Franklin TV: Summer, We Hardly Knew Ye

September

by Pete Fasciano, Executive Director 09/01/2024

It was spring. I blinked. Then I saw a few leaves just starting to turn. Nnnoooo!

Labor Day already? Can it be? What happened to Summer? In part - I spent too much of it working indoors. In part – the heat. Summer is like porridge. No one wants it too hot or cold. To really be ‘Summer’, weather is Sunny, balmy and 72-76 degrees. That’s the claim in Summer’s brochure.

September can be a reflective month. Revisiting Summer days. Summer moments and experiences. It’s also the beginning of Autumn; a transitional period between the extremes of Winter and Summer. It’s also a return to reality. It’s sweater weather, leaf-peeping, the onslaught of pumpkin-spice flavored everything. We shift into that ‘Okay, moving on’ mode where we have to ramp up work and things to do before Winter sets in.

Franklin TV: Summer, We Hardly Knew Ye

As we enter this month and season of change, perhaps something that Labor Day could use is a good ‘greeting’. Other holidays have such exchanges of well wishes. There’s Happy Thanksgiving, Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, etc.

“May your labors be happy? Joyful? Abundant?” How’s about – “Autumn’s peace?”

And – as always –

Thank you for listening to wfpr●fm. 

And, thank you for watching.

Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf    

program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio

"BEN Wins BIG On 3A Zoning"

Joyce Mandell, Abundant Housing Massachusetts writes:

 

"In under two year, the Town of Franklin has made positive strides in passing policies that support housing and transit oriented development including the following:

• Increased housing density downtown to up to 18 units/acre
• Created affordability requirements for complexes over 10 units
• Legalized 3-family homes by-right around the commuter rail
• Passed Accessory Dwelling Unit by-law delineating standards and approval process
• Rezoned historic downtown factory for mixed-use development
• Advanced two affordable housing developments
• Appointed pro-housing members to Zoning Board and Master Plan Committee

Here is the topper: On August 14, nine town councilors voted unanimously in support of Franklin’s proposed zoning ordinance to comply with the MBTA Communities Law!  In contrast to towns that have settled for “paper compliance”, Franklin went steps further: concentrating the new zoning district in the downtown core, allowing for mixed use development to stimulate a walkable, livable district, removing parking minimums for commercial properties and reducing parking minimums from 1.5 to 1 spaces for residential properties.  Eliminating and lowering parking requirements is a tested way to prevent the risk of overestimating needed parking, allowing developers to decide the parking requirement for the intended use and therefore, lowering the cost of development without adding unnecessary parking construction costs."

Continue reading the article online -> 

https://www.abundanthousingma.org/ben-wins-big-on-3a-zoning/

 

Find out more about Building Equitable Neighborhoods for Franklin ->   https://ben4franklin.org/

"BEN Wins BIG On 3A Zoning"

DCR's Universal Adaptive Program brings Adaptive Cycling to Worcester and Blackstone

Start your Labor Day Weekend with a BANG by signing up for Fall UAP Adaptive Cycling in Worcester and Blackstone!  

These programs, run by our partner  All Out Adventures, offer an array of cycles that can accommodate riders of all abilities from stable, comfortable recumbent trikes, to handcycles, to tandem recumbent trikes, to wheelchair tandems. Instruction, equipment, and assistance (as needed) are provided.

Participants may sign up for a one-hour timeslot during the program.  You must register by 3 PM the day before the program. 

Adaptive Cycling

These programs are open to people with disabilities and their families and friends.  Seniors are invited to register as well! 

WHERE:  Blackstone River Valley Heritage Center, 3 Paul Clancy Way, Worcester

WHEN: Wednesday, September 11, 11 AM - 3 PM

WHERE: Blackstone River Valley Greenway, 85 Canal St., Blackstone

WHEN: Wednesday, September 25, 11 AM - 3 PM

COST: $5-$20. Sliding scale per session.

QUESTIONS & TO REGISTER: Call All Out Adventures at (413) 584-2052 or email Programs@alloutadventures.org 

Sign up and let the good times rollllll

Shared from ->   https://www.facebook.com/groups/616401235386068/posts/2207920439567465/

More about DCR's Universal Access Program -> https://www.mass.gov/orgs/universal-access-program

Tri-County bus routes for 2024-2025 are posted

 

Tri-County bus routes for 2024-2025 are posted

"2024-2025 Bus Routes are posted! 

Click on the BUS ROUTES Button: www.tri-county.us"

Shared from ->   https://www.instagram.com/p/C_O0BhptCCQ/

Town of Franklin: Government 101 series (audio)

We're going to the archives to bring forward a number of key items to share to help folks who are now newly engaged in the budget discussion to help understand the overall processes of Town of Franklin government in action.

Town of Franklin: Government 101 (audio) (2018)

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/09/town-of-franklin-government-101-audio.html

Town of Franklin: Government 101 (video) (2019)

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/09/town-of-franklin-government-101-video.html

Town of Franklin: Government 101 - budget cycle (audio) (2022)

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/09/town-of-franklin-government-101-budget.html

Town of Franklin: Government 101 - Finance Update (audio) (Dec 2024)

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/12/kerri-jana-share-finance-town-school.html

Town of Franklin: All about the water system, yes we have enough (audio) (August 2021)

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/09/town-of-franklin-all-about-water-system.html

Town of Franklin: All about the sewer system, yes we have capacity for growth (audio) (2023)

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/09/town-of-franklin-all-about-sewer-system.html

Town of Franklin Water & Sewer projects update (audio) (Oct 2025)

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/10/doug-jake-provide-updates-on-sewer.html

Franklin For All housing & zoning podcast series (audio) (2022-2023)

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/02/franklin-for-all-housing-zoning-podcast.html

*** Finance Committee "Deep Dive" series

Technology, Dec 2025

(Links to be added after the 12/10/25 meeting)

Capital budget FY 2024 

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/01/finance-committee-reviews-and-approves.html

Facilities, Dec 2023

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/12/finance-committee-takes-deep-dive-sorta_01138495076.html

Permitting & storm water credits Feb 2023

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/02/finance-committee-hears-from-town.html

Schools, Dec 2022 (audio)

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/12/finance-committee-gets-some-financial.html

Schools, Dec 2022 (Video) 

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/12/finance-committee-gets-to-better.html 

Storm water utility fee March 2022

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/03/your-time-is-needed-now-to-pay.html

Town of Franklin: Government 101 series (audio)

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Saturday, August 31, 2024?

Saturday, August 31

9:00am Thrifty Threads (Franklin Federated Church)

10:00am Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

6:00pm International Overdose Awareness Day (Franklin Town Common)

8:00pm Karaoke Night (Raillery Public House)

**  NO Town Meetings today   **

What's happening today in Franklin? 

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

Why are there multiple calendars?

Respectfully, the Library and Senior Center calendars are too full of events to include all their events so we tend to focus on the major events. Town and School meetings are also kept separate. Links for all the calendars are shared here:

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 Library calendar of events ->    calendar link

The Senior Center calendar of events ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/node/39/events/upcoming

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar
The School district calendar is found  https://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/o/fpsd/page/school-calendars

Franklin Art Association: Sep 4 meeting to feature Kim Morin Weineck

The Franklin Art Association invites the public to our Wednesday, September 4, 2024 meeting. We will warmly greet Guest Demo-Artist, Kim Morin Weineck, our fine art painter for this month’s public demonstration. She will be giving a fine art gouache, step by step demonstration. The free to the public meetings are held at the Franklin Senior Center at 6:30 PM. 

Kim Weineck works in pastel, watercolor and gouache artist mediums. She belongs to local art associations and is a Signature Member of the Pastel Painters Society of Cape Cod. Kim’s work is widely collected and she has won numerous awards. She is a graduate with distinction from Massachusetts College of Art and Design; she enjoys teaching workshops around the country. Her work can be found at Gallery 9 in Norwood, Zullo Gallery in Medfield, the Design Center at Franklin Mill Store and other venues.

Franklin Art Association

She lives in Norfolk, MA. with her husband and two daughters and is often inspired by local landscapes.  For more examples of her work see www.kimweineck.com. 

FAA welcomes the public and it’s members to attend. Refreshments are served at the break.

Franklin Art Association will be participating in the Franklin Harvest Festival on Sept.28 in downtown Franklin Center. There will be a Clothesline Sale of art and members are requested to donate work. There will be an art raffle to raise money for our annual art scholarship which goes to a student choosing to continue their education in the study of the arts. Please stop by to see the wonderful creativity of local artists and support our scholarship fund. 

The FAA is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, the Franklin Cultural Council, Franklin Cultural District and www.franklinart.org. And we’re viewed on Facebook and Instagram. 

Mental Health: Elizabeth Hagy (video)

Dr Anne Bergen: 

"Welcome to Mental Health, the crisis of our time. 

My name is Anne Bergen. I am the host of this series of programs brought to you by Franklin TV whose mission is really to bring important topics relevant to the community out so we can inform the residents aware of issues that are very very important. 

The issue we have to address is mental health."

