Monday, May 25, 2026

Empowering Teen Wellness: Planet Fitness Announces 6h Annual High School Summer Pass® Program And Opens Its Doors To Teens For Free All Summer Long

Planet Fitness, one of the largest and fastest-growing fitness center operators with more members than any other fitness brand, announced the return of its annual High School Summer Pass® program. Now in its sixth year, the initiative encourages high school teens ages 14 to 19¹ to prioritize fitness this summer by working out for free at any of Planet Fitness’ 2,900+ participating locations throughout the U.S. and Canada. Teens can register today at PlanetFitness.com/SummerPass to gain club access beginning June 1 through August 31. Find the club nearest you here. New this year, the High School Summer Pass® program is powered by Gymshark, the gymwear brand, and all High School Summer Pass® participants will receive an exclusive discount 2 after signing up for the free fitness program.

Planet Fitness has invested more than $460 million in waived membership dues3 to promote youth health and wellness and provide an opportunity for millions of teens to improve their physical and mental health.

“At Planet Fitness, our mission is to break down the barriers to fitness, and the High School Summer Pass® program is a key part of that,” said Colleen Keating, CEO of Planet Fitness. “Young people are increasingly prioritizing their mental and physical health and making fitness part of their daily lives. This program gives teens the unique opportunity to build lifelong healthy habits in a welcoming and non-intimidating environment during the important months when school is out.” 

Through the High School Summer Pass® program, teen members will have free access to:
  • Planet Fitness' complete range of strength equipment, including state-of-the-art plate-loaded machines, best-in-class cardio equipment, stretching space and more
  • Free fitness training from certified fitness trainers⁴
  • The free Planet Fitness App, featuring hundreds of on-demand digital exercises
  • A welcoming, non-intimidating community environment
  • Exclusive discounts through Gymshark

To better understand teens and their mental and physical health, Planet Fitness commissioned a nationwide study5 uncovering the following insights:

The Emotional Weight of Being a Teen is Real: Nearly all teenagers (95%) report emotionally or mentally struggling, with more than half (52%) dealing with anxiety and close to half (49%) struggling with a positive body image. 

Exercise is One of the Most Powerful Outlets Available: Ninety-five percent of teens say exercise helps them manage life's challenges. Two-thirds (66%) say working out makes them feel proud of themselves, and more than half (53%) say it makes them more confident in who they are.

Strength is Not Just Physical: Planet Fitness knows that strength training not only helps you feel strong and confident, but it also profoundly impacts overall well-being. In fact, ninety-two percent of teens agree that strength training builds confidence, 91% say being strong is just as important as looking good, and 84% say they want to do more strength training.

Cost and Access Are Real Barriers: Seven in 10 (70%) teens report at least one obstacle to working out more, including lack of time (44%), not wanting to spend money (28%) and feeling self-conscious (27%). Nearly half (47%) say they simply cannot afford to make fitness a top priority, yet 83% say they would work out at a gym if it were free. 

Building Momentum with Key Partners and Athletes 

Gymshark is proud to partner with Planet Fitness this year and provide exclusive discounts to participants to look and feel their best whether before, after, or during a workout. 

“At Gymshark, we are all about bringing down barriers to fitness and being there for everyone that embarks on a health journey. The work that Planet Fitness has done and continues to do, encouraging teens to go all in on the gym, could not be more aligned with our brand,” said Calum Watson, Brand Marketing Director at Gymshark. “We can’t wait to see the incredible impact that the High School Summer Pass® will have on so many teens this year.” 

To further inspire teens to get active this summer, Planet Fitness is partnering with Olympic legend Allyson Felix and WNBA player Flau'jae Johnson to champion the importance of building healthy habits at a young age and prioritizing overall well-being on their social media accounts.

Planet Fitness locations across the country will host Open House events (check your local club for details) to welcome teens and their families, giving them the opportunity to experience Planet Fitness’ unique Judgement Free environment and meet club team members before the program begins. Planet Fitness will also provide in-club guidance for teen participants, including tips at registration, in-club signage and reminders throughout the app, to ensure a positive and welcoming environment for everyone in the club.

For more information on High School Summer Pass®, including how to sign up for the free summer membership at any of the more than 2,900 Planet Fitness locations in the U.S. and Canada, visit PlanetFitness.com/SummerPass.

