Reminder: FPAC's Culinary Cabaret at THE BLACK BOX - Apr 6

"Join us at THE BLACK BOX when the culinary and performing arts unite for an inspired evening of fabulous food, wine and entertainment, showcasing fine wines, craft beer, flavorful dishes and delectable desserts!

Pour Richard's Wine and Spirits presents representatives from vineyards and distributors, who will pour wine tastings to compliment the chef-prepared specialties. Reflecting Pour Richard's "Never Drink Ordinary" motto, beverages will feature small producers, high quality and eclectic selection.

Featuring entertainment by Electric Youth and special guest artists of the Franklin Performing Arts Company. Culinary Cabaret supports Electric Youth's 2018 European tour including Fourth of July at Aviano Air Force Base!"

When:
April 6th, 2018
7:00 - 10:00 PM

Where:
THE BLACK BOX
15 West Central Street, Franklin, MA


Tickets can be purchased online
https://www.theblackboxonline.com/events.php?id=1080

FPAC - Culinary Cabaret - April 6

Noviello, a Player to Watch as HockomockSports posts their baseball preview

HockomockSports has published the baseball players to watch and preview for the Hockomock League. We share the FHS items here and provide links for the full listing at HockomockSports


JAKE NOVIELLO, SENIOR- FRANKLIN

"Franklin returns one of the best rotations in the league and the centerpiece for that staff is senior Jake Noviello, who is back after an outstanding season for the Kelley-Rex champions. The Fairfield University-commit threw 55.1 innings last season, second most in the league, and led the Hockomock with 61 strikeouts. One of the hardest throwers in the league, Noviello finished the season with a 6-2 record and also picked up the win in the Panthers’ playoff opener. Noviello and the rest of Franklin’s arms will be hoping for another league title and to put together a longer state tournament run this spring."

For other "Players to Watch" around the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/baseball-ten-players-to-watch-for-2018/



FRANKLIN
2017 Record: 18-6
2017 Finish: Reached D1 South Quarterfinal
Coach: Zach Brown

"Focusing on pitching and defense, the Panthers will be looking to get better each and every day as they try to replicate the success from a season ago. 

Franklin won the Kelley-Rex division last year, its first league title since 2012. And the mix of pitching and offense put the Panthers in some conversations for Super 8, but the Panthers ended up in the D1 South and bowed out in the quarterfinals after being forced to play on back to back days. 

The arms that helped the Panthers have so much success last year as almost all back, starting with staff ace senior Jake Noviello. The Fairfield-commit struck out a Hockomock-best 61 batters a year ago, going 6-2 with a 1.65 ERA in 55.1 innings of work. Noviello is complemented by lefty Jason Ulrickson (7-0, 0.80 ERA, 35 K), Bryan Woelfel (3-2, 0.91 ERA, 4 SV, 31 K) and senior James Leofanti. 

The defense will be anchored by a pair of returning starters in junior shortstop Alex Haba (0.360, 12 runs) and junior catcher Jake Macchi. 

“While we are returning a number of experienced arms we are also turning over a number of positions last season,” said Franklin head coach Zach Brown. “So, we will be young or inexperienced at a number of positions. Offensively, my hope is that as the season progressing we will be able to develop an identity and find a way to manufacture runs.”

For the preview on the other teams around the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/2018-hockomock-baseball-preview/

FHS Panthers

Recycling event for FHS Softball - Apr 14

There is a recycling event scheduled for Saturday, April 14 from 10 AM to 3:30 PM in the Horace Mann Middle School parking lot on Oak St. The event is a fund raising activity for the FHS softball team.

Recycling event for FHS Softball - Apr 14

“The demand for higher education is not rising like it was”

From the Boston Globe Sunday edition, an article on the effects of declining enrollment for small colleges.

"Joseph Chillo has a luxurious office in a beautiful building with a view of a leafy neighborhood in this wealthy town. But while his perch may look idyllic, his job is not. 

