Composting: Everything you need to know

Having trouble viewing this email? Click here to open in a browser. A gardening newsletter featuring Ask & Share and our friends at HGTV Gardens September Ask & Share Highlights Make Your Own Compost Composting Coffee Grounds Composting — Without a Compost Pile Tips & Tricks Adding compost is one of the best ways to build healthy soil, the foundation of a thriving garden. Fall is a great time to start a compost pile using the organic matter that's so abundant at this time of the year, from garden trimmings to grass clippings to autumn leaves. No matter where you garden, find out how you can make your own "black gold" to enrich your soil. Ask & Share Community Highlights Benjamin asked: How and when should I use my compost I'm my raised garden bed? Winter is nearing and I'm wondering if I should put my compost in my garden before snow comes or just keep my compost for next summer? NGA answered: Adding compost in either spring or fall is beneficial to your soil. If you've got plenty of compost, adding an inch or two to your garden beds both spring and fall would be ideal. MORE Larry asked: I grew blue potatoes this year for the first time and the plants have clusters of round objects on them. Are they seeds for next year? Felder answered: Yup. Potatoes are close relatives of tomatoes and peppers and eggplants, and make little "fruits" which contain seeds. Most of the time you are best off saving some of the tubers themselves to grow more plants - much faster, more dependable and predictable. MORE Make Your Own Compost One of the best ways to make sure you're raising healthy plants is to promote the growth of vigorous roots. Strong roots come from healthy soil. Regularly mixing compost into your soil improves its health. While compost can be purchased, making your own is easy and has numerous benefits besides helping you grow healthy plants. One benefit, of course, is the money you'll save. Read the full article>>> From our friends at HGTV Gardens Composting Coffee Grounds Coffee grounds, along with paper coffee filters, are great as an ingredient with compost (including indoors "vermicomposting"). Bonus: coffee grounds, like tea leaves, are a good source of valuable natural nitrogen — the main ingredient that helps beneficial bacteria break down organic matter into finished compost. Read the full article from HGTV Gardens>>> Composting — Without a Compost Pile We all know that adding compost is the best thing you can do for your garden. It helps build a healthy soil, makes nutrients available to plants, improves water retention and recycles organic waste. But what if you can't compost in the traditional way? For years I felt guilty about not composting. Didn't I want to make the world a better place? Of course I did! But both places where I garden make it impossible for me to have a traditional compost pile. Read the full article>>>  NGA's Tips & Tricks Speed Up Composting For the quickest composting, chop up organic materials before adding them to your pile or bin. Small pieces have more surface area for microorganisms to work on. A power shredder is a great investment if you compost on a large scale, but you can also chop leaves with a lawn mower and cut up plant material with loppers or hedge clippers. Replenish Your Soil Fall is a great time to add slow-acting amendments to the soil. Do a soil test first to see what's needed. Then add lime, sulfur, and rock powders like rock phosphate and greensand according to the soil test recommendations. Now is also a good time to replenish the soil by adding compost, chopped leaves, or other organic matter that will break to form humus down over the winter. Prepare New Garden Beds Save your back by preparing new garden beds without stripping off the sod. Cut existing grass as short as possible; then spread a layer of compost several inches thick on top. Cover with a layer of newspapers 4-5 sheets thick, wetting the papers with a hose as you lay them down. Then top with a layer of mulch, chopped leaves or more compost. By next spring the sod will have decomposed beneath its blanket, adding organic matter to the soil and the bed will be ready for planting. Join Ask & Share for more great information from the experts at NGA, our friends at HGTV Gardens, and real gardeners just like you! National Gardening Association 237 Commerce St., Suite 101 Williston, VT 05495 Visit us online: Garden.org  |  KidsGardening.org Do you have a question or concern about this newsletter? Email the Editor

FHS Dedication Program and Schedules

The tours of the new FHS are scheduled for Saturday beginning at 10:00 AM and ending at 2:00 PM.

The dedication ceremony is scheduled for Sunday at 1:00 PM. A concert is scheduled for 1:45. Tours and demonstrations are scheduled from 1:30 to 4:00 PM

new Franklin High School

The full set of details on the demonstrations can be found here





The program document for the dedication can be found here

Wondering what has been going on at 15 West Central Street???

Lisa Buccella writes:

Are you wondering what has been going on in the old office furniture building across from Rick's?  Well, there is a big white tent up now and the celebration is about to begin.  THE BLACK BOX is finally here - a performing and entertaining space for all!  Franklin Performing Arts Company (non-profit) has a new home.  This flexible and very cool space will be buzzing throughout the year with something for everyone - from performances to big band Sundays to small recitals to anything that you can think of - the space can be transformed into anything. 

