Thursday, September 3, 2026

Town of Franklin - OFFICAL Results - State Primary - Sep 1, 2026

Registered voters    25,457
Total votes cast         6,298
Per cent turnout        24.47%
Town of Franklin - UNOFFICAL Results - State Primary - Sep 1, 2026
The voters have left, the votes are tallied


The PDF for the State Primary Official results

Thanks to Town Clerk Nancy Danello, her staff and all the poll workers! and to those voters who did cast a ballot

View the embedded file here

"FILL THE VAN" pop-up Diaper Drive THIS Friday at the Franklin Farmers Market


"POP-UP DIAPER DRIVE ROUND 2!
"FILL THE VAN" pop-up Diaper Drive THIS Friday at the Franklin Farmers Market

Since July 1, 2026, we have had 501 unique requests for diapers. 

This is up 300% since last July. 

💚 We are asking for your support!

Our pop-up, diaper drive was so successful last Saturday, that we are doing a "FILL THE VAN" pop-up THIS Friday at the Franklin Farmers Market from 2:30pm-6:00pm!

Size 4, 5, and 6 are the highest need.

We are already so grateful to all of you who have participated in giving and donating.
 
THANK YOU!"


Aging Boldfully features conversation with Julie Booth of Quinnipiac University (video)

Aging Boldfully is a new show on Franklin TV's All Access channel hosted by Susan Rohrbach Julie Booth of Quinnipiac University is Susan's guest for this show.
Aging Boldfully features conversation with Julie Booth of Quinnipiac University (video)

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."


FREE Flu Clinic on Tuesday, September 22, from 10:00 AM–1:00 PM

FREE Flu Clinic on Tuesday, September 22, from 10:00 AM–1:00 PM
The Franklin Health Department is hosting a FREE Flu Clinic on Tuesday, September 22, from 10:00 AM–1:00 PM at the Franklin Senior Center (10 Daniel McCahill St, Franklin, MA).

Flu shots will be available for all ages, including high-dose vaccines!

We would greatly appreciate your help sharing the attached flyer with your staff, clients, families, and community members. By spreading the word, we can help encourage our community to get vaccinated and stay healthy this flu season.

To schedule an appointment, please use the registration link: https://home.color.com/vaccine/register/franklin?site=franklin-flu-clinic   OR call 508-613-1334.


Download the flyer as a reminder or to share - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DR0KLlMU_nPMwo44f2Bb8zxZeyx6VOgd/view?usp=drive_link

Fiesta Mexicana at La Cantina Winery Sept 19

Fiesta Mexicana at La Cantina Winery Sept 19
Join us for Fiesta Mexicana at La Cantina Winery!

Celebrate with us on September 19 for a night filled with great wine, delicious Mexican-inspired dishes, and music by DJ Tavo Entertainment from 8:00–11:00 PM.

Bring your friends, enjoy the fiesta, and celebrate with us!

Good Wine. Great Food. ¡Viva México!

Boston Globe: "‘Joe Camel all over again’: Mass. Lottery blasted for cartoonish games critics say lure children"

Boston Globe: "‘Joe Camel all over again’: Mass. Lottery blasted for cartoonish games critics say lure children"
“It’s Joe Camel all over again.”

Our CEO and co-founder Jen Levine made the front page of yesterday’s Boston Globe, talking about the cartoon characters and bright colors in the state’s new online lottery games.

In 2021, 28% of Massachusetts high schoolers reported playing the lottery. By 2025 it was 37%.

SAFE is working to make gambling a part of the addiction and mental health conversation in Massachusetts today.

Story link -
https://www.bostonglobe.com/2026/08/31/metro/massachusetts-lottery-online-children-games/?s_campaign=sharetool_copypaste_view

Thank you to Chris Serres and The Boston Globe for the reporting.



Franklin Public Radio wfpr.fm schedule for Thursday, September 3, 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 Thursday, August 27, 2026



8:00 AM, 1:00 PM, and 6:00 PM - Franklin Matters Radio – Steve Sherlock covering Franklin, its local government, services, and events  (Repeats Saturday at 3:00 PM)

 
9:00 AM, 2:00 PM, and 7:00 PM - first hour
10:00 AM, 3:00 PM, and 8:00 PM - second hour

Turntable"Enjoy a fun experience with co-hosts The Vibe and Pauly G sharing personal discussions about a featured rock n roll vinyl record (1st hour) and the best, all music Vibe Playlist (2nd hour)"  
  • Co-hosts The Vibe and Pauly G are featuring rock n roll music from "Rush" this week with a collection of hits from their 50th Rush Anniversary Package released March of 2025 and songs from the Clockworks Angel final studio album released on June 8, 2012.   
  • The Vibe DJ Rush Playlist Hour spins major hits from the "Different Stages" live collection to enjoy the brilliance of Rush-driven rock n roll LIVE!"


