Friday, September 11, 2026

Direct Federal Credit Union Launches Direct Impact Checking to Support SAFE Coalition

SAFE Coalition is excited to announce a new partnership with Direct Federal Credit Union as they launch Direct Impact Checking, a checking account that allows members to make a difference simply by using their debit card, at no additional cost to the member. 
Direct Federal Credit Union Launches Direct Impact Checking to Support SAFE Coalition

Through the partnership, everyday purchases made with Direct Impact Checking will help SAFE Coalition offer compassionate, judgment-free support for individuals impacted by substance abuse, mental health challenges, and related concerns.
“Every swipe of a debit card is now a lifeline for someone in our community,” said SAFE CEO Jen Levine. “This program lets people support recovery, mental health, and family services without changing a thing about their daily routine. Direct Federal has stood with SAFE for years, and this takes their commitment somewhere truly new and exciting.”

Through the new checking account, members can select SAFE as the nonprofit they want their everyday banking to support. As they use their Direct Impact Checking debit card, Direct Federal will contribute a percentage toward their chosen nonprofit. 

Additionally, Direct Federal is making a donation with each transaction made with a debit card, putting even more dollars toward SAFE’s mission. 

“SAFE Coalition is a long-time partner of ours and we are thrilled to continue to support their mission through Direct Impact Checking. Now everyday purchases will help support and empower individuals in their road to treatment and recovery,” said Kristen Johnson, Chief Experience Officer for Direct Federal Credit Union

For more than 73 years, Direct Federal has supported the communities it serves throughout Massachusetts. Direct Impact Checking builds on that commitment by connecting everyday financial activity with organizations addressing critical community needs.

In addition to the SAFE Coalition, members can choose to support The Ellie Fund, Greater Boston PFLAG or Raising A Reader Massachusetts.

“Community impact doesn’t always have to start with a major donation,” added Johnson. “We wanted to create a program that makes giving part of something people are already doing. With Direct Impact Checking, members choose the organization that matters to them, and their everyday spending can help move that organization’s mission forward.”

Direct Federal will track and share the program’s community impact as participation grows, including funds generated and stories from the organizations and communities benefiting from the program.

Direct Impact Checking is now available through Direct Federal Credit Union. A launch event will be held at Direct Federal’s Needham location on Thursday, September 24.

To learn more, visit www.direct.com and www.safecoalitionma.org.


ABOUT SAFE
SAFE Coalition serves over 50 communities in Massachusetts with substance use and mental health services that close current gaps in care. With programs for teens, support groups for families impacted by substance use, recovery groups, harm reduction education, resources for families in need like a community diaper bank, housing support, and more, SAFE’s services are judgment-free and cost-free to all.

To learn more about SAFE Coalition, contact us at (508) 488-8105 or info@safecoalitionma.org.

About Direct Federal Credit Union

Direct Federal is a federally insured credit union headquartered in Needham, Massachusetts. Founded in 1953, Direct Federal is committed to helping its members achieve financial well-being while investing in the communities it serves. Through financial education, community partnerships and scholarship programs, Direct Federal has proudly served residents of Middlesex County, Norfolk County and surrounding communities for more than 70 years.

FHS field hockey and volleyball teams post wins on Thursday

Via Instagram, Franklin TV, and our subscription to HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the Fall sports competition for Franklin High School on Thursday, September 10, 2026


Field Hockey = Franklin, 18 @ Milford, 0 – Final

Volleyball = Franklin, 3 @ Milford, 0 – Final


Football = Franklin, 28 @ Wachusett, 35 – Final
Franklin TV video coverage provided courtesy of Wachusetts Regional HS



For other results across the Hockomock League (subscription required)

FHS Panther sports results shared via Twitter & subscription to HockomockSports.com
FHS Panther sports results shared via Twitter & subscription to HockomockSports.com

Franklin Lions schedule annual Trunk or Treat - Saturday, October 24 at FHS

Franklin Lions schedule annual Trunk or Treat - Saturday, October 24 at FHS
Franklin Lions are excited about our annual Trunk or Treat! 

