LiveARTS String Quartet Concert - June 12 - 3 PM

The LiveARTS Concert Series concludes its season with a performance by the acclaimed LiveARTS String Quartet in a program of Beethoven, Mendelssohn and Jessie Montgomery on Sunday, June 12 at 3:00 PM at the Meetinghouse of the First Universalist Society, located at 262 Chestnut Street in Franklin, MA.

The LiveARTS String Quartet is comprised of musicians Gregory Vitale and Katherine Winterstein, violins, Donald Krishnaswami, viola and Jan Müller-Szeraws, cello. The quartet has performed together for over a decade while leading active solo, chamber, and orchestral careers.

This program will include Beethoven’s String Quartet in C Major, Op. 59, Mendelssohn’s String Quartet in D Major, Op. 44, and music by acclaimed composer Jessie Montgomery – Source Code (2013) and Strum (2006).

Now in its nineteenth season, the LiveARTS concert series continues its mission of bringing outstanding artists into the community and introducing great music to area students.

Tickets for this performance are $25 for adults and free for students 18 and under. Tickets are available at the door or can be purchased in advance at liveartsma.org.

LiveARTS is supported in part by grants from the Bellingham, Franklin, Holliston, Mansfield, Mendon, Norfolk, North Attleboro, and Norton cultural councils, local agencies which are supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency. 

 

LiveARTS String Quartet L-R: Winterstein, Vitale, Krishnaswami, and Müller-Szeraws

First Universalist Society in Franklin is hiring for their "Church Operations and Communications Manager" position

Church Operations and Communications Manager

The Church Operations and Communications Manager supports the mission and goals of FUSF, a Vibrant, Energetic, and liberal congregation, by providing leadership and professional expertise to a broad variety of functions necessary for the effective planning and day-to-day operation of the church. The incumbent has broad responsibilities across the entire operation. Reporting to the Minister, the Church Operations and Communications Manager works with other staff, church officers, boards, committees/teams, and volunteer leaders in all facets of this process from visioning to implementation.

The Church Operations and Communication Manager’s primary roles encompass:

● Internal Communications including

o handling email, phone and in person inquiries,

o manage and update communication tools and serve as the primary resource for congregants using these tools including Google G-Suite, fusf.org email addresses, Breeze database and Mailchimp,

o Coordinate, edit, update, create, and deliver the: Google calendar, and E-Newsletter,

o supporting the internal congregation and operations structure and being the initial entrance point into the church.

● External Communications responsible for our Website, and social media campaign execution and administration.

● Church Office Management including Clerical Support

● Bookkeeping including account updating and reconciliation via QuickBooks

● Support Building and Facilities Management, including custodial supervision.

Must possess excellent interpersonal, listening, verbal and written communication skills; be technically proficient with many office and communication tools, be independent, self-motivated, and reliable, be well organized, detail oriented and able to multitask all with a friendly smile.

The position has a competitive salary, generous benefits, and 4 weeks of paid vacation during the summer.

To apply for this position, please send your cover letter and resume to: Bo.Kinney@fusf.org

screen grab of FUSF.org webpage

Art Wall at FUSF: Schedules reception with Chris Blue Lamb Toubeau - Nov 14

"My work is about technology's effect on us and our ability to work with Future technology," says Chris Blue Lamb Toubeau.

Please note the time change: reception moved up to 11:30 AM. Join us to meet the artist on November 14 at FUSF. Masks required, 50-person limit indoors. Refreshments outdoors.

Shared from Facebook:   https://www.facebook.com/groups/TheArtWallatFUSF/permalink/2996457457284495/

Art Wall at FUSF: Schedules reception with Chris Blue Lamb Toubeau - Nov 14

"A Priest, a Rabbi and a Minister walk into a Radio Station…"

Temple Etz Chaim (@TECFranklin) tweeted at 11:58 AM on Wed, Aug 26, 2020:

Looking for something to listen to or watch that is Temple Etz Chaim related?  Check out our new page with great content and see what Rabbi Alpert has been up to!  

