Franklin Historical Museum announces Second Sunday Speaker Series

The Franklin Historical Museum is launching a new speaker series to be held the second Sunday of each month starting in February. Speakers, on a wide range of historical topics, will give presentations that will run from 60-90 minutes. Each presentation will begin at 1:15 PM.

"We're excited about his new speaker program and hope it becomes something the community will look forward to, depend on, and enjoy", says Historical Commission member Mary Olsson. "We just started booking speakers last month, and although not all dates are full at this time, we have a strong line up at this point."

February 11 : Paul Compton – "Saving Franklin's Historic Homes from the Wrecking Ball" 
- Compton, a long time resident, engineered the relocation of 5 houses from the last 1960s to the 1990s. At least one of those homes dated back to the 1840s. The homes, now located on Pond Street were in the way of 'progress'. Compton illustrates his motivation, enterprise, and technique in saving these home from the wrecking ball.

March 11 : Alan Earles – "The Blizzard of '78" 
- Local historian and writer Earls takes a look back at the impact of the storm and the memories it evokes to this day.

April 8: Joe Landry – "Notable Women in Franklin's History" 
- A museum favorite returns with a presentation on some of Franklin's most famous and historical figures in Franklin's past.

May 13 : James Johnston – "The Oliver Pond House in Context" 
- Franklin Historian and author, Johnston is a descendent of the Pond family, an original founding family of Franklin. Johnston has been the owner and caretaker of the museum-like historical home for the past several decades. This timely presentation on the Oliver Pond home is sure to be entertaining.

June, July and August: special guest speakers to coincide with the annual summer Bridal Gown Exhibit. Details to follow.

September 9: TBD

October 14: Mike Tougias – "King Philip's War" 
- NY Times bestselling author Michael Tougias will give a slide presentation on the war between the Colonists and Native Americans in 1675-76. Tougias is the author of the acclaimed Until I Have No Country (A novel of King Philip's War), and co-author with Eric Schultz of King Philip's War: The History and Legacy of America's Forgotten Conflict.

November 11: Alan Earls - "Monuments (part II)" 
– The story of the war memorials on Franklin Common. A follow-up to the interesting presentation last fall, historian Earls reveals the story behind the story of our town's war memorials.

December 9: TBD

In addition, the museum has an aggressive event schedule planned starting with hosting the Cultural Connections Roundtable event on February 1; the celebration of the Town's 240th Birthday on March 3; and the participation in the state-wide cultural ART WEEK with five scheduled events and exhibits. A full year of events is scheduled. Follow us on Facebook for timely updates.


The museum is located at 80 West Central Street, is wheelchair accessible and entry is always free.

You can also visit the Historical Museum on the web at
http://franklinhistoricalmuseum.org/   

or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/FHM02038

Franklin Historical Museum, 80 West Central St 

Globe West: Alicia Kutil

In the College Update section of the Boston Globe West on Sunday:

Boston Globe image (PARIS FELOGLOY)

ALICIA KUTIL = FRANKLIN

Averaging 19.5 points and 7.9 rebounds a game this season, the 6-foot senior netted 25 points on 12-of-19 field goal shooting to help UMass Dartmouth (9-2) extend its 6-game winning streak with a win over Regis Jan. 7.

https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/regionals/north/2018/01/12/noteworthy/OzZn5QnC02Ef9KJ02Y1AoN/story.html

