Town of Franklin: Cooling Centers for this heat spell

Extreme Heat Warning in Effect

If you're making plans for the July 4th holiday, be sure to plan for the heat, too.

The U.S. National Weather Service (NWS) has issued an Extreme Heat Warning for Wednesday, July 1, through Saturday, July 4, with dangerously hot temperatures and high humidity expected in Franklin and across much of Massachusetts.

Need a place to cool off? The Franklin Public Library, Franklin Senior Center, and New England Chapel will be open as cooling centers. See the graphic for locations and hours.

Remember to:

Drink plenty of water.

Stay in air-conditioned spaces whenever possible.

Limit outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day.

Never leave children or pets in a parked vehicle.

Keep pets cool with plenty of water and shade, and avoid walking them on hot pavement.

Check on older adults, neighbors, friends, and loved ones who may be more vulnerable to the heat.

Town of Franklin Cooling Centers when needed (Temp >85 for 3 days in row)

Beat the Heat! 

Remember to drink plenty of water, limit outdoor activity during peak heat, and check on family, friends, and neighbors who may need assistance. Stay cool and stay safe! 

Looking for a place to stay cool during the upcoming heat wave? Franklin residents can visit one of these cooling centers:

Franklin Senior Center

Town of Franklin Cooling Centers when needed (Temp >85 for 3 days in row)

10 Daniel McCahill Street

• Monday–Friday | 8:30 AM–4:00 PM

Franklin Public Library

118 Main Street

• Monday–Thursday | 9:00 AM–8:00 PM
• Friday & Saturday | 9:00 AM–5:00 PM

New England Chapel

300 E. Central Street

• This Sunday June 14, 2026 | 8:30 AM–4:30 PM

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/1JXcx9P6W2/

FREE Women’s Health Expo scheduled for May 20, 2026, from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM

The Franklin Board of Health is hosting a Women’s Health Expo on May 20, 2026, from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM at New England Chapel (300 E. Central St., Franklin, MA). 

Save the Date: Women’s Health Expo -
May 20, 2026 for Franklin, MA

This indoor event aims to educate, empower, and support women in taking charge of their health and overall well-being.

Attendees will have the opportunity to connect with local vendors and healthcare partners offering valuable information and resources on:

• Preventive care

• Common health conditions affecting women

• Nutrition and fitness

• Overall wellness and healthy lifestyle choices

In addition, the Dana-Farber mobile mammography van will be on-site from 7:00 AM to 3:15 PM, providing convenient access to important breast health screenings.

Please refer to the event flyers for additional details: Women's Health Expo & Mammogram Van Flyers

All are welcome to attend.

Download the flyer as a reminder or to share - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1V6UHPzYxz4J-zEheK72Y61SeecxETVvf/view?usp=drive_link

Shared from - https://www.franklinma.gov/m/newsflash/Home/Detail/111

You can help New England Chapel fund raising efforts on Friday, April 17

Via New England Chapel:

"Some members of New England Chapel are running a fund raiser for a good cause.

Come to the Santa Fe Grill on April 17 and mention New England Chapel and 30 percent of the proceeds go to this project in the Dominican Republic."

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

Save the Date: Women’s Health Expo - May 20, 2026 for Franklin, MA

The Town of Franklin Health Department invites residents to attend the Women's Health Expo on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, from 2 to 5 PM, at New England Chapel, 300 E. Central Street.

Save the Date: Women’s Health Expo -
May 20, 2026 for Franklin, MA

This indoor event is designed to educate, empower, and support women in taking charge of their health. Attendees will have access to health screenings, educational resources, giveaways, and local vendors offering information on preventive care, nutrition, fitness, and more.

A mobile mammography van from Dana-Farber Cancer Institute will also be on-site from 7 AM to 3:15 PM 

Please refer to the event flyers for additional details: Women's Health Expo & Mammogram Van Flyers

All are welcome to attend.

Download the flyer as a reminder or to share - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1V6UHPzYxz4J-zEheK72Y61SeecxETVvf/view?usp=drive_link

Exclusive audio: Franklin (MA) Board of health Meeting held 3/04/26 (audio)

FM #1680 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1680 the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Town of Franklin Board of Health Meeting held on Wednesday, March 4, 2026. The meeting agenda was held in the 3rd floor training room as well as via Google Meet. All 3 board members were present with the full compliment of Health Dept staff. 

Quick Recap:

• Chair Kim Mu-Chow opens the meeting

• Reads protocol statement re: Google meet

• Confirms participation via roll call

• Approval of Feb minutes, moved, second, passes 3-0

• No citizen comments

• Restricting the sale of tobacco products inspection violations discussion 

• Report My Meal Report My Meal | Mass.gov link added to Town page

 https://www.mass.gov/info-details/report-my-meal 

• Planning for a women's health fair

• Mobile mammogram vehicle confirmed, child care set up for mother who make appointments

• At New England Chapel, all women's health issues to be covered with vendors and info tables

• Additional details being worked

• Motion to adjourn, second, passes 3-0

The meeting runs about 47 minutes. Let’s listen to the Board of Health meeting March 4, 2026. Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1680-franklin-ma-board-of-health-mtg-03-04-26/

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Agenda doc ->

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03042026-2164 

My notes in one PDF file -> 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DjqfX6IxRhuLudVhGzMDybBtk2DIEu_D/view?usp=drive_link 

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

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!

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

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

Winter Coat give away scheduled for Saturday, Dec 13

Winter Coat give away scheduled for Saturday, Dec 13

The gathering, collecting phase is complete. Now the distribution can begin. Saturday, Dec 13 from 9 AM to noon. 

