In 1997, Frances created the Town of Freedom website, which she still singlehandedly maintains as a public service.The Freedom Home Page includes links to current public notices, a history of Freedom, Select Board's meeting minutes, and other information about Freedom.

Frances was a member of the Planning Board for several years in the 1990s and is presently a member of the Appeals Board. In the mid-'90s, she was one of several Freedom residents instrumental in obtaining expanded local telephone area coverage for the town. She also met with Governor King, and personally negotiated with the telephone company to obtain free public Internet access for Freedom residents at the town office.

Frances was the Director of Literacy Volunteers of Waldo County from 1999 to 2005, working with people of all ages and from all walks of life. She was responsible for keeping financial records, creating the yearly budget, and obtaining all grants needed to run and expand the organization. While there, she also established a computer literacy program for seniors.

As the creator and producer of Pie Cones™ (originally developed for the Common Ground Fair), Frances has run a unique town-based business since 1991.

Frances is also the creator of Lionwitch Puppet Theater and has given many performances at schools, libraries, recreation programs, fairs, and festivals all over Maine, including at Freedom Field Days.

Her son, Ezra Rugg, was raised in Freedom, is a graduate of Mount View High School, and is a well-known Maine musician.