"It has been a rivalry for the ages"

The Boston Globe Sports page provides a good preview of the FHS vs Mansfield game for the State D1 Championship

"This isn’t their mid-January meeting in Franklin (Panthers, BTW, 67-52). Or the rematch in early February on the court in Mansfield (Hornets, 59-47), though the intensity is never lacking for any of their Hockomock League regular-season clashes. 

No, Saturday night’s showdown (5:45 p.m.) at the MassMutual Center in Springfield will be the ultimate rubber match for the Franklin and Mansfield boys’ basketball teams. 

In their third meeting of 2017-18, the Hornets and the Panthers will battle for the MIAA Division 1 championship, a plaque that has been elusive for both programs."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/high-schools/2018/03/16/schhockomock/byqKDlTORTxa4aq1Rqm8fO/story.html

The Globe also has a rundown of all the high school match up for today's State finals
https://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/high-schools/2018/03/16/who-will-win-state-high-school-basketball-titles/RnhjLS4pO5QIMaCDwOSMeM/story.html

The audio for the game (if you can't get to Springfield) can be found online here
http://mixlr.com/jphref/events/franklin-vs-mansfield-d1-boys-ma-state-f/

BEST OF LUCK TO OUR BOYS BASKETBALL TEAM as they depart for Springfield! LET’S BRING A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP BACK TO FRANKLIN!!!! @fhsboysbball @FranklinHSNews #PantherPride #LETSGOPANTHERS

Here is the link to Franklin TV’s audio stream that will be live from the D1 Boys state basketball finals on Saturday at 5:45. Franklin vs. Mansfield. Please join us online if you can’t come out to Springfield. https://t.co/9MKl1af5Z2 #mixlr

— jay horrigan (@jphref) March 16, 2018

Voices of Franklin: Simon - "Today was about being positive and hopeful"

Today (Wednesday) was a proud day at work! 

I work at Horace Mann Middle School in Franklin MA. The students at our three middle schools and high school were able to show support for families whose lives were affected by school shootings and we able to voice their opinion through a walkout. This was organized by the students at the schools. We have a wonderful program here called A World of Difference and those students helped to organize this. This was all student led with guidance from staff and administration. They presented their ideas to administration and staff and worked with them as well as local law enforcement to make it work and to be safe. We all wanted to give all students a voice, to let them own this and let them know we are listening.

It was very powerful. It gave many of us chills as we watched them handle this with such maturity and grace. You should be proud! I know I am and remembering all of those who cannot do this, who don't have a voice anymore.

The peer leaders also came up with a solution for those students who did not want to participate which was wonderful because they too have that right. It was so wonderful and powerful because it shows that they took time to think of others and respect them.

This is a time to show our children that we support them, show them love, compassion and understanding. Again, so proud.

Remember, we come to work and students come to school with the possibility that something tragic could happen at our school. This has become our new reality. It is sad.

Le't show respect to all. Let's come together to come up with solutions, let's talk face-to-face and let these students how we can help them make changes. Let's get this generation to vote and become an ever greater voice! 

If you saw what happened today, you would know they CAN do it and WILL do it. They conducted themselves in a mature, brave, thoughtful and very reflective manner. Today was about being positive and hopeful, nothing else.

It made me hopeful and with tears in my eyes.

Love to all

Beth Simon


Note: Beth had shared this to a Facebook group and gladly granted permission to share more broadly here.

Voices of Franklin: Simon - "Today was about being positive and hopeful"

NationalGrid: We weathered these storms together

To view this email as a web page, click here.

We weathered these storms together Over the past two weeks, our region was hit with three consecutive weather events—each causing significant damage to our electricity network and leaving thousands of you, our customers, without power. The work required to repair the network and restore power was labor-intensive and time consuming.  And we realize how disruptive these outages were for you. It tested our patience. And we know it tested yours. As we reflect on this challenging time, we also feel incredibly grateful for the outstanding efforts of so many in our communities, including: The emergency responders and municipal officials who worked tirelessly to ensure the safety of the communities they serve and who were also so instrumental in the coordination and prioritization of our response efforts; and The many volunteers who helped provide a warm place to go or food, water, and supplies to those who most needed assistance. It would be impossible to thank all of these emergency responders individually.  So, in their honor, National Grid has donated $100,000 to the American Red Cross to support disaster relief efforts in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Finally, we are proud of the efforts of our crews and the hundreds of contractors who traveled from near and far to assist in our restoration efforts.  These men and women are incredibly motivated to serve you. And the countless expressions of thanks they received from so many of our customers—who took the time to display homemade signs, offer them coffee or just share a wave and a smile—gave them the boost they needed to get the job done. Thank you for that. Rest assured, our work doesn't end here. We'll continue to refine our planning and response as we remain ready for whatever else Mother Nature throws our way.  In the meantime, we thank you for weathering these storms with us.   Connect Now Visit us at nationalgridus.com

Privacy Policy This email was sent by: National Grid 40 Sylvan Road, Waltham, MA, 02451, U.S.A.

