The Town of Franklin is seeking volunteers to serve on a variety of boards & committees

"Interested in making a difference in Franklin? 

The Town is seeking volunteers to serve on a variety of boards and committees.

Explore current vacancies, learn more about each board and committee, and submit a Volunteer Form online.    https://buff.ly/pAvUgwM"

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/19EA7jNk1K/

Screen grab of the current openings

Check the current openings    https://franklinmaboards.vt-s.net/vt.php

FPL looking for a volunteer to lead a Community Chess Club for children & teens

Are you ready to get the next generation of Masters in on the Castle?

Volunteer at Franklin Public Library leading and teaching a Community Chess Club for children and teens!

Interested? contact us at 508-520-4941 or email us here: https://www.franklinma.gov/formcenter/Library-23/Contact-the-Library-85

Shared from - https://www.instagram.com/p/DbZB6yODURu/

You can sign up for SAFE flag planting for International Overdose Awareness Day

On August 31, communities around the world mark International Overdose Awareness Day, remembering those we've lost to overdose and working to reduce the stigma surrounding drug-related deaths.

This year, SAFE will work with community members to place memorial flags across the county. Sign up to help: tinyurl.com/safeoad

• Place flags: Saturday, August 29, 9 to 11 a.m.
• Remove flags: Tuesday, September 1, 9 to 10 a.m.

Anyone can help, and all are welcome!

Shared from - https://www.instagram.com/p/DbY49FIDxGy/

Please Consider Lending a Hand: Volunteers Needed at the Franklin Food Pantry

Demand for food assistance in the Franklin community is at an all-time high. As the need grows, so does The Pantry’s reliance on dedicated volunteers to keep operations running smoothly. 

The Franklin Food Pantry is currently seeking energetic individuals to support weekday operations. Volunteers must be comfortable with physical tasks, including lifting and moving heavy boxes, and possess the stamina and strength required for an active, fast-paced shift.

Volunteering at The Pantry is incredibly rewarding. You’ll see the immediate impact of your hard work on your neighbors' lives and connect with your community. 

To join our volunteer team, please visit our website (www.franklinfoodpantry.org/volunteer) and complete an application, or email Laura Doherty, Associate Director, at Ldoherty@franklinfoodpantry.org

Looking for Volunteers to help Franklin UMC

Dear Franklin UMC members and friends,

The end is in sight! After months of steady work, faithful generosity, and a whole lot of determination, Phase III is nearing completion. As we enter the final stretch, we’re inviting volunteers to help us finish strong.

To save on cost—and to keep our momentum going—we’re gathering a small team of skilled and willing helpers for the last set of projects. Whether you have experience in these areas, you “know a person,” or you simply have the willingness to learn and lend a hand, your help would make a meaningful difference. Together, we can finish painting, install new floors and lights, and refresh our landscaping before the space fully opens.

We specifically need help with:

• Painting: Walls and ceilings throughout the lower level, new addition, and main-level multi‑use rooms.
• Epoxy Floor Work: Cleaning the concrete floor in the lower level and applying the epoxy coating.
• Hardwood Flooring: Installing new hardwood in the church office and feathering in new flooring over patched areas in the main-level multi‑use rooms and hallway.
• Tile/Stone Installation: Setting new tile/stone in the ground‑level and lower‑level entryways.
• Lighting: Installing new lights in the main‑level classrooms (licensed electrician needed).
• Trim, Bush Removal, and Landscaping: Trimming and removing a few overgrown bushes, clearing rocks from the yard, planting and watering new grass, and designing/planting refreshed landscaping around the church grounds.

Every hour offered, every brushstroke, every tile set—each one brings us closer to welcoming the community into refreshed, safe, and beautiful spaces.

If you’re able to help with any of these tasks, or you know someone who might be, please reach out to the Church Office or reply to this message. We’ll coordinate times, materials, and teams so the work moves smoothly over the next couple weeks.

Thank you for your continued generosity, your resilience, and your belief in what God is building here. Phase III is almost complete—and your hands can help carry us across the finish line.

