Tuesday, May 21, 2024

Job well done on Beautification Day

Franklin’s Beautification Day in May was a great success. Despite some morning rain, volunteers cleaned out garden barrels and window boxes and planted fresh spring flowers. The Franklin Downtown Partnership, organizer of Beautification Day, thanks all who worked to make downtown Franklin colorful for the summer.
Photos courtesy of Vicario Studio  1
Photos courtesy of Vicario Studio 1 


Among the many volunteers were students and residents, Franklin High Baseball team, FHS Baseball Coach Zach Brown, Franklin Downtown Partnership members Chris Peterson, Greg Safford, Roberta Trahan, and Franklin Tile’s Sandy Sauer. Event organizer Eileen Mason, Franklin Downtown Partnership and Franklin Garden Club member, did a fabulous job coordinating people, tasks and materials.  

Photos courtesy of Vicario Studio   2
Photos courtesy of Vicario Studio 2 


Thank you again for the support from Beautification Day sponsors. Platinum sponsors: Camford Property Group, Inc.; Doherty, Dugan, Cannon, Raymond & Weil, P.C.; Eileen Mason, RE/MAX; Glen Meadow Apartments; and Middlesex Savings Bank. Gold sponsors: Dean Bank; Elizabeth’s Bagels; D.G. Ranieri Real Estate; and Notturno Home Services. Silver sponsors: Eagle Stainless Tube & Fabrication, Inc., Fenton Financial Group, Oteri Funeral Home, PEEL Microspa.

Follow the Franklin Downtown Partnership at:

The Franklin Downtown Partnership is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization made up of more than 350 business owners, residents, and community leaders working to revitalize downtown Franklin. Residents can join the Downtown Partnership for $25. The Partnership manages events like the Strawberry Stroll and the Harvest Festival, and initiatives such as beautification, streetscape design, greenspace, alley murals, and sculpture projects. For more information go to www.franklindowntownpartnership.org

FHS softball, girls & boys tennis, and girls & boys lacrosse teams all post wins on Monday

Via Twitter and our subscription to HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the Spring sports competition for Franklin High School on Monday, May 20, 2024


Baseball = Milford, 2 @ Franklin, 0 – Final
Milford 2, Franklin 0. Campbell (5inn, 3H, 2R & 9Ks) & Shaughnessy (2inn, 0R, 0H & 5Ks) were solid on the hill. Offensively, DiGiorgio (2-2), Caccavelli (1-3), Cinelli (1-3), Yuknis (1-3) & Winer (1-3). Next up: Pedroli Tourney: Fri. 5/24 Franklin vs Natick at 7pm at Mahan Field.
– Milford senior Damien Carter had the best outing of his season, dazzling in a complete game shutout at Franklin. Carter scattered five hits — all singles — and only issued a single walk while striking out 10 Panthers in seven scoreless innings of work for the win. The senior righty retired the side in order in the second, third, and fifth innings while working around a two-out single in the first. Franklin loaded the bases with two outs in the fourth but Carter got a fly ball to center. The Panthers also threatened in the final two innings but Carter induced a double play in both frames. Milford took the lead in the top of the third when Carter helped his own cause, smacking a one-out single to center to bring Louis Consigli (fielder’s choice) home. After Consigli clubbed a one-out double in the fifth, Carter was intentionally walked and then Keith Lee drew his league-leading 14th walk to load the bases. Franklin got the second out with a foul tip out but Joey McGee’s patience proved pivotal as he drew a walk on a full count to bring in a second run for the Hawks. Austin Campbell pitched well for the Panthers, striking out nine in five innings, surrendering two runs on three hits and five walks. Jake Shaughnessy tossed two scoreless innings in relief without allowing a hit or a walk, striking out five.

