Senior Story Hour - WFPR: Episode 109 - Chair Volleyball, Talent, Fire Flight Nine, Gratitude, AI, Murder Mystery, and Ain't That Fine

In this episode, the Franklin Senior Center Writers Group shares stories, poems, and writings about chair volleyball, talent, fire flight nine, gratitude, AI, Alice shares the next chapter in her book, and ain't that fine.

Audio link - https://senior-scribblers.captivate.fm/episode/episode-109-chair-volleyball-talent-fire-flight-nine-graditude-ai-murder-mystery-and-aint-that-fine

Senior Story Hour - WFPR = The Franklin Senior Center Writer's Group

Steve Sherlock hosts The Franklin Senior Center Writer's Group for a monthly reading of short stories, essays, poetry and more. 

Find more episodes here (or on your favorite podcast app) ->  https://senior-scribblers.captivate.fm/episodes

Morning conference in Boston on "Housing, Land Use, and Building Reform" - Sept 15

via The Boston Foundation (TBF)

"On September 15th, TBF and Boston Indicators with Boston Society for Architecture are hosting a morning conference on Housing, Land Use, and Building Reform.

Regulatory barriers have been blocking the construction of homes that Massachusetts needs, especially small multifamily buildings like triple-deckers and townhouses. For generations, these were the homes that gave families a first foothold, a place to raise kids, save money, and lay down roots in our region. Please join Boston Indicators for a morning forum on how today’s regulatory problems evolved over time, and what to do about it.

MA has no shortage of people working to fix these systems and policymakers have been making progress in recent years, and we hope you'll join us to hear from leading experts making the case for reform. The morning conference will include time for discussion and networking with policymakers, advocates, architects, builders, planners, real estate professionals, and academics working toward better rules for small multifamily housing construction."

"The leading experts who will speak at the event are: • Jonathan Berk, who will provide a briefing on his new Boston Indicators report, “Delayed by Design: How the Permitting Process Stalls Housing in Massachusetts, which will be released at the event. • Sam Naylor, who will speak on building code reform and share his recommendations for small multifamily housing in Massachusetts, drawn from two Boston Indicators reports that he authored, and • Amy Dain, who will discuss comprehensive regulatory reform, including comparison of state reform efforts across time. There will also be time for discussion and networking with policymakers, advocates, architects, builders, planners, real estate professionals, and academics. Breakfast will be available at 8:30 AM

And lunch will be available at 12:00 PM"

Register at the link : https://www.tbf.org/Events/2026/September/Housing-Land-Use-and-Building-Reform

Shared from - https://www.instagram.com/p/DcgaRpEjSAP/  & https://www.instagram.com/p/DcJi6utnEPw/

Talking with a couple of "Super Kids" (audio)

FM #1798 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1798 in the series. 

Two young authors came to the Franklin TV & Radio Studio on Tuesday, August 4, 2026 to talk about their new book, “Super Kids”. You get to meet TJ Bowser and Christopher Charles and hear their story about this book, the first of a series.

We talk about

• Their goal

• Their collaborative writing process

• And to “not give up”

Our conversation runs about 15 minutes. 

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1798-talking-with-super-kids-08-04-26/

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You can buy the book on Amazon

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0H6CN33PZ

The book/authors website https://sites.google.com/view/superkids-book/super-kids

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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 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!

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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"

Frank Presents: Shane J. Hopkins (video)

Frank Falvey interviews local author Shane J. Hopkins. Shane's author page can be found - https://www.shanejhopkins.com/

Video link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=khBjXuWhv1A

The Crazy Reading Ladies talk with Ruta Sepetys - June 10

The Crazy Reading Ladies talk with Ruta Sepetys - June 10

Via Barnes & Noble Natick 

"Excited to announce @allinreading as the moderators for our stunning event with @rutasepetysauthor!

There are still tickets available, please register to join us!"

Shared from - https://www.instagram.com/p/DYumA9lu_Mz/

Editor's note: If there wasn't a very important Town Council meeting at the same time on June 10, I'd be there. Ruta Sepetys has visited Franklin middle schools as part of the visiting author program. I tout her as one of the better writers today. 

Her linktree provides direct links to many of the options to find out about here and her works  https://linktr.ee/rutasepetysauthor?

