2024 - 2025 Season Performance Opportunity!

Dean College released its 2024 - 2025 Performance Schedule which includes six theatrical productions, four dance shows and multiple showcase performances. 

Theatrical performances include:

• “LET IT BE”  A Musical Celebration of The Beatles, September 27-29, 2024
• “MAD FOREST”, October 16-20, 2024
• “MY FAVORITE YEAR”, November 13-17, 2024
• “BREATH OF STARS”, February 19-23, 2025
• “AN EVENING OF SHORT PLAYS”, March 21-23, 2025
• "FREAKY FRIDAY", A New Musical, April 2-6, 2025

In addition to these theater performances, Dean College will present Arts Mosaic, New Dancer Showcase, New Thespian Showcase, Faculty Dance Works, Choreographers’ Concert, Dance Company, Theatre Senior Showcase and Dance Senior Showcase.

Ticket packages are now available online. Individual show tickets will be available September 1. Select ticket for ticket purchase and performance information. Select performances to read the full press release.

Note: Last week the newsletter featured information about Circle of Friends Coffee House, Franklin Performing Arts Company/THE BLACK BOX and LiveARTS. Franklin has a variety of performing arts opportunities. Enjoy!

Course Registrations for Fall 2024

Registration is Open Now! Lifelong Community Learning's Fall 2024 classes are now open for registration! Ticketed Events. Choose from over 30 classes, including painting, volleyball, country line dancing, men's basketball, La Blast dance , kids' cooking, ballroom dancing, various types of yoga, and many more. There's something for everyone! Choose Community Learning for more information and to register. Courses are held at a variety of locations.

Registration is Open Now! Creative Corner Art Studio Fall 2024 classes for all ages and After School Art Club are open for registration. Ticketed events. Located at 13 Main Street in Depot Plaza. Select Creative for course information and registration.

Greetings!

Check out the 2024 - 2025 Season Performance opportunities at Dean College, as well as Circle of Friends, Franklin Performing Arts Company, and LiveARTS. Tickets are available for purchase.

We have another full week of arts and culture. In addition to art, music and learning events, there is an opportunity to meet with state and local officials at the Senior Center, a Book Sale at the Library, A Granny Square Crochet event, a fundraiser for FHS Boys Soccer, a United States and India learning event at the Historical Museum, and an opportunity to recognize Franklin Olympian Kristi Kirshe. Be sure to "view the entire message" as this is a long newsletter. Celebrate Franklin. Celebrate Arts and Culture.

Arts Happen in the Cultural District!

Thank You MCC Cultural District Investment

Fund Recipient!

Franklin Art Association received MCC Cultural District Investment funds that were used toward the cost of a banner to identify their artwork. The FAA hung their banner in their booth at the recent Strawberry Stroll. Look for their banner at the Franklin Downtown Partnership Harvest Festival on September 28. Select FAA to learn more about this art-focused organization. See their September meeting announcement in this newsletter.

The Franklin Cultural District Committee thanks the Mass Cultural Council and the Town of Franklin for their support.

This Week in the Cultural District and Beyond

Wednesday, August 14, 2024

Wednesday, August 14, Franklin Public Library



10:30 am, Fairy Tale Fun! Join us for a special Royal Ball fit for a princess (and her Fairy Godmother)! Be sure to come dressed in your best, after all, who says a shoe can’t change your life?! There will be singing, dancing, interactive storytelling and a photo opportunity with each guest! No registration required.

1:00pm, Petite Picassos. Join Miss Lily and create your very own step-by-step painting of flip flops on the beach!! This paint party is a great fit for children ages 6-12! All materials will be provided, and REGISTRATION is required!



Select Library for information. Franklin Public Library is located at 118 Main Street.

Wednesday, August 14 11:00am, Mobile Food Pantry, Franklin Senior Center. Select Senior for information about this and other programs. Franklin Senior Center is located at 10 Daniel McCahill Street.

Wednesday, August 14, 6:00pm Howie Day Concert GlenPharmer Distillery. Ticketed event. Arrive between 6:00 and 6:30pm to dine. Concert featuring Howie Day at 8:00pm. Select GlenPharmer for information and ticketing link. GlenPharmer Distillery is located at 860 West Central Street.

