Franklin Police and Fire Local's St Patrick's Day 5K - March 19

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

"A 5-kilometer race later this month will aim to both celebrate the St. Patrick's Day holiday and raise funds for the town's police and fire unions. 

The race - the Franklin Police & Fire Local's St. Patrick's Day 5K - is set to kick off from 55 Constitution Blvd. on Sunday, March 19 at 10 a.m. Registration begins at 9 a.m. 

Chris Schmall, a firefighter who is organizing the race, said this year's event is looking to build off, or at least equal, the success of the first race last year. 

"This is our second annual race," he said. "Last year, we had about 220 people, and we're expecting the same this year."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170308/st-patricks-5k-set-for-march-19-in-franklin

Franklin Police and Fire Local's St Patrick's Day 5K - March 19

The Senior Center will be Closed Until Monday - March 13

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

"A plumbing issue over the weekend closed the town's senior center, but officials are hoping to re-open it shortly. 

Town Councilor Thomas Mercer, the chairman of the Senior Center Building Committee, said the building had a sprinkler head break on Sunday. The sprinkler, he said, was located in a first-floor closet, which suffered water damage as a result. 

According to Mercer, the town has been cleaning up the damage, and plans to once again open the center to the public by next week. 

The center recently underwent a renovation of its second floor, holding a grand opening for the area last month. Mercer said the renovated area was not affected by the problem."

http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170308/water-damage-closes-franklin-senior-center

photo of a conference room at the Senior Center taken on the recent open house tour
to celebrate the renovation of the 2nd floor

And from the Senior Center page on the Town of Franklin site:

"A pipe burst last weekend during the cold snap, flooding the first floor. We are drying the carpets and replacing the floor molding. We anticipate reopening on Monday March 13 at 8:30am. Thank you for your patience!"

http://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-senior-center/urgent-alerts/senior-center-will-be-closed-until-monday-313

REMINDER: Floral Design Class begins March 14 - register now

Still Time To Register BUT Time is Running Out

Floral Design Class                March 14 DON'T FORGET  Still time to register         REGISTER TODAY           6:30 - 8:30 pm        Hillside Nurseries    823 Washington Street                     Franklin               Cost: $55 Make This Beautiful  Spring Arrangement Franklin Public Schools                  Lifelong Learning Institute The Center for Adult Education and Community Learningwww.FranklinLifelongLearning.com

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

THE BLACK BOX Local Artist Series: Jennifer Tefft Band - March 25

THE BLACK BOX Local Artist Series presents the Jennifer Tefft Band on Saturday, March 25 at the downtown Franklin theater, music and event venue. Alt-Rock singer-songwriter Jennifer Tefft and her band will celebrate the release of their 5th CD, Cutting for Stone. The show also features special guest and opening act, Grand Evolution. Doors open at 7:30 p.m., with a pre-show reception in the theater lobby, and music begins at 8:15. 

THE BLACK BOX Local Artist Series: Jennifer Tefft Band

Tefft is a Boston Music Award nominee and four-time Local Music Award winner. Her music combines intense rhythms with melancholy textures and haunting vocals that wind easily from darkly ethereal to outspoken, creating her own brand of Gritty-Lush Alternative Rock. Together with her band, guitarist John Parrillo, drummer Phil Antoniades and bassist Jeff St. Pierre, Tefft has toured the country playing clubs and opening for national acts like Aerosmith. Her music has been heard on TV shows including CSI, MTV, Stargate Universe, One Life to Live, The Young & the Restless and many others.

Celebrate the release of this new, edgy and deeply personal CD in Tefft’s hometown. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. 

THE BLACK BOX, the home of the Franklin Performing Arts Company, is located at 15 West Central Street. A cash bar is available. For tickets and more information, visit www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com or call (508) 528-3370.

