Watch, Listen, Read: Joint Budget Subcommittee Listening Session #2 at Remington-Jefferson - 02/12/25

This combines the video, audio, and transcript for the 2nd of the 6 listenting sessions in advance of the possible override decision/discussion for the FY 2026 budget.

This is the second of 6 listening sessions scheduled through March 12, 2025 in advance of a decision on an override (yes, or no), when? and for what amount. The decision discussion is committed to be on the agenda for the March 19 Town Council meeting.

** Watch

video link ->   https://www.youtube.com/live/UWOc6uLkOO0?&t=356

** Listen

audio link ->  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1385-joint-budget-listening-session-2-02-12-25/

** Read

Transcript prepared by Otter.ai and edited for speaker name accuracy. As the audio time stamp is also included you can synch the transcript to either the video or audio to catch the full spoken word.

PDF ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1QMMpyNfiop56EkwuKaGQumpJKpc7-dXQ/view?usp=drive_link

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The agenda doc ->  https://franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02122025-1560

The agenda packet includes:

a. Town Administrator FY26 Budget Update #4 Memorandum - https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4201/Town-Administrator-FY26-Budget-Update-4-Memorandum- 

b. Updated FY26 Budget Model (1/30/25)  - https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4191/02b-FY26-Budget-Control-Sheet---Control-Summary 

c. Estimated Override Matrix  - https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4190/02c-Override-Tax-Rate-Impact-Calculationxlsx---Sheet1 

d. Board of Assessors Request Letter  https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4189/02d-Board-of-Assessors-Support-for-Administrative-Assistant

My notes in a PDF -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/14ZqQ_mjYRrkcoszx1YVW-JVq4o9CSz1V/view?usp=drive_link

Listening Session #2 at Remington-Jefferson - 02/12/25

MassBudget: "Local Revenue is a Key Tool to Advance Housing Affordability"

via MassBudget:

"All residents of Massachusetts deserve access to affordable, safe, and stable housing. However, the Commonwealth currently faces a severe shortage of housing that is affordable to households earning lower incomes. Additionally, home prices have dramatically outpaced inflation, while renters, especially renters of color, continue to face high housing cost burdens. 

Cities and towns have the potential to make significant contributions toward meeting affordable housing needs, but they need the resources to do it.  Real estate transfer fees, which assess a fee on specific real estate sales, can create or preserve thousands of affordable housing units. Transfer fee revenue from high-end sales could fund local affordable housing trusts, which are often underfunded.

Transfer fees direct some of the economic gains from those who have most benefited from real estate appreciation to those who have most acutely felt the negative impacts of the housing affordability and displacement crises. In doing so, they are a tool for economic and racial equity. 

In a new report, MassBudget Housing Analyst Victoria DiLorenzo discusses how municipal affordable housing trusts create and preserve affordable housing locally, and how local revenue can be a key tool in addressing the Commonwealth’s housing affordability crisis. The report focuses on the 19 communities that have filed home rule petitions seeking state permission to enact a real estate transfer fee."  

Read the report -> https://massbudget.org/2025/02/13/local-revenue-affordable-housing/

MassBudget: "Local Revenue is a Key Tool to Advance Housing Affordability"

National Community Survey - Last Call! for Franklin, MA; survey closes Feb 19 at midnight

Last call to fill out the National Community Survey - We want to hear from you! 

National Community Survey (NCS)

The National Community Survey closes tomorrow night, February 19, 2025 at midnight. This is your last chance to submit a survey!

To participate, residents will need to visit polco.us/Franklin2025 and complete the survey. The survey results will show Franklin's strengths and areas in need of improvement, highlight what matters most to residents, and provide the Town with valuable data to incorporate into future policy discussions and strategic planning.

For more information, follow this link: https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/974/National-Community-Survey

Thank you for sharing your voice!

