Franklin Matters

Tuesday, May 5, 2026

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Tuesday, May 5, 2026 ???

Tuesday, May 5 = Cinco de Mayo

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

6:30pm Franklin Garden Club - monthly meeting (Franklin Senior Center)

For 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

Note: Senior Center checking on why their events are suddenly being shown as "All Day". You can use the monthly newsletter for specific program/event times

*** Town Meetings today ***

Franklin School Committee Contractual Negotiations Meeting (Executive Session)

Tuesday, May 5 Time: 4:30 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05052026-2254

250th Anniversary Celebration Committee - Communications Subcommittee

Tuesday, May 5 Time: 6:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05052026-2278

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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 Fire Department Receives State Funding to Support Fire Safety Education

The Franklin Fire Department is pleased to announce it has been awarded $13,117 in state fire safety grant funding from the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services.

The department received $9,367 for the Student Awareness of Fire Education (SAFE) Program and $3,750 for the Senior SAFE Program for 2026.

These grants are part of a broader initiative by the Healey-Driscoll Administration, which awarded nearly $2 million statewide to support fire safety education for children and older adults. The SAFE programs provide critical resources to local fire departments to deliver life-saving education and prevention initiatives in their communities.

The SAFE Program focuses on teaching school-aged children how to recognize fire risks and respond safely in emergency situations. The Senior SAFE Program addresses fire risks among older adults through education, home safety improvements and partnerships with local service organizations.

“These grant funds allow our Fire Department to continue providing essential fire safety education to some of our most vulnerable populations,” said Fire Chief Chuck Allen. “By reaching both students and seniors, we are helping to prevent emergencies before they happen and ensuring residents are better prepared to stay safe.”

FY 2027 Budget Narrative: Norfolk County Agricultural High School (NCAHS)

From the Town Administrator's FY 2027 Budget narrative, each department's story is worth sharing.

General Purpose

Norfolk County Agricultural High School (NCAHS) is a public high school that offers academic and vocational training to over 600 students from the 28 towns and one city in Norfolk County and more than 40 out of county (tuition) towns. The school is situated on 365 acres in Walpole, a suburb of Boston, and offers specialty training to students who are interested in pursuing careers in Animal and Marine Science (veterinarian science, marine science, canine science, dairy and livestock management, research animal technology and equine studies), Plant and Plant Science (forestry, ﬂoriculture, landscape management, horticulture and natural resources, arboriculture and turf management), Environmental Science (climate change, natural resources, green engineering, environmental history, parks and recreation, New England wildlife, outdoor leadership, water treatment) and Mechanical Technology (diesel and heavy equipment operation and repair, welding woodworking). The school is one of four such schools in Massachusetts charged with promoting agri-science and agri-business opportunities.

Norfolk Aggie provides hands-on education in a welcoming and friendly environment and provides many clubs, sports and outdoor activities for the students. For more information about the Norfolk Agricultural School please click here https://www.norfolkaggie.org/.

Franklin currently has 18 students attending Norfolk County Agricultural High School.

Core Functions

● Norfolk County Agricultural High School uniquely provides an academic and agricultural science vocational experience, with hands-on learning for passionate students from diverse communities.

FY27 Requested Budget Highlights

● Tuition for the 2025-2026 school year for each student attending is $5,501.00 per student. Base Rate of $3,800 and separate capital assessment of $1,701 per student.

The PDF of this section -

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hP9L0YO0EkO9swMg1Asb0hBT_DxklRIp/view?usp=drive_link

For the full FY 2027 budget narrative - https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/8912/FY27-Budget-Narrative-FINAL-1

The FY 2027 budget information can be found

https://www.franklinma.gov/Archive.aspx?ADID=577

MA Senate announces local aid increase included in the Senate Budget

via MA Senate

"Today the Senate was proud to stand alongside municipal leaders as we announced record funding for cities and towns across our Commonwealth. The funding, known as Unrestricted General Government Aid (UGGA), is the Commonwealth’s most flexible form of municipal investment.

It allows local leaders to direct resources where their communities need them most, whether that means hiring a firefighter, keeping a library open, fixing a road, or maintaining a senior center.

