Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Oct 1, 2014

A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

B. ANNOUNCEMENTS
– This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by Franklin Matters.

C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS

Eagle Scout
The Franklin Garden Club

D. CITIZEN COMMENTS

E. APPOINTMENTS

- Franklin Cultural Council

Ian Kabat
Karen Wellerson Juhl

F. HEARINGS

G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS

H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
– Gary McCarraher, Fire Chief

I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS

J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 14-59: Dedication of Town-Owned Land Known as Fletcher Field Located on
Peck Street For Use As A Public Playground Or Recreation Centre, As Provided In G.L. Chapter 45, Section 14 and Authorization For Town Administrator to Execute Grant Agreement With Commonwealth Of Massachusetts And To Take Other Action To Enable Town To Construct Playground
2. ByLaw Amendment 14-741: Chapter 65, Collection Containers – 2nd Reading

K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

L. OLD BUSINESS

M. NEW BUSINESS

N. COUNCIL COMMENTS

O. EXECUTIVE SESSION
– Negotiations, Litigation, Real Property, as May Be Required

P. ADJOURN

Franklin Municipal Building, location of the town offices and site of the Town Council meeting

You can find all the documents released with this agenda on the Franklin website here:
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_CouncilAgendas/2014/100114.pdf

Note: I would spend some time reviewing the proposed bylaw on collection containers.

Walk to Break the Silence - Oct 18th

Voices Against Violence provides comprehensive services including a 24 hour hotline, crisis intervention, counseling, advocacy and shelter to more the 3000 victims and survivors in the Metrowest area every year. Voices depends on the generosity of the community to ensure that life-saving services remain free and accessible to all. 

The "Walk to Break the Silence" is an annual, family-friendly, 1/2 day rally and walk-a-thon event in downtown Framingham that celebrates the strength and courage of victims and survivors. The event includes powerful visual art displays, games and face painting for the kids, inspiration from our speakers, and a little exercise too! Registration is free and there are several ways you can lend your support - you can be a Team Captain, a Walker, or a Virtual Friend!

The "Walk to Break the Silence" flyer:




For additional information about Voices Against Violence you can visit their webpage
http://smoc.org/voices-against-violence.php

To register for the Walk to Break the Silence, follow this link

Register to Walk to Break the Silence

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda and documents for Sep 23 meeting

Due to a technical issue, the following info did not arrive until after the meeting that I already reported on last Tuesday. To complete the reporting, here is the full agenda and the associated documents.

Vision Statement

The Franklin Public Schools will foster within its students the knowledge and skills to find and achieve satisfaction in life as productive global citizens.

AGENDA

"The listing of matters are those reasonably anticipated by the Chair which may be discussed at the meeting. Not all items listed may in fact be discussed and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by law."

Franklin Public Schools - 'the key to learning'

1. Routine Business

Citizen’s Comments
Review of Agenda
Minutes: I recommend approval of the minutes from the September 9, 2014 School Committee Meeting.
Payment of Bills Mr. Clement
Payroll Mrs. Douglas
FHS Student Representatives
Correspondence: none

2. Guests/Presentations

a. Student Trip to China - Mike Walsh, FHS Students (Gabriela Blood and Haley Frank) (Note - the file size for this document is 26MB - quite large so it will take time to open - please be patient! It is worth opening and viewing.)

b. China Trip – Joyce Edwards, Jane Hogan

3. Discussion Only Items

Policy – First Readings:
1. GBGB – Staff Health and Safety
2. IJOC – School Volunteers
Collaborative Agreements – Maureen Sabolinski

Accept Collaborative


BICO Collaborative

Evaluation of Superintendent

4. Action Items

a. I recommend moving the following policies discussed to a second reading:
1. GBGB – Staff Health and Safety
2. IJOC – School Volunteers
b. I recommend approval of the Bi-County Collaborative Agreement.
c. I recommend approval of the Accept Collaborative Agreement.
d. I recommend adoption of the Superintendent Evaluation.
e. I recommend acceptance of a check for $847.61 from Target’s Take Charge of Education Program for FHS.
f. I recommend acceptance of a check for $500.00 from Reebok Foundation for in-house enrichment at Keller Elementary.