As the leader of Newbury College, a small, struggling, liberal arts college where enrollment has declined 86 percent over the past 20 years, he has a lot of sleepless nights. 

Chillo worries about a lot of things: Will next fall’s crop of students materialize, will there be enough financial aid, which majors should be cut, how much will the school get for a building it is selling, and will that be enough to close a 10 percent budget deficit."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2018/03/31/for-small-private-colleges-fewer-students-means-more-worries/1jjd8ZFusBt3kGjHOcpIqM/story.html

Dean College, Franklin

April vacation destination in our backyard: The Brown Sisters photos

As we enter April, a school vacation is coming up and perhaps you're looking for something to do. If you have ever been caught by the Brown Sisters photos, you can see them at the ICA in Boston through Apr 22. 

Nicholas Nixon is the photographer for the 40+ year series of the photos of his wife and her three sisters. More about Nicholas and his work follows:

"As an exhibition title, “Nicholas Nixon: Persistence of Vision” is almost self-explanatory. The show runs at the Institute of Contemporary Art through April 22. 

Nixon needs no introduction around here. For many years, he’s been one of the starriest names in what has long been a very starry photography faculty at Massachusetts College of Art and Design. And since his inclusion in the ground-breaking 1975 exhibition “New Topographics: Photographs of a Man-Altered Landscape,” Nixon has had a national, and eventually international, reputation for decades. 

So the Nicholas Nixon part of the title is clear enough. Ditto “persistence.” Nixon turned 70 in October, and the show’s 112 black-and-white images start in 1974 and extend to this year. In fact, there are two or three photographs for each year. The sole exception is 2017, which has just one image: the latest iteration of Nixon’s most famous body of work, “The Brown Sisters.” The series consists of an annual group portrait of Nixon’s wife and three sisters-in-law."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.bostonglobe.com/arts/art/2017/12/20/ica-the-brown-sisters-and-much-more-from-nicholas-nixon/F0iwbZKPYarh3X2mPPkb2H/story.html

April vacation destination in our backyard: The Brown Sisters photos

The ICA Exhibit   https://www.icaboston.org/exhibitions/nicholas-nixon-persistence-vision

MOMA online contains 190+ of Nixon's photos
https://www.moma.org/artists/4315?locale=en

New Yorker link to Brown Sisters Photos
https://www.newyorker.com/culture/photo-booth/looking-at-nicholas-nixons-forty-third-portrait-of-the-brown-sisters

School Committee recap - March 27, 2018

The formal budget hearing for the Fiscal Year 2019 (FY 19) school budget was the primary topic on Tuesday night. The proposed budget was tweaked slightly to bring it into balance by using $900,000+ in additional funds from the schools revolving accounts. 

The budget totals to be appropriated as well as the total offset via the use of the revolving account funds can be seen here for FY 18 and FY 19:

FY18 and FY19 budget totals appropriated and revolving account use

Background on the variety and fund balances for the many revolving accounts can be found here
http://franklindistrict.vt-s.net/Pages/FranklinDistrict_budget/23.%20Revolving%20Accounts.pdf

Additional info on the budget including the breakdown by school and across the district by department can be found here
http://franklindistrict.vt-s.net/Pages/FranklinDistrict_budget/index

Aside from the items on the "consent agenda", there were two votes recorded. One to approve to continue the practice of not accepting school choice students. The second vote was to accept the Committee meeting calendar for the 2018-2019 school year.

My notes recorded live during the meeting can be found here:

• Live reporting: Information Matters through to clo...
• Live reporting: Discussion / Action Items - Mar 27...
• Live Reporting: School Committee - March 27, 2018
• 
  

Franklin boy scouts from Troop 99 reviewed the school budget book
during the School Committee meeting Tuesday, Mar 27

FHS girls lacrosse opens with loss to Cohasset

Via HockomockSports and Twitter we share the news of the first spring sports action for the FHS girls lacrosse game on Saturday, March 31, 2018.  


