Tina Powderly talks with me about Hunger Action Month (audio)

FM #1809 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1809 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Tina Powderly, Executive Director of the Franklin Food Pantry. We had our conversation in person in the community room at The Franklin Food Pantry on Friday, August 28, 2026. 

Discussion items: 

• Hunger Action Month, nationwide program by Feeding America

• Infographic confirms volume increases

• Many ways to help, take a tour, volunteer, donate items, money, etc.

• Plans for expansion to meet the growing need

The conversation runs about 32 minutes. Let’s listen in 

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1809-franklin-fodd-pantry-hunger-action-month-08-28-26/

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Franklin Food Pantry web page -> https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/ 

Follow The Pantry on

Facebook ->  https://www.facebook.com/FranklinFoodPantry 

Instagram ->  https://www.instagram.com/franklinfoodpan/ 

Amazon wishlist ->  

https://franklinfoodpantry.mindfulgiving.org/campaigns/amazon-wish-list/products 

Infographic- https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/about/impact-reports/

Grateful for the years of support from Rockland Trust for use of the prior building which is no longer standing on West Central St in the Rockland Trust parking lot.

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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"

State Primary turnout for Town of Franklin 2nd highest in 20 years

The turnout for State Primary elections in the Town of Franklin has varied considerably since 2006. 

The chart depicts the official results from the Town Clerk (via the published annual reports) with the total votes cast and the percent of the registered voters for that period.

Why a varied turnout? 

These are primary elections to determine who is on the ballot. Are there competitive State level races? Some years more so than others. 

Is there lack of engagement?

4 of the 5 top 5 turnouts occured in the most recent 4 elections, so that would seem to say there is an improvement. 

General rule for election turnout for Town of Franklin for period from 2002 to current:

• 20% (plus or minus) for local elections
• 40% (plus or minus) for override or debt exclusion elections
• 60% (plus or minus) for the State elections in November
• 80% (plus or minus) for the Federal elections in November

FHS Football Schedule for Fall 2026

"The 2026 Franklin Football season is here!

Mark your calendars and come out to support the Panthers all season long! We’re looking forward to packed stands, Friday night lights and a great season of Franklin Football.

Be sure to check the Panther App throughout the season for schedule updates, game information and additional details.

LET’S GO PANTHERS!"

Shared from - https://www.instagram.com/p/Dc0oLdbARfC/

Note: Get the Panther App to follow all the fall sports as well as club and other events at Franklin High School

Annual Recycling Event scheduled for Saturday, Sep 5 from 9 AM to 1 PM

"Clear your clutter and help local families in one quick stop! 

Join us this Saturday, Sept 5, from 9 AM to 1 PM at Franklin High School for our Annual Recycling Event. We are again teaming up with Green Team Junk Removal for this annual event!

While you drop off your recyclables, please consider bringing diapers and wipes to support the Franklin Food Pantry. These essentials are urgently needed right now for local families.

When: Saturday, Sept 5 | 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Where: Franklin High School

What to bring: Your recyclables + diapers & wipes for the Franklin Food Pantry

Check out the flyers below for accepted recycling items and specific drop-off details.

See you Saturday!"

If you can't make it Saturday, there is info on this image -> to arrange a pick up with GoGreenTeamJunk.com

Shared from Rep Roy's post - https://www.facebook.com/share/1Gpr8zxgPn/

Horace Mann's 12 for 12

via Horace Mann Legacy:

"How did the first Secretary of Education convince the public to invest their tax dollars into schools?

He did his homework. Horace Mann rode horseback across Massachusetts, physically inspecting school buildings and gathering hard data on their crumbling conditions. He published his findings in 12 famous Annual Reports that served as a roadmap for modernizing curriculum, improving physical classrooms, and securing permanent state funding. He proved that public schools were the ultimate investment in society's future.

Check out tthe link below to listen to his annual reports:

https://librivox.org/annual-reports-to-the-massachusetts-board-of-education-by-horace-mann/"

From the biograpies that I have read about Horace, it was his wife Mary who provided the secretarial services putting together the reports from notes and drafts Horace created.

first Franklin School Committee Newsletter of the 2026-2027 school year is ready for you to read

"The first Franklin School Committee Newsletter of the 2026-2027 school year is out now! 

Read updates on the preparation that was completed to start the school year.  

Read the full newsletter  here:https://aptg.co/QRRnV9"

Indian Lane Neighborhood Yard Sale scheduled for Saturday, Sept 5

"Indian Lane Estates Neighborhood Yard Sale — Saturday, September 5, 8 AM–1 PM

56 Indian Ln, Franklin, MA

Come shop our HUGE neighborhood yard sale with household items, kitchenware, clothing & accessories, kids' items, books & media, toys & games, sports gear and much more! 

