What's happening in Franklin, MA: Sunday, July 19, 2026 ???

Sunday, July 19

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

1:00pm Sunday Funday (Fairmount Fruit Farm)

1:00pm Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

1:00pm      Revolutionaries in White: A Look Across Three Centuries of Bridal Fashion (Franklin Historical Museum)

***  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

Franklin, MA: Agenda for Town Council meeting - Weds, July 22 at 6 PM

Franklin Town Council

Agenda & Meeting Packet

July 22, 2026 = 6:00 PM

1. ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM THE CHAIR

a. This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 9 and Verizon Channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by others.

b. Chair to identify members participating remotely.

c. Upcoming Town Sponsored Community Events.

2. CITIZEN COMMENTS

a. 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 Council cannot engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Council may ask the Town Administrator to review the matter. Nothing herein shall prevent the Town Administrator from correcting a misstatement of fact.

3. COUNCILOR COMMENTS

4. SUBCOMMITTEE & AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS

a. Joint Budget Subcommittee (next meeting: August 13 @ 6pm)

b. Economic Development Subcommittee (next meeting: July 23rd @ 6pm)

c. Communications Subcommittee (next meeting TBD)

d. Town Charter Ad Hoc Committee (next meeting: September 3rd @ 6pm)

e. Police Station Building Committee (next meeting: September 2nd)

5. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

 

6. PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS

a. Fire Department

i. Swearing in of new Firefighter / Paramedic - William Santa Fe

7. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

a. June 10, 2026

b. June 17, 2026

8. APPOINTMENTS

a. Annual Reappointments and New Appointments of Boards and Committees Members

i. See “Committee Appointments” in packet for list of names

b. Election Workers - September 1, 2026 State Primary Election

i. See “Appointments - Election Workers” in packet for list of names

9. PUBLIC HEARINGS - 7:00 PM -

a. Order of Layout, Acceptance, and Taking of J. Victor Lane and Drainage Lot Parcel 1

i. See Legislation for Action #12a.

b. Transfer, Pledge of License, Pledge of Inventory and Approval of Manager of a Section 15 All Alcoholic Beverages Package Store License: Franklin Georgios LLC d/b/a Georgio’s Liquors, Located at 60 Franklin Village Drive, Franklin, MA 02038

i. See License Transaction #10a.

c. Transfer, Pledge of License, Pledge of Inventory and Approval of Manager of a Section 15 All Alcoholic Beverages Package Store License: Contractors Family Market Inc. d/b/a Dacey’s Market, Located at 353 Lincoln Street, Franklin, MA 02038

i. See License Transaction #10b.

d. Modification of a Section 15 All Alcoholic Beverages Package Store License: Change of Officers/Directors/LLC Managers & Change of Stock Interest - Contractor & Sons Inc. d/b/a Lincoln Street Market, Located at 465 Lincoln St., Franklin, MA

i. See License Transaction # 10c.

10. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS -

a. Transfer, Pledge of License, Pledge of Inventory and Approval of Manager of a Section 15 All Alcoholic Beverages Package Store License: Franklin Georgios LLC d/b/a Georgio’s Liquors, Located at 60 Franklin Village Drive, Franklin, MA 02038

b. Transfer, Pledge of License, Pledge of Inventory and Approval of Manager of a Section 15 All Alcoholic Beverages Package Store License: Contractors Family Market Inc. d/b/a Dacey’s Market, Located at 353 Lincoln Street, Franklin, MA 02038

c. Multiple Modifications of a Section 15 All Alcoholic Beverages Package Store License: Change of Officers/Directors/LLC Managers & Change of Stock Interest - Contractor & Sons Inc. d/b/a Lincoln Street Market, Located at 465 Lincoln St., Franklin, MA

11. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION -

a. Presentation: FY25 Audit - Ben Wilkinson, Senior Manager, CBIZ   https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/10230/11a-FY25-Audit

i. Presentation slides   https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/10231/11a-i---PRESENTATION-SLIDES---Town-of-Franklin-MA-2025-Audit-Presentation-07222026pptx

b. 300 Fisher Street

i. Environmental Protection Agency Overview Presentation   https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/10232/EPA-Presentation

ii. Town Administrator Memo on history of 300 Fisher Street  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/10234/11b-2---MEMO---300-Fisher-Street-History

iii. 300 Fisher Street Town site map  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/10235/11b-iiii-Map

iv. 300 Fisher Street property card  

 

c. Charles River Pollution Control District

i. Charles River Pollution Control District Overview Presentation  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/10236/11c-i---PRESENTATION-SLIDES---PDF--CRPCD-Town-Council-Meeting-July-22-2026pdf  & Website  https://www.charlesriverpcd.org/

ii. Town Administrator Memo on Sewer Transfers  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/10237/11c-ii---MEMO---Millis-Sewer-Transfer

● See Legislation for Action #12b. (Millis)

● See Legislation for action #12c. (Medway)

● See Legislation for action #12d. (District Amendment)

12. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

a. Resolution 26-38: Order of Layout, Acceptance, and Taking of J. Victor Lane and Drainage Lot Parcel 1 (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-38 -2/3 Majority Vote)

b. Resolution 26-39: Authorization to Transfer (Sell) a Portion of Franklin’s Excess Sewer Capacity at Charles River Treatment Plant to Town of Millis (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-39 - Majority Vote)

c. Resolution 26-40: Authorization to Transfer (Sell) a Portion of Franklin’s Excess Sewer Capacity at Charles River Treatment Plant to Town of Medway (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-40 - Majority Vote)

d. Resolution 26-41: Authorization to Execute Third Amendment to Agreement Between Charles River Pollution Control District and Town of Franklin (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-41 - Majority Vote)

e. Bylaw Amendment 26-953: A Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 170, Article X: Winter Storm Overnight Parking Ban - Second Reading (Motion to Approve Bylaw Amendment 26-- Majority Roll Call Vote)

f. Resolution 26-42: Acceptance of Private Road Covenant (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-42 - Majority Vote)

g. Resolution 26-43: Adoption of Social Media Engagement Guidelines for Elected and Appointed Officials (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-43 - Majority Vote)

h. Resolution 26-44: Adoption of Town Council Email Guidelines (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-44 - Majority Vote)

i. Resolution 26-45: Approval of A.B. Fletcher Trust Fund Expense (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-45 - Majority Vote)

j. Resolution 26-46: Acceptance of Gifts - Senior Center, Franklin FD, Franklin PD

(Motion to Approve Resolution 26-46 - Majority Vote)

k. Resolution 26-47: Appropriation of Funds in Support of PEG Service and Programming Per MGL Chapter 44, Section 53F3/4

(Motion to Approve Resolution 26-47 - Majority Vote)

13. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION - None Scheduled

15. ADJOURN

Note: Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes

Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting

Agenda doc also contains remote participation info

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_07222026-2421

Franklin Art Association schedules September meeting to feature artist Rose Wang

The Franklin Art Association warmly welcomes the public to its meeting at 6:30 pm at the Franklin Senior Center on Wednesday, September 2nd.  The program will feature Rose Wang, a classical oil painter based in Massachusetts, specializing in portraiture, still life and landscapes.  Rose enjoys sharing her passion for painting through demonstrations and community art events.  She is inspired by the beauty of everyday life - people, flowers, landscapes and quiet moments that often go unnoticed.  The evening’s program will feature Rose sharing her portrait painting techniques by painting a model from the audience.

All programs are free and open to the public.  Coffee and snacks will be served at the intermission, where you will have a chance to meet and speak with the artist. 

The Art Association is supported by grants from the Franklin Cultural Council, which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, and the Franklin Cultural District.

The Franklin Public Library has scheduled great events for week of July 20 - July 25

"Your week is booked at the library!

Have you started your summer reading yet? 

