Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule for Sunday, May 18, 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 Sunday

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 Sunday

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Saturday, May 17, 2025 ???

Saturday, May 17

7:30am FBRTC 5K Road Race - pre-registration (SNETT Trailhead, 234 Grove St) 

9:00am  Annual Electronics Recycling Event (St Mary's school parking lot) 

9:00am Thrifty Threads (Franklin Federated Church) 

9:00am Library Books Sale (Franklin Public Library)

9:00am FBRTC 5K Road Race (SNETT Trailhead, 234 Grove St)

10:00am Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

10:00am Rise Up (Franklin United Methodist Church)

10:00am Walking Group (St John's Episcopal Church) 

10:30am Music at the Blissful (Franklin Public Library)

11:00am  All School Art Show - "Art from the Heart" (Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter)

12:00pm La Cantina Winery Celebrates 10 Yr Anniversary 

1:00pm Library Bag Sale (Franklin Public Library)

2:00pm Holi Celebration (Franklin Town Common)

6:30pm Italian film Festival - "Cabrini" (Franklin Historical Museum)

7:30pm John Gorka (live music) (Circle of Friends Coffeehouse)

** NO  Town Meetings today   **

 

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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-calendar

Strawberry Stroll is set for June 13; Will Expand up Main Street with More Activities

The 21st Annual Strawberry Stroll is set for Friday June 13th from 4 to 8 PM. Rain date is Saturday June 14 from 4 to 8 PM. This year’s stroll is expanding farther up Main Street from Dean Bank toward Dean College and Franklin Public Library.

This year, visitors will enjoy more interactive activities, more music, and more vendors. Stroll along Main Street by Dean College’s beautiful, historic campus. Just a few steps more and you will see the handsome Franklin Public Library across the street.

With the expanded format, it’s an easy and short stroll to Franklin Town Common where the Farmer’s Market will be happening. Food trucks will be there. The market operates on Fridays in the summer from 2 to 6 PM. 

Make sure you stroll downtown to the restaurants and shops on Main Street and the surrounding streets.

Street view of the crowd at the 2024 Strawberry Stroll

It’s all that you expect of the Strawberry Stroll and more. Food, music, 100+ vendors, community groups, activities and, of course, strawberries. Booths will be open from 4 to 8 PM with fun activities for children and giveaways.

“We expanded the stroll so people can experience more of Franklin. It’s got all the right things for summer fun: strawberry shortcake, more than 100 vendors, live music, and shops and eateries downtown,” said Lisa Piana, Franklin Downtown Partnership Executive Director. “The Strawberry Stroll is a wonderful start to summer.”

Here’s the rest of the agenda:

Signature strawberry shortcakes will be served by Dean Bank’s staff under tents in front of the bank. Fresh strawberries donated and cut by Dean College will top hundreds of shortcakes complete with whipped cream. Proceeds from strawberry shortcake sales go to the Downtown Partnership to help fund the event.

Children’s Museum of Franklin is planning a variety of interactive exhibits and mobile makerspace activities at the stroll. Co-owner Meg will be running a science experiment once each hour during the stroll. 

Dean College will have their famous Bull Dog inflatable and there will be plenty of mascots walking around to greet kids for photos.

Franklin Historical Museum will introduce the "Franklin Strawberry Patch” with a brief ribbon cutting and remarks at 4 PM. The Strawberry Patch is a permanent perennial planting of strawberries in a raised bed, surrounded by decorations for the day. There will be popcorn and fun giveaways for kids. As always, the museum's fun and accessible exhibits are free.

Plus, the museum, in cooperation with their neighbor, Franklin United Methodist Church (FUMC), will highlight the church's Spring Fashion Fling, with a "fashion show" of recycled and upcycled clothing. The FUMC operates Community Closet — an ambitious clothing reuse program to benefit anyone in need or anyone who just likes a bargain. Enjoy their fashion show and shopping at the church during the Stroll. 