Multiple homes participating. 

Lemonade & baked goods will also be available, with a portion of proceeds donated to the Baypath Humane Society. 

Everyone welcome!"

See a QR code parked somewhere? Don’t scan it…yet!

By BCP Staff

"Ever tried to pay for parking and discovered you need to scan a QR code to pay? It seems like a convenient way to pay, but it turns out scammers like using QR codes, too. 

People have reported scammers covering up legit QR codes on parking meters with a QR code of their own. If you scan that scammy QR code, it could take you to a fake site designed to steal your money, your personal information, or both. 

So, how can you protect yourself from these scams?"

Read more > https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2026/09/see-qr-code-parked-somewhere-dont-scan-ityet?utm_source=govdelivery

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule for Friday, September 4, 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:

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 the Senior Center event highlights for September 2026   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/08/chasity-jillian-fill-us-in-on-whats.html

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 4, 2026 (Your local Public, Education & Government "PEG" station)

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

8:30 am Frank Presents: Djuna Perkins

10:00 am Aging Boldfully: Julie Booth

11:00 am Senior Connection: Disabilities Commission

12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin: Taquitos

12:30 pm Learn to Cook with Linda: Sticky Buns

1:30 pm     Pizzapalooza: Meat-Lovers Pt. 1

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: Shaun Hart Pt 1

4:30 pm Second Sunday Speaker Series: Peter Glass

6:00 pm Franklin 4th: George Cross Project

9:00 pm Circle of Friends: Susan Werner

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

7:00 am Middle School Spring Band 06-04-26

8:30 am Historical Museum: Randy LaRosa and Krishna Swain

9:30 am Lifelong Music: Strings School 01-22-25

11:00 am Arts Advocacy: Fundraising

1:00 pm Cultural Council: BT ALC Big Band

3:30 pm FHS Varsity Football v Wachusett 09-12-25

8:00 pm FHSTC: Curious Case of the Cottingley Fairies

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

8:00 am Zoning Board of Appeals 08-06-26

2:00 pm Zoning Board of Appeals 08-06-26

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

Board of Health approves MHOA as tobacco agents, plans for withdrawl of Metacomet Health Alliance (audio)

FM #1808 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1808 in the series. 

The Franklin, MA Board of Health met on Wednesday, September 2, 2026 at 5 PM as scheduled. All three members were present in the 3rd floor training room with the full representation of the Health Department members.

Quick recap:

• Approval of minutes for June, so moved, second, passes 2-0-1 (1 absent, in route to meeting)

• Updates from all departments gathered weekly for Town communications efforts, Director to share with Board what she shares 

• Motion to accept MHOA as agent for tobacco checks, etc. new Memo of Understanding (MOU), second, passes 3-0 (Daddario arrived)

• Update on Kratom, actioned by Federal agency as Level 1, nice to have taken the issue on early

• Vaccine clinic update, Sep 22, half appointments filled, so space still available

• West Nile, Triple EEE, up to 5 cases on West Nile statewide

• risk level low for triple EEE West Nile level moderate

• Reviewed DPH vaccine level report for K & 7, very high compliance for Franklin. School nurses working with kids and families on the catch up schedule for those missing, aside from health, religious exemption

• Senior Health Expo, Oct 2, OSCO to be there for vaccine/flu

• Announced in passing that the Town has withdrawn from Metacomet Health alliance effective Oct 1. They are keeping Alecia full time, but using a consultant for the food inspections; not likely to get a role filled within the budget, grant is expected to fade away, so this is part of the transition

• Cyclosporiasis cases are relatively low, it is hard to pinpoint the local source(s) for the local cases. only 2 cases in July, none in August

• 55 cases of Lyme disease, 7 in August COVID-19 cases very low

• baby shower in Wrentham a huge success

• Motion to adjourn, passes 3-0

The recording runs about 32 minutes, so let’s listen in.

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1808-franklin-ma-board-of-health-mtg-09-02-26/

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Agenda doc - https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09022026-2480 

My notes in one PDF -  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-B3I14vFnRZVMSPh6j-rvzge3uwtm9gb/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. 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!

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

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, September 3, 2026 ???

Thursday, September 3

8:30am Franklin Downtown Partnership General Mtg (Dean College)

6:30pm Game night     (Franklin TV and Radio)

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/10676/September-2026-Newsletter?bidId=

***  Town Meetings today ***

Franklin Commission on Disability Meeting

Thursday, September 3 Time: 4:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09032026-2474 

Town Charter Ad Hoc Committee - canceled - "The Town Charter Ad Hoc Committee Meeting scheduled for September 3 @ 6pm will be rescheduled for a date TBD."

ZBA Meeting

Thursday, September 3 Time: 7:30 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09032026-2469 

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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