Franklin TV: Children’s Museum

“Play is the Work of Children”

by Pete Fasciano, Executive Director 09/21/2025

After years of planning and prepping, it’s real. On Wednesday the Children’s Museum cut the ribbon and opened its doors for all to see – and play. It began as an idea and the shared dream of Meg Hagen and Erin Gallagher. In two years it moved (literally) from idea to a mobile museum to today’s grand opening.

Then, (and waiting quite patiently), after several comments and well-wishes by a series of speakers , all the kids enjoyed a ‘ribbon cutting ceremony’ of their own.

Three! –  Two! –  One!

They literally ‘stormed the ramparts’, running the access ramp at top kid speed.

Play is indeed the work of children. Every child is a curious researcher, an intrepid explorer, a self-propelled scientist. Some say that our powers of imagination peak at the tender age of five. They brought their imagination and curiosity, and the museum with its many inspiring, interactive exhibits, provided the tools and toys.

The kids got right down to work.

And – as always –

Thank you for watching

Thank you for listening to wfpr●fm

And staying informed at Franklin●news

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

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FHS volleyball & field hockey teams post wins on Saturday

Via Twitter, Franklin TV, and our subscription to HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the Fall sports competition for Franklin High School on Saturday, Sep 20, 2025

Field Hockey = Franklin, 4 @ Natick, 0 – Final

Volleyball = Franklin, 3 @ Bishop Feehan, 1 – Final 

For other results across the Hockomock League (subscription required)  

https://hockomocksports.com/saturdays-schedule-scoreboard-09-20-25/

FHS Panther sports results shared via Twitter & subscription to HockomockSports.com

ECDC sets schedule for screening of children before 3rd birthday

It is the responsibility of the Franklin Public Schools to identify any child who is a resident of Franklin who may have a disability, regardless of the severity of the disability.

It is also the responsibility of Franklin Public Schools to evaluate those students to determine if they are eligible for special education or related services under IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) or 6-3 CMR 28 (Massachusetts Special Education Regulations).

Franklin Public Schools are committed to identifying children before their third birthday in order to provide early intervention services for 3 and 4 year olds.

If you have questions or concerns regarding your child’s development or to schedule

a PreK screening, please contact:

Jillian Swanson

Assistant Principal of Special Education

F.X. O’Regan Early Childhood Center

Download the flyer as a reminder or to share -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1w_hA3CgwrbTj_VmiIhGW4dYjXrAy31Rl/view?usp=drive_link

Boston Globe: "Drought conditions worsen across New England, especially up north."

"Another week has passed with little to no rainfall across New England, expanding “extreme” drought to nearly a quarter of New Hampshire as the dry weather worsens conditions in Maine and Vermont. Nearly all of New England is either in some stage of drought or abnormally dry, according to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor, increasing the risk for groundwater shortages and wildfires across the region — very reminiscent of last fall.

Boston Globe: "Drought conditions worsen
across New England, especially up north."

Despite one night of rainfall this week that totaled over an inch or two in parts of Southeastern Massachusetts and the Cape, New England will need more than just one significant rainstorm to pull us out of a nearly yearlong water deficit in those regions.

“We’re approaching the peak of last year’s rainfall deficit and groundwater storage levels,” said David Boutt, professor of hydrogeology at UMass Amherst. “Plus, this is the time of year when we’re naturally in a negative water balance from the combination of growing season and little to no precipitation.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2025/09/19/metro/new-england-drought-rain/

Dean College: Homecoming Weekend for Alumni and Families scheduled for Oct 3-4, 2025

Via Dean College: 

Dean College: Homecoming Weekend

"Come home to Dean this fall to reconnect with old friends and rediscover the place that helped shape who you are today. Whether it’s been a few years or decades since you’ve been back, this is your chance to walk the campus again, see what’s new, and share your Bulldog and Demon pride with those who matter most. Bring your loved ones, reminisce, and make new memories along the way."

