Franklin Public Radio wfpr.fm schedule for Thursday, July 17, 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 Thursday

8:00 AM, 1:00 PM, and 6:00 PM Franklin Matters Radio – Steve Sherlock

Franklin and its local government, services and events 

• This segment repeats the conversation with FHS student Tuhina Pal and the book of poetry she wrote on her path to recovery https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/05/tuhina-pal-talks-about-her-book-they.html

9:00 AM, 2:00 PM, and 7:00 PM - first hour

10:00 AM, 3:00 PM, and 8:00 PM - second hour

Turntable – "Enjoy a fun experience with co-hosts The Vibe and Pauly G sharing personal discussions about a featured rock n roll vinyl record (1st hour) and the best, all music Vibe Playlist (2nd hour)"  

This week the Turntable Show airs the Eric Clapton "Slowhand" Album Hour and the Clapton Vibe Playlist Hour.  “Slowhand” was released on November  25, 1977 and was hugely successful commercially, reaching #2 on the Billboard 200 and going multi-platinum.  It established Clapton as a solo artist who could balance artistic integrity with massive commercial appeal.  

The album includes big hits:  “Lay Down Sally”;   “Wonderful Tonight”;  and “Cocaine”.  Over his career, Clapton has reportedly sold 280 million records worldwide, becoming one of the best-selling music artists in history.   

The Playlist Hour includes special live cuts and studio hits across Clapton's Blindfaith, Derek and the Dominos,  and solo recordings.  Enjoy listening to the music from one of the world's most influential rock n blues guitarists of all time.  

Find the playlist ->  https://tinyurl.com/TurntablePlaylists

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

Senior Story Hour - WFPR: Episode 080 - The Thousand Hour Lesson Chapter 4, The Writer's Group, Love, Memorial Day, and much more (audio)

In this episode, The Franklin Senior Center Writers Group share stories, poems, and writings about their group, Bob gives us the fourth chapter in The Thousand Hour Lesson, love poems, an unlikely hike, Memorial Day, and why would anyone?

Audio link -> https://senior-scribblers.captivate.fm/episode/episode-080-the-thousand-hour-lesson-chapter-4-the-writers-group-love-memorial-day-and-much-more-

Senior Story Hour - WFPR

Senior Story Hour - WFPR = The Franklin Senior Center Writer's Group

Steve Sherlock hosts The Franklin Senior Center Writer's Group for a monthly reading of short stories, essays, poetry and more. 

Find more episodes here (or on your favorite podcast app) ->  https://senior-scribblers.captivate.fm/episodes

Senior Center Poetry Day - Oct 25, 2017 (video)

From deep in the Franklin TV video archives comes this recording of the Poetry Day held at the Senior Center on October 25, 2017.

video link -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y4LPTfBJ_vk

Franklin Public Schools Students Revive Tradition with Poetry Day at Senior Center

Superintendent Lucas Giguere and Horace Mann Middle School (HMMS) teacher Joe Corey are pleased to share that sixth-grade students from Team Lightning recently brought smiles, poetry and thoughtful reflection to the Franklin Senior Center, reviving a treasured tradition that began in 2012.

After a pandemic pause, students recently returned to the Senior Center for a Poetry Day. Guided by educators Mr. Joseph Corey, Ms. Lauren Goode, Mrs. Erin Bouchard and Mr. David Foster, the students delivered memorized poems and original analyses.

sixth-grade students from Team Lightning

"All of the Team Lightning educators were delighted with the top-shelf performance of the students," said Corey. "It was a joy to return to this tradition and witness the pride and effort our students brought to the experience."

Students dressed sharply for the occasion, a decision many believed added to the impact of the performance.

"It showed everyone that we're the real deal!" said student Eliza Menard.

"Dressing up improved our performance because it set the tone that we're serious, focused, and disciplined," said student Sebi Ciporkin.

Beyond public speaking skills, students embraced the cultural and emotional depth that poetry offers.

"I am glad we celebrated Poetry Day because we heard and learned a lot of different poems representing different cultures and people," said student Gabby Kepple.

Student Jordan Marin reflected on the highlight of the day: "The best part of Poetry Day for me was seeing all the seniors so happy when we shared the poems with them."

Many students expressed pride in what they had accomplished.

"It was a good time and practicing for our poems taught me a life lesson — practice makes perfect," said student Antony Wisa.

Student Biana Laterra commented that she was proud of "remembering the poem and analysis and being brave enough to do it."

Others shared the personal meaning behind the event.

"I am glad because my grandma and her friend were there, and they said it made their day and that it is so nice to see that people are still saying poems," said student Harry Schlieke.

Franklin Public Schools would like to thank Ariel Doggett and the entire Senior Center staff for their warm hospitality and for helping make the event such a success.

"I couldn't be prouder of our students for the poise and creativity they showed during the Poetry Day," said Superintendent Giguere. "Their thoughtful words and heartfelt delivery were a powerful reminder of the connection between generations, and the impact young voices can have on a community."

Poetry Foundation: Rudyard Kipling "If"

If you can keep your head when all about you   

    Are losing theirs and blaming it on you,   

If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,

    But make allowance for their doubting too;   

If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,

    Or being lied about, don’t deal in lies,

Or being hated, don’t give way to hating,

    And yet don’t look too good, nor talk too wise:

If you can dream—and not make dreams your master;   

    If you can think—and not make thoughts your aim;   

If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster

    And treat those two impostors just the same;   

If you can bear to hear the truth you’ve spoken

    Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,

Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken,

    And stoop and build ’em up with worn-out tools:

If you can make one heap of all your winnings

    And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss,

And lose, and start again at your beginnings

    And never breathe a word about your loss;

If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew

    To serve your turn long after they are gone,   

And so hold on when there is nothing in you

    Except the Will which says to them: ‘Hold on!’

If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,   

    Or walk with Kings—nor lose the common touch,

Poetry Foundation: Rudyard Kipling "If"

If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you,

    If all men count with you, but none too much;

If you can fill the unforgiving minute

    With sixty seconds’ worth of distance run,   

Yours is the Earth and everything that’s in it,   

    And—which is more—you’ll be a Man, my son!

Copyright Credit: n/a

Source: A Choice of Kipling's Verse (1943)

https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/46473/if--- 

Horace Mann MS student poetry reading at the Franklin Senior Center, June 6 at 12:15 PM

Horace Mann MS student poetry reading
at the Franklin Senior Center, June 6 at 12:15 PM

Come one come all as the HMMS students present and read their poetry prepared for us to enjoy!

Event starts at 12:15 at the Franklin Senior Center.

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1EHqYZWU1G/

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Saturday, April 26, 2025 ???

Saturday, April 26

9:00am Ladybug Trail Spring Walk (Franklin, MA )

9:00am Thrifty Threads (Franklin Federated Church)

9:00am Drug Take Back Day (multiple locations) SAFE Coalition

10:00am Franklin Historical Museum (always free) 

10:00am Favorite Poem Reading (Franklin Public Library)

11:00am Disability Expo (Franklin Senior Center)

11:00am Drug Take Back Day (Wrentham Town Hall)

1:00pm Bacchus Buster (Pour Richard's Wine & Provisions)

1:00pm Spring Carnival (Franklin Public Library)

7:00pm Dance Company (Dean College Main Stage Theater)

7:00pm Michael Rivelis (free concert) (Franklin United Methodist Church)

For additional details on Library & Senior Center events ->   

https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar.aspx?CID=37,24&showPastEvents=false

**  NO Town Meetings today   **

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

What's happening today in Franklin? 

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-calendars

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule for Friday, April 25, 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
Franklin and its local government, services and events 

• This segment features my conversation with Camille Bernstein on poetry and her special project during April poetry month -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/04/camille-and-steve-talk-about-poetry-and.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

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   

Watch Listen Read all things that matter in Franklin MA

Camille and Steve talk about poetry and how it helps us (audio)

FM #1429 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1429 in the series. 

This session shares my conversation with Camille Bernstein about poetry and her project for April as Poetry Month. We recorded this conversation in person at the Franklin TV & Radio Studio Wednesday, April 9, 2025. 

We cover the following in our wide ranging conversation

• The origins of her project

• Poetry was responsible for meeting her husband

• Words and how they matter

• Poetry as a centering aspect of life

The recording runs about 45 minutes. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1429-cbernstein-poetry-04-09-25/

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

The link to sign up for the April poem a day project https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1yf-G9LvPeAvF5B7FJdDSyBpr8eGNNkcfJbBTYl6xYtk/edit 

Link to "Today”, the Billy Collins' poem that Camille reads -> 

https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poetrymagazine/poems/40824/today-56d21ebdad746 

You can find my poetry online at quietpoet.com

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

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"

Camille and Steve talk about poetry and how it helps us (audio)

First poem contest - deadline to enter is March 15

First poem contest - deadline to enter is March 15

Hey, batter-batter swing! If you’re a New England poet, Mass Poetry wants you to step up to the plate and take a crack at our First Poem Contest for the chance to kick off the first headlining event of the 2025 Massachusetts Poetry Festival, taking place May 31st and June 1st.

The winner and two honorable mentions will be invited to read their poem in person at the Festival. The cash prize is $250 for the winner and $50 for honorable mentions. 

There is a $10 entry fee, which supports the Festival and the contest. A fee-free option is available for students or anyone for whom the entry fee would present a barrier. The deadline to submit is March 15th.

