What's happening in Franklin, MA: Tuesday, May 6, 2025 ???

Library & Senior Center events

Tuesday, May 6

9:00am Ballot Testing (Council Chambers) 

11:00am Community Closet (Franklin United Methodist Church)

6:00pm Pebble Art Workshop (Franklin High School)

6:00pm Table Top (Franklin Public Library)

6:30pm Franklin Garden Club - monthly meeting (Franklin Senior Center)

7:30pm Smart Phone Trivia (Teddy Gallagher's Irish Pub)

For additional details on Library & Senior Center events ->   

https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar.aspx?CID=37,24&showPastEvents=false

**  Town Meetings today   **

Franklin School Committee - Executive Session Contract Negotiations

May 6, 2025    Time: 4:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05062025-1588

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What's happening today in Franklin? 

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

Franklin Garden Club features "H is for Daylilies" - May 6

The Franklin Garden Club will offer a program on “H is for Daylilies” on Tuesday, May 6, at 7:00 PM at the Franklin Senior Center located at 10 Daniel McCahill Street. The program is open to the public at no charge.

"H is for Daylilies" - May 6

The program will be presented by Lifetime Master Gardener and Franklin Garden Club member Adele Turent. “H is for Daylilies” focuses on the origins of the modern daylily, the different bloom forms, its care, cultivation and breeding. Turent is a member of both the New England Daylily Society and the American Daylily Society (ADS). She is an ADS Garden Judge instructor. Garden judges are trained to evaluate daylilies in the garden, and their votes determine the daylilies that win national awards. Adele has taught Garden Judge Workshops at National and Regional ADS conventions in the U.S. as well as in Québec. 

 

From 2013 to 2018, Turent was the award-winning editor of Daylilies in the Great Northeast, an ADS regional publication. In 2019, she became the Executive Editor and Ad Sales Manager of The Daylily Journal, the American Daylily Society’s national, full color, quarterly magazine.

Volunteer for PorchFest – June 7, 2025 scheduled for 12–6 PM!

Be a part of Franklin’s biggest neighborhood music celebration!

Volunteer for PorchFest – June 7, 2025

We’re looking for volunteers to help make PorchFest amazing:

• Porch Managers – Coordinate with porch hosts and bands
• Info Table Helpers – Distribute maps & schedules to attendees

No experience needed – just bring your community spirit!

Join us and help create a day of music, connection, and fun!

Sign up today: Franklin.PorchFest.Info, then click Volunteer Signup tab

FPAC Announces Little Women Cast

Katie Gray

The Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC)’s 2024-25 season will conclude with the musical adaptation of Little Women June 6-8 at THE BLACK BOX. The production is directed by NYC’s Ali Funkhouser with music direction by FPAC’s Resident Music Director Hallie Wetzell and features a cast of NYC, Boston, Providence, and local talent.

NYC’s Katie Gray leads the cast as Jo March, the character based on Alcott herself. Gray is joined by Rhode Island-based actress Myranda Rose Silva as Meg, Boston’s Anissa Perona as Beth, and Marymount Manhattan College Musical Theater rising senior Hayley Driscoll as Amy. The cast also stars Miracle Myles of the Hadestown national tour as Laurie, NYC’s Robbie Rescigno as Professor Bhaer, and Boston’s Andrew Scott Holmes as John Brooke.

Little Women features FPAC favorites Kellie Stamp as Marmee, Nick Paone as Mr. Laurence, and Kim Frigon as Aunt March. The show’s ensemble includes college musical theater students Macie Hoben and Jason Robert Warner as well as three FPAC Student Apprentices from the Franklin School for the Performing Arts: Ani Corkran, Hailey Hulbig, and Alina Kanakry.

Based on Louisa May Alcott's life, Little Women follows the adventures of sisters Jo, Meg, Beth, and Amy March. Jo is trying to sell her stories for publication, but the publishers are not interested – her friend, Professor Bhaer, tells her that she has to do better and write more from herself. Begrudgingly taking this advice, Jo weaves the story of herself and her sisters and their experience growing up in Civil War America. Little Women embodies the complete theatrical experience, guaranteeing a night filled with laughter, tears, and a lifting of the spirit. The powerful score soars with the sounds of personal discovery, heartache, and hope – the sounds of a young America finding its voice.

