Ariel previews the August activity highlights for the Senior Center (audio)

FM #1481 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1481 in the series. 

This session shares my conversation with Ariel Doggett, Programming & Volunteer Coordinator of the Franklin Senior Center. We had our discussion in the Franklin Radio Studio on Wednesday, July 16, 2025.

 

We talk about 

• All the key event highlights for August

• Possible Great Gatsby themed future event(s)

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-1481-franklin-senior-ctr-august-2025-highlights-07-16-25/

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

August 2025 newsletter -> Link to be added when available

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

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/ 

The Great Gatsby was published in April 1925. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Great_Gatsby 

The rewrite as a whodunit is Beautiful Little Fools by Jillian Cantor https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/56922665-beautiful-little-fools 

Ariel previews the August activity highlights for the Senior Center (audio)

  

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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 it!

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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"

Volunteers needed to help with International Overdose Awareness Day - August 31, 2025

Volunteers needed!!

Volunteers needed to help with International
Overdose Awareness Day - August 31, 2025

As part of International Overdose Awareness Day, SAFE will work with community members to plant memorial flag displays  in Franklin, Medway, Norfolk, and Wrentham, where each flag represents one of the 1,763 lives lost in Massachusetts to overdose last year. 

We will be placing flags in each town from 9–11 AM on Friday, Aug. 29, and removing flags from 9–11 AM Tuesday, Sept. 2. 

Learn more and sign up here: https://tinyurl.com/safeoad

Send questions to info@safecoalitionma.org

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/1AppLkAL36/

Phantom Gourmet visited La Cantina Winery in Franklin, MA (video)

If you missed the chance to catch La Cantina Winery on Phantom Gourmet, here’s your opportunity! We’d love to see you soon and thank you for all your support!

Video link -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3VhJWIskJ34

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/15vBGvH3AH/

Franklin Fire Dept launches Community Connect

Community Connect allows residents and businesses to enter in critical information for first responders to use in an emergency, such as;

• 

  Franklin Fire Dept launches Community Connect

  How many residents reside at the address
• Any access or functional needs
• Any pet information
• Where bedrooms are located
• Where hazardous materials are located
• Contact information
• Door codes

Here is the link to register:  https://www.communityconnect.io/info/ma-franklin

This is a safe and secure program that is free.  For more information, check out the flyer:   https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/6309/Community-Connect?bidId=

Shared from the Town of Franklin Fire Dept page ->    https://www.franklinma.gov/1179/Community-Connect

Franklin Police Patrol Association schedule golf tournament for Oct 6, 2025

Franklin Police Patrol Association
schedule golf tournament for Oct 6, 2025

The Franklin Police Patrol Association is hosting their annual golf tournament October 6th. Visit their Facebook page or see the attached flyer to learn more about the event and association.

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/1BFzrLFU9U/?mibextid=xfxF2i

golf tournament for Oct 6, 2025

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm Schedule for Tuesday, July 22, 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:

wfpr.fm Schedule for Tuesday, Franklin Public Radio

Tuesday

SAFE Radio – Jim Derick and Dr. Anne Bergen Addressing issues of Drug Abuse Disorder 

Jazz Journey – with Pamela Hines - An insightful tour of Jazz Greats in a golden era

Franklin Public Radio wfpr.fm Schedule for Tuesday

Franklin TV schedule for Tuesday, July 22, 2025 (Your local Public, Education & Government "PEG" station)

• Franklin All Access TV - Our Public Access Channel (Comcast 6, Verizon 26) = TUESDAY

7:30 am Joe Landry: The Railroad in Franklin

9:00 am Mental Health: Raeleen Sullivan

10:00 am Frank's Musings: Supreme Court

12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin': Quinoa

12:30 pm Cooking with Linda: Trifles

1:30 pm Pizzapalooza: Meat-Lovers Pt. 2

2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Summer 2018 Show 2

3:00 pm Candlepin New Generation: Show 9

3:30 pm Riffing on Main Street: Amy Adams

4:30 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Shaun Hart Pt 1

6:00 pm Horace Mann PSA

6:30 pm Sons & Daughters of Italy: Italian Cookies

7:30 pm Battleship Cove: Preserving the Fleet

8:00 pm 4th of July 2025: Midnight Ride

• Franklin Pride TV - Our Educational Channel        (Comcast 8, Verizon 28) = TUESDAY

