Thursday, April 23, 2026

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

Thursday, April 23


10:00am April Break Youth Lacrosse Clinic (Beaver Pond Recreation Area)

3:00pm Back to Life: Youth Theater Project (SAFE Coalition)

7:00pm Franklin Fathers Wine Tasting (Pour Richard's Wine & Provisions)

7:30pm Dance Company (Dean College Main Stage Theater)



For Library events -> 
For additional details on Senior Center events ->   

Note: Senior Center checking on why their events are suddenly being shown as "All Day". You can use the monthly newsletter for specific program/event times



***  Town Meetings today   ***

GATRA Regional Public Meeting

Thursday, April 23 Time: 2:30 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04232026-2243 


Conservation Commission Meeting

Thursday, April 23 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Item/589?fileID=8914 


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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

Join this year's Jane's Walk for conversation and reflection with neighbors! - May 2 at 10 AM

Join Building Equitable Neighborhoods (BEN) for Franklin on Saturday, May 2nd for our fourth annual walking discussion of downtown Franklin! The event is part of an international series in memory of social activist and placemaker Jane Jacobs.

Join this year's Jane's Walk for conversation and reflection with neighbors! - May 2
Join this year's Jane's Walk for conversation and reflection with neighbors! - May 2

The ~1.5 hour tour will begin at 10:30 AM from the Franklin TV studio (43 Hutchinson St, Franklin, MA). Parking available.

map of the walk, heading clockwise
map of the walk, heading clockwise

All are welcome, including pets and wheels!
Join us for refreshments and continued discussion after the walk!
This year, we will be joined by regional planning professionals from Congress for a New Urbanism (CNU) New England!

FY 2027 Budget Narrative: Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA)

From the Town Administrator's FY 2027 Budget narrative, each department's story is worth sharing.


General Purpose

The Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) is a Town board that conducts public hearings for variances, special permits and comprehensive permits.

Core Functions

Schedules public hearings for the property owners in Franklin to decide a device that appeals our Zoning Bylaws

Staffing

Three (3) Elected Volunteer Board Members.
Two (2) Elected Volunteer Associate Members.

Strategic Initiatives & Accomplishments

The ZBA has handled all the public hearings and will continue to do so.
There are several new members that have been appointed in recent months.

FY27 Requested Budget Highlights

The ZBA’s budget has been reduced due to the elimination of the requirement to publish legal notices in the newspaper.



Lauren makes the case for how Brightlight Business Co can help (audio)

FM #1722 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1722 in the series. 


Brightlight Business Co
Brightlight Business Co
This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Lauren Mottley, owner of Brightlight Business Co. We had our conversation in person at the Franklin TV & Radio Studios on Monday, April 20, 2026. 


We cover the following topics

  • Lauren’s “Franklin story”

  • How the “Brightlight” name came to be

  • How the company is positioned to help

  • How to get started


The conversation runs about 41 minutes. Let’s listen in

Audio - 
https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1722-brightlight-business-co-04-20-26/


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Brightlight Business Co - https://brightlightbusinessco.com/ 


Brightlight business LinkedIn page - linkedin.com/company/brightlight-business-co 


Brightlight Instagram page - https://www.instagram.com/brightlight_businessco/ 



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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!

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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"


45th Anniversary Lions All-State Band (video)



The Franklin TV recording of the 45th Anniversary Lions All-State Band performance on Monday, April 20, 2026 is available for viewing.




Franklin Public Library: Special Events for Kids & Families - May 2026

Special Events for Kids & Families

Wind Phone Pebble Paint w/ Cultural District, Saturday, May 2 @ 10am
Come join us for a creative and meaningful afternoon as we paint pebbles for our community “rock garden,” a space that will live beside the upcoming WindPhone installation at Franklin Sculpture Park, set to debut in late May. Led by Franklin Artist Amy Adams, this is a chance for kids and adults alike to see how the smallest gesture can inspire moments of empathy. All are welcome for this free activity! Just bring your creativity and an open heart. No registration required.


