of her age. In a decision issued Tuesday, the appeals court held that a trial judge's summary dismissal of the case was proper."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160330/franklin-court-dismisses-school-discrimination-suit

"will revitalize an underutilized urban site" - Back Bay Station to be renovated

"It looks like Back Bay Station, the dingy and outdated transit hub of the MBTA at the corner of Dartmouth and Stuart streets, is getting an aesthetic overhaul, inside and out. So much so you might not even recognize the new structure. 

Boston Properties Inc. put forth plans Tuesday for the project, which would entail not just revamping the station itself, but the entire block surrounding it. Retail outposts would line the street level of a new glass office tower – 26 stories of twisting glass akin to several giant boxes stacked on top of each other at odd and seemingly random angles. 

The MBTA building itself, which sees some 30,000 commuters each day, would be redone to reflect a more modern transit station. Department stores and a supermarket could be in the picture as well, and the finished product will also offer "a variety of high-quality housing opportunities," which will reportedly include the creation of affordable housing."

Continue reading the article and view other renditions of the renovation

http://bostinno.streetwise.co/2016/03/30/new-back-bay-station-design-project-details-and-photos/

The full 242 page PDF of the project proposal can be found here

http://www.bostonredevelopmentauthority.org/getattachment/3c17ced5-9199-4323-ac54-e5516c681f0a

Downtown Project Update #24 - March 29, 2016

Next week, construction will begin on the new sidewalk improvements and new road work on East Central Street leading into downtown. 

The bridge deck portion of the new island should be completed by the end of April. The project is anticipated to be fully complete by the end of August. 

Also, please note detours. From time to time, please be aware of detours around the downtown construction area through the spring and summer. 

Detours may need to be established as the construction team sees fit, and may not be able to give residents notice in advance. If we can, we will.

downtown triangle section under construction

This was shared from the official Franklin webpage http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_News/02382928-000F8513

Multiple updates on the Franklin Library move to 25 Kenwood Dr

Friday - April 1 - Moving Party

Everyone is invited to our big send-off party at the Franklin Public Library on Friday, April 1 starting at 2PM. 

Join us for cake, games, treats, crafts, directions to the new location and information. There will be drawings for book giveaways for all ages.

Moving Dates

We will be closed from Monday April 11th – Sunday May 1st to relocate to 25 Kenwood Circle

Circulation

Please help us lighten our load. This is the perfect opportunity to check out enough books, movies and cds to hold you over till we are up and running at our new temporary digs. We will be extending the date the items are due until Friday, May 6th. 

Interlibrary Loan will end Friday, April 22nd at 118 Main ST and resume on Monday, May 2nd at 25 Kenwood Circle 

Please change Interlibrary Loan pick up location to another convenient Minuteman library. ( i.e Medway or Millis, or Medfield, Framingham, Dover, etc.) OR wait to place your request after April 22nd. 

Between April 11th and April 22nd (when the library is closed) interlibrary loan items can be picked up at the Franklin Public Library, 118 Main Street between 9 AM – 5 PM on Mondays through Fridays. Please knock on the children’s door entrance for assistance.

Museum Passes

Non-returnable passes for the month of April and May can be picked up anytime before the 11th of April. Tickets to the Southwick Zoo can be purchased at the Circulation Desk for $15.00 each. To pick up passes that have to be returned; Mystic Seaport, Plimoth Plantation, Tower Hill, etc. please knock on the Children’s door entrance.

Book Drop

Book drop will remain open until April 23rd. You can drop off items at 25 Kenwood Circle beginning Monday, April 25th or hang on until Monday, May 2nd when we are up and running.

• The Library Phone number remains unchanged. 508 -520- 4940

Book Sale – Buck A Book

Get a jump start on Summer Reading. Everything is a $1.00Saturday, April 9th, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM P (Please hold all donations until May 2nd) Monthly Booksales will resume in May at 25 Kenwood Circle.

All Library services will resume on Monday, May 2nd at 25 Kenwood Circle.

