Sunday, March 23, 2025

Franklin Town Council sets June 3 for date of Override vote on $3,862,672 to balance FY 2026 budget (audio)

FM #1412  This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1412 in the series. 


This session shares the Franklin (MA) Town Council Meeting of Wednesday, March 19, 2025. 8 of the 9 of the members participated in Council Chambers (1 absent - Dellorco).  


Quick recap:

  • after approval of 2 prior meeting minutes, the Council get to the key item and after a brief discussion took two votes; 

    • one to approve the amount and ballot question text 

    • the second to set the date, Tuesday, June 3, 2025 for the override

    • both votes were 8-0-1 (1 absent)

  • The School Committee had met earlier that evening and voted unanimously to support the override vote. Chair Dave Callaghan and Vice-Chair David McNeill stood up to make that announcement during the discussion

  • Other legislation for action on the minimum item agenda for the evening; 2 items to extend the sewer and water lines to a new residence that had already been approved in the first vote both received the passing vote by the same 8-0-1 vote (1 absent) via roll call

  • A resolution accepting gifts to the Veterans services was approved and thanks extended

  • Town Administrator's Report

    • Jamie acknowledged receipt of a letter from Archbishop Henning commending the work of the Fire Dept on the St Mary's Church fire. He had just recently attended the re-opening masses. The letter will be posted to the Town pages

    • The lease for Town use of the Ferrara's parking lot was signed to extend the agreement for 5 years

    • The final approvals on the deed and associated documents for the Old South Church were completed and to be handed over to Habitat for Humanity so the docs can be filed with the Registrar of Deeds, and work can begin to renovate the building for a residence

  • After a round of Councilor comments, the meeting closed


Let’s listen to the meeting recording which runs about 1 hour and 38 minutes.  Audio link -https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1412-town-council-mtg-03-19-25/


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Franklin TV video for replay of meeting -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GoNPkBHRLzI 


The agenda doc released for the meeting ->    https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03192025-1639 


My full set of notes taken during the meeting (in one PDF) -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1TPEkxHcViPCNwOGHmiydPVt1rGW5Xy05/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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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"


Franklin TV video for replay of meeting -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GoNPkBHRLzI
Franklin TV video for replay of meeting -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GoNPkBHRLzI

Pantherbook: "FHS Theatre Company Moves on to the State Finals"

"On Saturday, March 15, at Framingham High School, The Franklin High School Theatre Company performed David Saar’s The Yellow Boat, in The Massachusetts Educational Theatre Guild (METG) High School Theatre Festival, a state-wide theatre competition, where they were selected to move on to the state final round! 

This is the first time Franklin High School has been to the State Finals in over a decade. 


Of 15 finalists, 3 will be chosen as winners and 2 will be selected to move on to the New England Drama Festival"

Continue reading the article at Pantherbook -> https://sites.google.com/franklinps.net/pantherbook/arts-entertainment/fhs-theatre-company-moves-on-to-the-state-finals-of-the-metg-high-school-th?authuser=0 

Pantherbook: "FHS Theatre Company Moves on to the State Finals"
Pantherbook: "FHS Theatre Company Moves on to the State Finals"

You can make a ceramic bowl at the Open Studio for Empty Bowls - March 27

You can make a ceramic bowl at the Open Studio for Empty Bowls - March 27
You can make a ceramic bowl at the Open Studio
Empty Bowls is hosting one more Open Studio at FHS on Thursday, March 27th from 5:30 - 7 pm in room 138. 
Link to sign-up -> https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C094AAAA72AA7F9C25-55417348-empty#/
All ages & art skills welcome!! 
@FranklinFoodPan @FHS_EmptyBowls @FranklinHS #emptybowls 
Photos from last Thursday's Open Studio! ->   https://t.co/EGIo2HqxWK

Gear something to wear proudly showcasing the FHS 2025 Boys Basketball State Championship

FHS Boys Basketball (@fhsboysbball) posted Sat, Mar 22, 2025:

Gear something to wear proudly showcasing the FHS 2025 Boys Basketball State Championship
 FHS 2025 Boys Basketball State Championship

"GET YOUR STATE CHAMPIONS GEAR TODAY!!   STORE IS OPEN THROUGH 3/27!

Please note all items are mockups (2025 will replace the 2024 as shown)"

Order online -> https://t.co/PVJFiRR2Bg

Franklin TV: Show Me a Sign!

Let these be our signs of Spring.

by Pete Fasciano, Executive Director 03/23/2025 

At last! Our signs arrived – all rolled up in a tube. (Yess!)

wfpr sign at Davis Thayer
wfpr sign at Davis Thayer
The Town has sign boxes in two highly visible locations along Central Street. They welcome passers by to Downtown Franklin, and we have been prepping some signage for our radio station, wfpr●fm, Franklin Public Radio.


wfpr sign at Four Corners/Walgreens
wfpr sign at Four Corners/Walgreens
Our Franklin Radio programming will be expanding throughout the Spring, and we’re also working to keep you more informed with regular updates of notable and newsworthy events and all that is happening around town.

