Thursday, October 26, 2017

THE BLACK BOX to Present a Full Lineup of November Music Series Events

THE BLACK BOX, downtown Franklin’s theater, music and event venue, presents a full lineup of quality live entertainment this November. A suburban hub for great music, THE BLACK BOX is located at 15 West Central Street. 

On Friday, November 3 at 8 p.m., THE BLACK BOX Local Artist Series presents jazz vocalist Brenda Padula. The evening will showcase songs from the Great American Songbook, along with blues and Motown favorites. Padula will be joined by pianist Dennis “Rusty” Hughes, saxophonist Arnie Krakowsky, bassist Mark Poniatowski, and drummer Kenny Hadley. Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for students/seniors.

On Saturday, November 4 at 8 p.m., THE BLACK BOX presents the renowned James Montgomery Band. Growing up in Detroit, James Montgomery learned firsthand from the masters – James Cotton, John Lee Hooker, and Jr. Wells – at the legendary “Chessmate.” Over the years, he has carried on in the tradition and continues to be a vital presence in Blues as one of the most dynamic performers on the scene. Montgomery has recorded six albums and toured with major artists including Aerosmith, Bonnie Raitt, Bruce Springsteen, the Allman Brothers, and Steve Miller. Tickets are $25.

BLACK BOX Jazz presents the acoustic jazz ensemble Rhythm Future Quartet at 4 p.m. on Sunday, November 5. The virtuosic foursome, named for a Django Reinhardt tune, offers up a newly minted sound, influenced by the classic Hot Club of France, yet wholly contemporary. Led by violinist Jason Anick and guitarist Olli Soikkeli, the quartet performs dynamic and lyrical arrangements of both Gypsy jazz standards and original compositions that draw upon diverse international rhythms and musical idioms. With Max O’Rourke on second guitar and Greg Loughman on bass, Rhythm Future is dedicated to expanding the boundaries of a vital musical genre. Tickets are $20.

Roomful of Blues kicks off a new season of THE BLACK BOX New England Artist Series concerts on Friday, November 10 at 8 p.m. The eight-piece blues band is led by guitarist Chris Vachon and features singer Phil Pemberton, bringing his sweet and soulful vocals to the ensemble’s jazzy, jump-blues musical roots. Their winning combination of jump, swing, blues, R&B, and soul remains their calling card, as does their ability to fill the dance floor. Tickets are $28.

THE BLACK BOX Classical Series presents Quartett Giocosa on Sunday, November 12, at 4 p.m. Featuring violinists Irina Fainkichen and Heather Goodchild, violist Irina Naryshkova, and cellist Elizabeth Schultze, the program will include selections from Rachmaninoff, Dvorak, Still, and Gershwin. Tea service will be available. Tickets are $20 for adults and $18 for students/seniors.

On Friday, November 17 at 7:30 p.m., the third annual Rising Stars Cabaret presents a special revue spotlighting the talents of promising young singers. The cabaret is presented in an intimate nightclub atmosphere with professional accompaniment. Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for students/seniors.

On Sunday, November 19, BLACK BOX Jazz presents a Big Band Brunch with the renowned Kenny Hadley Big Band. 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. Combination tickets for brunch and music are $45; tickets for the concert alone are $20. Brunch begins at 11:30 a.m., with music beginning at noon.

THE BLACK BOX Local Artist Series presents DayBreakers with Copilot at 8 p.m. on Wednesday, November 22. Blending folk-rock melodies with blues guitar muscle and rock ‘n’ roll grit, the DayBreakers have crafted their own sound on the backs of bands like the Rolling Stones, The Black Crowes, The Allman Brothers, and the Eagles. Combining rock ‘n’ roll, blues, country, and funk, the band has worked tirelessly to craft a sound that is filled with hard riffs and soulful melodies. Copilot is an American Pop duo based in Norfolk, Massachusetts. As Copilot, Ry McDonald and Maggie Quealy explore their passion and unique Americana music through their popular covers and original songs in a way that many listeners haven’t heard before. Tickets are $10 if purchased in advance or $12 at the door.

For tickets and more information, visit www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com or call (508) 528-3370.

THE BLACK BOX to Present a Full Lineup of November Music Series Events
THE BLACK BOX to Present a Full Lineup of November Music Series Events

FHS volleyball loses 3-1 to undefeated KP

From Hockomock Sports we share the results of the Franklin High School fall sports results on Wednesday, Oct 25.


Volleyball = King Philip, 3 @ Franklin, 1 – Final
– King Philip capped its perfect Hockomock League schedule with a 3-1 (25-20, 25-19, 21-25, 25-18) win over Franklin. Sydney Phillips continued her strong season at the net with 23 kills while Michaela Palumbo added 12 kills and 10 service points. Kat Kmetz had 11 service points, including two aces, and three blocks while Julianne Rando finished with eight digs. For Franklin, Meaghan Maguire (five blocks) and Hailey Sanders (two blocks) each chipped in with eight kills and Maggie Doyle (two blocks) had seven kills. Junior Lauren McGrath had 35 assists for the Panthers.

