Senator Ross: February 2015 State House Update

Senator Richard J. Ross, State House Update, February 2015 View this email in your browser Facebook Twitter Website LinkedIn State Senator Richard J. Ross (R-Wrentham) proudly serving the Norfolk, Bristol and Middlesex District. State House Room 520 Boston, MA 02133 Ph: 617-722-1555 Fax: 617-722-1053 Email:richard.ross@masenate.gov Dear Friends, This month has been a very difficult one, especially for those who rely on the MBTA. Historic winter storms have hit our area and left many of my constituents to deal with unreliable train service on a daily basis. Please read my newsletter to see the work the Senate Republican caucus is doing to try and solve this ongoing problem. Additionally, I hope to see all of my constituents at an open public forum at the Newton North High School cafeteria from 7:00pm-8:30pm on Monday, March 2nd as part of the Senate Commonwealth Conversations Tour. This is a great chance to let your voice be heard, so I hope to see you all there. Sincerely, SENATE GOP FILES MAJOR MBTA REFORM PACKAGE In response to weeks of repeated performance failures by the MBTA and partner Keolis Commuter Services, the Senate Republican Caucus and I filed legislation that will provide several tools for the unsustainable public transportation system aimed to financially stabilize the MBTA and restore public confidence in the system. The bipartisan measure authored by the caucus would create a fiscal recovery trust fund, require the Secretary of Administration and Finance to identify funds to assist the MBTA, and would create a new seven member MBTA finance control board that could ultimately be dissolved in favor of a receiver that would take over the board's responsibilities as a last resort if sufficient progress has not been made. The responsibilities of the MBTA finance control board/receiver include: Securing financial and performance stability of the MBTA; Implementing fiscal controls; Implementing uniform budget and planning guidelines and procedures for all departments; Levying fines on vendors who fail to maintain on-time rates, vehicle cleanliness, fare collections, station maintenance, and staff training; Executing capital budgets and borrowing authorizations to finance or refinance any debt; Maintaining authority to appoint, remove, supervise, and control all MBTA employees and personnel matters; Developing a long range plan for MBTA financial and structural sustainability; and Requiring the filing of a quarterly report to the House and Senate Committees on Ways and Means detailing how any expended loan funds were used in the past quarter. My constituents have dealt with the impact of delays, cancellations, and limited service for weeks now and it is unacceptable. This legislation would take much needed action to resolve a clear mismanagement of funds and direction within the MBTA and provide residents with a public transportation system they can depend on. FRANKLIN LADY BUG Forty years ago, Ms. Pamela Johnson's second grade class at the Kennedy School in Franklin was learning about local government and the legislative process when they decided that Massachusetts needed a state bug. Ms. Johnson's class worked very hard and with the help of their State Representative took the necessary steps and advocacy efforts to Beacon Hill that ultimately lead to passage of a bill making the Ladybug the official Bug of the Commonwealth. On Tuesday, February 10, 2015, Representative Jeffrey N. Roy, Senator Karen E. Spilka, and I hosted a ceremony delivering the Franklin delegation's ladybug to town officials and commemorating the 40th anniversary of the class project that made the Ladybug the official bug of the Commonwealth. We truly live in a remarkable state when citizens, no matter what age, have the ability to impact the legislative process. Forty years later, this testament remains true, and it was a privilege to recognize the success of the Kennedy School with this ladybug, a shining example of civic engagement, that will reside in Franklin Town Hall for generations to come. METCO BREAKFAST The METCO program is such a vital educational program in my district, offering countless opportunities to so many young students. On Tuesday, February 24th I attended a METCO legislative breakfast with my colleagues, superintendents, and students from across the state. It was especially great to speak with Needham Superintendent Daniel Gutekanst, Needham School Committee Chair Michael Greis, Wayland Superintendent Paul Stein, and Wayland METCO Director Mabel Reid-Wallace. I also had the opportunity to chat with some great students from Wayland, Alex Chused, Tachianna Griffiths, and Dominique Griffith, about the positive impact METCO has had on their lives. Their stories reiterated how important this funding is for not only them, but for our school districts as well. This has been a tough time for everyone with the recent  budget shortfall, but as the 189th legislative continues and FY16 budget discussions begin, I look forward to continuing this important conversation. STUDY IMPACT OF OLYMPICS Since Boston was chosen as the United States bid to host the 2024 Olympics, I have co-sponsored three pieces of legislation to further study and investigate the possible impact hosting the Olympic Games will have on the Commonwealth. A bill filed by Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr (R-Gloucester), An Act relative to the commonwealth of Massachusetts hosting an Olympic Games, would ensure that at least one public hearing be conducted by the House and Senate Ways and Means committees, and a special act passed before any Commonwealth funds are spent on the games. An Act to establish a special joint committee to study the Olympic Games in the Commonwealth, filed by Representative Paul Frost (R-Auburn), would establish a committee of the General Court to determine the costs, benefits, and feasibility of hosting the Summer Olympics in Massachusetts. Additionally, I co-sponsored An Act promoting transparency and accountability for hosting the 2024 summer games, filed by Rep. Michael Moran (D-Brighton), which would create a seven member commission tasked with additional analyses and oversight. Before such an undertaking as the Olympics, we must include legislators to ensure that our constituents are not bearing the burden of added costs and that vital town projects are not neglected. GOOD GOVT MEASURES Working in a bipartisan effort with Senate colleagues before and during the Senate joint rules debate, the Senate Republican Caucus and I secured additional transparency and accountability measures that could ultimately govern the current legislative session. I secured passage of an amendment filed that would require all standing committees to provide committee members a minimum of 4 hours to review polls prior to submitting their vote, which may be suspended by a majority vote by the members of the committee. Ensuring that the state legislature is working in the most transparent and effective manner should be our top priority, and I believe some of the measures included do just that. I am pleased that my colleagues supported my amendment, which serves