Friday, October 23, 2026

Small Business Spotlight: Professional Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine

Small Business Spotlight: Professional Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine

"This month we're highlighting Professional Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine. The practice has served the Franklin community for 34 years and opened its second Franklin location in 2022.

When asked why they chose Franklin to grow their business and what they like best about being here, they shared: "We chose Franklin because of its strong sense of community, and support from our neighbors allowing us to give that same care and commitment back every day. We value the close‑knit community and the opportunity to build lasting relationships, including caring for multiple generations of families who continue to place their trust in us."

When asked why supporting small businesses matters, they shared: "Supporting small businesses is important because they provide personalized care and maintain a strong commitment to the communities they serve. We are intentional about our hiring—ensuring we have the right people, in the right positions, doing the right thing, for the right reasons, and in the right way. We actively give back by offering free monthly workshops on a variety of conditions for the community, and by donating a portion of our monthly profits to a local charity."

👉️ Follow along as we continue to highlight the local businesses that make Franklin a great place to live and work."

🔗 Learn more about Franklin's Small Business Spotlight Series: https://buff.ly/Mu7l7YL

Farmers Market on the Town Common with live music by Ralph Deflorio Friday, Oct 23

See you at the Franklin Farmers Market this Friday!
Join us on Friday, October 23, from 2–6 PM on the Town Common for another afternoon of local shopping, fresh food, and community. This week's market features 40+ local vendors, and music from Ralph DeFlorio.
Whether you're stocking up on fresh produce, picking up handmade goods, or just stopping by to enjoy the afternoon, there's something for everyone.
Take a look through this week's vendor lineup and start planning your visit. We can't wait to see you there!
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Live music at the market this Friday!
We’re excited to have Ralph DeFlorio joining us on Oct 23 from 3–6 PM! Come spend the afternoon at the market, shop from your favorite local vendors, grab something to eat, and enjoy some live music from Ralph!
This performance is sponsored by the @franklinculturalcouncil02038 and the @masscultural
See you Friday!

Pause and Tune In: A Sensory Yoga Workshop - Nov 10

Pause and Tune In: A Sensory Yoga Workshop - Nov 10
In this sensory-centered yoga workshop, we'll explore movement through sensation, sound, and visual feedback using a belly dance coin scarf as a sensory tool. We'll investigate familiar yoga movements from a different perspective—for example, noticing the relationship between the leg and pelvis or the ribs and shoulders—and then bring those explorations into a mini flow.

This isn't about perfecting a posture or finding the “right” sensation. There is nothing you need to accomplish. Instead, you'll have an opportunity to become curious about your own experience of movement and discover what your body communicates when you slow down enough to notice. 

The hour concludes with a Yoga Nidra guided through a customized storytelling practice created by Brittany Capozzi.

No dance/yoga experience is needed.

Please bring: a yoga mat, water, and a cozy sweatshirt or light layer for moments of rest.

When: Nov 10    from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM

Register with the Lifelong Community Learning page -

Turkey shoot scheduled for Nov 14 at the Franklin Rod & Gun Club

November 14th is our Turkey Shoot!

Turkey shoot scheduled for Nov 14 at the Franklin Rod & Gun Club
Get ready for the return of one of our most anticipated and beloved annual events, where you can win a dozen turkeys including two grand prize Thanksgiving baskets with all the fixings.

And we do mean ALL the fixings. Last year the basket was so big it didn't fit in the winner's car and we had to get someone to deliver it in a truck!

Parents: kids love this event. Free pizza, hotdogs, snacks and cider is all well and good, but for $1 a try they can go in our basement range and participate in a pellet gun shoot to win a turkey of their own.

But don't worry, adults, we have a cash bar.

You'll need to have a $1 raffle ticket donation to gain entry, and you can get that by calling 508-528-2573 or emailing jimgiannotti@yahoo.com.

Can't wait to see you all there so mark your calendars!

Franklin Lions Club Halloween House Contest — It’s Time To Vote! Voting closes Monday, Oct 26

The decorations are up, the spooky spirit is alive, and now it’s YOUR turn to help choose a favorite!
Franklin Lions Club Halloween House Contest — It’s Time To Vote! Voting closes Monday, Oct 26
Have you checked out the amazing Halloween displays around Franklin? Now’s your chance to show some love to the house you think deserves the title of Halloween House Contest Favorite!
⏰ Voting closes Monday, October 26, 2026, at NOON! Don’t wait until the witching hour — make sure your vote counts!
🧡 A Friendly Reminder: This is a FREE, fun event for our Franklin community, organized by the Franklin MA Lions Club to bring neighbors together and celebrate the Halloween spirit. Please remember the unwritten rules of fairness, kindness, and good sportsmanship. Let’s keep it fun, positive, and spooky for everyone!
A huge THANK YOU to all the participating families who put their time, creativity, and Halloween magic into making Franklin a little more festive!
Happy voting, Franklin! May the best haunt win!

