Jazz 4 Kidz Featuring Mark Poniatowski and Friends

Franklin Performing Arts Company’s annual, free Family Concert Series continues this season with “Jazz 4 Kidz Featuring Mark Poniatowski and Friends” on Sunday, March 2 and “Opera for Kids: Dr. Seuss’s Gertrude McFuzz and Green Eggs and Ham” on Sunday, March 23. An FPAC tradition for more than two decades, the Family Concert Series programs begin at 1 p.m. at 38 Main Street in Franklin.

Franklin Performing Arts Company

All Family Concert Series events are especially geared to children in length and presentation, and provide young audiences with a fun introduction to the world of live music. The performances expose audiences of all ages to music of many genres and feature talented, professional musicians in an entertaining and interactive format.

Jazz 4 Kidz presents this musical tradition in an up-close and engaging way that’s accessible and easy to understand. Audience participation is encouraged. The concert features bassist Mark Poniatowski of Berklee College of Music. Poniatowski has performed with Sid Caesar, Floyd Dixon, Janiva Magness, Rita Moreno, Bob Newhart and Junior Watson. His recordings include Mississippi Moan with the Bruce Katz Band and The George Carlin Show soundtrack.

Opera for Kids features performances of two classic Dr. Seuss stories. Set to music by Robert Kapilow, Green Eggs and Ham brings to life the beloved children’s tale with iconic character Sam-I-Am. A great companion piece to Green Eggs and Ham, Gertrude McFuzz introduces the memorable “girl-bird” who learns to like herself just as she is, with her one-feathered tail. Engaging audiences of all ages, each opera is about 20 minutes in length and in rhymed verse. The performance features two members of the Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FSPA) voice faculty, Shauna Martin and Mariko Matsumura, along with two FSPA students, Lily Barney of Franklin as Sam and Sara Weissinger of Hopkinton as Lolla Lee Lou.

A member of the FSPA Music Faculty since 2006, Shauna Martin received her master’s degree in Opera from the University of British Columbia and a Bachelor of Music degree from Brandon University. Her performances include a wide variety of operatic and musical theater roles in works by classical as well as contemporary composers. A native of Winnipeg, Canada, Martin is a founding member of the popular children's show Opera Night in Canada and has performed with Canada’s regional orchestras and on CBC Radio.

A native of Tokyo, Japan, Mariko Matsumura received her bachelor’s degree in Vocal Performance with high honors from the University of Montana and a master’s degree in Vocal Performance from Longy School of Music. Mariko's performance credits include Messiah, Aida, Hansel and Gretl, Der Rosenkavalier, The Magic Flute and numerous premiere performances throughout the Boston area. Mariko has been a member of the FSPA faculty since 2002.

FPAC’s 2014 Family Concert Series is sponsored by Berry Insurance and the Franklin Cultural Council, a local agency supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency. For more information, call (508) 528-8668 or visit www.fpaconline.com.

In the News: home sales, virtual school

Driven by high demand and a shortage of houses on the market, more single-family homes were sold in Massachusetts last month than in any January since 2007, two organizations that track the real estate market reported Tuesday. 

Median prices also shot up, according to analyses by The Massachusetts Association of Realtors and The Warren Group. 

"The continued combination of buyer demand and a shortage of inventory resulted in prices rising in January," Realtors' President Peter Ruffini said. "Buyer demand also drove sales up, which puts emphasis on the need for more home sellers to enter the market. Rising prices mean more equity for homeowners and therefore a greater number may be in a better position to sell."

Read the full article here:
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20140225/NEWS/140227791/1994/NEWS

The state’s Board of Elementary and Secondary Education this morning approved a regional education collaborative’s plan to open a virtual school next year. 

The Education Cooperative, which is based in Dedham and has Framingham and several other MetroWest districts as members, will be able enroll up to 2,000 students in grades K-12 from around the state at the new TEC Connections Academy. 

The school will join the Massachusetts Virtual Academy at Greenfield as the only two public virtual schools operating in the state.

Read the full article here:
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20140225/NEWS/140227776

Library: Teen Movie Night - Feb 28

The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones is the move scheduled for the Teen Movie Night Friday, Feb 28. The showing starts at 5;00 PM

Teen Movie Night - City of Bones

For more info on the movie itself visit this IMDb link  http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1538403/


From the Franklin Library webpage
http://franklinpl.blogspot.com/2014/02/teen-movie-night.html

Read Across America Day - March 4, 2014

Tuesday, March 4 is the National Education Association's  READ ACROSS AMERICA Day. 

In its 17th year, this event focuses on motivating children and teens to read through events, partnerships, and reading resources. 

Here's a link to their FaceBook page:
https://www.facebook.com/neareadacrossamerica

Ben Franklin status depicts him reading a book

"You're never too old, too wacky, too wild, to pick up a book and read with a child."