Register O'Donnell Outlines Norfolk County Real Estate Activity for 2017

	Norfolk County Registry of Deeds
	Register O'Donnell Outlines Norfolk County Real Estate Activity for 2017 While the eastern Massachusetts economy was strong in 2017, the Norfolk County real estate market remained challenged when it came to such issues as real estate sales and mortgage lending. Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell noted, "An analysis of 2017 real estate activity in Norfolk County showed a total of 18,533 real estate transactions, both residential and commercial. This represented 0% growth from 2016. In addition, the total volume of residential and commercial sales last year totaled $8.2 billion, a 10% decline from 2016. The average sales price, again both residential and commercial, was $710,654, a decrease of 8% from the previous year." Another failing real estate indicator was a 9% drop in the number of land documents recorded at the Registry in 2017. A total of 152,927 Norfolk County land documents were recorded in 2017 compared to 167,600 in 2016. The reduction in land documents can be strongly attributed to the falling number of mortgages recorded. A total of 27,563 mortgages were recorded in 2017, representing a 19% decrease from 2016. Total mortgage financing closed at $18.8 billion, a 2% decrease from the previous year. Register O'Donnell stated, "These numbers clearly indicate Norfolk County homeowners are being very careful with taking on debt." Norfolk County residents continued to avail themselves of the protections provided by the Homestead Act. A total of 12,670 Homesteads were recorded in 2017, a 1% increase over 2016. O'Donnell noted, "A Homestead provides limited protection against the forced sale of an individual's primary residence to satisfy unsecured debt up to $500,000. I urge homeowners who have not recorded a Homestead against their primary residence to consider this valuable consumer protection tool." Foreclosure activity saw improving results during the 2017 calendar year, but these numbers come with a note of caution. A total of 268 foreclosure deeds were filed in Norfolk County in 2017, compared to 294 in the previous year. In addition, Notice to Foreclose Mortgage, the first step in the foreclosure process, also decreased by 15.1%. Register O'Donnell stated, "These are good numbers year over year, but I want to point out the numbers of Notice to Foreclose Mortgage recordings actually increased a sobering 57% in the 4th quarter of 2017 compared to the 4th quarter of 2016. We will need to closely watch this number to see if a trend develops." The Registry continues to work with Quincy Community Action Programs, 617-479-8181 x-376, and NeighborWorks Southern Mass, 508-587-0950 to help homeowners who have received a Notice to Foreclose Mortgage document. A third option is to contact the Massachusetts Attorney General's Consumer Advocacy and Response Division (CARD) at 617-727-8400. Register O'Donnell concluded, "Just as we are seeing across the country, a lack of real estate inventory is adversely affecting the Norfolk County real estate market. We will not see a significant gain in real estate sales numbers until inventory numbers improve. In addition, consumers continue to be very careful when it comes to borrowing. A particular area of caution is refinancing for big ticket items such as home improvements. Two additional factors that we will need to keep an eye on in 2018 are the affect increased interest rates will have on consumer behavior and the impact the recently signed re-write of the federal tax code will have on people deciding whether to borrow." To learn more about these and other Registry of Deeds events and initiatives, like us at facebook.com/NorfolkDeeds or follow us on twitter.com/NorfolkDeeds and instagram.com/NorfolkDeeds. The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds is located at 649 High Street, Dedham. The Registry is a resource for homeowners, title examiners, mortgage lenders, municipalities and others with a need for secure, accurate, accessible land record information. All land record research information can be found on the Registry's website at www.norfolkdeeds.org. Residents in need of assistance can contact the Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center at (781) 461-6101, or email us at registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org. Register William P. O'Donnell Norfolk County Registry of Deeds email: registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org phone: 781-234-3336 web: http://www.norfolkdeeds.org

Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, 649 High Street, Dedham,, MA 02026-1831 Sent by registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org in collaboration with Try it free today https://www.norfolkdeeds.org/

"Senior SAFE grants to help provide education to older adults"

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

"Nearly two dozen MetroWest and Milford-area fire departments received state grants on Friday. 

In all, 255 fire departments across the state received Student Awareness of Fire Education (S.A.F.E.) grants. The money, which is awarded by the governor’s office, provides departments money to work with school teachers to help provide fire and life lessons. 

Many of the departments also received Senior SAFE grants to help provide education to older adults. 

“The S.A.F.E. and Senior Safe programs are having a great impact on the fire and life safety of our most vulnerable populations – children and elders,” state Fire Marshal Peter J. Ostrosky said in a release. “The fire departments being supported in these public education efforts are increasing the safety of the people in their communities.” 

• Franklin: $5,407

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180114/area-fire-departments-receive-grants

Franklin (MA) Fire Dept

Friendly Reminder: School Start Times Advisory Committee applications due Jan 17

Franklin has started out on the right foot by inviting you, the stakeholders, to participate in the discussion and study to "study the feasibility of adjusting school start times in Franklin based on current research related to children and sleep."

You have likely heard that the Boston Public Schools attempted to take a systematic, yes, using a mathematical algorithm to develop school start times. The team was highly qualified but as the news has been touting left out conversations with all the stakeholders until after the new start times were developed. The Boston school start times implementation has now been canceled.

It will be different in Franklin. The stakeholders will be at the table first to study, review, discuss, and ultimately "present their findings and possible recommendations for the School Committee to consider."  

What does the timeline for the Advisory Committee look like?

