Franklin TV: Shovels

Sooo much snow. We need ‘em. We hate ‘em.

by Pete Fasciano, Executive Director 03/01/2026

The Shovel. A most basic tool. When you need one it’s usually in the moment when your day has taken a turn for the worst. Something heavy or disgusting needs to be scooped up and moved with a shovel. Shovels come in all shapes and sizes. There’s even a special shovel for picking up after the dog – but I digress.

My first experience with a shovel was disarmingly fun. I was a tiny tyke at the beach. Among my plastic beach toys, a pail and a small shovel – for playing in the sand. I believe it’s a deceptive ploy by a shady shovel manufacturers association – a cabal – dedicated to maximizing shovel usage and sales. Start ‘em young – so the kiddies accept shovel usage as – normal. It’s that classic approach by the tobacco industry decades ago. Doctors warned us about smoking. Now they warn us about shoveling. Shoveling is bad.

No matter where you live in the U.S. there is a need to shovel – something. In the North, you’re shoveling snow after every storm. In the South? You’re shoveling sand into bags before every storm. There’s no escape. Shovels are evil.

So – I plan to strike back.

My plan? Promote a green initiative that greatly reduces the number of shovels that the shady shovel manufacturers can sell. We hit ‘em in the pocketbook.

In the North, we need shovels in Winter to move snow. In the South, we need shovels in Summer to move sand.

I say we develop a shovel allocation/relocation system that strategically redeploys shovels where needed during every Spring and Fall. As birds fly South, we ship shovels North, and in Spring we ship shovels South. Shovel shipping is my bold retaliatory strike against evil shovel oligarchs – even if I’m digging my own grave.

Last shovel made by Ames family member
(David Ames) 1935 (Photo via Easton Historical Society) *1

I think up cool stuff like this all the time. Don’t know why more folks aren’t on

board. I guess that’s why they say genius is never recognized in it’s own time.

And – as always –

Thank you for watching.

Thanks for listening to wfpr●fm, 

and staying informed at Franklin●news. 

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

*1 - for additional info on the Ames family of shovel makers -

https://www.amesfreelibrary.org/ames-shovel-company-chronology

Watch Listen Read all things that matter in Franklin MA

DPW Director provides a storm cleanup Update as Thursday ends (audio)

via robocall from Town of Franklin DPW Director Robert "Brutus" Cantoreggi

"As you are aware, we are continuing our work cleaning up after the Blizzard 0f 2026.  We are making improvements to roadways, intersections and have also started clearing sidewalks, but this will take some time.

I have some important information regarding trash and recycling pick up, this continues to be a problem.

All of yesterday's rescheduled Monday’s  trash and recycling pick was not completed.  Waste Management is attempting to catch up today. This was due to the additional snow that fell yesterday, delays caused by the narrow roadways and equipment break downs.

So the new plan is:

• Wednesday's trash and recycling will be picked up tomorrow, i.e. Friday if you are confused of what day is right now because of lack of sleep over the last couple of days.. like us here at public works
• Thursday’s trash and recycling will be picked up on Saturday. 
• And Friday’s trash and recycling will be picked up on Monday, not Sunday.

Here is the big change, because Friday's Trash and recycling  is going to be picked on Monday, there will be no Monday trash and recycling pick up.  

Once again, because Friday's Trash and recycling  pick is now on Monday, there will be no Monday pick up on Monday!  

This will get us back on track, so the rest of the week will be regularly scheduled.

Tuesday will be on Tuesday, Wednesday will be on Wednesday, Thursday will be on Thursday and Friday will be on Friday.

I understand that some folks on the Monday schedule will not be happy, as I am not happy, but this is the best course of action for the Town overall.

If Monday folks feel that they will have too much trash and recycling, I have arranged for a dumpster to be placed at the Beaver Street recycling center that they can bring their trash to.  You will not have to have a recycling sticker to use the dumpster this weekend or next.

I am once again sorry for the inconvenience, but want to thank you for your understanding!"

Audio link -  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1671-dpw-storm-cleanup-update-02-26-26/

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Monday, February 23, 2026 ???

Snow, snow, and more snow...

Schools (Franklin Public, Tri-County, BFCCPS, etc.) closed

Library, Senior Center, Municipal & Recreation Buildings closed

Curbside trash/recycling not happening Monday, which is currently planned for Tuesday pickup, followed by a 1 day delay for all others (Tues on Weds, etc.)

Find the storm collection - https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/02/storm-collection-feb-22-23-2026.html

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Monday, February 23, 2026 ???

