What's happening in Franklin, MA: Friday, June 26, 2026 ???

Friday, June 26

10:00am Knitting Group (Franklin Public Library)

1:00pm Thrifty Threads (Franklin Federated Church)

2:00pm Farmers Market (Franklin Town Common)

3:00pm Colin Manocchino Jazz (live music) (Franklin Town Common)

5:30pm Rowboat (live music) (Franklin Town Common)

7:30pm Electric Youth 2026 Bon Voyage (THE BLACK BOX)

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

Knights of Columbus Sacred Heart Council announce scholarship winners: Charlie Nash, Matthew Colford & Jack Baribeau

Each year, The Knights of Columbus Sacred Heart Council in Franklin present three scholarships to graduating seniors from the St. Mary Parish Community. Two of the scholarships named in honor of Robert Simmler, Past Grand Knight, and given to Franklin graduating seniors. The third given in the name of Robert Catalano, a long time Knight and parishioner. This award is to a child or grandchild of a Knight belonging to our Council.

This year we are proud to announce that the 2026 Simmler Scholarships awarded to Charlie Nash ($3000) and Matthew Colford ($1500) who graduate from Franklin High School. 

The 2026 Robert Catalano Scholarship ($2000) award to Jack Baribeau, a graduate of Medway High School.

Knights of Columbus Sacred Heart Council announce scholarship winners: Charlie Nash, Matthew Colford & Jack Baribeau

All these accomplished students are active members of their Parish Community. Their achievements were especially noteworthy among the many talented candidates who applied for the 2026 awards.

We wish Charlie, Matthew, and Jack the best of luck as they begin their studies this fall. Charlie will be at Boston College and Matthew at Providence College, respectively. Jack will attend Villanova.

In this way, we honor the memory of two fine gentlemen who were active in the Knights, St. Mary Parish, and the Franklin community. We have no doubt that these fine young awardees will make their own contributions to their own communities and parishes in the years to come.

If you are interested in joining or want more information about the Sacred Heart Council, please visit our website at www.kofc1847.org

Jillian talks about the July 2026 Highlights at the Franklin Senior Center (audio)

FM #1773 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1773 in the series. 

This session shares my conversation with Jillian Rochat, Activities Coordinator. We had our discussion in the Franklin TV Studio on Wednesday, June 17, 2026.

We talk about 

• All the key event highlights for July 2026

• Senior Center closed Friday, July 3 for the 4th of July

• Dates for the summer concerts on select Mondays in July/August

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 29 minutes, so let’s listen in.

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1773-franklin-senior-ctr-july-2026-highlights-06-17-26/

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

June 2026 newsletter -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/9890/July-2026-Newsletter?bidId= 

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/ 

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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 it!

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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"

Franklin Public Library: Special Events scheduled for July 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.

*** Special Events for Kids & Teens

Fairytale Fun! Monday, July 6 @ 4pm

You’re invited to join us, once upon a dream, for a special royal visit from everyone’s favorite sleepy princess! There will be singing, dancing, interactive storytelling and a photo opportunity with each guest!

Giant Board Game Party, Friday, July 10 @ 1pm

Join us at the library for an afternoon full of giant, life-size versions of classic games, including Hungry Hungry Hippos, Twister, Connect Four, and more!

Teen Amazing Digital Circus Interactive Viewing! Wednesday, July 15 @ 6pm

Teens! Join us for a special celebration of this popular indie animation with an interactive viewing, snacks, and more!

Science Chefs: Make Slushies, Friday, July 17 @ 1pm

Chefs get in the kitchen for SCIENCE! We'll be exploring endothermic reactions as we make delicious lemonade slushies to enjoy!

Ed Popielarczyk Magic Show, Saturday, July 18 @ 10:30am

Join us as we welcome Ed Popielarczyk for a one-of-a-kind magic show that is guaranteed to leave the whole family impressed!

Rainforest Reptiles, Monday, July 20 @ 4pm

Travel with us to the different rainforests around the world and meet the alligators, turtles, snakes and more that call these places home! Real, LIVE Animal Fun for All Ages!