Video link -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z5mt01O7I2g

Mental Health: Elizabeth Hagy (video)

Franklin Library News & Events for Children, Kids, & Families - September 2024

Library Hours

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. Sunday Hours Resume on September 8^th 1:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. The Library will be closed Monday September 2^nd for Labor Day.

Franklin Public Library's 2024 Reading Challenge!
September: A book whose title starts with the letter "S"!
For complete details and to sign-up, visit our website! Grand prizes made possible by the Friends of the Franklin Library!

Museum Passes
Now is a great time to reserve passes to the area's most popular museums, aquariums, and more! Passes are available to be reserved up to thirty days in advance.

Franklin Library Book Sale
Friday, September 20^th, 1:00-5:00pm.  Saturday, September 21^st, 9:00am to 12:00 Noon
All books are just one dollar!

Bag Sale - $5 A Bag — Saturday, September 21^st  from 1:00-4:00pm
Come fill a brown bag with all the books you can!

Franklin Library ESL & Adult Literacy Program
Volunteer tutors needed! To volunteer please be at least 18 years old, have a High School diploma, & speak English clearly.  No prior teaching experience needed!  Volunteer tutors and students do not need to be Franklin residents. If interested, please fill out the registration form on the library's website.

 

**LIBRARY EVENTS**

Weekly/Monthly for Children

Move Along! Mondays @ 10:30AM (Ages 0-5)
This thirty-minute program features music, movement, stories, and other interactive activities to encourage social skills and promote early literacy!

Dungeons and Dragons Club for Kids & Teens! Mondays, 4:00-6:00 PM (Ages 7+)
Kids are invited to join us for a weekly Dungeons and Dragons Club! The library will supply dice, rule books, and blank character sheets! (Dungeon Masters must be ages 12 and up) Email mgousie@minlib.net for registration and more information.

Cool Cruisers! Tuesdays @ 9:30 AM
Babies who have graduated from tummy time and are scooting all over the place are welcome to this playgroup just for them! We recognize that this fun age of exploring is very different from their first few months, so join us for a special playgroup just for this exciting time! No registration required!

Pre-K Pals! Tuesdays & Thursdays @ 10:30AM (Ages 3-5)
This 30-minute program for kids ages 3-5 is a perfect jumpstart for kiddos that are approaching school-age! Stories, music, movement, and engaging activities designed to prepare kids for a school environment! No registration required!

Toe-Tapping Tots! Tuesdays @ 4:00PM (Ages 2-5)
Let's play some music and get those toes tapping! Join us for a 30-minute energetic, interactive, and creative movement based storytime. From tip toeing, twirling and skipping to jumping and tapping, we will have fun learning to move to the music while building coordination and confidence. No registration required!

Afternoon Doodles! Tuesdays @ 4:00PM (Ages 6+)
Do you love to draw? Join us for an hour of doodling and learn how to create new drawings each week! All materials will be provided, and no registration required!

Story Tots! Wednesdays @ 10:30AM (Ages 18 mos. – 3yrs)
Enjoy thirty minutes of interactive stories, songs, and fun! No registration required!

Bookworm Bounce! Wednesdays @ 4:00PM
Join us for an afternoon story time full of music, movement, stories, and other interactive activities to encourage social skills and promote early literacy! Ideal for ages 0-5. No registration required!

Tummy Time! Thursdays @ 9:30AM
Babies and caregivers: join us each Thursday morning for Tummy Time! Nurture your baby's development with gentle music, movement, and sensory play at the library! Please bring a small blanket or towel for your baby's comfort! No registration required!

Pre-K Pals! Tuesdays & Thursdays @ 10:30AM (Ages 3-5)
This 30-minute program for kids ages 3-5 is a perfect jumpstart for kiddos that are approaching school-age! Stories, music, movement, and engaging activities designed to prepare kids for a school environment! No registration required!

Ballet Buddies! Thursdays @ 4:00PM (Ages 3-5)
Put on your dancing shoes and join Miss Bree for a special dance program for the littlest dancer! This 30-minute class, with a focus on ballet basics, will help kids develop coordination, rhythm and flexibility in a fun and engaging way! Ballet shoes and attire are not required, but please wear comfortable clothes! No registration required!

Barefoot Ballet! Thursdays @ 5:00PM (Ages 6-8)
Registration Required! (Registration is for all 6 dates). Calling all aspiring ballet dancers! Join Miss Bree for this special 6-week introductory Ballet class. Ballet shoes and attire are not required, but please wear comfortable clothes! Dates for this session are: September 12th, 19th, 26th and October 3rd, 10th, 17th.

