Plansee USA participates in Manufacturing Day at MA State House

The Massachusetts Legislative Manufacturing Caucus Co-Chairs, Representative Jeff Roy and Senator Paul Feeney, in conjunction with the Associated Industries of Massachusetts (AIM), recently sponsored Manufacturing Day at the State House, inviting Massachusetts Legislature members and State House staff to interact with industry leaders.

This event provided a singular opportunity for direct engagement with employers and industry leaders influencing the future of manufacturing in the Commonwealth. It also served as a platform for legislators and staff to grasp the implications of policy decisions on the manufacturing sector and to recognize the collective efforts contributing to positive outcomes in Massachusetts.

Plansee USA participates in Manufacturing
Day at MA State House

A team from Plansee USA, located in Franklin, MA, participated in the event alongside numerous manufacturers, policy leaders, advisors, and advocates. Plansee USA is a prominent center of expertise and technology, distinguished by its high-precision machining of molybdenum, tungsten, and heavy metal alloys for various industries within the US.

Shared from ->   https://www.instagram.com/p/DLmnnZDPr14/

Plansee received Tax Incremental Financing (TIF) in 2022

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/07/recap-town-council-recognizes-100th.html

Plansee also received a Manufacturer of the Year award in 2019

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/10/manufacturing-caucus-hosts-fourth.html

The Mass FY 2026 budget closes out with Gov Healy signature

Via Senate President Karen Spilka:

Today (June 30, 2025) , Speaker Mariano and I issued the following statement on the Legislature's FY26 Budget:

"We are incredibly proud of the agreement that was reached by the House and Senate on Friday. This is a budget that delivers for Massachusetts residents and reflects our shared commitment to spending taxpayer dollars responsibly.

This agreement incorporates many of the strongest proposals from both chambers, will make Massachusetts more affordable, and will protect our most vulnerable residents.

As President Trump and Congressional Republicans continue to pursue devastating cuts to programs that millions of Americans rely on, we recognize the heightened importance of passing a fiscally responsible budget that invests in the areas that we value most.
This budget does exactly that.

We are deeply grateful to Chairs Rodrigues and Michlewitz, Vice Chairs Comerford and Ferrante, and the members of both chambers for their thoughtful work in delivering a timely and meaningful budget.

We look forward to sending it to the Governor’s desk on Monday."

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/DLfs1DqttqZ/

Via Gov Maura Healey:

"Today (07/04/25), Governor Maura Healey signed the Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) state budget, a $60.9 billion plan that is fiscally responsible, lowers costs, protects essential care and services, and moves the Massachusetts economy forward.  

To further control spending and protect taxpayer dollars, Governor Healey is vetoing $130 million, resulting in a final budget that is more than $1 billion less than the H1 proposal and $130 million less than the final conference budget. The administration is also continuing an Executive Branch hiring freeze, halting a planned non-union manager pay raise scheduled for January, saving $17 million, and delaying payment on earmarked funds for local projects in the budget totaling approximately $125 million until later in the year when more is understood about their affordability.

“I’m proud to sign a budget that is fiscally responsible and protects what makes Massachusetts special,” said Governor Healey. “I’m grateful to the Legislature for their strong partnership and efficient work to develop and pass this budget for the people we serve. In Massachusetts, we are continuing to lead and do what we know works – focusing on lowering costs, protecting essential care and services, and moving our economy forward by investing in housing, transportation and our schools. We are also signing this budget in a moment of great dysfunction in Washington. The President is poised to sign a bill that’s going to kick hundreds of thousands of Massachusetts residents off their health care, increase energy and groceries prices, and cost people their jobs.” 

The Mass FY 2026 budget closes out with Gov Healy signature

Gov Healey's press release -> https://www.mass.gov/news/governor-healey-signs-609-billion-fiscal-year-2026-budget

The Governor’s signing letter, veto message, and returns available at this link ->

https://budget.digital.mass.gov/summary/fy26/ 

The formal parchment letter -> https://www.mass.gov/doc/fy26-budget-filing-letter-from-the-governor-and-lt-governor/download

FRANKLIN =  Chapter 70 - $30,460,643  Local Aid - $3,075,999

Note: The Chapter 70 amount is exactly the same as approved by the Town Council for the FY 2026 budget. The Local aid as approved by the Governor is $33,468.00 more than currently in the Franklin budget. The adjustment to the Franklin budget will occur later this year before the tax rate is set in Nov/Dec.

