Lifelong Learning Announces Fall 2021 Programs - Registration Now Open

Registration is now open at Franklin’s Lifelong Learning Institute. We are so happy to be back! We hope you can join us. 

Lifelong Learning is the community education branch of Franklin Public Schools, and provides educational experiences for Franklin residents, and those from surrounding towns, from elementary school through retirement.

In Lifelong Community Learning, adult participants can choose from a very interesting variety of options this fall, including Arts & Crafts, Exercise & Wellness, Team Sports, and Online Learning. Some of the exercise and sports choices are: Badminton, LaBlast Dance Fitness, Yoga, Volleyball, and Ladies Light Hiking.  

For children, Lifelong Community Learning’s ever popular Kids’ Corner program is once again offering Kids’ Cooking classes. In these 1-hour classes, students will gain kitchen skills like searing, sautéing, folding, and more. They will create 1 -2 dishes per week depending on complexity and timing.

Lifelong Music Academy’s after-school music options for students in grades 3-12 are also back this year.  The Band School offers beginner instruction for grades 4-5 and Honor Band for grades 6-9. The String School offers a progression of levels for grades 3-12. The Chorus School focuses on grades 3-5 with our popular Elementary Glee program. Plus, we offer one-on-one private music lessons for grades 2-12 (plus adults!) in 16 different instruments.

The Solutions Extended Day program from Lifelong Learning offers a safe and enriching program before and after school (Franklin Public Elementary Schools only) to accommodate the needs of a working family. There is limited availability at many schools right now. Check the website for details.

Currently all Lifelong Learning students who are enrolled in classes held in a Franklin Public Schools building will need to abide by the FPS mask policy which reads, “Effective August 25, 2021 all students, staff, and visitors are required to wear masks in school buildings.”   

Visit www.FranklinLifelongLearning.com for full course details and to register.  You may also call Lifelong Community Learning at 508-613-1480, Lifelong Music Academy at 508-613-1481, or Solutions Extended Day at 508-613-1771.

 

Lifelong Learning Announces Fall 2021 Programs - Registration Now Open

Football: 2021 Kelley-Rex Division Preview - FHS

Via @HockomockSports we share the Football: 2021 Kelley-Rex Division Preview for FHS. Link to the full league preview is found below  

FRANKLIN
2020 Record: 3-4
Coach: Eian Bain

Key/Returning Players: 

Jared Arone, Sr., QB; Shane Kindred, Sr., WR; Will Tracey, Sr., WR; Mack Gulla, Sr., RB; Ethan Aeillo, Sr., OL; Jack Porkorny, Sr., OL; Jonathan Martins, Sr., DL; Cullen Pek, Sr., LB; Joe Tirrell, Sr., DB; Luke Davis, Jr., DB.

Outlook:

"All eyes are on Mansfield and King Philip as the favorites in the Kelley-Rex and that’s how coach Eian Bain likes it. The Panthers are certainly flying under the radar a bit but that might not last very long, especially after their success during the preseason has turned some heads.

Having a lot of familiar faces in key positions will be an early advantage for the Panthers, who have a strong non-league schedule that starts with Wachusett and features perennial state powerhouse Duxbury. Senior Jared Arone gained a lot of experience at quarterback during the Fall 2 season and could be poised for a big year with a full schedule on tap. Part of the reason why is because of all the weapons around him. Both Shane Kindred and Will Tracey developed a lot of chemistry with the QB in the abbreviated season and will be his main two targets this year.

And while the Panthers have developed a reputation for a pass-heavy offense, we saw a much more balanced approach during the spring and with senior running back Mack Gulla ready for a breakout season, it’s likely that balance continues. Gulla is a tough runner that will keep defenses honest; he isn’t just going to help set up the passing game, he’s a true threat to run all over defenses. It will all start up front and the Panthers have center Ethan Aeillo and tackle Jack Porkorny back in starting roles.

Senior Joe Tirrell and junior Luke Davis give the Panthers a veteran presence in the secondary. Franklin allowed over 20 points per game last season but will be looking to bring that number down some this year as they try and establish themselves as a contender in the division. Senior Jonathan Martins impressed last season and will be a key piece on the defensive line while the linebackers will be anchored by senior Cullen Pek.

“The Panthers return many familiar faces but face a tough task of replacing some key positions,” Bain said. “Many players have stepped up but there is still a lot to be answered before the home opener against Wachusett.”

