Exclusive audio of the Horace Mann Legacy Subcmte Meeting - Monday, Sep 14, 2026 (audio)

FM #1822 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1822 in the series. 

This session shares the exclusive audio from the Horace Mann Legacy Subcommittee Meeting held on Monday, September 14, 2026. The meeting was held in the 3rd floor training room. 

The recording runs about 92 minutes, so let’s listen in.

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1822-horace-mann-legacy-mtg-09-14-26/

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Meeting agenda 

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09142026-2500 

My notes in one PDF 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1JBG7tGJHNGX8qAaOMWUGBDQb-NCa6Xr3/view?usp=drive_link 

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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!

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

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

Thursday, eat at Santa Fe, show the flyer, help FHS golf team with fund raising - easy peasy

This Thursday, 

eat at Santa Fe, 

show the flyer, 

help FHS golf team with fund raising 

now that is easy peasy  !!!

You can help fund raise for the Tri-County Cross Country Team by eating at Uno's - Sep 30

via Tri-County

"Lace up & join us for a great cause!

Support our Cross Country team at our fundraiser at Uno Pizzeria in Bellingham!

📅 Wednesday, September 30, 2026
📍 Uno Pizzeria — Bellingham
💙 Come grab some delicious pizza, support our runners, and help our Cross Country team reach their goals!

Bring your family, bring your friends, bring your appetite! Dine in or Take out!

We hope to see you there!"

Shared from - https://www.instagram.com/p/DdTrsS1kbpN/

Santa Foundation Annual Gala scheduled for Friday, October 2

Dear Friends of the Santa Foundation,

The holiday season is almost here—and we can’t think of a better way to kick it off than by celebrating with the community that makes our mission possible!

Please join us for the Santa Foundation Annual Gala!

📅 Friday, October 2, 2026

🕕 6:00–10:00 PM

📍 Franklin Elks Lodge

🎟️ Tickets: $60 per person

It’s always a wonderful evening filled with great food, live music and raffles. New this year, we’re adding a sports-themed silent auction, as well as a live auction featuring some incredible prizes. It will be a magical evening—all while raising critical funds to help local families during the holidays.

Last year, the Santa Foundation provided holiday assistance to 860 families and more than 3,500 individuals across 34 communities. The need continues to grow, but together we can make a meaningful difference for families who need a little extra support during the holiday season.

✨ And Another Fun Way to Support Us This Year… Our Golden Ticket Raffle!

You do not need to attend the Gala to participate!

Only 100 Golden Tickets will be sold for $50 each, giving you incredible odds at winning one of three premium prizes:

🏔️ A 3-Night Stowe, Vermont Getaway — donated by the Kucich Family

🔥 A Premium Backyard Smokeless Fire Pit Experience — donated by Colonial Enterprises.

💇‍♀️ A Year of Beauty — donated by B’Luxe Hair & Makeup Studio

Three winners. Only 100 tickets.

Whether you join us at the Gala, purchase a Golden Ticket, or simply help us spread the word, you are helping the Santa Foundation continue a tradition that has always been at the heart of our organization:

Community helping community.

🎟️ PURCHASE GALA TICKETS:

https://www.sfjoy.org/products-and-events/p/the-santa-foundation-gala-october-2nd

✨ PURCHASE A GOLDEN TICKET:

https://www.sfjoy.org/products-and-events/p/golden-ticket-raffle

We hope you’ll join us on October 2nd as we celebrate the generosity of our community and officially begin another season of bringing joy, hope, and a little Christmas magic to local families.

With gratitude,

The Santa Foundation

Community Helping Community

REMINDER: Saturday, Sept 19 - Electronics Recycling Event !!

Join us for our Electronics Recycling Event!

📅 Saturday, September 19th, 9AM-2PM.

📍 St. Mary's Church - Parking Lot

201 Main Street, Franklin, MA 02038

We're accepting all electronics, appliances, ANYTHING with a plug or batteries, as well as reusable bicycles! ♻️ Items will be recycled responsibly for a small fee (see pricing details below).

Come help us reduce waste and keep hazardous materials out of landfills—rain or shine!

PART OF THE PROCEEDS BENEFIT St Mary's PARISH!

