FPAC’S Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat Plays Three Final Shows This Weekend

Franklin Performing Arts Company’s production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat concludes its six-show run this weekend at THE BLACK BOX in downtown Franklin. Remaining show times are Friday, March 16 and Saturday, March 17 at 7:30, as well as Sunday, March 18 at 2:00. The hit family musical is a colorful and uplifting show for audiences of all ages.

Based on the biblical Joseph story, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat follows the trials and triumphs of Jacob’s favorite son in a high-adventure retelling of epic proportions. The lively Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice musical is entirely sung-through and boasts catchy songs of many musical styles, from country western and calypso to pop, disco, and rock ’n’ roll. Musical Director Hallie Wetzell leads the production’s professional orchestra.

Andrew Scott Holmes

Andrew Scott Holmes returns to the Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) stage to star in the title role, after almost two years at sea working for Princess Cruises as a Resident Guest Entertainer. An Actor’s Equity Association member, he has played leading roles and understudied Broadway stars at regional theaters, from Goodspeed Opera House to Great Lakes Theater to Playhouse Square and beyond. Andrew received his Bachelor of Music in Music Theatre from Baldwin Wallace University.

Franklin’s Ali Funkhouser (The Narrator) returns to Joseph for the third time, having appeared in the children’s ensemble of the 2004 national tour starring Patrick Cassidy and as The Narrator during her time at the Franklin School for the Performing Arts. Other credits include the national tour of Evita, Legally Blonde with The LEX, and Puccini’s Suor Angelica with Chelsea Opera (NYC). An Equity Membership Candidate, Ali will receive her Bachelor of Music Degree in Music Theatre from Oklahoma City University this spring.

Nick Paone, also from Franklin, performs the roles of Pharoah and Jacob. A former Equity actor, Nick has written and directed numerous shows, produced an evening of one-act plays in NYC, and traveled extensively performing with Theater Works. A frequent FPAC performer and director, Nick is the creative mind behind FPAC’s annual holiday pantos and original productions Humbug! A Beggar’s Opera and Zero: A Musical Fable.

Casey Harkness Andrade (Mrs. Potiphar), of Lincoln, RI, has been a professional choreographer, educator, and performer for more than 10 years. An adjunct faculty member at Rhode Island College, Casey is an adjudicator and choreographer for the Elite Dance Challenge regional and national competition. Recent FPAC credits include The Addams Family (Morticia) and Monty Python’s Spamalot.

Raye Lynn Mercer directs FPAC’s production, which also features many local performers and students of the arts, including a children’s choir. FPAC Costumer Merrie Whitney, of Franklin, has designed the entire show, with special attention to Joseph’s iconic coat. Middlesex Savings Bank is the Production Sponsor. 

Tickets are $34, with general seating. For more information or to purchase tickets visit www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com or call 508-528-3370. THE BLACK BOX theater, music, and event venue is located at 15 West Central Street. Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is presented by arrangement with The Musical Company, LP.

Franklin MBTA Commuter Rail Track Overnight Work

Good afternoon,

I wanted to let you know about an MBTA advisory for the cities and towns along the MBTA Franklin Commuter Rail Line about overnight work due to installation activities associated with the MBTA Positive Train Control (PTC) Program. A copy of the advisory is attached.

This work  is linear in nature and can be anticipated to be moving along the lines in short durations, therefore having minimal impacts on neighbors. Additional information on the program and program updates can be found on the MBTA PTC website here: 

www.mbta.com/projects/commuter-rail-positive-train-control-ptc.

While it should not be very disruptive work, there will be crews operating machinery and trucks with back-up alarms and lights, so we anticipate you may receive some inquiries from abutters to the rail corridor where the work is occurring.  We would ask you to please direct them to contact us via email at PTCProgram@mbta.com or the program hotline at 617-721-7506. 

If you have any questions about this please feel free to contact me directly.

Thank you,

Joe Sgroi

Community Outreach

MBTA Commuter Rail Positive Train Control Program Team

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gGEwXzkVwVok2Yee_gPSAnQ0tgXPkJi1/view?usp=drivesdk

Commuter Rail Positive Train Control (PTC)

FHS boys basketball vs. Mansfield - Sat - Mar 17 - 5:45 PM

"The D-1 Championship game will be Saturday March 17 at 5:45 PM at the Mass Mutual Center in Springfield. Tickets are $15. Come support your team!"