"A Priest, a Rabbi and a Minister walk into a Radio Station…" The wfpr.fm radio show archive is found online here https://t.co/rpjpRaPcQH

Picked by the Franklin radar via Twitter https://t.co/6Wj7SVZZ3y

"A Priest, a Rabbi and a Minister walk into a Radio Station…"

A Minister, a Priest, and a Rabbi walk into a Radio Station ...

And a scintillating discussion ensues. 

FM #291 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 291 in the series. 

This special edition shares the audio of the new Franklin Public Radio show that was broadcast for the first time Sunday morning, June 7:  “A Minister, a Priest and a Rabbi walk into a Radio Station”

This new program is an interview format with Rabbi Tom Alpert (Temple Etz Chaim), Rev. Kathy McAdams (St. John's Episcopal Church) and Rev Eric Cherry (First Universalist Society of Franklin).  Jay Horrigan and Pandora Carlucci co-facilitate the discussion. Pete Fasciano and Keith Palmieri handle the technical details.

This first conversation covers the following questions:

• What’s the latest on how your congregation is facing the COVID pandemic? 
• What are your thoughts on the social and religious response to George Floyd’s murder?

The recording runs about 28 minutes, so let’s listen to the first of this new show: https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HWRz6hF7

A Priest, A Rabbi and A Minister Walk Into A Radio Station ...

Artist Reception - rescheduled to April 26

The previously scheduled art reception hosted by The First Universalist Society in Franklin for Franklin artist Chris Blue Lamb Toubeau has been postponed from March 29 to Sunday, April 26, 1:00 - 3:00 PM. Please join the artist and learn about her series of paintings called "Future Awash"
  
Ms. Toubeau (www.chrisbluelamb.com) uses art as a vehicle to communicate about the current climate change crisis, and how humans are complicit. 

The exhibit will run from March 9 - May 3 at the First Universalist Society in Franklin, 262 Chestnut Street, Franklin. www.fusf.org.

1 of a series of paintings "Future Awash"

Artist Reception: Chris Blue Lamb Toubeau - March 29

The First Universalist Society in Franklin will be hosting a public reception for Franklin artist Chris Blue Lamb Toubeau on Sunday, March 29, 1:00 - 3:00 PM. 

Please join the artist and learn about her series of paintings called “Future Awash”. (www.chrisbluelamb.com) Ms. Toubeau uses art as a vehicle to communicate about the current climate change crisis, and how humans are complicit. 

The exhibit will run from March 9 - May 3 at the First Universalist Society in Franklin, 262 Chestnut Street, Franklin. www.fusf.org

Please join the artist and learn about her series of paintings called “Future Awash”

LET'S LAUGH TODAY is Tuesday, Oct 8 at 7:30 PM

Celebrating Ten Years Of Let's Laugh Today 

So There Will Be Treats!

Wear A Fun Hat Or Costume If You Want. 
Also Will Play Monster Mash At The End!

LET'S LAUGH TODAY is Tuesday, Oct 8 at 7:30 PM

Let's all exercise our laughter muscles by attending Let's Laugh Today in Franklin at the Meetinghouse of the First Universalist Society in Franklin, 262 Chestnut Street, Franklin, MA at 7:30 PM every second Tuesday of every month except in July and August.

Laughter Yoga

Laughter Yoga is a low cost, spirit-lifting, and absolutely powerful method of laughing your way to better health and fitness. All ages and all physical abilities can do these simple, fun exercises! If you can breath and laugh, you can do Laughter Yoga! There is a $5 donation to the church with a $10 maximum per family.

