Head's up: Anticipated to need 20 Volunteers across 8 boards/committees for July 1, 2026 and following

June 12, 2026

To: Town Council

From: Jamie Hellen, Town Administrator

RE: Annual Reappointments of Boards and Committee Members

The Council will consider annual reappointments of board & committee members whose terms will expire at the end of June. There is also one new member, Jim Lane, being appointed to the Finance Committee with a term to expire in 2029, and two term expiration date amendments for Kyle Galvin (Design Review) and Gail Karner (Board of Assessors) to correct clerical errors made at the time of their respective appointments.

Of the forty-six (46) members with expiring terms, thirty-four (34) will be renewing, eleven (11) will not be renewing and one (1) is to be determined. Note, the appointments for the Community Preservation Committee members will be ratified at the Town Council’s July 22nd meeting.

As of July 1st we anticipate the following committees will have vacancies:

We will publish a vacancy announcement within the next couple of weeks and encourage all residents who are interested in getting more involved to submit a volunteer application!

Applications can be found here: https://franklinmaboards.vt-s.net/newcaf.php.

Shared from June 17 Town Council agenda item - https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9847/8a-Complete

What's up with the Audit? State Rep Jeff Roy takes time to explain the issue & what the MA House has done (audio)

FM #1764 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1764 in the series. 

This session shares my conversation with State Representative Jeffrey Roy. We had our discussion virtually via Zoom on Thursday, June 11, 2026.

 

We talk about 

• Background on the audit issue

• What info is available today including annual audits

• The Supreme Judicial Court hearing on the Auditor vs. the Attorney General

• Legislation enhancing the audit process in light of the decision

• Records request process outlined

The show notes include links to the presentation doc and supporting material. 

The recording runs about 47 minutes, so let’s watch and/or listen in.

Video link - https://youtu.be/EakyZVjB64c 

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1764-state-rep-jeff-roy-explains-the-audit-issue-06-11-26/

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Presentation document - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1TfRPWL7MprCn0AGkEiai7KmH6o_9eLdv/view?usp=drive_link 

Audit types  - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Audit  

What is the “GAGAS” or Yellow book ?  https://www.gao.gov/yellowbook  

Details of the legislation discussed H.5469  - https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H5469   Note: H.5469 is now before the MA Senate where they will need to review and decide before moving to the Governor.

Representative Roy’s House page - https://malegislature.gov/People/Profile/JNR1 

The full Supreme Judicial Court (SJC) video session -  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EvtF3hgWgOc 

SJC audit ruling (extracted from the full docket)

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1dnJpSOKv4_edgRaBQT_V77cz7Ta0FKl7/view?usp=drive_link

The link to the Climate bill public website reference: BU Student generate project archive with the info on the development of the major MA climate legislation passed in 2022 by Gov Baker - "Chapter 179, An Act Driving Clean Energy and Offshore Wind" https://sites.bu.edu/masslaw/2023/02/10/chapter-179-an-act-driving-clean-energy-and-offshore-wind/ 

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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 it!

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

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

"Passport to the World" trifold flyer touts shopping in Franklin

The Little Shop of Olive Oils has coordinated with some other local businesses to create a trifold flyer touting Franklin as a "Passport to the World"

 

"Wander a little. Snack a little. Shop local. Downtown Franklin is full of charming shops, great food, and small-town surprises around every corner."

Download a copy of the PDF 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1UG7hlOFQVZyx76hKtSRjzJAOkN2BO9xW/view?usp=sharing

View the PDF in the embedded file

Franklin TV: MIAA - Meet the talented student athletes

by Pete Fasciano, Executive Director 06/14/2026

Last week we were back in the studio interviewing some amazing student athletes with the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association – the MIAA

Franklin TV: MIAA - Meet the talented student athletes

It’s always an inspiring session; listening to these students share their experiences. They brilliantly personify the MIAA’s mission “Growing Courageous Leaders.”

If you’ve ever had doubts or misgivings about this latest generation –find comfort in the MIAA’s ongoing series “Winning Ways”. It’s definitely must-see TV.

And – as always –

Thank you for watching. 

