Tuesday, February 18, 2025

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?
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

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 

Sgt Alan Willard
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

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

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.

Franklin Art Association March meeting at Historical Museum features Christine West
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.

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

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


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

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

"This Love"  art exhibit and talk back
"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.





Watch, Listen, Read: Joint Budget Subcommittee Listening Session #1 at the Elks Lodge - 01/30/25

This post combines the video, audio, and transcript from this important session. 

This is the first 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



Listen


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.


First session of the Joint Budget Subcommittee Listening Tour
First session of the Joint Budget Subcommittee Listening Tour

The agenda doc https://franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_01302025-1536 


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


The Franklin TV video is available for replay ->    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HWIm5bsscs0


My full set of notes in one PDF ->   

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DK7FArRJNsgwnwdXSehJtDtQRbleA0x8/view?usp=drive_link 


Franklin TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) schedule for Tuesday, Feb 18, 2025

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

9:00 AM 12:00 Noon and 6:00 PM  Jazz Journey – with Pamela Hines

2 hours. An insightful tour of Jazz Greats in a golden era


11:00 AM 2 PM and 8:00 PM SAFE Radio– Jim Derick and Dr. Anne Bergen Addressing issues of Drug Abuse Disorder 


*** Note the radio station schedule will get a major update during the afternoon on Tuesday. Once the update occurs, music and programs will continue but the schedule shown here will be different. We'll have the full new schedule for Wednesday and each day thereafter.


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

7:30 am Joe Landry: Hurricane of 1938
9:00 am Mental Health: Diane Plouffe & Jamie Barrett
10:00 am Frank Presents: Michael Soter & Jeff Roy
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
3:30 pm Riffing on Main Street: Michael Walker Jones
4:30 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Student Athletes Pt 1
5:30 pm Martin Luther King: Music and Spoken Word
6:30 pm Second Sunday Speaker Series: Freedom Trail
8:00 pm Shelley Otis: Harpist

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

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

9:00 am Public School Event: Remington Winter Music 2022

10:30 am Winning Ways with the MIAA: Student Athletes Fall 2024 Pt 2

11:30 am Mental Health: Diane Plouffe & Jamie Barrett

12:30 pm Lifelong Music: Band & Elementary Glee

2:00 pm FHS Boys Varsity Hockey v Attleboro 02-05-25

4:30 pm FHS Boys Varsity Basketball v Sharon 02-14-25

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 02-11-25
2:00 pm School Committee 02-11-25
7:00 pm Joint Budget Subcommittee Listening Session 2 02-12-25


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
Watch Listen Read all things that matter in Franklin MA

Monday, February 17, 2025

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Monday, February 17, 2025 ??

Monday, February 17 = Presidents' Day

* 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

* On Monday, the MBTA Commuter Rail will be operating on a weekend schedule in observance of Presidents' Day. MBTA.com/holidays

* Library, Senior Center and most Town & School buildings closed for the holiday

  • 1pm Franklin vs. New Bedford 
  • 3pm Natick vs. Xaverian

**  NO   Town Meetings today   **


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Why are there multiple calendars?
What's happening today in Franklin?
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


Franklin Middle School's Theatre Club, the Footlighters, is looking for community volunteers!

We've held our auditions and the cast list is being created!  Rehearsals begin after February vacation!  The middle school students are very excited to begin their work on "High School Musical Jr."  The performances will be held at HMMS on May 2nd and 3rd.  

We are in need of volunteers to attend rehearsals, along with the Directors, to serve as an extra adult in the HMMS auditorium and assist with supervision. 

Your responsibility would be to:
  • 2:10 PM - Arrive at HMMS to sit in the auditorium with the students until the rehearsal begins at 2:30 PM
  • 2:30 PM - For the safety of the cast, you would sit in the auditorium during the rehearsals to serve as an extra adult for supervision.  (Bring a book, computer or knitting :)  

Please consider volunteering.  We need you!  If you are interested, please fill out THIS FORM.  

Questions?  Contact Diane Plouffe at plouffed@franklinps.net or 508-613-1650 

Franklin Middle Schools Theatre Club, the Footlighters, is looking for community volunteers!
Franklin Middle Schools Theatre Club, the Footlighters, is looking for community volunteers!