Chasity & Jillian fill us in on what's coming up at the Senior Center in September (audio)

FM #1803 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1803 in the series. 

This session shares my conversation with Chasity Cheng, Deputy Director and Jillian Rochat, Activities Coordinator. We had our discussion in the Franklin Senior Center on Wednesday, August 19, 2026.

 

We talk about 

• All the key event highlights for Sept 2026

• Change in fitness class on Tue/Thu to ensure safety of participants, limited to first 35 

• Senior Center Yard Sale - Saturday, Sept 12

• Nominations for Stella Jeon Silver Spirit Award close Sept 22

• First Senior Center Art Gallery - Sep 24

• Senior Expo scheduled for Oct 2, programs canceled for the afternoon of Oct 1 to prepare for the Expo

The show notes include links to the Senior Center page, the calendar of events, and to subscribe to the monthly newsletter. 

The recording runs about 41 minutes, so let’s listen in.

Audio link -  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1803-franklin-senior-center-sept-2026-event-highlights-08-19-26/

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To sign up for the Senior Center Art Gallery contact Jillian Rochet at  508-528-4945 or via email at jrochat@franklinma.gov 

September 2026 newsletter -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/10676/September-2026-Newsletter?bidId= 

Franklin Senior Center page ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/583/Franklin-Senior-Center-Council-on-Aging 

The newsletter archive page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/585/Connection-Newsletter 

Senior Center calendar view (just FSC events) -> https://franklinma.gov/calendar.aspx?CID=37&showPastEvents=false 

Subscribe to the newsletter -> by calling 508-520-4945

 

My Active Center -> https://myactivecenter.com/ 

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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 it!

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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"

Rise Up Reminders: "Look Up Gallery" Opening Event - March 7 - 3:45 PM

Hey everyone,

Two quick reminders:

1. I'll be hosting an event at the Franklin Library, Friday, March 7, 3:45-4:45 PM to view my art gallery and celebrate Brain Injury Awareness Month. I'd love to have you join!!

2. There is NO Rise Up in March. We will resume in April, which will most likely be an outdoor gathering at the Sculpture Park for a special Accessible Earth Day event... stay tuned! 

Be well!

Rise Up Reminders: "Look Up Gallery" Opening Event - March 7 - 3:45 PM

"Look Up" Gallery by: Ali Rheaume at the Franklin Public Library Mar 1 - Mar 29

March 1st-29th @ the Franklin Public Library

For brain injury awareness month, this gallery containing acrylic paintings

of clouds embodies my personal journey after brain injury that God has

brought me though, amidst different circumstances and emotions. 

During the opening event, I will be sharing my story about how I went

from being an elementary PE teacher to an award-winning artist! 

Come view the art, hear about the process, and enjoy a meet-and-greet!!

 

March 1st-29th @ the Franklin Public Library

*Opening Event: March 7th, 3:45-4:45pm*

*Opening Event: March 7th, 3:45-4:45pm*

Davis Thayer Reuse Cmte wants to keep the building, lease the land, and do something for arts & culture (video)

The Davis Thayer Reuse Advisory Subcommittee met as scheduled on Tuesday, June 25, 2024 to complete their charge before their authorization expired on June 30.

The Franklin TV recording is available ->  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cruuseXmHqc

1. Expressions of Interest Presentations

a. 7:00 to 7:20 - Dean College combined with Camford Property Group  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/rei_davis_thayer_letter_of_interest_proposal_narrative_and_project_description_-_dean_college.pdf

b. 7:20 to 7:40 - Pennrose, LLC  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/pennrose.pdf

c. 7:40 to 8:00 - HFA and TMC Properties   

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/tmc_hfa_davis_thayer_submission_email.pdf

2. Final Recommendation to the Town Council - the draft was revised to remove "if possible", change the date from Dec to June 30, change # of proposals from 4 to 3 and approved as amended. Other typos were to be sent to Town Administrator Jamie Hellen to include in the updated version. The amended version was approved via roll call vote (one member was remote) 9-0.

a. Draft Letter   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/2024-06-26_davis-thayer_reuse_committee_recommendation.pdf

My notes can be found in one PDF -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-v2wyKzAdoDYv68PiueotKmBFbdIeuLA/view?usp=drive_link

Davis Thayer Building Reuse Advisory Committee scheduled to meet Tuesday, June 25 at 7 PM

6th Art Exhibit of the Franklin Art Association Opens March 16, Reception scheduled for March 28

6th Art Exhibit of the Franklin Art Association

The Franklin Art Association invites all to visit the 6th Exhibit at the FAA Gallery in Escape into Fiction Bookstore in downtown Franklin.  

The Opening will be held Thursday, March 28th from 6-8 PM, come see the fresh work and fresh faces in the gallery through June!

Franklin Art Association schedules reception for Nov 9 from 6 to 8 PM

The Franklin Art Association will hold an opening reception of new artwork at the association gallery at Escape into Fiction Bookstore on November 9, 6-8 PM, 12 Main Street, Franklin.    

The event is free and open to the public.  

Please join us in support of local artists and their creative work!

This gallery will be up for viewing from October 16th 2023 to February 17th 2024

www.franklinart.org, Facebook and Instagram.

Franklin Art Association schedules reception for Nov 9 from 6 to 8 PM

Franklin Art Association schedule reception for Nov 9 from 6 to 8 PM

The Franklin Art Association will hold an opening reception of new artwork at the association gallery at Escape into Fiction Bookstore on November 9, 6-8 PM, 12 Main Street, Franklin.    

