Tuesday, July 28, 2026

'Our country is the mission': more than 100 ex-Nasa astronauts launch new voting campaign



"Orbiting 250 miles above the US in the international space station, astronaut Cady Coleman did not look down and see red or blue states, sanctuary cities or communities occupied by thousands of federal immigration enforcement agents in camouflage uniforms and automatic weapons.

What she saw was a single land, from Pacific to Atlantic, no borders or partitions, just a united America, and a population valuing its equality while convinced that what brought them together was far greater than anything that divided them.

'Our country is the mission': more than 100 ex-Nasa astronauts launch new voting campaign
It is that unique perspective, witnessed only by a few hundred people in history, that led Coleman and dozens of other retired Nasa colleagues to form Astronauts for America, a non-partisan advocacy group of fellow space explorers.

Launched, pun intended, to coincide with the 2026 semiquincentennial of the US, the out-of-this-world alliance wants to restore faith in, and support of, the country’s constitutional democracy. It seeks to encourage politicians and the public to commit to the principles of the constitution itself, something its members believe has fallen into a sort of a black hole in recent months and years."

Continue reading the article via this shared link - 

FREE Choking Response Training for the Franklin, MA community - August 20

The Franklin Health Department is offering a FREE Choking Response Training for our community, and we'd appreciate your help spreading the word!

FREE Choking Response Training for the Franklin, MA community - August 20
This 1-hour educational class will teach participants how to recognize and respond to choking emergencies involving adults, children, and infants. Attendees will also have the opportunity to practice back blows and abdominal/chest thrusts.

Training Details:
📅 Thursday, August 20, 2026

🕒 3:00–4:00 PM

📍 EOC Classroom
Franklin Fire Headquarters
40 West Central St.
Franklin, MA


Registration:

This class is FREE to attend. 

Please note that it is for educational purposes only and does not include First Aid or CPR certification.

Monday Trash Collection Continues Tuesday, July 28 for Franklin, MA

Monday Trash Collection Continues Tuesday, July 28 for Franklin, MA
Update from Waste Management:

"Due to a mechanical failure, Monday's trash service came up about 90 minutes short today.

See attached map with highlighted areas in BLUE (Bridal Path) for affected areas.

We apologize to the residents of Franklin for the inconvenience."

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm Schedule for Tuesday, July 28, 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:

wfpr.fm Schedule for Tuesday, Franklin Public Radio
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 Public Radio wfpr.fm Schedule for Tuesday

Franklin TV schedule for Tuesday, July 28, 2026 (Your local Public, Education & Government "PEG" station)

  • Franklin All Access TV - Our Public Access Channel (Comcast 6, Verizon 26) = TUESDAY
7:30 am     Aging Agenda: Brian Maxfield, CFP
9:00 am Arts Advocacy: How-Tos
10:00 am Frank Presents: Bob Jubinville
11:00 am Celebrate with Pride 2026
12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin: Chicken Salad
12:30 pm Learn to Cook with Linda: Chicken Piccata Meatballs
1:30 pm      Pizzapalooza: Black Bean, Roasted Pepper & Garlic Pizzetta
2:00 pm New England Candlepins Summer 2023 Show 7
3:00 pm Candlepin New Generation: Show 10
3:30 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Pete Smith
4:30 pm Vera Meyer: Glass Armonica
5:30 pm ArtWeek: Ed Iannuccilli
6:30 pm Jon Mitchell & Randy LaRosa: 12-Tone Music
7:30 pm Once Upon A Town: The Rome Block
9:00 pm 4th of July 2026: GQ & The Lady

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

7:00 am FHS Concert Hour 02-25-26
10:30 am Arts Advocacy: How-Tos
11:30 am Middle School Spring Band 06-04-26
1:00 pm FHS Varsity Softball v Sharon 05-04-26
3:00 pm FHS Graduation 2026
7:00 pm All-Town Chorus & Orchestra 2026
9:00 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Pete Smith
10:00 pm FHSTC: Peter and the Starcatcher

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

8:00 am School Committee 06-23-26
11:30 am Economic Development 07-23-26
2:00 pm School Committee 06-23-26

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

Monday, July 27, 2026

Franklin Legion Post 75 Senior League State Tourrney game today - July 27 at 7 PM

IT’S GAMEDAY! 

Franklin Legion Post 75 Senior League State Tourrney game today - July 27 at 7 PM
Join us back at Fino Field for Day 3 of the Massachusetts State Tournament! First Game is at 1pm where Milford Legion Baseball will play their third game of the tournament against Leominster.