“Drama Fest is more than a competition; it’s an awesome opportunity"

I caught the performance of The Giver and Gathering Blue in December at FHS and was pleased to find out that the performance had made it to the semifinal this past weekend. This article from Pantherbook gets into the details on the Drama Fest competition.

"Over the weekend, FHS’ Drama Club put on their performance of Gathering Blue at the annual Drama Fest, held this year at Attleboro High School. 

The day started at 7 in the morning when FHS drama club members boarded the bus. Although all were exhausted, cast and crew were nervous and excited to perform the first show of the day. 

Once they arrived at the high school, it was immediately time to get into costumes and makeup. An hour later the FHS students of drama club had been transformed into post-apocalyptic characters."

Continue reading about the performance of Gathering Blue
http://franklinpanthers.us/ae/2017/03/07/gathering-blue-reaches-semi-finals/

combined cast of The Giver and Gathering Blue after their performance in December

Reminder: 20th Annual Trivia Bee - April 12

The 20th Annual Trivia Bee will be held April 12, 2017

The 20th Annual Trivia Bee will focus on TV trivia

The sponsor form can be found here
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B0wjbnXDBhczc0FFQ0VuUXdFcEJMUVh1c1dWTVNBam9EdkpN

"both parties are worried about finding state funds to offset lost federal aid"

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

"Massachusetts is better insulated than many other states from a potential repeal of the Affordable Care Act, but a Republican replacement measure unveiled Monday could still strain the state's budget and threaten coverage for some, state officials and advocates said. 

"This could mean billions of dollars lost in federal funding," said state Sen. Karen Spilka, D-Ashland, chairwoman of the Mass. Senate Ways and Means Committee. "I think it will have a direct negative impact on each person, consumer, whose premiums may go up even higher and whose cost-sharing may go up higher." 

Even though Massachusetts has its own state law that in many ways mirrors the federal measure known as the Affordable Care Act, or Obamacare, the state relies heavily on federal money to ensure hundreds of thousands of its lower-income residents can afford health care."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170307/in-mass-federal-funds-at-risk-under-gop-health-care-proposal

"It's just not factual," O'Loughlin said of the woman's claim"

Catching up to this article from the Milford Daily News, of interest for Franklin area walkers and hikers:

"Evidence to substantiate the woman's claims of the Dec. 15 assault was never found, police said in a press release. 

"Additionally, subsequent allegations of injuries made by the victim on Dec. 25 as having occurred or been related to the original allegations ... were refuted both medically and from investigate photographs taken by Milford Police Detectives," police said. 

Due to the evidence – or lack thereof – police have concluded that the incident "did not occur as alleged by the woman."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170302/milford-police-say-alleged-assault-didnt-happen

The Adolescent Brain & The Physiology of Addiction: Effects of Drug-Taking Behavior on the Brain

'Community Conversations about Substance Use Disorders’ 
A Program of the S.A.F.E. Coalition

7:00 pm, THURSDAY, MARCH 16, 2017

Franklin High School Auditorium 

218 Oak Street, Franklin, MA 02038

"The Adolescent Brain and The Physiology Of Addiction: Effects of Drug-Taking Behavior on the Brain"

Dr. RUTH POTEE

Board Certified Family and Addiction Medicine Physician
• Physician at Valley Medical Group (Greenfield, MA) with special interest in women’s health, pediatrics, addiction treatment, psychiatric illness and pain management
• Chair, Department of Medicine, Baystate – Franklin Medical Center
• Medical Director, Franklin County House of Corrections
• Pioneer Valley Regional School District and First Step Recovery and Treatment Center

http://safecoalitionma.com/

Change of Location for March 7 Franklin Garden Club Meeting

Due to a broken pipe at the Franklin Senior Center, the Tuesday, March 7 meeting of the Franklin Garden Club will take place at the Remington Middle School Cafeteria, 628 Washington Street. 

Those attending should enter the building from the door on the left of the building.  

Please call 774-571-0843 if you cannot enter the building.

