Franklin Ridge Presentation and Q&A Discussion - Feb 6, 2026 (audio & document)

FM #1665 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1665 in the series. 

This episode shares the Franklin Ridge Presentation and Q&A discussion at the Franklin Senior Center on Friday February 6, 2026. 

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1665-franklin-ridge-presentation-qa-02-06-26/

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The video of the presentation and discussion held at the Franklin Senior Center Feb 6 is now available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8sD2t0uiwSY 

The presentation doc can be found (PDF) https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MM0r-JKWU88LiB-AaYwzbdIc5Ylagloz/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 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"

Franklin Ridge Presentation scheduled for Friday, Feb 6

Franklin Ridge Presentation scheduled for Friday, Feb 6

Learn about Franklin’s newest senior housing opportunity! We’re excited to host a Franklin Ridge Presentation at the Franklin Senior Center, sharing details about a new senior housing development coming to Franklin. Franklin Ridge will be located at 40 Veterans Memorial Drive and this presentation will cover:

• The construction timeline
• The application process
• What to expect moving forward

🗓 Friday, February 6 ⏰ 1:30–3:30 PM 📍 Franklin Senior Center 10 Daniel McCahill St., Franklin The first hour will be a presentation, followed by a Q&A session. Can’t make it? Franklin TV will record the presentation. This is a valuable opportunity for residents, families, and caregivers to learn more — please help us spread the word!

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BmRsF8YZy/

Ali Rheaume to present session virtually on Disability Awareness - Aug 27, 2025

Via Ali Rheaume

Ali Rheaume to present session virtually
on Disability Awareness - Aug 27, 2025

I'll be presenting this and highly encourage attending to learn more about:

• handicap parking
• handicap restroom stalls
• supporting people who navigate disability
• socializing with people navigating disability

Register free: https://biama.org/event/guest-lecture-series-disability-awareness-virtual/

Shared from ->   https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1ZtTduj8Ax/

Hey 8th Graders, got plans for Jan 30? No. Good, that is Panther Pride Night at FHS. Be there!

PANTHER PRIDE NIGHT = Thursday, January 30, 2025

We invite incoming Grade 9 Students and their families to come and learn about FHS!

Academic Scheduling Presentation - Auditorium

Hey 8th Graders, got plans for Jan 30

Please plan to attend as follows:

• Families A-K at 6:15 PM (last names beginning with A-K)
• Families L-Z at 7:15 PM (last names beginning with L-Z)

Building Tours - Ongoing from 6:00 - 7:30 PM, leaving from the Library

Extracurricular Fair - Ongoing from 6:00 - 8:00 PM in the Cafeteria

Shared from -> https://t.co/FAluEuzB1E

Direct link to FPS page -> https://www.franklinps.net/o/fpsd/article/1946892

Town Council reopens hearing to approve the BJs-Pour Richard's transfer, hears of health care expense issue (video)

The Franklin (MA) Town Council met as scheduled on Wednesday, Sep 4 with 8 members participating (1 absent).

Franklin TV video is available for replay ->    https://www.youtube.com/live/eZ51XEq57_U?si=DnXqGMfyZU1OEX7S&t=89

Quick recap

• A few appointments to close out the annual round of appointments. As announced in the August 14 meeting with the primary set of appointments, a few were in the process of being finalized. This should complete the slate of appointments to renew and fill the open slots.
• Public hearing voted to re-open to review the prior BJs & Pour Richard's license transfers. The vote at the June 26 meeting was 6-3 to deny the approval. The denial was not based upon the 2 areas that such a denial could be made, hence the return for a review. Long story short, enough councilors got the message on the legal options and the transfers passed 5-3-1 (Cormier-Leger, Chandler, Dellorco voted no; Pellegri absent).
• Pete Fasciano, Executive Director of Franklin TV provided an update on the operations. 
• The presentation deck can be found ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/10cRsmUL5lpDkpXoeZdsivJ0M2U-FDK98/view?usp=drive_link
• The wfpr.fm Advertising copy ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/10gbRqBrGymDvD7gFwFN6vqhZZCbGmUYB/view?usp=drive_link
• Discussion on Right of Refusal for the Maplegate Country Club property. We can't afford it but will gain some revenue as the deal closes completely since they were "under taxed" and the owners will need to 'catch up'. The Council still needs to accept a resolution to formal pass on the purchase option
• The Davis Thayer Reuse report was accepted by the Council. This will take time for the Council to work through the discussion to set up a possible RFP. 
• Health care issue raised will be part of the budget discussions going forward, have seen increase in 6-8 percent range prior years, anticipated increase of about 13%

