Both FHS girls lacrosse and baseball teams post wins on Thursday

Via Instagram, Franklin TV, and our subscription to HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the Spring sports competition for Franklin High School on Thursday, April 23, 2026

Baseball = Franklin, 10 @ Wachusett, 6 – Final 

– Franklin’s five runs in the top of the seventh inning originally looked like insurance but they turned out to be vital as the Panthers held on for a win on the road at Wachusett. Franklin led 3-2 going into the sixth and 5-3 heading into the final frame of the game. Sophomore Ethan Herndon drilled a one-out home run to right, sophomore Ethan Edmunds blasted a two-out, three-run home run to right, and junior Owen Pennini smoked a triple and scored on an error as the Panthers’ advantage ballooned to 10-3. Wachusett rallied in the bottom half to get within four, and had the bases loaded, but Brady Short got the final out to close out the win. Jack Sullivan set the tone from the leadoff spot with three hits, including a double, and scored three runs. Edmunds (five RBI, double) and sophomore Cam Lambert (double, RBI) also had three hits in the win. Edmunds secured the win on the mound, allowing two runs (none earned) on three hits and four walks, striking out seven in five innings.

Softball = Franklin, 4 @ Newton North, 5 – Final

Girls Lacrosse = Franklin, 15 vs. Needham, 7 – Final 

– Franklin trailed 5-4 at halftime, but went on a 10-0 run after the break to turn the game on its head and run away with a comfortable non-league win to stay unbeaten this spring. Kendall Mone was instrumental in Franklin’s win, causing four turnovers on defense and controlling the game on the draw. Morgan Lovell grabbed six draw controls for the Panthers and her defense on Needham’s top attacker helped the Panthers turn the game around in the second half. Izzy Cross continued her strong play in attack with five goals and two assists. Ruby Risgin scored four times and set up another and Clara Blongastainer added a hat trick and a helper.

Franklin TV video available for replay - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6tjqDMrNK-A

For other results across the Hockomock League (subscription required)

https://hockomocksports.com/thursdays-schedule-scoreboard-04-23-26/

FHS Panther sports results shared via Twitter & subscription to HockomockSports.com

45th Anniversary Lions All-State Band (video)

The Franklin TV recording of the 45th Anniversary Lions All-State Band performance on Monday, April 20, 2026 is available for viewing.

Video link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cry-f-oTMuA

SAFE Coalition: Hear Mark's Story (video)

"Mark represents everything we stand for at SAFE: compassion, dedication, and meeting people where they are. He reminds us that every person deserves dignity, respect, and to never feel alone—and that’s exactly what we strive to provide to everyone who walks through our doors.

Will you join Mark in investing in people?

Together, we can continue to show up, stand beside those in need,

and turn hope into action."

Donate here - https://secure.qgiv.com/event/safe2026/donate

Additional info on the SAFE Gala held recently

Catching up to the Chalkboard Chat for the March 24 meeting of the School Committee (video & audio)

FM #1718 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1718 in the series. 

This session shares my conversation with School Committee member Reis Hansen  We had our discussion via Zoom on Monday, April 13, 2026. We condense and get into the explanations behind the key items from the recent School Committee meeting March 24, 2026.

Our conversation covered the following topics:

• Lifelong learning update

• Student Opportunities Act Plan Vote

• Endorsement of Request for Statement of Interest for Development of Strategic Plan

• Subcommittee & Liaison role updates

Our conversation runs about 40 minutes. Let’s listen

Video link - https://youtu.be/aVk_yy7ETU8

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1718-chalkboard-chat-04-13-26/

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

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

School Committee subcommittee assignments - 

https://www.franklinps.net/o/fpsd/page/subcommittees-and-liaisons 

The Franklin TV video is available for replay - https://www.youtube.com/live/uQe3rLUq6e8?&t=87 

The agenda for this session - https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03242026-2201 

My full set of notes taken during the meeting in one PDF -  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZuJSdiqLK1QBa9NdcjVsk5KVX7AH2MX3/view?usp=drive_link 

Photo album of the slides presented for Lifelong Learning

https://photos.app.goo.gl/adaJ3sZeYK5ih5t28

  

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

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"

Watch the first session of the Joint Budget Subcommittee Thursday, April 16 (video)

The Joint Budget Subcommittee met in its new term for the first time on Thursday evening.

