Don Krishnaswami talks about the LiveARTS String Quartet free concerts on Nov 16 as part of a new vision (audio)

FM #1571 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1571 in the series. 

This session shares my discussion with Donald Krishnaswami.  We had our discussion in the Franklin TV & Radio Studio on Friday, October 31, 2025.

 

We discussed the origin of the LiveARTS String Quartet and the new vision of performing 4 concerts a year. The first one at the Historical Museum, November 16, 2025 is Free.

The recording runs about 18 minutes, so let’s listen in.

Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1571-livearts-string-quartet-10-31-25/

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Don Krishnaswami talks about
the LiveARTS String Quartet 

GoFundMe campaign -> https://www.gofundme.com/f/donate-to-lasq 

Promo clip of quartet -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/10/watch-brief-clip-of-livearts-string.html

Resurgence of LiveArts String Quartet https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/10/announcing-resurgence-of-livearts.html 

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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 it!

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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"

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Sunday, October 19, 2025 ??

Sunday, October 19

7:30am All You Can Eat Breakfast (Franklin Rod & Gun Club)

8:00am Scary Scurry 5K and Fun Run (Children's Museum of Franklin 157 Cottage St)

11:00am Sunday Brunch (Teddy Gallagher's Irish Pub)

12:00pm Pumpkin Patch (St John's Episcopal Church)

1:00pm Musical Bingo (Teddy Gallagher's Irish Pub)

1:00pm Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

2:00pm Greenwich Bay Brass (free concert) (Franklin Historical Museum)

2:00pm Annie (THE BLACK BOX)

2:00pm The Wolves (Dean College Main Stage Theater)

** NO Town Meetings today   **

What's happening in Franklin, MA

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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-calendar

How to Access Online Resources with your Franklin Library card

As you have noticed, I share pertinent articles from other legitimate media sources.

When I do that for the Boston Globe and NY Times, you can access the full article in the newspaper with a Franklin Public Library card. If you don't already have one, might be a good idea to get one.

There are a whole listing of online resources available with a library card. You'll need to go the Library page, Online resources, and then follow that link which will prompt you for your library card to get access. A few clicks but those clicks save you the subscription fee.

How to access the Online Resources step by step with the Boston Globe newspaper shown as an example:

Go to the Library page ->  https://franklinma.gov/233/Franklin-Public-Library 

Select “Online Resources” as indicated by the red arrow

Select “Online Resources” as indicated by the red arrow

Scroll alphabetically, or chose the alpha section to the one you want

Scroll alphabetically, or chose the alpha section to the one you want

On the next screen enter your Library card # and then enjoy the online access to this resource

On the next screen enter your Library card # and then enjoy the online access to this resource

While these steps are the easy one two three for most of the databases, there are a few that require some extra steps. If you need help getting access please contact the library through the website contact forms (https://www.franklinma.gov/235/Contact-Us) or call the main line at 508-520-4941

Download this info as a one page PDF to remember or to share

https://drive.google.com/file/d/16jrK4oH3oAR7R0dcAtVHBbMBQzW__089/view?usp=drive_link

Enjoy the FREE Children's Museum mobile exhibits at Patriot Place on Sunday, Feb 23

Patriot Place Sunday, Feb 23

 "We’re back! Join us Feb 23 at Patriot Place (indoors!) for a FREE Mobile Museum featuring ALL of our themed areas, including (sock)

skating! 

There are no time blocks for this event - come anytime between 10 AM and 5 PM!  

Register at: childrensmuseumfranklin.org/register"

Did you listen to the excitement in Erin & Meg's voices as we talked of the opening of their facility on Cottage St here in Franklin?

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/02/erin-meg-share-their-excitement-as.html

Shared from -> https://childrensmuseumoffranklin.app.neoncrm.com/nx/portal/neonevents/events?path=%2Fportal%2Fevents%2F13914

IRS Free File now open: Free tax filing service available to millions on IRS.gov

The Internal Revenue Service announced today (1/07/25) that the IRS Free File Guided Tax Software is now available for taxpayers ahead of the official start of tax season later this month.

IRS Free File now open

Starting January 10, the IRS Free File will begin accepting individual tax returns. Millions of taxpayers nationwide can access free software tools offered by trusted IRS Free File partners by visiting IRS.gov.

"The IRS remains committed to its partnership with Free File Inc. to ensure taxpayers have free and secure options for filing their taxes electronically," said IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel. "Taxpayers have multiple filing choices, including trusted tax professionals, tax software, Free File, Direct File or free preparation services through IRS partners. Over the years, Free File has helped millions of taxpayers, providing a fast and simple way to file their returns. This program continues to be a valuable resource for eligible individuals looking to file their taxes for free through this unique program."

Entering its 23rd filing season, IRS Free File is just one of many free options available to taxpayers for filing their tax returns, whether online or in person. This service is made possible through a public-private partnership between the IRS and Free File Inc. (formerly the Free File Alliance). As part of this partnership, tax preparation and filing software partners offer their online products to eligible taxpayers for free. To access these free tools, taxpayers must start from the IRS Free File page on IRS.gov.

This year, eight private-sector partners will provide online guided tax software products for taxpayers with an Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) of $84,000 or less in 2024. Additionally, one partner will offer a product in Spanish.

Although the IRS official tax filing season begins later this month, IRS Free File providers will allow taxpayers to prepare and file returns now and hold them until they can be electronically filed on that date. Many other software companies offer a similar option.

Taxpayers with an AGI above $84,000 can use the Free File Fillable Forms (FFFF) starting January 27. These electronic versions of IRS paper forms are ideal for individuals who are comfortable preparing their own taxes using IRS instructions and publications.