to give legislators the time they need to carefully consider the legislation before them. The debate was constructive and will only help to increase oversight and transparency in state government. It is my hope that this, as well as the other provisions secured by the Senate Republicans, will also be adopted later on in the process. The Senate and House package of joint rules have now headed to a conference committee. Blue and Gold Ceremony for Franklin's Cub Scout Pack 17. Congrats to these six dedicated young men on this wonderful achievement. (left) Met with KP students Julia Reilly and Caroline Chisolm of Norfolk where they presented their project for the DECA program, entitled "Believe to Achieve." (right) COMMONWEALTH CONVERSATIONS TOUR On Monday, March 2nd, I will continue a statewide tour of Senate districts, visiting businesses, universities and local organizations to listen to the concerns of the residents of MetroWest. I will be joined by Senate President Stan Rosenberg, Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr, Senators Karen Spilka, Cynthia Stone Creem, Mike Barrett, Jamie Eldridge, and Eileen Donoghue, as well as other senators from across Massachusetts. The MetroWest tour will begin at Plainridge Park Casino to discuss issues impacting economic development in the region and will conclude with an open public forum at the Newton North High School cafeteria from 7:00pm-8:30 pm. All members of the public are encouraged to attend. Sign-up sheets will be available for individuals who wish to testify, and speaking slots are available for two minutes per individual to accommodate all testifiers. This is an exciting opportunity for the Senate to engage in a meaningful discourse with our constituents, local officials, and business leaders on the issues they care about. I am looking forward to touring the MetroWest region with my colleagues and encourage all of my constituents to attend the public forum and let their voice be heard. About Commonwealth Conversations The Commonwealth Conversations Tour is a statewide tour of Senate districts led by the local senators to reach out to local residents, businesses and interest groups to listen directly to their needs and concerns with the hope that it will foster more civic engagement, while helping each senator learn more about issues outside of their own districts. All members of the public are encouraged to participate. To read more about this effort, visit the website at https://malegislature.gov/cc and follow on Twitter at @Ma_Senate.  Happy to host a pizza party at the Wellesley COA and chat with seniors about their priorities in their community. (left) Toured the historic Falls Fire Barn Museum in North Attleboro with Museum Director Nancy Campbell. (right) CITIZENS LEGISLATIVE SEMINAR I am pleased to announce that the 74th Citizens' Legislative Seminar (CLS) will be held this spring on Tuesday, April 28th and Wednesday, April 29th from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the State House. The Citizens' Legislative Seminar is always a great chance for those interested in learning more about the workings of state government and the legislative process to get hands-on experience. This seminar is a fantastic opportunity and I encourage all those interested in participating to contact my office directly. CLS is a citizen seminar that aims to better educate the public on the Commonwealth's legislative process. Established in 1976 through a collaborative effort of the Massachusetts Senate and the University of Massachusetts, this two-day seminar features presentations by Senators and staff on aspects of the day-to-day experience of legislators in the Commonwealth. Topics will include the history and process of the Legislature, the parliamentary role of the Clerk of the Senate and the future of the Legislature. The CLS culminates with a simulated legislative hearing and Senate session where participants are invited to use what they have learned and participate as "Senators" in the Senate Chamber in order to have a first-hand experience of the legislative process. All residents in the Norfolk, Bristol, and Middlesex District are invited to contact my office at richard.ross@masenate.gov by Tuesday, March 10th in order to be nominated. Southeastern Massachusetts Libraries Legislative Breakfast at the Norton Public Library with dedicated student Aidan Ryan, Senator Michael Rodrigues, Rep. Steven Howitt, Senator Jim Timilty, and Rep. Betty Poirier. (left) Honored to speak at the 150th anniversary celebration of Dean College with President Dr. Paula Rooney. (right) ADULT GRIEF SERIES The Community VNA Hospice and Palliative Care will be offering a six week Grief Education Series for Adults Experiencing loss beginning on March 4, 2015 through April 8, 2015. These sessions are for any adult experiencing loss. As the director of a funeral home, I am all too familiar with the grief many families go through when they lose someone close to them. This program  is a great opportunity for you or someone you know to have the chance to speak to a professional and use them a resource during this difficult time. The program is free and open to the public and takes place on Wednesdays, 6:30pm-8:00pm at Community VNA, 10 Emory Street, Attleboro, MA 02703. To register call (508)222-0118 or (800)220-0110. For more information, you can also visit www.communityvna.com. Celebrating the 30th Anniversary of Louise Condon Realty in Needham. Congrats on this outstanding achievement and your continued success in the community. (left) Pleased to recognize my dear friend Carol Mollica for her retirement after 21 years serving as Wrentham Town Clerk. Thank you for everything you have done for the town. (right) I was honored to stand with my colleagues at the annual Go Red for Women event at the State House to help raise awareness about heart disease. Thank you to the American Heart Association and the Massachusetts Caucus of Women Legislators for sponsoring such a great event. Great turnout for the North Attleboro Senior Circuit Breaker Seminar (left) and the Plainville Senior Circuit Breaker Seminar. (right)  SENIOR CIRCUIT BREAKER SEMINARS In February, my legislative colleagues and I hosted informational seminars on the Senior Circuit Breaker Tax Credit across the Norfolk, Bristol, and Middlesex District. It was great to see so many of our constituents come and learn about this beneficial program. We still have a number of seminars scheduled for March, and I encourage all those interested to attend. To see when we will be visiting your town, check out the schedule below. For more information on the Senior Circuit Breaker Tax Credit please visit my website here.  Friday, March 13th Wrentham COA, 400 Taunton Street, Wrentham 11:00am-12:00pm Norfolk COA, 28 Medway Branch Road, Norfolk 12:30pm-1:30pm Wednesday, March 18th  Needham Center at the Heights, 300 Hillside Avenue, Needham 10:30am-11:30am Natick COA, 117 East Central Street, Natick 12:00pm-1:00pm Millis Town Hall, 900 Main Street, Millis 1:30pm-2:30pm Tuesday, March 24th Wellesley COA, 219 Washington Street, Wellesley 10:30am-11:30am Wayland COA, 41 Cochituate Road, Wayland 1:00pm-2:00pm

