What's happening in Franklin, MA: Saturday, November 14, 2026

Saturday, November 14

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

9:00am 51st Annual Craft Fair (Tri-County Regional VTHS)

9:00am Thrifty Threads (Franklin Federated Church)

10:00am Franklin Fire Dept Open House (40 W Central St)

10:00am Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

2:00pm Urinetown (Dean College Main Stage Theater)

7:00pm Ken Barney (live music) (Finnegans Wake- Walpole, MA)

7:30pm Urinetown (Dean College Main Stage Theater)

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

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

Rotary Annual Holiday Craft Fair Saturday, Nov 14 at Tri-County RVTHS from 9 AM to 3 PM

Artful holiday shopping season starts this weekend in Franklin.

Saturday, November 14, 9 AM to 3 PM, Tri-County Voc Tech School!

Agenda for School Committee meeting Tuesday, Nov 17, 2026 at 7 PM

Franklin School Committee 

Nov 17, 2026 = 7:00 PM 

Municipal Building – Council Chambers 

I. Call to Order Dr. Griffith

II. Announcements from the Chair

III. Pledge of Allegiance

IV. Moment of Silence

V. Routine Business

A. Review of Agenda

B. Payment of Bills Mr. Callaghan

C. Payroll Dr. Griffith

D. FHS Student Representative Comments

E. Superintendent’s Report

VI. Guests/Presentations

A. Switzerland Field Trip with EF Tours - Summer 2028

B. LeftField Project Management - Washington St. Modernization Project Overview

VII. Citizen’s Comments

VIII. Discussion/Action Items

A. Switzerland Field Trip with EF Tours

1. I recommend approval of the 12 day field trip to Switzerland as detailed.

B. IJLA-R - Reconsideration of Library Materials Policy First Read

1. I recommend approval of this policy as discussed.

C. IJLA - Library Resources Policy First Read

1. I recommend approval of this policy as discussed.

D. IJL - Library Materials Selection and Adoption

1. I recommend approval of this policy as discussed.

E. Capital Requests

1. I recommend approval of the Capital Request as detailed.

IX. Discussion Only Items

A. Information Matters

B. Monthly Financial Report

X. Consent Agenda

A. Minutes

I recommend approval of the minutes from your 10.27 and 11.3 SC Meeting as detailed.

B. Donation for FHS Audition Fees to the Sr. District Music Festival

1. I recommend the acceptance of $720.00 from the Music parents to be used for the audition fees for the FHS music students for the Sr. District Music Festival for the field trip account as detailed.

C. Books Donation

1. I recommend the acceptance of $208 worth of books from Kuehnel Psychological Services to be raffled off at the Screenagers Event for the Supplemental Supplies account as detailed.

D. Spiritwear Sales Proceeds Donation

1. I recommend the acceptance of $23.96 from Ohiopyle Prints. for the Supplemental Supplies account as detailed.

E. Championship Signage Donation

1. I recommend the acceptance of $2000.00 from the Thomas Francis Geysen Estate for the Championship Signage account as detailed.

F. Championship Signage Donation

1. I recommend the acceptance of $115.00 from BJ’s Wholesale Club Inc. for the Championship Signage account as detailed.

G. Championship Signage Donation

1. I recommend the acceptance of $110.00 from Kevin Sullivan Gymnastics for the Championship Signage account as detailed.

H. Championship Signage Donation

1. I recommend the acceptance of $500.00 from Jonathan and Charlene Hemdon for the Championship Signage account as detailed.

I. Championship Signage Donation

1. I recommend the acceptance of $5000.00 from The Adirondack Club for the Championship Signage account as detailed.

J. Championship Signage Donation

1. I recommend the acceptance of $1000.00 from John L. Daddario Jr. for the Championship Signage account as detailed.

K. Championship Signage Donation

1. I recommend the acceptance of $1000.00 from FHS Girls Field Hockey Boosters for the Championship Signage account as detailed.

XI. Committee Comments

XII. New Business

A. To discuss any future agenda items

XIII. Adjournment

The agenda doc also contains remote participation info

https://files-backend.assets.thrillshare.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/Fpsd/c70415ea-5efa-457b-a91a-e1721894880c/11.17.2026--SC-Meeting-Posted-Agenda.docx.pdf?disposition=inline

Milford's Free Traditional Family Dinner - Nov 26; reservations needed by Nov 16

On Thursday November 26,  Thanksgiving Day at the Italian American Veterans Post, a free traditional  Thanksgiving meal is being offered. 

Two local charities have come together to provide  a  meal for anyone or any family in need of a meal and a sense of community. 

The  meal starts at noon with doors opening at 11:45, while the meal is free reservations are  required by November 16, to  make reservations please call Mike Shain at 508-330-8487 or e-mail info@thankstoyanks.org

Tri-County Celebrates Student Achievement! (including 15 Franklin students)

Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School is proud to recognize 60 members of the Class of 2027 who have earned the prestigious John & Abigail Adams Scholarship! 

This scholarship recognizes Massachusetts public high school students who demonstrate outstanding achievement on the MCAS exams. Recipients are eligible for a tuition waiver at any Massachusetts state college or university for up to eight consecutive semesters! 

We are incredibly proud of these students and their hard work, dedication, and academic accomplishments.

Congratulations to all 60 recipients! 

#WorkHardTodayCounts

Additional winners from other Tri-County communities - https://www.instagram.com/p/DfpnMd3F5UA/?img_index=1

Beaver Street Interceptor (BSI) Project: Construction Updates ~ Monday, Nov. 16 through Friday, Nov. 20

Beaver St (Rt. 140 to Grove St) Road Closure Alert: 

Monday (11/16) through Friday (11/20) 7 AM to 4 PM

Monday (11/16) thru Friday (11/20) between 7AM and 4PM, the contractor will work on sewer main installation in the area of 275 Beaver St.  During this time the following detour will be in place and local traffic only will be permitted beyond the road closed signs:

Access Details:

- Via Rt. 140 only: Access to 242 through 290 Beaver Street, including Franklin Glass, and Franklin Recreation.

- Via Grove St. only: Access to all other locations on Beaver Street, including the Town of Franklin Recycling Center, Beaver Street Recreation Area, and businesses on Master Drive.

Note that lane and street closures may change as work progresses so please use caution when traveling in this area and follow all posted signs.

For additional project info - https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/557/Beaver-Street-Interceptor-BSI-Project

Trans Day of Remembrance Vigil - Friday, Nov 20 at 7 PM

via LGBTQ Alliance

"We are hosting our first Trans Day of Remembrance Vigil

 

When: Friday, November 20th at 7pm

 

Where: First Universalist Society of Franklin (262 Chestnut Street)

 

What: Please join us in remembering and honoring the members of the trans community we have lost this year due to violence

 

If you want more information about this event or need some support, please visit these links or the Franklin LGBTQ Alliance Resource Page "

 

Trans Remembrance Project

 

Trans Day of Remembrance  

 

 

Note: FUSF have graciously agreed to let us use their space for this event, but this is a community vigil hosted by the Alliance, and not a religious event

Franklin Food Pantry Provides Additional Food Assistance for Students at Franklin Public Schools

Franklin Public School students can receive a weekly bag filled with child-friendly, non-perishable foods (such as cereal, pasta, snacks, and shelf-stable milk) to take home over the weekend.

The food is provided at no cost to the student and family by the Franklin Food Pantry. School staff discreetly send the food home with students once a week when school is in session.

Participation in this program is free and strictly confidential. If you would like your child to participate or have any questions, please contact the School Nurse, or contact Laura Du, Client Services Manager, at appointments@franklinfoodpantry.org or 508-528-3115.

School Committee gets update on student recognition sign project, sets Superintendent's goals (audio in 2 segments)

FM #1857 & 1858 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1857 & 1858 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, October 13, 2026 at 7:00 PM. 5 of the 7 members were present in Chambers; 2 participated remotely (Masoulf, O'Sullivan) (hence all votes were via roll call).

The audio is for 2 separate and “important” segments.

1 - The Student Achievement Signage Project Update

• Project team here to present an update, slides being captured via pix and the album will be shared

• recognition of donors on the back of the sign, front touting the teams and champions

• pre bid meeting soon, bids due Oct 22

• target to complete Dec 2026 or when fund raising complete no donation is too small

Sign update slides captured as pictures - https://photos.app.goo.gl/XNsdT3YEp4W9eEzEA

Audio approx 24 minutes

Audi link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1857-school-cmte-mtg-student-achievement-10-13-26/

2 - The Superintendent's Goals

• feedback around the committee, some wanting more details on student metrics (this is coming as part of the progress reporting) 

• some liking the long range planning aspect as important to continue to carry the conversation forward 

• also suggestion that this might be a time for weighting the goals 

• long term planning properly set up can in turn generate individual goals year by year

• Supt will update doc as the year progresses with links to the evidence 

• vote on the motion to approve goals as presented, via roll call (with 2 remote) passes 7-0

Superintendent's Goals

https://photos.app.goo.gl/YUU7cyLgHXLemLgJ6 

Audio approx 34 minutes

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1858-school-cmte-mtg-superintendents-goals-10-13-26/

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

The agenda doc - https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10132026-2559 

My notes in one PDF - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1VjCwnGIj_tWJdnufN3hZU175Sogt1ebI/view?usp=drive_link

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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 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!

