2016 Whatever Theater Festival

Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) presents the 2016 Whatever Theater Festival, running from Wednesday, July 27 to Saturday, July 30. The 9th annual festival features a production of Shakespeare’s Comedy of Errors and a presentation of One Acts, an eclectic series of one-act plays. 

One Acts will be performed on July 27 at 8:30 p.m. and again on July 30 at 7:30 p.m. at THE BLACK BOX, located at 15 West Central Street in downtown Franklin. Comedy of Errors will be staged on July 28 and 29 at 8 p.m. on Franklin Town Common. All performances are free of charge, with donations to FPAC gratefully accepted.

One of William Shakespeare’s earliest plays, the Bard’s famously farcical Comedy of Errors entertains with a tale of two sets of twins accidentally separated at birth. When twin masters Antipholus of Ephasus and Antipholus of Syracuse, with their twin servants Dromio of Ephasus and Dromio of Syracuse, cross paths in the same town, double trouble and madcap mistaken identity ensue. FPAC’s 90-minute adaptation features the beloved slapstick comedy, funny antics, and witty word play that are hallmarks of this enduring classic.

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 second annual Franklin Cultural Festival, hosted by the Franklin Cultural District Committee. 

The visual, performing and culinary arts celebration will take place July 27-30 at various downtown Franklin locations within the proposed Cultural District. FPAC’s 2016 Whatever Theater Festival is sponsored in part by grants from the Franklin, North Attleborough and Wrentham 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.

2nd Annual Franklin Cultural Festival - July 27  to 30

Madalene Village - proposal revised

The proposal for Madalene Village has been modified and is scheduled for the next Zoning Board of Appeals meeting on Thursday, July 14.

The updated diagram showing the revised proposal can be viewed here
(shared by members of the Facebook group  https://www.facebook.com/groups/savesprucepondbrook/)

The Zoning Board of Appeals meeting agenda for July 14
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_ZBAAgendas/Agendas%202016/07-14-16%20ZBA%20Meeting.pdf

sign from one of the neighbors

In the News: March against the pipeline; most state candidates unopposed

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

"The effort is dubbed the “People over Pipelines” (POP) march, Anderson said, and is led by the Cambridge-based BFP, which works to advocate for renewable energy policies at the state level. 

“This is one of our top priorities,” Anderson said, “this pipeline.” 

The march kicks off in Medway at the middle school on Holliston Street on Thursday and continues until July 18 as protesters walk through and stop in several other towns on their way to the Statehouse in Boston, where they hope to catch the attention of Gov. Charlie Baker, Anderson said. 

As of Friday, there were 350 registered marchers for the entire route, Anderson said, including 100 registered in Medway."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160710/pipeline-opponents-gearing-up-for-march-through-medway

lawn sign in Franklin against the Spectra Pipeline

"Nearly two-thirds of candidates running for a seat in the state Legislature will face no competition this fall. 

The number of unopposed candidates, which is fairly typical in the state, points to the challenges political newcomers often face trying to break into the House or Senate, some political analysts say. 

“It’s very difficult to mount a challenge to an incumbent legislator,” said Peter Ubertaccio, director of the Joseph Martin Institute at Stonehill College. “They’re rarely defeated. It takes a lot of planning and time and recruitment. I also don’t think the two parties in the state are very good at all at recruiting candidates.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160710/most-candidates-in-massachusetts-are-unopposed

In the News: downtown parking on Town Council agenda

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

"The council is scheduled at its meeting Wednesday night to take up substantial revisions to its parking bylaws. The changes will, among other things, implement two-hour parking at certain times along several downtown streets. 

One amendment proposes using a color-coded map to delineate parking zones in the town's bylaws, instead of using wording like "from a point 25 feet north of East Central Street to East Central Street." 

It also calls for different limits for different zones. Much of the parking areas on East Central and Main Street, for example, are colored purple, indicating two-hour parking from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. from Monday to Friday, and no restriction at other times. 

