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Tuesday, April 18, 2017
Highlights of Hope Celebration - RSVP now!
Franklin Public Library: Vacation Activities - Wednesday, April 19
Wally the Green Monster Visit! Wednesday, April 19th, 9:30 a.m.
We’re pleased to welcome back our friend Wally the Green Monster for a storytime and meet and greet! Wear your favorite Red Sox gear and bring your camera and your biggest smile!
Slime Time! Wednesday, April 19th, 3:30 p.m.
Make your very own slime to take home!Pageturners” Tween Book Club, Third Wednesday of the Month, April 19th, 5:00 p.m.
Calling all readers! If you’re reading at a 4th-6th grade level and love talking about books, this book club is for you! Join us on the third Wednesday of the month at 5:00pm for a discussion, craft, and snacks all centered around an age- appropriate book!Doggie Tales. Third Wednesday of the Month. Wednesday, April 19th, 6:30 p.m.
Improve your reading skills and make a new friend by reading aloud to a therapy dog! Bring your favorite book or pick out one of ours to read. The dogs and their handlers are from Pawsitive Touch and are trained for one-on-one sessions. For students in grades 2 and up. Call to Register! |
| Temporary location of Franklin Public Library - 25 Kenwood Circle |
In the News: state budget issues; water ban updated
From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170417/franklin-lawmakers-give-bleak-financial-forecast
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170417/franklin-town-enacts-new-water-restriction-bylaw
"The town’s legislative delegation last week warned local officials that state tax revenue is falling short of expectations.
Local legislators - state senators Richard Ross, R-Wrentham, and Karen Spilka, D-Ashland, and state Rep. Jeffrey Roy, D-Franklin - gave an update on the budget process at a Town Council meeting.
Spilka, chairwoman of the Senate Ways and Means Committee, said revenue projections had called for a 4.3 percent increase. She said, though, that weaker-than-expected returns began in February, a trend that continued into March and has resulted in collections $220 million below the benchmark.
According to Spilka, a similar downturn last year began in April and eventually required $750 million in budget cuts. She said she hoped such cuts will not be needed this year."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170417/franklin-lawmakers-give-bleak-financial-forecast
"Town councilors have adopted a new bylaw on water restrictions but chose not to craft the measure to include private well owners.
The Town Council, at its most recent meeting, passed a new ban bylaw that town officials said would more effectively describe current practices. While the previous bylaw defined the terms of the ban and the punishments for violation, the amendment includes different levels of conservation, more thoroughly talks about the terms used and delineates the precise activities prohibited during a ban.
The measure passed by unanimous vote.
Among the changes in the new bylaw is a requirement that those who use private wells to water their lawns display a sign to that effect. Falsely posting such a sign is prohibited and homeowners may be subject to a penalty."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170417/franklin-town-enacts-new-water-restriction-bylaw
Congratulations to all the Franklin finishers of the Boston Marathon
The official Boston Marathon results for the Franklin residents who completed the course on Monday are show below.
If you would like to inquire on another runner, you can use this link http://baa.org/searchable-results.html
If you would like to inquire on another runner, you can use this link http://baa.org/searchable-results.html
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| http://baa.org/ |
Monday, April 17, 2017
Best wishes to all the Franklin Marathon Runners
From the official Boston Marathon webpage, I pulled the listing of Franklin residents registered to run.
If you want to track an individual runner, you can follow their progress via
http://boston.r.mikatiming.de/2017/?pid=tracking
If you want to track an individual runner, you can follow their progress via
http://boston.r.mikatiming.de/2017/?pid=tracking
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| http://baa.org/ |
Norfolk County Mosquito Control District: Notice of Aerial Larval Control Application
In accordance with 333 CMR 13.04 (7) (a & b), please consider this as notification of the pending aerial application targeting mosquito larvae in the wetlands in the District.
The Norfolk County Mosquito Control District will be conducting helicopter applications of the biorational larvicide Bti (Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis) to control mosquito larvae.
