Death with Dignity Informational Presentation

A Death with Dignity Informational Presentation will take place at the First Universalist Society, 262 Chestnut Street on Sunday, Feb 28th, from 1-2:30 p.m. 

The presenter will be Marie Manis, Massachusetts Campaign Manager for Compassion and Choices, which is the leading nonprofit organization working to improve care and expand choice at the end of life.

Compassion and Choices

For more than 30 years they have increased people's quality of life and given them added peace of mind in their final days – even when injury or illness takes their voice. They work to change attitudes, practices and policies so that everyone can access the information and options they need to have more control and comfort in their final days. 

You will hear more about the national aid in dying movement and the bill currently in the MA legislature co-sponsored by 29 lawmakers, and find out what you can do to support it. 

This event is open to the public.

Franklin Public Schools: Schools Closed - Friday, Feb 5

A message from FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT

Good Morning

Based on current conditions (Slick, icy roads) and the prediction that conditions will deteriorate - All Franklin Public Schools will be closed today. 

No evening activities. School and Administrative Offices closed.

Thank you and stay safe.

from a prior snow storm

This e-mail has been sent to you by FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT. To maximize their communication with you, you may be receiving this e-mail in addition to a phone call with the same message. 

In the News: billboard proposal under consideration, runners help food pantry

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin

The Town Council is weighing a request for a zoning amendment that would clear the way for a company to erect an electronic billboard along Interstate 495. 

The council, meeting Wednesday night, listened to but did not act upon a presentation from local attorney Michael Doherty, representing the company iON the Ball. 

Doherty said the company was asking for a zoning bylaw amendment that would allow electronic billboards along the highway. He said the measure would be limited since state and federal regulations spell out stringent rules as to where billboards may be placed.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160204/franklin-council-hears-billboard-plan

After the success of the group's first pre-Santa Parade run, the Tri-Valley Front Runners donated the proceeds from the event to the Daily Bread Food Pantry. 

The group this week dropped off a $380 check and three boxes of food they collected from the run, where about 90 runners took off in front of the parade, running the length of the route.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160204/tri-valley-front-runners-donate-to-milford-pantry

In the News: MBTA Franklin Line discussed, GREASE performance this weekend

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin

Citizens heard a report on multiple aspects of the MBTA Franklin Commuter Rail Line Thursday night, with information touching on fare increases, winter preparedness, schedule changes and the issues that led to a lengthy delay the previous night. 

The meeting was hosted by State Reps. Sean Dooley, R-Norfolk, and Jeffrey Roy, D-Franklin, and State Sen. Richard Ross, R-Wrentham. 

A potential plan to change the schedule was explained by Corey Lynch, the deputy director of rail operations for the MBTA. He said the Franklin line typically saw huge spikes in ridership in one morning train and one evening train.

Franklin Line heading to Franklin/Forge Park

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160204/franklin-commuter-rail-issues-discussed

Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FSPA) will an all-student production of the hit musical "Grease" on Saturday at THE BLACK BOX, 15 West Central St., downtown Franklin. 

The powerhouse Broadway musical, with book, music and lyrics by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey, became a Hollywood movie classic starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John. With iconic characters, '50s pop culture, and electrifying rock 'n roll style, the original high school musical includes high energy dance numbers and the hit songs “We Go Together,” “Summer Nights,” “Greased Lightnin'” and “Born to Hand Jive.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160205/fspa-to-present-all-student-production-of-grease

Broadway in Franklin to feature Jenn Colella And Michael James Scott

Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) presents Broadway In Franklin: A Weekend with the Stars on February 26-28, featuring Broadway headliners Jenn Colella and Michael James Scott in a Broadway Revue of show-stopping numbers from the Great White Way.

Bringing the magic of 42nd Street to Boston's MetroWest suburbs, the Broadway Revue will be presented at 3 p.m. on Sunday, February 28, at THE BLACK BOX, FPAC’s theater, music, and event venue, located at 15 West Central Street in downtown Franklin. The show also features appearances by musical theater students and by Electric Youth. Participation in the weekend’s master classes and Broadway Revue is open to students in grades 8-12, with all abilities welcome. 

Electric Youth 2016

Electric Youth (EY), a dynamic ensemble of talented singer-dancers trained at the Franklin School for the Performing Arts, will kick off the weekend with a 7:30 p.m. show on Friday evening, February 26, at THE BLACK BOX. Backed by an eight-piece band of Boston musicians who’ve performed with music legends Tony Bennett, Aretha Franklin, Dizzy Gillespie, Diana Ross and many others, Electric Youth delivers high-energy music, including fully choreographed hits by Adele, Beyonce, The Black Crowes, Queen, Sugarland, Stevie Wonder and more. 

