Monday, June 15, 2026

Emergency Water Shut Off Pine St for Franklin, MA


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The Franklin Department of Public Works (DPW) has initiated an emergency water shut-off on Monday, June 15, affecting Pine Street from Beech Street to Pond Street, including water service to Mary Ellen Lane.
DPW crews are currently on site working to repair the issue and restore water service as quickly and safely as possible.
We appreciate residents' patience and understanding during this interruption. Additional updates will be provided as they become available.

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Monday, June 15, 2026 ???

Monday, June 15


9:00am Fallen Hero: Elijah H. Coldwell (Veterans Walkway, Franklin Town Common)


For additional details on Library events ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/942/Calendar-of-Events
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/9195/May-2026-Newsletter?bidId=
For additional details on Senior Center events ->   










***  Town Meetings today   ***


Franklin Housing Authority Meeting

Monday, June 15 Time: 4:30 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06152026-2351 


Community Preservation Committee - CANCELED

Monday, June 15 Time:



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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

Fallen Hero Recognition: Cpl Elijah H. Coldwell, U.S. Marine Corps - June 15, 2026 - 9 AM

There is a Fallen Hero Recognition event today (6/15/26) at 9 AM on the Town Common Veterans Walkway to honor Cpl Elijah H. Coldwell, U.S. Marine Corps. 

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.
 
  • Cpl Elijah H. Coldwell, U.S. Marine Corps
Unfortunately, we have not been able to locate any further information about Elijah Coldwell other than he was killed in action on this date in 1918.

The schedule of Fallen Heroes for the year on one page (PDF)
 
For the 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



participants in the ceremony on June 12, 2024
participants in the ceremony on June 12, 2024

Where's the Toast?! Memory Cafe scheduled for 1 PM Wednesday, June 17 at the Franklin Senior Center

On behalf of the Franklin Senior Center, we would like to extend an invitation to our June 17 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!

It is a holiday week packed with fun at the Franklin Public Library

A holiday week packed full of fun as summer sets in!
  • Blanket Fort Family Night Th. 6-18 6pm
  • Due Dolce Concert Th. 6-18 7pm
  • Juneteenth Holiday closure on F 6-19
  • The Library is open on 6-20!
Check the Calendar for More to Explore!



 



FPS Food Services video touts local beef from Weatherlow Farms

Check out our video of how we made local meatballs for Franklin Lunch!


Last week, kitchens across all Franklin Schools were buzzing with excitement. Our amazing District Chef cooked up a storm, turning premium, local Ground Beef from Weatherlow Farms into 3,900 spectacular, scratch-made Beef Meatballs!! Our students absolutely devoured them!

Massive shoutout to Weatherlow Farms for bringing the best of local agriculture right to our cafeterias.





Reminder: Registry of Deeds Hosting America’s 250th Anniversary Open House - June 17

The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds will host a special Open House on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at the Registry of Deeds, located at 649 High Street in Dedham Center, to celebrate the release of its latest historical publication, “We Remember America’s 250th Anniversary” Notable Land Records.

 

This publication marks the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States of America and is the fifth volume in the Registry’s ongoing historical series. The booklet highlights notable individuals, places, and events connected to Norfolk County that played an important role in the American Revolution and the birth of the nation.

Norfolk Registry of Deeds Celebrates the United States of America’s 250th Anniversary
Norfolk Registry of Deeds Celebrates the
United States of America’s 250th Anniversary

Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O’Donnell noted that the publication continues the Registry’s commitment to preserving history and making it accessible to the public. “History needs to be told, celebrated, and remembered,” said Register O’Donnell. “This booklet recognizes the courage, sacrifice, and contributions of those individuals from Norfolk County who helped shape our nation at its founding and is dedicated to all patriots who, during the American Revolutionary War 250 years ago, laid the foundation for the freedoms and liberties we enjoy today as Americans.”

 

Members of the public are invited to attend the Open House, where guests will have the opportunity to explore the Registry’s historic Great Record Hall and view displays highlighting the stories featured in the publication. Each attendee will receive a complimentary copy of the booklet.

 

The event is free and open to the public and reflects the Registry’s ongoing “History Comes Alive” initiative, which uses historical land records and archival materials to share the rich heritage of Norfolk County with residents. The recorded land documents at the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds date back to 1793 the year Norfolk County was established.

 

For more information, please contact the Registry of Deeds at (781) 234-3305 or email registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org.

 

To learn more about these and other Registry of Deeds events and initiatives like us on Facebook at facebook.com/NorfolkDeeds, or follow us on X at x.com/NorfolkDeeds and Instagram at instagram.com/NorfolkDeeds.


The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds is located at 649 High Street in Dedham. The Registry is a resource for homeowners, title examiners, mortgage lenders, municipalities and others with a need for secure, accurate, accessible land record information. All land record research information can be found on the Registry’s website www.norfolkdeeds.org. Residents in need of assistance can contact the Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center via telephone at (781) 461-6101, or email us at registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org.

What is the summer reading list for the Franklin Middle School?

We're glad you asked. Ms. O'Leary says:

"Announcing FMS Summer Reading 2026
This year's theme is We the People: Discovering new voices from our nation's 250-year history
All incoming 6th, 7th, and 8th graders attended a presentation and previewed the ten featured titles.

Paper flyers and digital communications will be sent home (repeatedly🙃) over the next few weeks (the attached image is just a visual. The clickable pdf will be sent shortly.)
Our summer reading kickoff is Thursday at An Unlikely Story. It's a great way to meet new people and get personalized reading recommendations. Hope to see you there!"

Aging Boldfully: Fyzical with Chris Correnti and Winslow Woodacre (audio & video)

Aging Boldfully is a new show on Franklin TV's All Access channel hosted by Susan Rohrbach.  Chris Correnti and Winslow Woodacre was Susan's guest for this recent show.


The show description: 
"Aging Boldfully is about living your next chapter outside of your comfort zone—fully embracing the uniqueness of you.
For many of us, the idea of aging doesn’t appear on our radar until we approach our 60s, when retirement begins to loom. During this time, our attention often narrows to one critical goal: ensuring financial independence. While that focus is important, it can distract us from an equally vital question: What am I going to do with the rest of my life? 
Each of our journeys is unique. Rather than clinging to the tired concept of “retirement,” we have the chance to rethink and redesign this new chapter. What will life look like now that we are the CEO of our own story? 
Aging Boldfully will explore the themes that matter most as we step into this phase—purpose, relevance, resilience, physical health, mental well-being, intentional living, and mindfulness. It will showcase members of our community who are finding meaning, living with purpose, and overcoming obstacles—real examples of what it means to age not just gracefully, but boldfully."

Video link -  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fv31YKPkT9w

Audio link -  https://aging-boldfully.captivate.fm/episode/episode-009-fyzical-with-chris-correnti-and-winslow-woodacre

 

USA Facts: "What got more expensive over the past year - and what got cheaper"

Are your summer vacation plans taking a hit due to rising inflation?

Headline inflation jumped to 4.2% in May — the last time it was above 4% was in April 2023.

The categories seeing the biggest increases over the last year are:
🛢️ Fuel oil (58.8% change YoY)
⛽ Gasoline (40.5%)
✈️ Airline fares (26.7%)

With rising costs in both driving and flying, a staycation doesn’t sound like such a bad idea.

*This was made possible by public data. Visit  https://usafacts.org/data-we-depend-on/ to sign our open letter to Congress.




Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm Schedule for Monday, June 15, 2026

Yes, Franklin has its 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
Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm 


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

Franklin TV schedule for Monday, June 15, 2026 (Your local Public, Education & Government "PEG" station)

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

7:00 am Aging Boldfully: Anne Bergen
8:00 am SAFE Coalition: Woody Geissman
9:00 am Concerts on the Common: Heartland Radio
11:30 am Cooking Thyme: Lasagna
12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin': Peppers
12:30 pm Cooking with Linda: Crescent Rolls
1:30 pm      Pizzapalooza: Deep Dish
2:30 pm New England Candlepins Summer 2023 Show 4
3:30 pm Candlepin New Generation: Show 7
4:00 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Referee Shortage Pt1
5:00 pm Aging Agenda Episode 1
7:00 pm Frank's Musings: Supreme Court
8:00 pm Celebrate with Pride: Toby
9:00 pm ArtWeek: Art + Music
10:00 pm Circle of Friends: Seth Glier

Franklin Pride TV - Our Educational Channel              (Comcast 8, Verizon 28) = MONDAY
8:30 am SAFE Coalition: Woody Geissman
9:30 am Winning Ways with the MIAA: Referee Shortage 2
10:30 am FHS Chamber Music 04-08-26
12:30 pm Middle School Spring Band
2:00 pm FHS Girls Varsity Lacrosse v Westford Academy 06-02-26
6:30 pm FHS Senior Awards 2026
9:00 pm FHSTC: Curious Case of the Cottingley Fairies

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

8:00 am Planning Board 06-01-26
10:00 am Finance Committee 06-03-26
2:00 pm Planning Board 06-01-26


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


Sunday, June 14, 2026

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Sunday, June 14, 2026 ???

Sunday, June 14 Flag Day

Beaver St road closed at MBTA tracks 


8:00am Yoga on the Beach (Beaver Pond)

9:00am Inaugural Eddie Grant Kickball Tournament (Beaver Pond Turf Field)

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

1:00pm Sunday Funday (Fairmount Fruit Farm)

1:00pm Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

1:15pm Sunday Speaker Series: Panel: Soccer's MA Roots and Branches (Franklin Historical Museum)

*** 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


Fallen Hero Recognition: Timothy J. Hayes - June 14, 2026 - 9 AM

There is a Fallen Hero Recognition event today (6/14/26) at 9 AM on the Town Common Veterans Walkway to honor Sergeant Timothy J. Hayes, 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.

Fallen Hero: Sergeant Timothy J. Hayes, U.S. Army
Sgt Timothy J. Hayes, U.S. Army was born on October 14, 1914, the son of Daniel and Margaret Hayes.  
Sgt Hayes was graduated from Franklin High School in 1932 and was the husband of the former Eleanor McGrory. The couple was married in Franklin on May 16, 1943 and lived at 62 Cross Street. 
Sgt Timothy Hayes served in the regular army prior to Pearl Harbor and was called back into service when war against Japan broke out. Sgt Hayes was sent to England in October of 1943 for several months to undergo rigorous airborne unit training as a paratrooper in preparation for the D-Day invasion.  
The Normandy assault was in two phases, an air assault landing of airborne troops shortly after midnight and an amphibious landing of Allied Infantry and armored divisions along the coast of France commencing at 6:30 AM.  
Sgt. Timothy Hayes was in the 502nd Parachute Infantry Regiment, Company D deployment drop and on June 14, 1944 died of wounds received in combat during the D-Day invasion.  
Sgt Timothy J. Hayes was 29 years old at the time of his death and rests eternally in the Normandy American Cemetery in France.

The schedule of Fallen Heroes for the year on one page (PDF)

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

One man's quest to find out about Sgt Hayes


FH_Hayes
Fallen Hero: Sgt Timothy Hayes

St Mary's Parish to celebrate their 150th Anniversary in 2027


Something special is going to happen in 2027.  After our country and state have concluded their 250th celebrations at the end of 2026 and before our town celebrates its 250th in 2028, our parish will commemorate 150 years of being a parish throughout 2027.  

St Mary's Parish to celebrate their 150th Anniversary in 2027
St Mary's Parish to celebrate
their 150th Anniversary in 2027
Father Bob is expressing his great joy and deep gratitude as he announces this extraordinary moment in the life of our parish family.
 
On February 6, 2027, St. Mary Parish in Franklin will begin the celebration of our 150th Anniversary — a year-long commemoration of faith, community, service, and grace.

Since the earliest days of St. Mary Parish, this community has stood as a spiritual home for countless families in Franklin and beyond. Here, lives have been transformed through the Sacraments. Children have been baptized and confirmed. Couples have stood before God in marriage. Families have gathered in moments of joy and sorrow. Through every season, St. Mary’s has remained a place where Christ is encountered, where faith is nurtured, and where people are welcomed with compassion and hope.

As we prepare for this historic milestone, we do so not simply by looking back, but also by looking forward. The story of St. Mary Parish is 150 years in the making and is still being written. 

Throughout this anniversary year, we will host multiple events and celebrations that highlight the many important pieces and parts that together make St. Mary Parish such a vibrant and faithful community. 

There will be opportunities for prayer, fellowship, service, storytelling, music, remembrance, and celebration. We hope to honor our history while also embracing the future God is calling us toward.

This anniversary belongs to all of us. We are all members of St. Mary’s Family.
Over the coming months, additional details about anniversary events, volunteer opportunities, historical projects, and special celebrations will be shared through the bulletin, parish website, and social media. It will take all of our family to properly honor these 150 years. 

Fr. Bob is asking you and all parishioners to give generously of time, talent and treasure. He invites you to volunteer on our special anniversary committees and projects to help us create a beautiful 150th celebration. Visit our on-line form below to volunteer for special anniversary committees.

Fr. Bob is pleased to announce that Mr. John Ristaino will help me in managing this great project as our St. Mary’s 150 Anniversary Director. If you have any questions or suggestions regarding the anniversary celebration you can reach out to him at 150director@stmarysfranklin.org

Through the intercession of our friend, St. Rocco and most importantly, our beloved Mother, Mary, may God continue to watch over our parish family.

Peace
 

To volunteer for special anniversary committees - https://forms.gle/9t8BhC3U14538Jj38


Franklin, MA: Agenda for Town Council meeting June 17, 2026 at 6 PM

Franklin Town Council
Agenda & Meeting Packet
June 17, 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 @ 6:00PM)
c. Communications Subcommittee (next meeting: TBD)
d. Town Charter Ad Hoc Committee (next meeting: June 24th @ 6pm)
e. Police Station Building Committee (next meeting: TBD)
5. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

6. PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS
a. Fire Department
i. Swearing in of new Firefighter / Paramedic - Johnna Moitoso
b. Police Department
i. Swearing in of new Clinician - Danielle Machado
ii. Swearing in of new Officer - Caleb MacLean
7. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
a. April 15, 2026
b. May 13, 2026
c. May 20, 2026
d. May 21, 2026
8. APPOINTMENTS
a. Annual Reappointments and New Appointments of Boards and Committees Members
i. See “Committee Appointments” in packet for member names

9. PUBLIC HEARINGS - 7:00 PM - None Scheduled
10. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS - None Scheduled
11. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION - None Scheduled

12. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
a. Resolution 26-36: General Funds Appropriations, Transfers and Adjustments FY26 (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-36 - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9833/12a-Complete

b. Resolution 26-30: FY26 Snow and Ice Stabilization Account Transfer
(Motion to Approve Resolution 26-30: ⅔ Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9835/12-b-Complete

c. Resolution 26-37: Acceptance of Gifts - Veterans Services Dept. ($750)
(Motion to Approve Resolution 26-X37 - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9848/12c-Complete

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

The agenda doc also contains remote participation info -