Friday, August 15, 2025

The Lifelong Learning Fall Classes are now Open for Registration!


Community Learning Fall Registration is Open

Community Learning's Fall Registration is now open! We hope to see you soon!

For information and to register, visit:

All Community Learning Classes

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Lifelong Learning Institute - Franklin Public Schools | 218 Oak Street Room 137 | Franklin, MA 02038 US


Constant Contact

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule for Friday, August 15, 2025

Yes, Franklin has it's own radio station -> wfpr.fmFranklin 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 Friday
Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule for Friday

8:00 AM, 1:00 PM, and 6:00 PM - Franklin Matters Radio – Steve Sherlock covering Franklin, its local government, services, and events 


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



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, August 15, 2025 (Your local Public, Education & Government "PEG" station)

  • Franklin All Access TV - Our Public Access Channel (Comcast 6, Verizon 26) = FRIDAY
7:00 am Second Sunday Speaker Series: Rob Lawson
8:30 am Frank Presents: Cliff Winters
10:00 am Riffin' on Main Street: Jacob Juncker
11:00 am Senior Connection: Mental Health
12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin: Scones
12:30 pm Cooking with Linda: Party Chicken
1:30 pm Pizzapalooza: Deep Dish
2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Summer 2018 Show 3
3:00 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Shaun Hart Pt 2
4:00 pm 4th of July 2025: GQ and the Lady
6:30 pm Celebrate with Pride: Toby

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

7:00 am Public School Concert: Elementary Music Pt. 2 06-04-18
8:30 am Mental Health: Shannon Nesbitt
9:30 am FHS Spring Jazz 2025
11:00 am FHS Varsity Swimming v Milford 01-03-25
1:30 pm Franklin Fury Softball v Attleboro 07-22-25
2:30 pm Cultural Council: BT ALC Big Band
4:00 pm FHS Varsity Baseball v Bridgewater Raynham 04-11-25
9:00 pm FHS Theater Company: Legally Blonde

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

8:00 am  Zoning Board of Appeals 07-31-25
2:00 pm  Zoning Board of Appeals 07-31-25

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
Watch Listen Read all things that matter in Franklin MA

Thursday, August 14, 2025

Traffic signal work scheduled for Friday, August 15 at the triangle downtown

Traffic signal work scheduled for Friday, August 15 at the triangle downtown
Traffic signal work scheduled for Friday, August 15 at the triangle downtown





What's happening in Franklin, MA: Thursday, August 14, 2025 ??

Thursday, August 14
Library & Senior Center events
Library & Senior Center events


7:00pm Jennifer Tefft (live music) (The Newport Harbor Hotel)

9:00pm Brian Cabral (live music) (3 Restaurant)


For additional details on Library & Senior Center events ->        





**  Town Meetings today   **

Municipal Affordable Housing Trust - no meeting (next meeting is 9/11/25)

Thursday, August 14 Time: 2:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Item/466?fileID=5560 


Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School - BOT Mtg

Thursday, August 14 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08142025-1845 


Zoning Board of Appeals ZBA - no meeting (next meeting 8/28/25)

Thursday, August 14 Time: 7:30 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08142025-1842 


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


What's happening today in Franklin?
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


Franklin Garden Club September Program Open to New Members

The Franklin Garden Club will begin its 2025-2026 season on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, with a meeting at the Franklin Senior Center, 10 Daniel McCahill Street, from 6:00– 8:30 p.m.   An informal social get-together will take place from 6:00 – 6:30 p.m. followed by a presentation on the coming year’s programs and activities.   The meeting is open to the public, including those interested in becoming a member.  

Club Co-Presidents Eileen Smith and Janice Cederquist stated, “The Garden Club, founded in 1987, offers many educational programs, and one does not have to be a Master Gardener to join. Meetings provide a wonderful opportunity to learn about various aspects of gardening from experts and to exchange information with fellow members. We welcome anyone who is interested to attend the first meeting to learn more about the Club and planned activities.” 

Franklin Garden Club
Franklin Garden Club
In addition to the September  meeting, this year’s programming schedule includes: October 7 – Craft Night – Bringing Books to Life;  November 4- All About Mushrooms; December 2 – Holiday Greens Workshop to prepare for annual wreath and arrangement sale;  February 3 – Deep in the Heart of Winter – New Age Floral Designs;  March 3 – Flowers, Health and Healing; April 7 – Craft Project; May 5 – Orchid 101; June 2 - Year-End Social.

Club community service activities include planting and maintenance of the Franklin Town Common Garden and the planters at the Franklin Library and Franklin Food Pantry; sponsorship of an annual scholarship awarded to a high school graduate; distribution of pine tree seedlings in the elementary schools; and special projects with other community organizations. The Franklin Garden Club is a member of the Garden Club Federation of Massachusetts.  

