The September edition of Franklin First is ready!!!

What’s Happening in Franklin?

The September edition of the Franklin First Newsletter is now available! Catch up on the latest Town news, updates, upcoming events, and information from Town departments.

Read the September Franklin First Newsletter: https://buff.ly/EgmzVtK 

Want newsletters and other Town announcements delivered straight to your inbox? Sign up for Town news: https://buff.ly/NqXFjfz

2026 Ballot Question 5: State Revenue Limit & Rebate

Question 5: Do you approve of a law summarized below, on which no vote was taken by the Senate or the House of Representatives before May 6, 2026?

SUMMARY

As required by law, summaries are written by the State Attorney General.

This proposed law would change the limit on how much revenue the state can collect in a given year. The proposal would limit state revenue in a given year to the net amount of state revenue from the year before, increased by a rate equal to the average growth of wages and salaries in Massachusetts over the most recent three years. If revenue collected by the state in a given year exceeds the limit, the excess amount would be refunded to taxpayers the following year. The proposed law would include all revenue from the surtax on incomes over $1 million when calculating the revenue limit and when determining whether state revenue exceeds the limit.

The provisions of the proposed law would all be effective as of July 1, 2027.

The proposed law states that, if any of its parts were declared invalid, the other parts would stay in effect.

WHAT YOUR VOTE WILL DO

As required by law, the statements describing the effect of a "yes" or "no" vote are written jointly by the State Attorney General and the Secretary of the Commonwealth.

A YES VOTE would change the limit on state revenue collection, tying it to prior year collections plus average wage and salary growth, and provide for a rebate of revenue exceeding that limit.

A NO VOTE would make no change in the law relative to state revenue collection.

STATEMENT OF FISCAL CONSEQUENCES

As required by law, statements of fiscal consequences are written by the Executive Office of Administration and Finance.

The proposed law would put stricter limits on allowable annual revenue growth available for budgeting. As a result, the proposal would reduce the amount of money available to support the state budget, which includes local aid for schools and municipal budgets. The proposal would also reduce the amounts available to build the state's Stabilization, or "rainy day," Fund – a reserve of money set aside to help Massachusetts manage economic downturns or emergencies without raising taxes or making major spending cuts. Depending on future conditions, the proposal could change the frequency of statutorily-required refunds to taxpayers.

Additional info - https://ma.omniballot.us/sites/25/vg/app/vig/voter-guide/info/14

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via Dan Kennedy:

https://commonwealthbeacon.org/ballot-question/

"Three local news outlets — CommonWealth Beacon, The Bay State Banner and El Planeta — unveil a detailed guide to this fall's state ballot questions. 

It's freely available for republication online and in print."   https://commonwealthbeacon.org/ballot-question/

Free printed Franklin Cultural District Guides are available

Free printed Cultural District Guides are available at the Franklin Public Library, Franklin Senior Center, and the town of Franklin Municipal Building - grab yours today!

Free printed Franklin Cultural District Guides are available

If you can't get a printed copy, you can read the digital version -

https://www.franklinculture.org/sites/g/files/vyhlif596/f/uploads/dacce_district_guide_fallwinter_2026_1.pdf

Join the LGBTQ Alliance for breakfast & conversation Saturday, Oct 3

Please join us for a yummy meal and friendly conversation at Mak's Roast Beef in Franklin. At 10:00 AM

Co-hosted with the Non-Scene Friends Meetup Group. We recommend the waffles.

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm Schedule for Friday, October 2, 2026

Yes, Franklin has it's own radio station -> wfpr.fm. Franklin Public Radio has a brand new schedule for the locally produced shows that fill our air waves. 

It is available anywhere, anytime at wfpr.fm or in the local Franklin, MA area at 102.9 on the FM dial.

Tune in to listen to the following:

8:00 AM, 1:00 PM and 6:00 PM   Franklin Matters Radio – Steve Sherlock  Franklin and its local government, services and events  (repeats Saturday at 2 PM)  

9:00 AM, 2:00 PM, and 7:00 PM

10:00 AM, 3:00 PM, and 8:00 PM - Talkin’ the Blues – Jim Derick & Nick Remissong. 2 hours of awesome blues music, info, interviews  Showcasing the "Blues" as a basis for and influence of Country, Jazz and Rock and Roll, here and worldwide.

