the Circle of Friends 2015-16 schedule is complete, mark your calendars

The Circle of Friends Coffeehouse is one of my treasures in Franklin. An acoustically sound space with great performers and great desserts at a reasonable price. 

What else can you ask for? Oh, and it is only on Chestnut St so it is easy to get to.

Circle of Friends Coffeehouse 262 Chestnut St Franklin, MA  02038 Phone: 508 528 2541 > Map > Official Site > ReverbNation Profile Our schedule is complete and tickets for all these shows may now be purchased on our website. http://www.circlefolk.org/ Circle of Friends Coffeehouse   UPCOMING SHOWS   Sat Sep 26 2015, 08:00 PM Vance Gilbert Tickets: $20 Sat Oct 10 2015, 08:00 PM The Slambovian Circus of Dreams/Grand Slambovians, The Slambovian Circus of Dreams/Grand Slambovians Tickets: $25 Sat Oct 17 2015, 08:00 PM Pesky J. Nixon, Miles to Dayton Tickets: $20 Sat Nov 07 2015, 08:00 PM Burning Bridget Cleary Tickets: $20 Sat Dec 05 2015, 08:00 PM Anne Heaton, Winterbloom, Antje Duvekot, Natalia Zukerman, Meg Hutchinson Tickets: $25 Winterbloom featuring Anne Heaton, Natalia Zukerman, Antje Duvekot, and Meg Hutchinson   Sat Dec 12 2015, 08:00 PM Ellis Paul Tickets: $25 CD release Sat Jan 09 2016, 08:00 PM John Gorka Tickets: $25 Sat Feb 27 2016, 08:00 PM Seth Glier Tickets: $20 Sat Mar 12 2016, 08:00 PM Susan Werner Tickets: $27   Sat Apr 09 2016, 08:00 PM Billy Novick, Guy Van Duser Tickets: $20   Sat Apr 23 2016, 08:00 PM Forever Young Tickets: $20 A Tribute to the Music of Neil Young Sat May 07 2016, 08:00 PM Dala Tickets: $20 Sat May 14 2016, 08:00 PM Jim Kweskin Tickets: $25 > See More / Details

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Physical inquiries can be sent to: 262 Chestnut St, Franklin, MA, 02038, USA

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Movie night at Beaver Pond - Aug 21

Summer time, a family night at the movie, outside at Beaver Pond. That sounds great!

Movie night at Beaver Pond - Aug 21

What will be showing?

Toy Story - a Disney family 'classic'.

Toy Story - image from wikipedia

This event sponsored by the businesses in the Franklin Small Shop Co-Op.

Games and the Small Shop Co-Op Marketplace will open at 7:00 PM. The movie starts at dusk

35th Annual Crackerbarrel 5K - Sep 12

Hello all. Th 35th annual Crackerbarrel Classic 5k is 9/12/15 and you can register through runreg.com for on line. 

The site has not been affected by the migration issue for race website www. Crackerbarrel Classic.com so l hope to see you again this year. 

Runreg.com is all set for you. 

Crackerbarrel Classic 5K

Thanks, Rich Katno race director

FSPA Summer Theater presents Disney's "High School Musical"

Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FSPA) Summer Theater presents the Disney mega-hit High School Musical at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, August 13 and Friday, August 14. The culmination of FSPA’s annual two-week musical theater program, the production features students in grades 8-12 and will be staged at THE BLACK BOX, located at 15 West Central Street in downtown Franklin.

Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FSPA)

A record-breaking, chart-topping pop culture phenomenon, Disney’s High School Musical is family friendly and full of fun. Based on the wildly popular 2006 Disney Channel original movie musical written by Peter Barsocchini, the stage version features the hit songs “We’re All in This Together,” “Bop to the Top,” “Start of Something New,” and “Get’cha Head in the Game.” With high energy and winning style, the movie’s memorable characters come to life, as star athlete, Troy, falls for brainy beauty, Gabriella, the new girl at fictional East High. When the two audition for lead roles in their high school musical, they threaten the status quo and divide the school’s social cliques. Along the way, these jocks, brainiacs, thespians, and more teach audiences about first love, peer pressure, and the importance of breaking free of others’ expectations and learning to be true to yourself.

