Franklin Fathers appeal to Community Business Partners

Dear Community Business Partner,

On behalf of Franklin Fathers, we invite you to become a founding sponsor of our inaugural community kickball tournament and raffle. This will be the first of what we plan to grow into an annual community event and fundraiser, and we hope you will take this opportunity to secure your involvement at the ground level.

Franklin Fathers launched in Fall 2025 as a 501(c)(4) community organization dedicated to uniting fathers and caregivers to build family connections, promote wellness, and advocate for local families. Guided by these principles, we have quickly grown to more than 50 active members committed to strengthening the Franklin community.

In just a few months, our members have contributed over 70 combined volunteer hours with the Franklin Food Pantry and Old Colony Habitat for Humanity. We have also organized more than ten community-focused events, including our HarvestFest launch, monthly socials at local businesses, volunteer service days, Daddy Daughter Hair School at the Franklin Public Library, Holiday Stories & Songs, Trunk or Treat, Dean College football tailgates, Sunday morning run club, and additional family-oriented activities throughout town.

Looking ahead, we are planning wellness seminars for the summer and fall centered on parenting, mental health, and family support — further expanding our impact for local families.

This tournament will serve as our primary fundraiser for the upcoming year, providing the majority of our operational budget to continue hosting community events, volunteer initiatives, and educational programming. In addition, proceeds from the event raffle will be donated to the local VFW in honor of Eddie Grant.

Our members are deeply engaged in Franklin civic life, with many serving or having served on the Town Council, School Committee, 250th Anniversary Celebration Committee, Design Review Commission, Finance Committee, Master Plan Update Committee, Davis-Thayer Building Reuse Advisory Committee, and Planning Board. By sponsoring this event, your business will be aligning with a growing network of engaged local families and community leaders.

We designed this event specifically to highlight and support local businesses. Your sponsorship helps us build a sustainable annual tradition while providing visibility among dozens of active families and the broader Franklin community. Early sponsors of this inaugural event will receive special recognition as founding partners as we establish what we expect to become a long-standing community tradition.

Please see the tiers of giving on the reverse side for sponsorship levels and associated recognition opportunities. Thank you for considering this opportunity to partner with us and invest in Franklin families and community life. 

Sincerely,

Franklin Fathers 

FranklinFathersMA@gmail.com

The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW): Episode 316 - From Food Critic to Wine Titan With Meridith May

Hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi exploring all things wine with you!

From Food Critic to Wine Titan With Meridith May

In this episode of The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW), Kim and Mark sit down with a true powerhouse of the industry: Meridith May. As the Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of both The Somm Journal  www.sommjournal.com and The Tasting Panel Magazine www.tastingpanelmag.com Meridith has her finger on the pulse of the global wine scene.

We trace Meridith’s fascinating journey from her days as a food critic to becoming a leading publisher and owner. Whether you are a casual enthusiast or a seasoned professional, this conversation pulls back the curtain on how wine media actually works.

What’s Decanting in This Episode:

• The Origin Story: How Meridith transitioned from critiquing plates to publishing pages
• Tailored for the Taster: We break down which publication fits your wine style—whether you’re a wine lover or a dedicated retailer
• The "Who’s Who" of Wine: A look at the industry legends who contribute to the magazines (including some familiar voices from our show!)
• The Power of Print: Why physical media still reigns supreme and the tactile joy of having a magazine in hand
• A Buyer’s Secret Weapon: Mark explains how he uses Meridith’s reviews to curate selections that match his profile and discover hidden gems
• The "Smooch" Factor: We dive deep into their unique rating system. Forget just numbers—we’re talking points and "smooches"
• Hot Topics & Red Flags: Meridith shares her insights on the current state of the wine world and the trends (or concerns) she’s watching closely
• The Big Question: How many wines does a professional reviewer actually taste in a single month? The answer might leave your palate exhausted just hearing it

Get Connected

Ready to upgrade your coffee table? We wrap up by showing you exactly how to get your hands on these publications and share a few "insider" facts that will totally surprise you.

