FM Journal October 2026 (video)

Watch the October 2026 edition of FM Journal 

video link -  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rdtTH6U6LNc

KP Sompally recieves citation for community service

Franklin resident Krishna Prasad (KP) Sompally was presented a citation from State Representative Jeffrey N. Roy (D-Franklin) at the State House for his exemplary work in community service. 

Sompally has devoted years to serving individuals, families, students, and seniors and has created a reputation as a dependable member of the community. As a life-long learner and mentor, his list of community service accomplishments includes homeless outreach, free public notary services, serving meals to the needy, serving as a CPR instructor and has spent time volunteering with Telugu Association of North America (TANA). 

He is also the founder of REFRESH, a program that helps internation students understand the laws, cultural differences and everyday systems in the U.S. to navigate life in a new country with greater confidence, and has spent time on the Franklin School Committee.

This citation from Massachusetts is not the first time Sompally has been recognized for his community service. He is a two-time U.S. Presidential Volunteer Award recipient, and has received the Boston Mayor’s Award and a Boston Cares Outstanding Volunteer Award. 

Congratulations and thank you to KP for all he’s done for the community!

Audio of the Ribbon Cutting for the Outdoor Expansion, Children's Museum of Franklin - 09/23/26 (audio)

FM #1835 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1835 in the series. 

This episode shares the audio recording of the ribbon cutting ceremony for the expansion to include 4,000 sq ft of outdoor space at the Children's Museum of Franklin on Wednesday, September 23, 2026. 

Meg Hagen and Erin Gallagher, founders/co-owners, get the group’s attention. We’re inside the museum as Cottage St is being ground up to repave so being outside for this speaker part of the ceremony would be a problem. They introduce the remaining speakers. After the speakers are complete, we gather outside for the formal ribbon cutting. 

The recording runs about 17 minutes, let’s listen in

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1835-childrens-museum-of-franklin-ribbon-cutting-09-23-26/

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

Children’s Museum of Franklin -> https://www.childrensmuseumfranklin.org/ 

Video of the ribbon cutting - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H2glv6mMDYk 

Photos of the event ->  https://photos.app.goo.gl/zx6K5erYHzjrmcULA

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

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"

Senator Rausch & State Rep Roy provide an update to the 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 Jeff Roy and Senator Becca 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-1832-rep-roy-senator-rausch-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"

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

Franklin Fire Dept 25th Anniversary 9/11 Memorial Services (audio)

FM #1819 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1819 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Franklin Fire Dept 25th Anniversary 9/11 Memorial Services. Franklin Firefighters Local along Franklin Police Dept conducted the services at the headquarter fire station, downtown Franklin, September 11, 2026. 

Speakers in order

• Master of Ceremony - Josh Impey

• Chaplain Bob Poitras 

• State Representative Jeff Roy and State Senator Becca Rausch 

• Deputy Police Chief West, and Police Chief TJ Lynch 

• Fire Chief Charles Allen 

• Musical performances of the National Anthem, Amazing Grace, and Taps performed by Franklin High School students guided by Dianne Plouffe

The ceremony runs about 40 minutes. Let’s listen in

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1819-franklin-fire-25th-anniversary-9-11-memorial-svc-09-11-26/

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

Link to photo album - https://photos.app.goo.gl/7vj3TE2SjyY9rf5LA

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

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"

Reminder: Bike and Helmet Safety Event - September 12 - 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM at Franklin High School

When:    September 12th, 9:30-11:00 AM

Where:     Franklin High School Parking Lot

Hosted by Alison Rheaume, Representative Roy, and the Franklin Police Department

Free helmets!! (while supplies last)

• free bike raffle
• bike course*
• coloring table*
• fire truck
• vendor tables
• decorate your helmet*
• “Buddy the Brain” story stroll

*All activities include adaptive options!

visit the event webpage for additional details - 

https://alirheaume.com/safetyevent

Bike and Helmet Safety Event - September 12 - 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM

When:    September 12th, 9:30-11:00 AM

Where:     Franklin High School Parking Lot

Hosted by Alison Rheaume, Representative Roy, and the Franklin Police Department

Free helmets!! (while supplies last)

• free bike raffle
• bike course*
• coloring table*
• fire truck
• vendor tables
• decorate your helmet*
• “Buddy the Brain” story stroll

*All activities include adaptive options!

visit the event webpage for additional details - 

https://alirheaume.com/safetyevent

Horace Mann Legacy Meeting Monday, Policy Subcmte & School Cmte Meeting Tuesday,

While the School Committee (& subcommittees) were relatively quiet during July, they are back this 2nd week of August.

• Franklin Public School Horace Mann Legacy Sub Committee Meeting

Rep Jeff Roy is scheduled for a visit to get an update on the work of the committee

Monday, August 10 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08042026-2436 

• Franklin School Committee Policy Subcommittee Meeting

A bunch of potential policies for review 7 revision are listed on the agenda

Tuesday, August 11 Time: 6:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08112026-2442 

• Franklin School Committee Meeting

Among the standard agenda items is the approval of the submission to the Town Annual Report, and a 2nd reading on the restraint policy reviewed at a prior meeting

Tuesday, August 11 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08112026-2448 

10 WJAR: "Improvements coming to Franklin intersection where teen was killed" (video)

via 10 WJAR

"Work is underway to improve safety at a dangerous intersection in Franklin less than one month after a 15-year-old boy was struck and killed on his bicycle there.

Oliver Lewis died on June 23 while crossing King Street near Interstate 495.

