Second Annual Presentation of the Mary C. Morrissey Olsson Historic Preservation Award - Nov 15, 2025

The Second Annual Presentation of the Mary C. Morrissey Olsson Historic Preservation Award has been made to Town Historian Joseph Landry, Researcher and Prolific Public Presenter on Town History on Saturday, Nov 15, 2025.

The Mary C. Morrissey Olsson Historic Preservation Award was established in 2024 by the Franklin Historical Commission, in honor of former chairperson, Mary Olsson, a tireless advocate for historic preservation,  as a non-monetary award to recognize an individual or organization that has made an important contribution to preserving, protecting, or communicating the history of Franklin.

L-R: Joe Landry, Kai Olsson, Toby Olsson, Alan Earls

By vote of the Commission, the second such award has been bestowed on Historian, Joseph Landry, for his years of research into the history of Franklin, using primary sources, to create presentations and broadcasts that have engaged the public and opened new doors of understanding regarding the town of Franklin. Joe was raised in Franklin and is a 1967 graduate of Franklin High School. He now resides in North Attleborough.

"We know Mary would have been pleased with this recognition of Joe because she often worked with him and was instrumental to bringing his work to the Franklin Historical Museum," said Alan Earls, Historical Commission Chair.

L-R: Joe Landry, Kai Olsson, Toby Olsson, Alan Earls

“Just in recent days, Joe has delivered presentations on the early schools of Franklin and, at the Franklin Historical Museum, on the first decades of the Franklin  YMCA, which was established back in 1900,” said Earls.  His work can also be found on YouTube and on Franklin TV.  Joe was presented with his award just prior to delivering his YMCA presentation.

The Franklin Historical Museum is located at 80 West Central Street, Franklin. The museum is open Saturday mornings from 10 AM - 1 PM (except as noted above) and Sunday afternoons from 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM. 

When visiting the museum, please consider donating a non-perishable item for the Franklin Food Pantry.    Questions? Contact Alan Earls at 508 560 3786.   Visit us online at https://www.franklinmuseum1778.org

Toward a More Perfect Union with Franklin Matters (audio)

FM #1582 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1582 in the series. 

The Towards a More Perfect Union radio show wants to continue to explore national issues but also bring them into a state level and local level point of discussion. Michael Walker-Jones and I got to sit recently to explore out loud some of the ways that could work. 

It seems like a natural fit. I generally focus on what matters here in Franklin and given the political climate and trends, some of those national issues will have an impact here. Maybe not the same as elsewhere but if there will be an impact, Franklin needs to be aware.

While our conversation covers a broad range of topics, we start by introducing Michael to my Franklin listeners, in case you are not aware of his background.

We are also looking for your input on what we might call this series of conversations. Something simpler than “Towards a More Perfect Union meets Franklin Matters” (or vice versa).

The recording runs about 51 minutes

Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1582-franklin-matters-meets-toward-a-more-perfect-union-11-03-25/

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Toward a More Perfect Union with Franklin Matters (audio)

Toward a More Perfect Union audio episodes can be found ->  https://more-perfect-union.captivate.fm 

As they move to do more video episodes, they also can be found on Franklin TV’s All Access YouTube page -> https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLbAODFjFPJ0wfMIr07hSTgQeTpTCghG0I 

Michael Walker-Jones’ LinkedIn profile -> https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-walker-jones-ed-d-136a74112/ 

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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"

Franklin Panthers Youth Football G8 team wins Super Bowl on Saturday, Nov 15

An update to the three teams from Franklin Panthers Youth Football that had all earned their way to their respective Super Bowl games this past weekend, one came back with a win.

The G5 and G6 teams unfortunately lost their games but the G8 team prevailed by beating Attleboro 16-6 to gain the trophy.

