Find out how Direct Impact Checking helps both Direct Federal CU and the SAFE Coalition (audio/video)

FM #1844 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1844 in the series. 

This session shares my conversation with Jennifer Levine, Executive Director, SAFE Coalition and Danya Raphael, Vice President, Brand Experience, Direct Federal Credit Union. We had our discussion virtually on Tuesday, October 27, 2026.

 

We talk about 

• Direct Impact Checking

• Account features

• Linked to one of 4 non-profits

• SAFE Coalition

• PFLAG Greater Boston

• The Ellie Fund

• Raising A Reader Massachusetts

• Importance of listening to serve the community

• Importance of building relationships

The recording runs about 20 minutes, so let’s listen/watch

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1844-direct-impact-checking-with-safe-coalition-10-27-26/

Video link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TlK8J9OiwSk

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Direct Federal home page - https://www.direct.com 

Press release on Direct Impact Checking - https://www.direct.com/learn/news/direct-federal-credit-union-launches-direct-impact-checking-turning-everyday-spending-into-community-impact 

SAFE Coalition home page - https://www.safecoalitionma.org/ 

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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!

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

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

Frank Falvey talks with Andrew Mikula about Ballot Question #7 in this episode of Frank Presents (video)

Frank Falvey talks with Andrew Mikula about Ballot Question #7 in this episode of Frank Presents

Video link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D3fO5KzGoqU

Town Clerk Nancy Danello talks with Liz Harkins at the Library about the State Election Nov 3, 2026 (video)

Liz Harkins, Executive Director for Franklin TV met with Town Clerk Nancy Danello at the Franklin Public Library early in October to find out about the State election coming up Nov 3, 2026.

Thanks to Mitzi Gousie, Programing and Outreach Coordinator at the Library for hosting this event.

Video link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=05ktQgEuqS4

Visit the Town Clerk's page for additional election info

https://www.franklinma.gov/333/Town-Clerk-Elections-Division

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Thursday, October 29, 2026 ???

Thursday, October 29

• Get your spot for the FHS Theatre Company Boosters November Calendar Raffle  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/10/get-your-spot-for-fhs-theatre-company.html
• Last time to Order your KoC Thanksgiving Pie(s)  Please visit our website www.kofc1847.org/payments-thanksgiving-pie-sale

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

9:00am Advance Removal of Early Voted Ballots (3rd floor trng room)

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

6:30pm Predatory Relationships in the Suburbs (webinar by SAFE Coalition; Register: https://www.safecoalitionma.org/get-support/webinar)

7:00pm    Ghosts and Legends with Jeff Belanger (Historical Museum)

***  Town Meetings today ***

October 29, 2026 - Economic Development Subcommittee Meeting

Thursday, October 29 Time: 6:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10292026-2582 

Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) Meeting

Thursday, October 29 Time: 7:30 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10292026-2574 

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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

Start your Thanksgiving morning at the 15th Annual Franklin Turkey Trot

"Kick off your Thanksgiving morning at the 15th Annual Franklin Turkey Trot - a family-friendly 5K run and walk to benefit the Franklin Food Pantry.

Date: Thanksgiving Morning, Thursday, November 26, 2026

Time: Race starts at 8 AM 

Location: Start and finish at 91 Jordan Road, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Franklin, MA 02038

Registration: $30 per participant. Children under 5 run free (no bib provided).

https://runsignup.com/Race/MA/Franklin/FranklinTurkeyTrot

Race Shirts: T-shirts are available for purchase online through October 30! A limited number of shirts will be available the morning of the race.

Bib Pickup: Wednesday, November 25, from 7pm to 9pm, or the morning of the race between 6am and 7:30am (in-person registration will also be open during these times).

Awards given to best costume and the top finishers in each age category. Great door prizes will be drawn following the race, accompanied by a light breakfast for all participants.

Thank you to G&C Plumbing and Heating and our local sponsors for helping make this race possible. Their generosity ensures 100% of registration fees benefit the Franklin Food Pantry.

Come out to support a great local cause, enjoy some holiday fun, and start your Thanksgiving on the right foot!"

Conservation Awarded SNEP Mini-Grant to Boost Beaver Coexistence and Climate Resilience

The Franklin Conservation Department has secured a nearly $2,000 mini-grant from the Southeast New England Program (SNEP) and Restore America’s Estuaries to expand its innovative Beaver Coexistence Program.

The new funding will deploy 10 specialized "flow devices" at high-priority locations across Franklin. These non-lethal, water-regulating tools are designed to stop chronic infrastructure and roadway flooding without disrupting local beaver populations and the many benefits that beavers provide. 

