Thursday, April 17, 2025

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Thursday, April 17, 2025 ???

Thursday, April 17
Library & Senior Center events
 Library & Senior Center events 

* Franklin Art Association Art Show and Sale Exhibit


8:30am State & Town Officials Office Hour (Franklin Senior Center)
9:00am Fallen Hero: John J. Kell (Veterans Walkway, Franklin Town Common)
5:00pm Board Game Night (Pete's Nerd Emporium)
6:00pm Band School of Franklin Spring Concert (Horace Mann School)
7:00pm 350 Mass Greater Franklin Node Meeting (First Universalist Society Franklin)
7:00pm BEN 4 Franklin Mtg (Franklin TV and Radio Studio)
7:30pm Musical Bingo (Teddy Gallagher's Irish Pub)

For additional details on Library & Senior Center events ->  
 

 
** Town Meetings today   **


Town Council Office Hours

Thursday, April 17  Time: 8:30 AM

No agenda expected for this informal business hour 


Franklin Housing Authority Meeting

Thursday, April 17  Time: 4:30 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04172025-1681 


Franklin Public Schools Community Relations Meeting
Thursday, April 17   Time:  5:30 PM

Conservation Commission Meeting

Thursday, April 17  Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Item/372?fileID=4420 


Council On Aging (COA) Meeting

Friday, April 18  Time: 1:30 PM

no posted agenda at this time


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What's happening today in Franklin?
What's happening today in Franklin? 
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: John J. Kell - April 17, 2025 at 9 AM

Fallen Hero Recognition is conducted each date that one of the 45 were reported to have died. All recognitions are held at 9 AM on the Town Common Veterans Walkway.

The brief program (approx. 5 minutes) includes the placing of a Memorial Wreath for the day, a reading of whatever history may be available for that veteran, a salute from those present, and the playing of Taps. 

This is a way of keeping the memory of that veteran alive. The public and any family members are welcome to attend.


Fallen Hero: Corporal John J. Kell, U.S. Army

Corporal John J. Kell, U.S. Army, was born in Franklin on November 4, 1924 to parents Archibald and Inez Kell. John lived with his parents, brothers and sisters at 39 Raymond Street and attended the Franklin Schools. 
CPL Kell volunteered from Franklin and served two years with the military police in England before asking for a transfer to active duty on the war front. John received a transfer to the infantry and was on active duty for several months before he was killed in action in Germany on April 17, 1945. 
Memorial services were conducted here in Franklin on May 13, 1945 honoring CPL John J. Kell whose eternal resting place is in an American Cemetery in Germany. 
Corporal Kell was 20 at the time of his death serving his country in World War II.

FH_Kell
Fallen Hero: Corporal John Kell

First Congregational Church of Franklin Partners with the Franklin Public Library to Preserve Historic Town Records

The First Congregational Church of Franklin, in partnership with the Franklin Public Library, is proud to announce the successful completion of a year-long project to organize and preserve a remarkable collection of 18th and 19th century records that document the early civic and spiritual life of the Town of Franklin.

Spearheaded by Vicki Earls, Reference Librarian at the Franklin Public Library, and Christine Brown, longtime church member, the project brought together historical expertise and community dedication to ensure that these fragile and invaluable documents are protected for future generations. These records, originating from the time when the church functioned as the de facto seat of government in colonial Massachusetts, are not only essential to the church’s history, but also serve as critical town archives from Franklin’s earliest days.

Lyn and Vicki library archive room April 2025
Lyn and Vicki library archive room April 2025
“This effort was a true collaboration rooted in a shared respect for our town’s deep history,” said Brown. “It was an honor to help care for these documents, which tell the story of both our congregation and our community.”

As part of the preservation effort, the historic records have been carefully relocated to the Franklin Public Library’s secure, environmentally controlled archive room. This facility will ensure the long-term safety of the documents, protecting them from temperature fluctuations, humidity, and other environmental factors that contribute to deterioration.

