Lifelong Learning: Saturday Ski Trip to Bretton Woods, NH - Mar 3, 2018

Great Holiday Gift

Saturday Ski Trip to Bretton Woods, New Hampshire REGISTER HERE A Great Holiday Gift for the Family   Enjoy a day on the slopes     SATURDAY,     MARCH 3, 2018     Depart FHS Parking Lot - 5:30 AM     Depart Bretton Woods -   4:30 PM Special Ticket Price: $109*  *Includes Transportation & Lift Tickets        *Individuals under 18 years of age  must be accompanied by a parent or guardian   About Us Lifelong Community Learning is a program of the Lifelong Learning Institute, dedicated to providing quality learning experiences for residents in the Town of Franklin and surrounding communities. Diverse and enriched education and experiences are the goals of Lifelong Community Learning....a resource for all ages.                      www.FranklinLifelongLearning.com               508-613-1480

FPS- Lifelong Learning, 355 East Central Street, Franklin, MA 02038 Sent by reedb@franklinps.net in collaboration with Try it free today

Ronan, Ledwith, and Walsh selected for HockomockSports Field Hockey Awards

HockomockSports has published the 2017 Hockomock League Field Hockey Awards. The FHS student athletes selected are shown here. Links to the complete listing are also provided.

HockomockSports.com Editor’s Note: The HockomockSports.com Awards are selected strictly by our staff and have no affiliation to the official Hockomock League all stars. Please note players are listed alphabetical by position.


HOCKOMOCKSPORTS.COM FIRST TEAM

Cassi Ronan – Franklin – Midfield

Franklin junior Cassi Ronan was the standout performer for the Panthers this fall and helped the team bounce back from a difficult start to the season to finish second in the Kelley-Rex division and take league champ King Philip to double overtime in the second round of the state tournament. Ronan scored 20 goals and recorded 10 assists this year for Franklin, both team highs, and was a constant menace in the Panthers attack. Franklin coach Lisa Cropper said, “Cassi really stepped up as an outstanding leader both on and off the field as a junior captain, leading us in scoring as well as controlling the game all over the field.”

HOCKOMOCKSPORTS.COM SECOND TEAM

Maeve Ledwith – Franklin – Defense

Franklin sophomore Maeve Ledwith emerged as a standout defensive player for the Panthers this season, filling a much-needed opening in the back line caused by graduation and injuries. Ledwith showed off her quickness and a strong ability to read the game to help Franklin’s defense improve over the course of the season and push the Panthers to second place in the Kelley-Rex division and the second round of the state tournament. Franklin coach Lisa Cropper said of Ledwith, “Just a sophomore, Maeve was our most dynamic defensive player with speed to burn, and outstanding tackling skills.”

Annie Walsh – Franklin – Forward

Franklin junior Annie Walsh had another strong season for the Panthers, helping Franklin recover from a slow start to take second place in the Kelley-Rex division and make another appearance in the state tournament. Despite receiving a lot of attention from opposing defenses, Walsh finished with 16 points (seven goals and nine assists), which was tied for second-most on the team. Walsh was the site’s 2015 Underclassman of the Year and 2016 Player of the Year. Franklin coach Lisa Cropper said, “Annie was our offensive catalyst and became a more complete player and a leader this year.”


For the full listing of Field Hockey awards
https://hockomocksports.com/awards/field-hockey/2017-2/

FHS Panthers

In the News: e-cigarettes increasing popular; Gatehouse Media to purchase Boston Herald

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"As e-cigarettes become increasingly popular among young people, they are beginning to come under heightened scrutiny. 

“A lot of kids don’t understand these are dangerous products and contain nicotine,” said Marc Hymovitz, director of government relations for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network of Massachusetts. 

In Massachusetts, vaping has become significantly more popular than smoking cigarettes among high school students. Using e-cigarettes is not called smoking — it is referred to as vaping — despite the similarities to traditional cigarettes. Unlike combustible cigarettes, however, vaping produces an aerosol vapor instead of a smoke. 

