What's happening in Franklin, MA: Saturday, June 21, 2025 ???

Saturday, June 21

** Fakes and Forgeries Exhibit (during Franklin Historical Museum Open Hours)

9:00am Thrifty Threads (Franklin Federated Church)

10:00am Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

10:00am Rise Up (Franklin United Methodist Church)

10:00am Walking Group (St John's Episcopal Church)

12:00pm Celebrate with Pride (Franklin Town Common)

12:00pm The Drummers' Studio 15th Anniversary Celebration (Bellingham High School)

1:00pm The Pantry Falmouth Road Race Team (Pour Richard's Wine & Provisions)

1:00pm Under The Sea Party (Franklin Public Library)

6:30pm Class of 1975 50th High School Reunion (THE BLACK BOX)

For additional details on Library  events ->   

https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar.aspx?CID=37,24&showPastEvents=false

**  NO Town Meetings today   **

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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

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

Tom & I recap the Town Council Mtg of June 18 in this "quarterbacking" session (audio)

FM #1472 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1472 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares our “Town Council Quarterbacking” with Town Council Chair Tom Mercer. We had our conversation via the Zoom Conference Bridge on Friday, June 20, 2025. Our conversation condensed the Town Council meeting of June 18, 2025.

We focus on two questions:

• ok, what just happened? 

• What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?

Discussion items: 

• Fire Chief McLaughlin reads his statement announcing his retirement on or before Oct 1, 2025. 

• Electric Youth made their annual 'bon voyage' appearance to perform an a cappella number fittingly "Time of my Life" from the Dirty Dancing movie

• Appointment to the Council on Aging: Elizabeth Sawyer, approved

• Appointment to the Disability Commission: Cheryl Fisher, approved

• Motion made and approved to create the Franklin 250 Celebration Committee

• La Cantina was approved for their Farmers Market license

• The Community Survey results were released and explained. Results can be compared with over 500 communities. Good response rate, among the best at 20%, effectively a better representation of the sense of the community with the random sample selection. Paid via Federal grant money as a pilot program. No definitive timeline for a next survey. Likely a discussion later this year on what the results can be used for

• Resolution 25-39: FY25 Budget Transfers. Balancing the books better before they close out June 30. Out of $150m budget balancing on $40k is amazing

• Council enters Executive Session shortly after to discuss contract negotiation.  They returned approx. 15 minutes later to approve 7 motions certifying the contract with Town side bargaining units. All received the same 2.5% COLA that the School teachers agreed to, for a 3 year term

The conversation runs about 30 minutes

Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1472-town-council-quarterbacking-06-18-25/

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The Franklin TV video is available for replay ->  https://www.youtube.com/live/RpRNbG1tXVw?&t=188 

Agenda doc ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06182025-1788 

Community Survey results

Report ->  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/5956/8a-Polco-Survey-Final-Report 

Presentation doc ->   https://franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/5945/Polco---The-NCS-Presentation-Franklin-MA-2025

Tom & I recap the Town Council Mtg of June 1
8 in this "quarterbacking" session (audio)

Town presentation doc by Town Administrator Jamie Hellen ->   https://franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/5946/Town-of-Franklin---The-NCSPresentation

All the details in the survey are posted on one Town page ->   https://franklinma.gov/974/National-Community-Survey

My complete set of notes captured during the meeting

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1bUOaCgv7a1pv5MHGIqweTwmKy2MkAEjW/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, MA: Agenda for School Cmte Mtg - Virtual Only - scheduled for June 24, 2025

Franklin School Committee 

June 24, 2025 - 7:00 PM

~~VIRTUAL ONLY~~

Call to Order Mr. Callaghan

Announcements from the Chair

Pledge of Allegiance

 

Franklin, MA: Agenda for School
Cmte Mtg - Virtual Only -
scheduled for June 24, 2025

Moment of Silence

I. Routine Business

A. Review of Agenda

B. Payment of Bills Mr. Callaghan

C. Payroll Mr. McNeill

D. FHS Student Representative Comments

E. Superintendent’s Report

II. Guests/Presentations

A. none

III. Discussion/Action Items

A. DECA trip to VA

I recommend approval of the request of Emily Rosborough to take DECA students to Arlington, VA from November 21 - 23, 2025 as detailed. 

B. Girls Basketball Trip to ME

I recommend approval of the request of John Leighton to take the Girls Basketball team to Augusta and Portland, ME from December 26 - 27, 2025 as detailed. 

C. Disposition of Student Activity Accounts

I recommend approval of disposition of student activity accounts as discussed. 

D. Recommendation to open FMS Student Activity Accounts and close Existing MS Activity Accounts

I recommend opening of Franklin Middle School Student activity accounts and closing the existing middle school student activity accounts as discussed. 

E. User Fees

I recommend approval of the FY25-26 User Fees as discussed

IV. Discussion Only Items

A. none

V. Information Matters

A. none

VI. Consent Agenda

A. Approval of Minutes

I recommend approval of the minutes from your June 10, 2025 School Committee meeting as detailed.

B. Review of Executive Session Minutes for Declassification

I recommend review of executive session minutes for declassification as discussed.

C. Surplus

I recommend declaring the attached list of curriculum resources and supplies as surplus

 

VII. Citizen’s Comments

VIII. New Business

To discuss any future agenda items

IX. Adjournment

Agenda doc -> https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/5789326/SCAGENDA_6-24-25.pdf

Meeting packet folder -> https://www.franklinps.net/documents/departments/school-committee/meeting-packets/2024---25-meeting-packets/june-24%2C-2025-sc-meeting-packet---virtual-only-(link-in-agenda)/822105

Franklin, MA: School Cmte - Policy Subcmte - meeting agenda for virtual only session June 24 at 6 PM

FRANKLIN SCHOOL COMMITTEE

Policy Subcommittee Meeting

DATE: 6/24/25 TIME: 6:00 – 6:30 PM

A G E N D A

“The listing of matters are those reasonably anticipated by the Chair which may be discussed at the meeting. Not all items listed may, in fact, be discussed, and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by law.”

I. Attendance -

II. Distribution of Approved Policies

A. EB - Safety Program

B. EBB - First Aid

C. EBC - Emergency Plans

D. EBCD - Emergency Closings

III. Discussion of Policies sent to School Committee

A. None

IV. Policy Revisions & New Policies - New Discussion Item

A. Review of FY26 User Fees

https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/5788592/6_24_25_Policy_Subcommittee_Agenda___1_.pdf

FHS' Chandaria, Bruno, Baker, Halter, Morin, Twomey, Pink, Thorne, & Gubka recognized for Hockomock Outdoor Track

2025 Hockomock League Girls Outdoor Track All Stars

Below are the official 2025 Hockomock League Girls Outdoor Track All Stars, selected by the coaches in the league.

Kelley-Rex Division MVP

Nina Kyei-Aboagye, Sharon

Davenport Division MVP

Chloe Dubuisson, Canton

Hockomock League All Stars

• Ella Chandaria, Franklin
• Madison Bruno, Franklin

Honorable Mentions

• Abby Baker, Franklin

For other results across the Hockomock League (subscription required)

https://hockomocksports.com/2025-hockomock-league-girls-outdoor-track-all-stars/

2025 Hockomock League Boys Outdoor Track All Stars

Below are the official 2025 Hockomock League Boys Outdoor Track All Stars, selected by the coaches in the league.

Kelley-Rex Division MVP

Josy Brown-Wright, Sharon

Davenport Division MVP

Mitchell Callender, Oliver Ames

Hockomock League All Stars

• Jack Halter, Franklin
• Tucker Morin, Franklin
• Kyle Twomey, Franklin
• Jonathan Pink, Franklin
• Aidan Thorne, Franklin

Honorable Mentions

• Peter Gubka, Franklin

For other results across the Hockomock League (subscription required)

https://hockomocksports.com/2025-hockomock-league-boys-outdoor-track-all-stars/

FHS' Chandaria, Bruno, Baker, Halter, Morin, Twomey, Pink, Thorne, & Gubka recognized for Hockomock Outdoor Track

Electric Youth single released (audio)

Electric Youth single released (audio)

Available NOW on all streaming platforms!!!

Video link -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GAPVZx9kqi4

A Very Tolkien Creation Story Sunday, July 13 @ 10:00 AM

The Fourth Unitarian Universalist Principle says that member congregations will affirm and promote the free and responsible search for truth and meaning. As Unitarian Universalists we are encouraged to be open to the experience of awe as we encounter the great mysteries of life. We are challenged to find our own sources of truth and meaning in our lives, whether through sacred texts, encounters with nature, or the exquisite alchemy of our relationships.

A Very Tolkien Creation Story Sunday, July 13 @ 10:00 AM

In this service, FUSF lay leader Dave Gerlits will share his own search for truth and meaning, and how he finally found a Creation Story that he could embrace. It appeared in a most unexpected place: the writings of J.R.R. Tolkien.  Please join us for this special service! 

The First Universalist Society in Franklin (FUSF) is a Unitarian Universalist Welcoming Congregation located at 262 Chestnut Street, Franklin. Our Interim Minister is Reverend Beverly Waring. For more information about FUSF please visit our website at Fusf.org. You can also contact us at info@fusf.org or by calling 508-528-5348.  

