ICYMI: 40B change for Franklin; Dean scholarship; homework policy up for review; Cultural District moves forward; Town Council says no to MBTA

ICYMI from the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"The town can now say “no” to developers who want to build homes under the state’s affordable housing law. 

The town now exceeds the state-set 10 percent threshold for having its housing stock deemed affordable under Chapter 40B."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170702/franklin-can-say-no-to-40b-housing-proposals

"The Town Council has recognized Dean College for stepping up to the plate in providing a special scholarship for a deserving Franklin resident. 

The school recently announced the first-ever Horace Mann Scholarship. The tuition scholarship totals $20,000 per year and will be given to a Franklin resident attending Dean in fall 2018. The scholarship is renewable for up to four years, provided the student maintains a 2.8 or higher grade point average."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170702/franklin-council-lauds-dean-college-for-special-scholarship

"The local school district is re-evaluating the purpose and role of homework in students’ instruction. 

The School Committee debuted a new homework policy at its Tuesday night meeting, after a process in which it solicited opinions from parents and teachers. The committee will have a definitive vote on the policy at a future meeting."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170702/franklin-schools-examine-homeworks-role-in-education

"After years of planning, Town Council has unanimously approved creating a downtown cultural district and will now forward an application to the state for approval. 

According to Director of Planning Community Development Bryan Taberner, the purpose of the state-designated cultural district is to create an area of concentration of arts and culture that will help to draw attention to resources to the downtown, such as the Black Box venue, Dean College, the Franklin School for the Performing Arts and library."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170630/franklin-council-creates-cultural-district

"Town Council made it clear Wednesday night that it does not want the MBTA to install a solar canopy at the Dean Street commuter parking lot because it interferes with the town’s ongoing mission to bring more economic development downtown. 

“We spent $7 million to redo the entire streetscape downtown,” said Town Administrator Jeff Nutting. “This is not the right place.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170629/franklin-town-council-voices-opposition-to-solar-canopy

the 3rd Annual Franklin Cultural Festival is scheduled for July 26-29, 2017

Oak St Teacher Dance Party (video)

The Oak Street Elementary School teachers know how to provide a good example in reading, writing, and arithmetic. Now there is evidence that they also can add rhythm to list of r's. 






While Franklin Matters has been off the grid (yes, off the internet completely) for the past several days, we hope you have enjoyed the scheduled posts. Regular news will begin to be caught up with today and 'new' posts will be shared on Thursday, July 6.

flower peek-a-boo

Franklin Almanac - Episode 7 (video)

Franklin Almanac, the compendium of life in Franklin. If you missed the broadcast via cable, you can catch up to Episode 7 via the YouTube link. Polikseni Manxhari hosts segments on

1. Opening- 00:00- 00:43
2. Healthy Kids Day- 00:44-05:47
3. Franklin Beautification Day- 05:48-10:17
4. HMEA 5K- 10:18-15:17
5. Franklin Fourth of July Celebration- 15:28-22:40
6. In Memory of Michael Doherty- 22:42-25:15
7. Final Thoughts- 25:16- 27:18

For more about the Franklin Downtown Partnership
http://www.franklindowntownpartnership.org/

For more about the HMEA   https://hmea.org/

By way of disclosure, I am a citizen member of the Downtown Partnership and a regular volunteer to help the HMEA conduct the 5K road race.

Rep Jeff Roy and HMEA CEO Mike Moloney pushing their HMEA partners in the 5K road race held on May 21, 2017. I provided the 2 mile splits to the runners and captured this photo on Upper Union St

The Mikado Highlights FPAC’S 10th Anniversary Whatever Theater Festival

Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) presents The Mikado at 8 p.m. on Thursday, July 27 and Friday, July 28 on Franklin Town Common. The popular comic opera, with music by Sir Arthur Sullivan and libretto by W.S. Gilbert, was first performed in 1885 and is their ninth of 14 operatic collaborations. With sharp wit and timeless music, the legendary classic satirizes British society and bureaucracy, its politics and institutions.  

The Mikado will be featured as part of the 3rd Annual Franklin Cultural Festival, hosted by the Franklin Cultural District Committee. The visual, performing and culinary arts celebration will take place July 26-30 at various downtown Franklin locations within the proposed Cultural District. Events are offered to the public free of charge.

Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC)

FPAC will also present a 24 Hour Play production on Saturday, July 29 at 8 p.m. at THE BLACK BOX, the company’s home and performance venue located at 15 West Central Street in downtown Franklin. For this theatrical experience, the cast will create, stage, and perform an original show in 24 hours. Rehearsal will begin at 10 p.m. on July 28th, following the final performance of The Mikado. There are no auditions to participate; please call (508) 528-3370 to sign up.

FPAC presents The Mikado and the 24 Hour Play as part of the company’s 10th anniversary Whatever Theater Festival, featured this summer within the Franklin Cultural Festival. Conceived and directed by Nick Paone, the Whatever Theater Festival brings together professional artists, FPAC alumni, students, and community performers in a collaborative theatrical experience that showcases an exciting range of dramatic and comedic works. 

FPAC’s 2017 Whatever Theater Festival is sponsored in part by grants from Foxborough, Norfolk, North Attleborough, and Wrentham Cultural Councils, local agencies that are supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency. For more information, call (508) 528-3370 or visit www.FPAConline.com.

Franklin 4th of July - Tuesday, July 4

The schedule of events for the Franklin 4th of July has been posted to the webpage  http://july4thfranklinma.com/

Tuesday, July 4

12pm - 5pm Rides and food booths open

Full 4th of July schedule
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczRTRscloyTnBscFU/view?usp=sharing



Per the Franklin Almanac video, one price wrist bands will be available for Thursday, 6 - 10; Saturday 12 -5 and then Monday 6 - 10PM 
All other times the rides would be for the individual tickets

big slide set up on the Town Common

Annie Sullivan's 8th Grade lip dub for 2017 (video)

Annie Sullivan's 8th grade class has an annual tradition to perform and record a lip sync video. The 2017 edition can be found here






The 2016 version can be found here
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w6tH_D_o4iE&t=1s


The 2015 version can be found here
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SazRnJgI1uM

Keller Sullivan schools sign

Franklin Almanac - Episode 6 (video)

Franklin Almanac, the compendium of life in Franklin. If you missed the broadcast via cable, you can catch up to Episode 6 via the YouTube link. Polikseni Manxhari hosts segments on

1. Opening/intro- 00:00-00:43
2. Empty Bowls Dinner- 00:43-6:48
3. "Hate has no home here" campaign-6:48-11:05
4. Safe Coalition 5k- 11:06-17:28
5. Horace Mann Statue- 17:29- 26:34
6. Final Thoughts- 26.35- 28:53

Local source for Hate has No Home signs
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/02/people-are-really-looking-for-way-to.html

More about the Safe Coalition can be found http://safecoalitionma.com/

The audio recording of the Horace Mann Statue Unveiling ceremony is available here  http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/05/fm-130-audio-recording-of-horace-mann.html

the Horace Mann statue stands to welcome folks to downtown Franklin

Electric Youth to Perform Summer Concert opening the 3rd Annual Franklin Cultural Festival

Following a two-and-a-half week summer concert tour of England, France, Italy and Switzerland, Electric Youth (EY) will perform a free outdoor concert on Wednesday, July 26, at 6 p.m. on Franklin Town Common. The concert will open the 3rd Annual Franklin Cultural Festival, hosted by the Franklin Cultural District Committee. Backed by an eight-piece band of world-class musicians, Electric Youth delivers a fun, high-energy show of family entertainment with an extensive range of pop, classic rock, swing, contemporary Broadway and country music for audiences all ages. 

The EY singer-dancers are backed by Boston musicians who’ve performed, recorded and toured with music legends including Tony Bennett, Aretha Franklin, Dizzy Gillespie, Alicia Keys, B.B. King, Diana Ross, The Temptations, Van Morrison and many others. Raye Lynn Mercer and Hallie Wetzell are Electric Youth’s Director and Vocal Director, respectively. Choreographers include Mercer, Casey Andrade, Cheryl Madeux, Nick Paone and Kellie Stamp.

