In the News: drought conditions easing; Sons of Italy May breakfast

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

"We’re pretty happy,” said Charlie Koshivas, owner of Fairmont Fruit Farm. “Last year was a poor year.” 

Those working the fields at the Franklin farm said in September that only 25 percent of their apples could be deemed “quality fruit,” - a sharp contrast to the 75 percent level the farm averages on regular years. 

“We didn’t have any peaches last year or any nectarines,” Koshivas said Thursday. “This year it looks like we could have a decent crop.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170511/local-farmers-relieved-as-drought-conditions-evaporate

"The Order Sons of Italy in America, Quattro Eroi Lodge 1414, will hold the annual May Breakfast from 8-11 a.m. May 21 at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Hall, 1034 Pond St. The menu will include scrambled eggs, home fries, sausage, ham, bacon Italian pancakes, juice and coffee. The cost is $6 for adults, $3 for ages 10 and younger. Tickets are sold in advance via members and at the door. 

The March meeting of the Quattro Eroi Lodge was held at the Franklin cable TV station and featured a talk by local scholar and historian James Johnston. Johnston spoke about the immigration of Italians to Franklin. He placed the stories of local Franklin Italian families within the larger context of Italian immigrations to Canada, Australia and Brazil. 

For information: http://FranklinSonsofItaly.org.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170511/strongorder-sons-of-italy-in-america-announce-may-breakfaststrong

Cultural District Meeting - 7:00 p.m. on May 18th at Franklin TV

Cultural District Planning Meeting at Franklin TV

All: Please mark your calendars for a very important and hopefully interesting meeting. The Town is making good progress in its efforts to create a cultural district in the Downtown area. 

On May 18th Franklin TV will host our next meeting at their studios at 23 Hutchinson Street. Franklin TV/Franklin Radio (Franklin Community Cable Access) has signed on as one of our Partners working to create, manage and enhance the cultural district. 

The main topic of discussion on May 18th is our Cultural District Marketing Plan, which is a cultural district application requirement. Steve Sherlock will provide an overview on the status of our Cultural District Web Site, Cultural Events Calendar, and Social Media. 

We'll also be discussing a possible Cultural Asset Catalog (or on-line listing), an on-line "Story Map" of the cultural district, collaborative marketing efforts, and Cultural District Branding and Signage. In addition to fairly short presentations, we'll all have opportunity to provide input. 

Please bring your ideas/suggestions. It is important for all of our partners to provide input into the required Marketing Plan and related issues. I hope we have a full house at Franklin TV.

Going forward. Please mark your calendars for our June meeting, which will be held at 7:00 p.m. on June 15th at Dean College in the Campanella Board Room. We'll be discussing the cultural district application submittal and related required Town Council actions. As with the May meeting, it's extremely important that representatives from all our Partners attend.

Also, attached for your review is a map of the proposed Franklin Cultural District, which was recently submitted to the State for their review.

Thanks

Bryan

Bryan W. Taberner, AICP
Director of Planning and Community Development
355 East Central Street
Franklin, MA 02038-1352
Phone: 508-520-4907
Fax: 508-520-4906
Email: btaberner@franklin.ma.us

Please note the Town of Franklin is converting to a new email system. Effective July 1, 2017 my e-mail address will be btaberner@franklinma.gov.

Franklin TV studio with the 'cloud' antennas up

Downtown Franklin Progressive Dinner Tickets On Sale - May 21

The Franklin Downtown Partnership invites everyone to savor the flavors of Franklin’s downtown restaurant scene in its third Progressive Dinner on Sunday, May 21. 

All of downtown Franklin’s dine-in restaurants are participating, offering specialty dishes that are sure to please everyone. 

“The progressive dinner is a fun way to experience the great tastes of Franklin’s downtown restaurants in one evening, in the company of good friends. Enjoy flavors from around the world by walking from one local restaurant to the next, without ever having to leave town,” says Jane Curran, event organizer. 

Tickets are $55 per person, including tips and taxes. Beverages are not included. Buy tickets and see menus at the Eventbrite ticket site, https://www.eventbrite.com/e/springtime-progressive-dinner-tickets-34482452945?ref=ebtnebtckt. The Progressive Dinner link is posted on the FDP website and on the FDP Facebook page. 

Diners will choose a start time and either “Flight A” or “Flight B” when they purchase tickets. Each flight will include a soup at one restaurant, an appetizer at a second location, then dinner at a third. Flights will be staggered to start every half hour beginning at 4:30 p.m., and diners can expect the evening’s activities to last about two hours. 