Agenda doc ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/2024-09-04_town_council_agenda_0_0.pdf

My notes captured during the meeting and now in one PDF file ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ojJYhfyLslZxv7XQ8dhevA3R0jMyHcj5/view?usp=drive_link

Maplegate Country Club

Franklin TV's video replay of the School Committee meeting Feb 14, 2023 is available (video)

The School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, February 14, heard several  presentations. As the documents were not available before the meeting, photos of the slides as shown in the Council Chambers can suffice until the agenda packet is updated with the copies.

Guests/Presentations

A. JFK Highlights – Dr. Connolly, Mr. Haynes - photos album -> 

https://photos.app.goo.gl/m8oxLk4HzAeURnMF7

B. Belize Presentation – Ms. Balliro & Ms. Quigley - photos album -> 

https://photos.app.goo.gl/FgVmgsGHmXAEA1xm9

C. Advisory Update – MS Advisors & Principals - photos album -> 

https://photos.app.goo.gl/piXbXCXcwF72JxyQ6

D. EduSpeak Update – Supt Giguere & Dr Rogers - (effectively will be a glossary document posted to the schools page with the acronyms used frequently)

Agenda doc with remote participation info -> 

https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/agenda-2-14-23

Meeting packet folder -> 

https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/february-14-2023-school-committee-meeting-packet

Franklin TV video is available -> https://www.youtube.com/live/pzZUAhR1_x0?feature=share

slide from the proposed STEM trip during Feb 2024 vacation

Town Council Quarterbacking with Chair Tom Mercer - insights on the meeting of Aug 17, 2022 (audio)

FM #837 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 837 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Town Council Quarterbacking session with Chair Tom Mercer on Thursday morning, September 1, 2022.  The Town Council meeting was held on Wednesday, August 17. Our combined schedules delayed us getting together for this the only Town Council meeting in August.

·        ok, what just happened? 

·        What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?

We cover the following agenda items

5. APPOINTMENTS 

a. Cultural Council - Brianna Cummings 

b. Cultural Council - Lauren Sanford 

c. Design Review - Cassandra Bethoney 

d. Design Review - Paul Lopez 

e. Finance Committee - Stephanie Koke 

f. Historical Commission - Scott Mason 

g. Historical Commission - Janice Prentice 

h. Historical Commission - William Lee - Associate 

i. Housing Authority Tenant Seat - Christopher Lennon

 

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS 

a. Transfer of Section 12 Restaurant Common Victualer All Alcohol License and Approval of Arthur Tgibedes as the Manager - ACT Hospitality, Inc. d/b/a Box Seats, Located at 391 East Central Street 

 

8. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION 

a. Discussion: Franklin Cultural Council - Kaye Kelly, Chair, Franklin Cultural Council https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/8b._fcc_presentation.pdf

 

b. Presentation: Green Community Status - Jamie Hellen, Town Administrator & Alecia Alleyne, Assistant to the Town Administrator   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/8b._green_community_presentation_0.pdf 

 

9. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION 

a. Bylaw Amendment 22-881: Chapter 7 Affordable Housing Trust Fund: Add Vice Chair and Clerk Positions, 2nd Reading (Motion to Approve Bylaw Amendment 22-881 - Majority Roll Call Vote) 

 

b. Bylaw Amendment 22-882: Chapter 4 Admin. of Govt.: Authorize Town Clerk to Make Format Changes, 2nd Reading (Motion to Approve Bylaw Amendment 22-882 - Majority Roll Call Vote) 

 

c. Bylaw Amendment 22-883: Amendment to Water System Map, 1st reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 22-883 to Second Reading - Majority Vote) 

The conversation runs about 34 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Tom.

