THE BLACK BOX presents Gifts of Song: Kate Grom and Ali Funkhouser - Dec 16

THE BLACK BOX Presents Gifts of Song with Kate Grom and Ali Funkhouser on December 16, 8 PM

Kate Grom will be singing songs from her debut album. Described by No Depression Magazine as ‘when Country meets smo-o-o-th’, Kate Grom's songs on her debut album Heroine are inspired by New Jersey horse country and romantic European journeys. 

Ali Funkhouser is an actress and singer with a love for comedy. Her solo cabaret shows have been described as, "still happening." Combining musical theatre comedy and jazz standards, she's bringing holiday shenanigans to THE BLACK BOX.


"Proceeds Benefit Saddlebred Rescue and The Shadow Fund NE - Helping horses, and companion pets and their people during the holiday season."


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

More about Kate Grom on her webpage http://www.kategrom.com/
More about Ali Funkhouser on her webpage https://www.alifunkhouser.com/

THE BLACK BOX presents Gifts of Song: Kate Grom and Ali Funkhouser - Dec 16

Reminder: Winter Parking Ban Effective until April 15, 2018

Winter Storm Overnight Parking Ban Effective from October 15 to April 15.

The purpose of the winter storm overnight parking ban shall be to provide for the safe movement of police, fire and emergency medical service vehicles during snow and ice storms and otherwise provide for public safety during winter weather conditions. The parking ban shall also serve to enhance the capability of the Public Works Department to remove snow and ice from the roadways effectively and efficiently.

A winter storm overnight parking ban shall automatically take effect upon occurrence of any of the following:

• Snow, sleet, or freezing rain has fallen, or is imminent.
• The National Weather Service and/or local television and/or radio stations or other media are reporting commencement of snow, sleet, or freezing rain within the local area or are predicting that snow, sleet, or freezing rain will begin in Franklin within 12 hours.

The parking of any motor vehicle within the layout or right-of-way of any public street or any roadway open to the public is prohibited between the hours of 1:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. while a winter storm parking ban is in effect.

The Franklin Police Department shall enforce the provisions of this article and shall be solely responsible for issuance of tickets and authorization of towing.

Read more: http://www.franklinma.gov/node/150083

Reminder: Winter Parking Ban

MassBudget: Explaining the State Budget for FY 2018 Including Veto Overrides

MassBudget Information. Participation.  Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center Democracy. Explaining the State Budget for FY 2018 Including Veto Overrides In the Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center's latest Budget Monitor, "The State Budget for FY 2018 Including Veto Overrides," we see the Fiscal Year 2018 (FY 2018) budget season ending much the way it started: with our state facing difficult fiscal conditions and unable to make the kinds of long-term investments that could significantly improve the quality of life in Massachusetts and expand opportunity in all communities. At this point in the process -- after the Legislature enacted the budget, the Governor made a number of line item vetoes, and the Legislature overrode virtually all those vetoes and approved some supplemental funding -- we have a state budget that makes some modest investments, particularly in education, child welfare, and in addressing substance use disorders. The budget, however, continues to rely significantly on temporary fixes: counting 13 months of sales tax revenue in the 12 months of FY 2018; underfunding a number of accounts that will eventually need to be funded -- such as paying for snow and ice removal; and a number of similar strategies. Altogether the budget includes about $750 million in temporary revenue and underfunded accounts. This makes it highly likely that the state will continue to face serious fiscal challenges next year. A bright spot, however, is tax revenue growth so far this year has been stronger than projected. If that trend continues, it would reduce the need to rely on temporary fixes this year and would put the state in better fiscal condition next year. In the long term, however, there is a significant danger that the federal government will -- to pay for the costs of federal tax cuts -- impose deep cuts in Medicaid, education, and other services currently funded together by the state and federal governments. This Budget Monitor includes the final funding levels of FY 2017, the current FY 2018 budget, and significant policy changes in each area of the budget. Current 2018 budget levels are also compared to 2001 budget where relevant. For more comprehensive data on historic spending levels for each line item and category of the budget, see MassBudget's Budget Browser. For additional detail on programs in the state budget that affect children see our Children's Budget. Click here to read the full Budget Monitor, "The State Budget for FY 2018 Including Veto Overrides," or click below on individual sections: Child Welfare Disability Services Early Education Economic Development Elder Services Environment and Recreation Higher Education Housing Juvenile Justice K-12 Education Law and Public Safety Libraries Local Aid MassHealth and Health Reform Mental Health Other Human Services Pensions Public Health Revenue (tax and non-tax) State Employee Health Insurance Transitional Assistance Transportation Additional Line Item Overrides Summary Chart The Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center (MassBudget) produces policy research, analysis, and data-driven recommendations focused on improving the lives of low- and middle-income children and adults, strengthening our state's economy, and enhancing the quality of life in Massachusetts. MASSACHUSETTS BUDGET AND POLICY CENTER 15 COURT SQUARE, SUITE 700 BOSTON, MA 02108

Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center, 15 Court Square, Suite 700, Boston, MA 02108 Sent by nberger@massbudget.org in collaboration with Try it free today

screen grab of MassBudget webpage

Tri-County Honor Roll for First Quarter of the 2017-2018 school. year

The honor roll for the first quarter of the 2017-2018 school year from Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School in Franklin is now available.

