Saturday, February 16, 2019

O Say Can You Sing is Back!


ArtWeek registration closes Feb. 22

ArtWeek is a 10-day festival, April 26 - May 5, 2019, featuring unique and unexpected arts and cultural experiences that are participatory, interactive, or offer behind-the-scenes access to artists or the creative process. 

Anyone can host a Franklin ArtWeek event ... and while the venue has to be in Franklin, the hosting organization does not! Successful events are often partnerships between artists and venues, such as a theater or dance performance in a restaurant, or an art workshop in a retail space. 

We are happy to help you find a partner for your ArtWeek event, which is a great way to promote your business to the community! We currently have several venues looking for artists or performers...email us if you're interested!


Register
http://www.artweekma.org/get-involved-support/create-an-artweek-event-for-2019/

ArtWeek web page
http://www.artweekma.org/

ArtWeek registration closes Feb. 22
ArtWeek registration closes Feb. 22


Friday, February 15, 2019

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA: FRI Feb 15 - THU Feb 21

Friday, February 15
 Book sale setup
10:00am
 Knitting Group
2:00pm
 FCD Website Kick-Off Meeting, 2/15/2019 2:00 PM Room 205 - Municipal Building
3:30pm
 Chess Club for Kids
Saturday, February 16
9:00am
 Book Sale
9:00am
 St Mary Women's Faith Formation
9:30am
 Family Yoga Adventure
10:00am
 Franklin Historical Museum (Always free)
10:30am
 Galentine's Day
1:00pm
 Hidden Figures Movie Screening
Sunday, February 17
1:00pm
 Franklin Historical Museum (always free)
3:00pm
 LiveARTS: Cello virtuoso Aron Zelkowicz
Monday, February 18
 Library Closed - Presidents Day
 Presidents' Day (regional holiday)
Tuesday, February 19
9:30am
 Cool Cruisers
10:30am
 Rockabye Beats with Marcos Valles
3:30pm
 Maker Break
Wednesday, February 20
10:30am
 Jungle Jim Manning
5:00pm
 Book Bites
5:30pm
 Spy Kids Movie Screening
Thursday, February 21
9:30am
 Baby Tummy Time
10:30am
 Ukulele Storytime
4:00pm
 Fandom Thursdays
6:00pm
 Murder at the 1980's Prom
6:00pm
 Volunteens

For the interactive version, please visit
For the Town of Franklin Public Meeting Calendar
http://www.franklinma.gov/calendar

Submit an event for the Community Calendar, please use this link

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA: FRI Feb 15 - THU Feb 21
Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA: FRI Feb 15 - THU Feb 21

FHS Indoor Track Results from MIAA D1 Meet - 2/14/19


MIAA Div 1 Indoor Track & Field Championships - 2/14/2019          
Reggie Lewis Track & Athletic Center 

The full set of performances for the D1 meet                 

The Franklin performances are found in the PDF embedded below:



FHS Panthers
FHS Panthers

Tri-County Regional Wrestling Coach Named MIWCA Division 3 Central Coach of the Year

It’s been quite the wrestling season for Tri-County Coach Steven LaPlante. Not only did the Tri-County Wrestling team win its first ever sectional title, but Coach LaPlante has been named the Massachusetts Interscholastic Wrestling Coaches Association (MIWCA) Division 3 Central Coach of the Year.

During this 2018-2019 wrestling season, Coach LaPlante also earned his 200th dual meet victory. “The accomplishment is representative of our program and the consistency we have built and sustained over time,” said Coach LaPlante. “The credit really goes to my assistant coaches and all the wrestlers who have worked together and competed so fiercely for the betterment of our team. Every year we strive to get better.”

“I think I have some of the best assistant coaches in the state,” says Coach LaPlante. Assistant coach, Drew Stowik, has been coaching with LaPlante from the beginning and Matt Hogan, an elite former Tri-County wrestler, has been coaching for the past 8 years. “Drew and Matt are a huge reason so many of our guys improve so much during their time wrestling for us,” said LaPlante.