With gratitude,

Pastor Jacob

><

Rev. Dr. Jacob W. Juncker

Pastor, Franklin United Methodist Church

508-528-1092 (o)

4th of July Coalition could use your help funding the festivities

Please support the event DONATE or
https://franklin-july-4th-coalition-2.snwbll.com/2024-july-4th

Like many events that are "Franklin" based, the Town of Franklin does not provide funding for the 4th of July celebration. It is a total volunteer and donation funded effort.

Which means you can help!

Join the sponsors listed!

Consider supporting the sponsors with your business !!

Please support the event DONATE or https://franklin-july-4th-coalition-2.snwbll.com/2024-july-4th

Town Council witnesses backfill new hires sworn in & approves committee appointments (audio)

FM #1772 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, numbers 172 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin (MA) Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, June 17, 2026. The Council held this session as scheduled beginning at 6 PM. All 9 members participated in Chambers. 

The meeting recording runs about 1 hours and 40 minutes

Audio link -  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1772-franklin-ma-town-council-mtg-06-17-26/

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

Town Council poses with backfill new hires

Franklin TV video available for replay - https://www.youtube.com/live/7ofs1YHsfj8?&t=66 

The agenda and documents released for this session - https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06172026-2368

My notes in one PDF - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1RUd2GRsw73fPm4FS9hC690X-hR_aIM4s/view?usp=drive_link 

Photos of the swearing in's -  https://photos.app.goo.gl/U8E77Df5E6pp41iBA 

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

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"

Reminder: Franklin Town Council Meeting – Wednesday, June 17

Reminder: Franklin Town Council Meeting – Wednesday, June 17

The Town Council will meet on Wednesday, June 17, at 6:00 PM in the Council Chambers at the Franklin Municipal Building.

Residents are encouraged to stay informed and engaged by attending in person or participating remotely via Zoom. 

View the meeting agenda: https://buff.ly/rJ103iE

Watch live on Franklin Town Hall TV: https://buff.ly/6tYLRnN

Shared from = https://www.facebook.com/share/1H9xWTFmG9/

Franklin, MA: Agenda for Town Council meeting June 17, 2026 at 6 PM

Franklin Town Council

Agenda & Meeting Packet

June 17, 2026 = 6:00 PM

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: August 13 @ 6pm)

b. Economic Development Subcommittee (next meeting: July 23rd @ 6:00PM)

c. Communications Subcommittee (next meeting: TBD)

d. Town Charter Ad Hoc Committee (next meeting: June 24th @ 6pm)

e. Police Station Building Committee (next meeting: TBD)

5. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

6. PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS

a. Fire Department

i. Swearing in of new Firefighter / Paramedic - Johnna Moitoso

b. Police Department

i. Swearing in of new Clinician - Danielle Machado

ii. Swearing in of new Officer - Caleb MacLean

7. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

a. April 15, 2026

b. May 13, 2026

c. May 20, 2026

d. May 21, 2026

8. APPOINTMENTS

a. Annual Reappointments and New Appointments of Boards and Committees Members

i. See “Committee Appointments” in packet for member names

9. PUBLIC HEARINGS - 7:00 PM - None Scheduled

10. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS - None Scheduled

11. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION - None Scheduled

12. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

a. Resolution 26-36: General Funds Appropriations, Transfers and Adjustments FY26 (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-36 - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9833/12a-Complete

b. Resolution 26-30: FY26 Snow and Ice Stabilization Account Transfer

(Motion to Approve Resolution 26-30: ⅔ Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9835/12-b-Complete

c. Resolution 26-37: Acceptance of Gifts - Veterans Services Dept. ($750)

(Motion to Approve Resolution 26-X37 - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9848/12c-Complete

13. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION - None Scheduled

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/_06172026-2368

Head's up: Anticipated to need 20 Volunteers across 8 boards/committees for July 1, 2026 and following

June 12, 2026

To: Town Council

From: Jamie Hellen, Town Administrator

RE: Annual Reappointments of Boards and Committee Members

The Council will consider annual reappointments of board & committee members whose terms will expire at the end of June. There is also one new member, Jim Lane, being appointed to the Finance Committee with a term to expire in 2029, and two term expiration date amendments for Kyle Galvin (Design Review) and Gail Karner (Board of Assessors) to correct clerical errors made at the time of their respective appointments.

