10th Annual GWS Essay Contest is now open to all girls in grades 9-12 in MIAA schools

Found via this tweet:

The 10th Annual GWS Essay Contest is now open! https://t.co/nUnnBttzSt #MIAA pic.twitter.com/IQfI0L9YPc

— MIAA (@MIAA033) December 26, 2016

MIAA image from webpage

"February 3, 2017 is the Massachusetts Celebration of National Girls and Women and Sports Day, a day that recognizes the positive influence of sports participation on the lives of girls and women, and the continuing struggle for equality and access for women in sports. This year’s theme is “Expanding Opportunity.” 

To honor this day, the MIAA is giving its female student athletes the opportunity to tell us their stories about opportunities available (or not!) to them in sports and in life and how they hope to keep opportunities expanding for others in the future."

Essay Prompt: 

Opportunities for participating in competitive athletics have expanded since Title IX was passed almost five decades ago, and experts agree these opportunities give female athletes a toolkit for success in life. 

How has this expanded opportunity affected you? 

How will you use your participation in athletics to help expand opportunities for future female athletes?

FPAC’S Free Family Concert Series Presents The New England Percussion Ensemble

Franklin Performing Arts Company’s annual Family Concert Series kicks off this season with the New England Percussion Ensemble on Sunday, January 8 at 1 p.m. at THE BLACK BOX, 15 West Central Street, in downtown Franklin. 

A treasured FPAC tradition for more than two decades, Family Concert Series events are especially geared to children in length and format and provide young audiences with a fun introduction to the world of live music. Offered free to the public, the special concerts feature talented, professional musicians in an engaging and entertaining way.

New England Percussion Ensemble

The New England Percussion Ensemble specializes in presenting creative and energetic audience-interactive enrichment programs to youngsters. Their “Language of the Ancients” program is a journey through time, explored with imagination, inventiveness and creativity, to discover the many melodic, rhythmic and tonal possibilities of percussion. An audience hands-on ensemble concludes the program.

FPAC’s 2017 Family Concert Series is sponsored by Berry Insurance. For more information, call (508) 528-3370 or visit www.FPAConline.com or www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com.

FHS boys hockey tops Newburyport, wrestling sweeps Marshfield quad

Catching up to the results from Friday, Dec 23 we can share the following:


Boys Hockey = Franklin, 4 @ Newburyport, 1 – Final


Wrestling - Marshfield Quad (Franklin)

– The Panthers went 4-0 at the Marshfield Super Quad. Franklin beat Duxbury 56-15, Bristol Aggie 54-15, Marshfield 36-24, and Pembroke 62-3.

For other results around the Hockomock League from Friday, Dec 23
https://hockomocksports.com/fridays-schedule-scoreboard-122316/

FHS Panthers

With confirmation from the Twitterverse:

Wrestling: Franklin goes impressive 4-0 at Marshfield Super Quad - https://t.co/HzUDiUhkHZ #hockomock

— HockomockSports (@HockomockSports) December 24, 2016

FHS Wrestlers sweep the Marshfield Quad. Great way to start the holiday weekend. Lowell & Agawam next week. #PantherPride

— FranklinAthletics (@FHSSports) December 24, 2016

The team went undefeated at the Marshfield Quad goin 4-0 today #FHSWrestle

— Franklin Wrestling (@FHSWrestle) December 24, 2016

Panthers pick up a 4-1 win over Newburyport. Move to 3-1 on the season. Hardhat to @BrendanORielly pic.twitter.com/Yq69Y6OhuT

— Franklin Hockey (@FHS_Puck) December 24, 2016

Franklin 4 Newburyport 1, hat to Bubba @FHSSports @HockomockSports @MyHockeyLive @MassHSHockey @In_The_Slot @GlobeSchools @MetroWestSports

— Coach Spillane (@FHS_PuckCoach) December 23, 2016

Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell Announces 2017 Winter Outreach Schedule

