Thursday, September 10, 2026

Franklin Small Business Spotlight: Franklin Kitchen Center Inc. (bonus video)

This month we're highlighting Franklin Kitchen Center, a local business that has served the Franklin community since 1962. 

"We are a premier custom cabinetry company with over 60 years of experience in designing, fabricating, and installing high-quality cabinetry for the local community. Since 1962, we've been dedicated to transforming spaces with craftsmanship and personalized service."
Franklin Small Business Spotlight: Franklin Kitchen Center Inc.

When asked why they chose Franklin to grow their business and what they like best about being here, they shared: "We chose Franklin to grow our business because of its vibrant community, strong local support, and excellent opportunities for expansion. Franklin's welcoming atmosphere and dedication to small businesses align perfectly with our values. What we like best about being here is the sense of community, the collaborative spirit, and the opportunity to serve our local clients with personalized craftsmanship. It's a place where we can truly thrive and continue to deliver quality custom cabinetry to our neighbors."

When asked why it's important for people to support small businesses, they shared: "Supporting small businesses is essential because they are the heart of our community. Small businesses create jobs, foster local economic growth, and contribute to a unique and vibrant local character. When people support small businesses, they help sustain local entrepreneurs, preserve craftsmanship, and keep money circulating within the community. This strengthens the neighborhood, builds connections, and ensures a diverse and lively economy for everyone."

👉️ Follow along as we continue to highlight the local businesses that make Franklin a great place to live and work.

🔗 Learn more about Franklin's Small Business Spotlight Series: https://buff.ly/9XbwyOK

I had an opportunity to walk through their custom build process recently, and you can view that process here  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cc3ss_wlgpE

Did you know that iWalk 2026 (International Walk, Bike, & Roll to School Day) is on Wednesday, October 7 ???

via MassDOT:

"Join us for iWalk 2026 (International Walk, Bike, & Roll to School Day) on Wednesday, October 7, 2026. 

Did you know that iWalk 2026 (International Walk, Bike, & Roll to School Day) is on Wednesday, October 7  ???
We’re excited to come together with schools across the Commonwealth to celebrate students’ active commutes to school (or even during school recess or lunch). We have special incentives such as bookmarks and stickers to help schools encourage participation. 

It’s easy to participate—in fact, you can celebrate iWalk any day in October!

Schools can register for iWalk, download promotional flyers for families in four languages, and check out our activity books/coloring pages on the Encouragement page of our website."

Register the school - 


Second Sunday Speaker Series: Scott Mason on Franklin's connection to the 2nd atomic bomb (video)

Second Sunday Speaker Series:  Scott Mason on Franklin's connection to the 2nd atomic bomb (video)
In this presentation, Scott Mason talks about Franklin's connection to the second atomic bomb dropping in Nagasaki, Japan.

Recorded at the Franklin Historical Museum on August 9, 2026.




Ben Speaks Launch Party scheduled for Friday, September 18

Help Ben Speaks celebrate two exciting new beginnings.

Launching Ben Speaks into colleges through Ben's Challenge, an innovative wellness initiative designed to empower students with practical tools for emotional well-being, resilience, and intentional living.
Ben Speaks Launch Party scheduled for Friday, September 18


The Evening Includes:

• Stand-up comedy with Maya Manion
• An intimate Living Room Conversation with Maya and the audience
• Live music and dancing with The Zajac Brothers Band
• Community, connection, and inspiration

Comedian Maya Manion

Is courageously transforming unimaginable loss into hope through laughter, honesty, and connection after losing both her son and her father to suicide. Maya Manion has been doing stand up comedy in New England, since 2008. Maya’s father died by suicide in 2020 and her son, in 2024.  Maya created “Just Bad Days”, an inspiring, funny, tragic and beautiful tribute to her beloved father and son. Hopefully, through talking about mental illness, there will be less suicides and more, “Just Bad Days”. 

