Blessing of the Backpacks Sept. 11

The Franklin Federated Church will help kick off the school year with a Blessing of the Backpacks during worship Sunday, Sept. 11 at 10 AM at the church at 171 Main Street. Children and youth of all ages are invited to bring their backpacks to worship for a special blessing.

Sept. 11th is Rally Sunday at FFC, meaning it is the kickoff to the program year. Prior to worship, beginning at 9:30 AM, parents can register their children, ages preschool through grade 8, for Sunday School. Adults will receive information and signup cards for this fall's Connect Groups - weekly, small group gatherings where participants do everything from attending movies to playing party games to sampling beer together. All are welcome to sign up for a group.

Following worship will be a potluck luncheon - all are welcome to come and partake. Sunday School registration will continue during the luncheon.

So come and kick off the school year with Franklin Federated! No matter who you are, or where you are on life's journey, you are welcome here. Get more information at www.franklinfederated.org or www.facebook.com/franklinfederated.

Franklin Federated Church on Main St

FHS field hockey and football outlook from Hockomock Sports

With the return to school, the fall sports season resumes and Hockomock Sports has posted their Hockomock League outlook for field hockey and the outlook for the football team in the Kelly-Rex Division.

FRANKLIN - field hockey

2015 Record: 16-3-2
2015 Finish: Reached D1 South Semifinal
Coach: Lisa Cropper

Franklin has six returning starters back and a total of 10 seniors, setting the Panthers up for another successful season. It’s a mix of all grades for the Panthers, with seniors and captains Caroline Lounsbury, Dana Lewandowski and Kayla Marshall leading the way. Lounsbury and Lewandowski will patrol the midfield along with sophomore Cassie Ronan. Marshall will be a key piece in the defense along with junior Kate Morse. Sophomore Annie Walsh, the 2015 HockomockSports.com Underclassman of the Year, will lead a potent attack along with freshmen Maeve Ledwith and Erin Walsh. 

“We have a solid group of field players with some young scoring talent and some depth on the bench,” head coach Lisa Cropper said. “Losing two-time Hock All-Star Samantha Jones to graduation leaves a hole in goal to fill, but if our defense plays strong while our inexperienced goalies develop, we should be able to contend for the league title.”

Find out about the other field hockey team in the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/2016-hockomock-field-hockey-preview/

FHS Panthers

FRANKLIN - football

2015 Record: 2-9
2015 Finish: Missed playoffs
Coach: Eian Bain

Key/Returning Players:
Jacob Wolowacki, Sr., RB; Packie Watson, Sr., WR/DB; Joey Blasie, Sr., WR/DB; John Fenton, Sr., OL/DL; Jake Noviello, Jr., QB; Jake Lyons, Sr., RB/DB; Brad Jarosz, Sr., FB/DL; Nick Gordon, So., QB/DB; Khyler Colella, Sr., RB/LB

Outlook:There is a lot of energy in the Franklin camp over the past couple of weeks, as new head coach Eian Bain takes over from longtime coach Brad Sidwell and looks to give the Panthers a boost after three straight one-win seasons in the Kelley-Rex division. Bain said that he expects there to be a “different vibe” from the team this season. 

The Panthers have a lot of experience coming back this season starting in the backfield with quarterbacks Jake Noviello (junior) and Alex Cregg (senior), who both saw action last season. Whoever is starting will have a host of experienced receivers to look for with Eddie Scannapieco, Packie Watson, and Joey Blasie on the outside and 6’5 Connor Peterson at tight end. The bulk of the offense will run through senior tailback Jacob Wolowacki, who emerged last year as a go-to back with three touchdown runs. 

Defensively, Franklin has a lot of talent returning in the back seven led by senior safety Jake Lyons, who will also help out as a running back on offense. The secondary also includes Kyle McInery and Nick Gordon with Justin O’Callahan, Bruce Johnson and Khyler Colella manning the linebacker positions. Brad Jarosz will add size to the defensive end position. 

