K Carney = Player of Year; Hess = Coach of Year; Jones, Downing, O'Rourke, E Carney, and Wernig also recognized with awards for Field Hockey

HockomockSports.com has posted the Field Hockey Awards for the fall 2021 season. Franklin High School was well represented by the following individuals:  

Field Hockey Player of the Year = Kaitlyn Carney

"Franklin junior Kaitlyn Carney has been selected as the 2021 HockomockSports.com Field Hockey Player of the Year. The midfielder led the league in scoring this season, helping the Panthers win a third straight Kelley-Rex division title and reach the Div. 1 state semifinal for the first time in program history.

Carney scored 37 goals and recorded 18 assists this season, finishing the regular season with nine more points than any other player. The 55 goals that she accounted for this year were more than all but two other teams scored this fall. Carney added seven points in four postseason games, scoring important goals to lead the Panthers into the semifinal against eventual champion Andover. It was the second straight season that she led the Hock in scoring.

With Carney leading the way, the Panthers scored 124 goals as a team, averaging nearly six goals per game and scoring more than double the next highest-scoring team in the league (Attleboro with 61). Carney now has 105 points in three seasons in the Franklin midfield and was selected as a league all-star for the second year in a row."

Continue reading the write up on Kaitlyn
https://hockomocksports.com/awards/field-hockey/2021-2/ 

Franklin junior Kaitlyn Carney has been selected as the 2021 HockomockSports.com Field Hockey Player of the Year

HOCKOMOCKSPORTS.COM FIRST TEAM

Kendall Jones – Franklin – Defense

Franklin senior Kendall Jones closed out her three-year varsity career by helping the Panthers continue their long unbeaten run in league play, win a third straight Kelley-Rex division title, and advance to the team’s first state semifinal. Jones was selected as a league all-star and picked to play in the Best of 60 Mass. State Coaches Association all-star game. As a threat at both ends of the field, Jones chipped in with eight goals and nine assists, while helping Franklin hold teams to just 14 goals in 22 games. Franklin coach Michelle Hess said, “Kendall is a very skilled and fast defensive player. Kendall’s leadership skills both on and off the field are quite impressive and a huge reason we had so much success over this past season.”

Kaitlyn Carney – Franklin – Midfield

Franklin junior midfielder Kaitlyn Carney put together an incredible individual season to help the Panthers win a third straight league title and advance to the first state semifinal in program history. With 37 goals and 18 assists this season (including seven points in the playoffs), Carney was the top scorer in the league for the second straight season. She has more than 100 points in her first three years and was selected as the HockomockSports.com Player of the Year (see above). Franklin coach Michelle Hess said, “Kaitlyn is one of the most talented athletes I have ever had the pleasure of coaching but Kaitlyn also works very hard at her skills. Kaitlyn has a drive and determination that is rather impressive, she never settles.”

Shaw Downing – Franklin – Forward

Franklin junior forward Shaw Downing was a key part of the league’s top offense. Downing scored 20 goals and had nine assists this season and was sixth in the league in scoring during the regular season, helping Franklin score 124 goals as a team, on its way to a third straight league title and the program’s first-ever state semifinal appearance. Downing was selected as an all-star by the Hockomock League coaches. Franklin coach Michelle Hess said, “Shaw can put the ball in the net once she gets it in the circle. Shaw is a fast and highly skilled forward that is aggressive to the ball and has the ability to find the net and collect rebounds off the goalie’s pads and redirect them skillfully into the goal.”

HOCKOMOCKSPORTS.COM SECOND TEAM

Kate O’Rourke – Franklin – Defense

Franklin senior defender Kate O’Rourke was integral to the success of the Panthers defensively this season. With O’Rourke on the left side, Franklin allowed only 14 goals in 22 games this season on its way to a third straight league title and a spot in the state semifinal for the first time. O’Rourke was selected as an all-star by Hockomock League coaches and chosen to play in the Best of 60 Senior All-Star Game by the state coaches association. Franklin coach Michelle Hess said, “Kate is a very smart and highly skilled player who relies on her speed, skill, and aggressive play to keep her opponents out of the circle. Kate is our trail on our defensive corners and makes it very difficult for teams to execute their corner plays against us.”

