What's happening in Franklin, MA: Friday, June 27, 2025 ???

Friday, June 27

** 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

Library & Senior Center events

10:00am Knitting Group (Franklin Public Library)

1:00pm Thrifty Threads (Franklin Federated Church)

2:00pm Farmers Market (Franklin Town Common)

3:00pm Robert Swalley (live music) (Franklin Town Common)

5:30pm 3Sum Band (live music) (Franklin Town Common)

For additional details on Library & Senior Center events ->   

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

** NO  Town Meetings today   **

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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

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

Concerts on the Common collaboration with Farmers Market resumes Friday, June 27

Concerts on the Common collaboration with Farmers Market resumes Friday, June 27

Via Franklin Farmers Market:

We are excited to team up with @franklin_recreation for the Concert on The Common Series again!

Check out the amazing lineup coming to you this summer. We are excited to have the first night happening on Friday!

Be sure to join us for a spectacular evening.

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/DLTffA2M43M/

What vendors and activities are at the Farmer's Market today - June 20, 2025 ??

We are glad you asked.  

Thanks to the good folks operating the Franklin Farmer's Market, we have the answers to share. 

For additional info, you can also check the Farmers Market page ->   https://www.franklinfarmersmarketma.com/

What vendors and activities are at the Farmer's Market today - June 20, 2025 ??

Town Council hears of Chief McLaughlin retirement, Electric Youth performance, and approves union contracts (video)

The Town Council met as scheduled on Wednesday, June 18, 2025 in the Council Chambers with 8 present initially and the 9 joined in progress.

The Franklin TV video is available for replay ->  https://www.youtube.com/live/RpRNbG1tXVw?&t=188

Agenda doc ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06182025-1788

Electric Youth made their annual 'bon voyage' appearance to perform an a cappella number

Quick recap:

• Fire Chief McLaughlin reads statement announcing his retirement on or before Oct 1, 2025. He lists the accomplishments of his time here including that the Department has multiple qualified candidates to replace him. Town Administrator Jamie Hellen confirms later in the meeting that the position posting will be for internal candidates only.
• Electric Youth made their annual 'bon voyage' appearance to perform an a cappella number fittingly "Time of my Life" from the Dirty Dancing movie
• Appointment to the Council on Aging: Elizabeth Sawyer, approved
• Appointment to the Disability Commission: Cheryl Fisher, approved
• La Cantina was approved for their Farmers Market license
• The Community Survey results were released and explained. Results can be compared with over 500 communities. Good response rate, among the best at 20%, effectively a better representation of the sense of the community with the random sample selection. Paid via Federal grant money as a pilot program. No definitive timeline for a next survey. Likely a discussion later this year on what the results can be used for
• Report ->  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/5956/8a-Polco-Survey-Final-Report
• Presentation doc ->   https://franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/5945/Polco---The-NCS-Presentation-Franklin-MA-2025
• Town presentation doc by Town Administrator Jamie Hellen ->   https://franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/5946/Town-of-Franklin---The-NCSPresentation
• All the details in the survey are posted on one Town page ->   https://franklinma.gov/974/National-Community-Survey
• Motion made and approved to create the Franklin 250 Celebration Committee. Up to 13 members with some specific representation and some at large residents, Term thru June 30, 2029. Plan the year long celebration, engaging, calendar, programs, access, etc. The committee needs to be of people who are willing to do the work. Town staff as ex officio to assist the committee, the committee needs to do the work. Discussion on council membership in "at large role"
• Resolution 25-39: FY25 Budget Transfers. Balancing the books better before they close out June 30. Out of $150m budget balancing on $40k is amazing
• Councilor Cormier-Leger arrives at 9:25 PM. Council enters Executive Session shortly after to discuss contract negotiation.  They returned approx. 15 minutes later to approve 7 motions certifying the contract with Town side bargaining units. All received the same 2.5% COLA that the School teachers agreed to, for a 3 year term.
• Meeting adjourned

