Thursday, October 23, 2025

Voices of Franklin: "please know who you are voting for, and understand why you are voting for them"

I spoke during Citizen Comments at the Town Council meeting, October 22, 2025. My comment was as follows:


"Please know who you are voting for and understand why you are voting for them


With many of the candidates help, I created 24 videos of our conversations to share with the community (soon to be 25).


They are on YouTube, available via podcast apps, Franklin TV has a schedule for broadcasting them on the Town Hall or Government Channel as well as on the All Access channel.


All you need to do now is gather the info to cast an informed ballot on or before Nov 4 at the High School


Let’s create a scenario: 

  • candidate gets on the ballot
  • stops actively campaigning
  • voters cast enough votes to enable that candidate to be one of the 9 for Town Council
  • the candidate in this scenario doesn’t step up to fulfill the commitment that they took when they turned in their signed papers


Realistically, this could happen with any of the top 9 should one of them not choose to fulfill their commitment 


Folks may think, oh, take the next one


Actually, per Town Charter, that circumstance would kick off a special election to be run within 90 days to fulfill the seat of the candidate who “technically” would have resigned


Elections cost money, and we have enough of a budget issue as it is, we don’t need to add to it with this circumstance


My one ask, please know who you are voting for, and understand why you are voting for them, are they going to serve our community"


Steve Sherlock

Volunteer Community Information Director

for Franklin Matters, Franklin Public Radio



Town Charter -> look for Article Two, Section 8 Vacancies -> https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/1135/Town-Charter-PDF


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: "please know who you are voting for, and understand why you are voting for them"
Voices of Franklin: "please know who you are voting for, and understand why you are voting for them"

National Take Back Day at SAFE Coalition Offices Saturday, Oct 25

National Take Back Day  Oct 25
National Take Back Day  at SAFE
Coalition Offices Saturday, Oct 25
Safely dispose of medications at SAFE’s RX disposal stations, part of the DEA’s National Take Back Day. It's completely free and totally anonymous!

📅 Saturday, Oct. 25
🕛 10 a.m. to noon

📍 Locations:
- Franklin, SAFE Office
- Medway Town Hall
- Norfolk Police Department
- Wrentham Fire Department (Open House)
- Millis Fire Department

What can you bring? Any medication you want to get rid of—over-the-counter pills, prescription medications, and even liquids and creams.

We CANNOT accept sharps/syringes.

Supported by Opioid Abatement Funds from the Towns of Franklin, Norfolk, Medway, Millis, and Wrentham.




Thanks To Yanks: 2025 Donation Drive for Homeless Veterans

Thanks To Yanks: 2025 Donation Drive for Homeless Veterans
Thanks To Yanks: 2025 Donation Drive for Homeless Veterans


DROP OFF LOCATION: 
COSTELLO REALTY
12 KING STREET, FRANKLIN, MA 02038 
DONATION BIN ON FRONT PORCH 
COLLECTING ITEMS THROUGH NOVEWBER 10

ITEMS NEEDED:
  • $10 Gift Cards — CVS, Target, Walgreen's, Slop & Shop, Walmart
  • New Bedding — Twin Blankets and Sheets
  • New Towels
  • Non-perishable Food Items
  • Hygiene Items — Toothbrush, Toothpaste, Deodorant, Shampoo, Conditioner, Body Shaving Cream, Razors, Feminine Hygiene Products
  • New L-XL Clothing — Winter Hats, Men' s Underwear, Men's/Woman's Gloves, Socks, Sweatshirts, Sweatpants

Thanks To Yanks: 2025 Donation Drive for Homeless Veterans
Thanks To Yanks: 2025 Donation Drive for Homeless Veterans

Middle school open house at Tri-County Saturday, Nov 15

You're Invited to Our Middle School Open House!

🗓️ Saturday, November 15, 2025
🕙 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Middle school open house at Tri-County Saturday, Nov 15
Middle school open house at Tri-County Saturday, Nov 15
Curious about vocational education and the hands-on careers it can lead to? Come explore our programs, meet our instructors, and see students in action at our Open House!

🔧 From automotive tech to culinary arts, health sciences to carpentry—discover how vocational training prepares students for real-world success.

🎯This is your chance to experience the energy, innovation, and opportunity that vocational education offers.