Selected annually by audition, the group is chosen for superior musicianship, stage presence, and “triple threat” accomplishments in voice, dance, and acting. This season’s ensemble of performers, ages 15-18, studies multiple dance disciplines, voice and acting at the Franklin School for the Performing Arts. Electric Youth 2017 includes Julia Buccella, Brooke Collins, Aaron Frongillo, Sydney Leach, Caitlin Woodcock and Melissa Wyner of Franklin; Caroline Merten of Hopedale; Sam Evans and Colie Vancura of Medfield; Katie Gray of Milford; Naomi Fitzgerald, Mairead Nee and Griffin Wilkins of Walpole; and Susauna Wickstrom of Wrentham.

Electric Youth to Perform Summer Concert On Franklin Common

Electric Youth’s 2017 European tour featured several concerts along the coast of Normandy, including shows in Barfleur, Cherbourg and the historic D-Day site of Sainte-Mère-Église. The itinerary also marked the group’s debut in Switzerland with a concert in Zermatt. Venues in England included Wimbourne’s Tivoli Theatre, along with performances in Arundel, Chichester and Hastings. EY also returned to Lake Como, following performances there last summer, to deliver two lakeside shows at the Hotel Britannia.

Electric Youth has released six professional albums and toured Europe 13 times, with performances at England’s Arundel Festival, Disneyland Paris, professional theaters in Bristol, London and Windsor, and such renowned venues as Sanremo’s Ariston Theatre and Vienna’s Konzerthaus, Musikverein and Schonbrunn Palace. EY has also headlined Fourth of July shows for U.S. troops and their families stationed in Italy at Camp Ederle, Camp Darby and Aviano Air Force Base. The ensemble has performed on Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas, on Fox-TV and WBZ Radio, and at Fenway Park, Gillette Stadium, Mechanics Hall, the Smithsonian Museum Theater, the United Nations and the American Embassy in Rome. EY’s music, including the 2014 album Power Chord, is available at amazon.com and iTunes. 

The EY summer concert on the common will also feature a performance by Future Shock, a select children’s ensemble of students ages 6-13. For more information about Electric Youth, visit www.electricyouth.com. To learn more about the Franklin School for the Performing Arts, call (508) 528-8668 or visit www.FSPAonline.com.

Franklin 4th of July - Monday, July 3rd

The schedule of events for the Franklin 4th of July has been posted to the webpage  http://july4thfranklinma.com/

Monday, July 3

6pm - 10pm Rides and food booths open
7pm - 10pm Victory Shot (Band)
10pm - Laser Light Show (Town Common)

Full 4th of July schedule
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczRTRscloyTnBscFU/view?usp=sharing

Per the Franklin Almanac video, one price wrist bands will be available for Thursday, 6 - 10; Saturday 12 -5 and then Monday 6 - 10PM 
All other times the rides would be for the individual tickets

carnival ride set up on Town Common

#shopFranklin features the Curry House (video)

#shopFranklin speaks with Nilu Patel of The Curry House to learn about how she and her partners decided to open a restaurant in Franklin.

We also explore all of the flavors in India and learn what makes The Curry House unique - and DELICIOUS!

Where is the Curry House?

418 West Central St in Franklin





Visit their webpage  http://www.thecurryhouse.com/menu

The Curry House

Note: the video was recorded in May or June 2016 as they mentioned the "Taste of Franklin" was coming up and that was part of the 2nd Annual Cultural Festival at the end of July. 

The 3rd Annual Cultural Festival is scheduled for July 26-29, 2017
http://www.franklinculturaldistrict.org/2017/06/3rd-annual-cultural-festival-to.html

Franklin Almanac - Episode 5 (video)

Franklin Almanac, the compendium of life in Franklin. If you missed the broadcast via cable, you can catch up to Episode 5 via the YouTube link. Polikseni Manxhari hosts segments on

1. Intro- 0:00-0:31
2. Spectra Access Northeast Pipeline- 0:31-8:35
3. Madalene Village interview 8:36- 21:48
4. Madalene Village resident feedback-21:48-23:43
5. Distracted Driver Simulation- 23:51- 28:34
6. Earth Day-28:35-29:14
7. Final thoughts-29:15-31:06

