Franklin Matters

Monday, December 1, 2025

Senior Story Hour - WFPR: Episode 092 - Halloween's Past, Remembrance, Love, Kindness, Tis the Season, and much more (audio)

In this episode, The Franklin Senior Center Writers Group shares stories, poems, and writings about Halloween 2025 as well as Halloween in the past, remembrance on teenage years, love poems, why kindness counts, a reading of Shakespeare, our stories of life, and tis the season.

Audio link -> https://senior-scribblers.captivate.fm/episode/episode-091-halloweens-past-remembrance-love-kindness-tis-the-season-and-much-more

Senior Story Hour - WFPR

Senior Story Hour - WFPR = The Franklin Senior Center Writer's Group

Steve Sherlock hosts The Franklin Senior Center Writer's Group for a monthly reading of short stories, essays, poetry, and more.

Find more episodes here (or on your favorite podcast app) -> https://senior-scribblers.captivate.fm/episodes

GOOD DEEDS: Why We Give

By William P. O’Donnell, Norfolk County Register of Deeds

As we prepare our holiday gatherings and frantically search for the perfect gift or dish to serve, we are faced with endless choices. Will it be turkey or ham? Mashed or sweet potatoes? Should I get someone a bike or a video game? The options are endless. It can be a tough choice, but what if that choice was between feeding your family or keeping your home, giving presents or staying warm?

For some people their options are much more sobering ones, as the oncoming holidays bring on stress and anxiety. Fuel bills, unexpected medical expenses and higher food and housing costs lead to such thoughts as, “How do I keep a roof over my family’s head and still put food on the table?” For these families, the holiday season takes on a whole different meaning.

GOOD DEEDS: Why We Give

The issue of hunger in Massachusetts is literally a call to action. The latest information available from Project Bread indicates that more than 22,400 people contacted Project Bread for food assistance last year. The statistics driving these calls are truly daunting. 37% of households in Massachusetts are considered food insecure. Furthermore, 43% of children in the state are also considered food insecure. The increasing cost of housing and food are likely factors that contribute to the rising rates of food insecurity.

Let us be mindful during this holiday season that while Norfolk County may be a destination place to live and work there are people who reside here that need our help. The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds Annual Holiday Food Drive is underway, ending December 18th, and our 18th Annual Toys for Tots Drive runs now until December 9th.

Donations of nonperishable food or unwrapped toys can be brought directly to the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds building located at 649 High Street in Dedham and placed in the respective bins in the main lobby. Suggested donations for food include canned goods, breakfast cereals, pasta, spaghetti sauce, toiletries, and paper products.

If you can't get to the Registry of Deeds building to drop off food, you can check the Registry website at https://www.norfolkdeeds.org/norfolk-county-food-pantry-locations for a pantry location in your community. For a list of Toys for Tots drop-off locations, visit the Marine Corps Reserve website here: https://www.toysfortots.org/find-your-local-chapter

Working together, we can truly make a huge difference this holiday season. By supporting each other and taking a moment to think of those in need, we can help individuals and families who may be struggling with food insecurity or the pressure to deliver on holiday promises, because no one should go hungry or have to choose between keeping warm and keeping the holiday spirit.

Reminder: 3rd Annual Dean College Coaching & Leadership Symposium - Friday, Dec 5

You’re Invited!

Join us for the 3rd Annual Dean College Coaching & Leadership Symposium on Friday, December 5, 2025, from 8:30 AM–2:00 PM ET at the Dr. Paula M. Rooney Student Center (Franklin, MA). This event is FREE and open to all!

Whether you're a coach, athletic administrator, student-athlete, or an aspiring coach, this symposium is packed with valuable insights and professional development — all fully planned and executed by Dean College students.