Beaver St. Interceptor Project: Construction Updates Monday (6/23) through Friday (6/27)

The construction crew will be working off the road within the Franklin Village Mall area to connect the new sewer main. No traffic impacts are expected. 

NO WORK on Beaver Street - On either side of the MBTA tracks Beaver Street will have steel plates to allow for traffic to pass over.  Please use caution when traveling in this area.  

Construction Updates Monday
(6/23) through Friday (6/27)

At the Franklin Recreation Center, the construction of the new Beaver Street Interceptor Pump Station will continue with construction of the exterior building structure and internal building component installation.

Please reference the interactive map and posted signs for details and updates.

We appreciate the public's continued support and understanding and will continue to communicate regularly via social media, our dedicated email list, and the construction map as work progresses.

Shared from -> https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/557/Beaver-Street-Interceptor-BSI-Project

A Statement from the Town of Wrentham on MBTA Communities Act Decision

The following is a statement from the Wrentham Select Board and Town Manager Michael King: 

After careful consideration, the Wrentham Select Board has decided not to appeal the recent decision issued by the Superior Court in the case of Town of Wrentham vs. Massachusetts Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities, et al.

The Select Board initiated this case to affirm the State Auditor's finding that the MBTA Communities zoning law constituted an unfunded mandate, imposing substantial requirements on municipalities without corresponding financial support. Based on that determination, the Town sought judicial relief from compliance until the economic impacts of the law could be assessed and addressed.

While Wrentham presented thorough arguments to the court, the presiding judge ultimately ruled that the Auditor erroneously determined that an unfunded mandate existed and found that the only mandatory obligation was to establish a zoning bylaw. Although the Select Board is dissatisfied with the outcome, it respects the court's decision.

Throughout this process, the Select Board has remained committed to advocating for Wrentham's fiscal and planning interests. The Select Board honored its obligation to the Town to seek financial impact information from the Commonwealth on the sweeping state-mandated changes to the Town's zoning Bylaws. Having pursued the case to a logical conclusion, the Select Board considered all various options, including appeal, and has determined that the most prudent and cost-effective option is to move forward while working proactively to manage future growth in a way that reflects the community's values and priorities. This decision also ensures that Wrentham remains eligible for key state funding opportunities that support infrastructure, public safety, education and other services critical to residents' quality of life.

The Select Board remains dedicated to protecting the interests of Wrentham residents and will continue to engage with state partners to advocate for balanced, sustainable growth that benefits the entire community.

Background:

Boston Globe: "Towns lose their latest challenge to controversial state housing law"  Continue reading the article online -> 

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2025/06/06/business/mbta-communities-lawsuit-housing/ 

How to access the Globe articles via the Franklin Library with your library card

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/02/how-to-access-online-resources-with.html

The Marblehead Current provides greater detail from the court case and decision

https://marbleheadcurrent.org/2025/06/06/judge-rejects-towns-lawsuit-over-mbta-housing-law-as-marblehead-braces-for-vote/

What is Franklin's Status? Per Mass.gov

Franklin Interim Compliance  District Compliance Application in review

https://www.mass.gov/info-details/multi-family-zoning-requirement-for-mbta-communities

Franklin Interim Compliance 
District Compliance Application in review

How to avoid travel website scams

How to avoid travel website scams By BCP Staff Hoping to take a trip in the warmer weather? Before you start planning, know that some scammers set up websites advertising free or cheap travel deals. Learn to spot these scammy sites and other schemes designed to steal your money and personal information. Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2025/06/how-avoid-travel-website-scams?utm_source=govdelivery

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule for Saturday, June 21, 2025

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 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

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Friday, June 20, 2025 ???

Friday, June 20

Library & Senior Center events

9:00am Fallen Hero: Edward A. Kelly (Veterans Walkway, Franklin Town Common)

10:00am Knitting Group (Franklin Public Library)

1:00pm Thrifty Threads (Franklin Federated Church)

2:00pm Farmers Market (Franklin Town Common)

3:00pm The Jazz Quartet (live music) (Franklin Town Common)

7:30pm Jamie Barrett (live Music) (Bog Iron Brewing, Norton)

7:30pm Electric Youth 2025 Bon Voyage (THE BLACK BOX)

8:00pm Jennifer Tefft (live music) (Quarterdeck, Falmouth)

For additional details on Library & Senior Center events ->   

https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar.aspx?CID=37,24&showPastEvents=false

**  NO Town Meetings today   **

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

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

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