Please bring your water bottle as laughing is dehydrating. See www.letslaughtoday.com (http://www.letslaughtoday.com/) for other opportunities to laugh or e-mail Linda and Bill Hamaker, your local Certified Laughter Yoga Teachers and Master Trainers at billandlinda@letslaughtoday.com

LiveARTS: Benefit Concert - October 6

Presents Victor Romanul, Violin Lisa Romanul, Piano in a benefit concert supporting LiveARTS concert series and music in the community Performing works by Beethoven, Bach, Brahms, and Foote DON'T MISS THIS CONCERT! Sunday, October 6 3:00 p.m. An interview with violinist Victor Romanul and LiveARTS Board Member David Burnham David: You studied with Jascha Heifitz. What was it like to study with him? What was the audition like? Victor: Jascha Heifitz was my teacher in 1980-81 at his home in Beverly Hills, California. These were group lessons, held twice a week. There were 2 other students when I started, and 5 when I left. The audition consisted of him mentioning the middle of one piece after another, and I had to play from memory from the general repertoire, which was not announced in advance. David: What is it like to have Lisa as both your musical collaborator and your spouse? Victor: We have always played together, but we have begun playing together much more often now that our five children are grown. David: Tell us about performing and recording a work written by John Williams for you and Michael Zaretsky. Victor: John Williams came backstage after one of of my Duo recitals with violist Michael Zaretsky. Michael asked him to write us a violin and viola Duo. Several years later, the "Duo Concertante" arrived in the mail at Michael's house, and we subsequently performed and recorded it. Working on refining it at John's home with Michael was one of the highlights of my performing life. He remains a good friend. David: Why are you supporting LiveARTS by performing in this benefit concert? Victor: I love to perform solo. I do a lot of solo recital and concerto performing. It is exciting to bring a high level of performance to places outside of the big cities. I am very impressed by the time and effort people bring to build up these local concert series. It will be a great pleasure to perform at LiveARTS. First Universalist Society in Franklin 262 Chestnut Street Franklin, Massachusetts. Tickets $50 for adults, $40 for seniors, students by donation Tickets available at the door or on our website – liveartsma.org The building is completely accessible. Doors open at 2:30 p.m. Parking is free. For more information about LiveARTS, please call 774-571-7920 or visit our website. Copyright © 2019 LiveARTS, Franklin, Massachusetts, All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: LiveARTS P.O. Box 678 Franklin, MA 02038

Franklin ArtWeek Schedule for Saturday, May 4, 2019

Saturday, May 4

9:00 - 5:00: Post-It Note Collage at Franklin Public Library ~ In celebration of ArtWeek 2019, the Youth Services department will be building a Post-It Note Collage! But we need your help! Stop by anytime during the week to help add post-it notes to the wall. What will the final image be?? Only time will tell!!

10:00 - 12:00: Sidewalk Chalk! at the Franklin Town Common (FREE)
Join BFCCPS’s first chalk festival! Watch other artists create masterpieces with vividly colored pastels and join in on creating your own art while we transform the cement on the Franklin Commons into a bright and colorful chalk art display! Parking on Queen St.

11:00 - 11:45: Trowbridge Piano Performance at the Franklin Historical Museum (FREE) Local musician Dennis Ferguson will perform a selection of works by 20th century women composers on the Museum's antique Trowbridge Piano, with background and details on the composers and compositions.

12:00 - 4:00: Art of Game Design with Jason Davis at Pete's Nerd Emporium (FREE) Jason Davis, the Franklin-based game designer of Davis & Daughters Games, will be giving a talk on his creative process: what it’s like to design games with children and for children and all the difficulty and benefits therein. His talk will be followed by a demo of his game, Heroes & Treasure, a traditional fantasy-styled RPG meant to be played with children as young as 4.

12:00 - 1:30 and 2:00 - 3:30: Around the World in 8 Plays at THE BLACK BOX ($12/$15) Travel around the world and explore forgotten myths and unusual legends in eight fast-paced and hilarious tales! Guided by a band of roaming gypsies, the audience is transported from the ancient Far East, where a hero must kill a giant centipede to save a dragon king, to the Russian countryside, where a poor orphan must defeat three witches who stole his grandfather's eyes. Always quirky, and sometimes bizarre, these eight tales are filled with magic, mystery, and morals. Tickets are $12 student/senior and $15 adult. Tickets: bit.ly/8_plays

12:15 - 1:00: Horace Mann Birthday Celebration at the Franklin Historical Museum (FREE) Join us for a piece of cake and a little history to celebrate Horace Mann's 223rd birthday.

