What's happening in Franklin, MA: Tuesday, July 21, 2026 ???

Tuesday, July 21

12:00pm Community Closet (Franklin United Methodist Church)

5:00pm Tuesday Night Cruise (Kings Brick Oven Pizza & Pub)

5:00pm Youth Open Track & Field Check-in (Franklin High School)

6:00pm Youth Open Track & Field meet (Franklin High School)

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/9890

***   Town Meetings today ***

Housing Authority

Tuesday, July 21 Time: 4:30 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_07212026-2418 

Design Review Meeting

Tuesday, July 21 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_07212026-2419 

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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

Franklin TV & Radio has a New Executive Director Liz Harkins (audio)

(L-R) Ray Auger, Pete Fasciano, Liz Harkins

via Liz Harkins

"I'm excited to finally share the recording of my interview with Ray in the Morning on Raydio!

It was a privilege to join Ray and Pete for a thoughtful conversation, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to share my story, discuss what matters most to me, and connect with his incredible audience. Ray has a genuine gift for creating meaningful conversations, and it was an honor to be part of his show.

If you missed the live broadcast this morning at 8:30 AM, you can listen to the full interview anytime here:

https://on.soundcloud.com/duZNBKBNQqniimYKKp

>I will work on my umms!!!

I hope you'll take a listen, and if something resonates with you, I'd love to hear your thoughts. A heartfelt thank you to Ray Auger for the invitation, his thoughtful questions, and for providing a platform that highlights important voices and conversations.

Please feel free to like, comment, and share with others who might enjoy the interview!"

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/1BRK6NoEv5/

Raydio · Ray in the Morning - Franklin TV

Historic Happenings at the Franklin Historical Museum for August 2026

Revolutionaries in White: A Look Across Three Centuries of Bridal Fashion (Continuing from June) 

Brides didn't always wear white, but in the 19th century, a number of factors combined to make that the preferred color choice. Today, white remains dominant for American brides as well as for brides in many other lands.  Revolutionaries in White will display gowns spanning from the 19th to the 21st century, offering insights into rapid social changes, with groupings that include multi-generational family gowns and the unique 1946 Parachute Dress with its spectacular 13-foot train.  

Sunday, August 9-- Our `Second Sunday Speaker' topic is `Franklin’s Connection to the Atomic Bombing of Nagasaki’

Commissioner Scott Mason will share the remarkable story of Charles William Sweeney, an officer in the United States Army Air Forces during World War II and the pilot who flew Bockscar , the B-29 aircraft carrying the Fat Man atomic bomb to the Japanese city of Nagasaki on 9 August 1945. Sweeney, a Quincy native, later became an officer in the Massachusetts Air National Guard and, later in life, resided in Franklin. 

The Franklin Historical Museum is located at 80 West Central Street, Franklin. 

The museum is open Saturday mornings from 10AM-1PM (except as noted above), Sunday afternoons from 1:00PM-4:00PM,.  

Questions? Contact Alan Earls at 508 560 3786.   

Visit us online at https://www.franklinmuseum1778.org

Potential Sewer Capacity Transfer to Millis and Medway could provide 1 time revenue and reduce annual expenses for sewer rate users

July 17, 2026

To: Town Council

From: Jamie Hellen, Town Administrator

RE: Millis and Medway Sewer Transfers

The Towns of Millis and Medway are each requesting a one-time, permanent transfer of 100,000 gallons per day (GPD) of sewer capacity. The Council may take action on both of the individual agreements. If either or both are approved, a third vote is required to authorize the Town Administrator to execute a districtwide amendment (which is just a technical formality to reflect the GPD changes).

If the Council wishes to approve these requests, staff recommend approving both transfers subject to the conditions and rates established in the draft agreements. Both Agreements are included in the agenda packet for the July 22nd Town Council meeting.

However, the Town Council maintains final authority over all decisions, including the per gallon rate, timeframe and can approve or deny the requests. It is worth noting that these discussions have been ongoing for several years and believe if the Town denies these requests, we should give these communities a final answer.

Franklin currently owns 3.642 Million Gallons per Day (MGD), representing a 63.89% share of the total 5.7 MGD permitted average day sewer treatment capacity at the Charles River Pollution Control District Treatment Facility. Staff have attached an overview presentation of the District.

Over the last 3 years (2023 - 2025), Franklin’s average flow is 2.43 MGD, which utilizes only 67% of our current treatment capacity (3.642 MGD).

If both transfers are approved, Franklin’s sewer treatment capacity will be reduced to 3.442 MGD. When compared against our three-year average flow (2.43 MGD), this adjustment would still leave Franklin with a comfortable cushion of 1.012 MGD in remaining unused sewer treatment capacity.