Due to the length of the message, email clipped it. To view the full message follow this link:
http://us8.campaign-archive1.com/?u=3e8a4d383be7e23b1cbd35366&id=ac7f437ffb&e=a8c3a8b3b3

First Universalist Society - March 8th - Religious Education Open House

First Universalist Society in Franklin holds Religious Education Open House

Sunday, March 8th, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Looking for a spiritual community close to home? The Religious Education (RE) Team of First Universalist Society in Franklin (FUSF) invites area families to visit for Unitarian Universalist worship and RE classes, and stay for a potluck lunch and socializing. FUSF's spring semester begins March 8th, so this open house is a great way to learn more about what this UU faith development program has to offer. FUSF is a welcoming community that respects individual beliefs, and works for peace and justice while sharing the journey. For more about the faith, visit www.uua.org. 

screen grab of FUSF.org webpage

On March 8th, families can enjoy free nursery care for children under 3 years of age, and RE classes as follows: PreK/K Spirit Play; Grades 1-3: Moral Tales; Grades 4-5: Bibleodeon; Grades 6-7: Riddle and Mystery; Grades 8-12: Fun, friendship and volunteering for spring semester. Meet FUSF's new director of religious education Aoife Barrington-Haber and the RE teachers, and learn more about FUSF's Chalice Club, Coming of Age program, OWL program, and more. 

