Beaver St. Interceptor Project -> Construction Updates during Monday (6/30) through Thursday (7/3)

Monday (6/30) through Thursday (7/3)

The construction crew will be working off the road within the Franklin Village Mall area to connect the new sewer main. Limited to no traffic impacts are expected.

NO WORK on Beaver Street - On either side of the MBTA tracks Beaver Street will have steel plates to allow for traffic to pass over.  Please use caution when traveling in this area.  

Beaver St. Interceptor Project 

At the Franklin Recreation Center, the construction of the new Beaver Street Interceptor Pump Station will continue with construction of the exterior building structure and internal building component installation.

No work on Friday July 4th.  Have a great Holiday!

Please reference the interactive map and posted signs for details and updates.

We appreciate the public's continued support and understanding and will continue to communicate regularly via social media, our dedicated email list, and the construction map as work progresses.

Shared from -> https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/557/Beaver-Street-Interceptor-BSI-Project

Great Resource - Part 2: Sherlock Center listing for MASS

Earlier this week, we shared some of our Rhode Island-based titles of adapted literature for students with complex disabilities in recognition of Deafblind Awareness Week.

Today, we’re sharing some titles for our neighbors in Massachusetts:

• Massachusetts Famous People

Great resource to find adapted versions of popular
literature for students with complex disabilities

• Massachusetts Famous Places

• Massachusetts Famous Places 2

• Massachusetts Important Dates and Events

• Massachusetts Popular Foods

Check them out at https://bit.ly/Mass-lit or view all of our adapted literature offerings at https://bit.ly/adaptedliterature.

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/16pvwTTDvC/

Visit the website for more info on the Sherlock Center -> https://sherlockcenter.ric.edu/

*Yes, there is a family relationship to this Sherlock Center. Paul was my father's brother.

The earlier listing shared can be found here -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/06/great-resource-to-find-adapted-versions.html

Franklin MBTA Commuter Rail: July 4 service change

On Friday, July 4th, for Independence Day, the Commuter Rail will operate on a weekend schedule. Travel will be free on trains scheduled to arrive or depart North/South Station after 8:30pm. Bikes will not be allowed on board trains after 9:30 pm.

Franklin MBTA Commuter Rail: July 4 service change

The last trains on the Rockport, Haverhill, Lowell, Fitchburg, Franklin, Providence, Fairmount, Greenbush, and Kingston Line trains will hold up to 30 minutes after the end of the fireworks if necessary. Trains will depart no later than 12:15 am.

Learn more: https://mbta.com/holidays

Last Updated: Jun 27 2025 08:27 AM

Don’t pay for a prize (scam)

Don't pay for a prize (scam) By BCP Staff "You've won!" are two words likely to get your attention – but sometimes it's a scammer delivering the news. (Spoiler: you didn't win anything.) Here's how to spot and avoid prize scams. Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2025/06/dont-pay-prize-scam?utm_source=govdelivery

    

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule for Saturday, June 28, 2025

Yes, Franklin has it's own radio station -> wfpr.fm. Franklin Public Radio has a brand new schedule for the locally produced shows that fill our air waves. 

It is available anywhere, anytime at wfpr.fm or in the local Franklin, MA area at 102.9 on the FM dial.

Tune in to listen to the following:

 

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule for Saturday

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

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule for Saturday

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Friday, June 27, 2025 ???

Friday, June 27

** Franklin Lions offering light kits again to "Light up Franklin" for the 4th of July  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/06/reminder-franklin-lions-offering-light.html

Library & Senior Center events

10:00am Knitting Group (Franklin Public Library)

1:00pm Thrifty Threads (Franklin Federated Church)

2:00pm Farmers Market (Franklin Town Common)

3:00pm Robert Swalley (live music) (Franklin Town Common)

5:30pm 3Sum Band (live music) (Franklin Town Common)

For additional details on Library & Senior Center events ->   

https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar.aspx?CID=37,24&showPastEvents=false

** NO  Town Meetings today   **

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

What's happening today in Franklin? 

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

Bringing Unitarian Universalism to the Daily Grind - June 29

Bringing Unitarian Universalism
to the Daily Grind - June 29

Please join us for our first lay-led service of the summer.

Bringing Unitarian Universalism to the Daily Grind

Sunday, June 29 @ 10:00 am

Do you ever feel like there are just too many things on your to-do list to possibly add a faith journey to your plate?

Caitlin MacDonald, President of the FUSF Board of Trustees, aspiring local activist, full-time music educator, and married mother of three will share her experiences with bringing her Unitarian Universalist values to the daily grind.

The First Universalist Society in Franklin (FUSF) is a Unitarian Universalist Welcoming Congregation located at 262 Chestnut Street, Franklin. Our Interim Minister is Reverend Beverly Waring.

