Senator Spilka: FY 2018 Senate Budget Debate Wrap Up

"Doing nothing for others is the undoing of ourselves" - Horace Mann

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Greetings!  Since our founding, the term Commonwealth - 'common wealth' - has served to remind us that each of us is invested in preserving our common good; that our fortunes rise and fall together. In the context of the Senate budget, our common wealth of course refers to dollars and cents. But it also signifies so much more. Our true common wealth is our people. And we can sustain it, even in tough times, by focusing on the fundamentals: education, health, and housing. I am pleased to present this update on the Senate's Fiscal Year 2018 budget, passed by the full Senate on Thursday, May 25, 2017. EDUCATION Education has always been Massachusetts' lodestar. We place our faith in public education as our greatest equalizer and catalyst for success.  The final Senate budget directs funding to high quality education for everyone, including:  $4.76 billion in Chapter 70 funding $15 million to expand access to high quality preschool $10 million to boost salaries for early educators $1 billion for higher education $3.7 million for after-school and out-of-school programs $294 million to fully fund the Special Education Circuit Breaker HEALTH We believe we can proactively tackle the issue of rising health care costs while continuing to encourage the adoption of innovative, evidence-based practices that will make all of us healthier and more productive. Our budget includes: A number of health care cost savings initiatives $24 million to fully fund the Turning 22 program $31 million for HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment $144 million for substance abuse prevention & treatment $91.6 million for mental health services for children $13 million for Family Resource Centers $3.5 million to encourage collaboration among agencies, schools and community partners to strengthen programming for early detection and screening for mental illness in children HOUSING There can be no security for individuals and families without access to reliable housing. We believe that our investments to prevent homelessness support best practices in putting individuals and families on the path towards stability: $166 million for Emergency Assistance Family Shelters $100 million for the Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program, providing funding for 350 to 400 new rental assistance vouchers $46 million for assistance for homeless individuals $32 million for the HomeBASE rapid re-housing program $18.5 million for RAFT, providing short-term financial assistance to low income families who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. $5.5 million for the Alternative Housing Voucher Program  $2.5 million for housing and supportive services for unaccompanied homeless youth DISTRICT and LOCAL AID The budget continues the Senate's strong partnership with municipalities in directing significant investments to local aid and community services. $1.06B for Unrestricted General Government Aid to support community investments in education, health care, public safety and roads and bridges $83M for Regional Transit Authorities $26.7M for the Board of Library Commissioners, including $10.4M for regional library local aid, $9.8M for municipal libraries and $2.3M for technology and automated resources $16.5M for the Massachusetts Cultural Council to support the state-wide creative economy and local arts and culture $14.2M for local Councils on Aging to strengthen programs and services in senior centers For more information on the Senate budget, including additional investments, please see the links below or contact my Senate office at (617) 722-1640. Important FY 2018 Budget Links Senate FY 2018 Budget Final Press Release  Senate Ways & Means Budget: Message from Chairwoman Spilka Boston Globe: Senate OK's $40.3 billion state budget Metrowest Daily News: 5 takeaways from the Senate Ways and Means budget Office of State Senator Karen E. Spilka Room 212, State House Boston, Massachusetts  02133 Phone: (617) 722-1640 - Fax: (617) 722-1077 http://www.karenspilka.com

Senator Karen E. Spilka, Massachusetts State House, Room 212, Boston, MA 02133 Sent by karen.spilka@masenate.gov in collaboration with Try it free today

PMC Franklin Kids Ride - Sunday, June 11

Like to ride your bike? Want to make a difference?

Come join us at the PMC Franklin Kids Ride on Sunday, June 11 from 8am-Noon.

All money raised will go directly to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute for life saving Cancer research and treatment.

Ride with your friends and form a team and choose your ride: 3, 6 or 10 miles.

We even have a Tikes and Trikes Ride for those on more than 2 wheels.

Register today at kids.pmc.org/franklin

Contact Lisa Marchioni at lisabxyz@verizon.net if you have any questions

PMC Franklin Kids Ride - Sunday, June 11

Total Wine & More Launches New Statewide Campaign To Modernize Mass. Laws Governing Sale Of Beer, Wine And Spirits

Consumers First initiative to promote sensible changes to update and improve Commonwealth laws regulating beverage alcohol sales

Total Wine & More today announced the start of a new statewide information and awareness campaign to support sensible changes to update and modernize the laws governing the sale of beer, wine and spirits in Massachusetts.