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm Schedule for Wednesday, Feb 19, 2025

Time/Day			Wednesday
7:00 AM	12:00 Noon	5:00 PM	Jazz
8:00 AM	1:00 PM	6:00 PM	FM Radio - Sherlock
9:00 AM	2:00 PM	7:00 PM	Wonderful World of Wine - Lenzi/Simone
10:00 AM	3:00 PM	8:00 PM	Frank's Music - Falvey
11:00 AM	4:00 PM	9:00 PM	Music

8:00 AM, 1:00 PM and 6:00 PM   Franklin Matters Radio – Steve Sherlock 

Franklin and its local government, services and events  (repeats Saturday at 9 AM)  

This segment features the Franklin Public Library leadership team as we cover some of the Library services/events  -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/02/hail-hail-gangs-all-here-this-gang.html

9:00 AM, 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM  The Wonderful World of Wine – Mark Lenzi, Kim Simone    All about wine, its culture, lore and finer points. 

Mark & Kim talk about "Interview with Ray Isle "

 ->  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/02/the-wonderful-world-of-wine-www-episode_01672919605.html?

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm Schedule for Wednesday, Feb 19, 2025 

Franklin TV schedule for Wednesday, Feb 19, 2025

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

7:30 am Mental Health: Diane Plouffe & Jamie Barrett

8:30 am Mary Anning: Fossil Hunter

10:00 am Vera Meyer: Glass Harmonica

11:30 am Cooking Thyme: Lasagna

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 Candlepin New Generation: Show 11

4:00 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Student Athletes Pt 1

5:00 pm Concerts on the Common: Heartland Radio

8:00 pm Shelley Otis: Harpist

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

7:00 am Public School Concert: Elementary Winter Music Pt. 3 01-15-19

8:30 am Public School Event: Remington Winter Music 2022

10:00 am Pickleball Tournament: Pickleball Tournament

11:00 am All-Town Showcase 2024: Band

12:30 pm FHS Boys Varsity Hockey v Attleboro 02-05-25

3:00 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Student Athletes Fall 2024 Pt 2

5:00 pm Hockomock League Swim Championships Day 1 2025

8:30 pm Hockomock League Swim Championship Day 2 2025

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

8:00 am Town Council 02-05-25

2:00 pm Town Council 02-05-25

7:00 pm  Joint Budget Subcommittee  Sr Center  No Zoom

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: Tuesday, February 18, 2025 ???

Tuesday, February 18

* No scheduled delay for trash/recycle curbside pick up this week due to the holiday, weather might have something to do about though. Stay Tuned

9:00am Fallen Heroes: Alan W. Willard (Veterans, Walkway, Franklin Town Common) 

9:30am Cool Cruisers! (Franklin Public Library) 

10:30am Juice and Jelly Funtime Band! (Franklin Public Library)

6:00pm Table Top: D&D for Adults (Franklin Public Library)

7:00pm Musical Bingo (Raillery Public House)

* 2nd Annual Nick Gaspar Invitational basketball tournament at Franklin High School = Tue 2/18

1pm Consolation  New Bedford vs. Natick

3pm Championship Franklin vs. Xaverian

*Tickets at gofan ->   https://gofan.co/app/school/MA14576

**  NO   Town Meetings today   **

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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/calendar.aspx?CID=37&showPastEvents=false

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-calendars

Fallen Hero Recognition: Alan Wayne Willard - Feb 18, 2025 - 9 AM

Memorial event today (1/26/25) at 9 AM on the Veterans Walkway at the Town Common to honor Alan Wayne Willard.

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  may be available for that veteran.  This is a way of keeping the memory of that veteran alive.

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Fallen Hero: Sergeant Alan Wayne Willard

Sergeant Alan Wayne Willard was born on July 1, 1947 the son of Mr. and Mrs. Warren A. Willard. Alan lived at 529 Pleasant St. with his parents, three brothers and one sister. Sergeant Willard lived most of his life here in Franklin. He was graduated from Franklin High School in 1965 and enlisted in the Air Force in August of that year. Sergeant Willard served for two years with his tour in Vietnam beginning on February 20, 1967.  

