Where's the Toast? Memory Cafe April 15, 2026 at 1 PM

Good day,

Where's the Toast? Memory Cafe
April 15, 2026 at 1 PM

On behalf of the Franklin Senior Center, we would like to extend an invitation to our April 15th Where's the Toast?! Memory Cafe.

Memory cafés offer a safe, judgment-free space to connect, socialize, and enjoy meaningful activities together, emphasizing companionship, creativity, and shared experiences. 

For individuals living with dementia, memory cafés help reduce isolation and foster a sense of belonging. For caregivers, they provide encouragement, understanding, and the chance to connect with others who truly support them.

Whether you come for conversation, laughter, music, or simply to be among supportive community members, you are welcome just as you are.

We hope you’ll join us and be part of a community built on connection, dignity, and joy.  Please RSVP to Amanda Rabbitt at arabbitt@franklinma.gov so we are ready to welcome you to the program!

Amanda S. Rabbitt

Supportive Day Program and 

Special Project Coordinator

Tax Work Off Liaison

10 Daniel McCahill St

Franklin, Massachusetts 02038-1352

O. 508-520-4945, ext 4418
F. 508-520-4917
E. arabbitt@franklinma.gov

Another new exhibit at the Children's Museum

Via Children's Museum of Franklin:

"Right when you walk in, you’ll spot something new 

Our gear wall - beautifully crafted by talented local maker, Meghan Medeiros (@customcreationsbymeghan ) - welcomes visitors into the space while sharing how we care for it together. 

It’s playful, thoughtful, and rooted in something we believe deeply: building a joyful, respectful community starts with all of us.

If you’ve been here before, you’ve already experienced Meghan’s work - woven into so many of the most loved parts of the Museum. We’re so grateful to continue collaborating and bringing her incredible talent into this space.

Because this place is all of ours."

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/v/18cwLUQjos/

Beaver St. Interceptor Project: Construction Updates ~ Sunday (4/12) Through Friday (4/17)

RT. 140 (West Central Street) Lane Closure Alert: Sunday Night (4/12) through Thursday Morning (4/16), 7 PM to 5 AM and Friday (4/17) 7 AM to 3 PM

The Contractor will continue installing the sewer force main within RT. 140 (West Central Street). The work will be contained within the southbound lane from Burger King to Beaver Street. During this time there will be evening lane closures on RT. 140. Please use caution when traveling in this area and follow all posted signs.

Beaver Street Pump Station

At the Franklin Recreation Center, construction of the new Beaver Street Interceptor Pump Station will continue with the installation and testing of internal building components and pumps.  Access to the recreation center will NOT be affected during this time.

For additional info visit the project page - https://franklinma.gov/557/Beaver-Street-Interceptor-BSI-Project

Laura May Band scheduled for La Cantina Saturday, Apr 18

via La Cantina Winery

"Live Music Night 

Join us on Saturday, April 18 from 7–10 PM for an amazing night with the Laura May Band! 

Great music, delicious wine, and the perfect vibe to spend your evening. Don’t miss it! "

Shared from - https://www.instagram.com/p/DW4WlYCFIMb/

Bacchus Buster arrives again at Pour Richard's Saturday, April 18

SPRING BACCHUS BUSTER! Saturday 4/18 | 1-4PM.

New faces, an all Portugal table, spring whites, Tuesday night reds for the grill.... 

Get your decks ready, get your cellars stocked. 

Bring Friends.

Shared from - https://www.instagram.com/p/DW1eg8GkdWn/

Applause sets opening schedule: a Ladybug Trail pop up Apr 25, then official May 1

Applause sets opening schedule

GUESS WHO’s BACK!?!?!?

That’s right! The sun is shining and the days of cold and snow are behind us which can only mean one thing- it’s coming up on gelato season!

Join us for our official season opening on May 1st with a sneak peak one day pop up opening on April 25th for the annual Ladybug Trail Spring Walk!!!

We can’t wait to see all our familiar and new faces come through!!! Bring on the warmth and sun!!!

Shared from - https://www.instagram.com/p/DW7XNGTDd31/

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule for Sunday, April 12, 2026

Yes, Franklin has it's own radio station -> wfpr.fm. Franklin Public Radio has a schedule full of 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

Town Council moves 4 zoning bylaw changes to 2nd reading and entered into Executive Session before 9 PM (audio)

FM #1715 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, numbers 1715 in the series. 

(L-r) Chloe Bowser, Ted Cormier-Leger

This session shares part of the Franklin (MA) Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, April 1, 2026. The Council held this session as scheduled beginning at 6 PM. 8 members participated, 7 in Chambers, 1 remotely, hence all votes were recorded via roll call. 

