What's happening in Franklin, MA: Saturday, October 17, 2026 ???

Saturday, October 17

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

9:00am Thrifty Threads (Franklin Federated Church)

10:00am 7th Annual Pumpkin Patch (St John's Episcopal Church)

10:00am Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

10:00am Rise Up (Franklin United Methodist Church)

12:00pm Celebrating Voting Rights (Franklin Town Common)

2:00pm Disney’s Frozen (THE BLACK BOX)

2:00pm The Skin of Our Teeth (Dean College Main Stage Theater)

5:00pm    FHS Community Soccer night (Franklin High School)

5:00pm FHS Boys Varsity vs. Algonquin (Pisini Field, Oak St)

6:30pm Franklin Navratri (sold out) (Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School)

7:00pm FHS Girls Varsity vs. Natick (Pisini Field, Oak St)

7:30pm Disney’s Frozen (THE BLACK BOX)

7:30pm The Skin of our Teeth (Dean College Main Stage Theater)

8:00pm Karaoke at The Raillery (Raillery Public House)

*** 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

Help out the Santa Foundation by taking a chance on the November calendar for $20/each

"Hello friends,

Nearly 300 families are already in the process of receiving support from the Santa Foundation this year. As we prepare to help 850–900 families in 2026, we’re asking for a little help from our community.

Our November Calendar is our biggest annual fundraiser. But rain canceled two October selling opportunities—the Annual Harvest Festival and today’s Farmers Market—and calendar sales are behind last year.

For $20, you can help local families and have a chance to win a prize every day in November, including $1,000 on November 29!

Last year, your generosity helped us support more than 860 families. Every calendar purchased helps us bring that same care and holiday joy to families this year.

If you’re able, please take a minute tonight to purchase yours:

Buy your $20 November Calendar - https://www.sfjoy.org/products-and-events/p/2026cal

Thank you for showing up for your neighbors and helping make this work possible.

With gratitude,

The Santa Foundation"

Rotary Club of Franklin’s Annual Craft Fair Returns November 14th at Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School

The Rotary Club of Franklin MA will host its annual Craft Fair on Saturday, November 14, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School, 147 Pond Street, Franklin. 

Admission is only $4 per person. Rotary is also accepting donations for the Franklin Food Panty. Their most requested items are unopened, unexpired, non-perishable food, person hygiene items, household cleaners and pet food (plastic containers preferred.)

“Rotary is proud to continue this beloved community tradition that was previously hosted by the Franklin Newcomers Club and welcome both familiar faces and new visitors.” exclaimed Rotary President, Diane Padula. “Bring a friend, invite your family, and come shop local while supporting a great cause!”

This is a juried craft show, featuring carefully hand-selected vendors and crafters chosen for the quality and uniqueness of their work. We will highlight these talented artisans and the wonderful items they have created, and we invite the public to come browse, shop, and enjoy the variety of handmade treasures available. Whether you are getting a head start on holiday shopping or looking for something special, you are sure to find something worth discovering!

As a local service organization dedicated to helping others and making a difference in our community since 1930, the Rotary Club of Franklin relies on fundraising to support its many annual charitable projects and community initiatives. This Craft Fair is an exciting new tradition for Rotary Club of Franklin MA, and we hope to continue to bring the community together for a wonderful day of shopping and fun, for years to come.

The Rotary Club International is a non-profit organization, made up of a diverse group of men and women “who come together to create positive, lasting change in our communities and around the world.” https://www.rotary.org/en/about-rotary

If you would like more information about our organization or how to become a volunteer, please email: rotarycluboffranklinma@gmail.com and someone will reach out to you to be a guest at one of their upcoming meetings. Rotary meets the first and third Tuesday of each month, from 5:30pm – 7:30pm at the Rome Restaurant, 4 East Central Street (Rte. 140), Franklin, MA.

SheLeads developed this ballot question info on the 9 questions for the Nov 3, 2026 election

via Kaye Kelly:

"Hi Voting Humans,

Important information to share with you today. 

I run a women's leadership group called SheLeads. We've been studying and learning about the 9 (!!) ballot questions that will be our the MA ballot this year since JULY. We've put a lot of time into this. We've met with our State Rep Jeff Roy and learned even more. We've looked into many, many sources to pull this information together.

I present to you two items today for you to save. 

The first is a quick voting cheat sheet. We have left question #6 blank. There is a lot of confusion over this conservation question. I'll add some places you can research in in the comment section.

