Tuesday, August 11, 2026

FPAC Hosts Cabaret Starring Singers from the Stages of Boston, Providence, and Beyond - Saturday, August 15

(photo credit: Paul Vicario)
(photo credit: Paul Vicario)
The Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) will host A Starry Night: A Cabaret on Saturday, August 15th, 2026 featuring singers from the stages of Boston, Providence, and beyond. FPAC, Franklin’s own Actors’ Equity Professional Theater, is thrilled to welcome talented singers from the area’s robust theater scene to THE BLACK BOX stage for an evening of great music. 

Hosted by Ali Funkhouser,  the evening will feature Molly Dupre, Jessica Graves, Nicole Franklin Kelley, Brandon Lee, Hailey Madison, Isabel Molettieri, Ellen Scarano, Marielle Sciore, Ali Stanglewicz, Cole Stanley, Leah Steinman, and Olivia Valianti with a special appearance by some of FPAC’s Student Apprentices.  

FPAC is an Actors’ Equity Small Professional Theater company based at THE BLACK BOX in downtown Franklin, MA. Each season, FPAC produces musicals, plays, and more featuring Broadway stars, professional actors, local performers, and emerging artists. The upcoming 2026-27 season will feature Disney’s Frozen, POTUS, ‘night, Mother, The Secret Garden, and Once Upon a Mattress. 

Tickets for A Starry Night are available at THEBLACKBOXonline.com  or by calling the box office at 508-528-3370.

Audio recording of the Horace Mann Legacy Subcommittee Meeting, Monday, August 10 (audio)

FM #1795 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1795 in the series. 


This session shares the exclusive audio from the Horace Mann Legacy Subcommittee Meeting held on Monday, August 10, 2026. The meeting was held in the 3rd floor training room. 

 

The recording runs about 75 minutes, so let’s listen in.


Audio link -   
https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1795-horace-mann-legacy-subcmte-mtg-08-10-26/


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Meeting agenda 

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08042026-2436  


My notes in one PDF 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1w37wBgM4rHwGkXX5ZF6Kdod5ujkWMLXR/view?usp=drive_link 


Horace Mann Statue unveiled in 2017. The dedication post contains the audio of the event, including the FSPA performance of the song “Horace, Now There was a Mann“ as well as the dedication booklet (PDF)

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/05/fm-130-audio-recording-of-horace-mann.html 


Horace Mann trifold used beginning at Strawberry Stroll

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1KfKvOLhuXlzlor53vvErcTONj-6FFk24/view?usp=sharing 


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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?

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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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On Sept. 13, Franklin Historical Museum Presents: Mercy and Malevolence – Discovering the Complex Story of St. Theresa’s Home of the Little Flower

Where are they now, the scores of children who once resided in Franklin’s Catholic orphanage? The Franklin Historical Museum wants to know!

From the early 1940s to the early 1950s, an orphanage, operated by a Catholic religious order, occupied the Hayward Manor in Franklin, which had just recently been sold by its original owners, the family of a prominent textile executive.  St. Theresa’s Home of the Little Flower (also known as the Home of the Holy Child) was never a large institution, with no more than a few dozen children at a time housed there, but it left a deep impression on many of them. Inmates included children from around the region as well as several from Franklin itself whose circumstances made it difficult or impossible for their families to care for them.

On Sept. 13, Franklin Historical Museum Presents: Mercy and Malevolence – Discovering the Complex Story of St. Theresa’s Home of the Little Flower
On Sept. 13, Franklin Historical Museum Presents:
Mercy and Malevolence – Discovering the Complex
Story of St. Theresa’s Home of the Little Flower
At the time the “social safety net” was all but non-existent and some children were rescued from a life on the streets, stealing food to survive, and given food, clothing, and education. But the Bernardine sisters were not always up to the task, and some of those who lived there remember cruelty, a grim, unchanging routine, and a spartan diet. What’s more, the children mostly spoke English while most of the nuns spoke Polish – a formula for conflict and frustration.

Anyone who was ever a resident at the home or their family members are especially encouraged to attend. There will be a brief overview of history and newspaper stories about the Orphanage and those with stories to tell will be encouraged to share them.

On Sunday, Sept 13, 2026, the museum is open from 1-4 on Sunday and the program starts at 1:15. There is no admission charge but donations are encouraged and appreciated. Contact Alan Earls with questions at alan.r.earls@gmail.com or 508 560 3786.

