Kent, Civetti lead the pack of awards for FHS Boys Lacrosse

From Hockomock Sports

"Franklin senior attacker Austin Kent has been chosen as the 2016 HockomockSports.com Boys Lacrosse Player of the Year. Kent led the Panthers to a fourth straight Kelley-Rex division title, with an unbeaten 10-0 record, and was also selected as the Hockomock League MVP by the coaches. 

“Austin is an elite scorer with the hardest shot in the league,” said HockomockSports.com Managing Editor Josh Perry. “Even against the best defenses in the state, Kent could find just enough space to get off a shot and was always a threat to put up a hat trick or more. Selecting him as Player of the Year felt like a no-brainer after the season he had.” 

Kent finished second on the Panthers and the in the league with 59 goals and 24 assists. His 83 points was only behind teammate Eric Civetti. The senior, who will spend a post-graduate season at Bridgton Academy next year, added five goals and three assists in the tournament against Xaverian."

Continue reading the write up on Kent at the link below -->>

HockomockSports.com Boys Lacrosse Player of the Year

HOCKOMOCK SPORTS FIRST TEAM

• Sean Lockhart – Franklin – Defense

Franklin senior Sean Lockhart was one of the leaders of the Panthers defensive unit, which remained among the best in the Hockomock League. Lockhart helped Franklin win the league title with an unbeaten record and make a run to the D1 South quarterfinal. As one of the Panthers close defenders, Lockhart could shut down his player and also read the play to step into the passing lanes. Lockhart will be heading to Assumption College next season and was selected as an all-star by the league’s coaches.

• Matt Pleshaw – Franklin – LSM

Franklin LSM Matt Pleshaw was a major factor in the Panthers having one of the strongest defensive units in the league and helped Franklin go unbeaten in the Hockomock and reach the D1 South quarterfinal. Pleshaw is a quick player who would regularly jump forward into the attack after forcing a turnover or scooping a ground ball. While not the biggest defender on the team, Pleshaw showed the strength to battle with some of the state’s best attackers as the Panthers played one of the toughest schedules in the league.

• Eric Civetti – Franklin – Attack

Franklin sophomore Eric Civetti was the other side of the potent Panthers attack and he made the jump from promising freshman to league leader in his second season at Pisini Field. Civetti led the Hockomock with 70 goals and 94 points. He was a physical force down near the crease with great hands and ball skills that rivaled the best in the state, as well as a keen eye for a pass (24 assists). He was chosen as the HockomockSports.com Underclassman of the Year (see below) and selected as an all-star by the league’s coaches.

• Jacob Alexander – Franklin – FOGO

Franklin freshman FOGO (face-off, get-off) midfielder Jake Alexander came out of nowhere to dominate the face-off ‘X’ for the Panthers and became a major factor in an undefeated league title and a run to the D1 South quarterfinal. Not the biggest player, Alexander used his speed and quick hands to win 76 percent of the face-offs this spring. It provided the Panthers with a ready supply of possessions for their powerful attack to go back to work. Alexander was selected as an all-star by the league’s coaches.

HOCKOMOCK SPORTS SECOND TEAM

• Patrick Morrison – Franklin – LSM

Franklin won another league title this season with one of the top defenses in the Hockomock and while there was plenty of experience at the back for the Panthers this spring, freshman Patrick Morrison had a breakout rookie campaign that showed the future is bright heading into next season. The imposing Morrison brought size and speed to the Franklin defense along with the stick skills to step forward with the ball in transition and lead a quick break. On a team that reloads rather than rebuilds, Morrison looks to be a future star for Franklin.

• Packie Watson – Franklin – Midfield

Franklin junior Packie Watson was among a group of Panthers that sometimes did not get the attention of players like Austin Kent or Eric Civetti, but played a critical role in Franklin’s unbeaten run through the Kelley-Rex and return to the D1 South quarterfinal. Watson was tenacious on the wings on face-offs, dominant on ground balls, and also a consistent presence for Franklin in the clear. Watson was the player that connected the Panthers defense and attack and was selected as an all-star by the league’s coaches.