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA: FRI 3/16/18 - THU 3/22/18

FRIDAY 3/16/18
All Day   Leprechaun Scavenger Hunt @ Franklin Public Library (During regular business hours)
8am   FDP Networking Breakfast @ Dean College Dining Center
10am-12pm   Knitting Group @ Franklin Public Library
5:30pm   Heart with Hope Restorative Yoga (for parents and loved ones of those suffering from addiction) @ Sacred Tree Yoga, Norfolk
7pm   Yoga for Recovery @ Sacred Tree Yoga, Norfolk
7:30pm   Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat @ The Black Box

SATURDAY 3/17/18
All Day   Leprechaun Scavenger Hunt @ Franklin Public Library (During regular business hours)
9am-3pm   Book Sale @ Franklin Public Library
9:30am-3pm   Christian Zen Retreat @ McMahon Guest House (1061 Upper Union St)
10am   Where is the Green? - Future of Franklin's Open Space Forum @ Franklin Senior Center
10am-1pm   Franklin Historical Museum Open
10am   Free Storytime @ Fairmount Fruit Farm
11am   St. Patrick’s Day Pajama Palooza @ Franklin YMCA
7:30pm   Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat @ The Black Box
8pm   Circle of Friends Coffeehouse: Tom Rush @ FUSF
8pm   FHS Baseball Fundraiser: A Night of Comic Relief featuring Mark Riley @ 3 Restaurant

SUNDAY 3/18/18
All Day   Leprechaun Scavenger Hunt @ Franklin Public Library (During regular business hours)
9am-12pm   Bag Sale @ Franklin Public Library
1-4pm   Franklin Historical Museum Open
2pm   Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat @ The Black Box

MONDAY 3/19/18
10am   Storytime (all ages, free) @ Fairmount Fruit Farm
10:30am   Move Along @ Franklin Public Library
11am   Toddler Playgroup @ Franklin Public Library
11am   Joe Landry plays Trivia with Franklin's photographic history @ Franklin Senior Center
3pm  Monday Crafternoons @ Franklin Public Library

TUESDAY 3/20/18
10:30am   Kids Paint Party @ Fairmount Fruit Farm
10:30am   Dr. Rob Lawson: Immigration in Historical Context: The Industrial Age @ Senior Center
10:30am   Get Ready For Kindergarten @ Franklin Public Library
11:15am   Toddler Playgroup @ Franklin Public Library
6pm   Lenten Soup Supper and Book Study (weekly until March 21) @ St. John’s Episcopal Church
6:30pm   Canvas Paint Night @ Fairmount Fruit Farm

WEDNESDAY 3/21/18
10am   Roulette Fun @ Franklin Senior Center
10:30am   Terrific Toddlers @ Franklin Public Library
11am   Toddler Playgroup @ Franklin Public Library
11:15am   Balance Class @ Senior Center
4pm   Construction Junction @ Franklin Public Library
5pm   Book Bites @ Franklin Public Library
5:30pm   6th Grade Mini MICCA Concert @ Horace Mann MS
6:30pm   Christian Zen Weekly Meditation @ McMahon Guest House (1061 Upper Union Street)

THURSDAY 3/22/18
9:30am   Baby Tummy Time @ Franklin Public Library
10am   Teddy Bear Picnic @ Fairmount Fruit Farm
10:30am   Story and Craft @ Franklin Public Library
11:15am   Toddler Playgroup @ Franklin Public Library
12pm   Urban Sketching (no experience necessary) @ Franklin Public Library
1pm   Minds in Motion @ Franklin Senior Center
1pm   Create a Spring Suncatcher @ Senior Center
1-6pm   American Red Cross Blood Drive @ Elks Lodge
6:30-8:30pm   Relay for Life Western Norfolk @ Pour Richard’s
6:30pm   Genealogy Club Meeting @ Franklin Public Library
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

"The Addams Family" at FHS - April 6 and 7

Devyn Forcina, Editor of Pantherbook, lets us know of the forthcoming student musical performance of "The Addams Family" at Franklin High School.

"Annually, Franklin High School has presented entertaining, enjoyable and inspiring spring musicals. This year, audience members will definitely be treated by the upcoming performances of “The Addams Family” directed by Mrs. Lonati, on April 6th and 7th. 