Nearly 24 percent of Massachusetts high school students reported currently using e-cigarettes or vape pens, according to a 2015 Department of Public Health survey. More than 44 percent reported ever trying vaping."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20171208/vaping-more-common-than-smoking-among-teens-comes-under-scrutiny

"Boston Herald Publisher Patrick J. Purcell announced today that the media company with its flagship Boston Herald tabloid has reached an agreement for GateHouse Media LLC to acquire the company’s operational assets. The purchase is subject to court approval. 

The announcement came this afternoon as Purcell gathered management and staff in the Herald newspaper’s offices on Fargo Street in Boston’s Seaport District. He spoke first with his long-time management team and immediately following with staff from across all departments. 

In a simultaneous letter to employees, Purcell wrote: “I am very proud of the spectacular management team with whom I have worked hand in hand over the years. And I am equally as proud of the excellent staff in all areas of our company who have worked tirelessly to make the Boston Herald a relevant and respected provider of local and regional news for Boston and the area.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20171208/gatehouse-media-lined-up-to-purchase-boston-herald

Gatehouse Media is the publisher of the Milford Daily News and the Franklin Gazette

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA Area: FRI 12/8/17 - THU 12/14/17

FRIDAY 12/8/17
11am   Franklin Patrolman’s Association Free Luncheon - all Franklin seniors welcome @ Franklin Senior Center

SATURDAY 12/9/17
9am-3pm   Book Sale ($1 a book) @ Franklin Public Library
10-1pm   Franklin Historical Museum Open
10am   Animal Tales (for ages 2.5-5) @ Fairmount Fruit Farm
11am-2pm   Electronics Recycling and Bottle and Can Drive @ Benjamin Franklin Charter School
1pm   PEDC performs The Nutcracker @ Bellingham High School
1pm   Tinkergarten Free Trial Class @ Fairmount Fruit Farm
2-4pm   Cookies with Santa @ Daddario’s Hardware Store
2pm   Book Club Meet @ Franklin Public Library
5:30pm   PEDC performs The Nutcracker @ Bellingham High School
7-9pm   Raffle and Auction for Santa Foundation @ British Beer Company in Franklin
7:30pm   ’Tis the Season! musical @ FHS
7:30pm   Southern Rail Bluegrass Christmas Concert @ Original Congregational Church in Wrentham
8pm   CANCELED - Circle of Friends: Winterbloom

SUNDAY 12/10/17
7:30-10:30am   Sunday Breakfast @ Franklin Rod and Gun Club
9am-12pm   Bag Sale ($5 a bag of books) @ Franklin Public Library
12-5pm   Pet Photos with Santa Clause (reserve your spot) @ Destination Dog
12-4pm   Franklin SEPAC: 2nd Annual Sensory Friendly Santa (registration required) @ Cole’s Tavern
1-4pm   Franklin Historical Museum Open
1pm   PEDC performs The Nutcracker @ Bellingham High School
1:30pm   WWII Era Fashions by Spirit of Fashion @ Franklin Historical Museum
2pm   ’Tis the Season! musical @ FHS
3pm   Festival of Lessons and Carols @ St. Mary’s Church
7pm   New England Irish Harp Orchestra @ St. John’s Episcopal Church

MONDAY 12/11/17
9am   Winter Concert @ Jefferson Elementary School
10am   Storytime (all ages) @ Fairmount Fruit Farm
10:30am   Move Along (ages 0-5) @ Franklin Public Library
11am   Toddler Playgroup @ Franklin Public Library
6:30-8pm   Stories with Santa! @ Learning Express
7pm   Learn to Cope Franklin Chapter Meeting @ FUSF

TUESDAY 12/12/17
9am   Winter Concert @ Davis Thayer Elementary
10:30am   Get Ready for Kindergarten (ages 3-5) @ Franklin Public Library
11:15am   Toddler Playgroup @ Franklin Public Library
12pm   FDP Networking Luncheon @ Dean College Dining Center
1pm   Joe Landry: Churches of Franklin @ Franklin Senior Center
1pm   Low Vision Group: Informal Support and Holiday Party @ Senior Center
7pm   Yankee Quilters Guild Meeting @ St. John’s Episcopal Church
7:30pm   Franklin and Bellingham Rail Trail Committee Meeting (public welcome) @ Franklin YMCA