These applications will be conducted over specific large wetlands in the Towns of: Avon/Bellingham/Braintree/Canton/Dedham/Dover/Foxboro/Franklin/Holbrook/ Medfield/Medway/Millis/Milton/Needham/Norfolk/Norwood/Plainville/Quincy/ Randolph/Sharon/Stoughton/Walpole/Westwood/Weymouth/ Wrentham
These applications will be conducted for 2 to 4 days, anytime between April 9, 2017 and April 28, 2017. As always, the weather in the spring is unpredictable. For this reason the District cannot pin down actual application dates with any more accuracy at this time.
The trade name of the granular formulations of Bti to be used is VectoBac GR (EPA Reg. #73049-486). For further information contact David A. Lawson, Director at (781) 762-3681 or the Boards of Health in the towns listed above. Information is also available on line at www.norfolkcountymosquito.org
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| The Norfolk County Mosquito Control District utilizes Geographic Information System (GIS) to document and distribute information to the public about various aspects of our program. |
This was shared from the Town of Franklin page
http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/news/notification_of_aerial_application_board_of_health_march_2_2_0.pdf
In the News: 40B relief discussed
"Town councilors last week asked state lawmakers for relief from affordable housing rules, saying they feared housing developments unfettered by local regulations.
The town’s legislative delegation - state Sens. Richard Ross, R-Wrentham, and Karen Spilka, D-Ashland, and state Rep. Jeffrey Roy, D-Franklin - spoke to the council Wednesday as part of a regular update on lawmaking efforts.
Councilor Judith Pfeffer first raised the matter, criticizing the state’s 40B rules, which allows developers to avoid town zoning bylaws if affordable housing makes up less than 10 percent of the municipality’s housing stock.
“No one wants to come out against affordable housing, but there has to be some kind of fail-safe,” she said."Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170416/franklin-councilors-seek-relief-from-affordable-housing
For the Franklin Matters recap of the Town Council meeting April 12
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/04/town-council-recap-of-april-12-2017.html
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| a row of forsythia surrounds a catch basin |
Franklin Public Library: April 18 - Dino Discovery and Egg Hunt
Dino Discovery Animal Program! Tuesday, April 18th, 10:30 a.m.
This one of a kind program is a blast from the prehistoric past! Meet our most ancient animal friends in person and you even get to touch and hold real fossils that are millions of years old!
Egg Hunt in the Library! Tuesday, April 18th, 3:00 p.m.
Join us as we hunt for dino eggs around the library! You will be given clues that lead to eggs hidden in books all around the library! Use your knowledge of the collection AND of the Dewey Decimal system to track down your egg!!
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| Franklin Public Library: April 18 - Dino Discovery and Egg Hunt |
For additional programs during the April vacation
http://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library
Sunday, April 16, 2017
Town Council Recap of April 12, 2017
The Town council meeting of April 12, 2017 provided a variety of items for discussion and action. From the recognition of the FHS boys basketball team that opened the meeting, to the legislative update on what's happening at the State level on the budget and other items of interest, and then the legislation slated for action among which the key item was the Residential VII re-introduction for Summer St, there was something for everyone.
Skipping through the whereas and wherefor's of the proclamation language, regular readers are aware of the accomplishment of this year's FHS boys basketball team, getting to the Division 1 State Championship game for the first time in FHS history. Coach CJ Neely was also recognized as the Division 1 Coach of the Year by the Boston Globe. Council Bissanti read the proclamation that the Town offered to recognize the accomplishments of this team.
As the discussion was going to begin, Chairman Kelly also read a letter from the home owner asking for a continuation to a June meeting as the owner was exploring 'other options'.
Discussion on the motion on the floor to refer the proposal to the Planning Board was diverted to a new discussion on the deferral to a proposed June 28th meeting. The motion to defer was voted down 5-3. They they returned to the original motion and voted NOT to send it to the Planning Board by a 6-2 vote. The Residential VII option for that land on Summer St seems to be done at this point. Other options, for example a 40B proposal, are still possible. Time will tell what the property owner decides to pursue.