Sign up on our website and get rewarded for your reading!"

#libraryprograms #franklinma

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

Franklin TV: Then There’s This …

A Martian Orange Sky

by Pete Fasciano, Executive Director 07/19/2026

This past week Canada’s forest fires delivered this apocalyptic Martian sky that peaked in its orange intensity in early afternoon. As warmer dryer times promote the potential for more fires, will this dusty rusty haze become our new normal?

And on 495 at 9:00PM – noctilucent light scatter from well below the horizon.

Nothing rhymes with orange – or looks like it.

And – as always –

Thank you for watching. 

Thanks for listening to wfpr●fm,

and staying informed at Franklin●news.

 

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

Watch Listen Read all things that matter in Franklin MA

Save the date for a Night at the Museum - Sept 18

Friends, 

Summer has a way of flying by...

Before vacations end, backpacks come out, and calendars fill up, we have one date we'd love for you to save.

• Friday, September 18
• 7:00–10:00 PM
• Children's Museum of Franklin

This isn't your typical night out.

It's our biggest celebration of the year – a colorful, joy-filled evening of food, drinks, music, surprises, and playful fun, all in support of Children's Museum of Franklin.

🎟️ Tickets are on sale now for $100 per person – adults-only, space is limited.

Your evening includes:

🍕 Delicious food from Rail Trail Flatbread Co.

🍹 Beer, wine & signature drinks

🎶 Great music and dancing

🎁 Fun prizes and surprises throughout the night

🌈 A colorful celebration you'll only find at the Museum

Our theme this year is a Color Party! We invite you to wear your favorite joyful shade – red, orange, yellow, green, blue, or purple – and help us fill the Museum with every color of the rainbow.

Tickets are limited, and September has a funny way of sneaking up on all of us. Reserve your spot now, then get back to enjoying your summer – we'll take care of the party.

Want your business to stand out in full color? Sponsorships for A Night at the Museum are available and help support passes, programs, and play through exhibits at the Museum.

We can't wait to celebrate with you! 

Senior Story Hour - WFPR: Episode 107 - Friends, The Declaration of Independence, When, The Start of Summer, and much more

In this episode, the Franklin Senior Center Writers Group shares stories, poems, and writings about remembering friends and musicians who have passed, reflections, a reading of the Declaration of Independence, the start of summertime, and asking when?  

(Editor's note: And this episode brings us up to the current one, we have caught up ... )

Audio link - https://senior-scribblers.captivate.fm/episode/episode-107-friends-the-declaration-of-independance-when-the-start-of-summer-and-much-more

Senior Story Hour - WFPR = The Franklin Senior Center Writer's Group

Steve Sherlock hosts The Franklin Senior Center Writer's Group for a monthly reading of short stories, essays, poetry and more. 

Find more episodes here (or on your favorite podcast app) ->  https://senior-scribblers.captivate.fm/episodes

Coming soon to the Hockomock YMCA, another Splash Park (with your help!)

"Be a splash park hero!

A new Splash Park is coming to our Hurley Family Branch, and we need your help to make it happen!

Every gift makes a splash. Give today! - https://givebutter.com/Give-Splashpark"

Shared from - https://www.instagram.com/p/Da486U5Gtdq/

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule for Sunday, July 19, 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:

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, July 18, 2026 ???

Saturday, July 18

9:00am Thrifty Threads (Franklin Federated Church)

9:00am Fallen Hero: Alesandro Patete & Patrick Ristaino (Veterans Walkway, Franklin Town Common)

10:00am Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

10:00pm    Revolutionaries in White: A Look Across Three Centuries of Bridal Fashion (Franklin Historical Museum)

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

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

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

***  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

Fallen Hero Recognitions: Petete & Ristaino - World War I - July 18, 2026 - 9 AM

Memorial event today (7/18/26) at 9 AM on the Town Common Veterans Walkway to honor Alesandro Patete, Pvt, U.S. Army and Patrick Ristaino, Pvt, U.S. Army. 