Remington Middle School in the snow

Volunteers needed for the Franklin Food Pantry

New volunteer positions have opened up to help the Franklin Food Pantry. Please visit http://bit.ly/2jjqdr0 for more information and to apply. 

Join the team to help the Food Pantry serve our neighbors in need. 

Volunteers needed for the Franklin Food Pantry

For more information about the Franklin Food Pantry, visit them on the web
http://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/give-help/volunteer/sign-up-form/

Franklin Odd Fellows: Speaker’s Forum Series Public Talk - Apr 13

Presenters: Robin Putnam, Research and Special Projects Manager
Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation

Date/Time: April 13, 2017. 6:30 pm

Location: Franklin Public Library, Temporary Location
25 Kenwood Circle., Franklin, MA 02038

Agenda: 

1. Understanding Identity Theft - Manage your personal information and Safeguard your computer. Security freezes and fraud alerts. Reporting ID Theft and First Steps for Victims
2. Scams and Fraud Prevention – Work at Home Scams – Vacation and Travel Scams – Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Scams – Guidance for Businesses on Security Breaches – Fake Check Scams.
3. Credit Card Skimming Devices – How to spot and avoid them.
4. Q and A: Engage audience members in a question and answer period.

Franklin Odd Fellows

Spring 2017 - Dance, Exercise & Wellness Classes

Still Time To Register

Franklin Public Schools Lifelong Learning Institute Presents Winter Dance, Exercise and Wellness  Classes Begin March 13 Bollywood Fusion  Let's mix elements of Indian classical, hip hop, bhangra, and Indian cinema-themed dance to create vibrant and exciting routines to popular Bollywood melodies. Get loose and bring out our inner grace with instruction that will encourage a deeper connection to the music that fills your ears.  Register online now.  Just click here Ease Into Fitness This class utilizes simples, low impact aerobic choreography, resistance training, stretching and flexibility techniques resulting in a total body workout. if you are new to exercise, returning to exercise, or looking for a class that takes it back to the basics, then this is the one for you. Bring your favorite light weights and a mat to class.    Register online now. Just  click here  ________________________________________________ Fitness for Active Older Adults Back and better than ever! It's never too late to feel great! The Active Older Adult (AOA) class is for men and women in their mid-40's, 50's, 60's, 70's! This exercise class is designed to help older adults like you - not athletes - interested in improving their life through exercise. This class combines three key components of fitness: Strength-Training, Flexibility, and Cardio-Conditioning and is taught by a certified instructor. Each class is a full hour, held indoors once a week, given in a fun environment making it the fitness choice for Active Older Adults. Bring your favorite free weights with you (2 to 8 lbs). Register online now. Just click here Yoga, Yoga, Yoga Yoga is back and better than ever!  On Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays you can take advantage of two different types of Yoga... Hatha and Vinyasa Flow Yoga AND we know one is just right for you. Register online now. Just  click here _________________________________________________ Zumba and Zumba Basics A fusion of Latin and international music and dance Zumba is a fun and effective way to tone and sculpt the body with easy to follow dance steps and the principals of interval training! Zumba will make you smile!  Register online now. Just click here Contact Contact: Brenda Reed, Director Adult Education and Community Learning 508-613-1480 reedb@franklin.k12.ma.us www.FranklinLifelongLearning.com Adult Education Register Today

Sent by adulted@franklin.k12.ma.us in collaboration with Try it free today

Metro Boston Against the Tide 2017: Swim, Kayak, Walk or Run - Jun 17

"Join us for the 25th commemorative Against the Tide event! Against the Tide features 1-mile competitive and recreational swims, USATF-certified 5K/10K runs, 2-mile recreational kayak, 3 mile fitness walk, and an Aquathon! 

This family-friendly inspirational event brings together people from all across the state united in the supporting MBCC's mission of breast cancer prevention."

