Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA: FRI - Apr 26 to THU - May 2

Friday, April 26

 ArtWeek

10:00am

 Knitting Group

10:30am

 Happy Feet! (Community Room)

2:30pm

 ArtWeek Kick Off! (Meeting Room)

7:30pm

 Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?

Saturday, April 27

 ArtWeek

7:00am

 CDMMEA Jr. District Concert Host

9:00am

 Earth Day - Clean up Franklin

10:00am

 Franklin Historical Museum (Always free)

1:30pm

 May Flowers Craft! (FoFL)

3:30pm

 Code it! (FoFL)

4:00pm

 Taste of ArtWeek

7:30pm

 Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?

7:30pm

 Bill & Kate Isles, Folk Duo

Sunday, April 28

 ArtWeek

9:00am

 Race for Recovery Walk/Run 5K

1:00pm

 Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

2:00pm

 Taste of Israel

4:00pm

 Diana Fanning (pianist)

Monday, April 29

 ArtWeek

10:30am

 Move Along

11:00am

 Toddler Playgroup

3:00pm

 Monday Crafternoons

3:30pm

 Dungeons & Dragons for Kids ( Teen Room)

6:00pm

 Sexually Explicit Images Legislation

6:30pm

 Charles River Meadowlands Community Forum

6:30pm

 Zentangle for Adults

7:00pm

 OSKEY Rehearsal

Tuesday, April 30

 ArtWeek

9:30am

 Cool Cruisers

10:30am

 Get Ready for Kindergarten

6:30pm

 Greg Maichuk Pastel Class

7:30pm

 Kenny Hadley Big Band with FHS Jazz Ensemble

Wednesday, May 1

 ArtWeek

10:30am

 Terrific Toddlers

11:00am

 Toddler Playgroup

6:00pm

 Affordable Housing Lottery - 35 Palomino Drive

7:00pm

 OSKEY Rehearsal

7:00pm

 Franklin Art Assoc - Monthly Meeting

Thursday, May 2

 ArtWeek

9:30am

 Baby Tummy Time

10:30am

 Story & Craft

4:00pm

 Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

5:45pm

 FAA Booster Mtg

6:00pm

 EMPTY BOWLS

6:00pm

 Annual Empty Bowls Dinner

6:00pm

 Volunteens

For the interactive version, please visit

http://www.franklinmatters.org/p/blog-page.html

For the Town of Franklin Public Meeting Calendar

http://www.franklinma.gov/calendar

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

https://goo.gl/forms/7Pr1iBuAiIna7cUo2

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA: FRI - Apr 19 to THU - Apr 25

Lt. Governor Polito and Representative Roy to host discussion on Sexually Explicit Images Legislation at FHS - Apr 29

On Monday, April 29, 2019, Representative Jeffrey N. Roy (D-Franklin) and Lt. Governor Karyn Polito will present an educational discussion highlighting legislation relative to the distribution of sexually explicit images. The event will take place at the Franklin High School Auditorium from 6:00-8:00 PM and is open to faculty, students, parents and members of the public.

The distribution of sexually explicit images is becoming an increasingly prevalent behavior among teens. Legislation filed by Representative Roy and Lt. Governor Polito helps to protect children from the harmful effects of transmission of explicit images by modernizing the laws to reflect the realities of cyber-bullying. 

The legislation provides additional tools for law enforcement along with educational programming that brings a coordinated effort and holistic approach to address this behavior among teens. Simultaneously, the legislation seeks to close a loophole in current law by creating penalties for adults who distribute sexually explicit images for the purpose of revenge or embarrassment. 

First filed in 2017, Sexually Explicit Images legislation has bipartisan support and if passed will join states from over half the country that have enacted similar legislation to protect their young citizens.