3rd Annual Dean College Coaching
& Leadership Symposium - Friday, Dec 5

📅 Event Agenda:

• 8:30 AM – Registration

• 9:00 AM – Keynote: Best Practice Sports Betting Awareness & Education

• 10:00 AM – Breakout 1: Dealing with Difficult Parents/Fan Behavior

• 10:00 AM – Breakout 2: Utilizing AI in Coaching

• 11:00 AM – Panel: Building a Winning Culture

• 12:00 PM – Sports & Leadership Career Fair (Guidrey Center)

📍 Dean College – Dr. Paula M. Rooney Student Center

👉 Register here: 3rd Annual Coaching & Leadership Symposium Registration Link

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to this email: esteinberg920@student.dean.edu . We hope to see you there!

Introducing Electric Youth 2026

Electric Youth 2026 are scheduled for their debut concert January 3, 2026

Introducing Electric Youth 2026

For more about Electric Youth visit their page -> https://www.electricyouth.com/

for concert tickets -> https://theblackboxonline.com/electric-youth-2026-debut-concert/

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/DRr1rOhEXFH/

Boston Globe: "Massachusetts considers regulations for home care agencies caring for elderly"

"Doug Hano has struggled for years to find reliable care for his wife, Kirsten, who has early-onset Alzheimer’s disease.

Once a “rock star” in the advertising industry, Kirsten, 58, now needs help with most basic tasks, including dressing, taking a shower, brushing her teeth, and eating. A string of inexperienced or unreliable home care workers, one of whom was present when Kirsten tripped on a curb outside and fell, leaving her requiring stitches, have left Hano frustrated and heartbroken.

“Here I am trying to spend extra money for peace of mind or better service,” he said, “but it’s very clear that the availability of good folks is limited.”

Doug Hano helped his wife, Kirsten, in the kitchen of
their home. Doug has struggled to find home
care for Kirsten, who was diagnosed at
age 53 with early onset Alzheimer's. S
uzanne Kreiter/Globe Staff

In a state where barbers, manicurists, and massage therapists must be licensed, home care agencies providing nonmedical support are subject to shockingly little oversight, despite the profound vulnerability of the people who rely on them.

Massachusetts is one of only four states without a licensing process for private, nonmedical home care agencies, said Harrison Collins, director of legislative affairs for the Home Care Alliance of Massachusetts, an industry group representing about 200 agencies that provide help with the tasks of daily living, including bathing and toileting, household chores, and basic companionship."

Continue reading the article online with this link ->

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2025/11/30/metro/home-care-massachusetts-senior-alzheimers-regulate/?s_campaign=sharetool_copypaste_view

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm Schedule for Monday, December 1, 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:

wfpr.fm Schedule for Monday - Franklin Public Radio

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

Franklin TV schedule for Monday, December 1, 2025 (Your local Public, Education & Government "PEG" station)

Franklin All Access TV - Our Public Access Channel (Comcast 6, Verizon 26) = MONDAY

7:00 am Aging Boldfully: Roberta Trahan

8:00 am SAFE Coalition: Task Force

9:00 am Understanding Anti-Semitism in 2025

11:30 am Comfort Food: Comfort Food

12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin: Taquitos

12:30 pm Cooking with Linda: Stuffing

1:30 pm Pizzapalooza: White Pizza

2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Summer 2018 Show 8

3:00 pm Candlepin New Generation: Show 5

4:30 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Pete Smith

5:30 pm Historical Museum: Randy LaRosa and Krishna Swain

7:00 pm Frank Presents: Daniela Masters Pt 1

8:30 pm Circle of Friends: The Kennedys

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

7:00 am Public School Event: Remington Winter Music 2022

8:30 am SAFE Coalition: Task Force

9:30 am Winning Ways with the MIAA: Referee Shortage Pt1

10:30 am FHS Winter Music: Chorus and Orchestra 2024

11:30 am Public School Event: Concert Hour Day 1

12:30 pm FHS Varsity Field Hockey v Walpole 11-15-25

2:00 pm Varsity Football: Franklin v King Philip 11-27-25

7:00 pm FHS Boys Varsity Soccer v Brockton 10-21-25

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

8:00 am Planning Board 11-03-25

2:00 pm Planning Board 11-03-25

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

Sunday, November 30, 2025

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Sunday, November 30, 2025 ???

