Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA Area: FRI 3/31/17 - THU 4/6/17

FRIDAY 3/31/17
10:30am   Knitting Circle for Adults @ Franklin Public Library
7-11pm   Second Annual ‘Party for the Pantry’ @ The Black Box
7:30pm   Dean College presents: American Idiot @ Dean College
9pm   Comedy Night @ 3 Restaurant

SATURDAY 4/1/17
10-1pm   Franklin Historical Museum Open
2pm   Dean College presents: American Idiot @ Dean College
7-10pm   Costume Karaoke Fundraiser for Mustard Seed Communities @ Franklin Elks Lodge
7:30pm   Dean College presents: American Idiot @ Dean College
7:30pm   FSPA Ballet Conservatory presents: Cinderella @ The Black Box
8pm   Circle of Friends Coffeehouse: Brother Sun

SUNDAY 4/2/17
7:30-10:30am   Sunday Morning Breakfast @ Franklin Rod and Gun Club
1-4pm   Franklin Historical Museum Open
1pm   FSPA Ballet Conservatory presents: Cinderella @ The Black Box
2pm   Dean College presents: American Idiot @ Dean College
4pm   FSPA Ballet Conservatory presents: Cinderella @ The Black Box

MONDAY 4/3/17
7-8:30pm   Learn To Cope Franklin Chapter Meeting @ FUSF

TUESDAY 4/4/17
7pm   Franklin Garden Club: Pruning 101 - open to public and prospective members @ Franklin Senior Center

WEDNESDAY 4/5/17
7pm   Franklin Art Association meeting @ Franklin Senior Center
7:30pm   Let’s Laugh Today (laughter yoga) @ FUSF

THURSDAY 4/6/17
8:30am   Franklin Downtown Partnership General Meeting @ Dean College
4pm   Family Coloring Book Club @ Franklin Public Library
7-8pm   Healing Hearts Community Support Group @ Franklin YMCA
7:30pm   Stony Brook Camera Club @ Anglican Church of the Redeemer (31 Hayward St)

For the Town of Franklin Public Calendar click HERE.

For all other events and Franklin happenings click HERE.

*If you have any suggestions or events for the calendar, please email FranklinMAHappenigs@gmail.com and/or shersteve@gmail.com

Empty Bowls Dinner Promotes Hunger Awareness “Somewhere, Someone’s Bowl is Empty”

With more than 1,000 individuals seeking food assistance from the Franklin Food Pantry, a movement is underway to educate the community about the level and impact of hunger in Franklin. A dinner featuring a simple meal of soup and bread will set the stage for community members to learn more about the true effects of hunger.

These finished ceramic bowls were
given to Empty Bowls Dinner
attendees at last year’s fundraiser

The 2nd Annual Empty Bowls Dinner on May 2, from 6 – 8 p.m. at Franklin High School will remind guests of the many “empty bowls” that exist in the lives of those who experience hunger. The awareness and fundraising event, co-hosted by the Franklin High School Empty Bowls Club and the Franklin Food Pantry, is a family-friendly event and caters to all ages.

“We hope attendees gain a better awareness of the impact of hunger in our community,” says Erin Lynch, executive director of the Franklin Food Pantry. “Reducing hunger leads to a healthier community. If you aren’t hungry, you can focus on helping your kids with their homework; you have more energy to look for a job; your kids do better in school. If we can work together to help our neighbors in need, our community will be stronger.”

Lynch said she is grateful for the partnership with the Franklin High School Empty Bowls Club. Students have been making ceramic bowls throughout the year to be used at the dinner. They have also hosted bowl-making events open to the community.

“Our students are excited to be part of such a meaningful effort,” said Brenna Johnson, FHS art teacher and advisor for the Empty Bowls Club. “In addition to making the bowls, they will volunteer the night of the event. They were a huge help at our first dinner held last year which was a sell-out success and attracted 250 people. We are thrilled to be able to accommodate 350 attendees this year!”

