Franklin January 2012 by Local Town Pages

Vol. 2 No. 1

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Jan. 1, 2012

Franklin Dog Park the Bark of the Town

Town Welcomes Semerjian As He Steps Up as Chief of Police BY ANNE PARKER

It was a full house at Town Council chambers on Dec. 7th. That was the night when Franklin Police Chief Stephen T. Williams handed over his title as Police Chief to Deputy Chief Stephan H. Semerjian. Chief Semerjian was sworn in by Town Council as a room full of friends, family, students, Boy Scouts, and comrades all applauded him.

BY J.D. O’GARA

It’s not uncommon for friends at the newest Franklin park to jump for joy when they greet each other. They might even bark, will probably sniff, and if they really like each other, will soak their favorite playmates’ faces with slobbery kisses. Man’s best friend has found a place to gather in Franklin with the opening of a new dog park in Dacey Field, and it has Haley Goulet to thank.

Police officers from Franklin, Wrentham, Medway, and Walpole were there as Williams welcomed Semerjian into his newest role on the police force. With a full 38 years on the job, Williams has been Franklin's Chief of Police for the past eight years. He has been partners with Semerjian for many years. They have a strong relationship on the Retiring Chief of Police Stephen Williams, at left, shakes hands and congratulates Stephan Semerjian as job. Semerjian has been on the Semerjian got promoted from Deputy Chief to Chief of Police for Franklin in December. Semerjian started as a patrol of- role as Chief of Police. The "We need to come to a mutual force for 33 years. They are both lifelong residents of Franklin. ficer and worked his way up biggest thing is economic and fi- agreement with our partnership of Both have a solid working knowl- through the ranks. There are a nancial challenges. Those are is- the townspeople and the town edge of the police department and number of challenges Semerjian sues we need to address, he POLICE CHIEF WELCOMED looks forward to in his newest explained. the town. continued on page 2

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Haley is a 13-year-old 8th grader at the Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School. The student spearheaded the effort to build a dog park for her community service Capstone Project. Although she got the idea from her father, Ray, her Dad says Haley is the one who got the project done.

FRANKLIN DOG PARK continued on page 3

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Page 2 said Williams.

POLICE CHIEF WELCOMED continued from page 1

council. I view it as a partnership between the needs of the town and what the town council is able to provide us." The town council is the governing body. When a proposal is put before them; what consideration they can give the police department as far as financial support, he said. Chief Stephen Williams is happy about Semerjian's step up into the role. "I like to see what happened happen - a promotion from within. He brings to the table institutional knowledge and knowledge of (Franklin). I think it's great move for the department and the town,"

"I think we've worked so long together, we can almost finish each other's sentences. We work very closely together. My advice be a good listener, be fair," he added. Williams has been in the Franklin Police Department for 38 years. He plans to take a little time to himself, catch up with family life and travel a little bit. "I'm going to visit my son who lives on the west coast. I want a little time to unwind and figure out what my next move will be and what path to take." He feels it is time to retire after 8 years as Chief. Like Semerjian, Williams had worked his way up through the ranks. He started as a patrolman,

was a detective for a while, a Sergeant, a lieutenant and was Franklin's first Deputy Chief of Police and then 9th Chief of Police. Williams has seen the town grow over the years. "When I first started we only had 17,000 people in town, now we have 33,000. Route 140 was a regular two lane road. Look at the highway it is today. There was a lot of farmland. We had one stop light and one blinking light," he observed. With growth come issues. "What were the biggest complaints way back then? Speeders and parking downtown. What are our biggest complaints now? Speeders and parking downtown," he jokes. "So

the more things change, the more they remain the same." There are so many good things and awful things that happen on this job, he commented. "33 years is a long time, but it's a blink of an eye. Sometimes 10 seconds is a blink of an eye," he reflects. "I've been around since the blizzard of '78. We rode around on ski mobiles and pickup trucks. No one else was on the road but us. No one had food, but I saw the community come together. Neighbors come out and help each other. Back then you saw your neighbors and you helped each other. " When things are at their worst, his officers are at their best, he said. They rise to the challenge, they

January 1, 2012 take control, they do a nice job. "We are a great bunch of guys and what makes the job as Chief easier is to have the caliber of officers that we have working for us." What changes has he observed over the years? "I think one thing that has changed is officers are much more educated now. Many, if not all, of our people have bachelors degrees, a couple have an associates. It wasn't like that when we first started. You used to be hired because of your brawn and not your brain. And now you are hired because of your brain. You have to be able to talk to people, and de-escalate problems because you've been schooled in that type of thing. It's a good combination of both."

Art and Music Bring Spirit Alive at Franklin Church of the Redeemer BY MARJORIE TURNER HOLLMAN

When most people think of Advent, twenty-four day Advent calendars come to mind, featuring Christmas trees, presents, or perhaps a stable scene filled with animals, the Holy Family, and a bright star shining in the sky. But Advent, traditionally, was a time of penitence, quite akin to the Chris-

tian Church season of Lent. Recently, Franklin’s Anglican Church of the Redeemer hosted an Advent series of mid-week services (late November to Christmas Eve) to allow for a more thoughtful, reflective approach to what has become a commercialized, secular holiday. The series of four Thursday

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evening services not only provided a time of reflection, but it also became an opportunity for artistic expression. During the evening services, the lights in the whitepainted worship space on Hayward Street were darkened, with simple illumination supplied by small, votive candles, and a small table lamp. A collection of candles circled a wooden cross, and another set of candles lit a large black-and-white charcoal drawing. The drawings, not your typical Christmas scenes, created by Dan Sylvia, Redeemer’s Youth and Family Pastor, jumped out and grabbed you, pointing toward the second coming of Christ, rather than the first, more humble arrival of a baby in a stable in Bethlehem. Sylvia created a new drawing each week specifically for the Advent

Advent at Redeemer 1-L-R Father Jack Potter, Rector (L), Dan Sylvia, Pastor, Youth and Family, and David McKee, Minister of Music (R), worked together in advent of this past Christmas season to incorporate art, music and a contemporary feel to a time of reflection at Franklin Church of the Redeemer.

services, inspired by the collect (prayer) designated in the liturgy for each week of Advent. In addition to a new drawing

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being added to the worship space each week, each service also featured original musical arrangements of Christmas and Advent hymns, composed by Redeemer’s Minister of Music, David McKee, D.M.A. The instrumental music set the mood during the simple services. The artistic collaboration between Sylvia and McKee began over lunch after the October snowstorm. Sylvia showed McKee his artwork—he’d majored in Art at Gordon College. McKee talked about his efforts to create some contemplative musical arrangements of hymns, having been inspired by the comfort his mother had received from a recording of quiet music in the days before his father’s death. “Each drawing takes me about 15 hours to complete. But I look at this project as merely a begin-

SPIRIT ALIVE IN ARTS continued on page 4

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January 1, 2012 FRANKLIN DOG PARK continued from page 1

“I kind of headed the project, but really, the entire community built the dog park,” says a modest Haley. “I’m the face of it.” “You’re more than the face of it,” her Dad corrects her, “You’re the fundraiser.” Haley managed to get enough funding to pay for the raw materials. According to Haley, the effort went much more smoothly than she expected, and she was delighted to find a great deal of support for the project from Franklin residents. “(Fundraising) started with a booth at Stop & Shop,” says Haley, who says that that “really got the word out.” Although she had expected to do dog washes and the like, “we really didn’t have to do many fundraisers, because so many private donations came in,” she says. Companies that contributed include the Random Smile Project, Signs by Cam, Colonial Fence Co.,

Page 3

RESH Inc., Vet Med, Happy Tails, Lowes, Camp Bow Wow, Franklin Veterinary Clinic, Critter Visits and Home Depot. The dog park also received a number of private donations from individuals. Haley also enlisted the help of Franklin Town Administrator Jeff Nutting, who embraced the project as soon as Haley first contacted him in April. Nutting immediately put her in touch with the group Mormon Helping Hands, who helped clear the land. She also worked with Nutting to develop rules for the park, basing them on the Medway Dog Park rules. “Jeff Nutting deserves a lot of praise, because he is a big believer in community service, and he went out of his way to sort of help make this work,” says Ray. “He and his staff – we just found a way to work together.” “Most people don’t know that you should register for this dog park,” says Haley, who notes that registration is free. “It’s just to

hope to take their own black lab mix, “Roxy,” to the park. That is, when she learns to be comfortable with the other dogs.

13-year-old Haley Goulet began the effort to build a Franklin dog park as a school project and ended up creating a community resource, with help from donors and volunteers. 114 families and counting are now registered and regularly using the park, at Dacey Field.

make sure we have information.” The rules help to ensure a safe experience for all dogs and their owners who use the park. According to Haley, the Franklin dog officer will investigate any problems, but since the park opened in November, there haven’t

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been any to report, she says, happily. Of Franklin’s 4,500 dog owners, 114 families have registered for the park, with some of them owning more than one dog. She notes that she often sees about 12 families together with their dogs at the park, “and that’s like 12 people that maybe didn’t know each other before,” she adds. “Really friendly dogs go there, and really friendly people,” says Haley. “Some people will go several times a day.” Haley points to “regulars” such as “Teddy” a little Dachshund, and “Angus,” a Neapolitan Mastiff, as the type of friendly dogs the park sees. Someday, Haley, her 10-year-old sister Emma, Mom Jean and Dad Ray

Now that the park is built, “we’re figuring out how to sustain it,” says Haley, who says some have approached her about volunteering. “We don’t want it to be a burden to the town,” she says. Haley would like to try to find funding for trash removal, as so far the town has done it. In addition, says Haley, “If funds continue, we’d also like to add some agility equipment for the dogs, as well as a memorial in the back.” The Franklin Dog Park is located at Dacey Field, at 700 Lincoln Street in Franklin. It is open during the daytime and closed after dark. For more information on the park, visit the Web pages that Haley manages herself at www.franklindogpark.webs.com and on Facebook.

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Haley feels tremendous satisfaction from seeing dogs and dog owners connect with each other. She says she learned a lot, not only by learning about dog behavior, but also by beefing up her public speaking skills, as she had to make speeches to solicit some sponsor donations. This came in handy when she received both a commendation from the Town of Franklin as well as from the Massachusetts House of Representatives.

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January 1, 2012

Curtis Lane Sign Once Again Stands Proudly Medway Stolen Sign Replaced Thanks to Neighbors and Franklin Sign Artist BY J.D. O’GARA

In March, the Medway & Millis Localtownpages reported that someone had robbed the historic Medway neighborhood called Curtis Landing of a carved, painted sign neighbors had chipped in to have made 11 years ago. Somewhere, that sign still probably sits in the basement of the criminal who stole it, but residents of the 9-home cul-de-sac are still smiling. You see, they’ve found their silver lining – and a new sign. “Rocco at Cavallaro Signs in Franklin (http://cavallarosigns.com) offered to build us a new sign at the same price we paid 11 years ago,” says resident David Balardini. “In addition, he created a nice plaque with all the family names on it and installed the sign at no charge.” Resident Barbie Cramer had SPIRIT ALIVE IN ARTS

taken it upon herself to find the sign maker. “It really took me a while to try to find somebody that made signs,” says Cramer. “We were trying to do a wooden sign like we had previously. The reason we did the sign in the first place is that we are such a close-knit neighborhood; we wanted to do something for the millennium. We knew that Curtis Landing was a historical landmark. The neighbors really embraced it.” Cramer found Cavallaro at a busy time, when he was tending to a lot of signs damaged from inclement weather. “He said, ‘I will love to help you, and I will accommodate you by making the sign and donating the plaque with all your names on it,’ ”says Cramer. “I said, ‘That’s super!’ He gave us a very fair

continued from page 2

grasp the text of each collect in the context of being a Christian.”

ning,” says Sylvia. “After the holidays I hope to involve other individuals who are artistic and want to participate. The drawing process itself draws me closer to God as I

McKee explained, “I’d already finished arranging ‘O Holy Night,’ so I sent it to Dan. I had started thinking about Easter and such, but this project was right now, I put the

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“I think it’s a really nice gesture on Rocco’s part, to help out like this, especially when the economy is so bad. It’s kind of nice to get a break from someone,” says Balardini, Curtis Lane resident. “He only charged us what we paid for the sign 11 years ago, and then to install it for us and do the plaque for free. He wasn’t asking for anything in return.”

