Franklin Matters

Thursday, July 23, 2026

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Thursday, July 23, 2026 ???

Thursday, July 23

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

*** Town Meetings today ***

Board of Assessors Regular Meeting

Thursday, July 23 Time: 5:30 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_07232026-2417

Economic Development Subcommittee Meeting

Thursday, July 23 Time: 6:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_07232026-2422

Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) Meeting - no meeting

Thursday, July 23 Time: 7:30 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_07232026-2414

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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

Design Review Commission seeking community input on the design (only) of the proposed Depot Plaza redevelopment

Franklin's Design Review Commission is seeking community input on the design of the proposed Depot Plaza redevelopment at 9, 13 & 15 Main Street.

Design examples:

• Architectural inspiration from Franklin's historic buildings

• Paint colors

• Building façade

• Landscaping

• Lighting

• Other design features

📄 View the developer's proposal: https://buff.ly/9SqVeOW

📧Email your ideas to DesignReview@franklinma.gov by Tuesday, August 4, 2026.

Please note: This request is for design-related feedback only. Comments on other aspects of the proposal may be shared at the Planning Board meeting on August 10.

THE BLACK BOX Pays Tribute to Céline Dion - Saturday, Aug 8, 2026

The beloved summer concert series returns on August 8th at 7:30pm with THE BLACK BOX Sings… Céline Dion outside under the stars.

A cast of Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) favorites led by Brendan Jacob Smith (The Simon and Garfunkel Story, America’s Got Talent, T.3), Maria Sylvia Norris (Beetlejuice, Sister Act, Disney Cruise Line), and Paige Martins (Band Vocalist with Holland America & Seabourn Cruise Lines) will pay tribute to the legendary vocalist. Table seating and general seating are available. In case of inclement weather, the event will be moved inside.

(L-R) Brendan Jacob Smith, Maria Sylvia Norris & Paige Martins

Joining the tribute show cast are Hayley Driscoll, Ali Funkhouser, and Hallie Wetzell alongside six FPAC Student Apprentices: Ani Corkran, Helena Cornwell, Aida DiChiara, Baree Frigon, Hailey Hulbig, and Alina Kanakry.

Dubbed the “Queen of Power Ballads,” Céline is known for her powerful, technically skilled vocals. With over 200 million records sold worldwide, Dion is the best-selling Canadian recording artist, the best-selling French-language artist, and one of the best-selling musical artists of all time.

Born into a large family in Charlemagne, Quebec, Dion was discovered by her future manager and husband, René Angélil, and emerged as a teen star in her home country with eight French-language albums during the 1980s. She gained international recognition by winning the Eurovision Song Contest 1988, where she represented Switzerland with the song “Ne partez pas sans moi.”

Dion went on to release twelve English-language albums, including the best-selling albums The Colour of My Love (1993), Falling into You (1996), and Let’s Talk About Love (1997), as well as A New Day Has Come (2002), her 21st-century bestseller. She also became known for performing cinematic theme songs, such as “Beauty and the Beast” for the Disney film of the same name (1991), “Because You Loved Me” for Up Close & Personal (1996), and “My Heart Will Go On” for Titanic (1997), which became one of the best-selling singles.

Dion’s accolades include 5 Grammy Awards, 20 Juno Awards, seven American Music Awards, nine Billboard Music Awards, and stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and Canada’s Walk of Fame. Seven of her albums have sold at least 10 million copies worldwide, the second most among women. Dion was conferred with the Legion of Honor, the highest French order of merit, and was elevated to the Companion of the Order of Canada.

Later in August, THE BLACK BOX will pay tribute to the songs of Finding Nemo and Disney with THE BLACK BOX Sings… Finding Nemo on August 21 and 22. Tickets for the August 8th concert are available at THEBLACKBOXonline.com or by calling the box office at 508-528-3370.