12:30 - 1:30: Orff Percussion Jam at Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School (FREE)  The Orff Percussion Jam will allow people to use both pitched (xylophones, metallophones, glockenspiels, etc.) and non-pitched instruments (drums, tambourines, shakers, etc) in a unique, multi-layered ensemble that will explore familiar children's songs. For kids 5-12, although 13+ are welcome to join by helping out or playing on the larger instruments. Parking on Queen St.

1:00 - 3:00: “May the 4th be With You” Star Wars Party! at the Franklin Public Library (FREE)  Come celebrate Star Wars Day with us! Put your Jedi skills to the test with out-of-this-world games and crafts! Then refuel with snacks and refreshments straight from the Cantina!

2:00 - 3:00: Drumming Around the World at Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School (FREE)  Drumming Around the World will focus on exploring different cultures and their musical styles through the art of drumming. Participants will learn elementary to intermediate rhythms by ear, participate in drum circles, practice improvisation skills, and learn a little of the history of hand drumming. Parking on Queen St.

2:00 - 3:30: What Ever Happened to Sunday Dinner? at Franklin TV (FREE)  Author Ed Iannuccilli draws on his Italian heritage in his book "What Ever Happened to Sunday Dinner?" which is the focus of his ArtWeek lecture. Dr. Ed will share how and why he writes, inspiring the audience to write their own stories of immigration and cultural history.

7:00 - 9:30: The Chestnut Street Revue at First Universalist Society of Franklin (FREE) Join us for an exciting evening of music, featuring a broad range of genres from good old rock and roll to classical guitar. Local bands Critical Mass and Victims of Gravity will get your toes tapping, and Heath Nisbett's classical guitar will elevate your mood! The Universal Singers will entertain you with some uplifting choral arrangements. Michele Kelly will engage us with her beautiful vocals, and Dan Feerick and Jeff Cerrier will perform guitar solos. It's sure to be a fun evening of great music. Gourmet desserts will be available at intermission.

7:00 - 12:00: Party for the Pantry at THE BLACK BOX ($25)
Join us for an evening showcasing four fabulous bands in support of the Franklin Food Pantry! Tickets: www.franklinfoodpantry.org


Download your copy of the full schedule for ArtWeek here
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczODN4X2hTdVdobWpWWTlpR19WMFZHZE5JWHVz/view?usp=sharing

Franklin ArtWeek Schedule for Saturday, May 4, 2019

Franklin ArtWeek Schedule for Thursday, May 2, 2019

Thursday, May 2

9:00 - 8:00: Post-It Note Collage at Franklin Public Library ~ In celebration of ArtWeek 2019, the Youth Services department will be building a Post-It Note Collage! But we need your help! Stop by anytime during the week to help add post-it notes to the wall. What will the final image be?? Only time will tell!!

6:00 - 7:00: Electric Youth Friendship Challenge—Anti-Bullying Workshop at the Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FREE)
Members of Electric Youth share their personal stories about friendship, and talk about why they are so important to them. Celebrate your stories of friendship in return and work together to bring these stories to life on stage! A special event for kids ages 8-12, in partnership with Bully: The Adjective. Sign up req'd. Register: 508-528-8668

6:00 - 8:00: Empty Bowls Dinner & Fundraiser at Franklin High School ($10/$20)
Help raise funds for the Franklin Food Pantry! Join us for a meal of soup and bread and take home a handmade bowl as a reminder that "somewhere someone's bowl is empty." Kids will also be able to make a bowl of their own to take home. Adults $20, Children $10. Tickets: www.franklinfoodpantry.org

6:30 - 8:30: Wine Tasting & Abstract Art Mixed Media Workshop at Pour Richard's Wine & Spirits ($12)
Abstract Expressionists emphasized color, composition, and emotion in mixed media creations. We will explore combining multiple processes like brushless painting methods, recycled and found objects, paper, altered books, and more to begin a personal visual art journal for collages and writing. As we create, we'll sample delicious spring beverages from Pour Richard's and tasty nibbles. For beginners & advanced artists. 21+ only. Tickets: www.thecreativitycurator.com

