The subcommittee is also scheduled for discussion to set their goals and objectives.
The agenda doc also contains remote participation info
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| Franklin, MA: Agenda for the Economic Development Mtg Thursday, May 14 |
Tuesday, May 12, 2026
Franklin, MA: Agenda for the Economic Development Mtg Thursday, May 14
The Economic Development Subcommittee meets with the UMass Boston folks who are proposed to develop a unified plan for downtown Franklin during the Fall of 2026. As this project would be as part of the UMass Boston graduate level class work and free, an agreement on scope and approval is likely to be received.
FY 2027 Budget Narrative: Recreation Department
From the Town Administrator's FY 2027 Budget narrative, each department's story is worth sharing.
General Purpose
The Recreation Department is responsible for delivering exceptional recreational programs and facilities that enhance the quality of life for our residents. Through a steadfast commitment to consistency, dependability, and a deep sense of obligation to our community, we strive to elevate the well-being of all those we serve. As a self-supporting department, we rely on program fees to sustain operations while fostering partnerships with local sports organizations, the Franklin Public School Department, residents, private groups, and other town departments. Our impact is far-reaching, with over 12,000 individuals benefiting from our programs, parks, and playgrounds annually. This year alone, our registration numbers exceeded 7,200 participants, reflecting our ongoing growth and success.
Core Functions
● Coordinating recreation activities with youth and adult sports organizations (e.g., youth baseball, youth and adult soccer, youth and adult lacrosse, youth softball, youth football, youth and adult cricket, adult pickleball, and youth and adult street hockey).
● Expanding partnerships with public schools, nonprofits, and citizen groups.
● Trail maintenance efforts led by Eagle Scouts, Boy Scouts, and Girl Scouts.
● Enhancing resident participation in program development and park planning.
● Developing new self-supporting programs and securing additional funding through grants, donations, and sponsorships.
Staffing
● One (1) Recreation Director
● One (1) Deputy Director
● One (1) Program Coordinator
● Three (3) part-time Program Coordinators
● One (1) part-time Administrative Assistant
Strategic Initiatives & Accomplishments
● Revenue Overview
○ In FY25, our revenues were $844,702, marking a 6.5% increase from the$793,230 generated in FY24. This growth is driven by:
■ Increased participation, rising from 7,136 in FY24 up slightly to 7,179 in FY25.
■ So far in FY26, we have seen higher monthly revenue peaks, with August 2025 reaching $131,000, February 2026 hitting $82,000, and March 2026 reaching a record high $156,000.
■ Expansion of programs and facilities, attracting more participants and broadening our offerings by moving to the Gerald F. Parmenter complex in June 2025.
■ Anticipated revenue growth in FY26, with a projected total of
$868,000.
■ As we grow, we are committed to reinvesting in our programs, staff, and facilities to enhance community engagement and accessibility
● Facility & Infrastructure Improvements
○ King Street Memorial Park Master Plan: Seeking Community Preservation Act (CPA) funding for new electrical service, additional parking near the pickleball/basketball courts and community garden, restroom/concession building for summer camp, 4 additional pickleball courts, improved field lighting, and security enhancements.○ New 70’ baseball batting cage at Fletcher Field with synthetic turf surface.○ Construction of a press box at Beaver Pond turf field.
FY27 Requested Budget Highlights
● Budget realignment: increasing our Other Contractual Services line by $1,000 due to expenses related to basketball referees and concerts on the common. However, we have decreased our Printing and Meetings/Conference line item by $1,000 to match.
● Increasing our Recreation Programs line by $10,000 due to expenses related to programs offered by our department. These expenses will be recouped by revenues.
FY27 Requested Budget Summary
We remain committed to fiscal responsibility, ensuring that revenue growth aligns with strategic reinvestments. Through careful budgeting and diversified funding, we continue to strengthen our self-sustaining model while enhancing the quality of our offerings. With projected revenue of $875,000 in FY27, we aim to:
● Expand recreational programs to meet rising demand.
