Franklin TV: TV’s, Cameras, Lights!

Then we’re ready for Lights, Cameras, Action! 

by Pete Fasciano, Executive Director 05/25/2025

It’s another TV Studio makeover. Chris Flynn and I returned to the Dean TV studio to work with Gregg Seibert (left) and Peter Leger (right) to fine tune the Dean College studio system – the background displays, the cameras, and the lights. If you watch any TV at all, these days all the major evening newscasts and many of the Prime-time live programs use digital background displays to visually dramatic effect. To play those effects to best – umm, effect takes careful optical calibration. How do we do this? We match the cameras to the displays. Then we adjust the lights to the cameras. Precisely.

Gregg Seibert (left) and Peter Leger (right)

optical calibration

Franklin TV studios are the only PEG facilities in the state that are fully equipped and optimized to perform this same visual magic as the national TV networks. Last fall we installed this capability in the Dean studio, and began producing programs for Franklin.TV, making the Dean College an able extension of our own facility. When Dean students visit our studio or work as interns, they will be in familiar surroundings, and prepared for careers in a state-of-the-art operation.

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

Franklin Library News & Events for June 2025 (part 3 of 5)

Special Events for Kids & Families 

Petite Picassos, Monday, June 2 @ 4pm

Registration Required

Join Miss Lily and create your very own step-by-step painting of a colorful gumball machine! This paint party is a great fit for children ages 6 through 12! All materials will be provided. The same painting will be taught on June 2 and June 16 - please sign up for only ONE of these dates!

Franklin Porchfest 2025, Saturday, June 7 @ 12 – 6pm

Porchfest is coming back to Franklin, MA! Come spend the day in Franklin’s beautiful Cultural District while listening to live music. Musicians and bands of all genres will be performing on porches and patios throughout the district. Be sure to check out the following performers throughout the day at the library:

12 – 1pm: Tommy Feeley

1 – 2pm: Jamie Barrett

2:30 - 3:30pm: Dave Perry

4 – 6pm: Jeffrey Scornavacca

In the event of inclement weather, the rain date will be Sunday, June 8.

Animal Affair, Monday, June 9 @ 1 – 3pm

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! No registration required.

Strawberry Stroll on the Library Lawn, Friday, June 13 @ 4 – 8pm

This year the Strawberry Stroll extends all the way to the Library Lawn! We are celebrating with inflatables, summer reading signups, and more! No registration required.

Summer Reading Kickoff Celebration, Saturday, June 14 @ 10:30am – 12:30pm

Join the library for an epic start to the summer, featuring balloons, inflatables, games, and a foot stomping musical performance by the Moonbellies! No registration required.

Drum Circle with Dave Curry, Saturday, June 14 @ 2pm

Enjoy a hand-drumming workshop for all ages! This live event will explore different drumming styles from across the globe, celebrating the universality of this much-loved instrument. No registration required.

Legendary Foam Party, Monday, June 16 @ 1pm

We're bubbling with excitement! Enjoy some tunes and sudsy fun with Legendary Foam. (Don't forget your towel!) No registration required.

Petite Picassos, Monday, June 16 @ 4pm

Registration Required

Join Miss Lily and create your very own step-by-step painting of a colorful gumball machine! This paint party is a great fit for children ages 6 through 12! All materials will be provided. The same painting will be taught on June 2 and June 16 - please sign up for only ONE of these dates!

https://www.franklinma.gov/399/Library-Services

Touch-a-Truck, Tuesday, June 17 @ 1 – 3pm

It's a half day for public schools and we're celebrating the start of summer! Join the Fire, Police, and DPW in the library parking lot for a special touch a truck event. No registration required.

Toe Jam Puppet Band, Wednesday, June 18 @ 1pm

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. No registration required.

Rainbow Slime, Friday, June 20 @ 1pm

Enjoy a relaxing and fun craft of slime with a rainbow of glitter options! No registration required.

Under the Sea Party, Saturday, June 21 @ 1 – 3pm

Dive in for an epic afternoon of ocean fun for the whole family! Enjoy a variety of games, crafts and more. No registration required.

Science Chefs: 3D Printers, Monday, June 23 @ 3pm

1 part food, 1 part science, and unlimited fun! We will be exploring the workings of a 3D printer by being one ourselves! We will be using Icing for this exercise so dress for mess. No registration required.

