What's happening in Franklin, MA: Sunday, June 14, 2026 ???

Sunday, June 14 Flag Day

Beaver St road closed at MBTA tracks 

8:00am Yoga on the Beach (Beaver Pond)

9:00am Inaugural Eddie Grant Kickball Tournament (Beaver Pond Turf Field)

9:00am Fallen Hero: Timothy J. Hayes (Veterans Walkway, Franklin Town Common)

1:00pm Sunday Funday (Fairmount Fruit Farm)

1:00pm Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

1:15pm Sunday Speaker Series: Panel: Soccer's MA Roots and Branches (Franklin Historical Museum)

*** 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: Timothy J. Hayes - June 14, 2026 - 9 AM

There is a Fallen Hero Recognition event today (6/14/26) at 9 AM on the Town Common Veterans Walkway to honor Sergeant Timothy J. Hayes, 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.

Fallen Hero: Sergeant Timothy J. Hayes, U.S. Army

Sgt Timothy J. Hayes, U.S. Army was born on October 14, 1914, the son of Daniel and Margaret Hayes.  

Sgt Hayes was graduated from Franklin High School in 1932 and was the husband of the former Eleanor McGrory. The couple was married in Franklin on May 16, 1943 and lived at 62 Cross Street. 

Sgt Timothy Hayes served in the regular army prior to Pearl Harbor and was called back into service when war against Japan broke out. Sgt Hayes was sent to England in October of 1943 for several months to undergo rigorous airborne unit training as a paratrooper in preparation for the D-Day invasion.  

The Normandy assault was in two phases, an air assault landing of airborne troops shortly after midnight and an amphibious landing of Allied Infantry and armored divisions along the coast of France commencing at 6:30 AM.  

Sgt. Timothy Hayes was in the 502nd Parachute Infantry Regiment, Company D deployment drop and on June 14, 1944 died of wounds received in combat during the D-Day invasion.  

Sgt Timothy J. Hayes was 29 years old at the time of his death and rests eternally in the Normandy American Cemetery in France.

Originally posted ->  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/fallen-hero-sergeant-timothy-j-hayes-us.html 

The schedule of Fallen Heroes for the year on one page (PDF)

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1tlyiAK18owM81p8aJs1vhKc3p2bIK1cv/view?usp=drive_link

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 

One man's quest to find out about Sgt Hayes

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2018/12/one-mans-quest-to-find-out-about-sgt.html

Fallen Hero: Sgt Timothy Hayes

St Mary's Parish to celebrate their 150th Anniversary in 2027

Via St Mary's Parish, Franklin

Something special is going to happen in 2027.  After our country and state have concluded their 250th celebrations at the end of 2026 and before our town celebrates its 250th in 2028, our parish will commemorate 150 years of being a parish throughout 2027.  

St Mary's Parish to celebrate
their 150th Anniversary in 2027

Father Bob is expressing his great joy and deep gratitude as he announces this extraordinary moment in the life of our parish family.

 

On February 6, 2027, St. Mary Parish in Franklin will begin the celebration of our 150th Anniversary — a year-long commemoration of faith, community, service, and grace.

Since the earliest days of St. Mary Parish, this community has stood as a spiritual home for countless families in Franklin and beyond. Here, lives have been transformed through the Sacraments. Children have been baptized and confirmed. Couples have stood before God in marriage. Families have gathered in moments of joy and sorrow. Through every season, St. Mary’s has remained a place where Christ is encountered, where faith is nurtured, and where people are welcomed with compassion and hope.

As we prepare for this historic milestone, we do so not simply by looking back, but also by looking forward. The story of St. Mary Parish is 150 years in the making and is still being written. 

Throughout this anniversary year, we will host multiple events and celebrations that highlight the many important pieces and parts that together make St. Mary Parish such a vibrant and faithful community. 

There will be opportunities for prayer, fellowship, service, storytelling, music, remembrance, and celebration. We hope to honor our history while also embracing the future God is calling us toward.

This anniversary belongs to all of us. We are all members of St. Mary’s Family.

Over the coming months, additional details about anniversary events, volunteer opportunities, historical projects, and special celebrations will be shared through the bulletin, parish website, and social media. It will take all of our family to properly honor these 150 years. 

