Friday, April 10, 2026

Catching UP: Town Council Quarterbacking - April 1 session (audio)

FM #1711 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1711 in the series. 


This session of the radio show shares our “Town Council Quarterbacking” with Town Councilor Max Morrongiello. We had our conversation in person at the Franklin TV & Radio Studios on Thursday, April 2, 2026. Our conversation condensed the Town Council meeting of Wednesday, April 1, 2026.


We focus on two questions:

  • ok, what just happened? 

  • What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?

We cover the following key topics

  • Multiple citizen comments; topics covered = Bellingham battery storage, PorchFest, Quatro Eroi celebration events, & School Committee update

  • Councilor comments

  • Recognition of Chloe Bowser, her essay was one of 12 selected for the commissioning of the new submarine USS Massachusetts 

  • 3 public hearings opened together for the MBTA zoning bylaw changes required to bring us to full compliance. Of note, to come into compliance while we did tweak our zoning to fit the requirements, we actually reduced the density that was already permitted for that area. All three proposals after clarification questions were answered moved to a second reading (likely April 15)

  • 1 public hearing on the technical changes to the current Crossing Neighborhood District. There were multiple items underway and as the zoning changed were being updated to the town code discrepancy were noted; some sections of a table were left out, some had been updated incorrectly. The changes were approved to move to second reading (also likely for April 15)

  • Water & sewer extension approved for an area of Union St (actually to allow the new 5 residence development approved for part of the blueberry farm land) to update the water infrastructure to enable the extension. Funding to be provided by the developer

  • Council entered into Executive Session for bargaining not to return to open meeting


The conversation runs about 15 minutes. Let’s listen in

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1711-town-council-quarterbacking-april-1-session-04-02-26/



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The Franklin TV video is available for replay - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N84cGZK_Ua4 


The agenda doc - https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04012026-2229  


My full set of notes in one PDF - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1jwviXzblwRVMwA3wkzuZcJlRE3tyZmsI/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"


Catching up: Town Council Quarterbacking for the Joint Session March 17, 2026 (audio)

 FM #1710 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1710 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares our “Town Council Quarterbacking” with Town Councilor Max Morrongiello. We had our conversation in person at the Franklin TV & Radio Studios on Monday, March 30, 2026. Our conversation condensed the Town Council meeting of Wednesday, March 17, 2026.


We focus on two questions:

  • ok, what just happened? 

  • What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?

We cover the following key topics

  • Presentation on the Chapter 70 Program - Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE)

  • Appointment to the Finance Committee: Tom Sullivan, Passes 8-0-1

  • Legislation for Action (all votes passed by 8-0-1)

    • Resolution 26-16: Approval for Request for Statements of Interest for Development of a Strategic Plan 

    • Resolution 26-17: Town Council’s Support of FY27 State Budget Priorities 

    • Resolution 26-18: Town Council Support for H. 4297, An Act relative to the Lowell Mason Act to mandate a percentage of Chapter 70 funds for Arts Education Programs 

    • Resolution 26-19: Request for Special Legislation Re: Increase in Local (Hotel) Excise Tax


The conversation runs about 25 minutes. Let’s listen in

Audio link - 
https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1710-town-council-quarterbacking-march-17-session-03-30-26/




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Franklin TV video is available for replay - https://www.youtube.com/live/vMw9RSzLJGI?&t=70 


The agenda doc - https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03182026-2193  


Photos of the slides presented in one album - https://photos.app.goo.gl/WrHjvm6PcK5z2SPq6 


The DESE presentation is available - 

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1ZXyBdwq4EvQANLOM5qceeoId0ssrKQPU/edit?usp=drive_link&ouid=101938843903614700481&rtpof=true&sd=true


My notes in one PDF document - https://drive.google.com/file/d/17c0hL9XH3aIn4vXRq8daYRfGFS3HPriQ/view?usp=drive_link 


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


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"


FHS baseball tops Foxboro on Thursday

Via Instagram, Franklin TV, and our subscription to HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the Spring sports competition for Franklin High School on Thursday, April  9, 2026


Baseball = Foxboro, 4 @ Franklin, 5 – Final 
– Foxboro rallied for two runs in the top of the seventh inning but the tying run was tagged out at home for the final out of the game as Franklin held on for the win. A bloop single from senior Sean Kryzak brought in a pair of runs in the bottom of the fifth inning to break a tie game and put the Panthers ahead 4-2. An inning later, sophomore Ethan Herndon came through with a two-out RBI single to left to plate Drake McAlpine (2-for-3) to push the Panthers’ lead to 5-2 going into the seventh. Nick Hardiman (HBP) and Keegan O’Driscoll (single) reached with one out in the top of the seventh, and a base hit from Harrison Lamson scored the former to make it 5-3. Aidan Stow reached on a two-out error to bring O’Driscoll home and put the tying run on second, but right fielder Owen Pennini took a base hit from Brayden Jones and fired one to catcher Joey Goguen for the tag at home to secure the win. Senior Brady Short picked up the win in relief, giving up just one hit in 2.1 scoreless innings, striking out one. Owen Lewis also tossed a scoreless inning in relief and Jacoby Brown, who took over with one out in the seventh, got the save. Matt O’Keefe went 2-for-2 with a run scored for Foxboro.



