Saturday, June 13, 2026

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Saturday, June 13, 2026 ???

Saturday, June 13


6:00am Beaver St road closed at MBTA tracks

9:00am Thrifty Threads (Franklin Federated Church)

10:00am Historical Museum (always free)

10:00am Buddy the Brain - reading, signing, activity (Barnes and Noble Cafe)

10:00am    LGBTQ Alliance Flag Planting     (Franklin Town Common)

7:30pm Jamie Barrett - live music (Morin's Hometown Bar & Grille)

8:00pm Karaoke at The Raillery (Raillery Public House)

8:00pm    A Night to Remember: Free Sober Prom (open to all teens (ages 14 to 18)    (SAFE Coalition Offices)

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


*** NO Town Meetings today   ***

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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

SAFE Coalition is offering free grief support groups for children and teens - Wednesdays Starting June 17

SAFE Coalition is offering free grief support groups for children and teens this summer in Franklin — a safe, welcoming space for young people to process loss at their own pace through art, play, and connection with peers who understand.

Four groups meet back-to-back on the same evening, divided by age and type of loss:

3:00–3:40 p.m. | Teen Bereavement (ages 14–18) — for teens who have lost someone to death

3:45–4:25 p.m. | Teen Grief & Loss (ages 14–18) — for teens navigating any significant loss

4:30–5:10 p.m. | Children's Bereavement (ages 6–13) — for kids who have lost someone to death

5:15–6:00 p.m. | Children's Grief & Loss (ages 6–13) — for kids navigating any significant loss

Significant losses include divorce, a parent's illness or addiction, major life changes, and more. 

No therapy experience needed, no pressure to participate, and no need to start from the beginning — groups are open enrollment and children and teens can join any session.

When: Wednesdays, June 17 – August 26 | 3:00–6:00 p.m.
Dates: June 17, July 1, July 15, July 29, August 12, August 26
Where: SAFE Coalition | Franklin, MA
Cost: Free

Town Council Approves FY27 Operating Budget and Capital Investments for Franklin, MA

June 12, 2026

Town Council Approves FY27 Operating Budget and Capital Investments

FY27 Budget Approved

The Town Council approved the Fiscal Year 2027 (FY27) operating budget, establishing the Town's financial blueprint and funding priorities for the upcoming fiscal year. Please read the short, two-page FY27 Budget Snapshot and Summary of key investments and highlights of the budget process: FY27 Budget Snapshot and Summary (PDF).

The FY27 budget review process began with the Finance Committee conducting several budget hearings totaling more than 17 hours of review and discussion. Throughout the process, committee members worked closely with Town and School officials to evaluate departmental requests, review financial projections, and develop recommendations for the Town Council.

The Franklin School Committee and Town Council have met jointly twice since the election, showing voters that collaboration is at the center of the work plan for the legislative session. Many members have been also attending their respective meetings and working very closely together through this budget season. 

The FY27 approved budget does not include any proposals for an override, tax increase or other new rate increases to balance the budget. The budget also does not include any proposed reduction to key town departments, including the Franklin Public Schools (FPS), Fire Department, Police Department or Public Works, Senior Center or Library. 

These approvals represent important milestones in advancing Franklin's operational, capital, public safety, and community preservation priorities for FY27. With the budget now approved, Town departments will move forward with implementing the programs, services, and investments outlined in the fiscal year plan.

The FY27 budget reflects a collaborative effort among Town Councilors, Finance Committee members, School Committee members, Town and School staff, and department leaders to support the services, infrastructure, and community investments that residents rely on while maintaining a commitment to responsible financial planning.

Check out the two-page budget snapshot and summary: FY27 Budget Snapshot and Summary (PDF)

Take a Closer Look: FY27 Budget Archive 

Explore Town budget archives dating back to 2016: Franklin Budget Archive Center 


View it on website
Download the Budget Snapshot https://drive.google.com/file/d/1b-0-Fy6oXvJioIZLebkniaZ8Jl3MqVFo/view?usp=sharing

Economic Development Subcmte gets updates on the events for June & continues goal discussion (audio)

FM #1762 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1762 in the series. 


The Economic Development Subcommittee met on Thursday, June 4, 2026 as scheduled. Committee Vice-Chair Morrongiello, Griffith & Malloy were present for this session, Chair LeBlanc was away.


Quick recap:

  • Cory Shea to talk about the events, 

    • Restaurant Week underway, good social interactions, PorchFest on Saturday June 6, about 50 performers and 30+porches; after the music you can also visit a restaurant as the week ends on Saturday.