Softball = Franklin, 9 @ Milford, 4 – Final 
– A big third inning helped Franklin return home from Milford with a 9-4 verdict, splitting the season series with the Hawks. With the game tied 1-1 going into the third, Sophia Sacramone, Ciara O’Brien, and Josie Drucker had back-to-back-to-back singles with the bases loaded to each drive in a run and then sophomore Ava Florest cleared them with a two-out three-run single to center to make it 7-1. Milford pulled three runs back in the bottom half, including a two-out two-run double from Sarah Wengal but Franklin tacked on an insurance run in the top of the fourth and in the seventh (Addi Weiss RBI single) to pull away for good. Carly Johnson-Pellegri went 3-for-3 with two runs and an RBI for the Panters while Ella Weston added two hits and two runs. Sacramone earned the win, allowing four runs (three earned) on eight hits and one walk, striking out six. Cae Pellegrini finished 3-for-4 with a solo home run in the first inning.

Boys Lacrosse = Franklin, 21 @ Taunton, 1 – Final
⭐️ Langevin 2🚨 8🍎 ( School Record) 
⭐️⭐️  Hansen 3🚨
⭐️⭐️⭐️ Obrien 3🚨

Girls Lacrosse = Taunton, 3 @ Franklin, 19 – Final 
– Franklin closed out another perfect league season, improving to 11-0 against Hock opponents with a 19-3 verdict against Taunton. Seniors Katie Ryan had five goals and one assist, senior Keira Kuchich tallied twice, and senior Norah MacCallum added two goals and one assist for the Panthers. Taunton’s Cali Melo netted a hat trick and had five draw controls.

Boys Tennis = Franklin, 5 @ Milford, 0 – Final 
– Franklin went on the road and returned home from Milford with a 5-0 verdict, taking all five matches in straight sets. senior Jay Gorgas (6-1, 6-1), junior Dan Reis (6-1, 6-2), and senior Ahan Shetty (6-3, 6-0) took care of business in singles action for the Panthers. The team of Andrew Amante and Aaron Ramaswamy (6-2, 6-2) took a straight-set win at first doubles, and the second doubles duo of Jack Sebell and Charlie Souza (6-2, 6-1) did the same.

Girls Tennis = Milford, 0 @ Franklin, 5 – Final 
– A sweep under the lights gave Franklin a win over Milford and clinched a share of its first ever league title in program history. The Panthers won all three singles matches in straight sets and swept both doubles matches to clinch at least a share of the Kelley-Rex title; one more win from either of its final two matches would clinch it outright. Senior Chloe Essam (6-2, 6-1), senior Brooke Taylor (6-0, 6-0), and senior Smruthie Paladugu (6-1, 6-2) took care of business in singles action for the Panthers. The team of seniors Ava Davies and Lexi Winkler added a 6-1, 7-6 win at first doubles while the all-senior second doubles tandem of Mia Dewsnap and Lindsey Leonard prevailed 6-4, 2-6, 10-3.


For other results around the Hockomock League (subscription required) 

FHS Panther sports results shared via Twitter & subscription to HockomockSports.com
FHS Panther sports results shared via Twitter & subscription to HockomockSports.com

The FHS Film Festival is scheduled for Thursday, May 23 at 6:00 PM

The FHS Film Festival is scheduled for Thursday, May 23 at 6:00 PM

FHS Film Festival
FHS Film Festival


@FHSPantherbook @FranklinHS 
Shared from -> https://t.co/fflNmgwpvi


Franklin's Marcella DiChiara was selected to participate in Season 3 of "THE GREAT AMERICAN RECIPE" on PBS

Today (May 7, 2024), PBS announced the eight home cooks from across America who will showcase their culinary talents in Season 3 of THE GREAT AMERICAN RECIPE, the upbeat cooking competition that celebrates the multiculturalism that makes American food so vibrant and delicious. With a wide-ranging variety of cooking styles influenced by their varied backgrounds — from Alaskan to African, Chinese to Sicilian, Southern, German, Mexican and more, Season 3’s contestants represent the unique diversity of American home cooking.


