What's happening in Franklin, MA: Wednesday, July 1, 2026 ???

Wednesday, July 1

10:00am Veterans Coffee Social (Franklin Senior Center) next social in August

6:30pm Bingo night (Kings Brick Oven Pizza & Pub)

6:30pm Franklin Elks Bingo Night (Franklin Elks Lodge #2136)

7:00pm Smarty Pants Trivia (Raillery Public House)

For additional details on Library events ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/942/Calendar-of-Events

For additional details on Senior Center events ->   

https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/9195/May-2026-Newsletter?bidId=

***   Town Meetings today ***

Board of Health Meeting

Wednesday, July 1 Time: 5:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_07012026-2387 

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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

Franklin 4th of July Coalition: Wednesday, July 1 events on the Town Common

Wednesday, July 1

Carnival Hours: 6-10 PM

WRIST BANDS: 6-10 PM

Music: 8-10 PM

Franklin 4th of July Coalition:  Wednesday, July 1 events on the Town Common

Town of Franklin: Cooling Centers for this heat spell

Extreme Heat Warning in Effect

If you're making plans for the July 4th holiday, be sure to plan for the heat, too.

The U.S. National Weather Service (NWS) has issued an Extreme Heat Warning for Wednesday, July 1, through Saturday, July 4, with dangerously hot temperatures and high humidity expected in Franklin and across much of Massachusetts.

Need a place to cool off? The Franklin Public Library, Franklin Senior Center, and New England Chapel will be open as cooling centers. See the graphic for locations and hours.

Remember to:

Drink plenty of water.

Stay in air-conditioned spaces whenever possible.

Limit outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day.

Never leave children or pets in a parked vehicle.

Keep pets cool with plenty of water and shade, and avoid walking them on hot pavement.

Check on older adults, neighbors, friends, and loved ones who may be more vulnerable to the heat.

Town of Franklin Overflow Trash Bag Price Increase Effective July 1

Price increase from $15 to $20.

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1VbM56jpRq/

“I Make a Good Living...” Tom Hanks 2023 Commencement Address to Harvard

"Tom Hanks had Harvard graduates laughing out loud during his 2023 commencement address with a brutally funny self-roast. The Oscar-winning actor joked that he had never attended Harvard, never taken a class, and never even stepped inside the library, yet makes a great living playing people who did. 

Reflecting on his own unconventional educational journey through community college, California State University, and the “School of Hard Knocks,” Hanks delivered a heartfelt and humorous message about life, learning, and success. His candid remarks struck a chord with graduates and quickly became one of the ceremony’s most memorable moments."

Video link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lVga4CX6kXA

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm Schedule for Wednesday, July 1, 2026

Yes, Franklin has it's own radio station -> wfpr.fm. Franklin Public Radio introduced a brand new schedule early in 2025 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:

8:00 AM, 1:00 PM and 6:00 PM Franklin Matters Radio – Steve Sherlock 

Franklin and its local government, services and events (repeats Saturday at 2 PM)  

9:00 AM, 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM The Wonderful World of Wine – Mark Lenzi, Kim Simone All about wine, its culture, lore and finer points. (repeats Saturday at 1 PM)  

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

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm Schedule for Wednesday

Franklin TV schedule for Wednesday, July 1, 2026 (Your local Public, Education & Government "PEG" station)

• Franklin All Access TV - Our Public Access Channel (Comcast 6, Verizon 26) = WEDNESDAY

• Franklin Pride TV - Our Educational Channel (Comcast 8, Verizon 28) = WEDNESDAY

• Franklin Town Hall TV - Our Government Channel (Comcast 9, Verizon 29) = WEDNESDAY

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

Watch Listen Read all things that matter in Franklin MA

Prospect St Culvert Repair ~ Road Closed effective June 30, 2026

View this in your browser

June 29, 2026 Prospect St Culvert Repair ~ Road Closed Detours will be in place. Please avoid the area if possible.  Thank you for your patience! View it on website

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Tuesday, June 30, 2026 ???

Tuesday, June 30

9:30—10:15 AM Cool Cruisers!    (Franklin Public Library)

10:30—11:00 AM Pre-K Pals!     (Franklin Public Library)

12:00pm Community Closet (Franklin United Methodist Church)

4:00—5:00 PM     Summer Growth     (Franklin Public Library)

4:00—4:30 PM     Wiggle Worms!     (Franklin Public Library)

5:00pm Tuesday Night Cruise (Kings Brick Oven Pizza & Pub)

6:30—7:30 PM     English Conversation Group     (Franklin Public Library)

For additional details on Library events ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/942/Calendar-of-Events

For additional details on Senior Center events ->   

https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/9195/May-2026-Newsletter?bidId=

***  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

Franklin 4th of July Coalition: Music Schedule

Wednesday, July 1

6:00 - Ricky Brennan Jr.

As one of the founding members of Wheat, Ricky recorded three internationally released albums, toured the US & Europe numerous times, and performed on national TV shows such as NBC's Late Night with Conan O'Brien and Last Call with Carson Daly. 

