First Universalist Society in Franklin Receives Bennett Award

FUSF Receives Bennett Award

"The First Universalist Society in Franklin (FUSF) is proud to announce that it is one of four congregations nationwide selected to receive this year’s prestigious Unitarian Unitarian Association’s (UUA) Bennett Award for Congregational Action on Human Justice and Social Action. The award  is in recognition of FUSF’s longstanding commitment to Food Justice and their partnership with the Franklin Food Pantry.  "

Continue reading about this award ->   https://www.bellinghambulletin.com/2025/08/26/543994/first-universalist-society-in-franklin-receives-bennett-award 

FHS Fall Sports Resume this week (and so does the Franklin TV broadcasts)

FHS Fall Sports Resume this week
(and so does the Franklin TV broadcasts)

FHS FALL SPORTS START NEXT WEEK!

Franklin Pride TV on YouTube to watch Live streams of all home games!

For Football all home & away games!

YouTube link -> https://www.youtube.com/@franklinpridetv7819

OR

Franklin Pride TV - YouTube  https://bit.ly/FTV-Schools 

Shared from ->   https://www.instagram.com/p/DN8QmovjgtU/

Franklin TV: September Song & Light

A Brisk Breeze Rises. The Leaves Rustle.

by Pete Fasciano, Executive Director 08/31/2025

As the leaves rustle we return to the hustle. Fall is fast approaching. We find ourselves at the edge of sweater weather. Summer is about to become a memory. All those Summer things we planned to do? Maybe next year. The lyrics say it all.

Oh, it's a long, long while from May to December But the days grow short when you reach September

September is good at generating those, “Where did the time go?” , moments. Yes. In fact – where did the time go? (I want it back.) Apparently, clocks and calendars must run much faster in Summer than in Winter. Need to fix that somehow. At least, we did manage to tackle some big projects.

There was none bigger than completely purging and re-lighting our large studio, laying out a new, more flexible lighting design from scratch. Chris Flynn, Jonathan Lipsy, and I executed a flexible lighting layout that can cover almost anything – except for September light.

As sultry humid August wanes, the Autumn sky’s September crisp.

The month God said, ‘Let there be light’.

And – as always –

Thank you for watching. 

Thank you for listening to wfpr●fm.

And staying informed at Franklin●news.

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 "US Department of Education Budget and Impact of Spending Cuts" on YouTube (video)

Steve Ballmer, USA Facts with another brief video on US Education funding

Video link -> https://youtu.be/Bl1HRu18X0Y

Have you heard of the Franklin Matters Weekly Newsletter ???

One email on Sunday with an outlook on the week ahead and a look back at the week that was.

Franklin Matters Weekly Newsletter

For example:

"Labor Day weekend. What does it bring? The end of summertime, schools re-open, a mostly normal slate of town meetings, and construction on the Beaver St Interceptor moves to the reduction of a lane along RT 140.

 

Yes, there is a lot happening in and around Franklin, MA as the outlook for the week of September 1 through September 6 fills in.

The Board of Health, Historical Commission, and Town Council are scheduled for Wednesday, Sep 3."

Continue reading to get the outlook for the week of Sep 1 -> https://www.franklinmattersweekly.org/2025/08/labor-day-brings-school-reopening-and.html

And if the outlook and lookback works for you, consider subscribing !

https://www.franklinmattersweekly.org/p/subscribe-for-email.html

Jennifer Tefft & The Strange - Start Line Brewing - Sep 13

Jennifer Tefft & The Strange -
Start Line Brewing - Sep 13

Ohhh yeahhh!  

We want to thank you for all of your support!

Get yer booty to @startlinebrewing Sept 13 for our FREE FAN APPRECIATION SHOW! 7 PM

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/reel/DN3y4RNYhJX/

How to avoid scams when looking for drug treatment (video)

How to avoid scams when looking for drug treatment By BCP Staff August 31 is International Overdose Awareness Day — a day to commemorate those lost to a drug overdose, support their surviving families, and dedicate resources to end overdose.  One way the FTC is working to help people and families dealing with substance use disorders is by cracking down on companies that try to manipulate or deceive people seeking treatment.  If you search online to find help, know that dishonest businesses could use search result scams to steer you their way. Here are some things to know when searching online for drug treatment help. Read more  ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2025/08/how-avoid-scams-when-looking-drug-treatment?utm_source=govdelivery      Video link -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iXjT1elh2lA

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule for Sunday, Aug 31, 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

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Saturday, August 30, 2025 ??

Saturday, August 30

** Play Music On the Porch Day  **

9:00am Thrifty Threads (closed for the holiday weekend) (Franklin Federated Church) 

10:00am Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

10:00am Walking Group (St John's Episcopal Church)

10:30am Summer Reading Wrap Up!( Franklin Public Library)

8:00pm Karaoke at The Raillery (Raillery Public House)

** NO Town Meetings today   **

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

What's happening in Franklin, MA

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 Police with a message in advance of schools opening Sep 2

Gather around let’s have a chat

Our Franklin Public Schools are starting up next week. Let’s have a refresher on some of the school zone driving rules.