To read the complete Hockomock Kelley-Rex Division Football preview

https://hockomocksports.com/football-2021-kelley-rex-division-preview/

Football: 2021 Kelley-Rex Division Preview - FHS

2021 Hockomock League Volleyball Preview - FHS

Via @HockomockSports we share the 2021 Hockomock League Volleyball Preview for FHS. Link to the full league preview is found below  

2019 Record: 12-1
Coach: Samantha Elliott

FRANKLIN

"Franklin has won at least a share of the past three Kelley-Rex titles and last year also claimed the first-ever Hock Cup. Even while graduating important players, like leading hitter Ally Bonnet-Eymard, the Panthers continue to build squads that look ready to compete for the title every season.

The strength for the Panthers is at setter. Senior Cailyn Mackintosh is a three-year starter and one of the best passers in the league. Her ability to spread the ball around and hit spots opens up the floor for the offense and makes Franklin hard to match up against. Sophomore Taylor Lacerda will be one of Mackintosh’s top targets this year following a strong freshman season on the outside. Senior Lindsey Tarantola will be the main threat in the middle and senior Brigid Earley will be back at opposite. Defensively, the Panthers will count on senior Meghan Linkkila, who will be moving from defensive specialist to libero this season, to control the back row.

“I have high expectations for these players but more importantly they have high expectations for themselves,” said second-year Franklin coach Samantha Elliott. “This team is striving to continue proving themselves and working hard to be the best they can be, and hopefully, that is another Hockomock title."

To read the complete Hockomock volleyball preview
https://hockomocksports.com/2021-hockomock-league-volleyball-preview/ 

2021 Hockomock League Volleyball Preview - FHS

2021 Hockomock Football: Players to Watch on Offense - FHS

From HockomockSports.com we share the "2021 Hockomock Football: Players to Watch on Offense"  for Franklin High School. Link to the full listing is shared below.

JARED ARONE, SENIOR – FRANKLIN

"Playing quarterback in an up-tempo, pass-heavy offensive set against the defenses in the Kelley-Rex division is a difficult task for an experienced signal-caller. Arone stepped behind center for the Panthers last year and got his first taste of varsity action. 

Now, a few months later, Arone will try to build on that experience to make the Franklin offense even more potent. From the opening game, against a loaded Mansfield defense, Arone showed that he has the accuracy to make the offense tick and the willingness to stand in the pocket and make throws down field. He developed a better rapport with his also relatively inexperienced receivers over the course of the season and there is potential for the Panthers to be prolific in the passing game this fall. 

In a division that continues to be loaded with talent, Franklin will hope that Arone can continue his growth and help the Panthers challenge perennial powers Mansfield and KP for the Kelley-Rex crown."

For the complete listing
https://hockomocksports.com/2021-hockomock-football-players-to-watch-on-offense/

2021 Hockomock Football: Players to Watch on Offense - FHS

FHS girls soccer team opens season with 3-0 win vs. Canton

Via @HockomockSports and Twitter we share the results of FHS fall sports action on Thursday, Sep 9, 2021 

Girls Soccer = Canton, 0 @ Franklin, 3 – Final

"Bigggg 3-0 win over Canton today!! Goals from Anya (2) and Riley + assists from Izzy, Riley, and Kelly O! G2 goes to Riley "

https://twitter.com/fhsgvsoccer/status/1436113472203501569

For other results around the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/thursdays-schedule-scoreboard-09-09-21/ 

FHS girls soccer team opens season with 3-0 win vs. Canton

Call for Community Input: Franklin Public Schools ESSER III Fund Survey

Call for Community Input: FPS ESSER III Fund Survey

Survey closes Wednesday, September 15th, 2021 at 4pm.

Through the American Rescue Plan, Franklin Public School District was granted $1,046,173 in ESSER III funds to be spent through June 2024. These funds will be disbursed via a multi-year plan with the goal of supporting district response during the COVID-19 pandemic. FPS is seeking input from community stakeholders as a part of the planning process. The survey will close on Wednesday, September 15th at 4pm.

Franklin Public Schools has created this survey to inform each stakeholder group of anticipated district priorities and to collect feedback around anticipated activities involving these funds. Community Stakeholders refers to students, parents/ guardians, FPS employees, Franklin residents, groups representing the interests of school children, and more. Community Stakeholder input is encouraged and accessible through this survey, which can be accessed via the link below.

