Showing posts with label electric youth. Show all posts
Showing posts with label electric youth. Show all posts

Monday, December 17, 2018

January 2019 at THE BLACK BOX features Electric Youth, Mark White Octet and "You Can’t Take It With You"

THE BLACK BOX will present a month full of concerts, plays, and more this January. Kicking off a new year of entertainment for the local venue on Saturday, January 5 is Electric Youth with their 2019 debut. With two shows at 6:30 and 8:30 pm, Electric Youth delivers high-energy, fully choreographed performances of classic rock, contemporary pop, Broadway, and country hits for audiences of all ages. The American touring ensemble of talented singer-dancers, ages 14-18, is backed by the eight-piece Boston Show Band — world class musicians who’ve worked with music legends Tony Bennett, Aretha Franklin, Dizzy Gillespie, B.B. King, Diana Ross, The Temptations, Van Morrison and more. 
Electric Youth
Electric Youth

Electric Youth is trained at the Franklin School for the Performing Arts. The group has toured Europe 15 times, performing in such renowned venues as Vienna’s Konzerthaus, Musikverein and Schonbrunn Palace; Sanremo’s Ariston Theatre; England’s Arundel Festival; Disneyland Paris; and professional theatres in Bristol, London and Windsor. EY has also headlined Fourth of July shows for U.S. troops stationed in Italy at Camp Ederle, Camp Darby, and Aviano Air Force Base. The ensemble has performed on Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas, on Fox-TV and WBZ Radio, and at Fenway Park, Gillette Stadium, the Smithsonian Museum Theater, the United Nations and the U.S. Embassy in Vienna. Electric Youth has released six albums, including 2014’s Power Chord, available on iTunes. This summer, they will tour France, Italy, the U.K., and Switzerland.

The Mark White Octet returns to THE BLACK BOX on Sunday, January 13 at noon for a jazz brunch. The Mark White Octet is a jazz group dedicated to swinging, precision ensemble performances of charts written by stellar jazz arrangers that feature the exceptional instrumental/improvisational skills of all the members. The group is based on the original Dave Pell Octet that featured many of the West Coast’s finest jazz instrumentalists from the 50’s and 60’s. 
Mark White Octet
Mark White

Featuring a West Coast Swing with an East Coast Vibe, the band includes Mark White (guitar), Scott Deogburn (piano), Arnie Krakowsky (tenor sax), Ken Reid (baritone sax), Rick Hammett (trumpet, flugelhorn), Jon Garniss (trombone), Mark Poniatowski (bass), and Kenny Hadley (drums). Each is a dedicated jazz artist bringing superlative instrumental, interpretive, and ensemble skills to the group as well as a wealth of performance experience in the theatre, classical, and commercial music genres. All octet members are professional jazz educators and several hold positions currently at leading institutions. Brunch begins at 11:45 a.m., with music beginning at noon.

Closing out the month at THE BLACK BOX is Franklin Performing Arts Company’s staging of the classic comedy You Can’t Take It With You. Set in the summer of 1938 in New York City, the play introduces audiences to the freethinking Sycamore family and the mishaps and mayhem that ensue when their daughter's fiancĂ© brings his conservative, straight-laced parents to dinner on the wrong night. Written by Moss Hart and George S. Kaufman, You Can’t Take It with You won the 1937 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, and the screen adaptation won the Academy Award for Best Picture and Best Director.

For tickets and more information visit www.theblackboxonline.com or call the box office at 508-528-3370.

Wednesday, November 21, 2018

Electric Youth Announces 2019 Debut at THE BLACK BOX - Jan 5

Electric Youth 2019 will debut at THE BLACK BOX on January 5 with two shows at 6:30 and 8:30 PM. The 2019 group of talented young singers and dancers includes Laney Dragsbaek, Hayley Driscoll, Tatiana McAlpine, Kelly McCormick, Emma Nicholson, Hannah Rezendes, Madison Rezendes, and Lindsey Wyner of Franklin, Susauna Wickstrom of Wrentham, Griffin Wilkins and Caroline Wilkins of Walpole, and Cassidy Baratta and Kelsey Breslin of Hopkinton.