7:00 - 8:30: Open Rehearsal for The Chestnut Street Revue at First Universalist Society of Franklin (FREE)

Download your copy of the full schedule for ArtWeek here
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczODN4X2hTdVdobWpWWTlpR19WMFZHZE5JWHVz/view?usp=sharing

Franklin ArtWeek Schedule for Thursday, May 2, 2019

350 Mass: BBC Climate change documentary & discussion Tuesday, May 7, 2019

Tuesday, May 7, 350 Mass Screening of 

BBC climate documentary and discussion

7:00-9:00 PM 

First Universalist Society

262 Chestnut St, Franklin

The Greater Franklin chapter of 350 Mass, a statewide climate action organization, is proud to hold a screening. BBC's Sir David Attenborough, a long-trusted British natural historian, who has brought the wonder and brilliance of nature to millions of people around the globe for 20 years, has produced an up-to-date blockbuster on climate change called "Climate Change--The Facts." 

The hour-long viewing will be followed by a discussion of the various concrete ways we can each take climate action, from the personal to local and state levels. The public is invited.

For more information, please contact Carolyn Barthel of 350 Massachusetts, carolyncbarthel@gmail.com.

350 Mass: BBC Climate change documentary & discussion Tuesday, May 7, 2019

Enjoy An Afternoon of Mah Jongg! - May 5

Please join us on Sunday, May 5, 2019, 1:30 PM – 5:30 PM for an afternoon of Mah Jongg!

At the First Universalist Society of Franklin (FUSF), 262 Chestnut St, Franklin, MA 02038


Details:

• Come alone or bring your regular group.
• We will rotate tables throughout the day
• All levels welcome, but some experience is required. You can request a beginner’s table
• Be sure to bring your own 2019 NMJL card. $5 pie
• Cost: $30, includes door prizes and light dinner after games (vegetarian and gluten-free options available upon request)

To Register:

• Register by April 28, 2019 to reserve your spot.
• Make $30 check out to “FUSF.” Please write “MahJongg” in the memo line.
• Fill out registration form below
• Mail check and registration form to: Katie Nunes, 93 Burnt Swamp Rd., Wrentham, MA 02093
• If you prefer Venmo, send $30 to @KatieNunes and include registration info as a comment
• Katie will confirm receipt via email and send you more details about the day.

Questions
Contact Katie Nunes at ktnunes2@gmail.com, or call 508-254-7918

Registration form and event flyer
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczOEJPbWluTVBxZFc1ZnpOeWN4Y2hPbzNwdHhn/view?usp=sharing

Enjoy An Afternoon of Mah Jongg! - May 5

In the News: "Theater of Life" film; Caleb Haven Martin

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

"On Thursday, March 29, at 7 p.m. at the First Universalist Society in Franklin (FUSF), 262 Chestnut St., Franklin, the FUSF food group Home Made will screen the documentary “Theater of Life.” 

“Theater of Life” is a 2016 Canadian feature-length film written and directed by Peter Svatek about a gourmet soup kitchen created by Italian chef Massimo Bottura and 60 international colleagues, including Mario Batali, Rene Redzepi and Alain Ducasse, using food waste from Expo 2015 in Milan. 

The film addresses the issue of food waste and the 1.3 billion tons of food thrown away annually around the world — one-third of all food produced. “Theater of Life” takes pains to study the persistence and perseverance of the disenfranchised while celebrating gastronomic talent."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://franklin.wickedlocal.com/news/20180326/fusf-to-screen-theater-of-life-documentary



More info on the movie can be found online http://www.theateroflifemovie.com

"Caleb Haven Martin, who attended Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter School in Franklin, died on Wednesday due to injuries he sustained in a car accident on March 17. 

Martin, a 19-year-old freshman at the University of Massachusetts–Amherst, died at the Cleveland Clinic in Mayfield Heights, Ohio, according to his obituary. He lived with his family in Senegal, where his parents, William and Katherine Martin, have a ministry. 

