Saturday, September 10, 2016

Reminder: Bottle and Can Drive today at FHS


The Franklin High School boys hockey team is having their annual Bottle and Can Drive on Saturday, September 10th from 8:30am to 2:00pm at the high school parking lot.

If you would like to help out, please save your recyclable bottles and cans for the boys hockey program.

FHS Boys Hockey
FHS Boys Hockey

Anniversary Fundraiser Gala - Nov 12

The Franklin Downtown Partnership will host an anniversary fundraiser gala on Saturday, November 12, 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. at THE BLACK BOX to celebrate 15 years of service to the residents and businesses of Franklin.

Enjoy entertainment, dancing and mingling, and a chance to win auction and raffle items from local merchants as you view the new look of our downtown. Meet FDP members, learn more about the non-profit organization, and see what future plans hold for downtown Franklin.

Tickets are $100 per person and will go on sale in September. Sponsorships are welcome; contact the FDP office at downtown.franklin@yahoo.com if interested.

If you would like to donate auction or raffle items, or to volunteer to help with the event, please contact event organizers Beth Wierling, wierling.beth@gmail.com, or Jane Curran, janeframe@gmail.com.

The Franklin Downtown Partnership is celebrating its 15th year as a non-profit, 501©3 organization made up of businesses, residents and community leaders working to revitalize downtown Franklin. The Partnership runs events such as the Strawberry Stroll, the Harvest Stroll and the Holiday Stroll, and is involved in streetscape and design efforts, greenspace and sculpture projects. New members are always welcome. 

Learn more at www.franklindowntownpartnership.org.

Franklin Downtown Partnership celebrates 15 years
Franklin Downtown Partnership celebrates 15 years

Friday, September 9, 2016

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA Area: FRI 9/9/16 - THU 9/15/16

FRIDAY 9/9/16
12-6pm   Franklin Farmers Market @ The Town Common
6:30pm   Yoga @ La Cantina Winery

SATURDAY 9/10/16
8:30am-2pm   Bottle and Can Drive @ FHS (supports FHS Hockey)
8pm   Garnet Rogers with Shawna Caspi @ FUSF

SUNDAY 9/11/16
9am-10am   Barn Babies Traveling Petting Zoo @ 118 Main Street Parking Lot

MONDAY 9/12/16
10am   Fall Social Franklin MOMs Club @ Franklin YMCA, open to all prospective members
10:30am   Tea and Tangles @ Franklin Art Center

TUESDAY 9/13/16
7pm   Yankee Quilters Guild Meeting - New members welcome! @ St. John Episcopal Church
7pm   High School Fair @ BFCCPS, free event open to public
7:30pm   Franklin and Bellingham Rail Trail Committee monthly meeting @ Franklin YMCA. Open to public.

WEDNESDAY 9/14/16
6:30pm   Creative Writing Group @ Franklin Public Library
7pm   Franklin Newcomers Club Social meting for anyone interested @ “3” Restaurant

THURSDAY 9/15/16
8:30am   Franklin Downtown Partnership Meeting @ Dean College
3pm   Memory Cafe for Caregivers and Their Loved Ones - each month different theme, please register @ Franklin Senior Center
6:30pm   Art Night Uncorked @ Franklin Art Center

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

Community Garden Committee Annual Report For FY 2016

"The mission of the Community Garden is to provide Franklin residents with a place to meet, learn, and grow, by providing a healthy space in which we can share the joy of growing organic fruits, vegetables, herbs, and flowers.

In partnership with the Town of Franklin, the Recreation Department, and the nonprofit Friends of Franklin Community Gardens,

Your Community Garden Committee:

• Identifies appropriate locations
• Coordinates design and construction of new gardens
• Develops and enforces rules and regulations for the gardens
• Oversees the plot lottery, gardener registration and plot distribution

We pledge to continue:

• Supporting our community in growing local food
• Providing locally harvested food to those in need
• Promoting increased social interaction through gardening within our community
• Developing an educational garden for all ages

The King Street Community Garden continues to thrive in its fifth season! This year we have 52 beds available for planting, all of which are currently leased to community members and local non-profits, including St. Vincent De Paul, HMEA, and the Franklin Food Pantry. Our annual May plant sale was a success as always, and last October’s garlic planting demonstration was well-attended. The Community Garden welcomes interested gardeners of all skill levels.

