In the News: tunnel planning underway for rail trail; school funding revamp looked for; Holiday buffet at Gerry's Place

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

"The state Department of Conservation has given the town the go-ahead to design a tunnel that will connect the walking trail system from Bellingham to Franklin. 

The completed tunnel would provide a continuous pathway from Grove Street in Franklin into the connecting trail in Bellingham. 

The tunnel under Prospect Street in Franklin is a critical element in the trail. 

Trail users now have to cross the road and ascend down a steep, dirt path to get back to the path. There are remnants of an old tunnel."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20181211/franklin-readies-for-trail-improvements

tunnel planning underway for rail trail crossing on Prospect St

"A group of parents and advocates making their case for revamping the state’s school funding system on Monday nearly crossed paths with a top education official on his way to a budget office meeting. 

Members of Stand for Children Massachusetts delivered more than 1,700 letters to Gov. Charlie Baker, asking for what the group described as a more equitable school funding formula that would address rising and uncovered costs related to health care, English language learners and special education. 

As advocates stood outside Baker’s third-floor office discussing their request, Education Secretary James Peyser passed behind them, headed for the Executive Office of Administration and Finance. Peyser did not stop and talk with the group, telling reporters as he walked by that he was late for a meeting. 

“We’re in the middle of budget season,” Peyser said. “We’re obviously looking at everything and trying to do the best we can.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20181212/activists-seek-revamp-of-state-education-funding

"There was no aroma of international favorites wafting through the kitchen at Tri-Country Regional High School just yet. But there was the promise of them. 

On Tuesday afternoon, culinary arts students began some early prep work ahead of The international holiday buffet - a much-anticipated tradition at the school. 

This is the fifteenth year students learning the art of cookery have taken on the task of researching holiday dishes from around the globe and then presenting their finished dishes for the public to enjoy. The buffet will be held at Tri-County’s student-run restaurant, Gerry’s Place, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Thursday."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20181212/world-of-flavor-tri-county-students-prepare-for-annual-international-holiday-buffet

Tri-County Regional to Host Annual International Holiday Buffet on December 13

UPDATE: Pine Street Road Work completed

"Pine Street road is no longer closed for road work. Thank you for your patience."

In the News: police monitoring drunk driving closely; Court ruling on secret recordings

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

"Police will be looking for drugged and drunken drivers this holiday season as part of a campaign to make the roads safer, state public safety officials said Monday. 

They said the danger of driving while impaired by marijuana will be a central focus of the safe-driving campaign, which is the state’s first since stores began selling recreational marijuana in Massachusetts. The campaign will include television, public transit and internet advertisements in both English and Spanish. 

The Executive Office of Public Safety and Security plans to provide money to the State Police and 139 local departments to conduct “a stringent impaired driving enforcement effort” that will include sobriety checkpoints and patrols at high-incident locations. 

“Drivers impaired by marijuana, alcohol or any other drug threaten the safety of every other motorist on the road with them,” new Public Safety Secretary Thomas Turco said in a statement. “In 2016 alone, 79 innocent people were killed by impaired drivers. That’s unacceptable.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20181210/sober-drivers-safe-travels-urged-in-new-state-ad-campaign

"A federal judge has ruled that a Massachusetts law banning secret audio recordings of police or government officials is unconstitutional. 

MassLive.com reports Chief United State District Judge Patti Saris ruled Monday secret audio recordings of officials performing their duties in public is protected by the First Amendment. 

The conclusion of Sari’s decision reads, “the Court holds that Section 99 may not constitutionally prohibit the secret audio recording of government officials, including law enforcement officials, performing their duties in public spaces, subject to reasonable time, manner, and place restrictions.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20181211/federal-court-rules-ban-on-secret-recordings-unconstitutional-in-massachusetts

Franklin Cultural Council to Offer Artweek Festival Grants

The Franklin Cultural Council (FCC) announced today that it is again the community collaborator for ArtWeek, a statewide festival happening April 26 – May 5, 2019. Applications for the festival are now available at artweekma.org. 

The early bird deadline to submit an ArtWeek event is January 11, 2019 and the final deadline is February 22, 2019. The FCC will also be offering ArtWeek grants to events that are free and open to the public in Franklin. Grant applications open Dec. 15, 2018, and close Jan. 31, 2019.

ArtWeek is an award-winning innovative festival featuring hundreds of unique and creative experiences that are hands-on, interactive or offer behind-the-scenes access to arts, culture, and the creative process. Now an annual statewide festival, ArtWeek was born in Boston in 2013 and recently expanded its footprint across the Commonwealth.

"Franklin has one of the most vibrant arts scenes in MetroWest," says FCC Chair Stacey David. "Our role as a collaborator is to help artists, performers and venues partner together to create a truly memorable ArtWeek festival. Last year, there were 50 Franklin ArtWeek events, which was 10% of all the events in the state. We hope to offer as many again this year."

The Franklin Cultural Council ArtWeek grants are for up to $250 each for programs that are offered free of charge to the public, at a Franklin venue. Grant applications can be filed online at www.bit.ly/FCCartweekgrants. 

