Tuesday, October 20, 2026

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Tuesday, October 20, 2026 ???

Tuesday, October 20

Get your spot for the FHS Theatre Company Boosters November Calendar Raffle


8:00am Early voting (Town Clerk's Office)

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

4:00pm 7th Annual Pumpkin Patch (St John's Episcopal Church)

5:00pm Tuesday Night Cruise (Kings Brick Oven Pizza & Pub)

For additional details on Library events -> https://www.franklinma.gov/942/Calendar-of-Events


For additional details on Senior Center events ->

***  Town Meetings today ***

Norfolk County Regional Emergency Planning Committee Meeting

Tuesday, October 20 Time: 10:30 AM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10202026-2563 


Design Review Meeting

Tuesday, October 20 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10202026-2566 


250th Anniversary Celebration Budget Subcommittee Meeting

Tuesday, October 20 Time: 7:30 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10202026-2568


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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

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The Franklin community's GREAT accomplishment with Old Colony Habitat For Humanity (video)



"A 170-year-old church transformed. A mother’s life changed forever. A New Beginning for the Marmol family. Old Colony Habitat for Humanity’s 2026 Franklin Build is chronicled in this short-form documentary, donated by Jeff Bragg of Storypulse Media (https://www.storypulsemedia.com/). This project in Franklin, MA was truly a special one, and we are so thankful to Jeff for sharing Sally’s story in such a beautiful way. 

We would also like to thank the over 50 sponsors and hundreds of other supporters who helped make Sally’s homeownership dream a reality. We give special thanks to the Town of Franklin, who donated the former South Franklin Congregational Meeting House to Old Colony Habitat for Humanity, allowing us to transform this piece of history into a forever home for Sally and her family.

Thank you to some of our biggest sponsors:
Town of Franklin, MA (https://www.franklinma.gov/)
Advanced Green Insulation (https://www.advancedgreeninsulation.com/)
Notturno Home Services (https://notturnohome.com/)
Camger Solutions (https://www.camger.com/)
O’Koren Electrical (https://okorenelectrical.com/)

Our project in Norton, MA will be very different from this one, but no less special. We are building a new home from the ground up on a plot of land donated to us by a Norton resident. Thank you to our donor and to the town of Norton for giving us the opportunity to provide another partner family with a safe, secure, and comfortable home. To stay up to date on or get involved with this new project, please visit us at oldcolonyhabitat.org."


Interview with Jamie Hellen and Kim Thomas in October, 2025  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/10/talk-franklin-update-on-old-colony.html




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Traffic & Radar requests for Franklin, MA nieghborhoods can now be made online


"Have a traffic concern in your neighborhood?

Got drivers treating your neighborhood like the Mass Pike? Stop signs that seem to be more of a suggestion? Speed limits that apparently nobody got the memo about?

The Franklin Police Department accepts requests for radar enforcement and targeted traffic enforcement to help address traffic concerns throughout town.

📍 Think your street could use a little extra attention? Let us know!

👉 Submit a Safety Division Service Request here:"

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Planning Board reviews traffic & parking concerns for Depot Plaza (video)

Planning Board reviews traffic & parking concerns for Depot Plaza (video)
The Planning Board heard from the project team on their traffic and parking plan, the BETA traffice engineer, Town Engineer Mike Maglio and then the board and community comments, questions were heard.

The next meeting for the Depot Plaza project is Nov 2, with traffic continued to the Nov 16 session.


Slides captured via screen grabs of the project traffic presentation

Project documentation on the Planning Board page
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FHS fall sports results for Monday, Oct 19

Via Instagram, Franklin TV, and our subscription to HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the Fall sports competition for Franklin High School on Monday, October 19, 2026.


Field Hockey = Franklin, 1 @ King Philip, 2 – Final
"A cold October night set the stage for a heated rivalry matchup, and King Philip finally broke through against Franklin for the first time in eight years.

Franklin entered the non-league contest unbeaten on the season, but the Warriors absorbed the Panthers’ pressure and generated enough of their own to pull out the 2-1 victory Monday night, handing Franklin its first loss.

That history was a key motivation for the Warriors. Head coach Kaitlin Wilder said it was especially front-of-mind for the seniors on the team.