Plush Pet Adoption Day! May 2 @ 1pm
Come adopt a reading buddy at the library! Decorate a collar, make an adoption certificate, and enjoy a dog-themed storytime with your new best friend! No registration required.

Science Night, Wednesday, May 6 @ 5:30pm
Families - join our awesome teen volunteers for a special science night! No registration required.

Petite Picassos! Monday, May 11 @ 4pm
Registration Required
Join Miss Lily and create a step-by-step painting of a beautiful bouquet! This paint party is a great fit for children ages 6 through 12. All materials provided.

Pen To Picture! Saturday, May 16 @ 1pm
Join us as we welcome award-winning illustrator, author, and artist Colleen AF Venable to Franklin! Hear all about her creative process and participate in interactive breakout sessions. Photo ops and book signings will be available too. No registration required.

Sensory Storytime, May 16 & May 30 @ 3pm
Sensory Storytime is designed for children who thrive in a low-stimulating environment. Kids can enjoy sensory bins, relaxing story times, gentle stretching, and other calming activities! This program offers a slower pace and supportive space where every child can feel safe, relaxed, and included. This program occurs every other Saturday starting May 16th. No registration required.

Melodious Zach: An Elton John Experience, Saturday, May 23 @ 3pm
Hear the stories and songs of Elton John in this historical jaunt through Elton’s music. Featuring early songs like “Skyline Pigeon,” hits like “Crocodile Rock,” “Hakuna Matata,” and more recent tunes like “I Want Love.” No registration required.

Hairstyling Workshop for Grown-Ups & Kiddos! Saturday, May 30 @ 1pm
Come to the library for a special hairstyling workshop! Learn to do a few special styles on your kiddo’s hair, and leave with a kit to continue building your skills at home. No registration required.

Petite Prom! Saturday, May 30 @ 2pm
Get dressed up and join the library for our very first petite prom! Music, snacks, dancing, and an epic prom photobooth! No registration required.

From Friends of the Franklin Library

Additional Passes Now Available for The Butterfly Place
Due to this pass's popularity in Franklin Library's museum pass program the Friends were delighted to purchase additional passes for Franklin residents to enjoy. The Butterfly Place is open through October 13th this year and passes can be reserved up to 30 days in advance. Check out The Butterfly Place's website to plan your visit! 

Friends Annual Meeting, Tuesday, June 16 @ 7pm
At our Annual Meeting, we will review the past year’s activities and finances, discuss pending business, and elect members for our Board of Directors. If you would like to learn more about getting involved with the Friends, including joining the Board, please join us for our next regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, May 12 at 7pm and/or email fofl02038@gmail.com for more information. New Friends are always welcome!

Get the full schedule - on the Library website - https://www.franklinma.gov/m/newsflash/home/detail/126

Local News Fact Sheet | Pew Research Center = "21% of Americans say they follow local news very closely"

"The landscape of local news in the United States has changed significantly in recent decades as Americans have been turning away from print and television and toward digital media. This fact sheet examines Americans’ experiences and preferences when it comes to local news, from data starting in 2016.

The fact sheet is part of the Pew-Knight Initiative, a research program funded jointly by The Pew Charitable Trusts and the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation.

Attention to local news
Attention to local news has declined since 2016, mirroring trends in attention to national news and news in general. In 2025, 21% of Americans say they follow local news very closely, down from 37% in 2016."

One of the many charts in this fact sheet



When "21% of Americans say they follow local news very closely", this will help explain why we see the low turnout of registered votes in local elections.


Quattro Eroi Lodge #1414 - 100th Anniversary Pasta Dinner - May 17

Quattro Eroi Lodge #1414 - 100th Anniversary Pasta Dinner - May 17
Quattro Eroi Lodge #1414 - 100th Anniversary
Pasta Dinner - May 17
"The Quattro Eroi Lodge's celebratory dinner will be held on May 16, 2026 at 6:00 PM at the VFW Hall, 1034 Pond St. The dinner will be catered by Oliva's in Milford and includes pasta, meatballs, salad, bread as well as coffee and dessert. Drinks will be available at the VFW bar.