¹High School Summer Pass is open to teens ages 14 through 19 and valid at participating locations only. Teens must work out at the location they sign up at and are not permitted to use other locations. Planet Fitness locations are independently owned and operated. Under 18 or legal age of majority must sign up with parent or guardian. 

2 Codes are valid through September 11, 2026, they cannot be used outside of that time period. Only one Code can be applied per order. Codes cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Codes are valid in the U.S. and Canada, cannot be exchanged for cash and are non-transferable. Codes cannot be applied towards delivery charges. Returned items will be refunded at the discounted price paid (the discount applied between the goods proportionately). Where a qualifying spend is noted in relation to use of a Code, if items purchased using that Code are later returned to Gymshark which brings the amount spent below any qualifying level, the offer value may be deducted from any refund. This does not affect your statutory rights. A discount will not be applied to items subsequently replaced. Orders are subject to stock availability and acceptance by Gymshark. Gymshark reserves the right to decline orders where, in Gymshark’s reasonable opinion, a Code is invalid for the order being placed or is the subject of improper use or fraudulent activity. Gymshark reserves the right to withdraw, amend or extend offers at any time on reasonable notice.

3+10 million teen participants since 2019, $10-15 per month, three-month program

4Locations are independently owned and operated; please check your local club for details.

5Online survey conducted by Wired Research between April 6-13, 2026 to 1,000 parents of teens ages 14-19 and their respective teens, with a margin of error of +/- 3.1 percent.


About Planet Fitness 
Founded in 1992 in Dover, NH, Planet Fitness is one of the largest and fastest-growing franchisors and operators of fitness centers in the world by number of members and locations. As of March 31, 2026, Planet Fitness had approximately 21.5 million members and 2,909 clubs in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Canada, Panama, Mexico, Australia and Spain. The Company’s mission is to enhance people’s lives by providing a high-quality fitness experience in a welcoming, non-intimidating environment, which we call the Judgement Free Zone®. Approximately 90% of Planet Fitness clubs are owned and operated by independent business owners.

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm Schedule for Monday, May 25, 2026

Yes, Franklin has its 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:



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 Monday, May 25, 2026 (Your local Public, Education & Government "PEG" station)

Franklin All Access TV - Our Public Access Channel   (Comcast 6, Verizon 26) = MONDAY

7:00 am Aging Boldfully: Fyzical
8:00 am SAFE Coalition: Task Force
9:00 am Tri County Honors Night 2026
11:30 am Cooking Thyme: Sweet Corn Risotto
12:00 pm Brooke'n'Cookin: Mac'n'Cheese
12:30 pm Cooking with Linda: Chicken Parmesan
1:30 pm     Pizzapalooza: Meat-Lovers Pt. 2
2:30 pm New England Candlepins Summer 2023 Show 3
3:30 pm Candlepin New Generation: Show 6
4:00 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Referee Shortage Pt1
7:00 pm Frank Presents: Jay Elias Pt 2
8:00 pm Celebrate with Pride 2025: Sioo
9:00 pm United Methodist Church: Lola Richardson
10:00 pm Circle of Friends; Abbie Gardner

Franklin Pride TV - Our Educational Channel              (Comcast 8, Verizon 28) = MONDAY
8:30 am SAFE Coalition: Danny Lagarce
10:30 am FHS Spring Jazz 2026
12:30 pm FHS Concert Hour 02-25-26
2:00 pm FHS Girls Varsity Lacrosse v Foxboro 05-18-26
4:00 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Referee Shortage Pt1
5:00 pm FHS Senior Awards Night 2026
9:00 pm FHS Theater Company: Cinderella
 

Franklin Town Hall TV - Our Government Channel     (Comcast 9, Verizon 29) = MONDAY

8:00 am Planning Board 05-11-26
11:00 am Community Preservation Committee 05-18-26
2:00 pm Planning Board 05-11-26
4:00 pm Community Preservation Committee 05-18-26
5:30 pm Town Council 05-21-26


Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf  


Sunday, May 24, 2026

Memorial Day parade "go/no go" decision to be made by 7 AM Monday

 Via the VFW:

"Good Afternoon,

We wanted to let everyone know that a decision on the parade will be made by 7am Monday morning and will be shared here as well as on Town social media and the Franklin Veterans Services web page. 

Regardless of the parade being canceled we anticipate the ceremonies at Dean College, Union St. Cemetery and St. Mary’s Cemetery as well as the Town Common to go on as scheduled. 

