The Panther has arrived !!!

The panther statue has been installed among the new fields on the ground of Franklin High School. I captured these photos on my walk last weekend. The panther statue is a gift from the Graci Family in memory of their daughter Kristen Graci, a 2007 graduate of FHS who died at 21 from complications with leukemia.

(If you are not familiar with the story, you can fill in some details here, here and here.)

Suffice to say that the trials and tribulations that occurred along the way to bring the panther to this position are not unlike that experienced by any of the FHS athletes in the course of their time wearing the blue and white colors of FHS. 

The way was paved with ups and downs, twists and turns, logic and not so, and multiple conversations. Some lessons were learned, some accomplishments were significant, some will last more than others. Just like life.

Now the panther is properly placed to serve as a reminder of the FHS athlete creed "Franklin athletes never quit."

Panther among the new ball fields at FHS

Panther among the new ball fields at FHS 1

Panther among the new ball fields at FHS 2

Panther among the new ball fields at FHS 3

Downtown Project Update: Main St closed in front of Dean College

As announced with the recent Downtown Project Update, Main St in front of Dean College will be closed to allow the contractor to put in the raised crosswalk.

Main Street between School Street and Emmons Street will be closed beginning at 7:00 AM this Monday August 24, 2015 and be completed with work by 12:00 PM on Tuesday August 25, 2015. 

Walsh (the contractor) will plate the raised area overnight in Case any Emergency personnel need access. 

Otherwise, it will be closed.

Main St in front of Dean College will be closed Monday into Tuesday

This was shared from the Official Town of Franklin page

http://franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_News/021C761A-000F8513

In the News: DelCarte reopens, wiffle ball tourney a hit

"After being closed for much of the season, the playground at the DelCarte Conservation Area reopened on Saturday. 

The Pleasant Street playground, which fits into the surrounding park with its resemblance to a tree, first opened in fall 2014, said Town Administrator Jeffrey Nutting. 

"We discovered this spring that a couple of cracks had developed in and around the playground equipment," he said. "We were concerned about what went wrong, so we called the company to fix it." 

Nutting said, after some time, the company came out do the needed repairs. 

"It's been closed all summer," Nutting said, noting that, while there was no warranty, the company did cover the cost of the work."

DelCarte playground has reopened after being repaired

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150822/NEWS/150828468/1994/NEWS

"Fletcher Field was packed with Wiffle ball players Saturday, with a several simultaneous games occurring side by side. 

The players were taking part in the Random Smile Project's Third Annual Wiffle Ball Tournament, an event designed to benefit the local charity. 

Colleen Swenson, one of the members of Random Smiles, said participation in this year's tournament was strong. 

"Right now, we have about 30 teams," she said. "Every year, we add on a few teams.""

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150822/NEWS/150828466/1994/NEWS

News from Norfolk County Registry of Deeds

	Norfolk County Registry of Deeds
	Register O'Donnell Highlights Registry Customer Service Center Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell reminds consumers if they have a question or a concern about a land document related issue, the answer is just a phone call away by dialing the Registry's Customer Service Center at (781) 461-6101. The department is open Monday through Friday from 8:30AM to 4:30PM. "The Customer Service Center is a one-stop shop, providing homeowners and real estate professionals alike with detailed information about a wealth of land document related issues. These subjects include, confirming current ownership of property, verifying whether or not there is a lien on a particular piece of property and checking if a discharge of a mortgage has been filed after the loan has been paid off. "The department can also inform customers about the cost of filing land documents. And upon a customer's request, can provide copies of documents for a fee of $1.00, plus an additional $1.00 per document to cover postage costs. In addition, Customer Service Center staff are happy to answer questions about the Homestead Act, which provides limited protection against the forced sale of a homeowner's primary residence to satisfy unsecured debt up to $500,000," noted Register O'Donnell. Register O'Donnell went on to say, "For many, trying to decipher information on land documents can be a very frustrating if not an intimidating experience. Our trained Customer Service professionals are well versed in all areas of land document research. By utilizing our state-of-the-art land document research system - which is also available to members of the public via www.norfolkdeeds.org - we can get people the answers to their property questions." Notary services are also offered by the Customer Service Center. "All staff members are notary publics. We are more than glad to notarize any land document provided the person requesting the service appears before us and presents satisfactory proof of identification by showing either their driver's license or passport," said O'Donnell. In conclusion, the Register stated, "Providing first-class customer service is a core objective of the Registry's mission to serve the public. The residents of Norfolk County deserve nothing less than a positive experience when interacting with us." To learn more about these and other Registry of Deeds events and initiatives, "like" us at facebook.com/NorfolkDeeds or follow us on twitter.com/NorfolkDeeds. The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, located at 649 High Street, Dedham, is the principal office for real property in Norfolk County. The Registry is a resource for homeowners, title examiners, mortgage lenders, municipalities and others with a need for secure, accurate, accessible land record information. Residents in need of assistance can contact the Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center at (781) 461-6101, or on the web at www.norfolkdeeds.org. Register William P. O'Donnell Norfolk County Registry of Deeds email: registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org phone: 781-234-3336 web: http://www.norfolkdeeds.org

