Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA Area: FRI 4/8/16 - THU 4/14/16

FRIDAY 4/8/16
2:10-7pm   2nd Annual Cut-A-Thon and Style-A-Thone at Tri-County HS. Benefits Dana Farber. Cost: $10/adults, $5/students
7pm   FHS Presents “Beauty and the Beast” at the Franklin HS
7:30pm   Dean College presents “Hair” at the Dean College Campus
8pm   Local Artist Series at The Black Box: Chick Magnets and the Ben Gardner’s Boat

SATURDAY 4/9/16
9am-3pm   Buck a Book - Franklin Public Library Book Sale before move. Library will be closing on Monday 4/11 for relocation.
12:30-1:30pm   FYHA Try Hockey for Free - Girls only! (ages 7-12) at the Pirelli Veterans Arena
1pm   Adult Coffee and Craft at the Franklin Public Library
2pm   Dean College presents “Hair” at the Dean College Campus
5pm   Spring Porketta at the Franklin Road and Gun Club (sold out!)
7pm   FHS Presents “Beauty and the Beast” at the Franklin HS
7pm   FSPA’s Annual Disney Showcase at The Black Box
7:30pm   Dean College presents “Hair” at the Dean College Campus
8pm   Circle of Friends Coffeehouse: Billy Novice and Guy Van Duser at First Universalist Society Meetinghouse

SUNDAY 4/10/16
7:30-10:30am   Sunday Morning Breakfast at Franklin Rod and Gun Club
1-4pm   Cinema Sunday at the Franklin Historical Museum - Stanley Chilson Films
2pm   Dean College presents “Hair” at the Dean College Campus
2pm   FPAC Family Concert Series: The Three Little Pigs - FREE Opera for Kids at The Black Box
3pm   Model Matzah Bakery and Chocolate Seder at the Chabad House in Milford

MONDAY 4/11/16
4-7pm   Kindergarten Registration at the Horace Mann MS (224 Oak Street)
Library Closed Until May 2nd. Will relocate to temporary location at 25 Kenwood Circle. 

TUESDAY 4/12/16
4-7pm   Kindergarten Registration at the Horace Mann MS (224 Oak Street)
7:30pm   Franklin and Bellingham Rail Trail Committee Monthly Meeting at the Franklin YMCA. Public welcome to attend.

WEDNESDAY 4/13/16
6-8pm   FEF’s Trivia Bee at the Horace Mann Middle School
7:30pm   Laughter Yoga - Let’s Laugh Today at the FUSF

THURSDAY 4/14/16
7pm   Concert for the Senses: Music and Art Appreciation Night at the Franklin HS

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

Chick Magnets, Ben Gardner's Boat play Friday Night at THE BLACK BOX

What are you doing Friday night? 

Hear great music at THE BLACK BOX! 

Franklin Downtown Partnership star performers include Barry Madden, Chick Magnets keyboardist and Franklin Ford owner, and Jeff Roy, guitarist in Ben Gardner's Boat and Franklin's State Representative!

Buy tickets: www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com

This was shared from the Franklin Downtown Partnership page

http://www.franklindowntownpartnership.org/2016/04/chick-magnets-ben-gardners-boat-play.html

FHS Baseball Preview

Hockomock Sports has posted the preview of the Kelly-Rex Division where Franklin High School competes. 

FHS Panthers

• 2015 Record: 16-8
• 2015 Finish: Reached D1 South Semifinals
• Coach: Zach Brown

"The Panthers reached the D1 South Semifinals last year but there will be some voids left from graduation that Franklin needs to fill in order to get back there.

“We have a lot of positions up for grabs,” head coach Zach Brown said. “But I’m really excited about the opportunity we have this season. We have a lot of new talented players that are competing hard for playing time and open positions and roles. We will be relying on some younger guys, sophomores and juniors, to help fill some critical positions. Competition during practice and scrimmages has been intense. I think we have a unique blend of veterans and a new influx of talent. I’m very optimistic about what this team can become by the end of the season.”

The talent that Franklin does have back is a good group with Alex Bissanti returning at second base, Mike Skaza back to pitch and patrol the outfield, Nick Santucci at shortstop, Tyler Gomes will move to catcher full time and Jake Lyons will handle centerfield duties. Joe Corsi will handle a variety of roles and Josh Macchi will take over first base.

