FREE Choking Emergency class Jan 28

FREE Choking Emergency class Jan 28

The Franklin Fire and Health Department's are hosting a FREE class that focuses on choking emergencies for our community members this month on January 28 from 3 PM - 4:30 PM at the Franklin Fire Station on 40 West Central St. 

SIGN UP LINK: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0945ACAF2EAAF9C25-61503087-first

Download the flyer as a reminder or to share ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/13x5W_sTOVbMxHL43X5XkIst8TiHMf377/view?usp=drive_link

Storm brings power outages, downed trees; Clean up and restorations continue this morning

Our household and neighborhood had power restored at 4 AM Saturday morning, an outage of approx. 17 hours. At the peak of the outages, streets were blocked with downed trees. Police and Fire units were active in responding. 

"Good morning,

I wanted to provide an update on the power outage situation from overnight into this morning.

I did not want to send emails throughout the night; however, please be assured that we were actively monitoring conditions and remained in close contact with National Grid throughout the event.

As of approximately 4:30 AM, there were about 1,600 households without power. By 6:30 AM this morning, that number had been reduced to approximately 600 locations still without power. National Grid continues to work on restoring service to the remaining customers.

I hope these updates have been helpful to you as you field questions from residents. I understand that some residents were looking for more detailed information and exact restoration timelines. I want to stress that we share all information as soon as it is provided to us by National Grid.

To recap, although there were multiple individual power lines down within our community the primary cause of the widespread outage was damage that occurred outside of town. National Grid advised that the root cause was a failure of a power transfer loop at a substation. This substation failure impacted four communities. The large-scale outage was due to the substation issue, not individual line failures.

Throughout the night, our crews kept up with demand and responded to calls for service as power was restored. There were no major incidents reported overnight.

We will continue to monitor the situation closely as the morning progresses and provide updates as necessary.

Please feel free to reach out if you need any additional information."

Fire Chief & Emergency Management Manager Charles Allen

And 

"Good morning,

The Department of Public Works has crews out this morning continuing with debris cleanup around town.

The good news is that we did not need to salt the roads, which saved municipal funds.

Have a great week!"

Robert Cantoreggi

Director, Department of Public Works

The NationalGrid outage map as of 7:30 this morning

The NationalGrid outage map as of 7:30 this morning

Christmas on the Common comes around again, Sunday, November 30 at 4 PM

For the young and young at heart, Santa arrives on the Town Common, Sunday, Nov 30, 2025 at 4 PM. He is reported to be arriving via a special Franklin fire truck. Will Mrs. Claus be with him too?

Sponsored by Concerts on the Common. Donations to help with this and the Town Common decorations are appreciated. Checks can be mailed to 

"Concerts on the Common"
PO Box 92
Franklin, MA 02038

Download the flyer as a reminder of this special event

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1n0d8kOZtEIYHZoVfVxU09bXP8YuVWYaS/view?usp=drive_link

Christmas on the Town Common - Nov 30 at 4 PM

Franklin Fire Dept hosted training for the Regional Tech Rescue Team

Via Franklin Fire Dept:

"We were happy to host a training drill for our regional tech rescue team this week. Members of the department are assigned to this team."

Franklin Fire Dept hosted training for the Regional Tech Rescue Team

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/16Zx556Xh5/

Franklin Annual Firefighter Memorial

"The Franklin Fire Department held their annual Firefighter memorial Sunday yesterday.  Thank you to members of the Town Council, Town Administrator Jamie Hellen, Fire Department Chaplain Father Robert Poitras, and all those who attended.

A special thank you to Vicario Studio for capturing this event."

Shared from (view additional photos) -> https://www.facebook.com/share/1BRqbkP7dd/

Franklin Annual Firefighter Memorial (photos courtesy of Vicario Studio)

Franklin Fire Dept Press Release on Response to Maple St Fire Nov 1

Franklin Fire Dept Press Release on Response to Maple St Fire Nov 1

Shared from ->  https://www.facebook.com/share/p/16p1SkUJBa/

Members of the Franklin Fire Dept receive recognition of "recent life saving skills on a critical call"

"Members of Group 4 were recognized by

@Handtevy

for their recent life saving skills on a critical call involving a five week old infant. We are proud of each of them and their professionalism."

