Live reporting: School Committee - Aug 28, 2018

Present: Feeley, Linden, Douglas, Scofield, Bergen, Schultz, Zub
Absent: none


1. Routine Business 
a. Review of Agenda 
ok for all

b. Citizen’s Comments 

i. In the spirit of open communication, “the School Committee will hear public comment not related to an agenda item at the beginning of each regular School Committee Meeting. The Committee will listen to, but not respond to any comment made. A Committee member may add an agenda item to a future meeting as a result of a citizen comment” – from Policy BEDH

none

c. Superintendent’s Report 
Dr Ahern
school opening today, faculty yesterday
Carrie Stack, Say Yes Institute motivation speaker for yesterday faculty

by and large things were on time, buses ran

well aware of temperatures
all classrooms have fans to help monitor temperatures
schedules adjusted to rotate classes through the cooler spaces within the building
recess to be indoor tomorrow
athletic events curtailed today in lieu of weather conditions

playground at Jefferson was completed but unfortunately not used today

concession stand
plumbing fixtures remained to be installed
exterior painting underway this week
landscaping planned for in front of the stand
scheduled for completion for home opener Friday, Sep 7

FHS one of 131 to be recognized as a national banner school
inclusive school climate
had to meet ten national standards of excellence

reminder of Professional Development Day on Friday, Aug 31
literacy and science focus for elementary
Jessica Minahan working with educators and students with challenging behaviors
content based development at middle and high school
new curriculum frameworks for social studies being worked to understand implications
ESP working with consultant on managing student behaviors

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - Aug 28, 2018

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.

A G E N D A

“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
a. Review of Agenda
b. Citizen’s Comments

i. In the spirit of open communication, “the School Committee will hear public comment not related to an agenda item at the beginning of each regular School Committee Meeting. The Committee will listen to, but not respond to any comment made. A Committee member may add an agenda item to a future meeting as a result of a citizen comment” – from Policy BEDH

c. Superintendent’s Report

2. Guests / Presentations
a. New Hires and Introduction of New Administrators – Dr. Ahern

3. Discussion / Action Items
a. Strategy for Improvement Presentation – Dr. Ahern
I recommend approval of the District Strategy for Improvement for 2018-2019

4. Discussion Only Items 
none

5. Information Matters
a. School Committee Sub-Committee Reports (e.g. Budget; Community Relations;
Policy; Transportation; Public Schools Advocacy; Ad Hoc Superintendent’s
Evaluation)
b. School Committee Liaison Reports (e.g. Joint PCC; Substance Abuse Task
Force; School Wellness Advisory Council [SWAC]; School Start Times Advisory Committee [SSTAC], MASC)

6. New Business
a. To discuss any future agenda items

7. Consent Agenda
a. Minutes

I recommend approval of the minutes from the August 14, 2018 School Committee meeting as detailed.

b. Student Activity Accounts

I recommend approval of student activity accounts as detailed. c. FHS Gift
I recommend acceptance of a check for $82.37 from Ohiopyle Prints for FHS Gift account as detailed.

8. Payment of Bills Dr. Bergen

9. Payroll Mrs. Douglas

10. Correspondence 
- none

11. Adjournment

The agenda can be found on the Town of Franklin School District page
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/franklinmaps/files/agendas/scagenda_8-28-18.pdf

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - Aug 28, 2018

Hockomock Area YMCA hosts 16th annual Foxboro 5K & Family Day

On Sunday, September 23 the Invensys Foxboro Branch of the Hockomock Area YMCA will host its 16th annual Foxboro 5K and Family Day at their 67 Mechanic St. location. Registration begins at 8:00 am. The USTAF certified 5K race begins at 10:00 AM. The route is a flat course through Foxboro, which makes it perfect for all fitness levels. There will be both running and walking divisions, awarding the top 3 finishers in each running division. A Kids Fun Run will begin at 9:00 AM for children ages 4 and above, with each youth getting a finisher prize.

Hockomock Area YMCA hosts 16th annual Foxboro 5K

The cost to participate is $35 per 5K participant and $15 per Kids Fun Run participant. Everyone who signs up will be given a runner bag and bib and the 5K results will be made available from a professional timing company.

The Foxboro 5K and Family Day is a great way for families to support an active lifestyle while giving back to the community. From 9:00 AM until noon, the YMCA will offer family activities that include favorite camp games, a D.J., bouncies, face painting, refreshments, and more. The event is held in loving memory of Linda Cavossa, Michael Baker, and Jackie Thomas. Funds raised will support the Hockomock YMCA’s Reach Out for Youth and Families Campaign to provide anonymous scholarships to families and individuals in our community.