11:00 AM, 4:00 PM, and 9:00 PM - “The Vibe” show plays music for everyone searching for some enjoyment, some dance, a happy or thinking mood, and most importantly, having fun.  Tune in to wfpr.fm and listen to “DJ Vibe” spin music across many genres and join this new vibing experience

Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf 

Franklin TV schedule for Friday, Oct 2, 2026

• Franklin All Access TV - Our Public Access Channel         (Comcast 6, Verizon 26) = FRIDAY

• Franklin Pride TV - Our Educational Channel        (Comcast 8, Verizon 28) = FRIDAY

• Franklin Town Hall TV - Our Government Channel (Comcast 9, Verizon 29) =  FRIDAY

Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf   

Watch Listen Read all things that matter in Franklin MA

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Thursday, October 1, 2026 ???

Thursday, October 1

4:00pm     7th Annual Pumpkin Patch     (St John's Episcopal Church) 

For additional details on Library events -> https://www.franklinma.gov/942/Calendar-of-Events

Franklin Senior Center Calendar for September

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BDUk1yeDL0SMHUNPnqRRZIcMq3Bvyxl2/view?usp=sharing

*** Town Meetings today ***

Economic Development Subcommittee

Thursday, October 1 Time: 6:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10012026-2538

ZBA Meeting

Thursday, October 1 Time: 7:30 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10012026-2518

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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 Schedule for October 2026

A series of Memorial events are scheduled for 9:00 AM on the Town Common Veterans Walkway to honor those Fallen Heroes on their "killed in action" date.   

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 fallen hero.  

This is a way of keeping the memory of that hero alive.

Oct 5 – Edward L. Grant – WWI

Oct 6 – Shayne M. Cabino – Iraq

Oct 10 – Emilio Daddario – WWI

The schedule of Fallen Heroes for the year on one page (PDF)

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1tlyiAK18owM81p8aJs1vhKc3p2bIK1cv/view?usp=drive_link

Agenda for the Economic Development Subcommittee meeting, Thursday Oct 1 at 6 PM

Economic Development Subcommittee

Agenda & Meeting Packet

October 1st, 2026, 6:00 PM

Agenda:

1. Call to Order

2. UMASS-Boston Planning Studio Kickoff (Jack Wiggin)

a. Finalized work plan

3. 177, 185 and 191 Grove Street rezone

a. DPCD Memorandum

b. Bylaw proposal

c. Grove Street Map

4. 634, 648, 656 King Street rezone

a. DPCD Memorandum

b. Bylaw Proposal

c. King Street Map

5. 627 Washington Street proposal

a. DPCD Memorandum

b. Bylaw proposal

c. 627 Washington Street Map

6. 199, 203, 213, 223, 241 & other landlocked parcels on Washington Street

a. DPCD Memorandum

b. Bylaw proposal

c. Washington Street Map

7. Conservation Commission Housecleaning Bylaw proposal

a. Conservation Agent Memorandum

b. Bylaw proposal

8. Telecommunications Overlay Bylaw Housecleaning

a. DPCD Memorandum

b. Overlay proposal

c. Overlay map

9. Clean Energy Overlay: Battery Storage & Solar Bylaw state law compliance proposal

a. DPCD Memorandum

b. Overlay proposal

c. Overlay map

10. Adjourn

The agenda doc contains supporting materials as well as remote participation info

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10012026-2538

Audio of the Ribbon Cutting for the Outdoor Expansion, Children's Museum of Franklin - 09/23/26 (audio)

FM #1835 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1835 in the series. 

This episode shares the audio recording of the ribbon cutting ceremony for the expansion to include 4,000 sq ft of outdoor space at the Children's Museum of Franklin on Wednesday, September 23, 2026. 

Meg Hagen and Erin Gallagher, founders/co-owners, get the group’s attention. We’re inside the museum as Cottage St is being ground up to repave so being outside for this speaker part of the ceremony would be a problem. They introduce the remaining speakers. After the speakers are complete, we gather outside for the formal ribbon cutting. 

The recording runs about 17 minutes, let’s listen in

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1835-childrens-museum-of-franklin-ribbon-cutting-09-23-26/

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Children’s Museum of Franklin -> https://www.childrensmuseumfranklin.org/ 

Video of the ribbon cutting - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H2glv6mMDYk 

Photos of the event ->  https://photos.app.goo.gl/zx6K5erYHzjrmcULA

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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!

