Producers Series: Talking with Vibe about music, public radio, and podcasting (audio)

FM #1700 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1700 in the series. 

This session shares my conversation with David Butler, also known as “Vibe”. Vibe started with one show, Turntables (The Turntable Show), in conjunction with Pauly G, and now does a separate (podcast) show called “The Vibe”. You can listen to both at wfpr.fm or on Soundcloud. We had our discussion at the Franklin TV Studios on Thursday, March 12, 2026.

 

We talk about 

• Creation of The Vibe experience

• The fun place to explore and learn at Franklin Public Radio

• Show development, how they come to be

• If you have an interest reach out

If you are interested in doing a project in video or audio, contact the studio with your idea. Info@Franklin.tv or info@wfpr.fm 

The recording runs about 40 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Vibe.

Audio link -  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1700-producer-series-the-vibe-03-12-26/

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Franklin Public Radio - https://wfpr.fm/ 

Franklin TV webpage - https://franklin.tv/ 

You can listen to one or more of The Vibe’s shows on Soundcloud

https://soundcloud.com/wfpr/sets/the-vibe

You can listen to The Turntable show on Soundcloud

https://soundcloud.com/wfpr/sets/the-turntable-show 

My intro to Rhiannon Giddens - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VbeekjZP-CI 

The mash up of Blackbird and Little Blue “Blackbird Blue”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S-LVkm6g4gA 

Jacob Collier’s “Little Blue” - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z2zLSkhANSY

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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"

FHS girls softball, girls & boys tennis teams all top Oliver Ames on Friday

Via Instagram, Franklin TV, and our subscription to HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the Spring sports competition for Franklin High School on Friday, March 27, 2026

Softball = Oliver Ames, 5 @ Franklin, 17 – Final (6 Inn.)

– Visiting Oliver Ames plated a pair in the top of the fourth to tie the game at 3-3, but Franklin answered in a big way, plating 10 runs in the bottom half to run away with the win. Senior Lindsey Solomon smacked a two-out single to left to bring Jackie Solomine and Bethany Morgan home in the top of the fourth to make it 3-3, but the game didn’t stay tied for long. Senior Ciara O’Brien launched a three-run home run, Amelia Rakitin and Phoebe O’Connor followed with RBI singles, Abby Souza drew a bases-loaded walk, Sophia Sacramone had an RBI ground out, and O’Brien tacked on another RBI single as the Panthers blew the game open and took a 13-3 lead. O’Connor had a team-high four hits, four runs, and three RBI, O’Brien finished 3-for-5 with four RBI and two runs scored, and Addi Weiss (RBI, two runs) and Olivia Ross (two RBI, two runs) each had two hits in the win. Katie Berg went 2-for-3 with a home run, Piper McGuire went 2-for-3, and Solomon finished with two hits and an RBI for the Tigers.

Oliver Ames, 1 @ Franklin, 4 – Final 

– Franklin won a pair of singles matches and swept doubles to knock off visiting Oliver Ames. Senior Romane Celestine (6-3, 6-1) and senior Jackson Labella (6-3, 6-4) earned wins at second and third singles, respectively, while the doubles teams of senior Max Sebell and junior Ronan Saidha (first doubles, 6-4, 6-0) and juniors Rick Yuan and Rushil Partidar (second doubles, 6-0, 6-1) both rolled in straight sets. Oliver Ames’ lone win came at first singles with senior Brendan Teehan earning a hard-fought 6-3, 7-6 (7-5) victory.

Franklin, 4 @ Oliver Ames, 1 – Final 

– Franklin won two singles matches and swept doubles to earn a victory on the road at Oliver Ames. Senior Avalon Thomes battled through a three-set match to win at second singles (7-6 (7-5), 4-6, 11-9) and senior Anna Powers rolled to a 6-1, 6-0 win at third singles, while the doubles teams of Alexa Buliang and Genevieve Camile (first doubles, 6-2, 6-0) and Lilly Depoto and Julianne Love (second doubles, 6-4, 6-2) both won in straight sets. Oliver Ames’ earned a hard-fought win at first singles with Ada Visnauskis earning a 7-6 (7-5), 4-6, 11-9 victory.

