FPAC: Open Auditions for 'Lost in Yonkers'

The Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) will hold open auditions for Neil Simon’s award-winning play, Lost in Yonkers, on Wednesday, August 26 at THE BLACK BOX, 15 West Central Street, in downtown Franklin. Auditions begin at 7 p.m. Please be prepared for cold readings. A monologue is optional. Visit www.FPAConline.com for a breakdown of available roles, including character descriptions.

FPAC will present Lost in Yonkers, directed by Nick Paone, on Friday, September 25 and Saturday, September 26 at 7:30 p.m., with a Sunday matinee on September 27 at 2 p.m. Winner of the 1991 Tony and Drama Desk Awards for Best Play, as well as the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, Lost in Yonkers is a deeply moving and beautifully crafted coming-of-age story by America’s great playwright, Neil Simon.  

original Broadway poster for "Lost in Yonkers"

Striking a balance between pain and humor, drama and comedy, Simon’s poignant play draws from his own experiences growing up in New York City. It’s 1942 and financially strapped Eddie has just left his teenage sons, Jay and Arty, in the care of their mentally challenged and childlike Aunt Bella and her stern and embittered mother, Grandma Kurnitz. Eddie takes to the road as a traveling salesman to pay back his debt to a loan shark, having borrowed to cover his late wife’s hospital care. 

Soon Uncle Louie, a small-time hoodlum hiding from the mob, moves in. Reeling from the loss of their mom and left to contend with this strange new world in Yonkers, the boys embark on a scheme to make some quick cash and get their dad back. As told through the eyes of the brothers, Lost in Yonkers is a masterful work that’s full of heart. 

Founded in 1991, the nonprofit FPAC supports educational arts experiences, quality entertainment and outstanding performance opportunities for professional artists, community performers and students of the arts. With a focus on youth development and a commitment to live music, FPAC productions draw performers and audiences from more than 100 communities throughout the region. For more information, call (508) 528-3370 or visit online at www.FPAConline.com.

You can find out more about "Lost in Yonkers" at this wikipedia link
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lost_in_Yonkers

"an opportunity for the community to get involved"

"With the start of the new school year just days away, the Bernon Family Branch of the Hockomock Area YMCA this weekend is winding up a back-to-school supply drive. 

The YMCA is also hosting "Haircuts for Kids," offering free haircuts for children, kindergarten through 12th grade. 

Hockomock Y

"We have been collecting backpacks and school supplies to give to children and families that might not be able to provide the resources needed to send their children back to school with the necessary tools to succeed," said Michelle Branche, senior member experience director at the Franklin branch. 

The backpack drive, which got underway last month, concludes Aug. 23, and that's when the haircutting event takes place, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Franklin branch on 45 Forge Hill Road."

Continue reading the article in the Milford Daily News (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150821/NEWS/150828559/1994/NEWS

Franklin Garden Club Welcomes New Members - Sep 1 - 7:00 PM

The Franklin Garden Club, which is now affiliated with the Garden Club Federation of Massachusetts, will hold its first meeting of the 2015-16 season on Tuesday, September 1 from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. at the Franklin Senior Center, located at 26 Daniel McCahill Street. 

Membership is open to all members of the community. Those interested in joining the club are invited to attend this meeting to learn more about the club’s activities and services. Attendees are encouraged, but not required, to bring a perennial to swap with others. 

Franklin Garden Club

The Franklin Garden Club was founded in 1987 and became a member of The Garden Club Federation of Massachusetts, Inc. in 2015. Activities include a combination of education and service. Speakers provide information on different garden related topics. 

Members volunteer to plant and maintain the Veteran’s Memorial Garden at the Town Common, distribute pine tree seedlings to all first graders in Franklin schools, and provide a scholarship to a graduating senior pursuing an education in horticulture or environmental studies. Members also participate in a yearly fundraiser, enjoy field trips to area gardens, plan a holiday dinner and auction and provide support to each other with gardening challenges. 

“A varied program has been planned for the coming year,” noted Susan Childers, club co-president. Monthly programs include presentations by experts on: Developing a Rain Garden (October), Creating Holiday Arrangements (December), Designing a Multi-Season Shade Garden (February), Planting and Maintaining Iris (March), Cooking with Kim and Fresh Vegetables (April), and The Wadsworth Farm in Franklin (May). Other activities include field trips to Spooktacular and the Boston Flower Show, cleaning of the Common in the fall and spring, the annual holiday auction, and tours of member gardens (June).