Neighbors once again show their pride in living at Curtis Landing with a new sign made by Rocco Cavallaro, of Franklin. Cavallaro gave residents a deal, made the plaque at no charge and installed the sign for free. Shown, from left, are Barbie Cramer, Kathy Russo, David Balardini, Rocco Cavallaro, Jeff Cramer with dog “Curtis,” Lily Gallagher, Katy Gallagher, Rick Holland and Linda Blood. Not shown in the photo are fellow Curtis Landing residents the Butler family, the Ertmann family, the Myers family and the O’Brien family.

“(Cramer) called and explained that the sign had been stolen, and there’s not much you can do to prevent that kind of thing, so I felt pretty bad about it,” says Cavallaro, “They’re very costly.” The traditional sign artist, who learned hand carving, gold leaf and brush technique at the Butera School of Fine Art over 29 years ago, says

that he was able to offer a deal thanks to 3D modeling and his CNC (Computer Numeric Control) router table. “Most sign shops send their carving out. (The machine) allows me to cut all kinds of materials that your average sign shop can’t cut or carve.” Cavallaro was also able to use an extra piece of solid PVC, a waterproof panel that he had in his shop.

Neighbors once again pitched in to help the sign again stand proudly. In all, says Cramer, 10 families donated, including a couple that no longer live in the neighborhood and had retired to Cape Cod.

other music aside and worked on this … Technology allows an individual to compose. I have an electronic keyboard that is plugged into the computer. I can compose with a whole orchestra—I find the sounds I want and plug them in. The software provides virtual instruments—a great substitute when you don’t have the luxury of live musicians. It’s intended as background music, for while you’re focusing on prayer and scripture.”

“My part overall has been to plan the services, organize the readings and coordinate with Dan and David to figure out who is going to do what,” says Father Jack Potter, Rector. “Oh, I also lit the candles. I tried to draw on the reflections of the early church fathers, to look at the historical background of Advent. But, you know, these readings have a contemporary feel—there’s nothing new. We believe in the same things that the early church did.”

In a world that seems to offer mostly tinsel, hurry and stress, it is sometimes helpful to stop, reflect, and think about what those efforts are all about; Art has a way of facilitating this. The Church of the Redeemer stands in the grand tradition of the Church supporting and incorporating the Arts into daily life; rather than being an “extra,” there are many who will argue that it is an important, intrinsic part of living.

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“It’s a community thing,” says Cramer, “about taking pride in the community.”

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January 1, 2012

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New Franklin Cable Show Brings “The Village” to Parents How do you raise children to be happy as well as successful? That’s one of the questions Dr. Anne Bergen asks on her new Franklin Cable Access show “It Takes a Village: Raising Resilient Kids in Today’s World. ” Bergen, who spent 40 years at all different levels of Franklin schools as a teacher, a reading specialist and principal at elementary, middle and high school levels, directs viewers’ focus to strengthening the emotional well-being of young people in an age where they’re often expected to balance a variety of demands. “I’d been noticing, based on my experience and a lot of the research I’ve read, that many young people are increasingly experiencing anxiety, depression, eating disorders … a lot of emotional turmoil, including not knowing exactly what they want to do even after college,” says Bergen. “We do a good job of focusing on academic skills, but without looking at the whole undercurrent of emotional turmoil.” Dr. Bergen is tapping upon educators and others in the community to raise awareness, using the ex-

pertise and experience of these sources to inform viewers. “Maybe we can do a better job of building that strong sense of self,” says Bergen. In one episode, Bergen interviews the superintendent of Franklin Public Schools’ Maureen Sabolinski and school committee member Roberta Trahan not as educators, but as parents. “Their kids have gone into adulthood as strong, capable kids,” says Bergen. The two shared what they learned in raising their kids and how they were able to convey the meaning of success not being just about earning a lot of money or going to a good school. “Kids who have that strong inner self are able to stand firm when they have to face really difficult decisions,” says Bergen, who says that children who are motivated to “do the right thing” often end up making wiser decisions and have a strong sense of self. Following the Penn State scandal, as well as news reports of hazing in other Massachusetts towns that had made headlines, Bergen interviewed Franklin Athletic Di-

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rector Brad Sidwell and Pete Escarosa. The two discussed what parents can learn from these incidents and how to get kids to resist either becoming a bully or the bullied. One show focused on how parents might make kids stronger in standing up to life’s challenges, with Bergen interviewing Judy Giovangelo, of Ben Speaks, about her son Ben’s experience and subsequent suicide. Another episode aimed to help parents help young people to find their true passion in life rather than only build a college resume.

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“We spend so much time getting them to college, we forget to ask them what will give their life meaning,” says Bergen. “It Takes a Village: Raising Resilient Kids in Today’s World” on Franklin Cable airs six times a week on Comcast Channel 96 and Verizon Channel 28. View those stations, or click on the Franklin Educational Access link at the Cable Access TV page at the Franklin town website at http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_BCo mm/cabacc

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January 1, 2012

Franklin V.F.W. Veterans Continue to Serve BY MARJORIE TURNER HOLLMAN

Bob Fahey, Veteran’s Agent and Outreach Coordinator at the Franklin Senior Center, feels a debt of gratitude for the benefits he received as a veteran, although he notes that really, when he enlisted, “the war was over. I got a four-year college education, paid for through the GI bill, as well as a 4 % loan with no down payment, to buy a house.” Fahey’s job as Franklin Veteran’s Agent brings him into contact with veterans who have seen war on a regular basis, veterans like those who keep Franklin’s V.F.W. Post 3402, on Pond Street, up and running. “I have a wonderful job. But nobody can tell you what war is like until you’ve been to war yourself. The effects of war linger on. Lately I’ve had a number of Vietnam Vets who are living with the effects of having been sprayed with Agent Orange during the war.” Fahey works closely with the members of the V.F.W. “Whenever I need assistance of any kind, they’re always there for me. Each year, we visit the veterans in the Kindred Care Transitional Care and Rehabilitation Center on Chestnut Street, and some members join me and participate as a group. They’re helpful in any way I ask them to be."

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Joe Collins, a member of the V.F.W., didn’t join the Post when he first returned from Viet Nam. “I joined the V.F.W. in 1980 but didn’t participate. But I heard that they might lose the post, so I went down and spoke to the people there. I discovered that they’re a good group. Their hearts are in the right place. Veterans from different wars, we’re all cut of the same cloth. When the kids came home from the Gulf war, since I was a Vietnam vet, we vets wanted them to be treated differently than we were when we came home. And then in 2006 I went to Iraq with the National Guard—I was 59! The kids in Iraq (and they were kids) treated me extremely L-R VFW Post Commander Larry Bederian, member, Cammie Pasquino, well. You know, I wouldn’t change Post Secretary Howard Crawford. Facing the three, Bob Fahey. a thing. Today, people appreciate bor Day, December 7th, “A day certificate, and solemnly saluted veterans. If I’m wearing something that will live in infamy,” as Presi- each veteran. Kindred Care Resithat indicates that I’m a veteran, dent Franklin Roosevelt so named dent, Richard Glencross returned it, Fahey and several members of Crawford’s salute, and then, repeople stop to thank me.” the Franklin V.F.W. Post visited vet- flecting his military experience, Howard Crawford, Secretary of erans and their families at Kindred said, “Carry on.” the Franklin V.F.W. said, “I served Care on Chestnut Street. Fahey had Fahey greeted resident, Joseph in Germany and also in Korea in prepared certificates of appreciation White, who had served in the Navy 1950. When I joined the reserves, for each resident veteran at the as Fahey had, with “Sweepers, they said, ‘If something comes up, nursing home, taking the time to Man your brooms! Do you rememwe’ll call you.’ Well, something speak with each in turn as he gave ber that, Joseph?” White nodded came up. You know, a lot of WWII them a baseball cap, each cap deand smiled. Clearly, memories of veterans went to Korea, and a lot noting the branch of service the vethaving served are enduring. of them got killed. eran had served in. Howard Anna Vanderwal, the only female On the anniversary of Pearl Har- Crawford read and presented the

vet present at the Activities Room that day, served in WWII in the Air Force, and is now 90. Her daughter, Joann Wright, a Franklin resident, explained that her mother volunteered, hoping to spare others who had families. “She was unmarried at the time,” Wright explained. The certificate bestowed upon each Kindred Care resident veteran, in remembrance of Pearl Harbor Day, bore Fahey’s favorite quote, by President Harry Truman, which is also on the WWII Veteran’s Memorial in Washington, D.C. “Our debt to the heroic men and valiant women in the service of our country can never be repaid. They have earned our undying gratitude. America will never forget their sacrifices.” The V.F.W. Post on Pond Street meets monthly on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. and is open to all veterans who have received a campaign medal for overseas service; have served 30 consecutive or 60 non-consecutive days in Korea; or have ever received hostile fire or imminent danger pay. Bob Fahey’s Veteran’s Agent Office is at the Franklin Senior Center. Contact him at (508) 520-4945 or email him at bfahey@franklin.ma.us

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Local Town Pages www.franklintownnews.com

January 1, 2012

Returning Soldiers May Face PTSD Effects - Local Help Available BY J.D. O’GARA

In World War I, they called it “shell shock;” in World War II, it was “battle fatigue.” Since the Vietnam War, it’s been referred to as PTSD, or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, and it’s a problem still plaguing a number of U.S. soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. Says Franklin Veterans Service Officer Bob Fahey, “They’re predicting that 30% of those who have will suffer from either PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) or TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury) and in many cases, it’s difficult to distinguish.” Indeed, according to a 2009 study by Michael P. Atkinson of the Naval Postgraduate School and Adam Guetz and Lawrence M. Wein of Stanford University predict as many as 35 percent of returning soldiers could have http://psychcentral.com/ disorders/ptsd/, due to multiple deployments. PTSD can occur by witnessing or experiencing life-threatening events. People who suffer from it often relive their experience through nightmares, flashbacks, and have difficulty sleeping as well as feelings of detachment. These effects can impair the person’s life, both psychologically and physically. PTSD can often occur in conjunction with depression, substance abuse, memory and cognition problems and is associated with impairment of person’s abil-

ity to function in social or family life. Fahey has seen five returning soldiers from Iraq or Afghanistan come to him to file for service connected disability. These veterans range in age from 20 to 25. Two of these veterans have required the help of residential programs. PTSD, says Fahey, is “a normal reaction to abnormal circumstances. Seeing their friends killed… there’s a tremendous amount of bonding going on between those who are in combat. When you see one of those friends killed, there’s a tremendous impact. The effects of war linger on.” “It’s pretty high among people,” says Millis Veterans’ Agent John Wypyszinski, who spent two tours in Iraq and experienced PTSD firsthand when he came back, along with a number of his fellow soldiers. In recent years, 68 veterans have returned to the town from the Iraq or Afghanistan wars. “They have trouble with crowds, being out in public,” he says. “Sounds … smells can trigger a flashback,” something as simple as getting bumped into by someone at a store “can cause a full blown panic attack,” he says. Wypyszinski says the stigma associated with PTSD is not as bad as it used to be. He sees the military as trying to stay on top of the problem. He says soldiers on active duty are really being pushed to let someone know if they know

