Franklin Fire Department Awarded $380,124 FEMA Grant to Support Specialized Rescue Training

TOWN OF FRANKLIN | 355 E. Central St, Franklin, MA 02038 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 24, 2026 Media Contact: Elizabeth Kalaijian Communications Director Town of Franklin (508) 553-4886 ekalaijian@franklinma.gov   Franklin Fire Department Awarded $380,124 FEMA Grant to Support Specialized Rescue Training FRANKLIN, Mass. — The Franklin Fire Department is pleased to announce it has been awarded $380,124 through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program. The grant will fund a specialized training project focused on confined space rescue and heavy vehicle extrication. The training will provide Franklin firefighters with advanced skills to safely respond to specialized rescue incidents. The award includes $78,536 for needed rescue equipment, with the remaining funding supporting the training project. “This is a significant award for the Franklin Fire Department and an important investment in our firefighters and our ability to serve the Franklin community,” said Franklin Fire Chief Chuck Allen. “This funding will help ensure our department has the training and equipment needed to safely and effectively respond when residents need us most.” The Assistance to Firefighters Grant program provides funding to fire departments to enhance their ability to protect the health and safety of firefighters and the public. ### Visit the Town of Franklin website for news and community updates: News and Announcements —Stay informed and connected with the Town of Franklin— Town of Franklin | 355 E Central St, | Franklin, MA 02038 US

Franklin Agricultural NEEDS YOU!

The Franklin Agricultural Commission is looking for community members who want to help support the farms, farmland, and agricultural future of our town.

We need:

🌾 Associate & 3-Year Term Commission Members

Help advocate for agriculture and shape initiatives that support Franklin’s farms and agricultural community.

✍️ Grant Writer

Help research and write grant applications that could bring valuable funding opportunities to local farmers.

👩‍🌾 Farm Volunteers

Lend a hand at local farms with seasonal chores and projects. No farming experience required!

Come visit us at the Franklin Farmers Market on Friday Sept. 18!

Stop by our table, meet the Franklin Agricultural Commission, learn about our mission, and discover how you can make a difference in Franklin’s agricultural community.

Support local farms. Protect our farmland. Grow Franklin’s future.

Tina Powderly talks with me about Hunger Action Month (audio)

FM #1809 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1809 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Tina Powderly, Executive Director of the Franklin Food Pantry. We had our conversation in person in the community room at The Franklin Food Pantry on Friday, August 28, 2026. 

Discussion items: 

• Hunger Action Month, nationwide program by Feeding America

• Infographic confirms volume increases

• Many ways to help, take a tour, volunteer, donate items, money, etc.

• Plans for expansion to meet the growing need

The conversation runs about 32 minutes. Let’s listen in 

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1809-franklin-fodd-pantry-hunger-action-month-08-28-26/

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Franklin Food Pantry web page -> https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/ 

Follow The Pantry on

Facebook ->  https://www.facebook.com/FranklinFoodPantry 

Instagram ->  https://www.instagram.com/franklinfoodpan/ 

Amazon wishlist ->  

https://franklinfoodpantry.mindfulgiving.org/campaigns/amazon-wish-list/products 

Infographic- https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/about/impact-reports/

Grateful for the years of support from Rockland Trust for use of the prior building which is no longer standing on West Central St in the Rockland Trust parking lot.

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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!

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

Franklin Cultural Council FY27 Grant Applications open until October 16, 2026

It’s time to write your Franklin Cultural Council FY27 Grant Applications!  

From now until October 16th, the Franklin Cultural Council is accepting applications for grants which support arts and culture programs for Franklinites. 

 

Here is the link to the portal where you can learn more and start YOUR GRANT APPLICATION:  https://massculturalcouncil.smartsimple.com/s_Login.jsp

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Franklin Fire Department Receives State Funding to Support Fire Safety Education

The Franklin Fire Department is pleased to announce it has been awarded $13,117 in state fire safety grant funding from the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services.

The department received $9,367 for the Student Awareness of Fire Education (SAFE) Program and $3,750 for the Senior SAFE Program for 2026.

These grants are part of a broader initiative by the Healey-Driscoll Administration, which awarded nearly $2 million statewide to support fire safety education for children and older adults. The SAFE programs provide critical resources to local fire departments to deliver life-saving education and prevention initiatives in their communities.

The SAFE Program focuses on teaching school-aged children how to recognize fire risks and respond safely in emergency situations. The Senior SAFE Program addresses fire risks among older adults through education, home safety improvements and partnerships with local service organizations.

“These grant funds allow our Fire Department to continue providing essential fire safety education to some of our most vulnerable populations,” said Fire Chief Chuck Allen. “By reaching both students and seniors, we are helping to prevent emergencies before they happen and ensuring residents are better prepared to stay safe.”

Franklin Public Schools Secures $150K, Innovation Grant to Redesign, Modernize Middle School Library

Franklin Public Schools has secured $150,000 in state earmarked funding and a competitive innovation grant to support the redesign and modernization of the Franklin Middle School library and STEM space.

The funding, secured with the advocacy of state Rep. Jeff Roy, will help transform the current library into a Library and Innovation Commons.