Mr. Vinny’s Giant Bubbles, Monday, June 23 @ 4pm

Mr. Vinny, using giant bubble wands designed and constructed by the Bubble Guy himself, will gather kids for an hour-long game of watch, chase, and pop the bubbles! No registration required.

Summer Skill Up, Tuesday, June 24 @ 4pm

All ages are welcome to level up their knowledge by trying a new skill. Every week we will be providing a new small project to practice, learn, and grow! All Supplies are provided. Young children may need an adult to help. Enjoy crafting a Custom Journal to capture all your summer memories! No registration required.

Flying High Dogs. Wednesday, June 25 @ 10:30am

Join us on the Library Lawn for extreme tail wagging fun for the whole family! Mike Piazza and his team of Border Collies are set to impress with their Frisbee tricks and more. No registration required.

DJ Dance Party, Wednesday, June 25 @ 6pm

Presenting the Library Summer Concert Series! Join us Wednesday evenings on the Library patio all summer long for live music for all ages. No registration required. 

Puzzle Mania, Thursday, June 26 @ 5pm

Registration Required

Join us for a family-fun puzzle challenge! Bring your family and work as a team to see how quickly you can complete a 500 piece puzzle! Please submit only 1 registration per family.

Family Line Dancing, Friday, June 27 @ 4pm

Get ready to slide, clap, and shake with the whole family! Join us for a high-energy dance party featuring easy-to-follow favorites like the Cha Cha Slide, Macarena, and more. No experience needed—just bring your best moves and a smile. Perfect for fun for the whole family! No registration required. 

Elijah T. Grasshopper Band, Saturday, June 28 @ 11am

Join Elijah T. Grasshopper, Emma "Go-Go Green" Bean, and their puppet pals for some super-duper interactive music and a hopping good time! Ideal for kids Ages 2-8. No registration required. 

Mario Kart Tournament, Saturday, June 28 @ 1 – 4pm

Registration Required

Ready… Set… Go for gold! Join solo or as a team in Mario Kart 8 with all courses, characters, and parts unlocked! Bring the noise as 30 racers vie for the cup! During the tournament, enjoy Mario crafts and activities to level up the fun. Teams, please register as one person - you'll trade off drivers as a single entity within the bracket.

Mobile Mini-Golf, Monday, June 30 @ 3 – 6pm

Bring your friends and family and we will provide the rest. Join us as we transform the library into a Mini Golf course that is fun for all ages! Children under the age of 14 MUST be accompanied by an adult. No registration required.

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/civicalerts.aspx?AID=60

PFFM: "Vote YES on the override to support Franklin Fire and EMS!"

PFFM: "Vote YES on the override to support Franklin Fire and EMS!"

Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts

"On June 3rd vote to keep Franklin safe. Vote YES on the override to support Franklin Fire and EMS!"

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/p/15uZrU8TRP/

Franklin Police: Motor Vehicle Crash - Grove Street

Media Release

Motor Vehicle Crash - Grove Street

May 24, 2025

On Saturday, May 24, 2025, at approximately 6:22pm, the Metacomet Emergency Communications Center received multiple 911 calls reporting a serious motor vehicle crash in the area of 76 Grove Street in Franklin. Franklin Police and Fire Departments were dispatched and upon arrival found a two vehicle crash with serious injuries and entrapment.

Motor Vehicle Crash

Three victims were transported to area hospitals, two by ambulance and one by helicopter. They are in serious condition.

Grove Street continues to be closed while the crash is investigated by the Franklin Police with assistance from the Massachusetts State Police Collision and Reconstruction Section and the Norfolk County District Attorney's Office.

This is an active investigation, therefore no additional information will be provided at this time.

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/195bVFX6at/

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule for Sunday, May 25, 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 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

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Saturday, May 24, 2025 ???