Girls Lacrosse = Cohasset, 9 @ Franklin, 8 – Final


For the other results around the Hockomock League on Saturday
https://hockomocksports.com/saturdays-schedule-scoreboard-03-31-18/

Via the Twitterverse

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

FHS Panthers

[Girls Sprg Varsity Lacrosse] Cohasset Middle-HS defeats Franklin HS, 9 to 8.

— FranklinAthletics (@FHSSports) March 31, 2018

Half time and its 5-5. After Franklins defense held the first 15 minutes of the game they are finally settling in on offense and getting some shots

— FHSGLAX Boosters (@FHSGLAXboosters) March 31, 2018

Covered #Franklin vs #Cohasset girls #lacrosse today at Franklin High. pic.twitter.com/JeHPAG5RJA

— Marshall Wolff (@mwolffMWphoto) March 31, 2018

Great first victory over Cohassett 12-2. Game ball to Kaleigh 6 g 1 a. Happy Easter and back to work Monday.

— John Leighton (@FHSJVGLAX) March 31, 2018

What is Franklin's most majestic tree?

This is the time of year, post snow, just before the trees bud and fill out with their leaf cover to really view a tree. They are amazing in their structure.

In your walk around Franklin, what tree amazes you?

You can send me an email with your photo, or share it via the Facebook group.
https://www.facebook.com/franklinmatters

Here are a couple from my walk on Saturday.

At the Charter School, former St Mary's school grounds.

Along King St near Peck St 

Broadway’s Tyler Hanes In Concert Highlights April Events at THE BLACK BOX

THE BLACK BOX presents an exciting line-up of live music and entertainment events this April, bringing Broadway star Tyler Hanes, popular local artists, a signature culinary cabaret, and more to the downtown Franklin venue.

The Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) presents the 7th annual Culinary Cabaret on Friday, April 6, from 7-10 p.m. Savor fine wines, craft beer, and delicious appetizers, desserts, and dishes from Davio’s Northern Italian Steakhouse, Tavolino, Pour Richard’s Wine & Spirits, The Cake Bar, The Curry House, The Gavel, Organic Buzz, 19th Golf and Grill, Rhapsody’s Victorian Coffee House, Teddy Gallagher’s, Acapulcos, Intermission, and David’s Tea. The evening also includes a culinary-themed silent auction and entertainment by FPAC special guest artists and the international touring ensemble Electric Youth. Tickets for Culinary Cabaret are $75 and are fully inclusive of the evening’s food, wine, beer, and entertainment.

On Sunday, April 8, 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. Dean Bank is the event sponsor.

THE BLACK BOX Local Artist Series presents The Loomers on Saturday, April 14 at 8 p.m. Two-time winners of the Berklee College of Music "Battle of the Executive Bands," The Loomers have performed at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Fenway Park, among many venues. They have released five albums and their songs have been played on CBS, Cinemax, The CW, MTV, NBC, and PBS. The Loomers songbook is a trip through the American musical landscape, infused with the classic sounds of driving rock, heartland folk, rock and  soul, and retro-1980s pop. Tickets are $20.

On Friday, April 20 at 8 p.m., THE BLACK BOX Local Artist Series presents The Fat City Band. For more than four decades, The Fat City Band has written, recorded, and performed a unique blend of blues, roadhouse rock, jazz, and New Orleans-style R&B. Performing coast to coast and beyond, the high-energy band has shared the stage with such legendary greats as James Brown, B.B. King, and Ray Charles. Tickets are $20.

Tyler Hanes

THE BLACK BOX Broadway Series presents Tyler Hanes in concert on Friday, April 27 at 8 p.m. Hanes performs a solo one-night-only show at THE BLACK BOX, following his starring role as Rum Tum Tugger in the highly acclaimed Broadway revival of Cats. Tyler Hanes' numerous Broadway credits include On the Town (2014 revival), A Chorus Line (Larry, original revival company), Hairspray (Fender, Link Larkin), Sweet Charity (Charlie, 2005 revival), The Frogs with Nathan Lane, The Boy from Oz with Hugh Jackman, Urban Cowboy, and Oklahoma! (Jake, 2002 revival). National tours include Fosse (first national) and The Will Rogers’ Follies (Will Rogers, Jr.). Tickets are $45 (general seating) and $65 (premiere ticket with reserved table seating and one drink voucher). Childs Engineering Corporation is THE BLACK BOX Broadway Series sponsor.