Town Administrator Jeffrey Nutting had raised the matter at an earlier meeting, noting that there is a need for more permanent parking regulations as the two-year downtown streetscape project draws to a close."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160710/franklin-council-to-take-up-downtown-parking

the simple and decorative holiday decorations for 'free parking' won't be needed if the parking bylaws are approved as there would be parking enforcement but not via meters

Additional items on the Town Council agenda can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/07/franklin-ma-town-council-agenda-july-13.html

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - July 13, 2016

For the only scheduled meeting in the month of July, the Town Council agenda for Wednesday's meeting is chock full. Bylaw amendments on the site plan and design review process, facility preventive maintenance program, and a memo on the charter review process are among the many items on the agenda.

The liquor license application for the new Irish pub, Teddy Gallagher's is also on the agenda.

The full agenda is found below. The PDF document has live links to the supporting documents.

The agenda can also be found on the Town of Franklin webpage
http://franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_News/024507A7-000F8513

The liquor license application for the new Irish pub, Teddy Gallagher's is  on the Town Council agenda for approval

Franklin Public Library: Greg and Axel - dog and magic show

The Greg and Axel show is a totally unique entertainment experience that provides magic, comedy, audience participation and one hilarious dog. You will fall in love with Axel as he helps Greg the Magician amaze the audience...he might even cause a little bit of trouble! This performance is free and open to the public.

• At the Franklin Public Library Monday, July 11, 10:30 a.m.

the temporary location is open at 25 Kenwood Circle

What's in the budget approved by the Legislature?

Note: the news media did report that Governor Baker did sign the budget on Friday and in so doing vetoed a bunch of line items. MA.gov has been updated to reflect the vetoes. All the details can be found here:

http://www.mass.gov/anf/budget-taxes-and-procurement/state-budget/fy17-budget-info/governors-fy17-vetoes/

How was the budget balanced in the face of a sudden $750 million shortfall?

MassBudget    Information.    Participation.  Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center    Democracy. What is (and isn't) in the Budget Approved by the Legislature How did the Legislature balance the budget in the face of a sudden $750 million shortfall?MassBudget's new Budget Monitor explains and offers an analysis of each major section of the state budget with comparisons to current and historic funding levels.  The Legislature enacted the FY 2017 budget in particularly challenging circumstances. Towards the end of the process, the goalposts moved when new projections indicated that there would be $750 million less in tax revenue than had been assumed. The final budget includes some cuts below the levels that had been recommended by either the House or Senate, as well as a number of strategies that provide only temporary solutions by pushing costs into future years and underfunding accounts that will eventually need to be funded. The Legislature managed to provide modest funding increases in a few priority areas, including local aid which receives a 4.3 percent increase, Chapter 70 education aid which is increased by 2.6 percent, and a number of initiatives to address opioid addiction including $8.3 million in increased funding for substance abuse services in the Department of Public Health. The budget also cuts funding in a number of areas: the $18.6 million kindergarten expansion grant program is eliminated; funding for the Department of Revenue is reduced by $15.9 million, potentially weakening the capacity to combat tax evasion and ensure the integrity of our tax system; and the budget imposes a 13 percent cut in YouthWorks which provides funding for summer jobs. The revenue decline did not all translate into budget cuts. The Legislature projects that $206 million of the decline was capital gains taxes that would have been deposited into the rainy day fund, so the shortfall will lead to less money for the rainy day fund rather than for the budget. The tax cut that had been expected to be triggered by revenue growth likely won't be, saving $79 million in FY 2017. School buildings and the MBTA won't see $62 million in sales tax receipts because of the lower sales tax projections. The state's Medicaid plan will postpone paying some bills. The state will also likely need to provide mid-year funding in several accounts. The conference committee also reduced spending levels for a number of programs below the levels recommended by the House or Senate - and in some cases below both. The Legislative Budget Monitor describes both where lawmakers were able to preserve or build upon programs, and where programs were cut or eliminated. Click (HERE) to read the new Budget Monitor. 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 Sent by nberger@massbudget.org in collaboration with Try it free today

screen grab of FY 2017 webpage

FSPA's Electric Youth schedule two free outdoor concerts

Following a three-and-a-half week summer concert tour of Austria and Italy, Electric Youth (EY) will perform two free outdoor concerts on Thursday, July 21, at 6:30 p.m. at Norfolk Town Hill and on Wednesday, July 27, at 6 p.m. on Franklin Town Common. The Franklin concert will be presented as part of the second annual Franklin Cultural Festival, hosted by the Franklin Cultural District Committee.