🎃 Saturday October 24th from 4-6pm  at the Franklin High School 
👻 Come in your Halloween costume, see all the trunks on display and get a lot of candy! 🍭 

🦇 We are looking for businesses, organizations and individuals to help us make the event a success. If you are interested in decorating a car for this event, please scan the QR code below or fill out this link: 

💀 See you on Saturday October 24th! Spread the word to family and friends!


Town of Franklin: Now Hiring - Licensed Electrician

Town of Franklin: Now Hiring - Licensed Electrician
Now Hiring: Licensed Electrician

The Town of Franklin is seeking a Licensed Electrician to join the Facilities Department.

💰 $34.43–$39.44/hour + union incentives
📅 Priority deadline: September 18

Read the full job description and learn how to apply: https://buff.ly/kmyKFn6


Once Upon A Town: Indian Rock Riding Park (video)

via Joe Landry:
Once Upon A Town: Indian Rock Riding Park (video)

"Here is the latest episode of "Once Upon A Town" that Scott Mason and I hosted. It is on the Indian Rock Riding Park on East Central Street. We hope you enjoy it."




Chilson Beach: The beach advisory has officially been lifted

Chilson Beach: The beach advisory has officially been lifted
Good news! 

DPH collected two beach water samples one week apart, and cyanobacteria levels are now below DPH guidelines.

✅ The beach advisory has officially been lifted.

Enjoy the water and stay safe! 




Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule for Friday, September 11, 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, September 11, 2026


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)  


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 September 11, 2026

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

8:30 am Frank Presents: Mark Minnichelli
10:00 am Aging Boldfully: Julie Booth
11:00 am Senior Connection: Kitchen Gadgets Pt. 1
12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin: French Toast
12:30 pm Learn to Cook with Linda: Cashew Shrimp
1:30 pm     Pizzapalooza: Meat-Lovers Pt. 2
2:00 pm New England Candlepins Summer 2023 Show 1
3:00 pm Candlepin New Generation: Show 1
3:30 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Pete Smith
4:30 pm Second Sunday Speaker Series: Scott Mason
6:00 pm Franklin 4th: Attleboro School of Rock
9:00 pm Circle of Friends: Susan Werner

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

7:00 am FHS Concert Hour 02-25-26
8:30 am Franklin Matters: Joe Landry YMCA
9:30 am All-Town Band Showcase 2026
11:00 am Arts Advocacy: How-Tos
1:00 pm 25th Anniversary Lions All-State Band
2:30 pm FHS Varsity Football v Leominster 11-07-25
8:00 pm FHSTC: Urinetown

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


8:00 am Zoning Board of Appeals 09-03-26
2:00 pm Zoning Board of Appeals 09-03-26


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
Watch Listen Read all things that matter in Franklin MA

Thursday, September 10, 2026

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Thursday, September 10, 2026 ???

Thursday, September 10


Trash and recycling collection will be delayed one day all week due to the holiday. Those normally on Wednesday, are now scheduled for Thursday , etc.


4:00pm Free Skating Open House (Pirelli Veterans Arena)

5:00pm Wind Phone & new art installed (Franklin Sculpture Park)

6:00pm IEP/504 Caregiver Support Group at SAFE (SAFE Coalition)



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




*** Town Meetings today ***

Bi-County Collaborative - Board of Directors Mtg.

Thursday, September 10 Time: 9:00 AM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09102026-2489 


Municipal Affordable Housing Trust Meeting - CANCELED

Thursday, September 10 Time: 2:00 PM


Cultural District Committee Meeting

Thursday, September 10 Time: 6:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09102026-2471 


Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School Meeting

Thursday, September 10 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09102026-2488 


Conservation Commission Meeting

Thursday, September 10 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09102026-2497



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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


Children's Museum schedules A colorful evening just for grown-ups! - September 18

A Night at the Museum is back on September 18.

Bring your friends. Make it a date night. Get a group together.

