- This segment features the conversation with Erin & Caleigh about BLAST, bringing library and schools together -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/04/caleigh-erin-i-had-blast-talking-about.html
Providing accurate and timely information about what matters in Franklin, MA since 2007. * Working in collaboration with Franklin TV and Radio (wfpr.fm) since October 2019 *
Thursday, May 1, 2025
Franklin Public Radio wfpr.fm schedule for Thursday, May 1, 2025
Franklin TV schedule for Thursday, May 1, 2025
Franklin All Access TV - Our Public Access Channel (Comcast 6, Verizon 26) = Thursday
Franklin Pride TV - Our Educational Channel (Comcast 8, Verizon 28) = Thursday
Franklin Town Hall TV - Our Government Channel (Comcast 9, Verizon 29) = Thursday
Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf
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Watch Listen Read all things that matter in Franklin MA |
Wednesday, April 30, 2025
What's happening in Franklin, MA: Wednesday, April 30, 2025 ???
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Library & Senior Center events |
The School district calendar is found https://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/o/fpsd/page/school-calendars
Fallen Hero Recognition: John Emidio Pasquantonio - April 30, 2025, 9 AM
Lance Corporal John Emidio Pasquantonio was born in Franklin on March 14, 1949, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Carlo Pasquantonio. John lived with his parents and 3 sisters on Grove St. while attending the Franklin Schools. John enlisted in the Marines, at age 17.
John was married to the former Jacqueline Mucciarone of Franklin and he left a son, John Carlo, who currently lives here in Franklin.
Corporal Pasquantonio, assigned to the USS Iwo Jima, had been sent ashore as a forward observer for the Navy guns on the coast of Vietnam, in Quang Tri province, when he was struck by a mortar shell and killed instantly on April 30, 1968. Prior to his death, John had repeatedly volunteered for this hazardous duty landing on the coast by helicopter. Cpl. Pasquantonio was award the Cross of Gallantry Medal, which compares with America's bronze star award, by the South Vietnam government.
Lance Corporal John E. Pasquantonio was 19 years old at the time of his death in Vietnam.
Originally post here -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/01/fallen-hero-john-emidio-pasquantonio.html
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/franklin-fallen-heroes-series.html
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Fallen Hero Recognition: John Emidio Pasquantonio, Vietnam - April 30, 2024, 9 AM |
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
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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
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_.pdfFY 2026 School budget 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)
- 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 loose the staffing for the 3rd ambulance. The 3rd ambulance responded to over 100 calls last year and resulted in over 70 hospital trnasports 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 on 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 oder 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 as 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, ertc. 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
Meeting ID: 819 3030 4274 Passcode: 350ma
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.
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.
Carolyn and Steve Derdiarian