Franklin TV video is available for replay

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dbKccD9CA3Q

Town Council hears from NatinalGrid, Fire Dept, and Police Dept and completes session within 4 hours (video)

The Franklin Town Council met on Wednesday, April 15 as scheduled at 7 PM. Yes, they did return to a 7 PM time slot and also finished within their 4 hour limit. All 9 councilors participated with one remote causing all votes to be recorded via roll call.

Franklin TV video for replay  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Z7xJHgZ4lI

The agenda - https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04152026-2251 

My notes in one PDF - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1w2q_cMoAOiQs0picPbtkZonCRTXqxI63/view?usp=drive_link

Quick recap 

• NationalGrid presented on their infrastructure improvement efforts. They did not share details on outages, frequency or location although ultimately conceded that the northern section of Town did pose problems with how their grid is laid out as it doesn't have the same redundancy built in that is available in other section of town.
• Fire Chief Allen supported by his 2 Deputy Chiefs presented an overview of the department, its operations and ability to meet service needs. The presentation doc was shared before the meeting and linked below
• Police Chief Lynch and Deputy Chief West presented an overview with some history of the department, leading up to the shift to the 4x4 schedule and need to maintain a minimum of 34 patrol officers. 
• When questioned about the possible police station chief Lynch repeated what he has said before, the police station is needed but he'll always advocate for his people and make due with the inadequate station.
• Likewise when questioned on a parking control officer (PCO), he said, sure give me the extra funding but don't take a patrol office away. The PCO can only write tickets, the patrol officer can do so much more. The presentation doc was shared before the meeting and linked below

Photos of the NationGrid presentation

https://photos.app.goo.gl/XPcwTx5vSXnDjQdy8

Link to Fire presentation

https://drive.google.com/file/d/14vWcLc710A9CkTSgpJ0Tg3jcHcbR3zaY/view?usp=drive_link

Link to Police presentation

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1yF7LNhdfHfpOL_sq8gIaWpW2eQCgT8MG/view?usp=drive_link

page from Police presentation on recent budget history

Franklin School Committee gets a mid year update on the District & School Improvement Plans (video)

The Franklin School Committee met as scheduled on Tuesday, April 14, 2026 at 7:00 PM in Council Chambers. All 7 members were present to participate in person.

Franklin TV video is available for review - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IF4JTAfLa5E

Agenda doc also contains remote participation info

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04142026-2250

The meeting packet folder contains the doc released before the meeting and after the meeting

https://www.franklinps.net/documents/departments/school-committee/meeting-packets/2025---26-meeting-packets/april-14%2C-2026-sc-meeting-packet/26737086

My notes in one PDF - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1vRqOLinf4Pyzl_K-5sm6fjBuhOqbceig/view?usp=drive_link

Quick recap

• The complete administrative leadership team across the district was present to provide a midyear update on the District and School Improvement plans
• The 'current' District and School plan can be found - https://heyzine.com/flip-book/24ecc9f7e5.html#page/1. The updates as approved last night should be update to the school page in a day or so.

 

Your Brain Hallucinates Your Conscious Reality | Anil Seth | TED

Your brain hallucinates your conscious reality (Anil Seth | TED2017)

Video link -  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lyu7v7nWzfo

Right now, billions of neurons in your brain are working together to generate a conscious experience — and not just any conscious experience, your experience of the world around you and of yourself within it. How does this happen? According to neuroscientist Anil Seth, we're all hallucinating all the time; when we agree about our hallucinations, we call it "reality." Join Seth for a delightfully disorienting talk that may leave you questioning the very nature of your existence.

If you love watching TED videos like this one, become a TED Member to support our mission of spreading ideas: https://ted.com/membership

Finance Committee spends over 5 hours reviewing and questioning the FY 2027 budget (video)

The Finance Committee spends over 5 hours reviewing details of the general government portions for the FY 2027 budget on Monday, April 6. This is the first of 3 or 4 sessions this week to review and question the details of the budget.

8 of the 9 members of the committee were present in Council Chambers for this session.