ESSER III Community Input Survey

Link ->  https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfXcyoJIeIEIR-g2SJEW-s2fcQYs8W2uW10mUnZ0feUdgCHOA/viewform

More information regarding American Rescue/ Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund :

The American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act of 2021, Public Law 117-2, was enacted on March 11, 2021. The ARP Act provides additional funding for school districts to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Education portion of ARP is known as the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER III or ARP ESSER) Fund. The purpose of the ESSER III fund is to support the safe reopening and sustaining safe operations of schools while meeting students' academic, social, emotional, and mental health needs resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. 

A full scope of requirements is available here: https://www.doe.mass.edu/federalgrants/esser/

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/call-community-input-fps-esser-iii-fund-survey

Call for Community Input: Franklin Public Schools ESSER III Fund Survey

Registration is open for 2021 Food Elves

"Registration is open for 2021 Food Elves! 

Earn #communityservice hours and help fight hunger in your community.
@FHS_EmptyBowls @FranklinHS @FoodElves
#foodelves "

For more info, please visit ->  https://t.co/kUiwXbrjIO 

Shared from Twitter -> https://t.co/aM4NZLF5g0

Registration is open for 2021 Food Elves

Franklin, MA: The Railroad in Franklin (video)

Joe Landry presented at the Franklin Senior Center on Wednesday, Sep 8, 2021 

 

Direct link -> https://youtu.be/ybL3JUiRDsc

NATURE: A Walking Play -> Sep 24 - Oct 3

"NATURE: A Walking Play is coming to Bird Park! Don’t miss this immersive and family-friendly performance that highlights the natural world and Emerson & Thoreau’s love for nature.  

Walk along with the actors as the play’s scenes unfold throughout beautiful Bird Park.  

Performances at the park run from September 24-October 3. Please visit https://thetrustees.org/program/nature-play/ to order tickets. 

Performances also take place at Fruitlands Museum in Harvard and Appleton Farms in Ipswich."

Shared from Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/187390667963129/posts/4516651385037014/

NATURE: A Walking Play  -> Sep 24 - Oct 3

Mass Cultural Council: Artist News - September 2021

A periodic newsletter for artists from Mass Cultural Council

View this email in your browser Artist News Announcing the 2022 Artist Fellowships Grant Cycle Lynda Schlosberg (Painting Fellow '20), Crossing Over (2019). Mass Cultural Council believes that the work of individual artists is essential to a thriving society. We are excited to announce the launch of the Fiscal Year 2022 grant cycle of the Artist Fellowships to support Massachusetts artists and their exceptional creative work.   The Artist Fellowships are unrestricted, anonymously-judged awards. Grant decisions are based solely on the artistic quality and creative ability of the original work submitted. (Please note the Traditional Arts category is not anonymously-judged and has slightly different criteria and rules.)   This cycle, Mass Cultural Council is committing over $1 million to the Artist Fellowships, with the goal of doubling the artists funded through the program. The Fellowship grants are $15,000. Finalist awards will increase this year from $1,500 to $5,000.   Currently, we welcome Artist Fellowship applications in: Choreography Poetry Traditional Arts Info Session: October 5, 2021. Deadline: October 25, 2021   Beginning December 15, 2021 (expected), we will accept applications in: Drawing & Printmaking Fiction/Creative Nonfiction Painting Deadline: January 24, 2022 Learn more and apply now. https://massculturalcouncil.org/artists-art/artist-fellowships/application-process/ Artists Department Kelly Bennett, Exhibitions Curator/Program Officer (Visual Arts & Choreography) Dan Blask, Program Officer (Literary Arts, Film/Video, & Music Composition) Maggie Holtzberg, Folk Arts Program Manager About Mass Cultural Council Mass Cultural Council is a state agency supporting the arts, sciences, and humanities, to improve the quality of life in Massachusetts and its communities. It pursues its mission through a combination of grants, services, and advocacy for nonprofit cultural organizations, schools, communities, and artists. Copyright © 2021 Mass Cultural Council, All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: Mass Cultural Council 10 St. James Avenue Boston, MA 02116 The newsletter was shortened for publication here. For the full contents please visit this link -> https://mailchi.mp/art/artist-news-546522?e=b386273bd4

Franklin Cultural Festival - main stage schedule for 9/12/21

The Franklin Cultural Festival happens on Sunday, Sep 12 in and around the Town Common from noon to 6 PM.

