Friday, February 28, 2025

Franklin TV schedule for Friday, Feb 28, 2025

  • 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 & Jeff Roy
10:00 am Riffing on Main Street: Michael Walker Jones
11:00 am Senior Connection: Disabilities Commission
12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin': Peppers
12:30 pm Cooking with Linda: Monkey Bread
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 2 01-16-25
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: Diane Plouffe & Jamie Barrett
9:30 am All-Town Showcase 2024: Band
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 Universe of Adolescent Sleep
8:30 pm FHS Theater Company: Legally Blonde

  • 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

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

Thursday, February 27, 2025

School Committee Legislative Forum - Feb 24, 2025 (audio)

FM #1388 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1388 in the series. 


This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee Legislative Forum held on Monday, Feb 24, 2025. The Forum was held in the FHS Lecture Hall and broadcast via cable, Zoom, and to YouTube by Franklin TV. The audio of that recording is available here as a podcast. 


School Committee Chair Dave Callaghan was host, welcomed Superintendent Lucas Giguere who provided a briefing on the school redistricting and school budget.


Chair Callaghan turned to the legislative delegation, Senator Becca Rausch and State Representative Jeff Roy for their opening remarks before getting into some prepared questions. After the prepared questions, the audience was allowed to ask questions or make comments.


The recording runs about 1 hour & 55 minutes, so let’s listen in. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1388-school-cmte-legislative-forum-02-24-25/


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The Franklin TV video is available for replay here -> 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VuUN6giRqc0 


The agenda doc can be found -> 

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02242025-1582 


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

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1pX-uJFiDmOih9nE4vdq9QSr7qeGlQwQH/view?usp=drive_link 


Photos taken during the event -> 

https://photos.app.goo.gl/821vCMxw7Br6KakP8 


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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 Superintendent Lucas Giguere
School Superintendent Lucas Giguere

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Thursday, February 27, 2025 ???

Thursday, February 27

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


for additional details on Library events ->  https://franklinma.gov/calendar.aspx?CID=24&showPastEvents=false
for additional details on Library events ->  https://franklinma.gov/calendar.aspx?CID=24&showPastEvents=false


**  Town Meetings today   **


Town Administrator Evaluation Ad Hoc Committee


Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) - No meeting, next scheduled meeting March 13

https://franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02272025-1539



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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


Economic Development Subcmte recommends adding shared kitchen definition for Council review (video)

The Economic Development Subcommittee meeting was conducted as scheduled on Wednesday. The meeting started and then restarted to get to the correct Zoom link so few minutes were repeated for some on the video recording and net new for others who joined the real Zoom link.


The meeting agenda and docs released for this session

Quick recap:
  • The shared kitchen definition and addition to the use tables for commercial (not residential) zones was discussed, clarified, and then moved to bring to the Town Council by a 4-0 vote.
  • The naming of the Crossing Neighborhood District and the minor additions was agreed to in concept but after discussion determined that it is an opportunity to do more with than "just renaming". Especially with the Master Plan approved, some of those items can be considered for implementation here.
map displaying the proposed Crossing Neighborhood District changes
map displaying the proposed Crossing Neighborhood District changes

My full set of notes captured during the meeting


Franklin High School Concert Hour - Lecture Hall - Feb 26, 2025 (video)

The Franklin TV video of the FHS Concert hour ->    https://www.youtube.com/live/nFh1lL4Ftu0?&t=73


FHS basketball playoff double header scheduled for Feb 27

FHS basketball playoff double header scheduled for Feb 27
FHS basketball playoff double header scheduled for Feb 27
PLAYOFFS!!!

Schedule for the week for Live Streams for Franklin TV.

Please checkout Franklin Pride TV on YouTube for sports






FAA Art Show &Reception scheduled for Foxboro March 2, 2025 from 5 to 7 PM

Supporting Artists: Upcoming FAA Art Show
Supporting Artists: Upcoming FAA Art Show
Supporting Artists: Upcoming FAA Art Show 
Upcoming art event & what the future holds for the Franklin Arts Academy by Ash Montani
"On Sunday, March 2nd from 5-7 PM, the Franklin Arts Academy will be running an art show hosted at Hunakai Studio School of Fine Arts in Foxborough. 

The show will feature stunning 2D and 3D visual art created by FAA students and is open to anyone at no cost! It will be a fun night for artists and supporters to come together as a community to support both the program and the studio, as well as enjoying beautiful works of art. 