1. The speed limit during school hours is 20 MPH…not 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, etc.

Franklin Police with a message

2. When the big yellow school bus or small white school bus stops and extends that red octagon that says STOP, that means stop. If you are behind the bus, this means stop. If you are driving next to a bus in the same direction of travel and this octagon comes out, it also means to stop. If you are traveling in the opposite travel lane and a bus is approaching you, stops, and extends the red octagon…you guessed it, you must STOP.

3. Crosswalks are those painted walkways in the road connecting sidewalks. These help people cross the road safely. Some are high-tech with flashing lights. If someone is standing next to the sidewalk clearly trying to cross the road, you must stop. If you think someone is standing next to the sidewalk and might be crossing, you should probably stop.

PSA: not stopping for someone in a crosswalk, realizing this, and waving and mouthing “sorry” to someone you almost hit on a sidewalk is not a get out of a citation free card. It’s impossible to get stopped and cited for a crosswalk violation if you just stop for someone at a crosswalk. Waiting 10 seconds for someone to cross the road will always be quicker than getting pulled over.

Traffic and school zone safety is everyone’s responsibility. Officers will be a constant presence in our school zones this year ensuring everyone’s safety. Here’s to a safe and successful school year! If you need us, we’ll be there!

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/1AHSiz7SyU/

Voices of Franklin: ZBA term expired?

To the Editor:

As a longtime Franklin resident and engaged community member, I've been closely following the Zoning Board of Appeals meetings. While I initially found the Chair's tone and treatment of residents to be troubling, what concerns me even more is the procedural lapse that has gone largely unaddressed.

The Chair's term expired on June 30th. Since then, he has neither stepped down nor been officially reappointed. This raises a serious question: if he has not been formally reappointed, how can he continue to vote on matters that affect our town's future? In my view, any vote cast since June 30th should be considered invalid. The legitimacy of these proceedings is compromised, and that should alarm every resident who values fair process and accountability.

Equally troubling is the silence from our Town Administrator, who is responsible for appointments. Why has this lapse been allowed to continue? Why hasn't the Town Council been asked to weigh in on the Chair's reappointment? These are not minor oversights—they speak to a broader issue of transparency and respect for the people of Franklin.

When residents see officials operating without proper authority, and when those in charge fail to correct it, trust erodes. We deserve better. We deserve leadership that respects the rules, honors the public's voice, and upholds the integrity of our town's governance.

Sincerely,  

Jane Callaway-Tripp  

Franklin, MA

If you have something to say, you can find the guidelines here
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/03/introducing-voices-of-franklin.html

Voices of Franklin: ZBA term expired?

FHS Theater Co schedules Kickoff Meeting Sep 4

FHS Theater Co schedules Kickoff Meeting Sep 4

WELCOME BACK T-CO!

Getting ready to kick off another wonderful year of theater starting with our fall musical.

From returning members to incoming freshman we can’t wait to see you all there. Be sure to join the Google classroom for more info and updates

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1CXyDtp5aV/

Starting Tuesday (Sep 2, 2025): Franklin/Foxboro Line schedule change (again)

A new Franklin/Foxboro Line schedule will be in effect starting on Tuesday, September 2. 

Starting Tuesday (Sep 2, 2025): Franklin/Foxboro
Line schedule change (again)

Some morning inbound trains will serve Forest Hills, Ruggles, and Back Bay. View PDF Timetable on the MBTA website.

Learn more: https://www.mbta.com/sites/default/files/media/route_pdfs/9-02-2025-cr-franklin-line-amtrak-repair-schedule.pdf

Last Updated: Aug 29 2025 03:53 PM

Note: Until the Amtrak issue is completely resolved there will be as the work progresses.

Cereal, one of the most requested items, is in short supply at the Franklin Food Pantry

We need cereal, please!

Cereal, one of the most requested items,
is in short supply at the Franklin Food Pantry

Cereal is one of the most requested items at The Pantry, and right now our supply is running low.

We would love Cheerios, Corn Flakes, Rice Krispies, Kix, Special K, Chex or any flavor you love! Please do not send boxes larger than 29.5 oz.

Send directly to The Pantry via our Amazon Wish List

link -> https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2SIL7UR08ZZUC

- or -

drop donations off at The Pantry, 341 W Central St. Franklin, Mass. (please place in the purple donation bin on loading dock in the rear of the building).

Together, we can turn these empty shelves into full ones!

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/DN3NdyZ3PGX/

Support Haymakers For Hope for Pediatric Cancer - Sep 18 at La Cantina Winery

Support Haymakers For Hope for
Pediatric Cancer - Sep 18 at La Cantina Winery

Via Danielle Gillette

"Start of the school year already driving you crazy?

