Franklin Matters

Saturday, August 29, 2026

Voices of Franklin - the audio recording of the first session August 18, 2026 (audio)

FM #1805 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1805 in the series.

This session shares the Voices of Franklin session held on Tuesday, August 18, 2026 at the Franklin Senior Center. Yes, there can be important conversations between the generations. This shares the first of a series of "Voices of Franklin.”

Coordinated by Franklin Interact Club, Franklin Rotary Club, Franklin Senior Center, and Franklin Recreation. Held at the Franklin Senior Center and the audio recording was made by Franklin TV.

About a dozen seniors and about 15 high school students gathered for a few games, some lunch (and conversation) then, the center piece discussion of the day.

A defining statement was provided. Participants would raise the red card or green card; if they disagreed they would raise their red card or if they agreed, their green.

Moderator Ryan Jette would then follow up with some of the individuals who raised red or green and the conversation ensued.

The next session is scheduled for November 19 at 12:30 PM also at the Senior Center. Starting with lunch (approx. 30 minutes) then getting into a brief presentation on Public Safety with Town of Franklin Police & Fire Chiefs moderated by Ryan Jette. The next session output will be available with audio & video.

Audio link (approx. 40 minutes) - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1805-voices-of-franklin-08-18-26/

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We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

How can you help?

If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors
If you don't like something here, please let me know
And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach out. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

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You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Saturday, August 29, 2026 ???

Saturday, August 29

9:00am Thrifty Threads (Franklin Federated Church)

9:00am SAFE flag planting (Franklin Town Common)

10:00am Arts & Crafts Sale (684 Oak St, Franklin)

10:00am Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

10:00am FSPA Open House (38 Main St)

10:30am Summer Reading Wrap Up! (Franklin Public Library)

11:00am Peach Fest (Fairmount Fruit Farm)

3:00pm Franklin Cable Access - Annual Open Meeting/Block Party (23 Hutchinson St)

5:30pm Community Cookout (Franklin United Methodist Church)

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

24th annual Franklin Downtown Partnership Harvest Festival - Saturday, Sep 26

We are excited to announce our 24th annual Franklin Downtown Partnership Harvest Festival!

Here are some highlights:

• Live music performances by Jamie Barrett, the Padula Family Band and Critical Mass. Dance performances by Feet in Motion and Desi Swag Queens. Franklin School of Performing Arts (FSPA) will perform a medley of songs and dances on Main Street.

• Touch-a-Truck, courtesy of Franklin Fire.

24th annual Franklin Downtown Partnership Harvest Festival - Saturday, Sep 26

• Radio station MyFM 101.3 will broadcast on Main Street near the center island/bridge.

• In partnership with the FDP, Franklin TV and WFPR 102.9 FM will be located near the library, filming booth activities and interviewing event participants for later broadcasts.

• Franklin Library will have children’s activities on the lawn.

• Dean College will have a trackless train on their quad area at Awpie Way.

• The Cultural Hub will have a pumpkin-themed art project and other activities. The Cultural Hub includes the Public Library; Cultural District Committee; Cultural Council; Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy; the Historical Museum; and the Franklin Art Association.

• Enjoy great food all along Main Street. Dean Bank will be selling apple cider, donuts, popcorn, and water. Proceeds from their sales support FDP and the festival. Take a few extra steps to downtown and you can dine at more restaurants and cafes.

• Downtown activities: the Children’s Museum of Franklin will have kid-friendly fun at their home at 157 Cottage Street.

The Harvest Festival is made possible because of generous local business sponsors.

Franklin Downtown Partnership is very grateful to this year’s sponsors:

Platinum – Dean Bank; G&C Plumbing & Heating, Local Town Pages
Gold – Dean College; Glen Meadow Apartments; Middlesex Savings Bank; Sunrise Montessori School
Silver – Doherty, Dugan, Cannon, Raymond & Weil, P.C.; Eagle Stainless Tube & Fabrication, Inc.; Hockomock YMCA; Notturno Home Services; Rockland Trust Bank; The Enclave of Franklin
Bronze – ABI New England; Camford Property Group; Connell Roofing; DCU; DG Ranieri; Fenton Financial Group; Franklin Kitchen Center; Keefe Insurance; LeafFilter; MyFM; Simon’s Furniture

#franklin #franklinma #harvestfestival #shopfranklin

250th Anniversary Celebration Committee met on Thursday to share updates (video)

The 250th Anniversary Celebration Committee met as scheduled in the 3rd floor Training Room on Thursday, August 27, 2026 begnning just after 7 PM.

Franklin TV recording is available for replay here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bqGcII8ylBY

Meeting agenda - https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08272026-2463

Quick recap:

Earmark funds spent by due date and accounted for. Funds to puchase additional clothing for sale was approved
For the community portion, little input other than mine to encourage posting the dates as they become firm so that everyone, other orgs, etc can start planning accordingly
moving the location for the next three months (Sep, Oct, Nov) to the Franklin TV studio approved via consensus
discussion on obtaining donations when not a 501(c3). there is language in the law...
Sep 3 subcmte meeting to work on finalizing the first email pitch; should also set up a separate meeting to work on the parade planning with the Police, Fire, etc.
motion to vote on the dates for the donor lunches, Oct 16, Nov 5, and Nov 19; vote on the motion via roll call, passes
Discussion on additional fund raising opportunities; need volunteers to do the additional work, it is a lot already on our plates. we spent a year spending $50k, and have 18 months to raise $750k. What is the risk if we don't reach $750K? We scale back the events; as noted earlier 2 other communities raised 400+ and 300+, the 300+ had significantly less events. What kind of celebration do we really want?
meeting adjourns at 8:25 PM

My full set of notes captured during the meeting

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Qc6qYvMBp0eKQzrwdnpjVuMH_U9s-QQH/view?usp=drive_link

Creative Corner Art Studio Happenings for September, 2026

Creative Corner events for September, 2026

Additional details and registration - https://www.creativecornerartstudiofranklin.com

Beaver Street Interceptor (BSI) Project: Construction Updates ~ Monday, August 31 through Friday September 4

West Central Street (Near BJ's) Lane Closure Alert: Monday (8/31) through Friday (9/4) 7 AM to 4 PM

Starting Monday (8/31) through Friday (9/4) between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m., the contractor will work on the elevated sewer along West Central Street. During this time there will be a lane closure on West Central Street between 99 Restaurant and BJ's.

Traffic leaving BJ's and the Conlyn Avenue area will be detoured onto Forge Parkway to access Rt. 140. Please use caution when traveling in this area and follow all posted detour signs.

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

If you haven't viewed the inner workings of the pump/lift station at Beaver St, you are missing out. This was about $8M worth of the toal $30M project

video link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uH48wRHdIFA

10th Annual Car Show is scheduled for Saturday, October 3, 2026

The Franklin Rotary Club 10th Annual Car Show is scheduled for Saturday, October 3 2026.

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1FLnJ1mCWC/

Peach Fest at Fairmount Fruit Farm Saturday, August 29, 2026 from 11 AM to 4 PM

"THIS SATURDAY (August 29) is our Peach Fest event with @salvage.angel! 11am-4pm enjoy unique craft vendors, custom espresso, ice cream, beer (21+) (12pm-4pm), and fresh stone fruit from the farm store! 

Say hello to our goats and lambs!
Mining sluice
Orchard playground
Hayrides around our orchard
Grab and go food in our farm store

We are also offering first of the season apple picking this Saturday! For Paula Red apples only. Purchase a bag and take the hayride down to our Paula Reds. They are an early Macintosh variety, great for eating and making apple sauce. 

Next weekend our apple picking season for the rest of the orchard officially begins"

School Committee gets multiple updates on summer learning, transportation, etc. in 1 hour meeting 08/11/26 (audio)

FM #1804 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1804 in the series.

This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, August 11, 2026 at 7:00 PM. 6 members of the Committee participated, 6 in person, 1 remote.

