Spring Rising Stars scheduled at THE BLACK BOX on May 21

Spring Rising Stars scheduled at
THE BLACK BOX on May 21

"THE BLACK BOX presents a crowd favorite with its Spring Rising Stars! 

Talented young singers deliver powerful performances of pop and rock songs in a cabaret setting!"

Tickets available online - https://theblackboxonline.com/rising-stars-pop-rock-cabaret/

FBRTC Monthly meeting scheduled for Tuesday, May 12

FBRTC Monthly meeting scheduled for Tuesday, May 12

via Franklin Bellingham Rail Trail Committee

"Our next meeting is on Tuesday, May 12th at Franklin.TV, located at 23 Hutchinson Street, Franklin at 7 PM.

We'd love to see you there!"

Shared from - https://www.instagram.com/p/DX_zHyggMZM/

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule for Friday, May 8, 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 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 hour shares  Talking about "Celebrate with Pride" ->    https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/05/fm-1737-this-is-franklin-matters-radio.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  Showcasing the "Blues" as a basis for and influence of Country, Jazz and Rock and Roll, here and worldwide.

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 

Franklin TV schedule for Friday, May 8, 2026 (Your local Public, Education & Government "PEG" station)

• Franklin All Access TV - Our Public Access Channel (Comcast 6, Verizon 26) = FRIDAY

8:30 am  Frank Presents: Djuna Perkins

10:00 am  Aging Boldfully: Anne Bergen

11:00 am  Senior Connection: Disabilities Commission

12:00 pm  Brook'n'Cookin: Taquitos

12:30 pm  Cooking with Linda: Italian Sausage

1:30 pm      Pizzapalooza: Margherita Pizza

2:00 pm  New England Candlepins Summer 2023 Show 1

3:00 pm  Candlepin New Generation: Show 4

3:30 pm  Winning Ways with the MIAA: Student Athletes Pt 1

4:30 pm  Franklin Art Association: Anna P. Wert

6:00 pm  SAFE Coalition Gala 2026

9:00 pm  Circle of Friends: Cheryl Wheeler

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

7:00 am  All-Town Chorus & Orchestra 2026

8:30 am  Sons & Daughters of Italy: Ciambotta

9:30 am  6th Grade Winter Music 02-10-26

11:00 am  FHS Theater Company: Lord of the Flies

2:00 pm  FHS Concert Hour 02-25-26

3:30 pm  FHS Varsity Baseball v Catholic Memorial 04-21-26

8:30 pm  Franklin Footlighters: Footloose

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

8:00 am  Zoning Board of Appeals 03-05-26

2:00 pm  Zoning Board of Appeals 03-05-26

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

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Thursday, May 7, 2026 ???

Thursday, May 7

3:00pm Back to Life: Youth Theater Project (SAFE Coalition)

6:00pm Annual Memorial Porketta (Franklin Rod & Gun Club)

For Library events -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/942/Calendar-of-Events

For additional details on Senior Center events ->   

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

Note: Senior Center checking on why their events are suddenly being shown as "All Day". You can use the monthly newsletter for specific program/event times

*** Town Meetings today ***

For Library events -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/942/Calendar-of-Events

For additional details on Senior Center events ->   

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

Note: Senior Center checking on why their events are suddenly being shown as "All Day". You can use the monthly newsletter for specific program/event times

***    Town Meetings today   ***

Franklin Commission on Disability

Thursday, May 7 Time: 4:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05072026-2279 

Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School - Board of Trustees Meeting

Thursday, May 7 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05072026-2286 

Conservation Commission Meeting

Thursday, May 7 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Item/593?fileID=9052 

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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

You can help Stamp Out Hunger by filling your bag with these items !!

via the Franklin Food Pantry:

"This Saturday, May 9, is the annual Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive!

We need your help to fight food insecurity:

1. Fill a bag non-perishable donations (suggestions listed below)

2. Place it by your mailbox before your mail delivery on Saturday

3. Your letter carrier will pick up your donation during mail delivery, or may come back later in the day

Don't let the forecast dampen your generous spirit! If it looks like rain, just pop your donations into a plastic bag to keep everything dry.

What We Need Most:

• Shampoo & Conditioner
• Body Wash & Bar Soap
• Shaving Cream & Lotion
• Feminine Hygiene Products
• Laundry Detergent
• Household Cleaning Supplies
• Cereal
• Pasta
• Ketchup
• Relish
• Pickles
• Jelly/Jam
• Cake Mix
• Brownie Mix
• Hot Chocolate Mix (8-count boxes)"

The Postal Carriers likely delivered a paper bag wrapped up with a flyer to use Saturday

Help Stamp Out Hunger by filling your bag with these items !!

