FHS Chaudhury, Stowell selected to Best XI for Hockomock boys soccer

We share the HockomockSports.com boys soccer awards for FHS. Note: all photos from HockomockSports.com

HOCKOMOCKSPORTS.COM BEST XI

Nitin Chaudhury

Nitin Chaudhury – Franklin – Midfield
Franklin senior Nitin Chaudhury continued to be one of the most consistently good players on the pitch during the 2018 season. Not a flashy player or one for a lot of stats, Chaudhury does all of the small things right that can often go unnoticed. His work ethic was contagious and spread throughout the team, helping the Panthers record double-digit wins this season. “He’s an outstanding athlete, great leader, and the hardest worker on our team,” said Franklin coach Fran Bositis. “He set the tone for everyone else to follow.”

Sam Stowell

Sam Stowell – Franklin – Defense
Franklin junior Sam Stowell was a rock in the back for the Panthers during the 2018 season. Stowell is one of the more experienced defenders in the league despite being just a junior. The Panthers had one of the top defensive teams in the league, allowing just 20 goals this year, with Stowell in the heart of that group. Stowell was a big reason Franklin went 7-1-1 in its final nine games. “Sam is an excellent defender who was the leader of our defense and one of the primary reasons we were able to turn things around the second half of the season,” said Franklin coach Fran Bositis.




For all the awards for boys soccer
https://hockomocksports.com/awards/boys-soccer/2018-2/

FHS Paterson, Quinn recognized as 'players to watch'; Hockomock League girls hockey preview

Via HockomockSports we share the FHS information from the "Top 10 girls hockey players to watch" and the FHS girls hockey preview. 


REGAN PATERSON, SENIOR – FRANKLIN

The Panthers had a strong season in 2017-18 and Paterson’s return is a major reason why confidence is high that Franklin can put together another run at the postseason and also put together a challenge for the league title. One of the most skilled forwards in the league, Paterson has the rare ability to pick up the puck in the defensive zone and carry it through the opposition to create a scoring chance on the opposite end.  

She also showed the patience and confidence in possession to bring the puck backwards if it will open up space. Paterson led the league with 18 goals and 25 points in the regular season last winter and she was able to create scoring chances for a talented group of underclassmen forwards. If the Panthers are going to push Canton in the league this season (after handing the Bulldogs their only league loss last year), Paterson’s leadership and scoring will be key.

VICTORIA QUINN, SOPHOMORE – FRANKLIN

The Panthers have the potential to be one of the teams to watch out for in the league this season and a lot of that comes from the talented group of young forwards who stepped in an provided immediate contributions last year. Quinn was one of those rookies who stepped in an instantly proved that she belonged at that level, scoring 16 points on five goals and 11 assists, with her speed, tenacity, and ability to finish.  

Along with classmates Amanda Lewandowski (forward) and Libby Carter (defense), the freshmen combined for 16 goals altogether and helped the Panthers score 69 goals as a team, which was second best in the Hock. Quinn has the potential to pair up with Regan Paterson and provide one of the top scoring groups in the league again this year.

for the other players to watch around the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/hockomock-girls-hockey-players-to-watch-in-2018-2019/


FRANKLIN
2017-2018 Record: 14-4-4
2017-2018 Finish: Reached Div. 1 first round.
Coach: Margie Burke

Franklin had a very strong 2017-18 season, winning 14 games, including one in the postseason, and will try to build on that momentum to make another run at the postseason and to challenge inaugural league champ Canton at the top of the standings.

There is plenty of experience coming back to power the Panthers up the league standings. Senior Regan Paterson is one of the league’s top skaters and was the league’s top scorer last year with 18 goals and seven assists. Sophomores Victoria Quinn, Amanda Lewandowski, and Libby Carter (who was listed as a defenseman) will also provide offense after combining for 16 goals as freshmen. Junior Jordan Dwyer is also back up top after a 12-point season last year. While this a lot of youth in the forward lines, all saw time last season.