Electric Youth’s 13th European tour was highlighted by a return Fourth of July show at Aviano Air Force Base to entertain U.S. Troops and families stationed abroad, as well as a concert at the American Embassy in Rome. The 2016 tour also featured performances in Vienna, Kirchberg, Gmunden, Melk and St. Polten, Austria, including a benefit concert for pediatric cancer and patient family support. Performances in Italy included multiple shows in Lignano, Bibione and Concordia along the Adriatic Coast, concerts in Todi and Cortona within the Tuscany-Umbria region, and at Lake Como.

Backed by the eight-piece band of world-class musicians, Electric Youth delivers a fun, high-energy evening of family entertainment with an extensive range of contemporary pop, classic rock, Broadway and country hits for audiences all ages. This season’s repertoire features fully choreographed performances of the best of Adele, Beyoncé, The Black Crowes, Imagine Dragons, Michael Jackson, Bruno Mars, Pink, Queen, Frank Sinatra, Carrie Underwood, Stevie Wonder and more.

The 14 singer-dancers of Electric Youth 2016 are pictured in this portrait photo. Electric Youth performs two free outdoor summer concerts in Franklin and Norfolk in July, backed by the group’s eight-piece show band

Selected annually by audition, the group is chosen for superior musicianship, stage presence, and “triple threat” accomplishments in voice, dance, and acting. This season’s ensemble of performers, ages 14-18, studies multiple dance disciplines, voice, and acting at the Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FSPA). Electric Youth 2016 includes Madison Asgeirsson, Brooke Collins, Aaron Frongillo, Jocelyn Jones, Lauren Szczepanowski and Melissa Wyner of Franklin; Michael Fajardo of Hopkinton; Sam Evans and Colie Vancura of Medfield; Katie Gray of Milford; Kylee Rollins of North Attleboro; Griffin Wilkins of Walpole; and Jenna McDermott and Susauna Wickstrom of Wrentham.

Showcasing Boston musicians who’ve performed, recorded and toured with such music legends as Tony Bennett, Aretha Franklin, Dizzy Gillespie, B.B. King, Diana Ross, The Temptations and Van Morrison, EY’s show band features Kenny Hadley on drums, Arnie Krakowsky on tenor saxophone, Bill Miele on bass, Artie Montanaro on trombone, Walter Platt on trumpet, Ken Reid on baritone saxophone, Mark White on guitar and Director Raye Lynn Mercer on piano. Under the direction of Mark Poniatowski, musical arrangers for Electric Youth are Rick Hammett, Jeff Perry, Walter Platt, Poniatowski, Mark White and Ben Whiting. Hallie Wetzell is Electric Youth’s Vocal Director. Choreographers include Mercer, Casey Andrade, Cheryl Madeux, Nick Paone and Kellie Stamp.

Electric Youth has released six professional CDs and performed internationally at England’s Arundel Festival, Disneyland Paris, professional theaters in Bristol, London and Windsor, and such renowned venues as Sanremo’s Ariston Theatre and Vienna’s Konzerthaus, Musikverein and Schonbrunn Palace. EY has also headlined Fourth of July shows for U.S. troops and their families stationed in Italy at Camp Ederle, Camp Darby, and Aviano Air Force Base. The ensemble has performed on Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas, on Fox-TV and WBZ Radio, and at Fenway Park, Gillette Stadium, Mechanics Hall, the Smithsonian Museum Theater and the United Nations. EY’s music, including the 2014 album Power Chord is available at amazon.com and iTunes.

For more information about Electric Youth or the EY summer concerts, call FSPA at (508) 528-8668 or visit www.electricyouth.com.