THE BLACK BOX Classical Series presents pianist Diana Fanning on Sunday, April 29 at 4 p.m. Fanning has toured extensively as a solo performer and chamber musician throughout the eastern U.S. and Europe. Radio audiences hear her frequently over Vermont Public Radio, and she has performed live on "Morning Pro Musica" (WGBH-FM) Boston and on WNYC, New York City. Diana Fanning has performed on numerous occasions as a concerto soloist with the Vermont Symphony Orchestra and she is an Affiliate Artist at Middlebury College. Tickets are $15 (students/seniors) and $20 (adults).

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

In the News: FHS students advocate for Tobacco21; more info on Acrylamide

From the Milford Daily News, an article of interest for Franklin

"One group of Franklin High School girls is a leading youth voice in state government’s decision to raise the tobacco age to 21. 

The pending Tobacco21 bill would raise the legal age to purchase tobacco products to 21, an issue that a group of Franklin students has been lobbying for since last year. Currently, about 180 municipalities across Massachusetts have already made this change. The legislation will force all 351 cities and towns on board. 

The students returned to the Statehouse again on Wednesday, but with a much more active role. They filmed and showed a video of their testimonies, before a formal ceremony in front of a large audience at the bottom of the grand staircase in the Statehouse. 

Advocates, legislators, senators, and others gathered to hear the Franklin High Students plead their case for this bill."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180330/franklin-students-lobby-for-raising-tobacco-age

FHS students with Rep Jeff Roy at the State House (Facebook photo via Catherine Moran)

"Trouble is brewing for coffee lovers in California, where a judge ruled that sellers must post scary warnings about cancer risks. But how frightened should we be of a daily cup of joe? Not very, some scientists and available evidence seem to suggest. 

Scientific concerns about coffee have eased in recent years, and many studies even suggest it can help health. 

“At the minimum, coffee is neutral. If anything, there is fairly good evidence of the benefit of coffee on cancer,” said Dr. Edward Giovannucci, a nutrition expert at the Harvard School of Public Health. 

The World Health Organization’s cancer agency moved coffee off the “possible carcinogen” list two years ago, though it says evidence is insufficient to rule out any possible role."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/zz/news/20180330/coffee-and-cancer-risk-what-you-should-know

Tri-County Carpentry Students Build Oak Podiums for the Seekonk Police Department

Two oak podiums were delivered to the Seekonk Public Safety Communications building by students in the Carpentry program at Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School. The collaborative project involved other Tri-County vocational program students including Engineering Technology and Advanced Manufacturing. The students used their fine skills in designing and building the podiums with the help of Engineering students. Then, they were challenged to program a CNC router, in conjunction with advanced manufacturing students, in order to design the town of Seekonk logo in wood. The Municipal project gave carpentry students valuable hands-on experience in reinforcing their existing skills while working with new technology.

“The Tri-County School District would like to thank the town of Seekonk for providing our students with such a rich and authentic project, said Jean George, Vocational Director. “Our Carpentry students collaborated with students from Engineering Technology to create a set of plans using the AutoCad software. Once the design was ready, it was time to build the podium. As a finishing touch, the Town of Seekonk Seal was created using the skills of the Advanced Manufacturing students as they created the code to draw an exact replica of the seal. Those students guided Carpentry students in using the CNC router to complete the emblem. That is what we call STEM - Thank you again Town of Seekonk.”

Municipal projects give students in Tri-County’s Career Programs valuable hands-on experience in their industry. To learn more, visit: www.tri-county.us.

