Read your Favorite Poem at the Franklin Public Library, Saturday, April 18

You can read your Favorite Poem at the Franklin Public Library, Saturday, April 18 at 1:30 PM

Come celebrate National Poetry Month at the Franklin Public Library with a Favorite Poem Reading!

Joy Harjo (US Poet Lauriat from 2019 - 2022)

“When I began to listen to poetry, it’s when I began to listen to the stones, and I began to listen to what the clouds had to say, and I began to listen to others. And I think, most importantly for all of us, then you begin to learn to listen to the soul, the soul of yourself in here, which is also the soul of everyone else.”

Favorite Poem Reading hosted by Steve Sherlock 

Choose a favorite published poem that you have long treasured or recently discovered. Share it by reading it to those gathered for this event.

Use the form to sign up to read your favorite poem -> 

https://forms.gle/YvfTLzxTYYtQDDDE6 

Note: Poems may not be ones you or family members, or friends have written.  

Limit: Five minutes reading time.

Note: We’ll be in the Friends Room, in the ‘new’ section of the building. The Book Sale is running in the other section.

Note: The audio of the readings will be recorded for future broadcast by Franklin Public Radio. You can choose to have your reading part of the recording or not.

Download the flyer as a reminder or to share

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Y1jgOLx-t9EwxY6suC_7rLOC7B0IGPVK/view?usp=drive_link

Finance Committee closes out 16+ hours of budget hearings with proposed adjustments (video)

The Franklin Finance Committee completed a record setting set of 4 budget hearings covering every line item in the FY 2027 budget in almost 17 hours over 4 nights. 

The start of this last session was delayed by about 20 minutes to fix the Zoom link and get it reposted for the agenda, calendar, and appropriate social channels.

Franklin TV video is available for replay - https://www.youtube.com/live/3oIsBHQ73Ts?&t=1170

The amended agenda doc - https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04092026-2222

My full set of notes in one PDF - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NzSDXoQxk7P0ztXRKjPpcPTPrZgBNE78/view?usp=drive_link

Dept of Arts, Culture & Creative Economy metrics as referenced by Cory Shea during the budget hearing

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1zQV7NQTLRSy1UnPKxad0wtW8Q-76YqOc/view?usp=drive_link

Quick recap:

• This session was time well spent by the Committee to review the potential adjustments to the budget and come to a consensus on them. They started with a set of goals and a process to work through the listing of the items for discussion based upon what had occurred over the prior three nights.
• They wanted to minimize use of free cash. The end proposal recommends 1.8M of free cash rather than $2M
• They wanted to move some of the regular recurring 'capital items' to the ops budget where they belong. They took a step in that direction with less than $100K of police gear putting that in the Ops budget. Next cycle those items won't need to come before the Capital budget as a request
• They made a strategic investment in a couple of positions. One already in the budget for a part time clerk in the Assessors office, and additional hybrid inspector/admin help for the Building Commissioner's team. This should help the assessors and inspectors to do the work they need to do while providing some additional administrative help to help the work flow and improve our permit and tax base (both revenue generators)
• They proposed reducing the Facilities expense budget
• They confirmed the need for restoration of the Deputy Town Administrator and the School Resource officers (SROs)
• They will request that the Schools look as possibly using more of their revolving funds to help balance their budget and in turn free up more free cash on the Town side to not be used for the overall budget
• The complete set of the adjustments will be written up, presented by the FinCom to the Town Council and Joint Budget Subcommittee. The line item adjustments will be made and incorporate some other updates for the Town Administrator to issue a revised budget proposal before the Council gets to finalize their vote at the June 10th meeting. It may not be ready for the May 20-21 Council budget hearings, the key item that still might be outstanding before those hearings is the FY 2027 health costs as the annual enrollment completes April 30

last view of the working doc used in the FinCom session

FinCom set up in the 3rd floor training room

Catching UP: Town Council Quarterbacking - April 1 session (audio)

FM #1711 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1711 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares our “Town Council Quarterbacking” with Town Councilor Max Morrongiello. We had our conversation in person at the Franklin TV & Radio Studios on Thursday, April 2, 2026. Our conversation condensed the Town Council meeting of Wednesday, April 1, 2026.