5. Information Matters

Superintendent’s Report
School Committee Sub-Committee Reports
School Committee Liaison Reports

6. New Business

To discuss future business that may be brought before the School Committee.

7. Adjourn

My recap of the live reporting for this meeting can be found here

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/09/school-committee-hears-about-trip-to.html

Note: Email subscribers will need to click through to Franklin Matters to view the documents attached.  

THE BLACK BOX - now open

After spending sometime at the dedication ceremony for the new Franklin High School last Sunday, I did stop in to see THE BLACK BOX. While the views of the theater are nothing in comparison to the new high school, the concept and opportunity is as great an event for Franklin.

THE BLACK BOX - 15 West Central St, Franklin

Yes, the new 850 seat FHS auditorium is amazing. If you need convincing, listen to the first concert held there. I recorded this while sitting up in the back where the acoustics still allowed for the capture of every note.

inside THE BLACK BOX last Sunday, Sep 20th

So how is THE BLACK BOX as great an opportunity for Franklin?

Simply, it is a black box and while there is nothing terribly unusual about it, the greatness of a black box is the potential it presents. This theater in downtown Franklin is already scheduled to provide cultural opportunities not previously available.

Yes, the Franklin School for Preforming Arts will use it for some of their productions. Peter Pan coming in October is the first.

Tickets are available for Peter Pan

A series of events for children is scheduled with Franklin's Jamie Barrett scheduled to appear first.

The first scheduled for the children's series is Jamie Barrett

A series of performances featuring local groups has the Brothers McCann lined up to appear in November

The Brothers McCann are scheduled for November 28th

Tickets for most shows go on sale October 1.

For more information on THE BLACK BOX you can visit their web page here

http://www.theblackboxonline.com/

The Young Democrats of FHS [feedly]

With the Massachusetts' state election approaching in November it is good to see some engagement among the high school youth as they prepare to turn 18 and register to vote. While sports and the performing arts also offer good after school programs, the Young Democrats of FHS is a great opportunity for the students to become aware of their civic responsibilities.

Now more than ever, young Americans are not politically engaged. According to a poll by the Harvard University Institute of Politics, fewer than 1 in 4 millennials under 30 “definitely” plan to vote in this year’s midterm elections in November. This same poll also found that more people between 18-29 years old identify as Democrats than Republicans. This means that election results do not match the political makeup of our country, so our representatives in Congress do not truly representative us. 

So, why should you care? As high school students, we are on the brink of turning 18, the time when we can have a voice in the country’s political system. Voting is more than filling in some circles on a ballot in the gym at FHS. It is utilizing your power to make change. 

Young people have most likely lost their desire to vote out of cynicism. We see and hear about what Congress is doing – or, not doing – every day. We have lost hope for the future, picturing a life riddled with college debt and a lack of jobs. We are not wrong for having these feelings, because our elected representatives do not reflect the young people’s interests. If you do not vote, you will not see change be made.

Continue reading the article at Pantherbook: http://pantherbook.org/student-life/2014/09/27/the-young-democrats-of-fhs/#sthash.PGrY1XQZ.dpuf

pantherbook article screenshot

Pantherbook is the website or blog published by FHS students. If you want to see more of what they talk about consider subscribing to Pantherbook.org/

“To the curious incident of the dog in the night-time.”

The Mass Climate Action Network has a good weekly podcast. This week they provide coverage on the 400,000 people that marched in New York City which most people were unaware of due to the lack of media coverage.

The past weekend in New York, four hundred thousand people strolled through the city in the largest climate march in history. This is the big news, even though it was competing with out latest war for attention. What did it all mean? Two things: first that a powerful, vibrant climate movement exists and second that local action is the next big step.