The opening will begin on Saturday evening - come and support a great piece of Franklin's downtown and something for everyone!

tent set up for grand opening of THE BLACK BOX

Celebrate the Grand Opening of THE BLACK BOX at FPAC's 2014 Gala on Saturday, September 20 at 6 PM! Join FPAC as we kick off the company's premiere season in our new home with a Grand Opening celebration in THE BLACK BOX! Gala 2014 highlights a weekend of special events to introduce the theater, music and event space to our community. The evening's spectacular entertainment features a special, one-night-only performance by guest artists Beth Leavel, renowned Broadway veteran and Tony Award winner for The Drowsy Chaperone, and Alexander Gemignani, Broadway's acclaimed Jean Valjean (Les Miserables) and Billy Flynn (Chicago), among many featured roles. Don't miss FPAC's exciting launch of our 24th season and transformative downtown venue!

Click Here to Purchase Tickets to FPAC's 2014 Gala!

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Join Us for the Annual FPAC Golf Tournament! Calling all golfers! Invite your family members and co-workers. Don't golf? That's okay! Join us for dinner and entertainment. Entry fee: $175 per golfer; $650 per foursome. Entry fee includes: greens fees, cart, golf shirt, dinner buffet and entertainment. Non-golfing dinner guests: $30 for adults. Sponsor a hole for $100! For registration call (508) 528-8668 or register online at www.fpaconline.com. Visit the FPAC website for more information, including the day's agenda.

Click Here to Purchase Tickets to the FPAC Golf Tournament

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FPAC Announces Open Auditions for The Nutcracker on Saturday, September 27 at THE BLACK BOX, 15 West Central Street in Franklin. Students, ages 6 and older, from all area dance schools are welcome. Ballet attire is required. Audition times are 9:30-10 a.m. for ages 6 and 7; 10-10:45 for ages 8 and 9; 11-11:45 for ages 10 and 11; 11:45-12:45 for ages 12 and 13; 1-1:45 for ages 14+ (off pointe); and 2:15-3:15 for ages 12+ (pointe audition; must be on pointe for at least one year). Off-pointe callbacks are scheduled at 1:45-2:15 p.m. with pointe callbacks from 3:15-4:00 p.m. Performance dates: December 6 and 7.

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FPAC Announces Open Auditions for Holiday Musicals on Sunday, September 28 at THE BLACK BOX, 15 West Central Street in Franklin. Audition times are 1 p.m. for ages 6 and 7; 1:30 for ages 8 and 9; 2:00 for ages 10 and 11; 2:45 for ages 12 and 13; 3:30 for ages 14+; and 4:30 for adults. Students must be 6 years of age or older on the audition date to participate. Beginners and all levels are welcome! Please prepare 16 measures of a musical theater or pop song. A simple dance combination will be taught at the audition. For more information, call 508-528-8668. Performance dates for Humbug! are December 12-14. Performance dates for 'Tis the Season! are December 20 and 21.

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Peter Pan, Broadway's Timeless Musical

Peter Pan--Flying Into Franklin This October! The beloved family musical Peter Pan will launch FPAC's 24th season and premier year in THE BLACK BOX, the company's new home and performance venue in downtown Franklin. The Tony Award-winning musical features such memorable songs as "I'm Flying," "I Won't Grow Up," "I've Gotta Crow" and "Never Never Land," along with iconic characters Peter Pan, Captain Hook, Tinkerbell, the Lost Boys, and the Darling children, Wendy, Michael and John. FPAC's production of this soaring, magical advenure will be presented with professional orchestra and the spectacular aerial effects of Flying By Foy.

Peter Pan Performance Dates

Friday, October 17 at 7:30 PM, Saturday, October 18 at 7:30 PM, Sunday, October 19 at 2 PM, Friday, October 24 at 7:30 PM, Saturday, October 25 at 7:30 PM, and Sunday, October 26 at 2 PM.

