Katie Holbrook = new Softball Coach at FHS

via HockomockSports.com we hear that Franklin has announced Katie Holbrook as the new Softball Coach at FHS.

Franklin High athletic director Tom Angelo announced last week that Katie Holbrook had been hired to fill the softball coaching vacancy created by Kate Fallon’s move to rival King Philip. Holbrook is the owner of Brand New Ballgame, a baseball and softball training facility in Wrentham, and has coached club and showcase softball teams for more than a decade.

Holbrook was familiar with the Franklin program, community, and players from her role at Brand New Ballgame, and was excited about making the Panthers her first high school coaching role.

“Between them coming in for team practices or working in private practice or clinics with some of the kids, I’ve gotten a chance to really know them over the last six or seven years,” Holbrook said in a phone call this week. “I had a tie to Franklin and when Kate moved over I thought it’s a good, strong program, there’s a desire for strong leadership and I have a good tie to the community. It was the right place.”

She also noted that the familiarity with the players could make the transition easier. She said, “They know who I am at least by reputation, so I think that’s helpful. They know I care about Franklin, that I know about softball, and that I do this day-in, day-out. So, I think the buy-in period may be a little shorter for me than maybe someone else who was new to things.”

Continue reading the article online
https://hockomocksports.com/franklin-announces-katie-holbrook-as-new-softball-coach/

Katie Holbrook = new Softball Coach at FHS

FHS robotics team takes 2nd Place at WPI #SavageSoccer

via Twitter we share some success for the FHS robotics club from the weekend:

Incredibly proud of FHS Robotics! Yesterday we had 2 teams compete in #SavageSoccer at #WPI and had one robot make it to the finals, ultimately coming in 2nd! #STEAM #teamwork pic.twitter.com/b0ujGOOebO

— Alyssa Taranto (@MsTaranto) November 17, 2019

What is savage soccer?

"Savage Soccer began in 1995 and has continued since as an annual event hosted at WPI. Initially created as part of a university project (IQP), it is now coordinated each year by WPI students in their free time.

Savage Soccer is designed to help students learn about basic robotics principles and teamwork. The original focus was a way to get students 'psyched up' for the FIRST Robotics Competition. From its inception through the 2001 game, it challenged students to modify a radio controlled car with authorized parts that could best perform certain tasks like moving ping pong balls into goals while avoiding obstacles and other hazards. In 2002, the kits became more advanced as we started using the Robovation/Vex kits to make for a better competition and a more realistic version of FIRST. Each year the game is modified to present new goals and challenges for teams to test their creative abilities."

Continue reading about Savage Soccer at WPI  https://users.wpi.edu/~savage/About/

2nd place team (Twitter photo via @MsTaranto)

 

Franklin Economic Development Survey - your chance to provide input

The Town of Franklin, in conjunction with the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) are conducting a community survey regarding economic development in our town. 

Please click on this link to access the survey form:
https://forms.gle/6SJpXeWPvg2H37A96 

This survey will be available until December 13. 

There are hard copies available in the Town Administrator's office if needed. Thank you in advance for your input, ideas and feedback!

Franklin Economic Development Survey - Provide your input!

In the News: Medway votes to approve bag ban; new exit numbers coming to i495/MassPike

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

"Medway voted to ban carry-out plastic bags at its Fall Town Meeting Tuesday night in an effort to reduce litter and promote environmental sustainability. 

By a show of hands, Article 5 was approved by a little over half of residents present, amending the town’s general bylaws by adding a new article called “Article XXXII Plastic Bag Reduction.” The ban targets plastic check-out bags sold or provided to customers at any town establishment, but the following are still acceptable:

• Thin plastic bags used to protect delivered newspapers
• Laundry or dry-cleaning bags
• Thin film bags, typically without handles, used to contain produce, meat or fish
• Bags sold in packages containing multiple bags intended to be used for home food storage, garbage, waste, pet waste or yard waste
• Product bags (bag integrated into packaging of a product)
• Town Pay-As-You-Throw trash bags"

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20191119/medway-bans-plastic-check-out-bags

"Exit numbers on Massachusetts highways will be changing over the next two years, according to the Massachusetts Department of Transportation. 

The state currently utilizes a sequential exit numbering method and will change to a mileage-based exit system in order to comply with a federal mandate, which was laid out in 2009. 

Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Delaware are the only three states that do not comply with the federal mandate at this time."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20191119/mass-pike-and-495-are-among-massachusetts-highways-that-are-getting-new-exit-numbers

"Our mission is to connect, protect and celebrate our local communities”

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

"New Media Investment Group and Gannett finalized their merger Tuesday, putting top executives in position to move ahead with plans they believe will transform the new company’s local and national news brands, including USA TODAY, into a reinvented digital media powerhouse. 

The merger creates the largest U.S. media company by print circulation and one that will vie for the nation’s biggest online news and information audience. 