Mass Gov FY 2026 -> https://budget.digital.mass.gov/summary/fy26/local-aid/

Town of Franklin FY 2026 voting document ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/5882/FY26-Control-Sheet-and-Voting-Doc-OPTION-B

Beaver Street Interceptor (BSI) Project: Construction Updates ~ Monday (7/7) through Friday (7/11)

The construction crew will be working off the road within the Franklin Village Mall area to connect the new sewer main. They will also be working off the road on Fisher Street adjacent to the MBTA Tracks. Limited to no traffic impacts are expected.

NO WORK on Beaver Street - On either side of the MBTA tracks Beaver Street will have steel plates to allow for traffic to pass over.  Please use caution when traveling in this area.  

At the Franklin Recreation Center, the construction of the new Beaver Street Interceptor Pump Station will continue with construction of the exterior building structure and internal building component installation.

Construction Updates ~ Monday (7/7) through Friday (7/11)

Please reference the interactive map and posted signs for details and updates.

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/557/Beaver-Street-Interceptor-BSI-Project

We appreciate the public's continued support and understanding and will continue to communicate regularly via social media, our dedicated email list, and the construction map as work progresses.

Take time to visit the first Microgallery now located at the Sculpture Park

Introducing… our first Microgallery installation! Located at the Franklin Sculpture Park by artist @amyvulf

“The Town of Franklin’s Department of Arts, Culture, and the Creative Economy is proud to announce the launch of its MicroGallery Project—a new public art initiative designed to bring dynamic, small-scale exhibitions to unexpected places in the community. The first of three MicroGalleries will be installed this summer at the Franklin Sculpture Park on Panther Way.

This rotating gallery will feature intimate, site-specific works that are accessible, engaging, and reflective of the cultural vibrancy of Franklin. Artists of all backgrounds—especially those with ties to Franklin or the region—are encouraged to submit their proposals for this unique opportunity.

Amy Vulfovich

This project is made possible through the generous support of an earmark by Senator Rebecca Rausch, helping to expand public art and creative expression across Franklin.”

Our first selected Artist is Amy Vulfovich; ‘Over the past few years, I have challenged myself to create art with materials found in nature, such as tree bark, leaves, pinecones and acorns. Whether I am on a walk in the woods, relaxing on a beach or playing with my kids in the park, my head is always down, searching the ground for items I can use in my art. There are times when I find supplies that will fit with my vision and other times when I find inspiration from the natural items I discover. I create a story with each artwork, while also showcasing the beauty and endless possibilities of working with natural materials.

When making my sculptures, I spend days searching for the perfect twigs, leaves, acorns and more in order to achieve a pose or create the small details that will give a space its intended atmosphere. Unlike traditional materials like wire or clay, I cannot change the angles of a branch or increase the size of an acorn. Although I am limited to the materials I find, I greatly enjoy the challenge this creates. I find that it pushes me to think outside the box and has given me a chance to strengthen my creativity.’

Stop by the Franklin Sculpture Park to take a peek (new signage coming soon)!

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1MHzkotUzQ/

Veterans Appreciation Cookout – Sunday, July 13th! Hosted by Norfolk County Sheriff

Join Us for a Veterans Appreciation Cookout – Sunday, July 13th! The Norfolk County Sheriff's Office invites you to a free Veterans Appreciation Cookout on Sunday, July 13th at 11:30 AM at the Braintree Public Safety Complex, 2015 Washington Street. This special event is open to everyone and is a great way to come together as a community and show support for our veterans. Guests can enjoy live music, delicious food, and fun outdoor games. Bring your family, friends, and neighbors for an afternoon of appreciation, connection, and celebration. We hope to see you there!

