Pantry Elves Registration Begins November 1, 2026

The Pantry Elves campaign is an annual fundraising drive led by middle school, high school, and college students. Running from late November through December, this online crowdfunding initiative helps the Franklin Food Pantry purchase essential food, personal care items, and household cleaning products for local families facing food insecurity.

Becoming a Pantry Elf is an empowering way for youth to make a meaningful local impact while earning community service hours. Registration to join Pantry Elves starts November 1.

For more information, visit our website or contact Special Events Manager Jen Johnson at Jjohnson@franklinfoodpantry.org.

Volunteers Needed for Winter Decorating in Downtown, November 21

It’s time to spruce up for a new season. Downtown Franklin’s Winter Decorating Day is set for Saturday, November 21st at 9:00 AM. Volunteers are needed to help out for the morning.

Volunteers will meet at 9:00 am at the municipal parking lot near The Rome restaurant. Volunteers help clear out old plants and replace with fresh seasonal greens and decorations from 9 am to 12 noon. Dress for the weather and wear work gloves. Please contact Volunteer Coordinator Sandy Sauer at ftcosandy@gmail.com or 508-528-2713 ext. 1230, to sign up, or with any questions.

FHS Boys and Girls Hockey teams will be volunteering again. More help is always appreciated from adults and people of all ages in the community. Students: if you have community service hours to satisfy, this is the perfect opportunity to earn your hours. You will get a note documenting your service.

The day is organized by Eileen Mason. As Beautification Committee Chair for the Franklin Downtown Partnership, Mason organizes both Winter Decorating and Spring Beautification in downtown and the surrounding area. She is also a Franklin Garden Club member. “We are dedicated to making the downtown area festive during the holiday season,” Mason said. “The decorations make Franklin even more attractive to people who go downtown to enjoy shopping, dining and entertainment.” 

Franklin Downtown Partnership is grateful to their 2026 Beautification sponsors:

• Platinum: D.G. Ranieri Real Estate; G & C Plumbing & Heating; Glen Meadow Apartments; Eileen Mason, REMAX Executive Realty; Sunrise Montessori School, Inc.
• Gold: Dean Bank; Eagle Stainless Tube & Fabrication, Inc.; Fenton Financial; Notturno Home Services
• Silver: Friends of Franklin Elders, Inc.; PEEL Microspa

Stay up to date and follow the Franklin Downtown Partnership on Instagram and Facebook at:

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

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

The Franklin Downtown Partnership (FDP) is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization made up of more than 375 business owners, residents, and community leaders working to revitalize downtown Franklin. Residents can join the Downtown Partnership for $25. The Partnership manages events like the Strawberry Stroll and the Harvest Festival, and initiatives such as spring beautification, streetscape design, greenspace, alley murals, and sculpture projects. For more information go to www.franklindowntownpartnership.org

Franklin Agricultural NEEDS YOU!

The Franklin Agricultural Commission is looking for community members who want to help support the farms, farmland, and agricultural future of our town.

We need:

🌾 Associate & 3-Year Term Commission Members

Help advocate for agriculture and shape initiatives that support Franklin’s farms and agricultural community.

✍️ Grant Writer

Help research and write grant applications that could bring valuable funding opportunities to local farmers.

👩‍🌾 Farm Volunteers

Lend a hand at local farms with seasonal chores and projects. No farming experience required!

Come visit us at the Franklin Farmers Market on Friday Sept. 18!

Stop by our table, meet the Franklin Agricultural Commission, learn about our mission, and discover how you can make a difference in Franklin’s agricultural community.

Support local farms. Protect our farmland. Grow Franklin’s future.

250th Anniversary Celebration Committee met on Thursday to share updates (video)

The  250th Anniversary Celebration Committee met as scheduled in the 3rd floor Training Room on Thursday, August 27, 2026 begnning just after 7 PM.

Franklin TV recording is available for replay here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bqGcII8ylBY

Meeting agenda - https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08272026-2463

Quick recap:

• Earmark funds spent by due date and accounted for. Funds to puchase additional clothing for sale was approved
• For the community portion, little input other than mine to encourage posting the dates as they become firm so that everyone, other orgs, etc can start planning accordingly
• moving the location for the next three months (Sep, Oct, Nov) to the Franklin TV studio approved via consensus
• discussion on obtaining donations when not a 501(c3). there is language in the law...
• Sep 3 subcmte meeting to work on finalizing the first email pitch; should also set up a separate meeting to work on the parade planning with the Police, Fire, etc.
• motion to vote on the dates for the donor lunches, Oct 16, Nov 5, and Nov 19; vote on the motion via roll call, passes
• Discussion on additional fund raising opportunities; need volunteers to do the additional work, it is a lot already on our plates. we spent a year spending $50k, and have 18 months to raise $750k. What is the risk if we don't reach $750K? We scale back the events; as noted earlier 2 other communities raised 400+ and 300+, the 300+ had significantly less events. What kind of celebration do we really want?
• meeting adjourns at 8:25 PM

My full set of notes captured during the meeting

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Qc6qYvMBp0eKQzrwdnpjVuMH_U9s-QQH/view?usp=drive_link

Community Invited to Help Shape Franklin’s 250th Anniversary Celebration

The Franklin 250th Anniversary Celebration Committee invites residents to attend its general committee meeting August 27 at 7 PM, in the third-floor training room at the Franklin Municipal Building, 355 East Central St.

