Saturday, May 24, 2025

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Saturday, May 24, 2025 ???

Saturday, May 24
  • Last day to register to Vote in June 3 Special Election (Town Clerk's Office)
  • Early Voting - FY 2026 Override Special Election (Town Clerk's Office)

9:00am Thrifty Threads (Franklin Federated Church)
10:00am Franklin Historical Museum (always free)
10:00am Walking Group (St John's Episcopal Church)
10:30am Weekend Wiggles (Franklin Public Library)
1:00pm Painting for Adults (registration required) (Franklin Public Library)


For additional details on Library & Senior Center events ->   
**  NO Town Meetings today   **

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What's happening in Franklin, MA
What's happening in Franklin, MA



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

State Rep Jeff Roy Honors Richard "Dick" Hynes at Inaugural Statewide Military Appreciation Day

State Representative Jeffrey N. Roy (D-Franklin) proudly honored Richard "Dick" Hynes of Franklin today at the first-ever Military Appreciation Day ceremony held in the Massachusetts State House's historic House Chamber.

Military Appreciation Day was created by the Healey-Driscoll Administration to establish a lasting annual tradition that brings together local, state, and community leaders to honor those whose service might otherwise go unrecognized. Each legislator was invited to nominate a member of their local military community-whether a veteran, active-duty service member, National Guard, Reservist, or military spouse-to be honored during the ceremony. More than 125 individuals who exemplify commitment to service and community were recognized from districts across Massachusetts.

"I'm proud to recognize Richard "Dick" Hynes for his military service and community leadership," said Representative Jeffrey N. Roy (D-Franklin). "His contributions reflect the strength, resilience, and dedication of our local military community, and I'm honored to celebrate him at this statewide event. We appreciate his service and efforts to keep the memories of our 45 fallen soldiers alive with moving ceremonies at the Veterans Memorial on the Franklin Town Common."
(L-R) Dick Hynes, St Rep Jeff Roy
(L-R) Dick Hynes, St Rep Jeff Roy

Hynes served in the Navy as a Medic during the Vietnam War from August 1962 to April 1967. Dick attained the rank of HM2 which is the Hospital Corpsman Second Class and is the largest occupational rating in the Navy. Dick proudly received the National Defense Medal along with the Good Conduct Medal. While serving, he met Judy, his Navy nurse wife of 43 years.

For the past several years, Hynes has led efforts to honor the 45 Franklin veterans who lost their lives in service to our country. The Town of Franklin has one of the most beautiful Veteran's Memorial areas in the state, including 45 granite posts which line the Veterans' Walkway. Each one of these posts is dedicated to a Franklin veteran who gave his life, defending our freedom.

Under Dick's leadership, along with Franklin's Veterans' organizations, the Edward L. Grant American Legion Post 75, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3402, a program has been developed honor and remember those who died for our nation. This program includes the placing of a Memorial Wreath for the day, the playing of Taps, a salute from those present, and a reading of whatever history we may have on that veteran.

The State House ceremony featured remarks from Governor Maura Healey, Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll, Veterans Services Secretary Jon Santiago, Senate President Karen Spilka, and a keynote address by General Joseph F. Dunford, Jr. (Ret.), former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and 36th Commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps.

"This event is about gratitude," said Governor Maura Healey. "We're here to honor the everyday heroes-veterans, active-duty service members, and military families-whose courage, strength, and commitment continue to shape our state for the better. Military Appreciation Day is now a Massachusetts tradition and one we'll proudly carry forward each year."

"Massachusetts is home to one of the most vibrant, committed military communities in the country," said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. "This day is about uplifting the stories and contributions of those who have sacrificed so much and showing that their service will never go unrecognized."

"Every day, I meet veterans and military families who continue to lead, serve, and inspire," said Secretary Jon Santiago. "As we approach Memorial Day, and during a month dedicated to honoring our military, this event reflects what makes Massachusetts special: a deep respect for service, and a commitment to those who wear the uniform-and those who stand beside them."

"My father's service in the United States Army defined his life and deeply shaped my own - and I know the same holds true for thousands of service members and their families across Massachusetts," said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). "It is a privilege to honor those residents who have dedicated themselves to serving our country, and I am profoundly grateful for their unwavering commitment and sacrifice."

"It is an honor to host the inaugural Military Appreciation Day in the historic House Chamber," said Speaker of the House Ronald Mariano. "This new tradition reflects our deep appreciation for the veterans, service members, and military families who strengthen every corner of our Commonwealth."