Franklin Public Access Studio, 23 Hutchinson Street

Franklin 4th of July - Sunday, July 2

The schedule of events for the Franklin 4th of July has been posted to the webpage  http://july4thfranklinma.com/

Sunday, July 2

1pm - 11pm Rides and food booths open
4pm - 7pm Matt Zajac (acoustic)
7pm - 10pm Phantom (Band)


Full 4th of July schedule
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczRTRscloyTnBscFU/view?usp=sharing

Per the Franklin Almanac video, one price wrist bands will be available for Thursday, 6 - 10; Saturday 12 -5 and then Monday 6 - 10PM 
All other times the rides would be for the individual tickets

Thunder Bolt set up on Town Common

#shopFranklin features Franklin Agway - Your Urban Farm Store

#shopFranklin spends time with Mel Hamblen, recent new owner of Franklin Agway - Your Urban Farm Store. Mel explains how she went from working in a lab to working on finding the best products for the Franklin community. We also learn how to make homemade root beer with a definitive fizz!





If you have pets, check out their line up of pet foods!

If you make your own beer, check out their beer supplies!

Franklin Agway - Your Urban Farm Store

Visit Agway on Cottage St or visit them on the Internet at

http://www.franklinagway.com/

Franklin Almanac - Episode 4 (video)

Franklin Almanac, the compendium of life in Franklin. If you missed the broadcast via cable, you can catch up to Episode 4 via the YouTube link. Polikseni Manxhari hosts segments on

• Relay for Life (Franklin, Bellingham, Wrentham)
• Empty Bowls - FHS fund raising for the Franklin Food Pantry
• Blood drives for Boston Children's Hospital

More about the Empty Bowls program and to donate to the Franklin Food Pantry
https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/give-help/volunteer/empty-bowls/

More about the Sabini-Leite twin's blood drives
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/02/blood-drive-march-4-hockomock-ymca.html

Giovanna and Olivia Sabini-Leite, seniors at Franklin High School
coordinate blood drives for the Boston Children's Hospital

Franklin 4th of July - Saturday, July 1

The schedule of events for the Franklin 4th of July has been posted to the webpage  http://july4thfranklinma.com/

Saturday, July 1

9am - Adult Road Race (5k) / registration 8am-8:45am at the Gazebo 

10am - Children's Road Race (1.2mi) / registration 8:45am-9:45am at the Gazebo 

(Races sponsored by the Franklin Recreation Department. Pre-register for the road races at: www.franklinma.gov/recreation-departmentand click on the Register Now button, then the Register for Activities link to access the 4th of July Road Race.)

11am - 11pm Rides and food booths open
1pm - 2pm Vics and Sticks
2pm - 3pm Flippo the Clown
3pm - 4pm Jamie Barrett
4pm - 6pm Tyler Zajac (acoustic)
7pm - 10pm Groove Doctors (Band)

Full 4th of July schedule
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczRTRscloyTnBscFU/view?usp=sharing


Per the Franklin Almanac video, one price wrist bands will be available for Thursday, 6 - 10; Saturday 12 -5 and then Monday 6 - 10PM 
All other times the rides would be for the individual tickets

children's ride and Magic Maze on the Town Common

#ShopFranklin features Elizabeth's Bagels (video)

#shopFranklin - supporting small business speaks with Jen Garcia of Elizabeth's Bagels in Franklin,MA. Elizabeth's Bagels preserved the age old art of perfectly kettle boiled bagels. This delicacy is then augmented with a great selection of in house blended cream cheese options, seasonal offerings, loose leaf teas and an assortment of coffee creations







One of my favorite breakfasts is to walk to Elizabeth's Bagels, grab a bagel breakfast sandwich and coffee, then walk over to the Sculpture Park to enjoy breakfast before continuing the walk around Franklin and home.

