Franklin Matters

Saturday, April 18, 2026

SAFE Coalition holds their 10th Anniversary celebration at Gillette Stadium (video)

A sell out gathering of 500 or so folks celebrated the 10th Anniversary of the SAFE Coalition with a GALA event at Gillette Stadium, Friday, April 17, 2026.

You can view the live streamed event via Franklin TV - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A-Xby1B-lQM

Photo album of the event - https://photos.app.goo.gl/sGEetaQy4eSKFmbg8

SAFE Coalition holds their 10th Anniversary celebration at Gillette Stadium

Franklin Basketball Youth Camp

Franklin Basketball Youth Camp is here!

Don't miss out on an amazing opportunity to improve your skills, have fun, and learn from the best.

Register now via QR code or link - https://sites.google.com/view/beyond-athletics/home

Shared from - https://www.instagram.com/p/DXEyhA3jd5b/

Reminder: No trash delay scheduled due to holiday

Patriot's Day is Monday.

Town offices, the Library & Senior Center are closed. Schools are off on vacation.

Trash and recycling are scheduled for a normal pick up. However, stuff may happen...

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

The 2025-2026 curbside calendar is also found on the Town of Franklin page - https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/1279/Waste-Management-Trash-and-Recycling-Collection-Services-2025-to-2026-PDF

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule for Saturday, April 18, 2026

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:

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule for Saturday

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 Saturday

Friday, April 17, 2026

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Friday, April 17, 2026 ???

Friday, April 17

9:00am Fallen Hero: John J. Kell (Franklin Town Common)

10:00am Knitting Group (Franklin Public Library)

1:00pm Thrifty Threads (Franklin Federated Church)

5:30pm The SAFE Gala: An Evening of Giving (tickets sold out; online auction available)

Senior Center events

For 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

Note: Senior Center checking on why their events are suddenly being shown as "All Day". You can use the monthly newsletter for specific program/event times

*** 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

Wellpoint Honors Franklin Police Chief TJ Lynch as a “Hometown Hero”

Wellpoint, a health benefits company in Massachusetts, recognized Franklin Chief of Police Thomas J. “TJ” Lynch as a Hometown Hero during a special celebration held in Franklin. In partnership with 98.5 The Sports Hub Bruins Radio Network, the Hometown Heroes initiative celebrates the contributions of individuals in public service across Massachusetts, shining a spotlight on the everyday acts of leadership and dedication that strengthen communities.

(L-R): Hellen, Morales, and Lynch

Chief Lynch has given more than 30 years of service to the Franklin Police Department, helping to make it one of the safest communities in the country. Under his leadership, the department achieved full accreditation, expanded regional collaboration through the MetroLEC SWAT task force, and advanced a more inclusive and forward-looking culture.

“Chief Lynch’s leadership has had a lasting impact on the Franklin community,” said David Morales, general manager of Wellpoint. “From advancing mental health support to building a culture centered on service and innovation, he has helped redefine what public safety looks like. At Wellpoint, we’re focused on improving the healthcare experience, and leaders like Chief Lynch are helping bring that same approach to the communities they serve.”

Chief Lynch has also been a leader in rethinking how public safety supports community well-being – establishing a co-response model that integrates mental health clinicians into policing and introducing therapy dogs to support residents in times of need.

“Chief Lynch's more than 30 years of service to the Franklin community reflect a career defined by integrity, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to public safety," said Town Administrator Jamie Hellen. "He has built a department that puts people first — supporting those who serve across every level of the department and the residents they protect. Franklin’s reputation as one of the safest communities in the country is, in no small part, a testament to his guidance and dedication. We are proud to recognize him as a true hometown hero.”

Many Town of Franklin Department leaders, and local official joined in the celebration

Additional photos of the event can be found in one album:

https://photos.app.goo.gl/zTJR3jnanFQw5XHM8

State Rep Jeff Roy's remarks

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/04/remarks-by-state-representative-jeffrey.html

The audio of the event

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/04/you-can-listen-to-hometown-hero-event.html

About Wellpoint:

Wellpoint is a health benefits company with deep, long-standing roots in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, serving Group Insurance Commission (GIC) members, retirees, and their families for more than 30 years. Wellpoint provides health benefits exclusively to people insured through the GIC, offering a variety of plan options that provide comprehensive medical benefits. All of our plans also include coverage for prescription drugs and behavioral health services. Administrative services for the plan are provided by Wellpoint Life & Health Insurance Company. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts is solely responsible for determination of eligibility and payment of any amounts due under the plan. For more information, go to wellpointmass.com.

