Friday, September 4, 2026

State Primary turnout for Town of Franklin 2nd highest in 20 years

The turnout for State Primary elections in the Town of Franklin has varied considerably since 2006. 

The chart depicts the official results from the Town Clerk (via the published annual reports) with the total votes cast and the percent of the registered voters for that period.
State Primary turnout for Town of Franklin 2nd highest in 20 years

Why a varied turnout? 
These are primary elections to determine who is on the ballot. Are there competitive State level races? Some years more so than others. 

Is there lack of engagement?
4 of the 5 top 5 turnouts occured in the most recent 4 elections, so that would seem to say there is an improvement. 

General rule for election turnout for Town of Franklin for period from 2002 to current:
  • 20% (plus or minus) for local elections
  • 40% (plus or minus) for override or debt exclusion elections
  • 60% (plus or minus) for the State elections in November
  • 80% (plus or minus) for the Federal elections in November

FHS Football Schedule for Fall 2026

FHS Football Schedule for Fall 2026
"The 2026 Franklin Football season is here!

Mark your calendars and come out to support the Panthers all season long! We’re looking forward to packed stands, Friday night lights and a great season of Franklin Football.

Be sure to check the Panther App throughout the season for schedule updates, game information and additional details.

LET’S GO PANTHERS!"


Note: Get the Panther App to follow all the fall sports as well as club and other events at Franklin High School





Annual Recycling Event scheduled for Saturday, Sep 5 from 9 AM to 1 PM

"Clear your clutter and help local families in one quick stop! 
please consider bringing diapers and wipes to support the Franklin Food Pantry


Join us this Saturday, Sept 5, from 9 AM to 1 PM at Franklin High School for our Annual Recycling Event. We are again teaming up with Green Team Junk Removal for this annual event!

teaming up with Green Team Junk Removal for this annual event

While you drop off your recyclables, please consider bringing diapers and wipes to support the Franklin Food Pantry. These essentials are urgently needed right now for local families.

When: Saturday, Sept 5 | 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Where: Franklin High School


What to bring: Your recyclables + diapers & wipes for the Franklin Food Pantry

If you can't make it Saturday, there is info on this image -> to arrange a pick up
Check out the flyers below for accepted recycling items and specific drop-off details.

See you Saturday!"

If you can't make it Saturday, there is info on this image -> to arrange a pick up with GoGreenTeamJunk.com


Shared from Rep Roy's post - https://www.facebook.com/share/1Gpr8zxgPn/

Horace Mann's 12 for 12

Horace Mann's 12 for 12

"How did the first Secretary of Education convince the public to invest their tax dollars into schools?


He did his homework. Horace Mann rode horseback across Massachusetts, physically inspecting school buildings and gathering hard data on their crumbling conditions. He published his findings in 12 famous Annual Reports that served as a roadmap for modernizing curriculum, improving physical classrooms, and securing permanent state funding. He proved that public schools were the ultimate investment in society's future.

Check out tthe link below to listen to his annual reports:


https://librivox.org/annual-reports-to-the-massachusetts-board-of-education-by-horace-mann/"

From the biograpies that I have read about Horace, it was his wife Mary who provided the secretarial services putting together the reports from notes and drafts Horace created.



first Franklin School Committee Newsletter of the 2026-2027 school year is ready for you to read

first Franklin School Committee Newsletter of the 2026-2027 school year is ready for you to read
"The first Franklin School Committee Newsletter of the 2026-2027 school year is out now! 

Read updates on the preparation that was completed to start the school year.  

Read the full newsletter  here:https://aptg.co/QRRnV9"


Indian Lane Neighborhood Yard Sale scheduled for Saturday, Sept 5

Indian Lane Neighborhood Yard Sale scheduled for Saturday, Sept 5
"Indian Lane Estates Neighborhood Yard Sale — Saturday, September 5, 8 AM–1 PM

56 Indian Ln, Franklin, MA


Come shop our HUGE neighborhood yard sale with household items, kitchenware, clothing & accessories, kids' items, books & media, toys & games, sports gear and much more! 

Multiple homes participating. 

Lemonade & baked goods will also be available, with a portion of proceeds donated to the Baypath Humane Society

Everyone welcome!"

See a QR code parked somewhere? Don’t scan it…yet!

See a QR code parked somewhere? Don’t scan it…yet!
By BCP Staff

"Ever tried to pay for parking and discovered you need to scan a QR code to pay? It seems like a convenient way to pay, but it turns out scammers like using QR codes, too. 