This year, the team’s regular season record is 19-1 and they have claimed 5 tournament championships along with the Mayflower League title. The team also won the Small Division State Vocational Championship. “This team is arguably one of the most successful in the history of our program,” declared LaPlante. “The wrestlers’ willingness to personally invest in the program and work hard every day has driven our success.” 
Tri-County Coach Steven LaPlante
Tri-County Coach Steven LaPlante

Senior Captain, Kevin Carlucci of Franklin has enjoyed the benefits of the daily grind. This season, Carlucci broke the school’s career wins record. He will enter into D3 States with 140 career victories under his belt. Senior Captain, Harley Blanchette of Attleboro also reached a milestone this season, eclipsing 100 career victories back in December. Patrick Griffin, a Junior Captain of Franklin, has also put together a stellar season, by putting up a 39-4 record, and earning a sectional championship at 132 lbs. Dominic Parrella, a Senior Captain of Medway, joined his co-captains by claiming an individual state vocational championship at 220 lbs.

Coach LaPlante started out wrestling for Cumberland High School, under Hall of Fame Coach Steve Gordon. During his wrestling career, LaPlante was a 2-time state finalist and 3-time New England qualifier. He placed 4th in New England as a senior. His love of the sport led him to start coaching in 2005 and he has been coaching ever since.

In LaPlante’s first 3 years of coaching at Tri-County, the victories did not come easily. The team compiled an overall record of 20-34. Since 2008, however, the wrestling team has put together a dominant record of 195-30. During that time, the Cougars have accumulated a league record of 69-4, won 15 tournament titles, and claimed 8 Mayflower League Championships along the way.

Despite the Cougars’ aggressive, hard-nosed style of wrestling, LaPlante’s coaching style is driven more by caring and compassion. LaPlante emphasizes his coaching staff prioritizes each wrestlers’ personal development over wins. Above all, wrestling builds character, and LaPlante stresses that subscribing to this philosophy leads to greater success on and off the mat. 

When students sign up to be a part of Tri-County wrestling, they know they’re not just signing up to be a member of the team, but rather to become a part of a family that will make sacrifices for, and rely on, each other. “It’s larger than just being a member of a team,” added LaPlante. “It’s about being part of something greater than yourself.”

LaPlante further states, “There are many contributing factors to this season’s success. We’ve been fueled by dedicated wrestlers, meticulous team managers, a passionate coaching staff, and truly supportive families-especially my own.”

Coach LaPlante and the Tri-County Cougars are looking forward to divisional states this weekend in Wakefield, MA.

Tri-County RVTHS, located at 147 Pond Street in Franklin, is a recipient of the High Schools That Work Gold Achievement Award and serves the communities of Franklin, Medfield, Medway, Millis, Norfolk, North Attleboro, Plainville, Seekonk, Sherborn, Walpole, and Wrentham.

Hal Blenkhorn Promoted to General Manager of Tegra Medical’s Franklin Location

Tegra Medical, an end-to-end contract manufacturer of medical devices, is pleased to announce that Hal Blenkhorn has accepted the position of General Manager at the company’s Franklin, MA location. Blenkhorn will report to President/CEO J. Mark King and will be responsible for the local management team and plant operations.

Blenkhorn joined Tegra Medical in 2006 as Manufacturing Engineer and was promoted to his most recent role of Manufacturing Engineering Director in 2011.
“We are extremely excited Hal accepted this position and believe he is the ideal person to lead the Franklin facility,” said J. Mark King. “His years of excellence, hard work and dedication are an inspiration to us all. Hal’s reputation throughout the entire organization as well as with our customers and vendors sets him apart from all others.”

Blenkhorn previously worked at Cybex International and Waters Corporation in roles including lean manufacturing cell leader, production engineering technician and CNC machinist.

A Six Sigma Black Belt, Blenkhorn graduated from Wentworth Institute of Technology in Boston where he earned a BS degree in Mechanical Design Technology. He is currently participating in the SFS International Leadership Development Program (ILDP).