Metro Boston Against the Tide 2017: Swim, Kayak, Walk or Run
Saturday, June 17 at 7 AM - 12 PM
Hopkinton State Park

Massachusetts Breast Cancer Coalition‎Metro Boston Against the Tide 2017: Swim, Kayak, Walk or Run

Additional information can be found on the Facebook event
https://www.facebook.com/events/768199770010004/

Helping Children Cope: Putting Humpty Dumpty Back Together Again

"Franklin SEPAC is sponsoring Jeanine Fitzgerald!

She will be here in Franklin at the HMMS auditorium at 7pm on March 14th!

Parents and teachers alike rave about her every time she is here...so don't miss out!"

Via the ECDC Principal's Page
http://ecdcprincipalpage.blogspot.com/2017/03/a-must-see-jeanine-fitzgerald-will-be.html

http://franklinsepac.org/

FHS Mock trail, Drama Club, Cheer and Track team weekend results

Franklin High School had a busy weekend competing in something other than basketball and hockey. 

• The Drama Club got an award for their production of "The Giver" and "Gathering Blue"
• Mock Trail Team won twice to make it to the Elite 8
• Varsity Cheer took second place in the regionals and moves on the State meet
• FHS Girls Track and Field set a school record in the 4x800 to take 3rd in New England. Halle Atkinson also took a 4th place in the 300M run

Did I miss something?

Via the Twitterverse

Semi Finals here we come!! pic.twitter.com/t13PSQp4Id

— FHS Theatre (@FranklinHSDrama) March 6, 2017

Semi Finals here we come!!

So proud of our mockers,who won the afternoon trial & advanced to the Elite 8! Pocket constitution to @KatyySmithh22 pic.twitter.com/pdFnJlOoWE

— Michael Walsh (@MockWalsh) March 5, 2017

Congratulations @FHSMock for two great performances today; a true team effort! On to the Elite 8! pic.twitter.com/t7aKRSqVRZ

— Kristin Brandt (@kristinmbrandt) March 5, 2017

So proud of our mockers,who won the afternoon trial & advanced to the Elite 8! Pocket constitution to @KatyySmithh22

Congrats to @FHSMock for win over St. John's Prep in the statewide tourney. We're on to the Sweet 16! Pocket constitution to @KyleeHurley5

— Michael Walsh (@MockWalsh) March 5, 2017

Congratulations and well deserved!! https://t.co/mpw6PCrKdj

— FranklinHighSchool (@FranklinHS) March 5, 2017

CONGRATS Franklin High School CHEER!! @FHScheer_ for placing 2nd today at Regionals!!! Moving on to STATES! #PantherPride

— FranklinAthletics (@FHSSports) March 5, 2017

Congrats to Halle Atkinson for placing 4TH at New England's in the 300m with a time of 41.00!!!💪🏻🏅 pic.twitter.com/zv0dr77k3x

— Franklin Girls T&F (@FHS_girlsXC) March 4, 2017

Girls 4x800 SHATTERS the school record set in 1998 by 6 seconds with a time of 9:15 and places 3rd at New England's!!! 🎉👏🏻 pic.twitter.com/8bJgx5t9xO

— Franklin Girls T&F (@FHS_girlsXC) March 4, 2017

Senior Center - Open House - Feb 26 (photo essay)

For those who missed the Open House at the Senior Center on Feb 26, 2017 here are some photos and the link to Realtor Warren Reynolds recap of the event.

Senior Center open house for the 2nd floor and renovations

Town Council and Building Committee members unveiled Stella Jeon Way

stairway to the 2nd floor

hallway and gift shop

conference room

cafeteria

some of the daily menu served by the Cafeteria at the Senior Center

the infamous elevator. Digging the shaft encountered delays due to the rock ledge the Senior Center is located upon

Realtor Warren Reynolds also has a nice recap of the opening and renovations including some videos
http://02038.com/2017/03/franklin-senior-center-new-second-floor/