Please check the website for timely updates.
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_TownLibrary/index


Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Franklin Public Library

This was shared from the official Franklin page
http://franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_News/02382C34-000F8513

You Are Invited To A Very Special Evening - April 14

Be our Guest for a very special evening  Music and Art Appreciation Night A Concert for the Senses You are invited to be our Guest for an evening of fun and entertainment.  Join us on Thursday, April 14 at 7:00 pm for      "A Concert for the Senses" our Annual Music and Art Appreciation Night.  Together, we will hear from Franklin Forte, our Adult Chorus, in their latest public performance, along with many other musical offerings and accompaniments, including those of our music scholar/practitioners.  In addition, you will have the opportunity to view the works of our very own Adult Education Art Instructor, along with those of our budding artists in residence at the Watercolor Art Class. As a special treat, we will have an abbreviated Staged Reading presented by Mel Howards, the director of our newly established Senior Players' Group. He will be accompanied by Karen Alves, director of the Franklin Senior Center. We hope to whet your appetite and motivate you to join the fledgling group.                         THURSDAY, APRIL 14, 7:00 PM                              Franklin High School Auditorium                                  218 Oak Street, Franklin, MA  Meet Our Presenters                            Matthew Macaulay, Guitar                          Jill Noddin,Voice                          Brent Selby, Cello                          Cello Ensemble, Student Cellists                          Steven Sergi, Violin, Viola                          Students of Guitar                          Mel Roberts & Karen Alves, Reading Senior                          Players Group                          Franklin Forte, Adult Education Adult Chorus                          Gail Eckberg, Artist/Instructor-in-residence   Join us for an evening of celebration and fun  About Us The Center for Adult Education and Community Learning at Franklin is a program of the Lifelong Learning Institute, dedicated to providing quality learning experiences for adults in the Town of Franklin and surrounding communities. Diverse and enriched education and experiences are the goals of The Center for Adult Education & Community Learning.  We are proud to be part of the Franklin Public Schools

FPS- Life Long Learning, 355 East Central Street, Franklin, MA 02038 Try it free today

Hockomock Area YMCA Celebrates April As National Child Abuse Prevention Month

In recognition of April as Child Sexual Abuse Prevention month, The Hockomock Area YMCA will be joining other Ys across Massachusetts and the nation in promoting “Five Days of Action” Initiative from April 4-8, 2016.

This month and throughout the year, the Hockomock Area YMCA encourages all individuals and organizations to play a role in making our local communities a better place for children and families. Together we can prevent child sexual abuse by ensuring that adults have the knowledge, skills, and resources they need to prevent, recognize, and react responsibly.

Hockomock YMCA

1 in 10 children experiences the trauma of child sexual abuse before age 18, typically at the hands of someone they know and trust. As adults, we are responsible for protecting children and educating ourselves to prevent, recognize, and react responsibly to child sexual abuse. The Hockomock Area YMCA partners with Darkness to Light to provide child abuse prevention training to adults that strengthens our community and keeps our kids safe. This training, called Stewards of Children®, is based on The 5 Steps to Protecting Our Children™. The 5 steps are: Learn the Facts, Minimize Opportunity, Talk About It, Recognize the Signs, and React Responsibly.

“Protecting children is of the utmost importance and April reminds us that child sexual abuse is a threat to children in all communities,” said Tony Calcia, Vice President of Child Protection and Social Responsibility at the Hockomock Area YMCA. “Adults should learn the facts about child sexual abuse and be prepared to intervene to protect the children in their lives.”

During the week of April 4th as well as throughout the month of April, the Hockomock Area YMCA will share information and resources with our members and the community on how to keep our children safe. Information will be shared through a variety of methods such as email blasts, social media, and within our facilities. Please consider supporting the movement of child sexual abuse prevention by sharing the information with family and friends and participating in our calls to action. The Hockomock Area YMCA is working in partnership with New Hope, The Children’s Advocacy Center of Bristol County, Norfolk Advocates for Children, Darkness to Light, and Praesidum to make a positive difference in the lives of children.

On Friday, April 8th, along with Hockomock Area YMCA staff, The Children’s Advocacy Center of Bristol County and the Norfolk Advocates for Children will be visiting the Hockomock Area YMCA’s Foxboro, Franklin, and North Attleboro branches to answer any questions individuals may have and share their resources.

For more information about child abuse prevention programs and activities during the month of April, and throughout the year, contact Tony Calcia at TonyC@hockymca.org.

About the Hockomock Area YMCA:
Where Cause Meets Community. At the Hockomock Area YMCA, strengthening community is our cause. The Hockomock Area YMCA is an organization of men, women, and children sharing a commitment to nurture the potential of kids, promote healthy living, and foster a sense of social responsibility.

The Hockomock Area YMCA is committed to partnering and collaborating with others to create and deliver lasting personal and social change in the 15 communities they are privileged to serve. The Hockomock Area YMCA is a not-for-profit charitable cause-driven organization with facilities in North Attleboro, Foxboro, Franklin, and Mansfield. For more information visit hockymca.org

Family Concert Series Presents Opera for Kids Featuring "The Three Little Pigs" - Apr 10

Franklin Performing Arts Company’s annual, free Family Concert Series concludes this season with Opera for Kids, The Three Little Pigs, on Sunday, April 10 at 2 p.m. at THE BLACK BOX, 15 West Central Street, in downtown Franklin. Arranged by John Davies and set to the masterful music of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, The Three Little Pigs is an operatic adaptation of the children’s fairytale classic and brings the beloved story to life. 