About Tegra Medical
Known as the company that brings medical devices to life, Tegra Medical is focused exclusively on the medical device industry, providing end-to-end solutions from prototyping to full production, and from complex components to finished medical devices. Offering a wide range of manufacturing technologies, the company creates devices used in cutting-edge procedures for leading surgical, interventional and orthopaedic companies. 
Tegra Medical has four manufacturing locations in the U.S. and Costa Rica (ISO 13485 and FDA registered, QSR compliant) with additional sales offices in the U.S. and Europe. Tegra Medical is a member of SFS.   https://www.tegramedical.com/

Tegra Medical
Tegra Medical "where medical devices come to life"

“Our lives aren’t just the moments we live, they’re the stories we tell” - Ron DiBona

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

FHS 40% Club hosts luncheon for Seniors
"Hundreds of yellow and pink pin-on ribbons littered a table at the Franklin High School cafeteria on Thursday, as students met residents from the Atria Senior Living for a Valentine’s Day luncheon. 
The yellow ribbons stand for happiness, while pink ribbons were for Valentine’s Day, said Brianna Ritchie, a nursing assistant at Atria. She said students have been more than accommodating for these types of events. 
“This is the happiest crew I’ve ever seen,” Ritchie laughed. “They haven’t stopped smiling since we’ve been here. They love it. This generation, I can’t even put into words. They’re just phenomenal.” 
Ritchie said at least 200 students made the effort during their lunch period to talk to senior citizens."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190215/franklin-high-students-senior-citizens-meet-for-lunch


Franklin High students, senior citizens meet for lunch
Franklin High students, senior citizens meet for lunch (@CountryGazette photo)

Commemorative News: Encore Music Academy is Expanding!


Encore Music Academy is Expanding

ENCORE MUSIC ACADEMY IS EXPANDING 


February 13, 2019

Dear Valued Encore Families and Friends:

On this, the seventh anniversary of the day we opened our doors for the very first time, we are beyond excited to announce that a new era has arrived at Encore! A long time in the planning, the acquisition of the entire upper floor of our 3 Bent Street facility in Franklin is complete.

As of Wednesday, May 1, 2019, Encore will occupy the entire building, relocating all Encore operations, lessons, classes, and ensembles to Franklin on a permanent basis! With over 7,000 square feet of operational space at our disposal, this acquisition increases Encore's footprint, allowing us to offer more lessons and classes on a daily basis, with room to grow. We are thrilled that our entire faculty and staff will, at last, be under one roof, allowing for a more streamlined customer service experience for you, our Encore family.

If you currently take lessons or classes at our Millis facility, as of May 1, your lessons and classes will take place in Franklin, just a four-minute ride (2 miles) from the Millis location. We have included a diagram here for your reference.
Encore Music Academy is Expanding
Encore Music Academy is Expanding
The Millis location will officially close as of April 30, although we may cease lessons and classes there on April 26 in order to facilitate the move. We will attempt to make this transition as seamless as possible; however, as we sort out spaces and schedules, we ask for your patience, flexibility, and cooperation. We expect there will be a settling-in period as we organize rooms and schedules, but will do our very best to create a comfortable experience for everyone at Encore. And here's the good news: We've done a full analysis and can confirm that 100% of ALL lessons and classes will retain the same day and time slots!

If you have questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to either Lisa or Pat. As always, we thank you for, and very much appreciate, your support.

With warmest regards,

Lisa Ostrow and Patrick Dreier
Co-Owners, Encore Music Academy and Recording Studios

Copyright © 2019 Encore Music Academy and Recording Studios, All rights reserved.

Our mailing address is:
Encore Music Academy and Recording Studios
3 Bent St
Franklin, MA 02038

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Thursday, February 14, 2019

Blues Legend James Montgomery Returns to THE BLACK BOX - Feb 16

THE BLACK BOX, downtown Franklin’s theater, music, and event venue, will present the renowned James Montgomery Band on Saturday, February 16 at 8 p.m.

While growing up in Detroit, blues legend James Montgomery learned firsthand from the masters - James Cotton, John Lee Hooker, and Jr. Wells - at the legendary “Chessmate.” Over the years, Montgomery has carried on in the tradition and continues to be a vital presence in Blues as one of the most dynamic performers on the scene.

