Saturday, July 29, 2017

"the problem-solving that goes along with a mission to Mars"

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

"When Sunita Williams was growing up in Needham, NASA’s space shuttle program, construction of an orbital lab and trips to the moon figured large in the future astronaut’s imagination. 
It’s different for young people now, she says. For them, the shuttle program is old school, the International Space Station (ISS) is an orbital fixture zooming around the earth 16 times a day, and dreams of moon trips have been replaced by imagining trips to — and even colonization of — a more distant frontier: Mars. 
This idea of an attainable Mars is at the center of the Netflix documentary “The Mars Generation,” which is among the films scheduled for screening at the 26th Annual Woods Hole Film Festival starting this weekend."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170728/astronaut-franklin-teen-to-appear-at-woods-hole-film-festival

Article posted earlier:
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/07/yeah-its-habitat-but-its-really-just.html


Home page for The Mars Generation
Home page for The Mars Generation

The IMDB page for The Mars Generation   http://www.imdb.com/title/tt6333096/

“a lot more complicated than you know”

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

"Gov. Charlie Baker signed a bill on Friday that overhauls the recreational marijuana law approved by voters in November. Immediately after the signing, Baker offered a cautious outlook on the future of the cannabis industry in Massachusetts. 
“I don’t support this,” Baker said. “I worry terribly about what the consequences over time will be, and having spent a lot of time talking to folks in Colorado and in Washington and having talked to a lot of people who’ve talked to folks in Colorado and Washington, there are a lot of pitfalls that we need to work hard to avoid.” 
A vocal opponent of the ballot question that legalized and regulated the use, sale and possession of marijuana by people age 21 and older, Baker praised the work of legislators to address issues dealing with local control, packaging and potency labeling."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170728/gov-baker-signs-marijuana-law-retail-sales-11-months-away-in-mass

Note: Franklin vote 9153 for Question 4, and 8982 against the marijuana measure in the 2016 election with 223 blanks ballots cast. The number of blank ballots exceeded the major of 'victory' (171), so this was a real close vote.
The full set of results from the Nov 2016 election can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/11/unofficial-tally-for-franklin-ma-for.html


Franklin High School early on the morning of Nov 8
Franklin High School early on the morning of Nov 8, 2016

Franklin School For The Performing Arts To Host August Open Houses

Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FSPA) will host summer Open Houses on Monday, August 7 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Thursday, August 24 and Tuesday, August 29 from 4-8 p.m. at 38 Main Street in downtown Franklin. The community is invited to tour the facilities, observe classes and rehearsals, speak with faculty and staff, and learn more about FSPA programs in music, dance and drama.

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 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. 
 
Franklin School for the Performing Arts
Franklin School for the Performing Arts

An extensive calendar of performing opportunities features musicals, plays, ballets, voice and instrumental recitals, opera scenes, acoustic coffee houses, musical theater and dance company showcases, and more. Many FSPA students are also cast, by audition, in the affiliated Franklin Performing Arts Company’s annual season of shows. FSPA TALENT offers management services for young performers who elect to pursue professional opportunities.

FSPA is also pleased to offer FSPA Academy, an academic alternative for students seeking a challenging curriculum in a supportive, flexible environment that encourages their creative goals. Provided Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in collaboration with TEC Connections Academy Commonwealth Virtual School (TECCA), the program builds upon TECCA’s state-approved online curriculum and features an enhanced emphasis on arts, language and culture, including Music Theory, foreign language conversation classes, field trips and more. 

In addition, a new FSPA AfterSchool enrichment program offers supervised recreational experiences, including games, crafts and other creative arts activities, for students in grades K-5. The program begins at the close of the regular school day, with transportation available from Franklin and Medway schools.

FSPA’s summer session runs through August 22 and fall classes begin on September 11. Registration is ongoing. Call (508) 528-8668 or visit www.FSPAonline.com for more information, including the FSPA catalogue, summer brochure and fall class schedule.