Sergeant Willard died on February 18, 1968 of ground causality wounds as a result of a hostile artillery attack when his barracks at Tan Son Nhut Air Base inGia Dihh province, South Vietnam, was struck by rocket or mortar shell fire. He was a member of the 6250th Combat Support Group serving as a radar specialist.  

Sergeant Alan Willard was 20 years old at the time of his death in Vietnam.

Originally posted -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/11/fallen-hero-sergeant-alan-wayne-willard.html 

Sergeant Alan Wayne Willard

For the full published series of Fallen Heroes you can visit this link
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/franklin-fallen-heroes-series.html

Photo album of the Fallen Hero pillars along the Veterans Walkway

https://photos.app.goo.gl/oRGdmq9krLNEBnjJ7

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

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

Franklin Art Association March meeting at Historical Museum features Christine West

The next Franklin Art Association meeting will take place at 6:30 pm on Wednesday, March 5 at the Franklin Historical Museum (Note: change in location), when our guest demonstrator will be artist Christine West.

Christine creates abstract paintings, monotypes, and mixed media collages using acrylic mediums, inks, photography and various papers. Her work is inspired by modern architecture, the textures of nature, mid-century style, and science-fiction, and she is particularly fascinated and moved by Abstract Expressionism and collage of the mid-century.

FAA meeting features Christine West

Christine writes: “I grew up painting and drawing alongside my father, a professional commercial artist. Although I chose a corporate career, he continued to tutor me and we spent much of my free time painting, drawing, and enjoying galleries and museums together. Upon my retirement, I realized that I longed to create art and have been pursuing education and experimentation in many mediums and styles.

“In 2015, I enrolled in an open studio format at the Holliston Mills where I focused on painting mid-century style cityscapes and abstract landscapes. Since 2017 to the present, under the instruction of Paula DeSimone, I have undertaken formal study of painting with acrylics, glazing and layering techniques, monoprinting, collage construction, and drawing. My artistic experimentation and development continues under Paula's instruction at The Danforth Art Museum, part of Framingham State University.

“My work can be seen at True Grit Art Gallery in Middleboro MA, where I have been a resident artist since 2020. Additionally, I have exhibited in juried shows throughout Massachusetts as well as "member" shows including Attleboro Arts Museum, Hopkinton Art Center, and Morini Gallery. “

FAA meetings are always free and open to the public.

The FAA is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, the Franklin Cultural Council, Franklin Cultural District.

You can find the FAA online at www.franklinart.org, on Franklin Matters, Facebook and Instagram.

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/DGB9jSixumV/

Laura shares insights from The Pantry Strategic Plan with us (audio)

FM #1386 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1386 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Laura Doherty, Franklin Food Pantry Associate Director. We had our conversation at the Franklin Food Pantry at Edwin’s. 

The Pantry Strategic Plan

Laura provides a brief story on her road to The Pantry then we get to talk about The Pantry Strategic Plan. It was funded by a grant from the MetroWest Health Foundation specifically for use in building capacity. The Pantry developed the strategic plan with involvement of multiple stakeholders groups and is now able to bring the plan to life.

The recent holiday meal distribution is one example of how the strategic plan led to the enhancements that resulted in almost 1,000 meals distributed during Nov & Dec 2024.

Disclosure: during the conversation you will hear that I was previously on the Food Pantry Board. I am currently volunteering on a couple of committees to help the Food Pantry mission. 

The recording runs about 39 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Laura

Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1386-franklin-food-pantry-strategic-plan-02-06-25/

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Franklin Food Pantry strategic plan -> 

https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Strategic-Plan-2024-to-2027.pdf 

Food Pantry current needs page -> https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/get-involved/pantry-needs/ 

Amazon wish lists -> https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2SIL7UR08ZZUC?ref_=wl_share 

Sign up for a public tour of the Pantry -> https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0f4baaa622a4f4c43-pantry#/ 

The Franklin Food Pantry is here for you. If you need us, we are here with not only food, but useful programs and resources for individuals, seniors and families struggling with food insecurity. If you can support us, we thank you - visit www.franklinfoodpantry.org  to explore volunteering, donating funds, donating food, or supporting our Capital Campaign to keep the lights on and the programs, from food elves to weekend backpack stuffing. It truly takes a village to keep our food pantry running and supporting the increasing demand, supporting our Franklin neighbors.