Hosted by Alejandra Ramos, Season 3 of THE GREAT AMERICAN RECIPE features two new judges and a new location. Tim Hollingsworth, award-winning chef and Los Angeles restaurateur, and Francis Lam, host of public radio's "The Splendid Table," join returning host Alejandra Ramos and judge Tiffany Derry in Nashville, Tennessee. Each week, after two challenges, the judges will determine which home cook has the winning dish and, in the final week, the top three will compete for a chance to win this year’s competition. The eight-episode series premieres Mondays, June 17 through August 12, 2024, 9:00-10:00 PM ET (check local listings) on PBS,  PBS.org and the PBS App. 


Franklin's Marcella DiChiara is one of the Contestants:

Marcella DiChiara
Marcella DiChiara

Marcella DiChiara (Franklin, Massachusetts) is a first-generation American whose passion for her Sicilian roots comes through in every dish she prepares. Her mother came to the United States with her family at age ten, and her dad immigrated to the United States in his late twenties. Growing up in Connecticut, Marcella spent every summer with her family, including her three siblings, back in Sicily. These experiences informed how she viewed cooking and the importance of family and community gathering around the table. Marcella works as an E-Commerce executive but never misses an opportunity to get in the kitchen and prepare a meal for her husband and two children. She prides herself on cooking traditional Sicilian dishes based on her mother’s recipes while using fresh, Mediterranean-inspired local produce. Marcella’s signature dish is Arancini al Ragu (Risotto Balls with Meat Sauce). 


Meet the other Contestants

 

Mae Chandran (Malibu, California) was born in Guangzhou (Canton) in Southern China. At the age of three, she and her mother left China for Hong Kong. When she was eight, Mae left Hong Kong for Fall River, Massachusetts, to join her family, who lived above the Chinese-American restaurant they operated. Although Mae was immersed in the world of cooking (specifically Cantonese cuisine) from a young age, it wasn’t until she met and married her Sri Lankan husband that she began exploring the use of more spices and more "heat" in her recipes. Now with two grown children, Mae and her husband are enjoying retirement while she keeps busy working on their garden, which has been featured in The Malibu Times, making her international award-winning marmalade, and working on her memoirs. Mae’s signature dish is her Cantonese BBQ Chicken made with chicken thighs, Chinese brown bean sauce, hoisin sauce, and sriracha sauce.

 

Tim Harris (Fort Mill, South Carolina)  grew up living all over the world as a “military brat” until his father retired from a 27-year career in the US Air Force, and the family settled back in the Carolinas when Tim was 12. Influenced by his Dutch mother, as well as his paternal Southern Grandmama’s cooking, Tim developed an appreciation and a taste for many different types of cuisines at an early age. Now married with two children and a career in insurance, Tim uses his cooking to bring people together and spread community and positivity through his dishes. Creative and willing to try anything in the kitchen, he loves to grill, smoke meat, and feature fresh seafood from the Carolinas’ coastal waters along with bold flavors. Tim’s signature dish is his Lowcountry-Style Shrimp and Cheesy Grits. 

 

Doug Heilman (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania) is a training consultant who grew up on a farm in western Pennsylvania. With German roots from both of his grandfathers, Doug fondly remembers his maternal grandmother cooking what she referred to as “peasant food,” taking their traditional German recipes and making them with the produce and other ingredients they farmed. In his cooking, Doug draws inspiration from his German heritage (often utilizing his family’s handwritten recipe cards), the thriving and eclectic Pittsburgh food scene, and his husband’s Italian roots. He’s a frequent guest on local news, where he does monthly cooking segments and loves to host delectable dinner parties with his husband for friends and family. Doug’s signature recipe is Pickle-Brined Chicken Schnitzel.

 

Jon Hinojosa (San Antonio, Texas) was born and raised in El Paso, Texas, to proud Mexican parents. Tragically, both of Jon’s parents passed away when he was young, so learning to cook began out of necessity. It quickly blossomed into a passion as he worked in local restaurants – starting as a dishwasher and eventually serving as manager. Now with a family of his own and a proud dad of three adult daughters, he feels it’s more important than ever to celebrate their roots and fully embrace what it means to be Mexican-American. He extended his nurturing role to the work he did as Founding Director of a San Antonio-based youth organization that advocates for marginalized communities through a series of arts and culture programs. As he looks forward to his next adventures, his focus and work will always center on the arts, culture, and community. Jon’s signature dish is Green Chicken Enchiladas served with Spanish Rice.