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Friends of the Franklin Library * P.O. Box 147 * Franklin, MA  02038 * fofl02038@gmail.com

Hockomock Basketball and Hockey Playoff Outlook for FHS

Basketball playoff outlook

Franklin Makes Central SwitchThis year makes a new move for Franklin, as they enter the tournament into the D1 Central Sectional. They earned the 5 spot and will travel to Wachusett on Thursday. If you look at Milford last season, it's not exactly the same situation, but it has some similarities. Milford was already in the Central but did not play against many Central opponents during the regular season and the element  of the unknown played in the Scarlet Hawks, all the way to a sectional title. Franklin is in the same situation going in, with no experience against any of the other teams in the bracket.

Read the full article here
http://www.hockomocksports.com/1/post/2014/02/hockomock-league-playoff-preview-boys-basketball-14.html

Franklin High School - home of the Panthers

Hockey playoff outlook

FranklinAfter three straight D2 South titles, Franklin makes the jump to D1 this year and will enter the playoffs as the No. 5 seed (the third highest seed not counting the two teams that will jump in after the Super 8 play-in games). An impressive win over Barnstable was the highlight of a grueling five games in six days to close out the regular season and although D1 is a mystery, as Franklin struggled to schedule many of the teams that it will face in the playoffs, there is excitement about what the Panthers may be able to accomplish.

Read the full article here
http://www.hockomocksports.com/1/post/2014/02/hockomock-league-playoff-preview-hockey-2014.html

Much Ado About Nothing

The School of the Arts at Dean College in Franklin will perform "Much Ado About Nothing" beginning Wednesday, Feb. 26 through Sunday, March 2. 

www.dean.edu

"Much Ado About Nothing" is considered one of Shakespeare's brightest comedies, combining elements of robust hilarity with meditations on honor, shame and court politics. Similar to "As You Like It" and "Twelfth Night," "Much Ado About Nothing," though interspersed with darker concerns, is a joyful comedy that ends with multiple marriages and no deaths. 

The Dean College production will take place in the Main Stage within the Campus Center at Dean College from 7:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. Tickets are $5/$10/$20 and can be purchased online.

To purchase  tickets online you can follow this link:
http://www.dean.edu/dean_college_presents_much_ado_about_nothing.aspx

Melting snow and ice (video)

While walking Saturday, the snow melting under the ice on the sidewalk was interesting enough to capture this brief video.




To report a pothole or problem with a street light use this link
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/02/yes-it-is-pothole-season.html


For other photos from the Saturday walk check this link
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/02/winter-walk-in-franklin.html

Jazz Sunday; Ash Wed at Franklin Federated

Franklin Federated Church will offer two very different opportunities to mark the beginning of Lent: a Jazz Worship service on Sunday, March 2, at 10 AM at the church and a simple, brief service on Ash Wednesday, March 5, at 7:30 PM.

The Jazz Worship service will feature the Willie Sordillo Quartet featuring Willie Sordillo on alto saxophone. Mr. Sordillo has performed in concerts and festivals throughout North America and internationally, and has served as music director for a weekly jazz worship service at Old South Church in Boston since 2005. He will be accompanied by David Harris on tuba and trombone, Chris Bakriges on piano and Dave Dubinsky on trumpet and flugelhorn.

The Jazz Worship service will be followed by a Mardi Gras Pancake Brunch featuring pancakes with choice of mix-ins, sausages, home fries, juice and coffee.There will be Mardi Gras mask making, pancake races and jazz music. The cost for brunch is $3 per person or $10 per family.

Nursery care is provided during Sunday worship. Children in preschool through grade 6 begin worship with their families - children's activity kits are available for use during worship. Partly through the service, they move to Sunday School, where the Godly Play curriculum uses a storytelling approach. Middle school pupils stay in worship for the message, then gather for discussion.

Franklin Federated Church

The Ash Wednesday service, to be held in the church parlor, will be an opportunity to begin Lent in a prayerful and reflective way. There will be music, a short message and communion. There will also be an opportunity to voluntarily receive an imposition of ashes.

No matter who you are, or where you are on life's journey, you are welcome at Franklin Federated Church. There is a ramp for the disabled on the left side of the church, large-print bulletins, and hearing-assist devices available. For more information, visit www.franklinfederated.org or find us on Facebook. Or, if you have questions or wish to speak to Pastor Charley Eastman, call the church office at at 508-528-3803.

