Celebrate Horace Mann's birthday on Sunday, May 1

The Franklin Historical Museum will celebrate Horace Mann, Franklin’s favorite son, on the occasion of his 220th birthday. Join us on Sunday May 1st for coffee and cake in the museum library. A slide show presentation on the life of Horace Mann and his accomplishments will be running throughout the afternoon. Horace Mann was born in Franklin, May 4th, 1796. With very little primary education, he was mostly self-taught and entered Brown University as a sophomore after testing so well on his entrance exams. He graduated at the top of his class and went on to study law.

Horace Mann

In his life time he was a lawyer, a legislator, president of the Massachusetts Senate and an advocate for the abolition of slavery and the care of the mentally ill. He was named the first Secretary of Education in Massachusetts and this is where is life’s work is most highly noted. He created the Common School and established that all children should attend schools supported and funded by the community. He believed that, in a democratic society, education should be free and universal, nonsectarian, and reliant on well-trained, professional teachers. It’s these basic beliefs that shaped the education system used to this very day. 

Franklin is proud to claim Horace Mann as our own. Later this year the town will honor him with a life size statue erected on the site of the former Horace Mann High School at the corner of Emmons Street and West Central Street. 

At the same time the museum will recognize another favorite Franklin resident who shares her birthday with Horace Mann, but as she notes, he’s just a little older. Stop in and wish Ellie Crothers a Happy Birthday between 1:00PM and 4:00PM!

Franklin Historical Museum

Find out more about the Franklin Historical Museum on the web at
http://franklinhistoricalmuseum.org/

• Saturday, Franklin Historical Museum open 10:00AM - 1:00PM, always Free
• Sunday, Franklin Historical Museum open 1:00PM - 4:00PM, always Free

"consolidation of the two winter vacations into a single, week-long break"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin

A group charged with re-examining the school district's calendar has winnowed its list of possibilities and will be presenting them to the School Committee. 

The committee, at its meeting last week, heard an update on the calendar efforts. It had convened the subcommittee in February after district personnel had difficulty drafting a schedule for the 2016-2017 school year. 

Member Denise Schultz said that the subcommittee had met three times, and would be presenting its findings at the next School Committee meeting, currently slated for April 26.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160417/committee-will-review-school-calendar

The Franklin Matters reporting on the School Committee meeting can be found here  http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/04/storify-real-time-reporting-school.html

Parmenter School sign reminding of April vacation. Will this schedule be changed for the 2017-2018 calendar year? Find out at the April 26 School Committee meeting when the calendar committee reports.

MBTA: Bus, Commuter Rail and Subway notice - bicycle restrictions for Monday, Apr 18

Bus, Commuter Rail, and Subway Notice: Due to congestion, bikes (including folding bikes) are not allowed on any MBTA vehicles on Patriots' Day, Monday, April 18, 2016.

Last updated: Apr 15 2016 02:35 PM

Franklin Line approaching Franklin/Dean Station

Franklin Education Foundation (FEF) Trivia Bee Winners

Franklin Education Foundation (FEF) Trivia Bee Winners!

• Keefe Insurance Is Patriot Place Trivia Bee Champion!
• Remington Middle School Is Patriot Place Middle School Trivia Bee Champion!

Two spirited, competitive FEF Trivia Bees held Wednesday night resulted in 2 new Patriot Place Champions and raised over $12,000 for the FEF grant program for Franklin Public Schools.

The Remington Middle School student team outlasted the Horace Mann team in the Patriot Place Championship Round to win the 2nd annual FEF Middle School Trivia Bee.

In the subsequent community FEF Trivia Bee, the Keefe Insurance team, composed of Franklin High School students in the FHS Mock Trial Club, beat 5 other teams in the Patriot Place Championship Round to win the 19th annual FEF Trivia Bee. This is the first time in the 19-year history of the FEF Trivia Bee that a team composed of high school students has won the bee. 

In the Patriot Place Championship round, the Keefe Insurance team outlasted 5 other teams sponsored by Encore Music Academy, St. Mary’s Parish, Franklin Special Education Parents Advisory Council, Oak Street Elementary School PCC, and the Franklin School Committee. Kudos to the FHS Mock Trial Students, Keefe Insurance for sponsoring them, and Patriot Place for sponsoring the championship round!

FEF would also like to thank:

• Team sponsors and raffle item providers
• Our MCs, the “Dancing Principals”, Messrs. Paul Peri and Brian Wildeman
• Our judges, Dr. Anne Bergen and Messrs. Matt Kelly and Craig Williams
• The FHS jazz band and Director Leighanne Rudsit - another fantastic performance!
• Sound man Anthony Menna

And the many community and Franklin Public School volunteers who helped make this event a success!