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 Thursday, September 3, 2026 (Your local Public, Education & Government "PEG" station)

  • Franklin All Access TV - Our Public Access Channel (Comcast 6, Verizon 26) = THURSDAY
9:00 am Aging Agenda: Arthur Vigeant
10:00 am Franklin Matters: Kitchen Center
11:33 am Cooking Thyme: Ice Cream
12:03 pm Brook'n'Cookin: Taquitos
12:35 pm Learn to Cook with Linda: Sticky Buns
1:30 pm     Pizzapalooza: Meat-Lovers Pt. 1
2:00 pm New England Candlepins Summer 2023 Show 1
3:00 pm Candlepin New Generation: Show 1
3:30 pm Aging Boldfully: Julie Booth
4:30 pm Veterans' Call: Lauren Turner
5:30 pm Rockin' The Boroughs
9:00 pm Circle of Friends: Susan Werner

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

7:30 am      Winning Ways with the MIAA: Shaun Hart Pt 2
8:30 am FHS Winter Music: Band and Wind Ensemble
10:30 am Mary Anning: Fossil Hunter
12:30 pm Cultural Council: BT ALC Big Band
2:00 pm Arts Advocacy: Fundraising
3:00 pm FHS Varsity Softball v Hopkinton 04-25-26
9:00 pm FHSTC: Curious Case of the Cottingley Fairies

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


8:00 am Conservation Commission 08-27-26
2:00 pm Conservation Commission 08-27-26
6:00 pm  Town Charter Ad Hoc Committee  FLOOR 3  865 2861 3316  Meeting canceled
7:30 pm Zoning Board of Appeals  CHAMBERS  962 3972 4820


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

Wednesday, September 2, 2026

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Wednesday, September 2, 2026 ???

Wednesday, September 2

10:00am Veterans Coffee Social (Franklin Senior Center)

5:30pm Bluegrass & Country Jam Circle (Franklin Senior Center)

6:30pm Bingo night (Kings Brick Oven Pizza & Pub)

6:30pm Franklin Art Association welcomes Rose Wang (Franklin Senior Center)

6:30pm Franklin Elks Bingo Night (Franklin Elks Lodge #2136)

7:00pm Smarty Pants Trivia (Raillery Public House)



For additional details on 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/10676/September-2026-Newsletter?bidId=





***  Town Meetings today ***

Board of Health Meeting

Wednesday, September 2 Time: 5:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09022026-2480 


Police Station Building Committee Meeting (as part of the Town Council meeting)

Wednesday, September 2 Time: 6:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09022026-2481 


Town Council Meeting

Wednesday, September 2 Time: 6:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09022026-2482


---------


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

Franklin Downtown Partnership Names Jenna Reilly Executive Director

The Franklin Downtown Partnership (FDP) is pleased to announce the appointment of Jenna Reilly as its new Executive Director. With almost 20 years of experience leading retail operations, driving strategic growth, and creating community-centered experiences, Reilly brings a combination of entrepreneurial leadership, business development expertise, and a deep commitment to fostering a vibrant, connected community.

Jenna Reilly
Reilly joined the FDP as a business member in 2026 after co-founding Book a Break, a Franklin-based company that creates themed, multi-day literary retreats. Before launching Book a Break, Reilly built a long retail career with Tiffany & Co. in Massachusetts, New York and Texas. Most recently, she served as Store Director in Providence, where she was selected to help revitalize the business. Her leadership included strategic planning, team development, client engagement and events that attracted new audiences and drove record-setting results. She previously led the Chestnut Hill location, delivering sustained growth and cultivating a culture centered on service and employee engagement.

