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   **

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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 School Committee hears concerns from teachers before vote to approve FY 2026 budget (audio)

FM #1380 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1380 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, Feb 11, 2025. All 7 members participated in Council Chambers. 

The public section of the meeting was comparatively short. They did enter Executive Session to discuss contract negotiations and did not return to the public meeting.

Quick recap

• The Keller Student Council stepped forward to lead the Pledge of Allegiance to open the meeting

• During the Superintendent's report, there was recognition of 4 FHS musicians who were selected to the All-State Music Festival; Emma Anderson (French horn), Ace Eagerman (string bass), Alex Fioavanti (?) and Emily Lou, (violin) 

• During the discussion prior to the vote on the budget, a number of teachers from elementary, middle, and high school stepped up to comment on the decline of funding over the years, the impact on the students and their educational development effects on college prep with a limit on foreign language options less than optimal and not talked of impacts to the new schedule at both elementary & middle levels while individual classes size is maintained within guidelines,the teacher workload increases

• The committee did vote 7-0 on the proposed budget; I assume it is possible to make further adjustments (as hoped for by some of the teachers) given the position we are in for this budget cycle

• The budget as approved does assume a successful  override although that decision remains before the Town Council at a March meeting, after the listening sessions are completed. Date and amount of override to be determined

• School calendar for the 2025-2026 year was approved. It does start after Labor Day this year to enable the move in Sept 2025 to be completed. Resumption of pre-Labor Day start is expected for the next school year

• Discussion on a draft of the School Committee meeting calendar covered multiple topics mostly around the local election in November and to prepare for a new committee to be able to transition into their new role more easily than prior

• Motion to enter into Executive session, not to return to public meeting for contract negotiation discussions

The recording runs about 1 hour & 40 minutes, so let’s listen in. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1380-franklin-ma-school-cmte-mtg-02-11-25/

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Photos taken during the meeting can be found in one album

https://photos.app.goo.gl/wUQtiMDnwKLSQyTa9  

 

The Franklin TV video is available for replay here -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VfqefUMtloU&t=51 

The agenda doc can be found -> https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/School-Committee-35/?#_02112025-1571 

Meeting packet (other docs as they are released after the meeting will get posted here) -> https://www.franklinps.net/documents/departments/school-committee/meeting-packets/2024---25-meeting-packets/february-11%2C-2025-sc-meeting-packet/756881 

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

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xUU7zppEaNgj9xN442EdbZnFvnqI3VSM/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. 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"

School Committee & Supt Gigure posed with All-State Music Festival; Emma Anderson (French horn), Ace Eagerman (string bass), Alex Fioavanti (?) and Emily Lou, (violin)

You can help support the Class of 2027 with their March 2025 calendar fund raising

The Class of 2027 (my graduating class) has kicked off its major fundraiser for the year in the form of a calendar raffle. The raffle tickets are being sold online all this month and we will award over 40 prizes during March. 

Some of our prizes include signed Patriots and Bruins gear, many restaurant gift certificates and much more! 

Proceeds earned from the fundraiser will help to cover the costs of our Sophomore Banquet, Junior Prom, and Senior Year activities. These events come with a significant price tag, and the goal is to use this fundraiser to make them more affordable for everyone. 

Class of 2027 calendar fund raising for March 2025

This year, sophomores are charged $50 for class dues that includes a ticket to the Sophomore Banquet. Whoever sells 10 calendars will have the $50 dues waived. 

All calendar sales are done online (on Unibank) and it is as easy as sharing with friends and loved ones. 

The raffle tickets are being sold for $20 each. All sales are due by February 28th. 

**Please include my name in the Seller's Name section when purchasing the calendar.** 

**The UNIPAY LINK**  -> https://unipaygold.unibank.com/transactioninfo.aspx 

Thank you in advance!
Micah @fhs_2027_"

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/DFvXsX0x6CqS_Hve_YGXQSxf5oggodeXzOv-Ms0/?

Music boosters calendar updates for winning tickets

Music boosters calendar updates for winning tickets

 

"The Music Boosters will be contacting folks when they are pulled for the winning ticket each day.

Check your ticket status -> https://givebutter.com/cr2025"

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/DFfh-VIOmZ8/

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Monday, January 27, 2025 ???

Monday, January 27

• Fiber Art Installation (Franklin Public Library) 
• Last days to buy Music Booster calendar raffle for February

7:00pm State of the Schools (Franklin TV and Radio Studio)

**   Town Meetings today   **

Master Plan Committee

January 27, 2025, 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_01272025-1492

Master Plan Committee

January 27, 2025, 7:00 PM - 7:30 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_01272025-1493

Planning Board Meeting

January 27, 2025, 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_01272025-1476

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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

Music Boosters selling tickets for calendar raffle in February 2025

calendar raffle in February 2025

For $10 you get a ticket for the calendar raffle for February 2025. Proceeds help the Music Boosters support music in Franklin Public Schools.