 

Adjo Honsou (St. Louis, Missouri), originally from Togo, West Africa, combines her heritage with her passion for food. She immigrated to the United States at the age of 14 and, introduced to the art of cooking traditional West African dishes by her grandmother, Adjo's culinary skills flourished. However, sourcing authentic African ingredients in Missouri proved to be a formidable task. Undeterred, she embarked on a journey of exploration and experimentation, tirelessly researching and discovering local substitutes to recreate the flavors of her homeland. Today, Adjo proudly shares her love for West African cuisine with the St. Louis community and beyond. A scientist and single mother of two, she balances her professional responsibilities and familial duties while nurturing her entrepreneurial spirit. Two years ago, she started her food truck showcasing Togolese specialties at local events and festivals. Among her signature dishes is Oxtail Palm Nut Stew, a tantalizing fusion of oxtail, aromatic curry sauce, palm nut puree, and fiery habanero peppers.

 

Ingrid Portillo (Charlotte, North Carolina) was born in El Salvador in the mid-1980s. Her father was a farmer and rancher whose dream was for his children to continue that tradition, but Ingrid and her family were forced to flee to the United States to escape the Salvadoran Civil War. Ingrid credits her grandmother as her cooking inspiration, and she keeps her memory and legacy alive through her own cooking. Ingrid considers herself a lifelong PBS fan, having learned English and many cooking skills by watching PBS programs. After meeting her husband and having two kids, they relocated to North Carolina, outside of Charlotte. It is incredibly important for Ingrid that her children embrace their Salvadoran roots and honor the memory of their ancestors, especially those who didn't survive the war. Ingrid's signature dish is Pupusas with Curtido and Salsa Maíz — corn tortillas stuffed with braised meat and served with pickled cabbage and salsa.

 

Kim Sherry (Anchorage, Alaska) is an artist who grew up in the small town of King Salmon as a fourth-generation Alaskan. Coming from a family of subsistence hunters and fishers, Kim is an avid gardener who has always had an appreciation for the outdoors and a reverence for the wildlife that sustained their community. Kim has two teen daughters and credits her husband, Bruce, for expanding her culinary repertoire and introducing her to the global flavors that influence much of her cooking. While comfort food is her go-to, Kim is also a skilled baker and frequently uses a sourdough starter that’s been in her family for more than one hundred years! Kim’s signature dish is a Salmon Banh Mi.

 

Season 3 of THE GREAT AMERICAN RECIPE was filmed at GREEN DOOR GOURMET, a 350-acre farm, on-farm market, and agritourism destination in Nashville, Tennessee. THE GREAT AMERICAN RECIPE is co-produced for PBS by VPM and Objective Media Group America. Steve Humble is the Executive in Charge for VPM. Zara Frankel is the Executive in Charge for PBS. At Objective Media Group America, an All3Media companyAlyssa Hastrich is Showrunner, Layla Smith and Jilly Pearce are Executive Producers and Erin Flynn is Senior Vice President of Current Series. 

 

About VPM

As Virginia’s home for public media, VPM connects nearly 2 million people across Central Virginia and the Shenandoah Valley to insightful programming in arts and culture, history, science, news, and education. VPM operates public television stations VPM PBS, VPM Plus, VPM PBS KIDS, lifestyle channel VPM Create and international program channel VPM WORLD, as well as Richmond NPR station VPM News (88.9 FM) and VPM Music (107.3 FM, 93.1 FM and 88.9-HD2). In the Northern Neck (89.1 FM) and Southside Virginia (90.1 FM), listeners receive a combination of news and music. Audiences can access VPM online at VPM.org and on Facebook TwitterInstagram and YouTube

 

About OBJECTIVE MEDIA GROUP AMERICA

Objective Media Group America is the U.S. arm of Objective Media Group. An LA-based All3Media America company, OMG America is led by President Jilly Pearce in creating and producing original entertainment and reality formats, including “Elf on the Shelf: Sweet Showdown (The Food Network) “Lingo” (returning for season 2 on CBS), “The Cube” (TBS), “12 Dates of Christmas” (HBO Max), “Worst Cooks in America” (The Food Network) and more. Objective Media Group, an All3Media company, is headquartered in London and headed up by CEO Layla Smith. 

