Saturday, October 25, 2025

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Saturday, October 25, 2025 ??

Saturday, October 25

What's happening in Franklin, MA

9:00am In Person Early Voting (Town Clerk's Office)

9:00am Thrifty Threads (Franklin Federated Church)

10:00am Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

10:00am Candidate Meet & Greet (Creative Corner Art Studio)

10:30am Creepy Crawlers! (Franklin Public Library)

12:00pm Pumpkin Patch (St John's Episcopal Church)

2:00pm Annie (THE BLACK BOX)

2:00pm ESOL Volunteer Tutor Training (Franklin Public Library)

3:00pm Fabio Pirozzolo in Concert (Franklin Public Library)

4:00pm Trunk or Treat (Franklin High School)

4:00pm FREE Community Trunk or Treat and Hallo-weiner roast (Franklin United Methodist Church)

7:00pm Annie (THE BLACK BOX)

7:30pm Matt Zajac (live music) (Teddy Gallagher's Irish Pub)

7:30pm Jamie Barrett (live music) (Morin's Hometown Bar & Grill, Attleboro)

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

For additional details on Library events -> https://www.franklinma.gov/942/Calendar-of-Events

** NO Town Meetings today **

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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 Food Pantry: Urgent Appeal for Support

Urgent Appeal for Support

Hello Neighbor,

We're reaching out with an urgent appeal. Just this morning, Governor Maura Healey announced that the state cannot cover new federal funding gaps for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – a program that more than 1 million Massachusetts residents rely on to put food on their tables. Lack of SNAP benefits directly hurt those who need help most: 32% are children, 31% are people with disabilities, and 26% are seniors – as well as our local grocers who rely on this revenue.

The federal shutdown is also affecting programs like heating assistance; combined with rising health insurance, food and housing costs, many families are being pushed to the brink.

The Franklin Food Pantry expects a sharp rise in requests for help. We are so grateful for support from our community and we all need to come together now to take action and to ensure no neighbor goes hungry. If you are in a position to give, please make a donation HERE today—your support will make an immediate difference.

If you or someone you know needs food assistance, please contact Laura Du, Client Services Manager, at 508-528-3115 or Ldu@franklinfoodpantry.org.

With gratitude,

The Franklin Food Pantry Team

Donate to The Pantry

Franklin Food Pantry | 341 W Central St. | Franklin, MA 02038 US

Town Council helps complete many goals in a marathon 4 hour plus session on Wednesday (video)

The Franklin Town Council met for their next to last session of the current term on Wednesday, October 22. The agenda was the same as the one published for Oct 15 which was not held and rescheduled for the 22nd. All 9 councilors were present for the session in Council Chambers.

The full agenda took over 4 hours to complete. Franklin TV video is available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6SdsqXbknGQ

Meeting agenda contains remote participation info ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10152025-1953

Quick recap:

The recent Fire Dept promotions were sworn in. The promotions show the domino effect of the retirement of Chief McLaughlin. Charles (Chuck) Allen moved up from Battalion Chief to Fire Chief, Sean Lovely took Chuck's former role as Battalion Chief, and Jaden Brodeur took Sean's former role as Lieutenant. Photos of the swearing in and pinning by family members can be viewed in one album -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/g3Y1X5Emuspooz6g6
The Franklin's 250th Anniversary Celebration Committee was appointed after first voting to increase the size of the committee that was initially scoped and authorized
The 2025 Election Workers were approved as submitted by Town Clerk Nancy Danello
A public hearing on a New Section 12 Restaurant All Alcoholic Beverages License and Approval of Bassam Michael as the Manager - BMRG LLC d/b/a Kings Brick Oven Pizza & Pub was conducted and the changed were voted in as approved.
The public hearing on Multiple modifications of a Section 15 Package Store All Alcoholic Beverages License: Change of License Manager, Change of Officers/Directors & Change of Stock - Dharma Bhakti Corporation d/b/a Liquor World was continued to Oct 29. The principals involved were ready for the original Oct 15 session but unable to meet the rescheduled date
Alan Earls, Historical Commission Chair presented an overview of the ideas for the Historical Museum 2.0 https://photos.app.goo.gl/rSGBDkPJPKgSaKFe9
An overview of the Historic District Commission Process should the Town decide to go forward with one was presented by Will Lee, Historical Commission Member & Rowan Lowell, Town Archivist https://photos.app.goo.gl/qkaVaRd9w3Anh3Nv6
Jamie Hellen, Town Administrator provided an update on the status of Town Council & Town Administrator 2024-2025 Goals. A new set of goals will be determined by the next Council. https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/7172/8c-2024-2025-Town-Council-and-Town-Administration-Goals---Oct-2025
Two resolutions were approved to process a State grant to fund the Franklin Stormwater Asset Management Plan
A brief hurrah was heard after the approval of the Adoption of the Schmidt Farm and Maple Hill Master Plans
Approval of Sewer System Map & Water System Map changes for Symphony Dr
The Collection Containers bylaw was approved. The Elks in this case but any non-profit would have a collection container on their property with authorization from this bylaw
Two measure to authorize Residential Commercial Kitchens for locations that are on septic systems (not Town sewer) were approved as an enhancement for economic development of small businesses
A set of 6 bylaws were approved as amended to create the Crossing Neighborhood Zoning District. Councilor Frongillo recused himself for the discussion and votes as his father owns a business in the proposed (now authorized) district
Town Administrator Jamie Hellen provided and update that the Department of Conservation and Recreation would like to help fund the work to extend the SNETT to the Crossing Neighborhood District.