The project would not have been possible without the enthusiastic support of Felicia Oti, Library Director, who generously enabled Earls to dedicate time and expertise to the work. The church also extends special thanks to Lyn Pickhover, Church Historian, whose years of careful custodianship laid the foundation for this preservation initiative.

Together, the team carefully reviewed, organized, and rehoused the documents to prevent further degradation and to make them more accessible for future research.

“This project reflects the spirit of Franklin,” said Earls. “It’s about honoring our past, working together across institutions, and ensuring that the stories of those who came before us are not lost.”

Plans are in place to continue preserving and digitizing the collection to allow for broader public access and educational use.  

Digitized records currently available can be found on the Internet Archive: https://archive.org/details/@first_congregational_church_of_franklin

For more information about the project or the records, please contact Vicki Earls at Franklin Public Library.

Rise Up will be at the Franklin Sculpture Park for a special Accessible Earth Day Event - April 19

Rise Up will be at the Franklin Sculpture Park this Saturday for a special Accessible Earth Day Event!!
Rise Up will be at the Franklin Sculpture Park
Rise Up will be at the Franklin Sculpture Park

Date: Saturday, April 19th

Time: 10:00-11:00 AM

Location: Franklin Sculpture Park, off Panther Way (Next to the Police Station)

Event: (See attached graphic)
- Painting rocks for a sculpture that our very own Lauren Sanford will be creating for the park!!
- Cleaning up the park
- Socializing and having fun
- Co-hosted with Franklin Culture and Grieving Hearts (Lauren's non-profit)


Other Details: 
- Free
- There is a restroom in the Police Station
- There is a parking lot, or you can park along the street if you wish (There is one additional handicap parking spot off Edwards St)
- We will be gathered on the large "dock" area 
- There will be tables and chairs set up, with space for wheelchairs too
- The park has benches placed around the whole location (some with backs to them) and is lovely place for a stroll
- Dogs are allowed, if they are well trained - We will ask that any dogs that jump, continue barking, or are otherwise not in control take a break from the event. Please do not allow the dog to go up to people unless consent is given.

- See attached Map (below)  or interactive Google map ->   https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZKqYmHbuS3HrF7EP7

Hope to see you there!!

Franklin Sculpture Park
Franklin Sculpture Park

Town Council starts with recognitions before conducting business (video)

The Town Council met as scheduled Wednesday, April 16, 2025 with all nine members present for a 3 hour recogntions and business session.

The Franklin TV video is available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/live/C9jXhRmTTlI?&t=94

The agenda and released documents can be found -> https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04162025-1682 


Quick recap:
  • School Committee Chair D Callaghan provided an update on recent meeting updates including the potential naming of the "Horace Mann Campus"
  • per Town Clerk, notification of election coming via mail re: the override election June 3. Postcard with QR code to register to vote, also includes a vote by mail application. Only one card to head of household not one per every voter
  • Proclaimations and recognition for 
    • the FHS Cheerleaders
    • the FHS boys basketball team
    • members of the Dean College Athletic Training first responders who saved the life of an individual at a recent athletic event
  • Appointment of the 2025 election workers was approved by unanimous vote
  • Public hearing conducted on 2 related bylaw changes to allow Shared-Use Commercial Kitchens in commercial zones. The Planning Board had approved also, these measures were moved to a second reading (at a future meeting)
  • Presentation and update on work being done by  Franklin Police Department Mental Health Clinician Division - Kallie Montagano, Clinician Program Manager
  • Followed by an update on the Franklin Crisis Action Team by Deputy Administrator Amy Friguiletti. Housing and temp shelter the top issue the FCAT group sees
  • Resolution 25-18: June 3, 2025 Election Early & Mail in Voting was approved unanimously. The scheduled early voting dates will be added to the Community calendar
  • A Zoning Bylaw to Amend Chapter 185, Section 24, Floodplain District - Referral to the Planning Board was approved unanimously. Apparently, the Town slipped in knowing that this had a 5 year life expectancy and was due to be updated. Only minor changes required but the due process is being initiated now with this referral
  • Approval for acceptance of gifts from the Robert Catalano family and estate was unaninmous. It also led to a discussion on how the funds such as these are used. Mostly for programs but if there is something specifically funded, the Council would like to be notified.
My full set of notes captured during the meeting