Continue reading the article here
http://massclimateaction.wordpress.com/2014/09/26/the-march-the-media-and-the-meaning-the-climate-minute-podcast/

To save a click or two, you can listen to this week's podcast here:



For more information on how you can help the Mass Climate Action Network, visit their website here

Mass Climate Action Network

Attention: Tag/Moving Sale 9/27/14 -> 9:00 - 5:00

Do you post yard/tag sales on your site?  We sold our home and are offering almost everything at our tag sale tomorrow. 

In Home Tag/Moving Sale - Everything Must Go! 

Furniture, area rugs, Weber gas grill, tools, lamps, artwork, kitchenwares, small kitchen electrics, crystal, Fiestaware service for 8 still in box, dolls, Hello Kitty bathroom set, linens, books, chest freezer, LL Bean sledding inner tubes, 2002 Chevy Trailblazer, and much more. 

478 Maple St, Franklin, 9/27, 9-5, no  previews or early birds.

from the photo archives of June 2012

Caregiver Support in Massachusetts

From the MA.GOV blog we find good tips for caregivers and a listing of resources.

The Massachusetts Family Caregiver Support Program empowers caregivers through information, education, support, and services that help enhance their quality of life. Caregivers may experience physical, emotional, and financial strain while caring for a loved one. With this in mind, the Commonwealth offers support resources to ease those stresses and reduce the challenges of caregiving. 

Care for the Caregiver 

Whether you are just beginning a caregiving role or continuing to care for an older person whose needs are increasing, it’s important to  take care of your own physical and mental health. Remember to recharge and take time for yourself. Rest, maintain healthy eating habits, get enough sleep each night, exercise, and communicate your needs to others when in need of help.

You can continue reading the MA.GOV article here  http://blog.mass.gov/blog/health/caregiver-support-in-massachusetts/

screen shot ma.gov article on caregiver support 

One resource we can add to the list for Franklin is the program started earlier this year at the Franklin Senior Center.

The Companion Caregiver Program at the Franklin Senior Center recently received an award from the Massachusetts Council on Aging for "innovative program". The award ceremony was on June 6 at Lake Pearl in Wrentham.

The program offers in home full time caregivers respite for 2-4 hours per week if they are caring for someone 60 years of age or older with Dementia or a major medical illness. There is NO restriction on age of caregiver to be eligible for the program. 

The cost of the program is between $8 and $12 per hour depending upon household income. This cost is at least $8 below current market rate.

Our companions provide socialization and stimulation for the recipient of care in the home setting. The companions are trained in Dementia and Elder Care, cultural competency, CPR and first aid, and fall risk. 

We tailor activities with the recipient based on our review of their interests.

For more information please feel free to contact Elaine Owens at the Franklin Senior Center. the number is 508-520-4945.

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/06/companion-caregiver-program.html

Map of the Harvest Festival - where is it all happening in downtown Franklin?

Want to know where things are happening at the Harvest Festival? Check out the official map showing the location of each booth and stage.

Franklin Downtown Partnership

For more information on the Harvest Festival, visit the Franklin Downtown Partnership webpage
http://www.franklindowntownpartnership.org/

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA Area: FRI 9/26/14 - THU 10/2/14

FRI 9/26   10am-12pm   Girl Scouts Sign Ups at Franklin Public Library.
FRI 9/26   12-6pm   Franklin Farmers Market - Town Common
FRI 9/26   6:30pm   Art Night Uncorked - Franklin Art Center

SAT 9/27   8am-2pm   Medway Townwide Yard Sale (Map will be sold at Anne's Market - Medway Plaza, Town Clerk's Office, Charles River Bank, Middlesex Bank, Star Market and Medway Commons)
SAT 9/27  9am-12pm   Fun on Trail: if your child created and owl last week at the Library, come find it on the Franklin Bellingham Rail Trail (Grove Street entrance)
SAT 9/27   9:30am-4pm   Open Auditions for Nutcracker (FPAC), 15 W. Central Street, Franklin.
SAT 9/27   10am-2pm   Electronic Recycling to Benefit Franklin Food Pantry. Franklin Village Center (Stop & Shop Plaza)
SAT 9/27   4-7pm   Beer Extravaganza 5.0 at Pour Richard’s Wine & Spirits in Franklin.