By stabilizing water levels, the initiative aims to:

• Prevent Infrastructure Damage: Minimize roadway flooding and protect local stormwater networks.
• Boost Climate Resilience: Maintain critical wetlands that absorb extreme rainfall and mitigate severe droughts.
• Enhance Water Quality: Improve groundwater recharge and naturally filter out sediment and pollutants.

Drawing on research from leading experts like Dr. Sandra Clinton and Dr. Emily Fairfax, the Franklin Conservation Department and Stormwater Environmental Affairs Division aims to dismantle the traditional "beaver nuisance paradigm." The Beaver Coexistence Program treats the animals as vital ecological partners, leveraging natural wetland engineering to build a more resilient landscape.

Shared from - https://www.franklinma.gov/m/newsflash/home/detail/207

FHS field hockey ties with Lincoln-Sudbury on Wednesday

Via Instagram, Franklin TV, and our subscription to HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the Fall sports competition for Franklin High School on Wednesday, October 28, 2026.

Field hockey = Lincoln-Sudbury, 1 @ Franklin, 1 – Final 

– Franklin closed out the regular season with an impressive draw against Lincoln-Sudbury in a battle of the top two teams in Division 1. The Warriors had been denied a win just once all season entering the matchup, but junior Penelope Brady put the Panthers in front with a beautifully finished penalty stroke late in the first quarter. Lincoln-Sudbury answered early in the second, and neither side could break through again in a tightly contested finish. Junior Elise Ackerman made six saves for the Panthers. 

For other results across the Hockomock League (subscription required)

https://hockomocksports.com/wednesdays-schedule-scoreboard-10-28-26/

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

St. John’s Christmas Fair set for December 5th will have Santa, shopping and live Nativity

Save the date. St. John’s Church Annual Christmas Fair on Saturday, December 5th, from 9 am to 2 pm at 237 Pleasant Street, Franklin. Activities all day, while you shop. This event is free and all are welcome.

The Schedule:

• Visit with Santa Claus from 10 AM to 12 PM.
• Live nativity on the front lawn 11 AM to 1 PM
• Shopping all day 9 AM to 2 PM.
• Home-made treats all day 9 AM to 2 PM 

1) Visit and photo op with Santa Claus from 10 AM to 12 noon. 

2) Shopping: Enjoy the popular raffle. Bid on silent auction items and experiences. Check out gift baskets with themes like sports; spa, health and wellness, and pet items. Give the gift of food, wine, coffees, and teas. Treat yourself to fresh, beautiful wreaths and greens. Grandma’s Attic will have unique items to purchase. Buy favorite gift cards from popular restaurants and stores.

3) Home-baked treats: cookies, fudge and other baked goods at the Cookie Walk. Snacks and drinks can be purchased during the fair. 

4) Live nativity scene. What is a live nativity scene? Jesus was born in a barn and lay in a manger, surrounded by animals. We will enact this scene with Mary, Joseph, Baby Jesus, and real farm animals (sheep, goats, donkey) during the fair. Visit, learn and enjoy from 11 AM to 1 PM. 

For more information:

Call 508-528-2387 Email admin@stjohnsfranklinma.org

Like us on Facebook See our website at www.stjohnsfranklinma.org 

Franklin Recreation and Franklin Food Pantry Team Up for “Football for Food”

Franklin Recreation’s Flag Football League collected more than 522 pounds of food for the Franklin Food Pantry through its “Food for Football” initiative.

All Flag Football teams participated in the effort, with donations collected during Tuesday and Thursday evening games at Beaver Pond. The community-wide show of support highlights the generosity and commitment of Franklin’s young athletes and their families.

Franklin Recreation and Franklin Food Pantry
Team Up for “Football for Food”

Franklin Recreation and its participants across the town’s sports programs have supported the Franklin Food Pantry since 2019, continuing a tradition of community service that has made a meaningful difference for local families for more than seven years.

Ryan Jette, Director of Recreation would like to thank NFL Flag Football coordinator Jack Geromini and all the players, families, and volunteers who contributed to this successful food drive and helped support neighbors in need!

