Bellingham's Harvest Fest scheduled for September 26, 2026

"Bellingham's Harvest Fest, presented by First Baptist Church and Bible Baptist Church, will once again take place on Bellingham Town Common on Saturday, September 26, 2026, with a rain date of October 3. The family-focused fun day will offer numerous activities as well as vendor booths from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. The event was well-received after it returned last year from a hiatus

"I think it went very well last year," says Pastor Michael Carrier, the 32nd pastor of Bible Baptist Church, who said he was grateful for all of the advertising and sponsorships it received, as well as to the late Ken Hamwey, for getting the word out. "It is bittersweet Ken won't be with us. We had over 50 vendors and close to 500 people walking through," added Carrier, who anticipates an even better year.

In fact, Pastor Baron Rodrigues, who has been with First Baptist Church for 19 years, notes, 'We're dedicating this festival in memory of Ken Hamwey, who loved people and loved to help them, and we are looking to do far greater in our help to the food banks than we did last year."

Shared from the Bellingham Bulletin

https://www.bellinghambulletin.com/2026/09/01/582532/love-your-neighbor-at-bellingham-harvest-fest-september-26-on-town-common

Commission on Disability meeting interrupted/shortened by fire alarm at Senior Center (audio)

FM #1811 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1811 in the series. 

This episode shares the Franklin Commission on Disability Meeting held on Sep 3, 2026 at the Franklin Senior Center. The meeting was interrupted by a fire alarm at the Senior Center. The group managed to practice a safe exit and added planning for disability accommodations (as needed) for Town facilities and public events to their list of topics. 

Quick recap:

• Discussion on a backup clerk for this session, initially John, then Julie took notes.

• Update on the accessibility working down at the Town level, becoming more formal, coordinating multiple departments as needed, likely meeting quarterly to work on a long range (10-year) plan. Potential covering areas like infrastructure and digital access

• Disability commissions to gather for a roundtable discussion Oct 14, John and Randy volunteered to participate for this session

• Issue raised with no audio signal for the Shaw’s traffic crossing; also with a homeowner on Mill St that needs  handicap ramp put in

• Minutes moved to approve for prior meeting, seconded

• Interrupted by fire alarm, all clear received approx 20 minutes later

• Discussion on planning for the Harvest Festival

• Discussion on having or changing the October meeting date as it currently conflicts with the Senior Expo on October 2

• Ultimately resolved to cancel the October session

• Continued discussion on planning for the Senior Expo

• ASL interpreter being set up for the Expo, vote to authorize the expense (approx $500)

• Reminder for commission members to wear their t-shirts for the Festival and Expo

• Motion to move a couple of agenda items out to the November session (advocacy letter to SNETT, and social media guidelines), seconded

• Motion to adjourn, seconded

The meeting recording runs about 43 minutes (shorter due to the fire alarm interruption).

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1811-commission-on-disability-mtg-09-03-26/

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

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"

24th annual Franklin Downtown Partnership Harvest Festival - Saturday, Sep 26

We are excited to announce our 24th annual Franklin Downtown Partnership Harvest Festival!

Here are some highlights:

• Live music performances by Jamie Barrett, the Padula Family Band and Critical Mass. Dance performances by Feet in Motion and Desi Swag Queens. Franklin School of Performing Arts (FSPA) will perform a medley of songs and dances on Main Street.

• Touch-a-Truck, courtesy of Franklin Fire.

• Radio station MyFM 101.3 will broadcast on Main Street near the center island/bridge.

• In partnership with the FDP, Franklin TV and WFPR 102.9 FM will be located near the library, filming booth activities and interviewing event participants for later broadcasts.

• Franklin Library will have children’s activities on the lawn.

• Dean College will have a trackless train on their quad area at Awpie Way.

• The Cultural Hub will have a pumpkin-themed art project and other activities. The Cultural Hub includes the Public Library; Cultural District Committee; Cultural Council; Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy; the Historical Museum; and the Franklin Art Association.

• Enjoy great food all along Main Street. Dean Bank will be selling apple cider, donuts, popcorn, and water. Proceeds from their sales support FDP and the festival. Take a few extra steps to downtown and you can dine at more restaurants and cafes.

•  Downtown activities: the Children’s Museum of Franklin will have kid-friendly fun at their home at 157 Cottage Street.

The Harvest Festival is made possible because of generous local business sponsors. 

Franklin Downtown Partnership is very grateful to this year’s sponsors:

Platinum – Dean Bank; G&C Plumbing & Heating, Local Town Pages

Gold – Dean College; Glen Meadow Apartments; Middlesex Savings Bank; Sunrise Montessori School

Silver – Doherty, Dugan, Cannon, Raymond & Weil, P.C.; Eagle Stainless Tube & Fabrication, Inc.; Hockomock YMCA; Notturno Home Services; Rockland Trust Bank; The Enclave of Franklin

Bronze – ABI New England; Camford Property Group; Connell Roofing; DCU; DG Ranieri; Fenton Financial Group; Franklin Kitchen Center; Keefe Insurance; LeafFilter; MyFM; Simon’s Furniture

#franklin #franklinma #harvestfestival #shopfranklin

Harvest Festival Registration is full, wait list is now open

from the Franklin Downtown Partnership:

"Thank you to everyone who has registered for a booth. At this time we are at capacity for the Harvest Festival.  

To be added to the waitlist, login to the member portal of our website and fill out the waitlist form.  