We focus on two questions:

• ok, what just happened? 

• What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?

We cover the following key topics

• Multiple citizen comments; topics covered = Bellingham battery storage, PorchFest, Quatro Eroi celebration events, & School Committee update

• Councilor comments

• Recognition of Chloe Bowser, her essay was one of 12 selected for the commissioning of the new submarine USS Massachusetts 

• 3 public hearings opened together for the MBTA zoning bylaw changes required to bring us to full compliance. Of note, to come into compliance while we did tweak our zoning to fit the requirements, we actually reduced the density that was already permitted for that area. All three proposals after clarification questions were answered moved to a second reading (likely April 15)

• 1 public hearing on the technical changes to the current Crossing Neighborhood District. There were multiple items underway and as the zoning changed were being updated to the town code discrepancy were noted; some sections of a table were left out, some had been updated incorrectly. The changes were approved to move to second reading (also likely for April 15)

• Water & sewer extension approved for an area of Union St (actually to allow the new 5 residence development approved for part of the blueberry farm land) to update the water infrastructure to enable the extension. Funding to be provided by the developer

• Council entered into Executive Session for bargaining not to return to open meeting

The conversation runs about 15 minutes. Let’s listen in

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1711-town-council-quarterbacking-april-1-session-04-02-26/

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The Franklin TV video is available for replay - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N84cGZK_Ua4 

The agenda doc - https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04012026-2229  

My full set of notes in one PDF - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1jwviXzblwRVMwA3wkzuZcJlRE3tyZmsI/view?usp=drive_link 

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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"

Catching up: Town Council Quarterbacking for the Joint Session March 17, 2026 (audio)

 FM #1710 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1710 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares our “Town Council Quarterbacking” with Town Councilor Max Morrongiello. We had our conversation in person at the Franklin TV & Radio Studios on Monday, March 30, 2026. Our conversation condensed the Town Council meeting of Wednesday, March 17, 2026.

We focus on two questions:

• ok, what just happened? 

• What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?

We cover the following key topics

• Presentation on the Chapter 70 Program - Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE)

• Appointment to the Finance Committee: Tom Sullivan, Passes 8-0-1

• Legislation for Action (all votes passed by 8-0-1)

• Resolution 26-16: Approval for Request for Statements of Interest for Development of a Strategic Plan 

• Resolution 26-17: Town Council’s Support of FY27 State Budget Priorities 

• Resolution 26-18: Town Council Support for H. 4297, An Act relative to the Lowell Mason Act to mandate a percentage of Chapter 70 funds for Arts Education Programs 

• Resolution 26-19: Request for Special Legislation Re: Increase in Local (Hotel) Excise Tax

The conversation runs about 25 minutes. Let’s listen in

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1710-town-council-quarterbacking-march-17-session-03-30-26/

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Franklin TV video is available for replay - https://www.youtube.com/live/vMw9RSzLJGI?&t=70 

The agenda doc - https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03182026-2193  

Photos of the slides presented in one album - https://photos.app.goo.gl/WrHjvm6PcK5z2SPq6 

The DESE presentation is available - 

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1ZXyBdwq4EvQANLOM5qceeoId0ssrKQPU/edit?usp=drive_link&ouid=101938843903614700481&rtpof=true&sd=true

My notes in one PDF document - https://drive.google.com/file/d/17c0hL9XH3aIn4vXRq8daYRfGFS3HPriQ/view?usp=drive_link 

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

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"

FHS baseball tops Foxboro on Thursday

Via Instagram, Franklin TV, and our subscription to HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the Spring sports competition for Franklin High School on Thursday, April  9, 2026

