What's happening in Franklin, MA: Tuesday, November 18, 2025 ???

Tuesday, November 18

What's happening in Franklin, MA

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

6:00pm Table Top (Franklin Public Library)

7:00pm Franklin Bellingham Rail Trail Cmte Monthly Mtg (Franklin TV Studio)

For additional details on Library events -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/942/Calendar-of-Events

Library & Senior Center events

For additional details on Senior Center events ->   

https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar.aspx?CID=37,24&showPastEvents=false

**    Town Meetings today   **

Franklin School Committee MASC Workshop

Tuesday, November 18 Time: 5:30 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_11182025-1982 

Franklin School Committee

Tuesday, November 18 Time: 7:00 PM

https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/6138802/SCAGENDA11-18-25.pdf 

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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 Garden Club: Wreath and Holiday Arrangement Sale - Saturday, Dec 6

Franklin Garden Club: Wreath and
Holiday Arrangement Sale - Saturday, Dec 6

Saturday - December 6 Holiday Wreath and Arrangement Sale

The Franklin Garden Club will sell decorated holiday wreaths, swags, cemetery and patio boxes as well as table arrangements on Saturday, December 6 from 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM at Daddario’s Hardware Store, 528 West Central Street, Franklin, MA. 

Prices for all items range from $25 - $40.  

The Franklin Garden Club Instagram handle is @franklingardenclubma. Payment may be made with cash, credit card, check, or Venmo. 

Officials Celebrate SNETT Trail Extension

A cold morning in mid-November, State Representative Jeffrey N. Roy (D-Franklin) was joined by Congressman Jake Auchincloss, local Franklin town officials and members of the SNETT Rail Trail Committee to celebrate the acquisition of rail line from Grove Street to Union Street.

Congressman Jake Auchincloss, left, gets a
tour of the site on Union Street in Franklin
of the extension of the SNETT Trail

“This is a tremendous win for the community and will truly boost the crossing neighborhood in Franklin,” said State Representative Jeffrey N. Roy (D-Franklin). “The extension of the rail trail will give families and individuals the opportunity to walk, bike and run through Franklin and beyond. I want to thank Congressman Auchincloss, Franklin officials and the Franklin Bellingham Rail Trail Committee for their persistence and commitment to Franklin’s resources and continuing to offer recreational and economic development options to the community.”

Representative Roy worked with Congressman Auchincloss to get CSX, a freight train company, and Franklin officials to provide a pathway for the town to acquire the rail line to turn it into an extension of the rail trail. That would connect the current trailhead on Grove Street to Union Street and extend the line across town. This extension makes the Southern New England Trunkline Trail an 80-mile recreation trail extending from Franklin to Connecticut.

"I am proud to be a part of the team to bring this vision to fruition" said Jamie Hellen, Franklin Town Administrator. "This acquisition will be the cornerstone of a revitalized Franklin Crossing Neighborhood and will provide an incredible opportunity for recreational enthusiasts, including bikers, hikers, walkers and many others to be able to access this 80 mile SNETT trail that will extend all the way to Connecticut. I want to thank Congressman Auchincloss, Rep Roy, the former Town Council for the support in acquisition and the Franklin-Bellingham Rail Trail Committee for their steadfast advocacy. This is a true partnership for the greater good of all residents!"

The rail trail extension is game changing in making Downtown Franklin a compelling destination both for locals and people from further afield.  Franklin will be the ideal starting point for a family walk or bike ride combined with a visit to local businesses,” said Paul Stamp, Vice President of the Franklin Bellingham Rail Trail Committee.

Massachusetts contributed $700,000 towards the purchase of the line and has committed and addition $1 million to prepare the trail for use. 

A group photo with Congressman Auchincloss,
Representative Jeffrey Roy, Franklin
town officials and members of the
Franklin Bellingham Rail Trail Committee

“This Rail Trail extension is a game-changer for Franklin—creating a welcoming trailhead and bringing new visitors into our downtown,” said Cobi Frongillo, Past President of the Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee and former Franklin Town Councilor.  “Our community has pushed for this connection for years, and it’s finally moving forward thanks to the persistence of town leaders and the leadership of Representative Roy and Congressman Auchincloss.”