The D-1 Championship game will be Saturday March 17 at 5:45 PM at the Mass Mutual Center in Springfield. Tickets... https://t.co/8lsYnkKMjB

— FHS Boys Basketball (@fhsboysbball) March 15, 2018

FHS boys basketball vs. Mansfield - Sat - Mar 17 - 5:45 PM

Franklin Newcomers and Friends April Meeting Announcement - Apr 11

Come join your Franklin friends and neighbors at the Franklin Newcomers and Friends monthly meeting. Meet us upstairs at "3" Restaurant on Wednesday, April 11th at 7:30. Come join us at our Game Night. It's one of our favorite and more social events.

We invite any resident of Franklin, or a surrounding town that doesn't have a Newcomers Club, to join us at "3" Restaurant, 461 West Central Street, Franklin. Complimentary appetizers and beverages are provided and a cash bar is available. 

We meet upstairs at 7:30 PM on the 2nd Wednesday of the month (occasionally we switch Wednesdays to accommodate holidays or speakers). We run our meetings September through May. Additionally, we hold many fun and varied events to stay connected throughout the year.

For more information, please visit our website www.franklinnewcomers.com or our Facebook page, Franklin Newcomers and Friends Club.

Franklin Newcomers and Friends: “Game Night” - Apr 11

In the News: Franklin runners fund raising for multiple myeloma research

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

"Two Franklin runners are passing up this year’s Boston Marathon to travel to England a week later to run the Virgin Money London Marathon while raising money for multiple myeloma research. 

The race is on April 22 in London, where Franklin residents Loriann Zajac and Josh Smith will make their way winding through the city with thousands of other runners from around the world. The duo will be running to support the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF). 

Multiple myeloma is a type of blood cancer, specifically targeting plasma inside bone marrow. The mutated cells secrete abnormal and cancerous proteins that lead to tumors, kidney damage, and a decreased immune system. 

Zajac was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in the early 2000s. Although considered incurable, the cancer is treatable. Zajac has been in remission for a few years now thanks to her treatment. Their goal is to raise $5,000 before the race.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180314/franklin-duo-to-run-london-marathon-for-charity

Contribute to the cause
https://endurance.themmrf.org/2018London/LoveForLoriAnn

Remington’s Pi Day video

"Check out Remington’s Pi Day video. Special thanks to Jeff Chaffee and Luke Diez for creating the video as well as all of our teachers who participated. #PiDay #middleschool"

https://twitter.com/RMS_Remdawgs/status/973938104598974464

Franklin Public Schools: 2 Hour Delay for March 14, 2018

Wednesday, March 14, 2018 6:00 AM Update

We have been assessing the situations at our schools early this morning. Lots are cleared, although still a bit snowy given the quantity we received. Custodians have or are clearing sidewalks at the school entrances; these will be ready by the time school opens.

Based on this latest information we have, we will have a 2 hour delay on Wednesday, March 14, 2018.

When Franklin Public Schools has a delayed opening, ECDC will have a cancellation/delayed opening as follows:

The ECDC morning session will be cancelled. The ECDC full day and extended sessions will delay opening by 2 hours. The delayed opening will NOT impact the afternoon session.

Crews are out working but sidewalks will not be cleared across town for several days. As a result, emergency busing will be in effect and students walking to or from school will be offered rides by our drivers.

Parents and families, as always, if you feel it is unsafe for your child or children to attend school, please exercise your judgement and keep them home.

The District office will also have a 2 hour delayed opening.

Sincerely,

Franklin Public Schools

Franklin Public Schools: 2 Hour Delay for March 14, 2018

St. Patrick's Day Buffet at Gerry's Place

Gerry's Place St. Patrick's Day Buffet at Tri-County Regional in Franklin. Thursday, March 15th from 10:45 AM - 12:30 PM. 

$9.95 per person. No reservations required.

Menu includes: corned beef, cabbage and all the fixings, shepherd's pie, lamb stew plus assorted desserts and breads.

St. Patrick's Day Buffet at Gerry's Place

A message from The Friends of Franklin Library: Brick Sales Closing Out

The response from the Franklin community to our brick-patio campaign has been spectacular – far better than we could have anticipated. Because of that interest, we extended the project to accommodate additional orders for personalized bricks. We're preparing a second installation for the spring, but, to do so, we'll need to stop taking orders so that the engravers and installers can do their work.

That means this is your last chance to support the library via the brick campaign. Submit your orders by March 17 to have your personalized brick added to the new patio at the library's School Street entrance. It's a beautiful space. And having your name or the name of someone special to you
included there permanently is a great way to show your community pride and appreciation to an important Franklin institution.

Proceeds from the brick sales help to support programs and purchases at the library for the benefit of the entire community. For example, the Friends paid for new tables and chairs in the library's carefully-restored main reading room. Your generosity assures that our organization can continue to contribute to the ongoing mission of America's first public library.

