Franklin, MA News

08/16/2025

Dave condenses the School Committee meeting of Aug 12 in this Chalkboard Chat (audio)

FM #1494 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1494 in the series.

This session shares my conversation with School Committee Chairperson Dave Callaghan. This is a new episode of our continuing “Chalkboard Chat” series. We had our discussion via Zoom on Thursday, August 14, 2025. We had the opportunity to recap both the School Committee meeting of August 12, 2025.

We cover

Summer Learning Review - Paula Marano & Patty Gay, updates on lifelong learning, as well as extended school -

link to album which captured the slides shared found https://photos.app.goo.gl/WwFUYqSSqCrzx6gH8

Summer Move Update - Colin Boisvert - great detail, well organized, there is a whole lot happening across the redistricting move efforts, getting rooms and building ready, signs completed (shared here earlier), transportation updates due next week via bus routes, bus stops, additional drop off, pick up info also scheduled from principals.

Photo album of the slides https://photos.app.goo.gl/JRbK3Ez1K9yxjCAX9

2024 Annual Report Draft Review - discussed verbally, no doc shared, feedback due back to Supt Giguere soon

Engagement, budget, candidates

The recording runs about 26 minutes, so let’s listen in.

Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1494-chalkboard-chat-08-14-25/

Shared album · Tap to view!

08/16/2025

Biennial Election Candidate Nomination Papers Filing as of Aug 15, 2025
The local ballot is filling in. Town Clerk Nancy Danello posted an updated report as of August 15, 2025 showing candidate nomination papers have been taken for Town Council, School Committee, Town Clerk, Board of Assessors and Planning Board at this point.

There is/are
1 candidate for the Board of Assessors
2 candidates for 2 spots on the Planning Board
8 candidates for 7 spots on the School Committee
1 candidate for 1 spot for the Town Clerk
14 candidates for 9 spots on the Town Council

Only the Board of Health, and Planning Board (Associate Member) remain without at least a candidate for each open position at this time.

This will likely be fairly dynamic until September 15 when the signatures required are returned and validate. The Ballot doesn't get finalized until Sep 22.

The PDF download ->

08/16/2025

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Saturday, August 16, 2025 ??

9:00am Thrifty Threads (Franklin Federated Church)
9:00am Library Book sale (Franklin Public Library)
10:00am Franklin Historical Museum (always free)
10:00am Rise Up (Franklin United Methodist Church)
10:00am Walking Group (St John's Episcopal Church)
10:30am The P**p Museum! (Franklin Public Library)
12:00pm Mad Science Minis!(Franklin Public Library)
1:00pm Library bag sale (books by the bag) (Franklin Public Library)
3:00pm Music and Comedy of Don White (Franklin Public Library)
8:00pm Karaoke at The Raillery (Raillery Public House)

For additional details on Library & Senior Center events ->
https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar.aspx?CID=37,24&showPastEvents=false

** NO Town Meetings today **

08/15/2025

Town Council Chair Tom Mercer condenses the meeting of August 13, 2025 (audio)

FM #1493 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1493 in the series.

This session of the radio show shares our “Town Council Quarterbacking” with Town Council Chair Tom Mercer. We had our conversation via the Zoom Conference Bridge on Thursday, August 14, 2025. Our conversation condensed the Town Council meeting of August 13, 2025.

We focus on two questions:
-
ok, what just happened?
What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?

Discussion items:

PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS
a. Proclamation: John “Jay Bird” Simons
b. Proclamation: Saumy Jani & Andrew Bairos

APPOINTMENTS
a. Appointments and Reappointments of Town Board and Committee Members

LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
a. Pledge of License of a Section 12 All Alcoholic Beverages Restaurant License: Santa Fe Burrito Grill

Legislation for action
FY26 Budget Update - Jamie Hellen, Town Administrator Model B recommended by FinCom; passed 9-0

Resolution 25-53: Acceptance of Gift to the Town of Franklin to Restore Part-Time Health and Wellness Nurse Position (Motion to Approve Resolution 25-53 - Majority Vote) failed by 7-2 vote; action to find a way to fund via another method; also to develop a policy for the Town on donations and how to be used

Resolution 25-54: Approval of the Installation of a Sign on Public Property in Recognition of Nello P. Bassignani; passed 9-0

