What's happening in Franklin, MA: Thursday, January 23, 2025 ???

Thursday, January 23

• No Trash/Recycling Delay scheduled due to MLK Jr Holiday Monday
• Fiber Art Installation (Franklin Public Library)

1:30pm Ben Franklin Autobiography LIVE Readathon (Franklin Historical Museum)

5:00pm Board Game Night (Pete's Nerd Emporium)

6:30pm The Golden Age of Silent Movies (Franklin Public Library)

**   Town Meetings today   **

Conservation Commission Meeting

January 23, 2025, 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Item/238?fileID=2608

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Why are there multiple calendars?

What's happening today in Franklin? 

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

Franklin School Committee schedules Legislative Forum on February 24 - 6:30 PM

The Franklin School Committee is excited to host the upcoming Franklin Legislative Forum on February 24th at Franklin High School Lecture Hall at 6:30 PM. 

survey -> https://forms.gle/tomt66xtVYyK8KyKA

This forum is an opportunity to engage directly with legislators and discuss important issues affecting our community. 

To ensure that the topics most important to you are considered, we invite you to submit questions in advance. Whether you have concerns about education, funding, infrastructure, or ideas for improving our community, we want to hear from you!

Reply to the survey -> https://forms.gle/tomt66xtVYyK8KyKA 

This survey will be open through Friday January 31st.

Town Council meeting video available for replay - Jan 22, 2025 (video)

The Town Council met as scheduled on Wednesday, January 22, 2025. They also entered executive session aprpoximately 9:12 PM not to return to open meeting. All 9 councilors were present in Council Chambers.

Franklin TV video available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/live/whUEjE1HPjY?&t=149

The agenda doc -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/2025-01-22_town_council_agenda_1.pdf

Town Council meeting video available for replay - Jan 22, 2025 (video)

School Committee gets a preview in workshop format (lots of discussion) of the FY 2026 School Budget (audio)

FM #1359 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1359 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee Budget Workshop held on Wednesday, January 22, 2024. All 5 members participated in the 3rd floor Training Room (2 absent; O’Sullivan, Sompally). 

Quick recap

• Superintendent Lucas Giguere and Interim School Business Administrator Jana Melotti along with consultant Dr Bob Dutch shared in presenting the overview and answered detailed questions on the developing FY 2026 school budget

• This is a ‘zero based’ budget to the extent that to develop the budget the prior year format with 9 schools can’t be used this year. The redistricting is bringing 5 elementary into 4 schools (2 buildings), and 3 middle schools into 1 middle school (1 building)

• The redistricting does provide a significant savings to the community. If the redistricting was not in process for implementation in September 2025, the proposed budget would be asking for $6M more

• The “Tale of Two Budgets” presents a level service budget and a level service plus budget. Terminology is key to understanding the budget. Level service means supporting the same or equivalent functionality to support the education of our students next year. 

• “Level service” does not bring back any major elements of the prior year budget reductions. 

• “Level service plus” attempts to add some of those elements back into the budget

• Now with the redistricting providing additional savings than previously expressed, there are some elements that can come back within the level service budget. The fee increases (sports & bus) potentially can be reduced. The budget is evolving to reflect the changing circumstances

• The Superintendent Recommended budget will be presented at the School Committee meeting on Tuesday, January 28, 2025. There is a public hearing scheduled for Tuesday, February 4. The School Committee is scheduled to vote on the recommended budget on February 11

• As noted in the recording, the Joint Budget Listening Sessions are scheduled beginning January 30 at the Elks Lodge on Pond St and run through the beginning of March in multiple locations, night, day, and weekend time slots to provide opportunity for questions to be asked and answered not just on the School budget but on the overall Town budget for FY 2026. Except for the Council Chambers session, where Zoom will be enabled, the other listening session will be broadcast and recorded but will not enable an interactive remote participation. If you have a question, be there in person

The recording runs just under 2 hours, so let’s listen in.

Audio link ->  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1359-school-cmte-budget-workshop-01-22-25/

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The agenda doc -> https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/5190798/1-22-25_AGENDA-Budget_Workshop.pdf 

My full set of notes in one PDF ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ve1DQuLctE8KMzI0qvhaZGutHNjOGcDR/view?usp=drive_link 

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

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

• If you don't like something here, please let me know

• And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/  or www.franklin.news 

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

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You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

School Committee gets a preview in workshop format (lots of discussion) of the FY 2026 School Budget (audio)

FHS girls hockey posts a win vs. Ashland & Wrestling teams posts a win vs Sharon on Wednesday

Via Twitter, Franklin TV, and our subscription to HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the Winter sports competition for Franklin High School on Wednesday, January 22, 2025

Girls Hockey = Franklin, 1 vs. Ashland, 0 – Final

A power play goal less than five minutes into the third period proved to be the difference as Franklin got the win at home. Senior Julia Flynn lit the lamp for the game-winning goal for the Panthers.

