Economic Development Subcmte gets updates on the events for June & continues goal discussion (audio)

FM #1762 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1762 in the series. 

The Economic Development Subcommittee met on Thursday, June 4, 2026 as scheduled. Committee Vice-Chair Morrongiello, Griffith & Malloy were present for this session, Chair LeBlanc was away.

Quick recap:

• Cory Shea to talk about the events, 

• Restaurant Week underway, good social interactions, PorchFest on Saturday June 6, about 50 performers and 30+porches; after the music you can also visit a restaurant as the week ends on Saturday.

• Tricky trying to put the pieces together from a regional aspect for an international event, lots of connections made, lessons learned

• Main St will be closed between St Mary's and the Franklin Federated Church. The jumbotron will be at Hayward Manor; Live performances scheduled; Info on schedule details, parking etc will be posted on June 22

• After the watch parties, Pride on June 27, then into the 4th of July Celebration… Farmers Market and Concerts on the Common during the summer, then Harvest Festival in Sept and wreath of Franklin date TBD Nov, Dec

• MetroWest guide for the watch parties coming out , Town has an ad placed in it as it will be spreading quite a bit.

• Discussion on goals vs work plan, should it be 2 or one.

• Why is there a distinction?

• Solid waste master plan required for the town dump, consent order from DEP so it is already being worked

The meeting runs about 71 minutes. 

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1762-economic-development-subcmte-mtg-06-04-26/

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Franklin TV video is available for replay - https://www.youtube.com/live/HJsDcLu_-xk?&t=161 

The agenda here - 

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06042026-2343 

My full set of notes taken during the meeting - 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WMctKdP3zMR8fJSIsIDFplpBCbQdfBhd/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

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

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

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!

------------------

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

FHS Students .taste test new salads

via Franklin Public School Food Service

FHS Students .taste test new salads

"Our District Chef served up 3 new, flavor-packed power salads at FHS yesterday. Students got to be the official taste-testers for these incredible dishes:

• Tangy Tabbouleh
• Zesty Mediterranean Barley
• Savory Asian Quinoa

The Feedback was amazing!

Our Students loved the fresh flavors. We will be featuring these salads next school year on the salad bar and grab and go lines."

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/18sMNFERrB/

Town of Franklin Cooling Centers when needed (Temp >85 for 3 days in row)

Beat the Heat! 

Remember to drink plenty of water, limit outdoor activity during peak heat, and check on family, friends, and neighbors who may need assistance. Stay cool and stay safe! 

Looking for a place to stay cool during the upcoming heat wave? Franklin residents can visit one of these cooling centers:

Franklin Senior Center

Town of Franklin Cooling Centers when needed (Temp >85 for 3 days in row)

10 Daniel McCahill Street

• Monday–Friday | 8:30 AM–4:00 PM

Franklin Public Library

118 Main Street

• Monday–Thursday | 9:00 AM–8:00 PM
• Friday & Saturday | 9:00 AM–5:00 PM

New England Chapel

300 E. Central Street

• This Sunday June 14, 2026 | 8:30 AM–4:30 PM

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/1JXcx9P6W2/

Girls Lacrosse Summer Series - Thursday evenings in July

Don’t put your stick away just yet!!

Girls Lacrosse Summer Series - Thursday evenings in July

There is still time to sign up for girls summer series skills this summer.

Thursday evenings in July on the front turf 5:30-6:30.

Registration is still open at the below link and link in bio!! When registering please register with your CURRENT GRADE.

https://franklinma.myrec.com/info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=29971

3rd Annual Celebration of Life Pin Fun Run & Fireworks Festival - June 20 (video)

For Kids' Sake Foundation hosts its annual community fundraising 5K and fireworks festival--this year's 5K features a first-of-its-kind collectible enamel pin experience along the race route, including a limited-edition collaboration pin with An Unlikely Story, the Plainville bookstore owned by Diary of a Wimpy Kid creator Jeff Kinney. 