Residents will receive the latest updates on the celebration plans, have the opportunity to ask questions and share ideas during citizen comments and learn how to get involved. The public may attend in person or via Zoom.

Franklin will mark the 250th anniversary of its incorporation on March 2, 2028. The celebration is being developed around a central vision: “A celebration of who we’ve been, who we are, and who we’re becoming together.” Planning includes community events and programming, educational initiatives, historical preservation efforts and partnerships with local organizations.

Community participation is central to that work. The committee is seeking residents who want to share ideas, volunteer at events or take a more active role in the planning process.

“The 250th anniversary gives us an opportunity to recognize the people, institutions and traditions that have shaped Franklin over the last 250 years, but our responsibility is not simply to look backward,” said Rob Browne, vice chair of the Franklin 250th Anniversary Celebration Committee. “I encourage residents to join us on Aug. 27, hear about the work already underway and learn how they can be part of what comes next. There is still a great deal of work ahead of us, and the success of this celebration will depend on the ideas, involvement and contributions of people throughout our community.”

The official meeting agenda and Zoom information are available on the Town of Franklin website: Franklin250 Agenda Aug. 27   https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08272026-2463

Residents interested in volunteering can visit the official anniversary celebration website at franklin250.org/volunteer.

About Franklin's 250th Anniversary Celebration Committee

The Committee is leading the planning and coordination of activities to commemorate the Town of Franklin’s 250th Anniversary in 2028. Through community events, educational programming, historic preservation initiatives and partnerships with local organizations. The Committee aims to celebrate Franklin’s rich history while inspiring community pride and engagement for generations to come.

Franklin Food Pantry Releases FY26 Impact Report: 28% Rise in Overall Need as Child Hunger Surges 35%

The Franklin Food Pantry released its annual impact report for Fiscal Year 2026, revealing a dramatic increase in demand for food assistance across the local community. Over the past fiscal year, the total number of individuals relying on The Pantry climbed 28% to 2,411 people, while the number of children receiving food assistance from The Pantry jumped by 35%. 

In total, Franklin Food Pantry’s programs and services were accessed 32,873 times during FY26. Demonstrating the persistent nature of current economic hardship, more than half of all registered clients visited The Pantry three or more times a month to meet their household grocery needs.  

The substantial rise in local demand reflects broader state and national trends. Since July 2025, more than 61,000 children in Massachusetts have lost access to crucial Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits following the enactment of federal legislation (One Big Beautiful Bill Act H.R.1). This reduction in federal nutrition support has resulted in hundreds of local families turning to food pantries for food assistance. 

"The numbers from this past fiscal year reflect both an alarming rise in food insecurity within our community and the extraordinary generosity of the people in Franklin," said Tina Powderly, Executive Director of the Franklin Food Pantry. "This past year, our neighbors turned to us in record numbers—and through the hard work and overwhelming support of our donors, partners, staff, and volunteers, we were able to ensure everyone had access to healthy food.”  

To meet the unprecedented demand, The Pantry distributed 816,610 pounds of food—a 30% increase over last year—including 186,536 pounds of recovered healthy, fresh food that would have otherwise been discarded. Through outreach programs, The Pantry provided 4,134 weekend food backpacks to Franklin Public School students, delivered 3,394 grocery bags to medically homebound residents, supplied 2,032 bags across four mobile pantry sites, and distributed 1,075 Thanksgiving and winter holiday meals. These massive efforts were powered by 568 dedicated volunteers who gave 15,351 hours of service.

Amidst a year of record need, the Greater Boston Food Bank (GBFB) honored the Franklin Food Pantry as its Agency Partner of the Year, celebrating its extraordinary efforts to expand regional food access. GBFB also designated The Pantry as a Healthy Pantry Leader in recognition of its steadfast commitment to client dignity and nutrition and offering balanced foods and a client-centered shopping experience through intentional sourcing, distribution, and community programming.

“Even during exceptionally difficult times, the power of our community keeps us moving forward," said Powderly, "It inspires everything we do and ensures no neighbor has to face food insecurity alone."

For more information about the Franklin Food Pantry, or to receive food assistance, please visit www.franklinfoodpantry.org, or call 508-528-3115.

About Franklin Food Pantry, Inc.

The Franklin Food Pantry, Inc. offers food assistance, household necessities, and resource referrals to more than 2,411 individuals per year. The Pantry relies on donations and grants to purchase items and pay for daily operations, and partnerships with The Greater Boston Food Bank, Spoonfuls, and local grocery stores to achieve greater buying power and lower costs. Programs include Inside Shopping, Curbside Distribution, Emergency Food Boxes, Mobile Pantries, Home Delivery, Kids’ Snack Bags, Weekend Backpacks, Holiday Meals and the SNAP match at Franklin Farmers Market. 

The Pantry is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization in good standing in Massachusetts, recognized by Charity Navigator as a Four-Star Charity, and awarded GuideStar’s Platinum Transparency ranking. The Pantry is located at 341 W Central St. in Franklin, MA on Route 140. Please visit www.franklinfoodpantry.org, or on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn for more information.

Volunteers still needed to help SAFE with 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/

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.