If the holiday view at the downtown triangle looks in disarray, it was vandalized

Unfortunately, after many volunteers decorated downtown Franklin on the weekend before Thanksgiving, some folks apparently thought of other things to do with the decorations (aside from leaving them alone!).

A report was filed with the Franklin Police the week of Dec 6, 2021:

• multiple bows on the Rome side bridge were taken

• greens and bows on the train side bridge were pulled out

• one wreath on the train side bridge is missing

• the red candy cane on the sleigh was removed

• gift boxes previously stacked in the sleigh were thrown over the fencing to the tracks below

Franklin Police responded to the report, took photos to add to the report, and will step up patrols.

 

If anyone knows of, or saw the vandal(s) in action, please let Franklin Police know. They can take tips at their tip line -> 508-440-2780.

The red candy cane and gift boxes missing from the sleigh

One wreath and bows missing from the decorations along the railing

FHS' Quinn - one of the Hockomock League girls basketball "Players to Watch"

 HockomockSports.com has published the "Players to Watch" for the Hockomock League girls basketball teams. The Franklin High School representative is shared here. Follow the link below to find out about the other players to watch around the Hockomock League. 

OLIVIA QUINN, SENIOR – FRANKLIN

"The Wesleyan-commit followed up her breakout sophomore season with a dominant, albeit shortened, junior year. Quinn was third in the league in scoring last year with more than 16 points per game and helped Franklin extend its win streak to 35 games. She can stretch the floor as a consistent three-point shooter, use her quick first step and good handle to get to the basket, and also take advantage of her size to score in the paint. Not only is Quinn a dynamic offensive threat, but also has the size and speed to guard multiple positions at the other end or play multiple spots in the Franklin press. The Panthers don’t lack size in the forward position, and Quinn’s versatility on the perimeter means that teams will struggle to match up when Franklin spreads the floor. Quinn is one of the preseason favorites for MVP and her continued development as one of the league’s top players is the reason that the Panthers remain the team to beat in the Kelley-Rex."

For other Hockomock League "Players to Watch"
https://hockomocksports.com/girls-basketball-ten-players-to-watch-in-2021-2022/

FHS Panthers

FHS Boys Basketball Preview via HockomockSports for 2021-2022 Season

HockomockSports.com has published their preview of the Boys Basketball teams for the Hockomock League. The Franklin portion of the article is shared here along with the link to read the full article covering the remainder of the league. 

FRANKLIN
2020-2021 Record: 6-5
Coach: CJ Neely

"Last season marked the second straight year that the Panthers graduated a large senior class and that means there are a lot of opportunities for new faces to step into the starting lineup and expanded roles this year around. 

While the Panthers will have an entirely new starting lineup, Franklin will most certainly be right in the mix in a Kelley-Rex division that is jammed-pack with talent. Gone are leading scorer Declan Walmsley (17.5 points per game) along with the next two leading scorers on last year’s roster in Andrew Byfield (10.2) and Jake O’Brien (9.9). Key depth pieces like Zach Harvey (4.5) and Alex Newman (3.6) also graduated so head coach CJ Neely will be working with some new options this year. 

Sophomore Henry Digiorgio burst onto the scene as a freshman a year ago and he’s the top returning scorer at 5.4 points per game, although he did reach double figures in the scoring column three times. Sean Vinson and Ben Harvey are the other two players back in the fold that saw some minutes a season ago. But something we’ve seen Franklin do year-in and year-out is reload so there will certainly be some new names to emerge over the next couple of weeks. 

While the players change, the style of Franklin basketball has been consistent for years and defense remains to be the calling card under Neely. The Panthers are always a team that puts a lot of pressure, moves the ball around on the offensive end, and incorporates a lot of motion off the ball to keep opposing defenses on their heels. 

“Guys have really showed up ready to compete for jobs,” Neely said. “Obviously with five graduating starters from last year’s team there are a lot of roles up for grabs and practices have been great. We have had a very competitive preseason and it has shown that we have a lot of depth and it will be an ongoing battle all year to earn your spot and maintain your spot throughout the year.” 

