Wednesday, August 6, 2025

"To Bee or Not to Bee" - That is the topic for Sunday's service at FUSF August 10

First Universalist Society in Franklin (FUSF) is pleased to announce our Summer Sunday Worship Series for August 10 ~ 27, 2025.  

Please join us each Sunday as we explore the Unitarian Universalist (UU) values of Equity, Transformation, Generosity, Interdependence, Justice, Pluralism and Love.  All services start at 10:00 am. Afterwards, we invite you to stay for cookies and conversation. 

The First Universalist Society in Franklin is a Unitarian Universalist Welcoming Congregation located at 262 Chestnut Street, Franklin MA. For further information about FUSF please explore our website at fusf.org or contact our minister, the Reverend Beverly Waring at 508- 528- 5348 or minister@fusf.org.  

August 10: To Bee or Not to Bee 

Visualize a meadow with an infinite view of beautiful flowers that vary in color, boldness, and scent. In the distance, a grove of fruit trees offers their seasonal bounty. Imagine how each trunk, branch, leaf, pedal or stem invites Earth’s creatures to thrive and live in natural harmony.  

Join FUSF member Deb Prudhomme to reflect on the importance of bees in the web of life and the 7th principle in Unitarian Universalism: Respect for the interdependent Web of all existence.  Buzz in to reflect on our interconnectedness and for a hands-on project to support bees.

Bob & I review the COA Letter and reveal the town records on the position funding (audio)

FM #1489 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1489 in the series. 


This session shares my conversation with Robert (Bob) Kaufman, member of the Council on Aging which oversees the Senior Center in an advisory capacity. We had our discussion on Wednesday, July 30, 2025 in the Franklin TV & Radio Studio.

 

We talk about 

  • The circumstances that created the situation

  • The points of the COA Letter

  • Rebuttal or alternate explanations for the points of the letter


The point of our conversation was to more fully explain the details around the letter and ensure that we could have a better and civil discussion. While this happened this year, given the financial situation of the town, we will likely see this again. We, the collective "we", need to determine how "we" are going to solve our budget problem.


The recording runs about 59 minutes, so let’s listen in. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1489-coa-letter-robert-kaufman-07-30-25/



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History of the grants and Friends of Franklin Elders (FOFE)
History of the grants and Friends of Franklin Elders (FOFE)
Robert’s email -> bobkaufman@msn.com 


COA Letter as discussed -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/07/franklin-council-on-aging-letter-to.html 


History of the grants and Friends of Franklin Elders (FOFE) funding for the cook and nurse from 2010 through 2017 when the Town budget provided the funding https://drive.google.com/file/d/1iOz6F1W9Rq-H67C2jmhthNNPL7GZCyMQ/view?usp=drive_link 



To save some from searching, Bob did struggle to recall the name of the last Republican Mayor of Chicago -> a source of the history for “Big Bill” Thompson is available https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Hale_Thompson 



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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"


Franklin LGBTQ Alliance: Join us for our next meeting August 7 at 6:30 PM

Note: This was shortened for publication here. View the full set of content  -> https://clt1481579.benchurl.com/c/v?e=1A297F5&c=169B6B&t=0&l=8D3B5715



We are 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.
 
Want more information or need to contact us? Visit our website here!
You Are Invited To Our August Monthly Meeting!
 
When: August 7th at 6:30pm
 
Where: Meet at the gazebo outside Franklin TV (we will be meeting inside if it is raining)
 
What: Join us for some rock painting!

Want to donate to the Franklin LGBTQ Alliance? 
Click HERE to find our Givebutter!
If you are not on our email list, sign up to receive future emails with this form
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Website



Annual Report of the Town of Franklin School Committee - FY 2024

With the Biennial Election coming up November 4, 2025, the nomination papers are available beginning Aug 4, 2025 for candidates to take, obtain the appropriate number of signatures to get on the ballot. 
We are sharing the section of the Annual Report for the Town of Franklin 2024 to help explain what each role entails.
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Message from School Committee Chair… 

The Franklin School Committee is responsible for hiring and evaluating the Superintendent, setting the budget, and establishing policy. To achieve these goals, the Committee uses the school district’s strategic objectives, core values, and the Portrait of a Graduate as guiding principles in decision-making. We are committed to supporting the Strategic Plan of the Franklin Public Schools, which aims to promote each student’s intellectual, social, emotional, and physical potential in a safe, nurturing, and respectful environment.

