Franklin Matters: 2025-06-22

There is a Fallen Hero Recognition event today (6/24/25) at 9:00 AM on the Town Common Veterans Walkway to honor Baldo S. Lazzerini Technical Sergeant Baldo S. Lazzerini, U.S. Army.

This program will include the placing of a Memorial Wreath for the day, the playing of Taps, a salute from those present, and a reading of whatever history may be available for that veteran. This is a way of keeping the memory of that veteran alive.

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Fallen Hero: Technical Sergeant Baldo S. Lazzerini, U.S. Army

Technical Sgt Baldo S. Lazzerini was born on January 29, 1913 in Franklin son of Quinto and Julia Lazzerini. Baldo made his home here in Franklin from age 16 with the Pacifico and Amelia Gianetti Family of 57 Hutchinson Street. Baldo’s active duty began upon his enlistment on March 20, 1941.

Technical Sergeant Baldo S. Lazzerini served with the U.S. 5th Army, G-2 Intelligence service in Italy as an interpreter for General Mark Clark. T/Sgt Lazzerini was involved in the heaviest of fighting in Italy and had personally witnessed the surrender of Italian generals to Allied generals, with whose staff he was connected. T/Sgt Baldo Lazzerini’s brilliance in military operations, coupled with his knowledge of the Italian language gave him rapid rise in rank.

T/Sgt Baldo S. Lazzerini died as a result of a military vehicle accident in Italy on June 24, 1945.

Technical Sgt Baldo S. Lazzerini was 32 years old at the time of his death in service during World War II.

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For the schedule of Fallen Hero recognitions

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/03/honoring-our-franklin-veterans-who-died.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

Photo album of the Fallen Hero pillars along the Veterans Walkway

https://photos.app.goo.gl/oRGdmq9krLNEBnjJ7

participants in the ceremony on June 12, 2024

Elle Bonacci & Eiley Cinelli announced as winners of Robert Simmler PGK, Sacred Heart Council 1847 Knights of Columbus College Scholarship 2025

The Knights of Columbus 1847 Franklin are proud to announce the winners of this year’s Robert Simmler PGK, Sacred Heart Council 1847 Knights of Columbus College Scholarship 2025.

Elle Bonacci & Eiley Cinelli

Congratulations to Elle Bonacci, $3000 and Eiley Cinelli, $1000. Elle and Eiley are both graduates of Franklin High School. Both accomplished students and are active members of the St Mary’s Parish Community. Their achievements were especially noteworthy amongst the many wonderful talented candidates that applied for the 2025 scholarship award.

We wish Elle the best of luck as she goes onto the University of Pittsburgh in the fall and Eiley will attend University of Colorado Boulder in the fall.

The Robert Simmler PGK Knights of Columbus Sacred Heart Council 1847 Scholarship is named in honor of Mr. Robert Simmler, he was a very active and accomplished member of the Knights of Columbus, Sacred Heart Council and the Franklin Community.

FHS' Blongastainer, Cross, Flynn, Sacchetti, Grasso, Consigli, Baker, Freedman, McCarthy, & O'Connor recognized for 2025 Hockomock League Lacrosse

2025 Hockomock League Girls Lacrosse All Stars

Below are the official 2025 Hockomock League Girls Lacrosse All Stars, selected by the coaches in the league.

Kelley-Rex Division MVP

Makenzie McDevitt, King Philip

Davenport Division MVP

Cate Noone, Foxboro

Hockomock League All Stars

Clara Blongastainer, Franklin
Julia Flynn, Franklin
Izzy Cross, Franklin
Sophia Sacchetti, Franklin
Maeve Grasso, Franklin

Honorable Mentions

Gabi Consigli, Franklin

For other results across the Hockomock League (subscription required)

https://hockomocksports.com/2025-hockomock-league-girls-lacrosse-all-stars/

2025 Hockomock League Boys Lacrosse All Stars

Below are the official 2025 Hockomock League Boys Lacrosse All Stars, selected by the coaches in the league.

Kelley-Rex Division Co-MVPs

Tommy Kilroy, King Philip

Zach Bernstein, Sharon

Davenport Division MVP

Nico Smith, Mansfield

Hockomock League All Stars

Flynn Baker, Franklin
Sam Freedman, Franklin
Drew McCarthy, Franklin

Honorable Mentions

Jack O’Connor, Franklin

For other results across the Hockomock League (subscription required)

https://hockomocksports.com/2025-hockomock-league-boys-lacrosse-all-stars/

FHS' Blongastainer, Cross, Flynn, Sacchetti, Grasso, Consigli, Baker, Freedman,
McCarthy, & O'Connor recognized for 2025 Hockomock League Lacrosse

July 2025 Franklin Library News & Events: Teens & Adults

Library Hours

The library’s hours are Monday through Thursday, 9am to 8pm, Friday and Saturday, 9am to 5pm. The library is closed on Sundays. The library will be closed on Friday, July 4th in recognition of Independence Day.