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We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm). 

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 www.franklin.news or www.Franklinmatters.org/ 

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"

FHS boys basketball tops New Bedford on Monday, set to face Xaverian Tuesday

Via Twitter, Franklin TV, and our subscription to HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the Winter sports competition for Franklin High School on Monday, February 17, 2025

Boys Basketball = Franklin, 61 vs. New Bedford, 58 – Final 

– Franklin built a nine-point lead early in the fourth quarter but had to fight off a comeback bid from New Bedford to get a close win. Wyatt Herndon and Jake Olmstead each had key free throws in the final minute to keep the Panthers ahead and the Whalers were off the mark on a three-point attempt just before the buzzer. It was close almost the entire game with the hosts holding a one-point lead (16-15) after one and the two squads deadlocked at 27-27 at half. Franklin’s offense came alive in the third, highlighted by seven points from Justice Samuels (16 points) and five points each from Olmstead (10 points) and senior Caden Sullivan, who had a team-high 22 points in the win. 

Franklin will play Xaverian in the championship game of the Nick Gaspar Invitational on Tuesday at 3:00.

Franklin TV video is available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/live/dZiIL12WD3s?&t=721

For other results across the Hockomock League (subscription required)

https://hockomocksports.com/mondays-schedule-scoreboard-02-17-25/

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

FHS girls Indoor Results From MIAA Indoor Track Division I Meet

Catching up to the FHS D1 Indoor Track & Field results for FHS for last week via HockomockSports.com

Division 1 = Girls Team Results

1. Lexington – 84.87

13. Franklin – 15

15. Attleboro – 13

17. Taunton – 8

300M

1. Chloe Elder, Natick – 40.25

20. Grace Marinella, Franklin – 44.09

55M Hurdles

1. Emmanuella Edozien, Natick – 7.96

3. Ella Chandaria, Franklin – 8.85

4×200 Relay

1. Methuen – 1:45.92

6. Franklin (Ella Chandaria, Jossie Camp, Callie Joyce, Grace Marinella) – 1:48.62

4×400 Relay

1. Brookline – 4:06.45

8. Franklin (Meghan Griffith, Lainey Costa, Savannah Copeland, Madison Bruno) – 4:14.97

4×800 Relay

1. Lexington – 9:30.60

7. Franklin (Madison Bruno, Savannah Copeland, Meghan Griffith, Callie Joyce) – 10:02.20

Shot Put

1. Madeline Goncalves, Haverhill – 41-08.25

6. Ella Chandaria, Franklin – 33-03.50

20. Allie Brown, Franklin – 28-05.00

For other Indoor Track & Field results across the Hockomock League (subscription required) https://hockomocksports.com/hock-results-from-miaa-indoor-track-divisional-meets-2025/

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

FHS girls swim team takes 3rd place overall at D1 States with 7 swimmers

via FHS Varsity Swim:

FHS girls swim team takes 3rd place 

"GIRLS STATES RECAP

Franklin did great at States, placing 3rd overall with only 7 girls!!! Some amazing swims and strong performances all around. That marks the end of our 2024-2025 season! 

Last slide features our graduating seniors"

The MIAA D1 girls state results can be found in this PDF

https://www.miaa.net/sites/default/files/2025-02/d1-girls-final-results.pdf

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/DGLejg5xNSF/

"This Love" art exhibit and talk back scheduled for Historical Musem Feb 20

"This Love"  art exhibit and talk back

The Franklin Historical Museum presents "THIS LOVE" by Amy Adams. An Exhibit and talk back is scheduled for Thursday, Feb 20 from 4 PM to 6 PM.

Download the flyer as a reminder or to share ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1kv4QVPc6DvUo1ruSk8Ukpxgmi6IJk7co/view?usp=drive_link