Help with the Franklin St. Mary’s St. Vincent de Paul Thanksgiving food baskets

Each year, the St. Vincent de Paul headquarters in Stoughton offers the Franklin St. Mary’s St. Vincent de Paul Thanksgiving food baskets ($10 each) for distribution throughout the community. If you are in need of assistance for Thanksgiving, please call the St. Vincent de Paul office at (508) 918-2291.

The St. Mary’s St. Vincent de Paul Society will be conducting its 9th annual Thanksgiving Food Drive on the weekend of November 18 and 19, to enhance the baskets from HQ and to restock our food pantry shelves. 

Suggested items to donate include applesauce, cranberry juice, popcorn, peanut butter, jelly, jams, cookies, crackers, bread mix, pudding, candy corn, cranberry sauce, stuffing, cereal, fruit cocktail, coffee/tea/cocoa, boxes of chocolate, canned yams and vegetables, rice, chowder, and a Thanksgiving tablecloth or decoration.

Donations may also be dropped off any time between now and November 19 and may be placed in the boxes at the doors of the church. 

Please know that these donations will give many families in the community a memorable Thanksgiving dinner. Thank you for all your help and support!

Help with the Franklin St. Mary’s St. Vincent de Paul
Thanksgiving food baskets

"constant crowding during certain lunches"

Anna Eppihimer, Pantherbook student, writes the latest on the cafeteria crowding at the high school. For the record, the State wanted the school sized for 1500, the town fought for and the high school was built for 1600. With almost 200 more students than it should have, it is not surprising to have some space issues.

"This year, Franklin High School reached its highest enrollment in history. 1,792 students are currently enrolled, causing the lunchroom to overflow. 

The cafeteria isn’t as big as the school would have liked, and the administration, faculty, central office, superintendent, and student leadership are working on solutions to this crowding problem. 

Paul Peri, the principal at FHS, says he “recently ordered more lunchroom furniture.” He went on to say the new tables and chairs will be put into the main hall outside the lunchroom. Mr. Peri is also looking to get more high top tables for the main hall. 

The new furniture will alleviate some of the cafeteria crowding, and will provide a quieter area for students during their lunches."

Continue reading the article online
https://franklinpanthers.us/student-life/2017/11/06/getting-cramped-yet/

Finding a seat at lunch has become a challenge. (Pantherbook photo)

In the News: Davis Thayer treks to Food Pantry; Library reopens

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

"For at least a decade, it has been a tradition this time of year. With Thanksgiving approaching, the fifth-graders at Davis Thayer Elementary School hoist bags and boxes full of donated food and household items and make a short jaunt - a parade of cheerful and excited good will - over to the Franklin Food Pantry. 

On Monday morning, this year’s class took their turn at keeping the tradition going - a charitable campaign the students said they look forward to as they work toward their final elementary school year. The delivery of the goods is the culmination of a few weeks of collecting donations from the school community, with students in kindergarten up to fifth grade gradually amassing their contributions until it is time for the fifth grade walk to the pantry.

“I like how we get to walk over to the food pantry, and help people,” said Devin Curley, sitting at a table in the school cafeteria Monday morning, bag full of non-perishables dangling from his hands as he waited for the signal to line up and begin the procession."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20171106/students-make-annual-trek-to-franklin-pantry

Many thanks to all those who donated to our annual Franklin Food Pantry Food Drive! We surpassed our goal, collecting 517 items! #DTDaily pic.twitter.com/1SRPHBXHFK

— Davis Thayer School (@DT_Bobcats) November 7, 2017

Davis Thayer photo via Twitter https://twitter.com/DT_Bobcats/status/927690865937735682

“We’re all back!” exclaimed the woman pushing two carriages as she ferried five cherry-cheeked children down the corridor on the lower level of the Franklin Public Library on Monday morning. 

The exuberant greeting brought an even wider grin to the face of Director Felicia Oti - a feat, considering how widely she was already smiling - as she navigated the small crowd moving from a program room following the “Move Along” story time. 

“And we are so happy to see you!” she responded. 

