Volt Hockey Lands in the Hockey Hall of Fame thanks to the Parisi brothers

"Rep. Roy attended a fundraiser in Boston for the Boston Whiplash, the first-ever U.S. Volt Hockey team and was especially proud to meet Whiplash teammates, and brothers from Franklin, Caeden and Devin Parisi.

During a visit to the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto, Canada, Caeden noticed something missing: Volt Hockey wasn't represented in the museum. Showing incredible determination, he spoke up, made his case, and convinced the museum to add an exhibit. Thanks to his efforts, Caeden’s game-worn jersey and Devin’s paddle are now proudly on display for the world to see!

What is Volt Hockey? It's an incredible, high-impact international parasport created in the 1990s that brings together elements of floor hockey and go-karting. Played on a basketball court using a lightweight whiffle ball, athletes drive specialized, battery-powered wheelchairs equipped with a fixed paddle that can reach speeds of up to 10 mph. It is custom-designed for athletes with significant upper- and lower-body mobility impairments (such as muscular dystrophy or cerebral palsy) who cannot play traditional standing or manual-wheelchair sports.

Congratulations Caeden and Devin and the whole Boston Whiplash team that continues to break barriers on and off the court."

Continue reading Rep Roy's newsletter - https://mailchi.mp/ceda2b59b871/march-2021-newsletter-10618432?

Audio Recording of the Mass Manufacturer of the Year Awards - Gillettee Stadium, Oct 27, 2026 (audio)

FM #1845 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1845 in the series. 

This session shares the Annual Manufacturing Awardee Presentation held Tuesday, Oct 27, 2026 at Gillette Stadium.  State Senator Paul Feeney and State Rep Jeff Roy, co-chairs of the Manufacturing Caucus shared reading and presenting the awards.

 

The list of the awardees can be found

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1XvaljLwPg_vElrK2XFP3ZK0jZBAlpEof/view?usp=drive_link 

The recording runs about 95 minutes, so let’s listen in.

Photo album of the event

https://photos.app.goo.gl/DFQ6pHehue6dMXt56

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1845-manufacturing-mashup-awards-10-27-26/

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

This session shares individual remarks made by State Rep Jeff Roy

and Michael Tamasi, President & CEO of Accurounds

at the Annual Manufacturing Awardee Presentation held Tuesday, Oct 27, 2026 at GIllette Stadium. 

 

The recording runs about 20 minutes, so let’s listen in.

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1846-mashup-remarks-rep-roy-m-tamasi-10-27-26/

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

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"

Rep. Jeff Roy Joins Delegation in Denver to Confront Rising Antisemitism and Combat Hate

State Representative Jeffrey Roy (D-Franklin) recently joined a delegation of civic leaders as part of the Together at the Crossroads Congress in Denver. He participated in a national summit sponsored by the David Merage Foundation focused on combating rising antisemitism, media misinformation, and social polarization. 

The delegation's work comes at a critical juncture for the Commonwealth. According to data from state law enforcement and civil rights reports, antisemitic hate crimes in Massachusetts surged by over 20% in a single year, marking the first time on record that Jewish residents became the single most targeted group for hate crimes in the Commonwealth. Although Jewish residents constitute approximately 5% of the state’s population, anti-Jewish bias accounted for 84.4% of all religious bias hate crimes statewide.

“I was honored to participate in the Congress because combating anti-Semitism is a profound moral imperative that demands our active and unwavering commitment,” said Rep. Roy. “True allyship means standing shoulder-to-shoulder with the Jewish community as an upstander against hate in all its forms. By building bridges of understanding, fostering dialogue, and rejecting prejudice wherever it appears, we reaffirm our dedication to a society rooted in mutual respect, dignity, and justice for all.”

The conference brought together elected officials, law enforcement executives, and civic advocates to build actionable frameworks for community resilience, cross-community allyship, and public narrative strategies. It featured a diverse coalition of speakers and presenters, including state lawmakers, police leadership, civil rights advocates, faith leaders, digital media and communication experts, and community foundation executives. 

Rep. Roy’s work in Denver directly reinforces his ongoing legislative efforts in the Massachusetts General Court, particularly regarding the implementation of the state's Genocide Education Act. Educational audits conducted by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) underscored the urgency of this mandate, revealing that among school districts fulfilling state genocide education requirements through mandatory courses, 11% failed to include the Holocaust in their curriculum.

The strategies and policy models developed during the Denver summit will inform ongoing initiatives in Massachusetts to expand Holocaust and civics education, support law enforcement training, and safeguard civil rights across local municipalities, schools, and workplaces.

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/

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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"