For other preseason views for boys basketball
https://hockomocksports.com/2021-2022-hockomock-boys-basketball-preview/

 

FHS Panthers

FHS boys hockey tops Needham 4-3; Girls Track tops Milford

Via HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the FHS winter sports action on Monday

Boys Hockey = Franklin, 4 @ Needham, 3 – Final 

– Franklin had four different players light the lamp as the Panthers skated to a win on the road over Needham. Aidan Linehan opened the scoring for the Panthers, who were tied 1-1 after one period of action. Goals from Ryan Sicchio, Dylan Marchand, and Anthony Lampasona pushed Franklin’s advantage to 4-1 in the second period. Needham made it a two-goal game before the end of the second and added another in the third but the Panthers held on. 

For other results around the Hockomock League

https://hockomocksports.com/mondays-schedule-scoreboard-12-13-21/

Girls Track & Field Team won its first meet of the Season vs. Milford by the score 68-32. Winning events in the meet were Sarah Dumas (Hurdles), Charlene Peng (Mile), Jill Fenerty (600), Emma Pruitt (1000), Anna Cliff (300), Ava Fraulo ( High Jump), Lily DeForge &the 4x400 Relay   https://twitter.com/FHSSports/status/1470733687822209026

Boys Track & Field Team results not yet available

The individual performances can be found ->  https://live.harrierrace.com/meets/11950

FHS Panthers

Yes, Mrs. Claus is scheduled to Visit the Franklin Historical Museum - Dec 19

Mrs. Claus to Visit the Franklin Historical Museum

Come to the Historical Museum Sunday, December 19 from 1:00-3:00 PM for a visit with Mrs. Claus. She’s making another special visit from the North Pole just before Christmas.  

Children can listen to her read a story, pose with her for a picture and enjoy making a holiday craft. Certainly, if you have a message for Santa, Mrs. Claus will be happy to help relay it. Enjoy this annual tradition with your family. 

Please bring a non-perishable food item to be donated to the Franklin Food Pantry. 

St John’s Episcopal: Christmas and Epiphany services scheduled

Celebrate Christmas and Epiphany with us at St John’s Episcopal Church

Christmas Eve, December 24th:

• 5pm - Children’s Pageant with Communion

Seating is limited due to COVID protocols, so please reserve space in advance at:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A054CAAAE29A7F58-christmas

• 9pm - Candlelight Eucharist with Carols- no reservation required

Sunday, December 26th:

• 10am - Holy Eucharist with Christmas Carols & Sermon (recorded) by The Rt. Rev. Alan Gates, Bishop of Massachusetts - no reservation required

Sunday, January 2, 2022:

• 10am - The Epiphany family service - no reservation required

Everyone is invited! Hope to see you there.
All services are also available on Facebook Live.

For more information:
Call 508-528-2387
Email Admin@StJohnsFranklinMA.org
Like us on Facebook at St John’s Episcopal Church
See our website at www.stjohnsfranklinma.org 

St John’s Episcopal Church: Celebrate Christmas and Epiphany services scheduled

Expressions Enrichment: New Classes for January 2022

Expressions Enrichment

New Arts Enrichment Sessions Start the week of January 3rd. Our classes will now run monthly and cost $150 per month and each class is 2 hours.

Creative & Visual Arts Class
Students will work with a variety of mediums including acrylic and watercolor on canvas, pottery, arts and craft projects, and sewing. All supplies are included.
Suitable for Children in grades K-5 Class is on Tuesdays 4:00-6:00 pm

LEGO/STEM Class
Students will work together to create a world of their imagination. They will work with our LEGO Master on STEM projects with an emphasis on Robotics and participate in LEGO building competitions and challenges. Students also get to take home some of their LEGO projects. Suitable for Children in grade K-5. Choose from Mondays or Wednesdays 4:00-6:00pm.

Creative Arts Class for Adults
Come express your creativity through the arts. Local artists Dana Matthews and Expressions owner Amy Saltalamachia will alternate evenings to create winter themed projects using different mediums. Runs Wednesday evenings from 7pm-9pm from January 5th-January 26th. Cost is $150.

Visit the web page to register and for more information -> www.expressions-enrichment.com

Expressions Enrichment: New Classes for January 2022

"FINDING THAT CONNECTION - neurons connecting to one another in a Petri dish" (video)

"So amazing! Psych students- check this out!! https://t.co/VpvEYNadEn"

"In this video, Dr. Lila Landowski shares footage of two neurons connecting in a dish. Here's what Lila had to say about the footage:

You’re watching two neurons that I saw under the microscope sensing one another and connecting.