More details about the winners and sponsors of this year’s Trivia Bee may be found at the FEF Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/franklined.org/

See you next year for our 20th FEF Trivia Bee!

The Trivia Bee judges table was busy between sessions

The FHS jazz band performed

Lots of silent auction items for the FEF fundraiser

3rd Annual Dean Dash 5K Race

Welcome to the 3rd Annual Dean Dash 5K Race, we are excited to host you for a third edition of this great Dean College tradition! Last year, we surpassed our goal of registering over 150 participants so this year, we are looking forward to welcoming over 200 runners, joggers, and walkers. So whether you are a seasoned race enthusiast or this is your first 5K, join the Dean College community on what will be a fun-filled day 

The course will start and finish at Awpie Way located just outside of Dean Hall. You will start promptly at 12:00 PM and take a 3.16-mile walk, jog, or run through the quiet, residential streets of Franklin. Every turn along the course will be clearly marked by a directional sign pointing you down the right path and a course marshal will be present at every road to ensure your safety.

Register online at http://www.dean.edu/dean_dash.aspx

 3rd Annual Dean Dash 5K Race

Franklin Public Schools: MICCA Music Awards

A message from FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT

Hello

1 
- Happy Spring vacation - please see the announcement below

Our music students in grades 6-12 all won medals at the State MICCA festival. Congratulations to all.

2 
- Please note the FHS Main Office will be closed next week. 

All FHS administrative offices will be closed during vacation week due to water damage repairs. Work permits may be completed when we return from vacation on April 25th.

------------

The Franklin Music ensembles had a wonderful outcome at the MICCA Music Festival. All eleven of the Franklin ensembles that performed received a medal. Below are the ensembles that performed along with the medals that they received.

• FHS Chorus - Silver
• FHS Select Chorus - Silver
• FHS Concert Band - Bronze
• FHS Orchestra - Silver
• FHS Wind Ensemble - Silver
• Annie Sullivan Middle School Band - Bronze
• Combined Middle School Orchestra - Gold
• Middle School Honors Choir - Silver
• Horace Mann Middle School Band - Silver
• Remington Symphony Band - Silver
• Franklin Repertory Orchestra - Gold

Congratulations to our musicians

Thank you parents, music boosters and faculty for your support for all of our young musicians!

MICCA

MBTA: Commuter Rail notice - bicycle restrictions - Sunday, April 17

Due to Boston Marathon-related events, bikes (including folding bikes) are not allowed on Southside Commuter Rail trains on Sunday, April 17. Affected routes: Framingham/Worcester Line Franklin Line Fairmount Line Providence/Stoughton Line Middleborough/Lakeville Line Kingston/Plymouth Line Greenbush Line Last updated: Apr 16 2016 12:04 PM Click here for more information: http://www.mbta.com/events/

Franklin Line

Norfolk County Registry of Deeds: Warns Homeowners About Deed Scam

	Norfolk County Registry of Deeds
	Register O'Donnell Warns Homeowners About Deed Scam Continuing his efforts to combat consumer fraud, Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell today expressed his ongoing frustration regarding Norfolk County residents who continue to receive direct-mail solicitations offering them a certified copy of their property deed for an exorbitant fee ranging anywhere from $59.50-$83.00. Register O'Donnell stated, "These companies are making outrageous profits. If a consumer knew that the Registry of Deeds would provide them a certified copy of a property deed for a charge of only $1.00 per page, plus an additional $1.00 for postage, they would never agree to pay these companies such an outrageous fee for service. The average price for a mailed homeowner's deed by the Registry (usually two pages) is $3.00." The Registry has heard numerous stories from Norfolk County residents about examples of receiving deed solicitation notices from a California private company. The solicitation was labeled Recorded Deed Notice and requested that the homeowner forward a check to them in the amount of $83.00 for a copy of their deed. A Braintree resident, who received the solicitation, notified the Registry about the advertisement instead of spending $83.00. Register O'Donnell stated, "While the practice may be legal, it's certainly not ethical. Clearly these direct-mail companies are preying upon the innocent assumptions of Norfolk County residents, many of whom are first-time homeowners or elderly. Consumers are interpreting these notices as a bill, since they are affixed with a due date. I urge Norfolk County citizens not to fall prey to these types of misleading deed scam advertisements." If you receive such a deed solicitation notice, please contact the Registry's Customer Service Center immediately at (781) 461-6101 or by email at registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org. Additionally, if you desire a copy of your deed, also contact the Registry's Customer Service Center and we will be glad to provide you with one for a nominal fee of usually $2.00-$3.00. 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

Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, 649 High Street, Dedham,, MA 02026-1831 Sent by registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org in collaboration with Try it free today

Norfolk County Deeds seal

1st Annual Empty Bowls Dinner - April 27

The Franklin Food Pantry and the Franklin High School Empty Bowls Club have joined forces to co-host the 1st Annual Empty Bowls Dinner on Wednesday, April 27 from 6 – 8 p.m. in the Franklin High School cafeteria. The event, which includes a simple meal of soup and bread, is meant to remind guests of the many “empty bowls” that exist in the lives of those who experience hunger.