Sunday, November 30

9:00am Fallen Hero: Robert L. Cummings (Veterans Walkway, Franklin Town Common)

10:00am Raydio Holiday Toy Drive (DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Boston - Milford)

1:00pm Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

1:00pm Musical Bingo (Teddy Gallagher's Irish Pub)

4:00pm Christmas on the Common (Franklin Town Common)

** NO Town Meetings today **

----------

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

Fallen Hero Recognition: Robert L. Cummings - Nov 30, 2025 - 9:00 AM

Memorial event today (11/30/25) at 9 AM on the Town Common Veterans Walkway to honor Captain Robert L. Cummings.

This program will include the placing of a Memorial Wreath for the day, the playing of Taps, a salute from those present, and a reading of whatever history may be available for that veteran. This is a way of keeping the memory of that veteran alive.

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

Fallen Hero: Captain Robert L. Cummings, U.S. Army

Captain Robert L. Cummings, U.S. Army, was born on August 10, 1915, the son of Louis and Ruth Cummings. Robert lived with his parents, one brother and two sisters at 65 Union Street.

Robert graduated from Franklin High School with honors in 1933 and enlisted in the Army as a private in 1936. In 1937, he was appointed to West Point and upon completion, 4 years later, was commissioned a Second Lieutenant. In 1942 he received his promotion to First Lieutenant. In November of 1942, Robert married the former Blanche Barwell of North Andover.

In January of 1943, Robert L. Cummings was promoted to Captain. Captain Cummings served overseas beginning in March of 1944. He took part in the invasion of Guam after having completed special jungle fighting training. Captain Robert L. Cummings, an officer of the famous 77th Infantry Division, lost his life on November 30, 1944 fighting against the Japanese on Leyte.

Captain Robert L. Cummings was 29 years old at the time of his death on Leyte.

Fallen Hero: Cummings

For the full published series of Fallen Heroes you can visit this link
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/franklin-fallen-heroes-series.html

Photo album of the Fallen Hero pillars along the Veterans Walkway

https://photos.app.goo.gl/oRGdmq9krLNEBnjJ7

Viral TikTok Ballet Dancer to Star in The Nutcracker with FPAC Holiday Productions

FPAC Holiday Productions will kick off December with the holiday classic: The Nutcracker, presented December 6 and 7 at the Franklin High School Auditorium.

Experience all the festive magic and colorful splendor of The Nutcracker as FPAC stages its cherished annual production of the holiday classic with live orchestra conducted by Steven Lipsitt, special guest artists and more than 100 area dancers. The Nutcracker remains a highly anticipated and treasured part of the FPAC season - a popular holiday tradition for more than 20 years. The world-famous ballet, set to Tchaikovsky’s beloved score, delights the imaginations of audiences young and old with a professional production at a reasonable price.

Ballet Dancer Louis DeFelice

Ballet Dancer Louis DeFelice, who has gained notoriety for his viral dance-themed TikToks will dance the role of The Cavalier. DeFlice studied under Stanislav Issaev and graduated from the Kirov Academy in Washington, DC. He was most recently a company member with New Jersey Ballet, performing as a principal in Robbins’ Fancy Free, a soloist in Balanchine’s Rubies, and originating a part in the premier of Lauren Lovette’s Jewel Box. He also tours in Europe and the US as a guest artist in shows including The Nutcracker and Swan Lake. He is from Columbia, South Carolina and is the co-founder of the dance wear company Barre Trash.

