FHS O'Rielly, Paterson selected as Hockomock hockey players to watch

HockomockSports has published their 2017-2018 hockey players to watch. The Franklin summary is shared here. The links for the complete Hockomock listing is provided below.

Boys Hockey

BRENDAN O’RIELLY, SENIOR – FRANKLIN
Franklin senior forward Brendan O’Rielly will be hoping to lead the Panthers on a run similar to his sophomore season when they won the Div. 1 state title. O’Rielly was the team’s leading scorer last year with a team-best 20 goals plus 11 assists for 31 points. He will spearhead an experience group of forwards and will use his strong skating, good stick-handling, and accurate shooting to help Franklin make another run at a Kelley-Rex division title. As a three-year varsity player, O’Rielly has continued to develop throughout his career and has the potential to be one of the league’s leading scorers again this winter.

Girls Hockey

REGAN PATERSON, JUNIOR – FRANKLIN
Franklin junior Regan Paterson will be one of the primary attackers for Franklin, as the Panthers compete for the first ever Hockomock League title and book a return to the state tournament. Paterson score 11 goals and had five assists as a sophomore and is coming off a strong fall for the Franklin field hockey program. Her experience will be counted on to lead a young Panthers roster this winter.

For the complete listing of the Hockomock League hockey players to watch
https://hockomocksports.com/hockomock-hockey-players-to-watch-2017-2018/

Franklin senior forward Brendan O’Rielly will be one of the players to watch as the Hockomock League hockey season kicks off. (Josh Perry/HockomockSports.com)

In the News: Cannabis Control Commission; Bellingham bomb investigation continues

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

"The first day of policy debate among state marijuana regulators indicated that the Cannabis Control Commission is working towards industry regulations that would give consumers more options for how they obtain marijuana and where they will be able to use it. 

The commission on Monday worked through policies dealing with home delivery of marijuana products and social consumption of marijuana, among others. The policies, some of which were agreed to Monday, will be enshrined into draft regulations for the newly legal industry, which the CCC plans to put on file with the state by the end of the month. 

The commission spent about an hour Monday discussing how to address social consumption, essentially allowing adults to buy and use marijuana at the same location much like purchasing alcohol at a bar or a cigar at a cigar bar, an idea that the CCC’s advisory board suggested could reduce the risk of children getting a hold of the drug and may limit how much legal marijuana is illegally transported out of state by tourists."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20171214/special-event-licenses-home-delivery-marijuana-restrictions-debated

"Federal agents raided the Rhode Island home of a 62-year-old Bellingham High School science teacher earlier this week as part of the ongoing investigation into a pipe bomb that exploded outside the principal’s home in Blackstone last month. 

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) confirmed that a search warrant was executed on Tuesday morning in Woonsocket, Rhode Island, in relation to the pipe bombing. City records list the owner of 22 Carey Court as Susan Seery. 

Bellingham School Superintendent Peter Marano confirmed that Seery has been under paid administrative leave since Nov. 15, two days before the pipe bomb incident. Marano released a statement on Thursday night saying they could not comment on the ongoing investigation. 

According to Seery’s son, Michael McNamara, agents kicked in the door of the house at 6 a.m. despite agreeing to a search days prior."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20171214/bellingham-instructors-home-raided-by-atf

Real time Reporting: Town Council - Dec 13, 2017

I had another business meeting Wednesday evening so I used Twitter to post my notes for the portion of the meeting that I was able to watch (until 8:00 PM)

Tune into the Franklin Town Council meeting on your laptop/desktop/mobile device - use this link "Live Meetings and Stream | Town of Franklin MA" - https://t.co/6gLS4nxGLc or try the local cable broadcast on Verizon or Comcast #FM-TC1213

— Steve Sherlock (@FranklinMatters) December 14, 2017

Remote reporting on the Town Council meeting this evening #fm-tc1213 pic.twitter.com/Y1QTwdx6tI

— Steve Sherlock (@FranklinMatters) December 14, 2017

Honoring Public Safety - Teerith Pasricha, Audrey DiMella

Honoring Public Safety - Teerith Pasricha, Audrey DiMella - p2

1. Resolution 17-74: Acceptance of Gift - Council on Aging https://t.co/INOuGFjwZO
passed unanimously via roll call (Earls participating remotely) pic.twitter.com/EBqIzJrf1k

