Friday, February 28, 2025

Franklin Art Association meeting & Guest Demo by Chris West - location changed to Historical Museum

The Franklin Art Association invites the public to our Wednesday, March 5th meeting. We will greet Guest Demo-Artist, Christine West, our collage painter for this month’s public demonstration. She will be giving a talk about her work and a step by step demonstration of her collage production technique. She creates monotypes and mixed-media collages using acrylic mediums, inks, photography and various papers. Her work has been inspired by modern architecture, the textures of nature, mid-century style and science-fiction. She’s particularly moved by Abstract Expressionism and collages of the mid-century type. 
Guest Demo-Artist, Christine West
Guest Demo-Artist, Christine West

In 2015, she enrolled in classes at the Holliston Mills where she focused on painting city and abstract landscapes. Under the present day instruction of Paula DeSimone, she’s undertaken various medium painting, printing and drawing. She continues currently following DeSimone’s tutelage at the Danforth Art Museum. Her work can be seen at True Grit Gallery in Middleboro, MA. And she has exhibited in ‘Member shows” at Attleboro Arts Museum, Hopkington Art Center and the Morini Gallery. 

The free-to-the-public-meetings are held at the Franklin Historical Museum* at 6:30 PM. FAA welcomes the public to attend. Refreshments are served at the break. We have an on-going FAA Scholarship Fund to which attendees are invited to contribute. 

The FAA is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, the Franklin Cultural Council, Franklin Cultural District and www.franklinart.org. And we can be viewed on Facebook and Instagram. 

*Note - change in location this time due to scheduled repairs at the Franklin Senior Center.

The Garden Club presents "Hydrangea Ps and Qs" at Library on Tuesday, March 4

The Franklin Garden Club, in partnership with the Franklin Public Library, will offer a talk on Hydrangea Ps and Qs on Tuesday, March 4, at 7:00 PM at the Franklin Library located at 118 Main Street, Franklin, MA. 

The Garden Club presents "Hydrangea Ps and Qs" at Library on Tuesday, March 4
The Garden Club presents "Hydrangea Ps and Qs"
The program is open to the public at no charge.

Hydrangea Ps and Qs Covers Planting, pH, Pruning, Problems and audience questions. The program will be presented by Lifetime Master Gardener Kathie Skinner and will address common issues related to growing beautiful hydrangeas, including when and how to plant; how to raise or lower the soil PH to control bloom color; when and how to prune hydrangea that bloom on old wood and new wood; and common fungal problems and pests. 

There will also be an opportunity to ask questions.




Police Station Building Commitee gets an update from the Project team and starts to set dates for site visits (audio)

FM #1389 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1389 in the series. 


This session shares the audio of the Police Station Building Committee (PSBC) meeting on Tuesday, Feb 25, 2025. This is the first meeting of 2025. The full project team, OPM, and architects provided an overview of the process and what next steps were starting. 


Quick recap:

  • Discussion on how many 3 or 4 open houses for public to visit the station to see the existing conditions and need for new space

  • Discussion on how many site visits to other new police facilities, likely 3 so at least the committee members could try and make at least 2 of the 3

  • Presentation on template of project webpage, still in draft, discussion around what to add to it 

  • Discussion around the video walk through to be coordinated by Steve Sherlock/Franklin TV. Would enable residents who can’t make the open houses to still see the situation. 

