Sunday, April 12, 2026

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Sunday, April 12, 2026 ???

Sunday, April 12


1:00pm Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

1:15pm Sunday Speaker Series: Steven Puleo talks about "The Boston Italians" (Franklin Historical Museum)

1:30pm Book a Break Book Tour Event ~ THE MIDNIGHT SHOW (Pour Richard's Wine & Provisions)

2:00pm The Prom (Dean College Main Stage Theater)


*** 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

Franklin, MA: Agenda for Town Council meeting Wednesday, April 15 at 7 PM

Franklin Town Council
Agenda & Meeting Packet
April 15, 2026 = 7:00 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. COUNCILOR COMMENTS


4. SUBCOMMITTEE & AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS
a. Joint Budget Subcommittee
b. Economic Development Subcommittee
c. Communications Subcommittee
d. Town Charter Ad Hoc Committee
e. Police Station Building Committee

5. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

6. PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS
a. Proclamation: Sons and Daughters of Italy in America - Quattro Eroi Lodge 1414
 
7. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

8. APPOINTMENTS - None Scheduled
9. PUBLIC HEARINGS - 7:00 PM - None Scheduled
10. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS - None Scheduled

11. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION -
a. National Grid - Bob Moran and Ted Lombardi

b. Fire Department Operations Overview - Chuck Allen, Franklin Fire Chief  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9050/Franklin-Fire-Department-2026-Presentation-4

c. Police Department Operations Overview - TJ Lynch, Franklin Police Chief  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9051/FPD-Overview-TC-Presentation---April-2026

12. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
a. Resolution 26-20: Acceptance of Gifts - Senior Ctr. ($321) & Veterans Services Dept. ($637.78) (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-20 - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9052/12a-1-26-20-Gift-Acceptances

13. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION - None Scheduled

15. ADJOURN

Note: Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes
Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting

The agenda doc also contains remote participation info

The Economic Development Subcommittee met for the first time April 2, 2026 (audio)

FM #1716 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1716 in the series. 


Economic Development Subcommittee
Economic Development Subcommittee
The Economic Development Subcommittee met for the first time in this new Council term. Committee Chair LeBlanc, members Morrongiello, Griffith & Malloy present for this session.


Town Administrator Jamie Hellen, Building Commissioner Gus Brown, and Planning and Community Development Director Morena Zelaya were also present


The meeting runs about 1 hour and 16 minutes. 


Audio link -  
https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1716-economic-development-subcmte-mtg-04-02-26/


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Franklin Matters recap - https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/04/the-economic-development-subcommittee.html 


Franklin TV video is available for replay - https://www.youtube.com/live/EStN4ZeBYow?&t=112 


The agenda here - 

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04022026-2223 


My full set of notes taken during the meeting - 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1n0qTNv-eqTy85Vqdu3aJvo59fGJzHAwu/view?usp=drive_link 

   


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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

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Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.


For additional information, please visit www.franklin.news/ or  www.Franklinmatters.org/ 


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"


Italian exhibit now open, Stephen Puleo is the Sunday Speaker at Franklin Historical Museum - Apr 12

To mark the 100th anniversary of the Sons & Daughters of Italy, the Museum will be inaugurating an exhibit dedicated to Franklin’s Italian-American community!

The exhibit includes many photographs and memorabilia of the Lodge and the local Italian community and will kick off other related events, culminating in a banquet at the VFW on May 16. Organizers are also hoping to conduct oral history interviews and to gather old photographs for scanning and sharing!
On Sunday, April 12, the Museum will be hosting celebrated historical author Stephen Puleo to discuss his book “The Boston Italians.” In it, Mr. Puleo chronicles the arrival and establishment of Italian-American communities from the North End to the present day. His talk will begin at 1:15, and is free to the public.


$5 donations to the Museum are encouraged.



FHS Outdoor Track vs Sharon results: both girls & boys teams post wins

Franklin vs. Sharon
Boys = Score: Franklin 91, Sharon 45

Track

Franklin’s Samuel Diehl won the 400-meter hurdles (65.5), while Noah Poyau (66.1) and Grayson Rich (66.3) finished second and third for Sharon.

Franklin’s Peter Gubka won the 100m (11.6), with Joseph Seaman (11.8) and Hermann Chery (12.3) finishing second and third for Sharon.

In the mile, Kyle Twomey (4:50.1) and Nicholas Mitchell (5:02) finished first and third for Franklin. Kavish Boopathi Raja finished second for Sharon (4:57.2).

Sharon’s Xavier Cardoso won the 400m (53.8), while Andrew Rontiris (55.6) and Matthew Peixoto (56.4) finished second and third for Franklin.

Peter Gubka won the 110-meter hurdles for Franklin (16.5), while Sharon’s Rain Zheng (17.1) and Noah Poyau (19.0) finished second and third.

In the 800m, Franklin’s Ethan Riley (2:11.1) and Andrew Scotland (2:11.4) took the first two places. Sharon’s Sean Cullen placed third in a time of 2:12.6.

In the 200m, Stephon Reed (23.6) and Jack Marshall (25.5) took first and third for Franklin. Joseph Seaman (24.9) finished second for Sharon.

In the 2 mile, Adam Peng (10:39.8) and Sawyer Laing (10:51.6) finished first and third for Franklin. Sharon’s Alex Pinnix finished second in a time of 10:41.

Franklin swept both relays (48.1, 3:50).

Field

Elias Lawless (39’2), Matthew Lord (38’5.75), and Jackson Bartro (37’6.75) led a Franklin sweep of the shot put. Jaymani Ayuso was fourth for Sharon with a throw of 34’5.

In the discus, Matthew Lord (126’0) and Jackson Bartro (103’6) took the top two spots for Franklin. Sharon’s Benjamin Wiebe finished third (91’4).

Jackson Taylor won the javelin for Franklin (99’4), while Aneil Pierce (99’2) and Cole Feifer (95’6) finished second and third for Sharon.

In the high jump, Stephon Reed and Peter Gubka tied for first for Franklin (5’6), while Sharon’s Jusenly Lorthe finished third (5’6).

In the long jump, Tobiah Stessman (19’3) and Anton Raymond (17’10.25) finished first and third for Sharon. Peter Gubka finished second for Franklin in a jump of 18’11.

In the triple jump, Tobiah Stessman (39’2.5) and Anton Raymond (36’9.25) finished first and third for Sharon. Stephon Reed finished second for Franklin in a jump of 37’1.75.

Girls = Score: Franklin 107.5, Sharon 28.5

Track


In the 400-meter hurdles, Franklin’s Phoebe Cuneo (69.5) and Rhian Schliter (78.1) finished first and third. Sharon’s Jessica Xiang finished second in a time of 75.7.

In the 100m, Franklin’s Jossie Camp (13.2) and Lydia Donnelly (13.8) finished first and third. Sharon’s Samantha Agnew finished second in a time of 13.5.

Stella Nappa (5:49), Annabelle Santiago (5:51.1), and Savannah Copeland (5:51.1) led a Franklin sweep of the mile. Sharon’s Iris Nolan finished fifth in a time of 6:19.

Maddie Bruno (63.4), Isabella Oteri (67.5), and Anna Godin (71.8) led a Franklin sweep of the 400m. Sharon’s Victoria Xian was seventh in a time of 76.7.

In the 100-meter hurdles, Phoebe Cuneo (16.7) and Jossie Camp (17.7) took the top two places for Franklin. Sharon’s Alison Dembksy (18.3) took home third.

In the 800m, Victoria Courtright-Lim (2:25.7) and Keelan Donnelly (2:36.3) finished first and third for Franklin. Sharon’s Charlotte Serrano (2:31.4) finished second.

Jennifer McLaughlin (28.5), Julia Matteson (29.2), and Erin Driscoll (29.5) led a Franklin sweep of the 200m. Janae Dennis was fifth for Sharon in a time of 32.5.

In the 2 mile, Stella Nappa (12:39.2) and Hannah Dulong (13:18.2) finished first and third for Franklin. Sharon’s Reagan Wray (13:05.2) finished second.

Franklin swept both relays (54.9, 4:33.2).

Field

In the shot put, Monica McIntyre (26’0.75) and Lydia Donnelly (25’1) finished first and third for Franklin. Jayla Ledbetter was second for Sharon with a throw of 25’2.25.

Sharon’s Jayla Ledbetter won the discus (92’4), while Keira Fitzgerald (85’1) and Lydia Donnelly (75’11) finished second and third for Franklin.

Chloe Bowser (77’8), Emma Anderson (70’11), and Eila Crochiere (70’9) led a Franklin sweep of the javelin. Rachel Needle was fourth for Sharon (65’9).

In the high jump, Franklin’s Erin Driscoll (4’6) and Isabella Oteri (4’2) finished first and third for Franklin. Sharon’s Taylor Bien-Aime was second in a jump of 4’2.

Jossie Camp (15’1), Phoebe Cuneo (14’9.75), and Jennifer McLaughlin (14’8) led a Franklin sweep of the long jump. Sharon’s Samantha Agnew finished fourth in a jump of 13’7.

Imani Vaughn won the triple jump for Sharon (32’7.5), while Jossie Camp (31’7) and Phoebe Cuneo (31’5.5) took the next two places for Franklin.

and 

Franklin TV: Sports, Take 2

Giving voice to the action.

by Pete Fasciano, Executive Director 04/12/2026

We’re watching football. Yes, we’re ‘Professional Football Watchers’



Now there’s a cool job title. Here you see Pete Royce and Jay Horrigan watching a game and calling the play action. They’re broadcast sports announcers. That’s the fancier way of saying, ‘Professional Football Watchers’. All they need here? Buffalo wings and beer.

This was one of the rare instances where they called the game from our studio rather than at the field. I might be disassembling a bit of ‘The Magic of Television’, but yes, this actually happens with some national and international sports.

