Town Council follows through approving the forecasted $3.8M budget cuts resulting from failed override (audio)

FM #1466  This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1466 in the series. 

This session shares the Town Council Meeting of Wednesday, June 4, 2025. The FY 2026 second budget hearing continued from May 22, was reopened to make the adjustments due to the failed override June 3, 2025. All 9 Council members participated in the Council Chambers. 

Quick recap:

• After the 5 minutes late start, the public hearing on the FY 2026 budget was resumed from the May 22 session.

• Town Administrator Jamie Hellen walked through the recap and explained the Option A & B using 3 slides (see below) as well as the Option A & B voting docs (linked below)

• Chief Lynch, Chief McLaughlin, Supt Giguere, and Library Director Oti spoke of the cut impacts to their operations but approved of them as necessary due to the failed override

• Supt Giguere confirmed the full details of their cuts would be reviewed with the School Cmte at their meeting June 10. Of the projected 10-15 personnel, he confirmed likely 12 FTE positions,  some teachers, some retirees not being backfilled and other personnel across the district as well as the fees would need to remain as they are this year

• The public then had an opportunity to comment or question the cuts as proposed. Those in Chambers went first before those on Zoom, and all were covered before the Councilors had their turn.

• The vote finally came to approve the cuts as proposed:

• 2 personnel from Police Dept (currently open slots not to be backfilled as had been planned)

• 2 personnel from Fire Dept (currently 1 open position not backfilled, and the last hired will also be leaving)

• This does take the 3rd ambulance offline increasing response times and creates a lose of revenue (for the ambulance runs if required to hospital)

• 1 admin position for Town Administrator's office

• 1 from Planning & Community Development

• 1 from Board of Assessors

• the part-time nurse at the Senior Center

• DPW cuts their summer intern program (unspecified number of positions for summer help)

• Library Sunday hours (during the winter, there are open during the summer)

• additional expenses were reduced to bring to the total required (see Option B for details)

• Personnel cuts by my tally = 8 Town side, 12 school side, plus expenses (PS - this tally was confirmed with our Town Administrator Jamie Hellen via email) 

• The meeting then went through the long series of votes to approve the final budget, the salary for the Town Clerk, the Community Preservation Act budget before closing just after 11 PM

Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1466-franklin-ma-town-council-mtg-06-04-25/

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Franklin TV video is available for replay ->   https://www.youtube.com/live/_f72Yd8VXz0?&t=316 

The agenda doc was updated Wednesday afternoon to add the Option B and Options A & B comparisons for the discussion on the budget cuts.

Option A & B Comparison ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/5883/FY26-Control-Sheet-and-Voting-Doc-COMPARISON 

Option B -> https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/5882/FY26-Control-Sheet-and-Voting-Doc-OPTION-B 

Full agenda -> https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06042025-1769

My full set of notes as written during the meeting

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1718wLXj_U_hdqq82Jb1rVrgeomNdeHaO/view?usp=drive_link 

The 3 slides Jamie talked to in his explanation of Option B

https://photos.app.goo.gl/oxfbkEcNhB5mpjHB8 

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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!

------------------

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

WWII Veteran’s Special Observance Of Flag Day

The American Flag will mark its 248th birthday this June 14th.  WWII Veteran, Caster “Cas” Salemi of North Attleboro will mark this date for the 103rd time! Born in 1922, Cas fought for our freedoms, serving in the Army’s 251st Field Artillery Battalion in the South Pacific during WWII.   

Cas Salemi - 1943

This past January marked the 80th anniversary of the South Pacific battles during WWII.  Cas knows this all too well as he served in two of its major campaigns, New Guinea and the Philippines.  After training in Paris, Texas for a year, Cas set off on a 30-day ocean voyage to New Guinea.  They had no fresh water on this journey and had to wait for rain to shower.  As they neared the coast they witnessed lush green fields of grass. To their horror it wasn’t luxurious grasslands, but “kunai” grass. They had to use their bayonets to cut through the tough, fibrous blades of thick grass just to make camp, a long, tiring journey indeed for this 21-year-old.  