Cheers

Kim and Mark

www.thewww.wine

#WinePodcast #SommJournal #TastingPanel #WineReviews #WineCulture #PrintIsNotDead #SommelierLife #TheWonderfulWorldOfWine

https://on.soundcloud.com/J4patvprG1a33ZXPn3

https://www.thewww.wine/from-food-critic-to-wine-titan-with-meridith-may/

The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) · Episode 316-From Food Critic to Wine Titan With Meridith May

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm Schedule for Tuesday, May 26, 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:

wfpr.fm Schedule for Tuesday, Franklin Public Radio

Tuesday

SAFE Radio – Jim Derick and Dr. Anne Bergen Addressing issues of Drug Abuse Disorder 

Jazz Journey – with Pamela Hines - An insightful tour of Jazz Greats in a golden era

Franklin Public Radio wfpr.fm Schedule for Tuesday

Franklin TV schedule for Tuesday, May 26, 2026 (Your local Public, Education & Government "PEG" station)

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

7:00 am Sons & Daughters of Italy: Ciambotta

7:30 am     Once Upon A Town: Post Office

9:00 am Metrowest Summit: World Cup 02-26-26

10:00 am Frank Presents: Jay Elias Pt 2

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

2:00 pm New England Candlepins Summer 2023 Show 3

3:00 pm Candlepin New Generation: Show 6

3:30 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Referee Shortage Pt1

5:30 pm United Methodist Church: Lola Richardson

9:00 pm Tri County Honors Night 2026

• Franklin Pride TV - Our Educational Channel        (Comcast 8, Verizon 28) = TUESDAY

7:00 am FHS Spring Jazz 2026

9:00 am FHS Spring Pops 2026

10:30 am Metrowest Summit: World Cup 02-26-26

11:30 am Jazz Cafe 03-06-26

1:00 pm FHS Varsity Softball v Attleboro 05-13-26

3:00 pm FHS Senior Awards Night 2026

9:00 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Referee Shortage Pt1

10:00 pm FHS Theater Company: Cinderella

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

8:00 am School Committee 05-12-26

2:00 pm School Committee 05-12-26

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

Watch Listen Read all things that matter in Franklin MA

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Monday, May 25, 2026 ???

Monday, May 25 = Memorial Day

9:30am Dean College - Memorial Day commemorative event

9:50am Union St Cemetery - Memorial Day commemorative event

10:10am St. Mary’s Cemetery - Memorial Day commemorative event

11:00am Memorial Day Parade Franklin Town Common

Due to the weather, the parade has been canceled,  all other ceremonies will be held as scheduled. https://www.franklinma.gov/AlertCenter.aspx?AID=PARADE-CANCELLED-CEREMONIES-ON-28

12:00pm Memorial Day Ceremony Franklin Town Common

*** 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

Jamie Barrett shares recordings of Patriotic Songs (audio/video)

Jamie Barrett has compiled a set of recordings by himself (and others) singing the following songs:

• 

  FPS Elementary School Music Educators (L to R: Allison Fuller,
  Jamie Barrett, Mary MacMurray, and Brian Gustafson)
  sing our National Anthem, “The Star-Spangled Banner.” 2022

  The Star-Spangled Banner
• America The Beautiful
• My Country ‘Tis Of Thee
• You’re A Grand Ol’ Flag
• This Land Is Your Land
• 50 Nifty United States
• The Armed Forces Medley
• God Bless America

He closes this playlist with his Town of Franklin song.

Open the Google doc and on each page there is a link to play the song, or open to the YouTube link and watch the video -> 

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1rayT8CIvVgwwWN0ORBpx9lxnuwn22ksLfobG44uvWh4/edit?usp=sharing

Reminder: Links for the Franklin Public Schools bus registration information

Reminder: Links for the Franklin Public Schools
bus registration information

Bus Registration Info

• Transportation Link https://www.franklinps.net/o/fpsd/page/transportation/

• Linq Connect https://linqconnect.com/main

• Transportation Policy: https://www.franklinps.net/o/fpsd/page/eea-student-transportation-policy-and-eligibility

Gary Brown named new AD at Franklin High School via HockomockSports.com

Franklin Public Schools is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Gary Brown as the next Athletic Director at Franklin High School.

Mr. Brown brings nearly two decades of experience in athletic administration at both the high school and collegiate levels. For the last nine years, he has served as the Athletic Director at King Philip Regional High School and is widely respected throughout the Hockomock League for his leadership, collaborative approach, and commitment to student-athletes. 

Before committing his time to high school athletics, Gary served as the Athletic Director at Harvard University for several years, where he was directly responsible for organizing and supporting their program, which earned multiple NCAA Division 1 national championships during his tenure. He has proven success in overseeing large athletic departments, policy development and adherence, organizing major sporting events, and developing comprehensive student leadership programs

Throughout the interview process, Mr. Brown distinguished himself through his clear vision for educational athletics, his emphasis on relationship-building, and his student-centered philosophy. His belief in “Education Through Athletics” reflects a strong commitment to using athletics as an extension of the educational experience, helping students develop teamwork, accountability, leadership, sportsmanship, and resilience

The selection process included four focus group sessions involving members of the Franklin High School administrative team, student-athletes, FHS coaches, and Franklin Public Schools District administrators and directors. Feedback from all groups consistently highlighted Mr. Brown’s strong communication skills, positive leadership style, and ability to connect with students, staff, and families

As a respected and experienced Athletic Director within the Hockomock League, Mr. Brown’s familiarity with the league, its schools, the Town of Franklin, and its traditions will help ensure a smooth transition into the role. His experience and commitment will further strengthen and elevate our highly successful athletic program. His experience overseeing comprehensive athletic programs, mentoring coaches, managing budgets and events, and fostering inclusive athletic communities makes him exceptionally well-suited to lead Franklin High School Athletics into the future.

