Town Council recognitions for Police promotions, FHS Theatre, and retirement of Bryan Taberner (video)

The Franklin, MA Town Council met as scheduled on Wednesday, May 1.  8 of the councilors were present, 1 absent (Dellorco) in Council Chambers for this session.

Franklin TV video is available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/live/laeIcVjRlgU?si=4VVLHqNRh28zvyuM&t=134

The agenda and released materials for this session ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04302025-1709 

Quick recap:

• Chair Callaghan updates on SchCmte business; elementary report card changes approved, support letter for Franklin TV and cable access funding approved for Franklin.News; School budget lays out a foundation for success
• Town Clerk Nancy Danello with an update on the special election, ballots received, absentee sent, vote by mail needs to be requested. Drop ballots off at the Town Hall. May 16 opens early voting during office hours
• Web site updates announcements on the upcoming election. Bridge banners coming soon. Robo call coming May 7. Visited all the Senior housing locations. Mailing to all the households with notification on the election.
• Police Department - Promotions
• i. Sergeant John Godino
• Police Department - Swearing in of New Court Prosecutor / Detective
• i. Tara Lagoa
• Proclamation: Franklin High School Theater Group
• Proclamation: Bryan Taberner, Director, Department of Planning and Community Development
• Appointments
• Agricultural Commission
• i. Matthew Stoltz
• Disability Commission
• i. Kelly Quinlan; both appointments approved via 8-0-1 (1 absent) votes
• PUBLIC HEARING - a. Transfer of Section 12 Restaurant Common Victualer All Alcohol License and Approval of Dolores Costa as the Manager - Franklin Hospitality Group, LLC d/b/a The Tavern on Central
• Motion to approve, second, passes 8-0-1 (1 absent)
• Resolution 25-29: Transfer of Care, Custody, Management and Control of Town-owned Property Containing the Building Known as “Gerald Murdock Parmenter Elementary School” from the Franklin School Committee to the Franklin Town Council, for Municipal Purposes
• Motion to approve, second, passes 8-0-1 (1 absent)
• Update that for the Town Council Budget Hearings scheduled for May 21, 22  Town Administrator will propose that they continue the second hearing to June 4 to enable possible adjustments. The budget as presented assumes the override passes. If it doesn't, cuts would be forthcoming
• Town Administrator Jamie Hellen provided updates on Previous Requests:
• 300 Fisher Street - very dormant, EPA removed soil etc pre pandemic, delayed by staffing issues pre the changes in DC
• Chestnut Street Apartments - The exterior is complete, the interior has not been finished, in the owners control currently There are 2 deeded apartments for local veterans

Photos of the recognitions -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/PKZgCKJM8vAYTVoK7

My notes can be found in one PDF ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1mo8xvhuHCvkPLQ_Fi54OMbtkQ2WulsJK/view?usp=drive_link

FHS baseball, softball, girls tennis, and girls & boys lacrosse teams all post wins on Wednesday

Via Twitter, Franklin TV, and our subscription to HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the Spring sports competition for Franklin High School on Wednesday, April 30, 2025

Baseball = Milford, 1 @ Franklin, 11 - Final (5 ins)

– Franklin erupted for eight runs in the fourth innings, turning a one-run game at the time into a convincing win in five innings. The Panthers grabbed the lead in the opening inning on a two-run single from freshman Patrick Luizzi while the Hawks grabbed one back in the top of the fourth to cut the deficit in half. Holding a 2-1 lead going into the bottom of the fourth, Franklin put the game out of reach by plating eight runs. DJ Silverstein had an RBI single, Cole Sidwell plated a run, Matt Luccini drew a bases-loaded walk, Sean Kryzak cleared the bases with a three-run double, and Luizzi added an RBI groundout. Sidwell drove in another run in the bottom of the fifth to win the game. Silverstein gave up just one unearned run on five hits and one walk on five strikeouts, getting the win with five innings of work. Ian Carter had a single and scored a run and Nick Koch had a double for the Scarlet Hawks.

Softball = Franklin, 7 @ Milford, 1 – Final

– Early offense, a strong pitching performance, and a big night at the plate from Ciara O’Brien propelled the Panthers to a key win on the road against Milford. Franklin enjoyed a four-run first inning and then tacked on two more in the second and one more in the third to stake a 7-0 lead. All four of Franklin’s runs in the first came with two outs, including an RBI single from Ella Weston and a three-run home run from O’Brien (3-for-4, four RBI, two runs). Sarah Boozang, who collected her 100th career hit on the night, delivered an RBI double in the second and Marley Allen had an RBI groundout as the lead grew to 6-0. O’Brien capped the scoring for the visitors with a solo home run to lead off the third inning. Sophia Sacramone earned the win, giving up just one unearned run in the seventh inning, scattering four hits and one walk with seven strikeouts in a complete game effort. Sacramone, Boozang, and Josie Drucker (run) also had three hits for the Panthers. Freshman Brooke Stokes tossed five scoreless innings in relief for the Hawks with five strikeouts.

