Saturday, November 22, 2025

Franklin School Committee reorganizes, gets the scoop on what their about to do (audio)

FM #1586 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1586 in the series. 


This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, November 18, 2025. All 7 members of the newly elected committee were present. 


Quick recap:

  • Supt Giguere opens the session, solicits nominations for Chair. 

    • One made by Callaghan for Griffith. Vote on the nomination passes 7-0

    • Nominations asked for Vice Chair. One made, Griffith nominates Callaghan. Vote on the nomination passes 7-0

  • Policy - 2nd Reading/Adoption. Superintendent recommends adoption of the following policies as discussed: 

    • IKF - Graduation Requirements

    • IKFE - Competency Determinations

    • Discussion on the adjustments to the grad requirements and competency which fine tuned the language for clarity. Moved to accept as discussed, passes 7-0

  • Discussion Only Items, informational for new members and for the weather as winter approaches for all

    • A. Inclement Weather Notice

    • B. Review of District/Superintendent’s Goals

    • C. ACCEPT Quarterly Update

  • Spent time on the rationale and objectives for each of the subcommittees or liaisons for the SchCmte to assist the new members as which ones to select. Chair will make alignment and reveal for next meeting so they can begin scheduling meetings as needed


Franklin School Committee (L-R): Hansen, Griffith, Callaghan, O'Sullivan, Mausolf, Charles, Karunakaran
Franklin School Committee (L-R): Hansen, Griffith, Callaghan, O'Sullivan, Mausolf, Charles, Karunakaran


The audio runs about 2 hours

Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1586-franklin-ma-school-cmte-mtg-11-1825/


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Franklin TV video is available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ea9CmNWJI1s 


The agenda doc can be found ->  https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/6138802/SCAGENDA11-18-25.pdf  


The meeting packet folder with other docs released for this session ->

https://www.franklinps.net/documents/departments/school-committee/meeting-packets/2025---26-meeting-packets/november-18%2C-2025-sc-meeting-packet/862192 


My notes in one PDF -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xlF11yc5sLUZBOhYoY_95dGb6zI68i0e/view?usp=drive_link 


Pictures captured during the session are in one photo album -> 

https://photos.app.goo.gl/TKFnfsbkzprJ5xSj9

 

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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"


Beaver Street Interceptor (BSI) Project Construction Updates: Monday (11/24) through Tuesday (11/25)

Beaver Street Interceptor (BSI) Project
Beaver Street Interceptor (BSI) Project
No work 11/26 through 11/28 - HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

RT. 140 (West Central Street) Lane Closure Alert  - Monday Night (11/24) 7PM to 5AM and Tuesday (11/25) during the day 8AM to 3PM
Monday night, November 24 from 7PM to 5AM and Tuesday, November 25 from 8AM to 3PM the Contractor will continue with the installation of the sewer force main within RT. 140 (West Central Street). The work will be contained within the southbound lane from Burger King to Beaver Street. During this time there will be evening lane closures on RT. 140. Please use caution when traveling in this area and follow all posted signs.
Grove Street Closed Notice - Monday 11/24
Grove Street will be closed at the MBTA train tracks on Monday 11/24 between the hours of 7am and 4pm. 
Traffic turning onto Grove St from Rt. 140 will be detoured over to Beaver Street via Rt. 140. Please follow posted detour signs for directions. The area will be open to Local Traffic only to access the businesses and properties on Grove Street between Forge Hill Road and Rt. 140.
Beaver Street Pump Station
At the Franklin Recreation Center, the construction of the new Beaver Street Interceptor Pump Station will continue with construction of the exterior building structure, internal building component installation, and final site work.

Shared from -> https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/557/Beaver-Street-Interceptor-BSI-Project 

Where is Jamie Barrett on Saturday???

Where is Jamie Barrett performing on Saturday, Nov 22 ???

Where is Jamie Barrett performing on Saturday, Nov 22 ???
Where is Jamie Barrett performing on Saturday, Nov 22 ???


Sip, Taste & Create: Thanksgiving Grand Tasting + Floral Workshop Weekend


͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌    ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­

Thanksgiving Grand Tasting | Saturday!

Kick off Thanksgiving in style at our Thanksgiving Grand Tasting on Saturday, 11/22 from 1–4 PM! 8 STACKED Tables of Wine.

We're opening a delicious lineup of Burgundy, Bordeaux, and epic Thanksgiving-ready wines—from elegant, food-friendly reds to bright, aromatic whites and crowd-pleasing bubbles. We'll also be featuring tasty provisions for your holiday table, so you can taste, plan, and stock up in one easy stop.