Elizabeth's Bagels and the Sculpture Park a breakfast combo

Franklin Almanac - Episode 3 (video)

Franklin Almanac, the compendium of life in Franklin. If you missed the broadcast via cable, you can catch up to Episode 3 via the YouTube link. Polikseni Manxhari hosts segments on

• Horace Mann Educational Associates (HMEA)
• Franklin AAA office offers RMV services to members
• the Franklin Chapter of Neighbor Brigade
• Franklin's new WFPR 102.9 FM

Find out more about each of the organizations featured in this episode

• Horace Mann Educational Associates (HMEA)  https://hmea.org/
• Franklin AAA office offers RMV services to members   https://www.southernnewengland.aaa.com/branches/franklin-branch-office
• the Franklin Chapter of Neighbor Brigade  https://app.betterimpact.com/PublicOrganization/d344e590-7541-488a-8594-34b5f451db96/1
• Franklin's new WFPR 102.9 FM  http://www.franklin.tv/

Polikseni Manxhari hosts Franklin Almanac Episode 3

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA Area: FRI 6/30/17 - THU 7/6/17

FRIDAY 6/30/17
12-6pm   Franklin Farmers Market @ Town Common
4:30pm   Yoga on the Town Common
6-10pm   2017 Franklin 4th of July Celebration (concert starts at 7pm: ZOD Band) @ Franklin Town Common

SATURDAY 7/1/17
8am   Annual 4th of July 5K Road Race (registration starts at 8am, adult run at 9am, children's fun run at 10am) @ Franklin Town Common Gazebo (this event was originally posted under July 4th date by error)
10-1pm   Franklin Historical Museum Open
11am-11pm   2017 Franklin 4th of July Celebration @ Franklin Town Common

SUNDAY 7/2/17
1-4pm   Franklin Historical Museum Open
11am-11pm   2017 Franklin 4th of July Celebration @ Franklin Town Common

MONDAY 7/3/17
6-10pm   2017 Franklin 4th of July Celebration @ Franklin Town Common
10pm   Laser Light Show @ Franklin Town Common

TUESDAY 7/4/17 - Happy 4th of July!
12-5pm   2017 Franklin 4th of July Celebration @ Franklin Town Common

WEDNESDAY 7/5/17
1pm   Animal Craze ZOO @ Franklin Public Library

THURSDAY 7/6/17
5-8pm   Franklin Historical Museum Open
7-8pm   Healing Hearts Community Support Group @ Franklin YMCA

For 4th of July Celebration details click HERE.

For the Town of Franklin Public Calendar click HERE.

For all other events and Franklin happenings click HERE.

*To submit an event for the Community Calendar, please use this FORM

Franklin 4th of July - Friday, June 30

The schedule of events for the Franklin 4th of July has been posted to the webpage  http://july4thfranklinma.com/

Friday, June 30

6pm - 10pm Rides and food booths open
7pm - 10pm ZOD (Band)



Full 4th of July schedule
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczRTRscloyTnBscFU/view?usp=sharing


Per the Franklin Almanac video, one price wrist bands will be available for Thursday, 6 - 10; Saturday 12 -5 and then Monday 6 - 10PM 
All other times the rides would be for the individual tickets

Magic Maze set up on Town Common

Sleepy teens: A public health epidemic - Wendy Troxel - TEDxManhattanBeach (video)

"Sleep deprivation - What most parents, teachers, and school administrators think of as just part of being a teenager, Rand Corporation sleep scientist Wendy Troxel labels loss of teen sleep a public health epidemic. Not a function of being social or participating in social media, Wendy believes sleep loss is mostly due to school start times - a matter of public policy. 

Dr. Troxel’s research focuses on the interface between sleep, the social environment, and health, and on implications for public policy. 

Her research is supported by the Department of Defense and the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute of the National Institutes of Health. As an active clinical psychologist, Dr. Troxel helps patients overcome sleep disorders through behavioral (nonpharmacologic) treatment. She was the founding director of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine–an accredited training program in Behavioral Sleep Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh. She continues to provide research and clinical training opportunities for graduate and postdoctoral students interested in sleep medicine. She also holds leadership roles in several professional sleep societies, is an Associate Editor for the journal “Sleep Health”, and has been involved in local and national efforts focused on healthy school start times for adolescents."

This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at http://ted.com/tedx

#ShopFranklin features Fiori (video)

#shopFranklin spends some time with Michelle Fiori, owner and designer at FIORI - a boutique in Franklin with beautiful, contemporary floral creations and a curated selection of unique gifts.