Boys Lacrosse = Stoughton, 0 @ Franklin, 19 – Final

– A dozen different Panthers scored in a big win over the visiting Black Knights. Joey Tarentino, Seamus Conlan, and Jamison Risgin each scored twice and Jordan Gaspar dished out three assists.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=txx4GhHd3hw

Girls Lacrosse = Franklin, 21 @ Stoughton, 3 – Final

– Sophomore Olivia Wrobleski scored a pair of goals to help Franklin roll to a big win on the road. Senior Hannah Blongastainer and junior Morgan Lovell each scored their first goal of the season for the Panthers.

Boys Tennis = Franklin, 2 @ Milford, 3 – Final

– In the closest match of the day, Milford took a hard-fought 3-2 verdict over visiting Franklin. The Hawks won a pair of matches in singles action and added a three-set win at first doubles to clinch the win. The team of senior Todd Ostertog and junior Drew Cahill prevailed with a 6-4, 3-6, 6-4 win at first doubles to secure the win for Milford. Senior Corey Rattray took a tight 7-6 (1), 6-4 win at first singles and senior Connor Wong added a hard-fought 7-5, 6-3 win at second singles. Franklin senior Gabe Terry battled to a 6-1, 5-7, 6-2 win at third singles while the Panthers’ second doubles team of seniors Jack Sebell and Charlie Souza secured a 6-2, 6-4 win.

Girls Tennis = Milford, 0 @ Franklin, 5 – Final

– Franklin defended home court, taking all five matches in straight sets against visiting Milford. Senior Izzy Trull (first singles, 6-2, 6-1), junior Isabelle Simino (second singles, 6-0, 6-4), and freshman Anna Powers (6-1, 6-0) completed the singles sweep for the Panthers. Seniors Brooke Daniels and Sydney Tolonen dropped just two games in a 6-1, 6-1 first doubles win, and seniors Ashmita Boopathy and Katie Yelle secured a win at second doubles by the same score.

For other results across the Hockomock League (subscription required)
https://hockomocksports.com/wednesdays-schedule-scoreboard-04-30-25/

 

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

FHS Spring Jazz 2025 Concert (video)

The FHS Spring Jazz concert conducted Wednesday, May 1, 2025 is available for replay via Franklin TV -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zEiVmAuOawk

Tri-County theater to perform "The Somewhat True Tale of Robin Hood" on May 8 & May 10

 "The Somewhat True Tale of Robin Hood"

Tri-County Drama Club proudly presents The Somewhat True Tale of Robin Hood — a hilariously twisted take on the classic legend! 🏹✨
📅Thursday May 8th & Saturday May 10th
📍 Tri-County Auditorium
🎟️ $5 Tickets at the door
Gather your merry crew and join us for a theatrical experience like no other!

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/DJCe8K4PCVo/

DPW contractor starts catch basin cleaning this week

DPW contractor starts catch basin cleaning this week

Via the DPW posting: 

"Starting this week, Truax will be in Franklin conducting yearly catch basin cleaning operations. The work is expected to take 4 - 6 weeks and is a crucial component to keeping our stormwater clean and our infrastructure healthy!"

Shared from ->    https://www.facebook.com/share/p/19t7ByDSVs/

If you want to ride in the PMC Kids Ride in Franklin on June 8, 2025 - register now!

PMC Kids Ride in Franklin June 8, 2025

Registration is open, sign up today!

#PMCKids #pmc2025 #closerbythemile #kidshelpingkids

Registration and additional info -> https://kids.pmc.org/franklin

Move for the Museum - exercise & raise money for the Children's Museum of Franklin

exercise & raise money for the
Children's Museum of Franklin

FREE Community Workout + Raffles to support the @childrensmuseumfranklin!!

🌟Come MOVE FOR THE MUSEUM!🌟
🗓 Sunday, May 4th | 3-4:30pm
📍 Downtown Sports, Franklin

What to expect:
• 45-min workout (optional) led by Body Fit Training Franklin Village
• Post-workout juice samples from @mahajuicebar
• Raffles + prizes from amazing local businesses
• Meet the museum founders — two local moms, Erin & Meg, bringing their dream to life!

Spots are limited — grab your family, friends, & free ticket now!