Inside the program room her joy expanded even further. “Listen to all of the happy noises!” she exclaimed. “Everyone is so glad to see us, and we are even happier to see them!”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20171107/franklin-library-opens-after-renovation-project

Franklin Candidate for Town Council: Patrick Casey

Patrick Casey (PC) and I (FM) conducted this interview via an email exchange as our calendars could not align in time before the election on November 7.

FM: Tell me a bit about yourself, your family, and your life here in Franklin? What is your Franklin story?

PC: I grew up in Franklin with my six brothers and four sisters on Oakland Parkway. There were a lot of competitive games, pranks, and adventures but a lot of hard work as well. My parents made it clear that in order to maintain a strong family we would need to 1. Make sacrifices, 2. Take responsibility, and 3. Get along with one another. Since I was the fourth oldest, I naturally took on a leadership role. 

Each day presented new challenges with an infinite amount of logistics and problems that needed to be solved. Therefore, it was imperative for me to wear many hats whether it was to change diapers, do yardwork, figure out groceries etc. It was INSANE but also very rewarding.

I attended the Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School from Kindergarten to eighth grade and was part of the first graduating class. My parents, along with a small group of friends, founded the school in 1995. Their goal was to provide the students with a rich education while instilling strong morals. I then went to Franklin High School where I played soccer and baseball. If I wasn’t playing sports, then I was working for the town whether it was reffing games or being the gate guard at Chilson beach. 

After high school, I attended Saint Anselm College where I studied Communication and Political Science. My four years were filled with many great experiences such as attending candidate forums at the New Hampshire Institute of Politics, developing strong critical thinking skills in liberal arts classes, and participating in community service organizations.

FM: What experience or background will help you to serve in this role? What do you bring to the table that helps to set you apart from the others?

PC: I have helped struggling communities in Mexico and numerous states across the U.S. through various service groups. The objective of these trips was to forgo our vacations and provide our services to the homeless, elderly, and victims of substance abuse. I was responsible for fundraising. preparing the budgets, and organizing the logistics so that our services would be properly executed. These experiences have heightened my awareness of the great good that local governments can do to influence an entire community’s future trajectory.

Over the last four years, I have developed critical analytical and business skills while working for IDG which has been recognized as the #1 Tech Media Company in the world. It has been extremely eye opening to see how technology is constantly changing our everyday lives. The experiences and knowledge that I have gained by working with C-level executives and tech decision makers has been truly rewarding. This insight will allow me to share the technological advancements that Franklin will need to take in order to truly prosper.

FM: What do you see as your role’s biggest challenge and do you have any suggestions on how we can resolve it?

PC: Balancing the budget for FY19 will be a top priority of mine should I be elected to the Town Council. Of course, those concerns must necessarily be tempered by the obvious responsibility we all have to help those in need and provide required services. I believe that all the town councilors need to work together with the utmost care and responsibility to find a balance that serves all parties. 

That being said, the tax payers deserve a fiscally conservative group of individuals who can decide on where to make the appropriate cuts to services while strategically growing the commercial sector. This will not only help us in avoiding an increase in the tax rate but will also provide opportunities for the constituents to find jobs within the town. Franklin will only be a successful town as long as the budget is well maintained. Therefore, I believe we will need to highly scrutinize every fiscal decision and stretch every tax dollar so that we keep Franklin economically strong and stable.

Another top priority of mine is to address the opioid epidemic. Over the last few years, our town has seen the devastating effects of this terrible problem. In 2016, Franklin had 59 overdoses and nine deaths relating to opioid use. A single overdose is too many. Yet I think that we can all agree that the number of incidents will continue to climb if we do not collectively take action. It is time to bring this issue to the forefront before we lose more of our loved ones and to educate our children before tragedy strikes another family. 

I am a current member of the SAFE Coalition that is working to help struggling individuals and families get the resources they need in order to fight this disease. A few members and I are currently carving out the details of a fundraiser that would hopefully bring in $100,000. This money would be the beginning of a scholarship fund where families can apply for aid so that their loved one can enter rehab. The SAFE Coalition has already made significant strides, but I believe that the council needs another voice to confront this issue.

FM: The Franklin Cultural Council submitted this question for Town Council candidates:

"As you know, Franklin has applied to the state for an official Cultural District designation in town. What do you feel is the role of arts and culture in Franklin, and what is your plan to advance that agenda?"

