| From 2011 |
Providing accurate and timely information about what matters in Franklin, MA since 2007. * Working in collaboration with Franklin TV and Radio (wfpr.fm) since October 2019 *
Monday, December 15, 2025
January Community Concert features Vera Meyer on the glass armonica
Talking with JM Celi about the next stage in the "Unlife of Lisa Cooper" (audio & video)
FM #1607 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1607 in the series.
This session of the radio show shares my recorded conversation with local author J.M. Celi. We had our conversation via Zoom to record the video & audio on Tuesday, December 9, 2025.
Our conversation lets you find out more about Jamie and his third independently published work “The Unlife of Lisa Cooper: Vengeance."
This is the second in the planned series of the vampire, Siobhan McSweeny or Lisa Cooper.
We talk about Jamie’s writing process, the road through multiple reviews and edits to publication. He has some other works out for possible publication. He is working on the outline for the 3rd in the Lisa series. There may be other works covering specific decade time periods in Boston.
The recording runs about 39 minutes so let’s listen to my conversation with Jamie
Video link -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CQAW9ZvaJhc--------------
J.M. Celi’s author web site -> https://www.jmceli.com/
“The Unlife of Lisa Cooper: Conviction", “The Vampires of 1863” and “The Unlife of Lisa Cooper: Vengeance" can be found in most bookstores.
Prior audio recordings
Vampires of 1863 - https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/07/talking-boston-vampires-and-writing.html
Unlife of Lisa Cooper - https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/11/author-jm-celi-wrote-book-he-couldnt.html
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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
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"
Good Deeds: Holiday Trivia and Greetings
By: William P. O’Donnell, Norfolk County Register of Deeds
The holidays are here, and for many individuals and families, traditions are what make this season so special. At the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, we have our own tradition this time of year.
All year long, the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds releases numbers and statistics that help readers get a picture of the real estate market. But during the holiday season, the spirit of celebration takes center stage, and those numbers can wait for another day.
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| Good Deeds: Holiday Trivia and Greetings |
There have been many trivia challenges given to each of you in past "Good Deeds" articles. Trivia has involved history, such as naming the four former Presidents of the United States who were born here in Norfolk County. In the past, you have been tasked with identifying notable residents of Norfolk County and their hometowns. This time, we’re keeping it festive with something everyone loves—holiday movies! From laugh-out-loud comedies to heartwarming classics, these films have become part of our seasonal traditions. I must say the Christmas movie “Elf" is one of my favorite Christmas films. It is uplifting and funny.
So, grab a cup of cocoa or eggnog, settle in, and see how well you know these holiday favorites. Some of these Christmas questions may be very obvious to some but that makes up for some other questions. I hope you will enjoy this trivia, and you might find it useful at a work holiday party or family gathering.
Trivia Questions:
#1: In National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, what animal causes chaos in the Griswold home?
A. A deer
B. A raccoon
C. A squirrel
#2: In The Polar Express, what is the first gift of Christmas?
A. A silver bell
B. A golden ticket
C. A magical ornament
#3: In Elf, what is the name of the department store where Buddy works?
A. Bloomingdale’s
B. Macy’s
C. Gimbels
#4: In A Christmas Story, what gift does Ralphie desperately want?
A. A Buck Rogers rocket set
B. A Red Ryder BB gun
C. A Swiss Army Knife
#5: In Frosty the Snowman, what brings Frosty to life?
A. A magic hat
B. A Christmas wish
C. A magic scarf
#6: In Home Alone, what toy—made popular by the movie—did Kevin use to play tricks on the burglars?
A. Walkman
B. Yak Bak
C. Talkboy
#7: In Jingle All the Way, what is the name of the must-have toy Arnold Schwarzenegger’s character is trying to find?
A. Turbo Man
B. Action Hero Max
C. Scuba Steve Extreme Diver
#8: In How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000), what is the name of the Whoville girl who befriends the Grinch?
