What's happening in Franklin, MA: Wednesday, July 15, 2026 ???

Wednesday, July 15

11:00am Franklin Q&A (Franklin Senior Center & remote)

12:00pm Adolescent Wellness Summer Drop-In Hours (SAFE Coalition)

1:00pm "Where's the Toast?" Memory Cafe (Franklin Senior Center)

6:30pm Bingo night (Kings Brick Oven Pizza & Pub)

6:30pm Franklin Elks Bingo Night (Franklin Elks Lodge #2136)

7:00pm Smarty Pants Trivia (Raillery Public House)

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 ***

Communication Subcommittee Meeting

Wednesday, July 15 Time: 6:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_07152026-2412 

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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 Rotary Club of Franklin MA awards scholarships to 4 local students with a Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) Conference held on June 26-28, 2026

The Rotary Club of Franklin MA is proud to announce that they have awarded four scholarships to this year’s Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) Conference held on June 26th -28th. The lucky scholarship winners are Chloe Bowser, Sunny Yuan, Shreedhar Rao and Saanvi Reddy.

“We selected these candidates based on their good citizenship characteristics, and their powerful desire to attend and benefit from the Rotary RYLA conference.” said Diane Padula, Rotary President, RYLA Committee Chairperson and RYLA Volunteer. 

The chosen students were among the almost two hundred Massachusetts high school sophomores who attended this year’s RYLA Conference. RYLA is an intensive 3-day, 2-overnight leadership training program, designed to foster personal growth and team building through seminars and outdoor activities, at Fitchburg State, with a Family Reception, and Closing Ceremony.

Rotary also congratulates Syed Azhar, one of last year’s RYLA scholarship recipients, who was invited back this year to serve as a Group Facilitator. The Rotary District 7910 RYLA Committee selected him for his leadership skills, dedication to RYLA, and service as current president of Rotary Interact. His application stood out among many from former RYLA attendees across Massachusetts. During the weekend, Azhar led a group of five to seven RYLA participants.

RYLA concentrates on developing the leadership potential of young men and women, and features thought-provoking events including interactive Leadership Labs, exciting guest speakers, and challenging mental and physical activities that provided the participants with a chance to excel amongst and with their peers. Topics included decision-making, critical thinking, communicating effectively, ethics, and public service.

Congratulations from the Rotary Club of Franklin MA to this year’s scholarship winners and their families! 

We will be seeking rising Junior’s and notifying school counselors in January 2027. If anyone interested in learning more about how their student can become a RYLAn 2027, reach out to: RotaryClubfranklinmarotary.org or RYLA 2027, visit http://www.ryla7910.org/ or contact: Diane Padula, RYLA Chair at rotarycluboffranklinma@gmail.com . 

Horace Mann Legacy Subcommittee begins to coalesce around their work plan

FM #1778 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1778 in the series. 

This session shares the exclusive audio from the Horace Mann Legacy Subcommittee Meeting held on Monday, July 13, 2026. The meeting was held in the 3rd floor training room. 

 

The recording runs about 62 minutes, so let’s listen in.

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1778-horace-mann-legacy-mtg-07-13-26/

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Meeting agenda 

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_07132026-2401 

My notes in one PDF 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/11J-yJbzxMfv9e7G0IOUHFQ_Ouj6Q5xY9/view?usp=drive_link 

Horace Mann trifold used beginning at Strawberry Stroll

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1KfKvOLhuXlzlor53vvErcTONj-6FFk24/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

• 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"

Franklin Senior Center's Supportive Day Program is accepting new participants

Living with early-stage dementia doesn't mean the journey has to be faced alone.

The Franklin Senior Center's Supportive Day Program provides a welcoming space where participants can enjoy meaningful friendships, engaging activities, gentle exercise, and cognitive stimulation in a safe and supportive environment.

For caregivers, it also offers valuable time to work, attend appointments, run errands, or simply take a well-deserved break—knowing their loved one is in caring hands.

