What's happening in Franklin, MA: Tuesday, July 28, 2026 ???

Tuesday, July 28

Franklin Lions Clothing Drive active through Aug 22

12:00pm Community Closet (Franklin United Methodist Church)

5:00pm Tuesday Night Cruise (Kings Brick Oven Pizza & Pub)

5:00pm Youth Open Track & Field Check-in (Franklin High School)

6:00pm Youth Open Track & Field meet (Franklin High School)

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

The Franklin Recreation Fall Brochure 2026 is now available !!!

Dear Franklin Recreation Participants,

We are excited to announce that the Franklin Recreation Fall Brochure 2026 is now available !

Our team has put together a fantastic lineup of fall activities, sports, and programs for all ages—from preschool fun and youth sports to adult leagues and creative arts workshops .

Key Registration Details

Registration Opens: Monday, August 3, 2026, at 8:30 AM

How to Register Online: Visit our website at franklinma.myrec.com 

 Program Highlights

Sports & Athletics: Recreation Basketball (Grades K–8), Kids to 5K!, Volleyball, USTA Tennis, Youth Fitness Boxing, and Adult Flag Football

Pickleball Programs: Beginner, Drill & Play, Open Social Play, and Intermediate sessions 

Youth & STEM Programs: Chess Wizards, GameBots Robotics, Snapology Robotics Extravaganza, and Red Cross Babysitting Training

Art Workshops: Painting with Annie (Pop Art Dino, Halloween, Abstract Flower Power, Crescent Owl Moon) .

Preschool Activities: Young Artists, Sports for Tots, Open Play, First Friends, and seasonal themed drop-off classes .

Contact Us

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to our team:

Phone: (508) 613-1666

Email: franklinrecreation@franklinma.gov

Website: www.franklinma.gov/331/recreation

Fall Brochure - https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/10419/Fall-Brochure-2026?bidId=

We look forward to seeing you and your family this fall!

Mitzi and I talk about the Library event highlights for August 2026 (video & audio)

FM #1785 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1785 in the series. 

This session shares my conversation with Mitzi Gousie, Programming and Outreach Librarian with the Franklin Public Library. We had our discussion virtually on Tuesday, July 21, 2026.

 

We talk about 

• Reviewed the regular open hours, book sale and holiday scheduling for the month

• Book sale weekend Aug 14 & Aug 15 

• Library events for August 2026

• In calendar order rather than by category this time around

Registration for those events required should be done through the Town website, Library page. There are nefarious folks trying to convince folks otherwise via Facebook. Be safe, use the official Town and Library pages.

The show notes include links to the Library page and to the calendar of events where registration for some of the events is required/recommended.

The recording runs about 31 minutes, so let’s listen in.

Audio link -  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1785-franklin-ma-library-events-for-august-2026-07-21-26/

Video link - https://youtu.be/E-jp8MOjcxM

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Mitzi Gousie’s email - mgousie@minlib.net 

Franklin Public Library page -  https://www.franklinma.gov/233/Franklin-Public-Library 

Library event calendar - https://www.franklinma.gov/942/Calendar-of-Events 

August 2026 newsletter -  https://myemail.constantcontact.com/August-2026-Franklin-Public-Library-News---Events.html?soid=1142311312837&aid=5J_z2wkCZcU 

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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"

Thinking snow? In July? Town Council approves increase in parking fines during snow storms

"At the July 22 Franklin Town Council meeting, the Council approved increased Winter Storm Overnight Parking Ban fines.

Effective this winter, the following fines will apply to vehicles parked on Town streets during declared winter storm overnight parking bans:

• 1st offense: $100
• 2nd offense: $200
• 3rd & subsequent offenses: $300

Keeping streets clear helps snowplows and emergency vehicles travel safely."

Shared from - https://www.instagram.com/p/DbTrC75lMit/?

Agenda item for 7/22/26 Town Council meeting

e. Bylaw Amendment 26-953: A Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 170, Article X: Winter Storm Overnight Parking Ban - Second Reading (Motion to Approve Bylaw Amendment 26-- Majority Roll Call Vote)

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/10272/12e-26-953-Fines-Increase

• Vote on the motion, passed by 8-1 vote (Morrongiello voted no)

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

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

'Our country is the mission': more than 100 ex-Nasa astronauts launch new voting campaign

via The Guardian:

"Orbiting 250 miles above the US in the international space station, astronaut Cady Coleman did not look down and see red or blue states, sanctuary cities or communities occupied by thousands of federal immigration enforcement agents in camouflage uniforms and automatic weapons.

