What's happening in Franklin, MA: Thursday, October 29, 2026 ???

Thursday, October 29

• Get your spot for the FHS Theatre Company Boosters November Calendar Raffle  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/10/get-your-spot-for-fhs-theatre-company.html
• Last time to Order your KoC Thanksgiving Pie(s)  Please visit our website www.kofc1847.org/payments-thanksgiving-pie-sale

8:00am Early voting (Town Clerk's Office)

9:00am Advance Removal of Early Voted Ballots (3rd floor trng room)

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

6:30pm Predatory Relationships in the Suburbs (webinar by SAFE Coalition; Register: https://www.safecoalitionma.org/get-support/webinar)

7:00pm    Ghosts and Legends with Jeff Belanger (Historical Museum)

***  Town Meetings today ***

October 29, 2026 - Economic Development Subcommittee Meeting

Thursday, October 29 Time: 6:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10292026-2582 

Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) Meeting

Thursday, October 29 Time: 7:30 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10292026-2574 

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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

SAFE Coalition’s Family Recovery Webinar: “Predatory Relationships in the Suburbs" - August 27

What do we tell young people a trusted adult looks like? And what happens when someone twists that trust into something harmful?

Join SAFE Coalition’s Family Recovery Webinar Series for “Predatory Relationships in the Suburbs,” a conversation with Mikaela Weinstein, SAFE’s Diversion Facilitator, and Detective Jack Flynn of the Franklin Police Department.

You’ll learn:
• How these relationships take shape, seen from a young person’s perspective
• Which online platforms adults target most often to reach kids
• Practical tips for internet and social media safety at home
• What local police data shows about how often this is happening right here

This session is especially valuable for parents and caregivers of adolescents and younger children, and for teens themselves.

Thursday, August 27, 6:30 to 7:30 PM
💻 Zoom | Free
✅ Register: https://www.safecoalitionma.org/get-support/webinar

Impact of Screen on Learning: webinar scheduled for Weds, August 12 at 7 PM

via Connecticut State Senator Jennifer Leeper

"I am thrilled to share that @jared.cooney.horvath renowned neuroscientist and author of “The Digital Delusion” will be joining me @aimeebergergirvaloct   and @senatorjamesmaroney  for a conversation on the impact of classroom technology on our kids’ learning. 

Jared is to ed tech what @jonathanhaidt is to cellphones. 

Please sign up for this unique opportunity happening on Aug. 12 at 7pm at the link here = https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_BmEoa3oPTbiLr3AOPBAVLw#/registration

SAFE Coalition: Family Recovery Webinar Series available for replay (video)

Did you miss one of our Family Recovery Webinar Series sessions? Good news — you can catch up anytime! Head to our website to watch past episodes covering topics like:

💚 Navigating court options for families in crisis

💚 Why family support matters

💚 Strategies for self-care

💚 The science of addiction

🔗 LINK = https://www.safecoalitionma.org/get-support/webinar

Each webinar is free to watch and packed with practical knowledge for families navigating addiction and recovery. New episodes coming soon!

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

Science of Learning webinar - Friday, March 27 (free registration)

Schools have invested billions in technology—

Science of Learning webinar -
Friday, March 27 (free registration) 

so why are learning outcomes declining?

This is the question behind two upcoming live sessions.

These won’t be about tools or trends.

They’ll focus on what the science of learning actually tells us — and what that means for schools, policy, and students.

If you’re an educator, school leader, or just trying to make sense of all the noise around EdTech, this is for you.

📅 March 27

Free to attend. Register via Link https://www.distractionfreeschools.com/

Shared from - https://www.instagram.com/p/DWO_-8_FDet

Ready to Make a Difference? Become an Old Colony Habitat for Humanity Volunteer.