The new company’s CEOs – Mike Reed, who will lead the overall public entity under the name Gannett Co., and Paul Bascobert, who will lead an operating company called Gannett Media Corp. – told USA TODAY in a joint interview that they have a compelling opportunity to reinvent the business and expand digital revenue. Both said the company will continue to focus on its journalistic mission. 

“Our mission is to connect, protect and celebrate our local communities,” Bascobert said. “Great journalism really is the core of that mission. The question really becomes, what’s the sustainable and exciting business model that powers that mission?”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/zz/news/20191119/ceos-of-new-gannett-pivot-needed-for-digital-transformation-as-merger-completes

Franklin dog park looking for volunteers Saturday morning, Nov 23

Hello dog lovers.

We need volunteers on November 23, Saturday at 9 AM to spreed wood chips. We need extra wheelbarrows, shovels and rakes.

Refreshments will be there for the volunteers.

Thank you,

Furry Friends of The Franklin Dog Park volunteer committee 

Franklin dog park looking for volunteers Saturday morning, Nov 23

 

Vacancy - Franklin Planning Board, Associate Member

Vacancy - Franklin Planning Board, Associate Member

"The Town of Franklin is seeking to fill a vacant Associate Planning Board member position.

The Planning Board, established under Massachusetts General Laws (MGL) Chapter 41, Section 81A, is an elected board comprised of five members, each with a four year term, and one Associate Member. The Associate Member participates in all Planning Board hearings, but only votes on Special Permits if one of the members is unable to act.

Franklin Planning Board's primary responsibilities are to administer the Subdivision Control Law pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 41 and to issue certain special permits and site plan approval under the Town of Franklin Zoning By-Laws in order to ensure the public safety, interest and welfare of the residents of the Town.

For more information on the Planning Board please visit their page:   www.franklinma.gov/planning-board.

Please consider giving your time, expertise and perspective on behalf of your community. To apply please visit the Town's website and fill out the online volunteer form at:   http://franklinmaboards.vt-s.net/newcaf.php."

More about what the Planning Board does can be found in the Annual Report
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/08/franklin-election-2019-what-does.html

Vacancy - Franklin Planning Board, Associate Member

Franklin Public Schools: Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) “Focus of the Month”

"Dear Franklin Families!

Franklin Public Schools (FPS) remains committed to supporting student development in the five Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) competency areas: Self-Awareness, Self-Management, Social Awareness, Relationship Skills, and Responsible Decision-Making.

To accomplish this, we are excited to roll out the Franklin Public Schools (FPS) SEL "Focus of the Month". Our goal is to provide teachers and families with strategies that support students' social and emotional learning skills development. 

November and December is Self-Awareness month, and each school is participating in this initiative. We encourage families to participate as well!

Are you ready to begin? If so, take the "Try 2" Challenge, which can be found on our website. You may notice that you already use some of the easy-to-implement strategies at home! If you have a strategy that works for you or general feedback, you can share it by using the Focus of the Month Feedback Form.

The SEL website will continue to develop as we progress through each month. Also, please be on the lookout for SEL news and information in your school newsletter!"

Shared via 
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/franklinmaps/files/uploads/fps_sel_focus_of_the_month-nov_dec_2019_1.pdf

New SEL web page    https://sites.google.com/franklinps.net/sel/home

More about CASEL at  https://casel.org/

Franklin Public Schools: Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) “Focus of the Month”

"The Lived Theology of Dorothy Day" - Dec 7

The St. Mary Women's Faith Formation Group invites all women to attend a presentation on "The Lived Theology of Dorothy Day." The presentation will be December 7 from 9:30 - 10:30 AM in the St. Mary's Parish Hall (One Church Square, Franklin). 

The talk will be given by Fr. Vincent Daily, who comes to us from St. John XXIII Seminary, and is an expert on Dorothy Day. Come join us for a unique presentation and learn about a woman who was very influential in the modern church. The talk is certain to be thought provoking and informative.

Download your copy of the flyer:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczV1JyRVhmOUVwZHc1QTdOUTRjdl9nXzgzWmFz/view?usp=sharing

"The Lived Theology of Dorothy Day" - Dec 7

Save The Dates - Kindergarten Registration & Leaping into Kindergarten Assembly

Save The Dates - Kindergarten Registration and Leaping into Kindergarten Assembly

** Kindergarten Registration Class of 2033

• February 11, 2020 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM 
• February 12, 2020 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM 

Where: Municipal Building 3rd Floor Training Room


** Leaping into Kindergarten Assembly

• March 17, 2020 7 – 8:00 PM 

Where: Horace Mann Middle School Auditorium


Download your copy of the flyer:
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/franklinmaps/files/uploads/save_the_dates_2020_1.pdf

Save The Dates - Kindergarten Registration & Leaping into Kindergarten Assembly

 

Christmas Fair - December 7

Christmas Fair • December 7, 2019 • 9 AM to 2 PM
St. JOHN’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH, 237 Pleasant Street, Franklin

• Silent Auction • Raffle items • Gift Basket themes: sports; spa; food and wine; games and toys; pet toys • Gift cards for local restaurants and stores • Hand-made Christmas greenery • Hand-made scarves, mittens, hats • Cookie Walk features fudge, cookies and baked treats • Activities for the kids • Food and Drinks • Pictures with Santa Claus!