Franklin Panthers Youth Football G8 team poses
with the Super Bowl trophy (courtesy photo)

In case you missed the 3 part series providing info on the G5, G6 and G8 team success this season:

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/11/the-g5-football-teams-journey-to-emass.html

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/11/the-g6-football-teams-journey-to-emass.html 

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/11/the-g8-football-teams-journey-to-emass.html 

Another County Law Suit: Register Wins Again

The Norfolk Superior Court in a Judgment dated October 1, 2025 entered a Decision and Order in favor of Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O’Donnell.  This ruling in the Norfolk Superior Court against County Commissioner Quincy Attorney Peter H. Collins from Milton, County Commissioner Joseph P. Shea from Quincy and former Canton Selectman and Attorney County Commissioner Richard R. Staiti and other officials of Norfolk County was part of a second law suit that William P. O’Donnell as Register of Deeds had to bring on behalf of those who use the Registry as well as the residents and taxpayers of Norfolk County.  This October 1, 2025 Judgment confirms a Decision and Order dated June 28, 2024 by another Norfolk Superior Court Judge ruling for the Register of Deeds see the judgment at https://www.norfolkdeeds.org/wp-content/uploads/Judgment-10-1-25-from-Judge-Leighton.pdf.

Norfolk County Registry of Deeds

The Norfolk County Defendants acted in direct defiance of general laws and statutes intended to protect and preserve the operations of the Registry of Deeds. The Norfolk Superior Court in both the Decision and Order dated June 28, 2024 as well as the Judgment dated October 1, 2025 concluded the defendants have violated Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 64D, Section 11 and Section 12.  Judge Cloutier wrote “The plain language of these statutes clearly establishes two mandatory and distinct sources of funding exclusively for the Registry, with no temporal limitations on the Registry’s use of the funds.”

“This win in the Norfolk Superior Court will help ensure the recording of legal land documents that give homeowners title to their homes and that the services Registry users have come to expect from the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds will continue.  No elected or appointed County Officials are above the law” said Register of Deeds Bill O’Donnell.

This ruling for the Norfolk Registry of Deeds strikes down the illegal taking by the County Defendants and misappropriation of monies initiated by the Norfolk County Commissioners.  This litigation tries to halt the unlawful interference into Registry operations coupled with the misappropriation of millions of dollars in a strategy quarterbacked by County Director John J. Cronin and supported by elected and appointed officials including the three Norfolk County Commissioners. County Director John J. Cronin was hired by the three Norfolk County Commissioners in 2021.  The decision and policies of County Director John J. Cronin and the three Norfolk County Commissioners have led to the law suits that have been filed. The Norfolk Superior Court Judge wrote “While not dispositive the court notes that prior to 2020, the County’s interpretation of the statutes was largely consistent with the court’s interpretation.”

 

“The actions of the Norfolk County Commissioners are not in the best interest of the residents and the taxpayers.  Taxpayer monies are not being spent wisely by the Norfolk County Commissioners” stated Register O’Donnell.  The Norfolk County Commissioners, two of the three are attorneys, have spent over a half million dollars in legal fees to justify and defend their illegal decisions, votes and actions.  Register O’Donnell argued the case that led to the October 1, 2025 Judgement by representing himself as Register on behalf of all Registry users as well as the taxpayers and residents of Norfolk County.  With Register O’Donnell trying this litigation pro se or on his own no Registry legal fees had to be paid by the tax payers when there is not an attorney representing the Registry of Deeds.  However, the Norfolk County Commissioners continue to spend taxpayers monies to pay Attorney Scott Lopez of the Boston Law Firm of Lawson and Weitzen who represents the Norfolk County Defendants.

 

Register Bill O’Donnell stated “I along with Registry staff and Registry operations have been retaliated against for standing up to elected and appointed officials who break the law and abuse power. I am especially grateful that the Norfolk Superior Court found that the defendants County Commissioners exceeded their authority by voting against appointing the Registry’s candidate for the Registry’s Chief Information Officer.  In a time of cybersecurity fraud and threats that was such a poor and unsound decision by the Norfolk County Commissioners.”

The Judgment of Judge Leighton of the Norfolk Superior Court dated October 1, 2025 can be viewed at https://www.norfolkdeeds.org/wp-content/uploads/Judgment-10-1-25-from-Judge-Leighton.pdf.

The Decision and Order of Judge Cloutier of the Norfolk Superior Court dated June 28, 2024 can be viewed at https://www.norfolkdeeds.org/decision-6-28-24-from-judge-cloutier.

