“The schools don’t exist in isolation"

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

"In response to two incidents late last school year where a swastika was found drawn on the wall of a school building, administrators are taking steps to keep hate out of Franklin schools. 

“We knew that when we came back in the fall we would want to revisit this to reassure our students and our families that we are committed to a welcoming and respectful environment,” said Superintendent Sara Ahern. 

Last school year, there were three separate incidents of the hate symbol being scribbled on walls. The first was found in one of the elementary schools in late winter. In June, two more swastikas were found at other schools. 

Though unable to find who was responsible, Ahern said she plans to fight back with education and awareness. Instead of simply erasing the swastikas and putting the ordeal behind them, Ahern is keeping the issue front and center."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required) 
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170911/franklin-schools-act-against-hatred

flower boxes and positive messages line the walk way to Remington Middle School

Malouf recognized for her work in French education and culture by French Consul General

The Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School in Franklin is pleased to announce the recognition of Mireille Malouf, our esteemed Middle School French teacher, as a Chevalier (Knight) in the Order of the French Academic Palms.

This venerable organization was originally created by Napoleon in 1808 and recognizes individuals for their outstanding service and active expansion of French education and culture.

Mireille Malouf,
Middle School French teacher
(BFCCPS school photo)

Madame Malouf’s nomination was prepared by the Consul General Valéry Freland and approved by the Ministry of French National Education in Paris. This designation was announced by the French Prime Minister in July and awards were presented by the French Consul General, Valéry Freland at a reception at the Résidence of France in Cambridge on September 7th.

Mireille Malouf has been employed as the Middle School French Teacher at BFCCPS since November 2003. The school’s French program has absolutely thrived under her direction. Students faculty and staff participate in the annual Semaine Francaise (French Week) a celebration of French language and culture. Additionally, students in Grade Seven attend a four day overnight trip to Quebec that she thoughtfully and tirelessly plans and implements to the delight of parents, students, faculty and staff.

"We could not be more proud of Madame Malouf; we are thrilled to celebrate her well deserved designation as Chevalier in the French Academic Palms. Mirielle’s commitment to students and her passion for French is simply unmatched. She is an absolutely treasured member of our community." – Mrs. Heather Zolnowski, Head of School, Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School

We invite you to review photos and video of the presentation here. Félicitations, nous sommes tellement fiers de vous!

About Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School

The Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School’s mission is to assist parents in their role as primary educators of their children by providing students with a classical academic education coupled with sound character development and community service. Our mission is supported by four distinct, yet interconnected pillars that provide for a collaborative, rigorous education for all students. These pillars guide, direct and define the school in all it does.

Franklin Cultural Council Announces Grant Workshop and Opening of Grant Applications for 2018

The Franklin Cultural Council is calling for funding proposals from organizations, schools, and individuals. Council grants support a variety of arts, science, and humanities projects in Franklin—including exhibits, festivals, field trips, short-term artist residencies or workshops, lectures, and performances in schools, the library, the senior center, or for the community at large. 

Online applications will be available from Sept. 1 through Oct. 16, 2017. Only online applications will be accepted this year, and can be accessed at www.mass-culture.org. Proposals that are past the deadline will not be considered.

To help applicants in preparing an effective funding proposal, the Council will hold a grant writing workshop on Sep 14 at 7:00 pm in the 3rd Floor Training Room of the Franklin Municipal Building at 355 E. Central Street, Franklin.

The session is open to non-profit cultural organizations, artists, schools, and residents interested in applying for funding from the Franklin Cultural Council. The workshop will walk attendees through the online application and answer any questions about the grant process. In addition, FCC members will be on hand to discuss specifics of individual proposed projects to give advice and suggestions. To RSVP or for any questions, please e-mail Stacey David, FCC Chair, at franklinculturalcouncil02038@gmail.com

"We really encourage applicants to attend the workshop as well as carefully read the grant application guidelines and grant priorities, which can all be found on our website," says FCC Chair Stacey David. "We had to deny several applications last year because they did not follow the guidelines and submitted incomplete project proposals."