Attached is a report from Arcadis, the Town’s sewer consultant, which shows Franklin is in a highly favorable position with significant excess sewer capacity - a rarity across both Massachusetts and the United States. This is a direct result of the long-term commitments made by rate payers and elected officials, who have invested heavily in our sewer infrastructure (including the Beaver Street Interceptor, which carries 70% of all raw sewage to the District). The surplus capacity, combined with the Town’s robust infrastructure, has made Franklin a very attractive community for commercial development and future economic growth.

These transfers represent:

1. Being a good neighbor and regional partner to our adjacent communities. As detailed in the Arcadis report, both Medway and Millis are approaching full capacity for their systems (with Medway at 92% and Millis at 73%);

2. A strong financial return for Franklin’s sewer ratepayers, who have invested in building an excellent sewer system. This agreement will reduce the Town’s annual operating and capital costs assessments to the CRPCD while generating over $3,000,000 in one time revenue to the sewer enterprise fund, which can be reinvested into the system to try and prevent near term future rate hikes.

3. The Town will also save about $65,000 in its annual capital assessment from CRPCD and overtime, as Millis and Medway use their capacity, we would expect to see Franklin’s Annual O&M assessment from CRPCD decrease by more than $150,000, but that will be a long term, gradual change.

4. An opportunity to manage local expansion by reducing the likelihood of excessive additional development and commercial growth within Franklin.

Please let us know if you have any questions.

On the Town Council agenda for July 22, 2026

c. Charles River Pollution Control District

i. Charles River Pollution Control District Overview Presentation  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/10236/11c-i---PRESENTATION-SLIDES---PDF--CRPCD-Town-Council-Meeting-July-22-2026pdf  & Website  https://www.charlesriverpcd.org/

ii. Town Administrator Memo on Sewer Transfers  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/10237/11c-ii---MEMO---Millis-Sewer-Transfer

● See Legislation for Action #12b. (Millis)

● See Legislation for action #12c. (Medway)

● See Legislation for action #12d. (District Amendment)

Agenda doc also contains remote participation info

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_07222026-2421

Calendar Year	Avg Daily Flow
2016	2.41
2017	2.56
2018	3.11
2019	2.78
2020	2.60
2021	2.89
2022	2.34
2023	2.62
2024	2.48
2025	2.20
	25.99	sum of 10 years
	2.599	avg for 10 years
	3.642	Capacity
	71.36%	percent utilization on 10 years

Enrollment Applications at BFCCPS Now Open for Grade Eight

The Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School (BFCCPS), located in Franklin, Massachusetts, has begun accepting applications for Grade Eight for the upcoming 2026-2027 school year.  BFCCPS is a regional public charter school for students in Kindergarten through Grade Eight.  

The school provides a well-rounded, rigorous academic program designed to educate the whole child providing courses in art, music, languages, technology, and physical education.  In addition to our core academic and co-curricular classes, students in Grade Six through Eight participate in weekly Classical Enrichment Courses and have word language instruction in both French and Latin. 

Middle schoolers are also eligible to participate in our Spring Musical. Students in Grades 5-8 also have the opportunity to participate in overnight field trips each spring, our Grade 8 students typically visit Washington DC the week before April Vacation.  

Round trip bus transportation is available with bus stops currently in Bellingham, Blackstone, Franklin, Norfolk, Mendon, Medway, Milford, Millis, Norfolk, and Wrentham. 

BFCCPS alumni continue to excel during their attendance at local public high schools as well as independent high schools. 

Please visit the school’s website at www.bfccps.org for enrollment details, including applications.  Applications for Grade Eight will be open through August 10, 2026.  Applications for all other grades are not currently available at this time.

If you'd like to learn more about the educational mission of the school or have enrollment related questions please contact the school's Communication Coordinator, Joanne Basile at jbasile@bfccps.org or 508-541-3434 x104.

About the Benjamin Franklin Charter School

The Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School's mission is to assist parents in their role as primary educators of their children by providing students with a classical academic education coupled with sound character development and community service. Our mission is supported by four distinct, yet interconnected pillars that provide for a collaborative, rigorous education for all students. These pillars guide, direct and define the school in all it does.

Norfolk County Real Estate Activity Accelerates in June 2026

Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell today (7/17/26) released the real estate recording statistics for June 2026, which indicate increased real estate activity across Norfolk County compared to June 2025, particularly in document recordings, property sales, and mortgage activity.

The Registry of Deeds recorded 11,172 documents in June 2026, a 7% increase compared to the 10,433 documents recorded in June 2025 and a 19% increase from May 2026.

“June 2026 demonstrated strong real estate activity, particularly in the number of deeds and mortgages recorded, which make up a significant portion of the documents processed by the Registry,” noted Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell. “The increase in document recordings suggests that buyers, sellers, and lenders remained active in the market throughout the month.”