Thanks for listening to wfpr●fm,

and staying informed at Franklin●news

The playlist for "Winning Ways" defaults to the oldest video first, so you'll need to scroll down to find the most recent ones.   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qRYBa_byGy8&list=PLfmIkAj28lU9FkHa8K0ryvIlQgJYuIG9P

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

Trust Fall Writing® Pop-Up - June 28, 2026

Trust Fall Writing® Pop-Up - June 28, 2026

Learning to Respond to What’s in Front of Us in a Judgment-Free Space

Trust Fall Writing is a gentle, self-care practice for those wanting to quiet the inner critic and reconnect with honest expression.

Using poetry as a starting point, we write continuously and imperfectly - letting intuitive thoughts arrive before judgment does. There’s no critique, no pressure to “be good,” and no prerequisite to be a writer.

We’ll listen to poetry, choose a line that resonates, and handwrite in short bursts designed to help you move past overthinking and into curiosity, intuition, and presence.

This practice welcomes:

• Messy honesty
• Wrong words
• Incomplete thoughts/stories
• The act of showing up

After writing, participants are invited (never forced) to share what surfaced in a supportive, confidential space. We practice listening without critique, fixing, or performance.

Together, we explore what happens when we stop editing ourselves out of the moment.

No writing experience needed.

Ready to meet yourself on the page?

Space is limited, so if interested, email Brittany at Trustfallwriting@gmail.com by June 17th.

Beaver Street Interceptor (BSI) Project: Construction Updates ~ Saturday, June 13 through Friday, June 19

24/7 Beaver St Road Closure: Saturday, June 13 – Monday, June 15

Starting at 12:00 AM on Saturday, June 13, Beaver Street will close at the MBTA train tracks. This area will remain closed 24 hours a day until Monday, June 15, at 4:00 PM. A detour will be in place during this time.

Access Details:

- Via Rt. 140 only: Access to 242 through 290 Beaver Street, including Franklin Glass, and Franklin Recreation.

- Via Grove St. only: Access to all other locations on Beaver Street, including the Town of Franklin Recycling Center, Beaver Street Recreation Area, and businesses on Master Drive.

MBTA Service Notice:

MBTA Commuter Rail service to Forge Parkway and Dean College (Downtown) Stations will be suspended on Saturday, June 13, and Sunday, June 14.

June 14 - Eddie Grant Kickball Tournament:

For attendees of the Eddie Grant Kickball Tournament on June 14th, please note that you will need to access the Beaver Pond Recreation Area via Grove St. See their Facebook Page (https://www.facebook.com/p/Franklin-Fathers-61580257836187/) for more information. 

RT. 140 (West Central Street) Lane Closure Alert: Monday (6/15) through Friday (6/19) 7 AM to 3 PM

The contractor will reinstall sidewalks within RT. 140 (West Central Street). The work will be contained within the southbound lane from Burger King to Beaver Street. During this time there will be lane closures on RT. 140. Please use caution when traveling in this area and follow all posted signs.

Beaver Street Lane Closure Alert:  From Tuesday (6/16) through Wednesday (6/17) between 7 AM and 4 PM.

The contractor will work on Beaver Street near the MBTA tracks.  During this time there will be a lane closure on Beaver Street around this area.  Please use caution when traveling in this area and follow all posted signs.

For additional updated on the Interceptor project - https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/557/Beaver-Street-Interceptor-BSI-Project

Humidity did not keep the folks away, the Strawberry Stroll saw an increase in participants

From Main St between Dean and the Library looking towards Emmons St

The sun was bright, shade was sought to give a bit of relief from the humidity but the crowds kept coming. 

• Lots of happy faces were seen
• Many conversations were held
• Folks hopefully left with more info about what is available in Franklin

Thanks to the Franklin Downtown Partnership and all their vendors, organizations and volunteers for pulling this together. And of course to Franklin Police and Fire for their expert assistance in traffic control and with the occasional heat affected individuals.

That's a Wrap: 2025/2026 Community Concert

Dear Community Concert goers, musicians, and friends,

The 2025/2026 Community Concert season was excellent. Thanks to the Jazz Tones Trio, Eric Christensen, Stickman Blue and Kaye Kelly, the Franklin Fathers, Vera Meyer and the Franklin Historical Commission, Michael Rivelis, The Shams, and the Franklin Music Department for sharing your amazing talent and making this year extra special. Each performance brought joy, connection, and strengthened the bonds that make our community strong.

