Pantherbook: "A Walkout Planned at Franklin High"

Rebekah Redwine, Guest Writer for Pantherbook, provides a summary of the student walkout planned at FHS for March 14.

"On February 14th, 17 lives were taken at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. As a result of the cruel gun violence of the recent years, a National School Walkout will be happening on March 14, 2018 at 10 AM. Schools all over the country will be doing this, as a way to honor those who lost their lives and to call on Congress to act upon the violence in our nation.

Franklin High will be participating in this, but the way we are doing it is a bit different from how many schools across the country are. We are lucky enough that students and teachers will not face consequences, such as suspension, for walking out and standing up for what they believe in. However, many students do not want to walk out and they will be given the chance to go to the gym for the 17 minutes. 

There is a lot of debate over this walk out, as many students do not understand what the point of the walkout is or believe that it will not make a difference. We should not have to feel unsafe in our schools, movie theaters, or homes. We call upon Congress to make a change and help end gun violence nationally. This walk out though, is more about school safety. Feeling safe in a learning environment should not be a political issue, as nobody wants to arrive at FHS at 7:15 every morning fearing for their life. This mass movement is to help us end the tragic deaths of students and teachers as a result of gun violence."

Continue reading the article about the walkout at Pantherbook
https://franklinpanthers.us/top-stories/2018/03/06/a-walk-out-planned-at-franklin-high/

Pantherbook: "A Walkout Planned at Franklin High"

LET'S LAUGH TODAY in Franklin is on Wednesday, March 14

Laugh "for the health of it’ and celebrate Bill and Linda's birthdays at Let’s Laugh Today on Wednesday, March 14th from 7:30 PM to 8:30 PM at the Meetinghouse of the First Universalist Society in Franklin, 262 Chestnut Street, Franklin! There will be special treats! 

There will be special treats! 

Laughter Yoga is a body/mind practice for well-being that involves deep breathing and a few stretches, playful laughter exercises (no jokes or comedy), clapping and deep relaxation. It has many benefits besides the joy of laughter. It can strengthen the immune system, combat the negative effects of stress, and is a powerful antidote to depression and anxiety. 

Any age and any level of physical ability can participate in this uplifting experience! They laugh together on every second Wednesday of each month. $5 donation to the church, $10 maximum per family. 

LET'S LAUGH TODAY in Franklin is on Wed, Mar 14

Please bring your water bottle because laughing can be dehydrating. Led by Certified Laughter Yoga Teachers, Linda and Bill Hamaker. 

See www.letslaughtoday.com for opportunities to laugh in other towns. 

If you have any questions, just call them at 508-660-2223 or e-mail billandlinda@letslaughtoday.com.

SAVE THE DATE: The Annual SEPAC Comedy Show - May 4

SAVE THE DATE for The Annual SEPAC Comedy Show on Friday, May 4 at the 
Showcase Live, Patriot Place, Foxboro

It is that time of year again!! The 8th Annual Comedy show to benefit Franklin SEPAC is being held on Friday, May 4 at Showcase Live, Patriot Place. 

Enjoy good food, drinks, lots of laughs, and chances to take home fabulous items through the silent auction, food frenzy and raffle. 

All proceeds raised will fund SEPAC’s speakers and social events. Tickets are on sale now on our website: www.franklinsepac.org!! 

If you cannot attend but would like to contribute, we welcome any and all donations. 

Please email us at franklinsepac@gmail.com with any questions.
Hope you can make it!!

The Annual SEPAC Comedy Show - May 4

Franklin Pubic Schools: Closed March 8, 2018

Thursday, March 8, 2018

Due to the heavy snowfall overnight and conditions across town, the Franklin Public Schools will be closed on Thursday, March 8, 2018.

For office staff, the district's central office and school offices will be open at "Level 2", however, we will not be opening until 11:00 AM.

Please take extra care to stay safe.