The Franklin School Committee holds open sessions twice a month throughout the year. Additionally, subcommittees and task forces convene regularly to serve the community.

Here’s an overview of their important work:

Budget
This subcommittee reviews, proposes, and considers all matters related to the school budget. It also participates in the town-wide Joint Budget Subcommittee and is dedicated to educating the public about the budget process in an open and transparent way.

Community Relations
Focused on communication, this subcommittee reviews, proposes, and considers matters related to school issues and creates events to ensure effective communication with the community.

Policy
Responsible for reviewing, proposing, and considering policies and procedures within the Franklin Public Schools, this subcommittee also maintains the Policy Manual.

Mental Health and Wellbeing Task Force 
This task force sets annual wellness goals for the district, reviews and collects data, and sponsors professional development programs for students, faculty, parents, and the community.

Parent Communication Council Liaisons 
These liaisons, along with the Superintendent and other central office administrators, share important information regarding policies and issues before the school committee. This monthly meeting is an opportunity to gather feedback and insights from the community.

MASC Liaison
This liaison advocates for public school issues at the state level.

Members of the Franklin community are deeply proud of their public schools and understand the essential link between a flourishing town and excellent education. As we navigate dramatic changes in our world, we are dedicated to meeting the evolving needs of our public schools. Our goal is to ensure excellence for every child in our diverse society by fostering a culture that promotes belonging, safety, and security.

With the unwavering commitment and leadership of the School Committee, along with the Town's support, the Franklin Public Schools will continue to thrive and uphold the community’s high standards and pride.

Sincerely,
Dave Callaghan
Chair of the Franklin School Committee

Franklin School Committee 2023-2024
  • Dave Callaghan, Chair
  • David McNeill, Vice Chair
  • Al Charles
  • Erin Gallagher
  • Paul Griffith 
  • Ruthann O’Sullivan
  • KP Sompally

You can download the School Committee section (PDF) the Annual report ->   

or dig into the full Town of Franklin annual report here ->

Annual Town Report of the School Committee  - FY 2024
Annual Report of the Town of Franklin School Committee  - FY 2024

Reminder: Register now for the Odd Fellows Cornhole tournament scheduled for Aug 17, 2025

On August 17, 2025, the public is invited to join the Franklin Odd Fellows for an afternoon of fun and good cheer starting at 1 PM at the Bellingham Sportsman Club at 360 Lake St., Bellingham, MA 02019. This will be a fundraiser event with profits going to the Massachusetts Chapter of the Arthritis Foundation. 

The cost for registration is $25 per player. The tournament format will be Switchholio – 4 game round robin where players get a new partner for their first 4 games and get ranked on an individual basis to form the standings. 

Hold the date: Aug 17 for the Odd Fellows Cornhole tournament
Hold the date: Aug 17 for the Odd Fellows Cornhole tournament
The tournament director will use the standings to generate your partner for a double elimination playoff bracket. Pre-registration is encouraged to hold your place, but it is not necessary to be able to participate as cash, check or Venmo will be acceptable payment at the door. Last year’s event went well, but we’re looking for more teams this year. No need to come with a partner as you will be listed as an individual player when you register. 

The Sportsman Club is an outdoor venue with an indoor lounge, cash bar, ATM and TV. The Odd Fellows will provide a buffet lunch to all present - and a cash payment will be made to the first, second and third place teams. 