“I told them, ‘This is the last time you’re ever going to see Franklin,'” Wilder said. “‘How do you want your legacy as this group to land?’ They really took that into account because every part of our goal scoring was from our senior group.”

Continue reading the game recap (subscription required) - https://hockomocksports.com/king-philip-field-hockey-tops-franklin-for-first-time-since-2018/ 


Volleyball = Franklin, 3 @ Attleboro, 1 - Final
 - Attleboro became just the second team this season to take a set from Franklin, edging the Panthers 29-27 in the opener, but Franklin answered by winning the next three for a 3-1 (27-29, 25-18, 25-18, 25-11) victory. It was only the fourth set the Panthers have dropped through 17 matches. Junior Emerson Delleo led Franklin with 16 kills and 14 digs, while senior Gianna Laurello added eight kills, five aces, and 17 digs, and sophomore Phoebe O’Connor handed out 34 assists. For Attleboro, senior Olivia Leonardo finished with 22 kills and 16 digs, junior Keilona Kennedy-Latham added six kills and two blocks, senior Sienna Quaglia had 20 digs, and freshman Leah Motto and sophomore Mahi Ahluwalia combined for 31 assists.

Golf = D1 Central Sectionals (Kettle Brook GC), 10:00 (Franklin, King Philip, Milford, North Attleboro)
"Franklin finished fifth overall at +26, led by Ben Burgess, who also tied for sixth individually with a 74. Burgess recorded 16 pars in his round, with just two bogeys. Tyler Perlman followed with a 76 to tie for 12th, highlighted by birdies on three and six, while Ayden Doyle carded an 81 and Ethan Helm added an 83."
Continue to read the full gold recap (subscription required) - https://hockomocksports.com/north-attleboros-maxx-zides-captures-d1-central-sectional-crown/

For other results across the Hockomock League (subscription required)
FHS Panther sports results shared via Twitter & subscription to HockomockSports.com
FHS Panther sports results shared via Twitter & subscription to HockomockSports.com

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Franklin Police Department welcomes Officer Patrick Slason

Franklin Police Department welcomes Officer Patrick Slason

"Please join us in welcoming Officer Patrick Slason to the Franklin Police Department!

Officer Slason joins the FPD as a transfer from the New Bedford Police Department, where he served for the past year. He is a graduate of the Plymouth Police Academy and proudly served in the United States Marine Corps prior to beginning his career in law enforcement. 

In addition to his military and law enforcement experience, Officer Slason holds a bachelor’s degree in business from Suffolk University and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in criminal justice.

Officer Slason is currently assigned to our Patrol Division and Field Training Program, where he will continue building on his experience while serving the Franklin community.

We are excited to welcome Officer Slason to the team and look forward to working with him!

Welcome to Franklin, Officer Slason!"

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Project PJ is back and for looking for donations of NEW pairs of pajamas

"Hi Everyone! 

Happy Fall! My name is Ryan and I am a lifelong Franklin resident and the current head of Project PJ. Many of you know about what we do and have made donations to our organizations in the past, but for those of you who do not know us, we are a community service organization that collects and donates new pair of pajamas to the Department of Children and Families to be distributed to the nearly 13,000 children and teens place in foster care programs each year. 
Project PJ is back and for looking for donations of NEW pairs of pajamas

We are asking for donations of NEW pairs of pajamas, in any size from preemie all the way up through teen/adult sizes. We have set up registries at Target, Walmart and Amazon where donations can be purchased and shipped directly to our door.

Our registries are linked below. You are also welcome to shop in person and drop donations off in person on the side steps of 48 High Ridge Circle in Franklin into the marked 'Project PJ' bin. 

Feel free to follow us on Facebook and Instagram to follow along with our progress and any updates. We sincerely thank you for your consideration and support of Project PJ this upcoming holiday season!"


Linktree with links to registries set up by Proejct PJs  https://linktr.ee/projectpjma

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Franklin Fathers schedule Thursday night gathering & Trunk or Treat participation

"A great week coming up!
Franklin Fathers schedule Thursday night gathering & Trunk or Treat participation

First, this THURSDAY, 10/22, we’ll hold our October Meetup with our friends at Teddy Gallagher's Irish Pub on Thursday night for the big game 🏈 🤝 

Then on SATURDAY, 10/24, we’ll be joining our pals at Franklin Public Library for their Trunk or Treat event 🚗 🎃

Always seeking new members, so check out our website or get in touch for details!"




