Voices of Franklin: One Franklin "Shared Values Lead to a Common Goal"

One Franklin (Ballot Question Committee) is proud to stand with educators and grateful for the support of the teachers who serve our community every day. 

We share the mission to advocate for quality public education in an environment in which lifelong learning can flourish. 

All campaign finance reporting requirements are being fully followed. Any materials paid for by outside organizations will be clearly disclosed, and we are in compliance with all state laws.

One Franklin and our town’s educators share a deep concern about what will happen to the Franklin Public Schools and our town services if the override does not pass.

We often hear the saying “It takes a village”. In Franklin’s case, the village that supports our students, and all of us, includes the town police officers who keep our town safe and who keep our students feeling secure, the town fire personnel who show up for us when we need emergency assistance, the town’s outstanding senior center and library that offer socialization and support for senior and young people alike, and the DPW that takes care of our buildings, roads, and open spaces. All of these departments and all of you, the people in our community, working together, make up Franklin's village.

This is a pivotal moment for Franklin, and by coming together to support our public safety, public services, and public schools, we can preserve this wonderful community that we all share.

Please consider voting Yes on June 3rd for our Town of Franklin!

With gratitude,

Jenna Cohen and One Franklin Team

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If you have something to say, you can find the guidelines here
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/03/introducing-voices-of-franklin.html

Voices of Franklin:  One Franklin "Shared Values Lead to a Common Goal"

1st Budget Hearing for FY 2026: Finance Committee hears of the Franklin School budget (audio)

FM #1436 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1436 in the series. 

This session shares the Finance Committee meeting conducted Monday, April 28, 2025. All 8 members of the Committee were present in Council Chambers for the first of the series of Budget Hearings for FY 2026.

This session covered Education; Tri-County, Norfolk Aggie and Franklin Public Schools. Only Franklin was there to present in person. The Chair almost closed the meeting without mentioning the other two budget items.  

Quick recap:

• School Superintendent Lucas Giguere and Interim Business Administrator Jana Milotti made the presentation supported at different points by Dr Dutch and Asst Supt Paula Morano

• 

  FY 2026 School budget

  The slides of the presentation can be found ->   https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/5586512/4_28_25_FY26_FinCom_Budget_Hearing__1_.pdf

• The school budget fits within the Town allocation which assumes a successful override vote on June 3. The school budget is an increase over last year by $2.9M

• Redistricting brought significant savings to the tune of $3.1M

• If the override fails, $2M would be cut from this budget (per current Town documented allocation) resulting in no decrease in sports or transportation fees, staff reductions, higher class sizes, etc. See the photo of slide page 25

• Tuesday night the budget items for public works and public safety are up for discussion. The meeting will be in the 3rd floor training room.

The recording runs about 53 minutes, so let’s listen in. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1436-tof-finance-cmte-budget-hearing-1-04-28-25/

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Franklin TV recording available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t2k6pGMSzeU 

Finance Cmte agenda ->    https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04282025-1700 

My notes captured during the meeting via Twitter

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_SkYWy0EmCwPxh8w_PRvUJI2QDbclXKD/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

• 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"

2nd budget hearing confirms what happens if override fails for Police, Fire, DPW (video)

The Franklin, MA Finance Committee met as scheduled for their 2nd in the series of Budget hearings for the FY 2026 budget cycle. The meeting took oplace in the 3rd floor conference room and as usual was broadcast to Comcast/Verizon subscribers, as well as to Zoom & YouTube. All 8 members participated.

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

The agenda doc for this session ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04292025-1699

Quick recap:

• Police Chief TJ Lynch started his update. Basically the same as last year with some minor adjustments. If the override were to fail, he would loose 2 officers. He is hiring to backfill for retirees and transfers. When as ked to elaborate on that, he provided the details on the 5 recent departures, with one being sworn in at Council meeting and one still to be hired.
• Deputy Chiefs Klich & Barberi provided the update in lieu of Chief McLaughlin out this week on vacation. 
• Similar to the police update, very little change in totals. If the override fails, they would lose the staffing for the 3rd ambulance. The 3rd ambulance responded to over 100 calls last year and resulted in over 70 hospital transports during its 40 hours of weekly coverage. The community would notice the difference in slower response times as mutual aid would be providing more coverage than they do today
• Discussion on vehicle replacement both costs increasing and lead times lengthening. A new ambulance ordered in 2022 is scheduled for delivery in August. The Tower truck ordered in 2023 is scheduled for delivery this summer. The current Tower would stay in the fleet and move to back up status, as would the older of the ambulances when the new one arrives.
• Brutus Cantoreggi, DPW director and Kathy Mooradd, Administration and Budget manager presented initially. Doug Martin, Water/Sewer Superintendent stood up along the way to cover water and sewer updates.
• Similar to the police and fire updates, a level funded budget being presented. Note, not a level service budget. The dollar remains about the same but the materials cost across the DPW departments account for 65% of the total budget (35% of the personnel cost). The same amount of money is getting less to work with. A failed override will also be noticeable but not right away. Water will still run, sewers will still operate, other maintenance and road repairs, etc. will be delayed or take longer.
• There were other budget items discussed; Building & inspection, MECC dispatch. The meeting total only runs 90 minutes so it should be easy enough to catch up to. The audio and transcript will come out also (audio Thursday, transcript on the weekend).