Electric Youth delivers high-energy, fully choreographed performances of classic rock, contemporary pop, Broadway, and country hits for audiences of all ages. The American touring ensemble of talented singer-dancers, ages 14-18, is backed by the eight-piece Boston Show Band — world class musicians who’ve worked with music legends Tony Bennett, Aretha Franklin, Dizzy Gillespie, B.B. King, Diana Ross, The Temptations, Van Morrison and more. Electric Youth is trained at the Franklin School for the Performing Arts. 
Electric Youth Announces 2019 Debut at THE BLACK BOX - Jan 5
Electric Youth Announces 2019 Debut at THE BLACK BOX - Jan 5

The group has toured Europe 15 times, performing in such renowned venues as Vienna’s Konzerthaus, Musikverein and Schonbrunn Palace; Sanremo’s Ariston Theatre; England’s Arundel Festival; Disneyland Paris; and professional theatres in Bristol, London and Windsor. EY has also headlined Fourth of July shows for U.S. troops stationed in Italy at Camp Ederle, Camp Darby, and Aviano Air Force Base. 

The ensemble has performed on Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas, on Fox-TV and WBZ Radio, and at Fenway Park, Gillette Stadium, the Smithsonian Museum Theater, the United Nations and the U.S. Embassy in Vienna. Electric Youth has released six albums, including 2014’s Power Chord, available on iTunes. This summer, they will tour France, Italy, the U.K., and Switzerland.

Collectively, the members of Electric Youth 2019 have performed with Broadway stars, sung the National Anthem for Boston sports teams, been selected to perform at “Broadway Sessions” in NYC, won national gymnastics titles, worked with choreographers from So You Think You Can Dance, performed on televised dance specials, and more. Alumni of Electric Youth have gone on to appear on Broadway, in national and international tours, television, regional theater, feature film, professional dance companies, cruise ships, and more.

Tickets for the January 5 Debut shows are available at www.theblackboxonline.com or by calling the box office at 508-528-3370.

Thursday, July 12, 2018

Electric Youth To Perform Free Summer Concerts

Following their three-and-a-half-week summer concert tour throughout Austria and Italy, Electric Youth (EY) will perform two free outdoor concerts on Thursday, July 19, from 6:30-8 p.m. at Norfolk Town Hill and on Wednesday, July 25, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. on Franklin Town Common. Backed by an eight-piece band of world-class musicians, Electric Youth delivers a fun, high-energy show of family entertainment with an extensive range of pop, classic rock, swing, contemporary Broadway and country music for audiences all ages. This season’s repertoire features fully choreographed performances of the best of Ariana Grande, Meghan Trainor, J. Geils, Elvis, Aretha Franklin, Bruno Mars, The Who, Guns N’ Roses and more.

Running from June 21 to July 16, Electric Youth’s 2018 European tour featured a return Fourth of July show at Aviano Air Force Base to entertain U.S. Troops and families stationed abroad. The tour also included performances in Kirchberg, Haffnerbach, Ober-Grafendorf and Tulln, Austria. Performances in Italy included multiple shows in Lignano and Bibione along the Adriadic Coast, as well as concerts in the Tuscany-Umbria region and at Lake Como.

Selected annually by audition, the group is chosen for superior musicianship, stage presence and “triple threat” accomplishments in singing, dancing and acting. This season’s ensemble of 13 performers, ages 15-19, studies multiple dance disciplines, voice and drama at the Franklin School for the Performing Arts. Electric Youth 2018 includes Mia Fleischer, Aaron Frongillo, Sydney Leach, Hannah Rezendes, Madison Rezendes, Caitlin Woodcock and Lindsey Wyner of Franklin; Caroline Merten of Hopedale; Kelsey Breslin of Hopkinton; Naomi Fitzgerald, Caroline Wilkins and Griffin Wilkins of Walpole; and Susauna Wickstrom of Wrentham.

The EY singer-dancers are backed by Boston musicians who’ve performed, recorded and toured with music legends including Tony Bennett, Aretha Franklin, Dizzy Gillespie, Alicia Keys, B.B. King, Diana Ross, The Temptations, Van Morrison and many others. EY’s show band features Garrett Gleason on guitar, Kenny Hadley on drums, Bill Miele on bass, Artie Montanaro on trombone, Walter Platt on trumpet, Ken Reid on tenor saxophone, Ben Whiting on baritone saxophone, and Raye Lynn Mercer on piano. Mercer also is the group’s Director, and Hallie Wetzell is the Vocal Director. Under the direction of Mark Poniatowski, musical arrangers for Electric Youth are Rick Hammett, Jeff Perry, Walter Platt, Poniatowski, Mark White and Ben Whiting. Choreographers include Mercer, Casey Andrade, Amanda Dubois, Ali Funkhouser, Cheryl Madeux, Nick Paone and Kellie Stamp.

