Franklin Matters

Thursday, July 31, 2025

Mitzi & I review all the big events and activities for the Library for August 2025 (audio)

FM #1486 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1486 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, July 21, 2025 in the Franklin TV & Radio Studio.

We talk about

Reviewed the regular open hours, book sale and holiday scheduling for the month

Closed on Sundays for summer, and winter due to budget reduction
Book sale weekend August 15 & 16

Library events for August 2025

Family events
Kiddos, or “littles”
Teens
Adults

Registration for those events required should be done through the Town website, Library page. There are nefarious folks trying to convince folks otherwise via Facebook. Be safe, use the official Town and Library pages.

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 42 minutes, so let’s listen in. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1486-franklin-public-library-august-2025-highlights-07-21-25/

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Whalemobile - Friday, Aug 1

Mitzi Gousie’s email -> mgousie@minlib.net

Franklin Public Library page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/233/Franklin-Public-Library

Library event calendar -> https://www.franklinma.gov/942/Calendar-of-Events

August Library newsletter -> (link to be added when available)

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

The Little Shop of Olive Oils moves slightly

via The Little Shop of Olive Oils:

The Little Shop of Olive Oils moves slightly

"One door closes… and another opens—literally.

Today (7/29/25) we officially closed the door at 5 Main Street for the very last time. So many memories were made there—tastings, laughs, new friendships, and flavor discoveries. But now, just a few steps away, 9 Main Street is ready to welcome you with open arms…don’t mind the mess while we decorate!

Same shop, same heart, same team—just a fresh new space filled with more local finds, more gourmet treats, and more room to gather.

Come visit us. You’ll still feel right at home."

We heard this move was coming as during the recent Town Council meeting their alcohol license was approved for the move from 5 Main St to 9 Main St.

While being more visible on Main St, they apparently will also have more room. I plan on stopping in on my next walk around. (It's been too hot to do much walking recently.)

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

Town Council 7/23/25 meeting recap -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/07/town-council-spends-almost-5-hours_26.html

King's Brick Oven Pizza

In case you are not aware, King's Brick Oven Pizza has opened in what was formerly Sierra's Brick Oven Pizza and previously Spruce Pond Creamery, This is located on on King St.

The sign no longer refers to Sierra's and likely will soon add "King St". The website is up and operational for ordering.

The website also touts "Franklin's favorite pizza and pub". They currently don't have an alcohol license but that is likely in process and we'll see the notification of a public hearing etc. before the Town Council at some point.

Things do take time.

Note: while Franklin still has a cap on alcohol licenses for liquor stores, ANY restaurant can apply for an all alcohol license to serve on premise. We benefit from a decision the Town made many years ago and have no limitation on this type of license.

Check out the online ordering here -> https://kingsbrickovenpizza.com/

More Perfect Union - WFPR: Should teacher's be able to legally strike (audio)

In this episode, the group and guests Max Page, president of the Massachusetts Teachers Association, and Cecily Myart-Cruz, president of the United Teachers Los Angeles, discuss if teacher's should be able to legally strike, and why they would want to strike.

Audio link -> https://more-perfect-union.captivate.fm/episode/100-teachers-union

More Perfect Union - wfpr

More Perfect Union - WFPR

Discussing American Politics and Current Events

Peter Fasciano, Dr. Michael Walker Jones, Jeff Roy, hold a round table discussion on current events and American politics, bringing about thoughtful conversation, compelling discourse, and a look at what the future might hold for the United States.

Find all the More Perfect Union episodes online -> https://more-perfect-union.captivate.fm/episodes or subscribe with your favorite podcast app

FREE Stop the Bleed class - August 12, 2025

The Town of Franklin Health Department & Fire Department Present: Stop the Bleed!

Learn how to STOP THE BLEED and gain the ability to recognize life-threatening bleeding and act quickly and effectively to control bleeding.

When: Tuesday August 12, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM

Where: Franklin Senior Center 10 Daniel McCahill St, Franklin

Please sign up by calling the Senior Center at 508-520-4945

Download the flyer as a reminder or to share ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WtCKNa6jB7Rxyw_N6HaEVHtw0mTaKyWL/view?usp=drive_link

Parent Support Group at St John's - first Thursday, of the month - Aug 7

We meet the 1st Thursday of every month at 7 PM.

Mutual support gathering of parents with children who are challenged with neurodivergence, mental health issues, or other special needs. Everyone is welcome.

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1764j2pFwA/

St Vincent DePaul: Friends of the Poor Walk/Run Annual Fund Raiser - Sep 27, 2025

Friends of the Poor Walk/Run
Annual Fund Raiser - Sep 27, 2025

Save the date!