Special Events for Teens

2025 Reading Challenge

Tiny Art Show, June 13 - July 18

We're hosting a Tiny Art Show and we want you to be in it! Artists of all ages and skill levels are encouraged to create their own mini masterpiece on a 4 x 4 inch canvas provided by the library. Canvases can be picked up at the circulation desk anytime June 13 - July 18. No registration required.

Library Lawn Games, Friday, July 11 & July 25 @ 2pm

Before the Common starts rocking, roll over to the library for a round of classic board games made GIANT! We'll be chilling on the library lawn with mega-sized games to enjoy. (Fear not, if the weather is too wet or hot we'll play inside in the library Meeting Room.) No registration required.

Science Chefs: Slushies, Thursday, July 17 @ 4pm

1 part food, 1 part science, and unlimited fun! We'll be exploring questions like how cold is frozen and can a liquid be freezing cold without actually freezing?? No registration required.

Puzzle Mania, Thursday, July 24 @ 5pm

Registration Required

Join us for a family-fun puzzle challenge! Bring your family or group of friends and work as a team to see how quickly you can complete a 500-piece puzzle! (Please submit only 1 registration per team/family).

Teen Paint Party, Monday, July 28 @ 6pm

Registration Required

Teens - join Miss Lily to create your very own step-by-step painting of a jellyfish! Best fit for ages 12+. All materials will be provided.

Pixel Pals, Thursday, July 31 @ 4pm

An afternoon book group for graphic novels, manga, anime, cartoons, etc.! We’ll talk new releases, dabble in drawing, and so much more. No registration required.

Events for Adults

Tiny Art Show, June 13 - July 18

English Conversation Group, Tuesdays @ 6:30pm

Looking for a casual, low-stress place to practice your English language skills? Join us on Tuesday evenings for a friendly group chat with your fellow English learners. Please note: this group is meant for folks who have a basic grasp of English and are looking for conversational practice, not very beginners. A tutor will be present to answer questions and help keep the conversation flowing, but the focus will not be on formal instruction. No registration required.

Table Top, Alternating Tuesdays & Thursdays @ 6pm

Registration Required (see below). No Experience Necessary.

It's time to dust off your dice, grab a source book and role play your way through hijinks and horrors! Table Top is a monthly game of tabletop role playing games for adults! Email mgousie@minlib.net to sign up or get more info.

Knitting Group, Fridays, 10am – 12pm

Love to knit or crochet? Join our group of local fiber artists who will be meeting in the Friends of the Franklin Library Community Room! All skill levels are welcome. No registration required.

Maker Moment: Silk Scarves, Thursday, July 10 @6:30pm

Registration Required

Take a moment for yourself! This craft class for adults will cover painting on silk with alcohol inks. All supplies provided.

Library Lawn Games, Friday July 11 & 25 @2pm

Matt York Concert, Saturday, July 19 @2pm

Longtime New England musician and author Matt York will perform the songs of Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson and Waylon Jennings and tell stories from their careers, inspired by the four legends joining forces in the 1980's to form country super group The Highwaymen. No registration required.

JUNTO Non Fiction Book Club, Thursday, July 24 @ 6:30pm

The JUNTO (from the Spanish junta or assembly) was a club for mutual improvement established in 1727 by Benjamin Franklin. Franklin Public Library’s JUNTO Book Club is a place to discuss a book each month and share our insights from the book and beyond! The July book is A Walk in the Park by Kevin Fedarko. Get a physical or digital copy through the library catalog. No registration required.

Franklin Public Schools Students Revive Tradition with Poetry Day at Senior Center

Superintendent Lucas Giguere and Horace Mann Middle School (HMMS) teacher Joe Corey are pleased to share that sixth-grade students from Team Lightning recently brought smiles, poetry and thoughtful reflection to the Franklin Senior Center, reviving a treasured tradition that began in 2012.

After a pandemic pause, students recently returned to the Senior Center for a Poetry Day. Guided by educators Mr. Joseph Corey, Ms. Lauren Goode, Mrs. Erin Bouchard and Mr. David Foster, the students delivered memorized poems and original analyses.

sixth-grade students from Team Lightning

"All of the Team Lightning educators were delighted with the top-shelf performance of the students," said Corey. "It was a joy to return to this tradition and witness the pride and effort our students brought to the experience."

Students dressed sharply for the occasion, a decision many believed added to the impact of the performance.

"It showed everyone that we're the real deal!" said student Eliza Menard.