Defense will be one of the team’s strengths this season, with juniors Tina Pisano, Gina Vignone, and Gianna Cameron and senior Cassi Ronan all back to lead a veteran crew. One of the biggest changes for the Panthers will be in goal. Natalie Stott had an impressive freshman campaign but left to attend prep school, so Franklin will turn to sophomore Gabby Colace, who allowed only 0.56 goals against, saved 96 percent of the shots she faced, and had three shutouts as a freshman, and is ready to step into a bigger role. Senior Gianna Cornetta will also see time in net.

Franklin coach Margie Burke, who was honored with the National Ice Hockey Officials Association (NIHOA) Coach of the Year award last March, said, “I expect the hockey [in the league] to be very competitive again this year.”

Continue reading the girls hockey preview
https://hockomocksports.com/2018-2019-hockomock-girls-hockey-preview/

FHS Panthers

Both FHS girls and boys basketball teams top Milford

Via HockomockSports we share the results of the FHS sports action on Tuesday, Dec 11, 2018


Boys Basketball - Milford, 29 @ Franklin, 64 – Final
– After a slow first quarter for both teams (8-4 Panthers), Franklin built a 25-12 lead at halftime and kept that lead the rest of the way in a win over Milford. Franklin junior Chris Edgehill scored 17 of his game-high 25 points in the second half to keep the Panthers ahead while Jalen Samuels chipped in with 12 points. Franklin had five players score in a 17-point second quarter that helped create the separation. Senior Brendan White led the Hawks with 15 points.

Girls Basketball - Franklin, 61 @ Milford, 20 – Final
– Franklin jumped out in front early, leading 41-12 at halftime, and never looked back in both teams’ season opener. Ali Brigham scored 29 for the Panthers, who also got 10 points from Bea Bondhus and eight points from freshman Olivia Quinn in her varsity debut. Jillian Michelson scored seven points and Emma Lawrence had six for the Hawks.


For the other results around the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/tuesdays-schedule-scoreboard-12-11-18/

FHS Panthers

In the News: tunnel planning underway for rail trail; school funding revamp looked for; Holiday buffet at Gerry's Place

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

"The state Department of Conservation has given the town the go-ahead to design a tunnel that will connect the walking trail system from Bellingham to Franklin. 

The completed tunnel would provide a continuous pathway from Grove Street in Franklin into the connecting trail in Bellingham. 

The tunnel under Prospect Street in Franklin is a critical element in the trail. 

Trail users now have to cross the road and ascend down a steep, dirt path to get back to the path. There are remnants of an old tunnel."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20181211/franklin-readies-for-trail-improvements

tunnel planning underway for rail trail crossing on Prospect St

"A group of parents and advocates making their case for revamping the state’s school funding system on Monday nearly crossed paths with a top education official on his way to a budget office meeting. 

Members of Stand for Children Massachusetts delivered more than 1,700 letters to Gov. Charlie Baker, asking for what the group described as a more equitable school funding formula that would address rising and uncovered costs related to health care, English language learners and special education. 

As advocates stood outside Baker’s third-floor office discussing their request, Education Secretary James Peyser passed behind them, headed for the Executive Office of Administration and Finance. Peyser did not stop and talk with the group, telling reporters as he walked by that he was late for a meeting. 

“We’re in the middle of budget season,” Peyser said. “We’re obviously looking at everything and trying to do the best we can.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20181212/activists-seek-revamp-of-state-education-funding

"There was no aroma of international favorites wafting through the kitchen at Tri-Country Regional High School just yet. But there was the promise of them. 

On Tuesday afternoon, culinary arts students began some early prep work ahead of The international holiday buffet - a much-anticipated tradition at the school. 

This is the fifteenth year students learning the art of cookery have taken on the task of researching holiday dishes from around the globe and then presenting their finished dishes for the public to enjoy. The buffet will be held at Tri-County’s student-run restaurant, Gerry’s Place, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Thursday."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20181212/world-of-flavor-tri-county-students-prepare-for-annual-international-holiday-buffet

Tri-County Regional to Host Annual International Holiday Buffet on December 13

UPDATE: Pine Street Road Work completed

"Pine Street road is no longer closed for road work. Thank you for your patience."