Stuffed Animal Sleepover! Thursday, July 23 @ 6pm

What kind of trouble can a bunch of stuffed animals cause in an empty library? Here’s our chance to find out! Bring one of your favorite stuffed friends to the library for a cozy storytime, then leave them in our care for the evening! When you pick your friend up on Friday, see what antics they might have caused!

Make Your Own Puzzle, Friday, July 24th @ 1pm

Design and decorate your very own puzzle with Ms. Kaitlyn! Perfect for imaginative artists and puzzle lovers alike! 

Summer Snow Party! Saturday, July 25 @ 10:30am

Chill out with a summer blizzard at the library! Enjoy a snow pile, coloring, and crafts!

Mr. Vinny Shadow Puppets, Monday, July 27 @ 4pm

Mr. Vinny from the Toe Jam Puppet Band presents a dynamic and hilarious family show! Mr. Vinny specializes in storytelling with unique puppets! Get ready for lots of jokes and audience participation, and a few fun surprises!

Interactive Movie, Wednesday, July 29th @ 1pm

Families! Join us for a special Interactive movie screening Enjoy popcorn and some fun surprises

 

Hunger Games Club, Wednesday, July 29 @ 6pm

Teens! Join us for a monthly interactive viewing of our favorite YA dystopian film franchise! We will work our way through one book and film each month leading up to the release of the latest film in November!

*** Special Events for Adults

Stars & Waves Silk Scarf Painting, Thursday, July 9 @ 6:30pm

Registration Required

Using Inks and fabric resist, paint a silk scarf in patriotic stars and wavy stripes!

Diamond Art Destress, Saturday, July 11 & Thursday, July 23 @ 1:30pm

Registration Required

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

Learn to Mahjong! Tuesday, July 14 @ 6pm    Registration Required

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

Ted Reinstein: Greetings from Breeds Hill, Saturday, July 25 @ 2pm

Join us in welcoming author and journalist Ted Reinstein for "Greetings from Breeds Hill... and Other Stories of Fact & Folklore for the 250th"! A new talk exploring lesser-known stories behind the more famous ones from New England’s Revolutionary War period. It’s a fun and informative foray through fact vs. fiction!

Mahjong Meetup, Tuesday, July 28 @ 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+. 

Adults Make Awkward Art, Thursday, July 30 @ 6pm

Celebrate art with the goal to make something so bad it’s good! All artists are invited to share their pieces as a part of the Library's Awkward Art Display inspired by the Museum of Bad Art in Boston!

Franklin Library Book Sale

Friday, July 17 15: 1 - 5pm

Saturday, July 18: 9am - 12pm

All books are just one dollar!

Bag Sale - $5 Per Bag

Saturday, July 18: 1 - 4pm

Come fill a brown bag with all the books you can

This month’s Rausch Report recaps legislative activity, Pride Month, Juneteenth celebrations, details on upcoming July events in the district, & more

Dear Neighbor,

The State House in June is jam packed with people and activity, and not just because of the Scottish tourists. Earlier today, I presided over the Senate session, moving legislation forward and also welcoming a terrific group of Brownie Scouts from Milford to the chamber. (More on their visit within the link below.)

With the rapidly approaching July 31 deadline for major new business to come to the floor, the Senate passed bills this month to strengthen child welfare protections, support teachers, restrict dangerous chemicals, and make primary health care more affordable. I secured $750,000 in additional funding for special projects and initiatives in schools all across our district in the Fair Share supplemental budget (on top of $140 million in regular budget funds). And I’m proud to have been named to the conference committee for the Mass Ready Act, the most significant climate and environmental protection legislation in a generation.

June has also brought many joyful celebrations. We honored Commonwealth Heroines and Latino Educators, and hosted the Commonwealth’s first (but surely not the last) Pride Month Awards. We raised the Pride Flag outside the State House on the 3rd, then the Juneteenth Flag on the 18th. It was my privilege to celebrate both Pride Month and Juneteenth at events on Beacon Hill and in the district, featuring music, speeches, and inspirational young leaders.

