What's happening in Franklin, MA: Saturday, April 5, 2025 ???

Saturday, April 5

** Franklin Art Association Art Show and Sale Exhibit (Norfolk Public Library)

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)
10:00am Brunch with Non-Scene Friends (Maks Roast Beef and Breakfast)
4:00pm "Winged Feet" art exhibition (Hopkinton Town Common)
7:00pm Rowboat (live music) (La Cantina Winery)
7:00pm Freaky Friday (Dean College Main Stage Theater)
7:30pm Franklin Underground (live music) (Teddy Gallagher's Irish Pub)
7:30pm The Kennedy's (live music) Circle of Friends Coffeehouse)
7:30pm Mary Anning: Fossil Hunter (chamber opera) (Apple Tree Arts, Grafton)

 

For additional details on Library & Senior Center events ->  

https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar.aspx?CID=37,24&showPastEvents=false

 

For additional details on Library & Senior Center events ->  

https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar.aspx?CID=37,24&showPastEvents=false

** 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 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

We stand with our Jewish neighbors - Sunday, April 6 at 2 PM

Following an incident of vandalism at Temple Etz Chaim on Tuesday night
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/04/franklin-police-report-investigations.html the Franklin Interfaith Council and Franklin Freedom Team invite you to stand in solidarity and support of our Jewish neighbors. 

 

We stand with our Jewish neighbors

Antisemitism is on the rise all over our country, and it’s not OK. We don’t accept it and won’t allow it to spread in Franklin. Franklin stands for love.

Let’s show the Jewish community and the Temple Etz Chaim congregation that they’re not alone; that we people of all faiths stand with them.

THIS Sunday, April 6, 2025
2 PM on Franklin Town Common

For more information contact:

The Rev Kathy McAdams
Vice President, Franklin Interfaith Council
857-237-9428
Rector@StJohnsFranklinMA.or

Franklin, MA: School Committee agenda for meeting on Tuesday, April 8, 2025 at 7 PM

Franklin School Committee
April 8, 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. McNeill
D.    FHS Student Representative Comments
E.    Superintendent’s Report
 

II.    Guests/Presentations
A.    District Reorganization Update – Elementary & ECDC

III.    Discussion/Action Items
A.    School Choice Vote
I recommend to not accept School Choice students for the 2025-2026 School Year as discussed.
B.    Foreign Exchange Student Vote
I recommend to not accept Foreign Exchange students for the 2025-2026 school year as discussed.
C.    Policy - 2nd Reading - Adoption/Elimination
I recommend adoption / elimination of the following policies as discussed: 2nd 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.    Grants Update - Jana Melotti

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 25, 2025 School Committee meeting as detailed.
B.    Oak Street Recurring Field Trip - Roger Williams Zoo
I recommend approval of the request of Brad Hendrixson to take 2nd graders to Roger Williams Zoo in Providence, RI on 4/29/25 as detailed.
C.    Oak Street Recurring Field Trip - Prov. Children’s Museum
I recommend approval of the request of Brad Hendrixson to take 1st graders to the Providence Children’s Museum in Providence, RI on 5/9/25 as detailed.

Tuesday, April 8, 2025 at 7 PM

VII.    Good of the Order

VIII.    Citizen’s Comments

IX.    New Business
To discuss any future agenda items

X.    Executive Session

A.    Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A, §21(a)(3) to discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining with the FEA, Van Drivers, Cafeteria, ESP/LPN and Secretaries units as an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the School Committee and the chair so declares.
B.    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

XI.    Adjournment

 

The agenda doc contains remote participation info

https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/5504558/SCAGENDA_4-8-25.pdf

 

 

Franklin School Committee: Agenda for Policy Subcommittee Meeting - April 8, 6 PM

Franklin School Committee
Policy Subcommittee Meeting
DATE: 4/8/25    TIME: 6:00

 

AGENDA

"The listing of matters are those reasonably anticipated by the Chair which may be discussed at the meeting. Not all items listed may, in fact, be discussed, and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by law."

