MassBudget: Feeding Students, Counting Kids, Distributing Chapter 70 Aid: Two New Briefs from MassBudget

Feeding Students, Counting Kids, Distributing Chapter 70 Aid: Two New Briefs from MassBudget    MassBudget is releasing two new papers analyzing the issues below, available HERE and HERE. To expand educational opportunity by making sure that more students are well-fed and ready to learn, the federal government has created a program that allows schools to provide free breakfast and lunch to all students in districts with large numbers of low-income students. Schools that implement this program, called Community Eligibility, no longer collect paper forms from every child to determine who is eligible for free or reduced price meals. Instead, schools use a data matching system to automatically enroll for school meals those students who are already enrolled in other programs that support low-income families. This program improves efficiency and expands access to school meals. The transition to this new system has created logistical challenges for other school programs - in particular, our Chapter 70 school funding formula - that have for many years used income data collected through the traditional paper forms. The Governor's budget, following a recommendation of the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), proposes some reforms that seek to address these challenges. It also proposes additional reforms in the way aid is provided to districts with large numbers of low-income students. In Proposed Low-Income Student Changes Would Have Varied Chapter 70 Impact we describe the proposals, identify promising elements, and detail ways in which the proposals do not solve some important problems. Specifically, by using data that dramatically undercount low-income students in some districts - but not in others - this proposal leads some districts to receive significantly less aid for their schools than they would have received if their low-income students were being counted more accurately. This brief includes Chapter 70 detail under two alternative scenarios for every district in the Commonwealth. In Direct Certification for School Meals: Feeding Students, Counting Kids, Funding Schools we describe a number of solutions that would improve the effectiveness of the direct certification system and its ability to accurately identify low-income students. These solutions include extending the automatic matching system and including all relevant programs, improving the ability of the automated program to identify matches, expanding the ability of schools to resolve partial data matches, and making sure that all low-income families are enrolled in the food and health care programs for which they are eligible. By delaying the use of new direct certification data in the Chapter 70 formula and implementing the strategies that could make that data more comprehensive, the state could get a more accurate count of low-income kids for our school funding system and other programs. These efforts would also have the benefit of ensuring that families are enrolled in programs for which they are eligible, helping more kids and families avoid hunger and stay healthy. The Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center (MassBudget) produces policy research, analysis, and data-driven recommendations focused on improving the lives of low- and middle-income children and adults, strengthening our state's economy, and enhancing the quality of life in Massachusetts. MASSACHUSETTS BUDGET AND POLICY CENTER 15 COURT SQUARE, SUITE 700 BOSTON, MA 02108

Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center, 15 Court Square, Suite 700, Boston, MA 02108 Sent by nberger@massbudget.org in collaboration with screen grab of MassBudget report

Information Presentation on Death with Dignity

A Death with Dignity Informational Presentation will take place at the First Universalist Society, 262 Chestnut Street on Sunday, Feb 28th, from 1-2:30 p.m. 

The presenter will be Marie Manis, Massachusetts Campaign Manager for Compassion and Choices, which is the leading nonprofit organization working to improve care and expand choice at the end of life.

Compassion and Choices

For more than 30 years they have increased people's quality of life and given them added peace of mind in their final days – even when injury or illness takes their voice. They work to change attitudes, practices and policies so that everyone can access the information and options they need to have more control and comfort in their final days. 

You will hear more about the national aid in dying movement and the bill currently in the MA legislature co-sponsored by 29 lawmakers, and find out what you can do to support it. 

This event is open to the public.

In the News: Pond St discussion proceeds, Medway warrant pending state's decision

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin

"Talks have begun regarding a possible condominium development on Pond Street, though the matter will not come before the Town Council again this month. 

Earlier this month, the council took a non-binding straw poll vote in favor of an 85-unit development on a town-owned, 33-acre property on the street. The proposal would have a developer purchase the land for about $1.65 million. The council decided to have town staff draft a formal resolution, which would be voted upon at a future meeting. 

Town Administrator Jeffrey Nutting said that there had been some progress in talks with the developer. 

"We had an initial meeting just yesterday," he said Wednesday. "There will probably be a follow-up next week."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160217/franklin-pond-street-development-talks-progressing

An annual Town Meeting warrant article asking residents to approve a $75.2 million payment-in-lieu-of-taxes (PILOT) agreement with Exelon is currently a placeholder pending a state board’s decision on allowing the company’s proposed expansion to move forward, selectmen and town officials said Tuesday. 

