Monday, March 3, 2025

Town Administrator Ad-hoc Review Meeting 2/27/26 (audio)

FM #1392 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1392 in the series. 


This session of the radio show shares the audio recording of the Ad Hoc committee for the Town Administrators Review. The meeting was held on Thursday, February 27, 2025 in the Council Chambers. 


Subcommittee Chair Ted Cormier-Leger opens the meeting. Councilors Melanie Hamblen and Glenn Jones participate. Town Administrator Jamie Hellen and many Town department heads are also present and contribute to this session.


Quick recap:

  • Exemplary performance review; Area for improvement to be mindful of verbiage, tone, in public meetings, emails, etc. Be better able to step back and help us all be better

  • In lieu of reading the draft review doc, they walked through some of the sections to pick out key points and allowed Jamie to elaborate on the development of the individual items touting what he (and the town staff) did to complete the item

  • Many of the department managers were present and added comments for their review of Jamie


The meeting runs about 1 hour & 55 minutes, so let’s listen to the Ad Hoc committee for the Town Administrators review meeting. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1392-franklin-ma-town-administrator-review-02-27-25/



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Franklin TV video available for replay  -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rjaqeHc6eII 


The agenda doc includes the draft review ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02272025-1604 


My notes captured during the meeting -> 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AssnKA3WLeBxDqbwfKc6owJY6MQ9d6pM/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

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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"


Town Administrator Ad-hoc Review Meeting 2/27/26 (audio)
Town Administrator Ad-hoc Review Meeting 2/27/26 (audio)

The Wonderful World of Wine: Unleash Your Inner Wine Confident with Kelli A. White (audio)

The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW): Episode 284

Hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi explore all things wine with you!

Interview with Kelli A. White


The Wonderful World of Wine: Unleash Your Inner Wine Confident with Kelli A. White

Join Kim and Mark on The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) as they chat with Kelli A. White, Director of Education for the Wine Center at Meadowood in Napa Valley, sommelier, wine writer, and author of Napa Valley Then and Now and Wine Confident. Kelli shares her fascinating wine journey, starting from her roots in Massachusetts to her current position at the prestigious Meadowood.

The conversation centers around Kelli's latest book, Wine Confident: There's No Wrong Way to Enjoy Wine. She offers invaluable advice on overcoming wine anxieties and embracing the world of wine with confidence. Kelli demystifies the dreaded "corked" wine, explaining what it is, how to detect it, and offering helpful tips.
Kelli A. White
Kelli A. White


Kelli shares her belief that the "best wines have a human connection," delving into the stories behind the bottles. She also explains the concept of "calibrating your palate" to enhance your wine tasting experience. Looking for the perfect wine gift? Kelli provides expert guidance. She also offers valuable tips on "taking the list" and navigating wine ordering with ease.

If you're seeking to boost your wine knowledge and confidence, Kelli's book and this episode of The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) are must-haves!

Find Kelli at Meadowood in Napa Valley or online at www.napavalleythenandnow.com.

Cheers! Kim and Mark 🍷🍷🍷www.thewww.wine

#wine #thewonderfulworldofwine #kelliwhite #wineconfident #napavalleythenandnow



The Yellow Boat continues to sail!


The Yellow Boat is changing course to sail its way to Semi-finals!!

After an amazing and successful day at Wayland Highschool (courtesy of our lovely hosts @whs.te ) FHSTC is taking our production of The Yellow Boat further into the competition!



Congrats to the cast, crew, and All-Star Award winners!
Want to come see this award winning show?


Make your way to the FHS auditorium on March 14th at 7 PM to see our second and FINAL benefit show.

More updates to come on the semi-final round, and where FHSTC will be taking this show.






FHS Wrestling Results from MIAA State Championships

Via HockomockSports.com
"For the first time, three wrestlers from the Hockomock League won an all-state title in wrestling in the same season.

Milford seniors Michael Boulanger and Aidan Baum along with Franklin freshman John Woodall walked out of Methuen High School as MIAA All State champions in their respective brackets with all three wrestlers going 4-0 between the two-day event.

Woodall, who is undefeated so far this season, needed less than two minutes to secure a pin in his first match on Friday and then booked a spot in the semifinals with a second round pin over Hanover’s Conlan Geary. He scored five takedowns in his semifinal match for a 15-2 major decision to earn a spot in the finals. Going head-to-head against Greater Lowell’s Antoine Jackman, Woodall had two escapes on either end of the second period sandwiched around a takedown to jump up 5-2. He finished with a 5-3 decision to win the title. Woodall is Franklin’s first all-state champion in over a decade since Griffin Tighe (195) in 2014."


106 LBS
1. John Woodall, Franklin – Dec., 5-3

138 LBS
1. Sidney Tildsley, Shawsheen – Fall, 3:22
5. Riley Carlucci, Franklin

144 LBS
1. Aidan Baum, Milford – Dec., 10-4
4. Jack Sauer, Franklin 

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

Frank Falvey sits to talk with KP Sompally (video)

Frank Falvey sits to talk with KP Sompally

Franklin TV video link ->  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=90SqAjxYs1g

Frank Falvey sits to talk with KP Sompally (video)
Frank Falvey sits to talk with KP Sompally (video)


The Senior Center week of March 3 - March 7; closure for repairs begin

The Senior Center week of March 3 - March 7; closure for repairs begin
The Senior Center week of March 3 - March 7
**ATTENTION**. The senior center will be CLOSED starting Tuesday, March 4th at 1pm. 
We have many excellent programs running at our WONDERFUL community partners around town. 
Information is available on our website, social media pages, in our newsletter, through Franklin Matters and on the Town website. 
YOU MUST STILL REGISTER for programs!! Here’s what’s happening this week at the #franklinseniorcenter

For details on these highlight events, or on the regular daily schedule, please visit the Senior Center online at ->    https://franklinma.gov/583/Franklin-Senior-Center-Council-on-Aging



MECC stats for February 2025

MECC stats for February 2025
MECC stats for February 2025

 

"Incident statistics for all communities serviced by the MECC in the month of February"

 

Member communities = Franklin, Mendon, Millville, Norfolk , Plainville, & Wrentham 


Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/1CQf6DpZTa/




wfpr.fm Schedule for Monday, March 3, 2025 - Franklin Public Radio


Time/Day

Monday

7:00 AM

12:00 Noon

5:00 PM

Jazz

8:00 AM

1:00 PM

6:00 PM

Chapters - Derick

9:00 AM

2:00 PM

7:00 PM

Music 2 Lift Spirit - Falvey

10:00 AM

3:00 PM

8:00 PM

Senior Story Hour - Sherlock, et al

11:00 AM

4:00 PM

9:00 PM

Frank Musings/ Presents - Falvey


Monday

  • Chapters – Jim Derick  Insightful, life-affirming stories and interviews
  • Music to Lift the Spirit - Frank Falvey
  • Senior Story Hour – Senior Center Writers Group
  • Frank’s Musings/Presents – with Frank Falvey

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm Schedule
Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm Schedule

Franklin TV schedule for Monday, March 3, 2025

  • Franklin All Access TV - Our Public Access Channel (Comcast 6, Verizon 26) = MONDAY
7:00 am Riffin' on Main Street: Pauline Spender
8:00 am SAFE Coalition: Woody Geissman
9:00 am Critical Conversations: Social Media
12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin: Tai Salad
12:30 pm Cooking with Linda: Monkey Bread
1:05 pm Cooking Thyme: Red Pepper Soup
1:33 pm Pizzapalooza: Meat-Lovers Pt. 1
2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Summer '19 Show 2
3:00 pm Candlepin New Generation: Show 11
4:00 pm Second Sunday Speaker Series: Freedom Trail
5:30 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Pete Smith
7:00 pm Care For Ukraine
8:30 pm Circle of Friends: Tracy Grammer

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

8:00 am FHS Girls Varsity Basketball v Taunton 02-27-25
9:30 am Winning Ways with the MIAA: Pete Smith
10:30 am Public School Concert: FHS Spring Jazz '22
12:00 pm All-Town Showcase 2024: Chorus and Orchestra
1:30 pm FHS Girls Varsity Hockey v Canton 02-05-25
3:30 pm FHS Jazz Cafe 2024
7:30 pm SAFE Coalition: Woody Geissman
8:30 pm FHS Boys Varsity Hockey v Arlington 02-25-25

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

 
8:00 am Planning Board 02-24-25
12:00 pm Police Station Building Committee 02-25-25
2:00 pm Planning Board 02-24-25
6:00 pm Joint Budget Subcommittee Session 3 02-19-25

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

Sunday, March 2, 2025

2 Listening Sessions, Senior Center closure, Town Council Mtg; lots happening the week or March 3, 2025

If you subscribe to Franklin Matters Weekly, this is the week's outlook you could recive on Sunday morning.

