You can listen to the Town Council Communications Subcmte Mtg on Thursday, Nov 5, 2026 (audio)

FM #1852 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1852 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin, MA Town Council Communications Subcommittee meeting held virtually (via Zoom) on Thursday, November 5, 2026. 

Committee members: Caroline Griffith, Chair, Jane Callaway-Tripp, Vice Chair, Maxwell Morrongiello, Gene Grella and Elizabeth Kalaijian, Director of Communications and Community Engagement.

Agenda:

1. Call to Order

2. Approval of Minutes

a. July 15, 2026 Meeting Minutes

b. May 28, 2026 Meeting Minutes

c. April 27, 2026 Meeting Minutes

3. Review and Discussion: next steps, priorities, and questions

a. Updated_2026-27_Comms Subcommittee Work Plan Draft

b. 2026-2027 Communications Subcommittee work plan

4. Adjourn 

The recording runs about 72 minutes, so let’s listen to the Communications Subcommittee meeting of November 5, 2026.

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1852-town-council-communications-subcmte-mtg-11-05-26/

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Agenda doc -  https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_11052026-2590 

Town Council Communications Subcmte page - https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/1311/Communications-Subcommittee 

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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 www.franklin.news or  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!

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What's happening in Franklin, MA: Saturday, November 7, 2026

Saturday, November 7

6:00am Winter Coat Drive   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/11/winter-coat-drive-underway-more-than-60.html

9:00am Fallen Hero: Lawrence J. Clark (Veterans Walkway, Franklin Town Common)

9:00am Thrifty Threads (Franklin Federated Church)

10:00am Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

10:00am LGBTQ Alliance Brunch at Mak's (Mak's Roast Beef and Breakfast)

6:00pm The Gala (THE BLACK BOX)

7:30pm Rebecca Loebe (live music) (Circle of Friends Coffeehouse) 

8:00pm Bryan Unplugged (live music) (The Tavern on Central)

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

* Note: Fire Dept Open House moved to Nov 14

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

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: Lawrence J. Clark - November 7, 2026 - 9 AM

Memorial event today (11/07/26) at 9 AM on the Town Common Veterans Walkway to honor Lawrence J. Clark. 

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.

*****

Lawrence J. Clark PVT. U. S. Army WWI

WWI doughboy memorial

Lawrence Clark was born in 1888, the son of John and Mary Jane Clark, along with 4 brothers and 2 sisters.

For eight years he was a Massachusetts resident, working for the American Felt Company before entering the service.

He was said to be one of Franklin's most ardent sportsmen. He was noted for his golfing ability having won the Franklin Country Club Round Robin twice, before answering the call to colors.

He entered the Army on October 45, 1917 joining Company 1, 302 Infantry Regiment, 76th Division,.  He transferred on Feb 4, 1918 to Company L, 61st Infantry Regiment 5th Division and departed for Europe on April 16th 1918.

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The schedule of Fallen Heroes for the year on one page (PDF)

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1tlyiAK18owM81p8aJs1vhKc3p2bIK1cv/view?usp=drive_link

Photo album of the Fallen Hero pillars along the Veterans Walkway

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

The video series of recognition ceremonies for 2024 (YTD) 

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/07/fallen-hero-recognition-ceremonies-for.html

Screenagers: Gneration AI scheduled for free community screening on Dec 9 at FHS

Franklin Public Schools invites families to a free community screening of Screenagers: Generation AI, a documentary about how artificial intelligence is shaping young people’s relationships, learning, and mental health. 

The film offers practical tools to help families navigate AI at home and in school.

After the screening, a panel of local experts will share their perspectives.

The film is recommended for ages 11 and older, so students in that age group are welcome to attend with their families. Parents and caregivers of children of all ages are encouraged to join us.

Wednesday, December 9, 6:00–8:00 PM 

at Franklin High School Auditorium

Registration, event details, and the film trailer are available on the event website: https://sites.google.com/view/screenagers-fps/home

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/1BpRnmPpN7/ 

FHS volleyball team tops Springfield Central to advance in playoffs

Via Instagram, Franklin TV, and our subscription to HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the Fall sports competition for Franklin High School on Friday, November 6, 2026.