The starting line in 2025 (courtesy photo)

The evening also includes: live music, food and drink vendors, festival games, silent auction & raffle prizes, and an incredible professional fireworks finale

All proceeds fund CAR-T cancer research at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and Seattle Children's Hospital. 

Free fireworks and festival admission for all.

Saturday, June 20, 2026 | 5–11 PM

Field of Dreams, 80 School Street, Plainville, MA 02762

Register, donate, or learn more: forkidssakefoundation.org/5k2026

Boots & Bottles - Line Dance Class & Open Dancing - Thursday, June 18

Grab your boots and join us for another fun night of Line Dancing with Becca at La Cantina Winery!

Boots & Bottles - Line Dance Class &
Open Dancing - Thursday, June 18

Thursday, July 16, 2026

Line Dancing Class

7:00 PM – 8:00 PM

$10 Class Fee  https://lacantinawinery.square.site/

Open Dance

8:00 PM – 9:30 PM

Bring your friends, enjoy great wine, delicious tapas, and dance the night away in the winery!

La Cantina Winery, Franklin, MA

18+ Event

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule for Saturday, June 13, 2026

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm
schedule for Saturday, June 13, 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:

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

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Friday, June 12, 2026 ???

Friday, June 12

9am Fallen Hero: Lloyd M. Ellis (Veterans Walkway, Franklin Town Common)

10am Knitting Group (Franklin Public Library)

1pm Thrifty Threads (Franklin Federated Church)

2pm Farmers Market (Franklin Town Common)

4pm Strawberry Stroll     (Main St, Franklin)

5pm A Children’s Parade (Dean College)

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=

*** 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

Fallen Hero Recognition: Private First Class Lloyd M. Ellis, U.S. Army - June 12, 2026 - 9 AM

There is a Fallen Hero Recognition event today (6/12/26) at 9 AM on the Town Common Veterans Walkway to honor Private First Class Lloyd M. Ellis, U.S. Army. 

This program will include the placing of a Memorial Wreath for the day, the playing of Taps, a salute from those present, and a reading of whatever history  may be available for that veteran.  This is a way of keeping the memory of that veteran alive.

Fallen Hero: Private First Class Lloyd M. Ellis, U.S. Army

Private First Class Lloyd M. Ellis, U.S. Army, born on December 8, 1921, was the son of Charles and Margaret Ellis, of 730 Union Street. For many years, Lloyd made his home here in Franklin with Mr. and Mrs. Warren Thayer of Fales Street. Lloyd attended the Franklin Schools and was graduated from Franklin High School in 1939 where he was a popular and talented member of his class.  

On November 14, 1942 Lloyd married the former Dorothy Brown of Franklin and he was employed as a machinist up until the time he entered the service of his country on September 13, 1943. After training, PFC Lloyd M. Ellis was sent overseas for combat in March of 1944.  

Private First Class Lloyd M. Ellis was killed in action in France on June 12, 1944 during the height of the battle following the American invasion of that country.  

Private First Class Lloyd M. Ellis was 22 years old at the time of his death during the invasion of France against the German forces.

Originally posted -> 

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/fallen-hero-private-first-class-lloyd-m.html

 

The schedule of Fallen Heroes for the year on one page (PDF)

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1tlyiAK18owM81p8aJs1vhKc3p2bIK1cv/view?usp=drive_link

 

For the full published series of Fallen Heroes you can visit this link
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/franklin-fallen-heroes-series.html

Photo album of the Fallen Hero pillars along the Veterans Walkway

https://photos.app.goo.gl/oRGdmq9krLNEBnjJ7 

Fakes & Forgeries Art Show: People’s Choice Ribbon was won by Christine Blue Lamb Toubeau

People’s Choice Ribbon was won by Christine Blue Lamb Toubeau

The second annual exhibit of the Franklin Art Association’s, “Fakes & Forgeries Art Show” closed with announcing the winner of it’s People’s Choice Award. The People’s Choice Ribbon was won by Christine Blue Lamb Toubeau, long time resident and artist of Franklin.