People have reported scammers covering up legit QR codes on parking meters with a QR code of their own. If you scan that scammy QR code, it could take you to a fake site designed to steal your money, your personal information, or both. 

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule for Friday, September 4, 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, September 4, 2026


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)  


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 September 4, 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: Julie Booth
11:00 am Senior Connection: Disabilities Commission
12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin: Taquitos
12:30 pm Learn to Cook with Linda: Sticky Buns
1:30 pm     Pizzapalooza: Meat-Lovers Pt. 1
2:00 pm New England Candlepins Summer 2023 Show 1
3:00 pm Candlepin New Generation: Show 1
3:30 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Shaun Hart Pt 1
4:30 pm Second Sunday Speaker Series: Peter Glass
6:00 pm Franklin 4th: George Cross Project
9:00 pm Circle of Friends: Susan Werner

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

7:00 am Middle School Spring Band 06-04-26
8:30 am Historical Museum: Randy LaRosa and Krishna Swain
9:30 am Lifelong Music: Strings School 01-22-25
11:00 am Arts Advocacy: Fundraising
1:00 pm Cultural Council: BT ALC Big Band
3:30 pm FHS Varsity Football v Wachusett 09-12-25
8:00 pm FHSTC: Curious Case of the Cottingley Fairies

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


8:00 am Zoning Board of Appeals 08-06-26
2:00 pm Zoning Board of Appeals 08-06-26


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
Watch Listen Read all things that matter in Franklin MA

Thursday, September 3, 2026

Board of Health approves MHOA as tobacco agents, plans for withdrawl from Metacomet Health Alliance (audio)

FM #1808 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1808 in the series. 


The Franklin, MA Board of Health met on Wednesday, September 2, 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.

Board of Health approves MHOA as tobacco agents, plans for withdrawl of Metacomet Health Alliance (audio)


Quick recap:

  • Approval of minutes for June, so moved, second, passes 2-0-1 (1 absent, in route to meeting)

  • Updates from all departments gathered weekly for Town communications efforts, Director to share with Board what she shares 

  • Motion to accept MHOA as agent for tobacco checks, etc. new Memo of Understanding (MOU), second, passes 3-0 (Daddario arrived)

  • Update on Kratom, actioned by Federal agency as Level 1, nice to have taken the issue on early

  • Vaccine clinic update, Sep 22, half appointments filled, so space still available

    • West Nile, Triple EEE, up to 5 cases on West Nile statewide

    • risk level low for triple EEE West Nile level moderate

  • Reviewed DPH vaccine level report for K & 7, very high compliance for Franklin. School nurses working with kids and families on the catch up schedule for those missing, aside from health, religious exemption

  • Senior Health Expo, Oct 2, OSCO to be there for vaccine/flu

  • Announced in passing that the Town has withdrawn from Metacomet Health alliance effective Oct 1. They are keeping Alecia full time, but using a consultant for the food inspections; not likely to get a role filled within the budget, grant is expected to fade away, so this is part of the transition

  • Cyclosporiasis cases are relatively low, it is hard to pinpoint the local source(s) for the local cases. only 2 cases in July, none in August

    • 55 cases of Lyme disease, 7 in August COVID-19 cases very low

    • baby shower in Wrentham a huge success

  • Motion to adjourn, passes 3-0


The recording runs about 32 minutes, so let’s listen in.

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1808-franklin-ma-board-of-health-mtg-09-02-26/


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


Agenda doc - https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09022026-2480 


My notes in one PDF -  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-B3I14vFnRZVMSPh6j-rvzge3uwtm9gb/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"


What's happening in Franklin, MA: Thursday, September 3, 2026 ???

Thursday, September 3


8:30am Franklin Downtown Partnership General Mtg (Dean College)

6:30pm Game night     (Franklin TV and Radio)


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

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

For additional details on Senior Center events ->    https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/10676/September-2026-Newsletter?bidId=





***  Town Meetings today ***

Franklin Commission on Disability Meeting

Thursday, September 3 Time: 4:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09032026-2474 


Town Charter Ad Hoc Committee - canceled - "The Town Charter Ad Hoc Committee Meeting scheduled for September 3 @ 6pm will be rescheduled for a date TBD."


