"There will be a large-scale police and fire training at the Davis Thayer School on Tuesday 4/28 and Wednesday 4/29. You can expect a large first responder presence in the area."
Monday, April 27, 2026
Monday Recycling Route - Incomplete for Franklin, MA
April 27, 2026 Monday Recycling Route - Incomplete
Update from Waste Management:
"Due to a mechanical failure, today’s recycle route (Monday) was not completed. Affected areas are highlighted in BLUE on the attached map. These areas will be collected tomorrow. We apologize to the residents of Franklin for the inconvenience."
View it on website |
What's happening in Franklin, MA: Monday, April 27, 2026 ???
Monday, April 27
For Library events ->
For additional details on Senior Center events ->
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 ***
Communications Subcommittee Meeting
Monday, April 27 Time: 12:00 PM
https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04272026-2270
Franklin Agricultural Committee Meeting
Monday, April 27 Time: 7:00 PM
https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04272026-2266
Franklin School Committee Horace Mann Legacy Sub Committee Meeting
Monday, April 27 Time: 7:00 PM
https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04272026-2263
Library Board of Directors Regular Meeting
Monday, April 27 Time: 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04272026-2272
Planning Board Meeting
Monday, April 27 Time: 7:00 PM
https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04272026-2271
250th Anniversary Celebration Committee Historical Importance Subcommittee
Monday, April 27 Time: 7:30 PM
https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04272026-2273
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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
The School district calendar is found https://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/o/fpsd/page/school-calendar
"Give My Regards to Franklin: A Cabaret" scheduled for May 9 at 8 PM
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| "Give My Regards to Franklin: A Cabaret" scheduled for May 9 at 8 PM |
"On May 9th at 8:00 PM, FPAC presents Give My Regards to Franklin: A Cabaret featuring singers from the Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC)!
FPAC, Franklin’s own Actors’ Equity Professional Theater, is thrilled to welcome back talented singers from their past productions to THE BLACK BOX stage for a fun evening of music.
Tickets available at FPAConline.com or by calling the box office at 508-528-3370"
Shared from - https://www.instagram.com/p/DXe0SbVEs4h/
FY 2027 Budget Narrative: Purchasing Department
From the Town Administrator's FY 2027 Budget narrative, each department's story is worth sharing.
General Purpose
Procurement for the Town of Franklin is centralized and is responsible for ensuring that services, supplies, equipment and construction related activities are procured in an efficient and cost effective manner. The mission of Central Services is to proactively review the status of shared copiers and mailing equipment to ensure that the Town/School shared equipment will meet the demands of its users. Central Services budget also covers costs associated with the Town’s permanent record storage/retrieval and postage.
Core Functions
● Procure supplies, services, contractors and consultants following the requirements of Massachusetts procurement laws while providing efficiency and best value to Town Departments and Staff, and ultimately, to the taxpayers.
● Provide guidance and training on procurement steps to management.
● Provide a transparent and open procurement process that demonstrates Franklin’s commitment to providing competitive opportunities that are fair to all bidders.
● Proactively maintain status on shared copiers and mailing equipment to ensure that the Town/School shared equipment meets the demands of its users.
Staffing
● One (1) Chief Procurement Officer
Strategic Initiatives & Accomplishments
● During the past Fiscal Year, conducted 95 procurements through the use of Invitations for Bids, Requests for Proposals, Cooperative Contracts, Collective Contracts, OSD Statewide Contracts, and Requests for Written Quotes which totaled over $31,000,000 in contracted services and supplies for the Town.
● Publicly auctioned surplus supplies through the Municibid platform totaling over $21,000, which was returned to the General Fund.
● Transitioned maintenance of procurement records to a digital format, thereby, creating a more efficient manner of maintaining records per the Massachusetts Public Records Law guidelines.
● Provided procurement training to personnel who are involved in making purchasing decisions to ensure that they are knowledgeable about processes and procedures under Massachusetts law.
FY27 Requested Budget Highlights
● Begin transition from purchased to leased copiers by replacement of the seven (7) oldest copiers which are out of contract and difficult to obtain replacement parts for. Remaining copiers owned by the Town will move to a lease arrangement over the next two years, which will ensure that all departments have copiers that are current and in good working order. Estimated FY27 costs to lease these copiers is $25,705.20, which will be paid from the Central Services Budget.
FY27 Requested Budget Summary
In the past, the Town purchased copiers and would keep them in use until we were no longer able to obtain replacement parts for repair. Moving to a leased copier arrangement will ensure that all Town copiers are current and in good working order. Leased copier costs include all general maintenance and service costs each year of the lease term. The cost also includes replacement toner and staples. If the request for funding to move the seven oldest copiers out of service and replace them with leased copiers is denied, the Town will incur greater costs as the older copiers are out of contract resulting in service charges. In addition, it is extremely difficult to obtain replacement parts for the older copiers which could lead to departments not having a working copier.