For other results across the Hockomock League (subscription required)  

https://hockomocksports.com/fridays-schedule-scoreboard-03-27-26/

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

FHS representatives on the Hockomock League All Stars for Girls and Boys Basketball

Catching up to share the FHS representatives on the Hockomock League All Stars for Girls and Boys Basketball 

2026 Hockomock League Girls Basketball All Stars

Below are the official 2026 Hockomock League Girls Basketball All Stars, selected by the coaches in the league.

Kelley-Rex Division MVP

Morgan Tatum, King Philip

Davenport Division MVP

Avery Gamble, Oliver Ames

Hockomock League All Stars

• Brielle Nicholls, Franklin
• Tessah Rodrigues, Franklin

Honorable Mentions

• Ava Bonney, Franklin

FHS representatives on the Hockomock League All Stars for Girls and Boys Basketball

2026 Hockomock League Boys Basketball All Stars

Below are the official 2026 Hockomock League Boys Basketball All Stars, selected by the coaches in the league.

Kelley-Rex Division MVP

Connor Houle, Attleboro

Davenport Division MVP

Justin Grimaldi, Oliver Ames

Hockomock League All Stars

• Danny Santos, Franklin

Honorable Mentions

• Jack Sullivan, Franklin

Girls

https://hockomocksports.com/2026-hockomock-league-girls-basketball-all-stars/

Boys

https://hockomocksports.com/2026-hockomock-league-boys-basketball-all-stars/

FHS representatives on the Hockomock League All Stars for girls and boys hockey

Catching up to share the FHS representatives on the Hockomock League All Stars for girls and boys hockey.

 

2026 Hockomock League Girls Hockey All Stars

Below are the official 2026 Hockomock League Girls Hockey All Stars, selected by the coaches in the league.

Hockomock League MVP

Kiki Lynch, King Philip

Hockomock League All Stars

• Jenny McLaughlin, Franklin

Honorable Mentions

• Abby Trevino, Franklin

FHS representatives on the Hockomock League All Stars for girls and boys hockey

2026 Hockomock League Boys Hockey All Stars

Below are the official 2026 Hockomock League Boys Hockey All Stars, selected by the coaches in the league.

Kelley-Rex Division MVP

Jameson Vallarelli, Taunton

Davenport Division MVP

Teddy Shuman, Canton

Hockomock League All Stars

• Thomas Quinn, Franklin
• Drake McAlpine, Franklin

Honorable Mentions

• Rocco Lampasona, Franklin

Girls

https://hockomocksports.com/2026-hockomock-league-girls-hockey-all-stars/

Boys

https://hockomocksports.com/2026-hockomock-league-boys-hockey-all-stars/

Fallen Hero Recognitions for March & April 2026

Fallen hero schedule for the remainder of March & April 2026

March

30 – W. Franklin Lynch - WWI

April

9 – Joseph R. Paulette – Vietnam

9 – Russell W. Shaw – Vietnam

17 – John J. Kell – WWII

30 – John E. Pasquantonio – Vietnam

Complete schedule for year

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1tlyiAK18owM81p8aJs1vhKc3p2bIK1cv/view?usp=d

rive_link

Memorial Day Update via Franklin VFW Post 3402

Via the Franklin VFW Post 3402

Memorial Day Parade Route

"We’re less than 9 weeks until Memorial Day!

The parade will be held on Monday and follow the new route that was debuted last year. 

It will begin at 11:00 AM at the Franklin Middle School and travel up Oak/Daniel McCahill St to Union St to 140 to Emmons to Main ending back at the Town Common.

I am sorry to share that there will be no Franklin Public School bands in the parade this year due to budget cuts. We do have the Benjamin Franklin Charter School band playing and we’re supposed to have the National Guard Band that performed last year back this year (we’re very lucky)! 

We hope many veterans will join us to walk (or ride) in the parade. Those veterans with kids are welcome to have their kids walk with them!