She rendered her version of the famous, Johannes Vermeer’s, “Girl with a Pearl Earring” done in 1665. The girl was shown this time with contemporary clothing and jewelry in today’s fashion and this new version was titled, “Material Girl with a Pearl Earring”. 

During the Franklin Historical Museum’s hours in May until June 6th, the FAA Fakes & Forgeries exhibit was open for the public. Artists were asked to paint a work of an honored art Master using their own style and their own interpretation for the new image. A Reception was held on the last day of the show, June 6th and the ballots were counted for the winner. 

This show is a successful collaboration of both the Franklin Art Association’s artwork from area artists and The Franklin Historical Museum’s building and facilities in which to show the work. 

The Franklin Art Association will start it’s monthly art demonstrations and programmed meetings again on September 2nd.

Farmers Market today opens at 2 PM before the Strawberry Stroll opens at 4 PM

PMC Kids Ride marked their 20th anniversary in Franklin on June 7, 2026

PMC Kids Ride in Franklin on June 7, 2026 marked the 20th anniversary of the event, part of a statewide movement of young cyclists helping fund life-saving cancer research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

What began two decades ago with siblings Olivia Garrity and Jack Marchioni riding through a rainstorm in Medfield and turning that moment into a simple idea that Franklin should have its own PMC Kids Ride has since grown into one of the region’s largest events. Today, the founding spirit has come full circle, with Olivia now a parent herself and still closely connected to the ride she helped inspire.

Katie and Joe Clark - pedal hard (Hollywood Agency photo)

Across Franklin and beyond, hundreds of children ages 2 to 15 participate each summer, collectively reinforcing a powerful message: you are never too young to make a difference. The impact is substantial. Since the PMC Kids program began in 2005, young riders have raised more than $12 million for Dana-Farber. Across the broader Pan-Mass Challenge community, contributions have surpassed $1.125 billion since 1980.

Jen Lyons, a Franklin teacher and longtime PMC Kids Ride participant, started with PMC 14 years ago. A few years back, she and another elementary school teacher started a friendly competition to see who could recruit more students for the ride. One year, she even recruited 70 students!

The Franklin PMC Kids Ride stands as a living example of community-driven impact and proof that small riders can help drive enormous change.

Vote tally of the more than 40 votes taken by Town Council on Wednesday, June 10, 2026

The Town Council had an almost 5 hour session on Wednesday to discussion and vote on the budget, the CPA funds, and Capital Budget round 2 among the multiple measure they needed to take action on. 

There were over 40 votes taken that evening. I started tracking the roll call votes (these votes folks would need to know) and ended up putting all the votes in one spreadsheet with a PDF output.

You can find a brief description of the item up for vote, and the vote tally of the roll call up to the recess, the votes after were noted as "Voice Votes"

Download the file for review here

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1KraXbeI9wd7_NUu9r1lGbk1mh2sLbvUj/view?usp=sharing

Or view the embedded version here

Franklin TV video is available for replay  https://www.youtube.com/live/qrKpQCBSomk?&t=170

The agenda and associated materials can be found - https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06102026-2357 

My notes in one PDF can be found - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1EPl6-K3022R4Jzy0uObq2AyvHbqrl9lS/view?usp=drive_link

My notes were also verified via the video, but if I did make a mistake, please let me know, the record can be corrected.

Finance Committee votes to recommend FY 2027 budget, a minor adjustment to round 2 of Capital Authorizations (audio)

FM #1761 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1761 in the series. 

This session shares the Finance Committee meeting conducted Wednesday, June 3, 2026. The Committee meeting opened with 8 members present, 1 remote. All votes were recorded via roll call.