“Jenna brings an entrepreneurial mindset and business development expertise to identify new opportunities, increase the Partnership’s impact on downtown development and create even greater value for our FDP members,” said Scott Martin, President of the Franklin Downtown Partnership Board of Directors. “As we welcome Jenna, we also extend our deepest gratitude to our recently retired executive director, Lisa Piana. Throughout her remarkable 22-year tenure, Lisa was a passionate and tireless advocate for downtown Franklin. She was instrumental in growing our signature events to new heights and advancing downtown development in countless ways. The strong foundation she built will continue to shape our work for years to come.”

A Franklin resident for the past five years, Reilly lives in town with her husband and their two children. Her family has enjoyed FDP traditions including community festivals and the Ladybug Trail, giving her firsthand appreciation for the Partnership’s role in making downtown Franklin welcoming and vibrant.

“The sense of community here is something special, and it is in large part shaped by the thoughtful programming and events led by the Franklin Downtown Partnership. Experiencing events like the Strawberry Stroll and Harvest Festival has not only deepened my connection to the town, but also reinforced how impactful well-executed, community-driven initiatives can be in bringing people together and supporting local businesses. The opportunity to contribute to and grow that impact is incredibly meaningful to me,” Reilly said.

As Executive Director, Reilly will help build on FDP’s signature programming, strengthen relationships with local businesses and community partners, and identify new opportunities to support a thriving downtown. Her appointment comes during the Partnership’s 25th anniversary year, a milestone that offers an opportunity to celebrate FDP’s history while looking ahead to its next chapter.

“I’m very excited to serve the Partnership in this new capacity,” Reilly said. “This milestone year is a wonderful time to reflect on all that has been accomplished and to build thoughtfully on that strong foundation. I’m honored to help create positive impact in the years ahead.”
The Franklin Downtown Partnership is a non-profit 501 (c) 3 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 and the Harvest Festival, and initiatives such as beautification, streetscape design, green space, alley murals, and sculpture projects. For more information go to www.franklindowntownpartnership.org.

Join me as we take a walk among the farm animals rescued at the Maloney Farm and Forest (video)

Steve Sherlock visits with Lauren and Ryan Maloney as we explore the Maloney Farm and Forest. They operate the farm to house and care for rescue farm animals, many of whom we met during our visit. 

Join me as we take a walk through the farm animals rescued at the Maloney Farm and Forest (video)


If you want to help them fulfill the needs of their animals, you can visit their Maloney Farm and Forest Amazon wishlist - https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3O992Z7KJZ1K?ref_=wl_share


Follow them on Facebook to see when & how to visit - https://www.facebook.com/groups/451791747842671

We had our initial conversation back in January 2026 and waited until warmer weather to vist Mike and his friends. You can listen to our conversation here  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/01/mike-rescue-pig-was-1st-on-journey.html



Police Station location & Town Properties "multi-month dialogue and discussion" begins with Council meeting Sep 2, 2026

August 28, 2026
Police Station location & Town Properties "multi-month dialogue and discussion" begins with Council meeting Sep 2, 2026

To: Town Council

From: Jamie Hellen, Town Administrator

RE: Town Owned Properties, including Davis-Thayer, Parmenter & 275 Beaver St.

The Town Council and community will see a comprehensive presentation on town owned property. We have included a presentation and cover memo from the Director of GIS.

This presentation will serve as a spring board into a community dialogue about the future use of Parmenter, Davis-Thayer and 275 Beaver Street. There are no final decisions or legislation for action this evening.

Staff have included memorandums for the current conditions at Parmenter, a draft of an Request For Proposals (RFP) for the Davis-Thayer School (including a cover memo with the policy decisions needed to be made by the Town Council) and two RFP drafts related to 275 Beaver St: one to sell, and one to lease 275 Beaver Street.

These drafts are being provided based on decisions by the Town Council in Executive Session in February 2026, as well as the recommended site for the future of the Police Station by the Building Committee.

Members of the Police Station Building Committee will be present this evening, as well as representatives from CHA Consulting, Inc. who is acting as the Owner’s Project Manager (OPM) as required by state law.

Tonight begins a multi-month dialogue and discussion from the Town Council on formal decisions on where to site a new Police Station, whether to sell the Davis-Thayer property, the Parmenter property, where to permanently locate the Recreation Department and whether to sell or lease 275 Beaver Street.

In working with Chair Dellorco, we are anticipating Council discussions on this issue will occur on a monthly basis through, at least, the end of the year, or as long as the Council desires.

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

11.        PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION -
The full agenda doc - https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09022026-2482