Get that spring feeling with Scott Mason as he shares some baseball stories (audio)

FM #1638 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1638 in the series.

This session shares my conversation with Scott Mason. We had our discussion in the Franklin TV & Radio Studio on Monday, January 12, 20256

 

Scott Mason

Our conversation covers 

• Trains & baseball

• Pawtucket Red Sox, Ben Mondor

• Playing in senior league

• Spring training for new season

The recording runs about 54 minutes, so let’s listen in.

Audio link ->  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1638-scott-mason-baseball-stories-01-12-26/

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Recording for Train Town 1 - Franklin/Dean Station https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/12/talking-about-train-town-franklin-with.html 

Photos of Train Town 1  https://photos.app.goo.gl/63swENWgBkK4xMrh8 

Train Town 2 - Thompson Print & the railroad roundhouse  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/12/scott-mason-talks-about-train-town.html 

Photos of Train Town 2  https://photos.app.goo.gl/XmDcRiygct5kg6Vh7 

Train Town 3 - or “Franklin in Miniature” 

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/11/scott-mason-talks-about-train-town-3.html 

Photos of Train Town 3 or “Franklin in Miniature”

https://photos.app.goo.gl/6dX8gNB9q3yFfycW8 

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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"

Joe Landry and Scott Mason present "The Rome Block" (video)

Here is the presentation that Joe Landry and Scott Mason recorded at Franklin TV about the Rome Restaurant block.

Video link -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ye0G1Qen4G4

Franklin in Miniature opens today at 10 AM at the Historical Museum

The 3rd HO scale model of Franklin circa 1932 opens today at the Historical Museum. Another piece of amazingly detailed work by Scott Mason.

the three displays in a row, in order of release with the newest further in

An album of pictures that I was able to take in advance of the opening

https://photos.app.goo.gl/6dX8gNB9q3yFfycW8

You can listen to Scott talk about the development of this diorama

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/11/scott-mason-talks-about-train-town-3.html

"Franklin in Miniature" exhibit opens at Historical Museum - Saturday, Dec 6

The Franklin Historical Museum and Franklin Historical Commission cordially invites you to the Grand Opening of our new exhibit "Franklin in Miniature"! 

Please join us for the opening ceremony at 10 AM on December 6, or visit us anytime in the months of December and January to view the exhibit!

The new HO scale train exhibit adds the Franklin Mill Store complex to that of  "Train Town 1" (Franklin Dean Station) and "Train Town 2" (the former Thompson Press & the roundhouse)

Listen to my conversations with Scott Mason as we talk about 

Train Town 1 -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/12/talking-about-train-town-franklin-with.html 

Train Town 2 -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/12/scott-mason-talks-about-train-town.html 

Train Town 3 -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/11/scott-mason-talks-about-train-town-3.html

Scott Mason talks about the Train Town 3 exhibit to open Dec 6 (audio)

FM #1585 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1585 in the series. 

This session shares my conversation with Scott Mason. We had our discussion in the Franklin TV & Radio Studio on Monday, November 10, 2025.

 

Our conversation covers 

• Train Town 3 - the Mill Store, Franklin Paint

• Opening Dec 6, 2025 & running through Jan 2026

• What’s next? Other history bits possibly worth exploring

The recording runs about 53 minutes, so let’s listen in.

Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1585-scott-mason-talks-about-train-town-3-11-10-25/

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Recording for Train Town 1 - Franklin/Dean Station https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/12/talking-about-train-town-franklin-with.html 

Photos of Train Town 1  https://photos.app.goo.gl/63swENWgBkK4xMrh8 

Train Town 2 - Thompson Print & the railroad roundhouse  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/12/scott-mason-talks-about-train-town.html 

Photos of Train Town 2  https://photos.app.goo.gl/XmDcRiygct5kg6Vh7 

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

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!

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

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

Scott Mason talks about the Train Town 3 exhibit to open Dec 3

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule for Friday, November 7, 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 is 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 Friday

8:00 AM, 1:00 PM, and 6:00 PM - Franklin Matters Radio – Steve Sherlock covering Franklin, its local government, services, and events 

• This segment shares my conversation with Scott Mason as he shares his Town Council insights  ->   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/11/scott-mason-shares-his-insights-on-work.html

9:00 AM, 2:00 PM, and 7:00 PM

10:00 AM, 3:00 PM, and 8:00 PM - Talkin’ the Blues – Jim Derick & Nick Remissong. 2 hours of awesome blues music, info, interviews  Showcasing the "Blues" as a basis for and influence of Country, Jazz and Rock and Roll, here and worldwide.

11:00 AM, 4:00 PM, and 9:00 PM - “The Vibe” show plays music for everyone searching for some enjoyment, some dance, a happy or thinking mood, and most importantly, having fun.  Tune in to wfpr.fm and listen to “DJ Vibe” spin music across many genres and join this new vibing experience

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

Former Franklin Town Council Chairman Scott Mason Shoots for 100th Baseball Win

Scott Mason

Scott Mason has 93 wins in the Rhode Island - Massachusetts Senior Baseball League.  He hopes to notch his 100th by mid-summer.  No other pitcher in the league's history has more wins.

Scott, 62, dominates in this "Over 50" league, which is composed primarily of former college ballplayers as well as a few former minor and major leaguers.  Mason is on the short-list to make the league's Hall of Fame.