Saturday, May 24

• Last day to register to Vote in June 3 Special Election (Town Clerk's Office)
• Early Voting - FY 2026 Override Special Election (Town Clerk's Office)

9:00am Thrifty Threads (Franklin Federated Church)

10:00am Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

10:00am Walking Group (St John's Episcopal Church)

10:30am Weekend Wiggles (Franklin Public Library)

12:00pm DJ party (Maha Juice Bar)

1:00pm Painting for Adults (registration required) (Franklin Public Library)

For additional details on Library & Senior Center events ->   

https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar.aspx?CID=37,24&showPastEvents=false

**  NO Town Meetings today   **

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What's happening in Franklin, MA

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 Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/Calendar.aspx
The School district calendar is found  https://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/o/fpsd/page/school-calendar

State Rep Jeff Roy Honors Richard "Dick" Hynes at Inaugural Statewide Military Appreciation Day

State Representative Jeffrey N. Roy (D-Franklin) proudly honored Richard "Dick" Hynes of Franklin today at the first-ever Military Appreciation Day ceremony held in the Massachusetts State House's historic House Chamber.

Military Appreciation Day was created by the Healey-Driscoll Administration to establish a lasting annual tradition that brings together local, state, and community leaders to honor those whose service might otherwise go unrecognized. Each legislator was invited to nominate a member of their local military community-whether a veteran, active-duty service member, National Guard, Reservist, or military spouse-to be honored during the ceremony. More than 125 individuals who exemplify commitment to service and community were recognized from districts across Massachusetts.

"I'm proud to recognize Richard "Dick" Hynes for his military service and community leadership," said Representative Jeffrey N. Roy (D-Franklin). "His contributions reflect the strength, resilience, and dedication of our local military community, and I'm honored to celebrate him at this statewide event. We appreciate his service and efforts to keep the memories of our 45 fallen soldiers alive with moving ceremonies at the Veterans Memorial on the Franklin Town Common."

(L-R) Dick Hynes, St Rep Jeff Roy

Hynes served in the Navy as a Medic during the Vietnam War from August 1962 to April 1967. Dick attained the rank of HM2 which is the Hospital Corpsman Second Class and is the largest occupational rating in the Navy. Dick proudly received the National Defense Medal along with the Good Conduct Medal. While serving, he met Judy, his Navy nurse wife of 43 years.

For the past several years, Hynes has led efforts to honor the 45 Franklin veterans who lost their lives in service to our country. The Town of Franklin has one of the most beautiful Veteran's Memorial areas in the state, including 45 granite posts which line the Veterans' Walkway. Each one of these posts is dedicated to a Franklin veteran who gave his life, defending our freedom.

Under Dick's leadership, along with Franklin's Veterans' organizations, the Edward L. Grant American Legion Post 75, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3402, a program has been developed honor and remember those who died for our nation. This program includes the placing of a Memorial Wreath for the day, the playing of Taps, a salute from those present, and a reading of whatever history we may have on that veteran.

The State House ceremony featured remarks from Governor Maura Healey, Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll, Veterans Services Secretary Jon Santiago, Senate President Karen Spilka, and a keynote address by General Joseph F. Dunford, Jr. (Ret.), former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and 36th Commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps.

"This event is about gratitude," said Governor Maura Healey. "We're here to honor the everyday heroes-veterans, active-duty service members, and military families-whose courage, strength, and commitment continue to shape our state for the better. Military Appreciation Day is now a Massachusetts tradition and one we'll proudly carry forward each year."

"Massachusetts is home to one of the most vibrant, committed military communities in the country," said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. "This day is about uplifting the stories and contributions of those who have sacrificed so much and showing that their service will never go unrecognized."

"Every day, I meet veterans and military families who continue to lead, serve, and inspire," said Secretary Jon Santiago. "As we approach Memorial Day, and during a month dedicated to honoring our military, this event reflects what makes Massachusetts special: a deep respect for service, and a commitment to those who wear the uniform-and those who stand beside them."

"My father's service in the United States Army defined his life and deeply shaped my own - and I know the same holds true for thousands of service members and their families across Massachusetts," said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). "It is a privilege to honor those residents who have dedicated themselves to serving our country, and I am profoundly grateful for their unwavering commitment and sacrifice."

"It is an honor to host the inaugural Military Appreciation Day in the historic House Chamber," said Speaker of the House Ronald Mariano. "This new tradition reflects our deep appreciation for the veterans, service members, and military families who strengthen every corner of our Commonwealth."

The keynote address was delivered by General Joseph F. Dunford, Jr. (Ret.), former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and 36th Commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps. A Boston native and one of the most distinguished military leaders in recent history, General Dunford spoke about the legacy of service, leadership, and community and the importance of honoring those who serve across generations.

"It's an honor to return home to Massachusetts and stand alongside a community so deeply committed to those who serve. Military Appreciation Day reflects something I've long believed: that service is not just what we do in uniform-it's a lifetime of leadership, character, and sacrifice," said General Joseph F. Dunford, Jr. (Ret.), 19th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. I'm proud to join the Commonwealth in recognizing these remarkable individuals and the values they represent."

The program also featured a powerful performance of the National Anthem by Springfield native and NBC's The Voice finalist Michelle Brooks-Thompson. Following the ceremony, honorees and guests were invited to a lunch reception generously donated by the Military Friends Foundation, a Massachusetts nonprofit dedicated to providing support and emergency assistance to military families and families of the fallen.

To view the full list of 2025 Military Appreciation Day honorees ->

https://www.mass.gov/doc/military-appreciation-day-2025-honoree-list/download

Additional photos of Rep Roy and Dick Hynes can be found (courtesy of Rep Roy's Office)  https://photos.app.goo.gl/16US8SnCCdBN3GBe7

Voices of Franklin: Mark Minnichelli advocates for Yes on the Override

To my Franklin neighbors:

After recently having discussions with other Franklin residents regarding Franklin’s Fiscal Year 2026 budget deficit and upcoming Proposition 2 ½ override vote, I’ve learned there may still be a lack of clarity regarding the details of Franklin’s budget deficit, and which services will be affected should the upcoming budget override vote fail.

There is a wealth of important information regarding the FY2026 budget and override, which can easily be found on the main page of the Official Franklin website (franklinma.gov).  This should be considered the primary source of legitimate information regarding Franklin’s budgets and override information. 

I suggest that all Franklin voters review this information, which is the result of countless hours of work by Franklin’s administration, town council, school committee, finance committee, school administration, various other departments, and probably many others. This work has been compiled in one location online, in order to be easily accessed, for the purpose of informing Franklin residents regarding the June 3rd override vote.

I would like to share a few budget-related and override-related facts taken from the information available online:

• The current FY2026 “Level Service” budget represents a structural deficit of $3,862,672. This is the amount of the override, in order to balance the proposed budget; it represents additional funds required beyond the standard 2.5% year-over-year tax increase, in order to maintain the level of services that we have today. That includes funding for schools, police, fire, EMS, DPW, library, senior center and additional resources. (2 exceptions to level funding include an assistant added to the Board of Assessors and 8 restored public school positions which were cut last year.) Please note, the $3.863 million amount requested is considerably less than the $6.8 million override amount requested last year.

• Franklin Public School administration, staff, and the Franklin School Committee have worked for months to reorganize the entire school system for next year, consolidating schools and reducing 29 teachers, staff, administrators and supplies, resulting in an estimated $3,152,805 of savings for Franklin taxpayers!

• The additional real estate tax generated by the Proposition 2 ½ Override vote on the average value home is estimated to add $312 per household annually – adding less than 86 cents per day to the average household tax bill.

• Should the override not pass, there will be numerous layoffs and supply reductions across various Franklin departments. The impact of more layoffs and reduced expenses will surely be felt by most, if not all Franklin residents, through reductions in services.

• These are the proposed budget cuts by department, should the override vote fail:  

o Schools: $2,085,843 reduction – represents 54% of the deficit, and would result in multiple reductions in staff and expenses, on top of the cuts from last year

o DPW: $400,000 reduction – represents reductions in road construction/ maintenance, sidewalk maintenance, plowing, school maintenance, and various other items

o Police: $250,000 reduction – represents elimination of 2 positions plus expenses

o Fire: $250,000 reduction – represents elimination of 2 positions plus expenses, and likely eliminates the recently-added 3rd ambulance 

 

o Facilities: $409,208 reduction – Implement savings from redistricting 

o Town Staff: $250,000 reduction – Reduce several municipal staff 

 

o MECC (Regional Dispatch) : $400,000 reduction – Use of one-time town stabilization funds to help fill the budget gap (rainy day funds)