Photo albums of the recognitions ->   https://photos.app.goo.gl/NFs8QPA39vzy5tzn8

members of the Dean College Athletic Training first responders who save the life of an individual at a recent athletic event
members of the Dean College Athletic Training first responders who save the life of an individual at a recent athletic event



FHS baseball, girls & boys tennis, girls & boys lacrosse teams all post wins on Wednesday

Via Twitter, Franklin TV, and our subscription to HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the Spring sports competition for Franklin High School on Wednesday, April 16, 2025


Baseball = Franklin, 4 @ Attleboro, 3 – Final 
– Attleboro scored twice in the bottom of the seventh and had the tying run at third but Franklin held on for a 4-3 victory for their first league win of the season. Franklin sophomore Cal McKenna came on in relief with the tying run at second and one out and got a fly ball to center for the second out. After Attleboro pinch runner Austin Taliaferro stole third to get the tying runner a bag away from home, McKenna got a punch out to end the game. Franklin took the lead with two runs in the top of the second on an RBI ground out from Cole Sidwell and a two-out RBI double from Jack Sullivan (2-for-4, double, triple). The teams traded runs in the third with Matt Luccini bringing in a run with an RBI groundout in the top half for the Panthers while Attleboro tied it after Jeremy O’Hara reached on a dropped third strike and Aidan Landers (2-for-3, run) came home from third. Franklin tacked on what looked like an insurance run in the top of the seventh, but it proved to be the game-winner. Joey Goguen plated Drake McAlpine with a sac fly to make it 4-1. O’Hara had a two-run single in the bottom of the seventh to pull the Bombardiers within a run. Michael Huntington added two hits, two stolen bases, and a run for the Bombardiers. DJ Silverstein pitched well in a no-decision, allowing just one unearned run on five hits and four walks, striking out eight in 5.1 innings for the Panthers. Nick Daley gave up just one unearned run on one hit and one walk in three innings of relief for Attleboro, striking out one.


Softball = Attleboro, 7 @ Franklin, 4 – Final 
– Attleboro scored in six straight innings, building its lead over time to secure a win on the road at Franklin. The Bombardiers took the lead right off the bat in the top of the first on a two-run home run from Lola Ronayne but the Panthers responded right away, plating three in the bottom half to jump ahead: Sarah Boozang and Marley Allen each clubbed an RBI double and Addi Weiss came through with a two-out single to plate another run. From there, Attleboro scored once in five straight innings, tying the game in the top of the second when Emily Eby reached on a two-out error, and taking the lead back in the top of the third when Nina Sullivan had a two-out single to center. Eby added an RBI single in the fourth, Savannah Boedecker plated one with a sac fly in the fifth, and Jenna Callahan (ROE) scored on a wild pitch in the sixth. Ella Weston connected on an RBI double in the bottom of the seventh for the Panthers. Callahan earned the win in the circle for Attleboro, surrendering four runs on six hits and three walks, striking out a season-high 10 batters.


Boys Lacrosse = Canton, 4 @ Franklin, 10 – Final 
– Canton scored three straight goals at the end of the third quarter to cut a six-goal deficit in half but Franklin and senior goalie Sam Freedman stood tall the rest of the way, winning the fourth quarter 3-0 to fend off a feisty Bulldog squad. Franklin staked a 6-1 lead at halftime and scored the first goal of the third as the lead peaked at six goals. Canton’s Cam Conley scored two of his goals in a two-minute span and Cullen O’Brien added one with 1:34 to go in the third to make it 7-4. The game stayed that way for nearly five minutes into the fourth until Quinn Kielty deposited a shot from just outside the crease. Franklin tacked on insurance goals with just under five minutes to go and another with just over a minute left into an empty net. Freedman was the main difference, turning aside 15 shots to keep Canton at bay for the majority of the game. Thomas Quinn scored a hat trick to lead Franklin while Kielty and Charlie Ballarino each had two tallies.