First Universalist Society in Franklin is located at 262 Chestnut St, Franklin, 508-528-5348 and fusf@verizon.net. For more information, visit www.fusf.org.

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA Area: FRI 2/27/15-3/5/15

FRI 2/27   6:30pm   PAINTNITE fun-raiser for BFCCPS at Franklin Art Center - open to public
FRI 2/27   8-9:50pm   Frozen Friday DJ Public Skate at Pirelli Arena 

SAT 2/28   9am-2pm Blood Drive at Hockomock Y, Bernon Family Branch
SAT 2/28   2pm   The Black Box presents “Our Town”
SAT 2/28   3:30pm   iStories at Franklin Public Library
SAT 2/28   7:30pm   The Black Box presents “Our Town”
SAT 2/28   8pm   Mark Erelli Concert with special guest Surly Temple at Circle of Friends Coffeehouse at FUSF

SUN 3/1   11:30am   Big Band Brunch with Kenny Hadley Big Band Group at The Black Box

WED 3/4   12pm-6pm   Workshop Wednesday: Spring Critter Cupcake at The Cake Bar
WED 3/4   7pm   Friends of Franklin Library Public Meeting at the FPL

THU 3/5  7pm  Fiscal Responsibility: A Taxpayer’s Perspective; Alumni Restaurant

For all the Town of Franklin Public Meetings click HERE.

For event details click HERE.

*If you have any suggestions or events for the calendar, please email Renata@BetterLivingRE.com

FHS Sports: Boys Basketball tops Wachusett to advance in playoffs

The Franklin High School boys basketball team won a close game on Thursday to advance to the D1 Central semifinals on Sunday. Ryan Lanigan, Editor in Chief of Hockomock Sports reports on the game by writing:

Josh Macchi only scored two points on Thursday night, but they couldn't have come at a better time. 

FHS Panthers

With Franklin up 36-33 and just over a minute to play, Macchi tried to go up and under. It missed, but Marcus Giese got just enough to tip the offensive rebound right back to Macchi and he laid it in with a defender draped all over him. 

The Panthers never looked back, taking down Wachusett 44-35 to advance to the D1 Central Semifinals. 

......

The Panthers now return to WPI to take on St. John’s Shrewsbury in the D1 Central Semifinals. The game is a rematch of last year’s D1 Central final. The two teams played once this season with SJS take a 66-59 win. The game is scheduled for Sunday at WPI at 1:00.

Continue reading the full article at Hockomock Sports here
http://www.hockomocksports.com/blog/franklin-grinds-out-tough-win-over-wachusett

Big Band Brunch - March 1 - THE BLACK BOX Theater

Come Join Us This Sunday Big Band Brunch - Sunday, March 1 - THE BLACK BOX Theater

Franklin Performing Arts Company uses Vendini for ticketing, marketing, and box office management.

Franklin Performing Arts Company - PO Box 16, Franklin, MA, 02038, (508) 528-8668
Vendini, Inc. - 660 Market Street, San Francisco, CA, 94104, 1 (800) 901-7173

View as a web page.

In the News: Franklin receives DEP grant, DEP fines Franklin owner for improper asbestos removal

The Department of Public Works plans to use money from a state grant to curb the amount of stormwater draining into the Charles River. 

The town on Tuesday won a $119,000 grant through a state Department of Environmental Protection initiative to help cites and towns manage local water supplies. In all, DEP awarded around $755,000 in grants to 12 communities, including Medway. 

Franklin DPW Robert Cantoreggi said Thursday the grant will fund work to build a water recharge area off Jefferson Road.

Continue reading the article in the Milford Daily News: http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150227/NEWS/150226926/1994/NEWS#sthash.qKXmtquO.dpuf

The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) has assessed both Cohen One Realty Trust and its trustee, Harold S. Cohen of Franklin, $54,895 penalties for violating state asbestos regulations during the demolition of a Franklin residence owned by the Trust. Total fines assessed were $109,790. 

Although the Trust had the residence surveyed for asbestos-containing materials, it did not have them properly removed by a licensed asbestos contractor before demolishing the building. Also, the Trust did not notify MassDEP prior to commencing the demolition work as required by the regulations.

