January 2019 at THE BLACK BOX features Electric Youth, Mark White Octet and "You Can’t Take It With You"

THE BLACK BOX will present a month full of concerts, plays, and more this January. Kicking off a new year of entertainment for the local venue on Saturday, January 5 is Electric Youth with their 2019 debut. With two shows at 6:30 and 8:30 pm, Electric Youth delivers high-energy, fully choreographed performances of classic rock, contemporary pop, Broadway, and country hits for audiences of all ages. The American touring ensemble of talented singer-dancers, ages 14-18, is backed by the eight-piece Boston Show Band — world class musicians who’ve worked with music legends Tony Bennett, Aretha Franklin, Dizzy Gillespie, B.B. King, Diana Ross, The Temptations, Van Morrison and more. 

Electric Youth

Electric Youth is trained at the Franklin School for the Performing Arts. The group has toured Europe 15 times, performing in such renowned venues as Vienna’s Konzerthaus, Musikverein and Schonbrunn Palace; Sanremo’s Ariston Theatre; England’s Arundel Festival; Disneyland Paris; and professional theatres in Bristol, London and Windsor. EY has also headlined Fourth of July shows for U.S. troops stationed in Italy at Camp Ederle, Camp Darby, and Aviano Air Force Base. The ensemble has performed on Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas, on Fox-TV and WBZ Radio, and at Fenway Park, Gillette Stadium, the Smithsonian Museum Theater, the United Nations and the U.S. Embassy in Vienna. Electric Youth has released six albums, including 2014’s Power Chord, available on iTunes. This summer, they will tour France, Italy, the U.K., and Switzerland.

The Mark White Octet returns to THE BLACK BOX on Sunday, January 13 at noon for a jazz brunch. The Mark White Octet is a jazz group dedicated to swinging, precision ensemble performances of charts written by stellar jazz arrangers that feature the exceptional instrumental/improvisational skills of all the members. The group is based on the original Dave Pell Octet that featured many of the West Coast’s finest jazz instrumentalists from the 50’s and 60’s. 

Mark White

Featuring a West Coast Swing with an East Coast Vibe, the band includes Mark White (guitar), Scott Deogburn (piano), Arnie Krakowsky (tenor sax), Ken Reid (baritone sax), Rick Hammett (trumpet, flugelhorn), Jon Garniss (trombone), Mark Poniatowski (bass), and Kenny Hadley (drums). Each is a dedicated jazz artist bringing superlative instrumental, interpretive, and ensemble skills to the group as well as a wealth of performance experience in the theatre, classical, and commercial music genres. All octet members are professional jazz educators and several hold positions currently at leading institutions. Brunch begins at 11:45 a.m., with music beginning at noon.

Closing out the month at THE BLACK BOX is Franklin Performing Arts Company’s staging of the classic comedy You Can’t Take It With You. Set in the summer of 1938 in New York City, the play introduces audiences to the freethinking Sycamore family and the mishaps and mayhem that ensue when their daughter's fiancé brings his conservative, straight-laced parents to dinner on the wrong night. Written by Moss Hart and George S. Kaufman, You Can’t Take It with You won the 1937 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, and the screen adaptation won the Academy Award for Best Picture and Best Director.

For tickets and more information visit www.theblackboxonline.com or call the box office at 508-528-3370.

Brogan, Gordon, and McGrath named to the 2018-19 Boston Globe All-Scholastics

The Boston Sunday Globe published the All-Scholastics selection for the Fall 2018 season. We share the Franklin High School student athletes named.

All photos via the Boston Globe

Boys Cross Country

Tyler Brogan

Tyler Brogan

FRANKLIN | JUNIOR

Brogan took second at the Hockomock championships in 15:55. The junior also won the CMI Varsity 1 race by one second over teammate Michael Hagen (16:16) and placed 13th at the Division 1 All-State meet (16:50.77).





For the other Boys cross country selections
https://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/schools/201819/all-scholastics/boys-cross-country

For the Girls cross country selections
https://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/schools/201819/all-scholastics/girls-cross-country


Football

Nick Gordon

Nick Gordon

FRANKLIN | SENIOR

The 6-foot, 165-pound senior quarterback tossed a program record 24 touchdowns and his 32 total touchdowns is also a single-season record. Named MVP of the Hockomock League Kelley-Rex Division, Gordon finishes his career with more than 2,000 passing and 400 rushing yards.




For the other Football selections
https://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/schools/201819/all-scholastics/football


Volleyball

Lauren McGrath

Lauren McGrath

FRANKLIN | SENIOR

The shrewd senior setter tallied 547 assists and 31 aces in pacing the Panthers (20-1) to an undefeated regular season and a D1 South finals appearance, earning her Hockomock MVP honors. A three-time league All-Star, she hopes to play in college.