Joining him as The Sugar Plum Fairy is Mari Takayama. Originally from Japan, Takayama currently resides in NYC where she has performed principal and soloist roles with the Eglevsky Ballet, Connecticut Ballet, City Dance NY, Neville Dance Theatre, and was a trainee with the American Repertory Ballet dancing the lead role of Clara in “The Nutcracker”. Prior to moving to the US, she graduated from the ballet course at Senzoku Gakuen College of Music in Japan with two scholarships. During her college years, she organized and choreographed ballet, musical, and contemporary performances. Mari has participated in various intensive programs, including those at American Ballet Theatre, Miami City Ballet, American Academy of Ballet in New York, Kirov Academy of Ballet in Washington, D.C., and Bolshoi Ballet Academy. Her repertoire includes roles such as Sugar Plum Fairy, Clara, and Dew Drop Fairy in ‘The Nutcracker,’ as well as roles in ‘Flames of Paris,’ ‘Dracula,’ ‘Paquita,’ ‘Don Quixote,’ and ‘Giselle.’

FPAC Holiday Productions are presented at the Franklin High School Auditorium. For tickets and more information, visit www.FPAConline.com or call the box office at 508-528-3370.

Agenda for Town Council meeting Dec 3: includes Tax rate hearing and FY 2027 Five Year Fiscal Forecast

Franklin Town Council

Agenda & Meeting Packet

December 3, 2025 = 6:00 PM

1. ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM THE CHAIR

a. This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 9 and Verizon Channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by others
b. Chair to identify members participating remotely
c. Upcoming Town Sponsored Community Events

2. CITIZEN COMMENTS

a. Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to three minutes on a matter that is not on the agenda. In compliance with G.L. Chapter 30A, Section 20 et seq, the Open Meeting Law, the Council cannot engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Council may ask the Town Administrator to review the matter. Nothing herein shall prevent the Town Administrator from correcting a misstatement of fact.

3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - None Scheduled

4. PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS

a. Amy Galose, Creative Corner

5. APPOINTMENTS

a. Franklin’s 250th Anniversary Celebration Committee
i. New Member Maureen Brennan
ii. Ratiﬁcation of Ofﬁcers
1. Chair: Jayson Joyce
2. Vice Chair: Robert Browne
3. Clerk: Alan Earls
4. Treasurer: Charleen Belcher

6. PUBLIC HEARINGS - 7:00 PM

a. FY26 Tax Classiﬁcation Hearing
i. Legislation for Action Item 9a
ii. Legislation for Action Item 9b
iii. Legislation for Action Item 9c
iv. Legislation for Action Item 9d
v. Legislation for Action Item 9e

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS - None Scheduled

8. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION

a. Five-Year Fiscal Forecast
i. FY26 Town Administrator memo - August 2025
ii. FY27-FY31 Fiscal Revenue forecast - August 2025
iii. FY27-FY31 Fiscal Department forecast - August 2025
iv. Budget presentation - August 2025

v. Other Budget Resources:
1. Town Budget Website Portal
2. School Committee & School Department Website Portal
3. FY26 Compensation & Classiﬁcation Plan
a. 2022-2023 Compensation & Classiﬁcation Baseline study
4. Department Heads Letter - December 17, 2024
b. Deputy Town Administrator & Town Administration stafﬁng

9. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

a. Resolution 25-76: Tax Classification Residential Factor
(Motion to Approve Resolution 25-76 - Majority Vote)
b. Resolution 25-77: Tax Classification Open Space Exemption
(Motion to Approve Resolution 25-77 - Majority Vote)
c. Resolution 25-78: Tax Classification Small Business Exemption
(Motion to Approve Resolution 25-78 - Majority Vote)
d. Resolution 25-79: Tax Classification Residential Property Exemption
(Motion to Approve Resolution 25-79 - Majority Vote)
e. Resolution 25-80: Tax Classification Senior Means Tested Exemption
(Motion to Approve Resolution 25-80 - Majority Vote)
f. Resolution 25-81: Cable Funds in Support of PEG Service and Programming per MGL Ch. 44 §53F3/4 (Motion to Approve Resolution 25-81 - Majority Vote)

10. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

Agenda for Town Council meeting Dec 3:
includes Tax rate hearing and
FY 2027 Five Year Fiscal Forecast

11. SUBCOMMITTEE & AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS

12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

13. COUNCIL COMMENTS

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION - None Scheduled

15. ADJOURN

Note: Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes

Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting

Agenda doc also contains remote participation info -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1QfgJW2si5mxS-2zYN9l22AB9t7b8Ec6p/view?usp=drive_link