Event participants will choose a hand-painted, ceramic bowl to take home as a reminder that “somewhere, someone’s bowl is empty.” A silent auction will feature more elaborate pieces that have been created and painted by members of the FHS Empty Bowls Club and community members. Donations made via the Giving Wall will be used to purchase food for neighbors in need. All proceeds from the event will benefit the Franklin Food Pantry and will be used to fight hunger locally.

Tickets will be available for purchase on April 1 and must be bought in advance online at www.franklinfoodpantry.org. Seating is limited to 350 guests so tickets will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis. Depending on advance ticket sales, tickets may be available at the door. The cost is $20 for adults and $10 for children and students.

Empty Bowls is an international grass roots effort to fight hunger and raise funds to support local pantries. The Franklin Food Pantry and the FHS Empty Bowls Club work together to support the cause locally. For more information on the dinner, visit www.franklinfoodpantry.org or call 508-528-3115.

Both FHS lacrosse teams start season with wins

Boys Lacrosse

Franklin, 11 vs. Falmouth, 6 – Final 

– Franklin coach Lou Verrochi said junior Eric Civetti was unstoppable and sophomore Jacob Alexander dominated in the face off X to pace the Panthers past a senior-laden Falmouth side. Civetti scored five goals and had two assists while Alexander won nearly 80% of the draws. Junior Connor O’Rourke made 10 saves in goal and Verrochi said Wyatt Arsenault, Patrick Morrison and Spencer Briggs played very well defensively. Verrochi added LSM Jack Platner, short stick defensive midfielder Will Harvey and Aaron Mallo all played well. Chase Tanner scored twice and added an assist, Sam Arsenault had a goal and an assist, Packie Watson notched two helpers and Kyle McEniry, Nitin Chaudury and freshman Jake Davis each scored once.

Girls Lacrosse

Franklin, 12 vs. Needham, 7 – Final 

– Franklin led by just a goal (6-5) at halftime but had a very strong second half to open the season with a win over the Rockets. Freshman Erin Walsh impressed in her debut, netting a team-high four goals to pace the Panthers. Classmate Gianna Cameron also had a solid debut in goal, registering 10 saves in net. Halle Atkinson added three goals and Kendall Reardon notched two goals and an assist. Head coach Kristin Igoe Guarino said senior Grace McDermott played well defensively with five caused turnovers.

https://hockomocksports.com/thursdays-schedule-scoreboard-033017/

Home opener vs Needham for Girls Lax! #roadtotheship #letsgo @HockomockSports pic.twitter.com/NbHfg1Pz0y

— FranklinAthletics (@FHSSports) March 30, 2017

Great first game and first win against tough Needham team! Let's keep getting better. #neverquit #neversettle

— FHS Girls Lacrosse (@Fhsglax) March 31, 2017

HUGE win by @Fhsglax over a tough Needham team! Well done ladies! #HardWorkPaysOff #KeepPushing @HockomockSports pic.twitter.com/COAvMizeNL

— FranklinAthletics (@FHSSports) March 30, 2017

Win over @FalmouthLax 11-6, Eric Civetti with 6 goals, great defense lead by Conor O'Rourke @bostonlaxnet

— Franklin Lacrosse (@Franklin_Lax) March 30, 2017

Franklin Art Association: Gigi Liverant - April 5

The Franklin Art Association will meet on Wednesday, April, 5, 2017 from 6:30 to 9:00PM at the Franklin Senior Center, 10 Daniel McCahill Street in Franklin.

Refreshments and social time will begin at 6:30 followed by a short business meeting and a demonstration by Gigi Liverant, a much sought after pastel artist, teacher and lecturer from the Southeastern Connecticut area. Meetings are free and open to the public. 

For more information visit www.franklinart.org.

For more about Gigi and her work, visit her webpage http://gigiliverant.com/

image from http://gigiliverant.com/

 

In the News: School Choice; Dean Dash 5K

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

"The School Committee will decide at its next meeting whether to allow school choice students into the district. 

The matter was raised at the most recent committee meeting, with Superintendent Maureen Sabolinski noting that it had been some time since the schools have accepted such students. 