My full set of notes captured during the meeting can be found in one PDF -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1P7VMhEm04zewpCdXxAIVjqtoL8S7gzix/view?usp=drive_link

Franklin, MA: Agenda for School Committee Meeting, Tuesday, October 28, 2025 - 7 PM

Franklin School Committee

October 28, 2025 = 7:00 P.M

Municipal Building – Council Chambers

Call to Order Mr. Callaghan

Announcements from the Chair

Pledge of Allegiance

Moment of Silence

I. Routine Business

A. Review of Agenda

B. Payment of Bills Mr. Callaghan

C. Payroll Mr. McNeill

D. FHS Student Representative Comments

E. Superintendent’s Report

II. Guests/Presentations

A. none

III. Discussion/Action Items

A. Policy - First Readings
I recommend moving the following policies to a second reading as discussed:

IKF - Graduation Requirements
IKFE - Competency Determinations

B. Superintendent’s Goals
I recommend approval of the Superintendent’s Goals as discussed.

IV. Discussion Only Items

A. October 1 Report
B. ACCEPT Quarterly Report

V. Information Matters

A. School Committee Sub-Committee Reports
B. School Committee Liaison Reports

School Committee Meeting

VI. Consent Agenda

A. Approval of Minutes

I recommend approval of the minutes from your October 14, 2025 School Committee meeting as detailed.

B. Athletics Gift

I recommend the acceptance of $2,000.00 from the Gridiron Club for Supplemental Supplies as detailed.

C. FHS Gift

I recommend the acceptance of $2,457.00 from the Theater Boosters for in-house enrichment as detailed.

VII. Citizen’s Comments

VIII. New Business

To discuss any future agenda items

IX. Executive Session

A. As per M.G.L. c. 30A, § 21 (3) To discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining or litigation if an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining or litigating position of the public body and the chair so declares

X. Adjournment

Agenda doc also includes remote participation info ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10282025-1977

Meeting packet folder (contains documents of the meeting released before or after the session) -> https://www.franklinps.net/documents/departments/school-committee/meeting-packets/2025---26-meeting-packets/october-28%2C-2025-sc-meeting-packet/859754

Franklin School Committee: Budget Subcommittee - Tuesday, Oct 28 at 6 PM

Franklin Public Schools

Franklin School Committee

Budget Subcommittee

October 28, 2025 = 6:00 - 7:00 PM

Municipal Building - 3rd Floor Training Room

A G E N D A

"The listing of matters are those reasonably anticipated by the Chair which may be discussed at the meeting. Not all items listed may in fact be discussed and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by law."

● FY27 Budget Preview and Planning

Agenda doc -> https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10282025-1965

The School Budget page will get a new tab as the FY 2027 budget begins

FHS football falls to Bishop Feehan 21 - 27 on Friday (video)

Via Twitter, Franklin TV, and our subscription to HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the Fall sports competition for Franklin High School on Friday, October 24, 2025

Football = Franklin, 21 vs. Bishop Feehan, 27 – Final

1st Quarter: (F) Stephon Reed 1-yard rush, Owen Essam XP good.

2nd Quarter: (F) Alex Weber 4-yard rush, XP failed; (BF) Andrew Orphanos 3-yard rush, Gavin Mooney XP good; (BF) A. Orphanos 4-yard rush, G. Mooney XP good.

3rd Quarter: (BF) A. Orphanos 93-yard kickoff return, G. Mooney XP good; (BF) A. Orphanos 13-yard rush, G. Mooney XP good.

