What's happening in Franklin, MA: Sunday, October 18, 2026 ???

Sunday, October 18

7:30am All You Can Eat Breakfast (Franklin Rod & Gun Club)

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

8:00am Scary Scurry 5K (Children’s Museum of Franklin)

9:15am Scary Scurry Fun Run (Children’s Museum of Franklin)

12:00pm 7th Annual Pumpkin Patch (St John's Episcopal Church)

1:00pm Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

1:15pm `How the Democrats Lost America: Making Sense of the 2024 Election and the Future of American Politics’  (Franklin Historical Museum)

1:30pm        Franklin Public Library (open until 5 PM)

2:00pm Disney’s Frozen     (THE BLACK BOX)

2:00pm The Skin of Our Teeth (Dean College Main Stage Theater)

*** 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

Order Online Now for the 9th Annual Thanksgiving Day Pie Sale by Knights Of Columbus, Franklin

Why bake when the Knights can do it for you?

Once again, this year the Knights of Columbus, Sacred Heart Council 1847 St. Mary Parish Franklin MA is running their Thanksgiving Pie Sale.  

Our famous bakery (same as last year) is Lyman’s Orchards.  This year we will be offering “Mile High” Apple, Pumpkin, Blueberry and Cherry. These Pies are fantastic.... outstanding flavor, aroma, and taste. The price is $20.00 per Pie. We will have PECAN also, at a cost of $25. 

As was last year you will be able to DONATE a pie. All donations will be distributed through the Franklin Senior Center and Franklin Food Pantry network for distribution at Thanksgiving time. The goal of the donated pies is to put a pie on a table for a family that may not have that opportunity otherwise. 

This year there will be 2 means by which you may purchase your Thanksgiving Day pies. Please visit our website www.kofc1847.org/payments-thanksgiving-pie-sale    or utilize our QR code on this note. The site is open October 17th thru November 2nd. 

We will also be taking Pie orders at the back of church, the weekends of October 24-25th and October 31st and November 1st, after all the Masses.  Cash, Check or Credit Card will be accepted.  ALL online orders will accept Credit Card only. There is a service fee for online orders. ALL orders received at the church will be fee free.

 You will be able to Pick Up your order of Thanksgiving Pies on Tuesday, November 24, from 2pm – 6pm at the Faith Formation Offices at the St. Mary's school. You will see our signs. (same as last year)

We are excited to bring this quality product to St Mary Parish community and all our Franklin neighbors. We thank you for your generous support over the years and the support you lend to help a senior and make your Thanksgiving Day special with a Pie (or 2) from Lyman Orchard’s.

 

Any questions, please call Jim Lane 774-571-9804 or Mike Swan 508-404-4792.

Thank You for your generosity and “giving back”...

Knights of Columbus,

Sacred Heart Council 1847

Franklin, MA 02038

Agenda for the Finance Committee meeting Wednesday, October 21 at 6:00 PM

Finance Committee 

Meeting Agenda & Meeting Packet 

Wednesday, October 21, 2026 = 6:00 PM

Meeting will be held at the Municipal Building 

2nd Floor Council Chambers

355 East Central Street

1. Call to Order

2. Public Comments 

- Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to three minutes on a matter that is not on the agenda. In compliance with G.L. Chapter 30A, Section 20 et seq, the Open Meeting Law, the Finance Committee cannot engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Finance Committee may ask town staff to review the matter. Nothing herein shall prevent the town staff from correcting a misstatement of fact.

3. Approval of Minutes

a. September 23, 2026

4. The Bill Dowd “Deep Dive Series”

a. Financial Policies - 2026-2027 Fiscal Policies   https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/11345/4a-2026-2027-Fiscal-Policies

b. DPW Enterprise Funds

 

5. Standing Updates:

a. Stabilization Account Report

b. Budget vs Actuals 9-30-2026 Pls note this does not include September’s interest

c. Fees Revenue by Department 6-30-2026

d. FY2026 Expense Analysis by Department 6-30-2026

e. FY27 Budget Tracker as of 9-30-2026

6. Future Agenda Items/Next meeting date:

a. December 9, 2026 - Long Term Debt

7. Finance Committee Member Comments

8. Adjourn

The full agenda doc also contains remote participation info

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10212026-2572

School Committee gets update on student recognition sign project, sets Superintendent's goals (video)

The Franklin School Committee met as scheduled on Tuesday, October 13 in Council Chambers. 5 members were present in Chambers, 2 participated remotely so all vtoes were via roll call.

