"Please let any one you know who graduated in 1976 that our 50th Class Reunion tickets and info can be found here: https://fhs-class-of-76.org/fhs-class-of-76-page?"
Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BznQsH59W/
Thursday, May 14, 2026
'please' should not be needed (poem)
'please' should not be needed
I
In the search for happiness is it enough to have stuff in your bowl,
or to help those with empty bowls
Many streets pass over culverts where we have no clue they run underneath, yet that water is critical to our lives, with or without an empty bowl
While Franklin is considered an idyllic community, it is not immune from food insecurity; almost 10 percent of our neighbors regularly face an empty bowl
If all you have is a hammer, there should be only a few circumstances where that hammer can positively help someone with an empty bowl
The new building campaign was not about "just the building"; it was about how the Pantry will be better able to use the space it provides to help those with empty bowls
Our neighbors stories are many, varied, and deeply personal; we need to be respectful when helping someone with an empty bowl
II
The UN has an internet vocabulary game that for every correct answer they help to provide grains of rice to someone with an empty bowl
FHS students have worked diligently, crafting ceramic bowls in various shapes, colors, and designs as a reminder of those with empty bowls
The student led Empty Bowl dinner gets folks together for soup and conversation to help create the awareness of those with empty bowls
The ceramics crafted for the silent auction are truly works of art, some practical, some glorious, all reminding us to help those with an empty bowl
Some indigenous languages had no equivalent for "please", food was meant to be shared, it was a cultural given that one was treated respectfully when one had an empty bowl
Recovering from the pandemic will take time, many folks may have been shocked to find out how close they were to facing an empty bowl
In reeling from the shock, the hope is that folks will recognize how easy it is, that they too, can help someone with an empty bowl
** For Brenna Johnson and the FHS Empty Bowls Club, by Steve Sherlock
Original post of poem https://www.quietpoet.com/2023/03/please-should-not-be-needed.html
Audio Conversations with members of the Empty Bowls Club:
2025 - Talking about the 10th Anniversary of Empty Bowls (audio) https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/05/talking-about-10th-anniversary-of-empty.html
2024 - This episode talks about working with clay and words to create awareness around Empty Bowls 2024 (audio) https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/04/this-episode-talks-about-working-with.html
2023 - The Empty Bowls Club talks about awareness of food insecurity and how the ceramic bowls help (audio) https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/05/the-empty-bowls-club-talks-about.html
2021 -> Inside Empty Bowls 2021 - 06/08/21 https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/06/fm-561-inside-empty-bowls-2021-060821.html
2020 -> FHS Empty Bowl Club Stars 5/04/20 https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/05/fm-263-fhs-empty-bowl-club-stars-50420.html
The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW): Episode 315 - Sustainability with Sandra Taylor
Hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi exploring all things wine with you!
Sustainability with Sandra Taylor
In this episode of The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW), hosts Kim and Mark dive deep into the world of sustainable viticulture with special guest Sandra Taylor. As the author of Vines and Values: A Consumer’s Guide to Sustainable Wine, Sandra brings a unique perspective to the table, sharing her fascinating professional journey from law school to earning a wine MBA.
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| Episode 315 - Sustainability with Sandra Taylor |
The conversation breaks down the complexities of what "sustainable wine" actually means, why it is becoming a critical focus for the industry, and—most importantly—how you can identify these practices on a bottle label. Sandra explores the nuances of sustainability in both the vineyard and the cellar, shedding light on the reality of wine additives and the ongoing debate between "Big Wine" and artisanal productions.
Key topics covered in this episode:
- The Weight of Quality: Does a heavy glass bottle actually mean the wine inside is better?
- Organic vs. Certified: Understanding the distinction between "wine made with organic grapes" and "certified organic wine."
- Beyond the Soil: A look into biodynamics and vegan wine.
- The Future of Buying: Sandra introduces her upcoming "Wine-Watch" 50-point sustainable rating system, a potential game-changer for conscious consumers.
To learn more about Sandra’s work, visit sandraetaylor.com.
For more episodes and wine education, head over to thewww.wine.
Cheers,
Kim and Mark
#WinePodcast #SustainableWine #VinesAndValues #WineEducation #OrganicWine #BiodynamicWine #EcoFriendly #WineLabels #WineIndustry #TheWonderfulWorldOfWine #VeganWine #SandraTaylor
The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW)
Hosts Mark Lenzi And Kim Simone Explore All Things Wine With You! Airing Weekly On Franklin Radio WFPR 102.9 FM ...
