What's happening in Franklin, MA: Thursday, August 6, 2026 ???

Thursday, August 6

Franklin Lions Clothing Drive active through Aug 22   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/07/the-franklin-lions-conducting-clothing.htmlcloth

6:00pm Candidate Jason Poulos meet & greet (Franklin TV and Radio 102.9 FM)

 

6:30pm LGBTQ Alliance Picnic  (DelCarte Recreation and Conservation Area)

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 Commission on Disability Meeting

Thursday, August 6 Time: 4:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08062026-2427 

Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School Meeting

Thursday, August 6 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08062026-2431 

ZBA Meeting

Thursday, August 6 Time: 7:30 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08062026-2429 

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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

Reminder: Sunday Speaker on Charles William Sweeney & Franklin's connections to the bombing of Nagasaki

via Franklin Historical Museum

"Don't forget to stop by the Historical Museum this weekend for Scott Mason's deep dive into Charles William Sweeney and Franklin's connections to the bombing of Nagasaki, Japan.

Program starts at 1:15 PM, we'll see you there!"

The audio of the Economic Development Subcmte Meeting Tuesday, Aug 4 is available (audio)

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

The Economic Development Subcommittee met on Tuesday, August 4, 2026 as scheduled. Committee Chair LeBlanc, members Morrongiello, Malloy & Griffith were present for this session.

Quick recap:

• Discussion and update on the UMass Boston study of downtown to be conducted over 2 semesters of the college year. Final number of students involved to be determined when classes begin in September. Coordinate to have them meet the Committee (either in person, or virtually) early one (Sept or October).

• update: the Depot Plaza hearing at the Planning Board has changed from 8/10 to 8/24. the application was withdrawn for a technical change and resubmitted, hence the date change

• Next up the 40b policy revision

• likely for Morrongiello and LeBlanc to meet with Jamie and Morena to review the items in more detail to bring back a version for further discussion

• next up, Sustainability Committee

• Jamie and staff can draft a charter for the committee to review before bringing to the Council

• next up, GATRA update

• 
  World Cup was big for them, transported a bunch of folksfunded by State, so we didn't lose anything from other servers to compensate 38,385 riders in Franklin during the past year (demand response) approx 3,000/month

• GATRA had a fixed route once upon a time   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/03/on-this-date-mar-5-2010-franklin-area.html 

• What would a study for the GATRA fixed route cost? What would it cost for GATRA to do so? We can't finance the route on our own. 

• The pipeline to the Planning Board is minimal, they are cancelling meetings as they don't have work to review

The meeting runs about 2 hours & 35 minutes. 

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1792-economic-development-subcmte-mtg-08-04-26/

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The Franklin TV video can be viewed here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JJ8h5WC8rP0 

The agenda and released docs can be found - https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08042026-2434 

My full set of notes captured during the meeting

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1cKNSbTXGpP-s3395o_i52zDkPXuPn4tJ/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 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!

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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"

Braintree Post 86 joins Franklin Post 75 in the American Legion NE Regionals on Friday

• Wednesday 8/5 4pm Games

2-1 Lowell Post 87 (1) Vs 2-1 Plymouth Post 40 (2) 9 innings.

2-1 Braintree Post 86 (7) Vs 3-0 Franklin Post 75 (6)

• 
  Wednesday 8/5 7pm Game

3-1 Braintree Post 86 (4) Vs 3-1 Plymouth Post 40 (3)

Braintree Post 86 advances to the NE Regionals with Franklin on Friday.

Many thanks for the updates via Tim McDonald Jr

Additional info on the American Legion baseball page - https://www.masslegionbb.org/home

Additional info on the NE Region games in New Hampshire

https://www.newhampshireamericanlegionbaseball.com/baseball11a.html

Alex Fradkin & Karate Show provide musical entertainment for Concerts on the Common, Friday, Aug 7

"Join us this Friday for live music on the Franklin Town Common while you shop the Franklin Farmers Market!

Alex Fradkin | 3:00 - 5:00 pm

Karate Show | 5:30 - 7:30 pm

Spend the afternoon downtown with local vendors, fresh food, and great music."

51st Annual Craft Fair - Saturday, November 14 at Tri-County RVTHS

"Come join us for the 51st annual juried craft fair of home accessories, clothing, bath/body, art, wood, paper, candle and jewelry amazing products!"

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/1GkszwE9A3/

The Codcast: "Unpacking the Legislature’s July 31 flurry, and what comes next" (audio)

via the CommonWealth Beacon:

"FOR THE FIRST TIME since 2020, lawmakers finished their formal work on the even-year July 31 traditional deadline before the sun came up the next morning. This time around, they were done even before the clock reached midnight.