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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"

FHS girls & boys soccer, field hockey, and volleyball teams all post wins on Wednesday

Via Instagram, Franklin TV, and our subscription to HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the Fall sports competition for Franklin High School on Wednesday, September 30, 2026

Boys soccer = Canton, 1 @ Franklin, 4 – Final 

– Franklin turned a pair of long throws and some sharp combination play into a strong attacking performance to pull away from Canton. Junior Ethan Herndon started the opening goal just two minutes in with a long throw that junior Jake Boyd half-volleyed toward goal, where senior Deacon Eglintine redirected it near the post and off a defender for the lead. Franklin doubled it in the 13th after Eglintine hit the post, junior Cam Lambert found Herndon for a one-timer that was saved, and Eglintine collected the rebound before teeing up Boyd for a one-time finish inside the box. Canton pulled one back in the 24th when junior Jack Moran’s touch sent junior John DiLorenzo into the box, where he was taken down, and senior Nawfal Hijou converted the penalty. The Panthers restored the two-goal cushion in the 49th when another Herndon long throw was headed into the air by Lambert and senior Will McAuley hammered the dropping ball home on the volley. Franklin capped the scoring in the 75th as Eglintine sent a long ball forward, Lambert won the foot race with the oncoming keeper and poked it past him, and Herndon finished into the open net.

Girls soccer = Franklin, 4 @ Canton, 1 – Final

Volleyball = Winchester, 0 @ Franklin, 3 – Final 

– Franklin picked up a signature win, handing previously unbeaten Winchester its first loss of the season with a 3-0 (25-17, 25-17, 25-23) sweep. Winchester entered the match having dropped just two sets all year and was ranked No. 1 in the state by multiple outlets, but the Panthers controlled the night to improve to 9-1 overall. Junior Emerson Delleo led Franklin with 10 kills, 15 digs, and two aces, while sophomore Phoebe O’Connor dished out 30 assists to go with nine digs and two aces. Senior Gianna Laurello added five kills, 14 digs, and two aces, junior Charlotte Yeulenski finished with five kills, two aces, and two blocks, freshman Marley Lindenmeyer chipped in five kills and nine digs, and senior Katelynn Crosby anchored the defense with 16 digs and three aces.

Golf = Taunton, 167 @ Franklin, 145 – Final 

– Franklin turned in a strong team round at home to pick up a division win over Taunton at Franklin Country Club. Senior Ben Burgess earned match medalist honors with an even-par 35 and birdied eight, while senior Tyler Perlman followed with a 36 and also birdied eight. Senior Ayden Doyle carded a 37 with birdies on four, five, and seven, and sophomore Albie Lomberto matched him with a 37. For Taunton, sophomore Liam Ballantine led the Tigers with a 40, senior Jameson Vallarelli followed with a 40, junior Logan Mendes shot a 43, and senior Jason Cashman and sophomore Caleb Bond each carded a 44.

For other results across the Hockomock League (subscription required)

https://hockomocksports.com/wednesdays-schedule-scoreboard-09-30-26/

FHS Panther sports results shared via Twitter & subscription to HockomockSports

Kick up your heels and help FUSF with their Boot Scootin’ FUNdraising event - Oct 17

Join the current country line dancing craze on Saturday, October 17th from 6:30 PM until 9:00 PM at the First Universalist Society in Franklin. Country line dancing is a choreographed group dance, generally done in lines without a partner, and set to music. 

Learn some of the latest country line dances at this Boot Scootin’ FUNdraising event. Each dance will be taught, step by step, count by count, and finally set to music. All ages are welcome, and no previous experience needed. It’s fun and easy! 

 

Western attire, boots, and hats are optional. However, please wear smooth, hard-soled shoes that will allow for easy movement on the carpeted floor.

 

Tickets can be purchased online by visiting www.fusf.org and clicking on Upcoming Events. Admission is $10 for Adults, $8 for students to age 18, with a maximum charge of $25 per family. 

Tickets will also be available at the door. Snacks and beverages will be available for purchase. 

Town of Franklin 2025 Master Plan: Community Vision and Goals

The Master Plan Mission Statement and Vision include the core values and goals that guide community development and decision-making.

Mission Statement

Franklin is an inclusive community that strives to support its citizens, land, and businesses in a sustainable, fiscally responsible manner. We value high quality education, the arts, cultural, historic, and agricultural resources, and the superb delivery of public services, now and into the future, for residents of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds. We are committed to creating a sustainable community by protecting open spaces, recreation, and natural resources while promoting balanced growth that enhances the pluralism of our community. We work to promote various housing opportunities, as well as to attract and retain businesses, both profit and non-profit, that grow our economy, create jobs, and contribute to a vibrant downtown center and community. We continue to work to improve and enhance the safe, healthy, and efficient movement of people and goods within Franklin, and across the regional transportation network, by providing a range of integrated and sustainable transportation options.