Over the past fiscal year, the Community Garden Committee has focused on two areas in addition to our typical tasks. First of all, we undertook a review and rewrite of our bylaws, rules, and regulations, in order to incorporate the best practices and experience we have gained over the last five seasons at King Street. This updated “gardener’s handbook” has been made available to all gardeners electronically via Google Docs.

We have also made a concerted effort to recruit new gardeners and new members for the Committee. With the departure of former Chair, Christopher Clay, the Community Garden Committee is in great need of additional Committee members to help us efficiently run the King Street Garden and plan educational programming for the community. Our Chair, Bonnie Kaiden, sent a letter to all of our current gardeners seeking new Committee members, and we are awaiting responses. We have not yet succeeded in finding additional Committee members, but we are continuing our efforts in that direction and hope to have new members soon.

We look forward to many more harvests to come! If you would like to join us for the 2017 season, please visit the Franklin Recreation Department in person or online. For more information about the Community Garden, contact us at franklincommunitygardens@gmail.com or visit our website at www.franklincommunitygardens.com.

The Community Garden Committee meets the First Monday of the month at Town Hall. Check the Town of Franklin Meeting Calendar for details.

If you are interested in serving on the committee, please contact any committee member or visit the Town Clerk’s office."

  • Bonnie Kaiden, Chair 
  • Kiernan Reed, Secretary 
  • Amy Acevedo, Member 
  • Rich Clauser, Member


Respectfully submitted,
Kiernan Reed Secretary


fresh growth at the Community Garden in August 2016
fresh growth at the Community Garden in August 2016


This was shared from the official Town of Franklin page
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_News/024A19CA-000F8513

Other related posts on the Community Garden

  • 2016

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/05/franklin-community-garden-seedling-sale.html

  • 2013

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/07/community-gardens-photo-essay.html

  • 2012

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/06/franklin-community-garden-diatomaceous.html


FHS field hockey posts first win over North Attleboro

From Hockomock Sports we share the results of Thursday's action for the FHS teams.

Field Hockey


North Attleboro, 0 @ Franklin, 3 – Final – 
The Panthers had nine corners, 24 shots on goal and didn’t allow a single shot on goal defensive in the win over North. Caroline Lounsbury gave Franklin the lead midway through the first half on a cross from Brayden Downing, sophomore Annie Walsh doubled the lead with an unassisted goal and sophomore Cassi Ronan capped the scoring off a corner from Walsh.
FHS Panthers
FHS Panthers


Golf


Franklin, 163 @ Oliver Ames, 147 – Final – 
Oliver Ames’ Ryan McGarry and Nick Lombardi were co-medalists for the match, each shooting a round-low 36 for the Tigers. Brady Allbritton added a 37 for OA. Franklin’s Matt Deo shut a team-best 37 for the Panthers.

For the complete results around the Hockomock League on Thursday
https://hockomocksports.com/thursdays-schedule-scoreboard-090816/

FHS Football players to watch

With the return to school, the fall sports season resumes and Hockomock Sports has posted their Hockomock League players to watch for the football on offence and defense. 

The FHS football team opens the season with a game tonight at Franklin against Stoughton. The game starts at 7:00 PM. The game will be the first for the new football coach Eian Bain.

JAKE LYONS, SENIOR – FRANKLIN football defense


A lot of safeties at the high school level are one dimensional but Lyons has shown he can help defenses in a variety of ways. He has impressed in pass coverage with his ability to read the play as it’s happening and make a play on either the ball or the receiver after the catch. If it’s a run play, he’s quick to react and attack the ball carrier, typically making a play. In one on one situations, Lyons is patient and doesn’t over pursue, and sizes up the play he needs to make. On passing plays, he can quickly read it and either knock the ball down or come away with an interception. Lyons should be a vital part of Franklin’s defense as they work towards getting back to the playoffs.