Happy Feet! Alternating Fridays @ 10:30AM (Ages 0-5)
Let's play some music and dance! Join us for a 30-minute energetic, interactive, and creative movement based storytime. Laughter and giggles are definitely expected! No registration required!

Move Along! Alternating Fridays @ 10:30AM (Ages 0-5)
This thirty-minute program features music, movement, stories, and other interactive activities for littles! Parents and caregivers are welcome and encouraged to participate. No registration required!

Weekend Wiggles! Alternating Saturdays @ 10:30AM (Ages 0-5)
A weekend storytime for littles and their grown-ups! Let's play some music and dance! Laughter and giggles are definitely expected during this energetic, interactive and creative movement based class! No registration required!

Chess Group! Sunday September 22nd @ 2:00PM
Chess - The Game of Kings has resumed play! All ages and ability levels are welcomed. If you would like to learn how to play chess, you are welcome as well! Learn an opening, develop strategic & tactic abilities, improve endgame skills. Sets will be available. No registration is required, and there is no fee.

Special Events for Kids & Families

September Book Bingo! Tuesday, September 3^rd – Monday, September 30th
Collect your BINGO board at the Children's Room Reference Desk and play along all month long! Complete a row in any direction and win a special coloring sheet! Complete the entire board and win a prize pack!! Deadline to pick up prizes is Saturday, October 5^th.

Baby Sensory! Saturday, September 7^th @ 9:30AM
Join us for a 45-minute baby sensory program! Watch your little one interact and engage with a variety of sensory items! Sensory play is a fantastic way to help babies explore their worlds, stimulate the senses, and create little inquisitive explorers! Babies under 2 are welcome and encouraged! (Got older siblings? They can bring along a stuffed toy or baby and play along!) No registration required!

Saturday Bookworm Bounce! Saturday, September 7^th @ 10:30AM
Kids ages 0-5 are welcome to join us for a fun storytime full of music, movement, stories, and other interactive activities to encourage social skills and promote early literacy! Parents and caregivers are welcome and encouraged to participate! No registration required!

Petite Picassos! Monday, September 9^th @ 3:30PM
Join Miss Lily and create your very own step-by-step painting of a Vincent Van Gogh inspired "Starry Night" scene! This paint party is a great fit for children ages 6-12! All materials will be provided, and REGISTRATION is required! The same painting will be taught on September 9^th and 23^rd – please sign up for only ONE of these dates!

Pirate Party! Saturday, September 14^th @ 1:00PM
Ahoy mateys! Set sail to the library and join us for a swashbuckling afternoon on the high seas! Don't miss our pirate-themed crafts and activities, or you'll have to walk the plank! No registration required!

Captain Robbie Bones Pirate Magic Show! Tuesday, September 17^th @ 1:00PM
Set sail with a treasure chest full of magic and a trunk filled with laughter! This Pirate will have everyone's attention the minute he is on deck, from juggling cannon balls to a snake in a basket that performs magic tricks! However, this pirate needs lots of help to get through his show, so be prepared for lots of audience participation! No registration required!

Blue Dog Bash! Saturday, September 21^st @ 1:00PM
Let's celebrate everyone's favorite canine family with an awesome morning of games, crafts, snacks, dancing and more! No registration required!

Petite Picassos! Monday, September 23^rd @ 3:30PM
Join Miss Lily and create your very own step-by-step painting of a Vincent Van Gogh inspired "Starry Night" scene! This paint party is a great fit for children ages 6-12! All materials will be provided, and REGISTRATION is required! The same painting will be taught on September 9^th and 23^rd – please sign up for only ONE of these dates!

Health Fair! Wednesday, September 25^th @ 3:00PM
Come join us for a free and fun filled afternoon at the Franklin Public Library for Franklin Health Departments Fall Health Fair! The event will include local vendors, local health resources, health services exhibitors, activities for kids, and much more!

Winter Berry Farms: Angora Rabbit Visit, Friday September 27^th 3:00 PM
No registration required
Join us in welcoming back some of the fluffiest bunnies around! Kick off the Harvest Festival weekend by learning about the care and needs of rabbits and how they help us stay warm! As a special treat learn how to spin angora fur into fiber for wool! A great event for crafters and animal lovers of all ages!

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library/news/september-2024-franklin-library-news-events

You can also listen to Mitzi & I talk about the upcoming event highlights. The recording runs about 25 minutes, so let’s listen in. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1265-franklin-public-library-sept-2024-highlights-08-19-24/

Franklin Library News & Events for Children, Kids & Families - September 2024

Monday through Tuesday: MBTA Commuter Rail notice for Labor Day holiday period

All Commuter Rail Lines will operate on a weekend schedule on Labor Day, Monday September 2nd.

