Saturday, January 27, 2018

FHS boys basketball, both swim teams, and girls indoor track post wins on Friday

Via HockomockSports and Twitter we share the results of the FHS sports action on Friday, Jan 26, 2018
Boys Basketball = Franklin, 93 @ Stoughton, 58 – Final
– Franklin jumped out to a quick 19-2 lead and never looked back in a road win at Stoughton. The Panthers led 30-11 after one before the Black Knights cut the deficit to nine, 48-39, at halftime. Franklin outscored 45-19 in the second half to earn the win. Senior Paul Mahon led a game-high 21 points while senior Matt Elias and sophomore Chris Edgehill each had 16 points apiece for the Panthers. Stoughton senior Cam Andrews had a team-high 15 points.

 Girls Basketball = Stoughton, 47 @ Franklin, 36 – Final
– Stoughton won its fourth straight game (all on the road) with a strong defensive effort against the Panthers. Aliyah Wright led the Black Knights with 17 points and Jordan Motley just missed out on a double-double with 11 points and nine rebounds.

 Boys Indoor Track (@ Reggie Lewis) = Franklin, 25 vs. Mansfield, 75 – Final
– The Hornets clinched another league title with a win over the Panthers. Jareme DiLorenzo had a great meet for Mansfield, taking first in the 55M hurdles (8.12), first in the long jump (20-05.00) and second in the 55M dash (6.98). Mike Hargadon ran a PR (1:26.52) for a second place finish in the 600M, with Mike Shannon coming in first (1:25.29). In the shot put, Dan Radev had a PR of 41-11.25 to take second (behind teammate Kevin McCree’s 45-05.00) and Kalin Petrov had his best performance in the 2 Mile, finishing in 9:42.00.

 Girls Indoor Track (@ Reggie Lewis) = Franklin, 59 vs. Mansfield, 41 – Final
– Franklin won the division for the third straight year with the victory. For Mansfield, senior Madison Haughey ran a PR in the 55M hurdles and jumped 4’11 in the high jump, qualifying for states in both events. Junior Brynn Anderson knocked off six seconds for a PR in the 1000M, also qualifying for states. Lizzie How also ran a PR in the 300, taking second, with freshman Tessa Lancaster shaved 20 seconds off her 2 Mile run, qualifying for states at 12:14.55.

 Boys Swimming = Franklin, 86 @ North Attleboro, 74 – Final

 Girls Swimming = Franklin, 90 @ North Attleboro, 75 – Final

 For other results around the Hockomock League on Friday
https://hockomocksports.com/fridays-schedule-scoreboard-01-26-18/


 Complete boys Indoor Track results can be found here
http://www.coolrunning.com/results/18/ma/Jan26_Hockom_set2.shtml

Complete girls Indoor Track results can be found here
http://www.coolrunning.com/results/18/ma/Jan26_Hockom_set3.shtml

You can also find the Indoor Track results in an event by event interactive format here
https://www.athletic.net/TrackAndField/meet/321760/results

Via the Twitterverse


Lost to a well coached Stoughton team 36-47 on our Coaches vs Cancer Night. Good lesson to be learned. The focus is on improvement. #Banja
Lost to a well coached Stoughton team 36-47 on our Coaches vs Cancer Night. Good lesson to be learned. The focus is on improvement. #Banja













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"the group is amazing in its dedication"

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

"Somehow it seems that cancer finds its way into everyone’s lives in one way or another, even as early as high school. One group of Franklin High School students is raising awareness and money for cancer research, and many members are driven by their own stories. 
Franklin High juniors Teerithveen Pasricha and Nicole Sparages contacted to the Los Angeles- based organization, Connect 4 Cancer, early last school year to become a part or its effort. Since then, they’ve raised about $6,000 for organizations like Susan G. Komen, Dana-Farber, The American Cancer Society, and The Jimmy Fund. 
“We have a lot of personal cancer connections and we know a lot of people at school do too, so we thought it would be a really good thing to bring this community together,” said Pasricha."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180126/franklin-high-students-raise-cash-for-cancer


https://twitter.com/fhs_c4c
https://twitter.com/fhs_c4c




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MassBudget: Tools for Understanding State Budget Proposals



MassBudget  Information.
  Participation.
 Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center  Democracy.


