Monday, October 19, 2026

Audio recording of the School Committee Policy Subcommittee meeting Oct 13, 2026 available (audio)

FM #1838 - This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1838 in the series. 

Audio recording of the School Committee Policy Subcommittee meeting Oct 13, 2026 available (audio)

This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee Policy Subcmte meeting held on Tuesday, October 13, 2026. All 3 members (Dave Callaghan (Chair), Al Charles, Reis Hansen) participated in the session held in the 3rd floor training room. Superintendent Lucas Giguere and Dr Tina Rogers also participated.


Quick recap:

  • discussion on the school grounds, community access allowed but not during school hours; The safety of students and schools takes priority; had been in policy discussion before but unsure of what happened as it never made it to the full committee, cross refs confirmed; vote to move to full Cmte passes 3-0; discussion also on press release and map of where signs are or will be posted to inform the community of access and NOT during school hours

  • review of policy on field trips to create a more standard approach across the levels; links to other policies for extended and overnight field trips; recurring trips get approved by SchCmte also, some by special vote, some in Consent agenda; looking to tighten the language to make it clear; separate the exception clause to make it stand alone more appropriately and not confuse the sentence where it currently is; motion to bring to first read, second, passes 3-0

  • new business 

    • possible in spring a review of the documents required for enrollment confirmation of Franklin residency and have updates periodically, as needed (life changes) with the internal documents aligned with the procedures and process as well as confirming residency

    • auditing the READ act to see how policies align and if any changes are needed, confirming internal procedures also align with the existing or expected policy

  • next up, fiscal policy resource kit as part of review of the policies, helpful for passing along info to new members of the committee; setting expectations; discussion on review of these policies, the oldest not reviewed, minor wordsmithing required; will pick up DBD next time, motion to adjourn, passes 3-0

  • Meeting adjourns, folks move to Chambers for full School Committee meeting


The recording runs about 53 minutes, so let’s listen in.

Audio link -  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1838-school-cmte-policy-subcmte-mtg-10-13-26/


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The meeting agenda can be found -> 

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10132026-2558 


My full set of notes taken during the meeting can be found in one PDF ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1KQwwtCt2nwHOX2ny8ANnYDcVwCxGGsHZ/view?usp=drive_link 


School Committee Policy manual - https://www.franklinps.net/o/fpsd/page/policy-manual 


School Committee Subcommittee assignments

https://www.franklinps.net/o/fpsd/page/subcommittees-and-liaisons 


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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

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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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Restaurant Week Is Back! Franklin Restaurants Invited to Participate

Franklin Restaurant Week returns December 12–20, 2026, and the Town of Franklin and Franklin Downtown Partnership are inviting local restaurants to participate!

Restaurant Week Is Back! Franklin Restaurants Invited to Participate

Restaurant Week will showcase Franklin’s dining scene and encourage residents and visitors to support local restaurants throughout the holiday season. Participating restaurants and their promotional offerings will be highlighted on a dedicated Restaurant Week website.

The celebration kicks off Saturday, December 12, alongside A Wreath of Franklin, taking place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. with holiday festivities, local shopping, and a pop-up arts market at The Black Box Theater.

Interested in participating? Restaurants must complete the Restaurant Week participation form by Friday, October 30, and include their finalized menu, special, deal, or other promotional offering.

Additional information is available at Restaurant Week 2026.

For questions, contact Communications Director Liz Kalaijian at ekalaijian@franklinma.gov or Franklin Downtown Partnership Executive Director Jenna Reilly at franklindowntownpartnership@gmail.com.


Tri-County Sports Scheduled for the week of October 19, 2026

Tri-County Sports Scheduled for the week of October 19, 2026
Game Schedule for the week
Hope to see you there
Work hard. Today counts.

Register O'Donnell Announces 2026 Holiday Food Drive November 12th through December 17th

Register O'Donnell Announces 2026 Holiday Food Drive November 12th through December 17th
Many individuals and families throughout Norfolk County continue to struggle with the rising cost of everyday necessities, including food. As the holiday season approaches, the financial pressure of providing meals, gifts, and household essentials can become even more challenging. In response, Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell is encouraging residents to support the Annual Registry of Deeds Food Drive, which begins Thursday, November 12, 2026, and continues through, Thursday December 17, 2026.

