Start your Thanksgiving morning at the 15th Annual Franklin Turkey Trot

"Kick off your Thanksgiving morning at the 15th Annual Franklin Turkey Trot - a family-friendly 5K run and walk to benefit the Franklin Food Pantry.

Date: Thanksgiving Morning, Thursday, November 26, 2026

Time: Race starts at 8 AM 

Location: Start and finish at 91 Jordan Road, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Franklin, MA 02038

Registration: $30 per participant. Children under 5 run free (no bib provided).

https://runsignup.com/Race/MA/Franklin/FranklinTurkeyTrot

Race Shirts: T-shirts are available for purchase online through October 30! A limited number of shirts will be available the morning of the race.

Bib Pickup: Wednesday, November 25, from 7pm to 9pm, or the morning of the race between 6am and 7:30am (in-person registration will also be open during these times).

Awards given to best costume and the top finishers in each age category. Great door prizes will be drawn following the race, accompanied by a light breakfast for all participants.

Thank you to G&C Plumbing and Heating and our local sponsors for helping make this race possible. Their generosity ensures 100% of registration fees benefit the Franklin Food Pantry.

Come out to support a great local cause, enjoy some holiday fun, and start your Thanksgiving on the right foot!"

Franklin Recreation and Franklin Food Pantry Team Up for “Football for Food”

Franklin Recreation’s Flag Football League collected more than 522 pounds of food for the Franklin Food Pantry through its “Food for Football” initiative.

All Flag Football teams participated in the effort, with donations collected during Tuesday and Thursday evening games at Beaver Pond. The community-wide show of support highlights the generosity and commitment of Franklin’s young athletes and their families.

Franklin Recreation and Franklin Food Pantry
Team Up for “Football for Food”

Franklin Recreation and its participants across the town’s sports programs have supported the Franklin Food Pantry since 2019, continuing a tradition of community service that has made a meaningful difference for local families for more than seven years.

Ryan Jette, Director of Recreation would like to thank NFL Flag Football coordinator Jack Geromini and all the players, families, and volunteers who contributed to this successful food drive and helped support neighbors in need!

Order Dave's Hot Chicken on Tuesday, November 3 to help the Franklin Food Pantry

Dave's Hot Chicken has scheduled a fundraiser for the

Franklin Food Pantry next Tuesday, November 3^rd from 4 - 8 PM. 

The Pantry will receive 20% of sales during this time. 

Download the flyer which you can simply show via print out, on your phone, or mention "GIVE" when ordering. 

You can also order online and enter the promo code "GIVE", and The Pantry will receive the donation.

Franklin Food Pantry gearing up to process SNAP applications in November 2026

Earlier this week, the Mass Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) published its August scorecard, revealing that 77% of calls to a caseworker on the Assistance Line were automatically dropped. This leaves thousands of families without access to critical help. 

At the same time, the number of children receiving SNAP has fallen by 70,000 (a 21% decline) since July 2025. This isn’t because the need has gone away—in fact, child visits to the Franklin Food Pantry have increased by 35%.

To help meet the growing need and address the record number of people losing access to SNAP, the Franklin Food Pantry will offer on-site SNAP Assistance to Franklin residents beginning in November.

In partnership with the DTA and UMass Medical School, trained Pantry staff will have direct access to the DTA Connect Provider Portal. This allows us to work directly with clients to check SNAP eligibility, submit new applications, and complete recertifications efficiently.

Due to high anticipated demand, we are initially offering this service to Franklin residents, with plans to expand regional access in 2027. Franklin residents can schedule an appointment by emailing appointments@franklinfoodpantry.org or calling 508-528-3115.

Pantry Elves Registration Begins November 1, 2026

The Pantry Elves campaign is an annual fundraising drive led by middle school, high school, and college students. Running from late November through December, this online crowdfunding initiative helps the Franklin Food Pantry purchase essential food, personal care items, and household cleaning products for local families facing food insecurity.

Becoming a Pantry Elf is an empowering way for youth to make a meaningful local impact while earning community service hours. Registration to join Pantry Elves starts November 1.

For more information, visit our website or contact Special Events Manager Jen Johnson at Jjohnson@franklinfoodpantry.org.

Last Chance for Franklin Turkey Trot Early-Bird Pricing! - Today, Oct 13, 2026

Registration for the 15th Annual Franklin Turkey Trot increases to $30 after October 13. Secure your spot now and save! 

100% of your registration fee is donated directly to the Franklin Food Pantry.

What: Franklin Turkey Trot, a 5K walk and run to benefit the Franklin Food Pantry

When: Thanksgiving Morning, November 26, 2026, at 8am

Where: Start and finish at 91 Jordan Road, Franklin, MA

To register, visit www.franklinturkeytrot.org. 

Interested in sponsoring the event? Please email Jen Johnson, Special Events Manager, at Jjohnson@franklinfoodpantry.org.

You can purchase some Food Pantry clothing to show your support !!!

"Purchase Franklin Food Pantry Merch now through October 18 through the Pantry Swag Store! Get your gear on and show your support for The Pantry. 

Merchandise will be shipped to your address by mid-November. 