    • Tricky trying to put the pieces together from a regional aspect for an international event, lots of connections made, lessons learned

    • Main St will be closed between St Mary's and the Franklin Federated Church. The jumbotron will be at Hayward Manor; Live performances scheduled; Info on schedule details, parking etc will be posted on June 22

    • After the watch parties, Pride on June 27, then into the 4th of July Celebration… Farmers Market and Concerts on the Common during the summer, then Harvest Festival in Sept and wreath of Franklin date TBD Nov, Dec

    • MetroWest guide for the watch parties coming out , Town has an ad placed in it as it will be spreading quite a bit.

  • Discussion on goals vs work plan, should it be 2 or one.

    • Why is there a distinction?

    • Solid waste master plan required for the town dump, consent order from DEP so it is already being worked



The meeting runs about 71 minutes. 

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1762-economic-development-subcmte-mtg-06-04-26/


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Franklin TV video is available for replay - https://www.youtube.com/live/HJsDcLu_-xk?&t=161 


The agenda here - 

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06042026-2343 


My full set of notes taken during the meeting - 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WMctKdP3zMR8fJSIsIDFplpBCbQdfBhd/view?usp=drive_link 

   


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


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


Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.


For additional information, please visit www.franklin.news/ or  www.Franklinmatters.org/ 


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!


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


You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

FHS Students .taste test new salads

via Franklin Public School Food Service
FHS Students .taste test new salads
FHS Students .taste test new salads

"Our District Chef served up 3 new, flavor-packed power salads at FHS yesterday. Students got to be the official taste-testers for these incredible dishes:
  • Tangy Tabbouleh
  • Zesty Mediterranean Barley
  • Savory Asian Quinoa
The Feedback was amazing!

Our Students loved the fresh flavors. We will be featuring these salads next school year on the salad bar and grab and go lines."



Town of Franklin Cooling Centers when needed (Temp >85 for 3 days in row)

Beat the Heat! 

Remember to drink plenty of water, limit outdoor activity during peak heat, and check on family, friends, and neighbors who may need assistance. Stay cool and stay safe! 

Looking for a place to stay cool during the upcoming heat wave? Franklin residents can visit one of these cooling centers:

Franklin Senior Center
Town of Franklin Cooling Centers when needed (Temp >85 for 3 days in row)
Town of Franklin Cooling Centers when needed (Temp >85 for 3 days in row)
10 Daniel McCahill Street
  • Monday–Friday | 8:30 AM–4:00 PM

Franklin Public Library
118 Main Street
  • Monday–Thursday | 9:00 AM–8:00 PM
  • Friday & Saturday | 9:00 AM–5:00 PM

New England Chapel
300 E. Central Street
  • This Sunday June 14, 2026 | 8:30 AM–4:30 PM

Girls Lacrosse Summer Series - Thursday evenings in July

Don’t put your stick away just yet!!
Girls Lacrosse Summer Series - Thursday evenings in July
Girls Lacrosse Summer Series - Thursday evenings in July

There is still time to sign up for girls summer series skills this summer.

Thursday evenings in July on the front turf 5:30-6:30.

Registration is still open at the below link and link in bio!! When registering please register with your CURRENT GRADE.




3rd Annual Celebration of Life Pin Fun Run & Fireworks Festival - June 20 (video)

For Kids' Sake Foundation hosts its annual community fundraising 5K and fireworks festival--this year's 5K features a first-of-its-kind collectible enamel pin experience along the race route, including a limited-edition collaboration pin with An Unlikely Story, the Plainville bookstore owned by Diary of a Wimpy Kid creator Jeff Kinney. 
The starting line in 2025 (courtesy photo)
The starting line in 2025 (courtesy photo)

The evening also includes: live music, food and drink vendors, festival games, silent auction & raffle prizes, and an incredible professional fireworks finale

All proceeds fund CAR-T cancer research at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and Seattle Children's Hospital. 

Free fireworks and festival admission for all.

Saturday, June 20, 2026 | 5–11 PM
Field of Dreams, 80 School Street, Plainville, MA 02762

Register, donate, or learn more: forkidssakefoundation.org/5k2026


Boots & Bottles - Line Dance Class & Open Dancing - Thursday, June 18

Grab your boots and join us for another fun night of Line Dancing with Becca at La Cantina Winery!

Boots & Bottles - Line Dance Class & Open Dancing - Thursday, June 18
Boots & Bottles - Line Dance Class &
Open Dancing - Thursday, June 18
Thursday, July 16, 2026

Line Dancing Class

7:00 PM – 8:00 PM

$10 Class Fee  https://lacantinawinery.square.site/


Open Dance

8:00 PM – 9:30 PM

Bring your friends, enjoy great wine, delicious tapas, and dance the night away in the winery!

