Thursday, May 15, 2025

Franklin Housing Authority meets in the newly renamed Peter L Brunelli Community Center May 13 (audio)

FM #1446 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1446 in the series. 


This session of the radio show shares the audio recording of the Franklin Housing Authority meeting held on Tuesday, March 13, 2025 in the Peter L Brunelli Community Center on Central Park Terrace. 


Participating were:

  • GEORGE DANELLO, CHAIR 

  • CHRIS FEELEY (a few minutes late to session)

  • Jennifer Levine

  • ANDREW M KEPPLE, STATE APPOINTEE

  • CHRISTOPHER LENNON

  • Lisa M. Audette, Housing Authority Agent

  • Nayda DeJeus


Quick recap:

From the Director’s Report

  • 23,000plus on waiting list; Franklin list up 33 folks in one month

  • 2 vacancies, both in congregate, both will be housed possible within a few days, interviews and offers made


Discussion & vote on payment to employees leaving before September

  • If they did not take health care coverage, they did get a payment of $1,000 (for a year, or prorated accordingly). HLC increased the allowable amount from $1,000 to $5,000/year. Board vote required to approve of payment, normally would be made in September but the employees involved wouldn’t not be on the active payroll at that time, hence the decision needed now. Vote to approve and set the amount for FY 2026 at the same time.


The recording of the meeting runs about 42 minutes.  Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1446-franklin-housing-authority-mtg-05-13-25/



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Meeting agenda doc ->  

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05132025-1733 


My notes captured via Twitter during the meeting

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1J-zt7qZj-7RApmgHnp-Y3uHp_AcbtIrS/view?usp=drive_link 


Housing Income Limits -> (by MA county) https://www.mhp.net/assets/resources/documents/one__income_limits.pdf


Franklin Housing Authority web page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/housing-authority 


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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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Franklin Housing Authority renamed the Community Center to honor the late Peter L Brunelli
Franklin Housing Authority renamed the Community Center to honor the late Peter L Brunelli

School Committee gets update on traffic study (consider the bus a good alternative) (video)

The Franklin (MA) School Committee met as scheduled on Tuesday, May 13, 2025. All 7 members participated, 6 in Council Chambers, 1 remotely (Gallagher).

Franklin TV video for replay ->  https://www.youtube.com/live/TPngAPt1WHs?&t=110 



Quick recap:

  • Recognition of the FHS student Theater group
  • Presentation update on the traffic study and mitigation efforts underway
    • Link to presentation in the notes section below
    • NO projects to address the traffic flow will be completed before the Sep 2025-2026 school year. 
    • Currently the traffic queues will more than double in September
    • Alternatives are being reviewed before making decisions on which projects would be beneficial for traffic as well as at minimal expense
    • Additional updates will be sent to families during the summer by the respective school principals
    • “It is not going to be perfect on day 1”
  • Appointments
    • BICO Board Appointment 2025-26
    • ACCEPT Board Appointment 2025-26 
    • Both positions were approved to be fulfilled by Supt Giguere in a 7-0 vote via roll call 
  • Discussion Only Item
    • Horace Mann
    • Question/option to ask "How do we as a district choose to honor Horace Mann?"; Campus is one way, are there others? We also need the community to embrace Horace Mann not just the schools 
    • Seeming to get consensus on campus and collaboration with others but recognize the need to give them a clear direction and objectives to return with a plan to implement 
  • Superintendent’s Evaluation - Presentation of Evidence
    • In a new flip book format
    • Subcommittee to coordinate feedback from full committee for a future discussion item
  • FY26 Budget Executive Summary - Structural Deficit

Documents released for this agenda after the meeting can be found -> 

https://www.franklinps.net/documents/departments/school-committee/meeting-packets/2024---25-meeting-packets/may-13%2C-2025-sc-meeting-packet/799886 


Traffic presentation -> https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/5645253/Traffic.pptx.pdf 