Franklin Town Council votes to extend session past the 4 hour cutoff (video)

The Franklin Town Council met as scheduled on Wednesday, July 22 in Council Chambers. All 9 members of the COuncil were present to participate in person.

Franklin TV video for replay - https://www.youtube.com/live/mliO20lR8Cc?&t=133

Franklin Town Council votes to extend session past the 4 hour cutoff (video)

The agenda for the session (including docs released for this meeting)

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_07222026-2421

Quick recap for 10:00 PM to closing of session

These three resolutions were not acted upon and will be rescheduled to the December 2 meeting

b. Resolution 26-39: Authorization to Transfer (Sell) a Portion of Franklin’s Excess Sewer Capacity at Charles River Treatment Plant to Town of Millis (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-39 - Majority Vote) c. Resolution 26-40: Authorization to Transfer (Sell) a Portion of Franklin’s Excess Sewer Capacity at Charles River Treatment Plant to Town of Medway (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-40 - Majority Vote) d. Resolution 26-41: Authorization to Execute Third Amendment to Agreement Between Charles River Pollution Control District and Town of Franklin (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-41 - Majority Vote)
c. Resolution 26-40: Authorization to Transfer (Sell) a Portion of Franklin’s Excess Sewer Capacity at Charles River Treatment Plant to Town of Medway (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-40 - Majority Vote)
d. Resolution 26-41: Authorization to Execute Third Amendment to Agreement Between Charles River Pollution Control District and Town of Franklin (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-41 - Majority Vote)

Vote to extend meeting to continue past the 4 hour deadline
The Winter Storm Overnight Parking Ban was approved after 2nd reading by an 8-1 vote (Morrongiello voted no)
Resolution 26-42: Acceptance of Private Road Covenant approved by a 9-0 vote
Resolution 26-43: Adoption of Social Media Engagement Guidelines for Elected and Appointed Ofﬁcials voted to approved by a 9-0 vote
Resolution 26-44: Adoption of Town Council Email Guidelines voted to approved by a 9-0 vote
Resolution 26-45: Approval of A.B. Fletcher Trust Fund Expense voted to approved by a 9-0 vote
Resolution 26-46: Acceptance of Gifts - Senior Center, Franklin FD, Franklin PD voted to approved by a 9-0 vote
Resolution 26-47: Appropriation of Funds in Support of PEG Service and Programming Per MGL Chapter 44, Section 53F3/4 voted to approved by a 9-0 vote

Franklin Public Library's event highlights for August 2026

August 2026

Summer Reading 2026

Plant a Seed...Read!

Summer is here and that means Summer Reading is waiting for YOU at the Library! Summer reading is for all ages. Sign up at the Franklin Public Library or on the Library website; then set your sights on reading goals and summer adventures.

Franklin Public Library's event highlights for August 2026

Special Events for Kids & Teens

Mobile Mini Golf! Monday, August 3rd @ 1pm

Bring your friends and family and we'll provide the rest! Join us as we transform the library into a Mini Golf course that's fun for all ages*!! *Children under the age of 14 MUST be accompanied by an adult.

Plush Pet Adoption Day! Friday, August 7th @ 1pm

Come adopt a reading buddy at the library! Decorate a collar, make an adoption certificate, and enjoy a dog-themed story time with your new best friend.

Messtival! Saturday, August 15th @ 10:30am

Join the Franklin Public Library for an epic morning of mess-making and chaos! Enjoy ooblek, bubbles, sensory bins, and more! Bring your enthusiasm and a change of clothes.

Parody Playhouse! Monday, August 17th @ 4pm

Join us for a special kid-friendly spin on your favorite musical hits! Parody Playhouse features child-appropriate parodies of popular songs by a range of artists, which are educational and entertaining. It's sure to be a blast!

Community Canvas: Flower Field, Monday, August 24th @ 1pm

Design and decorate your own unique flower, add it to the field, and watch it grow!