*** NO Town Meetings today   ***

There were meetings scheduled for today, given the closings/cancelations, and timing of storm, they are NOT likely to happen

 

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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

Town of Franklin Senior Center Update: Due to storm closed on Monday Feb 23, 2026 (audio)

Franklin Senior Center Director Sarah Amaral with an update on the closure of the center for Monday, Feb 23, 2026 and other storm related updates.

Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1664-town-of-franklin-senior-center-closure-update-02-22-26/

Storm alert and safety prep via Franklin Police Dept.

via Franklin Police Dept

"We’re fine. Everything is fine. Things are going great… 

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT – WINTER STORM WARNING 

A significant winter storm is expected to impact our area beginning Sunday night and continuing into Monday. Conditions may deteriorate quickly, and residents are urged to prepare now.

Storm alert and safety prep via Franklin Police Dept.

What to Expect:

• Heavy snow developing Sunday night

• Strong, gusty winds

• Possible blizzard conditions

• Periods of whiteout visibility

• Dangerous to near-impossible travel

• Potential power outages due to heavy, wet snow and strong winds

Storm Timeline:

• Sunday (Daytime): Mostly cloudy; storm developing late
• Sunday Evening/Night: Snow becomes heavy; winds increasing
• Monday: Snow continues with strong winds; blizzard conditions possible before gradually tapering

What You Can Do Now:

 • Charge all electronic devices

 • Prepare for possible power outages

 • Avoid unnecessary travel Sunday night into Monday

 • Check on elderly neighbors and vulnerable residents

 • Remove vehicles from roadways to allow plows to operate safely

Parking ban information will be shared as soon as it becomes available.

Please plan ahead, stay informed, and prioritize safety."

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

Voices of Franklin: Rich McNeil - Thanking Franklin DPW for Snow Safety

I am deeply grateful to Franklin DPW for their tireless efforts in snow removal and maintaining safe roadways.

As a longtime Franklin resident and MSW graduate student at Bridgewater State University, I want to sincerely thank the Franklin DPW for their tireless, around-the-clock snow removal efforts during recent storms; their work is often underappreciated. My purpose in writing is to express appreciation for their commitment to public safety work and highlight its equity impact.

On February 2, around 3:00 PM, at the new construction site on Alpine Place and Alpine Row, I observed a worker using a snowblower to clear snow from the new construction. I assumed the snow would stay on-site. At 5:00 PM, I headed out to do an errand. As it was getting dark, I was driving slowly. I unexpectedly encountered a 1–2-foot-high snowbank about 20 feet long and nearly got stuck. As this was creating a hazard at the intersection, I reported it to Franklin Police and DPW (after hours). By 8:00 AM the next day, I saw the DPW on its way to clear this hazard.

From a social work perspective, the DPW's efforts ensure public safety and equity for older adults, disabled residents, and low-income families who rely on clear roads for work, school, and medical care. Franklin's Town Bylaws (Chapter 155-21) prohibit snow deposits on roadways and support our community's perseverance.

Construction firms and residents must comply with bylaws prohibiting snow deposits in streets (up to $300/day fine) to ease DPW burden. I urge readers to contact the Franklin Town Council to strengthen enforcement—this promotes social justice by safeguarding vulnerable groups most affected by hazards, regardless of income or ability.

Sincerely, 

Rich McNeill

If you have something to say, you can find the guidelines here
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/03/introducing-voices-of-franklin.html

Voices of Franklin: Thanking Franklin DPW for Snow Safety

Town Council discusses goals, hears last storm cost $325,000, enters Executive Session (video)

The Franklin (MA) Town Council met as scheduled on Wednesday, Feb 4, 2026 for their shortest public session of this term of office completing public business in under 2 hours. They did go to Executive Session so who know how long that took. We'll find out later.

Franklin TV video available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=51MAacjd_XU

The agenda and released documents ->  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02042026-2120 

Quick recap:

• Citizen comments:
• P Griffith, SchCmte Chair provides an update on budget, encourages budget hearing participation Tuesday, Feb 10
• K Mu Chow informs on the Franklin Ridge presentation on Friday, 1:30 at Senior Center
• DPW Director Cantoreggi, almost at total snow/ice budget for year, last storm cost $325,000
• G Carlucci announces Quattro Eroi Lodge 1414 Order Sons and Daughters of Italy In America celebrating 100th Anniversary this year. Steve Puleo presenting April 12 at Historical Museum
• Goals discussion, wrapped around terminology and strategic planning, could have chosen a subcommittee to help with prioritization, ended up not, will send adjustments, ideas, etc. to Jamie to consolidate for next discussion at the March 4 meeting. Consultants planned to be there to present on strategic plan option
• Adoption of Amendment to the Procedures Manual of the Franklin Town Council 
• LeBlanc poses adjusted language, second,
• P5, sec 2, regular meetings may not begin earlier than 6, provided that an agenda items is not already under discussion, the meeting may continue with a majority vote, vote on amendment Passes 9-0
• Vote on the motion as amended, Passes 9-0
• Moved to enter Executive session; Exemption #6: Considering the purchase, exchange, lease or value of real property, because an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the negotiating position of the Public Body:
  • i. Former Davis-Thayer Elementary School
  • ii. Former Parmenter Elementary School
  • iii. “Other Property” potentially available for Town purchase/acquisition