Hockomock Area YMCA hosts 16th annual Foxboro 5K & Family Day

Team LIVESTRONG at the YMCA participants will also raise funds for the Hockomock Y’s 12-week strength and conditioning program for adult cancer survivors deconditioned and fatigued from cancer and/or treatment.

To register for the 5K and Kids Fun Run and to learn more, visit hockymca.org/foxboro-5k. Registrations received by September 16th include a cooling towel; Fun Run participants will receive a cotton T-shirt if registered by the above date.

About Hockomock Area YMCA:

Where Cause Meets Community. At the Hockomock Area YMCA, strengthening community is our cause. The Hockomock Area YMCA is an organization of men, women, and children sharing a commitment to nurture the potential of kids, promote healthy living, and foster a sense of social responsibility.

Our YMCA is committed to partnering and collaborating with others to create and deliver lasting personal and social change in the 15 communities we are privileged to serve. The Hockomock Area YMCA is a not-for-profit charitable cause-driven organization with facilities in North Attleboro, Foxboro, Franklin, and Mansfield. For more information, visit hockymca.org.

Evan Sholudko Named Assumption Men’s Swimming Head Coach

The Franklin radar picks up with bit from Assumption College. Evan was one of the younger swimmers when my daughters were on the swim teams at Hockomock Y/Adirondack.

"Assumption College Director of Athletics Jamie Marcoux is pleased to announce Evan Sholudko as the College’s Blue and White Sports Men’s Swimming Head Coach. Sholudko officially began his duties in August of 2018 and the team will begin competition in the fall of 2019. 

“I’m excited to welcome Evan as head men’s swimming coach at Assumption,” said Marcoux. “He has proven to be an excellent coach in his young career and will lead our men’s program as a part of Blue and White Sports. I look forward to seeing him develop our swimmers in the pool, in the classroom and the community.” 

Sholudko spent the past year as an assistant with the Assumption women’s swimming program. Sholudko was instrumental in helping the Hounds place second at the NE10 Championships for the second consecutive year. The team also won the Gompei Invitational and claimed the Worcester City Championships. 

“I want to thank Director of Athletics Jaime Marcoux and the Assumption Athletic Department for supporting me in my new role as the head men’s swimming coach,” Sholudko said. “I am excited to continue to work with the amazing student-athletes here at Assumption. My goal is to build this program by instilling a positive culture and tradition so that we as a team can compete and make an impact as soon as possible. I expect the men’s swim team to be one that the Assumption community, student-athletes, parents and alumni can be proud of and support.”

Continue reading online 
http://www.assumptiongreyhounds.com/sports/bluewhite/2018-19/releases/sholudko_hire

Evan Sholudko - Assumption College’s Men’s Swimming Head Coach

Franklin Liquors: Class and Wine Club Events in September

Tri-County Adult Education Class - Noble Grape VarietiesSeptember 11th 7 PM

A great introduction to the basics of wine grapes and the six varieties that produce most of the wines that consumers are familiar with.
This is a sit down tasting/education event held in the Franklin Liquors wine room.
We’ll discuss what makes these grapes so special, where you’ll see them grown, and which famous wines you’ll find them in. And of course we’ll taste all six!

Registration Link:  https://bit.ly/2ObIy9d

Franklin Wine Club EventSeptember13th 7pm

Exploring Wines Of Joseph Carr And Josh
Host Adam Cataldo

Please join us for an immersive tasting experience as we weave through the story of Joseph Carr.
We will talk about how Joe discovered his passion for wine; what led him to starting his namesake label from the Napa Valley; and how the wine he made to honor his father, Josh, became one of America’s most beloved Cabernets.
You’ll have the opportunity to taste and discover how the Josh Cellars varietals compare with their Joseph Carr counterparts

Adams Bio
Adam Cataldo is a recovering history major, IT guy, and bartender who has spent the last 8 years in the wine and spirits industry. He can often be found spreading the good word of Josh Cellars throughout South Eastern Massachusetts as its District Manager for Deutsch Family Wine and Spirits, at least when he’s not complaining about the Boston Bruins.

Registration Link:  https://www.meetup.com/Franklin-Wine-Club/events/254096004/

Franklin Liquors: Class and Wine Club Events in September

In the News: flag displays in Milford; school calendar challenges return

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

"Two eye-catching flag displays surfaced downtown on Monday. 

