Franklin Police Investigating report of shots fired

FPD Investigating report of shots fired

On Wednesday, April 9, 2025 at approximately 9:10 PM a resident reported hearing gunshots in the area of 758 Union Street in Franklin and called the police.

Upon arrival officers could not find anyone in the area however they recovered shell casings in the area. Officers checked with all residents in the area and it was determined that no one was hurt and no damage was found to any property.

The case is currently being investigated by the Franklin Police Detective Unit. No additional information or interviews will be released at this time.

Shared from the Franklin Police Dept Press Release ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1uIqSKtZZ_E38tzFf2yDPHbmmObZkRs1X/view?usp=drive_link

 

The Boston Typewriter Orchestra coming to Franklin Saturday to play at the Library. Yes, you read that correctly!

Saturday, April 12 at 3:00 PM

The Franklin Cultural District is thrilled to support the Franklin Public Library in bringing the Boston Typewriter Orchestra to town!

Through the Franklin Cultural District Community Investment Grants, we provided funding to help make this unique and exciting performance possible.

The Boston Typewriter Orchestra blends music, rhythm, and a touch of nostalgia, transforming classic typewriters into percussion instruments for an unforgettable show.

This collaboration highlights our commitment to fostering innovative arts and cultural experiences in Franklin. Get ready to experience creativity in action! 

 

Saturday, April 12 at 3:00 PM

FHS girls & boys lacrosse top Taunton on Thursday (video)

Via Twitter, Franklin TV, and our subscription to HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the Spring sports competition for Franklin High School on Thursday, April 10, 2025

Boys Lacrosse = Taunton, 0 @ Franklin, 18 – Final
– Senior Jack O’Connor and sophomore Charlie Ballarino each scored four goals to lead Franklin to a big league win at home over visiting Taunton. Thomas Quinn and Seamus Conlan each tacked on two goals and both Drew McCarthy and Flynn Baker secured four ground balls.


Franklin TV video of the game -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XQkDmYG_b8M

Girls Lacrosse = Franklin, 18 @ Taunton, 1 – Final

 

For other results across the Hockomock League (subscription required)

https://hockomocksports.com/thursdays-schedule-scoreboard-04-10-25/

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

 

Early Childhood Development Center now enrolling for September 2025

From the ECDC Principal, Kimberly Taylor:

 

Early Childhood Development Center now enrolling for September 2025

 

Visit the ECDC web page for more info and to enroll ->

https://www.franklinps.net/o/ecdc/page/now-enrolling

 

NE Revolution unified soccer tryouts - Sunday, April 13

NE Revolution unified soccer tryouts - Sunday, April 13

 

 

Registration link -> www.specialolympicsma.org/tryout 

 

 

 

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/DIPABl1JBIa/

 

 

Franklin Public Schools Receive $5,000 Grant to Continue Visiting Author Program

Superintendent Lucas Giguere and Horace Mann Middle School Reading Specialist Erin O'Leary are proud to share that Franklin Public Schools have been awarded a $5,000 grant from the Franklin Cultural Council to continue the visiting author program.

"I want to thank the Franklin Cultural Council for such a generous donation that will allow us to continue the visiting author program," O'Leary said. "With their help, we can continue promoting engaging and hands-on reading curriculum that unites the three middle schools in a unique and exciting way."

Author Steve Sheinkin presents to the Remington Middle School student body. (Photo Courtesy Franklin Public Schools)

The three Franklin middle schools have a long-standing tradition of welcoming highly engaging young adult authors. The program was originally a schoolwide initiative at Horace Mann Middle School but spread to all three middle schools in 2019.

The visiting author program is built around contemporary authors whose books are popular, engaging, and speak to the middle school experience. Reading specialists collaborate with publishers, school and district administrators, the Franklin Public Library, and Plainville bookstore An Unlikely Story to select an author whose work aligns with Franklin's core values and curriculum. Previous authors include Aisha Saeed, Jordan Sonnenblick and Steve Sheinkin.

In recent years, the middle school visiting author experience has been a three-day residency. The author spends a full day at each middle school presenting to the student body, signing books, answering questions, and hosting small group writing and reading sessions. There is also an evening event for community members, allowing families to meet the author and share a common experience with their students.

