FREE Community Concert @FranklinUMC: Stickman Blue and Kaye Kelly - Nov 18

Join us for a FREE Community Concert @FranklinUMC featuring Stickman Blue and Kaye Kelly on Saturday, November 15, at 7pm.

Kaye Kelly and Mark Hardt (Stickman Blue) are a powerhouse husband-and-wife musical duo whose performances blend soul, sophistication, and decades of artistic mastery. With over 30 years in the music industry, their sound is equal parts heartfelt and refined—an elevated musical experience that captivates listeners across generations.

FREE Community Concert
@FranklinUMC:  Stickman Blue
and Kaye Kelly - Nov 18

Kaye Kelly is an award-winning vocalist, songwriter, and professor at Berklee College of Music, known for her expressive voice, compelling original music, and deep commitment to nurturing the next generation of artists. Her partner on stage and in life, Mark Hardt is a seasoned touring musician and innovative Chapman Stick player whose artistry brings a distinctive texture and depth to the duo’s sound.

Together, they perform original songs rooted in rich storytelling and genre-spanning influences, from jazz and soul to folk, pop, and beyond. They’re also celebrated for their transformative takes on cover songs—breathing new life into familiar tunes with fresh arrangements, unexpected harmonies, and a musical connection that only decades of collaboration can create.

Whether on festival stages, in intimate venues, or curated listening rooms, Kaye Kelly and Mark Hardt deliver unforgettable performances that are both technically masterful and emotionally resonant.

You can listen to Stickman Blue’s music on YouTube.com/@StickManBlueMusic; and, you can find Kaye Kelly on Facebook.com/OneCreativeLife/.

DCR's winter adaptive schedule is available

DCR's winter adaptive schedule is available

Via Ali Rheaume who shares from Dept of Conservation & Recreation (DCR)

"DCR's winter adaptive schedule is up!" -> https://www.mass.gov/info-details/adaptive-program-schedule

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/p/196NJ8NNuJ/

Council Candidate Coffee Chat - Sunday, Nov 2 from Noon to 2 PM

Via Ken Ojukwu

"I’m running for Town Council and want to answer your questions. Social media has its uses, but it’s hard to beat in person interactions. 

I’m inviting you to an informal coffee chat this Sunday at Birchwood Bakery between noon and 2 PM. I’m happy to chat about Franklin, my candidacy or something else that you want to know about. Other candidates may also join. This is an informal event where I’ll likely have a cinnamon roll and a hot drink and hopefully good discussion about the priorities for and direction of our town. 

I have only 2 asks:

1. Respect! The goal is civil discourse

2. Vote! Every single vote matters 

I honestly hope to see you there. Thank you for caring about Franklin. 

(Note: if I can figure out how, I’m turning off comments on this post because online always exists and I really want to talk to you in person.)"

Council Candidate Coffee Chat? - Sunday, Nov 2 from Noon to 2 PM

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Bwm3PAZ4o/

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule for Friday, October 31, 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 segment shares my conversation my conversation with Doug Martin, Franklin’s Water and Sewer Superintendent and Jake Standly, the Assistant Water/Sewer Superintendent. We get an update on the sewer & water projects underway or planned ->  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/10/doug-jake-provide-updates-on-sewer.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  Showcasing the "Blues" as a basis for and influence of Country, Jazz and Rock and Roll, here and worldwide.