"Dressing up improved our performance because it set the tone that we're serious, focused, and disciplined," said student Sebi Ciporkin.

Beyond public speaking skills, students embraced the cultural and emotional depth that poetry offers.

"I am glad we celebrated Poetry Day because we heard and learned a lot of different poems representing different cultures and people," said student Gabby Kepple.

Student Jordan Marin reflected on the highlight of the day: "The best part of Poetry Day for me was seeing all the seniors so happy when we shared the poems with them."

Many students expressed pride in what they had accomplished.

"It was a good time and practicing for our poems taught me a life lesson — practice makes perfect," said student Antony Wisa.

Student Biana Laterra commented that she was proud of "remembering the poem and analysis and being brave enough to do it."

Others shared the personal meaning behind the event.

"I am glad because my grandma and her friend were there, and they said it made their day and that it is so nice to see that people are still saying poems," said student Harry Schlieke.

Franklin Public Schools would like to thank Ariel Doggett and the entire Senior Center staff for their warm hospitality and for helping make the event such a success.

"I couldn't be prouder of our students for the poise and creativity they showed during the Poetry Day," said Superintendent Giguere. "Their thoughtful words and heartfelt delivery were a powerful reminder of the connection between generations, and the impact young voices can have on a community."

Sunshine for Celebrate with Pride on Saturday, June 21

The record run of rainy Saturday's happened in time to Celebrate with Pride on the Town Common, June 21, 2025. Jamele Adams hosted the performances on the stage while the sidewalks were lined with a variety of booths. Crafts, food, organizations, you name it lined the walkways.

One of the drag queens performing

The drag queen group gathered before heading to another event in RI

A gentle breeze

Additional photos can be found in the album -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/oT2YPxZARCAv2vuC6

Senate President Karen Spilka & House Speaker Ronald Mariano announce Agreement on Joint Cmte Rules

Senate President Karen Spilka:

Agreement on Joint Cmte Rules
"I’m proud to share that the House and Senate have reached an agreement on joint rules for the 2025-2026 legislative session and that the coinciding conference committee report has been filed.

This is a win for the public as the rules promote an accessible and transparent legislative process.

You can learn more at karenspilka.com/updates/factsheet-jointrules."

Instagram post shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/DLQtBVrM6GX/

Complete Statement:

"Today, House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano and Senate President Karen E. Spilka issued the following statement regarding the conference committee on joint legislative rules:

"We are proud to announce that, for the first time since 2019, the House and Senate have reached an agreement on new joint rules. Once adopted, these joint rules will govern the 2025-2026 legislative session.

At the beginning of this session, we committed our respective chambers to deliver a transparent and efficient legislative process that meets the moment. This agreement draws on key provisions from each chamber’s original proposals, and represents our shared commitment to creating an accessible and productive Legislature that responds to the concerns of our constituents and delivers for Massachusetts.

We are deeply grateful to Senate Majority Leader Creem, House Majority Leader Moran, Senate Rules Chair Lovely, House Rules Chair Galvin, and all members of the conference committee for their thoughtful and collaborative work.

We look forward to filing the conference committee report and sharing details of the agreement later today, and to a productive legislative session strengthened by these new joint rules."

Statement shared from -> https://karenspilka.com/updates/statement-jointrules

Fact Sheet: Joint Rules Agreement of the 194th General Court of Massachusetts

Senate Majority Leader Cindy Creem and House Majority Leader Michael Moran announced on June 23, 2025, that they reached an agreement on joint legislative rules for the 194th General Court of Massachusetts. This bipartisan effort reflects a shared commitment to enhancing transparency, improving legislative efficiency, and ensuring accessible and accountable lawmaking for the people of the Commonwealth. Among the reforms are longer public notice periods for hearings, mandatory committee hearing livestreaming and archiving, an earlier reporting deadline for joint committees, the recording and posting of committee votes, new requirements for bill summaries, and rules ensuring more timely public access to conference committee reports.

The joint rules will be implemented by the Senate and the House following a final vote by both chambers on the conference report. Highlights of the agreement are below.

Joint Committee Reform. Senate and House committee members will vote only on bills filed in their branch after joint hearings, improving efficiency and the pace at which bills move through the legislative process. Money bills filed in the Senate, constitutional amendments filed in the House, and any matters not filed by a member of the General Court will continue to be voted on by all members of a joint committee.

Public Hearing Notice. Notice time for joint committee hearings will increase from 72 hours to 10 days, giving residents and stakeholders more time to prepare. Joint committees must also post a schedule of hearing dates within three weeks of committee appointments.