La Cantina Winery, Franklin, MA

18+ Event



Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule for Saturday, June 13, 2026

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule for Saturday, June 13, 2026
Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm
schedule for Saturday, June 13, 2026
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:


Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf  

Friday, June 12, 2026

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Friday, June 12, 2026 ???

Friday, June 12

9am Fallen Hero: Lloyd M. Ellis (Veterans Walkway, Franklin Town Common)
10am Knitting Group (Franklin Public Library)
1pm Thrifty Threads (Franklin Federated Church)
2pm Farmers Market (Franklin Town Common)
4pm Strawberry Stroll     (Main St, Franklin)
5pm A Children’s Parade (Dean College)

For additional details on Library events ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/942/Calendar-of-Events
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/DocumentCenter/View/9195/May-2026-Newsletter?bidId=
For additional details on Senior Center events ->   

*** NO Town Meetings today   ***

---------


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

Fallen Hero Recognition: Private First Class Lloyd M. Ellis, U.S. Army - June 12, 2026 - 9 AM

There is a Fallen Hero Recognition event today (6/12/26) at 9 AM on the Town Common Veterans Walkway to honor Private First Class Lloyd M. Ellis, 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.

Fallen Hero: Private First Class Lloyd M. Ellis, U.S. Army
Private First Class Lloyd M. Ellis, U.S. Army, born on December 8, 1921, was the son of Charles and Margaret Ellis, of 730 Union Street. For many years, Lloyd made his home here in Franklin with Mr. and Mrs. Warren Thayer of Fales Street. Lloyd attended the Franklin Schools and was graduated from Franklin High School in 1939 where he was a popular and talented member of his class.  
On November 14, 1942 Lloyd married the former Dorothy Brown of Franklin and he was employed as a machinist up until the time he entered the service of his country on September 13, 1943. After training, PFC Lloyd M. Ellis was sent overseas for combat in March of 1944.  
Private First Class Lloyd M. Ellis was killed in action in France on June 12, 1944 during the height of the battle following the American invasion of that country.  
Private First Class Lloyd M. Ellis was 22 years old at the time of his death during the invasion of France against the German forces.
Originally posted -> 
 
The schedule of Fallen Heroes for the year on one page (PDF)
 
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

Fakes & Forgeries Art Show: People’s Choice Ribbon was won by Christine Blue Lamb Toubeau

People’s Choice Ribbon was won by Christine Blue Lamb Toubeau
People’s Choice Ribbon was won by Christine Blue Lamb Toubeau
The second annual exhibit of the Franklin Art Association’s, “Fakes & Forgeries Art Show” closed with announcing the winner of it’s People’s Choice Award. The People’s Choice Ribbon was won by Christine Blue Lamb Toubeau, long time resident and artist of Franklin.

She rendered her version of the famous, Johannes Vermeer’s, “Girl with a Pearl Earring” done in 1665. The girl was shown this time with contemporary clothing and jewelry in today’s fashion and this new version was titled, “Material Girl with a Pearl Earring”. 

During the Franklin Historical Museum’s hours in May until June 6th, the FAA Fakes & Forgeries exhibit was open for the public. Artists were asked to paint a work of an honored art Master using their own style and their own interpretation for the new image. A Reception was held on the last day of the show, June 6th and the ballots were counted for the winner. 

This show is a successful collaboration of both the Franklin Art Association’s artwork from area artists and The Franklin Historical Museum’s building and facilities in which to show the work. 

The Franklin Art Association will start it’s monthly art demonstrations and programmed meetings again on September 2nd.

Farmers Market today opens at 2 PM before the Strawberry Stroll opens at 4 PM



PMC Kids Ride marked their 20th anniversary in Franklin on June 7, 2026

PMC Kids Ride in Franklin on June 7, 2026 marked the 20th anniversary of the event, part of a statewide movement of young cyclists helping fund life-saving cancer research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

What began two decades ago with siblings Olivia Garrity and Jack Marchioni riding through a rainstorm in Medfield and turning that moment into a simple idea that Franklin should have its own PMC Kids Ride has since grown into one of the region’s largest events. Today, the founding spirit has come full circle, with Olivia now a parent herself and still closely connected to the ride she helped inspire.

Katie and Joe Clark - pedal hard
Katie and Joe Clark - pedal hard (Hollywood Agency photo)
Across Franklin and beyond, hundreds of children ages 2 to 15 participate each summer, collectively reinforcing a powerful message: you are never too young to make a difference. The impact is substantial. Since the PMC Kids program began in 2005, young riders have raised more than $12 million for Dana-Farber. Across the broader Pan-Mass Challenge community, contributions have surpassed $1.125 billion since 1980.

