The Franklin 250 Anniversary Celebration Committee wants to hear from you

The Franklin 250 Anniversary Celebration Committee has opened a survey form to share your insights. The outline of what their planning process is contained in the presentation document shared here. 

Review the outline of what they have and then you can answer 3 questions:

1  - What do you remember? 

A place, a person, a tradition, a moment—or a change you have

witnessed.

2  - What should we celebrate? 

What would make the 250th feel like a celebration of the whole

town?

3  - Who else should we talk to? 

Who has a story, a photograph, an idea, or a connection we should

know about?

• Respond to the 3 survey questions here:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeLVOYXc-taUHv9Tg4JbsP-6SF631tiqa1kIwL6OAaCfWppZw/viewform

• Link to download the Presentation doc 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/17opl-zRdXMGl1ikU1A7VDKqnfIeWh4OI/view?usp=sharing

• View the embedded doc 

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Monday, October 26, 2026 ???

Monday, October 26

• Get your spot for the FHS Theatre Company Boosters November Calendar Raffle  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/10/get-your-spot-for-fhs-theatre-company.html
• Last time to Order your KoC Thanksgiving Pie(s)  Please visit our website www.kofc1847.org/payments-thanksgiving-pie-sale

8:00am Early voting (Town Clerk's Office)

9:00am Advance Removal of Early Voted Ballots (3rd Floor Trng Room)

10:00am 250th Anniversary Celebration Presentation & Feedback session (Franklin Senior Center)

4:00pm 7th Annual Pumpkin Patch (St John's Episcopal Church)

***  Town Meetings today ***

Ad Hoc Town Charter Review Committee Meeting

Monday, October 26 Time: 10:00 AM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10262026-2534 

Franklin 250 Brainstorming

Monday, October 26 Time: 10:00 AM

No agenda for this interactive session

Town Administrator Evaluation Ad Hoc Committee Meeting

Monday, October 26 Time: 4:30 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10262026-2571 

Franklin Agricultural Committee Meeting

Monday, October 26 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10262026-2578

Library Board of Directors Regular Meeting

Monday, October 26 Time: 7:00 PM 

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10262026-2580 

250th Anniversary Celebration Historical Significance Subcommittee Meeting

Monday, October 26 Time: 7:30 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10262026-2579 

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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

Franklin 250 invites seniors to share memories, ideas for 250th anniversary

The Franklin 250th Anniversary Celebration Committee will host a senior listening session Monday, October 26, at 10 AM at the Franklin Senior Center, inviting senior residents to share memories, offer ideas and provide feedback as the town prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary in 2028.

The listening session is part of the committee's effort to involve residents in planning a celebration that reflects Franklin's past, present and future. Participants are encouraged to share their experiences, discuss local traditions and suggest activities or programs they would like to see included in the anniversary celebration.

The session is not a fundraising event. Its purpose is to gather community input and hear directly from residents about what makes Franklin special to them.

"Our seniors represent the best of Franklin. They have been dedicated volunteers and community participants for years. They are valued and respected," said Roberta Trahan, chair of the Franklin 250 Events Subcommittee." I hope they will feel the enthusiasm of the 250th Anniversary and perhaps be able to participate in some way. Their opinion matters."

The committee also welcomes residents interested in sharing historical knowledge, contributing personal stories or volunteering for future anniversary activities.

Franklin will mark the 250th anniversary of its incorporation on March 2, 2028. The celebration will honor the town's heritage while bringing residents together through community events, educational programs and activities that reflect the people and experiences that have shaped Franklin.

Event information

• Date: Monday, October 26, 2026

• Time: 10 AM

• Location: Franklin Senior Center

Residents are encouraged to attend and invite friends and neighbors to participate. Whether they have lived in Franklin for decades or are relatively new to the community, their perspectives are welcome.

For more information about Franklin's 250th anniversary celebration, visit www.franklin250.org.

About Franklin 250

The Franklin 250th Anniversary Committee is leading the planning and coordination of activities to commemorate the Town of Franklin's 250th Anniversary in 2028. Through community events, educational programming, historic preservation initiatives and partnerships with local organizations, the Committee aims to celebrate Franklin's rich history while inspiring community pride and engagement for generations to come.

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Tuesday, October 13, 2026 ???

Tuesday, October 13

12:00pm Community Closet (Franklin United Methodist Church)

4:00pm 7th Annual Pumpkin Patch (St John's Episcopal Church)

5:00pm Tuesday Night Cruise (Kings Brick Oven Pizza & Pub)

7:00pm Canceled -> FBRTC Rail Trail Cmte Mtg (Franklin TV and Radio 102.9 FM)

7:00pm Postponed -> Yankee Quilters Guild: "We Speak in Stitches” (Emma's Quilt Cupboard)

***  Town Meetings today ***

Franklin School Committee Policy Subcommittee Meeting

Tuesday, October 13, 2026  Time = 6:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10132026-2558 

250th Anniversary Celebration Communications Subcommittee Meeting

Tuesday, October 13, 2026  Time = 6:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10132026-2553 

Franklin School Committee Meeting

Tuesday, October 13, 2026  time = 7:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10132026-2559

---------

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 Franklin 250th Anniversary Celebration Cmte updates the Town Council - 09/16/26

This session shares a key segment of the Franklin (MA) Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, September 16, 2026. The Council held this session as scheduled beginning at 6 PM. 9 members participated in Chambers, 1 left not feeling well.  