We are excited to welcome Mr. Brown to Franklin High School and look forward to the positive impact he will have on our student-athletes, coaches, and school community. He will assume this position after July 1, 2026. As part of his entry plan, Mr. Brown will be directly communicating with various groups within our athletic community.

Sincerely,

Dr. Maria Weber

Principal, Franklin High School

Design Review Commission looking for new members

Interested in helping shape Franklin’s commercial areas?

The Town is seeking residents interested in serving on the Design Review Commission (DRC), which reviews signage, landscaping, lighting, and exterior building design for commercial projects throughout town.

Learn more and apply: https://buff.ly/AY6OuOG

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1ESVYqp1QY/

From the Town of Franklin 2025

ANNUAL REPORT OF DESIGN REVIEW COMMISSION

The Design Review Commission (DRC) was established in 1998 when the Town Council adopted a new Zoning Bylaw that established a sitting Design Review Commission. The 1997 Master Plan recommended that Franklin should adopt design standards to re-establish a sense of traditional New England villages. The design standards would assist in shaping the community as a whole, as well as establish a commercial appeal of individual establishments and businesses. The Commission is responsible to interpret the Design Guidelines to establish a sense of character in commercial and industrial areas and in sign installations so as to enhance the appearance of the Town.

The DRC consists of 5 regular members and 2 associate members. All members are residents and volunteers with varying backgrounds who are appointed by the Town Administrator and ratified by the Town Council. The Commission is currently composed of Samuel L. Williams, Chairman; Andrew Pratt, Vice Chairman; and members: Derek Russell Darvish and Kyle Galvin. James Bartro is an Associate member.

The DRC has approval authority on signage and offers recommendation input to the Planning Board and Zoning Board of Appeals on Site Plans. The Commission strives to preserve and enhance the visual and physical attributes of signage and site plans so that the features within the Town represent features included in the Guidelines.

During FY 2025, the commission reviewed a total of 52 DRC Applications. There were 47 Sign approval applications and 5 Site Plan recommendations. Members review the applications according to the Sign Guidelines and issue approval of retail and industrial signage projects, as well as make recommendations on site plans that includes design and facades, materials, colors, lighting plans, and landscaping plans. The landscaping plan should include, among other things, plantings from the Best Development Practices Guidebook. The Best Development Practices Guidebook, the Design Review Guidelines and the Sign Guidelines can be found on the Design Review Commission’s webpage at https://www.franklinma.gov/design-review-commission.

Design Review meetings are being conducted remotely via the Zoom platform. In an effort to allow and encourage citizen engagement and to comply with the open meeting law regulations, citizens are able to dial into the meeting using the provided phone number (Cell phone or landline required) or participate via a Zoom link embedded in the meeting agendas. Meetings are held at 7:00 pm via Zoom on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month except December where only one meeting is held. Dates, times, meeting agendas and meeting minutes are posted on the Town’s Design Review webpage.

Respectfully submitted,

Samuel L. Williams, Chairman

The PDF of this section can be found

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1UGcMrRut5jQzHPNjV3PmaMuFQosBoebU/view?usp=drive_link

The full annual report can be found

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ky7LAY2nwDzGb-8dDP2ONwzNbhxZYKKe/view?usp=sharing

Hold the date for May 28: Middle School Reunion

Members of the Class of 2026 who attended a Franklin middle school are invited to a middle school reunion.

No matter which middle school they attended, the reunion will be held at Franklin Middle School on Thursday, May 28 at 2:00.

Hold the date for May 28: Middle School Reunion

We'll walk down memory lane, celebrate the adults they've become, and wish them well before graduation. 

I'm attaching a visual - please post and share to any senior memos, streams, sites, etc.

We are really looking forward to welcoming them back 💙 This is a big deal for us middle school teachers - to see them upright and functioning four years later gives us the motivation to keep at it 😂

Franklin Library News & Events for June 2026 - Weekly/Monthly for Children

Library Hours

The library’s hours are Monday through Thursday, 9am to 8pm, Friday and Saturday, 9am to 5pm. The Library will be closed Friday, June 19 in observance of Juneteenth.