Come taste, talk pairings, and let us help you build the perfect lineup for your feast—whether you're hosting the whole family or just bringing the best bottle to the party.

Details:
🗓 Saturday, 11/22
1–4 PM
🍷 Burgundy, Bordeaux & Thanksgiving wines
🥖 Provisions for the table

No RSVP needed—bring a friend and come thirsty!


Thanksgiving Floral Centerpiece Class


Get holiday-ready with our Thanksgiving Floral Centerpiece & Wine Class on Sunday, 11/23 from 2–5 PM! We're teaming up with Jess from Kind Paws Services for a creative, hands-on workshop where you'll design a beautiful Thanksgiving centerpiece to take home—while sipping a curated flight of feast-friendly wines.

Jess will guide you step-by-step through building a seasonal arrangement using fresh, vibrant blooms. Meanwhile, we'll pour a selection of stellar Thanksgiving wines and talk through pairing ideas for your holiday menu.

Perfect for a friends' afternoon out, a cozy pre-holiday treat, or anyone looking to add a personal touch to their Thanksgiving table.


Details:
🗓 Sunday, 11/23
2–5 PM
🌸 Floral centerpiece workshop with Jess of Kind Paws Services
🍷 Guided Thanksgiving wine tasting
💵 $75 per person

Space is limited—reserve your spot today!


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Note: This was edit for posting here, to view the full content -> View this email in your browser

An “agent” told me to stay off the internet. Is it a scam?


Consumer Alerts from the Federal Trade Commission

By BCP Staff

You get an unexpected call with some bad news: your name is linked to serious crimes, and your money is at risk, says the voice on the line. The next thing you know, he connects you with an "agent" who can supposedly help you resolve the issue. Your heart and mind are racing. 

But your gut is telling you to talk to someone you trust — or to get off the phone and search the internet for advice. 

So why would a helpful "agent" warn you not to talk to anyone or tell you to stay off the internet until he can fix the problem? Probably because that "agent" is really a scammer.

Read more - >  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2025/11/agent-told-me-stay-internet-it-scam?utm_source=govdelivery



Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule for Saturday, November 22, 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 Saturday
Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule for Saturday

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 Saturday
Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule for Saturday

Friday, November 21, 2025

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Friday, November 21, 2025 ???

Friday, November 21

10:00am Knitting Group (Franklin Public Library)
1:00pm Thrifty Threads (Franklin Federated Church)
6:00pm Jennifer Tefft (live music) (Quarterdeck)
7:00pm Mean Girls performed by FHSTC (Franklin High School)
7:30pm Peter and the Starcatcher (THE BLACK BOX)
8:00pm Ken Barney (live music) (Eagle Brook Saloon)


For additional details on Library events -> 

For additional details on Senior Center events ->   

Library & Senior Center events
Library & Senior Center events



**    Town Meetings today   **

FOFE Meeting

Friday, November 21 Time: 9:00 AM


Council on Aging Meeting

Friday, November 21 Time: 1:30 PM



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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 first Winter Farmers Market is Saturday, Nov 22 at Fairmount Fruit Farm

The first Winter Farmers Market is Saturday, Nov 22 at Fairmount Fruit Farm
The first Winter Farmers Market is
Saturday, Nov 22 at Fairmount Fruit Farm
"The first winter market is Saturday @fairmountfruitfarm 10 AM - 2 PM.

Get all your good for the holidays."



Check out the latest School Committee newsletter for meeting highlights, community news, and more

Check out the latest School Committee newsletter for meeting highlights, community news, and more
Check out the latest School Committee newsletter for
meeting highlights, community news, and more
New School Committee, new updates!

Check out the latest newsletter for meeting highlights, community news, and more.



Franklin High School Celebrates Standout Fall ​2025 Athletic Season

Principal Maria Weber and Athletic Director Karrah Ellis are proud to share that Franklin High School is celebrating one of its strongest fall athletic seasons in recent years, highlighted by a state championship, several league titles and playoff success across multiple programs.

The season’s biggest milestone came Saturday night when the Girls Volleyball team won the MIAA Division I State Championship, defeating Newton North at Billerica High School. It marks the first state title in program history. The match drew a large Franklin crowd, including a “Rattle City” student section that traveled to support the team.

