Help Others To Have A Merry Little Christmas

Help others to have a Merry Little Christmas Please grab a tag from around the Team Fitness club doors or on the tree and buy a gift for the child: example: Elaine-5yo-baby doll. Please place gifts under or around our tree. All gifts due by December 18th so we can get the gifts to the Santa Foundation on the 19th. Thank you again for helping the local families of Franklin. Purchase a gift card for $99.00 Get a gift card with $120 value. November 21 - December 24, 2014 Holiday 2014 Gift Card Special Team Fitness and CrossFit Franklin Limit 2 cards per person Cannot be used for membership dues. (Exception: a gift card may be purchased and given to a non-member to be used toward a NEW membership. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other special, sale or promotion. Gift cards can be used for all other services in Club: Personal Training, Small Group Training, CFour, Retail items, Smoothies and smoothie cards, Progenex, Kill Cliff, Fuel for Fire, Advocare.

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Hockomock Sports: FHS Basketball Season Preview

Hockomock Sports has published their preview of the  Boys and Girls Basketball teams for the Kelly-Rex division. The Franklin portion of both articles are captured here along with the links to read the full articles.

It's safe to say that Franklin is not just starting a new chapter in the program, but arguably a whole new book. Dean O'Connor and the field house are gone. CJ Neely takes over the program and the team will play in a new state of the art gym. One thing that remains the same is the winning standard. 

"I'm really looking forward to growing as a team and focusing on day to day progress," Neely said. "I expect our kids to really have to battle day to day for minutes which should make practices very competitive and enjoyable. If we stay focused on commitment to daily improvement I hope to be in contention in a highly talented and deep Hockomock league and make a strong tournament showing." 

FHS Panthers

Six-foot-seven Marcus Giese returns as not only one of the better post players in the league, but one of the best players period. He's tough to defend around the rim and he showed last year that he can has extended his range. On defense, his shot blocking ability is unmatched and makes it tough to score in the paint. Tim Prunier had a breakout sophomore year last season and will look to build on that while Dylan Reno will emerge as a key player on both ends of the court.

Read the full boys basketball preview article by Hockomock Sports here
http://www.hockomocksports.com/blog/hockomock-boys-basketball-kelley-rex-preview

The Panthers return all but two regular players from last season’s team, which lost the league title by a single game and reached the D1 Central semifinal in Franklin’s first year competing outside of Eastern Mass. Head coach John Leighton knows that his team enters the season with huge expectations, especially with star forward Lexi Martin back for her senior season and recently signed to play at Merrimack College. 

“Lexi signed and that’s nice because now she can focus on the season without having to worry about it,” said Leighton. Along with Martin, Franklin returns a cast of players that can all play major roles in the drive and kick system that Leighton runs. Julianne Pisani was the team’s leading scorer in the tournament with Martin out injured and will be joined in the backcourt by her twin sister Tracey, who was the HockomockSports.com Defensive Player of the Year last winter. 

Jillian Spolidoro adds size and shooting on the wing and junior Aubrie Kutil continues to develop into a weapon on the post. Alexandra Ethier and Olivia Adiletto will add scoring off the bench and Leighton expects junior Lauren Rudolph to return from an ankle injury that she suffered during the soccer season and add another shooter off the bench. 

As if that was not enough talent to work with, Leighton is also looking for Caroline Maguire, Meghan Georges and “dynamic” freshman Kiera Fernandes to contribute as well. After regularly making deep runs in the tournament, Leighton is hopeful that this year’s team can “break through” and bring a title home to its new gym.

Read the full girls basketball preview by Hockomock Sports here
http://www.hockomocksports.com/blog/hockomock-girls-basketball-kelley-rex-preview

Franklin Library: Book Sale - Dec 13-14

The monthly book sale will be held this weekend. Books on sale Saturday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Books by the bag on sale on Sunday from 9:00 AM to Noon.

Classical music performed by Betty Kushner from 9:00 to 10:00 AM on Saturday.