Members of the Franklin Fire Dept receive recognition of "recent life saving skills on a critical call"

Shared from -> https://x.com/FranklinMAfire/status/1983530180435140932

Town Council helps complete many goals in a marathon 4 hour plus session on Wednesday, 10/22/25 (audio)

FM #1560 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1560 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin (MA) Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, October 22, 2025.  The agenda was the same as the one published for Oct 15 which was not held and rescheduled for the 22nd. All 9 of the members of the committee were present in Council Chambers for this session. 

Quick recap:

• The recent Fire Dept promotions were sworn in. The promotions show the domino effect of the retirement of Chief McLaughlin.  Charles (Chuck) Allen moved up from Battalion Chief to Fire Chief, Sean Lovely took Chuck's former role as Battalion Chief, and Jaden Brodeur took Sean's former role as Lieutenant. Photos of the swearing in and pinning by family members can be viewed in one album -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/g3Y1X5Emuspooz6g6 

• The Franklin's 250th Anniversary Celebration Committee was appointed after first voting to increase the size of the committee that was initially scoped and authorized

• The 2025 Election Workers were approved as submitted by Town Clerk Nancy Danello

• A public hearing on a New Section 12 Restaurant All Alcoholic Beverages License and Approval of Bassam Michael as the Manager - BMRG LLC d/b/a Kings Brick Oven Pizza & Pub was conducted and the changes were voted in as approved.

• The public hearing on Multiple modifications of a Section 15 Package Store All Alcoholic Beverages License: Change of License Manager, Change of Officers/Directors & Change of Stock - Dharma Bhakti Corporation d/b/a Liquor World was continued to Oct 29. The principals involved were ready for the original Oct 15 session but unable to meet the rescheduled date

• Alan Earls, Historical Commission Chair presented an overview of the ideas for the Historical Museum 2.0  https://photos.app.goo.gl/rSGBDkPJPKgSaKFe9 

• An overview of the Historic District Commission Process should the Town decide to go forward with one was presented by Will Lee, Historical Commission Member & Rowan Lowell, Town Archivist   https://photos.app.goo.gl/qkaVaRd9w3Anh3Nv6 

• Jamie Hellen, Town Administrator provided an update on the status of Town Council & Town Administrator 2024-2025 Goals. A new set of  goals will be determined by the next Council.    https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/7172/8c-2024-2025-Town-Council-and-Town-Administration-Goals---Oct-2025 

• Two resolutions were approved to process a State grant to fund the Franklin Stormwater Asset Management Plan

• A brief hurrah was heard after the approval of the Adoption of the Schmidt Farm and Maple Hill Master Plans

• Approval of Sewer System Map & Water System Map changes for Symphony Dr

• The Collection Containers bylaw was approved. The Elks in this case but any non-profit would have a collection container on their property with authorization from this bylaw

• Two measure to authorize Residential Commercial Kitchens for locations that are on septic systems (not Town sewer) were approved as an enhancement for economic development of small businesses

• A set of 6 bylaws were approved as amended to create the Crossing Neighborhood Zoning District. Councilor Frongillo recused himself for the discussion and votes as his father owns a business in the proposed (now authorized) district

• Town Administrator Jamie Hellen provided an update that the Department of Conservation and Recreation would like to help fund the work to extend the SNETT to the Crossing Neighborhood District. 

The recording runs about 4 hours & 12 minutes (the brief recess for fire dept photos was left out of the audio).

Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1560-franklin-ma-town-council-mtg-10-22-25/

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

Franklin TV video is available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6SdsqXbknGQ 

Meeting agenda contains remote participation info ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10152025-1953 

My full set of notes captured during the meeting can be found in one PDF -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1P7VMhEm04zewpCdXxAIVjqtoL8S7gzix/view?usp=drive_link 

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

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 Hall - sunny day

Franklin Fire Dept gets training on thermal imaging

Franklin Fire Dept gets training on thermal imaging

Franklin Fire (@FranklinMAfire) posted Fri, Oct 24, 2025:

This week each group received an in depth presentation on thermal imagers by Bob Athanas from Safe-IR.

