Ariel previews the August activity highlights for the Senior Center (audio)

FM #1481 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1481 in the series. 

This session shares my conversation with Ariel Doggett, Programming & Volunteer Coordinator of the Franklin Senior Center. We had our discussion in the Franklin Radio Studio on Wednesday, July 16, 2025.

 

We talk about 

• All the key event highlights for August

• Possible Great Gatsby themed future event(s)

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 40 minutes, so let’s listen in. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1481-franklin-senior-ctr-august-2025-highlights-07-16-25/

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

August 2025 newsletter -> Link to be added when available

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/ 

The Great Gatsby was published in April 1925. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Great_Gatsby 

The rewrite as a whodunit is Beautiful Little Fools by Jillian Cantor https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/56922665-beautiful-little-fools 

Ariel previews the August activity highlights for the Senior Center (audio)

  

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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. 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"

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Thursday, July 17, 2025 ???

Library & Senior Center events

Thursday, July 17

8:30am State & Town Officials Office Hour (Franklin Senior Center)

9:00am Fallen Hero: Gerald M. Parmenter (Franklin Town Common)

5:00pm Board Game Night (Pete's Nerd Emporium)

7:00pm 350 Mass Greater Franklin Node Meeting (First Universalist Society Franklin)

7:00pm BEN 4 Franklin Mtg (Franklin TV Studio)

7:30pm Musical Bingo (Teddy Gallagher's Irish Pub) 

9:00pm Good Thomas (Live Music) (3 restaurant)

For additional details on Library & Senior Center events ->        

https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar.aspx?CID=37,24&showPastEvents=false

** NO Town Meetings today   **

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What's happening today in Franklin? 

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

Rod & Gun Club breakfast is back Sunday, July 20

Rod & Gun Club breakfast is back Sunday, July 20 

Breakfast is back!

This Sunday, July 20, come to the Franklin Rod & Gun Club for our monthly all-you-can-eat breakfast from 7:30 - 11 AM at 53 Florence St. in Franklin.

Eggs, pancakes, sausage, French Toast, corned beef hash, home fries, baked beans, and all the coffee/juice you can drink.

And it's just $10 ($5 kids). Yeah...10 bucks!

The 4th has passed but these food fireworks are about to go off. Best deal in town and great for families!

(open to the public, cash only at the door)

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

Franklin TV: Memorial Day Breakfast & Parade for 2025 (video)

Memorial Day Breakfast 2025

Franklin TV video link -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=04CztHlxZKE

Memorial Day 2025

Franklin TV video link -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=79er1B_Cpd0

The audio version of the Town Common ceremonies can be found here ->

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/05/town-of-franklin-ma-memorial-day.html

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Sunday, June 15, 2025 ???

Sunday, June 15 = Father’s Day

*** Fakes and Forgeries Exhibit (during Franklin Historical Museum Open Hours)

7:30am All You Can Eat Breakfast (Franklin Rod & Gun Club)

9:00am Fallen Hero: Elijah H. Coldwell (Franklin Town Common)

11:00am Sunday Brunch (Teddy Gallagher's Irish Pub

1:00pm Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

8:00pm Sunday at Sunset (St John's Episcopal Church)

**  NO  Town Meetings today   **

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What's happening today in Franklin? 

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

Franklin Rod and Gun Club: All You Can Eat Breakfast - April 27

All You Can Eat Breakfast - April 27

Because of Easter Sunday, our monthly all-you-can-eat breakfast will be held on April 27 this month.

New date, same affordable, delicious breakfast with eggs, pancakes, French Toast, sausage, home fries, baked beans, corned beef hash, and coffee/orange juice.

From 7:30 - 11:00 AM at 53 Florence St. in Franklin.

Cash only.

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/p/15RYgZZ27E/

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Sunday, February 16, 2025 ??

Sunday, February 16

7:30am All You Can Eat Breakfast (Franklin Rod & Gun Club)

10:00am Lay led service CANCELED (due to weather) (First Universalist Society Franklin)

11:00am CLOSED (due to weather) Sunday Brunch (Teddy Gallagher's Irish Pub)

1:00pm CLOSED (due to weather) Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

1:15pm CLOSED (due to weather) “Third Sunday” Music at the Museum

3:00pm POSTPONED LiveARTS: Rachel Childers & Ann Sears (First Universalist Society Franklin)

7:00pm Rehearsal for Distinguished Young Women (Patti Eisenhauer Dance Center)

Given the weather, and that some canceled in advance, it might be good to confirm if the others are continuing with their schedule before traveling.