8:00 - GQ & The Lady

GQ and the Lady is an experienced, musically diverse dance band, featuring one of the areas most versatile and dynamic lead female vocalists

Thursday, July 2

6:00 - Garden of Hedon

Garden of Hedon is a 70s-influenced psychedelic blues-rock band. Known for high-energy live sets, the band blends classic rock swagger with punk attitude.

7:15 - Ozzie Tribute Band

Local musicians pay tribute to the Prince of Darkness.

8:30 - The Zajac Brothers

The Zajac Brothers Band features songwriter Tyler Zajac along with his brother Matthew Zajac on drums. They've assembled a versatile group of musicians to achieve.

Friday, July 3

12:00 - Two Guys Who Like Sharks

Acoustic rock with driving bass lines for music from the 80s through today

1:30 - Midnight Ride

Midnight Ride delivers high-energy music from rock’s golden age, spanning the ’60s to the ’90s. With a setlist full of classic American rock, British Invasion hits, and smooth yacht rock

3:00 - George Cross Project

With the fierce guitar work of George Cross, and  untamed vocals of Andrew Coyle, The George Cross Project has been electrifying audiences with their unique blend of “East Coast Blues”. 

4:30 - Attleboro School of Rock

School of Rock is the leader in performance-based music education, ..... taking students from the lesson room to the stage.

6:30 - Full Circle

Full Circle is a five piece Rock & Roll and dance band with a variety of classics and newer covers. 

8:00 - Jeff Pitchell

Jeff Pitchell is an American singer, songwriter, guitarist and recording artist. He leads the band Jeff Pitchell and Texas Flood performing original and classic rock selections

Saturday, July 4

12:00 - Mike Crandall Franklin Blues Festival

Local, National and International Blues Artist perform and pay tribute to Mike Crandall and his music.

12:00 - ED PEABODY & THE BIG BLUE THANG 

1:15 -  CLIFF TAYLOR & THE UNDERTAKERS

2:30 - NEAL & THE VIPERS

3:45 - MIKE CRANDALL TRIBUTE BAND

5:00 - SUGAR RAY & THE BLUETONES

6:15 - CARL RICCI & 706 UNION AVE 

7:30 - THE DARRELL NULISCH BAND

8:45 - RICHIMAN & GROOVE NICE

Sunday, July 5

12:00 - Jamie Barrett

Jamie Barrett is a beloved Franklin singer-songwriter, guitarist and music teacher. 

1:15 - Padula Family Band

Franklin's own Padula Family performs timeless jazz standards and the sounds of blues. Featuring Ryan, Matthew and Aiden Padula along with Ian Richardson.

2:30 - Dave Fields Band with Special Guest Diane Blue

Dave Fields live is an electrifying experience. His soulful singing is punctuated with a performance of guitar virtuosity, blues, rock and beyond. He is joined by special guest Diane Blue 

4:00 - Beantown Swing Orchestra

Beantown Swing Orchestra specializes in big band swing. It produces the distinct big band sound recognized by generations worldwide

You can also find the full schedule - https://www.franklin4th.com/music

Please support the event DONATE or https://franklin-july-4th-coalition-2.snwbll.com/2024-july-4th

250 to 250: Establishment of Washington D.C., Narrated by Lisa Ann Walter (video)

"Lisa Ann Walter is an actress, comedian, and producer who proudly calls Washington, D.C. her hometown. Walter was born and raised in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area where she marched in protests for women’s reproductive rights and the Equal Rights Amendment, as well as against the Vietnam War. Walter went to college in the area, researching and writing her term papers at the Library of Congress. Her connection and understanding of the area are why she narrates the story of how Washington, D.C. became America’s capital."

Another in the series of 250 to 250 - https://www.youtube.com/@twofiftytotwofifty

Direct Video link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YA8TimpCDhQ

Playlist of 250 to 250 - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLO4pJ0qT4zuG2Cp_J3JEVpiP0sAW1uoBW

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm Schedule for Tuesday, June 30, 2026

Yes, Franklin has its 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:

wfpr.fm Schedule for Tuesday, Franklin Public Radio

Franklin TV schedule for Tuesday, June 30, 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 

Watch Listen Read all things that matter in Franklin MA

4th of July Coalition could use your help funding the festivities

Please support the event DONATE or
https://franklin-july-4th-coalition-2.snwbll.com/2024-july-4th

Like many events that are "Franklin" based, the Town of Franklin does not provide funding for the 4th of July celebration. It is a total volunteer and donation funded effort.

Which means you can help!

Join the sponsors listed!

Consider supporting the sponsors with your business !!

Please support the event DONATE or https://franklin-july-4th-coalition-2.snwbll.com/2024-july-4th

GOOD DEEDS: “We Remember America’s 250th Anniversary”

By William P. O’Donnell, Norfolk County Register of Deeds

As the United States marks the 250th anniversary of its founding, it is an opportunity to reflect on the individuals and communities whose actions helped shape the nation at its beginning. The story of American independence is not only one of well-known historical figures, but also of local citizens whose contributions, both large and small, helped define the course of history and establish the foundation of our country.