SUN 9/28   9am-3pm  Autism Speaks Fund Raiser at Timeless Barber Shop
SUN 9/28   1-4pm   Pennywise and Snappy Dogs back at Pour Richard’s in Franklin.
SUN 9/28   1:30-4:30pm   Open Auditions for Humbag and Tis The Season (FPAC), 15 W. Central Street, Franklin.
SUN 9/28   2:30-3:30pm   Jamie Barrett Family Music Show to celebrate new Franklin Public Library Sunday hours.
SUN 9/28   iStories at the Franklin Public Library

MON 9/29   3-6pm   Farmers Market at Whole Foods Plaza in Bellingham

WED 10/1   6:30pm   Franklin Art Association Meeting, featuring artist and demonstration by William Lane. Open to public. Franklin Senior Center.

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

Harvest Festival - Sunday Oct 5th

farmers market sample

The Harvest Festival has become a favorite fall tradition, and the Franklin Downtown Partnership plans a fun-filled start to the season with the 12th annual event on Sunday, October 5, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Organizers expect approximately 6,000 people will visit downtown Franklin and enjoy lively entertainment, delicious food, browsing among more than 100 participating artists, crafters, businesses and community groups, and, of course, games and activities in the Children’s Area.

“Every year the festival gives people an opportunity to relax, have one-on-one conversations with business owners, and take the time to learn more about our community,” says Lisa Piana, Franklin Downtown Partnership executive director. “We are happy to give everyone the chance to catch up with 6,000 of their closest friends and neighbors.”

DJ Domenic Cotoia of Music Odyssey Productions will kick off the event at 11 a.m. and entertain festival goers with a mix of country, Top 40 and rock and roll hits all day long from his booth on Main Street in front of Platinum Sponsor Rockland Trust.

Entertainment also can be found on the center island at the corner of Main and East Central streets and on the patio next to The Cake Bar. Local entertainers, including Franklin High students, will perform, along with perennial favorite Jamie Barrett, sponsored by Jane’s Frames. Fred Astaire Dance Studio dancers will show off their ballroom skills, and The Cake Bar will feature balloon artist Dick Moberg of Fun Faces With a Twist from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. The Franklin School for the Performing Arts plans special events on its Main Street stage throughout the day.

Food options will cater to a variety of tastes. The FDP food tent on Main Street in front of Dean Bank will satisfy cravings for hot dogs, popcorn, snacks and water. The food truck outside of Century 21 will tempt with steak tips, burgers, Italian sausages, chicken, fresh-squeezed lemonade and lime rickeys.

harvest festival

Several downtown restaurants will serve signature snacks, and many food-based businesses will hand out free samples. Outside the Food Pantry, local farmers will sell fresh seasonal produce.

The Children’s Area behind Rockland Trust will be staffed by energetic volunteers from the Bernon Family Branch YMCA. Carnival games like the ring toss, balloon darts, corn hole and sink it, along with a bounce house, face painting and fall-themed crafts will keep children entertained. “Shoot, Kick and Tumble” will challenge kids to show off their basketball, soccer and gymnastic skills.

The area will feature many child-oriented businesses, such as Franklin Martial Arts, which plans board-breaking seminars. New this year is the ChildID booth where children, teens and young adults can be fingerprinted for free. The program is a service to parents, who will leave with a ChildID kit.  

The fun continues with tours at the Historical Museum, and the Franklin Public Library plans to host a “Make and Take” Halloween craft. Kids are invited to drop in between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. and sip hot cider while they create a Halloween spider or pumpkin.

The festival is not just for kids. Throughout town visitors can find a variety of art, informational, gift, business and organizational booths. The Franklin Cultural Council’s painted ladybugs will be on display at the corner of East Central and Summer streets. On Main, volunteers will answer questions and hand out information about the Franklin Solar Challenge.