The Zajac Brothers Band

The Zajac Brothers Band features songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Tyler Zajac as the voice of the band, along with his brother Matthew Zajac on drums. Together, they collaborate on writing, recording and performing their original music with a versatile group of additional instrumentalists to achieve their modern vintage sound. 

Often paying tribute to their favorite acts of the past, the brothers also enjoy putting their own twist on familiar classics. Expect to hear some old school songs from 50’s, 60’s and 70’s honoring the birth of Rock and Roll. 

Where: Veterans of Foreign Wars, Walpole, MA
When: Friday, September 18  •  7 PM - 11 PM


Bedazzle & Diamond Art: a fun, creative afternoon just for Middle & High School students! Wednesdays !!

Parents keep asking, “What’s available for teenagers in our community?” 🎨✨
Here’s a great opportunity!
Bedazzle & Diamond Art:  a fun, creative afternoon just for Middle & High School students! Wednesdays !

Creative Corner Art Studio is offering a fun, creative afternoon just for Middle & High School students!

💎 Bedazzle & Diamond Art
🎨 Creative projects
✨ A relaxed space to create, socialize, and have some fun!

Starts this week (9/09/26)!
📅 Wednesdays
⏰ 4:00–5:30 PM
💲35 per class


Perfect for teens who love art, creativity, a little sparkle, or simply want something fun to do after school!

Come create some BLING with us! 

Franklin Public Radio wfpr.fm schedule for Thursday, September 10, 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:

Franklin Public Radio wfpr.fm schedule for Thursday, September 10, 2026



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)

 
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 the "The Rising" double album by Bruce Springsteen and a Vibe playlist hour including live Bruce music from Songs of Introspection.  "The Rising", released July 30, 2002, is Springsteen's 12th studio album and is based on his reflections in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks.  It marked the return to the studio after almost two decades with the famous E Street Band.  Includes the hits: "The Rising" ,  "Lonesome Day", and "Waitin' on a Sunny Day".  Enjoy The Boss & Band.


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, September 10, 2026 (Your local Public, Education & Government "PEG" station)

  • Franklin All Access TV - Our Public Access Channel (Comcast 6, Verizon 26) = THURSDAY
9:00 am Aging Agenda Episode 1
10:00 am Franklin Matters: Maloney Farm & Forest
11:33 am Cooking Thyme: Red Pepper Soup
12:03 pm Brook'n'Cookin: French Toast
12:35 pm Learn to Cook with Linda: Cashew Shrimp
1:30 pm     Pizzapalooza: Meat-Lovers Pt. 2
2:00 pm New England Candlepins Summer 2023 Show 1
3:00 pm Candlepin New Generation: Show 1
3:30 pm Aging Boldfully: Julie Booth
4:30 pm Veterans' Call: VA Pension
5:30 pm Rockin' The Boroughs
9:00 pm Circle of Friends: Susan Werner

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

7:30 am     Winning Ways with the MIAA: Pete Smith
8:30 am Middle School 7th & 8th Grade Chorus & Orchestra
10:30 am FHS Varsity Field Hockey v King Philip 10-09-25
12:30 pm 25th Anniversary Lions All-State Band
2:00 pm Arts Advocacy: How-Tos
3:00 pm FHS Boys Varsity Soccer v Stoughton 09-30-25
9:00 pm FHSTC: Urinetown

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


8:00 am Conservation Commission 08-27-26
2:00 pm Conservation Commission 08-27-26
7:00 pm    Conservation Commission  CHAMBERS  897 8846 7620


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

Wednesday, September 9, 2026

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Wednesday, September 9, 2026 ???

Wednesday, September 9

Music Boosters "Panini with a Purpose" (Hot Table)

Trash and recycling collection will be delayed one day all week due to the holiday.
Those normally on Tuesday, are now scheduled for Wednesday, etc.