While grant allocations have yet to be announced from the FCC's state funding source, the Massachusetts Cultural Council, the FCC anticipates disbursing approximately $11,000 in grants for 2018. Previously funded projects include: the Franklin Cultural Festival, programs/field trips for six of Franklin’s schools (public and charter), Concerts on the Common, Franklin Downtown Partnership Harvest Stroll, LiveArts concerts, Southeastern MA Community Concert Band, and the Franklin Art Association, to name a few.

The Franklin Cultural Council is part of a network of 329 Local Cultural Councils serving all 351 cities and towns in the Commonwealth. The LCC Program is the largest grassroots cultural funding network in the nation, supporting thousands of community-based projects in the arts, sciences, and humanities every year. The state legislature provides an annual appropriation to the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency, which then allocates funds to each community.

Franklin Cultural Council Announces Grant Workshop and Opening of Grant Applications for 2018

Reminder: Action and Impact - Community Arts Advocacy Day - May 20

You are invited to the following event: ACTION & IMPACT: Community Arts Advocacy Day Event to be held at the following time, date, and location: Saturday, May 20, 2017 from 8:15 AM to 12:00 PM (EDT) Franklin Senior Center 10 Daniel McCahill Street Franklin, MA 02038 View Map Attend Event Action & IMPACT: Community Arts Advocacy Day is a multi-town event bringing together artists, art advocates, cultural organizations, and local businesses to participate in a morning of grassroots activism and education supporting the importance of arts and arts education in our culture. Action & IMPACT is a FREE program of the Franklin Cultural Council, with additional support from the Norfolk Cultural Council, Cultural Alliance of Medfield, the Massachusetts Cultural Council, and MASSCreative. Agenda: 8:15 - 9:00:            Registration, Breakfast & Networking 9:00-9:15:              Welcome Address 9:15-9:30:               Why Advocate?...the economic and cultural impact of the arts and what advocacy can achieve 9:30-9:50:              Your Arts Story "Elevator Pitch"…using your personal story to advocate for change 9:50-10:10:            Creative Break to Advocate…grassroots advocacy activities 10:15-11:00:          Educational Workshop Session 1 11:00-11:45:          Educational Workshop Session 2 11:45-12:00:          Wrap up & Social Media Call to Action…one last advocacy action! Workshops: Tips for Successful Grant Writing — Barb Gardner, Franklin Cultural Council & Lillian Gould, MFA Barb, a grant writer for Tufts University, and Lillian, a grant writer for the Museum of Fine Arts Boston, will offer specific tips and information on ways to improve your future Cultural Council grant applications, as well as resources for finding other grants and suggestions on ways to write a successful grant app. Leveraging PR & Email Marketing— Tamara Starr, Franklin Cultural Council Tamara is a former Content Producer for the Boston Globe and former editor of Patch.com and knows what it takes to grab the attention of the press. This workshop will focus on how to write a great press release, managing relationships with editors, examples of impactful "letters to the editor" that support your arts and advocacy message, and more! Community Engagement through Social Media—Charity Stolarz & Taylor McVay, Norfolk Cultural Council Learn to leverage the power of social platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to connect to your community and amplify your message. Charity and Taylor will give you a crash course in the basic usage of the most popular social media platforms, along with tips and advice on which platforms are best suited for use in various circumstances. You'll get tools and techniques to boost your reach and maximize engagement with your target audience, and a chance to practice posting, liking, sharing and retweeting in real time with a workshop full of new social media followers. No social media experience necessary!  Lobbying Your Town for Arts Funding — Jean Mineo, Cultural Alliance of Medfield Jean successfully lobbied the town of Medfield 3 years ago to match Mass Cultural Council funding. She, in conjunction with the MCC, developed a Toolkit and Webinar on the topic outlining the successful strategies to use as well as pitfalls to avoid when approaching your town for funding. The Ins and Outs of How to Advocate— MA Representative Jeff Roy & Andre Green, MASSCreative Representative Roy will talk to us about the issues he faces regarding State arts funding budgeting, the objections his colleagues might have to supporting the arts, and how to successfully address those objections when advocating. Andre, Political Director at MASSCreative, will then expand on our earlier elevator pitch activity to guide people in coming up with talking points and "scripts" for advocacy meetings with legislators, giving time to role play these meetings with Rep Roy and others. Art Builds Business Builds Art: Creating Symbiotic Corporate/Arts Relationships Local businesses and arts organizations can create mutually beneficial, symbiotic relationships. Corporations offer sponsorship and funding for the arts, while the arts foster a desirable work environment, increased efficiency and morale, and build competitive advantages for businesses. This workshop will explore those relationships and how to create them within your community. Share this event on Facebook and Twitter We hope you can make it! Cheers, Franklin Cultural Council

