What's happening in Franklin, MA: Sunday, September 13, 2026 ???

Sunday, September 13

10:00am St John's Episcopal: We invite you to join us for Kick-off Sunday

1:00pm Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

1:15pm Sunday Speaker Series: Mercy and Malevolence – Discovering the Complex Story of St. Theresa’s Home of the Little Flower (Franklin Historical Museum)

1:30pm        Now open on Sundays (Franklin Public Library)

*** 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

Agenda for Town Council meeting Wednesday, September 16, 2026 at 6 PM

Franklin Town Council

Agenda & Meeting Packet

September 16, 2026, 6:00 PM

Franklin Municipal Building: 

Council Chambers 

355 East Central Street, 2nd Floor

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: TBD)

b. Economic Development Subcommittee (next meetings: Sept. 17, 6pm & Oct 1, 6pm)

c. Communications Subcommittee (next meeting TBD)

d. Town Charter Ad Hoc Committee (next meeting: TBD)

e. Police Station Building Committee (next meeting: TBD)

5. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

6. PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS

a. Proclamation: Hunger Action Month

b. Town Staff Retirements

i. John Rondeau, Facilities, 35 Years

ii. Michael Ellsworth, Facilities, 33 Years

iii. Patrick Farrell, DPW, 32 Years

iv. Irene McDonough, Facilities, 29 Years

v. Jon Chalk, Fire Dept, 21 Years

7. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

a. August 12, 2026

8. APPOINTMENTS

a. Franklin Cultural Council

i. Brittany Capozzi

ii. Jorge Marinez

iii. Jessica Phillips

iv. Nancy Rabinowitz

v. Leslie Rappaport-Atlas

9. PUBLIC HEARINGS - 6:00 PM - None Scheduled.

10. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS - None Scheduled.

11. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION

a. Franklin Elks Riders Donation to Veterans’ Services Department

i. Legislation for Action #12a

b. Legislative Update - Senator Rebecca Rausch & Representative Jeffrey Roy

c. Franklin Food Pantry Update - Tina Powderly, Executive Director, Franklin Food Pantry

d. SAFE Coalition Update - Jennifer Knight-Levine, Executive Director, SAFE Coalition

e. 250th Anniversary Celebration Committee Update - Jayson Joyce, Chair & Rob Browne, Vice Chair   https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/10976/11e-PRESENTATION---250th-Committee

i. Legislation for Action #12b

12. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

a. Resolution 26-52: Acceptance of Gifts - Veterans Services Department ($2,000) (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-52 - Majority Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/10968/12a-1---26-52---MEMO---Gift-Acceptances---Veterans-Services-Dept_2_combine

b. Resolution 26-53: Transfer of $25,000 from the Marketing & Branding Capital Account to the 250th Anniversary Celebration Committee (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-53 - Majority Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/10977/12b-Transfer-of-25k-to-250th-Committee

c. Resolution 26-54: Appropriation of Funds in Support of PEG Service and Programming Per MGL Chapter 44, Section 53F3/4 (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-54 - Majority Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/10967/12c-26-54-PEG-Comcast--Verizon

13. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION

a. Exemption #6: Considering the purchase, exchange, lease or value of real property, because an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the negotiating position of the Public Body and the Chair so-declares:

i. “Other Property” potentially available for Town purchase/acquisition

b. Exemption: To review and approve minutes from Town Council Executive Sessions.

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

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

Franklin TV: You're On! Man-on-the-Street Interviews

Think you can avoid the Franklin TV camera? Think again!

Our Franklin TV crew will be out and about with RJ Sheedy, hitting the festival grounds for some good old-fashioned man-on-the-street interviews.

We'll be asking festival-goers questions, getting reactions, finding out what everyone is enJoy1ng, and hopefully catching a few unexpected answers along the way. You never know when you might find yourself on Franklin TV - so keep an eye out for our crew!

And remember: if you see a camera pointed your way, just go with it.

You could be the next Harvest Fest celebrity.

 

Be sure to swing by the Franklin TV Tent while you're enjoying the festival.

We'll have games, fun activities, and plenty of opportunities to meet the people behind Franklin TV. Stop by and say hello to our new Executive Director, Liz Harkins, and meet some of the talented producers who help make Franklin TV great.

Ever wondered what it actually takes to turn an idea into a television production?

Our producers will be there to tell you firsthand - from coming up with an idea and planning a production to getting the cameras rolling and bringing a finished program to the community.

Whether you're an experienced producer, someone with a great idea, or simply curious about how community television works, we'd love to talk with you.

And yes, there may be a few rubber ducks involved. Because at Franklin TV, we're not just floating ideas - we're helping them make a splash!

Harvest Fest is about celebrating Franklin, and Franklin TV is proud to be part of that celebration. Whether you stop by the WFPR.FM stage, spot our crew roaming the festival, or visit our tent to meet the team, we hope you'll take a moment to say hello.

Come see what's happening behind the cameras, meet the people who make Franklin TV happen, and maybe even become part of the show!

We'll see you at Harvest Fest - and we promise, it'll be anything but a dry event.

-  Liz Harkins

Executive Director, Franklin TV & WFPR-FM

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

Reminder: "Mercy and Malevolence – Discovering the Complex Story of St. Theresa’s Home of the Little Flower"

Where are they now, the scores of children who once resided in Franklin’s Catholic orphanage? The Franklin Historical Museum wants to know!

From the early 1940s to the early 1950s, an orphanage, operated by a Catholic religious order, occupied the Hayward Manor in Franklin, which had just recently been sold by its original owners, the family of a prominent textile executive.  St. Theresa’s Home of the Little Flower (also known as the Home of the Holy Child) was never a large institution, with no more than a few dozen children at a time housed there, but it left a deep impression on many of them. Inmates included children from around the region as well as several from Franklin itself whose circumstances made it difficult or impossible for their families to care for them.

On Sept. 13, Franklin Historical Museum Presents:
Mercy and Malevolence – Discovering the Complex
Story of St. Theresa’s Home of the Little Flower

At the time the “social safety net” was all but non-existent and some children were rescued from a life on the streets, stealing food to survive, and given food, clothing, and education. But the Bernardine sisters were not always up to the task, and some of those who lived there remember cruelty, a grim, unchanging routine, and a spartan diet. What’s more, the children mostly spoke English while most of the nuns spoke Polish – a formula for conflict and frustration.

Anyone who was ever a resident at the home or their family members are especially encouraged to attend. There will be a brief overview of history and newspaper stories about the Orphanage and those with stories to tell will be encouraged to share them.

On Sunday, Sept 13, 2026, the museum is open from 1-4 on Sunday and the program starts at 1:15. There is no admission charge but donations are encouraged and appreciated. Contact Alan Earls with questions at alan.r.earls@gmail.com or 508 560 3786.

Where's The Toast Memory Cafe returns Wednesday, Sep 16 at 1:00 PM

On behalf of the Franklin Senior Center, we would like to extend an invitation to our September 16th 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 S. Rabbitt

Supportive Day Program and 

Special Project Coordinator

Tax Work Off Liaison

10 Daniel McCahill St

Franklin, Massachusetts 02038-1352

Encore Music Academy schedules an Open House for Saturday, October 3, 2026

"Encore is having an OPEN HOUSE!

Come join us on Saturday, October 3, from 9 AM to 2 PM to see what we have to offer.

We will be hosting tours and demo classes.

See you soon!

Call - 508-533-7700
web page - encoremusicacademy.net
Email - info@encoremusicacademy.net"

Shared from - https://www.instagram.com/p/DdHjrvzpNF9/

Beaver Street Interceptor (BSI) Project: Construction Updates ~ Monday, September 14 through Friday September 18

Old West Central - Between Tri-County Drive and Dunkin Donuts: Traffic Rerouting Alert: Monday (9/14) through Friday (9/18)

Starting Monday, September 14, between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m., the Contractor will start reclaiming the road and preparing the area for final pavement. Traffic for the dead end section of Old West Central serving Ledgewood Condominiums and Franklin Crossing will be rerouted as necessary.  Those residents should continue to follow the posted signs for directions on exiting and entering.  

West Central Street (Near BJ's) Potential Lane Closure Alert: Monday (9/14) through Friday (9/18) 7 AM to 4 PM

Monday (9/14) through Friday (9/18) between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m., the contractor will work on the elevated sewer along West Central Street.  During this time there will be a lane closure on West Central Street between 99 Restaurant and BJ's.  Traffic leaving BJ's and the Conlyn Avenue area will be detoured onto Forge Parkway to access Rt. 140.  Please use caution when traveling in this area and follow all posted detour signs.

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

Save the Date: FHS Baseball fund raiser at Elks Lodge - October 17

Shared from - https://www.instagram.com/reel/Dc0h5SEsnaD/

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule for Sunday, September 13, 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

Franklin Fire Dept 25th Anniversary 9/11 Memorial Services (audio)

FM #1819 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1819 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Franklin Fire Dept 25th Anniversary 9/11 Memorial Services. Franklin Firefighters Local along Franklin Police Dept conducted the services at the headquarter fire station, downtown Franklin, September 11, 2026. 

Speakers in order

• Master of Ceremony - Josh Impey

• Chaplain Bob Poitras 

• State Representative Jeff Roy and State Senator Becca Rausch 

• Deputy Police Chief West, and Police Chief TJ Lynch 

• Fire Chief Charles Allen 

• Musical performances of the National Anthem, Amazing Grace, and Taps performed by Franklin High School students guided by Dianne Plouffe

The ceremony runs about 40 minutes. Let’s listen in

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1819-franklin-fire-25th-anniversary-9-11-memorial-svc-09-11-26/

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Link to photo album - https://photos.app.goo.gl/7vj3TE2SjyY9rf5LA

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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"

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Saturday, September 12, 2026 ???

Saturday, September 12

9:00am Cactus and Succulent Festival (Norfolk Town Common and Library)

9:00am First Senior Center Yard Sale (Franklin Senior Center)

9:00am Thrifty Threads (Franklin Federated Church)

9:00am Spier Family 5K & Family Day (Foxborough)

9:00am Wrentham Day (Wrentham Center)

9:30am Bike and Helmet Safety Event (Franklin High School)

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

10:30am Weekend Wiggles! (Franklin Public Library)

10:00am Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

7:30pm Ken Barney (live music) (AJ's Pub)

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

Franklin Agricultural NEEDS YOU!

The Franklin Agricultural Commission is looking for community members who want to help support the farms, farmland, and agricultural future of our town.

We need:

🌾 Associate & 3-Year Term Commission Members

Help advocate for agriculture and shape initiatives that support Franklin’s farms and agricultural community.

✍️ Grant Writer

Help research and write grant applications that could bring valuable funding opportunities to local farmers.

👩‍🌾 Farm Volunteers

Lend a hand at local farms with seasonal chores and projects. No farming experience required!

Come visit us at the Franklin Farmers Market on Friday Sept. 18!

Stop by our table, meet the Franklin Agricultural Commission, learn about our mission, and discover how you can make a difference in Franklin’s agricultural community.

Support local farms. Protect our farmland. Grow Franklin’s future.

“Town Council Quarterbacking” with Town Councilor Max Morrongiello (audio)

FM #1818 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1818 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares our “Town Council Quarterbacking” with Town Councilor Max Morrongiello. We had our conversation in person at the Franklin TV & Radio Studios on Friday, September 4, 2026. Our conversation condensed the Town Council meeting of September 2, 2026. 

We focus on two questions:

• ok, what just happened? 

• What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?

We cover the following key topics

• Approval of Police Chief James West

• Excess sewer capacity sold to Medway, Millis

• Town properties, presentation by Kate Hinckley GIS, then discussion on the key decisions; siting the Police Station, then what to do with Davis Thayer, Parmenter, 275 Beaver St, etc.

• Office hours at Library, more like this coming

The conversation runs about 30 minutes. Let’s listen in

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1818-town-council-quarterbacking-09-04-26/

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Franklin TV video is available for replay - https://www.youtube.com/live/uMeOjqTdAEw?si=qSIBaHW_AgOh6RCn&t=57 

The modified agenda for this session (modified to remove the Executive Session)

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09022026-2482 

My full set of notes captured during the meeting in one PDF

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-5-_8ZH8wT7D-xz8WH0fdzhWQCW2jIg9/view?usp=drive_link 

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

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 volleyball sweeps Bishop Feehan on Friday (video)

Via Instagram, Franklin TV, and our subscription to HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the Fall sports competition for Franklin High School on Friday, September 11, 2026

Volleyball = Bishop Feehan, 0 @ Franklin, 3 – Final 

– Franklin made it three wins and three sweeps in a row to start the season, beating Feehan 25-13, 25-12, 25-18. Emerson Delleo led the way for a balanced Panthers attack with 10 kills, while adding 12 digs, three aces, and a pair of blocks. Phoebe O’Connor dished out 30 assists and chipped in with nine digs, six aces, and five blocks. Gianna Laurello had seven kills and 12 digs, Marley Lindenmeyer had six kills and a dozen digs, and Charlotte Yeulenski had five kills, four aces, and three blocks.

Franklin TV video link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-AipFJCMPv8

For other results across the Hockomock League (subscription required)

https://hockomocksports.com/fridays-schedule-scoreboard-09-11-26/

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

Rod & Gun Club to skip breakfast in September 2026

Hi folks. We have some bad news.

It doesn't look like we're going to be able to hold our all-you-can-eat breakfast this month (Sept. 20) due to ongoing work being done at the club.

We're really, really sorry. Believe us, we love hosting you just as much as you love eating here. But, as with all projects, you run into unforeseen roadblocks and work tends to take a little longer than expected.

But October is a definite so mark Oct. 18 on your calendar and we'll be back with a vengeance!

Sorry about that and we miss you, but we'll see you soon.

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

RSM-Franklin is expanding and welcomes all to Open House on Saturday, Sept 26 from 2 to 5 PM

RSM-Franklin is growing, and we’re excited to celebrate with our community!

Join us for a fun-filled afternoon and get a first look at our expanded location and new classrooms. 

Meet the RSM-Franklin team, bring your family and friends, and enjoy an afternoon filled with entertainment and activities.

What to expect:

• 2 Magic Shows
• Ice Cream
• Fun Activities
• Prizes

Saturday, September 26    =     2:00–5:00 PM

RSM-Franklin

9 Summer St., Unit 103, Franklin, MA 02038

Free and open to the public!

Come celebrate this exciting new chapter with us.

We can’t wait to welcome you!

Wrentham Day Road Closures And Detours - September 12, 2026

WRENTHAM DAY IS THIS SATURDAY, beginning at 9:00 a.m. and ending at 3:00 p.m.! 

BIG CHANGE this year is the closure of Rt.1A (South Street) in Wrentham Center. The section of Rt. 1A from The Looking Glass to The Gavel will be closed to vehicle traffic in both directions. The street area (South Street) will be filled with touch-a-trucks; tents and vendors.

DETOURS EFFECTIVE 7:00 a.m. Saturday morning:

Note, though the main detour begins at 7:00 a.m., Rt. 1A in the center will be closed at 4:00 a.m. so crews can complete set ups. Between 4:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m., vehicles will be diverted via Kendrick Street and Common Street.

At 7:00 a.m.:

1. Thru-traffic on Rt. 1A north will be detoured left on Creek Street to Franklin Street (Rt.140) and right on Franklin Street to Wrentham Center. 

2. If you need to continue toward Wrentham Center, perhaps to the Post Office, banks, etc., the Police Officer at the detour will allow you through. 

3. Thru-traffic on Rt. 1A south will be detoured right on Rt.140, left on Creek Street and back to out to Rt. 1A.

4. David Brown Way will be closed.

5. Kendrick street will be open throughout the day so local vehicles can circumvent the closed section of Rt. 1A.

6. Common Street will be open, except between 9:00 a.m. and 10:00  a.m. for the 5K road race.

7.  Taunton Street will have the usual road closures during the race.

NO PARKING:

1. NO PARKING in front of any of the stores in Wrentham Center and NO PARKING across from the stores along the Common.

2. NO PARKING on Bank Street, the short cut-through street next to Berkshire Hathaway. 

3. NO PARKING on Common Street.

PARKING WILL BE AVAILABLE in the Center lot; Town Hall; Wrentham Court, etc

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BxFF3D82E/