✅ Registration is required to attend.

Reserve your spot today and take the first step toward a future built on skills and passion!




FPS Police Station Halloween Event not happening this year

FPS Police Station Halloween Event not happening this year
FPS Police Station Halloween Event not happening this year
FPD HALLOWEEN PARTY
We’ve received several inquiries regarding our annual Halloween Party at the station. Unfortunately, this will be the first time in over two decades that we will not be able to host this party.

Following the results of the proposition 2.5% override the Franklin Police Department lost $250,000 out of our operational budget. This resulted in the elimination of 2 full-time patrol officer positions. With the two openings, two officers from the Community Service Unit/School Resource Officers were reassigned to the patrol division to fill the open vacancies and low staffing. The Community Service Unit was responsible for coordinating this large yearly party. With the reduced CSU staffing, events like this are simply not possible due to staffing restrictions. CSU Officers serve as School Resource Officers and their primary responsibilities are with the Franklin Public Schools. We hope that if staffing levels increase we will be able to throw this party and other community events again.
If you are looking for some festive Halloween activities this weekend. Make sure to check out the Franklin Lions Trunk or Treat this Saturday 4 PM - 6 PM at the Franklin High School.


Franklin Public Radio wfpr.fm schedule for Thursday, October 23, 2025

Yes, Franklin has it's own radio station -> wfpr.fmFranklin 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 Thursday
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 


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)"  
  • On the Turntable Show Album Hour, The Vibe and Pauly G will feature "Hypnotic Eye", the last studio album from Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers.  Hypnotic Eye, released in July 2014, was Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers' (TP & the HB's) only record to debut at #1 on the Billboard 200.  The album includes the hits: "American Dream Plan B", "Red River", "U Get Me High", "Forgotten Man", and "Fault Lines".   
  • The Vibe Playlist hour airs a collection of live TP & the HB's hits performed in concert.  Enjoy singing, cruising, and dancing to the music from this amazing 2002 Rock n Roll  Hall of Fame Inductee and band.


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 Thursday, October 23, 2025

Yes, Franklin has it's own radio station -> wfpr.fmFranklin 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 Thursday
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 


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 "Parachutes" from Coldplay.  Parachutes, released July 10, 2000, is Coldplay's award winning debut record. The album reached double-platinum status and picked up a Best Alternative Music Album GRAMMY Award , establishing Coldplay as a major force in alternative rock.   The album also received a Brit Award for British Album of the Year in 2001. The combination of the Grammy win, BRIT Award win, and a Mercury Prize nomination represents the “triple crown” of British music industry recognition - covering American, British, and artistic/critical acclaim respectively.  This established Parachutes as not just a commercial success but also a critically respected debut that would launch one of the biggest bands of the 21st century. 
  • The Vibe Playlist Hour delivers Coldplay music and amazing performances LIVE for Turntable listeners to experience real Coldplay."


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 Thursday, October 23, 2025 (Your local Public, Education & Government "PEG" station)

  • Franklin All Access TV - Our Public Access Channel (Comcast 6, Verizon 26) = THURSDAY
9:00 am Talk Franklin: Old Colony Habitat for Humanity
10:30 am Pickleball Tournament: Pickleball Tournament
11:30 am Cooking Thyme: Candy Apples
12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin: Stromboli
12:30 pm Cooking with Linda: Salmon
1:30 pm     Pizzapalooza: Meat-Lovers Pt. 2
2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Summer 2018 Show 6
3:00 pm Riffin' on Main Street: Katherine Kennedy
4:00 pm Election 2025: Town Council - Stephen Malloy
4:32 pm Election 2025: School Committee - KP Sompally
5:00 pm Election 2025: Town Council - Gene Grella
5:30 pm Election 2025: Town Council - Robert Dellorco
6:30 pm Election 2025: Planning Board - William Lee IV
7:00 pm Frank Presents: Ken Ojukwu
7:30 pm Frank's Musings: Supreme Court
9:00 pm Circle of Friends: Joe Jencks

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

7:00 am FHS Winter Band 2022
8:30 am FHS Winter Music: Band 2024
10:00 am FHS Varsity Field Hockey v King Philip 10-09-25
12:00 pm FHS Varsity Volleyball: v Taunton 09-18-23
2:00 pm Universe of Adolescent Sleep
3:00 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Pete Smith
8:30 pm Critical Conversations: Student Wellbeing
  • Franklin Town Hall TV - Our Government Channel (Comcast 9, Verizon 29) = THURSDAY

8:00 am Conservation Commission 10-16-25
2:00 pm Conservation Commission 10-16-25
7:30 pm Zoning Board of Appeals  CHAMBERS  967 4241 1021


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

Wednesday, October 22, 2025

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Wednesday, October 22, 2025 ??