  • Discussion on 3 sites, one just rose along Grove St but won’t be considered further as it is too small. Davis Thayer and Parmenter remain currently under evaluation

  • Town administrator Jamie Hellen made a clear statement on the deed for the Parmenter property that nothing in it prohibits another use. The requirement at the time was to build a school within 3 years, and that was completed. There were no penalties or clawbacks in the deed in case the conditions weren’t met

  • Not likely to meet again as a committee until summer time. The OPM, architects, etc have work to do gathering info and developing the initial concepts before having something for the committee to review and weigh in on 

The recording run about an hour and 10 minutes Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1389-police-station-bldg-cmte-02-25-25/



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


Franklin TV video of the meeting -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IWC6PbFTu0s 


Meeting agenda ->   

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02252025-1601 


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

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"


Police Station Building Committee Agenda for Feb 25 meeting at 7 PM
Police Station Building Committee Agenda for Feb 25 meeting at 7 PM

Both FHS girls and boys basketball teams win on Thursday to advance in playoffs

Via Twitter, Franklin TV, and our subscription to HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the Winter sports competition for Franklin High School on Thursday, February 27, 2025


Girls Basketball = Division 1
#24 Taunton, 27 @ #9 Franklin, 45 – Final

Franklin TV video is available for replay -> 

Josh Perry || HockomockSports.com Managing Editor provides the game recap: 
Taunton got off to the perfect start in Thursday evening’s Div. 1 tournament opener at Franklin. The Tigers had the hosts completely out of sync offensively and on the other end of the floor senior forward Jillian Doherty came out flying with nine points and an assist on classmate Chelsea Bousquet’s three.

After one quarter, Taunton (10-11) was leading 12-4 and the home crowd was already getting nervous about the possibility of a first round exit.

Doherty picked up her third foul inside the opening minute of the second quarter, was forced to sit for seven minutes, and the Tigers never recovered. After scoring 12 in the first, Taunton managed only 15 points for the rest of the game. Franklin’s offense finally found some rhythm in the second half (including six made threes) and the Panthers pulled away for a 45-27 win.
Continue reading the recap (subscription required)

For a photo gallery from this game (subscription required) 




Boys Basketball = Division 1
#32 Shrewsbury, 49 @ #1 Franklin, 86 – Final

 Josh Perry || HockomockSports.com Managing Editor provides the game recap:

"Franklin head coach CJ Neely has been trying to manage expectations for his team all season. The Panthers have become one of the most consistent programs in Div. 1, were coming off a trip to the state title game, and earned the top seed in the tournament this winter, but with only two players back who got consistent minutes last season, Franklin had relatively little playoff experience on its roster.

Turns out, the new guys were ready to go.

Franklin came flying out of the gates in Thursday night’s opening round visit from Shrewsbury. The Panthers scored the game’s first 25 points, scored 56 in the first half, and rolled to a dominant 86-49 victory and a return to the Sweet Sixteen."
Continue reading the recap (subscription required)

For a photo gallery from this game (subscription required)


For other results across the Hockomock League (subscription required)
FHS Panther sports results shared via Twitter & subscription to HockomockSports.com
FHS Panther sports results shared via Twitter & subscription to HockomockSports.com

Registration for the High School Experience for the FHS Class of 2029 is open (video)

Attention FHS Class of 2029: Join us at the HSE August 5 & 6. 
Register at https://t.co/DqlvmzxqTA 

@RMS_Remdawgs @HMMSLightning @sullythehusky @FranklinHS @FPSLearning @FHSPantherbook @FranklinMatters @FranklinPSNews @FPSHealthPE @franklinpolice
 
Video link -> https://t.co/Ia4nsVW6eQ


Senator Rausch Tapped as Senate Chair of Environment and Local Gov. Committees

State Senator Becca Rausch has been tapped by Senate President Karen Spilka to lead not one but two policy committees that likely will see significant legislation move through their subject areas this term, including proposals directly from Governor Healey. 

Senator Rausch Tapped as Senate Chair of Environment and Local Gov. Committees
Senator Rausch Tapped as Senate Chair
of Environment and Local Gov. Committees

Senator Rausch was reappointed as Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources, her third consecutive term at the helm, which should receive an anticipated environmental bond bill from the Governor once filed. Senator Rausch also returns as Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government, which she led during her first term and the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, thrusting the committee's work into the spotlight in order to ensure local governments could continue to function. Governor Healey has already refiled her Municipal Empowerment Act, proposing changes to local procurement rules, local taxation options, hybrid access to public meetings, and more. 