Emily Carney – Franklin – Midfield

Franklin freshman Emily Carney stepped right into the heart of the midfield this season and became a crucial piece of the Panthers winning a third straight league title and making a run to their first state semifinal. She scored six times and had 18 assists, as part of the league’s top offensive unit, but also helped shield the back line as part of the league’s top defensive group. In one of the most difficult positions on the field, Carney never looked out of place and showed a game sense beyond that of most freshmen. Franklin coach Michelle Hess said, “Emily’s presence on the field at center midfield was noticed immediately. Emily’s field hockey IQ and her ability to play both offensively and defensively were instrumental in the success of our team this year.”

Haley Wernig – Franklin – Forward

Franklin freshman forward Haley Wernig jumped right into the varsity team and provided a boost to the league’s top offense. In her first season, Wernig scored 16 goals and added six assists. Her 22 points were in the top 10 in the league this season and helped the Panthers win a third straight Kelley-Rex division title, extend their long league win streak, and reach the state semifinal for the first time. Wernig played on both wings and showed the speed and skill to compete with the top teams in the state. Franklin coach Michelle Hess said, “Haley has a bright future ahead of her especially because her work ethic is impressive. Haley is always coming to me for feedback and asking how she can execute her skills better, she is very reflective and a pleasure to coach.”

COACH OF THE YEAR = Michelle Hess

"Franklin’s Michelle Hess has been selected as the 2021 HockomockSports.com Field Hockey Coach of the Year. Hess led the Panthers to their third straight Kelley-Rex division title and to the program’s first-ever Div. 1 state semifinal.

“Coming into the season, it wasn’t obvious that Franklin would be the dominant team they turned out to be,” said HockomockSports.com Managing Editor Josh Perry. “Michelle fit players into the right spots and built a team that was not only a league power but a statewide one. Talent helps, but Michelle kept the Panthers focused on the goal from the start of the season and they made program history.”

Despite returning only three starters from last year and beginning the season with three freshmen in the starting lineup, the Panthers finished as the top scoring team in the league with 124 goals, which was more than double that of second-place Attleboro (61). Franklin also allowed only 14 goals in 22 games all season (and five of those goals came in the semifinal against Andover). With a goal differential of plus-110 in a competitive league, Franklin put together a historically dominant season."

Continue reading the write up on Michelle and on the other selections around the Hockomock League  https://hockomocksports.com/awards/field-hockey/2021-2/ 

News literacy requires work on everyone's part, and that includes you

Via the News Literacy Project:

"2021 marked another year of rapidly spreading misinformation following breaking news events, from the Jan. 6 attacks on the U.S. Capitol to the rollout of COVID-19 vaccines to the Biden presidency. Get ready for 2022 by reviewing our news literacy takeaways from the past 12 months. You’ll be prepared to recognize and debunk falsehoods, conspiracy theories and hoaxes in 2022, and know what information to trust, share and act on.

Science misinformation

No, vaccines don’t magnetize you, increase the risk of infertility, contain tracking devices, or cause cancer and HIV. But misinformation surrounding vaccines — along with other science-based topics like climate change — continued to deluge social media feeds throughout the year.

News literacy takeaway: Turn to credible, authoritative sources to confirm or debunk science-related content, such as NLP’s COVID-19 resources page or reputable institutions like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. And know that bad actors will even resort to cute cat videos as “engagement bait” to draw you to their sites and spread falsehoods."

Continue reading the article online

https://newslit.org/updates/2021-the-year-in-misinformation-news-literacy-takeaways/

Checkology is one of the resources available for news literacy awareness   https://get.checkology.org/

News literacy requires work on everyone's part

Trane shares tax benefit with Tri-County

Representatives of Trane Technologies (NYSE:TT), a global climate innovator in heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) and transport refrigeration, presented a check in the sum of $27,327.74 to Superintendent, Karen Maguire for the benefit of Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School at their Franklin, MA facility.  

Through a proven and innovative procurement and contracting process known as Performance Contracting, Trane designed and installed a comprehensive range of facility improvements at Tri-County that will provide a safe, comfortable, and efficient learning environment while substantially reducing energy consumption.

The $7M project, financed by an independent third party, and completed in 2020, included a roof replacement, new HVAC equipment and controls, and a comprehensive lighting systems upgrade. As part of the Performance Contracting process, Trane will guarantee that Tri-County will realize a reduction in energy consumption equaling $178,000/year over the 20-year term. Trane will also provide ongoing maintenance services to ensure optimal operation of project improvements for the long term.