Consider that almost all soccer games are called by announcers in a Miami studio.

“ Goalll ! ! ! ! ! !”

As the World Cup plays out across the U.S. this year there will be announcers hither and yon – in studios around the world. They’ll be calling the games in languages common to their respective national TV networks.

The “Tower of Babel” problem – solved. Not a towering task.

And – as always –
Thank you for watching. 
Thanks 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
Watch Listen Read all things that matter in Franklin MA

BFCCPS Board of Directors seeking applicants to join the Board

BFCCPS Board of Directors seeking applicants to join the Board
BFCCPS Board of Directors seeking
applicants to join the Board
The BFCCPS Board of Trustees is excited to announce that they are seeking applicants to fill 4 vacancies within the Board. Each position is a 3 year term, with the option to run for re-election at the end of the first term.

Learn more in this special edition newsletter: https://app.smore.com/n/ra0ut



Where's the Toast? Memory Cafe April 15, 2026 at 1 PM

Good day,

1.pngWhere's the Toast? Memory Cafe April 15, 2026 at 1 PM
Where's the Toast? Memory Cafe
April 15, 2026 at 1 PM
On behalf of the Franklin Senior Center, we would like to extend an invitation to our April 15th Where's the Toast?! Memory Cafe.

Memory cafés offer a safe, judgment-free space to connect, socialize, and enjoy meaningful activities together, emphasizing companionship, creativity, and shared experiences. 

For individuals living with dementia, memory cafés help reduce isolation and foster a sense of belonging. For caregivers, they provide encouragement, understanding, and the chance to connect with others who truly support them.

Whether you come for conversation, laughter, music, or simply to be among supportive community members, you are welcome just as you are.

We hope you’ll join us and be part of a community built on connection, dignity, and joy.  Please RSVP to Amanda Rabbitt at arabbitt@franklinma.gov so we are ready to welcome you to the program!

Amanda S. Rabbitt

Supportive Day Program and 

Special Project Coordinator

Tax Work Off Liaison


10 Daniel McCahill St

Franklin, Massachusetts 02038-1352

O. 508-520-4945, ext 4418
F. 508-520-4917
E. arabbitt@franklinma.gov


Another new exhibit at the Children's Museum


"Right when you walk in, you’ll spot something new 

Our gear wall - beautifully crafted by talented local maker, Meghan Medeiros (@customcreationsbymeghan ) - welcomes visitors into the space while sharing how we care for it together. 

It’s playful, thoughtful, and rooted in something we believe deeply: building a joyful, respectful community starts with all of us.

If you’ve been here before, you’ve already experienced Meghan’s work - woven into so many of the most loved parts of the Museum. We’re so grateful to continue collaborating and bringing her incredible talent into this space.

Because this place is all of ours."

Beaver St. Interceptor Project: Construction Updates ~ Sunday (4/12) Through Friday (4/17)

RT. 140 (West Central Street) Lane Closure Alert: Sunday Night (4/12) through Thursday Morning (4/16), 7 PM to 5 AM and Friday (4/17) 7 AM to 3 PM

The Contractor will continue installing the sewer force main within RT. 140 (West Central Street). The work will be contained within the southbound lane from Burger King to Beaver Street. During this time there will be evening lane closures on RT. 140. Please use caution when traveling in this area and follow all posted signs.

Beaver Street Pump Station

At the Franklin Recreation Center, construction of the new Beaver Street Interceptor Pump Station will continue with the installation and testing of internal building components and pumps.  Access to the recreation center will NOT be affected during this time.


For additional info visit the project page - https://franklinma.gov/557/Beaver-Street-Interceptor-BSI-Project

Laura May Band scheduled for La Cantina Saturday, Apr 18

via La Cantina Winery

"Live Music Night 

Join us on Saturday, April 18 from 7–10 PM for an amazing night with the Laura May Band! 

Great music, delicious wine, and the perfect vibe to spend your evening. Don’t miss it! "



Bacchus Buster arrives again at Pour Richard's Saturday, April 18

SPRING BACCHUS BUSTER! Saturday 4/18 | 1-4PM.

New faces, an all Portugal table, spring whites, Tuesday night reds for the grill.... 

Get your decks ready, get your cellars stocked. 

Bring Friends.



Applause sets opening schedule: a Ladybug Trail pop up Apr 25, then official May 1

Applause sets opening schedule
Applause sets opening schedule
GUESS WHO’s BACK!?!?!?

That’s right! The sun is shining and the days of cold and snow are behind us which can only mean one thing- it’s coming up on gelato season!

Join us for our official season opening on May 1st with a sneak peak one day pop up opening on April 25th for the annual Ladybug Trail Spring Walk!!!

We can’t wait to see all our familiar and new faces come through!!! Bring on the warmth and sun!!!



Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule for Sunday, April 12, 2026

Yes, Franklin has it's own radio station -> wfpr.fmFranklin 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
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
Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule for Sunday