Bylaw Amendment 25-942: A Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 170, Vehicles and Traffic - First Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 25-942 to a Second Reading - Majority Vote) moved to second by 9-0 vote

Resolution 25-55: Acceptance of Gifts - Senior Center ($1,571), Library ($970), Historical Museum ($90) (Motion to Approve Resolution 25-55 - Majority Vote); passed 9-0

TOWN ADMINISTRATORS REPORT
a. Franklin Ridge Senior Housing Complex Update
b. National Grid Smart Meter Announcement

closed with Executive Session on multiple items

The conversation runs about 38 minutes. Audio link ->

This session of the radio show shares our “Town Council Quarterbacking” with Town Council Chair Tom Mercer. We had our conversation via the Zoom Con...

08/15/2025

One truck arrives, one truck leaves, the giving cycle continues

Franklin Food Pantry Receives New Refrigerated Truck from BJ's Wholesale Club, Donates Current Vehicle to Natick Service Council in Powerful Act of Community Support

The Franklin Food Pantry is celebrating two significant acts of generosity that highlight the power of community collaboration. Thanks to a generous donation from BJ's Wholesale Club through its BJ’s Charitable Foundation, The Pantry has received a new, larger refrigerated truck which dramatically increases The Pantry's ability to transport and store food. The Pantry paid forward the donation by gifting its current truck to the Natick Service Council.

The new, donated truck is essential to sustaining The Pantry’s operations. In the past year, The Pantry experienced a 38% increase in demand for hunger relief programs and services.

"We are incredibly grateful to BJ's Wholesale Club for their generous donation, which arrives at a critical time when the need for food services in our community is rising," said Tina Powderly, Executive Director of the Franklin Food Pantry. "This new refrigerated truck not only improves our operations, and how we serve the community, but it also allows us to pay that generosity forward to the Natick Service Council. Today's celebration is a powerful example of how businesses and nonprofits can join forces to support one another."

In addition to the new truck, the BJ’s Charitable Foundation also donated two commercial cooling units to The Pantry. These units, along with the refrigerated truck, are crucial for keeping fresh produce, dairy, proteins, and other perishable foods from spoiling. Providing access to healthy, nutritious food is a key part of The Pantry's mission, and these items are often the most requested and most costly for families to purchase.

"BJ’s Wholesale Club is driven by a powerful purpose: taking care of the families who depend on us,” said Kirk Saville, Head of Communications, BJ’s Wholesale Club. “We’re proud to support Franklin Food Pantry and have a meaningful impact in the communities where we live and work.”

Upon hearing about the new truck from BJ's, the Franklin Food Pantry knew it wanted to pay the generosity forward. Through the Greater Boston Food Bank, The Pantry learned that the Natick Service Council, a nonprofit which supports individuals and families who are experiencing hardship, needed a new vehicle to help the community they serve.

"Like the Franklin Food Pantry, the Natick Service Council has also seen an increase in demand for its services over the past year. We have just completed a project to double the size of our pantry so we can serve all the community members who are facing food insecurity," said Dan Shea, Executive Director, Natick Service Council. " BJ Wholesale Club’s donation to the Franklin Food Pantry created a ripple effect of generosity that resulted in a donation to us. This act shows how one donation can create a positive impact far beyond its initial purpose.”

For more information about the Franklin Food Pantry please visit www.franklinfoodpantry.org. If you or someone you know is experiencing food insecurity, please contact Laura Du, Client Services Manager, Franklin Food Pantry, at 508-528-3115 or email [email protected].

Additional photos of the new truck arrival, and 'old' truck moving on in this photo album (Courtesy of Franklin Food Pantry) https://photos.app.goo.gl/moDvcK7oZX7Po4k97

About the Franklin Food Pantry, Inc.
The Franklin Food Pantry, Inc. offers supplemental food assistance, household necessities, and resource referrals to more than 1,800 individuals per year. The Pantry relies on donations and grants to purchase items and pay for daily operations, and partnerships with The Greater Boston Food Bank, Spoonfuls, and local grocery stores to achieve greater buying power and lower costs. Programs include Inside Shopping, Curbside Pickup, Emergency Food Boxes, Mobile Pantries, Home Delivery, Kids’ Snack Bags, Weekend Backpacks, Holiday Meals, and the SNAP match at Franklin Farmers Market. The Pantry is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization in good standing in Massachusetts, recognized by Charity Navigator as a Four-Star Charity, and awarded GuideStar’s Platinum Transparency ranking. The Pantry is located at 341 W Central St. in Franklin, MA on Route 140. Please visit www.franklinfoodpantry.org for more information.