Wednesday, August 14, 6:30pm, Franklin LGBTQ Book Club at Pete's Nerd Emporium. Reading: An Imaginary Life by David Malouf. Select LGBTQ for more information about this organization. Pete's Nerd Emporium is located at 10 Main Street. Select Emporium for information about this game store.

Thursday, August 15, 2024

Thursday, August 15, 8:30am, Coffee Hour with State and Local Officials at Franklin Senior Center. This is an opportunity to hear from and ask questions of government leadership. Select Senior for information about this and other programs. Franklin Senior Center is located at 10 Daniel McCahill Street.

Thursday, August 15, 4:00pm The Dark Side of OZ ... Movie and Music Event. Enjoy the uncanny mashup of two classics; The Wizard of Oz and Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon! Select Library for more information. Franklin Public Library, 118 Main Street.

Thursday, August 15, 5:00pm Board Game Nite, Pete's Nerd Emporium. Join the fun ... board game nite! Select Emporium for more information about this fun store. Located at 10 Main Street.

Thursday, August 15, 9:00pm Live Music by Joshua David in the bar/lounge at 3 Restaurant. Based out of Pawtucket, R.I., Joshua has performed at most of Pawtucket’s premier venues including Arigna Irish Pub, Murphy’s Law Irish Pub, Fountain Street Bar & Grille, & Boundary Brewhouse to name but a few and enjoys popularity at other venues in Rhode Island as well as Southeastern Mass.

Select 3 for more information. 3 Restaurant is located at 461 West Central Street.

Friday, August 16, 2024

Friday, August 16, 10:00am to 12:00pm Knitting Group at Franklin Public Library. Sit for a Stitch! Select Library for program information. Franklin Public Library, 118 Main Street.

Friday, August 16, 11:00am, Eat Around the World: Iceland at Franklin Senior Center. Ticketed event, $3. Sign up needed. Select Senior for information about this and other programs. Franklin Senior Center is located at 10 Daniel McCahill Street.

Friday, August 16, 1:00pm to 5:00pm Book Sale. The Franklin Public Library Book Sale occurs on the third Friday & Saturday of the month. All books are one dollar each today from 1:00pm to 5:00pm Select Library for information. The Franklin Public Library is located at 118 Main Street.

Friday, August 16, 1:00pm to 3:00pm, Granny Square Crochet Class, at Franklin Public Library. Best for ages 14+. A granny square is like a plain sheet of paper. Sure, it comes in different colors, textures, sizes and weights however in and of itself, it’s not very exciting until you use it as an integral part of your creative process. During our two hour crochet class we will explore the basic structure of a granny square as we make one traditional style square using a basic worsted weight wool. You will leave the class with a new respect for the humble Granny square and how to bring it to life in your crochet journey. All class materials will be provided. 

Pre-requisites: Ability to chain, single crochet, double crochet, knowledge of how to count stitches. CONTACT: Mitzi Gousie  5085204941  mgousie@minlib.net

This program is supported in part by a grant from the Bellingham and Franklin Cultural Councils, local agencies,  which are supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.

Friday, August 16, 2:00pm to 6:00pm Franklin Farmers Market on the Town Common. @ 30 Artists, Creatives and Farmers. SNAP and HIP Benefits are accepted.



Entertainment on the Common ...

• 2:00pm to 6:00pm, Farmers Market Fun with Franklin Library
• 3:00pm to 5:00pm Live Music with Matt Zajac
• 6:00pm to 8:00pm Live Music with Pub Kings
• 8:30pm: Movie ... Super Mario Bros.
• 2:00pm to 8:00pm Food Trucks on Main Street! ... Enjoy!

Enjoy the afternoon on the Town Common in the Cultural District. Select Farmer for more information about the Farmers Market. Select Recreation for Concerts on the Common information. Thank you Vendors, Performers, Food Trucks, Franklin Farmers Market and Franklin Recreation!!

Friday, August 16, 9:00pm Live Music by Jack Cappadonna in the bar/lounge at 3 Restaurant. Jack Cappadonna has been performing as an actor and as a musician since he was 16 years old.

Select 3 for more information. 3 Restaurant is located at 461 West Central Street.

