What's happening in Franklin, MA: Wednesday, October 14, 2026 ???

Wednesday, October 14

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

4:00pm 7th Annual Pumpkin Patch (St John's Episcopal Church)

6:00pm France 2027 Travel Presentation (La Cantina Winery)

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

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

7:30pm The Skin of our Teeth (Dean College Main Stage Theater)

***  Town Meetings today ***

Charles River Pollution Control Meeting

Wednesday, October 14, 2026   Time = 3:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10142026-2561 

Board of Assessors Regular Meeting

Wednesday, October 14, 2026  Time = 5:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10142026-2562 

Town Council Meeting

Wednesday, October 14, 2026  Time = 6:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10142026-2560 

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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

La Cantina's next adventure is calling … FRANCE 2027!

LA CANTINA TRAVELS TO FRANCE! 

Our next adventure is calling… FRANCE 2027! 

After two unforgettable journeys to Italy and Spain , we’re thrilled to announce our third La Cantina Winery travel experience and this time, we’re heading to beautiful France!

🗓️ 10-Day Journey - September 6–15, 2027

Created for those who love travel, adventure, wine, food, and unforgettable experiences, this special journey will take us through incredible wine regions, beautiful vineyards and wineries, delicious culinary experiences, cooking classes, and so much more.

🍷 Wine & winery experiences

🍇 Vineyard visits

👩‍🍳 Cooking classes

🥂 Amazing food & wine

🇫🇷 French culture & beautiful destinations

✨ And plenty of fun along the way!

Limited spots will be available.

Want to learn more? Join us for our France 2027 Travel Presentation:

📅 October 14, 2026

⏰ Presentation begins at 6:00 PM

📍 La Cantina Winery

Save the date and come discover France with us! 🇫🇷🍷✨

A new country. A new adventure. Another unforgettable journey together.

France 2027 Are you coming with us? 

Voices of Franklin: KP Sompally shares his resilient journey

Against All Odds: A Resilient Journey from Hyderabad, India to Boston  

What was meant to be a routine international journey turned into an extraordinary experience of endurance, uncertainty, and human connection. Traveling from Hyderabad, India to Boston, USA, I expected a fairly direct trip covering approximately 7,500 miles within 21 hours. Instead, the journey unfolded into a 20,000-mile, 38-hour odyssey across multiple countries and cultures.

Singapore Airport

The trip began in Hyderabad with high hopes and a simple itinerary. However, like many international travelers returning from vacation in recent times, I encountered unexpected disruptions that reshaped my entire travel route. Instead of a straightforward path, airlines rerouted the travel at nearly triple the one-way ticket price. My travel rerouted through Singapore, Taiwan, and Seattle before finally reaching Boston, Massachusetts.

Airports that once symbolized efficiency and connectivity are now witnessing unprecedented levels of congestion and unpredictability. Long layovers, sudden rescheduling, and extended waiting periods have become the new normal. What should have been a seamless transit became a test of patience and adaptability.

Despite the chaos, this journey offered a unique perspective on humanity. During extended layovers, I met fellow travelers from diverse backgrounds—students, families, professionals, and tourists—each carrying their own stories of delays, missed connections, and resilience. Conversations in crowded terminals turned strangers into companions, sharing not just travel updates but also encouragement and empathy.

Taipei Airport

The experience highlighted a broader reality: international travel today is no longer just about reaching a destination, but about navigating uncertainty. For travelers, especially those returning from vacations, preparation is key—staying informed, remaining flexible, and expecting the unexpected.

After 38 long hours, I finally arrived in Boston. Exhausted but grateful, the journey was a reminder that even in chaos, there are moments of connection, learning, and perseverance.

This is not just my story—it reflects the reality faced by countless international travelers today.

Sincerely,

KP Sompally

Franklin long time resident 

If you have something to say, you can find the guidelines here
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/03/introducing-voices-of-franklin.html

Voices of Franklin: KP Sompally shares his resilient journey

How to avoid scams while applying for Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA)

How to avoid scams while applying for ESTA By BCP Staff It's that time of year when people start planning their spring and summer travels. If you have someone visiting you from another country (and they qualify for a visa waiver), they'll need to complete an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) application through the official U.S. government website or app.  To help them avoid a scam, be sure to let them know that they might come across ESTA lookalike sites trying to trick people into overpaying for the application.  Here are some other things to share with visiting friends or family. Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2026/03/how-avoid-scams-while-applying-esta?utm_source=govdelivery  SUBSCRIBER SERVICES:  Manage Preferences  |  Unsubscribe  |  Help This is a free service provided by the Federal Trade Commission.

