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Continue reading this Master Plan section in PDF format
Complete 2025 Master Plan report
Town of Franklin Master Plans (prior years)
Tuesday, October 6, 2026
Ghosts and Legends with Jeff Belanger – ADMISSION $5 - Thursday, Oct. 29
Jeff Belanger, always a favorite with Franklin audiences, is back with new stories for 2026! This ghostly multi-media program will take you on a journey through the haunts in your backyard, and around the world.
Pulling from Jeff’s 25 years of research for his books, podcasts, adventures, and the various television shows he’s worked on, join one of the nation’s premiere storytellers for a trip through the unusual and the unexplained.
The program runs from 7 to 9 pm and tickets are $5 (payable at the door and cash only).
Space is limited.
The Franklin Historical Museum is located at 80 West Central Street, Franklin.
The museum is open Saturday mornings from 10 AM - 1 PM, Sunday afternoons from 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM.
2026 Ballot Question 9: Firearms Regulation
Question 9: Do you approve of a law summarized below, which was approved by the House of Representatives on July 18, 2024 by a vote of 124 to 33, and approved by the Senate on July 18, 2024 by a vote of 35 to 5?
"Three local news outlets — CommonWealth Beacon, The Bay State Banner and El Planeta — unveil a detailed guide to this fall's state ballot questions.
SUMMARY
As required by law, summaries are written by the State Attorney General.
This law makes a number of changes to Massachusetts laws governing firearms.
The law adds school administrators and licensed healthcare providers as parties permitted to ask a court to issue an Extreme Risk Protection Order – requiring an individual to surrender or relinquish their firearm licenses, permits, and firearms - if an individual is a present danger to self or others. The law also provides that, when issuing a Harassment Prevention Order, a court may also order the surrender of firearms licenses, permits, and firearms.
The law imposes penalties for possessing, creating, and transferring untraceable "ghost gun" firearms and requires all firearms except antiques and relics, including unfinished frames and receivers that can be readily made into a finished product, to have serial numbers. The law includes privately-made guns like 3D-printed guns within the provisions governing untraceable "ghost gun" firearms.
The law changes firearms licensing requirements to: (1) allow local licensing authorities to request prior license and permit information from the state, as well as access petitions for involuntary mental health commitments denied by a court in addition to prior involuntary commitments, as a part of their review of applications for licenses to carry firearms, firearm ID cards, and licenses to sell firearms; (2) require an individual to be 21 years of age to own semiautomatic rifles or shotguns; (3) add the possibility of incarceration of up to six months for a second offense of failing to report a firearm loss or theft; and (4) enable 12-15 year olds to apply for a self-defense spray permit with parental permission, and 15 to 18 year olds to apply independently.
The law allows local firearm licensing authorities to transfer the responsibility to inspect firearm dealers to the State Police. The law requires local licensing authorities to attend statewide training regarding those inspections. It requires dealers to confiscate expired or suspended licenses and report them to the state and to local licensing authorities.
The law changes the definition of "machine gun" to include bump stocks, trigger cranks, Glock switches and auto sears among the devices whose possession and use are subject to penalties. It expands the definition of "silencer" to include the parts used to construct a silencer.
The law clarifies how to determine whether a firearm is an assault-style weapon and the circumstances under which a person may continue to possess assault-style weapons and large capacity feeding devices they already own.
The law requires the state Firearm Control Advisory Board and the state Secretary of Public Safety and Security to review and update the rosters of prohibited assault-style firearms, approved firearms, and approved firearms sold for target shooting.
The law clarifies requirements relating to the carry and transport of firearms in motor vehicles and ATVs. It prohibits the carrying of firearms in government buildings, polling locations, and schools, with certain exceptions.
The law expands data compilation and reporting requirements to and from the state, and creates a publicly-accessible dashboard of anonymized aggregate firearm data, along with a commission to study that data.
The law requires the State Police to provide training and a test for new applicants for licenses to carry or Firearm ID cards.
The law establishes two special legislative commissions – one to examine funding for violence prevention services, and one to study emerging firearms technology.
The law criminalizes discharging a firearm and striking a building in use.
WHAT YOUR VOTE WILL DO
As required by law, the statements describing the effect of a "yes" or "no" vote are written jointly by the State Attorney General and the Secretary of the Commonwealth.
A YES VOTE would keep in place the law, which increases the regulation of firearms, including ghost guns, machine guns, and assault-style weapons.