Come Visit Us at the Strawberry Stroll!

This year the Library Strawberry Stroll table will have some fun crafts and summer reading sign-ups for all ages! We'll also have a strawberry pompom making craft before the festivities get started - check out the details in our events below. And you're not going to want to miss the Strawberry Stroll Kid Parade! All kids are welcome to dress up and/or decorate your bike/scooter/wheels in strawberry theme. Meet at the Dean College Quad at 5pm to join.

2026 Reading Challenge
June: A Book with a Sympathetic Villain

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. 

ESOL Tutoring Program

The library is looking for more volunteer tutors for our English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) program. If you want to make a difference right in your own community, this is a great opportunity! To volunteer please be at least 18 years old, have a High School diploma, & speak English clearly.  No prior teaching experience needed and volunteers and students do not need to be Franklin residents. If interested, please fill out the volunteer form.

Homebound Delivery Program

Can’t make it to the library? Let us bring the library to your door. The Franklin Public Library is excited to offer Home Delivery Service ensuring that Franklin residents who are unable to visit the library due to aging-related limitations, illness, disability, or temporary mobility limitations can continue to benefit from library resources. Items will be delivered to and picked up from a homebound patron’s home by staff members approximately every three weeks. For more information, please visit the library website.

Museum Passes

Now is a great time to reserve passes to the area’s most popular museums, aquariums, and more! Passes are available to be reserved up to thirty days in advance.

Franklin Library Book Sale

Friday, June 12 15: 1 - 5pm
Saturday, June 13: 9am - 12pm
All books are just one dollar!
Bag Sale - $5 Per Bag
Saturday, June 13: 1 - 4pm
Come fill a brown bag with all the books you can!

LIBRARY EVENTS

Weekly/Monthly for Children

Move Along, Mondays @ 10:30am (Ages 0-5)
This thirty-minute program features music, movement, stories, and other interactive activities to encourage social skills and promote early literacy! No registration required.

Doggie Tales! Mondays @ 4pm
Registration Required
Kiddos who are working on their reading skills will be able to sign up for a time slot to practice reading to a trained therapy dog. Bring your favorite book or read one of ours!

Cool Cruisers, Tuesdays @ 9:30am
Babies who have graduated from tummy time and are scooting all over the place are welcome to this playgroup just for them! We recognize that this fun age of exploring is very different from their first few months, so join us for a special playgroup just for this exciting time. No registration required.

Pre-K Pals, Tuesdays & Thursdays @ 10:30am (Ages 3-5)
This 30-minute program is a perfect jumpstart for kiddos that are approaching school-age! Stories, music, movement, and engaging activities designed to prepare kids for a school environment. No registration required.

Wiggle Worms, Tuesdays @ 4pm (Ages 0-5)
Beat the afternoon witching hour craziness with a dynamic program for littles! Enjoy music, movement, and some fun surprises. No registration required.

Mini Masterpieces! Tuesdays @4pm (Ages 6-12)
Registration Required
Join Miss Lily to make your own mini masterpieces! Each week will be a new, small scale, step-by-step watercolor project. All materials provided. 

Bubbles, Books, and Boogies! Wednesdays @ 10:30am (Ages 0-5)
Dance, sing, clap, and play along for a storytime party! Enjoy thirty minutes of interactive stories, songs, and activities! No registration required.

Bookworm Bounce, Wednesdays @ 4pm (Ages 0-5)
Join us for an afternoon story time full of music, movement, stories, and other interactive activities to encourage social skills and promote early literacy! No registration required.

Tummy Time, Thursdays @ 9:30am
Babies and caregivers: join us each Thursday morning for Tummy Time! Nurture your baby’s development with gentle music, movement, and sensory play at the library. Please bring a small blanket or towel for your baby’s comfort. No registration required.

Tot Bop, Thursdays @ 4pm (Ages 2-5)
Get ready to dance around to an energetic playlist in a class that offers littles a chance to play with musicality, coordination, and creativity - all while practicing listening and learning skills! No registration required.

Artsy Afternoons, Thursdays @ 4pm (Ages 5-11)
Registration Required
Join Ms. Cindy for a step-by-step art project specifically for kids! All materials provided.

Bubble Buddies, Fridays @ 10:30am (Ages 0-5)
Enjoy a Friday bubble dance party with music, movement, and fun surprises! No registration required.

Weekend Wiggles, Saturdays @ 10:30am (Ages 0-5)
Littles and their grownups are invited to an epic dance party to kick off the weekend! Get those wiggles out with fun music, exciting surprises, and plenty of joy and laughter. No registration required. 

