Talking with Caring Transitions about their Senior services (audio)

FM #1381 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1381 in the series. 

This session shares my conversation with Brian McGonigal, franchise owner of Caring Transitions operating in Franklin/Milford along with Eric Eidswick, Business Development Manager. We had our conversation in the Franklin TV & Radio Studios on Monday, January 27, 2025.

Talking with Caring Transitions

We talk about

Caring Transitions services

Senior relocation, downsizing, estate sales

Start with a phone call or web interaction

Free in home consultation 

Can lead to a proposal and contract for services

Personalized to meet your needs

The recording runs about 43 minutes, so let’s listen in. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1381-caring-transitions-for-seniors-01-27-25/

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

Caring Transitions web page ->  https://www.caringtransitions.com/locations/mode/franklin-milford 

Estate sales page -> https://ctbids.com/ 

Tip & Trick to assess item value -> eBay app - download, take a photo, do a search, go to “Sold & Completed items” 

“Your Kids Don’t Want Your Stuff”  https://www.amazon.com/Your-Kids-Dont-Stuff-Memoir-ebook/dp/B0BN2B7KQP 

“Nobody Wants your Sh-t - Decluttering before your die” https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61271940-nobody-wants-your-sh-t

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

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!

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

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

FHS boys hockey tops Mansfield on Thursday

Via Twitter, Franklin TV, and our subscription to HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the Winter sports competition for Franklin High School on Thursday, February 13, 2025

** Girls Basketball = Franklin, 32 vs. Wachusett, 48 – Final

Franklin TV broadcast is available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/live/3gsPYVUPaxI?&t=1887

** Boys Hockey = Franklin, 6 @ Mansfield, 3 – Final

Ryan Lanigan || HockomockSports.com Editor, provides the game recap:

If there was any worry about how Franklin would perform after playing in a game less than 24 hours prior to Thursday evening’s contest with Mansfield, the Panthers quickly erased any doubt.

Behind a four-goal first period, Franklin skated to a 6-3 win over Mansfield for its second win in as many days in the final league game of the season for both teams.

Coming off a 5-1 win over Bishop Feehan on Wednesday night, the Panthers got first period goals from senior Rhys Greenwood and juniors Tom Quinn, Cooper Taccini, and Drake McAlpine to stake a commanding 4-0 lead after 15 minutes of play.

“We picked up right where we left off from last night,” said Franklin co-head coach Jake Brightbill. “The guys were moving the puck well and more than anything, capitalizing on the scoring chances we had. It was good to see all of the lines clicking.

Continue reading the game recap -> (subscription required) 

https://hockomocksports.com/franklin-boys-hockey-rides-four-goal-first-period-past-mansfield/

For a photo gallery from this game -> (subscription required) 

https://hockomocksports.smugmug.com/2024-2025/Winter-2024-2025/Mansfield-Franklin-Boys-Hockey-02-13-25

For other results across the Hockomock League (subscription required) 

https://hockomocksports.com/thursdays-schedule-scoreboard-02-13-25/

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

Voices of Franklin: The impact of school budget cuts

My name is Katherine Kellett, and I am an English Teacher at Franklin High School.

Thank you, Superintendent Giguere and School Committee Chair Callaghan for giving educators the opportunity to share our thoughts and perspectives tonight. We especially appreciate the opportunity to speak early in the evening so that we don’t have to stay up too much past our bedtimes.

We are here tonight to talk to you and to the Franklin community about the impact of the budget cuts on educators and students over the past year. As educators, we come to this profession with a passion for helping students become the best versions of themselves. We want them to reach their potential and become thoughtful, productive, caring citizens of this world. We celebrate their successes with them, and we pick them up when they are in crisis.

However, the strain on resources in this community has affected our ability to educate in the fullest way we can. Over the last two years, we have lost over 50 educators, 20 of whom were given pink slips last week due to the reorganization. Let me give you an example from my experience.

In the English department at the high school, we have lost three teachers over the last two years. Their students have been distributed to the remaining English teachers, creating larger class sizes. I have four AP English Language sections this year, each with 25-26 students. This class size is up from 18-21 students last year. I have had to reduce the number of timed essays I assign because of the physical limitation on how much I can grade (and I am a fast grader!). 