Franklin Library: Book Sale 12/13, Bag Sale 12/14

This post was shared from the Library page here
http://franklinpl.blogspot.com/2014/12/library-book-sale.html

FPAC Stages Holiday Musical Performance For Area Community Organizations

The Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) will host a special performance of the original holiday musical ’Tis the Season! for community youth, family and social services organizations on Friday, December 19, at 7:30 p.m. at the Thomas D. Mercer Auditorium, located at 224 Oak Street in Franklin.

FPAC will distribute complimentary tickets for the December 19 performance through community organizations, including the Hockomock Area YMCA, local Best Buddies chapters, and Franklin Food Pantry. For more information about ticket availability, representatives from nonprofit community service organizations are encouraged to call 508-528-3370 or email Alan Mercer at amercer@fpaconline.com.

Franklin Performing Arts Company

’Tis the Season!, an original large cast musical first presented by FPAC in 1995, is an upbeat, jazzy extravaganza featuring members of the Kenny Hadley Big Band with contemporary arrangements of favorite holiday classics in musical styles ranging from swing, R&B, and gospel to rock, pop, and Broadway. The show spotlights over 100 singers and dancers. Musical arrangements include Andy Williams’ It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year and Happy Holiday, songs from several popular television Christmas specials, Quincy Jones’ sensational version of the Hallelujah Chorus, and many surprises. Ring in the holidays with great merriment, fanfare and fun!


A distinctive suburban non-profit arts organization founded in 1991, FPAC supports educational arts experiences, quality entertainment, and outstanding performance opportunities for professional artists, community performers, and students of the arts. With a focus on youth development and a commitment to live music, FPAC productions draw performers and audiences from more than 100 communities throughout the region.

Tickets are available for purchase by the general public for regularly scheduled performances of ’Tis the Season! on December 20 at 7:30 p.m. and on December 21 at 2 p.m. For more information, call 508-528-3370 or visit www.fpaconline.com.

Franklin Performing Arts Company

In the News: break-in trio arrested

Two Franklin women and an Andover man, whom police say are suspects in at least 10 area house break-ins, are being held on $10,000 bail after their arraignment in Wrentham District Court Friday on charges related to a Plainville burglary last week, police said. 

Rachelle O’Handley, 27, of 431 Lincoln St., Franklin, Sandra Salazar, 26, of 606 East Central St., Franklin, and James Howard, 35, of 15 High St., Andover, pleaded not guilty to charges of breaking and entering during the daytime with intent to commit a felony, receiving stolen property of more than $250 and possession of a Class A drug, heroin, police said. 

All three are also on probation for previous offenses, according to court documents.

Continue reading the full article in the Milford Daily News here (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20141209/NEWS/141207062/1994/NEWS

Beer & Bling; A Fundraiser for Cameron Liberatore

Beer & Bling:

A Fundraiser for Cameron Liberatore

Sat, Dec 13   4-7 PM

at Pour Richard's Wine and Spirits

14 Grove Street 

Franklin

Cameron Liberatore, a Franklin native and 2008 graduate of Franklin High, was critically injured in a November car accident. A talented and promising young musician, Cameron had been living in Nashville, working in the music industry.

His recovery process has been long and difficult. Currently, his parents are researching facilities in the Boston area to continue his rehabilitation. Many of the transfer and travel expenses are not covered by insurance. We'd like to help.

This event will feature a wide variety of craft beers and the introduction of Far From the Tree Ciders, a new producer from Salem. A silent auction includes a number of large-format wines, generously donated by Mike Curran and Classic Wine Imports. All auction proceeds will be donated to Cameron.

Jacqueline Volpe of the Noonday Collection will be selling wonderful jewelry and accessories designed and produced by women from impoverished Third World countries. Order on Saturday, and your gifts will arrive in time for Christmas.

We are seeking local musicians to donate their talents at this event. Interested parties should contact Ann Williams at ann@pourrichardswine.com

Tickets are $10 at the door, a 100% donation to the Liberatore family. Pour Richard's will also donate a percentage of our sales from this event.