Remarks by State Representative Jeffrey Roy at the Hometown Hero Award for Chief TJ Lynch

My thanks to State Representative Jeffrey Roy for graciously sharing his remarks for publication here:

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"Good afternoon everyone,

It's a privilege to be here today to celebrate a truly deserving recipient of the Hometown Hero Award-Franklin Police Chief TJ Lynch.

I want to begin by thanking the folks at Wellpoint, WEEI, and the Boston Bruins for shining a light on leaders like Chief Lynch. This award is about more than recognition-it's about elevating the stories of those who quietly and consistently make our communities stronger, safer, and more compassionate.

David Morales, general manager of Wellpoint,
Franklin Town Administrator Jamie Hellen;
Franklin Chief of Police Thomas J. “TJ” Lynch;
and State Rep Jeff Roy (speaking)

For more than 30 years, Chief Lynch has served the Town of Franklin with integrity, professionalism, and an unwavering commitment to public safety. But what makes his leadership so exceptional is not just the length of his service-it's the way he has shaped the culture of policing in our community. Under his guidance, the Franklin Police Department has become a model for what modern, community-centered policing should look like.

Chief Lynch understands that public safety is not just about enforcement-it's about relationships. It's about trust. And it's about meeting people where they are. That's why, under his leadership, the department achieved full accreditation, strengthened regional partnerships through the MetroLEC SWAT task force, and embraced innovative

approaches like co-response models that bring mental health clinicians into policing. He has also supported initiatives like therapy dogs, recognizing that sometimes the best way to serve is simply to provide comfort and connection in difficult moments.

As Town Administrator Jamie Hellen so well said, Chief Lynch has built a department that puts people first-supporting officers at every level while never losing sight of the residents they serve. Franklin's reputation as one of the safest communities in the country is no accident. It is, in large part, a reflection of his steady leadership, his forward-thinking approach, and his deep sense of duty.

The Hometown Heroes program honors those who go above and beyond in service to others-those whose everyday actions often go unnoticed but make a lasting difference.

Chief Lynch embodies that spirit completely. He leads not for recognition, but because he cares deeply about this community and the people in it.

Chief Lynch, on behalf of a grateful community, thank you-for your decades of service, for your leadership, and for the example you set every single day. We are proud to call you our Chief, and even prouder to call you a true hometown hero.

Congratulations"

Jeffrey Roy

State Representative

(L-R) David Morales, general manager of Wellpoint, Franklin Town Administrator Jamie Hellen; Franklin Chief of Police Thomas J. “TJ” Lynch; and State Rep Jeff Roy

Additional photos of the event can be found in one album:

https://photos.app.goo.gl/zTJR3jnanFQw5XHM8

The Wellpoint press release

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/04/wellpoint-honors-franklin-police-chief.html

The audio of the event

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/04/you-can-listen-to-hometown-hero-event.html

You can listen to the Hometown Hero event honoring Chief TJ Lynch Thursday, April 16, 2026 (audio)

FM #1717 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1717 in the series.

David Morales, general manager of Wellpoint,
Franklin Town Administrator Jamie Hellen;
Franklin Chief of Police Thomas J. “TJ” Lynch;
and State Rep Jeff Roy (speaking)

This episode contains the audio recording of the Hometown Hero event held on Thursday, April 16, 2026. Held at the Town of Franklin Police Station to recognize Chief TJ Lynch as a Hometown Hero.

Speakers in order of appearance:

Franklin Town Administrator Jamie Hellen
David Morales, general manager of Wellpoint,
Franklin Chief of Police Thomas J. “TJ” Lynch;
State Rep Jeff Roy

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1717-hometown-hero-event-04-16-26/

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The Wellpoint press release can be found

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/04/wellpoint-honors-franklin-police-chief.html

State Rep Jeff Roy's remarks

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/04/remarks-by-state-representative-jeffrey.html

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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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FY 2027 Budget Narrative: Legal Services section

From the Town Administrator's FY 2027 Budget Narrative, each department's story is worth sharing.

General Purpose

The Legal Department is responsible for providing independent legal advice and for participating in the drafting and reviewing of all legal instruments.

Core Functions

● The Town Attorney represents the Town on all legal matters, including litigation, contracts, drafting of Town bylaws, resolutions and zoning.

● The Town also engages special counsel for labor and personnel matters, as well as other specialties, as needed, such as solar or certain land use cases involving lawsuits and/or appeals.

● To provide exemplary customer service and legal advice to the Franklin Town Council, Town Administration and Town staff.

Stafﬁng

● One (1) Part-Time Town Attorney.

FY27 Requested Budget Highlights

● Excluding the 2.5% COLA, this is a level-funded budget.

● In the coming years, succession planning will be required to replace Attorney Cerel, which will be a very expensive and costly endeavor.