 

About PBS

PBS, with more than 330 member stations, offers all Americans the opportunity to explore new ideas and new worlds through television and digital content. Each month, PBS reaches over 42 million adults on linear primetime television, more than 15 million users on PBS-owned streaming platforms, and 56 million people view PBS content on social media, inviting them to experience the worlds of science, history, nature, and public affairs; to hear diverse viewpoints; and to take front-row seats to world-class drama and performances. PBS’s broad array of programs has been consistently honored by the industry’s most coveted award competitions. Teachers of children from pre-K through 12th grade turn to PBS LearningMedia for digital content and services that help bring classroom lessons to life. As the number one educational media brand, PBS KIDS helps children 2-8 build critical skills, enabling them to find success in school and life. Delivered through member stations, PBS KIDS offers high-quality content on TV — including a PBS KIDS channel — and streaming free on pbskids.org and the PBS KIDS Video app, games on the  PBS KIDS Games app, and in communities across America. More information about PBS is available at PBS.orgone of the leading dot-org websites on the internet, FacebookInstagram, or through ourapps for mobile and connected devices. Specific program information and updates for press are available at pbs.org/pressroom or by following PBS Communications on X (formerly Twitter).



Franklin Rod & Gun Club schedules annual Fishing Derby Saturday, June 1 from 7 AM to 2 PM

annual Fishing Derby
annual Fishing Derby

Mark your calendar for this popular event.

The Franklin Rod & Gun Club has scheduled their annual Fishing Derby on June 1, 2024

The flyer displays all the info. Registration is $10 for adults and $5 for kids. 

All kids under 16 get a trophy and prizes, we have free equipment to use including boats, life jackets, rods/reels (while they last). 

Breakfast is available for $5 and there's pizza for lunch for free. 

The event routinely gets more than 150 people to the Rod & Gun Club for a really great time.





Sign up for the Democracy, Refreshed, newsletter from Post Opinions - The Washington Post

Danielle Allen writes:

"Over the past year, I focused my columns and my public speaking on how we can renovate our democracy so it works for all of us — today and into the future. Readers wrote in and commented, asking one thing over and over again: What can I do? How can I help?

To answer those questions, we’ve turned the columns into a course. The course, delivered via email weekly for 10 weeks, gives you the chance to dive deep into some important approaches to renovating our democracy. It also gives you a chance to take your turn helping advance the cause of renovation. Sign up here.

You’ll receive the first email upon sign-up. Then, starting the following Monday at 8 AM. E.T., you will receive:
  • A summary of a key democracy renovation
  • Links to related reading and resources
  • An activity you can do in your own community to renovate democracy
  • Suggestions for other features from The Post that can help you stay updated on American democracy.
As Abraham Lincoln said, democracy is of the people, by the people and for the people. Join us, and help make sure that the next era of our democracy is truly by the people."