Reporting Deadline. To prevent legislative backlogs, joint committees will be required to report bills by the first Wednesday in December of the first year of session, unless otherwise provided for in a branch’s rules. House Chairs will follow the reporting deadline under House Rule 27. This requires bills to be reported no later than 60 days after they’re heard, and at the discretion of the Chair, an additional 30 days can be added to consider the bill. The previous deadline was the first Wednesday in February of the second year of session.

Committee Votes. All joint committee votes shall be recorded and posted on the General Court website.

Committee Participation. Members of the public will be able to participate remotely in joint committee hearings, as will members of the General Court, unless prohibited by the rules of their respective branch. Attendance of joint committee members will be taken at hearings and posted on the General Court website.

Conference Committees. The first conference committee meeting will be open to the public and media for greater transparency. A minimum of 24 hours of will be required between a conference committee report filing and a legislative vote, allowing more time for review by legislators and members of the public. If a conference committee report is filed after 8:00pm, it cannot be voted on until the second calendar day following the day on which it was filed.

Bill Summaries. Joint committees will be required to make a summary of each bill publicly available on the General Court website prior to its hearing.

Publicly Available Testimony. Joint committees will adopt rules making written testimony publicly available. Said rules will contain limitations on the sharing of testimony that includes sensitive personal information, obscene content, or information that may jeopardize the health, wellness or safety of the testifier or others.

Joint Rules Review. At the end of the two-year session, the Joint Committee on Rules will conduct a comprehensive review of the joint rules. As part of the review, it will conduct a public hearing and solicit testimony from the public and other interested parties.

Formal Sessions after July 31. Permits the Legislature to meet in formal session after July 31 in the second year of the legislative session to take up the following matters: reports of conference committees formed on or before July 31; appropriation bills filed after July 31; gubernatorial vetoes or amendments.

Fact Sheet shared from -> https://karenspilka.com/updates/factsheet-jointrules

Yes, going to the DMV is the only way to avoid a REAL ID scam (RMV in Mass.)

Yes, going to the DMV is the only way to avoid a REAL ID scam

By BCP Staff

If you want to use your driver's license to fly, you'll need a REAL ID. If you don't have one yet, your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is the place to go, and they're only taking in-person appointments.

But people are telling the FTC that scammers are pretending to be the DMV or another government agency.

Reports say these "officials" are sending messages saying you can skip the line if you pay or give them information. Here's how that scam works so you can avoid it.

Yes, going to the DMV is the only way to avoid a REAL ID scam

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm Schedule for Tuesday, June 24, 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:

wfpr.fm Schedule for Tuesday, Franklin Public Radio

Tuesday

SAFE Radio – Jim Derick and Dr. Anne Bergen Addressing issues of Drug Abuse Disorder

Jazz Journey – with Pamela Hines - An insightful tour of Jazz Greats in a golden era

Franklin Public Radio wfpr.fm Schedule for Tuesday

Franklin TV schedule for Tuesday, June 24, 2025

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

7:30 am Joe Landry: Grocery Stores
9:00 am Mental Health: Kallie Montagano & Sonja Wagner
10:00 am Frank Presents: Jamie Barrett
12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin: French Toast
12:30 pm Cooking with Linda: Steak
1:30 pm Pizzapalooza: Meat-Lovers Pt. 1
2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Summer 2018 Show 1
3:00 pm Candlepin New Generation: Show 7
3:30 pm Riffin' on Main Street: Raye Lynn Mercer
4:30 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Referee Shortage Pt1
5:30 pm ArtWeek: Theater in the Open
6:30 pm Jon Mitchell & Randy LaRosa: 12-Tone Music
8:00 pm Chad Hollister Band

Franklin Pride TV - Our Educational Channel (Comcast 8, Verizon 28) = TUESDAY
7:00 am Parmenter Graduation 2025
8:30 am FHS Concert Hour 02-26-25
10:00 am Mental Health: Kallie Montagano & Sonja Wagner
12:30 pm All-Town Showcase 2024: Band
2:00 pm FHS Boys Varsity Lacrosse v St. John's 05-16-25
4:30 pm Tri County Honors Night 2025
8:00 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Referee Shortage Pt1
9:00 pm Tri County Graduation 2025

Franklin Town Hall TV - Our Government Channel (Comcast 9, Verizon 29) = TUESDAY
8:00 am School Committee 06-10-25
2:00 pm School Committee 06-10-25

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

Monday, June 23, 2025

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Monday, June 23, 2025 ???

Monday, June 23

Library & Senior Center events

** Franklin Lions offering light kits again to "Light up Franklin" for the 4th of July https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/06/reminder-franklin-lions-offering-light.html

For additional details on Library & Senior Center events ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar.aspx?CID=37,24&showPastEvents=false

** Town Meetings today **

Franklin Public Library Board of Directors Meeting

Monday, June 23 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/Library-Board-of-Directors-20/?#_06232025-1776

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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