September will be here before we know it!

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/15yu8fpCVK/

Job-seeking servicemembers: Avoid scams while you search

Consumer Alerts from the Federal Trade Commission

Job-seeking servicemembers: Avoid scams while you search

By BCP Staff

Discharged from the military, retiring, or transitioning to civilian life? Once you leave active duty, you might be interested in new career opportunities to put your valuable skills and experience to work. Scammers are also looking for opportunities — specifically, to steal your money. Reports to the FTC about job scams have tripled from 2020 to 2024 and reported losses jumped from $90 million to $501 million in that time. Here are some ways to help you spot a scam while you're job searching.

Job-seeking servicemembers: Avoid scams while you search

Franklin Public Radio wfpr.fm schedule for Thursday, July 31, 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 Thursday

8:00 AM, 1:00 PM, and 6:00 PM Franklin Matters Radio – Steve Sherlock

Franklin and its local government, services and events

This episode shares my conversation with Chris Flynn as he talks about his Horace Mann project -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/07/actor-chris-could-use-your-help-in-this.html

9:00 AM, 2:00 PM, and 7:00 PM - first hour

10:00 AM, 3:00 PM, and 8:00 PM - second hour

Turntable – "Enjoy a fun experience with co-hosts The Vibe and Pauly G sharing personal discussions about a featured rock n roll vinyl record (1st hour) and the best, all music Vibe Playlist (2nd hour)"

This week the Turntable Show features Journey's "Infinity" record on the Album Hour and the Playlist hour. "Infinity" is their 4th studio album released in January 1978 and the first album with lead singer Steve "The Voice" Perry. Journey launched into a major stadium rock band with hits like: "Wheel in the Sky"; "Feeling That Way/Anytime"; and "Lights". "Wheel in the Sky" reached #57 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1978, becoming Journey's first song to chart on the Hot 100.

The Vibe Playlist Hour mixes a party-ready collection of top Journey 70's and 80's hits both live and studio recordings.

Listen and enjoy the big stadium sound and of course Steve Perry's amazing vocals.

Find the playlist -> https://tinyurl.com/TurntablePlaylists

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

Franklin TV schedule for Thursday, July 31, 2025 (Your local Public, Education & Government "PEG" station)

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

10:30 am SAFE Coalition: Task Force

11:30 am Cooking Thyme: Grillin'

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

12:30 pm Cooking with Linda: Trifles

1:30 pm Pizzapalooza: White Pizza

2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Summer 2018 Show 3

3:00 pm Riffin' on Main Street: Jacob Juncker

4:00 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Shaun Hart Pt 1

5:00 pm Sons & Daughters of Italy: Italian Cookies

6:00 pm Horace Mann PSA

7:00 pm Frank's Musings: Supreme Court

9:00 pm Concerts on the Common: Mike Tarara

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

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

8:30 am FHS Concert Hour 02-26-25

10:00 am FHS Graduation 2025

2:00 pm Franklin Fury Softball v Attleboro 07-22-25

3:00 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Shaun Hart Pt 1

4:00 pm Franklin Fury Softball v Dedham 07-23-25

9:00 pm FHS Theater Company: Cinderella

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

8:00 am Conservation Commission 07-24-25

2:00 pm Conservation Commission 07-24-25

7:30 pm Zoning Board of Appeals CHAMBERS 990 7531 6575

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

Wednesday, July 30, 2025

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Wednesday, July 30, 2025 ???

Wednesday, July 30

Library & Senior Center events

Raffle tickets for TRI-COUNTY COUGAR WRESTLING TEAM (https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/07/raffle-tickets-for-tri-county-cougar.html)

9:00am Fallen Hero: Anthony J. Mucciarone (Franklin Town Common, Veterans Walkway)

1:00pm Scribblers Writing Group (recording session) (Franklin Senior Center)

6:00pm Summer Patio Concerts: The Oh Mys (live music) (Franklin Public Library)

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

Fallen Hero Recognition: Anthony J. Mucciarone, Jr. - July 30, 2025 at 9 AM

Memorial event today (7/30/25) at 9 AM on the Town Common Veterans Walkway to honor Anthony J. Mucciarone, Jr., World War II.

This program will include the placing of a Memorial Wreath for the day, the playing of Taps, a salute from those present, and a reading of whatever history may be available for that veteran. This is a way of keeping the memory of that veteran alive.

