Video link -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aj97-C4tMKc |
Providing accurate and timely information about what matters in Franklin, MA since 2007. * Working in collaboration with Franklin TV and Radio (wfpr.fm) since October 2019 *
Friday, August 8, 2025
Parents versus kids challenge: Who knows more about protecting personal information? (video)
Thursday, August 7, 2025
"Kids these days..." So the SAFE Coalition has a program to help !!!
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"Kids these days..." So the SAFE Coalition has a program to help !!! |
- Auto Ed 1: "What if" scenarios
- Auto Ed 2: Car Maintenance
- How to read a recipe & grocery shop
- What changes (legally) when you turn 18
- Advocating for medical needs after you leave home
- Plumbing/Heating/Electric: plunging, thermostats, and fuse boxes
- Communication skills: how to effectively use the telephone
- Stop The Bleed Fire Safety at school/home/in the car
- Banking, saving, and credit!
- Laundry: wash, fold, dry clean!
- Personal Paperwork: how to save and store your important documents
- Internet Safety: how to protect yourself
- Resumes: how to make them work for you
- MAIL & PAYING BILLS: How to do it and why it is important
Thursday, July 31, 2025
Mitzi & I review all the big events and activities for the Library for August 2025 (audio)
FM #1486 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1486 in the series.
This session shares my conversation with Mitzi Gousie, Programming and Outreach Librarian with the Franklin Public Library. We had our discussion on Monday, July 21, 2025 in the Franklin TV & Radio Studio.
We talk about
Reviewed the regular open hours, book sale and holiday scheduling for the month
Closed on Sundays for summer, and winter due to budget reduction
Book sale weekend August 15 & 16
Library events for August 2025
Family events
Kiddos, or “littles”
Teens
Adults
Registration for those events required should be done through the Town website, Library page. There are nefarious folks trying to convince folks otherwise via Facebook. Be safe, use the official Town and Library pages.
The show notes include links to the Library page and to the calendar of events where registration for some of the events is required/recommended.
The recording runs about 42 minutes, so let’s listen in. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1486-franklin-public-library-august-2025-highlights-07-21-25/
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Whalemobile - Friday, Aug 1 |
Franklin Public Library page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/233/Franklin-Public-Library
Library event calendar -> https://www.franklinma.gov/942/Calendar-of-Events
August Library newsletter -> (link to be added when available)
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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!
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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"
Monday, July 7, 2025
SAFE Coalition schedules Teen Mentorship program for Norfolk, Plainville, and Wrentham students
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SAFE Coalition schedules Teen Mentorship program for Norfolk, Plainville, and Wrentham students |
Details:
• Ages: 14–18
• Dates: Tuesdays, July 8–August 12
• Times: Middle schoolers 2–3 p.m. | High schoolers 3–4 p.m.
• Location: Bumblebee Farm (461 Hancock St, Wrentham) 🐝
• Cost: Free! (snacks provided)
This evidence-based mentorship program helps teens 💪 build resiliency, develop responsible decision-making skills, and establish healthy relationships.
Participants will:
• Set personal goals and reflect on decision-making
• Experience substance use awareness activities (including Fatal Vision goggles)
• Learn stress management and relationship-building skills
• Build strategies for handling challenges
• Strengthen confidence and resiliency
• Enjoy games, snacks, and more!
Tuesday, June 24, 2025
July 2025 Franklin Library News & Events: Teens & Adults
Monday, June 23, 2025
July 2025 Franklin Library News & Events: Kids & Families; Teens
Saturday, May 31, 2025
FREE WORKOUTS FOR MASSACHUSETTS TEENS THIS SUMMER at Planet Fitness
STRENGTH STARTS HERE: PLANET FITNESS' ANNUAL
HIGH SCHOOL SUMMER PASS™ PROGRAM RETURNS THIS JUNE
Teens can pre-register starting today and work out for free from June 1 – August 31 at 2,700+ clubs nationwide and get stronger together
Planet Fitness, one of the largest and fastest-growing franchisors and operators of fitness centers with more members than any other fitness brand, announces the return of its annual High School Summer Pass™ program. Celebrating its fifth year, the initiative invites high school teens ages 14 – 19¹ to go all in on the gym this summer to fuel their passions by working out for free at any of its 2,700+ Planet Fitness locations throughout the U.S. and Canada. Teens can visit PlanetFitness.com/SummerPass to register for the program with club access beginning Sunday, June 1 through Sunday, August 31. Find the club nearest you here.
