Franklin Police Department advice for Lincoln St parents (and those who use Lincoln St during school start and end time frames)

"First things first… yes, we used a picture of Ben to get your attention. 

It worked. You’re here. Mission accomplished. 

Now for the important part:

📚 Student Drop-Off: Please do NOT arrive at Lincoln Street School before 8:10 AM.

🏫 Student Pick-Up: Please do NOT arrive before 2:35 PM.

When vehicles begin lining up well before the designated times, the line can quickly stretch several hundred feet onto Lincoln Street and come to a complete standstill.

And when traffic stops moving, we start seeing vehicles attempting to pass the line by entering the oncoming traffic lane. That creates a significant safety concern for students, families, pedestrians, and everyone else using Lincoln Street.

⏰ The goal is simple: Please arrive at 8:10 AM for arrival and 2:35 PM for dismissal — and not before.

Doing so should help keep the line moving continuously, even if that movement occasionally resembles a very slow-moving parade.

For everyone traveling through the Lincoln Street area during arrival and dismissal, we also ask for a little patience during the first few weeks of school.

Consider this your official invitation to:

🎧 Start that audiobook you’ve been meaning to listen to

🎶 Enjoy your favorite playlist

☕ Take a deep breath and finish your coffee

🧘 Practice some mindful meditation

📱 Or simply remind yourself that you, too, were once responsible for getting to school on time.

Most importantly, please do not pass stopped traffic in the oncoming lane. A few extra minutes of patience is worth keeping everyone safe.

Thank you for helping us keep Lincoln Street School traffic safe, predictable, and moving!

And remember… Ben is watching. 

Franklin Public School District MA

Town of Franklin"

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/1HEwz1pttQ/

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Monday, August 31, 2026 ???

Monday, August 31

10:00am Move Along Franklin Public Library

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/10676/September-2026-Newsletter?bidId=

***  Town Meetings today ***

Franklin Cultural Council Meeting

Monday, August 31 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08312026-2476 

Franklin Agricultural Committee Meeting

Monday, August 31 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08312026-2472 

---------

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

State Primary Election Day is Tuesday, September 1

"Election Day is Tuesday, September 1.

Polls will be open 6AM – 8PM at Franklin High School, 218 Oak St.

Make your plan to vote!"

Additional Info on the election can be found on the Town Clerk page

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/333/Town-Clerk-Elections-Division

School Committee welcomes new administrators, approves handbook changes, gets updates on hiring, transportation & facility projects (audio)

FM #1807 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1807 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, August 25, 2026 at 7:00 PM. 6 of the 7 members were present; 1 participated remotely (O'Sullivan) (hence all votes were via roll call), 1 member absent (Callaghan).

Quick recap

• New administrators and Central office personnel were introduced and photos taken to share with the community

• Human Resources provided a hiring update, in a better position now with 17 openings than the prior 3 years, some of the openings are in the process of being fulfilled

• Review of the changes to the school handbooks for the high school, middle school, elementary and ECDC. Mostly minor changes at the lower levels, some key changes for the upper grades

• Later in the meeting, the handbooks were approved so they will be distributed electronically to all the parents and families

• Update on Transportation, only 40 on the waitlist, approx 280 had been on the waitlist, some having moved within the district or into the district but the majority simply missed the registration deadline in June

• bus schedules and routes are posted to the Schools page  https://www.franklinps.net/o/fpsd/page/transportation/

• bus passes will be distributed by the schools when they open, elementary students will get a tag for their backpacks, middle and high school will get the standard pass

• Update on facility projects, some completed across the district some still in process, some funded but scheduled for later in the school year or next summer due to potential disruption of the school operations

• Committee entered Executive Session not to return to open meeting

Let’s listen (approx. 2 hours & 30 minutes)

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1807-school-cmte-mtg-08-25-26/

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

Franklin TV video is available for replay - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XOqCiAbY_s4 

The agenda doc - https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08252026-2467

My complete set of notes captured during the meeting

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1HWfAJ6oObFg475FYzqh8NS-TjQ3poSit/view?usp=drive_link 

Photo album of the handbook updates  https://photos.app.goo.gl/Ggp9R1C5182HgZY58 

Photo album of the Transportation update

https://photos.app.goo.gl/HwiGhfnd4DcgfNQn8 

Photo album of the Facility updates

https://photos.app.goo.gl/8RnTJnVhvbCK9oMt6 

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

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 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"

Franklin TV: BIG NEWS! Franklin Matters Is Expanding!

We’re excited to announce that Franklin Matters is expanding through a new collaboration with Franklin TV!

