Franklin TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) schedule for Friday, Nov 15, 2024

• wfpr.fm or 102.9 on the FM dial = Friday

9:00a/12:00p /6:00p Chapters – Jim Derick  Insightful, life-affirming stories and interviews

10:00a/1:00p/7:00p Music to Lift the Spirit - Jim Derick & Frank Falvey

11:00a/2:00p/8:00pm Senior Story Hour – Senior Center Scribblers Group

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

7:00 am    Sons and Daughters of Italy: Carlo Geromini

8:30 am    Frank Presents: Christel Akouri

10:00 am    Riffing on Main Street: Michael Walker Jones

11:00 am    Senior Connection: Senior Expo 2024

12:00 pm    Brook'n'Cookin: Scones

12:30 pm    Cooking with Linda: Green Bean Casserole

1:30 pm    Pizzapalooza: Shrimp, Tomato & Greens Pizzetta

2:00 pm    New England Candlepins: Summer 2018 Show 3

3:00 pm    Winning Ways with the MIAA: Districts

4:00 pm    Metrowest Symposium: Equity & Access in Arts & Culture

5:30 pm    Veterans' Call: VA Pension

8:00 pm    Endless Konnections: Kevin Barthelemy

9:30 pm    Second Sunday Speaker Series: Rod & Gun Club

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

7:00 am     Public School Concert: Horace Mann Winter Music 2022

8:30 am     Mental Health: Amy Frigulietti

9:30 am     MSAA Open Meeting 10-17-24

11:00 am     FHS Track and Field: v Attleboro 04-04-23

2:00 pm     Cultural Council: BT ALC Big Band

4:00 pm     FHS Theater Company: Lord of the Flies

8:30 pm     FHS Theater Company: Cinderella

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

8:00 am Zoning Board of Appeals 11-07-24

2:00 pm Zoning Board of Appeals 11-07-24

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: Thursday, November 14, 2024 ???

Thursday, November 14

7am Fiber Art Installation (Franklin Public Library) 

1pm Meet Maudie the Chicken!  (Franklin Public Library) 

4pm Pizza & Movie Night: Reagan (Franklin Senior Center)

5pm Board Game Night (Pete's Nerd Emporium) 

6:30pm Ken Gloss: Book Antiques and Collecting (Franklin Public Library) 

7pm Cultural District Cmte (Franklin Historical Museum)

7:30pm My Favorite Year (Dean College Main Stage)

**  Town Meetings today   **

Charles River Pollution Control District (meeting room - Medway)

Event Date:  Thursday, November 14, 2024 - 3:30pm

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/events/crpcd_meeting_2.pdf

Police Station Building Committee Meeting (Council Chambers) 

Event Date:  Thursday, November 14, 2024 - 6:00pm

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/2024-11-14_police_station_building_committee_agenda.pdf

Master Plan Final Draft Presentation (3rd floor training room)

Event Date:  Thursday, November 14, 2024 - 6:30pm

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/master_plan_agenda_-november_14_2024.pdf

Conservation Commission Meeting (virtual meeting)

Event Date:  Thursday, November 14, 2024 - 7:00pm

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/11-14_conservation_agenda.pdf

Cultural District Committee Meeting

Event Date:  Thursday, November 14, 2024 - 7:00pm

no agenda posted

Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter School agenda (charter school) 

Event Date:  Thursday, November 14, 2024 - 7:00pm

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/events/bot_agenda_11142024.docx_1.pdf

What's happening today in Franklin? 

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

Why are there multiple calendars?

Respectfully, the Library and Senior Center calendars are too full of events to include all their events so we tend to focus on the major events. Town and School meetings are also kept separate. Links for all the calendars are shared here:

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 Library calendar of events ->    calendar link

The Senior Center calendar of events ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/node/39/events/upcoming

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar
The School district calendar is found  https://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/o/fpsd/page/school-calendars

Maxwell Morrongiello to Kickoff Town Council Campaign December 3rd, with Games, Evening Brunch, and More!

Franklin activist Maxwell Morrongiello is putting a fresh spin on the traditional campaign kickoff by combining it with a birthday celebration that promises to be anything but ordinary. Set for Tuesday, December 3rd, from 6:00 to 9:00 PM at Mak's Roast Beef, this unique event features board games, trivia contests, and an evening brunch that breaks all the rules.

State Representative Jeffrey Roy will join the kickoff as blackjack dealer, adding experienced political gravitas to the festivities.