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 

Quick recap:

• Update on the student recognition sign project, project team here to present an update, slides being captured via pix and the album will be shared shortly
• 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
• Superintendent 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

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

Superintendent's Goals

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

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

FHS field hockey, girls & boys soccer teams all post wins on Saturday

Via Instagram, Franklin TV, and our subscription to HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the Fall sports competition for Franklin High School on Saturday, October 17, 2026.

Boys Soccer = Algonquin, 0 @ Franklin, 1 – Final 

– Franklin broke through in the 71st minute to take down Algonquin at Pisini Field. Senior Jax Poverman sent a cross into junior Cam Lambert just outside the six-yard box, and Lambert took a touch before laying it back to senior Deacon Eglintine, who smashed a shot home from just inside the 18 for the game-winner.

Girls Soccer = Natick, 1 @ Franklin, 4 – Final 

– In a rematch of last year’s state title game, Lily Strong scored twice and dished out an assist to lead the Panthers to a convincing win. This week, Strong scored a brace against the defending D1 and D3 champs and scored five times overall. Phoebe Cuneo and Claire Michel also scored for the hosts, while Emmalee Doyle added an assist.

Field Hockey = Natick, 0 @ Franklin, 4 – Final 

– Franklin turned in a complete performance to blank Div. 1 No. 9 Natick. Sophomore Amelia Manning opened the scoring just 35 seconds into the game, junior Penelope Brady doubled the lead in the third, and sophomores Lila Reardon and senior Ella Marzullo added fourth-quarter goals, both assisted by Manning. Senior Jossie Camp, juniors Clara Blongastainer and Sammy Feigen, and sophomore Rhian Schlitzer helped limit Natick to zero offensive corners, while sophomore Cade Taccini and seniors Caydence Canavan and Tori Cahill helped control the midfield and transition game. Junior Elise Ackerman recorded the shutout in goal without having to make a save.

For other results across the Hockomock League (subscription required)

https://hockomocksports.com/saturdays-schedule-scoreboard-10-17-26/

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

Tri-County Volleyball takes home the Mayflower League Large Voc CHAMPIONSHIP !!!

"Congratulations to your Mayflower League Large Voc CHAMPIONS!!!

Work hard. Today counts. "

#tcpride tri.county_athletics

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/19cy6fg7DY/ 

Franklin TV: Know a musician or band that deserves to be heard? We want to hear from them!

Coffee House Concert Series: Great Music, Great Company

Franklin TV is also exploring a Coffee House Concert Series in collaboration with Raydio, bringing the warmth and intimacy of a coffeehouse performance to local audiences.

Imagine talented musicians, stripped-down acoustic sets, intimate performances, and the kind of musical experiences that make you want to sit back, relax, and discover your next favorite artist.

This collaboration aims to create another platform for local performers while giving audiences a chance to experience live music in a welcoming, community-centered setting.

Keep an eye out for more details as this exciting project develops!

Be Part of What Comes Next!

All of these projects share a common goal: to make local media more accessible, more creative, and more connected to the community it serves.

 

Franklin TV and WFPR.FM are always looking for new talent, fresh ideas, and enthusiastic people who want to help bring local creativity to life. You don't need years of experience or a professional production  background  to  get  started.  A  

willingness to learn, collaborate, and try something new is a great place to begin.

Are you a performer, musician, audio/video enthusiast, aspiring producer, freelancer, community storyteller, or simply curious about how radio and television work behind the scenes? There's room for you here!

You might discover a new creative outlet, develop valuable production skills, help tell an important community story, or become part of the team that brings local programming into homes throughout the region.

Have an idea? Want to perform? Interested in getting behind the camera or microphone? Let's make something great together!

Reach out to info@franklin.tv or stop by Franklin TV to learn more about getting involved. The next great local production could start with you.

Franklin TV and WFPR.FM - Local stories. Local talent. Local voices. Your community, on the air and on screen.