One, in Draper Memorial Park, is a tribute to war veterans, with tall poles bearing American flags stationed at intervals, most including a photo and the name of a military serviceman. 

The other is a sea of 2,000 small pink flags across the street, filling the front lawn of the Milford Police Station. 

The second is an effort by a local organization, Missin’ Matt, Inc., to raise awareness for the opioid epidemic during the week of International Overdose Awareness Day."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180827/what-are-pink-flags-in-downtown-milford

"Margaret Robicheau keeps a calendar on her desk at work to keep track of her 7-year-old’s school schedule. 

She has marked off at least four full days and five half-days for professional development, along with 25 vacation days. And ensuring someone can look after her children each of those days seems impossible. 

“My husband and I cannot possibly take all the time off in addition to the summer-school vacation,” Robicheau said. 

The Plainville mother is not alone."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180827/tradition-prevails-when-it-comes-to-school-calendars-in-massachusetts

The Franklin School District calendar for 2018-2019
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/franklinmaps/files/uploads/18-19_calendar.pdf

Explore the new website for the School District:  https://www.franklinps.net/

The Franklin School District calendar for 2018-2019

Open Auditions for Disney’s Newsies choreographed by Broadway’s Clay Thomson

The Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) is thrilled to announce open auditions for their October production of Disney’s Newsies. This exciting production at THE BLACK BOX will be choreographed by Broadway cast member Clay Thomson. Vocal Auditions will be held Thursday, September 6 at 7 pm. Auditioners are asked to prepare 16 bars in the style of the show. From the Vocal Audition, some will be asked to attend the Invited Dance Call on Saturday, September 8 at 2 pm. 

Auditions will be held at THE BLACK BOX at 15 W. Central St. Franklin, MA 02038. Disney’s Newsies will run October 13-14 and 19-21 at THE BLACK BOX.

Based on the 1992 motion picture and inspired by a true story, Disney's Newsies features a Tony Award-winning score by Alan Menken (Little Shop of Horrors, Sister Act) and Jack Feldman and a book by Tony Award winner Harvey Fierstein (Kinky Boots). It features the now classic songs “Carrying the Banner,” “Seize the Day,” and “Santa Fe.” Disney’s Newsies is packed with non-stop thrills and a timeless message, perfect for the whole family and every audience.

Broadway’s Clay Thomson started out as a competitive gymnast at the age of four, which eventually led him into the performing arts. At age twelve, Clay joined the national tour of Oliver!. He toured the U.S, Canada, and Japan with the Broadway First National Tour of West Side Story as A-rab. He made his Broadway debut in Newsies, playing Spot Conlon. After that, he was cast in the Original Broadway Cast of Matilda The Musical. 

choreographed by Broadway
cast member Clay Thomson

Clay performed in New York City Center Encores' productions of Little Me and The Most Happy Fella. He has also made numerous television appearances, performing on shows such as Dancing with the Stars, The 2013 TONY Awards, The 2012 and 2013 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, The Late Show with David Letterman, The View, Good Morning America, and more. He is featured in the viral YouTube video #CupsTapDance as well as his most recent appearance in The Happy Tap Dance #TAPPY.

For more information about auditions for Disney’s Newsies presented by the Franklin Performing Arts Company, call (508) 528-3370 or visit www.fpaconline.com. You can follow FPAC on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

Franklin Library: Ted Reinstein - Sep 24

Journalist and Author Ted Reinstein is scheduled to speak at the Franklin Public Library on Monday, September 24, 6:30 PM

This was shared from the Franklin Library page
http://franklinpl.blogspot.com/2018/08/journalist-author-ted-reinstein-monday.html

Ted spoke in 2014 at the Library. At the time the enthusiastic group who listened and wanted to buy his book, went across the street to the Ginley Funeral Home parking lot where he sold copies of his book. Maybe the capability to sell books on the Library grounds has changed. It was being talked of during the renovation of the Library. We'll see.

Ted in the center of the Franklin book buyers!

The post in April 2014
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/04/i-bought-my-book-at-ginleys.html

Back to School - School Handbooks

Teachers report today, students grades 1-12 on Tuesday, with Kindergarten on Wednesday.

Back to School - School Handbooks

The school handbook for each school can be found on each school page which actually links to the same place on the District page. 

