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Thursday, October 2, 2025
Announcing the resurgence of the LiveARTS String Quartet!
FPAC’s Annie to feature Broadway Dog
When the Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) presents the beloved, family musical Annie this October 17-26 at THE BLACK BOX in Franklin, MA, young local actor Colette Lelievre will star opposite Bailey, a dog from Berloni Theatrical Animals who has years of professional acting credits. Bailey’s appearance as Sandy is brought to FPAC by the Parkman Family Foundation.
Bill Berloni was a 20-year-old apprentice at the Goodspeed Opera House when a producer offered him his big break: a chance to act professionally and gain his Equity Card. In return, all he had to do was find and train a dog to play Sandy in the original production of Annie. What Berloni didn’t know was that this was a bigger challenge than it seemed.
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| Bailey |
Animal performances in movies or television can be stitched together using different takes, different camera angles, even different animals. To perform in a featured role, an animal actor would have to be trained to ignore the distraction of the audience and respond to the same cues the same way night-after-night, just like his human counterparts.
It had never been done before. Berloni found his dog at a local animal shelter – beginning his career-long commitment to using rescued animals. Through a combination of persistence, patience and trial-and-error, he developed his revolutionary humane training techniques – learning how to teach actors and animals alike to create a successful performance. Annie became a huge hit and Sandy became “the longest running dog on Broadway,” never missing a performance in more than seven years.
Since then, Berloni and his handlers have provided animals of all species and sizes, found in shelters, humane societies or rescue leagues, for Broadway, off-Broadway, national tours, regional theatres, special events, the New York City Ballet, motion pictures, television and commercials. When their careers are over, the animals return to Berloni’s Connecticut farm.
He is widely recognized as an expert in animal behavior and for his dedication to rescue work. In addition to his work as a trainer, Bill is currently behavior consultant to the Humane Society of New York. He has a BFA in theatre, and is a published author and actor.
Bailey, who will perform as Sandy with FPAC, was rescued by Bill Berloni from Puppy Love Rescue in Louisiana. He is a Poodle mixed with something large. His theater credits include Finding Neverland, the national tour of Peter Pan, Because of Winn Dixie at Goodspeed Musicals, and Annie at theaters all over the U.S. Joining Bailey for FPAC’s production is Berloni Animal Handler John Grimsley. Grimsley has been a dedicated member of the William Berloni Theatrical Animals team since 1979. His credits with Theatrical Animals include numerous Broadway and Off-Broadway productions such as Camelot, Alice in Wonderland, Annie Warbucks, Paper Doll, Whistle Down the Wind, and The Wizard of Oz, as well as 37 productions of Annie. He has also handled animals for television, film, commercials, and the Tony Awards.
FPAC is an Actors’ Equity Small Professional Theater company based at THE BLACK BOX in downtown Franklin, MA. Each season, FPAC produces musicals, plays, ballets, and more featuring Broadway stars, professional actors, local performers, and emerging artists. Tickets for Annie are available at FPAConline.com or by calling the box office at 508-528-3370.
2025 Town of Franklin Candidate for School Committee David Callaghan (video)
David Callaghan, candidate for School Committee, is the next in the series of interviews to share and help create informed voters in advance of the 2025 Biennial Election held at FHS on November 4.
Early voting begins Oct 17 in the Town Clerk office during business hours. Our intention is to complete the interview series before Oct 13.
Video link -> https://youtu.be/JYLTZeS8x2E
2025 Town of Franklin Candidate for Town Council Stephen Malloy (video)
Stephen Malloy, candidate for Town Council, is the next in the series of interviews to share and help create informed voters in advance of the 2025 Biennial Election held at FHS on November 4.
Early voting begins Oct 17 in the Town Clerk office during business hours. Our intention is to complete the interview series before Oct 13.
Video link -> https://youtu.be/N0XZAb-TQO0
2025 Town of Franklin Candidate for Town Council Michael LeBlanc (video)
Michael LeBlanc, candidate for Town Council, is the next in the series of interviews to share and help create informed voters in advance of the 2025 Biennial Election held at FHS on November 4.
Early voting begins Oct 17 in the Town Clerk office during business hours. Our intention is to complete the interview series before Oct 13.
Video link -> https://youtu.be/OuY61pC1UBA
FHS golf team tops Taunton on Wednesday
Via Twitter, Franklin TV, and our subscription to HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the Fall sports competition for Franklin High School on Wednesday, October 1, 2025
Golf = Taunton, 180 @ Franklin, 154 – Final
– Franklin earned a home win over Taunton at Franklin Country Club, led by matching medalist rounds of 37 from juniors Gabe Rodrigues and Ben Burgess. Junior Tyler Perlman added a 38, while senior Chris Shanahan, senior Dylan O’Brien, and sophomore Bryce Botelho each carded a 42 to round out the scoring for the Panthers. Taunton was paced by Logan Gallinger and Colby Emond, who each shot a 44, while Jameson Vallarelli and Liam Ballentine both carded a 46..