Fr. Bob is asking you and all parishioners to give generously of time, talent and treasure. He invites you to volunteer on our special anniversary committees and projects to help us create a beautiful 150th celebration. Visit our on-line form below to volunteer for special anniversary committees.

Fr. Bob is pleased to announce that Mr. John Ristaino will help me in managing this great project as our St. Mary’s 150 Anniversary Director. If you have any questions or suggestions regarding the anniversary celebration you can reach out to him at 150director@stmarysfranklin.org

Through the intercession of our friend, St. Rocco and most importantly, our beloved Mother, Mary, may God continue to watch over our parish family.

Peace

 

To volunteer for special anniversary committees - https://forms.gle/9t8BhC3U14538Jj38

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/1amqRuYHG9/

Franklin, MA: Agenda for Town Council meeting June 17, 2026 at 6 PM

Franklin Town Council

Agenda & Meeting Packet

June 17, 2026 = 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. COUNCILOR COMMENTS

4. SUBCOMMITTEE & AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS

a. Joint Budget Subcommittee (next meeting: August 13 @ 6pm)

b. Economic Development Subcommittee (next meeting: July 23rd @ 6:00PM)

c. Communications Subcommittee (next meeting: TBD)

d. Town Charter Ad Hoc Committee (next meeting: June 24th @ 6pm)

e. Police Station Building Committee (next meeting: TBD)

5. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

6. PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS

a. Fire Department

i. Swearing in of new Firefighter / Paramedic - Johnna Moitoso

b. Police Department

i. Swearing in of new Clinician - Danielle Machado

ii. Swearing in of new Officer - Caleb MacLean

7. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

a. April 15, 2026

b. May 13, 2026

c. May 20, 2026

d. May 21, 2026

8. APPOINTMENTS

a. Annual Reappointments and New Appointments of Boards and Committees Members

i. See “Committee Appointments” in packet for member names

9. PUBLIC HEARINGS - 7:00 PM - None Scheduled

10. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS - None Scheduled

11. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION - None Scheduled

12. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

a. Resolution 26-36: General Funds Appropriations, Transfers and Adjustments FY26 (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-36 - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9833/12a-Complete

b. Resolution 26-30: FY26 Snow and Ice Stabilization Account Transfer

(Motion to Approve Resolution 26-30: ⅔ Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9835/12-b-Complete

c. Resolution 26-37: Acceptance of Gifts - Veterans Services Dept. ($750)

(Motion to Approve Resolution 26-X37 - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9848/12c-Complete

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 - 

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06172026-2368

Head's up: Anticipated to need 20 Volunteers across 8 boards/committees for July 1, 2026 and following

June 12, 2026

To: Town Council

From: Jamie Hellen, Town Administrator

RE: Annual Reappointments of Boards and Committee Members

The Council will consider annual reappointments of board & committee members whose terms will expire at the end of June. There is also one new member, Jim Lane, being appointed to the Finance Committee with a term to expire in 2029, and two term expiration date amendments for Kyle Galvin (Design Review) and Gail Karner (Board of Assessors) to correct clerical errors made at the time of their respective appointments.

Of the forty-six (46) members with expiring terms, thirty-four (34) will be renewing, eleven (11) will not be renewing and one (1) is to be determined. Note, the appointments for the Community Preservation Committee members will be ratified at the Town Council’s July 22nd meeting.

As of July 1st we anticipate the following committees will have vacancies:

We will publish a vacancy announcement within the next couple of weeks and encourage all residents who are interested in getting more involved to submit a volunteer application!

Applications can be found here: https://franklinmaboards.vt-s.net/newcaf.php.

Shared from June 17 Town Council agenda item - https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9847/8a-Complete

What's up with the Audit? State Rep Jeff Roy takes time to explain the issue & what the MA House has done (audio)

FM #1764 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1764 in the series. 

This session shares my conversation with State Representative Jeffrey Roy. We had our discussion virtually via Zoom on Thursday, June 11, 2026.

