FSPA Continues Renowned “Little Music School” Program

Now in its 35th year, the Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FSPA) will continue to offer its renowned “Little Music School” program. Unique to FSPA, Little Music School (LMS) teaches children as young as 18 months to play the piano, engaging them from the earliest age in the joys of music-making and exploration of the arts.

Under the direction of Kim Rezendes, Little Music School is a dynamic and inspiring music program that teaches children to play the piano and explore the musical world around them. Built on the Three Cs – Color, Creativity, and Core – the LMS program welcomes children into a creative world where music making and enjoyment is fostered, through group play, while singing, playing the piano, imagining, and creating.

“Little Music School” program

The program uses color to make written music more accessible to young children by drawing relationships between notations and different hues. Creative activities encourage children to take ownership of the music-making process and to interpret and express music in their own way. 

Little Music School students build a solid musical foundation and benefit greatly from early music instruction. Children develop musical understanding and skills in numerous areas including ear training, sight singing, sight reading, tonal recognition, rhythm, and note reading. 

LMS students also become familiar with important musical terminology, concepts, and history beginning with their first class. A Little Music School mom from Norfolk remarked, "In the short time since our son has been enrolled, we have seen his confidence in social settings, willingness to follow instructions, and ability to interact with others grow remarkably."

With a maximum student-teacher ratio of 7:1, children enjoy individualized attention and not a “one-size-fits-all” curriculum. LMS students learn how to read, understand, and appreciate music while playing the piano in weekly classes and peer recitals throughout the year. At the same time, they gain confidence, independence, and self-esteem; improve gross and fine motor skills; enhance coordination, creativity, comprehension, and memory retention; and develop social, interpersonal, intrapersonal, and communication skills.

For more information on Little Music School at the Franklin School for the Performing Arts, visit www.FSPAonline.com, call 508-528-8668, or stop by the facility at 38 Main Street in Franklin, MA. 

In the News: Hopedale votes on an override Weds; DOR has Prop 2 1/2 video series

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

"Renee Polechronis walked away from her desk in the Assessor’s Office Friday morning with some paperwork.

When she returned moments later, fresh forms had been dropped off. Soon afterward, the phone rang. Before any of that, she had answered a resident’s question on senior citizen tax exemptions.

“I’m usually pretty busy on Fridays,” Polechronis, the office administrative clerk, said with a smile.

If Hopedale voters fail to pass the $430,000 tax override on Wednesday’s election ballot, residents might not have access to Polechronis’ cheerful attitude on Fridays.

Officials are asking for the money to bolster Hopedale’s operating budget, and have categorized the $430,000 as the amount needed just to keep basic services running. They aren’t yet sure where they’ll cut if voters don’t approve the override, but closing Town Hall the final day of the work week has made the list of possible partial solutions.

...

Residents overwhelmingly approved the override at Town Meeting this spring, but a majority vote in the townwide election is also required before the tax can be levied."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190824/final-vote-on-hopedale-tax-override-is-wednesday

The MA Dept of Revenue has a video series on Proposition 2 1/2 explaining overrides, debt exclusions, and other accurate info on this matter

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfBnwDVE7DgFBJePuMrBUMjVLGv8xp34S

In the News: "Selectmen agreed the bylaw needed to change"; third case of EEE found

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

A third human case of Eastern equine encephalitis has been diagnosed in the state, and horses in Mendon and Uxbridge have been euthanized after testing positive for the virus, the state Department of Public Health said Friday.

The patient is a man over the age of 60 who was exposed to the virus in northern Franklin County, health officials said. The risk level in two communities in Franklin County - Heath and Colrain - has been raised to critical as a result.

Uxbridge interim Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner told the Worcester Telegram & Gazette that the horse, which was on a farm in South Uxbridge near the Rhode Island border, had been sick and couldn’t successfully be treated for the infection, which is caused by a virus spread by infected mosquitoes.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190823/horses-in-uxbridge-mendon-euthanized-after-found-with-eee-virus


This article falls into the category of "Really?"

Selectmen are looking to update a policy that prevents nonunion employees from taking a vacation for as much as a year after their start dates.

“Probably my biggest challenge in soliciting folks to come in and work for the town is when I explain our vacation policy,” Milford Human Resources Director Maureen Gifford said.

Town employees – regardless of their prior experience or past benefit package – must accrue the available two weeks’ time off during their first year before being able to use it in their second year.

