Friday, March 19, 2021

Franklin's Event Outlook: Mar 19 - Mar 25, 2021

Good choices for Sunday afternoon: virtual grandparenting or a choice of concerts "Broadway in Franklin' or  "Two Pianos, Four Hands, all Rachmaninov!"

 
Friday, March 19
5:00pm -  The History of the Cocktail Led by Jackson Cannon

Sunday, March 21
1:00pm -  Historical Museum (open and free admission)
3:00pm -  Virtual Grandparenting: Story Time with Big Joe
3:00pm - "Broadway in Franklin" - live streaming from THE BLACK BOX 
3:00pm - LiveARTS: Two Pianos, Four Hands, all Rachmaninov!

Tuesday, March 23

9:00am -  wfpr.fm: Pamela Hines – Jazz Journey
12:00pm -  wfpr.fm: Pamela Hines – Jazz Journey
6:00pm -  wfpr.fm: Pamela Hines – Jazz Journey
 
Wednesday, March 24
10:00am -  wfpr.fm: "The Wonderful World of Wine" – Mark/ Kim
1:00pm -  wfpr.fm: "The Wonderful World of Wine" – Mark/Kim
7:00pm -  Community Conversation: Police Reform
7:00pm -  wfpr.fm: "The Wonderful World of Wine" – Mark/Kim
7:30pm -  Let’s Laugh Today is Free on ZOOM!
 
Thursday, March 25
10:00am -  wfpr.fm: "Frank’s Music" – Frank Falvey
11:00am -  wfpr.fm: "Talkin’ the Blues" – Jim/Todd
1:00pm -  wfpr.fm: "Frank’s Music" – Frank Falvey
2:00pm -  wfpr.fm: "Talkin’ the Blues" – Jim/Todd
7:00pm -  wfpr.fm: "Frank’s Music" – Frank Falvey
7:00pm -  FHS: 1 Act - "Neverland"
7:45pm -  FHS: 1 Act - "Frankenstein"
8:00pm -  wfpr.fm: "Talkin' the Blues!" - Jim/Todd
 
 

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://forms.gle/oPdi8X3ZbHHyrHzo6

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar
The School district meeting calendar is found   https://www.franklinps.net/calendar-by-event-type/26
 
Community Calendar
Community Calendar

FM #494 - Town Council Budget SubComm - 03/17/21 (audio)

FM #494 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 494 in the series. 


This session of the radio show shares the audio recording of the Town Council Budget Subcommittee meeting held at 6:00 PM on Wednesday, March 17, 2021.  


The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: most members of the Budget Subcommittee and Town Administration personnel were in the Council Chambers, one subcommittee member was remote along with the public was remote via Zoom conference bridge, all to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.


The show notes also include links to my notes taken via Twitter during the meeting as well as the agenda and associated budget documents released for this meeting.


The meeting runs about 30 minutes, so let’s listen to the Budget Subcommittee meeting. Audio file => https://player.captivate.fm/episode/67ff3946-af52-415d-9cba-73a52becd173



--------------

Quick Recap:

  • Good info shared by Town Administrator Jamie Hellen on the overview of estimated revenues, with slight updates from that shared with the Finance Committee meeting last week

  • Aside from that, no further details were discussed on the budget aside from variations on the theme of disappointment with the lack of representation from either the School Dept or the School Committee

  • Having participated in the School Committee budget subcommittee meeting on Tuesday, I provided the info that the discussion there reflected (1) awareness of this budget meeting and (2) they were awaiting information on the joint budget committee meeting where the school budget is normally reviewed

  • Chair announced that there will be questions on stormwater for the DPW to explain the increase of the $860K as mentioned but they were not raised this night

Budget Subcommittee agenda and supporting documents: 

https://franklinma.gov/budget-subcommittee/agenda/budget-subcommittee-agenda-2


Town of Franklin Budget page  https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget


My meeting notes  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/03/recap-budget-subcommittee-disappointed.html 


--------------

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm).

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.
 
How can you help?

  • If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors
  • If you don't like something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.
 
For additional information, please visit   Franklinmatters.org/  or www.franklin.news/

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

------------------

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters" 

FM #494 - Town Council Budget SubComm - 03/17/21 (audio)
FM #494 - Town Council Budget SubComm - 03/17/21 (audio)

FM #493 - Angelina Perez - 03/15/21 (audio)

FM #493 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 493 in the series. 


This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Angelina Perez. Angelina is a senior at Franklin High School and was the co-emcee and a panelist for the #EqualEverywhere: Champions for Change - International Women’s day event


We had our conversation via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.


We talk about: 

  • Girl Up

  • Her many other activities at high school

  • Preparing for an internship for her senior project

  • Preparing for college


The link to the video of the #EqualEverywhere event is included in the show notes. Our conversation runs about 25 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Angelina. Audio file = https://player.captivate.fm/episode/b4956da7-d42f-46fa-a02e-788ee9d127ae



--------------


#EqualEverywhere: Champions for Change - International Women’s day event

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/03/angelina-perez-co-emcee-for.html

 

From the Franklin Matters archives:

Named a Hockomock League Cross Country All Star in Nov 2020

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/12/fhs-batla-perez-brady-named-hockomock.html


Finished first for FHS in the Hockomock League Cross Country Championships Nov 2020

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/11/fhs-cross-country-individual-results.html


 --------------

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm).

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.
 
How can you help?

  • If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors
  • If you don't like something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.
 
For additional information, please visit   Franklinmatters.org/  or www.franklin.news/

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

------------------

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

FM #493 - Angelina Perez - 03/15/21 (audio)
FM #493 - Angelina Perez - 03/15/21 (audio)


Recap -Town Council meeting Mar 17, 2021 - opens with moment of silence remembering 42 lost to COVID-19

Quick Recap:
  • opens with moment of silence remembering 42 lost to COVID-19 
  • Citizens Comment: reminder on bricks for the Veterans Walkway purchased by April 1 will be installed for Memorial Day; announcement of a Franklin Area Non-profit Network beginning March 29
  • Recognition of retirees from DPW and Police along with the swearing in of new Police and Fire personnel 
  • First passage of fee for food trucks for private parties
  • Bylaw proposal referred to Planning Board on removal of restrictions for space for tasting room
 
----
As with most meetings in this pandemic period, I took my notes via Twitter during the meeting reporting in real-time via the virtual session.
 
Photos captured during the meeting and shared via Twitter can be found in one folder  https://photos.app.goo.gl/nFjW3RwqtrzycAGW7
 
