State Rep Jeff Roy provides a Legislative Update - 06/04/26 (video & audio)

FM #1757 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1757 in the series. 

This session shares my conversation with State Representative Jeffrey Roy. We had our discussion virtually via Zoom on Thursday, June 4, 2026.

 

We talk about 

• His legislative work on the budget, timing of the legislative session

• Prior work on higher education, current work on manufacturing 

• Earmarks for Medway & Franklin including the World Cup Fan Zone

• Whole lot happening in Franklin now through the summer

The show notes include links to Jeff's legislative page and campaign page. 

The recording runs about 37 minutes, so let’s listen in.

Video link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LRLwLOShel8

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1757-representative-jeff-roy-a-legislative-update-06-04-26/

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Representative Roy’s House page - https://malegislature.gov/People/Profile/JNR1 

Jeff’s campaign page - http://jeffreyroy.com/ 

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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 it!

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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"

DPW updates on Water Main break on RT 140

Quick recap - It has been a long day for the DPW but break has been found deep underground and fix is almost complete. No estimate on time for finish yet. Will need to test for water quality before turning on. They will continue to post updates. 

Traffic open in one lane each way on RT 140.

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Water Main Break Update - 10:30 AM (3/25/26)

Water service has been restored. Crews will remain in the area for a short time to pave the roadway. 

Thank you to residents and businesses for your patience and understanding during this repair.

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WATER MAIN BREAK UPDATE—6:30AM (3/25/26)

Crews have been working throughout the night on the repair. As mentioned in last night’s update, this has been the toughest break we’ve seen in many years. We are getting close, but once the repair is complete, the water quality will still need to be tested before bringing it back online— Public safety is most important!! There is still no promised timeline as to when the water will be back online, but we are hoping shortly. Updates will be posted as they come in.

Again thank you for your patience as we work to get everything back in working order. Please avoid the area if possible.

WATER MAIN BREAK UPDATE—7:00 PM (3/24/26)

"Break has been found, repairs have begun! There is still no timeframe for the repair completion, but things are headed in the right direction.  Updates will be posted as they come in."

WATER MAIN BREAK UPDATE ~ 3:30 PM (3/24/26)

"This is the deepest water main break we have seen in at least the past 22 years! Normally a break occurs at approximately 4 ft. This one is at least 16 ft underground and is located under a concrete box culvert. It is extremely difficult to reach. Due to safety concerns, we hired a private contractor to work alongside us. This contractor has the proper larger excavating equipment and the necessary safety/shoring equipment to work at this depth.  For your information, "Shoring" is a temporary construction technique used to stabilize trenches and excavations, preventing collapse and ensuring worker safety—our biggest concern.

Thank you again for your patience, as of right now, we do not have a timeline for when the break will be repaired. Please follow the Town and Public Works Facebook pages for more updates as they come in."

Water Main Break Rte. 140~ UPDATE 12:15 PM (3/24/26)

"DPW crews are diligently working and excavation is ongoing to locate the source of the water main break. 

Rte. 140 at Garelick Farms is open one in each direction at this time. Thank you for your patience and please continue to avoid the area if possible."

Update shared from DPW page on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/FranklinDPW

Original post -

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/03/attention-water-main-break-on-route-140.html?

DPW updates on Water Main break on RT 140

Congressman Auchincloss: An invitation for Update and Q&A Weds, July 30 at 7:30 PM

Update and Q&A in Newton‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ 

Hi neighbor, On Wednesday, July 30, I'll be hosting a Congressional Update and Q&A in Newton. This is an opportunity for you to ask questions and hear updates on how I'm working to represent the district. Congressional Update and Q&A with Congressman Jake Auchincloss Wednesday, July 30 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM Newton, MA Doors will open at 6:30 PM    RSVP here for location upon registration for this event.  Live stream link here. Sincerely, Jake Auchincloss WASHINGTON 15 Independence Avenue SE 1524 Longworth HOB Washington, DC 20515 Phone: (202) 225-5931 NEWTON 29 Crafts Street Suite 375 Newton, MA 02458 Phone: (617) 332-3333 ATTLEBORO 8 North Main Street Suite 200 Attleboro, MA 02703 Phone: (508) 431-1110

Franklin Senior Center Update for 03/20/25 (audio)

Franklin Senior Center Update for 03/20/25 (audio)

Sarah Amaral, Director, Franklin Senior Center with an update on the center opening Wednesday. Great spirits around, good to see everyone.