The Consumers First initiative is a source of information and advocacy to enhance and improve the regulatory environment and structure around the beer, wine and spirits industry in a way that promotes savings and better serves consumers across Massachusetts.

“Total Wine & More has a long track record as a proven consumer ally, and this new Consumers First campaign will promote sensible and much needed updates to Massachusetts’ alcohol sale laws – some of which date back to Prohibition,” said Ed Cooper, Vice President, Public Affairs & Community Relations at Total Wine & More. “Our entire business is built on creating a first class customer experience while providing the best value and selection in beverage alcohol. We take great pride in all the ways we serve our customers, and advocating on their behalf and being an ally is another way of serving them.”

Massachusetts alcoholic beverage laws and regulations need reform. The laws regulating and governing beverage alcohol sales should better protect consumers’ best interests.

The Consumers First initiative will use information and advocacy to demonstrate that protecting and serving consumers should be the first priority. Examples of savings and conveniences that consumers in Massachusetts are being denied include access to the best possible retailer coupon and customer loyalty programs, as well as regulatory obstacles that prevent the lowest prices from being passed on to customers from bulk wholesale discounts.

“We believe all alcohol retailers in Massachusetts should be advocates for consumers. They should favor allowing new ways for consumers to save on beer, wine and spirits,” Cooper said. “The Consumers First initiative will help give people a voice in advocating for sensible reforms.”

For more information about the Consumers First initiative, visit massconsumersfirst.com. You can also like the campaign on Facebook and follow on Twitter.

Total Wine & More Launches New Statewide Campaign To 

Modernize Mass. Laws Governing Sale Of Beer, Wine And Spirits

About Total Wine & More
Total Wine & More is America’s largest independent retailer of fine wine, beer and spirits with 158 stores in 20 states. A four-time national retailer of the year award winner, the company’s vast selection of products, combined with low everyday prices and expertly trained wine associates, provides a unique shopping experience for the customer. Since opening its first store in 1991, Total Wine & More has been committed to being the premier wine, beer and spirits retailer in every community that it serves. For more information about Total Wine & More please visit http://www.totalwine.com.

"everyone says hello to each other, even if they are a complete stranger”

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

"For high school students planning to attend college, there is a lot of pressure to find the school that fits. To help these students find their perfect school, the Franklin Town Library hosted its first “mini college fair” on Saturday. 

“One of the big focuses, was that students wanted more exposure to schools all around the country,” said Caleigh Ross, youth services librarian. “That is why I reached out to a bunch of people I knew from Franklin that went to some of these schools.” 

The mini college fair, put together by the Teen Advisory Board, featured: Colgate University, University of Vermont, Saint Anselm’s College, Duke University, Virginia Tech, James Madison University, Elon University, Washington and Lee University, College of Charleston, University of Mary Washington, Indiana University, Wheaton College (Illinois), Illinois Wesleyan University, Miami University of Ohio, University of Chicago, Creighton University, Grinnell College, Denison University, Claremont McKenna College, Seaver College of Pepperdine University and Willamette University."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170527/franklin-students-look-for-college-that-fits

where do you want to go to college?

Where did the class of 2016 go to college?
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/06/where-will-fhs-class-of-2016-go-next.html

EPA "Community Involvement Plan" draft copy for 300 Fisher St is open for review and comment

"The Community Involvement Plan is a dynamic document that can be updated, when necessary, throughout the cleanup process. Attached, please find a draft copy of the plan. 

Please review and send me any comments you have by Friday, June 9, 2017. Comments we receive will be carefully considered prior to the plan being made publicly available."