The stage adaptation of High School Musical features book by David Simpatico and songs by Matthew Gerrard and Robbie Nevil, Ray Cham, Greg Cham, Andrew Seeley, Randy Petersen, Kevin Quinn, Andy Dodd, Adam Watts, Bryan Louiselle, David N. Lawrence, Faye Greenberg, and Jamie Houston, with music adapted, arranged, and produced by Bryan Louiselle. FSPA’s production is directed by Raye Lynn Mercer and Nick Paone, with musical direction by Hallie Wetzell and choreography by Mercer and Kellie Stamp. 

Featured roles will be played by Michael Fajardo (Troy) of Hopkinton, Madison Asgeirsson (Gabriella) of Franklin, Katharine Waples (Sharpay) of Franklin, Sam Evans (Ryan) of Medfield, Aaron Frongillo (Chad) of Franklin, Katie Gray (Taylor) of Milford, Jason Barney (Zeke) of Franklin, and Brooke Collins (Kelsi) of Franklin. The cast also includes Brian Barrett of Foxboro; Aidan Clark, Kelly Irwin, Lauren Szcepanowski, Lindsey Wyner, and Melissa Wyner of Franklin; Joey Soares and Valerie Tapanainen of Hopedale; and Susauna Wickstrom of Wrentham.

FSPA’s newly expanded Summer Theater program debuted this summer, with opportunities for hands-on immersion in a cabaret show, concert musical, behind-the-scenes theater design, straight play, or musical theater production. Summer programming runs through August 21 and also features one-week performing arts camps, three-day workshops, and music and dance classes. Tickets for High School Musical are $24 (adults) and $20 (students/seniors). For tickets and more information, call (508) 528-8668 or visit www.FSPAonline.com.

MA gas tax is just below National average

Summer time is drive time for many to travel for their vacations. Driving uses gasoline and gas prices vary state to state. What portion of the price variation is actually due to the state taxes? The American Petroleum Institute publishes a report on the state taxes and calculates a national average.

The MA total gas tax is 26.54 cents and including the Federal tax (18.4), the total per gallon is 44.94 cents. The national average is 48.88 cents.

Here is a summary report on gasoline and diesel taxes. This report is updated quarterly. API collects motor fuel tax information for all 50 states and compiles a report and chart detailing changes and calculating a nationwide average. 

API's chart reflects a weighted average for each state, meaning that any taxes which can vary across a state's jurisdiction are averaged according to the population of the local areas subject to each particular tax rate. Where appropriate, the weighted average also takes into consideration the typical percentages of premium, midgrade, and regular fuel purchased in each state. 

In states where taxes vary depending upon the price of the motor fuel (for example, where the tax rate is set as a percentage of the sales price rather than a cents per gallon method), the state average listed on the chart is a snapshot based upon the price of fuel (as reported by AAA) on the date the chart is updated. Be sure to also look at the "Notes" attachment for a detailed explanation of the various taxes included in our chart.

screen grab of API gas tax map

You can find the full report here
http://www.api.org/oil-and-natural-gas-overview/industry-economics/fuel-taxes

the interactive map here
http://www.api.org/oil-and-natural-gas-overview/industry-economics/fuel-taxes/gasoline-tax

and the MA data here:

IRS and Police fund raising scams top the listing for June 2015

The Massachusetts Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation compiles publicly available scam, identity theft, and fraud complaints from around the Commonwealth via police logs, news outlets, and other sources, as well as through the Office’s Consumer Information Hotline.

scam log analysis by MA Office of Consumer Affairs

IRS and police related phone scams top the listing for June 2015. The scam log analysis article provides some tips on how to recognize that the phone call maybe attempting to swindle you for a police related fund raising effort. 