You can follow the Rail Trail Committee page for updates ->   https://www.franklinbellinghamrailtrail.org/

Italian Roundtable: Experiences of 20th Century Immigrants - November 14, 2025 (audio)

FM #1583 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1583 in the series. 

Gino Carlucci was the Master of Ceremonies for the "Italian Roundtable: Experiences of 20th Century Immigrants" held on Friday, November 14, 2025 at the Franklin Senior Center.

Quattro Eroi Lodge 1414 Order Sons and Daughters of Italy In America put this program together.  The participants for the discussion in order of speaking (for TV viewing from left to right) were:

• Eddie Colace - Franklin  

• Phyllis Vozzella - Franklin

• Antonio Cence - Bellingham 

• Al Pizzi - Franklin

• Mike Narducci - Medway

They shared their experiences on the following topics:

• Age/year of move

• Memories of home town

• Initial impressions

• Steps taken to adjust

• Career/job/family

• Places lived

• Changes observed during lifetime

The recording runs about 1 hour and 15 minutes

Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1583-italian-roundtable-discussion-11-14-25/

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The program available at the Senior Center for this roundtable is available in PDF

Italian Roundtable: Experiences of 20th
Century Immigrants - Nov 14, 2025 (audio)

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1EvXCw-7i5Br8qjMK96jWBZ7b-jlZwMyI/view?usp=drive_link  

Quattro Eroi Lodge 1414 -> https://www.osiama.org/quattro-eroi-1414

When the Franklin TV video of this event is available, we'll share that also.

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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"

HockomockSports.com: "Player of the Week: Phoebe O’Connor, Franklin Volleyball"

Franklin freshman Phoebe O’Connor has been selected as the HockomockSports.com Player of the Week, presented by Morse Insurance, for Nov. 9 through Nov. 15. O’Connor is the 11th athlete chosen as Player of the Week for the 2025-26 school year.

O’Connor set the table for the Franklin attack throughout the season, finishing with more than 500 kills in her rookie campaign, and she continued her impressive passing on Saturday night to help the Panthers rally against defending champ Newton North in the Div. 1 final at Billerica High and clinch their first state title.

HockomockSports.com: "Player of the Week:
Phoebe O’Connor, Franklin Volleyball"

“Phoebe has been amazing for us over our playoff run and into the state final on Saturday,” said Franklin coach Chris Ridolfi. “Beyond her setting duties she’s been a solid defender and has scored with her serve and block. She certainly played ‘older’ than a freshman in the final and was a big reason for our success in the championship match.”

Continue reading the article (subscription required) ->

https://hockomocksports.com/player-of-the-week-phoebe-oconnor-franklin-volleyball/

FHS Cheerleaders, first at Regionals, next step States

FHS Cheerleaders, first at Regionals, next step States

"Panthers bringing home first place in the Large Co-ed division at the 2025 Fall Regionals.

So proud of the hard work and perseverance this team has showcased. States up next! 🐾

Thank you @marshfieldcheerleading for hosting!"

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/DRI5c-gjqhw/

Highlights of the 2025 season of Franklin Panthers Youth Cheer

Highlights of the 2025 season of Franklin Panthers Youth Cheer. The program has demonstrated significant competitive growth and community impact this year. The season included podium finishes at every major event, two nationally tracked teams advancing to the EMASS State Championships, and a milestone 2nd-place finish at States for 12U, earning them a trip to Regionals in Connecticut.   

The story Franklin Panthers Youth Cheer captures not only athletic success, but also community strength, youth development, and Franklin’s growing presence within Eastern Massachusetts cheer. With more families joining youth sports each year, and with cheerleading rapidly expanding competitively, this feels like the perfect moment to highlight what these young athletes have accomplished.

