What's happening in Franklin, MA: Sunday, August 23, 2026 ???

Sunday, August 23

8:00am Early Voting - State Primary (Town Clerk's Office)

1:00pm Sunday Funday (Fairmount Fruit Farm)

1:00pm Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

*** 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

Planning Board, Historical Significance Subcommittee, & School Committee meeting agendas

Planning Board Meeting

Monday, August 24 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08242026-2465 

250th Anniversary Celebration Historical Significance Subcommittee Meeting

Monday, August 24 Time: 7:30 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08242026-2464 

Franklin School Committee Meeting

Tuesday, August 25 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08252026-2467 

Franklin TV: A Message from Liz Harkins, Executive Director

"I’m excited and honored to serve as the new Executive Director of Franklin TV and WFPR-FM. We have an incredible foundation to build on, thanks to the vision and dedication of our Board of Directors and the work of Pete Fasciano in establishing a strong infrastructure for our community media organization.

There are many exciting things ahead! We’re expanding opportunities for residents, businesses, volunteers, and local creators to get involved—whether you’re interested in television, radio, production, or simply being part of the Franklin community.

Want to get involved or have an idea for a TV or radio program? We’d love to hear from you! Contact us at info@franklin.tv or call 508-541-4118.

 

Come meet the team, tour our studios, and discover all that Franklin TV and WFPR-FM have to offer.

Thank you for watching Franklin TV, listening to WFPR-FM, and staying connected with Franklin News."

— Liz Harkins

Executive Director, 

Franklin TV & WFPR-FM

Contiune to read about what's happen at the Studio, the TV & radio schedules.

Download the program guide for this week.  https://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf

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Join Us for an Afternoon of Community & Connection!

  

Franklin residents and businesses are invited to join us for an afternoon of food, music, fun, and community! The Block Party kicks off at 3:00 PM—come hungry and enjoy great food, good tunes, and all the fixings.

Take a tour of our studios, meet the Franklin TV & WFPR-FM team, and discover how you can get involved in local media and community programming. Bring your friends, bring your appetite, and come celebrate community with us!

Can heading a Soccer Ball Injure the Brain?

via the Concussion Legacy Foundation Canada

"A new study published in JAMA Neurology

in May 2026 revealed some interesting science behind the effects of heading the ball in soccer. Hoppen and colleagues out of The Netherlands recently published an article looking at the short-term changes in the brain from heading the ball during the soccer match.

The researchers analyzed the blood of players before a match, immediately after and 24-48hrs post-match, looking at a panel of 6 blood biomarkers for changes in the brain. Two brain biomarkers stood out: pTau217 and S100B. The proteins have been associated with neuronal damage and astrocyte/supporting cell activity. These changes were also dose-dependent, meaning the bigger the impact the bigger the rise in blood biomarkers.

The levels of these biomarkers did return to baseline within a few days after the match, however, the authors mention that this return is not an indicator that the brain has healed.

Even though this study only looked at male amateur soccer players, it is an important puzzle piece for the immediate, acute effects of what heading a ball does to the brain, and furthers the need for conversations surrounding limiting heading exposures. More research is needed to expand these findings, but it is a step in the right direction.

If you like these science-explanation posts, be sure to follow if you aren’t already as we plan to release more of these in the near future. Science made easy is the best way to spread this important information."

Shared from - https://www.instagram.com/p/Db6xLtEGlxN

Read the abstract at JAMA - https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaneurology/article-abstract/2849324

Look at what the Franklin Public has lined up this week !! Which 1 are you going to ?? Or 2?

It's the last week of August

Fall's coming in...

Party at the Library before school begins !!!

Shared from the Library Instagram account -

https://www.instagram.com/p/DcW1ANlgUqA/

Attention high schoolers: Participate in this Year's MassDOT Safe Streets Smart Trips High School Video Contest!

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is excited to launch its 13th annual Safe Streets Smart Trips High School Video Contest and we look forward to your students participating!

For the 2026-2027 school year, we are inviting all enrolled Massachusetts public high school students to write and produce a 30-60 second video showcasing safe riding behaviors for electric micromobility devices (e-bikes, e-scooters, etc.). By bringing attention to this growing safety topic, we can help students, families, and community members better understand their role in promoting safe and responsible behaviors.

The video contest will feature two entry categories – a Freshman/Sophomore category and a Junior/Senior category. A grand prize, runner-up, and honorable mention will be selected in each category. Top videos may be used in future MassDOT safety campaigns.