What You Can Bring/ Cost to You:

• $5 each: each for Computer Towers,Laptops, DVD Players, VCR’s, Small Printers, Stereos, Radios, Alarm Clocks, Speakers, Video Game Consoles, Table Lamps, Fans, Hair Dryers, Curling Irons, Projectors, Power Tools, Drills, Cameras, Clocks, Trophies, Frying Pans, Holiday Lights, Other Small Electronics.

• $10 each for Small Household Appliances, Vacuum Cleaners/Roomba, Toaster Ovens, Ceiling Fans, Floor Lamps, Air Fryers, Electric Grills, Hot Plates, Small Radiators, Keyboard Pianos, Coffee Makers, Ice Makers, Sewing Machines, Car Seats, Strollers.

• $20 each for Flat Screen Computer Monitors, Microwaves, Dehumidifiers, Air Conditioners, Water Coolers, Large Printers/Copiers, Leaf Blowers, Chainsaws, Heat Lamps, Artificial Christmas Trees, Fire Extinguishers, Propane Tanks (Empty).

• $25 each for TVs up to 26,” CRT Monitors, Outdoor Grills, Dorm Sized Refrigerators.

• $30 each for TVs between 26” and 35,” White Goods, Washing Machines, Dryers, Stoves, Dishwashers, Large Appliances, Large Yard Equipment,Treadmills, Exercise Equipment, Snow Blowers, Lawn Mowers, Rototillers, Large Generators, Motors, Water Tanks, Water Heaters.

• $35 each for TVs over 36,” Large Refrigerators, Ride-On Lawn Mowers.

• $40 each for Projection TVs.

• FREE! (Cash Donations Appreciated): Cell Phones, Bicycles (reusable please!), Video Game Media and Accessories, Wires, Cables, Chargers, Car/Truck Batteries, DVD’s, Keyboards, Tablets.

When you arrive, please follow the cones and directions from the workers. Bring your vehicle as close to the truck or dumpster as possible. Feel free to remain in your vehicle, our workers will unload your items for you.

Residents from all towns and communities are welcome to recycle. The event will be rain or shine. Computer hard drives will be destroyed during the recycling process, but can be removed on-site at the event for an additional charge. Cash payment is preferred, but checks will be an acceptable form of payments over $30.

For additional questions, Business Cleanouts or to work with us to host an event with your organization:    Greendayrecycling.net

Email: GreenDayRecyclingMA@Gmail.com

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/p/19D99TWjWw/ 

Save the Date: FHS Baseball fund raiser at Elks Lodge - October 17

Shared from - https://www.instagram.com/reel/Dc0h5SEsnaD/

Ben Speaks Launch Party scheduled for Friday, September 18

Help Ben Speaks celebrate two exciting new beginnings.

Launching Ben Speaks into colleges through Ben's Challenge, an innovative wellness initiative designed to empower students with practical tools for emotional well-being, resilience, and intentional living.

The Evening Includes:

• Stand-up comedy with Maya Manion

• An intimate Living Room Conversation with Maya and the audience

• Live music and dancing with The Zajac Brothers Band

• Community, connection, and inspiration

Comedian Maya Manion

Is courageously transforming unimaginable loss into hope through laughter, honesty, and connection after losing both her son and her father to suicide. Maya Manion has been doing stand up comedy in New England, since 2008. Maya’s father died by suicide in 2020 and her son, in 2024.  Maya created “Just Bad Days”, an inspiring, funny, tragic and beautiful tribute to her beloved father and son. Hopefully, through talking about mental illness, there will be less suicides and more, “Just Bad Days”. 

The Zajac Brothers Band

The Zajac Brothers Band features songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Tyler Zajac as the voice of the band, along with his brother Matthew Zajac on drums. Together, they collaborate on writing, recording and performing their original music with a versatile group of additional instrumentalists to achieve their modern vintage sound. 

Often paying tribute to their favorite acts of the past, the brothers also enjoy putting their own twist on familiar classics. Expect to hear some old school songs from 50’s, 60’s and 70’s honoring the birth of Rock and Roll. 

www.thezajacbrothersband.com

Where: Veterans of Foreign Wars, Walpole, MA

When: Friday, September 18  •  7 PM - 11 PM

For tickets to the Launch Party - https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ben-speaks-launch-party-tickets-1994700295279

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Wednesday, September 9, 2026 ???