FPAC is an Actors’ Equity Small Professional Theater company based at THE BLACK BOX in downtown Franklin. Each season, FPAC produces musicals, plays, ballets, and more featuring Broadway stars, professional actors, local artists, and students of the arts.

Tickets for Little Women are available at FPAConline.com or by calling the box office at 508-528-3370. Follow Franklin Performing Arts Company and THE BLACK BOX on Facebook and Instagram for updates on programming. 

 

Chasity & Jillian share the May 2025 event highlights happening at the Senior Center (audio)

FM #1441 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1441 in the series. 

This session shares my conversation with Chasity Cheng, Senior Center Deputy Director and Jillian Rochat, Administrative Assistant, both with the Franklin Senior Center. We had our discussion in the Franklin Radio Studio on Wednesday, April 30, 2025.

 

We talk about 

• All the key event highlights for May, including

• Eat around the World - Australia

• Van and pavilion ribbon cutting May 15 at 10 AM

• Veterans breakfast May 23

• Teasers for June, including the Senior Olympics

The show notes include links to the Senior Center page, the calendar of events, and to subscribe to the monthly newsletter. 

The recording runs about 39 minutes, so let’s listen in. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1441-senior-ctr-may-2025-event-highlights-04-30-25/

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Franklin Senior Center page ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/583/Franklin-Senior-Center-Council-on-Aging 

May 2025 newsletter -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/5446/May-2025-Newsletter?bidId= 

Senior Center calendar view (just FSC events) -> https://franklinma.gov/calendar.aspx?CID=37&showPastEvents=false 

Subscribe to the newsletter -> by calling 508-520-4945

Olympics musical snippet borrowed from https://archive.org/details/tvtunes_10963?

 

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We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial. 

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

• If you don't like something here, please let me know

• And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach out. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do

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

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/  or www.franklin.news 

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy it!

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You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

Chasity & Jillian share the May 2025 event highlights happening at the Senior Center (audio)

FHS girls & boys lacrosse teams post wins on Monday; baseball, softball, tennis matches all rescheduled

Via Twitter, Franklin TV, and our subscription to HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the Spring sports competition for Franklin High School on Monday, May 5, 2025

Baseball = Sharon @ Franklin – Postponed to Saturday, 5/10 at 2:00

Softball = Franklin @ Sharon – Postponed to Thursday, 5/22 at 3:45

Boys Lacrosse = Franklin, 11 @ Mansfield, 10 – Final

Ryan Lanigan || HockomockSports.com Editor, provides the game recap

"If there was a list of the top boys lacrosse games in Hockomock League history, there would be a new addition to it after Monday night.

Franklin sophomore Nate Walsh scored the game-winning goal with just 16 seconds left to hand the Panthers a thrilling 11-10 win over previously undefeated Mansfield in a terrific back-and-forth game under the lights at Alumni Field.

The first half featured 15 goals, nearly split evenly with the hosts holding a slight one-goal edge. Then the second half was dominated by the defenses and the goalies with the teams combining for just six goals, a 4-2 advantage for the visitors.

Both teams entered without a blemish in league play so far. With the win, Franklin extended its unbeaten streak against Hock foes to 58 in a row, dating back to 2018."

Continue reading the article (subscription required)
https://hockomocksports.com/nate-walsh-last-minute-goal-boosts-franklin-boys-lacrosse-over-mansfield/

For a photo gallery from this game (subscription required)
https://hockomocksports.smugmug.com/2024-2025/Spring-2025/Mansfield-Franklin-Boys-Lacrosse-05-05-25

Girls Lacrosse = Mansfield, 7 @ Franklin, 17 – Final 

– The Panthers kept up their unbeaten start to the league campaign with a big win over Mansfield on senior night. Senior defenders Maeve Grasso and Hannah Blongastainer both had strong games and classmate Maisie Streesman made three saves in goal. Seniors Sophia Sacchetti (five draw controls) and Liza Kudish both scored twice and Gabi Consigli added a goal and an assist. Julia Flynn chipped in with an assist an nine draw controls. Mansfield was led by Ella Palanza’s hat trick. Sophie Clang and Tessa Johnson each scored a pair of the Hornets and goalie Lana DiSangro made 11 saves in the loss.