In the past, I have written articles about our spring musicals closer to the actual show date. In doing so, I have gotten to watch dress rehearsals in full costume, and see cast members totally off-book. The rehearsal I attended for this article was not as formal, however, the confidence and well-preparedness of the cast this early on was extremely impressive. Occasionally cast members would ask for a word of their script, but it seems as though only one word prompted an entire monologue. These students are very prepared."

Continue reading the article at Pantherbook
https://franklinpanthers.us/top-stories/2018/03/06/coming-soon-the-addams-family/

"The Addams Family" at FHS - April 6 and 7

The performances are scheduled for April 6 and 7 at 7:00 PM

@ 7pm!!

— FHS Theatre (@FranklinHSDrama) March 8, 2018

Preview: Mansfield vs. Franklin - D1 State basketball championship game - Mar 17

Ryan Lanigan, Editor-in-Chief of Hockomock Sports, provides the preview to the Game of the Week featuring Mansfield vs. Franklin.in the D1 boys basketball State Championship.

"The biggest rivarly in the Hockomock League is headed to Springfield. 

The marquee matchup in the Hockomock League will be the marquee matchup for all of Massachusetts this weekend. The Mansfield Hornets and Franklin Panthers will take the floor on Saturday evening at the Mass Mutual Center vying for the Division 1 State Championship, marking the first time in state history that the D1 title game will feature two teams from the same league. 

The Hornets and Panthers have delivered some of the most memorable regular season games in recent history, and now will take the rivalry to the next level. 

Mansfield emerged victorious from a loaded D1 South bracket, rattling off wins over Newton South, BC High, Newton North, and Brockton in a two-week span. The Hornets then went to the TD Garden and knocked off the North’s best team, Everett. 

Franklin, which has had a ton of success since being realigned to the Central bracket, is back in the D1 State Championship game for the second straight year. After losing to Cambridge last year, Franklin put together another impressive postseason run (wins over Lincoln-Sudbury, Natick, Algonquin, and Springfield Center) to get back to the Mass Mutual Center."

Continue reading online at Hockomock Sports
https://hockomocksports.com/game-of-the-week/

Info graphic by HockomockSports.com

Franklin Public Library Book Sale - Mar 17-18

Franklin Public Library Book Sale, Saturday, March 17, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. The bag sale is scheduled for Sunday, March 18 from 9:00 AM to noon.

Franklin Public Library Book Sale - Mar 17-18

This was shared from the Franklin Library page
https://franklinpl.blogspot.com/2018/03/franklin-public-library-book-sale.html

"her story is an encouraging reminder of just how potent, and how possible, that dream can be"

Near East rice pilaf is a staple in our household and little did I know that it originated in Worcester. Sharing from the Boston Globe this MA connection:

"Growing up in Shrewsbury in the 1970s, our weeknight dinners were pretty straightforward affairs: chicken Kiev or London broil; Prince spaghetti or tuna casserole. And while we often switched up the side dishes from Birds Eye frozen corn to Birds Eye frozen peas, one thing remained consistent — we always had Near East rice pilaf, and it was always prepared in the same Revere Ware saucepan that my parents received as a wedding gift in 1966. 

I loved Near East as a kid. In fact, I still do. That salty, nutty mix of rice and toasted orzo along with its accompanying paper flavor pack of onion, garlic, and bouillon. So in love was my family with Near East that when we left Shrewsbury for Cincinnati in 1979, my mother packed a case of the rectangular white boxes, with their famous wheat stalk illustrations and simple earth-tones, into our station wagon, fearing we wouldn’t be able to find it in the Midwest. Luckily we did, and Near East remained a dinnertime staple well into my 20s, when I started eschewing frozen vegetables and pre-made rice mixes for fresh roasted green beans and arugula salads."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.bostonglobe.com/lifestyle/food-dining/2018/03/12/how-near-east-rice-pilaf-became-new-england-staple/rMh1zq4cvQiICqvsynIpGN/story.html?event=event12

Today, Near East is a New England staple.

“I walked out because ____”

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

"Franklin High School Principal Paul Peri said that about 1,200 students at his school gathered outside to join in the 10 a.m. walkout. The students, he said, were very much the leading voice of this protest. 

Franklin High School senior Bekah Redwine organized Franklin’s walkout. Having paid attention to recent politics, she said she feels passionate about this topic in particular. 