Electric Youth has released six professional albums and toured Europe 14 times, with performances at England’s Arundel Festival, Disneyland Paris, professional theaters in Bristol, London and Windsor, and such renowned venues as Sanremo’s Ariston Theatre and Vienna’s Konzerthaus, Musikverein and Schonbrunn Palace. EY also has headlined Fourth of July shows for American troops and families stationed in Italy at Camp Ederle, Camp Darby and Aviano Air Force Base. The ensemble has performed on Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas, on Fox-TV and WBZ Radio, and at Fenway Park, Gillette Stadium, Mechanics Hall, the Smithsonian Museum Theater, the United Nations and the American Embassy in Rome.

The EY summer concert in Franklin also will feature a performance by Future Shock, a select children’s ensemble of students, ages 6-13. For more information about Electric Youth, visit www.electricyouth.com. To learn more about the Franklin School for the Performing Arts, call (508) 528-8668 or visit www.FSPAonline.com.

Electric Youth To Perform Free Summer Concerts
Electric Youth To Perform Free Summer Concerts

Sunday, June 10, 2018

Bon Voyage concert for Electric Youth - June 16

Electric Youth (EY) 2018 returns to THE BLACK BOX on Saturday, June 16 at 7:30 p.m., offering family entertainment with music for all ages. Backed by an eight-piece band of world-class musicians, Electric Youth delivers high-energy music, featuring pop, classic rock, Broadway and country hits. 

The event is a Bon Voyage concert for Electric Youth, coming just days before the ensemble departs on June 21 for a 25-day concert tour of Austria and Italy, including a 4th of July performance at Aviano Air Force Base. 

The EY show at THE BLACK BOX will feature fully choreographed performances of Ariana Grande, Meghan Trainor, Elvis, J. Geils, Aretha Franklin, Bruno Mars, The Who, Guns N’ Roses and more. 

The home of the Franklin Performing Arts Company, THE BLACK BOX is located at 15 West Central Street. A cash bar is available. 

Tickets are $26. For tickets and more information, visit www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com or call (508) 528-3370.

Bon Voyage concert for Electric Youth - June 16
Bon Voyage concert for Electric Youth - June 16

Monday, April 30, 2018

Electric Youth Anti-Bullying Workshop For Children - May 3

Electric Youth (EY), the international touring ensemble of talented young singer-dancers trained at the Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FSPA), will host and facilitate a fun anti-bullying workshop for children this Thursday evening, May 3 at 6 p.m. The ArtWeek 2018 event will take place at FSPA, located at 38 Main Street in downtown Franklin. 

Partnering with Bully: The Adjective, Electric Youth will use music and drama activities to create dialogue around positivity, inclusion and the importance of valuing relationships. The interactive workshop is free and geared to children ages 8-12. The event will also introduce an ongoing EY Friendship Challenge. Come meet the members of Electric Youth as they share their personal stories about friendship. Celebrate your own stories of friendship in return and work together with EY to bring these stories to life on the stage. 

Participants are asked to register for the workshop and arrive promptly at 6 p.m. for the hour-long event. Participants will receive a special certificate for taking the Electric Youth Friendship Challenge. This ArtWeek event is supported by Music Drives Us.

Electric Youth has released six professional albums and toured Europe 14 times, with performances at England’s Arundel Festival, Disneyland Paris, professional theaters in Bristol, London and Windsor, and such renowned venues as Sanremo’s Ariston Theatre and Vienna’s Konzerthaus, Musikverein and Schonbrunn Palace. 

EY also has headlined Fourth of July shows for U.S. troops and their families stationed in Italy at Camp Ederle, Camp Darby and Aviano Air Force Base. The ensemble has performed on Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas, on Fox-TV and WBZ Radio, and at Fenway Park, Gillette Stadium, Mechanics Hall, the Smithsonian Museum Theater, the United Nations and the American Embassy in Rome. Electric Youth 2018 will tour Austria and Italy this summer.

Register for the EY Friendship Challenge anti-bullying workshop via the sign-up link found on the Electric Youth website at www.electricyouth.com

For more information, call (508) 528-8668. For a complete listing of ArtWeek activities, visit www.artweekma.org.