WEDNESDAY 12/13/17
10am   Animal Tales (for ages 2.5-5) @ Fairmount Fruit Farm
10:30am   Terrific Toddlers (ages 18months to 3 years old) @ Franklin Public Library
10:30am-12pm   Stories with Santa! @ Learning Express
11am   Toddler Playgroup @ Franklin Public Library
12:30pm   Homeschooler Science Program @ Franklin Public Library
6pm   Winter Concert @ HMMS
6:30pm   Christian Zen Weekly Meditation @ McMahon Guest House (1061 Upper Union Street)
6:30pm   Teen Advisory Board @ Franklin Public Library
7:30pm   Franklin Newcomers and Friends Club Meeting @ 3 Restaurant
7:30pm   Let’s Laugh Today (Laughter Yoga) @ FUSF

THURSDAY 12/14/17
9am   5th Grade Winter Concert @ J F Kennedy Elementary
9:30am   Baby Tummy Time! (ages 0-18 months) @ Franklin Public Library
10am   Mingling Tinsel with Tears - Coping with grief through the holidays @ Franklin Senior Center
10:30am   Story and Craft (ages 3 to 6) @ Franklin Public Library
11:15am   Toddler Playgroup @ Franklin Public Library
1pm   Holiday Ornament Craft @ Franklin Senior Center
6pm   FHS Open Mic Night @ FHS Library Media Center
6:30pm   Kissing Ball Decorating (ages 13+) @ Fairmount Fruit Farm
7pm   Healing Hearts Community Support Group @ Franklin YMCA 

Guide to Holiday Lights and Events (includes Franklin, MA) click HERE.

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

Franklin Library Building Committee meeting - Dec 5, 2017.

Franklin Matter's contributor Alan Earls reported on the Franklin Library Building Committee meeting held on Dec 5, 2017.

The meeting report is contained in the following PDF file



You can also download the file from
https://drive.google.com/file/d/120u1FosPHtlULM4vFg4yf9VFUWGohD6J/view?usp=sharing

Franklin Library Building Committee meeting - Dec 3, 2017.

The 'official' meeting minutes by the Recording Secretary were sent via email by Committee Chair Judith Pfeffer and can be found here
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1asdbCuU2Jd8tCZ-TQ4uppFtnN2m2q6CX

"the town is officially in holiday mode"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"Holiday cheer arrived Thursday night as hundreds showed up for the town’s 9th annual Holiday Stroll. 

Dozens of businesses in the downtown area set up for the event with snacks, hot chocolate, dance lessons, singing, Santa, and more. 

Milford radio station MyFM 101.3 blared holiday classics, while families went station to station under the downtown holiday light display.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20171207/franklin-kicks-off-holiday-season

Dean College carolers warmed up the crowd with holiday songs before and after the tree lighting

Boomer lit the tree

the Pied Piper of Franklin, Jamie Barrett, entertains the crowd at Jane's Frames

hat's off to give thanks to the Downtown Partnership and all who coordinated to make the Holiday Stroll a success

Franklin Public Library Book Sale, December 9-10

The monthly Franklin Public Library Book Sale is scheduled for Saturday, December 9 from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. 

The Bag Sale will be on Sunday, December 10 from 9 to noon.

Franklin Public Library Book Sale, December 9-10

This was shared from the Franklin Library webpage
http://franklinpl.blogspot.com/2017/12/franklin-public-library-book-sale.html

In the News: State ballot questions signature deadline; ArtWeek coming to Franklin

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"Campaigns backing seven ballot questions dealing with the minimum wage, sales tax, paid family and medical leave, nurse staffing and a campaign finance commission turned in their paperwork to Secretary of State William Galvin’s office by a Wednesday deadline. 

The petitions have not yet been certified as having the 64,750 required to move on to the Legislature, the next step in the process. 

