Franklin TV schedule for Tuesday, May 13, 2025

• Franklin All Access TV - Our Public Access Channel (Comcast 6, Verizon 26) = TUESDAY

 

7:30 am Joe Landry: The Railroad in Franklin

9:00 am Mental Health: Joanne Spillane

10:00 am Frank Presents: Jay Elias Pt 1

12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin: Stromboli

12:30 pm Cooking with Linda: Chicken Pot Pie

1:30 pm Pizzapalooza: Margherita Pizza

2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Summer 2019 Show 6

3:00 pm Candlepin New Generation: Show 4

3:30 pm Riffin' on Main Street: Erin Gallagher

4:30 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Shaun Hart Pt 1

5:30 pm Sons & Daughters of Italy: Italian Cookies

6:30 pm Second Sunday Speaker Series: Rod & Gun Club

8:00 pm Metrowest Boston Annual Meeting 2025 Pt 2

• Franklin Pride TV - Our Educational Channel        (Comcast 8, Verizon 28) = TUESDAY

 

7:00 am Public School Event: Remington Spring Music '22

8:30 am Lifelong Music Spring 2025: Band and Glee

11:30 am Mental Health: Joanne Spillane

12:30 pm Lifelong Music Spring 2025: Strings School

2:00 pm FHS Boys Varsity Lacrosse v North Attleboro 05-07-25

4:00 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Shaun Hart Pt 1

5:00 pm FHS Varsity Softball v Walpole 04-22-25

9:00 pm FHS Theater Company: Legally Blonde

 

• Franklin Town Hall TV - Our Government Channel (Comcast 9, Verizon 29) = TUESDAY

8:00 am School Committee 04-29-25

12:00 pm Finance Committee 04-29-25

2:00 pm School Committee 04-29-25

7:00 pm School Committee  CHAMBERS  839 42525943  Passcode 113578

 

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

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Monday, May 12, 2025 ???

Library & Senior Center events

Monday, May 12

4:00pm Housing Authority Ceremony (P Brunelli recognition) (Franklin Housing Authority)

For additional details on Library & Senior Center events ->   

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

**   Town Meetings today   **

 

Recreation Advisory Board Agenda

May 12, 2025, 7:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05122025-1713

Planning Board Meeting

May 12, 2025, 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05122025-1727 

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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-calendar

FPAC Launches Partnership with Rodman for Kids

The Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) is thrilled to announce the launch of a new partnership with Rodman for Kids. FPAC, Franklin’s professional theater company, will partner with Rodman for Kids’ Theatre for Kids program which breaks down barriers to make the performing arts accessible for all kids, regardless of socioeconomic background or ability, introducing them to new dreams and life-changing experiences. 

FPAC Launches Partnership
with Rodman for Kids

Rodman for Kids will fill an entire house of a matinee performance of Little Women the Broadway Musical at FPAC on June 7, 2025.

Following this special performance of Little Women, there will be a talkback with the cast and creative team giving the young audience a chance to ask questions and learn about the process of putting on a professional musical. After the talkback, the kids will go next door to the Franklin School for the Performing Arts to play theater games with members of the Little Women cast. 

Rodman for Kids’ Theatre for Kids program makes the performing arts accessible, giving every child the opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of the performing arts. In the kids’ own words, Theatre for Kids experiences are “mind blowing.” "This partnership with FPAC is tremendously exciting as we look to deepen our engagement with our kids. The access to talkbacks, workshops, and other opportunities to make the magic of theatre tangible and accessible makes this such a powerful collaboration. We are thrilled to be bringing our youth to FPAC for Little Women, and look forward to exciting additional collaborations in the future,” comments Theatre for Kids Program Manager Bill Stiles. 

Rodman for Kids is breaking down barriers to provide access so that every child can develop their own relationship with performing arts and realize that all are welcome in this space. The program is on a mission to enrich its 100,000th kid with access to the theatre in 2025.

FPAC’s Artistic Director Raye Lynn Mercer remarks, “We look forward to growing this collaboration with Rodman for Kids’ Theatre for Kids and helping this fantastic program meet its short and long term goals. Little Women is a wonderful show with which to initiate our partnership!”