As a special treat before each flight begins, diners are invited to sample some remarkable olive oils and balsamic vinegars at Franklin’s newest shop, The Little Shop of Olive Oils, located at 5 Main Street.

“We’re thankful for these restaurants for participating and for our sponsors for making this night possible as this is a big fundraiser for the Downtown Partnership,” says Curran.

Real Living Realty Group is the evening’s Gold sponsor. Teddy Gallagher’s Irish Pub is a Silver sponsor. Printsmart Office Products and Tom Fricker Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc. are Bronze sponsors.

Sponsorships are still available for this event. Contact Jane Curran at janeframe@verizon.net for more information or with questions about the dinner.

The Franklin Downtown Partnership is a non-profit 501©3 organization made up of 240 residents, business owners and community leaders working to revitalize downtown Franklin. The Partnership manages events like the Strawberry Stroll, Harvest Festival and Holiday Stroll, and initiatives such as Beautification, streetscape design, greenspace and sculpture projects. For more information about sponsoring an event or becoming a member, contact us at downtown.franklin@yahoo.com. Learn more at www.franklindowntownpartnership.org. 

Downtown Franklin Progressive Dinner Tickets On Sale - May 21

FHS baseball, boys and girls lacrosse, boys tennis post wins on Wednesday

From Hockomock Sports, we share the results of the FHS spring sports action on Wednesday, May 10.

Baseball = Taunton, 1 @ Franklin, 2 – Final

– Franklin emerged from another pitcher’s duel with a close 2-1 win over visiting Taunton. FHS junior Jason Ulrickson tossed a complete game, scattering five hits, issuing one walk and striking out five to earn the win. Taunton’s Tyler Medeiros also allowed five hits with just one talk, striking out seven in six innings of work. Tyler Gomes had a double and a run scored for the Panthers while Ulrickson accounted for the other run. Sophomore Alex Haba was 2-for-2 with an RBI and Cam Lupien brought the Panthers’ other run home with a sacrifice fly. Taunton’s Christian Simoes was 2-for-3 and scored on an RBI double from Joe Manchester.

Softball = Franklin, 0 @ Taunton, 12 – Final (5 inn.)

– Taunton’s offense got off to a strong start, plating a pair of runs in the first inning then blowing the game open with six runs in the second. Jaime Brown went 4-for-4 and scored four whiles while Kya Enos (two hits) knocked in four runs. MacKenzie Handrahan knocked in three runs on a pair of hits, McKenzie McAloon added two hits and eighth grader Hannah Aldrich hit her first career home run for the Tigers. Courtney Fisher struck out four without issuing a walk, allowing just one hit (fifth inning) and two total base runners.

Boys Lacrosse = Canton, 1 @ Franklin, 7 – Final

– Franklin built a 5-1 lead by halftime and shut Canton out in the second half in a low scoring frame. Franklin sophomore Jacob Alexander won all 12 face offs that he took in the game while classmate Nitin Chaudhury notched a hat trick to pace the Panthers’ offense. Eric Civetti scored twice, Chase Tanner and Jack Platner each found the back of the net once and Sam Arsenault recorded two assists. Packie Watson, Kyle McEniry and Pat Morrison each had one assist and Connor O’Rourke made six saves in net.

Girls Lacrosse = Franklin, 15 @ Canton, 3 – Final

– Caroline Lounsbury paced Franklin’s offense with four goals while Lauren Bissanti notched a pair of goals for the Panthers. Mairead Goguen notched a goal and an assist and Annie Walsh (two goals, assists) had seven draw controls.

Boys Tennis = Franklin, 5 @ Taunton, 0 – Final

– Franklin won all five matches in straight sets, with its second doubles pairing registering a win without losing a game. Rahul Herur won 6-1, 6-2 at first singles, Eli Brooks took second singles 6-2, 6-0 and Rohan Herur won 6-1, 6-0 at third singles. The team of James Johnson and Derek Wu notched a 6-1, 6-1 win at first doubles and Tyler DiPalma and Rahul Hosdurg walked away with a 6-0, 6-0 sweep at second doubles.

Girls Tennis = Taunton, 4 @ Franklin, 1 – Final

– Taunton won four matches in straight sets, taking two wins at singles and two in doubles play. Jordan Pagliuca won 6-2, 6-0 at second singles and Jillian Pagliuca prevailed with a 6-2, 7-5 victory at third singles. The team of Ashleigh Eason and Emily Moor didn’t lose a game at first doubles and Jordan Martin and Caroline Hebert notched a 6-0, 6-2 win at second doubles.