9:00am Fallen Hero: David Bullukian (Veterans Walkway, Franklin Town Common)

1:00pm Writer's Group (Franklin Senior Center)
4:30pm Instrument Petting Zoo (Franklin Public Library)
6:00pm      Game Night (Fairmount Fruit Farm)
6:30pm Bingo night (Kings Brick Oven Pizza & Pub)
6:30pm Franklin Elks Bingo Night (Franklin Elks Lodge #2136)
7:00pm Smarty Pants Trivia (Raillery Public House)


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




*** Town Meetings today ***

Charles River Pollution Control Meeting

Wednesday, September 9 Time: 3:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09092026-2491


Franklin Historical Commission Meeting

Wednesday, September 9 Time: 6:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09092026-2490 


250th Anniversary Celebration Events Sub Committee

Wednesday, September 9 Time: 7:30 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09092026-2492 



---------


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

Fallen Hero Recognition: David Bullukian - Sep 9, 2026, 9 AM

Memorial event today (9/9/26) at 9 AM on the Town Common Veterans Walkway to honor Warrant Officer David Bullukian, WWII. 

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: Warrant Officer David Bullukian, Jr., U.S. Army Air Corps
Warrant Officer David Bullukian, Jr., U.S. Army Air Corps, was born in Franklin on June 11, 1919, the son of David and Lucy Bullukian. David lived at 64 Cottage Street with his parents and sister, Beatrice. He graduated from Franklin High School in 1937 and served in the local Naval Reserve. 
David joined the Army Air Corps where he rose steadily ahead in rank after attending the army air force advanced flying school for twin engine aircraft. He was one of 20 enlisted men to receive the coveted appointment as a warrant officer and served as the assistant post technical inspector at the Greenwood Army Air Field. Warrant Officer David Bullukian, Jr. was killed in a plane crash in the Midwest in 1943. 
In the memorial service for Warrant Officer David Bullukian, Jr. the Rev. Holge N. Schluntz expressed these words, “We recall with gratitude the splendid personal characteristics and patriotism of this young man.” 
Warrant Officer David Bullukian, Jr., age 24, left his young wife Jeanette of Indiana at the time of his death in 1943.
Fallen Hero: Bullukian
Fallen Hero: Bullukian

The schedule of Fallen Heroes for the year on one page (PDF)

Passport to Fall: Explore Franklin’s Conservation Areas

Passport to Fall: Explore Franklin’s Conservation Areas

Get outside and explore Franklin’s conservation areas this fall!

The Franklin Conservation Commission invites residents to participate in the Passport to Fall Challenge, taking place September 15 through November 15, 2026.

Participants are encouraged to visit five featured Conservation-managed open space properties, take a photo at each location, and submit their completed passport to the Conservation Department and Commission.

How to Participate

Visit all five properties between September 15 and November 15, 2026, and record the date of each visit on your Passport.

Take a photo at each property. An entrance sign or scenic vista is perfect. No selfies, please!

Submit your completed Passport, along with your five photos and contact information, to the Franklin Conservation Department and Commission office at the Municipal Building on Wednesdays between 4 and 6 p.m.

Prefer to submit by email? Send your completed form, five photos, and contact information to Breeka Li Goodlander at bgoodlander@franklinma.gov.

The Five Featured Properties

  • Riverbend Conservation Area — Across from 887 Lincoln Street
  • Indian Rock — End of King Phillip Road
  • Franklin Town Forest — Across from 403 Summer Street
  • DelCarte Conservation Area — 459 Pleasant Street
  • Maple Hill Conservation Area — Bridle Path

Get Your Passport

Hard-copy Passports are available at:

  • Franklin Municipal Building lobby, 355 East Central Street
  • Recreation Department, 235 Wachusett Street 
  • Department of Public Works, 257 Fisher Street  

You can also download and print the Passport from the Town's website: Passport to Fall 2026

Complete the Challenge & Get a Certificate!

Everyone who completes the challenge and submits a completed form will receive a Conservation Commission Certificate.

The first five submissions will also receive a Massachusetts Forest Tree ID Book.

Grab your Passport, head outside, and discover some of Franklin’s beautiful open spaces this fall!

