Town of Franklin water restrictions due to drought lifted by State

Attention Franklin Water Customers!

This message confirms that there are currently no water use restrictions in Franklin.

On November 14, 2025, the Massachusetts Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary removed all Drought declarations for Franklin and the Southeastern Region.

removed all Drought declarations for
Franklin and the Southeastern Region

Please note that standard MassDEP-required water conservation restrictions will be reinstated on June 1, 2026, unless a drought or other water related emergencies are declared sooner.

We appreciate your cooperation in protecting our community's water resources during the recent drought. Since Franklin's water is sourced from 100%  groundwater in Town, every drop is important.

For year-round water-saving tips, please refer to these resources:

- Indoor Water Savings Tips: https://www.mass.gov/doc/download-water-savings-tips-indoor-graphic/download

- Outdoor Water Savings Tips: https://www.mass.gov/doc/download-water-savings-tips-outdoor-graphic/download

– Town of Franklin Department of Public 

#drought2025 #keepfranklinflowing #franklinma

Image shared from -> https://www.mass.gov/info-details/drought-status

You can listen to my conversation with Doug Martin, Franklin’s Water and Sewer Superintendent and Jake Standly, the Assistant Water/Sewer Superintendent, and learn about the updates to Franklin’s sewer and water projects. Among the topics covered are the drought status and overall water supply capacity for the Town of Franklin. ->

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/10/doug-jake-provide-updates-on-sewer.html

Enrollment Applications Now Open at The Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School

The Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School (BFCCPS), located in Franklin, Massachusetts, has begun accepting applications for the upcoming 2026-2027 school year.  BFCCPS is a regional public charter school for students in Kindergarten through Grade Eight.  This year BFCCPS celebrates its 30th year of operation.  The school was founded in 1995 and is one of the oldest and most successful charter schools in the state of Massachusetts. 

Siblings of currently enrolled students will have priority enrollment status; thereafter applicants from communities in the school's district will have a chance at securing a spot for their child through the annual enrollment lottery to be held on February 25, 2026.  Applicants from outside of the region (who reside within the state of Massachusetts) will be eligible for enrollment should additional spaces remain after all sibling and regional applicants have been placed.  

Enrollment Applications Now Open

For the 2026-2027 school year 100 spaces will be offered for Kindergarten and students at all other grade levels will receive a waiting list number.  Offers for Grades One through Eight would be contingent upon currently enrolled students electing not to return next year. 

The school provides a well-rounded, rigorous academic program designed to educate the whole child providing courses in art, music, languages, technology, and physical education.  In addition to our core academic and co-curricular classes, students in Grade Six through Eight participate in weekly Classical Enrichment Courses and start Latin studies in Grade Six. Middle schoolers are also eligible to participate in our Spring Musical. Students in Grades 5-8 also have the opportunity to participate in overnight field trips each spring.

Round trip bus transportation is available with bus stops currently in Bellingham, Blackstone, Franklin, Norfolk, Mendon, Medway, Milford, Millis, Norfolk, and Wrentham. 

BFCCPS alumni continue to excel during their attendance at local public high schools as well as independent high schools. 

Please visit the school’s website at www.bfccps.org for enrollment details, including applications.  Enrollment information sessions and building tours will be held on January 24th and February 7 from 10 AM to noon . Please note that the enrollment period will come to a close on February 11, 2026 at 4 PM.

If you'd like to learn more about the educational mission of the school or have enrollment related questions please contact the school's Communication Coordinator, Joanne Basile at jbasile@bfccps.org or 508-541-3434 x104.

About the Benjamin Franklin Charter School

The Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School's mission is to assist parents in their role as primary educators of their children by providing students with a classical academic education coupled with sound character development and community service. Our mission is supported by four distinct, yet interconnected pillars that provide for a collaborative, rigorous education for all students. These pillars guide, direct and define the school in all it does.

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm Schedule for Tuesday, November 18, 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 Tuesday, Franklin Public Radio

Tuesday

SAFE Radio – Jim Derick and Dr. Anne Bergen Addressing issues of Drug Abuse Disorder 

Jazz Journey – with Pamela Hines - An insightful tour of Jazz Greats in a golden era

Franklin Public Radio wfpr.fm Schedule for Tuesday

Franklin TV schedule for Tuesday, November 18, 2025 (Your local Public, Education & Government "PEG" station)

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

7:00 am Sons & Daughters of Italy: Italian Cookies

7:30 am     Joe Landry: Then and Now

9:00 am Mental Health: Kallie Montagano & Sonja Wagner

10:00 am Frank's Musings: Gaza

11:00 am Winning Ways with the MIAA: Pete Smith

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

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

6:30 pm Jon Mitchell & Randy LaRosa: 12-Tone Music

7:30 pm Franklin Interfaith Thanksgiving 2024

8:30 pm Understanding Anti-Semitism in 2025

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

7:00 am FHS Winter Band 2022

8:30 am Middle School Winter Music 2024

10:00 am Mental Health: Kallie Montagano & Sonja Wagner

12:30 pm FHS Winter Music: Band 2024

2:00 pm FHS Varsity Volleyball v Newton North 11-15-25

4:00 pm Rec Basketball: 7th & 8th Grade Boys Championship 2025

6:00 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Districts

9:00 pm FHS Theater Company: Cinderella

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

8:00 am School Committee 10-28-25

2:00 pm School Committee 10-28-25

7:00 pm         School Committee  Zoom Info - 874681

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: Monday, November 17, 2025 ???

Monday, November 17

What's happening in Franklin, MA 

Library & Senior Center events

For additional details on Library events -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/942/Calendar-of-Events

For additional details on Senior Center events ->   

https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar.aspx?CID=37,24&showPastEvents=false

**    Town Meetings today   **

Planning Board Meeting

Monday, November 17 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_11172025-2005 

Recreation Advisory Board Meeting

Monday, November 17 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_11172025-2003 

-----------

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

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/

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

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/ 

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

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!

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

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