What's happening in Franklin, MA: Sunday, November 30, 2025 ???

Sunday, November 30

9:00am Fallen Hero: Robert L. Cummings (Veterans Walkway, Franklin Town Common)

10:00am Raydio Holiday Toy Drive (DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Boston - Milford)

1:00pm Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

1:00pm Musical Bingo (Teddy Gallagher's Irish Pub)

4:00pm Christmas on the Common (Franklin Town Common)

**  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

Fallen Hero Recognition: Robert L. Cummings - Nov 30, 2025 - 9:00 AM

Memorial event today (11/30/25) at 9 AM on the Town Common Veterans Walkway to honor Captain Robert L. Cummings.

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.

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Fallen Hero: Captain Robert L. Cummings, U.S. Army

Captain Robert L. Cummings, U.S. Army, was born on August 10, 1915, the son of Louis and Ruth Cummings. Robert lived with his parents, one brother and two sisters at 65 Union Street. 

Robert graduated from Franklin High School with honors in 1933 and enlisted in the Army as a private in 1936. In 1937, he was appointed to West Point and upon completion, 4 years later, was commissioned a Second Lieutenant. In 1942 he received his promotion to First Lieutenant. In November of 1942, Robert married the former Blanche Barwell of North Andover. 

In January of 1943, Robert L. Cummings was promoted to Captain. Captain Cummings served overseas beginning in March of 1944. He took part in the invasion of Guam after having completed special jungle fighting training. Captain Robert L. Cummings, an officer of the famous 77th Infantry Division, lost his life on November 30, 1944 fighting against the Japanese on Leyte. 

Captain Robert L. Cummings was 29 years old at the time of his death on Leyte.

Fallen Hero: Cummings

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

Viral TikTok Ballet Dancer to Star in The Nutcracker with FPAC Holiday Productions

FPAC Holiday Productions will kick off December with the holiday classic: The Nutcracker, presented December 6 and 7 at the Franklin High School Auditorium.

Experience all the festive magic and colorful splendor of The Nutcracker as FPAC stages its cherished annual production of the holiday classic with live orchestra conducted by Steven Lipsitt, special guest artists and more than 100 area dancers. The Nutcracker remains a highly anticipated and treasured part of the FPAC season - a popular holiday tradition for more than 20 years. The world-famous ballet, set to Tchaikovsky’s beloved score, delights the imaginations of audiences young and old with a professional production at a reasonable price. 

Ballet Dancer Louis DeFelice

Ballet Dancer Louis DeFelice, who has gained notoriety for his viral dance-themed TikToks will dance the role of The Cavalier. DeFlice studied under Stanislav Issaev and graduated from the Kirov Academy in Washington, DC. He was most recently a company member with New Jersey Ballet, performing as a principal in Robbins’ Fancy Free, a soloist in Balanchine’s Rubies, and originating a part in the premier of Lauren Lovette’s Jewel Box. He also tours in Europe and the US as a guest artist in shows including The Nutcracker and Swan Lake. He is from Columbia, South Carolina and is the co-founder of the dance wear company Barre Trash.

Joining him as The Sugar Plum Fairy is Mari Takayama. Originally from Japan, Takayama currently resides in NYC where she has performed principal and soloist roles with the Eglevsky Ballet, Connecticut Ballet, City Dance NY, Neville Dance Theatre, and was a trainee with the American Repertory Ballet dancing the lead role of Clara in “The Nutcracker”. Prior to moving to the US, she graduated from the ballet course at Senzoku Gakuen College of Music in Japan with two scholarships. During her college years, she organized and choreographed ballet, musical, and contemporary performances. Mari has participated in various intensive programs, including those at American Ballet Theatre, Miami City Ballet, American Academy of Ballet in New York, Kirov Academy of Ballet in Washington, D.C., and Bolshoi Ballet Academy. Her repertoire includes roles such as Sugar Plum Fairy, Clara, and Dew Drop Fairy in ‘The Nutcracker,’ as well as roles in ‘Flames of Paris,’ ‘Dracula,’ ‘Paquita,’ ‘Don Quixote,’ and ‘Giselle.’