Photo (L-R): Harry Takesian, Karen Maguire, Leo McNeil, Morgan Perras, Chris Marshall

“As a local resident and taxpayer, I am pleased to help facilitate a mechanism whereby Tri-County is able demonstrate fiscal and environmental stewardship while optimizing the learning environment for students.” said Leo McNeil of Trane.

“As a civic minded organization, Trane is pleased to share a portion of the 179D tax benefit with our customers” said Morgan Perras, of Trane.

Internal Revenue Code Sec. 179D is a popular tax incentive that provides building owners and eligible designers/builders the opportunity to claim a tax deduction for installing qualifying energy efficient systems in buildings.  Accordingly, Trane Technologies can file for this incentive for projects implemented at tax-exempt entities, such as Tri County Vocational Technical High School.

“Trane is pleased to present this share of the 179d tax benefit for this project to Tri-County”, said Chris Marshall, of Trane. The check is presented as a gift to Tri-County for their use in fulfilling their mission to provide an excellent comprehensive technical and academic education to regional high school students.

FHS girls hockey team tops KP 3-2 on Tuesday

Via HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the FHS winter sports action on Tuesday:

 
King Philip, 2 @ Franklin, 3 – Final 
– After trading goals in the first two periods, Franklin scored with just under three minutes to play to give the Panthers a league win over King Philip. Franklin jumped ahead in the first period but KP knotted the score before the buzzer. The Warriors took their first lead but this time it was Franklin who leveled the game just moments later in the second period. Molly Hurley, Lynsey Dennett, and Haley Wernig scored for Franklin while Dennett, Hurley and Dana Stott each had an assist. Izzy Brown had a standout performance in net for Franklin.

Boys Swimming = Franklin @ Bishop Feehan, 6:45

Girls Swimming = Franklin @ Bishop Feehan, 6:45

no results available at this time, once found, will share

For other results around the Hockomock League

https://hockomocksports.com/tuesdays-schedule-scoreboard-12-21-21/

FHS Panthers

Tri-County gingerbread house made it to the quarter finals!

"Ok people this is a big round. FPD is up against the reigning Champs.

We need a ton of votes to advance....let get voting!

Franklin is the top picture!"

https://www.facebook.com/shelovespolice/posts/930970494227301

https://www.facebook.com/135246697133022/posts/930970494227301/

Pantherbook: Watch AP 3D Art Students Create Pottery in a Homemade Kiln (video)

Watch AP 3D Art Students Create Pottery in a Homemade Kiln https://t.co/aGp5RyGReu

"AP 3D Art goes on a field trip outside! Using a special kind of clay called Raku, we were able to fire our glazed piece in a homemade kiln, something that we had been looking forward to doing since last year. 

The whole class agreed that they had a great time and thought that it was a good experience where we learned more about ceramics and each other. 

We are looking forward to hopefully doing another Raku fire in the spring as well!"

Check out a video of the experience below:

https://vimeo.com/658730981

Shared from Tiwtter: https://twitter.com/FHSPantherbook/status/1473268292353671172

St. Mary's Men's Faith Formation - Jan 15, 2022

The St. Mary's Men's Faith Formation group is delighted to welcome Dr. Aldona Lingertat on January 15, 2022 from 8:45 - 9:45 AM to speak on the topic of "Types, Forms, and Examples of Prayer". 

Dr. Lingertat is Director of the Master of Arts in Ministry Program and the Master of Theological Studies Program at St. John's Seminary. 

 
We are extending an invitation to all men to join us either in person (One Church Square, Franklin - lower level Parish Hall) or via Zoom. 

lease email Deacon Guy (DeaconGuy@verizon.net) if you have any questions or to receive the  Zoom link information. 

Also, please note that those attending in person will be required to wear a mask, as Cardinal O'Malley has requested for all parish events occurring through mid-January 2022.

St. Mary's Men's Faith Formation - Jan 15, 2022

Franklin DLI: December Digital Learning Newsletter

Franklin DLI (@DliFranklin) tweeted on Tue, Dec 21, 2021:

Check out the December Digital Learning Newsletter
https://t.co/8Avl4XafZR

#FPSDigitalLearning #giftideas #gift #LimitedSupply #franklinfoodie #appetizers #briebaker #countdowntochristmas #allaboutfranklin @shopevoo

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/DliFranklin/status/1473294686055923713

https://www.smore.com/ukdgv

"Walk off the Cookies" - Sunday, Dec 26

'Walk Off The Cookies' with us on Sunday (12/26). Link in bio!