4th Quarter: (F) A. Weber 1-yard rush, A. Weber two-point conversion rush.

Franklin TV broadcast of the game is available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sn_Bra400IU

For other results across the Hockomock League (subscription required)

https://hockomocksports.com/fridays-schedule-scoreboard-10-24-25/

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

Town of Franklin, MA: Announces Affordable Condo Resale Opportunity

Town of Franklin, MA (@TOFranklinMA) posted Fri, Oct 24, 2025:

Announcing an affordable condo resale opportunity - available now! 24 Shayne Road, Unit #327.

This is a 988 sq ft, 2-bed/1-bath unit with restrictions.

See flyer for details and contact info. https://t.co/m9RKTVEY8O

Town of Franklin, MA: Announces Affordable Condo Resale Opportunity

School Committee gets updates on after school clubs and from the Food Pantry (audio)

FM #1553 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1553 in the series.

This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, October 14, 2025. All 7 members of the committee were present.

Quick recap:

FHS club fair held, 35 clubs presented, looking to finalize what's active with signups and payments to confirm membership. If not all to operate there are additional proposals being developed that could be implemented in lieu of some that didn't make it. High school has a late bus confirmed, awaiting word from bus company on one for the middle school
Middle school working on confirming advisors and also setting survey to determine student club interest. Hopeful of get the matching done during November
Franklin Food Pantry presentation by Laura Doherty and Tina Powderly. Much work to create awareness, address stigma, expand the availability of food for those who need it. Lots of coordination, collaboration underway with School District, more to come. Empty Bowls will continue, looking also to expand and offer bowl workshops outside of the high school to the community. Looking into why middle school students who were part of the back pack program don't continue with it into high school
Good of the order raised the following items

Consideration of removing restriction on citizen comment about something on the agenda, esp. now as it is at the end of the meeting; could be an opportunity to gain immediate feedback on something discussed during the meeting
A public education slot to share info on current topics, to help address the misinformation still bantered about in the social media channels
Do something to help the new Town Council get up to speed quickly, perhaps to include a tour of the schools, many don't seem aware of the details of daily operations

entered into Executive Session not to return to open meeting

The recording runs about 1 hour and 33 minutes

Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1533-franklin-ma-school-cmte-mtg-10-14-25/

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

The agenda doc -> https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10142025-1948

My full set of notes in one PDF -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1dKcjoQ-fFsLF7j1sNbpxy6QuusaqtBZG/view?usp=drive_link

Food Pantry slides (photos captured during meeting)

https://photos.app.goo.gl/BwjzVA9dhMdwNGYR9

Food Pantry Infographic on Impact -> https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/about/impact/

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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!

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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"

Mostly Baroque presents “Lore, Myths, and Legends” - Sunday, Oct 26 at 6 PM

Mostly Baroque presents “Lore, Myths,
and Legends” - Sunday, Oct 26 at 6 PM

"Looking for the perfect way to get in the spirit this spooky season? 👻🎃🎶

Join us THIS SUNDAY as Mostly Baroque presents “Lore, Myths, and Legends” in collaboration with local Franklin artists and a small ensemble of Dean College Vocal Ensemble Alumni!

Dean Hall Chapel - 6:00 PM

Click the link in our bio for more information, and grab your ticket before it’s too late!" -> https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mostly-baroque-presents-lore-myths-legends-tickets-1739513294089

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

Social Security Administration Announces the 2026 Cost-of-Living-Adjustment

Be Prepared to View Your New Benefit Amount with a Personal my Social Security Account

75 million Americans will receive a 2.8 percent increase in their Social Security benefits and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments in 2026.

Who will receive a COLA notice?

Cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) notices will be sent to retirement, survivor, and disability beneficiaries, SSI recipients, and representative payees.

Take action by November 19 to view your new benefit amount online

Starting in late November, you may be able to securely view and save your Social Security COLA notice within your personal my Social Security account.

Log in to or create an account and edit your Communication & Notification Preferences to receive secure online notices, up to three weeks earlier than by mail.

What are the benefits of a personal my Social Security account?

A personal my Social Security account comes with a wide range of benefits that make managing your information easier and more secure. Many important notifications — such as the COLA notice and the 1099 and 1042S benefit statements — are available online. You don't have to wait for them to arrive by mail or worry about them getting lost.

With your account, you can also request a replacement Social Security card, check the status of a claim, update your address, and set up or change your direct deposit information. And that's just the beginning. New features are added regularly to enhance your experience. Log in to or create your account today and take the next step toward going digital with Social Security.

Go Digital! Create an Account Today.