The keynote address was delivered by General Joseph F. Dunford, Jr. (Ret.), former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and 36th Commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps. A Boston native and one of the most distinguished military leaders in recent history, General Dunford spoke about the legacy of service, leadership, and community and the importance of honoring those who serve across generations.

"It's an honor to return home to Massachusetts and stand alongside a community so deeply committed to those who serve. Military Appreciation Day reflects something I've long believed: that service is not just what we do in uniform-it's a lifetime of leadership, character, and sacrifice," said General Joseph F. Dunford, Jr. (Ret.), 19th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. I'm proud to join the Commonwealth in recognizing these remarkable individuals and the values they represent."

The program also featured a powerful performance of the National Anthem by Springfield native and NBC's The Voice finalist Michelle Brooks-Thompson. Following the ceremony, honorees and guests were invited to a lunch reception generously donated by the Military Friends Foundation, a Massachusetts nonprofit dedicated to providing support and emergency assistance to military families and families of the fallen.

To view the full list of 2025 Military Appreciation Day honorees ->

Additional photos of Rep Roy and Dick Hynes can be found (courtesy of Rep Roy's Office)  https://photos.app.goo.gl/16US8SnCCdBN3GBe7

Voices of Franklin: Mark Minnichelli advocates for Yes on the Override

To my Franklin neighbors:

After recently having discussions with other Franklin residents regarding Franklin’s Fiscal Year 2026 budget deficit and upcoming Proposition 2 ½ override vote, I’ve learned there may still be a lack of clarity regarding the details of Franklin’s budget deficit, and which services will be affected should the upcoming budget override vote fail.

There is a wealth of important information regarding the FY2026 budget and override, which can easily be found on the main page of the Official Franklin website (franklinma.gov).  This should be considered the primary source of legitimate information regarding Franklin’s budgets and override information. 

I suggest that all Franklin voters review this information, which is the result of countless hours of work by Franklin’s administration, town council, school committee, finance committee, school administration, various other departments, and probably many others. This work has been compiled in one location online, in order to be easily accessed, for the purpose of informing Franklin residents regarding the June 3rd override vote.

I would like to share a few budget-related and override-related facts taken from the information available online:
The current FY2026 “Level Service” budget represents a structural deficit of $3,862,672. This is the amount of the override, in order to balance the proposed budget; it represents additional funds required beyond the standard 2.5% year-over-year tax increase, in order to maintain the level of services that we have today. That includes funding for schools, police, fire, EMS, DPW, library, senior center and additional resources. (2 exceptions to level funding include an assistant added to the Board of Assessors and 8 restored public school positions which were cut last year.) Please note, the $3.863 million amount requested is considerably less than the $6.8 million override amount requested last year.
Franklin Public School administration, staff, and the Franklin School Committee have worked for months to reorganize the entire school system for next year, consolidating schools and reducing 29 teachers, staff, administrators and supplies, resulting in an estimated $3,152,805 of savings for Franklin taxpayers!
The additional real estate tax generated by the Proposition 2 ½ Override vote on the average value home is estimated to add $312 per household annually – adding less than 86 cents per day to the average household tax bill.
Should the override not pass, there will be numerous layoffs and supply reductions across various Franklin departments. The impact of more layoffs and reduced expenses will surely be felt by most, if not all Franklin residents, through reductions in services.
These are the proposed budget cuts by department, should the override vote fail:  
o Schools: $2,085,843 reduction – represents 54% of the deficit, and would result in multiple reductions in staff and expenses, on top of the cuts from last year
o DPW: $400,000 reduction – represents reductions in road construction/ maintenance, sidewalk maintenance, plowing, school maintenance, and various other items
o Police: $250,000 reduction – represents elimination of 2 positions plus expenses
o Fire: $250,000 reduction – represents elimination of 2 positions plus expenses, and likely eliminates the recently-added 3rd ambulance 
 
o Facilities: $409,208 reduction – Implement savings from redistricting 
o Town Staff: $250,000 reduction – Reduce several municipal staff 
 
o MECC (Regional Dispatch) : $400,000 reduction – Use of one-time town stabilization funds to help fill the budget gap (rainy day funds)
 
o Benefits: $350,000 reduction – Reduce OPEB (retiree benefits) liability payment for 2nd consecutive year 
 
o Library: $50,000 reduction – Reduce hours, expenses and staff 
 
o Board of Assessors: $60,231 reduction – Eliminate new staff position

Last year most of Franklin’s departments were forced to make painful cuts in personnel and/or expenses in order to close the budget gap. The current FY2026 proposed budget maintains the current level of municipal services that we have come to depend on: police, fire, EMS and DPW personnel who bravely keep us safe and healthy, teachers and librarians who make and keep us well-educated, and our wonderful senior center and recreation department, which provide meals, spaces, physical and emotional support to residents of all ages, incomes and abilities!