The meeting recording runs 2 hours and 27 minutes

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1715-franklin-ma-town-council-mtg-04-01-26/

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

The Franklin Matters recap -  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/04/town-council-moves-4-zoning-bylaw.html 

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 

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

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"

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Saturday, April 11, 2026 ???

Saturday, April 11

9:00am Electronics Recycling Event (St. Mary's Parish School Parking Lot)

9:00am Thrifty Threads (Franklin Federated Church)

10:00am Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

10:00am    Volunteer Income Tax Preparation with VITA (Franklin Public Library)

10:30am    Weekend Wiggles! (Franklin Public Library)

2:00pm Craftalong for Adults! (Franklin Public Library)

2:00pm The Prom (ticketed) (Dean College Main Stage Theater)

7:30pm The Prom (ticketed) (Dean College Main Stage Theater)

7:30pm Vance Gilbert (ticketed concert) (Circle of Friends Coffeehouse)

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

*** NO  Town Meetings today   ***

----------

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

“Evening at the Museum: Cultural Connections – A Middle Eastern Experience” - April 15

“Evening at the Museum: Cultural Connections
– A Middle Eastern Experience” - April 15

“Evening at the Museum: Cultural Connections – A Middle Eastern Experience,” is a free, family-friendly program open to all ages. 

It will include a brief presentation along with interactive activities such as Islamic art coloring, a Palestinian Tatreez activity, and Middle Eastern BINGO. 

Snacks and refreshments will also be provided.

Event Details:
April 15, 2026 = 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Franklin Historical Museum
80 W Central St, Franklin, MA

Franklin, MA: Agenda for School Committee meeting Tuesday, April 14, 2026 at 7 PM

Franklin School Committee 

April 14, 2026 - 7:00 PM

Municipal Building – Council Chambers 

Call to Order Dr. Griffith

Announcements from the Chair

Pledge of Allegiance 

Moment of Silence

I. Routine Business

Portrait of a Graduate

A. Review of Agenda

B. Payment of Bills Mr. Callaghan

C. Payroll Dr. Griffith

D. FHS Student Representative Comments

E. Superintendent’s Report

II. Guests/Presentations

A. District and School Improvement Plan

III. Citizens Comments

IV. Discussion/Action Items

A.   District Improvement Plan Approval

I recommend approval of the District Improvement Plan as presented. 

B.   School Improvement Plans Approval

I recommend approval of the School Improvement Plans as presented. 

C.   School Choice Vote

I recommend to NOT accept school choice students for the 2026-27 school year as discussed. 

D.   Foreign Exchange Student Vote

I recommend to NOT accept foreign exchange students for the 2026-27 school year as discussed. 

E. Establish New Revolving Accounts

I recommend the establishment of new Revolving Accounts as discussed. 

F. Policy - 1st reading

I recommend moving the following policies to a second reading as discussed.

• JRE - Student Achievement Recognition Signage KF - Community Use of School Facilities
• KF-E1 - Rules & Regulations
• KF-E2 - Franklin High Building Use
• KF-E3 - Facilities Rental Fee Schedule

G. New STRIVE Student Activity Accounts

I recommend the establishment of new STRIVE Student Activity Accounts as discussed.

V. Discussion Only Items

A. Monthly Financial Report

B. BICO Quarterly Report

VI. Information Matters

A. School Committee Sub-Committee Reports

B. School Committee Liaison Reports

VI. Consent Agenda

A. Approval of Minutes

I recommend approval of the minutes from your March 24, 2026 School Committee meeting as detailed. 

B.   Washington 3-5 Gift

I recommend the acceptance of $5,700.00 from the W3-5 PCC for field trips as detailed. 

C.   FHS Scholarship

I recommend the acceptance of $2,500.00 from DCU for a FHS scholarship as detailed. 

D. Lincoln St K-2 Gift

I recommend the acceptance of $628.52 from Ahold Delhaize USA, Inc. for Supplemental supplies at Lincoln St. K-2 Elementary School as detailed. 

E. FHS Scholarships

I recommend the acceptance of $3,500 for FHS Scholarships as follows: 

Meg Brackley $1,500.00 Jim Gray Scholarship

Van Drivers $2,000.00 Carol Maher Memorial

VII. Good of the Order

VIII. New Business

To discuss any future agenda items

IX. Adjournment

Agenda doc also contains remote participation info

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04142026-2250

The meeting packet folder contains the doc released before the meeting and after the meeting

https://www.franklinps.net/documents/departments/school-committee/meeting-packets/2025---26-meeting-packets/april-14%2C-2026-sc-meeting-packet/26737086

Donald Krishnaswami talks about the LiveARTS String Quartet Concert scheduled for May 17 (audio)

FM #1713 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1713 in the series. 

This session shares my discussion with Donald Krishnaswami.  We had our discussion in the Franklin TV & Radio Studio on Monday, April 6, 2026

 

We discussed the LiveARTS String Quartet and their next concert set for May 17, 2026 at the Historical Museum at 3 PM.

