Wednesday, March 21, 2018

THE BLACK BOX Local Artist Series ~ Yookeroo - Mar 24

THE BLACK BOX Local Artist Series features Yookeroo on Saturday, March 24, 8 PM.

A progressive rock quartet based in Massachusetts, Yookeroo has played across the northeast and recently released their first full-length album "Into the Æther." 

They signed with Green Line Records (Boston) in December 2017. 

Yookeroo consists of Gabe Rudd (Keyboard) Desmond Cornetta (Guitar/Vocals), Michael Agnello (Bass/Vocals,) and Sam Pinkowitz (Drums).

Tickets can be purchased online

https://www.theblackboxonline.com/events.php?id=1101

THE BLACK BOX Local Artist Series ~ Yookeroo - Mar 24
THE BLACK BOX Local Artist Series ~ Yookeroo - Mar 24

Franklin Youth Lacrosse at Coles Tavern with Backyard Swagger on April 7

"Come Support Franklin Youth Lacrosse at Coles Tavern with Backyard Swagger on April 7th - great food, great music and raffles and silent auctions. Hope to see you there!!"

Franklin Youth Lacrosse at Coles Tavern with Backyard Swagger on April 7
Franklin Youth Lacrosse at Coles Tavern with Backyard Swagger on April 7
For more info about Franklin Youth Lacrosse, visit them on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/Franklin-Youth-Lacrosse-1306863252774863/

BFCCPS March Expansion Update

"Dear BFCCPS Community, 
We are thrilled to share that site work has begun at the location of the new BFCCPS facility, and we are on track to meet our Fall 2019 open. 
We have begun to plan our fundraising efforts for two playgrounds and a gymnasium. We are in need of motivated and interested individuals who have the time to be part of this process. If you are interested please contact the President of the Benjamin Franklin Educational Foundation, Don Tappin. 
The Benjamin Franklin Educational Foundation (BFEF) is a registered 501(c)(3) which supports the schools mission. As the owners of the property at 500 Financial Park Drive the BFEF will oversee fundraising activities to support the development of the property. 
Please also save the date for the morning of April 7th for a Community kickoff for families to get a more thorough update on the expansion, have a opportunity to view the layout for the new facility, and learn more about the BFEF. More details on this to come soon. 
With excitement and appreciation,
The Benjamin Franklin Educational Foundation"

BFCCPS March Expansion Update
BFCCPS March Expansion Update
This was shared from the BFCCPS webpage
http://bfccps.org/march-expansion-update/?doing_wp_cron=1521624154.1048209667205810546875

In the News: Sunshine Week articles and links to be aware of

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:
"We’ve become so accustomed to frequently and easily accessing information on demand — from more sources and in more forms than at any other time in history — that it’s easy to forget how quickly our information landscape has evolved and what that evolution means for us as individuals, as news consumers and as participants in a democracy. 
It can also be easy to forget how much the information we choose to read, watch and hear really matters. It’s the basis for many of the decisions we make — for ourselves, for our families and for our civic society. It helps us determine the kind of lives we lead, the social and political structures we want to change or preserve and the kind of world we inhabit. It is the very foundation of both personal empowerment and a robust democracy. 
To be meaningfully engaged with the world around us, we must be informed. But what does that mean in an age of information overload in which so much “content” isn’t what it appears to be? How, in other words, can we know what to believe?"

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/opinion/20180320/sunshine-week-importance-of-recognizing-fighting-against-fake


“All politics is local.” This famous quote by Thomas P. “Tip” O’Neill, the former speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives and proud son of Massachusetts, is used so often that it often seems cliché. But its frequent usage underscores the profound truth that drives decisions made by those in government, whether it be at city or town hall, the state house or the U.S. Capitol, and even the White House. 
In this regard it is critical that citizens feel empowered, and in fact encouraged, to communicate with their elected and appointed officials utilizing both traditional and new, innovative means of communication. 
The advent of social media has impacted every sector of society, with both positive and negative consequences. The internet and the explosive expansion of the use of handheld devices and tablets have facilitated new means of communication and commerce. People now email and text much more frequently, reducing the utilization of landline telephones at home or work. This technology has lowered the cost of entry into sectors of the economy and created new, disruptive businesses such as Lyft, Uber, Airbnb and Venmo, a mobile payment service."


Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/opinion/20180320/sunshine-week-new-amp-traditional-ways-to-approach-your-elected-officials



"Want to be a more informed and engaged citizen? Here are suggested websites: 
U.S. Congress: Members of Congress and tracking legislation, congress.gov. 
Watch live and video of the Senate, senate.gov/floor/index.htm and the House, at houselive.gov. 
Federal Election Commission: Campaign financing in federal elections, including how much campaigns are raising and spending, and who’s contributing, fec.gov. 
Massachusetts Office of Campaign and Political Finance: Campaign financing in state and local elections, how much campaigns are raising and spending, and who’s contributing, ocpf.us."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/opinion/20180320/tools-to-becoming-more-engaged-citizen

screen grab of  The News Literacy Project
screen grab of  The News Literacy Project

This website is my public service effort for Franklin but I can't do it alone. I can use your help.

How can you help?

If you like this, please tell your friends and neighbors.
If you don't like this, please let me know.

If you would like to be more involved, write an article or two, please reach out and let me know.



MBTA: Commuter Rail notice for Mar 21, 2018

All Commuter Rail lines will operate on a regular weekday schedule on Wednesday, 3/21. Please check for service alerts prior to travel, as winter weather is forecast throughout the day.

Allow additional time while travelling to local stations and use caution traversing platforms and parking lots. For the latest Commuter Rail information, follow us on Twitter @MBTA_CR, visit mbta.com/winter, sign up to be a T-Alert subscriber, and consider downloading the MBTA Commuter Rail or Transit apps.

Last updated: Mar 20 2018 06:32 PM

MBTA: Commuter Rail notice for Mar 21, 2018
MBTA: Commuter Rail notice for Mar 21, 2018

Tuesday, March 20, 2018

Electric Youth 2018 at THE BLACK BOX - Mar 23

Electric Youth 2018 returns to THE BLACK BOX on Friday, March 23 at 7:30 PM, offering family entertainment with music for all ages! 

Backed by an eight-piece band of world-class musicians, EY delivers high-energy music, including contemporary pop, classic rock, Broadway and country hits. 

The EY show at THE BLACK BOX will feature fully choreographed performances of Bruno Mars, Elvis, Duffy, Billy Gillman, Jim Croce, Stevie Wonder and more.
 

With Special Guest Future Shock!


Electric Youth 2018 - Mar 23
Electric Youth 2018 - Mar 23


Tickets can be purchased online  https://www.theblackboxonline.com/events.php?id=1087

Livingston Taylor is performing at OCC Coffeehouse Friday, Apr 6

Livingston Taylor is performing at OCC Coffeehouse in Wrentham on Friday, April 6 to celebrate his 51st year making music and in support of his new release, "Safe Home".

OCC Coffeehouse

1 East Street,
Wrentham, MA 02093
Friday, April 6th

Info & Tickets can be purchased online https://www.musicatocc.org/upcoming-shows.html

Safe Home is the new album from the Boston's venerated songwriter, Livingston Taylor. The release was recorded with a single microphone, the band appears right before you with this spacious, lush and multi-dimensional recording. Liv was supported by a world class band of Shelly Berg (piano), David Finck (bass), Bashiri Johnson (percussion), and Chelsea Berry (vocals), the album gives playful bend to musical classics like "Anything You Can Do", and also presents Livingston originals such as "I Must Be Doing Something Right".
Livingston Taylor’s career as a professional musician has spanned 51 years. He maintains a performance schedule of more than a hundred shows a year, delighting audiences with his unique brand of popular music which includes mostly original repertory from his thirteen albums. In addition to his performance schedule, Livingston is a full professor at Berklee College of Music, passing on the extensive knowledge gained from his long career on the road to the next generation of musicians.
Livingston Taylor is performing at OCC Coffeehouse Friday, Apr 6
Livingston Taylor is performing at OCC Coffeehouse Friday, Apr 6

Franklin Agway sales to benefit SAFE Coalition - March 24-25

"March savings at the Franklin Agway. More deals on our anniversary weekend. Support the SAFE Coalition 3/24-3/25 when purchasing your all natural Bonide products."

