Franklin Matters

Friday, August 15, 2025

What vendors and activities are at the Farmer's Market today - August 15, 2025 ??

What vendors and activities are at the
Farmer's Market today - August 15, 2025 ??

We are glad you asked.

Thanks to the good folks operating the Franklin Farmer's Market, we have the answers to share.

For additional info, you can also check the Farmers Market page -> https://www.franklinfarmersmarketma.com/

Town Council Chair Tom Mercer condenses the meeting of August 13, 2025 (audio)

FM #1493 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1493 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 Thursday, August 14, 2025. Our conversation condensed the Town Council meeting of August 13, 2025.

We focus on two questions:

ok, what just happened?
What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?

Discussion items:

PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS

a. Proclamation: John “Jay Bird” Simons

b. Proclamation: Saumy Jani & Andrew Bairos

APPOINTMENTS

a. Appointments and Reappointments of Town Board and Committee Members

LICENSE TRANSACTIONS

a. Pledge of License of a Section 12 All Alcoholic Beverages Restaurant License: Santa Fe Burrito Grill

Legislation for action

FY26 Budget Update - Jamie Hellen, Town Administrator Model B recommended by FinCom; passed 9-0

Resolution 25-53: Acceptance of Gift to the Town of Franklin to Restore Part-Time Health and Wellness Nurse Position (Motion to Approve Resolution 25-53 - Majority Vote) failed by 7-2 vote; action to find a way to fund via another method; also to develop a policy for the Town on donations and how to be used

Resolution 25-54: Approval of the Installation of a Sign on Public Property in Recognition of Nello P. Bassignani; passed 9-0

Bylaw Amendment 25-942: A Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 170, Vehicles and Trafﬁc - First Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 25-942 to a Second Reading - Majority Vote) moved to second by 9-0 vote

Resolution 25-55: Acceptance of Gifts - Senior Center ($1,571), Library ($970), Historical Museum ($90) (Motion to Approve Resolution 25-55 - Majority Vote); passed 9-0

TOWN ADMINISTRATORS REPORT

a. Franklin Ridge Senior Housing Complex Update

b. National Grid Smart Meter Announcement

closed with Executive Session on multiple items

The conversation runs about 38 minutes. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1493-town-council-quarterbacking-08-14-25/

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Franklin TV video is available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-E1pOkLizKc

Agenda doc can be found ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08132025-1852

My full set of notes in one PDF ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1UPwTkHaZv3OVhfIpt5HqxFs-k7-sfa5S/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 out. 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"

Town Council Chair Tom Mercer condenses the meeting of August 13, 2025 (audio)

Voices of Franklin: Petition Drive This Friday (8/15/25) at Farmers Market

Residents Rally Against 444 East Central Street Project: Petition Drive This Friday at Farmers Market

The proposed development at 444 East Central Street has become a flashpoint in Franklin, sparking widespread concern among residents who feel their voices have been sidelined. Despite strong public opposition, the project remains under review by the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) — and the version currently before them is not the same project the Town Council originally approved.

What Changed?
- The original plan, which many residents urged the Council to reject, has since ballooned in scope.
- The number of requested waivers/variances has tripled, jumping from 18 to 30.
- The building height has increased from three stories to four, directly contradicting town guidelines and threatening the character of the surrounding neighborhood.
- Although the town had the opportunity to invoke Safe Harbor protections, it chose not to—leaving Franklin vulnerable to overdevelopment.

A Call to Action
This Friday at 1:00 PM, concerned residents Gene Grella and Jane Callaway-Tripp among others will be at the Franklin Farmers Market with a grassroots petition. This is a chance for every resident who cares about Franklin's future to make their voice heard.

> "If you're truly all set with the direction the town is building in, then please come to the Farmers Market and help us with your signature—your voice. There is power in numbers, and we all need to stand together."

Why Sign the Petition?
- To urge the ZBA to end this project—it no longer reflects the original proposal and disregards community concerns
- To reject the precedent of approving 30 waivers/ variances for a single development
- To preserve Franklin's identity and prevent it from becoming another overbuilt suburb

Franklin's Future Is in Our Hands
This is not just about one building—it's about the kind of town we want Franklin to be. Do we want to protect our small-town charm, or watch it erode under unchecked development?

"This is our town, and it's time we stand up for what we want our town to be."

Join us Friday. Sign the petition. Speak up. Because Franklin belongs to all of us.

Jane Callaway-Tripp

Franklin resident and candidate for Town Council

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: Petition Drive This Friday (8/15/25) at Farmers Market

One truck arrives, one truck leaves, the giving cycle continues

Franklin Food Pantry Receives New Refrigerated Truck from BJ's Wholesale Club, Donates Current Vehicle to Natick Service Council in Powerful Act of Community Support

The Franklin Food Pantry is celebrating two significant acts of generosity that highlight the power of community collaboration. Thanks to a generous donation from BJ's Wholesale Club through its BJ’s Charitable Foundation, The Pantry has received a new, larger refrigerated truck which dramatically increases The Pantry's ability to transport and store food. The Pantry paid forward the donation by gifting its current truck to the Natick Service Council.

The new, donated truck is essential to sustaining The Pantry’s operations. In the past year, The Pantry experienced a 38% increase in demand for hunger relief programs and services.

"We are incredibly grateful to BJ's Wholesale Club for their generous donation, which arrives at a critical time when the need for food services in our community is rising," said Tina Powderly, Executive Director of the Franklin Food Pantry. "This new refrigerated truck not only improves our operations, and how we serve the community, but it also allows us to pay that generosity forward to the Natick Service Council. Today's celebration is a powerful example of how businesses and nonprofits can join forces to support one another."