A big shout out to Steve Sherlock for all he does as Franklin’s volunteer information director and FranklinMatters.org

Do check out Franklin Matters Radio every Wed/Thu/Fri at 8 am, 1 pm, & 6 pm and Saturday afternoons starting at 2 pm.

And – as always –
Thank you for watching. 
Thank you for listening to wfpr●fm.
And staying informed at Franklin●news


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

🚧 Building Progress: See What’s Happening Behind the Scenes!

Note: There is a fund raising event today at Teddy Gallagher's Irish Pub from 2 to 5 PM
If you're having trouble viewing this email, you can see it online.
CMF.png

Friends,

We are thrilled to share some sneak peek photos into 157 Cottage Street. Construction is progressing smoothly and our walls are now fully up! A passerby will notice that our old garage door has been replaced by large windows, bringing so much natural light into the space. Over the next couple of weeks, painting will be complete and flooring installation will begin, bringing us another step closer to opening.

Exhibits will begin to arrive at the start of April – stay tuned for more photos as the space truly comes to life!

Fundraising remains our biggest hurdle before we can open our doors. As a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, the Museum is truly made possible by this incredible community of individuals, families and organizations. Your contribution of any amount has the ability to spark joy, create connections, encourage discovery and complete this hub for community.

Join us tomorrow for a fundraiser at Teddy Gallagher's between 2:00 and 5:00 pm! (View details.) or  visit our website to support the Museum today.

With joy and gratitude,

Erin & Meg

Looking at exhibit space

What you see here: 

  • Left: Erin shows her four-year-old (and chief exhibit tester) where the climbing structure will be.
  • Bottom Left: Hall & office wall – with drywall up!
  • Bottom Right: View from the water area into the exhibit space.
Hallway Wall IMG_3427.jpeg

What you see here:

  • Right: Meg unboxes the giant pumping heart exhibit that just arrived from Germany!
  • Bottom Left: Testing out the incredible human bodies mirror from BPI.
  • Bottom Right: WBA finishes up sanding the gazebo for our baby/crawler zone.
Unboxing the giant heart
Testing the human bodies mirror WBA finishing sanding on the gazebo for baby/crawler zone

Officer Timothy Trubiano recognized with CIT Award

(L-R) Lt Colecchi, Officer Trubiano
(L-R) Lt Colecchi, Officer Trubiano
via Franklin Police Dept 
"We are thrilled to announce that Officer Timothy Trubiano was presented the prestigious CIT Award! This recognition highlights his exceptional contributions to our community, particularly in his handling of mental health emergencies and his compassionate interactions with individuals in crisis.
Officer Trubiano has consistently demonstrated professionalism, patience, and a deep understanding of those facing mental health challenges. His ability to connect with both teens and individuals with developmental disabilities has made a significant impact, fostering trust and encouraging positive outcomes.
A special thank you to the CIT program for equipping our officers with the skills to support those in need. Congratulations, Officer Trubiano, on this well-deserved recognition!"



Rose Turco receives recognition as part of Women's History Month

Rose Turco receives recognition as part of Women's History Month
Rose Turco receives recognition

via Senator Becca Rausch: 

Today we celebrate Women’s History Month by recognizing Rose Turco of Franklin!  
Rose was a beloved Franklin school teacher of 40 years and served as Vice Principal and Chair of the Math Department of Franklin High School. Rose has devoted herself to projects that honor Franklin’s veterans, including the Memorial Street Sign Project and the Veterans Memorial Walkway.  
Her efforts have helped create lasting tributes to those who have selflessly served our country. She is an active member of the Franklin Veterans’ Council and served on the Frances Eddy King scholarship committee.  
Thank you, Rose!





Sewer lining project continues with Phase 8 - March 24 through April 9, 2025

via DPW posting:
"Phase 8 - Sewer Lining Project Continues Monday March 24th thru April 9th.
Below is the anticipated schedule for the Sewer Lining work that National Watermain will be conducting:
3/24 – 3/28: start grouting services (Pine Street, Stanwood Drive, Mary Anne Drive)
3/31 – 4/4: Continue grouting services
4/3 – 4/4: Complete Lining along Pine St
4/7 – 4/9: Lining Easement Beech St to Mary Ann Drive
Please follow posted detour signs and use caution when driving in these areas.
During this part of the lining residents that will be directly 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.  
For a virtual representation of the service line grouting process check out this video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F2oqgS0W9ew"

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule for Sunday, March 23, 2025

Yes, Franklin has it's own radio station -> wfpr.fmFranklin Public Radio has a brand new schedule for the locally produced shows that fill our air waves. 

It ia available anywhere, anytime at wfpr.fm or in the local Franklin, MA area at 102.9 on the FM dial.

Tune in to listen to the following:

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule for Sunday
Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule for Sunday



Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf 

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule for Sunday
Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule for Sunday