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, October 31, 2025 (Your local Public, Education & Government "PEG" station)

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

7:00 am Franklin Art Association: Charlie Guay

8:30 am Frank Presents: Ken Ojukwu

9:00 am Frank Presents: Joe McGann

10:00 am Riffin' on Main Street: Pauline Spender

11:00 am Senior Connection: Disabilities Commission

12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin: Scones

12:30 pm Cooking with Linda: Green Bean Casserole

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

2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Summer 2018 Show 6

3:00 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Pete Smith

4:00 pm Concerts on the Common: Matt Zajac

6:00 pm Election 2025: Town Council - Ted Cormier-Leger

6:38 pm Election 2025: Town Council - Tom Mercer

7:07 pm     Election 2025: Town Council - Caroline Griffith

8:00 pm Election 2025: School Committee - Ruthann O'Sullivan

9:00 pm Ben Gardner's Boat

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

7:00 am Middle School Winter Music 2024

8:30 am Mental Health: Mithun Pasham

9:30 am Public School Event: FHS Chorus & Orchestra 2023

1:00 pm FHSTC - Flowers for Algernon

2:00 pm FHS Winter Music: Band 2024

3:30 pm FHS Varsity Field Hockey v King Philip 10-09-25

9:00 pm FHS Theater Company: Cinderella

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

8:00 am Zoning Board of Appeals 10-23-25

2:00 pm Zoning Board of Appeals 10-23-25

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, October 30, 2025 ???

Thursday, October 30

Thanksgiving Pie Fundraiser     (order online for pickup Nov 25)

8:00am In Person Early Voting (Town Clerk's Office)

4:00pm Pumpkin Patch (St John's Episcopal Church)

Library & Senior Center events

5:00pm Halloween Cemetery Tour (Union Street Cemetery)

5:30pm Jamie Barrett (live music) (Prezo Grille and Bar)

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

8:30pm Planning Board Candidate Night (virtual meeting)

For additional details on Library events ->    https://www.franklinma.gov/942/Calendar-of-Events

For additional details on Senior Center events ->   

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

**   Town Meetings today   **

Historical Commission (updated 10/28/25)

Thursday, October 30 Time: 6:30 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10302025-1981

Conservation Commission Meeting

Thursday, October 30 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Item/519?fileID=6730 

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

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

Planning Board Candidate Discussion - Oct 30 at 8:30 PM (virtual only)

Planning Board Candidate Discussion -
Oct 30 at 8:30 PM (virtual only)

Get to know the Planning Board candidates! BEN For Franklin is proud to host a brief virtual candidate discussion THIS THURSDAY at 8:30 PM. 

Zoom link: event ended - video to be available shortly

The discussion will be recorded by Franklin Matters and available on YouTube after the event.

Cast Announced for FPAC’s Peter and the Starcatcher

Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) will present the Tony-winning play Peter and the Starcatcher November 21-23 at THE BLACK BOX directed by Ali Funkhouser. The play upends the century-old story of how a miserable orphan comes to be The Boy Who Would Not Grow Up (a.k.a. Peter Pan). From marauding pirates and jungle tyrants to unwilling comrades and unlikely heroes, Peter and the Starcatcher playfully explores the depths of greed and despair, and the bonds of friendship, duty and love.

Cast Announced for FPAC’s Peter and the Starcatcher

The 12-person cast features NYC actors Robbie Rescigno as Black Stache, Paul Rescigno as Smee, Emiliano Morales (Chicago tour) as Bill Slank/Hawking Clam, and Gabriel Argate as Mrs. Bumbrake; Massachusetts-based Michael Baratta as Lord Aster, Conor Meehan as Alf, and Nick Paone as Grempkin/Fighting Prawn; and Dean College Musical Theater Senior Jason Robert Warner as Captain Scott. 

They are joined by Student Apprentices from the Franklin School for the Performing Arts Owen Charles as Boy, Ricky Fraser as Ted, Colette Lelievre as Molly, and Matthew Packard as Prentiss. FPAC Student Apprentice Baree Frigon will understudy Molly and serve as the production’s Assistant Choreographer. 

Featuring a dozen actors portraying more than 100 unforgettable characters, Peter and the Starcatcher uses ingenious stagecraft and the limitless possibilities of imagination to bring the story to life: A young orphan and his mates are shipped off from Victorian England to a distant island ruled by the evil King Zarboff. They know nothing of the mysterious trunk in the captain’s cabin, which contains a precious, otherworldly cargo. 