The event is free and open to the public.  

Please join us in support of local artists and their creative work!

www.franklinart.org, Facebook and Instagram.

Franklin Art Association gallery

Reminder: Franklin Art Association announce their Juried Art Show Opening at the Harvest Festival - Sep 30

The Franklin Art Association will be hosting a juried exhibit of works by its members from noon–5 PM on Saturday, September 30 at Escape Into Fiction Bookstore. 

The exhibit, held in conjunction with the 20th Annual Franklin Downtown Partnership Harvest Festival, will remain up for viewing until October 14, 2023.

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/CvuvRC8O19p/

Franklin Art Association announce their Juried Art Show Opening at the Harvest Festival - Sep 30

A New Exhibit at the FAA Gallery! - Feb 16, 2023

The month of January can be (and certainly has been lately) a pretty drab and gray time, when our souls long for colors to brighten our days and spirits.

To help remedy that, the Franklin Art Association Gallery, at Escape Into Fiction Bookstore, will be showcasing a new exhibit of works by our members, and we invite you join us for the opening reception on Thursday, February 16. Treat yourself to beauty, bring a friend!

Where: Escape Into Fiction Bookstore, 12 Main St, Franklin, MA

When: 6:00-8:00 PM

Free admission

Parking behind the store (enter from West Central Street)

Shared from Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/p/CnXjzAzJPGs/

A New Exhibit at the FAA Gallery! - Feb 16, 2023

Franklin Art Association Opening Reception at Escape Into Fiction - Nov 10

The Franklin Art Association will hold an Opening Reception at Escape into Fiction on Thursday, November 10 at 7 PM. 

Franklin Art Association Opening Reception at Escape Into Fiction - Nov 10

Franklin Cultural District - Celebrating with Pride as #artshappenhere (through June 29)

Celebrating with Pride during the month of June takes center stage this week. The Alt Prom for teens is scheduled for the Library today, and the first Franklin Celebrate with Pride is scheduled for the Town Common on Sunday. The Farmers Market, Art Gallery reception, Library book sale and plenty of choices for live music fill out the schedule. Something for everyone as #artshappenshere in Franklin.

Wednesday, June 22
6:00pm - Alt Prom for Teens (Franklin Public Library)

Thursday, June 23

5:00pm - Kendo - live music (LaCantina Winery)

6:00pm - Inaugural reception for Franklin Art Association Art Gallery (Escape Into Fiction)

6:30pm - Stump Trivia  (67 Degrees Brewing)

Friday, June 24

1:00pm - Franklin Library Book Sale (Franklin Public Library)

2:00pm - Farmers Market (Franklin Town Common)

2:00pm - Acoustic Feel - live music (Farmers Market)

5:00pm - Franklin Youth Football Fundraiser (LaCantina Winery)

6:00pm - Steve Angellis - live music (67 Degrees Brewing)

7:30pm - Electric Youth 2022 Bon Voyage Concert (THE BLACK BOX, ticketed event)

Saturday, June 25

9:00am - Franklin Library Book Sale (Franklin Public Library)

10:00am - Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

1:00pm - Franklin Library Bag Sale (Franklin Public Library)

1:00pm - Community Potluck Lunch (Franklin Public Library)

4:00pm - Patrick Durkin - live music (LaCantina Winery)

6:00pm - The Forgetful Ones - live music (67 Degrees Brewing)

7:30pm - Electric Youth 2022 Bon Voyage Concert (THE BLACK BOX, ticketed event)

Sunday, June 26

12:00pm - Celebrate With PRIDE (Franklin Town Common)

1:00pm - Temple Etz Chaim fund raiser (LaCantina Winery)

1:00pm - Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

5:00pm - Michael Rivelis - live music (LaCantina Winery)

Tuesday, June 28

7:00pm - Franklin Public Library Book Club

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Find the full calendar  https://www.franklinmatters.org/p/blog-page.html

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://forms.gle/oPdi8X3ZbHHyrHzo6

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar

The School district calendar is found  https://www.franklinps.net/calendar-by-event-type/26

Franklin Cultural District: #Artshappenhere

Franklin Art Association - art gallery opening reception - June 23

I am thrilled to announce that the Franklin Art Association now has its very first art gallery located within the Escape into Fiction bookstore in downtown Franklin.

This has been a long time coming, so please join us at our first opening reception for conversation, appetizers, and wine and experience the beautiful artwork of our member artists!

When: Thursday, June 23 - from 6 to 8 PM

Sue Sheridan

President

Franklin Art Association 

Franklin Art Association - art gallery opening reception - June 23

Franklin Art Assoc opens art gallery in Escape into Fiction

I am thrilled to announce that the Franklin Art Association now has its very first art gallery located within the Escape into Fiction bookstore in downtown Franklin. 

This has been a long time coming, so please join us at our first opening reception for conversation, appetizers, and wine and experience the beautiful artwork of our member artists!

Sue Sheridan

President

Franklin Art Association 

Art gallery hours - open when Escape into Fiction is open

You can also purchase art online and pick up at the store

https://escapeintofiction.com/collections/franklin-art-association-art-work

Reception Details: June 23 from 6 to 8 PM

Franklin Art Assoc opens art gallery in Escape into Fiction