“Many families are finding that their paychecks simply are not stretching as far as they once did,” said Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell. “From groceries and housing costs to utilities and healthcare expenses, everyday necessities continue to put pressure on household budgets. While Norfolk County remains a great place to live and work, we must recognize that some of our neighbors are struggling. The Annual Registry of Deeds Food Drive is an opportunity for all of us to lend a helping hand and ensure that local families have access to food during the holiday season.”

According to the latest data from Project Bread and The Greater Boston Food Bank, 40% of Massachusetts households experienced food insecurity in 2025, representing more than 1.1 million households across the Commonwealth. The increase has been driven largely by the continued high cost of housing, groceries, utilities, and other basic living expenses.

“Our food pantry has seen an exponential growth in the number of clients over the past few years. We have gone from serving an average of approximately 600 households per month before the pandemic to serving upwards of 1900 households per month currently,” said Interfaith Social Services Executive Director Rick Doane.

Recent data from the Greater Boston Food Bank found that households with children continue to be particularly vulnerable to food insecurity. In 2025, 37% of Massachusetts households with children experienced food insecurity, up from 33% in 2024, highlighting the ongoing challenges many families face in putting meals on the table.

“The latest food insecurity numbers are a reminder that hunger can affect anyone,” Register O'Donnell said. “It is not limited to one age group, one community, or one life circumstance. Many people seeking assistance today are working, raising families, caring for loved ones, or living on fixed incomes. These are our friends, neighbors, and fellow residents, and they deserve our support.”

Donations of non-perishable food items may be dropped off at the Registry of Deeds, located at 649 High Street in Dedham, Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. A collection bin will be available in the Registry lobby throughout the food drive. Suggested donations include canned vegetables and soups, peanut butter, pasta, rice, cereal, shelf-stable milk, toiletries, and paper products.

“Community donations are important to our work since it helps us minimize our expenses and use our resources for the neighbors who need our assistance,” said Maureen Callahan, Director of Development & Public Relations for Needham Community Council. “It supplements our food supplies, ensuring our shelves are full of food that can be distributed to those facing food insecurity.”

Individuals unable to visit the Registry of Deeds in person can find information about local food pantries and hunger-relief organizations by visiting the Registry's website at www.norfolkdeeds.org.

“What has always impressed me about the people of Norfolk County is their willingness to help others when help is needed,” concluded Register O'Donnell. “The holiday season is a time of gratitude, but it is also a time for action. By supporting local food pantries and community organizations, we can make sure that fewer families go hungry and that more people experience the kindness and generosity that make our communities strong.”

To learn more about these and other Registry of Deeds events and initiatives, “like” us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/norfolkdeeds. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram at @norfolkdeeds.

The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, located at 649 High St., Dedham, is the principal office for real property in Norfolk County. The Registry is a resource for homeowners, title examiners, mortgage lenders, municipalities, and others with a need for secure, accurate, and accessible land record information. All land record research information can be found on the Registry's website, www.norfolkdeeds.org. Residents in need of assistance can contact the Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center at (781) 461-6101 or email us at registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org.

Help support the Franklin Youth Hockey Association with their fund raiser at McDonald's on October 21

Help support the Franklin Youth Hockey Association with their fund raiser at McDonald's on October 21
"The Franklin Youth Hockey Association & Jr. Panthers Hockey Club fundraiser is almost here 🏒 Gather your fundraiser squad and carpool. Tag the friend you’re bringing to support youth hockey on October 21st at Franklin McDonald’s, 345 E Central St.

Can’t make it in? McDelivery orders through the McDonald's app, Uber Eats, DoorDash, or Grubhub from 4-7 PM also count toward the fundraiser."