Click Here to Purchase Tickets to Peter Pan

FHS Sports Results: football, soccer

In Hockomock League action on Friday, Franklin High School football team lost to Attleboro and the boys soccer team beat Taunton. Hockomock Sports provides the Franklin results shown here:

FHS Panthers

Football

Attleboro, 35 @ Franklin, 0 - Final1st Quarter: (A) Thomas Belin 24-yard rush, Elijah Lewis XP (7-0).2nd Quarter: (A) Brenden Massey 20-yard fumble recovery rush, E. Lewis XP (14-0).3rd Quarter: (A) T. Belin 41-yard rush, E. Lewis XP (21-0); (A) B. Massey interception, 45-yard return, E. Lewis XP (28-0).4th Quarter: (A) Tyler McGovern 30-yard pass to B. Massey, E. Lewis XP (35-0).

Boys Soccer

Taunton, 0 @ Franklin, 2 - Final - Sophomore Hatim Brahimi scored his first career goal and senior Tim LaRowe added the second for Franklin. It's the fifth straight shutout for the Panthers defense, which head coach Fran Bositis says continues to play well.

For all the Hockomock League results from Friday visit here
http://www.hockomocksports.com/blog/hockomock-schedule-scoreboard-091914

MassBudget: New Census Data: US & MA Households See Few Gains during Recovery

US & MA Households See Few Gains during Recovery, New Census Data Show Today's census report shows that our nation's economic recovery is not yet substantially expanding economic opportunity for working people and families across the nation and in Massachusetts. Median incomes have barely budged and poverty remains stubbornly high. For more, read MassBudget's new factsheet, available HERE. Today's report indicates that the median household income in Massachusetts was $66,768 in 2013.That's higher than the national median of $52,250, but is 5.6 percent (or $3,990) below the previous state high (in 2008). As in the rest of the nation, in Massachusetts incomes declined significantly in the wake of the Great Recession and have barely begun to grow again. Equally disturbing, real median incomes across the nation showed almost no growth over the business cycle (from 2000-2007) prior to the recent recession (average real annual increases were less than one quarter of one percent per year). With incomes down since the start of the recession, poverty has increased. In Massachusetts, more than one in nine people overall lived in poverty in 2013 and almost one in six children did so. As with incomes, that's better than the nation overall, but worse than our Commonwealth had done before the recession. Overall poverty is up 2.0 percentage points since 2007 and child poverty is up 3.4 percentage points. The economic challenges facing the nation and Massachusetts include both finding ways to strengthen the economy and making sure that economic progress translates into increased incomes, better working conditions, and reduced poverty in all communities in our Commonwealth. Click HERE to read the factsheet MASSACHUSETTS BUDGET AND POLICY CENTER 15 COURT SQUARE, SUITE 700 BOSTON, MA 02108 The Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center (MassBudget) produces policy research, analysis, and data-driven recommendations focused on improving the lives of low- and middle-income children and adults, strengthening our state's economy, and enhancing the quality of life in Massachusetts.

Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center | 15 Court Square | Suite 700 | Boston | MA | 02108

Art Week Boston: Your Invitation To Architectura Articulation

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Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA Area: FRI 9/19/14 - THU 9/25/14

FRI 9/19   12-6pm   Franklin Farmers Market - Town Common
FRI 9/19   6:30pm   Art Night Uncorked - Franklin Art Center

SAT 9/20   9am-4pm   Book Sale at Franklin Public Library
SAT 9/20   10am   Fall Fair at Stony Brook in Norfolk
SAT 9/20   10am-2pm   NEW FHS Public Tours
SAT 9/20   12:30-2:30pm   Fun on the Trail at Franklin Public Library (art craft this week; walk on the trail next week))
SAT 9/20   6-8pm   FPAC Gala and Grand Opening of THE BLACK BOX! 15 West Central Street, Franklin

SUN 9/21   9am-12pm   Bag Sale at Franklin Public Library
SUN 9/21   9am   Run, Walk and Score 5K and 2K at Remington Middle School, Franklin
SUN 9/21   1pm   NEW FHS Dedication, 1:45pm Dedication Concert, 2:30-4pm  Classroom Demonstrations
SUN 9/21   1pm-4pm  BLACK BOX Theater open for tours

MON 9/22   3-6pm   Farmers Market at Whole Foods Plaza in Bellingham

For all the Town of Franklin Public Meetings click HERE.

For event details click HERE.

*If you have any suggestions or events for the calendar, please email Renata@BetterLivingRE.com

Distinguished Young Women - a valuable scholarship program! Check it out!

From Lisa Buccella:

While we watched many of our older teen-age friends go through this program, last year my daughter participated.  She did this all on her own, completed all of the forms and necessary paperwork and managed the entire process.  It was a wonderful foundation to help launch her to the chapter that was headed her way...college.  Oh, and this program is all about the scholarship options.  My daughter made some great friendships with girls that she wouldn't have otherwise met (she was a student at Bishop Feehan)!   