Tools for Understanding State Budget Proposals 
Wednesday (Jan 24) the Governor will kick off the state budget season by releasing a detailed Fiscal Year (FY) 2019 budget proposal. The Governor's proposal begins an important process of determining what we as a Commonwealth hope to do together through our government next year, and detailing how we will pay for those things. The likely schedule for subsequent steps in the budget process is:
  • In April, the House will debate and approve its FY 2019 budget proposal.
  • In May, the Senate does the same.
  • In June, a joint House/Senate conference committee reconciles differences between these two budgets which the Legislature approves.
  • The final budget plan, which requires the Governor's signature, will ideally be completed by July 1st, the beginning of FY 2019.
MassBudget works hard to produce the following resources to help you stay informed and engaged in the public debate. We hope you find them useful!

Shortly after each major budget release, we produce a written Budget Monitor that analyzes major proposals across a range of key areas (e.g. education, transportation, health care, revenue). We send these Monitors to our email list and post them on our website. Here is our FY 2019 Budget Preview, which lays out major fiscal challenges in the coming fiscal year. Our Budget Resources page includes Monitors from previous fiscal years.

Budget Browser
Our Budget Browser, which we update shortly after spending proposals are released, is an online tool where you can track all state spending back to FY 2001. You can drill down to individual programs (called line items) or look at clusters of programs that support similar activities (e.g. Child Welfare). You can adjust for inflation and generate your own tables and graphs.

Each line item of the Browser has a "Proposals" tab, where you can compare each of the FY 2019 proposals as they are released.

Children's Budget
This web tool is similar to the Budget Browser; however, it tracks state funding only for programs related to children. This tool also includes program descriptions and links to other resources for more detail. This is updated during the budget season.

Do not hesitate to reach out to our analysts, who are the experts behind these resources. You'll find contact information and their respective research areas on our staff page.
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
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Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center, 15 Court Square, Suite 700, Boston, MA 02108

Sent by nberger@massbudget.org in collaboration with
Constant Contact
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Friday, January 26, 2018

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA Area: FRI 1/26/18 - THU 2/1/18

FRIDAY 1/26/18
9am   Winter Concert (3, 4 and 5 grade) @ Oak Street Elementary
10am-12pm   Knitting Group @ Franklin Public Library
11:30am   Mommy and Me Fitness (ages 3-8) @ Fairmount Fruit Farm

SATURDAY 1/27/18
10am-1pm   Franklin Historical Museum Open
10am-12pm   Franklin Town Government 101 @ Franklin Public Library
10am   Animal Tales (ages 2.5-5) @ Fairmount Fruit Farm
10:30am   Book Character Costume Party @ Franklin Public Library
4pm   First Book Club Meeting at the Farm @ Fairmount Fruit Farm
7pm   Wine Tasting (fundraiser for FHS All Night Party) @ Franklin Liquors
8pm   Circle of Friends Coffeehouse: Seth Glier @ FUSF

SUNDAY 1/28/18
7:30-10:30am   Sunday Breakfast @ Franklin Rod and Gun Club
1-4pm   Franklin and Bellingham Rail Trail Committee Fundraiser @ Pour Richard’s
1-4pm   Franklin Historical Museum Open
2-4pm   Chess Group @ Franklin Public Library
4pm   The Black Box Classical Series: Irina Fainkichen and Irina Kotlyar @ The Black Box
6pm   SCREENAGERS @ New England Chapel

MONDAY 1/29/18
10am   Free Storytime (all ages) @ Fairmount Fruit Farm
10:30am   Move Along @ Franklin Public Library
11am   Toddler Playgroup @ Franklin Public Library
3pm   Monday Crafternoons @ Franklin Public Library
6pm   Elementary Strings and Choir Concert @ Horace Mann MS

TUESDAY 1/30/18
10:30am   Get Ready for Kindergarten @ Franklin Public Library
11:15am   Toddler Playgroup @ Franklin Public Library
1pm   Three TED Talks @ Franklin Senior Center
6pm   Elementary Band Concert @ Horace Mann MS
6:30pm   Relay For Life (Western Norfolk County) Kick Off Party @ Cole’s Tavern
6:30pm   Wine Glass Painting (Valentine’s Day Special) @ Fairmount Fruit Farm
7pm   Guided Meditation for Stress Relief with Suzi Purcell @ Franklin Public Library
7:30pm   The Claflin Hill Symphony Orchestra - Open Rehearsal @ FHS

