FHS boys and girls hockey preview for the 2017-18 season

HockomockSports has published the 2017-2018 Hockomock Boys and Girls Hockey Preview. 

The Franklin preview for the boys and girls teams are shown here. A link to the full Hockomock League listing is shown below.


FRANKLIN - boys hockey
2016-2017 Record: 14-9-1
2016-2017 Finish: Reached Div. 1 South Quarterfinal.
Coach: Chris Spillane

Although last winter was atypical for the Panthers, losing two games in the league for the first time in several years, Franklin won another league title and with 20 players back for this season the expectation is that a seventh straight league crown is a distinct possibility – not to mention making a run in the state tournament.

Experience will be the key for the Panthers. Most of the forwards were members of the team that won the state championship two years ago and know what it takes to get goals against top competition. Leading scorer Brendan O’Rielly is back after scoring 20 goals and recording 11 assists last season. He should have plenty of help up front with classmates Luke Downie, Jeremy Miller, T.J. Durkin, and Ken Demerchant, who are all three-year varsity players for the Panthers.

Defensively, Franklin has lost several talented young defensemen to other programs in recent seasons, but still boasts a strong defensive corps heading into this winter. Jack McGrath, Matt Crane, Connor Norton, Cam Cassella, and sophomore Tom Tasker will all contribute to the defensive pairings this season and that depth will be important over a long season. The goalie position is a battle between three seniors, including returning netminders Owen Ginley and Dan Sheehan, who both saw time last year.

“I will be looking to our leading goal scorer from last year Brendan O’Rielly to once again lead the offensive charge,” said Franklin coach Chris Spillane. “From a small practice sample (one skate) I was impressed with our team speed.”



FRANKLIN - girls hockey
2016-2017 Record: 4-15-1
2016-2017 Finish: Missed Postseason.
Coach: Marjorie Burke

Franklin enters the first Hockomock League girls’ hockey season with a young roster, but one that is expected to compete with the other four teams and have a shot at bringing home the inaugural title.

Junior Regan Paterson and senior Jackie Connelly will be expected to provide leadership and create scoring opportunities for a roster that is loaded with underclassmen. Both players provide speed and playmaking ability in the attacking zone and the Panthers will be counting on their experience to make the difference.

Leadership is going to be critical for this year’s team and head coach Marjorie Burke is looking to her senior class to provide direction for the youthful lineup on both ends of the ice. Among the seniors that Burke is looking to this season are Bella Trask, Caroline Hedvig, Maddie Hinkley, Jillian McGlaughlin, and Connelly.

“We are excited about the upcoming season,” said Burke. “We are young but look to be competitive.”


For the full preview article
https://hockomocksports.com/2017-2018-hockomock-boys-and-girls-hockey-preview/

FHS Panthers

“We have to respect each other’s ideas”

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

"A group of middle schoolers is solving the world’s engineering problems one Lego brick at a time. 

Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter School’s robotics team, Gearminds, was chosen to compete on Saturday at the First Lego League Regional competition at Worcester Polytechnic Institute. There were 11 teams out of a pool of 40 that were given the golden ticket to continue onto the state championship. 

This year’s theme is hydrodynamics. Using Lego robotics in sync with computer programming, the team was challenged with about 25 different tasks to be done on a pre-designed map. Each challenge is representative of a role that water plays in everyday life. 

On top of completing the goals for the Lego portion of the competition, the team must also create something real that will offer a solution to an issue people face with water."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20171213/franklin-robotics-team-heading-to-lego-state-finals

Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter School First Lego League to Attend States Championship

Related post

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/12/benjamin-franklin-classical-charter.html

Real time Reporting - Senior Center Presentation

The update presented to the Town Council on Wednesday, Dec 13, 2017. The Senior Center is a busy place. There are over 6,400 residents over 60 in Franklin with projections for there to be about 9,000 by 2025.

Franklin Senior Center - Dec 13, 2017 from Franklin Matters

Real Time Reporting - School Committee - Dec 12, 2017

A collection via Storify of the Twitter posts during the School Committee meeting held in the Council Chambers of the Municipal Building on Dec 12, 2017.