Town Administrator Michael Boynton, while going over the May 9 special and annual Town Meeting warrants, suggested that if the article goes forward, it should be first. 

“It’s going to be the biggest discussion of the night,” he said.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/entertainmentlife/20160216/medway-exelon-pilot-article-placeholder

THE BLACK BOX Sets The Stage For Culinary Cabaret Food And Wine Event

The Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) presents Culinary Cabaret 2016 on Friday, March 4, from 7-11 p.m. at THE BLACK BOX, 15 West Central Street, in downtown Franklin. The annual food and wine event showcases the culinary and performing arts, featuring masterful dishes and gourmet specialties. The evening also includes a culinary-themed silent auction and entertainment by the ACME Jazz Quartet and the international touring ensemble Electric Youth.

Celebrating Culinary Cabaret’s 5th anniversary, FPAC is pleased to collaborate with exceptional area chefs and restaurants, including Davio’s Northern Italian Steakhouse, a Culinary Cabaret founding partner. Davio’s Executive Chef Paul King served up prime beef short rib and butternut squash purée garnished with crispy leeks in 2014 and fresh Maine lobster cake over a spicy slaw topped with a black olive aioli in 2015. The signature event’s 2016 reprise will once again pair food and art of outstanding and creative caliber and showcase an impressive roster of vendors to present an innovative evening of inspired cuisine.

Culinary Cabaret 2015 in THE BLACK BOX

Savor fine wines, craft beer, and delicious appetizers, desserts and dishes from Café Assisi, Genji Sushi, Jalapeno’s Mexican Grill, J and L Catering, Twist Bakery, 3 Restaurant, The Curry House and more. Pour Richard’s Wine and Spirits will partner restaurant stations with representatives from vineyards and distributors, who will pour wines specifically chosen to complement the chef-prepared specialties. Reflecting Pour Richard’s “Never Drink Ordinary” motto, beverages will feature small producers, high quality and eclectic selection.

Tickets for Culinary Cabaret are $75 and are fully inclusive of the evening’s food, wine, beer and entertainment. Event proceeds support Electric Youth’s 2016 European concert tour, featuring a July 4th performance for U.S. troops stationed at Aviano Air Force Base. For more information, visit www.FPAConline.com. Tickets may be purchased online at www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com or by phone at 508-528-3370.

Franklin Library: 2 events today - puppets and magic

Two events for the little kids today at the Franklin Library. 

Sparky's Puppets at 10:30 AM

Sparky's Puppets at Franklin Library

Greg the Magician and Axel, the magic dog at 1:30 PM

Greg and Axel at Franklin Library

These were shared from the Franklin Library pages

http://franklinpl.blogspot.com/2016/02/sparkys-puppets-tales-from-snowy-lands.html
http://franklinpl.blogspot.com/2016/02/greg-magician-and-axel-his-dog.html

LiveARTS presents Cynthia Raim - Feb 21

The Detroit-born, Curtis-bred, Philadelphia-based pianist, Cynthia Raim, is no stranger to LiveARTS. Indeed, like Linda Bento-Rei, she too was an early advisor, sympathetic friend, and “encourager” supreme during LiveARTS’ beginnings and early years. 

pianist Cynthia Raim

Nor is she a stranger to the LiveARTS audience who gasp audibly with expectant pleasure whenever her name is mentioned: another close and dear friend. One of Rudolf Serkin’s most gifted students, early on she received worldwide acclaim as the winner of the coveted musicians’ musician’s Clara Haskil medal. 

Of more immediate interest to us, arising from her early career, is another win: the International Bach Competition. This year, Cynthia Raim comes back to LiveARTS--and back to Bach. LiveARTS is privileged to announce that it will present one of the first-place winners of the International Bach Competition in the rarely performed Goldberg Variations, perhaps universally acknowledged Johann Sebastian Bach’s noblest composition for keyboard. This performance is simply not to be missed.

For additional information on the LiveARTS performances visit
http://www.liveartsma.org/

Franklin Downtown Partnership: Networking Luncheon This Friday

Franklin Downtown Partnership  9 E. Central Street, Franklin, MA  02038 (774) 571-3109   downtown.franklin@yahoo.com Reminder: Networking Luncheon Friday Join the Franklin Downtown Partnership at our Networking Luncheon  1 p.m. Friday, February 19 Dean College's Smith Dining Center Make contacts, share information, form collaborations.  Connect with the Networking Committee to reserve your seat at the table: Gary Donelan, gary.donelan@middlesexbank.com Matt Lechter, mlechter@dean.edu Franklin Downtown Partnership | 774-571-3109 | franklindowntownpartnership.org Connect with us:

Forward this email Franklin Downtown Partnership | 9 E. Central St. | Franklin | MA | 02038

Franklin Art Association - March 2 meeting

The Franklin Art Association will meet on Wednesday, March 2, from 6:30 to 9:00 pm at the Franklin Senior Center, 10 Daniel McCahill Street.