Happy New Year

someone who has such a problem. He thinks it’s telling that the Marine Corps just “did a big push on post traumatic stress and brain injury.” Wypyszinski also says there’s help for veterans who’ve recently come back. In the Give an Hour program, therapists volunteer their time to help veterans, he says. In addition to group counseling and medication to control anxiety, therapies for PTSD include Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), which aims to help those with PTSD change how they view their trauma, exposure therapy, which focuses on getting the patient to repeatedly talk about their trauma and gain control over their response to it; and EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing), which involves focusing on different stimuli, such as eye movements, hand taps and other sounds while or talking about traumatic memories in an effort to retrain the affected person to respond differently to the memory. Some are looking to alternatives, like yoga. In January and February in Millis, the Baba Siri Chand Yoga and Retreat Center will be offering free yoga and meditation to local soldiers and their families for the months of January and February 2012. Visit www.YogaAtThe Ashram.org.

Page 7

eran’s Administration. “In any war, there are vets who come home from war and who are in need of services, but unless they reach out, they’re not going to get the treatment they need,” says Fahey. “Consult your local veterans services officer or go directly to the VA hospital with your discharge papers.” In Millis, veterans can reach John Wypyszinski at the Veteran’s Memorial Building, Room 212 on Wednesday mornings and on Thursdays by appointment. Call (508) 376-7059. Bob Fahey, in Franklin, can be reached at the Franklin Senior Center at (508)

520-4973. Medway is part of the Metro West Veterans’ Services District, comprising Medway, Hopkinton, Holliston and Ashland. Its director is John Givner, who can be reached at (508) 881.0100 x.673, or veterans@townofmedway.org Local vets can also find help close to home at the outpatient VA clinic in Framingham (508) 6280205, or the outpatient clinic in Worcester (508) 856-0104, as well as the Brockton VA Hospital (508) 583-4500. If you are a veteran experiencing these effects, you can also call Veteran’s Crisis Line directly at 1-(800) 273-TALK, and press “1.”

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recipes were given to Turinese and McMillan by Ron Bucchannio, owner of Pipinelle’s, and Margie Damelio, Pastry Chef from the restaurant. Prior to opening their business, both women, Turinese on the east coast and McMillan, on the west coast in Spokane, WA, conducted focus groups and taste tests to find the most delicious versions of their cake recipes.

The Cake Bar Seeing Sweet Success in Franklin Food Network Challenge Winner a Native of the Town

BY J.D. O’GARA

The two are a good team.

It says a lot about a community when a new business owner vows never to leave the town. Food Network Challenge repeat cast member and winner Tracie Turinese, along with her partner Angie McMillan, have been so impressed with the support of both Franklin residents and businesses that they have done just that. “The community really has welcomed us,” says Tracie, whose cupcakes, just the tip of a delicious iceberg of beautiful treats, have become the talk of the town. Turinese, a native of Franklin, has strong ties to the neighborhood. She has found support not only from those who have deep roots in the town, but also in a “whole new wave of kids and families who are all so excited and so wonderful.”

“It’s a good fit,” says Tracie. “I’m more on the artistic design side and Angie’s more operations focused.” Turinese first began creating these edible works of art when she threw a baby shower for Angie and discovered a cake designer in Seattle. “We will never leave Franklin,” says Turinese. “We might, down the road, open up new locations, but we would never give up Franklin. The partners have had other small Franklin businesses to encourage them, for absolutely no reason other than to be kind, the two say. For example, the owners of Switch and Treazza not only

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gave them business, but both also offered advice and displayed The Cake Bar business cards at their locations. “Franklin has grown,” says Turinese. “It’s a small town at heart. It might be bigger than when I was a kid, but the bottom line is it still feels like a small town. People know each other and they support each other.” “They want to see you succeed. We get that all the time,” says Angie, who says sales have quadrupled what they had expected. Turinese, a repeat cast member of the national TV program and winner of the Food Network Challenge, uses 3 cupcake and cake recipes adapted from staple recipes at Pipinelle’s restaurant. These

“I couldn’t believe the cakes he made,” she says. She then immersed herself in learning the trade. “I like the idea of having the sky’s the limit on the cake side,” says the designer. “ Sculpting and creating large pieces of art with the cake is my passion. We can pretty much do anything with cake – all that gravity and budget allows!” Angie gets a kick out of seeing the excitement on Turinese’s face when she gets an order that will challenge her skills, such as a recent “Harry Potter” cake. Turinese thrills in creating a custom cake for each customer for events from birthdays to holidays and special gatherings. The menu is constantly evolving to offer cake truffles, individual cakes, trifles, offering

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some beautiful standards as well as the hottest trends, such as tiered wedding cupcakes. The latter can include any theme (one was done in sunflowers), and the easy-toserve ensemble includes a top sixinch round for the bride and groom to cut. The Cake Bar can provide a beautiful cake for as little as $45 or create a full-blown 3D sculpture that will leave a lasting impression in guests’ memories and hearts for less than you’d expect. The bakery is a great resource for the party planner, offering an event platter that can combine the customer’s choice of cupcakes, dessert bars and frosting shots. Tracie does advise, however, to call ahead for those custom works of art. “Because they truly are custom, we typically ask for as much notice as possible,” she says. “Truly it is designed for each individual, and therefore we need a little lead time to turn around the cake.” For those who want to try their own hand at the art of cake creation, The Cake Bar offers a variety of classes, from Cake Decorating 101 to Glitz and Glam Edible Jewelry. Visit their website at www.thecakebaronline to see upcoming classes. Right now, the bakery offers adult classes, but they are considering finding a space to expand that roster to include children’s classes. “We are currently planning a children’s cake competition,” says Turinese. The event will resemble a Food Network Challenge and is still in development. “It would be a place for kids to showcase their cake art,” she says. The Cake Bar website will also allow visitors to sign up for a newsletter. On top of upcoming classes, the newsletter will keep folks up to date on flavors of the month and seasonal specials. Fans of The Cake Bar can also stop by their page on Facebook.

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“We love seeing that feedback on there,” says Angie. “Keep an eye on us, because there’s more to come.” You can visit The Cake Bar at 1 Crossing Plaza in Franklin. Hours are Wednesday through Friday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. (or until cupcakes run out), and Sunday 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. (or until cupcakes run out. Or, call (508) 553-8700 to place your custom order.

Local Town Pages www.franklintownnews.com

January 1, 2012

January Calendar of Events December 31 New Year’s Eve Labyrinth Walk, 5-7 p.m., First Universalist Society of Franklin, 262 Chestnut St., Franklin. Indoor and outdoor labyrinths will be lit, weather permitting. Collecting goods for Pathways Family Shelter in Framingham. They have requested socks for babies, toddlers, 6-year olds & women, diapers (all sizes), baby wipes, soap and shampoo. Visit www.fusf.org or call Judy at (508) 528-7831. January 1 Tri-Valley Youth Hockey registration for beginner skate and hockey programs begins. The Learn- to- Skate program meets once a week at 10 a.m. beginning on Sunday, January 15, and lasts for 10 weeks. The Learn-to- Play program meets twice a week, beginning on Saturday, January 14 at 8 am and Sunday January 15 at 9am and lasts for 10 weeks. Each program is open to boys and girls over the age of 4 and is run by USA Hockey certified coaches. Both programs will skate at the Pirelli Veterans Memorial Skating Rink, 910 Panther Way, in Franklin. For more information and to register for these exciting programs, please go to www.trivalleyindians.com.

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January 4 The Friends of the Franklin Library (FOFL) meeting, 7 p.m. in the Community Room of the library, lower level. Members and the public are welcome to attend. January 7 8th Annual Gary Mirliss Memorial Blood Drive, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., King Philip Middle School, 18 King St., Norfolk, Family drive in partnership with Brigham & Women’s Hospital, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Children’s Hospital, Boston in memory of Gary Mirliss. To make you appointment you can go to www.halfpints.childrenshospital.org and use the Sponsor code MIRLISS. For more information, email GM.Memorial.Drive@ Gmail.com In an effort to help fight childhood obesity, Boston Sports Club, Franklin will be holding our first Kids Get Active Day on January 7th from noon to 2pm. During this time the whole community will be welcome to try a variety of our kids programs FREE. We offer every level swimming class, kids zumba, parent-child yoga, kids all-star sports classes and more. January 8 Nutrition Seminar, hosted by Team Fitness Franklin, 11:30 a.m., $20 at door

January 10 10 am–2 pm. Dean College Children’s Center. Parents of preschoolers age 2–6 can stop by during exploration hours, bring their child to explore the innovative, NAEYC accredited school, and learn about the programs. Dean College Children’s Center, 144 School St., Franklin. For more information call 508-541-1598. January 13 Hearing Care Center Open House, 450 North Main St., Cobbs Corner, Sharon, 9:30 a.m.4 p.m.Visit the Hearing Care Center Open House for a free hearing evaluation, hearing aid demonstration and enter a drawing for a free TV listening system. January 14 Auditions for Franklin Performing Arts Company’s Annie, Franklin School for the Performing Arts, 38 Main Street. All auditioning should prepare 16 bars of a musical theater song NOT from Annie. Those called back for the role of Annie will be asked to sing “Tomorrow.” Tickets for the show go on sale January 16. They can be purchased at the Spotlight Shop, at 34 Main St. in Franklin or you may call (508) 528-8668. January 16 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

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Tuesday, January 10: Low Vision Group meets at 1 p.m. A representative from the MA Commission for the Blind will be speaking and a free raffle for low vision aides will be offered. All are welcome. Wednesdays, January 11 & 25: Blood Sugar Testing from 8:30 to 10 a.m. Wednesdays, January 11, 18 & 25: Gait Assessments are offered by our Wellness Nurse at 11:00 a.m. to determine if you are at risk for falling. We’re raffling off another $50 gift card, so call to sign up today. Wednesday, January 18: Free Informational Session on Meditation at 11 a.m. Meditation helps one to gain a new perspective on stressful situations, build skills to manage stress, increase self-awareness, focus on the present, and reduce negative emotions. Classes start on January 25. Wednesday, January 18: Caregivers Support Group meets at 4 p.m. Respite can be provided by calling ahead. Thursday, January 19: Senator Ross’ Aide, Catherine Gillespie is at the Center at 10 a.m. to meet with constituents. Friday, January 20: Federal & State Income Tax Return Updates at 10 a.m. with Deanna Rensch. Call to sign up. Friday, January 20: Chair Volleyball Demonstration and Sign Up at 11 a.m. This fun games helps to improve cardiovascular fitness,

increase flexibility and tone muscle! Call to sign up for a demo of the game on Friday, January 20 at 11 am. Monday, January 23: Painting Classes with Bill Robinson at 1 p.m. Bill will be at the Center to show some of his work and sign up new students for his class which will start in February. Come by or call to sign up for this great new painting class. Wednesday, January 25: “Dealing with Dizziness, Vertigo and Balance Problems” will be presented by Wellness Nurse, Linda Hastings at 1 p.m. Please call to sign up for this informative presentation. Friday, January 27: Country Western Party is offered at 10:30 a.m. featuring C&W performer; Bill McCoy. Luncheon is a delicious Beef Stew. Come dressed in the CW theme and we’ll award prizes for the best outfits. Tickets are $6 and available at the Senior Center until January 20. Monday, January 30: Newcomers Coffee Hour is offered at 1:30 p.m. Newcomers are invited to come by to take a tour of the Center and learn about the many programs, services and activities offered here. Please call to sign up. Monday Movies are shown at 1:15 p.m. on the following dates in January: January 9: Larry Crowne (PG-13) January 23: The Help (PG-13) January 30: One Day (PG-13)

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January 1, 2012

She Offers People “A Little Bit of Heaven” needed to do something that had meaning on this earth, I wanted to make a difference.”