 

We talk about 

• Background on the audit issue

• What info is available today including annual audits

• The Supreme Judicial Court hearing on the Auditor vs. the Attorney General

• Legislation enhancing the audit process in light of the decision

• Records request process outlined

The show notes include links to the presentation doc and supporting material. 

The recording runs about 47 minutes, so let’s watch and/or listen in.

Video link - https://youtu.be/EakyZVjB64c 

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1764-state-rep-jeff-roy-explains-the-audit-issue-06-11-26/

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Presentation document - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1TfRPWL7MprCn0AGkEiai7KmH6o_9eLdv/view?usp=drive_link 

Audit types  - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Audit  

What is the “GAGAS” or Yellow book ?  https://www.gao.gov/yellowbook  

Details of the legislation discussed H.5469  - https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H5469   Note: H.5469 is now before the MA Senate where they will need to review and decide before moving to the Governor.

Representative Roy’s House page - https://malegislature.gov/People/Profile/JNR1 

The full Supreme Judicial Court (SJC) video session -  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EvtF3hgWgOc 

SJC audit ruling (extracted from the full docket)

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1dnJpSOKv4_edgRaBQT_V77cz7Ta0FKl7/view?usp=drive_link

The link to the Climate bill public website reference: BU Student generate project archive with the info on the development of the major MA climate legislation passed in 2022 by Gov Baker - "Chapter 179, An Act Driving Clean Energy and Offshore Wind" https://sites.bu.edu/masslaw/2023/02/10/chapter-179-an-act-driving-clean-energy-and-offshore-wind/ 

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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 it!

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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"

"Passport to the World" trifold flyer touts shopping in Franklin

The Little Shop of Olive Oils has coordinated with some other local businesses to create a trifold flyer touting Franklin as a "Passport to the World"

 

"Wander a little. Snack a little. Shop local. Downtown Franklin is full of charming shops, great food, and small-town surprises around every corner."

Download a copy of the PDF 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1UG7hlOFQVZyx76hKtSRjzJAOkN2BO9xW/view?usp=sharing

View the PDF in the embedded file

Franklin TV: MIAA - Meet the talented student athletes

by Pete Fasciano, Executive Director 06/14/2026

Last week we were back in the studio interviewing some amazing student athletes with the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association – the MIAA

Franklin TV: MIAA - Meet the talented student athletes

It’s always an inspiring session; listening to these students share their experiences. They brilliantly personify the MIAA’s mission “Growing Courageous Leaders.”

If you’ve ever had doubts or misgivings about this latest generation –find comfort in the MIAA’s ongoing series “Winning Ways”. It’s definitely must-see TV.

And – as always –

Thank you for watching. 

Thanks for listening to wfpr●fm,

and staying informed at Franklin●news

The playlist for "Winning Ways" defaults to the oldest video first, so you'll need to scroll down to find the most recent ones.   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qRYBa_byGy8&list=PLfmIkAj28lU9FkHa8K0ryvIlQgJYuIG9P

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

Trust Fall Writing® Pop-Up - June 28, 2026

Trust Fall Writing® Pop-Up - June 28, 2026

Learning to Respond to What’s in Front of Us in a Judgment-Free Space

Trust Fall Writing is a gentle, self-care practice for those wanting to quiet the inner critic and reconnect with honest expression.

Using poetry as a starting point, we write continuously and imperfectly - letting intuitive thoughts arrive before judgment does. There’s no critique, no pressure to “be good,” and no prerequisite to be a writer.

We’ll listen to poetry, choose a line that resonates, and handwrite in short bursts designed to help you move past overthinking and into curiosity, intuition, and presence.

This practice welcomes:

• Messy honesty
• Wrong words
• Incomplete thoughts/stories
• The act of showing up

After writing, participants are invited (never forced) to share what surfaced in a supportive, confidential space. We practice listening without critique, fixing, or performance.

Together, we explore what happens when we stop editing ourselves out of the moment.

No writing experience needed.

Ready to meet yourself on the page?

Space is limited, so if interested, email Brittany at Trustfallwriting@gmail.com by June 17th.