You can follow the Garden Club on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Franklin-Garden-Club-Massachusetts/305256026231649

Senior Center: A new edition of The Franklin Connection is available

A new edition of The Franklin Connection has been published on the Town of Franklin web site. 

Click the link below to read the latest edition. 

http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Senior/Sept15connection.pdf

_______________________________________________
You are subscribed to the The Franklin Connection - Senior Newsletter mailing list.

Franklin Senior Center

For additional info on the Senior Center and their services, you can also find them on the official Franklin webpage here
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Senior/index

See Comedian Al Park at 3! August 28th

3 461 W Central Street (Rt.140), Franklin, MA 02038 • 508.528.6333 • www.3-restaurant.com  Please visit our other Let's Eat, Inc. restaurant in Norwood: SKY

Forward email Let's Eat, Inc. | 461 Central Street | Franklin | MA | 02038

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA Area: FRI 8/21/15 - THU 8/27/15

FRIDAY 8/21/15
12-6pm   Franklin Farmers Market at The Town Common
1pm   Science Magic with Museum of Science at Franklin Public Library
6:30pm   Art Night Uncorked at Franklin Art Center
7-11pm   Movie Night (Toy Story) at Beaver Pond with games and Small Shop Co-Op Market Place - opens at 7pm, movie starts at dusk  - RESCHEDULED to Aug 28th due to the weather forecast.
7:30pm   "The Wiz" at Dean College with the Star Players of MA
8-9:50pm   Frozen Friday DJ Public Skate at Pirelli Arena


SATURDAY 8/22/2015
8am-5pm   3rd Annual Wiffle Ball Tournament - Random Smile Project - Fletcher Field, Franklin MA
8am       Lake Pearl Plunge 5K 
2:00pm   "The Wiz" at Dean College with the Star Players of MA
3:00 - 5:00pm    Kindercare Carnival - Kindercare Learning Center, 42 Pond St
7:30pm   "The Wiz" at Dean College with the Star Players of MA


SUNDAY 8/23/2015
2:00pm   "The Wiz" at Dean College with the Star Players of MA


MONDAY 8/24/15
1pm   Drop In Craft at Franklin Public Library

TUESDAY 8/25/15
10:30am   Get Ready For Kindergarten (ages 3-5) at Franklin Public Library
1pm   Whalemobile (K-6) at Franklin Public Library
6:30pm   End of Summer Party - Teens - Franklin Public Library

WEDNESDAY 8/26/15
10:30am   Terrific Toddlers at Franklin Public Library
1pm   End of Summer Party with Barn Babies at Franklin Public Library
10am - 8:00pm   Franklin School for Performing Arts - Open House, 38 Main St

THURSDAY 8/27/15
10:30am   Story and Craft (ages 3-6) at Franklin Public Library

For all the Town of Franklin Public Meetings click HERE.

For event details click HERE.

For FPL Summer Programs details click HERE

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

"we talk about substance abuse at the elementary, middle and high school levels"

Via Maureen Sabolinski, Superintendent, Franklin Public Schools

Hi- I wanted to followup with Kristen Cerce/Director K-12 Health and PE about curriculum in Franklin Public Schools - Kristen had been out of town - here is the summary- pretty comprehensive.

-------------

Maureen: 

As far as our curriculum goes, we talk about substance abuse at the elementary, middle and high school levels. Our primary focus is on alcohol, marijuana, and tobacco, but we do educate students about other drugs in both middle and high school. The lessons that we teach are dependent on the needs of our students, as identified in the MetroWest Adolescent Health Survey.

At the elementary level, students primarily learn about alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, and prescription/non-prescription drugs, as well as refusal skills. They learn strategies to avoid using substances including drugs and alcohol. 

K-2 teachers discuss prescription and over the counter drugs, instructing students on how to take medicine safely and cautioning them that they should only take medicine if a trusted adult gives it to them. 

The curriculum for grades 3-5 focuses on how drugs affect the body, the dangers of drugs, drug and alcohol refusal skills, and how to make good choices. Teachers typically do not name harder drugs, such as opiates, but if a student brings up the name of a specific drug, they will answer the student's question. 