Sign up for our Volunteer Orientation

SIGN UP FOR OUR VOLUNTEER ORIENTATION  Volunteers are at the heart of everything we do, and we'd love for you to be part of it! If you've ever been curious about volunteering with Old Colony Habitat for Humanity, our upcoming Volunteer Orientation is the perfect place to start. This virtual session will walk you through who we are, how our volunteer program works, and the many ways you can get involved, whether you're interested in building, helping behind the scenes, or supporting special events. Our Volunteer Orientation is a great opportunity to ask questions, learn what to expect on a build day, and see how your time and talents can help make affordable homeownership possible right here in our community. Questions? Please email katherine@oldcolonyhabitat.org Volunteer Orientation Details: 📅 Saturday, March 7, 2026 🕙 10:00 AM 📍 Via Zoom (link will be sent before the session) ⏱ Approximately 45–60 minutes Please RSVP by March 4 here Our Mission: Dedicated to providing decent and affordable housing in partnership with families in need, Old Colony Habitat for Humanity is all of us working together, partnering with families to improve their housing, both locally and around the world. Building strength, stability and self-reliance through shelter. FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA (CLICK LINKS ABOVE!) COMMUNITIES WE SERVE Assonet, Attleboro, Bellingham, Berkley, Dighton, East Freetown, Fall River, Foxboro, Franklin, Mansfield, Medfield, Medway, Millis, Norfolk, North Attleboro, Norton, Plainville, Raynham, Rehoboth, Seekonk, Swansea, Somerset, Taunton, and Wrentham

Old Colony Habitat for Humanity | PO Box 100 | Attleboro, MA 02703 US

You're invited to a one-hour webinar on how to help protect yourself and the older adults in your life from identity theft

Identity theft can happen anytime and at any age. But there are steps you can take to help protect yourself and the older adults in your life from identity theft.  Join representatives from The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC) as they partner during Identity Theft Awareness Week 2026 to present a free webinar. Next Wednesday January 28, 2026, at 2 p.m. ET, learn more about how to recognize the signs of identity theft, where to get one-on-one guidance to recover, and what you can do to help others in your community protect themselves from identity theft. Zoom link: https://ftc.zoomgov.com/j/1618485227?pwd=RATfXQ8bub1AaTgyhpiR98clnTQ2kN.1 Meeting ID: 161 848 5227 Passcode: 259709 By phone: (for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location): 646 828 7666 US (New York); 646 964 1167 US (US Spanish Line); 669 216 1590 US (San Jose); 833 568 8864 US Toll-free Speakers: Mona Terry, Chief Operating Officer, Identity Theft Resource Center Gema de las Heras, Consumer Education Specialist, FTC For more information on identity theft you can use and share check out ftc.gov/IDTheftWeek.  Sincerely, The FTC's Division of Consumer and Business Education

DESE series for "Public school educators" on "core principles of AI literacy"

"Public school educators are invited to a 6-week virtual series about the core principles of AI literacy.

Based on the DESE Office of EdTech's online module, AI Literacy for Educators, educators will explore how to navigate this technology with curiosity, caution, and a human-centered approach.

Sessions will take place virtually at 3 PM on Tuesdays from January 6 to February 10.

Learn more and sign up online: https://ow.ly/fQVe50XNSAM "

DESE series for "Public school educators" on "core principles of AI literacy"

"Registration is reserved for individuals currently employed in Massachusetts Public Schools, Charter Schools, Vocational Technical Schools, and Virtual Schools. Please be advised that DESE does not authorize attendees to record or to use AI transcription tools during the meeting, and DESE does not endorse any unauthorized transcripts created by third parties of its meetings."

A Webinar on the need of the hour: Mental Health and Well-Being hosted by KP Sompally (video)

Mental health is just as important as physical health — yet it’s often overlooked.

Today, let’s take a moment to understand, to listen, and to break the silence surrounding mental well-being. We all have mental health, just like we all have physical health. 

In this video, we’ll explore what mental health really means, why it matters, and how we can take small steps to care for it every day. More people than ever are struggling with stress, anxiety, and depression. 

A Webinar on the need of the hour: Mental Health
and Well-Being hosted by KP Sompally (video)

Together, we can change the way we talk about mental health — and create a world where asking for help is a sign of strength.

Don’t miss this insightful webinar presented by Reis Hansen, Licensed Therapist and Clinical Social Worker, and hosted by KP Sompally, School Committee Member.

video link -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ywSNVfL8jNA

Mental Health & Well Being Webinar (video)

As the world embraces the rapid rise of AI across many fields, will AI replace therapists? 