Sensory Storytime, Saturday, June 13 @ 3pm
Sensory Storytime is designed for children who thrive in a low-stimulation environment. Kids can enjoy sensory bins, relaxing story times, gentle stretching, and other calming activities. This program offers a slower pace and supportive space where every child can feel safe, relaxed, and included. No registration required.

This is a portion of the full newsletter for June 2026   https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/9585/June-2026-Franklin-Library-News-and-Events---Franklin-MA?bidId=

Franklin Fathers host the inaugural Eddie Grant Memorial Kickball Tournament on Saturday, June 14

Franklin Fathers, a local dads and caregivers group dedicated to community, wellness, and civic connection, will host the inaugural Eddie Grant Memorial Kickball Tournament on Saturday, June 14, bringing together families, local organizations, and businesses for a day of recreation, remembrance, and community spirit. The event will take place at Beaver Pond.

The tournament honors Eddie Grant, a Franklin native, Major League Baseball player, and World War I veteran who was killed in action in 1918. Organizers hope the event will help introduce Grant’s legacy to a younger generation of Franklin residents who may not yet know the story behind one of the town's most distinguished historical figures.

“Part of the goal is simply to reconnect Franklin with one of its own,” organizers said. “We want to re-introduce Franklin to one of its most remarkable sons: an athlete, scholar, soldier, and public servant whose legacy still represents the very best of our community."

The family-friendly tournament will feature community teams, food, music, children’s activities, and a 50/50 raffle, with raffle proceeds benefiting the American Legion.

The tournament is still accepting teams, with room remaining for four additional entries. Community groups, friend groups, businesses, neighborhood teams, and organizations are all encouraged to participate.

Interested teams can register by emailing or completing the registration form at tinyurl.com/EddieGrantKickball.

Organizers are also still seeking local business sponsors for the event. Sponsorships offer an opportunity for businesses to connect directly with Franklin-area families while supporting a positive community initiative rooted in local history and civic engagement.

Businesses interested in sponsoring the tournament can contact organizers at franklinfathersma@gmail.com.

Additional event details, including schedules and participating organizations, will be announced in the coming weeks.

Franklin Wine Club: Exploring Bodegas Luzón - Thursday, May 28

Join the Franklin Wine Club for an exclusive sit-down educational tasting as we explore the rugged beauty and bold flavors of D.O. Jumilla, Spain. We are honored to host José Requena Abellan, Head of International Sales for the historic Bodegas Luzón, for an evening dedicated to the "soul" of Spanish winemaking.

The Story of Bodegas Luzón Founded in 1841, Bodegas Luzón is one of the most storied producers in the Jumilla region. The winery’s name carries a unique history: its founder, Don José Molina, was a military commander stationed on the island of Luzon in the Philippines. Upon his return to Spain, he named the estate in honor of his journey. For over a century, the winery was famously passed down through the female side of the family, maintaining a legacy of tradition that continues to evolve today. 

Today, Luzón manages 415 hectares of vineyards, including prized plots of 40-year-old, ungrafted, and non-irrigated vines. They are pioneers in environmental stewardship, being the first in their region to produce organic wines and one of only 40 wineries in Spain to hold the "Wineries for Climate Protection" certification.

Meet Our Guest: José Requena Abellan Born and raised in Jumilla, José’s connection to the land began in his grandfather’s Monastrell vineyards. After earning his WSET 3 certification and building a career in the wine trade, he joined Bodegas Luzón in 2026. Now leading their international team, José brings a lifetime of local heritage and professional expertise to our wine room.

The Tasting Experience We will focus on the region’s native superstar: Monastrell. These sun-drenched grapes produce wines of intense color, dark fruit aromas, and sophisticated spice notes. Our exploration will include:

• The unique characteristics of dry-farmed Monastrell.
• Traditional, minimal-intervention winemaking techniques using large wooden barrels.
• A look at how Bodegas Luzón blends tradition with modern sustainability.

---

Event Details:

• When: May 28th at 7:00 PM
• Where: Franklin Liquors Wine Room
• RSVP HERE: Exploring Bodegas Luzón, Thu, May 28, 2026, 7:00 PM | Meetup
  
  

Drummers Studio 16th year celebration scheduled for June 20

via The Drummers Studio

"We are 4 weeks away from our 16th Annual Celebration. This year we celebrate music from the 90's.

Dress and/or Dance the 90s and win $.

Summer Piano/Voice starts now! "

Shared from -

https://www.instagram.com/p/DYm0uV7kUNA/ 

Kris Russell and I talked last year as he approached the 15th Anniversary

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/06/kris-russell-and-i-talk-about-15th.html