The PDF of this section -
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
Testimonials recorded at the SAFE Gala - April 17, 2026 (audio)
FM #1730 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1730 in the series.
This episode shares the testimonials I was able to gather during the SAFE Coalition Gala held on April 17, 2026 at Gillette Stadium. I was fortunate to have an official Press Pass for the evening and am grateful to be able to share these recorded testimonials with the community.
Testimonials from
Lucas Giguere, Superintendent Franklin Public Schools
Jim Derick, co-founder of the SAFE Coalition
Jeff Roy, Franklin’s State Representative
Bob Dellorco & Greg Connor
The conversation runs about 15 minutes, let’s listen
Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1730-testimonials-at-safe-gala-04-17-26/--------------
SAFE Coalition web page https://www.safecoalitionma.org/
Franklin TV recorded the speaker portion of GALA https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A-Xby1B-lQM
Video testimonial from Mark, a client of SAFE https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/04/safe-coalition-hear-marks-story-video.html
Other links of the SAFE Gala https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/04/safe-coalition-holds-their-10th.html
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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"
Celebrate EMS Week (May 17 - 23) with a Free Hands-Only CPR Training on May 19
April 23, 2026 Celebrate EMS Week (May 17 - 23) with a Free Hands-Only CPR Training
As part of National EMS Week (May 17–23, 2026)—a time dedicated to celebrating the lifesaving work of emergency medical services professionals—members of the Franklin Fire Department and Health Department are hosting a free hands-only CPR training for the community. Participants will learn how to recognize cardiac arrest and perform hands-only CPR. This educational session is designed to give attendees the confidence to take action in an emergency and includes hands-on practice. Please note: This class is for educational purposes only and does not provide CPR certification. Event Details:
Registration is required. Sign up at the link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0945ACAF2EAAF9C25-63719434-handsonly Celebrate EMS Week by learning a skill that can help save a life! View it on website |
FA Takes Steps to Fight Hunger at Project Bread’s 58th Walk for Hunger Architecture and Engineering Firm Supports Statewide Food Security
On May 3, HFA, a national architecture and engineering firm with a Franklin office, will join thousands of walkers for Project Bread's 58th Walk for Hunger. For the first time, the firm's corporate team will walk a 3-mile loop on Boston Common alongside participants from across the Commonwealth walking in-person or virtually in their own neighborhoods. This year's Walk is expected to raise more than $1 million to fund Project Bread's statewide programs ensuring access to nutritious food for all.
Now in its 58th year, The Walk for Hunger remains the organization’s flagship community event, bringing together families, friends, and neighbors in a celebration of compassion and action. The event kicks off Sunday, May 3 at 9 a.m. with food, entertainment, and family-friendly activities. The route is fully accessible, and ASL interpreters and multilingual staff will be present to ensure everyone can participate.
“Every annual Walk, every dollar raised moves us closer to a Massachusetts where no family has to wonder where they will get their next meal,” says Erin McAleer, President & CEO of Project Bread. “Coming together as an anti-hunger community is at the heart of this effort. HFA’s commitment to ending food insecurity, along with the dedication of walkers and supporters, makes Massachusetts healthier and stronger for all of us.”
HFA is a national architecture and engineering firm with offices in Boston and Franklin, among locations across the United States and Mexico. The employee-owned firm provides architecture, engineering, and design services across a range of sectors, with projects that directly impact everyday experiences, including access to grocery stores, health care and retail. This year, HFA joins the Walk for Hunger for the first time as a $5,000 sponsor, with a five-person corporate team walking on Boston Common.
"Our work is about shaping environments that support everyday life, and access to food is a critical part of that," said Steven Le, Grocery + Retail Senior Lead at HFA. "Through our grocery-focused work, we partner with clients to design stores that are accessible, efficient, and embedded within the communities they serve. Project Bread's mission to ensure equitable food access deeply aligns with this—reinforcing the idea that thoughtful design can play a role in building healthier, more connected communities. The Walk for Hunger represents an opportunity to turn awareness into action, and for our team, it reflects our broader commitment to social responsibility and the belief that even small actions, when done collectively, can create meaningful change."
To register as a participant for Project Bread’s Walk for Hunger, or to support a walker or team with a donation, visit give.projectbread.org/walk. All individual walkers are encouraged to fundraise a minimum of $25 and teams $250. Participants who raise $500 or more are recognized as Heart & Sole walkers and receive access to personalized fundraising support, exclusive event gear, free breakfast on Walk Day, and invitations to exclusive events.