Attendees will choose a hand-painted, ceramic bowl to take home as a reminder that “somewhere, someone’s bowl is empty.” A silent auction will feature select pieces that have been created and painted by members of the FHS Empty Bowls Club, and local youth, adult and corporate groups. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Franklin Food Pantry and will be used to fight hunger locally.

“The Empty Bowls Dinner will bring together members of our community who are working together to fight hunger,” says Erin Lynch, executive director of the Franklin Food Pantry. “We hope it will be a powerful reminder of the many people who struggle to put enough food on the table. We are thrilled to partner with the Franklin High School Empty Bowls Club to address the vital issue of hunger. We look forward to attracting all ages at this family-friendly event.”

Students in the Empty Bowls Club have been making ceramic bowls throughout the year to be used at the dinner. “Our students are excited to be part of such a meaningful effort,” said Brenna Johnson, FHS art teacher and instructor for the Empty Bowls Club. “It is rewarding for them to use their creativity to contribute to such a worthy cause. The true impact of their hard work will be felt on the night of our big event.”

Tickets must be bought in advance and can be purchased at the Franklin Food Pantry. Seating is limited so tickets will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis. The cost is $20 for adults and $10 for children and students. Payment must be made in cash or checks payable to the Franklin Food Pantry. 

The Pantry will hold “Box Office Hours” to sell tickets at its 43 W. Central Street location (on Route 140 across from the Franklin Fire Station) during the following times:

• April 19, 4 – 6 pm
• April 21, 5 – 7 pm

This bowl will be included in the Silent Auction at the 1st Annual Empty Bowls Dinner at Franklin High School on April 25. 

Empty Bowls is an international grassroots effort to fight hunger and raise funds to support local pantries. The Franklin Food Pantry and the FHS Empty Bowls Club work together to support the cause locally. The ceramic bowls are created throughout the year by the Empty Bowls Club and various corporate and community groups organized by the Pantry through its Empty Bowls Project. For more information on the dinner, or to arrange for your group to hold an Empty Bowls Project, visit www.franklinfoodpantry.org or call 508-528-3115.

"Commuter rail adds extra train run for Franklin line"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) this week announced changes to its commuter rail schedules, including alterations that would affect the Franklin line. 

The new schedules, announced on Thursday, will take effect on May 23. 

MBTA spokesman Jason Johnson said the new schedules are intended to improve reliability - partly by making one delay less likely to cause another.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160415/commuter-rail-adds-extra-train-run-for-franklin-line

The full new MBTA schedule for Franklin can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/04/mbta-starting-may-23-commuter-rail.html

MBTA commuter rail heading to Forge Park

FHS spring sports results for Friday, April 15

It was a split result against Mansfield on Friday with the FHS boys and girls tennis teams winning their matches with the Mansfield baseball and softball teams taking theirs. In the boys lacrosse match against Cohasset, the FHS team lost 8-7. Results courtesy of Hockomock Sports.

Baseball

• Franklin, 6 @ Mansfield, 14 – Final 

– Sophomore Tyler Dalton struck out five in five innings of work to earn his first career win. Mansfield’s offense exploded with Kevin Dow and Mike Arnold each going 3-4 with three runs scored, Jake Tryder going 2-3 with two RBI and Tyrone Pascual went 2-3 with an RBI for the Hornets.

Softball

• Franklin, 2 @ Mansfield, 7 – Final 

– Freshman Mady Bendanillo had a career day, connecting on a pair of home runs to lead the Hornets. Bendanillo hit a solo home run in the first inning and then connected for her first career grand slam in the second inning. The tandem of pitcher Maddie Letendre and catcher Bri Homer limited the Panthers at the plate. Letendre struck out six in a complete game while Homer played great behind the plate according to head coach Lori Letendre. Maddie Letendre helped her cause at the plate, going 2-3, while Megan Letendre, Kara Bendanillo, Rachel Carafa, Homer and Liz Mackin all had hits. For Franklin, Ally Shea went 2-4 with a run scored, Clara DeCarvalho was 2-4 and Alyssa Dasilva had a pair of RBIs in the top of the seventh.

Boys Tennis

• Mansfield, 1 @ Franklin, 4 – Final 

– Franklin won at second and third singles as well as first and second doubles to get the win. Junior Eli Brooks won 6-0, 6-3 at second singles and Tom Mancini won 6-0, 6-1 at third singles. James Johnston and Cam Piana won 6-0, 6-2 at first doubles and the team of Jeremy Gran and Dan Barrow won 6-0, 6-2 at second doubles.