Softball = Franklin, 8 @ Foxboro, 14 – Final 
– Foxboro scored seven runs in the bottom of the first before recording an out, then added three more in each of the next two innings to secure a bounce-back win over Franklin. In the first, Ruby Klos led off with a single and Mackenzie Crockford bunted for a hit. An error allowed one run to score and Mia Flanagan plated two with a single to center. Freshman Anna Patterson followed with a hit and Olivia Jaworski’s bunt hit scored another run. Sydney Lamson added an RBI with a bunt and another error made it 7-0. With two outs in the second, Patterson lined a double to left center and stole third. Jaworski walked and Lamson singled in a run before Emma Fisler brought in two with a triple to right. Franklin scored three in the third, as Sophia Sacramone singled in freshman Phoebe O’Connor and senior Addi Weiss before scoring on a wild pitch. The Warriors answered right back in the bottom half, scoring a pair of unearned runs and getting a third on a double by Jaworski. Franklin kept hanging around. Brooke Bonetti walked and stole second and home. Weiss reached on an infield hit and scored on a single from Sacramone. Brooke Gatewood drove in a pair with a double to cut the deficit to 13-7. In the fifth, Bonetti doubled, moved to third on a hit by O’Connor, and scored on an RBI-groundout from Weiss, but Foxboro got the run right back when Jaworski reached on an error, stole third, and scored on a passed ball. Patterson went the distance to get the win, striking out seven.



For other results across the Hockomock League (subscription required)
https://hockomocksports.com/thursdays-schedule-scoreboard-04-09-26/


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

Antiques Appraisal Benefit Event Scheduled for May 9 in Franklin

Residents of Franklin and surrounding communities are invited to discover the history and value of their antiques at a special Antiques Appraisal Event to benefit the museum, scheduled for Saturday, May 9, in Franklin.

The event will offer local residents an opportunity to bring antiques, collectibles, heirlooms, and unusual items to be evaluated by a highly experienced appraiser, James C. Johnston. Items may include artwork, coins, jewelry, books, documents, military items (but no guns, please!), toys, advertising items, and historical memorabilia. Verbal appraisals will be provided, along with general information about the item’s age, origin, and current market interest.

This ever-popular event is designed for anyone who has ever wondered about items found in attics, basements, or inherited from family members. Organizers say many people are often surprised to learn what ordinary-looking items can be worth, while other items turn out to have fascinating historical stories even if they are not highly valuable.

Event Details:
  • Saturday, May 9 - 1-5 PM
  • Franklin Historical Museum
  • 80 West Central St., Franklin, MA

Cost: $10 for 1 item, or 3 for $25 
Senior Citizen Discount (65+, $5 for 1 item and $10.00 for 3 items  

No appointment is necessary. For more information, contact alan.r.earls@gmail.com.

This event is open to the public.

Registration open for new before and after care program, "Little Solutions"

Registration open for new before and after care program, "Little Solutions"
Registration open for new before and
after care program, "Little Solutions"
If your pre-schooler will be at ECDC Pond Street next year, consider signing up for the new before and after care program, "Little Solutions", from Lifelong Learning.

Go to tinyurl.com/mr3nc6pj for more information.




2026 Craft Fair scheduled for November 14 at Tri-County


Our 2026 Craft Fair will be held on November 14, 9am-3pm, at Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical School. The application to our juried craft fair is now available. All participants from last year should have an email with the application and contract attached.

If you'd like to participate this year and were not in our fair last fall, please download the application and contract. The deadline to be included in the jury process is July 10th.


Any questions please email us at rotarycluboffranklinma@gmail.com or send a DM to this page. Do not respond to any messages with any individuals, if anyone is contacting you and asking for online payment, they are a scammer. We will only communicate via our official email address or through this page, and we only accept checks for payment with a mailed application to our PO Box.

Please note that our Craft Fair is for handmade items only. We do not accept MLM companies or other resellers, the person listed on the application must be in attendance, no sales reps are allowed. Please review the materials carefully and be sure to include all required information on your application, including email address, and payment for the booth space and any extras (tables, electricity).

Photographs are required and should follow the guidelines set forth on the application and contract.  Missing information may result in us not being able to consider you for one of our spots so please take your time with this. We will be jurying during the last weeks of July and will send out acceptances in August.



Franklin Art Association Spring Art Show at Norfolk Public Library - Reception, April 11 from 3 to 5 PM

Announcing the Franklin Art Association Spring Art Show!

The FAA Spring Art Show, featuring work by our talented artists working in a range of media, is now open at the Norfolk Public Library.  It will run from April 4 to May 1 and as always is free and open to the public.

