Franklin Library: baby sensory program and drive-in movie

Two family events at the Franklin Public Library on Saturday, Mar 10

Join us for a 45 minute baby sensory program! Watch your little one interact and engage with a variety of sensory items! Sensory play is a fantastic way to help babies explore their worlds, stimulate the senses, and create little inquisitive explorers! Babies under 2 are welcome and encouraged! (Got older siblings? They can bring along a stuffed toy or baby and play along!

http://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library/events/156983

Baby Sensory! - Sat, Mar 10 - 10:30 AM

Join us for a drive-in movie (indoors of course) in our big program room! First we'll decorate our cars (boxes that we have been saving up for this). Then we'll relax and enjoy some popcorn in our spiffy new cars. You're welcome to bring your own box to decorate, or us one of ours.

http://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library/bulletins/drive-movie

drive-in movie - Sat, Mar 10 - 1:00 PM

Franklin Public Schools: Updated Information about Schools March 8, 2018 PM

Thursday, March 8, 2018

PM Update

Good evening, Franklin Families, Faculty, and Staff,

Earlier today, ten of our eleven schools were without power as a result of last night's storm. Some power has been restored, but many schools are still without it. We have been communicating closely with National Grid and the DPW, Facilities, Police, and Fire Departments throughout today to remain informed of power restoration activities within Franklin.

We are concerned about the widespread power outages at our schools and within neighborhoods, however restoration efforts are under way and will continue through the evening. Any decision that may be made to close schools tomorrow will be made between 5:00 and 5:30 AM.

Stay warm and safe. More information will be sent in the early morning hours.

Sincerely,

Franklin Public Schools

Parmenter School after a different snow storm

Franklin Residents: Storm Update March 8, 2018

Hello,

This is the Town of Franklin with an update on current conditions in Town. 

Approximately 50% of Franklin is currently without power. National Grid has crews on site, more are being dispatched today to help in the recovery effort. National Grid is anticipating full restoration within 72-hours.

The Town has opened three locations for warming and device charging: the Hockomock YMCA at Forge Park, which also has showers available, the Franklin Public Library and Franklin Fire Station Headquarters on West Central Street.

Trash and Recycling collection was NOT delayed today and is on schedule for Friday to be picked up on a regular schedule.

Please check the town website at www.franklinma.gov for the most up to date information.

Thank you,

Town of Franklin

Franklin Residents: Storm Update March 8, 2018

MICCA SHOWCASE CONCERT - - March 14

MICCA SHOWCASE CONCERT - 2018

Each year, the Franklin Public School performance ensembles participate in the Massachusetts Instrumental and Choral Conductors Association music festival. 

 “It is the purpose of the Massachusetts Instrumental and Choral Conductor's Association to encourage and support high performance standards by high school, middle school, and elementary school musical organizations. MICCA Concert Festivals encourage the improvement of a group's musical standards by providing musical adjudication by highly qualified adjudicators. Attendance at a festival also affords organizations an opportunity to hear performances by other groups and experience the presentation of a wide variety of musical literature.”

The Franklin Music Department is pleased to invite you to come celebrate over 500 student musicians as they perform this years MICCA programs for the public. This concert will include Bands, Choruses, and Orchestras from the Remington Middle School, Horace Mann Middle School, Annie Sullivan Middle School and Franklin High School.

The event will begin at 5:30 PM on Wednesday, March 14, at the Franklin High School auditorium. The schedule will be as follows:

(times are approximate) 
5:30 PM - All Choruses 
6:35 PM - All Bands
8:20 PM - All Orchestras


A $5 donation is requested at the door. Refreshments and pizza will be sold.

MICCA SHOWCASE CONCERT - - March 14

Little Shop of Horrors at The Orpheum Theatre Foxboro - Mar 16/17

The Theatre Institute presents:

Little Shop of Horrors
Friday, March 16 @ 7:00 PM 
Saturday, March 17 @ 3:00 PM  and 7:00 PM 
at The Orpheum Theatre Foxboro

"Here is the link to the Facebook event page:
https://www.facebook.com/events/976490015851098


The Theatre Institute is an intensive pre-professional theatrical training program for high school aged students, operated by the Hockomock Area YMCA:
https://www.facebook.com/theatreinstitute
https://www.hockymca.org/mansfield/programs/theatre-programs/


The Little Shop of Horrors cast is almost all Franklin High School students! This is going to be a great show - these kids are seasoned performers, some of the seniors will be moving on to college as performing arts/musical theatre majors."

 Little Shop of Horrors at The Orpheum Theatre Foxboro - Mar 16/17

Tri-County Announces Class of 2018 Valedictorian and Salutatorian

Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School administration and staff are pleased to announce the Valedictorian and Salutatorian for the Class of 2018. Jeffrey Blenkhorn, of Medway, has been named Valedictorian, and Carolyn Kiely, of North Attleboro, has been named Salutatorian.

Jeffrey, a student in Tri-County’s Engineering Technology Program, has achieved a 4.49 GPA by mastering rigorous academic classes that include Advanced Placement Physics, Literature and Composition, Statistics and Honors History. Jeffrey is committed to expanding his knowledge in the engineering field and gaining professional experience through cooperative education while working at Paradis Metal Works in North Attleboro where he produces mechanical drawings using AutoCAD and SolidWorks.

During his four years at Tri-County, Jeffrey participated in NASA’s HUNCH Program, SkillsUSA and the National Honor Society. The Engineering Technology student has acquired several certifications including Certified SolidWorks Associate, MACWIC Level 1 and Level 2 Manufacturing, AutoCAD Certified User, Revit Certified User and 10 Hour OSHA Card.

A Medway resident, Jeffrey is involved in Boy Scouts of America where he is pursuing the rank of Eagle Scout. Jeffrey also works part-time for Roche Bros as a cashier and volunteers at the Medway Food Pantry.

After graduation, Jeffrey aspires to become a mechanical engineer. He is currently deciding between Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) or the University of Massachusetts Lowell to attend in the Fall.

Superintendent Stephen Dockray (center) met with Class of 2018 Valedictorian
Jeffrey Blenkhorn (left) and Class of 2017 Salutatorian Carolyn Kiely (right)

Tri-County’s Salutatorian, Carolyn Kiely, maintains a 4.44 GPA having an arduous academic schedule that includes Advanced Placement Physics, Literature and Composition, Statistics and World History Honors. Carolyn still finds the time to participate in a variety of extracurricular activities including SkillsUSA and the Math Team. She is also president of the National Honor Society, president of the Gender and Sexualities Alliance, a Student Representative on the Tri-County Advisory Board, and represents the Cosmetology program at several school events throughout the year.

Carolyn devotes herself to community service by volunteering her time at the Stony Brook Audubon Sanctuary where she sells tickets, assists patrons and prepares trails for the winter season. She also loves music and is engaged in singing, guitar and drum lessons.

Carolyn is still contemplating which university she will attend after graduation, but plans on pursuing a degree in psychology.

Both Jeff and Carolyn have received Tri-County Perfect Attendance Awards, having had perfect attendance during all of their high school years.

“Over the past four years Jeffrey and Carolyn have excelled in both their academic classes as well as their vocational programs and are truly deserving as Valedictorian and Salutatorian respectively for the Class of 2018,” said Superintendent Dockray. “We congratulate them and look forward to hearing great things from these two exceptional students in the future.”

As Valedictorian and Salutatorian, Jeffrey and Carolyn will help to lead the graduation procession and are scheduled to address their classmates at the Commencement Ceremony scheduled for Sunday, June 3, 2018.

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