In the News: police monitoring drunk driving closely; Court ruling on secret recordings

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

"Police will be looking for drugged and drunken drivers this holiday season as part of a campaign to make the roads safer, state public safety officials said Monday. 

They said the danger of driving while impaired by marijuana will be a central focus of the safe-driving campaign, which is the state’s first since stores began selling recreational marijuana in Massachusetts. The campaign will include television, public transit and internet advertisements in both English and Spanish. 

The Executive Office of Public Safety and Security plans to provide money to the State Police and 139 local departments to conduct “a stringent impaired driving enforcement effort” that will include sobriety checkpoints and patrols at high-incident locations. 

“Drivers impaired by marijuana, alcohol or any other drug threaten the safety of every other motorist on the road with them,” new Public Safety Secretary Thomas Turco said in a statement. “In 2016 alone, 79 innocent people were killed by impaired drivers. That’s unacceptable.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20181210/sober-drivers-safe-travels-urged-in-new-state-ad-campaign

"A federal judge has ruled that a Massachusetts law banning secret audio recordings of police or government officials is unconstitutional. 

MassLive.com reports Chief United State District Judge Patti Saris ruled Monday secret audio recordings of officials performing their duties in public is protected by the First Amendment. 

The conclusion of Sari’s decision reads, “the Court holds that Section 99 may not constitutionally prohibit the secret audio recording of government officials, including law enforcement officials, performing their duties in public spaces, subject to reasonable time, manner, and place restrictions.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20181211/federal-court-rules-ban-on-secret-recordings-unconstitutional-in-massachusetts

Franklin Cultural Council to Offer Artweek Festival Grants

The Franklin Cultural Council (FCC) announced today that it is again the community collaborator for ArtWeek, a statewide festival happening April 26 – May 5, 2019. Applications for the festival are now available at artweekma.org. 

The early bird deadline to submit an ArtWeek event is January 11, 2019 and the final deadline is February 22, 2019. The FCC will also be offering ArtWeek grants to events that are free and open to the public in Franklin. Grant applications open Dec. 15, 2018, and close Jan. 31, 2019.

ArtWeek is an award-winning innovative festival featuring hundreds of unique and creative experiences that are hands-on, interactive or offer behind-the-scenes access to arts, culture, and the creative process. Now an annual statewide festival, ArtWeek was born in Boston in 2013 and recently expanded its footprint across the Commonwealth.

"Franklin has one of the most vibrant arts scenes in MetroWest," says FCC Chair Stacey David. "Our role as a collaborator is to help artists, performers and venues partner together to create a truly memorable ArtWeek festival. Last year, there were 50 Franklin ArtWeek events, which was 10% of all the events in the state. We hope to offer as many again this year."

The Franklin Cultural Council ArtWeek grants are for up to $250 each for programs that are offered free of charge to the public, at a Franklin venue. Grant applications can be filed online at www.bit.ly/FCCartweekgrants. 

If you are an interested artist, educator, performer or venue that would like help creating an ArtWeek event, or for information on ArtWeek grants, please email FCC Chair Stacey David at franklinculturalcouncil02038@gmail.com.

About the Franklin Cultural Council — The mission of the Franklin Cultural Council (FCC) is to encourage participation and enhance opportunities for enrichment in the cultural arts and sciences throughout our community. Comprised of committed residents, the FCC meets monthly with the purpose of supporting events and programs through grants from the Town of Franklin, the Massachusetts Cultural Council, and the National Endowment for the Arts. 

About ArtWeek – Presented by Highland Street Foundation and produced by the Boch Center, ArtWeek has become an annual award-winning innovative festival featuring hundreds of unique and creative experiences. Statewide partners include: Mass Cultural Council, Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism as well as Mass Center for the Book, MASSCreative, MassHumanities, MassPoetry, New England Foundation for the Arts, New England Museum Association, Young Audiences of Massachusetts and VSA Massachusetts. To learn more about ArtWeek, visit www.artweekma.org.

Franklin Cultural Council to Offer
Artweek Festival Grants