Franklin graduated 10 seniors from last year’s squad that included the entire pitching rotation and closer. Brown noted sophomores Jake Noviello and Matt Foley will see time on the mound this season."

for the complete Kelly-Rex Division preview check this
http://www.hockomocksports.com/baseball-kelley-rex-division-preview-2016/

The FHS Baseball schedule can be found here
http://www.hockomocksports.com/schedules/baseball/franklin/2016-2/

SAFE/JAG Substance Abuse Intervention Drop In Centers Open

ATTENTION: Anyone who needs assistance with substance abuse disorder

MILFORD: 

First and Third Tuesday of the month (April 5th, 19th May 3rd, 17th June 7th, 21st) Community Impact, 211 Main Street Milford MA. 5:00-9:00 PM

FRANKLIN: 

Second and Fourth Thursdays of the month (April 14th, 28th May 12th, 26th June 16th, and 30th ) at Saint John’s Episcopal Church Franklin MA 237 Pleasant Street Franklin. 5:00 to 9:00 pm.

* If you or a loved one is struggling with Substance Abuse Disorder please visit one of our centers for assistance with treatment and support.

* If you are the family member or loved one of someone struggling with Substance Abuse Disorder, please visit one of our centers for supportive services and information.

Drop in Centers provide a gateway to professional resources for persons with Substance Use Disorders, their friends and family members. The centerpiece for this outreach and intervention program will be to provide licensed counselor(s) who will assist participants with medical and psychological needs including referrals to outpatient counseling, medical detoxification, in/outpatient rehabilitation programs and other treatment modalities that may be indicated. Learn to Cope volunteers will also be present to assist families and loved ones.

Please contact us at comm@safecoalitionma.com with any questions.

SAFE Coalition

MassBudget: Confused about charter school funding?

MassBudget    Information.    Participation.  Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center    Democracy. Read our brief Charter School Funding, Explained   By most measures, Massachusetts schools are the best in the nation. We have a long way to go, however, to make sure that we provide every child with a great public education. MassBudget's research has examined a number of strategies that can contribute to progress towards that goal. And when our public schools give all children the opportunity to reach their full potential, it's not only good for our economy, but also for our democracy and our communities. As John Adams wrote in our constitution, our "rights and liberties" depend on "(w)isdom and knowledge, as well as virtue, [being] diffused generally among the body of the people." With so much focus in education policy debates on charter schools, our new fact sheet Charter School Funding, Explained provides a clear explanation of the facts surrounding the school finance elements of this contentious issue. The explainer provides detail on: Charter school tuition calculations Issues with funding for special education students Charter school reimbursements for sending districts The cost of underfunding reimbursements in recent years Transportation funding Recent proposals for changing some of these mechanisms To read the report, click HERE.  #     #     # The Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center (MassBudget) produces policy research, analysis, and data-driven recommendations focused on improving the lives of low- and middle-income children and adults, strengthening our state's economy, and enhancing the quality of life in Massachusetts. MASSACHUSETTS BUDGET AND POLICY CENTER 15 COURT SQUARE, SUITE 700 BOSTON, MA 02108

MassBudget Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center, 15 Court Square, Suite 700, Boston, MA 02108 Sent by nberger@massbudget.org in collaboration with Try it free today

TeamFitness: FREE April Break Kids Training

Develop Competitive Skills to be the BEST!

FREE Program for Kids Over April Break! Check Out This Boston Globe Article on CFour Training... http://www.bostonglobe.com/lifestyle/health-wellness/2015/02/20/more-young-athletes-work-out-for-sports/4nllIrfRbG7mNPxhLrI5pM/story.html?event=event25  Team Fitness and CrossFit Franklin  | 508-541-8330  |  tom@teamfitnessfranklin.com| CFour Website Copyright © 2016. All Rights Reserved.

Team Fitness Franklin, 100 Franklin Village Drive, Franklin, MA 02038 Sent by tom@teamfitnessfranklin.com in collaboration with Try it free today

Buck a Book - Book Sale at the Library on Saturday!

Help the Library minimize the number of books they'll move by taking out as many as you want (return in four weeks) or go to the Book Sale on Saturday and get books for $1 each.

Buck a book - book sale - Apr 9

This was shared from the Library page here
http://franklinpl.blogspot.com/2016/04/franklin-public-library-book-sale.html

If you missed hearing about the pending renovations at the Library, that it will relocate to 25 Kenwood Circle for about one year while the work is being done, then you can catch up here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/03/multiple-updates-on-franklin-library.html

In the News: "Bible doesn't say that", Elks Care 5K, Sheriff speaks to Town Council

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin

The Bible doesn't say that

The author of “The Bible Doesn’t Say That!” will speak in Franklin on Monday, April 11, starting at 7 p.m., at the Franklin Federated Church,171 Main St., Franklin. 

An internationally acclaimed teacher, author and translator, Dr. Joel M. Hoffman brings “fresh insights and interpretations about religious life in the 21st century.” Well known for engaging both academic and popular audiences alike, Hoffman looks back through 2000 years of revisionism to the text as it originally was.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160407/franklin-houses-of-worship-to-host-the-bible-doesnt-say-that-author

"The Franklin Elks will hold its fourth annual Elks Care Elks Share 5K Road Race Walk and Run at 9 a.m. May 7 at the Franklin Elks Lodge, 1077 Pond St. 