Meet at 9 AM at the Center St parking area in Bellingham. https://t.co/wGqnwp8vp6

Shared from FBRTC page ->  https://www.franklinbellinghamrailtrail.org/event/walk-off-the-cookies/

"Walk off the Cookies" - Sunday, Dec 26

Family (Pop-up) Christmas Pageant at Franklin United Methodist Church - Dec 24, 2021

"Join the Franklin United Methodist Church for a Family (Pop-up) Christmas Pageant on Christmas Eve, December 24, at 5 PM. We will sing Christmas Carols while our esteemed pageant directors pick the cast from those in attendance in order to set the nativity scene. Everyone will have a part to play. Everyone can be a star!

This service will occur in-person in-the-sanctuary, in-person virtually using Google Meet, and live-streamed via YouTube. All are welcome.

NOTE: All persons, regardless of vaccination status, attending this service in-person in the sanctuary must wear a mask over their mouth and nose upon entering our facility."

For more information including the remote links,  please visit the Facebook page ->

https://www.facebook.com/events/208148198178760

Family (Pop-up) Christmas Pageant at Franklin United Methodist Church

When will the pandemic end?

"When will the Covid-19 pandemic end? And how?

According to historians, pandemics typically have two types of endings: the medical, which occurs when the incidence and death rates plummet, and the social, when the epidemic of fear about the disease wanes.

“When people ask, ‘When will this end?,’ they are asking about the social ending,” said Dr. Jeremy Greene, a historian of medicine at Johns Hopkins.

In other words, an end can occur not because a disease has been vanquished but because people grow tired of panic mode and learn to live with a disease. Allan Brandt, a Harvard historian, said something similar was happening with Covid-19: “As we have seen in the debate about opening the economy, many questions about the so-called end are determined not by medical and public health data but by sociopolitical processes.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription maybe required)

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/10/health/coronavirus-plague-pandemic-history.html

Yes, a reprise of this article as we seem to be going around again and this raises the question; When will the pandemic end?

A Sicilian fresco from 1445. In the previous century, the Black Death killed at least a third of Europe’s population.Credit...Werner Forman/Universal Images Group/Getty Images

Help on the way: "US Army Creates Single Vaccine Effective Against All COVID & SARS Variants"

"Within weeks, scientists at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research expect to announce that they have developed a vaccine that is effective against COVID-19 and all its variants, even Omicron, as well as from previous SARS-origin viruses that have killed millions of people worldwide. 

The achievement is the result of almost two years of work on the virus. The Army lab received its first DNA sequencing of the COVID-19 virus in early 2020. Very early on, Walter Reed’s infectious diseases branch decided to focus on making a vaccine that would work against not just the existing strain but all of its potential variants as well.

Walter Reed’s Spike Ferritin Nanoparticle COVID-19 vaccine, or SpFN, completed animal trials earlier this year with positive results. Phase 1 of human trials, which tested the vaccine against Omicron and the other variants, wrapped up this month, again with positive results that are undergoing final review, Dr. Kayvon Modjarrad, director of Walter Reed’s infectious diseases branch, said in an exclusive interview with Defense One. 

Unlike existing vaccines, Walter Reed’s SpFN uses a soccer ball-shaped protein with 24 faces for its vaccine, which allows scientists to attach the spikes of multiple coronavirus strains on different faces of the protein."

.

Continue reading about this new vaccine development

https://www.defenseone.com/technology/2021/12/us-army-creates-single-vaccine-effective-against-all-covid-sars-variants/360089/?s=03

Further testing with Phase 2 and Phase 3 trials is required, a partner needs to be aligned to assist with the testing (and eventual production) along with FDA and CDC approvals. So this is not 'around the corner' but quite possible.

A scientist with the Emerging Infectious Disease branch of the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research conducts studies to find a vaccine for COVID-19 in July 2020. SHAWN FURY, ARMY

Statement from Senate President Karen E. Spilka on her health status

December 21, 2021 

 

Statement from Senate President Karen E. Spilka 

I want to thank everyone who wished me well this past month during my recovery. Your support is greatly appreciated and continues to be a source of strength.