The Harvest Festival is made possible by the generous support of sponsors who will have booths in “Sponsorship Row” on Main Street. This year’s Platinum Sponsors are Big Y World Class Market and Rockland Trust. Silver Sponsors are Digital Credit Union and Middlesex Savings Bank.

Bronze Sponsors include Chestnut Dental Associates, Dean Bank, Franklin Ford, Keefe Insurance Agency and SolarFlair Energy. Friends of the Festival Sponsors are AstrumSolar, D.G. Ranieri Real Estate, Franklin Yoga & Wellness, Leaf Filter, Rescom Exteriors and the Bernon Family Branch YMCA.

“The Harvest Festival shows what a tight-knit community Franklin is. In a relatively small downtown area we include more than 100 non-profit organizations, businesses, churches, banks, community groups, restaurants and cultural attractions. The festival continues to attract more vendors and visitors but essentially has stayed true to its origins by bringing the community together for a fun, affordable day out,” says Terri Frank, Harvest Festival booth chair.

The Franklin Downtown Partnership is a non-profit, 501(c)3 organization made up of businesses, community leaders and residents working together to revitalize downtown Franklin. The Partnership relies on donations and sponsorship to fund events like the Harvest Festival, the Holiday Stroll and the Strawberry Stroll. The FDP works year-round on Beautification and greenspace efforts, and is actively involved in streetscape design and development issues involving the downtown. For more information please visit the FDP website, www.franklindowntownpartnership.org/, or contact the Executive Director at downtown.franklin@yahoo.com.  

Timeless Barber Shop - Autism Fundraiser

Steve, 

The Timeless Barber Shop at 334 Union Street is having a fundraiser on Sunday from 9 to 3. There will be a bake sale, a raffle, haircuts and all proceeds will go to Autism Speaks. 

You can also contact the owner for more info at 508-520-1984. 

Trevor

Timeless Barber Shop, 334 Union St

You can find more information about Autism Speaks on their website here
http://www.autismspeaks.org/

Starting Monday: Commuter Rail change at Ruggles

Elevator 849 RUGGLES - Commuter Rail platform to the lobby is unavailable from Monday, September 29, 2014, through Tuesday, September 30, 2014, due to maintenance.  MBTA Please contact station personnel or the conductor for assistance. For inbound commuter rail riders, please disembark at Back Bay Station and return to Ruggles via the Orange Line.  For outbound customers, please take the Orange Line to Back Bay and board the commuter rail at Back Bay. If customers desire to utilize the commuter rail at Back Bay Station, please allow additional time to your commute and check the commuter rail schedule for Back Bay departure times. set up alerts at the MBTA page Last updated: Sep 25 2014 12:39 PM Sent by the MBTA. Manage subscriptions Manage account

How to grow the best garlic

The Friends of Franklin Community Gardens will be holding a free class on how to plant garlic on October 4th, 2014 from 10am-11am at the King St. Community Garden in Franklin Massachusetts. 

We will be covering how and when to plant it, how to care for it in the spring, and how to harvest and cure it in the late summer. 

We will have organic garlic available for purchase at the event, and information for joining the wait list for the 2015 growing season for those interested in renting a bed.

A recent visit to the Community Garden showed that tomatoes did well this year.

tomatoes at one of the Community Garden plots

Where is the Community Garden?  At the King St Memorial Park

Franklin Library: Jamie Barrett - Sept 28, 2:30 PM

Franklin's own Jamie Barrett will perform a Family Music Show to help celebrate the opening of the Library with Sunday hours.

Franklin Public Library
Sunday, Sep 28th at 2:30 PM

Family Music Concert by Jamie Barrett

This notice was shared from the Franklin Library
http://franklinpl.blogspot.com/2014/09/jamie-barrett-family-music-show.html


Did you know that Jamie wrote the official song for Franklin?



You can find other videos of Jamie on his YouTube channel
https://www.youtube.com/user/Geetarmann

William Lane will demo water color at Franklin Art Association - Oct 1

The Franklin Art Association will meet Wednesday, October 1st from 6:30 to 9:00pm at the Franklin Senior Center, 10 Daniel McCahill Street. 