The DARE program goes into other drugs in more depth than our program. Students participate in the DARE program in grade 5. 

Throughout middle school, teachers focus on a spectrum of drugs in greater depth than elementary school. These drugs include alcohol, marijuana, ecstasy, bath salts, cocaine, steroids, prescription/non-prescription drugs, and opioids. Lessons focus on refusal skills, the dangers and risks associated with drug use/abuse. 

Wellness students (grades 9 and 10) study drug abuse in greater detail. Again, lessons are designed based on the MetroWest Adolescent Health Survey. Survey results indicate that these are the ages at which students are inclined to experiment with alcohol and marijuana more than other drugs. 

Wellness 9 specifically focuses on alcohol and marijuana, because they are common “gateway drugs.” Lessons address legal issues associated with theses drugs, as well as impaired driving, sexual assault, addiction, social host laws, related diseases, and other resulting injuries. 

Wellness 10 reviews topics covered in Wellness 9 and serves as a general overview of drug abuse classifications. These drug classifications include: stimulants (cocaine, crack, caffeine, amphetamines), depressants (alcohol, barbiturates, cannabis), hallucinogens (ecstasy, LSD, mushrooms, “date rape drugs”), narcotics (prescription/non-prescription drugs, opioids, heroin, morphine), inhalants, and tobacco (smoking and smokeless). Students typically participate in drug research projects and presentations. 

I hope this information is what you are looking for. Feel free to contact me with any questions. 

Thank you,Kristin

----------

This update is in response to a question from the audience at the recent SAFE Coalition meeting. The audio recordings of that meeting and panel/Q&A discussions can be found here Part 1 and Part 2

S.A.F.E. Community Coalition Meeting featuring Dr. John Kelly

The Franklin TV video for the presentation portion of the meeting can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/08/franklin-tv-presents-dr-john-kellys.html

Good news on the DelCarte Playground - reopens Saturday, Aug 22

Steve

They are finishing the repairs to the Del Carte Playground and it will reopen on Saturday. Please spread the word

Jeff Nutting
Franklin Town Administrator


So the kids will be able to play again on Saturday, August 22

DelCarte playground

FSPA: Back to School Open Houses

The Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FSPA) will hold Back-to-School Open Houses for prospective students and families on 

• August 26 from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
• August 29 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
• September 1 and 3 from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. 
• September 12 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
• September 16 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. 

at 38 Main Street in downtown Franklin. The community is invited to tour the facilities, speak with faculty and staff, and learn more about FSPA programs in music, dance, and drama. Prospective students are also encouraged to try a complimentary class. 

Franklin School for the Performing Arts

Celebrating a milestone 30th anniversary season, FSPA has been dedicated to the enjoyment of the arts for all ages and to the artistic growth and development of young people. Founded in 1985 by Director Raye Lynn Mercer, FSPA offers an extensive roster of classes in all dance disciplines, acting, musical theater, voice, and instrumental instruction. 

FSPA is also home to the Little Music School, an innovative program that teaches children as young as 18 months to play the piano. An unparalleled calendar of performing opportunities features all-student musicals, plays, voice and instrumental recitals, opera scenes, acoustic coffee houses, musical theater showcases, performing troupes, dance companies, a classical ballet variations ensemble, and instrumental ensembles. Many FSPA students also participate, by audition, in the affiliated Franklin Performing Arts Company’s annual season of shows. 

Fall registration is ongoing. For more information, including class schedule and catalogue, call (508) 528-8668 or visit online at www.FSPAonline.com.

"more details about the program will be determined in the fall"

This summer, the state Department of Housing and Economic Development awarded $894,082 in total to the towns of Franklin, Bellingham and Hopedale for housing rehabilitation and fuel assistance. 

Town Administrator Jeffrey Nutting said the money will allow needy families to complete necessary home repairs. 

"It's to provide housing rehabilitation on an emergency basis," he said. 

He said, as an example, that a homeowner in need of $10,000 to repair a roof could apply through the program, and would not need to pay the money back, as long as they continue to own the house for a set length of time. 

Nutting said this is not Franklin's first experience with a housing rehabilitation program.