Continue reading the article in the Milford Daily News: http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150227/NEWS/150226925/1994/NEWS#sthash.JdZSrFvc.dpuf

MassBudget: New Infographic - Economic Opportunity and Child Poverty in MA

Economic Opportunity and Child Poverty in MA: What's Working and How We Could Do Better The number of children living in poverty in Massachusetts would be twice as high if low income families did not receive help from effective anti-poverty programs such as the Earned Income Tax Credit, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (formerly called food stamps), WIC nutrition programs, and the Child Tax Credit. Together these programs help lift 1 in 7 children in Massachusetts out of poverty. Yet, another 1 in 7 children still live in poverty in Massachusetts. These findings are detailed in a study released today, Measuring Access to Opportunity in the United States, by the Annie E. Casey Foundation's national KIDS COUNT project of which MassBudget's KIDS COUNT project is the state affiliate.  To provide an overview of what's working, what's holding back progress, and how to fix what's broken, MassBudget created the infographic below. For a more in-depth discussions of these issues, see our reports and resources on expanding economic opportunity, support for kids, jobs and the economy, education, and taxes.     The Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center (MassBudget) produces policy research, analysis, and data-driven recommendations focused on improving the lives of low- and middle-income children and adults, strengthening our state's economy, and enhancing the quality of life in Massachusetts. MASSACHUSETTS BUDGET AND POLICY CENTER 15 COURT SQUARE, SUITE 700 BOSTON, MA 02108

Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center | 15 Court Square | Suite 700 | Boston | MA | 02108

YMCA: Blood Drive - Feb 28th - 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Hockomock YMCA

Could you please include that we will be holding a blood drive here at the Bernon Family YMCA next Saturday, February 28th from 9:00-2:00pm. 

This blood drive is being run by volunteers from our community and they are looking for a great turn out. We will also be looking for other volunteers to be involved with some future community events. 

This group of volunteers will be holding 4 service projects to benefit our surrounding communities. 

Franklin Cultural Festival: Application and Process Info

Hello,

Attached, please find the application package for the Franklin Cultural Festival performances and events. The Festival will take place between July 29 and August 2, 2015, and will celebrate the Performing Arts, the Fine Arts and the Culinary Arts.

The application package includes a briefing memo that explains the Festival and the application process. Additionally, it includes information about dates, times and potential locations. There is a 3-page application and a map of the proposed Franklin Cultural District. 

screen grab of proposed Franklin Cultural District

As you read these materials please note:

1. The deadline for application: April 17, 2015 at 5:00 PM. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.

2. All applications must be emailed to the programming committee at the following email address: franklinculturaldistrict@gmail.com

3. If you want to apply for more than one performance or more than one event, you will need to complete a separate application form for each performance or event.

4. For questions or additional information, please email the Programming Committee at the following address: franklinculturaldistrict@gmail.com

Should you know of other people with a Franklin connection who would be interested in participating in the Franklin Cultural Festival you may forward these materials to them. You may also give them our email address to contact us directly.

We look forward to celebrating Franklin through the Franklin Cultural Festival!

With appreciation,

The Programming Committee

Student choice for graduation robe color

From Pantherbook we find and share the results on the graduation gown discussion that took place in and around Franklin High School recently. Student Editor Caroline Cafasso writes:

On Friday, February 5, the FHS Student Government finalized the plans for the FHS graduation robes after a student poll showed that almost 69% of those who voted support having each student choose between blue and white for what color graduation robe they want to wear. 

Student government allowed the student body to have the final say in the matter. After several weeks of discussion, they gathered the most feasible and popular options in a Google poll where everyone could vote via Its Learning. 

According to Class of 2015 President Conor Lemanowicz, FHS voted overwhelmingly for the option to have each student choose his/her own graduation robe color between blue and white. 

“I was very satisfied with the result,” Conor said. “It was a compromise that was able to satisfy the vast majority of the student body. Ultimately our goal was to eliminate any gender discrimination in the robe tradition in a manner that would be acceptable for the students. I think we achieved that goal.” 

FHS student celebration at graduation (Pantherbook photo)

- See more at: http://pantherbook.org/top-stories/2015/02/24/in-case-you-missed-it-fhs-comes-to-a-graduation-robe-decision/#sthash.bmPkPzyc.dpuf

Related posts

FOX 25 story from Dec 2014
http://www.myfoxboston.com/story/27608696/debate-over-graduation-gowns-underway-at-franklin-high-school

The Franklin Matters posting sharing Pantherbook article on the issue
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/12/graduation-gown-discussion.html

Fund raiser for the 8th grade students of BFCCPS

Residents of Franklin,

As the bitter cold of this long winter continues, here is an opportunity for some fun.