Baseball = Foxboro, 4 @ Franklin, 5 – Final 

– Foxboro rallied for two runs in the top of the seventh inning but the tying run was tagged out at home for the final out of the game as Franklin held on for the win. A bloop single from senior Sean Kryzak brought in a pair of runs in the bottom of the fifth inning to break a tie game and put the Panthers ahead 4-2. An inning later, sophomore Ethan Herndon came through with a two-out RBI single to left to plate Drake McAlpine (2-for-3) to push the Panthers’ lead to 5-2 going into the seventh. Nick Hardiman (HBP) and Keegan O’Driscoll (single) reached with one out in the top of the seventh, and a base hit from Harrison Lamson scored the former to make it 5-3. Aidan Stow reached on a two-out error to bring O’Driscoll home and put the tying run on second, but right fielder Owen Pennini took a base hit from Brayden Jones and fired one to catcher Joey Goguen for the tag at home to secure the win. Senior Brady Short picked up the win in relief, giving up just one hit in 2.1 scoreless innings, striking out one. Owen Lewis also tossed a scoreless inning in relief and Jacoby Brown, who took over with one out in the seventh, got the save. Matt O’Keefe went 2-for-2 with a run scored for Foxboro.

For a photo gallery of this game  https://hockomocksports.smugmug.com/2025-2026/Spring-2026/Franklin-Foxboro-Baseball-04-09-26

Softball = Franklin, 8 @ Foxboro, 14 – Final 

– Foxboro scored seven runs in the bottom of the first before recording an out, then added three more in each of the next two innings to secure a bounce-back win over Franklin. In the first, Ruby Klos led off with a single and Mackenzie Crockford bunted for a hit. An error allowed one run to score and Mia Flanagan plated two with a single to center. Freshman Anna Patterson followed with a hit and Olivia Jaworski’s bunt hit scored another run. Sydney Lamson added an RBI with a bunt and another error made it 7-0. With two outs in the second, Patterson lined a double to left center and stole third. Jaworski walked and Lamson singled in a run before Emma Fisler brought in two with a triple to right. Franklin scored three in the third, as Sophia Sacramone singled in freshman Phoebe O’Connor and senior Addi Weiss before scoring on a wild pitch. The Warriors answered right back in the bottom half, scoring a pair of unearned runs and getting a third on a double by Jaworski. Franklin kept hanging around. Brooke Bonetti walked and stole second and home. Weiss reached on an infield hit and scored on a single from Sacramone. Brooke Gatewood drove in a pair with a double to cut the deficit to 13-7. In the fifth, Bonetti doubled, moved to third on a hit by O’Connor, and scored on an RBI-groundout from Weiss, but Foxboro got the run right back when Jaworski reached on an error, stole third, and scored on a passed ball. Patterson went the distance to get the win, striking out seven.

For a Photo Gallery from this game https://hockomocksports.smugmug.com/2025-2026/Spring-2026/Foxboro-Franklin-Softball-04-09-26

For other results across the Hockomock League (subscription required)

https://hockomocksports.com/thursdays-schedule-scoreboard-04-09-26/

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

Antiques Appraisal Benefit Event Scheduled for May 9 in Franklin

Residents of Franklin and surrounding communities are invited to discover the history and value of their antiques at a special Antiques Appraisal Event to benefit the museum, scheduled for Saturday, May 9, in Franklin.

The event will offer local residents an opportunity to bring antiques, collectibles, heirlooms, and unusual items to be evaluated by a highly experienced appraiser, James C. Johnston. Items may include artwork, coins, jewelry, books, documents, military items (but no guns, please!), toys, advertising items, and historical memorabilia. Verbal appraisals will be provided, along with general information about the item’s age, origin, and current market interest.

This ever-popular event is designed for anyone who has ever wondered about items found in attics, basements, or inherited from family members. Organizers say many people are often surprised to learn what ordinary-looking items can be worth, while other items turn out to have fascinating historical stories even if they are not highly valuable.

Event Details:

• Saturday, May 9 - 1-5 PM
• Franklin Historical Museum
• 80 West Central St., Franklin, MA

Cost: $10 for 1 item, or 3 for $25 

Senior Citizen Discount (65+, $5 for 1 item and $10.00 for 3 items  

No appointment is necessary. For more information, contact alan.r.earls@gmail.com.

This event is open to the public.

Registration open for new before and after care program, "Little Solutions"

Registration open for new before and
after care program, "Little Solutions"

If your pre-schooler will be at ECDC Pond Street next year, consider signing up for the new before and after care program, "Little Solutions", from Lifelong Learning.

Go to tinyurl.com/mr3nc6pj for more information.