Tri-County Carpentry Students Build Oak
Podiums for the Seekonk Police Department

Tri-County RVTHS, located at 147 Pond Street in Franklin, is a recipient of the High Schools That Work Gold Achievement Award and serves the communities of Franklin, Medfield, Medway, Millis, Norfolk, North Attleboro, Plainville, Seekonk, Sherborn, Walpole, and Wrentham.

1 week until PodCamp Western Mass 10 - Apr 7

I am part of the organizing committee for the social media learning and sharing event. If you would like additional details, feel free to reach out and ask. This is where I go to learn what is or isn't working in the social media world.

Tickets are $45 today, $50 tomorrow, or $15 for students. Holyoke is only a 90 minute drive!

April 7th at HCC

PodCamp Western Mass #10 April 7, 2018 Kittredge Center at Holyoke Community College April 2018 7 PodCamp WesternMass #10 is a week away... And in case you've been wondering whether PodCamp is for you, here are 5 Reasons why you should join us: If you're an absolute beginner (or nearly so), we have sessions for you. It's an unconference for everyone, at every stage of the game.  If you have experience or tips to share, your bringing that to the community is what fuels PodCamp. Help facilitate a session or just schmooze in the hallways. It's all valuable. Meet others who are on the path with you - running a business, starting a new one, doing community work, or just learning how to get the word out better. We're all in this together! Hang out and make friends. Seriously! This is an event that has the super-power of attracting the nicest people. We don't know quite why....we just know it's true. Did we mention the food? Your ticket price includes coffee in the morning, a delicious healthy lunch and happy hour snacks at our 4:30 gathering at Slainte. So, no need to pack a lunch, just grab your laptop, a smart phone, tablet or a pad of paper.   Your ticket price includes: Coffee and tea when you arrive 5 Classroom sessions of your choosing A fabulous, healthy lunch, including gluten-free & dairy-free options Networking happy hour with munchies If you already bought your ticket, we can't wait to see you! And because sharing is caring, please forward this to a friend or colleague who should be there with you! Get your tickets here. If you have any questions, just hit reply. We'd love to hear from you! See you soon, The PodCamp Organizing Team Copyright © 2018 PodCamp Western Mass, All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: PodCamp Western Mass 20 Northampton Street Easthampton, MA 01027 Add us to your address book

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA: FRI 3/30/18 - THU 4/5/18

FRIDAY 3/30/18
9am   Peter Cottontails Eggcellent Adventures (registration required via Franklin Recreation) @ FHS
10am-12pm   Knitting Group @ Franklin Public Library
5:30pm   Heart with Hope Restorative Yoga (for parents and loved ones of those suffering from addiction) @ Sacred Tree Yoga, Norfolk
7pm   Yoga for Recovery @ Sacred Tree Yoga, Norfolk

SATURDAY 3/31/18
10am-1pm   Franklin Historical Museum Open
10am   Easter Egg Hunt @ Fairmount Fruit Farm
1pm   Storytime Fiesta @ Franklin Public Library
8pm   The Black Box Blues: Sonya Rae Taylor @ The Black Box

SUNDAY 4/1/18
All Day   Franklin Public Library Closed

MONDAY 4/2/18
10:30am   Move Along @ Franklin Public Library
11am   Toddler Playgroup @ Franklin Public Library
11am   Book Discussion Group (Lab Girl) @ Franklin Senior Center
3pm   Monday Crafternoons @ Franklin Public Library

TUESDAY 4/3/18
10:30am   Get Ready For Kindergarten @ Franklin Public Library
11:15am   Toddler Playgroup @ Franklin Public Library
6pm   Solar Information Workshop @ Franklin Public Library
7pm   Franklin Garden Club Monthly Meeting - Perennials @ Franklin Senior Center
7pm   Friends of the Franklin Library Book Group @ Franklin Public Library