Electric Youth Anti-Bullying Workshop For Children - May 3
Electric Youth Anti-Bullying Workshop For Children - May 3

More about Bully: The Adjective can be found on their page
http://bullytheadjective.org/

Tuesday, March 20, 2018

Electric Youth 2018 at THE BLACK BOX - Mar 23

Electric Youth 2018 returns to THE BLACK BOX on Friday, March 23 at 7:30 PM, offering family entertainment with music for all ages! 

Backed by an eight-piece band of world-class musicians, EY delivers high-energy music, including contemporary pop, classic rock, Broadway and country hits. 

The EY show at THE BLACK BOX will feature fully choreographed performances of Bruno Mars, Elvis, Duffy, Billy Gillman, Jim Croce, Stevie Wonder and more.
 

With Special Guest Future Shock!


Electric Youth 2018 - Mar 23
Electric Youth 2018 - Mar 23


Tickets can be purchased online  https://www.theblackboxonline.com/events.php?id=1087

Friday, January 5, 2018

Electric Youth 2018 debuts at THE BLACK BOX - Jan 5

Electric Youth 2018 debuts at THE BLACK BOX with two shows on Friday, January 5 at 6:30 PM and 8:30 PM, offering high-powered family entertainment with music for all ages! 

Electric Youth 2018 includes Lily Barney, Kelsey Breslin, Naomi Fitzgerald, Mia Fleischer, Aaron Frongillo, Sydney Leach, Caroline Merten, Maddie Rezendes, Hannah Rezendes, Susauna Wickstrom, Caroline Wilkins, Griffin Wilkins, Caitlin Woodcock, and Lindsey Wyner. 

The EY singer-dancers are backed by Boston musicians who’ve performed, recorded and toured with such music legends as Tony Bennett, Aretha Franklin, Dizzy Gillespie, B.B. King, Diana Ross, The Temptations and Van Morrison.

Don’t miss this exciting evening of timeless hits and non-stop entertainment! Tickets are $26.
Electric Youth 2018 debuts at THE BLACK BOX - Jan 5
Electric Youth 2018 debuts at THE BLACK BOX - Jan 5

Friday, January 5

6:30 and 8:30 PM
THE BLACK BOX

Purchase your tickets online https://www.theblackboxonline.com/events.php?id=1071

Wednesday, December 27, 2017

Electric Youth 2018 debuts at THE BLACK BOX - Jan 5

Electric Youth 2018 debuts at THE BLACK BOX with two shows on Friday, January 5 at 6:30 PM and 8:30 PM, offering high-powered family entertainment with music for all ages! 

Electric Youth 2018 includes Lily Barney, Kelsey Breslin, Naomi Fitzgerald, Mia Fleischer, Aaron Frongillo, Sydney Leach, Caroline Merten, Maddie Rezendes, Hannah Rezendes, Susauna Wickstrom, Caroline Wilkins, Griffin Wilkins, Caitlin Woodcock, and Lindsey Wyner. 

The EY singer-dancers are backed by Boston musicians who’ve performed, recorded and toured with such music legends as Tony Bennett, Aretha Franklin, Dizzy Gillespie, B.B. King, Diana Ross, The Temptations and Van Morrison.

Don’t miss this exciting evening of timeless hits and non-stop entertainment! Tickets are $26.
Electric Youth 2018 debuts at THE BLACK BOX - Jan 5
Electric Youth 2018 debuts at THE BLACK BOX - Jan 5

Friday, January 5

6:30 and 8:30 PM
THE BLACK BOX

Purchase your tickets online https://www.theblackboxonline.com/events.php?id=1071



Thursday, July 27, 2017

Electric Youth and Future Shock please the crowd (photo recap)

FSPA's Electric Youth opened the 3rd Annual Cultural Festival with a rousing performance highlighted by the appearance of Future Shock. 

Electric Youth and Future Shock please the crowd
Electric Youth and Future Shock please the crowd

Future Shock is the younger version and quite talented!
Future Shock is the younger version and quite talented!

Tinker Bell was among the audience posing for photos and sprinkling fairy dust on the young at heart both big and small.
Tinker Bell was among the audience posing for photos and
sprinkling fairy dust on the young at heart both big and small.

Face painting, sidewalk chalk, and Plein air painting were also attractions provided by the Franklin Art Association.
Face painting, sidewalk chalk, and Plein air painting were
also attractions provided by the Franklin Art Association.