Free refreshments will be provided to attendees, so make sure you stop by!"




Check out the Franklin Public Library's full schedule of event highlights for March 2025

Library Hours
The Library’s hours are Monday through Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Friday and Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Sundays 1:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
 
Franklin Public Library’s 2025 Reading Challenge!
March: Say her name!
Welcome to the Franklin Public Library's second Annual Reading Challenge! For each monthly prompt that you complete and submit on time you will receive a Free Book Coupon that's good at the library's Book Sale. Submissions MUST be submitted by the last day of each month in order to qualify for that month's Free Book Coupon. For complete details and to sign-up, visit our website! Grand prizes made possible by the Friends of the Franklin Library!

Franklin Public Library VITA: Volunteer Income Tax Assistance
Open Saturdays from 9:30 to 4:00 PM
The IRS's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program offers free tax return preparation to qualified individuals. Qualified individuals generally includes: People who generally make $68,000 or less, Persons with disabilities; and Limited English-speaking taxpayers. This is a walk in site with potential wait times.
Learn more at the Library Web Page under adult services or email site coordinator Mitzi Gousie at mgousie@minlib.net
https://www.franklinma.gov/942/Calendar-of-Events
https://www.franklinma.gov/942/Calendar-of-Events


ESL & Adult Literacy Program
The Franklin Public Library has started an English as a Second Language and Adult Literacy Program to serve Franklin and its surrounding communities.  Volunteers and students do not need to be Franklin residents. If interested, fill out the registration form on the library’s website.

Special Events for Kids
Music at the Blissful! Saturday, March 8th @ 10:30AM
Join us for a fun, high energy music program for children and their grownups! Musician Evan Haller brings the energy to get the whole crowd up and dancing!

Mario Party! Tuesday, March 11th @ 1:00PM
It’s a half day for the Franklin Public Schools and we are celebrating with a special in-person real life version of Mario Party! Work your way through the stations and games, and find more surprises along the way!

“Drive-In” Movie! Wednesday, March 12th @ 1:00PM
Families! Join us for a “Drive-In” movie (indoors of course!) in our program room! First we’ll decorate our “cars” (aka boxes we’ve been saving up for the event) then we’ll relax and enjoy a movie and some popcorn in our spiffy new rides! You’re welcome to bring your own box to decorate, or use one of ours!

Local Hero Storytime! Tuesday, March 18th @ 1:00PM
Join us as we welcome our friends from the Franklin Fire Department for a special local hero storytime!

Crafternoon! Tuesday, March 18th @ 2:00PM
Join us for a fun afternoon of crafting for kiddos of all ages! We'll have an assortment of seasonal crafts for all to enjoy!

Kat Chapman Concert! Saturday, March 22nd @ 10:30AM
Join us for a super fun music and movement program for kiddos! Kat Chapman has an extensive background as a touring singer-songwriter, performer, and music enrichment specialist. Come and sing or play along with rhythm and props!

Special Events for Adults

JUNTO Non Fiction Book Club, Thursday, March 20th 6:30PM
The JUNTO (from the Spanish junta or assembly) was a club for mutual improvement established in 1727 by Benjamin Franklin. Franklin Public Library’s JUNTO Book Club is a place to discuss a book of the month and share our insights from the book and discuss how! The March Book is Eve by Cat Bohannon! Get a physical or digital copy through the Library Catalog!

Hydrangeas P's & Q's, Tuesday, March 4th @7:00PM
This presentation addresses common issues raised about hydrangeas, including when and how to plant; how to raise or lower the soil pH to control bloom color; when and how to prune hydrangea that bloom on old wood (e.g. H macrophylla, H serrata) and new wood (e.g. H arborescens, H paniculata); and common fungal problems and pests. And extra time is saved to answer your questions.

Maker Moment: Hand Warmers, Thursday, March 6th @6:30PM
Registration Required
Join Mrs. Mitzi for a craft class guaranteed to warn your hands and hopefully your heart! We will be stitching together heart shaped hand warmers. All Materials Provided. This program is designed for adults 18+ but open to ages 15+.

Special Events for All Ages

Irish in America, Saturday, March 15th @3:00PM
Free Concert
A musical journey celebrating the ‘Irish in America‘. Irish immigrants captured the heart of the nation with their mix of Irish jigs, ballads, folk songs, storytelling and humor. Every year is a new show so, get your green on, warm up your voices, and enjoy the warmth, spirit and hilarity of the ‘Irish in America’. This program is funded in part by a grant from the Franklin cultural council, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.