“Seeing 17 students that were my age and (my) sister’s age that were just killed in an instant in their high school made me realize that we definitely need a change,” she said. She added she also plans to attend the “March for our Lives” event in Washington, D.C., on March 24."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180314/milford-area-schools-join-in-national-walkout

ASMS A World of Difference Peer Leaders Lead! So proud! @asmssullythehusky @franklinpublicma @franklinpsnews @milforddailynews @franklinmatters.ma #huskypride pic.twitter.com/k0NVF2FuZp

— Sully The Husky ASMS (@sullythehusky) March 15, 2018

ASMS students honor the victims of MSD HS Wednesday. @asmssullythehusky @franklinpsnews @franklinpublicma @franklinmatters.ma @milforddailynews #huskypride pic.twitter.com/jqfMi7Firg

— Sully The Husky ASMS (@sullythehusky) March 15, 2018

Thanks @franklinpolice, @FranklinPSNews, & @FranklinHS for protecting and supporting our students! Nice job all around! https://t.co/X8jditGFTH

— Franklin Ed.org (@FranklinEdOrg) March 15, 2018

FPAC’S Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat Plays Three Final Shows This Weekend

Franklin Performing Arts Company’s production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat concludes its six-show run this weekend at THE BLACK BOX in downtown Franklin. Remaining show times are Friday, March 16 and Saturday, March 17 at 7:30, as well as Sunday, March 18 at 2:00. The hit family musical is a colorful and uplifting show for audiences of all ages.

Based on the biblical Joseph story, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat follows the trials and triumphs of Jacob’s favorite son in a high-adventure retelling of epic proportions. The lively Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice 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

Andrew Scott Holmes returns to the Franklin Performing Arts Company (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.

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.

Franklin MBTA Commuter Rail Track Overnight Work

Good afternoon,

I wanted to let you know about an MBTA advisory for the cities and towns along the MBTA Franklin Commuter Rail Line about overnight work due to installation activities associated with the MBTA Positive Train Control (PTC) Program. A copy of the advisory is attached.

This work  is linear in nature and can be anticipated to be moving along the lines in short durations, therefore having minimal impacts on neighbors. Additional information on the program and program updates can be found on the MBTA PTC website here: 

www.mbta.com/projects/commuter-rail-positive-train-control-ptc.

While it should not be very disruptive work, there will be crews operating machinery and trucks with back-up alarms and lights, so we anticipate you may receive some inquiries from abutters to the rail corridor where the work is occurring.  We would ask you to please direct them to contact us via email at PTCProgram@mbta.com or the program hotline at 617-721-7506. 

If you have any questions about this please feel free to contact me directly.

Thank you,

Joe Sgroi

Community Outreach

MBTA Commuter Rail Positive Train Control Program Team

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gGEwXzkVwVok2Yee_gPSAnQ0tgXPkJi1/view?usp=drivesdk

Commuter Rail Positive Train Control (PTC)

FHS boys basketball vs. Mansfield - Sat - Mar 17 - 5:45 PM

"The D-1 Championship game will be Saturday March 17 at 5:45 PM at the Mass Mutual Center in Springfield. Tickets are $15. Come support your team!"

The D-1 Championship game will be Saturday March 17 at 5:45 PM at the Mass Mutual Center in Springfield. Tickets... https://t.co/8lsYnkKMjB

— FHS Boys Basketball (@fhsboysbball) March 15, 2018

FHS boys basketball vs. Mansfield - Sat - Mar 17 - 5:45 PM

Franklin Newcomers and Friends April Meeting Announcement - Apr 11

Come join your Franklin friends and neighbors at the Franklin Newcomers and Friends monthly meeting. Meet us upstairs at "3" Restaurant on Wednesday, April 11th at 7:30. Come join us at our Game Night. It's one of our favorite and more social events.

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.

Franklin Newcomers and Friends: “Game Night” - Apr 11

In the News: Franklin runners fund raising for multiple myeloma research

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

"Two Franklin runners are passing up this year’s Boston Marathon to travel to England a week later to run the Virgin Money London Marathon while raising money for multiple myeloma research. 

The race is on April 22 in London, where Franklin residents Loriann Zajac and Josh Smith will make their way winding through the city with thousands of other runners from around the world. The duo will be running to support the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF). 

Multiple myeloma is a type of blood cancer, specifically targeting plasma inside bone marrow. The mutated cells secrete abnormal and cancerous proteins that lead to tumors, kidney damage, and a decreased immune system. 

Zajac was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in the early 2000s. Although considered incurable, the cancer is treatable. Zajac has been in remission for a few years now thanks to her treatment. Their goal is to raise $5,000 before the race.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180314/franklin-duo-to-run-london-marathon-for-charity

Contribute to the cause
https://endurance.themmrf.org/2018London/LoveForLoriAnn

Remington’s Pi Day video

"Check out Remington’s Pi Day video. Special thanks to Jeff Chaffee and Luke Diez for creating the video as well as all of our teachers who participated. #PiDay #middleschool"

https://twitter.com/RMS_Remdawgs/status/973938104598974464