FPAC and THE BLACK BOX Update

Dear FPAC Community and patrons of THE BLACK BOX,

I hope you are well as we navigate this incredibly difficult time. I wish the best possible for our artists, creatives, technicians, volunteers, patrons, donors, and sponsors as we strive to do our part, by staying home, to help mitigate the Coronavirus crisis. 

As many of you know and have experienced first-hand, the arts have the power to connect us and to heal. To that end, FPAC remains ready to welcome and entertain you as soon as it is safe to turn the lights back on at THE BLACK BOX.

Our goal is to reschedule all Franklin Performing Arts Company shows and events on the calendar at THE BLACK BOX. We eagerly await the time we can announce new dates, but for the time-being, the following shows and events are currently postponed:

• Legally Blonde The Musical
• Electric Youth In Concert
• Broadway In Franklin Weekend
• Culinary Cabaret
• FPAC 5K Road Race and 1 Mile Fun Run
• FPAC Golf Tournament

When new dates for these events are announced, those who currently hold tickets will be contacted first to choose a performance and exchange tickets. If you are unable to attend a postponed performance, please consider gifting your tickets to a friend, or donating your ticket purchase back to help support our company and venue. 

The outpouring of concern for FPAC and THE BLACK BOX has been heartening, and given the devastating financial impact on nonprofits like ours, we’ll be counting on you when it’s show time once again!

While our doors are closed, please like Franklin Performing Arts Company on Facebook (if you haven’t already!), and let us inspire you every night at 7:30 with “Great Performances …. At Home” featuring FPAC favorite performers on Facebook Live. I hope this provides a little entertainment and fun for you at home as we await the opportunity to get out of our living rooms and back on stage. 

And for now as you shop from home, please consider using AmazonSmile at https://smile.amazon.com/ and make FPAC your nonprofit of choice, thereby donating a small percentage of your purchase to FPAC. Kindly join us on social media - like, follow, comment, share! Expanding our reach on social media is something we can accomplish from home with your help.

Please stay home and be well. I can’t wait to see your smiling faces soon.

Best,

Raye Lynn 

 

FPAC and THE BLACK BOX Update

FM_#242- Sgt Brian Johnson - Check On Your Neighbors 4/6/20 (audio)

FM #242 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 242 in the series.

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Franklin Police Sgt Brian Johnson. Sgt Johnson is the Public Information Officer for the Police Dept and we had a great conversation via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

Can you have a conversation about the Franklin Police Dept and not discuss their four-legged star? Listen and hear how we had plenty to talk about; how the FPD is responding during this pandemic, how some personnel assignments have been juggled, how they can find time to help celebrate a birthday, and then the call to action to check on our neighbors (to see how they are faring in this period).

The recording runs about 28 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Sgt Johnson and hear about what is happening on the front lines with the Franklin Police Dept.   Audio file = https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HBCcQh37




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Police Dept page = https://www.franklinma.gov/police-department

Police Dept Twitter account = https://twitter.com/franklinpolice

Police Dept Facebook page = https://www.facebook.com/Franklin-Police-Department-162770995915/?fref=ts


We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm).

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors
• If you don't like something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/
If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

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You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

FM_#242- Sgt Brian Johnson - Check On Your Neighbors 4/6/20 (audio)

FM #239 Recreation Dept Director, Ryan Jette 4/02/20 (audio)

FM #239 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 239 in the series.

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Franklin’s Recreation Department Director Ryan Jette. We had this conversation via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

We talk about the Recreation activities underway, those being planned/and or rescheduled as needed in these times. Stay tuned for a new date for Earth Day, hopefully we’ll get a date when we can be out and about.

We also hear about a couple of construction projects that are on hold right now. You’ll hear about the work at Fletcher Field for the new street hockey and basketball court and with the safety netting at the high school ball fields.

This recording runs about 18 minutes, so listen to my conversation with Ryan and see what the Recreation Dept will have in store for us post-pandemic.

Audio file: https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HWhFv1l7




--------------

Recreation Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/FranklinRecreationDepartment/

Recreation twitter account  https://twitter.com/FranklinRec

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm).

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors
• If you don't like something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/
If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

------------------

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

FM #239 Recreation Dept Director, Ryan Jette  4/02/20 (audio)

Goodness from the Twitterverse!

#1 - 
Jeff Melo (@Coach_MeloPE) tweeted at 1:19 PM on Wed, Apr 08, 2020:
@OakStElementary @jfkladybugs @parmenterschool @DT_Bobcats @JeffersonLabs @KellerSchool
@FPSHealthPE @FranklinPSNews @MrBanksPE @MrsCartersPE @MrsDoylePE @coachnordberg @MrMcCabePE @MrHendrixson @somegoodnews

Coming soon...
#PEatHome https://t.co/YoMptQhYWC
(https://twitter.com/Coach_MeloPE/status/1247937218720804870?s=03)

#PEatHome https://t.co/YoMptQhYWC

#2

Franklin Police (@franklinpolice) tweeted at 7:55 PM on Wed, Apr 08, 2020:

Making people happy one song at a time!

