In the News: nativity festival, foundation awards, Celtic Christmas, tax rate

Nativity festival set for today at Franklin church

Nativity sets serve as the focal point in many homes during the holiday season with some families passing these heirlooms down from one generation to another.

Foundation awards $228K to groups throughout MetroWest

Foundation for MetroWest announced on today that it has awarded grants totaling $228,000 to organizations throughout  MetroWest as part of their 2013 Competitive Grant Program. The announcement was part of an event held this week at The Center for the Arts in Natick (TCAN).

To do this weekend: Celtic Christmas Celebration

The Circle of Friends Coffeehouse presents a Celtic Christmas Concert on Saturday, Dec. 14 in Franklin.

Franklin Town Council stays with single tax rate

Considering Franklin's small commercial tax base, the Town Council on Wednesday chose to stick with a single tax rate.

Weekend events in Franklin

There are choices to make this weekend.

Breakfast with Santa
One seating Saturday at 9:30 AM - British Beer Co


The Nutcracker - Franklin School for Performing Arts
Saturday at 7:00 and Sunday at 2:00


The Nutcracker - Patti Eisenhauer Dance Company
Saturday 5:30 and Sunday 1:00


Nativity Set Festival
Saturday at 5:00, Church of Later Day Saints


A Christmas Concert at Circle of Friends Coffeehouse
Saturday 8:00 PM


Did I miss anything?

Schools - early dismissal Friday

The photo was taken on a warmer and snowless day. See how the weather changes quickly here in New England!

Parmenter sign

With the forecast of a nasty but changeable storm coming our way Saturday evening, be safe!

Hockomock Hockey Season preview

From the HockomockSports.com preview of the hockey season:

What's the team to watch in the Hock this year and why?

Josh Perry: The most talented and deep roster in the league this season belongs to Franklin. With forward Troy Donahue and arguably the top defenseman in the league in Kyle Powers, plus top-three goalie Devon Maloof, the Panthers are stocked to make another charge at a league title. The biggest key for head coach Chris Spillane will be the continued development of the younger players like Alec Borkowski and Nick Downie who emerged as offensive threats last year in the playoffs. Borkowski, in particular, was one of Franklin’s best players in the final two weeks of last season and as a junior will be counted on to provide some of the scoring lost by the graduation of nearly two lines worth of forwards. It will also be interesting to see how Franklin reacts to a Division I schedule, as the Panthers (along with Mansfield and King Philip) jump out of D2, but this is a program with a history of success and it should continue this season.

Franklin is mentioned elsewhere in the article so you can  read the full story here
http://www.hockomocksports.com/1/post/2013/12/winter-preview-2013-2014-ice-hockey-q-a.html

In the News: Nutcracker here, Nutcracker there, breakfast with Santa, Nativity sets

Franklin: Growing up in 'The Nutcracker'

When Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) presents its annual production of the holiday classic “The Nutcracker” this weekend, more than 100 area dancers will grace the stage.

Becoming Clara… PEDC dancers reflect on path to ‘Nutcracker’ lead role

It all began at the age of 6 when she was cast as the “lead mouse” and a “polichenelle” and the adventure of being in Patti Eisenhauer Dance Center’s, “The Nutcracker,” was upon her.

Holiday breakfast to benefit Santa Foundation in Franklin

A Breakfast with Santa to benefit the Santa Foundation will be held at the British Beer Company, 280 Franklin Village Drive, Franklin on Saturday, Dec. 14. There will be one seating at 9:30 a.m.

Christmas Nativity Festival planned in Franklin, Dec. 14

On Saturday, Dec. 14 The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Franklin is organizing a Nativity Festival. More than 100 nativity sets from church members and area residents will be on display during the open house.

Performance this evening - A Christmas Carol Times Two

"A Christmas Carol Times Two!", a dramatic reading performance of Charles Dickens "A Christmas Carol" combined with traditional 19th century English Christmas carols will happen on Thursday, Dec. 12 at 7PM at the Franklin United Methodist Church, 82 West Central Street in Franklin, Massachusetts.

Al LePage performs "A Christmas Carol"

"Englishman Thomas Hutchinson, Traveling Thespian" portrayed by actor Al LePage, complete with English accent and Victorian-era clothing, will give his dramatic reading performance based on Dickens' very own historic script as a one-man show using only his voice, facial expressions and gestures to create some 18 characters.

Organist and local minister Rev. Dr. Dianne Carpenter will weave organ music between various scenes to set the tone for what's to come and entertain. This is a special benefit performance hosted by the Franklin United Methodist Church with all proceeds to benefit the Franklin Food Pantry.

Admission is $10 per person and the performance is best appreciated by both adults and children 7 years of age and older. Tickets are on sale and can be purchased in advance through BrownPaperTickets.com/, either on-line or by calling their 24/7 toll-free number 1-800-838-3006, and if still available, at the door the day of event. Doors for the performance open at 6:30PM, the fun begins at 6:45PM, and seating is general admission.

Tickets are also available at the Franklin Food Pantry during open hours 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM Tues, Weds and Thursday.

Franklin - Fiscal Policy Draft Update

There is a fiscal policy that Franklin operates with. This year, the policy is being consider for revision and the revisions will include input from the Finance Committee, Town Council and School Committee.

The Finance Committee reviewed and discussed the update at their meeting on Tuesday. This was also mentioned during the Town Administrators update during the Council meeting on Weds. It is scheduled for further discussion within the budget subcommittee before the Council takes it up. It is also scheduled for review by the School Committee.