The visiting author's work is woven into the curriculum leading up to the visit. Their books are used for summer reading, purchased for classroom libraries, and chosen for read-alouds. Teachers utilize the author's books to teach lessons regarding figurative language, dialogue, paragraph structure, and other skills.

Given the scope of this endeavor, the schools seek multiple funding sources to sustain the program. O'Leary has been awarded a grant to finance part of the experience for the last several years. And thanks to the Franklin Cultural Council's grant, the visiting author program will continue in the 2025-26 school year.

"The visiting author program has become an integral part of the middle school curriculum," Superintendent Giguere said. "It promotes literacy development and connections within our school community and across the district and town. We are very grateful to the Franklin Cultural Council and thank them for their donation. Thanks to them, we can continue our tradition of encouraging a love of reading through dynamic programs such as this one."

An Exploration of French Wines - April 24 at Franklin Liquor

Join us for an immersive sit-down tasting and educational event in the intimate wine room at Franklin Liquors, hosted by the passionate and knowledgeable Vincent Mareel.

Embark on a journey through the diverse and captivating world of French wines. Vincent will guide you through a curated selection of classic French styles, sharing his expertise and enthusiasm for the unique terroir and winemaking traditions of France.

An Exploration of French Wines - April 24 at Franklin Liquor

During this engaging session, you will have the opportunity to taste and explore:

• The Versatility of Sauvignon Blanc: Discover three distinct expressions of this celebrated white grape, showcasing the regional nuances and stylistic variations found across France
• Classic French Rosé: Experience the elegance and refreshing character of a quintessential French rosé, perfect for any occasion
• Elegant Pinot Noir: Delve into the delicate aromas and nuanced flavors of French Pinot Noir, a benchmark for this beloved grape
• The Majesty of Red Bordeaux: Explore the structure, complexity, and age-worthiness of renowned Red Bordeaux blends, understanding the different appellations and their characteristics

Come and discover the passion Vincent Mareel has for French wines as you taste, learn, and expand your palate in a relaxed and informative setting. This is a fantastic opportunity for both seasoned wine enthusiasts and those new to the world of French wine to deepen their appreciation and understanding.
Limited seating is available, so reserve your spot today!

About Vincent:

Vincent Mareel, French born, living in Lille and south of France. He began his US career in Washington, DC with twelve years in the food and wine scene in DC catering to residence and patrons on Capitol Hill. He continued in DC representing both French and prestigious American wines in the DC Metropolitan area, working with elite country clubs and restaurants. Today he has worked for Luneau USA representing the Group Castel as leader in French wines, for 15 years, as well as wineries all over Europe (Italy, Spain, Portugal).

Tickets - $5 at -> https://www.meetup.com/franklin-wine-club/events/307167111/

Bi-County Collaborative Staff Engage in Professional Development, Build Community and Recognize the Importance of Working Together as a Team

Under the banner of “Building Our Community,” Bi-County Collaborative (BICO) staff gathered for the organization’s 2025 Professional Development Day at the Eleanor N. Johnson Middle School on Friday, March 28, providing a vital opportunity to reflect on the importance of working as a team, teaching each other best practices and even having some fun together.

Professional Development Day 2025 was not simply a day away from the classroom to listen to seminars, it was a chance to foster community and a culture of positivity. The Professional Development Day activities emphasized effective communication, personal growth and teamwork.

Bi-County Collaborative

“At BICO, we work with students with a variety of complex issues. Working seamlessly as a team is imperative to optimizing the supports we have in place to provide the maximum benefit possible to our students,” said BICO Executive Director Jeanne Sullivan. “The team-building activities, presentations and training sessions that our staff took part in during our Professional Development Day were all designed to help contribute toward this essential goal.”

After a continental breakfast and coffee, the Professional Development Day invited staff to engage collaboratively in a dynamic presentation and Q&A session, featuring Sara Young, a lifetime user of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). Staff got to hear first-hand about the challenges that their students are facing and how they can best engage, empower and educate them.

The bottom line, Young said, is the need to always "treat people like real people" and to remain patient with students. For example, Young suggested that teachers, paraprofessionals, and others should ask a student to repeat a statement instead of guessing or assuming based on a response that seems unclear.