Be sure to scroll within the Storify widget to view all the posts.

screen grab of the broadcast with Superintendent Ahern providing an update

“They did a remarkable job”

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

"A sprinkler burst at Helen Keller Elementary School on Monday morning, forcing administrators to cancel school since. 

The school was closed on Monday and Tuesday because of the damage, but will reopen Wednesday. The cause of the break is unclear, but Superintendent Sara Ahern said the sprinklers will be inspected and the problem assessed after damages are fixed. It is also unclear when or if the students will make up those lost school days. 

While the one sprinkler causing the damage was contained, water did spread into other classrooms on the floor below. 

There are eight known affected classrooms, four on the top floor and four on the main floor near the entrance. The damage in the walls will take some weeks to fix, while some cabinets were damaged and may take longer to replace."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20171212/burst-sprinkler-closes-franklin-elementary-school

Superintendent Sara Ahern said the sprinklers will be inspected

This is the second time a burst sprinkler has closed the building. This also occurred in Nov 2014
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/11/asms-keller-status-update.html

FHS girls basketball top North Attleboro

Via HockomockSports we share the results of the FHS girls basketball game on Tuesday, Dec 12, 2017


Girls Basketball = North Attleboro, 37 @ Franklin, 61 – Final 
– Ali Brigham scored 16 points to lead Franklin to a win in the Hockomock League opener for both teams. Bea Bondhus added 15 points and freshman Elizabeth Wilson had 12 for the Panthers.


For all the results around the League on Tuesday
https://hockomocksports.com/tuesdays-schedule-scoreboard-12-12-17/

FHS Panthers

Franklin Elks Hoop Shoot - Jan 6, 2018

This is a free, free-throw competition for boys and girls ages 8 to 13 that provides youth an opportunity to compete, connect and succeed through hard work and healthy competition. Age groups are based on the contestant's age on April 1, 2018.

The lessons learned at the Hoop Shoot help kids develop grit. Winners advance through Lodge, District, State and Regional Contests to reach the National Finals in April. 

In the end, the names of six National Champions will be permanently inscribed at the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame!


​Check out this video of the 2017 Hoop Shoot National Finals Highlights: 


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vRf8b6KhL58

Franklin Elks Hoop Shoot - Jan 6, 2018

Hosted by the Franklin Elks, held at the Franklin YMCA

You can also download the flyer from here
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczdklMQXZ2a1ZSSTJ5OE45Q0FrWlphWmZSblBv/view?usp=sharing

Scam Alert: How to buy World Cup tickets that aren’t fake

Scam Alert: How to buy World Cup tickets that aren't fake by Alvaro Puig Consumer Education Specialist, FTC The 2018 World Cup kicks off on June 14, 2018 in Moscow. Soccer's rising stars like Argentina's Paulo Dybala, France's Kylian Mbappé, and Brazil's Gabriel Jesus will join World Cup veterans Cristiano Ronaldo, Luis Suárez, Isco, Toni Kroos, Neymar, and Lionel Messi to vie for the coveted World Cup trophy. If you're looking to buy World Cup tickets, here's what you need to know about buying official match tickets and avoiding a fake ticket scam. Read more This is a free service provided by the Federal Trade Commission.

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In the News: Hanukkah begins; competition for Sen Ross's seat

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

"With the rain holding off on Tuesday evening, members of Franklin’s Jewish community gathered together at the town common for doughnuts, chocolate coins, and dancing to celebrate the first night of Hanukkah. 

Chabad Rabbi Mendy Kivman of the Milford Chabad House performed the ceremonial lighting while those gathered around sang, while others watched quietly with joined hands. 

Children danced in circles with Kivman’s wife, Rochy, and spun their new dreidels wherever they could on the slushy sidewalk."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20171212/franklin-celebrates-first-night-of-hanukkah

"Democrats are lining up for the chance to turn a local state Senate seat from red to blue. 

Kris Aleksov of Wayland, Jacqueline Katz of Norfolk, Colin Meiselman of Wayland and Becca Rausch of Needham are vying for the 2018 Democratic nomination for the Norfolk, Bristol and Middlesex seat. 