There are 86 billion neurons in the brain - how do they know how to connect to other neurons or body parts when our bodies are developing?"

Direct link to video ->  https://youtu.be/Rvmvt7gscIM

Shared from Ms Gordo via Twitter: https://twitter.com/ms_gordo/status/1470020817291464707

Exercise & Wellness Classes Starting Soon

Don't Be Left Out. Register Today

‌ Lifelong Community Learning Exercise & Wellness Classes Winter 2022 Starting SOON Don't be left out! Register today REGISTER NOW YOGA Classes Yoga, which has been around since the 15th century, helps to quiet the mind & improve health, for all levels - whether you are a beginner or experienced. Join us for a great way to spend the winter! Vinyasa Flow Yoga OR Yoga For Anyone Prices vary Teen Yoga For Girls This class will empower teenagers to become more self-aware and confident. The girls will gain a sense of well-being while developing strength and flexibility. They will also learn breathing and relaxation techniques. 8 weeks - $80/person LaBlast Dance Fitness, Partner-free LaBlast is an energizing dance fitness program that uses easy to follow ballroom dance patterns. Students will learn the basic steps of several dance styles, while enjoying music from all genres. Classes are low impact and for all levels of fitness. Partner-free and no experience necessary.  10 weeks - $90/person For more class options & additional details visit: www.FranklinLifelongLearning.com

FPS - Lifelong Community Learning | 218 Oak Street, Room 137, Franklin, MA 02038 Sent by lcl@franklinps.net powered by Try email marketing for free today!

1st Day 5K: New Year's Day in Whitinsville, MA

Hi Runners and Walkers,  Join us at the start line of a new year for the 1st Day 5K!!   Race starts at 11am.  The race date is less than 3 weeks away.  If you've already registered, Thank You!. If you haven't registered yet or need to forward this to a friend, now is the time!    This is a USATF Certified Fast and flat 5K course on closed roads!  The roads will be closed from 11:00 am - 12:00 pm. Location / Registration Area:  Gray Barn,  2 Elm Place, Whitinsville, MA 01588   Additional Info: Registration includes a custom hat, hot chocolate, pizza afterwards AND an ice cold frosty beer at The Gray Barn following the race! (Proper ID required) Race field will be capped at 300 runners again - sign-up early so you don't miss out on this great race! (Pre-registration will increase after 12/16.) Online registration closes at 3:00 pm on December 30, 2021. Division Prizes: (no duplicates) Top 3 Overall Male & Female Runners and Top 3 Male & Female Runners in the following age groups: Under 15, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+.  No double dipping! **$100 cash award for NEW course records** Times to beat: (M) Marcus Reilly 15:31 (2020), (F) Stephanie Reilly 17:04 (2017) Hope to see you there!  Terri  terrirules@yahoo.com Tri-Valley Front Runners 9th Annual 1st Day 5k 1/1/2022 Gray Barn Whitinsville, Massachusetts

Governor Baker Signs $4 Billion Federal COVID-19 Relief Funding Spending Bill

Charlie Baker (@MassGovernor) tweeted on Mon, Dec 13, 2021:

The #COVID19MA public health crisis has had a significant impact on MA workers, families, communities and businesses for nearly two years, and today's signing directs billions of dollars in relief toward those hardest hit across the Commonwealth.

The Governor's press release -> https://t.co/VotS5qeyJX 

Shared from Twitter:  https://t.co/5k7jcAojRI

CommonWealth Magazine coverage -> https://commonwealthmagazine.org/state-government/baker-signs-4b-arpa-bill-with-slight-tweaks/

Boston Globe coverage -> https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/12/13/metro/baker-signs-4-billion-covid-relief-bill-wrests-control-how-when-distribute-worker-bonuses/

Governor Baker Signs $4 Billion Federal COVID-19 Relief Funding Spending Bill

Pantherbook: LoveFranklin Open Mic Night - Dec 8, 2021

Overview 

"From the cast of Franklin High School’s Mamma Mia! to a Dean College faculty member, Franklin community members from all backgrounds were able to express themselves on stage on December 8th, 2021. Mackenzie Atwood, FHS senior, had the emcee position for the first half of the night and, expectedly, provided a very entertaining experience for the audience members. She kept the audience constantly engaged through small anecdotes about the participants and subtle quips. (Notable audience members included Steve Sherlock and Dr. Sara Ahern). Atwood started the night off by highlighting her recent experience at the October school committee meeting and emphasized the importance of “speaking up for people who can’t speak up for themselves.” She later conveyed her experiences as an openly gay student through an original poem– a beautiful one, might I add. Participants in the latter portion of the night were introduced by Jamele Adams, the leader of the Franklin Freedom Team. "