What she saw was a single land, from Pacific to Atlantic, no borders or partitions, just a united America, and a population valuing its equality while convinced that what brought them together was far greater than anything that divided them.

It is that unique perspective, witnessed only by a few hundred people in history, that led Coleman and dozens of other retired Nasa colleagues to form Astronauts for America, a non-partisan advocacy group of fellow space explorers.

Launched, pun intended, to coincide with the 2026 semiquincentennial of the US, the out-of-this-world alliance wants to restore faith in, and support of, the country’s constitutional democracy. It seeks to encourage politicians and the public to commit to the principles of the constitution itself, something its members believe has fallen into a sort of a black hole in recent months and years."

Continue reading the article via this shared link - 

 https://www.theguardian.com/science/2026/jul/27/nasa-astronauts-for-america-voting-campaign?CMP=share_btn_url

FREE Choking Response Training for the Franklin, MA community - August 20

The Franklin Health Department is offering a FREE Choking Response Training for our community, and we'd appreciate your help spreading the word!

This 1-hour educational class will teach participants how to recognize and respond to choking emergencies involving adults, children, and infants. Attendees will also have the opportunity to practice back blows and abdominal/chest thrusts.

Training Details:

📅 Thursday, August 20, 2026

🕒 3:00–4:00 PM

📍 EOC Classroom

Franklin Fire Headquarters

40 West Central St.

Franklin, MA

Registration:

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0945ACAF2EAAF9C25-64838129-first

This class is FREE to attend. 

Please note that it is for educational purposes only and does not include First Aid or CPR certification.

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm Schedule for Tuesday, July 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:

wfpr.fm Schedule for Tuesday, Franklin Public Radio

Tuesday

SAFE Radio – Jim Derick and Dr. Anne Bergen Addressing issues of Drug Abuse Disorder 

Jazz Journey – with Pamela Hines - An insightful tour of Jazz Greats in a golden era

Franklin Public Radio wfpr.fm Schedule for Tuesday

Franklin TV schedule for Tuesday, July 28, 2026 (Your local Public, Education & Government "PEG" station)

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

7:30 am     Aging Agenda: Brian Maxfield, CFP

9:00 am Arts Advocacy: How-Tos

10:00 am Frank Presents: Bob Jubinville

11:00 am Celebrate with Pride 2026

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

12:30 pm Learn to Cook with Linda: Chicken Piccata Meatballs

1:30 pm      Pizzapalooza: Black Bean, Roasted Pepper & Garlic Pizzetta

2:00 pm New England Candlepins Summer 2023 Show 7

3:00 pm Candlepin New Generation: Show 10

3:30 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Pete Smith

4:30 pm Vera Meyer: Glass Armonica

5:30 pm ArtWeek: Ed Iannuccilli

6:30 pm Jon Mitchell & Randy LaRosa: 12-Tone Music

7:30 pm Once Upon A Town: The Rome Block

9:00 pm 4th of July 2026: GQ & The Lady

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

7:00 am FHS Concert Hour 02-25-26

10:30 am Arts Advocacy: How-Tos

11:30 am Middle School Spring Band 06-04-26

1:00 pm FHS Varsity Softball v Sharon 05-04-26

3:00 pm FHS Graduation 2026

7:00 pm All-Town Chorus & Orchestra 2026

9:00 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Pete Smith

10:00 pm FHSTC: Peter and the Starcatcher

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

8:00 am School Committee 06-23-26

11:30 am Economic Development 07-23-26

2:00 pm School Committee 06-23-26

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

Franklin Legion Post 75 Senior League State Tourrney game today - July 27 at 7 PM

IT’S GAMEDAY! 

Join us back at Fino Field for Day 3 of the Massachusetts State Tournament! First Game is at 1pm where Milford Legion Baseball will play their third game of the tournament against Leominster.

✔️ Stay tuned on social media for our daily schedule for pregame coverage and post game scores!!

