The School district calendar is found https://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/o/fpsd/page/school-calendar
Providing accurate and timely information about what matters in Franklin, MA since 2007. * Working in collaboration with Franklin TV and Radio (wfpr.fm) since October 2019 *
Sunday, May 11, 2025
What's happening in Franklin, MA: Sunday, May 11, 2025 ???
Sunday, May 11 = Mother's Day
9:00am Fallen Hero: Charles Christakes (Veterans Walkway, Franklin Town Common)
11:00am Sunday Brunch (Teddy Gallagher's Irish Pub)
1:00pm Franklin Historical Museum (always free)
1:15pm "The Pioneering Women of Franklin" (Franklin Historical Museum)
4:00pm Electric Youth (with Future Shock) (THE BLACK BOX)
7:00pm Rehearsal for Distinguished Young Women (Patti Eisenhauer Dance Center)
** 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
The School district calendar is found https://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/o/fpsd/page/school-calendar
Fallen Hero Recognition: Charles Christakes, World War II - May 11, 2025, 9 AM
Memorial event today (5/11/25) at 9 AM on the Town Common Veterans Walkway to honor Charles Christakes, World War II.
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: Seaman 1st Class Charles Christakes, U.S. Navy
Seaman 1st Class Charles Christakes, U.S. Navy, was born on October 1, 1920, the son of Theodore and Agnes Christakes. Charles lived at 2 Garfield Street with his parents, three sisters and one brother.
Charles graduated from Franklin High School in 1938 and then attended Dean Academy. Charles was an outstanding athlete and played semi-pro baseball and football in Woonsocket, Rhode Island.
Seaman 1st Class Charles Christakes served aboard the U.S.S. Hugh W. Hadley which was involved in a vicious attack of Japanese Kamikaze suicide planes. In a 95 minute attack, the Hadley shot down 23 enemy planes, more than any ship in any one engagement in Navy history, before or since. Thirty-one members of the crew perished and 116 others wounded. On May 11, 1945 in this Battle of Okinawa in the Pacific, Gunner Charles Christakes, when wounded went below for treatment. He then went back up to man the guns when he was killed. For his action, Seaman 1st Class Charles Christakes was awarded the Silver Star.
Seaman 1st Class Charles Christakes was 24 at the time of his death on May 11, 1945 aboard the U.S.S. Hadley.
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Fallen Hero: Christakes |
Originally post here -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/01/fallen-hero-john-emidio-pasquantonio.html
For the full published series of Fallen Heroes you can visit this link
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/franklin-fallen-heroes-series.html
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/franklin-fallen-heroes-series.html
Photo album of the Fallen Hero pillars along the Veterans Walkway
With Summer Around The Corner, Water Safety Should Be Top of Mind
May is National Water Safety Month. When the weather starts to get warmer, the pools, lakes, oceans, rivers and other bodies of water start calling! While swimming can be a very enjoyable activity this summer, it is important to remind all parents and caregivers of the importance of water safety. We are sharing these tips on how children can stay safe in and around water.
Tip #1: Make sure children know to always ask permission before going in or near the water.
Teaching your children to be water smart is the first step in water safety – be sure they understand the importance of asking permission before going in or near the water.
Tip #2: Never swim alone without a water watcher.
When children swim, ensure they are actively supervised at all times. Teach your children that they should only swim in locations where a lifeguard is on duty, or where a responsible adult agrees to watch the children in the water without distractions.
Tip #3: Supervise your children whenever they’re in or near water.
Whether it’s bath time or taking a dip in a pool or waterfront, make sure your children are within arm’s reach at all times.
Tip #4: Don’t engage in breath-holding activities.
Children should not hold their breath for a prolonged amount of time while swimming, as this can be dangerous.
Tip #5: Wear a life jacket.
Inexperienced or non-swimmers should always wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket while in or around the water.
Tip #6: Don’t jump in the water to save a friend who is struggling in deep water.
If a child finds their friend in deep water unexpectedly, their natural reaction may be to jump in the water to try and save them. Even if a child is a great swimmer, a panicked person will overpower them, pulling the rescuer under water. The Y’s Safety Around Water program teaches the “reach, throw, don’t go” concept of using a long object to reach for them, and pull them to safety. By using this technique, children can help their friend without compromising their own safety.
Tip # 7: Use four-sided fencing with self-closing, self-latching gates, pool covers, and alarm systems to help prevent children from accessing water unsupervised.