Saturday, August 17, 2024

Saturday August 17, 9:00am to 12:00pm and 1:00pm to 4:00pm, Franklin Public Library Book Sale. All books are $1 from 9:00am to 12:00pm. The Bag Sale is on the Saturday 1:00-4:00 p.m. Fill a brown paper shopping bag with books for five dollars! Select Library for more information. Franklin Public Library is located at 118 Main Street.

Saturday, August 17, 10:00am to 1:00pm, Franklin Historical Museum traditional hours, exhibits open. FREE (Donations encouraged) Select Museum for additional information about this event. The Historical Museum is located at 80 West Central Street.

Saturday, August 17, 10:00am to 11:00am, Rise Up monthly meeting at Franklin United Methodist Church. A social hour intended to connect the community with those navigating life with disability. Select Rise for more information. UMC is located at 82 West Central Street.

Saturday, August 17, 12:00pm to 3:00pm FHS Boys Soccer Wine & Pizza Fundraiser at La Cantina Winery. Tickets are $40 per person and include one beverage, pizza, live music and a fun afternoon! See below for details! Advanced ticket purchase recommended!

Venmo: @FHSBoysSoccerBoosters La Cantina Winery is located at 230 Cottage Street. Select La Cantina for information about the restaurant. Located at 230 Cottage St.

Saturday, August 17, 1:00pm. Franklin Historical Museum is hosting a one-day learning event. Per the Alan Earls, Chair, Franklin Historical Commission,  "The program draws inspiration from the twin summer independence days of the United States (July 4) and India (August 14). While the two nations are very different in many ways, a common connection to British legal and business practices as well as widespread use of the English language provide much common ground.

Planned activities on the 17th include:

•  Opening remarks, welcome
• National anthems of the USA and India
• An overview of Indian Culture, History, and common threads with Europe and the USA
• Dance -- an introduction to the meaning and practice of Dance in India.
• An introduction to  Yoga, Meditation and Ayurveda"

FREE (Donations encouraged) Select Museum for additional information about this event. The Historical Museum is located at 80 West Central Street.

Saturday, August 17, at 8:00pm, THE BLACK BOX Sings… WICKED outside under the stars! Ticketed event.

Pianist Austin Davy from the Wicked tour accompanies an FPAC all-star cast featuring Ali Funkhouser, Nick Paone, Katie Gray, Hallie Wetzell, and Tim Ayres-Kerr.  Join us at TBB for a celebration of the music of WICKED and the story of the Witches of Oz.

Table seating and general seating are available. In case of inclement weather, the event will be moved inside. Modeled after the popular cabaret series “54 Sings” at Feinstein’s/54 Below in NYC, THE BLACK BOX continues THE BLACK BOX Sings… Series this summer. The series celebrates the music of musicals, composers, and artists sung by Franklin Performing Arts Company favorites. 

Select BLACK BOX for ticketing and information. The BLACK BOX is located at 15 West Central Street.

Saturday, August 17, 8:00pm to 11:00pm, Karaoke, Every Saturday Night, at Raillery Public House. Select Raillery for information. Raillery Public House is located at 280 Franklin Village Drive.

Sunday, August 18, 2024

Sunday, August 18, 10:00am Lay-led service, The UU Value of An Expression of Love. Lay Leaders: Stirling and Brian Cousins at First Universalist Society in Franklin.

FUSF Lay members, Stirling and Brian Cousins believe our shared UU Value of Transformation calls on each of us to collectively transform ourselves and to grow spiritually and ethically. In this sermon they will explore how the personal choices we all make enable us to undergo

ethical transformation related to our relationship with the interdependent web of life (Value of Interdependence). They will further discuss how transformation applied to the ethics of our personal choices is a full expression of Love.

We invite you to stay for cookies and conversation. Select FUSF for more information. First Universalist Society is located at 262 Chestnut Street.

Sunday, August 18, 1:00pm to 4:00pm, Franklin Historical Museum. Doors open at 1:00pm. FREE admission. Select Museum for information. The Historical Museum is located at 80 West Central Street.

Monday, August 19, 2024

Monday, August 19, 4:00pm to 5:00pm, Music at the Blissful! A Fun Family Concert! at Franklin Public Library. Join us for a fun, high energy music program for children and their grownups! Musician Evan Haller brings the energy to get the whole crowd up and dancing!

NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED!

CONTACT: Caleigh Keating  5085204941  ckeating@minlib.net

Franklin Public Library is located at 218 Main Street.

Monday, August 19, 4:00pm to 7:00pm Cruise Night at Sierra's Brick Oven Pizza. Join us at Sierra's Brick Oven Pizza, Franklin every Monday from May 6 to October 28, for a FREE and fun Cruise Night right here in the town of Franklin! Sponsored by Tri-County Regional Chamber, Franklin Observer and Communities Matter!

Tuesday, August 20 , 2024

Tuesday, August 20, 11:00am to 1:00pm Community Closet at Franklin United Methodist Church. The Community Closet takes donations of gently used and new clothing. The clothing is available for those who express a need and for those who need a free therapeutic shopping experience to meet neighbors.

" We believe community is built when people meet, serve, and share with neighbors."

Select UMC for for information. The Franklin United Methodist Church is located at 82 West Central Street.

Tuesday, August 20, 6:00pm Celebrating Olympian Kristi Kirshe on the Franklin Town Common. Kirshe will be honored with citations from State Representative Jeff Roy and from Franklin's Town Council. The event will also be broadcast on Franklin TV's YouTube channel. More details to follow on Town of Franklin website.

Just Around the Corner ...

Saturday, August 24, 11:00am to 2:00pm The Dog Project: More than just pets! Sponsored by Franklin Lions Club on the Town Common. Booths, demonstrations, and more. All proceeds will be donated to a local dog organization. Select Dog for information.

Thursday, August 29, Food and Wine Tasting at The Little Shop of Olive Oils. Join us at The Little Shop of Olive Oils in Franklin, MA for a sommelier-led wine and food private pairing adventure. Enjoy a 90-minute session with Wine Educator Missa Capozzo, as she presents 5 wines with 5 perfect pairings, along with fun, educational demonstrations on the basics of wine and food pairing. It's an entertaining, enlightening experience not to be missed! 21+ event. Select Shop for information, menu and ticketing. Located at 5 Main Street.

Saturday, August 31, 6:00pm to 7:00pm Overdose Awareness Day, Safe Coalition, Franklin Town Common. Join us to remember and honor loved ones we’ve lost to overdose. International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) is observed each August 31. On this day, communities worldwide come together to reduce overdose stigma, increase understanding and awareness, remember those who died of overdose, and prevent drug-related harm. Select Safe Coalition for more information.

Wednesday September 4, 6:30pm: Franklin Art Association Monthly Meeting & Demonstration by artist, Kim Weineck. The Franklin Art Association invites the public to their Wednesday, Sept.4 meeting. The guest demonstration - artist is Kim Morin Weinect, the fine art painter for this month's meeting. She will be giving a fine art gouache, step by step demonstration. Her work can be found at Gallery 9 in Norwood, Zullo Gallery in Medfield, the Design Center at Franklin Mill Store and other venues. The free to the public meetings are held at the Franklin Senior Center, 10 Daniel McCahill Street. Select FAA for more information about this organization.

Saturday, September 28, 8:30am, St. Vincent de Paul Friends of the Poor Walk on the Town Common. Blessing for the Walk will be at 9:00 a.m. on the Town Common, registration at 8:30 a.m. The Walk Participants can Collect donations and Walk with us or donate online.

The registration link for the 2024 Friends of the Poor Walk will be available soon. All money raised stays in Franklin, to assist anyone in need of help. Put your feeling of compassion into action and join us for this walk! Select SVdP for additional information.

Saturday, September 28, 12:00pm to 5:00pm, Franklin Downtown Partnership Harvest Festival in downtown Franklin. Save this date. The rain date is Sunday, September 29, 12:00pm to 5:00pm. More Harvest Festival information to follow.

Partnering with Franklin Matters @https://www.franklinmatters.org sharing information about what matters in Franklin. Visit Franklin Matters for Franklin information.

Franklin Cultural District Committee

Amy Adams, Katherine Botelho,

Pandora Carlucci, Sue Cass, Patrick Conlan,

John LoPresti, Roberta Trahan 

Next FCDC meeting September 5 at 7:00pm

Franklin Public Library