Broadway’s Mamie Parris to Bring Solo Show to THE BLACK BOX - May 11

THE BLACK BOX Broadway Series presents Mamie Parris in a one-night-only solo show accompanied by Broadway composer Barbara Anselmi (It Should Have Been You) on Saturday, May 11 at 8 PM. 

On Broadway, Mamie most recently returned to the cast of School of Rock in the role of Rosalie. She previously starred as Grizabella in the Broadway revival of Andrew Lloyd Webber's iconic musical CATS. Her other Broadway and National Tour credits include School of Rock (Patty) (cast album), Wicked (Elphaba), 9 To 5 The Musical (as Judy Bernly, the role created by Jane Fonda in the iconic film), the Tony-Nominated revival of Ragtime, 5-time Tony-Winner The Drowsy Chaperone, Legally Blonde the Musical, and Roundabout Theatre’s acclaimed revivals of On The 20th Century (Agnes) (cast album), and 110 In the Shade (cast album). 

Mamie Parris in Wicked as Elphaba

Off-Broadway credits include Pump Boys and Dinettes (Prudie), part of the Encores! Off-Center series, and See Rock City and Other Destinations (Dodi) presented by the Transport Group (cast album out now). Other notable credits include roles at The Goodspeed Opera House, Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera, The Muny, The Macau International Music Festival in Macau, China, and many more. Her film and television credits include The Blacklist (NBC), A Stand Up Guy (Orchard), and State of Affairs (NBC).

Composer Barbara Anselmi has a long resume as a music director, arranger, and orchestrator. Her writing career began after 9/11 with All Join Together, the title song of a CD that raised money for The New York Times 9/11 fund. Other works include The Orphan Train, book/lyrics by Susan and Sasha Nanus, A Christmas Carol, and The Acting Company Salon Series, (starring F. Murray Abraham and Lynn Redgrave). 

She was a part of the Drama Desk Award nominee "The Audience," and worked for companies such as Theatreworks USA, the Goodspeed Opera House, and Musicals Tonight. Her work has been heard on television and concerts across the country. Barbara is a Faculty member at CAP 21 Musical Theatre Conservatory, The New Studio at NYU, and Barnard College, and Alumna of NYU and the BMI Lehman Engel Musical Theater Workshop.

The concert is sponsored by the Waters Corporation and Middlesex Savings Bank. Tickets can be purchased at www.theblackboxonline.com by calling 508-528-3370, or at the door.

Register O'Donnell Makes History Come Alive

	Norfolk County Registry of Deeds
	Register O'Donnell Makes History Come Alive Registry of Deeds William P. O'Donnell today reminded history buffs that all hand written documents at the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds have been electronically transcribed and are available for viewing and printing. "The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds has been in existence for 225 years. During that time, the Registry has gone from the days of scriveners with quill pens to the modern era of computers and advanced document imaging. We are proud of the effort undertaken to transcribe images of handwritten land documents dating back from 1793 to 1900," noted O'Donnell. "With the transcription process complete, we now have all our land documents, approximately 8,000,000, available at our website www.norfolkdeeds.org." O'Donnell further stated, "We are extraordinarily proud that the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds was the first in New England back in 2017 to go through this transcription process. The effort undertaken to transcribe these hard to read land documents represented a special effort by the Registry and its vendor to have an accurate representation of these handwritten land documents. This undertaking has allowed the public to perform historical, genealogical and land record research." The Register added that 12.5 million words of Old English prose written in cursive penmanship were transcribed into readable computer text. It should be noted that while the transcribers made a best effort to translate these hard to read documents, their accuracy is not guaranteed. "These transcribed documents," stated Register O'Donnell, "are not legal documents in and of itself, and are not considered binding on the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds or its employees. It is considered merely a convenient reference for Registry users. For documentation purposes, users should refer to the scanned image of the original document instead of the transcribed image." "It is a wonderful time to take advantage of this technological breakthrough. Genealogy InTime Magazine estimated that 7.93 million Americans are involved in tracking their ancestors," noted O'Donnell. The Register also stated that two-time Pulitzer Prize winning historian David McCullough was fascinated and delighted to learn about the project, writing "... you {Registry} are making a large and important contribution and I send my warmest congratulations." Concluding his remarks, O'Donnell stated, "As Register of Deeds, I take very seriously my responsibility to be the custodian of land document information in Norfolk County. Part of that responsibility is to ensure the accuracy and accessibility of these land documents. Future generations will now be able to read these transcribed images with the goal of ensuring a historically correct record of land documents in Norfolk County." 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/or 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. Register William P. O'Donnell Norfolk County Registry of Deeds email: registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org phone: 781-234-3336 web: https://www.norfolkdeeds.org

Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, 649 High Street, Dedham,, MA 02026-1831 SafeUnsubscribe™ shersteve@gmail.com Forward email | Update Profile | About our service provider Sent by registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org in collaboration with Try email marketing for free today!