At sea, the boys are discovered by a precocious young girl named Molly, a Starcatcher-in-training who realizes that the trunk’s precious cargo is starstuff, a celestial substance so powerful that it must never fall into the wrong hands. When the ship is taken over by pirates – led by the fearsome Black Stache, a villain determined to claim the trunk and its treasure for his own – the journey quickly becomes a thrilling adventure. 

Before the Friday and Saturday evening performances of FPAC’s Peter and the Starcatcher, audiences are invited to swing by The Mermaid for a drink 6:00-7:00 PM. When this add-on ticket is purchased, patrons will gain access to a pre-show experience that transports them to a seaside English pub. To the sounds of the waves and live sea shanties, patrons will enjoy drinks and snacks before the show. Pub admission is 21+. The add-on ticket to this pre-show experience includes admission to The Mermaid, an appetizer, soft drink, and reserved seating for the purchased ticket. Drinks and additional food will be available for purchase.

FPAC is an Actors’ Equity Small Professional Theater company based at THE BLACK BOX in downtown Franklin, MA. Each season, FPAC produces musicals, plays, ballets, and more featuring Broadway stars, professional actors, local performers, and emerging artists. Tickets for Peter and the Starcatcher are available at FPAConline.com or by calling the box office at 508-528-3370.

Town Council hears the SNETT and Franklin Ridge transactions are complete, accepts Elks Riders donation in last session (video)

The Franklin (MA) Town Council held the last session of its legislative term on Wednesday evening October 29, 2025 as scheduled at 7 PM. Al 9 Councilors were present in Chambers for this session.

The Franklin TV video is available for replay ->  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NIgSJh9fWjA

The agenda and associated documents for this session ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10292025-1978

Quick recap:

• Approximately the first 45 minutes of the meeting were taken up with multiple citizen comments, many on the 444 East Central development proposal which while one of their complaints is that the Council doesn't listen to them, also ironically indicates that they haven't listened or don't understand the meaning of due process
• One comment revealed the first annual Caregiver Appreciation day scheduled for Nov 7 at the Senior Center from 11 - 3 PM. (Note, on that the day the regular Senior Center activities are canceled)
• Appointments to the Agricultural Commission - Jennifer Sweeney (Associate Seat) and to the Council on Aging - Roberta Trahan were both approved by 9-0 votes
• The Public Hearing, originally scheduled for Oct 15, and continued to this date, was opened and eventually closed with no public or Council comments on the multiple modifications of a Section 15 Package Store All Alcoholic Beverages License: Change of License Manager... Doing business as Liquor World. The measure was approved by 9-0 vote
• The Council approved a Farmer-Winery Farmers Market License - Blisspoint LLC d/b/a Blisspoint Meadery by a 9-0 vote
• Presentation: Franklin Elks Riders Donation to Veterans’ Services Department. Veterans Service Officer, Shannon Nisbett received the check for $2000 from this year's rides
• Resolution 25-70: Adoption of Cannabis licensing Local Approval Process and Cannabis Social Equity Policy (Motion to Approve Resolution 25-70 - Majority Vote) Moved, second. The proposal is modeled after that of Shrewsbury as they are the only 1 approved now, 100+ communities remain to develop one and get theirs approved.  This is an example of additional revenue from cannabis, almost $.5m yearly total. NETA has done well here
• Resolution 25-67: Expenditure Limits for FY2026 on Departmental Revolving Funds Established by Franklin Town Code Chapter 73, as Provided in MGL Chapter 44, §53 E½, as Amended (Electric Vehicle Charging Stations) approved by 9-0 vote, may need to adjusted upward as time goes and action on this revenue stream increases
• From the Town Administrator's Report 
• Purchase of the SNETT extension is complete, now owned by the Town, Work remains to be funded and completed but the registry of deeds has the record of ownership
• Formally closed on Franklin Ridge, contracts going out to bid, info sessions in the spring on lottery process etc. Construction once begun is anticipated to go 18-24 months
• Approximately, the remaining 40 minutes of the meeting were Councilor Comments reflecting on accomplishments for this term, recognition of the 3 not running for re-election, etc.