"We haven't taken school choice students since 2006-2007," she said, noting that seven students accepted at that time currently attend Franklin High School."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170330/franklin-school-committee-ponders-school-choice

"Years after the initial running of the "Dean Dash," organizers believe the 5-kilometer event has become the campus tradition they'd hoped it would be.

The fourth annual race - scheduled to take place at Dean Hall at noon on April 8 - is expected to draw between 200 and 250 runners, said college Recreation Director Carlos Aguilera. 

"It started in 2014," he said. "We were thinking of traditions that the school might call its own. I was always a runner myself, so I suggested a 5K." 

Aguilera said he thought the intent - to establish a new tradition - has been met; on student surveys, he said, the dash is often mentioned as a positive event."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170330/franklin-dean-dash-race-called-campus-tradition

set up for the Dean Dash 5K on the Dean campus in a prior year

Formal Appointment Announcement Expected - April 11 School Committee Meeting

On Thursday evening, March 23, the Franklin School Committee voted unanimously to designate Dr. Sara Ahern as its preferred candidate for the position superintendent of Franklin Public Schools effective July 1, 2017, pending contract negotiations and additional background checks. Dr. Ahern is currently the assistant superintendent in the Holliston Public schools and will be replacing Dr. Maureen Sabolinski who is retiring after serving eight years as Franklin’s superintendent of schools.

After the vote was taken, Dr. Ahern, accepted the position, once again pending contract negotiations, which are ongoing. It is expected the process will be completed very soon, and a formal appointment announcement will be made at the April 11 School Committee meeting.

The selection of Dr. Ahern came after a lengthy search process which began in November, and included input from a wide variety of stakeholders through surveys and focus groups to create a leadership profile. Community forums were held and stakeholders in the school community (central office, principals and all faculty) were invited to question all candidates for this important position. All groups were given the opportunity to provide feedback. The Committee wishes to extend its appreciation and gratitude to all involved in this process.

Franklin School Committee Front Row:  Cindy Douglas; Dr. Kevin O'Malley, Chairman; Dr. John Jewell Back Row:  Vanessa Bilello, Dr. Anne Bergen, Vice Chair;  MaryJane Scofield, Denise Schultz

Let’s Laugh Today - Wednesday, April 5

Let’s Laugh Today - Wednesday, April 5

Let’s Laugh Today in Franklin is on Wednesday, April 5th (and every first Wednesday of the month) from 7:30pm to 8:30pm at the Meetinghouse of the First Universalist Society in Franklin, 262 Chestnut Street, Franklin. 

Enjoy this delightful practice, appropriate for all ages and levels of fitness.When we laugh, we energize our bodies and revive our spirits. All that is involved is deep breathing and a few stretches, playful laughter exercises (no jokes or comedy), clapping and deep relaxation. It has many benefits besides the joy of laughter. 

Let’s Laugh Today - Wednesday, April 5

It can strengthen the immune system, combat the negative effects of stress, and is a powerful antidote to depression and anxiety. $5 donation to the church, $10 maximum per family. Please bring your water bottle because laughing can be dehydrating. 

Led by Certified Laughter Yoga Teachers, Linda and Bill Hamaker. See www.letslaughtoday.com for opportunities to laugh in other towns. E-mail billandlinda@letslaughtoday.com if you have any questions.

"a casual night with friends - and it's for a good cause"

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

"The second annual "Party for the Pantry" concert, set for this Friday night, will look to once again raise thousands of dollars for the Franklin Food Pantry. 

The concert - featuring the bands Karate Show, The Abe Froman Project, Charity Case and South Street Six - will start at 7 p.m. at the Black Box Theater, mere steps from the pantry. 

Bill Donovan, one of the organizers, said he got the idea for "Party for the Pantry" during another charitable event. He said he approached co-organizer Ray Auger, who had set up that event, about hosting something to benefit the Franklin community. He said since the people involved were musicians, it made sense to put on a concert. 

"Most, if not all, the bands have current or former Franklin residents," he said.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170329/party-to-benefit-franklin-food-pantry

Local Music Scene Plans Second Annual "Party For The Pantry"

SEPAC Reminder: Parent to Parent Night Thursday!

