In the News: first governor campaign debate

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

"Massachusetts Republican Gov. Charlie Baker and his Democratic challenger, Jay Gonzalez, sparred on everything from public transportation and taxes to abortion rights and criminal justice as they squared off for their first debate before next month’s election. 

Gonzalez faulted Baker for not being ambitious enough when it comes to upgrading the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority. He called the public transit system one of the worst in the country, saying people cannot depend on it to get to work. 

“I’m surprised riders haven’t revolted,” he said. “They are done with this system that they can’t rely on.” 

Gonzalez also said he would fire Keolis which operates the commuter rail system."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required) 
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20181009/first-governors-debate-covers-mbta-criminal-justice

Governor Baker official state page  https://www.mass.gov/orgs/office-of-the-governor

Campaign page   https://www.charliebakerma.com/

Jay Gonzalez campaign page  https://jay4ma.com/

Election Information for Nov 2018

Two Encore Students Awarded National Gold Medals in Music

Claire Bauer, age 15 of Franklin, and Maura Johnston, age 16 of Norfolk, are both students of voice at Encore Music Academy and Recording Studios. Each young woman has recently been awarded the National Gold Medal of Excellence for 2018 by the Royal Conservatory of Music: Bauer for Level 6 Voice, and Johnston for Level 2 Voice. The Royal Conservatory of Music awards the National Gold Medal of Excellence to the student who has achieved the highest score in the country within their specific skill level for each instrument. For the assessments, students are graded on proficiency in the following areas: Performance; technical requirements; aural skills; rhythm; and, sight-reading ability.

Johnston, who has been studying voice for three years and piano for one year under the expert guidance of Rebecca Abalutzk, also performs and records albums with the recording ensemble, The Encore EnHarmonix. Abalutzk had this to say about Johnston's tremendous achievement: "I am both extremely proud and fortunate to work with such a driven young woman. She is the type of student who reminds me why I became a teacher in the first place".

Claire Bauer, under the guidance of her vocal instructor, Lisa Ostrow, (who has guided students to national gold medals three times previously), began her studies in voice using the curriculum of the RCM right from the start. Upon hearing of her award, Bauer mused, "Well, I think getting this award has a lot to do with the person who drives me everywhere," and then she gave her mom the biggest smile ever. Says Ostrow, "Students like Claire are every teacher's dream. They challenge us to be the very best that we can be, so that they can reach their full potential."

Two Encore Students Awarded National Gold Medals in Music

A number of students from Encore Music Academy and Recording Studios, located in Franklin and Millis, participate in the Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM) assessment sessions each year. The RCM assessment process represents an extremely exciting opportunity for students, on a national level, to demonstrate the skills that they have honed through practice. Locally, assessments are held at Encore Music Academy and Recording Studios, which is a Founding School and a regional assessment center for this internationally-acclaimed program. Student participants come from all around the New England area to take the assessments, while adjudicators travel from all across Canada in order to administer the exams. Not only do the adjudicators judge students based on ability to perform on the instrument of their choice within their skill level, but they also administer academic assessments in music theory, harmony, history, and analysis.

The Royal Conservatory of Music provides a recognized national standard of success in music study from beginner to advanced levels. It inspires excellence through individual student assessments that are central to the Program, while also supporting teachers with high-quality and innovative resources. The RCM allows students to measure and celebrate accomplishment and track their progress throughout the country. All students and teachers across the United States are invited to participate, and Encore Music Academy and Recording Studios is proud to be able to offer these opportunities at the school and through outreach to the surrounding communities.

Ostrow, Vocal Director and co-owner of Encore Music Academy and Recording Studios, had this to say:

"The accomplishments of both of these young women is simply extraordinary. Having scored higher than any other student in the country on their respective vocal assessments, a National Gold Medal is a true testament to the dedication each brings to her music studies, the level of support each receives from her family, her innate talent, and her tremendous desire to achieve. And, best of all, Claire and Maura are an absolute joy to work with - fun and funny, talented, and incredibly sweet. We are very proud of both of them, as we are of all our students."

An added bonus to this remarkable achievement is that both Johnston and Bauer will be heading to Carnegie Hall in February to perform, as a result of having each won her National Gold Medal. 