Tips to spot police phone scams

1. If you do receive a call from the police department asking for donations for their annual fundraising efforts, they will not be demanding or put you in a high pressure situation. If you find yourself in a high-pressure situation, be skeptical, and do not be afraid to just hang up.
2. If you are told that the money is for local police associations, ask what associations they are for. If you do not recognize any of them, ask to call them back so you can do your homework and find out about the associations yourself. You should also consider contacting the actual police department, which can verify what associations they support.
3. If you are told that the money is to aid an on-going investigation or department advertising, be skeptical. Hang up and call the actual police department to see if they can verify where all of their fundraising efforts go to.

Follow the link to read the full article to find out how to recognize other phone scams and what to do if you receive one.
http://blog.mass.gov/consumer/massconsumer/scam-log-analysis-june-2015/

Franklin Cultural Festival - Shakespeare’s Henry IV, Part 1 and One Acts

Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) presents the 2015 Whatever Theater Festival, running from Wednesday, July 29 to Saturday, August 1. The 8th annual festival features Shakespeare’s Henry IV, Part 1 and a presentation of One Acts, an eclectic series of one-act plays. All performances are free of charge, with donations to FPAC gratefully accepted.

Henry IV, part 1

One Acts will be performed on July 29 at 8:30 p.m. and again on August 1 at 7:30 p.m. at THE BLACK BOX, located at 15 West Central Street in downtown Franklin.

An abridged version of Henry IV, Part 1 will be staged on Franklin Town Common (High Street) on July 30 and 31 at 8 p.m. Shakespeare’s masterful history play and coming-of-age story is filled with mischievous revelry and engaging characters set amidst rebellious battle.

Saturday’s performance of One Acts will be followed by the Whatever Theater Festival Soireé, a fun and informal presentation of unusual talents.

Conceived and directed by Nick Paone, FPAC’s Whatever Theater Festival brings together professional artists, FPAC alumni, students and community performers in a collaborative theatrical experience that showcases an exciting range of dramatic and comedic works.

This year’s Whatever Theater Festival will be part of the first annual Franklin Cultural Festival, hosted by the Franklin Cultural District Committee. The visual, performing and culinary arts celebration will take place at various downtown Franklin locations within the proposed Cultural District from Wednesday, July 29 to Sunday, August 2.

FPAC’s 2015 Whatever Theater Festival is sponsored in part by grants from the Franklin and Norfolk Cultural Councils, local agencies which are supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency. For more information, call (508) 528-3370 or visit www.FPAConline.com and www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com.

The full schedule of performances and events for the first annual Franklin Cultural Festival can be found here  http://www.franklinsculturalfestival.org/

Schedule subject to change, any changes will be updated as soon as known

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA Area: FRI 7/24/15 - THU 7/30/15

FRI 7/24   12-6pm   Franklin Farmers Market at The Town Common
FRI 7/24   1pm   Sciencetellers - Super Heroes at Franklin Public Library
FRI 7/24   6:30pm   Art Night Uncorked at Franklin Art Center
FRI 7/24   7pm   FREE Shakespeare: Taming of the Shrew at Dean College (on the Quad, rain location: Dean Hall Chapel)
FRI 7/24   8-9:50pm   Frozen Friday DJ Public Skate at Pirelli Arena
FRI 7/24   8pm   Kenny Hadley Big Band at The Black Box

SAT 7/25   8:30am   Franklin Yoga and Wellness: SUP Yoga on Beaver Pond
SAT 7/25   2pm   FREE Shakespeare: Taming of the Shrew at Dean College (on the Quad, rain location: Dean Hall Chapel)
SAT 7/25   7pm   FREE Shakespeare: Taming of the Shrew at Dean College (on the Quad, rain location: Dean Hall Chapel)