At camp he remembers being handed a can of British Bully Beef (C-Rations) that were from WWI made 28 years prior.  Cas joked, “When we opened the rations the Palm Trees wilted!” Having run the enemy off to the West Coast of New Guinea, his unit prepared for their next campaign in the Philippines.

Cas Salemi (Pic credit Carol Salemi)

Cas and the 251st were among the first soldiers to land in Luzon.  As they offloaded the vehicles from their boat, the truck containing all of Cas’ communications equipment slipped into a sink hole.  With his truck and supplies gone, Cas had to sit on the beach for 3 days waiting for their replacement.

Nicknamed “The Pearl of the Orient, Manila was a vibrant city rich in natural beauty, culture, and architecture with an abundance of valuable pearl beds. In 1941 General MacArthur had mandated that Manila be declared an “open city” in hopes of preventing its destruction. This capital city was all but leveled by the enemy in direct retaliation of General MacArthur’s orders. Cas and his unit provided critical defense in this most destructive campaign. Over 100,000 Filipino civilians were killed by the enemy.  Cas and his unit bravely fought the enemy for 165 days without rest. 

Radio frequencies in the thick and hilly jungle terrain of the Philippines would not work and had to be dangerously hardwired. T-4 (Technical Sergeant) Caster’s job was to lay this vital communications wire between the 251st firing batteries and its command base. 

Cas recalls one dangerous mission where his unit had been pinned down in a valley between two mountains under heavy artillery action.  The enemy would roll out cannons from a cave and fire upon the Americans. With no way out, the men completely disassembled an M90 Howitzer cannon and dragged it across to the other mountain where they could see the enemy’s cave. When the enemy once again rolled out their deadly cannons, the soldiers of the 251st were ready and successfully bought an end to the enemy’s carnage in this Valley.

In another routine mission, the men had positioned their allotted 4 cannons and created a perimeter around them. Soon after, they heard and felt the ground rumbling. The enemy had stampeded a whole herd of carabao (water buffalo) directly in their path! The men ran for cover under the guns, anywhere, just to get away from the animals to avoid death by trampling.

In 1945 Japan ended its aggressions after nuclear bombs were dropped on its cities, Hiroshima and Nagasaki on August 6 and 9th respectively with Japan surrendering on August 14th.  While many countries celebrate this date as their VJ Day (Victory over Japan), America recognizes the war’s end with the date of its formal surrender ceremony that took place aboard the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay on September 2, 1945. 

T-4 Caster was devastatingly handicapped by “jungle rot” a condition caused by prolonged exposure to moisture with the inability to keep skin dry leading to a fungal infection. Cas got it bad in his hands and feet and could barely walk.  He was medically evacuated traveling back to the states on a ship not meant for ocean travel! They set sail in the aftermath of Typhoon Queenie with sustained winds of 90 mph and rough seas with 50 to 60-foot swells.  It wasn’t an easy 17-day trip home and to this day Cas will not travel across ocean waves.  

While recovering from his severe injuries in California, he and other GIs in his ward heard a strange noise reminiscent of an incoming artillery fire. At the sound of that loud noise, they all immediately jumped off their beds and dove underneath them believing they were once again under attack.  But the noise was something they had not heard before, a Jet Engine plane flying overhead!  The war in the Philippines had been a ground battle and jet planes were not used. 

When asked about soldiers’ fellowship, Cas explained, “Learning how to live with others from all different walks of life creates that special bond or camaraderie that soldiers share. We learned to depend on each other which proved to be a critical component in warfare.” He went on, “The difference between WWII and the Vietnam conflict was a matter of trust.  While there was brutality with the Japanese, the soldiers knew where and who they were fighting. The Vietnam Conflict was rifled with distrust and high anxiety.”  The enemy dug tunnels throughout the Vietnam landscape making it nearly impossible for a soldier to know who, when or where the enemy attacks were emanating from.”