My full set of notes taken during the meeting can be found in one PDF ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ffAYwvHayzSws0D2bV8xmM0Fsn6c71za/view?usp=drive_link 


School Committee gets update on traffic study (consider the bus a good alternative) (video)
School Committee gets update on traffic study (consider the bus a good alternative) (video)



FHS girls lacrosse, and girls & boys tennis teams post wins on Wednesday

Via Twitter, Franklin TV, and our subscription to HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the Spring sports competition for Franklin High School on Wednesday, May 14, 2025


Attleboro, 5 @ Franklin, 6 – Final 
– Franklin sophomore Cal McKenna escaped a bases loaded jam in the top of the fifth to halt Attleboro’s comeback bid and didn’t let the Bombardiers get a sniff at a rally the rest of the way as the Panthers earned a big 6-5 win. Franklin stormed out to a lead with a five-run first inning, taking a 6-2 advantage into the fifth inning. The Bombardiers rallied in the fifth to close the gap as Kelan Jones (2-for-3, three RBI) smacked a two-run single and Aidan Landers plated a run with a sac fly to make it 6-5. After a walk re-loaded the bases, McKenna (2.2 IP, 1H, 0R, 1BB, 3K) got a big strikeout to end the frame. He went on to retire the side in both the top of the sixth and seventh innings to complete the save. Franklin only had one hit in the entire game but took advantage of 10 walks and some aggressive base running to build its lead. Zach Winer had the lone hit for the Panthers and had an RBI and a run scored. Patrick Luizzi and Cole Sidwell also had an RBI for the Panthers.

Girls Lacrosse = Franklin, 15 vs. Bishop Feehan, 6 – Final
-  Franklin defended its home turf with a key non-league win over Bishop Feehan, a potential playoff opponent based on the latest MIAA rankings. The Panthers jumped ahead by a pair of goals after the first (4-2) before outscoring the Shamrocks 5-1 in the second to take a commanding 9-3 halftime lead. Julia Flynn led the charge with four goals and six draw controls while both Gabi Consigli and Izzy Cross each chipped in with two goals and two assists. Both Sophia Sacchetti and Vera Hansen scored a hat trick as the Panthers had a well-balanced offensive attack. Clara Blongastainer (goal, two assists) played a smart game offensively, Morgan Lovell had a strong showing with four draw controls, and Kendall Mone came off the bench and helped settle the Panthers with a pair of draw controls. Callie Joyce had a standout game defensively for the Panthers in front of Maisie Streeseman (seven saves).

Franklin TV video available for replay ->  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tonTBi_Z73w



Softball = Franklin, 4 @ Attleboro, 9 – Final
Josh Perry, HockomockSports.com Managing Editor, provides the game recap:
"When Lola Ronayne came to the plate in the bottom of the fourth inning in Wednesday afternoon’s game against Franklin, there was an air of inevitability about what was about to happen next. Attleboro’s sophomore slugger had already tied the program record for home runs in a season the inning before and, with two runners on base and one out, the Panthers were forced to pitch to her again. 
Ronayne got a pitch she liked and didn’t miss. She crushed a line drive that sailed over the fence in left center, opening up a seven-run lead for the Bombardiers, and setting a new season-best with her 13th homer of the spring (breaking the previous record set by McKenzie Bergdoll in 2019).

Attleboro took advantage of Ronayne’s big day (3-for-4, two home runs, three runs, and five RBI), bouncing back from a tough loss to league leader Taunton less than 24 hours earlier to beat Franklin 9-4 and sweep the season series."




Boys Tennis = Franklin, 4 @ Attleboro, 1 – Final
– Franklin all three singles matches and took one more point from doubles to return home from Attleboro with a 4-1 win in a match that was played in pro sets. Senior Danny Reis secured an 8-0 win at first singles, senior Aaron Ramaswamy won 8-3 at second singles, and senior Gabe Terry prevailed in a tiebreak to take an 8-7 (2) verdict at third singles. Franklin’s second doubles tandem of senior Jai Kandula and junior Max Sebell grabbed a tight 8-6 win to wrap up the 4-1 win. Attleboro senior Hayden Crowley and junior Connor Houle grabbed an 8-5 win at first doubles.