Please consider attending and bringing guests.

If you missed the prior story on Cameron Liberatore, you can find it here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/11/in-news-12-days-of-donating-cameron.html

KinderCare Learning Center - Winter Event - Dec 13

WINTER EVENT

December 13th

From 1-3pm

KinderCare Learning Center

42 Pond Street, Franklin MA

Join us here for a fun afternoon of Gingerbread Man Decorating!
We will have some Winter Crafts and a Hot Chocolate Bar!
Santa will also be visiting!
We would love to have you stop by for an enjoyable afternoon!

Price of Admission: Donations at the door of Toiletry Items or cans of pineapple for the Franklin Food Pantry

Franklin KinderCare Learning Center

winter event flyer

"I’d love to see some of those business get out our way"

The Milford Daily New reports on Rep Jeff Roy taking part in a 10-day trip to Israel.

The trip, sponsored by the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Boston (JCRC), will take Roy first to Jerusalem, one of the world's oldest cities, steeped in history and religion, then north to Haifa and finally to Tel Aviv. He'll be joined by eight other state legislators and five Boston city councilors. 

The group plans to spend many hours at the Knesset compound in western Jerusalem, where the 120-member parliament meets. The Knesset serves as Israel's legislative body, and its members are elected every four years. 

"We’re going to learn how the government works," Roy said. "This year the JCRC is focusing on shining a light on smaller communities within Israel and looking to invite along representatives who have served in local government. The trip was of great interest to me."

Continue reading the article in the Milford Daily News here (subscription maybe required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20141208/NEWS/141207352/1994/NEWS

Franklin TV - Annual Meeting Presentation Doc

The presentation document used for the Annual Meeting of Franklin TV is shown here:

Franklin TV: Community - November 13, 2014 from Franklin Matters

Franklin.TV 

The annual meeting was previously reported here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/11/franklin-communit-cable-access-annual.html

The new studio is now open on Hutchenson St

the new studio with the 'cloud' antennas up

The presentation to the Town Council on Wednesday, Dec 3 can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/12/live-reporting-franklin-tv.html

Franklin Public Schools - December Music Concert Calendar

The next couple of weeks in December will present multiple opportunities to hear musical performances across the Franklin Public Schools.


Dec 8 = Remington Middle School Concert 6:30 p.m. Horace Mann 
(snow date 12/9)

Dec 9 = Parmenter 3rd & 4th Grade Winter Concert 9:00 & 9:45 a.m. 
(snow date 12/16)

Dec 10 = Kennedy 3rd Grade Winter Concert 2:00 p.m. (snow date 12/17)
Dec 10 = FHS Winter Concert 7:00 p.m. FHS Auditorium (snow date 12/12)

Dec 11 = Horace Mann Middle School Concert 6:30 p.m. Horace Mann Auditorium (snow date 12/22)

Dec 12 = Kennedy 4th & 5th Winter Concert 9:00 & 9:45 a.m. 
(snow date 12/19)

Dec 15 = Jefferson 3rd, 4th & 5th Grade Winter Concert 9:00 a.m. 
(snow date 12/22)
Dec 15 = Davis Thayer 4th & 5th Grade Winter Concert 1:45 p.m. 
(snow date 12/22)

Dec 17 = Annie Sullivan Band, Choral & Orchestra Concert 6:30 p.m. Horace Mann Auditorium (snow date 12/18)

FHS Auditorium - site of the FHS Winter Concert on Dec 10

Ice Skating in MA - Franklin's Pirelli Veterans Arena

The MA Gov blog recently had a post touting the ice skating opportunities around the state. Franklin is fortunate to have one of the many ice skating rinks in MA within our own boundaries. The Pirelli Veterans Arena is located on Panther Way. 

The public skating schedule can be found here

Whether you’re a seasoned pro or skating for the first time, friends and family can embrace the start of fun winter activities at a Massachusetts DCR ice skating facility. 