● Improve accessibility and inclusion across all facilities.
● Pursue additional grant opportunities to reduce financial barriers for residents.
● Continue infrastructure enhancements to maximize community benefit. Our consistent growth in participants and revenue reflects the Recreation Department’s commitment to delivering exceptional services and enriching the lives of Franklin’s residents. We expect to see further growth in FY27 and anticipate our revenues to surpass the $875,000 mark.
The PDF of this section -
For the full FY 2027 budget narrative - https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/8912/FY27-Budget-Narrative-FINAL-1
The FY 2027 budget information can be found
Still time to register for the 15th Annual FBRTC 5K: Saturday May 16, 2026
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Tri-Valley Front Runners
PO Box 125, Milford,MA, 01757 United States
Reminder: Norfolk Aggie AG Mech Club Spring Car Show - May 16
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| Norfolk Aggie AG Mech Club Spring Car Show - May 16 |
"Don't miss it! Same day as the Aggie Expo!!!"
Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/1CL34BksNC/
Reminder: Celebrate 11 years of La Cantina Winery - May 16
"11 YEARS & COUNTING!
Come celebrate with us at La Cantina Winery as we mark 11 incredible years of great wine, amazing food, and unforgettable memories
Live Music All Day:
- Matt Zajac 12–3 PM
- The Cowpunks 4–7 PM
- Rowboat 8–11 PM
Bring your friends, raise a glass, and be part of the celebration 🥂
We couldn’t have done it without you!
Saturday, May 16 - Open 12–11 PM
Let’s celebrate together"
Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1JFj26NwSr/
Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm Schedule for Tuesday, May 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:
Franklin TV schedule for Tuesday, May 12, 2026 (Your local Public, Education & Government "PEG" station)
Franklin All Access TV - Our Public Access Channel (Comcast 6, Verizon 26) = TUESDAY
Franklin Pride TV - Our Educational Channel (Comcast 8, Verizon 28) = TUESDAY
Franklin Town Hall TV - Our Government Channel (Comcast 9, Verizon 29) = TUESDAY
Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf
Monday, May 11, 2026
What's happening in Franklin, MA: Monday, May 11, 2026 ???
Monday, May 11
9:00am Fallen Hero: Charles Christakes (Veterans Walkway, Franklin Town Common)
7:00pm Franklin Democratic Town Committee (Franklin TV Studio)
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| For additional details on Senior Center events -> |
*** Town Meetings today ***
Housing Authority
Monday, May 11 Time: 4:30 PM
Planning Board Meeting
Monday, May 11 Time: 7:00 PM
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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
The School district calendar is found https://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/o/fpsd/page/school-calendar
Franklin, MA: Agenda for the Town Council meeting May 13 at 6 PM
The Town Council on Wednesday gets the annual update on the funding requirements and progress made for the Other Post Employment Benefits (OPEB) as well as votes on the second readings for the zoning changes to the MBTA Compliance code and the Crossing Neighborhood District, along with an adjustment to the Council meeting schedule for October.
The agenda doc also contains remote participation info
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| Franklin, MA: Agenda for the Town Council meeting May 13 at 6 PM |
FY 2027 Budget Narrative: Franklin Public Library
From the Town Administrator's FY 2027 Budget narrative, each department's story is worth sharing.
General Purpose
The Franklin Public Library is an essential municipal service that supports the Town’s goals related to education, civic engagement, economic opportunity, cultural vitality, and quality of life. The Library provides free and equitable access to information, technology, educational resources, and community space for residents of all ages.
Core Functions
Consistent with its mission to foster knowledge and engagement through education, enrichment, technology and lifelong learning, the library’s main functions include the following:
● Facilities
○ The library’s magnificent building, art, and architecture are inspiring spaces that invite residents of all ages to exist, learn, connect, and thrive, and enjoy a warm welcoming safe haven.