Episode 315-Sustainability with Sandra Taylor by The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW)
Once Upon a Town: The post office (video)
Here is the latest episode of "Once Upon A Town" that Scott Mason and Joe Pandry taped at Franklin TV.
Video link - https://youtu.be/AZC1MJfGS7k?
Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1B9MhBshf2/
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| Once Upon a Town: The post office (video) |
Franklin Public Radio wfpr.fm schedule for Thursday, May 14, 2026
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:
8:00 AM, 1:00 PM, and 6:00 PM - Franklin Matters Radio – Steve Sherlock covering Franklin, its local government, services, and events (Repeats Saturday at 3:00 PM)
9:00 AM, 2:00 PM, and 7:00 PM - first hour
10:00 AM, 3:00 PM, and 8:00 PM - second hour
Turntable – "Enjoy a fun experience with co-hosts The Vibe and Pauly G sharing personal discussions about a featured rock n roll vinyl record (1st hour) and the best, all music Vibe Playlist (2nd hour)"
Find the playlist -> https://tinyurl.com/TurntablePlaylists
Franklin TV schedule for Thursday, May 14, 2026 (Your local Public, Education & Government "PEG" station)
Franklin All Access TV - Our Public Access Channel (Comcast 6, Verizon 26) = THURSDAY
Franklin Pride TV - Our Educational Channel (Comcast 8, Verizon 28) = THURSDAY
Franklin Town Hall TV - Our Government Channel (Comcast 9, Verizon 29) = THURSDAY
Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf
Wednesday, May 13, 2026
What's happening in Franklin, MA: Wednesday, May 13, 2026 ???
Wednesday, May 13
1:00pm Family Night at the Theater. (Franklin High School)
1:00pm Writer's Group (Franklin Senior Center)
6:30pm Bingo night (Kings Brick Oven Pizza & Pub
6:30pm Franklin Elks Bingo Night (Franklin Elks Lodge #2136)
7:00pm Trivia (Raillery Public House)
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| For additional details on Senior Center events -> |
*** Town Meetings today ***
Charles River Pollution Control District
Wednesday, May 13 Time: 3:30 PM
https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05122026-2304
Town Council Meeting
Wednesday, May 13 Time: 6:00 PM
https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05132026-2308
Cultural District Committee Meeting
Wednesday, May 13 Time: 7:00 PM
https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05132026-2299
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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
The School district calendar is found https://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/o/fpsd/page/school-calendar
Reminder 2nd Town Council meeting of the week, Wednesday, May 13
Attend or watch the upcoming Franklin Town Council Meeting !!!
- Wednesday, May 13 - 6:00 PM
- Council Chambers at the Franklin Municipal Building
Residents are welcome to attend in person or participate remotely via Zoom 💻
Watch live on Franklin Town Hall TV: https://buff.ly/PBWYAZF
View the agenda and webinar link here: https://buff.ly/XX3OpAH
Shared from https://www.facebook.com/share/1DyQLxQtDi/
FY 2027 Budget Narrative: Franklin Historical Museum
From the Town Administrator's FY 2027 Budget narrative, each department's story is worth sharing.
General Purpose
The Franklin Historical Museum is a cultural heritage institution devoted to the stewardship of Franklin’s history and culture. Our mission is to collect historical artifacts and archival records pertaining to Franklin’s history; preserve the artifacts and documents in our collections; make materials accessible to the public; and to educate the public about Franklin’s historical and cultural narratives through exhibits and programming.
Core Functions
● Collection and Preservation
○ Collect historical artifacts and documents relating to the history of the Town of Franklin, including records from businesses and industries, educational institutions, municipal activities, religious organizations, and social organizations, dating from the 18th to 21st centuries. Ensure the physical stewardship of fragile documents and artifacts, and carry out preservation measures where necessary.
● Organization and Description
○ Organize, describe, and house objects and archival collections according to professional museum administration and archival standards. Develop and manage internal collection documentation, including donation records, object catalogs and inventory, informative finding aids for archival collections, and loan agreements. Make collection documentation accessible to inquiring parties.
● Education and Advocacy
○ In cooperation with the Historical Commission, plan and coordinate exhibits and programming to educate the public on the history of Franklin, and promote awareness and advocate for the protection of the town’s historical and cultural resources.
