Friday, May 29, 2026

Communications Subcommittee listened & talked almost 4 hours on Thursday (video)

The Town Council Communications Subcommittee met for almost four hours on Thursday, May 28, 2026. All four members were present in Council Chambers.
Quick recap:
  • Many departments presented on what they do to send out information, what newsletters, social tools, etc.
  • Town Administrator Jamie Hellen outlined a brief history of the communications role previously held and now currently held by Liz Kalaijian
  • 2 members of the School Committee Community Relations Subcommittee were present, one in person, one remote and participated in discussion on collaboration around joint meetings (as needed) and office hours (agreeing to different times and places)
  • Discussion around the work plan and attempt to prioritize the items led to a repeated round of conversation about the process of Councilors replying to resident's emails. Draft of the tentative process to be reviewed and agreed to by subcommittee before bringing to the full Council at a future date
  • Review of the job description of the Communications Director, which in may cases was already covered in the prior discussion


FHS boys tennis team playoff run ends on Thursday

Via Instagram, Franklin TV, and our subscription to HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the Spring sports competition for Franklin High School on Thursday, May 28, 2026


Boys Tennis  = Division 1
#34 Franklin, 0 @ #2 Westford Academy, 5 – Final



For other results across the Hockomock League (subscription required)
https://hockomocksports.com/thursdays-schedule-scoreboard-05-28-26/


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

The Strawberry Stroll features a kids parade on the Dean College quad

NEW TO THE STRAWBERRY STROLL THIS YEAR!!  

The Strawberry Stroll features a kids parade on the Dean College quad
The Strawberry Stroll features a kids parade on the Dean College quad

Join us for the Children’s Parade!  

The parade will kick off at 5 pm.  

Caretakers and children are encouraged to participate in the fun!!!


Reminder: The annual Town of Franklin Pride Flag Raising! Sunday, May 31 at 1:00 PM

Reminder: The annual Town of Franklin Pride Flag Raising! Sunday, May 31 at 1:00 PM
Reminder: The annual Town of Franklin
Pride Flag Raising! Sunday, May 31 at 1:00 PM
The 2026 Town of Franklin Pride Flag Raising will be THIS Sunday, May 31st, 1:00 pm, at the Franklin Municipal Building (355 E Central St. in Franklin). 

We hope to see you there!



Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule for Friday, May 29, 2026

Yes, Franklin has it's own radio station -> wfpr.fm. Franklin Public Radio has a brand new schedule for the locally produced shows that fill our air waves. 

It is available anywhere, anytime at wfpr.fm or in the local Franklin, MA area at 102.9 on the FM dial.

Tune in to listen to the following:

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule for Friday
Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule for Friday

8:00 AM, 1:00 PM, and 6:00 PM - Franklin Matters Radio – Steve Sherlock covering Franklin, its local government, services, and events 


9:00 AM, 2:00 PM, and 7:00 PM

10:00 AM, 3:00 PM, and 8:00 PM - Talkin’ the Blues – Jim Derick & Nick Remissong. 2 hours of awesome blues music, info, interviews  Showcasing the "Blues" as a basis for and influence of Country, Jazz and Rock and Roll, here and worldwide.



11:00 AM, 4:00 PM, and 9:00 PM - “The Vibe” show plays music for everyone searching for some enjoyment, some dance, a happy or thinking mood, and most importantly, having fun.  Tune in to wfpr.fm and listen to “DJ Vibe” spin music across many genres and join this new vibing experience


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 Friday, May 29, 2026 (Your local Public, Education & Government "PEG" station)

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

8:30 am Frank Presents: Jay Elias Pt 2
10:00 am Aging Boldfully: Fyzical
11:00 am Senior Connection: Spaghetti Bolognese
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
4:30 pm Franklin Art Association: Kristin Parone
6:00 pm Tri County Honors Night 2026
9:00 pm Circle of Friends; Abbie Gardner

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

7:00 am Jazz Cafe 03-06-26
8:30 am Metrowest Summit: World Cup 02-26-26
9:30 am FHS Concert Hour 02-25-26
11:00 am FHSTC - Flowers for Algernon
1:00 pm FHS Spring Pops 2026
3:30 pm FHS Varsity Baseball v Milford 05-18-26
8:00 pm FHS Theater Company: Cinderella

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


8:00 am Zoning Board of Appeals 05-14-26
12:30 pm Economic Development 05-14-26
2:00 pm Zoning Board of Appeals 05-14-26



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
Watch Listen Read all things that matter in Franklin MA

Thursday, May 28, 2026

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Thursday, May 28, 2026 ???