Prize categories:

Grand Prize package – $500 Amazon gift card & sponsor items

Runner-up package – $300 Amazon gift card & sponsor items

Honorable Mention package – Sponsor items

All winners will be announced on October 27, 2026 at MassDOT’s Moving Together Conference. The winners will be featured during one of the conference sessions and the videos will be showcased to a large audience of transportation professionals.  

Please circulate the attached submission guidelines and encourage your students to have fun, be safe, and get creative! There is no limit to the number of students who can participate. All video submissions must be uploaded in the submission form no later than,

October 4, 2026 at 11:00 p.m. Eastern.

We encourage students and school staff to watch our recorded information session. For more contest information, please go to Mass.gov/road-safety-video.

• Download the full contest guidelines
• Access the contest submission form
• Download the contest promotional flyer
• View past winning videos

Frank Presents: Jason Poulos (video)

Frank Falvey sits to talk with Jason Poulos,

candidate for the 4th Congressional District in the September Democratic Primary.

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

The first video interview with Frank & Jason - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vtiVLSvBe64

The Annual Milford 5K & Kids Dash is 29 Days Away!!

September 19, 2026

Runner/ Walker: $20.00 ($25.00 for day of race registration on site)

Kid's Dash: $10.00

Proceeds from race benefit Massachusetts Special Olympics

Location: Milford High School at 31 Fountain St. Race will start at end at the entrance to the gymnasium (located at the back of the school)

​

Registration - 8:00am (Day of Registration Fee is $25)

Kids Dash - 8:30am

Race - 9:00am

Awards - 10:15am

Awards presented to top Male and Female finishers in 7 divisions: Under 19, 19-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-79, 80+

Course Route

Start at back parking lot of High School (near gym entrance). Out front driveway, right onto West Fountain Street, left onto Congress Street, left onto North Vine Street, left onto Highland Street, left onto West Fountain Street and right into the first entrance of the high school, then left into road leading to gymnasium entrance.

Register at the link - https://fundraise.specialolympicsma.org/events/1048

Meet the artist behind the beauty of MassTrails10, and find a trail to explore !!

"Every trail featured in the MassTrails10 campaign is brought to life through an original oil painting by Boston-based artist and storyteller Cate Dixson. 

Neponset River Greenway, a MassTrails10 highlight for 2025

Cate’s artwork captures the unique character of each trail while weaving in the native plants and wildlife that make these special places so memorable. Each painting tells the story of a trail—not just where it goes, but what you’ll discover along the way. 

Cate has been a creative partner on both the 2025 and 2026 MassTrails campaigns, helping inspire people to explore Massachusetts one trail at a time. 

Love the artwork? 

The original MassTrails10 paintings are available for purchase on Cate’s website, check the link in our bio or visit my: https://www.catedixson.com/store"

The backstory on MassTrails10 - https://www.mass.gov/info-details/masstrails-10-showcasing-trails-in-the-commonwealth#download-trail-artwork

The MassTrails10 webpage -  https://www.masstrails10.org/

The MassTrails10 webpage -  https://www.masstrails10.org/

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule for Sunday, August 23, 2026

Yes, Franklin has its own radio station -> wfpr.fm.

Franklin Public Radio has a schedule full of 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: Saturday, August 22, 2026 ???

Saturday, August 22

Franklin Lions Clothing Drive active through Aug 22   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/07/the-franklin-lions-conducting-clothing.html

8:00am Early Voting - State Primary Town Clerk's Office

9:00am Thrifty Threads - half-price sale (Franklin Federated Church)

9:00am Fallen Hero: John W. Wylie Jr. (Veterans Walkway, Franklin Town Common)

10:00am Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

10:00am LAST DAY - Revolutionaries in White: A Look Across Three Centuries of Bridal Fashion

5:30pm Jamie Barrett (live music) (Skyroc Brewery, Attleboro)

7:00pm Ken Barney (live music) (CRISP Walpole)

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

8:00pm THE BLACK BOX Sings… Finding Nemo the Musical

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

*** 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

Fallen Hero Recognition: John W. Wyllie, Jr - Aug 22, 2026 at 9 AM

Memorial event today (8/22/26) at 9 AM on the Town Common Veterans Walkway to honor John W. Wyllie, Jr. 

This program will include the placing of a Memorial Wreath for the day, the playing of Taps, a salute from those present, and a reading of whatever history  may be available for that veteran.  This is a way of keeping the memory of that veteran alive.

Aviation Radioman 2C John W. Wyllie, Jr., U.S. Navy

Aviation Radioman Second Class John W. Wyllie, Jr., son of John and Elizabeth Wyllie, was born on December 4, 1922. John lived with his parents and two sisters at 460 Washington Street. John attended the Franklin Public Schools and was a graduate of Franklin High School Class of 1941. 