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You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm Schedule for Saturday, November 14, 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 13, 2026

Friday, November 13

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

10:00am Knitting Group (Franklin Public Library)

1:00pm Thrifty Threads (Franklin Federated Church)

7:00pm Rising Stars Broadway Cabaret (THE BLACK BOX)

7:30pm Urinetown (Dean College Main Stage Theater)

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 ***

 

---------

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

Raydio Announces Second Annual Holiday Toy Drive to Benefit Local Children and Families

Raydio, the locally owned internet radio station dedicated to celebrating and supporting the community, is excited to announce its Second Annual Raydio Holiday Toy Drive, taking place Friday, November 20th through Sunday, November 22nd at the DoubleTree Hotel in Milford.

Following the success of last year's inaugural event, Raydio is once again bringing together local residents, businesses, and community organizations to help make the holiday season brighter for children and families throughout the area.

This year's toy drive will benefit four organizations that work to bring holiday happiness to local families:

• Toys for Kids and Teens

• The Santa Foundation

• Santa's Barn

• Milford Youth Center

Each organization plays an important role in supporting local children and families, and the goal of the drive is simple: collect as many new, unwrapped toys as possible and make sure those donations stay right here in our communities.

Three Days of Giving

The Second Annual Raydio Holiday Toy Drive will begin at 10 AM on Friday, November 20th, and continue around the clock until 12 PM on Sunday, November 22nd, in the parking lot of the DoubleTree Hotel in Milford.

Residents are encouraged to stop by throughout the weekend to drop off new, unwrapped toys and help fill the collection area with holiday generosity.

Local Businesses Helping Make a Difference

One of the most important parts of this year's campaign is the involvement of local businesses.

Raydio is inviting businesses throughout the area to become Official Toy Drive Box Sponsors by hosting collection boxes at their locations in the weeks leading up to the event.

These collection points will make it easier for residents to donate while visiting their favorite local businesses. All toys collected at participating locations will be included in the overall holiday drive.

Businesses with busy storefronts, customer lobbies, or other high-traffic locations are especially encouraged to participate.

Interested businesses can contact Raydio at localraydio@gmail.com to arrange a collection box.

A Community Effort With a Local Mission

Raydio has made community involvement a central part of its mission since launching in December 2024. >From supporting local charities and nonprofits to promoting neighborhood events and recognizing the people who make a difference, the station continues to demonstrate its commitment to the communities it serves.

The Holiday Toy Drive is another opportunity to bring that mission to life.

"There's something special about seeing a community come together during the holidays," said Ray Auger, founder of Raydio. "This is about neighbors helping neighbors, local businesses stepping up, and making sure kids in our own communities have something to smile about on Christmas morning. Last year showed us what we can accomplish together, and we're hoping to make this year's drive even bigger."

Raydio will promote the event throughout the weeks leading up to November 20th with on-air announcements, social media updates, and recognition of participating businesses and community partners.

How to Help

Residents can participate by donating new, unwrapped toys at the DoubleTree Hotel during the three-day event or by visiting Fisher Insurance at 194 West Street in Milford during business hours.

Event Details

Event: Second Annual Raydio Holiday Toy Drive
Dates: Friday, November 20 – Sunday, November 22, 2026
Hours: Friday at 10 AM through Sunday at 12 PM
Location: DoubleTree Hotel Parking Lot, Milford, MA
Donations: New, unwrapped toys
Benefiting: Toys for Kids and Teens, The Santa Foundation, Santa's Barn, and Milford Youth Center
Contact: localraydio@gmail.com
Website: www.localraydio.com

About Raydio

Raydio is a locally owned and operated internet radio station serving Milford and surrounding Massachusetts communities. Featuring upbeat music, local personalities, community news, events, specialty programming, and a strong commitment to supporting local businesses and organizations, Raydio is more than just a radio station. It's a connection to the community.

FHS volleyball wins to advance to Final Four

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 12, 2026.

Volleyball = Division 1

#5 Franklin, 3 @ #4 Chelmsford, 2 – Final

"To borrow a phrase from baseball, the Franklin girls volleyball team was down to its last out in Thursday night’s MIAA Division 1 quarterfinal matchup.

