LiveARTS: Season Announcement 2019-2020

Announcing our DAZZLING 2019-2020 Season Celebrating the 250th anniversary of the birth of Ludwig van Beethoven (b. 1770). Each concert this season will feature a work of his! Be sure to visit our website  liveartsma.org for more information. Sunday, October 6, 2019 at 3 PM Annual Fundraiser for LiveARTS Boston Symphony Orchestra violinist Victor Romanul and Lisa Romanul, piano Beethoven: Sonata in D for Violin and Piano, Opus 12 and music of Bach, Brahms, Foote, and Ysaÿe Sunday, November 3, 2019 at 3 PM LiveARTS String Quartet 10th Anniversary Beethoven: String Quartet in G Major, Op. 18, No. 2 and quartets by Bartok and Borodin Sunday, February 16, 2020 at 3 PM Young Virtuosi Ilana Zaks, violin Eric Zaks, cello with Dina Vainshtein, piano Beethoven: Piano Trio in D Major, Op. 70, No. 1 "Ghost" and music of Ginastera, Hubay,Paganini, Schubert, and Tchaikovsky Sunday, April 19, 2020 at 3 PM Michael Lewin, piano Beethoven: Variations in C Minor, WoO 80 and music of Brahms, Liszt, and Schumann Season Subscription Rates including the Annual Benefit Concert Still the best ticket prices anywhere! All four concerts for Adults: $100 All four concerts for Senior Citizens (65 +): $80 As always, Students 18 and under are by donation  How to Buy Tickets Follow this link to our website (liveartsma.org) and use your credit card to purchase your season subscription or tickets for individual concerts. You can purchase a season subscription at the door at our first concert, Sunday, October 6th. Tickets for each concert are available at the door. You can write a check to LiveARTS and mail to LiveARTS, c/o Rick Duthe, 283 Prospect Street, Franklin, MA 02038 We look forward to seeing you at each of our concerts next season! All concerts take place at 3:00 PM in the Meetinghouse of the First Universalist Society in Franklin at 262 Chestnut Street. Located in a beautiful natural setting, the Meetinghouse is accessible for all. PLEASE REMEMBER LiveARTS, a Franklin-based chamber music concert series, is dedicated to presenting classical music featuring outstanding Boston-area and national musicians in a local setting. Ticket prices cover a very small part of the expense involved to bring these concerts to you. LiveARTS relies on the generous support of donors to bring world class musicians to the area at affordable ticket prices. Your donation are greatly appreciated! LiveARTS is an autonomous, nonprofit, nonsectarian affiliate of the First Universalist Society in Franklin. Tax-Deductible contributions go directly and exclusively to LiveARTS.  Support the ARTS! Support LiveARTS! Copyright © 2019 LiveARTS, Franklin, Massachusetts, All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: LiveARTS, Franklin, Massachusetts 283 Prospect Street Franklin, MA 02038

Veterans July Coffee Social - July 3

The next Veterans Coffee Social will be held on Wednesday, July 3 at 10:00 AM at the Senior Center.

Veterans July Coffee Social - July 3

Joint Budget Subcommittee Meeting - June 19

Joint Budget Subcommittee Meeting

(Comprised of members of the Town Council, School Committee and Finance Committee)
June 19, 2019

3rd Floor Training Room
Municipal Building
355 East Central Street
6:00 PM

Agenda
1. FY2020 and Beyond Budget Overview

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/joint_budget_subcommittee_agenda_6-19-19.pdf

Joint Budget Subcommittee Meeting - June 19

MassBudget: "Towards Equity," 2019 Kids Count Data Book, and the State of Education in Massachusetts

