Looking back to get ahead

April vacation brought a quiet week on the news front within Franklin. This was a good thing in a way as the Boston Marathon bombing and hunt for the suspects has dominated the attention. With the second suspect in custody after a long day, the rain has come, perhaps to help the cleansing process. We can begin to return to the new 'normal', whatever that will be, it will be different.

In lieu of sending you to any of the news on the marathon bombers, let's take a few minutes to look back into the archives. What was happening on April 20th last year and each year prior that this site has been sharing news on Franklin matters?

In 2012
The FY 2013 budget documents were published
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/04/franklin-ma-fy-2013-budget-documents.html

In 2011
The fire investigation of the old Masonic Temple was reported on
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/04/well-investigate-as-long-as-it-takes.html

In 2010
Photos of the raised garden beds that were installed at the Senior Center, ECDC and Charter School for Earth Day (yes, these were installed and a year later the Community Garden opened).
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2010/04/franklin-ma-raised-garden-beds-in.html

In 2009
The MDN reported on information from the Town Council meeting the week before. The MDN reporter at the time was Joyce Kelly and we have had several others since then. I guess even though the reporters change the newspaper process has not.
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2009/04/we-can-only-spend-what-we-have.html

In 2008
The answer to the "Where in Franklin?" picture was revealed.
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2008/04/where-in-franklin-answer-44.html

Can't go back any further as this site actually started in Nov 2007. If I was publishing anything on Franklin in April of 2007, it was on my personal webpage Steve's 2 Cents. Checking there I actually skipped posting on Apr 20 but did post the Override Collection on Apr 18. This collection had all the information for the override vote in 2007 which remains as the only operational override Franklin has successfully passed.
http://steves2cents.blogspot.com/2007/04/franklin-override-collection.html

The April showers today will bring the green grass and May flowers.

spring flowers

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A quiet moment

Given the rapidly developing events in the search for the Marathon bombing suspects, we can take a moment or two to reflect on the natural good life around us.

spring flowers

The residents of Watertown, Newtown, Belmont, Cambridge, Alston/Brighton are being asked to stay indoors. Businesses are being asked not to open. No vehicle traffic in or around that area.

Be safe folks!

MBTA Service Suspended - All routes

Service on the Franklin Line is listed as "normal" at this time suspended

All Southside Lines/Routes Attention Customers: per order of the MBTA Transit police all service is suspended until further notice. 4/19/2013 5:39 AM

For more current updates visit the MBTA webpage and subscribe to Alerts.
http://www.mbta.com/rider_tools/transit_updates/

"a symbol of respect and sorrow"

Gov. Deval Patrick on Tuesday ordered that the flags of the United States and commonwealth be lowered to half-staff to honor the victims of the Boston Marathon bombing - three of whom were killed and more than 170 others injured. 

From the Franklin Historical Museum to the Bellingham Fire Station and nearly every post office and school in between, lowered flags waving in the wind this week signify the grief. 

The order from Patrick stands until further notice, and applies to all state and administrative buildings, including town halls. 

President Barack Obama also issued a proclamation ordering flags at all public buildings and grounds - from parks to schools yards - to fly at half-staff until sunset on Saturday. He encouraged homes and businesses to do the same.

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x1545202903/Lowering-of-flags-helps-represent-grieving-communities#ixzz2QtsL75HU

Additional information about the US Flag code, how to care for it, display it, etc. can be found here
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Flag_Code

Franklin 5K - May 4

On Saturday, May 4th, make a difference not only in yourself, but in the community, at The Franklin 5K (formerly called Run for Bob). All ages and abilities are encouraged to participate. What began as a way to honor the life and spirit of Bob Biagiotti, a member of the Hockomock Area YMCA who passed away unexpectedly, has evolved into an event celebrating children of all abilities – through this amazing 5K race.

Hockomock YMCA

Since she started the event 9 years ago, Kris Biagiotti has afforded local children with disabilities the opportunity to participate in programs and activities that would not have been offered otherwise. In a fashion similar to Dick and Rick Hoyt, who were honored at the 2012 Hockomock Area YMCA Legends Ball, Kris has participated in road races pushing her daughter Kayla in a stroller modified for her disabilities. Kayla enjoys it, and Kris can give back to local charities whose events they attend, including The Franklin 5K.