Water safety isn’t just during swim time. Know the five layers of protection which include: barriers & alarms, supervision, water competency, life jackets and emergency preparation. You never know which layer will save a life.
Tip #8: Prepare for emergencies by making sure everyone in your home takes water safety, first aid and CPR Courses.
Training in lifesaving skills such as lifeguarding and CPR presents opportunities for us all to take greater responsibility for ourselves and others. The Hockomock Area YMCA offers lifeguard and CPR training programs with full certification. We also babysitting courses and first aid training. The Hockomock Y is offering lifeguard certification courses. Visit www.hockymca.org and select Register for Programs.
All of the Hockomock Y’s water safety tips are located on the Y’s website: www.hockymca.org/water-safety-tips/
As a leading nonprofit committed to youth development, the Y has been a leader in providing swim lessons and water safety for more than 100 years. The Y continues to help youth and adults experience the joy and benefits of swimming, so they can be healthy, confident and secure in the water. There are a variety of programs to choose from, including swim lessons for all ages, water fitness classes, competitive swimming, and family swim times. To ensure that everyone has an opportunity to participate, financial assistance is available to those in need to help cover costs.
The Hockomock Y is enrolling swim lessons starting May 12th for Summer! To learn more, visit: https://www.hockymca.org/summer-classes/
In addition to learning lifesaving water safety skills, children can increase their physical activity by swimming. Swimming also motivates children to strive for self-improvement, teaches goal orientation, and cultivates a positive mental attitude and high self-esteem. It also teaches life lessons of sport and sportsmanship, so that children can learn how to work well with teammates and coaches and how to deal with winning and losing.
About Hockomock Area YMCA:
The Hockomock Area YMCA is an organization of men, women, and children sharing a commitment to nurture the potential of kids, promote healthy living, and foster a sense of social responsibility.Our YMCA is committed to partnering and collaborating with others to create and deliver lasting personal and social change in the 15 communities we are privileged to serve. The Hockomock Area YMCA is a not-for-profit charitable cause-driven organization with facilities in North Attleboro, Foxboro, Franklin, and Mansfield. For more information visit www.hockymca.org/our-cause/
FHS girls lacrosse & boys tennis teams post wins on Saturday
Via Twitter, Franklin TV, and our subscription to HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the Spring sports competition for Franklin High School on Saturday, May 10, 2025
Baseball = Sharon @ Franklin – Postponed to Sunday, 5/11 at 6:30.
Boys Lacrosse = Franklin, 1 @ BC High, 13 – Final
Girls Lacrosse = Franklin, 12 @ Longmeadow, 8 – Final
– Franklin returned home from its near three-hour round trip visit to Longmeadow with an impressive 12-8 win over the Lancers, who were in the top 10 of the latest MIAA Division 2 rankings. Izzy Cross registered six points with five goals and one assist, Julia Flynn had five points (four goals, one assist) and five draw controls, and Morgan Lovell notched three draw controls. Juliana Owen and Maeve Grasso anchored a strong Franklin defensive effort in front of Maisie Streeseman (seven saves).
Boys Tennis = King Philip, 1 @ Franklin, 4 – Final
– Franklin defended home court with a pair of wins from both singles and doubles play against visiting King Philip. Senior Danny Reis emerged from a great battle at first singles with a tight 7-6 (5), 7-5 win while senior Gabe Terry notched a 6-2, 6-4 victory at third singles. In doubles play, Franklin’s all-freshmen team of Anish Bokil and Deklan Morin snagged a 6-2, 7-5 victory at first doubles, while senior Jack Sebell and junior Max Sebell earned a 6-3, 6-3 win at second doubles. KP junior Brent Schneider secured a 6-4, 6-2 win at second singles.
Girls Tennis = Franklin, 2 @ King Philip, 3 – Final
– King Philip earned a hard-fought 3–2 win over Franklin, clinched by a gritty first doubles victory from Avery Reda and Natalie Collins, who won 7–6 (1), 2–6, 6–2. KP started strong with a quick 7–5, 6–3 win at second doubles by Rose Loughlin and Alexandra Hickey. Addison Lewis added a point with a 6–4, 6–1 win at second singles. Franklin answered with tight wins from Izzy Trull at first singles (7–6 (4), 7–5) and Anna Powers at third singles (6–3, 3–6, 7–6(3)), tying the match at 2–2 before KP’s first doubles team sealed the victory.