HockomockSports.com Boys Lacrosse Underclassman of the Year

"Franklin sophomore attacker Eric Civetti has been chosen as the 2016 HockomockSports.com Boys Lacrosse Underclassman of the Year. Civetti led the league in scoring this spring and helped the Panthers to an undefeated Kelley-Rex division title and to the Div. 1 South quarterfinal. 

Civetti, who was an honorable mention for this award in 2015, was the league leader with 94 points. He scored 70 goals and recorded 24 assists for the potent Franklin offense, many times combining with Player of the Year Austin Kent (see above). 

“Eric was a force around the crease and had the skills to break down any defense,” said HockomockSports.com Managing Editor Josh Perry. “He would bully his way past his marker and finish with surprising agility, managing to stay out of the crease and find the angle he needed to get his shot into the back of the net. He could step back and let it rip too if that’s what the defense gave him.”

Continue reading the write up on Eric at the link below -->>

For all the awards for Hockomock boys lacrosse
http://hockomocksports.com/awards/boys-lacrosse/2016-2/

July 4th Celebration: Schedule of Events - Monday, July 4

All events scheduled for the Franklin Town Common

12pm - 7pm Amusements* and Food Booths

1pm - 5pm TBA


*Carnival Special Thursday and Monday. Pay one price unlimited rides.

climbing wall next to the Civil War monument

July 4th Coalition webpage screen grab

Donations

The Franklin July 4th Coalition needs your help. This is our third year as a community volunteer group. We have the sole mission of preserving our 33rd year of the July 4th celebration. 

We rely upon fundraising events and donations to help provide fireworks, the parade and children events during our 5 day town celebration. This year we need YOUR direct help. A small tax deductible donation will help us reach our fund raising goal and thereby allow us to keep the celebration an exciting town wide event. 

Thanks you for your support!

Please follow the link to the official page to make a donation to the July 4th Celebration 

FHS Panthers recognized for Hockomock Sports girls lacrosse

HOCKOMOCK SPORTS FIRST TEAM

• Sam Jones – Franklin – Defense

Franklin senior defender Sam Jones was the leader of the league’s best defensive unit and helped Franklin to another undefeated league title and to the program’s second D1 East title in three years. The University of Charleston commit was among the league leaders with 42 ground balls, but her contributions went beyond stats, as she was the vocal leader of the defense, calling out slides and switches to keep the Panthers organized. This is her second time on the HockomockSports.com First Team and she was voted a league all-star.

• Kenzie Pleshaw – Franklin – Midfield

Franklin senior Kenzie Pleshaw emerged as the top scoring threat for the Panthers during their undefeated league campaign and their run to the Div. 2 East title, including the game-winning goal in the East final against Acton-Boxboro. The Stonehill College commit scored 50 goals and had two assists for Franklin this spring and was also among the league leaders with 45 draw controls in the regular season. Pleshaw was chosen as the Hockomock MVP and an all-star by the league’s coaches.

• Julia Jette – Franklin – Attack

Franklin senior attacker Julia Jette had another excellent season in the offensive zone for the Panthers, who completed another unbeaten league campaign and won the Div. 2 East title for the second time in three years. The University of New Haven commit was second on the team with 43 goals and added 24 assists for a team-high 67 points, which was good for seventh in the league. Jette is a two-time first team selection and was also chosen as an all-star by Hockomock League coaches.

HOCKOMOCK SPORTS SECOND TEAM

• Emily Spath – Franklin – Midfield

Franklin senior midfielder Emily Spath provided key contributions for the Panthers during their undefeated Hockomock season and their second sectional title in the past three seasons. The Assumption College commit finished with 32 goals and 11 assists in the regular season and gave Franklin a consistent weapon in the midfield when teams focused on Franklin’s other attackers. Spath was also a key part of the pressure defense that the Panthers preferred. She was selected as an all-star by the league’s coaches.