Parent to Parent Night!

Please join us on Thursday, March 30th, 2017
At 7PM Coles Tavern

Come for a casual night out for some laughs, good food and a few drinks!

Look forward to seeing you there!

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Franklin Special Education Parents Advisory Council 355 East Central St. Franklin, Massachusetts 02038 US Read the VerticalResponse marketing policy.

April 4: Make Your Voices Heard, MetroWest!

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Greetings!  It's time to make your voice heard as part of the Massachusetts Senate's 2017 Commonwealth Conversations tour! After a very successful visit to MetroWest last session, my colleagues and I are bringing Beacon Hill back to MetroWest again.  Please join us at a Town Hall forum at the Warren Conference Center in Ashland from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm on April 4, 2017. {{{ REGISTER HERE }}} Commonwealth Conversations 2017 is the next step in our ongoing efforts to make your state government even more responsive and accessible to you.  But it can't work without your participation!  Please come to share with us your values, priorities, concerns and ideas. MetroWest is a dynamic and important part of the state, and I hope you will join us in shaping the future of our much loved community on April 4. {{{ REGISTER HERE }}} If you can't make the Town Hall on that day, there are still lots of ways to get involved: Take the online Commonwealth Conversations survey Join the Twitter conversation using #MAConvos & #MWConvos Call, write or email my office I look forward to seeing you all on Tuesday, April 4th!  For more information, please check out the MetroWest Commonwealth Conversations press release, or visit the Commonwealth Conversations website. Warm Regards, Senator Karen E. Spilka 2nd Middlesex and Norfolk Office of State Senator Karen E. Spilka Room 212, State House Boston, Massachusetts  02133 Phone: (617) 722-1640 - Fax: (617) 722-1077 http://www.karenspilka.com

Senator Karen E. Spilka, Massachusetts State House, Room 212, Boston, MA 02133 Sent by karen.spilka@masenate.gov in collaboration with Try it free today

State Representative Jeffrey Roy Hosts Tri-County Early Education Advocates at the State House

Tri-County RVTHS Freshman and Junior Early Education students were welcomed by State Representative Jeffrey Roy of Franklin and Medway to visit the State House and take them on a personal tour. Representative Roy listened and responded to the students' questions regarding how best to provide quality early learning experiences for young children.

"I enjoyed the opportunity to engage with the Early Education advocates from Tri-County," said State Representative Jeffrey Roy. "It is important that all students have access to the benefit of a world-class education, and that access must start at early ages. It was great to see these students take a vested interest in Early Education and the overall the betterment of their community."

Junior students learned about proposed legislation to improve Early Education in Massachusetts and identified additional areas which they believe are essential to provide quality early learning experiences for all children. Some of the topics the students broached with Representative Roy included the need for additional recess time for children, the expectations of young children as set forth in the Common Core State Standards, making quality early learning programs accessible to all children and attracting and retaining quality teachers in the field of Early Education.

Representative Roy encouraged students to continue to advocate for children by contacting their local and state representatives in their respective towns, and raising awareness among their friends and families by sharing their knowledge and understanding of the importance of quality early learning experiences for young children.

"I would like to thank Representative Roy for his continued support of our programs," said Superintendent Stephen Dockray. "This field trip, which Tri-County students have taken for the past four years, is a valuable opportunity for students to advocate for the children of Massachusetts."

Tri-County RVTHS, located at 147 Pond Street in Franklin, is a recipient of the High Schools That Work Gold Achievement Award and serves the communities of Franklin, Medfield, Medway, Millis, Norfolk, North Attleborough, Plainville, Seekonk, Sherborn, Walpole, and Wrentham.

State Representative Jeffrey Roy Hosts Tri-County Early Education Advocates at the State House

THE BLACK BOX Local Artist Series: The Fat City Band - Friday, April 7

The Fat City Band Friday, April 7

THE BLACK BOX Local Artist Series presents The Fat City Band on Friday, April 7 at 8 p.m. at the downtown Franklin venue. For more than four decades, The Fat City Band has written, recorded, and performed a unique blend of blues, roadhouse rock, jazz, and New Orleans-style R&B. 