Flowers and other items still sit in his memory near the scene, and State Representative Jeffrey Roy hopes other changes in Lewis' memory are also starting to catch people's eye."

Continue reading the news article: 

https://turnto10.com/news/local/improvements-coming-to-franklin-intersection-where-teen-was-killed-king-street-i495-july-16-2026

Mass Legislative Manufacturing Caucus Leaders and Industry Advocates Champion Future of Advanced Manufacturing at State House Lobby Day

Associated Industries of Massachusetts Honors Franklin's Plansee USA with Excellence in Manufacturing Award Amid Push for $425M Economic Development Package

(L- R) State Representative Jeff Roy,
State Senator Paul Feeney

Industry leaders and state legislators gathered for a packed Associated Industries of Massachusetts (AIM) lobby day at the State House to champion the future of manufacturing in the Commonwealth. Addressing a standing-room-only crowd of manufacturers, State Representative Jeff Roy (D-Franklin) and State Senator Paul Feeney (D-Foxborough), co-chairs of the Legislative Manufacturing Caucus, stood alongside AIM President and CEO Brooke Thomson to push back against the narrative that manufacturing is leaving the state, highlighting a major upcoming economic development bond package instead.

The day's events also featured a major celebration of local industrial achievement, as AIM presented its Excellence in Manufacturing Award to Plansee USA, a Franklin-based leader in powder metallurgy that specializes in producing high-melting refractory metals like molybdenum and tungsten for extreme-condition, high-tech applications. Plansee was specifically recognized for its innovation and proactive leadership in workforce development, notably through the establishment of its Manufacturing Training Center, which combats local CNC machining shortages by combining technical classroom instruction with real-world, hands-on experience.

 

The lobby day took place just hours before the Massachusetts House of Representatives took up a comprehensive end-of-session economic development bill (H5562). The proposed $425 million bond package directly targets the manufacturing sector's growth, including $100 million for the defense sector and national security infrastructure, $25 million for emerging technology and robotics, $25 million for applied artificial intelligence and quantum computing, and $25 million in capital support for expanding companies.

Industry leaders and state legislators gathered for a packed
Associated Industries of Massachusetts (AIM) lobby day at the State House

During the event, manufacturing representatives outlined five key legislative priorities to sustain this momentum: expanding vocational schools, funding the Center for Advanced Manufacturing, aligning state and federal tax codes, increasing capital grants, and scaling existing programs that are already working well.

Speaking to the crowded room of advocates, Rep. Jeff Roy emphasized the critical role state support will play in unlocking the industry's full potential:

"We are not a state that just thinks; we are a state that makes. When people think of Massachusetts, they often think of our incredible universities, our historic cities, and our medical breakthroughs. But what makes those breakthroughs real, what scales them, and what brings them to the world is the grit, precision, and passion of Massachusetts manufacturing."

The Legislature's pending economic development bill aims to directly bolster this vision by prioritizing regional competitiveness, advanced technology, supply chain support, and streamlined regulatory permitting to give Massachusetts manufacturers and award-winning employers like Plansee USA the edge they need in a rapidly evolving global market.

"Investing in industries like clean energy and Al allows our manufacturing sector to adapt, grow, and lead the nation," said Sen. Paul Feeney, addressing the advocates in attendance. "People say to me, 'Feeney, you have this idea, this vision that doesn't exist anymore.' It exists in every single one of you, and it exists in the work that you do in our communities.''

In Massachusetts, there are 228,000 hard-working men and women in manufacturing jobs across this Commonwealth. As Rep. Roy noted, "every single day, they clock in to push the boundaries of what is possible. And their impact is immense: manufacturing drives a massive 7.9% of the total Massachusetts GDP. This isn't just a legacy sector; it is a vital, living engine of our modern economy."

Hand crafted copy of the Declaration of Independence delivered to Town of Franklin

submitted by State Representative Jeff Roy:

"It was an incredible honor to deliver a remarkable piece of living history to the Town of Franklin! In celebration of our nation’s 250th anniversary, Franklin town officials received a meticulously crafted, handmade reproduction of the United States Declaration of Independence.

We presented this copy to Franklin so it may be recorded into our town history, displayed for our residents, and used to inspire the generations to come. May it serve as a daily reminder of our shared commitment to liberty and equality.

The broadside was printed by renowned historical printer Gary Gregory at the Museum of Printing in Haverhill, using a reproduction "Franklin-style" printing press and over 10,000 individual pieces of type painstakingly set by hand. The ink was specially formulated to match the Revolutionary era, and the linen/cotton paper was made one-by-one by hand to feel exactly like the original copies did in 1776.

In July of 1776, Massachusetts was the only state to distribute copies of the Declaration to every single town, asking ministers to read it from their pulpits and town clerks to handwrite the text into the Town’s Record Books. It was the exact moment our revolution transformed from a political debate into a shared public commitment. Keeping that exact tradition alive 250 years later, Massachusetts is once again the only state in the U.S. to distribute an authentically printed Declaration to all 351 of its cities and towns through the "Declaration Delivery Day" initiative.

Our hope is that this beautiful document will be kept safe and utilized every year for generations to come as we commemorate our nation’s founding moment."

Here is a link to the video on the project: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/af643qw8obx42kwbezue8/Rev250-DDD-Announcement-v4-1.MP4?rlkey=3w9f8i7c8niu7puxv8jrdwjpa&dl=0

Additional pictures from the delivery - https://photos.app.goo.gl/FXrYrsNEdMDgvMzK7