This program will include the placing of a Memorial Wreath for the day, the playing of Taps, a salute from those present, and a reading of whatever history  may be available for that veteran.  This is a way of keeping the memory of that veteran alive.

Alesandro Patete, Pvt, U.S. Army -  WWI

Alesandro was born in Pescolanicano, Italy in 1893, son of Vincent and Michela (Padula) Patete. 

He was a baker by trade and lived in Franklin for 8 years before joining the Army. He was inducted into the Army on October 16,1917, joining Company I 309th Infantry. He went overseas on May 18, 1918, and 3 months later died from his wounds on this date 1918 on the height's northeast of Sergy, France at the Battle of the Argonne. 

He is buried in Meuse-Argonne Cemetery. 

On January 7, 1968, Alesandro was posthumously honored with a Purple Heart at a large ceremony at the Oddfellows Hall in Franklin. His certificate was received by his brother Domenic Patete.

Alesandro Patete, Pvt, U.S. Army -  WWI

Patrick Ristaino, Pvt, U.S. Army -  WWI

Patrick was only 23 when he died in combat. He was born in August of 1895 of Michael and Silvia Ristaino. He was one of three brothers. Patrick had risen to the position of foreman of Franklin's rubber factory when he was called to join the Army on October 4, 1917. 

After serving with the 76th Division for a time, he transferred to Co. K 165th Infantry of the 42 Division and went overseas on March 12, 1918.

He was mortally wounded on the height's northeast of Sergey France, in the Ainse- Marne offensive and died on this date in 1918.

He too, was honored posthumously with the Purple Heart at a large ceremony at the Oddfellows Hall in Franklin, on January 7, 1968. His certificate was received by his cousin, Patrick M. Ristaino, on behalf of Patrick's brother, Raymond Ristaino of Falmouth.

Patrick Ristaino, Pvt, U.S. Army -  WWI

For the full published series of Fallen Heroes you can visit this link
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/franklin-fallen-heroes-series.html

Photo album of the Fallen Hero pillars along the Veterans Walkway

https://photos.app.goo.gl/oRGdmq9krLNEBnjJ7

For the schedule of Fallen Hero recognitions 

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/03/honoring-our-franklin-veterans-who-died.html

10 WJAR: "Improvements coming to Franklin intersection where teen was killed" (video)

via 10 WJAR

"Work is underway to improve safety at a dangerous intersection in Franklin less than one month after a 15-year-old boy was struck and killed on his bicycle there.

Oliver Lewis died on June 23 while crossing King Street near Interstate 495.

Flowers and other items still sit in his memory near the scene, and State Representative Jeffrey Roy hopes other changes in Lewis' memory are also starting to catch people's eye."

Continue reading the news article: 

https://turnto10.com/news/local/improvements-coming-to-franklin-intersection-where-teen-was-killed-king-street-i495-july-16-2026

Virtual Q&A With Your Congressman Rep. Jake Auchincloss scheduled for Monday, July 20

Hi neighbor,

On Monday, July 20th at 7:15 PM, I'll be hosting a Virtual Update and Q&A to discuss corruption and oversight.

Congressional Update and Q&A with Rep. Jake Auchincloss  

and Special Guest Anne Tindall, Oversight Lawyer & Democracy Advocate

Monday, July 20th, 2026

7:15 - 8:15 PM

RSVP for the Zoom link HERE

*By registering for this event, you grant our office permission to send you future communications and updates.

Sincerely,

Jake Auchincloss

Baked Goods from Olivia from Hare’s Paw Farm are Back at Night Owl Farm today

Olivia from Hare’s Paw Farm is coming back TODAY (Saturday) 10a-4p. Come and get her tasty treats!  I can’t wait to see what she brings! You won’t be disappointed!!

