Circle of Friends Coffeehouse: Bettman & Halpin duo - Oct 20

Dynamic, exciting duo from Colorado

Bettman & Halpin Oct 20                           View this email in your browser Bettman & Halpin duo Oct 20 - 8 PM - $20 We are asking you to trust us on this one.  We know that you have probably never heard of this husband-wife duo from Colorado, but here at the Circle of Friends Coffeehouse we only present excellent musicians. Bettman and Halpin are a high energy, crowd pleasing pair who were voted one of the favorite acts at the Falcon Ridge Folk Festival.  Please join us. Jake Multi-award winners Bettman and Halpin have a well-earned reputation for hypnotizing performances filled with irresistible lyrics, transcendent harmonies and roof-raising instrumentals. Their concerts combine high-energy upbeat bluegrass/roots inspired compositions, beautiful ballads with soaring vocals and heartfelt lyrics, and groovy feel-good songs that audiences will be singing in their heads for weeks thereafter. Bettman and Halpin create an authentic connection with their audience. And they have become as known for their storytelling and playful banter as for their engaging whole-hearted songs and instrumental wizardry.  They have been touring as a duo since 2008. https://bettmanandhalpin.com/ "Emotive Joan Baez inspired vocals...head-spinning mandolin and guitar picking...velvety close harmonies." - Music News Nashville The Circle of Friends Coffeehouse is a non-profit organization affiliated with Franklin's First Universalist Society. Concerts are presented in a smoke free and alcohol free environment at the Society's handicapped accessible Meetinghouse, 262 Chestnut St. in Franklin, and begin at 8:00 PM; doors open at 7:30 PM. Beverages and gourmet desserts will be available. Tickets for this shows are $20.  Please call (508)528-2541 or visit http://www.circlefolk.org/ to purchase tickets or for more information. Upcoming Shows Nov 3       Susan Werner with                      Jim Henry and Ruby Nov 17     Eliza Gilkyson Dec 8       The Nields Holiday Show                        and Singalong Jan 5        Joe Crookston Jan 26      Dar Williams

Circle of Friends Coffeehouse · First Universalist Society · 262 Chestnut St · Franklin, MA 02038 · USA

Reminder: New Hampshire Fall Foliage Day Trip - Oct 20

Lifelong Community Learning is offering a day-long fall foliage trip to New Hampshire on Saturday, October 20. The motor coach will leave Franklin High School parking lot at 9:30 AM and return at 6:00 PM. The trip will include commentary and a buffet lunch. The cost is $105 for adults and $65 for a child.

Travel the country roads of New Hampshire for Mother Nature’s annual autumn show! Experience the gently rolling New England countryside, awash with the colors of Indian summer. Travel past quiet ponds, historic farms, weathered roadside taverns, and sturdy colonial churches overlooking quaint village greens.

Woodbound Inn - Fall Foliage Day Trip - Oct 20

You’ll also stretch your legs for a picture stop at an old fashioned covered bridge before making your way to the Woodbound Inn for a buffet lunch. Continuing on through some of the loveliest displays of foliage in the world, the last stop of the day will be at a local farm stand for baked treats, apples, and complimentary cider. So come along and don’t forget your camera!

Visit www.FranklinLifelongLearning.com to register. You may also call Lifelong Community Learning at 508-613-1480 for more information.

Lifelong Community Learning is a program of the Franklin Public Schools Lifelong Learning Institute, dedicated to providing quality learning experiences for residents in the Town of Franklin and surrounding communities.


The direct link to register is
https://reg.abcsignup.com/reg/event_page.aspx?ek=0079-0003-d8f7699db3644c2fa4e26a728f5e415b

Reminder: New Hampshire Fall Foliage Day Trip - Oct 20

In the News: walkway foundation set; Ross not responding to debate offer

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

"The Veterans’ Memorial Walkway is starting to take shape on the Town Common, a month after a ceremonial groundbreaking was held at the spot of the planned path. 

This week, Department of Public Works workers have been clearing and putting down a foundation of stones in the newly designed path in front of the current veterans memorial. 