✔️ Stay tuned on social media for our daily schedule for pregame coverage and post game scores!!
✔️Follow tournament standings on Game Changer app. Final 8 Senior MA 

For our own Milford game coverage: 
🎤 MyFM 101.3

📺 MyFM 101.3 To watch live, MyFm YouTube channel:

📺 Milford TV Comcast 6, Verizon 40 + HD2140

#fun #baseball 
Graphic credit to interns Bryson Parsons and Ashley Lester



DPW: Scheduled Water Shut-Off in the Union Street and Delta Drive area on Tuesday, July 28, 2026

DPW: Scheduled Water Shut-Off in the Union Street and Delta Drive area on Tuesday, July 28, 2026
Please spread the word! Water shut-off tomorrow, Tuesday, July 28, 2026 in the Union Street and Delta Drive area. Affected homes have been notified via door hangers.

Thank you for your patience and please plan accordingly.


Shared from - https://www.franklinma.gov/m/newsflash/home/detail/173



What's happening in Franklin, MA: Monday, July 27, 2026 ???

Monday, July 27


For additional details on Library events -> https://www.franklinma.gov/942/Calendar-of-Events


For additional details on Senior Center events ->   



***  Town Meetings today ***


Franklin Agricultural Committee Meeting

Monday, July 27 Time: 7:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_07272026-2425 


Planning Board Meeting - Cancelled

Monday, July 27 Time: 7:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_07272026-2415 


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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

One error corrected, one still being worked

Date Error Acknowledged: 
One error corrected, one still being worked

The Sunday edition (7/26) of the Franklin Matters newsletter shared for the 2nd time an invite to the annual open meeting and block party at the Franklin TV studi. 

The time of day on Saturday is good but the date was wrong, it is not scheduled for August 22. It is scheduled for August 29
  • The prior posts on the FM page have been corrected
  • The Facebook posts have been corrected
  • Additional reminders will include the proper date (August 29)
  • The community calendar has been updated with the proper date (August 29)


streaming service for Franklin Public Radio, wfpr.fm is offline
Radio Streaming Service offline:

The streaming service for Franklin Public Radio, wfpr.fm, which is usually available 7 by 24 by 365 is offline. The technical issue is being worked. Hopefully, it won't be too much longer before it is resolved.

The broadcast on the local area FM band to 102.9 is not affected by the outage, only the streaming srvice is.


Franklin Post 75 is hosting the American Legion State Junior Baseball tournament - Aug 1 to Aug 5, 2026

Franklin Post 75 is hosting the American Legion State Junior (under 17) Baseball tournament this year. 

The Playoffs will begin on August 1st and run thru August 5 at Franklin High School field
Franklin Post 75 is hosting the American Legion State Junior Baseball tournament - Aug 1 to Aug 5, 2026

There will be 3 or 4 games per day, until a state champion is determined, who will then go on to play in regionals and national playoffs. 

This is the first time Franklin has hosted a state tournament.

Additional details can be found on the Legion Baseball page - https://www.masslegionbb.org/home





Economic Development Subcommittee discuss new growth with Board of Assessors (audio)

FM #1784 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1784 in the series. 


The Economic Development Subcommittee met on Thursday, June 23, 2026 as scheduled. Committee Chair LeBlanc, members Morrongiello, Malloy were present for this session, Griffith was absent.

Economic Development Subcommittee discuss new growth with Board of Assessors (audio)


Quick recap:

  • Director of Assessors Kevin Doyle read a prepared statement for the record outlining the assessment process

  • Questions from the committee members

  • the focus of the discussion on new growth is due to its impact on the financial revenue available above 2.5% (and the levy limit)

  • really to better understand the valuation process and how to make improvements as possible

  • question on a possible timeline for a permit through to the assessment and re-evaluation; response included mention of a subscription to aerial photos of the Town 3x during the year to help identify what is happening around Town, trying to get an answer on an avg time line but it is not forthcoming

  • the two approaches for commercial valuations come within 5-10% plus or minus of each other; course 101 from the Dept of Revenue provides the basics

  • 2 properties in the same neighborhood should calculate to the same, based upon the tables (I.e. property card records) and MA process

  • is there an audit to see that we are covering what should be? Effectively, no - audits wouldn't necessarily be fair and equitable for all

  • question about the Senior means exemption, will get the info asked for

  • question on an ownership change, if the new owner transaction brings that amount into new growth, does that really overstate our assessed value? as the old owner's assessed value goes away from the total assessed value? or does it? We understand the question, we need to get back to you on the right answer

  • Another example - residence valued at $900k, renovation of $40k, new assessed value comes at $1M but the $100k increase is 'only' $14k of new growth and the balance is the market value; Answer: don't confuse the market value with the cost of the renovation, it is not a straight linear line


The meeting runs about 1 hour 45 minutes. 