✨ Now accepting new participants

📅 Monday–Friday

🕘 9:00 AM–3:00 PM

If you think this program may be a good fit for you or someone you love, we'd be happy to answer your questions or schedule a tour.

📞 508-520-4945

💜 Please share this post—you never know who may be looking for this kind of support.

Shared from - https://www.instagram.com/p/Dax6y0HljXp/

Best wishes to the Food Pantry Falmouth Road Race Team

via Franklin Food Pantry

"We are incredibly grateful to this year’s Pantry Race Team as they prepare for the Falmouth Road Race on August 16!

(L-R) Chris, Jack, Leila, Michael, Catherine, Jim, Oona, Captain Amber

Shoutout to Team Captain Amber, Michael, Catherine, Jack, Chris, Leila, Oona, and Jim, who are hitting the pavement to help feed our community.

100% of their fundraising efforts directly support the Franklin Food Pantry and our neighbors in need. Please help them reach their fundraising goal!

Click here to back the team and make a donation today. https://bit.ly/4vwRSJh

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/1JudRnw8Ts/

FHS boys soccer fund raiser at La Cantina, Weds, Aug 26

shared from -  ttps://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BgDw7uF72/

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm Schedule for Wednesday, July 15, 2026

Yes, Franklin has it's own radio station -> wfpr.fm. Franklin Public Radio introduced a brand new schedule early in 2025 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 Wednesday

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 my conversation with Mitzi Gousie as we talk about the event highlights for July 2026 at the Library    https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/07/mitzi-fills-us-in-on-all-that-is.html

9:00 AM, 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM  The Wonderful World of Wine – Mark Lenzi, Kim Simone  All about wine, its culture, lore and finer points.    (repeats Saturday at 1 PM)  

• This segment features Episode 319 - Wine Digital Marketing With Molly Bossardt   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/07/the-wonderful-world-of-wine-www-episode.html
   

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 Wednesday, July 15, 2026 (Your local Public, Education & Government "PEG" station)

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

7:30 am     Arts Advocacy: Fundraising

8:30 am Franklin Art Association: Katie Kindilien

10:00 am Metrowest FanZone: Groovestone

11:30 am Cooking Thyme: Lobstah

12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin': Peppers

12:30 pm Learn to Cook with Linda: Broccoli Salad

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

2:00 pm New England Candlepins Summer 2023 Show 6

3:00 pm Candlepin New Generation: Show 9

3:30 pm ArtWeek: Theater in the Open

4:00 pm Aging Agenda Episode 1

4:30 pm Strawberry Stroll 2026

6:00 pm 4th of July 2025: Two Guys Who Like Sharks

8:30 pm Franklin Cultural Council: Pamela Means

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

8:30 am FHS Chamber Music 04-08-26

10:00 am SAFE Coalition: The Hamlins

11:00 am Lincoln Street 5th Grade Graduation 2026

3:30 pm Tri County Graduation 05-28-26

5:15 pm     25th Anniversary Lions All-State Band

7:00 pm FHS Varsity Baseball v Attleboro 04-13-26

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

8:00 am Town Council 06-17-26

1:00 pm Town Council 06-17-26

6:00 pm Communications Subcommittee  CHAMBERS  811 0022 1126

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: Tuesday, July 14, 2026 ???

Tuesday, July 14

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

Where's the Toast?! Memory Cafe scheduled for Wednesday, July 15 at 1 PM

Good morning,

On behalf of the Franklin Senior Center, we would like to extend an invitation to our July 15 Where's the Toast?! Memory Cafe.

Memory cafés offer a safe, judgment-free space to connect, socialize, and enjoy meaningful activities together, emphasizing companionship, creativity, and shared experiences. For individuals living with dementia, memory cafés help reduce isolation and foster a sense of belonging. For caregivers, they provide encouragement, understanding, and the chance to connect with others who truly support them.

Whether you come for conversation, laughter, music, or simply to be among supportive community members, you are welcome just as you are.