• Kendall Reardon – Franklin – Attack

Franklin junior attacker Kendall Reardon backed up her 2015 Underclassman of the Year campaign with an even better season for the league champion Panthers this spring. Reardon finished the season with 28 goals and 17 assists for Franklin and also added 34 ground balls. She gave an extra layer of control and passing ability to the Panthers in attack, as they made a run to a sectional title and the state semifinal. Reardon was chosen as a Hockomock League all-star by the league’s coaches.

For the full listing of Hockomck awards for girls lacrosse
http://hockomocksports.com/awards/girls-lacrosse/2016-2/

FHS Panthers

July 4th Holiday reminders

The Town of Franklin offices and the Public Library are closed.

Town office and Library closed on Monday, July 4

Trash and recycling will be delayed one day this week due to the holiday

trash and recycling delayed one day this week due to the holiday on Monday

July 4th Celebration: Schedule of Events - Sunday, July 3

All events scheduled for the Franklin Town Common

1pm - 10pm Amusements and Food Booths

2pm - 3:30pm PARADE (see details below)

7pm - 10pm ZOD Band

Haunted House on the Town Common

July 4th Coalition webpage screen grab

Donations

The Franklin July 4th Coalition needs your help. This is our third year as a community volunteer group. We have the sole mission of preserving our 33rd year of the July 4th celebration. 

We rely upon fundraising events and donations to help provide fireworks, the parade and children events during our 5 day town celebration. This year we need YOUR direct help. A small tax deductible donation will help us reach our fund raising goal and thereby allow us to keep the celebration an exciting town wide event. 

Thanks you for your support!

Please follow the link to the official page to make a donation to the July 4th Celebration 

Parade

• Hopefully same route as in the past!
• All veterans and civic organizations are invited to participate.
• Floats are always welcomed.
• Antique / Classic vehicles are invited to enter.
• Formation in Walgreens area.
• Email intentions to: mass701dlw@msn.com

Hockomock Sports recognizes three FHS softball players

HOCKOMOCKSPORTS.COM SECOND TEAM

• Maddie Connelly – Franklin – Infield

Franklin senior second baseman Maddie Connelly set the table for the Franklin offense this spring and also provided the Panthers with outstanding defense on the right side of the infield. Connelly batted .338 this season and struck out only six times in 88 plate appearances. The Endicott College commit scored 18 runs and drove in six. Connelly also made zero errors in 93 chances this spring and was selected as a Hockomock League all-star by the league’s coaches.

• Alexx Niss – Franklin – DP

Franklin junior designated player Alexx Niss emerged during the middle of the season as a power bat in the middle of the order for the Panthers and helped Franklin qualify for the state tournament. Niss belted six home runs this spring and drove in 27 runs, while batting .508 and slugging an impressive .951 in her debut season for the Panthers. She also scored 15 runs this year. Niss was selected as a Hockomock League all-star by the league’s coaches for her strong performance.

• Caroline D’Aprile – Franklin – Pitcher

Franklin senior pitcher Caroline D’Aprile took over in the circle for the Panthers this spring and helped Franklin make a run to third place in the Kelley-Rex division and another state tournament appearance. D’Aprile had an 11-8 regular season record with 84 strikeouts in 116 innings pitched. She also finished with an ERA of 2.53 for the spring. D’Aprile also had a shutout of D1 South power Bridgewater-Raynham and D2 South champion Abington during the season.


For the complete list of Hockomock League awards
http://hockomocksports.com/awards/softball/2016-2/