Franklin Agway sale to benefit SAFE Coalition
Franklin Agway sale to benefit SAFE Coalition




More about the SAFE Coalition can be found on their webpage
http://safecoalitionma.com/

Reminder: 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 22, 2018, to insure your softball player will be part of this event.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczUXF5Nk03MGpvXzFtTHItTmNhTEtIWS12cW5z/view?usp=sharing
Reminder: FHS Panthers Softball Clinic Grades K-5 - Mar 24
Reminder: FHS Panthers Softball Clinic Grades K-5 - Mar 24





yes, for the eagle eyes, the registration date was extended to Mar 22 (from Mar 17).

In the News: Pack 126 Eagle Scouts; Empty Bowls dinner tickets on sale; RMV shuts down this weekend

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

"Salvator Balkus, Daniel Hickey, Samuel Molloy, Seamus Reardon and Daniel Schratz, members of the Boy Scout Troop #126 and residents of Franklin, earned the honor of Eagle Scout, the highest rank that the Boy Scouts offers. Only 3-4 percent of Boy Scout members attain this honor. 
Salvator Balkus is a senior at Franklin High School. In the troop, he has previously served as patrol leader and webmaster. In addition to scouting, Balkus is very involved in the FHS Mock Trial team, where he argues cases and gives expert testimony in court. He is also a National Honor Society member, competes in sprinting and high jump for the high school spring track team, and works at the Panther Help Desk helping students and solving technological issues with school computers. 
Last year he completed his Eagle project, in which he helped the Franklin Historical Commission digitally compile data and redesign the website for their museum. The project involved eight dedicated volunteers and over 80 hours of work. These volunteers created data spreadsheets to record military veteran information from World War I, World War II, the Spanish-American War and the Revolutionary War. They also scanned portraits, recorded data on historic properties and digitalized a timeline of Franklin history."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180319/strongboy-scout-troop-126-members-earn-eagle-scout-distinctionstrong



"Pick up your spoons. 
Franklin High School’s annual community Empty Bowls Dinner will be held May 1, and tickets can be bought online. 
To help the nearly 1,000 individuals seeking food assistance from the Franklin Food Pantry, the pantry is again partnering with the Franklin High School Empty Bowls Club. In the last two years, the club has raised about $11,000. 
There were 250 tickets sold for last year’s event. The club is hoping to sell an additional 100 this year. Tickets cost $20 for adults and $10 for children. Soup and bread will be served by the club’s students, and everyone will take home a hand-crafted bowl made by the students and community members."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180319/franklins-empty-bowls-club-to-host-dinner



"Need to get your car inspected? 
Don’t plan on heading to the shop this weekend. 
The state Registry of Motor Vehicles will close 7 p.m. Thursday, and won’t reopen until 8 a.m. Monday, March 26. Anything associated with the Registry – like your car’s new inspection sticker – will be inaccessible during that time. 
“We’ve tried to do everything we can to make our customers aware,” Lauren Dias, of Hopkinton’s Lumber Street Auto Repair said. “It shuts us down for that period of time.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180319/registry-of-motor-vehicles-to-shut-down-friday

Registry of Motor Vehicles will close 7 p.m. Thursday, and won’t reopen until 8 a.m. Monday, March 26
Registry of Motor Vehicles will close 7 p.m. Thursday, and won’t reopen until 8 a.m. Monday, March 26

FHS Bakalars, Carlucci, Carlucci, and Remillard named to Wrestling All Stars

Below are the official 2018 Hockomock League Wrestling All Stars, selected by the coaches in the league.

HOCKOMOCK LEAGUE MVP
Eddie Marinilli, Canton

HOCKOMOCK LEAGUE ALL STARS

  • Ian Bakalars, Franklin
  • Jake Carlucci, Franklin
  • Jordan Carlucci, Franklin
  • TJ Remillard, Franklin
For all the Hockomock League wrestling all stars, follow this link


FHS Bakalars, Carlucci, Carlucci, and Remillard named to Wrestling All Stars
FHS Bakalars, Carlucci, Carlucci, and Remillard
named to Wrestling All Stars

Monday, March 19, 2018

3rd Annual Empty Bowls Dinner - May 1 - Tickets on Sale Now

To help the nearly 1,000 individuals seeking food assistance from the Franklin Food Pantry, the Pantry is again partnering with the Franklin High School Empty Bowls Club in the 3rd Annual Empty Bowls Dinner on May 1, from 6 – 8 p.m. at Franklin High School.

