If the holiday view at the downtown triangle looks in disarray, it was vandalized

Unfortunately, after many volunteers decorated downtown Franklin on the weekend before Thanksgiving, some folks apparently thought of other things to do with the decorations (aside from leaving them alone!).

A report was filed with the Franklin Police the week of Dec 6, 2021:

• multiple bows on the Rome side bridge were taken

• greens and bows on the train side bridge were pulled out

• one wreath on the train side bridge is missing

• the red candy cane on the sleigh was removed

• gift boxes previously stacked in the sleigh were thrown over the fencing to the tracks below

Franklin Police responded to the report, took photos to add to the report, and will step up patrols.

 

If anyone knows of, or saw the vandal(s) in action, please let Franklin Police know. They can take tips at their tip line -> 508-440-2780.

The red candy cane and gift boxes missing from the sleigh

One wreath and bows missing from the decorations along the railing

FHS' Quinn - one of the Hockomock League girls basketball "Players to Watch"

 HockomockSports.com has published the "Players to Watch" for the Hockomock League girls basketball teams. The Franklin High School representative is shared here. Follow the link below to find out about the other players to watch around the Hockomock League. 

OLIVIA QUINN, SENIOR – FRANKLIN

"The Wesleyan-commit followed up her breakout sophomore season with a dominant, albeit shortened, junior year. Quinn was third in the league in scoring last year with more than 16 points per game and helped Franklin extend its win streak to 35 games. She can stretch the floor as a consistent three-point shooter, use her quick first step and good handle to get to the basket, and also take advantage of her size to score in the paint. Not only is Quinn a dynamic offensive threat, but also has the size and speed to guard multiple positions at the other end or play multiple spots in the Franklin press. The Panthers don’t lack size in the forward position, and Quinn’s versatility on the perimeter means that teams will struggle to match up when Franklin spreads the floor. Quinn is one of the preseason favorites for MVP and her continued development as one of the league’s top players is the reason that the Panthers remain the team to beat in the Kelley-Rex."

For other Hockomock League "Players to Watch"
https://hockomocksports.com/girls-basketball-ten-players-to-watch-in-2021-2022/

FHS Panthers

FHS Boys Basketball Preview via HockomockSports for 2021-2022 Season

HockomockSports.com has published their preview of the Boys Basketball teams for the Hockomock League. The Franklin portion of the article is shared here along with the link to read the full article covering the remainder of the league. 

FRANKLIN
2020-2021 Record: 6-5
Coach: CJ Neely

"Last season marked the second straight year that the Panthers graduated a large senior class and that means there are a lot of opportunities for new faces to step into the starting lineup and expanded roles this year around. 

While the Panthers will have an entirely new starting lineup, Franklin will most certainly be right in the mix in a Kelley-Rex division that is jammed-pack with talent. Gone are leading scorer Declan Walmsley (17.5 points per game) along with the next two leading scorers on last year’s roster in Andrew Byfield (10.2) and Jake O’Brien (9.9). Key depth pieces like Zach Harvey (4.5) and Alex Newman (3.6) also graduated so head coach CJ Neely will be working with some new options this year. 

Sophomore Henry Digiorgio burst onto the scene as a freshman a year ago and he’s the top returning scorer at 5.4 points per game, although he did reach double figures in the scoring column three times. Sean Vinson and Ben Harvey are the other two players back in the fold that saw some minutes a season ago. But something we’ve seen Franklin do year-in and year-out is reload so there will certainly be some new names to emerge over the next couple of weeks. 

While the players change, the style of Franklin basketball has been consistent for years and defense remains to be the calling card under Neely. The Panthers are always a team that puts a lot of pressure, moves the ball around on the offensive end, and incorporates a lot of motion off the ball to keep opposing defenses on their heels. 

“Guys have really showed up ready to compete for jobs,” Neely said. “Obviously with five graduating starters from last year’s team there are a lot of roles up for grabs and practices have been great. We have had a very competitive preseason and it has shown that we have a lot of depth and it will be an ongoing battle all year to earn your spot and maintain your spot throughout the year.” 