Lt. Governor Polito and Representative Roy to host discussion on
Sexually Explicit Images Legislation at FHS - Apr 29

FHS baseball, softball, and boys tennis post wins

Via HockomockSports, we share the results of the FHS sports action on Thursday, Apr 25, 2019


Baseball = North Attleboro, 1 @ Franklin, 3 – Final
– Franklin scored once in each the first, third, and sixth innings and junior Liam Dailey tossed a complete game with just one unearned run allowed as the Panthers beat North Attleboro to claim “The Cup” – the first year the trophy has been awarded since 1909. Alex Haba was the catalyst for two of those runs, drawing a two-out walk in the first, stealing second, and taking the next two bases on wild pitches. In the sixth, Haba tripled to right center and scored on a base hit from Jake Macchi. In the third, Joe Lizotte singled, took second on a pickoff attempt and scored on an RBI single from junior Jack Nally. Dailey scattered six hits, one walk, and four strikeouts. Jared Penta and Jake Carroll each had two hits for North. Sophomore Dennis Colleran allowed three hits, issues three walks, allowed two runs and struck out four in five innings of work.

Softball = Franklin, 5 @ North Attleboro, 1 – Final
– Franklin notched seven of its eight total hits in the sixth inning, resulting in five runs and a win on the road at North Attleboro. Ally Shea led off with a single, Anna Balkus had a bunt single and both moved up a base on an infield error. Gabby Golace drove in a run with a ground out, Maddy White followed with an RBI single, and back-to-back base hits from Jackie Cherry and Sarah Jackson loaded the bases. Tara Hartnett had a two-run single to make it 4-1 and Kylie Bouzan added an RBI single to plate Jackson to make it 5-1. North Attleboro took the lead in the bottom of the fourth on an RBI double from Katie Daby. Cherry earned the win in the circle, allowing just three hits, one walk and one hit batter with three strikeouts.

Boys Tennis = Franklin, 4 @ North Attleboro, 1 – Final
– For the second straight match, Franklin’s Liam Marr pulled out a big win, this time over North Attleboro’s Jonah Manso, in a battle of top sophomores in the league. Marr won 6-2, 6-2 while Rohan Herur notched a 6-3, 6-2 win at second singles. Franklin’s first doubles team of Saketh Saripalli and Vayshnav Malhotra recorded a 6-3, 6-1 win while Saket Gandham and Shoumik Sompally prevailed 6-3, 2-6, 10-6 at second doubles for the Panthers. North Attleboro sophomore Sam Gallagher won 6-0, 6-0 at third singles.

Girls Tennis = North Attleboro, 5 @ Franklin, 0 – Final 
– North Attleboro went on the road and won all five matches in straight sets to get the sweep. Tara Nair won 6-2, 6-0 at first singles, Mae McLaughlin recorded a 6-2, 6-4 win at second singles, and Olivia Wills picked up a 6-3, 6-2 win at third singles. North Attleboro’s first doubles team of Sam Martino and Haley Strom won 6-2, 6-2 at first doubles while Brototi Nandi and Jayli Carmichael won 6-3, 6-4 at second doubles.

For the other results around the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/thursdays-schedule-scoreboard-04-25-19/

FHS Panthers

Lifelong Music Academy: Summer 2019 Music Programs open for Registration

Lifelong Music Academy

Summer 2019 Music Programs

July 22 – August 2, 2019

8:30 AM – 12:30 PM

$340 per program



40 hours of summer music fun! Ensemble rehearsals, recreational time, spirit days and much more. Students end the two weeks with a performance and a celebration. All programs take place at Franklin High School except Rock Band Jr. and Musical Theater Jr., which are at Horace Mann Middle School.