Maureen Kayata was at the top of her career. A Senior Vice President at the fifth largest bank in the world, the financial whiz had climbed the ranks of Corporate America over 24 years, earned a nice income and seemed to have it all. Then, she walked away, toward something even bigger.

Kayata’s mission is to offer people “A Little Bit of Heaven.” She chose this name for her new vocation, reconnecting others with own their life purpose, restoring their peace, self worth, self-confidence, creativity and vitality. She uses different tools to remove fears and blocks that have disconnected people from their own divine guidance, blocks that have kept them from achieving everything from weight loss to happiness.

“It was an internal calling,” says Maureen. “It was such a pull. My belief is you should try to make a difference in somebody’s life every day. I practiced that in corporate, but I wanted to live it every day. I

Kayata believes that we all have a voice, or guide, which assists us in the direction we need to go. Her own guiding force led her to become a certified in Reiki Master. Reiki is a Japanese form of healing

BY J.D. O’GARA

that works with the body’s energy system. Kayata received some affirmations that she had chosen the right path. She voluntarily performs Reiki at hospitals, and in one case, Kayata worked on a two-year-old boy whose parents had been told he was not going to survive. By the next morning, the boy had made a miraculous turnaround. This was the first of several such experiences. In a different ICU case, Kayata instantly realized that Reiki alone was not going to work. The experience led her to learn reconnective healing and The Reconnection. A healing practice developed by Dr. Eric Pearl that works directly with the cellular memory and DNA of the individual. The Reconnection activates all

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Kayata often sees clients who have exhausted more conventional methods of healing. “They’re at a crossroads,” says Kayata, and some of them do not want to admit to anyone else what they’re doing, because they don’t understand it, she says. Even Kayata herself cannot explain why her methods work. “I am not a medical doctor,” says Maureen. “I don’t claim to heal people, but what I do is honor the gifts that were given to me by God. I listen to the person, and I meet them where they are,” honoring their belief system, she says. “The miracle comes from within the per-

Among her gifts, Kayata is a medium. From a young age, she has been able to receive messages from deceased people. Growing up in a Catholic family, she kept the gift to herself for a long time. “How do you tell people you get messages that other people don’t see or hear?” asks Kayata. “When people cross, they’re still very much around you, but we are so thick in our grief, or so thick in our belief, that we miss it.” Most people, says Kayata, miss the signs their deceased loved ones send. As a medium, she says, she’s able to give that message of love or healing. “Mediumship is a huge blessing to have,” says Maureen. “I like to

BIT OF HEAVEN continued on page 11

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Tri-County Robotics Gets $1,000 JCPenney Grant

BIT OF HEAVEN continued from page 10

say I have two-way communication. I can ask a question and get an answer most of the time.”

The Tri-County Robotics Team was recently awarded a $1,000 corporate grant from JCPenney.

As if these tools aren’t enough, Kayata is also a Certified Hypnotist. Hypnosis is a very deep, progressive relaxation, says Kayata, “you can help a person reprogram anything at all in their life.” Kayata has also had hypnosis succeed where conventional medicine has not worked. In one instance, a teenage girl had trouble keeping food down for a period of 14 years. Kayata learned that the teen suspected her sphincter muscle wasn’t working properly. “I got her into a hypnotic state,” says Kayata. “I had HER do the work. During hypnosis, Kayata asked the girl to go in and tighten that muscle. After two sessions, her problem was completely resolved. Similarly, Maureen was able to rid an overweight client of an obsessive addiction to sugar. The result? “She has never had a craving for sugar ever again,” says Kayata. “and she’s lost 50 lbs.” Kayata, essentially, helps her clients reconnect with their confidence and their own internal power. “The fact is, we’re on this earth, but we’re so entrapped with fears that we can’t accomplish what we want to accomplish,” says Kayata.

Page 11

row in which the Tri-County team will compete at the FIRST Boston Regional, after coming in 8th place in their first year and placing in the Top 30 last year.

The Team will use the grant to help offset the cost of entering the FIRST competition, a worldwide robotics competition in which teams are given six weeks to design and build a robot using a standard kit of parts. Maureen Kayata

She works with clients to shift that belief, through hypnosis, angel readings, channeling and healing. “If you can feel completely confident in yourself and step into your power completely, then every person who steps into your path will benefit,” says Kayata. “God made us all so special and unique. I try to bring out the uniqueness of each individual, to be accepting of themselves and work with what they were blessed with.” A Little Bit of Heaven is located at 175 North Main Street, in Attleboro, Mass., at Attleboro Chiropractic Health Center. You can reach Maureen Kayata at (508) 838-0883, email her at alittlebitofheaven88@yahoo.com or visit her website and listen to her radio shows at www.alittlebitofheaven.net

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January 1, 2012

Tax and Service Professionals School College Kids About Debit Cards Brian Byrne Named Mr. RWU

BY DIANA HERBERT

For parents with college students, it’s a wise idea to keep tabs on their finances – even if they’re managing their own money. That’s because college students are a common target for credit card companies — and credit cards are a big temptation for money-strapped students.

According to a study by student loan institution Sallie Mae, 84% of undergrads attending four-year institutions leave for school with at least one credit card and 50% have four or more cards. This presents a dilemma for many parents: How can students stay out of credit card debt, but still ensure that they are able to

purchase necessary items, without having to resort to carrying large amounts of cash.

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Purchase amounts are deducted directly from the account balance. (All cards should backed by FDIC insurance.)

Safer spending With a debit card, students can enjoy the freedom of a credit card, but without the risk of over-extending. They also learn firsthand how to manage their money and take that next critical step toward financial responsibility. Some advantages include: Like a traditional credit card, branded prepaid debit cards are accepted at most mainstream es-

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Students who work can have their pay direct-deposited into their account. Unlike a traditional credit card that offers a maximum allowance, a prepaid card is reloadable. This allows parents some involvement in their child’s financial success. Re-loadable cards can be replenished daily, weekly or monthly. The student can also load the card with funds earned from part-time jobs. Unlike a traditional credit card, once the money is gone, the student cannot keep spending. Participants can easily reload a card at participating reload networks. About the author: Diana Herbert is an H&R Block tax professional in Franklin. Please see our ad on this page.

In September of 2011, Brian Byrne from Norfolk Massachusetts was nominated by fellow classmates along with 9 other students at Roger Williams University to compete for Mr. RWU for the 2011/2012 school year.

November 19, when Brian and his team performed singing and dancing to 3 Justin Bieber songs in front of 5 judges and a packed auditorium at Roger Williams University. The performance ended with a standing ovation.

This award was based on several challenges and events of which Brian completed over a threemonth period, one of which was fund raising for a local Children’s Cancer hospital (Brian’s team collected nearly $3,000). The culmination of this occurred on

At the conclusion of the event it was announced that Brian Patrick Byrne of Norfolk, Massachusetts was awarded the prestigious Mr. RWU. Brian will graduate in May of 2012 will a degree in Business Management.

Tax and Accounting Services Theresa Horky, CPA, MST Pegasus Solutions, Inc 184 West Central St Franklin, MA 02038 508-570-4908 508-570-4916 (fax) http://www.pegasusltc.com/

Is getting financially fit part of your New Year’s resolution? Take advantage of our free consultation to review your investments and see if you are on target to meet your goals. Joseph Byrne Proactive Wealth Advisor President/Owner of Byrne Financial Freedom, LLC 11 East Street, Franklin, MA 02038 • (508) 528-9366 www.byrnefinancialfreedom.com • Retirement Planning • College Planning • Mutual Funds, Stocks, Bonds

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January 1, 2012

Local Town Pages www.franklintownnews.com

Page 13

Dean College News & Events Visit www.dean.edu for more news & events

Dean College Wins Valley of the Sun Bowl Glendale, AZ: The Dean College (Franklin, MA) football team capped a tremendous fall season by capturing the Valley of the Sun Bowl in dramatic fashion over Glendale Community College. Trailing 25-6 late in the third quarter, the Bulldogs scored 20 straight points to capture its first bowl crown in four tries, 2625. It was a measure of revenge over the Gauchos, as Dean had fallen to them two years ago in the same bowl game, 10-9. Things did not look promising in the first quarter, as Glendale took an early 10-point lead on a 22-yard touchdown pass and Jordan Rueschoffâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first of three field goals. The Bulldogs answered with a 17-yard strike from Jamal Small to Demetri Davis, but on the ensuing PAT, the kick was blocked and Glendale returned it for 2 points, leaving the score at 12-6. The Gauchos added another 1st

quarter TD and a 2nd quarter field goal to lead at the half 22-6. After Glendale added their final field goal, Dean started its comeback under sixty-degree overcast skies. Late in the 3rd quarter, Jamal Small completed 5 passes on a drive punctuated with a 7yard touchdown pass to Robbie Jackson. The defense held Glendale on downs, forcing them to punt. Dean took over on the 20yard line and marched 80 yards in eight plays, ending with a 17-yard touchdown run by Aundre Johnson. Blaine Moriarityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s PAT made it 25-20. After the teams traded punts, the Bulldogs started their final dramatic drive on their own 44-yard line with less than five minutes remaining in the game. Again, Jamal Small was the catalyst, completing six passes culminated with an acrobatic catch by Rodney White-

head, who dove for the right pylon for the touchdown, giving Dean its first lead of the game. Deanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s twopoint conversion attempt was broken up, leaving them with a tenuous 1-point advantage. Glendaleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s kicker showed great range in warm-ups, and had already kicked three field goals, so with 1:45 left in the game, the Gauchos had a chance as they started their last drive. Starting from their own 16-yard line, they marched 67 yards in 9 plays, where they faced a 4th and 8 from the Dean 17-yard line. With the game on the line, Glendaleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s kicker, Jordan Rueschoff, pulled his field goal attempt to the left, and the Dean College celebration was on. Jamal Small was voted the most valuable player of the game, completing 17 passes, 3 for touchdowns. Aundre Johnson rushed

Presentation of Trophy Caption: Presentation of Valley of the Sun Bowl Game Trophy, presented to Robbie Jackson (#3) from Natick, MA and Charles Watson (#5) from Middletown, CT.

for 57 yards on 14 carries, while Robbie Jackson caught 6 passes for 73 yards and 1 touchdown. With the defense holding Glendale to 3 points in the second half, outstanding performances were turned in by Charles Watson with 10 tackles, including a sack, and Chamarcus Pittard, who recorded 9 tackles. Donovan Walker, Jonathan Roundtree and Vishawn

Williams all recorded an interception, which stalled Glendale in their attempts to score more points earlier in the game. Dean ends its season at 8-1, and hopes to climb from its 11th position in the final NJCAA national poll. To learn more about Dean College, visit www.dean.edu.