We appreciate your understanding and hope all have a meaningful Memorial Day. Remember the purpose of the holiday."

Shared from https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Cr97F4xqJ/

For reference the timing of events on Monday



What's happening in Franklin, MA: Sunday, May 24, 2026 ???

Sunday, May 24


1:00pm Franklin Historical Museum - CLOSED today



*** 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

Yes, there are Town of Franklin Memorial Day observances on Monday, May 25, 2026

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


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, MA: Agenda for the School Committee meeting - Tuesday, May 26, 2026

Franklin School Committee
May 26, 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
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. Seal of Biliteracy Recognition
B. Retiree Recognition
C. Superintendent’s Evaluation – Presentation of Evidence
III. Citizen’s Comments

IV. Discussion/Action Items
A. Policy - First Reading
B. BICO 2026-27 Board Appointment
I recommend the appointment of Superintendent, Lucas Giguere as the Franklin Public Schools representative to the BICO Board of Directors for the 2026-2027 School year as discussed.  
https://files-backend.assets.thrillshare.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/Fpsd/5b907431-ce33-438a-a2c4-0b91d41b84fa/Discussion-Action-B---26-27-BICO-Board-appointment.pdf?disposition=inline
V. Discussion Only Items
A. Monthly Financial Report  
https://files-backend.assets.thrillshare.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/Fpsd/87731058-d8c9-4fee-a261-6605df342f06/Monthly-Financial-Report-for-April.pdf?disposition=inline
B. ACCEPT Quarter 3 Report  
https://files-backend.assets.thrillshare.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/Fpsd/96f17506-68c6-4f33-ad3e-490a4928b493/ACCEPT-Q3-FY26-Executive-Directors-report-%282%29.pdf?disposition=inline
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 April 14, 2026 (revised) & May 12, 2026 School Committee meeting as detailed. 
B. FHS Gift
I recommend the acceptance of $1,000.00 from Claudia Brennick for in-house enrichment at FHS as detailed.
VII. New Business
To discuss any future agenda items

VIII. Executive Session
A. As per M.G.L. c. 30A, § 213. (3) To discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining or litigation if an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining or litigating position of the public body and the chair so declares

IX. Adjournment



The full agenda doc also contains remote participation info

The packet folder for this session contains the docs supporting the meeting released before or after the session

FHS girls finished 3rd, boys tied for 4th in Hockomock League Outdoor Track Championships

The Hockomock League Outdoor Track Championships were held on Saturday, May 23, 2026. The team results are:


  • Boys Team Results
PL Team PTS
1 Attleboro 135
2 Oliver Ames 120
3 Stoughton 81
4 Franklin 58
4 King Philip Regional 58
6 Mansfield 54
7 Canton 39
8 Sharon 31
9 Milford 25
9 Taunton 25
11 Foxborough 19
12 North Attleborough 18

  • Girls Team Results
PL Team PTS
1 Canton 103
2 King Philip Regional 79.5
3 Franklin 76.33
4 Stoughton 75
5 Oliver Ames 67
6 North Attleborough 61.5
7 Taunton 51.33
8 Foxborough 48.33
9 Sharon 40
10 Mansfield 37
11 Attleboro 17
12 Milford 7


The complete Franklin results can be found   https://live.sstresults.com/meets/74023/teams/1672989

Complete meet results can be found - https://live.sstresults.com/meets/74023

Congratulations to the Tri-County Valedictorian (R Hall) & Salutatorians (N Elounasse & J Robertson)


Congratulations to the Tri-County Valedictorian (R Hall) & Salutatorians (N Elounasse & J Robertson)
Congratulations to the Tri-County Valedictorian (R Hall - right)
& Salutatorians (N Elounasse - center & J Robertson - left)
Congratulations to our Valedictorian, Rebecca Hall from Franklin — a standout scholar whose dedication, curiosity, and leadership have set the bar high for all of us.

We also celebrate our two incredible Salutatorians:
🌟 Nourhane Elounasse from Walpole
🌟 James Robertson from Walpole

Their hard work, determination, and commitment to excellence have made a lasting impact on our school community.

Help us congratulate these outstanding students as they prepare to take the next big step in their journeys 👏🎉

#WorkHardTodayCounts


Franklin TV: "we (and our volunteers) created $1,766,464 of 'stuff' !!!