The PDF of this section -

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1cr6_pCoMDpAQpg-3Pisqzh3fAYEz9HyJ/view?usp=drive_link

For the full FY 2027 budget narrative - https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/8912/FY27-Budget-Narrative-FINAL-1

The FY 2027 budget information can be found

https://www.franklinma.gov/Archive.aspx?ADID=577

Franklin Art Association's 2nd Annual "FAKES & FORGERIES EXHIBITION", June 6th Reception

2nd Annual "FAKES & FORGERIES
EXHIBITION"

The Franklin Art Association warmly welcomes the public to enter their work into The Second Annual “Fakes and Forgeries Art Exhibit” !

Artwork Requirements:

Artwork must be framed, mounted on mat/foam board or gallery wrapped canvas
Artwork and Frame maximum 20" x 20" and Ready to hang with proper wiring
Must be a reproduction of the original Master artwork or a creative interpretation of the original, Master artwork.

The deadline for entries is May 2. This is a free public display featuring artistic reproductions and creative interpretations of masters’ artworks by local artists.

The exhibit will run from May 16 to June 6 during Museum hours at the Franklin Historical Museum, 80 West Central Street, Franklin downtown.

Rules for entries are; One entry per person. First come/ first served. Fifty entrants maximum due to space limitations.

To register, complete this form at: https://forms.gle/nSjk4b3Smo8g9TcB7. Enter quickly!!

Drop off for artwork will be on May 15, 10:00 - 11 AM at the Franklin Historical Museum. (And pick-up will be on June 7th, 4-6 PM at the Museum.)

This returning show is again a collaboration between the Franklin Historical Museum and The Franklin Art Association. It was so successful last year, we are joining to put it on again!

Opening Reception to the public on June 6th (same day as PorchFest in Franklin), 12-6 PM at The Franklin Historical Museum.

Participants are asked to volunteer to help make this event possible. Sign up here:

volunteersignup.org/79KT8

The Franklin Art Association takes pride in offering a student scholarship yearly to a local art student wishing to pursue art instruction after high school graduation.

Donations are Welcome.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Christine L. Toubeau blueart13@hotmail.com

Fallen Hero Recognition: John J. Kell - April 17, 2026 at 9 AM

Fallen Hero Recognition is conducted each date that one of the 45 were reported to have died. All recognitions are held at 9 AM on the Town Common Veterans Walkway.

The brief program (approx. 5 minutes) includes the placing of a Memorial Wreath for the day, a reading of whatever history may be available for that veteran, a salute from those present, and the playing of Taps.

This is a way of keeping the memory of that veteran alive. The public and any family members are welcome to attend.

Fallen Hero: Corporal John J. Kell, U.S. Army

Corporal John J. Kell, U.S. Army, was born in Franklin on November 4, 1924 to parents Archibald and Inez Kell. John lived with his parents, brothers and sisters at 39 Raymond Street and attended the Franklin Schools.

CPL Kell volunteered from Franklin and served two years with the military police in England before asking for a transfer to active duty on the war front. John received a transfer to the infantry and was on active duty for several months before he was killed in action in Germany on April 17, 1945.

Memorial services were conducted here in Franklin on May 13, 1945 honoring CPL John J. Kell whose eternal resting place is in an American Cemetery in Germany.

Corporal Kell was 20 at the time of his death serving his country in World War II.

Bishop Feehan prevails over the FHS tennis teams 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 16, 2026

Boys Tennis = Franklin, 0 @ Bishop Feehan, 5 – Final

Girls Tennis = Franklin, 1 vs. Bishop Feehan, 4 – Final

– Franklin sophomore Anna Powers pulled out a win at third singles after a marathon of a match, prevailing 7-6 (3), 6-7 (4), 10-3.

For other results across the Hockomock League (subscription required)

https://hockomocksports.com/thursdays-schedule-scoreboard-04-16-26/

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

Franklin Public Library May 2026 Event highlights

May 2026

2026 Reading Challenge
May: A Book Set in Massachusetts
Looking for a way to expand your reading habits this year? Join the Massachusetts Center for the Book 2026 Reading Challenge for adults and the library will reward your reading with a coupon for a free book from our book sale! Check out the details on our Reading Challenges page.

Special Events for Kids & Teens
Plush Pet Adoption Day! Saturday, May 2 @ 1pm
Come adopt a reading buddy at the library! Decorate a collar, make an adoption certificate, and enjoy a dog-themed storytime with your new best friend!

Science Night, Wednesday, May 6 @ 5:30pm
Families - join our awesome teen volunteers for a special science night! No registration required.

Teen Stress Relief Night, Wednesday, May 6 @ 5:30pm
Join us for a night of relaxation and rejuvenation before those big exams! No registration required.

