Line dancing at La Cantina - Thursday, June 4

LINE DANCING AT LA CANTINA WINERY WITH BECCA

Line dancing at La Cantina - Thursday, June 4

Thursday, June 4

Instructional Class (7:00–8:00 PM)

SOLD OUT!

Open Dance Floor (8:00–9:30 PM)

FREE and open to everyone!

Didn’t get a ticket to the class? No worries! Join us after for a fun night of dancing, music, wine, and great company.

Grab your boots, bring your friends, and hit the dance floor with us!

La Cantina Winery

Wine • Tapas • Dancing

https://www.facebook.com/share/1BRhoUW7Pq/

Creative Corner Arts & Crafts classes unleash your child's creativity

Creative Corner Arts & Crafts classes unleash your child's creativity

"Unleash your child's creativity with our Arts & Crafts class, designed for young artists aged 5-12.

Over four weeks, they'll explore new art materials, learn creative techniques, and craft keepsake projects inspired by real works of art.

Join us on Fridays from 3:30 to 5:00 PM. Register now at franklincreativecenter.org for just $60."

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/14dqeg77Zqp/

During Mental Health Awareness Month take the time to ask “How are you really doing?”

During Mental Health Awareness Month
take the time to ask “How are you really doing?”

via Franklin Police Dept

"During Mental Health Awareness Month, the Franklin Police Department would like to remind everyone that a simple check-in can make a world of difference.

Whether it’s a friend, family member, coworker, or neighbor, taking the time to ask “How are you really doing?” can help someone feel seen, heard, and supported.

Remember:
• Listen without judgment
• Encourage others to seek help when needed
• Support one another through difficult times
• Know that mental health challenges can affect anyone

As a community, we are stronger when we stand together and support each other.

You are never alone."

Shared from - https://www.instagram.com/p/DY4zqg-REY5/

MassBudget: Enrollment Decline and Fiscal Pressure in Massachusetts Public Schools

Since FY 2019, statewide public school enrollment has declined by nearly 50,000 students, placing school districts under growing financial pressure because school funding is closely tied to student enrollment. 

A new report from Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center’s (MassBudget) Anthony Clough, Education Policy Analyst, examines how declining student enrollment is affecting school districts across Massachusetts and pays close attention to the disproportionate decline in English Learner enrollment across the Commonwealth. The report finds that English Learner enrollment now accounts for nearly half of the statewide enrollment decline. The analysis explores how these changes are impacting Gateway Cities, rural districts, and other communities with limited local fiscal capacity to absorb the resulting decreases in state funds for education.

Clough outlines both short-term and long-term policy recommendations, including targeted stabilization funding for districts experiencing steep enrollment declines and a broader review of the state’s school funding formula. At a time of increasing uncertainty for schools, this report highlights the importance of protecting fiscal stability and educational equity across Massachusetts. 

Read the full report - (PDF) - https://massbudget.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/5.13.26.-Enrollment-Decline-and-Fiscal-Pressure-in-Massachusetts-Public-Schools.-A-Focus-on-English-Learners-Combined-with-Summary.pdf

Norfolk County Sheriff’s Office House to House for Heroes Veterans Outreach going to Holbrook on Saturday, June 6, 2026!

In partnership with the Holbrook Veterans’ Service Office, volunteers will come together to support local veterans by helping connect them with valuable resources, benefits, and services available to them.

The day will begin with a brief kickoff ceremony at 9:30 AM at the Public Safety Complex, 2015 Washington Street, Braintree. Volunteers will then head out door-to-door delivering informational packets and spreading awareness throughout the community.

No registration is required — just show up, bring your enthusiasm, and be ready to make a difference! Volunteers from all surrounding towns are welcome.

Join us as we honor and support our veterans, one doorstep at a time.

Event Details

• When: Saturday, June 6, 2026 at 9:30 A.M.
• Where: Public Safety Complex, 2015 Washington Street, Braintree

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm Schedule for Monday, June 1, 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, June 1, 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: Ken Bray

8:00 am SAFE Coalition: Woody Geissman

9:00 am Concerts on the Common: Mike Tarara

11:30 am Cooking Thyme: Sweet Corn Risotto

12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin': Peppers

12:30 pm Cooking with Linda: Crescent Rolls

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: Toby

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: Woody Geissman

9:30 am Winning Ways with the MIAA: Referee Shortage Pt1

10:30 am FHS Spring Jazz 2026

12:30 pm All-Town Band Showcase 2026

2:00 pm FHS Girls Varsity Lacrosse v Bishop Feehan 05-30-26

6:30 pm FHS Senior Awards 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

10:00 am Communications Subcommittee 05-28-26

2:00 pm Planning Board 05-11-26

7:00 pm Planning Board  CHAMBERS  849 8680 6774

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: Sunday, May 31, 2026 ???