The path is now cleared and ready for the granite curbing. Crews will place the curbing this weekend. Workers will place granite slabs along the path as well as the granite dividers along the walkway, between the dedicated bricks. 

An official dedication ceremony will take place once the pathway is complete, scheduled for Veterans Day (Nov. 11), but applications to buy more bricks will stay open for years to come."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required) 
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20181010/foundation-cleared-for-franklin-veterans-path

foundation set for the Veterans Walkway on the Town Common

"State Sen. Richard Ross is apparently not interested in debating his Democratic challenger before the Nov. 6 general election. 

Ross, a Republican from Wrentham, “has refused the offer” to participate in a face-to-face candidates forum with Democrat challenger Becca Rausch of Needham, according to an email from the presidents of three local League of Women Voters chapters sent to the campaigns. 

Ross did not respond to two emails and five phone calls requesting his attendance at a candidates forum to be cablecast on the Wayland public access station, according to the Monday email from LWV presidents in Wayland, Wellesley and Needham. A four-term incumbent, Ross has represented the Norfolk, Bristol and Middlesex District since winning a special election in May 2010."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required) 
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20181010/republican-richard-ross-of-wrentham-wont-debate-challenger-becca-rausch-of-needham

FTC Alert: It’s National Cybersecurity Awareness Month

It's National Cybersecurity Awareness Month by Ari Lazarus Consumer Education Specialist, FTC October is spooky enough with its ghouls and goblins. National Cybersecurity Awareness Month is here to remind us how to stay safe and secure from real (and maybe even scarier) threats – malware and scammers. Read more  https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2018/10/its-national-cybersecurity-awareness-month?utm_source=govdelivery This is a free service provided by the Federal Trade Commission.

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Franklin Residents: Job Opportunities with Police, Fire, DPW, and Library

• Town Electrician 
• Police Patrol Officer - candidates must be graduates of the Full-time Basic Massachusetts Police Training Committee (MPTC) Academy or equivalent
• Part-Time Custodian 
• Substitute Library Assistants - we are looking for substitutes to work Sundays from 1:30 to 5:00 
• Firefighter/Paramedics - The Town of Franklin's Fire Department is in the Massachusetts Civil Service system. 
  • If you are currently a Firefighter/Paramedic in a Civil Service community and are interested in working for Franklin, send a resume and cover letter to apply@franklinma.gov. 
  • Please note: new hires must have and maintain a paramedic certification and complete an Associate's Degree within 5 years of the date they are hired.   

To apply for a vacant position, please submit a resume and cover letter to apply@franklinma.gov.  Please put the job title in the subject line of your email.  

If you do not have a resume, you may send a completed Application for Employment instead.

http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/application_for_employment_-_town_of_franklin.pdf

Franklin Residents: Job Opportunities with Police, Fire, DPW, and Library

Live reporting: to Closing

11. TOWN ADMINISTRATORS REPORT Detective Zimmerman in Master program much appreciated
12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS none
13. COUNCIL COMMENTS Pellegri - lost 2 lovely ladies both former election workers looking for the younger ones to step forward Nutting four vacancies in Fire Dept but civil service list doesn't come out until Dec so the fulfillment likely wont' happen until March Harvest Festival on Saturday Jones - FEF fund raiser with Harlem Wizards - Nov 16 tickets are on sale Dellorco - shout out to M Belloti Kelly - 11 - 4 PM downtown Harvest Festival
14. EXECUTIVE SESSION	None Scheduled
15. ADJOURN motion to adjourn, seconded, passed via roll call 9-0

Live Reporting: Subcommittee Reports - Legislation for Action

9. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS	a. Capital Budget Subcommittee $80K added to funds to get $250K for project to be completed next year b. Budget Subcommittee no report c. Economic Development Subcommittee some things moved to Chair for future agenda
10. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
10a. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION	Resolution 18-56: Establishment of a Town Administrator Search Committee (Motion to Approve Resolution 18-56 - Majority Vote (5)) J Nutting to retire on or before, June 30 TC looking to have 4 councilors on committee Mercer, Hamblen, Pellegri, Kelly looking for applications soon (posting in Nov) biggest appointment the Council  anyone who applies is not a public record final three recommendations with info on candidates motion to approve, seconded, passed 9-0 via roll call
10b. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION	Resolution 18-57: Authorization for Inter-municipal Agreement with Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School for Franklin to Provide it with School Resource Officer (Motion to Approve Resolution 18-57- Majority Vote (5)) Jones to recuse himself, Pellegri to be clerk pro-temp motion to approve, seconded, passed 8-0 via roll call (Jones recused) approval here, approval by Tri-County next week, and then looking for funds to approve to begin in Jan 2019 we get an extra body on the streets with half coverage from Tri-County