For other results across the Hockomock League (subscription required)
https://hockomocksports.com/saturdays-schedule-scoreboard-05-10-25/
https://hockomocksports.com/saturdays-schedule-scoreboard-05-10-25/
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FHS Panther sports results shared via Twitter & subscription to HockomockSports.com |
Franklin High School Boys Basketball and Cheer Teams Honored at State House for Championship Victories
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FHS Boys Basketball and Cheer Teams |
The two teams were guests of state Rep. Jeffrey N. Roy, of Franklin, and state Sen. Rebecca L. Rausch, of Needham.
Both teams won their respective Division 1 state championships for the winter 2025 season.
The basketball team was recognized for their Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) Division 1 Boys' Basketball State Championship, while the cheer team was recognized for their Massachusetts School Administrators’ Association (MSAA) Division 1 State Championship.
For the Franklin High School cheerleading team, it was the fifth state championship in a row and the second state championship won this school year, after the cheerleaders also won the state championship for the fall season. The cheerleading team’s graduating seniors finished their high school careers having won seven out of their last eight state championship competitions.
In addition to the MSAA Division 1 Championship, the Franklin High cheerleading team earned the title of Hockomock League Champions this season and won its Regional Championship.
The cheerleading team also won the title of 2025 Grand Champions at the Americheer International Competition, coming in first place for their category and scoring the highest score of the competition.
The basketball team went 27-1 overall this season. The team then went 5-0 in the state tournament, beating Shrewsbury, North Andover, Bridgewater Raynham, and Central Catholic, before winning the MIAA Division 1 championship final, defeating Newton North 55-52.
For Franklin High Basketball, this marked a back-to-back state finals appearance. This was only the second time that this happened in team history, following the team’s success in 2017 and 2018.
And for the second year in a row, the Franklin High boys basketball team went undefeated in its 16 games of league play, resulting in the team being ranked No. 1 overall heading into the state tournament. The Franklin High boys basketball team was the first team in the league to accomplish this feat in 50 years.
The Franklin High School Cheerleading roster included seniors Keira Owens (captain), Ceci Pineda (captain), Lea Exposito (captain), Emma Rondeau (captain), Kat Rosenberg, and Taylor Briggs; juniors Cassidy Stanley, Aeriel Orrell, Emily Bartlett, Lilah Wainwright; and sophomores Ashley Rickey and Aria Nicholson. The cheerleading team was led by Coach Doni Gill, and the team received direction from choreographer Eric Bichao.
The championship Franklin boys basketball team roster included seniors Caden Sullivan (captain), Seth O’Donnell (captain), Joseph Conlan, Wyatt Herndon, Zach Allen, Flynn Baker, Andrew Geer, Jake Olmstead and Colin O’Leary; juniors Jack Sullivan, Justice Samuels, James Crowley; sophomore Nas Johnson; and freshman Danny Santos. The Franklin basketball team was led by Head Coach CJ Neely, and the coaching staff also included Mike Doherty, Ryan Perron, Chuck Allen, Tim Rodgers, Connor Moroney, Matt Coooper and Rob Mosher.
Superintendent Lucas Giguere and Athletic Director Karrah Ellis both congratulated the teams for the State House recognition, capping off an extraordinary year of success on the basketball court and the cheerleading mat.
"The State House trip was a fitting way to celebrate these two teams and recognize them for their tremendous success this school year," said Director Ellis. "I’m so proud of these hard-working, dedicated athletes. This was truly an incredible year for our Franklin High School boys basketball and cheerleading teams."
"Congratulations once again to our state champion Franklin High School boys basketball and cheerleading teams," said Superintendent Giguere. "This was a remarkable year for both of them. We are very proud of all of their success. I'd like to thank state Rep. Roy and state Sen Rausch for facilitating this special day of recognition for our championship-winning student athletes."
Shared from -> https://www.franklinps.net/article/2205224
Frequently Asked Questions: FY 2026 Override -> Questions 33 - 36
Frequently Asked Questions - shared from the Town of Franklin FY 2026 Override Information page. There are 40 and a form to ask another question if it is not already listed there -> https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/Faq.aspx?TID=41
33. What is a bond rating? How does that impact the town?A bond rating is a credit rating; it determines the interest rate the Town pays when it borrows money for various projects. The stronger the bond rating the lower interest rate the Town pays (just like your own credit rating). The difference between the top rating which is our current rating (AAA) and a lower rating amounts to several million dollars in savings for a project the size of a new police station. If our credit rating were to drop a project like a new police station or new school would cost several million dollars more.34. I keep hearing about possible debt exclusions in the coming years. Will there be debt exclusion votes in the next 5-years?The following projects may need to go before the Town for a debt exclusion vote. All of these projects are currently in the very beginning stages of design. No dates or timeline have been scheduled. Estimated vote will be in 2-3 years. Illustrated costs are basic, high level estimates. With altering global economics, these figures will certainly evolve.
