Tuesday, March 6, 2018

FPAC’S Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat Opens This Weekend at THE BLACK BOX

The Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) presents the hit family musical, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, opening this weekend at THE BLACK BOX in downtown Franklin. Staged for six performances, show times are Saturday, March 10 at 2:00 and 7:30; Sunday, March 11 at 2:00; Friday, March 16 and Saturday, March 17 at 7:30; and Sunday, March 18 at 2:00. Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is a colorful and uplifting show for audiences of all ages.


Andrew Scott Holmes
Andrew Scott Holmes
Based on the biblical Joseph story, the lively Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice musical follows the trials and triumphs of Jacob’s favorite son in a high-adventure retelling of epic proportions. The musical is entirely sung-through and boasts catchy songs of many musical styles, from country western and calypso to pop, disco, and rock ’n’ roll. Musical Director Hallie Wetzell leads the production’s professional orchestra.

Andrew Scott Holmes returns to the FPAC stage to star in the title role, after almost two years at sea working for Princess Cruises as a Resident Guest Entertainer. An Actor’s Equity Association member, he has played leading roles and understudied Broadway stars at regional theaters, from Goodspeed Opera House to Great Lakes Theater to Playhouse Square and beyond. Andrew received his Bachelor of Music in Music Theatre from Baldwin Wallace University.

Ali Funkhouser
Ali Funkhouser

Franklin’s Ali Funkhouser (The Narrator) returns to Joseph for the third time, having appeared in the children’s ensemble of the 2004 national tour starring Patrick Cassidy and as The Narrator during her time at the Franklin School for the Performing Arts. Other credits include the national tour of Evita, Legally Blonde with The LEX, and Puccini’s Suor Angelica with Chelsea Opera (NYC). An Equity Membership Candidate, Ali will receive her Bachelor of Music Degree in Music Theatre from Oklahoma City University this spring.

Nick Paone, also from Franklin, performs the roles of Pharoah and Jacob. A former Equity actor, Nick has written and directed numerous shows, produced an evening of one-act plays in NYC, and traveled extensively performing with Theater Works. A frequent FPAC performer and director, Nick is the creative mind behind FPAC’s annual holiday pantos and original productions Humbug! A Beggar’s Opera and Zero: A Musical Fable.

Casey Harkness Andrade (Mrs. Potiphar), of Lincoln, RI, has been a professional choreographer, educator, and performer for more than 10 years. An adjunct faculty member at Rhode Island College, Casey is an adjudicator and choreographer for the Elite Dance Challenge regional and national competition. Recent FPAC credits include The Addams Family (Morticia) and Monty Python’s Spamalot.

Raye Lynn Mercer directs FPAC’s production, which also features many local performers and students of the arts, including a children’s choir. FPAC Costumer Merrie Whitney, of Franklin, has designed the entire show, with special attention to Joseph’s iconic coat. Middlesex Savings Bank is the Production Sponsor. 

Tickets are $34, with general seating. For more information or to purchase tickets visit www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com or call 508-528-3370. THE BLACK BOX theater, music, and event venue is located at 15 West Central Street. 

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is presented by arrangement with The Musical Company, LP.

Pantherbook: "Franklin’s Winter Sports Domination"

Joe Clark, Sports Editor of Pantherbook, provides a summary of the FHS success across the winter sports season.

"Throughout the winter sports season, a familiar team has been at the top of the standings. Franklin dominated their competition throughout the entire season, which led to an astounding 111-30 record (78.72% winning percentage) across boys and girls basketball, boys and girls indoor track, boys and girls ice hockey, boys and girls swimming, wrestling, and gymnastics. 
Franklin finished first in the regular season in boys hockey, wrestling, girls indoor track, and girls swimming. 
In addition, they won the Hockomock League in boys hockey, wrestling, girls indoor track, boys and girls swimming, and cheerleading also won the Hockomock League, in addition to finishing second at their state competition. 
They finished no lower than 4th in the standings in any sport. Every single team qualified for the postseason in their respective sports."
Continue reading the summary on Pantherbook
https://franklinpanthers.us/sports/2018/03/03/franklin-winter-sports-domination/