Boys Tennis = Franklin @ Sharon – Postponed to TBD.

Girls Tennis = Sharon @ Franklin – Postponed to Tuesday, 5/13 at 3:45.

For other results across the Hockomock League (subscription required)
https://hockomocksports.com/mondays-schedule-scoreboard-05-05-25/

 

 

FHS Panther sports results shared via Twitter & subscription to HockomockSports.com

Frequently Asked Questions: FY 2026 Override -> Questions 13 -16

Frequently Asked Questions - shared from the Town of Franklin FY 2026 Override Information page. There are 40 and a form to ask another question if it is not already listed there -> https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/Faq.aspx?TID=41

13.Will early voting occur for this election?

Yes. Early Voting will commence on Thursday, May 15th through Friday, May 30th, during normal business hours which are Mon., Tues., Thurs. from 8AM to 4PM, Wednesday, 8AM to 6PM and Friday from 8AM to 1PM. There will also be one (1) weekend day which is scheduled for Saturday, May 24th, from 9AM to 3PM in the Clerk’s Office Only - Town of Franklin Municipal Building, 355 E Central St, Franklin, MA 02038.

14.Are Vote-by-Mail ballots available?

Yes, Vote-by-Mail or “absentee” ballots are available, but they must be requested by the voter. If you would like to receive a Vote-by-Mail application please contact the Clerk’s office at 508-528-7900 or click on the following link:  https://www.sec.state.ma.us/divisions/elections/languages/vote-by-mail-applications.htm

15.What is the cost of a special election and who is paying for it?

The Town Clerk’s office will be able to absorb the cost of this special election, which is estimated to cost approximately $30,000.

16.Who can vote on the override?

All voters who are registered to vote in Franklin are eligible to vote. To verify your registration, use this link:  https://www.sec.state.ma.us/voterregistrationsearch/

Additional info can be found on the Town FY 2026 Override page ->    https://www.franklinma.gov/1089/Fiscal-Year-2026-Override-Information

Frequently Asked Questions: FY 2026 Override

Have you taken a tour of the Franklin Food Pantry? Sign up for this month

Wondering what we do at The Pantry and how we do it? 

Have you taken a tour of the
Franklin Food Pantry? They are available monthly

You're invited to come check us out! Sign up for a Pantry tour and see how we are making a difference in our community - and how you can get involved! 

Tours are booking through May. 

Visit our website to secure your spot!  ->   https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0f4baaa622a4f4c43-pantry#/

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/DG1BQs1RTUN/

Franklin Middle School Experience registration is open. Get your spot now!

Franklin Middle School Experience
registration is open. Get your spot now!

 

Attention incoming Franklin PS middle schoolers: Start the school year more confidently by joining the Franklin Middle School Experience! 

Meet faculty, tour the school, and much more. 

Go to tinyurl.com/5w87cr5t to register.

Franklin First Newsletter Subscription Guide

Good day, It has come to our attention that users are experiencing some difficulty in subscribing to the Franklin First newsletter. We apologize for any confusion and are happy to provide clearer instructions. This Sign Up for Notifications (https://www.franklinma.gov/list.aspx) link leads to the "Notify Me" page on our Town website, wherein users are able to select their desired subscriptions from a broad menu of categories, including: agendas for public meetings, alerts, bid postings, calendar notifications, jobs and news flash announcements. New users will need to create an account and can choose to be notified via email, text, or both. To subscribe to the Franklin First newsletter, select "Franklin First Newsletter & Town Announcements" which is located at the bottom of the menu, listed under the "News Flash" category. By making this selection, subscribers will receive notifications when each new issue of Franklin First is released, and any time an announcement is added to the "News & Highlights" section of the website homepage.   We appreciate the feedback and hope that these instructions clarify the process for subscribing. Please don't hesitate to contact the Town Administration office at (508) 520-4949 with any questions.     Franklin First Newsletter Subscription Guide

Town of Franklin | 355 East Central Street | Franklin, MA 02038 US

Franklin Democrats to Elect Delegates to 2025 Democratic State Convention

On Sunday, May 12, 2025 at 6:00 PM, Democrats will convene at the Franklin TV Studio, 23 Hutchinson Street, Franklin, MA 02038 to elect 17 delegates and 4 alternates to represent Franklin at the 2025 Massachusetts Democratic State Convention. The caucus will be held one hour before the Franklin Democratic Town Committee's monthly meeting, which begins at 7:00 PM.

