Franklin Ridge audio with Jamie Hellen on MYFM 1013 (audio)

Franklin Residents — Do You Know What the Franklin Ridge Senior Housing Project Is?

Franklin Ridge audio with Jamie Hellen
on MYFM 1013 (audio)

This project represents the culmination of 10 years of hard work by Town Administrator Jamie Hellen and countless others — from zoning board members to leaders like Rep. Jeff Roy and Senator Becca Rausch. What’s being built is more than housing — it’s a way to help keep generations of families in Franklin for years to come.

Learn more about the vision, the progress, and what this means for Franklin straight from the man who helped make it happen.

Listen to today’s Town Hall Highlight with Jamie Hellen:

https://soundcloud.com/myfm1013/town-hall-highlights-jamie

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1DdqP6jvLt/

MyFM1013 · Town Hall Highlights - Jamie Hellen

Winning Ways: Student Athletes Show 2 (video)

Prepared by MIAA and Franklin TV, recorded on Dec 12, 2025.

Video link -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DA1w03-Z-HI

Winning Ways: Student Athletes Show 2 (video)

Avery Markle Band to perform at CraftRoots Brewing Saturday, Jan 10 at 6 PM

via Jamie Barrett:

Hey, everyone!

Avery Markle Band to perform at CraftRoots
Brewing Saturday, Jan 10 at 6 PM

Happy Friday and Happy Weekend!!

(What. A. Week. 😳)

Anywho… have you all had a chance to meet one of our newest colleagues, Avery Markle?

She's quite remarkable (sorry, Avery!).

She's actually an awesome singer and songwriter, she used to sing with Little Lies (Fleetwood Mac cover band) and now fronts The Avery Markle Band! 

They're playing tomorrow night at CraftRoots in Milford! 

Check her out here covering a Fleetwood Mac Classic:   https://youtube.com/shorts/fPLBe8VBJdc

Check her out here with her band in this clip: https://youtu.be/-p1vsG9TAAQ

And check out one of her original songs: https://youtu.be/XGPu4O_Behc

I'm looking forward to tomorrow night, Avery!

Jamie 

Uxbridge Police Officer Tribute - Standout on the i495 overpasses in Franklin

via Officer Frankie

"This morning, members of the Franklin Police Department and Franklin Fire Department stood in tribute during the procession of fallen Uxbridge Police Officer Stephen LaPorta from the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner."

View the video clip here ->  https://www.instagram.com/reel/DTTYCROET6d/

Uxbridge Police Officer Tribute - Standout on the i495 overpasses in Franklin

Highest flu rates this season

Highest flu rates this season

"This year’s flu season just surpassed a grim new record.

Nearly 1 in 10 doctor visits in late December were for flu-like symptoms—the highest level recorded in nearly 30 years. To date, the U.S. has seen 120,000+ hospitalizations and 5,000 deaths, including children."

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/DTQr1NYAZ3y/

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule for Saturday, January 10, 2026

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 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

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Friday, January 9, 2026 ???

Friday, January 9

• Christmas trees scheduled for curbside pickup on your normal trash/recycling day

10:00am Knitting Group (Franklin Public Library)

1:00pm Thrifty Threads (Franklin Federated Church)

8:00pm A Starry Night: A Cabaret (THE BLACK BOX)

Library & Senior Center events

For additional details on Library events -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/942/Calendar-of-Events

For additional details on Senior Center events ->   

https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar.aspx?CID=37,24&showPastEvents=false

**  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

Community Open House scheduled for former South Meeting House - Jan 31, 2026

Community Open House scheduled for
former South Meeting House - Jan 31, 2026

Old Colony Habitat for Humanity has scheduled an Open House for the Community on Saturday, Jan 31

• Meet Sally (our new neighbor)
• Take a tour
• See the amazing progress
• Learn more about our mission

Sign up online -> https://forms.gle/j7ceCcnSMM8UBFEe9

Download the flyer as a reminder or to share ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1oZpFUekXgL0rTTATk2eTvhRHvjD-lpEe/view?usp=drive_link