Immediately following the parade’s conclusion will be the Memorial Day Ceremony at the Town Common. There will be additional sound speakers this year to help the audience hear what is being said. 

Looking forward to seeing everyone on May 25th!"

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/post3402/posts/pfbid0iwxaUY3ckJqFhjUg3PgZM2Vc62brFyZgZ18zGcpD7L67vHftH3h9SVaTMhY8JocJl

"Buddy The Brain" reading at Tatnuck Bookseller and Café in Westborough

Good morning, Buddy the Brain has been having fun at schools, conferences, libraries, and more! This Saturday, I will be at the Tatnuck Bookseller and Café in Westborough, MA for an author event. If you're local, come on by! There will be: book sales book signing book reading coloring pages illustration display brain injury resources author meet and greet There is also a café, so you can grab a drink and a treat while you hang out with us. Please spread the word, and hope to see you there!! -Ali and Buddy

Alison Rheaume | Franklin | Franklin, MA 02038 US

SAFE answers your question on anxiety & panic attacks

Each week, a SAFE Licensed Clinical Social Worker answers questions about mental health, substance use recovery, wellness, and more. 

SAFE answers your question
on anxiety & panic attacks

👇Check out this week’s Q&A!  

Q: What's the difference between anxiety and panic attacks?  

A: Symptoms of anxiety often build up over time and are more long-term (persistent worrying, restlessness, difficulty relaxing, trouble concentrating) while panic attacks occur suddenly and are much more intense.   

Anxiety often stems from a triggering situation while panic attacks are sudden, often described as "out of the blue." Panic symptoms often include racing heart, difficulty breathing, sweaty palms, stomachache, nausea, or fear of death, among others. They typically subside within 10–30 minutes while anxiety is more persistent. Assessing the length of time an episode lasts can be helpful in differentiating between anxiety and panic attacks. 

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Submit questions and view past answers at: https://www.safecoalitionma.org/ask-safe

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/1GEd1mSeGm/

Franklin Recreation has shared their 2026 Summer Brochure

"Good Afternoon,

We are excited to announce that the Franklin Recreation Summer 2026 Brochure is now available! (CLICK HERE)

Franklin Recreation has shared their 2026 Summer Brochure

Our summer lineup is packed with programs for all ages, including youth sports leagues, fitness programs, preschool activities, instructional classes, summer camp, and family-friendly opportunities designed to keep everyone active and engaged throughout the summer months.

Registration Information

• Walk-in and online registration for select summer programs begins Monday, April 6 at 8:30 AM.
• Online registration is available at franklinma.myrec.com.
• In-person registration can be completed at the Franklin Recreation Department, located at 235 Wachusett Street.

Programs are filled on a first-come, first-served basis, and many programs reach capacity quickly. We strongly encourage early registration to secure your spot.

We look forward to another great summer and hope you and your family will join us for a season full of fun, learning, and community connection.

If you have any questions, please contact the Recreation Department at (508) 613-1666 or email franklinrecreation@franklinma.gov.

Thank you for your continued support of Franklin Recreation.

Sincerely,

Franklin Recreation Department

235 Wachusett Street

Franklin, MA 02038"

Brochure link -  https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/8890/SUMMER-BROCHURE-2026?bidId=

Beaver St. Interceptor Project: Construction Updates ~ Monday (3/29) Through Thursday (4/2)

RT. 140 (West Central Street) Lane Closure Alert: Sunday Night (3/29) through Wednesday Morning (4/1), 7 PM to 5 AM and Thursday (4/2) 7 AM to 3 PM

Beaver St. Interceptor Project

The Contractor will continue installing the sewer force main within RT. 140 (West Central Street). The work will be contained within the southbound lane from Burger King to Beaver Street. During this time there will be evening lane closures on RT. 140. Please use caution when traveling in this area and follow all posted signs.

Beaver Street Pump Station

At the Franklin Recreation Center, construction of the new Beaver Street Interceptor Pump Station will continue with the installation and testing of internal building components and pumps.  Access to the recreation center will NOT be affected during this time.