Girls Tennis = Attleboro, 0 @ Franklin, 5 – Final
– In a match competed in pro sets, Franklin earned a clean sweep with just two games dropped. Gabby Cura (first singles), Izzy Trull (second singles), and Isabelle Simino completed the singles sweep for the Panthers. The team of Sydney Tolonen and Katie Yelle dropped just one game in an 8-1 win at first doubles, while Avalon Thomes and Anna Powers teamed up for an 8-0 second doubles win.

For other results across the Hockomock League (subscription required)
https://hockomocksports.com/wednesdays-schedule-scoreboard-05-14-25/

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

350 Mass Greater Franklin Node to meeting virtually Thursday, May 15

Hey, everybody! 

Apologies for the late reminder, but it's been a busy week! 

Our 350 Mass Greater Franklin node meeting will be held TONIGHT, May 15, 7:00-9:00 pm. This will be a Zoom only meeting.

Meeting ID: 819 3030 4274 Passcode: 350ma

Dial-in +1 646 876 9923


Our node is currently focusing on setting up legislative meetings for members who live in Franklin, Milford, and Mendon. North Attleboro meetings have already happened. 

Does anyone receiving this email want to be part of a legislative meeting to encourage legislators to cosponsor the 350 Mass priority legislation? 

If interested, please reply to Carolyn on this email so I can keep track. carolyncbarthel@gmail.com

This legislative session is CRITICAL to Massachusetts making the transition from gas to renewable energy and we need everyone's help to succeed! 

We'll update organizing for legislative meetings, briefly share town updates, some campaign updates and Governor Healey's legislative proposal from Monday, and leave the floor open for topics members want to discuss.


See you TONIGHT ON ZOOM!


With gratitude,

Carolyn

Submit Your Ideas for New State Emblems

Massachusetts State House, photo by Elizabeth Thomsen, licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0
Massachusetts State House, photo by
Elizabeth Thomsen, licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0
@massgov is actively seeking public submissions to reimagine our state’s official symbols.

The Massachusetts Seal, Flag, and Motto Advisory Commission - of which Mass Cultural Council is a named member - is dedicated to developing new emblems that truly reflect the shared values, dynamic history, and vibrant diversity of our state.

The Commission is inviting all residents, artists, historians, educators, students, and community members of all ages, to participate in this important process.

Submit your design sketches or ideas for a new state seal or flag and/or motto proposals that capture the spirit of Massachusetts by June 18, 2025.
Submit your written ideas, visual sketches, or full design concepts through this form: Massachusetts Seal, Flag, and Motto Advisory Commission Submission Form.



495 Connector to launch May 27

495 Connector to launch May 27
495 Connector to launch May 27
The 495/MetroWest Partnership (@495Partnership) posted Tue, May 13, 2025:

"Since our founding, @495Partnership has advocated for improved transit connectivity to address the lack of north-south linkages along Rt. 85 & 495.

On 5/27, that dream moves closer to reality, when @MWRTA launches their 495 Connector
Watch https://t.co/hPUtsjbm2Q to learn more! "
https://t.co/qsdUVl7m1P

Franklin Public Radio wfpr.fm schedule for Thursday, May 15, 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 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 Thursday
Franklin Public Radio wfpr.fm schedule for Thursday


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 features Stevie Wonder’s “Songs in the Key of Life” Album Hour and live recordings from the Natural Wonder record in the Playlist Hour.   “Songs In The Key of Life” debuted September 28, 1976 at number one on Billboard’s 200 chart becoming only the 3rd album to achieve that and the 1st by an American artist.  Stevie Wonder is credited as a pioneer and major influencer across R&B, pop, soul, gospel, funk, and jazz genres.