Shared from -> https://t.co/F8TUirqtx7

Town Council helps complete many goals in a marathon 4 hour plus session on Wednesday (video)

The Franklin Town Council met for their next to last session of the current term on Wednesday, October 22. The agenda was the same as the one published for Oct 15 which was not held and rescheduled for the 22nd. All 9 councilors were present for the session in Council Chambers.

The full agenda took over 4 hours to complete. Franklin TV video is available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6SdsqXbknGQ

Meeting agenda contains remote participation info ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10152025-1953 

Quick recap:

• The recent Fire Dept promotions were sworn in. The promotions show the domino effect of the retirement of Chief McLaughlin. Charles (Chuck) Allen moved up from Battalion Chief to Fire Chief, Sean Lovely took Chuck's former role as Battalion Chief, and Jaden Brodeur took Sean's former role as Lieutenant. Photos of the swearing in and pinning by family members can be viewed in one album -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/g3Y1X5Emuspooz6g6
• The Franklin's 250th Anniversary Celebration Committee was appointed after first voting to increase the size of the committee that was initially scoped and authorized
• The 2025 Election Workers were approved as submitted by Town Clerk Nancy Danello
• A public hearing on a New Section 12 Restaurant All Alcoholic Beverages License and Approval of Bassam Michael as the Manager - BMRG LLC d/b/a Kings Brick Oven Pizza & Pub was conducted and the changed were voted in as approved.
• The public hearing on Multiple modifications of a Section 15 Package Store All Alcoholic Beverages License: Change of License Manager, Change of Officers/Directors & Change of Stock - Dharma Bhakti Corporation d/b/a Liquor World was continued to Oct 29. The principals involved were ready for the original Oct 15 session but unable to meet the rescheduled date
• Alan Earls, Historical Commission Chair presented an overview of the ideas for the Historical Museum 2.0  https://photos.app.goo.gl/rSGBDkPJPKgSaKFe9
• An overview of the Historic District Commission Process should the Town decide to go forward with one was presented by Will Lee, Historical Commission Member & Rowan Lowell, Town Archivist   https://photos.app.goo.gl/qkaVaRd9w3Anh3Nv6
• Jamie Hellen, Town Administrator provided an update on the status of Town Council & Town Administrator 2024-2025 Goals. A new set of  goals will be determined by the next Council.    https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/7172/8c-2024-2025-Town-Council-and-Town-Administration-Goals---Oct-2025
• Two resolutions were approved to process a State grant to fund the Franklin Stormwater Asset Management Plan
• A brief hurrah was heard after the approval of the Adoption of the Schmidt Farm and Maple Hill Master Plans
• Approval of Sewer System Map & Water System Map changes for Symphony Dr
• The Collection Containers bylaw was approved. The Elks in this case but any non-profit would have a collection container on their property with authorization from this bylaw
• Two measure to authorize Residential Commercial Kitchens for locations that are on septic systems (not Town sewer) were approved as an enhancement for economic development of small businesses
• A set of 6 bylaws were approved as amended to create the Crossing Neighborhood Zoning District. Councilor Frongillo recused himself for the discussion and votes as his father owns a business in the proposed (now authorized) district
• Town Administrator Jamie Hellen provided and update that the Department of Conservation and Recreation would like to help fund the work to extend the SNETT to the Crossing Neighborhood District. 

My full set of notes captured during the meeting can be found in one PDF -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1P7VMhEm04zewpCdXxAIVjqtoL8S7gzix/view?usp=drive_link

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Saturday, Oct 18, 2025 ??