Quick recap

The Superintendent Report provides updates on multiple items; planning for Sept, transportation, hiring status (positions open, a better view to be provided next time), work on facilities progressing. Ms Melotti out on maternity leave, Dr Bob Dutch back to fill in while she is out, important school start dates on webpage - https://www.franklinps.net/o/fpsd/page/school-calendars/
Joint presentation and updates on summer learning from Student Services and Lifelong Learning. Slides shown were captured in one photo album https://photos.app.goo.gl/7BGZeLN2QWEezqFw7
Annual report submission approved, minor formatting remains to be done by the Town as the annual report book is prepared for publication
The 2nd reading on the restraint policy was approved as amended by the Policy Subcmte meeting prior
Consent agenda was also approved. All votes, by the way, were via roll call and passed 7-0

Let’s listen (approx. 39 minutes)

audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1804-franklin-ma-school-cmte-mtg-08-11-26/

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Franklin TV video is available - https://www.youtube.com/live/VMpYB91A8Fw?&t=27

The Agenda document - https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08112026-2448

My notes captured during the meeting in one PDF

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hvmIVrFX0EwMzsGCAbVXWcNqeu2T-DO8/view?usp=drive_link

-------------

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

How can you help?

If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors
If you don't like something here, please let me know
And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach out. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

I hope you enjoy!

------------------

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

Save the Date: Sep 9 - eat at Hot Table and suppor the Music Boosters

"SAVE THE DATE!

Support the Franklin Music Boosters by eating at Hot Table on September 9 from 4-9 PM!"

Shared from -

https://www.instagram.com/p/DcmUweUmlKk/

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule for Saturday, August 29, 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

Friday, August 28, 2026

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Friday, August 28, 2026 ???

Friday, August 28

8:00am Early Voting - State Primary - Last day to vote early for State Primary (Town Clerk's Office)

10:00am Knitting Group (Franklin Public Library)

1:00pm Thrifty Threads (Franklin Federated Church)

2:00pm Farmers Market (Franklin Town Common)

3:00pm Kaye Kelly (live music) (Franklin Town Common)

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/9890

*** 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

Want to know the vendor lineup for the Franklin Farmers Market, Friday, August 28 ??

See you at the Franklin Farmers Market this Friday!

Join us on Friday, August 28, from 2–6 PM on the Town Common for another afternoon of local shopping, fresh food, and community.

This week's market features 40+ local vendors, Kaye Kelly, and food trucks from @tacofiedtruck and @tcscoops

Whether you're stocking up on fresh produce, picking up handmade goods, or just stopping by to enjoy the afternoon, there's something for everyone.

Take a look through this week's vendor lineup and start planning your visit. We can't wait to see you there!

Pumpkin Patch Coming to St. John’s Church Sept. 26 through Oct. 31, 2026

Mark your calendar. The pumpkins are coming!

Visit the 7th Annual Pumpkin Patch at St. John’s Episcopal Church at 237 Pleasant Street, September 26 through October 31.

A huge selection of pumpkins and gourds will fill the front lawn. Kids will have fun picking their favorites. Stay tuned for the list of fun activities and games for the kids.

Open 7 days a week, here’s the schedule:

Monday-Friday 4:00 pm-6:00 pm
Saturdays 10:00 am-4:00 pm
Sundays Noon-4:00 pm
Monday October 12th, 10 am to 4 pm.

For more information:

Call the office 508-528-2387

Email: Admin@StJohnsFranklinMA.org

See our website at www.stjohnsfranklinma.org

No Static scheduled to perform at THE BLACK BOX - Sep 11

The 10 members of No Static have performed the music of Steely Dan since 2005! Thousands of Dan lovers young and old have experienced the excitement they bring to every performance. Appearing at first-tier venues across New England and beyond, this talented band has earned the admiration and affection of critics and fans alike.