It’s where the magic happens.

by Pete Fasciano, Executive Director 05/24/2026

Srsly? Yep. The success (or failure) of any business relies on accurate information that comes from the back office – accounting data. How much ‘stuff’ did you sell? How much did it (really) cost you? Where’s your profit? Truth in numbers.

we (and our volunteers) created $1,766,464
we (and our volunteers) created $1,766,464

The above summary sheet is one of a few Excel worksheets that, together, divine the actual value of our work – our social worth – as a community organization.
If there’s anything that we could consider our ‘report card’, this spreadsheet is it. 

Although we are a nonprofit 501(c)3 charitable organization, we strive to measure what we produce in terms of its value – it’s actual market (street) value. Each year we attach commercial market rates to all that we do, item by item. If we didn’t exist, this is what folks would have to pay a business for our programming efforts.

What does it mean? In cell R2 we (and our volunteers) created $1,766,464 of ‘stuff’.

Our annual cable carrier funding is only $560,000. (and falling) – yet we persist.

Persisting. Producing. Prevailing. It’s what we do. It’s there – in the numbers.

And – as always –
Thank you for watching. 
Thanks for listening to wfpr●fm,
and staying informed at Franklin●news.


Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf  


Voice of Franklin: Should Norfolk County be continued as a government agency?

May 21, 2026

Dear Norfolk County Residents,

It is that time of the year when local budgets in the 28 communities that make up Norfolk County get voted on.  If your town is like my town these are tough budget times.  Communities are trying to wrestle with funding budget priorities.

The 28 towns and city that make up Norfolk County are paying almost 8 million dollars to the Norfolk County Commissioners and Norfolk County Government in a yearly tax assessment sent from Norfolk County.  It is time for the communities of Norfolk County to examine whether this 8 million dollar county tax is better kept in the local towns to fund their budget priorities.

There has been wasteful costs to the taxpayers as these elected and appointed Norfolk County officials try to justify and defend their illegal and unlawful actions in a number of Massachusetts courts.  In Fiscal Year 2024 over $200,000.00 was spent by the Norfolk County Commissioners on legal fees.  Just this Fiscal Year 2026 over $159,913.00 has been spent by the Norfolk County Commissioners in legal fees through March 31, 2026 with 3 months to go in the fiscal year.  County Director John J. Cronin and the Norfolk County Commissioners have voted and received an additional $50,000.00 for legal monies with their vote on December 10, 2025 and another separate $50,000.00 for legal monies on top of this with their vote on May 6, 2026.  Is it time the 28 communities investigate wasteful spending and see what the Norfolk County Commissioners are doing and spending the taxpayers’ money on?  After all each of the 28 towns and city of Norfolk County are potentially liable for the debts and liabilities of this Norfolk County Government.

The Norfolk County Commissioners accepted in 2023 10 million dollars for selling the Quincy District Court House.  Could your community use any of this 10 (ten) million dollars?  After all it was the communities of Norfolk County that built this court house and maintained all these years this court house.  Yet the Norfolk County Government did not even ask or offer the local communities to share in this 10 million dollars.

There have been negative findings by independent auditors who have examined Norfolk County’s financial books.  On December 15, 2021 Lynch Marini & Associates Inc. Certified Public Accountants wrote “…the County funded mandate was deficient in the range of $197,000.00 to $282,000.00 for fiscal year 2020”.  Would your town allow such deficiencies? 

The independent auditor Lynch Marini & Associates Inc. Certified Public Accountants reported another audit finding on August 21, 2023 “For the current fiscal year this leaves a potential range of misstatements within the County’s financial statements between $645,000.00 and $2.3 million between respective fund balances (General Fund and Deeds Excise Fund).”  Would your town tolerate any such misstatements within your town’s financial statements?

Norfolk County did not like what the certified public accountants Lynch Marini found and reported.  However, even the new auditor brought in by the Norfolk County Commissioners, Powers and Sullivan LLC CPAs and Advisors on May 3, 2024 reported a material weakness when they wrote “These large fluctuations indicate that this is a systemic problem in how the accounts are being used and not a one-time error”.  Would your town tolerate systemic problems in town financial accounts as well as a material weakness audit finding?

It is well documented the various poor decisions the Norfolk County Commissioners and their County Director John J. Cronin have made when it comes to interfering with the Registry of Deeds and its operations. There has been unsound management by Norfolk County General Government that in this day and age should be striving to be efficient, effective and relevant.