We hope you’ll join us and be part of a community built on connection, dignity, and joy.  Please RSVP to Amanda Rabbitt at arabbitt@franklinma.gov so we are ready to welcome you to the program!

Sincerely,

Amanda Rabbitt

Amanda S. Rabbitt

Supportive Day Program and 

Special Project Coordinator

Tax Work Off Liaison

10 Daniel McCahill St

Franklin, Massachusetts 02038-1352

Senior Story Hour - WFPR: Episode 103 - Stephen King, Thoughts, Interruption to a Journey, The Common Cold, The Power of Positivity, and much more

In this episode, the Franklin Senior Center Writers Group shares stories, poems, and writings about Stephen King and stories inspired by him, a poem on thoughts, a reading of the poem Interruption to a Journey, Bob shares the conclusion to his play about the common cold, Bo shares his sermon on the power of positivity, Helen shares the first part of her children's story Danny's Old Car Mystery, and a true story.

Audio link - https://senior-scribblers.captivate.fm/episode/episode-103-stephen-king-thoughts-interruption-to-a-journey-the-common-cold-the-power-of-positivity-and-much-more

Senior Story Hour - WFPR = The Franklin Senior Center Writer's Group

Steve Sherlock hosts The Franklin Senior Center Writer's Group for a monthly reading of short stories, essays, poetry and more. 

Find more episodes here (or on your favorite podcast app) ->  https://senior-scribblers.captivate.fm/episodes

Mathnasium Franklin schedules a Math Night at the Bellingham Library - July 27

Math Night is coming to the Bellingham Library! 🎉

Join us on July 27th from 4 to 5 PM for an afternoon of math fun, games, and prizes. Open to all children in Bellingham, Franklin and surrounding areas who want to boost their math skills and confidence!

Don’t miss out—bring a friend and get ready to win some awesome prizes! 🏆✨

Please register: https://bellinghamlibrary.assabetinteractive.com/calendar/math-night-with-mathnaseum-with-mathnaseum

Visit the Mathnasium Franklin webpage for additional info on services offered - https://www.mathnasium.com/math-centers/franklinma

Rise Up group scheduled to meet Saturday, July 18 at 10 AM

Good morning,

Rise Up is this week and we are excited to see you!

We are enjoying social time this month to catch up and hear what's going on in each other's lives. Plus, share ideas for future activities!

Date: Saturday, July 18

Time: 10:00 AM

Location: Franklin United Methodist Church

82 West Central St, Franklin, MA 02038

Parking: On the left side of the building

Entrance: On the left side of the building (choice of ramp or stairs)

Restrooms: There is a handicap accessible restroom.

Outline:

• open social time
• introductions
• group social time
• announcements and wrap-up

If you have any additional questions or needs, please reply or call me at (508) 455-5687 by Wednesday this week. You may also use that phone number to call or text me Saturday morning if you need any guidance.

See you there!

Ali Rheaume

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This one-hour social meet-up is intended to be a safe space for:

• individuals navigating life with disability to meet others they can relate with
• community partners to learn more about the population and share resources
• support persons to meet other support persons

For additional information about this event, please visit ->  https://alirheaume.com/rise-up

The Franklin Food Pantry is hiring to meet the rising need of the community

Via the Franklin Food Pantry newsletter:

"We're Hiring! Join The Pantry's Operations Team

Demand for food assistance in our community is at an all-time high, and we are working hard to continuously meet that rising need. To support our growing operations and ensure we can get more food to more people, we are looking to hire two paid positions:

Program Expansion Manager: This role will support our new expansion initiatives aimed at increasing access for individuals and families across our community.

Support Services Coordinator: This role will support the daily operations of The Pantry through active, hands-on work and closely collaborate with our wonderful team of volunteers.

If you are interested in either position, please review the job descriptions by clicking on the links above and emailing a cover letter and resume to Lisa Ryan, Star HR Consulting, lisa@starhrconsulting.com."