Since 2005, this 5K event has raised $75,000 for the Hockomock Area YMCA Reach Out for Youth and Families financial assistance program and the YMCA’s Integration Initiative. This Initiative at the Y began in 2004 to allow children with special needs to participate alongside their typically developing peers in social and recreational programs and activities. “Since its inception, the integration program has become a fabric of the Y culture,” says Ed Hurley, president of the Hockomock Area YMCA. “Anyone who walks through our doors is welcomed, no matter their ability or financial circumstance, in all of our programs and activities.”

Over 500 families have been positively impacted. In 2012, the Y hired its first full time Association Director of Integration. As summer approaches, more children than ever will enroll in New Horizons, the Y’s fully inclusive camp setting offered in Franklin, Foxboro, and North Attleboro.

Kris and Kayla, “The K Girls”, have a story which parallels Dick and Rick Hoyt, the father son team known for their enduring spirit, teamwork and commitment to individuals with special needs and disabilities. At a Hockomock Area YMCA event this past July at the TPC Boston, Dick Hoyt spoke to the youth of the Initiative. “Through efforts such as the Integration Initiative, disabled children will be afforded access to participate in athletic programs and activities.” Continued Hoyt, “The Hockomock Area YMCA is to be commended for creating such a wonderful program for the youth in the communities it serves.”

When you come out on Saturday, May 4 at 10am, you will help to improve social skills, build self-esteem, increase physical activity and independence, and enhance mutual respect among people of all abilities.

Location for the event is Marsh & McLellan Companies, 431 Washington Street, in Franklin. The event will include kids’ activities, touch-a-truck, refreshments, silent auction, raffle, music, and more. Day of registration begins at 9am.

Register today by visiting www.hockymca.org. Those who register prior to April 27 will be given a free dry-fit shirt. The cost is $25 through April 26 and will increase to $30 afterwards.

Medals will be awarded to the top 3 men’s and women’s finishers from several age categories and all participants will receive a finisher medal.

The event is presented by Iron Mountain. To find out more about the Hockomock Area YMCA’s Reach Out for Youth and Families program, Integration Initiative, or THE FRANKLIN 5K RUN • WALK • ROLL, contact Michael Bordonaro at 508.643.5225 or michaelb@hockymca.org.

Franklin Public Schools: Updates

A message from FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT

Hello By now we are all trying to make sense of the irrational tragedy that occurred at the Boston Marathon. This tragedy has touched our community as our many of our teachers,parents, neighbors and students were participants in this annual event. I know we will keep the victims in our thoughts and in our hearts. During these times channeling our actions into good can help us to remember that most of the people we meet are good and caring. We want to welcome a new community group that serves to help any member of our community who may need assistance. The Franklin Neighbor Brigade is a community of volunteers from Franklin dedicated to helping an making a difference. They are ready with a meal, a ride or to help with household errands. If you know anyone who needs a helping hand please reach our to the Franklin Neighbor Brigade.  Here is the link for more information http://www.neighborbrigade2.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/General-Flyer.pdf Tour of Franklin HS / April 24 The School Committee and administration will be hosting a tour of Franklin HS on Wednesday April 24 at 6:00 pm. Meet in the lobby. Please join us. Regards and enjoy the rest of the week, Maureen Sabolinski This e-mail has been sent to you by FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT. To maximize their communication with you, you may be receiving this e-mail in addition to a phone call with the same message. If you wish to discontinue this service, please inform FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT IN PERSON, by US MAIL, or by TELEPHONE at (508) 613-1777.

Hockomock Sports profiles Elizabeth Alie

HockomockSports has a profile on Franklin's Elizabeth Alie

Why do you play lacrosse?I play lacrosse because it’s a fun sport and I love the team aspect of it. Our team is really close and I have so much fun playing on the field with all my friends. Lacrosse is a growing sport, so the competition gets better every year.  

Why is the 2013 season going to be a good year for Franklin High School?
We have a strong team this year with a lot of juniors and seniors who have played together for a couple years now. We also have a new coach who plays for the US lacrosse team and was the captain of the BC team. She has taught us so much in just a few weeks, and her experience with the game of lacrosse is really helping us. She is a great role model for us and we can see ourselves improving every day.

Read the remainder of Elizabeth's spotlight article here