Fallen Hero: Staff Sergeant Anthony J. Mucciarone, Jr., U.S. Army

Staff Sergeant Anthony J. Mucciarone, Jr., U.S. Army, was born on July 28, 1924 son of Anthony, Sr. and Vera Mucciarone. Anthony lived at 31 Cleveland Avenue with his parents, two brothers and one sister. Anthony attended the Franklin Public Schools ,was a member of the Franklin High School class of 1942 but left high school at the end of his junior year. Anthony entered the army on April 23, 1943.

Staff Sgt Anthony J. Mucciarone, Jr. rose in rank from buck private to staff sergeant in two months and was awarded a citation for personal and group heroism for his combat participation with the invasion forces in Normandy, commencing on June 6, 1944. He was a member of the 29th Infantry Division which captured St. Lo after almost continuous combat since its landing in Normandy on D-Day. Staff Sgt Anthony J. Mucciarone, Jr. was also a member of the 116th regiment of the 29th which successfully attacked a heavily fortified and strongly defended beach in the vicinity of Vievill-sur-Mer. The Corps Commander cited the 29th’s repeated “personal and group heroism and its unflagging devotion to duty which overcame discomfiture, fatigue and determined resistance of a resourceful enemy.”

Staff Sgt Anthony J. Mucciarone, Jr. died in combat in France on July 30, 1944 at age 20 years. Anthony rests eternally in the Normandy American Cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer, France.

Fallen Hero: Staff Sgt Mucciarone

The current schedule (note as additional info is gathered and confirmed this schedule may be updated)

https://drive.google.com/file/d/114IR6REsc-Ts_GLlfmgynjyD5IS595RA/view?usp=drive_link

For the full series of Fallen Heroes you can visit this link
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/franklin-fallen-heroes-series.html

The Music of Dolly Parton comes to THE BLACK BOX - Saturday, August 2

THE BLACK BOX, the region’s premier music, theater, and event venue, is thrilled to bring back THE BLACK BOX Sings… Concert Series outside under the stars this summer sponsored by Berry Insurance.

THE BLACK BOX Sings… Dolly Parton on August 2nd at 8:00 PM at THE BLACK BOX. Outside under the stars, a cast of Franklin Performing Arts Company favorites will pay tribute to the living legend. Table seating and general seating are available. In case of inclement weather, the event will be moved inside.

(L-R) Norris, Perona, & Funkhouser

From singing barefoot on the front porch of her Tennessee Mountain Home to commanding the stage in six-inch heels, Dolly Parton is a larger-than-life living legend with a heart as big as her dreams. She is one of an elite group of individuals to receive at least one nomination from all four major annual American entertainment award organizations; Emmy, GRAMMY, Oscar, and Tony. Enjoy the songs that have captured the hearts of generations this summer at THE BLACK BOX.

August 2nd’s concert features Maria Sylvia Norris (Beetlejuice the Musical on tour), Boston’s Anissa Perona, NYC’s Ali Funkhouser, and a cast of talented local singers and students/alumni of the Franklin School for the Performing Arts.

The concert series will continue on August 23rd with THE BLACK BOX Sings… The 2024-25 Broadway Season, celebrating the music of all the new shows and revivals that opened on Broadway this past year.

Tickets and more information are available at THEBLACKBOXonline.com or by calling the box office at 508-528-3370. THE BLACK BOX is located at 15 W. Central Street in downtown Franklin, MA.

Direct link - https://theblackboxonline.com/the-black-box-sings-dolly-parton/

Senior Story Hour - WFPR: Episode 085 - Publisher Interview with Jim Turcotte (audio)

In this special episode, The Franklin Senior Center Writers Group sits down with Jim Turcotte, author of Four Brothers From Lowell, as he discusses his process writing and publishing his book, as well as answers questions from the group.

Audio link -> https://senior-scribblers.captivate.fm/episode/episode-085-publisher-interview-with-jim-turcotte

Senior Story Hour - WFPR:

Senior Story Hour - WFPR = The Franklin Senior Center Writer's Group

Steve Sherlock hosts The Franklin Senior Center Writer's Group for a monthly reading of short stories, essays, poetry and more.

Find more episodes here (or on your favorite podcast app) -> https://senior-scribblers.captivate.fm/episodes

Cyclists Alert: PanMASS Challenge to ride through Franklin Saturday, Aug 2

via Franklin Police Dept:

PanMASS Challenge to ride through Franklin Saturday, Aug 2
"The annual Pan-Mass Challenge will bring thousands of cyclists through Franklin this Saturday, August 2, 2025.
Officers will be placed at strategic locations to assist PMC riders and motorists on Prospect Street, Washington Street, and Forest Street.
Motorists are urged to use caution when passing PMC riders and follow the traffic plans!"