"Be forgiving," Young said, noting that some of her text-to-speech messages have unintentionally come across as rude. “Don't guess or assume because you feel bad. It is important to be patient, flexible, and most of all to be kind."

Ann Buckley, Professional Development and Curriculum Specialist, said this professional development day is an example of why working in a supportive, collaborative environment like BICO is so important for employees and students.

"This day really offered our employees many opportunities to collaborate, learn new things and better meet the needs of their individual roles," Buckley said. "BICO really values our staff, and has made it a goal to support our growth and collaboration. As an employee, that feels really good, to feel that I’m valued, have a voice, and that I can continue to grow in a collaborative, supportive environment."

Staff members then broke into smaller groups for team-building activities, including “escape rooms” that challenged participants to work together to solve puzzles. One challenge, “Master Schedule Mayhem,” called on teachers, paraprofessionals and administrators to communicate and collaborate in order to fit all their activities onto a master schedule, with a poster board listing all the time slots and index cards representing academics, staff meetings and extracurricular activities.

“Having been in multiple roles over the last 18 years at BICO, this helps them to better understand what goes into a day’s planning,” said Ben Giuffrida, Principal and Program Director for BICO. “For the paraprofessionals, it helps them see more about what the teacher’s responsibilities are. From the teacher’s perspective, it helps them to see how busy their paraprofessionals are. From the administration’s perspective, it allows us to better understand the day-to-day needs of our staff. These are things we may otherwise lose sight of when looking at the bigger picture.”

Another “escape room” challenged small groups to work collaboratively to complete a STEM challenge by constructing a free-standing structure using dry spaghetti sticks, some tape and marshmallows, promoting team spirit, cooperation and leading to a lot of laughs in the process. This was representative of a hands-on approach to learning that may take place in the classroom.

“The escape room activities during this year’s Professional Development Day were so much fun, but at the same time we learned so much about how we can address problems and challenges that inevitably come up in our line of work,” said Director of Student Services Julie O’Connor. “We got to see firsthand how staff members can best use their unique skills and strengths to work collaboratively with peers so that all of our students can benefit most.”

The Professional Development Day also provided opportunities for improved safety practices, including a driver training session provided by Jack Raeke, owner of TimPat Transportation. Nurses and other school staff took part in a lecture and Q&A session led by pediatric nurse practitioner Beth Klements from Children's Hospital Boston, discussing how to respond when a student shows signs of bronchitis, pneumonia, gerd, sinusitis, asthma, cystic fibrosis and airway obstruction, and the red flags that would warrant outpatient or emergency treatment.

In addition to the interactive presentations, hands-on sessions and team-building activities, the Professional Development Day provided opportunities to meet with BICO benefits partners to learn more about how to get the most out of their employee benefits, including retirement plans, dependent care benefits, workers compensation and professional liability insurance.

The Professional Development Day also included opportunities for group meetings and office hours with Executive Director Jeanne Sullivan, held in the “cozy corners” set up in the hallways. Staff members then got together and chatted over lunch.

During the afternoon session, BICO staff took part in a hands-on, interactive presentation from professional speaker, counselor, and coach JoAnne Woods Young. The presentation, titled “The Growth Mindset Perspective,” emphasized the importance of personal responsibility and effective communication to drive team success, create a culture of positivity and produce a harmonious school environment.

“We’ve always had a strong team of individuals that work for the benefit of our students. But we rarely have the chance like this during our packed schedules to pull together as a full collaborative team to develop our skills and build relationships,” Executive Director Sullivan said. “This year’s Professional Development Day was a fine example of our organization coming together for that very purpose. This was an important opportunity for our staff, including paraprofessionals, teachers, therapists, nurses and Central Office staff, to grow in our common purpose and to increase effective collaboration, always with the eye on how that benefits the student and their educational development.”

Bi-County Collaborative provides specialized education programs to students from approximately 50 sending school districts in Massachusetts. BICO programs employ about 180 staff and provide educational services to approximately 180 students, ages 3 through 22. BICO programs address the needs of students with autism, communication issues, physical impairments, and other emotional, health, intellectual, and neurological learning disabilities.