Passport to the World Tasting Series –Free Wine Tasting @ Little Shop of Oils - Friday, May 8

Looking for a free wine tasting in Franklin, MA? Join us at The Little Shop of Olive Oils for our Passport to the World Tasting Series, a relaxed evening of fantastic wines, delicious food pairings, and gourmet goodies.

Bring your Mom, daughters, friends, and family and enjoy a welcoming tasting experience featuring hand-selected wines paired with food and specialty products from the shop. This is a wonderful way to discover new flavors, gather with people you love, and enjoy a memorable evening in downtown Franklin.

Event Details

Little Shop of Olive Oils

·     Event: Passport to the World Tasting Series –Free Wine Tasting

·     Date: Friday, May 8

·     Time: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM

·     Location: The Little Shop of Olive Oils, Franklin, MA

Admission: Free

·     What to Expect

·     Free wine tasting featuring fantastic wines

·     Food paired with gourmet goodies

·     A fun outing for Moms, daughters, friends, and family

·     A casual walk-in event with no pressure and no cost to attend

·     Why You’ll Love This Free Wine Tasting in Franklin, MA

The Passport to the World Tasting Series is designed to bring people together over great flavor. Whether you are searching for things to do in Franklin, MA, planning a girls’ night out, looking for a mother-daughter outing, or simply want to enjoy a unique local food and wine experience, this event offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

At The Little Shop of Olive Oils, guests can explore delicious pairings, discover gourmet products, and enjoy an easy evening out with free parking, no reservations, no RSVP, and no entry fee.

Good to Know

·     Free Wine

·     No Parking

·     No Entrance Fee

·     No RSVP

FY 2027 Budget Narrative: Franklin Health Department

From the Town Administrator's FY 2027 Budget narrative, each department's story is worth sharing.

General Purpose

The Franklin Health Department is required by state, local laws and regulations to perform many critical duties related to the protection of public health. These duties cover a wide range of public health control and prevention activities, including: disease surveillance; the promotion of sanitary conditions in housing, recreational facilities, and food establishments; elimination of nuisances; the protection of the environment; and numerous other responsibilities and core functions.

Core Functions

● The Health Department conducts bi-annual inspections of 120 food service establishments and 18 retail food establishments (convenience stores) yearly. Each establishment receives a routine inspection and a follow up re-inspection subsequent to the original inspection. Not included in this number are complaint related inspections, and suspect food-borne illness investigations. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health requires all health departments to submit comprehensive inspection reports and illness worksheets for all suspect cases. The Health Department staff also must inspect and permit mobile food trucks and other seasonal and temporary food events throughout the year.

● In 2025, the health department permitted 23 retail stores and three adult smoke shops. The Board of Health amended the 2023 Sales Regulation restricting the sale of tobacco and vape products to incorporate these minimum standards required pursuant to Massachusetts state law and regulations into the current board of regulations.

● The Health Department is required to review all engineered plans for proposed septic system installations, upgrades and repairs to be in compliance with State Regulations. The Health Department has contracted with a septic consultant to review and approve all engineered plans and to monitor the progress of these installations by conducting a series of site inspections. The permitting process for septic installers continues to be done through the Health Department.

● The Health Department enforces the State Sanitary Code, Minimum Standards of Fitness and Human Habitation and is mandated to investigate all complaints of unsanitary or substandard living conditions of dwellings. The health department participates in the Franklin Crisis Action Team and works with the Senior Center staff, Police, Fire, Veterans departments to share information and strategize on new and existing residential cases to protect the public’s health and prevent harm.

● The Health Department has the responsibility for investigating all reports of public health nuisances, including, but not limited to, refuse, noxious odors, overgrown vegetation and stagnant water.

● In addition to the above-mentioned primary responsibilities, the following is a list of additional departmental functions:

○ Permitting and inspection of public pools and spas

○ Permitting and inspection of recreational camps

○ Permitting and inspection of tanning establishment

○ Permitting and inspection of mobile food trucks

○ Permitting and inspection of body art facilities

○ Permitting and inspection of bodyworks facilities

○ Processing renewal applications yearly

○ Processing plan reviews for all establishments as submitted

● All public swimming pools and spas receive both annual and regularly scheduled inspections by the Health Department. Improper sanitation and maintenance of public pools and spas has resulted in serious disease outbreaks and injuries. Presently, the town has six year round pools, four hot tubs and fifteen seasonal pools that require inspections. Recreational camps for children require an intensive review process by local Health Departments prior to issuance of a permit to operate. All campers’ immunization records must be reviewed thoroughly for required vaccinations by the public health nurse. The facility also requires a detailed inspection for compliance with all state regulations. Most recently the Health Department permitted 8 recreational camps for children.