FHS Panthers
FHS Panthers

Franklin Newcomers and Friends: “Green Thumb” - Mar 14

Come join your Franklin friends and neighbors at the Franklin Newcomers and Friends monthly meeting. Meet us upstairs at "3" Restaurant on Wednesday, March 14 at 7:30. Come get a “Green Thumb” as we learn how to have Happy, Healthy Houseplants from Lee Minnichelli. Lee has a degree in Plant and Soil Science and owned The Plant Lady, an interior landscaping business, for 12 years in Pittsfield, MA.
Franklin Newcomers and Friends: “Green Thumb” - Mar 14
Franklin Newcomers and Friends: “Green Thumb” - Mar 14

We invite any resident of Franklin, or a surrounding town that doesn't have a Newcomers Club, to join us at "3" Restaurant, 461 West Central Street, Franklin. Complimentary appetizers and beverages are provided and a cash bar is available. 

We meet upstairs at 7:30 PM on the 2nd Wednesday of the month (occasionally we switch Wednesdays to accommodate holidays or speakers). We run our meetings September through May. Additionally, we hold many fun and varied events to stay connected throughout the year.

For more information, please visit our website www.franklinnewcomers.com or our Facebook page, Franklin Newcomers and Friends Club.

In the News: Casey to run for 10th Norfolk; FSPA announces summer sessions; FAA fund raising at Pour Richard's

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

"Town Council member Patrick Casey has pulled papers to run as a Republican for the state rep seat for the 10th Norfolk District. 
Incumbent and Democrat state Rep. Jeff Roy is the only other person to pull papers for the seat. The election will take place on Nov. 6. Candidates require 150 signatures to qualify as a candidate. 
Casey was elected to the council in November 2017 and is one of the first of two millennials now serving on the town council. 
He said that when ran for council he didn’t have his sights on the state seat. But when he started to realize that there are many people in the district who have the same thoughts and principles as he does, he said, he decided to it might be good to offer a conservative perspective in the Democrat-dominated Massachusetts House."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180305/franklin-town-councils-casey-seeks-state-rep-seat



Franklin School for the Performing Arts announced a summer session of theater programs, ballet intensives, one-week camps, voice and instrumental lessons and dance classes in ballet, jazz, tap and contemporary. 
The summer session runs from July 2 to Aug. 24, as registration began March 5. 
FSPA Summer Theater provides the opportunity for hands-on immersion in a Broadway Boot Camp, cabaret show, play or musical theater production, with enrollment for one to five weeks. The Cabaret week (July 23-27) focuses on repertoire choices, song interpretation and presentation, and concludes with a cabaret style revue at The Black Box theater in downtown Franklin. The three-day Broadway Boot Camp (July 30 to Aug. 1) brings Broadway headliners to FSPA for song and dance master classes and coaching on individual performance skills. A week-long drama program (Aug. 20-24) presents a straight play, while a two-week musical theater program (Aug. 6-17) stages a major book musical at The Black Box."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180305/strongfranklin-school-for-performing-arts-announces-summer-sessionstrong

Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FSPA)
Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FSPA)

"The Franklin Arts Academy Boosters and Pour Richards will host a Beer and Wine Tasting Fundraiser from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. March 8 at Pour Richards Wine and Spirits, 14 Grove St., Franklin. 
The proceeds will be used to fund FAA student field trips, program events and scholarships for FAA graduating seniors. Pour Richard’s has offered to host the event and will also be donating a portion of sales proceeds to the FAA Boosters. Pour Richard’s offers a wide variety of beer, wine and spirits. 
For information, or to purchase $5 tickets: faaboosters@gmail.com. Tickets will be available at the door for $7."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180305/franklin-arts-academy-boosters-to-host-fundraiser

A Night of Spiritual Readings & Connecting with Lost Loved Ones - Mar 8 and Mar 22

Sometimes we lose people that may have unfinished business for us. You might just want to know that a loved one is all right or make sure that they are still around you. Stephanie has been connecting people with lost loved ones for over 15 years. The experience is always very personal, special and unique to each individual.

Have you ever thought about what you’d say if you had another chance? Maybe you ran out of time to repair a relationship or you just didn’t say everything you would have liked. Stephanie has a unique ability of bringing peace and comfort to those left behind and to those who have moved on. It is not too late to reconnect with those you love.