Many thanks to the Sportsman Club for use of their facility for this event. Register and prepay at: https://franklinmassoddfellows.org/cornhole


Discussion of VA and State Survivor Benefits for Franklin, MA - Sep 15 at 9 AM

Discussion of VA and State Survivor Benefits for Franklin, MA - Sep 15 at 9 AM
Discussion of VA and State Survivor Benefits
for Franklin, MA - Sep 15 at 9 AM

Join us Monday, September 15, 2025 at 9:00 AM for a discussion of VA and State Survivor Benefits.


Coffee and Pastries will be provided!


The event is open to Veterans, Service Members, Spouses & their Children.



Julia Dhar: How to have constructive conversations | TED (video)

"We need to figure out how we go into conversations not looking for the victory, but the progress," says world debate champion Julia Dhar.

In this practical talk, she shares three essential features of productive disagreements grounded in curiosity and purpose.

The end result? Constructive conversations that sharpen your argument and strengthen your relationships."


The three takeaways
  • Choose curiosity over clash
  • expect development of your ideas through discussion
  • anchor in common purpose

Amtrak “key signal bungalow” may take several weeks to repair

A downed Amtrak wire set fire to a “key signal bungalow” near Hyde Park Station last week , causing damage that continues to cause delays on three commuter rail lines and may take several weeks to repair, the commuter rail operator said.

“Amtrak maintenance crews are working closely with the MBTA and Keolis to assess the damage and make necessary repairs,” Keolis said in a statement about the wire that came down on Friday. “Fairmount Line, Franklin/Foxboro Line, and Providence/Stoughton Line passengers should anticipate delays and plan accordingly.”

While repairs are made, trains will run on a different schedule, Keolis said.

On the Franklin/Foxboro Line, inbound trains to Boston will bypass Forest Hills, Ruggles, and Back Bay Stations, Keolis said. 

All inbound trains from Forge Park/495 station in Franklin will originate at Franklin station after 9 AM.



Amtrak “key signal bungalow” may take several weeks to repair
Amtrak “key signal bungalow” may take several weeks to repair

Scammers are using fake websites in a twist on jury duty scams




Consumer Alerts from the Federal Trade Commission

By BCP Staff

Scammers are still pretending to be the police, calling to say you've missed jury duty and need to pay. 

But in a new twist, some scammers are now telling you to visit a website to enter your personal information — all so they can steal it and your money.

    

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm Schedule for Wednesday, August 6, 2025

Yes, Franklin has it's own radio station -> wfpr.fm. Franklin Public Radio introduced a brand new schedule early in 2025 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
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)  

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)  



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 Wednesday, August 6, 2025 (Your local Public, Education & Government "PEG" station)

  • Franklin All Access TV - Our Public Access Channel (Comcast 6, Verizon 26) = WEDNESDAY
7:30 am Mental Health: Shannon Nesbitt
8:30 am FSPA Spring 2025 Show 4
10:00 am Sons & Daughters of Italy: Paolo DiGregorio
11:30 am Cooking Thyme: Grillin'
12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin: Scones
12:30 pm Cooking with Linda: Trifles
1:30 pm Pizzapalooza: White Pizza
2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Summer 2018 Show 3
3:00 pm Candlepin New Generation: Show 10
3:30 pm 4th of July 2025: GQ & The Lady
5:30 pm More Perfect Union: Teachers Unions
8:30 pm Concerts on the Common: Mike Tarara

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

7:00 am All-Town Showcase 2024: Band
8:30 am Public School Concert: Elementary Music Pt. 2 06-04-18
10:00 am SAFE Coalition: The Hamlins
11:00 am FHS Spring Jazz 2025
12:30 pm Franklin Fury Softball v Dedham 07-23-25
3:30 pm FHS Track and Field: v North Attleboro 05-09-23
6:00 pm FHS Varsity Swimming v Milford 01-03-25
8:30 pm FHS Varsity Baseball v Bridgewater Raynham 04-11-25

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

8:00 am  Town Council 07-23-25
2:00 pm  Town Council 07-23-25


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
Watch Listen Read all things that matter in Franklin MA