PC: The arts, music, and live performances in Franklin are very important aspects to our community. Not only do they showcase talent and hard work, but they are also an important way for the citizens to display their values, emotions, and ideas. We are very lucky to have places such as the Franklin School for Performing Arts and the Black Box to have individuals perform and grow. Also, these places provide social and economic gains which brings life to the downtown. 

I believe it will be vital for the Franklin Downtown Partnership, which I am a member, to work closely with the Cultural Council so that we can continue to grow the downtown. It is an exciting time for Franklin and I would be honored to work with the dedicated individuals of the Cultural Council on all upcoming projects.

You can follow up with Patrick via email at patrickrcasey5@gmail.com
or visit his campaign Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/PCaseyforTownCouncil/

Noteworthy: This information is intended to help the Franklin voters when we all head to the ballot box on November 7. The interview candidates have had an opportunity to review the text before publishing to ensure the accuracy of our discussion. 

Offer to Candidates 2017
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/08/offer-to-candidates-for-franklin.html 

Election Collection - 2017

"The Doubtful Guest" - LubDub Theatre Co - Nov 8

"The Doubtful Guest" - Nov 8

"An intimate audience of guests gathers for cocktails. A door opens. Guests are invited into a shifting world of immersive theatre in which sleight-of-hand magic, dance, and ritual move the audience closer to the performers, to one another, and to the other side. The performance draws inspiration from sources including the tradition of American spiritualism, the performers' personal histories, and the question What does it mean to be a host? Devised by the company.

Debuted in February 2015 in Hell's Kitchen, followed by a sold-out run in collaboration with Guild Greene Gallery in October - November 2017. Expanded during a residency at The Orchard Project in the Summer of 2017. A new production arrives in New York City, Winter 2017-18."

This project is brought to life, in part, by the generous support of The Orchard Project and The Franklin School for the Performing Arts.

One performance scheduled for Wednesday, Nov 8 at 7:30 PM at THE BLACK BOX


ABOUT LubDub

LubDub is an NYC-based hybrid physical theatre company animating stories of science, magic, and myth.

Tickets available at THE BLACK BOX
https://www.theblackboxonline.com/events.php?id=1064

LET'S LAUGH TODAY in Franklin - Wednesday, November 8

Let's burn some extra calories to get ready for the holidays on Wednesday, November 8th (and every second Wednesday of each month) from 7:30pm to 8:30pm at the Meetinghouse of the First Universalist Society in Franklin, 262 Chestnut Street, Franklin. 

LET'S LAUGH TODAY in Franklin

Come and enjoy this unique exercise of guided laughter exercises combined with gentle breathing that brings more oxygen to the body's cells. This oxygen boost gives enhanced vitality, energy and a feeling of real well-being. Any age and any level of physical ability can participate in this uplifting experience! 

New laughers are always welcomed! $5 donation to the church, $10 maximum per family. Please bring your water bottle because laughing is dehydrating.  

Led by Certified Laughter Yoga Teachers, Linda and Bill Hamaker. See www.letslaughtoday.com.  If you have any questions, just call them at 508-660-2223 or e-mail billandlinda@letslaughtoday.com.

LET'S LAUGH TODAY in Franklin - Wednesday, November, 8

Individual FHS Cross Country Results for Coaches Invitational - Nov 4

The annual Frank Mooney Coaches Invitational cross country meet was held on Saturday, Nov 4 at the Wrentham Development Center. After the Library opening, I spent some time to filter out the individual Franklin runner results to share here.