Friday, July 28, 2017

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA Area: FRI 7/28/17 - THU 8/3/17

FRIDAY 7/28/17
9am-5pm   Pirate Training Camp (drop in activity each day of the week) @ Franklin Public Library
9:30am   Family Yoga @ Franklin Public Library
10am-12pm   Franklin Cultural Festival: FPS Student Music Concert @ Franklin HS
12-6pm   Franklin Farmers Market @ Town Common
3:30pm   Lemonade and Giant Legos @ Franklin Public Library
5pm   Franklin Cultural Festival: Let’s Laugh Today Laughter Yoga @ Franklin Town Common
6:30pm   Franklin Cultural Festival: Kevin Wolfe, Music @ Franklin Town Common
8pm   Franklin Cultural Festival: FPAC Performs The Mikado @ Franklin Town Common

SATURDAY 7/29/17
10-1pm   Franklin Historical Museum Open
12-7pm   Franklin Cultural Festival: Art Exhibit, Franklin Art Association @ The Black Box
12pm   Franklin Cultural Festival: Festival Stage - Heath Nisbett @ The Black Box
12:30pm   Franklin Cultural Festival: Circle of Friends Stage - Michele Kelly @ The Black Box
1pm   Pirate Party @ Franklin Public Library
1:30pm   Franklin Cultural Festival: Festival Stage - Emma Newton @ The Black Box
2pm   Franklin Cultural Festival: Circle of Friends Stage - Jamie Barrett @ The Black Box
3pm   Franklin Cultural Festival: Festival Stage - Universal Singers @ The Black Box
3:30pm   Franklin Cultural Festival: Circle of Friends Stage - Stefilia’s Stone @ The Black Box
4:30pm   Franklin Cultural Festival: Festival Stage - Ann Sears @ The Black Box
5pm   Franklin Cultural Festival: Circle of Friends Stage - Jim Henry @ The Black Box
6pm   Franklin Cultural Festival: Festival Stage - Kaye Kelly @ The Black Box
6:30pm   Franklin Cultural Festival: Circle of Friends Stage - Victims of Gravity @ The Black Box
8pm   Franklin Cultural Festival: FPAC Performs 24 Hour Play @ The Black Box

SUNDAY 7/30/17
8am   Yoga on the Beach (free event, all levels welcome) @ Beaver Pond
1-4pm   Franklin Historical Museum Open

MONDAY 7/31/17
8:45am   2nd Annual Franklin Police Association Golf Tournament @ Franklin Country Club
10:30am   Move Along on the Town Common
1pm   Harry Potter Party @ Franklin Public Library
2:30pm   Maker Mondays @ Franklin Public Library
3:30pm   Wimpy Kid Book Club @ Franklin Public Library
7pm   Learn to Cope Franklin Chapter Meeting @ FUSF

TUESDAY 8/1/17
9am   Do Gooders DIYs @ Franklin Public Library

WEDNESDAY 8/2/17
5pm   Marvelous Marvin’s Brain Circus @ Franklin Public Library
6-8pm   Frank Padula Band, Rob Peter The Bubble Man Children’s Program @ Franklin Town Common

THURSDAY 8/3/17
9:30am   Baby Tummy Time @ Franklin Public Library
10:30am   Story and Craft @ Franklin Public Library
12pm   Park it and Read @ various Franklin Parks - check with the Library
5-8pm   Franklin Historical Museum Open
7-8pm   Healing Hearts Community Support Group @ Franklin YMCA

For the Town of Franklin Public Calendar click HERE.

For all other events and Franklin happenings click HERE.

