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://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZUKrETRrMRw
Sunday, October 5, 2025
2025 Town of Franklin Candidate for School Committee KP Sompally (video)
KP Sompally, 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.
Hannah talks about her drive to tutor students in foster care via TriTogether (audio)
FM #1528 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1528 in the series.
This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Hannah Sieber, Founder and Director of TriTogeher, to provide tutoring to students in foster care. We had our conversation virtually via the Zoom platform on Thursday, September 25, 2025.
Discussion items:
Hannah’s background and development of TriTogether
The learning triangle: student effort, fundamentals, and strategies
Tutoring session delivered virtually via Zoom
Spreading awareness of this key service
Looking for additional Massachusetts students who would benefit
Looking for additional tutors, who can be anywhere
Starting fundraising efforts to enhance the tutoring delivery
Free webinars with key speakers working in this arena
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| www.tritogether.org |
The conversation runs about 30 minutes. Let’s listen in
Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1528-hannah-sieber-tritogeher-09-25-25/
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Hannah Sieber, Founder and Director, TriTogether Corp
Email -> mailto:hannah@tritogether.org
Website -> www.tritogether.org
Webinar series -> https://www.tritogether.org/learntogether
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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 TV: Harvest Fest Duckys
We Had our Ducks in a Row (Mostly).
by Pete Fasciano, Executive Director 10/05/2025
At June’s Strawberry Stroll everything in our booth was indeed Totally Ducky. Given the great turnout and even greater demand (for duckys) our mandate was clear. Bring the duckys. So, Harvest Fest was our sequel:
‘Return of the Duckys: The Great Quack-up!’
We were compelled. This time we brought five hundred ducks. Surely, this time we would have enough du- Wait, what? We’re out of duckys again? So soon? Srsly?
Again, the line of kiddies and teens in front of our booth ran long. Again, our big supply of duckys came up short.
We were out of ducks by 3pm.
The above image shows 7 folks waiting in line. (This was a brief lull in the action.)
So – note to self. Need a lot more duckys.
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
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| Watch Listen Read all things that matter in Franklin MA |
Massachusetts Electric Utility Customers Will Soon Be Eligible for Heat Pump Discount Rates
Submitted by Mark Minnichelli – member, Energize Franklin
"The Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities has recently approved new, lower electric rates for residential customers using heat pumps to heat their homes. Franklin residents who heat their homes using heat pumps should contact their electric supplier (typically National Grid) to enroll in the new residential heat pump rate prior to November 1, 2025. And since these new, lower rates apply to the distribution and transmission charge portion of the bill, even those who are using Franklin’s municipal aggregation rate for electric supply should still see significant savings!
On Friday, September 5th, I called National Grid requesting access to the new heat pump electric rate. I was told that I would need to provide proof of heat pump purchase and installation, but that National Grid was not yet ready to accept applications. I was also told they would be ready for applications by the end of September or beginning of October; roughly the time of publication for this article.
If you are a National Grid customer, check out their website www.nationalgridus.com or call their customer service number: 800-322-3223 for more information on how to enroll."
The following information regarding details of this new program were published on the Mass.gov website on July 29, 2025:
BOSTON — The Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities (DPU) recently issued an order approving a new heat pump rate that eligible Eversource customers can start taking advantage of this winter. Customers of all three electric utilities that use heat pumps will be able to enroll in the seasonal electric rates which could save them an average of $540 this winter.Last summer, the DPU approved a seasonal heat pump rate for Unitil electric customers, and it approved a similar rate in September of 2024 for National Grid customers. The DPU worked quickly to approve Eversource’s rate, taking only four months to conduct the proceeding before issuing its order. Now, customers of all three electric utilities can access heat pump rates. The new rates will be available every winter for qualifying customers.“With heat pump adoption picking up statewide, these discount rates will further help make a dent in winter heating bills,” said Chair James Van Nostrand. “The seasonal rates we approved for heat pump households puts money back into customers’ pockets.”“This new order makes it possible for electric customers with heat pumps to lower their utility bills in the winter while strengthening our grid and reducing harmful emissions,” said Commissioner Cecile Fraser.“By approving these flexible rates for the winter, we make heat pumps more cost-effective, and improve air quality and public health,” said Commissioner Staci Rubin. “The new rates effective this winter make our clean energy transition more affordable and accessible.”Heat pumps make it possible for households to decarbonize quickly and efficiently, with minimal impacts to their homes. Heat pumps use electricity to both cool and heat homes, making them an economical solution to mitigate volatile winter utility bills.These seasonal rates are at a lower cost than the average base distribution rates from the electric utilities. The new rates for heat pump households will have no financial impact on other electric customers: non-heat pump households will not pay more for electricity this winter because of the new rate.To be eligible for the new rates, households must be customers of one of the three electric utilities (Eversource, National Grid, and Unitil), have a heat pump installed in their homes, and communicate to their electric provider that they wish to enroll in the seasonal rate before the winter heating season starts on November 1, 2025. Residential customers in the electric utilities’ low-income discount program that use a heat pump are able to also enroll in the new seasonal rate.Customers who installed their heat pumps through Mass Save may be automatically enrolled in the new rates but should call their electric utility provider to confirm their enrollment.