Franklin Art Association

Refreshments and socialization will begin at 6:30 

The program will feature Rockport artist Chris Coyne. Chris will do a watercolor demo. 

Meetings are free and open to the public. 

For more information please visit our web site at www.franklinart.org or www.facebook.com/FranklinArtAssoc

......

Chris Coyne is a Rockport Massachusetts based plein air painter working in the Cape Ann tradition. Using Gruppe's palette he paints in both oils and watercolors and is comfortable in the field or in the studio. 

A member of numerous art associations, he plies his trade from mountain to sea, producing marine art, landscapes and village scenes, as well as the occasional portrait and still life. 

Both traditionally trained and self taught, Mr Coyne enjoys giving back to the art by sharing his love of painting and art through teaching and demonstrating in the classroom and in the field. 

website: www.coynefineart.com

Franklin Resident Earns National Gold Medal From The Royal Conservatory Music Development Program

The Royal Conservatory Music Development Program congratulates Franklin resident Prem Pendkar, 11, who earned the National Gold Medal for scoring the top mark in the country on the Level 5 Voice assessment. Prem studies with Lisa Ostrow at Encore Music Academy and Recording Studios, a Music Development Program Founding School. 

National Gold Medals are awarded each academic year (September 1 to August 31) to Music Development Program students in Preparatory A and B and Levels 1 to 10 who achieve the highest standard of excellence in the United States. Eligible candidates must score at least 80% on their assessment and must have completed the co-requisite theory requirements for their respective level and discipline. Sixty-nine students earned National Gold Medals this year, two of whom are from Massachusetts.

In addition to recognizing the top scorers in The Royal Conservatory Music Development Program, National Gold Medals honor music teachers across the United States for the time and effort put into training their students. The Royal Conservatory Music Development Program provides a recognized national standard of success in music study from beginner to advanced levels. It inspires excellence through individual student assessments that are central to the program while also supporting teachers with high-quality and innovative resources. 

The Royal Conservatory Music Development Program allows students to measure and celebrate accomplishment and track their progress across the country. All students and teachers across the United States are invited to participate. To learn more, please visit www.MusicDevelopmentProgram.org.

The Royal Conservatory Music Development Program

Try Hockey For Free Day!

This event is designed to provide kids, between the ages of 4 to 9, a completely free experience to try youth hockey. 

A limited amount of equipment is available to borrow. Our top coaches will be on the ice to assist your child in learning the basics. 

Your son or daughter does not need any previous skating or hockey experience.

When: 02/20/2016
Start Time: 1:30 PM
End Time: 2:20 PM
Where: Pirelli Veterans Arena, Panther Way

Register here

Try Hockey For Free Day!

Kenny Hadley's BIg Band at THE BLACK BOX - Jazz Brunch - March 6

Drummer Kenny Hadley is Franklin Performing Arts Company’s go-to guy for live music. The company, now celebrating a milestone 25th anniversary, showcases professional musicians for all mainstage productions and presents an ambitious schedule of music series events at THE BLACK BOX, FPAC’s new home and performance venue. Hadley’s relationship with FPAC goes back to 1995 when the drummer played the debut production of ’Tis the Season!, FPAC’s original holiday musical.

The company’s orchestra contractor since the mid-2000s, Hadley now hires for six FPAC productions annually. At THE BLACK BOX this season, Hadley has played performances ranging from The Addams Family musical and Cabaret Series dates to a reunion gig with the R and B band Soul Kitchen and a Jazz Series presentation with his own critically acclaimed Kenny Hadley Big Band.

“I’ve met so many people over the years – guys that play all the theaters downtown and tour with major acts,” says Hadley, of the musicians he brings to Franklin. “They get what we’re trying to do at THE BLACK BOX. It’s good work with a good vibe – very cool, very hip. The level of musicianship is really high so they know that when they come down here they’re going to be playing with a really great band.”