For additional information on the 2nd Annual Franklin Cultural Festival, visit the webpage at http://www.franklinsculturalfestival.org/

Join us to celebrate the cultural arts July 27 to 30, 2016

"Let’s do our part to ensure that our loved ones are getting the care and medication they need"

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

"By now, we’ve all read or heard about the opioid epidemic sweeping our country. Some of us may have a loved one who struggles with addiction. Some of us may have lost a loved one to the disease. 

What many of us may not know is that the senior population is growing increasingly addicted to opioids. A September 2015 AARP article says that between 1993 and 2012, “the rate of overdose deaths for adults ages 55 to 64 soared sevenfold,” and a June 2016 article reported that since 1999, deaths among those age 50 and up increased “nearly… eleven fold.” 

Addiction to painkillers — or opioids like fentanyl, oxycodone and morphine — can have a devastating effect on those suffering from the addiction as well as on their friends and loved ones."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/entertainmentlife/20160708/healthy-habits-opioid-addiction-in-seniors

S.A.F.E. is a coalition of community partners who have come together
to provide support, education, treatment options,
and coping mechanisms for those affected by substance abuse disorder. 

The SAFE Coalition provide services for the Franklin area. Visit their webpage for information on the services they offer.  http://safecoalitionma.com/

View and/or download their tri-fold brochure here:

Franklin Elks Lodge: Touch - A - Truck - July 30

The Franklin Elks Lodge Touch - A - Truck Free Family Event is scheduled for July 30th from 9:00 AM - Noon. Touch - A - Truck will be held at the Elks Lodge at 1077 Pond St, Franklin MA 02038.

There will be lots of different vehicles for kids to explore as well as popcorn, hot dogs, and cold drinks. 

This is an event to benefit the Food Drive that the Elks conduct to benefit Christmas Food Baskets for Families in our Local Communities. The Elks will be accepting can goods and non-perishable food items.

Franklin Elks Lodge: Touch - A - Truck - July 30

Stay up to date on the event by watching the event page on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/events/785251864907645/

Kenny Hadley Big Band - July 22

THE BLACK BOX, downtown Franklin’s theater, music, and event venue, presents the renowned Kenny Hadley Big Band on Friday, July 22 at 8 p.m. The critically-acclaimed 16-piece ensemble, led by drummer Kenny Hadley, boasts masterful musicians with performance ties to Big Band legends Woody Herman, Count Basie, Stan Kenton, Maynard Ferguson, Buddy Rich and more. 

The Kenny Hadley Big Band has shared the stage with such notables as the Count Basie Orchestra and the Duke Ellington Orchestra and has hosted guest soloists including Clark Terry and Louie Bellson. 

Tickets are $20. 

THE BLACK BOX, home of the Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC), is located at 15 West Central Street in downtown Franklin. A cash bar is available. For tickets and more information, visit www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com or call (508) 528-3370.

Kenny Hadley Big Band

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA Area: FRI 7/8/16 - THU 7/14/16

FRIDAY 7/8/16
12-6pm   Franklin Farmers Market @ The Town Common
1pm   Storyteller Diane Edgecomb @ Franklin Public Library

MONDAY 7/11/16
10am-4pm   FSPA Open House @ 38 Main Street
10:30am   The Greg and Axel Magic Show @ Franklin Public Library

TUESDAY 7/12/16
1:30-3pm   Knitting Circle for Adults @ Franklin Public Library
7:30pm   Franklin and Bellingham Rail Trail Committee Public Meeting @ Franklin YMCA

WEDNESDAY 7/13/16
10:30am   Ridge Valley Farms Horse and Pony Rides @ The Franklin Town Common
6:30-8:30pm   Concerts on the Common: Sharon Concert Band, Children’s Program: Elaine Kessler, Storyteller
8:15pm   Movies in the Park @ Choate Park, Medway. Free admission, every Wednesday through summer.