Girls Lacrosse = Franklin, 16 @ Canton, 0 – Final 
– Senior Maisie Streesman (five saves) and freshman Codi Lai (one saved) combined to earn the shutout in net as Franklin returned home from Canton with a convincing 16-0 win. Freshman Clara Blongastainer led the charge for the visitors, scoring five goals and adding one assist for a team-high six points. Senior Julia Flynn had seven draw controls and added four goals, Izzy Cross netted a hat trick, Vera Hansen tallied twice, and both Liza Kudish and Gabi Consigli (assist) found the back of the net once in the win.


Boys Tennis = Attleboro, 0 @ Franklin, 5 – Final
Attleboro, 0 @ Franklin, 5 – Final – Franklin freshman Deklan Morin and Anish Bokil prevailed from a three-set battle at first doubles to complete the 5-0 sweep for the Panthers. Morin and Bokil earned a 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 win while the team of senior Jai Kandula and Max Sebell added a 6-4, 6-1 second doubles victory. Franklin won all three singles matches in straight sets with senior Danny Reis winning at first singles (6-3, 6-2), senior Aaron Ramaswamy earning a victory at second singles (6-4, 6-3), and senior Gabe Terry securing a hard-fought third singles win (7-5, 6-3).

Girls Tennis = Franklin, 5 @ Attleboro, 0 – Final
Franklin, 5 @ Attleboro, 0 – Final – Franklin took all five matches in straight sets and the Panthers bounced back from their first loss of the season with a 5-0 sweep on the road. Junior Gabby Cura (first singles, 6-0, 6-2), senior Izzy Trull (second singles, 6-2, 6-3), and junior Isabelle Simino (6-1, 6-0) secured wins in singles action for the Panthers. Seniors Brooke Daniels and Sydney Tolonen notched a 6-4, 6-0 first doubles victory, and the team of junior Avalon Thomes and freshman Anna Powers rolled to a 6-1, 6-2 win at second doubles.


For other results across the Hockomock League (subscription required)
https://hockomocksports.com/wednesdays-schedule-scoreboard-04-16-25/

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

Mah Jongg Play All Day Event - May 3

Come alone or bring your regular group. We will rotate tables throughout the day.
All levels welcome, but some experience is required. 

Be sure to bring your own 2025 NMJL card, along with $5 in change to play with.  If you run out of money, we will have extra for you to use.

Mah Jongg Play All Day Event - May 3
Mah Jongg Play All Day Event - May 3
Cost: $35, includes door prizes and lunch (vegetarian and gluten-free options available upon request). We will also have coffee and mini muffins to start your day. 

To Register:
●  Register by April 25, 2025 to reserve your spot. For more details and to register please visit FUSF.org/Upcoming Events. Once you register you will receive confirmation and more details about the day.

The First Universalist Society in Franklin (FUSF) is a Unitarian Universalist Welcoming Congregation located at 262 Chestnut Street, Franklin. 

Our Interim Minister is Reverend Beverly Waring. 

For more information about FUSF please visit our website at Fusf.org. or contact us at info@fusf.org; call 508-528-5348.

Reminder: An Evening of Conversation Regarding Food Sovereignty and Access - Apr 24

The FUSF Food Justice team invites you to share an evening of thoughtful discussion with our special guest, Sister Anna Gilbert–Muhammad. Sister Anna will focus on the current state of food justice, access and sovereignty issues in Massachusetts. This is a particularly timely topic given the current pressures on our food system from climate change and the rapidly changing policies at the federal level.  Her discussion will include actions we can take to make an impact. 

A reception with light snacks will follow the speaking event. Donations to FUSF will be gratefully accepted but are not required to attend.  We hope to see you on April 24th!   