Vision

Our vision of Franklin is to be a vibrant, inclusive, pluralistic, innovative, and sustainable community.

Pillar Goals

The six pillar goals, or overarching goals, of the Franklin Master Plan are:

 Housing Diversity

 Complete Neighborhoods

 Neighborhood Connectivity

 Vibrant Downtown

 Natural/Historic Conservation and Accessibility

 Resource Efficiency

 

Master Plan Goals

Master Plan Goals are the objectives that a community aims to achieve through implementation of a master plan. The goals are typically broad and long-term in nature, and they guide the implementation of policies and strategies that will help achieve them.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

1. Work to revitalize Franklin’s Downtown core and adjacent neighborhoods.

2. Support the creation of mixed-use Neighborhood districts throughout Town that integrate small commercial uses near residential areas.

3. Boost tourism by highlighting, enhancing, and expanding amenities, events, and attractions.

4. Build organizational capacity to support and strengthen the Town of Franklin’s business retention and attraction initiatives, activities, and strategies.

5. Encourage the redevelopment of underutilized properties and otherwise explore opportunities to expand Franklin’s commercial and industrial bases.

6. Adopt strategies that will promote workforce development, attract skilled workers to the region and increase employment options for the Town’s current residents.

HOUSING

1. Increase Housing Diversity to encompass a range of housing types, sizes, and price points to accommodate the diverse needs and preferences of residents, including Innovative housing solutions, such as tiny homes, co-housing communities, accessory dwelling units (ADUs), and co-living arrangements, to offer housing options suited to specific needs or lifestyles within the community.

2. Expand and Enhance the Downtown and Neighborhoods by prioritizing them for housing development and investments in neighborhood character that include improving infrastructure, amenities, community engagement, and quality of life for residents.

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Continue reading this Master Plan section in PDF format

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ycviYUK_z0JzjGv1_OL_oC62DhYHut3I/view?usp=drive_link

Complete 2025 Master Plan report

https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4018/Final-Report

Town of Franklin Master Plans (prior years)

https://www.franklinma.gov/295/Master-Plan

Reminder: The Franklin Wine Club Presents: Exploring the Mastery of Malbec with Nieto Senetiner - October 8

Join us for an exclusive, sit-down educational tasting as The Franklin Wine Club — bringing wine lovers together and sharing our passion since 2014—celebrates another fantastic evening of exploration!

Step into the intimate Franklin Liquors Wine Room on October 8th from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM for a deep dive into Argentina’s signature varietal.

For this special session, we are turning our attention to the historic Nieto Senetiner winery. Founded in 1888 by Italian immigrants in Vistalba, Luján de Cuyo—the historic cradle of the Argentine wine industry—Nieto Senetiner stands as one of Mendoza’s oldest and most prestigious estates. Rooted in more than a century of winemaking heritage, they have helped define the global significance of Malbec, showcasing how altitude, tradition, and terroir come together to create wines of incredible depth, structure, and elegance.

Whether you are a longtime club member or a curious newcomer, this guided, sit-down tasting will elevate your palate and expand your appreciation for what makes Malbec truly world-class.

Event Details:

Date: October 8th

Time: 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM

Location: The Franklin Liquors Wine Room

Format: Sit-Down Educational Tasting

RSVP required: Spaces are limited for this intimate club event—reserve your seat today and taste history in a glass!

https://www.meetup.com/franklin-wine-club/events/316566815/

 

Guest Host: Larry Majchrzak

About Larry:

Regional Sales Manager from Foley Family Wines and Spirits. Larry has over 10 years of experience representing some of the world's most highly regarded wineries. He has received certifications to include a CSW, CSS, and WSET 2 in wine and spirits. 

6 Franklin High School Seniors Named 2027 National Merit Scholarship Program Commended Students

Six Franklin High School seniors were recently named Commended Students in the 2027 National Merit Scholarship Program.

Seniors Declan Curran, Saumy Jani, Connor McHenry, Amir Shakirov, Aksh Tayal and Harsini Vijai Krishna Prakas are six of approximately 34,000 students nationwide being recognized as Commended Students for their academic achievements.