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1784-economic-development-subcmte-mtg-07-23-26/


—-----------


Franklin TV video is available for replay - https://www.youtube.com/live/PJlxSRZebX0?&t=91 


The meeting agenda and released documents - https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_07232026-2422 


My full set of notes captured in the meeting

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1E5RSt7sJdi_34C3soFiPJHoNlikm8ioc/view?usp=drive_link 


--------------


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


Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.


For additional information, please visit www.franklin.news/ or  www.Franklinmatters.org/ 


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"


Smirkus Camp Road Show features local performer

"See you soon, Vermont! Smirkus Camp Road Show has a packed schedule of free performances starting next Monday!

Catch "Summer Spooktacular," directed by @jonroitman and featuring a talented cast of youth circus artists from across the country, at a library, park, or festival near you! "


Nora Linden is the local performer on the road for the next couple of weeks



Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) celebrated 36 years on July 26


Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) celebrated 36 years on July 26
"Today (7/26) marks the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a milestone in advancing access, inclusion, and rights for individuals with disabilities.


Disability Pride Month is a time to recognize that disability is not something to be fixed or hidden—it is a natural part of human diversity.

At KPS, we believe that children do best when they are understood in the context of their unique neurological, emotional, and developmental profiles. Our role is not to define limits, but to better understand needs, reduce barriers, and support environments where each child can thrive.

When we design spaces, expectations, and supports with neurodiversity in mind, everyone benefits."



Book A Break: the new book "UNGODLY RICH" discussion plau at Pour RIchard's Wine - August 15

DATE:August 15TH
Book A Break: the new book "UNGODLY RICH" discussion plau at Pour RIchard's Wine - August 15

TIME: Starts at 1:00PM

LOCATION: Pour Richard’s Wine Shop, 835 W Central St, Franklin, MA 02038

WHAT IS INCLUDED:
* Receive a copy of the recently released book UNGODLY RICH at the event (released 7.7.26)
* Author conversation virtually with Katherine McGee
* Bookish crafts to pair with the book
* Book wine pairings from our friends and host Pour Richards




The Franklin Lions conducting clothing drive until August 22

The Franklin Lions are continuing with our clothing drive! From now until August 22nd we will be picking up your donations! 

The Franklin Lions conducting clothing drive until August 22
Here is a list of everything we take:
- Clothes
- Shoes
- Towels
- Sheets/bedding 
- Stuffed animals 
- Wallets, purses 
- Belts 
- Fabric shower curtains 
- Fabric shower rugs 

Message the Franklin Lions (on Facebook) for a pickup and we can come by! Thank you so much.




You're Invited to the Grand Opening of Core Veterinary Surgical Clinic - August 1

You're Invited to the Grand Opening of Core Veterinary Surgical Clinic

Join us as we celebrate the official opening of CORE Veterinary Surgical Clinic on Saturday, August 1, 2026!
You're Invited to the Grand Opening of Core Veterinary Surgical Clinic - August 1

Bring your family, bring your pets, and help us celebrate this exciting new addition to the Cambridge community.

Enjoy fun activities, including:
🎀 Official Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
🏥 Tours of our new clinic
🐾 Meet Dr. Kechia Davis and the CORE team
📸 Complimentary Family & Pet Portraits
✂️ Complimentary Nail Trims for Dogs & Cats (under 40 lbs.)*
🐶 Pet Care Activities for the Whole Family

Whether you're a pet parent, an animal lover, or simply curious about our new clinic, we'd love to welcome you.

📅 Saturday, August 1, 2026. 10am -2pm

NEW LOCATION: 607 Concord Ave, Cambridge MA 02138

Learn more about CORE: https://coreveterinarysurgery.com/

We can't wait to celebrate with you!

#COREVeterinarySurgery #GrandOpening #RibbonCutting #CambridgeMA #PetParents #DogLovers #CatLovers #PetHealth #CommunityEvent #SupportLocal #GreaterBoston

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm Schedule for Monday, July 27, 2026

Yes, Franklin has its own radio station -> wfpr.fm. Franklin Public Radio has a brand new schedule for the locally produced shows that fill our air waves.   

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm Schedule for Monday, July 27, 2026

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:


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