These are the valuable services that make living in Franklin something we can, and should continue to enjoy and be proud of! Let’s not take them for granted!

Please join me in voting YES on or before June 3rd!

Sincerely and respectfully,

Mark Minnichelli

Concerned Franklin citizen
31 Longfellow Drive, Franklin

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If you have something to say, you can find the guidelines here
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/03/introducing-voices-of-franklin.html

Voices of Franklin: Mark Minnichelli advocates for Yes on the Override
Voices of Franklin: Mark Minnichelli advocates for Yes on the Override

FHS tennis seeds in MIAA playoffs released


Boys Division 1 
#28 Franklin (8-10) will travel to #5 Concord-Carlisle (11-3) on Thursday, 5/29 at 4:00.

Girls Division 1
#13 Franklin (13-4) will host #20 Hopkinton (13-5) on Thursday, 5/29 at 4:00.

For additional Hockomock League team seeds (subscription required)

For the full MIAA bracket ->
Boys

Girls

FHS tennis seeds in MIAA playoffs released
FHS tennis seeds in MIAA playoffs released

FHS baseball tops Lincoln-Sudbury on Friday

Via Twitter, Franklin TV, and our subscription to HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the Spring sports competition for Franklin High School on Friday, May 23, 2025


Baseball = Franklin, 8 vs. Lincoln-Sudbury, 2 – Final 
– Franklin notched a dozen hits, senior Zach Winer had another strong start on the mound, and the Panthers advanced to the Pedroli tournament championship game by beating Lincoln-Sudbury, stretching their win streak to four in a row. The Panthers scored three runs in the second and two more in the third to build a 5-0 lead, and then tacked on three more in the sixth inning to pull away for good. Cole Sidwell had three hits, scored two runs, and had a stolen base while both Jack Sullivan (RBI, run), Owen Pennini (RBI, two runs), and Drake McAlpine (two RBI, run) each had two hits apiece. Winer allowed just one run on five hits and four walks, striking out three in 4.1 innings of work; Cal McKenna was strong in relief with one unearned run allowed on two hits, one walk, and one strikeout in 2.2 innings.

Boys Lacrosse =  Franklin, 7 @ Duxbury, 13 – Final

Final stats
Franklin: 7
Duxbury: 13
Kielty: 2 🚨🚨, 1 🍎
Walsh: 2 🚨🚨
Tarentino: 2 🚨🚨
O’Connor: 1 🚨, 2 🍎🍎

Girls Tennis = Franklin, 2 @ Sharon, 3 – Final
– Sharon prevailed from an epic third set tiebreak at second doubles to clinch a tight win over Franklin, avenging a loss from earlier this season and securing the division title outright over the Panthers. The Eagles took two wins from singles action with senior Heather Hou securing a 2-6, 7-5, 6-1 win at first singles and junior Lila Hogan earning a 7-5, 6-4 win at third singles. Franklin grabbed a win at second singles as senior Izzy Trull prevailed 6-1, 6-2, and the first doubles team of Brooke Daniels and Sydney Tolonen rallied from a one-set deficit to get a 1-6, 6-4, 6-4 win. After splitting the first two sets, Sharon’s Sydney Weiner and freshman Anya Shukla came out of the match with a 6-2, 4-6, 7-6 (10) win.

For other results across the Hockomock League (subscription required)
https://hockomocksports.com/fridays-schedule-scoreboard-05-23-25/

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

Franklin Library News & Events for June 2025 (part 2 of 5)

Weekly/Monthly for Children

Move Along, Mondays @ 10:30am (Ages 0-5)
This thirty-minute program features music, movement, stories, and other interactive activities to encourage social skills and promote early literacy! No registration required.

Dungeons and Dragons Club for Kids & Teens, Mondays, 4 – 6pm (Ages 9+)
Registration Required
Kids are invited to join us for a weekly Dungeons and Dragons Club! The library will supply dice, rule books, and blank character sheets. (Dungeon Masters must be ages 12 and up.) This program will be on summer break after Monday, June 16.