— Steve Sherlock (@FranklinMatters) December 14, 2017

2. Resolution 17-75: Acceptance of Gift - Franklin Veterans Memorial Path Account https://t.co/TYhKJhUKRZ passed unanimously via roll call pic.twitter.com/MGclvruIqH

— Steve Sherlock (@FranklinMatters) December 14, 2017

“G. License Transactions - 2018 Annual Alcoholic Beverages License Renewals” https://t.co/HrrqKgshAH passed unanimously via roll call pic.twitter.com/516YqsVNSA

— Steve Sherlock (@FranklinMatters) December 14, 2017

Senior Center presentation to the Town Council, very busy place, interesting stats - https://t.co/EMlu3uJBJt #fm-tc1213

— Steve Sherlock (@FranklinMatters) December 14, 2017

“3. Resolution 17-76: Acceptance of Gift - Franklin Veterans Memorial Path Account” https://t.co/0Jt63E3KlW passed unanimously via roll call pic.twitter.com/mZm0PPLSAj

— Steve Sherlock (@FranklinMatters) December 14, 2017

“4. Resolution 17-77: Legal Notices” https://t.co/0b5Oafveem passed unanimously via roll call pic.twitter.com/SsVN39RQ73

— Steve Sherlock (@FranklinMatters) December 14, 2017

The official Actions Taken doc published by the Town of Franklin can be found here
http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/town_council_actions_taken_for_december_13_2017.pdf

Tri-County Student Receives M.A.S.S. Certificate of Academic Excellence

Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School senior, Jeffrey Blenkhorn, has been chosen as this year's recipient of the Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents (M.A.S.S.) Certificate of Academic Excellence. The certificate is awarded each year to a student of excellent academic standing who has made significant contributions to the Tri-County community.

Tri-County RVTHS student, Jeffrey Blenkhorn
and Stephen Dockray, Superintendent

With an academic schedule that includes Advanced Placement Physics, Calculus, and Literature and Composition, Jeff currently maintains a 4.48 GPA. The Engineering Technology student has acquired several certifications including Certified Solidworks Associate, MACWIC Level 1 and Level 2 Manufacturing, AutoCAD Certified User, Revit Certified User and 10 Hour OSHA Card. Jeff has also received the Tri-County Perfect Attendance Award, having had perfect attendance during his high school years.

"Each year, it is always difficult to select only one student, given how many deserving candidates we have here at Tri-County," said Stephen Dockray, Superintendent. "Jeff has not only excelled academically, but has participated in many extracurricular activities during his four years at Tri-County including SkillsUSA, NASA HUNCH and is a member of the National Honor Society."

A Medway resident, Jeff is involved in Boy Scouts of America where he is pursuing the rank of Eagle Scout. Jeff also works part-time for Roche Bros as a cashier. Through his rigorous schedule, Jeff has developed and honed his time management skills.

Jeff plans to pursue a mechanical engineering degree in college.

Tri-County RVTHS, located at 147 Pond Street in Franklin, is a recipient of the High Schools That Work Gold Achievement Award and serves the communities of Franklin, Medfield, Medway, Millis, Norfolk, North Attleborough, Plainville, Seekonk, Sherborn, Walpole, and Wrentham.

FHS boys hockey open with win at St Mary's, wrestling wins at Sharon

Via HockomockSports and Twitter we share the results of the FHS boys hockey and wrestling results from Tuesday, Dec 12, 2017


Boys Hockey = Franklin, 4 @ Saint Mary’s, 3 – Final
– Franklin rallied from a 2-1 deficit with three goals in the final period to pick up a win over the defending D1 State Champions. Senior Luke Downie scored the tying goal to make it 2-2 shortly before Zac Falvey gave the Panthers a 3-2 lead. Matt Holmes tipped in a shot from Connor Norton with four minutes to play for the game-winner. Brendan O’Rielly had a first-period goal for Franklin.