For more information about FUSF please visit our website at Fusf.org.

or contact us at info@fusf.org or call 508-528-5348.

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/1AARswMdp8/

Community through books - monthly discussions at the Franklin Public Library

Community through books - monthly
discussions at the Franklin Public Library

Summer in Franklin is vibrant! Join us for fun events this week - check out the details in our weekly Franklin Culture Eblast

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

Get the inside scoop from Chasity & Ariel on the Senior Center event highlights for July 2025 (audio)

FM #1477 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1477 in the series. 

This session shares my conversation with Chasity Cheng, Senior Center Deputy Director and Ariel Doggett, Programing & Volunteer Coordinator, both with the Franklin Senior Center. We had our discussion in the Franklin Radio Studio on Wednesday, June 18, 2025.

 

We talk about 

• All the key event highlights for July

• Reminder on fee increases effective in July

• “Franklin First” for special event registrations

• Reminder on use myactivecenter.com/  for online Senior Center registration

• Teasers for July & vans trips in the future 

The show notes include links to the Senior Center page, the calendar of events, and to subscribe to the monthly newsletter. 

The recording runs about 40 minutes, so let’s listen in.

Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1477-franklin-ma-senior-ctr-july-2025-highlights-06-18-25/

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

Franklin Senior Center page ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/583/Franklin-Senior-Center-Council-on-Aging 

July 2025 newsletter -> Link to be added when available

The newsletter archive page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/585/Connection-Newsletter 

Senior Center event highlights for July 2025

Senior Center calendar view (just FSC events) -> https://franklinma.gov/calendar.aspx?CID=37&showPastEvents=false 

Subscribe to the newsletter -> by calling 508-520-4945

 

My Active Center -> https://myactivecenter.com/ 

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

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 out. 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 it!

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

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

State of Housing in MA: "housing costs are out of control"

State of Housing in MA:  "housing costs are out of control"

via Abundant Housing MA

The new State of the Nation’s Housing report from @Harvard_JCHS confirms what we already know: housing costs are out of control.

Massachusetts must act NOW to legalize more housing, build near transit, and invest in homes that people can afford.

Read Molly’s Recent Blog Post ➡️https://www.abundanthousingma.org/the-state-of-the-nations-housing-why-massachusetts-needs-bold-action-on-housing/


Check out the report ➡️ https://www.jchs.harvard.edu/sites/default/files/reports/files/Harvard_JCHS_The_State_of_the_Nations_Housing_2025.pdf

Read our policy priorities to build a Massachusetts for everyone ➡️ https://www.abundanthousingma.org/2025-2026-priorities/

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/DLXWmorO7MV/

Mario Cart, few spots left for Saturday afternoon at the Library

Mario Cart, few spots left for Saturday afternoon at the Library

Only a few spots left and no device required to race for Gold in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe!

There are rumors of a possible demo station for Mario Kart World as well, and spectators are welcome for some Mario crafts!

Register -> https://franklinma.assabetinteractive.com/calendar/mario-kart-tournament-with-one-up-games/

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/DLX3gZsRRfo/

Join the Yoga on the Town Common session - Sunday, June 29 - and help fund raising for the Franklin Food Pantry

Join us for a relaxing yoga session at the Town Common to raise funds for Franklin Food Pantry!

Facebook event -> https://www.facebook.com/events/1810311069882074/

Tickets at Eventbrite -> https://www.eventbrite.com/e/yoga-at-the-common-fundraiser-for-franklin-food-pantry-tickets-1392786384569

When: Sunday, June 29 · 9 - 10 AM EDT. Doors at 8:45 AM

Join the Yoga on the Town Common session - Sunday, June 29 - and help fund raising for the Franklin Food Pantry

Save the Date - Aug 20 for FHS soccer fundraiser at La Cantina

Save the Date - Aug 20 for FHS soccer fundraiser at La Cantina

Please save the date, and plan to join us! All welcome!

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

Quiet action: "Sometimes the most helpful thing we can say is to do"

Quiet action: "Sometimes the most
helpful thing we can say is to do"

"Good news, quiet folks: empathy isn’t constant mutual oversharing.

Talking is great, but everyone isn’t great at it. And forcing an unwilling, uneasy, or unskillful talker into a big conversation can backfire in a thousand painful ways. (Ask us how we know.)

In some cases, quiet action is a more empathic choice than conversation.
(Think: sticky situations, hot tempers, neurodiversity, tender topics, time constraints, emotional exhaustion, privacy requests, trust issues, laryngitis…)

Sometimes the most helpful thing we can say is to do. In moments like that, instead of sharing, take a meaningful action–even in secret. Because it’s not always about communicating to someone, but honoring the connection enough to give them what they need."

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/DLU7NSbuyIY/