The second floor will not be available THursday/Friday so some programs/events will shift within the building.

The Fire Dept will be preparing the St Patrick's dinner & bingo so some events/activities will be canceled and she provides that listing.

Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1409-franklin-senior-center-update-03-20-25/

An Invitation from your Congressman Jake Auchincloss

Hi neighbor, On Tuesday, March 18, I'll be hosting a Telephone Town Hall. This is an opportunity for you to raise questions and hear updates on what I'm doing to represent the district's values & priorities. Details about the Telephone Town Hall are below. I hope you'll be able to join me. Telephone Town Hall with Congressman Jake Auchincloss Tuesday, March 18, 2025 5:00-6:00pm Call to join: 866-756-5916   Sincerely, Jake Auchincloss WASHINGTON 15 Independence Avenue SE 1524 Longworth HOB Washington, DC 20515 Phone: (202) 225-5931 NEWTON 29 Crafts Street Suite 375 Newton, MA 02458 Phone: (617) 332-3333 ATTLEBORO 8 North Main Street Suite 200 Attleboro, MA 02703 Phone: (508) 431-1110

Children's Museum Update: You can help them open their doors this spring

We just left the @franklindowntownpartnership meeting and, feeling energized and excited, headed straight to the building to check in. Over the next week, this background is going to transform - sheetrock will go up and the old garage bay will be replaced with massive windows. Erin wants to go into construction; Meg says no. 😂😂

Shortly after that, exhibits will begin to arrive. Can you believe it?! 

This is where it gets exciting, vibrant, and the momentum will build. This is where YOU come in. We can’t open until we meet our funding needs. 

Please consider a donation and share onwards with your network or your organization. 

Children's Museum Update Erin & Meg

YOU have the potential to create powerful impact in your community, to create opportunities for generations of kids and families, to establish legacy for YOUR family.

Learn more at childrensmuseumfranklin.org/open and join us to OPEN THE DOORS!

With gratitude,
Erin and Meg

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/DG3owjCRpdN/

The presentation document shared at the Downtown Partnerhsip meeting Thursday  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BQ_rjKfA1bMD54-YdW5LlKtRJdQnW2hk/view?usp=drive_link

If you missed the conversation with Erin & Meg in February, you can listen to it here ->  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/02/erin-meg-share-their-excitement-as.html

St Mary's update as of Jan 31, 2025: new speakers installed as part of the restoration work being done

St Mary's Parish update (1/31/25)

WE HEARD YOU AND SOON YOU WILL HEAR BETTER WHEN ATTENDING MASS!  

New speakers (and more of them) have been installed in our primary worship space. Each central column will now hold a speaker. 

 

The damage caused by the smoke was extensive. Great progress has been made. 

Here is a list of some of the work which has been accomplished:  

• The walls and ceiling have been cleaned. 
• 
  The walls and ceiling have been sanitized. 
• The walls and ceiling have been painted.  
• New electrical wiring has been installed. 
• New overhead ceiling fans have been installed. 
• New sound equipment wiring has been installed. 
• Work on putting down new flooring has begun. 
• Many of the church furnishings have been cleaned. 
• The scaffolding has been taken down and removed. 
• New speakers have been installed. 

Here are a few tasks which are being worked on:  

• New hardwood floors are currently being laid in the Sanctuary. 
• The choir loft floor is being sanded and restored. 
• Replacement drapery panels for the Sanctuary are being made. 
• The Sacristy has been gutted and is now being rebuilt. 
• A new organ has been ordered. 
• Some of the furniture has been returned from the storage area. 

Though insurance will cover many costs, it will not cover the replacement and restoration costs of everything in our church.  

The St. Mary Parish Fire Fund has been established to help us restore our church.  