Where are the Ice Skating Rinks?There are a number of skating options that can make winter fun for everyone. They include:

• DCR ice skating rinks located across Massachusetts;

• 17 accessible ice skating rinks sponsored by the DCR Universal Access Program; and

• Ice skating sleds at select accessible rinks provided for persons with disabilities (these can be operated by either the rider or another skater).

screen grab of post on skating in MA

You can find out more information about the Pirelli Veterans Arena online here

http://fmcicesports.com/rink/franklin-veterans-skating-arena/

FHS Football representatives on the Hock 5

The Franklin High School football team has two representatives on the Football Hock 5. There were 5 players chosen for each category (eight different categories).

FHS Panthers

Hock 5 Running Back

Andrew Parent (Franklin)

Hock 5 Linebackers

Colton Cardinal (Franklin)


You can find all the Football awards here
http://www.hockomocksports.com/blog/2014-hockomocksportscom-football-awards

Franklin Library: Jamie Barrett - Dec 7 - 2:00 PM

Jamie Barrett performs a Winter Concert at the Franklin Library on Sunday, Dec 7 at 2:00 PM

Jamie Barrett - Sun Dec 7 - 2:00 PM

This was shared from the Franklin Library page here
http://franklinpl.blogspot.com/2014/11/jamie-barrett-winter-concert.html

Reminder: Franklin Line delays - Sat and Sun

While this update refers only to the inbound, recall that this weekend there will be buses running from Forge Park to Franklin/Dean. So with the trains to Boston starting and ending at Franklin/Dean, avoid the shuttle from Forge Park and go direct to Franklin/Dean.

There is both track work and Franklin DPW work on the Beaver St culvert which runs along the track both Saturday and Sunday. 

Franklin Line Train 1702 (6:35 am from Forge Park / 495) delayed approximately 10 minutes due to track work today 

Affected direction: Inbound 

Last updated: Dec 06 2014 06:47 AM

screen grab of DPW culvert work

The post earlier this week in case you missed it can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/12/mbta-this-weekend-franklin-line-shuttle.html

Holiday Open House at Tastebuds Fresh Marketplace and Silver Maple Commons

Hi Steve, 

Donna and I are hosting an open house at Tastebuds Fresh Marketplace on Saturday December 6, from Noon to 2:00pm. 

We will be featuring a wine and craft beer tasting along with a Boar's Head Holiday Ham tasting and a live Cooking Demo. 

Gift Certificates and a special bonus offer will be available for purchase along with our regular fare of quality meats, sandwiches and prepared food. 

All the shops at Silver Maple Commons are participating, so make sure you stop by. 

Hope to see you all there,
Dave and Donna Lanni

Tastebuds Fresh Marketplace

Tastebuds Fresh Marketplace
508 631 3984

You can also find them on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/tastebudsfreshmarketplace/timeline

Breakfast with Santa - Dec 13

Join the Hockomock Area YMCA for a fun and festive holiday event, ‘Breakfast with Santa’ on December 13, 2014. Breakfast seatings are set for 9:00am and 10:00am at the North Attleboro Branch (300 Elmwood Street) and Bernon Family Branch (45 Forge Hill Road, Franklin); and 8:30am, 9:30am and 10:30am at the Invensys Foxboro Branch (67 Mechanic Street). Register today to reserve your spot at any the member service desk as spots fill up quick!

Hockomock YMCA

Family and friends are welcome to join us for a delicious pancake breakfast and a chance to meet Santa Claus! Y members and the entire community are invited to attend this event at $5 for members and $8 for non-members, children under 1 free. Registration is required for anyone eating breakfast.

Santa will visit each breakfast and share a story with the children. Children will also enjoy making holiday crafts and having their picture taken with Santa Claus. Do not forget to bring your camera!

For more information, please contact the YMCA Member Services Team at the North Attleboro branch at 508-695-7001, the Invensys Foxboro Branch at 508-543-2523 and the Bernon Family Branch at 508-528-8708. We hope to see you there.