Franklin Public Library is excited to offer several fun activities for children.

Touch-A-Truck will be at the Franklin Fire Station on West Central Street with fire safety handouts. Sparky the fire dog will make the rounds with families.

Music will be provided by local musicians Dom DeBaggis 4 PM to 5:45 PM and Heath Nisbett, 6 PM to 8 PM on Dean Avenue. At the other end of Main Street, near Dean College, The Padula Band will perform 4 PM to 5:45 PM; and State Representative Jeff Roy will play his acoustic guitar from 6 PM to 7:45 PM. 

Feet in Motion School of Dance will perform at 5 PM and 6 PM 

Radio Station MyFM 101.3 will broadcast live from 4 PM to 8 PM 

“Year after year this event attracts more visitors and vendors. It's always an exciting day to see so many people enjoying themselves and some strawberry shortcake,” said Roberta Trahan, Vice President of the Franklin Downtown Partnership.  “What better way to kick off the summer than joining others and listening to live music on Main Street.”

Strawberry Stroll organizer Franklin Downtown Partnership is grateful for the support from their sponsors:

• Platinum: Dean College; G & C Plumbing & Heating
• Gold: Dean Bank; Glen Meadow Apartments- Schochet Companies; Middlesex Savings Bank
• Silver: Camford Property Group, Inc.; Eagle Stainless Tube & Fabrication, Inc.; Elizabeth's Bagels; Fenton Financial Group; Notturno Home Services; Revise Inc.; The Enclave of Franklin.
• Bronze: All Energy Solar; Chestnut Dental; Connell Roofing, Inc.; LeafFilter Gutter Protection; Mint Dental; PEEL microspa; Simon's Furniture

Follow the Franklin Downtown Partnership and keep up with their many activities on:

https://www.instagram.com/franklindowntownpartnership/  

https://www.facebook.com/franklindowntownpartnership.org/

The Franklin Downtown Partnership is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization made up of more than 350 business owners, residents, and community leaders working to revitalize downtown Franklin. Residents are welcome to join the Downtown Partnership for only $25. The Partnership manages events like the Strawberry Stroll and the Harvest Festival, and initiatives such as beautification, streetscape design, greenspace, alley murals, and sculpture projects. For more information go to www.franklindowntownpartnership.org.

Board of Health meeting scheduled for Monday, May 19 at 9 AM

The monthly Board of Health meeting usually held on the first Wednesday, had been scheduled for this past Wednesday, May 14 and I missed the update changing it to this Monday, May 19. The normal agenda was also shortened to one item.

BOARD OF HEALTH AGENDA

May 19, 2025 - 9 AM

NEW BUSINESS

● Residential commercial kitchen discussion

CITIZENS COMMENTARY

ADJOURNMENT

Agenda doc -> https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05192025-1743

Board of Health meeting scheduled for Monday, May 19 at 9 AM

School Committee gets update on traffic study (consider the bus a good alternative) (Audio)

FM #1451 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1451 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, May 13, 2025. 7 members participated, 6 in Council Chambers, 1 remote (Gallagher). 

The audio for the meeting leaves out the approx 30 minute executive session that the committee spent on negotiation strategy. A brief sound bit highlights the gavel to go into and then the gavel is heard again as they return.  

Quick recap:

Recognition of the FHS student Theater group

Presentation update on the traffic study and mitigation efforts underway

• Link to presentation in the notes section below 

• NO projects to address the traffic flow will be completed before the Sep 2025-2026 school year.