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

2026 Craft Fair scheduled for November 14 at Tri-County

via Rotary Club of Franklin, MA

Our 2026 Craft Fair will be held on November 14, 9am-3pm, at Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical School. The application to our juried craft fair is now available. All participants from last year should have an email with the application and contract attached.

If you'd like to participate this year and were not in our fair last fall, please download the application and contract. The deadline to be included in the jury process is July 10th.

Any questions please email us at rotarycluboffranklinma@gmail.com or send a DM to this page. Do not respond to any messages with any individuals, if anyone is contacting you and asking for online payment, they are a scammer. We will only communicate via our official email address or through this page, and we only accept checks for payment with a mailed application to our PO Box.

Please note that our Craft Fair is for handmade items only. We do not accept MLM companies or other resellers, the person listed on the application must be in attendance, no sales reps are allowed. Please review the materials carefully and be sure to include all required information on your application, including email address, and payment for the booth space and any extras (tables, electricity).

Photographs are required and should follow the guidelines set forth on the application and contract.  Missing information may result in us not being able to consider you for one of our spots so please take your time with this. We will be jurying during the last weeks of July and will send out acceptances in August.

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1E17nXzvoA/

Franklin Art Association Spring Art Show at Norfolk Public Library - Reception, April 11 from 3 to 5 PM

Announcing the Franklin Art Association Spring Art Show!

The FAA Spring Art Show, featuring work by our talented artists working in a range of media, is now open at the Norfolk Public Library.  It will run from April 4 to May 1 and as always is free and open to the public.

The show will be judged and ribbons awarded in the various categories.  In addition, on the day of the reception an award voted by the guests visiting the show will be given as the “People’s Favorite” Award. 

We cordially  invite you to attend our Opening Reception at the Norfolk Library Gallery area on Saturday, April 11 from 3-5 PM.  The Library is located at 138 Main Street, Norfolk Center.  We hope you will join us to enjoy the great artwork, enjoy some refreshments and meet our artists!

📅 Exhibition Dates: April 4 – May 1

🎉 Opening Reception: Saturday, April 11, 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM

📍 Location: Norfolk Public Library, 138 Main Street, Norfolk Center

Shared from - https://www.instagram.com/p/DWzmF2FkqV6/

Inaugural Eddie Grant Classic Kickball Tournament - June 14

Inaugural Eddie Grant Classic Kickball Tournament

Presented by Franklin Fathers

Join us for the **first-ever Eddie Grant Classic Kickball Tournament**, a fun-filled community event bringing families, friends, and local businesses together for a day of friendly competition and fundraising. This double-elimination tournament will feature teams from across the community competing for bragging rights, a trophy, and prizes — all while supporting local causes and celebrating community spirit.

Who Was Eddie Grant?

Eddie Grant was a Franklin native, Major League Baseball player, Dean- and Harvard-educated attorney, and World War I soldier who exemplified leadership, service, and community spirit. After volunteering for military service during WWI, he was killed in action in 1918 while assisting wounded soldiers. His legacy reflects teamwork, sacrifice, and dedication to something greater than oneself — values we aim to honor through this community-focused event.

🗓 **Date:** June 14, 2026

⏰ **Time:** 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Tournament Details

* Double elimination format (8 teams max)

* 5-inning games

* 30-minute time limit (revert to last full inning if time expires)

* Played using official kickball rules

Team Composition

* Minimum of 10 players per team

* At least **3 kids (ages 12–17)**

* At least **3 women (age 17+)**

💲 **Registration Cost:** $200 per team

🏆 **Prize:** Trophy & prize for 1st place team

More Than Just Kickball!

This is a full community event with something for everyone:

* 🎟 Day-of raffles featuring prizes & baskets from local businesses

* 💰 50/50 raffle (proceeds benefiting the VFW)

* 🚚 Food trucks on-site

* 🏰 Kids activities including bounce house & face painting

* 🥤 Light refreshments available for purchase

Volunteers Needed

We’re also looking for volunteers to help with day-of tasks such as setup, scorekeeping, raffles, and cleanup. If you’re interested in helping, please reach out!

Bring your team, bring your family, and come enjoy a great day of community, competition, and fun. Spots are limited to **8 teams**, so register early!

More details and registration information coming soon.

Facebook event - https://www.facebook.com/events/990288313511154