Come drink, sing, and dance all the while helping me KO pediatric cancer.

Raffles and karaoke contest- Message me for details and to purchase tickets.

Can’t wait to see you there!"

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/16mUCvFR9v/

Media parent sought for Franklin Youth Football

Media parent sought for Franklin Youth Football

Media Parent Opportunity

We are looking for a Media Parent from each team this season!

This volunteer role allows one parent/guardian to access the field (in designated areas) to capture photos and videos of games. You’ll need to bring your own camera/equipment.

All recorded footage will be uploaded to the Franklin Panther Youth Football & Cheer media depository for future program use on our social platforms.

As the Media Parent, your role is to help capture wonderful moments of all the players on your team so we can preserve these memories for the kids, families, and program. The role may be shared among a few selected volunteers, but one person will be assigned per game.

If you are interested in volunteering, please submit a formal request to your Head Coach, who will then forward names to the Board for consideration.

Thank you for supporting the Panthers and helping us capture great memories for our players and families!

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/reel/DN5zbKckXn_/

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Commonwealth RE Welcomes Experienced Broker Kelley Byrnes-Benkart to Franklin Office

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Commonwealth Real Estate, a leading full-service real estate brokerage renowned for operational excellence, market expertise, and exceptional customer service throughout Massachusetts and Rhode Island, is proud to welcome accomplished broker Kelley Byrnes-Benkart to its Franklin office.

Kelley Byrnes-Benkart

With nearly two decades in the industry, Byrnes-Benkart has built her career on providing expert guidance to buyers and sellers across residential real estate, while also expanding into commercial transactions. Licensed since 2003 and a broker since 2005, Byrnes-Benkart brings not only extensive knowledge but also proven leadership, having owned and operated her own successful real estate company for 19 years. During that time, she was honored twice with the Broker/Owner of the Year award and earned multiple accolades across the firms she has represented.

Byrnes-Benkart's professional credentials reflect her commitment to excellence. She holds the ABR (Accredited Buyer's Representative), GRI (Graduate, REALTOR® Institute), CBR (Certified Buyer Representative), and C2EX (Commitment to Excellence) designations. Among her proudest career achievements is mentoring and training numerous agents who have gone on to thrive in their own real estate careers.

"Real estate is about relationships and community, and that's why I'm thrilled to join the Franklin office," said Byrnes-Benkart. "For me, real estate is more than a transaction; it's about helping people make one of the most important investments of their lives. I believe in giving my clients the full picture, from today's value to tomorrow's potential resale, so they can move forward with confidence."

Beyond real estate, Byrnes-Benkart is deeply engaged in the Franklin-area community. A longtime Bellingham resident, she has coached local youth sports for years. As a personal trainer and coach, she is passionate about empowering women and girls through fitness, nutrition, and confidence-building. A proud mom of two, she is also a graduate of Stonehill College and a Boston native.

"We are excited to welcome Kelley to Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Commonwealth Real Estate," said George Patsio, Managing Partner. "Her impressive track record, leadership experience, and commitment to excellence align perfectly with our mission to support Forever AgentsSM and deliver exceptional service to our clients. We're confident she will be a tremendous asset to our Franklin office."

About Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Commonwealth Real Estate

Commonwealth Real Estate is a full-service real estate brokerage providing high-performing agents with expert industry knowledge, cutting-edge tools and technology, comprehensive marketing and training programs, and local and worldwide relocation support to improve their services and experience. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Commonwealth Real Estate is a division of Commonwealth Realty Group, LLC. Visit www.commonmoves.com.

About Commonwealth Realty Group, LLC

Commonwealth Realty Group, LLC is the parent company of Boston-based Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Commonwealth Real Estate and Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Robert Paul Properties. With 31 offices and more than 667 agents, the firm serves home buyers and sellers across Greater Boston, Cape Cod, the South Coast, South Shore, and Rhode Island. At Commonwealth Realty Group, we believe people are the difference. Through trust, experience, and meaningful relationships, and with the strength of the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices brand, we create value beyond real estate and build lifelong partnerships, guiding our clients through every step of their real estate journey. The company is currently ranked in the top 5% of brokerages in the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices global network.

About Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices is a global real estate brokerage franchise with a bold focus on building a personally connected future through relationship-driven business, supported by best-in-class leadership, mentorships, business tools, and a worldwide network that is committed to making a lasting impact through lifelong relationships. With approximately 45,000 real estate professionals and more than 1,400 offices with locations spanning North America, the Caribbean, Europe, and Asia, the network completed more than USD$127.7 billion in real estate sales in 2024. Visit www.berkshirehathawayhs.com.

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule for Saturday, August 30, 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 Saturday

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 Saturday