Eventbrite, Inc. | 155 5th St, 7th Floor | San Francisco, CA 94103

You're invited to ACTION & IMPACT: Community Arts Advocacy Day (May 20, 2017)

You are invited to the following event: ACTION and IMPACT: Community Arts Advocacy Day Event to be held at the following time, date, and location: Saturday, May 20, 2017 from 8:15 AM to 12:00 PM (EDT) Franklin Senior Center 10 Daniel McCahill Street Franklin, MA 02038 View Map Attend Event Share this event: Action and IMPACT: Community Arts Advocacy Day is a multi-town event bringing together artists, art advocates, cultural organizations, and local businesses to participate in a morning of grassroots activism and education supporting the importance of arts and arts education in our culture. Action and IMPACT is a FREE program of the Franklin Cultural Council, with additional support from the Norfolk Cultural Council, Cultural Alliance of Medfield, the Massachusetts Cultural Council, and MASSCreative. Agenda: 8:15 - 9:00:            Registration, Breakfast & Networking 9:00-9:15:              Welcome Address 9:15-9:30:               Why Advocate?...the economic and cultural impact of the arts and what advocacy can achieve 9:30-9:50:              Your Arts Story "Elevator Pitch"…using your personal story to advocate for change 9:50-10:10:            Creative Break to Advocate…grassroots advocacy activities 10:15-11:00:          Educational Workshop Session 1 11:00-11:45:          Educational Workshop Session 2 11:45-12:00:          Wrap up & Social Media Call to Action…one last advocacy action! Workshops: Tips for Successful Grant Writing — Barb Gardner, Franklin Cultural Council & Lillian Gould, MFA Barb, a grant writer for Tufts University, and Lillian, a grant writer for the Museum of Fine Arts Boston, will offer specific tips and information on ways to improve your future Cultural Council grant applications, as well as resources for finding other grants and suggestions on ways to write a successful grant app. Leveraging PR & Email Marketing— Tamara Starr, Franklin Cultural Council Tamara is a former Content Producer for the Boston Globe and former editor of Patch.com and knows what it takes to grab the attention of the press. This workshop will focus on how to write a great press release, managing relationships with editors, examples of impactful "letters to the editor" that support your arts and advocacy message, and more! Community Engagement through Social Media—Charity Stolarz & Taylor McVay, Norfolk Cultural Council Learn to leverage the power of social platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to connect to your community and amplify your message. Charity and Taylor will give you a crash course in the basic usage of the most popular social media platforms, along with tips and advice on which platforms are best suited for use in various circumstances. You'll get tools and techniques to boost your reach and maximize engagement with your target audience, and a chance to practice posting, liking, sharing and retweeting in real time with a workshop full of new social media followers. No social media experience necessary!  Lobbying Your Town for Arts Funding — Jean Mineo, Cultural Alliance of Medfield Jean successfully lobbied the town of Medfield 3 years ago to match Mass Cultural Council funding. She, in conjunction with the MCC, developed a Toolkit and Webinar on the topic outlining the successful strategies to use as well as pitfalls to avoid when approaching your town for funding. The Ins and Outs of How to Advocate— MA Representative Jeff Roy & Andre Green, MASSCreative Representative Roy will talk to us about the issues he faces regarding State arts funding budgeting, the objections his colleagues might have to supporting the arts, and how to successfully address those objections when advocating. Andre, Political Director at MASSCreative, will then expand on our earlier elevator pitch activity to guide people in coming up with talking points and "scripts" for advocacy meetings with legislators, giving time to role play these meetings with Rep Roy and others. Art Builds Business Builds Art: Creating Symbiotic Corporate/Arts Relationships Local businesses and arts organizations can create mutually beneficial, symbiotic relationships. Corporations offer sponsorship and funding for the arts, while the arts foster a desirable work environment, increased efficiency and morale, and build competitive advantages for businesses. This workshop will explore those relationships and how to create them within your community. Share this event on Facebook and Twitter We hope you can make it! Cheers, Franklin Cultural Council

Eventbrite, Inc. | 155 5th St, 7th Floor | San Francisco, CA 94103

MA House Committee Proposes Deep Funding Cuts for Arts, Humanities & Sciences

View this email in your browser House Committee Proposes Deep Funding Cuts for Arts, Humanities & Sciences Supporters Seek Increase through Budget Amendment (Boston, MA) - The House Committee on Ways and Means today released a state budget proposal that recommends $10 million for the arts, humanities, and sciences through the Massachusetts Cultural Council for the coming fiscal year. The Council's current state appropriation is $14 million. The Baker-Polito Administration proposed a modest, two percent increase in its FY18 budget released in January. The House Ways & Means proposed cut of 28 percent would thus force significant reductions to grants for nonprofit cultural organizations, local cultural councils, artists, education, and youth programs. Combined with expected funding reductions from the National Endowments for the Arts & Humanities, state budget cuts could dramatically reverse years of hard-won increases in public support for the cultural sector. "We consistently see new evidence of the public benefits of investing in our cultural life," said Anita Walker, Executive Director, Mass Cultural Council. "We should be debating how to strengthen those investments—for our economy, our communities, and our youth—instead of eliminating them." State Representative Cory Atkins of Concord, House Chair of the Joint Committee on Tourism, Arts, and Cultural Development, filed Amendment # 6 to the House Ways & Means budget to increase funding for the Mass Cultural Council to $16 million for FY18, which begins July 1. This amendment would allow the Council to continue to support core grant programs for nonprofits, communities, schools, and artists. The case for $16 million in state funding next year is online: our Fiscal Year 2018 State Budget Request and Case Statement for Increased Public Investment in Arts & Culture. The Council will work with MASSCreative, Mass Humanities, Mass Artists Leaders Coalition, and others to build support for this amendment by urging House members to sign on as cosponsors to Amendment #6. The full House will take up the FY18 state budget starting the week of April 24. The House process is one key step in the annual state budget process. The Senate will release its own budget proposal in May. The two chambers must then agree on a tax and spending plan before sending it back to the Governor, who may veto or approve the budget and/or specific line items. See our Advocacy Action Center for updates on the budget process and for the latest data on the nonprofit cultural sector's contributions to the Massachusetts economy and quality of life. About the MCC The MCC is a state agency supporting the arts, sciences, and humanities, to improve the quality of life in Massachusetts and its communities. It pursues its mission through a combination of grants, services, and advocacy for nonprofit cultural organizations, schools, communities, and artists. The MCC also runs the Massachusetts Cultural Facilities Fund in partnership with MassDevelopment. Copyright © 2017, All rights reserved. This e-mail was sent from Massachusetts Cultural Council Our mailing address is: Massachusetts Cultural Council • 10 St. James Ave., 3rd floor • Boston, MA 02116 • 617-858-2700

Franklin Cultural Council awards 23 grants for 2017

"The Franklin Cultural Council held a reception for their 2017 grantees on March 23 at the Franklin Historical Museum.

The FCC awarded 23 grants this year totaling $15,000 for programs with a projected attendance of 26,770 members of the community. FCC Chairman Stacey David presented each recipient with a certificate acknowledging their award, which was followed by an a capella performance by Prolatio Singers, one of this year’s grantees.

Lisa Simmons, the local cultural council and festivals program manager from the Massachusetts Cultural Council, also spoke, praising the FCC for their efforts and the town’s support of arts and culture."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170404/franklin-cultural-council-holds-grantee-reception

The new Franklin Cultural Council logo

The Franklin Cultural Festival Steering Committee is pleased to be one of the grant recipients. The fund will help to produce this year's 3rd Annual Cultural Festival.

Stacy David, Sue Sheridan, and Pandora Carlucci with the award
for the Cultural Festival (Cultural Council photo via Facebook)

For a complete listing of the grant awards, the Franklin Town News has published an article including the full list.

 

ACTION and IMPACT: Community Arts Advocacy Day - May 20

Hold the date: May 20

The Community Arts Advocacy Day will be held from 9am-noon at the Franklin Senior Center. Registration will begin at 8:30. 

There will be a full group meeting discussing arts advocacy, and then break up into small group workshops on the education topic or advocacy action item of your choice. 

The details of the specific workshops will be worked out at the Franklin Cultural Council April 6 planning meeting. 

If you are interested in getting involved with the planning for this event, please email Stacy David. 

You can follow the event on Facebook at
https://www.facebook.com/FranklinCulturalCouncil/

 

ACTION and IMPACT: Community Arts Advocacy Day - May 20

Cultural Festival Application Deadline Extended to March 17

The deadline has been extended to March 17! Maybe the luck of the Irish are in your favor ... submit your application today!

 
The Franklin Cultural District Festival Committee is pleased to announce that it will be hosting the 3rd Annual Franklin Cultural Festival from Wednesday, July 26 to Saturday, July 29, 2017. 

The Festival will take place in various locations in downtown Franklin including: THE BLACK BOX (inside and outside on its stage), the Brick School, the Historical Museum, the Town Common, the Franklin United Methodist Church, and Franklin High School.

To highlight and support all presenters, the Festival Committee is seeking Performing groups/individuals, Visual Artists, and area Restaurants/Food Service businesses to participate in the Festival.

• Applications are to be submitted by 5:00 PM March 17, 2017

Franklin - Arts Happen Here!

The working draft schedule (locations and times - performances to be filled in)
http://www.franklinculturaldistrict.org/2017/01/the-working-draft-schedule-for-3rd.html

Submit your application for the 3rd Annual Franklin Cultural Festival

The Franklin Cultural District Festival Committee is pleased to announce that it will be hosting the Third Annual Franklin Cultural Festival from Wednesday, July 26 to Saturday, July 29, 2017. 

The Festival will take place in various locations in downtown Franklin including: THE BLACK BOX (inside and outside on its stage), the Brick School, the Historical Museum, the Town Common, the Franklin United Methodist Church, and Franklin High School.

To highlight and support all presenters, the Festival Committee is seeking Performing groups/individuals, Visual Artists, and area Restaurants/Food Service businesses to participate in the Festival.

• Applications are to be submitted by 5:00 PM February 28, 2017

The working draft schedule (locations and times - performances to be filled in)
http://www.franklinculturaldistrict.org/2017/01/the-working-draft-schedule-for-3rd.html

Application for the 3rd Annual Franklin Cultural Festival

Franklin Cultural Council Announces Logo Contest

The Franklin Cultural Council has announced a design contest for a new logo. Open to anyone, the contest encourages local talent to create a new, color logo for the Council that embodies its mission of supporting the arts, humanities and interpretive sciences through grant funding to local projects and programs. 

The contest will be open until March 12, 2017. The winner will be awarded a $50 cash prize and be recognized in a reception on March 23. 

Details, including contest rules and submission guidelines, can be found on the Cultural Council's website at www.franklinma.gov/cultural-council under the "Forms and Downloads" tab.

The mission of the Franklin Cultural Council (FCC) is to encourage participation and enhance opportunities for enrichment in the cultural arts and sciences throughout our community. 

Comprised of committed residents, the FCC meets monthly with the purpose of supporting events and programs through grants from the Town of Franklin, the Massachusetts Cultural Council, and the National Endowment for the Arts.

the current logo for the Franklin Cultural Council