The show will be judged and ribbons awarded in the various categories.  In addition, on the day of the reception an award voted by the guests visiting the show will be given as the “People’s Favorite” Award. 


We cordially  invite you to attend our Opening Reception at the Norfolk Library Gallery area on Saturday, April 11 from 3-5 PM.  The Library is located at 138 Main Street, Norfolk Center.  We hope you will join us to enjoy the great artwork, enjoy some refreshments and meet our artists!

📅 Exhibition Dates: April 4 – May 1

🎉 Opening Reception: Saturday, April 11, 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM

📍 Location: Norfolk Public Library, 138 Main Street, Norfolk Center


Inaugural Eddie Grant Classic Kickball Tournament - June 14

Inaugural Eddie Grant Classic Kickball Tournament
Presented by Franklin Fathers

Join us for the **first-ever Eddie Grant Classic Kickball Tournament**, a fun-filled community event bringing families, friends, and local businesses together for a day of friendly competition and fundraising. This double-elimination tournament will feature teams from across the community competing for bragging rights, a trophy, and prizes — all while supporting local causes and celebrating community spirit.

Who Was Eddie Grant?
Eddie Grant was a Franklin native, Major League Baseball player, Dean- and Harvard-educated attorney, and World War I soldier who exemplified leadership, service, and community spirit. After volunteering for military service during WWI, he was killed in action in 1918 while assisting wounded soldiers. His legacy reflects teamwork, sacrifice, and dedication to something greater than oneself — values we aim to honor through this community-focused event.
🗓 **Date:** June 14, 2026
⏰ **Time:** 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM


Tournament Details
* Double elimination format (8 teams max)
* 5-inning games
* 30-minute time limit (revert to last full inning if time expires)
* Played using official kickball rules

Team Composition
* Minimum of 10 players per team
* At least **3 kids (ages 12–17)**
* At least **3 women (age 17+)**

💲 **Registration Cost:** $200 per team
🏆 **Prize:** Trophy & prize for 1st place team

More Than Just Kickball!

This is a full community event with something for everyone:
* 🎟 Day-of raffles featuring prizes & baskets from local businesses
* 💰 50/50 raffle (proceeds benefiting the VFW)
* 🚚 Food trucks on-site
* 🏰 Kids activities including bounce house & face painting
* 🥤 Light refreshments available for purchase

Volunteers Needed
We’re also looking for volunteers to help with day-of tasks such as setup, scorekeeping, raffles, and cleanup. If you’re interested in helping, please reach out!

Bring your team, bring your family, and come enjoy a great day of community, competition, and fun. Spots are limited to **8 teams**, so register early!

More details and registration information coming soon.


Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule for Friday, April 10, 2026

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:

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule for Friday
Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule for Friday

8:00 AM, 1:00 PM, and 6:00 PM - Franklin Matters Radio – Steve Sherlock covering Franklin, its local government, services, and events 


9:00 AM, 2:00 PM, and 7:00 PM

10:00 AM, 3:00 PM, and 8:00 PM - Talkin’ the Blues – Jim Derick & Nick Remissong. 2 hours of awesome blues music, info, interviews  Showcasing the "Blues" as a basis for and influence of Country, Jazz and Rock and Roll, here and worldwide.


11:00 AM, 4:00 PM, and 9:00 PM - “The Vibe” show plays music for everyone searching for some enjoyment, some dance, a happy or thinking mood, and most importantly, having fun.  Tune in to wfpr.fm and listen to “DJ Vibe” spin music across many genres and join this new vibing experience


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

Franklin TV schedule for Friday, April 10, 2026 (Your local Public, Education & Government "PEG" station)

  • Franklin All Access TV - Our Public Access Channel (Comcast 6, Verizon 26) = FRIDAY

7:00 am Franklin Art Association: Katie Kindilien
8:30 am Frank Presents: Jason Poulos
10:00 am Aging Boldfully: Jenn Goebel
11:00 am Senior Connection: Kitchen Gadgets Pt. 2
12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin: Meatballs
12:30 pm Cooking with Linda: Breakfast
1:30 pm     Pizzapalooza: Margherita Pizza
2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Summer 2019 Show 1
3:00 pm Candlepin New Generation: Show 3
3:30 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Referee Shortage 2
4:30 pm The Black Box: A Magical Night of Disney Classics
5:30 pm Metrowest Summit: World Cup 02-26-26
9:00 pm Circle of Friends: Garnet Rogers

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

7:00 am FHS Winter Music: Chorus and Orchestra
8:30 am Metrowest Symposium: Equity & Access in Arts & Culture
9:30 am Jazz Cafe 03-06-26
11:00 am United Methodist Church: Lola Richardson
2:00 pm Lifelong Music: Strings School 01-22-25
4:00 pm FHS Varsity Baseball v Durfee 06-01-25
8:30 pm Franklin Footlighters: High School Musical Jr.

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


8:00 am Zoning Board of Appeals 03-05-26
2:00 pm Zoning Board of Appeals 03-05-26


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