Registration for the caucus will open at 5:30 PM and remain open for 15 minutes following the official start time, allowing all eligible participants who arrive by 6:15 PM to register.

Franklin Democratic Town Committee

Individuals aged 16 and above who have registered or pre-registered as Democrats in Franklin by Saturday, March 29, 2025, may vote and be elected as delegates or alternates during the caucus.

"Your participation in this caucus is more than just attending a meeting, it's a declaration of commitment to our democracy," said Rachel Plukas, Chair of the Franklin Democratic Town Committee. "In a time when fundamental rights and freedoms are on the line, showing up and staying engaged have never been more important."

The 2025 Convention will be held in-person at the MassMutual Center in Springfield on Saturday, September 13, 2025. The convention will serve as both the culmination of the platform development process and a rallying moment for the crucial elections ahead. Attendees will hear from inspiring leaders—including members of the Democratic congressional delegation, state legislative champions, Governor Healey, and Lieutenant Governor Driscoll.

About the Franklin Democratic Town Committee

The Franklin Democratic Town Committee (FDTC) is the official organization of the Democratic Party in Franklin, MA. The committee typically meets on the second Monday of each month at the Franklin TV and Radio Station on Hutchinson Street. FDTC meetings combine planning events, hearing reports from sub-committees, and discussing relevant local, state, and national issues. The committee often hosts local and state candidates or officials who speak about policies being considered at the Massachusetts State House.

The FDTC is actively involved in the community, supporting Democratic candidates at all levels, organizing voter outreach, helping citizens get to the polls, and advocating for important issues like equal rights, affordable healthcare and education, reproductive rights, economic justice, and environmental protection.

All registered Democrats residing in Franklin are welcome to attend meetings and join the committee. To learn more about the FDTC's activities and initiatives, visit franklindemocrats.org.

Youth (ages 16-35), people with disabilities, people of color, veterans, and members of the LGBTQ+ community who are not elected as delegates or alternates are encouraged to apply to be add-on delegates at the caucus or by visiting massdems.org/caucus-and-convention.

A $75 registration fee is required for delegates and alternates, with a reduced fee of $50 available for students, seniors (age 65 and older), and persons with disabilities. Financial hardship should not prevent participation—fee waivers are available for those who need them.

Those interested in getting involved with the Franklin Democratic Town Committee should contact Rachel Plukas at Chair@franklindemocrats.org.

You can help the Franklin Area Moms with fund raising for the Children's Museum of Franklin

Prehistoric fun with @franklinareamoms!

 

Buy a square for the chance to win $250 dollars and to help bring dinosaurs to Children’s Museum of Franklin.

 

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/p/15tG3JVs15/

You can help the Franklin Area Moms with fund raising for the Children's Museum of Franklin

Getting calls from a debt collector? You have rights

Getting calls from a debt collector? You have rights By BCP Staff You get a call out of the blue. The caller insists you owe money and says you'll be arrested if you don't pay immediately. You have no idea what she's talking about. What do you do? Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2025/05/getting-calls-debt-collector-you-have-rights?utm_source=govdelivery

Getting calls from a debt collector? You have rights

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm Schedule for Tuesday, May 6, 2025

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 ia 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:

wfpr.fm Schedule for Tuesday, Franklin Public Radio

Tuesday

SAFE Radio – Jim Derick and Dr. Anne Bergen Addressing issues of Drug Abuse Disorder 

Jazz Journey – with Pamela Hines - An insightful tour of Jazz Greats in a golden era

Franklin Public Radio wfpr.fm Schedule for Tuesday