Continue reading the article in the Milford Daily News (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150820/NEWS/150829056/1994/NEWS

The full set of notes from the Aug 5 Town Council meeting can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/08/community-takes-exceptions-to-councilor.html

corner of Emmons St and West Central street under construction for the downtown improvement project

Franklin TV presents Dr John Kelly's talk for the S.A.F.E. Coalition meeting (video)

Franklin TV has made the video of Dr John Kelly's talk for the S.A.F.E. Coalition meeting at Franklin High School on Aug 12, 2015 available for your viewing pleasure.
  




The audio of the full meeting has been made available in two parts
Part 1 - Dr Kelly's talk
Part 2 - The panel and audience Q&A


The live reporting from this meeting can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/08/live-reporting-safe-community-meeting.html

S.A.F.E. Coalition meeting - Panel with Q&A session (audio recording)

FM #113

The second of 2 parts to the recording of the SAFE Coalition meeting at Franklin High School on Aug 12, 2015. The first part has the presentation by Dr John Kelly. This second part has the panel discussion and audience Q&A.

Note: the volume may need to be adjusted from one speaker to another. While the audio quality is good, the variation between speakers may require an adjustment.





The live reporting from this meeting can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/08/live-reporting-safe-community-meeting.html


-------

As I close this special session, let me remind you that

• If you like what I am doing here, please tell your friends and neighbors
• If you don’t like something, please tell me

It is through this feedback loop that you can help me improve the information I provide for you.

Thank you for listening!

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark and Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission

I hope you enjoy!

You can also subscribe and listen to the audio on iTunes = search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters on iTunes

The Spectra Access Northeast project is back - meeting 8/20 from 7-9p at the First Universalist Society

Via Monica Linden:

The Spectra Access Northeast project is back - and planning to build a pipeline right through Franklin and neighboring towns. If you'd like to get more information to stop this pipeline (or if you are a concerned potential abutter - if so, you've probably been contacted by Spectra already) there's a meeting on Thursday 8/20 from 7-9p at the First Universalist Society in Franklin, 262 Chestnut St. (Also, I'm wondering what any of the town council candidates think about this, and how they might help those of us who might be directly affected!)

Via the Milford Daily News:

The project is in the early planning stages and hasn’t yet entered the federal permitting process, according to Spectra spokesman Arthur Diestel. 

The project aims to bring about 5,000 megawatts of power to 70 percent of New England’s gas-fired power plants. In the works for 2017, Spectra bills the new infrastructure as a way to lower electricity rates as early as winter 2018. 

Local activists say that’s false advertising. Citing environmental concerns, worry the rate payers will foot part of the $3 billion project through their utility bills, and the fear rates may increase as Spectra uses the pipeline to export gas to Canada, the consumers’ interest may not be so dear to the company’s heart, according to a flyer circulated by the group, which has yet to take an official name. 

“They’re in it to make a buck on our backs and I don't trust it's going to lower costs,” said Gail Chirdon, a Franklin resident active in fighting the Atlantic Bridge Pipeline proposal, abandoned by Spectra in late May.

Continue reading the article in the Milford Daily News (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150820/NEWS/150829529/1994/NEWS



About the project:

"The beauty of the Access Northeast project is that very little “greenfield” or pipeline construction through areas where pipelines don’t exist is required. The stiff resistance to the Kinder Morgan TGP NED project largely comes from communities that don’t want new pipeline cutting through the area. Can New England support two new massive pipeline projects–both Access Northeast and NED? From a purely economic standpoint–would both projects make their respective investors/companies money and be profitable–we suspect the answer is yes. But from a political viewpoint–can you sell both projects to liberal, fossil fuel-hating New Englanders? Probably not. We suspect only one of these projects will survive. With an alliance of different partners, locking up much of the electrical generating customers in the region, and very little greenfield construction required–Access Northeast increasingly looks promising to be the winner."

http://marcellusdrilling.com/2015/02/access-northeast-pipeline-pulling-ahead-of-kinders-ned-project/

Access Northeast

Related posts
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/07/access-northeast-is-proposing-similar.html

and it was too good to be true
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/05/im-delighted-to-hear-project-has-been.html

Traffic Alert: RT 140 ramp to Southbound i495 shut for weelend

IN ORDER TO WORK ON THE RAILROAD BRIDGE, 

THE RT 140 RAMP TO i495 SB

WILL BE CLOSED FRIDAY AUGUST 21 TO MONDAY AUGUST 24 

TRAFFIC WILL USE GROVE STREET TO KING STREET

MassDOT

The MA DOT webpage has skimpy info on the project # 78213
http://www.massdot.state.ma.us/highway/ProjectInfo.aspx

"The river runs through it" and the Police Station hit by lightning

Yes, the weather was bad on Tuesday. How bad? Well....