After his meritorious actions contributing to the protection of our freedoms, Cas was most honorably discharged in 1946.  For his service he was awarded the Good Conduct, WWII Victory, Asiatic Pacific Campaign (with two stars for the New Guinea and Luzon campaigns) along with an Artillery Pin and the Philippine Liberation medals.  Not long after his discharge he married the love of his life, Virginia, in 1949.  While Cas was born on Flag Day, his wife was born on Veteran’s Day. They enjoyed 37 years together, raising two sons and a daughter. 

Born and raised in New York, Cas came to Massachusetts when the company he was working for, Sylvania Electric Products moved to Waltham in 1972.  He enthusiastically worked in Research and Development for 39 years through its mergers with GTE which ultimately became Verizon.

A 35-year resident of North Attleboro, he remains active in several military organizations and is a former member of the town’s Veterans Advisory Board.  He is a Past Commander of the North Attleboro DAV (Disabled American Veterans) Post 56. In April of 2004 he organized and escorted fellow veterans to the grand opening of the WWII Museum in Washington, DC. He has also traversed the Honor Flight, a non-profit organization for Veterans to visit memorials built in their honor. He attributes his longevity to three things. First by loving what you do. Secondly don’t smoke or drink hard liquor. But a glass of wine with your buddies is OK.  And lastly, ultimately it is in your genes!”

Nearly 131 WWII veterans die each day and of the 16 million men and women who served during WWII, a little over 100,000 are alive with most in their 90’s.  This “greatest generation” are a rapidly dwindling sector of Americans that we should honor most reverently.

Natalee Webb-Rubino joined the Air Force in 1976 becoming its 1st female Aircraft Mechanic (Crew Chief) and while at Kadena AFB in Okinawa, Japan. In 1999 she founded the 11K road race in Stoneham created to honor and recognize Veterans. At the time, it was the only 11K in America.  In 2009 she became the City of Melrose’s 1st female Veterans Service Officer.  Her essays on Veteran matters have been published in Franklin, North Attleboro, Melrose and Stoneham.

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule for Friday, June 13, 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 Friday

8:00 AM, 1:00 PM, and 6:00 PM - Franklin Matters Radio – Steve Sherlock covering Franklin, its local government, services, and events 

• This features my conversation with Kris Russell as he celebrates 15 years operating the Drummers Studio here in Franklin   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/06/kris-russell-and-i-talk-about-15th.html

9:00 AM, 2:00 PM, and 7:00 PM

10:00 AM, 3:00 PM, and 8:00 PM - Talkin’ the Blues – Jim Derick & Nick Remissong. 2 hours of awesome blues music, info, interviews

11:00 AM, 4:00 PM, and 9:00 PM - “The Vibe” show plays music for everyone searching for some enjoyment, some dance, a happy or thinking mood, and most importantly, having fun.  Tune in to wfpr.fm and listen to “DJ Vibe” spin music across many genres and join this new vibing experience

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 TV schedule for Friday, June 13, 2025

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

7:00 am Franklin Art Association: Vincent Crotty

8:30 am Frank Presents: Jamie Barrett

10:00 am Riffin' on Main Street: James Johnston

11:00 am Senior Connection: Spaghetti Bolognese

12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin: Meatballs

12:30 pm Cooking with Linda: Mac 'n' Cheese

1:30 pm Pizzapalooza: Margherita Pizza

2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Summer 2019 Show 8

3:00 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Shaun Hart Pt 1

4:00 pm ArtWeek: Airmen of Note

9:30 pm Mary Anning: Fossil Hunter

 

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

7:00 am Lifelong Music Spring 2025: Band and Glee

8:30 am Mental Health : Amanda Ayer & David Gove

9:30 am Cultural Council: BT ALC Big Band

11:00 am FHS Senior Awards Night 2025

1:30 pm FHS Theater Company: Lord of the Flies

2:30 pm Lifelong Music Spring 2025: Strings School

4:00 pm FHS Varsity Baseball v King Philip 06-07-25

9:00 pm Tri County Graduation 2025

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

8:00 am Zoning Board of Appeals 06-05-25

2:00 pm Zoning Board of Appeals 06-05-25

 

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

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Thursday, June 12, 2025 ???