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Franklin SEPAC schedule a Meet & Greet, Thursday, Oct 22 from 5 to 7 PM

Franklin SEPAC schedule a Meet & Greet, THursday, Oct 22 from 5 to 7 PM
Join Franklin SEPAC for a Meet & Greet and an opportunity for parents and caregivers to connect with members of Franklin’s Student Services administration and one another.

Come say hello, ask questions, make connections, and enjoy some light refreshments. 💙

📍 Franklin High School — Media Room
🗓 October 22
⏰ 5:00–7:00 PM

We hope to see you there!

A stronger community, together



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Commercial/Industrial Hydrant Flushing Happening this Week! Oct 19 - Oct 23, 2026

Commercial/Industrial Hydrant Flushing Happening this Week! Oct 19 - Oct 23, 2026



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Consider SparkLab sessions at the Children's Museum of Franklin

Consider SparkLab sessions at the Children's Museum of Franklin
"Real experiments.

⚙️ Creative engineering challenges.

💡 Problem-solving that sparks big ideas.

🙌 Learning that feels a whole lot like FUN.

Whether your kid loves building, experimenting, inventing, or asking a million questions (we love those kids!), there’s something for them here.

Send to a parent of a curious kid!

Explore upcoming classes and register at childrensmuseumfranklin.org/sparklab"




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Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm Schedule for Tuesday, October 20, 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:

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm Schedule for Tuesday, October 20, 2026

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 TV schedule for Tuesday, Oct 20, 2026

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

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

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



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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Monday, October 19, 2026

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Monday, October 19, 2026 ???

Monday, October 19

8:00am Early voting (Town Clerk's Office)

9:00am Tabulator Testing (Council Chambers)

4:00pm 7th Annual Pumpkin Patch (St John's Episcopal Church)

6:00pm    Friends of Franklin Library meeting (Library)


***  Town Meetings today ***


Board of Assessors Regular Meeting

Monday, October 19th Time: 9:00 AM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10192026-2565 


Tabulator Testing for November 3 Election - Council Chambers Room

Monday, October 19 Time: 9:00 AM

No agenda for this observation period


Franklin Housing Authority Meeting

Monday, October 19 Time: 4:30 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10192026-2567 


Planning Board Meeting

Monday, October 19 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10192026-2564 


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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

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Hybrid Franklin Q&A and Conversation Session scheduled for Wednesday, October 21 at 11:00 AM

Please join Steve Sherlock, volunteer Community Information Director for Franklin Matters & Franklin Public Radio, for an informal and informative Q&A and conversation session.
Hybrid Franklin Q&A and Conversation Session scheduled for Wednesday, October 21 at 11:00 AM

What is the session about?
  • Steve provides some updates on what's happened in the past month in the first 10-15 minutes, then opens the floor to answer whatever questions you have
When: Wednesday, October 21, 2026 at 11:00 AM

Where: in person at the Senior Center or via Zoom

If you want the Zoom link, please use this form or check with the Senior Center front desk: https://forms.gle/tWXK1mA62jVf5VWc8

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Did you hear about the major events at Franklin Public Library for November 2026 ???

Did you hear about the major events at Franklin Public Library for November 2026 ???
  • Special Events for Kids & Teens
Plush Pet Adoption Day: CAT EDITION! Tuesday, November 3rd @ 1pm
Come adopt a reading buddy at the library! Decorate a collar, make an adoption certificate, and enjoy a cat-themed storytime with your new best friend! Stuffies available while supplies last.

Diamond Art for Kids, Wednesday, November 4 & 18 @ 4pm
Registration Required
Kids - get in on the sparkly fun going on at the Library! For ages 5-13.

Teensgiving! Wednesday, November 18 @ 5pm
Join us in the teen room for a potluck celebration of Thanksgiving! Bring along your favorite snack and your appetite and kick off the thanksgiving holiday with friends! 