For the other Volleyball selections
https://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/schools/201819/all-scholastics/girls-volleyball

The complete All-Scholastics page
https://www.bostonglobe.com/Sports/HighSchools/specials/all-scholastics/allscholastics

Register O'Donnell Reports on November Norfolk County Real Estate Activity

	Norfolk County Registry of Deeds
	Register O'Donnell Reports on November Norfolk County Real Estate Activity Mirroring trends seen across eastern Massachusetts, Norfolk County real estate is continuing to experience sluggish sales due to limited inventory of available properties, according to Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell. Register O'Donnell noted, "During the month of November, real estate sales, for both residential and commercial activity, fell 2% from the previous year. A total of 1,476 property transactions were recorded versus 1,512 in November 2017. The bottom line is you can't sell more of what you don't have." According to last month's statistics, the average combined sale price of residential and commercial property for the month was $936,750, a 47% increase year over year. In addition, total dollar sales volume, again for both residential and commercial properties, was $911 million, also a 47% increase from November 2017. These numbers were greatly spiked by a $153 million commercial sale recorded in Brookline. On the financial side, Norfolk County lending numbers were mixed during the month of November. The Register noted, "The number of mortgages recorded during the month decreased by 16%. However, the total volume of mortgage financing, for both residential and commercial properties, came in at $1.2 billion, a 3% increase year over year. There can be no doubt consumers are being prudent when considering big ticket expenses due to increases in the interest rates." While the figures were mixed, there are some definite reasons for optimism when it comes to foreclosure activity. "First the bad news," noted the Register, "there were 17 foreclosure deeds filed in November compared to 13 during the same time period in 2017. The good news; during the same time period there was a 68% reduction in the number of Notice to Foreclose Mortgage filings, the first step in the foreclosure process." "The Notice to Foreclose Mortgage numbers were really encouraging," stated Register O'Donnell. "With that said, we need to remember that foreclosure activity has a human face. I want to remind Norfolk County residents that my office continues to partner with the Quincy Community Action Programs, 617-479-8181 x376, and NeighborWorks Southern Mass, 508-587-0950. These organizations can help homeowners who have received a Notice to Foreclose Mortgage document. A third option is to contact the Massachusetts Attorney General's Consumer Advocacy and Response Division (CARD) at 617-727-8400." On the consumer front, the number of Homestead recordings showed a small increase. A total of 1,022 Homesteads were filed compared to 1,004 in November 2017. O'Donnell noted, "A Homestead provides limited protection against the forced sale of an individual's primary residence to satisfy unsecured debt up to $500,000." Register O'Donnell concluded, "Once again, we are seeing some troubling concerns in the real estate market brought on by low inventory numbers. The only way we will see a more robust real estate market is through greater inventory and the stabilizing of interest rates." 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, 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 at www.norfolkdeeds.org. Residents in need of assistance can contact the Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center at (781) 461-6101, or email us at registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org. Register William P. O'Donnell Norfolk County Registry of Deeds email: registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org phone: 781-234-3336 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 Register O'Donnell Reports on November Norfolk County Real Estate Activity

"You know you’re going to like it when you leave here”

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

"It starts with the distinct flavor of Italian basil, freshly plucked from the garden -- summer distilled down into a teaspoon, washing pleasantly over every taste bud. 

And then it transforms and there are strawberries, warmed by the sun, lingering like a late June twilight, a luxurious afterthought. 

The taster’s face blooms with pleasure: The pairing of basil-infused olive oil and strawberry balsamic vinegar is a pure delight. The connoisseur grins, pleased to have elicited such a response. He pokes a finger into the air in a “just wait” gesture, his expression speaking volumes. He has another palatable creation to share. 

“This!” he says, taking up a small sampling cup from atop a thick cutting board, “This is a sweet pepper stuffed with mascarpone and drizzled with Saba, which is a traditional dark balsamic vinegar.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20181216/at-franklins-little-shop-of-olive-oils-taste-is-what-its-all-about

The Butter infused olive oil is great for making popcorn

focused “on the big picture on the what and the why” and was “less specific on the how”

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

"A regional market-based program to reduce carbon emissions from transportation and a goal that all new cars, light trucks and buses sold in Massachusetts be electric by 2040 are among the recommendations in a two-volume, 237-page state report rolled out Friday afternoon. 

The report, released by the Commission on the Future of Transportation, recommends 18 ways the state should prepare for potential changes in transportation over the next two decades. 

Many of the ideas, Transportation Secretary Stephanie Pollack said, respond to “the twin transportation challenges of the 21st century” - climate change and congestion. 