Town Council responds to budget adjustment by adding back 3rd ambulance, (video)

The Franklin, MA Town Council met at 6 PM on Wednesday, August 13, 2025 as scheduled. All 9 Councilors participated in Council Chambers. The public meeting ran just over 3 hours. The Council entered Executive Session to review another 5 topics. Once into Executive Session they did not return to open meeting.

Franklin TV video is available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-E1pOkLizKc


My full set of notes in one PDF -> 

Quick recap:
  • In the first of 2 long updates, discussions, the Council ultimately approved the restoration of the 3rd ambulance by adjusting the expense budget by $114K, authorizing the hiring of 2 firefighter/paramedics, and including half of the anticipated ambulance revenue in the budget to balance for the $231,152 shortfall in State funding that came after the State finalized their budget in July
  • In the 2nd, key decision, the Council voted 7-2 to NOT accept a private donation to provide funding for the health & wellness nurse at the Senior Center. There are 2 actions out of this: one for the Town Administrator to find another  way to fund and restore the position, and 2 - to draft a policy for the Town on donations and acceptable uses. As noted during the discussion, the School District has such a policy, the Town does not
  • Per legal advice, the Town Council can not rescind the 40b approval vote for the 444 East Central development. Residents are encouraged to continue to participate in both the Zoning Board of Appeals and Conservation Commission meeting as the project moves through the process. There is no short cut to this long process.
  • Franklin Ridge project is likely to put shovel in the ground before year end (a delay from what was announced earlier this year). In another year, the operator will begin outreach and info session for the resident application process. Federal income guidelines will be followed but 70% of the units to be prioritized for Franklin residents
Additional items will be added to the recap with the publication of the meeting audio and also covered in the Town Council Quarterbacking session when shared in a couple of days.



HYDRANT FLUSHING ALERT! on 8/14/25 & 8/15/25 for East Central Street, Jordan, and Mill Street


13 Magnolia Dr
182013
Dear Neighbor,
 
HYDRANT FLUSHING ALERT! - 8/14/25 & 8/15/25

Due to an increase in discolored water complaints from the East Central Street, Jordan, and Mill Street we will be flushing hydrants in those areas on Thursday 8/14/25 and Friday 8/15/25 between the hours of 8am and 2pm

If you experience discolored water please flush with cold water only, until it clears up. For more information on discolored water please visit our website at https://www.franklinma.gov/635/Water-Quality

Thank you for your patience during this time.
 
Thanks for caring about your water use,
Doug Martin
Franklin Water & Sewer Department

hydrant flushing in action on Cottage St
hydrant flushing in action on Cottage St

State Rep Jeff Roy Newsletter Provides Updates on Recent Activities


"We did a print edition of this month's newsletter which you can see in the images below. This month we cover recess, our Commonwealth heroines, the budget, and a host of other issues for Franklin and Medway. "


You can subscribe to get your own copy of the newsletter -> https://jeffreyroy.com/newsletter/


Franklin Police help Middlesex District Attorney with Large Scale Burglary Ring

The following press release comes from the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office regarding a large scale burglary ring involving 25 towns including Franklin:

Three Plead Guilty in Connection with Large Scale Burglary Ring that Executed 43 Breaks Across 25 Towns


Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan and Colonel of the Massachusetts State Police Geoffrey Noble announced that three defendants, Jovan Lemon, 30, of Providence RI, Paul Lemon, 31, of Warwick RI, and Steven Berdugo, 29, of Providence RI, pleaded guilty last week in Middlesex Superior Court in connection with 43 break-ins across 25 towns in Massachusetts between 2018 and 2024.   

Franklin Police help Middlesex District Attorney with Large Scale Burglary Ring
Franklin Police help Middlesex District
Attorney with Large Scale Burglary Ring
An additional defendant, Jovan and Paul Lemon both pleaded guilty to thirty-two counts of unarmed burglary and three counts of breaking and entering a dwelling house in the daytime with intent to commit a felony. Steven Berdugo pleaded guilty to seven counts of unarmed burglary. Judge Patrick Haggan sentenced Jovan Lemon to 10 to 13 years committed in the Massachusetts Department of Correction. Paul Lemon and Steven Berdugo were both scheduled to 9 to 12 years committed in the Massachusetts House of Correction.