Read on in this month’s Rausch Report to learn more about the legislation the Senate recently passed, the bills on the Governor’s desk and the laws she signed, a recap of Pride Month and Juneteenth celebrations, details on upcoming July events in the district, and more.

For real-time updates, please follow me on Facebook and Instagram. If you are a constituent and need assistance, please don’t hesitate to call me and my team at (617) 722-1555, email me at becca.rausch@masenate.gov, or attend upcoming office hours. We are here to help.     

Yours in service, 

Senator Becca Rausch 

Continue reading this edition of Senator Rausch's report newsletter

https://mailchi.mp/masenate/monthlynewsletter-18253648

Reminder: Congressional Update and Q&A with Congressman Jake Auchincloss - June 28

On Sunday, June 28, I'll be hosting a Congressional Update and Q&A in Needham.‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ 

Hi neighbor, On Sunday, June 28, I'll be hosting a Congressional Update and Q&A in Needham. This is an opportunity for you to ask questions and hear updates on how I’m working to represent the district’s values and priorities. Congressional Update and Q&A with Congressman Jake Auchincloss   Sunday, June 28 2:00pm – 3:00pm Needham, MA Doors will open at 1:30pm.  Location provided upon RSVP HERE. *By registering for this event, you grant our office permission to send you future communications and updates. Sincerely, Jake Auchincloss

Last Franklin School Committee Newsletter to close out the 2025-2026 School Year

The final Franklin School Committee Newsletter for the 2025-2026 school year is out now!

We wish you a happy and safe Summer.

Read the Newsletter Here: https://aptg.co/C4XTbJ

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule for Friday, June 26, 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

8:00 AM, 1:00 PM, and 6:00 PM - Franklin Matters Radio – Steve Sherlock covering Franklin, its local government, services, and events 

• This hour features my Chalkboard Chat with School Committee members Reis Hansen & Stephen Stephen Karunakaran https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/06/reis-stephen-recap-june-9-school.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

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 June 26, 2026 (Your local Public, Education & Government "PEG" station)

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

8:30 am Frank Presents: Shane J. Hopkins

10:00 am Aging Boldfully: Sisters United Against Cancer

11:00 am Senior Connection: Kitchen Gadgets Pt. 2

12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin: Tai Salad

12:30 pm Learn to Cook with Linda: Party Chicken

1:30 pm     Pizzapalooza: Shrimp, Tomato & Greens Pizzetta

2:00 pm New England Candlepins Summer 2023 Show 4

3:00 pm Candlepin New Generation: Show 8

3:30 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Student Athletes Ep 1 06-11-26

4:30 pm Memorial Day 2026

6:00 pm Concerts on the Common: Heartland Radio

9:00 pm Circle of Friends: Seth Glier

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

7:00 am Middle School 7th & 8th Grade Chorus & Orchestra

8:30 am Metrowest Symposium: Sharing Identity on Social Media

9:30 am Middle School Spring Band 06-04-26

11:00 am Washington Street 5th Grade Graduation 2026

1:00 pm Middle School 6th Grade Chorus & Orchestra

3:30 pm FHS Varsity Baseball v Leominster 05-31-26

8:00 pm FHSTC: Curious Case of the Cottingley Fairies

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

8:00 am Zoning Board of Appeals 05-14-26

2:00 pm Zoning Board of Appeals 05-14-26

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: Thursday, June 25, 2026 ???

Thursday, June 25

3:00pm    Library & Senior Center close early

3:00pm Watch Party (Franklin Town Common)

4:00pm Watch Party: Ecuador vs. Germany (Hayward Manor)

5:00pm    Nautilus Center for Mental Health -. Grand Opening/Open House event   (Middlesex Bank building)

7:00pm Watch Party: Tunisia vs Netherlands (Hayward Manor)

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 ***

Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) Meeting

Thursday, June 25 Time: 7:30 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06252026-2359 

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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