*To submit an event for the Community Calendar, please use this FORM


Day 3 Schedule - 3rd Annual Franklin Cultural Festival - Friday, July 28

*** FRANKLIN HIGH SCHOOL

11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
FPS Student Music Concert Band, Orchestra, Chorus students


*** FRANKLIN TOWN COMMON

12:00 to 6:00: Farmers’ Market
3:00 to 4:30: Attleboro School of Rock Show Team (CANCELED)
5:00 to 6:00: Let’s Laugh Today - Laughter Yoga
6:30 to 8:00: Kevin Wolfe (music performance)
8:00 to 9:30? FPAC performs "The Mikado"

3rd Annual Franklin Cultural Festival Schedule: Friday, July 28, 2017
3rd Annual Franklin Cultural Festival Schedule: Friday, July 28, 2017
* note the schedule is subject to change
If you are interested in getting updates on the Franklin Cultural Festival please check out the webpage http://www.franklinsculturalfestival.org/ or follow the Festival on Twitter https://twitter.com/artshappenhere
 


All roads should lead to The Rome Restaurant in Franklin either before or after taking in one or more of the events at the Cultural Festival. 

"Festival Fettucini" is the Rome's standard Fettucini Alfredo with mushrooms added, quite a healthy portion and delicious!
"Festival Fettucini" is the Rome's standard Fettucini Alfredo
with mushrooms added, quite a healthy portion and delicious!

The Rome will feature "Festival Fettucini" from 4:00 PM to closing each night Wednesday, July 26 through Saturday, July 29.  The culinary arts are one of the key arts that the Festival is looking to showcase. Franklin has a broad variety of culinary choices! 
http://www.franklinculturaldistrict.org/2017/07/stop-by-rome-for-festival-fettucini.html

To help financially support the Festival please visit: https://www.gofundme.com/FCF2017


The tri-fold flyer with the full schedule can be downloaded here 
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczZFlnZFNMV1puWkE/view?usp=sharing

.Representative Roy - Office Hours for August 2017

State Representative Jeffrey Roy (D-Franklin) announced today that constituent office hours will be held in Medway and Franklin for the month of August on the following days:

  • Franklin – Thursday, August 17, 9:00-10:00AM, Elizabeth’s Bagels – 456 West Central Street Franklin, MA
  • Medway – Saturday, August 19, 9:00-10:00AM, Galante’s Restaurant – 320 Village Street Medway, MA

Ryan Arego, his legislative aide, will be accompanying him.

Representative Roy stated that all office hours are open to any residents of Franklin and Medway who may have questions or concerns that they wish to bring to his attention. Walk-ins are welcome, no appointment necessary. He looks forward to hearing from you.

He also invites all constituents to call him at his State House office at (617) 722-2430, stop by Room 236 in the State House, or email him at Jeffrey.Roy@MAhouse.gov.

https://malegislature.gov/People/Profile/JNR1
https://malegislature.gov/People/Profile/JNR1

Reminder: 3rd Annual Backpack Drive

We will be collecting supplies and backpacks through the month of July and August at the participating locations listed below. We are looking for the suggested school supplies as well as backpacks.


Supply Drop off locations:
  • Bernon Family YMCA
  • Franklin High School
  • Oak Street Elementary School
  • Franklin Municipal Building
  • Horace Mann Middle School
  • BJ’s in Franklin

Suggested Supplies:
Backpack Drive during July-August
Backpack Drive during July-August
*Spiral Notebooks *Pencils *Erasers *Calculators *Crayons *Markers *Pocket Folders *Pencil Bag *Rulers *Highlighters *Scissors *Binders *Colored Markers *Glue Sticks *Pens *Loose Leaf Paper *Colored Pencils *Mini Hand Sanitizer

Are you or someone you know in need of a backpack? Please contact Michelle Branche at 774-235-2766 or michellebr@hockymca.org to request your backpack today!




Additions to the FCF 2017 Schedule for Saturday, July 29

Two additions to the schedule for Saturday, July 29. The bridal gown display at the Historical Museum is open from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. A speaker on the history of bridal gowns is scheduled for 10:30. Next door, Mr Markee's kinetic robots are also on display at the Methodist Church from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM.