A NO VOTE would repeal this law.
STATEMENT OF FISCAL CONSEQUENCES
As required by law, statements of fiscal consequences are written by the Executive Office of Administration and Finance.
Since the passage of this safety law in 2024, the Commonwealth has made significant investments to implement the law including training employees, promulgating new gun licensure processes, and developing IT infrastructure. Repealing the law would require the Commonwealth to expend resources in suspending or re-directing those investments.
Additional info - https://ma.omniballot.us/sites/25/vg/app/vig/voter-guide/info/18
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via Dan Kennedy:
 |
| https://commonwealthbeacon.org/ballot-question/ |
It's freely available for republication online and in print." https://commonwealthbeacon.org/ballot-question/
FHS Panthers "Hat Trick Classic" Golf Tournament rescheduled to Oct 19
We are incredibly disappointed to announce that due to the forecasted rain and thunderstorms, Franklin Country Club will be closed tomorrow, and the Hat Trick Classic has been postponed.
New date: Monday, October 19
All registrations and sponsorships will automatically transfer to the new date. Questions? Contact Sean at Sean_Bartlett@yahoo.com
See you in October!
Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/1BchPrhdKZ/
Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm Schedule for Tuesday, October 6, 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 TV schedule for Tuesday, Oct 6, 2026
Franklin All Access TV - Our Public Access Channel (Comcast 6, Verizon 26) = TUESDAY
Franklin Pride TV - Our Educational Channel (Comcast 8, Verizon 28) = TUESDAY
Franklin Town Hall TV - Our Government Channel (Comcast 9, Verizon 29) = TUESDAY
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 |
Monday, October 5, 2026
Fallen Hero Recognition: Shayne Cabino, October 6, 2026 - 9 AM
Memorial event today (10/06/26) at 9 AM on the Town Common Veterans Walkway to honor Shayne Cabino. 
The brief program will include
- the placing of a Memorial Wreath for the day
- a reading of whatever history may be available for that veteran
- a salute from those present
- the playing of Taps
This is a way of keeping the memory of that veteran alive.
The program is conducted on the Franklin Town Common along the Veterans Walkway by the granite column of the individual being remembered on the day of their recorded passing.
Background on Lance Corporal Shane Cabino, US Marine Corp, from the flag ceremony held at the YMCA in 2013 can be found -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/06/special-flag-ceremony-jun-14-lance.html
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What's happening in Franklin, MA: Monday, October 5, 2026 ???
9:00am Fallen Hero: Edward L. Grant (Veterans Walkway, Franklin Town Common)
4:00pm 7th Annual Pumpkin Patch (St John's Episcopal Church)
For additional details on Library events -> https://www.franklinma.gov/942/Calendar-of-Events
Franklin Senior Center Calendar for October
https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/11022/October-2026-Newsletter?bidId=*** Town Meetings today ***
BICO Transportation Subcommittee Meeting
Monday, October 5, 2026 Time: 2:30pm
Recreation Advisory Board Meeting
Monday, October 5, 2026 Time: 7:00pm
BFCCPS School Governance Cmte
Monday, October 5, 2026 Time: 7:30pm
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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
Franklin Democratic Town Committee Backs Slate of Democratic Candidates Ahead of 2026 Elections
The Franklin Democratic Town Committee (FDTC), the official Democratic Party organization in Franklin, Massachusetts, today announced its support for a full slate of Democratic candidates on the ballot who represent Franklin residents at the federal and state level: U.S. Senator Ed Markey, Governor Maura Healey, Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll, Attorney General Andrea Campbell, Secretary of the Commonwealth William Galvin, Treasurer Deborah Goldberg, Auditor Diana DiZoglio, U.S. Representative Jake Auchincloss, Norfolk District Attorney Djuna Perkins, Norfolk County Register of Probate Colleen Brierley, Norfolk County Treasurer Michael Bellotti, Norfolk County Commissioner Peter Collins, Governor's Councillor Tamisha Civil, State Senator Becca Rausch, and State Representatives Tom Melville and Jeffrey Roy.
The committee is made up of 35 members elected by Franklin voters on the Democratic presidential primary ballot, along with a broader roster of associate members open to any registered Democrat in town, and works to elect Democrats at the municipal, state, and federal levels while engaging Franklin residents on issues including affordable health care, public education, reproductive rights, economic opportunity, and climate action. The FDTC typically meets on the second Monday of each month at 7 p.m. at the Franklin TV studio, 23 Hutchinson Street, and welcomes all Franklin residents to attend.