My notes captured in one PDF ->  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1pW9ckTDCmx-SwZL9VTtWqe9WzGOyUGTN/view?usp=drive_link

Franklin (MA) Town Council

Boston Globe: "Somerville’s secret weapon against snow"

"After 23.2 inches of snow, what’s a senior or person with heart problems supposed to do?

Somerville has figured out an answer, with a city program that matches homeowners in need with kids looking to make a few bucks by shoveling sidewalks, steps, and driveways. 

Boston Globe: "Somerville’s secret weapon against snow"

The city lets seniors and people with disabilities request help, and pairs them with a snow-shoveler between the ages of 14 and 19. The homeowner pays the shoveler in cash, at rates the city sets in advance.

For instance, clearing a sidewalk and steps is $25. Compare that to TaskRabbit, a site many people use to hire people for short one-off jobs, which says the cost of an average snow removal task arranged through the site is $118."

Continue reading the article at the Boston Globe ->

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2026/02/01/opinion/somerville-snow-shovel-teens/?s_campaign=sharetool_copypaste_view

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Monday, January 26, 2026 ???

Monday, January 26

• Town office closed
• Library closed
• Senior Center closed
• Public Schools closed
• BFCCPS school closed
• Tri-County Voc Tech closed

9am Fallen Heroes: William 0. Martello (Town Common, Veterans Memorial)

due to the storm, rescheduled to Tuesday, January 27 at 9am

*** NO Town Meetings today   ***

Meetings previously scheduled, canceled due to the storm

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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

Town of Franklin Senior Center Update: Due to storm closed on Monday Jan 26, 2026 (audio)

Franklin Senior Center Director Sarah Amaral with an update on the closure of the center for Monday, Jan 26, 2026 and other storm related updates.

Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1642-town-of-franklin-senior-center-closure-updates-1-25-26/

Town of Franklin: robocall with DPW Director Brutus Cantoreggi delivering the messages 1/25/26 (audio)

Good Morning Franklin, this is Brutus Cantoreggi, your public works director calling about important information regarding the upcoming snow event that hopefully you have heard about!

There is a lot going on, so get your pens and paper out for note taking!

First thing first, working with the Franklin police, a full parking ban will be instituted today Jan 25th at noon and remain in effect until tomorrow Jan 26th at noon.  

What does this mean to you?  Please remove your vehicles from the roadways.  Leaving your vehicle in the public right of way makes our job of clearing snow much more difficult, costs more money and potentially causes  safety issues for not only us, but also you fellow residents.  So be a good citizen and more your vehicle!

Secondly, all non-emergency town offices will be closed tomorrow Jan 26th due to the storm.  Don’t worry, fire, police and most importantly public works will be working for you!

Finally, Get your pens and paper ready, the following might get a little complicated for some folks, your scheduled trash and recycling pick up will be delayed one day.  

What does that mean to you?

• Monday trash and recycling will be picked up on Tuesday,
• Tuesday trash and recycling will be picked up on Wednesday,
• Wednesday trash and recycling will be picked up on Thursday,
• Thursday trash and recycling will be picked up on Friday,
• And Friday trash and recycling will be picked up Saturday!

Finally if you don’t have to go out, please don’t while it's snowing.  

If you do, please be safe.

Have an excellent public works day!!!

Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1641-town-of-franklin-snow-update-messages-01-25-26/

For all the updates for the snow storm Jan 25-26, 2026 -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/01/franklin-ma-storm-center-collection-for.html

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Sunday, January 25, 2026 ???

Sunday, January 25

Storm Center Collection

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/01/franklin-ma-storm-center-collection-for.html

12:00pm Parking Ban takes effect until Monday, Jan 26 at noon time

12:30pm Children's Museum of Franklin (closing time due to storm)

1:00pm Franklin Historical Museum - CLOSED due to the Storm

2:00pm Steel Magnolias (THE BLACK BOX)

*** NO Town Meetings today   ***

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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

DPW update on snow storm response; parking tickets issued during storm

Email from DPW Director Brutus Cantoreggi from earlier in the day (Monday, 1/19/26):

Just want to give you all an update on the snow and ice removal operations in case you get some calls.