Performing coast to coast and beyond, the high-energy band has shared the stage with such legendary greats as James Brown, B.B. King, and Ray Charles. 

Bringing 40+ years of showmanship and entertainment experience to every show, the band remains committed to one idea: “Music Should Be Fun.” The Fat City Band invites audiences to come and join the party.

Tickets are $20. The home of the Franklin Performing Arts Company and a suburban hub for great music, THE BLACK BOX is located at 15 West Central Street. A cash bar is available. For tickets and more information, visit www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com or call (508) 528-3370.

Good Friday ‘Cross Walk’ - Franklin Town Common - Friday, April 14

Good Friday ‘Cross Walk’ is scheduled 

on the Franklin Town Common

Friday, April 14th – 12:00 Noon-1:00 pm

St Mary’s teen ministry is organizing a ‘Cross Walk’ procession on the Franklin Town Common beginning at Noon on Good Friday. Christians of all denominations and ages are welcome. 

Participants will gather on the Church Square end of the common. Together, they will walk through and around the Franklin Town Common and back to St Mary's lawn, pausing along the way to reflect on Jesus’ great love for us. Teens from The Rock Youth Ministry of St Mary’s parish will read reflections and prayers at each stop. 

Anyone who wishes to may help share the burden of carrying the heavy cross during the procession. All Franklin residents and their families and friends from surrounding communities are encouraged to take part in this meaningful procession on Good Friday to remember Christ's Passion.

Good Friday ‘Cross Walk’ - Franklin Town Common - Friday, April 14

Franklin teens raising funds - Karaoke - April 1

Unleash your inner Rock Star 

and support One Step's mission trip 

and the children/ adults 

of Mustard Seed Communities.

Along with singing, dancing, and crazy costumes 

the night will include

a cash bar, light snacks, and a silent auction.

April 1st, 7PM-Midnight

Tickets - $30/person

You must be 21+ to attend.

Franklin teens raising funds - Karaoke - April 1 

Tickets are available at www.mustardseed.com/karaoke. Ticket sales and silent auction benefit Franklin teen mission trip to Mustard Seed Communities

Pub Crawl Fundraiser - April 29

The Pub Crawl Fundraiser is set for April 29th. We'll go to 5 bars in Franklin

1. Alumni
2. Coles'
3. Teddy's
4. Rome
5. Jimmy D's

We'll have a bus that will tour people to each bar. Tickets are $25 per person

10% of your total bill at each bar will be donated back to Make Change for Change (erasing homelessness).

If you'd like to see more info about the charity, check out makechangeforchange.org.

They can now accept payment via PayPal by sending money to Courtney@makechangeforchange.org. 

PUB CRAWL Fundraiser - April 29

Downtown Partnership: Phone scam targeting local businesses

If you get this solicitation call Franklin Police

Franklin Downtown Partnership  9 E. Central Street, Franklin, MA  02038 (774) 571-3109   downtown.franklin@yahoo.com Phone scam targeting local businesses A new marketing scam that targets local businesses is circulating and may be headed to Franklin. If you receive one of these phone calls please alert the Franklin Police.  Thanks to Matt Lechter and Ken Corkran for the following information:  Late last week Dean College received a phone call from the Woonsocket Police Department informing us of a potential marketing "scam" going on in Rhode Island. An individual, claiming to be "Richard", is stating he works for Beacon Media News and is soliciting advertising space in a "Campus Life" publication. He further states that this publication is sponsored by other colleges such as Dean College, Bryant College, etc. Local business owners are then asked to purchase advertising space in this publication, which does not exist. Should anyone be approached with this solicitation, please contact Franklin Police and do not purchase "advertising" space.  Dean College has no affiliation with this.   Ken Corkran Director of Law Enforcement Services  and Risk Management 99 Main Street Franklin, MA 02038 508-541-1700 | kcorkran@dean.edu Franklin Downtown Partnership | downtown.franklin@yahoo.com | 774-571-3109 | franklindowntownpartnership.org

Sent by downtown.franklin@yahoo.com in collaboration with Try it free today