Refreshments and socialization will begin at 6:30. 

The program will feature William Lane, multimedia artist, who will demo a city scape in watercolor. 

Meetings are free and opened to the public. 

For more information, please email the FAA secretary at faasecretary@gmail.com or visit the website at www.franklinart.org

Franklin Art Association

Blackstone River Theatre - Gypsy music with the Bohemian Quartet!

THANK YOU! This year's Solstice Fest was our biggest yet... stay tuned for more on the 2015 festival set for June 20!  COMING SOON TO BRT!                     Ongoing   Zumba with April Hilliker on Mondays, 6:30 PM     Saturday, Sept. 27, 8 PM Film on Romany culture at 7:30 p.m. sponsored by R.I. State Council on the Arts   THE BOHEMIAN QUARTET Oct. 4 and 5  Celtic stone carving class Saturday, October 4, 8 PM  NORTH SEA GAS Oct. 9  6-week session of tin whistle and 5-string banjo classes begin with Aubrey Atwater Saturday, October 11, 8 PM  TANNAHILL WEAVERS Friday, October 17, 8 PM  Väsen - 25TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR! Oct 25  Beginner/Continuing beginner mountain dulcimer session begins Saturday, October 25, 8 PM  PADDY KEENAN Saturday, November 1  Flynn Cohen & the Deadstring Ensemble / Kathleen Conneely & Mark Roberts Saturday, November 8  PEPPINO D'AGOSTINO    Quick Links... BRT Website     BRT Classes       BOHEMIAN QUARTET NORTH SEA GAS Directions to BRT Tickets often available at door but to ensure a seat CALL FOR RESERVATIONS 401-725-9272 Please understand that when a show is SOLD OUT, it truly is! We must adhere to fire codes and it truly is not possible to fit "just one more"... especially when we have had several people ask to do the same! If a show at BRT has an advance price & a day-of-show price it means: If you pre-pay OR call in your reservation any time before the show date, you get the advance price. If you show up at the door with no reservations OR call in your reservations on the same day as the show, you will pay the day-of show-price. NOTE for prepaid tickets or if reservations have been made but not pre-paid: If you reduce the number of tickets requested or paid for at the box office on the night of the performance, that ticket must still be paid for! BRT requires 24 hour notice for cancellations or you will be charged for all seats reserved. Dear Steve, AN EVENING OF GYPSY AND ROMANI MUSIC AT BRT! This we bring back the wonderful Bohemian Quartet for an evening of Gypsy and Romani music... then two great bands from Scotland will perform in early October - NORTH SEA GAS and the TANNAHILL WEAVERS!  Lots of great classes coming up too ... Celtic stone carving (just 2 spots left) and dulcimer, whistle and 5-string banjo with Aubrey Atwater! Don't forget to LIKE us on Facebook to get late-breaking news and really expensive gifts. Well, not that last one but definitely the first part... Please share what we do with your friends! www.facebook.com/pages/Blackstone-River-Theatre/165592431396    Hope to see you soon... Russell Gusetti, Executive Director   THE BOHEMIAN QUARTET The mission of keeping a rare musical flame alight is a noble and often challenging one, but The Bohemian Quartet is more than up to the task. In this case, the acclaimed Rhode Island-based ensemble featuring violin, viola, cello, and bass specializes in music of the "Romany" or "Gypsy" tradition, along with related Eastern European folk styles. The Bohemian Quartet was formed in 2005. Violinist Stan Renard, a composer and virtuoso player with an impressive list of credentials, assembled the group with the idea of preserving the tradition and indulging in the virtuosic playing of classic gypsy music. Renard recruited like-minded and ambitious friends: Christine Harrington on cello, Nancy Richardson on viola, and Dave Zinno on upright bass. Together, they've made a commitment to the genre, and aspired to performing it with both reverence and adventure. Indeed, like every good curator, the ensemble embraces tradition, and still wanders off in newer, unpredictable directions. The name "Bohemian Quartet" was borrowed from the original Bohemian Quartet (also known as the Czech Quartet after 1918), a string quartet of international repute that was founded in 1891 and disbanded in 1934. Both