Tuesday, December 2, 2025

Healey-Driscoll Administration Releases Statewide High School Graduation Framework

"State leaders released on Monday the broad outlines of new educational standards students would be required to meet to graduate from high school, including mandatory courses, senior projects or portfolios, and financial literacy.

The proposed seven-part “framework” aims to replace the 10th grade test requirement voters did away with last year. But the framework included exam-like “end-of-course assessments.” The potential for new testing drew immediate criticism from the Massachusetts Teachers Association, which helped lead the drive to repeal the prior MCAS testing standard.

Governor Maura Healey and other proponents of the plan presented it as a necessary step for the state to maintain its number one ranking in the nation on the National Assessment of Educational Progress, a status jeopardized by a decadelong decline in achievement."

Boston Globe article on new high school graduation framework


Franklin recently approved it's own graduation and competency requirements in lie of the State having this developed and finalized (which will still take time for the State to complete).  Meeting recap can be found ->   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/11/franklin-school-committee-reorganizes_22.html

Donate to charities (not scammers) on Giving Tuesday


Consumer Alerts from the Federal Trade Commission

By BCP Staff

Chances are, you're probably already hearing from charities about Giving Tuesday. It's a great time to support the work of charities around the country. Unfortunately, not everyone asking for money is a real charity. As the year comes to a close, you'll likely get calls, texts, and emails asking for donations. Here's how to make sure your money goes to real causes that matter to you instead of to a scammer.

Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2025/11/donate-charities-not-scammers-giving-tuesday?utm_source=govdelivery


    

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm Schedule for Tuesday, December 2, 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:

wfpr.fm Schedule for Tuesday, Franklin Public Radio
wfpr.fm Schedule for Tuesday, Franklin Public Radio


Tuesday


SAFE Radio – Jim Derick and Dr. Anne Bergen Addressing issues of Drug Abuse Disorder 


Jazz Journey – with Pamela Hines - An insightful tour of Jazz Greats in a golden era


Franklin Public Radio wfpr.fm Schedule for Tuesday
Franklin Public Radio wfpr.fm Schedule for Tuesday

Franklin TV schedule for Tuesday, December 2, 2025 (Your local Public, Education & Government "PEG" station)

  • Franklin All Access TV - Our Public Access Channel (Comcast 6, Verizon 26) = TUESDAY
7:00 am Sons & Daughters of Italy: Ciambotta
7:30 am     Joe Landry: Then and Now
9:00 am Mental Health: Mithun Pasham
10:00 am Frank Presents: Daniela Masters Pt 1
11:00 am Winning Ways with the MIAA: Pete Smith
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 Franklin Interfaith Thanksgiving 2025
6:30 pm Historical Museum: Randy LaRosa and Krishna Swain
7:30 pm Franklin Interfaith Thanksgiving 2024
8:30 pm Understanding Anti-Semitism in 2025

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

7:00 am Public School Event: Remington Winter Music 2022
8:30 am Public School Concert: Horace Mann Winter Music 2023
10:00 am Mental Health: Mithun Pasham
12:30 pm FHS Winter Music: Chorus and Orchestra 2024
1:30 pm     FHS Varsity Volleyball v Newton North 11-15-25
4:00 pm Rec Basketball: 7th & 8th Grade Boys Championship 2025
6:00 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Referee Shortage Pt1
9:00 pm Critical Conversations: Student Wellbeing

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

8:00 am  School Committee 11-18-25
2:00 pm  School Committee 11-18-25

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
Watch Listen Read all things that matter in Franklin MA

Monday, December 1, 2025

Town of Franklin, MA: "trash collection is running behind schedule"

Town of Franklin, MA (@TOFranklinMA) posted at 4:39 PM on Mon, Dec 01, 2025:


Town of Franklin, MA: "trash collection is running behind schedule"
Town of Franklin, MA:
"trash collection is running
behind schedule"
Update from Waste Management (12/1/25):

"Due to increased volume, today's trash collection is running behind schedule. 

If your trash was not collected as scheduled today (Monday 12/1), it will be collected tomorrow (Tuesday 12/2). 

We apologize for the inconvenience."

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Monday, December 1, 2025 ???

Monday, December 1


7:00pm Southeastern Mass Community Concert Band (Franklin Senior Center)


For additional details on Library events -> 

For additional details on Senior Center events ->   

Library & Senior Center events
Library & Senior Center events


**  Town Meetings today   **


Planning Board Meeting - meeting Cancelled

Monday, December 1 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_12012025-2016 


----------


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

George Swartz talks about the events at Pour Richard's Wine & Provisions (audio)

FM #1595 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1595 in the series. 


This session shares my conversation with George Swartz on Thursday, November 20, 2025 in the Pour Richard’s Wine & Provisions store. 


We talk about

  • George’s road to this role

  • Wine tasting events, usually 6-8 tables, 6 wines each to sample before purchase (or not)

  • Floral arrangements, book club, and yoga are some events paired with wine testing

  • Pop up events bringing local crafts as well as cheese & prepared foods, charcuterie boards, etc.

The recording runs 32 minutes, so let’s listen in.

Audio link -> 
https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1595-pour-richards-events-with-a-twist-11-20-25/


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


Web page -> https://pourrichardswine.com/ 

On Facebook at -> https://www.facebook.com/pourrichardswine 

On Instagram at -> https://www.instagram.com/pourrichardswinema/ 



George Swartz talks about the events at Pour Richard's Wine & Provisions (audio)
George Swartz talks about the events at Pour Richard's Wine & Provisions (audio)

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

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!

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


You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"


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.


Senior Story Hour - WFPR
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
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
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



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

Meet Electric Youth 2026
Introducing Electric Youth 2026

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




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. Suzanne Kreiter/Globe Staff
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 -> 


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
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 for Sunday
Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule