MA Senate Passes Brewers Compromise

The Massachusetts State Senate on Thursday unanimously passed legislation that resolves a decade-long distribution dispute between brewers and wholesalers in the Commonwealth.

"Craft brewing is an industry that has grown in Massachusetts as a result of innovation, entrepreneurship, hard work and dedication to supporting small businesses, and is now thriving," said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). "Solving this decade-long dispute was a priority of mine long before becoming Senate President and I look forward to seeing this important agreement codified in law. I would like to thank my colleagues Senators Paul Feeney, Joe Boncore and Cindy Creem for their efforts and the Massachusetts Brewers Guild and Beer Distributors of Massachusetts for their determination in reaching this landmark compromise."

"The MBG is incredibly grateful for the support and leadership of Senate President Spilka in advocating for franchise law reform," said Sam Hendler, President of the Massachusetts Brewers Guild and co-founder of Jack's Abby Craft Lagers. This agreement is a victory for the more than 200 craft breweries across Massachusetts that have become pillars of their communities, helping local economies to thrive and drawing tourism to new areas. It took the collective effort of our counterparts in the legislature, the brewing community and the wholesalers to ensure we are able to continue our work as craft brewers now and for years to come."

"The Beer Distributors of Massachusetts are tremendously appreciative of the work, support, and leadership provided by Senate President Spilka in encouraging the Brewers Guild and the Beer Distributors to agree on franchise law reform that has been disputed for the past 10-years" said Joe Salois, owner & president of Atlas Distributing, Inc., Auburn, MA. "The efforts, leadership, and uncompromising willingness to reach agreement by the brewers, distributors, and legislature was a driving force in this achievement" said Salois.

The legislation, An Act Relative to Craft Brewers (S.2829), represents the agreement reached by The Massachusetts Brewers Guild, representing craft breweries, and the Beer Distributors of Massachusetts after good-faith negotiations encouraged by Spilka and her Senate colleagues.

"This bill will update our current franchise laws to reflect the modern marketplace, protect jobs and level the playing field for emerging brewers here in the Commonwealth," said Senator Michael J. Rodrigues (D-Westport), Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. "I applaud the spirit of compromise shown by brewers and distributors to get this done and reach agreement during this time of great uncertainty. Thank you to Senate President Spilka for her leadership and Senators Feeney, Boncore and others for their hard work to ensure we pass this legislation today."

"This agreement and resulting legislation is indicative of the importance of a growing beer industry here in Massachusetts. Both the brewers and distributors came together to forge an agreement that protects jobs, promotes economic growth and entrepreneurship, and benefits consumers," said Senator Paul Feeney (D-Foxborough). "I am proud to have played a role, along with Senate President Spilka and Senator Creem in providing the environment and sense of urgency that allowed this deal to be reached by these two very willing stakeholders. This legislation should signal to the industry that the Commonwealth is supportive of this growing sector and that a network of local and independent distributors and workers are ready to bring their product to market."

"Massachusetts is home to more than 200 breweries that represent the unique culture and contours of our local communities," said Senator Joe Boncore (D-Winthrop). "This legislation will create a level playing field for craft brewers. Now, perhaps more than ever, it is critical that we support small and local businesses as we work towards economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic."

"The growth and expansion of the craft brewery business over the last decade has been a welcome addition to the State economy," said Senate Majority Leader Cindy Creem (D.Newton). "I applaud all the parties involved for reaching an agreement that will allow this industry to flourish both now and into the future."

In Massachusetts, current law makes it difficult for a brewer to end a relationship with their distributor, jeopardizing potential growth. The compromise legislation (S.2829) would allow a brewery that produces less than 250,000 barrels (or just over 3.4 million cases) a year to end their relationship with a distributor with a 30-day notice and other certain protections. If a distribution contract is terminated, the brewery would be responsible for fairly compensating the wholesaler the fair market value of the distribution rights in addition to other costs for inventory and marketing investments. The legislation calls for both parties to engage in an expedited arbitration process to resolve such issues.

An Act Relative to Craft Brewers now moves to the Massachusetts House of Representatives for consideration. 

Senate Passes Bill for Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial in State House

The Massachusetts State Senate on Thursday unanimously passed legislation to establish a memorial to Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in the House Chamber of the Massachusetts Legislature. The memorial will include the text of the civil rights leader's historic speech delivered in front of a joint convention of both houses of the Massachusetts General Court.

In his 1965 speech to the Legislature, King noted Massachusetts' role in securing liberty for this country. King furthermore declared, that "No section of the country can boast of clean hands in the area of brotherhood," and charged both state lawmakers and members of the public with doing more to preserve liberty and create a just society. The full text of the speech would be included on a plaque in the State House.

"The words of Dr. Martin Luther King have never been more important, especially as we embark on the hard work of dismantling systemic racism by reforming our system, shifting our resources and building a more equitable and just Commonwealth," stated Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). "I look forward to seeing his powerful message memorialized in the State House. I would like to thank the resolve's sponsor, Representative Bud Williams as well as Representative Carlos González, chair of the Massachusetts Black & Latino Legislative Caucus, members of the caucus and Senator Lovely for advocating for this important remembrance."

"Dr. King's 1965 speech reminds all legislators of our heavy responsibilities to create a Commonwealth where Black people receive equal and just treatment," said Senator Joan B. Lovely (D-Salem). "The placement of this plaque in the House chamber will make the State House a more inclusive and inspirational place for those of us who work here as well as for those who come to see our work."

The legislation now moves back to the Massachusetts House of Representatives for further action.

Senate Passes Bill for Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial in State House

In the News: plastic bag prohibition on for November 1

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"With the green light given for reusable bags to return to stores, Franklin’s plastic bag ban is back on track and scheduled to take effect this fall. 

The local ban, adopted by the Town Council early in the year, was originally slated to begin July 1. It was temporarily put on hold in late March after Gov. Charlie Baker issued an order disallowing use of carry-in, reusable shopping bags -- action taken to help prevent the possibility of spreading the virus. 

Now that reusable bags have been cleared by the state to be used once again, Town Administrator Jamie Hellen said local stores can seek a three-month waiver from the town in order to give them time to prepare for the local plastic bag ban. The clock starts ticking on Aug. 1, making the Franklin bylaw officially effective on Nov. 1. 

“A letter went out to licensees last week” alerting them to the re-start of the bylaw timeline, he said via email on Monday.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200723/franklin-ban-on-plastic-bags-back-on-track-to-begin-this-fall/1?rssfeed=true

Approved in Feb 2020, halted by the pandemic the bag prohibition is now set for Nov 1.

Feb 2020 approval
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/03/town-council-meeting-feb-12-2020-recap.html

July delay
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/07/plastic-bag-prohibition-effective-date.html

In the News: plastic bag prohibition on for November 1

“I personally have experienced a lifetime of insults, racism and sexism”

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s outrage over a Republican lawmaker’s verbal assault broadened into an extraordinary moment on the House floor Thursday as she and other Democrats assailed a sexist culture of “accepting violence and violent language against women” whose adherents include President Donald Trump. 

A day after rejecting an offer of contrition from Rep. Ted Yoho, R-Fla., for his language during this week’s Capitol steps confrontation, Ocasio-Cortez and more than a dozen colleagues cast the incident as all-too-common behavior by men, including Trump and other Republicans. 

“This issue is not about one incident. It is cultural,” said Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y. She called it a culture “of accepting a violence and violent language against women, an entire structure of power that supports that.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/zz/news/20200723/ocasio-cortez-dems-assail-mens-abusive-treatment-of-women?rssfeed=true

Video link from C-SPAN = https://youtu.be/LI4ueUtkRQ0

FM #316 - Franklin (MA) Fire Department Promotion Ceremony (audio)

FM #316 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 316 in the series.

This session shares the Franklin (MA) Fire Department Promotion Ceremony held on Wednesday, July 22, 2020. This is the next step in the department's reorganization plan put together by Chief James J McLaughlin. Links to earlier updates are in the shown notes.

The ceremony runs just about 45 minutes, so let’s listen to Fire Department Promotion Ceremony.

Note the actual swearing in language is hard to hear however all the announcements for the pinning is loud and clear.  Audio file = https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-316-franklin-ma-fire-department-promotion-ceremony

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The program and photos from the event
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/07/franklin-fire-department-promotional.html

Chief McLaughlin interview in March 2020
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/04/fm-233-fire-chief-james-mclaughlin.html

FinCom budget hearing May 2020
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/05/finance-committee-recap-budget-hearing.html

Town Council budget hearing June 2020
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/06/real-time-reporting-town-council-budget.html

Town Council votes to remove Fire Dept from Civil Service in Jan 2020 (requires legislative approval)
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/01/fire-dept-removed-from-civil-service.html


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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

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/
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"

FM #316 - Franklin (MA) Fire Department Promotion Ceremony (audio)

Dream Come True: A Magical Night of Disney Classics with Christopher Rice & Clay Thomson

THE BLACK BOX Summer Concert Series presents Christopher Rice and Clay Thomson in Dream Come True: A Magical Night of Disney Classics on Saturday, July 25! Sponsored by Dean Bank

Tickets are $20 for Adults and $15 for Students/Seniors.

Tickets are no longer available online for this show. Tickets must be reserved in table groupings. Please call 508-528-3370 for tickets.
https://www.theblackboxonline.com/events.php?id=1388&month=07&year=2020

 A Magical Night of Disney Classics with Christopher Rice & Clay Thomson

Don White online concert to benefit Franklin Food Pantry - July 23 - 7 PM

Don is hilarious 7/23 7PM

Don White and special guests View this email in your browser Don White online show July 23 7 PM Donations The Circle of Friends Coffeehouse presents an online concert by Don White, on Thursday, July 23rd at 7 PM to benefit the Franklin Food Pantry. http://www.donwhite.net/ This Zoom event will be interactive – meaning that Don and the audience will be able to hear laughter and applause as it happens. At the end of the show, there will be an after party. Special guests Peter Yarrow and John Gorka will join him and perform!  Franklin's Jamie Barrett will open the show with one song. If you want to be in the interactive Zoom concert use this access information. Go to www.Zoom.com and “Join Meeting” Meeting ID: 825 8331 9277 Password: 646619 You may also view the show on YouTube please go to https://youtu.be/Zwoc7dXhnpU There is no fee but donations will be accepted and benefit the Franklin Food Pantry. PayPal : https://www.paypal.me/donwhitefolk Venmo: @DonWhiteFolk Or you may mail a check to Circle of Friends, PO Box 21, Franklin, MA 02038 Upcoming Online Shows Aug 8       Peter Yarrow Sep 12     John Gorka

Circle of Friends Coffeehouse · First Universalist Society · 262 Chestnut St · Franklin, MA 02038 · USA                                          Don White online concert to benefit Franklin Food Pantry - July 23 - 7 PM

Franklin Fire Department Promotional Ceremony

Promotional Ceremony

Wednesday, July 22, 2020

4:30 PM ~ 6:00 PM

Franklin Fire Headquarters
40 West Central Street
Franklin, MA 02038

Processional
Lt. Scott Keefe, Milford Fire Department
Bag Pipes ~ Worcester Fire Brigade

Performing the National Anthem
Liz Cassidy, fellow Town Employee & Vocalist

Invocation
Chaplain Rick Marcoux

Greeting
Deputy Chief James P. Klich

Speakers
Fire Chief James J. McLaughlin
Jamie Hellen, Town Administrator

Promotions & Pinning Ceremony

Benediction
Chaplain Rick Marcoux


... Honorees ...

Battalion Chief Charles Allen 
Battalion Chief Thomas Carlucci 
Battalion Chief Keith Darling 
Battalion Chief Steven Sims

Captain William Blanchard
Captain Thomas Konieczny
Captain Sean Lovely
Captain Kevin Marshall

Lieutenant Paul Molla
Lieutenant Laurie Roy
Lieutenant David Smith

Firefighter/Paramedic Dylan Voss

A copy of the program can be found
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1f9AmWtMnBVashlWAs5cFhiA_7xV6R8hL/view?usp=sharing

Photos from the ceremony can be found in the following album
https://1drv.ms/a/s!AiZyV6NyMWgnhqhqC9yQkR7loijgGQ

Or on Flickr here  https://flic.kr/s/aHsmPAkXSr

Franklin Fire Department Promotional Ceremony

Rockland Trust’s Affiliated Charitable Foundations announce more than $200,000 in Grants to Local Non-Profit Organizations

Rockland Trust’s two affiliated charitable foundations (Rockland Trust Charitable Foundation, Inc. and Rockland Trust-Blue Hills Charitable Foundation, Inc.) announced combined giving of more than $200,000 to 40 local organizations providing services to at-risk populations during the second quarter of 2020. The $200,000 of affiliated foundation second quarter giving was in addition to $460,000 of donations made by the foundations during the second quarter of 2020 to support pandemic relief efforts.

During the second quarter of 2020 the Rockland Trust Charitable Foundation provided support to 25 organizations including;

• The Brockton Visiting Nurse Association: An organization based out of Brockton, MA that provides innovative and cost effective health care services in home.
• The S.E.A.L. Foundation: A Plymouth County organization that creates and funds educational and social opportunities in non-public school and camp settings for students who learn differently in order to ensure they maximize their potential.
• The Brockton Together Fund: A collaborative effort between the City of Brockton, the United Way of Greater Plymouth County, and the United Way of Massachusetts Bay & Merrimack Valley that will provide direct resources for emergency assistance and expanded food distribution to the most economically vulnerable populations in Brockton.

The Rockland Trust-Blue Hills Charitable Foundation provided support to 15 organizations during the second quarter of 2020 including;

• Franciscan Children’s Hospital: A pediatric post-acute hospital located in Brighton, MA where children with complex medical, mental health and educational needs receive specialized care whom are committed to excellence, innovation and family support.
• Horace Mann Educational Associates: A Norfolk County based organizations that supports, teaches and empowers adults with developmental disabilities and their families to live a meaningful life of their choice.

“We were thrilled to provide grants to these incredible organizations, all of which have a tremendous positive impact on the individuals and communities they serve,” said Edward Seksay, President and Chair of both the Rockland Trust Charitable Foundation, Inc. and the Rockland Trust – Blue Hills Charitable Foundation, Inc. “By assisting these non-profits we hope to help provide our communities with the services they need to flourish.”

Rockland Trust’s affiliated charitable foundations focus on giving that supports affordable housing, community development, education, financial literacy, health and human services and youth programs.

For more information about the organizations who have received funding from the affiliated foundations please visit, RocklandTrust.com.

ROCKLAND TRUST CHARITABLE FOUNDATION, INC.

The Rockland Trust Charitable Foundation, Inc. became affiliated with Rockland Trust in 2009 and has contributed more than $7 million dollars to non-profit organizations.

ROCKLAND TRUST- BLUE HILLS CHARITABLE FOUNDATION, INC.

The Rockland Trust-Blue Hills Charitable Foundation, Inc. became affiliated with Rockland Trust in 2019 and has contributed more than $6.8 million dollars to non-profit organizations.

ROCKLAND TRUST

Independent Bank Corp. (NASDAQ Global Select Market: INDB) is the holding company for Rockland Trust Company, a full-service commercial bank headquartered in Massachusetts. Named in 2019 to The Boston Globe’s “Top Places to Work” list for the 11th consecutive year, Rockland Trust offers a wide range of banking, investment, and insurance services. Rockland Trust serves businesses and individuals through more than 95 retail branches, commercial and residential lending centers, and investment management offices in eastern Massachusetts, including Greater Boston, the South Shore, the Cape, and Islands, as well as in Worcester County and Rhode Island. The Bank also offers a full suite of mobile, online, and telephone banking services. Rockland Trust is an FDIC member and an Equal Housing Lender. To find out why Rockland Trust is the bank “Where Each Relationship Matters®,” please visit RocklandTrust.com.

Rockland Trust’s Affiliated Charitable Foundations announce more than $200,000 in Grants to Local Non-Profit Organizations

Planning Board: Public Hearing - Mixed Business Innovation Zone - 5 Fisher, 29 Hayward Sts

In accordance with the Town of Franklin Zoning By-Laws, the Franklin Planning Board will hold a Remote Public on Monday, August 10, 2020 at 7:10 PM, for a Site Plan application at 5 Fisher Street and 29 Hayward St in Franklin, MA prepared by Farland Corporation, New Bedford, MA, Inc. and submitted to the Department of Planning & Community Development by K Fisher RE Services, LLC, 69 Milk St, Westborough, MA 01581.

The property is located in the MBI Zoning District (Assessors Map 278 Lot 016) on Fisher and Hayward Streets. The purpose of the Site Plan modification is to allow non- woven materials be produced at 29 Hayward Street.

Please note: This will be your only written notice of this public hearing. All future Public Hearings on this matter, will be posted on the Planning Board’s website under Agendas.

This meeting will be done remotely via “ZOOM” platform. Residents can view the Town Website and click on the Town Calendar for up to date information on access to the meeting.

Please contact the Department of Planning & Community Development at (508) 520- 4907 if you require further information or if you need to make arrangements to provide translation services for the hearing impaired, or for persons with language barriers.

Copies of the plan and supporting documentation may be reviewed in the Department of Planning & Community Development during regular office hours.

Anthony Padula, Chairman

Planning Board: Public Hearing - Mixed Business Innovation Zone - 5 Fisher, 29 Hayward Sts

DESE guidance for school re-opening planning on Transportation and Facilities/Operations

New guidance just released by DESE for school re-opening planning.


Transportation

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1uDU352EwOD12AtjP71zvgOnkniqgV0VY/view?usp=sharing




Facilities and Operations

https://drive.google.com/file/d/11uD1Qqh6nfF1_bOLrZKysfSvd55aHVTA/view?usp=sharing

DESE guidance for school re-opening planning on Transportation and Facilities/Operations

Community Outreach Hearing: Proposed Marijuana Establishment - Aug 6

Community Outreach Hearing

Subject: Proposed Marijuana Establishment
Date: 8/6/2020
Time: 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Location: Zoom Virtual Meeting Web Address: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87564277718
Zoom Access Information Dial in #: 1-929-205-6099
Meeting ID: 875 6427 7718
Zoom meeting instructions: To join the online community outreach meeting enter the above listed web address into the address bar at the top of your internet browser. Then follow the listed instructions on the provided website. Or you can dial in using the phone number and meeting ID provided.

Presentation Information

Presented by: PharmaCannis Massachusetts Inc (dba Verilife)
Proposed address for the retail marijuana establishment: 164 Grove St Franklin, MA 02038
Questions can submitted prior to the hearing by email: MAOutreach@PharmaCann.com
★ There will be an opportunity for the public to ask questions
★ The meeting will be recorded for replay on local cable access or other broadcast means at the host community’s discretion.


For the site plan and application on the Planning Board page
https://www.franklinma.gov/planning-board/pages/164-grove-street

For additional info on the company, visit their web page   https://www.verilife.com/ma

From the Cannabis Control Commission
https://mass-cannabis-control.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/MPL-EXECUTIVE-SUMMARY-PHARMACANNIS-v3.pdf


Note: This had been scheduled previously and is now rescheduled for this date/time
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/07/franklin-residents-community-outreach.html

In the News: "Those timelines can be vitally important"

From the Boston Globe, an article of interest for Franklin: (Franklin is one of the districts found non-compliant)

"As a former school committee member with more than a decade of experience advocating for twin sons with special needs, Jennifer Curran is not used to feeling powerless in dealing with schools. 

But when school officials in her small western Massachusetts town of Granby presented Curran in May with a document requesting that she relinquish federally protected rights for her sons’ special education services during school closures, Curran assumed it was part of a new, and troubling, pandemic reality. She signed the paperwork. 

“I felt like I had no choice,” she said. 

Now, the state says Granby and at least 10 other Massachusetts school districts, including Beverly, Malden, and Norfolk, violated state and federal special education laws by asking parents this spring to absolve school districts of key special education responsibilities, including, in some cases, the provision of vital services (such as speech therapy and one-on-one reading help), and, in others, the requirement to follow a strict timeline governing how quickly a child must be assessed for a disability and provided an instruction plan."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/07/22/metro/dozens-massachusetts-districts-faulted-asking-parents-sign-away-special-education-rights/

In the News: "Those timelines can be vitally important"

COVID-19 Immunology 101 for Non-immunologists.(video)

"In collaboration with BioRender, Akiko Iwasaki, Ph.D., Professor of Immunobiology at Yale University School of Medicine, explores COVID-19 Immunology 101 for Non-immunologists."

About BioRender:
BioRender is the easy-to-use science illustration tool that’s quickly becoming a staple in academic institutions and labs around the world! You can access the program for free at https://biorender.com/

Video link =https://youtu.be/jeN8v5I5VNA

July 22, 2020 Town Council Meeting Postponed

Town Council Meeting Postponed

Good evening Franklin,

Unfortunately tonight's (July 22, 2020) Town Council meeting will need to be postponed until next Wednesday July 29th, due to technical difficulties with the live stream. We apologize for any inconvenience. We feel postponing was the best option to allow for citizens engagement. Thank you very much for your patience and understanding.

July 22, 2020 Town Council Meeting Postponed

Sidewalk Sale! Franklin Federated Church Friday, July 24, 12-5

Franklin Federated Church at 171 Main Street is in the process of renovating and upgrading its dining room and kitchen. On Friday, July 24 from 12-5, as a result of intense cleaning and purging of the cabinets, church members will set up tables at the church containing silverware, utensils, dishes, glassware, etc.

The public is invited to peruse the items, take what they want, and make a goodwill donation. 

• No pricing, no money exchanging hands. 
• No direct social contact needed but some masked, friendly conversation always welcome.

Sidewalk Sale! Franklin Federated Church Friday, July 24, 12-5

THE BLACK BOX: Ali Funkhouser: I Only Wanna Laugh - July 23

THE BLACK BOX Summer Concert Series presents Ali Funkhouser: I Only Wanna Laugh sponsored by Dean Bank on Thursday, July 23 at 8:00 pm!

Join Ali Funkhouser, pianist Raye Lynn Mercer & violinist Irina Fainkichen for an evening of musical shenanigans with music from Sondheim to Whitney Houston!

Tickets are $20 for Adults and $15 for Students/Alumni/Seniors.

Get tickets online
https://www.theblackboxonline.com/events.php?id=1375&month=07&year=2020

THE BLACK BOX: Ali Funkhouser: I Only Wanna Laugh - July 23

Concerts on the Common: Friday, July 24

The Franklin Farmers Market update:

"Franklin's Concerts on the Common start this Friday! This week's concert starts at 5 PM so come early and do some shopping at the market."

Friday, July 24
5 - 6:30 PM = "Pub Kings"
6:30 - 8:00 PM = "Frank Padula Band"
8:15 PM - Movie Night = "Toy Story #4"

Follow the Franklin Farmers Market on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/FranklinFarmersMarketMA/photos/a.562064507186871/3379373718789255/?type=3&theater

Concerts on the Common: Friday, July 24