Quick recap:

Motion to recommend the adjusted FY 2027 budget $ 179,284,565 which uses free cash of $1m plus Second 

Clarification on going from $2.1 to $1.1 for use of free cash

Passes 9-0 via roll call

Resolution 26-27 MECC Stabilization Transfer to FY27 Operating Budget

Special purpose fund

Moved, second, passes via roll call 9-0

Resolution 26-28 Salary Schedule: Full Time Elected Official (Town Clerk)

State law requires separate vote

So moved, second, passes 9-0 via roll call

Resolution 26-29 Expenditure Limits For FY27 on Departmental Revolving Funds

State law requires, dedicated revolving funds for the purpose, expenses adjusted as needed 

So moved, second, passes 9-0 via roll call

Resolution 26-33 Capital Round 2

ma-franklin.civicplus.com

So moved, second,

Discussion on use of the auditors to provide some guidance on providing for the claims through June 30 but would be filed after July 1

Need the cash and a plan for an "oops"

Question on the code review for Parmeter, this was a recommendation from the Police Station Building Cmte in January

Q on the Senior Center sprinkler system, vendor selection underway

No money left for the fire truck? The bond anticipation note is in the budget, could be part of the free cash discussion next year 

Not really making capital investments with free cash, just buying time plugging holes here and there 

Motion to amend the resolution by the Parmenter code review and use that for fire truck stabilization account Amendment roll call passes 5 yes, 4 no 

Motion on the resolution as amended passes 8-1 via roll call

Resolution 26-34 Appropriation From Group Insurance Trust Fund

ma-franklin.civicplus.com

So moved, second, via roll call passes 9-0

Resolution 26-35 Ambulance Transfer and Appropriation

lead time is now 24 months, so the money already ready for it can place the order now for delivery later

So moved, second, passes 9-0 via roll call 

Resolution 26-23 Community Preservation Fund: Annual Appropriation and Reservation

So moved, second, clarification on the allocation per state requirement 

Passes 9-0 via roll call

Resolution 26-24 on amended Project Slate from CPC

So moved, second discussion Q on municipal housing trust allocation from CPA 

Finally the vote passes 9-0 via roll call

Resolution 26-30 Snow & Ice Stabilization Transfer to Operating BudgetFY26

So moved, second, passes 9-0 via roll call 

No FEMA funds expected

Resolution 26-31 Capital FY26 Stormwater Enterprise Fund Appropriation Move $90k for asset management grant

So moved, second, via roll call passes 9-0

Discussion on the stabilization account balances Any changes to it would be through the fiscal policy which determines the allocations from free cash Timings can affect the balances Audit report is coming in July due to Town Council and schedules and other items

The recording runs almost 3 hours, let’s listen

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1761-franklin-ma-finance-cmte-mtg-06-03-26/

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The Franklin TV video is available for replay - https://www.youtube.com/live/FR_5FicbhCM?&t=208 

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

My Notes in one PDF - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-xvjEmKCCw_H0m67ex_Dz4l5l6VsorYr/view?usp=drive_link 

-------------

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!

------------------

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

Graduating Franklin High School Students Deliver Senior Project Internship Presentations

Superintendent Lucas Giguere and Principal Dr. Maria Weber are proud to announce that more than 200 members of the Class of 2026 successfully delivered presentations detailing their Senior Project Internships.

"The presentations were truly outstanding and reflected the tremendous amount of work, coordination, and support that went into making this experience successful for our students," said Dr. Weber. "It was inspiring to see the wide range of internship opportunities students participated in, including dental assisting, fire, police, and public safety placements, a variety of businesses, and many other community partnerships. The diversity and quality of these placements provided meaningful, authentic learning opportunities for our students."

Judges meet in the library after more than 200 members 
of the Franklin High School Class of 2026
 delivered presentations detailing their Senior Project Internships.
(Photo Courtesy Franklin Public Schools)

The presentations took place on Wednesday, May 27, at Franklin High School, and the event and internship program were organized by Assistant Principal Catherine Klein and Guidance and Career Counselor Christine Scafidi.