The main stage schedule looks like this:

12:30 -> Franklin School of the Performing Arts

1:30 -> INDIA SHOWCASE

2:00 -> @ the Kid's Corner, "Puppet Showcase Theater"

2:30-3:30 -> "The Pamela Means Project"

3:30 -> @ the Kid's Corner, "Puppet Showcase Theater"

4:00 -? Salsa Dance Instructions by RI Latin Dance School

4:30 - 6:00 -> Eguie Castrillo & Mar del Norte Salsa Orchestra 

The map of the events in and around the Town Common

• food trucks on Main St
• beer/wine garden on the Hayward Manor grounds
• artisan vendors along the Common walkways

Follow the Franklin Cultural Council for updates:   https://www.facebook.com/FranklinCulturalCouncil

Follow the event on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/186230283428825

Franklin Cultural Festival  9/12/21

Farmers market: Kitchen Sink Quintet plays in background for zucchini races - Sep 10

"We are excited to have the Kitchen Sink Quintet join us again this Friday. They will be performing from 4-6 PM in the Gazebo. "

Shared from Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/533086900084632/posts/4558620137531268/

Additional info on the races and rules can be found ->   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/08/zucchini-races-return-to-farmers-market.html

Farmers market: Kitchen Sink Quintet plays in background for zucchini races - Sep 10

Spier Family Kindness for Kids 5K and Family Fun Day - Sep 19

On Sunday, September 19, the Hockomock Area YMCA will hold the Spier Family Kindness for Kids 5K and Family Fun Day at Patriot Place’s Enel Plaza, located outside The Patriots Hall of Fame Presented by Raytheon. This year’s event will also include a new two-mile race for kids ages 12 and under, along with free, family-friendly activities provided by community partners. All proceeds from this family event will benefit the Y’s Food Access Programs.

Greg Spier, longtime YMCA board member and community leader expressed, “My wife Kathy and I are so excited to sponsor this great event, bringing families together for healthy activities while raising awareness of our Y’s ongoing food security programs.” 

Since March 2020, the Hockomock Area YMCA has provided more than 380,000 grab & go meals and  more than 40,000 bags of food, valued at $50 each, to those in need in local communities.  

“Patriot Place is so proud to the support the important work of the Hockomock Area YMCA to help our neighbors in these challenging times,” said Brian Earley, Vice President and General Manager of Patriot Place. “We have partnered with Greg and Kathy Spier and the Hockomock Area YMCA for many years and look forward to working with them again to host this family-friendly community event at Patriot Place on September 19.”  

The 5K will begin at 8 a.m., and individuals, families and teams are welcome to run or walk. The Two Mile Youth Run and Fun Run will begin at 9 a.m.  From 8 a.m. to 11 a.m., all are welcome to participate in the Spier Family Fun Day – a free family event where children can take part in activities, crafts, and more! 

Online registration for the Spier Family Kindness for Kids 5K and youth races is open now through September 16. Interested participants can register for the 5K for $25 and for the Two-Mile Race for $15.  There is no charge for the Fun Run, but advance registration is required. Further details and registration information is available at www.hockymca.org/5k-family-day. Attendees are also encouraged to bring non-perishable food items to “Stuff the Truck” to assist those in need.  

The first 200 registrants will receive a commemorative Kindness for Kids 5K shirt and the first 200 youth to register for either the Fun Run or the Two-mile Youth Run will receive a coupon for a free month of swim lessons at the Hockomock Area YMCA. Medals will be awarded to all youth who participate.

September 19 activities timeline: 
7:00 a.m. Race registration opens at Patriot Place Enel Plaza (available now at www.hockymca.org/5k-family-day)
8:00 a.m. Family Day begins, runs until 11:00 a.m. 
8:00 a.m. 5K race begins
9:00 a.m. Two-mile Youth Run and Fun Run begin

About The 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 PATRIOT PLACE

Patriot Place is a shopping, dining and entertainment destination located adjacent to Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. Patriot Place features large and boutique retailers, 23 casual to high-end restaurants and other nightlife venues. Among the highlights of Patriot Place are New England’s first Bass Pro Shops, a state-of-the-art, 14-screen Showcase Cinema De Lux, the award-winning Patriots Hall of Fame presented by Raytheon, the retro-style bowling alley, Splitsville Luxury Lanes, the modern gastro sports pub, CBS Sporting Club, the four-star Renaissance Boston Patriot Place Hotel, the Hilton Garden Inn Foxborough/Patriot Place and Helix eSports, the region’s largest egaming center and social hub. Patriot Place is also the home of Brigham Health and Brigham and Women’s/Mass General Health Care Centers. For more information, visit www.patriot-place.com, follow Patriot Place on Twitter (twitter.com/patriotplace) or like Patriot Place on Facebook (facebook.com/patriotplace).