A. Martha May Whovier
B. Cindy Lou Who
C. Betty Lou Who
#9: In The Santa Clause, what does Scott Calvin do that makes him become Santa?
A. He puts on Santa’s suit
B. He opens the magic sack of presents
C. He rides in Santa’s sleigh
#10: In Miracle on 34th Street, what does Susan Walker want for Christmas?
A. For everyone to believe in Santa
B. The house in the Cole's catalog
C. For Clarence to get his wings
Answers:
1: C, 2: A, 3: C, 4: B, 5: A, 6: C, 7: A, 8: B, 9: A, 10: B.
I cannot promise you a grand prize or a guaranteed spot on Santa’s “Nice List” for answering these trivia questions, but I do hope you had fun. May Santa be good to you this season. And remember, as Buddy the Elf says: “The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.” So, from all of us at the Norfolk Registry of Deeds, we wish you a joyful holiday season and a healthy and happy new year to all.
Creative Corner Art Studio: creative workshops Weds 12/17 & Thur 12/18
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| Wednesday, Dec 17 |
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| Thursday, Dec 18 |
The Franklin Interfaith Council is developing a new site at FranklinMAinterfaith.org
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| The Franklin Interfaith Council is developing a new site at FranklinMAinterfaith.org |
● Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints● First Universalist Society in Franklin● Franklin Federated Church● Franklin United Methodist Church● New England Chapel● St. John’s Episcopal Church● St. Mary’s Catholic Parish● Temple Etz Chaim
Sewer Lining Project work continues this week; Dec 15 to Dec 19
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| Sewer Lining Project work continues this week; Dec 15 to Dec 19 |
Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm Schedule for Monday, December 15, 2025
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| wfpr.fm Schedule for Monday - Franklin Public Radio |
Franklin TV schedule for Monday, December 15, 2025 (Your local Public, Education & Government "PEG" station)
- Franklin All Access TV - Our Public Access Channel (Comcast 6, Verizon 26) = MONDAY
Franklin Pride TV - Our Educational Channel (Comcast 8, Verizon 28) = MONDAY
Franklin Town Hall TV - Our Government Channel (Comcast 9, Verizon 29) = MONDAY
Sunday, December 14, 2025
What's happening in Franklin, MA: Sunday, December 14, 2025 ???
The School district calendar is found https://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/o/fpsd/page/school-calendar
Potpourri agenda for last Town Council meeting in 2025
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.
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.
a. November 12, 2025https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/7849/November-12-2025-TC-Meeting-Minutes--Draft-for-Reviewb. November 19, 2025https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/7833/3a-November-19-2025-TC-Meeting-Minutes--Draft-for-Review
a. 8th Grade Franklin Panthers Football Teamb. Franklin High School Cheerleading Teamc. Franklin High School Girls’ Volleyball Team
a. Council on Aging - Christopher (Kit) Brady https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/7856/5a-Appointment-Kit-Brady
a. Annual License Renewalsi. See attached “2026 Town of Franklin Alcohol License Renewals”https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/7857/7a-1---MEMO---License-Renewals
a. Snow Presentation - Brutus Cantoreggi, DPW Director & Carlos Rebelo, Highway/Grounds Superintendenthttps://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/7855/Snow-Presentation---December-17-2025b. Social Equity Policy Discussionhttps://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/7841/Local-Approval-Process-and-Social-Equity-Policyc. Town Charter Presentationhttps://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/7848/2023-11-01-Town-Charter-Presentationd. Citizen Satisfaction Survey: the town is headed in the wrong directionhttps://public.tableau.com/app/profile/polco.nrc/viz/TheNCSReport-FranklinMA2025/About
a. Resolution 25-83: Gift Acceptance - Veterans Services Dept. ($91,072.88), Senior Center (21,275.73), Police Dept. ($710.74)(Motion to Approve Resolution 25-83 - Majority Vote)https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/7854/9a-Gifts