THURSDAY 7/14/16
5-9pm   SAFE Coalition’s Substance Abuse Drop In Center @ St. John’s Episcopal Church
6:30pm   Art Night Uncorked @ Franklin Art Center

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

Terry Katsaros installed as Franklin Rotary President

At a recent meeting, the Franklin Rotary installed a new President, Terry Katsaros.

Terry Katsaros (Rockland Trust) (center in photo) was recently installed as the new President of the Franklin Rotary Club for 2016-17 by fellow Rotarian Dan Gentile.  Observing is Mr Katsaros's wife Laurel.

Franklin Rotary Club recently hosted a reunion of Past Presidents. In the photo are (Seated, L to R) Robert Vallee, John Padula, Victor Pisini, and Frank Cussano, and (Standing, L to R) Dan Gentile, Dr William Koplin, Archie Acevedo, Edward Hick, Francis McKeowen, Julie Rougeau, Steven Crowley, Bruce Healey, Gary Mccarraher, Dr Jeffrey Morrill, and Richard Cornetta

Rotary is an international service organization of over one million members, dedicated to building friendship and improving the lives of people locally and worldwide. One of Rotary's most noted programs is Polio Plus, which has virtually eliminated polio from the earth through a massive vaccination program that only an organization as big as Rotary International could undertake successfully.

Franklin Rotary membership is open to anyone who works or resides in the towns of Franklin, Wrentham, and Medway. The club meets Thursday nights at 6PM at 3's Restaurant in Franklin and guests or potential members are always welcome.

For more about the Franklin Rotary, visit them on the web  http://portal.clubrunner.ca/3689

Submitted by Dr William Koplin

Franklin Historical Museum now on Instagram

An instagram page was recently created for the Franklin Historical Museum. Another step in the community engagement process for the Museum.  

Check them out as they add entries to their page Instagram.com/franklinhistory

Franklin Historical Museum now on Instagram

What is Instagram?

Instagram is an online mobile photo-sharing, video-sharing, and social networking service that enables its users to take pictures and videos, and share them either publicly or privately on the app, as well as through a variety of other social networking platforms, such as Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, and Flickr.^[9] Originally, a distinctive feature was that it confined photos to a square shape, similar to Kodak Instamatic and Polaroid SX-70 images, in contrast to the 4:3 aspect ratio typically used by mobile device cameras. In August 2015, version 7.5 was released, allowing users to post photos captured in any aspect ratio. Users can also apply digital filters to their images. The maximum duration for Instagram videos is 60 seconds.^[10]

From the wikipedia entry for Instagram. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Instagram

Franklin Matters is also on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/franklinmatters.ma/

In the News: Police Chief Lynch, drought conditions continue, charter school funding

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

"After 20 years with the Franklin Police Department, Thomas Lynch has ascended to the force's top job. 

As the new chief, Lynch - who was sworn in on June 22 - is looking to continue the department's history of ensuring the town's safety while increasing its visibility and accessibility. 

"We must be doing something right" to be listed among the nation's safest towns, Lynch said. "But we still have work to do - we can't sit on our laurels, and the community constantly changes." 

Lynch said he has been meeting with officers to establish a new set of goals and mission statement."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160706/new-franklin-police-chief-we-still-have-work-to-do

Franklin Police, 911 Panther Way

"Though there is a good chance for heavy rain today, Friday and possibly into the weekend, the region is officially experiencing drought conditions. 

A report issued today by the U.S. Drought Monitor shows most of Middlesex and Worcester counties as well as all of Essex County in severe drought conditions. The weekly report had previously listed most of MetroWest and central Massachusetts as being abnormally dry or experiencing moderate drought conditions."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160707/drought-conditions-for-region

"The Legislature's final budget now being reviewed by Gov. Charlie Baker significantly underfunds the state's commitment to reimburse school districts for the cost of students who attend charter schools, giving anti-charter school expansion forces fodder for their fight against a ballot question this summer. 

The Save Our Public Schools Campaign, a coalition that includes the teachers unions and organized to oppose the charter expansion ballot question, plans to target Baker on Thursday to bring pressure on the governor to find a way to boost support for local districts."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160707/charter-school-opponents-say-state-budget-shortchanges-districts

FHS Basketball in July? Why not for a good cause!

FHS boys and girls basketball teams will be playing in the 5th Annual “Wally” Seaver High School Invitational being held this weekend, July 9th and July 10th, at Mass Premier Courts and the M-Plex. The tournament is organized by Milford boys hoops head coach Paul Seaver.

"The 5th Annual “Wally” Seaver High School Invitational is a summer high school boys and girls varsity basketball event will take place at both Mass Premier Courts (Foxboro) and M-Plex (Mansfield), featuring 76 participating teams/schools coming together to raise money and awareness for Lou Gehrig’s Disease (ALS). This year’s event is the largest to date with the participating teams ranging from four different New England states and including one team from overseas."

For the complete schedule follow the link to the Hockomock Sports page
http://hockomocksports.com/wally-seaver-invitational-schedule-for-hockomock-teams-2016/

FHS Panthers

K8 Axe graduates from Narcotics Detection training

K9 Axe and Officer Gilboy recently graduated from the Boston Police Academy's Narcotics Detection Course. 

K9 Axe

K9 Axe is shown in the press release wearing his new bullet proof vest which was donated by MA Vest a Dog.  




For additional information and press releases from the Franklin Police Dept
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Police/index

Downtown Project Update #38

Paving Main Street between the bridge and Emmons Street will be Thursday during the day. One lane will remain open for traffic. 

They will continue to work on crosswalks over the next three weeks.
They plan to paint the lines on the streets next week. 

The plan is still to transition to two way traffic on July 20th. There are several areas that still need repairs and changes that they will continue to work on over the summer. 

Please contact the Town Administrator's Office at 520-4949 with any questions. We will continue to keep the public informed through our website, Twitter and Facebook.

the new polymer 'brick' crosswalk in front of Dean College

Rep Roy: Legislature Passes Balanced FY17 Budget

Representative Jeffrey N. Roy joined his colleagues in the Legislature in passing a $39.145 billion budget that prioritizes the needs of municipalities and those in need, while investing in key areas related to local aid, education, children's health and safety, housing, health and human services, workforce training and economic development. The spending bill also reflects an active response to an unpredictable revenue shortfall through responsible and forward-looking solutions.

"I'm proud that in the midst of a tough economic climate, we came to an agreement on a fiscally-responsible budget that minimizes cuts and protects our most vulnerable citizens," House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo (D-Winthrop) said.

"It's important to reaffirm our commitment to local aid and our communities," said Representative Jeffrey N. Roy (D - Franklin) "The House and Senate were successful at including significant local and regional money throughout the Commonwealth in this coming fiscal year's budget. Additionally, Massachusetts is dealing with several important societal issues, like the opioid epidemic, public safety, aging infrastructure, and an aging population. The Legislature has struck a balance that will be able to take on these challenges and maintain our commitments to our communities, our children, the aged, those with disabilities, economic development, and the arts."

The Legislature was able to maintain its record-high investments in local aid, including increases in both local education funding and Unrestricted General Government Aid (UGGA). UGGA was boosted by 4.3 percent and education aid was increased by $55 per-pupil-aid, more than doubling last year's expenditure. The budget also fully funds Special Education Circuit Breaker. In addition to local education funding, the Legislature continues to emphasize to the impact that high-quality Early Education and Care (EEC) has on the lives of our residents – both children and adults – by making targeted investments to support the EEC workforce while expanding access to high-quality programming. EEC investments include a $12.5 million rate reserve, $4M to ensure access to quality EEC programming, including continued support for pre-kindergarten expansion opportunities. Some of the other budget highlights include:

· $139.2M in total funding to fight the opioid epidemic, an increase of $23.6M over FY2016 spending.
· $14.1M for local Councils on Aging, increasing the formula grant to $10 per senior per year and strengthening local senior center community programming and services.
· $940.8M for the Department of Children and Families, an $18.3M increase over FY2016 spending.
· Limits MBTA fare increases to 7% every 2 years to ensure Massachusetts residents have access to affordable public transportation.

