Appreciation Event celebrates the collaboration that returned a single family home to franklin housing stock (video)

State Representative Jeff Roy hosted the event on Monday, June 9, 2025. 

Video recording by Steve Sherlock (Franklin Matters/Franklin Public Radio)

Video link -> https://youtu.be/lXcfc3-nNbI

Front row (L-R) Nayda Sanchez-DeJesus, Mark Lanigan, Larry Rettman, Maurice Coleman, Jeff Roy, Chris Feeley, Mike Doherty, George Danello, Paul White; Back row: Lisa Mosczynski, Lisa Audette, Susan Speers

Event background:

The Franklin Housing Authority has acquired the ‘long-time vacant’ property located at 813 Summer Street, Franklin. The beautifully renovated three-bedroom home will be leased to an income eligible family and the property will remain in the Town’s affordable housing stock through perpetuity.   

The process of obtaining the property took many years and has involved much assistance from several local officials, agencies and advocates.

 

Supporters included: State Representative Jeffrey Roy, Jamie Hellen, Town Administrator, Lisa Mosczynski, President, Metacomet Land Trust (MLT) and all of MLT’s Board of Directors including Treasurer Susan Speers, Attorney Michael Doherty, Attorney Richard Cornetta, Chairman Christopher Vericker, Franklin Municipal Affordable Housing Trust (MAHT) and all MAHT’s Trust Members including Christopher Feeley, Bank of America, Dean Bank, George Danello, Chairman of the Franklin Housing Authority (FHA) and all FHA Board Members.

Read full article: 

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/08/franklin-housing-authority-preparing-to.html

Unofficial Override Results: The NO's take it by 185 votes (video)

The unofficial results of the override election are in.  You can listen as Town Clerk Nancy Danello make the announcement in the FHS gymnasium about 8:30 PM June 3, 2025

2025 2024

Yes = 5093     5542

No = 5278     5778

Blank =     4         5

Total = 10.375 11,325

Margin = 185          236

Percent turnout    40%            45%

So the budget balancing adjustments will need to be made. The Town Council is scheduled to meet on Wednesday, June 4. They already continued their 2nd FY 2026 budget hearing to this night. They were hoping to close the hearing and then approve the budget as proposed BUT with the No vote prevailing, the proposed cuts will need to be applied.

The Town Council will determine the amount of the school funding, the School Committee and Central Office will need to determine within their budget how that will fall out.

Likely the sports and bus fees will remain as this year, and there will be additional personnel cuts (10-15 were mentioned previously). They are scheduled to meet on June 10.

There are some important events remaining this week.

• The first Farmers market of the season opens Friday on the Town Common from 2 to 6 PM
• Franklin High School graduates in Class of 2025 Friday evening
• Little Women, the Musical opens at THE BLACK BOX for a run Friday, Sat and Sunday
• Porchfest returns to Franklin on Saturday, with the rain date for Sunday. You can find the full schedule of 30 porches and over 50 performances at Franklin Porchfest Info

For all the meetings and cultural events, check out the calendars at Franklin.news  where each day, that day's events are posted on the top of the page, the TV and radio schedules are on the bottom, and all the other goodness falls in-between.

Video link -> https://youtu.be/_f-UkftK3fo

Franklin Middle School Students Recite 'Democracy' by Langston Hughes and Meet with Senator

Franklin Middle School Students
Recite 'Democracy' by Langston Hughes

Superintendent Lucas Giguere, Curriculum Leader Joe Barca and Horace Mann Middle School teacher Joe Corey are proud to announce that a team of sixth-grade students formulated coherent arguments for recess as part of school-day learning time, recited Langston Hughes’ poem “Democracy” and met with State Senator Becca Rausch.

Now they’re preparing for their first Poetry Day at the Franklin Senior Center since the start of the pandemic.

Earlier this year, Mr. Corey’s Team Lightning embarked on a unit devoted to argument writing.

“Argument writing is one of the assigned units this year with our new CommonLit 360 curriculum,” Corey said. “The topic of investigation for grade 6 was recess. The kids read charts, handouts, and articles and watched videos about the research that proves the benefits of mandatory unstructured recess.”

The students had already bid farewell to recess the previous year.

“As sixth graders, they don't get to enjoy daily recess as was the case in grade 5, so they were enthusiastic about the topic,” Corey explained. “The unit closed with the kids writing a bulleted list of the best facts that support recess. My cluster, Team Lightning, took the culminating activity further by writing actual letters to three different audiences: the incoming principal of the combined middle school, the interim Commissioner of Education at the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) and one class wrote to state Rep. Jeffrey N. Roy, while the other class wrote to Sen. Rausch.”

Corey mentioned the letters when he spoke with Rep. Roy and Sen. Rausch at a legislator's forum in Franklin.

“Shortly thereafter, we sent the letters,” Corey said. “Our call to action in every letter was to ask for legislation or rule reform that allows for recess to count as time on learning and which thereby allows for 30 minutes of daily unstructured recess for kids in K-8.”

An aide to Sen. Rausch contacted Team Lighting to plan a visit, and the legislator was welcomed into their classroom.

“She gave us homework to investigate pending legislation, as lots of new bills were recently announced for this session, and share any new insights,” Corey said.

After the visit, Corey surveyed his students.

“The senator's visit makes me more likely to reach out to my elected leaders in the future about issues that I feel are important because I want to make the world a better place, not just by wanting to give middle-schoolers recess, but to help solve problems that are worldwide,” said student Adriana Leeber.

“She talked to us like we were adults instead of children,” said student Gabby Kepple.

Corey asked his students to describe their favorite part of Sen. Rausch's visit.

“It was fun answering and asking questions, and I think all the research paid off,” said student Carter Ficco.

The class impressed with a flawless recitation of “Democracy” by Langston Hughes.

“I was very proud of the kids for their articulate answers to the Senator’s meaningful questions about the necessity for structured recess and possible solutions,” said Curriculum Leader Barca. “Their terrific work in reciting ‘Democracy’ by Langston Hughes means that they are ready to book a visit to the Senior Center for another poetry day, the first since COVID.”

Poetry Day at the Franklin Senior Center is set for June 6 at 12:15 p.m. for Corey’s Team Lightning cluster of 42 students.

“This experience is one of many ways our teachers educate the whole child,” said Superintendent Giguere. “We’re teaching our students how to be impactful citizens in their community. I’m very impressed with these sixth graders and their dedicated teacher. The seniors are in for a treat on Poetry Day!”

Watch the students recite "Democracy" by clicking here ->

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gNo8uKr98X0

 

Massachusetts State Police announce the successful implementation of Safety Cloud (video)

Massachusetts State Police (@MassStatePolice) posted Tue, May 06, 2025:

Today (05/06/25), the Massachusetts State Police announced the successful implementation of Safety Cloud, an integrated notification system that alerts drivers to nearby emergency vehicles with activated lights and sirens.

Video link with summary  -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9DuEiPIhWL8 

You can read more about the platform here: https://t.co/TwxLGdwVQ1

Shared from ->  https://t.co/eJqw5BUVpM

Inside the trade deficit, what it really means (video)

The first 8 minutes of this is enough to get the gist .... great explanation comparing to credit card transactions

 

Video link -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r5ojbEIX8Nw

"Renowned economist Jeffrey Sachs tore into Donald Trump’s latest tariff threats, branding them “Mickey Mouse economics” and accusing the former president of unleashing chaos on global markets.

In a scathing take down, Sachs said Trump’s trade logic was so flawed that “he wouldn’t pass a basic econ class,” slamming the former president’s obsession with trade deficits as “childish and dangerous.” Sachs blamed Trump’s economic policies for triggering a $10 trillion loss in global wealth, warning that the U.S. is now flirting with authoritarianism under “one-man rule by emergency decree.”

Dismissing Trump’s talk of foreign nations “cheating” the U.S., Sachs countered: “It’s not a trade issue—it’s a spending problem.” The blistering critique comes amid rising fears that Trump’s return to power could reignite economic instability worldwide."

What I listened to? A good one from Trevor and Robert Putnam (audio)

A good conversation to listen to and learn from with Trevor Noah and Robert Putnam:

 

"Trevor and Christiana sit down with noted author and political scientist Robert Putnam. They discuss why community is now more essential than ever, both for the survival of democracy and for our very survival as a species. The three also debate whether social media diminishes our social capital, and why more people bowl in America than vote. (Hint: If more people bowled America would be more united). "

 

Shared from ->   https://youtu.be/23SwzXdJQDg

  

Three takeaways paraphrased:

1. So first thing is go young and inspire the young people
2. Rule number two is go local
3. then you can get to the message

 

Lunch: Local Grass Fed Beef from Weatherlow Farms in Westport, MA served with Roasted Bok Choy, Shiitake Mushrooms, and Carrots

https://youtube.com/shorts/SRwB08bsGgU

To watch the video on how it was made click: https://youtube.com/shorts/SRwB08bsGgU

Franklin High School featured Local Grass Fed Beef from Weatherlow Farms in Westport, MA served with Roasted Bok Choy, Shiitake Mushrooms, and Carrots!

We used the top round cut to make our scratch made Beef Ramen Bar for lunch today!

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/19zNQPgdDh/

School Committee Legislative Forum - Feb 24, 2025 (video)

The Franklin School Committee conducted a Legislative Fourm with Senator Becca Rausch and State Representative Jeff Roy on Monday, Feb 24, 2025. 

School Committee Chair Dave Callaghan moderated the event. School Superintendent Lucas Giguere provided some remarks the state of the schools. Some questiosn were asked of the delegation before opening the floor to questions from the audiance.

Franklin TV video available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VuUN6giRqc0

My notes in one PDF as written during the event ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1pX-uJFiDmOih9nE4vdq9QSr7qeGlQwQH/view?usp=drive_link

Photos taken during the event -> 

https://photos.app.goo.gl/821vCMxw7Br6KakP8

School Superintendent Lucas Giguere

Franklin TV mobile streaming this week - Feb 17

Franklin TV mobile streaming this week - Feb 17

The mobile Franklin TV studio crew will broadcast from the High School on Monday at 1:00 PM and from the Franklin Senior Center on Wednesday at 7:00 PM

The Franklin TV Pride channel ->    https://bit.ly/FTV-Schools

The Franklin TV Town Hall channel ->    https://bit.ly/FTV-TownHall

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18cHa4MJfG/.

TV broadcasts for FHS sports Feb 11- Feb 14

TV broadcasts for FHS sports Feb 11- Feb 14

Franklin TV's portable "studio in a box" will be moving about this week to broadcast 3 FHS basketball games and the JBSC Listening Session at Remington/Jefferson on Wednesday.

This schedule is in addition to the live broadcasts from the studio at the Municipal Building for the Planning Board meeting Monday, and the School Committee meeting on Tuesday.

You can get each day's schedule at Franklin.news or get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) here ->   http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf 

The basketball games can be found on YouTube at https://bit.ly/FTV-Schools

The Listening Session can be found on YouTube at https://bit.ly/FTV-TownHall

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/DF3ZMYnIiy-/

Survey says: more than half don’t watch Franklin TV

Survey says: more than half don’t watch Franklin TV.

That factoid helps to explain why it seems some social media postings seem to come from folks who appeared to be surprised about a 'new' topic when it has usually been talked about in some circles, for some time.  Clearly, not a circle the poster had participated in.

We are best served when we can assess objective facts and issues with our own eyes and ears, and think for ourselves.  You can become part of the informed circle with one web portal and subscribe to one daily email.

Franklin TV, Franklin Public Radio, and Franklin Matters are working together to advance the greater good, bringing us together as a community so that our focus is not on what divides us, but what brings us together.

* Watch: the standard public, education & government (PEG) channels or our three PEG YouTube Channels.

* Listen: Stream Franklin Public Radio anywhere, anytime online at wfpr.fm,

or tune in to our local Franklin public radio station wfpr.fm on 102.9 FM.

* Read: Franklin Matters to find the daily TV, Radio, and community event schedule along with the news that matters published to the internet, a daily newsletter, and then to key social media channels.  

All this to enable you to engage in the informed circle of the Franklin community - visit or subscribe at www.franklin.news

Survey says: more than half don’t watch Franklin TV

FHS gymnastics falls to Foxboro; boys hockey drops second game to Canton (video) on Sunday

Via Twitter, Franklin TV, and our subscription to HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the Winter sports competition for Franklin High School on Sunday, January 5, 2025 

Boys Hockey = Canton, 6 @ Franklin, 1 - Final

Franklin TV video on YouTube ->  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yXNPNz5oy6g

Gymnastics =  Franklin, 124.70 @ Foxboro, 132.25 – Final

via 

@fhs_gymnastics

   https://x.com/fhs_gymnastics/status/1875975632804549067

"Fun battle between the 2 FHS teams. Franklin put up their best score and definitely had their strongest meet so far. Franklin fell short to Foxboro 132.25 to 124.7. Super proud of the adjustments the team made and looking forward to progressing as we only have 1 practice before our first home meet vs Canton.

Highlights on each event:  

Vault - leading the charge is AA Senior Captain Molly Chandler with an 8.8, Ciara O'Brien with an 8.55, AA Veronica Pimentel continues to be consistent with an 8.3 and first year Sophomore Chrissy debuted on vault with a solid 8.1 with her score counting towards the team score. 

Bars - Kendra Love lead the charge in this event with a 7.5 and AA Veronica, Ciara and, making a come back, was Abby Robillard all contributing to our team score. 