If you know of a high school senior who lives in Franklin, please pass this along -Distinguished Young Women - a worthwhile program!!!

Visit the Distinguished Young Women on the web here
http://distinguishedyw.org/programs/state_n_local_programs/massachusetts/local_programs/franklin/

Distinguished Young Women of Franklin

Fall Club hours for Team Fitness and CrossFit Franklin

Team Fitness and CrossFit Franklin Club Hours! Greetings! Welcome to Fall! Below are the Team Fitness and CrossFit Franklin hours that began this past Monday, 9/15/14. Note that beginning this Saturday and Sunday, we resume our non-summer weekend hours of 7 am - 3 pm. Club Hours for Team Fitness and the CrossFit Franklin box. Beginning this weekend we are returning to our fall/winter club hours.   Monday - Thursday:         5:00 am - 9:00 pm  Fridays:                            5:00 am - 7:00 pm Saturdays and Sunday:   7 am - 3 pm For the most up to date class schedules, please refer to the Team Fitness website:  www.teamfitnessfranklin.com or CrossFit Franklin website: www.crossfit-franklin.com Check out the new Team Fitness group fitness classes and the CrossFit Franklin coaches and classes. We are very excited to share these updates with you all.   Try something NEW! FUN! EXCITING! this fall.

Forward this email Team Fitness Franklin | 100 Franklin Village Drive | Franklin | MA | 02038

Ford Hall Forum - Fall 2014 programs are here!

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Ford Hall Forum's Fall 2014 season of programs is here! Listen, learn, and engage in Eve Ensler's new show, Dick Lehr's new book, casinos, anti-racism blogging and more...   All forums are FREE and open to the public.  Seating is first come, first served. If you register to attend on our website, you do not have to register at the forum. Jay Smooth The Revolution Will Be Online Jay Smooth (blogger, The Ill Doctrine), Spectra Speaks (blogger, Spectra Speaks), Andrew Ti (blogger, Yo, Is This Racist?)  Moderated by Callie Crossley (broadcast journalist & radio host, WGBH's Under the Radar with Callie Crossley)  Thurs., 10/2/2014, 6:30 p.m. African Meeting House, Museum of African American History                                   Click here for more... Cara Crabb-Burnham Going to Pot Eric Steenstra (Executive Director, Hemp Industries Association), Cara Crabb-Burnham (Board President, Mass NORML), Michael Head (Researcher, Beacon Hill Institute)       Thurs., 10/9/2013, 6:30 p.m. C. Walsh Theatre, Suffolk University                                   Click here for more... Mayor Carlo DeMaria  Place Your Bets Scott Harshbarger (former Attorney General, State of Massachusetts),Carlo DeMaria (Mayor, City of Everett), Charlie Stefanini (Labor Outreach Director, Coalition to Protect Mass Jobs), John Ribeiro  (Director, Repeal the Deal campaign) Moderated by Fr. Richard McGowan (Economics Professor, Boston College)   Thurs., 10/23/2013, 6:30 p.m. Main Function Room, Suffolk law School   Click here for more... Eve Ensler O.P.C. (Obsessive Political Correctness) Eve Ensler (playwright, The Vagina Monologues and O.P.C. [Obsessive Political Correctness]) Moderated by Joyce Kulhawik (Emmy Award-winning arts & entertainment critic, JoycesChoices.com)                                      Mon., 11/3/2014, 7:00 p.m. C. Walsh Theatre, Suffolk University Click here for more... Azhar Majeed Free to Hate Azhar Majeed (Program Director, Foundation for Individual Rights in Education [F.I.R.E.]) and Jeremy Waldron (author, The Harm in Hate Speech) Moderated by Jeff Jacoby (columnist, Boston Globe)                                       Thurs., 11/6/2014, 6:30 p.m. C. Walsh Theatre, Suffolk University  Click here for more... Dick Lehr The Birth of a Nation Dick Lehr (author, Black Mass and The Birth of a Nation)                                       Thurs., 11/20/2014, 6:30 p.m. C. Walsh Theatre, Suffolk University  Click here for more... Special Features    Take a look at the program enrichments that only Ford Hall Forum offers: Flash Forums   Social Media VJs   Take It Further tools     Connect with us               Ford Hall Forum   at Suffolk University 41 Temple Street Boston, Massachusetts 02114 P: (617) 305-6316 jbonardi@fordhallforum.org

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