Breakfast with Santa - Dec 13

Join the Hockomock Area YMCA for a fun and festive holiday event, ‘Breakfast with Santa’ on December 13, 2014. Breakfast seatings are set for 9:00am and 10:00am at the North Attleboro Branch (300 Elmwood Street) and Bernon Family Branch (45 Forge Hill Road, Franklin); and 8:30am, 9:30am and 10:30am at the Invensys Foxboro Branch (67 Mechanic Street). Register today to reserve your spot at any the member service desk as spots fill up quick!

Hockomock YMCA

Family and friends are welcome to join us for a delicious pancake breakfast and a chance to meet Santa Claus! Y members and the entire community are invited to attend this event at $5 for members and $8 for non-members, children under 1 free. Registration is required for anyone eating breakfast.

Santa will visit each breakfast and share a story with the children. Children will also enjoy making holiday crafts and having their picture taken with Santa Claus. Do not forget to bring your camera!

For more information, please contact the YMCA Member Services Team at the North Attleboro branch at 508-695-7001, the Invensys Foxboro Branch at 508-543-2523 and the Bernon Family Branch at 508-528-8708. We hope to see you there.

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA Area: FRI 12/5/14 - THU 12/11/14

FRI 12/5   4-9pm   Polar Express Pajama Party at Barnes and Noble in Bellingham
FRI 12/5   6:30pm   Art Night Uncorked at Franklin Art Center

SAT 12/6   8-11am   Annual Pack 126 All You Can Eat Pancake Breakfast with Santa, raffle at Elks Lodge Franklin
SAT 12/6   12-6pm   Holiday Happenings at Bellingham Shopping Plazas
SAT 12/6   2-6pm   Holiday Open House and Craft Fair at Destination Dog Franklin
SAT 12/6   7:30pm   The Nutcracker at The Black Box
SAT 12/6   8pm   Charlie Brown Christmas by Heather Pierson Quartet at Circle of Friends Coffeehouse at FUSF

SUN 12/7   12-6pm   Holiday Happenings at Bellingham Shopping Plazas.
SUN 12/7   2pm   The Nutcracker at The Black Box
SUN 12/7   2:30pm   Winter Music Festival with Jamie Barrett at Franklin Public Library
SUN 12/7   4-6pm   Charles River Chorale Performing at Old Navy in Bellingham

TUE 12/9   7:30pm   Franklin and Bellingham Rail Trail Committee Public Meeting at the Franklin YMCA

For all the Town of Franklin Public Meetings click HERE.

For event details click HERE.

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

FPAC’s The Nutcracker To Feature Boston Ballet Soloists, Professional Orchestra And 125 Area Dancers

The Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) proudly presents The Nutcracker, bringing Boston ballet stars, world-class musicians and 125 area dancers to one suburban stage. A popular holiday tradition for more than 20 years, The Nutcracker remains a highly anticipated and treasured part of the FPAC season. Set to Tchaikovsky’s beloved score, the timeless ballet delights the imaginations of audiences young and old with festive magic and colorful splendor. FPAC will present The Nutcracker on Saturday, December 6 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, December 7 at 2 p.m. at the Thomas D. Mercer Auditorium, 224 Oak Street, in Franklin.

Dalay Parrondo

FPAC’s magical journey of The Nutcracker features a professional orchestra under the direction of Peter Cokkinias, who celebrates his 11th year as music director/conductor of FPAC’s Nutcracker orchestra. A choir will sing the ethereal choral parts that accompany the enchanting Snow Scene that closes the ballet’s first act.

FPAC’s The Nutcracker is choreographed and directed by Cheryl Madeux, who formerly danced with the Joffrey Ballet, Hartford Ballet and American Ballet Theatre companies. Special guest artists Dalay Parrondo and Bradley Schlagheck, Boston Ballet soloists, will dance the roles of the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier. Dr. Drosselmeyer will be played by Aaron Andrade of Lincoln, Rhode Island. Andrew Holmes, of NYC, returns to the FPAC stage to dance the parts of the Nutcracker and Candy Cane Soloist.

FPAC 2013 Nutcracker

FPAC’s production also showcases the talents of scores of area students, ages 6 and older, from many regional communities and local dance schools. Performers cast in featured roles include Mairead Nee of Walpole as Clara; Sam Evans of Medfield as Fritz; Shaina McGillis of Franklin as Dew Drop Fairy and Mouse Queen; Noura Sander of Easton as Snow Queen (Saturday) and Arabian Soloist (Sunday); Kendra Dombroski of Franklin as Snow Queen (Sunday) and Arabian Soloist (Saturday); Sarah Radford of Wrentham as Kissy Doll and Spanish Soloist; Jared Brouillette of Holliston as Harlequin and Chinese Soloist; Elizabeth Kilgallon of Medway as Soldier Doll and Candy Cane Soloist (Sunday); Phoebe Dias of Norfolk as Soldier Doll; Lauren Szczepanowski of Franklin as Candy Cane Soloist (Saturday); Mikaela Guidice of Norfolk as Marzipan Soloist; and Medway’s Alli Tomsik and Haley Desjarlais as Marzipan Soloists.