Volleyball =    Division 1
#28 Springfield Central, 0 @ #5 Franklin, 3 – Final

– Franklin needed just over an hour to dispatch Springfield Central, controlling the match from the start in a 3-0 (25-11, 25-14, 25-19) sweep. The Panthers raced out to a 10-2 lead in the opening set behind three early kills from junior Emerson Delleo, along with contributions at the net from junior Genevieve Camire and freshman Marley Lindenmeyer, and never looked back. Springfield Central pulled even at 10-10 in the second, but Franklin answered with a 7-1 run that included kills from Lindenmeyer and junior Charlotte Yeulenski, back-to-back aces from Yeulenski, and a block from sophomore Phoebe O’Connor and Camire before pulling away again. Franklin built a 15-6 advantage in the third set with contributions throughout the lineup, including kills from senior Gianna Laurello, Yeulenski, Delleo, and Lindenmeyer and blocks from Laurello, sophomore Lauren Fitzhenry, and Lindenmeyer. Springfield Central battled back to within 20-17, but the Panthers closed on a 5-2 run to finish off the sweep. Delleo led Franklin with 10 kills, Lindenmeyer added seven kills and was part of four blocks, while Yeulenski and Laurello each finished with five kills. Franklin totaled eight aces and eight team blocks in the win.

Franklin TV video for replay - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V8mBHHULtsI

MIAA full bracket for D1 = https://www.miaa.net/miaa-fall-volleyball-2026-division-1-state-tournament

For other results across the Hockomock League (subscription required)

https://hockomocksports.com/fridays-schedule-scoreboard-11-06-26/

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

Chief Lynch retires with the FPD escort on Thursday !!

via Franklin Police Dept:

"One of the great traditions here at the Franklin Police Department is honoring an officer on their final day before retirement with an escort to or from work by their fellow officers.

Yesterday, we had the privilege of continuing that tradition for Chief Lynch as he wrapped up his final day with the department.

After 30+ years of service to the Franklin Police Department and our community, it was only fitting that we send him off with a proper escort.

It’s official, Chief Lynch! 

Enjoy the next chapter!

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1ML219x8i7/

Wondering about donating a turkey to the Franklin Food Pantry?

"Retailer turkey promotions are in full swing, and we get lots of questions about donating turkeys to The Pantry. 

We're grateful for everyone’s generosity, but we cannot accept turkeys from the public due to food safety standards. Instead, we work directly with retail partners to source turkeys for our clients.

Wondering about donating a turkey to the Franklin Food Pantry?

You can still help make Thanksgiving meals complete!

Please consider making a cash gift that allows us to leverage bulk purchasing power, or donate non-perishable holiday sides like canned cranberry sauce, boxed stuffing, or instant mashed potatoes. 

Place items in the purple donation bin on the loading dock at 341 W Central St. in Franklin.

Thank you for making the holidays brighter for our neighbors!"

Shared from -  https://www.instagram.com/reels/DfU6ymwEqZm/

Fire Dept Open House moved to Saturday, November 14

"Due to the unfortunate weather predicted for this Saturday, we have moved our open house to Saturday November 14th.

We hope to see you all then!! "

Shared from - https://www.instagram.com/p/DfYB-0dP7xU/

FHSTC schedules 2 performances of Travel Through Time - Nov 20 & Nov 21

Just two weeks from now, FHS Theater Company is thrilled to be putting on a senior directed showcase of various scenes we like to call…Travel Through Time! 

On the 20th and 21st of November at 7:00 PM, please join us for a wonderful night of scenes varying from shows such as Winnie the Pooh and Radium Girls. 

It would truly be the missed opportunity of the millennium if you couldn’t attend…unless you can figure out a way to travel back in time!

Tickets will be available for purchasing very soon, so best keep an eye out!