Little Women closes FPAC’s 2024-25 season running June 6-8 at THE BLACK BOX. The production is directed by NYC’s Ali Funkhouser with music direction by FPAC’s Resident Music Director Hallie Wetzell and features a cast of 15 actors from NYC, Boston, Providence, and beyond. Based on Louisa May Alcott's life, Little Women follows the adventures of sisters Jo, Meg, Beth, and Amy March. 

Little Women embodies the complete theatrical experience, guaranteeing an experience filled with laughter, tears, and a lifting of the spirit. The powerful score soars with the sounds of personal discovery, heartache, and hope – the sounds of a young America finding its voice. FPAC is an Actors’ Equity Small Professional Theater company based at THE BLACK BOX in downtown Franklin. Each season, FPAC produces musicals, plays, ballets, and more featuring Broadway stars, professional actors, local artists, and students of the arts. 

Franklin Performing Arts Company is based at THE BLACK BOX located at 15 W. Central St. in downtown Franklin, MA. For more information on FPAC, visit FPAConline.com or call 508-528-3370. For more information on Rodman for Kids, visit rodmanforkids.org.  

Town Clerk Nancy Danello provides details on the June 3, 2025 Special Election (audio)

FM #1444 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1444 in the series. 

This session shares my conversation with Town Clerk Nancy Danello about the Special Election for the Fiscal Year 2026 Override coming up Tuesday, June 3, 2025.  We briefly touch on the regular local election scheduled for November. 

Our conversation covers:

• Early in person voting starts May 16 during office hours in Clerk’s Office

• Last day to register to vote is May 24

• Last day for absentee voting at the Office, Monday June 2 at noon.

• Office closed on Tuesday June 3 to run the election at Franklin High School gymnasium

• June 3 hours from 6 AM to 8 PM

• November election for Town Council, School Committee, Planning Board, Board of Assessor, Board of Health, Constables for 2 year terms. The Town Clerk is also up for a 4 year term.

• We’ll cover this election in more detail later this summer

Neither of us will tell you how to vote, we will share information on what you need to know to properly cast an informed vote on or before June 3.

Our conversation recording runs about 24 minutes, so let’s listen in Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1444-town-clerk-june-3-2025-special-election-update-05-05-25/

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Special Election page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/1123/Special-Election-6-3-2025  

Town Clerk page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/333/Town-Clerk-Elections-Division

FY 2026 Override Info page -> https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/1089/Fiscal-Year-2026-Override-Information 

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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!

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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"

Town Clerk Nancy Danello provides details on the June 3, 2025 Special Election (audio)

FHS baseball tops Sharon on Sunday

Via Twitter, Franklin TV, and our subscription to HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the Spring sports competition for Franklin High School on Sunday, May 11, 2025

Baseball = Sharon,6 @ Franklin, 8 - Final

Franklin 8, Sharon 6. WP-Winer (5.2 inn,7H,4ER,6Ks) S-McKenna (1.1 inn,K). Offensively, Kryzak(H,R,2RBI) Sullivan (3-4,2R,2RBI,2 2B), Winer(1-2,HR 💣,R,2RBI) Luizzi(2-4), McAlpine(1-2,R) Sidwell,(1-3,R),Luccini,(2-3,R) Silverstein (1-3,R,RBI) Next up:Mon 5/12 H vs Taunton at 7pm.

https://x.com/FHSCoachZBrown/status/1921751270135673182

For other results across the Hockomock League (subscription required)
https://hockomocksports.com/sundays-schedule-scoreboard-05-11-25/

 

 

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

Franklin Public Schools Holds Opening Reception for AP Studio Art Exhibition

Superintendent Lucas Giguere and Principal Dr. Maria Weber are pleased to share that Franklin High School hosted the opening reception of the 2025 AP Studio Art Exhibition on Thursday, May 1.

Held in the Panther Lobby, the event served as a celebration of the creativity, dedication and hard work of Franklin High School's advanced art and design students. The works that makes up the AP Studio Art Exhibition will remain on display in the Panther Lobby and Art Hallway through May 16.

"The opening reception was a wonderful success with a large turnout from families, staff and community," said Franklin High School Art Teacher Danielle LaPlante. "The exhibition is a capstone for our AP Studio Art students, who spend the year developing a portfolio of college-level work that showcases both technical skill and personal voice. We are so proud of their achievements and thankful for everyone who came out to support them."