Franklin, MA Rotary Club Car Show (video)

Local historian, Joe Landry visits the New England Chapel to check out the Rotary Club's 10th annual car show
Franklin, MA Rotary Club Car Show (video)




Community Cookout & Trunk or Treat at Franklin United Methodist Church on Saturday Oct 24

Join the Franklin UMC on October 24 from 4-6p for free dinner and trunk or treating!

Bring a lawn chair or blanket and stick around for a while visiting with neighbors.

Free burgers, hotdogs, chips, and drink.

Vegan options will be available.

All are welcome.

Learn more at the link. If you'd like to help, email the office@franklinumc.org


Creative Corner Studio is busy in November

Check out all the offerings for November
Creative Corner Studio is busy in November



Check out the details and register on their web page

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm Schedule for Monday, October 19, 2026

Yes, Franklin has its own radio station -> wfpr.fm. Franklin Public Radio has a brand new schedule for the locally produced shows that fill our air waves.   
Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm Schedule for Monday, October 12, 2026

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

Franklin TV schedule for Monday, Oct 19, 2026

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


7:00 am Aging Boldfully: Roberta Trahan
8:00 am Veterans' Oral History Project: Dave Cargill
9:00 am Franklin 4th: Dave Fields
10:15 am Franklin 4th: Beantown Swing Orchestra
11:30 am Cooking Thyme: Lobstah
12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin: Chicken Salad
12:30 pm Learn to Cook with Linda: Brunch Bake
1:30 pm Pizzapalooza: Healthy Pizza Crusts
2:30 pm New England Candlepins Summer 2023 Show 4
3:30 pm Candlepin New Generation: Show 4
4:00 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Districts
5:00 pm FM Journal October 2026
6:00 pm Aging Agenda: Arthur Vigeant
7:00 pm Frank Presents: Michael Miraglia
7:30 pm Frank Presents: Andrew Mikula
8:00 pm Franklin Matters: Cemetery Tour
9:00 pm Vera Meyer: Glass Armonica
10:00 pm Circle of Friends: Lucy Kaplansky

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


8:30 am Veterans Oral History Project: Joseph McMannus
9:30 am Winning Ways with the MIAA: Districts
10:30 am Middle School 7th & 8th Grade Chorus & Orchestra
12:30 pm Lifelong Music Spring 2025: Band and Glee
2:00 pm FHS Girls Varsity Soccer v Medfield 10-13-26
4:00 pm Franklin History: Tommaso Juglaris
9:00 pm FHSTC: Peter and the Starcatcher

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

8:00 am Planning Board 09-28-26

11:00 am Joint Budget Subcommittee 10-07-26

2:00 pm Planning Board 09-28-26

7:00 pm Planning Board 10-19-26 CHAMBERS 846 5026 1984


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

Sunday, October 18, 2026

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Sunday, October 18, 2026 ???

Sunday, October 18

7:30am All You Can Eat Breakfast (Franklin Rod & Gun Club)

8:00am Early voting (Town Clerk's Office)

8:00am Scary Scurry 5K (Children’s Museum of Franklin)

9:15am Scary Scurry Fun Run (Children’s Museum of Franklin)

12:00pm 7th Annual Pumpkin Patch (St John's Episcopal Church)

1:00pm Franklin Historical Museum (always free)
1:15pm `How the Democrats Lost America: Making Sense of the 2024 Election and the Future of American Politics’  (Franklin Historical Museum)
1:30pm        Franklin Public Library (open until 5 PM)
2:00pm Disney’s Frozen     (THE BLACK BOX)
2:00pm The Skin of Our Teeth (Dean College Main Stage Theater)


*** 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

Order Online Now for the 9th Annual Thanksgiving Day Pie Sale by Knights Of Columbus, Franklin

Why bake when the Knights can do it for you?

Once again, this year the Knights of Columbus, Sacred Heart Council 1847 St. Mary Parish Franklin MA is running their Thanksgiving Pie Sale.  

Thanksgiving Day Pie Sale
Our famous bakery (same as last year) is Lyman’s Orchards.  This year we will be offering “Mile High” Apple, Pumpkin, Blueberry and Cherry. These Pies are fantastic.... outstanding flavor, aroma, and taste. The price is $20.00 per Pie. We will have PECAN also, at a cost of $25. 

