In Other News

Franklin Town Council to Discuss Charters and Satisfaction

The Franklin Town Council is meeting Wednesday night at 6pm. According to the Agenda, two somewhat unusual items will be discussed, including an overview of the history and changes over the years to the town's charter. For instance, in the past there were both at-large councilors and councilors representing individual precincts, which may have fostered a stronger sense of accountability between the electorate and their representatives. Also up for discussion is the Satisfaction Survey, a costly document developed by an outside consultant under the prior Council to gauge the mood of voters (see image above from the document).  How and why these two items ended up on the docket, is not clear. At least two councilors have professed surprise and the Town Manager says it was not him...

RT. 140 (West Central Street) Lane Closure Alert--thru Friday Morning (12/19) 7PM to 5AM

The Contractor will continue with the installation of the sewer force main within RT. 140 (West Central Street). The work will be contained within the southbound lane from Burger King to Beaver Street. During this time there will be evening lane closures on RT. 140. Please use caution when traveling in this area and follow all posted signs.  At the Franklin Recreation Center, the construction of the new Beaver Street Interceptor Pump Station will continue with construction of the exterior building structure, internal building component installation, and final site work.  HOLIDAY SHUTDOWN - No Road Work is Planned from 12/22/25 to 1/5/26.

Inflation vs Wages

Compensation costs for private industry workers increased 3.3% in the Boston-Worcester-Providence, MA-RI-NH, metropolitan area for the year ended September 2025. Acting Regional Commissioner Michael G. Phinney noted that one year ago, Boston experienced an annual gain of 1.7%.  From September 2024 to September 2025, wages and salaries, the largest component of total compensation, increased 3.2%.  In comparison, the BLS Boston area Consumer Price Index rose 3.3% for the year ending in September.

Merry Medway Stroll

Join us December 16-18 from 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm, daily, as we transform the field at 123 Holliston Street into a magical holiday stroll! Enjoy festive decorations celebrating all the December holidays and take in the lights, music, and community spirit. On Tuesday, December 16, we’ll be teaming up with the Medway Police Department for their Pursuit of Presents event — and pictures with Santa will be available! This is a walking event, and preregistration is required. All proceeds will support our Summer Programs Scholarship Fund. Anzios Food Truck will be on site all three nights to grab dinner! It’s the most magical time of the year — come stroll with us!

Long-time Charter School Educator Passes

Originally from Woonsocket, for
more than a quarter of a century, Bernard "Ben" Benjamin served as the beloved music
director of The Benjamin Franklin Charter School in Franklin. His commitment to his
students went beyond the classroom, as he maintained lifelong
connections with many, spreading his love for music across the globe.
Through nominations from students and parents he was awarded the
Who's Who Among America's Teachers twice and the Guiding Star Award
for teacher excellence throughout his career. Ben often quoted,
"Without music, life would be a mistake," a sentiment that
truly encapsulated his essence. He urged others to "Remember all
those times in between the beginning and the end, and don't focus on
the end, please!" His life, indeed, was a symphony composed of
varied tempos and dynamics, each phase as rich and meaningful as the
last. He passed away in November. His full obituary is here.