Aviation Radioman 2C John W. Wyllie, Jr. was in the service for 3 years during which he saw extensive combat flight duty in the various invasions in the South Pacific. 

Aviation Radioman 2C John Wyllie had completed 11 months of combat duty in the South Pacific and was scheduled to go overseas again. In August of 1945, while on an authorized Navy patrol bomber training flight, John lost his life as the bomber exploded in midair and crashed into the sea 20 miles southwest of San Diego, CA. 

Aviation Radioman 2C John W. Wyllie, Jr., U.S. Navy was 22 years old at the time of his death while in the service of his country during World War II.

Fallen Hero: RM 2C Wyllie

The schedule of Fallen Heroes for the year on one page (PDF)

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1tlyiAK18owM81p8aJs1vhKc3p2bIK1cv/view?usp=drive_link

Early voting for the State Primary begins Saturday, August 22 at the Franklin Town Clerk's Office

The State Primary Election will be held on Tuesday, September 1, 2026.

Registered voters can vote early in person at the Town Clerk's Office in the Franklin Municipal Building, 355 East Central Street, during the following dates and times:

• Saturday, Aug. 22: 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
• Sunday, Aug. 23: 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
• Monday, Aug. 24: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
• Tuesday, Aug. 25: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
• Wednesday, Aug. 26: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• Thursday, Aug. 27: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
• Friday, Aug. 28: 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Important Deadlines

• Saturday, Aug. 22: Last day to register to vote.
• Tuesday, Aug. 25: Last day to request a mailed ballot.

For questions, please contact the Town Clerk's Office at 508-520-4900. For additional election information, visit the Town Clerk's Elections Division webpage -https://www.franklinma.gov/333/Town-Clerk-Elections-Division 

Yard sale time at the Franklin Senior Center - Sep 12

Yes, the Franklin Senior Center is having a Yard Sale on Saturday, September 12 from 9 AM to 2 PM.  

If it rains, the yard sale will be inside the Center.

Download the flyer as a reminder or to share

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AJx2lV_gmTHW2s8MkAX09MhXvhJP120H/view?usp=drive_link

Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School: special edition newsletter

"Today’s special edition newsletter contains details regarding Arrival, Dismissal and Transportation.

Find all the details below:

https://app.smore.com/n/uqem1-arrival-dismissal-transportation?"

The Wind Phone (along with new works of art) unveiled at the Sculpture Park, Sept 10 at 5 PM

Hi neighbors and community.

Many of you know that a Wind Phone dedicated to our community is in production to debut September 10th at 5 PM. You are invited to help welcome it and hear more about it in person*. 

If you painted rocks of love with us at the Franklin Public Library to uplift others and will see those there too

This project is supported by the Franklin Cultural District, the Town of Franklin and the Mass Cultural Council to support public arts and emotional wellness initiatives.

Here is a quick update (View the video on Facebook at this link) - https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1Bn8nrhin6/

*At the Sculpture Park on Panther Way

"Community Herd" at the Franklin Scuplture Park

View more photos captured at the Sculpture Park this week - 

https://photos.app.goo.gl/gcdUbaJUgQQrqwNTA

Free Narcan training from the SAFE Coalition at the Franklin Public LIbrary, Monday, Aug 24

Free Narcan training next week! No registration required and open to all!

MILLIS

Monday, Aug. 24

3:00–5:00 p.m. (drop in anytime)

Millis Public Library (Local History Room)

FRANKLIN

Monday, Aug. 24

6:15–7:15 p.m.

Franklin Public Library

WRENTHAM

Tuesday, Aug. 25

6:15–7:15 p.m.

Fiske Public Library

Attendees will:

Learn how to recognize an overdose

Practice administering Narcan

Develop confidence in responding to an overdose

Leave with 2, 4mg doses of Narcan

See all upcoming trainings or request training: https://www.safecoalitionma.org/narcan-training

Supported by Towns of Millis, Franklin, and Wrentham Opioid Abatement Funds.

Harvest Festival Registration is full, wait list is now open

from the Franklin Downtown Partnership:

"Thank you to everyone who has registered for a booth. At this time we are at capacity for the Harvest Festival.  

To be added to the waitlist, login to the member portal of our website and fill out the waitlist form.  

See you there!!!"

shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/19WSWNqioY/

Note: The Strawberry Stroll is open to first come first served. The Harvest Festival booths are open to business members only.

If you want to consider membership, visit https://franklindowntownpartnership.org/#