Thursday, March 20, 2025

Franklin Public Radio wfpr.fm schedule for Thursday, March 20, 2025

Franklin Public Radio is available anywhere, anytime at wfpr.fm and in the local Franklin, MA area FM radio dial at 102.9

Franklin Public Radio wfpr.fm schedule for Thursday, March 20, 2025
Franklin Public Radio wfpr.fm schedule for Thursday, March 20, 2025

8:00 AM, 1:00 PM, and 6:00 PM Franklin Matters Radio – Steve Sherlock
Franklin and its local government, services and events 

9:00 AM, 2:00 PM, and 7:00 PM - first hour
10:00 AM, 3:00 PM, and 8:00 PM - second hour

Turntable – "Enjoy a fun experience with co-hosts The Vibe and Pauly G sharing personal discussions about a featured rock n roll vinyl record (1st hour) and the best, all music Vibe Playlist (2nd hour)"  

The Turntable Show album hour features the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) legendary debut album released on April 28, 1969.  Now known as the band "Chicago",  the CTA debut record includes major Chicago hits including:  "25 or 6 to 4",  "Beginnings",   "Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is",  "Questions 67 & 68", and "I'm A Man".   

The CTA Vibe Playlist hour includes both studio and live songs that made Chicago widely successful and one of the best selling bands of all time. 



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

Franklin TV schedule for Thursday, March 20, 2025

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

7:30 am Veterans' Call: Tune It Out
10:30 am SAFE Coalition: Youth Sports
11:30 am Cooking Thyme: Spring
12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin: Meatballs
12:30 pm Cooking with Linda: Meatballs
1:30 pm Pizzapalooza: Meat-Lovers Pt. 2
2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Summer 2019 Show 3
3:00 pm Riffin' on Main Street: Pauline Spender
4:00 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Referee Shortage Pt1
5:00 pm Community Conversation: Art Pharmacy
6:30 pm Sons & Daughters of Italy: Italian Cookies
7:00 pm Care For Ukraine
9:00 pm Franklin Art Association: Erin Spencer

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

7:00 am FHS Winter Jazz 01-29-25
8:30 am FHS Concert Hour 02-26-25
10:00 am Rec Basketball: 6th - 8th Grade Girls Championship 2025
11:00 am Rec Basketball: 5th & 6th Grade Boys Championship 2025
12:30 pm Rec Basketball: 7th & 8th Grade Boys Championship 2025
2:00 pm FHSTC - Flowers for Algernon
4:00 pm FHS Boys Varsity Hockey v Arlington 02-25-25
5:30 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Pete Smith
6:30 pm FHS Girls Varsity Hockey v Canton 02-05-25
9:00 pm Critical Conversations: Student Wellbeing

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

8:00 am Conservation Commission 03-06-25
2:00 pm Conservation Commission 03-06-25
7:00 pm Conservation Commission  CHAMBERS  972 7545 2683


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

Wednesday, March 19, 2025

Franklin Senior Center Update for 03/20/25 (audio)

Franklin Senior Center Update for 03/20/25 (audio)
Franklin Senior Center Update for 03/20/25 (audio)
Sarah Amaral, Director, Franklin Senior Center with an update on the center opening Wednesday. Great spirits around, good to see everyone.

The second floor will not be available THursday/Friday so some programs/events will shift within the building.

The Fire Dept will be preparing the St Patrick's dinner & bingo so some events/activities will be canceled and she provides that listing.

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Wednesday, March 19, 2025 ???

For additional details on Library & Senior Center events ->     https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar.aspx?CID=37,24&showPastEvents=false
For additional details on Library & Senior Center events ->     
https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar.aspx?CID=37,24&showPastEvents=false
Wednesday, March 19

  • "Look Up" Gallery (Franklin Public Library during open hours)

11:00am Franklin Q&A (Franklin Senior Center & remote)

1:00pm Where's the Toast? Memory Cafe (Franklin Senior Center)

3:00pm Stop The Bleed (free class) (Franklin Fire Department)




** Town Meetings today   **

Franklin Public Schools School Committee Special Meeting (virtual only)

Wednesday, March 19th Time: 6:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03192025-1635 


Town Council Meeting

Wednesday, March 19th Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03192025-1639 



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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

What's happening at the Library in April 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. The Library will be closed Sunday April 20th and Monday April 21st for the Easter Holiday and Patriot’s Day.
 
Franklin Public Library’s 2025 Reading Challenge!
April: Lend a Hand!
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.
We can also help you file and extension if you need more time to finalize your taxes.
Learn more at the Library Web Page under adult services or email site coordinator Mitzi Gousie at mgousie@minlib.net

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
Parody Playhouse Concert! Saturday, April 5th @ 10:30AM
Join us for a special kid-friendly spin on your favorite musical hits! Parody Playhouse features child-appropriate parodies of popular songs by a range of artists, which are educational and entertaining. Themes like learning shapes, colors, emotions, parts of the body, animals, and even social-emotional learning themes! It's sure to be a blast!

Ed Popielarczyk Magic Show! Monday, April 7th @ 1:00PM
Join us as we welcome Ed Popielarczyk for a one-of-a-kind magic show that is guaranteed to leave the whole family impressed!

Teddy Bear Workshop! Friday, February 21st @ 1:00PM AND 2:00PM
Registration Required! 
Come to the library and make your very own teddy bear - no sewing needed! Each child will get to hand-stuff their new teddy bear, then make a wish on a rainbow star before tucking it safely inside their new friend! All materials will be provided! *Limit 1 bear per child* Please note - we will be making the same teddy bear that was made at our February Teddy Bear Workshop.

Fairytale Fun! Saturday, April 19th @ 10:30AM
When will your life begin? Today! Join us for a special royal visit from a princess who spent 18 years living in a tower! There will be singing, dancing, interactive storytelling and a photo opportunity with each guest!

Local Hero Storytime! Tuesday, April 22nd @ 10:30AM
Join the library and our friends from the Franklin Fire Department and Franklin Police Department for a special storytime celebrating our local heroes!  Be prepared for fun and surprises!

The BenAnna Band! Wednesday, April 23rd @ 10:30AM
Join us for this super-fun, high energy, interactive music concert that is sure to have the whole family up dancing!

Petting Zoo with Records and Burpee! Wednesday, April 23rd @ 1:00PM
This fun and educational program brings goats, sheep, alpacas, and silkie chickens to pet and feed, as well as colorful macaws to admire!

Stuffed Animal Sleepover! Wednesday, April 23rd @ 6:00PM
What kind of trouble can a bunch of stuffed animals cause in an empty library? Here’s our chance to find out! Bring one of your favorite stuffed friends to the library for a cozy storytime, then leave them in our care for the evening! When you pick your friend up on Thursday, see what antics they might have caused!

Animal Affair! Thursday, April 24th @ 10:00AM
Make some new furry or feathered friends when the Animal Affair Traveling Petting Zoo visits the Franklin Public Library!  Everyone is welcome to pet, brush, feed, hold, and play with the animals! Participants are taught the proper way to hold and handle the animals.  Animal Affair will be bringing ducks, chickens, goats, pigs and rabbits!

Toe Jam Puppet Band! Friday, April 25th @ 10:30AM
Join the Toe Jam Puppet Band for a rockin' concert at the Franklin Public Library! This hilarious show is sure to have the whole family laughing along!


Special Events for Teens

Afterschool Studios! Tuesday, April 22nd @ 4:00PM
Registration Required!
It feels like a perfect night to do some art! Join Miss Lily in painting you very own Mirrorball while listening to some Taylor Swift tunes! This program is best suited for students ages 10 through 18. All materials will be provided.

Special Events for Adults

Tax Talk: Personal & Entrepreneur Workshop, Saturday April 19th @ 3:30PM
Benjamin Franklin is quoted as saying, "In this world, nothing can be certain except death and taxes." With the current Tax season wrapping up, for those of us who did not file for an extension, get ahead of next year to maximize your deductions and credits, learn about free filing methods available in Massachusetts and much more! This is the perfect opportunity for anyone who has thought, "why don't they teach taxes in school?!" In the case of a government shutdown this program may be cancelled. Please check the library calendar for updates.

Is the Future of Humanities and Libraries Digital?, Tuesday April 22nd @ 6:30PM
Join us in welcoming guest speaker Dr. John Woitkowitz, Head of the Digital Labs at the Germany’s Berlin State Library (SBB), as we discuss the future of humanities and libraries in the digital age highlighting examples from the SBB.

JUNTO Non Fiction Book Club, Thursday, April 24th @ 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 how we might apply the information to local issues! In recognition of Arab-American Heritage Month, the April book is Six days of War by Michael B. Oren! Get a physical or digital copy through the Library Catalog!

Special Events for All Ages

Eid Celebration! Saturday, April 5th @ 3:00PM
Families! Join us for a special celebration of Eid, complete with crafts, music, snacks, and more! For questions/to get involved, email Caleigh at ckeating@minlib.net!

Spring Health Fair, Wednesday, April 9th @ 3:30PM
The Franklin Public Library and Franklin Health Department invite everyone to enjoy Local Vendors, Health Services, Refreshments, Face Painting, Health Screenings, Activities, Kids Zone, & Much More!

Boston Typewriter Orchestra Free Concert! Saturday, April 12th @ 3:00 PM
It’s time for different type of music in a whole new key! The Boston Typewriter Orchestra (BTO) is a collective performance of rhythmic typewriter manipulation. Enjoy music, comedy, and satire while exploring the definition of ‘musical instrument’. Funding for this program is provided by The Franklin Cultural District, a local agency funded by Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.

Second Annual Honey Tasting, April 19th @ 2:00 PM
Bee-lieve it or not, there are HUNDREDS of varieties of honey! This buzz worthy treat is a cornerstone of Local agriculture and we’re going to taste the difference! We’ll start with a brief talk on honey making and history in Massachusetts followed by a tasting of local &flavored honeys and the grocery store bear. Bee sure to stay to the end to be entered in a prize drawing!
This event is made possible by the support of The Friends of the Franklin Library!

Dean Vocal Ensemble Concert: "Folk Princess" Tuesday, April 22 @1:00PM
Your favorite Disney hits paired with choruses and folk songs of the real (and unreal) cultures they come from. This includes a spinning song originally published in Lowell MA in 1841, the oldest Secular song ever written (sung by special guest and real Viking reenactor Elyssa Björkman), and Sea Shanties galore! Our 7 dwarves might even sing your favorite Tolkien poetry—Not to mention the vocal highlights of Ariel, Aurora, Snow-White, and of course Elsa. This program truly has something for all ages!

Flower Slime Friday, April 25th @ 2:00PM
Make your very own slime at the library!

Spring Carnival! Saturday, April 26th @ 1:00PM
Join us for an epic afternoon of fun for the whole family! Enjoy a variety of carnival games, crafts, snacks, and more!

Franklin Library Book Sale
Friday, April 11th, 1:00-5:00pm.  Saturday, April 11th, 9:00am to 12:00 Noon
All books are just one dollar!
Bag Sale - $5 A Bag—Saturday, April 12th, from 1:00-4:00pm
Come fill a brown bag with all the books you can!

Relive the FHS Boys basketball Final Game on Sunday (video)

The basketball game Sunday is a good one to watch or watch again, thanks to Franklin TV.  Video link -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Xo__LX4fgI

ALERT: Different Mar 20, 2025 meeting instead of 350 Mass Greater Franklin Node mtg

Hey, 350 Mass Greater Franklin Node members,

We're going to do things a little differently this Thursday's meeting time as it's the season for campaign launches!

This Thursday is the launch of the 350 Mass Save Money With Clean Heat campaign from 7:00-9:00pm on Zoom.
350 Mass Greater Franklin Node
350 Mass Greater Franklin Node


This is ordinarily our bi-monthly meeting only on Zoom anyway, so I think it's advantageous to use it to become familiar with the campaign.


Perhaps you saw in the Climate Weekly newsletter that the Make Polluters Pay campaign launch was last Sunday in Boston. Here is today's Climate Weekly:
Last Sunday, 350 Mass, Mass Power Forward and our whole coalition gathered to launch the 2025-2026 Make Polluters Pay campaign! For decades, big fossil fuel companies have made trillions of dollars while destroying our shared environment. It's time to make polluters pay. Thank you to the volunteers who planned the event and our speakers, including Iselle Barrios of the Massachusetts Youth Climate Coalition (MYCC) and Tristan Thomas of Alternatives for Community and the Environment (ACE).  Watch a recording of the launch and learn more about the campaign at the Polluters Pay website.

IN ANY CASE, I'd like to propose everyone register for and attend this Thursday's Save Money with Clean Heat launch instead of having a regular node meeting.


With gratitude,
Carolyn

Talking all about the Party For The Pantry March 29 with Marsha & Jen (audio)

FM #1407 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1407 in the series. 


This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Marsha Tait, Development Director, and Jen Johnson, Development Associate. We had our conversation in the Franklin Food Pantry at Edwin’s on Monday, March 10, 2025. 


We talk about the Party for The Pantry scheduled for March 29 at THE BLACK BOX with musical entertainment provided by JP Royer, Matt Zajac, & The Pub Kings. 


Silent auction will be available online before and during the event closing out at 9:15 PM. Special bidding in person for one or more trips being offered by AMFund. The opportunity to bid on dream destinations, including Paris, Florence, Greece, Sedona, Ireland, Portugal, Scotland, and Africa—all while supporting The Pantry.


The recording runs about 30 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Marsha and Jen  Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1407-party-for-the-pantry-03-10-25/


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Party for The Pantry page -> https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/happenings/events/party/ 


AMFund travel information details -> https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/travel-auction/ 


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"


Talking all about the Party For The Pantry March 29 with Marsha & Jen (audio)
Talking all about the Party For The Pantry March 29 with Marsha & Jen (audio)

American Revolution 250th Celebration Gets Local Boost in Wrentham and its “Daughter” Towns

Historically minded individuals and town groups plan to mark the mustering of Wrentham-area militia who marched to support the fighting at Lexington and Concord on April 19, 1775.

Two hundred and fifty years ago, Wrentham (which then also included the modern towns of Franklin, Norfolk, and Plainville), was a quiet farming town, but one where local patriots were well aware of the tensions building with the mother country, Great Britain, and most were determined to protect what they saw as their most basic rights.
vintage Minutemen stamp
vintage Minutemen stamp

On the morning of April 19, 1775, news began to filter in about the British Army’s march to Lexington and Concord and then the news that fighting had broken out. It was news that was feared but locals were ready and, according to historians, two groups of local Wrentham-area soldiers were soon on the march to support their fellow Minutemen and militia members.

To commemorate that important local historical event, groups and individuals are pooling resources.

On April 19, 2025, at about 10 AM, the Gavel Restaurant in Wrentham, 36 South Street Wrentham, will play the role of the Colonial-era, Man Tavern with a brief pageant, commemorating the arrival of THE news and the mustering of the first Minutemen from the area.

Weather permitting, the event will continue outside, on the Common until approximately 11:30 AM. Seating in the Gavel is very limited. For updated information closer to the date, visit https://alanrearls.wixsite.com/mysite-1