Bain said, “It has been an uptempo, high energy camp in Franklin. Players have answered the bell every step of the way to learn both new offensive and defensive systems. While still a work in progress, the team is making strides every day.”

Read about the other footballs team in the Kelly-Rex Division
https://hockomocksports.com/2016-kelley-rex-football-preview/

Adult Chorus & Small Group Voice Lessons Available

Become a Member     Franklin Forte   Franklin's Newest Adult Choral Group OR Sign up for Group Voice Lessons  Click Here MUSIC, MUSIC MUSIC     Sing, Sing, Sing Have you ever wanted to learn to sing as part of an ensemble OR have you wanted to take small group voice lessons?  If so, Franklin Public Schools, Center for Adult Education & Community Learning has an adult choral group AND small group voice lessons,  directed by Ms. Jill Noddin. The ENSEMBLE sings contemporary repertoire and rehearses Tuesday evenings from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM at Franklin High School on Oak Street. The SMALL GROUP VOICE LESSONS class meets on Monday evenings from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Franklin High School on Oak Street. No auditions necessary. For more info., call 508-613-1480    New classes begin September 12 & 137:00 PM at Franklin High School Take advantage of these opportunities today $100 REGISTER NOW "If I cannot fly, let me sing." Stephen Sondheim

FPS- Lifelong Learning, 355 East Central Street, Franklin, MA 02038 Sent by adulted@franklin.k12.ma.us in collaboration with Try it free today

An Evening with Tom Rush Sep 24th

Garnet Rogers this Saturday, Sep 10th. Tom Rush Sep 24th.  Order tickets now. This show will sell out. View this email in your browser An Evening with TOM RUSH September 24th, $35 "Tom was not only one of my early heroes, but also one of my main influences."  -James Taylor On Saturday, September 24th, at 8PM  the legendary Tom Rush will return to the Circle of Friends Coffeehouse. Tom's impact on the American music scene has been profound. He helped shape the folk revival in the '60s and the renaissance of the '80s and '90s, his music having left its stamp on generations of artists. James Taylor told Rolling Stone, "Tom was not only one of my early heroes, but also one of my main influences." Country music star Garth Brooks has credited Rush with being one of his top five musical influences. Tom's distinctive guitar style, wry humor and warm, expressive voice have made him both a legend and a lure to audiences around the world. His shows are filled with the rib-aching laughter of terrific story-telling, the sweet melancholy of ballads and the passion of gritty blues.  http://tomrush.com/ Order tickets now to avoid disappointment.  Tom has been at Circle of Friends several times and each show has been a sellout. The Circle of Friends Coffeehouse is a non-profit organization affiliated with Franklin's First Universalist Society. Concerts are presented in a smoke free and alcohol free environment at the Society's handicapped accessible Meetinghouse, 262 Chestnut St. in Franklin, and begin at 8:00 PM; doors open at 7:30 PM. Beverages and gourmet desserts will be available.  Admission for this very special show is $35.  Please call (508)528-2541 or visit http://www.circlefolk.org/ to purchase tickets or for more information. Upcoming Shows Oct 15     Jim Henry and Abbie Gardner (Red Molly) Nov 5      Three Rising Stars - Matt Nakoa, Rachael Kilgour, and Kirsten Maxwell Nov 19    The Kennedys Dec 3       Ellis Paul Dec 10     A Celtic Christmas featuring Robbie O'Connell and Rose Clancy

Circle of Friends Coffeehouse · First Universalist Society · 262 Chestnut St · Franklin, MA 02038 · USA

In the News: Council consider charter, fire marshal rules propane leak

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

"Citing several concerns - including the hiring process - town councilors explored the possibility of revising the town charter. 

The council invited several members from past charter reviews to discuss their efforts and offer their suggestions about future amendment, if any. 