Field Hockey = King Philip @ Franklin – Postponed to Friday, 10/27 at 3:45.


For all the other results around the Hockomock League on Tuesday
https://hockomocksports.com/wednesdays-schedule-scoreboard-102517/

FHS Panthers
FHS Panthers

“I do this because I love doing it"

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

"Though it’s not her primary job, Susan Barbour doesn’t mind getting her hands dirty with the rest of the kitchen staff at the Senior Center. 
It is likely one of the many reasons she was awarded the 2017 Citizen’s Award from Horace Mann Educational Associates (HMEA) for her work with the organization. 
Among many titles, Barbour is the program coordinator at the Senior Center. Though she devotes much of her time to her interns from HMEA in the kitchen. 
Quick to perk a smile among co-workers and customers, Barbour is humble, but proud of the work she does for HMEA. Her dedication and pride is evident through her 13 years of volunteer work for the organization."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20171026/franklin-resident-awarded-good-citizens-award

"HMEA’s Administrative Office is located in Franklin, MA, but our service area extends to over 110 communities in the Commonwealth’s Central, Southeastern and Eastern regions. We have a long history of providing innovative services in school, at work, at home and in the community and HMEA now serves nearly 3,800 children and adults with developmental disabilities."

Visit HMEA on the web for more information  https://hmea.org/ 

HMEA’s Administrative Office is located in Franklin, MA
HMEA’s Administrative Office is located in Franklin, MA

Wednesday, October 25, 2017

Live reporting: Legislation for action to Closing



J. Legislation for Action

1. Resolution 17-58: Transfer From Water Enterprise and Rescind Borrowing Authority (Resolutions No. 14-16, 15-27, and 17-14 Appropriation Funding Sources (Motion to Move Resolution 17-58 - Majority vote (5))

paying down 2.5 million of the bond with cash, and authorizing to redo the $5 million bond for more water imporvements

motion to approve, seconded, passed 9-0 (via roll call)

J. Legislation for Action

2. Resolution 17-65: Acceptance of Deed to Two Unimproved Parcels of Land on Grove Street, Pursuant to G.L. Chapter 60, Section 77C (Motion to Move Resolution 17-65 - Majority vote (5))
J. Legislation for Action
motion to approve, seconded, passed 9-0 (via roll call)


3. Resolution 17-66: Assent to Grant of Utility Easement on Former Town-Owned Land on Pond Street (Motion to Move Resolution 17-66 - 2/3 Majority vote (6))

motion to approve, seconded, passed 9-0 (via roll call)

K. Town Administrator's Report
K. Town Administrator's Report

Jim Dacey's last day as Treasurer in Friday, Oct 27. Thanks for his service

Thanks to Mr Vallee 

When you think of Franklin, you think of Vallee
for his 32+ years of service


L. Future Agenda Items
L. Future Agenda Items

none

M. Council Comments
M. Council Comments

Jones - thanks for your years of service
thanks to Jim for his years of service, it is a little unnerving when you loose good people

Dellorco - enjoy your retirment

Bissanti - 

Pfeffer - 

Pellegri - we're going to miss you, vote Nov 7th
absentee ballots are available

Vallee - thanks to my fellow councilors for your kind words
I feel so very comfortable leaving with Jeff here

Mercer - your leadership and gudience will be missed by all of us

Kelly - I am not rattled at all
thanks to Pack 17 we took a tour last night
condolences to the Siltetto family

adjournment via roll call

N. Executive Session - None Scheduled
N. Executive Session - None Scheduled
O. Adjourn
O. Adjourn

Live reporting: Veterans recognition and presentation



F. Hearings
F. Hearings
G. License Transactions
G. License Transactions
H. Presentations/Discussions
H. Presentations/Discussions - Veterans Service Officer, Dale Kurtz

1 - Recognition of Post 3402 for accomplishments and awards

2 - Recognition of Ernest Carruthers, Quartermaster of Post by both State and Federal VFW organizations

3 - Recognition of Lawrence P Bederian, Post Commander - All American Team Post Commander

Veterans Day program, call the Senior Center to respond

Peter Beane, Korean War hero

proposing a veterans walk way
45 veterans, personalized bricks
(photos to be added)

cost of this approximately $90K

only the Town Council can approve changes to the Town Common; would come back with a formal resolution but wanted to get a sense of the Council tonight

In addition to the VFW, the American Legion and Franklin Elks were instrumental in this proposal