The 8th grade Parents of Benjamin Franklin Charter School are having a fun-raiser this Friday,February 27, 2015.

It's a PAINTNITE to be held at the Franklin Art Center from 6:30-8:30pm.

The proceeds of this fun-raiser are going to help offset the cost of the 8th grade students trip to Washington D.C. in April.

It promises to be a fun night, to be out with friends, a girl's evening out perhaps, or catch up with old friends.

Either way, we would love to have you stop by and give it a try, all the while keeping in mind that it is going to benefit the students.

BFCCPS sign on a sunny day - think spring!

Please follow the link to sign up

www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0448AFAC23A46-paint

We hope to see you there,

Thank you,

8th grade Parents

BFCCPS

Floral Design Workshops in partnership with Hillside Nurseries

The Center for Adult Education and Community Learning at Franklin, in conjunction with Hillside Nurseries, is pleased to offer their first Floral Design Partnership Seminars, a five week program developed to introduce you to the pleasures, satisfaction and financial opportunities of exploring the art of floral design. Whether you are interested in floral design for your own personal occasions or the various seasons of the year or you are considering a floral design career of your own, this series will give you the opportunity to explore.

These hands-on evening classes with Brenda, Sandra and Karen – designers who are part of the Hillside Nurseries team with more than 135 combined years of experience – will guide you through an exciting adventure. 

You can register for all of the courses or just one – it’s up to you. It’s a program that will fit your schedule. Your registration fee is all inclusive and will provide you with a finished product that you can take with you each week.

All classes will start promptly at 6:30 pm and end at 8:30 pm on Tuesday evenings. Space is limited so register early.

Register for the entire series for $250 OR Register for an individual class and pay $55 for each class.

Just go to www.FranklinLifelongLearning.com and click on Adult Ed to get started.

March 10 – Dish Garden in a Basket – Stunning varieties of fresh green plants will be used to create your classic dish garden. Echoing a time-honored tradition that began centuries ago in Asia, this rich garden of greenery will add unique style to your home.

March 17 – Bulb Garden with Tulips, Hyacinth and Daffodils – Easy-to-grow Bulb Gardens explode with color – a whole garden’s worth of beauty nestled into an attractive container. You will love an array of colors, forms and fragrances creating a beautiful parade of brilliant blooms. Your home will be painted with the amazing shades of spring long after (or before) it’s here.

March 24 – Short-stem Mixed Rose Arrangement –The same quality as long-stem roses – just a little shorter! You will find the special ‘shorty’s’ range is simply perfect for all occasions – whether you’re celebrating a romantic anniversary, saying thank you, or wishing somebody special a happy birthday, you can’t go far wrong with this beautiful bouquet….and this is the class where you learn how to build it.

April 7 – 18” Silk Forsythia Wreath – Embrace spring and summer with a brilliant Yellow Silk Forsythia Wreath. The traditional yellow forsythia pops from a twiggy perch and seems to sport a gorgeous breath.

April 14 – Mixed Arrangement – Can’t decide which type of flower you like best? You don’t have to! This session will show you how to create flower bouquets with an assortment of flower types, perfect for any occasion or recipient.

Franklin High School on a winter's night

About The Center for Adult Education Community Learning at Franklin

The Center for Adult Education Community Learning at Franklin is a program of the Franklin Public Schools Lifelong Learning Institute and is dedicated to providing quality learning experiences for adults in the Town of Franklin and surrounding communities. Diverse and enriched education and experiences are the goals of The Center for Adult Education and Community Learning at Franklin. 

~ Our commitment extends to working professionals, senior citizens, persons with special needs and those in transition 

For more information, please contact The Center for Adult Education office at 508-613-1480 or email adulted@franklin.k12.ma.us.

Reminder: Culinary Cabaret at THE BLACK BOX - Mar 6th

The Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) presents Culinary Cabaret 2015 on Friday, March 6, from 7-11 p.m. at THE BLACK BOX, 15 West Central Street, in downtown Franklin. The fourth annual signature food and wine event showcases the culinary and performing arts, featuring masterful dishes and gourmet specialties. A culinary-themed silent auction will feature quality cookware, wine and experiences for the food lover. The evening includes music and entertainment by FPAC special guest artists and Electric Youth.

