Thursday, July 9, 2026
Mike Tarara and Fourplay are scheduled to perform Friday, July 10 at the Franklin Farmers Market
The "Aging Agenda" Show Highlights Retirement Planning for Local Viewers (video)
Brand-new Franklin TV program offers practical conversations on life after 60
Life after 60 does not have to mean scaling back dreams. It can be a time to choose new experiences, make thoughtful plans, and move confidently into the next chapter of life.
Aging Agenda, a brand-new show on Franklin TV hosted by Tony DaSilva, is a locally produced program that explores the important decisions people can make before and during retirement. In a relaxed interview format, DaSilva speaks with local experts about topics such as retirement timing, finances, taxes, wills and trusts, and ways to make the most out of life after leaving a traditional 8-to-5 career.
Episodes of Aging Agenda are available through Franklin TV, YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts. Community members interested in practical retirement guidance and meaningful conversations about life after 60 are encouraged to tune in.
Episode 1 - video link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U4oOxtPEpnY
Reps. Auchincloss, Peters, Joyce Unveil Landmark Bill to Improve Discount Drug Pricing Program
Representatives Jake Auchincloss (D-MA), Scott Peters (D-CA) and Dr. John Joyce (R-PA) introduced the bipartisan Strengthening the Exercise of Controls and Upgrading Requirements for Efficiency (SECURE) in 340B Act, the first-ever comprehensive, bipartisan proposal to modernize the 340B Drug Pricing Program since its creation in 1992. This bill is also co-sponsored by Reps. Nanette Barragán (D-CA) and Dan Crenshaw (R-TX).
“Employees' health premiums are too high, and the growth of the 340B program is one driver of that inflation,” said Congressman Auchincloss. “Instead of pointing fingers, it's time to fix the problems. This bill tackles the hard issues and asks every stakeholder to compromise for the common good.”
“For nearly a decade, I’ve fought to protect the 340B program for the safety-net providers and low-income patients in San Diego who depend on it to afford their prescription drugs. I’ve also pushed to make sure those savings actually reach the people for whom they’re intended. This bill does both,” Congressman Peters said. “The SECURE 340B Act closes the loopholes that have allowed the program to drift from its mission, stops the legal chaos that plagues the program today, and puts in place the kind of transparency and accountability that will keep 340B strong for decades to come.”
“Since its establishment, the 340B program has served as a critical lifeline for low-income patients to access lifesaving medications,” said Congressman John Joyce, M.D. “The statute has long needed additional clarity to reflect the way the program operates today and ensure that access to treatment remains available to patients most in need and the healthcare facilities that serve them. This bill, a bipartisan solution that I am proud to have worked on with my colleague Representative Scott Peters, seeks to close loopholes that have compromised the integrity of the program while ensuring a stable path forward for the many hospitals and patients in my district that rely on it.”
The 340B Program, the nation's second-largest federal prescription drug program, was created to help safety-net providers stretch limited resources through discounted drug prices. It allows these providers to purchase outpatient drugs at significantly reduced prices. The discounts have historically been applied upfront at the point of purchase.
However, since federal law never defined who qualifies as a 340B “patient,” the program became ambiguous, and was misused. In the absence of a legal “patient” definition, manufacturers attempted their own rebate verification systems. Courts have tried to block these rebate pilot programs, but only on procedural grounds. To this day, the federal government still has no uniform way to prevent discounted medicines from going to ineligible patients or duplicate discounts, or to validate pricing data across federal programs.
The SECURE 340B Act addresses these gaps. It pauses manufacturer rebate models for four years while a new patient definition is created and standards for contract pharmacies, data sharing, and transparency take effect. It establishes a clear, statutory definition of “patient” based on previous federal guidance. The bill also directs the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to use an independent, conflict-free clearinghouse to securely manage prescription-level data, verify claims, and protect privacy. It also strengthens HRSA's authority and provides transparency and federal guardrails.