My notes captured during the meeting via Twitter

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ocIK4PjauaMMklMFVxkybmp4eTf5716K/view?usp=drive_link

350 Mass Gtr Franklin node meeting this Thursday, May 1, 7:00-9:00pm

Hey, everybody! 

Our 350 Mass Greater Franklin node meeting will be held this Thursday, May 1, 7:00-9:00 pm. at the First Universalist Society Franklin (FUSF), 262 Chestnut Street, Franklin, MA.

Please put this in your Calendar for Thursday night.

Ordinarily the first Thursday meeting of the month is a hybrid meeting, offering both in person and Zoom attendance.  However, because the purpose of this meeting is to do dry runs for our speaking to our legislators about the legislation before them this session, it will be ideal for attendees to come in person.  There will be other topics briefly discussed, but this will be the main thrust of the meeting.

 meeting this Thursday, May 1, 7:00-9:00pm

For those simply interested in following the proceedings, we are providing a Zoom link.

Meeting Zoom link:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81930304274?pwd=Tm9VdGxYcDFaVTVDUkwyT3YvUnlFdz09
Meeting ID: 819 3030 4274    Passcode: 350ma

Dial-in +1 646 876 9923

AGENDA:

- Dry runs for speaking to our legislators

- Status of arranging legislative meetings about 350 Mass Priorities legislative agenda

- Upcoming resistance actions

Upcoming Events:

- Reserve this date: UMass professor's Saturday, May 3, presentation of "Planning for Human Ingenuity in the Fight Against Climate Change, 3:00PM, at the Franklin Public Library

- TAKE ACTION NOW: Looking for statewide signatures asking Healey to stop the project - Stop Private Jet Expansion at Hanscom or Anywhere

- Fix the Grid Campaign ISO-NE Doesn't Play Well With Others, a rally for reform on Wednesday, May 14th at 11am on the Boston Common! RSVP here to let us know you're coming!

- Messaging Study Group, April 30, 7:00-8:15 

Join us to explore how to create public messages around climate and climate justice issues.
What should we consider when creating a message? What does the research say? How does a strong message help build our movement?
We will be reading articles and excerpts together and meeting on zoom to discuss and generate ideas. Readings will be made available when you RSVP.
No prior messaging experience needed! All are welcome.

-  May 7, 5:00-6:00pm, Climate Action Happy Hour: Testimony Training
Learn how to Testify at a State Hearing!
Testifying at a hearing for a state bill is the most direct way our advocates can weigh in on the legislative process. Knowing that, legislators make it intimidating and hard to be ready for! Our Legislative Manager Dan Zackin will join us to demystify testimony, walk us through how to draft it and prepare, and get us ready for upcoming legislative hearings! Join us in a safe, supportive community to learn, ask questions, and get ready to testify! All are welcome! No prior legislative experience required. RSVP for zoom link.

Hoping to see you at 262 Chestnut Street in Franklin this Thursday at 7 PM.

With gratitude,
Carolyn and Steve Derdiarian

3rd Annual Pen to Picture Festival features Raúl the Third at the Franklin Public Library, May 10

3rd Annual Pen to Picture Festival features Raúl the Third

Since 2023, Franklin Public Library and the Franklin middle schools have joined forces to host world-renowned graphic novelists and celebrate the art of storytelling. On May 10, Franklin's 3rd annual Pen to Picture Festival will welcome Raúl the Third to the Franklin Public Library. This town-wide event is free and open to all families. 

Raúl the Third will share his process, art, and latest titles. He is the author and illustrator of many elementary and middle grade books, including The Snips: A Bad Buzz Day, Stuntboy: In the Meantime, Stuntboy: In-Between Time, The Lowriders series, and multiple picture books. Breakout sessions, photo ops and book signing will also be available.

Pen to Picture originated three years ago, the result of a collaborative effort among Ms. Bree Comeau (Franklin Public Library Asst. Youth Services Librarian) and Franklin middle school reading specialists Pam Allard and Erin O’Leary. The three literary leaders recognized their students’ growing appetite for the graphic novel format and sought funding from their schools’ parent organizations to create a town-wide festival. Pen to Picture’s mission is to expose Franklin families to contemporary titles and creators and foster the creative relationship between art and the written word. 

In its first year, the program welcomed Scott Magoon, Matt Tavares, and Maris Wicks; built on its overwhelming success, Pen to Picture welcomed Jarrett J. Krosoczka the following year.  

Graphic novels (a literary format) have exploded in popularity and both librarians and reading specialists are excited to welcome local authors and illustrators to engage students in an appreciation of the genre, learn about the process and time required to develop a graphic novel, and champion the relationship between visual arts and storytelling. We invite the community to join us at the library on Saturday, May 10. 

This year, Pen to Picture is made possible by a grant from the Massachusetts Cultural Council. 