“Whether today or in the future, we simply must move more people in fewer vehicles if we are serious about reducing congestion and greenhouse gas pollution from the transportation sector,” she said."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20181216/state-unveils-carbon-emissions-reduction-plan

Visit the Commission page  
https://www.mass.gov/orgs/commission-on-the-future-of-transportation

Report - Volume 1:
Choices for Stewardship: Recommendations to Meet the Transportation Future
https://www.mass.gov/files/documents/2018/12/14/FOTCVolume1_1.pdf

Report - Volume 2:
Choices for Stewardship: Background Books – Facts, Trends, and Issues
https://www.mass.gov/files/documents/2018/12/14/FOTCVolume2.pdf

Commission on the Future of Transportation, recommends 18 ways the state
should prepare for potential changes in transportation

The Franklin Education Foundation Announces The 2019 Grant Awardees

The Franklin Education Foundation (FEF) has awarded 10 grants totaling $25,905 for 2019 to teachers in the Franklin Public School (FPS) system. A committee composed of FEF representatives and FPS staff read all proposals through a blind review process and selected the recipients. 

Final approval was made by the full FEF board at its December meeting. “Consideration was given to need, innovation, impact, and integration with other school programs when selecting applications for funding. These 10 grants will provide needed funding for innovative programs at the elementary, middle, and high schools that would not otherwise be possible”, stated Kit Brady, Ph.D., Chair of the FEF Grant Review Committee.

The committee also awarded this year’s FEF Pinnacle Award to Mary Cotillo and Erin O'Leary of Horace Mann Middle School for their proposal to enhance classroom libraries in Grades 6-8 to support the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) social emotional competencies curriculum. The Pinnacle Award provides up to $5000 for the project budget.

This year’s other recipients at the elementary school level are (lead applicant listed first): Kennedy Elementary School – Chris Banks, Epson projector set up for physical education and health lessons; Parmenter Elementary School – Stephanie Consilvio and Shannon Barca, Design thinking and digital literacy makerspace.

At the middle school level are: District wide - Erin O'Leary and Mary Cotillo, Author visits to all FPS middle schools; Remington Middle School – Dan Chase and Susan Richards, Video production studio (Year 2); Jane Pichette, Celebrate diversity art installation; and Jane Pichette and Jeff Chaffee, Interdisciplinary program to create a mosaic art installation (Year 3).

At Franklin High School are: Dawn-Marie Fernandes, Language lab for English learners; Brenna Johnson, Art installation for FHS main entrance; and Patricia London, Celebrate fandom for reading.

Franklin Education
Foundation (FEF)

Since its inception in 1997, the FEF has awarded approximately $400,000 in grants to FPS. Yearly fundraisers such as November’s Harlem Wizards basketball game as well as an annual fund campaign provide much appreciated support from businesses, families, and organizations for the FEF grants. 

To see a list of programs the FEF has funded over the years, visit www.franklined.org. Follow us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/franklined.org/) and Twitter (https://twitter.com/FranklinEdOrg). 

The Franklin Education Foundation is a 501c3 non-profit organization. All gifts are fully tax deductible. New members are always welcome – see our web site for an application or email: franklined.org@gmail.com.

FSPA Alum Named 2019 Lincoln Center Emerging Artist

Nadine Malouf, graduate of the Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FSPA), has been selected as one of Lincoln Center in New York City’s “Emerging Artists” for 2019. Malouf has starred in two Lincoln Center productions: last season’s qUEENS and 2014’s The Who and the What, both at LCT3. Recipients are chosen by one of Lincoln Center’s resident organizations in acknowledgement of their extraordinary talent and promising careers in the performing arts.

Nadine Malouf

In addition to Malouf, this year’s winners include singer and actress Mikaela Bennett (The Juilliard School); dancer Savannah Durham (The School of American Ballet); composer and sound artist Ashley Fure (Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts and the New York Philharmonic); bassist Endea Owens (Jazz at Lincoln Center); soprano Gabriella Reyes (The Metropolitan Opera); musician Adam Tendler (The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts); dancer Sebastian Villarini-Velez (New York City Ballet); filmmaker Eduardo Williams (Film Society of Lincoln Center); and violinist Angelo Xiang Yu (The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center).

Nadine Malouf trained at the Franklin School for the Performing Arts in acting, singing, and various dance styles. She was a member of the international touring ensemble Electric Youth and appeared in many Franklin Performing Arts Company productions including West Side Story (Anita), Seussical (Gertrude), and Little Shop of Horrors (Crystal). She then went on to study at Syracuse University’s prestigious Drama Department.

Following her run in the 25th Anniversary tour of Les Misérables, Malouf had the distinct opportunity to perform alongside Anne Hathaway, Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe and other principals from Cameron Mackintosh’s film adaptation of Les Misérables at the 85th annual Academy Awards in Los Angeles.

Her burgeoning film career includes the British drama Shame, with Michael Fassbender and Carey Mulligan, and a featured role in Cherien Dabis’ May in the Summer, which premiered at Sundance Film Festival 2013 as an opening day pick. She received critical acclaim for playing the title role in Shakespeare Theatre Company’s production of Salomé.

For more information on Acting and other programs at the Franklin School for the Performing Arts, call 508-528-8668, visit www.fspaonline.com, or stop by 38 Main Street in Franklin, MA