Founded in 1991, the nonprofit FPAC supports educational arts experiences, quality entertainment and outstanding performance opportunities for professional artists, community performers and students of the arts. With a focus on youth development and a commitment to live music, FPAC productions draw performers and audiences from more than 100 communities throughout the region. Big Y and Waters Corporation are 2014 FPAC Holiday Performance Sponsors. For tickets to The Nutcracker and more information, visit www.fpaconline.com or call (508) 528-3370.

Good steps on funding and voting for the Chair doesn't really matter

The Town Council meeting on Wednesday was dominated by the presentation on the Franklin TV cable operations. The new studio is almost complete and they are broadcasting from the facility now. The residents of Franklin have already seen an increase in locally produced programs and can expect to see more. The presentation document can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/12/live-reporting-franklin-tv.html

Tucked away in the 'normal' business was the approval of a new manager for the liquor license at Joe's American Bar and Grill on King St.  Of more importance were a couple of resolutions that will positively affect the local fees and taxes Franklin residents pay.

Franklin TV studio on Hutchenson St

The first is that there is a restructuring of the solid waste disposal contract which includes a reduction in the tipping fees. This reduction which is in keeping with current market conditions is expected to allow the trash rates not to increase for a couple of years. The tipping fee is the amount the town is required to pay to dump the trash picked up.

The second is the creation of a trust fund to help manage the funds being put aside to cover the OPEB liability. OPEB is Other Post Employment Benefits and the current outstanding unfunded liability for Franklin is estimated to be about $89 million. 

We are not alone in this issue. There are perhaps one or two communities across the state that have fully funded their liability, Earlier this year, we shared here what Needham is doing to help fund their liability.  The article gets into more details and is a good background of the problem and potential solution.  http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/06/best-practice-how-is-needham-addressing.html

The creation of the trust will allow for the investment of the fund being put aside to bring a greater return which will then help us more. We'll see this on a future agenda as there will be a call for interest in two citizens to be named to the trust fund. We'll also see the transaction to move the money from the current fund stabilization account to the trust fund.

One minor matter that occurred with the approval of the prior meeting minutes is the the Council has not bothered to correct the problem of not officially voting for its chairperson. As reported from the Nov 19th meeting, the Council accepted nominations for the Chair and voted to close the nominations. It got interrupted by another nomination and when putting that aside, turned to accept nominations for the Vice Chair. It never actually voted on the Chair position nomination itself. 

I had listened to my recording to confirm this. This was also confirmed by the minutes of the meeting that Council approved without amendment on Wednesday. So while some folks think the Council Chair matters, apparently getting officially voted in for it, doesn't matter.

The full set of notes recorded during the meeting can be found here:

• Live reporting: Legislation and closing

• Live reporting: Franklin TV

• Live reporting: Town Council - Dec 3, 2014

• 
  

From the minutes of the Nov 19th meeting:

ELECTION OF OFFICERS: MOTION by Pfeffer to nominate Bob Vallee to serve as Chairman of the Council. SECOND by Kelly. Close nominations. Vote Unanimous. MOTION by Bissanti to nominate Matt Kelly to serve as Vice Chairman of the Council. Close nominations. Vote for Vice Chair. Unanimous. MOTION by Padula to nominate Judy Pond Pfeffer to serve as Clerk of the Town Council. SECOND By Kelly all those who seek to close the nomination say Aye. AYE – Unanimous. MOTION to approve Judy Pfeffer as Clerk. Unanimous

The should be two votes on each nomination. One close the nominations and then one on the nomination itself. There are two recorded for the Vice Chair and Clerk, only one for the Chair.

Destination Dog Holiday Open House/Craft Fair

From 2:00 Pm to 6:00 pm on Saturday, Dec 6 there will be a Holiday Open House/Craft Fair at Destination Dog.

Additional information can be found in this 'flyer'

Holiday Open House and Craft Fair

For additional information on Destination Dog, you can visit their webpage
http://www.destinationdogfranklin.com/

In the News: special election, Franklin TV

Although only one candidate will appear on the ballot, the town must still hold a special election on Tuesday, Dec. 16, to fill the open council seat. 

The seat has sat vacant since a councilor's surprise resignation during the first meeting of October. 

And state law mandates that the town hold an election to fill the vacancy even with the absence of a contested race. Not surprisingly, Town Clerk Deborah Pellegri does not expect a large turnout. 

Polls will be open at the high school, 218 Oak St., from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Absentee ballots are available at the town clerk’s office in the Municipal Building, 355 East Central St. until noon on Dec. 15.