*** FRANKLIN HISTORICAL MUSEUM

10:00 AM – 1:00 PM = Display of bridal gowns; 
10:30 AM -> Speaker on history of bridal gowns

Stella Jeon's wedding gown, upper body view of veil and lace detail
Stella Jeon's wedding gown, upper body view of veil and lace detail

*** FRANKLIN METHODIST CHURCH

10:00 AM – 1:00 PM = Kinetic Robots and Space Creations With Mr. Markee

"The Electro X" put together by Mr Markee
"The Electro X" put together by Mr Markee

Franklin Library: Pirate Party on Saturday, July 29

The Franklin Public Library will close out their week of pirate events with a Pirate Party on Saturday, July 29, 1:00 p.m.


Franklin Library: Pirate Party on Saturday, July 29
Franklin Library: Pirate Party on Saturday, July 29
This was shared from the Library webpage
http://franklinpl.blogspot.com/2017/07/pirate-party-saturday-july-29-100-pm.html

Thursday, July 27, 2017

Day 2 Schedule - 3rd Annual Franklin Cultural Festival - Thursday, July 27


FRANKLIN TOWN COMMON

5:00 to 6:15: Encore Music
6:45 to 8:00: Jamie Barrett
8:00 to 9:30? FPAC performs "The Mikado"

FRANKLIN HISTORICAL MUSEUM

5:00 – 8:00
Display of bridal gowns; speaker on history of wedding gowns.


FRANKLIN METHODIST CHURCH

5:00 – 8:00
Kinetic Robots and Space Creations With Mr. Markee





3rd Annual Franklin Cultural Festival Schedule: Thursday, July 27, 2017
3rd Annual Franklin Cultural Festival Schedule: Thursday, July 27, 2017
* note the schedule is subject to change
If you are interested in getting updates on the Franklin Cultural Festival please check out the webpage http://www.franklinsculturalfestival.org/ or follow the Festival on Twitter https://twitter.com/artshappenhere





All roads should lead to The Rome Restaurant in Franklin either before or after taking in one or more of the events at the Cultural Festival. 

The Rome will feature "Festival Fettucini" from 4:00 PM to closing each night Wednesday, July 26 through Saturday, July 29.  The culinary arts are one of the key arts that the Festival is looking to showcase. Franklin has a broad variety of culinary choices!

http://www.franklinculturaldistrict.org/2017/07/stop-by-rome-for-festival-fettucini.html


To help financially support the Festival please visit: https://www.gofundme.com/FCF2017


The tri-fold flyer with the full schedule can be downloaded here
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczZFlnZFNMV1puWkE/view?usp=sharing

THE BLACK BOX August Summer Concerts Feature The Mark Poniatowski Situation and The Love Dogs

THE BLACK BOX, downtown Franklin’s theater, music, and event venue, continues its second annual Summer Concert Series with two August music events featuring the Mark Poniatowski Situation and The Love Dogs.


Mark Poniatowski
Mark Poniatowski
The Mark Poniatowski Situation headlines a BLACK BOX Jazz concert at 8 p.m. on Friday, August 4. Led by bassist, composer and arranger Mark Poniatowski, the Situation also features Walter Platt on trumpet, Jon Garniss on trombone, Kenny Hadley on drums, Mark Shilansky on piano and Dino Govoni on saxophone. The Mark Poniatowski Situation released a self-titled CD of jazz instrumentals composed and arranged by Poniatowski in 2010.

An associate professor in the Contemporary Writing and Production department at Berklee College of Music, Mark Poniatowski has performed with artists including the Bruce Katz Band, Toni Lynn Washington Band, Kenny Hadley Big Band, Soul Kitchen, Floyd Dixon, Sid Caesar, Rita Moreno, Bob Newhart, Junior Watson, Janiva Magness and Kid Ramos. Among his performances throughout the US and Europe are the Boston Globe Jazz Festival, Manchester Jazz and Blues Festival, Boston Blues Festival, The River Festival, and The Natt Jazz Festival in Norway. Recordings include Two Sides with Joe Bargar and the Soul Providers, Mississippi Moan with the Bruce Katz Band, and The George Carlin Show soundtrack.