As was last year you will be able to DONATE a pie. All donations will be distributed through the Franklin Senior Center and Franklin Food Pantry network for distribution at Thanksgiving time. The goal of the donated pies is to put a pie on a table for a family that may not have that opportunity otherwise. 

pie sale QR code
This year there will be 2 means by which you may purchase your Thanksgiving Day pies. Please visit our website www.kofc1847.org/payments-thanksgiving-pie-sale    or utilize our QR code on this note. The site is open October 17th thru November 2nd. 

We will also be taking Pie orders at the back of church, the weekends of October 24-25th and October 31st and November 1st, after all the Masses.  Cash, Check or Credit Card will be accepted.  ALL online orders will accept Credit Card only. There is a service fee for online orders. ALL orders received at the church will be fee free.

 You will be able to Pick Up your order of Thanksgiving Pies on Tuesday, November 24, from 2pm – 6pm at the Faith Formation Offices at the St. Mary's school. You will see our signs. (same as last year)

We are excited to bring this quality product to St Mary Parish community and all our Franklin neighbors. We thank you for your generous support over the years and the support you lend to help a senior and make your Thanksgiving Day special with a Pie (or 2) from Lyman Orchard’s.
 
Any questions, please call Jim Lane 774-571-9804 or Mike Swan 508-404-4792.

Thank You for your generosity and “giving back”...

Knights of Columbus,
Sacred Heart Council 1847
Franklin, MA 02038

Agenda for the Finance Committee meeting Wednesday, October 21 at 6:00 PM

Finance Committee 
Meeting Agenda & Meeting Packet 
Wednesday, October 21, 2026 = 6:00 PM

Meeting will be held at the Municipal Building 
2nd Floor Council Chambers
355 East Central Street

Agenda for the Finance Committee meeting Wednesday, October 21 at 6:00 PM

1. Call to Order

2. Public Comments 
- Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to three minutes on a matter that is not on the agenda. In compliance with G.L. Chapter 30A, Section 20 et seq, the Open Meeting Law, the Finance Committee cannot engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Finance Committee may ask town staff to review the matter. Nothing herein shall prevent the town staff from correcting a misstatement of fact.

3. Approval of Minutes
a. September 23, 2026

4. The Bill Dowd “Deep Dive Series”
b. DPW Enterprise Funds
 
5. Standing Updates:
a. Stabilization Account Report
b. Budget vs Actuals 9-30-2026 Pls note this does not include September’s interest
c. Fees Revenue by Department 6-30-2026
d. FY2026 Expense Analysis by Department 6-30-2026
e. FY27 Budget Tracker as of 9-30-2026

6. Future Agenda Items/Next meeting date:
a. December 9, 2026 - Long Term Debt

7. Finance Committee Member Comments

8. Adjourn

The full agenda doc also contains remote participation info

School Committee gets update on student recognition sign project, sets Superintendent's goals (video)

The Franklin School Committee met as scheduled on Tuesday, October 13 in Council Chambers. 5 members were present in Chambers, 2 participated remotely so all vtoes were via roll call.

Franklin TV video for replay - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PnpWxfXwZgU
School Committee gets update on student recognition sign project, sets Superintendent's goals (video)


Quick recap:
  • Update on the student recognition sign project, project team here to present an update, slides being captured via pix and the album will be shared shortly
    • recognition of donors on the back of the sign, front touting the teams and champions
    • pre bid meeting soon, bids due Oct 22
    • target to complete Dec 2026 or when fund raising complete no donation is too small
  • Superintendent goals
    • feedback around the committee, some wanting more details on student metrics (this is coming as part of the progress reporting) 
    • some liking the long range planning aspect as important to continue to carry the conversation forward 
    • also suggestion that this might be a time for weighting the goals 
    • long term planning properly set up can in turn generate individual goals year by year
    • Supt will update doc as the year progresses with links to the evidence 
    • vote on the motion to approve goals as presented, via roll call (with 2 remote) passes 7-0
Sign update slides captured as pictures - https://photos.app.goo.gl/XNsdT3YEp4W9eEzEA

Superintendent's Goals



FHS field hockey, girls & boys soccer teams all post wins on Saturday

Via Instagram, Franklin TV, and our subscription to HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the Fall sports competition for Franklin High School on Saturday, October 17, 2026.