Understanding loss and grief is one of the ways Stephanie is able to connect and help you with your process. Bringing peace and understanding to those that are here and those that are no longer with us is the goal.

This Workshop is $40 per person
Each person will receive a personal reading
Event is limited to 10 people

Light snacks and beverages as well as BYOB


Franklin Music Movement and Mindfulness

SPIRITUAL READINGS with STEPHANIE McBRIDE

  • THURSDAY MARCH 8th 7 PM 
  • FRIDAY MARCH 22nd 7 PM


Register online  https://secure.mainstreetsites.com/dmn3567/register.aspx

A Night of Spiritual Readings & Connecting with Lost Loved Ones - Mar 8 and Mar 15
A Night of Spiritual Readings & Connecting with Lost Loved Ones - Mar 8 and Mar 15

Monday, March 5, 2018

Franklin Odd Fellows: Speaker's Forum - Register O'Donnell - Mar 12

Presenters: 
William P. O’Donnell, Register of Deeds And Assistant Recorder of the Land Court

Date/Time: Monday, March 12, 2018. 7:00 PM
Location: Franklin Public Library, 118 Main St, Franklin, MA 02038

Agenda: 
1. Explain the historical nature of the Registry and the Register’s efforts to modernize and computerize the vast number of real estate records.

2. On site workstations will be made available to: 

  1. check the status of a mortgage discharge 
  2. print a copy of your deed, or 
  3. provide a demonstration on how the Registry’s On-Line Land Records Database works.

3. Provide a convenient way for residents to learn more about how the Registry serves Norfolk County.






Franklin Odd Fellows: Speaker's Forum - Register O'Donnell - Mar 12
Franklin Odd Fellows: Speaker's Forum - Register O'Donnell - Mar 12

“It’s amazing that more people have climbed Mount Everest than have broken the 4-minute mile”

From the Milford Daily News, an article of interest for Franklin, in particular for the runners among us:

"Roger Bannister, the first runner to break the 4-minute barrier in the mile, has died. He was 88. 
Bannister’s family said in a statement that he died peacefully on Saturday in Oxford, the English city where the runner cracked the feat many had thought humanly impossible on a windy afternoon in 1954. 
Bannister, who went on to pursue a long and distinguished medical career, had been slowed by Parkinson’s disease in recent years. 
He was “surrounded by his family who were as loved by him, as he was loved by them,” the family said in a statement announcing his death on Sunday. “He banked his treasure in the hearts of his friends.”
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/zz/news/20180304/first-man-to-run-mile-in-under-4-minutes-dies-at-88

On May 6, 1954, Britain's Roger Bannister hits the tape to become the first person to break the 4-minute mile in Oxford, England. His family said Sir Roger Bannister died peacefully in Oxford on March 3 at age 88. AP
On May 6, 1954, Britain's Roger Bannister hits the tape to become the first person to break the 4-minute mile in Oxford, England. His family said Sir Roger Bannister died peacefully in Oxford on March 3 at age 88. AP

Additional links on Roger

  • NPR

https://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2018/03/05/590792079/roger-bannister-first-runner-to-break-4-minute-mile-dies-at-88


  • BBC

http://www.bbc.com/sport/athletics/43273249


  • NY Times

https://www.nytimes.com/2018/03/04/obituaries/roger-bannister-dead.html


  • Wikipedia

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roger_Bannister


FHS boys basketball team wins to advance; cheerleaders take D1 South Regional title

Via HockomockSports and Twitter we share the news of the FHS boys basketball playoff game on Sunday, March 4, 2018. 

"All season long, the Franklin boys basketball team has relied on their defense and a balanced scoring attack on their way to the top seed in the D1 Central tournament. On Sunday afternoon at WPI, Franklin stuck to that formula in a 68-54 win over #5 Natick in the D1 Central Semifinals. 
The Panther’s defensive effort was in full force throughout the first quarter, as they limited the Red Hawks to just ten points to take an 18-10 lead. Franklin sophomore Chris Edgehill score seven of his team-high 19 points for Franklin, including a three that beat the buzzer to give Franklin an eight-point advantage heading into the second quarter. 
After Natick’s Will Bodnitzki (nine points, three rebounds) scored with just over four minutes to go in the first half to cut the Franklin lead to 26-17, the Panthers went on a 10-2 run and didn’t give up a field goal to close out the half. Threes from Paul Mahon (13 points, two steals) and Matt Elias (eleven points) highlighted the run that also included two free throws from Jack Rodgers (six points, eight rebounds, three assists) and a basket from Will Harvey (two steals)."