Marilyn St. Fleur, MPH

Public Affairs Specialist

Community Involvement Coordinator

Office of the Regional Administrator

US EPA, Region 1

5 Post Office Sq. Suite 100
Mail Code ORA01-3
Boston, MA 02109-3912

Email: stfleur.marilyn@epa.gov 




More information on the BJAT Superfund Site: www.epa.gov/superfund/bjat

http://twitter.com/epanewengland

Learn More about the Latest EPA News & Events in New England(https://www.epa.gov/aboutepa/epa-region-1-new-england)

Follow EPA New England on Twitter (http://twitter.com/epanewengland)

Connect with EPA New England on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/EPARegion1)

Related links from the Franklin Matters archives

• Live reporting from the Town Council meeting July 2014

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/07/live-reporting-epa-300-fisher-st.html

• DEP and EPA presentation to Town Council, July 2014

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/07/300-fisher-st-ma-dep-epa-presentation.html

• Map showing property location within Franklin

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/07/300-fisher-st-map.html

Memorial Day Program - May 29, 2017

The program for the Memorial Day ceremonies and parade is shared here.

Parade Route:

The 2017 Parade route will begin at the Depot Street and Dean Bank and proceed up Main St (towards Church St.), take a left onto School, to a Right on W Central Street, then a Right on Beaver St until we reach the Town Common / Church Square. 

The parade will once again stop at the Dean Memorial, Union St and St Mary's Cemetery's. 

Parade Information:

Date: Monday, May 29, 2017

10:00 am: Muster: Group leaders must check in at the Dean Bank Parking Lot
10:30 am: Parade Starts
12:00 pm: Ceremony at the Franklin Town Common


You can download and print this copy



This is also available on the Town of Franklin page
http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/news/memorial_day_2017_parade_information.pdf

The Franklin Garden Club maintains the flowers beds
around the war memorials on the Town Common

“These were kids I grew up with, who I went to school with and who never came back"

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

"Local veterans - and those who lost their lives in the armed services - were honored Friday in the lead-up to what was called the most solemn of days. 

The town held its annual Memorial Day breakfast at the Franklin Senior Center that morning, giving special recognition to Korean War veterans in town. 

Veterans Agent Dale Kurtz said the day’s purpose - to honor those who had died in war - is often forgotten by the public. 

“I keep getting pictures in my mind of the fields of crosses in Arlington National Cemetery, at Gettysburg, in France and at West Point,” he said. “These are reminders of the sacrifices our brothers and sisters at arms have made over the years.”

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170526/breakfast-in-franklin-honors-vets

Franklin Senior Center, site for the Memorial Day breakfast and many other activities for the community

FHS girls lacrosse playoff starts Thursday, June 1; boys lacrosse Sunday, June 4

From Hockomock Sports .Com we share the playoffs seeds for the FHS boys and girls lacrosse teams.

Boys Lacrosse - D1 South

#5 Franklin (16-4) will host #12 Xaverian (8-10) on Sunday, 6/4 at 5:00.

Girls Lacrosse - D1 East

#1 Franklin (19-1) will host the winner of #8 Natick (11-7)/#9 Newton North (9-9) on Thursday, 6/1 at a time to be announced.




https://hockomocksports.com/hockomock-boys-lacrosse-playoff-seeds-matchups-2017/

https://hockomocksports.com/hockomock-girls-lacrosse-playoff-seeds-matchups-2017/

FHS Panthers

6th Grade Instrument Rental Information Night - June 14

NEW THIS YEAR!

ENTERING 6TH GRADE IN THE FALL?

ANNOUNCING INSTRUMENT PETTING ZOO AND RENTAL NIGHT ON JUNE 14TH 2017, 5-8 PM!

Is your 6th grade child interested in joining the BAND OR ORCHESTRA in middle school? 

If so, please join us on June 14th at the Franklin High School Media Center for information about online instrument rentals from Music and Arts. We will also present an instrument petting zoo, where your child will be able to look at, and try, all of the instruments. 

By renting in the spring, your child will have their instrument delivered to their school on the first day of school in the fall. Questions? Call Diane Plouffe @ 508-613-1650

6th Grade Instrument Rental Information Night - June 14
(some of the instruments shown may not be available for rental)

Additional info on the musical rental program can be found on Jamie Barrett's webpage
http://musicwithmrbarrett.blogspot.com/2017/05/franklin-instrumental-rental-night.html

Letter from Chief Lynch to the community of Franklin

I would like to take this opportunity to personally thank our community for all the support shown to the Franklin Police Department and the many agencies that worked with us over the last week and a half, as we searched for Michael Doherty. The loss of a young life is always tragic; I am humbled to be the Chief of Police in a community that rallied around not only the Doherty family, but the police officers and fire fighters who serve them.