CONCERT BAND – Entering 5th–6th grades with 1 or 2 years of playing experience

SYMPHONIC BAND – Entering 7th–9th grades with 1 or more years of playing experience

ROCK BAND JR. – Entering 4th–6th, no experience necessary

CONCERT STRINGS – Entering 4th–5th grades with 1 or 2 years of playing experience

SYMPHONIC STRINGS – Entering 6th–9th grades with 1 or more years of playing experience

MUSICAL THEATER JR. – Entering 3rd–5th grades, no experience necessary

MUSICAL THEATER – Entering 6th–8th grades, no experience necessary

TECHNICAL THEATER – Entering 6th–12th grades, no experience necessary


CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
https://reg.abcsignup.com/view/cal7a.aspx?ek=&ref=&aa=&sid1=&sid2=&as=79&wp=451&tz=&ms=&nav=&cc=&cat1=&cat2=&cat3=&aid=FPSLLI&rf=

Plus, we have a 6-week summer session of PRIVATE MUSIC LESSONS for students entering 3rd–12th grades, and adults. July 9 – August 14, Tuesdays or Wednesdays, depending on the instrument. Choose 4, 5 or 6 weeks that fit your schedule. $30 for 30-minute lessons, $60 for 60-minute lessons. Registration opening soon.


QUESTIONS? Email MusicAcademy@franklinps.net or call 508-613-1481.

Lifelong Music Academy:  Summer 2019 Music Programs open for Registration

Senate President Spilka, Chair Hinds Announce Members Of Revenue Working Group & Convene First Meeting

On Tuesday, the Massachusetts Senate announced the members of its Revenue Working Group during a press conference in the newly renovated Reading Room, adjacent to the historic Senate Chamber in the State House. Immediately after the press event the Revenue Working Group convened its first meeting.

Chaired by State Senator Adam G. Hinds (D- Pittsfield), who serves as the Senate chair of the Joint Committee on Revenue, the establishment of the Senate Revenue Working Group fulfills a vision first outlined by Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D- Ashland) during her inaugural address to Senate members on January 2, 2019.

“I am excited to be working with Senator Adam Hinds and the many distinguished members of the Revenue Working Group to take a close and comprehensive look at how our tax code is structured in Massachusetts,” said Senate President Spilka. “With all of the changes to how we live and work these days, it is important to see what is working, what is outdated, where we can improve, and how we can create a revenue system for the Commonwealth that is fair and functional for all of us. I am confident that we will find a way to continue to provide for the economic vibrancy of Massachusetts while allowing us to care for each other and fund our priorities.”

The Revenue Working Group is charged with assessing the existing Massachusetts revenue system and exploring ways to update and improve it, with the primary goal of ensuring the Commonwealth’s system of revenue collection generates sufficient funds in a predictable, sustainable and fair manner while contributing to a vibrant and competitive economy and ensuring taxpayer accountability.

As outlined by the Senate President, the Revenue Working Group is a part of the existing robust dialogue on the state’s current revenue system and tax policy on Beacon Hill, and will operate as a parallel effort with the Joint Committee on Revenue. Information gathered by the Working Group will help inform decisions made by Senator Hinds in his capacity as co-chair of the Committee during this legislative session, and will be available to Revenue Committee members and staff.

The Working Group will meet throughout the 2019-2020 legislative session, convene public forums in various locations across the state and recommend policy changes for future consideration by the Massachusetts Legislature. Legislative recommendations are not expected to be filed for consideration until 2021. The ongoing efforts of the Working Group throughout 2019-2020 is not expected to hinder legislative and policy decisions that may come before the House of Representatives and Senate during this legislative session.

“The members announced today are a deliberately inclusive, bipartisan and talented group representing business leaders and workers, non-governmental leaders and grassroots advocates, professors and tax attorneys,” said Senator Hinds. “Each brings a unique perspective and a lot of experience to the Working Group that I believe will ensure any recommendations that result from our efforts will be capable of gaining wide acceptance. My hope is that at the conclusion of our review of the tax code, the Working Group will make recommendations that are positive for working families and small businesses, and support economic growth and vital government investments in Massachusetts.”