• Applications accepted through Jan 17, 2018
• Committee appointments approved by School Committee at Jan 23, 2018 meeting
• Advisory Committee starts work in Feb 2018
• Meet approximately twice a month (one full group meeting, one subcommittee meeting), exact times and schedules TBD
• Present recommendation to School Committee January 2019

You have several options:

1. Sign up to take part as a member of the Advisory Committee (sign up info below)
2. Participate in as many of the public meetings there will be to observe and have your say (meeting schedule TBD)
3. Follow along as Franklin Matters reports on the meetings and progress of the Advisory Committee (subscribe via email to ensure you get all the info  http://www.franklinmatters.org/p/welcome.html)

I would encourage you to consider the first and second options. You can then also help to craft and add to the reporting on the third option.

The conversation about to begin will help Franklin prepare for what it will look like in 2028. What is 2028? The 250th anniversary of its founding.

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/11/what-will-franklin-be-like-in-2028.html

school start times would likely change the bus schedules. Boston attempted
to save money that way. What will happen in Franklin remains to be seen.

------------

Hello

The purpose of the School Start Times Advisory Committee will be to study the feasibility of adjusting school start times in Franklin based on current research related to children and sleep. The Advisory Committee will be considering any proposed changes within the local context. Representatives from the Advisory Committee will present their findings and possible recommendations for the School Committee to consider. Changes to school start times, if any, are to be decided by the Franklin School Committee.

The commitment for this committee is expected to be two meetings per month, most likely in the evenings. The committee is planned for the 2018 calendar year, with a presentation to School Committee planned for January, 2019. All activities of this committee will be subject to the Open Meeting Law.

If you would like to apply to be a member of the Advisory Committee, please fill out this form. The deadline to complete this form is Wednesday January 17, 2018 at 5 PM. Appointment of committee members by School Committee is scheduled to be made at the January 23, 2018 School Committee meeting.


Click on this link to apply: https://goo.gl/forms/stAh38Ok8637KwkG2

Thank you,

Franklin Public Schools

Additional Resources

an archive of school start times articles
http://www.startschoollater.net/news-archives.html

The Boston School Superintendent statement on canceling the start times change  (subscription may be required)
http://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2017/12/22/read-statement-from-tommy-chang-new-start-times/1gEkL1rxYy7M5JW3j08uwN/story.html

The Boston Globe article on canceling the start times change  (subscription may be required)
http://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2017/12/22/boston-schools-boss-halts-plan-change-school-start-times/Z0pAKKcF3ggCL0mkgeBPiM/story.html

The Boston Globe article on the algorithm used to calculate the start time hours and resulting bus schedules  (subscription may be required)
https://www.bostonglobe.com/opinion/2017/12/22/don-blame-algorithm-for-doing-what-boston-school-officials-asked/lAsWv1Rfwqmq6Jfm5ypLmJ/story.html

This was originally posted Dec 24, 2017

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/12/franklin-tackling-school-start-times.html

No delay in the trash and recycling schedule this week

There is no delay in the trash and recycling schedule this week. Yes, Monday is Martin Luther King Day and a holiday with Town offices and the Library closed. 

This is NOT one of the holidays that brings a delay in the schedule. If your trash is scheduled for Monday, today is the day.

For those whose trees were not picked up last week, we'll wait until Tuesday to find out how the schedule will be recovered. Unless, the trees are indeed picked up today. Some folks did not get them picked up last Friday/Saturday.

Franklin Residents: Trash and Recycling pick up schedule - no delay this week

Additional info on the trash and recycling schedule can be found on the Town of Franklin webpage  https://www.franklinma.gov/recycling-solid-waste

"if the town moves forward with another round of cuts instead, he wouldn’t know where to make them"

From the Twitterverse, comes notice of budget discussions not far away in North Attleboro.

"Public safety departments made their case in support of a Proposition 2 1/2 override Thursday, not with dire forecasts or threats of cuts to come if they don’t see the influx of cash, but with pleas to restore what’s already been stripped from their budgets. 

If more cuts come, they said during a three-hour meeting before selectmen, they wouldn’t know how to absorb them. 

The meeting was the first of three before selectmen are expected to come up with a dollar amount for a tax increase put to vote this April."

http://www.thesunchronicle.com/news/local_news/public-safety-departments-make-their-case-for-north-attleboro-override/article_db201669-ed0a-5757-8fff-8443e45a4413.html

Public safety departments make their case for North Attleboro override https://t.co/DTCH6h20Tr @SCNAttleboro @NAttleboro

— The Sun Chronicle (@TheSunChronicle) January 13, 2018

Cutting to balance budgets is only one way. There are others, lets have the conversation about what matters. If Franklin is facing a $3M shortfall for the FY 2019 budget, what are we going to do?