Understanding AntiSemitism in 2025 (video)

On Tuesday, October 28, State Representative Jeffrey Roy (D-Franklin), Rabbi Rachel Putterman of Temple Etz Chaim, and Reverend Kathleen McAdams of St John Episcopal Church led a panel discussion regarding antisemitism in the current moment. The event will took place beginning at 7 PM at Franklin High School. 

The Franklin TV video recording is now available ->   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qIQson4vgC4

Understanding Antisemitism in 2025 -
A Panel Discussion - Oct 28, 2025 

Rep. Roy moderated the panel discussion which  included the following:

• Jeremy Burton, CEO of the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Boston
• Rabbi Rachel Putterman, Temple Etz Chaim in Franklin
• Dr. Miri Bar-Halprin, Director of Trauma Training and Services at Parents for Peace and a lecturer at Harvard Medical School
• Mike Rubin, Uxbridge High School Principal and President of Temple Etz Chaim
• State Rep. Simon Cataldo, Co-Chair of the Special Massachusetts Committee on Combating Antisemitism
• Rev. Kathy McAdams, Saint John Episcopal Church, Franklin

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm Schedule for Monday, November 17, 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, November 17, 2025 (Your local Public, Education & Government "PEG" station)

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

7:00 am Aging Boldfully: Roberta Trahan

8:00 am Pickleball Tournament: Pickleball Tournament

9:00 am Understanding Anti-Semitism in 2025

11:30 am Cooking Thyme: Sweet Corn Risotto

12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin: French Toast

12:30 pm Cooking with Linda: Garlic Mashed Potatoes

1:30 pm     Pizzapalooza: Shrimp, Tomato & Greens Pizzetta

2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Summer 2018 Show 8

3:00 pm Candlepin New Generation: Show 5

3:30 pm Franklin Interfaith Thanksgiving 2024

4:30 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Pete Smith

5:30 pm Jon Mitchell & Randy LaRosa: 12-Tone Music

7:00 pm Frank's Musings: Gaza

8:30 pm Circle of Friends: The Kennedys

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

7:00 am FHS Winter Band 2022

8:30 am SAFE Coalition: The Hamlins

9:30 am Winning Ways with the MIAA: Districts

10:30 am FHS Winter Music: Band 2024

11:30 am Public School Event: FHS Chorus & Orchestra 2023

12:30 pm FHS Varsity Field Hockey v Walpole 11-15-25

2:00 pm FHS Varsity Football v Bishop Feehan 10-24-25

7:00 pm FHS Boys Varsity Soccer v Wellesley 11-05-25

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

8:00 am Planning Board 11-03-25

2:00 pm Planning Board 11-03-25

7:00 pm Planning Board  CHAMBERS  879 8637 9451

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, November 16, 2025 ???

Sunday, November 16

7:30am All You Can Eat Breakfast (Franklin Rod & Gun Club)

1:00pm Franklin Historical Museum (always free) 

1:00pm Musical Bingo (Teddy Gallagher's Irish Pub)

2:00pm Cabaret (Dean College Main Stage Theater)

3:00pm The LiveARTS String Quartet in concert (Franklin Historical Museum

7:00pm Franklin Interfaith Council Thanksgiving Service (Franklin United Methodist)

**   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

Town of Franklin issues email scam alert

Town of Franklin issues email scam alert

Town of Franklin is aware of an Email Scam with fraudulent emails impersonating Town Departments & Committees

The Town of Franklin has become aware of an email scam wherein hackers impersonating the Planning Department, Conservation Commission, and potentially others, contact individuals and organizations demanding invoice payment via wire transfer.

PLEASE BE AWARE that the Town of Franklin does not solicit payments via wire transfer.

IF YOU RECEIVE ONE OF THESE EMAILS PLEASE CALL

Detective Laura Canavan at (508) 440-2719

• DO NOT SEND ANY MONEY
• DO NOT CLICK ANY LINKS
• DO NOT OPEN ANY ATTACHMENTS

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

Agenda for Town Council meeting Weds, Nov 19 at 6 PM

Franklin Town Council

Agenda & Meeting Packet

November 19, 2025 - 6:00 PM

1. ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM THE CHAIR

a. This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 9 and Verizon Channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by others.

b. Chair to identify members participating remotely.

c. Upcoming Town Sponsored Community Events.