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This email was sent to shersteve@gmail.com using GovDelivery Communications Cloud on behalf of: FTC Consumer Alerts · 600 Pennsylvania Ave., NW · Washington, DC 20580 · 1-877-382-4357

Have you got your tickets? We're talking about the Party for The Pantry - March 28 (audio)

FM #1682 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1682 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Marsha Tait, Development Director of the Franklin Food Pantry, Jen Johnson, Development Associate, and Bill Donavan, (Director of A/V with Stage Edge). We had our conversation in person in the community room at The Franklin Food Pantry on Monday, March 2, 2026. 

Discussion items: 

• Tickets on sale for Party for the Pantry; March 28 at THE BLACK BOX

• Online bidding for silent auction items opens March 19

• Bidding for travel opportunities opens the night of

• 3 bands to provide entertainment - Fab 3, Karate Show, and South Street Six

• Light food items catered by Chef Kristen Precourt, KCooks 

The conversation runs about 20 minutes. Let’s listen in 

audio link -  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1682-party-for-the-pantry-03-02-26/

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Party for The Pantry page (tickets and travel auction descriptions) https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/happenings/events/party/

Sponsorships still open at link above

Raydio (Your 24/7 Local Soundtrack via the Internet) - https://localraydio.com/ 

K-Cooks LLC - https://www.k-cooks.com/

2025 Annual report of The Pantry - https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/FY25-Annual-Report-2-page.pdf 

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/ 

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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"

Chalkboard chat condenses the 4 hour Jan 13, 2026 School Cmte meeting to an hour (video & audio)

FM #1627 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1627 in the series. 

This session shares my conversation with School Committee member Reis Hansen.  We had our discussion via Zoom on Friday, January 16, 2026. We condense and get into the explanations behind the key items from the recent School Committee meeting January 13, 2026.

Our conversation covered the following topics:

Early insights on role as school committee member

Subcommittee work on Policy & Horace Mann Legacy

Meeting recap

Recognition of cheerleaders

FHS trip to Galapagos for 2027 was approved

FHS 2026-27 Program of Studies Update

how courses are added, selection by students  

Office of Teaching & Learning District Assessment Presentation

The role of teaching & learning

The use of data to provide support and interventions as needed

MCAS still used just not a requirements for graduation

Franklin Childcare Presentation

The planning underway for initial opening for 9 student with 2 teachers

For school dept personnel first, then Town employees

Further expansion possible for community over time

Can provide revenue to sustain program 

We close with a discussion on screen time and use of technology in the classroom

    based upon a resident comment

Our conversation runs about 72 minutes. Let’s listen

Video link ->  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UnBKBSydGU4

Audio link ->  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1627-chalkboard-chat-01-16-26/

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School Committee page (with contact info) ->  https://www.franklinps.net/o/fpsd/page/school-committee 

School Committee subcommittee assignments -> 

https://www.franklinps.net/o/fpsd/page/subcommittees-and-liaisons 

Franklin TV video for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GaXy2prDrCI 

Agenda ->  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_01132026-2086 

Meeting packet folder (copies of the presentation are not yet available, once posted they should be in this folder) ->  https://www.franklinps.net/documents/departments/school-committee/meeting-packets/2025---26-meeting-packets/january-13%2C-2026-sc-meeting-packet/24614180 

Pictures of the slides shared captured in one album for 

The Galapagos trip presentation ->  https://photos.app.goo.gl/amcYuXHUxJfRbu6Y7 

The FHS Program of Studies -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/p5zRxxEXyke76hV66 

Teaching & Learning update -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/LotQq5wCQJ8qJmUy9 

Little Solutions Childcare update ->    https://photos.app.goo.gl/JoMPxdB2v7a2TMV26 

 

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

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"

Traveling to the Olympics in Italy? Here’s how to avoid a scam

Traveling to the Olympics in Italy? Here's how to avoid a scam By BCP Staff With the winter Olympics in Italy fast approaching, athletes around the world are fine-tuning their routines, sharpening their skates, and finalizing their travel itineraries. If you're planning to go to the Olympics, having a sound game plan is a key to success, just as it is for the competitors. Here's what to know about travel, ticket, and vacation rental scams before you embark on your journey. Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2026/01/traveling-olympics-italy-heres-how-avoid-scam?utm_source=govdelivery

    

Traveling to the Olympics in Italy? Here’s how to avoid a scam