For the other results around the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/wednesdays-schedule-scoreboard-051017/

FHS Panthers

DelCarte invasive plant treatment scheduled for June 7

The tentative date for the first treatment of the invasive plants in the DelCarte Ponds will be 6/7/17, subject to the weather. (It can't be a rainy day.) 

The pond will be closed for fishing, canoeing etc. for 24 hours, but the rest of the area for hiking etc. will be open.


This was shared from the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/first-treatment-invasive-plants-delcarte-ponds-tentatively-set-june-7-2017

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During 2017 and 2018, herbicide treatments will be applied to the DelCarte Ponds as part of the restoration and preservation of this important recreation area. The treatments are designed to eliminate the invasive plant species which are proliferating rapidly and threaten to completely “take over” the waterbodies unless action is taken to stop their spread.

The time frame for this work is as follows:

• Prepare and File MA DEP License to Apply Chemicals Permit - APRIL
• Pre-Treatment Survey – MAY
• Variable Milfoil Treatment – EARLY JUNE
• Initial Water Chestnut Treatment – EARLY JUNE
• Interim Survey – LATE JUNE
• Follow-Up Water Chestnut Treatment – EARLY JULY
• Final Post-Treatment Survey – AUGUST/SEPTEMBER
• Year-End Report – NOVEMBER/DECEMBER

Signs will be posted at the ponds concerning this work it is important to bear in mind that ON THE DAY OF THE TREATMENTS, USE OF THE PONDS WILL BE RESTRICTED.

Any questions on this project should be directed to the Conservation office at 508-520-4929.

invasive species in the water at DelCarte

The ecological study performed to show the need for these herbicide treatments can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/02/ecological-and-management-study-of.html


The reminder on the treatments was shared from the Town of Franklin page
http://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/get-rid-those-invasive-weeds-delcarte-pond-herbicide-treatment-begins-2017-stay-tuned-more

Make Change for Change - Spring FUNDrive - May 13

Make Change for Change - Spring FUNDrive - Time to clean out the closets, garage, and de-clutter!

The Make Change for Change FUNDrive is May 13th. By donating gently-used clothing, shoes, accessories, book, linens, and small household items (no furniture), you can help raise funds to help erase homelessness in MA.

Help us reach our $2K goal – Make Change for Change will get paid for every pound of goods donated!

Make your pledges here: https://fundrive.savers.com/e/fundrive_58

Here is a list of what is accepted:

 Make Change for Change - Spring FUNDrive - May 13

Donate goods now – and get in on the competition

Don’t wait until the last day of the Drive to gather up your goods. You can drop off goods at The Sugar Shoppe. We can arrange to pick-up and store any donations you collect prior to the May 13th. Simply email Amy Gilman amy@makechangeforchange.org or contact her at 857-363-8935.

We welcome:

Clothing, shoes, accessories, handbags, toys, CDs, linens, small household items and small furniture. Other items may be accepted, but should be bagged separately and will not be counted towards our compensation. Please note that Savers cannot accept baby gear and exercise equipment due to recalls.

Volunteers needed!

Want to join in on the FUNDrive Day fun? Spend a couple of hours volunteering with us on May 13th. We need help between 10am and 2pm. Check out our online sign-up at http://signup.com/go/gCJMj8.

Let’s get together and stuff that truck!

MBTA: Starting May 22: Commuter Rail Schedule Reminder

Spring 2017 Commuter Rail schedules go into effect on Monday, May 22nd. Paper schedules will be available at South Station, Back Bay, and North Station starting Monday, May 15th.

Schedules are now available online at mbta.com.

Schedule changes have been made to the Newburyport/Rockport, Haverhill, Fitchburg, Providence/Stoughton, and Worcester lines.

The Worcester Line schedule includes service to the new Boston Landing Station.

There are no schedule changes on the Lowell, Needham, Franklin, Fairmount, Middleboro/Lakeville, Kingston/Plymouth, or Greenbush lines. These schedules are only being re-printed without severe weather train designations.

Last updated: May 09 2017 11:48 AM

Click here for more information: http://www.mbta.com/about_the_mbta/news_events/?id=6442457926

Sent by the MBTA.

boarding the commuter rail at Franklin/Dean Station

Digital Learning Committee and Science/STEM Presentations

The documents scheduled for presentation and discussion at the Franklin, MA School Committee meeting on Tuesday, May 9, 2017.