Most importantly, come have a ridiculously fun night while supporting Children’s Museum of Franklin. As a nonprofit, nights like this help us continue creating joyful, accessible experiences for kids and families throughout our community.

Children's Museum schedules A colorful evening just for grown-ups! - September 18
🎨 A Night at the Museum: Color Party
📅 September 18, 7:00–10:00 pm
🥂 Adults only
📍 Children’s Museum of Franklin
 
We’re taking over the Museum for a night of food, drinks, music and plenty of fun!

Our theme this year is a Color Party

We invite you to wear your favorite joyful shade – red, orange, yellow, green, blue, or purple – and help us fill the Museum with every color of the rainbow.



SchCmte Policy subcommittee tackles fiscal policies, promotes PROTECT Act item to full committee (exclusive audio)

FM #1817 - This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1817 in the series. 


This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee Policy Subcmte meeting held on Tuesday, September 8, 2026. All 3 members (Dave Callaghan (Chair), Al Charles, Reis Hansen) participated in the session held in the 3rd floor training room. Superintendent Giguere, Dr Tina Rogers, and Dr Bob Dutch also participated.

SchCmte Policy subcommittee tackles fiscal policies, promotes PROTECT Act item to full committee (exclusive audio)

Quick recap:

  • Discussion on the recent release of new model policies, procedures and guidance by the Healey-Driscoll Administration today to help K-12 schools and child care programs respond to civil immigration enforcement, protect confidential information and implement the PROTECT Act ahead of the 2026–2027 school year. The District already had internal procedures covering such circumstances, this release brings it to a policy level with minimal wording changes to agree with the standards. Recommendation to move policy as discussed (include track changes in the doc)for first reading to the Sch Cmte, motion to move second, passes 3-0 

  • Next up a series of fiscal policies and take the opportunity to build out a review of these, esp. since the budget timeline has changed. It will take time to roll through these and make modifications before bringing them to the full committee. They have the time to do so without rushing. The superintendent adds a comment to better clarify the transparency involved discussion around how the community is involved. "greatest educational return." Discussion on the fine line between advocating for school needs vs. recognition of town fiscal funding reality

  • Up for next time; policy on access to school grounds during the school day, encouraging use of the facility outside of school hours, and the freedom to read act is being reviewed to see what policies may be required for update

  • Meeting adjourns, folks move to Chambers for full School Committee meeting


The recording runs about 51 minutes, so let’s listen in.

Audio link - 
https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1817-school-cmte-policy-subcmte-mtg-09-08-26/



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The meeting agenda can be found -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09082026-2485 


My full set of notes taken during the meeting can be found in one PDF ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1IF18b3caQKDgzNkfSalZUMrtwHb2uCQ3/view?usp=drive_link 


Gov Healey’s press release on the guidance that drove the first discussion item

https://www.mass.gov/news/healey-driscoll-administration-releases-new-guidance-to-implement-protect-act-in-schools-and-child-care-programs


School Committee Policy manual - https://www.franklinps.net/o/fpsd/page/policy-manual 


School Committee Subcommittee assignments

https://www.franklinps.net/o/fpsd/page/subcommittees-and-liaisons 


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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"


FHS golf team tops Attleboro on Wednesday

Via Instagram, Franklin TV, and our subscription to HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the Fall sports competition for Franklin High School on Wednesday, September 9, 2026

Golf = Franklin, 150 @ Attleboro, 159 – Final 
– Ben Burgess fired a one-under 34 with a birdie on seven to lead Franklin past Attleboro. Bryce Botelho added a 38, highlighted by an eagle on the sixth hole, while Ayden Doyle and Ethan Helm each carded a 39 with birdies on six and seven, respectively. Tyler Perlman also shot a 39 for the Panthers. Jonathan Wellington led Attleboro with a 39, while Jackson Deyesso, Mark Lehtonen, and Nick Friess each finished with a 40.

For other results across the Hockomock League (subscription required)

FHS Panther sports results shared via Twitter & subscription to HockomockSports.com
FHS Panther sports results shared via Twitter & subscription to HockomockSports.com