Sister Anna Gilbert-Muhammad currently serves as the Equity Director and Food Access/Webinar Coordinator for Northeast Organic Farmer’s Association - MASS Chapter (NOFA/MA). Anna is responsible for the alliances of NOFA/Ma, with groups working on food access issues, food policy and food sovereignty efforts. In her home town of Springfield, MA, Anna works with the “Youth Leader Organic Gardening/Cooking Program” at Home City Housing, “The Open Pantry Community Garden Project” and smaller projects in the Boston and Springfield Area. Sister Anna wants to see all residents in all communities in Massachusetts have the access they deserve to fresh, wholesome food and to assist all that wish to grow food in their homes.
An Evening of Conversation Regarding Food Sovereignty and Access  - Apr 24
An Evening of Conversation Regarding Food Sovereignty and Access  - Apr 24

Hosted by: the FUSF Food Justice Team  
Thursday, April 24, 2025 - 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM 
The First Universalist Society in Franklin (FUSF) is a Unitarian Universalist Welcoming Congregation located at 262 Chestnut Street, Franklin. Our Interim Minister is Reverend Beverly Waring. For more information about FUSF please visit our website at Fusf.org. or contact us at info@fusf.org; call 508-528-5348.  

Girls Lacrosse Youth Clinic - Apr 22

Girls Lacrosse Youth Clinic - Apr 22
Girls Lacrosse Youth Clinic - Apr 22

Form to sign up ->   https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfw6E_zD9JzJ-Y0IZ9bPC6tD-Sf-J9Lv9UG7Qz54WpJQkEajQ/viewform


Shared from ->   https://x.com/Fhsglax/status/1911782701985571120




Fairmont Fruit Farm celebrates Earth Day - April 26

Fairmont Fruit Farm celebrates Earth Day - April 26
Fairmont Fruit Farm celebrates Earth Day - April 26
We are celebrating Earth Day here at Fairmount on April 26th!

Organized by Franklin, Medway, and Holliston Agricultural Commission - there will be local farms, music, and food.
🍯 Local produce & products available
🌱 Learn about your neighborhood farms and what they offer
🌷 Family themed crafts and farm fun (paint terracotta pots and plant your own flowers)
Old Exit 17 Farm, Franklin Honey Company, Inc., Medway Community Farm, Fairway Honey Farm and more to follow!

Music by Wayne Dunnebier 11 AM - 2 PM

C&C Ice Cream Truck





You have 5 locations to help with "Drug take back day" - Saturday, Apr 26

Mark your calendars! 

"Drug take back day"  - Saturday, Apr 26
"Drug take back day"  - Saturday, Apr 26
On Saturday, April 26, SAFE will have drive-thru prescription drug disposal stations in Foxborough, Franklin, Medway, Norfolk, and Wrentham

💊 Safely dispose of tabs/pills, lotions, patches, and liquids.

9 – 11 AM
- Foxborough Council on Aging (75 Central St)
- SAFE Office - Franklin (31 Hayward St)
- Medway Town Hall (155 Village St)
- Norfolk Police Department (14 Sharon Ave)


11 AM – 1 PM 
- Wrentham Town Hall (79 South St.)


Franklin High School Theater Company Reaches State Finals of METG Festival with Staging of 'The Yellow Boat'

Superintendent Lucas Giguere and Principal Dr. Maria Weber are proud to congratulate the Franklin High School Theater Company for its moving performance of “The Yellow Boat,” as part of this year's competitive Massachusetts Educational Theater Guild (METG) festival.

The production, of a play based on the tragic story of a child with congenital hemophilia, reached the State Finals.

The 32 Franklin High School students, including cast and crew, staged “The Yellow Boat” in the State Finals at John Hancock Hall in Boston on March 28. The Franklin High School Theater Company was one of 15 groups to make the State Finals for the Massachusetts High School Drama Festival held by METG, out of 88 schools that entered the competition during the preliminary round.