Jen Lyons, a Franklin teacher and longtime PMC Kids Ride participant, started with PMC 14 years ago. A few years back, she and another elementary school teacher started a friendly competition to see who could recruit more students for the ride. One year, she even recruited 70 students!

The Franklin PMC Kids Ride stands as a living example of community-driven impact and proof that small riders can help drive enormous change.

Vote tally of the more than 40 votes taken by Town Council on Wednesday, June 10, 2026

The Town Council had an almost 5 hour session on Wednesday to discussion and vote on the budget, the CPA funds, and Capital Budget round 2 among the multiple measure they needed to take action on. 

There were over 40 votes taken that evening. I started tracking the roll call votes (these votes folks would need to know) and ended up putting all the votes in one spreadsheet with a PDF output.

You can find a brief description of the item up for vote, and the vote tally of the roll call up to the recess, the votes after were noted as "Voice Votes"


Download the file for review here


Or view the embedded version here



My notes were also verified via the video, but if I did make a mistake, please let me know, the record can be corrected.

Finance Committee votes to recommend FY 2027 budget, a minor adjustment to round 2 of Capital Authorizations (audio)

FM #1761 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1761 in the series. 


This session shares the Finance Committee meeting conducted Wednesday, June 3, 2026. The Committee meeting opened with 8 members present, 1 remote. All votes were recorded via roll call.


Quick recap:


Motion to recommend the adjusted FY 2027 budget $ 179,284,565 which uses free cash of $1m plus Second 

Clarification on going from $2.1 to $1.1 for use of free cash

Passes 9-0 via roll call


Resolution 26-27 MECC Stabilization Transfer to FY27 Operating Budget

Special purpose fund

Moved, second, passes via roll call 9-0


Resolution 26-28 Salary Schedule: Full Time Elected Official (Town Clerk)

State law requires separate vote

So moved, second, passes 9-0 via roll call


Resolution 26-29 Expenditure Limits For FY27 on Departmental Revolving Funds

State law requires, dedicated revolving funds for the purpose, expenses adjusted as needed 

So moved, second, passes 9-0 via roll call


Resolution 26-33 Capital Round 2

ma-franklin.civicplus.com

So moved, second,

Discussion on use of the auditors to provide some guidance on providing for the claims through June 30 but would be filed after July 1

Need the cash and a plan for an "oops"

Question on the code review for Parmeter, this was a recommendation from the Police Station Building Cmte in January

Q on the Senior Center sprinkler system, vendor selection underway

No money left for the fire truck? The bond anticipation note is in the budget, could be part of the free cash discussion next year 

Not really making capital investments with free cash, just buying time plugging holes here and there 

Motion to amend the resolution by the Parmenter code review and use that for fire truck stabilization account Amendment roll call passes 5 yes, 4 no 

Motion on the resolution as amended passes 8-1 via roll call


Resolution 26-34 Appropriation From Group Insurance Trust Fund

ma-franklin.civicplus.com

So moved, second, via roll call passes 9-0


Resolution 26-35 Ambulance Transfer and Appropriation

lead time is now 24 months, so the money already ready for it can place the order now for delivery later

So moved, second, passes 9-0 via roll call 


Resolution 26-23 Community Preservation Fund: Annual Appropriation and Reservation

So moved, second, clarification on the allocation per state requirement 

Passes 9-0 via roll call


Resolution 26-24 on amended Project Slate from CPC

So moved, second discussion Q on municipal housing trust allocation from CPA 

Finally the vote passes 9-0 via roll call


Resolution 26-30 Snow & Ice Stabilization Transfer to Operating BudgetFY26

So moved, second, passes 9-0 via roll call 

No FEMA funds expected


Resolution 26-31 Capital FY26 Stormwater Enterprise Fund Appropriation Move $90k for asset management grant

So moved, second, via roll call passes 9-0


Discussion on the stabilization account balances Any changes to it would be through the fiscal policy which determines the allocations from free cash Timings can affect the balances Audit report is coming in July due to Town Council and schedules and other items


The recording runs almost 3 hours, let’s listen

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1761-franklin-ma-finance-cmte-mtg-06-03-26/




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The Franklin TV video is available for replay - https://www.youtube.com/live/FR_5FicbhCM?&t=208 


Agenda doc - https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06032026-2346 


My Notes in one PDF - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-xvjEmKCCw_H0m67ex_Dz4l5l6VsorYr/view?usp=drive_link 


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

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!

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


You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"