He formed the James Montgomery Band in 1970 while attending Boston University. Montgomery’s inimitable harmonica playing, combined with his energetic live shows, led to the band’s quick ascension on the New England music scene. Within two years, the James Montgomery Band was among the hottest acts in Boston, along with J. Geils and Aerosmith, and they were quickly signed to a multi-album deal with Capricorn records.
Blues Legend James Montgomery Returns to THE BLACK BOX - Feb 16
Blues Legend James Montgomery Returns to THE BLACK BOX - Feb 16

Since that time, Montgomery has recorded six albums. His first, First Time Out, has been re-mastered and re-released by MRG/Capricorn. Others include James Montgomery Band on Island Records, which was number nine on Billboard’s national playlist; Duck Fever, with members of the David Letterman Band; Live Trax, with the Uptown Horns (the Rolling Stones’ horn section); and his release on Tone-Cool, The Oven Is On.

Montgomery has toured with major artists including Aerosmith, Bonnie Raitt, Bruce Springsteen, the Allman Brothers, Steve Miller and others. He has jammed on stage with B.B. King, Buddy Guy, John Lee Hooker, Jr. Wells, James Cotton, Charlie Daniels, Bonnie Raitt, Gregg Allman, Laverne Baker, Patti LaBelle, and Peter Wolf, among others, including an impromptu session with Mick Jagger at New York’s “Trax.”

Over the years, Montgomery’s band has been a springboard for many musicians, with members having included Billy Squire, Wayne Kramer (MC-5), Jeff Golub (Rod Stewart), Jim McCarty (Mitch Ryder and the Detroit Wheels), Jeff Pevar (Ray Charles Orchestra and Crosby, Stills & Nash), Bobby Chouinard (drummer with Ted Nugent, Squire, and Robert Gordon), Jeff Levine (Joe Cocker), Aerosmith’s Tom Gambel, and many others.

Local guitarist/singer-songwriter Baxter Hall will open the show. From Millis, MA, Hall is the lead guitarist with Dwayne Haggins, whose debut album 'Heavenly Rose' was released in October of 2018. When Hall was fourteen years old, he was invited to play at BB King’s club in New York City. Baxter Hall's official debut album is set to be released sometime in late 2019. This album is being produced by Grammy nominated guitarist and producer Duke Robillard.

THE BLACK BOX is located at 15 West Central St. A cash bar is available. For tickets and more information, visit www.theblackboxonline.com or call the box office at 508-528-3370.

Fellswater, Celtic Concert, at OCC Coffeehouse Saturday, March 2


occhurch-2.jpgOCC COFFEEHOUSE

Original Congregational Church
1 East Street, Wrentham, MA 02093
Phone: 508-384-3110



FELLSWATER

BOSTON'S CELTIC MUSIC ENSEMBLE
at OCC Coffeehouse
Saturday, March 2, 7:30 PM

Fellswater, Celtic Concert, at OCC Coffeehouse Saturday, March 2Fellswater is Boston's dynamic Celtic music ensemble. They are back by popular demand after selling out last year, so get your tickets early. They play a wide range of music from traditional to modern compositions that draws from the heritage of all the Celtic nations, especially Scotland, Ireland, Brittany and Canada. Their instrumentation changes depending on the musical selection and includes vocals, whistle, Irish flute, guitar, octave mandolin, violin, Scottish smallpipes, border pipes, acoustic bass guitar and percussion. See videos of some of their performances here  https://www.fellswater.com/watch/.

Formed in late 2008, Fellswater has performed for audiences ranging from 20 to 8,000. The ensemble has delighted audiences at New Hampshire Highland Games, Maine Highland Games, Blackstone River Theatre, Boston Celtic Music Fest, Colonial Williamsburg, notloB concert series, the Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo, and at the prestigious Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo last August.

Fellswater consists of Kyle Forsthoff, a diverse percussion performer, Betsy Ketudat playing violin and fife, Jim MacConduibh playing acoustic bass guitar, Irish bouzouki and guitar, Sarah MacConduibh playing whistle, Irish flute and fife, Andrew McIntosh on Scottish smallpipes and border pipes, Chris Myers playing guitars and octave mandolin, and as one of the vocalists, and Diane Myers as the second vocalist. All the band members are from the Massachusetts and Rhode Island area.