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

Franklin TV schedule for Thursday, May 15, 2025

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

7:30 am Veterans' Call: Lauren Turner
9:00 am Frank Presents: Jay Elias Pt 1
10:30 am Pickleball Tournament: Pickleball Tournament
11:30 am Cooking Thyme: Lobstah
12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin: Stromboli
12:30 pm Cooking with Linda: Chicken Pot Pie
1:30 pm Pizzapalooza: Margherita Pizza
2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Summer 2019 Show 6
3:00 pm Riffin' on Main Street: Erin Gallagher
4:00 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Shaun Hart Pt 1
8:30 pm Second Sunday Speaker Series: Rod & Gun Club

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

7:00 am Public School Event: Remington Spring Music '22
8:30 am Lifelong Music Spring 2025: Strings School
10:00 am Critical Conversations: Student Wellbeing
2:00 pm Arts Advocacy Day: Marketing
3:00 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Shaun Hart Pt 1
4:00 pm FHS Varsity Softball v Walpole 04-22-25
9:00 pm FHS Theater Company: Legally Blonde

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

8:00 am Conservation Commission 05-01-25
11:00 am Joint Budget Subcommittee Listening Session 2
2:00 pm Conservation Commission 05-01-25
7:00 pm Conservation Commission  987 8005 6883


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, May 14, 2025

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Wednesday, May 14, 2025 ???

Library & Senior Center events
Library & Senior Center events 
Wednesday, May 14


1:00pm Writer's Group (Franklin Senior Center)

7:00pm Tour the Franklin Food Pantry (sign up in advance) (Franklin Food Pantry)






For additional details on Library & Senior Center events ->   



**   Town Meetings today   **


Board of Health (missed an update that moved the meeting to Monday, May 19 at 9 AM)

May 14, 2025, 5:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05072025-1722 


Franklin Cultural Council Meeting

May 14, 2025, 7:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05142025-1731 


Historical Commission Meeting

May 14, 2025, 6:00 PM 

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05142025-1740




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What's happening today in Franklin?
What's happening today in Franklin? 
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

Volunteers stil looked for to help with Beautification Day, May 17

The Franklin Downtown Partnership and Franklin Garden Club are gearing up for Beautification Day on Saturday, May 17. Volunteers are needed to prepare downtown Franklin for the spring season. Roll up your sleeves and dig in. Many hands are needed to help plant a variety of flowers on the bridges, barrels and boxes in front of the businesses.


Volunteers with trucks, please meet at 7:30 AM at Fairmount Fruit Farm at 887 Lincoln Street to pick up trays of flowers and deliver downtown. If you don’t have a truck, arrive by 8:00 AM at the public parking lot near the bridge in front of The Rome restaurant. Bring work gloves, rakes and garden tools, if you can.

Volunteers stil looked for to help with Beautification Day, May 17
Volunteers stil looked for to help
with Beautification Day, May 17


The committee also needs volunteers to water the plants for the season. There are 18 weeks of watering needed throughout the summer months. Pick the weeks that work for you. To volunteer to plant on May 17th , contact Eileen Mason at eileenmason@remax.net  To volunteer to water this summer, email Sandy Sauer at sandy@franklintilecarpetone.com, or call her at 508-733-8929.


"Our goal is to give people something to smile about as they drive through our historic downtown and maybe just make their day a little better," said Eileen Mason, Beautification Day Chairperson. Franklin Downtown Partnership Executive Director, Lisa Piana, appreciates the many people who come together to make this a success. “The Partnership is very grateful to Eileen Mason, Sandy Sauer, the Franklin Garden Club, the DPW and the many members of our community who volunteer to make our center beautiful for the spring and summer."


Sponsors:

D.G. Ranieri Real Estate, Doherty, Dugan, Cannon, Raymond & Weil, P.C., Eileen Mason, RE/MAX Executive Realty, G&C Plumbing & Heating, Glen Meadow Apartments-Schochet Companies, Middlesex Savings Bank

 

Dean Bank, Eagle Stainless Tube & Fabrication, Notturno Home Services, PEEL microspa