■ Study spaces
■ Meeting spaces
■ Conference spaces
■ Art display spaces
■ Big program rooms for large-scale events
● Programming
○ Our programming is the catalyst for inspiration and beacon of creativity, serving residents of all ages, equipping users with tools to learn and pursue novel ventures, and driving traffic to our doors from several towns away, making us a destination.
■ Programs tailored to specific age groups and developmental stages, specifically targeted to meet the needs and schedules of children and their grown-ups
■ Community programs
■ Educational workshops
■ Outreach activities
● Collections
○ At the heart of the library's services to the community and key to education. The library’s wide-ranging print and digital resources empower residents to learn, reflect and build new perspectives, propelling them from uncertainty to capability, unemployment to new pursuits, and isolation to connection.
■ Acquisition/ Development
■ Maintenance
■ Creative/ non-traditional materials
● Technology
○ We bridge the digital divide, and are a pathway for transformational skills that provides:
■ Computers, internet and Wi-Fi■ Software, online databases, digital resources and Mobile App■ Printing, scanning and fax services■ Innovative tools, and tech-related non-traditional materials in the library of things
● Reference and information services
○ We connect patrons to resources, technology research and local history
● History
○ We are the first public lending library in the nation. Our magnificent building houses the original town documents, the collections of both Benjamin Franklin the founding father of public education, Horace Mann.
Staffing
● One (1) Library Director
● One (1) Deputy Library Director
● One (1) Head of Reference and Public Services
● One (1) Youth Services Librarian
● One (1) Assistant Youth Services Librarian
● One (1) Programming and Outreach Librarian
● One (1) Circulation Supervisor
● Five (5) Library Assistants
Strategic Initiatives & Accomplishments
● Rocked by inadequate funding that resulted in the Library decertification in 2012, the Library has developed and implemented significant restructuring and organizational strategies to continue to provide stable, reliable and durable services to Franklin residents.
● Since the 2012 decertification and resulting reduction in staff from 24 to 12, our restructuring and organization development, the transition from part-time to
full-time staff has allowed for cross-training, cross-functional responsibilities and the development of enabling internal processes that allow every single library staff member to adapt and become jack of all trades, managing every facet of library operation, from front-line patron services, collection management, cataloging, reference services, technology assistance, and programming output.
● While our staffing levels have not increased since 2012, during this time the building footprint has increased by 8,000 square feet, we have expanded our collections, and tripled our programming output.
● As a result of our organizational initiatives, the Franklin Public Library has become one of the outstanding exemplars in the State Library System with the following major milestones and accomplishments:
○ The largest circulation per FTE in its population group (31,297 vs.15,000 for Natick)○ The largest program attendance in its population group (49,000 vs 15,000 for Natick)○ The most efficient and cost-effective Library in its population group ($33/resident/year vs $70/resident/year for Natick)○ All of the above milestones are achieved with the lowest staffing and funding levels in our population group. (Natick, Needham, Chelmsford, Norwood, Milford)
● In spite of budget challenges and because of its organizational initiatives, the library has managed to grow and expand program attendance and offerings. By turning our energy and efforts towards creative staff-led programming while also leveraging community partnerships, the library remains a thriving space for patrons of all ages.
● We have also adjusted our registration-based programming to reach wider audiences and have expanded our school-age afternoon impact by 50%, with multiple art-based program options, expanded read to a dog program capacity, and innovative half-day events to support caregivers during planned school closures.
● Services
○ The library introduced home delivery to ensure that Franklin residents who are unable to visit the library due to aging-related limitations, illness, disability, or temporary mobility limitations can continue to benefit from services.○ To advance community health and well-being, the library joined forces with the Franklin Health Department and the American Heart Association to provide access to a blood pressure monitoring station at the library and blood pressure kits for home use. These kits have been very well received.○ An art exhibit showcasing the library’s storied history, splendour and magnificent murals and art attracted visitors from across the state and resulted in a feature article in the Boston Sunday Globe.○ Three Franklin Public Library staff were invited speakers at the Massachusetts Library Conference to present and discuss our practices, programs and services.○ Introduced a new Large Print Juvenile fiction collection in consultation with a local family.○ Over two hundred residents received free tax preparation help through the library’s VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) program.