Wrestling = Franklin, 68 @ Sharon, 3 – Final


For all the results around the Hockomock League on Tuesday
https://hockomocksports.com/wednesdays-schedule-scoreboard-12-13-17/

Preparing for the wrestling home opener with Franklin at SHS tonight @SHS_Eagles @HockomockSports

Via the Twitterverse

You can follow all the sports results for the FHS related Twitter accounts with this listing
https://twitter.com/FranklinMatters/lists/fhs-sports

Solid 68-3 win in the season opener at Sharon. Pins from the Carlucci brothers, Sauer, Bakalars, Cogavin, Nawn, Smith, Johnson, and Coughlin

— Franklin Wrestling (@FHSWrestle) December 14, 2017

Hardhat to Miller after a 4-3 win pic.twitter.com/h2mFhJF26I

— Franklin Hockey (@FHS_Puck) December 14, 2017

Franklin takes the Varsity Wrestling match tonight at Sharon, 68-3. Great opener for all @HockomockSports @SHS_Eagles

— Athletic Department (@SHSEagleAD) December 14, 2017

Franklin starts the season with a hard fought win over St Mary’s of Lynn 4-3. Hard hat to Miller goals by ORielly, Downie, Falvey and Holmes @FHSSports @HockomockSports @In_The_Slot @MyHockeyLive @MassHSHockey @MetroWestSports

— Coach Spillane (@FHS_PuckCoach) December 14, 2017

Preparing for the wrestling home opener with Franklin at SHS tonight @SHS_Eagles @HockomockSports pic.twitter.com/qgM1UyT2lt

— Athletic Department (@SHSEagleAD) December 13, 2017

Student athlete leaders represent Franklin today in the Opioid Conference!! pic.twitter.com/Y7tyVRbsnK

— Rattle City ™ (@RattleCity) December 13, 2017

FHS McGrath, Maguire, Marino recognized for Hockomock Volleyball Awards

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


HOCKOMOCKSPORTS.COM FIRST TEAM

Lauren McGrath – Franklin – Setter
Franklin junior Lauren McGrath followed up a stellar sophomore season with another strong campaign for the Panthers. Last year’s HockomockSports.com Underclassman of the Year put the Panthers’ offense in motion as the setter, and also gave Franklin a boost on the defensive side. She finished the season with 545 assists, 148 service points with 37 aces, and 63 digs. “Lauren is one of the most athletic players we have had in our program,” said FHS head coach Kate Horsmann. “Her decision making is really good and I haven’t seen many setters at the high school level who are as good defensively.”


HOCKOMOCKSPORTS.COM SECOND TEAM

Meaghan Maguire – Franklin – Middle
Franklin senior middle hitter Meaghan Maguire was a force in the center for the Panthers on both attack and defense, helping Franklin finish with 15 wins, take second place in the Kelley-Rex division and reach the second round of the Div. 1 Central/West tournament before a loss to eventual state finalist Hopkinton. Maguire finished with a team-high 138 kills and also had 41 blocks for the Panthers this season. Franklin coach Kate Horsmann said, “Meaghan had a great senior year. She led a very balanced front line in kills and blocks. What she didn’t kill block she often block touched; she was an intimidating force at the net.”

Riley Marino – Franklin – Defensive Specialist
Franklin junior libero Riley Martino was a standout on the defensive side of the game and at the service line to help the Panthers finish second in the Kelley-Rex division, sweep Wachusett in the state tournament and reach the Div. 1 Central/West quarterfinal before a loss to eventual state finalist Hopkinton. Marino was one of the league leaders with 140 digs and had 358 receptions this fall. She also had 11 assists, 28 aces, and 133 service points for the Panthers. Franklin coach Kate Horsmann said, “Riley is aggressive and has a nose for the ball; both are important traits we look for from our liberos.”


For the full listing of Volleyball awards
https://hockomocksports.com/awards/volleyball/2017-2/

FHS Panthers

FHS boys and girls hockey preview for the 2017-18 season

HockomockSports has published the 2017-2018 Hockomock Boys and Girls Hockey Preview. 

The Franklin preview for the boys and girls teams are shown here. A link to the full Hockomock League listing is shown below.


FRANKLIN - boys hockey
2016-2017 Record: 14-9-1
2016-2017 Finish: Reached Div. 1 South Quarterfinal.
Coach: Chris Spillane

Although last winter was atypical for the Panthers, losing two games in the league for the first time in several years, Franklin won another league title and with 20 players back for this season the expectation is that a seventh straight league crown is a distinct possibility – not to mention making a run in the state tournament.

Experience will be the key for the Panthers. Most of the forwards were members of the team that won the state championship two years ago and know what it takes to get goals against top competition. Leading scorer Brendan O’Rielly is back after scoring 20 goals and recording 11 assists last season. He should have plenty of help up front with classmates Luke Downie, Jeremy Miller, T.J. Durkin, and Ken Demerchant, who are all three-year varsity players for the Panthers.