Live reporting: Town Council - Oct 10, 2018

Present: Hamblen, Casey, Dellorco, Mercer, Kelly, Jones, Padula, Pellegri, Earls (via remote phone call)

Absent: none

Agenda Item	Summary
Town Council Meeting Agenda	Meeting of October 10, 2018 - 7:00 PM
1. ANNOUNCEMENTS	a. This meeting is being recorder by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast Channel 11 and Verizon Channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by others. State election Nov 6 - no school that day 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM reserved spots for voters at FHS absentee voting open until Nov 5th absentee ballot available via website or email (via form request) starting Oct 22 early voting starts during normal business hours except for Saturday, Oct 27 8:00 AM to noon
2. CITIZENS COMMENTS	a. Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to five minutes on a matter that is not on the agenda.  The Council will not engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments.  The Town Council will give remarks appropriate consideration and may ask the Town Administrator to review the matter.
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
4. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
5. APPOINTMENTS
6. HEARINGS
7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
8. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS	Public Works  - Pavement Management Program

http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/early_voting_hours_1.pdf

Franklin Pavement Management Presentation from Franklin Matters

Tony Gara, Beta engineering
Mike Maglio, Town Engineer

"goal to maximize the value and life of the pavement network"

crack sealing keeps the water out, prevent potholes
mill and fill

rubber chip seal (Forest St, and others)
used to be stone chip seal, now using rubber

microsurface, used on Prospect St

overlay, a layer of asphalt on top of existing road

hot in place recycling, very effective used on Washington St down to Bellingham
has been holding up very well (a very busy road with truck traffic)

Mill and overlay, use don Pond St

Reclaim and pave, most expensive option

RSR overall is 74
161 miles of accepted roads
the RSR previously was higher, override for roads were planned but did not pass

estimated backlog is approx $40M

Town has 26 parking lots and almost 2600 parking spaces, all require paving and maintenance
(this does not count the parking spaces along the roads)

road data to be posted online

narrowing the road is the best way to calm the traffic (i.e. as done on Lincoln and Oak St)

building inspector deals with the overgrown bushes and trees hanging in public ways/sidewalks

5 chip seal
10 overlay
10-15 hot in place

last analysis was done 6 years ago

road plans coordinated with water main replacements to do as much as possible at once effectively

The Classic Stones Live at Franklin High Auditorium - Nov 2

If you enjoyed Beatlemania last year than this is for you. This eight piece band is The Look, The Sound and The Show of the true Rolling Stones experience.

Tickets at Shaw's Markets or www.purplepass.com and Search for "Classic Stones Live"

Info at 413-341-7410

Classic Stones Live

When using purplepass, go direct to

https://www.purplepass.com/#172959/Music_Department-Classic_Stones_Live_Featuring_The_Glimmer_Twins-Franklin_High_School_Auditorium-November-02-2018.html

In the News: Franklin kids up for TV appearance; i495-i90 interchange planning underway

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

"Being an American Ninja Warrior doesn’t always mean hulking muscles and decades of training - sometimes all it takes is the fearlessness of a child. 

Franklin siblings Zack and Penny Keenan will soon be featured as part of the inaugural American Ninja Warrior Junior competition. 

The premiere of American Ninja Warriors Jr. will be aired on Saturday at 7 p.m. on the NBC channel Universal Kids. It’s not guaranteed that the Keenan siblings will be on that first show, but they will be featured at some point during the debut season. 