Girls Tennis

• Franklin, 4 @ Mansfield, 1 – Final

Boys Lacrosse

• Franklin, 7 @ Cohasset, 8 – Final 

– Senior Austin Kent and sophomore Eric Civetti both scored a hat trick and registered an assist for the Panthers. Head coach Lou Verrochi said Sophomore Connor O’Rourke was superb in goal with nine saves.

Luke Gordon (32) battles with a Cohasset player in Friday’s non-conference matchup. (Phil Garceau/ESPN Boston)

http://www.hockomocksports.com/franklin-boys-lacrosse-falls-goal-cohasset/

For the remainder of the results around the Hockomock League on Friday
http://www.hockomocksports.com/fridays-schedule-scoreboard-041516/

MBTA - Starting May 23 - Commuter Rail Schedule Change

The new Commuter Rail spring schedules go into effect on Monday, May 23rd and are now available on the MBTA website at www.mbta.com. Please note that there will be no schedule changes for the Greenbush, Kingston/Plymouth, and Middleborough/Lakeville Lines. Paper copies of the schedules will be available in the Boston-based stations (North Station, South Station, and Back Bay) starting on Monday, May 16th. Last updated: Apr 14 2016 02:02 PM Click here for more information: http://www.mbta.com/about_the_mbta/news_events/?id=6442456079&month=&year= Sent by the MBTA.

Franklin commuter rail approaching Franklin Dean Station from Forge Park

For ease, the Franklin line new schedule can be found here



Or on the MBTA site
http://www.mbta.com/uploadedfiles/Smart_Forms/News,_Events_and_Press_Releases/04.12%20Franklin%20Final.pdf

Winemaking Classes Start Soon

DON'T FORGET TO REGISTER  REGISTER TODAY  Winemaking Classes with LaCantina Winery  Begin Later This Month Dear Friends: Learn the art of traditional Italian winemaking - and bring home your own case of wine! The Center for Adult Education and Community Learning at Franklin, in conjunction with La Cantina Winery, is pleased to once again offer Winemaking Partnership classes. This is a multi-week course designed to introduce you to the pleasures and satisfaction of winemaking. Your seminar fee of $250 includes all materials - grapes, use of professional winemaking equipment, winemaking consultation and education, 10-month wine storage, corks, capsules, bottles and one case of wine to take home.           For More Information and To Register click here

FPS- Life Long Learning, 355 East Central Street, Franklin, MA 02038 Sent by adulted@franklin.k12.ma.us in collaboration with Try it free today

Franklin Art Association - Spring Art Show - Apr 30, May 1

On Saturday, April 30th, the Franklin Art Association will hold an opening reception and awards ceremony at THE BLACK BOX, 15 West Central Street, Franklin.  The show will feature an exhibit and sale of works of art by member artists, a "clothesline cash and carry" art sale, small works table and bin sales of original work and prints.  Live music will be provided by the Franklin High School Jazz Band.  Refreshments will be served and the public is invited.

Franklin Art Associate - Spring Show and Sale

The show opens on Saturday, April 30th, 12 pm - 8 pm, and continues through Sunday, May 1st, 12 pm - 3 pm.

"We are very excited to have the opportunity to showcase our members' artwork at this terrific new venue at THE BLACK BOX," says Sue Sheridan, association president.

More than 100 pieces of art and photography by member artists will be featured.  All works will be for sale and reasonably priced.

The Franklin Art Association is a non-profit organization and has been continuously providing art education programs in Franklin for more than 40 years.  Monthly meetings, art exhibits and painting workshops provide the opportunity for artists and photographers at every skill level to meet and learn from one another in a supportive environment.  Meetings are held the first Wednesday of the month at the Franklin Senior Center, which feature art demonstrations by established regional and national artists.

The association's activities are supported in part by the Franklin Cultural Council, which is a local agency funded by the Massachusetts Cultural Council.  For more information about association activities, check the website at www.franklinart.org and www.facebook.com/FranklinArtAssoc/

About the event:

WHEN:  Saturday, April 30th from 12 pm - 8 pm, with an opening reception at 7 pm.  The show continues on Sunday, May 1st, 12 pm - 3 pm.  

WHERE:  THE BLACK BOX, 15 West Central St., Franklin

ADMISSION:  Free

INFORMATION:  www.franklinart.org

Downtown Project Update #26 - April 15, 2016

"There will be no work on site (downtown) Monday, April 18. 

Tuesday traffic will be detoured off West Central St down West St as curbing will be installed in front of 711 plaza."

Anthony Tavalone

CE III MA DOT

new curbing being put in place, to be followed with new sidewalks

This was shared from the Town of Franklin