Shared from - https://www.instagram.com/p/DfV8uPPNQA6/

Boston Globe: "Mass. voters narrowly reject Question 7, dealing blow to housing advocates"

"Massachusetts voters narrowly rejected a ballot measure that would have reduced the amount of land required to build a single-family home here, the Associated Press projected, dealing a sharp blow to housing advocates who had hoped the measure would boost the construction of so-called starter homes and make homeownership more accessible to working- and middle-class families.

While the final tally was still pending as of Friday afternoon, the AP called the vote, with 50.7 percent of votes cast against Question 7 and 99 percent of the vote reported."

Continue reading the GLobe article - https://www.bostonglobe.com/2026/11/06/elections/massachusetts-question-7-result/?s_campaign=sharetool_copypaste_view

Note: per our converssation with Franklin's Town Clerk Nancy Danello, Offical vote totals will be validated by Nov 18, 2026 to submit to the Secretary of the Commonwealth. Hence official statewide totals would be available after the Secretray does the compliation.

Also of Note: the Globe totals excluded the 497 "blank" ballots (folks who did not vote for this particular question). (Q9 got the least amount of "blank" ballots at 145, followed closely by Q8 at 147. All totals are "unofficial" per the Town Clerk) (Q5 got the most "blanks" at 617).

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm Schedule for Saturday, November 7, 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: (see image)

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

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Friday, November 6, 2026

Friday, November 6

9:00am Fallen Hero: Jay Stone Davis (Veterans Walkway, Franklin Town Common)

10:00am Knitting Group (Franklin Public Library)

11:00am Music Boosters Fund Raiser (Dave's Hot Chicken)

1:00pm Thrifty Threads (Franklin Federated Church)

6:00pm Ken Barney (live music) (Lafayette House Restaurant and Pub)

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/11398/November-2026?bidId=

*** 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

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: Jay Stone Davis - November 6, 2026 - 9 AM

Memorial event today (11/06/26) at 9 AM on the Town Common Veterans Walkway to honor Jay Stone Davis. 

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.

** Jay Stone Davis PVT. U. S. Army, World War I

Fallen Hero Recognition

Jay Stone Davis was born in East Haven Connecticut in 1883. He was employed in Springfield as a tool maker. He made his home with his mother in Franklin, and she was employed at Dean Academy.

Jay Davis entered the service from Franklin on April 26, 1918 and was assigned three weeks later to Motor Corps 16, Machine Gun Training Center at Camp Hancock.

He went overseas in August of 2918 and less than two months later fell in the action at Skenay, France on this date, 1918.

At the time of his death, no Next of Kin could be found and thus no Purple Heart Award could be given.

Pvt. Davis rests in 'Honored Glory" in the Meuse - Argonne Cemetery in Romagne, France, Plot H, Row 15, Grave 2.

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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

The schedule of Fallen Heroes for the year on one page (PDF)

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1tlyiAK18owM81p8aJs1vhKc3p2bIK1cv/view?usp=drive_link

Interfaith Council of Churches schedules annual Thanksgiving Service for Nov 22 at 7 PM

Franklin Interfaith Council Thanksgiving Service

"Thanksgiving is more than a Day"

Sunday, November 22, 2026 at 7:OOpm

Franklin Federated Church

171 Main Street, Franklin, MA 02038

Please join for beautiful music and spoken messages to get your Thanksgiving off to a great start!

Refreshments served

Can't make it in person? Join via:

https://www.YouTube.com/@franklinmaall-accesstv7535/

Winter Coat Drive Underway - more than 60 coats already collected

Please consider donating gently used or new coats to help your Franklin-area neighbors! Donations accepted from Oct 30 through Dec 7, 2026.

Donations can be dropped off at the locations listed below:

Franklin Fire Department

40 West Central St.

Franklin, MA

Franklin United Methodist Church

82 West Central St.

Franklin, MA

 

Franklin Police Department

911 Panther Way

Franklin, MA

New England Chapel

300 East Central St.

Franklin, MA

Hockomock YMCA

45 Forge Hill Rd.

Franklin, MA

Questions? Contact Kim Mu-Chow at NECCARES@NECHAPEL.ORG.