7:00 am All-Town Showcase 2024: Chorus and Orchestra

8:30 am Public School Event: Elementary Music Pt. 1 06-04-18

10:00 am Mental Health: Raeleen Sullivan

12:30 pm FHS Concert Hour 02-26-25

2:00 pm FHS Boys Varsity Lacrosse v Shrewsbury 04-19-25

4:30 pm Tri County Graduation 2025

8:00 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Shaun Hart Pt 1

9:00 pm FHS Theater Company: Cinderella

• Franklin Town Hall TV - Our Government Channel (Comcast 9, Verizon 29) = TUESDAY

8:00 am School Committee 06-10-25

2:00 pm School Committee 06-10-25

6:00 pm Economic Development 07-16-25

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

Watch Listen Read all things that matter in Franklin MA

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Monday, July 21, 2025 ???

Monday, July 21

Library & Senior Center events

For additional details on Library & Senior Center events ->        

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

** NO Town Meetings today   **

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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

The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW): Episode 294-Interview with Mike Veseth (audio)

In this engaging episode of The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW), hosts Kim and Mark welcome the esteemed Mike Veseth, the editor of www.wineeconomist.com and prolific author of over a dozen wine books. 

Mike takes listeners on a fascinating journey, starting with his background and illuminating the intriguing world of a wine economist. He expertly defines wine globalization, painting a picture of the interconnectedness of the modern wine industry.

Prepare to have your wine glass decoded as Mike unveils the "DaVino" code, offering invaluable insights into how to decipher those often-perplexing wine labels. The conversation then delves into the concept of the wine "dump," providing listeners with practical tips on how to effectively research their wine selections.

Mike Veseth

Mike encourages listeners to embrace a spirit of adventure in their wine choices, sharing compelling reasons to take a chance on something new. He also offers his expert perspective on the influence of big wine brands and investors, exploring their impact on established and emerging labels.

Kim, Mark, and Mike then tackle the topic of wine price points, discussing the current and future demand for both budget-friendly and premium wines. In a thought-provoking segment, they explore the curious disconnect between consumer interest in food ingredients versus the often-overlooked components of wine.

Finally, Mike shares his expert analysis of the most pressing issues currently facing the global wine landscape, leaving listeners with a deeper understanding of the industry's challenges and opportunities.

Tune in to this episode of WWW for a truly enlightening conversation with Mike Veseth – Cheers!

Kim and Mark 

🍷🍷🍷

www.thewww.wine

#thewonderfulworldofwine #wine

Audio link -> https://soundcloud.com/user-492543397/episode-294-interview-with-mike-veseth

The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) · Episode 294-Interview with Mike Veseth

Reminder: The “Panther F Logo” fundraiser is open until August 15, 2025

It's that time of year show your Panther Pride with a driveway F painting!

The “Panther F Logo” fundraiser returns for 2025

The FHS Girls Basketball Boosters are excited to launch our 2025 “Panther F Logo” fundraiser. As in years past, players will come to your house and paint your driveway or basketball court with the Franklin Panther F logo.

Sign up will be open from July 7 to August 15.

Form to sign up -> https://forms.gle/15ivENKQCWAHFDg17

Once the sign up is closed and all payments have been received the Boosters will establish a schedule for the painting to begin in September and conclude in October (8/1 to 10/15).

The Panther F logo is a great addition to your driveway for all Franklin students and families!

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/reel/DMT3ER0OWfs/

Good Deeds: A Taste of History (video)

As the 'dog days of summer' approach, many of us seek a refreshing escape from the heat and summer doldrums. And more often than not, our thoughts turn to that quintessential warm-weather treat: ice cream. While many of us fondly remember childhood trips for a cone, few names evoke nostalgic Americana quite like Howard Johnson’s, an iconic brand that got its start right here in Norfolk County.

For decades, Howard Johnson's was more than just a restaurant chain; it was a roadside icon, a beacon for travelers, known for its distinctive orange roofs and, perhaps most famously, its 28 flavors of ice cream. What began in 1925 with Howard Deering Johnson selling ice cream from a small soda shop in Wollaston, a section of Quincy would turn in to the largest restaurant chain in the United States. 

He enhanced ice cream quality by using a recipe that doubled butterfat, used only natural flavorings, and used hand-cranked makers to churn the chilled cream. By 1928 the ice cream was grossing $240,000 in sales in the store and at nearby beaches. The very last Howard Johnson's restaurant, located in Lake George, New York, closed its doors in 2022, marking the end of a nearly century-long era.