In addition to the new truck, the BJ’s Charitable Foundation also donated two commercial cooling units to The Pantry. These units, along with the refrigerated truck, are crucial for keeping fresh produce, dairy, proteins, and other perishable foods from spoiling. Providing access to healthy, nutritious food is a key part of The Pantry's mission, and these items are often the most requested and most costly for families to purchase.

"BJ’s Wholesale Club is driven by a powerful purpose: taking care of the families who depend on us,” said Kirk Saville, Head of Communications, BJ’s Wholesale Club. “We’re proud to support Franklin Food Pantry and have a meaningful impact in the communities where we live and work.”

Upon hearing about the new truck from BJ's, the Franklin Food Pantry knew it wanted to pay the generosity forward. Through the Greater Boston Food Bank, The Pantry learned that the Natick Service Council, a nonprofit which supports individuals and families who are experiencing hardship, needed a new vehicle to help the community they serve.

One truck arrives, one truck leaves, the giving cycle continues

"Like the Franklin Food Pantry, the Natick Service Council has also seen an increase in demand for its services over the past year. We have just completed a project to double the size of our pantry so we can serve all the community members who are facing food insecurity," said Dan Shea, Executive Director, Natick Service Council. " BJ Wholesale Club’s donation to the Franklin Food Pantry created a ripple effect of generosity that resulted in a donation to us. This act shows how one donation can create a positive impact far beyond its initial purpose.”

For more information about the Franklin Food Pantry please visit www.franklinfoodpantry.org. If you or someone you know is experiencing food insecurity, please contact Laura Du, Client Services Manager, Franklin Food Pantry, at 508-528-3115 or email Ldu@franklinfoodpantry.org.

Additional photos of the new truck arrival, and 'old' truck moving on in this photo album (Courtesy of Franklin Food Pantry) https://photos.app.goo.gl/moDvcK7oZX7Po4k97

About the Franklin Food Pantry, Inc.

The Franklin Food Pantry, Inc. offers supplemental food assistance, household necessities, and resource referrals to more than 1,800 individuals per year. The Pantry relies on donations and grants to purchase items and pay for daily operations, and partnerships with The Greater Boston Food Bank, Spoonfuls, and local grocery stores to achieve greater buying power and lower costs. Programs include Inside Shopping, Curbside Pickup, Emergency Food Boxes, Mobile Pantries, Home Delivery, Kids’ Snack Bags, Weekend Backpacks, Holiday Meals, and the SNAP match at Franklin Farmers Market. The Pantry is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization in good standing in Massachusetts, recognized by Charity Navigator as a Four-Star Charity, and awarded GuideStar’s Platinum Transparency ranking. The Pantry is located at 341 W Central St. in Franklin, MA on Route 140. Please visit www.franklinfoodpantry.org for more information.

About BJ's Wholesale Club Holdings, Inc.

BJ’s Wholesale Club Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: BJ) is a leading operator of membership warehouse clubs focused on delivering significant value to its members and serving a shared purpose: “We take care of the families who depend on us.” The company provides a wide assortment of fresh foods, produce, a full-service deli, fresh bakery, household essentials, various exclusive offerings, gas and more to deliver unbeatable value to smart-saving families. Headquartered in Marlborough, Massachusetts, the company pioneered the warehouse club model in New England in 1984 and currently operates 255 clubs and 190 BJ's Gas® locations in 21 states. For more information, please visit us at www.BJs.com or on Facebook, or Instagram

Rod and gun club all-you-can-eat breakfast - Sunday, August 17

"Listen, I know we crack yolks and it may seem like our brains are scrambled, but we're gonna spill the (baked) beans and give you the tea so there's no egg on our face.

We love serving you breakfast.

Sure it takes a lot of work and sometimes we're (French) toast early Sunday morning after a long Saturday night, but that's just how the sausage is made.

So let's (corned beef) hash this all out, home fries.

Our all-you-can-eat $10 ($5 for kids) breakfast is in four days on Aug. 17. It's open to the public and we'll have plenty for everyone so you don't need to pancake each other to get in. It's cash-only, at 53 Florence St. in Franklin, from 7:30-11 am.

So come visit your friends at the Franklin Rod & Pun Club and let us serve you great food for the best price in town."

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/p/16sz2reor9/

The Lifelong Learning Fall Classes are now Open for Registration!

Community Learning Fall Registration is Open

Community Learning's Fall Registration is now open! We hope to see you soon!

For information and to register, visit:

All Community Learning Classes

Lifelong Learning Institute - Franklin Public Schools | 218 Oak Street Room 137 | Franklin, MA 02038 US

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule for Friday, August 15, 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 Friday

8:00 AM, 1:00 PM, and 6:00 PM - Franklin Matters Radio – Steve Sherlock covering Franklin, its local government, services, and events

This features my conversation with Kaye Kelly on her new book, "The Modern Creative" -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/08/kaye-kelly-talks-about-her-book-modern.html

9:00 AM, 2:00 PM, and 7:00 PM

10:00 AM, 3:00 PM, and 8:00 PM - Talkin’ the Blues – Jim Derick & Nick Remissong. 2 hours of awesome blues music, info, interviews

11:00 AM, 4:00 PM, and 9:00 PM - “The Vibe” show plays music for everyone searching for some enjoyment, some dance, a happy or thinking mood, and most importantly, having fun. Tune in to wfpr.fm and listen to “DJ Vibe” spin music across many genres and join this new vibing experience

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