Committee openings

The following Committees have openings

Library Board of Directors - Felicia Oti 508-520-4940 

Franklin Housing Trust Fund - Maxine Kinhart 508-553-4886

If you are interested in serving on the committee, please complete the form
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_News/01B2AF2D-000F8513.0/TOWN%20OF%20FRANKLIN%20VOLUNTEER%20FORM.pdf

and return to the Town Administrator's Office

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - Feb 25, 2014

Vision Statement

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

AGENDA

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

1. Routine Business
Citizen’s Comments
Review of Agenda
Minutes: I recommend approval of the minutes from the February 11, 2014 School Committee Meeting.
Payment of Bills Mr. Clement
Payroll Mrs. Douglas
FHS Student Representatives
Correspondence: none

2. Guests/Presentations
a. Parmenter Update
b. Jefferson Update
c. Report Card Feedback – Joyce Edwards

Kindergarten
Grade 1
Grade 2
Grade 3
Grade 4
Grade 5
K-5 Specialist

3. Discussion Only Items
Scholastic Art Awards

4. Action Items
a. I recommend approval of the budget transfers as detailed.
b. I recommend acceptance of a check for $500.00 from Parmenter PCC for field trips.
c. I recommend acceptance of a check for $282.66 from Wells Fargo Community Support Program for FHS.
d. I recommend acceptance of a check for $242.28 from Wells Fargo Community Support Program for FHS.
e. I recommend acceptance of a check for $242.28 from Wells Fargo Community Support Program for FHS.
f. I recommend approval of the request of Anthony Joseph to take the Keller 5th Grade on a field trip to Roger Williams Zoo on April 29, 2014.
g. I recommend approval of the request of Peter Light for two music field trips as detailed:

1. All State Music Festival, Boston, MA - March 20-22, 2014.
2. UNH Jazz Festival, University of New Hampshire - March 8, 2014.

h. I recommend acceptance of the award of $1,200.00 of furniture from Jordan’s Furniture and $100.00 IMAX tickets for students for winning the “Coats for Kids Program” as detailed.
i. I recommend acceptance of a check for $1,000.00 from the Friends of the Franklin Library for a FHS scholarship.
j. I recommend acceptance of two checks ($1,000.00 and $1,500.00) from Mr. and Mrs. Sabolinski and the Estate of Donald Sabolinski for a FHS Scholarship.
k. I recommend acceptance of a check for $1,500.00 from the FHS Class of 1972 and 1973 for the Janet McHale Memorial Scholarship at FHS.
l. I recommend acceptance of a check for $1,500.00 from the FHS Class of 1972 and 1973 for a scholarship in memory of Lexi and Sean Munroe.
m. I recommend approval of changes to the K-5 report cards as detailed.

5. Information Matters
Superintendent’s Report
School Committee Sub-Committee Reports
School Committee Liaison Reports

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

7. Executive Session
Contractual Negotiations

8. Adjourn

Winter Walk in Franklin

Winter Walk in Franklin, a set on Flickr.

Saturday was a good day for a walk. The snow was melting providing puddles for reflections. The sun was shining to create sharp photos.

I did stop by the Franklin Historical Museum and captured a couple of photos inside.

Franklin Public Library: iStories

The Library will feature iStories for all kids but geared for ages 3-6.

Additional info can be found in the attached picture

Franklin Public Library - iStories

This was re-posted from the Franklin Library page here
http://franklinpl.blogspot.com/2014/02/istories.html

Business After Hours March 6

Business After Hours March 6 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. Join us for a Business After Hours at Double ACS, 42 Union St., Attleboro (behind the Chamber's Attleboro office). The event is sponsored by Double ACS, Attleboro Industrial Museum, Attleboro Jewelers, and FUN Enterprises. Attleboro Jewelers will be bringing its new 3D printer for a demonstration! Bring your business cards and make new connections to help grow your business! The cost is $5 for members and $10 for non-members. Register by email and pay at the door.      Free Web Ad Host a Business After Hours in 2014 and get a free month of banner advertising on the Chamber's website (a $300 value)!

Forward email This email was sent to ... by jack@unitedregionalchamber.org |   | Privacy Policy. The United Regional Chamber of Commerce | 42 Union Street | Attleboro | MA | 02703

Yes, it is pothole season

The changing weather is creating potholes on many roads. You can report those you find directly to Franklin with your smart phone or via the website here http://seeclickfix.com/franklin_4

report a Franklin pothole or street light problem

You can also report a pothole directly via the Franklin website here
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_DPW/General_Pages/report_an_issue

cracks like these may eventually create a pothole

While this is prime pothole season, the app is also useful for reporting street lights that are out or traffic light problems.


