Tuesday Night Cruise at Kings!

Pull up with your ride every Tuesday from 5 PM till sunset for a night full of cars, food, drinks & good vibes by the pond.

FREE pizza slices for every car that joins the cruise (up to 2 slices per car)

Full bar open

Ice cream window is back

Plenty of parking

Bring your friends and let’s make Tuesday nights legendary 

370 King St, Franklin, MA

508-346-3305

kingsbrickovenpizza.com

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1D6c8XKG1n/

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule for Friday, May 15, 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:

8:00 AM, 1:00 PM, and 6:00 PM - Franklin Matters Radio – Steve Sherlock covering Franklin, its local government, services, and events 

9:00 AM, 2:00 PM, and 7:00 PM

10:00 AM, 3:00 PM, and 8:00 PM - Talkin’ the Blues – Jim Derick & Nick Remissong. 2 hours of awesome blues music, info, interviews  Showcasing the "Blues" as a basis for and influence of Country, Jazz and Rock and Roll, here and worldwide.

11:00 AM, 4:00 PM, and 9:00 PM - “The Vibe” show plays music for everyone searching for some enjoyment, some dance, a happy or thinking mood, and most importantly, having fun.  Tune in to wfpr.fm and listen to “DJ Vibe” spin music across many genres and join this new vibing experience

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 Friday, May 15, 2026 (Your local Public, Education & Government "PEG" station)

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

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

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

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: Thursday, May 14, 2026 ???

Thursday, May 14

6:00pm Empty Bowls Simple Supper (Franklin High School)

For 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=

***    Town Meetings today   ***

Town Council Monthly Office Hours

Thursday, May 14 Time: 8:30 AM

Municipal Affordable Housing Trust Meeting

Thursday, May 14 Time: 2:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/Municipal-Affordable-Housing-Trust-24/?#_05142026-2313

Economic Development Subcommittee Meeting

Thursday, May 14 Time: 6:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05142026-2311

Zoning Board of Appeal (ZBA) Meeting

Thursday, May 14 Time: 7:30 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05142026-2280 

----------

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

Reminder: Economic Development Subcommittee - May 14

Reminder: Economic Development Subcommittee Meeting

Thursday, May 14 at 6:00 p.m.

3rd Floor Training Room, Franklin Municipal Building

Residents are invited to attend in person, stream live via the Franklin Town Hall TV YouTube channel at https://bit.ly/FTV-TownHall or participate virtually via Zoom 

Agenda & webinar link available here: https://buff.ly/MmLlvZl

Shared from:  

https://www.facebook.com/share/18QJMVAD63/

FY 2027 Budget Narrative: Historical Commission

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

General Purpose

The Historical Commission consists of seven (7) appointed voting members and associate members. The mission of the Historical Commission is to preserve, protect and develop the historic assets of Franklin.

Core Functions

● The Historical Commission works to preserve the history of the Town of Franklin by Identifying, describing, and locating buildings, objects, burial grounds, and other sites that are of historical importance to the community. Many of the Town’s historical assets are housed at the Franklin Historical Museum on 80 West Central Street.

● The Historical Commission works with the Archivist to make sure the items are cared for properly. No item can be removed from the Museum without approval of the Commission.

Staffing

● There are no paid staff members.

Strategic Initiatives & Accomplishments

● The Historical Commission works with the Building Commissioner to manage the Demolition Delay Bylaw as well as with the Director of Planning and Community Development to monitor the Town’s entries on the National Registers of Historic Districts and Buildings

● The Franklin Historical Museum presents a Second Sunday Speaker Series every month hosted by the Historical Commission. The Series engages the public on informative and interesting topics by well known speakers.

● The Franklin Historical Museum also takes part in various town activities, Strawberry Festival, Harvest Festival and PorchFest.

● Please visit the Historical Museum’s website and Facebook page.

FY27 Requested Budget Highlights

● This is a level funded budget.

FY27 Requested Budget Summary

The Franklin Historical Museum is dedicated to the preservation of Franklin’s historical and cultural heritage, and sharing that heritage with the community and beyond. We are very fortunate to have a dedicated team of volunteers in the Franklin Historical Commission who contribute many hours every year to the operation of the museum. We are asking for the same $3,300 budget in FY27 so that we may continue our robust programs at the Franklin Historical Museum.

The PDF of this section - 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1kQLUtz9mChLpttux6qIbycWDSQRu4Tzg/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

Voices of Franklin: "New Arts Equipment? That’s Music to My Ears!"

Hello Franklin Community, 

As a Franklin High School student who has been active in our town's music and theater programs since middle school, I have seen the impact that budget cuts have had on these important programs throughout my time in the Franklin Public School system. But just as consistently, I have seen my classmates resiliently rise to the occasion. 