✔️Follow tournament standings on Game Changer app. Final 8 Senior MA 

For our own Milford game coverage: 

🎤 MyFM 101.3

📺 MyFM 101.3 To watch live, MyFm YouTube channel:

https://www.youtube.com/@myfm1013

📺 Milford TV Comcast 6, Verizon 40 + HD2140

Stream: youtube.com/mymilfordtv

#fun #baseball 

Graphic credit to interns Bryson Parsons and Ashley Lester

DPW: Scheduled Water Shut-Off in the Union Street and Delta Drive area on Tuesday, July 28, 2026

Please spread the word! Water shut-off tomorrow, Tuesday, July 28, 2026 in the Union Street and Delta Drive area. Affected homes have been notified via door hangers.

Thank you for your patience and please plan accordingly.

Shared from - https://www.franklinma.gov/m/newsflash/home/detail/173

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Monday, July 27, 2026 ???

Monday, July 27

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 ***

Franklin Agricultural Committee Meeting

Monday, July 27 Time: 7:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_07272026-2425 

Planning Board Meeting - Cancelled

Monday, July 27 Time: 7:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_07272026-2415 

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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

One error corrected, one still being worked

Date Error Acknowledged: 

The Sunday edition (7/26) of the Franklin Matters newsletter shared for the 2nd time an invite to the annual open meeting and block party at the Franklin TV studi. 

The time of day on Saturday is good but the date was wrong, it is not scheduled for August 22. It is scheduled for August 29. 

• The prior posts on the FM page have been corrected
• The Facebook posts have been corrected
• Additional reminders will include the proper date (August 29)
• The community calendar has been updated with the proper date (August 29)

Radio Streaming Service offline:

The streaming service for Franklin Public Radio, wfpr.fm, which is usually available 7 by 24 by 365 is offline. The technical issue is being worked. Hopefully, it won't be too much longer before it is resolved.

The broadcast on the local area FM band to 102.9 is not affected by the outage, only the streaming srvice is.

Franklin Post 75 is hosting the American Legion State Junior Baseball tournament - Aug 1 to Aug 5, 2026

Franklin Post 75 is hosting the American Legion State Junior (under 17) Baseball tournament this year. 

The Playoffs will begin on August 1st and run thru August 5 at Franklin High School field. 

There will be 3 or 4 games per day, until a state champion is determined, who will then go on to play in regionals and national playoffs. 

This is the first time Franklin has hosted a state tournament.

Additional details can be found on the Legion Baseball page - https://www.masslegionbb.org/home

Economic Development Subcommittee discuss new growth with Board of Assessors (audio)

FM #1784 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1784 in the series. 

The Economic Development Subcommittee met on Thursday, June 23, 2026 as scheduled. Committee Chair LeBlanc, members Morrongiello, Malloy were present for this session, Griffith was absent.

Quick recap:

• Director of Assessors Kevin Doyle read a prepared statement for the record outlining the assessment process

• Questions from the committee members

• the focus of the discussion on new growth is due to its impact on the financial revenue available above 2.5% (and the levy limit)

• really to better understand the valuation process and how to make improvements as possible

• question on a possible timeline for a permit through to the assessment and re-evaluation; response included mention of a subscription to aerial photos of the Town 3x during the year to help identify what is happening around Town, trying to get an answer on an avg time line but it is not forthcoming

• the two approaches for commercial valuations come within 5-10% plus or minus of each other; course 101 from the Dept of Revenue provides the basics

• 2 properties in the same neighborhood should calculate to the same, based upon the tables (I.e. property card records) and MA process

• is there an audit to see that we are covering what should be? Effectively, no - audits wouldn't necessarily be fair and equitable for all

• question about the Senior means exemption, will get the info asked for

• question on an ownership change, if the new owner transaction brings that amount into new growth, does that really overstate our assessed value? as the old owner's assessed value goes away from the total assessed value? or does it? We understand the question, we need to get back to you on the right answer

• Another example - residence valued at $900k, renovation of $40k, new assessed value comes at $1M but the $100k increase is 'only' $14k of new growth and the balance is the market value; Answer: don't confuse the market value with the cost of the renovation, it is not a straight linear line

The meeting runs about 1 hour 45 minutes. 

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1784-economic-development-subcmte-mtg-07-23-26/

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Franklin TV video is available for replay - https://www.youtube.com/live/PJlxSRZebX0?&t=91 

The meeting agenda and released documents - https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_07232026-2422 

My full set of notes captured in the meeting

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1E5RSt7sJdi_34C3soFiPJHoNlikm8ioc/view?usp=drive_link 

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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

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit www.franklin.news/ or  www.Franklinmatters.org/ 

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!

------------------

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"