For more about Fiori, visit their store on Main St or visit them on the internet
http://www.fioriflorals.com/

Facebook image of product at Fiori

Franklin Almanac - Episode 2 (video)

Polikseni Manxhari covers four stories in the new episode of Franklin Almanac now available from Franklin TV. Broadcast on Franklin cable channel at noon and 7:00 PM. You can also view the show via YouTube.

• Make Change for Change - addressing homelessnesshttp://www.makechangeforchange.org/
• The 40% Club at Franklin High School
• Milford new radio station MyFM 101.3
• The story behind the new video for Jamie Barrett's song "The City called the Town of Franklin" produced by Chris Flynn

For more of Jamie Barrett's music, he'll be playing on Saturday, July 1 at 3:00 PM on the Town Common  
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/06/4th-of-july-schedule-of-events.html

He'll also play during the 3rd Annual Franklin Cultural Festival July 26-29, 2017
http://www.franklinculturaldistrict.org/2017/06/3rd-annual-cultural-festival-to.html

Jaime Barrett

Russian School of Math - Franklin is currently enrolling students for Summer School

Dear Friends,

Welcome to Russian School of Mathematics located in downtown Franklin at 9 Summer St., Franklin Center Commons!

RSM-Franklin is currently enrolling students for the Summer School classes July 10 - August 17 and can serve families from Franklin and the surrounding communities.

Our mission is to help our students develop mathematical excellence and lifelong critical thinking skills using our unique curriculum and exceptional teachers.

Our summer course offerings include:

• Math for Grades 1-6: These courses hone students' analytic skills and enhance their number sense by introducing them to abstract concepts.
• Preparation for High School Math: Our courses in Algebra and Geometry will build up pre requisite skills and front load the key concepts of high school math.
• SAT-preparation classes
• Contest Level Math: Students are introduced to non-straightforward problems - opening them to the intrigue of math in the world. Students are also prepped for various national and international math competitions.

You can read more about our program online at http://www.russianschool.com/location/franklin/summer-school

Russian School of Math - Franklin is currently enrolling students for Summer School

Franklin 4th of July - Thursday, June 29

The schedule of events for the Franklin 4th of July has been posted to the webpage  http://july4thfranklinma.com/

Thursday, June 29

6pm - 10pm Rides and food booths open
7pm - 10pm Swimmer (Band)


Full 4th of July schedule
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczRTRscloyTnBscFU/view?usp=sharing


Per the Franklin Almanac video, one price wrist bands will be available for Thursday, 6 - 10; Saturday 12 -5 and then Monday 6 - 10PM 
All other times the rides would be for the individual tickets

children's ride set up on Town Common

Songs that bring history to life - Rhiannon Giddens (video)

"Rhiannon Giddens pours the emotional weight of American history into her music. Listen as she performs traditional folk ballads — including "Waterboy," "Up Above My Head," and "Lonesome Road" by Sister Rosetta Tharp — and one glorious original song, "Come Love Come," inspired by Civil War-era slave narratives. 

The TED Talks channel features the best talks and performances from the TED Conference, where the world's leading thinkers and doers give the talk of their lives in 18 minutes (or less). Look for talks on Technology, Entertainment and Design -- plus science, business, global issues, the arts and more."

Follow TED on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/TEDTalks
Like TED on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TED

Subscribe to our channel: https://www.youtube.com/TED

Hodgkins, Noviello, Lyons, Ulrickson recognized for FHS Baseball and Brown named Coach of Year

Hockomock Sports has published the 2017 season ending awards for baseball.

HOCKOMOCKSPORTS.COM FIRST TEAM

Ryan Hodgkins – Franklin – Outfield
Franklin senior Ryan Hodgkins was a big reason that Franklin won its first division title in four years. Hodgkins batted 0.368 (28 hits), knocked in a team-high 12 runs and scored 13 runs. He also had 10 stolen bases on the season. “Ryan has been a very steady and consistent performer for us over the last two seasons,” said FHS coach Zach Brown. “Ryan is a very aggressive outfielder with a strong arm, he has really good at bats, hits for a high average and is a really instinctual baserunner. Ryan is a complete baseball player and will be greatly missed next season.”

