Sunday, February 2, 2020

FPAC announces initial casting for Legally Blonde

The Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) has announced the initial casting for their March production of Legally Blonde the Musical.

Starring as sorority girl turned Harvard Law student Elle Woods will be Ali Funkhouser. A NYC based actress, this will be Funkhouser’s third production of Legally Blonde, having most recently appeared in The Lex’s production directed by Broadway’s original Elle, Laura Bell Bundy. Funkhouser recently performed her solo show “I Only Wanna Laugh” at Don’t Tell Mama in NYC. She has been seen in many FPAC productions including Newsies, Joseph, Little Shop of Horrors, and most recently #TappyXmasLIVE.

Jim Hogan will star as Elle’s lovable best friend and Harvard guide Emmett Forrest. Hogan has been seen in the touring companies of Waitress, The Phantom of the Opera, and Spring Awakening. Recently, his cover of Into the Unknown from Frozen 2 went viral; it can be viewed on Instagram (@jimhogan220).

FPAC is excited to welcome Emily Koch back to Franklin as Vivienne. She has appeared in the Broadway and touring companies of WICKED and Waitress. Koch has performed her solo show “eMulbOy5” at Feinstein’s/54 Below and other cabaret venues around NYC. She was last onstage with FPAC for 2019’s Broadway in Franklin.

Andrew Scott Holmes will join the cast as Warner Huntington III. Holmes has performed all over the world as a Resident Guest Entertainer with Princess Cruises. From Goodspeed Opera House to Great Lakes Theater and beyond, he has played leading roles and understudied Broadway stars. With FPAC, Holmes was most recently seen earlier this season in Matilda.

Zoë Kassay returns to FPAC as Paulette. A former Equity actor, Zoë’s regional credits include Legally Blonde, Hairspray, 9 to 5 , Smokey Joe’s Cafe, Footloose, Singin’ in the Rain, and a stint as a mainstage performer with Disney Cruise Line. She was most recently onstage with FPAC as Sally Bowles in Cabaret.

 Ali Funkhouser (Elle), Jim Hogan (Emmett), Emily Koch (Vivienne), and Andrew Scott Holmes (Warner)
 (Top left 2 right) Ali Funkhouser (Elle), Jim Hogan (Emmett), (Bottom left 2 right) Andrew Scott Holmes (Warner) and Emily Koch (Vivienne)
Also sharing the stage in Legally Blonde will be Ricky and Myrtle from William Berloni Theatrical Animals as Elle’s canine friends. Berloni and his handlers have provided animals of all species and sizes, found in shelters, humane societies or rescue leagues, for Broadway, off-Broadway, national tours, regional theaters, special events, the New York City Ballet, motion pictures, television, and commercials.

Further casting will be announced at a later date. Legally Blonde the Musical presented by the Franklin Performing Arts Company will run at THE BLACK BOX in downtown Franklin March 14, 15, 20, 21, and 22. For tickets and more information, visit www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com or call the box office at 508-528-3370.

Reminder: Legislative Forum - Tuesday, Feb 4 - 6:30 PM

The FHS Lecture Hall will be the setting for the 3rd Annual Legislative Forum held by the Franklin (MA) School Committee.

Senator Rebecca Rausch, Senate President Karen Spilka, and Representative Jeff Roy are scheduled to participate. 

The published agenda for the Forum is a waste of paper. Based upon the prior two Forums, one should expect some time for statements from each of our legislators along with questions prepared by the School Committee and an opportunity for those in the audience to ask questions.

It is a worthwhile evening to help understand the Franklin school budget issues and what help the State can provide (i.e addressing unfunded mandates is one frequent topic). Based upon prior experience, I would expect the Forum to run about 90 minutes.

The published agenda:
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/franklinmaps/files/agendas/scagenda_2-4-20-legislative_forum_0.pdf

Reminder: Legislative FOrum - Tuesday, Feb 4 - 6:30 PM
Reminder: Legislative Forum - Tuesday, Feb 4 - 6:30 PM

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Feb 5, 2020


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. CITIZEN 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
January 22, 2020

4. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
None Scheduled

5. APPOINTMENTS
Historical Commission: Randy La Rosa

6. HEARINGS
None Scheduled

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS - 7:10 pm
Maks Roast Beef and Breakfast, Inc., New Wine and Malt License, Located at 451 West Central Street, Franklin, MA 02038

8. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
a. Norfolk County Sheriff Office and House of Corrections Update with Sheriff McDermott Community
b. Preservation Act Discussion.