Additional info on the project page - https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/557/Beaver-Street-Interceptor-BSI-Project

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule for Saturday, March 28, 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, March 27, 2026 ???

Friday, March 27

9:00am    Dean Women in Business (Dean College)

10:00am Knitting Group (Franklin Public Library)

1:00pm Thrifty Threads (Franklin Federated Church)

6:00pm Labyrinth Peace Walk (First Universalist Society Franklin)

6:00pm Paint Party (The Curry House)

7:00pm Karaoke Night (La Cantina Winery)

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

Note: Senior Center checking on why their events are suddenly being shown as "All Day". You can use the monthly newsletter for specific program/event times

*** NO  Town Meetings today   ***

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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

Save the Date: Women’s Health Expo - May 20, 2026 for Franklin, MA

The Town of Franklin Health Department invites residents to attend the Women's Health Expo on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, from 2 to 5 PM, at New England Chapel, 300 E. Central Street.

Save the Date: Women’s Health Expo -
May 20, 2026 for Franklin, MA

This indoor event is designed to educate, empower, and support women in taking charge of their health. Attendees will have access to health screenings, educational resources, giveaways, and local vendors offering information on preventive care, nutrition, fitness, and more.

A mobile mammography van from Dana-Farber Cancer Institute will also be on-site from 7 AM to 3:15 PM 

Please refer to the event flyers for additional details: Women's Health Expo & Mammogram Van Flyers

All are welcome to attend.

Download the flyer as a reminder or to share - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1V6UHPzYxz4J-zEheK72Y61SeecxETVvf/view?usp=drive_link

Massachusetts Says "No Kings" in Protests Across State March 28 (2 locations in Franklin)

Massachusetts Says "No Kings" in Protests Across State March 28

People in 130 Massachusetts cities and towns will rally against Trump administration abuses

On Saturday, March 28, Massachusetts residents will mobilize in Boston and more than 120 other cities and towns across the Commonwealth, joining millions around the nation and abroad in rallies against the Trump administration's authoritarian takeover of the United States. The events will be part of the nation's third and largest "No Kings Day," demonstrating an unequivocal belief by "we the people" that in a democracy, there is no king. 

The No Kings Boston rally is set for 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM on Saturday, March 28. It is organized by a coalition of Indivisible Mass Coalition, ACLU of Massachusetts, and Mass 50501.

In Franklin:

• 10:00 AM - Franklin Town Common
• 11:30 AM - i495/RT 140 Bridge Overpass

Massachusetts Says "No Kings" in Protests Across State March 28 (2 locations in Franklin)

Dozens of other local Indivisible groups and allies – from Pittsfield, Northampton, Lancaster, and Worcester to Framingham, Methuen, Lexington, and towns in southeastern Mass and the Cape – have also scheduled No Kings events during the morning and early afternoon of March 28. 

The nonviolent protests will range from major gatherings in town and city centers to standouts on highway overpasses.

Information on the growing list of No Kings events throughout the Commonwealth can be found on the map HERE and in list form HERE.

***

Why the NoKings Protests? History has shown that mass mobilization is vital to block authoritarianism from taking hold. The Trump administration is trying to shred the Constitution; the No Kings movement is an unequivocal statement that we, the people, will not let that happen. This will be the third global No Kings Day, and it's not just about protesting what's wrong—it's about building something better. We intend to show our power, build our power, and power a democracy that advances freedom, equality, justice, and dignity for all.

 All No Kings events adhere to a shared commitment to nonviolent protest and community safety. Organizers are trained in de-escalation and are working closely with local partners to ensure peaceful and powerful actions nationwide.      

Indivisible Mass Coalition (IMC) consists of more than 120 Indivisible groups and their allies across Massachusetts, working to improve democracy and support policies and legislation that improve equity and justice for everyone and that eliminate institutional racism. IMC helps to build, support, and amplify the network of Indivisible groups throughout Massachusetts and is committed to ensuring that people are informed, organized, motivated and have the necessary tools to engage in our democracy. IMC coordinates with Indivisible National to work on our shared goals for democracy in our country.