Sunday, May 31

** Restaurant Week (Day 1/7) (Franklin, MA) **

1:00pm Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

1:00pm Pride Flag Raising (Municipal Bldg)

***  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

Town Administrator memo to Finance Committee on what changed in the FY 2027 budget

May 29, 2026

To: Finance Committee

From: Jamie Hellen, Town Administrator

RE: Revised FY27 Budget

The revised TA budget shows a structural budget deficit of $1,104,132, which is the free cash amount needed to produce a balanced budget without any staff reductions or cuts for the town or schools. This is just shy of half of the deficit the town began the year with.

I have included the entire recommendation by the Finance Committee in the revised calculations. Their recommendation is online here and a net reduction of $196,000 in the budget.

As a reminder, this budget is a blueprint for the upcoming fiscal year. Many factors could alter these numbers throughout the year. We give periodic updates to the Finance Committee on year-to-date expense reports, revenues, state and federal policy impacts and global economics. The Council will look at a final fiscal year budget in November prior to the tax rate hearing, which is required by law.

Staff have provided a Control Sheet/Voting Document with Increase/Decrease columns (with associated notes to transparently and clearly depict what accounts have been altered in the assumptions or revenue or spending). Staff have also prepared a “clean” copy as an official voting document for June 10th consideration by the Council. Major highlights are also listed in this memo.

Revenue assumption changes

● The New Growth assumption has been increased $65,010 due to the full time administrative assistant for the Board of Assessors, which allows all full time appraisers to capture more property value. The increase covers the full cost of the position and health benefits.

● State Aid has been increased $638,405 over Governor Healey’s H2 budget and will follow the Senate local aid numbers (who notably invested $53 million into UGGA, which was a top priority for the Town Council, MMA and many cities and towns statewide).

 

Expenditure assumption changes (increases) major highlights

● $341,180 increase to the Tri-County operating budget (this does not include the debt exclusion building project). Costs went up $1,202 per pupil and the school added 6 students. The total is 186 students.

● MECC assessment increased $74,336.

● Animal Control increased $21,431.

Expenditure assumption changes (decreases) major highlights

● The proposed restored positions, including the two SRO’s, Deputy Town Administrator, Assessors Administrative Assistant and Munis Administrator are effective 10/4/26 as it is impossible to have those positions hired this summer. This saved $147,637.

910 Benefits and Health Insurance major highlights:

Overall, the benefits budget is $459,671 lower than what was anticipated in the original FY27 budget proposal in February.

● A proposed $150,000 reduction in OPEB contribution (made by the Finance Committee);

● Pension and Retirement was reduced $158,491 due to a July 1st pre-pay rebate on the final pension assessment;

● Workers Compensation was reduced $151,800 due to a strong portfolio and large claims coming off the books;

● The Unemployment budget was reduced $21,000 from $171,000 to $150,000. We had originally put in a 14% increase as a hold, but do not anticipate needing an increase.

● Health insurance benefits for all active employees and retirees (both Town and School) are spread out across several different line items within the Benefits Budget (910). When creating the FY27 budget, we assumed a 14% increase across all health insurance related lines. For the ease of discussion, the original health insurance budget for FY27 back in January 2026 was

$15,506,392. After reviewing enrollment data and estimating enrollment based on the GIC data, we are now budgeting for $15,514,010.32. This is an increase of only $21,618.32 over what we had anticipated, which is less than one FTE benefits cost.

● Pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 32B, Sections 21-23, municipalities that achieve savings through health insurance plan changes, including joining the Group Insurance Commission (GIC), are required to share a portion of those savings with employees and retirees through the Public Employee Committee (PEC) process (MGL Chap. 32B, Section 19). As part of that process, the Town negotiated an agreement with the PEC to return a portion of the projected savings to subscribers through a one-month premium holiday. The premium holiday is a very common method to share cost savings in Municipalities. This approach allows the Town to realize long-term savings, while also providing a direct financial benefit to employees and retirees during the transition to the GIC. Employees and non-Medicare retirees will not be required to pay their portion of premiums for health insurance in January 2027. This is a one-time cost of $435,781, which will not carry forward into FY28.

Retiree Health Care

Direct comparisons between the original FY26 health insurance budget and the proposed FY27 budget should be viewed cautiously, as mid-fiscal year changes to retiree health insurance costs altered the Town’s actual FY26 costs and complicated year-over-year comparisons.

When the FY26 budget was developed, the premium for the Aetna Medicare Advantage plan for retirees over age 65 was $336.19 per month, with the Town paying 68% of the premium ($228.61) and retirees paying 32% ($107.58). For budgeting purposes, the Town anticipated a 12.5% premium increase effective January 1, 2026, which would have increased the Aetna monthly premium to approximately $378.21. Instead, the actual premium increased to $559.93 effective January 1, 2025 — a 66.6% increase over the original rate. Prior to the reduction of federal subsidies, the Town contribution increased from 68% to 70%, increasing the Town’s monthly share from approximately $228.61 to $391.95 per subscriber, an increase of approximately 71.4%. As a result, FY26 retiree insurance costs were substantially higher than the assumptions used to develop the original budget.