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Local Town Pages www.franklintownnews.com A collaboration of community leaders, businesses and residents interested in revitalizing Downtown Franklin into an exciting, vibrant environment rich with opportunity. Have You Heard What’s New in Franklin? Franklindowntownpartnership.org Downtown.Franklin@yahoo.com For more information, contact: Executive Director (774) 571-3109 The Partnership is a Non-Profit 501(c)3 organization.

Food Elves, Partnership Collect A Ton of Food Amount Collected Translates to 17,000 Meals

Tri-County Seniors Win John & Abigail Adams Scholarships Tri-County Superintendent-Director Stephen F. Dockray has announced that more than 60 seniors from the Class of 2012 have been awarded John and Abigail Adams Scholarships. The John and Abigail Adams Scholarships provide four years of free tuition to full-time students attending any University of Massachusetts campus, or any participating state or community college, beginning in the fall 2012 semester. These scholarships are awarded to students who achieve two advanced scores or one advanced and one proficient score on the Grade 10 English Language Arts and Mathematics MCAS exams.

Back Row: Beth MacBrian–DCU, Joel Carrara–Printsmart, Chelsea Failla–Dean College, Jane Curran–Jane’s Frames, Mary Graff–Berry Insurance. Front Row: Nicole Fortier–Dean Bank, Cameron Piana, Melissa Piana, Anne Marie Bellavance–Food Pantry, Lisa Piana–Franklin Downtown Partnership

The Franklin Food Elves and the Franklin Downtown Partnership exceeded their goals for the ‘12 Days of Donating’ campaign in December, collecting nearly twice the food and monetary donations they hoped for to benefit the Franklin Food Pantry. Together the groups donated 2,035 pounds of non perishable items and $4,266 during the 12 day drive. According to Anne Marie Bellavance, Executive Director of the Franklin Food Pantry, these donations will help carry the food pantry through this holiday season and into 2012. “Based on our calculations, when we combine the weight and the dollar amount it translates into more than 17,000 meals,” says Bellavance. “We have seen a cascading effect of community support beginning with this drive as well as help printing 250 cookbooks for our clients. We are so very grateful to be surrounded by such a giving community.” The Food Elves expanded their reach this year, placing bins at downtown locations and canvassing neighborhoods throughout town. The result was more than one ton of food and non-perish-

ables collected for the food pantry. DCU gave a $1,500 donation and Berry Insurance stepped up with a $1,000 gift. In addition to donations by residents, six downtown businesses, including Dean Bank, Dean College, Jane’s Frames, Printsmart Office Supplies, the Franklin Downtown Partnership and Berry Insurance, had pledged $1,200 in matching funds. The grand total of money raised was $4,266. Franklin Food Elves founders Melissa and Cameron Piana are thrilled with the campaign’s results. “A few years ago my brother and I started collecting donations in our neighborhood and the idea has grown into a much bigger way for us to make a difference for needy families in Franklin,” says Melissa. “We want to thank all the residents and businesses for the donations and all of our elves for their help. It was a team effort with huge results.” “It is amazing to me how many people wanted to help us reach our goal,” says Cameron. “We are excited that we exceeded our goal for the Food Pantry and that so many

people will benefit from the donations.”

January 1, 2012

This year’s recipients are Daniela Aguilera and Amanda Newman of Attleboro, Anthony Fenter of Bellingham, Jessica Bayer, Amanda Daignault, Cristina DeGaetano, Zachary Gillespie, Maverick Keene, Jourdan McKenna, Joshua McNeill, Michael Rebello, Ryan Sharp, and Haley Switzer of Franklin, Jacob Bibel, David Inglis, and Tyler Schnitzlein of Medfield, Michael Goudy, and

Tyler Lobisser of Medway, Julia Correa, Christopher Drews, and Stefanie Waite of Millis, Alexander Blacker, James Carlson, Nicholas DeMore, Corrie Desilets, Alexis Felix, Jeffrey Geikie, Joshua Isaiah, Catherine Lawing, Kayla Mitchell, Evan Moriarty, Dariel Nunez, Michael Onofrio, Benjamin Plantz, Zachary Roy, Ryan Swanson, Olivia Vieira, and Corey Waple of North Attleboro, Taylor Bukoff, Gretchen Gundlach, John Jones, Lyndsay Ouellette, Richard Saraf, Maureen Spillane, and Matthew White of Plainville, Molly Marcotte, Hannah Mingo, Jacob Phaneuf, Erin Powell, and Thomas Rudkowski of Seekonk, Zachary Knight, Samantha Morandi, Jessica Neves, Samantha Richard, Tiffany Spillane, and Thomas Whearty of Walpole, and Emily Bishop, Robert Fiorelli, Benjamin Kent, Logan McCarthy, Shane Quinn, Catherine Rando, and Jaclyn Tenaglia of Wrentham. The recipients were honored during a celebratory breakfast on Monday, December 12.

The Franklin Food Elves are led by Head Elves Melissa and Cameron Piana. The elves are Katie Buccella, Kiara Chan, Jess Deaver, Amanda Dickson, Colleen Flaherty, Katie Flaherty, Elise Frank, Haley Frank, Santiago Leal, Kasey Lynch, Jacob Signori, Shannon Takahata and Mely Wu.

Friends of Library to Meet January 4th

“We knew this community would support the elves and the food pantry but this response surpassed all of our expectations,” says Partnership President Nicole Fortier. “The support and positive feedback for this drive has been overwhelming. We are grateful to the residents and businesses of Franklin and to the local papers for helping us spread the word.”

The Friends of the Franklin Library (FOFL) will hold its monthly meeting on Wednesday, January 4, 2012 at 7 p.m. in the Community Room of the library, lower level. Members and the public are welcome to attend the meetings. FOFL is always looking for new ideas, opinions and comments to help make its efforts more successful.

The Franklin Food Elves is a charitable community service group. The Franklin Downtown Partnership is a non-profit 501(c)3 group working to revitalize downtown Franklin. For more information about either group please contact the Partnership at (774)571-3109 or downtown.franklin@yahoo.com.

The Friends of the Franklin Library is a non-profit organization dedicated to the support and enhancement of the nation’s first public library. Meetings are held the first Wednesday of each month, September through June. Membership is open to everyone. For information about the Friends, call (508) 528-6624. Daily Visits Vacation Visits Bonded and Insured Members PSI and IACP More than 20 years of experience

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January 1, 2012

Page 15

Preschool Story Times at Franklin Public Library

Dean College Receives $100k from Davis Educational Foundation

MOTHER GOOSE ON THE LOOSE Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. This program is designed for children up to two-years-old with their caregiver. No registration required.

Dean College announced that the Trustees of the Davis Educational Foundation voted to grant Dean College $100,000 for a project titled Closing the Loop: Reinvention and Renewal of the Dean College Curriculum Based on Student Learning Outcomes Assessment Results. The grant was received from the Davis Educational Foundation established by Stanton and Elisabeth Davis after Mr. Davis’s retirement as chairman of Shaw’s Supermarkets, Inc. The prestigious Davis Educational Foundation seeks to strengthen the

TERRIFIC TWOS Stories, songs, and activities for children who are two-years-old. Wednesdays at 10 a.m. No registration required. TIME FOR TALES Storytime for independent 3, 4,

& 5-year-olds. Children attend "on their own." Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. No registration required. STORY & CRAFT Stories, activities, and a craft for children ages 4 and 5 "on their own." Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. Registration REQUIRED. Registration begins the final week of the preceding month. Limited to 20 children, so please arrive on time! Late-comers may not be admitted.

Dean Dancers Showcased in MoMENtum MoMENtum, Dancer’s showcase. Dean College dance students perform choreography adjudicated by renowned guest choreographers. Saturday, February 4, 7:30 pm; Guidrey Center, Dean Campus Center. Tickets: general admission $15, Dean alumni $10, Dean students/seniors/children

undergraduate programs of public and private, regionally accredited, baccalaureate degree granting colleges and universities in New England. In a letter to Dean College President Paula M. Rooney, Ed.D., the Foundation Trustees expressed the scope of the project as extremely ambitious. Coleen Resnick, Vice President, Institutional Advancement, added, “The Davis Educational Foundation seemed most impressed with the strong leadership and commitment demon-

strated by the College’s leaders and faculty which the Foundation Trustees got to see first-hand during a visit to Dean.” The overall goal of the Dean project being recognized is to redesign the College’s general education curriculum in order to increase the effectiveness of the teaching and learning process and thereby improve student learning outcomes. For more information call 877– TRYDEAN or visit www.dean.edu.

First Universalist Invites All to New Year’s Eve Labyrinth Walk

under 12 $5. 508-541-1605 or www.dean.edu/momentum. Master classes by the guest artists Sunday, February 5, 9 am–4 pm. Registration: 8–8:45 am. Tickets: classes $65, Dean students $25, observers $20. For more info, call 508-541-1606.

antiques and treasures ...olde to new Featuring uniques, estate jewelry, vintage, collectibles, pre-owned furniture, candles and giftware, ALL at affordable prices.

Walk into the New Year in peace and community. An opening ceremony at 5 p.m. will begin this open labyrinth walk of gratitude for this year's blessings and hopes for the coming year. Both the indoor and outdoor labyrinths will be lit, weather permitting. Walkers are welcome

anytime between 5-7 p.m. on December 31st at the First Universalist Society of Franklin, 262 Chestnut Street, Franklin. Free and open to all ages. We will be collecting goods for the Pathways Family Shelter in Framingham. They have requested socks for babies, toddlers, 6 year

olds & women. Diapers (all sizes), baby wipes, soap and shampoo are also needed. Go to www.fusf. org for directions. Call Judy at (508) 528-7831 for more information.

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January 1, 2012

Franklin Performing Arts Company Announces Auditions for ANNIE, January 14 The Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) will hold open auditions for their spring musical, Annie on to be staged on March 3 at 7:30 p.m. and on March 4 at 2:00 p.m. at the Thomas D. Mercer Auditorium in Franklin. The show will be accompanied by professional orchestra and the original Broadway score. Auditions for Annie will be held on Saturday, January 14th at the Franklin School for the Performing Arts, 38 Main Street. All auditionees should prepare 16 bars of a musical theater song not from Annie. A short dance combination will be taught with no dance

preparation required. Those called back for the role of Annie will be asked to sing “Tomorrow.” Some auditionees will be asked to perform cold readings from the script. Annie requires a large cast of adults and teens in lead, supporting and ensemble roles. Based on the popular comic strip, the musical Annie tells the story of a spunky Depression-era orphan determined to find her parents. Her adventures take her from a New York City orphanage run by the cruel Miss Hannigan to a new family and home with the billionaire Oliver Warbucks, his personal secretary Grace and a

lovable mutt named Sandy. Nick Paone and Raye Lynn Mercer will direct Annie, with musical direction by Hallie Wetzell and choreography by Kellie Stamp. For more information regarding the auditions, parts and a basic rehearsal schedule, please visit www.fpaconline.com. The Box Office for Annie will open January 16th. Tickets can be purchased in person at The Spotlight Shop, 34 Main Street, Franklin or by calling (508) 5288668. Tickets are $24.00 / $26.00 / $28.00. Group sales are available for civic organizations.

