In the News: Cultural District celebration; new transit grant program pitched

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

"In the famous words of author Neil Gaiman, “The world always seems brighter when you’ve just made something that wasn’t there before.” 

This was the main message Friday at Franklin’s official Cultural District dedication ceremony. And with several speakers sharing the same message, one thing became clear – Franklin residents are always being creative to make the town a brighter place. 

Franklin applied for the status last year after years of building up its programming and making the town a hub for arts and culture."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190511/franklin-celebrates-cultural-district-status

group photo with new sign at Franklin’s official Cultural District dedication ceremony

"State officials were in Framingham on Friday to pitch a new grant program that’s designed to increase workforce transit options throughout the state. 

“Transit is how we get more people to more places with less environmental impact, which is important as we move into the future,” said Astrid Glynn, rail and transit administrator for the Massachusetts Department of Transporation. 

The discussion was hosted by MassDOT, along with the Westborough-based 495/MetroWest Partnership and the Framingham-based MetroWest Regional Transit authority. About 50 people, mainly from area businesses, attended the forum, which was held at MWRTA headquarters on Blandin Avenue."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190511/massdot-pitches-new-transit-grant-program

Franklin Public Library: closed - Sunday, May 12

The Franklin Public Library will be closed on Sunday, May 12 for Mother's Day.

Franklin Public Library: closed - Sunday, May 12

This was shared from the Franklin page
https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library/bulletins/mothers-day

Regional Dispatch operational this week

"The Franklin Fire Department communications dispatchers have moved to a regional dispatch center. They have moved to the Metacomet Emegency Communications Center located in Norfolk. This now combines police/fire dispatchers from Norfolk, Plainville, Wrentham, and Franklin.

When calling 911 the call will now be answered at the regional dispatch center in Norfolk. When calling our business line (508-528-2323) you will be routed through a phone tree. Please select the option that best fits.

When visiting either of our Station’s (40 West Central St. & 600 King St.) you will notice an intercom call box inside our main entrance. The call box will be answered at the regional dispatch center. Please note that personnel may be away from the station on a call.

For permits, plan review, and business matters you can stop by our Headquarters (40 West Central St.) during our normal business hours: Monday – Thursday 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM and Friday 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM. If you wish to speak with someone regarding a fire prevention related issue then please call our main number (508-528-2323)."

This was shared from the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinma.gov/fire-department/urgent-alerts/franklin-fire-department-communications-center-has-moved-regional

Confirmation via Twitter from the Police Dept

Effective at 10am this morning, 911 and dispatch operations for the Franklin Police and Franklin Fire department will switch to the MECC. While this is a monumental change, residents of the Community should not see tremendous impact.

— Franklin Police (@franklinpolice) May 9, 2019

Residents will still call the same telephone numbers, and if they visit the Police Station during most hours will be greeted by a police officer.

— Franklin Police (@franklinpolice) May 9, 2019

In the event the Station has to be left unattended, there is an intercom system in the lobby of the building that will connect directly to the MECC where a dispatcher will be able to talk to them, and help.

— Franklin Police (@franklinpolice) May 9, 2019

As with any change, there may be bumps in the road. The Franklin Police Department is committed to continue to provide the highest level of service to the community. We appreciate your patience if you experience any disruption during the learning phase of this ambitious plan.

— Franklin Police (@franklinpolice) May 9, 2019

This has been a long time coming and is finally here. How long? The archives can help.

• In 2012, the Town Council voted to approve the process to begin the regionalization efforts

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/06/save-town-money-and-improve-efficiency.html

• In 2013, legislation was passed to allow for the regional center to be organized

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/06/whats-happening-in-10th-norfolk-district.html

• In 2014, the regional dispatch center received a community challenge grant to help with the organization and planning process

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/02/regional-dispatch-center-receives.html

• In 2017, the ground was finally broken for the dispatch center building

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/06/this-is-long-overdue.html

Metacomet Emergency Communications Center (Facebook photo)

Beautification Day Scheduled for May 18 - volunteers needed

Volunteers are needed for the Franklin Downtown Partnership and Franklin Garden Club's annual Beautification Day in downtown Franklin and the Town Common on Saturday, May 18.

Community service hours are available to high school sports teams, scout groups and students needing volunteer opportunities. Dozens of volunteers are needed to help plant flowers and greenery on the downtown bridge and in barrels in front of businesses. Volunteers with trucks are also needed to help pick up a few trays of flowers at 7 AM at Fairmount Fruit Farm, 887 Lincoln St., Franklin.

“Every year, we look forward to spring and planting red, white and blue flowers in Franklin,” said Beautification Day Chairperson Eileen Mason. “The flowers extend a warm welcome to the downtown area to both residents and visitors. Please consider helping us plant on May 18 - many hands make light work.”

Anyone who would like to lend a hand can grab their garden gloves and meet at 8 AM in the small commuter parking lot on West Central Street near Central Pizza and Hair Mania. Work is expected to wrap up by 11 AM, or earlier if there are more volunteers. 

The event will go on rain or shine. If you can volunteer, please notify us by email.

Sponsors are still needed for Beautification Day. Please email downtown.franklin@yahoo.com to be listed as a sponsor on signs.

Beautification Day Scheduled for May 18 - volunteers needed

This was shared from the Downtown Partnership page

https://www.franklindowntownpartnership.org/2019/04/beautification-day-scheduled-for-may-18.html

Both FHS boys and girls lacrosse teams post wins

Via HockomockSports, we share the results of the FHS sports action on Friday, May 10, 2019


Boys Lacrosse = Franklin, 9 @ Dover-Sherborn, 8 – Final
– Franklin senior Nitin Chaudhury (three goals, assist) scored the game-winning goal with 26 seconds left and the Panthers’ defense made a final stand to earn a win on the road. The Panthers trailed by two with under four minutes to go but Jacob Alexander won two straight faceoffs, scoring himself off the first one and junior Jake Davis (two goals, two assists) firing a laser into the back of the net to tie the score. 

After Chaudhury’s go-ahead goal, a faceoff violation gave Dover-Sherborn one last chance but the Franklin defense shined and forced a turnover as time ran out. Tim Kolb added two goals, Ben Greco added two assists, and Matt Lazzaro scored once and had one helper. Pat Morrison, Liam Arsenault, Spencer Briggs, Jack Sullivan and Will Harvey shined defensively for Franklin.


Girls Lacrosse = Franklin, 14 vs. Natick, 11 – Final
– Franklin defended home turf with a win over a strong Natick team. Freshman Kate O’Rourke paced the Panthers’ offense with four goals, freshman Stella Regan added two goals, and junior Kelsey MacCallum finished with five points (three goals, two assists). 

Senior Hailey Toolin and junior Alex Field both had strong games defensively, recording two ground balls each while junior Gianna Cameron made seven saves in net.


For the other results around the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/fridays-schedule-scoreboard-05-10-19/

FHS Panthers

Dean College - Commencement - May 11 at 11:00 AM

Dean College will be celebrating its 153rd Commencement on Saturday, May 11, 2019 at 11:00 AM.

Commencement will occur outdoors RAIN or SHINE.

Commencement speakers include Dr. Paula M. Rooney, Dean College President; Mark D. Boyce, Chairman of the Dean College Board of Trustees; and student speaker Fatima Naidjate.

Commencement will be live streamed beginning at 10:45 AM. Visit www.dean.edu/commencement for the live stream link.

For more information, visit www.dean.edu/commencement

Dean College - Commencement - May 11 at 11:00 AM

Encore Music: Get Your Paws on PawSox Tickets

Join the Encore EnHarmonix for a night of Broadway and Baseball fun

Learn more about EMEF and its goals at www.wesupportmusic.org On behalf of the Encore Music Education Foundation, Inc., the Encore EnHarmonix are performing on Saturday, May 18 at the Pawtucket Red Sox game! Not only can you join us for a fun evening, but YOU can help us raise money for the Foundation with a simple click! Tickets purchased at the dedicated link below include a voucher for concessions at the game, and the proceeds of ticket sales will directly benefit The Encore Music Education Foundation, Inc. Invite your friends, invite your family, and simply click to purchase!  Buy Tickets https://purchase.tickets.com/buy/TicketPurchase?orgid=53855&schedule=list&agency=PRSV_B2B14 Copyright © *2019* *Encore Music Academy and Recording Studios*,  All rights reserved. Provided Email and authorization via registration forms or webform Our mailing address is: Encore Music Academy and Recording Studios 3 Bent St Franklin, MA 02038