Chasity & Jillian share the exciting events in December at the Senior Center (audio)

FM #1590 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1590 in the series. 

This session shares my conversation with Chasity Cheng, Deputy Director and Jillian Rochat from the Franklin Senior Center. We had our discussion in the Franklin Radio Studio on Wednesday, November 19, 2025.

 

We talk about 

• All the key event highlights for December

• Key teasers for January

The show notes include links to the Senior Center page, the calendar of events, and to subscribe to the monthly newsletter. 

The recording runs about 35 minutes, so let’s listen in.

Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1590-franklin-senior-center-december-2025-highlights-11-19-25/

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December 2025 newsletter

Franklin Senior Center page ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/583/Franklin-Senior-Center-Council-on-Aging 

December 2025 newsletter -> https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/7657/December-2025-Newsletter?bidId= 

The newsletter archive page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/585/Connection-Newsletter 

Senior Center calendar view (just FSC events) -> https://franklinma.gov/calendar.aspx?CID=37&showPastEvents=false 

Subscribe to the newsletter -> by calling 508-520-4945

 

My Active Center -> https://myactivecenter.com/ 

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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"

Rausch Report: Passing the Gravy and Passing Bills

Dear Neighbor,

Happy (almost) Thanksgiving! As we approach the holiday, I’ve seen so much in our district for which to be thankful, including two brand new community hubs: the Caryl Community Center in Dover and the Franklin Children’s Museum. I also had the privilege of speaking at Veterans Day observances in Needham and participating in a coat drive for veterans in Plainville. 

Rausch Report: Passing the Gravy and Passing Bills

At the State House, we’ve been plenty busy with formal sessions and committee hearings every week. Under our current rules, all timely filed bills must have some initial action from the committee of jurisdiction by December 3, so there’s lots of activity as November draws to a close. Many of my bills have already been reported favorably out of committee, including public health protections, mental health support for K-12 schools, multiple women’s health bills, census implementation improvements, and several upgrades to our elections protocols. 

Read on in this month’s Rausch Report for more details about my legislation, committee hearings where I testified, information about upcoming events in the district, and more.

For real-time updates, please follow me on Bluesky, Facebook, and Instagram. If you are a constituent and need assistance, please don’t hesitate to call me and my team at (617) 722-1555, email me at becca.rausch@masenate.gov, or attend upcoming office hours. We are here to help.     

Yours in service,  

Senator Becca Rausch

Continue reading the Rausch Report ->

https://mailchi.mp/masenate/monthlynewsletter-18250303?

SchCmte Chair Paul Griffith helps condense and elaborate on what happened at the SchCmte Mtg of Nov 18, 2025 (audio)

FM #1587 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1587 in the series. 

This session shares my conversation with the new Chair of the School Committee Paul Griffith.  We had our discussion via Zoom on Thursday, November 20, 2025. We condense and get into the explanations behind the key items from the recent School Committee meeting Nov 18.

Quick recap:

• Supt Giguere opens the session, solicits nominations for Chair. 

• One made by Callaghan for Griffith. Vote on the nomination passes 7-0

• Nominations asked for Vice Chair. One made, Griffith nominates Callaghan. Vote on the nomination passes 7-0

• Pledge students from the Washington 3-5 school. 5 students in one class had originated in one of the other 5 elementary schools

• Policy - 2nd Reading/Adoption. Superintendent recommends adoption of the following policies as discussed: 

• IKF - Graduation Requirements

• IKFE - Competency Determinations

• Discussion on the adjustments to the grad requirements and competency which fine tuned the language for clarity. Moved to accept as discussed, passes 7-0

• Discussion Only Items, informational for new members and for the weather as winter approaches for all

• A. Inclement Weather Notice

• B. Review of District/Superintendent’s Goals

• C. ACCEPT Quarterly Update

• Spent time on the rationale and objectives for each of the subcommittees or liaisons for the SchCmte to assist the new members as which ones to select. Chair will make alignment and reveal for next meeting so they can begin scheduling meetings as needed

• The importance of the MASC Workshop providing the first hour of training on the do's and don't of a School Committee member

Our conversation runs about 40 minutes. Let’s listen

Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1587-chalkboard-chat-11-20-25/

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SchCmte Chair Paul Griffith helps condense and elaborate
on what happened at the SchCmte Mtg of Nov 18, 2025 (audio)

School Committee page (with contact info) ->  https://www.franklinps.net/o/fpsd/page/school-committee 

School Committee newsletter with brief biographical info on the 7 members in addition to other school news -> https://5il.co/3sh1v 

Franklin TV video of the Nov 18 meeting is available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ea9CmNWJI1s 

The agenda doc can be found ->  https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/6138802/SCAGENDA11-18-25.pdf  

The meeting packet folder with other docs released for this session ->

https://www.franklinps.net/documents/departments/school-committee/meeting-packets/2025---26-meeting-packets/november-18%2C-2025-sc-meeting-packet/862192 

My notes in one PDF -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xlF11yc5sLUZBOhYoY_95dGb6zI68i0e/view?usp=drive_link 

Pictures captured during the session are in one photo album -> 

https://photos.app.goo.gl/TKFnfsbkzprJ5xSj9

 

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

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"

Check out the latest School Committee newsletter for meeting highlights, community news, and more

Check out the latest School Committee newsletter for
meeting highlights, community news, and more

New School Committee, new updates!

Check out the latest newsletter for meeting highlights, community news, and more.