The total number of deeds recorded for June 2026, representing both commercial and residential real estate sales and transfers, was 1,825, a 9% increase from the 1,677 deeds recorded in June 2025 and a 25% increase from May 2026. Looking at just real estate sales, 1,151 properties were sold in June 2026, a 14% increase compared to June 2025.

“The increase in property sales suggests continued demand for real estate in Norfolk County,” stated Register O'Donnell. “The strong gain in sales activity compared to both last year and last month is an encouraging sign as we move through the summer homebuying season.”

The average sale price for both commercial and residential real estate was approximately $981,000, a 15% decrease compared to June 2025 and an 18% decrease from May 2026. The total value of commercial and residential sales recorded in June 2026 was approximately $1.13 billion, a 3% decrease from the $1.17 billion recorded in June 2025.

“This reduction in overall real estate prices compared to last year may offer some relief to those looking to purchase property in Norfolk County,” said Register O’Donnell. “Lower average sale prices could create new opportunities for first-time homebuyers and current homeowners looking to move who were previously priced out of the market. However, purchase prices remain high relative to past years.”

Lending activity also remained strong in June. A total of 1,855 mortgages were recorded in June 2026, a 9% increase from the 1,707 mortgages recorded in June 2025 and a 23% increase from May 2026. Total mortgage indebtedness was approximately $2.91 billion, a 95% increase compared to June 2025.

“The rise in mortgage activity reflects continued interest in property financing throughout Norfolk County,” stated Register O'Donnell. “While borrowing costs remain a consideration for many buyers, the number of mortgages recorded indicates that individuals and businesses continue to invest in real estate.”

The Registry continues to closely monitor foreclosure activity. In June 2026, there were 5 foreclosure deeds recorded as a result of mortgage foreclosures taking place in Norfolk County, compared to 3 foreclosure deeds recorded in June 2025. Notices to foreclose, which represent the first step in the foreclosure process, decreased to 17 in June 2026 from 28 in June 2025 and from 28 in May 2026.

“While Notices to foreclose remain low this month, the increase in foreclosure deeds is something we are watching closely,” said Register O'Donnell. “Foreclosure activity has a real impact on families and communities, and we want residents to know that resources are available if they are facing financial hardship.”

For the past several years, the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds has partnered with Quincy Community Action Programs (617-479-8181 x376) and NeighborWorks Housing Solutions (508-587-0950) to help anyone facing challenges paying their mortgage. Another option for homeowners is to contact the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Consumer Advocacy and Response Division (CARD) at 617-727-8400.

Register O'Donnell concluded, “June's real estate activity reflects a market that remains active, with strong increases in recordings, property sales, and mortgage activity. Norfolk County continues to be a desirable place to live and work, and despite ongoing economic challenges, June's recording activity reflects continued confidence in the local real estate market.”

To learn more about these and other Registry of Deeds events and initiatives like us on Facebook at facebook.com/NorfolkDeeds, or follow us on X at x.com/NorfolkDeeds and Instagram at instagram.com/NorfolkDeeds.

The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds is located at 649 High Street in Dedham. The Registry is a resource for homeowners, title examiners, mortgage lenders, municipalities and others with a need for secure, accurate, accessible land record information. All land record research information can be found on the Registry’s website www.norfolkdeeds.org. Residents in need of assistance can contact the Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center via telephone at (781) 461-6101, or email us at registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org.

15th Annual Rail Trail Race Raises Over $8,000 for Trail Improvements

The Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee (FBRTC) is thrilled to announce the successful completion of the 5K race hosted by the Tri-Valley Front Runners (TVFR), which raised over $8,000 to support trail improvements. 

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to TVFR, and especially to Mark Capparella, the TVFR race director, and his team for their unwavering support and exceptional organization of this event. At the most recent FBRTC meeting, Mark and the TVFR team presented FBRTC President Paul Stamp & FBRTC race director Sue Fleuette with a donation of $6,016. That donation will go towards the committee’s efforts to advocate for continued development and maintenance of the Southern New England Trunkline Trail (SNETT). 

TVFR also donated race proceeds to the Franklin Food Pantry in Franklin and St Blaise Loaves & Fishes Food Pantry in Bellingham. Along with the donation from TVFR, over $2,500 in donations were received from from local businesses, including the event’s Platinum Sponsor, Body Fit Training (BFT) Franklin Village

Pictured: Darren McNamara (FBRTC), Mark Capparella, Anthony Landry, Jill Duhaime (TVFR President), Michael Dalesio, Stephen Sullivan, Paul Stamp (FBRTC), Sue Fleuette (FBRTC)

The Tri-Valley Front Runners, the premier running organization in the Tri-Valley region, took over the production of this race in 2019 when Dave Labonte, the former director, stepped down. Steve Pohnert, a member of both FBRTC and TVFR, facilitated this transition, and since then, TVFR has continuously supported our cause. The event resumed with a virtual race in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, followed by an in-person road race in 2022, and in 2023, we successfully hosted our first trail race.