Electric Youth 2012 to Debut at Showcase Live, February 12th Performing their 2012 in-concert debut, Electric Youth (EY) 2012 will take the stage at Showcase Live, Patriot Place, on Sunday, February 12 at 6:00 p.m. This Valentine’s Weekend show offers a great evening of family entertainment with music appealing to all ages.

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Accompanied by an eight-piece band of world-class musicians, Electric Youth performs a high-energy, fully choreographed show with an extensive repertoire of classic rock, pop, swing, country, and contemporary Broadway music. EY’s Showcase Live sets will include EY audience favorites by The Beatles, Journey, Aretha Franklin and Duffy as well as songs new to EY by Lady Gaga,

Pink, Black Eyed Peas and The Who. Trained exclusively at FSPA, Electric Youth members are se-

lected by audition at the beginning of each academic year. This season’s thirteen talented performers, ages 13 to 18, study multiple dance disciplines, voice, and acting. Some members of EY are preparing to pursue a career in the performing arts, while all gain

Franklin Food Pantry We believe in the power of community. Our mission is to connect the resources needed to sustain a healthy life. Thanks to the generosity of our community, we distributed more than 115,000 pounds to more than 1000 neighbors this past year. You can mail your donation to the Franklin Food Pantry, PO Box 116, Franklin, MA 02038 or drop off donations of food at 43 West Central St., Franklin. Our current needs include: • Health & Beauty Products • Cleaning Products • Paper Products • Baked Beans / Dry Beans • Baking Mixes Flour / Sugar

• Broths • Canned Meat / Fish • Canned Pasta • Cereal • Coffee / Tea • Flavored Rice

• Pasta • Pasta Sauce • Potatoes • Soups / Stew • Spices / Seasonings

A $20 DONATION CAN PROVIDE UP TO 100 MEALS. 508-528-3115

www.franklinfoodpantry.org

Hours: Tuesday – Friday • 9am – 1pm

The Franklin Food Pantry is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Federal Tax ID #04-3272663

valuable life skills through their participation, extensive training, and travel experiences. Electric Youth 2012 includes veteran members Giovanna Ferri, Ali Funkhouser, Melissa Mandia and Lucas Melfi of Franklin, Michael Egan of Hopkinton and Erica McLaughlin of Medfield. New EY members are Graham Hancock, Jocelyn Jones, Shaina McGillis, Jillian Rea and Alicia Rivera of Franklin, Jenna McDermott of Wrentham, Sasha Gardner of Sharon. Following 2011 appearances aboard Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas and the May release of their new CD “All Amped Up,” Electric Youth is preparing for a 2012 European Concert Tour June 15 – July 8. EY last toured Europe in 2010 when they performed 15 shows in Austria and Italy and headlined the Fourth of July show for the U.S. Troops and their families stationed at Aviano Air Force Base. For the Showcase Live performance on February 12th, doors will open at 4:30 p.m. and a full dinner menu will be available. Tickets can be purchased at the main office of Franklin School for the Performing Arts, 38 Main Street, by phone at (508) 528-8668, in person at the Showcase Live Box Office or through Ticketmaster.com.

Local Town Pages www.franklintownnews.com

January 1, 2012

Page 17

Living Healthy First Universalist Team Fitness Franklin Helps You Reach Your New Year’s Resolutions Society in Franklin Welcomes All By: Ashley Butler, MBA, CF-L1

If you’re like most people, you are struck with a sudden burst of motivation come January 1 after two months of holiday parties, food and drink galore. 2012 will roll around and you’ll think: “I need to get rid of this extra weight.”

Many people blindly choose goals with no quantifiable result: lose weight. So if you do lose weight, how will you know when you reached your goal? What’s more, what is your plan of action; meaning, how will you reach your goal? It is also important to outline a timeframe as to when you want to achieve your goal. Instead of your resolution reading: I want to lose weight. Go for: I want to lose 30 lbs. by July 4, 2012 and will do so by joining a gym, getting a personal trainer and working out at least 3 days per week. Make sense? At Team Fitness Franklin, we will assist you to set S.M.A.R.T. goals and will help you achieve them. Specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, timely goals are important for success.

Specific –A specific goal has a much greater chance of being accomplished than a general one.

Measurable – Establish concrete criteria for measuring progress toward the attainment of your goal. Many people come into our fitness club wanting to become healthier, but have not been able to put a measurable number onto that goal. We can help you whether your goal is geared toward pounds lost or how many pull-ups you can do. Attainable – When you identify goals that are important to you, you begin to figure out ways to make them come true. You develop attitudes, abilities, skills, and financial capacity to reach them. As a CrossFit coach, I always tell my athletes that there are only two aspects of success: walking through the door for the first time, and secondly, to never, ever give up. If you can do those two things, you will be successful. Realistic – To be realistic, a goal must represent an object toward which you are both willing and able to work. A goal can be both high and realistic; you are the only

one who can decide just how high your goal should be. Be sure that every goal represents substantial progress.

Timely – Each goal should be grounded within a time frame, otherwise there is no sense of urgency and no motivation to get the work done. Think of how many people scramble to get in shape for "bikini season." While choosing a SMART goal can appear to be difficult if you are not familiar in the health field, you do not need to go it alone. Team Fitness Franklin has a staff of personal trainers who will be able to not only help you set your goal, but hold you accountable and track your progress, and most importantly, give you the tools necessary to accomplish it. What better way to kick off 2012 than a membership to the health club and some personal training sessions? What’s more, we are hosting a Nutrition Seminar on Sunday, January 8, 2012 at 11:30am, it is $20 at the door to attend.

Speech-Language & Hearing Associates of Greater Boston

TODDLERS AND PRESCHOOLERS WELCOME! NO CONTRACT FEES Insurances Accepted/Private Pay-Sliding Scale Available Free Consultation

Our Sunday Worship services take place at 10 a.m, in our Handicapped Accessible Meetinghouse located at 262 Chestnut Street. Our faith encompasses a wide variety of religious beliefs & spiritual practices. Our understanding is that there are many paths toward truth and wisdom, and therefore we turn to the sacred texts of all the world's religions for guid-

ance. Our focus is not on what will happen when we die, but on how we can live with integrity and love. Our congregation is vibrant and diverse, and welcomes everyone, including gay, lesbian, bisexual & transgender people, as full participants in the life of the church. For more information, visit www.fusf.org or call (508) 528-5348.

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Cabin Fever and Summer Fun! *Winter Session - Flipside classes have on-going registration. Session 3 begins January 31st, 2012.

Extreme Nights, Princess Dance Camp and Drops & Shops - listed on our website. www.flipside-gym.com June Jubilee - preschool 2-5 days per week 9:30 am11:30 am - gym fun, arts & crafts and much, much more! June 4-22nd Registering now!

• Preschool Assessment and Intervention • School-Age Speech-Lanquage and Literacy Evaluations and Therapies

Summer Gym & Swim - pre-school & school-age 2, 3, or 5 days per week-Gymnastics, Swimming. Arts & crafts, games and so much more!!! Register Now!

• Hearing and Auditory Processing Tests • Hearing Aid Fittings

Gymnastics Classes - Offered Morning or Evening July & August!

• Reading and Writing Strategies • Wilson, Orton-Gillingham • Tinnitus Evaluation and Treatment

Visit our website: www.speechlanguageandhearingassociates.com Two Convenient Locations

5 North Meadow Rd, Medfield (508) 359-4532

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January Cheer Course - Great for girls in Pop-Warner or girls that just want to have some Cheer fun!! Learn great fundamental skills tumbling, stunts, jumps and cheers. Two weeks January 8th-20th, Sundays, Wednesdays, Fridays. Call to sign up!

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Local Town Pages www.franklintownnews.com

Page 18

January is National Blood Donor Month BY J.D. O’GARA The first month of the year marks a national awareness month for blood donation. According to the American Red Cross, someone in the United States needs blood every two seconds, with over 38,000 blood donations needed every day. The American Red Cross notes that in most states, donors must be 17 years old, healthy and weigh at least 110 lbs. In fact, less than 38% of the U.S. population is eligible to give blood. Type O-negative blood and Type AB-positive plasma can be transfused to patients of all blood types. Both are always in demand and often in short supply. Donors must wait 56 days before each blood donation. Want to give blood? Here are a few local upcoming blood drives: January 4 Hockomock Area YMCA, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., 45 Forge Hill Road, Franklin. Donors can receive a pound of Dunkin Donuts coffee. January 7 8th Annual Gary Mirliss Memorial Blood Drive, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.,

King Philip Middle School, 18 King Street, Norfolk, in participation with Brigham & Women’s Hospital, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Children’s Hospital, Boston. Walk-ins will be accommodated on a first-come, firstserve basis; appointments are recommended. Make appointment www.halfpints.childrenshospital.o rg and use sponsor code MIRLISS. For information, email: HGM.Memorial.Drive@Gmail. com January 10 Medfield Lions Club hosting blood drive at American Legion, 110 Peter Kristoff Way, Medfield. Donors can receive a pound of Dunkin Donuts coffee. January 12 Franklin RSM at the Franklin Elks Club, 2-7 p.m. 1077 Pond St., Franklin, Donors can receive a pound f Dunkin Donuts coffee. If you would like to donate blood at any of these events, call 1-(800) RED-CROSS to make an appointment. For information on other opportunities to donate blood or plasma, visit www.redcross.org.

January 1, 2012

Living Healthy Cataracts and Cataract Surgery BY GLEN K. GOODMAN, M.D., F.A.C.S As a local ophthalmologist in private practice, I have been asked, and I greatly appreciate the opportunity, to write an occasional column on current eye care subjects. Whereas cataract surgery is one of the most common-of-all surgical procedures nationally, and is the single most-common surgical procedure which I perform regularly, I felt that this would be an appropriate subject for this initial column. First of all, what is (and what is not) a cataract? The name derives from the Latin "cataracta" and the Greek "katarhaktes"; both terms translate roughly as "waterfall" or

"broken water". Medically, a cataract is a clouding of the natural lens inside the middle of our eyes. Our eyes are indeed exceedingly complex organs, but nevertheless, they can in fact be thought of as exquisitely precise focusing instruments, whose purpose is to allow the external world to be focused through the eye and the optic nerves to our brain. In order for our visible world to be clear, the lens within our eyes, which focuses the light, must be free of haze, opacities or swelling. When the lens of the eye is found to have these abnormal findings, a cataract is the appropriate medical term. Accordingly, a cataract is not an external ocular film - a not uncommon misperception. Similarly, cataracts are most-often associated with the normal aging process and, as such, are not strictly a disease of the eye,

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such as glaucoma (abnormally high eye pressure) or macular degeneration (damage to the central retina). Although there are myriad causes of cataracts, and cataracts can unfortunately occur at birth and in infancy or childhood, for most of us the occurrence of cataracts is a normal accompaniment of the aging process. Moreor-less, we can all expect to get cataracts as we get older. Cataracts require surgical removal when they reach a level of blurriness that interferes with an individual person's ability to see well. There is no "one-size fits all" diagnostic exam which will definitively decide when surgery is indicated. A cataract will therefore be considered "ripe" for surgery at a different stage and time for one person than for another. You and your eye doctor should work together to ensure that cataract surgery is performed when it is indicated for your individual needs. Future columns will discuss the latest developments in cataract surgery and will include information on implants, techniques, misinformation and future developments, such as laser cataract surgery. We are located at 145 West Street, Milford, MA 01757. Ph: 508-3816040 • Fax: 508-381-6050

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January 1, 2012

Local Town Pages www.franklintownnews.com

Page 19

Living Healthy CrossFit Franklin Launches Sports Training & Conditioning Program CrossFit Franklin is pleased to announce the launch of its Sports Training and Conditioning Program. This program is designed to as-

sist high school athletes looking to become stronger, faster and more explosive during the off-season. On Sunday, January 22, 2012 from 11:00am – 3:00pm, a free

demo will take place, open to all who are looking to gain a competitive edge. Please contact Devin Gray at devin@teamfitnessfranklin.com to register.