The 21 members of the Senate Revenue Working Group announced were:

• Senator Adam G. Hinds, Chair, Senate Revenue Working Group
• Senator William Brownsberger (D- Belmont), Senate Vice Chair of the Committee on Revenue
• Frank Callahan, President, Massachusetts Building Trades Council AFL-CIO
• JD Chesloff, Executive Director, Mass Business Roundtable
• Nancy Creed, President, Springfield Regional Chamber
• Peter Enrich, Professor of Law, Northeastern University School of Law
• Deb Fastino, Executive Director, Coalition for Social Justice
• Senator Ryan Fattman (R- Sutton), Member, Joint Committee on Revenue
• Christina Fisher, Executive Director for Massachusetts and the Northeast, TechNet
• Hilary Bacon Gabrieli, Tax Policy Attorney
• Harris Gruman, Executive Director of the SEIU Massachusetts State Council
• Beth Huang, Director, Massachusetts Voter Table
• Eileen McAnneny, President, Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation
• Tim Murray, President & CEO, Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce
• Amy Pitter, President & CEO, Massachusetts Society of CPAs
• John Regan, Executive Vice President of Government Affairs, Associated Industries of Massachusetts
• Mayor Dan Rivera, City of Lawrence
• Marie-Frances Rivera, President, Massachusetts Budget & Policy Center
• James E. Rooney, President & CEO, Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce
• David E. Sullivan, Attorney
• Steven A. Tolman, President, Massachusetts AFL-CIO

It is the tradition of the Massachusetts Senate to, at times, establish working groups, independent of the Joint Committee process, to conduct robust assessments of key policy areas. This session, at the direction of President Spilka, the Senate is also convening working groups on Transportation and Mental Health.

Senate President Karen Spilka announces the members of the
Senate Revenue Working Group, chaired by Senator Adam Hinds

Earth Day - Beaver Pond - Sat, Apr 27 - 9 AM

For over 10 years, the Town of Franklin has conducted this event in an effort to educate the public on recycling, beautification, and general clean up of the town.

Earth Day is celebrated on April 22nd throughout the United States. Franklin will host our own Earth Day on Saturday April 27th at Beaver Pond from 9:00 AM - Noon.

We'll start at 9 AM with bagels and coffee and assigning clean up locations to all the volunteers. We have some kid friendly locations that are at parks and playgrounds. We also have some adult friendly locations along the edge of streets (Washington/Grove) that could really use a clean up. Not sure who litters anymore? But, we'll do our best to pick it all up. 

We will hand out trash bags and gloves to all the volunteers and ask that they leave them curbside for our DPW to pick up after the event. 

At 12:00 PM, we'll ask everyone to return back to Beaver Pond for a volunteer appreciation pizza lunch. We'll hand out community service certificates to all the HS kids that need them. Lets all pitch in to clean up Franklin!

Earth Day - Beaver Pond - Sat, Apr 27 - 9 AM

Your table awaits you at the Empty Bowls dinner May 2

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Have a seat at the table to end hunger Please join us! Next week our community will come together in support of the Franklin Food Pantry in our fight to end hunger. The 4th Annual Empty Bowls Dinner on Thursday, May 2 is a family-friendly event that raises funds and awareness for the Franklin Food Pantry as we work towards a hunger-free community. Here are some highlights of the event: Delicious soups donated by Whole Foods Market and 3 Restaurant, topped off with some warm fresh bread and a little something for your sweet tooth Kids can make a bowl to take home as part of ArtWeek, Franklin All participants are given a handmade ceramic bowl as a reminder that "somewhere, someone's bowl is empty" On site giving opportunities such as a Silent Auction of beautiful ceramic bowls, and a Giving Wall where you can purchase a bag of groceries for a Franklin family  Stop by the Franklin High School cafeteria any time between 6 - 8 p.m. and join us for a bowl of soup.  This very special evening is made possible through a wonderful collaboration with the Franklin High School Empty Bowls Club. It reflects the hard work of a dedicated and passionate group of EB Club members, district K-12 art teachers, their students and Franklin community members.  We will be selling 350 tickets through our website on a first-come, first-served basis. You can buy your tickets now online. https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E188424&id=18& There are also sponsorship opportunities available for groups and corporations.  Thank you so much for your support. We hope you can join us! Franklin Food Pantry       www.franklinfoodpantry.org  Our facility is generously donated by Rockland Trust. We are located at 43 West Central Street, Franklin MA, on Route 140 in the Rockland Trust parking lot,  across the street from the fire station.