Energize Franklin is an online space where friends and neighbors here in Franklin can find inspiration and see what others in their community are doing. Anyone can go to the site to browse the suggested actions, or you can sign up and track the actions you’ve done and create a to-do list for items you would like to accomplish. Having a free account also allows you to track your carbon reductions and leave a testimonial. You can find us online at www.energizefranklin.org.
Beaver Street Interceptor (BSI) Project Construction Updates ~ Sunday Night (10/5) through Thursday Morning (10/9)
RT. 140 (West Central Street) Lane Closure Alert 7 PM to 5 AM:
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| Beaver Street Interceptor (BSI) Project Construction Updates |
During this time there will be evening lane closures on RT. 140 from 7pm to 5am. Please use caution when traveling in this area and follow all posted signs. Note that this work is expected to continue from Sunday night through Thursday morning for the next 6 to 8 weeks.
In addition, on either Tuesday (10/7) or Wednesday (10/8) night it is anticipated that access to the Taco Bell will be blocked starting at 8pm to allow for the laydown of pipe across their driveway.
Beaver Street Pump Station:
On Tuesday 10/7, Eversource Gas will be digging across Beaver Street into the Pump Station Site. There will be a lane closure during this time. Please use caution when traveling in this area and follow all posted signs.
During the week the construction of the new Beaver Street Interceptor Pump Station will continue with work on the exterior building structure and internal building component installation. In addition, the contractor will start the final site work of paving and grading.
Franklin Garden Club to explore “Bringing Books to Life” as a floral craft - Oct 7
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| Franklin Garden Club to explore “Bringing Books to Life” as a floral craft - Oct 7 |
The meeting will take place on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, at the Franklin Senior Center, 10 Daniel McCahill Street, from 6:00– 8:30 PM An informal social get-together will take place from 6:00 – 6:30 PM followed by a business meeting and craft activity, which will be conducted by Deb DeGrazia, club secretary and expert crafter.
The meeting is open to the public, including those interested in becoming a member. All attendees are asked to bring a book that can be cut out for the decorative arrangement that will be created.
The Franklin Garden Club is a member of the Garden Club Federation of Massachusetts.
Winter Coat Giveaway - Community Closet, Dec 13 from 9 AM to Noon
The Franklin UMC and New England Chapel have joined together to collect new and gently used coats.
On December 13 from 9 AM to 12 PM, the Community Closet at FranklinUMC (82 W. Central Street, Franklin) will be open and distributing coats to neighbors who want and/or need one.
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| Winter Coat Giveaway - Community Closet, Dec 13 from 9 AM to Noon |
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You do not need to register for this event. The winter coats are a mix of new and gently used in all sizes from infant through adult. We are sorting to make sure that they are all in good condition.
There will be a limit to the number of coats people can take: 1 coat per person in a household. This will help supplies last longer.
We will hand out coats for as long as supplies last. The Community Closet will be open for the duration from 9 AM to 12 PM.
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WANT TO VOLUNTEER? HAVE QUESTIONS?
If you'd like to volunteer to help with setup, hospitality, and cleanup for this event or you have questions about this event, you can message this page or email jacob@franklinumc.org.
Franklin MA Lions schedule Trunk or Treat at FHS October 25 !!
Happy October!!!
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| Franklin MA Lions schedule Trunk or Treat at FHS October 25 !! |
The Franklin MA Lions Club are looking forward to our annual Trunk or Treat on Saturday, October 25th! We are looking for businesses, community groups, lions and individuals to decorate a trunk and hand out candy!
We would love to have you there!
Please scan the QR code or click on this link to sign up: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf8SH19ZvAUUbdhXdURgtLsBK_PAyBiwW7u34PcSW9eaCE3LQ/viewform
See you on October 25th!!!
Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule for Sunday, October 5, 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 Sunday |
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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| Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule for Sunday |
Saturday, October 4, 2025
What's happening in Franklin, MA: Saturday, October 4, 2025 ??
Saturday, October 4
9:00am Thrifty Threads (Franklin Federated Church)
9:30am The 9th Franklin Rotary Annual Car Show Cometh (New England Chapel)
10:00am Annual Fire Dept Open House (40 W Central St)
10:00am Franklin Historical Museum (always free)
10:00am Brunch with Non Scene Friends (Maks Roast Beef and Breakfast)
10:30am Weekend Wiggles! (Franklin Public Library)
1:00pm Painting for Adults! (Franklin Public Library)
2:00pm Pumpkin Patch (St John's Episcopal Church)
2:00pm Mysterious Massachusetts (Franklin Public Library)
5:00pm SAVE the date - FHS Class of 1985 Reunion (Franklin Country Club)
6:30pm 8th Annual Franklin Navratri (sold out) (Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School)
7:00pm Jamie Barrett (live music) (Millis Amvets Post 495)
7:00pm Karaoke Night (La Cantina Winery)
8:00pm Karaoke at The Raillery (Raillery Public House)
** 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
The School district calendar is found https://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/o/fpsd/page/school-calendar
Understanding Antisemitism in 2025 - A Panel Discussion - Oct 28, 2025
On Tuesday, October 28, join State Representative Jeffrey Roy (D-Franklin), Rabbi Rachel Putterman of Temple Etz Chaim, and Reverend Kathleen McAdams of St John Episcopal Church for a panel discussion regarding antisemitism in the current moment. The event will take place at 7 PM at Franklin High School.
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| Understanding Antisemitism in 2025 - A Panel Discussion - Oct 28, 2025 |
- Jeremy Burton, CEO of the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Boston
- Rabbi Rachel Putterman, Temple Etz Chaim in Franklin
- Dr. Miri Bar-Halprin, Director of Trauma Training and Services at Parents for Peace and a lecturer at Harvard Medical School
- Mike Rubin, Uxbridge High School Principal and President of Temple Etz Chaim
- State Rep. Simon Cataldo, Co-Chair of the Special Massachusetts Committee on Combating Antisemitism
- Rev. Kathy McAdams, Saint John Episcopal Church, Franklin
This community conversation will address the history of antisemitism, experiences of antisemitism today, and communal responses to antisemitism including the work of the Special Commission and public school curriculum requirements.
Occurrences of antisemitic incidents have dramatically increased over the past five years, including in our community, especially since the outbreak of war on October 7, 2023. According to the Anti-Defamation League New England (ADL), there were 438 antisemitic incidents in Massachusetts in 2024, a nearly threefold increase from 152 antisemitic incidents in 2022.
There will be time at the end for the panelists to answer questions from the audience.
This event is open to the public.
Why is Franklin considering a new Police Station? Take a tour Sunday, Oct 5 at 6 PM to find out !!!
Franklin Police Chief TJ Lynch provides an overview of the current station as not providing enough space for the department to work effectively -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jVKGwlfOXp4
Franklin Police Station Building Committee Chair Tom Mercer provides an intro to the video series as part of the project overview -> https://youtu.be/hJjVX3ZOe9o
Franklin is one of the safest communities in America, thanks to its dedicated police force. Yet, officers operate in an outdated facility that no longer meets modern policing standards. Despite these challenges, the Franklin Police Department earned accreditation from the Massachusetts Police Accreditation Commission. A new, state-of-the-art station will provide the resources needed to keep Franklin safe for years to come.
Visit the building project page for additional info -> https://www.franklinmapoliceproject.com/
If you can't make this scheduled tour, you can take a virtual tour room by room with Chief Lynch narrating the existing conditions. On the Existing Conditions page, click to view video tours.
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| On the Existing Conditions page, click to view video tours |
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| Why is Franklin considering a new Police Station? Take a tour Sunday, Oct 5 at 6 PM to find out !!! |
Note: The video tours cost the building project nothing. Steve Sherlock, Franklin Matters took the pictures and almost all the video. The drone video footage was provided by Deputy Chief James West. The audio narration was provided by Chief Lynch. The audio for the overview was provided by Tom Mercer. All recording and editing was performed by Steve Sherlock as part of his community service because "Franklin Matters".
2025 Town of Franklin Candidate for Planning Board Eric Steltzer (video)
Eric Steltzer, candidate for Planning Board, 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.
2025 Town of Franklin Candidate for School Committee Al Charles (video)
Al Charles, 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.
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