WEDNESDAY 1/31/18
10am   Animal Tales (for ages 2.5-5) @ Fairmount Fruit Farm
10am   Roulette Fun @ Franklin Senior Center
10:30am   Terrific Toddlers @ Franklin Public Library
11am   Toddler Playgroup @ Franklin Public Library
4pm   Construction Junction @ Franklin Public Library
6:30pm   Christian Zen Weekly Meditation @ McMahon Guest House (1061 Upper Union Street)

THURSDAY 2/1/18
8:30am   FDP General Meeting @ Dean College (Campanella Board Room)
9:30am   Baby Tummy Time (ages 0-18 months) @ Franklin Public Library
10:30am   Story and Craft @ Franklin Public Library
11:15am   Toddler Playgroup @ Franklin Public Library
7pm   Cultural Connections @ Franklin Historical Museum
7pm   Healing Hearts Community Support Group @ Franklin YMCA 

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
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Jane Curran Announces Retirement; Jane’s Frames for Sale

After 23 years owning and operating Jane’s Frames in downtown Franklin, Jane Curran is happy to announce her retirement and plans to sell her shop, located at 11 East Central St. The store will be open for business through March 30.

Curran is retiring from the custom framing business to concentrate on creating her own artwork and to spend more time with her nine grandchildren, and she admits she will miss her daily interactions with her customers.

 “I have learned so much from all the people I’ve interacted with,” Curran says of her more than 6,000 customers. “I live vicariously through their travels, their adventures.”

 Curran doesn’t intend to take it easy in her retirement. She already has plans to teach Zentangle classes and work on various art projects, and she looks forward to exploring new ways to express her creativity.

 “I opened Jane’s Frames as a way to do my art, but I have no time to do my art,” she says, laughing. “And now I want to spend time with my husband, travel, and enjoy my grandchildren while they’re still young.”
Jane Curran Announces Retirement; Jane’s Frames for Sale
Jane Curran Announces Retirement; Jane’s Frames for Sale

 Jane’s Frames originally opened on Main Street, moving to its present location in the historic Cataldo Building on East Central Street in 2002. While busy with custom framing projects, Curran also co-founded the Franklin Downtown Partnership, a non-profit organization working to revitalize the downtown area.

Curran channeled her creativity and energy into helping create events such as the Harvest Festival, the Strawberry Stroll, and the Holiday Stroll. She organized community art projects and progressive dinners, volunteered each year with beautification efforts, and worked tirelessly to raise awareness and draw residents and visitors to downtown Franklin.

Along with her Partnership work, Curran also has been an active member of the Professional Picture Framers Association, the Franklin Art Association, the Stony Brook Camera Club and other community groups, all interests she hopes to keep up with after selling her store.

Curran is currently accepting offers for her business, which includes 1,700 square feet of showroom and workshop space plus inventory. Interested parties should contact Eileen Mason at (508) 330-4234.

For more information, contact Jane Curran at (508) 528-3256 or email her at janesframes60@gmail.com. Visit her website, janesframes.com, to learn more about her framing, art for sale, photo restoration and classes.
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"focuses on making sure the student’s time in athletics is also a learning experience"

In the arena of "Where are they now?" Christopher Schmidt, former vice principal at FHS is doing well as Athletic Director at Nipmuc Regional HS. 

 Has it already been three years?  From the Milford Daily News and Twitter 
"Only three years into the job, Nipmuc Regional High School Athletic Director Christopher Schmidt has gained statewide recognition for his morale and achievements. 
Schmidt was awarded the Massachusetts Secondary School Athletic Directors’ Association (MSSADA) Theodore “Ted” Damko Award because of his clear dedication to student athletics, and overall attitude, according to Principal John Clements. 
The Damko Award is granted to athletic directors in Massachusetts that have been on the job for three to five years. There are awards for each individual district, and an overall state winner, which Schmidt was named. 
“When Chris joined us, one of things we recognized about him is how passionate he is about being an athletic director,” Clements said. “He just hit the ground running. He’s had so much impact not only with success on the field, but more importantly in the pride behind Nipmuc Athletics.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180125/nipmuc-high-ad-wins-statewide-award



Nipmuc Regional HS Athletic Director Christopher Schmidt
Nipmuc Regional HS Athletic Director Christopher Schmidt

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Sports Classes Begin February 5




         Franklin Public Schools          
Lifelong Learning Institute


Badminton Badminton  - Beginning Feb. 7 

Get ready to rally! Badminton is a racquet sport that can be played by either two people (singles) or four people (doubles). 




