Franklin Matters

Wednesday, June 24, 2026

Fallen Hero Recognition: Baldo S. Lazzerini - June 24, 2026 - 9 AM

There is a Fallen Hero Recognition event today (6/24/26) at 9:00 AM on the Town Common Veterans Walkway to honor Baldo S. Lazzerini Technical Sergeant U.S. Army.

This program will include the placing of a Memorial Wreath for the day, the playing of Taps, a salute from those present, and a reading of whatever history may be available for that veteran. This is a way of keeping the memory of that veteran alive.

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Fallen Hero: Technical Sergeant Baldo S. Lazzerini, U.S. Army

Technical Sgt Baldo S. Lazzerini was born on January 29, 1913 in Franklin son of Quinto and Julia Lazzerini. Baldo made his home here in Franklin from age 16 with the Pacifico and Amelia Gianetti Family of 57 Hutchinson Street. Baldo’s active duty began upon his enlistment on March 20, 1941.

Technical Sergeant Baldo S. Lazzerini served with the U.S. 5th Army, G-2 Intelligence service in Italy as an interpreter for General Mark Clark. T/Sgt Lazzerini was involved in the heaviest of fighting in Italy and had personally witnessed the surrender of Italian generals to Allied generals, with whose staff he was connected. T/Sgt Baldo Lazzerini’s brilliance in military operations, coupled with his knowledge of the Italian language gave him rapid rise in rank.

T/Sgt Baldo S. Lazzerini died as a result of a military vehicle accident in Italy on June 24, 1945.

participants in the ceremony on June 12, 2024

Technical Sgt Baldo S. Lazzerini was 32 years old at the time of his death in service during World War II.

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The schedule of Fallen Heroes for the year on one page (PDF)

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1tlyiAK18owM81p8aJs1vhKc3p2bIK1cv/view?usp=drive_link

For the full published series of Fallen Heroes you can visit this link
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/franklin-fallen-heroes-series.html

Photo album of the Fallen Hero pillars along the Veterans Walkway

https://photos.app.goo.gl/oRGdmq9krLNEBnjJ7

Get your tickets and more info on Franklin "Welcomes the World" for June 24 & June 25 !!!

Get your Community Watch Party tickets = www.metrowestvisitors.org/world-cup.

Join us on June 24 from 2 to 9 PM and June 25 from 3 to 9 PM for Franklin Welcomes the World, a two-day community celebration at the Franklin Town Common and Hayward Manor featuring FIFA World Cup™ match viewing, live entertainment, food vendors, family activities, and more.

🎥 Live matches on the giant jumbotron
🎶 Music and entertainment throughout the day
🍔 Food trucks and local vendors
🏰 Family-friendly activities and inflatables
🍻 21+ Beer Garden at Hayward Manor
♿ Accessible viewing and parking available

Switzerland vs Canada at 3pm
Scotland vs Brazil at 6pm

Whether you're a soccer fan, looking for a fun family outing, or simply want to be part of this unique community celebration, there's something for everyone.

Before you arrive, be sure to review the event map, parking and transportation information, FAQs, and community conduct guidelines.

ℹ️ Learn more: https://franklinma.gov/1177/Franklin-Welcomes-the-World

We can't wait to welcome residents and visitors alike as Franklin comes together to celebrate the world's game and showcase our vibrant community!

Franklin School Committee approves contracts & takes action on policies in short meeting (video)

The Franklin School Committee met as scheduled on Tuesday, June 23, 2026. 6 of their 7 members participated, 5 in Chambers, 1 remotely so all votes were via roll call.