Moreover, we have been told that without a significant reduction of paper usage, teachers may face a white paper freeze in the coming months. I teach a diverse group of students, many of whom struggle with impulse control, so to rely solely on screens and technology to deliver my instruction would mean that I am not meeting the needs of all students, a charge from the state that I take very seriously. 

Educating students is the most important–I would dare say sacred–responsibility that a community has. To do that, educators and students need adequate resources. The Town of Franklin must choose to fund schools adequately in order to maintain the standard of excellence that I and my colleagues hold dear. Franklin must prioritize student-facing positions above all else–that means teachers, counselors, speech and occupational therapists, psychologists, and nurses–as well as the physical resources–yes, including paper–that they need to succeed and reach their full potential.

I stand here tonight with many colleagues, who are eager to share their personal stories. Thank you again for your willingness to hear our voices as the town works to construct a budget for next year

Katherine Kellett

Franklin High School English Teacher

Guidelines for your submission

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/03/introducing-voices-of-franklin.html

Voices of Franklin:  The impact of school budget cuts

Rise Up meeting on Saturday, Feb 15 feaures "special discussion about disability awareness & advocacy"

Hi all,

Rise Up is this Saturday and we will have a special discussion about disability awareness & advocacy!

Date: Saturday, February 15th

Time: 10:00 AM  -11:00 AM

Location: Franklin United Methodist Church, 82 West Central Street, Franklin (Parking and ramp/door on the left side)

Agenda: 

- open social time

- introductions

- presentation/discussion about disability awareness & advocacy

- announcements

- wrap up

See you Saturday!

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

This one-hour social meet-up is intended to be a safe space for:

• individuals navigating life with disability to meet others they can relate with
• community partners to learn more about the population and share resources
• support persons to meet other support persons

For additional information about this event, please visit ->  https://alirheaume.com/rise-up

Rise Up meeting on Saturday, Feb 15 feaures "special discussion about disability awareness & advocacy"

Wit & Wisdom at Pour Richard's featuring "Alpine Wines"

Wit & Wisdom at Pour Richard's featuring "Alpine Wines" 

Via Pour Richard's

"Switzerland. Italy. France. It’s chairlift and fireplace wine season. Fire up the raclette and let’s dive in! 

DM to reserve a seat. $25/Ticket that comes right back to you on a gift and insiders card"

Shared via ->   https://www.instagram.com/p/DF7wTrHxTyG/

Live Music Saturday Night at La Cantina Winery with the Laura May Band - Feb 15

Live Music Saturday Night at La Cantina Winery 

"Live Music Saturday at La Cantina Winery! 🍷

Join us this Saturday from 7–10 PM for an unforgettable night of live music with the Laura May Band! 🎸🎤 Sip on your favorite wine, indulge in our delicious tapas, and enjoy the perfect weekend vibes.

No cover—just great music, great wine, and great company. 🍷✨

Tag your crew and make your plans now!"

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/DF9FIXXR4KV/

Tax season 2025: where to find help

Tax season 2025: where to find help By BCP Staff Tax season is here and people have questions. Where to file? How to file? Can I file online? For free? For those answers, always start with the official IRS website at irs.gov. Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2025/02/tax-season-2025-where-find-help?

The Franklin Public Library also offers tax assistence for those with income less than $67,000  https://franklinma.gov/266/Volunteer-Income-Tax-Assistance-VITA

Tax season 2025: where to find help

Teddy Gallagher's sees Jambag return to perform on Saturday, March 15

 Jambag returns to perform on Saturday, March 15

 

Teddy’s is proud to present Jambag for another return engagement the Saturday 3/15... 

One of the premier bands in the region!!! We are lucky to have them back. 

It doesn’t hurt when the lead singer is your nephew!! Come in early for some great food followed by some awesome rock & roll!!