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA Area: FRI 12/5/14 - THU 12/11/14

FRI 12/5   4-9pm   Polar Express Pajama Party at Barnes and Noble in Bellingham
FRI 12/5   6:30pm   Art Night Uncorked at Franklin Art Center

SAT 12/6   8-11am   Annual Pack 126 All You Can Eat Pancake Breakfast with Santa, raffle at Elks Lodge Franklin
SAT 12/6   12-6pm   Holiday Happenings at Bellingham Shopping Plazas
SAT 12/6   2-6pm   Holiday Open House and Craft Fair at Destination Dog Franklin
SAT 12/6   7:30pm   The Nutcracker at The Black Box
SAT 12/6   8pm   Charlie Brown Christmas by Heather Pierson Quartet at Circle of Friends Coffeehouse at FUSF

SUN 12/7   12-6pm   Holiday Happenings at Bellingham Shopping Plazas.
SUN 12/7   2pm   The Nutcracker at The Black Box
SUN 12/7   2:30pm   Winter Music Festival with Jamie Barrett at Franklin Public Library
SUN 12/7   4-6pm   Charles River Chorale Performing at Old Navy in Bellingham

TUE 12/9   7:30pm   Franklin and Bellingham Rail Trail Committee Public Meeting at the Franklin YMCA

For all the Town of Franklin Public Meetings click HERE.

For event details click HERE.

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

FPAC’s The Nutcracker To Feature Boston Ballet Soloists, Professional Orchestra And 125 Area Dancers

The Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) proudly presents The Nutcracker, bringing Boston ballet stars, world-class musicians and 125 area dancers to one suburban stage. A popular holiday tradition for more than 20 years, The Nutcracker remains a highly anticipated and treasured part of the FPAC season. Set to Tchaikovsky’s beloved score, the timeless ballet delights the imaginations of audiences young and old with festive magic and colorful splendor. FPAC will present The Nutcracker on Saturday, December 6 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, December 7 at 2 p.m. at the Thomas D. Mercer Auditorium, 224 Oak Street, in Franklin.

Dalay Parrondo

FPAC’s magical journey of The Nutcracker features a professional orchestra under the direction of Peter Cokkinias, who celebrates his 11th year as music director/conductor of FPAC’s Nutcracker orchestra. A choir will sing the ethereal choral parts that accompany the enchanting Snow Scene that closes the ballet’s first act.

FPAC’s The Nutcracker is choreographed and directed by Cheryl Madeux, who formerly danced with the Joffrey Ballet, Hartford Ballet and American Ballet Theatre companies. Special guest artists Dalay Parrondo and Bradley Schlagheck, Boston Ballet soloists, will dance the roles of the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier. Dr. Drosselmeyer will be played by Aaron Andrade of Lincoln, Rhode Island. Andrew Holmes, of NYC, returns to the FPAC stage to dance the parts of the Nutcracker and Candy Cane Soloist.

FPAC 2013 Nutcracker

FPAC’s production also showcases the talents of scores of area students, ages 6 and older, from many regional communities and local dance schools. Performers cast in featured roles include Mairead Nee of Walpole as Clara; Sam Evans of Medfield as Fritz; Shaina McGillis of Franklin as Dew Drop Fairy and Mouse Queen; Noura Sander of Easton as Snow Queen (Saturday) and Arabian Soloist (Sunday); Kendra Dombroski of Franklin as Snow Queen (Sunday) and Arabian Soloist (Saturday); Sarah Radford of Wrentham as Kissy Doll and Spanish Soloist; Jared Brouillette of Holliston as Harlequin and Chinese Soloist; Elizabeth Kilgallon of Medway as Soldier Doll and Candy Cane Soloist (Sunday); Phoebe Dias of Norfolk as Soldier Doll; Lauren Szczepanowski of Franklin as Candy Cane Soloist (Saturday); Mikaela Guidice of Norfolk as Marzipan Soloist; and Medway’s Alli Tomsik and Haley Desjarlais as Marzipan Soloists.