The exhibition featured the artwork of 19 AP Studio seniors, each with their own display of about 8 to 15 works each, including the following student artists:

• Marley Allen
• Izzy Brown

• 

  artwork by senior Ruby Stamp.
  (Photo Courtesy Franklin Public Schools)

  Jess Crisileo
• Abby Cronin
• Jess Cunningham
• Maddie Damon
• Eden Donovan
• Noah Gorgas
• Zeno Hart
• Libby Hofstra
• Oswin Kerns
• Maggie Levins
• Kai Lewis
• Maliha Mahjabin
• Elliot Mann
• Ash Montani
• Deeksha Pericherla
• Ruby Stamp
• Rory Teng

Superintendent Lucas Giguere and Principal Dr. Maria Weber congratulated the student artists on developing their portfolios and putting their capstone works on display.

"I am incredibly proud of each of our AP Studio seniors," said Principal Dr. Weber. "All of them put in countless hours to build up a portfolio of amazing artwork. The opening reception for the 2025 AP Studio Art Exhibition was a special night to have all of our student artists, their parents, our teachers and the community come together to celebrate their dedication, creativity and artistic achievements."

“I would like to congratulate all our students who worked so hard throughout their time in Franklin Public Schools to develop so many amazing works of art," said Superintendent Giguere. "The amount of time, effort and creativity that went into these works of art is truly incredible. We commend all of you and offer our best wishes in the future as you continue to apply yourself in the field of visual arts."

Shared from -> https://www.franklinps.net/article/2205137

Frequently Asked Questions: FY 2026 Override -> Questions 37 - 40

Frequently Asked Questions - shared from the Town of Franklin FY 2026 Override Information page. There are 40 and a form to ask another question if it is not already listed there -> https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/Faq.aspx?TID=41

37. Were other, lower override amounts considered? 

A $6.8 million dollar override was considered last year and did not pass. This lower amount of $3,862,672 keeps the budget at level service and came from the Joint Budget Subcommittee listening sessions discussions.  The Town Council decided to give residents the opportunity to vote on an override budget that would maintain level services across all departments.

38. When and how often has Franklin passed overrides? 

Franklin last approved an override in Fiscal Year 2008 in the amount of $2,700,000. The Town put override ballot questions before the voters in 1991, 1997, 2005, and 2025 and none of them passed. Please find historic ballot question information on the DLS website.

39. The ballot question requests to access additional real estate and personal property taxes. What personal property taxes are being considered? 

Each year municipal Assessors assess personal property taxes on all taxable personal property within each community. Personal property includes merchandise, furniture, machinery, equipment, etc. but there are a number of exemptions. Please note that Personal Property in your domicile is Exempt; also note that Registered Motor Vehicles are not included in Personal Property, but are subject to a separate Motor Vehicle Excise Tax.  For more information, please see Personal Property Taxation FAQs.

A successful override will be added to the total tax levy to be borne by all taxable real and personal property.  In FY 2025, the valuation and therefore the tax percent portions are as follows as shown on our MA DOR Tax Rate Recapitulation sheet:

Property Class

Residential                  81.0280

Commercial                   6.5317

Industrial                        9.3477

Personal                        3.0926

(business assets)

Total                           100.0000

40. What impacts do proposed development have on the Town's operating budget? 

Residential, commercial and industrial development can increase the tax base, leading to more revenue in the town operating budget. However, this revenue may not be “received” within the tax base for weeks or months up to a year. It is not in the form of a payment, but rather through the valuation of the assessed properties. Each individual development, or parcel improvement, made to a property (such as a redevelopment), is unique and is assessed on an individual parcel basis. Any current, proposed, or permitted development will not help the overall FY 2026 budget deficit.  Only the additional qualifying physical improvements in place since July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025 may contribute to the tax levy base, and the annual estimate of this amount has already been factored into the FY 2026 budget work.

In accordance with the provisions of Proposition 2 ½ Massachusetts uses a mechanism called "New Growth" to account for the increased tax revenue from new construction, qualifying renovations (not repairs), and added personal property (taxable business assets) which are then added to the annual tax levy. The Town is required to have the MA DOR certify its New Growth and its full valuation annually prior to setting the Tax Rate.  New development can lead to higher property valuations, resulting in more tax revenue for municipalities, however, market level value changes do not contribute to growth. Municipalities do add the increase in tax revenue due to New Growth to their Tax Levy Limit, effectively increasing the amount they can collect in taxes. While new development can provide a much-needed boost to municipal revenue, it's crucial to carefully manage the associated costs and ensure that municipalities can effectively meet the needs of any population growth. The time to define the estimated valuation, estimated tax levy revenue and potential costs to the town (schools, infrastructure, public safety, etc.) of a proposed development is during the project’s public hearing process.