🌟To RSVP Comment MOVE, click link in bio or visit Eventbrite -> https://www.eventbrite.com/e/move-for-the-museum-community-fitness-event-tickets-1315817137479

Let’s move, sweat, and celebrate for a great cause!

We are Stronger. Together.

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/DI_57PYu-4G/

School of Rock in Franklin, MA - scheduled to open later this year

School of Rock in Franklin, MA

Looking for Local Events to Sponsor, Set Up a Booth, and Help Promote! 🎉

My name is Philip Regan, and I'm the proud owner of the School of Rock in Franklin, MA — a rock-n-roll music school opening later this year!

I am currently looking for in-person community events where I can:

✅ Sponsor or support your event to our growing local audience

✅ Set up a booth with fun, music-themed activities for kids and families

✅ Pay for booth/vendor space (I'm not asking for freebies — I'm here to contribute!)

If you're organizing a fair, festival, concert, open market, or family-focused gathering, let’s chat. I would love to be part of what makes your event special — and bring some rock & roll energy to the day!

I've already done events at the Holliston Holiday Stroll, Hopedale Winter Stroll, Tri-County Chamber of Commerce Family Fest and Home Show, and will be doing more at the Franklin Strawberry Stroll, and the Hopedale Fairy Walk!

📩 Drop me a message or tag someone who’s planning an event in the following towns: Bellingham, Blackstone, Franklin, Holliston, Hopedale, Medfield, Medway, Mendon, Milford, Millis, Millville, Northbridge, Upton, Wrentham

I really appreciate any leads you send my way!

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1EfPdH54uz/

The Guardian: "The stadium myth: new grounds won’t rescue your club – or your city"

new grounds won’t rescue your club – or your city

"Across Europe and the US, stadiums have become the great hope of urban regeneration – the prize asset that will, local officials hope, bring life and money back to stagnating cities. Superficially this seems like a perfect marriage: top clubs need the increased revenue that bigger, more sophisticated stadiums with richer facilities will bring, and cities need the boost to economic activity that should in theory follow from the construction of a major new venue. It’s true, of course, that in professional sport’s new world, revenue is king. For a football club in Europe to move, say, from a cramped and under-serviced 30,000-seater to a sleek new arena with room for 60,000 people and all the other assorted nonsense represents a massive step up in economic power, with the security to lock in chunky revenue streams for decades to come. In England, the economic incentives for stadium construction are even more powerful given that infrastructure expenses are exempt from the Premier League’s new profitability rules: for top clubs, building big has become something akin to a financial free kick."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/apr/29/football-soccer-stadiums-everton-nfl

Franklin Public Radio wfpr.fm schedule for Thursday, May 1, 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 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 Thursday

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 the conversation with Erin & Caleigh about BLAST, bringing library and schools together  ->   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/04/caleigh-erin-i-had-blast-talking-about.html

9:00 AM, 2:00 PM, and 7:00 PM - first hour

10:00 AM, 3:00 PM, and 8:00 PM - second hour

Turntable – "Enjoy a fun experience with co-hosts The Vibe and Pauly G sharing personal discussions about a featured rock n roll vinyl record (1st hour) and the best, all music Vibe Playlist (2nd hour)"  

The Turntable Show features Santana’s Monnflower double album released in 1977 by Carlos Santana and his amazing band.   It features both studio and live tracks.  The vinyl includes hits like “She’s Not There”,  “Black Magic Women”,  and “Europa”.    

The Vibe Santana Playlist Hour continues to features many live fan favorite Santana hits including a few from the band’s Woodstock performance. Enjoy!

Find the playlist ->  https://tinyurl.com/TurntablePlaylists

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 Thursday, May 1, 2025

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

7:30 am Veterans' Call: PACT Act

9:00 am Frank Presents: Mark Minnichelli

10:30 am SAFE Coalition: The Hamlins

11:30 am Cooking Thyme: Lobstah

12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin: Meatballs

12:30 pm Cooking with Linda: Shepherd's Pie

1:30 pm Pizzapalooza: Black Bean, Roasted Pepper & Garlic Pizzetta

2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Summer 2019 Show 5

3:00 pm Interfaith Council: Temple Etz Chaim

4:00 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Referee Shortage 2

5:00 pm Caring Transitions

6:30 pm Sons & Daughters of Italy: Ciambotta

9:30 pm Jon Mitchell & Randy LaRosa: 12-Tone Music

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

7:00 am Public School Event: Remington Spring Music '22

8:30 am Lifelong Music Spring 2025: Strings School

10:00 am Critical Conversations: Student Wellbeing

2:00 pm FHSTC - Flowers for Algernon

3:00 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Districts

4:00 pm FHS Varsity Softball v Walpole 04-22-25

9:00 pm FHSTC: Peter and the Starcatcher

7:00 pm     Conservation Commission  TRAINING Rm Floor 3  958 6987 8743

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

8:00 am Conservation Commission 04-17-25

2:00 pm Conservation Commission 04-17-25

7:00 pm     Finance Committee Council Chambers  842 4546 2783

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: Wednesday, April 30, 2025 ???