Unlike other racquet sports, badminton involves hitting a shuttlecock - a cone-shaped projectile that moves differently than a ball. Able to reach much higher speeds than a ball, the shuttlecock makes for a fast-paced game - making badminton the ideal sport for those who like to be kept on their toes. 



Intermediate Coed Volleyball Coed Volleyball
Beginning Feb. 5, Volleyball is back 
and better than ever!

This 14 week course will provide a strong foundation in the basics of volleyball. The mechanics of passing, setting, and spiking will be the focus, as well as the importance of good positioning. A fun, competitive time is guaranteed for all!
 


Advanced Coed Volleyball Coed Volleyball
Beginning February 6, Volleyball is back! 

An open, fun and competitive environment for experienced volleyball players. Players are expected to have experience at the high school team, college or club league level. Yankee league rating of C or higher is recommended. This is NOT a class for novices or occasional recreational players. Players must have good ball control skills, court awareness and technique.
 

Contact
Brenda Reed, Director
Lifelong Community Learning


FPS- LifeLong Learning, 355 East Central Street, Franklin, MA 02038

Sent by lcl@franklinps.net in collaboration with
Constant Contact
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FBRTC's January Fundraiser at Pour Richard's - Jan 28

The SNETT trail is one of the hidden gems in Franklin. Regular readers will recognize that I walk there frequently. I always find it amazing to stop and think about how the trail was built. The Franklin section is relatively flat. There is one section after Spring St where there was blasting done at some point to cut through a stone ridge. The cut was done many years ago and not like the pristine cuts we are familiar with along the major interstate highways.

 The Bellingham section, between Prospect St and Center St is more amazing as you find yourself elevated well above the surrounding terrain. Stop and think about how they did that? That would have been done in the days of horse or donkey draw carts with hand tools, picks and shovels. That was a whole lot of earth to move to lay out the train line.

 I don't forget those nameless workers as I walk and enjoy what they have prepared for us to enjoy years later. You can have an easier time helping the Rail Trail Committee continue its work to improve upon the existing trail conditions.
"Join us for our annual FUNdraiser at Pour Richard's Wine and Spirits on Sunday, January 28, 1-4 PM.
Tickets are $10/person.

Pour Richard's will be offering beer and wine tastings. We will have snacks, door prizes, and live entertainment by pianist Patrick Durkin (2-3 PM). 
Come learn more about the trail and Franklin and Bellingham Rail Trail Committee.

All proceeds from the tickets are 100% donation to the FBRTC and Pour Richard's is donating portion of the proceeds from event sales. Stock up for the Super Bowl!"


Find the Rail Trail FUNdraising event on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/events/1989907701294771/

town line marker as you return to Franklin from Bellingham
town line marker as you return to Franklin from Bellingham

a section of the Bellingham stretch, off to the left of this photo is where you really see the land drop off
a section of the Bellingham stretch, off to the left of this photo is where you really see the land drop off

the section cut out of the rocks in Franklin can be wet as it is a low point but there is almost always a dry path on the side
the section cut out of the rocks in Franklin can be wet as it is a low point
but there is almost always a dry path on the side

new sign for the trail entrance along Spring St in Franklin
new sign for the trail entrance along Spring St in Franklin
For more information about the Rail Trail visit their webpage
http://www.franklinbellinghamrailtrail.org/

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In the News: election day registration proposed; GIC decision being reviewed

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

"Beginning next year, Massachusetts voters would be able to register to vote on the same day they cast their ballots, under a new proposal from Secretary of State William Galvin. 
Galvin announced Thursday that he is proposing legislation that would allow Massachusetts residents who are otherwise eligible to vote to go to their local polling place on Election Day, complete a registration form, and vote immediately afterward. Current law requires voters to be registered at least 20 days before an election in which they plan to vote. 
“Election Day registration has been shown to be one of the simplest and more effective ways of increasing voter participation, with administrative costs much lower than many other proposals to do the same thing, because it combines the act of registration and voting,” Galvin said."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180125/galvin-proposes-same-day-voter-registration-in-mass


