What's happening in Franklin, MA: Friday, August 7, 2026 ???

Friday, August 7

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 Alex Fradkin (live music) (Franklin Town Common)

5:30pm Karate Show (live music) (Franklin Town Common)

7:00pm Karaoke Night (La Cantina Winery)

8:00pm Traveller The Chris Stapleton Experience (THE BLACK BOX)

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, August 7 ??

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

"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 @trolley_dogs

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!"

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1ERPjz3QZk/

SAFE Coalition’s Family Recovery Webinar: “Predatory Relationships in the Suburbs" - August 27

What do we tell young people a trusted adult looks like? And what happens when someone twists that trust into something harmful?

Join SAFE Coalition’s Family Recovery Webinar Series for “Predatory Relationships in the Suburbs,” a conversation with Mikaela Weinstein, SAFE’s Diversion Facilitator, and Detective Jack Flynn of the Franklin Police Department.

You’ll learn:
• How these relationships take shape, seen from a young person’s perspective
• Which online platforms adults target most often to reach kids
• Practical tips for internet and social media safety at home
• What local police data shows about how often this is happening right here

This session is especially valuable for parents and caregivers of adolescents and younger children, and for teens themselves.

Thursday, August 27, 6:30 to 7:30 PM
💻 Zoom | Free
✅ Register: https://www.safecoalitionma.org/get-support/webinar

Audio Recording Available for the Commission on Disability Meeting, August 6, 2026 (audio)

FM #1793 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1793 in the series. 

This episode shares the Franklin Commission on Disability Meeting held on August 6, 2026 at the Franklin Senior Center. 8 of the 9 members were present, (M Furilla absent).

Quick recap:

• Discussion brainstorming ideas for potential use of their annual budget along with the use of the fees accumulated from parking fines paid by those violating accessibility spaces.

• Approved use of funds ($100) to obtain membership in Downtown Partnership to gain booth space for the Harvest Festival

• Discussion on purchase of Disability Pride Flag, would also need to adjust the current flag bylaw (https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/1107/2024-Town-Council-Flag-Policy-PDF?bidId=)

• Discussion on participation for the Harvest Festival

• Discussion on participation for the Senior Expo (Oct 2)

• Discussion on potential for creating a virtual option for meeting participation. Via Zoom and use of an Owl camera. Decision potentially to be made at the October regular meeting for implementation TBD there after

The meeting recording runs just over 1 hour

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1793-franklin-commission-on-disability-mtg-08-06-26/

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The meeting agenda - https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08062026-2427  

Commission on Disability page - https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/496/Franklin-Commission-on-Disability 

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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"

American Legion NE Regional Tournament results for Senior Team & Softball Team

The Post 75 Senior Team did not have a good day, but they still play in the loser bracket on Friday, Aug 7

Updated bracket - https://americanlegion.sportngin.com/page/show/9342694-region-1-northeast

Friday's schedule

• Globe article on Post 75 Senior team

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2026/08/06/sports/franklin-american-legion-champions/

Catching up to share the 'last' result for the Post 75 Softball team from Tuesday, August 4

The bracket plays out for the Softball tournament here

https://www.hometeamsonline.com/teams/default.asp?u=MASSACHUSETTSAMERICA&s=softball&p=bracketmanager&tournamentID=2026MALEGIONSOFTBALLCHAMPIONSHIP

Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee (FBRTC) announce that 4 new benches installed on SNETT

The Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee (FBRTC) is pleased to announce that 4 new benches have been installed along the Southern New England Trunkline Trail (SNETT), enhancing comfort and accessibility for trail users.

The benches were paid for with a combination of a MassTrails grant that was awarded in November, and fundraising proceeds raised at events like our recent Rail Trail 5k.

The process began during the summer of 2024 when the committee sent out a survey to the community asking what improvements they would like. The committee then surveyed the trail, and determined 4 locations that would benefit from new benches. The team then worked with MA DCR to get a quote for acquiring and installing the benches, and used that information to apply for a Mass Trails grant. 

The grant was submitted in February 2025, and grant winners were originally supposed to be notified in June 2025. Due to unexpected circumstances, the grants were not awarded until November 2025. With a compressed timeline, FBRTC worked with DCR to coordinate the preparation of the sites for the benches, and then assemble and install the benches.

The four new benches were installed along the 2.3-mile stretch of the SNETT between Spring Street in Franklin and Center Street in Bellingham

“These new benches will greatly improve comfort and accessibility for all trail users,” said Darren McNamara, FBRTC Vice President. “The most common feedback we’ve received is that the lack of seating made it difficult for some—particularly those with mobility challenges—to fully enjoy the trail. This project demonstrates how local advocacy groups like FBRTC can work hand-in-hand with state agencies to improve quality of life in our communities.”

FBRTC is a volunteer-led advocacy organization dedicated to the development and maintenance of the Southern New England Trunkline Trail. Last year, the committee played a key role in advocating for the use of Community Preservation Act funds in Franklin to purchase disused freight rail land—extending the SNETT by 1.75 miles into downtown Franklin. The group’s ongoing priorities include improving the Franklin–Bellingham section of the trail and advancing connectivity toward Blackstone.

FBRTC extends its sincere thanks to Kevin Hollenbeck and Raymond Longvall from Massachusetts DCR for their help in procuring and installing the benches, as well as to state and local officials, sponsors, and donors who supported this effort. Those interested in getting involved with FBRTC’s trail improvement and advocacy efforts are encouraged to contact fbrtcommittee@gmail.com.