• Students who receive term grades of B- or better in all subjects earn honor roll status.
• Students who earn grades of A- or better in all subjects receive high honors.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hZxUjhGS271RYsrJvaJcuS9EOlsEl_29/view?usp=sharing

Tri-County Honor Roll for First Quarter of the 2017-2018 school. year

Holiday Stroll - today - 4 PM to 7 PM

Catch the tree lighting at Dean College at 4:00
Mrs Claus is at the Historical Museum
Santa is at Simon's Furniture
Decorate gingerbread men at Dean Bank

Music will be out and about the downtown businesses!

Holiday Stroll - today - 4 PM to 7 PM

This was shared from the Downtown Partnership webpage
http://www.franklindowntownpartnership.org/2017/11/our-2017-holiday-stroll-poster.html

Ring In The Holidays With Two FPAC Original Musicals

Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) celebrates the holiday season with two original FPAC musicals, Alice in a Winter Wonderland and ’Tis the Season! The productions are family friendly, festive, and full of fun for audiences of all ages.

FPAC’s large-cast holiday musical, ’Tis the Season!, will be presented on Saturday, December 9 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, December 10 at 2 p.m. at the Franklin High School auditorium, located at 18 Oak Street. An FPAC family favorite since debuting as part of the 1995 season, ‘Tis is an upbeat, jazzy extravaganza featuring members of the Kenny Hadley Big Band, with contemporary arrangements of favorite holiday classics in musical styles ranging from R&B, gospel, and Motown to rock, pop, and Broadway. 

Highlights include Andy William’s “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” Quincy Jones’ sensational version of the “Hallelujah Chorus,” songs from several popular television holiday specials, and many surprises.

With a twist on the Alice in Wonderland children’s classic, FPAC’s third annual panto, Alice in a Winter Wonderland, debuts this season at THE BLACK BOX, located at 15 West Central Street in downtown Franklin. Performances are on Friday, December 22 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, December 23 at 2:00 and 7:30. 

The production follows in the tradition of a British panto, a type of show that retells a well-known fairy tale in an exaggerated style filled with audience participation, popular music, slapstick comedy, jokes, dances, and more. Audiences are invited to cheer for the hero, boo at the villain, and sing along with some of their favorite songs. The panto also entertains with double entendre, references to modern culture, and open satire of other works.

Founded in 1991, FPAC presents the holiday musicals as part of the company’s 27th season. With a focus on youth development and a commitment to live music, the nonprofit FPAC supports educational arts experiences, quality entertainment, and outstanding performance opportunities for professional artists, community performers, and students of the arts. 

Tickets are $34 for Alice in a Winter Wonderland and $32-$36 for ’Tis the Season! For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com or www.FPAConline.com or call (508) 528-3370. Middlesex Savings Bank and Waters Corporation are FPAC 2017 Holiday Sponsors.

Ring In The Holidays With Two FPAC Original Musicals

Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter School First Lego League to Attend States Championship

The BFCCPS Robotics has been hard at work since this summer. Over the weekend, the Gearminds Team competed at the First Lego League Regional competitions at WPI and was selected for the upcoming States Championship on December 16.

Gearminds was one of the 11 teams among 40 to receive the Golden ticket to the States. The team was selected based on their consistent show in Robotic matches, excellent Project presentation and teamwork during the Instant Challenge. They competed against some of the best teams in New England and placed 4th overall in Robot matches, and won a special jury award for Core Values which reflects the Character Education built here at BFCCPS.

The BFCCPS First Lego League Middle School team GEARMINDS is comprised of 7th and 8th grade students and is mentored by BFCCPS Alumni and one current Grade 8 student. The Elementary school training team attended the regional competition and have been inspired with the good ring side view of the matches and the team's achievement.

Many thanks to the parent volunteers Mr. Ramesh Balan and Mrs. Upasana Pendkar who have coordinated team practices to make this competition possible for our students!
About the Benjamin Franklin Charter School

The Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School's mission is to assist parents in their role as primary educators of their children by providing students with a classical academic education coupled with sound character development and community service. Our mission is supported by four distinct, yet interconnected pillars that provide for a collaborative, rigorous education for all students. These pillars guide, direct and define the school in all it does.

special jury award for Core Values

Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter School First Lego League to Attend States Championship

selected for the upcoming States Championship on December 16