Watch, Listen, Read: The 6th Joint Budget Listening Session - Wednesday, March 19

This combines the video, audio, and transcript for the 6th of the 6 listenting sessions in advance of the possible override decision/discussion for the FY 2026 budget.

This is the sixth of 6 listening sessions scheduled through March 12, 2025 in advance of a decision on an override (yes, or no), when? and for what amount. The decision discussion is committed to be on the agenda for the March 19 Town Council meeting.

** Watch

video link ->   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O3yEVAe0NHU 

** Listen

audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1404-joint-budget-listening-session-6-03-12-25/

** Read 

Transcript prepared by Otter.ai and edited for speaker name accuracy. As the audio time stamp is also included you can synch the transcript to either the video or audio to catch the full spoken word.  PDF -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CHnwgdsqQ-HtVC0RC_bgGQy2vUz34mdX/view?usp=drive_link

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Listening Session #6 agenda doc -> https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/Joint-Budget-Subcommittee-6/?#_03122025-1620

Updated FY 2026 budget document -> https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4593/2025-03-05-Town-Council-Preliminary-Budget-Presentation-v2 

Citizen discounts and exemptions -> https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/4418/Local-and-State-Assistance-Programs-PDF 

You can find the collection of video, audio, and transcripts for ALL the Listening Sessions here ->  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/02/joint-budget-listening-sessions-fy-2026.html 

Joint Budget Subcommittee recommends to the Town Council a $3.862 M override for Tuesday, June 3

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Saturday, March 22, 2025 ???

Saturday, March 22

* "Look Up" Gallery (Franklin Public Library during open hours) 

9:00am Thrifty Threads (Franklin Federated Church)

9:30am Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) (Franklin Public Library)

10:00am Winter Farmers Market (Fairmount Fruit Farm)

10:00am Franklin Historical Museum (always free) 

10:30am  Kat Chapman Concert! (Franklin Public Library)

12:00pm "A Mile for the Mind" (Franklin Sculpture Park)

1:00pm Saturday Sessions with George (Pour Richard's Wine & Provisions)

1:00pm Open House Downtown Preschool (Downtown Preschool)

7:00pm Jennifer Tefft (live music) (Bucatino, North Falmouth)

7:00pm An Evening of Short Plays (Dean College Main Stage Theater)

7:30pm (sold out) FPAC: Mel Brooks "The Producers" (THE BLACK BOX)

** NO Town Meetings today   **

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Why are there multiple calendars?

What's happening today in Franklin? 

Respectfully, the Library and Senior Center calendars are too full of events to include all their events so we tend to focus on the major events. Town and School meetings are also kept separate. Links for all the calendars are shared here:

Find the full Community event calendar  https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://bit.ly/Submit2Calendar

The Library calendar of events ->    calendar link

The Senior Center calendar of events ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar.aspx?CID=37&showPastEvents=false

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/Calendar.aspx
The School district calendar is found  https://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/o/fpsd/page/school-calendars

Franklin, MA: Agenda for School Committee meeting Tuesday, March 25, 2025 at 7 PM

Franklin School Committee

March 25, 2025 7:00 PM

Municipal Building – Council Chambers

Call to Order                  Mr. Callaghan

Pledge of Allegiance

Moment of Silence

I. Routine Business

A. Review of Agenda

B. Payment of Bills Mr. Callaghan

C. Payroll Mr. McNeil

D. FHS Student Representative Comments

E. Superintendent’s Report

II. Guests/Presentations

A. France, England & Scotland Field Trip - Nikki Hafele

B. Franklin High School Update - Dr. Weber

C. Middle School Reorganization Update - Mr. Williams

III. Discussion/Action Items

A. France, England & Scotland Trip Proposal

I recommend approval of the request of Nikki Hafele to take FHS students to

France, England and Scotland for 11 days between June 28, 2026 and July 14,

2026 (exact dates TBD) as detailed.