Affected lines:

• Newburyport/Rockport Line
• Haverhill Line
• Lowell Line
• Fitchburg Line
• Framingham/Worcester Line
• Needham Line
• Franklin/Foxboro Line
• Fairmount Line
• Providence/Stoughton Line
• Middleborough/Lakeville Line
• Kingston Line
• Greenbush Line

Last Updated: Aug 29 2024 12:00 PM

https://www.mbta.com/schedules/CR-Franklin/alerts

Franklin schedule -> https://www.mbta.com/schedules/CR-Franklin/timetable

Construction of high rise platform underway as a train enters Franklin/Dean heading into Boston

Get Up and Dance!

Country, Ballroom, or LaBlast

"Nobody cares if you can't dance well. Just get up and dance." Take this advice from the great dancer Martha Graham and sign up for one of our fall dance classes! For information and to register, visit: Community Learning Exercise & Wellness Classes

Lifelong Learning Institute - Franklin Public Schools | 218 Oak Street Room 137 | Franklin, MA 02038 US

If you need an excuse to try a dance class how about this Lake Street Dive performance of their song "Dance with a Stranger" ->  https://youtu.be/n_h4E0AsaJw?si=aS3vKRB_o3Dt3Hfc

Boston Globe writes "Mass. primary: Governor's Council has a lively Democratic ticket"

"It vets judicial nominees and approves politically fraught pardons, yet operates in obscurity. Now, in a political cycle largely bereft of intraparty intrigue, the little-known Governor’s Council also may boast the liveliest Democratic primary battles in Massachusetts.

Fourteen Democrats are vying in Tuesday’s primary for one of the eight seats on the council, a long-ignored, sometimes ridiculed body with roots in the Colonial era. A pair of its longest-serving members are facing primary challengers in their districts, including in a tense rematch in Greater Boston. Two other seats are open. Come November, more than half of the panel could be new faces, an oddity in a State House defined by incumbent supremacy.

There’s the potential for history-making, too: The batch of Democratic candidates includes three women of color, any of whom would be the first to ever serve on the council and its first person of color in more than three decades.

At stake is the responsibility to vet every judge, clerk-magistrate, and Parole Board member nominee chosen by the governor, as well as any proposed pardons or commutations. As the spotlight on the power, and problems, of the US Supreme Court and federal judiciary has grown, so, too, has the interest in Massachusetts’ own judicial gatekeeper — at least say those seeking a part-time council spot and its $36,025 annual salary."

Continue reading the article (subscription maybe required) -> 

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2024/08/30/metro/governors-council-massachusetts-democratic-primaries-sept-3/

3 of the four candidate participated in the Norfolk Debate which can be viewed here -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/08/norfolk-cable-presents-district-2.html

2 of the candidates were interviewed by Frank Falvey and can be viewed here

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/08/need-info-for-district-democratic.html

Video link -> Tamisha Civil

Video link -> Muriel Kramer

Franklin Food Pantry closed to clients during the Labor Day week

"The Pantry is closed to clients Monday, September 2, 2024, and will reopen on September 10, 2024.  

Closed weeks allow The Pantry to deep clean the shopping area, host group workshops, meet and collaborate with partner agencies, stock up on inventory, and more.  

We make sure to remind our clients of additional food resources that are available to them during our closed week. Thank you!"

Franklin Food Pantry closed to clients during the Labor Day week

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

For additional information about the Franklin Food Pantry visit ->    https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Friday, August 30, 2024?

Friday, August 30

9:00am Early Voting - Primary (Town Clerk's Office)

10:00am Knitting Group (Franklin Public Library)

2:00pm Franklin Farmers Market (Franklin Town Common)

2:00pm Thrifty Threads (Franklin Federated Church)

3:00pm Beni Brosh (live music) (Franklin Town Common)

8:00pm Kymberlee O'Brien and Friends (live music) (La Cantina Winery)

9:00pm Brian Cabral (live music) (3 Restaurant)

**  NO Town Meetings today   **

What's happening today in Franklin? 

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

Why are there multiple calendars?

Respectfully, the Library and Senior Center calendars are too full of events to include all their events so we tend to focus on the major events. Town and School meetings are also kept separate. Links for all the calendars are shared here:

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 Library calendar of events ->    calendar link

The Senior Center calendar of events ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/node/39/events/upcoming

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar
The School district calendar is found  https://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/o/fpsd/page/school-calendars