Additonal photos can be found on the Rail Trail Committee page

https://www.franklinbellinghamrailtrail.org/2026/07/24/fbrtc-announces-new-benches-installed-on-the-snett/

Friday Night Karaoke at La Cantina Winery! - August 7

Join us this Friday for a fun night of music, great food, and amazing wine!

🕟 Open: 4:30 PM – 10:00 PM
🎤 Karaoke: 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Bring your friends, grab the mic, and make it a night to remember. We can’t wait to see you!

Shared from - https://www.instagram.com/p/Dbqh8v7OoFv/

Community Closet Update // Call for Donations

Dear Franklin UMC community,

I wanted to share an update about the Community Closet. It really feels like we hit a stride this week. Dust is beginning to settle and we're finding our rhythm.  Each Tuesday, the Closet is becoming more and more of what we hoped it would be—a place where neighbors linger, browse, chat, and build relationships. Thanks to the work of our amazing volunteers, adjusting racks and tables, the space is beginning to feel naturally welcoming and is much easier to to navigate.

This past Tuesday was our busiest day of the summer, with around 30 community members stopping in. The energy was joyful—kids exploring, parents comparing sizes, and neighbors helping one another find clothing that feels just right. Your presence and care make that possible.

As families prepare for back‑to‑school season, we’re seeing a growing need for children’s clothing, especially for school‑age kids. Our adult racks are also running low. If you have gently‑used clothing you’re ready to pass along, we would be grateful. While we continue to offer summer items, we’re also beginning to prepare for fall—light layers, long sleeves, and transitional pieces are especially helpful and will be put out as space allows.

A quick reminder about our setup: the Closet’s main‑level room houses all clothing bins, including kids clothing, jeans, and shoes. When the Closet is closed, all racks are stored in this space. When open, racks are moved into the main‑level Community Room (Fellowship Hall, Vestry, this space gets called a bunch of different things), where there’s plenty of space to browse, rest, and connect.

Donation Hours:

• Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday mornings from 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
• Tuesdays during Closet hours, 12:00 – 2:00 PM

All donations must be placed indoors. If you would like an in‑kind giving receipt, the Office is happy to provide one.

Thank you for helping the Community Closet remain a place of dignity, welcome, and abundance. Every item shared not only supports neighbors but also strengthens our community’s resilience.

Peace.
Pastor Jacob

New location/day for Town Council Office Hours - Saturday, Aug 15 at 10 AM

Meet with the Town Council!

The Franklin Town Council is offering an additional opportunity for residents to meet with Council members on Saturday, August 15, from 10:00 to 11:00 AM in the Community Room at the Franklin Public Library, 118 Main St.

Residents are invited to stop by to ask questions, share feedback, discuss Town-related topics, or simply connect with members of the Council in an informal setting. No appointment is necessary.

Please note: This session is in addition to the Council's regularly scheduled monthly Office Hours, which are held on the third Thursday of each month from 8:30 – 9:30 AM at the Franklin Senior Center.  The next regularly scheduled Office Hours will take place on Thursday, August 20.

Franklin Public Library Community Room
118 Main St.
Franklin, MA 02038

The Franklin Sculpture Park is Growing!

We’re excited to share that the Franklin Sculpture Park is entering a new chapter as we refresh and expand our digital presence on the Town of Franklin’s website. As we prepare to welcome two new public art installations to the park, we’re updating our online resources to better showcase the artwork, artists, educational opportunities, and community stories that make the Sculpture Park such a special place.

The refreshed webpages will provide visitors with an easier way to explore the park’s collection, learn about current and upcoming installations, discover the artists behind the work, and find information about accessibility, programming, and the park’s connection to the surrounding natural environment.

As we continue to grow the Sculpture Park’s collection, we remain committed to creating a space where art, nature, education, and community come together. We invite you to explore the updated website and follow along as we prepare to welcome these exciting new additions.

Take a peek at the updated Franklin Sculpture Park webpage here!

https://www.franklinma.gov/1000/The-Franklin-Sculpture-Park

Youville: Helping kids build online safety skills this summer and school year

Via Federal Trade Commission: By BCP Staff

These last days of summer can present opportunities to spend more time with your kids. 

If you’re talking with your 8-12 year-olds about making good decisions while they’re online, the FTC has a free tool called Youville to help.

Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2026/08/youville-helping-kids-build-online-safety-skills-summer-and-school-year?utm_source=govdelivery

Go directly to Youville  ftc.gov/Youville

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule for Friday, August 7, 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 Syed Azhar from Franklin Interact touting the Aug 18 event at Senior Center    https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/08/franklin-interact-coordinating-with.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 August 7, 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: Sisters United Against Cancer

11:00 am Senior Connection: Spaghetti Bolognese

12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin: Waffles

12:30 pm Learn to Cook with Linda: Brunch Bake

1:30 pm     Pizzapalooza: Healthy Pizza Crusts

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 Franklin 4th: Garden of Hedon

9:00 pm Circle of Friends: Tracy Grammer

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

7:00 am FHS Spring Pops 2026

8:30 am Arts Advocacy: How-Tos

9:30 am 6th Grade Winter Music 02-10-26

11:00 am FHSTC - Flowers for Algernon

1:00 pm All-Town Band Showcase 2026

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

8:00 pm FHS Theater Company: Legally Blonde

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

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

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 

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