• Currently the traffic queues will more than double in September

• Alternatives are being reviewed before making decisions on which projects would be beneficial for traffic as well as at minimal expense

• Additional updates will be sent to families during the summer by the respective school principals

• “It is not going to be perfect on day 1”

BICO Board Appointment 2025-26

ACCEPT Board Appointment 2025-26

Both positions were approved to be fulfilled by Supt Gigeure in a 7-0 vote via roll call

Discussion Only Item

Horace Mann

• Question/option to ask "How do we as a district choose to honor Horace Mann?"; Campus is one way, are there others? We also need the community to embrace Horace Mann not just the schools

• Seeming to get consensus on campus and collaboration with others but recognize the need to give them a clear direction and objectives to return with a plan to implement

Superintendent’s Evaluation - Presentation of Evidence

• In a new flip book format

• Subcommittee to coordinate feedback from full committee for a future discussion item

FY26 Budget Executive Summary - Structural Deficit

https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/5629656/FY26_Budget_Narrative_Overview.pdf 

Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1451-school-cmte-mtg-05-13-25/

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Franklin TV video for replay ->  https://www.youtube.com/live/TPngAPt1WHs?&t=110 

The meeting agenda can be found ->   https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05132025-1735 

Documents released for this agenda after the meeting can be found -> 

https://www.franklinps.net/documents/departments/school-committee/meeting-packets/2024---25-meeting-packets/may-13%2C-2025-sc-meeting-packet/799886 

Traffic presentation -> https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/5645253/Traffic.pptx.pdf 

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

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ffAYwvHayzSws0D2bV8xmM0Fsn6c71za/view?usp=drive_link 

FPS override summary (2 pages)

https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/5629656/FY26_Budget_Narrative_Overview.pdf 

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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 & boys lacrosse teams post wins on Friday (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 Friday, May 16, 2025

Baseball = Franklin, 3 @ King Philip, 4 – Final 

– Franklin tied the game in the top of the seventh inning to keep the contest going but King Philip senior Aiden Astorino delivered the game-winning hit in the bottom half as the Warriors walked off with a win to keep their division title hopes alive. Jack Sullivan hit one deep enough to right field to bring home courtesy runner James Amaru (who was running for DJ Silverstein after his leadoff single) with a sac fly to make it 3-3. In the bottom half, Johnny Prater reached on a fielder’s choice, moved to second after Leo Dowling was hit by a pitch, and then an intentional walk to Drew Herlin loaded the bases and set the table for Astorino. The senior sent one to the gap in left field to bring in the game-winning run. Ryan Burns went 2-for-3 with an RBI for the Warriors, while both Tommy Gately and Vinny Menendez had a double. Nate Pennini was charged with three runs (two earned) on eight hits, no walks, and seven strikeouts; Jacoby Cady got the final two outs of the seventh for the win. Sullivan and Patrick Luizzi (RBI) each had two hits for the Panthers.

Boys Lacrosse = Franklin, 8 vs. St. John’s Shrewsbury, 6 – Final 

– Franklin pitched a fourth quarter shutout to prevail from a tight battle with St. John’s Shrewsbury with an 8-6 victory. The Panthers had a slight lead after one (2-1), it was tied at halftime (5-5), and Franklin went back ahead by one (7-6) going into the fourth. Sophomores Nate Walsh and Charlie Ballarino each recorded a hat trick to pace the Panthers’ offense. Seniors Jack O’Connor (assist) and Jack Fairweather each scored once, Ryder Hanchett added an assist, and Sam Freedman made nine saves in the cage.

Franklin TV video for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/live/sgw3uE4F9ZM?&t=610

Girls Lacrosse = Franklin, 14 @ Natick, 2 – Final 

– Franklin rolled on the road against a potential playoff foe, taking down Natick, 14-2. The Panthers’ senior captains led the charge: Sophia Sacchetti scored two goals and had four assists, Julia Flynn found the back of the net five times, and Maeve Grasso anchored a shutdown defensive effort. Freshman Ruby Risgin chipped in with a goal, and senior Maisie Streeseman made seven saves in net to secure the win.