People experiencing food insecurity should call Project Bread’s FoodSource Hotline (1-800-645-8333), which provides confidential, free assistance getting connected to a variety of food resources in 180 languages and for the hearing impaired. Counselors can pre-screen families and help them to apply for SNAP. Learn more at projectbread.org/get-help.
About Project Bread
Project Bread is the leading statewide food security organization in Massachusetts. Beginning in 1969 with the first Walk for Hunger, the nonprofit focuses on driving systemic change to ensure people of all ages have reliable access to healthy food. Project Bread works collaboratively across sectors to create innovative solutions to end hunger and improve lives across the Commonwealth. For more information, visit: www.projectbread.org.
About HFA
HFA is an employee-owned, nationwide architecture and engineering firm with offices in Bentonville, AR, Fort Worth, TX, Franklin, MA; Boston; Baltimore; Springfield, MO, and Mexico City. With 35 years of experience, HFA has become a trusted partner for a diverse range of clients, providing comprehensive services that combine design innovation and project delivery excellence. The studio’s portfolio includes commercial projects in retail, industrial, mixed-use/office, restaurants, healthcare, hospitality, entertainment spaces, and science and technology sectors. To learn more about HFA and their work, visit https://www.hfa-ae.com/.
Register O’Donnell Delivers 2026 First Quarter Real Estate Activity Report
Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O’Donnell reports that real estate recording activity for the first quarter of 2026 (January, February, and March) reflected continued stability across the Norfolk County real estate market, with increases in overall document recordings, sales volume, average sale prices, and mortgage activity compared to the same period in 2025.
The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds recorded 23,802 documents during the first quarter of 2026, marking a 5% increase during the same period in 2025. March was the busiest month of the quarter for real estate activity, with 8,812 documents recorded, marking a 15% increase from March 2025. However a concern is that the number of deeds recorded during the first quarter of 2026 was lower than during the same period in 2025.
“The first quarter showed steady engagement in real estate activity across Norfolk County,” stated Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O’Donnell. “While activity typically fluctuates at the beginning of the year, these figures demonstrate that residents and businesses continue to buy, sell, refinance, and invest in property throughout the county. The activity in March overcame a sluggish start in the real estate market in January and February of this year.”
The number of deeds recorded during the first quarter of 2026, which reflect both commercial and residential real estate transfers, was 3,252, marking a 5% decrease during the same period in 2025. Deeds recorded for consideration, representing actual sales, totaled 1,346, marking a 7% decrease compared to the first quarter of 2025.
“The decline in deed recordings associated with property sales continues to reflect the limited number of homes coming to market,” said Register O’Donnell. “Homeowners may be reluctant to sell and give up favorable mortgage rates obtained in prior years, particularly as rising fuel prices and higher day‑to‑day living costs place added strain on household budgets.”
The total volume of commercial and residential real estate sales during the first quarter of 2026 reached $1.75 billion, marking a 5% increase during the same period in 2025. The average sale price for commercial and residential properties rose to $1,301,355, marking a 13% increase compared to the first quarter of 2025.
“Even as the number of sales declined slightly, overall sales volume and average prices increased during the first quarter,” stated Register O’Donnell. “This reflects continued demand for both commercial and residential property across Norfolk County and reinforces the desirability of our communities as places to live, work, and do business. Limited supply with this overall demand contributes to increased sale prices.”
Mortgage activity showed notable growth during the first quarter of 2026. A total of 4,137 mortgages were recorded, marking a 26% increase during the same period in 2025. According to The Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, the average mortgage interest rate for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage during the first quarter of 2025 ranged between 6.6% and 6.9%, while rates during the first quarter of 2026 ranged between approximately 5.98% and 6.38%.
“The increase in mortgage filings indicates that residents continue to actively secure financing for property purchases and refinancing,” Register O’Donnell continued. “Improved lending conditions compared to last year during the same time period appear to be encouraging continued participation in the real estate market, even as affordability challenges remain.”
The foreclosure market in Norfolk County saw positive developments during the first quarter of 2026. There were 11 foreclosure deeds recorded as a result of mortgage foreclosures taking place in Norfolk County, down 39% from the 18 recorded in the first quarter of 2025. Notices to foreclose also declined by 4%, with 66 notices recorded compared to 69 during the same time period last year.
“The reduction in foreclosure activity during the first quarter is an encouraging development,” said Register O’Donnell. “At the same time, we must remember that foreclosure activity has a human impact, and there are still individuals and families facing serious financial challenges. I would urge anyone struggling to pay their mortgage, or who knows someone in this situation, to reach out to one of the non‑profit organizations listed on our website, www.norfolkdeeds.org.”