"The purpose of the School Handbook is to provide students and families with information about the policies and procedures which govern academic and student life at the school. The policies and procedures set forth in the handbook are designed to promote a rigorous, safe and nurturing environment for students that enable the school community to focus on the learning process."

https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-handbooks

Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell Promotes Suits for Success Program

Dedham, MA ~ Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell today reaffirmed the Registry's commitment to supporting the successful Suits for Success program in partnership with Interfaith Social Services of Quincy, Father Bill's & MainSpring of Quincy and the VA Boston Healthcare System, Voluntary Service Program.    "By just looking in your closet or bureau, you can make a world of difference in someone's life," noted O'Donnell. Business appropriate clothing donations received through the Suits for Success program assist these organizations in providing clothes to men and women who are actively seeking employment."    Register O'Donnell further stated, "Men and women who are attempting to re-enter the workforce need to make a good initial impression, whether it's the first day on the job or in an interview. I hope local residents and the business community will consider making a clothing donation to this worthy endeavor." Added Rick Doane, Executive Director of Interfaith Social Services, "The program is truly needed, and it provides a way to help a person break their cycle of hardship."    Business appropriate attire for men and women will be accepted. Suggested donations include suits, dress shirts and ties for men and dresses, pantsuits, blouses, skirts and pants for women. All clothing should be ready for a person to wear, in-style, clean, pressed and on hangers. Since the Registry started the Suits for Success program in February of 2009, it has collected 5,207 pieces of clothing.    To contribute, individuals need to bring their donated clothes to the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, 649 High Street in Dedham between the hours of 9-5, Monday through Friday. If you reside in the Quincy area, you can drop off clothing directly to the Interfaith Social Services office located at 105 Adams Street, Quincy between 8:30 and 3:30 Monday through Friday, and until 7:00 pm on Tuesdays.    Register O'Donnell concluded, "Suits for Success is a program that lets people put their best foot forward. It truly works, and I hope people will continue to contribute to it."    For more information about the Registry of Deeds' Suits for Success program, or to schedule a drop-off time, please contact Alicia Gardner at (781) 461-6104 or by email agardner@norfolkdeeds.org. Please prepare a list of the donated items along with your name and address so that we may provide you with a charitable tax deductible receipt.    To learn more about these and other Registry of Deeds events and initiatives like us at facebook.com/NorfolkDeeds or follow us on twitter.com/NorfolkDeeds and instagram.com/NorfolkDeeds.    The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds is located at 649 High Street in Dedham. The Registry is a resource for homeowners, title examiners, mortgage lenders, municipalities and others with a need for secure, accurate, accessible land record information. All land record research information can be found on the Registry's website www.norfolkdeeds.org. Residents in need of assistance can contact the Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center via telephone at (781) 461-6101, or email us at registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org. Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell Promotes Suits for Success Program Donates More than 5,000 Articles of Clothing Register O'Donnell with Interfaith Social Services Executive Director Rick Doane accepts donated clothes through the Registry's Suits for Success Program to the Career Closet at Interfaith Social Services. Register of Deeds Bill O'Donnell at the VA Boston Healthcare System Jamaica Plain facility delivers clothes donated through the Registry's Suits for Success Program to Mary Peak and Ramona Johnson of the VA Voluntary Service. email: registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org phone: 781-461-6116 web: http://www.norfolkdeeds.org

Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, 649 High Street, Dedham,, MA 02026-1831 Sent by registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org in collaboration with Try it free today

“It’s not surprising that we would get this recognition again”

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

"For years, Franklin has made it onto the list of safest cities in the Unites States. This year, according to SafeWise, it is ranked the 52nd-safest city in the country. 

Population-wise, said police Sgt. Brian Johnson, Franklin is one of the biggest cities on the list, despite its relatively town-like atmosphere. 

The ranking is based on the most recent FBI crime report (https://ucr.fbi.gov/crime-in-the-u.s/2016/crime-in-the-u.s.-2016)."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180826/franklin-makes-list-as-one-of-safest-us-cities

Go direct to the FBI study data
https://ucr.fbi.gov/crime-in-the-u.s/2016/crime-in-the-u.s.-2016/cius-2016

"Safewise is an independent review site. We may earn money when you click on links on our site"  https://www.safewise.com/safest-cities-america

“It’s not surprising that we would get this recognition again”

Support FHS Unified Sports by buying some Franklin gear

Back to school shopping? 

Support FHS Unified Sports and look smashing in a Panthers hoodie or T-shirt

Online store starts Monday 8/27

FHS UNIFIED SPORTS

Welcome to the online store. This online store has been developed to greatly simplify the spirit wear ordering process for you. To get started, just select the appropriate sizes and quantities for the items below.

