Join us on Wednesday, August 12 to learn more and ask questions. CST Sessions will start on Tuesday, September 15.
We hope to see you there!"
Sunday, August 9, 2026
Cognitive Stimulation Therapy at the Franklin Senior Center; Info session Aug 12, Starts in September
Join us on Wednesday, August 12 to learn more and ask questions. CST Sessions will start on Tuesday, September 15.
We hope to see you there!"
Franklin TV: Meet Liz Harkins
The Changing of the Guard
by Pete Fasciano, Executive Director 08/09/2026
When I began work at freshly formed Franklin.TV I knew I had a big hill to climb. Looking outward from atop these last 14 years of great growth and service, it’s a comfort to know that we’re in good shape – in all respects.
Now the time has come to pass the torch. From now until the end of the year I will be passing my responsibilities as Franklin.TV’s Executive Director to Liz Harkins. She is very experienced, amply qualified and capable, and will bring her forward-looking vision of community media service to Franklin.
The masthead above says, ‘Meet Liz Harkins’. That’s my recommendation. She’s here every day. Call the studio and arrange a personal ‘Hello and welcome aboard’.
In the weeks ahead I will be transferring (inflicting?) the many day-to-day tasks and responsibilities to Liz that the work entails. One such task that I will surely miss – writing these words – every single week. (A personal joy and privilege.)
Next week we post our 3rd legal notice regarding our Annual Open Board Meeting that takes place here at the studio on Saturday, August 29th.
On August 23, Liz will bring her own voice and vision to these pages. The words I wrote in my initial posting follow on the next page.
They ring true today as they did then – for progress never ends.
And – as always –
Thank you for watching.
Thanks for listening to wfpr●fm,
and staying informed at Franklin●news.
------------------
Making Progress !
Pete Fasciano, a/k/a “The New Guy” 8/24/2012
Somewhere back in the early days of TV I remember General Electric’s tag line:
“Progress is Our Most Important Product.”
As a youngster, I pondered how a company goes about manufacturing progress. Solid or liquid? Do they sell progress by the bag or barrel? Is progress portable?
I hope so.
I’d like to pack some with me wherever I go (because you just never know).
In my time, I’ve tackled many projects. My latest is Franklin TV. I’m The New Guy. If memory serves, you have to be The New Guy for at least a year. Perhaps I should put that on my business card. – Pete Fasciano, New Guy. That said, I must say that I can’t recall a time when I’ve been welcomed into a community so warmly with open arms. Clearly, Franklin has a soft spot for new guys. That’s just one among many good things I’m learning about Franklin, and why this is a truly great town. The consistent support that I’ve gotten from local folks has been most gratifying. While tackling all that must be done to make Franklin TV successful, I’m also gratified that real progress is being made. We are improving our technical facility now and all through the next year. We have a new website. It will also see progress in the days ahead. We are launching a Franklin Radio service as well.
That’s solid progress.
One More Thing !
Pete Fasciano, Executive Director
Our schedules are about to get a facelift. Later this month we’re going to be rearranging our schedules a bit. Our goal is to make our programming day more consistent across the week and (hopefully) make it easier for you to know when certain types of programs should be on – music, sports, etc. We’ll be moving some programs around to see how it all looks.
It’s a bit like furniture. Does everything look like it’s in the right place? At least, programs are much lighter than furniture. No heavy lifting. In the end, we hope that (like furniture) you find our schedule to be comfy, functional and inviting.
And, thanks for watching!
Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf
Beaver Street Interceptor (BSI) Project: Construction Updates ~ Monday, August 10 through Friday August 14
Starting Monday Aug. 10, through Wednesday, Aug. 12, the contractor will install a sewer manhole and piping in front of 275 Beaver Street to direct flow into the new Sewer Pump Station. During this time the following detour will be in place:
Access Details:
- Via Rt. 140 only: Access to 242 through 290 Beaver Street, including Franklin Glass, and Franklin Recreation.
- Via Grove St. only: Access to all other locations on Beaver Street, including the Town of Franklin Recycling Center, Beaver Street Recreation Area, and businesses on Master Drive.
Note that lane and street closures may change as work progresses so please use caution when traveling in this area and follow all posted signs.
West Central Street (Near BJ's) Lane Closure Alert: Thursday (8/13) through Friday (8/14) 7 AM to 4 PM
Starting Thursday (8/13) through Friday (8/14) between 7 AM and 4 PM, the contractor will work on the elevated sewer along West Central Street. During this time there will be a lane closure on West Central Street between 99 Restaurant and BJ's.
Please use caution when traveling in this area and follow all posted signs.
For additional info on the project visit the project page -
Franklin Wine Club joins Painting with Annie for Wine Club Craft Night
Together, we'll transform recycled wine corks into this charming Wine Cork Pumpkin — a beautiful piece of fall décor that's perfect for your mantel, kitchen, or holiday table. With warm autumn colors, a festive ribbon, and rustic charm, it's a keepsake you'll enjoy year after year.
No crafting experience? No worries! Annie will guide you every step of the way in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. Whether you come with friends, bring your spouse, or treat yourself to a creative night out, you'll leave with a handmade pumpkin and wonderful memories.
Throughout the evening, you'll learn about the role of wine corks and gain insight into each wine as we taste it 🍂 All supplies and wine are included.
