What's happening in Franklin, MA: Friday, July 31, 2026 ???

Friday, July 31

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

10:00am Knitting Group (Franklin Public Library)

1:00pm Thrifty Threads (Franklin Federated Church)

2:00pm Farmers Market (Franklin Town Common)

3:00pm Its A "J" Thing (live music) (Franklin Town Common)

5:30pm Frank Padula Band (live music) (Franklin Town Common)

7:30pm John Titmas (live music) (The SHED craft bar & kitchen)

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

Want to know the vendor lineup for the Franklin Farmers Market, Friday, July 31 ??

Good question. The folks at the Market let us know -

"See you at the Franklin Farmers Market this Friday!

Join us on Friday, July 31, 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, Concerts on the Common, and food trucks from @wanderingcheers, @tcscoops and @tacofiedtruck.

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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Jason Poulos explains his stand on key issues (video & audio)

FM #1789 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1789 in the series. 

This session shares my conversation with Jason Poulos, candidate for the 4th Congressional District in the September Democratic Primary. We had our discussion virtually on Monday, July 27, 2026.

 

We talk about 

• Jason’s background and reason to run

We cover issues like

• AI and jobs

• Data center control measures

• Voting rights

• Medicare for all

• Increasing affordable housing

The recording runs about 36 minutes, so let’s listen in.

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1789-jason-poulos-candidate-4th-congressional-district-07-27-26/

Video link - https://youtu.be/9OEsOWF0GkQ

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Jason’s campaign page https://poulos.house/ 

Jason’s position on many issues https://poulos.house/#issues 

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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"

Fallen Hero Recognition Schedule for August 2026

Fallen Hero Recognition Schedule for August 2026

A series of Memorial events are scheduled for 9:00 AM on the Town Common Veterans Walkway to honor those Fallen Heroes on their "killed in action" date.   

This program will include the placing of a Memorial Wreath for the day, the playing of Taps, a salute from those present, and a reading of whatever history may be available for that fallen hero.  

This is a way of keeping the memory of that hero alive.

• August 15 – Jules E. Perret – WWII
• August 15 – Robert R. Pirelli – Iraq
• August 20 – Edward C. Dailey – WWII
• August 22 – John W. Wyllie, Jr. – WWII

The schedule of Fallen Heroes for the year on one page (PDF)

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1tlyiAK18owM81p8aJs1vhKc3p2bIK1cv/view?usp=drive_link

FPL looking for a volunteer to lead a Community Chess Club for children & teens

Are you ready to get the next generation of Masters in on the Castle?

Volunteer at Franklin Public Library leading and teaching a Community Chess Club for children and teens!

Interested? contact us at 508-520-4941 or email us here: https://www.franklinma.gov/formcenter/Library-23/Contact-the-Library-85

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Aging Boldfully: Dr. Kymberlee O'Brien, Med, PhD (video)

Aging Boldfully is a regular show on Franklin TV's All Access channel hosted by Susan Rohrbach. Dr. Kymberlee O'Brien, Med, PhD was Susan's guest 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=xFLTNIpNsWw

GATRA Fixed Route and ADA Complementary Paratransit Services will continue to be Fare Free through June 30, 2027

FARE FREE SERVICE

GATRA Fixed Route and ADA Complementary Paratransit Services will continue to be Fare Free through June 30, 2027.*

Fare Free Transit Service is made possible through funding awarded in the governor's FY27 budget.

More information and answers to frequently asked questions can be found on GATRA's website. www.GATRA.org

*This date may be extended due to future funding availability. Changes to the planned date will be posted on Fixed Route buses and on GATRA's website.

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BzL17uA3w/

Tip of the hat to Ali Rheaume

Note: Franklin does not have a GATRA Fixed Route service. It used to. Maybe someday it will comeback.

