Luna's Light Activity Day is scheduled for October 25

Join SAFE Coalition and Learn 2 Cope for a special Halloween afternoon created especially for children in Grades 1–4 and their caregivers! 

Meet Luna the Comfort Dog

Fun Halloween activities & games

Interactive storytelling

Special treats for all kids

A welcoming space to build strength, connection, and joy

📅 Sunday, October 25, 2026

⏰ 1:00–3:00 PM

📍 SAFE Coalition - 31 Hayward St. Suite 2C, Franklin, MA

🎁 FREE EVENT!

The first 20 families to register will receive a $20 gift card!

Come spend the afternoon making memories, connecting with other families, and celebrating the power of learning healthy ways to cope. 💜

👉 Registration is encouraged—spots are limited! https://bit.ly/4hjFOG2 

#LearnToCope #LunasLight #SAFECoalition #FranklinMA #FamilySupport KidsActivities Halloween ComfortDog MentalHealthMatters CommunitySupport FreeFamilyEvent

Jen Levine, provides an update on the SAFE Coalition 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 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-1833-safe-coalition-update-to-town-council-09-16-26/

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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 

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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"

FHS cross country schedules Diaper Drive Tuesday, Sep 29 for SAFE Coalition

 FHS cross country teams schedule Diaper Drive Tuesday, Sep 29 for SAFE Coalition 

Shared from https://www.facebook.com/share/p/192xpQTDCi/

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

Direct Federal Credit Union Launches Direct Impact Checking to Support SAFE Coalition

SAFE Coalition is excited to announce a new partnership with Direct Federal Credit Union as they launch Direct Impact Checking, a checking account that allows members to make a difference simply by using their debit card, at no additional cost to the member. 

Through the partnership, everyday purchases made with Direct Impact Checking will help SAFE Coalition offer compassionate, judgment-free support for individuals impacted by substance abuse, mental health challenges, and related concerns.

“Every swipe of a debit card is now a lifeline for someone in our community,” said SAFE CEO Jen Levine. “This program lets people support recovery, mental health, and family services without changing a thing about their daily routine. Direct Federal has stood with SAFE for years, and this takes their commitment somewhere truly new and exciting.”

Through the new checking account, members can select SAFE as the nonprofit they want their everyday banking to support. As they use their Direct Impact Checking debit card, Direct Federal will contribute a percentage toward their chosen nonprofit. 

Additionally, Direct Federal is making a donation with each transaction made with a debit card, putting even more dollars toward SAFE’s mission. 

“SAFE Coalition is a long-time partner of ours and we are thrilled to continue to support their mission through Direct Impact Checking. Now everyday purchases will help support and empower individuals in their road to treatment and recovery,” said Kristen Johnson, Chief Experience Officer for Direct Federal Credit Union. 

For more than 73 years, Direct Federal has supported the communities it serves throughout Massachusetts. Direct Impact Checking builds on that commitment by connecting everyday financial activity with organizations addressing critical community needs.

In addition to the SAFE Coalition, members can choose to support The Ellie Fund, Greater Boston PFLAG or Raising A Reader Massachusetts.

“Community impact doesn’t always have to start with a major donation,” added Johnson. “We wanted to create a program that makes giving part of something people are already doing. With Direct Impact Checking, members choose the organization that matters to them, and their everyday spending can help move that organization’s mission forward.”

Direct Federal will track and share the program’s community impact as participation grows, including funds generated and stories from the organizations and communities benefiting from the program.

Direct Impact Checking is now available through Direct Federal Credit Union. A launch event will be held at Direct Federal’s Needham location on Thursday, September 24.

To learn more, visit www.direct.com and www.safecoalitionma.org.

ABOUT SAFE

SAFE Coalition serves over 50 communities in Massachusetts with substance use and mental health services that close current gaps in care. With programs for teens, support groups for families impacted by substance use, recovery groups, harm reduction education, resources for families in need like a community diaper bank, housing support, and more, SAFE’s services are judgment-free and cost-free to all.

To learn more about SAFE Coalition, contact us at (508) 488-8105 or info@safecoalitionma.org.

About Direct Federal Credit Union

Direct Federal is a federally insured credit union headquartered in Needham, Massachusetts. Founded in 1953, Direct Federal is committed to helping its members achieve financial well-being while investing in the communities it serves. Through financial education, community partnerships and scholarship programs, Direct Federal has proudly served residents of Middlesex County, Norfolk County and surrounding communities for more than 70 years.

FREE film screening of THC INC.! - scheduled for Friday, October 9, 2026

Registration is now open for our FREE film screening of THC INC.!

Cannabis today is not what it was a generation ago. Join SAFE Coalition for a viewing of this documentary to learn about how stronger THC, wider access, and commercialization are affecting youth health, mental wellbeing, and what we think we know.