The slate includes incumbents and challengers on the upcoming Democratic primary and general election ballots, and the committee encourages all registered Democrats and unenrolled voters in Franklin to confirm their registration status, review early voting options, and make a plan to vote.
"Franklin voters have a real choice this year, and Democrats up and down the ballot are the ones showing up with real plans to lower costs, protect our rights, and make government work for working families," said Rachel Plukas, Chair of the Franklin Democratic Town Committee. "This slate reflects the values Franklin cares about: affordability, honest government, and standing up for the people who've been left behind. We're proud to introduce these candidates to our neighbors and encourage every Franklin Democrat to get involved."
Below is an overview of each candidate and the priorities driving their campaign, drawn from their official campaign materials.
U.S. Senate: Ed Markey
Markey is running for a third full term, centering his campaign on lowering costs for working families through prescription drug and health care savings, expanding affordable housing and public transit, and continuing his long record on climate action, gun safety, and consumer protection. He has also emphasized regulating emerging technologies like artificial intelligence to prevent data exploitation and inequality.
Governor: Maura Healey
Healey is running for a second term alongside Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll on a platform focused on lowering costs, building on her first-term housing and transportation record, and opposing Trump administration policies affecting Massachusetts families. Her campaign points to the elimination of renters' broker fees, a commitment to build 100,000 new homes, and reforms to the MBTA as first-term accomplishments, with a second term aimed at defending health care and abortion rights, expanding vaccine access, and continuing to lower costs statewide.
Lieutenant Governor: Kim Driscoll
Driscoll is running for a second term as part of the Healey-Driscoll ticket, the nation's first all-women governor and lieutenant governor team. The campaign's shared platform centers on affordability, housing production, transportation improvements, and standing up to federal actions that threaten health care, reproductive rights, and immigrant families in Massachusetts.
Attorney General: Andrea Campbell
Campbell, the first Black woman elected to statewide office in Massachusetts, is seeking a second term built around consumer protection, affordability, and continued legal challenges to the Trump administration's policies. Her campaign highlights first-term initiatives on reproductive justice, gun violence prevention, elder protection, and police accountability, alongside efforts to expand housing access. Campbell has described her own path through foster care as part of why she prioritizes reducing poverty and widening access to opportunity across the Commonwealth.
Secretary of the Commonwealth: William Galvin
Galvin is seeking a record ninth term, saying his main motivation is concern over potential federal interference in future elections and in the next decennial census count. He has pledged to keep Massachusetts elections accessible and secure, and to push back against redistricting or ballot-access efforts he sees as politically motivated. Galvin also continues to back a ballot measure that would allow voters to register and cast a ballot on Election Day, an idea the state Democratic Party has already endorsed.
Treasurer: Deborah Goldberg
Goldberg, the longest-serving treasurer in state history, is seeking a fourth term built around economic stability and opportunity for Massachusetts families. Her priorities include expanding retirement savings access for nonprofit employees, protecting the state's pension fund and overall financial standing, and continuing the work of the Office of Economic Empowerment she created to advance financial education and wage equity.
Auditor: Diana DiZoglio
DiZoglio is running for a second term centered on her ongoing effort to audit the state Legislature, an authority voters granted her office through a 2024 ballot question. Her campaign emphasizes transparency and accountability across state government, building on her office's completed audits of every executive branch department during her first term.
U.S. Representative, 4th District: Jake Auchincloss
Auchincloss, chair of Majority Democrats, a coalition of younger House Democrats focused on renewing the party's message, is seeking re-election representing the district that includes Franklin. His campaign has centered on health care access, clean energy, and gun violence prevention, alongside his committee work on transportation infrastructure and strategic competition with China.
District Attorney, Norfolk District: Djuna Perkins
Perkins, a longtime prosecutor and civil attorney making her first run for elected office, is campaigning on restoring professionalism and public trust in the Norfolk DA's office following years of controversy under the previous administration. Her stated priorities include a top-to-bottom review of office practices, stronger support for crime victims, and a commitment to holding everyone accountable regardless of position or relationships.