The Twitter hashtag can be found online  #tc0317


  • Getting ready for the town Council meeting #tc0317 https://franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/march-17-town-council-agenda Agenda doc has the connection info to view via cable, live stream or Zoom.
  • Reminder on bricks for sale for the Veterans Walkway available for purchase by Apr 1, the cut off would be for brick to be installed this Memorial Day. #tc0317 I announced the kick off meeting for the Franklin Area Nonprofit Network on Mar 29 at 7 PM more info to come
  • Citizen commenting against the stormwater fee but confusing it with the water and sewer enterprise funding process #tc0317 valid comments on any increase needs to be considered.
  • Ciccone question and confusion around the stormwater, also confusing about what is where on the budget. Also confusing the capital vs operational budget spending. #tc0317 Motion on minutes from prior meeting, passes 9-0 via roll call
  • Recognition of - David Allard - Retirement Recognition, Franklin DPW #tc0317
  • Recognition of - Kevin Ryan - Retirement Recognition, Franklin Police Department #tc0317 served 44 years, under 5 chiefs Resolutions from House and Senate presented by Rep Roy
  • Brief break to allow for movement of folks within the chambers Recognition of Detective John Maloney - Retirement Recognition, Franklin Police Department #tc0317
  • Recognition of Kristopher Smith - Achievement Recognition, graduation from the Massachusetts Fire Academy #tc0317
  • Swearing in of new officers for Police - (1) Rob Burchill - New Patrol Officer Ceremonial Swearing In & Badge Pinning, Police Department (2) Derek Tetrault - New Patrol Officer Ceremonial Swearing In & Badge Pinning, Police Department #tc0317 sworn in by town clerk N Danello
  • Brian Armstrong - New Hire, Firefighter/Paramedic - Fire Dept Jeffrey Ward - New Hire, Firefighter/Paramedic - Fire Dept Kent Parsons - New Hire, Firefighter/Paramedic - Fire Dept Benjamin Angelo - New Hire, Firefighter/Paramedic - Fire Dept #tc0317
  • The four firefighter/paramedics are starting Monday, being sworn in tonight. #tc0317 and pinned by family members
  • Norfolk County Sheriff Patrick W. McDermot was rescheduled for a future meeting Subcommittee meetings for capital and budget being confirmed #tc0317
  • Moving to legislation for action, temporary food truck event fee, https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10a._food_trucks.pdf #tc0317 only vote needed for a new fee to help expand food trucks in Franklin, private property owners. Fact sheet in agenda doc motion to 2nd reading, second, passes 9-0 via roll call
  • Motion to refer to Planning Board,  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/21-872_tasting_room.pdf #tc0317 Change in requirements for tasting room for new establishments, does not apply to existing unless they come back to Planning Board. Passes 9-0 via roll call
  • Town Admin report congratulations to cultural District for first state grant, housing grant received for affordable housing, chapter 90 allotment just under $1M, thanks to legislative delegation for keeping local aid coming, Gov Baker apparently to move to Phase 4 #tc0317
  • #tc0317 Sr coffee hour at 8:30 AM, police reform discussion coming 3/24 at 7 PM, need to recognize and note hate crimes Homeless forum on 3/25 Congrats to retirees and new hires Lost 42 Franklinites to COVID Recognition of access to police hiring, not full pool of candidates
  • #tc0317 #talkfranklinfirst gift cards sold over $42k so far, money to stay here. Thanks to Anne Marie for her efforts on the gift cards Historical Museum open, looking for volunteers. Sundays 1-4pm. thanks to the library for their efficiency during the closed period
  • #tc0317 stay safe, be careful. We're not done yet, SAFE is very busy, help someone, reach out. Condolences to those who lost any one to this pandemic. Don't forget to do what we need to do, masks, social distance... Happy st patrick's
  • Motion to enter executive session, not to return to open meeting 9-0 via roll call That's all for tonight, catch you next time #tc0317 
 
Chief Lynch checking the inscription on the plaque
Chief Lynch checking the inscription on the plaque

Panther TV - News for this week - 3/18/21

Panther TV (@fhspanthertv) tweeted on Thu, Mar 18, 2021:

We've got a great interview with @FranklinSADD and @SafeCoalitionMA, plus a video update on @FHS_girlsXC on this week's Panther News! @FHSPantherbook @FranklinPSNews @FranklinHS  

https://t.co/vU09vb1xu3 via @YouTube

Senator Becca Rausch: #LocalLeadershipLunch with Dr. Regina LaRocque - Mar 19, 1 PM

Senator Becca Rausch (@BeccaRauschMA) tweeted on Thu, Mar 18, 2021:

For my 3rd #LocalLeadershipLunch, I'm chatting with Dr. Regina LaRocque, an infectious disease expert and advocate for equity and public health protections throughout the #COVID19 pandemic.