Pen to Picture! Saturday, May 16 @ 1pm
Join us as we welcome award-winning illustrator, author, and artist Colleen AF Venable to Franklin! Hear all about her creative process and participate in interactive breakout sessions. Photo ops and book signings will be available too. No registration required.

Hairstyling Workshop for Grown-Ups & Kiddos, Saturday, May 30 @ 1pm
Come to the library for a special hairstyling workshop! Learn to do a few special styles on your kiddo’s hair, and leave with a kit to continue building your skills at home. No registration required.

Petite Prom! Saturday, May 30 @ 2pm
Get dressed up and join the library for our very first Petite Prom! There'll be music, snacks, dancing, and an epic prom photobooth! No registration required.

Special Events for Adults
Diamond Art De-Stress, Thursday, May 14 @ 6:30pm
Registration Required
Give your day some sparkle & zen. Enjoy a meditative diamond art project with coffee or tea and conversation or quiet as you prefer. All materials provided. For ages 18+.

Mahjong Meetup, Tuesday, May 26 @ 6pm
Whether you have a rudimentary knowledge of mahjong or have been playing for years, we would love to have you join us for an evening of strategy, luck and fun. This is an opportunity for the novice to hone their skills and experienced players to share their knowledge. This event will not include instruction on how to play. If you have your own mahjong set, please bring it along. Play begins at 6pm, but the fun can start any time before the library closes! No registration required. For ages 18+.

Special Events for All Ages
Wind Phone Pebble Paint w/ Cultural District, Saturday, May 2 @ 10am
Come join us for a creative and meaningful afternoon as we paint pebbles for our community “rock garden,” a space that will live beside the upcoming WindPhone installation at Franklin Sculpture Park, set to debut in late May. Led by Franklin Artist Amy Adams, this is a chance for kids and adults alike to see how the smallest gesture can inspire moments of empathy. All are welcome for this free activity! Just bring your creativity and an open heart. No registration required.

Craft Supply Swap, Saturday, May 9 @ 1pm
Bring a bag of your own craft supply donations and/or come to shop Franklin Public Library's first Craft Supply Swap! More details are listed on the library calendar. If you are interested in volunteering for evaluation and sorting, please email mgousie@minlib.net.

Melodious Zach: An Elton John Experience, Saturday, May 23 @ 3pm
Hear the stories and songs of Elton John in this historical jaunt through Elton’s music. Featuring early songs like “Skyline Pigeon,” hits like “Crocodile Rock,” “Hakuna Matata,” and more recent tunes like “I Want Love.” No registration required.

Franklin Library Book Sale
Friday, May 15: 1 - 5pm
Saturday, May 16: 9am - 12pm
All books are just one dollar!
Bag Sale - $5 Per Bag
Saturday, May 16: 1 - 4pm
Come fill a brown bag with all the books you can!

Reminder: STOP THE BLEED CLASS April 22, 2026

The Franklin Health and Fire Department is hosting another FREE Stop the Bleed class for community members on April 22nd from 3 PM - 4:30 PM at the Franklin Fire station.

Individuals will learn how to recognize life-threatening bleeding and act quickly and effectively to control bleeding in order to help save a life. Please share the attached flyer and sign-up link on social media and bulletin boards.

Thank you for your assistance!

SIGN UP LINK: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0945ACAF2EAAF9C25-63272812-stop

Alisha Sullivan RN, BSN

Public Health Nurse | Health Department

10 Daniel McCahill Street

Franklin, Massachusetts 02038-1352

Drug take back day - Saturday, April 25

Safely dispose of medications at SAFE’s RX disposal stations, part of the DEA’s National Take Back Day. It's completely free and totally anonymous!

Saturday, April 25 from 10 AM to noon

Locations:

- Franklin, SAFE Office

- Medway Town Hall

- Norfolk Police Department

- Wrentham Town Hall

- Millis Fire Department

What can you bring? Any medication you want to get rid of—over-the-counter pills, prescription medications, and even liquids and creams.

We CANNOT accept sharps/syringes.

Supported by Opioid Abatement Funds from the Towns of Franklin, Norfolk, Medway, Millis, and Wrentham.

Shared from = https://www.instagram.com/p/DW1liqhkvuI/

Earth Day opportunities - April 18

at least three opportunities to choose from to help with Earth Day

1 - Recreation Dept clean up start point at Beaver Pond - 9 AM to Noon - https://www.facebook.com/share/18UM9o5DZG/

2 - Pack 92 Earth Day Clean up - 9:30 AM to 11 AM

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/04/join-earth-day-clean-up-with-pack-92.html

3 - The Franklin Agriculture Commission, the Conservation Commission and Fairmount Fruit Farm activities - 10 AM to 2 PM https://www.facebook.com/share/1FJkMUFJhw/