Place	Num	Runner	Grade	School	Time
22	2198	Goldman, Ryan	11	Franklin	16:59.4
45	2184	Barrow, Daniel	11	Franklin	17:29.7
125	2220	Shumway, Matthew	11	Franklin	18:21.4
131	2209	McKenna, Owen	12	Franklin	18:22.9
140	2218	Ross, Cooper	11	Franklin	18:27.7
204	2202	Jacobs, William	12	Franklin	18:57.9
252	2221	Siders, Zachary	12	Franklin	19:20.8
302	2213	Parkman, Bryce	12	Franklin	19:47.3
321	2217	Richert, Nicholas	12	Franklin	19:54.7
364	2197	Flynn, Ian	12	Franklin	20:27.5
368	2231	Zaffino, Nicholas	11	Franklin	20:30.1
371	2189	Corcoran, John	11	Franklin	20:32.2
422	2185	Bokelman, Nicholas	11	Franklin	21:15.7
427	2203	Karp, Matthew	12	Franklin	21:19.4
434	2210	Miklas, Stuart	12	Franklin	21:26.0
484	2228	White, Jared	11	Franklin	22:24.3

D1 = Grade 11-12 Girls

Place	Num	Runner	Grade	School	Time
4	545	Clermont, Nicole	12	Franklin	19:38.1
5	554	Hartnett, Kate	12	Franklin	19:39.3
22	572	Walbert, Katrina	11	Franklin	20:50.8
26	546	Cummings, Brianna	12	Franklin	21:03.5
30	553	Gutkowski, Ella	12	Franklin	21:08.1
70	566	Osborne, Brandi	11	Franklin	22:01.4
74	549	DiGiacomo, Julia	11	Franklin	22:03.8
83	542	Barry, Erin	11	Franklin	22:11.7
84	560	Malachowski, Stephanie	11	Franklin	22:11.7
86	571	Viera, Mary	11	Franklin	22:14.5
107	556	Houlihan, Molly	12	Franklin	22:33.8
157	544	Bruns, Maura	11	Franklin	23:24.1
181	547	Cunniff, Hanna	12	Franklin	23:44.4
193	570	Stavely, Kate	11	Franklin	23:54.7
200	548	Davis, Elizabeth	11	Franklin	24:01.4
211	558	Johnson, Caroline	11	Franklin	24:09.4
212	564	Nesbit, Alexandra	11	Franklin	24:09.8
218	562	Morris, Rachel	11	Franklin	24:15.5
272	559	Longobardi, Julia	11	Franklin	25:22.3

D1 = Grade 10 Boys

Place	Num	Runner	Grade	School	Time
96	2229	Whitmore, Cutler	10	Franklin	18:39.3
190	2191	Cunningham, Andrew	10	Franklin	19:48.0
203	2183	Angermeier, Josh	10	Franklin	20:01.3
255	2219	Rossi, Andrew	10	Franklin	20:55.0
323	2193	Dexter, CJ	10	Franklin	22:42.9

D1 = Grade 10 Girls

Place	Num	Runner	Grade	School	Time
63	552	Giuliano, Sarah	10	Franklin	22:23.9
121	557	Jackson, Lauren	10	Franklin	24:40.3
151	551	Forcina, Jacqueline	10	Franklin	25:36.2
169	563	Myers, Kaylee	10	Franklin	26:44.1

D1 = Grade 9 Boys 

Place	Num	Runner	Grade	School	Time
2	2186	Cashin, Luke	9	Franklin	10:11.9
21	2225	Walmsley, Declan	9	Franklin	10:45.4
66	2214	Quinn, Nicholas	9	Franklin	11:18.9
88	2196	Fila-Montgomery, Quinn	9	Franklin	11:32.6
149	2188	Cerier, William	9	Franklin	12:01.3
167	2212	Park, Ethan	9	Franklin	12:10.9
191	2232	Zercie, Joseph	9	Franklin	12:24.4
207	2192	Delvecchio, Travis	9	Franklin	12:35.6
215	2227	Whalen, Miles	9	Franklin	12:39.6
223	2205	Linkkila, Matthew	9	Franklin	12:46.2
230	2190	Coyne, Harry	9	Franklin	12:49.0
242	2194	Dombrowski, Adam	9	Franklin	13:01.6
243	2204	Klawson, Hunter	9	Franklin	13:03.3
249	2211	O'Rourke, Ryan	9	Franklin	13:06.6
271	2226	Weaver, Aidan	9	Franklin	13:37.5
299	2195	Donahue, Trevor	9	Franklin	15:37.9