Interview

"An Accepting Community – Meghan Whitmore

For those of you who don’t know, Meghan Whitmore is a transgender woman who delivered a heartfelt speech on Open Mic Night about her experience transitioning and the reception she received afterward. Her moving words illustrated the importance of inclusivity, and Whitmore even stressed how touching it was to have people accept her as a woman."

Interview

"Love One Another, Stand for Change – jamele adams

Needing no introduction due to his large impact on Franklin, jamele adams immediately captivated his listeners when he began to recite his poem. Although he was a participant in the event, adams also played a significant role in organizing Open Mic Night, so when I broached the idea of making it an annual show, he enthusiastically replied, “More than once a year, hopefully, this could happen once a week!“, elaborating on the fact that “the Open Mic affected everyone in this space […] Folks shared that they were absolutely moved and then at the end when people were asked to write about how they were inspired, they shared how they were inspired […] People were moved in the space. People shared their narrative because they trusted in the space, and the energy was powerful and welcoming, and warm, supportive, and filled with advocacy for love. “

Continue reading the article online 
https://franklinpanthers.us/news/2021/12/08/open-mic-night-a-forum-for-all-to-express-themselves/

Pantherbook: LoveFranklin Open Mic Night - Dec 8, 2021

Meeting schedule - Information sessions Weds and Thursday

There are multiple meetings this week. The Town calendar provides all the details. I will be reporting on the following:

• School Committee meets Tuesday (7 PM)
• A School Committee budget workshop before their Tuesday meeting (6 PM)
• Town Council meets Wednesday (7 PM)
• A Town Council subcommittee looking at reviewing their procedures manual also before their meeting Wednesday (6 PM)

The monthly Franklin Matters Q&A scheduled for Wednesday morning at 11:00 AM. The meeting is hybrid. I'll be in the Senior Center and also allow for participation virtually via Zoom. Send me an email for the Zoom info. 

The Town Officials and State Rep Jeff Roy will hold their monthly coffee hour at the Senior Center Thursday morning at 8:30 AM. Also a good chance to get some details on any questions you may have.

Town Calendar - https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar

Meeting schedule - Information sessions Weds and Thursday

Cultural District Committee - meeting agenda - Dec 13, 2021

Cultural District Committee

Monday, December 13, 2021

7:00 PM - Virtual Meeting 

Review and Approval of Meeting Minutes

November 16, 2021 Franklin Cultural District Meeting Minutes

Franklin Cultural District Committee Membership Update

Cultural District Committee Structure

Grant Updates:

 Franklin Cultural Council Grant Update

 MCC Cultural District Grant Discussion

o Grant Submission Deadline December 15, 2021

Committee Member Roundtable

Next Cultural District and Cultural District Partners Meeting Date

Cultural District Meeting Thursday, January 20, 2022 6:30 p.m.

Cultural District Partners’ Meeting Thursday, January 20, 2022 7:00 p.m.

Adjourn

Agenda doc and connection info ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/cultural_district_committee_meeting_-_december_13_2021.pdf

Cultural District Committee - meeting agenda - Dec 13, 2021

MetroWest Daily News: "High school gymnasts to watch in the Daily News area for upcoming season"

"With the snow comes high school gymnastics season. Of course, this sport is a year-round endeavor for many of its participants, but these months are their time to shine for their respective schools.

Many a talented gymnast is back this year, including those from returning state powers Algonquin and Franklin. With that, as we start December and build toward 2022, here is a look at the top returning Daily News All-Stars from last year and those to watch in the coming 2021-22 campaign, including last year’s league all-stars. All are ready to make even more of an impact this coming winter season."

Among those listed are Kate Rudolph, Emma White, and Caroline Woelfel from Franklin.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.metrowestdailynews.com/story/sports/high-school/gymnastics/2021/12/11/high-school-gymnasts-watch-daily-news-area/6450495001/?utm_campaign=snd-autopilot

FHS Panthers