"We wanted to create an event that truly brings people together," says Morrongiello, who is running for Franklin Town Council in the November 2025 election. "Politics doesn't always have to be serious—sometimes the best conversations happen over brunch and board games."

The evening offers attendees multiple ways to engage: compete in trivia for prizes, challenge friends to board games, or simply enjoy the breakfast buffet while connecting with neighbors and discussing Franklin's future. This unconventional approach reflects Morrongiello's campaign style, which emphasizes building bridges and fostering civil discourse within the community.

Maxwell Morrongiello to Kickoff Town Council Campaign

A dedicated community activist, Morrongiello's platform focuses on:

• Expanded tax relief for low-income senior citizens

• Responsible fiscal management

• Enhanced mental health awareness and support

• Promoting civil discourse and community unity

Don't miss this opportunity to meet your potential future town councilor while enjoying an evening brunch and some friendly competition. Join us for an evening that proves local politics can be both meaningful and fun. 

Event Details:

Date: Tuesday Evening, December 3

Time: 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Location: Mak's Roast Beef, 451 West Central Street, Franklin

Tickets: Available at birthday.votemax.us

Includes: Breakfast buffet, game night participation, and chances to win delightful awards

For more information about Maxwell Morrongiello's platform and compelling life story, visit www.votemax.us.

2 chances to get your Franklin Questions Answered in November

What is going on with .... ?

What happened to ....?

How come .... ?

Join Steve Sherlock, Franklin Matters & wfpr.fm Community Information Director (volunteer), for an informal and informative Q&A session. 

What is the session about?

• Steve provides some updates on what's happened in the past month in the first 10-15 minutes, then opens the floor to answer whatever questions you have.

When: Monday, Nov 18, 2024 at 6:30 PM  

Where: Franklin Public Library (Community Room) and via Zoom

  Or

When: Wednesday, Nov 20, 2024 at 11:00 AM  

Where: Franklin Senior Center (2nd floor conf room) and via Zoom

If you want the Zoom link, please use this form, or check with the Senior Center front desk, or email me:  https://forms.gle/Ur2r66T8L49UfWpG9

Download this flyer as a reminder ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1D_DZ4BNXMkxPAuiKGx0lm6SYtl53BhzO/view?usp=drive_link

2 chances to get your Franklin Questions Answered in November

School Committee keeps leadership, gets update on Middle Schools, and redistricting progress (audio)

FM #1314= This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1314 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, Nov 12, 2024. All 7 members participated, 6 in Council Chambers, 1 remotely (Gallagher)

Quick recap:

• School committee voted to continue their leadership team. Griffin was nominated as well as Callaghan for Chair but Callaghan prevailed with a 5-2 (Griffin, Gallagher) vote. McNeill continues as Vice-Chair by a 7-0 vote. Both votes via roll call

• Announcement of MASS student awards for Ella Mahoney and Noah Gorgas

• Middle school presentation & update; If we had more money we could have more clubs and reach more students and their interests Hopeful with the single school next year to be able to do more for the whole population of middle schoolers, more flexibility and opportunities

• Update on the district reorganization From Colin & Lucas

• 29 of the 54 possible students for the DT exemption committed to do so, Staff placement being worked, All dependent upon the budget

• Pond St facility (former Kennedy school) would be the site for an expansion for the ECDC not a replacement of, ECDC was purpose built and will remain, but expanding capacity by using space at Pond St is what is being planned

• Clarification on ECDC expansion, it would be done in phases, the focus is to provide the education space for ECDC population, which is growing, and we won't be able to utilize the Middle school space we have used at Horace Mann

• Key stat 97% of the K-5 teachers got their first choice. There is the plus one for 2nd at North and down one on South so it is budget neutral not a $75K cost as might have been in worst case

• Consideration for moving staff and furniture with the teachers where possible, Capital planning underway, don't know enough details yet but as they rise up, they will be shared

Entered executive session not to return to open meeting

The recording runs about 1 hour & 55 minutes, so let’s listen in. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1314-franklin-ma-school-cmte-mtg-11-12-24/

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

Franklin TV -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nZaZ-akfth8 

School Committee agenda -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/events/fps_meeting_1.pdf 

My notes for the full session are captured in one PDF file ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1r6Fpd_A-8cBzKBLdigphSMvcxcy53mfo/view?usp=drive_link 

Photos of the redistricting update -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/ADsFSJtAkHctX7Rq8 

Photos of the Middle School update ->  https://photos.app.goo.gl/mJFrSfDhaJYbojfh8 

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

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 reachout. 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"






MASS student awards for Ella Mahoney and Noah Gorgas

Economic Development reviews multiple bylaw adjusts & recommend referral to Town Council (video)

The Economic Development Subcommittee met as scheduled on Wednesday, Nov 13, 2024. 2 members present in Chambers (Hamblen, Sheridan), 1 remote (Frongillo), 1 absent (Chandler).