Vendor line up for the Winter Farmer's Market Saturday, January 10, 2026

Vendor line up for the Winter Farmer's Market  Saturday, January 10, 2026

At Fairmount Fruit Farm, the vendor listing for the Winter Market on Saturday, January 10, 2026:

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/DTNi_znjb1H/

Candlelight Vigil for Renee Nicole Good held on Thursday, January 8, 2026 (audio)

FM #1624 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1624 the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Candlelight Vigil for Renee Nicole Good held on Thursday, January 8, 2026. The vigil was held on the Franklin Town Common. 

Each of the speakers are introduced by master of ceremonies Rachel Plukas

• Erin Ferguson

• Ron Tibbetts

• Rev Beverly Waring

• State Rep Jeff Roy

• Michael Walker Jones

The recording runs about 30 minutes. Let’s listen to the candlelight vigil held January 8, 2026. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1624-vigil-for-renee-nicole-good-01-08-26/

Photos of the vigil can be found in one album

https://photos.app.goo.gl/QmAG9vXQXY8iQkQe7

Candlelight Vigil for Renee Nicole Good held on Thursday, January 8, 2026 (audio)

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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. 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"

Town Council approves an amended Friendly 40b policy in another long 4 hour session (video)

The Town Council meet for the first time in 2026 for another long 4 hour session with all 9 members present in Council Chambers.

Franklin TV video -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=07Ywvi5WtP8

The agenda and doc released for this session -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_01072026-2073 

Quick recap:

• The longest discussion on a single appointment in my time reporting ultimately resulted in a unanimous vote to approve Mark Minnichelli to the Municipal Affordable Housing Trust. Kudos to Mark for his careful and confident responses to the questions.
• Town and School Facilities Presentation - Kevin Harn, Facilities Director https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/8040/8a-1---MEMO---Facilities-Presentation
• This discussion was extensive as Facilities and the potential issues facing the Town are something this Council is going to need to get up to speed quickly on to make the decisions and determine the direction to go, all of which ultimately gets to funding and resources
• The Davis Thayer (DT) building future has been the Council's hands since the Advisory committee did its work. On Tuesday (Jan 6, 26) the Police Station Building Comte determined Parmenter was the best site freeing up DT for a decision on what it's future is
• The combination of the Washington St renovations, Middle School roof, and the Police Station would be approx. $50M. To do and how to fund remain questions before the Council
• The presentation doc is not on the Town page or within the Council agenda but pictures of the slides shared can be found in one album ->   https://photos.app.goo.gl/1FpYnuiED36kPumw8
• 2 Zoning Bylaw amendments were referred to the Planning Board. There is likely to be an extensive discussion on these when they return as the Council was not familiar with the bylaw process (usually starting with Planning Dept (as in this case), discussion before Economic Development Subcmte (not yet in place), referral to Planning Board, and then return to Council for decision). As these 2 measure are the 'final' points to bring the Town in compliance with the MBTA Community requirements, the potential for discussion before this new Council is great
• The friendly 40b policy came back on the agenda for this Council and they juggled their agenda to get the above items out of the way before settling into this lengthy discussion. Ultimately, 2 amendments to the wording were approved first one by a 5-4 vote to require an annual review of the policy, the second to fix the confusing wording in a sentence by a 9-0 vote, and then the overall measure passed by a 9-0 vote
• Multiple personnel changes were announced in Town Administrator Jamie Hellen's report. Of note, the Council also gave the go ahead to the hiring request they had approved at the tax rate hearing and then also asked to put on hold. The Town Administrator's office which used to be 4 people is only 2, and one was sick this week. If the Council wants the Town to get work done, these resources are required. Fortunately, the Council agreed

My notes captured in one PDF file ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1zmqgACh7aVrr8OnerWndCC74ehZoDuuL/view?usp=drive_link

The combination of the Washington St renovations,
Middle School roof, and the Police Station would be approx. $50M

Both girls & boys FHS indoor track team win their double dual meets on Thursday

Via Instagram, Franklin TV, and our subscription to HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the Winter sports competition for Franklin High School on Thursday, January  8, 2026

* Boys Hockey = Franklin, 0 @ Pope Francis, 3 – Final

– Franklin kept it scoreless with Pope Francis going into the third period but the hosts tallied three times in the final frame to get the win. Senior Alex Weber stood tall in net with 40 saves.

* Boys Indoor Track

Sharon, 35 vs. Franklin, 65 – Final

Franklin 78 vs. Milford, 21 – Final

* Girls Indoor Track

Sharon, 24 vs. Franklin, 75 – Final

Franklin, 81 vs. Milford, 18 – Final

For other results across the Hockomock League (subscription required)  

https://hockomocksports.com/thursdays-schedule-scoreboard-01-08-26/

FHS Panther sports results shared via Twitter & subscription to HockomockSports.com

FHS Best Buddies fund raising basketball game, Saturday, Jan 10 at 2:00 PM

FHS Best Buddies fund raising
basketball game, Saturday, Jan 10 at 2:00 PM

"Our annual Student vs. Staff basketball game is this Saturday at 2:00 PM in the FHS gym‼️🏀

Scan the QR code to pay ahead and fill out the form in our bio if you’re interested in playing!

Alumni, current students, and staff are all welcome to sign up and everyone is encouraged to come support! @fhsunified"

QR Code link -> https://unipaygold.unibank.com/transactioninfo.aspx?TID=32222

Shared from ->   https://www.instagram.com/p/DTOF3UPCV0t/

An EXTRA fun-day at the Library on Saturday, January 10, 2026

Saturday, January 10 is an EXTRA fun-day at the Library!

• Stuffed Animal Village 10:30am

• Painting for Adults 1:00pm (Registration)

• Craftalong for Adults 2:00pm (Registration)

• Author Talk with Joyce Chaplin - The Franklin Stove 4:00pm

For additional details on Library events -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/942/Calendar-of-Events

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

Winning Ways: Student Athletes Show #1 (video)

Prepared by MIAA and Franklin TV, recorded on Dec 12, 2025.

Video link ->  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EqWorO2cm38

Winning Ways: Student Athletes Show #1 (video)

Curious about neuropsychological evaluations but not sure where to start? Workshop scheduled for Jan 27 might be for you.

free, small-group informational event

Curious about neuropsychological evaluations but not sure where to start?

Join us for a free, small-group informational event designed to help parents better understand:

• What a neuropsychological evaluation is (and isn’t)


• When an evaluation may be helpful


• What the process typically involves


• How results can support learning and development

We’ll spend the first 20–30 minutes on a brief presentation, followed by general Q&A, conversation, and optional tours of our office space.

📅 Tuesday, January 27
🕕 6:00–7:00 PM


📍 Kuehnel Psychological Services


💲 Free


👥 Limited to the first 10 participants

This is a general informational event and not intended for discussion of child-specific clinical concerns.

📧 Registration required: email annmarie@kuehnelpsych.com to reserve your spot.

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

You can also listen to my conversation with Dr. Carolyn Kuehnel and Dr. Cindy Ballou recorded in December 2025 -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/12/kuehnel-psychological-services.html

Link to GoFundMe for 444 East Central appeal

Link to GoFundMe for 444 East Central appeal

In answer to a question I had last week: Was there going to be an appeal filed on the 444 East Central decision? Yes. there is. 

The group is also raising funds for their legal efforts.

You can find the GoFundMe -> https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-legal-appeal-of-444-east-central-street-40b-approval

Note: the appeal will also force the Town of Franklin to pay some legal expenses in its defense of the decision. Money that could perhaps be better used elsewhere.

Reminder: Fare gates at South Station have begun being activated incrementally

Fare gates at South Station have
 begun being activated incrementally

"Fare gates at South Station have begun being activated incrementally. Riders will need to tap or scan to exit and enter the track area. "

Visit MBTA.com/CRGATES for more information.