The key segments of the meeting recording are divided into 4 parts

Part 1 - Franklin Food Pantry Update - Tina Powderly, Executive Director, Franklin Food Pantry; presentation slides  https://photos.app.goo.gl/2f1TjPBcXfMxVthM8  

Part 2 - State Rep Roy and Senator Rausch with a legislative update

Part 3 - Jen Levine with an update from the SAFE Coalition slides being captured to share via photo album - https://photos.app.goo.gl/1rD2MyGQg6hkdjC97g 

*** Part 4 - The 250 anniversary celebration committee, the slides captured https://photos.app.goo.gl/bN3cFQPgHFQLCWm46 

Quick Recap:

The recap and my notes can be found

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/09/town-council-approve-west-as-police.html 

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1834-250th-anniversary-cmte-update-to-town-council-09-16-26/

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

Follow along with the agenda here

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09162026-2512

The full meeting is available via the FRANKLIN TV video 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UfKg2tTQll8&

my notes in one PDF - 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WVXQJLaaFx2VZBVvIaNSlHYpN4KVt1PW/view?usp=drive_link 

Photos of the recognitions and retirements

https://photos.app.goo.gl/zj3u5xQ78VKyvEcs6 

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

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!

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

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

Sunday Speaker Series: October 11 - `Odyssey in the Wilderness Revisited‘

Highlights and personalities from nearly 250 years of Franklin History.

This month, our `Second Sunday Speaker' is James C. Johnston Jr., a  long-time Franklin educator, historian, and author of the award-winning `Odyssey in the Wilderness,’ a history of Franklin written for the town’s 200th birthday, in 1978.  

Jim will share notable content from the book as well as other personalities, stories, and anecdotes drawn from a lifetime lived in the City Known as the Town of Franklin.  

Admission is free but donations are encouraged. The museum is open from 1 to 4 and the program starts at 1:15.

Jayson & I have a fun conversation about the preparation for the 250th Anniversary Celebration in 2028 (audio)

FM #1827 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1827 in the series. 

This session shares my conversation with Jayson Joyce, Chair of the 250th Anniversary Celebration Committee. We had our conversation in the Franklin TV Studio on Friday, September 18, 2026. 

 

The recording runs about 39 minutes, so let’s listen in.

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1827-franklin-ma-250th-anniversary-celebration-discussion-09-18-26/

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

Website - https://franklin250.org/ 

Email - chair.250@franklinma.gov 

Presentation to Town Council  Sep 16, 2026 https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/10976/11e-PRESENTATION---250th-Committee 

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

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!

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

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

Town Council recognizes retirees, proclaims Hunger Action Month, gets updates on legislative items, Food Pantry, Safe Coalition & 250 Annive Celebration (video)

The Franklin (MA) Town Council met on Wednesday, Sep 16 beginning at 6 PM. All 9 councilors were present to open the meeting, one left during the meeting. All votes recorded via voice vote and noted as 8 yes, 0 no, and 1 absent.

Follow along with the agenda here

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09162026-2512 

FRANKLIN TV video is available for replay in 2 parts. Zoom automatically restarted during the session and while Zoom and the cable broadcast resumed automatically, the YuTube stream needed to be restarted.

Part 1 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9yU90Rl52sE

Part 2 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_v6EpsdI8dY

Quick recap

Town administrator report

• announces grant received of $6 for Fire Dept
• reminder to sign up for the Franklin First newsletter 
• Touts future sessions Oct 14, 28, and Nov 4 to help prepare for the tax rate setting later this year

Proclamation: Hunger Action Month

Town Staff Retirements i. John Rondeau, Facilities, 35 Years ii. Michael Ellsworth, Facilities, 33 Years iii. Patrick Farrell, DPW, 32 Years iv. Irene McDonough, Facilities, 29 Years v. Jon Chalk, Fire Dept, 21 Years

Franklin Elks Riders Donation to Veterans’ Services Department; $2k donation, over $10k for the past several years

Franklin Food Pantry Update - Tina Powderly, Executive Director, Franklin Food Pantry; presentation slides  https://photos.app.goo.gl/2f1TjPBcXfMxVthM8 

next up, State Rep Roy and Senator Rausch with a legislative update

next up, Jen Levine with an update from the SAFE Coalition slides being captured to share via photo album - https://photos.app.goo.gl/1rD2MyGQg6hkdjC97g

next up, the 250 anniversary celebration committee, The slides captured https://photos.app.goo.gl/bN3cFQPgHFQLCWm46 