Register O'Donnell Makes History Come Alive

Two key MBTA projects delayed with commuter rail impact

On the MBTA front, there are two reports with delays in projects

"The MBTA’s $700 million effort to convert to all-electronic fare collection is behind schedule, a blow to a high-profile project that the agency has cast as a near silver-bullet solution to many of its service problems and pricing limitations. 

Officials declined to specify how long it will now take to implement the fare system, originally scheduled for completion in 2021, nor are they saying exactly what has gone wrong. But the delays apparently involve technology issues with the T’s vendor, as well as difficult policy decisions, such as how to conduct random fare checks that the new system will require."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2019/05/03/key-mbta-fare-system-delayed/MLo5h5jRYQROLxyhhPypFP/story.html

And earlier last week, there was also a delay announced with the implementation of the new PTC system.

"Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority officials are worried the agency will miss a key deadline to install a federally required safety system on the commuter rail, with testing of the long-planned system delayed by an equipment issue. 

The new positive train control system, known as PTC, uses a high-tech network to ensure trains don’t collide. The $459 million project was supposed to be fully installed and operational by the end of next year, but hardware and software problems could threaten that timeline, officials told the MBTA’s governing board Monday. 

The key problem is faulty equipment, built by the international conglomerate Siemens, a subcontractor on the project, that is designed to relay information about train locations and speeds."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2019/04/29/equipment-problems-hampering-key-safety-project-mbta-commuter-rail/kVFOmAsBpODDQosSiLZ6mL/story.html


How does the automated fare collection system work for commuter rail?

"on the commuter rail, passengers would tap into the system before they board trains and tap out when they reach their destination, so the T can calculate the distance-based fares."

https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2017/11/19/the-mbta-has-million-plan-change-way-you-pay-for-rides/f1QQZDfPHnozcyBGyHSWPI/story.html?p1=Article_Inline_Text_Link

Two key MBTA projects delayed

What is the process for a Prop 2 1/2 ballot question?

Inquiring minds might ask "How do we avoid letting so many teachers go and raise school fees?" The town budget is balanced to meet expected revenue. The only way to increase the expected revenue is for the majority of the voters to agree to do so. 


"PLACING QUESTIONS BEFORE VOTERS
Proposition 2½ questions are placed on an election ballot by vote of the "local
appropriating body," which is defined in towns as the selectboard, not town meeting. In
towns without selectboards, a vote of the town council is required to present a question to
the electorate. In cities, a vote of the city council, with the mayor's approval where
required by law, is needed. G.L. c. 59, § 21C(a).

This is the only way an override or exclusion question may be placed on the ballot. They
may not be placed on the ballot by a town meeting vote or any local initiative procedure
authorized by law. A local initiative procedure, however, may be used as an alternative
method of placing an underride question on the ballot.

The board or council must vote the question exactly as it will appear on the ballot.


ELECTION PROCEDURE
Proposition 2½ questions may be placed on a regular or special municipal election ballot.

Questions may also be placed on the state biennial election ballot. However, those
questions must be submitted to the Secretary of State for certification by the first
Wednesday in August preceding the election. G.L. c. 59, § 21C(i).

The usual laws and procedures relating to municipal elections apply. The municipal clerk
must receive written notice of the question being placed on the ballot at least 35 days
before the date of the election. G.L. c. 54, § 42C. The vote to place a question on the
ballot must take place in sufficient time to meet this advance notice requirement.

A city or town may present Proposition 2½ questions to the voters as many times during
the year as it chooses. The only constraint on the interval between these elections is the
time needed to call and hold each election.

The Office of the Secretary of State is responsible for administering and enforcing
election laws. Specific questions about the application of these laws to Proposition 2½
elections should be directed to the Elections Division of that office at 617-727-2828."



Additional info on the process can be found in the Division of Local Services (DLS) bulletin which is part of the MA Dept of Revenue (DOR). 
https://www.mass.gov/files/documents/2018/07/31/prop2.pdf?_ga=2.5588468.630711474.1557137379-1789922467.1514424883

DOR also has a series of short videos to explain the process
https://www.mass.gov/service-details/proposition-2-12-and-tax-rate-process

What is the process for a Prop 2 1/2 ballot question?