“We support legislation that strengthens, stabilizes, and preserves this critical program for eligible hospitals and federally qualified health centers who care for our most vulnerable communities and patients. At BMC Health System, 340B savings are reinvested directly into services that expand access to care, improve health outcomes, and strengthen the healthcare safety net for underserved communities. We recognize that advancing and sustaining the 340B program, inclusive of addressing the rebate model, requires balancing the needs of patients, providers, and manufacturers. Establishing long-term regulatory certainty through durable, bipartisan solutions will help providers plan for the future and continue delivering high-quality, affordable care to those who need it most.” — David Twitchell, PharmD, MBA, SVP and Chief Innovation Officer, Boston Medical Center Health System
"The 340B program is vital to Community Health Centers (CHCs) and the 52 million people — one in seven Americans, including one in three in rural communities — who rely on CHCs for affordable, comprehensive, and high-quality care. We commend Representatives Joyce, Crenshaw, Peters, and Auchincloss for their bipartisan leadership in advancing this comprehensive legislation. Key provisions addressing contract pharmacies, providing a four-year delay of any potential rebate model, and establishing and evaluating a neutral clearinghouse are especially important. We look forward to working with these leaders and Members on both sides of the aisle to build upon the bill being introduced today and advance legislation that preserves and strengthens access to 340B for CHCs and their patients.” — Kyu Rhee, MD, MPP, President and CEO, National Association of Community Health Centers
“Recent polling shows that while most voters are unfamiliar with the 340B program, once they learn what it is, an overwhelming 91 percent say Congress should increase transparency and accountability. That tells us something important: even without getting everything they want, stakeholders and voters agree on the core reforms needed to protect patients and strengthen the program. Congressman Peters’ SECURE 340B Act reflects those areas of consensus; a clear patient definition, transparency without rigid spending mandates, and guardrails that keep the program focused on patient benefit.” — Scott Suckow, Chair of Patient Advocates United in San Diego and Executive Director of the Liver Coalition
“The SECURE 340B Act is an important and much-needed step toward bringing real guardrails, transparency, and accountability to a program that has grown well beyond its original design, and employers and other healthcare purchasers strongly support the introduction of this legislation. The bill provides a meaningful framework to help ensure the 340B program better serves patients and the communities it was intended to benefit, while creating a serious foundation for bipartisan policymaking. We look forward to working with policymakers to further strengthen the legislation, ensuring real accountability for 340B covered entities and drug makers alike while protecting flexibility for plan sponsors to ensure they can purchase affordable medications for working families.” — Shawn F. Gremminger, MPP, President and CEO, National Alliance of Healthcare Purchaser Coalitions
“Advocates for Community Health is deeply grateful for the work of Representatives Peters, Joyce, Auchincloss, and Crenshaw to advance commonsense 340B program reform. ACH is a longstanding advocate for legislation that would stabilize and clarify the 340B program, and we are encouraged that SECURE reflects many of our members' core principles for reform, including the piloting of a claims clearinghouse before we rush into a rebate model. We look forward to continuing to advance this legislation, including refinements to the patient definition that reflects current health center operating procedures, as soon as possible.” — Amanda Pears Kelly, CEO, Advocates for Community Health
“The Community Oncology Alliance (COA) appreciates the leadership of Representatives Peters, Joyce, Auchincloss, and Crenshaw for recognizing that the 340B program urgently needs bipartisan reform. The SECURE 340B Act includes important steps toward transparency, accountability, clearer patient eligibility, stronger oversight of child sites, and patient affordability protections. Those are reforms that COA has long called for to be urgently addressed. At the same time, Congress must ensure that any final legislation does not lock in the very abuses that have distorted 340B—particularly arrangements that allow PBMs from being contract pharmacies and hospital systems from capturing savings that should benefit vulnerable patients. We look forward to working with the sponsors to strengthen the legislation so that 340B discounts help patients in need, not profit PBMs and hospitals.” — Ted Okon, Executive Director, Community Oncology Alliance
Read the full bill text here - https://scottpeters.house.gov/sites/evo-subsites/scottpeters.house.gov/files/evo-media-document/peteca_096_xml.pdf
The Shed schedules live music with Mike Goulet - Friday, July 10
Meet us on the patio for an unforgettable summer evening with Mike Goulet from 7:30–10:30 PM.