This store is open for ordering from Aug 27, 2018 12:00 AM EDT to 

Sep 09, 2018 11:59 PM EDT.

All orders are made custom especially for you, we do not accept returns on custom orders.

In case of an inventory stock-out, Tri-Valley reserves the right to substitute products of equal or greater value.

Go to the store  https://trivalley.tuosystems.com/stores/fhs-unified-sports

Want to support a great program and look cool at the same time? This is for you! https://t.co/nwgHS7GWb1

— FHSUnifiedSports (@FranklinUnified) August 22, 2018

FSPA Academy enters third year

The FSPA Academy at the Franklin School for the Performing Arts is now entering its third year and is continuing to grow as a new method of public schooling in Franklin. The FSPA Academy model combines the flexibility of a virtual education with a motivating classroom, supportive learning coaches, and a creative, expectation-driven school environment. 

For career-bound students of the arts, FSPA Academy accommodates professional opportunities, rehearsal, and performance schedules. The Academy partners with TECCA, a virtual Massachusetts Public School. The curriculum is taught by licensed, certified teachers through a combination of Live Lessons and individual assignments.

Monday through Friday, FSPA Academy provides an academic home from 8:30 AM - 1:30 PM with a 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM additional hour option for middle and high schoolers. Students’ schedules are individually tailored to their academic and elective needs and interests. The model allows for distraction-free learning and the benefit of state testing done on site. 

TECCA offers a challenging curriculum with a variety of courses offered at every level through honors and AP with students earning a MA State Diploma. In addition to the academic courses offered by TECCA, FSPA Academy students study music theory and have the option for tutoring in math. Field trips are scheduled to enhance students’ performing arts and cultural interests.

The Academy is guided by a full-time FSPA Administrator and a team of Learning Coaches seeing to the students’ well-being, and academic and arts needs. Theresea Wickstrom, mother of FSPA Academy rising junior Susauna Wickstrom says, “It is a sigh of relief to have a designated space for my daughter. It promotes the importance of school, getting out of the home and it keeps a routine going. She’s coming to a place that’s safe, not just physically, but emotionally.”

Academy students thrive in an atmosphere of kindness, tolerance, and mutual respect. Students work independently but enjoy an easy camaraderie. They also benefit from the larger student body of FSPA and participate in social activities including student productions and the annual Prom.

There is still time to enroll at FSPA Academy. Call 508-528-8668 or email academy@fspaonline.com for more information about this exciting academic alternative.

FSPA Academy enters third year

Franklin Ag Comm Newsletters

In case you missed the Franklin Agricultural Committee Newsletters (I know I did) here is one place to find them all!

"Thank you so much to everyone who took the time to read my newsletters this summer about Franklin farming. In case you missed any of them, here are the links below. Please check them out. I hope you learned something new about the agriculture here in town and get out and support our local farmers! 

Thanks!
Jennifer"

-Franklin Farming:
https://www.smore.com/y8ka3

-Franklin Agricultural Commission:
https://www.smore.com/8d2p5

-Grateful Farm:
https://www.smore.com/cragb

-Franklin Farmers' Market:
https://www.smore.com/br8zg

-Franklin Agway:
https://www.smore.com/spbc4

-Gianetti's U-Pick Blueberries:
https://www.smore.com/v7sdp

-Franklin Honey Company:
https://www.smore.com/16myv

-Hoffmann Farm:
https://www.smore.com/5x2kv

https://www.facebook.com/FrAgComMa

Franklin Library: Claude Bourbon - Sep 11

Medieval and Spanish Blues Guitarist Claude Bourbon plays at the Franklin Public Library on Tuesday, September 11, 6:30 PM

Franklin Library: Claude Bourbon - Sep 11

This was shared from the Franklin Library page
http://franklinpl.blogspot.com/2018/08/medieval-spanish-blues-guitarist-claude.html

For more about Claude and his music, visit his page  http://www.claudebourbon.org/

Franklin Garden Club Offers Many Programs

The Franklin Garden Club will offer an array of educational programs for the 2018-2019 season. The first meeting of the year will be on Tuesday, September 4 at the Franklin Senior Center, 10 Daniel Cahill Street, from 7:00 – 9:00 PM. 

An informal social get-together will take place at from 6:30 – 7:00 PM. The meeting is open to the public, including those interested in becoming a member of the Garden Club.