Link to purchase" -> https://xpressionprintsinc.printavo.com/merch/franklin-food-pantry

Gentle Yoga fundraiser for The Pantry, Mondays in October 2026

Elizabeth Crehan, owner of Franklin Stretching & Mobility and Sweet Surrender Wellness, is hosting a Gentle Yoga fundraiser for The Pantry. 

Every Monday in October, donation-based yoga classes will be held from 7-8pm at her studio.

Early bird registration open for the Turkey Trot Thanksgiving morning Nov 26, 2026

Early Bird Registration for the Thanksgiving Morning Turkey Trot is open now through October 13. 

Join hundreds of neighbors for a family-friendly 5K that helps fight hunger and ensure local families have access to healthy food throughout the year. 

Register online ->   https://runsignup.com/franklinturkeytrot

Shared from https://www.instagram.com/p/Dd8__1VDo51/

 

Franklin Food Pantry Update to the Franklin (MA) Town Council - 09/16/26 (audio)

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-1831-franklin-food-pantry-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"

Franklin Public Radio wfpr.fm schedule for Thursday, September 24, 2026

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:

8:00 AM, 1:00 PM, and 6:00 PM - Franklin Matters Radio – Steve Sherlock covering Franklin, its local government, services, and events  (Repeats Saturday at 3:00 PM)

• This hour features Tina Powderly, Franklin Food Pantry talks about how to support Hunger Action Month in September     https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/09/the-pantrys-tina-powderly-talks-about.html

 

9:00 AM, 2:00 PM, and 7:00 PM - first hour

10:00 AM, 3:00 PM, and 8:00 PM - second hour

Turntable – "Enjoy a fun experience with co-hosts The Vibe and Pauly G sharing personal discussions about a featured rock n roll vinyl record (1st hour) and the best, all music Vibe Playlist (2nd hour)"  

• This week the 2 hour Turntable Show features Eric Clapton "Slowhand" Album and the Clapton Vibe Playlist.  The album includes big hits:  “Lay Down Sally”;   “Wonderful Tonight”;  and “Cocaine”.   
• The Playlist Hour includes special live cuts and studio hits across Clapton's Blindfaith, Derek and the Dominos,  and solo recordings.  Enjoy listening to the music from one of the world's most influential rock n blues guitarists of all time.

Find the playlist ->  https://tinyurl.com/TurntablePlaylists

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

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

Franklin Public Radio wfpr.fm schedule for Thursday, September 17, 2026

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:

8:00 AM, 1:00 PM, and 6:00 PM - Franklin Matters Radio – Steve Sherlock covering Franklin, its local government, services, and events  (Repeats Saturday at 3:00 PM)

• This hour features Tina Powderly, Franklin Food Pantry talks about how to support Hunger Action Month in September     https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/09/the-pantrys-tina-powderly-talks-about.html

 

9:00 AM, 2:00 PM, and 7:00 PM - first hour

10:00 AM, 3:00 PM, and 8:00 PM - second hour

Turntable – "Enjoy a fun experience with co-hosts The Vibe and Pauly G sharing personal discussions about a featured rock n roll vinyl record (1st hour) and the best, all music Vibe Playlist (2nd hour)"  

• The Turntable Show features Sting's 4th studio album  "Ten Summoner's Tales".  Ten Summoner's Tales includes the award winning songs "If I Ever Lose My Faith In You" and "Fields Of Gold".   
• The Vibe Playlist Hour features live and studio cuts from Sting's solo career and a few surprise Police songs.   Enjoy Sting's creativity and masterful music!"

Find the playlist ->  https://tinyurl.com/TurntablePlaylists

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

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

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm Schedule for Wednesday, September 9, 2026

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:

8:00 AM, 1:00 PM, and 6:00 PM - Franklin Matters Radio – Steve Sherlock covering Franklin, its local government, services, and events 

• This hour features Tina Powderly, Franklin Food Pantry talks about how to support Hunger Action Month in September     https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/09/the-pantrys-tina-powderly-talks-about.html

9:00 AM, 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM  The Wonderful World of Wine – Mark Lenzi, Kim Simone  All about wine, its culture, lore and finer points.    (repeats Saturday at 1 PM)  

• This segment features Episode 323 - Destination Weddings, Wine, and the Language of Italy With Jennifer Martin    https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/08/the-wonderful-world-of-wine-www-episode_01047380197.html
   

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

Registration is Now Open for the Turkey Trot - Thanksgiving morning, Nov 26

It may still be a little early to start thinking about Thanksgiving dinner... but it's the perfect time to start planning your Thanksgiving morning tradition!

Registration is now OPEN for the 2026 Franklin Turkey Trot, and we can't wait to welcome you back!  

Register online - https://runsignup.com/Race/MA/Franklin/FranklinTurkeyTrot

 The first 100 registrants will receive a FREE official race shirt! Once those are gone, shirts will still be available for purchase while supplies last—so don't wait if you want yours included with registration.

Whether you're chasing a personal best, running with family, or simply earning that extra slice of pumpkin pie, there's no better way to kick off Thanksgiving than with the Franklin Turkey Trot.

Round up your friends, family, coworkers, and neighbors, and help us make this year's Franklin Turkey Trot the biggest and best yet. We can't wait to see familiar faces—and plenty of new ones—at the starting line!

See you on Thanksgiving morning!

The Franklin Turkey Trot Team