Wednesday, October 22


8:00am In Person Early Voting (Town Clerk's Office) 

4:00pm Pumpkin Patch (St John's Episcopal Church)



Library & Senior Center events
Library & Senior Center events

For additional details on Library events ->    https://www.franklinma.gov/942/Calendar-of-Events


For additional details on Senior Center events ->   







**  Town Meetings today   **

Finance Committee Meeting

Wednesday, October 22 Time: 5:30 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10222025-1961


Cultural District Monthly Meeting

Wednesday, October 22 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/7219/FCD_Agenda_October-2?bidId=


Town Council Meeting

Wednesday, October 22 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10222025-1962



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

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


Preserve Franklin's Neighborhoods - Support Responsible Siting of Cell Phone Towers

Support Responsible Siting of Cell Phone Towers in OUR Neighborhood and ALL Franklin’s Neighborhoods!

Vertex Towers proposed constructing an ugly 104-foot-tall Cell Tower on the VFW Hall Property on Pond Street. It will have a detrimental effect to both the residential neighborhood, and the vast forest and wetlands that the VFW Hall property abuts. Our home’s resale values will deplete 20-40%. Consequently, the “Zillow” effect will reduce values of homes further afield, well throughout the surrounding neighborhoods.

Read or download the PDF flyer for additional info -> 

  • Submitted by Mary Brigid Barrett

Preserve Franklin's Neighborhoods - Support Responsible Siting of Cell Phone Towers
Preserve Franklin's Neighborhoods - Support Responsible Siting of Cell Phone Towers

This is a new item for the Zoning Board of Appeals agenda for the Oct 23 scheduled meeting ->    https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10232025-1947


Building Equitable Neighborhoods for Franklin (BEN 4 Franklin) is proud to endorse six candidates for Franklin Town Council

Building Equitable Neighborhoods for Franklin (BEN 4 Franklin) is proud to endorse six candidates for Franklin Town Council: Thomas Mercer, Maxwell Morrongiello, Patrick Sheridan, Ken Ojukwu, Michael LeBlanc, and Glenn Jones.

In early October, BEN 4 Franklin shared a questionnaire with all Town Council candidates to learn more about their views on housing, neighborhood planning, and Franklin’s long-term growth. Candidates were informed that their answers would be published publicly and that BEN may choose to endorse those whose values align with the group’s mission. 

BEN is endorsing all six candidates who responded to the questionnaire, each of whom expressed a thoughtful commitment to keeping Franklin an affordable, welcoming, and financially healthy place to live.

“We’re encouraged to see these candidates engaging seriously with the challenges facing Franklin - from rising housing costs, to operating budget pressure, to the need for smart, balanced development,” said Mark Minnichelli, Co-Chair of BEN 4 Franklin. “These six candidates share our vision of a vibrant, welcoming, and financially-strong Franklin.”
The full questionnaire and candidate responses are posted at ben4franklin.org/2025-election. The survey asked candidates about topics such as expanding housing choices, supporting small businesses downtown, and implementing the 2025 Franklin Master Plan.

Building Equitable Neighborhoods for Franklin is a volunteer community group that envisions a Franklin where everyone can find a home and feel connected to their neighborhood. Guided by the Franklin for All report, BEN advocates for housing options that fit every stage of life, walkable neighborhoods, and thoughtful growth that protects the town’s character while strengthening its finances.

Residents can learn more about BEN’s work and sign up for updates at ben4franklin.org.

2025 Biennial Election - Board of Health - write in candidate Christine Mucciarone (video)

Christine Mucciarone, write in candidate for Board of Health, 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 began Oct 17 and continues through Oct 31 in the Town Clerk office during business hours.