This year’s programming schedule is: September 4: Kick-off Meeting and Perennial Swap; October 2: Climate Reality, Climate Voices; November 6: “H” is for Daylilies; December 4: Holiday Auction; February 5: Gardening for Butterflies and Other Pollinators; March 5: Hydroponic Gardening; April 2: Creating Spring Tulip Wreaths; May 7: Container Gardening: June 5 – Annual Meeting. The Club engages recognized gardening experts to present the programs.

Three field trips are planned, one to Heritage Gardens in Sandwich, MA in October, the second to the Boston Flower Show in March, and the third to Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens in late spring. 

Club community service activities include planting and maintenance of the Franklin Town Common gardens and the planters at the Franklin Library, sponsorship of an annual scholarship awarded to a high school graduate, distribution of pine tree seedlings in the elementary schools and special projects with other community organizations.

“The Garden Club, founded in 1987, offers members a wonderful opportunity to learn new information and tips from experts and fellow members related to many different aspects of gardening,” noted Janice Cederquist and Susan Childers, co-presidents. “We welcome anyone who is interested to attend the first meeting to learn more about the Club and planned activities.”

The Franklin Garden Club is a member of the Garden Club Federation of Massachusetts.

Franklin Garden Club Offers Many Programs

Save the Date: FPAC Gala 2018 - Oct 6

The Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) presents an evening to celebrate Family, Friendship and The Arts. Hosted by Broadway's Ben Cameron, FPAC's Annual Gala takes place on October 6th at 6 PM at THE BLACK BOX. 

The evening features fine food and drink, live and silent auctions, outstanding entertainment, live music, and dancing. Ben Cameron has appeared on Broadway in Aida and the original casts of Wicked and Footloose. He has toured with Sweet Charity, Fame, Tommy, Footloose, and State Fair and is currently the creator/host of Broadway Sessions at The Laurie Beechman Theater in New York City. 

The evening will also feature performances by FPAC favorites and a sneak preview of FPAC’s production of Disney’s Newsies choreographed by Broadway’s Clay Thomson. Tickets to the Gala fundraiser are $125 per person, with proceeds benefiting initiatives of THE BLACK BOX and FPAC.

Founded in 1991, FPAC brings together professional artists, local performers, and students of the arts in a collaborative and creative environment, with a special focus on youth development and a commitment to live music. 

THE BLACK BOX theater, music, and event venue is a community-oriented cultural facility providing a dynamic outlet for artistic expression, quality entertainment, arts appreciation, and learning.

For more information or to purchase FPAC Gala tickets, call (508) 528-3370 or visit www.FPAConline.com and www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com.

Hosted by Broadway's Ben Cameron, FPAC's Annual Gala
takes place on October 6

"results suggest that alcohol control policies might need to be revised"

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

"If you were thinking of meeting up with friends after work for happy hour, think again. 

A new global study from the British journal The Lancet found that the safest level of drinking was none. 

Zero. Zip. Zilch. Nada. 

The study, published Thursday, analyzed data from the 2016 Global Burden of Disease report to determine levels of alcohol use and its health effects in 195 countries for males and females ages 15 to 49 between 1990 to 2016. Researchers found alcohol use was the leading risk factor for death and disability and accounted for nearly 10 percent of annual global deaths, or about about 2.8 million annually."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/zz/news/20180824/theres-no-safe-level-of-alcohol-consumption-study-finds

The Lancet Study says:

"Alcohol use is a leading risk factor for global disease burden and causes substantial health loss. We found that the risk of all-cause mortality, and of cancers specifically, rises with increasing levels of consumption, and the level of consumption that minimises health loss is zero. These results suggest that alcohol control policies might need to be revised worldwide, refocusing on efforts to lower overall population-level consumption."

Go to the full study directly at The Lancet
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(18)31310-2/fulltext

The study PDF
https://www.thelancet.com/action/showPdf?pii=S0140-6736%2818%2931310-2

The NPR headline reads "No Amount Of Alcohol Is Good For Your Health, Global Study Says"
https://www.npr.org/2018/08/24/641618937/no-amount-of-alcohol-is-good-for-your-health-global-study-claims

While The Atlantic headline reads: "A Daily Drink Is Almost Certainly Not Going to Hurt You"
https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2018/08/there-is-a-safe-level-of-alcohol/568531/

A new global study published in The Lancet says that no amount of alcohol is good for your overall health. (Peter Forest/Getty Images for Starz)