The Franklin High School Theater Company performed the play "The Yellow Boat" as part of the Massachusetts High School Drama Festival held by METG, becoming one of 15 groups to make the State Finals out of 88 schools that entered. (Photo Courtesy Maggie Warren)
The Franklin High School Theater Company performed the play "The Yellow Boat" as part of the Massachusetts High School Drama Festival held by METG, becoming one of 15 groups to make the State Finals out of 88 schools that entered. (Photo Courtesy Maggie Warren)

The festival, which calls on each group to perform a 40-minute, one-act play, also includes a preliminary round and a semifinal round, with each stage judged by a team of METG Adjudicators. 

“It’s a real privilege to be with these kids. They are a really magical group,” said Franklin High School Drama Director Chloe Selznick, who is in her first year leading the program. “We’re all just very grateful. When we took group photos at the State Finals, instead of saying ‘cheese,’ the kids would say, ‘We weren’t supposed to be here!’ There’s a lot of gratitude within the company.”

Selznick, a 2020 Franklin High School graduate, who earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Hofstra University, said “The Yellow Boat” was influential to her years ago, and she thought the play would allow her students an opportunity for growth as well.

“The Yellow Boat” is the true story of Benjamin, who was born with congenital hemophilia, and died in 1987 at the age of 8 due to AIDS-related complications after receiving a blood transfusion. The play, published in 1997, was written by Benjamin’s father, David Saar.

“As heartbreaking as that is, Benjamin’s story wasn’t just defined by his illness,” Selznick said. “‘The Yellow Boat’ was a way to tell his story that was joyful, whimsical and childlike, and it was able to bring him to life. This made for a good artistic challenge for these young artists as they continue to grow as actors. I think they handled it wonderfully. They handled it in a way that’s sensitive but truthful.”

The reaction from the audience and judges included “a lot of tears,” she said.

“It felt nice to know that people were touched by the story in the same way that we had been,” Selznick said. “The judges' feedback was wonderful. It was nice to get feedback from people in the theater world. The kids really valued that as well.”

In addition to the State Finals, the Franklin High School Theater Company performed “The Yellow Boat” during the METG festival’s preliminary round on March 3 at Wayland High School and during the semifinals on March 15 at Framingham High School.

The Franklin High School Theater Company was assisted in its production of “The Yellow Boat” by Erin Ferreira, who came on as a volunteer to be the show’s movement director and assistant director. Franklin High School student Riley MacDonald served as the production’s dramaturg, providing classmates with a research package about “The Yellow Boat,” containing insight into the context of the play, showing how the story should be handled with sensitivity and truthfulness.

Throughout the METG festival, the Franklin High School students witnessed 25 plays staged by drama groups from other schools in the matter of a month.

“Most people won’t see one play in a year, let alone see that many,” Selznick said. “It was a real treat all around. It was a wonderful experience. There was a lot of support. Now, afterwards, there’s a lot of gratitude.”

The METG Festival is a prestigious annual event for high school theater companies, and this marked the 94th year of the competitive drama festival.

METG also has a middle school division and a musical theater division. In addition to the annual METG Festival held in March, the organization also facilitates a series of acting and technical theater scholarship contests held in December.

This experience with the METG Festival will provide some momentum for the Franklin High School Theater Company ahead of its next production, a musical called “Urinetown,” with showings planned for June 13-14.

Principal Weber and Superintendent Giguere congratulated the Franklin High School drama performers for their success in the METG Festival and wished them the best on their upcoming productions.

“We are so impressed by the incredible skills and abilities of our stage performers, crew and everyone involved with staging this play,” Principal Weber said. “They possess great individual talents and also display incredible teamwork. Bravo to our students for an incredible run in the METG Festival. And bravo to Director Selznick for the guidance she is providing to this talented group.”

“I’d like to congratulate all of our stage performers and crew members who really put their hearts into these shows,” Superintendent Giguere said. “Their passion, talent and skills are inspirational. They really did a great job with this play. I’d also like to recognize Director Selznick and our other teachers, along with parents and all of our Franklin High School Theater Company supporters, who help make all of this possible.”

Additional photos can be found where this was shared from ->   https://www.franklinps.net/article/2149677

You can also listen to my conversation with three of the members of The Yellow Boat performance -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/03/listen-to-how-fhstc-performance-of.html