The Franklin TV video is available for replay - https://www.youtube.com/live/Y7KSV5MTfHs?&t=140

Agenda doc including links to the FY 2027 budget 

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04062026-2219 

My full set of notes in one PDF - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1jmG8Vn97Cemo5YjonVvLtr72hkqHHM26/view?usp=drive_link

Design Review Committee Meeting 3/31/26 (video)

Town of Franklin (MA): Design Review Mtg held on Tuesday, March 31, 2026 was recorded by Franklin Planning & Community Development via Zoom using the OWL camera. The video was edited by Steve Sherlock, Franklin Matters/Franklin Public Radio and is now available for viewing on YouTube.

Video link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R0lz4T1babY

Agenda for this session

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03312026-2217 

Ali Rheaume talks about the creation of "Buddy The Brain" (video & audio)

FM #1703 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1703 in the series. 

This episode shares my conversation with Franklin author, educator, and disability advocate Ali Rheaume. We met virtually on Thursday, March 19, 2026 to discuss her new book “Buddy The Brain”. 

Ali Rheaume talks about the creation
of "Buddy The Brain"  (video & audio)

We cover 

• The book is available in multiple formats

• The origin story of the book

• Ali’s recovery journey and advocacy

The video runs about 23 minutes, let’s watch (or listen)

Video link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9gLJIk2cRT0

Audio link -  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1703-ali-rheaume-on-buddy-the-brain-03-19-26/

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

The landing page for Buddy The Brain https://alirheaume.com/buddythebrain 

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

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV  and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area FM 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"

The Secrets and Lore of the "License Plate" - March 8,. 2026 (video)

Second Sunday Speaker Series: Alan Young

"Alan Young was first introduced to license plate collecting by his father, more than 25 years ago and "never looked back." What started with an interesting plate or two has grown into a wide range of (mostly) New England license plates as well as research into who the early plates once belonged to.  

Young will share some of his collection and discuss the development of plates over the past 120 years. He has also promised to reveal the first automobile to be registered in Franklin!. "

video link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e23hSRwaAaA

Benjamin Franklin as Composer w/ Metro-west Symphony Orchestra (video)

Franklin as Composer w/ Metro-west Symphony Orchestra, Saturday, January 17 @ 11am

Benjamin Franklin as Composer w/ Metro-west
Symphony Orchestra (video)

Benjamin Franklin: statesman, entrepreneur, scientist… composer?! Yes, our beloved Ben even dabbled in composing his own music. 

Join us to explore this aspect of our namesake with the help of the Metro-West Symphony Orchestra. 

Members of the Metro-west Symphony will also perform works written around the same time which influenced Franklin as a composer and musician, including a Mozart Flute Quartet and French Horn Quintet. 

Video link -  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dLG7Pb6CQaw

Joe Landry on "The YMCA in Franklin: The Early Years" (video)

Recorded Saturday, November 15 – The SATURDAY ‘Second Sunday Speaker Series’-- The Early Days of the Franklin Y

Yes, due to scheduling issues, November’s “Second Sunday event” will be on the ‘third Saturday.’ Everyone in Franklin and vicinity knows the familiar, glistening, and modern YMCA atop Forge Hill. But long-before the 1988 Y came into existence, the Y was a vital part of the Franklin Community that actually got its start in 1901. By 1909, the Franklin  Y was in the midst of a capital campaign and only two years later, in 1911, actually opened its own new building on Emmons St.  

YMCA and tennis court postcard

Franklin native and acclaimed presenter, Joe Landry, will be delivering a talk and slide show called "The YMCA in Franklin: The Early Years."  Joe will delve into the building (which was easy to get lost in!), the lore, the personalities and the times in which this older style Y -- aimed especially at the needs of young men -- was a vital community resource. 

Video link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xCkA3_b29To

Quattro Eroi Lodge cooking shows feature Italian recipes (video)

via Quattro Eroi Lodge 1414 Sons of Italy, Franklin MA

"A couple of years ago, the Lodge produced two cooking shows. I thought it might be interesting to post those shows here again for anyone who might have missed them. 

Here are the original posts from 2023 including the links to YouTube:

I am very happy to present the first of our 2 most recent cooking shows! This one features Lisa Oxford preparing a vegetable stew. It is both a healthy and delicious dish and relatively easy to make. 