The dinner event, which features a simple meal of soup and bread served “soup-kitchen” style, will set the stage for community members to learn more about the true effects of hunger. Featured speaker Erin Lynch, Pantry executive director, will present “Hunger in Franklin,” highlighting the impact of hunger on struggling local families. Lynch’s talk will be at 6:45 p.m., but the open house format welcomes attendees any time between 6 – 8 p.m.
3rd Annual Empty Bowls Dinner - May 1 - Tickets on Sale Now
3rd Annual Empty Bowls Dinner - May 1 

The event serves as a reminder of the many “empty bowls” that exist in the lives of those who experience hunger. The awareness and fundraising event is family-friendly and caters to all ages. “We want attendees to understand the devastating effects that hunger can have,” says Lynch. “It is a very real problem for many in our own backyard. By working together as a community to fight hunger, we can better the lives of our neighbors in need. If you have enough to eat, you can focus on helping your kids with their homework; you have more energy to look for a job; your kids do better in school.”

Lynch said she is grateful for the partnership with the Franklin High School Empty Bowls Club. Students have been making ceramic bowls throughout the year, and have hosted bowl-making events open to the community. The hand-painted, ceramic bowls are given to attendees to take home as a reminder that “somewhere, someone’s bowl is empty.”

“Our students are excited to be part of such a meaningful effort,” said Brenna Johnson, FHS art teacher and advisor for the Empty Bowls Club. “In addition to making ceramic bowls throughout the year, students volunteer the night of the event. It is a heartwarming experience to see these impressive young people so engaged with our community in such a worthwhile cause.”

The event includes a silent auction featuring more elaborate pieces that have been created and painted by members of the FHS Empty Bowls Club and community members. In addition, kids of all ages will have an opportunity to make a bowl to take home with them. Donations made via the Giving Wall will be used to purchase food for neighbors in need. All proceeds from the event will benefit the Franklin Food Pantry and will be used to fight hunger locally.

Tickets must be bought in advance and can be purchased online at www.franklinfoodpantry.org.

Seating is limited to 350 guests so tickets will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis. Depending on advance ticket sales, tickets may be available at the door. The cost is $20 for adults and $10 for children and students.

Empty Bowls is an international grass roots effort to fight hunger and raise funds to support local pantries. The Franklin Food Pantry and the FHS Empty Bowls Club work together to support the cause locally. For more information on the dinner, visit www.franklinfoodpantry.org or call 508-528-3115.


About the Franklin High School Empty Bowls Club
Franklin High School is participating in an international charity project called Empty Bowls, which supports hungry people in local communities. The objective of the Empty Bowls Club is to teach students of all ages that they can make a difference in their local community. Club members, along with FHS faculty, district K-12 art teachers, and the Franklin community, make ceramic bowls throughout the year. Then, the Empty Bowls Club and the Franklin Food Pantry work together to co-host a community meal of soup and bread. All funds raised at this event are donated to the Franklin Food Pantry. The Empty Bowls Club has been sponsored by the Franklin Cultural Council.

About the Franklin Food Pantry
The Franklin Food Pantry offers supplemental food assistance and household necessities to nearly 1,000 individuals. Clients have access to bread and fresh produce daily during Pantry hours. As a nonprofit organization, the Pantry depends entirely on donations, and receives no town or state funding. Other programs include a Mobile Pantry, Cooking Matters classes, a Healthy Futures Market, emergency food bags and holiday meal packages. The Pantry is located at 43 W. Central St. in Franklin on Route 140 across from the Franklin Fire Station. Visit www.franklinfoodpantry.org for more information.

"At the end of the day, we didn’t do what we needed to do”

Ryan Lanigan, founder and Editor-in-Chief of HockomockSports.com, provides the game recap for the Mansfield win over Franklin in the State D1 Championship on Saturday.