Oftentimes, a developer is required to compensate the town in the form of mitigation to address impacts of the project.  The Town may have revenue from those conditions, but these monies are not included in the town operating budget. The Town Planning Board, Zoning Board of Appeals, and Conservation Commission all work with applicants on project mitigation during the public hearing process and these monies are spent under strict restrictions through a special revenue account.

Typically, during a permitting hearing for a project, a proponent may have estimated information on project revenue generation or costs to the town (schools, infrastructure, etc). However, a community never actually knows what the project valuation, revenue or costs are going to be until reality occurs. Market forces play a significant role. Furthermore, a project may be permitted, but may not actually break ground for years, experience delays, or the project may be phased in over several years, or even decades. Hence, the revenue from a project does not materialize until there is work in progress, “occupancy” and/or by discovery during state-mandated assessor property evaluations.  Some development may not get captured for several years depending on the circumstances.

The Assessors’ Office can be reached through their FranklinMA.gov website for more detailed information. The Board Members or the Staff would be happy to discuss property assessment.  They may be contacted by assessors@franklinma.gov email and/or by phone (508-520-4920) during normal business hours.

Additional info can be found on the Town FY 2026 Override page ->    https://www.franklinma.gov/1089/Fiscal-Year-2026-Override-Information

Frequently Asked Questions: FY 2026 Override

Norfolk County Real Estate Recordings Show Continued Increase in April 2025

Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O’Donnell today released the real estate recording statistics for April 2025, which indicate a continued increase in overall real estate activity compared to April 2024.

 

The Registry of Deeds recorded 8,671 documents in April 2025, an increase of 4% compared to the 8,312 documents recorded in April 2024 and an increase of 15% from March 2025.

 

“April 2025 demonstrated robust real estate activity particularly in both the number of mortgages and deeds recorded, which represent a majority of the documents recorded at the Registry of Deeds,” noted Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O’Donnell. “While we are seeing movement in the real estate market, economic factors continue to play a role, and we will be monitoring how trends evolve in the months ahead.”

 

Norfolk County Register of Deeds 

The total number of deeds recorded for April 2025, representing both commercial and residential real estate sales and transfers, was 1,322, showing a 6% increase from the 1,250 deeds recorded in April 2024 and a 17% increase from the previous month of March 2025.

 

“The data from April suggests a more active start to this year’s homebuying season compared to last year,” stated Register O’Donnell. “While economic factors such as interest rates and inflation continue to play a role in buyer decisions, Norfolk County continues to see regular real estate sales and transfers.”

 

Lending activity also saw an uptick in April. A total of 1,443 mortgages were recorded in April 2025, a notable 16% increase from the 1,243 mortgages recorded in April 2024. According to The Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, the average mortgage interest rate for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage in April 2025 was between 6.62% and 6.83%, a slight decrease compared to April 2024, when interest rates were between 6.82% and 7.17%.

 

“The rise in mortgage activity suggests continued interest in property financing and while borrowing conditions have improved slightly from this time last year, larger economic concerns such as affordability, inflation, and job stability are still influencing how buyers approach long-term investments, especially first-time homebuyers,” stated Register O’Donnell.

 

The average sale price of commercial and residential properties for April 2025 was $1,381,678, a 33% increase compared to April 2024 and an increase of 18% from March 2025. The total dollar volume of commercial and residential sales also saw a rise, increasing by 28% to $859,403,533 in April 2025, and up 66% from the previous month.

 

“Norfolk County remains a desirable location to both live and work, thanks to its vibrant communities and the dedicated efforts of municipal staff and leaders,” remarked Register O'Donnell. “However, the limited property inventory continues to pose challenges for buyers, particularly those purchasing their first home. This tight availability is one factor in rising sale price and navigating a competitive market can present difficulties, especially for those first-time home buyers.”

 

The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds continues its close monitoring of the foreclosure market. In April 2025, there were 6 foreclosure deeds recorded as a result of mortgage foreclosures taking place in Norfolk County, the same number as in April 2024. Notices to foreclose, which represent the initial step in the foreclosure process, decreased significantly to 20 in April 2025, a 53% drop from the 43 recorded in April 2024.