Tune in tomorrow (Friday, 3/19/21) at 1 PM! #WomensHistoryMonth #mapoli @harvardmed @MGHMedicine https://t.co/LWWqH90gvm
Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/BeccaRauschMA/status/1372586145280823298

Senator Becca Rausch:  #LocalLeadershipLunch with Dr. Regina LaRocque - Mar 19, 1 PM
Senator Becca Rausch:  #LocalLeadershipLunch with Dr. Regina LaRocque - Mar 19, 1 PM


MA Legislature Passes Landmark Climate Legislation

The Massachusetts House of Representatives and state Senate on Thursday passed nation-leading climate legislation, known as the Next Generation Climate Roadmap bill, which overhauls the state’s climate laws, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, advances the clean energy industry, and prioritizes and protects environmental justice communities.

“The Senate and House reaffirm today that this landmark climate legislation is too important to delay,” stated Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “These measures will put our Commonwealth on a path to lowering harmful carbon emissions, add fuel to our growing green economy and improve the lives of those living in underserved communities. Now is the time to be proactive in how we approach our climate crisis and to protect our environment for future generations. I want to thank my legislative partner, House Speaker Mariano for his collaboration, Senator Barrett and Representatives Golden and Roy for their steadfast support, and the residents of Massachusetts for their unwavering support in advancing this legislation.”

“I am proud the House and the Senate have not backed down from our ambitious goals and unwavering commitment to make Massachusetts a leader in climate protection and clean energy,” said Speaker of the House Ronald Mariano (D-Quincy). “There is no doubt this legislation will set Massachusetts on the right path and benefit generations to come. I thank Chairman Roy and Leader Golden for their work over the course of two sessions, and Senate President Spilka for her collaboration in getting this bill once again back to the Governor’s desk.”

“This bill is about getting down to brass tacks. It's about getting the job done, one step at a time, starting now,” said Senator Mike Barrett (D-Lexington), Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities, and Energy. “The pace of climate change is picking up—so the pace of climate policy must pick up. The Next Generation Climate Roadmap bill reflects the concerns of people of every age, from every part of the state. The grassroots climate movement of Massachusetts is a force to be reckoned with.”

"This historic legislation will set Massachusetts on a path towards reaching net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 by establishing robust interim limits and providing key sectors of our economy with clear guidelines and goal posts for their decarbonization," said Representative Jeffrey N. Roy (D-Franklin), Chair of the Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities, and Energy. "Each roadmap plan will tackle reducing emissions in a holistic manner, while also ensuring that environmental justice communities are included, and workers are not left behind by our transition to clean energy. I'm honored to have worked on getting this crucial climate bill to the finish line and thank Speaker Mariano and Leader Golden for their invaluable work and leadership on this bill."

“History has been made today with the passage of the Next-Generation Roadmap bill,” said State Representative Thomas A. Golden, Jr. (D-Lowell), former Chair of the Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities, and Energy.  “The Roadmap sets us on a strong course to net zero by 2050 and significantly advances offshore wind, truly representing the best ideas from both chambers.  Hats off to the House and the Senate for holding firm on ambitious emissions targets.  A special thank-you to Speaker Mariano for his tireless perseverance and vision in seeing this day become a reality.”

“This bill offers us a comprehensive roadmap to move us away from fossil fuels and towards ensuring environmental justice,” said Senate Majority Leader Cindy Creem (D-Newton).  “The provisions of this bill represent a great step forward in our efforts to reduce harmful carbon emissions and it needs to become law now.”

The passage of the climate bill comes after a joint commitment from Senate President Karen E. Spilka and House Speaker Ronald Mariano to quickly refile the legislation following a gubernatorial veto last session. This session Governor Baker offered amendments to the bill, which have been considered by the Legislature. Today, the House and Senate rejected efforts to slow the rate of progress toward net-zero emissions by 2050, while accepting a number of more technical amendments that improve the bill.