Call for Children's Book Authors, Applications Close Friday, May 22

Interested in helping tell Franklin’s story for the next generation? 📚✨

Franklin's 250th Anniversary Celebration Committee is seeking authors and illustrators to help create a commemorative children’s book celebrating Franklin’s 250th Anniversary. This special project will bring the Town's history to life for young readers ages 4–8 through engaging storytelling and whimsical artwork.

Writers, illustrators, and creative collaborators are encouraged to apply.

🗓 Submission Deadline: Friday, May 22

📖 Learn more and submit your interest form here: https://buff.ly/c6fSXX3

Shared from https://www.facebook.com/share/1EQyC1yJwB/

Call for Authors & Illustrators: Franklin 250th Anniversary Commemorative Children’s Book

*Please Note: This project is being conducted with funding provided through a state earmark and does not use any funds from the Town of Franklin.

Celebrate Franklin 250

The Town of Franklin is seeking qualified vendors to write and/or illustrate a commemorative children’s book in celebration of Franklin’s 250th Anniversary.

This milestone anniversary is an opportunity to celebrate Franklin’s history, community pride, and shared future. To support this town-wide celebration, we are inviting vendors to submit qualifications, product examples, pricing, and service information for a commemorative children’s book that may be sold and/or distributed as part of Franklin’s anniversary events and promotions.

Scope of Services

The Town is seeking vendors that can provide some or all of the following services:

Author a children’s book using the included narrative structure

Illustrate a children’s book according to the provided narrative

Artists may submit as an author, illustrator, or both. 

Children’s Book

The Town is seeking authors and illustrators for the production of a commemorative children’s book for early readers ages 4-8 that includes, but is not limited to:

Writing

• 800-2000 word count
• ADA compliant sans serif font
• Engaging and interactive

Art

• Whimsical
• Cover art
• Double-spread layouts with bleed
• CMYK

For additional details and application 

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1GBr-0yUx3RjLfgOm3wSoWqZ-AGQgwKLA2gGRHLkSh1I/edit?usp=drivesdk

"Buddy the Brain" reading & book signing at Barnes & Nobles, June 13

Via Ali Rheaume

"Save the date and come have some fun with Buddy and I for an upcoming Barnes & Noble's Saturday Storytime!!

The book and associated activities are mindfully created accessibly. If any additional reasonable accommodations are needed, please reach out to me any time.

Buddy the Brain at Barnes & Noble

June 13 at 10:00 AM

Location: Barnes & Noble at Stallbrook Marketplace, 270 Hartford Avenue, Bellingham, MA

Special live author reading and signing, as well as coloring fun!!

ASL and braille available during author reading

Photo of author Ali, a white female with long curly dirty blonde hair and navy blue glasses, wearing a pink sweater and holding her book Buddy the Brain. Additional photos of Buddy the Brain coloring pages and a pink crayon.

Hashtags: #childrensauthor #author #children #braininjury #accessibility"

Shared from 

https://www.facebook.com/share/1Hq9DptQ8K/

Talking about "A Dance with The Cosmos" by Marc D Cohen - 04/24/26 (video & audio)

FM #1731 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1731 in the series. 

This episode shared my conversation with Marc D Cohen, author of “A Dance with the Cosmos.” Marc’s second book of poetry was recently published. We had our conversation virtually via Zoom on Friday, April 24, 2026. 

Our conversation covered

• Marc’s Franklin story

• His first poem

• Poetry to make sense of the world

The conversation runs about 52 minutes, let’s listen

Video link - https://youtu.be/_j5FbVNj8Iw

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1731-a-dance-with-the-cosmos-04-24-26/

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Marc’s Facebook page to follow for readings and events  Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61586969831319 

The publishers book page https://www.archwaypublishing.com/en/bookstore/bookdetails/870852-a-dance-with-the-cosmos 

You should be able to find the book where books are sold

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

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"

4th Annual Pen to Picture Graphic Novel Celebration - May 16

The Franklin Public Library, in collaboration with Franklin Middle School, is hosting the fourth annual Pen to Picture graphic novel celebration! This year we are thrilled to welcome Colleen AF Venable 

Meet the author, hear about her creative process, and join us for book signings, photo ops, and breakout sessions.

Target audience is age 8-14 but this event is free and open to all!