THE BLACK BOX Summer Concert Series continues with The Love Dogs, featuring rockin’ rhythm and blues, on Saturday, August 12 at 8 p.m. With barrelhouse boogie-woogie piano, stinging Fender guitar, and a red-hot horn section of trombone and alto, tenor and baritone saxes, The Love Dogs also showcases a swinging rhythm section that Blues Review magazine called “the best in the business” and a charismatic front man with one of the biggest blues voices around. 

The Love Dogs
The Love Dogs
Based out of Boston, the septet recently celebrated its 20th year. Combining elements of jump blues, New Orleans R&B, and early rock ‘n’ roll, The Love Dogs have played juke joints, festivals and concert halls across the U.S. and Canada and on both sides of the Atlantic. They’ve released four CDs. Many of the cuts have been blues radio favorites and several of the Dogs’ signature original songs have been used in feature films and on television. The New York Post says, “Even though the music could make Leonardo’s David dance, it’s the songwriting that separates these dogs from the rest of the pack.” Voted “Best New England Band” by Blues Audience magazine, The Love Dogs is part Rat Pack party, part 20th century musical encyclopedia, and part revival meeting.

The band’s lineup, featuring some of the Northeast’s best players, consists of Eddie “Duato” Scheer (lead vocals), Alizon Lissance (keyboards, vocals), Myanna (alto/tenor sax, vocals), Glenn Shambroom (guitar, baritone sax), Randy Bramwell (bass, vocals), Steve Brown (drums, vocals), Mario Perrett (tenor sax, vocals), and Mark Paquin (tenor sax, trombone).

THE BLACK BOX, the home of the Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC), is located at 15 West Central Street. Tickets to THE BLACK BOX Summer Concert Series events are $20 for adults and $15 for students and seniors. A cash bar is available. For more information or to purchase tickets, call (508) 528-3370 or visit www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com.

Electric Youth and Future Shock please the crowd (photo recap)

FSPA's Electric Youth opened the 3rd Annual Cultural Festival with a rousing performance highlighted by the appearance of Future Shock. 

Electric Youth and Future Shock please the crowd
Electric Youth and Future Shock please the crowd

Future Shock is the younger version and quite talented!
Future Shock is the younger version and quite talented!

Tinker Bell was among the audience posing for photos and sprinkling fairy dust on the young at heart both big and small.
Tinker Bell was among the audience posing for photos and
sprinkling fairy dust on the young at heart both big and small.

Face painting, sidewalk chalk, and Plein air painting were also attractions provided by the Franklin Art Association.
Face painting, sidewalk chalk, and Plein air painting were
also attractions provided by the Franklin Art Association.

Let's hope the weather continues to be bright for the rest of the Cultural Festival schedule. The Festival has performances from 5:00 to 9:30 on the Town Common today. Kinetic robots are on display at the Methodist Church and the Historical Museum is scheduled for a speaker on wedding gowns as the wedding gown display continues.


Electric Youth and Future Shock please the crowd (photo recap)
Electric Youth and Future Shock please the crowd (photo recap)
All roads should lead to The Rome Restaurant in Franklin either before or after taking in one or more of the events at the Cultural Festival.  

The Rome will feature "Festival Fettucini" from 4:00 PM to closing each night Wednesday, July 26 through Saturday, July 29.  The culinary arts are one of the key arts that the Festival is looking to showcase. Franklin has a broad variety of culinary choices!
http://www.franklinculturaldistrict.org/2017/07/stop-by-rome-for-festival-fettucini.html 


If you are interested in getting updates on the Franklin Cultural Festival please check out the webpage http://www.franklinsculturalfestival.org/ or follow the Festival on Twitter https://twitter.com/artshappenhere


To help financially support the Festival please visit: https://www.gofundme.com/FCF2017

  
The tri-fold flyer with the full schedule can be downloaded here
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczZFlnZFNMV1puWkE/view?usp=sharing