After five years, employees can earn a third week. The deal is written into the bylaws and is non-negotiable.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190823/milford-municipal-vacation-policy-gets-closer-look

FTC Summer Film Series: Unwanted calls to your mobile phone

Summer Film Series: Unwanted calls to your mobile phone by Megan Gordon, Intern, Division of Consumer & Business Education, FTC Ring, ring! The film series is back, this time with help to stop unwanted calls to your mobile phone. Unwanted calls are annoying. They interrupt your day, and many are meant to scam you. But what can you do about these calls? Today's video gives you some ways to stop unwanted calls on your mobile phone, so take a look. Read more https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2019/08/summer-film-series-unwanted-calls-your-mobile-phone?utm_campaign=unwanted-calls&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery  This is a free service provided by the Federal Trade Commission.

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https://youtu.be/NzYdsDb-_cY

7 candidates certified, 24 total candidates thus far for the Franklin Biennial Election

The candidate listing has grown slightly this week. There are candidates equal to the number of positions for Constables, Planning Board, and Town Clerk. The Town Council currently has 10 candidates for nine positions and the other boards/committees are currently short of candidates. 

Let's go Franklin. 

There should be more candidates to allow for some competition and choice. The last day to take out papers is Friday, Sep 13. The last day to return papers is Tuesday, Sep 17.

The listing of the 22 candidates who have taken out papers to run for the open positions on the Franklin Biennial Election is provided via Town Clerk, Teresa Burr. 7 of the candidates have had their papers certified to confirm their ballot entry.

The listing will be updated weekly to provide the 'scorecard' of who's taken papers, who's turned them in, etc.

Download your copy from here
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczUDVnOXZsOW4wZVByQ1JRdGRQV0pSZGFjNlFR/view?usp=sharing


Find more information on the Franklin Election Nov 5, 2019 in the "election collection"
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/07/franklin-election-collection-2019.html

All precincts vote on Nov 5, 2019 in one location, Franklin High School

FPAC Announces Season of World Premiers, Franklin Favorites, and Broadway Stars

The Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) is excited to announce its 29th Season. The theater company based out of THE BLACK BOX will present a year of world premiers, Franklin favorites, and Broadway stars. The season opens with Yasmina Reza’s award winning comedy Art. Serge has bought a modern painting for a huge sum of money. Marc hates it and cannot believe that a friend of his could possibly want such a work. Yvan attempts, unsuccessfully, to placate both sides. If your friendship is based on tacit mutual agreement, what happens when one person does something completely different and unexpected? Art directed by Nick Paone runs September 20-22 at THE BLACK BOX.

Save the date for FPAC’s annual Gala hosted by Broadway’s Michael James Scott on Saturday, October 12 at THE BLACK BOX. This year, the company celebrates WISHES starring the Genie himself from Broadway’s Aladdin. FPAC’s annual, signature gala event marks their sixth season at THE BLACK BOX, FPAC’s home and performance venue. The night will feature inspired cuisine, exciting live and silent auctions, fabulous entertainment, and dancing.

FPAC Announces 29th Season

FPAC presents Roald Dahl's Matilda The Musical, choreographed by Broadway's Clay Thomson (King Kong, Newsies, Matilda) October 19, 20, and 25-27. Inspired by the twisted genius of Roald Dahl, the Tony Award-winning Roald Dahl's Matilda The Musical is the captivating masterpiece from the Royal Shakespeare Company that revels in the anarchy of childhood, the power of imagination, and the inspiring story of a girl who dreams of a better life. With book by Dennis Kelly and original songs by Tim Minchin, Matilda has won 47 international awards and continues to thrill sold-out audiences of all ages around the world. Audiences will be treated to Broadway choreography in the suburbs.

Experience all the festive magic and colorful splendor of The Nutcracker as FPAC stages its cherished annual production of the holiday classic with live orchestra, special guest artists, and more than 100 area dancers December 7 and 8 at the Franklin High School Auditorium. The Nutcracker remains a highly anticipated and treasured part of the FPAC season - a popular holiday tradition for more than 20 years. The world-famous ballet, set to Tchaikovsky’s beloved score, delights the imaginations of audiences young and old with a professional production at a reasonable price. Fall under Drosselmeyer’s dreamy spell and join Clara and her Nutcracker Prince on a journey full of surprises and wonder.

The holidays are jolly and bright as ’Tis the Season! returns to entertain FPAC audiences with great merriment, fanfare, and fun. An original large cast musical first presented by FPAC in 1995, ’Tis is an upbeat, jazzy extravaganza featuring members of the Kenny Hadley Big Band, with contemporary arrangements of favorite holiday classics in musical styles ranging from R&B, gospel, and Motown to rock, pop, and Broadway. Celebrate the season with FPAC December 14 and 15 at the Franklin High School Auditorium.