Dr. Weber thanked Klein and Scafidi for their "extraordinary leadership and dedication in organizing this year’s Senior Project Internship experience for more than 200 members of the senior class."

Klein and Scafidi, the Senior Project Coordinator, recruited and organized approximately 70 judges, including faculty members, mentors, site supervisors and local business leaders, for the event.

"What stood out most during the presentations was the preparedness of the students and the genuine reflection they shared about their growth throughout the experience," said Dr. Weber. "Many students spoke about the importance of communication, collaboration, problem-solving, and professionalism, which, as you know, are the essential life skills that align directly with Franklin High School’s Portrait of a Graduate. It was clear that this experience had a lasting impact on them both personally and professionally."

Franklin High School Senior Projects require students to choose an area of study that interests them and then work within that area to gain practical experience before graduating.

One senior, Carolyn Bonilla, shared her internship experience with the Franklin Police Department

"Throughout my internship, I worked closely with Sgt. Crossman, who taught me about the daily responsibilities of law enforcement officers and what it takes to serve and protect the community," Carolyn said. "I participated in ride-alongs and observed officers responding to a variety of situations, which gave me a better understanding of the challenges they face on the job. I also learned how officers interact with community members, handle calls professionally, and work together as a team to ensure public safety."

The Senior Project initiative helps future graduates satisfy their curiosity, determine their future plans and achieve professional and personal goals.

Carolyn's experience helped to develop important skills such as communication, teamwork, professionalism and problem-solving.

"It also gave me a greater appreciation for the dedication and commitment required in law enforcement," she said. "The best part of my experience was working with Sgt. Crosman and participating in ride-alongs. It was interesting to see firsthand how officers help people, respond to calls, and build positive relationships within the community. Watching these interactions allowed me to gain valuable insight into police work and strengthened my interest in serving others and making a positive impact in the community."

Additional internship partners included the Franklin Fire Department, the Worcester Red Sox, Sturdy Health, NBC Sports, MRN Diagnostics, the YMCA and many more.

Students receive significant support as they navigate through the project. Each student's support team include their parent/guardian(s), a teacher-mentor (faculty member) and a site advisor (expert in the area of study at the work site).

“Our students did a wonderful job demonstrating their learning experiences, and we couldn’t be more proud of each of them,” said Superintendent Giguere. “The Senior Project Program offers our students a truly unique opportunity to learn alongside industry professionals, and prepare them as they set off in their next chapter. A heartfelt thank you to our partners and advisors for your continued support.

Aging Boldfully: Positive Psychology with Dr. Anne Bergen (audio & video)

Aging Boldfully is a new show on Franklin TV's All Access channel hosted by Susan Rohrbach. Dr. Anne Bergen was Susan's guest for this recent show.

The show description: 

"Aging Boldfully is about living your next chapter outside of your comfort zone—fully embracing the uniqueness of you.

For many of us, the idea of aging doesn’t appear on our radar until we approach our 60s, when retirement begins to loom. During this time, our attention often narrows to one critical goal: ensuring financial independence. While that focus is important, it can distract us from an equally vital question: What am I going to do with the rest of my life? 

Each of our journeys is unique. Rather than clinging to the tired concept of “retirement,” we have the chance to rethink and redesign this new chapter. What will life look like now that we are the CEO of our own story? 

Aging Boldfully will explore the themes that matter most as we step into this phase—purpose, relevance, resilience, physical health, mental well-being, intentional living, and mindfulness. It will showcase members of our community who are finding meaning, living with purpose, and overcoming obstacles—real examples of what it means to age not just gracefully, but boldfully."

Video  link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=75i6Y7HQ2iU

Audio link - https://aging-boldfully.captivate.fm/episode/episode-008-anne-bergen