I.    Attendance -

Agenda for Policy Subcmte Mtg

II.    Distribution of Approved Policies

A.    none

Ill.    Discussion of Policies sent to School Committee

A.    ACA - Nondiscrimination on the basis of Sex
B.    Elimination: ACA-R - Nondiscrimination on the basis of Sex Under Title IX including sex based harassment

IV.    Policy Revisions & New Policies - New Discussion Item

A.    FF - Naming Facilities
B.    KCDA - Memorial Commemorations
C.    Transportation Update
D.    Letter of Support for An Act to Modernize Funding for Community Media Programming.
E.    User Fees 2025-26

 

The agenda doc contains remote participation info -> 

https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/5504672/4_8_25_Policy_Subcommittee_Agenda_.pdf 

Beaver Street Interceptor (BSI) Project Construction Update for the Week of April 7

Beaver Street Interceptor (BSI) Project Construction Update

Monday (4/7) through Friday (4/11): The construction crew will be conducting the jack and bore trenchless installation of the new sewer under Rte. 140. The work will be occurring off the road at 38 Pond St. and within the Franklin Village Mall area. No traffic impacts are expected.

At the Franklin Recreation Center, the construction of the new Beaver Street Interceptor Pump Station will continue with excavation of the launching chamber, civil work within the site, and mechanical work within the pump room.

Looking ahead to the week of April 14th, the contractor is anticipating being on Grove St. During this time, Grove St. will be closed at the MBTA train tracks between the hours of 7 AM -- 4 PM. Traffic turning onto Grove St from Rt. 140 will be detoured over to Beaver Street via Rt. 140. Please follow posted detour signs for directions.

Please reference the interactive map and posted signs for details and updates.

We appreciate the public's continued support and understanding and will continue to communicate regularly via social media, our dedicated email list, and the construction map as work progresses.

 

 

Eat at Panera Saturday, April 5 and help the JF Kennedy Elementary School fund raising effort

All day this Saturday!

 

Eat at Panera Saturday, April 5 and help the JF Kennedy Elementary School fund raising effort

 

Shared from ->  https://www.facebook.com/share/p/16Jq1t4Xwd/

Town of Franklin hiring for Assessors, Planning, Public Works, Senior Center, Facilities

Town of Franklin hiring

 

It's time to get Frank(lin) about your future! We've got positions that are civic-minded, community focused and benefits-loaded.

Whether you are looking to build a career, serve your neighbors or make an impact in your community - we have roles that will help you grow, serve and shine.

#PunandPublicService #Franktalk #NowHiring #PublicServicewithPurpose #JoinUs #CareerOpportunity

 

Details on the current positions open can be found ->

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/228/Job-Opportunities

 

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/DICDt1epxrT/?

Check out the new School Committee newsletter published April 3, 2025

Changes are underway in our schools, shaped by both ongoing planning and necessary improvements. From capital projects to bus route adjustments, these efforts aim to enhance the student experience.

 

School Committee newsletter Published April 3, 2025

With the June 3rd override vote approaching, staying informed is key. Read on to understand what’s ahead for our schools and community.

Franklin High School administrators are tracking course selection trends, and Franklin Middle School continues refining its structure, including updates to the master schedule to better serve students and educators.

There are also several upcoming events that bring our school community together. Keep reading for all the details.

We value your feedback! Please share your thoughts and suggestions through our feedback form on how the Franklin School Committee can better serve you.

Feedback form -> https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe5G0ebLBorBr0_wKuEcz9Qe8oJOd-K1c6gMtjunY-F1wj4kw/viewform

 

Continue reading the newsletter -> 

https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/5495488/20250403_-_Franklin_School_Committee_Newsletter_-_April_4__2025.pdf

 

Online search results: The good, the bad, and the scammy

Online search results: The good, the bad, and the scammy By BCP Staff Online search results can offer significant benefits to consumers, helping people find what they're looking for. But online search results are also used by scammers to steer you in the wrong direction. Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2025/04/online-search-results-good-bad-and-scammy?utm_source=govdelivery

---

Online search results: The good, the bad, and the scammy

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule for Saturday, April 5, 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, April 4, 2025 ???

Friday, April 4

** Franklin Art Association Art Show and Sale Exhibit (Norfolk Public Library)

10:00am Knitting Group (Franklin Public Library)

1:00pm Thrifty Threads (Franklin Federated Church)

7:00pm Freaky Friday (Dean College Main Stage Theater)

7:30pm Jamie Barrett (live music) (Bog Iron Brewing)

For additional details on Library & Senior Center events ->  

https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar.aspx?CID=37,24&showPastEvents=false

** 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 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 Community Raises Over $31,000 for Food Assistance at 'Party for the Pantry'

From Live Music to Dream Vacations, Franklin Food Pantry’s Annual Fundraiser a Resounding Success

The Franklin Food Pantry, which provides food assistance and programs in Franklin, Massachusetts, is pleased to announce it raised over $31,000 at this year’s Party for The Pantry which took place on Saturday, March 29, 2025.  The ticketed party, which took place at THE BLACK BOX, featured live music from The Pub Kings, J.P. Royer, and Matt Zajac and Friends, as well as a silent auction and numerous raffle prizes.

Franklin Community Raises Over $31,000

Sponsors for the event included: Allegra Marketing Print Mail, THE BLACK BOX, Direct Federal Credit Union, Laura and Kyle Juszczyszyn, Middlesex Savings Bank, Raydio, CR Schmall Building and Remodeling, The Baur Family, The Gendreau Family, Colonial Fence, Eagle Stainless Tube and Fabrication, Mike and Maureen Sabolinski, Elemen-Tree House, K Cooks, and Upfront Guitars.

New this year, the event featured a travel auction from AmFund Foundation, which provides fundraising travel programs to non-profit organizations, helping raise crucial funds through unique and memorable travel experiences. Party for The Pantry attendees had the opportunity to bid on eight once-in-a-lifetime vacations, including trips to Africa, Florence, Paris, Ireland, Sedona, Greece, Scotland, and Portugal. Those who were unable to attend the event but still wish to support The Pantry by purchasing travel packages can contact Julie Manninen from AmFund Foundation at julie@amfund.org.

“We are incredibly grateful for the overwhelming support from our community at this year’s Party for The Pantry,” said Tina Powderly, Executive Director of the Franklin Food Pantry. “The generosity shown by our attendees, sponsors, and volunteers will enable us to continue providing vital resources to our neighbors in need.”

Fundraising events are an essential operating revenue source for The Pantry. Money raised will purchase food and personal care items, pay for the cost of programs and services, and support daily operations.

For more information on supporting the Franklin Food Pantry, or to attend an upcoming fundraising event, please visit the Franklin Food Pantry website at www.franklinfoodpantry.org.

About the Franklin Food Pantry, Inc.

The Franklin Food Pantry, Inc. offers supplemental food assistance, household necessities, and resource referrals to more than 1,800 individuals per year. The Pantry relies on donations and grants to purchase items and pay for daily operations, and partnerships with The Greater Boston Food Bank, Spoonfuls, and local grocery stores to achieve greater buying power and lower costs. 

Programs include In-person Shopping, Curbside Pick-up, Emergency Food Bags, Mobile Pantries, Home Delivery, Kids’ Snack Bags, Weekend Backpacks, Holiday Meals, and the SNAP match at Franklin Farmers Market. The Pantry is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization in good standing in Massachusetts, recognized by Charity Navigator as a Four-Star Charity, and awarded GuideStar’s Platinum Transparency ranking. The Pantry is located at 341 W Central St. in Franklin, MA on Route 140. 