If you are able to give online, please use the following link:  

https://www.osvhub.com/stmarysfranklin/giving/funds/saint-mary-parish-fire-fund 

If you prefer to give by check, please make your check payable to St. Mary Parish (mention the St. Mary Parish Fire Fund).  You can mail it to; St. Mary Parish, 1 Church Square, Franklin MA, 02038 or drop it by the Rectory.  

Thank you in advance for your kind and generous financial support of this effort. 

May God continue to bless you.

🎯Saturday, March 1 and Sunday, March 2 are the target dates for our first Masses in our primary worship space “upstairs.”

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BNHq6qQdY/ (additional photos can be found by following this link)

Town of Franklin Announces Launch of New Website

Enhancing Citizen and Government Communication & Incorporating New Town Logo, Tagline

The Town of Franklin is pleased to announce that it has launched its new website (https://www.franklinma.gov).

“As part of our biennial town goals, I am excited to announce the launch of the Town’s new website”, said Town Administrator Jamie Hellen. “The new site will help community members stay connected to town resources, accurate and timely news, and serve as a one-stop for all official town information.”

 

Town of Franklin Announces Launch of New Website 

The website went live on Tuesday, January 21, 2025 at noon. The project team has taken the last week to work out some imperfections on the site and respond to user feedback, as residents begin to utilize the site. In conjunction with the Town Branding Project which created a new Town of Franklin logo and tagline, the project team worked on the website redesign process over the last eight months with website developer CivicPlus, a leading government website provider. 

The website now has additional mobile-responsive functionalities and enhanced accessibility features, as well as a cleaner, easier layout to help visitors better navigate the site. CivicPlus’ content management system will allow Franklin the ability to increase resident engagement by offering more dynamic content and more timely news through its set of robust features, well-designed layout, accessibility and functionality.

“It is our hope that with the new website the Town of Franklin will be able to increase its community engagement and enhance the communication between residents and the local government.” said Tom Mercer, Chair of the Town Council. “One notable area is a Town Budget website with up to date information on the town budget process and archival information for residents to have all of the information they need as the community discusses the FY26 Budget.”

Through featured modules on the new site, citizens will be able to view agendas and minutes, report a concern, view job and volunteer opportunities, and sign up for notifications more easily. To sign up to receive notifications from the Town, please visit the Town website at https://www.franklinma.gov and click the "Notify Me" button on the left side of the page. Users must create an account to receive notifications, and once the account is validated users will be able to log in and select what notifications they would prefer to receive. 

“The Town encourages residents to assess the new site and share observations with the Town Administrator’s office, " said Deputy Town Administrator Amy Frigulietti. “Looking forward, we aim to use the new website as a tool that will grow and evolve to meet the needs of the community. We ask users to check back frequently for new information and features.”

While the Town’s official seal will remain an image of Benjamin Franklin with his well known quote, “Industry Need Not Wish”, the website promotes the new Town logo and tagline - “The First of Many” - a nod to Franklin’s history as the first town named after Benjamin Franklin, the first town to have a public lending library and the birthplace of public education, through Franklin native Horace Mann. This slogan is also an acknowledgment of Franklin’s pursuit to be a leader - with excellent public schools and first rate public safety.

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/civicalerts.aspx?AID=36

Friday's Concerts on the Common rescheduled to Sept 6, 2024

The weather on Friday did change the plans for Concerts on the Common. They posted an update to Facebook at 1 PM that apparently didn't get caught by some folks (yup, we didn't see it until later).

"CONCERTS ON THE COMMON UPDATE:

Due to this evenings weather we will be canceling the Reminicents concert and Back to the Future Movie. We will hold a makeup day on September 6th

Mike Tarrara will still play tonight from 3-5PM"

So friendly reminder: for day of updates, check for the host organization first. Given the Facebook algorithm, there is no guarantee I'll get it in time. 

Concerts on the Common updates by Franklin Recreation ->   https://www.facebook.com/FranklinRecreationDepartment

Franklin Farmers Market - >   https://www.facebook.com/FranklinFarmersMarketMA

Friday's Concerts on the Common rescheduled to Sept 6, 2024

Franklin (MA) Elections Voter Turnout History: from 2003 - 2023 (updated for 6/11/24)

The chart depicting the voter count and percent for the elections from 2003 through 2023, update for June 11, 2024 results.

Franklin (MA) Elections Voter Turnout History: from 2003 - 2023 (updated for 6/11/24)

The Master Plan Survey is ready for your input

Click here to take the Franklin Master Plan Survey (via Google Form)

What is the Master Plan Update Committee?

"The Town Council has established the Master Plan Update Committee to update the 2013 town-wide Master Plan.

The Committee will:

• Review the current Master Plan and existing planning documents, data and achievements;
• Identify the key issues facing the community in the next ten years; 
• Assist in the identification of existing conditions and conduct trends analysis;
• Recommend goals and objectives related to Franklin's future;
• Develop a clear action plan for the Town of Franklin; and
• Make a final report to the Planning Board within 18 months from the date of ratification of the Committee members."

Shared from the Town of Franklin Master Plan Update Cmte page -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/master-plan-update-committee

The Master Plan survey is ready for your input

Congressman Auchincloss: An Update for the prior two weeks (11/21/23)

LAST 2 WEEKS IN REVIEW I'm your representative in Congress and I write to keep you informed. On the Hill The War in Israel: In a recent interview I was asked how Israel should respond to anger on the Arab Street. My response – if Israel had let Arab popular opinion dictate its strategy in 1947; 1967; 1973, it would have been destroyed. Israel should pursue its mission: rescue the hostages, destroy Hamas, and help architect just post-war governance for Gaza. This latter requires that Israel not only buttress a peaceful alternative to Hamas in Gaza, but also that it cease & reverse inflammatory, destabilizing actions in the West Bank. While in Washington, I joined a bipartisan vigil in support of the 240+ hostages held by Hamas terrorists. Many watched their families tortured and slain before being dragged to captivity. Some of them are children. I am committed to supporting Israel in securing their release. Funding the Government: When House Republicans took us to the brink in September, I vowed it would be the last time I'd vote to bail out their dysfunction without a clear, credible, and concrete plan for supporting Ukraine. Last week, I kept my word. Since we last voted on a continuing resolution, the world has only become more dangerous for democracies. Congress must demonstrate through its power of the purse that the United States stands with its allies in Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan. Despite credible efforts that reflect the bipartisan majorities in both chambers in favor of aid, there is no clear and concrete plan from Republicans to demonstrate global leadership to friends and foes alike. I could not support a short-term spending measure, cobbled together as the GOP careens from crisis to crisis, that fails to defend democracy. Military Veterans Caucus: To mark Veterans Day, I joined the Military Veterans Caucus to address mental health and our veterans. We discussed strong legislation to accelerate mental health research. This Veterans Day, let's recommit ourselves to ensuring veterans receive high-quality care that honors the uniform. Military Promotion Blockade: I led the Democrats on the House Select Committee on China in pressuring Leader McConnell to break Tuberville's blockade of military promotions. No Republicans from the Select Committee on China would join us, despite Senate Republicans recently raising the alarm on force readiness in the Indo-Pacific. National security should be above partisanship. I encourage Republicans on the committee to join us in a bipartisan commitment to a strong military. Make your voice heard → I want to hear from you. Do you support additional funding to Ukraine? Around the Fourth Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce: At the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce, I argued that Democrats should negotiate on border policy with Republicans as part of a compromise that strengthens border security and unlocks further support for Ukraine. I also emphasized that the most important way that federal and state officials can improve the Bay State business climate is to expand the supply and deepen the affordability of housing. MIT Visit: Attending MIT was one of the best decisions I made in my career (and my life – I met my wife there!) I was honored to return as part of its alumni series to discuss Congress, to encourage students to help rebuild trust in society, and to reflect on how MIT's emphasis on science, enterprise, and bold ideas have shaped my policy-making. Boston Passport Office: Many of you know the feeling: you're packing your bags and retrieving your passports from the drawer when, oh #$@! – one of those passports is about to expire. I am here to help, and my staff and I rely on the hardworking civil servants at the Boston Passport Agency to expeditiously and securely issue new passports. I'm grateful for their professionalism, responsiveness, and commitment to serve the traveling public. And remember: check your passport before you buy the ticket! Some countries require that your passport be valid for up to six months after your date of return. So even if your passport hasn't expired, it might need to be renewed before travel. Check travel.state.gov for entry requirements. Pioneering AI Summit: Earlier this year, I raised awareness of AI in Congress by giving the first AI-drafted speech in history on the House floor. Since then, I've been working with legislators, regulators, and technologists to understand and prepare for this general-purpose technology. At the Flagship Pioneering AI Summit, I advocated for Congress to fund a public cloud for civil society & researchers as a counterweight to Big Tech, but cautioned against knee-jerk, sweeping legislation before national lawmakers have been able to assess various efforts by the Administration, states, civil society, and industry to see what works and what doesn't. Congress should ultimately craft legislation that induces competition, not furthers monopoly power; that unlocks innovation in domains like biomedical R&D and education; and that prevents further degradation in trust, particularly through disinformation and defamation on social media. Happy Thanksgiving: I hope everyone is able to spend the upcoming holiday with friends and loved ones. As the representative of a cranberry-growing district: please make sure to include that delicious dish! Onwards, Jake WASHINGTON 15 Independence Avenue SE 1524 Longworth HOB Washington, DC 20515 Phone: (202) 225-5931 NEWTON 29 Crafts Street Suite 375 Newton, MA 02458 Phone: (617) 332-3333 ATTLEBORO 8 North Main Steet Suite 200 Attleboro, MA 02703 Phone: (508) 431-1110 Contact