Science Chefs Make Butter! Friday, November 20 @ 1pm
Wiggle and Shake! Dance and Make for SCIENCE! Join us for an active experiment to make your own butter! Participants will learn how butter is made and will get to take home some of their own butter for the dinner table. If you can, please bring a clean, 6-10 ounce, screw top jar for your take-home.

Air Dry Clay, Saturday, November 21 @ 1pm & Friday, November 27 @ 1pm  
Registration Required
The first session, we will be sculpting our very own clay creations! The next session, we will paint our creations. Participants should plan to attend BOTH weeks to get the most out of the experience! Open to ages 10+.

  • Special Events for Adults
Wire Bracelet Craft, Saturday, November 28 @ 2pm
Registration Required
Craft a wire bracelet for a friend or loved one this holiday season! All materials provided. Best for ages 13+.

  • Special Events for All Ages
Dinosaur Safari with Jonah Knight, Friday, November 6 @ 1pm
Families! Come with us on a fun, silly, and magical archeological adventure with Jonah Knight as we explore dinosaurs connected to New England.

DINOvember Party! Saturday, November 7 @ 1pm
Celebrate DINOVEMBER at the Library with an epic dinosaur themed party! We'll have games, crafts, snacks, and a few surprises.

Santa Storywalk, Friday, November 27 @ 10:30am
Join us at the library for a special indoor version of a beloved tradition! Follow the pages of a cozy winter story, enjoy crafts and activities as you move through our winding line of holiday fun, and make your way up to meet the big guy himself!

  • Franklin Library Book Sale
Friday, November 20: 1 - 5pm
Saturday, November 21: 9am - 12pm
All books are just one dollar!
Bag Sale - $5 Per Bag
Saturday, November 21: 1 - 4pm
Come fill a brown bag with all the books you can!
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Town Council hears student intern report in first of 3 tax rate workshops (video)

The Franklin Town Council met as scheduled on Wednesday, Oct 14 in Council Chambers. All 9 members were present.


The agenda doc and released supporting material

Quick recap
  • need more info on how the split would work for Franklin (The calculation is actually one page in the annual tax rate hearing documentation provided by the Board of Assessors)
  • aside: the tax rate is a result of a calculation and not a decision or a toss of darts to a board the authorized budgeted amount divided by the total assessed valuation results in the tax rate as the residential evaluations have increased recently (due to the increased price war for housing), the ratio of residential vs CIP has generally been in a tight range until the last couple of years
PDF version of this memo to the Council as part of the Oct 14 agenda


Student presentation doc 


Complete agenda for Oct 14 session

In addition to the info brought forth by the FHS students for the tax rate discussion tonight at the Town Council meeting, I offer the following.

Item 1 

For the chart the students offered in the Comparison Report, I

1 - added the total assessed valuation per community

2 - sorted by the CIP%

3 - highlighted the exceptions in both sections of the sort


The same chart in PDF format

The Excel workbook used for this


Item 2


Content in context is important. While the research produced the chart with 17 communities, what is the view across the Commonwealth? The Dept of Local Services has a great data bank to provide the info. 2026 was chosen as the data for 2027 is not fully populated across the 351. 2022 was chosen simply as the first year before the housing crunch from COVID.


In 2026, 129 of the 351 communities had split tax rates

In 2026, 37 had a CIP% less than 20%  (92 had more than 20%)


In 2022, 118 of the 351 communities had split rates

In 2022, 49 had a CIP% less than 20%  (70 had more than 20%)


Why the change in 4 years? Oh, the residential valuations have increased significantly more than the commercial valuations changing the ratio between the two.


Has the residential demand (or valuations) slowed down yet? Not likely given what we are seeing in the market.


Item 3

From the FY 2026 tax rate hearing (and decision to confirm the single rate as calculated)  

While it is regularly mentioned during the tax rate hearings, the move to a split rate does not add a single dollar to our revenue. All it does is shift the burden from one property class to another.

I'd also add, no matter the single or split rate, no matter the rate rising or falling, the tax bill is always going up.

no matter the single or split rate, no matter the rate rising or falling, the tax bill is always going up

Additional charts posted in Dec 2025

The full agenda doc for the Town Council meeting October 14, 2026

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