https://hockomocksports.com/hockomock-football-players-to-watch-on-defense-2016/

FHS Panthers
FHS Panthers

JAKE WOLOWACKI, SENIOR – FRANKLIN football offense


Franklin’s offense struggled to score points a season ago but Jake Wolowacki made the most of his opportunities when he was out there. The shifty back is hard to tackle on the first attempt and has shown the ability to break through contact. He can get around the edge on the outside and use his speed to get up field. He has a good first step that freezes defenders and allows him to find space and use his speed to get through the gaps up the middle. Last season, Wolowacki showed up his versatility by throwing for a pair of touchdowns as well so defenses will have to respect that. He can also catch passes out in the flats and get up field in a hurry.

https://hockomocksports.com/hockomock-football-players-to-watch-on-offense-2016/

"Most towns didn't do much better"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"State Rep. Jeffrey Roy, D-Franklin, running for the Democratic nomination, said he'd been speaking to voters on everything from a proposed gas pipeline to voter ID at a Franklin polling location. 
Roy is also running uncontested in the general election, as no Republican has challenged him. 
"It's been quiet, but the people here have been long on energy and enthusiasm," he said. "While there are not contests on the ballot, it's important for people to come out and express their views."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160908/slow-day-at-polls



  • Franklin's State Primary results for Sep 8, 2016 can be found here

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/09/state-primary-results-sep-8-2016.html


Going back for the last several State primaries shows quite a variety of turnouts but nothing as low as we just saw.

Franklin state primary totals voters through the years
Franklin state primary totals voters through the years

Thursday, September 8, 2016

State Primary Results - Sep 8, 2016

By my count there were 871 voters (4.1% of those registered as of 3/1/2016) who cast their ballots in the State Primary election today. Thanks to Town Clerk Teresa Burr and her office for providing the file to share. 

The votes by ballot (Democrat, Republican, Green Rainbow and United Independent) by precinct are tallied here: 




there was a row of parking reserved for those who went o vote on Thursday at the State Primary
there was a row of parking reserved for those who went o vote on Thursday at the State Primary

Vote in the State Primary Election today

The polls open at Franklin High School at 6:00 AM and will close at 8:00 PM.

The September 8 primary is for the MA state level offices. The sample ballot for each party is shown below. Scroll within the document to see the additional party ballots available.


sign announces the state primary election on the railroad bridge downtown Franklin
sign announces the state primary election on the railroad bridge downtown Franklin

If you haven't already registered to vote in the Primary, it is too late now. You can register now for the November election on the 2nd Tuesday, Nov 8.




Or view/download the samples from the official Franklin page
http://franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_News/024A7D06-000F8513

Blessing of the Backpacks Sept. 11

The Franklin Federated Church will help kick off the school year with a Blessing of the Backpacks during worship Sunday, Sept. 11 at 10 AM at the church at 171 Main Street. Children and youth of all ages are invited to bring their backpacks to worship for a special blessing.

Sept. 11th is Rally Sunday at FFC, meaning it is the kickoff to the program year. Prior to worship, beginning at 9:30 AM, parents can register their children, ages preschool through grade 8, for Sunday School. Adults will receive information and signup cards for this fall's Connect Groups - weekly, small group gatherings where participants do everything from attending movies to playing party games to sampling beer together. All are welcome to sign up for a group.

Following worship will be a potluck luncheon - all are welcome to come and partake. Sunday School registration will continue during the luncheon.

So come and kick off the school year with Franklin Federated! No matter who you are, or where you are on life's journey, you are welcome here. Get more information at www.franklinfederated.org or www.facebook.com/franklinfederated.

Franklin Federated Church on Main St
Franklin Federated Church on Main St

FHS field hockey and football outlook from Hockomock Sports

With the return to school, the fall sports season resumes and Hockomock Sports has posted their Hockomock League outlook for field hockey and the outlook for the football team in the Kelly-Rex Division.


FRANKLIN - field hockey


2015 Record: 16-3-2
2015 Finish: Reached D1 South Semifinal
Coach: Lisa Cropper


Franklin has six returning starters back and a total of 10 seniors, setting the Panthers up for another successful season. It’s a mix of all grades for the Panthers, with seniors and captains Caroline Lounsbury, Dana Lewandowski and Kayla Marshall leading the way. Lounsbury and Lewandowski will patrol the midfield along with sophomore Cassie Ronan. Marshall will be a key piece in the defense along with junior Kate Morse. Sophomore Annie Walsh, the 2015 HockomockSports.com Underclassman of the Year, will lead a potent attack along with freshmen Maeve Ledwith and Erin Walsh. 
“We have a solid group of field players with some young scoring talent and some depth on the bench,” head coach Lisa Cropper said. “Losing two-time Hock All-Star Samantha Jones to graduation leaves a hole in goal to fill, but if our defense plays strong while our inexperienced goalies develop, we should be able to contend for the league title.”