Of the forty-six (46) members with expiring terms, thirty-four (34) will be renewing, eleven (11) will not be renewing and one (1) is to be determined. Note, the appointments for the Community Preservation Committee members will be ratified at the Town Council’s July 22nd meeting.

As of July 1st we anticipate the following committees will have vacancies:

We will publish a vacancy announcement within the next couple of weeks and encourage all residents who are interested in getting more involved to submit a volunteer application!

Applications can be found here: https://franklinmaboards.vt-s.net/newcaf.php.

Shared from June 17 Town Council agenda item - https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9847/8a-Complete

Volunteers needed for the Inaugural Eddie Grant Kickball Tournament - June 14

via Franklin Fathers

Calling all Volunteers!

@franklinfathers is in need of volunteers on Sunday, 6/14, at our inaugural Eddie Grant Kickball Tournament.

We’ve got shifts available from 8AM set up to 4PM break down, so there’s a spot for everyone and plenty to do!

High schoolers — if you’re in need of hours for any reason, we’re happy to commit.

• Sign up via the Google Form - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe_kXGteo2WtVp9_P4StBpOURp-jFwKDlhXJW0C9CFD3aedog/viewform

• or email us at franklinfathersma@gmail.com

#community

#franklinma

Call for Volunteers to help the 2026 Celebrate With Pride!

Call for Volunteers to help the 2026 Celebrate With Pride!

Via the Franklin LGBTQ Alliance

"We are looking for some set-up and break-down assistance, volunteers for the check-in table, craft tables, and lawn games, along with runners. 

This is the sign-up link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C084DACA82FA1FCCE9-62955030-celebrate?useFullSite=true# 

Celebrate With Pride is a family-friendly event featuring live music, food, crafts, vendors, and nonprofit resource tables. 

Celebrate With Pride is June 27th from 12-4 on the Franklin Town Common with a rain date of June 28th."

Get a good seat behind the scenes at Franklin PorchFest by Volunteering !!!

Sign up to Volunteer for PorchFest at https://franklin.porchfest.info/signup/volunteer/

PorchFest is Saturday, June 6th which is quickly approaching, and we need volunteers to help ensure it runs smoothly!

This year's event will feature more than 50 bands performing on 30 porches across the Cultural District. We'll need about 12-15 volunteers who will act as porch managers - working with porch hosts and bands to ensure performances happen as scheduled. 

Additionally, we'll need help staffing the two PorchFest Information booths - assisting residents and guests find bands and porch locations within the district.

If you are interested in volunteering for this community event, simply register above at the VOLUNTEER SIGNUP link to be part of one of Franklin’s favorite community music events.

Design Review Commission looking for new members

Interested in helping shape Franklin’s commercial areas?

The Town is seeking residents interested in serving on the Design Review Commission (DRC), which reviews signage, landscaping, lighting, and exterior building design for commercial projects throughout town.

Learn more and apply: https://buff.ly/AY6OuOG

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1ESVYqp1QY/

From the Town of Franklin 2025

ANNUAL REPORT OF DESIGN REVIEW COMMISSION

The Design Review Commission (DRC) was established in 1998 when the Town Council adopted a new Zoning Bylaw that established a sitting Design Review Commission. The 1997 Master Plan recommended that Franklin should adopt design standards to re-establish a sense of traditional New England villages. The design standards would assist in shaping the community as a whole, as well as establish a commercial appeal of individual establishments and businesses. The Commission is responsible to interpret the Design Guidelines to establish a sense of character in commercial and industrial areas and in sign installations so as to enhance the appearance of the Town.

The DRC consists of 5 regular members and 2 associate members. All members are residents and volunteers with varying backgrounds who are appointed by the Town Administrator and ratified by the Town Council. The Commission is currently composed of Samuel L. Williams, Chairman; Andrew Pratt, Vice Chairman; and members: Derek Russell Darvish and Kyle Galvin. James Bartro is an Associate member.