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Local Town Pages www.franklintownnews.com

Page 20

January 1, 2012

Franklin Sports Where Are They Now? Franklin’s O’Connor A Coach For All The Right Reasons BY KEN HAMWEY

Staff Sports Writer Dean O’Connor is in his 13th year as the boys’ varsity basketball coach at Franklin High, and his leadership has produced some impressive numbers during that span. The Panthers have compiled a 195-82 record, won four Hockomock League crowns and qualified for tourney play for the last 11 years. What makes O’Connor’s reign a textbook study in excellence is the quick manner in which he transformed Franklin from a losing squad to a league champ. When O’Connor took control in 2,000, his forces finished with a feeble 2-18 record. Two years later they were 17-5 (14-2 in the league) and sitting on top of the Hockomock League. “I have fond memories of all four championship teams but that 2002 group was special,’’ O’Connor said. “We went from have-nots to champs and proved that we were on track to make Franklin a consistent program.” The 44-year-old O’Connor, who was a captain in football and basketball at Mansfield High, paid his dues before taking the reins as

Franklin’s varsity coach. He was the Panthers’ freshman coach for three years and the jayvee coach for four more. He’s also been a valuable assistant in football, serving for the last seven years as offensive coordinator on coach Brad Sidwell’s staff. It’s basketball, however, where his passion shines bright and his formula for success is really quite basic with few complexities. “I always try to teach life lessons through sports,’’ O’Connor said. “Things like overcoming adversity, developing good work habits, and working as a team. But, my philosophy in dealing with my players consists of three aspects — be fair, be tough and be honest.’’ O’Connor discovered early on that spelling out those three elements eliminates any gray area. By being specific, players know what’s expected. As far as on-court skills go, the personable O’Connor stresses that all players must know how to dribble, pass and shoot. “I emphasize all the time that I want my kids to play to their strengths in games,’’ he said. “But, in practice, they’ve got to work on

their deficiencies. I don’t want my center bringing the ball up court, but if he’s forced to, he’ll know how to handle the situation.’’ When O’Connor, who is married and lives in Rehoboth, emphasizes defense, he links that element to hard work. When offense is on the front burner, it’s all about fast breaks and an up-tempo pace. Running and pressing are two ingredients always are in the mix. “An up-tempo style is exciting and it attracts players who know I’m going to use my bench,’’ O’Connor said. Goals and objectives are clearly defined in O’Connor’s lexicon. Players know, from pre-season practice to tourney time, what their mission is. “I’ve always made the league title our first priority,’’ O’Connor noted. “Then, we work towards getting a high seat for the tourney. The state title is often a realistic goal. If you’re going to be in a sectional final, as we were in 2006, then you ought to think about going all the way.’’ During his years as a two-sport athlete at Mansfield, O’Connor excelled as a linebacker and fullback

in football and a point guard in basketball. His best game in basketball came in a win against Ashland when he scored 19 points and handed out 12 assists. After graduating in 1986, O’Connor enrolled at Springfield College but transferred to Northwest Missouri State where he earned a degree in education in 1992. He joined the Franklin faculty in 1996, then worked as sports director for the Hockomock YMCA. For the last eight years, he’s directed basketball operations at Mass. Premier Courts in Foxboro, where he offers private instruction, supervises camps and clinics, and organizes leagues. “It’s been rewarding,’’ O’Connor said about coaching basketball at Franklin and working fulltime in a similar capacity. “When you have former players like Matt Palazini, Matt Dean, Kyle Gibson and Tyler Kessler competing in college, it’s nice that our younger players see that. Whether you’re in Division 1, 2 or 3, it’s a credit to that player, because college programs cut kids at will. Our door at Franklin is always open to our former players. Ex-players often come to our practices during a se-

Coach Dean O’Connor not only enlists his players’ strengths, he works on correcting any deficiencies. The coach also encourages mentoring between former players and students.

mester break and will give younger players advice and pointers.’’ That gesture speaks volumes about the respect O’Connor generates. He’s always been encouraging and supportive of his players, teaching real-life lessons and focusing on being tough, fair and honest. The Panthers are four-time Hockomock League champs in basketball. And, although he won’t take any bows for those crowns, there isn’t much doubt that Dean O’Connor is what makes Franklin’s basketball program tick.

Franklin Youth Baseball 2012 Spring Baseball Registration Franklin Youth Baseball will be holding registration for the 2012 Spring Season beginning January 1st through March 1st online. There will also be walk-in registration at the Franklin Elks Club on January 28, from 8 a.m. to Noon, and February 4, from 8 a.m. to Noon. First time players and anyone who did not play in 2011 must register in person at walk in registration and present a copy of their birth certificate. In an effort

to make registration easier and more convenient for Franklin families, FYBO will be sharing the Elks club with Franklin Girls Softball this year. Registration for returning FYBO players can be done online http://www.sportsmanager.us/links/FranklinYouthBaseball/OnlineRegistration.asp To be eligible to play, children must have attained the age of 7 but not have exceeded the age of 15 on May 1, 2012. The lone exception

is if your child falls under the Play at Grade Level option. This is a one-time option for children born May 1 through August 31 in the years 2003 through 2005 providing players with the option of choosing to play with their grade level peers. League Ages 7 and 8 – $90 League Ages 9 through 12 – $115 League Ages 13 through 15 – $140 Family maximum – $275.00

For more information including upcoming events and FYBO news please go to our web site at www.franklinyouthbasball.com. There is a link on the website for the “Batter Up” newsletter which explains everything needed to know about FYBO registration. Any questions can be sent to: FranklinYouthBaseball@yahoo. com.

Twilight League for High School students not playing on their H.S. Baseball team. Sign ups will begin January 1st and end after the High School teams have been picked. The cost will be $80. Interested players can sign up on line at http://www.sportsmanager.us/ links/FranklinYouthBaseball/ OnlineRegistration.asp or at the walk in registration.

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January 1, 2012

Local Town Pages www.franklintownnews.com

Page 21

Franklin Sports Tri-County's Stephen Hogan Packs a Lot of Play in His Small Frame BY CHRISTOPHER TREMBLAY Attleboro’s Stephen Hogan has been playing football since he was seven years old. It was with the South Attleboro White Hawks where he first began playing linebacker, a position he has patrolled on the football field for a decade now. “I really wanted to play the position and the coach thought that I fit the position,” Hogan said. “It’s the center of the defense and comes with a lot of pressure and hard work, but it’s all worth it when it comes together.”

about him,” Tri-County Coach Tony Mazzola said. “He’s very vocal and leads by example, it’s almost like having a coach on the field.” With his diminutive size, Hogan hears a lot of chirping coming from the opposition’s side of the ball, but once he lays a hit on them the noise begins to subside. “I hear it from the other team’s bigger players all the time,” Hogan said of his size. “They underestimate my talents and don’t expect me to do what I do.”

Although somewhat small (5’7” and 160 lbs) to be playing linebacker on the high school level, Hogan has worked extremely hard to prove that he belongs. His work paid off this past season as he set the Tri-County Regional Vocational High School single season record for tackles with 107, up from his 60 of a year earlier.

As a member of the Cougars football team for parts of all four seasons at Tri-County Hogan has been a part of a winning tradition. As a freshman he saw some spot action on the varsity squad on special teams and while his team made it to the State Super Bowl he was hurt and didn’t see the field as the Cougars fell to ManchesterEssex at Gillette Stadium.

“He’s the perfect leader on the field, you don’t have to worry

As a sophomore Tri-County lost a close one to Brighton 8-6 in the

Super Bowl and the past two years the Cougars have made it to the Vocational Super Bowl only to lose each time. Although Hogan saw action on special teams from time to time as a freshman, it was his sophomore year when he cracked the lineup as a running back and his junior year when he got back onto defense as a linebacker for Tri-County. “I was not necessarily a standout my first year playing linebacker for Tri-County, but I held my own,” Hogan said. “In my senior season I grew and got bigger and knew the position more. I was able to read the plays and the coaching helped a lot too.” Between his junior and senior seasons Tri-County changed defensive coordinators and their attacking schemes which gave Hogan and his line mates a much more aggressive approach. “When he first came out for football he knew how to play the game, but over the past 18 months

Tri-County Linebacker Stephen Hogan might be on the small side, but that didn't stop him from setting the Tri-County single season record for tackles at 107.

he’s not only turned into a great leader on the field, he understands why we do things,” Coach Mazzola said. “Stephen’s a consistent athlete and once he began understanding what was going on it helped him with his tackles.” The change in defensive schemes allowed the Tri-County line to go after the opposition’s line, while the linebackers were able to hone in on the running backs and make the tackles.

Hogan, a two-time Mayflower League All Star, also takes his aggression out on the wrestling mat. Last year wrestling at 135 pounds Hogan went to the state tournament where he lost, but he’s hoping that this year is a different story at 152 pounds. “Both sports help the other,” he said. “Football is hard hitting action, while wrestling is much more intense; it’s one on one where no one else has your back like in football.”