Summer Reading Wrap Up! Saturday, August 29th @ 10:30am

Celebrate the end of summer reading at the library with a special celebration, with music, balloons, games, and more!

Special Events for Adults

Diamond Art De-stress Thursday, August 6 @ 6pm & Saturday, August 22 @ 1pm

Registration Required

Give your day some Sparkle & Zen... Enjoy a meditative diamond art project! All materials provided. For ages 18+.

Learn To Mahjong, Tuesday, August 11 @ 6pm

Registration Required

This intro to mahjong session will introduce the suits, the rules, the card, and other basics of American Mahjong!

It’s a Wrap! Wire and Bead Bracelet Craft, Thursday, August 20 @ 6:30pm

Registration Required

Wrap up the summer with a braided wire and bead bracelet craft.

Teen and Adult Summer Reading Raffle Drawing! Friday, August 21 @ 4pm

Teens and Adults who have participated in the library's summer reading program, come celebrate the end of an epic summer with a special raffle drawing at the library!

After submitting your completed summer reading on 8/20 (through the QR code on your reading log) join us on Friday afternoon for the raffle drawing. Literary themed prizes, book bundles, and more - the perfect way to transition into a new season of reading!

Mahjong Meetup, Tuesday, August 25 @ 6pm

Whether you have a rudimentary knowledge of Mahjong or have been playing for years, we would love to have you join us for an evening of strategy, luck and fun. This is an opportunity for the novice to hone their skills and experienced players to share their knowledge. For ages 18+.

Special Events for All Ages

Concert: Sharks Come Cruisin’, Saturday, August 8 @ 3pm

The tides rise at the Library as The Sharks Come Cruisin' in for a concert! Enjoy an energetic mix of sea shanties and maritime music and be prepared to dance and sing along!

Wildlife Out Your Window, Thursday, August 13 @ 6:30pm

What if the most fascinating wildlife in New England isn’t far away in the wilderness— but right outside your window? Join wildlife ecologist and nature author Brad Timm for a lively, eye-opening presentation that will forever change how you see the natural world around you. You’ll discover surprising secrets about the animals you thought you knew all about.

Franklin Library Book Sale

Friday, August 14: 1 - 5pm

Saturday, August 15: 9am - 12pm

All books are just one dollar!

Bag Sale - $5 Per Bag

Saturday, August 15: 1 - 4pm

Come fill a brown bag with all the books you can!

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

David Rak & Paradise Flyer scheduled to provide live music at the Farmers Market/Concert on the Common Friday, July 24

Join us this Friday for live music on the Franklin Town Common while you shop the Franklin Farmers Market!

David Rak | 3:00 - 5:00 pm
Paradise Flyer | 5:30 - 7:30 pm

Spend the afternoon downtown with local vendors, fresh food, and great music.

Shared from - https://www.instagram.com/p/DbGk47Vgbcw/

Franklin Public Schools are hiring for multiple positions

Franklin Public Schools

We're Hiring!!

See our job postings and find the application info here: https://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/o/fpsd/page/employment-opportunities

a sample of the postings listed as of July 22, 2026

The Annual Milford 5K & Kids Dash - 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.

Franklin Public Radio wfpr.fm schedule for Thursday, July 23, 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 Thursday

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)

This hour features Senior Center Outlook for July events with Jillian Rochet https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/06/jillian-talks-about-july-2026.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)"

On the Turntable Show Album Hour, The Vibe and Pauly G feature "Hypnotic Eye", the last studio album from Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. Hypnotic Eye, released in July 2014, was Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers' (TP & the HB's) only record to debut at #1 on the Billboard 200. The album includes the hits: "American Dream Plan B", "Red River", "U Get Me High", "Forgotten Man", and "Fault Lines".
The Vibe Playlist hour airs a collection of live TP & the HB's hits performed in concert. Enjoy the music from this 2002 Rock n Roll Hall of Fame Inductee!

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