We've installed more than 400 personalized bricks, and we have orders for several hundred more. If you'd like to be included, this is the time to act.

http://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library/pages/friends-franklin-library

A message from The Friends of Franklin Library: Brick Sales Closing Out

Volunteers needed for the Franklin High School All Night Party

Sign ups are open for chaperoning the Franklin High School All Night Party June 1-2 following Graduation. We need over 350 volunteers! It's a big deal to be part of this important community event. 

We have shifts from 11-3 AM and 1-5 AM for cleanup. Please share!

Thank you for understanding how important this event is to keep Franklin safe after high school graduation.

Sign up by clicking the link http://www.fhsallnightparty.com/sign-up-to-volunteer.html

Volunteers needed for the Franklin High School All Night Party

Register for Community Arts Advocacy Day 2018 - Apr 7

Action and IMPACT: Community Arts Advocacy Day 2018 is a multi-town event bringing together artists, art advocates, cultural organizations, and local businesses to participate in a day of grassroots activism and education.

Agenda:

8:00 - 9:00 Registration, Breakfast and Networking
9:00 - 9:10 Welcome Address
9:10 - 9:25 Why Advocate?
9:25 - 9:40 MASSCreative: Advocating for Public Funding for the Arts, Arts Education and Public Art
9:40 - 10:00 Creative Break to Advocate…grassroots advocacy activities
10:10 - 11:10 Educational Workshop Session 1
11:20 - 12:20 Educational Workshop Session 2
12:30 - 1:15 Lunch and Meet Your Reps … talk about the arts with legislators while noshing
1:25 - 2:25 Panel Discussion: How to Drive Community Engagement
2:25 - 2:30 Wrap Up



Workshops:

• How to Attract and Keep Volunteers
• Marketing for Arts Organizations
• How to Build Community Partnerships
• Social Media Basics
• Grant Budget Planning for Non-Profits
• Creating a Successful Arts/Business Partnership Event
• Developing a Social Media Strategy
• Ask the Experts: Grants and Budgets
• Leveraging PR and Email Marketing
• The Ins and Outs of How to Advocate for the Arts, with MA Representative Jeff Roy
• Panel discussion: How to Drive Community Engagement

Register here
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/action-impact-community-arts-advocacy-day-tickets-33284907053

Register for Community Arts Advocacy Day 2018 - Apr 7

Franklin Public Schools: 2 Hour Delay Weds - Mar 14 - Possible Cancellation

Tuesday, March 13, 2018

The Department of Public Works and Facilities Department has been working all day and into the night to clear a tremendous amount of snow from our grounds and streets.  Nevertheless, additional time is required to adequately prepare for safe arrival at school.

Based on the current information we have, we are preparing for Franklin Public Schools to have a 2 hour delay on Wednesday, March 14, 2018.

However, we will reassess in the morning to ensure that we are prepared for school to begin. We will send another communication tomorrow morning by 6:00 AM to confirm the delay or switch to a cancellation.

When Franklin Public Schools has a delayed opening, ECDC will have a cancellation/delayed opening as follows:

The ECDC morning session will be cancelled. The ECDC full day and extended sessions will delay opening by 2 hours. The delayed opening will NOT impact the afternoon session.

Sidewalks will not be cleared across town for several days. As a result, emergency busing will be in effect and students walking to or from school will be offered rides by our drivers.

Thank you for your patience during these difficult weather events.