Call 508-528-2387
Like us Facebook: St John’s Episcopal Church
View www.stjohnsfranklinma.org

Christmas Fair - December 7

FHS Cheerleaders take 2nd in Regional Meet

Via Twitter: Congrats to the FHS Cheerleaders for their 2nd place finish at Regionals!

Congrats to our Cheer Team on their 2nd place finish at Regionals! On to STATES! #Letsgo pic.twitter.com/JzdOJXMEPV

— FranklinAthletics (@FHSSports) November 17, 2019

FHS Cheerleaders take 1st in State and 2nd in Regional Meets

updated with corrected info: "They placed 2nd in the Division 1 South competition Sunday and will compete in States Sunday November 24th at Worcester State College. Your article incorrectly says they won States. (They are defending Fall Div 1 champs) thank you!"

In the News: legislation on plastic bag ban and distracted driving maybe on Governor's desk this week

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

"The Massachusetts Senate is now scheduled to vote on not one, but two consumer product bans on Wednesday in its final formal session of the year.

The chamber teed up legislation Monday that would forbid retail businesses from providing customers with single-use plastic bags, placing it on an agenda that already includes a House-approved bill banning flavored tobacco products and imposing a 75 percent tax on e-cigarettes.

Under the bill (S 459), stores in most cases could only offer recyclable paper bags or reusable bags for a fee of at least 10 cents at the point of sale. Retail establishments would be required to remit 5 cents for each paper bag sold to the state, which would in turn be directed to communities to fund bag ban enforcement, recycling promotion, waste reduction and other local environmental efforts."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20191118/senate-vote-could-take-single-use-plastic-bag-ban-closer-to-reality

"Nine years after the state implemented a difficult-to-enforce ban on texting while driving, five months after legislative negotiators began the latest attempt to take phones out of drivers’ hands, and three and a half months after their original agreement collapsed, lawmakers Monday queued up a compromise bill that could reach the governor’s desk as soon as this week.

The legislation, filed with support from all six members of a conference committee tasked with resolving differences between the original House and Senate versions, would forbid the use of all handheld electronic devices behind the wheel, except for those in hands-free mode. Drivers could view electronic maps on a device mounted to the windshield, dashboard or center console, but they could not use their hands to interact with any electronic beyond a single touch or tap to active hands-free mode.

Motorists who violate the new regulation would face fines between $100 and $500, and third and subsequent offenses would be surchargeable for insurance purposes."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20191118/drivers-will-only-be-allow-hands-free-use-of-all-electronic-devices-if-bill-passes

How Christmas changed from a rowdy celebration to a family-centered event - Dec 8

Join Ken Turino of Historic New England for a delightful exploration of Christmas traditions from the 1600s through 1900, on Sunday, December 8. This illustrated lecture traces the development of the celebration of Christmas, from when it was outlawed in 17-century New England through the beginning of the 20th century, when all the trappings of a traditional Christmas were in place. 

Kenneth C. Turino, manager of community engagement and exhibitions at Historic New England, tells the story of how Christmas changed from a rowdy celebration to a family-centered event. 

Learn how Christmas trees became popular, halls were decked, and Santa Claus came to town. Do you send Christmas cards each year? Decorate your house inside and out? Join us and learn about the history of your favorite traditions. 

The museum opens at 1:00 PM and the presentation will begin at 1:10 PM. Please bring a donation for the Franklin Food Pantry. 

Our Second Sunday Speaker Series is sponsored by the Friends of the Franklin Historical Museum.

Museum winter hours are Saturday mornings 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM and Sunday afternoons 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM.

Visit the Franklin Historical Museum online at https://www.franklinmuseum1778.com/

Left: Christmas Card sent home to Franklin from Gerald Parmenter During WWII

For more about Historic New England, visit them on the web at https://www.historicnewengland.org/

For more about Ken Turino
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/reimagining-historic-house-museums-due-october-2019-ken-turino/
 

Fall cleanup - yard waste picked up on your normal trash day

via the Franklin DPW Facebook page, we find that the fall cleanup where your yard waste is picked up on your normal trash day, is this week, beginning Monday, November 18.

For more info about solid waste and recycling
https://www.franklinma.gov/recycling-solid-waste

For the online link to the solid waste flyer
https://www.franklinma.gov/recycling-solid-waste/files/20192020-solid-waste-mailer-and-calendar

For the Franklin DPW on Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/FranklinDPW/

Fall cleanup - yard waste picked up on your normal trash day