What's happening in Franklin, MA: Sunday, September 27, 2026 ???

Sunday, September 27

11:00am. Franklin High Class of 1971 - 55th reunion. (Franklin Elks Lodge #2136)

12:00pm. 7th Annual Pumpkin Patch. (St John's Episcopal Church)    Opening Day delayed until Monday Sept. 28, due to weekend storm. Still open through October 31st.

1:00pm. Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

1:30pm.  Franklin Public Library now open on Sunday to 5:00 pm

*** NO Town Meetings today ***

 

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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

Planning Board hearing starts the official process for the Depot Plaza proposal

FRANKLIN PLANNING BOARD

Agenda & Meeting Packet

September 28, 2026 at 7:00 PM

Meeting will be held at the Municipal Building 

2nd floor, Council Chambers, 355 East Central Street

PUBLIC HEARINGS

1. 9 & 13-15 Main St – Special Permit & Site Plan

• Site Plan and Color Renderings  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/11094/Site-Plan-and-Renderings-92826
• Peer Reviews   https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/11096/Peer-Review
• Public Comments  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/11097/Comments-up-to-92826
• Application    https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/11095/2026-07-30-Special-Permit-Application-and-Supporting-Docs-redacted

Agenda doc contains remote participation info

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09282026-2532

Franklin Food Pantry Update to the Franklin (MA) Town Council - 09/16/26 (audio)

This session shares a key segment of the Franklin (MA) Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, September 16, 2026. The Council held this session as scheduled beginning at 6 PM. 9 members participated in Chambers, 1 left not feeling well.  

The key segments of the meeting recording are divided into 4 parts

Part 1 - Franklin Food Pantry Update - Tina Powderly, Executive Director, Franklin Food Pantry; presentation slides  https://photos.app.goo.gl/2f1TjPBcXfMxVthM8  

Part 2 - State Rep Roy and Senator Rausch with a legislative update

Part 3 - Jen Levine with an update from the SAFE Coalition slides being captured to share via photo album - https://photos.app.goo.gl/1rD2MyGQg6hkdjC97g 

Part 4 - The 250 anniversary celebration committee, the slides captured https://photos.app.goo.gl/bN3cFQPgHFQLCWm46 

Quick Recap:

The recap and my notes can be found

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/09/town-council-approve-west-as-police.html 

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1831-franklin-food-pantry-update-to-town-council-09-16-26/

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Follow along with the agenda here

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09162026-2512

The full meeting is available via the FRANKLIN TV video 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UfKg2tTQll8&

my notes in one PDF - 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WVXQJLaaFx2VZBVvIaNSlHYpN4KVt1PW/view?usp=drive_link 

Photos of the recognitions and retirements

https://photos.app.goo.gl/zj3u5xQ78VKyvEcs6 

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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"

Downtown Revitalization Series: Starting with the 1983-1984 MAPC study

During 1983-1984 a group of Franklin folks worked with Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) on a Downtown Franklin Plan, not unlike the Franklin For All report that came out in 2022.

As the UMass Boston students will be reviewing a number of planning documents in preparation for their study per the Economic Development Subcommittee, key sections of those prior planning docs (Franklin For All, Master Pln, etc.) will be shared here.

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"INTROOUCTION

Franklin is located in the southwestern corner of the Boston metropolitan area and is typical of a small New England community. It has maintained a traditional character and among those features which have survived are examples of period architecture, Dean Junior College, and a friendly, small-town atmosphere. However, Franklin is beginning to feel pressure from modern day changes.

With the completion of Interstate Route 495, the terminus of the commuter rail line located in the heart of the downtown and the beginning of development expansion in the area, Franklin is changing.

The demands of modern transportation and marketing have been disruptive to the fabric of the community. The ability of towns like Franklin to adapt to the rapid growth and change will be a major determining factor in the quality of their future.

The town has made an effort to meet this challenge. A committee of townspeople, made up of merchants, officials, bankers, and citizens, has worked with the Metropolitan Area Planning Council to develop a comprehensive program of town center improvements.

The Franklin Center Revitalization Committee has been active for just over a year now and much has been accomplished. The fundamental outlines of a committee endorsed plan are in place. By direct vote or by consensus the Committee has addressed a wide range of questions and embraced approaches to their solution.

The plan is designed around the market study - the physical changes envisioned in the center are in support of its character as a place to live and work and shop, not vice-versa. The market recommendations contain a number of special actions that will allow the center to function as a better, more organized unit and to permit it to serve its patrons and compete with other areas better. Without attention to this area (marketing and organization) it is unlikely that physical or other changes alone will make much long-term difference.

Physical changes to the center have been designed in support of these goals. Complaints about traffic and parking have been heeded and effective solutions proposed. Techniques of urban design and planning have been applied to help the center both look and function as a more vital place, responding to the character and values of the community it serves.

Implementation of this program will be a major undertaking and will constitute the core of the Committee's work for the future. There is no simple, "quick-fix" way to go about it - no magic wand of planning, no miracle grant from the Feds to do the job. It will only be accomplished through hard work and close cooperation between the private and public sectors in accomplishing the l1undreds of individual actions that will make up the final shape of your center. Frustrations are likely to mount as approvals and agreements stretch out for years when it seems like they should happen at once. But there is no easy way. There is only agreeing on an approach and pursuing it with energy and in a cooperative spirit."

You can find the PDF of this intro section here

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Sd7qwmutd90o-sDJcBbsOpF-wmV3WfWk/view?usp=drive_link

You can find the PDF of the original doc here

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1FQhstrovIwV4UNBj4Sw09h_h8ExMsibY/view?usp=sharing

Franklin TV programming guide reports on the Children’s Museum ribbon cutting

The Children's Museum of Franklin celebrated it's first anniversary in 2 ways. One with an adult "Night at the Museum" on Friday, September 18. Two, with a ribbon cutting for the 4,00 sq ft expansion for outdoor space on Wednesday,  September 23.

Download this week's guide  https://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule for Sunday, September 27, 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, September 26, 2026 ???

Saturday, September 26 

9:00am  Thrifty Threads & Indoor Yard Sale (Franklin Federated Church)

9:00am  Canceled -> St Vincent DePaul Friends of the Poor Walk

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

10:00am   FSPA Open House (38 Main St)

10:00am  Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

12:00pm  Canceled -> Harvest Festival

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

Mitzi shares all the ghoulishness, crafts, and fun at the Library in October (audio)

FM #1830 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1830 in the series. 

This session shares my conversation with Mitzi Gousie, Programming and Outreach Librarian with the Franklin Public Library. We had our discussion virtually on Tuesday, September 22, 2026.

 

We talk about 

• Reviewed the regular open hours, book sale and holiday scheduling for the month

• Sunday hours (1:30 to 5 PM) returned on September 13

• Closed for the holiday Oct 12

• Book sale weekend Oct 23 & Oct 24 

• Library event highlights for October 2026

• In calendar order rather than by category this time around

Registration for those events required should be done through the Town website, Library page. There are nefarious folks trying to convince folks otherwise via Facebook. Be safe, use the official Town and Library pages.

The show notes include links to the Library page and to the calendar of events where registration for some of the events is required/recommended.

The recording runs about 26 minutes, so let’s listen in.

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1830-franklin-public-library-october-2026-highlights-09-22-26/

Video link - https://youtu.be/aJDQ-NUiHUk

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Mitzi Gousie’s email - mgousie@minlib.net 

Franklin Public Library page -  https://www.franklinma.gov/233/Franklin-Public-Library 

Library event calendar - https://www.franklinma.gov/942/Calendar-of-Events 

October 2026 newsletter -  https://myemail.constantcontact.com/October-2026-Franklin-Public-Library-News---Events.html?soid=1142311312837&aid=wrHBaQcyeEY 

-------------

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!

------------------

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

FHS girls soccer & football team post wins on Friday

Via Instagram, Franklin TV, and our subscription to HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the Fall sports competition for Franklin High School on Thursday, September 24, 2026

Football = Franklin, 28 @ Canton, 0 – Final

1st Quarter: No scoring.

2nd Quarter: (F) Christian Primpas 1-yard rush, Owen Webster XP good; (F) Ethan Edmunds 13-yard pass to Jayden Ojukwu, O. Webster XP good.

3rd Quarter: (F) Christian Holmes 49-yard rush, O. Webster XP good.

4th Quarter: (F) E. Edmunds 38-yard pass to Iyad Fraifer, O. Webster XP good.

Boys Soccer = Franklin, 1 @ Oliver Ames, 3 – Final

Girls soccer = Oliver Ames, 1 @ Franklin, 3 – Final

For other results across the Hockomock League (subscription required)

https://hockomocksports.com/fridays-schedule-scoreboard-09-25-26/

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

Finance Committee elects new leadership, starts review of fiscal policies (video)

The Finance Committee met as scheduled on Wednesday, Septemebr 23, 2026. 8 members were present in Council Chambers, 1 absent (LoPresti)

The Franklin TV video is available for replay - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9uWibaiJg9c 

Agenda doc - https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09232026-2522  

Quick recap:

• The meeting is Zoom only this evening

• Network issues in the TV studio here as well as on Hutchinson St are preventing the cable and YouTube broadcasts. the recording will be processed after the meeting to be broadcast via cable and YouTube

• Updated during the session, YouTube did get enabled

• Votes to re-organize the leadership of the committee

• Nominations for Chair, one received, Ryan, vote passes 8-0-1 (1 absent)

• 2 nominations for Vice-chair; Jen and Tom, vote via roll call, Jen wins

• One nomination for clerk, Tom, the vote is 8-0-1

• Michelle Monsegur is introduced as the Deputy TA, she will be taking the lead on the finances allowing Jamie to do other planning and development efforts

• Discussion on the five year forecast, budget update first view to FinCom altho the Joint Budget did get to see this at their August meeting

• Health care transition is doing well; there are still funds available for claims processing. claims still coming in but at a lesser amount per week, still may see claims in Feb 2027. Also mentions the 'stop loss' policy to cover claims above a certain amount. Can't really get out of the transition until the next fiscal year.

• The anti-development message in Franklin has won, the Planning Board is canceling meetings as there is nothing in the pipeline, ZBA also canceling meetings due to lack of proposals

• Next up, fiscal policies up for review. They should be voted on for an October meeting but this is a time for review, revision if needed. Some are guidelines and not really policies for the flexibility point of view. Add language such that it better defines when the policy can be deviated from

• Jim Lane provides some of his Franklin story as he is the newest member and what he brings to the Committee

• Future meetings to be aware of: Town Council sessions on Oct 14, Oct 28, and Nov 4, Nov 18 on the tax rate workshops, i.e. split vs single tax rate

• Joint Budget membership stays the same

• Motion to adjourn, second, passes 8-0-1

My Notes in one PDF - 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ApqplmawvhJIaayvRjWK7VqY3Vjj_xd8/view?usp=drive_link

Franklin Federated Church indoor yards sale still on Saturday, Sep 26 at 9 AM

Franklin Federated Church indoor yard sale is on for tomorrow at 9 AM. Franklin Federated Church is on Main Street. 

 We have Lots of holiday decor, stereo equipment, toys, suitcases, dog crates, and household items. The thrift store will also be open during the sale. 

Looking forward to a great turnout.

Boots & Bottles is back at La Cantina Winery - Oct 8

Boots & Bottles is back!

Join us at La Cantina Winery on

Thursday, October 8th for another fun night of Line Dancing with Felicia!

✨ Line Dancing Class: 7:00–8:00 PM | $10
🎶 Open Dance: 8:00–9:30 PM | Open to the public
🔞 18+ Event

🎟️ Get your tickets at La Cantina Winery, Westside, or through the link on our Instagram or Facebook.

Grab your boots, bring your friends, and get ready to dance the night away!

#LaCantinaWinery #BootsAndBottles #LineDancing #LineDancingNight #FranklinMA ThingsToDoInMA

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule for Saturday, September 26, 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: (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: Friday, September 25, 2026 ???

Friday, September 25

9:00am Fallen Hero: Frank J. Smith (Veterans Walkway, Franklin Town Common) 

10:00am Knitting Group (Franklin Public Library)

1:00pm Thrifty Threads (Franklin Federated Church)

2:00pm Canceled -> Farmers Market (Franklin Town Common)

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

Franklin Senior Center Calendar for September

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BDUk1yeDL0SMHUNPnqRRZIcMq3Bvyxl2/view?usp=sharing

*** 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 Fire Department Awarded $380,124 FEMA Grant to Support Specialized Rescue Training

TOWN OF FRANKLIN | 355 E. Central St, Franklin, MA 02038 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 24, 2026 Media Contact: Elizabeth Kalaijian Communications Director Town of Franklin (508) 553-4886 ekalaijian@franklinma.gov   Franklin Fire Department Awarded $380,124 FEMA Grant to Support Specialized Rescue Training FRANKLIN, Mass. — The Franklin Fire Department is pleased to announce it has been awarded $380,124 through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program. The grant will fund a specialized training project focused on confined space rescue and heavy vehicle extrication. The training will provide Franklin firefighters with advanced skills to safely respond to specialized rescue incidents. The award includes $78,536 for needed rescue equipment, with the remaining funding supporting the training project. “This is a significant award for the Franklin Fire Department and an important investment in our firefighters and our ability to serve the Franklin community,” said Franklin Fire Chief Chuck Allen. “This funding will help ensure our department has the training and equipment needed to safely and effectively respond when residents need us most.” The Assistance to Firefighters Grant program provides funding to fire departments to enhance their ability to protect the health and safety of firefighters and the public. ### Visit the Town of Franklin website for news and community updates: News and Announcements —Stay informed and connected with the Town of Franklin— Town of Franklin | 355 E Central St, | Franklin, MA 02038 US