A treasured FPAC tradition for more than two decades, Family Concert Series events are geared toward children in length and format and provide young audiences with a fun introduction to the world of live music. The performances introduce audiences of all ages to music of many genres and feature talented, professional musicians in an engaging, entertaining and interactive way. The Three Little Pigs features Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FSPA) student Madi Asgeirsson and sopranos Shauna Martin and Mariko Matsumura as the three little pigs, along with lyric baritone Thomas Gareau as the wolf. Pianist Synthia Sture will accompany the vocalists.

A native of Winnipeg, Canada, Shauna Martin received her master’s degree in Opera from the University of British Columbia and a Bachelor of Music degree from Brandon University. Her performances include a wide variety of operatic and musical theater roles in works by classical as well as contemporary composers. Shauna is a founding member of the popular children's show Opera Night in Canada and has performed with Canada’s regional orchestras and on CBC Radio.

A native of Tokyo, Japan, Mariko Matsumura received her bachelor’s degree in Vocal Performance with high honors from the University of Montana and a master’s degree in Vocal Performance from Longy School of Music. Mariko's performance credits include Messiah, Aida, Hansel and Gretl, Der Rosenkavalier, The Magic Flute and numerous premiere performances throughout the Boston area. She has performed with Lorelei Ensemble, Tanglewood Festival Chorus, Jyugoya Ensemble, Chorus Boston, Setegaya Women’s Chorus and Opera Unmet.

A graduate of The Boston Conservatory with a BM in Vocal Performance and an MM in Vocal Pedagogy and Performance, Thomas Gareau has performed a wide variety of repertoire, from jazz to musical theater to opera and oratorio. As a regular and soloist with the Boston Choral Ensemble, he performed in the memorable production of Thomas Tallis’ Spem in alium at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross as part of the Boston Early Music Festival. Other notable engagements include Odyssey Opera’s debut concert production of Wagner’s Rienzi at Jordan Hall. Thomas has appeared in numerous solo recitals performing standard repertoire and unearthing lesser known art songs and arias.

FPAC’s 2016 Family Concert Series is sponsored by Berry Insurance. For more information, call (508) 528-3370 or visit www.FPAConline.com and www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com.

Mass Attorney General Maura Healey Says Exxon Knew

Dear Friends, Today Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey announced that she is joining with the Attorneys General of New York and California in formally investigating ExxonMobil for their role in sowing doubt about climate science and preventing climate action after their own scientists affirmed the reality of climate change some 35 years ago. This is yet another refreshing demonstration of climate leadership by Attorney General Healey, who has emerged as the people's champion in the struggle to prevent new fossil fuel pipelines in Massachusetts.  Today, Attorney General Healey has taken another big step forward to unambiguously plant herself on the right side of this issue and on the right side of history, and she deserves our thanks and appreciation. People power makes a difference. When politicians know they can count on our support when they take a stand on climate, it makes it easier for champions like Maura Healey to lead. Please join me in thanking AG Healey by sharing this meme on Facebook and/or calling her office at (617) 727-2200. Onward and upward, Craig Altemose Executive Director, Better Future Project Senior Advisor, 350 Mass for a Better Future

In the News: office hours for Senator Ross, Obama statement on opioid crisis

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin

"Sen. Richard Ross will hold an office hour at 10 a.m. April 5 at the Franklin Senior Center, 10 Daniel McCahill St. 

The morning meeting will provide constituents with an opportunity to meet with Ross or a member of staff and discuss any matters of importance to them. 

To register for a meeting, call 617-722-1555 or email Richard.Ross@masenate.gov with a preferred time and a brief description of the topics to be discussed."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160329/sen-richard-ross-to-hold-franklin-office-hour

"A group of area residents who attended a Tuesday afternoon drug abuse panel discussion featuring President Barack Obama said they were struck by his level of knowledge and compassion regarding the issue. 

Five members of the Support for Addicts and Families by Empowerment (SAFE) Coalition attended the talk as part of the National Rx Drug Abuse and Heroin Summit in Atlanta. Their participation in the conference was sponsored by Norfolk County District Attorney Michael Morrissey."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160329/franklin-locals-hear-obama-address-substance-abuse