Franklin High School Graduate and current senior at UMass Amherst Dash Papineni shares his insight on mental health and wellness in a discussion hosted by School Committee member KP Sompally

video link -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JfO0TEUeRzo

MHP: "Next Steps for Compliant MBTA Communities"

MHP: "Next Steps for Compliant MBTA Communities"

The majority of MBTA Communities are now in compliance with Section 3A of MGL 40A, and cities and towns have designated specific locations as the “right place” to expand housing opportunities for their residents. A significant amount of new multifamily housing is currently proposed or underway in 3A Districts. How are staff and officials from MBTA Communities preparing to manage and benefit from new or existing multifamily districts?

Join MHP, Citizens’ Housing and Planning Association (CHAPA), and Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities staff to learn about opportunities and strategies for MBTA Communities in a post-compliance world.

Topics will include:
- MHP’s expanded technical assistance program for MBTA communities
- HLC funding opportunities
- Project-focused advocacy and engagement strategies
- Staying in compliance

There will also be time for idea sharing and Q&A.

Register now at the link -> https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/YvchCzm6TBSdL8P7Z2oC5g#/registration

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/DMYFZDYs44T/

Speaker Announcement: State Reps. to Join Policy Webinar

Join us April 3rd at 6 pm via zoom!

Dear Neighbor, I am excited to announce that State Representatives Andy Vargas, Meghan Kilcoyne, and Manny Cruz will join our Statewide Policy Agenda Webinar next Thursday, April 3rd at 6:00 PM on Zoom. As primary sponsors of our priority bills, we are thrilled join our policy webinar and share why they decided to champion these important pieces of legislation.  In addition to hearing remarks from our bill sponsors, we will take a detailed look at our priority bills, discuss AHMA's strategy for getting them passed, and end with a Q&A session.  I hope to see you there and share our exciting legislative priorities! Register Today Sincerely, Mike Kriesberg Policy and Advocacy Manager at Abundant Housing MA Become an AHMA member today! AHMA is a membership organization that is open to everyone. We stand up for abundant housing for all in communities across Massachusetts. We drive policy at the state and local level by identifying pro-housing changemakers, building the power of local organizers, and connecting a statewide network. Become a member today and join our statewide coalition. Together, we can make Massachusetts for everyone. Join our network!   Abundant Housing Massachusetts 50 Milk Street 16th floor Boston, MA 02109 United States

Senator Rausch hosts webinar on "Abortion & Reproductive Freedom in Mass" - Dec 17, 2024

"Abortion & Reproductive Freedom in Mass" - Dec 17, 2024

Please join us on Tuesday, December 17, 7-8 PM on Zoom to discuss the past, present, and future of abortion access and reproductive freedom here in Massachusetts. Visit beccarauschma.com/repro to register.

Thank you to the experts at @reproequitynow, @ppmassachusetts, @aclu_mass and @bostonuniversityschooloflaw for joining me in this critical conversation.

#mapoli #abortionishealthcare #abortion #reproductiverights #reproductivefreedom #mybodymychoice

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/DDNry7guyR7/

Regional Tree Planting & Protection Plan Webinar - Oct 23

Regional Tree Planting  & Protection Plan Webinar 

Virtually on October 23 at 7 PM

Massachusetts has lost over 3.5% of its tree cover

Trees are one of our greatest climate solutions––providing cooler neighborhoods, clean air, flood mitigation, cleaner water, and mental health benefits––yet our watershed is losing tree canopy at an alarming rate. Since 2000, Massachusetts has lost over 3.5% of its tree cover. Regional planning will help maximize the benefits of existing trees, help protect mature trees from invasive species, and identify new opportunities for tree planting to build a robust, healthy tree canopy. 

Join the Charles River Watershed Association (CRWA) and Franklin Conservation Department, a Charles River Climate Compact Member, on October 23 at 7 PM to hear about the state of tree canopy across the watershed and our work with the Climate Compact that helps municipalities protect, maintain, and grow our tree canopy. 

Register here (https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYrd-mgqj0jGtOm5q8ZvQ6hwaL0j3V4zcc8#/registration).

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/conservation/news/regional-tree-planting-protection-plan-webinar