Over the years, Franklin music and theater students have been recognised across the state with awards and certificates, often while using equipment that is in desperate need of repair, or even replacement. Just imagine what they could accomplish if we joined together as a community to help them get the equipment they deserve! 

The Franklin High School Theater Company Boosters and Franklin Music Boosters have partnered together to launch a joint Capital Campaign with a goal of raising $100,000 to upgrade Franklin Middle School and Franklin High School performing arts equipment. In a community with over 30,000 residents, even a small contribution can add up and help give our students the devices they need to create memorable theater and music productions the whole town can enjoy. 

Both the Franklin Middle School (FMS) and Franklin High School (FHS) auditoriums are high-traffic locations, used for assemblies, concerts, recitals, and even rented by outside organizations for large performances. In past years, the FMS auditorium has also been the home of the Franklin Middle School Footlighters, an after-school theater club. I have seen from first hand experience that Footlighters is about more than just performing - it offers an opportunity for kids to experience the magic of theater, connect with peers, embrace creativity in an inclusive environment, and make friends and memories that will last a lifetime. 

However, without a performance space that has functioning audio, lighting, and the basic necessities to bring a show to life, the theater programs at the Middle and High Schools face an uncertain future. 

I believe in our community. Even if someone you know is not currently involved in the music or theater departments, I believe that the residents and businesses of our great town understand the importance of these organizations - and that, if supported, they become assets that benefit the overall community. 

In fact, if just 5,000 of our friends and neighbors contributed $20 to our Capital Campaign, we would meet our goal! I encourage you to learn more about the fundraising initiative, and contribute if you are able by visiting our Give Butter donation link: https://givebutter.com/FPSCaptialCampaign2026

The current and future artists, actors, and musicians of Franklin appreciate your support!

Evangeline King, 

FHS Class of 2029

If you have something to say, you can find the guidelines here

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/03/introducing-voices-of-franklin.html

Hey, FHS Class of 1976 - Do you have your Reunion Tickets ???

FHS Class of 1976 Reunion Tickets

"Please let any one you know who graduated in 1976 that our 50th Class Reunion tickets and info can be found here: https://fhs-class-of-76.org/fhs-class-of-76-page?"

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BznQsH59W/

'please' should not be needed (poem)

 'please' should not be needed

   I

In the search for happiness is it enough to have stuff in your bowl, 

or to help those with empty bowls

Many streets pass over culverts where we have no clue they run underneath, yet that water is critical to our lives, with or without an empty bowl

While Franklin is considered an idyllic community, it is not immune from food insecurity; almost 10 percent of our neighbors regularly face an empty bowl

If all you have is a hammer, there should be only a few circumstances where that hammer can positively help someone with an empty bowl

The new building campaign was not about "just the building"; it was about how the Pantry will be better able to use the space it provides to help those with empty bowls

Our neighbors stories are many, varied, and deeply personal; we need to be respectful when helping someone with an empty bowl

   II

The UN has an internet vocabulary game that for every correct answer they help to provide grains of rice to someone with an empty bowl

FHS students have worked diligently, crafting ceramic bowls in various shapes, colors, and designs as a reminder of those with empty bowls

The student led Empty Bowl dinner gets folks together for soup and conversation to help create the awareness of those with empty bowls

The ceramics crafted for the silent auction are truly works of art, some practical, some glorious, all reminding us to help those with an empty bowl

Some indigenous languages had no equivalent for "please", food was meant to be shared, it was a cultural given that one was treated respectfully when one had an empty bowl

Recovering from the pandemic will take time, many folks may have been shocked to find out how close they were to facing an empty bowl 

In reeling from the shock, the hope is that folks will recognize how easy it is, that they too, can help someone with an empty bowl

** For Brenna Johnson and the FHS Empty Bowls Club, by Steve Sherlock 

Original post of poem https://www.quietpoet.com/2023/03/please-should-not-be-needed.html

Audio Conversations with members of the Empty Bowls Club:

2025 - Talking about the 10th Anniversary of Empty Bowls (audio)   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/05/talking-about-10th-anniversary-of-empty.html

2024 - This episode talks about working with clay and words to create awareness around Empty Bowls 2024 (audio) https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/04/this-episode-talks-about-working-with.html

2023 - The Empty Bowls Club talks about awareness of food insecurity and how the ceramic bowls help (audio) https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/05/the-empty-bowls-club-talks-about.html

2021 ->  Inside Empty Bowls 2021 - 06/08/21  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/06/fm-561-inside-empty-bowls-2021-060821.html 

2020 ->   FHS Empty Bowl Club Stars 5/04/20  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/05/fm-263-fhs-empty-bowl-club-stars-50420.html 

The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW): Episode 315 - Sustainability with Sandra Taylor

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

Sustainability with Sandra Taylor

In this episode of The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW), hosts Kim and Mark dive deep into the world of sustainable viticulture with special guest Sandra Taylor. As the author of Vines and Values: A Consumer’s Guide to Sustainable Wine, Sandra brings a unique perspective to the table, sharing her fascinating professional journey from law school to earning a wine MBA.