Sincerely,

Franklin Public Schools

Franklin Pubic Schools: Closed March 8, 2018
(Davis Thayer in the aftermath of a prior snow storm)

“It’s about just doing good”

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

"Annie Sullivan Middle School student Brendan O’Leary has been chosen to represent Franklin for a statewide charity effort this year. 

O’Leary will serve as the town’s ambassador for Project 351, which was started in 2011 when then Gov. Deval Patrick decided to incorporate children into the fight against poverty and homelessness. 

“An eighth-grade unsung hero and quiet leader” is selected from each of the 351 towns and cities in Massachusetts, according to the project’s application. 

Beth Wittcoff, the principal at Annie Sullivan, said with his good grades and humble nature, O’Leary was recognized by his teachers because found him to be the perfect candidate to spearhead Franklin’s part of the charity drive."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180307/franklin-student-chosen-for-project-351

for more about Project 351 visit their webpage

For more about Project 351 visit their webpage
https://www.project351.org/

8th Annual Franklin and Bellingham Fives Road Race - May 5

8th Annual Franklin and Bellingham Fives Road Race

5K Run/Walk - 5 mile run - 1.5 mile walk

Saturday, May 5, 2018

Remington Middle School 

628 Washington Street Franklin, MA

USA Track and Field Sanctioned Event

Run or Walk-5k or Run 5 mile Courses through residential neighborhoods on paved roads. 1.5 mile walk through residential neighborhoods. Help support our effort to develop the Southern New England Trunkline Trail (SNETT) into a multi-use path for Franklin and Bellingham. Post race refreshments. Prizes awarded by category. T-shirts to the first 150 entrants. Participation Medals & raffle prizes and DJ at the site for your enjoyment.

Event details and schedule
T-shirts to the first 150 entrants. Prizes awarded by category. Post race refreshments. Race timing by Spitler Race Systems.

• Registration: 8:30 – 9:45 AM
• Start Time: 10 AM
• Start / Finish: 628 Washington St. Franklin, MA (Remington School)
• Run – 5K and 5 mile course through residential neighborhoods
• 1.5 mile walk through residential neighborhoods
• Entry Fee: 
• $30 prior to race day; $35 day of the race 
• $15 Students prior to race day;  $20 day of race for Students

Link to the Rail Trail Committee website with registration info:
http://www.franklinbellinghamrailtrail.org/race

Link directly to registration page:
https://www.active.com/franklin-ma/running/distance-running-races/8th-annual-franklin-and-bellingham-franklin-fives-road-race-2018?int=

Link to Facebook event:
https://www.facebook.com/events/801815903359955/

Mark your calendar: Franklin Fives Road Race - May 5

Franklin Library: March 7 and March 8 Storm Updates

March 7th and March 8th Storm Updates

Franklin Public Library will be closing at 5 PM today, March 7
Stay tuned for any additional updates.

Shared from the Town of Franklin webpage

This is an automatic message from Town of Franklin MA. 

Franklin Library: March 7 and March 8 Storm Updates

Tom Rush at Circle of Friends Coffeehouse - March 17

Circle of Friends Coffeehouse is happy to announce that Tom Rush will be back in Franklin on March 17. Each of his previous shows has sold out so please get your tickets early. 

Tom's impact on the American music scene has been profound. He helped shape the folk revival in the '60s and the renaissance of the '80s and '90s, his music having left its stamp on generations of artists. James Taylor told Rolling Stone, "Tom was not only one of my early heroes, but also one of my main influences." 

Country music star Garth Brooks has credited Rush with being one of his top five musical influences. Tom's distinctive guitar style, wry humor and warm, expressive voice have made him both a legend and a lure to audiences around the world. His shows are filled with the rib-aching laughter of terrific story-telling, the sweet melancholy of ballads and the passion of gritty blues. 

http://tomrush.com/ 

The Circle of Friends Coffeehouse is a non-profit organization affiliated with Franklin's First Universalist Society. Concerts are presented in a smoke free and alcohol free environment at the Society's handicapped accessible Meetinghouse, 262 Chestnut St. in Franklin, and begin at 8:00 PM; doors open at 7:30 PM. Beverages and gourmet desserts will be available. 