Yesterday around 2PM, Waste Management called to inform us that trash and recycling would not be collected on Monday (today) as planned due to predicted weather. So curbside pick-up would be delayed one day. This is allowed in our contract with them. We immediately posted on websites and social media.

DPW personnel reported to work yesterday at 4 PM to work the storm based on weather reports that we received. We had pre- treated the Town the day before.

It was anticipated that we would get around three inches as reported by our weather folks and local media stations.

All DPW workers showed up on time.

Pretty much started snowing around 1PM with little accumulation.

Extremely cold, temp was 14 degrees.

Senior Center parking lot cleared when I went sledding with the kiddos on the hill to ECDC/Middle School

At 10PM we called in contractors as we had 3 inches of snow on the ground.

The contractors provided all equipment, much better than the last 2 events.

Vehicles parked on the road during the overnight parking ban continue to be a problem.

We worked with the Police and 35 to 40 tickets were issued.

As of right now, it is still snowing and over 6 inches of snow has fallen. The Town is looking pretty good, folks can travel throughout town on this holiday.

We will commence plowing sidewalks once the snow stops.

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/p/14V2BMgpGpr/

DPW's Cantoreggi provides update on storm and plowing efforts for New Year's Day

From DPW Director Brutus Cantoreggi, via Councilor Morrongiello:

Happy New Year,

Just want to give you all an update on the snow and ice removal operations.

We pretreated the Town yesterday, the 31st, with brine (the squiggly lines stuff).

DPW personnel reported to work this morning at 1AM because of an anticipated snow event.

It was anticipated that we would get less than two inches as reported by our weather folks and local media stations.

Of 35 employees, all folks reported to work unless they had scheduled a day off.

Pretty much started snowing around 2pm, so we commenced treating the whole town at that time.

Extremely cold, temp was 18 degrees.

At 7AM the Town looked great, there was about 1.5 inches of snow on the ground.

Around 8AM, a "snow squall" hit the town. Snow was very heavy and dropped another 2 inches within an hour.

After driving the Town, the decision was made to call the contractors in.

downtown Franklin in snow, Jan 1, 2026

I was hoping not to call the contractors to save funds, and not have to plow and just use salt, but due to the amount of snow, very low temperatures (less than 32) predicted as a "high temperature" throughout the weekend, and not wanting too much snow and ice on the the roads causing slippery conditions.

We called the contractors at 9AM.

Of the 60 pieces of contractor equipment we have on contract (we would like to have around 80), only were able to get around 40. The contractors some of their staff away for holidays also

The number of vehicles parked on the roads continues to truly affect our response rate and keep us working longer because we have to go back and clean up those areas when the vehicles are finally moved.

As of right now, the Town is looking pretty good. We started plowing sidewalks about an hour ago. We have a lot of bare wet pavement out there (the low temp salt is working well).

We have used a lot of salt over the last couple of storms, we are replenishing our salt supply now, but we do have enough.

On a side note, mutual aid was done, we were good neighbor and supplied Milford with some salt as they ran out. They were very appreciative, and they will reimburse us for the salt next week!

Besides the cold, the long range weather forecast looks pretty good.

I am sure there will be some icy spots tonight and some drifting snow.

Please remember, that it is not our goal to have all side streets completely bare, there may be some snow on the side streets but it will be less than an inch. Folks just need to slow down a bit in the subdivisions

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1DQsbkjo36/

Audio of the 12/17/25 Town Council in 3 logical segments (audio)

FM #1612-13-14 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, numbers 1612-13-14 in the series. 

This session shares part of the Franklin (MA) Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, December 17, 2025. The Council held this session as scheduled beginning at 6 PM. All 9 Councilors participated (1 remotely) for this 4 hour session. 

 

• 1612 - covers the opening, Citizen comments, recognitions, alcohol license renewals and everything else except 

• the snow update (see 1613) 

• and the charter discussion (see 1614)  (approx. 2 hours 27 mins)

• 1613 - segment from the meeting covering the full discussion on the DPW snow update  (approx.. 58 minutes)  https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/7855/Snow-Presentation---December-17-2025 

• 1614 - segment from the meeting covering the full discussion on the charter change process  (approx. 45 mins)  https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/7848/2023-11-01-Town-Charter-Presentation 

Audio 1612 link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1612-town-council-mtg-minus-snow-charter-updates-12-17-25/

Audio 1613 link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1613-snow-update-to-town-council-12-17-25/

Audio 1614 link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1614-charter-discussion-at-town-council-mtg-12-17-25/

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Additional notes including the video link for the meeting can be found ->

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/12/town-council-closes-out-year-approving.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

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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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