FPAC Holiday Productions are presented at the Franklin High School Auditorium. For tickets and more information, visit www.FPAConline.com or call the box office at 508-528-3370. 

Agenda for Town Council meeting Dec 3: includes Tax rate hearing and FY 2027 Five Year Fiscal Forecast

Franklin Town Council

Agenda & Meeting Packet

December 3, 2025 = 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. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - None Scheduled

4. PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS

a. Amy Galose, Creative Corner

5. APPOINTMENTS

a. Franklin’s 250th Anniversary Celebration Committee

i. New Member Maureen Brennan

ii. Ratification of Officers

1. Chair: Jayson Joyce

2. Vice Chair: Robert Browne

3. Clerk: Alan Earls

4. Treasurer: Charleen Belcher

6. PUBLIC HEARINGS - 7:00 PM

a. FY26 Tax Classification Hearing

i. Legislation for Action Item 9a

ii. Legislation for Action Item 9b

iii. Legislation for Action Item 9c

iv. Legislation for Action Item 9d

v. Legislation for Action Item 9e

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS - None Scheduled

8. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION

a. Five-Year Fiscal Forecast

i. FY26 Town Administrator memo - August 2025

ii. FY27-FY31 Fiscal Revenue forecast - August 2025

iii. FY27-FY31 Fiscal Department forecast - August 2025

iv. Budget presentation - August 2025 

v. Other Budget Resources:

1. Town Budget Website Portal

2. School Committee & School Department Website Portal

3. FY26 Compensation & Classification Plan

a. 2022-2023 Compensation & Classification Baseline study

4. Department Heads Letter - December 17, 2024

b. Deputy Town Administrator & Town Administration staffing

9. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

a. Resolution 25-76: Tax Classification Residential Factor

(Motion to Approve Resolution 25-76 - Majority Vote)

b. Resolution 25-77: Tax Classification Open Space Exemption

(Motion to Approve Resolution 25-77 - Majority Vote)

c. Resolution 25-78: Tax Classification Small Business Exemption

(Motion to Approve Resolution 25-78 - Majority Vote)

d. Resolution 25-79: Tax Classification Residential Property Exemption

(Motion to Approve Resolution 25-79 - Majority Vote)

e. Resolution 25-80: Tax Classification Senior Means Tested Exemption

(Motion to Approve Resolution 25-80 - Majority Vote)

f. Resolution 25-81: Cable Funds in Support of PEG Service and Programming per MGL Ch. 44 §53F3/4 (Motion to Approve Resolution 25-81 - Majority Vote)

10. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

Agenda for Town Council meeting Dec 3:
includes Tax rate hearing and
FY 2027 Five Year Fiscal Forecast

11. SUBCOMMITTEE & AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS

12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

13. COUNCIL COMMENTS

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://drive.google.com/file/d/1QfgJW2si5mxS-2zYN9l22AB9t7b8Ec6p/view?usp=drive_link

Franklin TV: Thanksgiving 2025 - A New Family Tradition is Born

by Pete Fasciano, Executive Director 11/30/2025

This year’s ‘gathering of the clan’ had the usual body count – generally, somewhere in the mid-twenties. We cover the gamut from the rugrats to the retired; the oldest occasionally gazing wistfully at the youngest. The eating season is in full swing. Families convene from hither/yon with their traditional holiday specialty dishes. All in, it adds up to a ten-course meal and all must be sampled – and sampled again.

another family, their turkey dinner spread

This year’s bird is a huge beasty beast; the only way I can describe it. Twenty-five pounds. Logistics require that the massive bird be carved in advance rather than artfully presented and carved at the table. We all want to chow down.

Soooo – I suggested that we go with a proxy bird. There was a small butter sculpture of a turkey on the table – head held high; tail feathers in full flair. After the opening solemnities and gratitudes, I announced that Jim, my bro-in-law and our host, would conduct a token turkey carving with the butterbird. A bold plan. Jim would slice off some butterywing or tail feather – or whatever – and spread the butter on a roll.

What could possibly go wrong?

Jim, being a guys’ guy’s guy, was not to be denied his moment. Jimbo brandished his butterknife with ceremony and certainty. He thrust that butterknife with manly authority, going in for a clean kill – right for the neck. However, a small detail. The butterbirdy had just come from the fridge, and was still quite solid. The knife made it half way though the base of the neck. Jim instinctively tried to retract for a second whack at it. But, butter being what it is, stuck to the knife and the bird launched itself off the butter tray and across the table. Shock and awe all around, followed by OMG’s and raucous laughter. Jim then reached out with his knife and stabbed the bird in the back.

Thus, a new tall tale to be embellished and added to the family lore. This is classic. This is Thanksgiving.

(Note to self: When my turn comes, make sure butterbirdy is at room temp.)

And – as always –

Thank you for watching

Thank you 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

Agenda for the Board of Health meeting - Dec 3 at 5 PM

Franklin Board Of Health

Agenda & Meeting Packet

December 3, 2025, 5:00 PM

Meeting will be held at the Franklin Municipal Building 

355 East Central Street - 3rd Floor Training Room

1. ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM THE CHAIR

a. Chair to identify members participating remotely.

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 Board of Health cannot engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Board of Health may ask the Director of Public Health to review the matter.

Agenda for the Board of Health meeting - Dec 3 at 5 PM

3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

a. November 5, 2025

4. NEW BUSINESS

a. Discussion of oral nicotine pouches

b. Board of Health meeting dates for 2026

5. PUBLIC HEARINGS

a. Restricting the Sale of Tobacco Products Regulations amendments

6. REPORTS

a. Metacomet shared service grant regional health agent report

b. Metacomet shared service grant public health nurse report

7. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

8. ADJOURN

Agenda doc also contains remote participation info ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_12032025-2030

The Guardian: "Brain has five ‘eras’, scientists say – with adult mode not starting until early 30s"

"Brain has five 'eras', scientists say – with adult mode not starting until early 30s"

"Scientists have identified five major “epochs” of human brain development in one of the most comprehensive studies to date of how neural wiring changes from infancy to old age.

The study, based on the brain scans of nearly 4,000 people aged under one to 90, mapped neural connections and how they evolve during our lives. This revealed five broad phases, split up by four pivotal “turning points” in which brain organisation moves on to a different trajectory, at around the ages of nine, 32, 66 and 83 years.

“Looking back, many of us feel our lives have been characterised by different phases. It turns out that brains also go through these eras,” said Prof Duncan Astle, a researcher in neuroinformatics at Cambridge University and senior author of the study."

https://www.theguardian.com/science/2025/nov/25/brain-human-cognitive-development-life-stages-cambridge-study?CMP=share_btn_url

Continue reading the full article in The Guardian ->   https://www.theguardian.com/science/2025/nov/25/brain-human-cognitive-development-life-stages-cambridge-study?CMP=share_btn_url 

Direct link to the study published by Nature as referenced

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-65974-8

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule for Sunday, November 30, 2025

Yes, Franklin has it's 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:

 

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule for Sunday

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

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule for Sunday

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Saturday, November 29, 2025 ???

Saturday, November 29

• One day trash/recycle curbside pick up delay due to holiday
• #shopFranklin small business Saturday

9:00am Thrifty Threads (CLOSED for this weekend) (Franklin Federated Church)

10:00am Raydio Holiday Toy Drive (DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Boston - Milford)

10:00am Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

 

10:30am Santa StoryWalk ! (Franklin Public Library)

8:00pm Karaoke at The Raillery (0Raillery 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

Free Concert performance of the LiveARTS String Quartet on Sunday, November 16, 2025 (audio)

FM #1593 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1593 in the series. 

This session shares the Free Concert performance of the LiveARTS String Quartet at the Franklin Historical Museum on Sunday, November 16, 2025. 

There is an intermission and at the end of the performance, the quartet does come back for a brief encore.

The audio runs about 90 minutes.

Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1593-livearts-string-quartet-free-concert-11-16-25/

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Free Concert performance of the LiveARTS
String Quartet on Sunday, November 16, 2025 (audio)

Refer to the performance program for details on the pieces played ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CSsbvhDcd6_yF-wBuKXke3Mtuc3QxrrJ/view?usp=drive_link 

We did miss capturing the introduction to the piece played for the encore (which was not listed in the program).

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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"

Franklin High School Hosts Veteran-Led Panel During New WIN Block

Franklin High School celebrated Veterans Day by hosting a special panel discussion led by members of the district community who have served in the United States Armed Forces.

Franklin High School hosted a veteran-led panel discussion on Wednesday,
Nov. 12, in honor of Veterans Day. (Photo Courtesy Franklin Public Schools)

The event took place during the district's new WIN Block, a flexible period added to this year's schedule that provides targeted academic support, intervention, and enrichment.

For this block on Wednesday, Nov. 12, teacher and U.S. Coast Guard veteran Charles Fidler organized a panel of fellow veterans to share their experiences and answer students' questions.

The panel included:

• Superintendent Lucas Giguere, Sergeant, United States Marine Corps — TOW Platoon, 25th Marine Regiment, mobilized during Operation Enduring Freedom
• Charles Fidler, U.S. Coast Guard, Marine Science Technician — Port security, counter-terrorism, and drug interdiction missions during the Global War on Terror
• Mark Terra-Thomas, Army National Guard — Civil Affairs (1993-99)
• Christopher Kelly, United States Army, Military Police Corps — 64th Military Police Detachment, Bremerhaven, Germany (1979-81); current Franklin High School history teacher
• Colonel Ryan Levesque (Ret.), United States Army — Field Artillery, 26 years of service across the U.S. and abroad, including Bosnia, Iraq and Kuwait
• Officer Paul Guarino, United States Army — Military Police; current Franklin School Resource Officer

Most panelists are current Franklin Public Schools staff members. Colonel Levesque participated as a district parent.

Students heard stories from each veteran and engaged in a wide-ranging question-and-answer session. The program also included recognition of students who plan to enter military service after graduation.

"Our goal was to honor Veterans Day in a meaningful way and give students an open space to learn directly from those who have served," said Fidler, who organized the event. "Their engagement and thoughtful questions made the event a powerful experience for everyone in the room."

Santa StoryWalk at the Library! Saturday, Nov 29, 2025 at 10:30 AM

via the Franklin Public Library:

Families! 

Join us at the library for a special indoor version of a beloved tradition! 

Follow the pages of a cozy winter story, enjoy crafts and activities as you move through our winding line of holiday fun, and make your way up to meet the big guy himself.

Santa StoryWalk at the Library! Saturday, Nov 29, 2025 at 10:30 AM

Finding The Light Year 5 has kicked off!

Via Amy Adams/Painting Venus:

Each week starting this Sunday November 30th through the end of December, I’m hiding a piece of original art somewhere in downtown Franklin, wrapped and ready for you to discover. Clues drop mid week, and the treasure appears Sunday mornings in a surprise spot.

Created with silver or gold accents, each piece carries a little glow to share hope and joy. This year, I invite you to share the light: take it, gift it, or pass it along.

Let’s keep kindness alive across town. Here are a few of the things I have done to help Franklin sparkle. Www.PaintingVenus.art

Finding The Light Scavenger Art Gift Away Week 1:

In the heart of town where stories stay,

A longtime shop frames light each day.

Inside, colors change with care,

Yet the green frames still greet the square.

See through glass where time feels kind…..

your art of light is yours to find.

#findingthelight #franklinma #shareyourlight #communityart #paintingvenus_ #ArtWithPurpose #ArtThatHeals

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1CgWU29XcT/