Wednesday, September 9

Music Boosters "Panini with a Purpose" (Hot Table)

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/09/choose-to-eat-at-hot-table-and-suppor.html

Trash and recycling collection will be delayed one day all week due to the holiday.

Those normally on Tuesday, are now scheduled for Wednesday, etc.

9:00am Fallen Hero: David Bullukian (Veterans Walkway, Franklin Town Common)

1:00pm Writer's Group (Franklin Senior Center)

4:30pm Instrument Petting Zoo (Franklin Public Library)

6:00pm      Game Night (Fairmount Fruit Farm)

6:30pm Bingo night (Kings Brick Oven Pizza & Pub)

6:30pm Franklin Elks Bingo Night (Franklin Elks Lodge #2136)

7:00pm Smarty Pants Trivia (Raillery Public House)

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/10676/September-2026-Newsletter?bidId=

*** Town Meetings today ***

Charles River Pollution Control Meeting

Wednesday, September 9 Time: 3:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09092026-2491

Franklin Historical Commission Meeting

Wednesday, September 9 Time: 6:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09092026-2490 

250th Anniversary Celebration Events Sub Committee

Wednesday, September 9 Time: 7:30 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09092026-2492 

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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

Reminder: A Silent Auction scheduled for Franklin Federated Church Friday, Sep 11 from 2 to 6 PM

A Silent Auction will be held on the lawn of Franklin Federated Church 171 Main Street, Friday, September 11 from 2-6 PM. 

On the auction block: 4 tickets to the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. Winner chooses the date - any Saturday or Sunday in the remainder of this season or next season. Top shelf seating is guaranteed. 

The fundraiser is organized by the Franklin Federated Church Board of Deacons to help cover repairs to our organ. 

A donation jar will be available and donations are appreciated.

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Tuesday, September 8, 2026 ???

Tuesday, September 8

Trash and recycling collection will be delayed one day due to the holiday.

Those normally on Monday, are now scheduled for Tuesday, etc.

Santa Fe Burrito fund raiser for FHS Boys Soccer

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/09/fhs-boys-soccer-fund-raiser-at-sante-fe.html

12:00pm Community Closet (Franklin United Methodist Church)

4:00pm FSPA Open House (38 Main St)

5:00pm Tuesday Night Cruise (Kings Brick Oven Pizza & Pub)

6:30pm Friends of the Franklin Library September Board Meeting (Franklin Public Library)

7:00pm FBRTC Rail Trail Cmte Mtg (Franklin TV and Radio)

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/10676/September-2026-Newsletter?bidId=

*** Town Meetings today ***

Franklin Public Schools Policy Subcommittee Meeting

Tuesday, September 8 Time: 6:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09082026-2485 

Franklin School Committee Meeting

Tuesday, September 8 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09082026-2487 

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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

Spier Family Issues Giving Challenge at Hockomock Area YMCA

Greg and Kathy Spier of Foxborough are issuing a $25,000 challenge grant to support the Hockomock Area YMCA’s Food Access program, a part of the Y’s annual Reach Out Campaign. The Spiers and the Spier Family Foundation will match every donation made September 12 - 19 up to $25,000. 

As a non-profit organization, the Hockomock Area YMCA exists to help people be healthier, more confident and connected to each other and their communities. The Y is guided every day to remain focused on how best to respond to the emerging needs of its communities as individuals and families face financial struggles. 

In 2025, $3.9 million was invested by the Hockomock Area YMCA to ensure that everyone has the chance to thrive by providing scholarships to people in need in the Y’s 16 town service area to experience YMCA programs and services regardless of ability to pay. Since 2016, the Hockomock Y has been addressing hunger, providing over 152,000 bags of food to neighbors in need through the Y’s weekly food access and food pantry programs as well as served over 608,000 meals to children and families.  

Since May 2026, the Y is proudly operating Lenore’s Pantry & Market, located at its new home on Elm Street in North Attleboro, which has given neighbors facing food insecurity more choices, a welcoming place to shop, and an experience rooted in dignity. 