The event will feature a 5K road race and walk through the neighborhood with trophies for the top three finishers in various age categories. Refreshments will be provided and T-shirts will be supplied to all who register online by May 1"

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160407/franklin-elks-to-hold-5k-road-race-walk

"Norfolk County Sheriff Michael Bellotti spoke before the Town Council this week about strategies to prevent recidivism among area offenders. 

Bellotti, speaking at the council's Wednesday night meeting, said it is important to connect offenders with services before their sentences are up. 

"We hear time and time again - up to 90 percent of (offenders) have alcohol or drug issues," he said, adding that other problems - like a lack of housing or vocational skills - contribute to offending or re-offending. "What we try to do is assess where their deficits are."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160407/sheriff-speaks-to-franklin-town-council

Earth Day trails project at the DelCarte Recreation area - Apr 23

Dear Franklin residents: 

We are writing to invite you to participate in an Earth Day trails project at the DelCarte Recreation area on Pleasant Street in Franklin. 

DelCarte is a 136 acre conservation area, managed by the Conservation Commission. This unique property offers multiple recreation opportunities for our Town residents including picnicking, birding, fishing, canoeing/kayaking or hiking along the dam, meandering past wetlands and through wooded upland trails. 

With spring’s arrival, it is a perfect time to refresh the trails and picnic areas, pruning back fallen branches, raking leaves, making sure trail markers are in place and low lying trails are passable. 

On Saturday, April 23rd , the Commission will be hosting a 1st annual clean-up of DelCarte, from 8am – 11am. The morning will include projects led by Conservation Commissioners familiar with the trails, light snacks, and an informative talk on our local wildlife led by Mass Audubon Sanctuary Director, Doug Williams. 

For more information call Conservation Commission at 508-520-4929 

Thanks so much for your participation. 

Sincerely, 

George Russell, AICP
Town of Franklin Conservation Agent
355 East Central Street
Franklin, MA 02038
conservation@franklin.ma.us

an early morning view from the MBTA Franklin train to Boston

• Video from Dec 2012

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/12/delcarte-property-video.html

• Video from Oct 2013

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/10/delcarte-property-video.html

• Video from Mar 2014

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/03/delcarte-property-winter-wonderland.html


This notification was shared from the official Town of Franklin page
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_News/02390411-000F8513

HMEA'S 15th Annual Fundraiser Of The Year Has A New Name And Look!

HMEA's incredABLE Walk, Run and All-Day Family Fun
will celebrate the ABLE in all of us!

HMEA's 15th annual fundraiser of the year has a new name and look!

HMEA's incredABLE Day

HMEA's incredABLE Walk, Run and All-Day Family Fun raises funds to
help those with Autism and other developmental disabilities
live up to their potential and reach for independence.

Sunday, May 22, 2016

8:00 am to 3 pm

EMC² Corporation
Franklin, Massachusetts

HMEA's incredABLE Walk, Run and All-Day Family Fun includes a 5K walk, a kids' fun run and a 5K run that is registered and USATF Certified. Music, food and activities for the entire family await at the finish line. Thousands will attend. Thousands more will benefit from the services HMEA provides.

The incredABLE Walk, Run and All-Day Family Fun will be hosted by Gene Lavanchy from Fox 25 News and Steve Nelson, the all-time great New England Patriots' linebacker.  The event is generously sponsored by EMC², Rockland Trust and Blue Cross and Blue Shield.

• New incredABLE brand draws attention to what people with disabilities are ABLE to accomplish!

In celebration of the event's 15^th year, HMEA rebranded the event to draw attention to the abilities — and not the disabilities — of the over 4,000 people in 110 Massachusetts communities it serves.

According to Doug McPherson, the event used to be called the Independence Run and Walk. "HMEA has been successful in helping people with Autism and other development disabilities become ABLE to live an independent life," he said. "We wanted to remind the general public that the people we serve are ABLE to contribute to their communities in profound ways."

The event also celebrates the families, care workers, educators and support staff who support HMEA's clients. "When a child or young adult is diagnosed with Autism or other developmental disabilities the entire family is affected. HMEA also helps families, school systems and medical personnel understand the challenges of raising a child with disabilities."

