The panther has returned (finally)!

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.)

Some of you may recall that I also wrote these same two paragraphs last August. The original panther was not what was ordered so it was removed and has come back to settle in (finally!).

You can read the remainder of what I wrote in August here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/08/the-panther-has-arrived.html


A walk around the panther enabled the following photos:


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FHS Panther - "Franklin athletes never quit"

The 2nd Annual HockomockSports.com Charity Soccer All Star Event

What You Need To Know:

What: The 2nd Annual HockomockSports.com Charity Soccer All Star Event

When: November 21st, 2015
Girls Game – 11:00AM
Boys Game – 1:00 PM

Where: Attleboro High School

The 2nd Annual HockomockSports.com Charity Soccer All Star Event

Events:
HockomockSports.com Girls Soccer Charity All Star Game
HockomockSports.com Boys Soccer Charity All Star Game

Tickets will be $5 for adults and $3 for students/children.

Players are selected strictly by the HockomockSports.com staff.

*Any players still playing in the MIAA playoffs will not play.

For the listing of players and additional details
http://www.hockomocksports.com/events/soccer/2015-2/

The Tri-County Insider

November 18 A Message from the Principal: On this, my first installment in the TC Insider, I want to thank all of you for the many well wishes and help in getting acclimated to the district. Most of all, I'd like to thank Jean Mallon for her willingness to stay on until last week and ensure a smooth transition. Mrs. Mallon has left behind a very positive and encouraging legacy of accomplishment and learning. Her influence on the school will be felt for many years. I have enjoyed getting to know the faculty, staff, parents, and especially the students. I have been most impressed with the students. The culture and community of the school is very positive and that is a credit to the communities and families that make up our district. I especially want to thank the faculty as well, both academic and vocational, for their encouraging welcome and patience as I learn names and ask a multitude of questions that they very patiently answer. The TC Insider has been invaluable to me in getting to know what is going in our district and communities and I look forward to being a part of this bi-weekly publication. I have attended many events already, ranging from athletic games to the National Honor Society induction ceremony this past Monday. I want to congratulate our Cheerleaders, Boys and Girls Soccer teams and Volleyball teams on their great seasons and championships. It was extremely rewarding to watch them play and represent the school so well. I am especially looking forward to our Thanksgiving Eve football game for the Cougar Cup at Bellingham High as the TC Cougars will finish their season in quest of the Cougar Cup and returning it to its rightful place here at Tri-County. Hopefully, I will see many of you there to support the team and the cheerleaders as we close out the fall season. Thanks again, Mr. Procaccini TC News: National Honor Society The Peter Ricard Chapter of the National Honor Society held its induction on Monday, November 16. Read more Athletic News The Varsity Cheerleading Team will be competing at the State Competition on Sunday at Algonquin High School. Tri-County is providing a fan bus. Sign-ups are taking place all week in the cafeteria during all three lunches. Ski Club Deadline is Approaching! The Ski Club will begin their weekly trips to Wachusett Mountain beginning on January 9, 2016. The club visits Wachusett each Saturday from 2:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. for six weeks. Applications are due NO LATER than Tuesday, November 24. Please see Ms. Johannesen for more information and to pick up your application. Upcoming Events Thanksgiving Pie and Turkey Gravy Sale Nov. 23 and 24 in Gerry's Place Fall Sports Awards Night Nov. 24, 6 p.m. in the auditorium Winter Sports Begin Nov. 30 About The TC Insider The TC Insider is a biweekly newsletter for the families of Tri-County students. Forward to a Friend Follow on Twitter Like us on Facebook View Email In Browser Tri-County RVTHS 147 Pond Street Franklin, MA 02038 www.tri-county.us 508-528-5400

Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical School District · 147 Pond Street · Franklin, Ma 02038 · USA

To review the full newsletter (shortened for publication here)  View Email In Browser

screen grab of Tri-County webpage

In the News: FPAC holiday performances, food elves are back!

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin

The Franklin Performing Arts Company will stage three productions this holiday season, featuring Tchaikovsky’s ballet “The Nutcracker” and the original FPAC musicals, “Snow White and the Seven Elves” and “’Tis the Season!” 

Franklin Performing Arts Company’s production of “The Nutcracker” is presented with professional orchestra, special guest artists and over 100 area dancers. FPAC will present “The Nutcracker” at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 5 and 2 p.m. Dec. 6 at the Franklin High School auditorium, 218 Oak St. 

Franklin Performing Arts Company’s family-friendly musical “Snow White and the Seven Elves” debuts this season at The Black Box, 15 West Central St. Performances are at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Dec. 12 and 2 p.m. Dec. 13.

Read the full article online here (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20151120/NEWS/151129199/1994/NEWS

Franklin Food Pantry

The Franklin Food Elves and the Downtown Partnership will launch the “12 Days of Donating” campaign to benefit the Franklin Food Pantry on Dec. 1. This year’s collection drive marks 10 years that the Food Elves have helped neighbors in need during the holiday season. 