Under the Group Insurance Commission (GIC), the most utilized Medicare plan (Harvard Pilgrim Medicare Enhance) premium will decrease to $503.50 per month, which is approximately 10.1% lower than the current Aetna rate. The Town will continue to pay 70% of the cost, which means that the Town will pay $352.45 per subscriber, per month, a savings of $38.55 per month per subscriber ($462.60 annually). For perspective, we will have approximately 470 retirees and spouses on the plan at the 70/30 split (not including the grandfathered “Trust” retirees), which results in a savings of at least $217,422.

While the GIC rates remain higher than the original FY26 budget projection, they are significantly lower than the actual costs currently being experienced, resulting in meaningful savings compared to the Town’s current rates.

Finally, the main reason for the large spike in retiree costs are the reduction or elimination of federal subsidies toward the Affordable Care Act (ACA), Medicare and Medicaid in legislation passed last year by Congress.

PDF version of this memo - 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1doWDfqydtER38d8jfn1gSNfFBUAih0Z3/view?usp=drive_link

Full Finance Committee agenda for the June 3, 2026 session - 

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06032026-2346 

Franklin, MA: Agenda for Finance Cmte Meeting June 3 on revised FY 2027 budget

Finance Committee Meeting

Agenda & Meeting Packet

Wednesday, June 3, 2026 - 6:00 PM

1. Call to Order

2. Approval of Minutes

a. April 6, 2026

b. April 7, 2026

c. April 8, 2026

d. April 9, 2026

3. Committee Recommendations on Legislation for Action

a. Revised FY27 Town Administrator Operating Budget - www.franklinma.gov

i. Staff Memorandum  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9677/3a-i-MEMO-Revised-TA-Budget

ii. Control Sheet & Voting Document (notes version)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9657/FY27-Control-Sheet-and-Voting-Document-JAMIE-NOTES-COPY---FOR-AGENDA-LINK

iii. Control Sheet & Voting Document (clean version)   https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9658/FY27-Control-Sheet-and-Voting-Document-CLEAN-COPY---FOR-AGENDA-LINK

iv. Resolution - Adoption of Revised Fiscal Year 2027 Budget  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9683/3a-iv-Resolution-Adoption-of-the-FY-2027-Budget

v. Revised Appendix A - Town Administrator Revised Budget  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9661/Revised-Appendix-A---Town-Administrator-Revised-FY27-Budget

 

b. Resolution 26-27 MECC Stabilization Transfer to FY27 Operating Budget  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9662/3b-Resolution-26-27_-MECC-Stabilization-Transfer-to-FY27-Operating-Budget

c. Resolution 26-28 Salary Schedule: Full Time Elected Official (Town Clerk)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9687/3c--RESOLUTION-26-28_-Salary-Schedule_-Full-Time-Elected-Official-Town-Clerk

d. Resolution 26-29 Expenditure Limits For FY27 on Departmental Revolving Funds  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9663/3d-RESOLUTION-26-29---Town-Council-FY27--Expenditure-Limits

e. Resolution 26-33 Capital Round 2  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9643/_4e-26-33-Capital-Round-2-Resolution?bidId=

i. Memo Free Cash Usage Capital Round 2  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9666/3e-1---MEMO-Free-Cash-Usage-Capital-Round-2

ii. DPW Dump Truck quotes  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9667/6-Wheel-Dump-Truck_Sander_Plow

f. Resolution 26-34 Appropriation From Group Insurance Trust Fund  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9688/3f-Resolution-26-34_-Appropriation-From-Group-Insurance-Trust-Fund

g. Resolution 26-35 Ambulance Transfer and Appropriation  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9644/4f-26-35-Ambulance-Transfer-and-Appropriation

i. Memo Authorization to Purchase Ambulance  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9673/3g-i-Memo-Authorization-to-purchase-Ambulance

4. Community Preservation Act

a. Resolution 26-23 Community Preservation Fund: Annual Appropriation and Reservation  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9623/3c-FY27-CPA-Reservations-Resolution-26-23-1

b. Resolution 26-24 on amended Project Slate from CPC  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9656/4b-FY27-CPA-Appropriation-of-Funds---Capital-26-24

i. 05-18-2026 CPC Agenda Packet   https://franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05182026-2318