James Dacey, the chairman of the 1995 review commission, said his group was formed in response to a specific situation: the town council ballooning to 17 members. His commission recommended several changes that were adopted, including a nine-member council with concurrent, two-year terms."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160907/franklin-council-ponders-charter-change

"State officials determined that a propane leak caused a 2015 explosion that killed two people, though other facts have yet to be determined. 

Nancy and Richard Brown, both 66, perished as the result of the blast, which took place at their condominium at 58 Tuscany Drive on Oct. 10. 

State Fire Marshal Peter Ostroskey - along with Franklin Fire Chief Gary McCarraher and Police Chief Thomas Lynch - announced the results of their investigation on Wednesday. 

According to a release from the fire marshal's office, the leak came from one of two sources - a gas fireplace or the unit's heating system - and the cause of the ignition is still unknown. As that morning was cool, the release states, the heating system could have turned on - though the possibility that the fireplace was left running has not been ruled out. The unit's gas piping and burner have been set for future testing - that investigation will be undertaken independently by the involved insurance companies."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160907/franklin-propane-leak-culprit-in-fatal-explosion

In the News: legislature struggles with language bill, some farms get aid for drought

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

"Dueling language in House and Senate bills updating the state's English language learning law - passed by voters more than a decade ago - has left key backers with mixed opinions about whether it can advance to Gov. Charlie Baker's desk in the remaining four months of the legislative session. 

"We're at a point now where we are so far apart on details that we care about, so I'm not sure if we can do something. I'm hopeful that we can come together," said Sen. Sal DiDomenico, the original Senate sponsor, who said he plans to discuss differences between the bills with House sponsor Rep. Jeffrey Sanchez. 

House and Senate lawmakers plan to meet in informal sessions for the remainder of the year where it's unlikely that controversial legislation will be advanced without a compromise on the measure between both branches.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160907/english-language-learner-bill-still-in-play-on-beacon-hill

"Massachusetts farmers are finally getting the help they need after a long, dry summer and drought has devastated some local crops. 

Thanks to the summer-long drought, four counties in Massachusetts are now eligible for Emergency Loan assistance from the U.S. Department of Agriculture as of Aug. 31. 

The counties of Worcester, Middlesex, Franklin and Essex are now eligible for the assistance. 

To receive the designation, a county has to be designated as being in a severe drought - according to the U.S. Drought Monitor – for eight consecutive weeks and/or have a higher drought intensity value for any amount of time."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160907/mass-farmers-get-federal-state-aid

Live reporting: closing

K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

another 3-4 weeks to work the punch list items

Oct 6th Harvest Stroll
ribbon cutting for the downtown at 4:00 that day


L. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Bissanti
Conservation Agent still infringing with scary paperwork
enforcing man-made catch basins
I understand he has a job to do, we don't need soil scientists to do these things

we have a grandfathered lot bylaw but that only applies to residential
can we get inroads on that getting to industrial

Pfeffer
what can we do with those watering with private wells
we should do something

Mercer
TA has spoken with the fire chief on the assisted living centers
5 calls to the same site inside of 24 hours
I would like to see how far along the Chief has gotten

M. COUNCIL COMMENTS
Pellegri
Elks put out 2977 flags with the help of boys scouts
through Sep 17th on Pond St

appraisal day on Friday, Sep 15th
$5 per item, check on the Museum website

met with the Horace Mann sculpture coming along
base going up now, statue to get up before May 2017
thanks to Roger Calarese for what he is doing for us

Padula
I saw the flags it is beautiful

Mercer
the flags at the Elks, the boys scouts and their families
happy anniversary to Pellegri

Jones
school is open, please drive safely
there is suprisingly water on the ground
this will not be enough to help our drought
we should look at well use restrictions

Harlem Wizards - Fri Nov 18th at Tri-County
tickets were sold out in advance
sponsorships available
all for the kids

Dellorco
happy anniversary to my wife, 25 years today

Bissanti
there were people against the Emmons St project

folks are already being worked to replace the funeral basins

Kelly
Can we get the DOT to pick up the barrels all around town?


O. ADJOURN