The Council did enter Executive Session to discuss sale of town property not to return to public meeting at approx. 10:45 PM

my notes in one PDF -

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WVXQJLaaFx2VZBVvIaNSlHYpN4KVt1PW/view?usp=drive_link

Photos of the recognitions and retirements

https://photos.app.goo.gl/zj3u5xQ78VKyvEcs6

Agenda for Town Council meeting Wednesday, September 16, 2026 at 6 PM

Franklin Town Council

Agenda & Meeting Packet

September 16, 2026, 6:00 PM

Franklin Municipal Building: 

Council Chambers 

355 East Central Street, 2nd Floor

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: TBD)

b. Economic Development Subcommittee (next meetings: Sept. 17, 6pm & Oct 1, 6pm)

c. Communications Subcommittee (next meeting TBD)

d. Town Charter Ad Hoc Committee (next meeting: TBD)

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

5. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

6. PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS

a. Proclamation: Hunger Action Month

b. Town Staff Retirements

i. John Rondeau, Facilities, 35 Years

ii. Michael Ellsworth, Facilities, 33 Years

iii. Patrick Farrell, DPW, 32 Years

iv. Irene McDonough, Facilities, 29 Years

v. Jon Chalk, Fire Dept, 21 Years

7. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

a. August 12, 2026

8. APPOINTMENTS

a. Franklin Cultural Council

i. Brittany Capozzi

ii. Jorge Marinez

iii. Jessica Phillips

iv. Nancy Rabinowitz

v. Leslie Rappaport-Atlas

9. PUBLIC HEARINGS - 6:00 PM - None Scheduled.

10. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS - None Scheduled.

11. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION

a. Franklin Elks Riders Donation to Veterans’ Services Department

i. Legislation for Action #12a

b. Legislative Update - Senator Rebecca Rausch & Representative Jeffrey Roy

c. Franklin Food Pantry Update - Tina Powderly, Executive Director, Franklin Food Pantry

d. SAFE Coalition Update - Jennifer Knight-Levine, Executive Director, SAFE Coalition

e. 250th Anniversary Celebration Committee Update - Jayson Joyce, Chair & Rob Browne, Vice Chair   https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/10976/11e-PRESENTATION---250th-Committee

i. Legislation for Action #12b

12. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

a. Resolution 26-52: Acceptance of Gifts - Veterans Services Department ($2,000) (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-52 - Majority Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/10968/12a-1---26-52---MEMO---Gift-Acceptances---Veterans-Services-Dept_2_combine

b. Resolution 26-53: Transfer of $25,000 from the Marketing & Branding Capital Account to the 250th Anniversary Celebration Committee (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-53 - Majority Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/10977/12b-Transfer-of-25k-to-250th-Committee

c. Resolution 26-54: Appropriation of Funds in Support of PEG Service and Programming Per MGL Chapter 44, Section 53F3/4 (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-54 - Majority Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/10967/12c-26-54-PEG-Comcast--Verizon

13. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION

a. Exemption #6: Considering the purchase, exchange, lease or value of real property, because an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the negotiating position of the Public Body and the Chair so-declares:

i. “Other Property” potentially available for Town purchase/acquisition

b. Exemption: To review and approve minutes from Town Council Executive Sessions.

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/_09162026-2512

250th Anniversary Celebration Committee met on Thursday to share updates (video)

The  250th Anniversary Celebration Committee met as scheduled in the 3rd floor Training Room on Thursday, August 27, 2026 begnning just after 7 PM.

Franklin TV recording is available for replay here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bqGcII8ylBY

Meeting agenda - https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08272026-2463

Quick recap:

• Earmark funds spent by due date and accounted for. Funds to puchase additional clothing for sale was approved
• For the community portion, little input other than mine to encourage posting the dates as they become firm so that everyone, other orgs, etc can start planning accordingly
• moving the location for the next three months (Sep, Oct, Nov) to the Franklin TV studio approved via consensus
• discussion on obtaining donations when not a 501(c3). there is language in the law...
• Sep 3 subcmte meeting to work on finalizing the first email pitch; should also set up a separate meeting to work on the parade planning with the Police, Fire, etc.
• motion to vote on the dates for the donor lunches, Oct 16, Nov 5, and Nov 19; vote on the motion via roll call, passes
• Discussion on additional fund raising opportunities; need volunteers to do the additional work, it is a lot already on our plates. we spent a year spending $50k, and have 18 months to raise $750k. What is the risk if we don't reach $750K? We scale back the events; as noted earlier 2 other communities raised 400+ and 300+, the 300+ had significantly less events. What kind of celebration do we really want?
• meeting adjourns at 8:25 PM

My full set of notes captured during the meeting

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Qc6qYvMBp0eKQzrwdnpjVuMH_U9s-QQH/view?usp=drive_link