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule for Friday, July 31, 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

8:00 AM, 1:00 PM, and 6:00 PM - Franklin Matters Radio – Steve Sherlock covering Franklin, its local government, services, and events 

• This hour features my conversation with Mitzi Gousie as she reveals the highlights for August 2026.   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/07/mitzi-and-i-talk-about-library-event.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 July 31, 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: Bob Jubinville

10:00 am Aging Boldfully: Fyzical

11:00 am Senior Connection: Spaghetti Bolognese

12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin: Chicken Salad

12:30 pm Learn to Cook with Linda: Chicken Piccata Meatballs

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

2:00 pm New England Candlepins Summer 2023 Show 7

3:00 pm Candlepin New Generation: Show 10

3:30 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Pete Smith

4:30 pm Metrowest FanZone: Electric Youth

6:00 pm 4th of July 2026: GQ & The Lady

9:00 pm Franklin Cultural Council: Pamela Means

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

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

8:30 am Arts Advocacy: How-Tos

9:30 am FHS Spring Pops 2026

11:00 am FHSTC - Flowers for Algernon

1:00 pm All-Town Chorus & Orchestra 2026

3:30 pm FHS Varsity Baseball v Catholic Memorial 04-21-26

8:00 pm FHSTC: Peter and the Starcatcher

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

8:00 am Zoning Board of Appeals 07-09-26

11:00 am Communications Subcommittee 07-15-26

2:00 pm Zoning Board of Appeals 07-09-26

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

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Thursday, July 30, 2026 ???

Thursday, July 30

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

9:00am Fallen Hero: Anthony J. Mucciarone (Veterans Walkway, Franklin Town Common)

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 ***

Conservation Commission Meeting

Thursday, July 30 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Item/620?fileID=9803 

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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

Fallen Hero Recognition: Anthony J. Mucciarone, Jr., World War II - July 30, 2026 at 9 AM

Memorial event today (7/30/26) at 9 AM on the Town Common Veterans Walkway to honor Anthony J. Mucciarone, Jr., World War II. 

This program will include the placing of a Memorial Wreath for the day, the playing of Taps, a salute from those present, and a reading of whatever history  may be available for that veteran.  This is a way of keeping the memory of that veteran alive.

Fallen Hero: Staff Sergeant Anthony J. Mucciarone, Jr., U.S. Army

Staff Sergeant Anthony J. Mucciarone, Jr., U.S. Army, was born on July 28, 1924 son of Anthony, Sr. and Vera Mucciarone. Anthony lived at 31 Cleveland Avenue with his parents, two brothers and one sister. Anthony attended the Franklin Public Schools ,was a member of the Franklin High School class of 1942 but left high school at the end of his junior year. Anthony entered the army on April 23, 1943.  

Staff Sgt Anthony J. Mucciarone, Jr. rose in rank from buck private to staff sergeant in two months and was awarded a citation for personal and group heroism for his combat participation with the invasion forces in Normandy, commencing on June 6, 1944. He was a member of the 29th Infantry Division which captured St. Lo after almost continuous combat since its landing in Normandy on D-Day. Staff Sgt Anthony J. Mucciarone, Jr. was also a member of the 116th regiment of the 29th which successfully attacked a heavily fortified and strongly defended beach in the vicinity of Vievill-sur-Mer. The Corps Commander cited the 29th’s repeated “personal and group heroism and its unflagging devotion to duty which overcame discomfiture, fatigue and determined resistance of a resourceful enemy.”  

Staff Sgt Anthony J. Mucciarone, Jr. died in combat in France on July 30, 1944 at age 20 years. Anthony rests eternally in the Normandy American Cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer, France.

Fallen Hero: Staff Sgt Mucciarone

You can sign up for SAFE flag planting for International Overdose Awareness Day

On August 31, communities around the world mark International Overdose Awareness Day, remembering those we've lost to overdose and working to reduce the stigma surrounding drug-related deaths.

This year, SAFE will work with community members to place memorial flags across the county. Sign up to help: tinyurl.com/safeoad

• Place flags: Saturday, August 29, 9 to 11 a.m.
• Remove flags: Tuesday, September 1, 9 to 10 a.m.

Anyone can help, and all are welcome!

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