For other results across the Hockomock League (subscription required)
https://hockomocksports.com/wednesdays-schedule-scoreboard-10-01-25/ |
| FHS Panther sports results shared via Twitter & subscription to HockomockSports.com |
Norfolk County Registry of Deeds announces new page "We Remember Our Women"
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| Norfolk County Registry of Deeds announces new page "We Remember Our Women" |
The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds is proud to announce the launch of a new page on our website dedicated to Notable Land Records, Volume 4: "We Remember Our Women."
Visit the page here: https://t.co/Ac6ldwR94h or
Visit the page here: https://t.co/Ac6ldwR94h or
https://www.norfolkdeeds.org/notable-land-records-vol-4-we-remember-our-women
#WomensHistory #WomenInLeadership #MAHistory
#WomensHistory #WomenInLeadership #MAHistory
Shared from -> https://t.co/Duz4vyvEJ0
2025 Hydrant Painting Contest Winners announced !!!
Thank you to those who participated in our Fourth annual Hydrant Painting Contest!!
For pictures and locations of all the participants in 2025 please visit the Storymap -> https://tinyurl.com/3by4s2k6
Congratulations to this year's winners!
1. Under the age of 12 - Green Monster - Elle B.2. Under the age of 12 - Rapunzel's Tower - Mae B.3. 18 and over - Jaws 50th Anniversary - Kelly Q.4. Judges' Choice - Red Winged Black Bird - Judy B.
Please visit Franklin's Annual Fire Hydrant Painting Contest story map to see all the amazing hydrants that were painted around Town over the last 4 years ->
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| Under the age of 12 - Rapunzel's Tower - Mae B |
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| Under the age of 12 - Green Monster - Elle B |
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| 18 and over - Jaws 50th Anniversary - Kelly Q |
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| Judges' Choice - Red Winged Black Bird - Judy B |
School Committee conducts shortest meeting of the year - Sep 30, 2025 (audio)
FM #1523 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1523 in the series.
This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, September 30, 2025. All 7 members of the committee were present.
Quick recap:
Supt Report: continue to make adjustments to the traffic, Transportation website has an update for the school arrivals/Dismissals https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/6062062/Start_of_School_Traffic_Information.pdf
New page FEF legacy program, online form to accept donations ... Additional info being added as the program gets fleshed out https://www.franklinps.net/page/the-fef-legacy-program
Student Clubs & Activities Approval
Procedural vote on account cleanup for inactive clubs, more next time for an update on current or new clubs. Amt of about $250 or so... https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/6059572/Discussion_Action_A_-_Student_Clubs-Activities.pdf
Will be transferred to use of other clubs. Vote on motion, passes 7-0
Adjourning to executive session not to return to open meeting, Moved, passes 7-0
The recording runs about 43 minutes
Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1523-franklin-ma-school-cmte-mtg-09-30-25/--------------
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| Franklin Public Schools |
Franklin TV video is available for replay ->
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=39AoKQewDIA
The Agenda doc ->
The packet folder also contains other docs released before or after the meeting
My notes captured during the meeting ->
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NAnlr9uiozVLd9MK1ROfdltU9uOqsUwe/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 out. 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 Fire Dept announce receipt of FEMA grant for training
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| Franklin Fire Dept announce receipt of FEMA grant for training |
The Franklin Fire Department is pleased to announce that we have been awarded a $119,023.63 grant through the @fema Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program. These funds will be used for training.
shared from -> https://t.co/wXM6oLTbq4
Results of EOHLC Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Survey
"The Healey-Driscoll Administration has made it easier to build an ADU, just one part of our strategy to solve our housing crisis. And the data is clear: this one change is unlocking more housing while filling a need for many families.Continue reading the Press Release -> https://www.mass.gov/news/adu-applications-surge-statewide-under-governor-healeys-affordable-homes-act
The goal of the Affordable Homes Act was to give renters and homeowners greater choice over where they live and to lower their costs. This administration continues to use every available resource to help end our housing shortage. "
Results of EOHLC Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Survey
- Survey administered to municipal building inspectors July 9th-August 1st 2025
- Application and permitting numbers for the period January 1st-June 30th, 2025
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| Results of EOHLC Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Survey |
Franklin Public Radio wfpr.fm schedule for Thursday, October 2, 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:
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| Franklin Public Radio wfpr.fm schedule for Thursday |
8:00 AM, 1:00 PM, and 6:00 PM - Franklin Matters Radio – Steve Sherlock covering Franklin, its local government, services, and events
- This segment shares my conversation Talking small business & tax rates with Jack Lack, United Regional Chamber of Commerce -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/09/jack-lank-talks-about-making.html
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 Album Hour features Dire Straits and their award winning 1985 "Brothers In Arms" record
- The Vibe Playlist Hour airs Dire Straits and their extremely unique sound & musical quality evolving from the "“Pub Rock" days in the U.K. with amazing performances recorded live
Brothers In Arms was the first album to be certified ten-times platinum in the UK and is certified nine-times platinum in the United States. With 5 major hits including "Money for Nothing" it is one of the all-time best records ever with over 30 million copies sold worldwide.
Find the playlist -> https://tinyurl.com/TurntablePlaylists
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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