Beam - Kendra also lead on beam with an 8.25 and Chrissy following up with a 7.4. Both Abby and Molly tied with a 7.15. 

Floor - Kendra killed it on floor today putting her best routine down with an 8.9, Molly putting down a solid 8.5, Ciara with an 8.25 and. Veronica with an 8.2. 

Such a big improvement from our last meet. The team put down very clean routines and we are very proud of them."

Gymnastics =  Franklin, 124.70 @ Foxboro, 132.25 – Final

For other results across the Hockomock League (subscription required)   https://hockomocksports.com/sundays-schedule-scoreboard-01-05-25/

FHS Panther sports results shared via Twitter & subscription to HockomockSports.com

Why Franklin.news? (audio)

FM #1331 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1331 in the series. 

Why Franklin.news?

Timely and accurate information is so important these days. Major shifts in the media landscape have challenged our normal news outlets so they stop printing, cut back coverage, or simply go out of business.

Franklin TV, Franklin Public Radio, and Franklin Matters are the three public service community oriented valid sources of information that come together under the Franklin.news umbrella.

The Franklin.news portal will deliver the 3 Public Education, and Government (PEG) TV stations, 3 corresponding YouTube channels, the low band FM radio broadcast, audio podcasts, and the news reporting on town and school meetings, and events.

You can sign up for the daily digital newsletter in a simple 2 step process, add your email address, respond when the confirmation email comes in, and you'll get the newsletter in your Inbox once a day. It leads off with the calendar of events and town meetings and closes with the combined TV and radio schedule for that day

In between are all the important items for that day, reporting on past meetings, agendas for future meetings, info on cultural events, etc. We provide the links to the Franklin TV/ YouTube videos, and the podcast audio shows from Franklin Public Radio.

Too busy to participate in town or school meetings, we understand that and provide a quick recap summarizing the key items of each session we cover. The summary also includes the video or audio (or both) as well as the agenda, docs released for that session, and my set of notes captured during the meetings we cover. While we can’t and don’t cover all the meetings (at least until that ‘clone’ thing starts working), the major meeting video and agendas are provided.

This is all part of our public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

How can you help?

• If you use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

• If you don't like something here, please let us 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

Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1331-franklin-news-promo-12-02-24/

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

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"

Why Franklin.news? (audio)

FHS football vs KP broadcast info for Thanksgiving Day at 10 AM

The Thanksgiving game between FHS and KP is scheduled for broadcast via Comcast & Verizon subscribers as well as to YouTube on the Franklin TV education channel (Pride TV).

• Franklin Pride TV - Our Educational Channel; Comcast 8, Verizon 28

Franklin Pride TV - YouTube  https://bit.ly/FTV-Schools

FHS football vs KP broadcast info for Thanksgiving Day at 10 AM

Have you seen the mock bedroom? Really seen it? (video)

SAFE Coalition's Jen Levine talks about the "Hidden In Plain Sight" exhibit

Request SAFE Coalition's Hidden in Plain Sight at your next parent/caregiver event. This interactive display and presentation teaches guardians how to identify substances within a teen's bedroom and how to have supportive, healthy discussions with their children about substance use.

Email info@safecoalitionma.org to schedule.

Video link -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aUq0QcFkwNA

10th Norfolk District Candidate Debate - TV broadcast Information for Medway & Franklin residents

The 10th Norfolk District Candidate Debate is scheduled for Tuesday, Oct 8, 2024 at 7:00 PM. 

The debate will be broadcast live on Medway Cable and Franklin TV, as well as Medway Facebook and Franklin YouTube, both with captions. All four platforms will have replays available after the live event.

Medway Cable Access live stream -> vimeo.com/event/4629402

Medway Cable Access website -> www.medwaycable.com

also on www.facebook.com/medwaycable

Broadcast to cable subscribers on Comcast Channel 8 and Verizon Channel 36

Franklin TV YouTube -> https://www.youtube.com/@franklinmaall-accesstv7535/streams

Franklin TV will broadcast to cable subscribers on Comcast Channel 6 and Verizon Channel 26  (Note: All Access as the Town Hall Channel is carrying the School Committee meeting in similar time period)

This event is jointly sponsored by the

• Medway Republican Town Committee
• Medway Democratic Town Committee
• Franklin Republican Town Committee
• Franklin Democratic Town Committee

Download a copy of the flyer to share ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-j_p8NKYu3k9tEdulafdaVv7NlHheB2p/view?usp=drive_link

10th Norfolk District Candidate Debate - TV broadcast Information for Medway & Franklin residents