ZBA Meeting

Thursday, September 3 Time: 7:30 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09032026-2469 

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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

Town of Franklin Announces Appointment of Michelle Monsegur as Deputy Town Administrator

The Town of Franklin is pleased to announce the appointment of Michelle Monsegur as its new deputy town administrator. Monsegur will begin her new role on Sept. 14, 2026.

Michelle Monsegur
"I'm really excited about this opportunity to serve the Franklin community!” said Monsegur. “As a lifelong public servant, I love working at the local level and I look forward to getting to know folks in Franklin and diving into the budget process this fall. Thank you to Jamie Hellen and the Town of Franklin for welcoming me."

As Deputy Town Administrator, Monsegur will work closely with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen to oversee municipal finance, support municipal operations, lead strategic initiatives, special projects and collaborate with department leaders to advance the Town’s priorities and deliver exceptional public service.

“Michelle brings a strong combination of leadership experience, sound judgment and a deep commitment to public service to this role,” said Town Administrator Hellen. “She understands the complexity of municipal government and the importance of working collaboratively with department leaders, employees and the community to get things done. I am confident that she will be an invaluable partner as we continue to move the Town’s priorities forward, while also helping us prepare for the new challenges and opportunities ahead.”

The appointment follows a thorough selection process that included more than 100 applications for the position.

In her new role, Monsegur will work closely with the chief financial officer, Franklin Public Schools and the Town’s finance committee to develop short- and long-term, town-wide financial strategies. While the chief financial officer oversees the day-to-day operations of the Town’s finance departments, Monsegur will work closely with elected officials, stakeholders and residents on financial strategy and implementation with a focus on long-term financial solvency, stability and sustainability. She will also bring a fresh perspective to town and school finance while helping preserve and build institutional knowledge. 

Monsegur’s responsibilities will also include strategic planning, collective bargaining, capital planning, technology and artificial intelligence. As the use of AI continues to evolve, she will help the Town monitor developments, assess potential opportunities and consider how the technology may affect municipal government and the community in the years ahead.

Prior to joining Franklin, Monsegur served as assistant town administrator for finance for the Town of Hingham, where she oversaw day-to-day operations for 25 departments and approximately 300 employees in close collaboration with the town administrator. She led the town’s financial strategy, including development of its $165 million annual budget and authored the Sustainable Budget Task Force (equivalent to Franklin’s Joint Budget Subcommittee).

Previously, Monsegur served as principal budget analyst for the City of Cambridge, where she developed and managed the city’s $730 million annual budget. She also led the city’s first participatory budgeting processes, giving residents a direct role in determining how capital funds would be spent. 

Monsegur holds a master’s degree in public policy from Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government and a bachelor’s degree from Georgetown University. She is a member of the Massachusetts Municipal Association and the International City/County Management Association. She also serves on the executive board of the Massachusetts Government Finance Officers Association.

The Town welcomes Deputy Town Administrator Michelle Monsegur to the position and looks forward to her contributions to the organization and the Franklin community.

shared from - https://www.franklinma.gov/m/newsflash/home/detail/190

Town Council approve West as Police Chief, approves excess sewer capacity deal, & goes past 10 PM on Police Station and Town properties discussion (video)

The Franklin Town Council met as scheduled on Wednesday Sep 2 in Council Chambers. All 9 members participated, 7 in Chambers, 2 remotely so all votes were via roll call.

Franklin TV video is available for replay - https://www.youtube.com/live/uMeOjqTdAEw?si=qSIBaHW_AgOh6RCn&t=57

Town Council, Town Administrator pose with James  West, appointed Police Chief

The modified agenda for this session (modified to remove the Executive Session)

Quick recap
  • comments on Chestnut St buildings not completed, what can be done
  • multiple citizens comments on Flock cameras, being addressed by the Council
  • Results of the State Primary are now official as announced by Town Clerk Nancy Danello
  • Appointment of James West as Police Chief was approved
  • Excess sewer capacity deal with Millis and Medway approved
  • Presentation on Town of Franklin properties resulted in a long dicussion ultimately around site of the Police Station. While the Police Station Building Committee was also participating, they did not make a formal presentation, did answer multiple questions. Concensus among COuncil was to review the proposed building to reduce size of building to better fit on the Davis Thayer site. Parmenter would be retained as recreation and potential other Town use. RFP for 275 Beaver St possible
  • As the discussion on this Town property topic completed about 10:25 PM, the Council voted to adjourn, they did not need to vote to extend the meeting past their 10 PM self-imposed deadline. Had they attempted another topic, that would have been required
My full set of notes captured during the meeting in one PDF