Since launching the program in 2019, Planet Fitness has invested more than $300M in waived membership dues to promote youth health and wellness, and improve the physical and mental health of millions of teens.2 Planet Fitness' High School Summer Pass program has helped millions of teens establish healthy fitness habits during the summer months, a critical time when many young people lack access to organized physical activities.
To better understand what today's teens are experiencing—and how to support them—Planet Fitness conducted a nationwide study,3 revealing the following key insights:
Mental Health is a Major Concern: 66 percent of parents are concerned about their =teen's well-being and stress levels and 72 percent of parents believe that consistent exercise can improve their teen's mental wellness. Unfortunately, around three in five teens report their stress and anxiety are not improving and getting worse as they get older.
Working Out is a Solution: Encouragingly, 90 percent of teens say exercise helps them feel happy, with 88 percent noting improved mood after exercise.
Exercise is More Than Physical Health: Teens believe physical activity helps deal with emotional ups and downs of being a teenager, 93 percent agree that regular exercise is beneficial when handling challenges.
Screen Time is Consuming: 81 percent of teens acknowledge that social media and video games take up a significant portion of their day. In fact, nearly four in five teens report that avoiding social media is helpful.
Summer Brings a Fitness Slump: 50 percent of teens report that their fitness levels tend to decline when school is out for summer break.
"At Planet Fitness, we offer a high value experience to both our members and High School Summer Pass participants in a welcoming, Judgement Free environment where everyone can get a great workout," said Colleen Keating, Chief Executive Officer. "With free access to our clubs throughout the summer, we're providing teens with the tools they need to develop healthy fitness habits that can last a lifetime. We look forward to welcoming teens this
summer to experience the mental and physical health benefits of exercise in the Judgement Free Zone®."
To promote the 2025 High School Summer Pass program, Planet Fitness has teamed up with U.S. gymnast and 2-Time Olympic Medalist Stephen Nedoroscik who knows not only of the importance of a fitness routine, but the positive impact both physically and mentally that exercise has on overall wellness from a young age.
"Fitness and training have always been a huge part of my life - not just for competing, but for who I am as a person," said Stephen Nedoroscik, U.S. gymnast and 2-Time Olympic Medalist. "Staying at the top of my game, especially on the pommel horse, takes a ton of focus, discipline, and consistency. I've been lucky to train in places and with people that make me feel supported - and that positive environment makes all the difference. That's why I am excited to team up with Planet Fitness this summer to support their annual High School Summer Pass program. Giving teens free access to a place to move, feel confident, and chase their goals is powerful. It's a chance for young people to discover their strength, inside and out."
All High School Summer Pass participants will have access to:
Planet Fitness' complete range of strength equipment, including new plate-loaded machines, best-in-class cardio equipment, stretching space and more
Free fitness training from certified fitness trainers4
Teen-specific workout plans designed to build strength safely and effectively
The free Planet Fitness App featuring hundreds of on-demand digital exercises
A welcoming, non-intimidating community environment
For more information on High School Summer Pass, including how to sign up for the free summer membership at any of the more than 2,700 Planet Fitness locations in the U.S. and Canada, visit PlanetFitness.com/SummerPass.
1 Teenagers ages 14 – 19 can visit any Planet Fitness location in the United States and Canada. Teens must work out at the location they sign up at and are not permitted to use other locations. Teens under 18 or the age of majority in the applicable jurisdiction, must sign-up with a parent or guardian in-club or online at PlanetFitness.com/SummerPass. Once the parent or guardian waiver is signed for teens under 18 or the age of majority in the applicable jurisdiction, teens can work out alone. Students who are already 18 or the age of majority in the applicable jurisdiction do not need a parent or guardian to be present during the sign-up process.
2Ten million teen participants since 2019, $10 per month, three-month program
3 Online survey conducted by Wired Research to 1,000 parents of teens ages 14-19 and their respective teens, with a margin of error of +/- 3.1 percent.
4 Locations are independently owned and operated; please check your local club for details.
About Planet Fitness
Founded in 1992 in Dover, NH, Planet Fitness is one of the largest and fastest-growing franchisors and operators of fitness centers in the world by number of members and locations. As of March 31, 2025, Planet Fitness had approximately 20.6 million members and 2,741 clubs in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Canada, Panama, Mexico, Australia and Spain. The Company's mission is to enhance people's lives by providing a high-quality fitness experience in a welcoming, non-intimidating environment, which we call the Judgement Free Zone®. More than 90% of Planet Fitness clubs are owned and operated by independent business men and women.