Towards Equity: Massachusetts Education Funding Reform Proposals Grapple to Provide Resources to Students Most in Need Students have the best chance of succeeding when their schools are equipped with the resources to serve them effectively. While Massachusetts is regarded as a national leader in education, we are leaving some of our students behind. The state's schools funding formula, known as Chapter 70, has not been comprehensively updated in 25 years and this has left schools, administrators, and entire districts across the Commonwealth unable to adequately support all students. In our new report, Towards Equity: School Funding Reform in Massachusetts, the Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center (MassBudget) examines recent proposals from the Legislature and Governor Baker to update the state's education funding formula. While the current Chapter 70 funding formula helps some students reach their full potential, more statewide aid is required to make the improvements that would ensure all students are able to succeed. "Providing high-quality public education that allows all of our students the opportunity to reach their full potential can improve both the lives of our children and the long-term vibrancy of our society," said Marie-Frances Rivera, MassBudget's President. "For public education to reach this aim in Massachusetts, it is critical that funding reforms reach every child in the state - regardless of their socioeconomic status, zip code, or race." In the Commonwealth, wealthier communities are able to provide excellent schools through ample local tax revenue, an option not available to some of our communities who serve students with higher needs. In order for Massachusetts to truly lead the nation in education, it must move forward this once-in-a-generation opportunity to advance equity for all. The proposed reforms have the chance to close scholastic achievement gaps that particularly impact low-income students and English Language Learners (ELL). The report contains data by district and finds that proposed changes under the most progressive reform proposal (the Promise Act) - when fully phased in after seven years - could mean as much as $1.41 billion in additional annual funding for school districts across Massachusetts. Under the more moderate proposal from Governor Baker, districts would receive $460 million extra aid in 2026. "Bringing our school funding formula into the 21st century would allow us to better serve and support students," said Senior Policy Analyst Colin Jones, lead author of the report. "With increased funding, districts across Massachusetts would have greater ability to support effective practices such as early childhood programs, wraparound social services, after school opportunities, and career-technical education. These types of approaches have increased achievement, particularly for disadvantaged kids." Read the full Towards Equity report here http://massbudget.org/report_window.php?loc=Towards-Equity-School-Funding-Reform-in-Massachusetts.html. 2019 KIDS COUNT Data Book Highlights Need for Investments in Education, Housing, Public Programs in Massachusetts Massachusetts has always been strongest when it has been open to newcomers. As classrooms, pediatricians' offices and homes become more diverse, the need to ensure every child has the chance to thrive - regardless of where they live or how wealthy their families are - is ever more important. That's a key takeaway as the 2019 KIDS COUNT® Data Book - the most comprehensive annual report on children's well-being - is released today by the Annie E. Casey Foundation. "Even though Massachusetts has always been a national leader in math and reading education, half the state's children still lag behind on math and reading proficiency," said Nancy Wagman, director of KIDS COUNT in Massachusetts. "No single program or service can ensure that our kids do well - we need to support our children in all aspects of their lives, by investing in their schools, affordable housing, libraries and programs to help their parents get good jobs. Data indicates that the child population has grown more diverse- and a wealthy state like ours can do more to invest in equitable public education for our children." According to the Data Book, Massachusetts leads the nation in health measures, reading levels and mathematic achievement, but the share of children living in poverty is the same as it was in 2010 - 14 percent. Within each domain, Massachusetts ranks: 15th in economic well-being. Massachusetts has fallen four places from last year's ranking in this dimension.The share of Massachusetts children whose parents lack full-time, year-round employment decreased by 10 percent since 2010. First in education. Massachusetts children remain first in mathematic achievement (with 50 percent of eighth-graders scoring at or above proficient level) and reading level (with 51 percent of fourth-graders scoring at or above proficient level). The percent of 3- and 4-year-olds attending school has stayed essentially the same since 2009-2011. First in health. The state remains first in the nation in ensuring children have health insurance, but the number of children without health insurance rose slightly between 2016 and 2017. 10th in family and community domain. Massachusetts' rank slipped one place since last year's ranking in this dimension, which includes children living in high-poverty areas and teen birth rates. Interested in learning more on the state of child well-being in Massachusetts? Read or download your copy of the Data Book here https://www.aecf.org/m/resourcedoc/aecf-2019kidscountdatabook-2019.pdf. 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

“There’s a lot of things to consider here”

Via Wicked Local, we share their recap of the retail marijuana hearing at the Planning Board meeting held on Monday, June 17. The hearing continues July 22. There is not yet a timeline for when a decision would be made.

"A retail marijuana dispensary proposed for an industrially-zoned site at the northwest side of Forge Hill would be open by appointment only, starting with a maximum of 40 visitors allowed within an hour. 

The site would also include 24-hour interior and exterior surveillance, with ID check-in and check-out, ample parking above and beyond the minimum required by the town, and no sign. 

Proponents of the shop, GTE Franklin, LLC shared these plans for the venture with the Planning Board at an initial hearing on Monday, which drew a sizable crowd. Many were there to speak against the proposal, though there were also voices raised in support. 

For the Planning Board, it is the start of the members’ first foray into considering a marijuana-related business that will be open to the public."

