Franklin Matters

Wednesday, August 12, 2026

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Wednesday, August 12, 2026 ???

Wednesday, August 12

Franklin Lions Clothing Drive active through Aug 22 https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/07/the-franklin-lions-conducting-clothing.html

1:00pm Trust Fall Writing workshop/ Writer's Group (Franklin Senior Center)

6:30pm Bingo night (Kings Brick Oven Pizza & Pub)

6:30pm Franklin Elks Bingo Night (Franklin Elks Lodge #2136)

7:00pm Smarty Pants Trivia (Raillery Public House)

7:00pm Impact of Screen on Learning: webinar (Registration required)

Please sign up for this unique opportunity happening on Aug. 12 at 7pm at the link here = https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_BmEoa3oPTbiLr3AOPBAVLw#/registration

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/9890

*** Town Meetings today ***

Charles River Pollution Control Meeting

Wednesday, August 12 Time: 3:30 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08122026-2435

Tri-County School Committee Nomination Committee Meeting

Wednesday, August 12 Time: 5:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08122026-2446

Historical Commission

Wednesday, August 12 Time: 6:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08122026-2450

Town Council Meeting (executive session)

Wednesday, August 12 Time: 6:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08122026-2444

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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

Governor Healey Signs Freedom to Read Law at Franklin Public Library

The Town of Franklin welcomed Gov. Maura Healey to the Franklin Public Library on Monday, August 10, 2026, as she signed the Freedom to Read law, establishing protections for the freedom to read and creating a fair, transparent process for reviewing library materials.

Town Administrator Jamie Hellen opened the event with remarks. Town Councilors, Town staff members and elected officials, library staff, Library Director Felicia Oti, Franklin Public Schools Superintendent Lucas Giguere, School Committee members, State Rep. Jeff Roy, State Sen. Becca Rausch and other local and state legislators were in attendance for the historic signing.

The Franklin Public Library — the nation’s first public lending library — provided a fitting setting for the signing of the legislation. As Town Administrator Hellen noted, “the Franklin Public Library is a perfect setting to celebrate this historic legislative achievement.”

The new law establishes statewide standards for how public and school libraries select and review library materials. It ensures families and community members have a voice when they have concerns about library materials, while establishing an open local process for reviewing those concerns. The law also protects librarians and educators who make library selections in good faith and reinforces local decision-making.

The Town of Franklin thanks Gov. Healey and the Healey-Driscoll administration for recognizing Franklin and its historic library and for joining the community for this important occasion.

The full press release from Gov Healey's office

https://www.mass.gov/news/governor-healey-signs-freedom-to-read-law-keeping-book-bans-out-of-massachusetts-schools-and-libraries

School Committee gets multiple updates on summer learning, transportation, etc. in 1 hour meeting (video)

The Franklin School Committee met as scheduled on Tuesday, August 11 in Council Chambers. All members participated, one (O'Sullivan) remotely.

Franklin TV video is available - https://www.youtube.com/live/VMpYB91A8Fw?&t=27

The Agenda document - https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08112026-2448

Quick recap

Superintendent report provides updates on multiple items; planning for Sept, transportation, hiring status (positions open, a better view to be provided next time), work on facilities progressing. Ms Melotti out on maternity leave, Dr Bob Dutch back to fill in while she is out, important school start dates on webpage - https://www.franklinps.net/o/fpsd/page/school-calendars/
Joint presentation and updates on summer learning from Student Services and Lifelong Learning. Slides shown were captured in one photo album https://photos.app.goo.gl/7BGZeLN2QWEezqFw7
Annual report submission approved, minor formating remains to be done by the Town as the annual report book is prepared for publication
The 2nd reading on the restraint policy was approved as amended by the Policy Subcmte meeting prior
Consent agenda was also approved. All votes, by the way, were via roll call and passed 7-0

My notes captured during the meeting in one PDF

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hvmIVrFX0EwMzsGCAbVXWcNqeu2T-DO8/view?usp=drive_link

School Cmte Policy Subcommittee reviews multiple policies, sets up for financial policy reviews (audio)

FM #1796 - This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1796 in the series.

This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee Policy Subcmte meeting held on Tuesday, August 11, 2026. All 3 members (Dave Callaghan (Chair), Al Charles, Reis Hansen) participated in the session held in the 3rd floor training room. Dr Tina Rogers and Paula Marano also participated.

Quick recap:

comment for discussion on page 3 of the restraint policy, suggestion to better clarify the separation of what is or isn't allowed by state and or here in Franklin; should be run by P Marano to confirm discussion on proposed
adult meal price from $4.75 to $5.75 at FHS higher utilization and a good amount from the other schools, relatively low financial piece of the overall budget adults get the same meal generally just an adult portion rather than student portion. pricing hasn't been changed since 2023. motion to approve recommendation for the adult meal fee from $4.75 to $5.75
Ms Marano joins the discussion to review the earlier restraint item, she agrees with the minor modification discussed to clarify will be amended during the formal meeting 2nd reading later today
next up discussion on technology and AI appropriate use in the classroom, informal advisory group of parents who responded to the survey, work still underway, needs to be done within the district too district improvement goals will include screentime on the scope, intentional use key
next up, field trip forms consolidated amongst the schools to be more consistent will be able to address this in the early school year as field trips are not anticipated right away
next up, community use of school facilities, should be available outside of school hours, during school hours, student and operations safety comes first so signage and communications around opportunity for a PSA video to help raise awareness of this item
several items on budget and fiscal policy have not been touched since 2016. One makes reference to posting in newspaper. Would be good to review and potentially revise, then send to Budget Subcmte for their review and wordsmithing as necessary before bringing to full committee. Picking up these next time
Meeting adjourns, folks move to Chambers for full School Committee meeting

The recording runs about 49 minutes, so let’s listen in.