Franklin TV video is available for replay - https://www.youtube.com/live/QlvJl3dksVE?&t=90

The meeting agenda - https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06232026-2374

My meeting notes in one PDF - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1sGhFpmgdY19KlxeJaUDB2zFewLPN1wuS/view?usp=drive_link

Quick recap:

After opening the meeting, the Committee entered Executive Session for about 15 minutes returning to open session. In open session, they voted to approve Cafeteria Workers, Secretaries and Van Drivers Unions Contracts by a 6-0-1 roll call vote (1 absent)
Voted to send policy JKAA - Prevention Criteria for use of Physical Restraint, Seclusion and Time-outs for Students to a second reading, via 6-0-1 roll call vote (1 absent)
Voted the elimination of policy CL - Administrative Reports via 6-0-1 roll call vote (1 absent)
Voted the approval of the FSC Meeting, Conduct & Discussion Structure manual via 6-0-1 roll call vote (1 absent)
Voted the approval of the Consent Agenda via 6-0-1 roll call vote (1 absent)
Some updates from the existing subcommittees, some done for the school year, Horace Mann Legacy to meet on 2nd Monday beginning July (except October)

FHS Class of 1981 Reunion scheduled for Sep 26, 2026 at the Tavern on Central

Via the Class of 1981

"The plans are underway, and we can’t wait to celebrate with all of you! Please mark your calendars, spread the word, and join us for a fun evening of reminiscing and celebrating this amazing class!

See information below. Feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions. We hope to see everyone on September 26th! "

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

Final Week of the Capital Campaign !!!

"Every Gift is Matched. Make Yours Matter!!

Thank you to Senator Rausch, the Town Council and the community, the FMS auditorium is getting a major, well-deserved makeover.

But there's still more to do. The funds from this campaign will help provide:

• Choral Risers for performances

• Sound system repair at FHS auditorium

• Sound system repair in the FHS cafeteria

• New instruments

• Microphones needed for theater and music performance"

Please consider donating to the campaign here:

https://givebutter.com/FPSCaptialCampaign2026

10th Annual Franklin High School Boys & Girls Basketball Golf Tournament - Sep 21, 2026

We’re gearing up for our 10th Annual Franklin High School Boys & Girls Basketball Golf Tournament, our biggest fundraiser of the year. This event is critical to funding equipment, uniforms, team bonding events, banquets, player swag, team photos, gifts, and senior scholarships.

Thank you for your past support by sponsoring or donating to the Franklin High School basketball programs golf tournament. We rely heavily on our community and local businesses to support our programs. Without this support we would not be able to provide for our student athletes.

Sponsorship and Player Registration is live for this year's event that will be held on Monday, September 21st.

If you are able to sponsor or donate to the golf tournament this year please sign up via the link below or email us. Sponsorship opportunities are in the attached flyer as well as found via the registration link.

Additionally, any donation would be greatly appreciated. We are accepting monetary donations as well as gift cards, sporting event tickets or merchandise for our silent auction and raffle.

Here’s how you can help:

• Golf: Sign up to play in the golf tournament.

• Sponsor: Sign up to sponsor using the link below or by emailing us.

• Donate: Monetary contributions, gift cards, or merchandise for the silent auction and raffle are all appreciated. Email us and we will coordinate players to pick up.

• Promote: Share the attached flyer with other local businesses.

This year we’ve added social media promotion to our sponsorship packages to give local businesses more visibility before and after the event.

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Corporate Level ($1,000)

Hole Sponsorship
Large Logo on Concession Banner
*Logo on Tournament Website Home Page
1 Golf Foursome

Platinum Level ($500)

Hole Sponsorship
Medium Logo on Concession Banner
*Logo on Tournament Website Home Page
Individual Social Media Ad

Gold Level ($300)

Hole Sponsorship
Small Logo on Concession Banner
Social Media Shout Outs

Hole Sponsor ($200)

Hole Sponsorship
Social Media Shout Outs

To register, donate, or sponsor:

https://fhs-boys-and-girls-basketball-golf-tournament.perfectgolfevent.com or email us.

*Early sponsorship registration gets your company logo on the tournament website for a longer period of time.

Payment Options:

•Venmo: @FHSBasketballBoostersMA

•Check or Cash: Payable to FHS Boys Basketball Boosters

•Website (3.9% fee applies we kindly prefer Venmo, check, or cash to avoid the fee unless the sponsor chooses to cover the fee)

If you have a gift card or item to donate, just reply to this email, we’ll arrange pickup.

