Friday, August 7, 2026

Community Closet Update // Call for Donations

Dear Franklin UMC community,

I wanted to share an update about the Community Closet. It really feels like we hit a stride this week. Dust is beginning to settle and we're finding our rhythm.  Each Tuesday, the Closet is becoming more and more of what we hoped it would be—a place where neighbors linger, browse, chat, and build relationships. Thanks to the work of our amazing volunteers, adjusting racks and tables, the space is beginning to feel naturally welcoming and is much easier to to navigate.

Community Closet Update // Call for Donations
This past Tuesday was our busiest day of the summer, with around 30 community members stopping in. The energy was joyful—kids exploring, parents comparing sizes, and neighbors helping one another find clothing that feels just right. Your presence and care make that possible.

As families prepare for back‑to‑school season, we’re seeing a growing need for children’s clothing, especially for school‑age kids. Our adult racks are also running low. If you have gently‑used clothing you’re ready to pass along, we would be grateful. While we continue to offer summer items, we’re also beginning to prepare for fall—light layers, long sleeves, and transitional pieces are especially helpful and will be put out as space allows.

A quick reminder about our setup: the Closet’s main‑level room houses all clothing bins, including kids clothing, jeans, and shoes. When the Closet is closed, all racks are stored in this space. When open, racks are moved into the main‑level Community Room (Fellowship Hall, Vestry, this space gets called a bunch of different things), where there’s plenty of space to browse, rest, and connect.

Donation Hours:

  • Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday mornings from 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
  • Tuesdays during Closet hours, 12:00 – 2:00 PM

All donations must be placed indoors. If you would like an in‑kind giving receipt, the Office is happy to provide one.

Thank you for helping the Community Closet remain a place of dignity, welcome, and abundance. Every item shared not only supports neighbors but also strengthens our community’s resilience.

Peace.
Pastor Jacob

New location/day for Town Council Office Hours - Saturday, Aug 15 at 10 AM

Meet with the Town Council!
New location/day for Town Council Office Hours - Saturday, Aug 15 at 10 AM

The Franklin Town Council is offering an additional opportunity for residents to meet with Council members on Saturday, August 15, from 10:00 to 11:00 AM in the Community Room at the Franklin Public Library, 118 Main St.

Residents are invited to stop by to ask questions, share feedback, discuss Town-related topics, or simply connect with members of the Council in an informal setting. No appointment is necessary.

Please note: This session is in addition to the Council's regularly scheduled monthly Office Hours, which are held on the third Thursday of each month from 8:30 – 9:30 AM at the Franklin Senior Center.  The next regularly scheduled Office Hours will take place on Thursday, August 20.

Franklin Public Library Community Room
118 Main St.

Franklin, MA 02038

The Franklin Sculpture Park is Growing!

The Franklin Sculpture Park is Growing!
We’re excited to share that the Franklin Sculpture Park is entering a new chapter as we refresh and expand our digital presence on the Town of Franklin’s website. As we prepare to welcome two new public art installations to the park, we’re updating our online resources to better showcase the artwork, artists, educational opportunities, and community stories that make the Sculpture Park such a special place.

The refreshed webpages will provide visitors with an easier way to explore the park’s collection, learn about current and upcoming installations, discover the artists behind the work, and find information about accessibility, programming, and the park’s connection to the surrounding natural environment.

As we continue to grow the Sculpture Park’s collection, we remain committed to creating a space where art, nature, education, and community come together. We invite you to explore the updated website and follow along as we prepare to welcome these exciting new additions.

Take a peek at the updated Franklin Sculpture Park webpage here!



Youville: Helping kids build online safety skills this summer and school year

Youville: Helping kids build online safety skills this summer and school year
Via Federal Trade Commission: By BCP Staff

These last days of summer can present opportunities to spend more time with your kids. 

If you’re talking with your 8-12 year-olds about making good decisions while they’re online, the FTC has a free tool called Youville to help.

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule for Friday, August 7, 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 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 August 7, 2026 (Your local Public, Education & Government "PEG" station)

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

8:30 am Frank Presents: Bob Jubinville
10:00 am Aging Boldfully: Sisters United Against Cancer
11:00 am Senior Connection: Spaghetti Bolognese
12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin: Waffles
12:30 pm Learn to Cook with Linda: Brunch Bake
1:30 pm     Pizzapalooza: Healthy Pizza Crusts
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 Metrowest FanZone: Electric Youth
6:00 pm Franklin 4th: Garden of Hedon
9:00 pm Circle of Friends: Tracy Grammer

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

7:00 am FHS Spring Pops 2026
8:30 am Arts Advocacy: How-Tos
9:30 am 6th Grade Winter Music 02-10-26
11:00 am FHSTC - Flowers for Algernon
1:00 pm All-Town Band Showcase 2026
3:30 pm FHS Varsity Baseball v Catholic Memorial 04-21-26
8:00 pm FHS Theater Company: Legally Blonde

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


8:00 am Zoning Board of Appeals 07-09-26
2:00 pm Zoning Board of Appeals 07-09-26

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

Thursday, August 6, 2026

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Thursday, August 6, 2026 ???

Thursday, August 6



6:00pm Candidate Jason Poulos meet & greet (Franklin TV and Radio 102.9 FM)
 
6:30pm LGBTQ Alliance Picnic  (DelCarte Recreation and Conservation Area)


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

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

For additional details on Senior Center events ->    https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/9890

For additional details on Senior Center events ->   



***   Town Meetings today ***


Franklin Commission on Disability Meeting

Thursday, August 6 Time: 4:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08062026-2427 


Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School Meeting

Thursday, August 6 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08062026-2431 


ZBA Meeting

Thursday, August 6 Time: 7:30 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08062026-2429 


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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

Reminder: Sunday Speaker on Charles William Sweeney & Franklin's connections to the bombing of Nagasaki

Reminder: Sunday Speaker on Charles William Sweeney & Franklin's connections to the bombing of Nagasaki
via Franklin Historical Museum


"Don't forget to stop by the Historical Museum this weekend for Scott Mason's deep dive into Charles William Sweeney and Franklin's connections to the bombing of Nagasaki, Japan.