Scott was born and raised in Franklin.  He pitched for Franklin High School, the University of Dayton and Dean College, and had winning seasons at all three schools.  He pitched at Dean College under Rick Smith, former Superintendent of Schools in North Attleboro.  Said Smith about Mason: "He was and is the smartest player, and quickest learner, I ever coached...in my entire career, if I ever needed just one out, I would give the ball to Scott."

Scott was on the Franklin Town Council from 2005 to 2011, serving as its Chairman for the last two years.  He also coached youth baseball, including multiple high school and Legion teams.  

Scott is also a Franklin Historical Commission Member and a professional modeler of miniature railroad dioramas. Since 2022, Scott has re-created the Franklin Historical Museum's train depot diorama.

Scott was also a professional sports photographer, having worked for the  New England Patriots, the Pawtucket Red Sox and the Sun Chronicle.

Scott is married to Tina Powderly and together they have five children: Kelly (Cincinnati, Ohio), Kathryn (Franklin), Samantha (Boston), Tyler (Franklin) and Allison (Franklin).

Mason is slated to pitch Opening Day, April 26 at 9 AM, Cranston Stadium, Cranston, RI.

 

 

Second Sunday Speaker Series: Joe Landry & Scott Mason (video)

Want to catch up to the Second Sunday Speaker Series featuring Joe Landry & Scott Mason? Thanks to Franklin TV, you can.

Video link ->  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cAfa7Z5v8XM

Scott Mason talks about the "Train Town Franklin" exhibit opening today (Dec 2, 2023) at the Franklin Historical Museum (audio)

FM #1103 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1103 in the series. 

This shares my conversation with current Historical Commission member Scott Mason. Scott has a lifelong passion for model railroads. 

Scott is designing and building the second diorama of historical Franklin, circa 1932. This second part features a scale model of the Thompson Printing Mill and of the railroad roundhouse located just east of the downtown train station. 

Our conversation explores some of his Franklin story and then gets into the development of this second of the series of dioramas. We talk about the research, interesting findings, decisions on scale, etc.

Train Town #2 will be displayed along with Train Town #1. The exhibit is scheduled to open Dec 2, 2023 and run through the end of January 2024 at the Historical Museum. The museum is open on Saturdays (10 AM to 1 PM), and Sundays (1 PM to 4 PM) during winter.

Our conversation runs about 28 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Scott and his work on “Train Town #2” recorded November 30, 2023.

Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1108-train-town-2-with-scott-mason-11-30-23 (oops, the original audio file has a technical glitch as the interview closed out. This file was corrected as of 9:30 PM, Dec 3, 2023)

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Historical Museum notification on Train Town #2 https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/11/downtown-franklins-model-railway.html 

Scott’s model railroad page on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/people/wwwScottyMasoncom/100063840514784/

Train Town Franklin 2022 recording -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/12/talking-about-train-town-franklin-with.html 

Photo album of Train Town #1 -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/63swENWgBkK4xMrh8 

Photos of Train Town #2 will be added as soon as available

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

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

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 your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

Scott Mason talks about the "Train Town Franklin" exhibit opening today

Letter from Scott Mason

Dear Franklin Citizens,

As I write this, I am trying to clear my head after a very long day at the polls yesterday.

Nearly 40-percent of our registered voters exercised their constitutional right to vote in a special election that asked voters to approve a $3 million tax override. The question failed.

Several members of the Town Council, School Committee, Finance Committee, as well as many private citizens, worked very hard over the past month in an attempt to present the facts behind the need for this extra money. We held a public forum, spoke to PCC’s and met with folks in their homes. Many of us used vacation time from work, sacrificed time with families, and postponed personal plans to provide this service. We did this willingly and with enthusiasm for a cause we truly believe in – the Town of Franklin.

Along the way, we met people who welcomed us into their homes, invited their friends to hear us, and were genuinely concerned with the troubles our community faces.

We also met and heard from citizens who don’t believe in what we are doing. We were told that Franklin overspends, that Franklin must live within it’s means; that because private businesses are not providing raises to it’s workers, Franklin too, must continue to cut personnel and services. In some cases, we as the town government were blamed for problems at the state and federal level. Some of these citizens engaged us in polite, civil conversation, and some, unfortunately, made their feelings known in less mature ways.

Franklin has always benefited from a below-average tax rate and above-average services. Our employees work very hard with very limited resources. It is my deepest hope that despite these next round of cuts, they can somehow continue to do so. We enjoy great “bang for the buck” in this town. Unfortunately, seeing the cuts that have been made over the years, the effects on our schools and municipal infrastructure, I know that we are in for a very rocky road.

I want to thank the folks that gave so much of their time to fight for this cause, and I want to thank everyone who took the time to vote, either for or against the override. Let’s never forget the thousands of men and women who sacrificed their lives to preserve our freedom. Democracy works.

Perhaps the best aspect of Proposition 2 1/2, is that it gives citizens the opportunity to determine the destiny of their community. This was played out in Franklin yesterday, and was and will be played out in many cities and towns in Massachusetts this spring. We as a Town Council will work with what we have as we have always done, and I as the Council Chairman will continue to do my best to represent the best interests of all our citizens.

Sincerely,

Scott Mason
Town Council Chairman



Franklin, MA