Thursday, June 12

Library & Senior Center events 

9:00am Fallen Hero: Lloyd M. Ellis (Veterans Walkway, Franklin Town Common)

5:00pm Board Game Night (Pete's Nerd Emporium)

6:30pm Open Mic Night (music & spoken word) (Birchwood Bakery & Kitchen) 

7:30pm Musical Bingo (Teddy Gallagher's Irish Pub)

For additional details on Library & Senior Center events ->   

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

**  Town Meetings today   **

Municipal Affordable Housing Trust Meeting -CANCELED

Thursday, June 12 Time: 2:00 PM

Conservation Commission Meeting

Thursday, June 12 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Item/418?fileID=5134

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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

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

Fallen Hero Recognition: Lloyd M. Ellis - June 12, 2025 - 9 AM

There is a Fallen Hero Recognition event today (6/12/25) at 9 AM on the Town Common Veterans Walkway to honor Private First Class Lloyd M. Ellis, U.S. Army. 

This program will include the placing of a Memorial Wreath for the day, the playing of Taps, a salute from those present, and a reading of whatever history  may be available for that veteran.  This is a way of keeping the memory of that veteran alive.

Fallen Hero: Private First Class Lloyd M. Ellis, U.S. Army

Private First Class Lloyd M. Ellis, U.S. Army, born on December 8, 1921, was the son of Charles and Margaret Ellis, of 730 Union Street. For many years, Lloyd made his home here in Franklin with Mr. and Mrs. Warren Thayer of Fales Street. Lloyd attended the Franklin Schools and was graduated from Franklin High School in 1939 where he was a popular and talented member of his class.  

On November 14, 1942 Lloyd married the former Dorothy Brown of Franklin and he was employed as a machinist up until the time he entered the service of his country on September 13, 1943. After training, PFC Lloyd M. Ellis was sent overseas for combat in March of 1944.  

Private First Class Lloyd M. Ellis was killed in action in France on June 12, 1944 during the height of the battle following the American invasion of that country.  

Private First Class Lloyd M. Ellis was 22 years old at the time of his death during the invasion of France against the German forces.

Originally posted -> 

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/fallen-hero-private-first-class-lloyd-m.html

 

For the schedule of Fallen Hero recognitions 

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/03/honoring-our-franklin-veterans-who-died.html

 

For the full published series of Fallen Heroes you can visit this link
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/franklin-fallen-heroes-series.html

Photo album of the Fallen Hero pillars along the Veterans Walkway

https://photos.app.goo.gl/oRGdmq9krLNEBnjJ7 

Timeline of Events: Franklin Downtown Partnership Strawberry Stroll - June 13, 2025

4:00 PM – 

• Ribbon Cutting at Historical Museum Strawberry Patch 

• Dom DeBaggis at performance area by Dean Bank (4:00 to 5:45) 

• The Padula Band at performance area by Public Library/Dean College (4:00 to 5:45) 

• MyFM 101.3 is by the Railroad Bridge performance area for the afternoon 

4:30 PM – 

• Science Experiment at Children’s Museum Pop-up, at Little Shop Parking Lot 

• Upcycled/Recycled Fashion Show hosted by First United Methodist Church Community Closet on Historical Museum Porch

 

5:00 PM – 

• Feet in Motion School of Dance by MyFM 101.3 at Railroad Bridge performance area 

