What's happening in Franklin, MA: Friday, July 18, 2025 ???

Friday, July 18

Library & Senior Center events 

9:00am Fallen Hero: Alesandro Patete & Patrick Ristaino (Franklin Town Common, Veterans Walkway)

10:00am Knitting Group (Franklin Public Library)

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

1:00pm Thrifty Threads (Franklin Federated Church)

2:00pm Farmers Market (Franklin Town Common)

3:00pm Kimberlee O'Brien (live music) (Franklin Town Common)

5:30pm The Strumdawgs (live music) (Franklin Town Common)

8:00pm Jennifer Tefft (live music) (Quarterdeck, Falmouth, MA)

9:00pm Steven Fritzsche’s Jukebox Gold (live music) (3 restaurant)

For additional details on Library & Senior Center events ->        

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

** 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

Fallen Hero Recognitions: Petete & Ristaino - World War I - July 18, 2025 - 9 AM

5Memorial event today (7/18/24) at 9 AM on the Town Common Veterans Walkway to honor Alesandro Patete, Pvt, U.S. Army and Patrick Ristaino, Pvt, U.S. Army. 

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.

Alesandro Patete, Pvt, U.S. Army -  WWI

Alesandro was born in Pescolanicano, Italy in 1893, son of Vincent and Michela (Padula) Patete. 

He was a baker by trade and lived in Franklin for 8 years before joining the Army. He was inducted into the Army on October 16,1917, joining Company I 309th Infantry. He went overseas on May 18, 1918, and 3 months later died from his wounds on this date 1918 on the height's northeast of Sergy, France at the Battle of the Argonne. 

He is buried in Meuse-Argonne Cemetery. 

On January 7, 1968, Alesandro was posthumously honored with a Purple Heart at a large ceremony at the Oddfellows Hall in Franklin. His certificate was received by his brother Domenic Patete.

Alesandro Patete, Pvt, U.S. Army -  WWI

Patrick Ristaino, Pvt, U.S. Army -  WWI

Patrick was only 23 when he died in combat. He was born in August of 1895 of Michael and Silvia Ristaino. He was one of three brothers. Patrick had risen to the position of foreman of Franklin's rubber factory when he was called to join the Army on October 4, 1917. 

After serving with the 76th Division for a time, he transferred to Co. K 165th Infantry of the 42 Division and went overseas on March 12, 1918.

He was mortally wounded on the height's northeast of Sergey France, in the Ainse-Marne offensive and died on this date in 1918.

He too, was honored posthumously with the Purple Heart at a large ceremony at the Oddfellows Hall in Franklin, on January 7, 1968. His certificate was received by his cousin, Patrick M. Ristaino, on behalf of Patrick's brother, Raymond Ristaino of Falmouth.

Patrick Ristaino, Pvt, U.S. Army -  WWI

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

Economic Development Subcmte spends 3 hours in discussion on Wednesday (video)

The Economic Development Subcommittee met on Wednesday, July 16, 2025 in the 3rd Floor Training room. 3 members were present and participated in the first agenda item. Once that was complete, the 4th member, Cobi Frongillo joined them for the remainder of the session. He had recused himself from the Crossing Neighborhood District discussion to avoid a conflict of interest. His father's business is located in that potential district.

Franklin TV video replay is available -> https://www.youtube.com/live/6hKdQIw9rpQ

The EDC agenda and supporting documents

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_07162025-1818 

Quick recap:

Item 1 - Crossing Neighborhood

• TA Jamie Hellen provides the overview of the background on the proposal for the Crossing Neighborhood. Multiple zoning bylaws make up the "package" to work together. Direct link to the memo providing the overview https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/6226/1a-DPCD-Memo---Crossing-Neighborhood-Zoning-District---71625
• Hamblen looks at this as a "mini downtown commercial". She raises an issue on 3 family by right, J Halligan notes that the current bylaw actually includes the proper language; apparently in the draft, the section language got left out. It can be included (and should) without vote to modify this. An oversight on version control. This identifies a couple of updates to the online zoning codes as they were changed just not reflected in the current versions
• After much discussion
• Motion to amend 2.3 8a from no to planning board special permit Passes 3-0
• Motion to move to Town council as amended, second passes 3-0

Item 2 - Use Variances

• Discussion on Recommendation on eliminating “Use Variances” from the authority within the Zoning Board of Appeals
• Discussion on elimination of use variance from approval by the ZBA, which in those cases tend to overstep their authority; the restriction was intentionally made by the zoning bylaws with PB and Council approval and then the ZBA can act on their own...
• After much discussion, Motion to move to council for further discussion (Jones)
• Not seconded, hence the move does not take place. There will be some discussion overall on this topic in a positive manner per Hamblen

Item 3 - update on World Cup

• FIFA requirements will host the fan center in Boston. We arestill figuring out what we can do. Artificial Turf fields are not used by international games (Gilletteis redone with real grass for international games)
• Lots of other events at the same time; Highland games, Tall Ships, etc
• Marketing via MetroWest on the benefits of Franklin. Hotel outreach, transportation planning needed; Porchfest, 4th of July also in similar time frames... Found in Franklin market for goods, crafts

Item 4 - EDC goals

• On the one hand, given the length of the meeting and discussions there seemed little interest in this item; only one member Frongillo was prepared with a short list of priorities
• Recognition from TA Hellen that until B Taberner's replacement is hired, there is very little staff to do the additional work

Motion to adjourn, passes 4-0

My full set of notes in one PDF -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ME-F_qCpL61vAQz0NeBnFDIakEXX3mzO/view?usp=drive_link

EDC discussion on first item (Frongillo recused)

What vendors and activities are at the Farmer's Market today - July 18, 2025 ??