5. FY26 Fiscal Year End Update

a. Resolution 26-30 Snow & Ice Stabilization Transfer to Operating Budget FY26  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9674/4g-Resolution-26-30_-Snow-and-Ice-Stabilization-Transfer-to-Operating-Budget-FY26

b. Resolution 26-31 Capital FY26 Stormwater Enterprise Fund Appropriation  

6. Reports

a. Stabilization Fund Balances as of 4-30-2026  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9624/Stabilization-Fund-Balances-4-30-2026docx

b. Local Receipts as of 4-30-2026  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9618/Local-Receipts-Enterprise-Revenues-Budget-to-Actual-Report-April-2026

7. Next Meetings

a. September 23, 2026

b. October 21, 2026

c. December 9, 2026

8. Adjourn

The agenda doc also contains remote participation info

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06032026-2346 

Agenda for Franklin Board Of Health meeting scheduled for Wednesday, June 6 at 5:00 PM

Franklin Board Of Health

Agenda & Meeting Packet 

June 3,2026 - 5:00 PM

1. ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM THE CHAIR

a. Chair to identify members participating remotely.

2. CITIZEN COMMENTS

a. Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to three minutes on a matter that is not on the agenda. In compliance with G.L. Chapter 30A, Section 20 et seq, the Open Meeting Law, the Board of Health cannot engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Board of Health may ask the Director of Public Health to review the matter.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

a. May 6, 2026

NEW BUSINESS

a. Update on warming and cooling shelters discussion

b. Health department Facebook page discussion

c. Women’s Health Expo update discussion

d. Ban Bodyworks establishments discussion

PUBLIC HEARING

 

REPORTS

a. Metacomet Shared Service Grant Health Agent Report

b. Metacomet Shared Service Grant Public Health Nurse Report

FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS 

ADJOURNMENT

The agenda doc also contains remote participation info -  https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06032026-2345

Franklin Public Schools Expands Career Pathway Internship Partnerships

The Franklin Public Schools Office of Teaching and Learning and Franklin High School recently welcomed community partners together to reflect on the success of the Senior Project internship experience and continue planning for the district’s innovative 100-hour Career Pathways Internship Program.

The meeting brought together representatives from a wide range of industries, including biotechnology (MRN Diagnostics), banking and finance (Dean Bank), nonprofit organizations (YMCA, Franklin Senior Center, One8 Foundation), and manufacturing sectors (Allegra Marketing/Printing). The collaborative conversation focused on strengthening partnerships, expanding opportunities for students, and continuing to connect classroom learning with real-world career experiences.

Career Pathways discussion underway

The Career Pathways Internship Program provides students with meaningful, hands-on experiences aligned to their interests and future goals, including pathways in health care and business & finance. Through these experiences, students gain valuable professional skills, industry exposure, and authentic workplace learning opportunities.

District leaders and community partners shared ideas for future growth and discussed plans to continue expanding internship opportunities for Franklin High School students. Additional updates and information about the program will be shared in the coming months.

Special thanks to Eric Stark, Elizabeth Morrison, Tina Rogers, Maria Weber, Nicole Haf​ele, Franklin High School Math Department Head, and Jennifer Curley, Franklin High School Science Department Head, for their leadership and ongoing commitment to developing innovative learning opportunities for students.

Shared from - https://www.franklinps.net/o/fpsd/article/2940763

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

FM #1749 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1749 in the series. 

This session shares the Town Council Communications Subcommittee Meeting. The meeting was held in the Council Chambers at the Municipal Building on Thursday, May 28, 2026.

 

Subcommittee Chair Caroline Griffith, members Jane Callaway-Tripp, Max Morrongiello, and Gene Grella also participated. Town Administrator Jamie Hellen, Operations Manager Julie McCann and Director of Communications & Community Engagement Liz Kalaijian participated.

The recording runs about 3 hours & 50 minutes, so let’s listen in.

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1749-town-council-communications-subcmte-mtg-05-28-26/

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Franklin TV video for replay - https://www.youtube.com/live/bUhHdEn119Q?&t=66 

Meeting agenda and supporting docs - https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05282026-2333  

Meeting recap - https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/05/communications-subcommittee-listened.html 

My notes in one PDF - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1JmRSQOP0pbuQiaCVeMG5-Xla6eT8s_wz/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. 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"

Franklin TV: Tri-County Graduates

A Lovely Poignant Evening

by Pete Fasciano, Executive Director 05/31/2026

Every graduation is a special event. This year Tri-County wrapped up another graduation, and the evening was spectacularly Summery. This graduation was also poignant. It’s the end of an era as the current school building closes for the last time.

Hats in the air, and a new group of TC graduates become tomorrow’s successes. Next year, a new era will begin for the undergrads as they move to their new venue.

Go, Cougars!

And – as always –

Thank you for watching. 

Thanks for listening to wfpr●fm,

and staying informed at Franklin●news.

 Graduation video link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E4SsMY75Qhg

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