Digital Learning Committee - 5/09/17 from Franklin Matters

Science/STEM Program and Instruction from Franklin Matters

ASMS 8th grade scientist present @ School Comm. @asmssullythehusky @franklinpsnews @franklinmatters.ma #huskypride pic.twitter.com/YF0qYot5bQ

— Sully The Husky ASMS (@sullythehusky) May 10, 2017

MassBudget: Study shines new light on performance of vocational schools

MassBudget    Information.    Participation.  Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center    Democracy. Study Shines New Light on Performance of Vocational Schools It is no longer news that students who attend high-quality career and technical education programs in Massachusetts also perform well academically and are more likely to graduate from high school. What has remained unknown is whether the impressive outcomes in these programs are due to what takes place inside these schools or merely reflects differences in the backgrounds and motivations of students who enter the programs. A MassBudget policy brief summarizes research that sheds new light on that question. Shaun M. Dougherty at the University of Connecticut takes advantage of a natural experiment comparing virtually identical groups of students who attend vocation schools with those who don't. The careful study compares students who scored just well enough on entrance exams to attend Massachusetts' regional vocational and technical high schools with other students who scored barely under the threshold and weren't admitted due to lack of available space. Students attending the regional vocational schools show substantially higher probabilities of persisting in and graduating from high school. They are more likely to earn industry-recognized credentials. They score just as well on the MCAS as students who also applied and just missed getting in. MassBudget earlier this year examined the common features of effective career, vocational, and technical education programs: greater individualized attention, state-of-the-art facilities and equipment; partnerships with outside organizations and employers, and integration of quality academics with vocational training. This new paper presents important evidence that the schools studied are engaging students in ways that make it more likely that they will graduate and develop career specific skills and that they are doing so in ways that don't have a negative effect on academic achievement. To read the full issue brief, click here (LINK). 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

FHS softball tops North Attleboro 2-1

From Hockomock Sports, we share the results of the FHS spring sports action on Tuesday, May 9.

Softball = North Attleboro, 1 @ Franklin, 2 – Final

– North Attleboro freshman Bella Erti allowed just three hits but thats all the Panthers would need in a close non-league win over the Rocketeers. Big Red took the lead in the top of the fourth when Erti tripled and scored on a double by Sam Courtemanche. Franklin answered in the bottom of the fourth with a single from Olivia DiGiacomo and then a two-run home run by Clara DeCarvalho. Jackie Cherry earned the win for Franklin, striking out six. FHS head coach Kate Fallon-Comeau noted DiGiacomo made some outstanding defensive plays in right field as well.

Boys Track = Franklin @ Attleboro, 3:45
no results available

Girls Track = Franklin @ Attleboro, 3:45
no results available


For the other results around the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/tuesdays-schedule-scoreboard-050917/

FHS Panthers

Tri-County RVTHS to Hold Senior Project Fair on Monday, May 15, 2017 at 6:00 PM

WHAT: On Monday, May 15th the top 3 Senior Products and their creators will be shown to
Tri-County staff, student body and the general public.

Local Cable Stations will be in attendance interviewing the student presenters and recording the festivities. Members of our Advisory Committees, Co-op Employers and School Committee Representatives will also be in attendance. Q and A is encouraged and the students are more than happy to tell you all about their Project. 

Additionally, our fabulous Culinary Arts Department tantalize all with their delicious goodies. The Senior Project Committee recognizes each participant and presents them with a Certificate of Achievement. The event culminates with the awarding of the over-all 1st, 2nd and 3rd Place Project. Lastly; the coveted “Student Colleague Choice Award” is revealed. It is a definite “must do” and a great event for all ages. You will leave Tri-County informed, inspired and in awe of what our students have achieved. Don’t miss out on the fun!

The Senior Project is a capstone project for all Tri-County students. Each student demonstrates the skills acquired in his/her Career Program by researching and designing a product.

Our seniors did a great job in creating products that will truly amaze you. We can't wait to tell you more about our products and our experiences here at Tri-County! We hope to see you!

WHEN: Monday, May 15, 2017, 6:00 PM
WHERE: 
Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School Gymnasium
147 Pond Street
Franklin, MA

new webpage header for Tri-County

Volunteers Wanted for May 20 Downtown Beautification Day

A lot of April showers are sure to bring May flowers, which is perfect timing for the Franklin Downtown Partnership and Franklin Garden Club’s annual Beautification Day in downtown Franklin and the Town Common on Saturday, May 20.

Dozens of volunteers are needed this year to help plant the flowers and greenery on the downtown bridge and in barrels in front of businesses. The event will go on rain or shine.

Volunteers Wanted for May 20
Downtown Beautification Day

Community service hours are available to high school sports teams, scout groups and students needing volunteer opportunities. Contact Beautification Day Chairperson Eileen Mason at emason4234@gmail.com to sign up.