Check out the Homecoming Schedule and Register for Events

https://www.dean.edu/alumni/events-activities/homecoming/

Save the Date: SAFE Gala - April 17, 2026 Gillette Stadium

Save the Date The SAFE Gala: An Evening of Giving Friday, April 17, 2026 at 5:30pm Gillette Stadium - Foxborough, MA We're thrilled to share some exciting news—SAFE is celebrating 10 years, and we'd love for you to join us at our 4th Annual Gala: An Evening of Giving! Even better, this year's celebration will be held at the iconic Gillette Stadium! Mark your calendars now (and maybe even hold off on those April vacation travel plans), because this is going to be an unforgettable evening—and we want you there! In the coming weeks, we'll be sharing sponsorship opportunities, but in the meantime, please reach out if you'd like to sponsor the evening or donate an auction item. Your support helps make this night possible. As we look back on the beautiful evening we shared last May, we're still carried by the sense of community and love that filled the room. We can't wait to experience that same spirit again—with all of you by our side. Who's excited? We sure are! With gratitude and anticipation, Jen and Jim   Our Contact Information   SAFE Coalition 31 Hayward St., Suite 2C Franklin, MA 02038-0434 508-488-8105 http://www.safecoalitionma.org DONATE

No, that’s not an FTC commissioner on the phone (video)

No, that's not an FTC commissioner on the phone By BCP Staff Scammers like to pretend to be someone official to try to get your money. And who could be more official than the FTC chairman and commissioners, some of the nation's leading fraud fighters?  But here's something important to know: nobody who works at the FTC will ever, EVER tell you to move your money to protect it. We won't insist that you cash out your 401(k) or savings account and give that money to someone else. Read more ->

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

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule for Sunday, September 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:

 

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule for Sunday

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 Sunday

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Saturday, September 20, 2025 ??

Saturday, September 20

9am Thrifty Threads (Franklin Federated Church)

9am Library Book Sale (Franklin Public Library)

10am Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

10am Rise Up (Franklin United Methodist Church)

10:30am Laptop Refurbishing Events (New England Chapel)

10:30am Weekend Wiggles! (Franklin Public Library)

11am Fall Safety Fest (Fletcher Field)

12pm 5th Annual Mexican Independence Day Fiesta (La Cantina Winery)

1pm Library Books by the Bag Sale (Franklin Public Library)

6pm Free Danielle Miraglia Concert at SAFE Cafe After Dark (31 Hayward St)

8pm Karaoke at The Raillery (Raillery Public House)

** NO Town Meetings today   **

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What's happening in Franklin, MA

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

Voices of Franklin: Jane Callaway-Tripp calls for "Humanity First. Always."

Humanity First. Always.  

When we stop valuing life above politics, religion, or personal beliefs—we lose our humanity.  

We don't have to agree on everything. Opinions shift. Political views evolve. Beliefs change. But death is permanent. There's no undoing it. And the ones left behind are the ones who carry the pain, trying to make sense of the senseless.  

No one has the right to take another's life simply because they disagree. That's not strength. That's the absence of empathy.  

If it were your loved one—your child, your parent, your friend—would you still say their death wasn't worth mourning?  

We must be better. We must choose compassion over cruelty, dialogue over destruction. We can disagree and still walk away with dignity.  

Let's restore what it means to be human. Let's value life—every life—above all else.  

Jane Callaway-Tripp 

Candidate for Town Council

HumanityFirst #ValueLife #CompassionOverConflict 

If you have something to say, you can find the guidelines here
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/03/introducing-voices-of-franklin.html

Voices of Franklin: Jane Callaway-Tripp calls for "Humanity First. Always."

FHS football (video) & volleyball teams post wins on Friday

Via Twitter, Franklin TV, and our subscription to HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the Fall sports competition for Franklin High School on Friday, Sep 19, 2025

Football = Franklin, 21 @ Brockton, 18 – Final

Franklin TV video available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nyPvQ7krFqA

Volleyball = Franklin, 3 @ Stoughton, 0 – Final 

– Franklin returned from its road trip to Stoughton with a clean sweep, 3-0 (25-12, 25-17, 25-14), over the Black Knights. Emerson Delleo led the Panthers with 10 kills, four aces, and six digs. Makayla Kuykendall had a strong all-around performance with nine kills, 11 digs, and an ace. Charlotte Yeulenski and Livi Alberti each chipped in three kills, while setter Liv Caruso ran the offense with seven assists. Emerson Stewart anchored the defense with 11 digs, and Phoebe O’Connor added nine assists and two aces in the win.