Episode 315 - Sustainability with Sandra Taylor

The conversation breaks down the complexities of what "sustainable wine" actually means, why it is becoming a critical focus for the industry, and—most importantly—how you can identify these practices on a bottle label. Sandra explores the nuances of sustainability in both the vineyard and the cellar, shedding light on the reality of wine additives and the ongoing debate between "Big Wine" and artisanal productions.

Key topics covered in this episode:

• The Weight of Quality: Does a heavy glass bottle actually mean the wine inside is better?
• Organic vs. Certified: Understanding the distinction between "wine made with organic grapes" and "certified organic wine."
• Beyond the Soil: A look into biodynamics and vegan wine.
• The Future of Buying: Sandra introduces her upcoming "Wine-Watch" 50-point sustainable rating system, a potential game-changer for conscious consumers.

To learn more about Sandra’s work, visit sandraetaylor.com. 

For more episodes and wine education, head over to thewww.wine.

Cheers,

Kim and Mark

#WinePodcast #SustainableWine #VinesAndValues #WineEducation #OrganicWine #BiodynamicWine #EcoFriendly #WineLabels #WineIndustry #TheWonderfulWorldOfWine #VeganWine #SandraTaylor

The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW)

Hosts Mark Lenzi And Kim Simone Explore All Things Wine With You! Airing Weekly On Franklin Radio WFPR 102.9 FM ...

Episode 315-Sustainability with Sandra Taylor by The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW)

Audio link - https://www.thewww.wine/episode-315-sustainability-with-sandra-taylor/

Once Upon a Town: The post office (video)

Here is the latest episode of "Once Upon A Town" that Scott Mason and Joe Pandry taped at Franklin TV.

Video link - https://youtu.be/AZC1MJfGS7k?

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1B9MhBshf2/

Once Upon a Town: The post office (video)

Franklin Public Radio wfpr.fm schedule for Thursday, May 14, 2026

Yes, Franklin has it's own radio station -> wfpr.fm. Franklin Public Radio introduced a brand new schedule early in 2025 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:

8:00 AM, 1:00 PM, and 6:00 PM - Franklin Matters Radio – Steve Sherlock covering Franklin, its local government, services, and events  (Repeats Saturday at 3:00 PM)

9:00 AM, 2:00 PM, and 7:00 PM - first hour

10:00 AM, 3:00 PM, and 8:00 PM - second hour

Turntable – "Enjoy a fun experience with co-hosts The Vibe and Pauly G sharing personal discussions about a featured rock n roll vinyl record (1st hour) and the best, all music Vibe Playlist (2nd hour)"  

Find the playlist ->  https://tinyurl.com/TurntablePlaylists

Franklin TV schedule for Thursday, May 14, 2026 (Your local Public, Education & Government "PEG" station)

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

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

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

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: Wednesday, May 13, 2026 ???

Wednesday, May 13

1:00pm Family Night at the Theater. (Franklin High School)

1:00pm Writer's Group (Franklin Senior Center)

6:30pm Bingo night (Kings Brick Oven Pizza & Pub

6:30pm Franklin Elks Bingo Night (Franklin Elks Lodge #2136)

7:00pm Trivia (Raillery Public House)

For 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=

***    Town Meetings today   ***

Charles River Pollution Control District

Wednesday, May 13 Time: 3:30 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05122026-2304

Town Council Meeting

Wednesday, May 13 Time: 6:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05132026-2308

 

Cultural District Committee Meeting

Wednesday, May 13 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05132026-2299

----------

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

Reminder 2nd Town Council meeting of the week, Wednesday, May 13

Attend or watch the upcoming Franklin Town Council Meeting !!!

• Wednesday, May 13 - 6:00 PM
• Council Chambers at the Franklin Municipal Building

Residents are welcome to attend in person or participate remotely via Zoom 💻

Watch live on Franklin Town Hall TV: https://buff.ly/PBWYAZF

View the agenda and webinar link here: https://buff.ly/XX3OpAH

Shared from https://www.facebook.com/share/1DyQLxQtDi/

FY 2027 Budget Narrative: Franklin Historical Museum

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

General Purpose

The Franklin Historical Museum is a cultural heritage institution devoted to the stewardship of Franklin’s history and culture. Our mission is to collect historical artifacts and archival records pertaining to Franklin’s history; preserve the artifacts and documents in our collections; make materials accessible to the public; and to educate the public about Franklin’s historical and cultural narratives through exhibits and programming.