Shared from - https://www.franklinma.gov/m/newsflash/home/detail/193

Cactus Jack and his Wild West Extravaganza stampedes into THE BLACK BOX, Sep 19

Cactus Jack and his Wild West Extravaganza stampedes into THE BLACK BOX, Sep 19
"Come on out and behold the one and only Cactus Jack! Hero of Wild West storytelling! Keeper of the flame of American Tall Tales!

Leading an all-star spectacle that is sure to thrill one and all!

Featuring the derring-dos of Devilish Franny, the fastest and surest shot in the west!

With Molly Coddle, the Desert Nightingale, thrilling you with her angelic voice as she brings back the most beautiful songs of the era!

Songs, dances, and amazing feats await you (not to mention, some scrumptious vittles from Joff’s Backyard Grill) when you step inside the Wild West Extravaganza!"

School Committee gets insights & provides feedback on the District Improvement Plan (video)

The Franklin School Committee met as scheduled on Tuesday, Sep 8, 2026. All 7 members were participating in Council Chambers. The meeting was delayed starting as a new Zoom link needed to be created and shared. 

Franklin TV video available for replay - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RtMItnThh5E


Note: the draft District Improvement Plan likely won't be available online until after approval at the next School Committee meeting. Last years plan can be found online - https://heyzine.com/flip-book/24ecc9f7e5.html#page/1

A photo album of the slcreens shared is available in the interim

Quick recap
Each of the Central Office departments presented their goals and measureable markers aligned with the strategic objectives which while the remain essentially the same as last year have measurable steps outlined to assess progress
  • Teaching and Learning
  • Student Services
  • Business and Finance
  • Lifelong Learning
  • Operations (including Food Service)
  • Technology
The Consent Agenda was approved as outlined by a 7-0 vote

My notes in one PDF can be found


FHS Girls soccer ( (video), field hockey, volleyball and golf teams post wins on Tuesday

Via Instagram, Franklin TV, and our subscription to HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the Fall sports competition for Franklin High School on Tuesday, September 8, 2026


Boys Soccer = Franklin, 1 @ King Philip, 1 – Final 
– Franklin and King Philip traded first half goals and then played 40 minutes of scoreless soccer to settle for a point apiece in the season opener. Junior Cam Lambert put the visitors up inside the opening 10 minutes, finishing off a pass from classmate Ethan Herndon to give Franklin a 1-0 lead. Just before halftime, senior Iago Oliveira had a shot from 20 yards out hit off the post and senior Nick Wendling was first to the loose ball, poking the rebound in to tie it.


Girls Soccer = King Philip, 1 @ Franklin, 4 – Final 
– Click here for a photo gallery of this game. – Lily Strong scored once and assisted on another to help Franklin pull out a win in a season-opening battle of 2025 Final Four teams. The Panthers took the lead in the 17th minute. Madison Griffith sprung Phoebe Cuneo down the right wing. After some confusion in the center of the KP defense, the loose ball popped out to Strong on the edge of the box and she slotted it into the empty net. KP nearly equalized a few minutes later, but Ava Quintin’s 25-yard free kick hit the underside of the bar and somehow stayed out. On the rebound, freshman Lola Weeman had a header inside the six saved by Devyn Cairns. Strong would force a good save from Emma Weiblin and Hannah Griffith went close after getting on the end of a free kick, but it stayed 1-0 at the break. Franklin started the second half well and nine minutes in the Panthers doubled their lead. Cuneo won the ball back in midfield and sent a through ball to Strong in the right channel. A slightly heavy touch nearly took the chance away, but Strong managed to get to the ball before the keeper and square it for a wide open Cuneo to tap in. Three minutes later, KP (which was playing without star Ella McDonald) got on the board. Avery Hebert’s long throw from the left wing dropped in the box and Molly Morgan was able to corral the bouncing ball and squeeze it in at the near post, just under the arm of Cairns, to cut the deficit to 2-1. Laila Rosen restored the two-goal cushion just five minutes later with a terrific solo effort. She won the ball back in midfield, drove forward, shrugged off a challenge just outside the box, and from the edge of the area rifled a left-footed shot into the far bottom corner. Hailey Leblanc capped off the day with her first varsity goal on a chip from the right side of the box that snuck under the bar.