Franklin Library Book Sale
Friday, March 14th, 1:00-5:00pm.  Saturday, March 15th, 9:00am to 12:00 Noon
All books are just one dollar!
Bag Sale - $5 A Bag—Saturday, March 15th, from 1:00-4:00pm
Come fill a brown bag with all the books you can!

Phase 8 - Sewer Lining Project Starts Tuesday March 4, 2025

Below is the anticipated schedule for the Sewer Lining work that National Watermain will be conducting:
  • Phase 8 - Sewer Lining Project Starts Tuesday March 4, 2025
    Phase 8 - Sewer Lining Project
    Tuesday (3/4) – Pine Street (#161/152 to #169/170), Stanwood Drive (Pine St to #39/36)
  • Wednesday (3/5) – Stanwood Drive (#8/11 to #20/31), Pine Street (#80/81 to #102/103)
  • Thursday (3/6) – Pine Street (#102/103 to #152/151)
  • Friday (3/7) – Pine Street (Mary Ann Dr to #80/81)
  • Monday (3/10) – Mary Ann Drive (#9/10 to Pine St), Pine St (Mary Ann Dr to #9/28)
  • Tuesday (3/11) – Pine Street (#9/28 to Pond St)
Please follow posted detour signs and use caution when driving in these areas.

During this part of the lining residents that will be affected will be notified. If you experience any issues please call the DPW at 508-553-5500.

This work will help to improve the structural integrity of our sewer system and reduce groundwater intrusion which reduces our bill from the Charles River Pollution Control District.

Panther's Cup scheduled for June 13, 2025. FHS football fund raiser

Panther's Cup scheduled for June 13, 2025. FHS football fund raiser
Panther's Cup scheduled for June 13
Fellow Alumni.

Let’s spread the word to other Alumni and friends about this years Golf outing. The FHS Coaching staff are working hard to get the players ready to compete each year.

One of our jobs as fellow brothers is to help in any way we can. Spreading the word is a big step helping out. Getting a foursome or even sponsoring a hall will help.

Let’s help give back like past alumni we watched play and idolize.




There are still openings with the Early Childhood Center (ECDC)

Early Childhood Center (ECDC) registration is open
Early Childhood Center (ECDC) registration is open
The FX O'Regan Early Childhood Center (ECDC) announces that preschool registration for the 2025-2026 school year is now OPEN!!


Please CLICK HERE: https://www.franklinps.net/o/ecdc to access the ECDC website and the application for next year.

Applications are also available at the ECDC and the Superintendent's Office.


Sound Bath Meditation Workshop scheduled for March 10


Sound Bath Meditation Workshop

One session of Sound Bath Meditation can help you clear your mind, melt tension. and reduce stress.

For information and to register, visit:

Community Learning Exercise & Wellness Classes

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Lifelong Learning Institute - Franklin Public Schools | 218 Oak Street Room 137 | Franklin, MA 02038 US


Constant Contact

Boston GLobe: "Roy will join Mariano’s inner circle as a close advisor"

"State Representative Jeffrey Roy, who was first appointed chair of the powerful energy committee in 2021 and is dating a lobbyist with business before the committee, was removed from his post as chairman of the Joint Telecommunications, Utilities, and Energy committee and promoted by House Speaker Ron Mariano into his leadership team.

The move thrusts Roy into Beacon Hill’s powerful inner circle and assures the seven-term Democrat sees no cut to his compensation despite losing the coveted committee post.

The leadership shakeup comes after a series of stories published by the Globe last year revealed Roy’s relationship with lobbyist Jennifer Crawford, a partner in the state’s highest-grossing influence firm.

Mariano told reporters Wednesday that removing Roy from the top of the energy committee and promoting him into the leadership ranks makes “some of the negative things that he’s been attributed with goes away.”
Continue reading the article in the Globe:
State Representative Jeffrey Roy
State Representative Jeffrey Roy
https://www.bostonglobe.com/2025/02/26/metro/roy-crawford-committee-chairmanship-state-house-mariano/

You can access the full article at the Boston Globe with your Franklin Library card    ->    https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/02/how-to-access-online-resources-with.html

You can also listen to my converdsation with State Rep Jeff Roy recorded earlier in February. During this interview, Jeff did talk about this issue and the GLobe reporting on it. He has had other chairmanship roles and was open to a different role to help the Speaker and continue to deliver for the Franklin and Medway community he represents.