The Council voted to refer to the Planning Board the proposed bylaw allowing for
brewery, distillery and wine making facilities to offer tasting rooms. This had come up as a proposal before the Economic Development Committee and sounds like a real good opportunity for some revenue growth.
The Council approved the final reading of the bylaw updating the water conservation measures the town has been performing for decades. This version of bylaw does NOT include prohibition measures for private wells that had created controversy when discussed earlier this year.
The Council approved the first reading of amendments to the water and sewer system maps. There is a proposal for a school for developmentally challenged children being relocated from Attleboro to Mount St. The school would need the water and sewer to operate their facility and future development plans.
Additional details can be found in my notes recorded live during the meeting
The full agenda and associated documents can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/04/franklin-ma-town-council-agenda-april.html
FHS Boys Basketball
Skipping through the whereas and wherefor's of the proclamation language, regular readers are aware of the accomplishment of this year's FHS boys basketball team, getting to the Division 1 State Championship game for the first time in FHS history. Coach CJ Neely was also recognized as the Division 1 Coach of the Year by the Boston Globe. Council Bissanti read the proclamation that the Town offered to recognize the accomplishments of this team. |
| Council Bissanti read the proclamation |
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| Council Bissanti read the proclamation 2 |
Legislative Update
Senator Karen Spilka, Senator Richard Ross, and Representative Jeffrey Roy presented status updates on the budget process and other legislation of interest (OPEB, school foundation funding, etc.). Details on their comments can be foundResidential VII - Summer St
The proposal brought before the Town Council (and Planning Board) in the week before Christmas and then voted down in the first meeting in January, was brought back before the Council for reconsideration. The Council procedures differ from Roberts Rules of Order and the re-introduction is allowed within 2 years of the initial denial. Hence it was back.As the discussion was going to begin, Chairman Kelly also read a letter from the home owner asking for a continuation to a June meeting as the owner was exploring 'other options'.
Discussion on the motion on the floor to refer the proposal to the Planning Board was diverted to a new discussion on the deferral to a proposed June 28th meeting. The motion to defer was voted down 5-3. They they returned to the original motion and voted NOT to send it to the Planning Board by a 6-2 vote. The Residential VII option for that land on Summer St seems to be done at this point. Other options, for example a 40B proposal, are still possible. Time will tell what the property owner decides to pursue.
ACTION: Mr. Vallee MOVED to postpone this agenda item until the June 27th Town Council meeting. SECONDED. Denied 3-5 (Yes: Padula, Kelly, Vallee; No: Dellorco, Jones, Mercer, Pellegri, Pfeffer; Recused: Bissanti).
ACTION: The Town Council rejected a proposal to approve the resubmittal of zoning bylaw amendment 16-775: a zoning map change on Summer Street. Rejected 2-6 (Yes: Padula, Kelly; No: Dellorco, Jones, Mercer, Pellegri, Pfeffer, Vallee; Recused: Bissanti).
Other Legislation of note
The Council voted not to exercise their right of first refusal on property at 4 Mount St. If the land use is changed from farm, the new owner is liable for the back taxes for the period the land was a farm. The Town chose not to exercise its option as the land value and location (not connected to other Town land) would not have been sufficient to recover the costs for clean up of the land.The Council voted to refer to the Planning Board the proposed bylaw allowing for
brewery, distillery and wine making facilities to offer tasting rooms. This had come up as a proposal before the Economic Development Committee and sounds like a real good opportunity for some revenue growth.
The Council approved the final reading of the bylaw updating the water conservation measures the town has been performing for decades. This version of bylaw does NOT include prohibition measures for private wells that had created controversy when discussed earlier this year.
The Council approved the first reading of amendments to the water and sewer system maps. There is a proposal for a school for developmentally challenged children being relocated from Attleboro to Mount St. The school would need the water and sewer to operate their facility and future development plans.