HMEA's incredABLE Day

For more information on this incredABLE event visit www.hmea.org/incredable

About HMEA

HMEA was founded in 1961 on the basic principle that people diagnosed with Autism or other developmental disabilities have dreams for their lives. Our mission is to help them live that dream and our 700+ caring, committed and competent staff are dedicated to achieving that. We treat each person diagnosed with Autism or a developmental disability as an individual, with talents, abilities and challenges. And our care spans his or her lifetime — from the first few months of life through adulthood.      HMEA serves over 4,000 people who have Autism and other developmental disabilities throughout 110 communities in Massachusetts. For more information, visit www.hmea.org

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 7, 5 – 7 pm
• April 11, 11 am – 1 pm
• April 12, 4 – 6 pm
• April 14, 5 – 7 pm
• April 19, 4 – 6 pm
• April 21, 5 – 7 pm

These ceramic bowls, made by students in the Empty Bowls Club at Franklin High School, will be given to guests at the 1st Annual Empty Bowls Dinner on April 27 at Franklin High School. 

Empty Bowls is an international grass roots 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.

FHS boys and girls lacrosse top Attleboro

Boys Lacrosse

• Franklin, 13 @ Attleboro, 0 – Final

Girls Lacrosse

• Attleboro, 3 @ Franklin, 16 – Final 

– Caroline Lounsbury netted a hat trick and Halle Atkinson and Lauren DeStefano each scored their first varsity goals. Head coach Kristin Igoe said Grace McDermott played well on defense, causing two turnovers.

http://www.hockomocksports.com/wednesdays-schedule-scoreboard-040616/

FHS Panthers

Circle of Friends Coffeehouse: Tickets for shows this Fall now on sale!

Fall show tickets are now on sale. Don't forget Billy Novick and Guy Van Duser on April 9th. View this email in your browser Tickets to fall shows are now on sale. http://www.circlefolk.org/schedule.html April 9    Billy Novick and Guy Van Duser April 23  Forever Young - Neil Young Tribute Band May 7    DALA with The Young Novelists May 14  Jim Kweskin and Samoa Wilson Sep 10   Garnet Rogers with Shawna Caspi Sep 24   An Evening with Tom Rush Oct 15   Jim Henry and Abby Gardner (Red Molly)   Copyright © 2016 Circle of Friends Coffeehouse, All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: Circle of Friends Coffeehouse First Universalist Society 262 Chestnut St Franklin, MA 02038

April is Autism Awareness month

April is Autism Awareness month.  In conjunction with Autism Awareness Month:

The Franklin Police Department has posted a new form on its website.  The form is for first responders and is designed to assist them in a search or interaction with a person who is on the Autism Spectrum.   

It has space for a description, emergency contact information, other characteristics and a photo can be attached.  If you have an Autistic Child or adult that you care for and would like to submit a form for us to have on file should we need to assist your loved one the link is attached.   

Paper copies are available at Franklin Police Dispatch also.   

All information will be kept strictly confidential.

The form

http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Police/forms/Autism%20Elopement%20Alert%20Form%20Fillable.pdf

Franklin Police - 911 Panther Way

In the News: Council approves sidewalk project, Red Cross blood drive, Temple schedules seder, FHS SADD schedules walk

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin

"Residents attending the Town Council meeting Wednesday night applauded after the council approved a $1.8 million sidewalk project. 

The council unanimously approved the work, which would install new sidewalks and repair existing sidewalks along Pleasant and Chestnut streets. 

Town Administrator Jeffrey Nutting said the matter came before the council last year, with the body voting to devote $50,000 for the design of the sidewalk. The town had subsequently gone out to bid on the project, with the total cost coming to about $1.8 million."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160406/franklin-council-approves-sidewalk-project

"The American Red Cross will hold a blood drive from 2 to 7 p.m. April 21 at the Franklin Elks Lodge, 1077 Pond St. 

Eligible donors can give red blood cells through either a regular whole blood donation or a double red cell donation, where available. During a double red cell donation, two units of red blood cells are collected while most of the plasma and platelets are returned to the donor. Double red cell donors must meet additional eligibility criteria, which will be determined at the donation appointment."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160406/american-red-cross-to-hold-franklin-blood-drive

"Temple Etz Chaim will host its annual Second Night of Passover Community Seder at 6 p.m. April 23 at the Franklin Federated Church, 171 Main St. 

The event will include Four Questions, matzo ball soup, chopped liver, brisket and traditional Passover desserts. A vegan option will be available. 

Tickets will be discounted prior to April 18. 

For information and payment arrangements: 508-528-5337; temple-etzchaim.org."

http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160406/temple-etz-chaim-to-host-community-seder-for-passover

"The annual Students Against Drunk Driving Walk of Tears, in memory of Maura Howard, a graduate of King Philip Regional High School and Amy Callaghan, of Franklin High School, both victims of drunken-driving accidents, will take place at 11 a.m. May 1 at Franklin High School, 218 Oak St. 

Registration begins at 10:30 a.m., followed by the ceremony; the walk will begin at 11 a.m. The walk is approximately 3 miles, and refreshments and water will be available."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160406/franklin-high-school-to-hold-sadd-walk-of-tears