 

o Benefits: $350,000 reduction – Reduce OPEB (retiree benefits) liability payment for 2nd consecutive year 

 

o Library: $50,000 reduction – Reduce hours, expenses and staff 

 

o Board of Assessors: $60,231 reduction – Eliminate new staff position

Last year most of Franklin’s departments were forced to make painful cuts in personnel and/or expenses in order to close the budget gap. The current FY2026 proposed budget maintains the current level of municipal services that we have come to depend on: police, fire, EMS and DPW personnel who bravely keep us safe and healthy, teachers and librarians who make and keep us well-educated, and our wonderful senior center and recreation department, which provide meals, spaces, physical and emotional support to residents of all ages, incomes and abilities!

These are the valuable services that make living in Franklin something we can, and should continue to enjoy and be proud of! Let’s not take them for granted!

Please join me in voting YES on or before June 3rd!

Sincerely and respectfully,

Mark Minnichelli

Concerned Franklin citizen

31 Longfellow Drive, Franklin

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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: Mark Minnichelli advocates for Yes on the Override

FHS tennis seeds in MIAA playoffs released

Boys Division 1 

#28 Franklin (8-10) will travel to #5 Concord-Carlisle (11-3) on Thursday, 5/29 at 4:00.

Girls Division 1

#13 Franklin (13-4) will host #20 Hopkinton (13-5) on Thursday, 5/29 at 4:00.

For additional Hockomock League team seeds (subscription required)

https://hockomocksports.com/hockomock-tennis-playoff-seeds-matchups-2025/

For the full MIAA bracket ->

Boys

https://www.miaa.net/sites/default/files/2025-05/brackets-spring-2025-tennis-boys-division-1.pdf

Girls

https://www.miaa.net/sites/default/files/2025-05/brackets-spring-2025-tennis-girls-division-1.pdf

FHS tennis seeds in MIAA playoffs released

FHS baseball tops Lincoln-Sudbury on Friday

Via Twitter, Franklin TV, and our subscription to HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the Spring sports competition for Franklin High School on Friday, May 23, 2025

Baseball = Franklin, 8 vs. Lincoln-Sudbury, 2 – Final 

– Franklin notched a dozen hits, senior Zach Winer had another strong start on the mound, and the Panthers advanced to the Pedroli tournament championship game by beating Lincoln-Sudbury, stretching their win streak to four in a row. The Panthers scored three runs in the second and two more in the third to build a 5-0 lead, and then tacked on three more in the sixth inning to pull away for good. Cole Sidwell had three hits, scored two runs, and had a stolen base while both Jack Sullivan (RBI, run), Owen Pennini (RBI, two runs), and Drake McAlpine (two RBI, run) each had two hits apiece. Winer allowed just one run on five hits and four walks, striking out three in 4.1 innings of work; Cal McKenna was strong in relief with one unearned run allowed on two hits, one walk, and one strikeout in 2.2 innings.

Boys Lacrosse =  Franklin, 7 @ Duxbury, 13 – Final

Final stats

Franklin: 7

Duxbury: 13

Kielty: 2 , 1

Walsh: 2

Tarentino: 2

O’Connor: 1 , 2

Conlan: 1     https://x.com/FranklinHSLax/status/1926105468893577380

Girls Tennis = Franklin, 2 @ Sharon, 3 – Final

– Sharon prevailed from an epic third set tiebreak at second doubles to clinch a tight win over Franklin, avenging a loss from earlier this season and securing the division title outright over the Panthers. The Eagles took two wins from singles action with senior Heather Hou securing a 2-6, 7-5, 6-1 win at first singles and junior Lila Hogan earning a 7-5, 6-4 win at third singles. Franklin grabbed a win at second singles as senior Izzy Trull prevailed 6-1, 6-2, and the first doubles team of Brooke Daniels and Sydney Tolonen rallied from a one-set deficit to get a 1-6, 6-4, 6-4 win. After splitting the first two sets, Sharon’s Sydney Weiner and freshman Anya Shukla came out of the match with a 6-2, 4-6, 7-6 (10) win.

For other results across the Hockomock League (subscription required)
https://hockomocksports.com/fridays-schedule-scoreboard-05-23-25/

 

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