About BJ's Wholesale Club Holdings, Inc.
BJ’s Wholesale Club Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: BJ) is a leading operator of membership warehouse clubs focused on delivering significant value to its members and serving a shared purpose: “We take care of the families who depend on us.” The company provides a wide assortment of fresh foods, produce, a full-service deli, fresh bakery, household essentials, various exclusive offerings, gas and more to deliver unbeatable value to smart-saving families. Headquartered in Marlborough, Massachusetts, the company pioneered the warehouse club model in New England in 1984 and currently operates 255 clubs and 190 BJ's Gas® locations in 21 states. For more information, please visit us at www.BJs.com or on Facebook, or Instagram

08/15/2025

Voices of Franklin: Petition Drive This Friday (8/15/25) at Farmers Market
Residents Rally Against 444 East Central Street Project: Petition Drive This Friday at Farmers Market

The proposed development at 444 East Central Street has become a flashpoint in Franklin, sparking widespread concern among residents who feel their voices have been sidelined. Despite strong public opposition, the project remains under review by the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) — and the version currently before them is not the same project the Town Council originally approved.

What Changed?
- The original plan, which many residents urged the Council to reject, has since ballooned in scope.
- The number of requested waivers/variances has tripled, jumping from 18 to 30.
- The building height has increased from three stories to four, directly contradicting town guidelines and threatening the character of the surrounding neighborhood.
- Although the town had the opportunity to invoke Safe Harbor protections, it chose not to—leaving Franklin vulnerable to overdevelopment.

A Call to Action
This Friday at 1:00 PM, concerned residents Gene Grella and Jane Callaway-Tripp among others will be at the Franklin Farmers Market with a grassroots petition. This is a chance for every resident who cares about Franklin's future to make their voice heard.

> "If you're truly all set with the direction the town is building in, then please come to the Farmers Market and help us with your signature—your voice. There is power in numbers, and we all need to stand together."

Why Sign the Petition?
- To urge the ZBA to end this project—it no longer reflects the original proposal and disregards community concerns
- To reject the precedent of approving 30 waivers/ variances for a single development
- To preserve Franklin's identity and prevent it from becoming another overbuilt suburb

Franklin's Future Is in Our Hands
This is not just about one building—it's about the kind of town we want Franklin to be. Do we want to protect our small-town charm, or watch it erode under unchecked development?

"This is our town, and it's time we stand up for what we want our town to be."

Join us Friday. Sign the petition. Speak up. Because Franklin belongs to all of us.

Jane Callaway-Tripp
Franklin resident and candidate for Town Council

If you have something to say, you can find the guidelines here

Powered by citizen journalism, your daily source of information about what matters in Franklin, MA.

08/15/2025

What vendors and activities are at the Farmer's Market today - August 15, 2025 ??

We are glad you asked.

Thanks to the good folks operating the Franklin Farmer's Market, we have the answers to share.

For additional info, you can also check the Farmers Market page -> https://www.franklinfarmersmarketma.com/

08/15/2025

Fallen Hero Recognition: Jules E. Perret & Robert R. Pirelli - Aug 15, 2025 at 9 AM

Memorial event today (8/15/25) at 9 AM on the Town Common Veterans Walkway to honor Jules E. Perret & Robert R. Pirelli.

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.

Fallen Hero: Private Jules E. Perret, U.S. Army
Private Jules E. Perret, U.S. Army, was born on November 12, 1907 son of Jules and Maria Perret. Jules lived with his parents and three sisters at 29 Washington Street.
Jules was a well known sportsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing. For many years he was an active member and tireless worker of the Franklin Rod and Gun Club. He did much towards the construction of the then new club house at Uncas Pond. Before volunteering to go into the service, Jules worked as a weaver in Canton, MA.
Jules entered the service on October 12, 1943 and trained at Camp Croft, South Carolina. Pvt Jules E. Perret went overseas in March of 1944, first seeing action in North Africa and later serving in Italy where he met his death on August 15, 1944 in a vehicular accident.
Pvt Jules E. Perret, U.S. Army, was 36 years old at the time of his death while serving his country in World War II.