Host Chelmsford led the match 2-1 and held a 24-22 advantage in the fourth set, needing just one point to dethrone the defending Division 1 state champion Panthers. And the Lions had the serve.

But fifth-seeded Franklin survived, scoring four straight points to win the set 26-24 and force a fifth and deciding set. The Panthers won it 15-11 to advance to the semifinals and keep their quest for a second straight state title alive.

“That’s a heart of a champion,” said Franklin coach Chris Ridolfi. “It’s all heart right there. We got it done.”

Chelmsford’s remarkable season finished at 21-2 overall. Just two weeks ago, these teams met to close the regular season, with the Lions emerging victorious by the same 3-2 score."

Continue reading the game recap by Gary Demopoulos, Contributor (subscriptions required)  https://hockomocksports.com/one-point-from-elimination-franklin-volleyball-digs-deep-to-rally-past-chelmsford/

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

Non-Playoff Football = Franklin, 33 @ Natick, 34 – Final

1st Quarter: (F) Christian Primpas 36-yard rush, Owen Webster XP good; (N) Matt Caissie 69-yard pass, Connor Stevens XP good; (N) M. Caissie 17-yard pass, C. Stevens XP good.

2nd Quarter: (N) M. Caissie 3-yard pass, C. Stevens XP good.

3rd Quarter: (F) Ethan Edmunds 30-yard pass to Evan Valante, XP good; (N) Levi Oliveira 1-yard rush, XP good.

4th Quarter: (F) Christian Holmes 2-yard rush, two-point conversion failed; (N) M. Caissie 57-yard pass, XP no good; (F) E. Edmunds 4-yard rush, O. Webster XP good; (F) E. Edmunds 1-yard pass to Cole Tarentino, two-point conversion failed.

For other results across the Hockomock League (subscription required)

https://hockomocksports.com/thursdays-schedule-scoreboard-11-12-26/

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

Town of Franklin Facilities Team hiring a full-time Junior Building Custodian

Join the Franklin Facilities Team!

The Town of Franklin is seeking a full-time Junior Building Custodian to join the team!

📅 Priority Deadline: November 22, 2026

Apply: Email your resume to apply@franklinma.gov with “Junior Building Custodian” in the subject line. 

View the full job posting https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/10058/Junior-Custodian--2026-11.

Where's the Toast? Memory Cafe scheduled for Weds, Nov 18 at the Franklin Senior Center

On behalf of the Franklin Senior Center, we would like to extend an invitation to our November 18th Where's the Toast?! Memory Cafe.

Memory cafés offer a safe, judgment-free space to connect, socialize, and enjoy meaningful activities together, emphasizing companionship, creativity, and shared experiences. 

For individuals living with dementia, memory cafés help reduce isolation and foster a sense of belonging. For caregivers, they provide encouragement, understanding, and the chance to connect with others who truly support them.

Whether you come for conversation, laughter, music, or simply to be among supportive community members, you are welcome just as you are.

We hope you’ll join us and be part of a community built on connection, dignity, and joy.  Please RSVP to Amanda Rabbitt at arabbitt@franklinma.gov so we are ready to welcome you to the program!

 

Sincerely,

Amanda Rabbitt

The Shed opens early for Sunday Funday, introduces new brunch menu - Nov 15

via The Shed

Cancel sleeping in. 

We’ve got plans for you. 

Set your alarm, rally your crew, and get here for Sunday Funday! 

We’re opening at 9 AM THIS SUNDAY 11/15 for 🏈 PATRIOTS vs. LIONS AND it’s the debut of our🍳 NEW BRUNCH MENU!

Is it Sunday yet? 🥂Countdown starts now!

#theshedfranklin #craftkitchen #craftcocktails #franklinma #sundayfunday brunch

FHS Mock Trial is back and looking to fund raise Thursday, Nov 19

"FHS MOCK IS BACK😁😁😁😁😁 

we will be hosting a fundraiser at the Franklin Panera next Friday Thursday, 11/19 on the half day!!! 

please please stop by and use code FUND4U or show this flyer when ordering to support our 26-27 season and mock competitors as 20% of all of their proceeds for the day will go to us!!! 

Thank you and we’ll see you there!!!!"

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

How to spot fake FTC websites and FTC impersonators

Last year, the Federal Trade Commission got more than 1 million reports about imposter scams, with reported losses of $3.5 billion. 

Many people report scammers pretending to be the FTC, including fake FTC websites. 

Learn more about how to spot an FTC imposter website and what the FTC is doing to take them down.

Read more >