Tickets for this show is $45. Please call (508)528-2541 or visit http://www.circlefolk.org/ to purchase tickets or for more information.

Tom Rush at Circle of Friends Coffeehouse - March 17

Franklin Police Internet Exchange Zone - 911 Panther Way

Do you use Internet exchange sites like Craigslist, Facebook, or other online social media sites to buy and sell goods? Having a safe place to meet and exchange these goods is always a good idea. 

The Franklin Police Department encourages residents to use our Internet Exchange Spot located in the front lot of the Police Station. This area is well lighted, and monitored by a 24hr. high definition recording system.

"Often times scammers are less likely to want to meet at a police station. Buyers and sellers should be wary of anyone who wants to avoid a public meeting place and insists on coming to your home." said Chief of Police Thomas Lynch.

The Internet Exchange Spot is available 24hrs. a day, however it is always best to meet during daylight hours. If you need any assistance you can contact the Franklin Police at (508) 528-1212.

Franklin Police Internet Exchange Zone - 911 Panther Way

This was shared from the Town of Franklin webpage

http://www.franklinma.gov/police-department/news/franklin-police-internet-exchange-zone

6 Franklin High School Music Students perform with the Massachusetts All State Honor Band, Orchestra, and Chorus

Massachusetts Music Educators Association recently held the 2018 All-State Music Festival. Six students from the Franklin High School band, orchestra and chorus programs were selected for an ensemble and performed at Symphony Hall in Boston.

The annual All-State Conference features as many as 120 teacher workshops, several concert hours and casual concerts, and is attended by more than 800 music educators and 500 of Massachusetts' top student musicians performing band, orchestral, jazz or choral repertoire.

The Franklin High School students that were selected for the All-State Ensembles Program are: Augustine Marzoratti - clarinet, Lauren Dennett - Tenor Saxophone, Sumit Choudhury - Viola, Miles Reed - Cello, Brinda Venkataraman - Violin and Evan Kurdi - Bass.

“The all-state experience is a chance for some of our advanced players to surround themselves with the best student musicians in the state,” said Diane Plouffe, Director of Music. “The audition process alone exposes students to other local musicians outside of the Franklin Public Schools who are striving for musical excellence and achievement in their community and school. We are proud of all of our students.”

Franklin All State Student - From L to R: Brinda Venkataraman, Lauren Dennett, Evan Kurdi, Miles Reed, Sumit Choudhury, Augustine Marzoratti 

FHS Panthers Softball Clinic Grades K-5 - Mar 24

FHS PANTHERS SOFTBALL CLINIC Grades K-5

Saturday March 24th 2018 (Rain or Shine) 

9:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon

Franklin High School Gymnasium

$40.00 per player (includes a t-shirt)

(we will be hosting a separate clinic for 6th-8th graders Aril/May date TBD)

Players will learn the fundamentals of Fastpitch Softball. Specific skills will be covered using a series of stations which the players will rotate between to insure age groups and skill levels are being maintained.

Stations include:
• Proper throwing and catching mechanics 
• Proper hitting mechanics
• Overall fielding and base running

The lead instructor will be KATE FALLON-COMEAU, Franklin High School Softball Program Director and Head Coach of Franklin High Panthers Varsity Softball. Coach Fallon-Comeau was a four year starter at Curry College in both pitching and catching and was team captain her senior year. After coaching JV softball at Cardinal Spellman High School, she went on to be Varsity Coach of SE Regional Vocational High School.

Assistant coach Matt Connelly, along with the Varsity players will be on hand to assist in what should truly be an exciting three hours.

Please complete and mail the form below with payment by March 17, 2018, to insure your softball player will be part of this event.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczUXF5Nk03MGpvXzFtTHItTmNhTEtIWS12cW5z/view?usp=sharing

FTC: New Medicare cards coming soon

New Medicare cards coming soon by Lisa Weintraub Schifferle Attorney, FTC, Division of Consumer and Business Education New Medicare cards are coming soon. Here's what you need to know about your new card. Plus, how to avoid related scams. Read more This is a free service provided by the Federal Trade Commission.