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Yes, there are 2 listening sessions scheduled for this week. The first on Tuesday, March 4 at the Senior Center beginning at 9:30 AM. The second in Council Chambers on Saturday, March 8 at 10:00 AM. This session is the only one enabled for remote participation. 

At the Senior Center on Tuesday, March 4 and then the last one March 12 (FHS Auditorium), you need to be in the room to ask a question or make a comment. All sessions are broadcast and recorded for replay. A transcript is also made available. Oh, and breakfast is free on Tuesday at the Senior Center.

The Senior Center closes at 1 PM on the 4th and is currently scheduled to reopen on St Patrick's Day, March 17. Many events & activities have been rescheduled to other locations during the closure period. The Center is being closed for phase 1 of the repairs to fix the cold weather leak issue. Stay tuned for updates from the Senior Center on any changes to schedule during this time period.

Community Conversation is scheduled for noon at THE BLACK BOX on Wednesday, March 5.  Michael Bobbitt (Mass Cultural Council) & Emily Devlin (Art Pharmacy) are featured speakers to assist us in exploring how Art Pharmacy—a nationally recognized program—will support substance use prevention, harm reduction, treatment & recovery in our community.

Wednesday continues to be busy with both the Board of Health (at 5 PM) and Town Council (7 PM) with scheduled meetings.

The Conservation Commission is scheduled to meet on Thursday, March 6 at 7 PM

The agenda and released documents for each session are linked to in this post (or show notes)

** Town meetings scheduled for the week of March 3 to 9, 2025 **


Joint Budget Subcommittee Listening Session at the Senior Center (plus breakfast)

Tuesday, March 4, 2025, 9:30 AM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03042025-1558 


Community Conversation at THE BLACK BOX

March 5, 2025, 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM

no agenda at this time


BOARD OF HEALTH MEETINGS

March 5, 2025, 5:00 PM

no agenda at this time


Town Council Meeting

March 5, 2025, 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03052025-1608 


Conservation Commission Meeting

March 6, 2025, 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Item/299?fileID=4146 


Joint Budget Subcommittee Listening Session - Council Chambers (& remote)

Saturday, March 8, 2025,  10:00 AM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03082025-1557 


** Looking back at the last week of February, 2025 **

Planning Board meeting on Monday got so heated, the meeting was ended. Shame on our neighbors for misbehaving in such a manner. Video link ->   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gZAUfgAGFRk

Police Station Building Committee held its first meeting of 2025 and got an update from the full project team. Plans are underway to schedule open houses at the current station for the community to see the situation on why we need to upgrade. The Committee will also schedule some site visits to recently constructed police stations as examples of what has been done. Recap, audio & video links -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/02/police-station-building-commitee-gets_0807045574.html

Economic Development Subcommittee met on Wednesday and forwarded an enhancement to enable shared kitchen for operation within commercial zones. The Measure goes to the Council which will refer to the Planning Board for their review before it comes to Council for their deicsion. Recap, audio & video links -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/03/economic-development-subcmte-recommends.html

The Town Council had a short and busy session Wednesday completing work in less than an hour to enable an executive session on negotiation strategy. All the collective bargaining units are up this year (both Town and School). Recap, audio & video links -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/03/town-council-effectively-conducts.html

The Town Administrator's Adhoc Review Committee met on Thursday to discuss and get feedback from Town department managers for Jamie Hellen's review. The final version comes for the Town Council to approve at the March 5 meeting. Recap & video link -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/03/town-administrator-ad-hoc-review.html
Subscribe for the weekly dose of information ->    https://www.franklinmattersweekly.org/p/subscribe-for-email.html
Subscribe for the weekly dose of information

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For all the meetings and cultural events, check out the calendars at Franklin.news where each day, that day's events on posted on the top of the page


Subscribe for the daily dose of information ->   https://www.franklinmatters.org/p/welcome.html


Subscribe for the weekly dose of information -> 

https://www.franklinmattersweekly.org/p/subscribe-for-email.html