Photos 2 and 3 are a primer for all nine question including the FUNDERS behind each question. THIS is the information you should really know. 

The cheat sheet is partisan. 

The voting primer is non-partisan.

People don't vote because they feel like they are not informed.

 

In 2026 - there is no reason to be uninformed. There are so many fantastic organizations that have done a lot of this work for you. It will take you all of TEN MINUTES to find the information you need. (start with the funding!!) 

Check your voter registration and then do your duty as a citizen of this country."

Download the PDF version of this:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Q5gk8wgRNuuY1X8KT8NLRgYGt2OJHUgc/view?usp=sharing

FHS volleyball team tops Sharon on Friday

Via Instagram, Franklin TV, and our subscription to HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the Fall sports competition for Franklin High School on Friday, October 16, 2026.

Volleyball = Sharon, 0 @ Franklin, 3 – Final

For other results across the Hockomock League (subscription required)

https://hockomocksports.com/fridays-schedule-scoreboard-10-16-26/

FHS Panther sports results shared via Twitter & subscription to HockomockSports.com

FHS Soccer Community night Saturday, Oct 17

Does your kid love soccer and want to be a part of the FHS Soccer Community night this Saturday?

We are looking for a few more kids to escort the Franklin players onto the field during the announcement of the starting lineups.

Event details and the opportunity to sign up in the link:

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/508084EADA92FA31-66406374-escort?

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/p/19zBmiCik5/

Tri-County Sports Results for Friday, October 16

Pumpkin Fest scheduled for Saturday, Oct 24 at Fairmount Fruit Farm

Don't forget next Saturday, Oct. 24th we have a Pumpkin Fest!  30+ Vendors 

Hayrides! (weather permitting) 

🎃Pick your own pumpkin to carve and paint

🎶Sean Noonan 11am-1pm

🍜Fusion Fuel and C&C Ice Cream 11am-3pm

☕Espresso Lane

🖌Facepainting & more farm fun

Shared from - https://www.instagram.com/p/DefZ_vSjZwH/

Beaver Street Interceptor (BSI) Project: Construction Updates ~ Monday, Oct. 19 through Friday, Oct. 23

Grove St (Rt. 140 to Beaver St) Road Closure Alert: 

Monday (10/19) through Friday (10/23) 7 AM to 4 PM

Monday (10/19) through Friday (10/23) between 7 AM and 4 PM, the contractor will work on sewer main installation in the area of 20 Grove St. 

During this time Grove St will be closed to all traffic in both directions. Traffic will follow detour signs on Beaver St to Rt 140. 

Local traffic only will be permitted beyond the road closed signs. 

Please use caution when traveling in this area and follow all posted detour signs.

For additional info on the Project - https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/557/Beaver-Street-Interceptor-BSI-Project

4th Annual Nick Strong Foundation 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament - Nov 11, 2026

MPORTANT T-SHIRT DEADLINE — WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21! 🎽🏀

The 4th Annual Nick Strong Foundation 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament & Youth Clinic is coming up on November 11 at Franklin High School!

🎽 PLAYERS  

Register by Wednesday, October 21 to receive a FREE Nick Strong event T-shirt and have the best chance of getting your requested size.

Registration will remain open after October 21, but a T-shirt and requested size cannot be guaranteed after the shirt order is placed.

🏀 EVENT HIGHLIGHTS  

• All skill levels are welcome — you do not need to be an experienced basketball player to participate  

• 3-on-3 tournament  

• Boys & Girls divisions  

• Grades 5 through High School  

• 3 games guaranteed plus playoffs  

• Youth clinic led in part by UNC Basketball alum Jessica Gaspar  

• Eligible participants ages 7–15 can win a FREE week of Tomorrow’s Stars Basketball Camp at Dean College in Summer 2027  

• You can still register after October 21 — the deadline is only to guarantee a T-shirt and requested size

👉 REGISTER HERE:   https://3v3.nickgaspar.com/

🏪 SPONSORS  

If your business wants its name or logo included on the official event T-shirt, your sponsorship must also be confirmed by Wednesday, October 21.

Sponsorship opportunities:   https://3v3.nickgaspar.com/sponsor

Please register, share, and help us spread the word!

One Team. One Fight.

Once Upon A Town: Cataldo Block (video)

Joe Landry and Scott Mason share info about the Cataldo Block before an audicane in the Franklin TV Studio.