⭐️ Great music, great food, great drinks, and even better company!
🩷 All proceeds to benefit @everlysentoutrage
Panther Pride can be shown in your driveway !!! - - - 2026 "Panther F Logo" Fundraiser
PANTHER PRIDE IS COMING TO YOUR DRIVEWAY!
It’s that time of year, Franklin! The FHS Girls Basketball Boosters are officially launching our 2026 "Panther F Logo" Fundraiser!
Want to show your school spirit? Our awesome players will come directly to your house to paint the iconic Franklin Panther "F" right on your driveway or basketball court. It is the perfect addition for every Franklin student, athlete, and family!
Here is what you need to know to get your spot:
📅 Sign Up Window: July 7th – August 31st
💰 Cost: $50
📲 Payment: Venmo @franklinlady-panthers (Include full name)
⚠️ Important Venmo Note: Please include the same first and last name in the Venmo note that you use on your sign up form!
🎨 Painting Schedule: Players will be painting from July 13th through October 15th.
Ready to rock the Panther "F"?
👇 How to order: 👇
1. Fill out the sign up form with your contact info.
2. Send your $50 payment via Venmo.
3. Keep an eye on your email! Once payment is received, the Boosters will reach out with your scheduled painting date.
Thank you so much for supporting Franklin High School Girls Basketball!
Let's fill the town with Panther Pride! 📣🐾💙🏀
Sign Up: https://forms.gle/99i4NctnLzj1fdSz5
Christmas in July, Greeting Card Fund Raiser for Hope Survives
That's why we're excited to bring back our 2025 Greeting Card Collection for a special Christmas in July fundraiser!💌
Featuring artwork created by members of the brain injury community, each card represents creativity, connection, and the power of being seen and supported.
Every purchase helps Hope Survives continue providing programs, resources, and community for people living with brain injury and the families who walk alongside them.💙
✨ Available July 8-25
A quick note: these cards feature artwork from our 2025 collection. Submissions for our 2026 collection have recently closed, and that collection will be released later this fall.
Thank you for helping us create a community where people going through brain injury know they are not alone.
Peruse and consider purchasing - https://hopesurvives.org/store/p/hope-survives-greeting-card-collection
Shared from - https://www.instagram.com/p/DaiQdP-imcU/
Franklin Public Radio wfpr.fm schedule for Thursday, July 9, 2026
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:
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| 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 (Repeats Saturday at 3:00 PM)
- This hour features Town Council Quarterbacking with Councilor Mike LeBlanc https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/06/councilor-leblanc-quarterbacks-june-10.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)"
- The Turntable Show Album Hour features Dire Straits and their award winning 1985 "Brothers In Arms" record.