I have advocated for people to share their personal stories my whole career, and so, I decided today to share my experience as well. In mid-November, I was diagnosed by my doctors as having had a mild stroke. My symptoms, a severe headache and nausea, were not the typical signs of stroke. As they worsened, I canceled a planned trip to Washington, D.C. on November 15. The next day, I sought medical care. I returned to working in a remote capacity the following day and have been working with colleagues and staff throughout my recovery. I am feeling stronger every day, and my doctors expect a full recovery within a matter of weeks.  I am grateful to the medical professionals I have worked with for their assistance, especially as many have worked tirelessly throughout this pandemic to care for those with COVID-19.

I wanted to share my story today in a televised interview, accompanied by this statement, because I wanted people to see firsthand that I'm doing well. I also feel it would be a missed opportunity not to speak up. I hope that by telling my story, I can help raise awareness about those who have survived and thrived after experiencing stroke, and encourage those who are experiencing symptoms to seek help immediately. 

I am proud of what we have accomplished in the Senate and energized by the work ahead to support the residents of our Commonwealth. We have important work to do on mental health care, childcare, our climate and much more. As we move into a new year, I look forward to running for re-election in 2022 and having the opportunity once again to lead the Senate as Senate President. 

I would like to thank my family for always being there for me as well as my Senate colleagues, my staff, and my partners in government for their continued support.

Senate President Karen Spilka speaks after Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker signs new climate policy legislation, at the State House.. (File photo by Nicolaus Czarnecki/MediaNews Group/Boston Herald)

CommonWealth Magazine coverage
https://commonwealthmagazine.org/state-government/spilka-discloses-she-suffered-mild-stroke/

Boston Globe coverage (subscription maybe required)
https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/12/20/metro/mass-senate-president-suffered-mild-stroke-last-month-will-seek-reelection/

Statement from Senate President Karen E. Spilka asking to "reinstitute a statewide indoor public mask mandate"

December 21, 2021

Statement from Senate President Karen E. Spilka

"We must act aggressively to mitigate the impact and spread of the new COVID-19 Omicron variant across Massachusetts and prioritize protecting our most vulnerable residents, workers, and communities disparately impacted by the pandemic. To do this, I believe it's necessary to go beyond advisories and recommendations and apply a uniform, consistent approach to stopping the spread and saving lives. 

While I thank the Governor for his actions to date, today, I am calling on the Administration to reinstitute a statewide indoor public mask mandate, increase efforts to achieve vaccine equity and require proof of vaccination for most public indoor social venues. Additionally, when it comes to school safety, our COVID-19 pool testing practices should be provided on an opt-out, rather than opt-in, basis to better protect our students, teachers and staff. 

Many communities, businesses and school districts have already instituted these measures to help save lives and they should be applauded. However, time is of the essence and a patchwork strategy will not lead to a healthier, faster recovery for Massachusetts." 

In response to the Gov Baker update provided on Tuesday 12/21/21

https://youtu.be/4WkufQt7FZU

Baker-Polito Administration Provides COVID-19 Update: "Unvaccinated individuals are five times more likely to contract COVID"

Today, the Baker-Polito Administration announced additional measures to address a recent rise in COVID-19 cases and to ensure acute care hospitals have sufficient capacity to care for both COVID and non-COVID patients.

The Commonwealth's healthcare system is facing a critical staffing shortage which has contributed to the loss of approximately 500 medical/surgical and ICU hospital beds since the beginning of the year. Hospitals are also seeing a high level of patients, many due to non-COVID related reasons.

Residents are reminded that getting a vaccine and booster remain the best way to protect against serious illness or hospitalization from COVID. The Department of Public Health (DPH) released updated COVID breakthrough data this week showing that 97% of COVID breakthrough cases in Massachusetts have not resulted in hospitalization or death. Unvaccinated individuals are five times more likely to contract COVID than fully vaccinated individuals and 31 times more likely to contract COVID than individuals who have a booster.

Massachusetts is a national leader in COVID-19 vaccinations, with over 94% of eligible residents having received at least one dose. Over 89% of the entire Massachusetts population has at least one dose, and 74% of the entire population fully vaccinated. Massachusetts also leads the nation in vaccinating communities of color, with 68% of all black residents and 67% of all Hispanic residents receiving at least one dose, compared to 42.0% of black residents and 51.7% of Hispanic residents nationally.