The final legislation:

  •     Sets a statewide net-zero limit on greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 and mandates emissions limits every five years, as well as sublimits for transportation, buildings, and other sectors of the economy.
  •     Codifies environmental justice provisions into Massachusetts law, defining environmental justice populations and providing new tools and protections for affected neighborhoods.
  •     Establishes a municipal opt-in specialized stretch energy code which includes a definition of “net-zero building” and net-zero building performance standards.
  •     Requires an additional 2,400 megawatts of offshore wind, increasing the total authorization to 5,600 megawatts in the Commonwealth.
  •     Directs the Department of Public Utilities (DPU), the regulator of the state's electric and natural gas utilities, to balance priorities going forward: system safety, system security, reliability, affordability, equity, and, significantly, reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.
  •     Sets appliance energy efficiency standards for a variety of common appliances including plumbing, faucets, computers, and commercial appliances.
  •     Adopts several measures aimed at improving gas pipeline safety, including increased fines for safety violations, provisions related to training and certifying utility contractors, and setting interim targets for companies to reduce leak rates.
  •     Requires utilities to include an explicit value for greenhouse gas reductions when they calculate the cost-effectiveness of an offering of MassSave.
  •     Increases the Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) by 3 per cent each year from 2025–2029, resulting in 40 per cent renewable energy by 2030.
  •     A national first, this legislation factors the "carbon sequestration" capacity of Massachusetts' natural and working lands directly into our emissions reduction plans.
  •     Prioritizes equitable access to the state’s solar programs by low-income communities.
  •     Sets benchmarks for the adoption of clean energy technologies including electric vehicles, charging stations, solar technology, energy storage, heat pumps and anaerobic digestors.
  •     Establishes $12 million in annual funding for the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center to create a pathway to the clean energy industry for environmental justice populations, minority-owned and women-owned businesses, and fossil fuel workers.
  •     Provides solar incentives for businesses by exempting them from the net metering cap to allow them to install solar systems on their premises to help them offset their electricity use and save money.
  •     Creates a first-time greenhouse gas emissions standard for municipal lighting plants that requires them to purchase 50 percent non-emitting electricity by 2030, 75 percent by 2040 and “net zero” by 2050.  


The bill now returns to the Governor’s desk

MA State News: Cheerleader hotspot with link to Franklin; travel order downgraded, MA cases stalling (not dropping); Franklin's cases increasing

"37 people infected in COVID-19 cluster at Weymouth cheerleading training facility"
"Thirty-seven participants at a youth cheerleading training facility in Weymouth have been infected with the coronavirus, the Weymouth Health Department said Thursday.

The total includes only the participants, not others such as parents or other contacts, because that is still being investigated, the department said.

Of the 37 infected, four are from Weymouth. Others come from Braintree, Rockland, Randolph, Quincy, Brookline, East Bridgewater, Hingham, Kingston, Marion, Franklin, Whitman, Dedham, and Easton, the department said."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/03/18/nation/37-people-infected-covid-19-cluster-weymouth-cheerleading-training-facility/

"Massachusetts’ COVID-19 travel order will be downgraded to an advisory on Monday"
"Governor Charlie Baker’s office said the state’s travel order will be downgraded to a less onerous advisory on Monday, the same day Massachusetts moves to Phase 4, Step 1 of its economic reopening.

The announcement came in a statement Thursday."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/03/18/metro/baker-issues-new-covid-19-travel-advisory-eases-some-restrictions/

"As some states see a COVID surge, Mass. cases stall at an ‘unacceptably high’ level"

"Massachusetts is entering spring on a hopeful note. The state earlier this week released its plan to open vaccination eligibility to all adults on April 19, and a few sunny, warm days have begun to coax residents out of their homes and winter coats.