- Police Station - estimate $25-$30 million
- Remington Jefferson - estimate $10 million
- Horace Mann Roof - estimate $2 million
Foreseeable Capital Expenses 35. I keep hearing about other expected costs in the coming years. What other costs should I be anticipating in the next few years?In addition to the cost of a potential override, residents will see added cost increases in other areas in FY26. Below please find a list of previously authorized increases:
- An 8% Water increase to pay for PFAS implementation and water main replacements in the amount of $35.00.
- A 13% Sewer Rate increase to replace the 109-year old Beaver Street Interceptor in the amount of $62.00.
- Voters approved debt exclusion for the new Tri-County Vocational School in the amount of $120.00.
36. Who should I contact for more information?For more information concerning the Town, please contact Town Administrator Jamie Hellen at jhellen@franklinma.govFor more information concerning the Schools, please contact Superintendent Lucas Giguere at giguerel@franklinps.netFor more information concerning the special election, please contact Town Clerk Nancy Danello at ndanello@franklinma.gov
Additional info can be found on the Town FY 2026 Override page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/1089/Fiscal-Year-2026-Override-Information
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Frequently Asked Questions: FY 2026 Override |
Franklin TV: The SAFE Gala (video)
A Heartfelt Night to Remember.
by Pete Fasciano, Executive Director 05/11/2025
The SAFE Coalition is a judgement–free community organization relentlessly committed to educating and supporting those affected by substance use disorder and mental health concerns all across southeastern Massachusetts.
On Thursday evening Franklin.TV covered their Gala event live on cable channels Comcast 6, Verizon 26, and streaming on YouTube.
This is how We Amplify the Public Good. Congrats to SAFE for a great evening
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
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Watch Listen Read all things that matter in Franklin MA |
Paint Party Social at Pete's Nerd Emporium - May 28
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Paint Party Social at Pete's Nerd Emporium - May 28 |
This is not a wheelchair accessible location, we are accepting Art Pharmacy participants.
Must register online to hold seat. For other accommodations contact Amy Adams at amyadams665@gmail.com . Please note: Seating is limited, there are no refunds for this event.
Tickets available -> https://www.paintingvenus.art/event-details/busy-bee
FSPA Open House scheduled for Wednesday, May 21
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FSPA Open House scheduled for Wednesday, May 21 |
Stop by 38 Main Street to take a tour, speak with faculty, and even take a trial class!
Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/DJWwoa0Rw53/
Hurricane names for storms in 2025
"Since 1953, Atlantic tropical storms had been named from lists originated by the National Hurricane Center. They are now maintained and updated by an international committee of the World Meteorological Organization. Here is the list of names for the Atlantic basin in 2025."
Additional info on the hurricane names -> https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/aboutnames.shtml#atl
Hurricane central -> https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/
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Hurricane names for storms in 2025 |
"Marano Strong" Fundraising Workout scheduled for Saturday, May 17
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"Marano Strong" Fundraising Workout |
Saturday, May 17, 9:00 AM
In honor of Peter Marano's brother Tony and father Louie Marano, who tragically passed in May 2024.
This workout is open to ALL! There will be multiple workout options available for all ages, and fitness levels so come move with us.
This EVENT will help launch a Scholarship Fund for a Bellingham Senior pursuing social work or a trade.
DONATIONS accepted day of the event: Check, Cash, Venmo. Details to follow.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR:
SATURDAY - MAY 17th, 9:00 AM
OPEN TO ALL or just come to support Peter, Paula, Gianna, and Rocco and cheer everyone on!
Please DM me with any questions.
Coach MC
MyFM: The Future of Local Marketing Arrives Monday
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Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule for Sunday, May 11, 2025
Yes, Franklin has it's own radio station -> wfpr.fm. Franklin Public Radio has a brand new schedule for the locally produced shows that fill our air waves.
It is available anywhere, anytime at wfpr.fm or in the local Franklin, MA area at 102.9 on the FM dial.
Tune in to listen to the following:
Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf
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