Guest artists Jenn Colella and Michael James Scott will lead a series of musical theater master classes at the Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FSPA) on Saturday, February 27, that will include dance workshops and coaching on song interpretation and performance skills. Rehearsals for Sunday’s revue will round out the weekend programming with the Broadway performers. For more information, including participation fee and schedule, visit www.FPAConline.com or call (508) 528-3370. 

Jenn Colella

Jenn Colella’s Broadway credits include Urban Cowboy (Sissy, Outer Critics Circle Award nomination), High Fidelity (Laura), Chaplin (Hedda Hopper) and If/Then (Anne) opposite LaChanze and Idina Menzel. Regionally she was featured as Daisy Hilton in Sideshow at the Kennedy Center, Peter Pan in Peter Pan at the Sondheim Performing Arts Center, and Georgie in The Full Monty at Paper Mill Playhouse with Elaine Stritch. 

Off-Broadway credits include Beebo Brinker Chronicles (opposite Marin Ireland), Lucky Guy (opposite Kyle Dean Massey) and the revival of Closer Than Ever. Television appearances include guest-starring roles on Cashmere Mafia (ABC), Rescue Me (FX), Can You Tell (Oxygen), All My Children (ABC), The Good Wife (CBS) and Elementary (CBS). Colella starred opposite Joseph Gordon-Levitt in the indie film Uncertainty. 

Michael James Scott

Michael James Scott originated and is currently playing the role of Minstrel in the Broadway sensation Something Rotten! He also originated the part of Doctor Gotswana in Broadway’s The Book of Mormon and was the standby for the Genie in Aladdin. 

Additional Broadway credits include Mamma Mia! (Eddie), All Shook Up, The Pirate Queen, Tarzan, Hair and Elf – The Musical. National Tours include Fosse (Male Leading Performer) and Mamma Mia! (Sky). Michael James Scott appeared Off-Broadway in Here’s to the Public with Donna McKechnie and in London’s West End revival of Hair. 

Proceeds from Broadway In Franklin weekend support Electric Youth’s 2016 European summer concert tour and EY’s mission to give back through musical performance, education and ambassadorship. 

To purchase tickets for Friday’s Electric Youth show or Sunday’s Broadway Revue, call (508) 528-3370 or visit www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com.

Franklin Federated Church: special services for Lent

Franklin Federated Church is offering two very different opportunities for people to prepare for Lent: A Jazz Worship service on Sunday, Feb. 7 at 10 AM, and an Ash Wednesday service on Feb. 10 at 7:00 PM.

Lent, which begins on Ash Wednesday, is the six-week period before Easter, what is traditionally a time of self-examination and reflection for Christians.

The Jazz Worship service is a chance to worship in a celebratory and joyful way before Lent begins. The service will feature the Willie Sordillo Quartet, with musicians Willie Sordillo on alto saxophone, David Harris on tuba and trombone, David Dubinsky on trumpet and fluegelhorn and Mark Shilansky on piano.

The Ash Wednesday service will be a more contemplative service that includes the imposition of ashes for those who wish to receive them.

All are welcome at Franklin Federated Church, located at 171 Main Street. No prior experience with church is needed! A nursery for babies is available, and activity kits are on hand in the church for children to use during worship. Large print bulletins and hearing assistance devices are also available, and there is an access ramp at the left side of the church. Find out more at franklinfederated.org or facebook.com/franklinfederated.

Franklin Federated Church

FHS girls basketball and boys hockey posts wins on Wednesday

Girls Basketball

• Franklin, 51 @ Holy Name, 48 – Final 

– Franklin battled back and took its first lead inside the final three minutes. Kristen Donaghy had 11 points to lead the Panthers and also had three steals in the final 90 seconds of play. Carli Koffinke scored nine points and both Olivia Adiletto and Aubrie Kutil scored eight points. Kutil scored the final four points for Franklin, which swept the season series with Holy Name.

FHS Panthers

Boys Hockey

• Franklin, 6 @ Stoughton, 2 – Final 

– James Aldred, Jake Downie, Joe Corsi, Jack Cameron, Adam Assad and Jeremy Miller each scored for the Panthers. Mark Sheehan and Nick Hardy each had a goal for the Black Knights.

Girls Hockey

• Franklin, 0 vs. Medfield, 6 – Final

For the remainder of the results around the Hockomock League on Wednesday
http://www.hockomocksports.com/wednesdays-schedule-scoreboard-020316/