Register of Probate, Norfolk County: Colleen Brierley
Brierley, an attorney and the incumbent register, is running on her record modernizing the Probate and Family Court's services for Norfolk County families. Her priorities include continued support for programs such as Lawyer of the Day, Attorneys Representing Children, and Domestic Violence Ended, along with reducing delays for residents navigating divorce, guardianship, adoption, and estate matters.
County Treasurer, Norfolk County: Michael Bellotti
Bellotti, the incumbent treasurer and a former Norfolk County sheriff, oversees the county's debt, cash management, and retirement system as chair of the county retirement board. His campaign emphasizes continued sound financial stewardship of the county's finances and pension system on behalf of Norfolk County towns, including Franklin.
County Commissioner, Norfolk County: Peter Collins
Collins, one of three members of the Norfolk County Commission, oversees shared county services and facilities on behalf of member towns, including the Registry of Deeds, the Norfolk County Agricultural High School, and county roads and bridges. His campaign centers on continuing that work with an emphasis on fiscal responsibility and maintaining service levels for Franklin and other Norfolk County communities.
Governor's Council, District 2: Tamisha Civil
Civil, the first woman of color elected to the District 2 seat since the Governor's Council was established in 1780, is running on a criminal justice reform platform. A former associate probation officer and victim-witness advocate, she has said her work is personally motivated by her cousin's wrongful 27-year imprisonment before his exoneration in 2021. Her stated priorities include appointing judges who are pro-choice, who take a public health approach to substance use rather than defaulting to incarceration, and who understand the impact of dismantling systemic injustice across Massachusetts.
State Senate, Norfolk, Worcester and Middlesex District: Becca Rausch
Rausch, whose district includes Franklin, is running for re-election on a broad platform she describes as rooted in intersectional social justice and equity. Her priorities include reproductive health care access, universal and affordable health care, public health infrastructure, climate action, election and voting rights reform, transparent and accountable government, and expanded public transportation. Her legislative record includes bills on youth mental health supports in schools, ranked-choice voting, plastics reduction, and modernizing the state's voter rolls.
State Representative, 9th Norfolk District: Tom Melville
Melville, a longtime journalist and attorney making his first run for elected office, is campaigning on a message of civility, transparency, and problem-solving for a neighboring district that includes Wrentham, Norfolk, Plainville, and parts of Medfield, Walpole, and Millis, though it does not include Franklin. A former executive news director at WBUR and news director at NECN, he has pledged to serve as a full-time, responsive representative available to all constituents regardless of party. His stated priorities include healthcare access, education, housing affordability, civil rights, and climate action, along with support for auditing the state legislature and strengthening government transparency.
State Representative, 10th Norfolk District: Jeffrey Roy
Roy, who represents Franklin in its entirety along with parts of Medway, is seeking re-election on a platform centered on constituent accessibility and results. His campaign emphasizes economic development, education, and public safety as his core priorities, along with a call for greater civility in government and productive, bipartisan compromise on Beacon Hill. Roy points to his prior service on Franklin's Town Council and as chair of the town's Master Plan Committee, and to his House record on clean energy and climate legislation, as evidence of his effectiveness in the district.
For more information, interview requests, or to get involved with the Franklin Democratic Town Committee, please contact Rachel Plukas, Chair, at chair@franklindemocrats.org.
Reminder: Detailed guide to this fall's state ballot questions
via Dan Kennedy:
|
| https://commonwealthbeacon.org/ballot-question/ |
It's freely available for republication online and in print." https://commonwealthbeacon.org/ballot-question/
The Secretary of the CommonWealth has also publshed the "Red Book"
From the archives: Talking about the Master Plan Committee with Glenn Jones (Part 1 of 3) - 02/06/23 (audio)
FM #941 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 941 in the series.
The Committee was recently established by the Town Council (01/04/23 meeting). Glenn has just been appointed as Chair. Councilor Cobi Frongillo will be Vice-Chair and Councilor Melanie Hamblen will be Clerk of the committee.
Applications for the 6 resident members of the committee are open and due by March 3, 2023.
The audio recording runs about 38 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Glenn on the Master Plan and all that it will involve. Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-941-master-plan-opportunity-with-glenn-jones-02-06-23
Town of Franklin 2025 Master Plan: Scenic Roads & Historic Resource Maps
---------------
Continue reading this Master Plan section in PDF format
Complete 2025 Master Plan report
Town of Franklin Master Plans (prior years)
2026 Ballot Question 8: Prohibit Retail Sale of Adult Recreational Use Marijuana
Question 8: Do you approve of a law summarized below, on which no vote was taken by the Senate or the House of Representatives before May 6, 2026?