Join us at the Franklin Public Library May 16 at 1 PM

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/groups/1551606135109407/?multi_permalinks=4331504707119522&hoisted_section_header_type=recently_seen

Franklin Children's Book Author Launches New Picture Book in Time for Teacher Appreciation Week

A new picture book, Owls Make Terrible Teachers, by local author, Kristi Mahoney, will release just in time for Teacher Appreciation Week, which is celebrated nationwide from Monday, May 4, 2026 – Fri, May 8, 2026.

 

Surprises await in Owls Make Terrible Teachers when an owl takes flight in a classroom as a substitute teacher. From an impromptu pajama day, feather-filled social studies lesson, hunting for a midnight snack, and a field trip to “an actual field”, this school day stretches into a night like no other. Kirkus Reviews praises the new picture book stating that it is: “Classroom chaos done right.”

 

“I’m hoping readers will laugh while they learn about owls,” Mahoney states. “But ultimately, I’m hoping this book will inspire an appreciation for the real hero of the story – ‘human’ teachers everywhere.”

 

Mahoney lives with her family in Franklin, MA. Her debut book, Alpacas Make Terrible Librarians, (illustrated by Chantelle and Burgen Throne and published by Gnome Road), was released in October 2024. It was awarded as a Winner of the Children’s Book Council’s 2025 Children's Favorite Award and has received positive trade reviews from: School Library Journal, Publisher’s Weekly, Kirkus and Foreword Reviews. 

According to Worldcat.org, Mahoney’s debut book is currently in over 450 libraries across the U.S. and beyond. Mahoney’s second book, Owls Make Terrible Teachers, releases this month. Books are available wherever books are sold. Signed copies are currently available exclusively at the local indie bookstore, An Unlikely Story, in Plainville, MA. 

Visit the authors page for additional info - https://www.kristimahoneybooks.com/

Ali Rheaume talks about the creation of "Buddy The Brain" (video & audio)

FM #1703 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1703 in the series. 

This episode shares my conversation with Franklin author, educator, and disability advocate Ali Rheaume. We met virtually on Thursday, March 19, 2026 to discuss her new book “Buddy The Brain”. 

Ali Rheaume talks about the creation
of "Buddy The Brain"  (video & audio)

We cover 

• The book is available in multiple formats

• The origin story of the book

• Ali’s recovery journey and advocacy

The video runs about 23 minutes, let’s watch (or listen)

Video link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9gLJIk2cRT0

Audio link -  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1703-ali-rheaume-on-buddy-the-brain-03-19-26/

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

The landing page for Buddy The Brain https://alirheaume.com/buddythebrain 

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

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV  and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area FM 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"

Franklin Middle School Reads "The Bridge Home" in advance of Author Visit

Franklin Middle School Reads "The Bridge Home"
in advance of Author Visit

"The countdown IS ON!! One week from today @venkatraman.padma visits FMS 

This photo was taken several weeks ago. The library display is currently decimated because the kids are reading like crazy!"

Shared from - https://www.instagram.com/p/DWjhZVOAE0D/

"Buddy The Brain" reading at Tatnuck Bookseller and Café in Westborough

Good morning, Buddy the Brain has been having fun at schools, conferences, libraries, and more! This Saturday, I will be at the Tatnuck Bookseller and Café in Westborough, MA for an author event. If you're local, come on by! There will be: book sales book signing book reading coloring pages illustration display brain injury resources author meet and greet There is also a café, so you can grab a drink and a treat while you hang out with us. Please spread the word, and hope to see you there!! -Ali and Buddy

Alison Rheaume | Franklin | Franklin, MA 02038 US

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Friday, March 20, 2026 ???

Friday, March 20

10:00am Knitting Group (Franklin Public Library)

1:00pm Thrifty Threads (Franklin Federated Church)

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

3:30pm Ali Rheaume Author book reading/signing (Franklin Public Library)

6:00pm Ken Barney (live music) (Lafayette House)

7:00pm Matt Zajac (live Music) (La Cantina Winery)

7:30pm Into the Woods (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/calendar.aspx?CID=37,24&showPastEvents=false

Note: Senior Center checking on why their events are suddenly being shown as "All Day". You can use the monthly newsletter for specific program/event times

*** Town Meetings today   ***

Charles River Pollution Control Meeting

Friday, March 20 Time: 3:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03202026-2192 

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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