See you there!!!"

shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/19WSWNqioY/

Note: The Strawberry Stroll is open to first come first served. The Harvest Festival booths are open to business members only.

If you want to consider membership, visit https://franklindowntownpartnership.org/#

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 

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

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!

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

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

Save the Date: September 26th is Franklin’s 24th Annual Harvest Festival

Mark your calendar: Franklin’s 24th Annual Harvest Festival is set for Saturday, September 26 from 12 noon to 5 PM. Rain date is Sunday, September 27, 2026. 

Organized by Franklin Downtown Partnership, the Harvest Festival is their largest event. More than 150 vendors will fill Main Street and extend to Dean College and Franklin Public Library. Enjoy live music, food, kids’ activities, unique art and crafts, merch and services from local shops, and community groups. More details will be coming in September.

Due to the popularity of the event, vendor booths will only be available to FDP members. The Partnership invites Franklin crafters to join and participate in the festival. Registration for FDP members will open the last week of August. 

Business owners are invited to be a sponsor of the Harvest Festival. Please email the FDP office at downtown.franklin@yahoo.com to learn about sponsorship opportunities, or register on the FDP website at www.franklindowntownpartnership.org.

Thank you to our event sponsors:

• Platinum – Dean Bank, G&C Plumbing & Heating
• Gold – Dean College, Glen Meadow Apartments
• Silver – Eagle Stainless Tube & Fabrication, Inc., Enclave of Franklin, Notturno Home Services
• Bronze – ABI New England, Franklin Kitchen Center, Simon’s Furniture

Follow the FDP on Instagram and Facebook for info, updates, and activities:

https://www.instagram.com/franklindowntownpartnership/  and  

https://www.facebook.com/franklindowntownpartnership.org/

The Franklin Downtown Partnership is a non-profit 501 (c) 3 organization made up of more than 350 business owners, residents, and community leaders working to revitalize downtown Franklin. Residents can join the Downtown Partnership for only $25. The Partnership manages events like the Strawberry Stroll and the Harvest Festival, and initiatives such as beautification, streetscape design, green space, alley murals, and sculpture projects. For more information go to www.franklindowntownpartnership.org.

Economic Development Subcmte gets updates on the events for June & continues goal discussion (audio)

FM #1762 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1762 in the series. 

The Economic Development Subcommittee met on Thursday, June 4, 2026 as scheduled. Committee Vice-Chair Morrongiello, Griffith & Malloy were present for this session, Chair LeBlanc was away.

Quick recap:

• Cory Shea to talk about the events, 

• Restaurant Week underway, good social interactions, PorchFest on Saturday June 6, about 50 performers and 30+porches; after the music you can also visit a restaurant as the week ends on Saturday.

• Tricky trying to put the pieces together from a regional aspect for an international event, lots of connections made, lessons learned

• Main St will be closed between St Mary's and the Franklin Federated Church. The jumbotron will be at Hayward Manor; Live performances scheduled; Info on schedule details, parking etc will be posted on June 22

• After the watch parties, Pride on June 27, then into the 4th of July Celebration… Farmers Market and Concerts on the Common during the summer, then Harvest Festival in Sept and wreath of Franklin date TBD Nov, Dec

• MetroWest guide for the watch parties coming out , Town has an ad placed in it as it will be spreading quite a bit.

• Discussion on goals vs work plan, should it be 2 or one.

• Why is there a distinction?

• Solid waste master plan required for the town dump, consent order from DEP so it is already being worked

The meeting runs about 71 minutes. 

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1762-economic-development-subcmte-mtg-06-04-26/

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Franklin TV video is available for replay - https://www.youtube.com/live/HJsDcLu_-xk?&t=161 

The agenda here - 

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06042026-2343 

My full set of notes taken during the meeting - 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WMctKdP3zMR8fJSIsIDFplpBCbQdfBhd/view?usp=drive_link 

   

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

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

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit www.franklin.news/ or  www.Franklinmatters.org/ 

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"

Franklin Downtown Partnership Posts its 2026 Event and Meeting Schedule

The Franklin Downtown Partnership has set their 2026 schedule for their annual community events and business meetings. Events are open to the public. Meetings are for FDP members. Mark your calendar!

Event Dates:

Ladybug Trail Spring Walk  Sat. April 25    9 am – all day Rain Date April 26

Spring Beautification Day Sat. May 16     9 am - 12 pm  

Strawberry Stroll            Fri. June 12      4 pm - 8 pm Rain Date June 13

Harvest Festival            Sat. Sept. 26    12 pm - 5 pm Rain Date Sept. 27

Winter Decorating Day Sat. Nov. 21 9 am - 12 pm

FDP Business Meeting Dates: 

February 5, April 2, June 4, September 3, November 5

General meetings are open to FDP members only. The meetings are a good opportunity to introduce your business and network. For more information contact FDP at downtownfranklin@yahoo.com or call 774-571-3109. To become a member, visit the website at franklindowntownpartnership.org.

Follow the FDP on Instagram and Facebook at:

https://www.instagram.com/franklindowntownpartnership/  and  

https://www.facebook.com/franklindowntownpartnership.org/

The Franklin Downtown Partnership is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization made up of more than 375 business owners, residents, and community leaders working to revitalize downtown Franklin. Residents can join the Downtown Partnership for $25. In addition to managing events like Strawberry Stroll, Harvest Festival, and Beautification Days, the Partnership also manages the streetscape design, greenspace, alley murals, and sculpture projects. For more information go to www.franklindowntownpartnership.org