Cool Cruisers, Tuesdays @ 9:30am
Babies who have graduated from tummy time and are scooting all over the place are welcome to this playgroup just for them! We recognize that this fun age of exploring is very different from their first few months, so join us for a special playgroup just for this exciting time. No registration required.

Pre-K Pals/Bootcamp, Tuesdays & Thursdays @ 10:30am (Ages 3-5)
This thirty-minute program for kids ages 3-5 is a perfect jumpstart for kiddos that are approaching school-age! Stories, music, movement, and engaging activities designed to prepare kids for a school environment. No registration required.

Toe-Tapping Tots, Tuesdays @ 4pm (Ages 2-5)
Let’s play some music and get those toes tapping! Join us for a 30-minute energetic, interactive, and creative movement based storytime. From tip toeing, twirling, and skipping to jumping and tapping, we will have fun learning to move to the music while building coordination and confidence. No registration required.

StoryTots, Wednesdays @ 10:30am (Ages 18 mos. – 3yrs)
Enjoy thirty minutes of interactive stories, songs, and fun! No registration required. This program ends Wednesday, June 18 for the summer.

Bookworm Bounce, Wednesdays @ 4pm
Join us for an afternoon story time full of music, movement, stories, and other interactive activities to encourage social skills and promote early literacy! Ideal for ages 0-5. No registration required.

Tummy Time, Thursdays @ 9:30am
Babies and caregivers: join us each Thursday morning for Tummy Time! Nurture your baby’s development with gentle music, movement, and sensory play at the library. Please bring a small blanket or towel for your baby’s comfort. No registration required.

Rockin’ Rhythms, Thursdays @ 4pm (Ages 0-5)
Put on your dancing shoes and join Miss Bree for 30 minutes of dancing fun for the whole family! This upbeat, high-energy and interactive program will help kids develop coordination, rhythm and flexibility in a fun and engaging way. No registration required.

Barefoot Ballet, Thursdays @ 5pm (Ages 6-8)
Registration Required
Calling all aspiring ballet dancers! Join Miss Bree for this special 6-week introductory Ballet class. Ballet shoes and attire are not required, but please wear comfortable clothes. Registration is for all 6 dates. Dates for this session are: May 1, 8, 15, 29 and June 5, 12.

Happy Feet, Alternating Fridays @ 10:30am (Ages 0-5)
Let’s play some music and dance! Join us for a 30-minute energetic, interactive, and creative movement based storytime. Laughter and giggles are definitely expected! No registration required.

Move Along, Alternating Fridays @ 10:30am (Ages 0-5)
This thirty-minute program features music, movement, stories, and other interactive activities for littles! Parents and caregivers are welcome and encouraged to participate. No registration required.

Weekend Wiggles, Alternating Saturdays @ 10:30am (Ages 0-5)
A weekend storytime for littles and their grown-ups. Let’s play some music and dance! Laughter and giggles are definitely expected during this energetic, interactive and creative movement based class. No registration required. 

Update to Beaver St. Interceptor Project - Beaver St closed on Saturday, May 24

Saturday (5/24) - Added Day Due to Weather Delay

BEAVER STREET ROAD CLOSURE NOTICE!!
Update to Beaver St. Interceptor Project - Saturday, May 24
Update to Beaver St. Interceptor Project

Due to the wet weather the contractor will need to work on Saturday 5/24/25 between 7am to 4pm.  Thus the same closure that has been in place this week will also be in place on Saturday 5/24 from 7am to 4pm.  

Those needed to access 242 to 290 Beaver Street will be able to use Rt. 140 only.  This includes access to Franklin Glass, Panera Fresh Dough Facility and Franklin Recreation. Access to all other locations on Beaver Street, including the Town of Franklin Recycling Center, Beaver Street Recreation Area, and the businesses on Master Drive will be accessed from Grove St.


Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule for Saturday, May 24, 2025

Yes, Franklin has it's own radio station -> wfpr.fmFranklin 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 Saturday
Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule for Saturday

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

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

Friday, May 23, 2025

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Friday, May 23, 2025 ???

Library & Senior Center events
Library & Senior Center events
Friday, May 23

  • Early Voting - FY 2026 Override Special Election
10:00am Parmenter 4th grade music field trip RI Philharmonic
 
10:00am Knitting Group (Franklin Public Library) 
 
1:00pm Thrifty Threads (Franklin Federated Church)


For additional details on Library & Senior Center events ->   
**  NO Town Meetings today   **

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What's happening today in Franklin?
What's happening today in Franklin? 
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