Wrestling = Franklin, 45 @ Sharon, 32

Good match against Sharon tonight, taking the W 45-32. Pins from Woodall, Caccevelli, Carlucci, Griffin, and Davey.

https://x.com/FHSWrestle/status/1882230285229752394

For other results across the Hockomock League (subscription required) 

https://hockomocksports.com/wednesdays-schedule-scoreboard-01-22-25/

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

Both FHS girls & boys swim teams top KP on Tuesday

Both FHS girls & boys swim teams top KP on Tuesday

Catching up to sharing the Swim team results from Tuesday, Jan 21:

Boys Swimming = Franklin, 92 @ King Philip, 54 - Final

Girls Swimming = Franklin, 91 @ King Philip, 45 - Final

"MEET RECAP -  DOUBLE WIN AGAINST KP LAST NIGHT keeping the winning streak for girls strong and starting up the boys streak!! 

LETS FINISH STRONG FOR OUR LAST REGULAR SEASON MEET FRIDAY!!!"

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/DFIg5s_RS7i/ (has additional photos)

Pantherbook publishes Interview with FHS School Librarian Mr Nathan Byrnes

Nathan Byrnes (Panterbook photo)

"Another great article. 

Here is a great interview from Jack Halter about FHS’s new librarian!! 

Check this article out, and maybe a book!!!"

Read the article online at Pantherbook ->   https://sites.google.com/franklinps.net/pantherbook/school-news/behind-the-books-fhss-librarian-mr-byrnes?authuser=0

Note: this position had been cut as a result of the override failure for the FY 2025 budget and restored with the additional funds the Town provided. The position is a requirement for high school accredidation which is up for renewal.

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/DFFv3qDOCfI/

A Valentine's Dinner & Concert you will love! At GlenPhamer - Feb 14

View this email in your browser Copyright © 2025 GlenPharmer Distillery, LLC, All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: 860 West Central Street Franklin, MA 02038

 ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏ ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏ ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏ ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏ ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏ ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏

Chief Blanchard completes Chief Fire Officer Management Program Training

(L-R) Battalion Chief Blanchard, Fire Chief McLaughlin

 

"Congratulations to Battalion Chief Bill Blanchard who graduated from the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services Chief Fire Officer Management program today (1/22/25)."

Shared from ->   https://www.facebook.com/share/1Ai4cjahMe/

Fallen Hero Recognitions: Video parts 8 & 9 (2024)

The Town of Franklin has one of the most beautiful Veteran’s Memorial areas in the state.  If you haven’t been there recently, it is worth a visit.  There are monuments for all wars centered in front of the WWI “Doughboy” monument.  At the rear of the monument area is the Veterans’ Memorial Walkway which currently honors 1866 veterans who have served America.

Perhaps the most moving part of the Memorial area are the 45 granite posts which line the Veterans’ Walkway. Each one of these posts is dedicated to a Franklin veteran who gave his life, defending our freedom. These columns are beautifully done, marked with bronze plaques and a flag. During the holidays, each is also decorated with a beautiful wreath.

Over the past few months, Franklin’s Veterans’ organizations, the Edward L. Grant American Legion Post 75, and the Veteran’s of Foreign Wars Post 3402, under the auspices of the Town’s Veterans Council, have developed a program to further honor those who died for our nation, to ensure they are remembered, and their stories are kept alive.

This program will include the placing of a Memorial Wreath for the day, the playing of Taps, a salute from those present, and a reading of whatever history we may have on that veteran. This is a way of keeping the memory of that veteran alive.

This event will happen 45 times during the coming year.  Some months, like January, only one ceremony will be held. Other months will have multiple ceremonies, such as February with 4 and June with 7.   On March 10, April 9, July 18, and September 21, there will be dual ceremonies as we lost two veterans on the same day.

Families of the veterans are welcome to attend the ceremony.

The public is invited to attend these ceremonies to honor those who gave their lives.

Franklin’s military organizations support numerous veterans’ activities  and encourage all veterans in town to join them.