“They each have unique stories,” said their father, Tim Keenan, who owns Strive Ninja Fitness in Franklin. “Penny is almost 10 years old, and her whole life she’s been in the zero-growth percentile.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required) 
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20181008/franklin-siblings-make-debut-season-of-american-ninja-warriors-junior

Strive Ninja Fitness in Franklin (Strive Ninja photo)

"State officials are working to narrow down four designs to rebuild the Interstate 495-Mass Pike interchange, which becomes a traffic chokepoint in the region at rush hour, weekends and during the height of the summer tourism season. 

Nearly a dozen Hopkinton residents and business officials saw the conceptual plans during a meeting at the Marathon Elementary School Tuesday night. Similar meetings will take place in Worcester, Bolton and Milford for the project that started picking up steam in 2013. 

The price tag is expected to be $296 million to $413 million, depending on which option is selected. A 25 percent design public hearing is expected in 2020. 

The interchange is known for significant traffic congestion during peak hours, weekends and summertime and has a high crash rate. Approximately 75,000 cars go through the interchange daily. The project is designed to improve traffic and reduce the impact on wetlands, according to the presentation."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required) 
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20181009/three-49590-interchange-designs-rise-to-top

The next information session is scheduled for Oct 11 in Worcester. Details for the meeting and additional documents for the project can be found online
https://www.mass.gov/i-495i-90-interchange-improvements

Check out the interactive map for the i495-i90 project
http://wikimapping.com/wikimap/I495I90.html

the interactive map for the i495-i90 project

All victories for FHS sports teams: field hockey, volleyball, both cross country teams, and golf

Via HockomockSports we share the results of the FHS fall sports action on Tuesday, Oct 9, 2018


Field Hockey = Franklin, 7 @ Sharon, 0 – Final
– Franklin raced out to a 4-0 lead at halftime and never looked back in a win against Sharon. Cassi Ronan and Stephanie Bell each scored a pair of goals to pace the Panthers’ offense, Amanda Lewandowski and Victoria Quinn each had a goal and an assist in the win, and Olivia Rondeau (first career goal) and Katie O’Rourke (assist) each had one point apiece.

Volleyball = Franklin, 3 @ Sharon, 0 – Final

Boys Cross Country = Franklin, 23 @ Oliver Ames, 33 – Final

Girls Cross Country = Franklin, 25 @ Oliver Ames, 34 – Final
– Oliver Ames had the top two runners cross the finish line but Franklin had the next five, resulting in a close win over the Tigers. OA’s Meghan Reardon and Catherine O’Donnell crossed together but Franklin’s Julia Fenerty, Sydney Hawkins, and Kat Walbert all crossed within a minute, and Sarah Giulino and Julia DiGiacomo came across less than a minute later to help secure the win for the Panthers.

Top 10: 1. Meghan Reardon (OA, 20:51) 2. Catherine O’Donnell (OA, 20:51) 3. Julia Fenerty (Frank, 21:12) 4. Sydney Hawkins (Frank, 21:20) 5. Kat Walbert (Frank, 21:40) 6. Sarah Giuliano (Frank, 22:27) 7. Julia DiGiacomo (Frank, 22:28) 8. Julia Sarro (OA, 22:29) 9. Brandi Osborne (Frank, 22:48) 10. Erin Barry (Frank, 22:50).

Golf = Foxboro, 177 @ Franklin, 166 – Final
– Franklin’s Matt D’Errico earned match medalist honors after shooting a 40. Jack Paterson (41), Jake Blaney (42), and Gerard Collins (43) all scored for the Panthers while junior Matt Lathrop led the Warriors with a 41.


For other results around the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/tuesdays-schedule-scoreboard-10-09-18/

FHS Panthers

MOMS Club: Preschool Fair - Nov 14

Wednesday, November 14 

Franklin Public Library 
5:30-7:30 PM

Come meet and make connections with several local preschools and child care providers. This is a FREE community event hosted by the MOMS Club of Franklin.




For about the MOMS Club connect with them via Meetup
https://www.meetup.com/MOMS-Club-of-Franklin/

MOMS Club: Preschool Fair - Nov 14

In the News: Harvest Festival expected to draw crowd; downtown art work displays increase

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

"The pumpkins are growing and the apples are ripe - it’s almost time for Franklin’s 16th annual Harvest Festival. 