“Today these three defendants pled guilty to their role in a sophisticated and calculated scheme that targeted victims based upon their ethnicity and caused fear and pain in our Indian and South Asian communities.  The defendants believed that households of these families were more likely to contain precious metals, jewelry and other valuable heirlooms,” said District Attorney Ryan. “These defendants were disciplined about concealing their identity and used technology, including Wi-Fi jammers, to execute their plans.   Despite these challenges, local law enforcement agencies worked diligently and collaboratively to identify the perpetrators and, in some cases, to recover a significant amount of jewelry and other property,” said District Attorney Ryan.

“The Massachusetts State Police remains committed to disrupting organized crime because of its enormous effect on community safety and residents’ quality of life,” said Colonel Geoffrey Noble. “I commend sworn and professional members assigned to the Commonwealth Fusion Center and our partner agencies who used their training and skill to achieve justice. This case illustrates the ability of Massachusetts law enforcement to work together, share information in complex cases, and take action on behalf of victims.”

The defendants were directly indicted by a Middlesex Grand Jury on April 18, 2024 for their role in a scheme that targeted homes in the communities of Billerica, Boxborough, Carlisle, Easton, Hopkinton, Lincoln, Weston, Sudbury, Andover, Bellingham, Boxford, Franklin, Hudson, Littleton, Medway, Middleton, Millis, North Attleboro, Norwell, Pembroke, Seekonk, Sharon, Southborough, Wenham, and Westwood between July 21, 2018 and March 30, 2024.

Property reported stolen in the breaks included many pieces of jewelry set with diamonds and other gems, with values of individual pieces up to approximately $75,000 and large quantities of cash.  In several instances, the property had been secured in locked safes, weighing up to 400 pounds, which the perpetrators removed from the residence along with the stolen valuables.

The aggregate reported value of the stolen property exceeds $4 million.

These convictions are the result of a nine-month investigation by the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office, the Massachusetts State Police Detective Unit assigned to the District Attorney’s Office, and the Massachusetts State Police Division of Homeland Security, including the MACrimeNet program operated by the MSP Fusion Center. 

Other partners included the Police Departments from Andover, Billerica, Bellingham, Boxborough, Boxford, Carlisle, Easton, Franklin, Hopkinton, Hudson, Lincoln, Littleton, Medway, Middleton, Millis, North Attleboro, Norwell, Pembroke, Seekonk, Sharon, Southborough, Sudbury, Wenham, Weston and Westwood in Massachusetts; Avon, CT; East Lyme, CT and Connecticut State Police; Barrington, RI, Cranston, RI and Lincoln RI; and Nashua, NH.   Additional assistance was provided by law enforcement in Holliston, Northborough, Shrewsbury, Walpole, Wellesley and Westborough, MA; Cranston, Cumberland, Providence and West Warwick, RI; and the United States Marshals Service/RISP Task Force.

The prosecutors assigned to this case are Middlesex Assistant District Attorneys Michael Klunder and Graham Van Epps. The victim witness advocate is Anne Foley.

Middlesex Press Release ->

Rotary Club’s 9th Annual Car Show - Saturday, Oct 4

Rotary Club’s 9th Annual Car Show - Saturday, Oct 4
Rotary Club’s 9th Annual Car Show - Saturday, Oct 4

Furry friends and fancy rides unite at our Rotary Club’s 9th Annual Car Show on October 4th!






Last music for Concerts on the Common at the Farmers Market, Friday, Aug 15

Last music for Concerts on the Common at the Farmers Market, Friday, Aug 15
Last music for Concerts on the Common
at the Farmers Market, Friday, Aug 15
This is your last chance! The last concert on the common is this Friday! Stop by for a wonderful evening with @franklin_recreation .

Note: There is no movie, another casualty of the budget cuts.





Franklin Public Radio wfpr.fm schedule for Thursday, August 14, 2025

Yes, Franklin has it's own radio station -> wfpr.fmFranklin 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 Thursday
Franklin Public Radio wfpr.fm schedule for Thursday


8:00 AM, 1:00 PM, and 6:00 PM Franklin Matters Radio – Steve Sherlock
Franklin and its local government, services and events 

9:00 AM, 2:00 PM, and 7:00 PM - first hour
10:00 AM, 3:00 PM, and 8:00 PM - second hour

Turntable – "Enjoy a fun experience with co-hosts The Vibe and Pauly G sharing personal discussions about a featured rock n roll vinyl record (1st hour) and the best, all music Vibe Playlist (2nd hour)"  

The Turntable Show features an album experience produced by The Vibe and Pauly G called the "Extravaganza". The Extravaganza is simple…your hosts assemble their favorite Beatles albums and hits…Prepare a mix for Side 1 and Side 2 to take wfpr.fm listeners on a Beatles journey.  

Turn it up and enjoy singing with The Beatles



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