Republican state Sen. Richard Ross, a Wrentham funeral home owner, has represented the district since 2010. 

“Sen. Ross is focused on serving the people of the Norfolk, Bristol and Middlesex District who have overwhelmingly elected him as their State Senator for four terms,” Ross’ office said in a statement. “Sen. Ross’ experience and leadership are needed now, more than ever, when it comes to addressing the numerous challenges before our commonwealth.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20171212/democrats-eye-ross-state-senate-seat

the ceremonial lighting of the candles was held on the Town Common

Celebrate the Holidays with "Gifts Of Song" at THE BLACK BOX - Dec 16

THE BLACK BOX presents a special holiday season show, “Gifts of Song,” featuring Kate Grom and Ali Funkhouser, on Saturday, December 16 at 8 PM. NYC-based singer-songwriter Kate Grom will sing songs from her debut album, Heroine, inspired by New Jersey horse country and European journeys. Franklin’s Ali Funkhouser, an actress and singer with a love for comedy, will present a set of holiday musical theatre and jazz standards. Proceeds from the evening will benefit Saddlebred Rescue, Inc., helping horses in need, and The Shadow Fund NE, providing assistance to those who cannot afford veterinary care for their companion pets.

Kate Grom’s music aesthetic encompasses Americana traditions such as folk, bluegrass and country, as well as the reflective and literate traditions of contemporary and classic singer-songwriters. Her influences include Loretta Lynn, Bob Dylan, America, Patsy Cline, Emmylou Harris, Simon & Garfunkel, Stevie Nicks and Gillian Welch, among others. Kate’s nine-song album, Heroine, takes its title from a quote by a favorite author, Nora Ephron: “Above all, be the heroine of your life, not the victim.” Grom notes, “Heroine is meant to be an inspiration and anthem to all women seeking to find strength and independence.”

Kate Grom

Two-time Grammy Award-winning producer Stewart Lerman, who has worked with Willie Nelson, Elvis Costello, Patti Smith and more, produced Heroine at Hobo Sound. “He is a wellspring of wisdom,” Kate says of Lerman. “Stewart really took me under his wing and respected/believed my art from the beginning and every step of the way moving forward. As a total pro, he offered guidance from a production standpoint, while completely leaving room for my vision.”

The musicians who play on the record have worked with legendary artists including Bob Dylan, Emmylou Harris, and the Eagles, among others. “I worked with an incredible group of guys,” Kate says, “who were all extremely sensitive to the musical and poetic preparation, explanations and imaginations I presented to them before each song’s creation.”

An active American Saddlebred breeder and equine enthusiast, Kate notes about Saddlebred Rescue, “I have seen firsthand the incredible transformation that occurs for rescued horses when given the chance to be rehabilitated back to wellness and into a reputable training program.” Similarly she describes that The Shadow Fund NE “exists for animals in need of expensive medical care.”

Ali Funkhouser

Ali Funkhouser joins Kate Grom for THE BLACK BOX show. Now in her final year in Oklahoma City University's prestigious Music Theatre program, Ali recently played Margot and understudied Elle Woods in Legally Blonde, directed by Laura Bell Bundy, at THE LEXington Theatre Company in Kentucky. Ali toured internationally with Electric Youth across the U.K., France, Italy, Austria and Slovenia, and on Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas. National tour credits include Evita (directed by Hal Prince) and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Additionally, she sang the role of La Novizia in Puccini’s Suor Angelica with Chelsea Opera in New York City. Ali was trained at the Franklin School for the Performing Arts and is an alumna of Broadway Artists Alliance of New York City. Her New York coaches include Broadway’s Alexander Gemignani, Jenn Colella and Sara Jean Ford, as well as Jan McDaniel in Oklahoma City.

A lifelong member of the Franklin Performing Arts Company, Ali has performed three solo cabaret shows at THE BLACK BOX blending comedy and traditional musical theatre. In preparation for “Gifts of Song” Ali notes, “I’ve had fun researching holiday material to create a set that includes both songs the audience will recognize as well as a few unexpected holiday gems.“

“I’m excited to share this holiday benefit show with Kate Grom,” says Ali. “Although we haven’t met yet, we share a common interest in show horses. My first horse was a wonderful horse saved by Saddlebred Rescue, so I am happy to be able to give back to that organization with proceeds from this concert.”