"Three local news outlets — CommonWealth Beacon, The Bay State Banner and El Planeta — unveil a detailed guide to this fall's state ballot questions.
SUMMARY
As required by law, summaries are written by the State Attorney General.
The proposed law would change the type and amount of marijuana that may legally be possessed in Massachusetts by repealing the laws that legalize, regulate, and tax the retail sale of adult recreational use marijuana in Massachusetts. The proposed law would also permit persons 21 years of age and older to possess 1 ounce or less of marijuana including no more than 5 grams in the form of concentrate, and to gift or transfer to another person 21 years of age and older 1 ounce or less of marijuana including no more than 5 grams in the form of concentrate. The proposed law would also impose a civil penalty of $100 and forfeiture of the marijuana for the possession of marijuana between the weight of 1 and 2 ounces.
For persons 21 years of age and younger, the proposed law would make the possession of 2 ounces or less of marijuana a civil infraction subject to a $100 fine, forfeiture of the marijuana, completion of a drug awareness program and community service, and notification to their parents or legal guardian of the offense and penalties.
The proposed law would allow currently licensed adult recreational marijuana businesses to apply on an expedited basis to become a licensed medical marijuana dispensary and to sell their remaining inventory of adult recreational marijuana to medical marijuana dispensaries. The proposed law would retain the Cannabis Control Commission but modify its authority so it would regulate only the medical marijuana market.
The proposed law states that, if any of its parts were declared invalid, the other parts would stay in effect.
The proposed law would take effect on January 1, 2028.
WHAT YOUR VOTE WILL DO
As required by law, the statements describing the effect of a "yes" or "no" vote are written jointly by the State Attorney General and the Secretary of the Commonwealth.
A YES VOTE would prohibit the legalization, regulation, and taxation of the retail sale of adult recreational use marijuana, and change the penalties for possession of marijuana.
A NO VOTE would make no change to the law relative to marijuana.
STATEMENT OF FISCAL CONSEQUENCES
As required by law, statements of fiscal consequences are written by the Executive Office of Administration and Finance.
By repealing the laws that legalize and tax the retail sale of adult recreational use marijuana, the proposed law would reduce the amount that state and municipal governments receive from the taxation of those sales. In fiscal year 2025, taxation of the retail sale of adult recreational use marijuana raised approximately $280 million in state revenue and $50 million in local revenue. The state budget, which is supported by tax revenue, funds local aid for schools and municipal budgets.
Additional info - https://ma.omniballot.us/sites/25/vg/app/vig/voter-guide/info/17
--------------------
via Dan Kennedy:
|
| https://commonwealthbeacon.org/ballot-question/ |
It's freely available for republication online and in print." https://commonwealthbeacon.org/ballot-question/
SAVE THE DATE: FHS Community Soccer Night Scheduled for Saturday, Oct 17
SAVE THE DATE!
We are thrilled to announce the 1st Annual Franklin High School Soccer Community Night on Saturday, October 17th, featuring both the Boys and Girls Varsity Soccer teams!
We’re inviting the entire Franklin community—and especially our incredible Franklin youth soccer community—to join us in celebrating and supporting these dedicated student-athletes.
⚽ Boys Varsity vs. Algonquin — 5:00 PM
⚽ Girls Varsity vs. Natick — 7:00 PM
The Girls’ game is a rematch of last year’s state championship!
There will be plenty to enjoy throughout the evening, including:
🍗 Food for sale from Chick-fil-A🍦 C & C Ice Cream Truck🎟️ Raffles and prizes⚽ Youth shootouts on the field during halftime
And more!
We’re also proud to support the Franklin Food Pantry. Please consider bringing a donation of diapers, soap, shampoo, conditioner, or other needed items to help local families in our community.
Come out, have some fun, and cheer on our Franklin soccer teams! We can’t wait to see you there! 💙⚽
Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm Schedule for Monday, October 5, 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, Oct 5, 2026
Franklin All Access TV - Our Public Access Channel (Comcast 6, Verizon 26) = MONDAY
Franklin Pride TV - Our Educational Channel (Comcast 8, Verizon 28) = MONDAY
Franklin Town Hall TV - Our Government Channel (Comcast 9, Verizon 29) = MONDAY
Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf
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| Watch Listen Read all things that matter in Franklin MA |
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