Pisini Field! #pantherriver pic.twitter.com/67gro9dcSN

— Coach P (@Coachpasquarosa) August 18, 2015

And then the Police Station got hit by lightning!

"Some members of the Franklin Police staff came about as close as anyone can come to being struck by lightning late Tuesday afternoon, without actually getting hit. 

Police Chief Stephan Semerjian said police headquarters on Panther Way may have taken a direct hit – if not, it was close by – during the severe thunderstorm that swept over the area starting about 3:30 p.m. 

“We took a good hit. There were a number of us in here. I’ve got to tell you, it was unbelievable,” he said."

Continue reading the article in the Milford Daily News
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150819/NEWS/150816232/1994/NEWS

Franklin Police Station - 911 Panther Way

Franklin Family Movie Night - rescheduled to 8/28/15

Due to the weather forecast for Friday evening, the Family Movie Night has been rescheduled to Friday, August 28th

-----

Via Tracie's Facebook posting:

Woody and Buzz in the original Toy Story

Bring your whole family and enjoy watching Toy Story on the big screen in a classic Franklin setting - Beaver Pond! 

The movie itself will start at dusk, but WOODY AND BUZZ ARRIVE AT 7:00!

Kids will get an opportunity to meet and play games with both characters. 

In addition to the characters arriving early, a whole host of local small businesses will be represented at booths offering treats, fun toys, and other retail offerings! The marketplace opens at 6:30. 

 the marketplace opens at 6:30, Woody and Buzz arrive at 7:00 PM

Franklin Family Movie Night

August 28

Beaver Pond in Franklin, Massachusetts

Dr John Kelly's talk for the S.A.F.E. Coalition meeting (audio recording)

FM #112

The audio recording of Dr John Kelly's talk for the S.A.F.E. Coalition meeting at Franklin High School on Aug 12, 2015.




Note the running time for this is 00:57:21

The live reporting from this meeting can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/08/live-reporting-safe-community-meeting.html


-------

As I close this special session, let me remind you that

• If you like what I am doing here, please tell your friends and neighbors
• If you don’t like something, please tell me

It is through this feedback loop that you can help me improve the information I provide for you.

Thank you for listening!

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark and Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission

I hope you enjoy!

You can also subscribe and listen to the audio on iTunes = search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters on iTunes

Preliminary listing of candidates for Franklin's Nov 3rd election

The updated listing of candidates from the Town Clerk's office on Tuesday, Aug 18th

We have a race for each position. 
9 for 7 spots on the School Committee and 11 for 9 spots on the Town Council

POSITION	NAME
Assessor	Donna Greenwood
	W.Kenneth  Norman
Bd. Of Health	Donald G. Ranieri, Jr.
	Gail P. Chirdon
	Philip M. Brunelli
	Tara E. Gurge
Constable	John S. Power
	Philip M. Brunelli
Planning Bd	Gregory Giardino
	John F. Carroll
	Mikel G. DeFrancesco
	William D. David
School Com.	Anne K. Bergen
	Cynthia J. Douglas
	Denise L. Schultz
	Kenneth B. Hiscoe, III
	Kevin P. O'Malley
	Mary Jane Scofield
	Rita M. Graci
	Trevor A. Clement
	Vanessa A. Bilello
Town Clerk	Diane M. Padula-O'Neill
	Elizabeth F. Simon
	Paul J. Cheli
	Teresa M. Burr
Town Council	Brett S. Feldman
	Deborah L. Pellegri
	Glenn F. Jones
	James D. Schultz, Jr.
	Judith Pond Pfeffer
	Matthew T. Kelly
	Peter E. Padula
	Richard W. Power, Sr.
	Robert D. Dellorco
	Sean P. Slater
	Thomas D. Mercer

Franklin Town Common

The offer to the candidates for an interview can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/08/offer-to-candidates-for-franklin.html

The election timeline can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/08/franklin-election-who-are-candidates.html

The election 2015 collection can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/08/election-collection-nov-3-2015.html