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/DF-syfrRt7X/

Franklin TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) schedule for Friday, Feb 14, 2025

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

9:00am, 12:00pm, 6:00pm - Chapters – Jim Derick  Insightful, life-affirming stories and interviews

10:00am, 1:00pm, 7:00pm - Music to Lift the Spirit - Jim Derick & Frank Falvey

11:00am, 2:00pm, 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     Vera Meyer: Glass Harmonica
8:30 am     Frank Presents: Michael Soter and Jeff Roy
10:00 am     Riffin' on Main Street: Jacob Juncker
11:00 am     Senior Connection: Disabilities Commission
12:00 pm     Brook'n'Cookin': Peppers
12:30 pm     Cooking with Linda: Stir Fry
1:30 pm     Pizzapalooza: Margherita Pizza
2:00 pm     New England Candlepins: Summer '19 Show 2
3:00 pm     Winning Ways with the MIAA: Student Athletes Pt 1
7:00 pm     Second Sunday Speaker Series: Freedom Trail
8:30 pm     Veterans' Call: Robert Pierson
9:30 pm     Shelley Otis: Harpist

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

7:00 am     Public School Event: Remington Winter Music 2022
8:30 am     Mental Health: Joanne Spillane
9:30 am     Lifelong Music: Strings School 01-22-25
11:00 am     FHS Girls Varsity Hockey v Canton 02-05-25
1:00 pm     Lifelong Music: Band & Elementary Glee
2:00 pm     Hockomock League Swim Championships Day 1 2025
5:30 pm     FHS Theater Company: Lord of the Flies
8:30 pm     FHSTC: Peter and the Starcatcher

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

8:00 am     Zoning Board of Appeals 01-30-25
2:00 pm     Zoning Board of Appeals 01-30-25
6:00 pm     Joint Budget Subcommittee Listening Session 1 01-30-25

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

Franklin School Committee hears concerns from teachers before vote to approve FY 2026 budget (audio)

FM #1380 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1380 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, Feb 11, 2025. All 7 members participated in Council Chambers. 

The public section of the meeting was comparatively short. They did enter Executive Session to discuss contract negotiations and did not return to the public meeting.

Quick recap

• The Keller Student Council stepped forward to lead the Pledge of Allegiance to open the meeting

• During the Superintendent's report, there was recognition of 4 FHS musicians who were selected to the All-State Music Festival; Emma Anderson (French horn), Ace Eagerman (string bass), Alex Fioavanti (?) and Emily Lou, (violin) 

• During the discussion prior to the vote on the budget, a number of teachers from elementary, middle, and high school stepped up to comment on the decline of funding over the years, the impact on the students and their educational development effects on college prep with a limit on foreign language options less than optimal and not talked of impacts to the new schedule at both elementary & middle levels while individual classes size is maintained within guidelines,the teacher workload increases

• The committee did vote 7-0 on the proposed budget; I assume it is possible to make further adjustments (as hoped for by some of the teachers) given the position we are in for this budget cycle

• The budget as approved does assume a successful  override although that decision remains before the Town Council at a March meeting, after the listening sessions are completed. Date and amount of override to be determined

• School calendar for the 2025-2026 year was approved. It does start after Labor Day this year to enable the move in Sept 2025 to be completed. Resumption of pre-Labor Day start is expected for the next school year

• Discussion on a draft of the School Committee meeting calendar covered multiple topics mostly around the local election in November and to prepare for a new committee to be able to transition into their new role more easily than prior

• Motion to enter into Executive session, not to return to public meeting for contract negotiation discussions

The recording runs about 1 hour & 40 minutes, so let’s listen in. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1380-franklin-ma-school-cmte-mtg-02-11-25/

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

Photos taken during the meeting can be found in one album

https://photos.app.goo.gl/wUQtiMDnwKLSQyTa9  

 

The Franklin TV video is available for replay here -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VfqefUMtloU&t=51 

The agenda doc can be found -> https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/School-Committee-35/?#_02112025-1571 

Meeting packet (other docs as they are released after the meeting will get posted here) -> https://www.franklinps.net/documents/departments/school-committee/meeting-packets/2024---25-meeting-packets/february-11%2C-2025-sc-meeting-packet/756881 

My full set of notes taken during the meeting can be found in one PDF ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xUU7zppEaNgj9xN442EdbZnFvnqI3VSM/view?usp=drive_link   

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

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!

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

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 & Supt Gigure posed with All-State Music Festival; Emma Anderson (French horn), Ace Eagerman (string bass), Alex Fioavanti (?) and Emily Lou, (violin)