You can watch the show on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nj0UzRAnakw

I hope you enjoyed Lisa's presentation and I hope you tried the recipe. It's delicious! You might want to follow the Ciambotta with a great dessert! Our next presentation features Dora Brett making Italian Ricotta Cookies. 

They are so moist and delicious! Check it out here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bg1J1r2xtHQ"

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/p/16yw8pmEV4/

Talkin’ TC Podcast on expansion of lifelong learning (video)

Talkin’ TC Podcast 

Join us for a new episode of the Talkin’ TC Podcast as we sit down with Bob Foley, Director of Post‑Secondary, Adult, and Continuing Education. We dive into the opportunities available to students and community members, the future of career pathways, and how Tri‑County is expanding access to lifelong learning.

Tune in to hear how post‑secondary and adult education programs are shaping the next generation of skilled professionals. 

Watch here:  https://youtu.be/VytLxZxgc04

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18NLUUZEBn/

School Committee gets update on Lifelong Learning (video)

The Franklin (MA) School Committee met as scheduled on Tuesday, March 24 at 7 PM. This was a change from prior meetings (starting at 6 PM) to enable their budget subcommittee to meet at 6 PM before the full session at 7. 

All 7 members of the Committee were present in Chambers

The Franklin TV video is available for replay - https://www.youtube.com/live/uQe3rLUq6e8?&t=87

The agenda for this session - https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03242026-2201

My full set of notes taken during the meeting in one PDF -  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZuJSdiqLK1QBa9NdcjVsk5KVX7AH2MX3/view?usp=drive_link

Quick recap:

• Students scheduled for the pledge got to the meeting for the incorrect 6 PM start and will be rescheduled to another meeting
• Superintendent's report
• substitute nurses being looked for
• Winter sports round up
• earmark funded for middle school library (still needs to make through the budget cycle)
• Innovation labs grant also awarded
• FHS family science night April 9 from 5 to 8 pm
• Lifelong learning update
• For Solutions, the students to teacher ratios; K - 1 to 10, others grades are 1 to 12, 1 to 13
• Footlighters program hiring for, trying to fulfill that position, complications in the hiring process had hindered the hiring to date. Still being worked
• Over 900 adults taking part, a wide variety of offerings from sports to arts, etc.
• Funding question, Lifelong learning is effectively another revolving fund, fee based and those fees can only be used within the program
• Discussion/Action Items
• A.   Student Opportunities Act Plan Vote
• B. Endorsement of Request for Statement of Interest for Development of Strategic Plan
• both passed by 7-0 votes
• Subcommittee updates
• Citizen comment - I stepped up to say thanks for the participation at the Q&A and to provide 2 future dates for their calendars
• April 18, Favorite Poem Reading at the Library 
• On May 2, the 3rd annual Jane Jacobs walk, meet at the TV studio walk about 1 mile or so, return to the studio. Discussions of housing, zoning, which are all budget related. It is a generally good discussion with insights shared

Photo album of the slides presented for Lifelong Learning

https://photos.app.goo.gl/adaJ3sZeYK5ih5t28

There is no fooling around with what's happening at the Library in April 2026 (video & audio)

FM #1697 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1697 in the series. 

This session shares my conversation with Mitzi Gousie, Programming and Outreach Librarian with the Franklin Public Library. We had our discussion virtually on Tuesday, March 17, 2026.

 

We talk about 

• Reviewed the regular open hours, book sale and holiday scheduling for the month

• Closed on Sundays due to budget reduction

• Closed all day on Monday, April 20 for Patriot’s Day

• Library events for April 2026

• In calendar order rather than by category this time around

Registration for those events required should be done through the Town website, Library page. There are nefarious folks trying to convince folks otherwise via Facebook. Be safe, use the official Town and Library pages.

The show notes include links to the Library page and to the calendar of events where registration for some of the events is required/recommended.

The recording runs about 19 minutes, so let’s listen in.

Video link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7uk0vR3tdKg

Audio link -  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1697-franklin-public-library-apr-2026-event-highlights-03-17-26/

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

Mitzi Gousie’s email -> mgousie@minlib.net 

Franklin Public Library page ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/233/Franklin-Public-Library 

Library event calendar -> https://www.franklinma.gov/942/Calendar-of-Events 

April 2026 newsletter -> https://www.franklinma.gov/m/newsflash/home/detail/109 

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

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"