Friday, December 26, 2025

Mitzi & I review the special events scheduled at the Library for January 2026 (audio)

FM #1616 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1616 in the series. 


This session shares my conversation with Mitzi Gousie, Programming and Outreach Librarian with the Franklin Public Library. We had our discussion virtually on Thursday, December 18, 2025.

 

We talk about 

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

    • Closed on Sundays due to budget reduction

    • Closing early Weds, Dec 31 and all day on Thursday, Jan 1 for New Years

    • Book sale weekend January 16 & 17

  • Library events for January 2026

    • In calendar order rather than by category this time around


An update from the Circulation Desk on the new home delivery service we mentioned at the end of our recording:

“Awareness of the service is growing and we had some sharp growth after contacting one of the many local assisted living services in the area. We expect steady organic growth with sharp spikes as we reach out to more senior spaces in 2026.”


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 18 minutes, so let’s listen in.

Audio link -> 
https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1616-franklin-public-library-jan-2026-highlights-12-18-25/


Ben Franklin playing his glass armonica
Ben Franklin playing his glass armonica
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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 


January 2026 newsletter ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=90  



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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 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!

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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"


Electric Youth, cabaret, and Benjamin Franklin's birthday celebrations on the horizon

January 3 … Electric Youth 2026 and the Boston Show Band Debut Concert, THE BLACK BOX. 7:30 pm Select link for ticketing and performance information. 15. West Central Street. 

Electric Youth, cabaret, and Benjamin Franklin's birthday celebrations on the horizon
Electric Youth, cabaret, and Benjamin Franklin's
birthday celebrations on the horizon
January 9 … Franklin Performing Arts Company presents A Starry Night: A Cabaret featuring singers from the stages of Boston, Providence, and beyond. 8:00 pm. THE BLACK BOX. Select link for ticketing and performance information. 15 West Central St. 

January 10 … Vera Meyer on the Glass Armonica - Concert. Community concert by musician Vera Meyer on the instrument invented by B. Franklin at the Franklin United Methodist Church. 1:00 pm. United Methodist Church is located at 82 West Central St. FREE. (per Franklin Historical Museum flyer)

January 10 … The Franklin Stove: An Unintended American Revolution at Franklin Public Library. As part of the town’s annual Ben Franklin Month, Harvard Professor Joyce Chaplin will be at the Franklin Public Library to discuss her new book, “The Franklin Stove: An Unintended American Revolution.” 4:00 pm Select Link for additional information. FREE. 118 Main Street.

Rotary Youth Leadership Awards open for High School Sophomores in February 2026

Do you know of High School Sophomore you know, have what it takes to step out of your shell and become a Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) star?!

We will be looking for you in February, 2026! Ask your High School Sophomore Guidance Councilor for more details!!



Listen to 2 of Franklin's RYLA graduates tell about their experience


More about Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) -> https://ryla7910.org/




NY Times: "Most Immigrants Arrested in City Crackdowns Have No Criminal Record"

Most Immigrants Arrested in City Crackdowns Have No Criminal Record
Most Immigrants Arrested in City
Crackdowns Have No Criminal Record
"The deployments in major cities as part of President Trump’s immigration crackdown have led to thousands of arrests. But they have been less effective at apprehending immigrants with a criminal record than more routine operations elsewhere, new data shows.

Less than 30% of the people arrested in any of these operations had been convicted of a crime, a New York Times analysis of the data shows, and a very small share had been convicted of a violent crime. The most common non-violent convictions were for driving under the influence and other traffic offenses.

The operations have upended life for many residents and prompted protests and backlash. Local leaders say they have done little to make their cities safer.

See more of the ICE arrests data at the link in our bio."


Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule for Friday, December 26, 2025

Yes, Franklin has it's own radio station -> wfpr.fmFranklin 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 Friday
Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule for Friday

8:00 AM, 1:00 PM, and 6:00 PM - Franklin Matters Radio – Steve Sherlock covering Franklin, its local government, services, and events 


9:00 AM, 2:00 PM, and 7:00 PM

10:00 AM, 3:00 PM, and 8:00 PM - Talkin’ the Blues – Jim Derick & Nick Remissong. 2 hours of awesome blues music, info, interviews  Showcasing the "Blues" as a basis for and influence of Country, Jazz and Rock and Roll, here and worldwide.