● School relationships
○ Our school partnerships impact over 1,000 students each month, from preschool up through 8th grade○ Expanded read-aloud initiatives, reaching 600 students from grades K-2 each month○ Monthly read-aloud visits to 15 ECDC classrooms○ Over 80 middle school students served through the BLAST Mobile Library Program each week○ Continuation of the fourth annual graphic novelist panel in partnership with Franklin Middle School○ A redesign of the teen/adult Summer Reading Program to streamline student and adult participation saw an increase of 65% in adult signups and 8% in children signups during Summer 2025.○ The expansion of passive program offerings in Youth Services Spaces has improved patron engagement and increased foot traffic
● Programs
○ Added new afternoon literacy initiatives and art/painting classes for school-age patrons○ Partnered with Franklin Fire Department to offer quarterly Local Hero Storytimes○ Collaborated with Town Departments and SAFE Coalition for family health and safety programs during the holidays○ Collaborated with the Department of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Franklin Cultural District and Downtown Partnership on multiple initiatives (A-Wreath-of-Franklin, Fairy Trails Program, Strawberry Stroll and Harvest Festival)○ New collaborative programs with local parent groups introduced dads to the art of Parent/Child Hairstyling and a Petite Prom program○ The SAFE Coalition rolled out monthly narcan trainings for the community
● The Library’s FY27 priorities
○ Welcoming and safe spaces○ Equitable access to services○ Responsible stewardship, operational efficiency and sustainability○ Internal and external collaborations○ Staff, facilities and technology
FY27 Requested Budget Highlights
● The FY 2027 Library budget is a bare bone service level budget that barely meets the Municipal Appropriation Requirement, (MAR) the amount the town must fund the library by statute. If the Library loses its MAR certification, the Town jeopardizes losing almost $90,000 in State funding.
● This budget is less than 1% of the total town budget. Any cuts to this budget will put the library at risk of decertification. Currently Franklin residents have access to over 59 million items from other libraries across the State. Last year, Franklin residents borrowed over 58,000 items from other libraries, saving the town over $870,000. If the Library is decertified, residents will lose their borrowing privileges.
FY27 Requested Budget Summary
The FY2027 budget for the Franklin Public Library is designed to maintain core services, address operational needs, and support thoughtful planning for the future. It reflects the Library’s ongoing commitment to fiscal responsibility, public access, and alignment with the Town’s long-term goals. The Library appreciates the continued support of the Town Administrator, Town Council, and Finance Committee in sustaining this essential public service.
The PDF of this section -
For the full FY 2027 budget narrative - https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/8912/FY27-Budget-Narrative-FINAL-1
The FY 2027 budget information can be found
Friends - Your Gift to the Children's Museum Will be Matched this May!
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What if healing didn’t start with pushing through?
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| What if healing didn’t start with pushing through? |
For more information or to schedule a complimentary yoga therapy session, please visit
Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm Schedule for Monday, May 11, 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, May 11, 2026 (Your local Public, Education & Government "PEG" station)
Franklin All Access TV - Our Public Access Channel (Comcast 6, Verizon 26) = MONDAY
Franklin Pride TV - Our Educational Channel (Comcast 8, Verizon 28) = MONDAY
Franklin Town Hall TV - Our Government Channel (Comcast 9, Verizon 29) = MONDAY
Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf
Sunday, May 10, 2026
What's happening in Franklin, MA: Sunday, May 10, 2026 ???
Sunday, May 10 = Mother's Day
12:00pm Kenny Hadley LEGACY Big Band (THE BLACK BOX)
1:00pm Franklin Historical Museum (CLOSED Mother's Day)
*** 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
The School district calendar is found https://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/o/fpsd/page/school-calendar
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