FPAC is thrilled to present the world premiere of Christopher Rice's The Tappy Christmas Special LIVE!. Based off of Rice's viral #TAPPY video series, this Christmas spectacular will feature Rice, other special Broadway surprise guests, and FPAC favorites all on one stage. Christopher Rice joined the FPAC family last season when he headlined the sold-out run of Disney's Newsies as Jack Kelly. Currently appearing in Pretty Woman on Broadway, Rice's other credits include The Book of Mormon on Broadway, the national tours of West Side Story, White Christmas, and more. The viral tap dance video series #TAPPY has been seen by over 3 million people worldwide. Local audiences will have the chance to be part of the live studio audience at THE BLACK BOX December 20-22.

On January 24-26, the classic comedy Tartuffe comes to THE BLACK BOX. So virtuous is Tartuffe that every form of pleasure is an abomination to him. Orgon, a rich merchant, is completely duped by the ruse and watches approvingly as the cunning Tartuffe "reforms" his whole family. So besotted is the merchant that he even plans to give Tartuffe his fortune, his house, and finally his daughter. Orgon's wife finally exposes Tartuffe for the rogue he is -- and her husband for being a gullible fool. By the time Orgon sees the light, only the courts can insure justice. This clever adaptation of Moliere’s comedy is a must-see at THE BLACK BOX.

Season of World Premiers, Franklin Favorites, and Broadway Stars

THE BLACK BOX turns pink March 13-15 and 20-22 as Legally Blonde the Musical takes the stage. A fabulously fun award-winning musical based on the adored movie, Legally Blonde The Musical follows the transformation of Elle Woods as she tackles stereotypes and scandal in pursuit of her dreams. Action-packed and exploding with memorable songs and featuring Jerry Mitchell’s original Broadway choreography, this musical is so much fun, it shouldn't be legal.

FPAC’s season will close June 5-7 with Stephen Sondheim’s Into the Woods at THE BLACK BOX. James Lapine and Stephen Sondheim take everyone's favorite storybook characters and bring them together for a timeless, yet relevant, piece. The Tony Award-winning book and score are both enchanting and touching. The story follows a baker and his wife, who wish to have a child; Cinderella, who wishes to attend the King's Festival; and Jack, who wishes his cow would give milk. When the Baker and his wife learn that they cannot have a child because of a Witch's curse, the two set off on a journey to break the curse. Everyone's wish is granted, but the consequences of their actions return to haunt them later with disastrous results.

For tickets and more information, visit www.FPAConline.com or call 508-528-3370. THE BLACK BOX is located at 15 W. Central St. in Franklin, MA. 

Franklin Garden Club: Paper Quilling Workshop - Sep 3

The Franklin Garden Club will begin its 2019-2020 season on Tuesday, September 3, 2019, with a meeting at the Franklin Senior Center, 10 Daniel Cahill Street, from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. An informal social get-together will take place from 6:30 – 7:00 p.m. followed by a Paper Quilling Workshop. 

The meeting is open to the public, including those interested in becoming a member. The meeting will also feature an optional perennial swap and friendship arrangements. Those attending may bring a perennial cutting from their garden to swap, as well as some cut flowers for the arrangements.

Club Co-Presidents Susan Childers and Deborah DeGrazia stated, “The Garden Club, founded in 1987, offers many educational programs, and one does not have to be a Master Gardener to join. Meetings provide a wonderful opportunity to learn about various aspects of gardening from experts and to exchange information with fellow members. We welcome anyone who is interested to attend the first meeting to learn more about the Club and planned activities.” 
 

Paper Quilling Workshop - Sep 3

The Paper Quilling Workshop will be led by DeGrazia and supplies will be provided. Paper quilling is the art of cutting paper into long thin strips, rolling and pinching the pieces into different shapes, and then gluing the shapes together to form decorative art. Paper quilling projects can be used to decorate cards, boxes, gift bags, picture frames, or even be made into 3D stand-alone art pieces. (www.thesprucecrafts.com)

In addition to the September 3 meeting, this year’s programming schedule includes: October 1: Mushroom Foraging; November 5: Climate Reality; December 10: Holiday Auction; February 4: Craft Night; March 3: Good Bugs, Bad Bugs; April 7: Rose Care 101; May 5: Hypertufa Workshop; June 2, Garden Tour and Year End Social. 

Club community service activities include planting and maintenance of the Franklin Town Common gardens and the planters at the Franklin Library, sponsorship of an annual scholarship awarded to a high school graduate, distribution of pine tree seedlings in the elementary schools, and special projects with other community organizations. The Franklin Garden Club is a member of the Garden Club Federation of Massachusetts.