**  NO   Town Meetings today   **

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Why are there multiple calendars?

What's happening today in Franklin? 

Respectfully, the Library and Senior Center calendars are too full of events to include all their events so we tend to focus on the major events. Town and School meetings are also kept separate. Links for all the calendars are shared here:

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 Library calendar of events ->    calendar link

The Senior Center calendar of events ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar.aspx?CID=37&showPastEvents=false

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-calendars

All You Can Eat Breakfast - Franklin Rod & Gun Club - Feb 16

Valentine's Day weekend is upon us and there's nothing more romantic than heading down to the Franklin Rod & Gun Club to stuff yourself silly with sausage (and eggs, home fries, pancakes, French toast, baked beans, and corned beef hash).

All You Can Eat Breakfast - Feb 16

On February 16 from 7:30-11 AM, you can get a $10 ($5 for kids 12 and under) all-you-can-eat breakfast you're guaranteed to adore.

Sure, it'll be chocolate chips in pancakes instead of Ghirardelli from the box, and you'll trade champagne in flute glasses for coffee in mugs.

But does that upscale restaurant have deer heads mounted on the wall and free Golden Tee? Didn't think so.

Eat fancy on Friday night but fall in love with breakfast at the gun club come Sunday. We'll save a heart-shaped pancake just for you! 

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/groups/732617870648037?multi_permalinks=1735267557049725

All you can eat breakfast at the Rod & Gun Club, Sunday, Jan 19 from 7:30 - 11 AM

Rod & Gun Club, Jan 19 from 7:30 - 11 AM

"New year, same delicious (and affordable) breakfast down at the Franklin Rod & Gun Club. 

This month's all-you-can-eat extravaganza is Jan. 19 from 7:30-11 am at 53 Florence St. in Franklin.

Eggs, pancakes (plain & chocolate chip), French toast, home fries, sausage, corned beef hash, baked beans, and coffee/juice. All-you-can-eat. 

And it's only $10 (just $5 for kids 12 and under). Ten. Freaking. Bucks. For as much food as you want! 

We'll have a fire going to keep you warm and we've even got some free video games the kids can play while you're finishing up eating. Or the parents can play the video games while the kids eat. 

You do you, we don't judge. 

And if there's anything left over, we donate the rest of the food to Gilly's House to help our friends in recovery. 

Good food, good prices, and good deeds. We look forward to serving you on Sunday."

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/p/15gDW18cAB/

Rod & Gun Club All-You-Can-Eat Breakfast, Sunday Dec 15 from 7:30 to 11:00 AM

Rod & Gun Club All-You-Can-Eat Breakfast

"Our famous all-you-can-eat breakfast is back this Sunday, Dec. 15th. 

Come to 53 Florence St. in Franklin from 7:30-11 am and pay just $10 ($5 for kids 12 and under) to get all-you-can-eat eggs, pancakes, French toast, sausage, corned beef hash, home fries, baked beans, and coffee/juice. 

We even have a brand new stove in the fireplace so we'll keep you extra warm and toasty. 

Come enjoy the best deal (and food) in town!"

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1D3F1GFTSV/

All You Can Eat Breakfast at the Rod & Gun Club Sunday, Sep 15 from 7:30 to 11 AM

 

All You Can Eat Breakfast 

"The end of the summer and the start of school is hectic. But you know what shouldn't be chaos?

Eating breakfast on a Sunday morning.

Come to our club at 53 Florence St. in Franklin on Sunday, Sept. 15 from 7:30-11 am and let us cook breakfast for you and your family (or sneak away and come by yourself -- we don't judge).

It's all-you-can-eat eggs, pancakes, French toast, sausage, home fries, corned beef hash, baked beans, and coffee/juice. And better yet, it's CHEAP!

Just $10 for adults and $5 for kids. Yup, that's right. An all-you-can-eat breakfast for a family of four for $30.

And we even have free video games for the kids (and the adults who still fancy themselves kids).

Good food, good people, good prices, and a good time. Give yourself a break and let us treat you to some damn good food!"

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/p/Xsk1evSXVNLds9Wk/

Rod & Gun Club: All You Can Eat Breakfast - Sunday, Aug 18

"There's been a lot of division and infighting lately, and it's probably going to get worse before it gets better with November's election. 

But a good breakfast should find everyone in bipartisan agreement! 

So come to 53 Florence St. in Franklin on Aug. 18 from 7:30-11am for an inflation-free chance to reach across the aisle and grab some all-you-can-eat eggs, pancakes, corned beef hash, French toast, home fries, sausage, baked beans, and coffee/juice. 