Tickets for the concert are $20 in advance and $25 at the door, available at the church office, 508-384-3110, or at www.musicatocc.org. The event will be in Fellowship Hall at the back of the church with entry from the parking lot behind the church. Parking is available behind the church and in the lot across the street.

OCC Coffeehouse is a non-profit organization affiliated with the Original Congregational Church in Wrentham. Doors open 30 minutes before the concert. Please call 508-384-8084, email occmusic99@gmail.com, or visit https://www.musicatocc.org for more information.

UPCOMING SHOWS

AT OCC COFFEEHOUSE (Tickets now available for all shows on website. All shows are general admission seating, so arrive early for good seats.):
Friday, April 5, 2019, Tom Rush, folk music icon, with Matt Nakoa.
Saturday, April 27, 2019, Bill & Kate Isles, an acoustic singer/soungwriter duo based in Duluth, Minnesota. Audiences feel they are listening to stories of the own lives, told by two of their best friends.

See website for complete OCC Coffeehouse season schedule, more details, and for ordering tickets.

FHS boys and girls basketball teams, girls hockey team post wins; Brigham reaches 1,000 points

Via HockomockSportswe share the results of the FHS sports action on Wednesday, Feb 13, 2019

Boys Basketball = Oliver Ames, 50 @ Franklin, 58 – Final
– Franklin scored 20 points in the final quarter to pull away from Oliver Ames to earn the win. The Tigers kept pace with the Panthers through the first three quarters, knotted at 14-14 after eight minutes and trailing by just three at half (25-22) and after three quarters (38-35). Franklin junior Chris Edgehill scored nine of his game-high 19 points in the fourth quarter, Jalen Samuels netted a third of his 15 points in the fourth, and Jack Rudolph (10 points) went 4-for-4 from the line to help the Panther secure the win. OA sophomore Amari Brown had a team-high 12 points while senior Jake Erlich added 11 points and senior Ethan Eckstrom finished with 10 points.

Boys Hockey = Franklin, 1 vs. St. John’s (Shrewsbury), 6 – Final

Girls Hockey = Franklin, 2 @ King Philip, 1 – Final
– Cassi Ronan and Regan Paterson each scored for the Panthers to earn the road win. Paterson and Amanda Lewandowski each had an assist for the Panthers.

Girls Basketball = Franklin, 53 @ Oliver Ames, 51 – Final
Josh Perry, Managing Editor of HockomockSports.com, provides the game recap:

"Midway through the third quarter of Wednesday night’s game at the Nixon Gym, Franklin junior center Ali Brigham was sent to the line with a chance to reach the 1,000-point milestone. She missed the first, but drilled the second one to become the first Franklin player to hit that mark since Kelley Meredith in 2008 (Kyle Gibson reached 1,000 points in 2011 for the Franklin boys).

After head coach John Leighton called a quick timeout, Brigham, who finished with a game-high 20 points and 12 rebounds, was mobbed by her teammates on the court.

There were plenty of hugs and smiles at that stage of the game, with the Franklin ahead 33-32, but Oliver Ames nearly put an early end to the celebrations when it took a seven-point lead in the fourth quarter. With three minutes to play, the Tigers led by four and it looked like Franklin’s unbeaten run through the league was about to end.

The Panthers rallied with a 13-4 run to close out the game, including 10-2 over the final three minutes, to pull out a 53-51 victory and allow Brigham the chance to savor her moment as well."

Continue reading the recap
https://hockomocksports.com/brigham-hits-milestone-and-franklin-girls-basketball-rally-to-win-at-oa/

For a Photo Gallery from this game
https://hockomocksports.smugmug.com/2018-2019/Winter-2018-2019/Oliver-Ames-Franklin-Girls-Basketball-2-13-19/

For other results around the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/wednesdays-schedule-scoreboard-02-13-19/

Franklin junior center Ali Brigham is mobbed by her teammates after scoring her 1,000th career point on a third quarter free throw at Oliver Ames. (Josh Perry/HockomockSports.com)
Franklin junior center Ali Brigham is mobbed by her teammates after scoring her 1,000th career point on a third quarter free throw at Oliver Ames. (Josh Perry/HockomockSports.com)