Sincerely,

The Franklin Public Schools

Franklin Public Schools:  2 Hour Delay Weds - Mar 14 - Possible Cancellation

Circle of Friends Coffeehouse: Tom Rush - March 17

Just Announced! Tom Rush will be back in Franklin on March 17th

View this email in your browser TOM RUSH with Matt Nakoa March 17th 8PM $45 We were delighted to just find out that Circle of Friends favorite Matt Nakoa will be joining Tom Rush this Saturday. https://mattnakoa.com/ Also Antje Duvekot has recovered from throat surgery and will be here May 12th. Tom's impact on the American music scene has been profound. He helped shape the folk revival in the '60s and the renaissance of the '80s and '90s, his music having left its stamp on generations of artists. James Taylor told Rolling Stone, "Tom was not only one of my early heroes, but also one of my main influences." Country music star Garth Brooks has credited Rush with being one of his top five musical influences. Tom's distinctive guitar style, wry humor and warm, expressive voice have made him both a legend and a lure to audiences around the world. His shows are filled with the rib-aching laughter of terrific story-telling, the sweet melancholy of ballads and the passion of gritty blues.  http://tomrush.com/ The Circle of Friends Coffeehouse is a non-profit organization affiliated with Franklin's First Universalist Society. Concerts are presented in a smoke free and alcohol free environment at the Society's handicapped accessible Meetinghouse, 262 Chestnut St. in Franklin, and begin at 8:00 PM; doors open at 7:30 PM. Beverages and gourmet desserts will be available. Tickets for this show is $45.  Please call (508)528-2541 or visit http://www.circlefolk.org/ to purchase tickets or for more information. Upcoming Shows Mar 17       An Evening with Tom Rush Apr 7         Gretchen Peters with Carolann Solebello Apr 28       Pat Donohue May 12      Antje Duvekot with The Starlight Honeys NOTE: Patty Larkin will be rescheduled next season.

Circle of Friends Coffeehouse · First Universalist Society · 262 Chestnut St · Franklin, MA 02038 · USA

Tri-County Teacher, Kimberly Zogalis, Receives Official Citation Award

Tri-County Regional is pleased to announce that Kimberly Zogalis, a Computer Information Systems teacher at Tri-County Regional, was honored to receive an Official Citation from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts State Senate in recognition of her Exemplary Contributions to Student Success during the 2016-2017 Academic Year. Senator Richard Ross and Representative Elizabeth Poirier visited Tri-County Regional to present the congratulatory citation to Mrs. Zogalis. Other attendees for the presentation included Stephen Dockray, Superintendent, Jean George, Director of Vocational Programs, and Scott O'Brien, Head of Guidance.

Mrs. Zogalis, a resident of North Attleboro, is one of two Tri-County Regional teachers who have been named as a Mass Insight Education and Research award recipient for her exemplary work in the AP STEM Program. The teachers are a part of the 29 Massachusetts Advanced Placement (AP) teachers being recognized for their outstanding contributions to student success during the 2016-2017 academic year.

"We appreciate Senator Ross and Representative Poirier for taking the time to come to Tri-County to present the State Senate's Official Citation in recognition of Kim's ongoing commitment to Tri-County students," said Stephen Dockray, Superintendent. "We value our teachers who go above and beyond in ensuring our students have the skills and tools necessary to be successful in their academic and vocational programs."

(Photo courtesy of Tri-County Regional. Pictured from l-r: Stephen Dockray, Superintendent of Tri-County Regional; Senator Richard Ross; Kimberly Zogalis, Tri-County Regional Teacher & Citation Recipient; Representative Elizabeth Poirier; Jean George, Vocational Director, Tri-County Regional; and Scott O'Brien, Head of Guidance, Tri-County Regional)

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

FHS boys basketball top Springfield Central, move on to State D1 Final vs. Manfield

Joe Clark, HockomockSports.com Student Reporter, provides the game recap for the FHS boys basketball victory on Monday. FHS moves on to the D1 State Championship game scheduled for Saturday in Springfield, with exact location and time still to be determined.

"When Franklin took on Springfield Central at the DCU Center in Worcester a year ago, Chris Edgehill scored eight points in 20 seconds to tie the game and lead the Panthers to an overtime win to clinch a berth in the state championship. 

This year, when the two teams met again on Thursday night, no such heroics were needed. 

Franklin played a near-perfect game en route to a 62-43 win over the Golden Eagles, handing Central its first loss of the season. 

“This game was a little bit more comfortable than last year, we were watching guys cry as we put ourselves together to come back and win last year, so this game I thought we had a much more complete performance from start to finish, I was pretty confident in what we were doing out there,” said Franklin coach CJ Neely."

Continue reading the article online at HockomockSports
https://hockomocksports.com/franklin-boys-basetball-beats-central-books-return-trip-to-d1-state-final/

Franklin sophomore Chris Edgehill shoots a jump shot against Springfield Central. (Peter Raider/HockomockSports.com)

Aside from the Super Eights (hockey, baseball?), when was the last time two teams from the same league ... particularly two publics ... squared off in a state final in any sport? As Mansfield and Franklin will do in boys hoop Saturday.

