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Sunday, May 17, 2026
Steve Ballmer explains the Federal Reserve (video)
Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule for Sunday, May 17, 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:
Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf
Saturday, May 16, 2026
What's happening in Franklin, MA: Saturday, May 16, 2026 ???
Saturday, May 16
Beautification Day - Franklin
Beautification Day - Franklin
7:30am Registration for FBRTC 5K (SNETT Trail head)
8:00am Norfolk Aggie AG Mech Club Spring Car Show (Norfolk County Agricultural School)
8:00am St. Mary Men's Faith Formation Group (St. Mary's Parish)
9:00am Thrifty Threads (Franklin Federated Church)
9:00am Beautification Day (Franklin, MA 02038, USA)
9:00am FBRTC 5K (Southern New England Trunkline Trail Franklin Trailhead)
10:00am Franklin Historical Museum (always free)
10:00am Rise Up (Franklin United Methodist Church)
12:00pm Celebrate 11 Years of La Cantina Winery (La Cantina Winery)
8:00pm Karaoke at The Raillery (Raillery Public House)
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*** 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
The School district calendar is found https://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/o/fpsd/page/school-calendar
New regulation on Kratom and related products effective May 20, 2026
Re: New Regulation
Dear Sir/Madam,
The Board of Health implemented the Regulation Prohibiting the Manufacturing, Sale, and Distribution of Synthetically Derived Kratom, Natural Kratom Leaf, Kratom Leaf Extract Mitagynin and Unregulated Novel Intoxicating Products; Article § 248; Sales.
The regulation will go into effect on Wednesday, May 20, 2026 to give the stores carrying the product time to remove All Kratom products and Unregulated Novel Intoxicating products (listed in the regulation) from your inventory.
The regulation can be found on the Health Department’s website. An enforcement visit will be conducted in the following weeks after May 20, 2026.
If you have any questions regarding this matter you can contact me at the town offices at 355 E Central Street, Franklin, MA or by phone at (508) 520-4905. Your prompt attention to this issue is appreciated.
Sincerely,
Cathleen Liberty
Director of Public Health
Link to regulation: https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/9458/Article-248-Prohibiting-Sale-of-Kratom-and-other-productsA
Link to Board of Health meeting at which the public hearing and passage of the regulation was held. https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/04/board-of-health-reviews-potential.html
FY 2027 Budget Narrative: Franklin Cultural Council
From the Town Administrator's FY 2027 Budget narrative, each department's story is worth sharing.
General Purpose
The Franklin Cultural Council (FCC) is dedicated to supporting arts, culture, and the humanities within the Franklin community. As a Local Cultural Council (LCC) funded by the Massachusetts Cultural Council (MCC) and supplemented by municipal support, the FCC provides grants and programming that enhance public access to diverse cultural experiences. The FY26 budget reflects our ongoing commitment to funding local artists, educators, and organizations while expanding public engagement with cultural initiatives.
Core Functions
● Grant Distribution: Administers Massachusetts Cultural Council (MCC) grants to support local arts, humanities, and interpretive sciences projects.
● Grant Reporting & Compliance: Ensures adherence to MCC guidelines and proper documentation of funded initiatives.
● Community Engagement: Promotes cultural opportunities for Franklin residents through events, programs, and partnerships.
● Cultural Advocacy: Serves as a liaison between the community and state cultural agencies to advance Franklin’s creative economy.
● Diversity & Inclusion in the Arts: Prioritizes equitable access to arts and culture for all community members.
● Cultural District Collaboration: Works alongside the Franklin Cultural District Committee to foster cultural growth and visibility.
● Event Sponsorship & Support: Assists in organizing, funding, and promoting cultural events within the town.
● Education & Youth Programs: Encourages arts and cultural education through partnerships with schools and local organizations.
Staffing
● Nine (9) Volunteer Members
○ Includes: One (1) Chair○ Includes: One (1) Treasurer
Strategic Initiatives & Accomplishments
● Successfully Distributed MCC Grants. Funded over $40K in local cultural programming through the FY25 grant cycle, supporting artists, nonprofit cultural organizations, and community-based projects.
● Increased Grant Applications. Expanded outreach efforts, resulting in a higher number of applicants for MCC funding, including new organizations and youth-focused programs.
○ FY24 $59,002 in requests from FCC○ FY25 $81,925 in requests from FCC○ FY26 $168,041 in requests from FCC
● Engaged Schools and Youth Organizations. Funded cultural programs that directly benefited students and young artists, fostering arts education and creative engagement across the community.
○ Some of the organizations that the FCC has funded in FY26: The Franklin Farmers Market, Empty Bowls Project, The 4th of July Coalition, The Franklin Senior Center, The Franklin Public Library, the Franklin High School Theater Booster Club, The Franklin Art Association, The Franklin School of the Performing Arts.