Audio file ->  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-837-town-council-quarterbacking-with-chair-tom-mercer-09-01-22

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Meeting agenda =>    

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/august_17_2022_agenda.pdf

YouTube video of meeting -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YqNx065s430 

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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

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"

YouTube video of meeting -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YqNx065s430

What is the Beaver St Interceptor? Why does it need to be replaced?

The interceptor is a critical part of the Town of Franklin sewer system that enables our sewerage to be sent to the Charles River Pollution Control facility in Medway to be treated.

The interceptor is over 100 year old, runs along the MBTA tracks parallel to RT 140, alongside Mine Brook, and behind Franklin Village Mall (Stop & Shop plaza), and under i495. A break at almost any of the key points along the way would be a rather expensive disaster for Franklin.

Multiple grants and state bond financing will help to pay for this, the largest single project the Town of Franklin has taken on (aside from a school building).

DPW presentations to the Town Council over the years as the replacement project is talked of and becomes a reality

November 2014 - Beaver St culvert

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/beaver_st_culvert_presentation_0.pdf

February 2015 - part of DPW update to Town Council

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/council_update_feb_14_2015.pdf

Oct 2021 - Town Council update (audio)

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/10/fm-372-town-council-mtg-102120-part-2.html 

Oct 2021 Presentation doc https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/dpw_beaver_street_interceptor_10_21_2020.pdf 

Oct 2021 “Talk Franklin” with Jamie Hellen part of this covers the Beaver St Interceptor

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/10/fm-368-talk-franklin-102320-audio.html

Jan 2021 approval by Town Council of the Beaver St project, initial funding

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/01/fm-428-town-council-meeting-p1of2.html 

June 2022 authorized updated cost to fund the Beaver St project

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/06/town-council-hears-of-way-to-proceed.html

hydraulic flow diagram of the Beaver St interceptor 

Missed the 2nd Franklin For All Forum? Catch up on the info with these links

Links to recording and materials from May 16 forum

Missed last week's Franklin For All forum? Download the meeting presentation Watch the meeting video recording Read comments from the open house activity www.mapc.org/franklin-for-all

Metropolitan Area Planning Council | 60 Temple Place, Boston, MA 02111 Sent by ebattaglia@mapc.org powered by Try email marketing for free today!

Reminder: School Committee meeting features a full agenda for Tuesday, May 24, 2022

Among the items on the School Committee meeting Tuesday evening are the following for Guests/Presentations:

A. Retiree Recognition 

B. District Improvement Plan Update 2021-2022   https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/dip_outcomes_to_sc_2021-2022.pdf 

C. Superintendent’s Evaluation – Presentation of Evidence  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/superintendents_evaluation_evidence_2021-2022.pdf

 And longer list than recently seen of Discussion Action items

A. Superintendent’s Contract
The Chair recommends approval of a 3 year contract with Lucas Giguere as Superintendent of Schools - July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2025.  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/dip_outcomes_to_sc_2021-2022.pdf
B. Policy - 2nd Reading/Adoption
I recommend adoption of policy ADF - Wellness Policy as discussed.  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_b_-_policy_2.pdf
C. Boys Basketball Trip
I recommend approval of the request of CJ Neely to take the Boys Basketball team to Orlando, Florida from December 26-30, 2022 to participate in the 2022 KSA Events Basketball Tournament as detailed.  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_c_-_basketball_trip_-_orlando.pdf
D. Performing Arts Trip
I recommend approval of the request of Dianne Plouffe to take students to Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida from April 15-19, 2023 to perform as detailed.  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_d_-_performing_arts_trip.pdf
E. Spain Trip
I recommend approval of the request of Emily Chaisson & Laura Keenan to take students to Malaga & Granada, Spain from April 14-22, 2023 as detailed.  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_e_-_spain_trip.pdf
F. Proposed MASC Resolution Regarding Sanctuary Laws for Trans Students
I recommend the School Committee adopt the proposed MASC Resolution regarding sanctuary laws for trans students for formal consideration by the 2022 Massachusetts Association of School Committees Delegate Assembly in November as discussed.  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_f_-_resolution.pdf

Agenda doc with remote connection info ->   https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/scagenda_5-24-22.pdf

Meeting packet folder with documents released for this meeting ->   https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/may-24-2022-school-committee-meeting-packet

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - May 24, 2022 - 7 PM