Read now: https://5il.co/3sh1v

Sign up for the weekly newsletter to see what the Town of Franklin Arts & Culture will be doing

Sign up for the weekly newsletter to see what
the Town of Franklin Arts & Culture will be doing

Via Franklin Arts & Culture

"We're getting ready for the next wave of seasonal activities! Visit our weekly newsletter to see what the Town of Franklin will be popping up next!

Don't get our weekly Eblasts yet?

Sign up in the link in our profile, every Wednesday at 7 AM."

Sign up here -> 

https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/VBZUFjB

Shared from - >   https://www.instagram.com/p/DQZA0cVFQyq/

Last Newsletter of the 2023 - 2025 School Committee

"Don’t miss out on the last newsletter of the 2023 - 2025 School Committee. It’s full of good information.

Don’t forget to vote on Tuesday November 4th at FHS.

Also, the 4th is a half day for FPS."

Last Newsletter of the 2023 - 2025 School Committee

Newsletter link -> https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/6118516/20251030_-_Franklin_School_Committee_Newsletter_-_October_30__2025.pdf

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/p/17ewu4CYBi/

Check out the new edition of the School Committee Newsletter !!!

Franklin School Committee’s newsletter is available now! 

Learn about the arrival/departure improvements, Franklin Education Foundation (FEF) Legacy, and more... 

Read more & share your feedback: https://5il.co/3qnxv

Franklin First Newsletter - volume 12 released - 09/21/25

Town of Franklin Administration has released the latest volume of Franklin First!

To read the latest volume, click here: https://t.co/ipLhIRhUh2 

or directly here -> https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/7017/Franklin-First-Newsletter-Volume-12---September-19-2025

Franklin First Newsletter - volume 12 released - 09/21/25

Alarm Robotics: STEM activities to share as of September 19 2025

Alarm Robotics: STEM activities to share as of September 19 2025

Dear readers,

We are excited to share these STEM activities and updates with you!

Alarm Robotics

Alarm Robotics Engineering in a Nutshell Workshop series - Community Libraries of Providence

ALARM Robotics is hosting a series of Engineering in a Nutshell Workshops at the Wanskuck Library  in Providence, Ri. The workshops will introduce core engineering and robotics concepts through hands-on activities. Registration required

Introduction To Website Building | Richards Memorial Library

Students in grades 6 to 8 can join a beginner-friendly, 5-week course in which students learn how to make websites. Starting Wednesday October 15, from 4:00 to 5:00 PM, the workshop will be hosted at Richards Memorial Library. Students will learn HTML and CSS, and will build their own websites from scratch. Laptops are required. The final session will include a parent showcase of student projects.

Robot Coding Club | Richards Memorial Library

On Thursday, October 9, from 4:00 to 5:30 PM, students ages 7 to 12 can work in small groups to solve new coding challenges with Dash Robots at Richards Memorial Library. This monthly club encourages problem-solving and teamwork. Children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult.

STEM4WARD PYTHON Course

STEM4WARD will be hosting a FREE online 10 week Python workshop on Fridays from 5:00 to 6:30 pm starting Sept. 19th. Students in grades 4 to 12 are welcome. Register here.

SCRATCH Coding Series for kids | Plainville Public Library

Beginning Saturday, October 11, from 9:30 to 11:00 AM, students in grades 4 to 8 can attend an 8 week Scratch coding series at Plainville Public Library. They will create interactive stories, games, and animations. Each class builds on the previous one. Participants must bring their own laptops.

3D Printing After School | Attleboro Area Industrial Museum

On Monday, September 29, 2025, from 5:30 to 7:30 PM, students with prior 3D printing experience can use the #D printers at Attleboro Area Industrial Museum to work on personal projects. An instructor will be available to provide minimal support. The event is "donate what you can" with a suggested amount of $10.

Robotics meets Archaeology: Expedition to RISD Museum

On Sunday, September 21,12:30 PM, FLL Challenge teams can explore archaeology during a robotics-themed field trip to the RISD Museum in Providence. Entry is $10 per participant. General museum admission is free on Sundays (does not include admission to the event).

AI in Journalism | Community Libraries of Providence

Community Libraries of Providence will host a program on how artificial intelligence is transforming journalism. The session will explore AI's opportunities, challenges, and ethical considerations. The event is on October 7 from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm at the Rochambeau Library.

Demystifying AI: A Friendly Introduction for Everyday Life | Richards Memorial Library

Richards Memorial Library will offer a beginner-friendly talk introducing artificial intelligence and its everyday uses. The session will help attendees understand key concepts and practical applications. Registration is required. The event is on Wednesday, October 1 from 6:00 to 7:15 PM

Intro to Programming and Electronics with Circuit Playground | Watertown Free Public Library

Watertown Public Library will run a hands-on workshop introducing programming and electronics using Circuit Playground boards. Participants will learn coding basics and build interactive projects. The event is on Monday, October 2nd from 5:00 to 7:00 PM.

Coding Class for Kids for grades K-5 | Ashland Public Library

Ashland Public Library will host a beginner coding class for students in grades K to 5. The program will introduce foundational programming concepts through fun and age-appropriate activities. The program will take place on Saturday, September 27 from 12:15 to 1:15 PM.

Keep Building,

Alarm Robotics

alarmrobotixs2079@gmail.com

kids CAN change the world…

Authored by Vansh Mookim and Isaac Sokolic