Video of the set for #8 ->  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MZPWxPuFczA

Video of the set for #9  (last one for 2024)->  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5GgRYYnTdbM

You can find all the videos for 2024 in one playlist -> 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fo3eJGInVXU&list=PLbAODFjFPJ0zOqXRuHZ5-_LPf6UwmBNSA

Lifelong Learning Summer Programs will be open for registration Monday February 3

open for registration Monday February 3

 

"Mark your calendar! Lifelong Learning Summer Programs will be open for registration Monday February 3rd at 8 AM. 

Go to https://t.co/JDAzsuOAwC for more information."

#fpslifelong  #fpslifelongmusic  #fpslifelongsolutions https://t.co/Ogv7NRO3cq

Shared from ->   https://x.com/FPSLearning/status/1882159307086839975

Notice of Public Hearing - Acceptance of Portion of September Drive and Countryside Lane and Related Drainage Lots and Easements - Feb 5

Notice of Public Hearing - Acceptance of Portion of September Drive and Countryside Lane and Related Drainage Lots and Easements

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02052025-1488

Notice of Public Hearing - Acceptance of Portion of September Drive and Countryside Lane and Related Drainage Lots and Easements - Feb 5

Franklin TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) schedule for Thursday, Jan 23, 2025

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

9:00am, 12:00pm, 6:00pm - Turntable – "Enjoy a fun experience with co-hosts The Vibe and Pauly G sharing personal discussions about a featured rock n roll vinyl record (1st hour) and the best, all music Vibe Playlist (2nd hour)"  

• This week's Show 16 features our local band Boston and their amazingly successful debut record titled "Boston".   Released in August 1976,  Boston achieved record setting sales becoming one of the best-selling debut albums in the US at that time and for all time.  The songs "More Than a Feeling", "Peace of Mind" and "Foreplay/Long Time" were instant major hits!  The album hour features the entire record and the Vibe playlist hour includes both Boston and some live 1970's classic rock hits to bring the experience back to Boston time. 
• Playlist ->   https://tinyurl.com/TurntablePlaylists

11:00am, 2:00pm, 8:00pm  - Frank Presents – Notable Local Conversations

 

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

7:00 am Fallen Heroes Pt 9

7:30 am Veterans' Call: Tune It Out

10:30 am SAFE Coalition: Youth Sports

11:30 am Comfort Food: Comfort Food

12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin: Banana Bread

12:30 pm Cooking with Linda: Chicken

1:30 pm Pizzapalooza: Game Day Pizza

2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Summer 2018 Show 8

3:00 pm Riffin' on Main Street: Erin Gallagher

4:00 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Referee Shortage 2

5:00 pm Franklin Art Association: Joyce McJilton Dwyer

6:30 pm ArtWeek: Theater in the Open

7:00 pm Frank Presents: KP Sompally

9:00 pm Second Sunday Speaker Series: Twisted Sisters

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

7:00 am Public School Concert: Elementary Winter Music Pt. 1 12-11-18

8:30 am Cultural Council: BT ALC Big Band

10:00 am FHS Varsity Swimming v Milford 01-03-25

1:30 pm FHSTC - Flowers for Algernon

2:30 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Referee Shortage 2

4:00 pm FHS Boys Varsity Hockey v Foxboro 01-18-25

6:30 pm Critical Conversations: Student Wellbeing

9:00 pm FHS Girls Varsity Hockey v King Philip 01-11-25

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

8:00 am Conservation Commission 01-09-25

12:00 pm Master Plan Committee 01-15-25

2:00 pm Conservation Commission 01-09-25

7:00 pm Conservation Commission  CHAMBERS  935 1561 9670

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: Wednesday, January 22, 2025 ???

Wednesday, January 22

• No Trash/Recycling Delay scheduled due to MLK Jr Holiday Monday
• Fiber Art Installation (Franklin Public Library)

5:30pm Family Literacy Night (Franklin Public Library)

6:00pm String School of Franklin Winter Concert (Horace Mann School)

6:00pm Dean College Student History Reception (Franklin historical Museum)

**   Town Meetings today   **

Cultural Council

Event Date: Wednesday, January 22, 2025 - 7:00pm

agenda not available on new Town of Franklin page

Town Council Meeting (Council Chambers & TV broadcast)

January 22, 2025, 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_01222025-1475

School Committee - Budget Workshop  (wfpr.fm recording for broadcast later)

Event Date:  Wednesday, January 22, 2025 - 7:00pm

https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/5190798/1-22-25_AGENDA-Budget_Workshop.pdf

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

Why are there multiple calendars?

What's happening today in Franklin? 

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