Fallen Hero: Staff Sgt. Robert R. Pirelli
"Pirelli, a decorated Green Beret with the 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne), based in Fort Carson, Colo., was killed by enemy fire in the Diyala Province of Iraq on Aug. 15, 2007.

Around 8 p.m., Vallee and Rick Sullivan, deputy commissioner of the Conservation and Recreation Department, will speak briefly and dedicate the arena to Pirelli. State Sen. Scott Brown, R-Wrentham, Sen. Karen Spilka, D-Ashland, and Pirelli's parents, Nancy and Robert Pirelli, will also be on hand.

Pirelli, a 1996 Franklin High graduate, was one of two seniors to win a Booster Club scholarship, and graduated from Northeastern University with a degree in criminal justice.

"He grew up playing hockey and was on the varsity hockey team. He was an avid hockey player, and his dad was a hockey coach. He was an amazing guy, quite a young man," O'Conner said.

Pirelli joined the Army in December 2003.

He earned two Good Conduct Medals, a National Defense Service Medal, an Iraq Campaign Medal, a Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, a Non-commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, an Army Service Ribbon, an Overseas Service Ribbon, a Combat Infantry Badge, a Parachutist Badge, and a Special Forces Badge."

Powered by citizen journalism, your daily source of information about what matters in Franklin, MA.

08/15/2025

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Friday, August 15, 2025 ??

9:00am Fallen Hero: Jules Perret & Robert R. Pirelli (Veterans Walkway, Franklin Town Common)

10:00am Knitting Group (Franklin Public Library)

1:00pm Library book sale (Franklin Public Library)

1:00pm Thrifty Threads (Franklin Federated Church)

2:00pm Farmers Market (Franklin Town Common)

3:00pm Matt Zajac (live music) (Franklin Town Common)
5:30pm The Pub Kings (live music) (Franklin Town Common)
6:00pm Sip & Shop (Pour Richard's Wine & Provisions)
6:30pm Jennifer Tefft (live music) (Quarterdeck)
8:00pm Uncle Spiny (live music) (THE BLACK BOX)
9:00pm Michael Rivelis (live music) (3 Restaurant)

For additional details on Library & Senior Center events ->
https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar.aspx?CID=37,24&showPastEvents=false

** NO Town Meetings today **

08/15/2025

FYI traffic light work scheduled for Friday downtown. Proceed cautiously!!

08/14/2025

Franklin Garden Club September Program Open to New Members

The Franklin Garden Club will begin its 2025-2026 season on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, with a meeting at the Franklin Senior Center, 10 Daniel McCahill Street, from 6:00– 8:30 p.m. An informal social get-together will take place from 6:00 – 6:30 p.m. followed by a presentation on the coming year’s programs and activities. The meeting is open to the public, including those interested in becoming a member.

Club Co-Presidents Eileen Smith and Janice Cederquist stated, “The Garden Club, founded in 1987, offers many educational programs, and one does not have to be a Master Gardener to join. Meetings provide a wonderful opportunity to learn about various aspects of gardening from experts and to exchange information with fellow members. We welcome anyone who is interested to attend the first meeting to learn more about the Club and planned activities.”

In addition to the September meeting, this year’s programming schedule includes: October 7 – Craft Night – Bringing Books to Life; November 4- All About Mushrooms; December 2 – Holiday Greens Workshop to prepare for annual wreath and arrangement sale; February 3 – Deep in the Heart of Winter – New Age Floral Designs; March 3 – Flowers, Health and Healing; April 7 – Craft Project; May 5 – Orchid 101; June 2 - Year-End Social.

Club community service activities include planting and maintenance of the Franklin Town Common Garden and the planters at the Franklin Library and Franklin Food Pantry; sponsorship of an annual scholarship awarded to a high school graduate; distribution of pine tree seedlings in the elementary schools; and special projects with other community organizations. The Franklin Garden Club is a member of the Garden Club Federation of Massachusetts.