Download the flyer as a reminder or to share:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1mLCFjx7rDC-UEIX798YKtzj_eH73cbGG/view?usp=drive_link

Winter Coat Giveaway - Community Closet, Dec 13 from 9 AM to Noon

The Franklin UMC and New England Chapel have joined together to collect new and gently used coats. 

On December 13 from 9 AM to 12 PM, the Community Closet at FranklinUMC (82 W. Central Street, Franklin) will be open and distributing coats to neighbors who want and/or need one. 

Winter Coat Giveaway - Community Closet,
Dec 13 from 9 AM to Noon

All are welcome to come and pick out a new-to-them coat and some new clothes. And, everything is FREE! We have coats and clothing in sizes from infant to XXL adult.

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You do not need to register for this event. The winter coats are a mix of new and gently used in all sizes from infant through adult. We are sorting to make sure that they are all in good condition.

There will be a limit to the number of coats people can take: 1 coat per person in a household. This will help supplies last longer. 

We will hand out coats for as long as supplies last. The Community Closet will be open for the duration from 9 AM to 12 PM.

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WANT TO VOLUNTEER? HAVE QUESTIONS?

If you'd like to volunteer to help with setup, hospitality, and cleanup for this event or you have questions about this event, you can message this page or email jacob@franklinumc.org.

Friendly reminder: Rotary Car Show - Today from 9:30 AM to 1:00 PM

Friendly reminder: Rotary Car Show - Today from 9:30 AM to 1:00 PM

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/DPRmw-Bku79/

9th Annual Car Show – Rotary Club of Franklin MA - Oct 4

9th Annual Car Show – Rotary Club of Franklin MA 

Join us at the 9th Annual Car show located at New England Chapel 300 East Central St. Franklin, MA.   October 4 from 9:30 AM – 1:00 PM

Car show entry fee of $20.00 donations. 

There will be prizes and other fun activities throughout the day. Bring the whole family and enjoy!

9th Annual Car Show – Rotary Club of Franklin MA

Register your car for the show -> https://share.google/zyva4JGvbQOVqdrxY

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Saturday, September 20, 2025 ??

Saturday, September 20

9am Thrifty Threads (Franklin Federated Church)

9am Library Book Sale (Franklin Public Library)

10am Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

10am Rise Up (Franklin United Methodist Church)

10:30am Laptop Refurbishing Events (New England Chapel)

10:30am Weekend Wiggles! (Franklin Public Library)

11am Fall Safety Fest (Fletcher Field)

12pm 5th Annual Mexican Independence Day Fiesta (La Cantina Winery)

1pm Library Books by the Bag Sale (Franklin Public Library)

6pm Free Danielle Miraglia Concert at SAFE Cafe After Dark (31 Hayward St)

8pm Karaoke at The Raillery (Raillery Public House)

** NO Town Meetings today   **

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What's happening in Franklin, MA

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

World Computer Exchange (WCE) - Franklin Chapter starts Saturday,. Sep 20

World Computer Exchange (WCE) -
Franklin Chapter starts Saturday,. Sep 20

We’re excited to launch the WCE Franklin Chapter starting September 20, 2025. 

As part of this initiative, we’ll be hosting monthly Laptop Refurbishing Events on the third Saturday of each month.

This is a long-term volunteer opportunity open to kids entering 9th grade in the 2025–2026 school year. Each session will run for 4 hours, and students will earn volunteer service hours through WCE for their contributions.

Where: New England Chapel , Franklin MA

Time: 10:30 AM to 2:30 PM

Community Closet Winter Coat giveaway a success !!!

"Thanks for stopping by the community coat giveaway event. 

We are happy with participation as we assisted 78 families with about 300 coats! In addition, they also picked up gloves, hats, scarves, and other winter clothes! 

Thanks again for your support!"

I grabbed a selfie with Santa and Ben and Officer Amanda Ayer

Reminder: Winter Coat Give Away - Saturday, Dec 14

Reminder: Winter Coat Give Away - Saturday, Dec 14

Come pick out a FREE coat and shop the Community Closet for FREE winter clothing.

Questions?

Contact Jacob Juncker (jacob@franklinumc.org) 

or Kim Mu-Chow (neccares@nechapel.org).

Pathway to a Better Life looking for volunteers to help staff this winter

via Kim at New England Chapel:

Pathway to a Better Life is the temporary pop-up shelter that can operate up to 55 days a year at Saint Mary of the Assumption Church, 17 Winter Street, Milford, MA 01757. 

We have been operating in the winter months since 2019. We are looking to recruit volunteers to staff the pop-up shelter so we can open the doors when the temperature is less than 22F. 

Since we are an emergency pop up shelter, we are inspected annually by Police, Fire, and Health Departments of the town of Milford. 

Dates of our training are in the attached image. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at neccares@nechapel.org.  

Thanks for your help!

Pathway to a Better Life looking for volunteers to help staff this winter

Faith & Blue Touch-a-Truck and Car Seat Inspection scheduled for Sat, Oct 12 at New England Chapel

"Join us at New England Chapel (NEC) Franklin this Saturday from 10a-1p for our Faith & Blue

Faith & Blue Touch-a-Truck and Car Seat Inspection 

Touch-a-Truck and Car Seat Inspection.  

We’ll have bounce houses, C&C Ice Cream Truck, and Franklin Fire Department.  

We will be accepting donations for the Franklin Food Pantry.  

Ben and Frankie can’t wait to see you there."

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/9ibwTYbuUpLuLXnm/