I witnessed the best in what it means to be part of a community in the last week and a half. The response from individuals, businesses, and organizations within Franklin and the surrounding towns is beyond adequate description. As a search and rescue manager for almost twenty years, I have served other communities during a prolonged search operation, in all that time I have never seen the outpouring of support in food, water, and selflessness the way that I did here in Franklin.

The officers and searchers who came to assist Franklin last week commented that as they worked though neighborhoods there were signs of support, coolers of water, and offers to use restrooms in private residences. This truly exemplifies the fabric of our community and one that I am immensely proud to serve.

Letter from Chief Lynch
to the community of Franklin

On behalf of all the men and women of the Franklin Police Department, as well as the almost one hundred other agencies that came to our aid, I say thank you. The Town of Franklin is blessed to have such caring and generous residents and businesses, and I am proud to lead an organization that understands the value of being part of this community.

Sincerely,

Thomas J. Lynch
Chief of Police


This was shared from the Town of Franklin page
http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/news/chiels_letter_to_community.pdf

MA Senate Passes Fiscal Year 2018 Budget

The Senate voted today (Thursday, May 25) on a $40.8 billion budget for Fiscal Year 2018, investing in key areas related to local aid, education, health and human services, housing and workforce development. The budget makes targeted investments, while limiting the use of one-time revenue sources and protecting the state's Stabilization Fund.

"This budget directs resources to the programs and services necessary to sustain our children, families and communities and provide for our future success," said Senator Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland), Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. "With fiscal constraints in mind, we invest in education, health and human services, housing, workforce development and other support services to help people secure footholds on the economic ladder. We uphold our commitment to take care of those who need our help and build opportunities across the Commonwealth, and I hope to maintain this commitment throughout the conference committee process."

"This budget reaffirms the Senate's vision of Kids First, which will build strong, healthy, resilient kids who grow up to become productive adults that contribute to our Commonwealth," said Senate President Stan Rosenberg (D-Amherst). "With the right policies and resources in place, our route to shared prosperity opens up with strategic investments in our children from Pre-K to career."

"The budget passed tonight by the Senate clearly responds to important spending priorities like education and confronting opioid addiction, but it also recognizes the equally important priority of saving money and capturing efficiencies by creating a comprehensive task force to address the sustainability of the MBTA Retirement Fund and by imposing a process to control the cash payments for unused sick time," said Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr (R- Gloucester). "Major fiscal challenges still lie ahead, and this budget is one step in a long series of steps. We cannot lose focus on the need for fiscal discipline in the days ahead."

"After careful deliberation, the Senate has passed a thoughtful budget that both reflects the shared priorities of our chamber and addresses the pressing needs of our communities," said Senator Sal DiDomenico (D-Everett), Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. "As chair of the Senate Kids First working group, I am particularly proud of the targeted investments we made in our children and families, which are the first of many steps the Senate will take to put all Massachusetts kids on a path to success. I now look forward to working with our colleagues in the House to craft a final compromise budget that continues moving our Commonwealth forward."

"This budget demonstrates the Senate's continued commitment to fulfilling the promise of the 1993 Education Reform Act by beginning to implement the Foundation Budget Review Commission's recommendations. It is so important that the budget not only devotes $35 million toward that goal, but once again lays out a plan so that every year we will project the requirements of the foundation budget along with projecting revenue," said Senator Pat Jehlen (D-Somerville), Assistant Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. "We in state government need to hold ourselves accountable for meeting our constitutional obligation to fund all children's education, and this will make every branch of government, and the public, aware of our progress toward equity."

In line with the Senate's Kids First framework to invest in our children, the budget directs funding to high quality education for everyone, from children at birth to adults making midlife career transitions.

• $4.76B in Chapter 70 education funding, allowing for a minimum increase of $30 per pupil aid, 85% effort reduction and steps to implement the Foundation Budget Review Commission's recommendations to more adequately fund school districts across the state.
• $545.1M for community colleges and universities and $534.5M for the University of Massachusetts.
• $293.7M to fully fund the Special Education Circuit Breaker for the 6th year in a row, reimbursing school districts for the high cost of educating students with disabilities.
• $15.1M to expand access to high quality preschool for low income 4 year olds.
• $10M to boost salaries for early educators.
• $7.5M for the Safe and Successful Youth Initiative and $7M for youth anti-violence Shannon Grants.
• $3.7M for after-school and out-of-school programs to support students who need more time and specialized attention.