Understanding IRS Free File

Each IRS Free File trusted partner establishes its own eligibility criteria based on age, income, state residency and military status.

Taxpayers with an AGI of $84,000 or less in 2024 can find an IRS Free File product; some providers include free state tax return preparation and filing. All partners offer active-duty military personnel with an AGI of $84,000 or less in 2024, free tax preparation and filing using IRS Free File.

Use IRS Free File to claim valuable tax credits if eligible

IRS Free File offers a simple, no-cost way for taxpayers to claim the full amount of tax benefits for which they're eligible, including the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), the Child Tax Credit and other valuable credits. The EITC is available to qualified taxpayers with earned income under $66,819. The EITC Assistant, available in English and seven other languages, can help taxpayers determine if they qualify.

The EITC is just one of several refundable tax credits related to family and dependent care that individuals without a filing requirement may still be eligible to claim. Refundable tax credits allow taxpayers to receive a refund even if they owe no tax, or refundable credits can reduce the amount of tax owed, potentially leading to a refund. For more details on the EITC and other tax credits, visit Earned Income Tax Credit.

How to find the right IRS Free File product

Taxpayers are responsible for determining their eligibility for a free federal tax return from the list of trusted partners.

• Go to IRS.gov/freefile,
• Click on Explore Free Guided Tax Software button. Then select the Find a Trusted Partner tool for help in finding the right product, or
• Use the Browse All Trusted Partners tool to review each offer,
• Select the desired product, and
• Follow the links to the trusted partner's website to begin their tax return.

No computer? No problem. IRS Free File products support mobile phone access. Taxpayers can do their taxes on their smart phone or tablet.

IRS Free File participants

For 2025, the following trusted partners are participating in IRS Free File:

• 1040Now
• Drake (1040.com)
• ezTaxReturn.com
• FileYourTaxes.com
• On-Line Taxes
• TaxAct
• TaxHawk (FreeTaxUSA)
• TaxSlayer

For 2025, ezTaxReturn.com will provide an IRS Free File product in Spanish.

IRS Free File helps taxpayers save money and file their taxes quickly and easily. For more information or to get started on a tax return today, visit IRS Free File: Do your taxes for free.

Shared from the Press Release -> https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-free-file-opens-friday-free-tax-filing-service-available-to-millions-on-irsgov

Holiday carols, Cookies, and Cocoa with Jamie Barrett - Dec 7

Holiday carols, Cookies, and Cocoa

Join us for a FREE Community Concert at Franklin UMC (Franklin, MA). Join us for holiday carols, cookies, and cocoa, featuring Jamie Barrett. 

All are welcome to catch a little holiday spirit, enjoy the company of new and old friends, and sing a long!

Franklin United Methodist Church (UMC) is located at 82 W. Central Street, Franklin (MA). Parking is available in the parking lot between the church and the Franklin Historical Museum, and in the parking lot behind Cornetta Law Office. Street parking is available on East St., West St., and Church Ave

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1w4LmgGZvf/

Talking about "Create Art Around the World" with the NAHS student leadership team (audio)

FM #1158 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1158 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with the leadership team of the National Art Honor Society (NAHS). Amy Edson, FHS Art teacher, and club advisor. The leadership team students introduce themselves as we go around:  

• Raena, the President of NAHS and leading the Singapore room

• Allie, the Vice-President, and leading the Spain room

• Gia, the Data Manager, and leading the Columbia room

• Christine, the Social Media Director and leading the Sudan room

We had our conversation in one of the art rooms where the Create Art Around the World will be taking place. 

Thanks to the Franklin Cultural Council for the grant to enable this event for free.

Let’s listen to this conversation about the kid friendly (and did we say, “Free”) Create Art Around the World scheduled for Wednesday, April 24, 2024 from 5:30 to 7:30 PM.  Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1158-fhs-nahs-create-art-round-the-world-03-07-24

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FHS Clay Studio Instagram account -> https://www.instagram.com/fhs_claystudio/ 

More about the Franklin Cultural Council -> https://www.franklinma.gov/cultural-council 

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

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm). 

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

Create Art Around the World scheduled for Apr 24, 2024 - free & kid Friendly at FHS

Create Art Around the World scheduled for Apr 24, 2024 - free & kid Friendly at FHS

"Save the date!  

We are holding our 3rd annual Art Around the World event on April 24th here at Franklin High School.

Check out the Franklin Matters website and hear from our club advisor, Ms. Edson, and our leadership team as we introduce our new selection of art activities from Colombia, Spain, Sudan, and Singapore (audio interview to be shared shortly)."

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/C4OtbjouFkG/

Create Art Around the World scheduled for Apr 24, 2024 - free & kid Friendly at FHS

Hockey Triple Header at DCU in Worcester - FREE TICKETS FOR VETS!

Veterans Appreciation Day & Night - Saturday, March 30, 2024 
- Reserve your seat today!

Join the Department of Massachusetts VFW for a day of camaraderie and hockey on Saturday, March 30 beginning at 2:30 p.m. at the DCU Center in Worcester!

Reserve your seat today by calling: Mike Raymond at: (603) 608-6898

Read more

Hockey Triple Header at DCU in Worcester - FREE TICKETS FOR VETS!

MBTA offers Free travel on New Year's Eve

"Free travel on all modes after 8 PM New Year's Eve

All subway lines will also be operating with additional service after

3 PM on Sunday, December 31.

Commuter Rail lines will provide late-night service with last trains held at North and South Stations until after midnight. 

See more details here -> https://www.mbta.com/holidays

 

MBTA offers Free travel  on New Year's Eve