Boys Soccer = Algonquin, 0 @ Franklin, 1 – Final 
– Franklin broke through in the 71st minute to take down Algonquin at Pisini Field. Senior Jax Poverman sent a cross into junior Cam Lambert just outside the six-yard box, and Lambert took a touch before laying it back to senior Deacon Eglintine, who smashed a shot home from just inside the 18 for the game-winner.


Girls Soccer = Natick, 1 @ Franklin, 4 – Final 
– In a rematch of last year’s state title game, Lily Strong scored twice and dished out an assist to lead the Panthers to a convincing win. This week, Strong scored a brace against the defending D1 and D3 champs and scored five times overall. Phoebe Cuneo and Claire Michel also scored for the hosts, while Emmalee Doyle added an assist.


Field Hockey = Natick, 0 @ Franklin, 4 – Final 
– Franklin turned in a complete performance to blank Div. 1 No. 9 Natick. Sophomore Amelia Manning opened the scoring just 35 seconds into the game, junior Penelope Brady doubled the lead in the third, and sophomores Lila Reardon and senior Ella Marzullo added fourth-quarter goals, both assisted by Manning. Senior Jossie Camp, juniors Clara Blongastainer and Sammy Feigen, and sophomore Rhian Schlitzer helped limit Natick to zero offensive corners, while sophomore Cade Taccini and seniors Caydence Canavan and Tori Cahill helped control the midfield and transition game. Junior Elise Ackerman recorded the shutout in goal without having to make a save.


For other results across the Hockomock League (subscription required)
FHS Panther sports results shared via Twitter & subscription to HockomockSports.com
FHS Panther sports results shared via Twitter & subscription to HockomockSports.com

Tri-County Volleyball takes home the Mayflower League Large Voc CHAMPIONSHIP !!!

Tri-County Volleyball takes home the Mayflower League Large Voc CHAMPIONSHIP !!!

"Congratulations to your Mayflower League Large Voc CHAMPIONS!!!

Work hard. Today counts. "

Franklin TV: Know a musician or band that deserves to be heard? We want to hear from them!

Coffee House Concert Series: Great Music, Great Company

Franklin TV: Know a musician or band that deserves to be heard? We want to hear from them!
Franklin TV is also exploring a Coffee House Concert Series in collaboration with Raydio, bringing the warmth and intimacy of a coffeehouse performance to local audiences.

Imagine talented musicians, stripped-down acoustic sets, intimate performances, and the kind of musical experiences that make you want to sit back, relax, and discover your next favorite artist.

This collaboration aims to create another platform for local performers while giving audiences a chance to experience live music in a welcoming, community-centered setting.

Keep an eye out for more details as this exciting project develops!

Be Part of What Comes Next!

All of these projects share a common goal: to make local media more accessible, more creative, and more connected to the community it serves.
 
Franklin TV and WFPR.FM are always looking for new talent, fresh ideas, and enthusiastic people who want to help bring local creativity to life. You don't need years of experience or a professional production  background  to  get  started.  A  
willingness to learn, collaborate, and try something new is a great place to begin.

Are you a performer, musician, audio/video enthusiast, aspiring producer, freelancer, community storyteller, or simply curious about how radio and television work behind the scenes? There's room for you here!

You might discover a new creative outlet, develop valuable production skills, help tell an important community story, or become part of the team that brings local programming into homes throughout the region.

Have an idea? Want to perform? Interested in getting behind the camera or microphone? Let's make something great together!

Reach out to info@franklin.tv or stop by Franklin TV to learn more about getting involved. The next great local production could start with you.

Franklin TV and WFPR.FM - Local stories. Local talent. Local voices. Your community, on the air and on screen.

-  Liz Harkins
Executive Director, Franklin TV & WFPR-FM

Continue reading this week's programing guide