My full set of notes in one PDF -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1XVFpF-Gf2ULj1avVodFT4RXGkXMvWvg5/view?usp=drive_link

Franklin Elks Riders Donation to Veterans’ Services Department.
Veterans Service Officer, Shannon Nisbett received the check

Economic Development Subcmte catches up on meeting minutes, reflects on accomplishments (video)

The Economic Development Subcommittee of the Town Council conducted their last session of this election term on Wednesday, Oct 29 at 5:45 PM. The agenda was mostly a repeat of that originally scheduled for Oct 15 which was then moved to the 29th.

All four members of the Subcommittee were present in Council Chambers.

Franklin TV video is available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sxKeNgzEVNs

Agenda document ->    https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10292025-1964 

Quick recap:

• Multiple motions were made and approved to finalize the meeting minutes that were in some cases back to 2021. One amendment was made for one set to correct the name spelling o a couple of participants. Otherwise, all were approved as submitted with a 4-0 vote.
• Multiple citizen made comments, many to thank them for their service and accomplishments, a couple to remind of work to be done next term, on the friendly 40b process, and the development of a Franklin specific 40b affordable unit calculation. (The State calculation is misleading on the number of affordable units in the community as it includes all of the units in an apartment complex when on a small number of them as actually affordable.)
• The members of the reflected on their accomplishments, and Councilor Frongillo also included his 'wish list' of things remaining to be tackled.

My full set of notes in one PDF file ->  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ktlHqEH1XRueA_YECKnUATY0QS7-FwV1/view?usp=drive_link

FHs girls & boys soccer team drop matches on Wednesday

Via Twitter, Franklin TV, and our subscription to HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the Fall sports competition for Franklin High School  on  Wednesday, October 29, 2025

Boys Soccer = Franklin, 1 @ St. John’s Shrewsbury, 3 – Final

– After falling behind by a goal in the first half, Franklin came out flying in the second half and dictated play but St. John’s countered with two quick goals to hold on to the lead. Senior Jason Proenca got the Panthers on the board with 10 minutes to go off of an assist from Josh Rappa.

Girls Soccer = Franklin, 2 vs. Bishop Feehan, 4 – Final 

– Franklin equalized in the second half but Feehan scored three goals in a row to pull away for a win between D1 title contenders. Feehan scored late in the first half to go into the break with the lead, but Morgan Lovell answered back in the second half with a strike from 20 yards. Feehan turned the game on its head with three goals in the next 12 minutes to take control. The Panthers got one back in the final 10 minutes of the match, finishing off a scrum in front of goal from a corner.

For other results across the Hockomock League (subscription required)  

https://hockomocksports.com/wednesdays-schedule-scoreboard-10-29-25/

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

Voices of Franklin: Kit Brady urges school families to vote on or before Nov 4

It is important to vote in the upcoming town election, especially if you have/will have children in Franklin Public Schools.

I read Mr. Steve Sherlock’s recent (10/25/25) editorial in Franklin Matters Weekly, titled, “80% of the Franklin registered voters don’t care” (Franklin MAtters Weekly: 80% of the Franklin (MA) registered voters don’t care), describing the general lack of interest in town elections in Franklin. It’s disappointing that so many residents don’t vote in local elections. Using data provided by Mr. Sherlock (with permission), the average voter turnout for all town elections since 2003 is about 18% (range 12.0-23.5). This suggests that many in Franklin are content to let a small group make decisions for everyone. Really? One could argue that town elections have relatively more direct impact on the daily lives of Franklinites than the State and Presidential elections that have greater voter turnout.