#LOVEfranklin // Emergency Shelter Humanitarian Aid UPDATE - 10/23/23

Hello!

Thank you for being patient as we took a brief pause to evaluate our process to make sure that we are asking for donations people actually need. There have been a lot of disparate community asks for donations and many of those asks overlapped which created a glut of some things and a scarcity of others. 

While the outpouring of donations is immensely appreciated, we want to make sure 1) that we receive things that will be used in a timely manner and 2) that we don't put too many asks out at one time and burn people out. 

This is not a "short term project." This is a long-term effort. We need to make sure that the process of assessing and meeting needs is sustainable. So, we needed to take a pause, meet with all the stakeholders, and create a new procedure. 

Here is how we are operating as we move forward:

1. The SAFE Coalition will do intake interviews for new placements and assess needs upon arrival. They will also be giving out welcome/hospitality bags that will provide basic supplies. Most people arrive with little to nothing.
2. Needs will be regularly communicated to the Franklin Interfaith Council who will then ask for donations via its email list and through the various communities of faith. Drop-off points will be at St. Mary's and the Franklin United Methodist Church (details of hours will be provided when the ask is issued). Note: moving forward please do not drop-off clothing donations at the Franklin Federated Church. No donations should be dropped off at the hotel.
3. Items will be sorted and stored at the Franklin United Methodist Church.
4. Volunteers will gather needed items from the Franklin United Methodist Church and deliver them directly to the individuals/families.
5. The SAFE Coalition will do regular visits to individuals/families to assess any new or changing needs. They will also remove items that may no longer be of use. Remember: there isn't a lot of room for storing accumulated items in the hotel rooms. At that point, we loop back to step two (2) and the process keeps repeating.

If you have any questions about this process, please don't hesitate to ask. I'll do my best to answer any/all your questions. The Franklin Interfaith Council, SAFE Coalition, and others are meeting weekly, outside of the town-called stakeholders meeting, to communicate and collaborate with one another. I hope to send out an updated call for donations by the end of this week.

In the meantime, we are continuing to train volunteers for the After-school Program which is anticipated to begin on Wednesday. If you'd like to help with that, please contact Rev. Kathy McAdams (rector@stjohnsfranklinma.og). 

We will need volunteers to help sort and put things in storage at Franklin United Methodist Church. We are finalizing lists of donations for the welcome/hospitality bags. And, we are making plans for a weekly sit-down meal for emergency shelter residents that will include a "carry-out" option for those not able to be seated for the meal (space is limited).

Thank you for your patience during this pause. And, most importantly, thank you for your generosity as seek to meet the needs of those placed in the emergency shelter so that they might come to #LOVEfranklin as much as we do.

Peace.

Jacob

#LOVEfranklin // Emergency Shelter Humanitarian Aid UPDATE - 10/23/23