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.