Jake Noviello – Franklin – Pitcher
Franklin junior Jake Noviello had an outstanding season for the Kelley-Rex champion Panthers. The right-handed pitcher was one of the most dominant hurlers in the league, with 55.1 innings pitched (second most) and 61 strikeouts (first) in the regular season. He posted a 6-2 record with a 1.65 ERA and also won Franklin’s first playoff game. “Jake was our workhorse this season, every time he had the ball in his hand we felt great about our chances to win on that day,” said Franklin coach Zach Brown. “We are extremely excited to have him back next season for his senior year.”

HOCKOMOCKSPORTS.COM SECOND TEAM

Jake Lyons – Franklin – Outfield
Franklin senior Jake Lyons played a vital role in helping the Panthers clinch their first division title in four years. Lyons was one of the top defensive players in the league while patrolling center field for the Panthers. Offensively, Lyons posted a 0.333 average on 26 hits. He knocked in eight runs and scored a team-high 19 runs. “Jake has played a very steady center field for us over the last two seasons and has consistent quality at-bats,” said FHS coach Zach Brown. “Jake will be greatly missed both offensively and defensively next year.”

Jason Ulrickson – Franklin – Pitcher
Junior Jason Ulrickson gave Franklin a second ace this season which is a big reason why the Panthers clinched their first division title in four seasons. The left handed pitcher posted a 7-1 record over the season, striking out 38 batters in 46.2 innings of work. He walked just 10 batters, tossed four complete games and allowed just seven earned runs (1.05 ERA). “Jason is a crafty lefty that attacks the strikes zone with movement and by changing speeds,” said FHS coach Zach Brown. “We are excited to have Jason back again competing at the top of our rotation again next season.”

COACH OF THE YEAR – ZACH BROWN, FRANKLIN

Franklin head coach Zach Brown has been selected as the 2017 HockomockSports.com Baseball Coach of the Year. It’s the first time Brown has won the award.

Brown helped the Panthers orchestrate an impressive season, resulting in a Kelley-Rex division title – the program’s first title since 2012. Franklin posted a league best 13-3 record in league play and an 18-6 overall record.

Franklin’s 17-5 regular season record put the Panthers in the Super 8 conversation and earned the top seed in the D1 South tournament. The Panthers also won the Pedroli Classic tournament at the end of the regular season.


Continue reading the write up on Coach Brown and review the listing for all of the baseball awards  https://hockomocksports.com/awards/baseball/2017-2/

https://hockomocksports.com/awards/baseball/2017-2/

#ShopFranklin - Painted Lady Flower Farm (video)

Sarah Mabardy gets Amy Acevedo of Franklin's Painted Lady Flower Farm to share her story of how she became Franklin Massachusetts' local flower farmer.




Find out more about Amy and her wonderful flowers
https://www.facebook.com/PaintedLadyFlowers/

https://www.facebook.com/PaintedLadyFlowers/

Franklin Almanac - Episode 1 (video)

Published on Jan 22, 2017 - The first episode of Franklin Almanac, a compendium of life in Franklin




At about 14:00 minutes, I sit with Polikseni to tell her the Franklin Matters story.

http://franklin.tv/

This was originally posted in January, 2017

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/01/franklin-almanac-episode-1-features.html

In the News: another safe city recognition; volunteers step up for the 4th

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

"Parents might be happy to learn that Franklin has been named one of the top 30 safest cities in the country to raise a child in 2017. 

According to SafeWise.com Franklin comes in at number 12 on the list, namely because of its quality schooling and for winning the 7th Annual AP Honor Roll Award for superior high schools. 

Town Administrator Jeff Nutting said he is proud to learn of the recognition and “happy to accept the results.” 

Nutting, an eight-year Franklin resident, said the list is long as to why he likes living in town."

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"As a child, it was a family tradition for Michelle Beaupre to attend the town’s annual Fourth of July celebration. 

“I grew up in Norfolk and it’s something that we often went to. It’s something I’ve gone to since I was a kid,” Beaupre said. 

The parade and fireworks were always a highlight, the Franklin resident said."

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the carnival rides are set up on the Town Common and ready for the 4th of July Celebration