Strawberry Stroll - June 13, 2025

5:30 PM – 

• Science Experiment at Children’s Museum Pop-up, at Little Shop Parking Lot 

5:45 PM – 

• Desi Swag Queens by MyFM 101.3 at Railroad Bridge performance area 

6:00 PM -

 • Heath Nisbett at performance area by Dean Bank (6:00 to 7:45) 

• Rep. Jeff Roy at performance area by Public Library/Dean College (6:00 to 7:45) 

6:10 PM – 

• Feet in Motion School of Dance by MyFM 101.3 at Railroad Bridge performance area 

6:30 PM – 

• Science Experiment at Children’s Museum Pop-up, Little Shop Parking Lot 

Note: Times may be subject to change.

Visit the Franklin Downtown Partnership website for news and schedule updates.

https://franklindowntownpartnership.org/

We talk with Chris & Winslow to get an introduction to Fyzical Therapy & Balance Centers (audio)

FM #1465 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1465 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Chris Correnti and Winslow Woodacre. We had our conversation in the newly renovated Fyzical Balance Therapy building on Main St in downtown Franklin on Monday, June 9, 2025. 

Our conversation provides an introduction to Chris, Winslow, and the new physical and balance therapy services they can provide to the community. 

Discussion items: 

• How they got located here in Franklin 

• Services provided 

• Free balance analysis

• Intake process to confirm insurance coverage

The conversation runs about 30 minutes so let’s listen 

Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1465-intro-to-fyzical-06-09-25/

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Fyzical Therapy & Balance Center's webpage  https://www.fyzical.com/franklin-main-street-ma

Talking with Chris & Winslow to get an
introduction to Fyzical Therapy & Balance Centers (audio)

Chris Correnti’s LinkedIn page-> https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-correnti-a40a2b5/ 

Staff page (Winslow’s info) ->  https://www.fyzical.com/franklin-main-street-ma/About/Staff

Contact form, or stop by during open hours -> https://www.fyzical.com/franklin-main-street-ma/Contact 

--------------

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!

------------------

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

Where Culture Takes Root | Drop In Community Art at the Franklin Cultural Hub during the Strawberry Stroll

Where Culture Takes Root | Drop In
Community Art at the Franklin Cultural Hub

Join us in the heart of downtown Franklin for one of the community’s most beloved events — the Franklin Downtown Partnership’s Strawberry Stroll! On June 13th, 4-8pm, Main Street will be buzzing [and expanded up to Dean College to help connect with the Franklin Farmers' Market] with live music, local vendors, family-friendly activities, and of course, fresh strawberry shortcake served up with hometown pride.

Join the Franklin Cultural Council, Franklin Cultural District Committee and the Department of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy at the ‘Franklin Cultural Hub’ — your pop-up creative space at this year’s Strawberry Stroll (set up near the Franklin Public Library)—for a hands-on community art activity celebrating Franklin’s unique history and artistic spirit!

Led by Jessica, our Department of Arts, Culture, and the Creative Economy intern, visitors of all ages are invited to paint one of over 50 adorable ladybug garden stepping stones. After the event, Jess will varnish the stones and we’ll install them at the Sculpture Park alongside the beloved Fairy Houses, creating a whimsical, walkable trail of community-made art.

Just like strawberries, ladybugs are a symbol of summer, growth, and community—making them a perfect fit for the Stroll! Stop by, get creative, and leave your mark on Franklin’s landscape!

"A strawberry, like a creative spark, begins as a tiny seed—full of potential but needing the right conditions to take root. Organizers act as gardeners in this process, offering vital early support—through funding, visibility, and encouragement—that allows artists, educators, and cultural initiatives to grow.

With thoughtful investment and a nurturing environment, a single creative idea can blossom—branching out like strawberry runners to reach classrooms, libraries, town greens, galleries, and small businesses. These efforts don’t happen in isolation; they build meaningful connections, strengthen local identity, and foster collaboration. It all begins in a place where culture takes root."