Defensively, Franklin has lost several talented young defensemen to other programs in recent seasons, but still boasts a strong defensive corps heading into this winter. Jack McGrath, Matt Crane, Connor Norton, Cam Cassella, and sophomore Tom Tasker will all contribute to the defensive pairings this season and that depth will be important over a long season. The goalie position is a battle between three seniors, including returning netminders Owen Ginley and Dan Sheehan, who both saw time last year.

“I will be looking to our leading goal scorer from last year Brendan O’Rielly to once again lead the offensive charge,” said Franklin coach Chris Spillane. “From a small practice sample (one skate) I was impressed with our team speed.”



FRANKLIN - girls hockey
2016-2017 Record: 4-15-1
2016-2017 Finish: Missed Postseason.
Coach: Marjorie Burke

Franklin enters the first Hockomock League girls’ hockey season with a young roster, but one that is expected to compete with the other four teams and have a shot at bringing home the inaugural title.

Junior Regan Paterson and senior Jackie Connelly will be expected to provide leadership and create scoring opportunities for a roster that is loaded with underclassmen. Both players provide speed and playmaking ability in the attacking zone and the Panthers will be counting on their experience to make the difference.

Leadership is going to be critical for this year’s team and head coach Marjorie Burke is looking to her senior class to provide direction for the youthful lineup on both ends of the ice. Among the seniors that Burke is looking to this season are Bella Trask, Caroline Hedvig, Maddie Hinkley, Jillian McGlaughlin, and Connelly.

“We are excited about the upcoming season,” said Burke. “We are young but look to be competitive.”


For the full preview article
https://hockomocksports.com/2017-2018-hockomock-boys-and-girls-hockey-preview/

FHS Panthers

“We have to respect each other’s ideas”

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

"A group of middle schoolers is solving the world’s engineering problems one Lego brick at a time. 

Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter School’s robotics team, Gearminds, was chosen to compete on Saturday at the First Lego League Regional competition at Worcester Polytechnic Institute. There were 11 teams out of a pool of 40 that were given the golden ticket to continue onto the state championship. 

This year’s theme is hydrodynamics. Using Lego robotics in sync with computer programming, the team was challenged with about 25 different tasks to be done on a pre-designed map. Each challenge is representative of a role that water plays in everyday life. 

On top of completing the goals for the Lego portion of the competition, the team must also create something real that will offer a solution to an issue people face with water."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20171213/franklin-robotics-team-heading-to-lego-state-finals

Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter School First Lego League to Attend States Championship

Related post

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/12/benjamin-franklin-classical-charter.html

Real time Reporting - Senior Center Presentation

The update presented to the Town Council on Wednesday, Dec 13, 2017. The Senior Center is a busy place. There are over 6,400 residents over 60 in Franklin with projections for there to be about 9,000 by 2025.

Franklin Senior Center - Dec 13, 2017 from Franklin Matters

Real Time Reporting - School Committee - Dec 12, 2017

A collection via Storify of the Twitter posts during the School Committee meeting held in the Council Chambers of the Municipal Building on Dec 12, 2017.

Be sure to scroll within the Storify widget to view all the posts.

screen grab of the broadcast with Superintendent Ahern providing an update

“They did a remarkable job”

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

"A sprinkler burst at Helen Keller Elementary School on Monday morning, forcing administrators to cancel school since. 

The school was closed on Monday and Tuesday because of the damage, but will reopen Wednesday. The cause of the break is unclear, but Superintendent Sara Ahern said the sprinklers will be inspected and the problem assessed after damages are fixed. It is also unclear when or if the students will make up those lost school days. 

While the one sprinkler causing the damage was contained, water did spread into other classrooms on the floor below. 

There are eight known affected classrooms, four on the top floor and four on the main floor near the entrance. The damage in the walls will take some weeks to fix, while some cabinets were damaged and may take longer to replace."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20171212/burst-sprinkler-closes-franklin-elementary-school

Superintendent Sara Ahern said the sprinklers will be inspected

This is the second time a burst sprinkler has closed the building. This also occurred in Nov 2014
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/11/asms-keller-status-update.html

FHS girls basketball top North Attleboro

Via HockomockSports we share the results of the FHS girls basketball game on Tuesday, Dec 12, 2017


Girls Basketball = North Attleboro, 37 @ Franklin, 61 – Final 
– Ali Brigham scored 16 points to lead Franklin to a win in the Hockomock League opener for both teams. Bea Bondhus added 15 points and freshman Elizabeth Wilson had 12 for the Panthers.