B. Policy - 1st Read & Elimination

I recommend moving the following policies to a second reading:

ACA - Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Sex

Elimination: ACA-R - Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Sex Under Title IX

Including Sex-Based Harassment

IV. Discussion Only Items

A. none

V. Information Matters

A. School Committee Sub-Committee Reports

B. School Committee Liaison Reports

VI. Consent Agenda

A. Approval of Minutes

I recommend approval of the minutes from your March 11, 2025 School

Committee Meeting and March 19, 2025 Special School Committee Meeting as detailed.

B. Parmenter Gift

I recommend the acceptance of $3,906.44 from the Parmenter PCC for field trips as detailed.

C. FHS Gift

I recommend the acceptance of $200.00 from Philip & Jari Vandermeer for supplemental supplies for FHS in memory of Richard Ayer III.

D. Oak Street Gift

I recommend the acceptance of $3,900.00 from the Oak St. PCC for field trips as detailed.

E. FHS Gifts

I recommend the acceptance of $10,918.09 as follows:

• $10,545.57 Show Tix In-house Enrichment
• $ 267.00 Parents Field Trips

• 

  Agenda for School Committee

  $ 105.52 Parents In-house Enrichment

VII. Citizen’s Comments

VIII. New Business

To discuss any future agenda items

IX. Executive Session

A. Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A, §21(a)(2) To conduct strategy sessions in preparation for negotiations with nonunion personnel or to conduct collective bargaining sessions or contract negotiations with nonunion personnel

X. Adjournment

Agenda doc ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03252025-1651

Keeping Creative Corner in our Community/Time is Running Out – Support Creative Corner Capital Campaign - Deadline April 20th

Dear Creative Corner Families and Friends,

I'm reaching out today because I need your help to secure Creative Art Corner's future here in Franklin. My vision has always been to provide a safe and inspiring space where children and young adults can express their emotions through art, promoting healing, growth, and creativity — all while having fun.

I'm thrilled to share that we've already raised $2000, which is 29% of our $7,000 goal. Every dollar gets us closer, and I'm asking you to consider making a donation today. Creative Corner needs a permanent home to continue offering our beloved after-school programs, summer camps, and community events. If we don't meet our goal by April 24th, all funds will be returned to donors, and we won't be able to move forward.

To put it simply — if 60 people give $100 or more, we'll reach our goal! I know firsthand how tight finances can be, especially as a single mom and small business owner. But I truly believe in the importance of art as a form of self-expression and therapy, and I'm committed to keeping that opportunity alive for our community's children.

Support Creative Corner Capital Campaign - Deadline April 20th

Here's the exciting part: Dean College has offered us an incredible five-year deal to move into a new, larger space at 21 E Central Street, right next to Birchwood Bakery. With more natural light, outdoor space, and room to grow, we'll be able to expand our programs, host local youth art exhibits, and collaborate with Dean College students on special events. Your support will also help us purchase a new kiln, hire staff for workshops and exhibitions, and ensure we have the materials needed to keep our young artists creating.

With recent cuts to arts programs in Franklin public schools, Creative Art Corner's role is more essential than ever. By contributing to our Kickstarter campaign, you're not just helping us move — you're ensuring that the arts remain accessible and vibrant in our community.

Please consider donating at http://kck.st/4i45m99. Every contribution matters, and sharing our campaign with friends, family, and neighbors can make an even greater impact.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your support. Together, we can keep the arts alive in Franklin.

Hugs and Happiness,

Amy

Amy M. Galose, MEd - Owner 

https://www.creativecornerartstudiofranklin.com

facebook - CreativeCornerArtStudio

Creative Corner is expanding its business! Help us reach our fundraising goal by May 31, 2025. Checkout our KickStart here!

"You can't use up CREATIVITY the more you use the more you have" Maya Angelou"

Franklin Town Council sets June 3 for date of Override vote on $3,862,672 to balance FY 2026 budget (audio)

FM #1411 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1411 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares our “Town Council Quarterbacking” with Town Council Chair Tom Mercer. We had our conversation via the Zoom Conference Bridge on Friday, March 21, 2025.  