The Community Closet @FranklinUMC will be offering a FREE COAT GIVEAWAY on December 11 & 12 to distribute coats donated through this drive. To learn more go to franklinumc.org.

Download the flyer as a reminder or to share -

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1vgCsFNlQVmpL_gT87RRXCt61D5rt4roQ/view?usp=drive_link

FHS field hockey team advances to Sweet Sixteen on Thursday

Via Instagram, Franklin TV, and our subscription to HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the Fall sports competition for Franklin High School on Thursday, November 5, 2026.

Field Hockey = Division 1 = #31 Durfee, 0 @ #2 Franklin, 10 – Final

"The opening round of the playoffs can be nerve-wracking, even for a team of Franklin’s tournament pedigree and experience. It took the Panthers a quarter of Thursday afternoon’s Div. 1 first round visit from Durfee to the Beaver St. Turf to shake off the rust from more than a week off and click into gear.

While Franklin looked more like itself in the second quarter, it went into halftime leading by just two. The floodgates opened in the third, as the Panthers scored four times in the first four minutes of the second half, and junior Penelope Brady scored three of the team’s seven goals in the frame.

The Panthers turned a close game into a rout, running away with a 10-0 victory and booking a spot in the Sweet Sixteen.

Franklin coach Michelle Hess said, “They were concerned about this team. We had seen some film and I don’t know, they were a little hesitant. Once we talked about it, and I said, we’re not playing our game. You have to find something to get them going.”

Continue reading the game recap (subscription required)

https://hockomocksports.com/franklin-field-hockey-turns-it-on-in-second-half-rolls-into-sweet-sixteen/

Football = Division 1 = #9 Andover, 56 @ #8 Franklin, 21 – Final

1st Quarter: (A) Kyle Olson 91-yard kickoff return, Henry Belscher XP good; (A) John Stadler 9-yard pass to Marcus DeJesus, H. Belscher XP good; (A) J. Stadler 15-yard pass to Ryan Moriarty, H. Belscher XP good.

2nd Quarter: (A) M. DeJesus 18-yard rush, H. Belscher XP good; (F) Ethan Edmunds 5-yard pass to Ben Scullin, Owen Webster XP good.

3rd Quarter: (A) M. DeJesus 58-yard rush, H. Belscher XP good; (F) E. Edmunds 9-yard pass to B. Scullin, O. Webster XP good; (A) M. DeJesus 9-yard rush, H. Belscher XP good.

4th Quarter: (F) E. Edmunds 16-yard pass to Iyad Fraifer, O. Webster XP good; (A) M. DeJesus 10-yard rush, H. Belscher XP good; (A) J. Stadler 12-yard rush, H. Belscher XP good.

Franklin TV video for replay - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-qkli0E7m4k

For other results across the Hockomock League (subscription required)

https://hockomocksports.com/thursdays-schedule-scoreboard-11-05-26/

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

FHS girls soccer seeded #5, boys #26 in playoff brackets

"Below are the seeds and matchups for the Hockomock boys and girls soccer teams in the MIAA playoffs, which are subject to change. "

Boys Soccer = Division 1

#26 Franklin (10-4-4) will travel to #7 Newton North (7-5-6) on a date and time to be announced.

MIAA bracket -  https://www.miaa.net/sites/default/files/2026-11/brackets-fall-2026-boys-soccer-division-1.pdf

Girls Soccer = Division 1

#5 Franklin (14-4-0) will host # 28 Weymouth (4-13-1) on Monday, 11/9 at 5:30.

MIAA bracket - https://www.miaa.net/sites/default/files/2026-11/brackets-fall-2026-girls-soccer-division-1.pdf

Shared from - https://hockomocksports.com/hockomock-soccer-playoff-seeds-matchups-2026/

FHS Unified Basketball Charity Night scheduled for Monday, Nov 23 at 6 PM

Come join and support us at FHS unified basketball charity night! 

It starts at 6 PM on November, 23 at the FHS gym

Shared from - https://www.instagram.com/p/DfXtIDpOmMO/