-  Liz Harkins

Executive Director, Franklin TV & WFPR-FM

Continue reading this week's programing guide

https://drive.google.com/file/d/19IQxRE2MGS3ai6WAZNk3yJrqXImdBhka/view?usp=drive_link

(1) Sample Ballot available (2) Tabulator Testing scheduled for Monday, Oct 19 (3) Bring preparation & patience to vote

(1) The sample ballot for the State Nov 3 election with 9 ballot questions is 2 full sheet of paper (first page double sided, second page single side with text).

Link to sample ballot - https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/11309/NOV-3-SAMPLE-BALLOT

(2) Tabulator Testing for State Election (11/3/26) will be held on Monday, October 19. Beginning at 9:00 AM in Council Chambers.  https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/11348/Tabulator-Testing-for-Nov-3-Election 

(3) Given the length of the ballot (2 pieces of paper), the expected turnout (state elections generally average plus/minus 60% of Franklin registered voters), please prepare before going to vote early or in person on Tuesday Nov 3. 

Please bring along a little patience. While you may have prepared, some others may not have prepared. Be kind.

with ~25,500 voters, a 60% turnout means more than 15,000 will vote

This week at the Franklin Public Library closes with Trunk or Treat and the monthly Book Sale

"Calling all spooks! Make the Library your new haunt with these great programs!

#franklinma #libraryevents Town of Franklin"

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1EyS7n91EJ/

Second Sunday Speaker Series: History of Hayward Manor (video)

Alan Earls talks about the history of the orphanage at Hayward Manor in this episde of the Sunday Speaker Series recorded at the Franklin Historical Museum, September 13, 2026

Announcement of the topic for this episode

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/09/reminder-mercy-and-malevolence.html

Video link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=47959PBbmHg

MA Ballot Questions guide - produced by CommonWealth Beacon, The Bay State Banner & El Planeta

via The Boston Foundation

"The election is approaching and mail-in ballots are arriving as early voting kicks off this weekend. This election season, MA has nine statewide ballot questions going before voters, ranging across topics from tax rebates to zoning regulations to elections administration.

CommonWealth Beacon has produced a ballot question guide for voters, with explanations of each question on the ballot featuring key information and helpful videos. The Boston Foundation (TBF) is proud to sponsor this guide in partnership with The Bay State Banner and El Planeta, including translation to Spanish.

What you need to know before you vote at the link https://commonwealthbeacon.org/ballot-question/"

Shared from - https://www.instagram.com/p/Dej-7hxl-nw/

Memory Cafe scheduled for Wednesday, October 21 at the Franklin Senior Center

On behalf of the Franklin Senior Center, we would like to extend an invitation to our October 21 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

Get your spot for the FHS Theatre Company Boosters November Calendar Raffle before October 31 !!!

Want a chance to win cash all November long while supporting local high school theatre? 

The FHS Theatre Company Boosters are running a November Calendar Raffle, and they need our help! Winners will be drawn throughout November, but tickets must be purchased by October 31st! 

We wouldn't be able to put on these incredible shows without the incredible support of our community! FHS Theatre is 100% self-funded through ticket sales and local support. Every single calendar purchased directly pays for set construction, costumes, props, playbills, and our live pit orchestra. 

Don't miss out—get your calendar raffle tickets before October 31st! 

Get your ticket - https://givebutter.com/FHSTCO2026?

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/18dwD93HBR/ 

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm Schedule for Sunday, October 18, 2026

Yes, Franklin has its own radio station -> wfpr.fm.

Franklin Public Radio has a schedule full of 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: Saturday, October 17, 2026 ???

Saturday, October 17

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

9:00am Thrifty Threads (Franklin Federated Church)

10:00am 7th Annual Pumpkin Patch (St John's Episcopal Church)

10:00am Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

10:00am Rise Up (Franklin United Methodist Church)

12:00pm Celebrating Voting Rights (Franklin Town Common)

2:00pm Disney’s Frozen (THE BLACK BOX)

2:00pm The Skin of Our Teeth (Dean College Main Stage Theater)

5:00pm    FHS Community Soccer night (Franklin High School)

5:00pm FHS Boys Varsity vs. Algonquin (Pisini Field, Oak St)

6:30pm Franklin Navratri (sold out) (Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School)

7:00pm FHS Girls Varsity vs. Natick (Pisini Field, Oak St)

7:30pm Disney’s Frozen (THE BLACK BOX)

7:30pm The Skin of our Teeth (Dean College Main Stage Theater)

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

*** 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

Help out the Santa Foundation by taking a chance on the November calendar for $20/each

"Hello friends,

Nearly 300 families are already in the process of receiving support from the Santa Foundation this year. As we prepare to help 850–900 families in 2026, we’re asking for a little help from our community.