@harespawfarm is coming to visit Night Owl Farm once a month 

Can’t make it? Here are the rest of the dates she will be visiting:

• August 22nd
• September 26th
• October 17th
• November 21st

Here’s what else we have at the stand:

• Zucchini
• Summer Squash
• Fresh Onions
• Carrots
• Beets
• Basil (5 different types!)
• Dilol
• Cilantro
• Fennel
• Radish
• Daikon Radish
• Kohlrabi
• Swiss Chard
• Hakurei Turnip (great for roasting this time of year!)
• Fairytale Eggplant (Limited)

Grown by other farms (always organic!!):

• Sweet Corn (Willy’s Way Farm, Uxbridge)
• Green Peppers (Willy’s Way Farm, Uxbridge)
• Cucumbers (Willy’s Way Farm, Uxbridge)

Tomatoes and Husk Cherries are on their way!! 

Find the Night Owl Stand at 823 Washington Street, Franklin, MA, 02038

Or online at - https://www.nightowlfarm.org/

Beaver Street Interceptor Project: Construction Updates ~ Monday, July 20 through Friday, July 24

Beaver Street Lane Closure Alert: Monday (7/20) through Friday (7/24) 7 AM to 4 PM

Starting Monday July 20, through Friday, July 24, the contractor will be working on Beaver Street installing and testing the sewer force main.  During this time the following detour will be in place:

Access Details: 

- Via Rt. 140 only: Access to 242 through 290 Beaver Street, including Franklin Glass, and Franklin Recreation.

- Via Grove St. only: Access to all other locations on Beaver Street, including the Town of Franklin Recycling Center, Beaver Street Recreation Area, and businesses on Master Drive.

Note that lane and street closures may change as the work progresses so please use caution when traveling in this area and follow all posted signs.

RT. 140 (West Central Street) Lane Closure Alert: Monday (7/20) - Wednesday (7/22) 7 AM to 3 PM

On Monday - Wednesday, 7/20-7/22, a second crew will reinstall sidewalks within RT. 140 (West Central Street). The work will be contained within the southbound lane from Burger King to Beaver Street. During this time, lane closures will occur as needed on this section of RT. 140. Please use caution when traveling in this area and follow all posted signs.

For additional details on the project, visit the project page - https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/557/Beaver-Street-Interceptor-BSI-Project

Senior Story Hour - WFPR: Episode 106 - Assembly, Company Time, Romance, The Beach Boys, Retirement, and The Long Way Home

In this episode, the Franklin Senior Center Writers Group shares stories, poems, and writings about freedom of assembly, doing your best, company time, romance music, retirement, and the long way home.

Audio link - https://senior-scribblers.captivate.fm/episode/episode-106-assembly-company-time-romance-the-beach-boys-retirement-and-the-long-way-home

Senior Story Hour - WFPR = The Franklin Senior Center Writer's Group

Steve Sherlock hosts The Franklin Senior Center Writer's Group for a monthly reading of short stories, essays, poetry and more. 

Find more episodes here (or on your favorite podcast app) ->  https://senior-scribblers.captivate.fm/episodes

Boston Globe: "Ballot stuffer: Mass. officials say record-tying nine questions slated to go before voters in November"

"Massachusetts voters, get ready for a record number of choices this November.

Secretary of State William F. Galvin’s office on Friday said nine ballot questions are certified to appear on this fall’s general election ballot, which would match the single-year high last set in 1994.

Proponents for eight proposals turned in enough signatures ahead of a July deadline, and a referendum to repeal a major state firearms law had previously met the requirements to make the ballot.

The fate of one ballot question is technically still up in the air. Opponents of a measure to repeal the state’s legalization of recreational cannabis have challenged signatures turned in by the petition’s supporters. A state panel is expected to issue a decision on the challenge by Wednesday, a spokesperson for Galvin’s office said."

Continue reading the article - https://www.bostonglobe.com/2026/07/17/metro/massachusetts-ballot-questions-certified-galvin/?s_campaign=sharetool_copypaste_view

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule for Saturday, July 18, 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:

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