Additional details can be found in my notes recorded live during the meeting
- Live reporting: Closing
- Live reporting: Legislation
- Live Reporting: Spilka, Ross, Roy update from Stat...
- Live Reporting: Town Council - April 12, 2017
The full agenda and associated documents can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/04/franklin-ma-town-council-agenda-april.html
April vacation programs with the Franklin Recreation Department
The Town of Franklin Recreation Department has a variety of programs and activities panned for the April vacation. Check out the brochure shown below for details on each one.
Registration can be processed through the Town of Franklin webpage
Registration can be processed through the Town of Franklin webpage
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| did you know there was a disc golf course at Dacey Fields? |
Franklin Library and Town offices closed for holiday
The Franklin Public Library is closed Sunday, April 16 to honor Easter Sunday. The Library and Town of Franklin offices will be closed on Monday, April 17 for Patriot's Day.
For additional updated from the Franklin Library
http://franklinpl.blogspot.com/2017/04/library-closed-sunday-april-16-and.html
And for updates from the Town of Franklin
http://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/town-offices-will-be-closed-monday-april-17th-observance-patriots-day
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| Library closed Sunday and Monday, April 16-17 |
For additional updated from the Franklin Library
http://franklinpl.blogspot.com/2017/04/library-closed-sunday-april-16-and.html
And for updates from the Town of Franklin
http://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/town-offices-will-be-closed-monday-april-17th-observance-patriots-day
Saturday, April 15, 2017
DelCarte Open Space: Story Walk today, bring guide book to help explore
The Franklin Public Library is partnering up with the Franklin Parks and Recreation Department to bring you a fun unique blend of story time and physical activity in the great outdoors!
A Story Walk is a fun, educational activity that places a children’s story (literally a book taken apart) along a popular walking route, in this case, at DelCarte Park!
The Story Walk is scheduled for 10:30 AM Saturday. It will be available after.
Bring along the guide book to explore DelCarte after you do the Story Walk, or use it the next time you go.
If you haven't been, I encourage you to make a visit. It is well worth it.
Yes, the playground is temporarily out of service but there are paths and real trees to play in and around.
The guidebook was put together by the Conservation Commission which has oversight responsibility for the area.
Videos that I have recorded over time give a sense of the natural and changing views at DelCarte
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/11/delcarte-open-space-111216-video.html
A Story Walk is a fun, educational activity that places a children’s story (literally a book taken apart) along a popular walking route, in this case, at DelCarte Park!
The Story Walk is scheduled for 10:30 AM Saturday. It will be available after.
Bring along the guide book to explore DelCarte after you do the Story Walk, or use it the next time you go.
If you haven't been, I encourage you to make a visit. It is well worth it.
Yes, the playground is temporarily out of service but there are paths and real trees to play in and around.
The guidebook was put together by the Conservation Commission which has oversight responsibility for the area.
Videos that I have recorded over time give a sense of the natural and changing views at DelCarte
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/11/delcarte-open-space-111216-video.html
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| even on a grey day in March, there is a quiet beauty at DelCarte |
“I think a good use of public money is to fund innovation”
"Award-winning author and illustrator Peter Reynolds toured the Franklin High School’s arts academy this week and spoke to its students about approaching challenges creatively.
Reynolds, the author of such children’s books as “The Dot” and “Ish,” visited the Franklin Arts Academy - a program within the high school that approaches education through an artistic lens - on Thursday.
Reynolds said he appreciated the arts academy’s approach to instruction, noting that he was often bored in school and would turn to drawing as a way to entertain himself. He said he was inspired by a math teacher who noticed him drawing in class and urged him to use his art as a way to explain math concepts to his fellow students. A comic book came out of that effort, and the teacher further encouraged him to develop it into animation."Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170414/artist-author-peter-reynolds-visits-franklin-high-school
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| author and illustrator Peter Reynolds (Rep Jeff Roy Photo) |
For additional photos from Representative Jeff Roy
https://www.facebook.com/jeffreyroy/media_set?set=a.10158452788370034.1073741873.534850033&type=3&pnref=story.unseen-section
MBTA: Marathon Monday - Bus, Commuter Rail and Subway notice
Bus, Commuter Rail, and Subway Notice:
Due to congestion, bikes (including folding bikes) are not allowed on any MBTA vehicles on Patriots' Day, Monday, April 17, 2017.
Last updated: Apr 10 2017 01:33 PM
Click here for more information: http://www.mbta.com/events/
Sent by the MBTA
Due to congestion, bikes (including folding bikes) are not allowed on any MBTA vehicles on Patriots' Day, Monday, April 17, 2017.
Last updated: Apr 10 2017 01:33 PM
Click here for more information: http://www.mbta.com/events/
Sent by the MBTA
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| MBTA Commuter rail will not allow bikes on Monday, Apr 17 |
Homebuyers’ Seminar - Apr 25
Tuesday • April 25, 2017
Dean College, Alden Center, S11
55 Emmons Street, Franklin, MA 02038
Registration: 5:45 pm
Seminar: 6:00 pm
Finish: 8:00 pm
Megan E. Kelly
Loan Originator
NMLS ID #1560941
Direct: 781-355-7424
Cell: 781-493-2977
Email: megan.kelly@dedhamsavings.com
This free seminar can lead the way to your new home!
Buying a home can seem daunting. We can help simplify the process and show you how to pre-qualify for a loan, understand your closing costs, find the best products and the most competitive interest rates!
RSVP to Julie Lennon = julie.lennon@dedhamsavings.com
Friday, April 14, 2017
Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA Area: FRI 4/14/17 - THU 4/20/17
9-10:30am Peter Cottontail EGGcellent Adventure @ FHS
12pm Good Friday ‘Cross Walk’ @ Franklin Town Common
8pm James Montgomery @ The Black Box
SATURDAY 4/15/17
8am-12pm Recycling Event: Cans, Bottles, Electronics, Appliances @ Elks Lodge (supports FHS Softball)
9-10am Rep Roy Open Office Hour @ Galante Restaurant in Medway
10-1pm Franklin Historical Museum Open
10:30-11:30am StoryWalk @ DelCarte Conservation Area
2-4pm Beauty and the Beast Story and Craft @ Franklin Public Library
SUNDAY 4/16/17
All Day Library Closed for Easter
1-4pm Franklin Historical Museum Open
MONDAY 4/17/17
All Day Library Closed for Patriot’s Day
7-8:30pm Learn To Cope Franklin Chapter Meeting @ FUSF
TUESDAY 4/18/17
10:30am Dino Discovery Animal Program @ Franklin Public Library
3pm Dino Egg Hunt @ Franklin Public Library
WEDNESDAY 4/19/17
9:30am Wally the Green Monster Visits @ Franklin Public Library
3pm Slime Time! @ Franklin Public Library
5pm Army CORP Master Plan Input/Review @ Millis Public Library
5pm Page Turners Tween Bookclub @ Franklin Public Library
6:30pm Doggie Tales (registration required, grades 2 and up) @ Franklin Public Library
THURSDAY 4/20/17
10am Alchemy Laboratory! @ Franklin Public Library
3pm Memory Cafe for Caregivers and their Loved Ones @ Franklin Senior Center
3:30pm Life-size Board Game @ Franklin Public Library
4pm Family Coloring Book Club @ Franklin Public Library
5-8pm Franklin Historical Museum Open
7pm Franklin Cultural District Formation Meeting @ Franklin Municipal Building
7-8pm Healing Hearts Community Support Group @ Franklin YMCA
7:30pm Dean College Presents: Five Women Wearing The Same Dress @ Dean College
7:30pm Stony Brook Camera Club @ Anglican Church of the Redeemer (31 Hayward St)
For the Town of Franklin Public Calendar click HERE.
For all other events and Franklin happenings click HERE.
*To submit an event for the Community Calendar, please use this form
https://goo.gl/forms/7Pr1iBuAiIna7cUo2
Live reporting: Land Use Planning Workshop - April 13
I took notes via Twitter for the workshop conducted by Town Council with participation by Town Administration, Planning Board, Zoning Board of Appeals, and members of the community. Lots of discussions and viewpoints shared, some consensus seemed to have been reached on "inclusionary zoning". Work would be required to draft the bylaw language for further review and discussion through the Planning Board before the Town Council would make a decision.
(be sure to scroll within the Storify widget to review all the entries)
The poster boards referenced during the meeting
(be sure to scroll within the Storify widget to review all the entries)
The poster boards referenced during the meeting
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| Franklin map with MultiFamily dwellings highlighted |
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| Franklin map where the area is 5 acres or more (parcels in purple) |
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| Franklin map showing the different zoning districts |
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| view from the back of the Council Chamber |
FHS lacrosse teams top Milford, track teams top Oliver Ames
From Hockomock Sports and Twitter, we share the results of the spring sports action on Thursday, April 13.
For the remainder of the Hockomock League action on Thursday
https://hockomocksports.com/thursdays-schedule-scoreboard-041317/
Via the Twitterverse, we can share the results of the Outdoor track and Field results against Oliver Ames
Baseball = Franklin, 1 @ Milford, 5 – Final
– Milford scored in five different innings to pick up its second straight win. The Scarlet Hawks scored single runs in the first, second, fourth, fifth and sixth against the Panthers. Aidan Wilde tossed a complete game without giving up an earned run, striking out seven and letting up just two hits. Ryan Goncalves went 2-for-4 with an RBI, a run scored and two stolen bases, Alex Coady had a home run and Anthony Arcudi was 1-for-3 with a double, a run and two stolen bases.
Softball = Milford, 6 @ Franklin, 1 – Final
– Milford senior Ali Atherton inherited a two-on, no out situation in a relief appearance and struck out three straight batters to help the Hawks escape danger in the sixth inning. Atherton picked up the save with two innings of work. Kelley Reichert earned the win, striking out five while allowing five hits in five innings of work. At the plate, Maggie Farrell was 2-for-4 with two doubles and Emily Hartman was 3-for-4 with a double and an RBI. Milford head coach Steve DeVitto praised the defense play of shortstop Emily Piergustavo and third baseman Kaitlyn DeCapua.
Boys Lacrosse = Milford, 0 @ Franklin, 18 – Final
Girls Lacrosse = Franklin, 9 @ Bishop Feehan, 5 – Final
– Franklin clamped down defensively, allowing just one goal in the second half to pull away from the Shamrocks. Franklin built a 6-4 lead by the break but won the second half 3-1. Annie Walsh had four goals, Erin Walsh had two goals and Jordan Jette recorded three assists to pace the offense. Freshman Gianna Cameron had five saves in net for the Panthers.
For the remainder of the Hockomock League action on Thursday
https://hockomocksports.com/thursdays-schedule-scoreboard-041317/
Via the Twitterverse, we can share the results of the Outdoor track and Field results against Oliver Ames
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| Great way to start the season with a win vs. OA! Awesome team effort! Congrats to both the girls and the guys! @FHS_girlsXC |
Great win against Oliver Ames boys!! Lots of great performances to be proud of! Next meet: Mansfield Speed Classic on Tuesday— FHS Boys Track (@FHSPanthersTF) April 14, 2017
Great win against Oliver Ames boys!! Lots of great performances to be proud of! Next meet: Mansfield Speed Classic on Tuesday— FHS Boys Track (@FHSPanthersTF) April 14, 2017
Solids wins today for both boys and girls T&F teams against an always classy Oliver Ames team. Great way to start the season— Coach Bailey (@FranklinHSXC) April 13, 2017
Great win today over Milford 13-1 💙⚾️👏🏼 #weneedtoworkharder #thisistraining #coachD pic.twitter.com/IREyKbDwEr— Jenna Dicruttalo (@CoachJennaD) April 14, 2017
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