Franklin Public Schools is a member of the BICO Collaborative

https://www.franklinps.net/page/educational-collaboratives

Franklin Fire Department awarded SAFE & Senior SAFE program grant

SAFE & Senior SAFE program grant

 

"The Franklin Fire Department is pleased to announce that we have been awarded $9,800 through a state grant for the SAFE and Senior SAFE program."

 

 

Shared from -> https://x.com/FranklinMAfire/status/1910362401419014207?

 

 

For the full list of grant awards -> https://www.mass.gov/news/healey-driscoll-administration-announces-32-million-in-fire-safety-grants

 

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule for Friday, April 11, 2025

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 ia 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, March 28, 2025

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 my conversation key members of the FHS Theatre Co's production of "The Yellow Boat" https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/03/listen-to-how-fhstc-performance-of.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

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

Franklin TV schedule for Friday, April 11, 2025

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

7:00 am     FUMC: Cathy Cargill Koch
8:30 am     Frank's Musings: Override
10:00 am     Riffin' on Main Street: Katherine Kennedy
11:00 am     Senior Connection: Ariel Doggett
12:00 pm     Brook'n'Cookin: Tai Salad
12:30 pm     Cooking with Linda: Pork Chops
1:30 pm     Pizzapalooza: White Pizza
2:00 pm     New England Candlepins: Summer 2019 Show 4
3:00 pm     Winning Ways with the MIAA: Referee Shortage 2
7:00 pm     Franklin Art Association: Christine West
8:30 pm     Veterans' Call: VA Pension
9:30 pm     U. S. Army: Jazz Ambassadors 04-01-19

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

7:00 am     All-Town Concert: Band 2025
8:30 am     Mental Health: Rion James
9:30 am     Cultural Council: BT ALC Big Band
11:00 am     Track and Field: v Taunton 05-18-21
1:30 pm     FHS Varsity Baseball v Oliver Ames 03-31-25
6:00 pm     ArtWeek: Theater in the Open
7:00 pm     All-Town Concert: Chorus & Orchestra
8:30 pm     FHS Theater Company: Cinderella

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

8:00 am Zoning Board of Appeals 03-27-25

2:00 pm Zoning Board of Appeals 03-27-25

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

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Thursday, April 10, 2025 ???

Thursday, April 10

 

* Franklin Art Association Art Show and Sale Exhibit (Norfolk Public Library)

5:00pm Board Game Night (Pete's Nerd Emporium)

6:30pm Open Mic Night (Birchwood Bakery)

For additional details on Library & Senior Center events ->  

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

**  Town Meetings today   **

Charles River Pollution Control Meeting

April 10, 2025, 3:00 PM https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04102025-1664 

Municipal Affordable Housing Trust Meetings

April 10, 2025, 2:00 PM https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/5145/April-10-2025---Agenda?bidId= 

Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) Meeting

April 10, 2025, 7:30 PM = No meeting, next meeting is April 24

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What's happening today in Franklin? 

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-calendars

Have you heard about the 3rd Annual Pen to Picture event at the Library May 10 featuring Raul the 3rd? (audio)

FM #1424 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1424 in the series. 

This session shares my conversation about the 3rd Annual Pen to Picture event scheduled for the Franklin Public Library May 10, 2025. We talk with Bree Comeau, Erin O’Leary and Pam Allard about this event with graphic novelist and illustrator Raul the Third. We recorded this conversation virtually on Wednesday, March 26, 2025. 

• Bree Comeau, Assistant Youth Services Librarian

• Erin O’Leary, Reading Specialist at Horace Mann Middle School

• Pam Allard, Reading Specialist at Remington Middle School

We cover the following in our conversation

• Details of the event May 10

• Graphic novels an entry point for some readers

• Collaboration between Library and the schools

• Event is funded via grant from Mass Cultural Council

The recording runs about 29 minutes. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1424-3rd-annual-pen-2-picture-03-26-25/

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Pen 2 Picture info -> https://franklinma.assabetinteractive.com/calendar/pen-to-picture/ 

Download a copy of the flyer as a reminder or to share -> 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xhxb-vsN1yyqijCm34Rjwyvd_Tq67YIj/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"

Have you heard about the 3rd Annual Pen to Picture event at the Library May 10 featuring Raul the 3rd? (audio)