● Historical Reference
○ Fulfill inquiries and requests from researchers, community members, and town departments on business and industrial history, historical property research, genealogy, and other historical topics related to the Town of Franklin.
Staffing
● One (1) Archivist
Strategic Initiatives & Accomplishments
● Welcomed over 2,300 visitors from Franklin and surrounding towns for an average of 197 visitors per month, our highest annual attendance on record and a 16.6% increase in visitorship over 2024.
● Offered educational programming on a range of cultural and historical subjects to the public through five exhibits, thirteen guest speaker events, and two musical events.
● With funding from the Community Preservation Committee and support from the Facilities Department, restoration of the cupola was completed on our 183-year-old building.
● Continue to advocate for the preservation of historical resources in the community and make them accessible to the public through programming and exhibits.
● Expand outreach to surrounding communities to increase visitorship and build solidarity with local historic organizations.
● Grow digital collections to improve awareness of and accessibility to communal historic resources.
FY27 Requested Budget Highlights
● This is a level funded budget.
FY27 Requested Budget Summary
The Franklin Historical Museum is requesting a level funded budget for FY27, with no increases beyond the standard 2.5% COLA for the Archivist, the sole non-union employee for the department. In total, FHM’s budget request accounts for 0.04% of the Town Administrator’s FY27 Operating Budget Model. While this request accounts for a small percentage of the overall budget, that small percentage is fundamental to the continued activities of the Historical Museum, and essential to its mission to preserve and protect Franklin’s historical and cultural heritage.
A loss of funding and/or the sole municipal employee at the museum would result in the loss of 50 years’ worth of progress in historical stewardship and storytelling, the loss of a community space that has been utilized and treasured by Franklin's citizens for the past 183 years, and the loss of 247 years’ worth of history directly preceding the Town’s 250th anniversary in 2028. We hope to continue our mission in sharing historical narratives and being a space by the community, for the community.
The PDF of this section -
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
2026 Memorial Day observances for the Town of Franklin - Monday, May 25
The Town of Franklin invites residents, veterans, families and visitors to come together in remembrance and gratitude during the community’s 2026 Memorial Day observances. A series of events will honor the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country.
On Memorial Day, the community is invited to attend a series of commemorative events, beginning with ceremonies at Dean College at 9:30 AM, Union Street Cemetery at 9:50 AM, and St. Mary’s Cemetery at 10:10 AM, prior to the start of the parade.
Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony — May 25, 2026
The Memorial Day Parade is scheduled for Monday, May 25, 2026, at 11 AM, beginning at Horace Mann Middle School and proceeding along Oak Street, Daniel McCahill Street, Union Street, West Central Street, Emmons Street and Main Street, ending at the Franklin Town Common.
View the parade route: Memorial Day 2026 Parade Route
Download a PDF copy - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1L7xl3qkGgSuR-9vLd2wpdOCqsiBUPdRq/view?usp=sharing
The Memorial Day Ceremony will be held at 12 PM at the World War I Memorial on the Town Common immediately following the parade. The ceremony will honor Franklin veterans who have passed since last Memorial Day, as well as the Town’s 45 fallen heroes who died in service to the nation.
In the event of inclement weather, updates and cancellation notices will be posted on the Town’s Veterans’ Services webpage (https://www.franklinma.gov/335/Veterans-Services).
Memorial Day is a time to reflect on the sacrifices made by those who served. The Town of Franklin encourages all to take part in these observances and join in honoring the legacy of our nation’s heroes.
Franklin Police Department conduct annual awards ceremony
"Today (5/10/26) we gathered together — patrol officers, supervisors, command staff, retirees, families, and friends — to honor the officers who stood out this year during our annual award ceremony.
As officers, accepting awards is never easy. Many of the calls we respond to are during the worst moments of someone’s life. We do not do this job for recognition; most of us simply feel like we are doing the job we took an oath to do.
What is important, however, is recognizing the families who stand beside us through the hard days, sad days, quiet days, and the “I don’t want to talk about it” days. Our families carry this job with us, often without ever seeing firsthand why those days happen. Ceremonies like today give them the opportunity to understand why so many call these officers heroes, even when they don’t see themselves that way.