Let's hope the weather continues to be bright for the rest of the Cultural Festival schedule. The Festival has performances from 5:00 to 9:30 on the Town Common today. Kinetic robots are on display at the Methodist Church and the Historical Museum is scheduled for a speaker on wedding gowns as the wedding gown display continues.


Electric Youth and Future Shock please the crowd (photo recap)
Electric Youth and Future Shock please the crowd (photo recap)
All roads should lead to The Rome Restaurant in Franklin either before or after taking in one or more of the events at the Cultural Festival.  

The Rome will feature "Festival Fettucini" from 4:00 PM to closing each night Wednesday, July 26 through Saturday, July 29.  The culinary arts are one of the key arts that the Festival is looking to showcase. Franklin has a broad variety of culinary choices!
http://www.franklinculturaldistrict.org/2017/07/stop-by-rome-for-festival-fettucini.html 


If you are interested in getting updates on the Franklin Cultural Festival please check out the webpage http://www.franklinsculturalfestival.org/ or follow the Festival on Twitter https://twitter.com/artshappenhere


To help financially support the Festival please visit: https://www.gofundme.com/FCF2017

  
The tri-fold flyer with the full schedule can be downloaded here
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczZFlnZFNMV1puWkE/view?usp=sharing


Wednesday, July 26, 2017

Today's the day we have been waiting for!

*** Franklin Public Library

10:30 AM - Captain Haines Pirate Show!

Captain Haines Pirate Show
Captain Haines Pirate Show

*** On the Franklin Town Common

5:00 to 8:00  PM – Art Association: Children’s activities: Sidewalk Chalk Art, Face Painting. Plein air Painting.

5:45 PM - Opening Ceremony

6:00 PM - FSPA's Electric Youth
 



Festival Schedule: Wednesday, July 26, 2017
Festival Schedule: Wednesday, July 26, 2017
* note the schedule is subject to change

All roads should lead to The Rome Restaurant in Franklin either before or after taking in one or more of the events at the Cultural Festival. 

The Rome will feature "Festival Fettucini" from 4:00 PM to closing each night Wednesday, July 26 through Saturday, July 29.  The culinary arts are one of the key arts that the Festival is looking to showcase. Franklin has a broad variety of culinary choices!
http://www.franklinculturaldistrict.org/2017/07/stop-by-rome-for-festival-fettucini.html


If you are interested in getting updates on the Franklin Cultural Festival please check out the webpage http://www.franklinsculturalfestival.org/ or follow the Festival on Twitter https://twitter.com/artshappenhere


To help financially support the Festival please visit: https://www.gofundme.com/FCF2017

 
The tri-fold flyer with the full schedule can be downloaded here
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczZFlnZFNMV1puWkE/view?usp=sharing

Monday, July 24, 2017

“triple threat” accomplishments in voice, dance, and acting"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:
"Following a two-and-a-half week summer concert tour of England, France, Italy and Switzerland, “Electric Youth” (EY) will perform a free outdoor concert on Wednesday, July 26, at 6 p.m. on the Franklin town common. 
The concert will open the third annual Franklin Cultural Festival, hosted by the Franklin Cultural District Committee. 
Backed by an eight-piece band of world-class musicians, “EY” delivers a fun, high-energy show of family entertainment with an extensive range of pop, classic rock, swing, contemporary Broadway and country music for audiences all ages. 
The “EY” singer-dancers are backed by Boston musicians who’ve performed, recorded and toured with music legends including Tony Bennett, Aretha Franklin, Dizzy Gillespie, Alicia Keys, B.B. King, Diana Ross, The Temptations, Van Morrison and many others."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://franklin.wickedlocal.com/news/20170723/electric-youth-to-give-concert-on-franklin-common

If you are interested in getting updates on the Franklin Cultural Festival please check out the webpage http://buff.ly/2tUhSCL or follow the Festival on Twitter http://buff.ly/2tqlid1

To help financially support the Festival please visit: http://buff.ly/2tqGcZh

The tri-fold flyer with the full schedule can be downloaded here 
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczZFlnZFNMV1puWkE/view?usp=sharing


Electric Youth 2017 “triple threat” accomplishments in voice, dance, and acting"
Electric Youth 2017 “triple threat” accomplishments in voice, dance, and acting"

Tuesday, July 4, 2017

Electric Youth to Perform Summer Concert opening the 3rd Annual Franklin Cultural Festival

Following a two-and-a-half week summer concert tour of England, France, Italy and Switzerland, Electric Youth (EY) will perform a free outdoor concert on Wednesday, July 26, at 6 p.m. on Franklin Town Common. The concert will open the 3rd Annual Franklin Cultural Festival, hosted by the Franklin Cultural District Committee. Backed by an eight-piece band of world-class musicians, Electric Youth delivers a fun, high-energy show of family entertainment with an extensive range of pop, classic rock, swing, contemporary Broadway and country music for audiences all ages. 