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/08/franklin-garden-club-september-program.html

08/14/2025

Franklin Police help Middlesex District Attorney with Large Scale Burglary Ring
The following press release comes from the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office regarding a large scale burglary ring involving 25 towns including Franklin:

Three Plead Guilty in Connection with Large Scale Burglary Ring that Executed 43 Breaks Across 25 Towns

Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan and Colonel of the Massachusetts State Police Geoffrey Noble announced that three defendants, Jovan Lemon, 30, of Providence RI, Paul Lemon, 31, of Warwick RI, and Steven Berdugo, 29, of Providence RI, pleaded guilty last week in Middlesex Superior Court in connection with 43 break-ins across 25 towns in Massachusetts between 2018 and 2024.

Franklin Police help Middlesex District Attorney with Large Scale Burglary Ring
Franklin Police help Middlesex District
Attorney with Large Scale Burglary Ring
An additional defendant, Jovan and Paul Lemon both pleaded guilty to thirty-two counts of unarmed burglary and three counts of breaking and entering a dwelling house in the daytime with intent to commit a felony. Steven Berdugo pleaded guilty to seven counts of unarmed burglary. Judge Patrick Haggan sentenced Jovan Lemon to 10 to 13 years committed in the Massachusetts Department of Correction. Paul Lemon and Steven Berdugo were both scheduled to 9 to 12 years committed in the Massachusetts House of Correction.

“Today these three defendants pled guilty to their role in a sophisticated and calculated scheme that targeted victims based upon their ethnicity and caused fear and pain in our Indian and South Asian communities. The defendants believed that households of these families were more likely to contain precious metals, jewelry and other valuable heirlooms,” said District Attorney Ryan. “These defendants were disciplined about concealing their identity and used technology, including Wi-Fi jammers, to execute their plans. Despite these challenges, local law enforcement agencies worked diligently and collaboratively to identify the perpetrators and, in some cases, to recover a significant amount of jewelry and other property,” said District Attorney Ryan.

“The Massachusetts State Police remains committed to disrupting organized crime because of its enormous effect on community safety and residents’ quality of life,” said Colonel Geoffrey Noble. “I commend sworn and professional members assigned to the Commonwealth Fusion Center and our partner agencies who used their training and skill to achieve justice. This case illustrates the ability of Massachusetts law enforcement to work together, share information in complex cases, and take action on behalf of victims.”

The defendants were directly indicted by a Middlesex Grand Jury on April 18, 2024 for their role in a scheme that targeted homes in the communities of Billerica, Boxborough, Carlisle, Easton, Hopkinton, Lincoln, Weston, Sudbury, Andover, Bellingham, Boxford, Franklin, Hudson, Littleton, Medway, Middleton, Millis, North Attleboro, Norwell, Pembroke, Seekonk, Sharon, Southborough, Wenham, and Westwood between July 21, 2018 and March 30, 2024.

Property reported stolen in the breaks included many pieces of jewelry set with diamonds and other gems, with values of individual pieces up to approximately $75,000 and large quantities of cash. In several instances, the property had been secured in locked safes, weighing up to 400 pounds, which the perpetrators removed from the residence along with the stolen valuables.

The aggregate reported value of the stolen property exceeds $4 million.

These convictions are the result of a nine-month investigation by the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office, the Massachusetts State Police Detective Unit assigned to the District Attorney’s Office, and the Massachusetts State Police Division of Homeland Security, including the MACrimeNet program operated by the MSP Fusion Center.

Other partners included the Police Departments from Andover, Billerica, Bellingham, Boxborough, Boxford, Carlisle, Easton, Franklin, Hopkinton, Hudson, Lincoln, Littleton, Medway, Middleton, Millis, North Attleboro, Norwell, Pembroke, Seekonk, Sharon, Southborough, Sudbury, Wenham, Weston and Westwood in Massachusetts; Avon, CT; East Lyme, CT and Connecticut State Police; Barrington, RI, Cranston, RI and Lincoln RI; and Nashua, NH. Additional assistance was provided by law enforcement in Holliston, Northborough, Shrewsbury, Walpole, Wellesley and Westborough, MA; Cranston, Cumberland, Providence and West Warwick, RI; and the United States Marshals Service/RISP Task Force.

The prosecutors assigned to this case are Middlesex Assistant District Attorneys Michael Klunder and Graham Van Epps. The victim witness advocate is Anne Foley.

Middlesex Press Release ->

WOBURN – Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan and Colonel of the Massachusetts State Police Geoffrey Noble announced