Continue reading the game recap by Joe Clark, HockomockSports.com Student Reporter,  https://hockomocksports.com/franklin-handles-natick-advances-to-sectional-final/

For other results around the Hockomock League on Sunday
https://hockomocksports.com/sundays-schedule-scoreboard-03-04-18/


...and here’s your DIVISION 1 SOUTH REGIONAL CHAMPIONS!!! CONGRATS LADIES!! #ontostates #PantherPride
...and here’s your DIVISION 1 SOUTH REGIONAL CHAMPIONS!!! CONGRATS LADIES!! #ontostates #PantherPride

















Register O'Donnell Highlights Customer Service Center



Norfolk County Registry of Deeds

Register O'Donnell Highlights Customer Service Center

Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell today reminded consumers the answers to their land document questions are just a phone call away by dialing the Customer Service Center at (781) 461-6101. The department is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.

"The Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center," noted O'Donnell, "is a single point of contact for Norfolk County homeowners and institutional users who have land related document questions. These questions can include confirming the current ownership of a particular property, or verifying if a discharge of a property's mortgage has been filed after the loan has been paid off. The Registry's customer service representatives are glad to help with any inquiry, whether you come through our doors or call us by phone."

Register O'Donnell further noted, "The department can also inform customers about the various state imposed fees for filing land documents. Also, upon a customer's request, whether it's by visiting us here at the Registry or by a direct mail request, we can provide copies of land documents for a fee of $1.00 per page. An additional $1.00 per document for postage will be charged if the request for copies is by mail. The Registry only accepts cash or check payments."

In addition, the Customer Service Center staff has been trained to answer questions about the Homestead Act, a law which provides limited protection against the forced sale of a homeowner's primary residence to satisfy unsecured debt up to $500,000. You can download a copy of the Homestead Act by going to the Registry's website.

O'Donnell went on to say, "For many people, trying to ascertain information about land documents can be a very frustrating and intimidating experience. Please know our customer service staff is well-versed in all areas of land document research. By utilizing our state-of-the-art land document research system, which is also available via www.norfolkdeeds.org, people can get answers to their property questions."

Notary services are also offered by the Customer Service Center. "Multiple staff members are available to notarize land documents. We are more than happy to do so provided the person requesting the service appears before us and presents satisfactory proof of identification by showing either their driver's license or passport," said O'Donnell.

In conclusion, Register O'Donnell stated, "Providing first-class customer service is a core objective of the Registry mission. We strive to ensure our customers have a positive experience when interacting with us. The bottom line is: We are here to be of service to you."

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
Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, 649 High Street, Dedham,, MA 02026-1831

Sent by registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org in collaboration with
Constant Contact
Register O'Donnell Highlights Customer Service Center
Register O'Donnell Highlights Customer Service Center

"No matter what they were going to do to me, I was going to survive”

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:
"When colonists in Framingham awoke to riders on horseback yelling to ready the militia in the early hours of April 19, 1775, many thought it was a call to quell another slave revolt somewhere in Natick. 
Once the men realized it was a call to start marching toward Lexington to fight the Redcoats, many went back home and bolted the doors in horror of the coming war. At least that is story told by Josiah Temple, author of the 1887 book “The history of Framingham.” 
The Framingham men who did march the 17 miles to battle would later be acclaimed for their prowess at Lexington and Concord. That includes a former slave Peter Salem, who would later become famous for his bravery during the battle at Bunker Hill. 
Nevertheless, enslaved Africans in a place like Natick is a foreign thought to many native New Englanders. And it’s not generally part of the history passed down through generations. In truth, however, Massachusetts was the first colony to legalize slavery. 
In November, the Daily News published a Veterans Day story about Charles Paine, a former slave and forgotten Revolutionary War veteran from Franklin, who was publicly recognized for his service for the first time. Paine’s name was omitted from the Revolutionary War Memorial at the town common. His story begged the question about the history of slavery locally and across the state and New England. It seems it is a history overshadowed by the more flattering - but equally important - local-roots abolitionist movement."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180304/look-into-massachusetts-participation-in-slave-trade