Why is it important to vote in town elections, especially if you have/will have children in Franklin Public Schools (FPS)? The upcoming election on November 4th will be consequential for the future of your children, especially given the dire financial forecasts for the town and schools. If you don’t vote, you’re letting a small number of people decide how your schools are funded. The people elected to the Town Council and School Committee on Tuesday will decide any future cuts in school funding and programs. Previous cuts to FPS over the past 20 years resulted in FPS families paying more for less via increasing fees; this trend will continue if more cuts are proposed. These cuts weaken our schools, and increased fees deepen income-based educational inequalities in Franklin. So much for a “free public education” in the birthplace of Horace Mann.

So, for those of you who have/will have children in Franklin Public Schools, the importance of voting for your kids in the upcoming town election cannot be overstated. Every vote counts, especially in local elections. If you are out at your kids’ events this weekend, ask around to see who is voting, and plead with those who aren’t to do so. The election is November 4th with numerous options to vote by alternative methods if you can’t make it to the polls on that date. Details may be found on the Town Clerk’s website (Town Clerk / Elections Division | Franklin, MA). 

Voting in this election isn’t just a civic duty — it’s a vote for your children’s future.

Kit Brady

Franklin resident

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: Kit Brady urges school families to vote on or before Nov 4

Reminder: Franklin Newcomers & Friends 50th Annual Craft Fair - Nov 8 at Tri-County

Franklin Newcomers & Friends 50th
Annual Craft Fair - Nov 8 at Tri-County

Come support local artisans in your community and local non-profit organizations by attending the Franklin Newcomers & Friends 50th Annual Craft Fair.

Our juried Craft Fair will be held Saturday, November 8th from 9am to 3pm. The Fair will be located at Tri-County High School, 147 Pond Street in Franklin. There is a $3 entry fee for anyone over 12 years of age.

We typically showcase close to 70 Artisans. In addition, you'll find our bake and raffle tables located near the entrance. All proceeds are donated to local charitable organizations. Also, we will accept donated items for the Franklin Food Pantry at the entrance.

Rising Stars scheduled to perform at THE BLACK BOX on Nov 14

Rising Stars scheduled to perform at
THE BLACK BOX on Nov 14

THE BLACK BOX presents a crowd favorite with its fall Rising Stars! 

Talented young singers deliver powerful performances of classic and contemporary Broadway music in a cabaret setting.

Shared from ->   https://www.facebook.com/share/p/14MD2uPgo8s/

Tickets -> https://theblackboxonline.com/rising-stars-broadway-cabaret/

Paint Party Social scheduled for Nov 6

Paint Party Social scheduled for Nov 6

via Amy Adams:

"Hello community!!!! Just sharing as this date is coming up. I have heard from some people that the date and time don’t work. 

I’d like to offer the opportunity for anyone interested in gifting a class ticket to someone who can use the time out and be part of this paint session for it’s location, time, and accessibility. 

Please contact me directly to arrange."

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

Check out the Art classes after school 2026

Register online at -> https://www.creativecornerartstudiofranklin.com/service-page/after-school-creations-club-2025-2026

Shared from ->   https://www.facebook.com/ted.cormierleger/posts/pfbid027LpVQWD6YPtcHe1E4amiRnTeBBv8n6tut4wsVPphhfJeAtP5ybdkDQ4zK3oJkvsul

Franklin Public Radio wfpr.fm schedule for Thursday, October 30, 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 covering Franklin, its local government, services, and events 

• This segment shares my conversation with School Committee Chair Dave Callaghan as we condense the recent meeting in this Chalkboard Chat     https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/10/school-committee-chair-callaghan.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 Vibe, Pauly G, and the Turntable Show Album Hour features Earth, Wind & Fire's "All n All" record and many, many popular EWF hits recorded live on the Vibe EWF Playlist Hour.  The All n All album includes many hits: Serpentine Fire, Fantasy, Jupiter, and Magic Mind.  Get your boogie  moves ready for a fun two hour Turntable Show."

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