I. Subcommittee Reports
I. Subcommittee Reports

none

Carruthers, Kurtz and Bederian at the Town Council meeting
Carruthers, Kurtz and Bederian at the Town Council meeting

proposed veterans walkway on Town Common around memorials at Pleasant St end (near St Mary's)
proposed veterans walkway on Town Common around memorials at Pleasant St end (near St Mary's)

proposed veterans walkway on Town Common - walkway view from Union St corner
proposed veterans walkway on Town Common - walkway view from Union St corner

proposed veterans walkway on Town Common - walkway view near WWI doughboy statue
proposed veterans walkway on Town Common - walkway view near WWI doughboy statue

proposed veterans walkway on Town Common - walkway view  near WWI doughboy statue looking to Pleasant St/Main St
proposed veterans walkway on Town Common - walkway view
near WWI doughboy statue looking to Pleasant St/Main St

Live reporting: Town Council - October 25, 2017

Present: Pellegri, Padula, Vallee, Kelly, Pfeffer, Bissanti, Dellorco, Jones, Mercer (via remote phone call)

Absent: none


Agenda ItemSummary
A. Approval of Minutes
A. Approval of Minutes
B. Announcements
B. Announcements
1. This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon Channel 29. This meeting may also be recorded by others.
C. Proclamations/Recognitions
C. Proclamations/Recognitions

special recognition for Robert Vallee, for over 30 years of service

Pellegri - many reminisces, will miss Bob

Padula - was also taught by Bob in high school, 

Pfeffer - this is your life, Bob and I have done this for a long time

Bissanti - Bob showed me where to get inexpensive lunches, and what to drink

Dellorco - leads me down the right way, you'll still be at the jewelry store so we can still pull in

Jones - you have earned that kind of respect, I can't call you other than Mr Vallee

I'll be watching!

Mercer - congratulation, thanks for leadership, guidance and contributions to Franklin

Rep Roy - presented proclamation from MA House of Representives to Bob Vallee

D. Citizen Comments
D. Citizen Comments - Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to five minutes on a matter this is not on the Agenda. The Council will not engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Town Council will give remarks appropriate consideration and may ask the Town Administrator to review the matter.
E. Appointments
E. Appointments
1. Franklin Cultural Council - Olivier Edouard

motion to approve, seconded, 9-0 (via roll call)

2. Franklin Cultural Council - Jose Trevino

motion to approve, seconded, 9-0 (via roll call)


Council Chair Matt Kelly recognizes Bob Vallee
Council Chair Matt Kelly recognizes Bob Vallee

Franklin Candidate for Town Council: Tom Mercer

This interview with Tom Mercer (TM), candidate for Franklin Town Council, was collaborated on via email.


FM: Tell me a bit about yourself, your family, and your life here in Franklin? What is your Franklin story?

TM - My name is Tom Mercer and I am the Vice President of Sales & Marketing at Fuller Box Company for the past 36 years. I am a lifelong resident of Franklin, graduate of Franklin Public Schools, married to my high school sweetheart, have 3 daughters (who all graduated from FPS) and 7 grandchildren.

FM: What experience or background will help you to serve in this role? What do you bring to the table that helps to set you apart from the others?

TM - I believe my 40+ years of professional and community volunteer experience contribute to setting me apart from others. I have successfully served the community, as a Town Councilor for the last 9 years, prior to that as a School Committee Member for 10 years - 8 of which I served as Chairman. Additionally, I serve(d) as Chairman of the Building Committees for the 4 largest and newest town structures – the Horace Mann/Oak Street/ECDC School Complex, the Franklin Senior Center, the state of the art Franklin High School and currently in progress, the Franklin Public Library.

FM: What do you see as your role’s biggest challenge and do you have any suggestions on how we can resolve it?

TM - I believe one of the biggest issues facing Franklin and an issue I continue to feel passionate about is maintaining a high level of services. Public Safety, Emergency Services and Education are ever evolving and of the utmost importance to any community.


FM: The Franklin Cultural Council submitted this question for Town Council candidates:
"As you know, Franklin has applied to the state for an official Cultural District designation in town. What do you feel is the role of arts and culture in Franklin, and what is your plan to advance that agenda?"

TM - Experience tells me that arts education and on-stage performing provides lasting life skills such as discipline, teamwork, communications and social skills that our students carry throughout their personal and professional lives.

The recent Stanford University study “Engaging the Arts and Creativity” states that involvement in the arts fosters creativity. Arts education is traditionally thought of as the formal process of developing skills and knowledge in an individual through schooling, instruction and training.

I support the mission of the cultural district to generate an increased awareness of the cultural facilities in our town.

These cultural districts help local arts, humanities, and science organizations improve the quality and range of their public programs so that more local families can benefit from them. They enhance the experience for visitors and thus attract more tourist dollars and tax revenue. And they attract artists, cultural organizations, and entrepreneurs of all kinds - enhancing property values and making communities more attractive.



If you want to follow up with Tom directly, you can reach him via email at tdmercer@verizon.net



Offer to Candidates 2017
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/08/offer-to-candidates-for-franklin.html 


Election Collection - 2017

Election Collection - 2017