● Supported Key Cultural Events. Provided funding and promotional support for
signature town-wide events, including The Strawberry Stroll, Harvest Festival Trunk-or-Treats, and the 2nd Annual ‘A Wreath of Franklin’, helping to increase attendance and community participation.
● Implemented More Transparent Reporting. Improved documentation and tracking of grant impacts, providing clear reporting on community, educational, and cultural outcomes.
FY27 Requested Budget Highlights
● This is a level funded budget. The state provides grant money to the FCC based on a formula in state law and is subject to appropriation by the state Legislature.
● The Town continues its own resources to “match” the state grant money.
FY27 Requested Budget Summary
The Franklin Cultural Council is requesting our standard $20,000 to continue supporting the expanding pool of local MCC grant applicants, including emerging and youth-focused artists and organizations. These funds will also support sustain free, community-wide arts programming that enriches public spaces, engages residents of all ages, and strengthens Franklin’s cultural identity.
Investing in this funding ensures broader access to the arts, promotes local talent, and enhances community participation, positioning Franklin as a vibrant regional hub for arts and culture.
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
BFCCPS Spring Art Show (K-8) - May 16 from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Join us this weekend for the BFCCPS Spring Art Show! Saturday, May 16 from 11:00AM - 6:00PM in the Learning Commons.
Come celebrate the creativity of all of our student artists! Also, you can enter the free raffle for your chance to win the mystery art surprise!
Hope to see you there!
Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule for Saturday, May 16, 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:
Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf
Friday, May 15, 2026
What's happening in Franklin, MA: Friday, May 15, 2026 ???
Friday, May 15
10:00am Knitting Group (Franklin Public Library)
1:00pm Thrifty Threads (Franklin Federated Church)
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| For additional details on Senior Center events -> |
*** 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
The School district calendar is found https://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/o/fpsd/page/school-calendar
Franklin Letter Carriers and Local Residents Provide 8,300 Meals Through "Stamp Out Hunger" Food Drive
On Saturday, May 9, the Franklin Letter Carriers collected approximately 10,000 pounds of food and household essentials during the annual Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive. Despite the rain, residents across Franklin filled bags with donations, providing the equivalent of 8,300 meals to help the Franklin Food Pantry support neighbors experiencing food insecurity. The town-wide outpouring of support comes as the need for food assistance has reached an all-time high.
Over the past year, volunteers have played an important role in preparing for the drive. Franklin youth, civic groups, and local businesses, assembled instruction bundles and paper bags which were donated by Allegra Print and Marketing. Franklin Letter Carriers delivered the bundles to households throughout Franklin to help promote the food drive and encourage households to participate.
"While the Stamp Out Hunger food drive culminates in one incredible day of action, the work behind the scenes is a year-round commitment from Franklin Letter Carriers, volunteers, and supporters in our community," said Anne McGillis, Director of Operations at the Franklin Food Pantry. "The Pantry relies on Stamp Out Hunger donations to help sustain our community through the spring months. We are profoundly grateful to our letter carriers and community for their generosity and support."
For households who missed the drive but still wish to participate, The Pantry accepts donations at their 341 W Central St. location. Items can be placed in the purple bin on the loading dock at the back of the building. Supporters can shop and send donations directly through The Pantry’s Amazon Wish List, and monetary donations can be made on The Pantry’s website.
Stamp Out Hunger 2027 is scheduled for Saturday, May 8, 2027, rain or shine! For more information about volunteering or to learn more about upcoming community initiatives that help fight food insecurity, please visit www.franklinfoodpantry.org.
About Franklin Food Pantry, Inc.
The Franklin Food Pantry, Inc. offers supplemental food assistance, household necessities, and resource referrals to more than 1,880 individuals per year. The Pantry relies on donations and grants to purchase items and pay for daily operations, and partnerships with The Greater Boston Food Bank, Spoonfuls, and local grocery stores to achieve greater buying power and lower costs. Programs include Inside Shopping, Curbside Pickup, Emergency Food Boxes, Mobile Pantries, Home Delivery, Kids’ Snack Bags, Weekend Backpacks, Holiday Meals, and the SNAP match at Franklin Farmers Market.
The Pantry is, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization in good standing in Massachusetts, recognized by Charity Navigator as a Four-Star Charity, and awarded GuideStar’s Platinum Transparency ranking. The Pantry is located at 341 W Central St. in Franklin, MA on Route 140. Please visit www.franklinfoodpantry.org, or on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn for more information.
FY 2027 Budget Narrative: Department of Arts, Culture, and the Creative Economy
From the Town Administrator's FY 2027 Budget narrative, each department's story is worth sharing.
General Purpose
The Department of Arts, Culture, and the Creative Economy exists to foster a thriving, inclusive, and dynamic cultural environment that enhances the quality of life in the Town of Franklin.
The department works to position Franklin as a regional leader in arts, culture, and creative innovation, ensuring that cultural engagement remains a core part of the town’s identity, economic vitality, and long-term growth.
Core Functions
● Supports and Promotes Local Arts
○ Encourages the growth of artists, cultural organizations, and creative enterprises through programming, partnerships, and public opportunities.
● Drives Economic Development
○ Leverages Franklin’s cultural assets to increase tourism, support local businesses, and strengthen the Town’s creative economy.
● Enhances Public Spaces
○ Develops and supports public art installations, cultural programming, and creative placemaking efforts that activate parks, downtown spaces, and community gathering areas.
● Engages the Community
○ Creates opportunities for residents of all ages and backgrounds to participate in cultural experiences, events, and creative programming.
● Collaborates with Stakeholders
○ Works in partnership with municipal departments, local businesses, schools, non-profits, and cultural organizations to integrate arts and culture into broader community initiatives.
● Supports the Franklin Cultural District and the Franklin Cultural Council
○ Strengthens Franklin’s designated Cultural District as a hub for creativity, economic activity, and community engagement while supporting the work of the Franklin Cultural Council.
● Administers Funding and Grants
○ Oversees cultural grants and funding opportunities to expand access to arts programming and support local creative initiatives.
Staffing
● One (1) Director of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy
Strategic Initiatives & Accomplishments
● Strengthen the Franklin Cultural District
○ Promoted and supported district-wide events that increased community participation and visibility.○ Expanded partnerships with local businesses, artists, and organizations.○ Secured additional funding and grant support for Cultural District initiatives.○ Expanded the “A-Wreath-of-Franklin” program alongside in downtown Franklin.
● Advanced Public Art Initiatives
○ Launched in May 2025, ‘The Town of Franklin is proud to be the first municipality in the United States to implement Arts Prescriptions, an innovative initiative designed to support community well-being and combat the ongoing impacts of the opioid crisis. ‘ Through the use of opioid settlement funds, Franklin is integrating creative experiences—such as music, dance, visual arts, and theater—into substance use prevention, harm reduction, treatment, and recovery efforts. This pioneering program demonstrates the town’s commitment to fostering resilience and healing through the transformative power of the arts. Read on to learn more about how Franklin is leading the way in this groundbreaking approach to recovery.
■ Since the partnership on May 1, 2025, community members have been referred to Art Pharmacy, and 88% of those individuals have completed intake with a Care Navigator.
■ For those individuals who have been enrolled, arts and culture events have been scheduled to support their engagement in local, community-based opportunities to support their well-being. .
■ All community members have access to bring a companion along with them to their event to support their engagement.
■ Costs for these events for community members and their companions are covered as part of the contract.
■ Enrolled individuals are actively involved in personalized Care Navigation with Art Pharmacy’s team to support their engagement in the Art Pharmacy Program.
■ Revitalized the ‘Arts and Culture Symposium’, attracting regional tourism and integrating Pop-Up Art initiatives into Franklin’s cultural landscape
■ Strengthened the partnership with Wheaton College to expand the Franklin Sculpture Park program with new installations.
■ Launched multiple public art calls for artists including:
● MBTA train station mural, Microgalleries, The Art of Play, and other Public art stipends
■ Increased public engagement with Franklin’s public art collection through digital outreach and educational materials; partnering with the Franklin Historical Museum and the BLACK BOX Theater. Designed and distributed a youth-focused public art educational materials.
● Boosted Grant and Funding Opportunities
○ Effectively managed the $50,000 public art allocation from Senator Rebecca Rausch and administered Massachusetts Cultural Council grants to support local artists and community-based cultural projects.○ Secured additional funding through Cultural District grants, Festival grants, and Accessibility/Disability initiatives.○ Improved transparency and reporting on the impact of cultural grant funding.
● Fostered Community and Economic Growth Through the Creative Economy
○ Advocated for initiatives supporting artists, creative entrepreneurs, and local businesses.○ Increased economic activity within the Franklin Cultural District through event-driven tourism and cultural programming.○ Partnered with local businesses and organizations to integrate arts and culture into broader town initiatives.
● Positioned Franklin for Future Cultural Growth
○ Strengthened relationships with state and regional cultural organizations.○ Laid the groundwork for expanded cultural tourism and regional programming initiatives.○ Established formal partnerships with Massachusetts Cultural Council, Wheaton College, and regional arts councils to support collaborative programming and resource sharing.○ Developed strategic plans and preliminary materials for expanded cultural tourism initiatives, including a Franklin Public Art Map, walking tours, and marketing for district-wide events, laying the foundation for measurable increases in visitor engagement.○ Coordinated with local businesses and institutions to pilot new regional programming, including Pop-Up Art exhibits and collaborative festivals, to integrate Franklin into broader regional cultural networks.