  • i. Town Administrator Memo & Backup Material

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/cpa_town_admin_memo_backup_material_-_web.pdf

9. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS

  • a. Capital Budget Subcommittee
  • b. Budget Subcommittee
  • c. Economic Development Subcommittee


10. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
10a. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 20-03: Capital FY20 (Motion to approve Resolution 20-03 - Majority Vote)

10b. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 20-04: OPEB Trust Funds Transfer (Motion to approve Resolution 20-04 - Majority Vote)

10c. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 20-05: Free Cash to Stabilization Accounts Transfers (Motion to approve Resolution 20-05 - Majority Vote)

10d. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 20-09: Gift Acceptance - Veterans Services, $350 (Motion to approve Resolution 20-09 - Majority Vote)

10e. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 20-10: Gift Acceptance - Senior Center, $1000 (Motion to approve Resolution 20-10 - Majority Vote)

10f. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 20-11: Gift Acceptance - Police Department, $300 (Motion to approve Resolution 20-11 - Majority Vote)

11. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT
12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
13. COUNCIL COMMENTS
14. EXECUTIVE SESSION
None Scheduled

ADJOURN


Note:  Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes
Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting

Shared from the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/february-5-town-council-agenda

The full agenda packet can be found
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/2020-02-05_town_council_agenda_packet.pdf

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Feb 5, 2020
Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Feb 5, 2020

Franklin grad Olivia DiGiacomo represents JWU at Div. III Immersion Program

Franklin grad Olivia DiGiacomo:
"Competing in collegiate athletics opens a number of unique opportunities, not all of them on the field. Franklin grad Olivia DiGiacomo got to experience one of those opportunities last week, when she attended the annual NCAA convention in Anaheim, Calif. as part of the Div. III Immersion Program.

DiGiacomo, a junior outfielder on the Johnson & Wales University softball team, was nominated for the program by her softball coach Kim Camara-Harvey and director of athletics Dana Garfield. She was one of 40 Div. III student-athletes selected from thousands of nominees nationwide to join the program and attend the convention.

“My coach and my athletic director looked at me as a leader and someone who can bring back a lot of information and knowledge back to campus,” said DiGiacomo after she got back from the convention. “It was absolutely a gratifying experience to be recognized.”
Continue reading the write up by Josh Perry, Managing Editor of HockomockSports.co: 
https://hockomocksports.com/franklins-olivia-digiacomo-represents-jwu-at-ncaa-convention/ 

Franklin alum Olivia DiGiacomo represented Johnson & Wales University at the NCAA Convention as one of 40 student-athletes selected from a national pool to take part in the DIII Immersion Program. (JWU Athletics)
Franklin alum Olivia DiGiacomo represented Johnson & Wales University at the NCAA Convention as one of 40 student-athletes selected from a national pool to take part in the DIII Immersion Program. (JWU Athletics)
 

FHS girls swim team finished 2nd @ Hockomock League Championships

The FHS girls swim team finished 2nd at the Hockomock League Championships on Saturday.

Team Results

1. Oliver Ames – 404
2. Franklin – 293
3. King Philip – 257
4. Canton – 235
5. Sharon – 189
6. Taunton – 163
7. Milford – 146
8. Attleboro – 125
9. Foxboro – 106
10. Mansfield – 87
11. North Attleboro – 53
12. Stoughton – 42
Race Results

200 Yard Medley Relay
1. Oliver Ames (Morgan Foltz, Jennifer Buche, Morgan O’Hara, Samantha Streton) – 1:53.09
4. Franklin (Isabel Capecci, Charlene Peng, Abigail Kaplan, Katie Houlihan) – 2:06.44

50 Yard Free
1. Morgan Foltz, Oliver Ames – 24.91
5. Elizabeth Tang, Franklin – 26.56

100 Yard Butterfly
1. Jennifer Buche, Oliver Ames – 1:00.29
3. Elizabeth Tang, Franklin – 1:01.21

100 Yard Free
1. Morgan O’Hara, Oliver Ames – 54.66
3. Alyssa LaPuma, Franklin – 58.20

500 Yard Free
1. Morgan Foltz, Oliver Ames – 5:20.94
4. Kathryn Chew, Franklin – 5:44.10
5. Maia Wainwright, Franklin – 5:53.79

200 Yard Free Relay
1. Oliver Ames (Ava Kelley, Emily Kelley, Sophie Hirtle, Samantha Streton) – 1:46.46
4. Franklin (Alyssa LaPuma, Kathryn Chew, Faye Sinotte, Elizabeth Tang) – 1:50.07

100 Yard Backstroke
1. Morgan O’Hara, Oliver Ames – 1:00.09
3. Kathryn Chew, Franklin – 1:06.20

400 Yard Free Relay
1. Oliver Ames (Ava Kelley, Jennifer Buche, Morgan Foltz, Morgan O’Hara) – 3:41.77
3. Franklin (Faye Sinotte, Kathryn Chew, Alyssa LaPuma, Elizabeth Tang) – 3:59.96