Norfolk County Registry of Deeds 2017 Winter Outreach Schedule

William P. O'Donnell, Register Norfolk County Registry of Deeds 649 High St., Dedham, MA 02026  PRESS RELEASE Contact: Alicia Gardner Director of Support Services agardner@norfolkdeeds.org (781) 461-6104 Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell Announces 2017 Winter Community Outreach Schedule Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell announces the 2017 Winter Community Outreach Schedule. The Registry of Deeds Speaking Engagements and Office Hours are an integral part of its consumer outreach initiative. The Register and members of his staff will be at the following Senior Centers, Libraries, Town Halls and Community Center starting on Wednesday, January 11th through Thursday, March 30th.    Town Date Time Outreach Event Randolph Veterans Career Fair Stetson Hall Wednesday, January 11th 9:00AM to 2:00PM Speaking Event Randolph Lions Club LaScala Restaurant Wednesday, January 11th 6:00PM Speaking Event Cohasset Elder Affairs Willcutt Commons Wednesday, January 18th 10:00AM Office Hours Needham Town Hall Highland Room Thursday, January 19th 10:00AM to 12:00PM Speaking Event Foxborough Boyden Library Community Meeting Room Tuesday, January 24th 6:30PM Speaking Event Sharon Men's Club Sharon Community Center Tuesday, January 31st 9:15AM Office Hours Braintree Town Hall Johnson Chambers Thursday, February 2nd 10:00AM to 12:00PM Office Hours Medfield Town Hall Chenery Hall Thursday, February 9th 10:00AM to 12:00PM Speaking Event Wrentham Council on Aging Senior Center Wednesday, February 15th 1:00PM       Office Hours Medway Town Hall Sanford Hall Thursday, March 2nd 10:00AM to 12:00PM Speaking Event Plainville Historical Commission Humphrey House Wednesday, March 15th 7:00PM Speaking Event Medway Public Library Cole Room Wednesday, March 22nd 7:00PM Speaking Event Cohasset Rotary Club Lights Keepers Hours Monday, March 27th 6:30PM Office Hours Norfolk Town Hall Room 124 Thursday, March 30th 10:00AM to 12:00PM    It is Register O'Donnell's goal to provide a convenient way for residents to learn more about how the Registry serves them as it conducts business closer to their homes, saving them time and money. "By releasing the winter schedule now it provides people with advance notice to put these dates on their calendars," noted the Register.    Although, Registry staff cannot provide legal advice, they will be on hand along with the Register, to answer basic questions, transport documents for recording and assist in the filling out of a Declaration of Homestead form that provides for limited protection against the forced sale of an individual's primary residence to satisfy unsecured debt up to $500,000. They will also assist a person in signing-up for the new Consumer Notification Program that alerts a homeowner when a transaction has been made against their property to alert them against potential cases of fraud.    Additionally, there will be on-site work stations that can provide real-time status of your mortgage discharge, print out a copy of your deed and provide a demonstration on how the Registry's On-Line Land Records Database works. No appointment is necessary to attend these Office Hours. Furthermore, Register O'Donnell is also available to speak to the membership of any of the professional or community organizations within Norfolk County. If interested, please call 781-461-6116 or email registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org.    To learn more about these and other Registry of Deeds events and initiatives, "like" us on facebook.com/norfolkdeeds, follow us on twitter and instagram @norfolkdeeds.    The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, located at 649 High St., 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. All land record research information can be found on the Registry's website www.norfolkdeeds.org. Residents in need of assistance can contact the Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center at (781) 461-6101, or email us at registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org. email: registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org phone: 781-461-6116 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

Franklin Library: Animal Affair - Dec 27 - 3:00 PM

Animal Affair, a traveling petting zoo, will appear at the Franklin Public Library on Tuesday, Dec 27 at 3:00 PM.

Animal Affair, a traveling petting zoo

"Our petting zoo is perfect for any occasion or event, in any season, and for any age group!

We believe having animals at your event shouldn't be just an activity, but an experience that creates a lasting memory! All of our PETS are deeply loved and receive the best of care, which is evident by their sweet nature and love of affection."

For more about Animal Affair, visit their webpage  http://www.animalaffair.net/


This was shared from the Franklin Library page
http://franklinpl.blogspot.com/2016/12/animal-affair-tuesday-december-27-100.html

"an example of new investment happening in downtowns around the region"

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

"Kristina Burkey knew she wanted her first brick-and-mortar store to be in Natick. 

In the six months since she opened Calliope Paperie, a stationery and gift shop on the corner of North Avenue and Rte. 27, she found her instincts were right. Burkey is impressed with the activities and sense of togetherness she has experienced in Natick Center. 

"People here value their town and want to invest in it," said Burkey, who lives in Marlborough. 

And, while she understands concerns some people may have about increased development, Burkey is excited to see how redevelopment projects currently under construction add to the liveliness and mix of businesses in downtown."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161224/communities-look-to-build-better-downtown

wreaths on the backdrop in the new Horace Mann Square

Seasons greetings to all!

This will be the only post today. 

Take the time to enjoy the holidays with family and friends. 

If you need something to read, there are plenty of posts in the archives going back to November 2007 and there are photos taken in and around Franklin in the Flickr tab.

The Franklin Town Common covered in the recent snow

This website is my public service effort for Franklin but I can't do it alone. I can use your help.

How can you help?