Questions? Contact:

Sean Auld: (508) 208-6410

Sga12012@yahoo.com

Kelly Rys: (978) 502-0382

fhsbasketball@gmail.com

Thank you for your continued support!

FHS Basketball Boosters

Atlantic White Shark Conservancy and Stop & Shop Launch the Search for “Shark Marty"

Atlantic White Shark Conservancy Stop and Shop Logo, symbol, meaning, history, PNG, brand

Stop & Shop to release Limited-Edition White Shark Marty plushies with portion of proceeds supporting shark research, education, and conservation.

The Atlantic White Shark Conservancy (AWSC) is kicking off the 2026 white shark research season with a search to find a shark to name “Marty.” AWSC researchers announced they will name the first, newly identified great white shark of the 2026 season after Stop & Shop’s iconic in-store robot Marty as a salute to the local grocer’s renewed partnership and ongoing commitment to supporting AWSC’s shark research, education, and conservation efforts.

Stop & Shop will celebrate the occasion by releasing limited-edition White Shark Marty plush toys and donate 20% of the proceeds from each White Shark Marty to the AWSC. White Shark Marty plushies will be available in all Stop & Shop stores beginning June 22^nd and are only available while supplies last.

“This partnership is a fun and engaging way to connect people to white shark research happening right off our coast,” said Cynthia Wigren, Co-Founder and CEO of the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy. “Each summer brings new discoveries, and we’re excited to invite the public to follow along on the research team's Marty mission to tag the season’s first newly identified shark. AWSC works to advance the conservation of sharks through science, education, and outreach. By helping people recognize the vital role sharks play in healthy ocean ecosystems, we strive to foster informed coexistence and inspire appreciation for these remarkable animals.”

The AWSC encourages all beachgoers across Cape Cod and the Islands to be “Shark Smart” this summer by downloading the Sharktivity app and following recommended safety practices, including paying attention to flags and signs on the beach, staying close to shore when in the ocean, and avoiding areas in the water where seals are present.

In-store signage in Massachusetts Stop & Shop locations will highlight the campaign and include QR codes directing customers to AWSC’s Sharktivity app and website, encouraging public engagement with shark safety, research, and real-time sightings.

“This is our second year partnering with AWSC to celebrate the summer season on the Cape & Islands, where it’s important to help raise awareness around shark safety and conservation,” said Roger Wheeler, President of Stop & Shop. “I’m personally excited to add the White Shark Marty plush to my collection and to follow along as AWSC’s researchers hit the waters to find the real ‘Shark Marty’.”

AWSC’s research program focuses on advancing scientific understanding of white sharks to improve public safety and support long-term conservation efforts. Headquartered in Quincy, Stop & Shop ranks as one of the largest corporate philanthropic contributors in Massachusetts. In addition to this important environmental research, Stop & Shop supports regional efforts focused on combatting food insecurity.

About the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy

Since 2013, AWSC has worked in collaboration with shark science experts, community partners, public and government officials, researchers, donors, friends, and followers to augment scientific research, improve factors that affect public safety, and educate both the local and broader community to inspire a greater understanding of white sharks and conservation of the species.

AWSC supports multiple long-term research projects in collaboration with scientists from Canada to Florida that seek to increase our collective knowledge of white sharks. Through AWSC's public education programs that reach thousands of young people each year, the nonprofit provides science-based, hands-on learning opportunities that have lasting impact. Every season, thousands of Cape Cod residents and visitors from across the country learn about white shark research and shark conservation at AWSC's Shark Center in Chatham, Massachusetts. For the latest white shark news, follow AWSC on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok

About Stop & Shop

A neighborhood grocer for more than 100 years, Stop & Shop is focused on delivering a wide assortment of fresh, healthy options at a great value through strong weekly sales and everyday low prices. Its new GO Rewards loyalty program delivers personalized offers and allows customers to earn points that can be redeemed for gas or groceries every time they shop. Stop & Shop customers can choose however they want to shop - whether it's in-store or online, which offers both delivery and same day pickup.