Starting this September, Franklin TV will bring a monthly news show to viewers in Franklin and beyond. The video news program will be called Franklin Matters. 

The program will be produced by the Franklin TV team in collaboration with Steve Sherlock and Liz Kalaijian, Town of Franklin Communications and Community Engagement Director, who will serve as our anchor.

And don’t worry — your favorite Franklin Matters video stories aren’t going anywhere! We’re not replacing what you love; we’re building on it and adding even more value to the Franklin Matters brand. The new monthly program will offer more ways to watch, listen, and read the news and stories that matter to our community.

Have a newsworthy topic, community update, segment idea, or story you’d like to see featured? Reach out to Liz Harkins at info@franklin.tv to connect, schedule an interview, or share your story idea.

We can’t wait to bring you more Franklin Matters — more stories, more voices, and more ways to stay!

Continue to read this week's Studio newsletter with this link or the embedded file below - 

https://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf

After September 6, 2026, please use this link to find the Aug 30th edition

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Kn2_76vtXC9jkNfrobgHlZa_vN_f3ZiD/view?usp=drive_link

The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW): Episode 323 - Destination Weddings, Wine, and the Language of Italy With Jennifer Martin (audio)

Hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi exploring all things wine with you!

Destination Weddings, Wine, and the Language of Italy With Jennifer Martin

Get ready for an enchanting journey through the heart of Italy! In this episode of The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW), hosts Kim and Marksit down with the multifaceted Jennifer Martin—the voice behind the acclaimed blog Vino Travels Italy and the author of the essential guide, Planning Your Dream Wedding In Tuscany.

Jennifer shares the captivating story of her Italian heritage and what inspired her to launch a blog dedicated to the vast world of Italian viticulture. Whether you are a wine enthusiast, a bride-to-be, or a lover of "La Dolce Vita," this episode is packed with expert insights.

In This Episode, We Explore:

• The Story Behind the Blog: Why Jen started Vino Travels Italy and a sneak peek into her upcoming quarterly newsletter.
• Destination Weddings: Pro-tips from Jen’s book on navigating the logistics and magic of planning a wedding in the Tuscan countryside.
• Italian Wine 101: An overview of Italy’s complex wine laws, plus Jen’s personal bottle recommendations and authentic food pairings.
• The Language of Italy: We discuss the beauty of learning Italian and how regional dialects and nuances change as you travel through the peninsula.

If you have an interest in destination weddings, regional culture, or world-class wine, you won’t want to miss Jen’s passion and expertise!

Learn more about Jennifer Martin: www.vinotravelsitaly.com 

Listen to more episodes: www.thewww.wine

Cheers, 

Kim and Mark

 🍷🍷🍷

#WinePodcast #ItalianWine #TuscanyWedding #VinoTravels #WeddingPlanning #ItalyTravel #WineAndFood #TheWonderfulWorldOfWine #WineEducation

https://on.soundcloud.com/cdnDD6s6zEf7fhsQLe

https://www.thewww.wine/destination-weddings-wine-and-the-language-of-italy-with-jennifer-martin/

The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) · Episode 323-Destination Weddings, Wine, and the Language of Italy With Jennifer Martin

Have you registered for your spot at the Free Flu Clinic, Tuesday, Sept 22 at the Senior Center ??

The Franklin Health Department will be hosting an upcoming FREE Flu Clinic on Tuesday, September 22, from 10:00 AM–1:00 PM at the Franklin Senior Center, 10 Daniel McCahill St.

💉 Free flu shots are available for all ages, and high-dose vaccines are available.

Appointments can be scheduled online ( SIGN UP LINK: https://home.color.com/vaccine/register/franklin?site=franklin-flu-clinic ) or by calling 508-613-1334.

Please help us spread the word by sharing the attached flyer with your clients, family, friends, and community members who may benefit from this free clinic.

Download a copy of the flyer as a reminder or to share

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Vk4y2yORylZ7VpBZLE2KjubJrb3ZiEON/view?usp=drive_link

Metrowest Travel basketball tryout registration is now open through Sept 4, 2026

Franklin families, please share with the families of all fourth through eighth grade basketball players. Metrowest Travel basketball tryout registration is now open. 

Franklin tryouts will take place starting September 14 and registration closes September 4.  

Please register today and share with any families who might be interested.

https://franklinmetrowestbasketball.sportngin.com/register/form/716811998

Karaoke Night at La Cantina Winery scheduled for Sep 11

MARK YOUR CALENDARS! 

Our next Karaoke Night is coming up! 

📅 Friday , September 11

⏰ 7:00–10:00 PM

Don’t miss a fun night of music, wine & tapas at La Cantina Winery! 