groups share a passion for the deep-rooted authenticity of the Romany tradition, as well as the ability to play that historic repertoire with extraordinary joie de vivre. On the aptly titled "Beyond Tradition," the quartet's 2010 recording, the group's intentions are on full display. The project was recorded live at Blackstone River Theatre and St. Paul's Church in Portsmouth, Rhode Island. They released a new studio CD in 2013 entitled "Silhouette." There will be a pre-concert film on Romani culture/musical styles at 7:30 p.m. made possible in part by a grant from the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts, through an appropriation by the Rhode Island General Assembly and a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts.        Event Info Saturday, September 27, 8 P.M., $15.00 at Blackstone River Theatre 549 Broad Street, Cumberland, R.I.  Call 401-725-9272 for reservations www.riverfolk.org CELTIC STONE CARVING WEEKEND! Oct. 4-5 As part of our Heritage Arts Studio initiative, Blackstone River Theatre will offer a two-day class in Celtic relief stone carving in limestone for beginners with instructor Laura Travis, outside, behind the Blackstone River Theatre. Teenagers (age 16 and up), college students and adults are all welcome and no experience is required. A maximum of 10 students will be allowed... ONLY TWO SPOTS LEFT! The course fee is $125 plus a separate $12 materials fee which is payable directly to instructor Laura Travis (includes several pieces of stone, sandpapers, and access to finishing tools.) For additional information, visit the instructor's site, campus.digication.com/lauratravis Relief carving is a satisfying and useful skill which has numerous applications for gardens, landscaping, and creative expression. The saga of The Celt and The Stone is as old as time. If you have seen a photo of the High Crosses in Ireland and Scotland, or British well-shrine covers, you've seen Celtic relief carving in stone. In this 12-hour introductory-level course, students will use manageable scraps of limestone and carve them with an initial, a knot, or an animal motif - bring your own idea or utilize teacher references - and in the process learn something of one of the signature arts of the Celts. Included will be plenty of stone lore, tips for scrounging up materials and tools for practically nothing, and information about techniques including polishing and finishing. Laura Travis has been carving for more than 22 years, bringing her knowledge and love of Irish and Celtic traditions firmly into her work in stone. As an artist, Laura walks between the worlds of fine and folk art, utilizing traditional iconography in some very contemporary contexts. She holds an MFA in sculpture from the Maryland Institute College of Art, and maintains a studio in Rhode Island. She's also known for originating and hosting the Irish traditional music radio program, In The Celtic Realm, for the past 32 years on WRIU-FM.    Event Info Saturday, October 4 & Sunday, October 5, 9 A.M. to 3:30 P.M. $125.00 plus $12.00 materials fee at Blackstone River Theatre 549 Broad Street, Cumberland, R.I.  Call 401-725-9272 for reservations www.riverfolk.org

Forward email to a friend! Blackstone River Theatre | 549 Broad Street | Cumberland | RI | 02864

Grains or Grapes? No need to choose!

Connecting good friends with great wine! Never Drink Ordinary! Grains or Grapes? Which to choose? An ice cold IPA or a nice Pinot Grigio? A thick, rich stout or a plush, velvety Cabernet? We think you shouldn't have to choose, so we are hosting TWO great events next weekend.  On Saturday, September 27, Beer Extravaganza 5.0- taste 40+ beers and ciders, nosh some beer-friendly food, and enjoy some red-hot blues courtesy of local band Three Stories. 4-7 PM On Sunday, September 28, Pennywise!- 30+ bottles of wine to taste, all 20-70% off original retail price. Order exactly what you want-bottles or cases-for pickup the following Friday. 1-4 PM Both events FREE.  Never Drink Ordinary! -Ann and John Please share this email with friends who are enthusiastic about great wine, beer, and spirits. (Keeping all the good stuff for yourself is bad karma.)

Forward this email Pour Richard's Wine and Spirits | 14 Grove Street | Franklin | MA | 02038