🍷 Enjoy the fun and atmosphere of the Franklin Liquors wine room and the Franklin Wine Club Night.
🎨 Just bring your creativity—we'll take care of the rest!
We can't wait to spend the evening creating, laughing, and celebrating the start of fall with all of you!
See you there! 🧡
RSVP REQUIRED SEATING IS LIMITED-
Meetup club free to join event fee is $50 https://www.meetup.com/franklin-wine-club/events/315993455/
About Your Hosts: Ann Handy
Ann Handy (better known as Annie) is a watercolor and acrylic instructor, lifelong artist, and graphic designer with more than 35+ years of creative experience. Coming from a family of artists, she began painting at the age of 19 and earned a college degree with a focus in photography. Known for her playful, nature-inspired projects and easy-to-follow teaching style, Annie combines, vibrant color, and step-by-step instruction to help every student create artwork they’ll be proud of. When she’s not teaching or designing, Annie finds inspiration in nature—photographing wildlife, sketching new ideas, and exploring the outdoors. Her mission is simple: to inspire creativity, build confidence, and remind people that everyone has an artist within.
Mark Lenzi
Mark is a veteran beverage educator, professional wine buyer, and podcaster with over four decades of industry expertise. As the driving force behind Franklin Liquors—a family business serving wine lovers since 1978—Mark holds an impressive suite of top industry credentials, including CSW, CSS, CWAS, FWS, IWS, SWS, OWE and IWM. Renowned for turning complex regional terroirs and tasting nuances into fun, interactive discoveries, Mark’s passion is simple: helping every wine enthusiast uncork a deeper appreciation for what’s in their glass."
Registration for Lifelong Community Learning's fall offerings open the week of August 10, 2026
Registration for Lifelong Community Learning's fall offerings will open the week of August 10th.
Art for mental health workshop for 2nd to 5th graders - August 14
via The Within Project
Through fun creative art activities, kids will learn how to use art as a healthy way to express emotions and understand their emotions in a welcoming, supportive space.
This workshop is donation-based, so there is no fee required to participate, and 100% of donations go to a local nonprofit.
Registration is still required to reserve your spot.
Limited spots remain, so don't wait!
Kiddos in grades K-7, did you hear about the musical instrument petting Zoo ??
Try out real string instruments with guidance from high school musicians!
Ideal for kids in grades K-7!"
Ideal for kids in grades K-7!"
Follow the Facebook event for updates https://facebook.com/events/s/instrument-petting-zoo/1716545806129480/
I-495/I-90 Interchange Improvements Project Advisory: Overnight Ramp Closures at I-495/I-90 Interchange August 10-13
I-495/I-90 Interchange Improvements Project Advisory: Hopkinton, Westborough Overnight Ramp Closures at I-495/I-90 Interchange August 10-13
What is Happening?
The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is announcing overnight ramp closures at the I-495/I-90 interchange to facilitate construction operations.
The I-90 eastbound ramp to I-495 northbound (Exit 106) will be closed nightly starting Monday, August 10 through Thursday, August 13 from 11:00 PM each night to 5:00 AM the following morning. During this overnight closure, the following detour will be in place:
- Take I-495 southbound to Exit 54A (West Main Street, Hopkinton) to reverse direction back to I-495 northbound.
Additionally, the I-90 westbound ramp to I-495 northbound (Exit 106B) will be closed overnight on Monday, August 10 from 11:00 PM to 5:00 AM the following morning. During this overnight closure, the following detour will be in place:
- Take Exit 106A (I-495 southbound), down to Exit 54A, and back onto I-495 northbound.
The I-495 northbound ramp to I-90 East and West (Exit 58) will be closed nightly starting Monday, August 10 through Thursday, August 13 from 11:00 PM each night to 5:00 AM the following morning. During this overnight closure, the following detour will be in place:
- Take I-495 northbound to Exit 59B (Route 9 westbound) to reverse direction onto I-495 southbound to access I-90 East and West.
Appropriate signage, law enforcement details, and messaging will be in place to guide drivers through the work area.
Drivers traveling through the affected areas should expect delays, reduce speed, and use caution.
All scheduled work is weather dependent and/or may be impacted due to an emergency.
About the Project
The purpose of the I-495/I-90 Interchange Improvements Project is to provide a safe and efficient interchange of the interstate highways I-495 & I-90. The project will replace the interchange, eliminate the old toll booth area and weaving areas, improve ramp spacing, acceleration, and deceleration lanes, and add an auxiliary lane from I-495 Northbound to Route 9. New bridges will be constructed on I-495 over I-90, on I-495 and I-90 over the MBTA/CSX/Amtrak lines, on I-495 Northbound over Flanders Road, and on Fruit Street.
Stay Informed
If someone you know would like to subscribe to receive project updates, meeting notices, and traffic impact advisories, they can do so here.
To report a noise complaint, please call the project hotline: (508) 676-3551
Project email: 495-90Improvements@state.ma.us
Project website: www.mass.gov/massdot/495-90interchange
Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule for Sunday, August 9, 2026
Yes, Franklin has its own radio station -> wfpr.fm. 
Franklin Public Radio has a schedule full of the locally produced shows that fill our air waves.
Franklin Public Radio has a schedule full of 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: (see image)
Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)