The festival will take place on Main Street in this Saturday, with a rain date of Sunday. 

Attracting about 7,000 people, the festival has been Franklin’s biggest annual event for the past few years. With about 160 vendors, from crafters to restaurants and various other downtown business open for visitors, it’s easy to get acquainted with the locals that create the community, said Lisa Piana, chairperson of the Franklin Downtown Partnership. 

The event is combined with Dean Bank’s ‘Dancing on Dean,’ which was created as a collaboration with the Downtown Partnership. Dean Bank has organized to shut down Dean Street in conjunction with the main event."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required) 
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20181009/franklin-large-crowd-expected-for-harvest-festival

Harvest Festival display at the Downtown Partnership office

"Downtown is vibrant and culturally adept, but there are still some dark spots. 

The alleys and offshoots are still bleak, but soon, according to Franklin Downtown Partnership chairwoman Lisa Piana, these seemingly sparse areas will be filled with local artwork. 

On Tuesday, local artist Anthony George stood in the alley next to Rockland Trust Bank, using sealer to lock his newest addition to the downtown art scene into place. 

A recent effort by the Downtown Partnership has employed multiple local artists to create murals to cover certain parts of the town’s less palatable spaces. The project has picked up in the past months, but is expected to be at full steam next spring."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required) 
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20181009/franklins-alleyways-get-makeover-with-artwork

the mural at Simon's is getting refreshed

Franklin Art Association: "Artfully Autumn" Fall Show and Reception

The Franklin Art Association is proud to present “Artfully Autumn,” a fine art painting and photography exhibit on display through October 27, 2018 at the Norfolk Library, 139 Main St. Norfolk, during library hours.

A cheese and cider reception will be held on Saturday, October 27, from 4 PM to 7 PM. Admission is free.

The FAA’s Fall Show includes works in oil, acrylic, water media, photography, pastel, and mixed media. In addition to the exhibited works, small works and unframed art will be available for purchase.

The exhibit is juried and there will be first, second, third and honorable mention ribbons awarded in each category. In addition, there will be a Best of Show award and attendees may vote for a “People’s Choice” award.

For more information about the FAA, go to www.franklinart.org

Franklin Art Association: "Artfully Autumn" Fall Show and Reception

Representative Jeff Roy - What's happening in the District? - October 2018

"I was pleased to be named to the Harm Reduction Commission by House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo and Rep. Denise Garlick, Chair of the Committee on Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery. The commission was included as part of Chapter 208 of the Acts of 2018, legislation which addresses prevention and access to appropriate care and treatment of addiction. The commission will review and make recommendations regarding harm reduction opportunities to address substance use disorder. 

In making the appointment, Speaker DeLeo said: “Representative Roy is an innovative and thoughtful legislator with demonstrated, in-depth knowledge of both healthcare and the law. We’re proud that he was named to this commission as he will bring value to its work. He has been a steadfast supporter of the recovery community and has focused on combatting the opioid crisis and improving our healthcare system to best meet the needs of patients. We appreciate his dedication and service to our Commonwealth.” 

Chair Garlick noted: "Representative Roy is a member of the Joint Committee on Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery and has been a dedicated, compassionate advocate for his district and a leader with experience and insight through the enactment of the opioid bill. Representative Roy is committed to helping individuals who are suffering, families who are struggling and communities straining to meet the many needs of people of all ages dealing with the issues of addiction. I believe his perspective will be invaluable to the people of his district and to the Commission’s work.” 

I am excited to join the commission and continue working toward the goal of helping those with substance use disorders find a pathway to recovery. The findings from the commission’s report will be important in addressing this issue at the local and state level and will provide meaningful opportunities for our residents who are struggling with addiction." 

Representative Jeffrey Roy

Read the full newsletter online here
https://mailchi.mp/2cc6e2157d3f/whats-happening-in-the-district-july-newsletter-1467389

Representative Jeff Roy - What's happening in the District? - October 2018

In the News: first governor campaign debate

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

"Massachusetts Republican Gov. Charlie Baker and his Democratic challenger, Jay Gonzalez, sparred on everything from public transportation and taxes to abortion rights and criminal justice as they squared off for their first debate before next month’s election. 

