2026 Reach Out Breakfast Impact Video: Shawna's Story (video)

I had the privilege to participate in the Hockomock YMCA "Reach Out Breakfast" on Friday morning. The video of Shawna's Story is shareworthy.

"Watch the moving story of Shawna and her children, shared at our March 6th Campaign Breakfast.  

Through life’s most difficult moments, our Y is here to provide an immediate safety net for individuals and families in need. None of this support is possible without the generosity of the many people and organizations who give to our annual Reach Out Campaign. Thank you for helping us be there when it matters most.  

www.hockymca.org/give

Video link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fTGN3fPyNpk

Jan 6 memorial plaque finally placed to honor law enforcement efforts

via the Washington Post:

"Long-delayed Jan. 6 plaque honoring police installed in Capitol at 4 AM"

"The police officers were taunted and beaten. Some were knocked unconscious and dragged down stone steps, tear gas stinging their throats, to chants of “U.S.A! U.S.A!” on Jan. 6, 2021, as hundreds, then thousands, swarmed the citadel of American democracy.

Now, more than five years later, and three years since Congress ignored its own deadline to install it, a memorial plaque recognizing the service of law enforcement that day is finally on display in the very building they defended from a mob of President Donald Trump’s supporters intent on overturning his 2020 election loss.

In the predawn hours Saturday, around 4 a.m., staff with the Architect of the Capitol bolted the bronze plaque to a granite wall near an entrance on the west front, close to where the armed crowd had amassed and scaled scaffolding set up for the inauguration. They wheeled the plaque, stored in plywood, across the stone basement floor and guided it through the double doors. They raised the tribute with a jack table and began fixing it in place, the clang of their tools ringing out through otherwise empty hallways."

Architect of the Capitol employees installed overnight
a plaque honoring law enforcement personnel for
their service on Jan. 6, 2021. (Olivia George/The Washington Post)

Shared from - (gift link) https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1AhgT739EL/

Please take the quick Franklin Public Library Survey !!!

Please take the quick Franklin Public Library Survey !!!

Franklin Public Library wants to hear from you!

Please take our quick survey to help us plan for the next five years of library goals and greatness!

https://www.franklinma.gov/1211/Library-Survey

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1CLQTZyetP/

Power of Positivity, Sunday March 8 at 10 AM

The Power of Positivity = March 8, 2026 10:00 AM

Lay leader and longtime FUSF member Bo Kinney will lead a service entitled "The Power of Positivity." Bo will share how his cancer journey has influenced his life, and how it exemplifies the Unitarian Universalist value of Transformation.

Event by First Universalist Society in Franklin

262 Chestnut St, Franklin, MA

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/1DTPXuoGh2/

Haven Hot Chicken looking to fill Franklin's cravings !!!

Monday evening, I had the opportunity to preview the 10th store for Haven, the first in Massachusetts, which also gives Franklin another in a long line of firsts.

They are serious about premium chicken. Per my brief conversation with Etkin Tekin, CEO & Co-Founder, 3 of the 4 co-founders are in Franklin for the opening.

• The Franklin management team has been in training to prepare for Wednesday's opening since July, 2025
• The Franklin operation has been schooled in the Haven "hot chicken" process which takes 3 days of prep for the chicken (marinade, etc.) before getting selected for your meal
• There is a special fund raising coupon available (image not accepted) to help Franklin High School

They are scheduled to open Wednesday, Jan 14. Find out more about them and their menu ->  https://www.havenhotchicken.com/franklin-ma

special fund raising coupon available

Town of Franklin: Government 101 series - what does Franklin do & how do they do it?

We're going to the archives to bring forward a number of key items to share to help folks who are newly engaged to help understand the overall processes of Town of Franklin government in action.

Town of Franklin: Government 101 (audio) (2018)

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/09/town-of-franklin-government-101-audio.html

Town of Franklin: Government 101 (video) (2019)

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/09/town-of-franklin-government-101-video.html

Town of Franklin: Government 101 - budget cycle (audio) (2022)

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/09/town-of-franklin-government-101-budget.html

Town of Franklin: Government 101 - Finance Update (audio) (Dec 2024)

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/12/kerri-jana-share-finance-town-school.html

Town of Franklin: All about the water system, yes we have enough (audio) (August 2021)

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/09/town-of-franklin-all-about-water-system.html

Town of Franklin: All about the sewer system, yes we have capacity for growth (audio) (2023)

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/09/town-of-franklin-all-about-sewer-system.html

Town of Franklin Water & Sewer projects update (audio) (Oct 2025)

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/10/doug-jake-provide-updates-on-sewer.html

Franklin For All housing & zoning podcast series (audio) (2022-2023)

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/02/franklin-for-all-housing-zoning-podcast.html

*** Finance Committee "Deep Dive" series

Technology, Dec 2025

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/12/finance-committee-gets-answer-on-how.html

Capital budget FY 2024 

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/01/finance-committee-reviews-and-approves.html

Facilities, Dec 2023

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/12/finance-committee-takes-deep-dive-sorta_01138495076.html

Permitting & storm water credits Feb 2023

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/02/finance-committee-hears-from-town.html

Schools, Dec 2022 (audio)

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/12/finance-committee-gets-some-financial.html

Schools, Dec 2022 (Video) 

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/12/finance-committee-gets-to-better.html 

Storm water utility fee March 2022

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/03/your-time-is-needed-now-to-pay.html

"Talk Franklin" series on individual departments/services

• Town Clerk on elections - Jan 2024 ->    https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/01/nancy-danello-joins-this-talk-franklin.html
• DPW operations - Feb 2024 -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/02/in-this-talk-franklin-episode-we-talk.html
• School budget with Supt Lucas Giguere and Dr Tina Rogers - April 2024 ->  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/04/in-this-talk-franklin-episode-some.html
• Conservation & Recreation - April 2024 ->   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/05/earth-day-earth-month-conversation-with.html
• Mental health services (co-response program) - May 2024 ->   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/05/we-spent-our-talk-franklin-time-on.html
• School & Town budget leading into the Joint Budget sessions -> Sep 2024 ->   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/09/jamie-lucas-talk-town-and-school-topics.html
• Arts, culture & economic development Oct 2024 ->     https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/11/talking-franklin-arts-culture-economic.html
• Town Administrator Jamie Hellen takes on some myth busting  Nov 2024 ->  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/11/in-this-talk-franklin-episode-jamie.html 
• 2024 Year in Review with Jamie & Amy ->   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/11/in-this-talk-franklin-episode-jamie.html

You can also check out the department segments shared from each of the Annual Reports. While much of the report sections tout the stats for that department's activity in the prior year, they also get into some detail on what is done and how it is done. 

Town of Franklin: Government 101 series - what does Franklin do & how do they do it?

Franklin Interfaith Council Thanksgiving 11-16-2025 (video)

The Franklin Interfaith Council held their annual Thanksgiving Service on Sunday, Nov 16 at 7 PM at the Franklin United Methodist Church.

Franklin Interfaith Council Thanksgiving Service

Well attended, Franklin TV (Chris Flynn) live streamed the event and the video is available for replay here -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L7FF34vdmrE

A copy of the program can be viewed and/or downloaded here (PDF) ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1vZJBrkYkwvqaIO8qhORimyZlJOWmroi4/view?usp=drive_link

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Sunday, November 16, 2025 ???

Sunday, November 16

7:30am All You Can Eat Breakfast (Franklin Rod & Gun Club)

1:00pm Franklin Historical Museum (always free) 

1:00pm Musical Bingo (Teddy Gallagher's Irish Pub)

2:00pm Cabaret (Dean College Main Stage Theater)

3:00pm The LiveARTS String Quartet in concert (Franklin Historical Museum

7:00pm Franklin Interfaith Council Thanksgiving Service (Franklin United Methodist)

**   NO  Town Meetings today   **

-----------

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

Reminder: Interfaith Council Thanksgiving Service - Nov 16 at 7 PM

Reminder: Interfaith Council
Thanksgiving Service - Nov 16 at 7 PM

Join the Franklin Interfaith Council for its annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Service. 

The preacher is Rabbi Rachel Putterman of Temple Etz Chaim. The theme is "Gratitude as a Means of Connection." Donations made at this service will support the Franklin Interfaith Council's Fuel Assistance Fund.

All are invited to attend in-person and join in the thanksgiving as we prepare for the holiday season.

Unable to make it in-person? This service will be live streamed by Franklin Public Television

Shared from -> https://fb.me/e/3Nnv4SmEw

The Pantry's Tina Powderly talks about how to help during Hunger Action Month (audio)

FM #1509 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1509 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 Pantry on Friday, September 5, 2025. 

Discussion items: 

Tina’s background

Location and renovations helps with delivery of services

Hunger Action Month

Hunger Action Month - national awareness campaign

Storywalk at DelCarte

Town Council presentation 9/3/25

Greet Magazine cover story

Expanding curbside services to neighboring communities

Implementing Food as Medicine

Coordination with Town and other non-profits to coordinate services

The conversation runs about 35 minutes. Let’s listen in Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1509-tina-powderly-on-hunger-action-month-09-05-25/

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

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://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2SIL7UR08ZZUC?ref_=wl_share 

Greater Boston Food Bank ->  https://www.gbfb.org/ 

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.

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

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"

Seniors Helping Seniors opens for business to serve Franklin

"We change people’s lives®

What We Do

Seniors Helping Seniors opens
for business to serve Franklin

At Seniors Helping Seniors® Franklin-Brockton in-home care services, we understand and appreciate the unique challenges that come with age. That’s why our companionship and daily assistance offerings exclusively focus on the specific needs of seniors. We’re devoted to supporting you or your loved one, while enhancing your total quality of life. Whether you’re looking for an extra set of hands around the house, personal care support or a friend to lean on, we’ll be by your side. Discover the difference a dedicated senior caregiver can make!

Love is in our Care®

Our mature, friendly caregivers lead with compassion, offering comprehensive home assistance and companionship. We take time to get to know our clients and senior caregivers – that way, we can find a perfect match. Through our exclusive pairing process, you’ll connect with a relatable friend who will always be there to support you. From light housekeeping and cooking meals to running errands around town, your caregiver will handle needed tasks, bringing ease into each day."

Find out more about this new service ->    https://locations.seniorshelpingseniors.com/ma/norfolk/care-services-235.html

Yes, And: The Spirit of Improv & UU Values - Sunday, July 6

Yes, And: The Spirit of Improv & UU Values

Join FUSF member, high school teacher, and improv enthusiast Emily Steltzer for a joyful and interactive worship service exploring the surprising connections between the principles of improv and our Unitarian Universalist values of generosity and equity.

Through an introduction to the 5 “rules” of improv and playful exercises, we will build community, boost confidence, and discover how saying “yes, and” can deepen our spiritual practice. 

Come ready to engage, connect, and leave a little lighter and more inspired!

Please join us Sunday, July 6 as we explore the Unitarian Universalist (UU) values of Equity, Transformation, Generosity, Interdependence, Justice, Pluralism and Love.  Services start at 10:00 am. Afterwards, we invite you to stay for cookies and conversation. 

The First Universalist Society in Franklin is a Unitarian Universalist Welcoming Congregation located at 262 Chestnut Street, Franklin MA. For further information about FUSF please explore our website at fusf.org or contact our Interim Minister, the Reverend Beverly Waring at 508- 528- 5348 or minister@fusf.org

Reminder: Franklin MBTA Commuter Rail = July 4 service change

On Friday, July 4th, for Independence Day, the Commuter Rail will operate on a weekend schedule. Travel will be free on trains scheduled to arrive or depart North/South Station after 8:30pm. Bikes will not be allowed on board trains after 9:30 pm.

Franklin MBTA Commuter Rail: July 4 service change

The last trains on the Rockport, Haverhill, Lowell, Fitchburg, Franklin, Providence, Fairmount, Greenbush, and Kingston Line trains will hold up to 30 minutes after the end of the fireworks if necessary. Trains will depart no later than 12:15 am.

Learn more: https://mbta.com/holidays

Last Updated: Jun 27 2025 08:27 AM

Franklin MBTA Commuter Rail: July 4 service change

On Friday, July 4th, for Independence Day, the Commuter Rail will operate on a weekend schedule. Travel will be free on trains scheduled to arrive or depart North/South Station after 8:30pm. Bikes will not be allowed on board trains after 9:30 pm.

Franklin MBTA Commuter Rail: July 4 service change

The last trains on the Rockport, Haverhill, Lowell, Fitchburg, Franklin, Providence, Fairmount, Greenbush, and Kingston Line trains will hold up to 30 minutes after the end of the fireworks if necessary. Trains will depart no later than 12:15 am.

Learn more: https://mbta.com/holidays

Last Updated: Jun 27 2025 08:27 AM

Existence as Resistance Sunday, June 15, 2025 @ 10:00 AM

We exist!  

When turbulence blows in and lives become rattled, we unite to grow stronger.  We strengthen our community and use our actions and voices to resist.  

The LGBTQIA+ community and their allies have weathered these ferocious storms in the past, and we will again!  

Existence as Resistance Sunday, June 15, 2025 @ 10:00 AM

Our existence is our resistance, and once again we must stand strong against the opposing winds!  

The FUSF Welcoming Congregation Team will be sharing their personal stories. Please join us and gather together in solidarity.  

The First Universalist Society in Franklin (FUSF) is a Unitarian Universalist Welcoming Congregation located at 262 Chestnut Street, Franklin. 

Our Interim Minister is Reverend Beverly Waring. For more information about FUSF please visit our website at Fusf.org. You can also contact us at info@fusf.org or by calling 508-528-5348.  

Minaben Patel, mother of sweet Krisha, has passed away

Minaben Patel, mother of
sweet Krisha, has passed away

We would like to share, through the families wishes, that Minaben Patel, mother of sweet Krisha, has passed away.


Minaben’s family is again deeply thankful for all the love and support shared over the last week. They invite the community to honor this amazing Mother, Wife, Family Member and friend this Friday for a service of remembrance.

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

Memorial services for Krisha Atulkumar Patel - Saturday, May 31, 2025

Memorial services for Krishna Atulkumar Patel - Saturday, May 31, 2025

Franklin Library News & Events for June 2025 (part 1 of 5)

Library Hours

Summer Hours Begin June 1. The library’s hours are Monday through Thursday, 9am to 8pm, Friday and Saturday, 9am to 5pm. The library will be closed on Sundays until September 1. The library will be closed Thursday June 19th in recognition of Juneteenth.

https://www.franklinma.gov/399/Library-Services

The old Minuteman app will stop working on May 31st. Download the new app now in your device's app store and login with your same username and password for uninterrupted use! 

Summer Reading Sign Up Starts Now!

Adults, teens, and kids can all use this sign up form to register for our 2025 Summer Reading program. Please fill out a separate form for each person that will be participating. You can pick up your summer reading folder(s) from the library beginning on Tuesday, May 27th.  

Franklin Public Library’s 2025 Reading Challenge

June: Show your true colors

For complete details and to sign-up, visit our website! Grand prizes made possible by the Friends of the Franklin Library.

Franklin Library ESOL & Adult Literacy Program

Volunteer tutors needed! To volunteer please be at least 18 years old, have a High School diploma, and speak English clearly.  No prior teaching experience needed!  Volunteer tutors and students do not need to be Franklin residents. If interested, please fill out the registration form on the library’s website.

Museum Passes

Now is a great time to reserve passes to the area’s most popular museums, aquariums, and more! Passes are available to be reserved up to thirty days in advance.

Franklin Library Book Sale - All books are just one dollar!

• Friday, June 13: 1 - 5pm
• Saturday, June 14: 9am - 12pm

Bag Sale - $5 A Bag

• Saturday, June 14: 1 - 4pm

Come fill a brown bag with all the books you can!

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/civicalerts.aspx?AID=60