Franklin Girls Softball Officially Opens 2014 Season

The long winter yielded to a beautiful spring weekend as the Franklin Girls Softball Association (FGSA) officially kicked-off the 2014 season at Pisani Field on Saturday, April 12. More than 300 Franklin girls and their families attended the annual celebration that marked the opening of the recreational softball season which offers 24 teams across four divisions of play for girls in kindergarten through eighth grade. 

The celebration started with the national anthem sung by Hannah Stahl, age 12 and senior division player, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by a Girl Scout Color Guard comprised of league players.

Following the ceremonial first pitch, thrown by Makayla Kuykendall, age 6 of the instructional division, the girls enjoyed a team scavenger hunt, hot dogs, DJ dancing, hair coloring provided by David Christopher Coiffures, and whoopie pies donated by Making Whoopie. 

“FGSA’s Opening Day Celebration has become a tradition looked forward to by players and their families,” said Tom Healey, organizer of the celebration and a senior division coach. “It’s a wonderful opportunity for players of all ages to gather, socialize and have fun. Following the brutal winter, the day has also become a celebration of spring finally arriving to New England.” 

In addition to running Franklin’s recreational softball league, FGSA offers two competitive travel summer teams, Franklin Fusion and Franklin Tornadoes. For more information, visit www.fgsafastpitch.org.

Girl Scout Color Guard

Elizabeth Hamilton, age 12, leads the Girl Scouts Color Guard in the Pledge of Allegiance at the Franklin Girls Softball Association Opening Day Celebration on April 12.

Sox with Team

Members of the Blue Diamonds Junior Division softball team pose with “Sox,” the Pawtucket Red Sox mascot, at Franklin Girls Softball Association Opening Day Celebration on April 12. Pictured left to right are Taylor Padula, Stefany Padula, Marissa Barber, Madelyn Corvi, Caroline DeSimone, Marina Komari and team coach John DeSimone.

Girl Getting Hair Dyed

Jill Hamilton, age 5, receives hair dye to match her team’s color from a stylist at league sponsor David Christopher Coiffures during the Franklin Girls Softball Association Opening Day Celebration on April 12.

Girl Dancing

Caroline DeSimone, age 9, enjoys dancing on the softball field with friends during the Franklin Girls Softball Association Opening Day Celebration on April 12.

Girl Watching

Leila Frankina, age 11, anxiously awaits her turn during the team scavenger hunt relay at the Franklin Girls Softball Association Opening Day Celebration on April 12.

Girl Running with Ball

Taylor Aten, age 11, runs in with a softball during the team scavenger hunt relay during the Franklin Girls Softball Association Opening Day Celebration on April 12.

All photos and text courtesy of the Franklin Girls Softball Association

Stuff A Truck Challenge At Healthy Kids Day!

The Franklin Food Pantry will be bringing their new Mobile Pantry Truck to Healthy Kids Day and we challenge you to help us fill it with healthier items!

The Stuff a Truck Challenge will close out the Hockomock Area YMCA 2014 Healthy Futures Food Drive.

When: Saturday, May 3rd

Where: Patriot Place NRG Plaza, Foxborough MA

Time: 10:00 am - 2:00 pm

Hockomock YMCA

 Suggested donation items include: high fiber cereal, low sodium canned vegetables, toiletries, paper goods, whole grain pasta, pasta sauce, olive oil, spices, 100% fruit juice, multi-vitamins, white tuna, cans of beans, oatmeal, nuts or seeds

Mass in Motion

Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FSPA) - Open House

The Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FSPA) will hold an Open House for prospective students and families on Wednesday, April 30 from 4-8 p.m. at 38 Main Street in downtown Franklin. The community is invited to tour the facilities, observe classes and rehearsals, speak with faculty and staff, and learn more about FSPA programs for all ages and abilities in music, dance, and drama, whether for recreational enjoyment or serious study. Prospective students are also encouraged to try a complimentary class. 

Franklin School for the Performing Arts

Since 1985, FSPA has been dedicated to the enjoyment of the arts for all ages and to the artistic growth and development of young people. Founded by Director Raye Lynn Mercer and built upon the notion that arts experiences are an integral part of a well-rounded education, FSPA provides a nurturing environment where students grow skills for the stage – and for life. 

Bringing the performing arts disciplines together under one roof, FSPA offers an extensive roster of classes in all dance disciplines, acting, musical theater, voice and instrumental instruction. An unparalleled calendar of performing opportunities features studio voice recitals, opera scenes, acoustic coffee houses, Glee Club, musical theater troupes, dance companies, Ballet Repertoire Series, chamber music, jazz and percussion ensembles. Many FSPA students also participate in the affiliated Franklin Performing Arts Company’s annual season of shows. 

FSPA classes for the school year continue through June 23 and registration for upcoming summer and fall sessions is ongoing. For more information or to request a course catalog, call (508) 528-8668. Visit online at www.fspaonline.com.

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA Area: FRI 4/18/14 - THU 4/24/14

FRI 4/18  6:30pm   Art Night Uncorked - Franklin Art Center

SAT 4/19   9am-3pm   Book Sale - Franklin Public Library
SAT 4/19   4pm-6pm   Bag Sale - Franklin Public Library

TUE 4/22   10am   Bocce Club Meeting - New Members Welcome, Franklin Senior Center
TUE 4/22   10:30am   Family Storytime, Franklin Public Library
TUE 4/22   3pm   Mr. Vinny’s Lil’ Puppet Show - Franklin Public Library

WED 4/23  10:30am   Drop-In Crafts for Children - all ages. Franklin Public Library.
WED 4/23   3pm   Acrobat Li Liu, Franklin Public Library
WED 4/23   6:30pm   “Doggie Tales” Read to Dogs Program at Franklin Public Library (sign up)

THU 4/24   10:30am   Wally the Green Monster visits Franklin Public Library.
THU 4/24   4pm   Lego Mania (ages 6-12) at Franklin Public Library.

For more details on above events click HERE and select the event of interest.

For April vacation camps/programs click HERE.

*If you have any suggestions or events for the calendar, please email Renata@BetterLivingRE.com

Stamp Out Hunger - May 10 (video)

The postal carriers will be conducting their annual "Stamp Out Hunger" food drive to help the Franklin Food Pantry.

Stamp Out Hunger - May 10

FHS Softball Boosters Bottle and Can

The FHS Softball Boosters are planning a Bottle and Can Fundraiser at the Franklin Elks on Saturday May 17th from 8am-noon. I am hoping you can add this posting to the calendar of events on your Blog and also your email blats. The flyer is attached with all the details.  We would love to have as many Bottles and Cans as we can get that day.  

By sending out the flyer now we can have folks save up their bottles and cans and bring them to our fundraiser on 5/17. Our goal is to buy a pitching machine for our 3 teams (Freshman, Junior Varsity and Varsity) to share.   

FHS - home of the Panthers

Spring Fertilization of School / Town Grounds

A message from FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT

Hello 

The Town of Franklin will be fertilizing all School and Town Athletic Fields on April 20 and 21. Per state law we are required to notify the public this is taking place. It is recommended that individuals not use any Town or School grounds on Sunday, April 20. State official also recommend that if you have any chemical sensitivity you should avoid the  grounds fro 72 hours after the application. 

If you would like additional information about the application of fertilizer, the  "Standard Written Notification can be found on the front page of the district web site (left corner). The documents can also be found on the DPW web site . A copy will also be posted on the front door of all schools.

Thank  You

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 either IN PERSON, by US MAIL, or by TELEPHONE at 508-613-1777.

Parmenter School sign