Our conversation condensed the Town Council meeting of March 19, 2025. 

We focus on two questions:

• ok, what just happened? 

• What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?

Topics for this session

• Discussion and vote to set an override before the community in the amount of $3,862,672 and on Tuesday, June 3, 2025. There were 2 separate votes, one on the ballot question text and the second on the date. Both passed with the same 8-0-1 (8 for, none against, 1 absent - Dellorco)

• The School Committee had met earlier that evening and voted unanimously to support the override vote. Chair Dave Callaghan and Vice-Chair David McNeill stood up to make that announcement during the discussion

• Other legislation for action on the minimum item agenda for the evening; 2 items to extend the sewer and water lines to a new residence that had already been approved in the first vote both received the passing vote by the same 8-0-1 vote (1 absent) via roll call

• A resolution accepting gifts to the Veterans services was approved and thanks extended

• Town Administrator's Report

• Jamie acknowledged receipt of a letter from Archbishop Henning commending the work of the Fire Dept on the St Mary's Church fire. He had just recently attended the re-opening masses. The letter will be posted to the Town pages

• The lease for Town use of the Ferrara's parking lot was signed to extend the agreement for 5 years

• The final approvals on the deed and associated documents for the Old South Church were completed and to be handed over to Habitat for Humanity so the docs can be filed with the Registrar of Deeds, and work can begin to renovate the building for a residence

Let’s listen to my conversation with Tom as we recap the Town Council meeting. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1411-town-council-quarterbacking-03-21-25/

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Franklin TV video for replay of meeting -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GoNPkBHRLzI 

The agenda doc released for the meeting ->    https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03192025-1639 

My full set of notes taken during the meeting (in one PDF) -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1TPEkxHcViPCNwOGHmiydPVt1rGW5Xy05/view?usp=drive_link 

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We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.  

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

• And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach out. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do

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!

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

Franklin TV video for replay of meeting -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GoNPkBHRLzI

ALARM Robotics recognized with prestigious Engineering Inspiration Award at 2025 Awards - NE District URI Event

We are happy to share that ALARM Robotics has won the prestigious Engineering Inspiration Award again this year at the recent robotics competition at University of Rhode Island. View the complete listing of awards -> https://frc-events.firstinspires.org/2025/RIKIN/awards

ALARM Robotics is a Franklin based, community robotics team that calls Red Brick School House its home.

ALARM Robotics

This is what the competition announced about us:

"The Engineering Inspiration Award celebrates outstanding success in advancing respect and appreciation for engineering within a team’s organization, and community. Inspiring others to respect science and technology requires passion, knowledge and commitment, and we recognize these qualities through this award.

2079 is giving the competition a wake up call. Despite working with a limited budget, they proved their innovation isn't about resources, it's about determination. Through inclusive STEM workshops and mentorship, they've inspired future engineers across all ages, showing that anyone can build, create, and dream. Their impact reaches far beyond competition, proving that true engineering comes from resilience and passion for sharing knowledge."

We have recently published a video on our outreach work ->    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3o6lguBKp1k

The Franklin Food Pantry's Veggie Project could use your help

Hello friends, fellow gardeners and volunteers,

We hope this finds you well and getting excited to get your hands into the dirt!  The Franklin Food Pantry will continue to grow organic vegetables for their clients for the 2025 season.  The Pantry is also planning to continue its Farmers Market on the front patio of the building during one or more of the shopping days from June through October.  In 2024 over 2000 lbs. of produce was grown in the community gardens and several hundred flower arrangements were made and distributed to very grateful clients!  Shoppers were given the opportunity to add more produce to their diet, try new veggies along with recipes and demonstrations, and utilize the incentives for shopping at local farmers markets.

one of The Pantry garden beds in 2020

There are several ways to get involved, volunteer and support the Veggie Project:

*Commit to a bed (or 2!) There are eight raised beds at the Franklin Community Garden that are being reserved for volunteers willing to grow, harvest and deliver produce to the Pantry. 