Girls Volleyball team won the MIAA Division I State Championship
Girls Volleyball team won the MIAA Division I State Championship

Franklin also saw significant postseason achievements in several other sports. Field Hockey reached the Division I State Final and battled Walpole in a tight 1-0 game. Girls Soccer continues its postseason run and will play Natick in the Division I Championship Game on Saturday. Cheerleading earned the Hockomock League Championship, won the South Sectional, and will compete for a Division I State Championship this Sunday at Worcester State University.

Franklin’s student-athletes continued to shine throughout the fall. Highlights include:
  • Football will play King Philip for the Hockomock Kelly-Rex League title on Thanksgiving at Franklin. The team entered the state tournament as the number nine seed and advanced to the Round of 16.
  • Boys Soccer won the Hockomock Kelly-Rex Division and reached the Round of 16 in the MIAA tournament.
  • The Unified Basketball Blue and White teams completed a successful season that will conclude Monday with a charity game to support the Kyle Cares Foundation. Students also participated in the Special Olympics Jamboree.
  • Two members of the FHS Golf Team advanced from the Central Sectional Tournament to compete in the State Championship at the Ridge Club in Sandwich.
  • Boys and Girls Cross Country each posted strong seasons and closed the year at the MIAA Division I Championship in Wrentham, with many athletes earning personal bests.
The high school was recently awarded the Boston Globe Dalton Trophy for the 2024-2025 academic year. This recognition was Franklin's seventh consecutive Dalton Trophy, given annually to the school with the best overall athletic performance across all varsity programs.

Additionally, longtime Wrestling Coach Carmine Colace, who retired at the end of last school year, has been named the MIAA Wrestling Coach of the Year and will be honored at a ceremony on Dec. 8.

“This fall captured the best of Franklin athletics," said Athletic Director Ellis. "Our teams competed at a high level thanks to the tremendous support of their coaches, and our families and fans were there every step of the way. The energy around Franklin High School athletics has never been stronger.”

“Our students showed what it means to represent Franklin with pride," said Principal Weber. "Whether they were on the field, in the stands, or supporting their classmates behind the scenes, they came together in ways that speak to who we are as a community.”

Ali Rheaume's Pop up location confirmed for Dec 6

Ali Rheaume's Pop up location confirmed for Dec 6
Ali Rheaume's Pop up location confirmed for Dec 6
via Ali Rheaume

"It would mean the world to me if you would consider coming by to say hi, shop, or spend the word!

I will also be joined by Samantha Piette who will be selling beautiful floral bouquets, so stay tuned for more!"




The LiveARTS String Quartet says Thank you !!!

Dear music lover,

WOWWWW!!!

What an incredible concert experience we had on November 16 at the Franklin Historical Museum! The place was absolutely PACKED. In fact, it was standing room only, with 90 people in attendance and only about 70 chairs!

Here you are, our beautiful audience! Do you see yourself??

Here you are, our beautiful audience! Do you see yourself??
Here you are, our beautiful audience! Do you see yourself??

By the massive turnout for this concert, the people of Franklin and surrounding towns send a message to us loud and clear:
WE WANT THE LIVEARTS STRING QUARTET
HERE IN FRANKLIN!!
We hear you, and we THANK YOU for giving us a clear mandate to continue working hard to make a full season of concerts possible!

At this season of Thanksgiving, the LASQ has much to be grateful for...

To those who attended the concert, thank you SO very much for being there, we loved having you!

And if you didn't attend, thank you for staying tuned with these emails -- we are working hard to make it possible to present more concerts, and we hope you'll be able to make it to another one!

And extra special gratitude to all those who made donations at the door! So many cash donations were coming in that it was impossible to track and source them all.

So please accept our deepest thanks to each of you right here. Every dollar made a difference!


Fundraiser raffle, win a Tri-County made Cornhole set and help the Skills USA program

"Help support Tri-County RVTHS's SkillsUSA State Competitors. SkillsUSA is a nonprofit student organization serving students in career and technical education training programs. 
Fundraiser raffle, win a Tri-County made Cornhole set and help the Skills USA program
Fundraiser raffle, win a Tri-County made
Cornhole set and help the Skills USA program

SkillsUSA's mission is to empower students to become world-class workers and responsible American citizens.
 
Please support our TC student SkillsUSA Chapter through your purchase of tickets for a cornhole set made by our very own Carpentry students. 

Your purchase of a ticket gives you two chances to win a set. The drawing for the prize will be held on Friday, December 5th.  The winner will be responsible for picking up the cornhole boards. "