Franklin TV video for replay - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_8HrEx4uEyk



Field Hockey = King Philip, 2 @ Franklin, 3 – Final 
– Click here for a photo gallery of this game. – Ella Marzullo’s second goal of the game proved to be the difference as Franklin held off King Philip to open the season with a win. The senior intercepted a clearance attempt, juggled the ball into the circle, and then ripped a high shot past the keeper with eight minutes left to put the Panthers up 3-1. KP rallied to pull within one when Caitlyn McManus set up Ella Morgan in front with five minutes to go, but the Panthers were able to close out the win. Marzullo opened the scoring two minutes into the game on a well-worked corner from the hosts. Lila Reardon sent the original pass out to Penelope Brady who shuffled it over to Caydence Canavan, and her blast toward goal was tipped in by Marzullo out in front. King Philip tied the game with less than a minute left in the opening quarter when Morgan gained control just past midfield and used her speed to take it all the way into the circle, firing a near post shot in. Amelia Manning put the hosts back in front just two minutes into the third off a pass from Marzullo. KP had a chance to tie the game in the third but junior Elise Ackerman (three saves) made a terrific stick save on a penalty stroke to keep Franklin ahead. Sophomore Bella Pennini made six saves in net for the Warriors. Franklin head coach Michelle Hess credited Jossie Camp (defense) and Cade Taccini (midfield) with strong performances.

Volleyball = King Philip, 0 @ Franklin, 3 – Final 
– Franklin prevailed in a tight opening set before pulling away for a convincing 3-0 win over King Philip, taking the match 25-19, 25-10, 25-9. Emerson Delleo led the Panthers with 10 kills, 10 digs, and two blocks, while Phoebe O’Connor dished out 20 assists to go along with four aces, five digs, and two blocks. Gianna Laurello added four kills, five aces, and 12 digs, and Marley Lindenmeyer chipped in four kills, six digs, and an ace. For King Philip, junior Mia Keays finished with 15 digs and junior Molly Sweeney recorded seven kills.

Golf = Franklin, 163 @ Taunton, 176 – Final 
– Franklin returned home from Segregansett Country Club with a division win over Taunton, led by senior Tyler Perlman and junior Bryce Botelho, who each recorded six pars. Perlman fired a team-low 39, while Botelho carded a 40. Senior Ben Burgess added a 41 and senior Ayden Doyle finished with a 43. Colby Emond led Taunton with a 42, followed by Logan Mendes at 44 and Trey Buebendorf and Caleb Bond at 45.

For other results across the Hockomock League (subscription required)

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

Reminder: A Silent Auction scheduled for Franklin Federated Church Friday, Sep 11 from 2 to 6 PM

A Silent Auction will be held on the lawn of Franklin Federated Church 171 Main Street, Friday, September 11 from 2-6 PM. 

On the auction block: 4 tickets to the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. Winner chooses the date - any Saturday or Sunday in the remainder of this season or next season. Top shelf seating is guaranteed. 
A Silent Auction scheduled for Franklin Federated Church Friday, Sep 11 from 2 to 6 PM

The fundraiser is organized by the
Franklin Federated Church Board of Deacons to help cover repairs to our organ. 

A donation jar will be available and donations are appreciated.


FHS Cheerleader Car Wash Fund Raiser scheduled for Saturday, Sep 12, 2026

FHS Cheerleader Car Wash Fund Raiser scheduled for Saturday, Sep 12, 2026
"On Saturday September 12th from 11-2, at The Franklin Car Wash. come support your local franklin high school cheerleaders!"

Shared from - https://www.instagram.com/p/Dc_Vq4fOD0_/