FPAC is pleased to partner with exceptional area chefs and restaurants to present an innovative evening of inspired cuisine. Savor fine wines, craft beer, and delicious appetizers, desserts and dishes from Annie’s Just Desserts, The Cake Bar, Campania Ristorante, Davio’s Northern Italian Steakhouse, Genji Sushi, Incontro, J & L Catering, Pour Richard’s Wine & Spirits, Salt & Olive, Tavolino, Twelve Fine Food & Spirits, Whole Foods Market, 3 Restaurant and more. THE BLACK BOX, FPAC’s new theater, music and event venue, provides a dynamic setting to eat, drink, learn and celebrate.

Pictured from Franklin's 3 Restaurant are
Executive Chef Chad Terry and General Manager Brian Ravella

With the return of Culinary Cabaret 2015, FPAC is proud to once again spotlight some of the finest culinary talent in Boston’s MetroWest region, pairing food and art of outstanding creative caliber, with an impressive roster of vendors.

This year’s event welcomes back several founding partners, including Davio’s, Tavolino and Whole Foods Market. Led by General Manager Tom Perruna and Executive Chef Greg Galano, Tavolino treated guests to seared Ahi tuna and braised calamari at Culinary Cabaret's launch in 2012. This year, the team will prepare pan-seared scallops, crushed cashews and local seaweed salad, as well as duck confit ravioli served with a toasted walnut risotto and a port wine reduction. Davio’s Executive Chef Paul King will serve up prime beef short rib and butternut squash purée, garnished with crispy leeks. Among the 2015 new event partners, Incontro will present guests with several selections, including pork rillette with pickles, mustard, herbs and micro greens with crusty bread, as well as house-made lemon ricotta and grilled asparagus.

Culinary Cabaret

Pour Richard’s will partner restaurant stations with representatives from wineries and distributors, who will pour wines specifically chosen to complement the chef-prepared specialties. Reflecting Pour Richard’s “Never Drink Ordinary” motto, beverages will feature small producers, high quality and eclectic selection, including wines from Carol Shelton Vineyards, Sine Metu, Wente Vineyards, Pedroncelli Vineyards, Tiefenbrunner and many more, as well as craft beer, Irish Whiskey, Coole Swan Irish Cream and a signature cocktail created by Ipswich's own Privateer Rum. Pour Richard’s will also feature a single cask, single malt Scotch tasting, led by Scotch Master Charlie Tower, representing Douglas of Drumlanrig, Old Malt Cask and Malt Man selections. These are rare and delicious whiskies, many produced in lots of only 150 total bottles.

Tickets for Culinary Cabaret are $75 and fully inclusive of the evening’s food, wine, beer and entertainment. Purchase tickets online at www.theblackboxonline.com or by phone at 508-528-3370. Event proceeds support Electric Youth’s 2015 European summer concert tour and EY’s mission to give back through musical performance, education and ambassadorship. Culinary Cabaret 2015 media sponsors are The Milford Daily News and WMRC.

The direct link for tickets via THE BLACK BOX is here

FHS Hockey tops Xaverian 3-2 in OT

From Hockomock Sports, we share the news on the OT win for the FHS boys hockey team to get to the Super 8 tourney.

When it comes to narratives, take your pick. 

Franklin twice battled back from one-goal deficits, scoring the game-tying goal with under a minute to play. 

Ryan Shea committed robbery, getting a piece of Jake Farrell’s shot midway through the third period with the Panthers down 2-1. 

Ryan Shea (left) made 32 saves in net while Ryan Spillane (right) scored the game-winning goal in overtime. (Ryan Lanigan/HockomockSports.com)

Defenseman Nick Morris, who missed out of a good chance in the first period, was the one to tie the game for Franklin with 31.7 seconds left.

DJ Shea scored the biggest goal of his season, just his fifth, with just under 10 minutes to play to tie the game, tipping home a shot from Morris after a good hustle play from Kyle Lundgren, a third-liner. 

And finally, there was Ryan Spillane, this year’s Hockomock League MVP, who buried the puck 2:36 into overtime just after setting up a play with linemate Alec Borkowski to give the Panthers a thrilling 3-2 win over Xaverian in a Super 8 play-in game. 

With the win, Franklin is officially a member of the Super 8 field and will take on #2 Malden Catholic on Sunday night at 6:00 at the Tsongis Arena.

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