FHS Panthers |
Providing accurate and timely information about what matters in Franklin, MA since 2007. * Working in collaboration with Franklin TV and Radio (wfpr.fm) since October 2019 *
Thursday, July 21, 2022
HockomockSports.Com: 2022 - Girls Lacrosse Awards recognize Cross, Carney, O'Rourke, Peterson, Grasso, Regan
HockomockSports.Com: 2022 - Baseball Awards recognize Goode, Jette, Mucciarone, Raider, Gerety
Chris Goode – Franklin – Outfield
Franklin senior Chris Goode capped his career with another stellar season with the Panthers, leading the squad to another Kelley-Rex division title and an appearance in the D1 State Championship game. During the season, Goode hit 0.383 and was among the league leaders with 31 hits. He was also among the league leaders in runs scored (23) and finished second in the Hock in the regular season with 24 RBI. “Chris has arguably been one of the most complete players in our league the last two years,” said Franklin head coach Zach Brown. “He can impact a game in so many ways. Defensively he is outstanding and offensively he is dynamic. He can hit for average, power, steal bases, drive in runs, and score runs. We are going to miss Chris and his countless contributions, Merrimack College is getting a good one.”
Franklin senior Jacob Jette was once again one of the best pitchers not only in the Hockomock League but in the entire state, helping the Panthers win another Kelley-Rex division title and reach the Division 1 State Championship game. During the regular season, the left-hander dominated opponents this season with an 8-2 record, posting a 0.98 ERA in 57.1 innings, striking out 62 with just eight earned runs allowed all season. “Jacob has been our “ace” for the last two seasons and has been the model of consistency,” said Franklin head coach Zach Brown. “Just a tremendous leader and ultimate competitor. The bigger the games the better Jacob performed. Excited to follow Jacob as he continues his career at UMass-Lowell.”
Franklin junior Alfred Mucciarone had another stellar season on the bump, leading the Panthers to another Kelley-Rex division title and an appearance in the Division 1 State Championship game. Coming off an impressive sophomore season, Mucciarone established himself as one of the best pitchers in the Hockomock League this year. During the season, the right-hander went 6-1 with a 2.05 ERA, walking just six batters while striking out 56 in 54.2 innings of work. “Alfred has been at the top of our rotation the last two seasons but really elevated his game this season,” said Franklin head coach Zach Brown. “He really has explosive stuff and is only getting better. We cannot be more excited to have Fredo back for one more season. Alfred really emerged this year as a team leader. He is a fierce competitor on the mound the really enjoys the bright lights! Thrilled to have him back for one more season before he heads off to UMass Lowell.”
HOCKOMOCKSPORTS.COM SECOND TEAM
Franklin senior Evan Raider might have been the ‘Breakout Player of the Year’ after a stellar season for the Kelley-Rex champions and Division 1 State finalists. Raider jumped right into the heart of the Panthers’ lineup and delivered all season long, He finished the season hitting 0.357 with 99 plate appearances, and almost half (13) of his 30 hits were extra bases. He had a team-high 28 RBI, drew nine walks, and scored 14 runs. “Evan had a breakout senior season and became one of the top run producers in the league,” said Franklin head coach Zach Brown. “Evan batted cleanup for our lineup the entire season and really lengthened our lineup. Evan was another player that really elevated his game against tough competition and was another great leader for our program. “
Ryan Gerety – Franklin – Outfield
Franklin junior Ryan Gerety was once again one of the best outfielders in the Hockomock League and continued to pace the best offense in the league from the leadoff spot. He was among the best in the league with 25 hits, finishing second during the regular season in runs scored. He hit 0.296 for the year with 10 extra-base hits, walked 14 times, drove in 12 runs, and scored 28 times. He was also stellar in the outfield with just two errors all year. “Ryan is an extremely gifted athlete that has a drive and passion for the game of baseball,” said Franklin head coach Zach Brown. ” A very dynamic player, Ryan is very gifted defensively and is a very good table setter in our lineup. Ryan was near the tops in the league in multiple offensive categories. We are very excited to welcome Ryan back for one more season before he departs for Northeastern University where he will continue his athletic career.”