The Franklin Police Department is proud to congratulate Dave Ricci on his promotion to Sergeant

CONGRATULATIONS, SERGEANT RICCI!
Franklin Police Department is proud to congratulate Dave Ricci on his promotion to Sergeant
The Franklin Police Department is proud to congratulate Dave Ricci on his promotion to Sergeant!
Sgt. Ricci joined the Franklin Police Department in 2018 after transferring from the Boston Transit Police Department. Before beginning his career in law enforcement, he served our country as a U.S. Navy Corpsman.
Throughout his service to Franklin, Sgt. Ricci has made a tremendous impact on our department. He serves as the FPD’s Veterans Liaison Officer, is one of our medical coordinators and instructors, and has been instrumental in enhancing department training.
Sgt. Ricci developed our EpiPen program, Combat Casualty Care program, and in-house CPR/First Responder training program, helping ensure our officers are better prepared to respond when seconds matter. His dedication and service to the Town of Franklin have also earned him numerous awards and recognitions.
Please join us in congratulating Sgt. Dave Ricci on this well-deserved promotion!

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm Schedule for Friday, October 23, 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, October 9, 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 Friday, Oct 23, 2026

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


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


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



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, October 22, 2026

Town of Franklin's Boston Post Cane Presented to Lydia Dolitka 10/22/2026

FM #1840 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1840 in the series. 


This episode shares the Town of Franklin Boston Post Cane presentation to Lydia Dolitka by Town Clerk Nancy Danello. Recognizing Lydia as being the oldest Franklin, MA resident. State Representative Jeff Roy also presented a proclamation from the House of Representatives recognizing Lydia's youthful age.


Family and friends gathered for the brief ceremony at Magnolia Heights in Franklin, Ma on Thursday, October 22, 2026.


Video link - 
https://youtu.be/7kmTGkmkOgY




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Photo album - https://photos.app.goo.gl/L1HhXg2nh456d4vB8

Wikipedia entry https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Boston_Post


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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"


What's happening in Franklin, MA: Thursday, October 22, 2026 ???

Thursday, October 22

Get your spot for the FHS Theatre Company Boosters November Calendar Raffle


8:00am Early voting (Town Clerk's Office)

4:00pm 7th Annual Pumpkin Patch (St John's Episcopal Church)
5:00pm Franklin SEPAC Meet & Greet (Franklin High School)
7:00pm    Line Dance Class (Sold OUT) (La Cantina Winery)
7:30pm Franklin Fathers MeetUp (Teddy Gallagher's Irish Pub)
8:00pm    Boots & Bottles Line Dancing (Sold OUT) (La Cantina Winery)


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


For additional details on Senior Center events ->

***  Town Meetings today ***

Conservation Commission Meeting

Thursday, October 22nd Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10222026-2570


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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

Franklin Food Pantry gearing up to process SNAP applications in November 2026

Earlier this week, the Mass Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) published its August scorecard, revealing that 77% of calls to a caseworker on the Assistance Line were automatically dropped. This leaves thousands of families without access to critical help. 
Franklin Food Pantry gearing up to process SNAP applications in November 2026

At the same time, the number of children receiving SNAP has fallen by 70,000 (a 21% decline) since July 2025. This isn’t because the need has gone away—in fact, child visits to the Franklin Food Pantry have increased by 35%.

To help meet the growing need and address the record number of people losing access to SNAP, the Franklin Food Pantry will offer on-site SNAP Assistance to Franklin residents beginning in November.

In partnership with the DTA and UMass Medical School, trained Pantry staff will have direct access to the DTA Connect Provider Portal. This allows us to work directly with clients to check SNAP eligibility, submit new applications, and complete recertifications efficiently.

Due to high anticipated demand, we are initially offering this service to Franklin residents, with plans to expand regional access in 2027. Franklin residents can schedule an appointment by emailing appointments@franklinfoodpantry.org or calling 508-528-3115.

Dean College Vocal Ensemble schedules "Over the Garden Wall" walk with song on Sunday, Oct 25

Join the Dean College Vocal Ensemble for an ‘
Dean College Vocal Ensemble schedules "Over the Garden Wall" walk with song on Sunday, Oct 25
Over the Garden Wall
’ themed walk around campus! 

Come for Sweater weather, lantern light, and music that dances between spooky and cozy. Each leg of the walk will be punctuated by vocal performances and stories inspired our favorite Fall Cartoon. 

Gather at 5:45 PM on the patio outside of the Dr. Paula Rooney Student Center—The walk begins promptly at 6 PM and will last about an hour. 

Feel free to jump in if you catch us along the way!


Finance Committee gets insights on the enterprise funds & approves fiscal policy revision (video)

The Franklin (MA) Finance Committee met as scheduled on Wednesday, Oct 21 in Council Chambers. All 9 members participated, 1 remotely.

Finance Committee gets insights on the enterprise funds & approves fiscal policy revision (video)



Quick recap
My notes in one PDF as captured during the meeting