- The Vibe Playlist Hour airs Dire Straits and their extremely unique sound & musical quality evolving from the “Pub Rock" days in the U.K. with amazing performances recorded live. With 5 major hits including "Money for Nothing" it is one of the all-time best records ever with over 30 million copies sold worldwide
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 9, 2026 (Your local Public, Education & Government "PEG" station)
- Franklin All Access TV - Our Public Access Channel (Comcast 6, Verizon 26) = THURSDAY
8:30 am Strawberry Stroll 2026
9:30 am FSPA Spring Concerts Show 1 05-16-26
11:33 am Cooking Thyme: Grillin'
12:03 pm Brook'n'Cookin': Peppers
12:35 pm Learn to Cook with Linda: Broccoli Salad
1:30 pm Pizzapalooza: Shrimp, Tomato & Greens Pizzetta
2:00 pm New England Candlepins Summer 2023 Show 5
3:00 pm Candlepin New Generation: Show 8
3:30 pm Aging Boldfully: Sisters United Against Cancer
4:30 pm Veterans' Call: Dave Hencke
7:00 pm Historical Museum: History of Soccer
8:00 pm Aging Agenda Episode 1
9:00 pm Circle of Friends: Kim Moberg & Jenna Nicholls
Franklin Pride TV - Our Educational Channel (Comcast 8, Verizon 28) = THURSDAY
7:30 am Winning Ways with the MIAA: Student Athletes Ep 2 06-11-26
8:30 am Lincoln Street 5th Grade Graduation 2026
10:30 am Tri County Graduation 05-28-26
12:30 pm 25th Anniversary Lions All-State Band
2:00 pm Washington Street 5th Grade Graduation 2026
3:00 pm FHS Varsity Softball v Sharon 05-04-26
9:00 pm FHSTC: Mean Girls
Franklin Town Hall TV - Our Government Channel (Comcast 9, Verizon 29) = THURSDAY
8:00 am Conservation Commission 07-02-26
2:00 pm Conservation Commission 07-02-26
7:30 pm Zoning Board of Appeals CHAMBERS 943 0457 0422
Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf
Wednesday, July 8, 2026
Water Main Break ~ Shady Lane & Hawthorne Drive
Wednesday, 7/8/26--5:15 PM
WATER MAIN BREAK ~ SHADY LANE & HAWTHORNE DRIVE
Crews are currently mobilizing and heading to the location for repairs. Please expect interruptions in water service.
Thank you for your understanding and patience while we work to resolve this issue as quickly as possible!
Shared from - https://www.franklinma.gov/civicalerts.aspx?AID=163
What's happening in Franklin, MA: Wednesday, July 8, 2026 ???
Wednesday, July 8
1:00pm Writer's Group (Franklin Senior Center)
6:30pm Bingo night (Kings Brick Oven Pizza & Pub)
6:30pm Franklin Elks Bingo Night (Franklin Elks Lodge #2136)
7:00pm Karaoke Night (La Cantina Winery)
7:00pm Smarty Pants Trivia (Raillery Public House)
For additional details on Library events -> https://www.franklinma.gov/942/Calendar-of-Events
For additional details on Senior Center events ->
*** NO Town Meetings today ***
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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
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
Franklin Small Business Spotlight: Berry Insurance
This month, we're highlighting Berry Insurance, a family-owned business that has proudly called the Franklin community home for more than 50 years.
When asked why they chose Franklin to grow their business, they shared:
"We are so thankful to call Franklin our home. Throughout our time here we have been so fortunate to have built up such a wonderful community of local clients and business partners. Whether we are making friendship bracelets at the Strawberry Stroll or Harvest Festival, collecting Christmas gifts for the Santa Foundation, or raising funds for Boston Children’s Hospital’s Halloween festivities, the people of Franklin always show up and offer unmatched support."
When asked why supporting small businesses matters, they shared:
"Small businesses are so important because there are real people and families behind them who truly care about their clients and communities. Small businesses often take the time to build relationships, earn trust, and give back locally, creating a level of care and accountability that’s hard to replicate through larger corporations. We’ve been fortunate to both serve and receive services from many small businesses in Franklin and the surrounding communities, and have seen the level of care and compassion that goes into each business."
👉️ Follow along as we continue to highlight the local businesses that make Franklin a great place to live and work.
🔗 For more information about Franklin's Small Business Spotlight Series, visit https://buff.ly/e4hgOZB
Mitzi fills us in on all that is happening at the Franklin Public Library this July (video & audio)
FM #1776 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1776 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 Tuesday, June 23, 2026.
We talk about
Reviewed the regular open hours, book sale and holiday scheduling for the month
Limited services during regular hours on Friday, July 3
Closed all day Saturday, July 4 for the holiday
Library events for July 2026
In calendar order rather than by category this time around
Note: Updated after we recorded this, the Sunday hours will return in September 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 33 minutes, so let’s listen in.
Video link - https://youtu.be/Zj16PPfOylA
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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
July 2026 newsletter - https://myemail.constantcontact.com/July-2026-Franklin-Public-Library-News---Events.html?soid=1142311312837&aid=eSZsKlPO2D4
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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"
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