On Wednesday, June 17, 2026, the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds held an Open House to commemorate this historic milestone and celebrate the release of “We Remember America’s 250th Anniversary,” the fifth volume in the Registry’s Notable Land Records series. The event, held in the Registry’s Great Hall in Dedham Center, brought together members of the community to reflect on our shared history and the important role Norfolk County played in our nation’s founding.

Guests at the Open House received complimentary copies of the publication and had the opportunity to explore the Registry while viewing displays highlighting the people, places, and events featured in the booklet. The evening served as both a celebration of America’s 250th anniversary and a reminder of the immense struggle it took to found our nation. If you did not have the opportunity to attend the open house and would like a copy of the booklet, please contact us at registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org or call us at (781) 234-3305.

The creation of the “We Remember America’s 250th Anniversary” booklet was made possible by the Registry’s History Comes Alive Transcription Project, which has transcribed over 450,000 handwritten land records dating back to 1793. These records have been transformed into clear, readable text while preserving their original script, allowing the public to better understand the rich history contained within Norfolk County land documents. This remarkable resource is available both at the Registry and online at www.norfolkdeeds.org, making local history more accessible than ever before.

This latest edition of Notable Land Records highlights individuals and stories from all 28 communities in Norfolk County that connect to the American Revolution and the founding of the nation. It tells the stories of citizen-soldiers who marched to Lexington and Concord, community leaders who helped shape early government, and residents whose actions contributed to the cause of independence. These narratives bring to life the human element behind the historical events that defined the birth of our country.

The booklet also includes a number of compelling and lesser-known stories that help shed light on this important period in history. From young patriots who left their farms to fight in the opening battles of the Revolution, to local leaders who helped organize resistance and governance, to individuals whose lives intersected with some of the most significant moments in American history, these accounts provide a deeper connection to the past. They remind us that the American Revolution was not only fought on distant battlefields, but also shaped in towns and communities like those here in Norfolk County.

The 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States is a significant milestone for reflection and remembrance. It is an opportunity to recognize the contributions of those who came before us and to appreciate the enduring strength of our democratic system. By preserving and sharing these stories, we honor the individuals whose lives and actions helped shape our nation and ensure their contributions remain meaningful and relevant for future generations.

As we reflect on our country’s founding, it is important to remember that history is not just about distant past events, but about people, their lives, their struggles, and their achievements. The patriots highlighted in this publication remind us that the freedoms we enjoy today were secured through dedication and sacrifice. Their stories, preserved in the land records of Norfolk County, continue to connect us to our past and inspire us for the future.

SAFE Coalition schedules teen drop in hours on Wednesdays beginning July 1

Teens: discover your new summer hangout! tinyurl.com/su26awc

SAFE Coalition's Adolescent Wellness Center is a welcoming, low-key space to hang out, meet new people, express yourself, and grow, and our summer drop-in hours are a great chance to check it out for yourself.

FREE • Teens 13–18 • Wednesdays • noon–3 p.m. (drop in anytime) • Starts July 1 • Franklin, MA

Summer can be difficult for many young people who lose the structure and community provided by school. These drop-in sessions provide a safe, healthy space for teens to just BE this summer.

Questions? Contact SAFE at info@safecoalitionma.org or (508) 488-8105

The Guardian: ‘Some are prayers, some are protests’: 76 musicians reimagine America the Beautiful

"Despite what you may have heard, there is no definitive version of the song America the Beautiful.

Katharine Lee Bates wrote its lyrics as a poem in 1893, inspired by an ecstatic road trip from the Massachusetts house she shared with her longtime companion Katharine Coman to a teaching gig in Colorado. Over the next few decades, dozens of musicians set it to music, including a tune by New Jersey’s Samuel A Ward. The uniting of the text to a hymn Ward had previously composed in 1882 became, in time, a standard. In 1972, Ray Charles recorded the more or less definitive performance of it. But everyone from Pete Seeger to Tammy Faye Messner have tried their hand at Bates’s ode to equality between peoples and equanimity with nature. At Joe Biden’s inauguration, Jennifer Lopez belted it into a medley, while Carrie Underwood struggled through it at Donald Trump’s second one.

The Korean-born, New Jersey-based pianist Min Kwon has spent her career thinking of ways to build communities through interpretation. As professor of piano at the Mason Gross School of the Arts at Rutgers University, she curated concerts featuring university pianists at Carnegie’s Weill Recital Hall – like a 2015 performance of 50 variations on a waltz the Viennese music publisher Anton Diabelli commissioned in the 1820s from composers including Franz Schubert and Franz Liszt. After that challenge, she says: “I wanted to create a kind of new American Diabelli.” She just needed to find the right theme."

Continue reading the article with this shared link - https://www.theguardian.com/music/2026/jun/23/america-the-beautiful-song-min-kwon?CMP=share_btn_url

YouTube link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6nRyFScCuc

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm Schedule for Monday, June 29, 2026

Yes, Franklin has its 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:

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