Volunteers with trucks are also needed to help pick up a few trays of flowers at 7 a.m. at Fairmount Fruit Farm, 887 Lincoln St.

“Special thanks to Barry Madden of Franklin Ford for his generous donation of a pickup truck for the day’s activities,” says Mason. “I’d also like to thank Melanie Hamblen of Franklin Agway for volunteering her time and truck.”

Helpers can grab their garden gloves and meet Mason at 8 a.m. in the small commuter parking lot on West Central Street near Central Pizza and Hair Mania. Work is expected to wrap up by 11 a.m., or earlier if there are more volunteers.

“Our theme this year is patriotic red, white and blue, and all the plants are drought resistant,” says Mason. “The displays will give downtown Franklin a fresh and welcoming look and be a colorful finishing touch to the streetscape project.”

The Town is planning to incorporate additional plantings on the center island later this spring to add even more visual appeal.

Beautification Day is the result of a full year of planning, growing, maintaining and improving the summer and winter displays. Local businesses generously support the ongoing project without getting their hands dirty unless they want to.

D.G. Ranieri Real Estate and Eileen Mason of RE/MAX Executive Realty are the Gold sponsors this year. Draper & Kramer Mortgage Corp., Emma’s Quilt Cupboard & Sewing Center, Middlesex Savings Bank, and Charles F. Oteri & Son Funeral Home are Silver sponsors. Auerr, Zajac & Associates, LLP, Flynn|Wirkus|Young - Attorneys, John S. Marini of Marini Construction, and Tom Fricker Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. are Bronze sponsors.

To inquire about sponsorship or learn more about the event, please contact the FDP office at downtown.franklin@yahoo.com.

This was shared from the Downtown Partnership page

http://www.franklindowntownpartnership.org/2017/05/downtown-beautification-day-may-20.html

Tri-County Medical Careers Students Celebrate Pinning Ceremony

Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School friends and family members joined Medical Careers instructors, Suzanne Dodakian, Paula Hutchinson and Anne-Marie Guanci in honoring senior students with a pinning ceremony.

Since beginning their Medical Careers program, students have received the following certifications/training:

Sophomore year: American Heart Association’s First Aid and CPR, OSHA, Dean Vaughn Medical Terminology, and the Alzheimer Association’s Dementia Care training.

Junior year: Certified Nursing Assistant.

Senior Year: Home Health Aide Training, AHA Health Care Provider CPR with AED, and some students completed First Responder Training.

The pinning ceremony honored nineteen seniors in the Medical Careers program. 
The students awarded their pins are:

• Anna Bercot of Walpole
• Katelyn Billington of North Attleborough
• Jenna Booth of North Attleborough
• Sabrina Botelho of Seekonk
• Devin Driscoll of Millis
• Hollyann Edwards of Norfolk
• Jamie Ferland of Wrentham
• Abigail Fisher of North Attleborough
• Delaney Forbes of Franklin
• Gabrielle Gagne of Seekonk
• Alyssa Gauthier of Walpole
• Brandon Isom of North Attleborough
• Tori Kehlhem of Franklin
• Britney Lizotte of North Attleborough
• Kathleen Loonie of North Attleborough
• Kelsey Morin of Franklin
• Emily Small of Wrentham
• Megan Walker-Nelson of North Attleborough
• Jacqueline Wallace of North Attleborough

Tri-County RVTHS recently celebrated our Medical Careers seniors with a Pinning Ceremony

About Tri-County RVTHS

Tri-County RVTHS, located at 147 Pond Street in Franklin, is a recipient of the High Schools That Work Gold Achievement Award and serves the communities of Franklin, Medfield, Medway, Millis, Norfolk, North Attleborough, Plainville, Seekonk, Sherborn, Walpole, and Wrentham. For more information go to www.tri-county.us.

Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Monthly Meeting - May 9, 2017

View this email in your browser Franklin and Bellingham Rail Trail Committee Monthly Meeting Tuesday, May 9th The Franklin and Bellingham Rail Trail Committee will have a meeting on Tuesday, May 9 at 7:30 pm.  The meeting will be held at the YMCA in Franklin and all are welcome to attend.  At this meeting we will discuss the status of a variety of trail projects, including the Prospect St tunnel, proposed work on the Prospect to Lake section, and a schedule trail clean-up in June. Download this month's agenda (140 KB) Copyright © 2017 Franklin and Bellingham Rail Trail Committee, All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee PO Box 68 Franklin, Ma 02038