Beaver Street Interceptor (BSI) Project: Construction Updates ~ Saturday, June 13 through Friday, June 19

24/7 Beaver St Road Closure: Saturday, June 13 – Monday, June 15

Starting at 12:00 AM on Saturday, June 13, Beaver Street will close at the MBTA train tracks. This area will remain closed 24 hours a day until Monday, June 15, at 4:00 PM. A detour will be in place during this time.

Access Details:

- Via Rt. 140 only: Access to 242 through 290 Beaver Street, including Franklin Glass, and Franklin Recreation.

- Via Grove St. only: Access to all other locations on Beaver Street, including the Town of Franklin Recycling Center, Beaver Street Recreation Area, and businesses on Master Drive.

MBTA Service Notice:

MBTA Commuter Rail service to Forge Parkway and Dean College (Downtown) Stations will be suspended on Saturday, June 13, and Sunday, June 14.

June 14 - Eddie Grant Kickball Tournament:

For attendees of the Eddie Grant Kickball Tournament on June 14th, please note that you will need to access the Beaver Pond Recreation Area via Grove St. See their Facebook Page (https://www.facebook.com/p/Franklin-Fathers-61580257836187/) for more information. 

RT. 140 (West Central Street) Lane Closure Alert: Monday (6/15) through Friday (6/19) 7 AM to 3 PM

The contractor will reinstall sidewalks 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 lane closures on RT. 140. Please use caution when traveling in this area and follow all posted signs.

Beaver Street Lane Closure Alert:  From Tuesday (6/16) through Wednesday (6/17) between 7 AM and 4 PM.

The contractor will work on Beaver Street near the MBTA tracks.  During this time there will be a lane closure on Beaver Street around this area.  Please use caution when traveling in this area and follow all posted signs.

For additional updated on the Interceptor project - https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/557/Beaver-Street-Interceptor-BSI-Project

Humidity did not keep the folks away, the Strawberry Stroll saw an increase in participants

From Main St between Dean and the Library looking towards Emmons St

The sun was bright, shade was sought to give a bit of relief from the humidity but the crowds kept coming. 

• Lots of happy faces were seen
• Many conversations were held
• Folks hopefully left with more info about what is available in Franklin

Thanks to the Franklin Downtown Partnership and all their vendors, organizations and volunteers for pulling this together. And of course to Franklin Police and Fire for their expert assistance in traffic control and with the occasional heat affected individuals.

That's a Wrap: 2025/2026 Community Concert

Dear Community Concert goers, musicians, and friends,

The 2025/2026 Community Concert season was excellent. Thanks to the Jazz Tones Trio, Eric Christensen, Stickman Blue and Kaye Kelly, the Franklin Fathers, Vera Meyer and the Franklin Historical Commission, Michael Rivelis, The Shams, and the Franklin Music Department for sharing your amazing talent and making this year extra special. Each performance brought joy, connection, and strengthened the bonds that make our community strong.

This past season was funded entirely by a generous grant from The United Methodist Foundation of New England. As we head into a summer recess and begin planning for the 2026/2027 season, we’re excited about what’s ahead. This fall, we’ll kick things off with an organ concert and historic hymn sing, supported by a grant from the Franklin Cultural Council. We’re also actively seeking additional bookings of Franklin-related artists. If you know someone who might be interested, please pass along their contact information or invite them to reach out.

We are the only venue in Franklin that exclusively supports Franklin-related artists. And, we don’t ask them to perform for free. Through grants and donations, we’re able to offer stipends for each concert honoring the time, talent, and preparation that goes into every performance.

If you’d like to help sustain and grow the Community Closet series, we invite you to make a contribution. Your gift helps secure talent and ensure that these concerts remain free to the entire community. Donations can be made online here or by mailing a check to the Franklin UMC, PO Box 313, Franklin, MA 02038 with “Community Concerts” in the memo line.

Thank you for showing up, clapping loudly, spreading the word, and helping make Franklin a place where the arts flourish. If you have ideas for strengthening the series or you just want to chat, don’t hesitate to reach out. We look forward to seeing you again in the fall.

Peace.

Jacob Juncker

The Community Concert page - https://franklinumc.org/community/concerts/

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule for Sunday, June 14, 2026

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm
schedule for Sunday, June 14, 2026

Yes, Franklin has its 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:

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