Sign up for the Democracy, Refreshed, newsletter
Sign up for the Democracy, Refreshed, newsletter 

Franklin TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) schedule for Tuesday, May 21, 2024

  • wfpr.fm or 102.9 on the FM dial = Tuesday

9:00 AM 12:00 Noon and 6:00 PM  Jazz Journey – with Pamela Hines
2 hours. An insightful tour of Jazz Greats in a golden era

11:00 AM 2 PM and 8:00 PM SAFE Radio– Jim Derick and Dr. Anne Bergen Addressing issues of Drug Abuse Disorder 

  • Franklin All Access TV - Our Public Access Channel (Comcast 6, Verizon 26) = TUESDAY

7:30 am Joe Landry: Funeral Homes
9:00 am Menthal Health: Donna Grady
10:00 am Frank Presents: Alan Earls
12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin: Meatballs
12:30 pm Cooking with Linda: Chicken Marsala
1:00 pm Pizzapalooza: Deep Dish
1:30 pm Franklin Fallen Heroes Pt 3
2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Summer 2018 Show 8
3:00 pm Candlepin New Generation: Show 5
3:30 pm Riffing on Main Street: Michael Walker Jones
4:30 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Student Athletes May 2024
5:30 pm Strawberry Stroll 2022
6:00 pm Senior Connection: Joe Landry
7:00 pm FPAC: Broadway in Franklin 2022
8:30 pm Endless Konnections: Patience Noah
9:30 pm Pack 92 Pinewood Derby 2022

  • Franklin Pride TV - Our Educational Channel        (Comcast 8, Verizon 28) = TUESDAY

7:00 am Public School Event: Lifelong Music Pt. 2 05-13-19
9:00 am Public School Event: Horace Mann Winter Music 2021
11:30 am Rec Basketball: 6th - 8th Grade Girls Championship
1:00 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Student Athletes May 2024
2:00 pm Menthal Health: Donna Grady
3:00 pm FHS Senior Awards Night 2024
5:30 pm All-Town Showcase 2024: Band
7:00 pm FHS Boys Varsity Lacrosse v Bishop Feehan 05-17-24
9:00 pm FHS Girls Varsity Lacrosse v Longmeadow 05-18-24

  • Franklin Town Hall TV - Our Government Channel (Comcast 9, Verizon 29) = TUESDAY

8:00 am School Committee 05-14-24
12:00 pm Community Preservation 05-14-24
2:00 pm School Committee 05-14-24
6:00 pm Police Station Building Committee 05-13-24

Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf 

Monday, May 20, 2024

What's happening in Franklin, Monday, May 20, 2024?

Monday, May 20
8:00am Early Voting for Special Election
4:00pm Cruise Night in Franklin

** Town Meetings

Planning Board Meeting
Event Date:  Monday, May 20, 2024 - 7:00pm


Franklin Agricultural Committee Meeting
Event Date:  Monday, May 20, 2024 - 7:00pm


Library Board of Directors
Event Date:  Monday, May 20, 2024 - 7:00pm


What's happening today in Franklin?
What's happening today in Franklin? 
---------------

Why are there multiple calendars?
There is a Cultural events calendar upon which other community events are layered to create the Community calendar.

Respectfully, the Library and Senior Center calendars are too full of events to include all their events so we tend to focus on the major events. Town and School meetings are also kept separate. Links for all the calendars are shared here:

The Cultural calendar displays only the cultural events      https://www.franklinculture.org/things-do/pages/calendar

Find the full Community event calendar  https://www.franklinmatters.org/p/blog-page.html

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://forms.gle/oPdi8X3ZbHHyrHzo6

The Library calendar of events ->    calendar link

The Senior Center calendar of events ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/node/39/events/month/39/2023-12

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar
The School district calendar is found  https://www.franklinps.net/calendar-by-event-type/26 

Memorial Day weekend special events at the Historical Museum

In honor of Memorial Day Weekend, the museum will be showing film and videos related to local veterans during regular hours, Saturday from 10 AM to 1 PM and Sunday from 1 PM to 4 PM.  

There will also be a small informational display about the Army Air Corps pilot killed in a training incident in Franklin in 1943. 

On Monday, May 27. the museum will also have special hours. Watch the website for updates.

If you haven't already had the chance, visit the museum, located in downtown Franklin. The museum is open Saturdays 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM; Sundays 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM.   
Handicap access is available at the back of the building.  
Come by and discover Franklin's history, where our story began.

Franklin Historical Museum, 80 West Central St
Franklin Historical Museum, 80 West Central St