MON 7/27   1-2pm   Drop In Craft at Franklin Public Library
MON 7/27   6-8pm   Southeastern MA Community Concert Band and Ice Cream Social at Franklin Senior Center (call to sign up)

TUE 7/28   10:30am   Get Ready for Kindergarten (ages 3-5) at Franklin Public Library
TUE 7/28   1pm   Tree Identification on the Lawn, Franklin Public Library

WED 7/29   10:30am   Terrific Toddlers (18 months to 3 years) at Franklin Public Library
WED 7/29   1pm   Franklin Cultural Festival: Pumpernickel Puppets - Peter Rabbit at Franklin Public Library
WED 7/29   6pm   Franklin Cultural Festival: Opening Ceremony at The Town Common
WED 7/29   6:30-8:30pm   Concerts on the Common: Electric Youth
WED 7/29   6-8:30pm   Zentangle Class 101 at Jane’s Frames
WED 7/29   8:30pm   Franklin Cultural Festival: FPAC One Acts at The Black Box

THU 7/30   10am-6pm   FSPA Open House for prospective students and families
THU 7/30   10:30am   Story and Craft (ages 3-6) at Franklin Public Library
THU 7/30   1pm   Teen and Adult Beading Workshop at Franklin Public Library
THU 7/30   7pm   Franklin Cultural Festival: Ben Gardner’s Boat Band at The Black Box
THU 7/30   8pm   Franklin Cultural Festival: Shakespeare on The Common

For all the Town of Franklin Public Meetings click HERE.

For event details click HERE.

For library event details click HERE.

For Franklin Cultural Festival event details click HERE.

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

Davis Thayer modular units to be removed

The Davis Thayer modular units are supposed to be removed this summer. Walking by on Wednesday I saw equipment was being positioned to start the work. As this is posted, they may already be gone.

equipment positioned to remove the modular units

I went to the recent archive of photos from walking around to capture the 'old' look. Once they are removed and the ground re-seeded, I'll share some photos so we can see the before and after comparison,

Davis Thayer modular units - 1

Davis Thayer modular units - 2

Davis Thayer modular units - 3

Davis Thayer modular units - 4

There were 2 classrooms within the modular units as I recall from a tour of the school in 2012. I'll go further into the archive to find and share photos of the inside.

Get your copy of the 1st Annual Franklin Cultural Festival brochure!

The 1st Annual Franklin Cultural Festival starts on Wednesday, July 29 and runs through Sunday, August 2. 

Arts Happen Here! - Franklin Cultural Festival

This one page (two sided print) tri-fold brochure gives you a handy copy of all the info of what, when, and where the events of the Festival will take place.

If you have a mobile device, you can check out the webpage or Facebook. If you would like the hard copy, the Festival team put one together for you.

You can download and print on your own!


You can make your copy from here
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczcGNsUnpKMzhRTTQ/view?usp=sharing


or from here





Check the webpage for any updates (especially in case of weather)

http://www.franklinsculturalfestival.org/

"protect yourself from being taken advantage of by unscrupulous competitive suppliers or brokers by understanding your choices and knowing your rights as a consumer"

The Massachusetts Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation has a good post on how to understand the electricity marketplace and make good decisions. 

They provide a list of questions to ask to help set up a proper comparison of the rates and services so you can make a good choice.

Massachusetts Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation

"Comparing Plans

Although promotional offers may be appealing, there are a number of factors that may affect the amount you will actually end up paying for your electricity.  It is important to review your options and compare them to the local utility company’s basic service before switching.  Asking the following questions can help you make an informed decision.