In the News: Exelon expansions gets approvals; TSA changes screening for tablet devices

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


"The state issued two preliminary decisions Wednesday regarding the proposed Exelon expansion: one approving the project’s water supply plan, and another granting a “certificate of environmental impact and public interest.” 
The Energy Facilities Siting Board decisions are tentative, according to state officials; the board will hear comments until Aug. 2, and then hold a hearing on Aug. 4 to make its determination. That hearing will be held at the Department of Public Utilities building in Boston. 
The board approved the 200-megawatt expansion of Exelon’s Summer Street plant last year. One of the decisions concerns the air plan required for a certificate of environmental impact and public interest for that expansion. 
Exelon had requested the certificate from the board, as it’s needed to move forward with the expansion. The Conservation Law Foundation, however, urged the board not to grant approval, claiming a greenhouse gas cap in the plan was unlikely to reduce gases emitted by the facility."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170726/medway-state-approves-exelon-water-plan


"Passengers at all U.S. airports will soon face new measures for screening electronic devices bigger than a cellphone. 
Security officers will ask travelers in regular lanes to take all larger devices out of their bag and put them in a bin by themselves, similar to the screening of most travelers’ laptops. 
Officials say it gives X-ray screeners a clearer picture of the devices. 
The change won’t apply to Precheck lanes."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/zz/news/20170726/tsa-expands-new-procedure-for-inspecting-large-electronics
Transportation Security Administration
Transportation Security Administration


Wednesday, July 26, 2017

Today's the day we have been waiting for!

*** Franklin Public Library

10:30 AM - Captain Haines Pirate Show!

Captain Haines Pirate Show
Captain Haines Pirate Show

*** On the Franklin Town Common

5:00 to 8:00  PM – Art Association: Children’s activities: Sidewalk Chalk Art, Face Painting. Plein air Painting.

5:45 PM - Opening Ceremony

6:00 PM - FSPA's Electric Youth
 



Festival Schedule: Wednesday, July 26, 2017
Festival Schedule: Wednesday, July 26, 2017
* note the schedule is subject to change

All roads should lead to The Rome Restaurant in Franklin either before or after taking in one or more of the events at the Cultural Festival. 

The Rome will feature "Festival Fettucini" from 4:00 PM to closing each night Wednesday, July 26 through Saturday, July 29.  The culinary arts are one of the key arts that the Festival is looking to showcase. Franklin has a broad variety of culinary choices!
http://www.franklinculturaldistrict.org/2017/07/stop-by-rome-for-festival-fettucini.html


If you are interested in getting updates on the Franklin Cultural Festival please check out the webpage http://www.franklinsculturalfestival.org/ or follow the Festival on Twitter https://twitter.com/artshappenhere


To help financially support the Festival please visit: https://www.gofundme.com/FCF2017

 
The tri-fold flyer with the full schedule can be downloaded here
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczZFlnZFNMV1puWkE/view?usp=sharing

“Like everyone in the nation we’re dealing with the opioid crisis"

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

"Police Chief Thomas Lynch discusses his first full year in the position and reflects on what he hopes to accomplish in the future. Lynch was hired as chief last July, and has been with the department for more than 20 years. 
How did you start your career in law enforcement? 
Police Chief Thomas Lynch (Town of Franklin photo)
Police Chief Thomas Lynch (Town of Franklin photo)
“I’ve only worked as a police officer for the town of Franklin. I graduated from the police academy at 1996. ... I worked in recreation from when I was 14 to when I was 25 for Brookline and Wellesley. ... I was a patrolman from ’96 to ’99. In ’99 I was a detective until 2000 when I was promoted to sergeant. In 2002, I was promoted to lieutenant. I spent 13 years as lieutenant, I was in operations and ran the patrol unit. In 2015, I was promoted to deputy chief, where I was for about nine months, and then I became the chief on July 1 of 2016.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170724/franklin-police-chief-reflects-on-first-year