Gonzalez faulted Baker for not being ambitious enough when it comes to upgrading the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority. He called the public transit system one of the worst in the country, saying people cannot depend on it to get to work. 

“I’m surprised riders haven’t revolted,” he said. “They are done with this system that they can’t rely on.” 

Gonzalez also said he would fire Keolis which operates the commuter rail system."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required) 
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20181009/first-governors-debate-covers-mbta-criminal-justice

Governor Baker official state page  https://www.mass.gov/orgs/office-of-the-governor

Campaign page   https://www.charliebakerma.com/

Jay Gonzalez campaign page  https://jay4ma.com/

Election Information for Nov 2018

Two Encore Students Awarded National Gold Medals in Music

Claire Bauer, age 15 of Franklin, and Maura Johnston, age 16 of Norfolk, are both students of voice at Encore Music Academy and Recording Studios. Each young woman has recently been awarded the National Gold Medal of Excellence for 2018 by the Royal Conservatory of Music: Bauer for Level 6 Voice, and Johnston for Level 2 Voice. The Royal Conservatory of Music awards the National Gold Medal of Excellence to the student who has achieved the highest score in the country within their specific skill level for each instrument. For the assessments, students are graded on proficiency in the following areas: Performance; technical requirements; aural skills; rhythm; and, sight-reading ability.

Johnston, who has been studying voice for three years and piano for one year under the expert guidance of Rebecca Abalutzk, also performs and records albums with the recording ensemble, The Encore EnHarmonix. Abalutzk had this to say about Johnston's tremendous achievement: "I am both extremely proud and fortunate to work with such a driven young woman. She is the type of student who reminds me why I became a teacher in the first place".

Claire Bauer, under the guidance of her vocal instructor, Lisa Ostrow, (who has guided students to national gold medals three times previously), began her studies in voice using the curriculum of the RCM right from the start. Upon hearing of her award, Bauer mused, "Well, I think getting this award has a lot to do with the person who drives me everywhere," and then she gave her mom the biggest smile ever. Says Ostrow, "Students like Claire are every teacher's dream. They challenge us to be the very best that we can be, so that they can reach their full potential."

Two Encore Students Awarded National Gold Medals in Music

A number of students from Encore Music Academy and Recording Studios, located in Franklin and Millis, participate in the Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM) assessment sessions each year. The RCM assessment process represents an extremely exciting opportunity for students, on a national level, to demonstrate the skills that they have honed through practice. Locally, assessments are held at Encore Music Academy and Recording Studios, which is a Founding School and a regional assessment center for this internationally-acclaimed program. Student participants come from all around the New England area to take the assessments, while adjudicators travel from all across Canada in order to administer the exams. Not only do the adjudicators judge students based on ability to perform on the instrument of their choice within their skill level, but they also administer academic assessments in music theory, harmony, history, and analysis.

The Royal Conservatory of Music provides a recognized national standard of success in music study from beginner to advanced levels. It inspires excellence through individual student assessments that are central to the Program, while also supporting teachers with high-quality and innovative resources. The RCM allows students to measure and celebrate accomplishment and track their progress throughout the country. All students and teachers across the United States are invited to participate, and Encore Music Academy and Recording Studios is proud to be able to offer these opportunities at the school and through outreach to the surrounding communities.

Ostrow, Vocal Director and co-owner of Encore Music Academy and Recording Studios, had this to say:

"The accomplishments of both of these young women is simply extraordinary. Having scored higher than any other student in the country on their respective vocal assessments, a National Gold Medal is a true testament to the dedication each brings to her music studies, the level of support each receives from her family, her innate talent, and her tremendous desire to achieve. And, best of all, Claire and Maura are an absolute joy to work with - fun and funny, talented, and incredibly sweet. We are very proud of both of them, as we are of all our students."

An added bonus to this remarkable achievement is that both Johnston and Bauer will be heading to Carnegie Hall in February to perform, as a result of having each won her National Gold Medal. 

To learn more about Encore Music Academy and Recording Studios and the Royal Conservatory of Music program, please visit: www.encoremusicacademy.net