Find out about the other field hockey team in the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/2016-hockomock-field-hockey-preview/

FHS Panthers
FHS Panthers

FRANKLIN - football


2015 Record: 2-9
2015 Finish: Missed playoffs
Coach: Eian Bain

Key/Returning Players:
Jacob Wolowacki, Sr., RB; Packie Watson, Sr., WR/DB; Joey Blasie, Sr., WR/DB; John Fenton, Sr., OL/DL; Jake Noviello, Jr., QB; Jake Lyons, Sr., RB/DB; Brad Jarosz, Sr., FB/DL; Nick Gordon, So., QB/DB; Khyler Colella, Sr., RB/LB

Outlook:There is a lot of energy in the Franklin camp over the past couple of weeks, as new head coach Eian Bain takes over from longtime coach Brad Sidwell and looks to give the Panthers a boost after three straight one-win seasons in the Kelley-Rex division. Bain said that he expects there to be a “different vibe” from the team this season. 
The Panthers have a lot of experience coming back this season starting in the backfield with quarterbacks Jake Noviello (junior) and Alex Cregg (senior), who both saw action last season. Whoever is starting will have a host of experienced receivers to look for with Eddie Scannapieco, Packie Watson, and Joey Blasie on the outside and 6’5 Connor Peterson at tight end. The bulk of the offense will run through senior tailback Jacob Wolowacki, who emerged last year as a go-to back with three touchdown runs. 
Defensively, Franklin has a lot of talent returning in the back seven led by senior safety Jake Lyons, who will also help out as a running back on offense. The secondary also includes Kyle McInery and Nick Gordon with Justin O’Callahan, Bruce Johnson and Khyler Colella manning the linebacker positions. Brad Jarosz will add size to the defensive end position. 
Bain said, “It has been an uptempo, high energy camp in Franklin. Players have answered the bell every step of the way to learn both new offensive and defensive systems. While still a work in progress, the team is making strides every day.”

Read about the other footballs team in the Kelly-Rex Division
https://hockomocksports.com/2016-kelley-rex-football-preview/

Adult Chorus & Small Group Voice Lessons Available




Become a Member
   

Franklin Forte  
Franklin's Newest Adult Choral Group

OR



Sign up for Group Voice Lessons 
Click Here


MUSIC, MUSIC MUSIC
    Sing, Sing, Sing


Have you ever wanted to learn to sing as part of an ensemble OR have you wanted to take small group voice lessons?

 If so, Franklin Public Schools, Center for Adult Education & Community Learning has an adult choral group AND small group voice lessons,  directed by Ms. Jill Noddin.

The ENSEMBLE sings contemporary repertoire and rehearses Tuesday evenings from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM at Franklin High School on Oak Street.

The SMALL GROUP VOICE LESSONS class meets on Monday evenings from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Franklin High School on Oak Street.

No auditions necessary.

For more info., call 508-613-1480   
New classes begin
September 12 & 13
7:00 PM
at
Franklin High School
Take advantage of these opportunities today

$100



"If I cannot fly, let me sing."
Stephen Sondheim
FPS- Lifelong Learning, 355 East Central Street, Franklin, MA 02038

Sent by adulted@franklin.k12.ma.us in collaboration with
Constant Contact

An Evening with Tom Rush Sep 24th



Garnet Rogers this Saturday, Sep 10th.
Tom Rush Sep 24th.  Order tickets now. This show will sell out.
View this email in your browser

An Evening with
TOM RUSH


September 24th, $35

"Tom was not only one of my early heroes, but also one of my main influences." 
-James Taylor
On Saturday, September 24th, at 8PM  the legendary Tom Rush will return to the Circle of Friends Coffeehouse. Tom's impact on the American music scene has been profound. He helped shape the folk revival in the '60s and the renaissance of the '80s and '90s, his music having left its stamp on generations of artists. James Taylor told Rolling Stone, "Tom was not only one of my early heroes, but also one of my main influences." Country music star Garth Brooks has credited Rush with being one of his top five musical influences. Tom's distinctive guitar style, wry humor and warm, expressive voice have made him both a legend and a lure to audiences around the world. His shows are filled with the rib-aching laughter of terrific story-telling, the sweet melancholy of ballads and the passion of gritty blues.  http://tomrush.com/

Order tickets now to avoid disappointment.  Tom has been at Circle of Friends several times and each show has been a sellout.