2. CITIZEN COMMENTS

a. Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to three minutes on a matter that is not on the agenda. In compliance with G.L. Chapter 30A, Section 20 et seq, the Open Meeting Law, the Council cannot engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Council may ask the Town Administrator to review the matter. Nothing herein shall prevent the Town Administrator from correcting a misstatement of fact.

3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

a. October 22, 2025   https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/7633/October-22-2025-TC-Meeting-Minutes--Draft-for-Review

b. October 29, 2025  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/7634/October-29-2025-TC-Meeting-Minutes--Draft-for-Review

4. PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS - None Scheduled.

5. APPOINTMENTS

a. Cultural Council - Elizabeth O’Day   https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/7637/5a---APPOINTMENT---ODay

b. Finance Committee - Jennifer D’Angelo  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/7638/5b---1---APPOINTMENTS---DAngelo

c. Historical Commission - Brandon Carrico  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/7639/5c---1---APPOINTMENTS---Carrico

6. PUBLIC HEARINGS - 7:00 PM- None Scheduled

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS - None Scheduled.

8. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION - None Scheduled.

9. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

a. Resolution 25-71: Adoption of MGL Chapter 32B, Section 21-23 For the Purpose of Town’s Participating in the Group Insurance Commission

(Motion to Approve Resolution 25-71 - Majority Vote)   https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/7640/9a-GIC

b. Resolution 25-72: General Fund Appropriation Reductions FY26

(Motion to Approve Resolution 25-72 - Majority Vote)   https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/7646/9b-Budget-Adjustment

c. Resolution 25-73: Franklin Town Council’s Withdrawal of Support of Proposed Chapter 40B Affordable Housing Project Located at 444 East Central Street (Motion to Approve Resolution 25-73 - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/7647/9c-1---MEMO-25-73---Repeal-of-444-E-Central-St

d. Resolution 25-74: 2026 Schedule of Town Council Meetings

(Motion to Approve Resolution 25-74 - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/7648/9d-TC-Meeting-Schedule

e. Resolution 25-75: Gift Acceptance - Fire Department ($1,000), Veterans Services Department ($1,175)  (Motion to Approve Resolution 25-75 - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/7649/9e-Gift-Acceptance

10. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

11. SUBCOMMITTEE & AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS

12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

13. COUNCIL COMMENTS

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION -

a. Exemption #3: Collective Bargaining (Police Patrol) - To discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining if an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the public body and the Chair so declares.

15. ADJOURN

Note: 

• Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes
• Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting

The agenda doc contains remote participation info

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_11192025-2010 

Agenda for Town Council meeting Weds, Nov 19 at 6 PM

FHS volleyball: "Franklin Dethrones Newton North, Wins First State Title in Thriller"

"When Franklin won its Final Four match against Newton South on Wednesday, first-year head coach Chris Ridolfi smiled when his next opponent was mentioned. As he remarked, if you want to be the best, then you need to beat the best, and three-time defending champion Newton North certainly qualifies.

On Saturday night at Billerica High, Franklin, playing in its first-ever state title match, took down one of the state’s premier programs in a 3-2 (25-15, 25-27, 19-25, 25-23, 15-11) thriller. Franklin (23-2) took the crown from the Tigers and for the first time in program history are the Div. 1 champions.

Ridolfi said, “It was a heck of a first year. You come into a good team and that’s what you get.”

“That took so much out of us,” senior hitter Makayla Kuykendall said about battling back over the final two sets. “You could tell how badly we wanted it at the end. Personally, I did not want to lose that game at all. It was the last game of the season no matter what, so you may as well go out giving everything you have. And everyone did.”

By Josh Perry || HockomockSports.com Managing Editor (subscription required)

https://hockomocksports.com/franklin-volleyball-dethrones-newton-north-wins-first-state-title-in-thriller/

For a photo gallery from this match (subscription required)

https://hockomocksports.smugmug.com/2025-2026/Fall-2025/Franklin-Newton-North-Volleyball-11-15-25

For other results across the Hockomock League (subscription required) 

https://hockomocksports.com/saturdays-schedule-scoreboard-11-15-25/

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