“Our Y is proud to operate this important resource for our community – Lenore’s Pantry & Market - as part of our Food Access program,” said Jim Downs, CEO of the Hockomock Area YMCA. “We are fortunate to be surrounded by caring people who are committed to strengthening the quality of life in our communities. Through partnerships and the generosity of donors who support our annual Reach Out Campaign, we’re able to fulfill our mission and be there for our neighbors when they need us most. This vital work is only possible because of the incredible philanthropic support of our community.”

“Greg and Kathy Spier have been passionate, steadfast supporters of our YMCA and their generous challenge will help ensure that we continue to be here for our neighbors,” added Downs.   

The Spier family’s impact on our local communities runs deep.  Their legacy at the Hockomock YMCA includes the naming of the indoor and outdoor aquatics centers as well as the splash park at the Y’s Invensys Foxboro Branch, along with Greg and Kathy’s parents, Sonja and the late Alex Spier. 

Greg Spier shares, “One of my mentors is the late Don Rodman.  Don taught me the importance of being philanthropic. He always said how important it was to be philanthropic in the areas where we work and the areas where we live. What better place to be philanthropic in the area than at the Hockomock Area YMCA. The Y benefits thousands of children and families and we’re so proud to be a part of it.”  

“The Y is a fellowship that brings people together and provides joy to so many people,” says Kathy Spier.  “As our father Alex always said, we want to leave the world a better place and that’s what we are going to do.  Please make a gift to the Hockomock Y between September 12 and 19 and we will proudly match it as part of this giving challenge.” 

“Thank you in advance from the bottom of our hearts for making a gift and for your generous support,” says Greg Spier.

Every gift matters. To learn more about this challenge and ways to make a gift, visit www.hockymca.org/spier-challenge 

To learn about other ways to support this initiative, please contact Katie Fisher at katie@hockymca.org. 

About Hockomock Area YMCA:

At the Hockomock Area YMCA, strengthening community is our cause. 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. 

 

The Hockomock Area YMCA is committed to partnering and collaborating with others to create and deliver lasting personal and social change in the 16 communities they 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 hockymca.org.

You can support the Music Boosters in 2 ways on Wednesday, Sep 9

#1

You can support the Franklin Music Boosters by eating at Hot Table on September 9 from 4-9 PM!

Shared from - 

https://www.instagram.com/p/DcmUweUmlKk/

#2

The Franklin Public Library, the Franklin Music Boosters, and the Franklin Public Schools Music Department are holding an instrument petting zoo on September 9th at the library from 4:30 to 7 PM. 

Bring your elementary aged kid to try out string instruments and see what fun they are!

Scary Scurry 5K and Fun Run 2026 returns on Oct 18 - register now !!

This. And you at the

Scary Scurry 5K and Fun Run 2026.

🗓️ October 18
👕 Free shirt with 5K registration by Sept 18!

Register - Childrensmuseumfranklin.org/scary-scurry 

Shared from - https://www.instagram.com/p/Dc3N40wEeaX/

Tina Powderly talks with me about Hunger Action Month (audio)

FM #1809 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1809 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Tina Powderly, Executive Director of the Franklin Food Pantry. We had our conversation in person in the community room at The Franklin Food Pantry on Friday, August 28, 2026. 

Discussion items: 

• Hunger Action Month, nationwide program by Feeding America

• Infographic confirms volume increases

• Many ways to help, take a tour, volunteer, donate items, money, etc.

• Plans for expansion to meet the growing need

The conversation runs about 32 minutes. Let’s listen in 

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1809-franklin-fodd-pantry-hunger-action-month-08-28-26/

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Franklin Food Pantry web page -> https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/ 

Follow The Pantry on

Facebook ->  https://www.facebook.com/FranklinFoodPantry 

Instagram ->  https://www.instagram.com/franklinfoodpan/ 

Amazon wishlist ->  

https://franklinfoodpantry.mindfulgiving.org/campaigns/amazon-wish-list/products 

Infographic- https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/about/impact-reports/

Grateful for the years of support from Rockland Trust for use of the prior building which is no longer standing on West Central St in the Rockland Trust parking lot.

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

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"