*Grow flowers at home or at the Franklin Community Garden, harvest and place in vases (repurposed jars, containers, etc.) and then bring them to the Pantry on shopping days.

*Become a FFP volunteer (if you aren't already) and sign up for a shift at the Pantry's Farmers Market.

Thank you all for your time and support over the years.  The need to support our neighbors experiencing food insecurity continues to increase.  We look forward to hearing from you if you think you may want to participate in what is sure to be another banner year! 

Happy Spring!

Jen Kuse

jkuse@franklinfoodpantry.org

Calling all artists - first public art micro gallery is here - YOU can be part of it

Calling all artists! Franklin’s first public art micro gallery is here, and we want YOU to be a part of it!

We’re inviting local and regional artists to submit proposals for original, site-specific artworks to be showcased in a unique neighborhood art space.

This small but mighty gallery will transform a repurposed library box into a dynamic space for creative expression. 

Calling all artists - first public art micro gallery is here - YOU can be part of it

Submit your proposals by May 1st to contribute to Franklin’s cultural vibrancy. Let’s bring art to the heart of our community! 

For more details -> https://www.franklinma.gov/1098/RFP-MicroGalleries

RFP details -> https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4780/MicroGallery-RFP-May-2025

Fiscal Year 2026 Override Information for Franklin, MA

"On March 19, 2025, the Town Council voted to adopt recommendations from the Joint Budget Subcommittee (JBSC) that the Town Council vote put forth a $3,862,672 override ballot question to the registered voters of the Town of Franklin at a Special Local Election on Tuesday, June 3, 2025. 

For details and additional information concerning this matter, please visit the FY26 Budget Override webpage."

FY 2026 Budget Overrride page -> https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/1089/Fiscal-Year-2026-Override-Information

The timeline reflects on what has happened in the Joint Budget process. I would emphasize that the critical meetings are actually scheduled before the vote June 3.

Detailed questions and answers can be found with 

(1) the Finance Committee budget hearings over three days: Apr 28, Apr 29, and May 1

(2) the Town Council budget hearings scheduled for May 21 and May 22.

The official Town budget comes out in April and will be the source of the detailed discussion reviewed during the budget hearings. There really should be no questions unanswered by the time June 3 arrives.

Fiscal Year 2026 Override Information for Franklin, MA

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule for Saturday, March 22, 2025

Yes, Franklin has it's own radio station -> wfpr.fm. Franklin Public Radio has a brand new schedule for the locally produced shows that fill our air waves. 

It ia available anywhere, anytime at wfpr.fm or in the local Franklin, MA area at 102.9 on the FM dial.

Tune in to listen to the following:

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule for Saturday

Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf 

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule for Saturday

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Friday, March 21, 2025 ???

Friday, March 21

For additional details on Library & Senior Center events ->     
https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar.aspx?CID=37,24&showPastEvents=false

* "Look Up" Gallery (Franklin Public Library during open hours)

10:00am Knitting Group (Franklin Public Library)

1:00pm Thrifty Threads (Franklin Federated Church)

7:00pm Jennifer Tefft (live music) (Kennedy's Restaurant & Market, Marlboro)

7:00pm An Evening of Short Plays (Dean College Main Stage Theater)

7:30pm FPAC: Mel Brooks "The Producers" (THE BLACK BOX)

** NO Town Meetings today   **

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

Why are there multiple calendars?

What's happening today in Franklin? 

Respectfully, the Library and Senior Center calendars are too full of events to include all their events so we tend to focus on the major events. Town and School meetings are also kept separate. Links for all the calendars are shared here:

Find the full Community event calendar  https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://bit.ly/Submit2Calendar

The Library calendar of events ->    calendar link

The Senior Center calendar of events ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar.aspx?CID=37&showPastEvents=false

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/Calendar.aspx
The School district calendar is found  https://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/o/fpsd/page/school-calendars