Tickets are $20 ($15 for members and $10 for children under 12). They can be obtained by sending a check made out to Quattro Eroi Lodge to 1 Toni Ln, Franklin, MA 02038 and tickets will be mailed to you.

In addition to the dinner, there will be a raffle of at least 17 baskets of goodies and a short presentation honoring the "4 heroes" for which the Lodge is named. They are: Emilio Daddario, Alfred Mucciarone, Alessandro Patete, and Patrick Ristaiino.

Rep. Jeff Roy, Town Council Chair Bob Dellorco, and Norfolk County Commissioner Richard Staiti will present citations in honor of the 100th anniversary of the Lodge.

It promises to be a fun evening with great food, nice prizes, good conversation and interesting people!"


Franklin Girls Softball Opening Day - Saturday, April 25

Franklin Girls Softball Opening Day - Saturday, April 25
Franklin Girls Softball Opening Day - Saturday, April 25


Line Dance Night returns May 7 to La Cantina Winery

JOIN THE FUN On LINE DANCE NIGHT
Line Dance Night returns May 7 to La Cantina Winery
Line Dance Night returns May 7 to La Cantina Winery

Easy Steps • Great Music • Good Vibes
With Becca 

Whether you’re a beginner or just love to move,
our line dance classes are for everyone!

THIS IS AN 18+ EVENT


📅 May 7, 2026
🕖 Workshop: 7:00–8:00 PM  $10  https://lacantinawinery.square.site/
🕺 Open Dance Floor: 8:00–9:30 PM  FREE

📍 La Cantina Winery

Grab your friends, put on your boots, and let’s dance the night away! 


Franklin Public Radio wfpr.fm schedule for Thursday, April 23, 2026

Yes, Franklin has it's own radio station -> wfpr.fmFranklin 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
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)


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)"  
  • This week's Turntable Show features Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young's "4 Way Street" double live album and Vibe CSNY playlist. 4 Way Street is a live album Released April 7, 1971 - the live recordings presented were taken from shows at the Fillmore East (New York City) on June 2 through June 7, 1970; The Forum (Los Angeles, California) on June 26 through June 28, 1970; and the Auditorium Theatre (Chicago, Illinois) on July 5, 1970.  
  •  Enjoy two hours of the amazing CSNY album 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 Thursday, April 23, 2026 (Your local Public, Education & Government "PEG" station)

  • Franklin All Access TV - Our Public Access Channel (Comcast 6, Verizon 26) = THURSDAY
9:30 am Second Sunday Speaker Series: Nathan Wales
11:33 am Cooking Thyme: Fish
12:03 pm Brook'n'Cookin: Taquitos
12:35 pm Cooking with Linda: Italian Sausage
1:30 pm     Pizzapalooza: Margherita Pizza
2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Summer '19 Show 2
3:00 pm Candlepin New Generation: Show 4
3:30 pm Aging Boldfully: Jenn Goebel
4:30 pm Veterans' Call: Lauren Turner
5:30 pm The Black Box: Beth Leavel
7:00 pm Frank Presents: Djuna Perkins
8:00 pm Jon Mitchell & Randy LaRosa: 12-Tone Music
9:00 pm Circle of Friends: Joe Jencks

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

8:00 am Middle School Winter Music: 2025: Band
12:00 pm FHS Concert Hour 02-25-26
2:00 pm United Methodist Church: Lola Richardson
3:00 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Referee Shortage 2
5:30 pm FHS Varsity Softball v North Attleboro 04-08-26
7:30 pm Rec Basketball:7th & 8th Grade Boys 03-07-26
9:00 pm Franklin Footlighters: High School Musical Jr.

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


8:00 am Conservation Commission 04-09-26
2:00 pm Conservation Commission 04-09-26
7:00 pm Conservation Commission  CHAMBERS  839 0193 9406


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