Saturday, Oct 18

8:00am St. Mary Men's Faith Formation Group (St. Mary's Parish)

9:00am Thrifty Threads (Franklin Federated Church)

9:00am Library Book Sale (Franklin Public Library)

10:00am Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

10:00am NO KINGS Franklin (Franklin Village Plaza)

10:00am Rise Up (Franklin Fire Headquarters)

10:30am Trunk or Treat (Franklin Public Library)

12:00pm Pumpkin Patch (St John's Episcopal Church)

1:00pm Library "books by the bag" Sale (Franklin Public Library)

2:00pm Annie (THE BLACK BOX)

2:00pm The Wolves (Dean College Main Stage Theater)

7:30pm SHOW CANCELLED - Richard Shindell (Circle of Friends Coffeehouse)

7:30pm Annie (THE BLACK BOX)

7:30pm The Wolves (Dean College Main Stage Theater)

8:00pm Karaoke at The Raillery (Raillery Public House)

** NO Town Meetings today   **

What's happening in Franklin, MA

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

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

Town of Franklin: Human Resources is looking for candidates for positions in Conservation, Fire Dept, Library, Police Dept, Facilities & DPW

To be considered for an open position, please submit a resume and cover letter in PDF format via email to Human Resources. 

Be sure to include the job title in the subject line of your email to ensure accurate processing. 

If you do not have a resume, you may submit a completed Application for Employment (PDF) as an alternative.

• Director of Conservation - Conservation Department 
• Licensed Plumber  - Facilities Department
• Firefighter / Paramedic - Franklin Fire Department
• Librarian - Youth Services - Franklin Public Library
• Heavy Motor Equipment Operator-  Department of Public Works
• Co-Response Clinician - Police Department
• Custodian (part-time) - Facilities

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/228/Job-Opportunities

Join Rise Up this Saturday at a *Different Location* 🌄 - Franklin Fire Dept Hdqtrs

Good morning,

Rise Up is meeting this Saturday at a different location for a special social hour with the Franklin Fire Department!

Date: Saturday, Oct 18

Time: 10:00 AM

Location: Franklin Fire Headquarters, 40 West Central Street

Parking: On the right side of the building, or over-flow in the back lot

Entrance: We will have a door propped open on the right side of the station at a ramp entrance, at least until 10:10 AM. We may close the door after that, depending on the weather, but you can knock or come to the front entrance instead. If you choose to enter the front door, press the button on the wall, and let the person know you are at the station for a Rise Up meeting.

Restrooms: There are handicap accessible restrooms.

Sensory: Being at the fire station, there is awareness that an alarm bell could go off to notify the staff of an emergency. To help minimize any noise sensitivity needs, the room we are meeting in will have the alarm turned off. I will also have earplugs for anyone who needs extra support. 

Join Rise Up this Saturday

Outline:

- open social time

- presentation by Franklin Fire/EMS

- announcements

- view trucks 

- hang out, wrap-up

Hope you see you there!!

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

This one-hour social meet-up is intended to be a safe space for:

• individuals navigating life with disability to meet others they can relate with
• community partners to learn more about the population and share resources
• support persons to meet other support persons

For additional information about this event, please visit ->  https://alirheaume.com/rise-up

Fire Dept hiring to backfill open positions

Fire Dept hiring to backfill open positions

via Franklin Fire Dept

We’re hiring Firefighter/Paramedics!

Check out the job posting: https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/7187/Firefighter—Paramedic-2025-10

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/DPt6hn6Edpq/

Franklin Fire Dept announce receipt of FEMA grant for training

Franklin Fire Dept announce receipt of FEMA grant for training

Franklin Fire (@FranklinMAfire) posted Mon, Sep 29, 2025:

The Franklin Fire Department is pleased to announce that we have been awarded a $119,023.63 grant through the @fema Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program.  These funds will be used for training. 

shared from -> https://t.co/wXM6oLTbq4

Sign up for the next FREE hands-only CPR class scheduled for Oct 22

Sign up for the next FREE hands-only
CPR class scheduled for Oct 22

The Franklin Fire and Health Department is having another FREE hands-only CPR class for the community in October. 

All you have to do is copy and paste the link or scan the QR code to set up. 

SIGN UP LINK:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0945ACAF2EAAF9C25-58802304-hands

You can download the flyer as a reminder or to share  

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1cBZvhy2iBQ3VVkS0I8qqBAg9jHR4BaGa/view?usp=drive_link