Continue reading the article in the Milford Daily News here (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20141205/NEWS/141208054/1994/NEWS

Franklin TV has begun broadcasting from its new Hutchinson Street studio, a larger space where it plans to produce more programs and add a second outlet for local news and sports: radio. 

The 3,500-square-foot building at 23 Hutchinson St., more than five times the size of the cable company's Depot Street studio, includes the addition of a community meeting space for other nonprofits and a kitchen to host cooking shows. 

Since 2011, the number of locally produced shows on Franklin TV's airwaves has more than doubled. As of last year, the station produced 423 such programs.

Continue reading the article in the Milford Daily News here (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20141205/NEWS/141208045/1994/NEWS

Holiday Stroll - Updated Activity and Musical Performance Listing

Artistry Kitchen: Visit us at 14 East Central Street

Cake Bar: Kids make snowman cupcakes.  Musical performances throughout the evening featuring Franklin Public School student show groups.

Dean Bank: Gingerbread cookie decorating

Dean College: 4:00pm tree lighting, caroling and hot chocolate

Drama Kids: Holiday crafts for kids at Depot Plaza

Eco-Embrace: Earrings, tunics, leggings for $5 with any purchase.  Free 15 minute Reiki session coupon

Emma’s Quilt Cupboard: Stop in to visit and listen to WMRC 1490 AM live remote broadcast

Enchanted Memories: Travel bags and giveaway items

Franklin Fire Department: Climb aboard a real fire truck

“12 Days of Donating” drop off locations:Franklin Food Pantry: 
Franklin Food Elves’ donation drive for

Auerr, Zajack & Associates ~ British Beer Company ~ Digital Federal

Credit Union ~ Dean Bank ~ Dean College ~ Drama Kids ~ Emma’s

Quilt Cupboard ~ Franklin Downtown Partnership ~ Jane’s Frames

Keefe Insurance Agency ~ Murphy Business Solutions and Poor Richard’s Wine & Spirits

RE/MAX Executive Realty ~ Yellin & Hyman, P.C.

Holiday Stroll

Franklin Ford: Car on display at Simon’s Furniture Parking Lot

Franklin Girl Scouts of Eastern MA: Come by Rockland Trust to create a craft

Franklin Historical Museum:  Hot chocolate and candy canes. Make paper ornament and visit with Mrs. Claus

Franklin Martial Arts: Karate demonstrations and information in front of Dean Bank

Franklin Public Schools Musical performances at the Cake Bar

Fred Astaire Dance Studio: Dance show and tutorial at Depot Plaza

Jane’s Frames: Poor Richard’s Wine & Spirits will offer beverage samples; Printsmart Office Products will offer holiday ornaments to raise money for Children’s Hospital; 6-7:00pm Jamie Barrett performs

Leaf Filter: Find us at Depot Plaza for a free estimate and gutter demonstration

Liberty Tax Service: Hot chocolate, job fair open house for Tax School/Marketers & Waiver positions

Making Whoopie: Whoopie pie sale at the Black Box!

NEWPRO: Find us at Depot Plaza to enter our Great Homeowners Makeover, your chance to win $20,000 in Home Renovations plus $5,000 CASH (drawn in January)

Next Step Living: Find us at Depot Plaza for holiday themed family activity and no cost energy assessments

Pour Richard’s Wine & Spirits:  Mulled and regular cider & refreshments at Jane’s Frames

Printsmart Office Products: Visit us at Jane’s Frames for free holiday ornaments to raise money for Children’s Hospital

Rick’s: Enjoy one complementary cup of Rick’s award-winning clam chowder or one regular size dish of our premium ice cream with the purchase of an adult meal during the Stroll

Rockland Trust: Arts & Crafts with Franklin Girl Scouts; Live musical performance

Shaw’s Supermarket: Visit us outside Rockland Trust. Buy or decorate a holiday wreath

Simon’s Furniture: Come meet Santa.  Franklin Ford car display at our parking lot

Tranquil Souls Yoga: Hot chocolate & holiday treats. Special holiday package to new students ($40 unlimited yoga for 30 days) and 20% off all retail items

WMRC 1490 AM Radio: Live remote broadcast from Emma’s Quilt and giveaway to Smuggler’s Notch

YMCA: Kids physical fitness/sports area – Rockland Trust Parking Lot

Music and Live Performances

Carolers                                    3:45pm                           Dean College/Tree Lighting

Alexa Katsaros                         4:30-7:00pm                    Rockland Trust

WMRC Radio                          4:30-7:00pm                    Emma’s Quilt

Jamie Barrett                           6:00-7:00pm                    Jane’s Frames

Franklin Public Schools Performances

Brendan Ryan (cello) & Mrs. Plouffe (violin)   4:30pm                  Cake Bar

Members of the Repertory Orchestra             5:00pm                  Cake Bar

Woodwind Quintet (8^th &; 9^th graders)            5:30pm                  Cake Bar

FHS Repertory Orchestra String Quintet       6:00pm                  Cake Bar