For other results across the Hockomock League (subscription required)
https://hockomocksports.com/fridays-schedule-scoreboard-05-16-25/

 

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

Voice of Faith: Concert of "Hope" conducted by the Franklin Interfaith Council - Sunday, 7 PM

Voice of Faith: Concert of "Hope" conducted by the Franklin Interfaith Council - Sunday, 7 PM

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

Updates to Beaver St. Interceptor Project for Week of May 19 - 23, 2025

Monday (5/19) through Friday (5/23):

BEAVER STREET ROAD CLOSURE NOTICE!!

Starting Monday (5/19),  Beaver Street from RT. 140 (West Central Street) to the Franklin Recreation Center will be closed.  The road closure will be from 7am to 4pm Monday thru Friday.  

Updates to Beaver St. Interceptor
Project for Week of May 19 - 23, 2025

Those needing to access 242 to 290 Beaver Street will be able to use Rt. 140 only. This includes access to Franklin Glass, Panera Fresh Dough Facility and Franklin Recreation. 

Access to all other locations on Beaver Street, including the Town of Franklin Recycling Center, Beaver Street Recreation Area, and the businesses on Master Drive will be accessed from Grove St.

Then on Tuesday (5/27), this same closure will take place but will be 24 hours a day thru Friday (5/30) at 4pm. The 24/7 closure is needed to complete the installation of the sewer main under the MBTA tracks.  

The contractor will also be working off the road at 260 Fisher Street installing the next section of sewer main under the train tracks. This work will be occurring between 7am and 4pm Monday (5/19) until Thursday (5/22). No traffic impacts are expected.

At the Franklin Recreation Center, the construction of the new Beaver Street Interceptor Pump Station will continue with construction of the exterior building structure.  

Please reference the interactive map and posted signs for details and updates.

Tri-County Raffle: Win a Handcrafted Adirondack Chair Set!

Tri-County Raffle: Win a Handcrafted Adirondack Chair Set!

Our talented Carpentry students have crafted beautiful Adirondack chairs, and now YOU have a chance to take them home! 

Raffle Ticket Prices:

• 1 Ticket = $10
• 3 Tickets = $20

Support SkillsUSA and celebrate student craftsmanship while entering to WIN this amazing chair set! 

Get your tickets today—don’t miss out on this opportunity! The perfect addition to your backyard awaits.

Entries close June 6, 2025

Link to get tickets (if you can't read the bar code) -> https://rafflecreator.com/pages/79863/tc-skillsusa-spring-fundraiser-2025

#SkillsUSA #WorkHardTodayCounts

shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/1EMqz7Zcny/

SAFE Coalition: We did it! Gala reaches fundraising goal!

WE DID IT! SAFE Gala raises $200,000 Image credit: Vicario Studio. Dear SAFE family and friends, We have incredible news to share: Thanks to your generosity and support, we've officially reached our 3rd Annual Gala fundraising goal of $200,000! Your belief in our mission allows our mental health, substance use, and peer programs to stay local, in-person, and at no cost to anyone seeking support. Every dollar raised translates directly into healing, hope, and support for our community. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for making this work possible. With deepest gratitude, Jen Levine and Jim Derick A special thank you to our sponsors & in-kind donors for making this event a success!   Champion Sponsors Direct Federal Credit Union Healthy KP Substance Use Prevention Coalition Lampasona Concrete Advocate Sponsors Eversource Energy Plainridge Park Casino The Sacchetti Family Sentient Jet Ally Sponsors 1776 Financial Services Arbella Insurance Foundation Bluestone Bank Botera Bristol County Savings Bank Middlesex Savings Bank New England Medical Group Norfolk County Sheriff's Office UMass Memorial Medical Center In-kind Donors Allegra Franklin - Marketing & Print Solutions Earth and Sun Co Franklin TV Hope in Handfuls Jaqueline Gundberg Photography Lakeview Pavilion Only Prettier Design Revelation Productions The Candle Man Unique Melody Events & Design Vicario Studio   Our Contact Information   SAFE Coalition 31 Hayward St., Suite 2C Franklin, MA 02038-0434 508-488-8105 http://www.safecoalitionma.org DONATE