My complete set of notes captured during the meeting

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1bUOaCgv7a1pv5MHGIqweTwmKy2MkAEjW/view?usp=drive_link

Live music performances Friday, June 20 -> Frankie's Four, Jamie Barrett, Jennifer Tefft

At the Farmers Market, Frankie's Four performs from 3 to 6 PM on the Town Common ->   https://www.facebook.com/share/1BbUB1jTwF/

Jamie Barrett LIVE @ Bog Iron Brewing THIS Friday, June 20th from 7:30-10:30 pm  https://www.facebook.com/share/1ASWmqpQJd/

Jennifer Tefft says "Looking forward to seeing my friends at @quarterdeckfalmouth this Friday! 8 PM.   https://www.instagram.com/p/DLAO_Q0MAwi/

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Friday, June 13, 2025 ???

Friday, June 13

• Fakes and Forgeries Exhibit (during Franklin Historical Museum Open Hours)

8:30am Franklin Football Panther Cup (New England Country Club)

9:00am Kennedy 5th Grade Patriotic Concert (John F. Kennedy Memorial School)

10:00am Knitting Group (Franklin Public Library)

1:00pm Thrifty Threads (Franklin Federated Church)

2:00pm Farmers Market (Franklin Town Common)

3:00pm Moxie (live music) (Franklin Town Common)

4:00pm Strawberry Stroll 

7:00pm Urinetown, the Musical (Franklin High School)

For additional details on Library & Senior Center events ->   

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

**  Town Meetings today   **

Franklin School Committee Community Relations Subcommittee - Strawberry Stroll

Friday, June 13 Time: 4:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06132025-1767

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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

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

What vendors and activities are at the Farmer's Market today - June 13, 2025 ??

We are glad you asked.  

Thanks to the good folks operating the Franklin Farmer's Market, we have the answers to share. 

For additional info, you can also check the Farmers Market page ->   https://www.franklinfarmersmarketma.com/

What vendors and activities are at the Farmer's Market today - June 13, 2025 ??

Sensory friendly hour every Franklin Farmers Market from 2 to 3 PM

Sensory friendly hour every Franklin
Farmers Market from 2 to 3 PM

Did you know? We offer a sensory friendly hour every market from 2-3?

What is this you ask?

Head over to the website and check out the FAQ.

https://www.franklinfarmersmarketma.com/faq

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1FX6A9PK4t/

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Friday, June 6, 2025 ???

Friday, June 6

9:00am Kennedy Concert (John F. Kennedy Memorial School)

10:00am Knitting Group (Franklin Public Library)

12:15pm Horace Mann Middle School Student Poetry Reading  (Franklin Senior Center)

12:30pm Annual Tee-Off for Tri-County Golf Tournament (Wentworth Hills Country Club)

1:00pm Thrifty Threads (Franklin Federated Church)

2:00pm Farmers Market (Franklin Town Common)

3:00pm Joe Marino (live music) (Franklin Town Common)

5:00pm FHS Graduation (Franklin High School) Note time changed to potentially get ahead/away from storms 

7:30pm FPAC: Little Women (THE BLACK BOX)

For additional details on Library & Senior Center events ->   

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

** NO Town Meetings today   **

------------

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

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

What vendors and activities are at the Farmer's Market today - June 6, 2025 ??

We are glad you asked.  

Thanks to the good folks operating the Franklin Farmer's Market, we have the answers to share. 

What vendors and activities are at the Farmer's Market today - June 6, 2025 ??

For additional info, you can also check the Farmers Market page ->   https://www.franklinfarmersmarketma.com/

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Saturday, April 5, 2025 ???