For all the results around the League on Tuesday
https://hockomocksports.com/tuesdays-schedule-scoreboard-12-12-17/

FHS Panthers

Franklin Elks Hoop Shoot - Jan 6, 2018

This is a free, free-throw competition for boys and girls ages 8 to 13 that provides youth an opportunity to compete, connect and succeed through hard work and healthy competition. Age groups are based on the contestant's age on April 1, 2018.

The lessons learned at the Hoop Shoot help kids develop grit. Winners advance through Lodge, District, State and Regional Contests to reach the National Finals in April. 

In the end, the names of six National Champions will be permanently inscribed at the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame!


​Check out this video of the 2017 Hoop Shoot National Finals Highlights: 


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vRf8b6KhL58

Franklin Elks Hoop Shoot - Jan 6, 2018

Hosted by the Franklin Elks, held at the Franklin YMCA

You can also download the flyer from here
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczdklMQXZ2a1ZSSTJ5OE45Q0FrWlphWmZSblBv/view?usp=sharing

Scam Alert: How to buy World Cup tickets that aren’t fake

Scam Alert: How to buy World Cup tickets that aren't fake by Alvaro Puig Consumer Education Specialist, FTC The 2018 World Cup kicks off on June 14, 2018 in Moscow. Soccer's rising stars like Argentina's Paulo Dybala, France's Kylian Mbappé, and Brazil's Gabriel Jesus will join World Cup veterans Cristiano Ronaldo, Luis Suárez, Isco, Toni Kroos, Neymar, and Lionel Messi to vie for the coveted World Cup trophy. If you're looking to buy World Cup tickets, here's what you need to know about buying official match tickets and avoiding a fake ticket scam. Read more This is a free service provided by the Federal Trade Commission.

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In the News: Hanukkah begins; competition for Sen Ross's seat

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

"With the rain holding off on Tuesday evening, members of Franklin’s Jewish community gathered together at the town common for doughnuts, chocolate coins, and dancing to celebrate the first night of Hanukkah. 

Chabad Rabbi Mendy Kivman of the Milford Chabad House performed the ceremonial lighting while those gathered around sang, while others watched quietly with joined hands. 

Children danced in circles with Kivman’s wife, Rochy, and spun their new dreidels wherever they could on the slushy sidewalk."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20171212/franklin-celebrates-first-night-of-hanukkah

"Democrats are lining up for the chance to turn a local state Senate seat from red to blue. 

Kris Aleksov of Wayland, Jacqueline Katz of Norfolk, Colin Meiselman of Wayland and Becca Rausch of Needham are vying for the 2018 Democratic nomination for the Norfolk, Bristol and Middlesex seat. 

Republican state Sen. Richard Ross, a Wrentham funeral home owner, has represented the district since 2010. 

“Sen. Ross is focused on serving the people of the Norfolk, Bristol and Middlesex District who have overwhelmingly elected him as their State Senator for four terms,” Ross’ office said in a statement. “Sen. Ross’ experience and leadership are needed now, more than ever, when it comes to addressing the numerous challenges before our commonwealth.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20171212/democrats-eye-ross-state-senate-seat

the ceremonial lighting of the candles was held on the Town Common

Celebrate the Holidays with "Gifts Of Song" at THE BLACK BOX - Dec 16

THE BLACK BOX presents a special holiday season show, “Gifts of Song,” featuring Kate Grom and Ali Funkhouser, on Saturday, December 16 at 8 PM. NYC-based singer-songwriter Kate Grom will sing songs from her debut album, Heroine, inspired by New Jersey horse country and European journeys. Franklin’s Ali Funkhouser, an actress and singer with a love for comedy, will present a set of holiday musical theatre and jazz standards. Proceeds from the evening will benefit Saddlebred Rescue, Inc., helping horses in need, and The Shadow Fund NE, providing assistance to those who cannot afford veterinary care for their companion pets.