Click the link to watch the Good Deeds: History Comes Alive segment on Howard Johnson on our website here: https://www.norfolkdeeds.org/news-event/announcements/good-deeds-history-comes-alive-howard-johnsons

But even as a national giant receded into history, the spirit of local ice cream establishments has continued to thrive, particularly here in Norfolk County. These are the places that have stood the test of time.

The Bubbling Brook on 1652 High Street in Westwood opened in 1951 by original owners Hazel and Vival Ingraham who purchased the property from H.P. Hood & Sons Inc. (Deed recorded in book 2520, page 353).  Ed and Gloria Cortas owned and operated the ice cream shop from 1988 to 1991 and since 2003. In 2005, their daughter Marie Adams became a joint owner.

Charlotte Yourell and her sister opened JJ's Dairy Hut in 1956 at 140 Chief Justice Cushing Highway in Cohasset. Their venture began after Kimball's ice cream store, a local favorite, closed the previous year. In 1977, Frank Loiacono purchased JJ's from the sisters, though Charlotte Yourell continued to work at the ice cream shop. The ownership changed hands again in 1989 when Lilly Sestito, who had started working at JJ's at just 13 years old, bought the business (lease recorded in book 4074, page 411). Both Frank Loiacono and Charlotte Yourell continued their dedication to JJ's, working there and training the next generation of “JJ's scoopers.”

In 1963, business partners John Wallace and John O’Faherty purchased a former Sunoco Gas station on 635 Adams Street in Quincy (Deed recorded in book 4074, page 509). That same year the owners transformed the location into an ice cream stand naming it Dairy Freeze. Both owners continued to play a part in the business for over 37 years.

Crescent Ridge started when founder Malby Perrish purchased farmland at 355 Bay Road in Sharon from Edith and Evelyn McBride (deed recorded in book 1957, page 593). The farm has been family-owned and operated since, originally delivering fresh milk in classic glass bottles. It wasn't until 1968 that the first Crescent Ridge Dairy Bar opened, using surplus milk to craft their now award-winning homemade ice cream. Generations of the Parrish family have continued the tradition.

The story of Black Cow Ice Cream, a seasonal ice cream shop at 1397 Main Street in Millis, began in 1997. Walter Walsh established the business, two years after he purchased Marcy's Seafood & Ice Cream in 1995 (deed recorded in book 11076, page 651). Today, his daughter, Charlotte Walsh, operates the family-run shop.

These local establishments represent more than just a cool treat on a hot day. They are deeply rooted in our communities and remind us that while some things change, the simple joy of an ice cream cone on a warm day is timeless.

Events at the Senior Center for the week of July 21 to July 26, 2025

Events at the Senior Center for the week of July 21 to July 26, 2025

Here’s what’s happening this week at the Franklin Senior Center

For additional details on Senior Center events ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar.aspx?CID=37&showPastEvents=false

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/reel/DMVE5SJxAJ3/

i-90/i495 interchange work overnight this week will reroute traffic

Overnight construction on I-495 and I-90 through Westborough is scheduled to take place through the upcoming week as part of MassDOT’s Interchange Project.

i-90/i495 interchange work overnight
 this week will reroute traffic

Starting at 11 p.m. on Monday through 5 a.m. Tuesday, and then again Tuesday night into Wednesday morning, the exit 58 ramp from I-495 to I-90 westbound will be closed and a detour will be established at exit 111 to take drivers eastbound on I-90 in order to reverse direction. 

When exit 106 on I-90 eastbound to I-495 northbound is closed, drivers can take I-495 southbound to exit 54A to get back to I-495 northbound.

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/19ZRLR5vrU/

Real government agents aren’t asking you to buy and deliver gold bars

Real government agents aren't asking you to buy and deliver gold bars By BCP Staff If someone contacts you unexpectedly and tells you to buy gold bars and hand them to someone (anyone!) to "protect your money," you've spotted a scam. Instead of doing what they say, stop. Want to know how these scams work and how to avoid them? Read on. Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2025/07/real-government-agents-arent-asking-you-buy-and-deliver-gold-bars?utm_source=govdelivery

    

Real government agents aren’t asking you to buy and deliver gold bars

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm Schedule for Monday, July 21, 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:

wfpr.fm Schedule for Monday - Franklin Public Radio

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