The Norfolk County Commissioners and the County Director John J. Cronin have lost in a number of different courts in litigation involving the Registry of Deeds including a loss in the highest state court in Massachusetts, the Supreme Judicial Court.  Norfolk County Government has violated a number of Massachusetts state laws by unlawfully interfering with Registry operations and misappropriating taxpayer public monies designated by state law for Registry use.  When elected and appointed officials that run Norfolk County General Government make poor decisions, abuse their power and break the law that should be a signal to the people who live in the communities of Norfolk County to take a closer look at this layer of government.

Sincerely yours,

Bill O’Donnell
Norfolk County Register of Deeds

If you have something to say, you can find the guidelines here

Letter from State Rep Vaughn to Mass DEP on Kingsbury Pond Issue


Letter from State Rep Vaughn to Mass DEP on Kingsbury Pond Issue
Letter from State Rep Vaughn to
Mass DEP on Kingsbury Pond Issue
"On Tuesday, I formally sent a letter to the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) requesting clarity, accountability, and action regarding Franklin’s water withdrawals and the ongoing concerns surrounding Kingsbury Pond.
This natural resource is deeply important to Norfolk — not just for its ecological value, but for the residents, families, advocates, and wildlife that rely on it. Kingsbury Pond is a cherished part of our community, and its continued decline deserves urgent attention.
I want to sincerely thank the many Kingsbury Pond advocates, residents, abutters, scientists, and environmental voices who took the time to share written testimony, concerns, and firsthand observations with my office. Your advocacy continues to help drive this important conversation.
On Wednesday, our office also had a preliminary phone call regarding this matter, and we are now looking forward to scheduling a more comprehensive meeting in the very near future. We have specifically requested that a select number of residents, along with Norfolk Town Manager Rob Garrity, be included as part of these critical discussions to ensure local voices remain at the table.
Please know I will continue fighting for the residents of Norfolk and for the advocates working tirelessly to protect Kingsbury Pond. We must do everything we can to preserve this valuable natural resource and hold the proper agencies accountable so this cherished resource is protected for future generations."

Rep Vaughn shared images of the letter, a copy of those images can be found in one album - https://photos.app.goo.gl/rrpYKTzd1gmVyeWz9


Set your calendar for the Town of Franklin Pride Flag Raising on Sunday, May 31

Town of Franklin Pride Flag Raising on Sunday, May 31
Town of Franklin Pride Flag Raising on Sunday, May 31
"Set your calendar for the Town of Franklin Pride Flag Raising on Sunday, May 31 at 1:00 PM.


Come join us as we ring in pride in Franklin!"












Reminder "Celebrate With Pride" is scheduled for Saturday, June 27 on the Franklin Town Common from noon to 4 PM. Listen to the recording talking about the event - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1737-5th-annual-celebrate-with-pride-04-27-26/


Town of Franklin offices & schools closed Monday, one day scheduled delay in curbside pickup

Town of Franklin offices & schools closed Monday, one day scheduled delay in curbside pickup
Town of Franklin offices & schools closed Monday,
one day scheduled delay in curbside pickup
via the Town of Franklin:


"Please note that Town offices will be closed on Monday, May 25, in observance of Memorial Day.

Trash and recycling collection will be delayed by one day during the week of May 25."







Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule for Sunday, May 24, 2026

Yes, Franklin has its 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:


Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf 



Saturday, May 23, 2026

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Saturday, May 23, 2026 ???

Saturday, May 23


9:00am Thrifty Threads - closed 5/23/26 (Franklin Federated Church)

10:00am Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

12:30pm The Curious Case of Cottingley Fairies (Franklin High School)

3:00pm     Melodious Zach: An Elton John Experience (Franklin Public Library)

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


For Library events ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/942/Calendar-of-Events
For Library events ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/942/Calendar-of-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

Recognizing Eileen Mason for her efforts over 22 Years Beautifying Downtown Franklin

If you drive through downtown Franklin, you may have to stop at the traffic light at the intersection of Route 140 and Main Street. Be patient and enjoy the view. The flowers at the center island and bridge are curated by Franklin's Eileen Mason and teams of volunteers.