THE BLACK BOX grew out of an office building in the heart of downtown Franklin. The project blew out the facility’s second floor to create a two-story, flexible space with 360-degree catwalk. When Tony Award winner Beth Leavel headlined the venue’s grand opening celebration in September 2014, Hadley recalls being thrilled with the acoustics.

“It’s a unique, great-sounding room,” notes Hadley. “I’ve since played it in so many configurations – in every corner of the building, top and bottom, and in different genres and situations. The clarity is amazing. It has a live quality, like you get in a good concert hall but with a different shape and size. A lot of places try to manufacture that, but this has it naturally.”

FPAC received a $220,000 grant from the Massachusetts Cultural Facilities Fund (MCFF) in 2015 to support capital improvements at THE BLACK BOX, including sound and lighting systems, second-floor accessibility and a marquee. The award, the largest granted by the MCFF to a MetroWest arts organization during that funding cycle, affirmed the venue’s potential for transformative and cultural impact in the region.

“I think it’s a gem at a time when live music venues are falling by the wayside,” notes Hadley. “This place has come out and accomplished so much in so short a time. And we just keep tweaking to make it better and better.”

The inaugural season at THE BLACK BOX doubled FPAC’s production schedule and launched Jazz, Cabaret, Children’s, Local Artists, New England Artists, and Summer Concert Series, establishing the venue as a suburban hub for great music. This second year has already welcomed a new Classical Series, which opened in November with violinist Irina Fainkichen and pianist Irina Kotlyar.

Kenny Hadley's BIg Band at THE BLACK BOX

Hadley sees only positives in FPAC’s commitment to live music as a defining element of company productions and as a key focus in the venue’s programming. “THE BLACK BOX was a game changer in terms of opportunity,” he says. “Things were swingin’ before THE BLACK BOX, but this kicks it up a notch in terms of what we can do.”

Youth development in the arts is another core component of FPAC’s mission, and Hadley views THE BLACK BOX as influential to students’ growth as artists and audience members. “You can learn so much and find inspiration,” he says about hearing live music. “What better way to get them excited about this stuff.”

Hadley was 14 when he first heard Buddy Rich’s band play live at Lennie’s-on-the-Turnpike in Peabody. He caught Duke Ellington at The Boston Globe Jazz Festival. “It was the tail end of that era. I saw Basie ten, fifteen times. I saw Kenton, Maynard.” Hadley formed his own big band at 23 and has grown that 16-piece juggernaut to showcase a renowned rotation of some 45 or 50 players – masterful musicians with performance ties to Big Band legends Woody Herman, Count Basie, Stan Kenton, Maynard Ferguson, Buddy Rich and more. The Kenny Hadley Big Band will headline a jazz brunch at THE BLACK BOX on Sunday, March 6 at 11:30 a.m.

For tickets to the Kenny Hadley Big Band Brunch or for more information about FPAC’s season and other presented events at THE BLACK BOX, visit www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com or call (508) 528-3370.

Girl Scout Cookie And Wine Tasting

Girl Scout Cookie And Wine Tasting 

It's that time of year…yes Girl Scout cookie time. 

Time to turn it up a notch by pairing wines with these treats. 

Admit it you love wine and you secretly every year like Girl Scout cookies. 

There has been many online pairings posted now it's our turn. 

At this premium club event will we pair 6 wines with 6 cookies. 

$15 Per Person on February 25th at 7pm

http://www.meetup.com/Franklin-Wine-Club/events/228727738/

Franklin Liquors

FHS Indoor Track D1 State Meet Results

The MIAA held its Division 1 State Meet on Thursday at the Reggie Lewis Center. From Hockomock Sports we share the results for Franklin's indoor track athletes.

FHS Panthers

Boys D1 Results

300M (Meet record held by Attleboro’s Hafiz Greigre in 2003 – 34.92)
13. Luke Gordon, Franklin – 37.89

600M = 21. Dominic Giardini, Franklin – 1:28.59

1000M  = 18. Jimmy Robbins, Franklin – 2:45.52

1 Mile = 13. Ryan Spelman, Franklin – 4:37.75

High Jump = 9. Luke Gordon, Franklin – 5-08.00

Long Jump = 10. Chris Chieng, Franklin – 19-07.00
21. Michael Bullen, Franklin – 18-01.00

Girls D1 Results

Teams
8. Franklin – 27

55M Dash = 3. Jessica Kroushl, Franklin – 7.47

300M = 7. Halle Atkinston, Franklin – 42.07

600M (Meet record held by Franklin’s Kendal Knous in 2013 – 1:34.15)
8. Julia Fenerty, Franklin – 1:41.41