Commended Students were selected from a group of over 1.2 million applicants who entered the 2027 National Merit Scholarship Program competition. Students entered the contest by completing the 2025 Preliminary SAT, which serves as the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test.

“Congratulations to Declan, Saumy, Connor, Amir, Aksh and Harsini on this impressive accomplishment,” said Principal Dr. Maria Weber. “I am proud to see them recognized for the hard work they’ve demonstrated in their studies. We can’t wait to see all they accomplish this year and beyond.”

According to the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC), Commended Students are among the top 50,000 high scorers who entered the 2027 competition. Recognized students demonstrate outstanding achievement and academic potential.

“These seniors have worked so hard and we are proud to see them recognized by the National Merit Scholarship for their efforts,” said Superintendent Lucas Giguere. “Being named a Commended Student is a tremendous honor, and we are proud to have these students representing Franklin High School with such academic integrity and ambition.”

The seniors will receive letters of commendation from the NMSC and Franklin High School for their academic achievements.

2026 Ballot Question 4: Election Day Registration

Question 4: Do you approve of a law summarized below, on which no vote was taken by the Senate or the House of Representatives before May 6, 2026?

SUMMARY

As required by law, summaries are written by the State Attorney General.

This proposed law would permit eligible individuals to register to vote or update their voter registration address on Election Day.

An individual who is eligible to vote could register to vote on Election Day by going to the polling place in the precinct where they live during voting hours and presenting proof of residency and signing a written oath. Proof of residency could be a valid photo identification, or documentation showing the individual's name and the address where the individual resides, such as a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, residential lease, wireless telephone statement, paycheck, current student fee statement or other document from a post-secondary school, or another government document or correspondence. The written oath would require the individual to certify that they are a citizen of the United States, are at least 18 years old, are not legally prohibited from voting, and have not and will not vote in the same election at another location. The oath would require the individual to acknowledge that providing false information is a felony punishable by not more than 5 years imprisonment or a fine of not more than $10,000, or both.

If an individual did not present proof of residency, they would be allowed to cast a provisional ballot, which would be counted only if the individual returned to provide the required information before the close of polls for a municipal election; within two days after a state primary; or within six days after a state election.

Individuals who register to vote on Election Day would be registered to vote in future elections as well as in the election taking place that day.

Individuals who are already registered to vote would not be able to change their political party affiliation on Election Day.

The proposed law would take effect on January 1, 2028.

WHAT YOUR VOTE WILL DO

As required by law, the statements describing the effect of a "yes" or "no" vote are written jointly by the State Attorney General and the Secretary of the Commonwealth.

A YES VOTE would permit eligible citizens to register to vote or to update their voter registration address at their polling place on Election Day.

A NO VOTE would make no change to the laws governing voter registration.

STATEMENT OF FISCAL CONSEQUENCES

As required by law, statements of fiscal consequences are written by the Executive Office of Administration and Finance.

The proposed law has no discernible material fiscal consequences for state and municipal government finances.

Additional info - https://ma.omniballot.us/sites/25/vg/app/vig/voter-guide/info/13

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via Dan Kennedy:

https://commonwealthbeacon.org/ballot-question/

"Three local news outlets — CommonWealth Beacon, The Bay State Banner and El Planeta — unveil a detailed guide to this fall's state ballot questions. 

It's freely available for republication online and in print."   https://commonwealthbeacon.org/ballot-question/

Town of Franklin 2025 Master Plan: Figure 4.5: Inflow/Outflow Counts of All Jobs for Franklin, MA in 2020

"According to 2020 commuting data, from OnTheMap by the U.S. Census Bureau, Franklin has an inflow of 13,643 workers entering town for jobs, but an outflow of 14,301 residents leaving for jobs outside of Franklin.

Using data from 2020, OnTheMap tracks the number of workers on a daily basis coming into, leaving and staying within Franklin for their places of work. Though this data may be skewed because of its collection during the COVID-19 pandemic, it is the most recent set available and is shown below in Figure 4.5."

Complete 2025 Master Plan report

https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4018/Final-Report

Town of Franklin Master Plans (prior years)

https://www.franklinma.gov/295/Master-Plan

Watch Frankenweenie at Franklin TV, Oct 1 at 6:30 PM

Come welcome the Spooky Season with the LGBTQ Alliance by watching Frankenweenie at Franklin TV. 

Family friendly event, snacks provided. 

6:30pm Thursday, 10/1