Read more at: https://ow.ly/5RQu50YUHJ1"

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/1GGAkC5pNL/

"The FY27 budget’s increase in Unrestricted General Government Aid will be felt in every corner of Massachusetts, from the smallest towns to larger cities. Individual UGGA funding levels for cities and towns will be made available when the Senate Committee on Ways and Means releases its full budget tomorrow—Tuesday, May 5.

Statements of Support

Adam Chapdelaine, Executive Director and CEO, Massachusetts Municipal Association (MMA)

“Across the Commonwealth, communities are facing a fiscal perfect storm. The Senate’s proposal responds with strategic investments, especially through discretionary funding like UGGA. It helps provide some more breathing room to local officials, and plays a role in developing balanced budgets in our communities. On behalf of our 351 cities and towns, we’re grateful to Senate President Spilka, Chair Rodrigues, Vice Chair Comerford, Assistant Vice Chair Feeney, and the Committee for this strong action.”

Amesbury Mayor Kassandra Gove, President, Massachusetts Municipal Association (MMA)

“The needs in our communities are urgent, and these strategic investments will benefit our residents and help mitigate the fiscal pressures impacting residents while better protecting essential local services. We’re grateful to the Senate for hearing the alarm bells from municipal leaders across Massachusetts, and once again providing a strong response to support our communities.”"

Full release on State budget page - https://malegislature.gov/PressRoom/Detail?pressReleaseId=1367

FHS softball, girls lacrosse & boys lacrosse (in 2OT) teams all post wins on Monday

Via Instagram, Franklin TV, and our subscription to HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the Spring sports competition for Franklin High School on Monday, May 4, 2026

Baseball = Franklin, 8 @ Sharon, 10 – Final

Softball = Sharon, 7 @ Franklin, 12 – Final

Franklin TV video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ARr-g_VNQms

Boys Lacrosse = Franklin, 11 @ North Attleboro, 10 – Final (2OT)

Girls Lacrosse = North Attleboro, 2 @ Franklin, 20 – Final

Franklin TV video - https://www.youtube.com/live/dYG0ucymU9c?&t=2017

Boys Tennis = Sharon, 4 @ Franklin, 1 – Final

Girls Tennis = Franklin, 0 @ Sharon, 5 – Final

For other results across the Hockomock League (subscription required)

https://hockomocksports.com/mondays-schedule-scoreboard-05-04-26/

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

FHS Class of 1996 Reunion - scheduled for August 1

The QR Code link is here - https://venmo.com/code?user_id=2839476321648640536&created=1777834319.0177898

Metacomet Land Trust to Hold Annual Meeting - May 21

The Metacomet Land Trust will hold its annual meeting on Thursday, May 21, 2026 starting at 6:30 pm with a business meeting and the presentation of Community Spirit awards at the Sutton High School auditorium at 383 Boston Road in Sutton.

Metacomet Land Trust to
Hold Annual Meeting - May 21

This will be followed at 7 pm by our guest speaker, Stefanie Covino. Covino is the Executive Director of the Blackstone Watershed Collaborative and she will discuss the importance of our land and water nexus. She will describe how the work of the Collaborative and Metacomet Land Trust is critical to the overall health of South Central Massachusetts communities, including Franklin, Bellingham, Norfolk and Wrentham. We will also play a quick round of watershed trivia! Please join us as we all strive to know our watersheds better.

A Silent Auction will be held to support MLT’s operating costs. Donations of original crafts, artwork, and books about rivers and fish are requested. To donate an auction item, please write to info@metacometlandtrust.org.

Franklin area members are urged to watch for the organization’s Annual Report which will be sent by email or hard copy next week. If you are unable to attend the meeting in person, please return a proxy no later than May 14^th. For more information, go to Annual Reports | Metacomet Land Trust.

Challenger baseball: every Sunday at Fletcher Field

via Tim McDonald Jr.

"Good morning friends,

I want to share an amazing opportunity within our community that you might want to be a part of. The Franklin youth baseball league hosts the Challengers League, designed specifically for children and young adults with disabilities.