This past season was funded entirely by a generous grant from The United Methodist Foundation of New England. As we head into a summer recess and begin planning for the 2026/2027 season, we’re excited about what’s ahead. This fall, we’ll kick things off with an organ concert and historic hymn sing, supported by a grant from the Franklin Cultural Council. We’re also actively seeking additional bookings of Franklin-related artists. If you know someone who might be interested, please pass along their contact information or invite them to reach out.

We are the only venue in Franklin that exclusively supports Franklin-related artists. And, we don’t ask them to perform for free. Through grants and donations, we’re able to offer stipends for each concert honoring the time, talent, and preparation that goes into every performance.

If you’d like to help sustain and grow the Community Closet series, we invite you to make a contribution. Your gift helps secure talent and ensure that these concerts remain free to the entire community. Donations can be made online here or by mailing a check to the Franklin UMC, PO Box 313, Franklin, MA 02038 with “Community Concerts” in the memo line.

Thank you for showing up, clapping loudly, spreading the word, and helping make Franklin a place where the arts flourish. If you have ideas for strengthening the series or you just want to chat, don’t hesitate to reach out. We look forward to seeing you again in the fall.

Peace.

Jacob Juncker

The Community Concert page - https://franklinumc.org/community/concerts/

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule for Sunday, June 14, 2026

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm
schedule for Sunday, June 14, 2026

Yes, Franklin has its own radio station -> wfpr.fm. Franklin Public Radio has a schedule full of 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 

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Saturday, June 13, 2026 ???

Saturday, June 13

6:00am Beaver St road closed at MBTA tracks

9:00am Thrifty Threads (Franklin Federated Church)

10:00am Historical Museum (always free)

10:00am Buddy the Brain - reading, signing, activity (Barnes and Noble Cafe)

10:00am    LGBTQ Alliance Flag Planting     (Franklin Town Common)

7:30pm Jamie Barrett - live music (Morin's Hometown Bar & Grille)

8:00pm Karaoke at The Raillery (Raillery Public House)

8:00pm    A Night to Remember: Free Sober Prom (open to all teens (ages 14 to 18)    (SAFE Coalition Offices)

 

For additional details on Library events ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/942/Calendar-of-Events

*** NO Town Meetings today   ***

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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

SAFE Coalition is offering free grief support groups for children and teens - Wednesdays Starting June 17

SAFE Coalition is offering free grief support groups for children and teens this summer in Franklin — a safe, welcoming space for young people to process loss at their own pace through art, play, and connection with peers who understand.

Four groups meet back-to-back on the same evening, divided by age and type of loss:

3:00–3:40 p.m. | Teen Bereavement (ages 14–18) — for teens who have lost someone to death

3:45–4:25 p.m. | Teen Grief & Loss (ages 14–18) — for teens navigating any significant loss

4:30–5:10 p.m. | Children's Bereavement (ages 6–13) — for kids who have lost someone to death

5:15–6:00 p.m. | Children's Grief & Loss (ages 6–13) — for kids navigating any significant loss

Significant losses include divorce, a parent's illness or addiction, major life changes, and more. 

No therapy experience needed, no pressure to participate, and no need to start from the beginning — groups are open enrollment and children and teens can join any session.

When: Wednesdays, June 17 – August 26 | 3:00–6:00 p.m.

Dates: June 17, July 1, July 15, July 29, August 12, August 26

Where: SAFE Coalition | Franklin, MA

Cost: Free

Register online

Town Council Approves FY27 Operating Budget and Capital Investments for Franklin, MA