The EY singer-dancers are backed by Boston musicians who’ve performed, recorded and toured with music legends including Tony Bennett, Aretha Franklin, Dizzy Gillespie, Alicia Keys, B.B. King, Diana Ross, The Temptations, Van Morrison and many others. Raye Lynn Mercer and Hallie Wetzell are Electric Youth’s Director and Vocal Director, respectively. Choreographers include Mercer, Casey Andrade, Cheryl Madeux, Nick Paone and Kellie Stamp.

Selected annually by audition, the group is chosen for superior musicianship, stage presence, and “triple threat” accomplishments in voice, dance, and acting. This season’s ensemble of performers, ages 15-18, studies multiple dance disciplines, voice and acting at the Franklin School for the Performing Arts. Electric Youth 2017 includes Julia Buccella, Brooke Collins, Aaron Frongillo, Sydney Leach, Caitlin Woodcock and Melissa Wyner of Franklin; Caroline Merten of Hopedale; Sam Evans and Colie Vancura of Medfield; Katie Gray of Milford; Naomi Fitzgerald, Mairead Nee and Griffin Wilkins of Walpole; and Susauna Wickstrom of Wrentham.
Electric Youth to Perform Summer Concert On Franklin Common
Electric Youth to Perform Summer Concert On Franklin Common

Electric Youth’s 2017 European tour featured several concerts along the coast of Normandy, including shows in Barfleur, Cherbourg and the historic D-Day site of Sainte-Mère-Église. The itinerary also marked the group’s debut in Switzerland with a concert in Zermatt. Venues in England included Wimbourne’s Tivoli Theatre, along with performances in Arundel, Chichester and Hastings. EY also returned to Lake Como, following performances there last summer, to deliver two lakeside shows at the Hotel Britannia.

Electric Youth has released six professional albums and toured Europe 13 times, with performances at England’s Arundel Festival, Disneyland Paris, professional theaters in Bristol, London and Windsor, and such renowned venues as Sanremo’s Ariston Theatre and Vienna’s Konzerthaus, Musikverein and Schonbrunn Palace. EY has also headlined Fourth of July shows for U.S. troops and their families stationed in Italy at Camp Ederle, Camp Darby and Aviano Air Force Base. The ensemble has performed on Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas, on Fox-TV and WBZ Radio, and at Fenway Park, Gillette Stadium, Mechanics Hall, the Smithsonian Museum Theater, the United Nations and the American Embassy in Rome. EY’s music, including the 2014 album Power Chord, is available at amazon.com and iTunes. 

The EY summer concert on the common will also feature a performance by Future Shock, a select children’s ensemble of students ages 6-13. For more information about Electric Youth, visit www.electricyouth.com. To learn more about the Franklin School for the Performing Arts, call (508) 528-8668 or visit www.FSPAonline.com.

Sunday, June 11, 2017

Town Council Recap - June 7, 2017

The bylaw providing for brewery, distillery and wine making tasting rooms moved to a second reading at the Town Council meeting on June 7. The Electric Youth performed a song as part of the annual visit before heading off to tour Europe. The change in manager of Elks Lodge was approved. The agenda did change from what was posted as Fire Fighters listed for swearing in and a presentation by the SAFE Coalition were rescheduled.

One of the interesting discussions occurred during a rewrite of the bylaw creating the Library Board of Directors where the phrase: 
"Elected officials or library employees of the Town of Franklin will not be appointed as members of the Board."
The phrasing is open for discussion as the measure was moved to a second reading without amendment. Councilors were encouraged to provide feedback to Town Administrator Jeff Nutting.

Editorial Comment on this: The Councilors would be better off spending time on other items. Respectfully, they are charged with
2-4-1 Except as otherwise may be provided by this Charter, all general, corporate, legislative and appropriations powers of the Town shall be vested in the Town Council. 
2-4-2 The Council may enact bylaws, rules, regulations, and other orders, not inconsistent with this Charter, governing its own proceedings, town functions, and all matters bearing on the exercise of its powers and duties.