Franklin TV video of the session ->  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rnEIUW2vwrY

The agenda doc ->    https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/november_13_2024_edc_agenda.pdf

Quick recap:

• Starting late awaiting quorum. Chandler absent, Frongillo participating remotely hence roll call for any votes at this session 
• Town administrator Jamie Hellen provides updates on affordable housing legislation becoming effective this year (recently passed) Retrofit of offline units most immediate turn for housing increase ...  Bond bill authorization money not available for awhile.
• Next agenda item, definition of accessory dwelling units. Amy Love and Gus Brown sit at the table to provide updates. 
• Currently we have by special permit, new state regulations call for 'by right' for residential zones First unit by right, second unit on same parcel would be by special permit (via ZBA for us) State will go through their regulation process to determine the final regs ... Likely next year, 
• We can at least move these changes through our process to go through Planning Board and Town Council possibly by Feb 2025. 
• Motion to move this set of recommendations to the Town Council, second, passes 3-0 via roll call. 
• Separately voted on definition and use table 
• On to sign, small change in commercial effectively along 140 where there is limited residential. 
• Looking for digital and electronic boards to be allowed (not currently) GlenPharmer for, but not present tonight. Would go to Council, then Planning Board & back to Council 
• Per Gus, these are not inexpensive so not going to get a rush on these. 2 amendments, one an exclusion that refers back to the full wording of the original. Off premise signs are not allowed anywhere in Franklin. 
• Will loop in the Design Review for their input on this. 
• Motion to move the zoning bylaws amendment sign changes to recommend to the Town Council, second, passes 3-0 via roll call 
• Second motion on changes also to refer to Council, passes 3-0 via roll call 
• Marketing & branding project with AJ Updates since last time
• Slides captured in album https://photos.app.goo.gl/ucVeRz3FmZMeSQPC6
• Councilors discussion on variations in the slides around specific elements of the design 
• Colors were chosen to enable a safe standard replication across screen, digital and print

Motion to adjourn, passes 3-0 via roll call 

My notes in one PDF ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rycp5mTWEcFuRL5mbl5Ybuo6uC7dcd0N/view?usp=drive_link

Additional info on the branding process can be found ->    https://www.franklinma.gov/economic-development-subcommittee/webforms/edc-branding-presentations

Option A left, Option B right

FHS boys soccer playoff run ends with 0-1 loss to Xaverian on Wednesday (video)

Via Twitter, Franklin TV, and our subscription to HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the Fall sports competition for Franklin High School on Wednesday, November 13, 2024

Boys Soccer

Division 1 - #22 Franklin, 0 @ #14 Xaverian, 1 - Final

Franklin TV video -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IEjPHmcZzyU

1-0 loss in the quarterfinals to Xaverian. The boys played their heart out for 80 minutes. Thank you to all 15 Seniors for 4 amazing seasons, Wyatt, Garrett, Matt, Nick, Jimmy, Danny, Jake, Alex C, Alex S, Richie, Connor, luke, Aidan, Jibreel, and Gabe.  https://x.com/_FranklinSoccer/status/1856872974780952655

Thank you to anyone that came to support the team, and thank you to coach for a fantastic first year. A lot to be proud of after going 16-5-1, Hockomock Champs, and a historical playoff run. Thank you.

https://x.com/_FranklinSoccer/status/1856873005684851198

Via Josh Perry, HockomockSports.com:

"In Westwood tonight for a D1 quarterfinal, #22 Franklin (16-4-1) trying to reach the state semifinal for the first time since winning the EMass crown in 1976 and will face #14 Xaverian (12-5-3), Panthers have won in OT in each of the last two rounds #hockomock"

"Franklin with all of the best chances so far and now the Panthers hit the bar twice inside a minute, Danny Reis (I think) had the first one with a shot from 40 yards and then Wyatt Herndon hit a line drive from 25 yards that struck woodwork as well, still 0-0 #hockomock"

"Halftime: Franklin 0, Xaverian 0, Panthers had the better chances, including the two crossbars, but couldn’t find a breakthrough and the Hawks nearly got one against the run of play when Drew Logie got behind the defense and touched it just wide #hockomock"