Kate Grom’s music aesthetic encompasses Americana traditions such as folk, bluegrass and country, as well as the reflective and literate traditions of contemporary and classic singer-songwriters. Her influences include Loretta Lynn, Bob Dylan, America, Patsy Cline, Emmylou Harris, Simon & Garfunkel, Stevie Nicks and Gillian Welch, among others. Kate’s nine-song album, Heroine, takes its title from a quote by a favorite author, Nora Ephron: “Above all, be the heroine of your life, not the victim.” Grom notes, “Heroine is meant to be an inspiration and anthem to all women seeking to find strength and independence.”

Kate Grom

Two-time Grammy Award-winning producer Stewart Lerman, who has worked with Willie Nelson, Elvis Costello, Patti Smith and more, produced Heroine at Hobo Sound. “He is a wellspring of wisdom,” Kate says of Lerman. “Stewart really took me under his wing and respected/believed my art from the beginning and every step of the way moving forward. As a total pro, he offered guidance from a production standpoint, while completely leaving room for my vision.”

The musicians who play on the record have worked with legendary artists including Bob Dylan, Emmylou Harris, and the Eagles, among others. “I worked with an incredible group of guys,” Kate says, “who were all extremely sensitive to the musical and poetic preparation, explanations and imaginations I presented to them before each song’s creation.”

An active American Saddlebred breeder and equine enthusiast, Kate notes about Saddlebred Rescue, “I have seen firsthand the incredible transformation that occurs for rescued horses when given the chance to be rehabilitated back to wellness and into a reputable training program.” Similarly she describes that The Shadow Fund NE “exists for animals in need of expensive medical care.”

Ali Funkhouser

Ali Funkhouser joins Kate Grom for THE BLACK BOX show. Now in her final year in Oklahoma City University's prestigious Music Theatre program, Ali recently played Margot and understudied Elle Woods in Legally Blonde, directed by Laura Bell Bundy, at THE LEXington Theatre Company in Kentucky. Ali toured internationally with Electric Youth across the U.K., France, Italy, Austria and Slovenia, and on Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas. National tour credits include Evita (directed by Hal Prince) and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Additionally, she sang the role of La Novizia in Puccini’s Suor Angelica with Chelsea Opera in New York City. Ali was trained at the Franklin School for the Performing Arts and is an alumna of Broadway Artists Alliance of New York City. Her New York coaches include Broadway’s Alexander Gemignani, Jenn Colella and Sara Jean Ford, as well as Jan McDaniel in Oklahoma City.

A lifelong member of the Franklin Performing Arts Company, Ali has performed three solo cabaret shows at THE BLACK BOX blending comedy and traditional musical theatre. In preparation for “Gifts of Song” Ali notes, “I’ve had fun researching holiday material to create a set that includes both songs the audience will recognize as well as a few unexpected holiday gems.“

“I’m excited to share this holiday benefit show with Kate Grom,” says Ali. “Although we haven’t met yet, we share a common interest in show horses. My first horse was a wonderful horse saved by Saddlebred Rescue, so I am happy to be able to give back to that organization with proceeds from this concert.”

“Gifts of Song” tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for students and seniors. A cash bar is available. A suburban hub for great music and the home of the Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC), THE BLACK BOX is located at 15 West Central Street. For tickets and more information, visit www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com or call (508) 528-3370.

FHS Brigham player to watch for girls basketball

HockomockSports has published their 2017-2018 girls basketball season preview as well as their 10 players to watch. The Franklin summary is shared here. FHS sophomore Ali Brigham is listed as one of the 10 to watch. The links for the complete Hockomock preview and listing are provided as well.


FRANKLIN
2016-2017 Record: 9-11
2016-2017 Finish: Missed postseason.
Coach: John Leighton

"Franklin got off to a rough start last season, beginning 0-6 with an inexperienced roster, but then closed the year with nine wins in the last 14 games, just missing out on a return to the postseason. This year, the Panthers will try to build on that year of experience and book a return to the playoffs.

The Panthers will have strength in the middle to try and get off to a much better start this season. Sophomore Ali Brigham, last year’s HockomockSports.com Underclassman of the Year, has received several Div. I NCAA offers, including one from the University of Minnesota, and at 6-foot-3 can dominate the paint on both ends of the floor. Franklin will also have outside scoring with junior guard Bea Bondhus, who is a consistent three-point shooter and will stretch defenses to open up the post for Brigham.

Franklin has plenty of size this season. Sophomore forwards Breanna Atwood (5-foot-9) and Megan O’Connell (5-foot-10) and senior forward Kate Morse (5-foot-11) will provide plenty of depth on the inside. Junior Shannon Gray will be back to run the point and senior Grace Sameski will add backcourt depth. Freshman guard Elizabeth Wilson is poised to make an instant impact for the Panthers, as she did in the season opener by knocking down three free throws in the final seconds to force overtime against Holy Name.