To learn more about Encore Music Academy and Recording Studios and the Royal Conservatory of Music program, please visit: www.encoremusicacademy.net

Free discussion: "Engaging Your Community" Oct 10

Cultural Connections is a free arts and culture roundtable. We will meet Oct 10 to discuss engaging your organization's community.

Join us! Cultural Connections, a free arts and culture roundtable, will be held Oct. 10 at 7 PM in the Community Room at the Franklin Public Library (118 Main Street, Franklin).  Anyone interested in arts and culture, from any organization in any town, is invited to attend. The subject of this roundtable will be Engaging Your Community, which will build on our May meeting of Defining Your Community (though attendance at the previous meeting is not required!)  How do you effectively engage with those in your community?  What have you tried that has worked well, and what has not?  How is your engagement different through social media vs email vs in person at an event?  Is it enough to engage with those already committed to your cause or organization?  We will discuss all of these questions and more, plus share some creative ways you may not have thought of to encourage community participation. Come share your thoughts on the subject. A great opportunity to network!   Please RSVP using the link below. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/cultural-connections-tickets-49817867583  RSVP Now! Copyright © 2018 Franklin Cultural Council, All rights reserved. Received this from a friend? Subscribe to our email list. Our mailing address is: 355 East Central Street, Franklin, MA 02038 Questions? Contact FCC Chair Stacey David at franklinculturalcouncil02038 [at] gmail.com

FHS boys soccer tops Xaverian 1-0

Via HockomockSports we share the results of the FHS fall sports action on Monday, Oct 8, 2018


Boys Soccer = Franklin, 1 @ Xaverian, 0 – Final
– Franklin scored the game-winning goal midway through the second half to earn its second win over Xaverian this season. Senior Ethan Bowen converted a pass from junior Lucas Moura in the 60th minute to help the Panthers grab two points.


For other results around the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/mondays-schedule-scoreboard-10-08-18/

FHS Panthers

Franklin and Bellingham Rail Trail Committee - October Events

View this email in your browser Franklin and Bellingham Rail Trail Committee October Events There is plenty going on this month with the FBRTC. Check out the events below for more information. We hope to see you this month at one of the events or on the trail! FBRTC Monthly Meeting Tuesday, October 9th 7:30pm - 9:00pm Franklin YMCA Our monthly will be held on Tuesday, October 9  from 7:30-9:00 PM at the Franklin YMCA. The meeting is open to all as we are always looking for new members and fresh ideas. More info Pop-Up StoryWalk® October 11th - 16th 200 Center St, Bellingham Visit the SNETT from October 11th - 16th for the Pop-Up StoryWalk® featuring the book Amelia Bedelia Hits The Trail! More info Franklin Downtown Partnership Harvest Festival Saturday, October 13th 11 AM - 4 PM Visit our booth in downtown Franklin and learn more about our efforts and events. See you there! More info Fall SNETT Clean Up Saturday, October 27th 9 AM - Noon Help us keep our trail clean! Please join us for the fall SNETT Clean Up. More info Copyright © 2018 Franklin and Bellingham Rail Trail Committee, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you have opted in to stay informed about the Franklin and Bellingham Rail Trail Committee Our mailing address is: Franklin and Bellingham Rail Trail Committee PO Box 68 Franklin, Ma 02038

Demolition of Thomson Press

The demolition of Thompson Press was captured when I walked by during the course of 2018.

a rainy day in April 2018

June 8, 2018

July 13, 2018

August 30, 2018

September 25, 2018

September 28, 2018

a pile of rubble October 7, 2018

"Do we actually care about the well-being of others that we share the planet with?"

"Jeffon asks the important question, "Do we actually care about the well-being of others that we share the planet with?" He shares three elements that are essential for us as human beings to begin to embrace that will allow us to create a future and a world that works for everyone. 

Jeffon Seely is a senior consultant, transformational speaker, and workshop facilitator. Mr. Seely is a highly recognized leading resource in the field of Diversity and Inclusion, Millennials, Mindfulness, and Leadership."

From the TEDx event held on August 16, 2018
https://www.ted.com/tedx/events/27654