FY27 Requested Budget Highlights
● Marketing
FY26: $7,000 | FY27: $12,000 → Increase: $5,000
○ Justification: Increased funding supports expanded marketing, promotional materials, and outreach for Cultural District events, festivals, and new initiatives like the Pop-Up Art projects and Franklin Cultural District Guide.
FY27 Requested Budget Summary
The FY27 requested budget for the Department of Arts, Culture, and the creative Economy is essential to sustain and expand Franklin’s cultural programming, public art initiatives, and community engagement efforts. These funds directly support district-wide events, youth arts programs, public art installations, and marketing of Franklin’s Cultural District, all of which drive local tourism, strengthen small businesses, and enhance quality of life for residents.
A reduction or cut to this budget would limit the department’s ability to maintain these programs, diminish opportunities for local artists and cultural organizations, and reduce Franklin’s visibility as a regional arts and cultural hub. Approval of the requested budget ensures continuity, growth, and meaningful cultural impact across 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
Hey, middle schoolers! Pen to Picture: Saturday, May 16
Pen to Picture THIS SATURDAY May 16, 2026
We are hosting Franklin's 4th annual graphic novel celebration. This was created four years ago as a collaboration between myself, Pam Allard, and the youth services staff at Franklin Public Library. It has been funded annually by a grant from the Massachusetts Cultural Council.
This year we welcome Colleen AF Venable, the creative genius behind Kiss Number 8, Katie the Catsitter series, and the Junie B. Jones graphic novel adaptations. You'll hear about her creative process, how she joins words and pictures, and learn about her career as a graphic novelist. This event takes place at the Franklin Public Library on Saturday, May 16 at 1pm.
I worked with Ms. Venable this fall - she's super approachable and is a really fun presenter. If you know kids who are interested in graphic novels, or you are looking for something to do with your family this weekend, consider this your invitation!
Event runs from 1-3pm
Author presentation is 1:00 - 1:45 and followed by Q&A, book signings, photo ops, and breakout art and writing sessions led by FHS student volunteers 🤩
Target audience is middle school students but this is appropriate for all ages, particularly 8+
This event is free and open to all.
Memory Cafe scheduled for May 20 at the Senior Center
Good afternoon,
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
FIFA licensing delays threaten Massachusetts’ World Cup party plans
Another "first" (of a few in this case) as Franklin, through the MetroWest Boston Visitors Bureau is one of the 2 FIFA permits authorized for a "watch party", currently scheduled for June 24 & June 25 for the Town Common.
"This spring, the Healey administration awarded $10 million in grants to support World Cup celebrations in more than two dozen communities, hailing them as an opportunity for more people to share in the excitement without having to buy tickets to Gillette Stadium.
The party planners got to work: They imagined parks and town greens packed with soccer-crazed crowds, lined with food vendors, and anchored by towering screens broadcasting live World Cup matches in real time. The grants were intended to support World Cup-related celebrations in 25 cities and towns through June and July.
There’s just one bottleneck: FIFA, soccer’s powerful global governing body, has so far granted public viewing licenses to just two of the 17 organizations planning viewing events and other festivities, and with the start of the games fast approaching, it is unclear whether many of them will take place at all. Two municipalities have decided not to go forward with plans.
Without those approvals, municipalities cannot legally show the matches in public, leaving many local organizers frozen in place — unable to lock in vendors, rent giant screens, hire security, or recruit volunteers."
Continue reading the article on line:
https://www.bostonglobe.com/2026/05/13/metro/its-maddening-fifa-licensing-delays-threaten-massachusetts-world-cup-party-plans/?et_rid=1745607262&s_campaign=todaysheadlines:newsletter
More about the watch party or fan zone on the Town Common
May is Mental Health Awareness Month
At the Franklin Police Department, we recognize that mental health is just as important as physical health. We remain committed to supporting the well-being of our community through compassion, connection, and access to resources.
Seeking help is a sign of strength, and no one should ever feel alone. Together, we can continue working to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health and support one another — not just this month, but every day.
If you or someone you know is struggling:
- Call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
In an emergency, always call 911
Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/1B2MkZEw4U/
Tuesday Night Cruise at Kings!
Pull up with your ride every Tuesday from 5 PM till sunset for a night full of cars, food, drinks & good vibes by the pond.
FREE pizza slices for every car that joins the cruise (up to 2 slices per car)
Full bar open
Ice cream window is back
Plenty of parking
Bring your friends and let’s make Tuesday nights legendary
370 King St, Franklin, MA
508-346-3305
kingsbrickovenpizza.com
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