Signatures were submitted on behalf of two versions of the nurse staffing question. Backers of a petition seeking a constitutional amendment that would allow the exclusion of abortion services from state-funded health care programs submitted signatures Wednesday but they did not submit a sufficient number of signatures, according to Massachusetts Citizens for Life."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20171207/7-question-submitted-for-2018-state-election

"The Franklin Cultural Council announced that it has been named a collaborator for the upcoming ArtWeek festival, taking place from April 27 to May 6, 2018. 

Applications for the festival are now available at http://artweekma.org. The early bird deadline to submit an ArtWeek event is January 8, 2018, and the final deadline is February 28, 2018. 

ArtWeek is an award-winning festival featuring hundreds of unique and creative experiences that are hands-on, interactive or offer behind-the-scenes access to arts, culture and the creative process. Now an annual statewide festival, ArtWeek was born in Boston in 2013 and recently expanded its footprint across the Commonwealth."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20171207/strongfranklin-cultural-council-announces-collaboration-with-artweekstrong

Franklin Cultural Council to Partner With Spring 2018 Artweek Festival

Additional info on ArtWeek can be found here

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/12/franklin-cultural-council-to-partner.html

Dress Code Boutique - "Sneak Peek" Party - Dec 16

"So thrilled to invite you all to our grand opening "sneak peek" party Saturday December 16, 2017 for Dress Code located at 58 East Central St Franklin, Ma 

Come take a look at the beautiful one of kind 2018 prom and pageant collection for this upcoming year. Meet scouting agents for the Miss USA and Teen USA pageant system, hair and makeup stylists to help our prom girls this season, skincare experts and not to mention gift with purchase for any gowns you take home that night! 

RSVP to stacey@staceyfrasca.com 

See you all there!!! Drop in times for Saturday December 16 5:00-8:00 PM"

Dress Code Boutique 

58 East Central St 

Franklin, Ma 02038 

508- 440-5591

Dress Code Boutique - "Sneak Peek" Party - Dec 16

Please provide your feedback on the Franklin (MA) Election Survey - 2017

With the election still a recent event, let's conduct a survey for the voters and residents of Franklin, MA to seek feedback on the recent Biennial Election. The voter 17% turnout was less than average. The information gathered here will hopefully be useful in improving the turnout for future elections.

The survey is meant gather the information anonymously. However, if you would be willing to provide more in depth responses, there  is an option to leave your contact information at the end of the survey.

This survey is being conducted by Steve Sherlock, Community Information Director (volunteer) for Franklin Matters. The information gathered by the survey will be shared and used as applicable to guide future informational sharing efforts. 

This is one in a series to help foster discussion on what Franklin should be like in 2028 and what we can do now to prepare.  #Franklin2028

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/11/what-will-franklin-be-like-in-2028.html





To share the survey with your family, friends, and neighbors you can send the link to this post or use this easy to remember link: 
http://bit.ly/FranklinElectionSurvey2017

Franklin Election Survey - 2017

THE BLACK BOX presents Gifts of Song: Kate Grom and Ali Funkhouser - Dec 16

THE BLACK BOX Presents Gifts of Song with Kate Grom and Ali Funkhouser on December 16, 8 PM

Kate Grom will be singing songs from her debut album. Described by No Depression Magazine as ‘when Country meets smo-o-o-th’, Kate Grom's songs on her debut album Heroine are inspired by New Jersey horse country and romantic European journeys. 

Ali Funkhouser is an actress and singer with a love for comedy. Her solo cabaret shows have been described as, "still happening." Combining musical theatre comedy and jazz standards, she's bringing holiday shenanigans to THE BLACK BOX.


"Proceeds Benefit Saddlebred Rescue and The Shadow Fund NE - Helping horses, and companion pets and their people during the holiday season."


For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com or call (508) 528-3370

More about Kate Grom on her webpage http://www.kategrom.com/
More about Ali Funkhouser on her webpage https://www.alifunkhouser.com/

THE BLACK BOX presents Gifts of Song: Kate Grom and Ali Funkhouser - Dec 16

Reminder: Winter Parking Ban Effective until April 15, 2018

Winter Storm Overnight Parking Ban Effective from October 15 to April 15.