If you are an interested artist, educator, performer or venue that would like help creating an ArtWeek event, or for information on ArtWeek grants, please email FCC Chair Stacey David at franklinculturalcouncil02038@gmail.com.

About the Franklin Cultural Council — The mission of the Franklin Cultural Council (FCC) is to encourage participation and enhance opportunities for enrichment in the cultural arts and sciences throughout our community. Comprised of committed residents, the FCC meets monthly with the purpose of supporting events and programs through grants from the Town of Franklin, the Massachusetts Cultural Council, and the National Endowment for the Arts. 

About ArtWeek – Presented by Highland Street Foundation and produced by the Boch Center, ArtWeek has become an annual award-winning innovative festival featuring hundreds of unique and creative experiences. Statewide partners include: Mass Cultural Council, Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism as well as Mass Center for the Book, MASSCreative, MassHumanities, MassPoetry, New England Foundation for the Arts, New England Museum Association, Young Audiences of Massachusetts and VSA Massachusetts. To learn more about ArtWeek, visit www.artweekma.org.

Franklin Cultural Council to Offer
Artweek Festival Grants

The Hockomock Area YMCA Teamed Up with Soldiers’ Angels Treats for Troops to Collect Halloween Candy for Troops and Veterans

By virtue of families, non-profit groups, radio sponsorship and corporate philanthropy, the Hockomock Area YMCA is gratified to share results of the recent candy giveback spearheaded at the Franklin Y to aid and comfort the men, women and veterans of the United States Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard.

Treats for Troops ran successfully and was a rewarding initiative for Brandi Jacobs, senior membership experience director at the Franklin Y—who launched the community-wide effort. “Many times, following Halloween, the Y gets inquiries about sharing extra candy with soldiers. The Y has historically been happy to do so, however shipping costs can add up and that can be an obstacle toward pulling off such a drive.”

an astonishing 2,258 pounds
of candy–in 102 boxes

The Hockomock Area YMCA, with facilities in Franklin, Foxboro and North Attleboro, has 31,000 members as well as meaningful partnerships within the fifteen communities served. So when Jacobs enrolled on Halloween Day to become a Soldiers’ Angels drop-off site, she guessed there would be no shortage of donations. 

“In the end, our collective purpose to provide comfort to those who serve meant we would find a way to cover shipping costs and deliver donations where they would have the most impact. The fact that there is a national nonprofit, Soldiers’ Angels, that coordinates volunteers with the mission that no soldier goes unloved was instrumental in moving us in the right direction,” said Jacobs.

Shortly after sharing the drive’s goals and drop off locations, the Y received a call from radio host Ray Auger, intent on publicizing the drive over the 101.3 FM network. Donations following the November 8 radio interview with Jacobs poured in, including from the following: members of the YMCA, community members, Dell Technologies, Frederick W. Hartnett Middle School in Blackstone, Dudley Elementary School, and The Franklin Lion’s Club through their collection across Franklin public schools.

On November 19, an astonishing 2,258 pounds of candy–in 102 boxes–was loaded onto a truck headed to Stratton VAMC/Voluntary Service in Albany, NY. A sincere thank you goes out to Marine veteran Jeff Harris, owner of LBP Solutions of Foxboro, who offered to rent a truck and drive the candy to its destination.

Although the gesture of donating excess candy may seem small, it is a wonderful way to remind our men and women in the Armed Forces, as well as veterans of all eras, that we are all thankful for the services and sacrifices they have provided for our country and our families.

About Hockomock Area YMCA:Where Cause Meets Community. At the Hockomock Area YMCA, strengthening community is our cause. The Hockomock Area YMCA is an organization of men, women, and children sharing a commitment to nurture the potential of kids, promote healthy living, and foster a sense of social responsibility.

Our YMCA is committed to partnering and collaborating with others to create and deliver lasting personal and social change in the 15 communities we are privileged to serve. The Hockomock Area YMCA is a not-for-profit charitable cause-driven organization with facilities in North Attleboro, Foxboro, Franklin, and Mansfield. For more information, visit hockymca.org.


About Soldiers’ Angels:Soldiers' Angels is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides aid and comfort to the men and women of the United States Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, their families, and the growing veteran population. Founded in 2003 by the mother of two American soldiers, hundreds of thousands of Soldiers' Angels "Angel" volunteers assist veterans, wounded and deployed personnel and their families in a variety of unique and effective ways. (Tax ID# 20-0583415). Learn more at www.soldiersangels.org.

FHS Balkus, Atwood, Frongillo and Addi recognized by HockomockSports

We share the HockomockSports.com girls soccer awards for FHS. Note: all photos from HockomockSports.com


HOCKOMOCKSPORTS.COM BEST XI

Anna Balkus

Anna Balkus – Franklin – Midfield
Franklin junior Anna Balkus played all across the midfield and spent some time up front for the Panthers this season and her energy and versatility helped the program bounce back and challenge Mansfield for the Kelley-Rex division title. Balkus scored six goals this season and added three assists, but she also gave the team leadership and was the motor in the center of the pitch. Franklin coach Tom Geysen said, “Anna played all three midfield positions and all positions up front as well. She is an outstanding two-way player with boundless energy and stamina. Anna can play any position on the field.”