Franklin TV: Thanksgiving 2025 - A New Family Tradition is Born

by Pete Fasciano, Executive Director 11/30/2025

This year’s ‘gathering of the clan’ had the usual body count – generally, somewhere in the mid-twenties. We cover the gamut from the rugrats to the retired; the oldest occasionally gazing wistfully at the youngest. The eating season is in full swing. Families convene from hither/yon with their traditional holiday specialty dishes. All in, it adds up to a ten-course meal and all must be sampled – and sampled again.

another family, their turkey dinner spread

This year’s bird is a huge beasty beast; the only way I can describe it. Twenty-five pounds. Logistics require that the massive bird be carved in advance rather than artfully presented and carved at the table. We all want to chow down.

Soooo – I suggested that we go with a proxy bird. There was a small butter sculpture of a turkey on the table – head held high; tail feathers in full flair. After the opening solemnities and gratitudes, I announced that Jim, my bro-in-law and our host, would conduct a token turkey carving with the butterbird. A bold plan. Jim would slice off some butterywing or tail feather – or whatever – and spread the butter on a roll.

What could possibly go wrong?

Jim, being a guys’ guy’s guy, was not to be denied his moment. Jimbo brandished his butterknife with ceremony and certainty. He thrust that butterknife with manly authority, going in for a clean kill – right for the neck. However, a small detail. The butterbirdy had just come from the fridge, and was still quite solid. The knife made it half way though the base of the neck. Jim instinctively tried to retract for a second whack at it. But, butter being what it is, stuck to the knife and the bird launched itself off the butter tray and across the table. Shock and awe all around, followed by OMG’s and raucous laughter. Jim then reached out with his knife and stabbed the bird in the back.

Thus, a new tall tale to be embellished and added to the family lore. This is classic. This is Thanksgiving.

(Note to self: When my turn comes, make sure butterbirdy is at room temp.)

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

Watch Listen Read all things that matter in Franklin MA

Agenda for the Board of Health meeting - Dec 3 at 5 PM

Franklin Board Of Health

Agenda & Meeting Packet

December 3, 2025, 5:00 PM

Meeting will be held at the Franklin Municipal Building

355 East Central Street - 3rd Floor Training Room

1. ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM THE CHAIR

a. Chair to identify members participating remotely.

2. CITIZEN COMMENTS

a. Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to three minutes on a matter that is not on the agenda. In compliance with G.L. Chapter 30A, Section 20 et seq, the Open Meeting Law, the Board of Health cannot engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Board of Health may ask the Director of Public Health to review the matter.

Agenda for the Board of Health meeting - Dec 3 at 5 PM

3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

a. November 5, 2025

4. NEW BUSINESS

a. Discussion of oral nicotine pouches
b. Board of Health meeting dates for 2026

5. PUBLIC HEARINGS

a. Restricting the Sale of Tobacco Products Regulations amendments

6. REPORTS

a. Metacomet shared service grant regional health agent report
b. Metacomet shared service grant public health nurse report

7. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

8. ADJOURN

Agenda doc also contains remote participation info ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_12032025-2030

The Guardian: "Brain has five ‘eras’, scientists say – with adult mode not starting until early 30s"

"Brain has five 'eras', scientists say – with adult mode not starting until early 30s"

"Scientists have identified five major “epochs” of human brain development in one of the most comprehensive studies to date of how neural wiring changes from infancy to old age.

The study, based on the brain scans of nearly 4,000 people aged under one to 90, mapped neural connections and how they evolve during our lives. This revealed five broad phases, split up by four pivotal “turning points” in which brain organisation moves on to a different trajectory, at around the ages of nine, 32, 66 and 83 years.

“Looking back, many of us feel our lives have been characterised by different phases. It turns out that brains also go through these eras,” said Prof Duncan Astle, a researcher in neuroinformatics at Cambridge University and senior author of the study."