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm Schedule for Thursday, October 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:

8:00 AM, 1:00 PM, and 6:00 PM - Franklin Matters Radio – Steve Sherlock covering Franklin, its local government, services, and events  (Repeats Saturday at 3:00 PM)

The Senior Center event highlights for Nov 2026 

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/10/chasity-jillian-share-insights-on.html
 

9:00 AM, 2:00 PM, and 7:00 PM - first hour

10:00 AM, 3:00 PM, and 8:00 PM - second hour

Turntable – "Enjoy a fun experience with co-hosts The Vibe and Pauly G sharing personal discussions about a featured rock n roll vinyl record (1st hour) and the best, all music Vibe Playlist (2nd hour)"  

• The Turntable Show features Tom Petty & Heartbreakers From The Vault's Anthology, a special LP release on December 4, 2025.  The LP is delivered on stunning blue vinyl and available to the Tom Petty Nation fan club.   The double album includes many newly released live recordings.  Listen to Pauly G and the Vibe dive deep into the vaults of the best live sound and music selected by Tom Petty.  
• The Vibe Tom Petty Playlist Hour features the award winning, fan favorite, and one of the best TP&HB album's "Damn The Torpedoes".  Enjoy the Turntable Album Experience!

Find the playlist ->  https://tinyurl.com/TurntablePlaylists

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

Franklin TV schedule for Thursday, Oct 29, 2026

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

9:00 am Aging Agenda: Brian Maxfield

10:00 am Franklin Matters: Cemetery Tour

11:33 am Cooking Thyme: Lobstah

12:03 pm Brook'n'Cookin: Chicken Salad

12:35 pm Cook with Linda: Chicken with Dijon

1:30 pm Pizzapalooza: Healthy Pizza Crusts

2:00 pm New England Candlepins Summer 2023 Show 4

3:00 pm Senior Expo 2026

3:10 pm FM: Rotary Car Show

3:30 pm Aging Boldfully: Jenn Goebel

4:30 pm Veterans' Call: Dave Hencke

5:30 pm FM Journal October 2026

6:30 pm Frank Presents: Mike Maraglia

7:00 pm Frank Presents: Andrew Mikula

7:30 pm Sons and Daughters of Italy: Carlo Geromini

9:00 pm Circle of Friends: Brother Sun

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

7:30 am Winning Ways with the MIAA: Districts

8:30 am Middle School 7th & 8th Grade Chorus & Orchestra

10:30 am FHS Varsity Field Hockey v Natick 10-17-26

12:30 pm FHS Winter Jazz 2026

2:00 pm Metrowest Symposium: Equity & Access in Arts & Culture

3:00 pm FHS Boys Varsity Soccer v Mansfield 10-21-26

6:30 pm Franklin Youth Softball: All-Stars 06-11-26

9:00 pm FHSTC: Peter and the Starcatcher

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

8:00 am Conservation Commission 10-22-26

2:00 pm Conservation Commission 10-22-26

6:00 pm Economic Development Subcommittee 10-29-26 Training Room    854 1996 9089

7:00 pm Zoning Board of Appeals 10-29-26 CHAMBERS 921 5684 4576

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

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Wednesday, October 28, 2026 ???

Wednesday, October 28

• Get your spot for the FHS Theatre Company Boosters November Calendar Raffle  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/10/get-your-spot-for-fhs-theatre-company.html
• Last time to Order your KoC Thanksgiving Pie(s)  Please visit our website www.kofc1847.org/payments-thanksgiving-pie-sale

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

9:00am Advance Removal of Early Voted Ballots (3rd floor trng room)

1:00pm Scribblers Writing Group (recording session) (Franklin Senior Center)

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

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

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

***  Town Meetings today ***

Council on Aging Board Meeting

Wednesday, October 28 Time: 11:00 AM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10282026-2584

Town Council Meeting @ Franklin High School Auditorim

Wednesday, October 28 Time: 6:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10282026-2583  

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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

The Franklin 250 Anniversary Celebration Committee wants to hear from you

The Franklin 250 Anniversary Celebration Committee has opened a survey form to share your insights. The outline of what their planning process is contained in the presentation document shared here. 

Review the outline of what they have and then you can answer 3 questions:

1  - What do you remember? 

A place, a person, a tradition, a moment—or a change you have

witnessed.

2  - What should we celebrate? 

What would make the 250th feel like a celebration of the whole

town?

3  - Who else should we talk to? 

Who has a story, a photograph, an idea, or a connection we should

know about?

• Respond to the 3 survey questions here:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeLVOYXc-taUHv9Tg4JbsP-6SF631tiqa1kIwL6OAaCfWppZw/viewform

• Link to download the Presentation doc 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/17opl-zRdXMGl1ikU1A7VDKqnfIeWh4OI/view?usp=sharing

• View the embedded doc 

Massachusetts Leading Manufacturers Honored by Legislators at 11th Annual Manufacturing Awards Ceremony At Gillette Stadium

Good Feels Inc. of Medway received the 2026 “Manufacturer of the Year” Award for the 10th Norfolk District at the 11th Annual Manufacturing Awards Ceremony held on Tuesday, October 27 at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough. 