Franklin Food Pantry, 43 West Central Street, PO Box 116, Franklin, MA 02038 Sent by mgeorges@franklinfoodpantry.org in collaboration with Try it free today

Franklin Gearing Up For Taste of ArtWeek - Apr 27

The Franklin Cultural Council and Random Smile Project charity are gearing up for Taste of ArtWeek, a huge kick-off celebration to Franklin ArtWeek, held on Saturday, April 27 from 4:00 - 8:00 pm on the Franklin Town Common. 

La Cantina Winery

Taste of ArtWeek is intended to give attendees a "taste" of what ArtWeek is all about. Nine sweet and savory food trucks will allow sampling of various cuisines from seafood to Italian and vegan ice cream to frozen cheesecake. Five craft beer and wine vendors, including Jack's Abby, Zelus, Crue Brew, Exhibit 'A', and La Cantina Winery, will offer tastes as well as full pours of their products. 

Jeff Roy's band

A series of seven live dance and music performers, including MA State Representative Jeff Roy's band, professional musicians from the Berklee School of Music, and nationally-known Dean College Dance Company, among others, will give attendees a flavor for what ArtWeek performances are all about. 

Over 30 artisans will show their handmade wares in the juried Craft Fair, and a hands-on and demo tent, called The ArtWeek Pavilion, will allow festival-goers to try their hand at a selection of painting, drawing, origami, sand art, spin art, and other artistic projects. A fine art exhibition, hosted by the Franklin Art Association, will round out the festival.

Taste of ArtWeek is the kick off event to Franklin's ArtWeek, which includes almost fifty events being held from April 26-May 5, 2019. 

For more information about Taste of ArtWeek, or to purchase tickets for the food trucks and beer & wine garden, please visit www.randomsmile.org/festival. The Craft Fair, ArtWeek Pavilion, live performances, and fine art exhibition are all free to attend. 

For a brochure of all Franklin ArtWeek events, please visit http://bit.ly/FAcalendar2019.

Franklin High School class of 1969 invited for 50th Reunion

Franklin High School invites Franklin High School class of 1969 alumni (and guest) to be honored for their 50th year reunion during this year’s Franklin High School graduation ceremony on June 7, 2019.

There will be a reception starting at 4:00 PM where alumni will be able to catch up with classmates and school faculty over light refreshments in the Franklin High School Media Center. 

Alumni will then take part in the graduation procession into the gymnasium where they will be honored during the ceremony.

For more details and to RSVP, visit the Franklin High School Alumni website at www.franklinps.net/franklin-high-school/alumni-organization or call 508-553-4814.

Franklin High School class of 1969 invited for 50th Reunion

FHS softball, boys and girls lacrosse, and boys tennis all post wins

Via HockomockSports, we share the results of the FHS sports action on Wednesday, Apr 24, 2019

Softball = Taunton, 1 @ Franklin, 2 – Final
– Franklin junior Sarah Jackson hit her second home run in as many games, this one a solo shot that broke a 1-1 tie to give the Panthers an upset win over Taunton, snapped the Tigers’ 28-game win streak dating back to last April. The Tigers took a 1-0 lead in the top of the fourth when Hanna Aldrich drove in Jaime Brown (two hits, two walks). Ally Shea led off the bottom of the fourth with a single and moved to second on an infield error. Courtesy runner Molly Collins scored on a two-out single from Maddy White to make it 1-1. Jackson broke the tie with a solo homer in the bottom of the fifth. Jackie Cherry earned the win, allowing five hits while strikeout out four. Kelsey White was solid in the circle for Taunton, striking out six.