Wednesday, April 30

Library & Senior Center events

** FHS Girls Tennis Boosters fundraiser at Sante Fe Burrito Grill

9:00am Fallen Hero: John E Pasquantonio (Veterans Walkway, Franklin Town Common)

1:00pm Scribblers Writing Group (recording session) (Franklin Senior Center)

7:00pm FHS Jazz Concert (Franklin High School)

For additional details on Library & Senior Center events ->   

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

**   Town Meetings today   **

 

Cultural District Committee — SUBCOMMITTEE Porchfest Meeting  

Wednesday, April 30, 2025, 6:30pm

https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/5329/PorchFest-Sub-Committee-Agenda_Meeting_-April-30-2025docx?bidId=  

Town Council Meeting (Council Chambers)

Wednesday, April 30 Time:7:00 PM 

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04302025-1709 

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

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

Fallen Hero Recognition: John Emidio Pasquantonio - April 30, 2025, 9 AM

Memorial event today at 9 AM on the Town Common Veterans Walkway to honor John Emidio Pasquantonio, Vietnam. 

This program will include the placing of a Memorial Wreath for the day, the playing of Taps, a salute from those present, and a reading of whatever history  may be available for that veteran.  This is a way of keeping the memory of that veteran alive.

Fallen Hero: John Emidio Pasquantonio

Lance Corporal John Emidio Pasquantonio was born in Franklin on March 14, 1949, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Carlo Pasquantonio. John lived with his parents and 3 sisters on Grove St. while attending the Franklin Schools. John enlisted in the Marines, at age 17. 

John was married to the former Jacqueline Mucciarone of Franklin and he left a son, John Carlo, who currently lives here in Franklin. 

Corporal Pasquantonio, assigned to the USS Iwo Jima, had been sent ashore as a forward observer for the Navy guns on the coast of Vietnam, in Quang Tri province, when he was struck by a mortar shell and killed instantly on April 30, 1968. Prior to his death, John had repeatedly volunteered for this hazardous duty landing on the coast by helicopter. Cpl. Pasquantonio was award the Cross of Gallantry Medal, which compares with America's bronze star award, by the South Vietnam government. 

Lance Corporal John E. Pasquantonio was 19 years old at the time of his death in Vietnam.

Originally post here -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/01/fallen-hero-john-emidio-pasquantonio.html 

For the full published series of Fallen Heroes you can visit this link
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/franklin-fallen-heroes-series.html

Photo album of the Fallen Hero pillars along the Veterans Walkway

https://photos.app.goo.gl/oRGdmq9krLNEBnjJ7

Fallen Hero Recognition: John Emidio Pasquantonio, Vietnam - April 30, 2024, 9 AM

Voices of Franklin: One Franklin "Shared Values Lead to a Common Goal"

One Franklin (Ballot Question Committee) is proud to stand with educators and grateful for the support of the teachers who serve our community every day. 

We share the mission to advocate for quality public education in an environment in which lifelong learning can flourish. 

All campaign finance reporting requirements are being fully followed. Any materials paid for by outside organizations will be clearly disclosed, and we are in compliance with all state laws.

One Franklin and our town’s educators share a deep concern about what will happen to the Franklin Public Schools and our town services if the override does not pass.

We often hear the saying “It takes a village”. In Franklin’s case, the village that supports our students, and all of us, includes the town police officers who keep our town safe and who keep our students feeling secure, the town fire personnel who show up for us when we need emergency assistance, the town’s outstanding senior center and library that offer socialization and support for senior and young people alike, and the DPW that takes care of our buildings, roads, and open spaces. All of these departments and all of you, the people in our community, working together, make up Franklin's village.

This is a pivotal moment for Franklin, and by coming together to support our public safety, public services, and public schools, we can preserve this wonderful community that we all share.

Please consider voting Yes on June 3rd for our Town of Franklin!

With gratitude,

Jenna Cohen and One Franklin Team

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

If you have something to say, you can find the guidelines here
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/03/introducing-voices-of-franklin.html

Voices of Franklin:  One Franklin "Shared Values Lead to a Common Goal"