June 12, 2026 Town Council Approves FY27 Operating Budget and Capital Investments The Town Council approved the Fiscal Year 2027 (FY27) operating budget, establishing the Town's financial blueprint and funding priorities for the upcoming fiscal year. Please read the short, two-page FY27 Budget Snapshot and Summary of key investments and highlights of the budget process: FY27 Budget Snapshot and Summary (PDF). The FY27 budget review process began with the Finance Committee conducting several budget hearings totaling more than 17 hours of review and discussion. Throughout the process, committee members worked closely with Town and School officials to evaluate departmental requests, review financial projections, and develop recommendations for the Town Council. The Franklin School Committee and Town Council have met jointly twice since the election, showing voters that collaboration is at the center of the work plan for the legislative session. Many members have been also attending their respective meetings and working very closely together through this budget season.  The FY27 approved budget does not include any proposals for an override, tax increase or other new rate increases to balance the budget. The budget also does not include any proposed reduction to key town departments, including the Franklin Public Schools (FPS), Fire Department, Police Department or Public Works, Senior Center or Library.  These approvals represent important milestones in advancing Franklin's operational, capital, public safety, and community preservation priorities for FY27. With the budget now approved, Town departments will move forward with implementing the programs, services, and investments outlined in the fiscal year plan. The FY27 budget reflects a collaborative effort among Town Councilors, Finance Committee members, School Committee members, Town and School staff, and department leaders to support the services, infrastructure, and community investments that residents rely on while maintaining a commitment to responsible financial planning. Check out the two-page budget snapshot and summary: FY27 Budget Snapshot and Summary (PDF) Take a Closer Look: FY27 Budget Archive  Explore Town budget archives dating back to 2016: Franklin Budget Archive Center  View it on website

Download the Budget Snapshot - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1b-0-Fy6oXvJioIZLebkniaZ8Jl3MqVFo/view?usp=sharing

Economic Development Subcmte gets updates on the events for June & continues goal discussion (audio)

FM #1762 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1762 in the series. 

The Economic Development Subcommittee met on Thursday, June 4, 2026 as scheduled. Committee Vice-Chair Morrongiello, Griffith & Malloy were present for this session, Chair LeBlanc was away.

Quick recap:

• Cory Shea to talk about the events, 

• Restaurant Week underway, good social interactions, PorchFest on Saturday June 6, about 50 performers and 30+porches; after the music you can also visit a restaurant as the week ends on Saturday.

• Tricky trying to put the pieces together from a regional aspect for an international event, lots of connections made, lessons learned

• Main St will be closed between St Mary's and the Franklin Federated Church. The jumbotron will be at Hayward Manor; Live performances scheduled; Info on schedule details, parking etc will be posted on June 22

• After the watch parties, Pride on June 27, then into the 4th of July Celebration… Farmers Market and Concerts on the Common during the summer, then Harvest Festival in Sept and wreath of Franklin date TBD Nov, Dec

• MetroWest guide for the watch parties coming out , Town has an ad placed in it as it will be spreading quite a bit.

• Discussion on goals vs work plan, should it be 2 or one.

• Why is there a distinction?

• Solid waste master plan required for the town dump, consent order from DEP so it is already being worked

The meeting runs about 71 minutes. 

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1762-economic-development-subcmte-mtg-06-04-26/

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Franklin TV video is available for replay - https://www.youtube.com/live/HJsDcLu_-xk?&t=161 

The agenda here - 

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06042026-2343 

My full set of notes taken during the meeting - 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WMctKdP3zMR8fJSIsIDFplpBCbQdfBhd/view?usp=drive_link 

   

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

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

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit www.franklin.news/ or  www.Franklinmatters.org/ 

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!

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

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

FHS Students .taste test new salads

via Franklin Public School Food Service

FHS Students .taste test new salads

"Our District Chef served up 3 new, flavor-packed power salads at FHS yesterday. Students got to be the official taste-testers for these incredible dishes:

• Tangy Tabbouleh
• Zesty Mediterranean Barley
• Savory Asian Quinoa

The Feedback was amazing!

Our Students loved the fresh flavors. We will be featuring these salads next school year on the salad bar and grab and go lines."

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/18sMNFERrB/

Town of Franklin Cooling Centers when needed (Temp >85 for 3 days in row)

Beat the Heat! 

Remember to drink plenty of water, limit outdoor activity during peak heat, and check on family, friends, and neighbors who may need assistance. Stay cool and stay safe! 

Looking for a place to stay cool during the upcoming heat wave? Franklin residents can visit one of these cooling centers:

Franklin Senior Center

Town of Franklin Cooling Centers when needed (Temp >85 for 3 days in row)

10 Daniel McCahill Street

• Monday–Friday | 8:30 AM–4:00 PM

Franklin Public Library

118 Main Street

• Monday–Thursday | 9:00 AM–8:00 PM
• Friday & Saturday | 9:00 AM–5:00 PM

New England Chapel

300 E. Central Street

• This Sunday June 14, 2026 | 8:30 AM–4:30 PM

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/1JXcx9P6W2/