It was our honor to recognize the following members today:
Life Saving Award:
- Officer David Gove and Officer Joseph Burchill
Honorable Service Award:
- Sergeant John Godino
Leadership Award:
- Lieutenant Michael Colecchi
Exceptional Duty Award:
- Officers Eric Cusson, Nicholas Storelli, David Ricci, Robert Burchill and Timothy Trubiano
Letters of Merit:
- Sergeant Louis Marguerite and Kalman Koblick Detective Tara Lagoa
- Officers Eric Cusson, Jovan Bielski, Andrew Viall, Nicholas Storelli, Robert Young, Derek Mackey, Conor Desmond, Kevin Quinn, Timothy Trubiano, Victoria McVicar, Robert Burchill, Jonathan Butler, Kevin Quinn, David Ricci, Jonathan Giron and Richard Martini
- Clinician Kallie Montagano
Congratulations to all of today’s recipients, and thank you to every member of the Franklin Police Department and their families for your sacrifice, professionalism, and dedication to this community every single day."
Shared from https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1GH7Pisbww/
Boston Globe girls lacrosse top teams references Franklin
Via the Boston Globe:
"For the first time this season, there is a new No. 1 in the Globe’s girls’ lacrosse Top 20 after previously-unbeaten Concord-Carlisle fell to both Hingham and Reading in the past week.
Walpole had a chance to assume the top spot, but a setback against Notre Dame (Hingham) means both the defending Division 1 and Division 2 champions descend slightly.
Cohasset and NDA have each only lost once, to each other, and the Skippers claim the top spot because their loss came when their four seniors were on a school trip.
NDA also doubled up Chelmsford, which means Sandwich and Duxbury leapfrog the Lions. Undefeated Franklin has only faced tests against Foxborough and Westwood so far, but upcoming games with Medfield and Bishop Feehan will offer a glimpse into the Panthers’ long-term potential."
Continue reading the article with this shared link
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| MARK STOCKWELL FOR THE BOSTON GLOBE |
Wash Smart, Drive Clean
"Washing your car at home might seem convenient, but that soapy water doesn’t disappear, it heads into storm drains and flows straight to local rivers and lakes near Franklin.
Be kind to clean water. Choose a commercial car wash that recycles dirty water. Or wash on the lawn so the ground can soak it up. Go easy on the soap and use biodegradable products when you can.
Small shifts = cleaner streams. Let’s drive a little cleaner."
🔗 Learn more at https://franklinma.gov/530/Stormwater-Division
Family Night at the Theater - Weds, May 13 at Franklin High School
"Hey Franklin! This event is this Wednesday!
The Franklin HS Theatre Company has worked really hard on it, so if you have kiddos or younger siblings and are looking for something fun to do Wednesday night, this is perfect! 
(Even if you don’t, stop by and support the arts in Franklin!)"
Community Concert featuring FHS Seniors on May 20!
Join us for a special evening of music and celebration on Wednesday, May 20 at 6 PM, as we showcase the talent, creativity, and hard work of Franklin High School’s graduating seniors. This free community concert brings together friends, families, and neighbors to honor these young artists as they prepare to step into their next chapter. It’s a night to cheer them on, enjoy great music, and celebrate the spirit of our community.
- Free admission
- Family‑friendly
- All are welcome
Join us at Franklin UMC. Let’s fill the space with applause, joy, and gratitude for these remarkable FHS students as they share their gifts with their community.
Shared from https://franklinumc.org/community/concerts/
This month, Pass It On to help someone you know avoid a scam
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Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm Schedule for Wednesday, May 13, 2026
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:
8:00 AM, 1:00 PM and 6:00 PM Franklin Matters Radio – Steve Sherlock
Franklin and its local government, services and events (repeats Saturday at 2 PM)
9:00 AM, 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM The Wonderful World of Wine – Mark Lenzi, Kim Simone All about wine, its culture, lore and finer points. (repeats Saturday at 1 PM)
Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf
Franklin TV schedule for Wednesday, May 13, 2026 (Your local Public, Education & Government "PEG" station)
Franklin All Access TV - Our Public Access Channel (Comcast 6, Verizon 26) = WEDNESDAY
Franklin Pride TV - Our Educational Channel (Comcast 8, Verizon 28) = WEDNESDAY
Franklin Town Hall TV - Our Government Channel (Comcast 9, Verizon 29) = WEDNESDAY
Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf
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