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 *
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.
Tuesday, May 27, 2025
Artsy afternoons at the Franklin Public Library for the kids, teens, and families
Monday, May 26, 2025
Franklin Library News & Events for June 2025 (part 4 of 5)
Tuesday, May 20, 2025
Strength Starts Here: Planet Fitness' Annual High School Summer Pass™ Program Returns This June 2025
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.
![]() |
Strength Starts Here: Planet Fitness |
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.
Monday, May 19, 2025
Library events for kids, teens, and families the week of May 19, 2025
Sunday, April 27, 2025
What is happening in May 2025 at the Franklin Library??
The Library’s hours are Monday through Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Friday and Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Sundays 1:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. The Library will be closed Monday May 26th for Memorial Day.
Franklin Public Library’s 2025 Reading Challenge!
May: Unearth the world!
Welcome to the Franklin Public Library's second Annual Reading Challenge! For each monthly prompt that you complete and submit on time you will receive a Free Book Coupon that's good at the library's Book Sale. Submissions MUST be submitted by the last day of each month in order to qualify for that month's Free Book Coupon. For complete details and to sign-up, visit our website! Grand prizes made possible by the Friends of the Franklin Library!
ESL & Adult Literacy Program
The Franklin Public Library has started an English as a Second Language and Adult Literacy Program to serve Franklin and its surrounding communities. Volunteers and students do not need to be Franklin residents. If interested, fill out the registration form on the library’s website.
Special Events for Kids
The Whalemobile! Friday, May 2nd @ 1:00-3:00PM
Kids in grade K-6! Join us for a special event to learn about how whales and humans are similar and different! Explore the different learning stations, touch baleen, teeth and bones, including the chance to journey inside Nile—the life-sized inflatable humpback whale! 20 Participants will be admitted into the whale at a time, so bring your patience and flexibility!
My Lady & Me Jewelry Workshop! Wednesday, May 7th @ 5:30PM
Registration Required!
FOR KIDS IN GRADES 3-5! Join local artist Paulina Teng for a special workshop with the special lady in your life celebrating the love we have for the strong women who raise us and support us!
Music at the Blissful! Saturday, May 17th @ 10:30AM
Join us for a fun, high energy music program for children and their grownups! Musician Evan Haller brings the energy to get the whole crowd up and dancing!
Join us in welcoming Professor Erin Baker of UMASS Amherst as we discuss the technologies for combating climate change and implications for energy justice.
Erin is a Distinguished Professor of Industrial Engineering and the Faculty Director of the Energy Transition Institute. Her research is in decision making under uncertainty applied to the field of energy and the environment; with focus on energy justice and publicly-funded energy technology Research and Development portfolios in the face of climate change.
Painting for Adults, Saturday, May 24th @ 1:00PM
Registration is required!
Grown-ups! Are you feeling creative? Join Miss Lily to create your very own step-by-step painting of a covered bridge! All materials will be provided.
Special Events for All Ages
The Music of Taylor Swift: A Concert Presented by the Blackstone Valley Quartet! Saturday, May 3rd @ 10:30AM
Taylor Swift is one of the largest names in music today. This concert is an opportunity to enjoy her music like never before! The Blackstone Valley Quartet, based in North Grafton, specializes in mixed genre performances on stringed instruments. From iconic pop hits to timeless classical favorites, the Blackstone Valley Quartet reimagines familiar melodies with a fresh, innovative twist. The Blackstone Valley Quartet strives to unite people of all ages and all walks of life through the power of music. This event is made possible through the generous support of the Franklin Cultural District and the Massachusetts Cultural Council through the Franklin Cultural District Investment Grant.
Pen to Picture! Saturday, May 10th @ 1:00PM
Since 2023, Franklin Public Library and the Franklin middle schools have joined forces to host world-renowned graphic novelists and celebrate the art of storytelling. This year we welcome three-time Pura Belpré award-winning illustrator, author, and artist Raúl the Third to Franklin! Raúl the Third will share his process, art, and latest titles. He is the author and illustrator of many elementary and middle grade books, including The Snips: A Bad Buzz Day, Stuntboy: In the Meantime, Stuntboy: In-Between Time, The Lowriders series, and multiple picture books. Breakout sessions, photo ops and book signing will also be available. This event was made possible with a grant from the Mass Cultural Council.
Holi Celebration! Saturday, May 17th @ 2:00PM
Join the Franklin Public Library for a special celebration of the Holi Festival, outside on the Town Common! Music, activities, and of course, COLOR!! Wear something that you don't mind getting messy! In the event of inclement weather, the Rain date will be Saturday 5/31. This program is made possible through the generous support of the Franklin Cultural Council and the Massachusetts Cultural Council.
Music of Lennon & McCartney, Saturday May 31st @ 3:00PM
Free Concert
Join us in welcoming Melodious Zach as we jam to the music and history of John Lennon and Paul McCartney.
Franklin Library Book Sale
Friday, May 16th, 1:00-5:00pm. Saturday, May 17th, 9:00am to 12:00 Noon
All books are just one dollar!
Bag Sale - $5 A Bag—Saturday, May 17th, from 1:00-4:00pm
Come fill a brown bag with all the books you can!
Friday, March 28, 2025
April highlights for Library events include a typewriter orchestra, yup typewriter orchestra (audio)
FM #1414 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1414 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, March 24, 2025 in the Franklin TV & Radio Studio.
We talk about
Reviewed the regular open hours, book sale and holiday scheduling for the month
Open on Sundays
Book sale weekend April 11 & 12
Closed Sunday & Monday, April 20, April 21
Library events for April 2025
Family events
Kiddos, or “littles”
Teens
Adults
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 28 minutes, so let’s listen in. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1414-franklin-public-library-april-2025-highlights-03-24-25/
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Mitzi Gousie’s email -> mgousie@minlib.net
Franklin Public Library page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/233/Franklin-Public-Library
New event calendar -> https://www.franklinma.gov/942/Calendar-of-Events
April Library newsletter -> https://www.franklinma.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=48
April press release -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/03/whats-happening-at-library-in-april-2025.html
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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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