 

“The reduction in these notices to foreclose is an encouraging sign. With that said, we cannot forget that foreclosure activity has a human face associated with it, and there are still a number of our neighbors who have lost their homes, and even more are dangerously close to losing their homes,” said Register O'Donnell. “I would urge anyone struggling to pay their mortgage or who knows someone who is struggling to contact one of the non-profit organizations listed on our website, www.norfolkdeeds.org.”

 

For the past several years, the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds has partnered with Quincy Community Action Programs (617-479-8181 x376) and NeighborWorks Housing Solutions (508-587-0950) to help anyone facing challenges paying their mortgage. Another option for homeowners is to contact the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Consumer Advocacy and Response Division (CARD) at 617-727-8400.

 

Register O'Donnell concluded, “April’s real estate activity showed stable growth, with steady increases in key areas. Norfolk County remains an attractive market for both buyers and sellers. While economic factors such as inflation, interest rates, and inventory levels will shape future activity, the overall strength of the local market underscores the county’s continued appeal as a place to buy a home and live.”

 

To learn more about these and other Registry of Deeds events and initiatives, “like” us on Facebook at facebook.com/norfolkdeeds. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram at @norfolkdeeds.

 

The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, located at 649 High St., Dedham, is the principal office for real property in Norfolk County. The Registry is a resource for homeowners, title examiners, mortgage lenders, municipalities, and others with a need for secure, accurate, and accessible land record information. All land record research information can be found on the Registry's website, www.norfolkdeeds.org. Residents in need of assistance can contact the Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center at (781) 461-6101 or email us at registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org.

First Annual Fakes & Forgeries Exhibit scheduled to open June 7 and run through June 22, 2025

First Annual  Fakes & Forgeries Exhibit

Come to the First Annual Fakes & Forgeries Exhibit, sponsored by The Franklin Art Association and the Franklin Historical Museum to enjoy artistic reproductions and creative interpretations of great artworks by FAA artists!

Where: Franklin Historical Museum

When: June 7-22, 2025

Opening Reception: June 7, 12-6 pm

Admission is free!

Shared from ->   https://www.facebook.com/share/p/19s9wv3zYi/

The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Episode 289: Beyond the Bottle (audio)

The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Episode 289: Beyond the Bottle

Hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi explore all things wine with you!

Beyond the Bottle -  Episode Focus: Unveiling the realities of the wine industry, from mass production to packaging and closures.

Breaking Free from the Mass-Produced Maze

• 

  Episode 289: Beyond the Bottle

  Kim and Mark kick off the show by urging listeners to reconsider their reliance on mass-produced wines.
• They define "mass-produced" wines
• They discuss the common pricing range for these wines, typically falling within the budget-friendly bracket, but highlight the trade-offs in flavor complexity and overall experience.
• The hosts emphasize the importance of seeking out smaller producers and unique wines for a more rewarding journey into the world of wine.

California's Bulk Wine Blues

• The conversation shifts to the current state of California's bulk wine market.
• Kim and Mark delve into the reasons why there's a lack of demand for California's bulk wine.
• They discuss oversupply, changing consumer preferences, and the impact of global competition on the market.

TTB & America's Grape Variety Shortage: A Regulatory Tale

• The hosts explore the fascinating and often complex world of wine regulations, focusing on the TTB (Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau).
• They discuss how these regulations have contributed to the current grape variety shortage in America.

Glass Matters: Imported vs. US Wine Bottles

• The focus moves to the often-overlooked aspect of wine packaging: glass bottles.
• Kim and Mark compare and contrast imported and US-made wine bottles, discussing environmental impact.

Cork vs. Screw Cap: What Is Best For A Brand

• The episode concludes with a debate on cork versus screw cap closures.
• Kim and Mark discuss the traditional appeal of cork, its potential for aging, and the risk of cork taint.
• They then explore the benefits of screw caps.
• They provide tips on why consumers should consider purchasing screw cap wines for everyday enjoyment, and the impact of modern screw cap technology.

Cheers 

Kim and Mark

The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) -> https://www.thewww.wine/

https://www.thewww.wine/episode-289-beyond-the-bottle/

The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) · Episode 289-Beyond the Bottle