"Xaverian with a flurry of chances and now the opening goal, Luke McPhillips had his shot saved and Mitchell Kisgen was there to tap in the rebound, 1-0 midway through the second half #hockomock"

"Final: Xaverian 1, Franklin 0, Franklin had a great chance go wide with 10 minutes to play and for the third straight season the Panthers have their season come to a close in the D1 quarterfinal #hockomock"

Shared from -> https://x.com/Josh_Perry10/status/1856860448097784127

Josh Perry's complete write up recapping the game  (subscription required)->

https://hockomocksports.com/franklin-boys-soccer-cant-overcome-quarterfinal-hex-falls-to-xaverian/

For a photo gallery of the game  (subscription required) ->   https://hockomocksports.smugmug.com/2024-2025/Fall-2024/Franklin-Xaverian-Boys-Soccer-11-13-24

For other results around the Hockomock League -> (subscription required)

https://hockomocksports.com/wednesdays-schedule-scoreboard-11-13-24/

Final: Xaverian 1, Franklin 0

The Santa Foundation has shared their Top Ten wish list items for teens

Ten wish list items for Santa Foundation

This holiday season, the Santa Foundation is committed to making a difference for children and teens in our community. However, our teen inventory is critically low as we fulfill multiple shelters and need your help!

Your donations can provide essential items and thoughtful gifts that show these young people they are loved and valued.

If you can contribute, please consider donating to our holiday drive by shopping our Amazon Wishlist and choosing an item flagged highest/high priority. Together, we can spread joy and hope this season!

Thank you for your support!

Amazon wish list ->   https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2OYU8G1Z3HZA4/ref=hz_ls_biz_ex

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/DCPqF0uxn7o/

Your input is requested for the Franklin MA Cable News Awareness Survey

Franklin TV, Franklin Public Radio, and Franklin Matters are working together striving to advance the greater good, bringing us together as a community, so that our focus is not on what divides us, but what brings us together. To that end, we need your help with the following survey questions. 

Please fill out (online -> https://bit.ly/FCCA_NewsSurvey ) or via paper copy (and send to Franklin TV) so we can evaluate our services for the community and enhance as necessary. 

Your thoughts are important to us. 

Thank you!

Your input is requested for the Franklin MA Cable News Awareness Survey

 

Master Plan Update: Implementation Program: Strategies and Actions - Land Use; Natural, Cultural, & Historical Resources; & Sustainability

Over the next couple of days, sections of the Master Plan Update "final draft" will be shared to prepare for the Public Hearing scheduled for Thursday, Nov 14. 

The presentation and hearing will begin at 6:30 PM in the 3rd Floor Training Room of the Municipal Building. Franklin TV is scheduled to broadcast the event (and record for future viewing).

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

Key Issues and Opportunities

This document outlines the major challenges currently faced by the Town of Franklin. These key issues, along with potential opportunities, are instrumental in understanding and shaping the Town’s Master Plan update. Additionally, they contribute to the formulation of the town’s vision, goals, and strategies for the next ten to twenty years.

PDF for this section:   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BZ_xY4ypsvRl1esW3dmJe5zrMajEgCer/view?usp=drive_link

Implementation Program: Strategies and Actions

Master Plan Strategies are intended to inform decision-making and ensure that community development aligns with the goals of the master plan. These strategies are crafted through an assessment of current conditions, emerging trends, and future projections for the community. Once established, these strategies serve as a framework for decisions related to land use, zoning regulations, transportation infrastructure, and various elements of community development.

Master Plan Action Items represent specific tasks required to achieve the goals and objectives detailed in the master plan. They are individual steps necessary to implement the guiding strategies and achieve the desired outcomes.

Given the complex table structure of the detailed implementation plans, I have broken out each section in a single PDF for easier reading by topic.

Land Use

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BP8FxjmTyTM8buB_loo5xoe2r99xLIOc/view?usp=drive_link

Natural, Cultural & Historical Resources

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BXI3m_Z4BiATYtHeh2uCLzuIZ5qH6NkO/view?usp=drive_link

Sustainability

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BXLSXzZG-y17TDgXy_hBNgMWBUQ4-NbA/view?usp=drive_link

The full Master Plan Update final draft report can be found on the Town page ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/franklin_master_plan_final_draft_report-nov2024.pdf

Master Plan Update: Implementation Program: Strategies and Actions - Land Use; Natural, Cultural, & Historical Resources; & Sustainability