Norfolk County Sheriff's Office | 200 West St | Dedham, MA 02027 US

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm Schedule for Monday, July 7, 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 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:

wfpr.fm Schedule for Monday - Franklin Public Radio

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

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule

Franklin TV schedule for Monday, July 7, 2025

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

7:00 am Riffing on Main Street: Amy Adams

8:00 am SAFE Coalition: Overdose Awareness Day 2024

9:00 am Chad Hollister Band

11:30 am Cooking Thyme: Lobstah

12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin': Peppers

12:30 pm Cooking with Linda: Pies

1:35 pm Pizzapalooza: Meat-Lovers Pt. 2

2:02 pm New England Candlepins: Summer 2018 Show 1

3:02 pm Candlepin New Generation: Show 8

4:30 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Referee Shortage 2

5:30 pm Sons & Daughters of Italy: Ciambotta

6:30 pm Horace Mann PSA

7:00 pm Frank's Musings: Israeli Conflict

7:30 pm Frank's Musings: Big, Beautiful Bill

8:30 pm Circle of Friends: Abbie Gardner

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

8:30 am SAFE Coalition: Overdose Awareness Day 2024

9:30 am Winning Ways with the MIAA: Referee Shortage 2

10:30 am All-Town Showcase 2024: Chorus and Orchestra

12:00 pm Lifelong Music Spring 2025: Strings School

1:30 pm Public School Event: Remington Spring Music '22

3:00 pm FHS Varsity Baseball v Wachusett 04-24-25

6:00 pm FHS Varsity Softball v Taunton 04-09-25

9:00 pm FHSTC: Urinetown

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

8:00 am Planning Board 06-30-25

2:00 pm Planning Board 06-30-25

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: Sunday, July 6, 2025 ???

Sunday, July 6

11:00am Sunday Brunch (Teddy Gallagher's Irish Pub)

1:00pm Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

7:00pm Sunday at Sunset (St John's Episcopal Church)

12:00pm 4th July Celebration (Franklin Town Common)

12:00pm The Zajac Brothers Band (live music) (Franklin Town Common)

2:00pm Michael Dutra & The Strictly Sinatra Band (live music) (Franklin Town Common) 

4:30pm Padula Family Band (live music) (Franklin Town Common)

Additional info on the 4th of July Celebration -> https://www.franklin4th.com/

** NO Town Meetings today   **

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

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

Schedule for Franklin's 4th of July Celebration - Sunday, July 6, 2025

The 4th of July Celebration closes out Sunday on the Town Common. Carnival rides open at non and are scheduled through 6 PM with a wrist band or ride package available. 

Schedule for Franklin's 4th of July Celebration - Sunday, July 6, 2025

The Franklin Democratic Committee, the Rod and Gun Club, and the 4th Coalition will operate food booths during the event. Supporting these organizations are a win-win; food or refreshments for you and the family, and you help the group.

You can check out the 4th of July Coalition page for their full schedule. The Coalition is community supported so your donation can help support this event.

 

Franklin's 4th of July  

12:00pm 4th July Celebration (Franklin Town Common)

12:00pm The Zajac Brothers Band (live music) (Franklin Town Common)

2:00pm Michael Dutra & The Strictly Sinatra Band (live music) (Franklin Town Common) 

4:30pm Padula Family Band (live music) (Franklin Town Common)

Additional info on the 4th of July Celebration -> https://www.franklin4th.com/

You can take action (send an email) ASAP to help with funding local PEG studios (like Franklin.TV)

As you know, local PEG studios like Franklin.TV are nonprofit charities - funded by law via cable subscriber access fees.

As more subscribers 'cut the cord', our revenue drops.

In 2025, we are now below the revenue we had 15 years ago in 2010. Inflation has raised our costs in that same time period beyond an additional 50%.

The MA Telecom Committee on Beacon Hill has a hearing on July 10th. They are discussing legislation to mitigate our falling revenue via streaming TV access fees.

An Act to modernize funding for community media programming

• The House version is H.74  https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/H74  or https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H91
• The Senate version is S.41  https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S41

Some believe that we are irrelevant - a relic of old legacy TV service. We are definitely not that. Today, most PEG studios provide free live streaming for local community groups and their events, school sports, government meetings, and much more.

A letter of support from your organization to the committee legislators would be a great help.

Simply describe our work with you and how we have been helpful - and if so, even beyond producing any TV programs.

If the pending legislation fails, we will soon be forced to reduce our current level of community engagement and support.

We were given short notice and wish to show support from our community. Below is an email list of direct legislative committee contacts.

Please send your letter of support to them and please cc me as well.