The budget takes steps to contain health care costs and invests in health and human services to ensure access to high quality, affordable health care and to support children, seniors, people with disabilities and veterans.

• $388.4M for mental health support services for adults, including $1M to expand community-based placements to alleviate longer than necessary stays in inpatient units or emergency rooms.
• $144.1M for a range of substance abuse treatment, intervention and recovery support services.
• $91.6M for mental health services for children and young people, including $3.7M for the Massachusetts Child Psychiatric Access Program and $300K for a loan forgiveness program to increase the number of mental health professionals treating children in underserved areas.
• $50M for family support and stabilization services.
• $31.3M for HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment.
• $24.2M to fully fund Department of Developmental Services Turning 22 services to help young people with disabilities transition to the adult services system.
• $13.2M for Family Resource Centers, providing community-based services for families across the state.
• $3.5M to encourage collaboration among agencies, schools and community partners to strengthen programming for early detection and screening for mental illness in children.

The budget also establishes an employer contribution to health care to raise $180 million in FY 2018, either through a temporary increase to the Employer Medical Assistance Contribution or through a time limited employer assessment as determined by the Administration.

The budget invests $464.1M in low income housing and homelessness services, with a focus on preventative and supportive resources to connect people with affordable, stable housing, as well as assistance for those in crisis. In addition to increasing funding, the budget expands access to housing and homelessness prevention resources by increasing the income threshold for rental vouchers, expanding eligibility for the Residential Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT) program and increasing the HomeBASE re-housing subsidy cap to better divert families to housing.

• $166.1M for Emergency Assistance Family Shelters.
• $100M for the Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program, providing funding for 350 to 400 new rental assistance vouchers.
• $46.5M for assistance for homeless individuals.
• $32.6M for the HomeBASE diversion and rapid re-housing program.
• $18.5M for RAFT, providing short-term financial assistance to low income families who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.
• $5.5M for the Alternative Housing Voucher Program to provide over 100 new rental assistance vouchers for low income people with disabilities.
• $2.5M for housing and supportive services for unaccompanied homeless youth.

The budget also makes targeted investments to promote self-sufficiency among low income families and create opportunities for people to develop the skills they need to compete in the workforce and boost our economy.

• $30.8M for adult basic education services.
• $20M for civil legal aid services for low income people.
• $17.6M for the emergency food assistance program.
• $14.6M for the Department of Transitional Assistance Employment Services Program to help people move toward economic independence and self-sufficiency.
• $12.5M for summer jobs and work-readiness training for at-risk youth.
• $4M for the Workforce Competitiveness Trust Fund.
• $2.5M for Small Business Technical Assistance grants.

The budget continues the Senate's strong partnership with municipalities in directing significant investments to local aid and community services.

• $1.06B for Unrestricted General Government Aid to support community investments in education, health care, public safety and roads and bridges.
• $83M for Regional Transit Authorities.
• $26.7M for the Board of Library Commissioners, including $10.4M for regional library local aid, $9.8M for municipal libraries and $2.3M for technology and automated resources.
• $16.5M for the Massachusetts Cultural Council to support the state-wide creative economy and local arts and culture.
• $14.2M for local Councils on Aging to strengthen programs and services in senior centers.

Finally, the budget includes several initiatives to maximize state and federal revenue opportunities, including a standing Tax Expenditure Review Commission to evaluate all tax expenditures and their fiscal impact. The budget also expands the room occupancy tax to short-term rentals and modifies the film tax credit to ensure the incentive benefits local communities, residents and business.

A Conference Committee will now work out the differences between the Senate budget and the version passed by the House of Representatives in April. Fiscal Year 2018 begins on July 1, 2017.

For more on the Senate budget  https://malegislature.gov/Budget/SenateDebate

MA Senate Passes Fiscal Year 2018 Budget

MBTA Update: Back Bay Construction extended through June 15

Due to the Simon Company's Copley Place construction, Back Bay Stations' Dartmouth Street underpass will remain closed until June 16, 2017.

Due to Copley Place construction being performed by the Simon Company, the Dartmouth Street underpass leading to and from the west side of Dartmouth Street at Back Bay Station will be temporarily closed until June 1.