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1796-franklin-ma-school-cmte-policy-subcmte-mtg-08-11-26/

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School Committee Subcommittee assignments

https://www.franklinps.net/o/fpsd/page/subcommittees-and-liaisons

The meeting agenda can be found ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08112026-2442

My full set of notes taken during the meeting can be found in one PDF ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WlBkiyMfp-4d_K_m2aywqetojQ7s1-08/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"

Reminder: New location/day for Town Council Office Hours - Saturday, Aug 15 at 10 AM

Meet with the Town Council!

The Franklin Town Council is offering an additional opportunity for residents to meet with Council members on Saturday, August 15, from 10:00 to 11:00 AM in the Community Room at the Franklin Public Library, 118 Main St.

Residents are invited to stop by to ask questions, share feedback, discuss Town-related topics, or simply connect with members of the Council in an informal setting. No appointment is necessary.

Please note: This session is in addition to the Council's regularly scheduled monthly Office Hours, which are held on the third Thursday of each month from 8:30 – 9:30 AM at the Franklin Senior Center. The next regularly scheduled Office Hours will take place on Thursday, August 20.

Franklin Public Library Community Room
118 Main St.
Franklin, MA 02038

Town of Franklin Ballot testing for the State Primary is scheduled for Weds, Aug 19

Ballot testing to check that the tabulators read properly for the State Primary will be conducted on Wednesday, August 19th at 9:00 AM in the Council Chambers.

2026 State Primary Republican and Democrat Sample Ballots

Democrat Sample Ballot https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/10533/Democrat-Sample-Ballot-

Republican Sample Ballot https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/10531/Republican-Sample-Ballot-

Recall that the ballot colors are different for this election (see image -> )

Early voting beging Aug 22

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/08/early-voting-for-state-primary-august.html

Worrying About Your Next Meal? The Franklin Food Pantry is Here to Help.

"I am beyond grateful for The Pantry. Becoming a disabled single mom is not something anyone prepares for. Thank you again." - Pantry Client

It’s okay to ask for a helping hand. If you or your loved one is facing food insecurity the Franklin Food Pantry is a safe, welcoming place to find support.

To learn more about our services, please visit our website or contact Laura Du, our Client Services Manager, at 508-528-3115, or Ldu@franklinfoodpantry.org.

Have you registered for "Exploring Mark’s Wine Picks" - Thursday, Sept 3 ??

Exploring Mark’s Wine Picks

Date: Thursday, September 3rd

Time: 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM

Location: The Wine Room at Franklin Liquors

Join us for a unique, sit-down educational tasting experience in the Franklin Liquors wine room as we explore hand-selected favorites chosen directly by Mark!

Did you know that many retail wine shops sell bottles they’ve never even tasted? We do things differently. Mark strictly believes in knowing every bottle on the shelf—understanding its story, its terroir, and exactly how it tastes—so he can help you find wines you will genuinely love. Mark won’t put a wine on the floor without tasting it first!

During this exclusive session, we will walk through each selection step-by-step, diving into the education, flavors, and background behind every bottle. This isn’t just a regular tasting—it’s an interactive conversation. We’ll get together, taste through the lineup, talk shop, and hear your honest thoughts on the selections.

What to Expect:

A guided, sit-down educational presentation of Mark’s top hand-picked wines.

Behind-the-bottle insights on flavor profiles, regions, and winemaking styles.

An interactive Q&A and group discussion—tell us what you like best!

RSVP Required

Seating in the wine room is limited to ensure an intimate, high-quality tasting environment. Reserve your glass and save your seat today!

RSVP - https://www.meetup.com/franklin-wine-club/events/316072574/

The Watermelon Wobbler 5K is Saturday, Aug 15 at White Barn Farm

"Join us at White Barn Farm on Saturday, August 15 for a fun 5K trail run/walk/hike through scenic Wrentham conservation land and White Barn Farm! The race is open to all ages and skill levels.

💪 8:45 AM — Pre-race warm-up with BaseCamp FitCo

🏁 9:00 AM — Race begins!

🍉 Run, walk, hike & WOBBLE your way to the finish!

Even better, 5% of registration costs will support our Farm Fresh Produce initiative with the Wrentham Food Pantry, helping provide locally grown produce to members of our community.

Grab your sneakers and sign up!"

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm Schedule for Wednesday, August 12, 2026

Yes, Franklin has it's own radio station -> wfpr.fm. Franklin Public Radio introduced a brand new schedule early in 2025 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 Wednesday, August 12, 2026

8:00 AM, 1:00 PM and 6:00 PM Franklin Matters Radio – Steve Sherlock

Franklin and its local government, services and events (repeats Saturday at 2 PM)

This hour features the 300 Fisher St Discussion at the July 22, 2026 Town Council meeting https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/07/the-300-fisher-st-segment-of-town.html

9:00 AM, 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM The Wonderful World of Wine – Mark Lenzi, Kim Simone All about wine, its culture, lore and finer points. (repeats Saturday at 1 PM)