Events to find information and join the conversation:

• Jan 27 - Franklin Town Government 101

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2018/01/franklin-town-government-101-january-27.html

• Feb 13 - Legislative Forum on School Funding

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2018/01/franklin-school-committee-legislative.html

#Franklin2028

Upcoming Franklin Music Program Concerts

Franklin High School Jazz Night

Franklin High School is pleased to invite you to our annual Jazz Concert. Come hear our very own award winning FHS Jazz Band under the direction of Mrs. Leighanne Rudsit. Also performing will be three jazz combos under the direction of Mrs. Rudsit. Music will include swing, bebop, ballads and funk. Some big band titles will include “Lindy Hopper’s Delight”, "Oop Bop Sh’Bam”, as well as Louis Prima’s “Sing, Sing, Sing” and James Peterik’s “Vehicle”. Featured soloists include Matthew Padula on Tenor Saxophone, Bobby Castro and Myles Polioto on Drums, Zachary Cullins on Trombone, and Mitchell Taylor on Bass. The event will take place at 7:00 PM on Wednesday, January 24 at the Franklin High School auditorium. A $5 donation is requested at the door, but is not required.

Jazz Cafe

Franklin Music Program is pleased to present our annual Jazz Cafe concert! The Jazz Bands from Franklin High School, Remington Middle School, Horace Mann Middle School, and Annie Sullivan Middle School will be performing in a jazz club-themed evening. Enjoy a comfortable, casual setting where Franklin's jazz students will set the mood. Family is encouraged to attend and refreshments will be served! Please join us Friday February 2, 7:00 PM at the Franklin High School Cafeteria. Tickets are sold only at the event, $10 person, $25 family. We hope to see you there!

Concert Hour

The Franklin Public Schools Music Department will be presenting two nights of chamber music. “Concert Hour” is a showcase of small musical ensembles from the middle schools and high school. These recitals will take place on Tuesday, February 6th and Thursday, February 8 at 7:00 PM in the Franklin High School auditorium. Come hear our talented student musicians from grades 6-12 perform solo and small ensemble repertoire. The recital is free and open to the public.

Upcoming Franklin Music Program Concerts

Note: All the events put on my the school music program are part of the Community Calendar http://www.franklinmatters.org/p/blog-page.html

Town Council Goals Workshop - FM #137

FM #137

This internet radio show or podcast is number 137 in the series for Franklin Matters.

This recording is of the Town Council Goals Workshop conducted on Wednesday, January 10, 2018. Unlike other workshops that I have reported on, this was conducted such that here was no opportunity for citizens participation during the workshop and with limited discussion among the Councilors. No deliberations were planned, no votes were planned, that much was understood going into it. The session was very informative and covered a whole lot of topics.

You can find my notes and the document used to guide the workshop accompanying the recording.

Part 1 -
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2018/01/live-reporting-town-council-workshop.html

Part 2 -
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2018/01/live-reporting-workshop-part-2.html

Part 3 -
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2018/01/live-reporting-workshop-part-3.html


The workshop recording runs about 75 minutes. Without further ado, here is the recording




-------------

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but I can't do it alone. I can use your help.

How can you help?

• If you like this, please tell your friends and neighbors.
• If you don't like this, please let me know.

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements.

Thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark and Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission

I hope you enjoy!

------------------

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes = search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters on iTunes

Note - I did record the intro calling this #136 when I should have called it #137. Oops. I caught the mistake as I was processing the MP3 file on the host service and chose not to go back and make the change in the recording itself.

FHS girls indoor track take 4th in D1 Relays

With a first place in the Long Jump Relay, 3rd in the 1600 Sprint Medley, and 4th place finishes in both the 4x200 Relay and Girls Shot Put, the FHS girls indoor track team finished 4th overall of the 15 teams competing.

The boys team apparently did not enter this meet.