But beneath the air of optimism lies a problem, epidemiologists caution: COVID-19 cases, after declining sharply in early February, have plateaued at an average of 1,500 per day, and the threat of another surge remains."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/03/19/nation/some-states-see-covid-surge-mass-cases-stall-an-unacceptably-high-level/

And Franklin's COVID-19 numbers for this week (and the past 3)
  • 3/04/21 = 62 Total positive tests 1.11% Lower
  • 3/11/21 = 77 Total positive tests 1.40% Higher
  • 3/18/21 = 97 Total positive tests 1.80% Higher


 

"Oil firms knew decades ago fossil fuels posed grave health risks, files reveal"

"The oil industry knew at least 50 years ago that air pollution from burning fossil fuels posed serious risks to human health, only to spend decades aggressively lobbying against clean air regulations, a trove of internal documents seen by the Guardian reveal.

The documents, which include internal memos and reports, show the industry was long aware that it created large amounts of air pollution, that pollutants could lodge deep in the lungs and be “real villains in health effects”, and even that its own workers may be experiencing birth defects among their children.

But these concerns did little to stop oil and gas companies, and their proxies, spreading doubt about the growing body of science linking the burning of fossil fuels to an array of health problems that kill millions of people around the world each year. Echoing the fossil-fuel industry’s history of undermining of climate science, oil and gas interests released a torrent of material aimed at raising uncertainty over the harm caused by air pollution and used this to deter US lawmakers from placing further limits on pollutants."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

Good Day Memory Cafe' - Mar 19 - 2 PM

Exciting news: Kalifornia Karl Detken will be joining us on Friday, March 19th at 2PM!  His music is lively and he always makes it entertaining!

We look forward to seeing all of you! If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact me at cbudge@cwmars.org.
Click on the link below to join.

Topic: Good Day Memory Cafe
Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/99469981115?pwd=bElqb3VmVHNEZDlEakthdW0wc1F5dz09

Meeting ID: 994 6998 1115
Passcode: 354632


--
Ariel Doggett

Virtual Program Coordinator
Respite Coordinator

"We rise by lifting others" - Robert Ingersoll
There is no act of kindness too small


Thursday, March 18, 2021

Recap: Budget SubCommittee disappointed with lack of representation on School budget

Quick Recap:
  • Good info shared by Town Administrator Jamie Hellen on the overview of estimated revenues, with slight updates from that shared with the Finance Committee meeting last week
  • Aside from that, no further details were discussed on the budget aside from variations on the theme of disappointment with the lack of representation from either the School Dept or the School Committee
  • Having participated in the School Committee budget subcommittee meeting on Tuesday, I provided the info that the discussion there reflected (1) awareness of this budget meeting and (2) they were awaiting information on the joint budget committee meeting where the school budget is normally reviewed
  • Chair announced that there will be questions on stormwater for the DPW to explain the increase of the $860K as mentioned but they were not raised this night
 
----
As with most meetings in this pandemic period, I took my notes via Twitter during the meeting reporting in real-time via the virtual session.
 
The Twitter hashtag can be found online  #


  • Ready for the budget Subcommittee meeting to begin at 6 PM. #bsc0317
  • Meeting opens at 6:02 PM. https://franklinma.gov/budget-subcommittee/agenda/budget-subcommittee-agenda-2 #bsc0317 Also available on the home page for the Town
  • Facing a deficit of approx $2M after the revenue adjustments are made over the next several weeks #bsc0317 three key budgets (DPW, stormwater, and Schools). With a 3.6M increase in revenue, and schools asking for $3m it is not hard to say they won't get it all.
  • Kelly disappointed in not having the Superintendent or the SchComm chair in the meeting #bsc0317
  • "Will not ask for an override when we know there is money to be cut" #bsc0317 can't vote for the SchComm increase, not for the stormwater increase ($860K+)
  • Mercer advocates for a joint budget Subcommittee meeting to being this group, the SchComm and the FinComm together. #bsc0317
  • Meeting adjourns, #bsc0317
 
Recap: Budget SubCommittee disappointed with lack of representation on School budget
Recap: Budget SubCommittee disappointed with lack of representation on School budget

Town of Franklin, MA: Fire Dept serves over 250 meals at Senior Center

Town of Franklin, MA (@TOFranklinMA) tweeted on Wed, Mar 17, 2021:

"Our amazing team @FranklinMAfire served over 250 corned beef & cabbage meals at the @FranklinSrCntr today!
The annual event looked different this year, but there was still delicious food, Irish music & plenty of happy faces under the masks!
Thank you to everyone who contributed! "
https://t.co/txXMRMtKNx
 
 
Town of Franklin, MA: Fire Dept serves over 250 meals at Senior Center
Town of Franklin, MA: Fire Dept serves over 250 meals at Senior Center


FHS Theatre Company: Student Director Spotlight #1 - Ben Fine

FHS Theatre Company (@FranklinHSDrama)

Student Director Spotlight #1: Meet Ben Fine, student-director of Frankenstein. Ben so is grateful for the opportunity to direct his peers! You can catch Frankenstein via our live stream, on March 25th at 7:45pm, by visiting the website link in our bio! https://t.co/D0hAaD54r0
Shared via Twitter: https://twitter.com/FranklinHSDrama/status/1371605236763217921


FHS Theatre Company:  Student Director Spotlight #1 - Ben Fine
FHS Theatre Company:  Student Director Spotlight #1 - Ben Fine


Encore Music Academy - Summer Registration now open

Encore Music Academy and Recording Studios' Summer Registration is now open! Call or email us today for more information and to reserve your spot in this Summer's lessons and classes. 
 
Visit www.encoremusicacademy.net for more info!
 
Encore Music Academy - Summer Registration now open
Encore Music Academy - Summer Registration now open

 

Franklin Performing Arts Company Update

These early spring days, although still cold and snowy, give me hope for change and optimism for the future of the performing arts.  I believe the arts world will come charging back with renewed creativity and enthusiasm, focus and commitment.   Thank you for the kind support you have given to the Franklin Performing Arts Company!  It is only with your help and generosity that we have been able to make it through this extraordinarily challenging time.

Although we endured frightening circumstances in 2020 with THE BLACK BOX closed and our artistic endeavors forced online, I believe at FPAC we proved ourselves resourceful, creative, and resilient.  The Franklin Performing Arts Company produced online content throughout the quarantine with nightly performances from home and a Virtual Benefit in June featuring FPAC favorites, as well as Broadway guests who care deeply about the survival of our theater and company.

As soon as allowed in July, we put up a stage in the parking lot of THE BLACK BOX and began outdoor concerts that ran throughout the summer.  Our safety measures and protocols in place, we worked to instill confidence in a tentative public and provided a safe place for artists to do what they love - perform.  We ran some events at break even, but importantly provided a venue for many local, Boston, and New York based artists who had not made music or set foot on a stage since March.

During the summer, FPAC introduced an online ticketing platform and established an invaluable relationship with Franklin TV, allowing us to film performances, livestream, and broadcast to virtual audiences.  As the weather began to change in the fall, Dean Bank sponsored a tent under which we continued to stage shows through the end of October.  I am proud of the extensive programming we presented throughout 2020 including cabarets and concerts of all kinds, a newly conceived Gala, and a COVID-safe book musical.  Thank you for being a part of this and remaining in our corner.

Now it is time to see our way forward!  We will continue to livestream entertainment until we can welcome an audience back into THE BLACK BOX, and in early April we will install a tent in the parking lot of THE BLACK BOX to host events outdoors through June.  We have a lot of work ahead of us to secure the future of our venue, but we are working on all opportunities to strengthen our organization and move on.  

Thank you for being a special friend of FPAC.  Your commitment to the arts is critically important at this time and your generous support is appreciated by the entire FPAC community.  I hope to see you soon at THE BLACK BOX or outside in our parking lot theater.  Wishing you health and well being as we inch toward Spring and on to Normal!

Best,


Raye Lynn Mercer, Executive/Artistic Director
Frankin Performing Arts Company 

 

Franklin Performing Arts Company Update
Franklin Performing Arts Company Update