FHS Panthers |
Recap: Town Council recognizes 100th birthday, FHS Unified Basketball team, grants TIF for Plansee, approves 6 contracts
- Margaret (Peg) Simpson was recognized for her 100th birthday. The FHS Unified Basketball Team was recognized for the Special Olympics Gold medal
- The elections workers for the Sept primary and November election were approved. Early voting will be available the week before the Sept 6 State primary. All voting will be held at Franklin High School. The Council also approved resolutions approving for the police security coverage and other election details per recent legislation
- The Elks Riders presented a donation of $1000 for Veterans Services
- The Old South Meeting house expression of interest results were reviewed. The Council consensus was to proceed with an RFP for residential use with covenants to keep the property affordable, maintain the historical exterior and give priority to Franklin residents. The Town will prepare such paperwork to bring back to the Council for approval before putting it as a public offering
- After a contested discussion, the Council approved tax increment financing (TIF) for Plansee USA LLC to expand their current location. Lack of understanding of the process and purpose of the TIF incentive apparently drove the discussion. The TIF financing is limited to specific industrial zones but the Council can expand it if they chose to do so. Vote was 7-2 for the TIF
- The process of accepting the Davis Thayer School was formally started by the Council. The deed paperwork will proceed. Eventually a committee will be selected to determine the best use of the site
- A "friendly 40b" application process was developed by the Town and presented to the Council for their review and understanding
- The five year fiscal forecast was not yet ready for sharing but given the current inflation effects, it is anticipated that the FY 2023 budget will be difficult to complete as funded. An example was touted as the SNETT trail work put out to bid was expected to be in the $200K arena, the bids received back ranged from $300K to 800K. Stay tuned, we'll help to keep an eye on this inflation effect during the year as it could have major implications for future budgets
- The Council entered executive session to discuss the status of contract negotiations and returned to open session to approve 6 contracts. Apparently with an increase of 2.5% which highlights that the School Committee's approval of 4% increases for the teachers contract is an issue to be worked as things progress
Margaret (Peg) Simpson and Councilor Melanie Hamblen |
Council Chair Tom Mercer and the FHS Unified Basketball team and coaches |
Veterans Officer Shannon Nisbett with the Elks Riders accepting the donation |
Recap: Economic Development Subcommittee hears about the complicated Nu-Style property
- The neighboring residents and business property owners are not interested in remediation of the contaminated site
- Without additional EPA/DEP grants funds to facilitate the clean up, the Town is lacking in funds to clean it properly although it recognized the need and obligation to do so
- For now, the Town will continue to work the grant applications for funds, and may consider re-issuing the property for sale
Visit the Library? Please respond to the Franklin Public Library Customer Satisfaction Survey
Franklin Public Library Customer Satisfaction Survey
Let us know what you think about our services, staff, programs, and collections in this brief survey!
Franklin Public Library Customer Satisfaction Survey
Franklin Public Library Customer Satisfaction Survey |
Franklin TV and wfpr.fm schedule for Thursday, July 21, 2022
- wfpr.fm or 102.9 on the FM dial = Thursday
11:00a/2:00p/8:00pm Frank Presents – Frank Falvey Presents
- Franklin All Access TV - Our Public Access Channel (Comcast 8, Verizon 26) = Thursday
- Franklin Pride TV - Our Educational Channel (Comcast 96, Verizon 28) = Thursday
- Franklin Town Hall TV - Our Government Channel (Comcast 11, Verizon 29) = Thursday
Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) |
Wednesday, July 20, 2022
Franklin Cultural District - Farmers Market & Concerts on the Common combine again; and that's not all the #artshappenhere
What is culture? According to one source: "Culture is a term that refers to a large and diverse set of mostly intangible aspects of social life."