The Food Elves were created in 2006 when Melissa and Cameron Piana began collecting donations in a wagon in their neighborhood. Last year more than 90 school-aged "elves" and 14 local businesses collected 7,020 pounds of goods and raised $8,500 for the food pantry. This year the pantry acquired additional warehouse space to accommodate the expected donations. 

“We are looking forward to building on the success the Food Elves have had, and this year we hope to raise more money. The food pantry can buy a lot with those funds, and we hope to surpass last year’s dollar totals,” says Ellie Teixeira, lead Food Elf.

Read the full article online here (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20151120/NEWS/151128978

In the News: Clerk and Council member take roles, Mother of Night, Scout Pancake breakfast

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin

The town saw its new town clerk and final Town Council member get sworn in Friday after a recount delayed the two from assuming their positions. 

Teresa Burr was sworn in as Franklin's first new town clerk in 31 years, while outgoing Town Clerk Deborah Pellegri was sworn in to her new seat on the council. 

The matter had been delayed because of a challenge to the result of the Nov. 3 town election. Town Clerk candidate Diane Padula-O'Neill requested a recount in that race, as Burr had defeated her by only 32 votes - a margin of less than 1 percent.

Read the full article online here (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20151120/NEWS/151128982

The Women’s Spirituality Gathering at Franklin Universalist Society in Franklin, 262 Chestnut St., will celebrate early for the winter solstice through honoring the Mother of the Night from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Dec. 6. 

The group will honor goddesses associated with the longest night, or the winter solstice. The winter solstice falls around Dec. 21-22, depending on astronomical variations and time zones.

Read the full article online here (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20151120/NEWS/151129296/1994/NEWS

Franklin Cub Scout Pack 126 will hold its annual All-You-Can-Eat Pancake Breakfast with Santa from 8-11 a.m. Dec. 5 at the Elks Lodge, 1077 Pond St. 

The cost is $7 per person. Ages 2 and younger are free. Breakfast includes pancakes, eggs, sausage, orange juice, coffee and tea. Santa will be available for photos for a cost of $5 each. 

The breakfast will include a raffle with themed baskets. 

For information, contact 508-962-6726.

Read the full article online here (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20151120/NEWS/151129371/1994/NEWS

Franklin Liquors: Thanksgiving newsletter

Thanksgiving Time Is Here!

This Newsletter Has Our Wine And Food Pairing Suggestions.

Also Included Are Some Wine Recommendations.

We Are Here To Help You Find A Special Wine To Share With Family And Friends.

All Year We Research And Taste To Find The Best Wines In The World.

Franklin Liquors Newsletter for Thanksgiving

Continue reading the newsletter here

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA Area: FRI 11/20/15 - THU 11/26/15

FRIDAY 11/20/15
1pm   FDP Networking Luncheon at Dean College
6pm   Trivia Night at Horace Mann MS
6:30pm   Family Paint Night at Franklin Art Center
7pm   Middle School Dance (grades 5-8) at Tri-County HS
7:30pm   The Black Box: Rising Stars Cabaret
8-9:50pm   Frozen Friday DJ Public Skate at Pirelli Arena
9pm   Comedy Night featuring Paul Keenan at “3” Restaurant

SATURDAY 11/21/15
9am-3pm   Book Sale at the Franklin Public Library with live music by Betty Kushner at 9-10am
2pm   The Black Box Children’s Series: Jamie Barrett

SUNDAY 11/22/15
7:30-10:30am   Weekly Sunday morning breakfast at Franklin Rod and Gun Club, open to public.
9am-12pm   Winter Beautification Downtown Franklin, contact Eileen Mason if you would like to help out: emason4234@gmail.com
9am-12pm   Bag Sale at Franklin Public Library (fill up a paper bag with books for only $5)
12-3pm   Holiday Vendor Shopping at The Cake Bar
2pm   FSPA in The Box: Amahl and the Night Visitors (at The Black Box)
7pm   Franklin Interfaith Council Thanskgiving Service at Franklin Federated Church

MONDAY 11/23/15
9am   Tea and Tangles at the Franklin Art Center (come Zentangle)
10am-12:30pm   Annual Pie Sale at Tri-County HS (Gerry’s Place)

TUESDAY 11/24/15
10am-12:30pm   Annual Pie Sale at Tri-County HS (Gerry’s Place)

WEDNESDAY 11/25/15
9:30am   Kids Paint: Owl at the Franklin Art Center

THURSDAY 11/26/15 - ***HAPPY THANKSGIVING!***
8am   Annual Turkey Trot Family 5K Fun Run - to benefit Franklin Food Pantry. Race begins at 8am. Entry fee $20 or 20 nonperishable food items.
More details HERE.

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