For all the results shared by HockomockSports.com
https://hockomocksports.com/hockomock-girls-swim-championships-2020-results/

For the swim meet photo gallery
https://hockomocksports.smugmug.com/2019-2020/Winter-2019-2020/Hockomock-Girls-Swim-Championships-2-1-20/





Amazing job to each and every swimmer this morning! Everyone fought so hard and contributed to our AWESOME 2nd place finish at Hockomock Championships! @FHSSports pic.twitter.com/8zY21Qbx3R
Amazing job to each and every swimmer this morning! Everyone fought so hard and contributed to our AWESOME 2nd place finish at Hockomock Championships! @FHSSports pic.twitter.com/8zY21Qbx3R

FHS girls and boys hockey teams post wins, wrestling takes home 3 wins

Via HockomockSports.com and Twitter, we share the results of FHS winter sports action on Saturday

Boys Hockey = Franklin, 3 @ North Attleboro, 2 – Final
– North Attleboro rallied to tie the game in the third period but Franklin scored the game-winner with just under three minutes to play to give the Panthers the win, clinching the Kelley-Rex division title for the ninth straight season. Shane McCaffrey (from Dylan Marchand) and Conor O’Neil scored in the opening period as the visitors built a 2-0 advantage. North sophomore Sam Clarke cut the deficit in half with a power play goal in the second and senior Jack Connolly scored early in the third period to level the game at 2-2. Marchand muscled a loose puck into the back of the net with three minutes left to put the Panthers ahead.

Girls Hockey = Franklin, 4 @ King Philip, 1 – Final

Hockomock Crossover Super-Quad (Franklin, King Philip, Milford, North Attleboro, Taunton, Sharon), (@ North Attleboro)
Wrestling = Franklin, 39 vs. Milford, 30 – Final
Wrestling = Franklin, 38 vs. North Attleboro, 30 – Final
Wrestling = Franklin, 39 vs. Sharon, 11 – Final


For other results around the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/saturdays-schedule-scoreboard-02-01-20/

And via Twitter:
https://twitter.com/FranklinMatters/lists/fhs-sports





Here we go boys! pic.twitter.com/JWEtgLm83I  — FHSPantherHockey (@FHSPantherHocke)
Here we go boys! pic.twitter.com/JWEtgLm83I
— FHSPantherHockey (@FHSPantherHocke)

Healthy Weight and Your Child Program Sign Ups Happening for Families and to be Held at Stall Brook Elementary School in Bellingham

Healthy Weight & Your Child empowers 7-13 year olds, with the support of their families, to reach a healthy weight while achieving a healthier lifestyle. Since 2007, which marked the start of the Y’s Healthy Futures Initiative–designed to create healthier communities–the Hockomock Area YMCA has been actively working to increase physical activity and improve nutrition for kids in the area.

Healthy Weight and Your Child is a 25-session program, which includes 20 sessions delivered two times per week, followed by five weekly sessions. Sessions are two hours in length with the first hour delivered in a classroom setting and the second hour focused on physical activity.

The program emphasizes three elements: healthy eating, regular physical activity and behavior change, and engages the whole family, so together they can understand how the home environment and other factors influence the choices that lead to a healthy weight.

Made up of groups of eight to 15 children and their parents/caregivers, the program creates a safe, fun, and active environment for children and their families to explore and adopt proven methods to living a healthier lifestyle.

To be eligible for the program, each child must be between the ages of 7 and 13, have a body mass index greater than or equal to the 95th percentile, be cleared for physical activity by a health care provider or school nurse, and be accompanied by a parent or caregiver at every session.
each child must be between the ages of 7 and 13
each child must be between the ages of 7 and 13

Classes will take place at Stall Brook Elementary School (342 Hartford Ave, Bellingham) and will meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:00-8:00pm. Please join us for an information session to have your questions answered on February 11 at Stall Brook at 6:00pm. Cost: free for first 10 families, thanks to generous support from Stop & Shop’s Our Family Foundation. Included is a Hockomock Area YMCA family membership for the duration of the program (runs: February 25 - June 11; no meeting during the week of April 19).

Questions may be directed to Marykate Bergen, Director of Health Innovation, at phl@hockymca.org or call 508-339-4053

About the Hockomock Area YMCA:
Where Cause Meets Community. At the Hockomock Area YMCA, strengthening community is our cause. The Hockomock Area YMCA is an organization of men, women, and children sharing a commitment to nurture the potential of kids, promote healthy living, and foster a sense of social responsibility.

The Hockomock Area YMCA is committed to partnering and collaborating with others to create and deliver lasting personal and social change in the 15 communities they are privileged to serve. The Hockomock Area YMCA is a not-for-profit charitable cause-driven organization with facilities in North Attleboro, Foxboro, Franklin, and Mansfield. For more information visit hockymca.org