Diverse?
Yes, from Bollywood Dance to a couple of varieties of BBQ, and multiple selections of live music - check - that is here!
Social life?
Aside from the multiple happenings on the Town Common, we also have a writers group, an active Senior Center, a busy library (including a book club), a local book store with an art gallery, a winery and brewery with live music and food trucks - check - that is here too!
Wouldn't you say that the Cultural District is where #artshappenhere in Franklin?
Wednesday, July 20
11:00am - Franklin Q&A with Steve Sherlock (at Senior Center with Zoom option)
1:00pm - Senior Scribblers (writers group) (at Senior Center with Zoom option)
6:30pm - Bollywood Dance Party (Franklin Public Library)
Senior Center |
Thursday, July 21
8:30am - Town Council Office Hours (Senior Center)
12:00pm - Art show "Feminine Devine" - Amy Adams (67 Degrees Brewing check open hours)
6:00pm - Sheamus (live music) (La Cantina Winery)
6:30pm - 350 Mass Greater Franklin Node (virtual meeting)
Town Common |
Friday, July 22
12:00pm - Art show "Feminine Devine" - Amy Adams (67 Degrees Brewing check open hours)
2:00pm - Farmers Market (Town Common)
2:00pm - Heath Nisbett (live music) (Town Common)
3:30pm - Concerts on the Common: Bus-14 (Town Common)
3:30pm - Farmers Mkt Fun: Super hero masks (Town Common)
4:00pm - Food truck: Gotta Q Smokehouse BBQ (Town Common)
6:00pm - Concerts on the Common: The Reminisants (Town Common)
6:00pm - Patrick Durkin (live music) (67 Degrees Brewing)
6:00pm - Charlie Rock (live music) (La Cantina Winery)
8:00pm - The Zajac Brothers (ticketed event) (THE BLACK BOX)
ladybug in front of the Library |
Saturday, July 23
10:00am - Franklin Historical Museum (always free)
12:00pm - Art show "Feminine Devine" - Amy Adams (67 Degrees Brewing check open hours)
12:30pm - Hog Wash BBQ (food truck) (67 Degrees Brewing)
4:00pm - Emily & Nick (live music) (La Cantina Winery)
6:00pm - Northeast Groove (live music) (67 Degrees Brewing)
Franklin Historical Museum |
12:00pm - Art show "Feminine Devine" - Amy Adams (67 Degrees Brewing check open hrs)
1:00pm - Franklin Historical Museum (always free)
Tuesday, July 26
7:00pm - Library Book Club (Franklin Public Library)
Find the full calendar https://www.franklinmatters.org/p/blog-page.html
If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication: https://forms.gle/oPdi8X3ZbHHyrHzo6
The Town meeting calendar is found https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar
The School district calendar is found https://www.franklinps.net/calendar-by-event-type/26
Franklin Cultural District: #Artshappenhere |
MA State budget items for Franklin thanks to our Legislative Delegation
Here is what was included for Franklin in the State budget for FY23. The delegation has been strongly advocating for each of these pieces and we are happy to share the results:
- Chapter 70 - $28,885,721
- UGGA - $2,862,319
- 0640-0300 (Mass Cultural) - not less than $10,000 shall be expended for the annual cultural festival in the city known as the town of Franklin
- 0810-1205 (AGO) - not less than $50,000 shall be expended for the SAFE Coalition, Incorporated to provide support, education, treatment options and coping mechanisms for those affected by substance use disorder in the city known as the town of Franklin
- 2511-0107 (DAR) not less than $50,000 shall be expended for the Franklin Food Pantry, Incorporated building project
- 2810-0122 (DCR) not less than $8,000 shall be expended for historical preservation, safety enhancements and related work at the Franklin state forest
- 2810-0122 (DCR) not less than $50,000 shall be expended for replacement of the playground at Fletcher field in the city known as the town of Franklin
- 7008-1116 (Massachusetts Marketing Partnership) not less than $25,000 shall be expended for the Franklin Downtown Partnership, Inc. to promote economic development in the city known as the town of Franklin