1. Are the energy prices (rates) fixed, or will they change throughout the term?  If your energy consumption is consistent, fixed rate plans will offer less variation in your monthly bill.  Variable rate plans, however, fluctuate more often because the rates can change by the hour, day or month, etc., according to the terms and conditions in the competitive supplier’s disclosure statement.
2. What is the length of the contract?  Consider how long you will be locked- in to the contract and what that means in conjunction with the rates.
3. Is there an initiation/transfer charge?  If there is an initiation fee, you could be paying more.
4. Does the contract contain an introductory price?  If your contract contains an introductory price, then your supply cost may increase substantially after the introductory pricing period ends.
5. Are there minimum bill amounts?  If so, consider whether you consistently use the minimum amount of power.
6. Are there cancellation fees?  Consider whether you will have to pay a cancellation fee or other fees at cancellation whether or not you terminate the contract before its expiration date.  It is common to pay early termination fees if you cancel the contract before it expires.
7. How does renewal work?  Consider that if you do not make a decision to renew or cancel a contract within the permitted period the competitive supplier may renew your contract and change its terms.
8. What is the price per kWh?  Calculating your usual monthly kWh consumption times the price per kWh will help you compare supply cost.
9. What is included in the price per kWh?  If you can find out how the company sets its rates, you can make a more informed decision."

You can read the full article here
http://blog.mass.gov/consumer/massconsumer/competitive-energy-sellers/

Franklin Library: Sciencetellers Super Heroes

"In this original collection of slightly twisted tales, all the teachers at school are suspected to have superpowers! Join us on a hilarious new adventure where, just like in science, things aren't always quite what they seem. We will launch things through the air, send them plummeting toward the ground, and even make matter transform and disappear right before your eyes! 

Throw on your labcoat and buckle in — you are about to experience forces and reactions through several exciting, hands-on experiments that will have you laughing, learning and having fun. Savor each endearing adventure and find yourself transported to a special place where 'super' heroes truly do exist!"

"Super Heroes"  --- Length: 45 minutes. Grades: K–5.

Franklin Library: Sciencetellers Super Heroes

Note: the sign is wrong in that Davey the Clown is Friday, the 31st

This was shared from the Franklin Library page here
http://franklinpl.blogspot.com/2015/07/sciencetellers-super-heroes.html

"Let’s stop measuring fish by how well they climb trees"

Joshua Katz is a high school math teacher in Orange County, FL. Of all the TED talks I have seen, this is one of the best. 

Joshua's Talk:

In the mid 1800's, Horace Mann captured the potential impact of education on society. We have yet to realize the potential he saw, and in fact, we are missing the mark by a wider and wider margin. We have created a "Toxic Culture of Education" in our country that is damaging students, impacting our economy, and threatening our future. Since the passage of No Child Left Behind, we have embraced a culture of high stakes testing and are perpetuating a false sense of failure in our schools. We have ignored research and data on effective policy making practices in order to serve the interest of private industries that have monetized our students. The impact is being felt in communities, on college campuses, and in our economy. The solution lies in a common sense approach to student development, curriculum choice, career exploration, and relevant data analysis. This talk will present a vision of an education system that allows us to embrace our full potential if we only had the courage to ask "Why Not"?

The full transcript for Joshua's talk can be found here
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/answer-sheet/wp/2014/05/24/lets-stop-measuring-fish-by-how-well-they-climb-trees/

Downtown Project Update #7

July 21, 2015

Work will continue on Main Street replacing the sidewalks near the Town Common as well as finishing Emmons Street and Summer Street sidewalks. 

They plan to start working on West Central between Emmons and Union Street after that. Work will continue on light poles and traffic light bases. 

If anyone has a questions please feel free to reach out to the DPW Director, Brutus Cantoreggi or Town Engineer, Michael Maglio at 508-553-5500 or Jeffrey Nutting, Town Administrator at 508-520-4949.

new sidewalk in front of Dean College

new period light base

new sidewalk in front of the Ginley Funeral Home

sidewalk work in progress on corner of Main and School Sts

one of the problem light poles on West Central St. 

This was shared from the Franklin webpage here

http://franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_News/0217F6B7-000F8513