Continue reading the article
https://franklin.wickedlocal.com/news/20190618/retail-marijuana-talks-begin-in-franklin

Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee: StoryWalk® - June 22

Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee

StoryWalk®

June 22, 10 AM

Center Street Parking Lot, Bellingham

Please join us for a StoryWalk® and group walk on the SNETT on June 22 at 10 AM. We will meet at the Center Street parking lot in Bellingham. The book to explore on the trail will be "Get Up and Go" by Nancy Carlson. Four-legged friends on the leash are welcome to join us as well.

Please visit our event website or our Facebook event page for more information or any weather related changes.

See you on the trail!

Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee: StoryWalk® - June 22

Find the book on Amazon or the Library
https://www.amazon.com/Get-Up-Go-Nancy-Carlson/dp/0142410640

Dick Flavin, Red Sox Poet Laureate Visits - July 19

Don’t worry if you can’t make it to Fenway, the Boston Red Sox are sending Fenway to us! Dick Flavin is the poet laureate and senior ambassador of the Boston Red Sox and voice of Fenway Park, serving as public address announcer for Red Sox day games. 

His television commentaries won 7 New England Emmy Awards. He is the New York Times bestselling author of Red Sox Rhymes: Verses and Curses, a collection of sixty-four humorous and nostalgic poems celebrating the Boston Red Sox. 

Dick will join us on Friday, July 19 at 10:30 AM, for a Q&A session. Space is limited so call to sign up today!

Dick Flavin, Red Sox Poet Laureate Visits - July 19

FSPA Alumni Return for “Homecoming Cabaret” at THE BLACK BOX - Jun 22

Four alumni of the Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FSPA) will return to Franklin for a one-night only “Homecoming Cabaret” on Saturday, June 22 at 8:00 pm at THE BLACK BOX. Madi Asgeirsson ('16), Pat Dutton ('11), Sam Evans ('18), and Katie Gray ('17) will be joined by the ACME Rhythm Section for an evening of entertainment presented in an intimate night-club atmosphere.

Madi Asgeirsson is a rising senior at Wagner College studying musical theater, Pat Dutton graduated from Wagner College in 2015, Sam Evans will be a sophomore musical theater major at the University of Miami, and Katie Gray just graduated from the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in NYC.

Entertainment for the evening is accompanied by the venue’s full bar. This special cabaret is part of the Franklin School for the Performing Arts Homecoming Weekend. On Friday night, the school will hold its annual “Prom” for past and present students and their families.

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

FSPA Alumni Return for “Homecoming Cabaret” at THE BLACK BOX - Jun 22

Dementia Friendly Training - June 26

Dementia Friendly Training

Sessions for the Alzheimer's Association's "Training for Professionals" (and retailers) will be held on Wednesday, June 26 from 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM. Retailers who participate will receive a Dementia Friendly sticker for their storefronts.

Please RSVP to Maggie at the Franklin Senior Center if you will attend.  (508) 520-4945

Dementia Friendly Training - June 26

“Data shows that high stakes testing doesn’t measure outcomes that matter"

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

"Educators and advocates on Monday urged lawmakers to press the pause button on the use of the state’s standardized test program as a graduation requirement and a component of school accountability measures. 

Bills filed by Rep. Marjorie Decker and Sen. Michael Rush would impose a three-year moratorium on what critics describe as the “high-stakes” nature of the MCAS exam, temporarily halting consideration of the results for graduation, accountability rankings, and teacher evaluations. 

Supporters of the bills told the Education Committee that the MCAS tests are not working as intended, and a break would give state education officials a chance to come up with new methods of measuring student and school performance. 

Jack Schneider, research director for the Massachusetts Consortium for Innovative Education Assessment, said standardized tests can act as a gauge of family income, race, and parents’ educational attainment, while not always capturing “many facets of a good school.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190617/moratorium-sought-for-mcas-exam

“Data shows that high stakes testing doesn’t measure outcomes that matter"

A good place to start with MCAS on the MA.gov site is
https://www.mass.gov/parents-guide-to-the-mcas

Monthly Morning Prayer at St. John’s - Jun 19

St. John’s Episcopal Church offers Morning Prayer on the third Wednesday of each month at 11 AM. Everyone is welcome to this small informal worship service in the church library, with lively reflection on the day's readings. Discussions and prayer are led by Rev. Kathy McAdams.

For this summer, it includes: June 19, July 17, August 21, September 18.

St. John’s Church is dementia-friendly. They welcome all people of all abilities from the community. There is plenty of parking in front and at the side of the church building. Come and enjoy camaraderie and meditation with your neighbors.