For the past several years, the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds has partnered with Quincy Community Action Programs (617-479-8181 x376) and NeighborWorks Housing Solutions (508-587-0950) to help anyone facing challenges paying their mortgage. Another option for homeowners is to contact the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Consumer Advocacy and Response Division (CARD) at 617-727-8400.
“The first quarter results highlight a real estate market that continues to show resilience and stability across Norfolk County,” Register O’Donnell concluded. “Higher sale prices driven by demand with limited inventory as well as increased mortgage activity demonstrate folks want to live in our Norfolk County communities. As we move further into the 2026 home buying season, we hope to see an increase in available property inventory and continued market activity.”
To learn more about these and other Registry of Deeds events and initiatives, “like” us on Facebook at facebook.com/norfolkdeeds. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram at @norfolkdeeds.
The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, located at 649 High St., Dedham, is the principal office for real property in Norfolk County. The Registry is a resource for homeowners, title examiners, mortgage lenders, municipalities, and others with a need for secure, accurate, and accessible land record information. All land record research information can be found on the Registry's website, www.norfolkdeeds.org. Residents in need of assistance can contact the Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center at (781) 461-6101 or email us at registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org.
The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW): Episode 314 - From Prescriptions to Stills with GlenPharmer Distillery (audio)
Hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi exploring all things wine with you!
From Prescriptions to Stills with GlenPharmer Distillery
In this episode of The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW), hosts Kim and Mark sit down with Beth and Patrick Downing, the visionary owners of Franklin, Massachusetts’ own GlenPharmer Distillery.
It’s a fascinating look at how a professional background in pharmacy provided the perfect scientific foundation for transitioning into the world of craft spirits and hospitality. We dive deep into their incredible journey, from the initial concept to navigating the unprecedented challenge of launching a distillery and restaurant just as a global pandemic was beginning. Patrick and Beth share how they managed to make such a monumental feat sound easy.
Inside the Episode:
- A Nod to Franklin History: We explore the storied past of the building that GlenPharmer calls home and its unique historical connection to the town's hat-making industry.
- Science in the Glass: Learn about the distillery's seasonal focus on both its restaurant menu and its innovative cocktail program. Patrick shares some "science of the cocktail" tips that you can use at home.
- Award-Winning Spirits: We discuss their lineup of acclaimed products and reveal the surprising production capacity of this local powerhouse.
- The Business of Spirits: From the nuances of serving laws in the distillery versus their event space to the complexities of distribution and shipping.
- The "Geeky" Details: We get into the nitty-gritty of the industry, discussing everything from distillery taxes to the mystery of the "Angel’s Share."
Whether you are a Franklin local or a spirits enthusiast, you will love the story of grit, science, and community behind GlenPharmer.
Learn More:
GlenPharmer Distillery: www.glenpharmer.com
The Wonderful World of Wine: www.thewww.wine
PorchFest registration closes out April 30; Yup, this week, that day is coming soon
PorchFest registration closes out April 30; Yup, this week, that day is coming soon https://franklin.porchfest.info/
Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/1HRxj9422C/
Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm Schedule for Monday, April 27, 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:
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| wfpr.fm Schedule for Monday - Franklin Public Radio |
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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| Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule |
Franklin TV schedule for Monday, April 27, 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: Anne Bergen
8:00 am SAFE Coalition: Danny Lagarce
9:00 am SAFE Coalition Gala 2026
11:30 am Cooking Thyme: Ice Cream
12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin: Taquitos
12:30 pm Cooking with Linda: Italian Sausage
1:30 pm Pizzapalooza: Margherita Pizza
2:30 pm New England Candlepins Summer 2023 Show 1
6:00 pm Jon Mitchell & Randy LaRosa: 12-Tone Music
7:00 pm Frank Presents: Djuna Perkins
8:00 pm The Black Box: Newsies
10:00 pm Circle of Friends: Cheryl Wheeler
Franklin Pride TV - Our Educational Channel (Comcast 8, Verizon 28) = MONDAY
7:00 am Middle School Winter Music: 2025: Band
8:30 am SAFE Coalition: Danny Lagarce
9:30 am Winning Ways with the MIAA: Student Athletes Pt 1
10:30 am FHS Concert Hour 02-25-26
12:00 pm 6th Grade Winter Music 02-10-26
1:30 pm FHS Girls Varsity Lacrosse v Needham 04-23-26
7:00 pm FHS Varsity Baseball v Catholic Memorial 04-21-26
9:05 pm Franklin Footlighters: Footloose
Franklin Town Hall TV - Our Government Channel (Comcast 9, Verizon 29) = MONDAY
8:00 am Planning Board 03-23-26
12:00 pm Communications Subcommittee Fl3 TRAINING ROOM 889 8251 9099
2:00 pm Planning Board 03-23-26
7:00 pm Planning Board CHAMBERS 87070415887
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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