FHS Panthers

A First Look at the Legislative Budget

MassBudget    Information.    Participation.  Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center    Democracy. A First Look at the Legislative Budget  The budget enacted by the Legislature today represents both compromises between the House and Senate proposals, and new solutions to address the challenges caused by updated revenue estimates that project $750 million less in tax revenue than was previously anticipated. As a result, this budget funds most items at the lower of the House and Senate recommendations and a number of items below either the House or Senate recommendations. The budget also relies more on temporary budget-balancing solutions than the versions previously approved by the House and Senate: payments for some MassHealth costs will be shifted from FY 2017 to FY 2018; several accounts are funded significantly below the levels of known costs; and the budget counts on $100 million less in spending than the amount appropriated and that money being used to balance the budget rather than to build reserves. The budget will not make any deposit into the state's Rainy Day Fund. While the budget doesn't make significant progress towards addressing the big challenges our Commonwealth faces, such as rebuilding our transportation infrastructure, making college affordable, or expanding access to high-quality education for all of our children, it does include some small new investments and initiatives. Listed below are descriptions of selected important items in the Legislature's budget. MassBudget will publish a more comprehensive Budget Monitor next week.   Housing The budget provides $40.5 million less in funding for the Emergency Assistance Shelter program than is provided this year. In recent years the budget has consistently underfunded this program and the Legislature has then had to provide supplemental funding during the course of the year to provide services to the families who are eligible for the program. The Mass Rental Voucher Program appropriation of $85.3 million is $5.6 million below the FY 2016 current budget.      Environment and Recreation This budget proposes a $3.4 million reduction in funding for state parks. The House and Senate had both proposed funding reductions, but of smaller amounts. Juvenile Justice Overall, the Legislative budget funds juvenile justice at the same level as FY 2016. Outside language in the budget waives monthly probation fees for any young person placed on probation while under the age of 18. Transportation The Legislature's budget is mostly in keeping with previous versions from the House and Senate that were broadly similar with one another. As a result of lower estimated sales tax revenues for the coming fiscal year, the MBTA is slated to receive about $29 million less than the earlier House and Senate budget proposals, though still $12.7 million more than current FY 2016 levels. With these reduced sales tax revenues, the transit agency will have a harder time balancing its operating budget and putting aside funds for capital improvements. Local Aid Unrestricted Local Aid is funded at the same level as in the House, Senate, and Governor's proposals, a 4.3 percent increase over current levels. Child Welfare Services in the Department of Children and Families as a whole was spared from deep cuts, with funding for foster care services slightly above FY 2016 levels. Public Health Funding for substance abuse services with the Department of Public Health is increased by $8.3 million, compared to FY 2016 levels. MassHealth The Legislature's budget reduces MassHealth funding by about $123 below the Senate proposal and $157 million less below the amount proposed by the House. The lowered cost estimates appear to come largely from pushing the payment of some FY 2017 costs into FY 2018, and from reduced caseload estimates. There are no proposed changes in program eligibility, although the budget includes language that would review dental coverage for adults, while preserving coverage for adult dental fillings and dentures at least through FY 2017. Early Education and Care The Budget increases funding for early education and care providers by $7.5 million. That additional funding could allow slightly better pay for child care workers who are currently very low-paid. K-12 Education This budget increases Chapter 70 funding by $116.1 million (2.6 percent). That's the same increase recommended by the House and Senate (although the House provided part of the funding in a reserve account). The Legislature's budget eliminates Kindergarten grants, an $18.6 million allocation in the current FY 2016 budget. Charter school reimbursements are level funded at $80.5 million. Because charter school seats are projected to expand by 3,100, the formula will be roughly $54 million underfunded in FY 2017. The House and Senate had proposed $5.0 million and $9.5 million morein funding respectively than included in this budget. Higher Education The University of Massachusetts system is funded at the House proposed level of $508.3 million, which is a $6.8 million cut (1.3 percent) below current levels. This amount of funding makes it more likely that tuition and fees will continue to rise across the system. Revenue Perhaps the largest challenge this year for legislative budget writers was the realization, very late in the budget process, that the revenues available to support FY 2017 spending were likely to fall well below the earlier Consensus Revenue Estimate of $26.86 billion (the amount upon which earlier FY 2017 budget negotiations had been based). The Legislature's FY 2017 budget assumes consensus tax revenues of $26.11 billion, a shortfall of $750 million. Closing this large gap in the FY 2017 budget during eleventh-hour negotiations resulted in the use of a variety of budget-balancing strategies. The Legislature's FY 2017 budget continues to rely on the one-time and temporary revenues and savings used in both the House and Senate budgets released earlier in the year. It also increases reliance on some of these strategies, while bringing new strategies into play. 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

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

First look at Legislative Budget FY 2017