11:00 AM, 4:00 PM, and 9:00 PM - “The Vibe” show plays music for everyone searching for some enjoyment, some dance, a happy or thinking mood, and most importantly, having fun.  Tune in to wfpr.fm and listen to “DJ Vibe” spin music across many genres and join this new vibing experience



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 Friday, December 26, 2025 (Your local Public, Education & Government "PEG" station)

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

7:00 am The Black Box: Tappy Christmas 2019
8:30 am Frank Presents: Jim Derick
10:00 am Aging Boldfully: Jenn Goebel
11:00 am Senior Connection: Traditions
12:00 pm Brooke'n'Cookin: Mac'n'Cheese
12:30 pm Cooking with Linda: Quiche
1:30 pm     Pizzapalooza: Healthy Pizza Crusts
2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Summer '19 Show 2
3:00 pm Candlepin New Generation: Show 7
3:30 pm FPAC: Humbug
8:00 pm Sons & Daughters of Italy: Italian Immigrants
9:30 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Student Athletes Pt 1

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

7:00 am Middle School Winter Music 2025: Band
8:30 am FHS Sports: Mike Masto
9:30 am FHS Winter Music: Chorus and Orchestra
1:00 pm FHS Theater Company: Lord of the Flies
2:00 pm FHS Winter Music: Band and Wind Ensemble
3:00 pm FHS Boys Varsity Basketball v Foxboro 12-19-25
7:30 pm FHS Varsity Wrestling v Milford 01-08-25
9:00 pm Critical Conversations: Student Wellbeing

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

8:00 am  Zoning Board of Appeals 12-18-25
2:00 pm  Zoning Board of Appeals 12-18-25

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
Watch Listen Read all things that matter in Franklin MA

Thursday, December 25, 2025

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Thursday, December 25, 2025 ???

Time for family and friends to celebrate Christmas in whatever manner you wish.

If you travel, please be safe and courteous.

I plan to spend the time with family and will resume event and news reporting with Friday's postings.

I will share these 2 similar views of the Town Common taken on a snowy December day in 2019 and 2020.

Of note: the trash/recycle curbside pick up is not happening today
  • Those scheduled for Thursday will get picked up Friday
  • Those scheduled for Friday will get picked up Saturday


Franklin Town Common, Dec 6, 2020
Franklin Town Common, Dec 6, 2020

Franklin Town Common, Dec 4, 2019
Franklin Town Common, Dec 4, 2019

Franklin Public Radio wfpr.fm schedule for Thursday, December 25, 2025

Yes, Franklin has it's own radio station -> wfpr.fmFranklin 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
Franklin Public Radio wfpr.fm schedule for Thursday


8:00 AM, 1:00 PM, and 6:00 PM - Franklin Matters Radio – Steve Sherlock covering Franklin, its local government, services, and events 


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)"  
  • The Turntable Show album hour is featuring a special holiday record, the Elvis Christmas Album, released October 15, 1957.   Yes, Elvis Presley's 'Elvis' Christmas Album' is widely recognized as the best-selling Christmas album of all time in the United States and worldwide, with sales exceeding 20 million copies and achieving Diamond certification from the RIAA for its immense success across multiple releases.  Despite Elvis being a rock and roll icon, his embrace of traditional Christmas themes, including gospel songs and his famous "Blue Christmas," surprised many but cemented the album's legendary status.  
     G and The Vibe, we wish everyone a peaceful and merry holiday season!!!"
  • The Vibe Playlist Hour is a special collection of Christmas Rock n Roll tunes to bring a fun spirit to all Turntable and wfpr.fm listeners. 
  • From Pauly G and The Vibe, we wish everyone a peaceful and merry holiday season!!!"


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, December 25, 2025 (Your local Public, Education & Government "PEG" station)

  • Franklin All Access TV - Our Public Access Channel (Comcast 6, Verizon 26) = THURSDAY
8:30 am Santa On The Common 2025
9:30 am FPAC: Humbug
11:30 am Cooking Thyme: Centerpieces
12:00 pm Brooke'n'Cookin: Mac'n'Cheese
12:30 pm Cooking with Linda: Quiche
1:30 pm     Pizzapalooza: Healthy Pizza Crusts
2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Summer '19 Show 2
3:00 pm Candlepin New Generation: Show 7
3:30 pm Aging Boldfully: Jenn Goebel
4:30 pm The Nutcracker Day One
7:00 pm Frank Presents: Jim Derick
8:00 pm Mrs. Claus Storytime
9:00 pm Circle of Friends: Heather Pierson Trio

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

9:30 am Middle School Winter Music 2025: Chorus and Orchestra
11:00 am FHS Winter Music: Band and Wind Ensemble
2:00 pm FHS Theater Company: Lord of the Flies
3:00 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Student Athletes Pt 1
4:00 pm FHS Varsity Wrestling v Milford 01-08-25
5:30 pm FHS Girls Varsity Hockey v Stoughton 12-18-24
8:30 pm Critical Conversations: Student Wellbeing

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


8:00 am  Conservation Commission 12-11-25
2:00 pm  Conservation Commission 12-11-25


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

Wednesday, December 24, 2025

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Wednesday, December 24, 2025 ???

Wednesday, December 24 = Christmas Eve


1:00pm Queer Christmas Eve Panini Party! (Hot Table)

Library & Senior Center events
Library & Senior Center events

For additional details on Library events -> 

For additional details on Senior Center events ->   


** NO  Town Meetings today   **


Senior Center = Closed all day, December 24


Public Library = Closes at 2 PM December 24


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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