Martin was driving to UMass after “visiting a friend in Wisconsin when he hit a deer in the highway. As he was calling 911 he was hit by another car from behind. He was taken to a local trauma center in Cleveland with a severe brain injury, and was put into a medically induced coma so his body could heal,” according to a YouCaring page set up in Martin’s honor by Janice Thompson."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180326/former-franklin-resident-dies-in-crash-returning-to-umass

“It’s a meditative walk"

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

"For many, welcoming the new year involves noise, parties and lots of revelry. The First Universalist Society in Franklin, though, offered a more tranquil way to contemplate 2018 on Sunday evening: a labyrinth walk.

The event, said organizer Judy Swaim, is a tradition at the church - it has been held there every New Year’s Eve for the past 11 years or so. 

“It was part of our services this morning, so that was new and kind of fun,” she said. “We get calls about it from all over Massachusetts. People read about it in the paper and want to participate.” 

Labyrinths, she said, date back thousands of years and can be found all around the world, having seemingly developed independently in multiple civilizations."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180101/first-universalist-in-franklin-welcomes-new-year-with-labyrinth-walk

the outdoor labyrinth walk at FUSF on a warmer day

In the News: clothing donations accepted; info night for Distinguished Young Women

From Wicked Local Franklin, articles of interest for Franklin:

"Community members are invited to donate gently-used clothing and household items Oct. 13-15 at the First Universalist Society of Franklin (FUSF), 262 Chestnut St., Franklin. 

All goods collected through the FUNDrive are sold to Savers, the parent company to thrift stores like Value Village, Unique, and Savers. Savers pays the church by the pound for every qualifying donation received. In turn, these items help keep the stores freshly stocked. 

Donations can be dropped off Friday, Oct. 13 from 4-7 p.m. in the Dana Room (use side entrance); Saturday, Oct. 14 from 3 to 6 p.m. in the FUSF parking lot, and Sunday, Oct. 15 from 9-10 a.m. in the FUSF parking lot

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://franklin.wickedlocal.com/news/20171010/donate-clothing-household-goods-at-fusf

"The Franklin Distinguished Young Women Program is holding an information night on Wednesday, Oct. 18, starting at 7:30 p.m., at the Hockomock Area YMCA Bernon Family Branch, 45 Forge Hill Road, Franklin. 

High school juniors from all area towns are eligible. 

The Franklin Distinguished Young Women Program is part of a national scholarship program that inspires high school girls to develop their full, individual potential through a fun, transformative experience that culminates in a celebratory showcase of their accomplishments."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://franklin.wickedlocal.com/news/20171010/franklin-young-womens-scholarship-program-slates-information-night

In the News: Detour for Prospect St; mobilizing for justice; Tri-County to build playground

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

"The Department of Public Works began water pipe replacement work at the end of Prospect Street this week, causing a detour route that’s expected to last about three weeks. 

Construction will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. to help the traffic flow as much as possible during busier hours. The detour route takes drivers from Washington Street, then to Lake Street in Bellingham."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20171002/franklin-prospect-street-detour-to-last-three-weeks

Upcoming Prospect Street Detour

"Mobilizing Congregations for Justice will take place from 1-3 p.m. Oct. 15 at the First Universalist Society, 262 Chestnut St. 

The suggested donation is $20 per person. Pre-registration is not required. 

The group will discuss what it looks like when the worship, music, board of directors, RE program and finance committee are brought into a shared vision and how the basic tools of community organizing can help get there."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20171002/strongfirst-universalist-society-announces-mobilizing-congregations-for-justice-eventstrong

"The Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School and the Plainville Public Library have announced a partnership that will give students the opportunity to create a new, interactive play structure area in the Children’s Library. 

The project will be educationally focused on curriculum for children from birth to age six. 

This project consists of federal funds provided by the Institute of Museum and Library Services and administered by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners. The MBLC developed this direct grant program using federal funding to help libraries meet local community needs including financial and health literacy programs, STEM and STEAM projects, programs that help New Americans learn English and become citizens, programs that serve teen needs and projects that preserve valuable historical documents."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20171002/strongtri-county-regional-and-plainville-library-to-build-play-structurestrong

Tri-County & Plainville Public Library Team Up to Create an Interactive Play Structure in the Children’s Library