Prior posts on the app which was introduced in the fall of 2013 can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/10/yes-franklin-has-app-for-that.html

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/01/pothole-season.html



The Boston Globe has a graphic in today's issue that describes the creation of a pothole
http://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2014/02/22/how-pothole-formed/jxuRRk1iLfJg0hZ6zebEcP/story.html

Franklin High School - Sports Updates

The FHS boys hockey team closed out a very busy week with a loss in their 5th game in 7 days on Friday. The final score was Franklin 1-2 Newburyport.  Read the full report here:
http://www.hockomocksports.com/1/post/2014/02/-panthers-clipped-by-d1-rival-in-regular-season-finale.html

While some of the hockey team can rest those chosen for the All-Star game get to play today. "The game will be played on Saturday, February 22nd at the Metropolis Rink in Canton. The puck is scheduled to drop at 4:00PM."   The full roster of all stars can be found here:
http://www.hockomocksports.com/1/post/2014/02/hockomock-league-all-star-hockey-game-rosters.html

Franklin High School, home of the Panthers

The FHS Wrestling team will be competing in the D1 State Championships this weekend. The full roster of Franklin and Hockomock League entries for the State meet can be found here:
http://www.hockomocksports.com/1/post/2014/02/hockomock-wrestlers-participating-at-state-finals.html




Both the boys and girls FHS basketball teams have playoff games set with Wachusett next week. The boys play on Thursday, the girls play on Friday. The full schedule of Hockomock entries for the playoffs can be found here 
http://www.hockomocksports.com/1/post/2014/02/hockomock-basketball-playoff-seedings-match-ups.html

Reminder: Participate in Globe GRANT today

Franklin Food Pantry 

The Franklin Food Pantry has been fortunate to appear on this list and would appreciate if more Globe subscribers would participate. If you misplaced the mailing, there are instructions on how to contact the Globe to cast your ballot.

To see the current listing of the GRANT awards check here

https://services.bostonglobe.com/grant/LeaderBoard.aspx

GRANT: Globe Readers And Non-profits Together. View Web Version | Contact Us/Feedback

Dear STEPHEN, To start the new year, the Globe would like to ask you to be part of our newest community program, Globe GRANT (Globe Readers And Non-profits Together). The GRANT program will enable you to support the 501(c)(3) non-profit of your choice by helping them get free advertising space in the Globe to spread the word about their mission, recruit volunteers, advertise events, and more. This program comes at no cost to you or your preferred non-profit. GRANT is a FREE benefit for subscribers; here's what to do: Open your silver envelope you received in the mail. Write your favorite 501(c)(3) on the enclosed voucher. Mail the voucher in the postage-paid envelope. Lost your envelope? Just email us at grant@globe.com. Please include your name, email address, street address and non-profit.

To learn more, go to BostonGlobe.com/GRANT or call 617-929-3198.

To ensure you receive Boston Globe GRANT emails, please add grant@globe.com to your address book. We value your privacy. If you have any questions, please email grant@globe.com. Address: The Boston Globe 135 Morrissey Boulevard PO Box 55819 Boston, MA 02205-5819

"this is more important than anything he’s ever done as a coach"

Despite the desperate pleas, shouts, cries and a few curses from more than 20 of Peter Laviolette’s closest family and friends, his team could not tie the score in the waning seconds of Team USA’s semifinal game against Team Canada at the Winter Olympics in Sochi on Friday. The squad north of the border prevailed, 1-0, and will play Sweden for the gold medal. 

Laviolette, a 1982 graduate of Franklin High School, is the assistant coach for Team USA. On Friday, supporters gathered at The Rome Restaurant in Franklin to cheer on the former Franklin High Panthers defensemen who helped bring his team to the Hockomock League championship during his senior year.

Read the full article here
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20140222/NEWS/140228795/1994/NEWS

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA Area: FRI 2/21/14 - THU 2/27/14

FRI 2/21   3pm Whalemobile at Franklin Public Library. Grades K-6. Step inside the 43' long inflatable humpback whale Nile to learn about habitat, behavior and conservation of whales. Registration required.

FRI 2/21   6:30pm-8pm   'Healthy Hearts' Family Valentine Dance at the Bernon Family YMCA in Franklin. FREE event for all (members and non-members) with a DJ and many other activities.

SAT 2/22   10:30am-12pm   Animal World Experience, Fiske Public Library, Wrentham. Free, but get your tickets at circulation desk. Canned-goods donations accepted.

MON 2/24   3-4pm   Companion Caregivers Open House, Franklin Senior Center. Please call 508-520-4945 to sign up. On-site care provided for your loved one during Open House.

MON 2/24   7pm   Planning Board Meeting, Franklin Municipal Building, Council Chambers.

Upcoming event - Tickets available NOW at all Hockomock YMCA branches ($20). YMCA will host Elizabeth Smart, Child Protection Activist on May 8 at 7pm (Foxboro HS). Seating limited.

For more details on above events click HERE and select the event of interest.

*If you have any suggestions or events for the calendar, please email Renata@BetterLivingRE.com