Our November Calendar is our biggest annual fundraiser. But rain canceled two October selling opportunities—the Annual Harvest Festival and today’s Farmers Market—and calendar sales are behind last year.

For $20, you can help local families and have a chance to win a prize every day in November, including $1,000 on November 29!

Last year, your generosity helped us support more than 860 families. Every calendar purchased helps us bring that same care and holiday joy to families this year.

If you’re able, please take a minute tonight to purchase yours:

Buy your $20 November Calendar - https://www.sfjoy.org/products-and-events/p/2026cal

Thank you for showing up for your neighbors and helping make this work possible.

With gratitude,

The Santa Foundation"

Rotary Club of Franklin’s Annual Craft Fair Returns November 14th at Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School

The Rotary Club of Franklin MA will host its annual Craft Fair on Saturday, November 14, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School, 147 Pond Street, Franklin. 

Admission is only $4 per person. Rotary is also accepting donations for the Franklin Food Panty. Their most requested items are unopened, unexpired, non-perishable food, person hygiene items, household cleaners and pet food (plastic containers preferred.)

“Rotary is proud to continue this beloved community tradition that was previously hosted by the Franklin Newcomers Club and welcome both familiar faces and new visitors.” exclaimed Rotary President, Diane Padula. “Bring a friend, invite your family, and come shop local while supporting a great cause!”

This is a juried craft show, featuring carefully hand-selected vendors and crafters chosen for the quality and uniqueness of their work. We will highlight these talented artisans and the wonderful items they have created, and we invite the public to come browse, shop, and enjoy the variety of handmade treasures available. Whether you are getting a head start on holiday shopping or looking for something special, you are sure to find something worth discovering!

As a local service organization dedicated to helping others and making a difference in our community since 1930, the Rotary Club of Franklin relies on fundraising to support its many annual charitable projects and community initiatives. This Craft Fair is an exciting new tradition for Rotary Club of Franklin MA, and we hope to continue to bring the community together for a wonderful day of shopping and fun, for years to come.

The Rotary Club International is a non-profit organization, made up of a diverse group of men and women “who come together to create positive, lasting change in our communities and around the world.” https://www.rotary.org/en/about-rotary

If you would like more information about our organization or how to become a volunteer, please email: rotarycluboffranklinma@gmail.com and someone will reach out to you to be a guest at one of their upcoming meetings. Rotary meets the first and third Tuesday of each month, from 5:30pm – 7:30pm at the Rome Restaurant, 4 East Central Street (Rte. 140), Franklin, MA.

SheLeads developed this ballot question info on the 9 questions for the Nov 3, 2026 election

via Kaye Kelly:

"Hi Voting Humans,

Important information to share with you today. 

I run a women's leadership group called SheLeads. We've been studying and learning about the 9 (!!) ballot questions that will be our the MA ballot this year since JULY. We've put a lot of time into this. We've met with our State Rep Jeff Roy and learned even more. We've looked into many, many sources to pull this information together.

I present to you two items today for you to save. 

The first is a quick voting cheat sheet. We have left question #6 blank. There is a lot of confusion over this conservation question. I'll add some places you can research in in the comment section.

Photos 2 and 3 are a primer for all nine question including the FUNDERS behind each question. THIS is the information you should really know. 

The cheat sheet is partisan. 

The voting primer is non-partisan.

People don't vote because they feel like they are not informed.

 

In 2026 - there is no reason to be uninformed. There are so many fantastic organizations that have done a lot of this work for you. It will take you all of TEN MINUTES to find the information you need. (start with the funding!!) 

Check your voter registration and then do your duty as a citizen of this country."

Download the PDF version of this:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Q5gk8wgRNuuY1X8KT8NLRgYGt2OJHUgc/view?usp=sharing