For more info or directions: 

• Call 508-528-2387
• Visit us on Facebook at St John’s Episcopal Church: 
• https://www.facebook.com/stjohnsfranklinma/
• See our website at www.stjohnsfranklinma.org

Monthly Morning Prayer at St. John’s - Jun 19

FTC Alert: Put the brakes on phony online car sales

Put the brakes on phony online car sales by Colleen Tressler, Consumer Education Specialist, FTC You can buy practically anything online, including used cars. But before you shell out any hard-earned cash, here's a warning about scammers trying to sell cars they don't have or own. Read more https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2019/06/put-brakes-phony-online-car-sales?utm_source=govdelivery This is a free service provided by the Federal Trade Commission.

---

Folks love Quini Wine Tastings - Sign up now for the Tue Jan 25 session

Are you a wine explorer?

Join The Franklin Wine Club

FREE BLIND Wine Tasting | FOR CHARDONNAY DRINKERS

Tuesday, June 25 - 7  PM

A Sit down wine event in the Franklin Liquors wine room

Description:

IMPORTANT: RSVP ONLY IF YOU ARE A CHARDONNAY LOVER AND IF YOU HAVE PURCHASED OR OREDERED CHARDONNAY12 TIMES OR MORE IN THE LAST 12 MONTHS.

Prepare to taste and rate up to ten different Chardonnays and TAKE A FREE BOTTLE OF WINE home with you at the end too!

We are looking for members of our meetup and wine tasting communities online to pick up a free bottle of wine and taste different wines using Quini on your smartphone or tablet, while you visit, to get your true opinion about the wines.

Please be there by 6:45 so we can make sure your device is prepped, that you know how things work, and that we can start on time out of respect to everyone else.

The event starts to wind down at 8:30 and shuts at 9:00. Your free wine bottle will be waiting to go home with you too!

Note that you will need at least 45 minutes to go through the ten wine tastings on Quini and socialize, so please plan accordingly.

Criteria: You MUST be a wine consumer who considers yourself as a Chardonnay Lover. By signing up, you DECLARE that YOU and YOUR GUESTS fulfill the criteria stated in this special invitation

Please RSVP quickly with your name and we'll set your FREE take-home wine bottle aside for you. Folks love Quini Wine Tastings. Every event has been full and often oversubscribed by a large margin. So, sign up ASAP.

NOTE: As space is limited, kindly be sure to RSVP only when you know you will be attending, so as to keep spots available for your peers who can surely attend.

. If you have a friend or family member who fits the criteria and they are not part of this Meetup group, ask them to join and RSVP.

• What to bring and do

A big smile and a WELL CHARGED smartphone or tablet.

• If you haven't yet, sign up in advance at MAG.quiniwine.com, and please COMPLETE your user profile before the event with your city of residence, age and wine experience level.

Expect to have fun, meet great people and expand your experience with wine at the same time.

https://www.meetup.com/Franklin-Wine-Club/events/262235412/

Folks love Quini Wine Tastings - Sign up now for the Tue Jan 25 session

Mark C. Lenzi

CSW, CSS, CWAS, FWS, IWS
Franklin Liquors
363 East Central St
Franklin MA 02038
508-528-7338
franklinliquors.com

Franklin Democrats organized protest

If you drove through the center of Franklin on Saturday morning (June 15), the day after Trumps birthday, you likely noticed more than 40 participants with signs that ranged from "IMPEACH TRUMP" to "STOP THE COVER-UP". 

The Franklin Democratic Town Committee organized the event, and participated in a nation wide protest with MOVEON.org, along with a number of cities and towns across the nation calling for the impeachment of Trump now. 

Organizers said, there was so much enthusiasm for the event, they may plan another in the near future.

Franklin Democrats organized protest

“The reality is: a professional person needs a professional portrait”

Via Pantherbook we find about a talent agency opening a branch office in Franklin

"A talent agency, Dynasty Models and Talent, is opening soon in downtown Franklin. If you have always wanted to pursue acting or modeling, now is your chance. 

First of all, what is an agency? For those serious about the entertainment industry, having an agent is essential. An agency is a company, usually with multiple agents, that represents actors. Agents receive casting information from casting directors and submit the actors that best match the breakdown of the character. Then, casting directors choose which of the submitted actors should be brought in for an audition. 