Video link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i_Yjl_qVPdQ

Over 500 Users Successfully Enrolled on First Day of MBTA Car-Free Seniors Pilot Program

The MBTA today (10/14/26) announced that 532 users were successfully enrolled in the MBTA’s Car-Free Seniors Pilot Program yesterday, its first day of availability. The new initiative provides free MBTA service to Massachusetts residents age 75 and older who no longer drive, which includes free travel across MBTA bus, subway, ferry, and Commuter Rail services. More information about the pilot program is on the MBTA website.

https://mycharlie.mbta.com/reduced/senior

“It’s great to see more than 500 seniors sign up for free MBTA rides on the very first day of this program,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Just because someone stops driving doesn’t mean they should lose their independence or their ability to get where they need to go. This program is about making it easier and more affordable for older adults to stay connected to their communities, and we encourage all eligible seniors to sign up.”

“I am pleased to see so many enroll on Day 1 in our new Car-Free Seniors Program, giving people who can no longer drive or choose not to drive the ability to still travel using mass transportation. This successful launch underscores how important access to safe, reliable, and affordable travel opportunities are to the public,” said Interim Secretary of Transportation and MBTA General Manager Phillip Eng. “Under the Healey-Driscoll Administration, we continue to prioritize upgrades and improvements in every area of our system, including new fare programs that keep people moving. Our senior riders are important to us, and I thank our new enrollees for trusting the MBTA as their preferred mode of travel for everywhere they need and want to go.”

Continue reading about the pilot program and find out how to sign up to try it out

https://www.mbta.com/news/2026-10-14/over-500-users-successfully-enrolled-first-day-mbta-car-free-seniors-pilot-program

Franklin Public Schools Food Service Department is hiring cafeteria workers

Looking for a rewarding way to earn extra income while staying on the exact same schedule as your kids?  

The Franklin Public Schools Food Service Department is hiring!

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/19fFfjQ6sE/

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm Schedule for Saturday, October 17, 2026

Yes, Franklin has it's own radio station -> wfpr.fm

Franklin Public Radio has a brand new schedule for the locally produced shows that fill our air waves. 

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: (see image)

Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf 

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Friday, October 16, 2026 ???

Friday, October 16

10:00am Knitting Group (Franklin Public Library)

1:00pm Thrifty Threads (Franklin Federated Church)

2:00pm Canceled = Farmers Market (Franklin Town Common)

3:00pm Canceled = The Bad Apples (live music) (Franklin Town Common)

4:00pm 7th Annual Pumpkin Patch (St John's Episcopal Church)

7:30pm Disney’s Frozen (THE BLACK BOX)

7:30pm The Skin of our Teeth (Dean College Main Stage Theater)

*** NO Town Meetings today ***

---------

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

Franklin Farmers Market - Canceled - Friday, Oct 16, 2026

 Only 2 more sessions remain; Oct 23 & Oct 30.

Franklin Early Voting Schedule starts Oct 17 and runs through Oct 30, 2026

"The State Election is Tuesday, November 3, 2026! 

Residents can vote early in person at the Town Clerk’s Office from Saturday, October 17, through Friday, October 30.

📅 Early Voting Hours

• Saturdays & Sundays: 8 AM –12 PM
• Mondays, Tuesdays & Thursdays: 8 AM – 4 PM
• Wednesdays: 8 AM – 6 PM
• Fridays: 8 AM – 1 PM

📌 Important Reminder: The last day to register to vote is Saturday, October 24.

📞 Questions? Contact the Town Clerk’s Office at 508-520-4900."

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/1BzhJ2WdUL/ 

Editor's Note: 

(1) Please be prepared for the 9 ballot questions. Do your homework before voting early or on Election Day. 

(2) Be patient. The ballot is longer than ever and will take time to process. Even if you are prepared, other voters may not be. Please be patient.

Dean Dash: Fall 5K Run/Walk scheduled for Sunday, Oct 25

Get ready to lace up your running shoes for the Dean Dash: Fall 5K Run/Walk! 

Join us on Sunday, October 25, 2026, for an exciting community event bringing together runners, walkers, students, alumni, families, and supporters for a fun-filled morning of fitness and community spirit in support of Dean College.

Whether you're a seasoned runner or simply looking for a fun way to stay active and support Dean College, this event is for everyone!

Link for the tickets and information
https://host.nxt.blackbaud.com/registration-form/?formId=1d430bed-e6e0-4099-a128-d58356ceb4b5&envId=p-znTBbqSjmkypIjo1twnSVg&zone=usa