(https://twitter.com/franklinpolice/status/1248036829137383424?s=03)

Making people happy one song at a time! https://t.co/kSiw7POkzS

— Franklin Police (@franklinpolice) April 8, 2020

#3

James H. Barrett (@MusicWithMrJHB) tweeted at 8:37 PM on Wed, Apr 08, 2020:

Acapella... first time using this app... wrote and recorded this in like 5 minutes... totally goofy... https://t.co/42ECFNkCnX @franklinculture @FranklinMatters @JeffersonLabs @DT_Bobcats @FCC02038 @FranklinHSMusic @RMS_Remdawgs @FranklinPSNews @FranklinEdOrg Thanks 4 listening!! https://t.co/s1alxIVxJZ

(https://twitter.com/MusicWithMrJHB/status/1248047472754253830?s=03)

Acapella... first time using this app... wrote and recorded this in like 5 minutes... totally goofy... https://t.co/42ECFNkCnX @franklinculture @FranklinMatters @JeffersonLabs @DT_Bobcats @FCC02038 @FranklinHSMusic @RMS_Remdawgs @FranklinPSNews @FranklinEdOrg Thanks 4 listening!! pic.twitter.com/s1alxIVxJZ

— James H. Barrett (@MusicWithMrJHB) April 9, 2020

Once Upon a Town: Schools - Franklin MA

Join Eamon McCarthy Earls and Joe Landry to learn about the "Schools of Franklin"

https://youtu.be/t_84bSElH30

Encore Music Education Foundation in Action

With all of us trying to cope, manage, and thrive in difficult situations, music is a well-acknowledged way to bring serenity and smiles to our faces. 

Thanks to the incredible generosity of our sponsors, donors, and families, The Encore Music Education Foundation (EMEF) continues to help sustain music students throughout the current crisis. 

In the last two weeks alone, EMEF has awarded over $1500.00 in grants to help families in need remain in the instrumental, vocal, and class environments that are more important than ever. Please read about some of our past scholarship recipients here! 

For more about Encore Music Education Foundation visit them online
https://www.wesupportmusic.org/emef-in-action-your-impact/ 

Encore Music Education Foundation in Action - Abby

Encore Music Education Foundation in Action - Arina

Encore Music Education Foundation in Action - Claire

Encore Music Education Foundation in Action - Prem

Encore Music Education Foundation in Action - Sunehri

In the News: exploring ‘new ways’ to pass State budget; public assistance programs

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

Spilka: State exploring ‘new ways’ to pass budget

"Bills aimed at providing protection for renters and homeowners are among the Senate’s short-term COVID-19 response plans, and beyond that, Senate President Karen Spilka is looking at ways to keep the body running with most senators working remotely amid the ongoing public health crisis. 

“We’re just about to enter the surge. I think all of us need to keep our eye on the ball, or the surge, right now,” Spilka said Wednesday after virtually caucusing with Senate Democrats for upwards of three hours. “We just can’t take our eyes off of it.” 

Gov. Charlie Baker has projected the number of COVID-19 cases in Massachusetts could reach its peak somewhere between Friday and April 20. A total of 16,790 people had tested positive for the coronavirus as of Wednesday afternoon, and 4 o’clock has become synonymous with grim daily updates of infection and virus death totals. 

Nearly a month after Baker declared a state of emergency, Spilka said the Legislature’s focus has remained on limiting spread of the virus and providing a safety net for residents whose lives have been disrupted."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200408/spilka-state-exploring-new-ways-to-pass-budget

MA residents leaning heavily on public assistance programs

"A flood of new applications surged into state social safety net programs in recent weeks, another piece of evidence reflecting widespread economic hardships brought on by the coronavirus pandemic. 

Following Gov. Charlie Baker’s March 10 state of emergency declaration, the number of Massachusetts residents seeking government aid from three major programs rapidly increased as businesses were ordered to close and as layoffs spread widely. 

Total weekly applications for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children program (TAFDC) and the Emergency Aid to the Elderly, Disabled and Children (EAEDC) more than tripled over the past month, state data show. 

The heightened need will get attention next week from the Legislature: on Monday, the Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities Committee will host a virtual hearing on a bill (H 4622) that would provide an extra month of TAFDC and EAEDC benefits to families in need."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200408/mass-residents-leaning-heavily-on-public-assistance-programs