Saturday, April 5

** Franklin Art Association Art Show and Sale Exhibit (Norfolk Public Library)

9:00am Thrifty Threads (Franklin Federated Church)
9:30am Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) (Franklin Public Library)
10:00am Winter Farmers Market (Fairmount Fruit Farm)
10:00am Franklin Historical Museum (always free)
10:00am Brunch with Non-Scene Friends (Maks Roast Beef and Breakfast)
4:00pm "Winged Feet" art exhibition (Hopkinton Town Common)
7:00pm Rowboat (live music) (La Cantina Winery)
7:00pm Freaky Friday (Dean College Main Stage Theater)
7:30pm Franklin Underground (live music) (Teddy Gallagher's Irish Pub)
7:30pm The Kennedy's (live music) Circle of Friends Coffeehouse)
7:30pm Mary Anning: Fossil Hunter (chamber opera) (Apple Tree Arts, Grafton)

 

For additional details on Library & Senior Center events ->  

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

 

For additional details on Library & Senior Center events ->  

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

** NO Town Meetings today   **

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Why are there multiple calendars?

What's happening today in Franklin? 

Respectfully, the Library and Senior Center calendars are too full of events to include all their events so we tend to focus on the major events. Town and School meetings are also kept separate. Links for all the calendars are shared here:

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-calendars

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Saturday, November 23, 2024 ???

Saturday, November 23

• Fiber Art Installation (Franklin Public Library)
• Winter Coat Drive (4 drop off locations)

8:30am Holiday Decorations Downtown (downtown Franklin, at the triangle)

9:00am Thrifty Threads (Franklin Federated Church)

10:00am Winter Farmers Market (Fairmount Fruit Farm)

10:00am Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

2:00pm New Dancer Showcase (Dean College Main Stage Theater) 

7:00pm New Thespian Showcase (Dean College Main Stage Theater)

7:30pm Sheamus McShea (live music) (Teddy Gallagher's Irish Pub)

8:00pm Karaoke (Raillery Public House)

** NO  Town Meetings today   **

What's happening today in Franklin? 

---------------

Why are there multiple calendars?

Respectfully, the Library and Senior Center calendars are too full of events to include all their events so we tend to focus on the major events. Town and School meetings are also kept separate. Links for all the calendars are shared here:

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 Library calendar of events ->    calendar link

The Senior Center calendar of events ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/node/39/events/upcoming

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar
The School district calendar is found  https://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/o/fpsd/page/school-calendars

This Town Council Quarterbacking session condenses the short Council meeting to 15 minutes (audio)

FM #1315 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1315 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares our “Town Council Quarterbacking” with Town Council Chair Tom Mercer. We had our conversation via the Zoom Conference Bridge on Thursday, November 14, 2023.  

• ok, what just happened? 

• What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?

Topics for this session

• The Council approved a Farmer-Winery Farmers Market License - Blisspoint LLC d/b/a Blisspoint Meadery to enable them to participate in the Winter Farmers Market at Fairmont Fruit Farms

• In the first of 2 legislative items: Resolution 24-65: FY25 Budget Amendment (Motion to Approve Resolution 24-65 - Majority Vote). This was previewed at last week's Finance Committee meeting. Relatively minor adjustment to the FY 2025 budget (compared to prior years) before setting the tax rate at the next Council meeting

• The second item was more of a paperwork item. The Metacomet Health Alliance had been operating under an MOU and with increased State DPH involvement they needed to switch to the IMA format.   Resolution 24-66: Authorization for Intermunicipal Agreement with Towns of Wrentham and Norfolk for Shared Public Health Services (Motion to Approve Resolution 24-66 - Majority

The recording runs about 15 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Tom as we recap the Council meeting of Wednesday, November 13, 2024. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1315-town-council-quarterbacking-11-14-24/

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Town Council agenda Nov 13, 2024 -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/nov_13_2024_tc_agenda.pdf 

Franklin TV video is available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/live/au24NNBzlCA?si=ogNVB5P13M-xFNiy&t=149 

My notes captured during the meeting and now in one PDF file ->  

https://drive.google.com/file/d/11fx7jrHj8y4rJ__8K9XNxv0-_vym5fH7/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

• If you don't like something here, please let me know

• And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach. 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!

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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"

This Town Council Quarterbacking session condenses the short Council meeting to 15 minutes (audio)