WEDNESDAY 4/4/18
10am   Animal Tales @ Fairmount Fruit Farm
10:30am   Terrific Toddlers @ Franklin Public Library
11am   Toddler Playgroup @ Franklin Public Library
11am   Senior Players Practice (new members welcome) @ Franklin Senior Center
11am   Senior Players: New Members Wanted @ Senior Center
11:15am   Balance Class @ Senior Center
4pm   Construction Junction @ Franklin Public Library
6:30pm   Christian Zen Weekly Meditation @ McMahon Guest House (1061 Upper Union Street)
6:30pm   Friends of the Franklin Library Meeting @ Franklin Public Library
6:30-7:30pm   Franklin School Committee Community Coffee @ Franklin TV (23 Hutchinson St)
6:30pm   YA Dystopian Book Club @ Franklin Public Library

THURSDAY 4/5/18
8:30am   FDP General Meeting @ Dean College (Campanella Room)
9:30am   Baby Tummy Time @ Franklin Public Library
10:30am   Story and Craft @ Franklin Public Library
11:15am   Toddler Playgroup @ Franklin Public Library
1-6pm   American Red Cross Blood Drive @ Elks Lodge
7pm   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

Tri-County Students Attend Girls in Trades Conference

Thirteen Tri-County students in grades 10, 11 and 12 from the carpentry, metal fabrication, electrical, and HVAC and R programs attended the 2018 Massachusetts Girls in Trades Conference and Career Fair at the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 103, Dorchester, MA. 

The event was attended by over 500 young women from 27 vocational high schools throughout eastern Massachusetts along with Lt. Governor Karen Polito.

The conference is intended to support and encourage female career and technical education students and alumni to pursue careers in the skilled trades. Tri-County students engaged in learning about apprenticeship training programs, met tradeswomen working in the field, and learned how they, as high school girls in trades programs, can leverage the increase in building projects and seek opportunities for high-paying careers in the construction industry. 

Building Trades Unions, Apprenticeships, Contractors and Community Organizations who were part of Girls in Trades Massachusetts Conference and Career Fair shared information with students in anticipating that many of them will come and join them after graduation.

Some of the trade unions, contractors and other organizations who were represented at the conference were:

• Bricklayers and Allied Craftsmen Union Local 3 MA ME NH RI
• New England Regional Council of Carpenters
• New England Carps Women's Committee
• IBEW Local 103
• IUEC local 4 Elevator Constructors
• International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Workers
• Iron Workers Local 7
• New England Laborers Training Camp
• Plumbers and Gasfitters Local 12
• Sprinklerfitters Local 669 U.A.
• United Union of Roofers, Waterproofers, and Allied Workers Local 11
• Sheet Metal Workers Local 17
• Teamsters Boston
• Barr and Barr
• Commodore Builders
• Consigli Construction
• Dimeo Construction Company
• Gilbane Building Company
• In order Business Development Solutions
• The Lane Construction Corporation
• Sealcoating, Inc. - Art Baker
• Suffolk Construction
• Turner Construction Company
• Building Pathways Building Trades Pre-Apprenticeship Program
• City of Boston
• Massachusetts School Building Authority
• Massachusetts Gaming Commission
• Massachusetts Division of Apprentice Standards
• Build A Life MA
• SkillsUSA Massachusetts
• UMass Transportation Center
• Mass Dept of Transportation
• UMass Building Authority
• Wynn Boston Harbor
• YouthBuild Boston

Tri-County Students Attend Girls in Trades Conference

FHS Girls Varsity Ice Hockey Coach Margie Burke - named 2018 NIHOA Coach of the Year

"CONGRATS to our Girls Varsity Ice Hockey Coach Margie Burke for being named 2018 NIHOA Coach of the Year! #PantherPride"

CONGRATS to our Girls Varsity Ice Hockey Coach Margie Burke for being named 2018 NIHOA Coach of the Year! #PantherPride pic.twitter.com/rvIXMHuoQt

— FranklinAthletics (@FHSSports) March 29, 2018

FHS Girls Varsity Ice Hockey Coach Margie Burke

What is the NIHOA?
National Ice Hockey Officials Association (NIHOA)

For more about the organization, visit their webpage  
https://nihoa.arbitersports.com/front/107166/Site/About/History%20of%20NIHOA

National Ice Hockey Officials Association (NIHOA)