Staffing

● One (1) Director of Public Health

● One (1) Health Agent

● One (1) Public Health Nurse

● One (1) Regional Health Agent

The Permitting Specialists in the Building Department and the Department of Planning and Community Development provide administrative support to the Health Department. The Health Department pays a portion of their salaries.

Strategic Initiatives & Accomplishments

● Organize and implement a Women’s health expo including a mammogram van.

● Build additional community web resources for community education

● Continue to partner with the fire department to offer residents and schools public health trainings (stop the bleed, hands only CPR, Narcan and other educational trainings)

● Continue to post educational podcasts

● Start a first aid class for the community

● Organize and hold a flu clinic for adults and children

● Organize and hold a fall health fair

● Assess the community’s public health nursing needs and initiate programs and interventions

● Continue to be engaged in the shared service grant community events with Wrentham and Norfolk

● The Public Health nurse organized and held a flu clinic at the Senior Center and vaccinated 90 adults

● The Public Health nurse organized and held a flu clinic at the Senior Center and vaccinated 50 children.

● Conduct annual inspections of recreational camps by auditing medical related records and procedures mandated by the state

● Organized and held a fall and spring health fair held at the library

● Organized and held a Health Brain Expo at the Senior Center

● The Public health nurse continues to partner with the senior center, the fire department and housing authority to give the community health educational

trainings. She also continues being engaged in a shared service grant with Wrentham and Norfolk enabling the health department to have a regional health agent and a shared coordinator on site, assisting with flu clinics and other community educational events

● Partner with the library to have self blood pressure station and blood pressure kits from the American Red Cross being the first library in Mass to have this program and blood pressure kits in the Library of Things

FY27 Requested Budget Highlights

● Staff anticipate the potential to lose state grant funding to support the Metacomet Public Health Alliance. As a result, some small costs will be coming on the budget, most of which are legally mandated costs, such as food inspection. The budget impact is $69,030. Over the past four years of this grant, the town saw some savings, but also increased administrative time to manage.

● The Public Health Excellence grant that funds the Public Health nurse RN salary is not sustainable in the near future from the state and a plan for funding this position needs to be in place in lue of grant funding being defunded therefore, the Public Health nurse, RN to be fully funded through the health department budget.

● The Public Health Excellence grants funds a Regional Health Agent to conduct food establishment inspections 14 hours per week. This grant filled position is also not sustainable in the near future and a plan for the health department to fully fund a Food Consultant will be needed in lue of grant funding to conduct biannual food establishment and grocery store inspections for the health department.

FY27 Requested Budget Summary

The scope of duties mandated by Massachusetts General Laws and DPH regulations for local health departments inherently requires the skills of a Registered Nurse, making a public health nurse essential for fulfilling legal obligations and providing core community health services to the municipality.

The Food Consultant is to replace the Regional Health Agent to inspect food establishments and supermarkets bi-annually to meet the Mass.gov 105 CMR 590.000 (State Sanitary Code Chapter 11) that sets the minimum sanitation standards for food establishments, covering personnel, facility requirements, food handling, and permits. Along with the M.G.L. Chapter 94, Section 184D: General Laws related to inspecting food stores for compliance and handling violations.

The PDF of this section - 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/15JlMDo6LgHTldZFIRlrOY5nkp3n9ok5I/view?usp=drive_link

For the full FY 2027 budget narrative -  https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/8912/FY27-Budget-Narrative-FINAL-1

The FY 2027 budget information can be found 

https://www.franklinma.gov/Archive.aspx?ADID=577

Franklin Board of Health votes to prohibit "Synthetically Derived Cannabinoids, Synthetically Derived Kratom and Unregulated Novel Intoxicating Products"

FM #1742 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1742 in the series. 

The Franklin, MA Board of Health met on Wednesday< May 6, 2026 at 5 PM as scheduled. All three members were present in the 3rd floor training room with the full representation of the Health Department members. A number of folks were in the room as well as joining remotely via the Google Meet connection.

Quick recap:

• Board approved by 3-0 the prior meeting minutes

• Opened the public hearing, heard from a number of folks for and against the proposed regulation

• Closed the public hearing

• Discussion amongst the Board resulted in an extension of the original proposal to include natural as it was present in energy drinks available to youth.

• Motion to amend the proposal, second, passes 3-0

• Vote on the motion to approve the regulation as amended, passes 3-0

• Notification to be mailed to current vendors

The recording runs about 56 minutes, so let’s listen in.

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1742-franklin-ma-board-of-health-mtg-05-06-26/

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Agenda doc - https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05062026-2246  

Proposed regulations doc (doesn't contain the amended version)

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9031/Kratom-Draft-Regulations

My notes in one PDF - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WP1tqQMiUsvAdEqI6jBFwNFCgBy06jBw/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"