What vendors and activities are at the
Farmer's Market today - July 18, 2025 ??

We are glad you asked.  

Thanks to the good folks operating the Franklin Farmer's Market, we have the answers to share. 

For additional info, you can also check the Farmers Market page ->   https://www.franklinfarmersmarketma.com/

Visit wandering Cheers at the Farmers Market today, July 18 and help the Franklin Food Pantry

Visit wandering Cheers at the Farmers Market
today, July 18 and help the Franklin Food Pantry

"Headed to the @franklinfarmersmarketma on Friday, July 18?

Be sure to stop by @wanderingcheers. $1 from every purchase of a favorite beverage will be donated to support The Pantry."

Shared from ->   https://www.instagram.com/p/DMK9X93JCau/

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

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

• This features the audio from the introductory presentation on Art Pharmacy in March 2025 ->   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/03/use-of-opioid-settlement-funds-to-bring.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   

Franklin TV schedule for Friday, July 18, 2025

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

7:00 am More Perfect Union: D. E. I.

8:30 am Frank's Musings: Supreme Court

10:00 am Riffing on Main Street: Amy Adams

11:00 am Senior Connection: Ariel Doggett

12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin': Peppers

12:30 pm Cooking with Linda: Pies

1:30 pm Pizzapalooza: Meat-Lovers Pt. 2

2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Summer 2018 Show 2

3:00 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Referee Shortage 2

4:00 pm 4th of July 2023: School of Rock

6:30 pm 4th of July 2023: Padula Trio + One

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

7:00 am FHS Spring Jazz 2025

8:30 am Mental Health: Abigail Drake

9:30 am Lifelong Music Spring 2025: Strings School

11:00 am FHS Graduation 2025

1:30 pm ArtWeek: Theater in the Open

2:30 pm All-Town Showcase 2024: Chorus and Orchestra

4:00 pm FHS Varsity Baseball v Wachusett 04-24-25

9:00 pm FHSTC: Urinetown

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

8:00 am  Zoning Board of Appeals 06-05-25

2:00 pm  Zoning Board of Appeals 06-05-25

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, July 17, 2025 ???

Library & Senior Center events

Thursday, July 17

8:30am State & Town Officials Office Hour (Franklin Senior Center)

9:00am Fallen Hero: Gerald M. Parmenter (Franklin Town Common)

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

7:00pm 350 Mass Greater Franklin Node Meeting (First Universalist Society Franklin)

7:00pm BEN 4 Franklin Mtg (Franklin TV Studio)

7:30pm Musical Bingo (Teddy Gallagher's Irish Pub) 

9:00pm Good Thomas (Live Music) (3 restaurant)

For additional details on Library & Senior Center events ->        

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

** NO Town Meetings today   **

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

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

Fallen Hero Recognition: Gerald M. Parmenter - World War II - July 17, 2025 - 9 AM

Memorial event today (7/17/25) at 9 AM on the Town Common Veterans Walkway to honor First Lieutenant Gerald M. Parmenter, U.S. Army Air Corps. 

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: First Lieutenant Gerald M. Parmenter, U.S. Army Air Corps

First Lieutenant Gerald M. Parmenter, son of Ernest and Maud Parmenter, was born on October 18, 1917. Gerald lived at 466 King Street with his parents and a twin brother. He attended the Franklin Public Schools and was graduated from Franklin High School in 1935 and from Hill College in Woonsocket in 1937. Gerald did accounting work at local businesses and was associated with his father at the Red Mount Poultry Farm here in Franklin.  

Prior to the war Gerald, who was very enthusiastic about aviation, obtained his license as a civilian pilot. Gerald enlisted in the Army Air Corp in August of 1942 and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in 1943 at Yuma, Arizona. First Lieutenant Parmenter served as a pilot in the air transport ferrying command, piloting planes built in this country to the British Government in Nassau.  

First Lieutenant Gerald M. Parmenter died from injuries received in an air crash while in the line of duty near Ramsar, India in the Asiastic Theatre. 

First Lieutenant Gerald M. Parmenter was 26 years old at the time of his death on July 17, 1944 while serving his country during WWII.

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/fallen-hero-first-lieutenant-gerald-m.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: First Lieutenant Parmenter

Electric Youth 2025 visit the Franklin TV Studio for a performance & conversation (audio)

FM #1479 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1479 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares our conversation with Raye Lynn Mercer & Electric Youth 2025 in the Franklin TV studios on Tuesday, June 4, 2025.  

Key topics

• Performance of their new acapella number

• Their European tour

After Electric Youth returns from Europe, they are scheduled for a performance at the Farmers Market/Concerts on the Common on August 1. Be sure to stop by and catch their performance.

The recording runs about  24 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Raye Lynn & Electric Youth 2025   Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1479-electric-youth-2025-06-04-25/

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GAPVZx9kqi4

Franklin School for Performing Arts ->  https://www.fspaonline.com/ 

You can also check out Electric Youth's webpage -> https://www.electricyouth.com/  

The "38 Years at 38 Main" audio interview mentioned can be found here

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/09/raye-lynn-mercer-shares-some-stories-of.html 

Performance of "[I've had] The Time of My Life"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GAPVZx9kqi4

Community calendar  https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar 

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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. 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"