FTC: New Medicare cards coming soon

“The longer you’re here, the more responsibilities you get ..."

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

"State Rep. Jeffrey Roy, D-Franklin, has pulled papers to retain his 10th Norfolk seat for the Nov. 6 state election. His only opponent is Franklin Town Council’s Patrick Casey, running as a Republican. 

Roy said that this is the first time he’s had a contested election since his first campaign in 2012. 

Currently in his third term, Roy was appointed as chair of Massachusetts Healthcare Finance Committee as of Tuesday. Roy replaced Northampton Rep. Peter Kocot after his passing two weeks ago. 

“It’s an awesome responsibility given that we are on the verge of doing a major healthcare finance bill in the house,” he said."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180306/franklin-roy-seeks-fourth-term-as-state-rep

Left to right: Sen Ross, Rep Roy, Sen Spilka and Delegate Ladybug
at the Franklin Municipal Building Feb 2015

MBTA: Wednesday - Commuter Rail notice

All Commuter Rail lines will operate on a regular weekday schedule on Wednesday, 3/7. Please use caution in parking lots and on platforms.

On Wednesday, 3/7, winter weather is forecasted for the greater Boston area. Preparations are underway and the Commuter Rail will provide regularly scheduled weekday service.


Last updated: Mar 06 2018 03:20 PM

Click here for more information: https://mbta.com/winter

Sent by the MBTA

MBTA: Wednesday - Commuter Rail notice

Franklin Federated Church: stained glass window repair underway

One of the two large stained glass windows at Franklin Federated Church, along with 16 smaller windows that surround it, will be removed this week to undergo restoration.

The window restoration is part of a $500,000 ongoing Restoration Campaign at the historic church. The window repair will cost $43,000 and is expected to take 6 months to complete.

Kit Sherwood of Willet-Hauser Stained Glass in Minnesota will remove the windows, box them, and ship them to Willet-Hauser’s studio for restoration and repair. The window area, which faces the parking lot next to the church at 171 Main Street, will be temporarily covered with a layer of white plywood. Work will begin on the morning of Monday, March 5 and continue through Wednesday, March 7.

Franklin Federated Church: stained glass window repair underway

The leading that holds the stained glass in place will be replaced, and the individual panes of glass cleaned and repaired as necessary. The window will then be reassembled, and restored to its original location, and a clear acrylic will be installed to protect the window.

The church launched its Restoration Campaign in 2015, securing $500,000 in pledges from members and friends of the church. Other work that has been completed as part of the campaign has included a partial replacement of the church roof, a new heating system, foundation work to address water intrusion, replacement of the windows in the kitchen and dining room, electrical upgrades, and replacement of the exterior walkways, staircases and handicapped ramp.

FPAC’S Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat Opens This Weekend at THE BLACK BOX

The Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) presents the hit family musical, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, opening this weekend at THE BLACK BOX in downtown Franklin. Staged for six performances, show times are Saturday, March 10 at 2:00 and 7:30; Sunday, March 11 at 2:00; Friday, March 16 and Saturday, March 17 at 7:30; and Sunday, March 18 at 2:00. Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is a colorful and uplifting show for audiences of all ages.

Andrew Scott Holmes

Based on the biblical Joseph story, the lively Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice musical follows the trials and triumphs of Jacob’s favorite son in a high-adventure retelling of epic proportions. The musical is entirely sung-through and boasts catchy songs of many musical styles, from country western and calypso to pop, disco, and rock ’n’ roll. Musical Director Hallie Wetzell leads the production’s professional orchestra.