Footlighter's Production of High School Musical Jr scheduled May 2 & May 3

High School Musical Jr scheduled May 2 & May 3

Please come support your love of theatre and our Franklin Middle School Footlighters in their production this weekend of High School Musical Jr. at Franklin High!

Click the link below for tickets and more information!

https://givebutter.com/Footlighters25

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1HbHmUhH9R/

Franklin LGBTQ Alliance: Join us for our next meeting on May 1st at *6:00pm*!

Editor's Note - The newsletter was shortened for publication here, to view the full set of content, please follow this link ->   

View this email in your browser

We will be meeting at Franklin TV

Franklin LGBTQ Alliance In this newsletter we include an invitation to our next meeting and community events, including our next book club discussion, and include more opportunities to get involved. You Are Invited To Our March Monthly Meeting!   When: May 1st at *6:00pm*   Where: Franklin TV at 23 Hutchinson St. in Franklin   What:  Talk about volunteer opportunities for Celebrate With Pride Have a move night! We'll be watching Dumplin' since our earlier movie night was cancelled due to weather DRUM ROLL PLEASE...We would like to announce new Alliance board members taking office September 1st, 2025! Our next President: Rion James   "My name is Rion I'm a non binary trans guy who uses he/they pronouns. I grew up in Franklin, I currently work at stop at shop doing online pickup and helping out in floral when needed. I love to watch tv, play video games, color, listen to music, and cuddle my dog in my free time.   One thing I want to do as president is reach out further into the community by letting surrounding towns know who we are and telling them about our different meetings and gatherings." Our next Vice President: Evelyn Rossing   "My name is Evelyn. I am a gay transgender woman and my pronouns are she/her. I have lived in Franklin for 21 years. I work in software development in a company in Boston. In my spare time I enjoy reading and playing games, both video and tabletop.   As vice-president, I am interested in expanding awareness of the FLA in the area LGBTQ community and strengthening the membership of the group." We want to thank Robin Baidya for his steadfast support as our President the past two years, including as Celebrate With Pride Chair and Book Club Coordinator. We are grateful he is staying on until August 31st to continue to impart wisdom as we bring up new leaders and plan for Celebrate With Pride. We look forward to Robin and his partner Lee continuing to be active members and seeking out their advice in the future.    Note: Jennifer Rossing will be staying on as Treasurer and Phoebe Thaler will be staying on as Secretary.   If you are not on our email list, sign up to receive future emails with this form.

Tri-County: Support the Class of 2026 & Enjoy Panera Bread!

Support the Class of 2026 & Enjoy Panera Bread! 🍴🥯

Tri-County: Support the Class of 2026 & Enjoy Panera Bread!

This Friday, May 2nd, join us for a Panera Bread Fundraiser at the Franklin Village Drive location!

Simply purchase your meal and use code FUND4U at checkout to help support the Class of 2026.

Every bite helps us reach our goals—so spread the word, bring your friends, and let’s make this a fundraising feast to remember! 🍞✨

📍 Where: Panera Bread, Franklin Village Drive
📅 When: Friday, May 2nd
💳 How: Use code FUND4U
Thank you for your support! 💙

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/DJCiTXYN6ta/?

SNAP action day - contact your Congressional legislators

SNAP action day - contact your Congressional legislators

SAVE THE DATE! 

On Wednesday, April 30, 2025, join advocates and individuals across the Northeast region in a powerful SNAP Day of Action. 

More details to come!

Shared from ->   https://www.instagram.com/p/DI_8lKmRd4r/

Download the PDF ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1FfYE2afA_Qj08azRVSJfQ-H3TqrWHYKr/view?usp=drive_link

Project Bread has additional info -> https://projectbread.org/events/snap-day-of-action

Franklin Collaboration: Birchwood Wine Dinner - May 15

Franklin Collaboration: Birchwood Wine Dinner - May 15

It’s our FIRST WINE DINNER! 

All Franklin businesses, all Italian(obviously). 

The Franklin Collab brings @vine_farmer and Pour Richards to our friends @birchwoodbakeryandkitchen for an epic night. 5/15, 6:30, $75. 

Tickets available through @birchwoodbakeryandkitchen now!

Shared from ->   https://www.instagram.com/p/DJCClBJtN9J/

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm Schedule for Wednesday, April 30, 2025

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

It is 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 Wednesday

8:00 AM, 1:00 PM and 6:00 PM   Franklin Matters Radio – Steve Sherlock 

Franklin and its local government, services and events  (repeats Saturday at 2 PM)  

This session of the radio show shares the conversation between Tammy Pozerycki and Franklin (MA) Health Director Cathleen Liberty discussing healthy brains

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/04/the-topic-006-healthy-brain-initiative.html 

9:00 AM, 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM  The Wonderful World of Wine – Mark Lenzi, Kim Simone  All about wine, its culture, lore and finer points.    (repeats Saturday at 1 PM)  

Hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi explore all things wine with you talk about Italian Adventures & Vacation Vino -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/04/the-wonderful-world-of-wine-www-episode_01702127898.html

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