"The Group Insurance Commission, relenting to days of withering criticism over its decision to limit health plan offerings to nearly 450,000 state employees and retirees, plans to reconsider that plan when it meets next week. 
The GIC has a meeting scheduled for next Thursday when it was supposed to consider benefit design within the three providers -- UniCare, Neighborhood Health and Health New England -- that were selected to sell plans through the agency after a procurement process. 
The agency now says it will put a motion for reconsideration of the 8-5 vote held Jan. 18 on its agenda for the Feb. 1 meeting. 
At the meeting last Thursday, the GIC voted to eliminate three of the six insurance carriers that offer coverage to the nearly 450,000 state employees and retirees. The change eliminates Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, Fallon Community Health and Tufts Health Plan as carriers, and would save the state an estimated $20.8 million next year."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180125/group-insurance-commission-relents-on-state-employee-health-plan-changes


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Thursday, January 25, 2018

FPAC’s Free Family Concert Series presents the New England Percussion Ensemble

Franklin Performing Arts Company’s annual free Family Concert Series continues this season with the New England Percussion Ensemble on Sunday, February 4 at 1 p.m. at THE BLACK BOX, 15 West Central Street, in downtown Franklin. 

 A treasured FPAC tradition for more than two decades, Family Concert Series events are especially geared to children in length and format and provide young audiences with a fun introduction to the world of live music. Offered free to the public, the special concerts feature talented, professional musicians in an engaging and entertaining way.

 The New England Percussion Ensemble specializes in presenting creative and energetic audience-interactive enrichment programs to youngsters. Featuring professional percussionist/educators, the ensemble has presented programs for more than 20 years, blending elements of information, performance, and hands-on participation. 

 Their “Language of the Ancients” program is a journey through time, explored with imagination, inventiveness, and creativity, to discover the many melodic, rhythmic, and tonal possibilities of percussion. An audience hands-on ensemble concludes the program.

 FPAC’s 2018 Family Concert Series is sponsored by Berry Insurance. For more information, call (508) 528-3370 or visit www.FPAConline.com or www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com.
New England Percussion Ensemble
New England Percussion Ensemble
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Franklin Education Foundation (FEF) Receives $50,000 from Middlesex Savings Bank

The Franklin Education Foundation (FEF) today announced it received a $50,000 gift from Middlesex Savings Bank. The support will allow FEF to increase the level of funding for next year’s grant program for Franklin Public Schools.

 FEF distributes funds to Franklin Public Schools in the form of special grants. All Franklin Public School staff members are eligible to submit creative, innovative ideas for programs or activities that would not traditionally be funded by tax dollars. To see a list of programs FEF has funded over the years, visit www.franklined.org/grants.

 “This extremely generous donation by Middlesex Savings Bank will allow us to fund even more innovative programs in Franklin Public Schools next year” said Lisa Brady, FEF President. “Fundraising by nonprofit education foundations gets tougher every year, and this donation from Middlesex Savings Bank supports FEF’s financial stability to be a reliable source of funding for innovative educational programs developed by our very talented Franklin educators.”

“Middlesex Savings Bank has great respect for the education foundations in our community,” said Michael McAuliffe, President and CEO of Middlesex Savings Bank. “They work hard to support projects and programs that foster learning and creativity. We hope these donations will make their jobs easier this year and are excited to see their existing academic programs flourish or new ones come to life.”


About Franklin Education Foundation
Franklin Education Foundation
Franklin Education Foundation
Founded in 1997, FEF consists of a diverse group of individuals from many segments of the Franklin community. Members include community leaders, local organizations, educational institutions, business and industry, and families. Each member of FEF supports the Foundation’s fundamental goal of providing a forum and means of achieving academic excellence for the school children in Franklin Public Schools. Since its inception, FEF has raised over $350,000 which has been distributed to Franklin Public Schools in the form of special grants.

 About Middlesex Savings Bank
Middlesex Savings Bank
Middlesex Savings Bank
Founded in 1835 and headquartered in Natick, Mass., Middlesex Savings Bank has been right there with its community for nearly 200 years. The Bank takes a customer-first focus when it comes to offering products, technology, and an unparalleled level of customer service. Middlesex Savings Bank provides funds to local nonprofits and organizations through corporate giving and community sponsorship, as well as through its philanthropic arm – the Middlesex Savings Charitable Foundation. The FDIC and DIF insured bank has 30 branch offices located in 25 communities – Acton, Ashland, Bedford, Bellingham, Boxborough, Concord, Framingham, Franklin, Groton, Holliston, Hopkinton, Littleton, Maynard, Medfield, Medway, Millis, Natick, Needham, Sherborn, Southborough, Sudbury, Walpole, Wayland, Wellesley, and Westford. For more information, please visit www.middlesexbank.com, www.facebook.com/connectwithmsb and www.twitter.com/middlesexbank.

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