The Circle of Friends Coffeehouse is a non-profit organization affiliated with Franklin's First Universalist Society. Concerts are presented in a smoke free and alcohol free environment at the Society's handicapped accessible Meetinghouse, 262 Chestnut St. in Franklin, and begin at 8:00 PM; doors open at 7:30 PM. Beverages and gourmet desserts will be available.  Admission for this very special show is $35.  Please call (508)528-2541 or visit http://www.circlefolk.org/ to purchase tickets or for more information.
Upcoming Shows
Oct 15     Jim Henry and Abbie Gardner (Red Molly)


Nov 5      Three Rising Stars - Matt Nakoa, Rachael Kilgour, and Kirsten Maxwell

Nov 19    The Kennedys


Dec 3       Ellis Paul


Dec 10     A Celtic Christmas featuring Robbie O'Connell and Rose Clancy


Circle of Friends Coffeehouse · First Universalist Society · 262 Chestnut St · Franklin, MA 02038 · USA

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In the News: Council consider charter, fire marshal rules propane leak

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"Citing several concerns - including the hiring process - town councilors explored the possibility of revising the town charter. 
The council invited several members from past charter reviews to discuss their efforts and offer their suggestions about future amendment, if any. 
James Dacey, the chairman of the 1995 review commission, said his group was formed in response to a specific situation: the town council ballooning to 17 members. His commission recommended several changes that were adopted, including a nine-member council with concurrent, two-year terms."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160907/franklin-council-ponders-charter-change



"State officials determined that a propane leak caused a 2015 explosion that killed two people, though other facts have yet to be determined. 
Nancy and Richard Brown, both 66, perished as the result of the blast, which took place at their condominium at 58 Tuscany Drive on Oct. 10. 
State Fire Marshal Peter Ostroskey - along with Franklin Fire Chief Gary McCarraher and Police Chief Thomas Lynch - announced the results of their investigation on Wednesday. 
According to a release from the fire marshal's office, the leak came from one of two sources - a gas fireplace or the unit's heating system - and the cause of the ignition is still unknown. As that morning was cool, the release states, the heating system could have turned on - though the possibility that the fireplace was left running has not been ruled out. The unit's gas piping and burner have been set for future testing - that investigation will be undertaken independently by the involved insurance companies."


Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160907/franklin-propane-leak-culprit-in-fatal-explosion

In the News: legislature struggles with language bill, some farms get aid for drought

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"Dueling language in House and Senate bills updating the state's English language learning law - passed by voters more than a decade ago - has left key backers with mixed opinions about whether it can advance to Gov. Charlie Baker's desk in the remaining four months of the legislative session. 
"We're at a point now where we are so far apart on details that we care about, so I'm not sure if we can do something. I'm hopeful that we can come together," said Sen. Sal DiDomenico, the original Senate sponsor, who said he plans to discuss differences between the bills with House sponsor Rep. Jeffrey Sanchez. 
House and Senate lawmakers plan to meet in informal sessions for the remainder of the year where it's unlikely that controversial legislation will be advanced without a compromise on the measure between both branches.


Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160907/english-language-learner-bill-still-in-play-on-beacon-hill



"Massachusetts farmers are finally getting the help they need after a long, dry summer and drought has devastated some local crops. 
Thanks to the summer-long drought, four counties in Massachusetts are now eligible for Emergency Loan assistance from the U.S. Department of Agriculture as of Aug. 31. 
The counties of Worcester, Middlesex, Franklin and Essex are now eligible for the assistance. 
To receive the designation, a county has to be designated as being in a severe drought - according to the U.S. Drought Monitor – for eight consecutive weeks and/or have a higher drought intensity value for any amount of time."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160907/mass-farmers-get-federal-state-aid