— Jim Clark (@In_The_Slot) March 13, 2018

Best fans in the State! https://t.co/mEpwZnJGag

— Coach Luke Gordon (@CoachLukeGordon) March 13, 2018

TEAM WIN! So proud https://t.co/fjrC4f9D5X

— Coach CJ Neely (@CoachCJNeely) March 13, 2018

Tonight Franklin showed up in force and represented well. Nice job @RattleCity See you Saturday pic.twitter.com/bTM7k67Fyh

— FranklinHighSchool (@FranklinHS) March 13, 2018

MIAA D1 State Championship:

Franklin vs. Mansfield #hockomock

— Ryan Lanigan (@R_Lanigan) March 13, 2018

Next stop...championship game. Saturday. Stay tuned pic.twitter.com/vmGLflF2JW

— FranklinHighSchool (@FranklinHS) March 13, 2018

Bellingham-Franklin Annual Rabies Clinic - Apr 21

The Bellingham-Franklin Annual Rabies Clinic has been scheduled.

When: April 21 st 2018
Where: Bellingham D.P.W. Blackstone St.· Fee: $20.00 (Cash Only)
Time: 9 AM till noon Rain or Shine

Dogs MUST be on a leash, cats MUST be in a carrier

For Info : Call 508-966-5823 or 508-520-4922

Written proof of previous rabies vaccine within the last 9 - 12 months is needed for a three year vaccine.

http://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/bellingham-franklin-annual-rabies-clinic-april-21st

You can download a copy of this notice from the Town of Franklin page
http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/news/annual_rabies_clinic_1.pdf

Solutions Announces 5-Week Summer Program

A daylong summer program open to children entering Kindergarten through Fifth Grade

Solutions Extended Day, a program of the Franklin Public Schools Lifelong Learning Institute, is pleased to announce it will be offering a 5-week summer program located at the Oak Street Elementary School. Solutions, known for its affordable, safe and enriching before and after school programs will offer a daylong summer adventure program beginning July 9, 2018. There will be five theme based weeks for children to attend: Rockin' through the Decades, Magic Makers, Discover Science!, Backyard Adventures, and Finale of Fun!

The program is led by the professional school year staff who plan a variety of enriching activities such as arts & crafts, science experiments, and dramatic play. Each week there is a special visitor or show to add to the fun and every Wednesday is Waterslide Wednesday! Registration is currently open online at www.franklinlifelonglearning.com. For more information, contact the Solutions Program Office at 508-613-1771 or solutions@franklinps.net.

ABOUT US: Established in 1999, Solutions is committed to providing enriching, educational and recreational opportunities for our students. The program enables Franklin Public Schools to respond to the needs of our students and their families. 

The Solutions program was created in an effort to continue to expand the cultural, educational, and athletic experiences of elementary school children. Frequently there are requests for additional experiences beyond those possible during the traditional school day. 

In addition, many parents/guardians have expressed the need for a safe and enriching program before and after school to accommodate the needs of a working family.

If you would like more information about this topic, please contact Jennifer Maitland at 508-613-1772 or email at maitlandj@franklinps.net.

Registration is currently open online at www.franklinlifelonglearning.com

“It’s a matter of people willing to think about this"

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

"Awareness group Franklin in Focus will be holding a forum called “Where’s the Green” Saturday to discuss the future of open space in town. 

The forum will take place at the Franklin Senior Center from 10 a.m. to noon. Coordinator Alan Earls said that multiple town officials have been invited as well as a representative from Metacomet Land Trust to discuss conservation options. 

Franklin in Focus was formed by Franklin residents Earls and Monique Doyle in 2017 soon after election time in November. 

“I think we both felt that there was and is a need for change,” he said. “There are a lot of things in Franklin that aren’t as good, or effective, or efficient, or responsive, or transparent as they should be.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180312/franklin-in-focus-to-discuss-open-space

Where’s the Green?  - Mar 17

Franklin Residents: March 13 Winter Storm

Hello Residents of Franklin, this is Brutus Cantoreggi, your DPW Director. 

Due to tomorrow predicted Blizzard conditions of heavy snow and winds, The Town Municipal Building, Senior Center, Recreation Department, Library and DPW Main Office will be closed. 

The Town's Trash and Recycling collection program will also be delayed one day. Please observe the Town's winter parking ban as the Police Department will be enforcing it. 

If your power does go out, contact NGrid directly. Never approach or touch down powerlines, they may be energized and could seriously harm or kill you. 

Call 911 with all emergencies, we have an excellent Police and Fire Departments that are here to assist you. Thank you and be safe tonight and tomorrow.



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Franklin Residents: March 13th Winter Storm

Franklin Public Schools: No School -- Tuesday March 13, 2018

Monday March 12, 2018

Due to the forecasted inclement weather, the Franklin Public Schools will be closed on Tuesday, March 13, 2018.

School offices and the district's central office will also be closed.

All afternoon and evening activities are also canceled, given the expected duration of the storm.

Sincerely,

The Franklin Public Schools

Franklin Public Schools: No School -- Tuesday March 13, 2018