Franklin Matters

Thursday, December 4, 2025

Town Council approves single rate but shows interest in split rate, frustration on lack of preparation for the decision (audio)

FM #1599 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1599 in the series.

This session shares the Franklin (MA) Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, December 3, 2025. The Council held this session as scheduled beginning at 6 PM. All 9 Councilors participated for this 3 hour session.

Quick recap:

Franklin TV had trouble broadcasting the video. It was recorded and will be available later. The Zoom session was active for audio only.
Town Administrator Jamie Hellen walked the new Council though the 5 year revenue forecast and laid out what’s coming next
The Public hearing on the Tax rate was opened and ultimately closed after much discussion. The Council did vote to approve the single tax rate by an 8-1 vote. The Council indicated a strong interest for more info on the benefits of a split tax rate. They seemed wanting to go for until they understood that a split rate decision would delay the Town timeline on getting the 1st Quarter bills out

The recording runs about 3 hours

Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1599-town-council-mtg-12-0325/

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Franklin TV video is ~~NOT yet~~ available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zByUmQbYP08

The agenda for this session -> https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_12032025-2031

My notes for the full meeting in one PDF -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1zZoXOBk167dHuuSm3wetBhhP25WyaSRf/view?usp=drive_link

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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"

Erin shares a middle school reading update (video & audio)

FM #1598 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1598 in the series.

This session shares my conversation with Erin O’Leary, FMS Reading Specialist. We recorded this conversation virtually on Friday, November 14, 2025.

We cover the following in our conversation

Success of the middle school program “Meet Me in the Middle.”
Virtual visiting author series though The Unlikely Story bookstore
Culling the middle school library collection, Amazon wish list TBD
“Content in context”

The recording runs about 30 minutes

Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1598-fps-middle-school-reading-update-11-14-25/

Video link -> https://youtu.be/bNKJKKVqkvU?

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Erin O’Leary email address -> olearye@franklinps.net

Meet Me in the Middle info page -> https://www.franklinps.net/o/hmms/article/2230185

Instagram posts referenced:

Library ready to open -> https://www.instagram.com/p/DRLNrqSCXoy/
Book trailers -> https://www.instagram.com/p/DQKcERxEnXi/

Middle School reading wish list -> https://bookshop.org/wishlists/79f98bd86f715dae8789b3296edd63ebd92ef1ea

Tom Asacker -> https://tomasacker.com/ his book “Sandbox Wisdom” is the source of the “content in context” story that you heard

https://www.amazon.com/Sandbox-Wisdom-Tom-Asacker/dp/1497554977//humanfactormarke

Erin shares a middle school reading update (video & 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

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"

Reminder: Old Colony Habitat for Humanity: Meet the Family You’re Helping - Dec 6 (RSVP requested)

Behind the Build: Meet the Family You’re Helping

Your community is growing in the best way possible. Meet your new neighbor, the Marmol Family.

Check out this special build and have the opportunity to meet Sally and her children: Amelia, Evani, and Jonathan! They are thrilled to join the Franklin community, so join us by giving them a warm welcome!

Old Colony Habitat for Humanity:
Meet the Family You’re Helping - Dec 6

Saturday, Dec. 6 2025, 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

762 Washington Street, Franklin MA

RSVP -> https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfGXENuXpEsT3eIGYXvy0LjsixGrVxqxAnJ40P0PJlXmJSsUg/viewform

Download the flyer as a reminder or to share ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_iphrQZnbhi8fh-7jqXzdrzv7HXFojnb/view?usp=sharing

Reminder: Winter Coat Drive: Drop offs close out Dec 6, 2025

Winter Coat Drive: Drop offs available Nov 10 through Dec 6, 2025

Donate gently used or new coats to help your Franklin-area neighbors!

Download the flyer as a reminder or to share -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1k2w031hOLT0W_84z2Tbwb2qq7yfK26Cv/view?usp=sharing

Karaoke Friday night, Dec 5 at La Cantina

Karaoke Friday night at La Cantina

Karaoke Night at La Cantina Winery!

Join us Friday, December 5 at 7–10 PM for a fun night of music, wine, tapas, and good vibes. Bring your friends, warm up those vocal cords, and get ready to sing your heart Come by, relax, and enjoy your favorite tapas, pizza, and wine.

See you at La Cantina Winery! Cheers!

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1GXpt23Biy/

Holiday Pop Up Shop, Saturday, 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!"

Our First Annual Holiday Grand Tasting is here and we’re going big Dec 13

Expect bubbles to pop, caviar to bump, baller wines to flex, and value gems to surprise you in all the best ways. Plus artisan cheese, charcuterie, and a special bakery pop-up to keep the holiday joy flowing.

This is not to be missed—the perfect afternoon to discover your next obsession, stock up for the season, and celebrate with people who love great wine as much as you do. Bring your friends and come taste, explore, and make your holiday season delicious.

Pour Richard's - Saturday, Dec 13 • 1–4 PM

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/DRr-7ExgLCr/

Franklin Public Radio wfpr.fm schedule for Thursday, December 4, 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:

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

This segment shares my Current Talk Franklin episode with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/11/talk-franklin-starts-with-summer.html

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 features Stevie Wonder’s “Songs in the Key of Life” Album Hour and live recordings from the Natural Wonder record in the Playlist Hour. “Songs In The Key of Life” debuted September 28, 1976 at number one on Billboard’s 200 chart becoming only the 3rd album to achieve that and the 1st by an American artist. Stevie Wonder is credited as a pioneer and major influencer across R&B, pop, soul, gospel, funk, and jazz genres. Enjoy the R&B fun music of a true music industry icon."

Find the playlist -> https://tinyurl.com/TurntablePlaylists

Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf