No Kings Franklin - March 28 on the Franklin Town Common

No Kings Franklin - March 28 on the Franklin Town Common

Here we go! This No Kings Franklin is gonna be the best yet. We are meeting on the town common this time and have live music, guest speakers, and opportunities for more action.

Register with the link below so we have an idea of expected numbers and can send you more info on what to expect.

After you register, reach out to others and encourage them to attend!

https://www.mobilize.us/nokings/event/901864/

Time: 10:00 to 11:30 AM

Fallen Hero Recognition: Richard L. Desper - Vietnam - Feb 26, 2026

Memorial event today (2/26/26) at 9 AM on the Veterans Walkway at the Town Common to honor Richard L. Desper.

This program will include the placing of a Memorial Wreath for the day, the playing of Taps, a salute from those present, and a reading of whatever history may be available for that veteran. This is a way of keeping the memory of that veteran alive.

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"Lance Corporal Richard Lincoln Desper was born on February 12, 1947 the son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Desper. Richard lived at 45 Coutu St. with his parents, four brothers, and 13 sisters. 

According to the war Department's official telegram Corporal Desper died five miles north of An Hoa in Quong Nan province of fragmentation wounds inflicted by mortar fire while on a search-and-clear mission with the Marine Corps in Vietnam on February 26, 1969. This was Corporal Desper's second tour of duty in the war zone having previously served in Vietnam with the Navy."

Lance Corporal Richard Lincoln Desper

Lance Corporal Richard L. Desper was 22 years old at the time of his death in Vietnam.

Lance Corporal Richard Lincoln Desper

For the full published series of Fallen Heroes you can visit this link
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/franklin-fallen-heroes-series.html

Photo album of the Fallen Hero pillars along the Veterans Walkway

https://photos.app.goo.gl/oRGdmq9krLNEBnjJ7

You can find all the videos for 2024 in one playlist -> 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fo3eJGInVXU&list=PLbAODFjFPJ0zOqXRuHZ5-_LPf6UwmBNSA

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Sunday, February 22, 2026 ???

Sunday, February 22

9:00am Fallen Heroes: James P. Murray (Veterans Walkway, Town Common)

12:30pm Screening of "Common Ground" (First Universalist Society Franklin)

1:00pm Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

2:00pm Much Ado About Nothing (Dean College Main Stage Theater)

*** 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

Fallen Hero Recognition: James P Murray - Feb 22, 2026 - 9 AM

Memorial event today (2/22/26) at 9 AM on the Veterans Walkway at the Town Common to honor James P Murray.

This program will include the placing of a Memorial Wreath for the day, the playing of Taps, a salute from those present, and a reading of whatever history may be available for that veteran. This is a way of keeping the memory of that veteran alive.

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James P Murray, Oiler, US Navy - World War I

The only record we have of James P Murray is that he died from disease while serving in the Navy on February 22, 1918.

Fallen Hero Recognition: James P Murray - Feb 22, 2026 - 9 AM

For the full published series of Fallen Heroes you can visit this link
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/franklin-fallen-heroes-series.html

Photo album of the Fallen Hero pillars along the Veterans Walkway

https://photos.app.goo.gl/oRGdmq9krLNEBnjJ7

You can find all the videos for 2024 in one playlist -> 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fo3eJGInVXU&list=PLbAODFjFPJ0zOqXRuHZ5-_LPf6UwmBNSA

Fallen Hero Recognition: Alan Wayne Willard - Feb 18, 2026 - 9 AM

Memorial event today (1/26/26) at 9 AM on the Veterans Walkway at the Town Common to honor Alan Wayne Willard.

This program will include the placing of a Memorial Wreath for the day, the playing of Taps, a salute from those present, and a reading of whatever history may be available for that veteran.  This is a way of keeping the memory of that veteran alive.

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Fallen Hero: Sergeant Alan Wayne Willard

Sergeant Alan Wayne Willard was born on July 1, 1947 the son of Mr. and Mrs. Warren A. Willard. Alan lived at 529 Pleasant St. with his parents, three brothers and one sister. Sergeant Willard lived most of his life here in Franklin. He was graduated from Franklin High School in 1965 and enlisted in the Air Force in August of that year. Sergeant Willard served for two years with his tour in Vietnam beginning on February 20, 1967.  

Sergeant Willard died on February 18, 1968 of ground causality wounds as a result of a hostile artillery attack when his barracks at Tan Son Nhut Air Base in Gia Dihh province, South Vietnam, was struck by rocket or mortar shell fire. He was a member of the 6250th Combat Support Group serving as a radar specialist.  

Sergeant Alan Willard was 20 years old at the time of his death in Vietnam.

Originally posted -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/11/fallen-hero-sergeant-alan-wayne-willard.html 

Sergeant Alan Wayne Willard

For the full published series of Fallen Heroes you can visit this link
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/franklin-fallen-heroes-series.html

Photo album of the Fallen Hero pillars along the Veterans Walkway

https://photos.app.goo.gl/oRGdmq9krLNEBnjJ7

You can find all the videos for 2024 in one playlist -> 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fo3eJGInVXU&list=PLbAODFjFPJ0zOqXRuHZ5-_LPf6UwmBNSA

Celebrate with Pride vendor and info booth sign up - June 27, 2027

Celebrate with Pride vendor and
info booth sign up - June 27, 2027

Calling all vendors, food trucks, exhibitors, nonprofits and artisans! We are looking for folks to come to Celebrate With Pride on June 27, 2026. 

Here is a link to sign up if interested: please note there are separate links on it for food vendors! 

Prices go up next month so sign up now and get the early bird special! 

We can’t wait to see you all and celebrate together 

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdvBVtBF2ZZtXP9LVDkTFeey91ZJplACUadlwZWqKynqQGc6g/viewform?

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/1cs77DGRDK/

Franklin Welcomes the World - June 25 & June 26 (part 2)

Community Engagement on the Town Common & Haywood Manor Beer Garden Overview

Geared towards community organizations and businesses. Tier 2 builds on Tier 1 by providing a physical presence at the festivities events on the Franklin Town Common and/or Haywood Manor Beer Garden; giving businesses and organizations the opportunity to host community-focused activities during the events, or sell their retail goodies on June 25–26. All Tier 1 benefits apply, including inclusion in the digital hub, print guide, and town-wide promotion.

Types of Community Engagement:

Vendors

•  Vendors participate to sell goods or services directly to the public at events on the Town Common or at Haywood Manor.
•  Examples include: food trucks, retail vendors, artisans selling handmade goods, or small businesses offering products.

Community Partners

•  Community partners pay for a space to host an activity, demonstrate their mission, or engage the public—not to sell products.
•  Examples include: local nonprofits, arts organizations, cultural associations, youth programs, educational groups, or civic clubs.

Fee Information

•  Vendor and community partner fees will vary based on the type of participation.
•  Fees and official registration will be published on the Town of Franklin website by March 1st.

Fee Purpose

Vendor and community partner fees help cover essential event costs; including the FIFA public viewing license required to stream the matches legally, as well as police/security details for the events.

Special Note – Farmers Market Vendors

Vendors already approved for the Franklin Farmers Market may participate in community engagement events without paying an additional fee. DACCE will coordinate with market staff to ensure vendor placement, setup times, and operations align with both market and watch party activities.

Participation & Submission for Vendor & Community Partners

Email Cory Shea, to be alerted of when the community engagement and vendor application officially opens on the Town of Franklin website.

Download the playbook for both Part 1 & Part 2

https://drive.google.com/file/d/19Xa9h_6rTqvmZJ9dnASwz1y39m4rGPrn/view?usp=drive_link

Franklin Welcomes The World - June 25 & June 26

The Town of Franklin will host two days of festivities celebrating the international soccer games playing at neighboring Gillette Stadium. These events will take place on June 25 and June 26 on the Franklin Town Common and at one of our community partner locations, Haywood Manor.

The festivities will include live streamed games on a large screen; enabling viewing from the Town Common and the Haywood lawn; as well as community vendors, food trucks and live music. These free, community-centered days are designed to create a welcoming, festive atmosphere for residents and visitors while supporting downtown activity and cultural tourism.

Programming is also part of the broader ‘Franklin Welcomes the World’ marketing campaign, reinforcing Franklin’s role as a regional gathering place during a global event.

Viewing party & Community Engagement Primary Location:

Franklin Town Common & Hayward Manor

LED screen viewing area with open lawn seating at Haywood Manor; will host outdoor viewing, including a beer garden component (pending licensing and approvals).

Watch Party/Festivity Timeline: 3-9pm June 25th+26th Streamed games:

Thursday, June 25

•   4pm Ecuador v Germany
•   7pm Tunisia v Netherlands
•   10pm USA - Go watch elsewhere!   

Friday, June 26

•   3pm Norway v France
•   8pm Uruguay v Spain

Community Engagement Elements | Vendors & Community Partners

Presented on the Town Common and Haywood Manor. Note that the beer garden is at Haywood Manor only, and no alcohol is permitted on the Town Common.

• Live music performances before and/or after matches
• Community Partners/Vendors on the Town Common
• Food trucks
• Wayfinding and signage connecting the Common, downtown, and partner locations + ‘Franklin Welcomes the World’ marketing campaign

Estimated Attendance

Projected total attendance: 1,000–1,500 visitors over two days, Audience includes: Franklin residents, Regional visitors attending Gillette matches,

Families, young adults, and soccer fans.

Catching up to the Fallen Hero Recognition for William O. Martello - Jan 26, 2026

What should have been on Monday, Jan 26 was scheduled for Tuesday, Jan 27 due to the weather.

The Veterans Walkway on the Town Common was covered with about 20" of snow but that did not stop the proceedings.

Shovels prepared, a few managed to clear enough space along the walkway and from Main St to the walkway to enable the ceremony.

It is important to keep their names and service alive.

The gathering to honor William O. Martello despite the snow

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Fallen Hero Recognition: William O. Martello - Jan 26, 2026 - 9 AM

Memorial event today (1/26/26) at 9 AM on the Town Common Veterans Walkway to honor William O. Martello.   

This program will include the placing of a Memorial Wreath for the day, the playing of Taps, a salute from those present, and a reading of whatever history  may be available for that veteran.  This is a way of keeping the memory of that veteran alive.

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Fallen Hero: Ensign William O. Martello, U.S. Navy

Ensign William Olindo Martello, U.S. Navy, was born on April 14, 1920, son of Theresa and Olindo Martelli. Willam was raised by Theresa and her second husband, Nicholas Martello, at 17 Howard Street with his four sisters and one brother. “Willie” attended the Franklin Schools and graduated from Franklin High School in 1937. William went on to Boston University where he graduated with honors with an A.B. degree and was initiated into Phi Beta Kappa.  

William Martello was a student, artist and musician as well as a fighting man. “Willie” was an accomplished concert pianist and was rated as one of the most promising young pianists in New England. Prior to his naval service “Lindy” traveled on the Grace cruise line to South American as an onboard pianist.  

William O. Martello enlisted in the U.S. Naval Reserves on April 17, 1942 and later began his active naval service on April 8, 1943. William O. Martello attended Columbia’s naval officers training program and was commissioned an ensign upon completion of the program on July 28, 1943. He served as second in command aboard an invasion craft off the coast of the Anzio beachhead below Rome. Survivors of Ensign Martello’s landing craft, which had struck a mine in the waters off Anzio, reported that Ensign Martello had refused to heed the order to abandon ship, had fitted out a life raft with provisions, and when last seen, just as the ship turned over and went down, was hurling life belts into the sea for his crewmen swimming in the water.  

A month before his death Ensign William O. Martello wrote to his mother the following lines in a letter to her: 

“As for the war, we had to adjust ourselves to the personal problems it brought, and if a guy can’t take it, then his life is a failure. That is why I am not even afraid of death. If I did one thing that indicated cowardness, the rest of my life would be miserable.” 

Ensign William O. Martello, U.S. Navy, was lost at sea off Anzio on January 26, 1944 at the age of 23.

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Thursday, January 15, 2026 ???

Thursday, January 15

• Senior Center closed all day

8:30am State & Town Officials Office Hour - CANCELED (Senior Center Closed today)

10:00am Traffic Advisory (St. Mary's Parish & Town Common area)

7:00pm 350 Mass Greater Franklin Node Meeting (First Universalist Society Franklin)

7:00pm BEN 4 Franklin Mtg (Franklin TV and Radio)

Senior Center closed all day

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/calendar.aspx?CID=37,24&showPastEvents=false

**  Town Meetings today   **

Cultural District Committee Meeting

Thursday, January 15 Time: 6:30 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_01152026-2088 

Conservation Commission Meeting

Thursday, January 15th Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Item/545?fileID=7509 

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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

Franklin Police share info on road closures & timing for Weds/Thurs wake & funeral at St Mary's

The following information pertains to the upcoming wake and funeral services for Officer Stephen A. LaPorta. A significant police presence is expected in the vicinity of St. Mary’s Church and the Franklin Town Common during these services. Road closures and traffic detours will be in effect.

Residents and motorists are encouraged to seek alternate routes and avoid the area if possible. We recognize that these disruptions may be inconvenient, particularly for those who live nearby, and we sincerely appreciate the community’s patience and cooperation.

Your understanding and support will help ensure a dignified and respectful farewell for Officer LaPorta and his family.

Franklin Police share info on road closures & timing for Weds/Thurs wake & funeral at St Mary's

Wake:

• St. Mary’s Church, 1 Church Square, Franklin, MA, Wednesday, January 14th, from 2p-6p.  
• Church square and surrounding streets will be closed from approximately 11am - 7pm.  

Funeral:

• St. Mary’s Church, 1 Church Square, Franklin, MA, Thursday, January 15 at 11am.  
• Church square and surrounding streets will be closed from approximately 9am - 2pm.  

Road Closures:

• Church Square

• Beaver St from West Central St to Church Square

• Union St from School St to Church Square

• Daniel McCahill St. from Church Square to Senior Center

• Main St from School St to Highland St

• Pleasant St from Moore Ave/Hillside Rd to Church Square

• Crescent St, Garfield, Martin, and Queen will be limited access

Parking / Staging Areas:

• Public Parking: 

o Davis Thayer School, 109 W. Central Street, Franklin;

o Dean College Campus Center lot (located next to Davis Thayer on W. Central Street);

o Dean College Jones Lot off of School Street;

o Dean Hall Lot off of Emmons Street

Shuttle buses will be provided for those with difficulty walking.

• Police Staging (Officers will be bused to church):

o 55 Constitution Blvd, Franklin

o Wake staging opens at 10am.  Busing starts at 11am.  Police walk through is at 1:45 pm.

o Funeral staging opens at 7am.  Busing starts at 8 am.  

• Media Parking:

o Franklin Federated Church, 171 Main Street, Franklin

Download a copy of the Police press release as a reminder or to share

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1fLbrc8XFVc-2rgphjId7PENwAGK6k0MW/view?usp=drive_link

Traffic alert for St Mary's/Town Common area on Wednesday & Thursday

Be aware:

"Uxbridge Police Officer Stephen A. LaPorta will be laid to rest Thursday after he was killed when he was struck by a tractor-trailer while assisting a driver at the site of a crash last week, officials said.

The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday at St. Mary Parish in Franklin followed by a private burial, State Police said in a statement. A wake is scheduled for Wednesday from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. also at St. Mary Parish, according to State Police."

What does this means for Franklin?

• 

  Traffic alert for St Mary's/Town Common
  area on Wednesday & Thursday

  Franklin Public Schools have early dismissal on Wednesday

• Franklin Senior Center closes at noon on Wednesday, AND all day Thursday.

• Traffic will be stopped from using the Town Common area in front of St Mary's Church

Continue the Globe article -> https://www.bostonglobe.com/2026/01/11/metro/uxbridge-police-officer-funeral/?s_campaign=sharetool_copypaste_view

Candlelight Vigil for Renee Nicole Good held on Thursday, January 8, 2026 (audio)

FM #1624 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1624 the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Candlelight Vigil for Renee Nicole Good held on Thursday, January 8, 2026. The vigil was held on the Franklin Town Common. 

Each of the speakers are introduced by master of ceremonies Rachel Plukas

• Erin Ferguson

• Ron Tibbetts

• Rev Beverly Waring

• State Rep Jeff Roy

• Michael Walker Jones

The recording runs about 30 minutes. Let’s listen to the candlelight vigil held January 8, 2026. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1624-vigil-for-renee-nicole-good-01-08-26/

Photos of the vigil can be found in one album

https://photos.app.goo.gl/QmAG9vXQXY8iQkQe7

Candlelight Vigil for Renee Nicole Good held on Thursday, January 8, 2026 (audio)

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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. 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"

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Thursday, January 8, 2026 ???

Thursday, January 8

• Christmas trees scheduled for curbside pickup on your normal trash/recycling day

6:00pm Candlelight vigil (Franklin Town Common)

7:30pm Musical Bingo (Teddy Gallagher's Irish Pub)

Library & Senior Center events

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/calendar.aspx?CID=37,24&showPastEvents=false

**  Town Meetings today   **

Municipal Affordable Housing Trust Meeting

Thursday, January 8 Time: 2:00 PM 

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_01082026-2081

Franklin Commission on Disability Meeting

Thursday, January 8 Time: 4:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_01082026-2070 

Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School (updated 1/05/26)

Thursday, January 8 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_01082026-2078

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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