National Guard Activation

Governor Charlie Baker today will activate up to 500 members of the Massachusetts National Guard to address the non-clinical support needs of hospitals and transport systems. Up to 300 of these Guard members will begin training this week and will support 55 acute care hospitals, as well as 12 ambulance service providers across the Commonwealth.

DPH surveyed all hospitals and ambulance service providers, and in concert with the Massachusetts Health and Hospital Association, has identified five key roles that non-clinical Guard personnel can serve in support hospital operations for up to 90 days:

• Non-emergency transport between facilities: driving ambulances used to transfer patients between two healthcare locations such as when patients are discharged from a hospital and transferred to a long term care facility. 
• Patient observers: providing continuous or frequent observation of a patient who is at risk for harm to themselves.  
• Security support: helping to maintain a safe workplace.
• In-hospital transport: bringing patients via wheelchair or, if needed, stretcher, from their patient room to tests such as x-ray or CT scan, or from the emergency department to their inpatient floor. 
• Food service/tray delivery support: delivering patient meals to their rooms

Guard personnel will be deployed to the field beginning December 27th, 2021.

Elective Surgery Guidance

DPH released updated guidance to hospitals concerning nonessential, elective invasive procedures. To preserve health care personnel resources, effective 12:01am on December 27th, all hospitals are directed to postpone or cancel all nonessential elective procedures likely to result in inpatient admission in order to maintain and increase inpatient capacity.

Patients are reminded to still seek necessary care at their hospital or from their health care provider.

To read the guidance, click here.

Mask Advisory

DPH released an updated mask advisory today, recommending that all individuals, regardless of vaccination status, wear a mask or face covering in indoor, public spaces.

DPH particularly urges this recommendation for individuals who have a weakened immune system, or are at increased risk for severe disease because of age or an underlying medical condition, or if someone in their household has a weakened immune system, is at increased risk for severe disease, or is unvaccinated.

All people in Massachusetts (regardless of vaccination status) are required to continue wearing face coverings in certain settings, including transportation and health care facilities.  Please see here for a complete list of venues where face coverings have remained mandatory since May 29, 2021.

The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education's current mask requirement and Policy on Vaccination Rate Threshold issued on September 27^th, 2021 is not impacted by this advisory. 

To read the full advisory, visit: here. 

"Unvaccinated individuals are five times more likely to contract COVID"

FHS' O'Neill, Cinelli, and Griffith recognized with soccer awards by HockomockSports.com

HockomockSports.com has posted the Boys Soccer Awards for the fall 2021 season. Franklin High School was well represented by the following individuals: 

 
HOCKOMOCKSPORTS.COM BEST XI
Terry O’Neill – Franklin – Midfield

Franklin senior Terry O’Neill had another great year controlling the midfield in the heart of the Panthers’ lineup. A three-year starter for head coach Fran Bositis, O’Neill consistently plays at a high level and can be counted on to make the right choice each and every game. Sitting in a defensive midfielder role, he shored up one of the best defensive units in the league and added a team-high six goals along with one assist. “Terry was our best player, our hardest worker, and an excellent leader both on and off the field,” Bositis said. “He has an excellent understanding of tactics and he was the player for us who set the tone both offensively and defensively. Everything we did went through Terry.”

Rex Cinelli – Franklin – Defense

Franklin sophomore Rex Cinelli was a towering presence in the Panthers’ back four, making his squad one of the hardest teams to score against in the Hock. The lone underclassman selection in the Best XI, Cinelli partnered with Aidan Griffith to form the best center back duo in the league. He logged a ton of minutes this season and consistently made good decisions in the air and with his tackling. He also added a pair of goals and four assists for Franklin, who finished second in the Kelley-Rex. “Rex was very consistent throughout the year,” said Franklin head coach Fran Bositis. “He was a lockdown defender for us and did a great job of winning 50-50 balls whether they were on the ground or in the air. He certainly had a big impact on the success of our team defense.”

HOCKOMOCKSPORTS.COM SECOND XI
Aidan Griffith – Franklin – Defense

Franklin senior Aidan Griffith had a standout out season this fall, emerging as one of the best defenders in a league known for tough defenses. He partnered with Rex Cinelli to form the best center back duo in the league. His veteran leadership was key throughout the season and his ability to come away with the ball on key challenges was a big reason the Panthers allowed less than a goal a game this year. “Aidan was the leader of our defense and also played a big role in initiating our attack,” said Franklin head coach Fran Bositis. “Aidan has great feel for the game and he was very good at making defensive adjustments on the field. He was very calm under pressure and always made good decisions on the field.”