Women - Team Rankings - 10 Events Scored
======================================================
1) Andover 62
2) Wachusett Reg.-Holden 52
3) Newton North 40
4) Franklin 25
5) Brockton 24
6) Newton South 21
7) Needham 17
8) Acton-Boxborough 14
9) Brookline 13
10) Westford Academy 10
10) Lowell 10
12) Boston Latin School 8
13) Lexington 6
13) Framingham 6
15) Shrewsbury 2

Men - Team Rankings - 10 Events Scored
======================================================
1) Lowell 62
2) Newton North 36
3) Brockton 34
4) Saint John's Prep 33
5) Boston College High 22
6) Lexington 19
7) Acton-Boxborough 17
8) Needham 16
9) Peabody 15
10) Shrewsbury 13
11) Andover 10
11) Cambridge Rindge and Latin 10
13) St. John's-Shrewsbury 8
14) Framingham 6
15) Westford Academy 5
16) Leominster 2
17) Newton South 1
17) Brookline 1


Girls 4x800 Meter Relay
7 Franklin 'A' 10:16.00 2

Girls 4x200 Meter Relay
4 Franklin 'A' 1:47.26 8

Girls 4x400 Meter Relay
6 Franklin 'A' 4:16.85 4

Girls 1600 Sprint Medley
3 Franklin 'A' 4:17.44 4

Girls Distance Medley
14 Franklin 'A' 14:05.76 1

Girls 4x50 Yard Shuttle Hurdle
7 Franklin 'A' 32.09 7

Girls 4x50 Yard Relay
15 Franklin 'A' 26.26 4

Girls Long Jump
1 Franklin, Girls Franklin 14.83m 48-08.00

Girls Shot Put
4 Franklin, Girls Franklin 28.19m 92-06.00

The full set of results can be found online
http://www.mstca.org/Winter_Season/Winter%202018/Results-Div.%201%20Indoor%20Relays.htm

FHS Panthers

FHS wrestling goes 3-0 in quad meet

Via the Twitterverse, we find and share that the FHS wrestling team went undefeated in the quad meet at Algonquin High School on Saturday. They opened with a 48-6 win over Framingham, took a close 36-28 win vs. West Springfield and closed out with a 58-21 win over host Algonquin.

Jake Carlucci, Sauer, Bakalars, Remillard, Farrell, Racca, Sackley, Nawn, and Johnson go undefeated on the day.

— Franklin Wrestling (@FHSWrestle) January 13, 2018

58-21 win over Algonquin in the last round. Pins from Jake Carlucci, Sauer, Bakalars, Jordan Carlucci, Remillard, Farrell, Racca, and MacLean.

— Franklin Wrestling (@FHSWrestle) January 13, 2018

Big 36-28 W over West Springfield. Techs from Bakalars and Remillard, and pins from Sauer and Jake Carlucci. Jake with the match-winning pin.

— Franklin Wrestling (@FHSWrestle) January 13, 2018

We’re out at Algonquin Regional High for a quad. After our first match we defeat Framingham 48-6, pins from Jake Carlucci, Sauer, Jordan Carlucci, and Coughlin.

— Franklin Wrestling (@FHSWrestle) January 13, 2018

FHS Wrestling Twitter page

"Beyond begging, bossing, and bribing" - Jan 29

Come see Jeanine Fitzgerald at ECDC on Monday, January 29th from 6:30 - 8:30 PM




This was shared from the ECDC webpage  https://ecdcprincipalpage.blogspot.com/2018/01/parent-workshop-with-jeanine-fitzgerald.html

"Beyond begging, bossing, and bribing" - Jan 29

MassBudget: Sweeter than SALT

Highest-income households get federal tax cuts more than twice SALT losses

MassBudget    Information.    Participation.  Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center    Democracy. Sweeter than SALT: Highest-Income Households Get Federal Tax Cuts More Than Twice SALT Losses  The federal government has enacted very large tax cuts targeted mostly at higher-income taxpayers. The resulting loss of an almost $1.5 trillion in federal revenue is likely to lead to cuts in federal support for programs that are important to people in Massachusetts and to the state budget. Amid these deep tax cuts, a new federal limit on the deductibility of state and local taxes (SALT) has received a lot of attention. Households that itemize deductions and pay over $10,000 in combined state and local taxes will no longer be able to deduct more than this amount when calculating their taxable income for federal taxes. For Massachusetts' highest-income households-those with annual incomes over $1 million-the average tax cuts from other federal changes in the law are more than twice the average size of the impact from the loss of SALT deductibility. Massachusetts' highest-income households will become substantially affluent as a result of the federal tax changes. Households with incomes over $1 million in 2019 are projected to have an average income of $3.4 million. For this group the federal tax changes-including the limits to SALT deduction-represent a combined $2.58 billion tax cut. The average tax cut for these taxpayers will be $95,800 after accounting for the effects on the SALT changes. Read this fact sheet online here. 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

Franklin Town Government 101 - January 27 - 10 AM to noon

Franklin Town Government 101

What makes our town government tick? How can you have your voice heard? How can you get involved? What are the big challenges facing town government this year?