Customers are encouraged to use the station's main entrance on the east side of Dartmouth Street during the underpass closure.

Affected routes:

• Orange Line
• Framingham/Worcester Line
• Needham Line
• Franklin Line
• Providence/Stoughton Line

Last updated: May 26 2017 11:32 AM
Sent by the MBTA.

entrance to Copley Place under construction earlier this year

Franklin School For The Performing Arts To Host June Open Houses

Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FSPA) will host spring Open Houses on Thursday, June 8 and Monday, June 26 from 4-8 p.m. at 38 Main Street in downtown Franklin. The community is invited to tour the facilities, observe classes and rehearsals, speak with faculty and staff, and learn more about FSPA programs in music, dance and drama.

Founded in 1985 by Director Raye Lynn Mercer, FSPA has been dedicated to the enjoyment of the arts for all ages and to the artistic growth and development of young people. The school offers classes in all dance disciplines, acting, musical theater, voice, and instrumental instruction, whether for recreational enjoyment or serious study.

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 extensive calendar of performing opportunities features musicals, plays, ballets, voice and instrumental recitals, opera scenes, acoustic coffee houses, musical theater and dance company showcases, and more.

Franklin School For The Performing
Arts To Host June Open Houses

Many FSPA students are also cast, by audition, in the affiliated Franklin Performing Arts Company’s annual season of shows. FSPA TALENT offers management services for young performers who elect to pursue professional opportunities.

FSPA is also pleased to offer FSPA Academy, an academic alternative for students seeking a challenging curriculum in a supportive, flexible environment that encourages their creative goals. Provided Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in collaboration with the Massachusetts Virtual Academy (MAVA), the program builds upon MAVA’s state-approved online curriculum and features an enhanced emphasis on arts, language and culture, including Music Theory, foreign language conversation classes, field trips and more.

In addition, a new FSPA AfterSchool enrichment program offers supervised recreational experiences, including games, crafts and other creative arts activities, for students in grades K-5. The program begins at the close of the regular school day, with transportation available from Franklin and Medway schools.

Classes continue at FSPA through June 19 and the summer session begins on June 26. Registration for summer and fall is ongoing. Call (508) 528-8668 or visit www.FSPAonline.com for more information, including the FSPA catalogue, summer brochure and fall class schedule.

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA Area: FRI 5/26/17 - THU 6/1/17

FRIDAY 5/26/17
9am   Veterans’ Memorial Day Breakfast @ Franklin Senior Center

SATURDAY 5/27/17
10-1pm   Franklin Historical Museum Open
11am-1pm   Teen Advisory Board presents: Mini College Fair @ Franklin Public Library

SUNDAY 5/28/17
1-4pm   Franklin Historical Museum Open

MONDAY 5/29/17
10:30am   Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony @ Downtown Franklin

THURSDAY 6/1/17
8:30am   Franklin Downtown Partnership General Meeting @ Golder Room, Dean College
3:30pm   Captain Underpants Party! @ Franklin Public Library
4pm   Family Coloring Book Club @ Franklin Public Library
5-8pm   Franklin Historical Museum Open
7-8pm   Healing Hearts Community Support Group @ Franklin YMCA
7:30pm   Stony Brook Camera Club @ Anglican Church of the Redeemer (31 Hayward St)

For the Town of Franklin Public Calendar click HERE.

For all other events and Franklin happenings click HERE.

*To submit an event for the Community Calendar, please use this FORM

Open auditions for Monty Python’s Spamalot - June 3

Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) will hold open auditions for an in-concert production of Monty Python’s Spamalot on Saturday, June 3 at THE BLACK BOX, the company’s home and performance venue located at 15 West Central Street in downtown Franklin. Auditions will begin at 11:30 a.m. for ages 14-17 and continue at 12:15 p.m. for adults. Please prepare 16-32 bars of a musical theater song in the style of the show. For more information, including a character breakdown, visit www.FPAConline.com.

Presented with minimal set, but fully costumed, staged and choreographed, Spamalot in concert will also feature live musicians. Performances will take place on July 28 and 29 at 7:30 p.m. at THE BLACK BOX as part of the 3rd annual Franklin Cultural Festival, hosted by the Franklin Cultural District Committee. The visual, performing and culinary arts celebration will take place July 26-30 at various downtown Franklin locations within the proposed Cultural District, with events presented free of charge.