Games are held every Sunday at Fletcher Field in Franklin, and this league is more than just baseball; it's about building confidence, forming friendships, and promoting inclusion through the great American pastime. Every participant deserves the chance to play, and it’s heartwarming to see the positive impact this league has on our community.

This is a wonderful chance not only to give back to the sport we love but also to teach our youth valuable lessons about teamwork, leadership, and compassion. They need us helping out during games, or simply spreading the word, your involvement could make a significant difference.

Let’s come together to support our fellow community members and ensure everyone has a chance to play and enjoy the game we all cherish. If you're interested in participating or learning more, please feel free to reach out.

My Single A Red Sox baseball team will be helping out as a team. Let's give back to the game and community we love so much. It doesn't take skill or talent to help and be a better human. It just takes time and heart."

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/1BAiM5Sw16/

Note: The register link appears to not work. I have a query in to get an updated one.

Welcome to National Small Business Week 2026

By BCP Staff

All week long, learn how the FTC can help you protect your small business from scams and online threats. Run a small business or want to support the small businesses in your community? Here’s how you can get involved.

Farm crisis in MA: “there’s truly not enough money to save the farmland that we have left.”

Via Franklin Agricultural Commission

"Please read this important story and then see if you can find a way to do more of your shopping at our local farms. Thank you!"

"Farm advocate Sarah Gardner sounds the alarm: ‘We have what I consider to be a real farm crisis in Massachusetts’
Agriculture supporters call for action as the number of Berkshire farms plummets."

Read the article - https://theberkshireedge.com/farm-advocate-sarah-gardner-sounds-the-alarm-we-have-what-i-consider-to-be-a-real-farm-crisis-in-massachusetts/

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/1BUGc2es1C/

The Guardian: "‘Christofascism’ is here: inside the slow demolition of US public health"

"‘Christofascism’ is here: inside the slow demolition of US public health" | Adrienne Matei

"In February 2025, Robert F Kennedy Jr began his tenure as secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) with an unusual message for the federal department responsible for protecting public health.

America’s greatest challenge, he said, was not just chronic disease but a “spiritual malaise”, a kind of soul-sickness derived from America’s moral decline.

“Spiritual and physical maladies thrive on one another,” Kennedy told HHS employees in his first address. The solution, he said, “must begin with a spiritual question”, of personal responsibility and inward vigilance against the dark forces that would keep Americans “sedated” and “compliant”.

Weeks later, the White House moved to cut 20,500 jobs across the very agency tasked with protecting public health.

This March, as the US faced its worst measles resurgence in 34 years – one he has largely ignored – Kennedy again warned the nation of the same nebulous threat."

Continue reading the article with this shared link - https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/ng-interactive/2026/may/03/christofascism-rfk-jr-health?CMP=share_btn_url

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm Schedule for Tuesday, May 5, 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, May 5, 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 Franklin Matters: Joe Landry YMCA

9:00 am Sons & Daughters of Italy: Ciambotta

10:00 am Frank Presents: Djuna Perkins

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

12:30 pm Cooking with Linda: Pesto Pasta

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

2:00 pm New England Candlepins Summer 2023 Show 1

3:00 pm Candlepin New Generation: Show 5

3:30 pm WinningWaysEp1_033126

5:30 pm Vera Meyer: Glass Armonica

9:00 pm SAFE Coalition Gala 2026

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

7:00 am Middle School Winter Music: 2025: Band

8:30 am FHS Concert Hour 02-26-26

10:30 am Sons & Daughters of Italy: Ciambotta

1:00 pm FHS Varsity Softball v Milford 04-28-26

3:00 pm MSTCA Track Meet Pt 2 04-28-24

7:00 pm 45th Anniversary Lions All-State Band

8:30 pm WinningWaysEp1_033126

9:30 pm Franklin Footlighters: Footloose

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

8:00 am School Committee 04-14-26

12:00 pm Communications Subcommittee 04-27-26

2:00 pm School Committee 04-14-26

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

Monday, May 4, 2026

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Monday, May 4, 2026 ???

Monday, May 4

Horace Mann's Birthday (1796)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Horace_Mann