Recognizing that education and economic development are intrinsically paired, the budget enhances the Legislature's focus on bolstering job opportunities for residents of all skillsets in diverse regions of the Commonwealth through programs including:

· Invests $2 million in the Big Data Innovation and Workforce Fund, to promote the big data and analytics industries, provide tools for related career development and explore how analytics can help address problems of public concern;
· MassCAN: $1.7 million to establish and enhance widespread, progressive computer science curriculum in public school through a public-private matching program;
· Provides $1 million for technical grants for small business;
· Talent Pipeline: $1.5 million to encourage young innovators to get a head start on their futures by matching stipends for interns at innovation start-ups, and to provide mentoring opportunities for new entrepreneurs;
· Provides $1 million for the John Adams Innovation Institute;
· Continues to fund the Massachusetts Manufacturing Partnership, a program that continues to show results in closing the skills gap.

Finally, the budget also includes hundreds of thousands of dollars in local aid for Franklin and Medway, namely:

· $25,000 to develop a recreation management plan for the Franklin, Medway, and Bellingham Army Corps of Engineers flood plain and wildlife habitat;
· $15,000 for the Franklin Downtown Partnership, Inc.;
· $10,000 for the construction of a Little Free Library on Franklin Housing Authority property
· $65,000 for the Franklin Fire Department to purchase communication safety equipment;
· $50,000 for the Franklin Senior Center
· $20,000 shall be expended for the Makerspace program in the Medway Public Library
· $200,000 for the Medway public schools
· $40,000 shall be expended for public safety improvements in the town of Medway.

The Budget now goes to the Governor for his review and consideration.

In the News: catching up to recent links of interest

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

• A man died Sunday after being hit by a car while walking across Route 495 South, state police said.

http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160703/franklin-man-dies-in-highway-pedestrian-crash

• Beginning next spring, Massachusetts students will take a revamped version of the state’s standardized exams, which are being designed to be given online.

http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160704/schools-readying-for-new-mcas

• The school district has hired a new food service director as it works to create an in-house food program for the 2016-2017 school year.

http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160704/franklin-schools-hire-food-service-director-to-bring-meals-in-house

• A man was taken to the hospital via LifeFlight helicopter Sunday afternoon after falling out of a tree.

http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160705/franklin-man-flown-to-hospital-after-falling-from-tree

• The town devoted an additional $200,000 to fund post-employment benefits for its employees as it continues to set aside money for the expense.

http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160705/franklin-increases-fy16-contribution-for-opeb

FSPA will hold Open House: July 11 and July 28

Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FSPA) will hold Open Houses for prospective students and families on Monday, July 11 and Thursday, July 28 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 38 Main Street in downtown Franklin. The community is invited to tour the facilities, speak with faculty and staff, and learn more about FSPA programs in music, dance, and drama. Prospective students are also encouraged to try a complimentary class.

Founded in 1985 by Director Raye Lynn Mercer, FSPA has been dedicated to the enjoyment of the arts for all ages and to the artistic growth and development of young people. The school offers an extensive roster of classes in all dance disciplines, acting, musical theater, voice, and instrumental instruction, whether for recreational enjoyment or serious study. FSPA is also home to the Little Music School, an innovative program that teaches children as young as 18 months to play the piano. 

Performance is an integral part of an FSPA education and the school offers a year-round calendar of opportunities, including musicals, plays, voice and instrumental recitals, opera scenes, acoustic coffee houses, musical theater showcases, summer theater, ballet and dance company performances, and the school’s signature Spring Concert. THE BLACK BOX, the home of the Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC), is located just behind the school and provides a professional venue for FSPA student productions. Many FSPA students also participate, by audition, in FPAC’s annual season of shows.

Registration for summer and fall sessions is ongoing. Beginners are welcome and encouraged. For more information, including summer brochure or fall class schedule and catalogue, call (508) 528-8668 or visit online at www.FSPAonline.com.

THE BLACK BOX marquee is operational but doesn't photograph well due to the refresh rate