Boys Lacrosse = Sharon, 2 @ Franklin, 25 – Final

Girls Lacrosse = Franklin, 19 @ Sharon, 6 – Final
– Annie Walsh had nine points, five goals and four assists, to lead Franklin to the win. It was the third straight game that the Panthers had held an opponent to six goals or fewer. Kelsey MacCallum added four goals and Jackie O’Neil had a goal and three assists in the win. Franklin goalie Gianna Cameron made six saves. Sharon was led by Emma Eberhardt, who scored four of the team’s six goals. Jenna Goldstein and Bridget McManus each scored for the Eagles and McManus also had a pair of assists. Rose Wald came up with 12 saves against the Franklin attack.

Boys Tennis = Stoughton, 0 @ Franklin, 5 – Final
– Franklin’s Liam Marr prevailed in a battle with Stoughton’s Waseem Sablon in a battle of two of the top sophomores in the league, securing a 6-4, -5 win to complete the Panthers’ sweep. Rohan Herur won 6-3, 6-2 at second singles, and Vayshnav Malhotra didn’t drop a game in a 6-0, 6-0 win at third singles. Saketh Saripalli and Lucas Gulick won 6-1, 6-0 at first doubles while Saket Gandham and Shoumik Sompally didn’t lose a game at second doubles.

Girls Tennis = Franklin, 2 @ Stoughton, 3 – Final

For the other results around the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/wednesdays-schedule-scoreboard-04-24-19/

FHS Panthers

"The Gift of Music" Fall Event: Save the Date - Nov 10, 2019

Give the gift of music at our gala event this Fall... 

Mark your calendars and join us once more for an unforgettable evening! The Encore Music Education Foundation presents "The Gift of Music", a fundraising gala this Fall on Sunday, November 10th at the Milford DoubleTree Hotel. Mark the date and stay tuned for more information in the coming months.  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

In the News: School budget cuts move forward; Commuters want State to improve their commute

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

School budget cuts move forward

"Even after a $100,000 reprieve, 13 teachers will likely lose their jobs and several fees will increase next year at Franklin Public Schools due to a townwide budget crunch caused by rising costs associated with municipal services and charter school expansion. 

The School Committee on Tuesday night voted to adopt a revised fiscal 2020 school budget of $64.6 million, down about $2.2 million from an original proposal of $66.8 million that the board agreed on last month. 

The revision comes after news of the town incurring a structural deficit entering fiscal 2020, which begins July 1. Superintendent Sara Ahern had announced earlier this month that the district needed to cut about $2.3 million from its budget due to the crisis, but that number was trimmed when the town agreed to add $100,000 after factoring in a proposed increase in state aid by the state House of Representatives and the sale of library bonds. 

Staffing cuts approved include eight faculty positions in grades seven and eight, two sixth-grade teaching positions and three elementary teaching positions. Other adjustments include raising the transportation fee by $35, increasing athletic fees by $25 and adding a $150 parking fee for high school students."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190424/franklin-school-board-oks-22m-in-cuts-to-budget

In the News: School budget cuts move forward

Commuters want State to improve their commute

"Workers are fed up with their commutes, according to a recent statewide poll of registered voters. 

Of the 1,200 participants, those with the longest commutes report the frustration has led them to consider changing jobs or leaving the region, according to the report prepared by The MassINC Polling Group. Sixty-six percent say there’s an urgent need to improve the state’s transportation system. 

“The levels of frustration we are seeing in this poll suggest a significant portion of workers are reaching a breaking point when it comes to their commutes,” said Steve Koczela, president of MassINC Polling, in a statement."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190424/report-mass-commuters-want-action-on-traffic-choked-roads-unreliable-transit