Franklin Matters: 2026

Wednesday, July 8, 2026

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Wednesday, July 8, 2026 ???

Wednesday, July 8

1:00pm Writer's Group (Franklin Senior Center)

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

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

7:00pm Karaoke Night (La Cantina Winery)

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

Franklin Small Business Spotlight: Berry Insurance

This month, we're highlighting Berry Insurance, a family-owned business that has proudly called the Franklin community home for more than 50 years.

When asked why they chose Franklin to grow their business, they shared:

"We are so thankful to call Franklin our home. Throughout our time here we have been so fortunate to have built up such a wonderful community of local clients and business partners. Whether we are making friendship bracelets at the Strawberry Stroll or Harvest Festival, collecting Christmas gifts for the Santa Foundation, or raising funds for Boston Children’s Hospital’s Halloween festivities, the people of Franklin always show up and offer unmatched support."

When asked why supporting small businesses matters, they shared:

"Small businesses are so important because there are real people and families behind them who truly care about their clients and communities. Small businesses often take the time to build relationships, earn trust, and give back locally, creating a level of care and accountability that’s hard to replicate through larger corporations. We’ve been fortunate to both serve and receive services from many small businesses in Franklin and the surrounding communities, and have seen the level of care and compassion that goes into each business."

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

🔗 For more information about Franklin's Small Business Spotlight Series, visit https://buff.ly/e4hgOZB

Mitzi fills us in on all that is happening at the Franklin Public Library this July (video & audio)

FM #1776 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1776 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, June 23, 2026.

We talk about

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

Limited services during regular hours on Friday, July 3
Closed all day Saturday, July 4 for the holiday

Library events for July 2026

In calendar order rather than by category this time around

Note: Updated after we recorded this, the Sunday hours will return in September 2026.

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 33 minutes, so let’s listen in.

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1776-franklin-public-library-july-2026-highlights-06-23-26/

Video link - https://youtu.be/Zj16PPfOylA

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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

July 2026 newsletter - https://myemail.constantcontact.com/July-2026-Franklin-Public-Library-News---Events.html?soid=1142311312837&aid=eSZsKlPO2D4

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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"

The Within Project: 2 Art Workshops for 3rd & 4th Graders

via Janya Varsani, a member of the FHS Class of '29

"The Within Project is something I started because I believe art can be such a powerful way for kids to work through their emotions. A lot of the time, kids aren't given the space or the words to talk about how they're feeling.

The Within Project: 2 Art Workshops for 3rd & 4th Graders

This year, I'm hosting two art workshops for 3rd and 4th graders. Each session will combine fun, hands-on art projects with simple conversations about emotions, so kids can walk away with real tools to understand and express their feelings. It's also a way to bring more attention to children's mental health, which I think doesn't get talked about nearly enough."

Hosted by: @janyavarsani

July 23 & August 14 | 3:00–5:00 PM

$35 per session

"I am so excited to share that the upcoming workshops will be held at SAFE Coalition Franklin, MA. The Within Project is all about giving kids a safe, creative outlet to explore their emotions through art.

To make things even more special this year, we are holding an art showcase of what the kids created! Every participant will have their artwork featured in our showcase so families can come see what they've accomplished.

We would love to pack the room with creativity, so please feel free to share this with friends, neighbors, or anyone who might want to join!

Spaces are filling up quickly, so head to the link below to register your child. Cant wait to create with everyone!"

Register here: https://forms.gle/rGM1iPkZHt1GZDU56

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Gx3GgfmkK/

The Franklin Food Pantry will match your SNAP benefits at the Franklin Farmers Market

The Franklin Food Pantry is sponsoring the SNAP Match program at the Franklin Farmers’ Market, offering an unlimited, dollar-for-dollar match that doubles the purchasing power for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients. Funded through grants and individual gifts, the SNAP Match program is a win-win for the local community. By effectively lowering the cost of farm-fresh produce, households experiencing food insecurity gain greater access to nutritious options. The program also supports local vendors and regional agribusinesses.

The Franklin Farmers’ Market takes place every Friday from 2 PM to 6 PM, June through October, on the Franklin Town Common.

How the SNAP Match Program Works

Any household registered with SNAP, regardless of their resident town or state, can participate in the SNAP Match at the Franklin Farmers’ Market.

Before shopping, SNAP recipients bring their SNAP EBT card to the Franklin Food Pantry booth. Shoppers tell the staff how much they would like to spend from their SNAP benefits. The representative swipes the SNAP EBT card and “matches” the chosen amount dollar-for-dollar in SNAP Tokens. For example, spending $10 results in $20 worth of tokens.

SNAP tokens can be spent just like cash with any SNAP-eligible vendor at the Franklin Farmers’ Market. Franklin Farmers’ Market SNAP tokens are exclusive to the Franklin Farmers' Market and SNAP tokens from other farmers’ markets cannot be accepted.