The DRC has approval authority on signage and offers recommendation input to the Planning Board and Zoning Board of Appeals on Site Plans. The Commission strives to preserve and enhance the visual and physical attributes of signage and site plans so that the features within the Town represent features included in the Guidelines.

During FY 2025, the commission reviewed a total of 52 DRC Applications. There were 47 Sign approval applications and 5 Site Plan recommendations. Members review the applications according to the Sign Guidelines and issue approval of retail and industrial signage projects, as well as make recommendations on site plans that includes design and facades, materials, colors, lighting plans, and landscaping plans. The landscaping plan should include, among other things, plantings from the Best Development Practices Guidebook. The Best Development Practices Guidebook, the Design Review Guidelines and the Sign Guidelines can be found on the Design Review Commission’s webpage at https://www.franklinma.gov/design-review-commission.

Design Review meetings are being conducted remotely via the Zoom platform. In an effort to allow and encourage citizen engagement and to comply with the open meeting law regulations, citizens are able to dial into the meeting using the provided phone number (Cell phone or landline required) or participate via a Zoom link embedded in the meeting agendas. Meetings are held at 7:00 pm via Zoom on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month except December where only one meeting is held. Dates, times, meeting agendas and meeting minutes are posted on the Town’s Design Review webpage.

Respectfully submitted,

Samuel L. Williams, Chairman

The PDF of this section can be found

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1UGcMrRut5jQzHPNjV3PmaMuFQosBoebU/view?usp=drive_link

The full annual report can be found

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ky7LAY2nwDzGb-8dDP2ONwzNbhxZYKKe/view?usp=sharing

Recognizing Eileen Mason for her efforts over 22 Years Beautifying Downtown Franklin

If you drive through downtown Franklin, you may have to stop at the traffic light at the intersection of Route 140 and Main Street. Be patient and enjoy the view. The flowers at the center island and bridge are curated by Franklin's Eileen Mason and teams of volunteers.

Eileen Mason

Mason organizes Franklin’s Beautification Day and Winter Decorating. As a Franklin Garden Club and Franklin Downtown Partnership member, she and her volunteers have been beautifying the heart of town for 22 years. The effort is supported and sponsored by generous local businesses.

“If it helps make someone else’s day that much better just because they’re sitting at the lights and enjoying the beautiful flowers,” she’s accomplished her goal, says the REMAX Executive Realty agent.

Creating an attractive downtown is what keeps her inspired. People can enjoy it each day. “Not every community has that. It speaks well of Franklin, and it leaves everyone that drives through with a good impression of Franklin.” People may not know who does it, but they appreciate that downtown is cared for and attractive, she said.

Before and After the Beautification Day 2026 -
the center island

She was first approached by FDP director, Carol Harper, shortly after the Partnership was formed in 2001. She knew it would be a good partnership between the Garden Club and the Downtown Partnership. The Garden Club had been taking care of the trough planter for many years on its own. Then, in the Spring of 2004, the Garden Club, FDP, DPW and Water Departments joined forces annually to make the Downtown look beautiful. 

She worked with the DPW to get the window boxes installed at the bridges. She coordinated plantings. Eventually she introduced the self-watering black containers that hold 2 weeks’ worth of water to save time and resources and to keep a variety of cascading flowers and colors flourishing over the years. The trough is the centerpiece and needs watering several times per week to keep it going.  That’s where the Watering Team of volunteers come in.  

Early on the DPW introduced an improved watering drip system; they turn the water on and off each season, maintain, repair, clean out, and fill containers with soil. Various garden centers in town have provided plants throughout the years, starting with Wadsworth Farms, Hillside Nursery, Agway and now Fairmount Farm.

Before and After the Beautification Day 2026
- the bridge railing

Beautification Days are efficient work days with flowers in May and greenery in November. 

Mason has volunteers from the Garden Club and the FDP. She has had lots of help from residents and sports teams at Franklin High over the years. The Garden Club cares for the expanded Veterans’ Memorial Garden at the Town Common. Mason coordinates the work in the downtown. Volunteers plant 26 business barrels around downtown, plus the 31 containers at the center island and bridges. 