"I am deeply honored and proud to chair not one but two legislative committees for the Massachusetts Senate this term, and truly grateful to Senate President Karen Spilka for her confidence in my leadership and policy-shaping skills and experience," said Senator Becca Rausch. "The Environmental Committee's work on plastic reduction, water, wetlands, air, trees, pesticides, environmental justice, and more is critical to achieving our climate action goals, and increasingly important as the federal administration slashes the EPA's budget and turns its back on environmental protection. Likewise, the work of the Municipalities Committee impacts every town and city in the entire Commonwealth and provides a significant opportunity to empower our local government partners, improve efficiency, and enhance access to public bodies and resources. These positions carry responsibility to help mold legislation and policy that directly impact our families, businesses, and communities, and I look forward to the important work ahead." 

Rausch is one of only four Senators to chair two joint committees this session. She will also serve as Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on the Census, her second consecutive term in that position, and as a member of five additional Joint Committees: Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities; Election Laws; Revenue; State Administration and Regulatory Oversight; and Tourism, Arts and Cultural Development

What do you do when you see a Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon?

What do you do when you see a Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon?
What do you do when you see a Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon? 
"What to do when encountering a #PedestrianHybridBeacon: 

🔴Drivers, slow down on yellow & STOP on solid red. Proceed with caution ONLY if crosswalk is clear on flashing red. 

🚸Pedestrians, wait for WALK signal before crossing, same as at all other crossings." https://t.co/14EFY5DVwZ


Shared from ->   https://x.com/MassDOTSafety/status/1894770910726348872



Economic blackout day today, first of several planned

WHEN:
Thursday February 27th from Midnight till Friday The 28th Midnight 
(A full 24 hours of the 28th)  12:00 AM to 12:00 AM


WHAT NOT TO DO:
Do not make any purchases
Do not shop online, or in-store
No Amazon, No Walmart, No Best Buy
Nowhere!

Do not spend money on:
Fast Food
Gas
Major Retailers
Do not use Credit or Debit Cards for non essential spending


WHAT YOU CAN DO:
Only buy essentials of absolutely necessary 
(Food, Medicine, Emergency Supplies)
If you must spend, ONLY support small, local businesses.


SPREAD THE MESSAGE
Talk about it, post about it, and document your actions that day!


WHY THIS MATTERS!
~ Corporations and banks only care about their bottom line.
~ If we disrupt the economy for just ONE day, it sends a powerful message.
~ If they don't listen (they wont) we make the next blackout longer (We will)

Go directly to the organizer's web age ->  https://thepeoplesunionusa.com/

Economic blackout day today, first of several planned
Economic blackout day today, first of several planned


Social Security Announces Expedited Retroactive Payments and Higher Monthly Benefits for Millions

Today (02/25/25), the Social Security Administration announced it is immediately beginning to pay retroactive benefits and will increase monthly benefit payments to people whose benefits have been affected by the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO).

– Actions Support the Social Security Fairness Act
Actions Support the Social Security Fairness Act
These provisions reduced or eliminated the Social Security benefits for over 3.2 million people who receive a pension based on work that was not covered by Social Security (a “non-covered pension”) because they did not pay Social Security taxes.

Continued reading the announcement on the Social Security page

Tax Time Guide: Use Where’s My Refund? tool to track refund status via IRS

As millions of people file their 2024 tax returns, the Internal Revenue Service today reminded taxpayers to use the Where’s My Refund? tool on IRS.gov to confirm receipt of their return and track a refund.

Tax Time Guide: Use Where’s My Refund? tool to track refund status via IRS
Tax Time Guide: Use Where’s My Refund? tool
Taxpayers who file electronically can typically use the Where’s My Refund? tool to check the status of a tax refund within 24 hours of filing. It takes about four weeks for the same information to be available for those filing paper returns.