For other preseason views for boys basketball
https://hockomocksports.com/2021-2022-hockomock-boys-basketball-preview/

 

FHS Panthers

FHS boys hockey tops Needham 4-3; Girls Track tops Milford

Via HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the FHS winter sports action on Monday

Boys Hockey = Franklin, 4 @ Needham, 3 – Final 

– Franklin had four different players light the lamp as the Panthers skated to a win on the road over Needham. Aidan Linehan opened the scoring for the Panthers, who were tied 1-1 after one period of action. Goals from Ryan Sicchio, Dylan Marchand, and Anthony Lampasona pushed Franklin’s advantage to 4-1 in the second period. Needham made it a two-goal game before the end of the second and added another in the third but the Panthers held on. 

For other results around the Hockomock League

https://hockomocksports.com/mondays-schedule-scoreboard-12-13-21/

Girls Track & Field Team won its first meet of the Season vs. Milford by the score 68-32. Winning events in the meet were Sarah Dumas (Hurdles), Charlene Peng (Mile), Jill Fenerty (600), Emma Pruitt (1000), Anna Cliff (300), Ava Fraulo ( High Jump), Lily DeForge &the 4x400 Relay   https://twitter.com/FHSSports/status/1470733687822209026

Boys Track & Field Team results not yet available

The individual performances can be found ->  https://live.harrierrace.com/meets/11950

FHS Panthers

Yes, Mrs. Claus is scheduled to Visit the Franklin Historical Museum - Dec 19

Mrs. Claus to Visit the Franklin Historical Museum

Come to the Historical Museum Sunday, December 19 from 1:00-3:00 PM for a visit with Mrs. Claus. She’s making another special visit from the North Pole just before Christmas.  

Children can listen to her read a story, pose with her for a picture and enjoy making a holiday craft. Certainly, if you have a message for Santa, Mrs. Claus will be happy to help relay it. Enjoy this annual tradition with your family. 

Please bring a non-perishable food item to be donated to the Franklin Food Pantry. 

St John’s Episcopal: Christmas and Epiphany services scheduled

Celebrate Christmas and Epiphany with us at St John’s Episcopal Church

Christmas Eve, December 24th:

• 5pm - Children’s Pageant with Communion

Seating is limited due to COVID protocols, so please reserve space in advance at:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A054CAAAE29A7F58-christmas

• 9pm - Candlelight Eucharist with Carols- no reservation required

Sunday, December 26th:

• 10am - Holy Eucharist with Christmas Carols & Sermon (recorded) by The Rt. Rev. Alan Gates, Bishop of Massachusetts - no reservation required

Sunday, January 2, 2022:

• 10am - The Epiphany family service - no reservation required

Everyone is invited! Hope to see you there.
All services are also available on Facebook Live.

For more information:
Call 508-528-2387
Email Admin@StJohnsFranklinMA.org
Like us on Facebook at St John’s Episcopal Church
See our website at www.stjohnsfranklinma.org 

St John’s Episcopal Church: Celebrate Christmas and Epiphany services scheduled

Expressions Enrichment: New Classes for January 2022

Expressions Enrichment

New Arts Enrichment Sessions Start the week of January 3rd. Our classes will now run monthly and cost $150 per month and each class is 2 hours.

Creative & Visual Arts Class
Students will work with a variety of mediums including acrylic and watercolor on canvas, pottery, arts and craft projects, and sewing. All supplies are included.
Suitable for Children in grades K-5 Class is on Tuesdays 4:00-6:00 pm

LEGO/STEM Class
Students will work together to create a world of their imagination. They will work with our LEGO Master on STEM projects with an emphasis on Robotics and participate in LEGO building competitions and challenges. Students also get to take home some of their LEGO projects. Suitable for Children in grade K-5. Choose from Mondays or Wednesdays 4:00-6:00pm.

Creative Arts Class for Adults
Come express your creativity through the arts. Local artists Dana Matthews and Expressions owner Amy Saltalamachia will alternate evenings to create winter themed projects using different mediums. Runs Wednesday evenings from 7pm-9pm from January 5th-January 26th. Cost is $150.

Visit the web page to register and for more information -> www.expressions-enrichment.com

Expressions Enrichment: New Classes for January 2022