“We are a young team with only two seniors, but I am very pleased with the effort and progress of the team,” said Franklin coach John Leighton, who is excited about the return of the majority of the team’s scoring and the potential of the youth on the roster."

Franklin sophomore Ali Brigham (24) and Oliver Ames senior Kayla Raymond (35) will be two of the girls’ basketball Players to Watch in the Hockomock League this winter. (Josh Perry/HockomockSports.com)

ALI BRIGHAM, SOPHOMORE – FRANKLIN

With a relatively inexperienced roster, Franklin got off to a tough, 0-6 start during the 2016-2017 season, but the Panthers started to gel, went on a run to close out the year, and narrowly missed out on a playoff spot. One of the keys to that turnaround was the play of then-freshman center Ali Brigham, who displayed a range of moves in the post that belied her inexperience at the varsity level. She finished with 236 points as a freshman. Brigham was also a standout defender, blocking 56 shots as a rookie, and an imposing rebounder, pulling down 237 last year. The reigning HockomockSports.com Underclassman of the Year is listed at 6-foot-3 this winter and has already been receiving Div. I college offers. She has the potential to be a dominant force in the paint for the Panthers, who are looking to challenge defending champ Mansfield for the Kelley-Rex title this season.

For the complete listing of Hockomock players to watch
https://hockomocksports.com/hockomock-girls-basketball-players-to-watch-2017-2018/

For the complete Hockomock girls basketball preview
https://hockomocksports.com/2017-2018-hockomock-girls-basketball-preview/

FHS Mahon tabbed as a player to watch for Hockomock basketball

HockomockSports has published their 2017-2018 boys basketball season preview as well as their 10 players to watch. The Franklin summary is shared here. FHS senior Paul Mahon is listed as one of the 10 to watch. The links for the complete Hockomock preview and listing are provided as well.


FRANKLIN
2016-2017 Record: 22-5
2016-2017 Finish: Reached D1 State Final
Coach: CJ Neely

After making it to the Division 1 State Final a year ago, the Panthers are hoping to be just as competitive this season. With three starters back, and a handful of experienced and talented bench players, the expectations for Franklin are certainly high.

Losing Josh Macchi to graduation will hurt, but the Panthers return their best player in senior Paul Mahon, along with two terrific young talents in junior Jalen Samuels and sophomore Chris Edgehill. When playing at his best, Samuels’ athleticism and offensive skills make him one of the toughest marks in the league. Edgehill really turned it on in the tournament and if he can sustain that level of play throughout the regular season, the Panthers will be a favorite for the league title.

Seniors Alex Klowan, Matt Elias, Jack Rodgers and Gavin Farnan all picked up valuable minutes a season ago and will be key pieces for the Panthers, whether its apart of the starting line up for coming off the bench. Having so many experienced players ready to come off the bench should give Franklin the upper hand on a lot of teams.

“Our strength on the offensive end will be in our balance and willingness to share the ball and create great scoring opportunities for the team,” said Franklin head coach CJ Neely. “On defense, we hope to make our opponents uncomfortable at all times and really focus on getting stops as a unit.”

Franklin vs. Mansfield basketball action (HockomockSports photo)

PAUL MAHON, SENIOR – FRANKLIN

Without a doubt, Franklin senior Paul Mahon is one of the hardest working players in the Hockomock League. The effort that he puts in night in and night out if often unmatched. Whether he’s stepping in to take a charge, or harassing ball handlers as they try to dribble up the court, Mahon is among the best at hustle plays. On top of that, he’s become the heart and soul of a talented team. Not only is he a good defensive player, but he can hurt teams on the offensive end of the court. He was the lone junior named to the HockomockSports.com First Team last season after averaging 11.1 points, 3.5 assists and 2.5 steals a game, and shot 40% from deep. With the emergence of junior Jalen Samuels and sophomore Chris Edgehill, defenses will have a tough time focusing in on just one player.

For the complete listing of Hockomock players to watch
https://hockomocksports.com/boys-basketball-ten-players-to-watch-for-2017-2018/

For the complete Hockomock boys basketball preview
https://hockomocksports.com/2017-2018-hockomock-boys-basketball-preview/