1 Mile = 5. Nicole Clermont, Franklin – 5:11.04

2 Mile = 9. Sabrina Roche, Franklin – 11:54.02

4×200 Relay = 8. Franklin – 1:48.72

4×400 Relay = 4. Franklin – 4:05.45

4×800 Relay = 3. Franklin – 9:38.55

High Jump = 23. Lauren Farnan, Franklin – J4-08.00
23. Beth Neal, Franklin – J4-08.00

Long Jump = 24. Beth Neal, Franklin – 14-07.50

Shot Put = 7. Sarah Goodwin, Franklin – 32-01.25

For all the Hockomock results for the D1 and D4 meets
http://www.hockomocksports.com/miaa-d1-d4-indoor-track-state-meet-results/

FHS boys basketball and girls hockey lost games on Monday

Boys Basketball

• Franklin, 74 vs. Brighton, 83 – Final 

– Tim Prunier scored a team-high 22 points and was named to the Comcast/Arbella All Tournament team. Paul Mahon added 15 points, Connor Goldstein scored 13 points and Kevin Gill finished with 11 points.

FHS Panthers

Girls Hockey

• Canton, 2 @ Franklin, 0 – Final

For the remainder of the results around the Hockomock League on Monday
http://www.hockomocksports.com/mondays-schedule-scoreboard-021516/

In the News: home buying boot camp, public comment welcomed, big ban brunch

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin

Michael Shain, senior loan originator with Village Mortgage in Milford, will offer a “Home Buying Boot Camp” in conjunction with the Tri-County Adult Education Program from 6:30 to 8 p.m. March 8 at the Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School, 147 Pond St. 

Attendees will learn about the mortgage process so they can get a better understanding of how a loan is approved. Additionally, they will learn about the roles the Realtor, lender, attorney and home inspector play in the home buying process. Shain will also discuss the importance of credit.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160215/michael-shain-to-present-home-buying-boot-camp-in-franklin

Public comment is being welcomed on a proposal aimed at reducing local power bills. 

The town is looking to partner with Marlborough firm Colonial Power Group to pursue municipal electrical aggregation, in which groups look to lower electrical rates by shopping among different suppliers, using their large numbers of customers as negotiation leverage. 

Deputy Town Administrator Jamie Hellen said the public review and comment period for the proposal opened at noon on Friday. 

"A public comment period is required under state law," he said. "We're looking to get feedback on the proposed plan, which is on our website."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160214/franklin-public-comment-sought-on-energy-plan

Drummer Kenny Hadley is Franklin Performing Arts Company’s go-to guy for live music. The company, now celebrating a milestone 25th anniversary, showcases professional musicians for all mainstage productions and presents an ambitious schedule of music series events at The Black Box, FPAC’s new home and performance venue. 

Hadley’s relationship with FPAC goes back to 1995 when the drummer played the debut production of “’Tis the Season!,” FPAC’s original holiday musical. The company’s orchestra contractor since the mid-2000s, Hadley now hires for six FPAC productions annually. 

At The Black Box this season, Hadley has played performances ranging from “The Addams Family” musical and Cabaret Series dates to a reunion gig with the R and B band Soul Kitchen and a Jazz Series presentation with his own critically acclaimed Kenny Hadley Big Band.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160215/kenny-hadley-big-band-to-headline-black-box-brunch

In the News: DelCarte ecology study released, bylaw considered on alcohol training

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin

The town released the results of a study on the ponds at the DelCarte Conservation Area last week. 

The study, conducted by the Rhode Island firm ESS Group, lays out the challenges faced by the four ponds on the property and the best ways to address them. It concludes that the bodies of water do have threats to their ecological health. 

"Opportunities that are currently afforded by the pond system include fishing, canoeing, hiking and wildlife viewing," the report reads. "The system is significantly impacted by non-native aquatic plants (milfoil and water chestnut), which are reducing the ponds' capacity to provide the ecologically healthy habitat that these activities rely upon."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160216/franklin-releases-delcarte-pond-study

The north pond at DelCarte

The Town Council is considering a proposal that would require training for anyone who serves alcohol in town. 

Town officials have written a draft bylaw requiring managers, bartenders and all employees who sell or serve alcohol to undergo "safe service of alcohol" training. The town will circulate the draft among affected parties and the council is set to take up the subject at a future meeting. 

Town Councilor Andrew Bissanti had raised the matter at several council meetings, as he said the current system - in which some businesses train of their own volition - is insufficient. 