• If you like this, please tell your friends and neighbors.
• If you don't like this, please let me know.

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements.

Thank you for reading and sending items to share!.

Food Elves Inspire “Fresh” Approach to Food Drive - Community Response Overwhelming

When more than 130 Franklin Food Elves set out to collect gifts from their neighbors for the Franklin Food Pantry for the “12 Days of Donating” Campaign, their load was lighter than the year before. But that’s what they hoped for.

Erin Lynch, left, Franklin Food Pantry
Executive Director, and Ellie Teixeira, lead Food Elf

The Elves encouraged more monetary donations this year so the Pantry could purchase fresh food for clients. The community rallied behind the Food Elves’ appeal and donated $13,273 and 3,696 pounds of food. Last year’s total yield from the Food Elves’ drive from residents was $1,943 and 8,001 pounds of food.

“This was an extraordinary effort by the Food Elves,” said Erin Lynch, executive director of the Franklin Food Pantry. “And our community responded with such generosity. The monetary donations will allow us to purchase nutrient-rich food to supplement the canned and boxed food donations that were collected. The high cost of fresh food is often a barrier to wholesome nutrition for the families we serve.”

With monetary donations, the Pantry can purchase fruits, vegetables, dairy products, eggs and meats. As a Greater Boston Food Bank partner, the Pantry purchases items at a fraction of what it costs in the grocery store, therefore making donation dollars stretch even further.

Lead Food Elves Ellie Teixeira (left) and Julia Buccella
distributed red bins to 11 Franklin Downtown
Partnership member businesses

In addition to neighborhood collections, the elves placed red food donation bins at the following local businesses: Chestnut Dental Associates, Dean Bank, Dean College, Emma's Quilt Cupboard, Feet In Motion School of Dance, Franklin Agway, Franklin Downtown Partnership Office, Franklin Mill Store, Keefe Insurance Agency, Murphy Business, and Pour Richard's Wine and Spirits. As part of their commitment to the Food Elves, the business partners have also pledged to donate $200 each to the Franklin Food Pantry.

The Franklin Food Elves is a charitable community service group comprised of more than 130 dedicated elementary, middle and high school students. This was the eleventh year of the neighborhood drive, and the sixth year the elves partnered with local businesses to create one of the Franklin Food Pantry’s most successful collection drives. The food and cash will help sustain the pantry’s 504 client families through the winter.

• For more information on the Franklin Food Pantry franklinfoodpantry.org

• For more information on the Franklin Food Elves contact franklinfoodelves@yahoo.com
• Photos courtesy of Bob Teixeira

Franklin Police: Breaking and Entering Suspects Charged

On December 12, 2016 Franklin Police Officers working the evening responded to East Central Street for a report of car break in. As a result of this report, and then a subsequent report of another break in shortly thereafter, a male party by the name of Joshua Olivencia, of Worcester, Massachusetts was located and field interviewed by Officers. As a result of the interview, Olivencia was later placed under arrest for possession of a stolen motor vehicle. 

This vehicle was processed with the assistance of Trooper Moynihan of the Massachusetts State Police Crime Scene Services Unit, and a large amount of stolen property was recovered. This investigation has led to the identification, and subsequent criminal complaints for another male party by the name of Robert Serverino of Medford, Massachusetts. 

Franklin Police

At this point it is estimated that property has been recovered from at least six different home and vehicular breaks in several different communities, including Bellingham, Foxborough, Northborough, Norfolk, Upton, Westborough, and Franklin.

Olivencia has been charged with:

• 266/60/A, Receiving Stolen Property Valued Over $250.00
• 266/16/A, BandE Nighttime For Felony
• 266/126A Wanton/Malicious Injury Real/Personal Property Valued Over $250.00
• 274/6, Attempt To Commit A Crime
• 266/30/C, Larceny Under $250.00

Warrants have been sought for Severino for:

• 266/16/A, BandE Nighttime For Felony (3cts)
• 266/60/A, Receiving Stolen Property Valued Over $250.00 (3cts)
• 266/60/B, Receiving Stolen Property Valued Under $250.00
• 266/16/A, BandE Nighttime For Felony (7cts)
• 266/126A, Wanton/Malicious Injury Real/Personal Property Valued Over $250.00 (6cts)
• 274/6, Attempt To Commit A Crime (6cts)
• 266/30/C, Larceny Under $250.00 (3cts)
• 266/28/B, Larceny Of A Motor Vehicle

The information contained in this press release does not imply listed individuals have been convicted in a court of valid jurisdiction of the crimes for which they were arrested. All individuals are presumed to be innocent until proven guilty by a court with proper jurisdiction over the matter(s) for which they were arrested.