Please visit www.franklinfoodpantry.org for more information.

Franklin Police report investigations underway on 2 incidents of Vandalism / Hate Crimes

FPD report investigations underway

On Wednesday, April 2, 2025 the Franklin Police Department was notified of a vandalized sign at the Temple Etz Chaim located at 900 Washington Street. Red paint had been applied to a small “We Stand With Israel” yard sign. The red paint was also applied to a light and solar panel which illuminated the temple’s sign and the solar panel was partially torn from its mounting bracket. It is believed that this vandalism may have occurred between 8:30 PM on Tuesday, April 1st and 8:00 AM on Wednesday, April 2nd.

On Wednesday, April 2nd the Franklin Police Department was also notified of a second vandalism incident located near the sidewalk of 43 East Central St. where a swastika symbol was spray painted on the ground in black spray paint. It is believed this occurred between 8:00 PM on Tuesday, April 1st to 6:00 AM on Wednesday, April 2nd.

The Franklin Police Department is investigating both incidents. There is no evidence at this time to suggest that these incidents are related but that possibility is not being ruled out. The Franklin Police Department is asking anyone who may have any information regarding these incidents or may have seen something during these times to contact Detective Jack Flynn at 508- 440-2720 or jflynn@franklinma.gov.

Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting 03/25/25 - audio in 3 parts for easy access

FM #1420-1421-1422 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1420-1421-1422 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, March 25, 2025. 7 members participated, 6 in Council Chambers.1 remote (Gallagher). 

The audio for the meeting is split into 3 segments for ease of listening

Part 1 - #1420 = the beginning and ending of the meeting (approx. 58 minutes)

 https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1420-franklin-ma-school-cmte-mtg-p1-of-3-03-25-25/

 

Part 2 - #1421 = the High School course curriculum update (approx. 1 hour, 22 minutes) https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1421-franklin-ma-school-cmte-mtg-03-25-25/

 

 

Part 3 - #1422 = the Middle School redistricting update (approx. 1 hour 28 minutes) https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1422-franklin-ma-school-cmte-mtg-p3-of-3-03-25-25/

 

 

Quick recap:

• During the Superintendent's Report recognition was made of the Boys Basketball team for their first State D1 Championship. Recognition also made of the Cheerleaders with their National Championship multiple years doing so

• One team is still in competition, that is the FHS Theatre Co is scheduled to perform in the finals on Friday, with results known on Saturday evening. Tickets available via the website metg.org

• France, England & Scotland Field Trip - Nikki Hafele - an EF Tour proposed for 2026, approved via roll call by 7-0 vote

• Franklin High School Update - Dr. Weber, H McVay - an update on the course selection process and student choices within that, discussion also around budget and range of offerings as well as the trend of choices seems to be changing

• Middle School Reorganization Update - Mr. Williams; Evolution of the master schedule, mention of the must haves, can haves and nice to haves... 

• A unique year to do a middle school experience for all three grades, but thereafter would be for the incoming new 6th grade as they get welcomed from the future 2 elementary sending schools

• 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; Motion to move to second, passes via roll call 7-0

• Motion to enter Executive Session not to return to public session, passes 7-0 via roll call

 

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

Franklin TV video for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/live/RwZ6HFEvzx8?&t=95 

The meeting agenda can be found -> https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03252025-1651  

Documents released for this agenda after the meeting can be found -> 

https://www.franklinps.net/documents/departments/school-committee/meeting-packets/2024---25-meeting-packets/march-25%2C-2025-sc-meeting-packet/776268 

My full set of notes taken during the meeting can be found in one PDF ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PEGYx0qPwSu93ymlY0Xn7y57Rd0_s-kY/view?usp=drive_link 

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

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. 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!

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

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

 

FHS boys basketball State D1 Champs pose with School Committee

FHS cheerleaders multiple times National Champs pose with School Committee