- 7010-1192 (DESE) not less than $500,000 shall be expended to communities in the Metrowest region, including the city of Framingham and the towns of Ashland, Franklin, Holliston, Hopkinton, Medway and Natick to address mental health needs in schools
- 7010-1192 (DESE) not less than $5,000 shall be expended for anti-bias curriculum in the city known as the town of Franklin
- 7010-1192 (DESE) not less than $15,000 shall be expended for the K-5 anti-bias curriculum in the city known as the town of Franklin
- 7010-1192 (DESE) not less than $70,000 shall be expended for mental health screenings in the Franklin public schools
- 8000-0313 (EOPSS) not less than $50,000 shall be expended for a Stop the Bleed pilot program to fund the procurement of trauma kits and bleeding control training for school faculty and staff in the towns and towns of Bellingham, Dover, Medfield, Milford, Millis, Needham, Norfolk, Plainville, Sherborn and Wrentham and the city known as the town of Franklin
Jeff
Jeffrey N. Roy State Representative Chair, Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy State House Room 43 Boston, MA 02133 | |
617-722-2030 (w) | |
For those doing the math, aside from Chap 70 & the UGGA (unrestricted local aid), there is $283,000 specifically for Franklin (excluding the unknown portion of the 7010-1192 (DESE) $500,000 and the unknown portion of the 8000-0313 (EOPSS) $50,000 - 'unknown portions' as both of these amounts are grand totals covering several communities and the breakout is not available).
By my view, both the Chap 70 & UGGA (unrestricted local aid) amounts are more than what was put into the Town of Franklin budget approved by the Town Council in May. You can compare to the voting doc in the budget book posted online -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/appendix_a_town_of_franklin_budget_book_fy23_2.pdf
The audio of the May vote by the Town Council and associated documents for the meeting can be found -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/05/town-council-approves-fy-2023-budget.html
MA State budget items for Franklin thanks to our Legislative Delegation |
Please Support the Y’s 7th Annual Community Backpack Drive
YMCA delivering stuffed backpacks |
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.
Second Sunday Speaker: Firestorm - A Childhood Amidst the Ruins of War - Aug 14
What Franklin treasure have you found in your attic or basement? Always consider the museum before pitching it in the trash can. One man's trash could be a Franklin treasure! Local research available on our website franklinmuseum1778.com. Follow us on Facebook. Come in and visit us soon.
Second Sunday Speaker: Firestorm - A Childhood Amidst the Ruins of War - Aug 14 |
350 Mass Greater Franklin Node - Jul 21 - 6:30 PM (note time change)
Here are the Zoom details.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/
Meeting ID: 889 2460 7755
Passcode: 350ma
Dial-in +1 646 876 9923
During the meeting, our agenda will include an update on the status of climate bills in the state legislature, actions to promote national and regional changes, and local developments.
Remember that you can stay involved and receive updates from 350 Mass via the Climate Weekly email. Sign up here.
Learn more on the 350 Mass website.
We hope you can join us Thursday at 6:30 pm. We'll send a reminder on Thursday.
Thank you for your commitment to the struggle for a transition to a just, equitable, and clean energy economy.
Node Co-coordinators,
Carolyn Barthel
Ralph Halpern
Ralph Halpern
ralph.halpern@comcast.net
781-784-3839 (h)
339-203-5017 (c)
350 Mass Greater Franklin Node - Jul 21 - 6:30 PM (note time change) |
Legal Notice: Franklin Historical Commission - property demolition request
Legal Notice: Franklin Historical Commission - property demolition request |
Congressman Jake Auchincloss: An Update covering the 2 week period July 4 - July 15
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