The district also received an Inventionland Education Innovation Grant, which will support efforts to create a learning environment focused on creativity, innovation, makerspace experiences, group collaboration, and project-based learning.

The earmarked funding and grant will allow the district to redesign the space into a modern learning hub for students while also serving as a welcoming space for school and community engagement.

"Through the advocacy of Representative Roy and the support of the Inventionland Education Innovation Grant, we have a meaningful opportunity to reimagine the Franklin Middle School library as a dynamic learning environment for students," said Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning Dr. Tina Rogers. "Our goal is to create a flexible space where students can collaborate, explore ideas, and engage in hands-on learning that connects across subject areas."

Over the coming months, students and staff will be invited to share input as the district develops plans for the redesigned space to ensure the new Library and Innovation Commons supports both classroom instruction and student-driven learning.

District administrators credit Elizabeth Morrison, Director of English Language Arts and Social Studies, and Eric Stark, Director of STEM, for their leadership in advancing the project.

"Creating spaces that encourage curiosity, creativity, and collaboration is an important part of supporting innovative teaching and learning," Dr. Rogers said. "We are grateful for the support that is helping make this work possible."

Franklin Fire Department Awarded $21,649 Through State Firefighter Safety Equipment Grant

TOWN OF FRANKLIN | 355 E. Central St, Franklin, MA 02038 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 2, 2026 Media Contact: Elizabeth Kalaijian Communications Director Town of Franklin (508) 553-4886 ekalaijian@franklinma.gov   Franklin Fire Department Awarded $21,649 Through State Firefighter Safety Equipment Grant FRANKLIN, Mass. — The Franklin Fire Department is pleased to announce it has been awarded $21,649.08 through the Massachusetts Firefighter Safety Equipment Grant Program, administered by the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (EOPSS) and the Department of Fire Services (DFS). This funding is part of a statewide initiative by the Healey-Driscoll Administration, which awarded a total of $5 million to 307 fire departments across Massachusetts to support the purchase of critical safety equipment. The Franklin Fire Department will use the funds to purchase gas- or battery-powered scene lighting and structural firefighting gear to enhance on-scene visibility, improve safety and strengthen operational readiness. "We're grateful to EOPSS and DFS for their continued support," said Fire Chief Chuck Allen. "This funding helps ensure our personnel have the equipment they need to operate safely and effectively." Visit the Town of Franklin website for news and community updates: News and Announcements —Stay informed and connected with the Town of Franklin— Town of Franklin | 355 E Central St, | Franklin, MA 02038 US

"Congratulations to the Franklin Performing Arts Center for receiving a Destination Development Capital Grant"

via Senator Becca Rausch

"Congratulations to the Franklin Performing Arts Center for receiving a Destination Development Capital Grant. These funds will cover roof renovation costs for THE BLACK BOX, a world-class stage that spotlights talented local actors and engaging Massachusetts stories. 

Thanks to the Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism for your continuing support of our vibrant creative economy. "

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Franklin Fire Dept receives $21K in competitive grant

Franklin Fire Dept receives $21K in competitive grant

The Franklin Fire Department is pleased to announce that we have been awarded $21,649.08 towards equipment through a competitive grant.

Thank you to the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services and Eopss MA for this grant funding.

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BFCCPS PCO announce 4th & final Grant Award

The PCO proudly announces our fourth and final Faculty Grant recipient, Julie Bradley!  She was approved for a $593.50 grant (partial funding) towards a Movement Regulation Station.

"This grant will support the implementation of a Movement Regulation Station in the Physical Education gym to promote students’ physical, emotional, and behavioral well-being while maintaining active engagement in learning. 

The station will include low-impact movement options such as a walking pad, a stationary or under-desk bike, slam balls, and balance and resistance tools. 

These resources allow students to remain physically active when they require a brief self-regulation break or when safety considerations limit participation in traditional PE activities."

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BFCCPS PCO announces 3rd Faculty Grant Recipient

via BFCCPS PCO:

"The PCO proudly announces our third of four Faculty Grant recipients, Rebecca Nestor! She was approved for a $593.50 grant (partial funding) towards triple beam balances for density instruction.

"As we examined our MCAS test results this year, we continue to see students struggling with the concept of density. This struggle spans multiple classes and remains consistent over consecutive testing cycles. Density is a critical foundation for understanding broader Earth science concepts, including how differences in density drive convection currents and influence the behavior of oceanic vs. continental crust.

BFCCPS PCO announces 3rd Faculty Grant Recipient

Currently, our science department is unable to provide consistent lab-based density instruction. We own six triple beam balances; however, all six are broken and nonfunctional. Without working measurement equipment, students cannot accurately determine mass, calculate density, or observe the relationship between density and material properties. Teachers are forced to rely on simulations or teacher-led demonstrations, which do not provide the direct experience students need to master this topic.

Because density is an abstract and mathematically driven concept, students learn best when they can physically experiment, measure, and record results themselves. Access to working balances will allow students to collect real data, observe patterns, and apply those concepts to models of Earth systems."

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