The annual calendar raffle is open for student registrations and sales. Please note, the prize listing has been slightly modified from the original to accommodate a few unanticipated changes. Thank you to all who support Music in Franklin Public Schools!

Ticket sales will run through 11:00 PM on 1/30/25. Winners will be contacted daily in February, and the list of winners will update nightly right here in this message. Come back in February to check it out!

Get your ticket -> https://givebutter.com/cr2025

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

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Saturday, December 28, 2024 ???

Saturday, December 28

• Fiber Art Installation (Franklin Public Library) 
• Franklin Art Association, Art Show & Sale (Norfolk Public Library)

9:00am Thrifty Threads (Franklin Federated Church)

9:00am Fallen Hero: Charles E. Mason (Veterans Walkway, Franklin Town Common)

10:00am Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

10:30am Magic with Scott Martell (Franklin Public Library) 

1:00pm Wish upon a Star Slime (Franklin Public Library)

8:00pm Karaoke (Raillery Public House)

**   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/node/39/events/upcoming

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

Town Council approves tax rate at 11.62, authorize CSX land purchase, accept Elks Riders gift (video)

The Franklin (MA) Town Council met as scheduled on Wednesday, Nov 20, 2024 in the Council Chambers with all 9 members present in person. 

Franklin TV video for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/live/LbYhD3Ak3-4?t=137

The agenda doc for this session ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/tc_agenda_nov_20_2024.pdf

Quick recap:

• The Elks Riders presented a check for $2000 to the Town and were recognized for their generosity
• The tax rate public hearing was held and after a brief presentation, followed by clarification questions from Councilors and community members, the Council vote to accept the rate at 11.62, down from 11.79 (due to the increased assessed valuation of the residential, commercial. and industrial properties in Town)
• Several zoning bylaw modifications were referred to the Planning Board. Once they review and respond, the measure will come back to the Council for public hearing and two readings before official vote to implement as proposed or modified
• Town Administrator Jamie Hellen outlined the alignment of stars to enable the start of the purchase of the unused rail bed from CSX to extend the SNETT rail trail to the Crossing and access to downtown Franklin. The process still requires multiple approvals including at the Federal level but this could be very beneficial for economic development
• Resolution 24-72: Local Acceptance of G.L. Chapter 59, Section 5, Clause 22I; moved, second, discussion. The Hero Act added a new provision effective July 1, 2025. This is a Local acceptance statue enabling annual cost of living adjustments. The measure passed 9-0
• Resolution 24-73: Local Acceptance of G.L. Chapter 59, Section 5, Clause 41C As Amended By Chapter 184, Section 51 Of The Acts of 2002; Moved, second, discussion; reduces required age from 70 to 65, increases ceiling on income levels, broadens ownership status, effectively beneficial for seniors that met these requirements. Thanks to recommendation from Max Morrongiello made earlier this year

My full set of notes from the meeting in one PDF doc ->  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1FEABusbIglE2ocUlB9eKZfgBa2U2q00h/view?usp=drive_link

Elks Riders present gift

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Friday, November 1, 2024 ???

Friday, November 1 

7am Fiber Art Installation (Franklin Public Library)

8am Early Voting (Town Clerk's Office)

9 – 10am Free community Narcan trainings (Norfolk Public Library)

10am Knitting Group (Franklin Public Library)

10:30 – 11:00am Free community Narcan trainings (Medway Public Library)

11:30am – 12pm Free community Narcan trainings (Fiske Public Library Wrentham)

2pm Thrifty Threads (Franklin Federated Church) 

7pm Arts Mosaic (Dean College Guidry Theater)

7pm FHSTC presents THE OUTSIDERS (Franklin High School) 

7:30pm It's a J Thing (live music) (La Cantina Winery) 

9pm Good Thomas (live music) (3 Restaurant)

(if you need additional details on these events, the live community calendar link is listed below)

**  NO  Town Meetings today   **

What's happening today in Franklin? 

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

Why are there multiple calendars?

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/node/39/events/upcoming

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

Library updates calendar and event registration links

via the Franklin Library Facebook page:

"Thank you so much #franklinma for your patience as we get the calendar and other self service options back up and running smoothly! Enjoy everything you are used to on the library website!

https://franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library  

 

Direct links for each follow:

https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin.../links/calendar-events

https://franklinma.assabetinteractive.com/meeting-and.../

https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin.../links/museum-passes-0"

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/1BRY5ucWrb/

Library updates calendar and event registration links