"A lot of times, bartenders and servers have no alcohol-awareness training," he said Monday. "It just made no sense to me."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160215/franklin-considers-alcohol-training-requirement

Ecological and Management Study of the DelCarte Ponds

You may recall that a study was being done on the ecology of the DelCarte Open Space to help determine what to do about improving the fishing opportunity. 

Invasive plant species were reported to be spreading their impact. Over time the species could make the pond less habitable for fish. Why bother stocking the ponds if the fish weren't going to last? 

The study has just been published on the Franklin webpage. A copy of the report has been posted here for your convenience:





You can also find this report on the Franklin page
http://franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_News/02328F4E-000F8513

fall color along the north pond at DelCarte, Oct 2015

• Video from Dec 2012

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/12/delcarte-property-video.html

• Video from Oct 2013

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/10/delcarte-property-video.html

• Video from Mar 2014

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/03/delcarte-property-winter-wonderland.html

• The 'phantom ecologist' can do better

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/the-phantom-ecologist-can-do-better.html

Poll workers needed

The MA Presidential Primary is approaching March 1. Poll workers are needed for this and other elections in Franklin.

Requirements:

• Must be a registered voter
• Must be over 18 years old
• Must be able to read, write, and speak English
• Must attend a MANDATORY Training Session on February 19, 2016 @ 1:30 PM at the Municipal Building, 355 East Central St., Franklin, MA
• Must have own transportation to polling location

Basic Duties:

• Prepare the poll site for voters
• Check in voters, distribute ballots, count ballots, etc.
• Assist other Poll Workers as needed

Hours and Location:

Full day, polls open at 6:00AM and close at 8:00PM location is at the Franklin High School, 218 Oak Street, Franklin, MA.

I want to apply!

You can apply to become an election worker by simply submitting a letter of interest to Teresa M. Burr, Town Clerk and returning it to the clerk's office.

We will supply coffee, pastries, lunch and dinner. The pay is $10.00 per hour. Thank you for supporting our town.

Community entrance to FHS gymnasium, the voting location for all of Franklin

Updated: yes, the proper presidential primary date is 3/1/16. Thanks to my readers eagle eyes for the catch!

In tournament action, the FHS girls basketball team won and the boys team lost

"As the regular season winds down, Franklin starts to look for challenges not only outside the Hockomock but also outside the South bracket. That means venturing to the 14th annual Westborough Invitational Tournament and a chance to play against potential opponents from Div. 1 Central. 

On Sunday afternoon, Franklin faced Algonquin, which is on the edge of qualifying for the postseason in a first round game of the tournament, which the Panthers last won in 2011. Led by 14 points and 15 rebounds from senior forward Aubrie Kutil, Franklin pulled away from the Tomahawks to earn a 51-36 victory. 

“Aubrie does so much more than rebounds and points,” said Franklin coach John Leighton. I”t’s her composure, it’s her toughness…it calms everyone else down. You never see her rattled. When we’re in the huddle pregame, she’s the one who has everyone focused.”

Continue reading the article online
http://www.hockomocksports.com/kutil-powers-franklin-girls-basketball-to-win-at-westborough-tourney/

Franklin senior Aubrie Kutil (34) scored 14 points and pulled down 15 rebounds in a win over Algonquin at Westboro High. (Josh Perry/HockomockSports.com)

Additional photos from the FHS girls game on Sunday
https://hockomocksports.smugmug.com/20152016/Winter-201516/Franklin-Algonquin-Girls/

"First it was overcoming a 14-0 hole to start the game. 

Then it was battling all the way back with a huge second quarter to get within four at halftime. 

Then it was clawing back from a double-digit deficit in the second half to get within two points in the fourth quarter. 

Despite multiple comeback runs, the Panthers could never equal Everett, dropping their third straight by the score of 80-71."

Continue reading the article online

http://www.hockomocksports.com/franklin-boys-basketball-multiple-comeback-attempts-come-up-short/

Franklin’s Tim Prunier, who scored a career-high 25 points, pulls up for a shot in the second half against Everett. (Ryan Lanigan/HockomockSports.com)

Reminder: trash pickup is NOT delayed this week

Please remember trash pickup is NOT delayed this week despite the Presidents' Day Holiday. 

Trash is ONLY delayed for Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's, Memorial Day, Independence Day and Labor Day

the trees have been picked up and trash is NOT delayed this week for President's Day

Shared from the official Franklin webpage
http://franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_News/023299DB-000F8513