For more information on the SNAP Match program, please visit the Franklin Food Pantry booth at the Franklin Farmers’ Market, or contact the Franklin Food Pantry at 508-528-3115 or info@franklinfoodpantry.org.

To apply for SNAP benefits, please visit the Department of Transitional Assistance website.

About Franklin Food Pantry, Inc.

The Franklin Food Pantry, Inc. offers supplemental food assistance, household necessities, and resource referrals to more than 1,880 individuals per year. The Pantry relies on donations and grants to purchase items and pay for daily operations, and partnerships with The Greater Boston Food Bank, Spoonfuls, and local grocery stores to achieve greater buying power and lower costs. Programs include Inside Shopping, Curbside Distribution, Emergency Food Boxes, Mobile Pantries, Home Delivery, Kids’ Snack Bags, Weekend Backpacks, Holiday Meals, and the SNAP match at Franklin Farmers Market.

The Pantry is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization in good standing in Massachusetts, recognized by Charity Navigator as a Four-Star Charity, and awarded GuideStar’s Platinum Transparency ranking. The Pantry is located at 341 W Central St. in Franklin, MA on Route 140. Please visit www.franklinfoodpantry.org, or on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn for more information.

Dean College Appoints Heidi Bruce as Vice President of Institutional Advancement and Alumni & Family Engagement

Dean College has appointed Heidi Bruce, MBA, CFRM, as Vice President of Institutional Advancement and Alumni & Family Engagement.

Bruce brings more than 25 years of experience in fundraising, alumni relations, donor engagement, and institutional advancement. Throughout her career, she has held leadership positions in higher education, healthcare, and nonprofit organizations, helping institutions strengthen advancement operations, increase philanthropic support, and deepen stakeholder engagement.

Dean College Appoints Heidi Bruce as Vice President of Institutional Advancement and Alumni & Family Engagement

In her new role, Bruce will provide leadership for Dean College's advancement efforts, including major and planned giving, annual giving, alumni and family engagement, corporate and foundation relations, stewardship, and advancement operations. As a member of the College's senior leadership team, she will work closely with alumni, donors, families, trustees, and friends of the College to support Dean's strategic priorities and strengthen engagement across the College community.

Continue reading the announcement - https://www.dean.edu/news-events/story/dean-college-appoints-heidi-bruce-as-vice-president-of-institutional-advancement-and-alumni-family-engagement/

Aging Boldfully: Sisters United Against Cancer (video)

Aging Boldfully is a new show on Franklin TV's All Access channel hosted by Susan Rohrbach. Sisters United Against Cancer are Susan's guests for this recent show.

The show description:

"Aging Boldfully is about living your next chapter outside of your comfort zone—fully embracing the uniqueness of you.

For many of us, the idea of aging doesn’t appear on our radar until we approach our 60s, when retirement begins to loom. During this time, our attention often narrows to one critical goal: ensuring financial independence. While that focus is important, it can distract us from an equally vital question: What am I going to do with the rest of my life?

Each of our journeys is unique. Rather than clinging to the tired concept of “retirement,” we have the chance to rethink and redesign this new chapter. What will life look like now that we are the CEO of our own story?

Aging Boldfully will explore the themes that matter most as we step into this phase—purpose, relevance, resilience, physical health, mental well-being, intentional living, and mindfulness. It will showcase members of our community who are finding meaning, living with purpose, and overcoming obstacles—real examples of what it means to age not just gracefully, but boldfully."

Video link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rYHAWR0H9Yw

Hey, how about taking advantage of one of these Boston Free Museum Days in July 2026 ??

"Looking for free things to do in Boston this July?

Save this guide for the best free museum days, free nights, and always-free cultural spots in and around Boston! 📍🌊

🗓️ Key Free Dates

🎨 July 9, 16, 23, 30 — ICA Boston, Free Thursday Nights, 5–9 PM

🔬 July 10, 17, 24, 31 — Discovery Museum, Summer Friday Nights Free, 4:30–8 PM

👨‍👩‍👧 July 12 — Boston Family Days for Boston K–12 / Pre-K students + 2 guests

🖼️ July 16 — MFA Boston, $5 minimum pay-what-you-wish after 5 PM

🏛️ Always Free Spots

📚 Harvard Art Museums

🎭 MassArt Art Museum

💧 Metropolitan Waterworks Museum

⚓ USS Constitution Museum

💰 Museum of American Finance

…and more!

⚠️ Good to Know

🎟️ Some free nights require advance timed tickets

⏰ Always check hours before visiting

📌 Save this post for your summer Boston plans!"

Shared from - https://www.instagram.com/p/DaOGm_bgk8X/

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm Schedule for Wednesday, July 8, 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 FPS 2025-26 School year wrap up with Supt Lucas Giguere & Operations Director Colin Boisvert https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/06/lucas-colin-close-out-2025-26-school.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)