📅 Friday, October 9
🕔 5:30–7:30 PM
📍 SAFE Coalition, Franklin
🎟️ Free to attend. RSVP required: tinyurl.com/thcfilm

wayfarerstudios, @documentaryplus, @picturemotion__
#THCinc #CannabisEducation #YouthMentalHealth #PublicHealth #DrugPrevention #FranklinMA

Shared from - https://www.instagram.com/p/DdRg9pGm-vo/

Keep Your Home Clean and Healthy: Visit SAFE's Medication Take Back Event Oct 24

If you have old prescriptions sitting in your medicine cabinet or expired over-the-counter meds taking up space, here's your chance to dispose of them safely while helping protect your community.

The SAFE Coalition is hosting drive-thru medication disposal stations on Saturday, October 24, 10 AM – noon at locations in Franklin, Norfolk, Medway, Millis, and Wrentham. It's completely free, totally anonymous, and you don't even have to get out of your car. 

You can find drive-up locations in the parking lots of Franklin Town Hall, Medway Town Hall, Millis Fire Department, Norfolk Police Department, and Wrentham Town Hall.

What can you bring? Any medication you want to get rid of – over-the-counter pills, prescription medications (yes, including opioids), and even medical devices like vapes and cartridges. No questions asked, no judgment, just safe disposal. 

Visit safecoalitionma.org/rx-day for details.

Clean it Out

Most of us have a drawer or cabinet somewhere with old medications we're not sure what to do with. But keeping unused or expired prescriptions around isn't just clutter – it can actually be dangerous. The numbers are pretty sobering: in 2023, 20% of people who had opioid prescriptions ended up misusing them, either by taking higher doses than prescribed or using them in ways their doctors didn't recommend.

And it's not just about misuse. Those leftover pills can be dangerous if kids, pets, or other family members accidentally get into them. And flushing old meds down the toilet might seem like an easy solution, but it can contaminate our water supply and harm fish and other wildlife.

SAFE Coalition has partnered with Deterra to make medication disposal as easy and safe as possible. Can't make it to the September 15 event? No problem – you can check out the Deterra website to buy drug deactivation systems like disposal pouches, lockboxes, and containers that let you safely dispose of medications at home.

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

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Thursday, September 10, 2026 ???

Thursday, September 10

Trash and recycling collection will be delayed one day all week due to the holiday. Those normally on Wednesday, are now scheduled for Thursday , etc.

4:00pm Free Skating Open House (Pirelli Veterans Arena)

5:00pm Wind Phone & new art installed (Franklin Sculpture Park)

6:00pm IEP/504 Caregiver Support Group at SAFE (SAFE Coalition)

For additional details on Library events -> https://www.franklinma.gov/942/Calendar-of-Events

For additional details on Senior Center events ->   

https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/10676/September-2026-Newsletter?bidId=

*** Town Meetings today ***

Bi-County Collaborative - Board of Directors Mtg.

Thursday, September 10 Time: 9:00 AM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09102026-2489 

Municipal Affordable Housing Trust Meeting - CANCELED

Thursday, September 10 Time: 2:00 PM

Cultural District Committee Meeting

Thursday, September 10 Time: 6:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09102026-2471 

Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School Meeting

Thursday, September 10 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09102026-2488 

Conservation Commission Meeting

Thursday, September 10 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09102026-2497

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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

"FILL THE VAN" pop-up Diaper Drive THIS Friday at the Franklin Farmers Market

via the SAFE Coalition:

"POP-UP DIAPER DRIVE ROUND 2!

Since July 1, 2026, we have had 501 unique requests for diapers. 

This is up 300% since last July. 

💚 We are asking for your support!

Our pop-up, diaper drive was so successful last Saturday, that we are doing a "FILL THE VAN" pop-up THIS Friday at the Franklin Farmers Market from 2:30pm-6:00pm!

Size 4, 5, and 6 are the highest need.

We are already so grateful to all of you who have participated in giving and donating.

 

THANK YOU!"

Boston Globe: "‘Joe Camel all over again’: Mass. Lottery blasted for cartoonish games critics say lure children"

“It’s Joe Camel all over again.”

Our CEO and co-founder Jen Levine made the front page of yesterday’s Boston Globe, talking about the cartoon characters and bright colors in the state’s new online lottery games.

In 2021, 28% of Massachusetts high schoolers reported playing the lottery. By 2025 it was 37%.

SAFE is working to make gambling a part of the addiction and mental health conversation in Massachusetts today.

Story link - https://www.bostonglobe.com/2026/08/31/metro/massachusetts-lottery-online-children-games/?s_campaign=sharetool_copypaste_view

Thank you to Chris Serres and The Boston Globe for the reporting.

Shared from - https://www.instagram.com/p/DcwzACSlAmQ/

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Saturday, August 29, 2026 ???

Saturday, August 29

9:00am Thrifty Threads (Franklin Federated Church)

9:00am SAFE flag planting (Franklin Town Common)

10:00am Arts & Crafts Sale (684 Oak St, Franklin)

10:00am Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

10:00am    FSPA Open House    (38 Main St)

10:30am Summer Reading Wrap Up! (Franklin Public Library)

11:00am Peach Fest (Fairmount Fruit Farm)

3:00pm Franklin Cable Access - Annual Open Meeting/Block Party (23 Hutchinson St)

5:30pm Community Cookout (Franklin United Methodist Church)

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

*** NO  Town Meetings today ***

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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