“Gifts of Song” tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for students and seniors. A cash bar is available. A suburban hub for great music and the home of the Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC), THE BLACK BOX is located at 15 West Central Street. For tickets and more information, visit www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com or call (508) 528-3370.

FHS Brigham player to watch for girls basketball

HockomockSports has published their 2017-2018 girls basketball season preview as well as their 10 players to watch. The Franklin summary is shared here. FHS sophomore Ali Brigham is listed as one of the 10 to watch. The links for the complete Hockomock preview and listing are provided as well.


FRANKLIN
2016-2017 Record: 9-11
2016-2017 Finish: Missed postseason.
Coach: John Leighton

"Franklin got off to a rough start last season, beginning 0-6 with an inexperienced roster, but then closed the year with nine wins in the last 14 games, just missing out on a return to the postseason. This year, the Panthers will try to build on that year of experience and book a return to the playoffs.

The Panthers will have strength in the middle to try and get off to a much better start this season. Sophomore Ali Brigham, last year’s HockomockSports.com Underclassman of the Year, has received several Div. I NCAA offers, including one from the University of Minnesota, and at 6-foot-3 can dominate the paint on both ends of the floor. Franklin will also have outside scoring with junior guard Bea Bondhus, who is a consistent three-point shooter and will stretch defenses to open up the post for Brigham.

Franklin has plenty of size this season. Sophomore forwards Breanna Atwood (5-foot-9) and Megan O’Connell (5-foot-10) and senior forward Kate Morse (5-foot-11) will provide plenty of depth on the inside. Junior Shannon Gray will be back to run the point and senior Grace Sameski will add backcourt depth. Freshman guard Elizabeth Wilson is poised to make an instant impact for the Panthers, as she did in the season opener by knocking down three free throws in the final seconds to force overtime against Holy Name.

“We are a young team with only two seniors, but I am very pleased with the effort and progress of the team,” said Franklin coach John Leighton, who is excited about the return of the majority of the team’s scoring and the potential of the youth on the roster."

Franklin sophomore Ali Brigham (24) and Oliver Ames senior Kayla Raymond (35) will be two of the girls’ basketball Players to Watch in the Hockomock League this winter. (Josh Perry/HockomockSports.com)

ALI BRIGHAM, SOPHOMORE – FRANKLIN

With a relatively inexperienced roster, Franklin got off to a tough, 0-6 start during the 2016-2017 season, but the Panthers started to gel, went on a run to close out the year, and narrowly missed out on a playoff spot. One of the keys to that turnaround was the play of then-freshman center Ali Brigham, who displayed a range of moves in the post that belied her inexperience at the varsity level. She finished with 236 points as a freshman. Brigham was also a standout defender, blocking 56 shots as a rookie, and an imposing rebounder, pulling down 237 last year. The reigning HockomockSports.com Underclassman of the Year is listed at 6-foot-3 this winter and has already been receiving Div. I college offers. She has the potential to be a dominant force in the paint for the Panthers, who are looking to challenge defending champ Mansfield for the Kelley-Rex title this season.

For the complete listing of Hockomock players to watch
https://hockomocksports.com/hockomock-girls-basketball-players-to-watch-2017-2018/

For the complete Hockomock girls basketball preview
https://hockomocksports.com/2017-2018-hockomock-girls-basketball-preview/

FHS Mahon tabbed as a player to watch for Hockomock basketball

HockomockSports has published their 2017-2018 boys basketball season preview as well as their 10 players to watch. The Franklin summary is shared here. FHS senior Paul Mahon is listed as one of the 10 to watch. The links for the complete Hockomock preview and listing are provided as well.


FRANKLIN
2016-2017 Record: 22-5
2016-2017 Finish: Reached D1 State Final
Coach: CJ Neely

After making it to the Division 1 State Final a year ago, the Panthers are hoping to be just as competitive this season. With three starters back, and a handful of experienced and talented bench players, the expectations for Franklin are certainly high.