Golf = Canton, 155 @ Franklin, 158 – Final 

– Canton earned its second big win of the week, knocking off Franklin on the road at Franklin Country Club. The Bulldogs were led by rounds of 38 from both Teddy Shuman and Joey Ryan, while Cam Washburn added a 39, and Mason Wachtendonk chipped in a 40. Franklin’s Tyler Perlman was the match medalist with a 37, Ben Burgess shot a 38 with a birdie on the fifth, Dylan O’Brien carded a 41, and Bryce Botelho (42) added a birdie on the eighth.

For other results across the Hockomock League (subscription required)  

https://hockomocksports.com/fridays-schedule-scoreboard-09-19-25/

FHS Panther sports results shared via Twitter & subscription to HockomockSports.com

CIDARE Property Inspections to be conducted in Franklin, MA between September 22 and October 11, 2025

A property inspection is essential for ensuring your property record is accurate and that we can perform fair and equitable property valuations.

This year, the Town of Franklin has partnered with CIDARE to field collect and process data for 225 specific single family homes. Notification letters have been mailed to each of the property owners and were mailed on Tuesday, September 16, 2025. The homes were identified for inspection as the result of a recently issued building permit or because we have not yet verified the construction associated with a prior issued permit.

Properties that CIDARE is Visiting (225 properties to be visited)

Property Inspections to be conducted in Franklin, MA
between September 22 and October 11, 2025

Please note that we will be updating this map as we make visits. Blue represents parcels that have yet to be visited. Yellow represents parcels that have been visited. 

Data collectors will be visiting properties between September 22 and October 11. Upon arrival, they will knock on your door and introduce themselves. If you are home and it is convenient, they will conduct a full inspection. If no one is available, a notice will be left with instructions to contact the Franklin Assessors’ Office.

Inspections consist of two parts:

Interior Inspection: A data collector will walk with you through the property, noting overall condition and any permit-related changes. This portion typically takes 10–15 minutes.

Exterior Inspection: Using a 3D laser scanner (LIDAR), the data collector will walk around the property to measure buildings, take updated photographs, and document any visible changes. This portion takes approximately 10 minutes. If the property is unfenced and no one is home, the exterior inspection will still be performed.

For additional info on the inspection process and inspectors conducting the data collection ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/civicalerts.aspx?AID=82

When life changes, The Pantry can help (video)

WCVB as part of the Day of Giving to support the Greater Boston Food Bank did the following piece on Franklin resident Ali Rheaume: 

When life changes, The Pantry can help (video)

"Ali Rheaume was just 28 years old when a traumatic brain injury changed her life forever.

"I used to be a very active person, a teacher, a coach," Rheaume said. "Then, all of a sudden, I am the one that needed all the help."

Rheaume now has a personal care assistant and has challenges with memory and mobility. She also gets help from the Franklin Food Pantry, which serves 1,900 people each year.

"I work. I'm a professional, but I just don’t make enough money to pay for everything myself, so I come here to help support that," Rheaume said."

Follow the link to view the remainder of the post and view the video itself ->

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/17FaEPVnDi/

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule for Saturday, September 20, 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, September 19, 2025 ??

Friday, September 19

Library & Senior Center events

10:00am 2025 Arts and Culture Symposium (THE BLACK BOX) 

10:00am Knitting Group (Franklin Public Library)

1:00pm Thrifty Threads (Franklin Federated Church)

1:00pm Library Book Sale (Franklin Public Library)

2:00pm Farmers Market (Franklin Town Common)

3:30pm Jamie Barrett (live music) (Franklin Town Common)

5:30pm Celebrate at the Children's Museum (Children’s Museum of Franklin)

6:30pm Jennifer Tefft Solo (live music) (Quarterdeck, Falmouth)

9:00pm Good Thomas (live music) (3 Restaurant)

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 in Franklin, MA

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

What vendors and activities are at the Farmer's Market today - September 19, 2025 ??

What vendors and activities are at the
Farmer's Market today - September 19, 2025 ??

We are glad you asked.

Thanks to the good folks operating the Franklin Farmer's Market, we have the answers to share.

You can continue to find the Farmers Market on the Town Common on Fridays through October 24 from 2 to 6 PM

 

Franklin's own Jamie Barrett is scheduled to perform from 3 to 6 PM

Jamie Barrett

For additional info, you can also check the Farmers Market page  ->     https://www.franklinfarmersmarketma.com/