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - May 8, 2019

The published agenda and documents for the Franklin Town Council meeting scheduled for Wednesday, May 8, 2019

You can also find the full set of documents in one PDF

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/town_council_meeting_agenda_for_may_8_2019_1.pdf

(Note: where there are active links in the agenda item, it will take you to the associated document)

Agenda Item	Summary
Town Council Meeting Agenda	Meeting of May 8, 2019
1. ANNOUNCEMENTS	a. This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast Channel 11 and Verizon Channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by others.
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	April 24, 2019
4. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS	None
5. APPOINTMENTS	a. Franklin Cultural District, Roberta DeBaggis Trahan
6. HEARINGS	None
7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS	La Cantina Winery Company, Farmer Winery, Farmers Market
8. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS	a. Senate President Karen Spilka, Senator Rebecca Rausch, State Representative Jeffrey Roy b. Franklin Ridge Senior Housing Proposal
9. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS	a. Capital Budget Subcommittee b. Budget Subcommittee c. Economic Development Subcommittee
10. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
10a. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION	Resolution 19-31: Franklin Ridge Senior Housing Development (Motion to Approve Resolution 19-31- Majority Vote (5))
10b. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION	Bylaw Amendment 19-838: Amendment to the Franklin Town Code at Ch.153 Stormwater Management- 2nd Reading (Motion to Adopt Bylaw Amendment 19-838- Majority Vote (5))
10c. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION	Bylaw Amendment 19-841: Municipal Service Fees- Ten Day Recycling Sticker- 2nd Reading (Motion to Adopt Bylaw Amendment 19-841- Majority Vote (5))
11. TOWN ADMINISTRATORS REPORT
12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
13. COUNCIL COMMENTS Executive Session	None scheduled
15. ADJOURN

Water/sewer line work underway on Dean Ave

Franklin ArtWeek Schedule for Sunday, May 5, 2019

Sunday, May 5

9:00 -12:00: FPAC 5K and 1 mile Fun Run at THE BLACK BOX ($10/$25)
The first annual Franklin Performing Arts Company Road Race will begin and end at THE BLACK BOX. Along the route, runners will be entertained and encouraged by sidewalk art created by student artists. THE BLACK BOX theater will feature face painting, finish line sign- making for children, and a celebration with live music in the theater lobby. 
Race start time is 10:00 a.m. Race fees: 5K: $25 advance, $35 day-of; Fun Run: $10 advance, $15 day-of.
Runner check-in 9:00. Free activities begin 10:00. 
Register: www.fpaconline.com

10:00 - 2:00: Throwing Seeds mural painting at Franklin Agway (FREE) Come watch farmer and artist Tyler Harris create a mural on Agway's fence as he interprets the phrase “Throwing Seeds”. Tyler grew up in Franklin and is now the manager of a farm in Dartmouth Mass.

12:00 - 2:00: The Art of Canning Pickles at Franklin Agway (FREE)
You can enjoy the taste of summer year round by learning how to preserve vegetables at their peak ripeness. Learn where and when to get your fresh produce at Franklin's local farms as well as how to make your own pickles! Stir & chop, or just watch. Learn the lost culinary art of canning. It's fun and yummy! Outdoor event; weather permitting.

1:30 - 2:15: NoteAble Blend concert at the Franklin Public Library (FREE) NoteAble Blend, an energetic women's barbershop chorus, will perform an a cappella performance, including a fun and lively description of the four parts of barbershop.

1:30 - 5:00: Post-It Note Collage at Franklin Public Library ~ In celebration of ArtWeek 2019, the Youth Services department will be building a Post-It Note Collage! But we need your help! Stop by anytime during the week to help add post-it notes to the wall. What will the final image be?? Only time will tell!!

3:00 - 3:45: NoteAble Blend concert at the Franklin Historical Museum (FREE) NoteAble Blend, an energetic women's barbershop chorus, will perform an a cappella performance, including a fun and lively description of the four parts of barbershop.

Download your copy of the full schedule for ArtWeek here
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczODN4X2hTdVdobWpWWTlpR19WMFZHZE5JWHVz/view?usp=sharing

Franklin ArtWeek Schedule for Sunday, May 5, 2019

"when you’re picking a school you have to be picking it for more than just sports"

Elizabeth Clark, student and writer for Pantherbook, recently published an interview with Kristi Kirshe.

"Every athlete imagines having successes in high school, college, and eventually the big stage of either professional sports or Olympic sports. For one Panther alumna, she had successes in high school, collegiately, and is now taking the Olympic stage, in a way many wouldn’t expect. 

Kristi Kirshe, FHS Class of 2013, will play for the USA Rugby team. In high school, she was a Gatorade Player of the Year for soccer, and a standout in basketball and lacrosse as well. She went on to play soccer at Williams College, where she was the all-time leading scorer of goals in a season (18), career goals (43), and career points (114). After college, she missed being a competitive athlete and got involved in rugby. I recently got a chance to talk to her about her successes in high school, college, and now her involvement in rugby."

Continue reading the interview with Kristi
https://franklinpanthers.us/sports/2019/05/03/fhs-alumni-kristi-kirshe-to-the-olympics/

Kristi Kirshe (US Rugby photo)