Founded in 1991, the nonprofit FPAC supports educational arts experiences, quality entertainment and outstanding performance opportunities for professional artists, community performers and students of the arts. With a focus on youth development and a commitment to live music, FPAC productions draw performers and audiences from more than 100 communities throughout the region. Big Y and Waters Corporation are 2014 FPAC Holiday Performance Sponsors. For tickets to The Nutcracker and more information, visit www.fpaconline.com or call (508) 528-3370.

Good steps on funding and voting for the Chair doesn't really matter

The Town Council meeting on Wednesday was dominated by the presentation on the Franklin TV cable operations. The new studio is almost complete and they are broadcasting from the facility now. The residents of Franklin have already seen an increase in locally produced programs and can expect to see more. The presentation document can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/12/live-reporting-franklin-tv.html

Tucked away in the 'normal' business was the approval of a new manager for the liquor license at Joe's American Bar and Grill on King St.  Of more importance were a couple of resolutions that will positively affect the local fees and taxes Franklin residents pay.

Franklin TV studio on Hutchenson St

The first is that there is a restructuring of the solid waste disposal contract which includes a reduction in the tipping fees. This reduction which is in keeping with current market conditions is expected to allow the trash rates not to increase for a couple of years. The tipping fee is the amount the town is required to pay to dump the trash picked up.

The second is the creation of a trust fund to help manage the funds being put aside to cover the OPEB liability. OPEB is Other Post Employment Benefits and the current outstanding unfunded liability for Franklin is estimated to be about $89 million. 

We are not alone in this issue. There are perhaps one or two communities across the state that have fully funded their liability, Earlier this year, we shared here what Needham is doing to help fund their liability.  The article gets into more details and is a good background of the problem and potential solution.  http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/06/best-practice-how-is-needham-addressing.html

The creation of the trust will allow for the investment of the fund being put aside to bring a greater return which will then help us more. We'll see this on a future agenda as there will be a call for interest in two citizens to be named to the trust fund. We'll also see the transaction to move the money from the current fund stabilization account to the trust fund.

One minor matter that occurred with the approval of the prior meeting minutes is the the Council has not bothered to correct the problem of not officially voting for its chairperson. As reported from the Nov 19th meeting, the Council accepted nominations for the Chair and voted to close the nominations. It got interrupted by another nomination and when putting that aside, turned to accept nominations for the Vice Chair. It never actually voted on the Chair position nomination itself. 

I had listened to my recording to confirm this. This was also confirmed by the minutes of the meeting that Council approved without amendment on Wednesday. So while some folks think the Council Chair matters, apparently getting officially voted in for it, doesn't matter.

The full set of notes recorded during the meeting can be found here:

• Live reporting: Legislation and closing

• Live reporting: Franklin TV

• Live reporting: Town Council - Dec 3, 2014

• 
  

From the minutes of the Nov 19th meeting:

ELECTION OF OFFICERS: MOTION by Pfeffer to nominate Bob Vallee to serve as Chairman of the Council. SECOND by Kelly. Close nominations. Vote Unanimous. MOTION by Bissanti to nominate Matt Kelly to serve as Vice Chairman of the Council. Close nominations. Vote for Vice Chair. Unanimous. MOTION by Padula to nominate Judy Pond Pfeffer to serve as Clerk of the Town Council. SECOND By Kelly all those who seek to close the nomination say Aye. AYE – Unanimous. MOTION to approve Judy Pfeffer as Clerk. Unanimous

The should be two votes on each nomination. One close the nominations and then one on the nomination itself. There are two recorded for the Vice Chair and Clerk, only one for the Chair.

Destination Dog Holiday Open House/Craft Fair

From 2:00 Pm to 6:00 pm on Saturday, Dec 6 there will be a Holiday Open House/Craft Fair at Destination Dog.

Additional information can be found in this 'flyer'

Holiday Open House and Craft Fair

For additional information on Destination Dog, you can visit their webpage
http://www.destinationdogfranklin.com/