TVFR, founded in the early 1980s, is an all-inclusive, vibrant running club that welcomes runners of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds. They organize a variety of events, including road races, trail runs, track workouts, and group training runs, fostering a sense of community and promoting healthy living. For more information about TVFR, visit Tri-Valley Front Runners.

The FBRTC is a non-profit organization dedicated to the use and development of the SNETT. Our mission is to create, promote, and maintain a safe and accessible trail system that benefits the communities of Franklin and Bellingham. Learn more about our efforts at Franklin Bellingham Rail Trail.

The May 16th 5K race saw a total of 177 finishers, just shy of the record 184 finishers in the 2024 race. The success of this event is a testament to the hard work and collaboration between our volunteers and the TVFR team, including community volunteers and TVFR members who participated in the race.

We would like to acknowledge and congratulate our top finishers: Daniel Kurczy of Bellingham, who won the overall men’s category, and Bethany Prostano of New York who won the overall women’s category. A total of 58 medals were awarded across various age groups, celebrating the spirit and competitiveness of all participants. Full race results can be found at 2026 FBRTC 5K Results.

The next race is scheduled for Saturday, May 15, 2027. We look forward to another successful event and continued support from our community. For more information on how to get involved or support the FBRTC, please visit our website.

The Franklin High Class of 1971 announces their 55th reunion on September 27, 2026

The Franklin High Class of 1971 announces their 55th reunion on September 27, 2026.

Can you believe it has been 55 years?

It's time to catch up, reminisce, and mingle!

Event Details Date: Sunday. September 27, 2026 Time: 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Location: Franklin VFVV, 1034 Pond Street, Franklin, MA (across from the Elks)

Ticket & RSVP Information Price: $25.00 per person

Rsvp Deadline: August 15, 2026

Menu: Buffet style appetizers, sandwiches, salads, sides and dessert will be provided. A cash bar will also be available.

How to Pay & Register: Please make your check payable to "Franklin High School Class of 1971" and mall it to: Elizabeth Steel Giancola, 27 Worsted Street Franklin, MA 02038 Note: If you have any food allergies, please let us know with your RSVP Spread the Word! If you are in touch with any fellow classmates, please pass this information along to them Just in case we don't have their current contact details. We want to see as many familiar faces as possible! We hope to see you there!

Warmly,

The Class of 1971 Reunion Committee Reunion Committee Contacts

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

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm Schedule for Tuesday, July 21, 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:

wfpr.fm Schedule for Tuesday, Franklin Public Radio

Tuesday

SAFE Radio – Jim Derick and Dr. Anne Bergen Addressing issues of Drug Abuse Disorder 

Jazz Journey – with Pamela Hines - An insightful tour of Jazz Greats in a golden era

Franklin Public Radio wfpr.fm Schedule for Tuesday

Franklin TV schedule for Tuesday, July 21, 2026 (Your local Public, Education & Government "PEG" station)

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

7:00 am ArtWeek: Theater in the Open

7:30 am     Once Upon A Town: Stewart Block

9:00 am Arts Advocacy: Fundraising

10:00 am Frank Presents: Cliff Winters

11:00 am Celebrate with Pride 2026

12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin: Chicken Salad

12:30 pm Learn to Cook with Linda: Chicken Piccata Meatballs

1:30 pm     Pizzapalooza: Black Bean, Roasted Pepper & Garlic Pizzetta

2:00 pm New England Candlepins Summer 2023 Show 6

3:00 pm Candlepin New Generation: Show 9

3:30 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Student Athletes Ep 2 06-11-26

4:30 pm Aging Agenda Episode 1

5:30 pm ArtWeek: Ed Iannuccilli

6:30 pm Jon Mitchell & Randy LaRosa: 12-Tone Music

8:00 pm Strawberry Stroll 2026

9:00 pm Franklin 4th 2026: Ricky Brennan Jr.

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

7:00 am FHS Concert Hour 02-25-26

10:30 am Arts Advocacy: Fundraising

11:30 am Middle School Spring Band 06-04-26

1:00 pm FHS Varsity Softball v Sharon 05-04-26

3:00 pm FHS Graduation 2026

7:00 pm All-Town Chorus & Orchestra 2026

9:00 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Student Athletes Ep 2 06-11-26

10:00 pm FHSTC: Peter and the Starcatcher

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

8:00 am School Committee 06-23-26

11:30 am Communications Subcommittee 07-15-26

2:00 pm School Committee 06-23-26

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: Monday, July 20, 2026 ???

Monday, July 20

4:00pm Emergency Preparedness Class (free) (Franklin Fire Department)

7:00pm Summer Concert Series: Community Concert Band (Franklin Senior Center)

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/9890

***  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