They recently approved the $120M operating budget of which the Library accounted for less than 1%. There are better opportunities for the Council to find out what is going on within the Library than by having a member sit on the Board of Directors. 

  • The Council can get a periodic update from the Library (as they do with the annual snow and water updates from the DPW). 
  • They could spending more time on the actual budget review. Some will recall the budget hearings used to provide an opportunity for each department to present on their operations and cost drivers. 
  • There are likely other practical considerations to be made as well.

What do you think about this matter? Feel free to comment or send me an email.

The full listing of Actions Taken by the Council can be found here:
http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/news/town_council_actions_taken_for_june_7_2017.pdf

My notes taken live during the meeting can be found here:



The Electric Youth being introduced to the Town Council before their song performance
The Electric Youth being introduced to the Town Council before their song performance

Thursday, June 8, 2017

3rd Annual Franklin Cultural Festival Schedule: Wednesday, July 26, 2017

On the Franklin Town Common


5:00 to 8:00  PM
– Art Association: Children’s activities: Sidewalk Chalk Art, Face Painting. Plein air Painting.

5:45 PM
- Opening Ceremony

6:00 PM
- Electric Youth

Festival Schedule: Wednesday, July 26, 2017
Festival Schedule: Wednesday, July 26, 2017
The full schedule is available on the Cultural Festival page http://www.franklinculturaldistrict.org/

* note the schedule is subject to change, follow @artshappenhere for updates

Monday, June 5, 2017

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - June 7, 2017

The posted agenda for the Town Council meeting scheduled for June 7, 2017 can be viewed here. 

(Note: where there are active links in the agenda item, it will take you to the associated document)

The full PDF for this agenda can be found on the Town of Franklin webpage
http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/june_7_2017_agenda.pdf


A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Approval of Minutes - May 10, 2017 (Motion to approve minutes of May 10, 2017 - majority (5) vote)
B. ANNOUNCEMENTS
This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon channel 29. This meeting may also be recorded by others.
C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
1. Electric Youth
C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
2. Swearing in of Firefighters
James Polito
Michael Falter
D. CITIZEN COMMENTS
Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to five minutes on a matter that is not on the Agenda. The Council will not engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Town Council will give remarks appropriate consideration and may ask the Town Administrator to review the matter.
E. APPOINTMENTS
FY 18 Annual Appointments - Boards and Committees
F. HEARINGS
Public Hearings - 7:10 PM
G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
Franklin Lodge of Elks - Change of Manager
H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
Safe Coalition
I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 17-31: Transfer of Tax Title Possession Parcels to Different Municipal Purposes (Motion to Move Resolution 17-31 - 2/3 majority (6) vote)

2. Resolution 17-38: Acceptance of Gift - Council on Aging (Motion to Move Resolution 17-38 - majority (5) vote)

3. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 17-788: Definitions. Brewery, Distillery or Winery with Tasting Room - 1st Reading (Motion to Move Zoning Bylaw Amendment 17-788 to a 2nd Reading - majority (5) vote)

4. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 17-792: Use Regulations for Brewery, Distillery, or Winery with a Tasting Room - 1st Reading (Motion to Move Zoning Bylaw Amendment 17-792 to a 2nd Reading - majority (5) vote)

5.Bylaw Amendment 17-791: New Chapter 73, Departmental Revolving Funds - 2nd Reading (Motion to Move 17-791 - Roll Call - majority (5) vote)

6. Resolution 17-35: Expenditure Limits for FY 2018 on Departmental Revolving Funds Established by Franklin Town Code Chapter 73, As Provided in G.L. Chapter 44, Section 53E 1/2, As Amended (Motion to Move Resolution 17-35 - majority (5) vote )

7. Bylaw Amendment 17-794: A Bylaw to amend the Code of the Town of Franklin by Adding a New Chapter: Chapter 108 Library Board of Directors - 1st Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 17-794 to a 2nd Reading - majority (5) vote)
K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT
Town Administrator's Report (provided during meeting)
L. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Future Agenda Items  (provided during meeting)
M. COUNCIL COMMENTS
Council Comments
(provided during meeting)
N. EXECUTIVE SESSION
Executive Session
O. Adjourn
Meeting Adjourned

The SAFE Coalition is scheduled for an update to the Town Council during this session
The SAFE Coalition is scheduled for an update to the Town Council during this session