We can’t wait to see you there! 

Shared from - https://www.instagram.com/p/Dcg6BQhh4Ur/

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm Schedule for Monday, August 31, 2026

Yes, Franklin has its 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

Franklin TV schedule for Monday, August 31, 2026 (Your local Public, Education & Government "PEG" station)

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

7:00 am Aging Boldfully: Julie Booth

8:00 am SAFE Coalition: Overdose Awareness Vigil 08-31-25

9:00 am Franklin 4th: George Cross Project

11:30 am Cooking Thyme: Ice Cream

12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin: Taquitos

12:30 pm Learn to Cook with Linda: Sticky Buns

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

2:30 pm New England Candlepins Summer 2023 Show 1

3:30 pm Candlepin New Generation: Show 1

4:00 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Shaun Hart Pt 1

5:28 pm Aging Agenda: Arthur Vigeant

7:00 pm Frank Presents: Djuna Perkins

9:00 pm The Black Box: Newsies

10:00 pm Circle of Friends: Susan Werner

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

8:30 am Metrowest Symposium: Sharing Identity on Social Media

9:30 am Winning Ways with the MIAA: Shaun Hart Pt 2

10:30 am FHS Winter Music: Band and Wind Ensemble

12:30 pm Lifelong Music: Strings School 01-22-25

2:00 pm FHS Girls Varsity Soccer v Milford 10-08-25

4:00 pm Mary Anning: Fossil Hunter

6:30 pm Critical Conversations: Social Media

9:00 pm FHSTC: Curious Case of the Cottingley Fairies

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

8:00 am Planning Board 08-24-26

11:00 am 250th Anniversary Committee 08-27-26

2:00 pm Planning Board 08-24-26

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

http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf  

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Sunday, August 30, 2026 ???

Sunday, August 30

11:00am Raise Your Barre & Glass (La Cantina Winery)

1:00pm Sunday Funday (Fairmount Fruit Farm)

1:00pm Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

*** 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

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 Police Dept: "SCHOOL’S IN (almost). SLOW DOWN."

"The flashing lights are on, the school zone signs are out, and our students are almost back!

When those lights are flashing, the school-zone speed limit is 20 MPH. That isn’t a suggestion, a challenge, or a recommendation. It’s the law.

Kids can be unpredictable. They may cross the street, step into a crosswalk, or suddenly appear from between parked cars. Slowing down gives everyone more time to react and helps keep our children safe.

20 means 20. Not 25. Not 30. And definitely not “ I’m late for work.”

Please slow down, stay alert, put the phone down, and watch carefully for children, pedestrians, buses, and crossing guards."

— Your friendly neighborhood Franklin Police Department

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/18LpMKQJpH/

The Honor Summit to shine light from top of Mt Washington for 25th Anniversary of 9/11 (video)

"This September, two enormous beams of light will rise from the summit of Mount Washington in New Hampshire as part of The Honor Summit, commemorating the 25th anniversary of September 11. 

The twin beams are scheduled to shine September 9–12, 2026, from 8 PM to midnight, reaching roughly three miles into the night sky above New England’s highest peak.

Inspired by New York City’s Tribute in Light, the display will honor those lost on 9/11, as well as firefighters, first responders and veterans. Under clear conditions, organizers say the beams could potentially be visible from locations within a 135-mile radius of Mount Washington. 

Wildlife experts will also monitor migrating birds throughout the event, temporarily shutting down the lights when necessary. 

#MountWashington #NewHampshire #HonorSummit #September11 #WhiteMountains"

More info at https://honorsummitnh.org/

Agenda for the Franklin Town Council meeting Wednesday, Sep 2, 2026 at 6 PM

Franklin Town Council

Agenda & Meeting Packet

September 2, 2026, 6:00 PM

Franklin Municipal Building: 

Council Chambers 355 East Central Street, 2nd Floor

1. ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM THE CHAIR

a. This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 9 and Verizon Channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by others.

b. Chair to identify members participating remotely.

c. Upcoming Town Sponsored Community Events.

2. CITIZEN COMMENTS

a. Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to three minutes on a matter that is not on the agenda. In compliance with G.L. Chapter 30A, Section 20 et seq, the Open Meeting Law, the Council cannot engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Council may ask the Town Administrator to review the matter. Nothing herein shall prevent the Town Administrator from correcting a misstatement of fact.