Bay State Invitational

• 8U – 3rd Place (Hit Zero)
• 10U – 1st Place + GRAND CHAMPIONS (Hit Zero)
• 12U – 1st Place (Hit Zero)

EMASS Locals

• 8U Small – Level 1: 2nd Place & Hit Zero
• 10U Large – Level 2: 1st Place & Hit Zero
• 12U Small – Level 1: 3rd Place & Hit Zero

one of many pix of the Youth Cheer teams

Find additional photos on Facebook->   https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1CewSWoayc/

EMASS State Championships  

10U Level 2

Although the 10U team did not secure the placement needed to move on to Regionals, their performance showed remarkable growth. This season, they tackled more difficult stunt sequences, improved tumbling execution, and built impressive synchronization as a team.

12U Level 1

The 12U athletes delivered one of their strongest routines of the season, showcasing tight motions, increased stunt difficulty, and confident performance energy. Their efforts paid off as they secured 2nd place in the State, earning them a trip to Regionals in Connecticut.

Regionals

Although they did not advance to Nationals in Florida, their presence at Regionals signaled a new level of competitiveness for Franklin—an achievement that few programs reach and one that serves as a strong foundation for the future. At Regionals, the 12U Panthers represented Franklin with pride, strength, and poise. Their routine highlighted the progress they had made from August through November—strong stunts, clean timing, and undeniable confidence.

Submitted by Rachael Lane  | FPYFC Cheer Coordinator

Franklin Bellingham Rail Trail Monthly Meeting Tuesday, Nov 18 at 7 PM

Franklin Bellingham Rail Trail
Monthly Meeting Tuesday, Nov 18 at 7 PM

Due to an issue with scheduling at our meeting facility*, our next meeting is on Tuesday, November 18 at Franklin.TV, located at 23 Hutchinson Street, Franklin at 7 PM.

We'd love to see you there!

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/DRF_YrRku8_/

*For some organizations, Nov 11 is a holiday.

Aging Boldfully: Steve Sherlock (video)

Aging Boldfully is a new show on Franklin TV's All Access channel hosted by Susan Rohrbach. I am honored to be Susan's first guest for this new show.

The show description: 

"Aging Boldfully is about living your next chapter outside of your comfort zone—fully embracing the uniqueness of you.

For many of us, the idea of aging doesn’t appear on our radar until we approach our 60s, when retirement begins to loom. During this time, our attention often narrows to one critical goal: ensuring financial independence. While that focus is important, it can distract us from an equally vital question: What am I going to do with the rest of my life? 

Each of our journeys is unique. Rather than clinging to the tired concept of “retirement,” we have the chance to rethink and redesign this new chapter. What will life look like now that we are the CEO of our own story? 

Aging Boldfully will explore the themes that matter most as we step into this phase—purpose, relevance, resilience, physical health, mental well-being, intentional living, and mindfulness. It will showcase members of our community who are finding meaning, living with purpose, and overcoming obstacles—real examples of what it means to age not just gracefully, but boldfully."

Video link -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9MoSwpcj_Rc 

(L-R) Susan Rohrbach, Steve Sherlock

Franklin Interfaith Council Thanksgiving 11-16-2025 (video)

The Franklin Interfaith Council held their annual Thanksgiving Service on Sunday, Nov 16 at 7 PM at the Franklin United Methodist Church.

Franklin Interfaith Council Thanksgiving Service

Well attended, Franklin TV (Chris Flynn) live streamed the event and the video is available for replay here -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L7FF34vdmrE

A copy of the program can be viewed and/or downloaded here (PDF) ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1vZJBrkYkwvqaIO8qhORimyZlJOWmroi4/view?usp=drive_link

Franklin Historical Museum events for December 2025

Franklin Historical Museum events for December 2025

"There's something for everyone at Franklin Historical Museum!

Check out new and upcoming events at www.franklinmuseum1778.org

See the latest on our Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Franklin-Historical-Museum/61577107304816/#."

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/DRK6NsVEq6Q/

Town of Franklin water restrictions due to drought lifted by State

Attention Franklin Water Customers!