This award is given in recognition of outstanding leadership skills in the manufacturing industry. The annual event was hosted by the Massachusetts Legislative Manufacturing Caucus, in partnership with MassTech Collaborative and the Massachusetts Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MassMEP).

“I was proud to join my colleagues in recognizing these Manufacturers from across Massachusetts,” said State Representative Jeffrey N. Roy (D-Franklin). “Their innovation, craftsmanship, and job creation are driving contributions to the Commonwealth’s economy that strengthen our communities and ensures that Massachusetts remains a leader in advanced manufacturing. All of these companies personify what it means to “make it in Massachusetts.”   

Good Feel Inc. was nominated by State Representative Jeffrey N. Roy (D-Franklin), House Chair of the Legislative Manufacturing Caucus. Good Feels is a Medway-born cannabis beverage company founded by Jason Reposa in August 2020. Reposa was interested in developing a reliable, non-inhalable alternative to traditional cannabis products. It began as a home-based experiment—including a homemade bottling setup in his basement— then evolved into a licensed cannabis manufacturing business. 

In January 2021, Good Feels received local approval to establish its manufacturing operation in Medway and launched its cannabis beverages in 2022, offering products such as THC-infused seltzers and beverage enhancers. Since then, Good Feels has expanded its product portfolio and evolved into a broader cannabis and hemp beverage company, while maintaining its roots in Medway. 

In total, 48 diverse manufacturers were selected by legislators from across the Commonwealth to recognize their noteworthy achievements and celebrate their successes as leaders in the industry. This recognition is reserved for Commonwealth manufacturers that exemplify what it means to “make it in Massachusetts” and propel their industry towards continued growth and innovation.

Formed in August 2014, the Manufacturing Caucus includes more than 60 legislators from around the Commonwealth. Lawmakers focus on training for manufacturing employees, encouraging innovation by helping start-ups access resources, and expanding apprenticeship opportunities in key manufacturing sectors. The Caucus is chaired by Representative Jeffrey N. Roy (D-Franklin) and Senator Paul R. Feeney (D-Foxborough).

The Massachusetts Manufacturing Mash-Up, where the awards were hosted, is a conference run by the Center for Advanced Manufacturing to kick off October’s manufacturing month. The Mash-Up is an opportunity for partners and industry to come together to help accelerate advanced manufacturing and celebrate all our successes here in the Commonwealth. The event offers numerous opportunities to meet new businesses or partners, find the resources to help our manufacturers succeed, and gain the knowledge to join the advanced manufacturing world in which we now operate.

Free Young Authors Contest for kids 5 to 12

KidLore Books, a Franklin business started by a local mom that publishes picture books written by kids, is running a free Young Authors Contest for kids ages 5 to 12.

Kids can enter a written story of up to 500 words or a drawn story of 4 to 8 pages, and a parent enters by email. Three winners, one per age group, get their story published as a picture book. 

Free, no purchase needed.

 

Winners announced by March 15, 2027 in time for March Reading Month. 

Details and rules: https://kidlorebooks.com/pages/young-authors-contest

Entries open January 5, 2027. Get a reminder email sent so you don't miss it.

Chasity & Jillian share insights on the November 2026 events at the Franklin Senior Center (audio)

FM #1843 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1843 in the series. 

This session shares my conversation with Jillian Rochat, Activities Coordinator and Chasity Cheng, Deputy Director of the Franklin Senior Center. We had our discussion in the Franklin Senior Center on Tuesday, Oct 20, 2026.

 

We talk about 

• All the key event highlights for Nov 2026

• Multiple program date changes due to Veterans Day, Nov 11

• Tax workoff program forms available at front desk or online Nov 30

• Winter Wonderland scheduled for Dec 10

The show notes include links to the Senior Center page, the calendar of events, and to subscribe to the monthly newsletter. 

The recording runs about 35 minutes, so let’s listen in.

Audio - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1843-franklin-senior-center-nov-2026-highlights-10-20-26/

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November 2026 newsletter -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/11398/November-2026?bidId= 

Franklin Senior Center page ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/583/Franklin-Senior-Center-Council-on-Aging 

The newsletter archive page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/585/Connection-Newsletter 

Senior Center calendar view (just FSC events) -> https://franklinma.gov/calendar.aspx?CID=37&showPastEvents=false 

Subscribe to the newsletter -> by calling 508-520-4945

 

My Active Center -> https://myactivecenter.com/ 

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

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 it!

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

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