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 ***

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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

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

Follow us on Facebook at St John’s Episcopal Church

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:

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

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 August 28, 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: Jason Poulos

10:00 am Aging Boldfully: Julie Booth

11:00 am Senior Connection: Disabilities Commission

12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin: Taquitos

12:30 pm Learn to Cook with Linda: Sticky Buns

1:30 pm     Pizzapalooza: Meat-Lovers Pt. 1

2:00 pm New England Candlepins Summer 2023 Show 8

3:00 pm Candlepin New Generation: Show 11

3:30 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Shaun Hart Pt 1

4:30 pm Second Sunday Speaker Series: Peter Glass

6:00 pm Franklin 4th: 2 Guys Who Like Sharks

9:00 pm Circle of Friends: Vance Gilbert

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

7:00 am Middle School Spring Band 06-04-26

8:30 am Historical Museum: Randy LaRosa and Krishna Swain

9:30 am Lifelong Music: Strings School 01-22-25

11:00 am Arts Advocacy: Fundraising

1:00 pm Cultural Council: BT ALC Big Band

3:30 pm FHS Varsity Football v Wachusett 09-12-25

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 08-06-26

11:00 am Economic Development 08-04-26

2:00 pm Zoning Board of Appeals 08-06-26

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, August 27, 2026 ???

Thursday, August 27 

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

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 ***

Pole Petition Hearing

Thursday, August 27 Time: 10:00 AM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08272026-2460 

Conservation Commission Meeting * Council Chambers

Thursday, August 27 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08272026-2473 

250th Anniversary Celebration Committee Meeting * 3rd Floor Trng Room

Thursday, August 27 Time: 7:00 PM

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

* both agendas initally called for their meetings to be in the 3rd floor training room. Per email with TOwn official this AM, Conservation will be held in the Council Chambers

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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

Franklin SEPAC schedules "Popsicles on the Playground" September 11

We’re so excited for this! 💕 

Come join Franklin SEPAC* for a relaxed afternoon of popsicles, play, and connection! This is a chance for our families to meet one another, let the kids have some fun, and start building our SEPAC community. Siblings are absolutely welcome!

🍦 Friday, September 11 at 3:30 PM

📍 Nason Street Playground

We’d love to see you there! 

Please RSVP so we know you’re coming. RSVP here:

https://partiful.com/e/yUZrYm20OCRjVZMaMpRC?c=-3gLwvg_

Special Education Parents Advisory Council (SEPAC)*

Town of Franklin Early & Mail Ballots Received as of August 26, 2026

Per Town Clerk Nancy Danello, as of close of business Wednesday, August 26, 2026:

Primary ballots mailed:    4220

Ballots returned:               2368    

a 56% return for the mailed ballots

Early votes cast:        238

Early and mailed votes received:    2606

Click for more info about voting in Franklin, MA

Chasity & Jillian fill us in on what's coming up at the Senior Center in September (audio)

FM #1803 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1803 in the series. 

This session shares my conversation with Chasity Cheng, Deputy Director and Jillian Rochat, Activities Coordinator. We had our discussion in the Franklin Senior Center on Wednesday, August 19, 2026.

 

We talk about 

• All the key event highlights for Sept 2026

• Change in fitness class on Tue/Thu to ensure safety of participants, limited to first 35 

• Senior Center Yard Sale - Saturday, Sept 12

• Nominations for Stella Jeon Silver Spirit Award close Sept 22

• First Senior Center Art Gallery - Sep 24

• Senior Expo scheduled for Oct 2, programs canceled for the afternoon of Oct 1 to prepare for the Expo

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 41 minutes, so let’s listen in.

Audio link -  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1803-franklin-senior-center-sept-2026-event-highlights-08-19-26/

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To sign up for the Senior Center Art Gallery contact Jillian Rochet at  508-528-4945 or via email at jrochat@franklinma.gov 

September 2026 newsletter -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/10676/September-2026-Newsletter?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/ 

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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"

PUBLIC HEALTH ADVISORY – Beaver Pond (Chilson Beach) - A Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB)

A Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) has been detected.

🚫 Do not swim, boat, or jet ski

🚫 Do not swallow the water or eat fish

🐾 Keep pets away

🧼 Rinse off after contact

For more information visit:  🌐 www.mass.gov/dph/algae