This was shared from the Town of Franklin Police Dept
http://www.franklinma.gov/police-department/news/media-release-be-suspects-charged

A PDF version of the info can be found here
http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/news/2016_media_release_serverino_and_olivencia.pdf

Happy Holidays! from the Blackstone Valley Heritage Corridor

I grew up in Pawtucket, RI and walked over the Blackstone River many times as I went downtown to the Boys Club or Library. I went to college in Worcester, MA and found that to be the headwater for the Blackstone. 20 years ago, we moved to Franklin and I find the water trough normally found on the bridge over the train tracks was crafted by Joseph Jenks of Pawtucket, RI.

I guess I don't get too far from Pawtucket!

If you haven't taken a hike (or bike ride) along the Blackstone, the scenery is a treat any time of year.

Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor, 670 Linwood Avenue, Whitinsville, MA 01588 Sent by mail@blackstoneheritagecorridor.org in collaboration with Try it free today

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA Area: FRI 12/23/16 - THU 12/29/16

FRIDAY 12/23/16 
10:30am   Knitting Circle for Adults @ Franklin Public Library

SATURDAY 12/24/16
9:30-11:30am   Last-minute Wrapping Station @ Franklin Public Library (paper, tape and scissors will be provided)

MONDAY 12/26/16
7-8:30pm   Learn To Cope Franklin Chapter Meeting @ FUSF

TUESDAY 12/27/16
1-3pm   Animal Affair @ Franklin Public Library

WEDNESDAY 12/28/16
10:30am   Chanukah Story Time @ Franklin Public Library

THURSDAY 12/29/16
10:30am   Magician Bryson Lang @ Franklin Public Library
7-8pm   Healing Hearts Community Support Group @ Franklin YMCA

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 and shersteve@gmail.com

Holiday week: Trash not delayed, Library and Town Offices schedule

DPW - Trash and Recycling

Trash WILL NOT be delayed for the Christmas and New Year's holiday. Your trash and recycling will be picked up on your usually scheduled trash day.

Trash and recycling bins

Franklin Library

Franklin Library holiday hours Dec 24 through Jan 2,, 2017

Town Offices closed on Monday, Dec 26

Town offices closed on Monday, Dec 26

FHS varsity hockey loses to Pope Francis; JV hockey takes win 2-1

Boys Hockey = Franklin, 0 vs. Pope Francis, 5 – Final

For other results around the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/thursdays-schedule-scoreboard-122216/

Pope Francis 5 Franklin 0 @FHSSports @MassHSHockey @MyHockeyLive @In_The_Slot @GlobeSchools @HockomockSports @MetroWestSports

— Coach Spillane (@FHS_PuckCoach) December 23, 2016

Great win over Pope Francis 2-1. Coon hat goes to Andrew Demerchant. pic.twitter.com/jAh1i5ZecJ

— FHS Panthers JV Puck (@PanthersJvPuck) December 23, 2016

Great win over Pope Francis 2-1. Coon hat goes to Andrew Demerchant.

MBTA: Sunday (Dec 25) Monday (Dec 26) - Commuter Rail schedule

The Commuter Rail will operate on a Sunday schedule on Christmas Day and on the observed federal holiday, Monday, 12/26.

Last updated: Dec 22 2016 10:18 AM

Click here for more information: http://www.mbta.com/events/

early morning on the Franklin Dean platform

In the News: recreational marijuana sale rules moved along; dangerousness hearing rescheduled

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

"The Town Council progressed this week with a new set of rules to govern the sale of recreational marijuana in town. 

The council considered - and gave preliminary approval to - a set of bylaw changes at its Wednesday night meeting. The changes include a local tax on marijuana sales, and regulations as to where a marijuana facility might be housed. 

Town Administrator Jeffrey Nutting said the changes reflected a desire to be proactive in regulating recreational use in town. Under the terms of the ballot question, marijuana sales will not be allowed until January 2018. 

"This is step one in addressing what I think will be a lot of issues that not only Franklin but communities across the commonwealth will be dealing with in the coming years," he said."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161222/franklin-council-considers-marijuana-rules

"A dangerousness hearing for a Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School student accused of threatening to "shoot up" the school has been pushed back as attorneys continue negotiations. 

The hearing, which had been scheduled to take place Thursday in Wrentham District Court, would have considered whether Julius Willis, 18, of 503 Ellis Road in North Attleborough, should continue to be held without bail. The defense and prosecution, however, asked Judge Steven Thomas to push the case back a week, saying they had nearly reached an agreement on possible conditions of release. 

Thomas set a new hearing date for Dec. 29. Willis will continue to be held until at least that date."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161222/hearing-for-tri-county-student-delayed