"Just when it looked like Mansfield would run away the state championship, Franklin. Stormed back with a big run and had a chance to make it a two-possession game. 
And no one was surprised because that’s the never-give-up type of team that Franklin is. 
But when Mansfield was able to weather the storm, keep its lead, and break the pressure to pull away in the final minutes, it didn’t come as a big surprise either, because that’s the team the Hornets have been this season. 
And with that, Mansfield earned a hard-fought 67-54 win over Franklin to earn the D1 State Championship, the first in program history."

Continue reading the article online
https://hockomocksports.com/mansfield-boys-basketball-beats-rival-franklin-for-first-state-championship/

For the gallery of photos from the game
https://hockomocksports.smugmug.com/20172018/Winter-2017-2018/Mansfield-Franklin-Boys-Basketball-D1-State-Final-03-17-18/

"At the end of the day, we didn’t do what we needed to do”
"At the end of the day, we didn’t do what we needed to do” (HockomockSports.com photo)

Reminder: Mustard’s Retreat plays Wrentham - Mar 23

Who: Mustard’s Retreat (David Tamulevich and Michael Hough)

When: 7:30 PM, Friday, March 23

Where: Original Congregational Church, 1 East St., Wrentham, MA 02093

Description:
Their special brand of folk music. Highly acclaimed as not only songwriters, but as interpreters of traditional and contemporary songs and stories, their show is full of enthusiasm, good humor and fine musicianship.

For more information and tickets, go to https://www.musicatocc.org.
For more about Mustard's Retreat  http://www.mustardsretreat.com/

Mustard’s Retreat plays Wrentham - Mar 23
Mustard’s Retreat plays Wrentham - Mar 23

Meet at the Hockomock Area YMCA for Camp Blast Family Night on Friday, March 30

The Hockomock Area YMCA invites residents in local communities to enjoy a ‘summer-like’ evening filled with fun and the chance to learn what camp is all about at our free Camp Blast Family Night. The event will take place on Friday, March 30th from 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM at our Bernon Family Branch (located at 45 Forge Hill Road, Franklin), at our Foxboro Branch (located at 67 Mechanic Street, Foxboro), and our North Attleboro Branch (located at 300 Elmwood Street, North Attleboro).

Learn why kids have the ‘Best Summer Ever’ when they attend Hockomock Area YMCA summer camps. Our Camp Blast Family Night will include opening and closing Ceremonies, face painting, camp songs, STEM, crafts, active games, raffles and prizes, a bouncy house, and more for all to enjoy. Children will get to participate in and experience Y Camp hands-on. Parents and prospective campers will have the chance to tour our camp facilities, meet camp directors and counselors, ask questions, and try out the many activities our summer camps offer. Go to hockymca.org/camp for more information.

At Camp Wiggi (Franklin), Camp WAPAWCA (Foxboro), and Camp Elmwood (North Attleboro) children look forward to built-in swim lessons, free swim, sports, STEM, gaga pit, arts and crafts, theatre, nature, games, music, archery, ropes team building, camper’s choice, fun weekly themes, special guests, field trips, and more. Grades 2-5 venture on weekly field trips to new and exciting places such as Launch Trampoline Park, museum of Science, Mystic Aquarium, Spring Lake, Breezy Acres, and so much more. On Wednesdays, special guests will come and visit with the first graders. Some of those visitors may be petting zoos, Frisbee catching dogs, magicians, and musicians.
Camp Blast Family Night  on Friday, March 30
Camp Blast Family Night  on Friday, March 30

Hockomock Area YMCA traditional camps include STEM programs to help close summer learning gaps between school years. The Hockomock Area YMCA offers 3, 4, and 5 day camp options as well as pre and post care from 7:00-9:00 AM and 4:00-6:00 PM for parents in need.

The YMCA is a mission-driven, non-profit organization that believes its programs and services should be available to everyone. For information about our financial assistance program, visit our website at hockymca.org. Scholarships are made available through the Hockomock Area YMCA’s Reach Out for Youth and Families Annual Campaign.

For more information about camp at the Hockomock Area YMCA, please visit hockymca.org/camp or call the Bernon Family Branch at 508.528.8708, Invensys Foxboro Branch at 508.772.1353, or the North Attleboro Branch at 508.695.7001.