More info here:  https://festival.masspoetry.org/first-poem-contest/

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/DGQxLU2P2KX/

Franklin High School Celebrates Student Success

Superintendent Lucas Giguere, Assistant Superintendent Tina Rogers, and Principal Maria Weber are thrilled to share Franklin High School students' success.

From the classroom to the performance stage and on the athletic fields, Franklin High School students succeeded in academics, athletics, clubs, extracurriculars, and in the community.

"We are continually impressed with our students' dedication and determination," Superintendent Giguere said. "They work extremely hard and constantly exceed the day-to-day requirements expected of them. We are thrilled to celebrate their success stories."

Some of the highlights over the last few months at Franklin High School include the following:

Academics

Forty-seven Franklin High School students have either earned the Seal of Biliteracy or are in line to earn it when they graduate. The award recognizes students who have studied and attained proficiency in two or more languages by graduation. Last year, four Franklin High students were awarded college credit for earning the Seal. 

Poetry Out Loud

More than a dozen Franklin High School students participated in a Poetry Out Loud competition on Thursday, Jan. 23. Students recited two poems from memory during two rounds of competition. Senior Ella Mahoney won the competition and plans to move forward and compete at districts at the Hopkinton Center for the Arts on Sunday, March 9, at 1 p.m. For the next round of the competition, she must select a third poem from the Poetry Out Loud website to memorize. Sophomore Abigail Schmellick came in second place and will serve as a backup to Ella for districts.

Athletics

Franklin High School Athletics teams celebrated several successes in the fall 2024 season, including a Massachusetts School Administrators' Association Div. 1 2024 Fall Cheerleading State Championship. The Cheerleading team will compete at the national level this spring.

MIAA coaches

Three Franklin High School coaches received MIAA 2023-24 Coach of the Year awards: Boys Basketball coach CJ Neely, Unified Track coach Lisa Burger, and former Boys and Girls Swim coach Jess Pridham. 

DECA

The Franklin High School DECA Chapter participated in the regional Massachusetts DECA District Two Conference on Jan. 9 and 10 in Mansfield.

DECA Chapter

On Jan. 9, over 100 Franklin students competed in the Written Event, facing intense competition from more than 700 students across various districts, all vying for the top five spots in each category. Franklin advanced one individual and 14 teams to the next stage.

On Jan. 10, Franklin High School had over 50 students competing in the Role Play Event, which featured over 450 students from other districts, competing for the top five spots in each category. Franklin advanced five individuals and four teams.

DECA Chapter 2

Franklin DECA will proudly send over 50 students to the State Competition, which will take place at the Seaport Boston from Feb. 27 to March 1. The team aspires to advance to the International Career Development Conference in Florida, the pinnacle of DECA competitions.

Visual & Performing Arts

The Franklin High School Theatre Company (FHSTC), directed by Chloe Selznik, performed "The Outsiders" in November.

Birchwood Bakery & Kitchen

Twenty-seven Franklin High School music students have been accepted into the Massachusetts Central District Honor Band, Jazz Band, Chorus, and Orchestra. Eight students placed first chair in their sections. Eighteen of the students scored high enough to be recommended for auditions for the Massachusetts All-State Festival.

Franklin High School music student volunteers performed at various community events to help celebrate the holiday season, including performances at Walmart, Shaw's, and Birchwood Bakery & Kitchen.

In collaboration with the Salvation Army, Franklin High School Chorus members sang Christmas carols at Stop & Shop on two occasions, raising $484 for the cause.

Join Us for Poetry & Conversation - Saturday, Nov 9 at 10 AM

“Poetry is not a luxury; it is a vital necessity of our existence and a weapon of resistance for all who seek to be heard.” Audre Lorde

Join Us for Poetry & Conversation - Saturday, Nov 9 at 10 AM

Since life provides us with constant challenges, we invite you to gather for some poetry and conversation.  This poetry and conversation session is a safe space for our community to express and explore the reactions and emotions you (we) are experiencing. Bring along a poem that resonates with you—whether it's something you've written or a cherished piece from a poet you admire. Or just bring yourself … Likely the first of a series of sessions, so if you don’t make this one, maybe you can join us next time.

Franklin Public Library

November 9, 2024

10 AM - noon

As Audre Lorde said, “The very first thing that you need to do is to make a place for your own voice. You have to learn to make the words come out of your own mouth, to speak and to sing your own songs. You have to be able to name the world.”

Let’s uplift each other through the power of poetry. Together, we will read, share, and listen, finding comfort and connection in the words of others. Words matter, now more than ever.

Who is “us”?  Camille Bernstein & Steve Sherlock will host this event.

Questions? Email Camille camillenapierbernstein@gmail.com