The article on Charles Paine can be found online
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/11/stumbled-across-bill-of-sale-for.html

INTERACTIVE: A timeline of slavery in Massachusetts
INTERACTIVE: A timeline of slavery in Massachusetts
Additional research by Susan Eliot referenced in this article
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180304/profiles-of-two-massachusetts-slaves-one-murder-one-soldier

Sunday, March 4, 2018

Pantherbook: "A Moment of Silence for Parkland" - Mar 14

Alyssa Carolan, Editor of Pantherbook, writes about "A Moment of Silence for Parkland" being scheduled for March 14.

"On the afternoon of February 14th, 2018, a mass shooting occurred at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. 17 were killed and 14 more were injured, being taken to hospitals, causing this to replace the 1999 events at Columbine High School as the deadliest high school shooting in America. Nikolas Cruz, a 19 year old who had been expelled from the Parkland high school, was the one to open fire. 
This is not the first school shooting that occurred in 2018, making this incident harrowing, in terms of circumstance and statistic. Schools should be a place of safety, which makes instances like these so terrifying. 
In order to practice safety and preparation, Franklin High School will have a lockdown drill next week. The drills FHS practice are a blend of lockdown in place drills and active live shooter drills. In a lockdown drill, measures taken include: turning the lights off, locking the door, sitting in a corner away from the windows, and seeing an exit, and taking it immediately. In an active live shooter drill, measures taken include: barricading the door, seeing an exit and taking it immediately, and fighting back, throwing, trying to be as much of a disruption as possible. 
“We are always examining our drills and our safety,” Mr. Peri stated."

Continue reading the article at Pantherbook
https://franklinpanthers.us/news/2018/02/28/a-moment-of-silence-for-parkland/

Pantherbook: "A Moment of Silence for Parkland" - Mar 14
Pantherbook: "A Moment of Silence for Parkland" - Mar 14


More about the Women's March Youth Empower can be found online
https://www.womensmarch.com/enough-toolkit

Franklin Senior Center "Connections" - March 2018

The March issue of the Franklin Senior Center "Connections" newsletter is now available.

You can also view/download from the Town of Franklin webpage
http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/mar18connection2.pdf





Franklin Senior Center "Connections" - March 2018
Franklin Senior Center "Connections" - March 2018

FHS girls hockey team ends playoff run vs. Methuen/Tewksbury 4-1

Via HockomockSports and Twitter we share the news of the FHS girls hockey playoff game on Saturday, March 3, 2018. 



Girls Hockey = Division 1
#13 Franklin, 1 @ #4 Methuen/Tewksbury, 4 – Final


For other results around the Hockomock League on Saturday
https://hockomocksports.com/saturdays-schedule-scoreboard-03-03-18/










Via the Twitterverse

https://twitter.com/FranklinMatters/lists/fhs-sports

FHS Panthers
FHS Panthers

Franklin Library: Celebrating Ireland in Story and Song - Mar 4 - 3:00 PM

Celebrating Ireland in Story and Song is an all Irish program which embraces Irish history and culture in story and song. Phil Edmonds, Kevin Fallon, and Mary King are scheduled to perform at the Franklin Library, Sunday, Mar 4 at 3:00 PM
Franklin Library: Celebrating Ireland in Story and Song - Mar 4 - 3:00 PM
Franklin Library: Celebrating Ireland in Story and Song - Mar 4 - 3:00 PM

For more about the group and to listen to samples of their music, visit
http://www.celticharpri.com/celebrating-ireland.htm

Tri-County Robotics team (Tri-Bots 3236)

The Tri-County Robotics team (Tri-Bots 3236) competed at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) today (Thursday, March 2) in the FIRST Robotics Competition. 

This clip is from the second run the team competed in. Go Tri-Bots! 

#tricountyrvths #wpirobotics #tribots #firstroboticscompetitionne