She appreciates that people want to pitch in. At the recent May 16th  Beautification Day, Co-Chair, Sandy Sauer and the girls’ soccer team worked downtown while the boys’ baseball team worked at the common. “It’s a good mix and a good vibe. What I like is there are kids that come back each year. They love doing it. There are so many kids who drive through town and say ‘I used to do that!’ "

One memorable time for her was during COVID. “We had so many people in town step up and help do everything. They wore masks, they stayed in their own vehicles, or went to the (Fairmount) farm, picked up plants, brought them downtown and planted. I had the most adult volunteers ever come out and do that. The kids weren’t in school. We didn’t really have the teams that year, so families came out." 

"We had such a fun day. You could feel the community spirit. Everyone wanted to get out and just be with people. Those were the years that made a big difference. I am so appreciative of the people in Franklin."

It's a labor of love. It takes months of planning and organizing. Her new Co-Chair in beautifying Franklin is Sandy Sauer at Franklin Tile Carpet One. Sandy has been a huge help with many tasks like organizing and scheduling volunteers to do the watering for 22 weeks during the summer. 

It's rewarding. “The friendships, the people and things we’ve been able to accomplish as a partnership have been really big. Even the little things like the museum sculpture – that was a nice project.” She has also been involved in establishing the Ladybug Trail. 

Mason’s goal is to keep growing the base of supporters who help beautification by watering, planting or being a member. She’d love to keep it going for another 25 years. “There’s no reason for it to go away. I like the fact it’s a true partnership between businesses, residents and the town DPW and Water Departments. We couldn’t do it without everyone’s help and cooperation.”

Stay up to date on the Downtown Partnership’s Beautification Day and other events here:

https://www.instagram.com/franklindowntownpartnership/  and  

https://www.facebook.com/franklindowntownpartnership.org/

The Franklin Downtown Partnership is a non-profit 501c3 organization made up of more than 350 business owners, residents, and community leaders working to revitalize downtown Franklin. Residents can join the Downtown Partnership for only $25. The Partnership manages events like the Strawberry Stroll, the Harvest Festival, the Ladybug Historical & Cultural Trail, and initiatives such as beautification, streetscape design, greenspace, alley murals, and sculpture projects. For more information go to www.franklindowntownpartnership.org.

Franklin PorchFest 2026 - Schedule has more than 50 bands performing on over 30 porches

PorchFest is coming soon — Saturday, June 6th — and it’s time to start planning your day!

Will you begin your day at the Franklin Historical Museum or the Franklin Public Library with the 12:00 PM performances? 

Or will you head over to Franklin Town Common for the 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM shows?

However, you plan your day, you’ll be treated to more than 50 bands performing on over 30 porches throughout Franklin’s Cultural District. 

The most up-to-date performance times and locations are always available at Franklin.PorchFest.Info.

 
Volunteering Opportunities; Interested in helping out during PorchFest - sign up at  Franklin Porchfest 2026 Volunteer Signup  .

 
We’re looking for Porch Managers to help coordinate with porch hosts and performers to keep everything running smoothly throughout the day. This is your chance to get involved in an amazing community event and help bring music to the streets of Franklin’s Cultural District!

 
🎶 Franklin PorchFest 2026
📅 Saturday, June 6, 2026
🕛 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
🌧 Rain date: Sunday, June 7, 2026

The FBRTC 5k - Seeking Volunteers to help with the fund raising road race

Sign up to volunteer for the FBRTC 5k

View this email in your browser FBRTC 5k - Seeking Volunteers   Hello! The FBRTC is looking for volunteers to help the morning of May 16, 2026 for our annual 5k fundraiser.  Our partners at Tri-Valley Front Runners will be leading the event, but need assistance in the following areas: Parking Greeting/Direction Raffle Tent Registration / Bib Pick Up / Check In Road Crew Water Stop / Turn Around Spot Timing / Start / Finish / Results / Awards We need volunteers at different times of the morning, from setting up the event starting around 8:00 AM, to supporting the race at 9:00 AM, to breaking down the event starting at 10:00 AM. If you can help out at all, please sign up using this link. Warm regards, Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee Our mailing address is: Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee PO Box 68 Franklin, Ma 02038