We talk about

• Website now available, likely to sell out

• Tickets and /or donations through website

• About the program and performers

• Nature of live music, chamber music

The recording runs about 20 minutes, so let’s listen in.

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1713-livearts-string-quartet-concert-may-17-04-06-26/

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

LiveArts String Quartet https://www.liveartsstringquartet.org/ 

Press release link - https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/04/the-livearts-string-quartet-returns-to.html 

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

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 it!

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

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

Help Us Stamp Out Hunger in Franklin, Saturday, May 9

Help Us Stamp Out Hunger in Franklin, Saturday, May 9

Help Us Stamp Out Hunger in Franklin! 

On Saturday, May 9, 2026, Franklin Letter Carriers are picking up donations from Franklin residences and delivering them to The Pantry.  

Participating is easy as 1,2,3:

1. Fill a sturdy bag with nonperishable groceries

2. Place the bag by your mailbox on Saturday, May 9th before your normal mail delivery time

3. Your letter carrier will grab the bag during their route or may come back later in the day.

Please donate nonperishable, unexpired food and personal care items including:

Baking Supplies - Cake Mixes, frosting, brownies and pancake mix

Health and Beauty products

Cleaning supplies

Cereal Boxes

School Snacks

Visit our website for the most needed items:  https://bit.ly/4cwbbfg

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/1BARRC8raC/

Reminder - Community Fundraiser Training Session to fund raise for USA Luge athlete Brynn Davison

Hi Neighbor,

We have something pretty incredible to share with you.

(L-R) Heather & Brynn Davison

Brynn Davison, 14-year-old daughter of founding member Heather Davison, is already ranked 3rd in the nation on the USA Luge Youth National Team and claimed gold at the Empire State Winter Games.

Now she’s aiming even higher, with her sights set on the 2034 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City!

She's the real deal. And she needs our help.

USA Luge doesn't fund its youth athletes. Brynn's season runs about $13,000 (coaching, equipment, travel, lodging in Lake Placid) all out of pocket.

So we're doing what we do best: showing up and sweating in support!

Community Fundraiser Training Session

📅 Sunday, April 12th | 8:30 AM or 10:00 AM

📍 BFT Franklin Village

🎟️ FREE — all levels welcome, ages 13+

No registration fee. Just come, train hard, and donate if you can. Every dollar goes directly toward Brynn's $13k season goal.

Book in the Blue App or Click on the link to Reserve a spot for a friend!

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScx4gBBZQAG5YsyaOOC-ooxmXzJfsfHrRmKX668XScoo6eFlg/viewform

Can't make it but want to donate?!

SCAN QR code below

OR

Venmo @heatherdavison11

OR

https://venmo.com/code?user_id=2303679226970112830&created=1757182097.225713

 

Your support is greatly appreciated!

BFT Franklin Village Team

Dean College Announces Nery Gomez as 2026 Commencement Speaker

Dean College is pleased to announce that Nery Gomez, entrepreneur, investor, and member of the Dean College Board of Trustees, will serve as the keynote speaker for the College’s 160th Commencement ceremony.

Gomez is the founder, president, and chief operating officer of BlackSun Private Equity, Inc., and the founder and chief executive officer of multiple advisory and investment firms. A published author and speaker, he is known for helping individuals align financial decisions with long-term purpose and fulfillment—a philosophy that closely aligns with Dean’s mission to educate and inspire tomorrow’s leaders.

Dean College Announces Nery Gomez
as 2026 Commencement Speaker

“We are honored to welcome Nery Gomez as this year’s Commencement speaker,” said Darrell Kulesza, Interim President of Dean College. “His career reflects a strong focus on preparation, adaptability, and long-term success. Those are qualities we work to instill in our students, and I expect his remarks will resonate with the Class of 2026.” 

Originally from Massachusetts, Gomez earned his undergraduate degree in psychology from Tufts University, with extensive coursework in economics. He has been accepted into Harvard Business School’s Advanced Management Program. Early in his academic journey, he studied at Dean College—an experience he has described as formative in shaping both his academic and professional path. 

As a member of the Dean College Board of Trustees, Gomez is actively engaged in advancing the College’s mission to support, challenge, and prepare students for life beyond Dean. His work reflects a deep commitment to helping individuals build the clarity, discipline, and confidence needed to move forward with purpose. 

“It is a privilege to celebrate the Class of 2026,” said Gomez. “My time at Dean was a meaningful part of my early academic experience, and I have a lasting appreciation for the College’s commitment to student growth. I look forward to sharing a message that encourages graduates to approach what comes next with clarity, intention, and confidence.” 

Dean College’s Commencement ceremony will be held on May 9, 2026. Learn more by visiting the Commencement website - https://www.dean.edu/alumni/commencement/