This message confirms that there are currently no water use restrictions in Franklin.

On November 14, 2025, the Massachusetts Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary removed all Drought declarations for Franklin and the Southeastern Region.

removed all Drought declarations for
Franklin and the Southeastern Region

Please note that standard MassDEP-required water conservation restrictions will be reinstated on June 1, 2026, unless a drought or other water related emergencies are declared sooner.

We appreciate your cooperation in protecting our community's water resources during the recent drought. Since Franklin's water is sourced from 100%  groundwater in Town, every drop is important.

For year-round water-saving tips, please refer to these resources:

- Indoor Water Savings Tips: https://www.mass.gov/doc/download-water-savings-tips-indoor-graphic/download

- Outdoor Water Savings Tips: https://www.mass.gov/doc/download-water-savings-tips-outdoor-graphic/download

– Town of Franklin Department of Public 

#drought2025 #keepfranklinflowing #franklinma

Image shared from -> https://www.mass.gov/info-details/drought-status

You can listen to my conversation with Doug Martin, Franklin’s Water and Sewer Superintendent and Jake Standly, the Assistant Water/Sewer Superintendent, and learn about the updates to Franklin’s sewer and water projects. Among the topics covered are the drought status and overall water supply capacity for the Town of Franklin. ->

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/10/doug-jake-provide-updates-on-sewer.html

Enrollment Applications Now Open at The Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School

The Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School (BFCCPS), located in Franklin, Massachusetts, has begun accepting applications for the upcoming 2026-2027 school year.  BFCCPS is a regional public charter school for students in Kindergarten through Grade Eight.  This year BFCCPS celebrates its 30th year of operation.  The school was founded in 1995 and is one of the oldest and most successful charter schools in the state of Massachusetts. 

Siblings of currently enrolled students will have priority enrollment status; thereafter applicants from communities in the school's district will have a chance at securing a spot for their child through the annual enrollment lottery to be held on February 25, 2026.  Applicants from outside of the region (who reside within the state of Massachusetts) will be eligible for enrollment should additional spaces remain after all sibling and regional applicants have been placed.  

Enrollment Applications Now Open

For the 2026-2027 school year 100 spaces will be offered for Kindergarten and students at all other grade levels will receive a waiting list number.  Offers for Grades One through Eight would be contingent upon currently enrolled students electing not to return next year. 

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 start Latin studies in Grade Six. 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.

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.  Enrollment information sessions and building tours will be held on January 24th and February 7 from 10 AM to noon . Please note that the enrollment period will come to a close on February 11, 2026 at 4 PM.

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.

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm Schedule for Tuesday, November 18, 2025

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, November 18, 2025 (Your local Public, Education & Government "PEG" station)

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

7:00 am Sons & Daughters of Italy: Italian Cookies

7:30 am     Joe Landry: Then and Now

9:00 am Mental Health: Kallie Montagano & Sonja Wagner

10:00 am Frank's Musings: Gaza

11:00 am Winning Ways with the MIAA: Pete Smith

12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin: French Toast

12:30 pm Cooking with Linda: Garlic Mashed Potatoes

1:30 pm     Pizzapalooza: Shrimp, Tomato & Greens Pizzetta

2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Summer 2018 Show 8

3:00 pm Candlepin New Generation: Show 5

4:30 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Pete Smith

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

7:30 pm Franklin Interfaith Thanksgiving 2024

8:30 pm Understanding Anti-Semitism in 2025

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

7:00 am FHS Winter Band 2022

8:30 am Middle School Winter Music 2024

10:00 am Mental Health: Kallie Montagano & Sonja Wagner

12:30 pm FHS Winter Music: Band 2024

2:00 pm FHS Varsity Volleyball v Newton North 11-15-25

4:00 pm Rec Basketball: 7th & 8th Grade Boys Championship 2025

6:00 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Districts

9:00 pm FHS Theater Company: Cinderella

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

8:00 am School Committee 10-28-25

2:00 pm School Committee 10-28-25

7:00 pm         School Committee  Zoom Info - 874681

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

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