4 Girls Teams at Franklin Major Successes In Fall 2011 BY KEN HAMWEY

Staff Sports Writer As the numbers on the calendar change from 2011 to 2012 and the winter sports season shifts into high gear, one incredible sports achievement that should not go unnoticed is what Franklin’s four girls’ teams achieved during the autumn campaign. The soccer, volleyball, field hockey and cross-country squads all won Hockomock titles and all succeeded in qualifying for postseason play. The four teams’ success in one season will be a prime candidate as Franklin’s best sports story for the 2011-12 school year. Start with field hockey. Coach Lisa Cropper’s second year at the helm ended with a Kelly-Rex Division crown, a tourney berth and a final record of 19-4. The Panthers went deep into the tourney, beating Carver and DennisYarmouth before bowing out in dramatic fashion — losing to

Walpole, 3-2, in two overtimes. “Walpole has had back-to-back 18-0 seasons and has won the South Sectional six times,’’ Cropper noted. “Our final game was a terrific effort, a game that was lots of fun even though we lost. Our success this season resulted from our willingness to make a commitment to the sport in the offseason. Kids went to camps, clinics and played in summer leagues. Our goals were to win a Hockomock League title and go deep in the tourney and they made it happen.’’ The team’s senior captains, center-forward Katy Cronin and sweeper Bridget Doherty, finished as league and state all-stars. Cronin was the league’s top scorer with 35 goals and 20 assists. Three other top-notch players included Hockomock League allstars Kaitlyn Spillane and Hannah Magerman, a pair of junior midfielders, and junior goalie Kim

Pfeifle. Pfeifle has a save percentage of 90 and a goals-against average of 0.55. Franklin’s four losses all came against powerhouse programs — Medfield, Walpole and Canton twice. In soccer, coach Tom Geysen’s forces won the Kelly-Rex Division and split a pair of tourney matches, blanking Weymouth, and then bowing to Bishop Feehan, 1-0. The Panthers finished their season with a 13-3-4 record. “This squad didn’t disappoint us and it exceeded expectations,’’ Geysen said. “Only twice did an opponent score two goals against us. We had seven freshmen on the team and five of them were in the starting lineup. Our veteran nucleus gave us excellent leadership and were great role models.’’ Forward Kristi Kirsche, center midfielder and co-captain Jen SUCCESS FOR GIRLS TEAMS continued on page 23

The first half of the 2011-2012 school year saw phenomenal performance by four Franklin girls’ teams, including field hockey. Coach Lisa Cropper’s second year at the helm ended with a Kelly-Rex Division crown, a tourney berth and a final record of 19-4. Shown, Coach Lisa Cropper (center, wearing glasses)

Local Town Pages www.franklintownnews.com

Page 22

January 1, 2012

Franklin Sports Great Golf Is in the Cards for Peter French By Christopher Tremblay At the tender age of 15 months, Franklin’s Peter French was holding a golf club; it may have been a plastic one, but a golf club nonetheless, and his incredible career was in full swing. Both French’s father and grandfather had been avid golfers. In fact, it was his grandfather who had Maplegate Country Club in Bellingham built. “I can’t say I really remember what it was like when I was that young,” French said. “But once I was older enough to remember, I’ve loved the sport. I fell in love with golf and was always on the golf course ever chance I could get.” Having a grandfather that owned a golf course made it easy to practice whenever he wanted, not to mention saving on all the greens fees. It was about ten years after he first picked up that golf club that he knew that he was getting pretty good. “I think I was about 11 or 12 when I started shooting as good as my Dad and it wasn’t too long after that when I was actually beating him shooting in the 70’s,” he said. Outside of school, French spent every wakening moment honing his skill, and when he wasn’t on his grandfather’s golf course, he was participating in US Challenge Cup Tournaments. It was at the age of 7 when he first ventured outside of the New England area to take part in a Junior Tournament in Williamsburg, Virginia, a tournament he qualified for many

years. Although the tournament was going well for French, school was an afterthought for the budding golfer -- so much of an afterthought it almost cost him his opportunity to play golf on the high school level. “When I was younger I really didn’t enjoy school, all I wanted to do was play golf,” French said. “It was my sophomore year in high school when I came close to losing my spot on the team due to my grades. When I was told that I could still play the following year I knew that I never wanted to go through that again and now I enjoy school much more.” Thankfully French turned his academics around as he has provided the Franklin golf team with four amazing seasons. As a four year starter for Coach Harold Williams, French has been named to four Hockomock League All Star teams; has won the Hockomock League Individual Golf Championship three times (freshman, sophomore and senior seasons); has won two Division 2 South Sectional Championships the past two years and has finished atop the Division 2 South State Championship leader board as a junior. He finished sixth at this year’s State Championship. French, who was a two year captain for the Panthers, was named Franklin’s MVP this past season and averaged a 36 (one over par) for his high school career. “Peter is a very fine golfer who will help his teammates at any cost,” Coach Williams said. “When he’s on the golf course,

he’s very focused and pays attention s to what he has to do. He’s by far the best golfer I’ve ever had the opportunity to coach and I’ve coached some good ones.” After winning the State Championship last fall, French joined up with three golfers from the Cape to represent Massachusetts during the summer in the New England Junior Amateurs Tournament in Brattleboro Vermont. The foursome, led by French’s tournament low of 67 captured the title. “Going into the Vermont tournament, I was questioning myself, things were just not going my way and my shots were not falling,” he said. “I was waiting to break out and string together some good rounds. I finally did that in Vermont.” With his high school career concluded, French has his mind set on college, possibly in South Carolina, obviously a school with a good golf program. When he eventually finishes college, his ultimate goal is to play golf for a living, and his coach agrees. “There’s no doubt in my mind that he’ll be involved with golf throughout his life in some capacity,” Coach Williams said. Had it not been for his grandfather owning a golf course would French still be teeing off? He believes so. “I firmly believe that I would still be playing golf today,” he said. “It was in my cards. When my mother was pregnant with me she went to a psychic that told her I was going to be good with a little white ball.”

Tri-Valley Youth Hockey Beginner Skate & Hockey Begins Jan.1st Tri-Valley Youth Hockey registration for beginner skate and hockey programs begins in January. The Learn- to- Skate program meets once a week at 10 a.m. beginning on Sunday, January 15, and lasts for 10 weeks. The Learn-to- Play program

meets twice a week, beginning on Saturday, January 14 at 8 a.m. and Sunday January 15 at 9 a.m. and lasts for 10 weeks. Each program is open to boys and girls over the age of 4 and is run by USA Hockey certified coaches. Both programs will skate

at the Pirelli Veterans Memorial Skating Rink, 910 Panther Way, in Franklin. For more information and to register for these exciting programs, please go to www.trivalleyindians.com.

SUCCESS FOR GIRLS TEAMS continued from page 21

Coppola, and striker Taylor Cogliano were named to the league’s all-star squad. Only a junior, Kirsche has been an allstar in all three of her varsity seasons. Kirsche finished with 23 goals and 9 assists, Coppola had 3 goals and 14 assists and Cogliano managed 13 goals and 14 assists. Other keys for the Panthers were co-captain and center midfielder Maddie Brown, Stephanie Pisani at fullback, Catie Phelan in goal and Julia Bireley at stopper. Franklin’s volleyball team finished 19-2 overall, won the KellyRex crown and also captured the Hockomock Cup as the circuit’s top overall contingent. The Panthers won their opening-round tourney match against Westford but bowed out against ActonBoxboro. “This squad was the best team I’ve had in my seven years at Franklin,’’ coach Kate Horsmann said. “It was close-knit, we had fun and I’m glad I had the opportunity to coach this group.’’ Three first-year players gave Franklin a big lift. They included Emily Natal (defensive specialist), Kim Hodgkins (middle hitter) and Lauren Irvine (middle hitter). Five seniors who formed a solid nucleus were setter Sara Chaffee, libero Theresa Urquhart, outside hitter Alicia Wilde and opposite side hitters Alison Mariano and Amy Stevens. Urquhart was selected as a league all-star and Wilde was an all-star, co-MVP of the league and the first Franklin volleyball player to be chosen all-

state by the Mass. Volleyball Coaches Association. Junior hitter Alicia Kutil also played a dominant role for the Panthers. Coach Paul Trovoto’s crosscountry team enjoyed winning its third straight title, ending the dual-meet season with a 6-0 record. The Panthers were 4-0 in the Kelly-Rex circuit and were champs at the Hockomock Meet. When the state coaches invitational was run, senior Alex Giese and junior Lauren Hagen finished 1-2, respectively, and senior Emily Stickles managed to notch sixth place while junior Sarah Vetrano captured seventh. “We had four girls in the top 10 and that race included 230 runners from about 45 schools,’’ Trovoto said. At the Eastern Mass. Division 2 Meet, Giese helped Franklin to fourth place by finishing first in a time of 19:14 over the 3.1-mile course at Franklin Park in Boston. Hagen was second with a 19:32 clocking and Stickles was 14th in a time of 20:23. “We’re pleased for Alex Giese, who became the first runner ever in Franklin cross-country history to win a division meet,’’ Trovoto emphasized. When 300 runners assembled at Franklin Park for the State Meet, Giese managed a time of 19:21 and finished 11th. Hagen suffered a pulled muscle a half-mile from the finish and had to drop out while Stickles covered the course in 20:16 and placed 52nd. The Panthers finished 13th at the states.

January 1, 2012

Local Town Pages www.franklintownnews.com

Page 23

New Franklin Cable Show Brings “The Village” to Parents Show Aims at Helping Parents Raise Strong Children By J.D. O’Gara How do you raise children to be happy as well as successful? That’s one of the questions Dr. Anne Bergen asks on her new Franklin Cable Access show “It Takes a Village: Raising Resilient Kids in Today’s World. ” Bergen, who spent 40 years at all different levels of Franklin schools as a teacher, a reading specialist and principal at elementary, middle and high school levels, directs viewers’ focus to strengthening the emotional well-being of young people in an age where they’re often expected to balance a variety of demands. “I’d been noticing, based on my experience and a lot of the research

I’ve read, that many young people are increasingly experiencing anxiety, depression, eating disorders … a lot of emotional turmoil, including not knowing exactly what they want to do even after college,” says Bergen. “We do a good job of focusing on academic skills, but without looking at the whole undercurrent of emotional turmoil.” Dr. Bergen is tapping upon educators and others in the community to raise awareness, using the expertise and experience of these sources to inform viewers. “Maybe we can do a better job of building that strong sense of self,” says Bergen. In one episode, Bergen inter-

views the superintendent of Franklin Public Schools’ Maureen Sabolinski and school committee member Roberta Trahan not as educators, but as parents. “Their kids have gone into adulthood as strong, capable kids,” says Bergen. The two shared what they learned in raising their kids and how they were able to convey the meaning of success not being just about earning a lot of money or going to a good school. “Kids who have that strong inner self are able to stand firm when they have to face really difficult decisions,” says Bergen, who says that children who are motivated to “do the right thing” often end up making wiser decisions and have

a strong sense of self. Following the Penn State scandal, as well as news reports of hazing in other Massachusetts towns that had made headlines, Bergen interviewed Franklin Athletic Director Brad Sidwell and Pete Escarosa. The two discussed what parents can learn from these incidents and how to get kids to resist either becoming a bully or the bullied. One show focused on how parents might make kids stronger in standing up to life’s challenges, with Bergen interviewing Judy Giovangelo, of Ben Speaks, about her son Ben’s experience and subsequent suicide. Another episode aimed to help parents help young

people to find their true passion in life rather than only build a college resume. “We spend so much time getting them to college, we forget to ask them what will give their life meaning,” says Bergen. “It Takes a Village: Raising Resilient Kids in Today’s World” on Franklin Cable airs six times a week on Comcast Channel 96 and Verizon Channel 28. View those stations, or click on the Franklin Educational Access link at the Cable Access TV page at the Franklin town website at http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.n et/Pages/FranklinMA_BComm/ca bacc

home M A R K E T P L A C E Sold Properties By Price BY KATHY STANKARD, REALTOR The number of available homes in Franklin, MA is at an all-time low, which has resulted in great news for sellers. This chart below shows that most homes sold in the under $550,000 range with a sig-

nificant drop-off in sales above $650,000. This has meant minimal competition from other sellers and often multiple offers coming in on homes that are priced right. Proper pricing occurs when a seller prices their home in accord

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Local Town Pages www.franklintownnews.com

Page 24

January 1, 2012

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