Core Functions

● Collection and Preservation

○ Collect historical artifacts and documents relating to the history of the Town of Franklin, including records from businesses and industries, educational institutions, municipal activities, religious organizations, and social organizations, dating from the 18th to 21st centuries. Ensure the physical stewardship of fragile documents and artifacts, and carry out preservation measures where necessary.

● Organization and Description

○ Organize, describe, and house objects and archival collections according to professional museum administration and archival standards. Develop and manage internal collection documentation, including donation records, object catalogs and inventory, informative finding aids for archival collections, and loan agreements. Make collection documentation accessible to inquiring parties.

● Education and Advocacy

○ In cooperation with the Historical Commission, plan and coordinate exhibits and programming to educate the public on the history of Franklin, and promote awareness and advocate for the protection of the town’s historical and cultural resources.

● Historical Reference

○ Fulfill inquiries and requests from researchers, community members, and town departments on business and industrial history, historical property research, genealogy, and other historical topics related to the Town of Franklin.

Staffing

● One (1) Archivist

Strategic Initiatives & Accomplishments

● Welcomed over 2,300 visitors from Franklin and surrounding towns for an average of 197 visitors per month, our highest annual attendance on record and a 16.6% increase in visitorship over 2024.

● Offered educational programming on a range of cultural and historical subjects to the public through five exhibits, thirteen guest speaker events, and two musical events.

● With funding from the Community Preservation Committee and support from the Facilities Department, restoration of the cupola was completed on our 183-year-old building.

● Continue to advocate for the preservation of historical resources in the community and make them accessible to the public through programming and exhibits.

● Expand outreach to surrounding communities to increase visitorship and build solidarity with local historic organizations.

● Grow digital collections to improve awareness of and accessibility to communal historic resources.

FY27 Requested Budget Highlights

● This is a level funded budget.

FY27 Requested Budget Summary

The Franklin Historical Museum is requesting a level funded budget for FY27, with no increases beyond the standard 2.5% COLA for the Archivist, the sole non-union employee for the department. In total, FHM’s budget request accounts for 0.04% of the Town Administrator’s FY27 Operating Budget Model. While this request accounts for a small percentage of the overall budget, that small percentage is fundamental to the continued activities of the Historical Museum, and essential to its mission to preserve and protect Franklin’s historical and cultural heritage.

A loss of funding and/or the sole municipal employee at the museum would result in the loss of 50 years’ worth of progress in historical stewardship and storytelling, the loss of a community space that has been utilized and treasured by Franklin's citizens for the past 183 years, and the loss of 247 years’ worth of history directly preceding the Town’s 250th anniversary in 2028. We hope to continue our mission in sharing historical narratives and being a space by the community, for the community.

The PDF of this section - 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1JkvJdmL5nqFgmBMnVdW2AEh2J-DbKr4E/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

2026 Memorial Day observances for the Town of Franklin - Monday, May 25

The Town of Franklin invites residents, veterans, families and visitors to come together in remembrance and gratitude during the community’s 2026 Memorial Day observances. A series of events will honor the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country.

The Memorial Day Breakfast will take place on Friday, May 22, from 9 to 11 AM, at the Franklin Senior Center and offers an opportunity for the veteran community to gather ahead of Memorial Day. Reservations are required and must be made by Friday, May 8, by calling the Veterans’ Services Office at 508-613-1315.

On Memorial Day, the community is invited to attend a series of commemorative events, beginning with ceremonies at Dean College at 9:30 AM, Union Street Cemetery at 9:50 AM, and St. Mary’s Cemetery at 10:10 AM, prior to the start of the parade.

Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony — May 25, 2026

The Memorial Day Parade is scheduled for Monday, May 25, 2026, at 11 AM, beginning at Horace Mann Middle School and proceeding along Oak Street, Daniel McCahill Street, Union Street, West Central Street, Emmons Street and Main Street, ending at the Franklin Town Common.

View the parade route: Memorial Day 2026 Parade Route

Download a PDF copy - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1L7xl3qkGgSuR-9vLd2wpdOCqsiBUPdRq/view?usp=sharing

The Memorial Day Ceremony will be held at 12 PM at the World War I Memorial on the Town Common immediately following the parade. The ceremony will honor Franklin veterans who have passed since last Memorial Day, as well as the Town’s 45 fallen heroes who died in service to the nation.

In the event of inclement weather, updates and cancellation notices will be posted on the Town’s Veterans’ Services webpage (https://www.franklinma.gov/335/Veterans-Services).

Memorial Day is a time to reflect on the sacrifices made by those who served. The Town of Franklin encourages all to take part in these observances and join in honoring the legacy of our nation’s heroes.