Forward email Norfolk County Registry of Deeds | 649 High Street | Dedham, | MA | 02026-1831

Norfolk County Registry of  Deeds

FPAC: Open Auditions for 'Lost in Yonkers'

The Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) will hold open auditions for Neil Simon’s award-winning play, Lost in Yonkers, on Wednesday, August 26 at THE BLACK BOX, 15 West Central Street, in downtown Franklin. Auditions begin at 7 p.m. Please be prepared for cold readings. A monologue is optional. Visit www.FPAConline.com for a breakdown of available roles, including character descriptions.

FPAC will present Lost in Yonkers, directed by Nick Paone, on Friday, September 25 and Saturday, September 26 at 7:30 p.m., with a Sunday matinee on September 27 at 2 p.m. Winner of the 1991 Tony and Drama Desk Awards for Best Play, as well as the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, Lost in Yonkers is a deeply moving and beautifully crafted coming-of-age story by America’s great playwright, Neil Simon.  

original Broadway poster for "Lost in Yonkers"

Striking a balance between pain and humor, drama and comedy, Simon’s poignant play draws from his own experiences growing up in New York City. It’s 1942 and financially strapped Eddie has just left his teenage sons, Jay and Arty, in the care of their mentally challenged and childlike Aunt Bella and her stern and embittered mother, Grandma Kurnitz. Eddie takes to the road as a traveling salesman to pay back his debt to a loan shark, having borrowed to cover his late wife’s hospital care. 

Soon Uncle Louie, a small-time hoodlum hiding from the mob, moves in. Reeling from the loss of their mom and left to contend with this strange new world in Yonkers, the boys embark on a scheme to make some quick cash and get their dad back. As told through the eyes of the brothers, Lost in Yonkers is a masterful work that’s full of heart. 

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. For more information, call (508) 528-3370 or visit online at www.FPAConline.com.

You can find out more about "Lost in Yonkers" at this wikipedia link
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lost_in_Yonkers

"an opportunity for the community to get involved"

"With the start of the new school year just days away, the Bernon Family Branch of the Hockomock Area YMCA this weekend is winding up a back-to-school supply drive. 

The YMCA is also hosting "Haircuts for Kids," offering free haircuts for children, kindergarten through 12th grade. 

Hockomock Y

"We have been collecting backpacks and school supplies to give to children and families that might not be able to provide the resources needed to send their children back to school with the necessary tools to succeed," said Michelle Branche, senior member experience director at the Franklin branch. 

The backpack drive, which got underway last month, concludes Aug. 23, and that's when the haircutting event takes place, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Franklin branch on 45 Forge Hill Road."

Continue reading the article in the Milford Daily News (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150821/NEWS/150828559/1994/NEWS

Franklin Garden Club Welcomes New Members - Sep 1 - 7:00 PM

The Franklin Garden Club, which is now affiliated with the Garden Club Federation of Massachusetts, will hold its first meeting of the 2015-16 season on Tuesday, September 1 from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. at the Franklin Senior Center, located at 26 Daniel McCahill Street. 

Membership is open to all members of the community. Those interested in joining the club are invited to attend this meeting to learn more about the club’s activities and services. Attendees are encouraged, but not required, to bring a perennial to swap with others. 

Franklin Garden Club

The Franklin Garden Club was founded in 1987 and became a member of The Garden Club Federation of Massachusetts, Inc. in 2015. Activities include a combination of education and service. Speakers provide information on different garden related topics. 

Members volunteer to plant and maintain the Veteran’s Memorial Garden at the Town Common, distribute pine tree seedlings to all first graders in Franklin schools, and provide a scholarship to a graduating senior pursuing an education in horticulture or environmental studies. Members also participate in a yearly fundraiser, enjoy field trips to area gardens, plan a holiday dinner and auction and provide support to each other with gardening challenges. 

“A varied program has been planned for the coming year,” noted Susan Childers, club co-president. Monthly programs include presentations by experts on: Developing a Rain Garden (October), Creating Holiday Arrangements (December), Designing a Multi-Season Shade Garden (February), Planting and Maintaining Iris (March), Cooking with Kim and Fresh Vegetables (April), and The Wadsworth Farm in Franklin (May). Other activities include field trips to Spooktacular and the Boston Flower Show, cleaning of the Common in the fall and spring, the annual holiday auction, and tours of member gardens (June).

You can follow the Garden Club on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Franklin-Garden-Club-Massachusetts/305256026231649