Andrew Scott Holmes returns to the FPAC stage to star in the title role, after almost two years at sea working for Princess Cruises as a Resident Guest Entertainer. An Actor’s Equity Association member, he has played leading roles and understudied Broadway stars at regional theaters, from Goodspeed Opera House to Great Lakes Theater to Playhouse Square and beyond. Andrew received his Bachelor of Music in Music Theatre from Baldwin Wallace University.

Ali Funkhouser

Franklin’s Ali Funkhouser (The Narrator) returns to Joseph for the third time, having appeared in the children’s ensemble of the 2004 national tour starring Patrick Cassidy and as The Narrator during her time at the Franklin School for the Performing Arts. Other credits include the national tour of Evita, Legally Blonde with The LEX, and Puccini’s Suor Angelica with Chelsea Opera (NYC). An Equity Membership Candidate, Ali will receive her Bachelor of Music Degree in Music Theatre from Oklahoma City University this spring.

Nick Paone, also from Franklin, performs the roles of Pharoah and Jacob. A former Equity actor, Nick has written and directed numerous shows, produced an evening of one-act plays in NYC, and traveled extensively performing with Theater Works. A frequent FPAC performer and director, Nick is the creative mind behind FPAC’s annual holiday pantos and original productions Humbug! A Beggar’s Opera and Zero: A Musical Fable.

Casey Harkness Andrade (Mrs. Potiphar), of Lincoln, RI, has been a professional choreographer, educator, and performer for more than 10 years. An adjunct faculty member at Rhode Island College, Casey is an adjudicator and choreographer for the Elite Dance Challenge regional and national competition. Recent FPAC credits include The Addams Family (Morticia) and Monty Python’s Spamalot.

Raye Lynn Mercer directs FPAC’s production, which also features many local performers and students of the arts, including a children’s choir. FPAC Costumer Merrie Whitney, of Franklin, has designed the entire show, with special attention to Joseph’s iconic coat. Middlesex Savings Bank is the Production Sponsor. 

Tickets are $34, with general seating. For more information or to purchase tickets visit www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com or call 508-528-3370. THE BLACK BOX theater, music, and event venue is located at 15 West Central Street. 

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is presented by arrangement with The Musical Company, LP.

Pantherbook: "Franklin’s Winter Sports Domination"

Joe Clark, Sports Editor of Pantherbook, provides a summary of the FHS success across the winter sports season.

"Throughout the winter sports season, a familiar team has been at the top of the standings. Franklin dominated their competition throughout the entire season, which led to an astounding 111-30 record (78.72% winning percentage) across boys and girls basketball, boys and girls indoor track, boys and girls ice hockey, boys and girls swimming, wrestling, and gymnastics. 

Franklin finished first in the regular season in boys hockey, wrestling, girls indoor track, and girls swimming. 

In addition, they won the Hockomock League in boys hockey, wrestling, girls indoor track, boys and girls swimming, and cheerleading also won the Hockomock League, in addition to finishing second at their state competition. 

They finished no lower than 4th in the standings in any sport. Every single team qualified for the postseason in their respective sports."

Continue reading the summary on Pantherbook
https://franklinpanthers.us/sports/2018/03/03/franklin-winter-sports-domination/

FHS Panthers

Franklin Newcomers and Friends: “Green Thumb” - Mar 14

Come join your Franklin friends and neighbors at the Franklin Newcomers and Friends monthly meeting. Meet us upstairs at "3" Restaurant on Wednesday, March 14 at 7:30. Come get a “Green Thumb” as we learn how to have Happy, Healthy Houseplants from Lee Minnichelli. Lee has a degree in Plant and Soil Science and owned The Plant Lady, an interior landscaping business, for 12 years in Pittsfield, MA.

Franklin Newcomers and Friends: “Green Thumb” - Mar 14

We invite any resident of Franklin, or a surrounding town that doesn't have a Newcomers Club, to join us at "3" Restaurant, 461 West Central Street, Franklin. Complimentary appetizers and beverages are provided and a cash bar is available. 