(FPAC) will hold open auditions for Monty Python’s Spamalot

Spamalot tells the legendary tale of King Arthur’s quest to find the Holy Grail. Inspired by the classic comedy film, Monty Python and the Holy Grail, the musical parody likewise diverts from more traditional versions of the legend. Instead, Spamalot features shenanigans including a line of beautiful dancing girls, a flatulent Frenchman and killer rabbits. Outside there is plague with a 50 percent chance of pestilence and famine. Throughout the show, Arthur, traveling with his servant, Patsy, recruits several knights to accompany him on his quest, including Sir Bedevere, Sir Robin, Sir Lancelot and Sir Galahad. They meet such memorable characters as the Lady of the Lake, Prince Herbert, Tim the Enchanter and Not Dead Fred. The 2005 Broadway production won three Tony Awards, including “Best Musical” and received 14 Tony Award nominations.

FPAC presents Spamalot as part of the company’s 10th anniversary Whatever Theater Festival, featured this summer within the Franklin Cultural Festival. Conceived and directed by Nick Paone, the Whatever Theater Festival brings together professional artists, FPAC alumni, students and community performers in a collaborative theatrical experience that showcases an exciting range of dramatic and comedic works. FPAC’s 2017 Whatever Theater Festival is sponsored in part by grants from Norfolk, North Attleborough and Wrentham Cultural Councils, local agencies which are supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council. For more information, call (508) 528-3370. Spamalot is presented through special arrangement with Theatrical Rights Worldwide.

Community Open House to honor Supt Maureen Sabolinski - June 13

There will be a Community Open House to honor Superintendent Maureen Sabolinski, Ed.D. on Tuesday, June 13 from 2:30 to 5:00 PM. 

The Open House will be held at the Media Center near the main entrance of Franklin High School.

For those wishing to remember Maureen's retirement, a scholarship fund has been established in her name. Donations will benefit future FHS graduates pursuing college. Checks should be made payable to the Town of Franklin with the words "Maureen A Sabolinski Scholarship" in the MEMO section of the check. Donations should be mailed to Miriam Goodman, School Business Administrator, 335 East Central St, Suite 2, Franklin, MA 02038.

Community Open House to honor Supt Maureen Sabolinski - June 13

Strawberry Stroll - June 8

The Strawberry Stroll is coming Thursday, June 8, 2017. Hosted in downtown Franklin by the Downtown Partnership from 4 to 7 PM.

The Strawberry Stroll poster was shared from the Downtown Partnership page
http://www.franklindowntownpartnership.org/2017/05/strawberry-stroll-poster.html

For businesses and organizations looking to participate find additional information here
http://www.franklindowntownpartnership.org/2017/05/strawberry-stroll-registration.html

"$120,465,810 - represents about a 2.5 percent increase"

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

"The Town Council resoundingly passed a $120 million fiscal year 2018 budget at the end of a brief meeting Thursday night. 

The session featured the second of two public budget hearings required by the town charter. No Franklin resident offered a comment. 

The vote was complicated by the fact that Councilor Glenn Jones is an instructor at the Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School. The town’s contribution to that school was among the line items in the proposed budget. 

Council members remedied the situation by amending the budget motion into two votes: one for the $2.73 million item for regional schools, and another for the remainder of the budget. Jones abstained from the first vote, and took part in the second; both votes passed without opposition."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170525/franklin-council-approves-120-million-budget

The FY 2018 budget document can be found here

https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B0wjbnXDBhczeFo1Ni1nMmhTcDg

FY 2018 budget resolution can be found here

https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B0wjbnXDBhczVzRZVHlNRUFJWmM

FY 2018 budget by major budget category

Benefits	$10,956,398
Culture & Recreation	$1,399,397
Debt Service	$6,609,708
DPW - Hwy	$4,669,497
Education	$62,586,202
General Government	$9,899,231
Human Services	$691,948
Liability Insurance	$525,000.0
Public Safety	$11,201,434
Sewer	$5,074,368.0
Solid Waste Disposal	$1,949,673.0
Water	$4,748,897.0
Total	$120,311,753