Continue reading the article for the complete Hockomock League awards ->
https://hockomocksports.com/awards/boys-soccer/2021-2/

FHS Panthers

Community Preservation Act Public Hearings Set to Begin in January 2022

The new portal to accept ideas or applications for funding for Community Preservation is now open. As required by law, the Community Preservation Committee (CPC) is required to have one public hearing per year to hear input on how to allocate Community Preservation funds. The Franklin CPC has decided on two public sessions in January. 

The committee legal notice can be found HERE ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/2021-12-20_cpc_legal_ad_.pdf

The public hearing dates are:
1. January 4, 2022 at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers in the Municipal Building at 355 East Central Street  Agenda = https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/2022-01-04_cpc_agenda_-_hearing_1.pdf
2. January 18, 2022 at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers in the Municipal Building at 355 East Central Street   Agenda =   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/2022-01-18_cpc_agenda_-_hearing_2.pdf

Citizens may attend in person, through Zoom, offer comments and opinions, ask questions or submit ideas for consideration in our new online portal. Hard copy applications are also available by contacting Alecia Alleyne in the Town Administrator's Office at 508-520-4949 or by emailing aalleyne@franklinma.gov.

The Online application can be found HERE or by copying this link into your internet browser: https://franklinma.viewpointcloud.com/categories/1097

The Application for Funding for the fiscal year 2023 (FY23) beginning July 1, 2022 must be received by 4:00 PM on Monday, February 28, 2022. After the first year of CPA funding, applications will be then taken on a rolling basis. 

Applicants should review the State CPA legislation prior to submitting any applications for CPA Funding. Please keep in mind that there are legal limitations on the use of CPA funds. 

Additional information regarding the CPC & CPA can be found at the following links:

1.  Community Preservation Coalition -> https://www.communitypreservation.org/about
2.  MA State Legislator - Community Preservation ->   https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleVII/Chapter44B
3.  Secretary of State Page - Accepting the CPA ->   https://www.sec.state.ma.us/ele/elecpa/cpaidx.htm

The Community Preservation Act (CPA) was passed in 2000 to help communities empower themselves to raise a dedicated revenue source for the purposes of open space preservation, historic preservation, affordable housing and recreation. 

The Town of Franklin approved the Community Preservation Act by local ballot November 2020. 

Please bookmark the Franklin CPC website: https://www.franklinma.gov/community-preservation-committee

Commonwealth of MA  CPA legislation ->   https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleVII/Chapter44B

Shared from the Town of Franklin page ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/2022-cpa-funding-application-now-live

Community Preservation Act

26 Franklin High School Music Students were accepted to the Massachusetts Central District Honor Band, Chorus, and Orchestra

Twenty-six members of the Franklin High School music program virtually auditioned and were accepted into the 2022 Massachusetts Central District Honor Ensembles. Twelve of these Franklin High School students received All-State audition recommendations.  

Due to the pandemic, the festival will continue to look a bit different this year. Students will participate in one virtual rehearsal with the conductor.  Students will then be tasked with practicing their music and submitting a recording of their performance.  

Central Districts will have each part edited into a virtual audio performance.  Accepted Franklin High School students are as follows:

• Central District Orchestra: Aadit Bhatia - Violin, Christopher Broyles - Viola, Shreya Choudhury - Violin, Kyle Formato - Cello, Vivienne Loukota - Viola, Jossalyn Mascio - Violin, Patrik O'Brien - Cello, Weylan O'Connell - Bass, Anton Sackley - Percussion, Pritam Sompally - Viola, Sarayu Vijayanagaram - Violin, Leo Yang - Violin
• Central District Band: Adithya Balagurumoorthy - Baritone Saxophone, Karah Bradanese - Clarinet, Thomas Bradley - Trombone, Emma Brown - Flute, Nipun Goel - Trumpet, Derek Halet - Trumpet, Joel Keller - Tuba, Sydney Lincourt - Clarinet, William Olbrys - Trombone, Lola Richardson - Flute, Zachary Simms - French Horn, Maria Zaki - Flute
• Central District Chorus: Margaret Diehl - Alto
• Central District Jazz Band: Colin Manocchio - Trombone, Ian Richardon - Bass 

Franklin High School Music Students were accepted to the Massachusetts Central District