D1 = Grade 9 Girls

Place	Num	Runner	Grade	School	Time
5	555	Hawkins, Sydney	9	Franklin	12:20.1
97	543	Brady, Sydney	9	Franklin	14:14.0
121	567	Parker, Christine	9	Franklin	14:39.1
136	569	Siders, Jenna	9	Franklin	14:59.0
137	561	McCaffrey, Erin	9	Franklin	14:59.8
179	565	Nouduri, Pratusha	9	Franklin	16:30.2

The results were filtered from the total results for each of the grade level races

Division I 11th and 12th Boys Results Division I 11th and 12th Girls Results Division I 10th Boys Results Division I 10th Girls Results Division I 9th Boys Results Division I 9th Girls Results

FHS Panthers

Our Girls & Boys XC teams participated in a food drive at the MSTCA MOONEY MEET. #GivingBack #Community pic.twitter.com/OdBkAS7TXN

— FranklinAthletics (@FHSSports) November 4, 2017

FranklinAthletics‏ @FHSSports  Nov 4

Our Girls & Boys XC teams participated in a food drive at the MSTCA MOONEY MEET. #GivingBack #Community

FHS girls soccer playoff run ends in Hingham

From Hockomock Sports we share the results of the Franklin High School fall sports results on Sunday, Nov 5. The girls varsity soccer play off run ended in Hingham. I believe the volleyball team is the only one left in the playoffs. The cross country teams still have the Division and State meets remaining.


Girls Soccer = D1 South
#14 Franklin, 0 @ #3 Hingham, 6 – Final


For the other results around the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/sundays-schedule-scoreboard-110517/

FHS Panthers

Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell Announces Toys for Tots Drive

Press Release ~ Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell Announces Toys for Tots Drive ~ Nov. 20th thru 12pm Dec. 13th

Dedham, MA - Believing that the true spirit of the holidays is based on giving, Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell announced today that the Registry will be sponsoring its 11th Annual U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots drive. Register O'Donnell noted, "Every holiday season, the Registry witnesses firsthand the many acts of kindness and Christmas spirit as numerous people drop off gifts for the Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots drive. It's truly wonderful to see so many people drop off gifts from Registry employees to title examiners to attorneys and from the general public. I fondly remember one year a local mother brought in her young children who wanted to drop off toys," noted Register O'Donnell. This year marks the 70th anniversary of Toys for Tots. The program was established in 1947 when the wife of a Marine major wanted to donate a Raggedy Ann doll for Christmas, but couldn't find an organization to take it. "Since that time $49 million in gifts have been donated," noted the Register. The U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program's mission is to help less fortunate children experience the joy and happiness associated with Christmas. The program operates in 800 cities and towns throughout all 50 states. Donations of new toys and games for toddlers and children up to age ten can be brought directly to the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds building located at 649 High St. in Dedham from Monday, November 20, 2017 until Noon, on Wednesday, December 13, 2017. A marked donation bin will be set-up in the lobby which is open Monday through Friday from 8:00am until 4:30pm. Register O'Donnell concluded "We all have the power to make a child's Christmas something special, and therefore giving to the Toys for Tots drive just might make it the best Christmas present you gave yourself this holiday season." 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. Register O'Donnell Announces Toy for Tots Drive November 20th through Noon time December 13th 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

FM #136 - Franklin Public Library Grand Re-Opening, Nov 5, 2017

FM #136 - Franklin Public Library Grand Re-Opening, Nov 5, 2017

This internet radio show or podcast is number 136 in the series for Franklin Matters.

This recording captures the grand re-opening ceremony for the Franklin Public Library on Sunday, November 5, 2017.

The ceremony and multiple speeches runs about 21 minutes. Without further ado, here is the recording.

This podcast 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 listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission

I hope you enjoy!

------------------

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes = search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

in the Main Hall

and the ribbon's cut

subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters on iTunes

Franklin Public Library returns to normal operations at 118 Main St

After the grand re-opening on Sunday, the Library operates today with their normal hours.

Hours of Operation:
Mon - Thurs: 9:00 am to 8:00 pm
Fri - Sat: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Sun: 1:30 pm to 5:00 pm (Sept - May only)

There is still time to purchase a commemorative brick for the patio
http://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library/pages/friends-franklin-library

Library returns to normal operations at 118 Main St