We meet upstairs at 7:30 PM on the 2nd Wednesday of the month (occasionally we switch Wednesdays to accommodate holidays or speakers). We run our meetings September through May. Additionally, we hold many fun and varied events to stay connected throughout the year.

For more information, please visit our website www.franklinnewcomers.com or our Facebook page, Franklin Newcomers and Friends Club.

In the News: Casey to run for 10th Norfolk; FSPA announces summer sessions; FAA fund raising at Pour Richard's

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

"Town Council member Patrick Casey has pulled papers to run as a Republican for the state rep seat for the 10th Norfolk District. 

Incumbent and Democrat state Rep. Jeff Roy is the only other person to pull papers for the seat. The election will take place on Nov. 6. Candidates require 150 signatures to qualify as a candidate. 

Casey was elected to the council in November 2017 and is one of the first of two millennials now serving on the town council. 

He said that when ran for council he didn’t have his sights on the state seat. But when he started to realize that there are many people in the district who have the same thoughts and principles as he does, he said, he decided to it might be good to offer a conservative perspective in the Democrat-dominated Massachusetts House."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180305/franklin-town-councils-casey-seeks-state-rep-seat

Franklin School for the Performing Arts announced a summer session of theater programs, ballet intensives, one-week camps, voice and instrumental lessons and dance classes in ballet, jazz, tap and contemporary. 

The summer session runs from July 2 to Aug. 24, as registration began March 5. 

FSPA Summer Theater provides the opportunity for hands-on immersion in a Broadway Boot Camp, cabaret show, play or musical theater production, with enrollment for one to five weeks. The Cabaret week (July 23-27) focuses on repertoire choices, song interpretation and presentation, and concludes with a cabaret style revue at The Black Box theater in downtown Franklin. The three-day Broadway Boot Camp (July 30 to Aug. 1) brings Broadway headliners to FSPA for song and dance master classes and coaching on individual performance skills. A week-long drama program (Aug. 20-24) presents a straight play, while a two-week musical theater program (Aug. 6-17) stages a major book musical at The Black Box."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180305/strongfranklin-school-for-performing-arts-announces-summer-sessionstrong

Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FSPA)

"The Franklin Arts Academy Boosters and Pour Richards will host a Beer and Wine Tasting Fundraiser from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. March 8 at Pour Richards Wine and Spirits, 14 Grove St., Franklin. 

The proceeds will be used to fund FAA student field trips, program events and scholarships for FAA graduating seniors. Pour Richard’s has offered to host the event and will also be donating a portion of sales proceeds to the FAA Boosters. Pour Richard’s offers a wide variety of beer, wine and spirits. 

For information, or to purchase $5 tickets: faaboosters@gmail.com. Tickets will be available at the door for $7."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180305/franklin-arts-academy-boosters-to-host-fundraiser

A Night of Spiritual Readings & Connecting with Lost Loved Ones - Mar 8 and Mar 22

Sometimes we lose people that may have unfinished business for us. You might just want to know that a loved one is all right or make sure that they are still around you. Stephanie has been connecting people with lost loved ones for over 15 years. The experience is always very personal, special and unique to each individual.

Have you ever thought about what you’d say if you had another chance? Maybe you ran out of time to repair a relationship or you just didn’t say everything you would have liked. Stephanie has a unique ability of bringing peace and comfort to those left behind and to those who have moved on. It is not too late to reconnect with those you love.

Understanding loss and grief is one of the ways Stephanie is able to connect and help you with your process. Bringing peace and understanding to those that are here and those that are no longer with us is the goal.

This Workshop is $40 per person
Each person will receive a personal reading
Event is limited to 10 people

Light snacks and beverages as well as BYOB


Franklin Music Movement and Mindfulness

SPIRITUAL READINGS with STEPHANIE McBRIDE

• THURSDAY MARCH 8th 7 PM 
• FRIDAY MARCH 22nd 7 PM

Register online  https://secure.mainstreetsites.com/dmn3567/register.aspx

A Night of Spiritual Readings & Connecting with Lost Loved Ones - Mar 8 and Mar 15