The tool is available 24/7, and is a fast, easy way for taxpayers to get information about a refund without needing to call the IRS. The tool also allows taxpayers to access information about returns from tax years 2024, 2023 and 2022.

The online tool is mobile-friendly and can be accessed through the IRS2Go mobile app, where users also can find free tax help and make payments.

Continue reading abbout the Where's My Refund? tool at the IRS ->

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule for Friday, Feb 28, 2025

  • wfpr.fm or 102.9 on the FM dial = Friday
Time/DayFriday
7:00 AM12:00 Noon5:00 PMJazz
8:00 AM1:00 PM6:00 PMFM News - Sherlock
9:00 AM2:00 PM7:00 PMTalking Blues - Derick/Remissong
10:00 AM3:00 PM8:00 PMTalking Blues - Derick/Remissong
11:00 AM4:00 PM9:00 PM "The Vibe"


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

  • This segment features Part 2 of 2 of the Talk Franklin episode on hot topics around development here in Franklin.    https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/02/jamie-leads-group-on-5-hot-topics-in.html

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


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



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

Franklin TV schedule for Friday, Feb 28, 2025

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

7:00 am Vera Meyer: Glass Harmonica
8:30 am Frank Presents: Michael Soter & Jeff Roy
10:00 am Riffing on Main Street: Michael Walker Jones
11:00 am Senior Connection: Disabilities Commission
12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin': Peppers
12:30 pm Cooking with Linda: Monkey Bread
1:30 pm Pizzapalooza: Margherita Pizza
2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Summer '19 Show 2
3:00 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Student Athletes Pt 2 01-16-25
7:00 pm Second Sunday Speaker Series: Freedom Trail
8:30 pm Veterans' Call: Robert Pierson
9:30 pm Shelley Otis: Harpist

  • Franklin Pride TV - Our Educational Channel        (Comcast 8, Verizon 28) = FRIDAY
7:00 am Public School Event: Remington Winter Music 2022
8:30 am Mental Health: Diane Plouffe & Jamie Barrett
9:30 am All-Town Showcase 2024: Band
11:00 am FHS Girls Varsity Hockey v Canton 02-05-25
1:00 pm Lifelong Music: Band & Elementary Glee
2:00 pm Hockomock League Swim Championships Day 1 2025
5:30 pm Universe of Adolescent Sleep
8:30 pm FHS Theater Company: Legally Blonde

  • Franklin Town Hall TV - Our Government Channel (Comcast 9, Verizon 29) =  FRIDAY
8:00 am  Zoning Board of Appeals 01-30-25
2:00 pm  Zoning Board of Appeals 01-30-25

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

Thursday, February 27, 2025

School Committee Legislative Forum - Feb 24, 2025 (audio)

FM #1388 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1388 in the series. 


This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee Legislative Forum held on Monday, Feb 24, 2025. The Forum was held in the FHS Lecture Hall and broadcast via cable, Zoom, and to YouTube by Franklin TV. The audio of that recording is available here as a podcast. 


School Committee Chair Dave Callaghan was host, welcomed Superintendent Lucas Giguere who provided a briefing on the school redistricting and school budget.


Chair Callaghan turned to the legislative delegation, Senator Becca Rausch and State Representative Jeff Roy for their opening remarks before getting into some prepared questions. After the prepared questions, the audience was allowed to ask questions or make comments.


The recording runs about 1 hour & 55 minutes, so let’s listen in. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1388-school-cmte-legislative-forum-02-24-25/


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


The Franklin TV video is available for replay here -> 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VuUN6giRqc0 


The agenda doc can be found -> 

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02242025-1582 


My full set of notes taken during the meeting can be found in one PDF ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1pX-uJFiDmOih9nE4vdq9QSr7qeGlQwQH/view?usp=drive_link 


Photos taken during the event -> 

https://photos.app.goo.gl/821vCMxw7Br6KakP8 


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


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"


School Superintendent Lucas Giguere
School Superintendent Lucas Giguere