The purpose of the winter storm overnight parking ban shall be to provide for the safe movement of police, fire and emergency medical service vehicles during snow and ice storms and otherwise provide for public safety during winter weather conditions. The parking ban shall also serve to enhance the capability of the Public Works Department to remove snow and ice from the roadways effectively and efficiently.

A winter storm overnight parking ban shall automatically take effect upon occurrence of any of the following:

• Snow, sleet, or freezing rain has fallen, or is imminent.
• The National Weather Service and/or local television and/or radio stations or other media are reporting commencement of snow, sleet, or freezing rain within the local area or are predicting that snow, sleet, or freezing rain will begin in Franklin within 12 hours.

The parking of any motor vehicle within the layout or right-of-way of any public street or any roadway open to the public is prohibited between the hours of 1:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. while a winter storm parking ban is in effect.

The Franklin Police Department shall enforce the provisions of this article and shall be solely responsible for issuance of tickets and authorization of towing.

Read more: http://www.franklinma.gov/node/150083

Reminder: Winter Parking Ban

MassBudget: Explaining the State Budget for FY 2018 Including Veto Overrides

MassBudget Information. Participation.  Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center Democracy. Explaining the State Budget for FY 2018 Including Veto Overrides In the Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center's latest Budget Monitor, "The State Budget for FY 2018 Including Veto Overrides," we see the Fiscal Year 2018 (FY 2018) budget season ending much the way it started: with our state facing difficult fiscal conditions and unable to make the kinds of long-term investments that could significantly improve the quality of life in Massachusetts and expand opportunity in all communities. At this point in the process -- after the Legislature enacted the budget, the Governor made a number of line item vetoes, and the Legislature overrode virtually all those vetoes and approved some supplemental funding -- we have a state budget that makes some modest investments, particularly in education, child welfare, and in addressing substance use disorders. The budget, however, continues to rely significantly on temporary fixes: counting 13 months of sales tax revenue in the 12 months of FY 2018; underfunding a number of accounts that will eventually need to be funded -- such as paying for snow and ice removal; and a number of similar strategies. Altogether the budget includes about $750 million in temporary revenue and underfunded accounts. This makes it highly likely that the state will continue to face serious fiscal challenges next year. A bright spot, however, is tax revenue growth so far this year has been stronger than projected. If that trend continues, it would reduce the need to rely on temporary fixes this year and would put the state in better fiscal condition next year. In the long term, however, there is a significant danger that the federal government will -- to pay for the costs of federal tax cuts -- impose deep cuts in Medicaid, education, and other services currently funded together by the state and federal governments. This Budget Monitor includes the final funding levels of FY 2017, the current FY 2018 budget, and significant policy changes in each area of the budget. Current 2018 budget levels are also compared to 2001 budget where relevant. For more comprehensive data on historic spending levels for each line item and category of the budget, see MassBudget's Budget Browser. For additional detail on programs in the state budget that affect children see our Children's Budget. Click here to read the full Budget Monitor, "The State Budget for FY 2018 Including Veto Overrides," or click below on individual sections: Child Welfare Disability Services Early Education Economic Development Elder Services Environment and Recreation Higher Education Housing Juvenile Justice K-12 Education Law and Public Safety Libraries Local Aid MassHealth and Health Reform Mental Health Other Human Services Pensions Public Health Revenue (tax and non-tax) State Employee Health Insurance Transitional Assistance Transportation Additional Line Item Overrides Summary Chart The Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center (MassBudget) produces policy research, analysis, and data-driven recommendations focused on improving the lives of low- and middle-income children and adults, strengthening our state's economy, and enhancing the quality of life in Massachusetts. MASSACHUSETTS BUDGET AND POLICY CENTER 15 COURT SQUARE, SUITE 700 BOSTON, MA 02108

Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center, 15 Court Square, Suite 700, Boston, MA 02108 Sent by nberger@massbudget.org in collaboration with Try it free today

screen grab of MassBudget webpage