The company is committed to making an impact in its communities by fighting hunger and working to ensure no students has to go to school hungry through its Stop & Shop School Food Pantry Program. Headquartered in Quincy, Massachusetts, The Stop & Shop Supermarket Company LLC is an Ahold Delhaize USA Company and employs nearly 50,000 associates and operates more than 350 stores throughout Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New York, and New Jersey. To learn more about Stop & Shop, visit www.stopandshop.com.

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm Schedule for Wednesday, June 24, 2026

Yes, Franklin has it's own radio station -> wfpr.fm. Franklin Public Radio introduced a brand new schedule early in 2025 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 Wednesday

8:00 AM, 1:00 PM and 6:00 PM Franklin Matters Radio – Steve Sherlock

Franklin and its local government, services and events (repeats Saturday at 2 PM)

This hour features FPS 2025-26 School year wrap up with Supt Lucas Giguere & Operations Director Colin Boisvert https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/06/lucas-colin-close-out-2025-26-school.html

9:00 AM, 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM The Wonderful World of Wine – Mark Lenzi, Kim Simone All about wine, its culture, lore and finer points. (repeats Saturday at 1 PM)

This segment features Episode 318 - Sip, Sense, and Savor: Unlocking the Mindful Glass with Carrie Boyle https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/06/the-wonderful-world-of-wine-www-episode_01010734106.html

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 Wednesday, June 24, 2026 (Your local Public, Education & Government "PEG" station)

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

7:30 am Metrowest Symposium: Sharing Identity on Social Media

8:30 am Anna Wert: Watercolors

10:00 am Memorial Day 2026

11:30 am Cooking Thyme: Grillin'

12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin: Tai Salad

12:30 pm Learn to Cook with Linda: Party Chicken

1:30 pm Pizzapalooza: Shrimp, Tomato & Greens Pizzetta

2:00 pm New England Candlepins Summer 2023 Show 4

3:00 pm Candlepin New Generation: Show 8

3:30 pm Sons & Daughters of Italy: Italian Cookies

4:00 pm Aging Agenda Episode 1

6:00 pm Concerts on the Common: Heartland Radio

8:30 pm Circle of Friends: Seth Glier

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

8:30 am Middle School 7th & 8th Grade Chorus & Orchestra

10:00 am Pickleball Tournament: Pickleball Tournament

11:00 am FHS Chamber Music 04-08-26

3:30 pm Tri County Graduation 05-28-26

5:15 pm Middle School 6th Grade Chorus & Orchestra

7:00 pm FHS Varsity Baseball v Leominster 05-31-26

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

8:00 am Town Council 06-17-26

1:00 pm Town Council 06-17-26

6:00 pm Ad-hon Charter Review

7:00 pm School Committee VIRTUAL 891 2982 6401 Passcode 774445

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

Tuesday, June 23, 2026

Fatal Motor Vehicle Crash Involving Bicyclist Under Investigation

On June 23, 2026, at approximately 3:20 PM the Metacomet Emergency Communications Center received multiple 911 calls reporting a motor vehicle crash involving a bicyclist in the area of King Street and the Interstate 495 North off-ramp. Callers reported that the bicyclist was a juvenile.

Officers from the Franklin Police Department and members of the Franklin Fire Department responded to the scene and immediately initiated life-saving measures. The bicyclist was transported to UMass Memorial Medical Center, where he was later pronounced deceased.

The victim has been identified as a 15-year-old Franklin resident.

The crash remains under investigation by the Franklin Police Department, the Massachusetts State Police Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Section, and the Norfolk District Attorney’s Office. The operator of the involved vehicle remained at the scene and is cooperating with investigators.

The Franklin Police Department extends its deepest condolences to the victim’s family, friends, and all those affected by this tragic incident.

No other information is being released at this time. Any other inquiries should be made to the Norfolk District Attorney's Office.