Eileen Mason
Eileen Mason
Mason organizes Franklin’s Beautification Day and Winter Decorating. As a Franklin Garden Club and Franklin Downtown Partnership member, she and her volunteers have been beautifying the heart of town for 22 years. The effort is supported and sponsored by generous local businesses.

“If it helps make someone else’s day that much better just because they’re sitting at the lights and enjoying the beautiful flowers,” she’s accomplished her goal, says the REMAX Executive Realty agent.

Creating an attractive downtown is what keeps her inspired. People can enjoy it each day. “Not every community has that. It speaks well of Franklin, and it leaves everyone that drives through with a good impression of Franklin.” People may not know who does it, but they appreciate that downtown is cared for and attractive, she said.
Before and After the Beautification Day 2026 - the center island
Before and After the Beautification Day 2026 -
the center island
She was first approached by FDP director, Carol Harper, shortly after the Partnership was formed in 2001. She knew it would be a good partnership between the Garden Club and the Downtown Partnership. The Garden Club had been taking care of the trough planter for many years on its own. Then, in the Spring of 2004, the Garden Club, FDP, DPW and Water Departments joined forces annually to make the Downtown look beautiful. 

She worked with the DPW to get the window boxes installed at the bridges. She coordinated plantings. Eventually she introduced the self-watering black containers that hold 2 weeks’ worth of water to save time and resources and to keep a variety of cascading flowers and colors flourishing over the years. The trough is the centerpiece and needs watering several times per week to keep it going.  That’s where the Watering Team of volunteers come in.  

Early on the DPW introduced an improved watering drip system; they turn the water on and off each season, maintain, repair, clean out, and fill containers with soil. Various garden centers in town have provided plants throughout the years, starting with Wadsworth Farms, Hillside Nursery, Agway and now Fairmount Farm.
Before and After the Beautification Day 2026 - the bridge railing
Before and After the Beautification Day 2026
- the bridge railing

Beautification Days are efficient work days with flowers in May and greenery in November. 

Mason has volunteers from the Garden Club and the FDP. She has had lots of help from residents and sports teams at Franklin High over the years. The Garden Club cares for the expanded Veterans’ Memorial Garden at the Town Common. Mason coordinates the work in the downtown. Volunteers plant 26 business barrels around downtown, plus the 31 containers at the center island and bridges. 

She appreciates that people want to pitch in. At the recent May 16th  Beautification Day, Co-Chair, Sandy Sauer and the girls’ soccer team worked downtown while the boys’ baseball team worked at the common. “It’s a good mix and a good vibe. What I like is there are kids that come back each year. They love doing it. There are so many kids who drive through town and say ‘I used to do that!’ "

One memorable time for her was during COVID. “We had so many people in town step up and help do everything. They wore masks, they stayed in their own vehicles, or went to the (Fairmount) farm, picked up plants, brought them downtown and planted. I had the most adult volunteers ever come out and do that. The kids weren’t in school. We didn’t really have the teams that year, so families came out." 

"We had such a fun day. You could feel the community spirit. Everyone wanted to get out and just be with people. Those were the years that made a big difference. I am so appreciative of the people in Franklin."

It's a labor of love. It takes months of planning and organizing. Her new Co-Chair in beautifying Franklin is Sandy Sauer at Franklin Tile Carpet One. Sandy has been a huge help with many tasks like organizing and scheduling volunteers to do the watering for 22 weeks during the summer. 

It's rewarding. “The friendships, the people and things we’ve been able to accomplish as a partnership have been really big. Even the little things like the museum sculpture – that was a nice project.” She has also been involved in establishing the Ladybug Trail. 

Mason’s goal is to keep growing the base of supporters who help beautification by watering, planting or being a member. She’d love to keep it going for another 25 years. “There’s no reason for it to go away. I like the fact it’s a true partnership between businesses, residents and the town DPW and Water Departments. We couldn’t do it without everyone’s help and cooperation.”

Stay up to date on the Downtown Partnership’s Beautification Day and other events here:

The Franklin Downtown Partnership is a non-profit 501c3 organization made up of more than 350 business owners, residents, and community leaders working to revitalize downtown Franklin. Residents can join the Downtown Partnership for only $25. The Partnership manages events like the Strawberry Stroll, the Harvest Festival, the Ladybug Historical & Cultural Trail, and initiatives such as beautification, streetscape design, greenspace, alley murals, and sculpture projects. For more information go to www.franklindowntownpartnership.org.