Program starts at 1:15 PM, we'll see you there!"



The audio of the Economic Development Subcmte Meeting Tuesday, Aug 4 is available (audio)

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


The Economic Development Subcommittee met on Tuesday, August 4, 2026 as scheduled. Committee Chair LeBlanc, members Morrongiello, Malloy & Griffith were present for this session.


Quick recap:

  • Discussion and update on the UMass Boston study of downtown to be conducted over 2 semesters of the college year. Final number of students involved to be determined when classes begin in September. Coordinate to have them meet the Committee (either in person, or virtually) early one (Sept or October).

  • update: the Depot Plaza hearing at the Planning Board has changed from 8/10 to 8/24. the application was withdrawn for a technical change and resubmitted, hence the date change

  • Next up the 40b policy revision

    • likely for Morrongiello and LeBlanc to meet with Jamie and Morena to review the items in more detail to bring back a version for further discussion

  • next up, Sustainability Committee

    • Jamie and staff can draft a charter for the committee to review before bringing to the Council

  • next up, GATRA update

    • From the archives: Franklin did have a GATRA fixed route called the "Franklin Area Bus"
      World Cup was big for them, transported a bunch of folksfunded by State, so we didn't lose anything from other servers to compensate 38,385 riders in Franklin during the past year (demand response) approx 3,000/month

    • GATRA had a fixed route once upon a time   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/03/on-this-date-mar-5-2010-franklin-area.html 

    • What would a study for the GATRA fixed route cost? What would it cost for GATRA to do so? We can't finance the route on our own. 

  • The pipeline to the Planning Board is minimal, they are cancelling meetings as they don't have work to review



The meeting runs about 2 hours & 35 minutes. 


Audio link - 
https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1792-economic-development-subcmte-mtg-08-04-26/


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The Franklin TV video can be viewed here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JJ8h5WC8rP0 


The agenda and released docs can be found - https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08042026-2434 


My full set of notes captured during the meeting

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1cKNSbTXGpP-s3395o_i52zDkPXuPn4tJ/view?usp=drive_link 


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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 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"


Braintree Post 86 joins Franklin Post 75 in the American Legion NE Regionals on Friday

  • Wednesday 8/5 4pm Games
2-1 Lowell Post 87 (1) Vs 2-1 Plymouth Post 40 (2) 9 innings.
2-1 Braintree Post 86 (7) Vs 3-0 Franklin Post 75 (6)

  • Wednesday 8/5 7pm Game
3-1 Braintree Post 86 (4) Vs 3-1 Plymouth Post 40 (3)

Braintree Post 86 advances to the NE Regionals with Franklin on Friday.

Many thanks for the updates via Tim McDonald Jr


Additional info on the American Legion baseball page - https://www.masslegionbb.org/home

Additional info on the NE Region games in New Hampshire



Alex Fradkin & Karate Show provide musical entertainment for Concerts on the Common, Friday, Aug 7

Alex Fradkin & Karate Show provide musical entertainment for Concerts on the Common, Friday, Aug 7

"Join us this Friday for live music on the Franklin Town Common while you shop the Franklin Farmers Market!


Alex Fradkin | 3:00 - 5:00 pm
Karate Show | 5:30 - 7:30 pm


Spend the afternoon downtown with local vendors, fresh food, and great music."



51st Annual Craft Fair - Saturday, November 14 at Tri-County RVTHS

51st Annual Craft Fair - Saturday, November 14 at Tri-County RVTHS

"Come join us for the 51st annual juried craft fair of home accessories, clothing, bath/body, art, wood, paper, candle and jewelry amazing products!"

The Codcast: "Unpacking the Legislature’s July 31 flurry, and what comes next" (audio)

via the CommonWealth Beacon:

"FOR THE FIRST TIME since 2020, lawmakers finished their formal work on the even-year July 31 traditional deadline before the sun came up the next morning. This time around, they were done even before the clock reached midnight.

The Codcast: "Unpacking the Legislature’s July 31 flurry, and what comes next" (audio)
Legislative leaders had been arguing for weeks that the end of the month, which marks the cutoff for major new legislative business, would feel different than it did during chaotic all-nighters in 2022 and 2024. House Speaker Ron Mariano even suggested the key date would feel “more like a regular business day.”

Their expectation-setting exercises turned out to be successful, but that’s not to say Beacon Hill was idle. The week leading into July 31, and the day itself, still featured a flurry of action that put some major proposals on Gov. Maura Healey’s desk and teed up a dozen bills for ongoing House-Senate negotiations."




Franklin Performing Arts Company seeking applicants for a part-time Fundraiser position !!!

Franklin Performing Arts Company seeking applicants for a part-time Fundraiser position !!!

For more about FPAC, please visit their page - https://fpaconline.com/about/



For more about this role and the requirements/position description, please visit the Instagram post    https://www.instagram.com/p/DbohzeDG6Ok/



The Town of Franklin is seeking volunteers to serve on a variety of boards & committees

The Town of Franklin is seeking volunteers to serve on a variety of boards & committees
"Interested in making a difference in Franklin? 

The Town is seeking volunteers to serve on a variety of boards and committees.

Explore current vacancies, learn more about each board and committee, and submit a Volunteer Form online.    https://buff.ly/pAvUgwM"




Screen grab of the current openings

Screen grab of the current openings


Check the current openings    https://franklinmaboards.vt-s.net/vt.php