Come to Franklin Town Government 101 to find answers to some of these questions!

WHEN: Saturday, January 27 10-noon (snow date, if library closes, Feb. 3)

WHERE: Franklin Public Library, 118 Main St., Franklin, MA (ground floor meeting room)

PROGRAM:

10:00 AM Welcome and Introductions

10:10 AM Government and the Potential to do Good 

– Dr. Robert Krim, Associate Professor of Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Framingham State University. Among his many accomplishments, Dr. Krim is the Founder and Executive Director of the Boston Management Consortium, a partnership between the City of Boston and the Greater Boston management training and organizational development community. This partnership helped the City to be innovative and efficient and, in particular, helped lower the homicide rate by 50%.

10:40 Town and State! 

– Franklin State Rep. Jeff Roy has previously held positions on the Franklin School Committee and Town Council. He will discuss the rewards (and perils) of getting involved in town government. He will also discuss some of the lessons he has learned about municipal government, as well as providing some perspectives on how state policies and funding help (and sometimes complicate) town government.

11:10 Franklin 2018 – the Challenges Ahead 

– a conversation and question and answer period with Town Council representative Tom Mercer and School Committee member Denise Schultz, moderated by Steve Sherlock of Franklin Matters.

12:00 Adjourn

Franklin Town Government 101 is sponsored by Franklin in Focus, a citizens’ group supporting more transparent and effective government in Franklin.

Franklin Town Government 101 - January 27 - 10 AM to noon

Note: Yes, I am looking forward to participating in this discussion

Claflin Hill Symphony To Visit Franklin for Open Rehearsal - Jan 30

The Claflin Hill Symphony Orchestra visits Franklin on Tuesday, January 30, 2018 for an Open Rehearsal at 7:30 PM in the Franklin High School Auditorium.

The rehearsal, which is hosted by the Franklin Public School Music Department, is open to ALL Franklin Public School Students and ALL residents of Franklin.

During this first ever visit to Franklin by the CHSO, they will be rehearsing for their “Russian Romance” concert program that will take place on Saturday evening, February 3, 2018 in the Milford Town Hall Grand Ballroom.

The orchestra is performing Nicolai Rimsky-Korsakov’s “Scheherazade” – a lush, colorful and epic orchestral “Tone Poem” based on the “Tales of 1001 Arabian Nights.” In the story and depicted by the music, the Princess Scheherazade begins a story-telling series to her husband, the King, in order to forestall him having her executed after their wedding night, as had been his frequent custom. The King becomes so enthralled by the on-going tales, which included Sinbad the Sailor and Ali Baba, that he keeps her alive night after night to hear the next installment! Rimsky-Korsakov’s magnificent orchestral score is a big feature for solo violin, which will be performed by the CHSO’s phenomenal Concertmaster, Angel Valchinov.

Also on the program and set to rehearse on that night in Franklin is Sergei Rachmaninoff’s gorgeous and popular "Piano Concerto No. 2". This features Beth Surapine on piano, who has performed frequently with the CHSO and throughout the Milford/Franklin region for the past two decades,

Entrance to the open rehearsal is FREE ADMISSION, and attendees will also receive a voucher for a Special Discount Ticket for the concert that week, to hear the finished product of what they experienced at the rehearsal.

“We’re very excited to visit Franklin for this open rehearsal,” said Paul Surapine, Founding Executive and Artistic Director of Claflin Hill. “Many of our musicians have had ongoing and strong ties to Franklin, including myself, and a significant number of Franklin Public School Music Faculty past and present are permanent members of the CHSO. Additionally, Franklin accounts for more members of the Claflin Hill Youth Symphonies than any other community throughout the entire region, which is a strong endorsement of the music education program in progress in Franklin for the last twenty years. We’d like to thank CHSO Violinist and Franklin Public Schools Music Director Diane Plouffe for her invitation to come to her community. We hope it will be an interesting and educational experience for the music students and entertaining for all who attend.”

For more information on all upcoming Claflin Hill concerts and events, visit www.claflinhill.com

The Claflin Hill Symphony Orchestra, located in Milford, MA, is a powerful regional musical force. Through passionate performances presented by masterful musicians, the CHSO plays a leading role in the cultural enrichment and vitality of Central Massachusetts and MetroWest communities. The CHSO sponsors a remarkable outreach program that helps youth perfect their musical talents and build long-lasting appreciation for music.

Claflin Hill Symphony To Visit Franklin for Open Rehearsal - Jan 30