3. COUNCILOR COMMENTS

4. SUBCOMMITTEE & AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS

a. Joint Budget Subcommittee (next meeting: TBD)

b. Economic Development Subcommittee (next meeting: September 17 @ 6pm)

c. Communications Subcommittee (next meeting: TBD)

d. Town Charter Ad Hoc Committee (next meeting: September 3rd @ 6pm)

e. Police Station Building Committee (next meeting: TBD)

5. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

a. Deputy Town Administrator and Administrative Assistant Introductions

6. PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS - None Scheduled

 

7. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

a. July 22, 2026

b. August 15, 2026 (Office Hours)

8. APPOINTMENTS

a. Chief of Police - James West

b. New Appointments of Boards and Committees Members

i. See “Committee Appointments” in packet for list of names

9. PUBLIC HEARINGS - 6:00 PM - None Scheduled

10. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS - None Scheduled

11. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION -

a. Update on the Sewer Capacity Transfer to Medway & Millis

i. Town Administrator Memo on Sewer Transfers

● Data Request: Table 1 - Current Residential & Commercial Flows

● Data Request: Table 2 - Ongoing, Approved, Anticipated Development

● Data Request: Table 3 - 20-year historic sewer flows

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

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

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

b. Discussion/Presentation: Town Owned Properties & siting of a new Police Station

i. Town Administrator Memorandum

ii. Town Owned Properties - Director of GIS, Kate Hinckley

1. Director memorandum

2. GIS presentation

iii. Director of Public Facilities Memorandum re: Parmenter

iv. Police Station Building Committee website

v. Director of Planning & Community Development Memorandum

vi. Draft Request for Proposals (RFP) for Davis-Thayer property

vii. Draft Request for Proposals (RFP) for 275 Beaver Street (sell)

viii. Draft Request for Proposals (RFP) for 275 Beaver Street (lease)

12. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

a. Resolution 26-39: Authorization to Transfer (Sell) a Portion of Franklin’s Excess Sewer Capacity at Charles River Treatment Plant to Town of Millis

(Motion to Approve Resolution 26-39 - Majority Vote)

b. Resolution 26-40: Authorization to Transfer (Sell) a Portion of Franklin’s Excess Sewer Capacity at Charles River Treatment Plant to Town of Medway

(Motion to Approve Resolution 26-40 - Majority Vote)

c. Resolution 26-41: Authorization to Execute Third Amendment to Agreement Between Charles River Pollution Control District and Town of Franklin

(Motion to Approve Resolution 26-41 - Majority Vote)

d. Resolution 26-50: Authorization for the Town of Franklin to Enter into Intermunicipal Agreement Between the Town of Walpole and Various Municipalities for Joint Legal Services for Solid Waste Contract Negotiations

(Motion to Approve Resolution 26-50 - Majority Vote)

e. Resolution 26-51: Acceptance of Private Road Covenant (Grillo Estates)

(Motion to Approve Resolution 26-51 - Majority Vote)

f. Resolution 26-49: Gift Acceptances - Veterans Services, Senior Center, Franklin Fire Department (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-49 - Majority Vote)

13. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION -

a. Exemption #6: Considering the purchase, exchange, lease or value of real property, because an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the negotiating position of the Public Body:

i. “Other Property” potentially available for Town purchase/acquisition

b. Exemption: To review and approve minutes from Town Council Executive Sessions.

15. ADJOURN

Note: Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes

Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting

The agenda doc also contains remote participation info -https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09022026-2482 

Agenda for the Franklin Board Of Health meeting Wednesday, Sep 2, 2026 at 5 PM

Franklin Board Of Health

Agenda & Meeting Packet 

September 2,2026  at 5:00 PM

Meeting will be held at the Franklin Municipal Building 

355 East Central Street - 3rd Floor, Training Room

1. ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM THE CHAIR

a. Chair to identify members participating remotely.

2. CITIZEN COMMENTS

a. Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to three minutes on a matter that is not on the agenda. In compliance with G.L. Chapter 30A, Section 20 et seq, the Open Meeting Law, the Board of Health cannot engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Board of Health may ask the Director of Public Health to review the matter.

3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

a. July 1, 2026

4. NEW BUSINESS

a. Vote to have MHOA appointed as tobacco agent in Franklin

b. Vaccine clinic update

c. Stories and Communication update

d. Tobacco inspections update

e. WNV / EEE update

f. DPH immunization data report

5. PUBLIC HEARING

6. REPORTS

a.    Metacomet Shared Service Grant Health Agent Report  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/10775/Health-Agent-August-Report-2026

b.    Metacomet Shared Service Grant Public Health Nurse Report  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/10774/Nursing-Agenda-August-2026

7. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

8. ADJOURNMENT

The agenda doc also contains remote participation info - https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09022026-2480