Losing Josh Macchi to graduation will hurt, but the Panthers return their best player in senior Paul Mahon, along with two terrific young talents in junior Jalen Samuels and sophomore Chris Edgehill. When playing at his best, Samuels’ athleticism and offensive skills make him one of the toughest marks in the league. Edgehill really turned it on in the tournament and if he can sustain that level of play throughout the regular season, the Panthers will be a favorite for the league title.

Seniors Alex Klowan, Matt Elias, Jack Rodgers and Gavin Farnan all picked up valuable minutes a season ago and will be key pieces for the Panthers, whether its apart of the starting line up for coming off the bench. Having so many experienced players ready to come off the bench should give Franklin the upper hand on a lot of teams.

“Our strength on the offensive end will be in our balance and willingness to share the ball and create great scoring opportunities for the team,” said Franklin head coach CJ Neely. “On defense, we hope to make our opponents uncomfortable at all times and really focus on getting stops as a unit.”

Franklin vs. Mansfield basketball action (HockomockSports photo)

PAUL MAHON, SENIOR – FRANKLIN

Without a doubt, Franklin senior Paul Mahon is one of the hardest working players in the Hockomock League. The effort that he puts in night in and night out if often unmatched. Whether he’s stepping in to take a charge, or harassing ball handlers as they try to dribble up the court, Mahon is among the best at hustle plays. On top of that, he’s become the heart and soul of a talented team. Not only is he a good defensive player, but he can hurt teams on the offensive end of the court. He was the lone junior named to the HockomockSports.com First Team last season after averaging 11.1 points, 3.5 assists and 2.5 steals a game, and shot 40% from deep. With the emergence of junior Jalen Samuels and sophomore Chris Edgehill, defenses will have a tough time focusing in on just one player.

For the complete listing of Hockomock players to watch
https://hockomocksports.com/boys-basketball-ten-players-to-watch-for-2017-2018/

For the complete Hockomock boys basketball preview
https://hockomocksports.com/2017-2018-hockomock-boys-basketball-preview/

"they put in all that time, and they donated to the town"

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

"When artists from Wheaton College went to the Franklin Sculpture Park earlier this month to finish an art installment they had been working on, they found their entire project dismantled. 

The project, which involved hanging 116 blank, Tyvek-covered books onto branches in the park, was meant to commemorate the donation of books from Benjamin Franklin to the town, marking the first public library in the United States. 

The fishing lines are still visible on many tree branches. Wheaton art professor Kelly Goff confirmed that the lines were cut intentionally, but could not provide further detail, aside from the fact that his class was upset by the occurrence. The books were tied high up on some trees, making the action of cutting them down difficult without being noticed at night when the incident allegedly occurred. Police were unable to respond to comment. 

Linda Kabat, former coordinator at the Franklin Arts Center and manager of the Franklin Sculpture Park, said she was disheartened by the incident. She said the artists often expect damage, but this was not the work of a windy day."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20171211/franklin-sculpture-park-vandalism-devastating

some of the 100 books hanging from the trees framed Ursus

Related post
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/12/missing-100-sculptures-at-sculpture-park.html

Help Around Town - web service to connect work and helpers

Have you tried this site/service?

"At HelpAroundTown.com we connect people who need help with neighbors seeking local, flexible work opportunities. Get paid or volunteer, get rated and  recommended, build your professional reputation as you earn money and help a local neighbor, business or non-profit. Free to post a job, get jobs and get custom job alerts tailored to your interests and location."

Link directly to the Franklin section:
https://www.helparoundtown.com/?utf8=%E2%9C%93&location=Franklin%2C+MA

https://www.helparoundtown.com/?utf8=%E2%9C%93&location=Franklin%2C+MA

Tip of hat to Ryan Jette for the link

MISSING 100 Sculptures at Sculpture Park

Please help. If you know or saw something at the Sculpture Park from Sunday, Nov 26 through Friday, Dec 1, please call the Franklin Police Dept.




I can confirm the books were hanging from the trees as I took photos of them Sunday morning, Nov 26 on my walk

some of the 100 books hanging from the trees framed Ursus