 

Spier Family Kindness for Kids 5K and Family Fun Day - Sep 19

FM #600 - Franklin's Health Director Cathleen Liberty - 08/31/21 (audio)

FM #600 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 600 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Health Director Cathleen Liberty on August 31, 2021. We had our conversation via virtual conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

We talk about the major topics of 

• Protocol set for COVID-19 exposure

• Public health nurse update

• Metacomet Shared Service grant update

• Tune it out program update

• New podcast coming - “The Topic”

The recording runs about 30 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Cathleen

Audio file ->  https://player.captivate.fm/episode/f09f57cc-916a-403b-9ba7-a04a3420c2bd

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Health Dept. page https://www.franklinma.gov/health-department

Board of Health page https://www.franklinma.gov/health-department

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We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm). 

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

 

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

• If you don't like something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

 

For additional information, please visit   Franklinmatters.org/  or www.franklin.news/

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

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You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

 

Town of Franklin Health Director Cathleen Liberty

Hockomock Field Hockey: Players to Watch in 2021 - FHS

From HockomockSports.com we share the "2021 Hockomock Field Hockey: Players to Watch "  for Franklin High School. Link to the full listing is shared below.

KAITLYN CARNEY, JUNIOR – FRANKLIN

Carney has been a dominant force in the Franklin midfield for each of the past two seasons. Last year, Carney took advantage of the extra space on the field and scored a league-high 15 goals (tied with teammate Amanda Lewandowski) and seven assists. Carney dominates with her aggressive play on both ends of the field, willing to throw her body into the way to prevent attacks and then to do what it takes to get into the dangerous places in front of goal. She plays with an attitude that gives her an edge and her energy is hard for opponents to match, but Carney also has great stick skills and the vision to turn a few feet of space into a great scoring chance for herself or a teammate. With Carney growing into her role in the center this fall, Franklin will be looking to make it three straight league titles.

For the complete listing 
https://hockomocksports.com/hockomock-field-hockey-players-to-watch-in-2021/

Hockomock Field Hockey: Players to Watch in 2021 - FHS

2021 Hockomock League Boys Soccer Preview - FHS

Via @HockomockSports we share the 2021 Hockomock League Boys Soccer Preview for FHS. Link to the full league preview is found below 

FRANKLIN

2020 Record: 3-5-4

Head Coach: Fran Bositis

"Hall of Fame head coach Fran Bositis is back on the sidelines for his 51st season in charge and he and his Panthers are anxious to get back to normal soccer after last year’s abbreviated season that featured rule changes that altered the game.

Bositis has liked what he’s seen so far in the preseason with the team improving after each training session and after each scrimmage. Having a trio of four-year players is an advantage that many teams won’t have so the Panthers will lean heavily on seniors Terry O’Neill, Tyler Powderly, and Aidan Griffith for their veteran leadership. There are a lot of upperclassman on the roster with seniors Jack Moran, Nelson Martinez, and Kevin Proenca all back in the mix after playing last season.

O’Neill, the 2019 HockomockSports.com Underclassman of the Year, is the spine of the team, patrolling the middle of the pitch. We saw early on in his career his ability to get forward and become a scoring threat but he also showed he can sit back and solidify the defensive unit. Both Powderly and Griffith provide a lot of speed on the outside. Junior Trey Lovell and sophomore Rex Cinelli earned some minutes a season ago while Bositis expects junior Will Krysak and sophomore Sean O’Leary to be steady contributors this season.

“I feel the outlook is bright as long as we continue to work hard and look to make small improvements every day,” Bositis said. “I also feel that we have very good senior leadership and that this will be important in helping our younger players develop.”

To read the complete Hockomock boys soccer preview

https://hockomocksports.com/2021-hockomock-league-boys-soccer-preview/

2021 Hockomock League Boys Soccer Preview - FHS