We are testifying before the committee on Jul 10, 2025.  Hearing ->   https://malegislature.gov/Events/Hearings/Detail/5274

We hope to have them report out the pending bills favorably for a vote.

Much thanks,

Pete Fasciano

Michael.Moore@masenate.gov,

Pavel.Payano@masenate.gov,

Tricia.Farley-Bouvier@mahouse.gov,

james.hawkins@mahouse.gov,

Mike.Barrett@masenate.gov,

Barry.Finegold@masenate.gov,

Paul.Mark@masenate.gov,

peter.durant@masenate.gov,

Steve.Ouellette@mahouse.gov,

Christopher.Flanagan@mahouse.gov,

Thomas.Moakley@mahouse.gov,

Orlando.Ramos@mahouse.gov,

Steven.Owens@mahouse.gov,

tommy.vitolo@mahouse.gov,

Joan.Meschino@mahouse.gov,

Marc.Lombardo@mahouse.gov,

John.Gaskey@mahouse.gov

--

Pete Fasciano,

Executive Director,

Franklin.TV &

wfpr.fm 102.9

Hold the date: Aug 17 for the Odd Fellows Cornhole tournament

On August 17, 2025, the public is invited to join the Franklin Odd Fellows for an afternoon of fun and good cheer starting at 1 PM at the Bellingham Sportsman Club at 360 Lake St., Bellingham, MA 02019. This will be a fundraiser event with profits going to the Massachusetts Chapter of the Arthritis Foundation. 

The cost for registration is $25 per player. The tournament format will be Switchholio – 4 game round robin where players get a new partner for their first 4 games and get ranked on an individual basis to form the standings. 

Hold the date: Aug 17 for the Odd Fellows Cornhole tournament

The tournament director will use the standings to generate your partner for a double elimination playoff bracket. Pre-registration is encouraged to hold your place, but it is not necessary to be able to participate as cash, check or Venmo will be acceptable payment at the door. Last year’s event went well, but we’re looking for more teams this year. No need to come with a partner as you will be listed as an individual player when you register. 

The Sportsman Club is an outdoor venue with an indoor lounge, cash bar, ATM and TV. The Odd Fellows will provide a buffet lunch to all present - and a cash payment will be made to the first, second and third place teams. 

Many thanks to the Sportsman Club for use of their facility for this event. Register and prepay at: https://franklinmassoddfellows.org/cornhole

Download the flyer as a reminder or to share -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1S_NJj8tDfLngoAQ_iPji1c8gbi8niT7K/view?usp=drive_link

Senior Story Hour - WFPR: Episode 078 - Love, Objective Correlatives, Roller Coaster Rides, Prayers, and much more

In this episode, The Franklin Senior Center Writers Group share stories, poems, and writings about love, examples of objective correlatives, a roller coaster ride with more than one meaning, prayers to stop war. an update to Bob's story, and poetry based on the Great Gatsby.

Audio link -> https://senior-scribblers.captivate.fm/episode/episode-078-love-objective-correlatives-roller-coaster-rides-prayers-and-much-more

Senior Story Hour - WFPR

Senior Story Hour - WFPR = The Franklin Senior Center Writer's Group

Steve Sherlock hosts The Franklin Senior Center Writer's Group for a monthly reading of short stories, essays, poetry and more. 

Find more episodes here (or on your favorite podcast app) ->  https://senior-scribblers.captivate.fm/episodes

Senior Story Hour - WFPR: Episode 079 - Love, Robert Frost, Joining the Navy, Oranges, and much more

In this episode, The Franklin Senior Center Writers Group share stories, poems, and writings about love, reflecting on a Robert Frost poem, joining the navy after high school, trying to find the magic, a work in progress on a story, and poetry about oranges and an intro to poems.

Senior Story Hour - WFPR

Audio link -> https://senior-scribblers.captivate.fm/episode/episode-078-love-robert-frost-joining-the-navy-oranges-and-much-more

Senior Story Hour - WFPR = The Franklin Senior Center Writer's Group

Steve Sherlock hosts The Franklin Senior Center Writer's Group for a monthly reading of short stories, essays, poetry and more. 

Find more episodes here (or on your favorite podcast app) ->  https://senior-scribblers.captivate.fm/episodes

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule for Sunday, July 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 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:

 

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule for Sunday

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

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule for Sunday