Legislative leaders had been arguing for weeks that the end of the month, which marks the cutoff for major new legislative business, would feel different than it did during chaotic all-nighters in 2022 and 2024. House Speaker Ron Mariano even suggested the key date would feel “more like a regular business day.”

Their expectation-setting exercises turned out to be successful, but that’s not to say Beacon Hill was idle. The week leading into July 31, and the day itself, still featured a flurry of action that put some major proposals on Gov. Maura Healey’s desk and teed up a dozen bills for ongoing House-Senate negotiations."

Continue reading the show notes:  https://commonwealthbeacon.org/the-codcast/special-episode-unpacking-the-legislatures-july-31-flurry-and-what-comes-next/

Listen to the episode -  https://open.spotify.com/episode/4TlNuAnmYmve3mriNL993R

Franklin Performing Arts Company seeking applicants for a part-time Fundraiser position !!!

For more about FPAC, please visit their page - https://fpaconline.com/about/

For more about this role and the requirements/position description, please visit the Instagram post    https://www.instagram.com/p/DbohzeDG6Ok/

The Town of Franklin is seeking volunteers to serve on a variety of boards & committees

"Interested in making a difference in Franklin? 

The Town is seeking volunteers to serve on a variety of boards and committees.

Explore current vacancies, learn more about each board and committee, and submit a Volunteer Form online.    https://buff.ly/pAvUgwM"

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/19EA7jNk1K/

Screen grab of the current openings

Check the current openings    https://franklinmaboards.vt-s.net/vt.php

What does “affordable housing” actually mean?

"Affordable housing is one of the most misunderstood categories in real estate.

People hear the label and often picture a stereotype.

But affordable housing is not one building type, one resident profile or one government program.

It’s a real estate product shaped by income levels, financing, design, public-private partnerships and real community needs.

Part 1 with @evanholladay of Holladay Ventures looks at what “affordable housing” actually means and why the conversation changes when people see the actual project.

All project images shown are real affordable housing projects by Holladay Ventures."

View Part 1 of the story in pictures - https://www.instagram.com/p/DbbYODXm-RR/

Part 2 is not yet available.

Franklin Public Radio wfpr.fm schedule for Thursday, August 6, 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 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)

• This hour features Jason Poulos, candidate for the Democratic Primary for the 4th District  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/07/jason-poulos-explains-his-stand-on-key.html

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)"  

• "The Turntable Show" features David Bowie's most successful album, "Let's Dance", released on April 14, 1983.  The album includes top hits: "Let's Dance";  "China Girl";  "Modern Love"; and "Without You".  Regarded as one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century, Bowie was acclaimed by critics and musicians, particularly for his innovative work during the 1970s.  
• We have a special Guest DJ, Taylor Tremblay, our wfpr.fm Sound Engineer, will join Pauly G and The Vibe to DJ the Bowie Playlist Hour.  Enjoy the magic of David Bowie."

Find the playlist ->  https://tinyurl.com/TurntablePlaylists

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, August 6, 2026 (Your local Public, Education & Government "PEG" station)

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

9:00 am Aging Agenda: Brian Maxfield

10:00 am Vera Meyer: Glass Armonica

11:33 am Cooking Thyme: Fish

12:03 pm Brook'n'Cookin: Waffles

12:35 pm Learn to Cook with Linda: Brunch Bake

1:30 pm     Pizzapalooza: Healthy Pizza Crusts

2:00 pm New England Candlepins Summer 2023 Show 7

3:00 pm Candlepin New Generation: Show 10

3:30 pm Aging Boldfully: Sisters United Against Cancer

4:30 pm Veterans' Call: Tune It Out

5:30 pm FSPA Spring Concerts Show 3

8:00 pm Celebrate with Pride 2026

9:00 pm Circle of Friends: Tracy Grammer

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

7:30 am     Winning Ways with the MIAA: Pete Smith

8:30 am FHS Concert Hour 02-26-26

10:30 am U. S. Army: Jazz Ambassadors 04-01-19

12:30 pm All-Town Band Showcase 2026

2:00 pm FHSTC - Flowers for Algernon

3:00 pm FHS Varsity Softball v King Philip 03-30-26

9:00 pm FHS Theater Company: Legally Blonde

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

8:00 am Conservation Commission 07-30-26

2:00 pm Conservation Commission 07-30-26

7:30 pm  Zoning Board of Appeals  CHAMBERS  936 7340 3490

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: Wednesday, August 5, 2026 ???

Wednesday, August 5

Franklin Lions Clothing Drive active through Aug 22   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/07/the-franklin-lions-conducting-clothing.htmlcloth

10:00am Veterans Coffee Social (Franklin Senior Center)

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

5:30pm Bluegrass & Country Jam Circle (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

***   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