Thursday, May 28


  • Curbside trash/recycling pickup schedule delayed one day due to holiday; what was Wednesday will be picked up Thursday

2:00pm Middle School Reunion (Franklin Middle School)

4:30pm School of Fish updated (Franklin Sculpture Park)

6:00pm The Little Shop | Food & Wine Tasting (Little Shop of Olive Oils)


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

For additional details on Senior Center events ->    https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/9195/May-2026-Newsletter?bidId=
For additional details on Senior Center events ->   



***   Town Meetings today   ***

Communications Subcommittee Meeting

Thursday, May 28 Time: 6:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05282026-2333 


ZBA Meeting- NO Meeting

Thursday, May 28 Time: 7:30 PM



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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


Kick Off to Summer with the Flavors of Franklin!

Franklin Restaurant Week 2026: May 31 - June 6 

Kick Off to Summer with the Flavors of Franklin!
Kick Off to Summer with the Flavors of Franklin!
The Town of Franklin is excited to welcome residents and visitors to Franklin Restaurant Week 2026, a week-long celebration of local dining taking place May 31 through June 6.

Throughout the week, participating restaurants and local businesses will feature special menu items, seasonal offerings, promotions, and unique dining experiences that highlight the variety and creativity of Franklin’s food and beverage scene.

Whether you’re grabbing a casual bite, planning a night out, or trying somewhere new, Restaurant Week is the perfect opportunity to support local businesses and explore all that Franklin has to offer.

Visit the websites of participating restaurants and businesses to explore their Restaurant Week specials, prix fixe menus, promotional offerings, and more.

For additional details on those participating and their specials



School Committee recognizes Seal of Biliteracy students and retirees (audio)

FM #1747 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1747 in the series. 


This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, May 26, 2026 at 7:00 PM. All 7 members of the Committee participated, 6 were present in Chambers, 1 participated via Zoom. 


Quick recap

  • 17 students were recognized for achieving the Seal of Biliteracy in one or more languages other than English

  • A number of school department retirees from the Central Office or individual schools were recognized for their years of service

  • Superintendent Giguere presented his evidence as part of his evaluation. The subcommittee will collect additional feedback from committee members and prepare the final evaluation for review at a future meeting

  • The committee entered Executive Session, not to return to open meeting, to discussion negotiation strategy


Let’s listen (approx. 2 hours)

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1747-franklin-ma-school-cmte-mtg-05-26-26/


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School Committee, principals, and retirees
School Committee, principals, and retirees

School Committee and Biliteracy students
School Committee and Biliteracy students

Franklin TV video is available for replay - https://www.youtube.com/live/uf-sv9TG2GU?&t=67 


The agenda doc can be found - https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05262026-2332 


My notes can be found in one PDF file

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CM6UX_yg5qKduMZqiXqjYZNFCGQ4-K8T/view?usp=drive_link 


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We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial. 


This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.


How can you help?

  • If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

  • If you don't like something here, please let me know

  • And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach out. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do


Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.


For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/  or www.franklin.news 


If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com


The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.


I hope you enjoy!

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You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"


School of Fish updated at the Sculpture Park, Thursday, May 28, at 4:30 PM

School of Fish updated at the Sculpture Park, Thursday, May 28, at 4:30 PM
School of Fish updated at the Sculpture Park,
Thursday, May 28, at 4:30 PM
via Amy Adams:


"Here we go again! The traveling School of Fish is on the move and getting ready for their welcome party. Come and support the kids with this public art initiative. 

Thank you to Tri-County Regional Vocational School and the Washington Street School. We are so proud and grateful for your efforts."






The next Birchwood & Pour Richard's collaboration is a French themed dinner - Thursday, June 18

The next Birchwood & Pour Richard's collaboration is a French themed dinner - Thursday, June 18
Tickets available.  https://birchwoodbakery.square.site/events
Federico Goes to France 🇫🇷🍾

Join us with Cynthia Hurley Wines for an evening of bubbles, Burgundy, and the Loire paired with a stellar summer menu inspired by the French countryside.

Thursday, June 18 • 6:30PM
$95 per seat
  • Zucchini Fritters
  • Pea Risotto with Chèvre
  • Salmon with Herbs de Provence & Asparagus Purée
  • Guinea Hen & Potato Gratin
  • Passion Fruit Pavlova

A night of bright wines, classic French flavors, and summer elegance. Limited seating available.





Check out the Creative Corner programs to celebrate the arrival of the World Cup

"We have so many fun projects planned in our classes throughout June to celebrate the upcoming World Cup!

Join us! "