Based in Boston, No Static is one of the top Steely Dan tribute bands in the country. These dedicated musicians specialize in expertly performing the music of Steely Dan, re-creating that amazing bluesy jazz-rock sound invented by Donald Fagen and Walter Becker. As Dan fans know, this is no small feat. The music is complex, spanning genres, requiring precise attention to musical detail, with subtle grooves, sophisticated vocal harmonies, iconic solos, and time and key changes popping up when least expected. Steely Dan is not an easy band to pay tribute to.

No Static has been nailing it for over 20 years now and their sold-out shows tell the tale. With passion and warmth they cover the breadth of Steely Dan’s great catalog, attracting some of Boston’s finest musicians, and working with guest performers including Steely Dan band members Walt Weiskopf (saxophonist) and Jon Herington (Music Director/guitarist).

Tickets available https://theblackboxonline.com/no-static/

Back to School circa the 1800's via Horace Mann Legacy

via Horace Mann Legacy

"Before becoming known as the "Father of American Education," Horace Mann’s vision was shaped directly by his own early schooling in Franklin, Massachusetts.

Looking back at early 19th-century education shows just how transformative his Common School movement truly was:

From Fragile Classrooms to Modern Learning Spaces: Early district schooling often meant crowded, unheated, one-room schoolhouses with minimal supplies. Mann led the push for dedicated, well-equipped facilities designed specifically for student health, comfort, and engagement.

From Seasonal Attendance to Consistent School Years: Tied to the agricultural calendar, Mann received only 8 to 10 weeks of formal schooling per year. His reforms established standardized, full-length school years so every student could build continuous foundational knowledge.

From Rote Drill to Professional Educators: Teaching was once a transient, largely untrained role reliant on rote memorization. Mann pioneered the creation of "Normal Schools"—the nation's first teacher-training colleges—elevating teaching into a respected, skilled profession centered on curiosity and critical thinking.

Mann’s childhood inspired a principle that continues to guide our schools today: every child, regardless of background or circumstance, deserves access to a free, high-quality, and well-supported public education."

Shared from - https://www.instagram.com/p/Dcj1QWRRsmL/

The Guardian: "Meta agrees to major changes to Facebook and Instagram as it settles US trial over teen addiction for up to $18bn"

"Meta agreed to significant changes to its Instagram and Facebook apps in a settlement that ended a landmark lawsuit on Wednesday. Dozens of US states had accused the tech giant of addicting and harming children with dangerous products.

The agreement curtails a major trial in California and will require the social media company to pay up to $18bn. Meta agreed to establish safeguards for teenage users, including daily usage limits and blocks on night-time use nationwide in the US.

This is the first time in the US that Meta has been forced to change key features of the experience of everyday users.

The jury trial, which took place in federal court in Oakland, California, began with opening statements just last week. California and 28 other US states sued the $1.36tn (£1tn) company over allegations that Meta deliberately designed addictive products that hooked young people, leading to mental health issues, including anxiety, depression and suicide. The states additionally claimed the social media company regularly collected data on children under the age of 13 without parental permission in violation of federal and state laws. As part of the settlement, the company denies wrongdoing."

Continue reading the article with this shared link - https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2026/aug/26/meta-social-media-addiction-trial-settlement

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule for Friday, August 28, 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:

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule for Friday, August 21, 2026

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)

This hour features Town Administrator Jamie Hellen with a mid-summer recap and outlook to September https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/08/in-this-talk-franklin-episode-ta-jamie.html

9:00 AM, 2:00 PM, and 7:00 PM

10:00 AM, 3:00 PM, and 8:00 PM - Talkin’ the Blues – Jim Derick & Nick Remissong. 2 hours of awesome blues music, info, interviews Showcasing the "Blues" as a basis for and influence of Country, Jazz and Rock and Roll, here and worldwide.

11:00 AM, 4:00 PM, and 9:00 PM - “The Vibe” show plays music for everyone searching for some enjoyment, some dance, a happy or thinking mood, and most importantly, having fun. Tune in to wfpr.fm and listen to “DJ Vibe” spin music across many genres and join this new vibing experience