Kristen Reidt, mother of two child actresses, states, “Having an agent is almost a requirement, particularly if you are interested in on-camera work. You will get the opportunity to audition for things that you didn’t even realize were out there. Of course, the hardest part of entering the acting business is finding an agent who is willing to invest their time by signing you.”

Continue reading the article including a video interview with Paul Vicario
https://franklinpanthers.us/ae/2019/06/14/audition-for-a-new-talent-agency-opening-in-franklin/

Franklin-based photographer Paul Vicario sits down in his
studio for an interview. (Pantherbook photo)

Register O'Donnell Promotes Registry's Social Media

	Norfolk County Registry of Deeds
	Register O'Donnell Promotes Registry's Social Media Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell today reiterated the importance he places on the Registry's use of social media platforms to communicate directly with the citizens of Norfolk County. O'Donnell noted, "At the Registry of Deeds, we put a high priority on communicating with Registry users on a 24/7 basis. After all, just because our doors close at the end of the business day doesn't mean the Registry has to stop working for you. For example, our website www.norfolkdeeds.org lets people view scanned images of over 8.5 million land documents dating back to 1793, as well as learning about our latest consumer protection programs. I also want people to note that Registry information is available not just from using their workstations or laptops, but also from their smartphones or tablets." The Register also noted that you can print out an application of the popular Homestead Act. A Homestead provides a homeowner with limited protection against the forced sale of their primary residence to satisfy unsecured debt up to $500,000. Norfolk County residents can also sign-up on-line for its free Consumer Notification Service. This program will alert a person anytime a land document has been recorded against their name in Norfolk County. Additionally, there is valuable county real estate information that can be researched and tracked based on the monthly and quarterly real estate statistical reports, such as the number of residential and commercial properties sold, average prices of property sold, and much, much more. Besides the Registry website, other forms of social media utilized by the Registry of Deeds include Facebook, facebook.com/NorfolkDeeds, Twitter, twitter.com/NorfolkDeeds, and Instagram. "The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds," noted O'Donnell, "has utilized Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to provide information to the general public. We are optimistic that county homeowners, and in particular first-time home buyers, will use these social media platforms. They can learn more about home ownership and other consumer initiatives like protecting themselves against Deed Scam rip-offs, along with other outreach services, including learning about Registry office hours in the local community." The Registry has also filmed multiple public service announcements (PSA's) which are available on the Registry's website and YouTube. These PSA's have touched on a variety of issues such as assistance for residents who have received a Notice to Foreclose Mortgage from a lender. Videos highlighting the Registry's various philanthropic initiatives, such as its Annual Holiday Food Drive, Toys for Tots campaign, and its Suits for Success program, which helps people who are attempting to re-enter the workforce, can also be viewed. Concluding, Register O'Donnell stated, "My office recognizes the value of using social media platforms to forward important information to Norfolk County residents. If you have questions related to real property, I urge you to take a look at our social media offerings." 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/or Instagram.com/NorfolkDeeds. The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds is located at 649 High Street in 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 www.norfolkdeeds.org. Residents in need of assistance can contact the Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center via telephone 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: https://www.norfolkdeeds.org

Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, 649 High Street, Dedham, MA 02026-1831 Sent by registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org in collaboration with Try email marketing for free today!

Register O'Donnell Promotes Registry's Social Media

Franklin School Committee recap - June 11, 2019

The School Committee meeting of Tuesday, June 11, can be summarized as follows:

The Superintendent's Report can be found online
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/franklinmaps/files/uploads/superintendents_report_to_school_committee_june_11_2019.pdf

    

FEF Presentation

Franklin Education Foundation: Update Presentation from Franklin Matters

SEPAC Presentation

Franklin SEPAC Update to School Committee from Franklin Matters

Student Services Tiered Focus

Franklin Public Schools: Tiered Focus Monitoring Report from Franklin Matters

Student Services SEL Improvements Preliminary Report

Franklin Public School: Preliminary Findings - Improving SEL from Franklin Matters

Additional details can be found in my notes reported live during the meeting:

• Live reporting: Information Matters through to Clo...
• https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/06/live-reporting-information-matters.html
• Live reporting: Discussion / Action items
• https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/06/live-reporting-discussion-action-items.html
• Live reporting: Presentations - FEF, SEPAC, and St...
• https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/06/live-reporting-presentations-fef-sepac.html
• Live reporting: School Committee - June 11, 2019
• https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/06/live-reporting-school-committee-june-11.html

FEF meeting schedule for the coming school year 2019-2020