Breanna Atwood

Breanna Atwood – Franklin – Goalie
Franklin junior goalie Breanna Atwood continued a long run of strong goalkeeping for the Panthers with a stellar season between the posts. Atwood played all 18 games for the Panthers this season and recorded nine clean sheets. The Panthers allowed a league-low 10 goals this season and only King Philip managed to score more than one goal in a game against Franklin this year. Franklin coach Tom Geysen said, “Bre was a major reason we gave up two goals only once and one or none in all the other games. She’s athletic, tough mentally and physically, and plays at her best under pressure.”


HOCKOMOCKSPORTS.COM SECOND XI

Calen Frongillo

Calen Frongillo – Franklin – Midfield
Franklin senior midfielder Calen Frongillo was the top playmaker for the Panthers this season, leading the team with 14 points on two goals and 12 assists. Providing strength on the ball and control in the center of the pitch, Frongillo showed an eye for a dangerous pass and the skill to spray the ball from side to side and open up scoring opportunities for her teammates. She was also dangerous from set pieces. Franklin coach Tom Geysen said, “Calen has great vision and touch on the ball and is very dangerous on restarts, corners and anticipating in the box. She has a very high soccer IQ.”

Sabrina Addi

Sabrina Addi – Franklin – Defense
Franklin junior defender Sabrina Addi was stellar in the heart of the league’s top defensive unit, helping the Panthers allow a league-low 10 goals this season. Addi provided a physical presence, had the speed and read the game well enough to always be in the right spot and formed a formidable partnership with Grace Gallo in the middle. Addi also scored once and had three assists as one of Franklin’s set piece takers. Franklin coach Tom Geysen said, “Sabrina was a rock in the back. She has great soccer skills, is very good in the air, is physical and aggressive and demonstrates great leadership skills at all times.”

For all the awards for girls soccer
https://hockomocksports.com/awards/girls-soccer/2018-2/

FHS Edgehill "player to watch"; FHS girls basketball preview via HockomockSports

Via HockomockSports we share the FHS information from the "Top 10 boys basketball players to watch" and the FHS girls basketball preview. 


CHRIS EDGEHILL, JUNIOR – FRANKLIN

Franklin’s Chris Edgehill became just the second sophomore to be selected to the HockomockSports.com First Team, joining Mansfield’s Brendan Hill in 2013. Edgehill enters his junior year with two years of starting experience and has helped the Panthers reach the D1 State Finals in both of those seasons. 

As a sophomore, Edgehill led the Panthers in scoring with 17.1 points per game while dishing out 3.5 assists and grabbing 2.5 rebounds. Don’t be surprised if he replicates those numbers this year, or even improves on them. Edgehill is one of the most dangerous shooters in the region and on top of that, he’s a gifted scorer around the rim. 

He isn’t afraid of contact, and he’ll make you pay with terrific free throw shooting. There will certainly be a lot of defensive attention on Edgehill after what he’s accomplished the past two years, but Edgehill will make sure to get the players around him involved.

for the other players to watch around the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/boys-basketball-players-to-watch-2018-2019/


Franklin
2016-2017 Record: 15-9
2016-2017 Finish: Reached Div. 1 Central first round.
Coach: John Leighton

The Panthers bring back 10 players from last year’s roster, which reached the state tournament but lost in the opening round to Natick, and there are high expectations on Oak St. as the new season gets underway. Franklin enters the season as the favorite in the Kelley-Rex division and its balanced lineup has the potential to make a run in the state tournament as well.

Much of the enthusiasm for Franklin’s chances this winter come from 6-foot-3 center Ali Brigham. The junior recently committed to George Washington (where her father once played) and is the lone returning player from last season HockomockSports.com First Team. While she (deservedly) garners much of the attention, the Panthers have a number of other weapons to give the opposition headaches. Senior guard Bea Bondhus, who committed to Springfield College, is one of the top three-point shooters in the Hock and sophomore guard Elizabeth Wilson is back from an injury that cut short the promising start to her varsity career.

The Panthers will also bring back versatile junior forwards Megan O’Connell and Breanna Atwood, who add size in the paint but can also take defenders off the dribble or knock down outside shots. Seniors Hailey Sanders and Calen Frongillo add depth to the frontcourt, while senior Shannon Gray and juniors Kelsey MacCallum and Sydney Garilli are capable of stepping in at either guard position.

“It is our goal to compete each night and to improve from last year,” said Franklin coach John Leighton. “With 10 returning players, we feel our experience will help us to better prepare for the season and compete against the best in our league.”


Continue reading the girls basketball preview
https://hockomocksports.com/2018-2019-hockomock-girls-basketball-preview/

FHS Panthers