Adults are just $10 and kids under 12 are only $5. Again, ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT! 

Doesn't matter if you're red or blue, just come hungry and we promise you'll leave happy."

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/p/p44RGAHG3wUzfP9e/

The Hockomock Area YMCA Held Its Reach Out Annual Campaign At Gillette Stadium

The Hockomock Area YMCA held its annual Campaign Breakfast, a long-standing tradition held at Gillette Stadium’s Putnam Club in Foxborough.  

The Hockomock Area YMCA is more than a place; it is a cause that is committed to strengthening communities. The Y’s annual fundraising campaign, known as Reach Out, ensures this non-profit organization continues to address emerging and critical human needs across the 15 communities they serve.

Farzin Karim, chair of the Board of Directors at the Hockomock Area YMCA provided welcoming remarks and shared her personal story of receiving a scholarship to attend the Y as a young girl, “The Y was there in my time of need and that’s exactly what we’re here to do this morning, be there for someone in their time of need,” said Karim. “None of this would be possible without all of you – our family, our friends, our neighbors, and our community leaders.  There’s collective strength and power in us coming together to serve the needs of those in our community and to make a difference in people’s lives. That need has never been greater.”  

Board of Director Angela Davis shared the Hockomock Y’s community impact noting, “Last year, this YMCA provided $3.3 million in confidential financial assistance, providing opportunities for people in need to participate at our Hockomock Y.  Additionally, 40,000 meals and 25,000 bags of groceries were distributed.  These numbers are incredible, but we must never lose sight of the fact that behind every one of these numbers is a person, a life, a story.” 

 

Congressman Auchincloss during his remarks

The event’s guest speaker was Congressman Jake Auchincloss. Congressman Auchincloss remarked, “The Hockomock Area YMCA serves as a cornerstone of our community, enriching the lives of individuals and families and contributing to the overall well-being and vitality of this area.”  Reflecting on his visit to the Y in 2020 during the pandemic, Auchincloss shared, “The Hockomock Y was providing food, emergency child care for first responders, and a safe place for students to participate in remote learning. The Y was there to meet whatever need arose. Quite simply, the Y provides opportunities in a way that no one else can. They can’t do this work alone and that’s why we are here today. Please help answer the call by making a donation to this incredible cause.”  

YMCA members receiving financial assistance shared their stories of how the Y has impacted their lives. Christina, a grandmother raising her grandchildren, shared, “The YMCA has become a cherished part of our journey. They have demonstrated the profound impact that kindness and support can have. The amazing thing is that my grandchildren had the ability to attend Y programs without anyone knowing we received support.  You all make that happen for hundreds of families.”

The Hockomock Y’s Board of Directors issued a $50,000 challenge to event attendees, matching all leadership gifts of $500 or more at the event.

Congressman Auchincloss (left) pictured with Hockomock Area YMCA Board Chair Farzin Karim and Hockomock Area YMCA CEO Jim Downs

Jim Downs, Hockomock Area YMCA CEO thanked attendees for being at this event, believing in and supporting the Y’s mission saying, “Reach Out is the centerpiece of how we provide for our YMCA mission every day and helps make it possible to deliver so many important, vital programs and services. My commitment to you and our 15 area communities is that our YMCA will continue to be here when the need is greatest to serve our communities and to serve them with compassion."

The Hockomock Y’s goal is to raise $1.5 million for this year’s campaign. The Breakfast event raised $224,000, bringing the total raised to date to $451,000 for this year’s campaign.  To make a gift or learn how you can volunteer, visit www.hockymca.org/give

The Hockomock Y provides a safety net for thousands of individuals and families facing challenges.  The Y encourages members, volunteers, neighbors and friends in the community to join them in making a gift and raising funds to provide confidential financial assistance to those facing challenges.  The Y is guided every day to remain focused on how best to respond to the emerging needs of the community it serves.

About Hockomock Area YMCA:

The Hockomock Area YMCA is an organization of men, women, and children sharing a commitment to nurture the potential of kids, promote healthy living, and foster a sense of social responsibility. 

Our YMCA is committed to partnering and collaborating with others to create and deliver lasting personal and social change in the 15 communities we are privileged to serve. The Hockomock Area YMCA is a not-for-profit charitable cause-driven organization with facilities in North Attleboro, Foxboro, Franklin, and Mansfield. For more information visit www.hockymca.org/our-cause/

 

Note: I was one of the more than 600 participants for this wonderful event.