Cactus and Succulent Festival - Sep 12 from 9 AM to 3 PM

Cactus and Succulent Festival - Sep 12 from 9 AM to 3 PM
Free family-friendly Cactus and Succulent Plant Show and Sale

An all-day Free Cactus and Succulent Festival in Norfolk. 27 Vendors, plant show, Youth Potting Booth, Hot Dogs, Baked Goods, Ice Cream, and 1000's of plants on exhibit and for sale.

Where: Norfolk Town Common and Library
When: Saturday, September 12 from 9 AM to 3 PM





Franklin Garden Club Kicks Off Season with Program on Bitters - Tuesday, Sep 8

A program on “Bitters, The Missing Ingredient” by Barbara Aspland-Wolf will highlight the opening meeting of the Franklin Garden Club’s 2026-2027 season. The meeting will take place on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at the Franklin Senior Center, 10 Daniel McCahill Street, from 6:00– 8:30 PM.   
Franklin Garden Club Kicks Off Season with Program on Bitters - Tuesday, Sep 8

An informal social get-together will take place from 6:00 – 6:30 PM. followed by the program.   The meeting is open to the public, including those interested in becoming a member.  

Club Co-Presidents Eileen Smith and Janice Cederquist stated, “The Garden Club, founded in 1987, offers many educational programs, and one does not have to be a Master Gardener to join. Meetings provide a wonderful opportunity to learn about various aspects of gardening from experts and to exchange information with fellow members. We welcome anyone who is interested to attend the first meeting to learn more about the Club and planned activities and to enjoy the Bitters presentation.

As part of the program, Aspland-Wolf will explain how bitters are important to the health and workings of the liver and gallbladder.  Bitters provide digestive health, help with nutrient absorption and are an important part of meals and drinks.  Most modern diets do not include this fabulous flavor.  Participants will discover a new love for the bitter flavor and how to make it a part of daily health habits.  For those who wish, there will be an opportunity to make bitters for a cost of $15 to cover supplies.

Aspland-Wolf is a flower essence practitioner, Reiki Master/Teacher, herbalist, and plant communication educator. Working with plants is a melding of her science background, herbal studies, and energy work.  She is the owner/operator of Garden Gate Herbals and a community herbal teacher. She has taught at Sage Mountain, Herbstalk, the Northeast Herbal Association retreats, Plants Speak, and local programs. 

In addition to leading nature walks, she has written for United Plant Savers, the Northeast Herbal Association journal, and Aroma Culture e-magazine. She is a co-editor of the Northeast Herbal Association newsletter, and writes a monthly newsletter for her business. Barbara is a member of United Plant Savers, Native Plant Trust, International Association of Reiki Practitioners, and the Flower Essence Society.  

A member of the Garden Club Federation of Massachusetts, the Franklin Garden Club conducts many community service activities, including planting and maintenance of the Town Common and library and Food Pantry planters; sponsoring an annual scholarship for a graduating senior; and distributing pine tree seedlings.

Pure Safety Group Inc. announces closure of Franklin facility

"Pure Safety Group Inc., which does business under the Guardian Fall brand, told state officials it plans to permanently close its facility located at 290 Beaver Street and eliminate "all positions and jobs."

A provider of height safety equipment, services and training plans to close its facility in Franklin and lay off its local staff.
Pure Safety Group Inc. announces closure of Franklin facility

Pure Safety Group Inc., which does business under the Guardian Fall brand, told state officials it plans to permanently close its facility located at 290 Beaver Street and eliminate "all positions and jobs."

By Lucia Maffei | Boston Business Journal • Published August 10, 2026 • Updated on August 10, 2026 at 12:32 pm "   https://www.nbcboston.com/boston-business-journal/franklin-mass-safety-equipment-layoffs/3994960/

Are ads on social media vetted or checked for scams? Here’s what to know

via Federal Trade Commission (FTC) By BCP Staff

You’re browsing your social media feed when an ad grabs your attention mid-swipe: that designer bag you’ve been dreaming of is 50% off for a limited time only! 

Are ads on social media vetted or checked for scams? Here’s what to know
You’re dying to get your hands on one, so you don’t think twice about clicking on the ad. Why would you? The ad is right there in your feed and it looks real, so you trust that it’s legit. But it might not be. 

That’s because social media platforms don’t always thoroughly vet the ads you see or the advertisers behind them.

Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2026/08/are-ads-social-media-vetted-or-checked-scams-heres-what-know?utm_source=govdelivery

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm Schedule for Tuesday, August 11, 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 Tuesday, August 11, 2026

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 Tuesday, August 11, 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: Arthur Vigeant
9:00 am Arts Advocacy Day: Marketing
10:00 am Frank Presents: Christel Akouri
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 8
3:00 pm Candlepin New Generation: Show 11
3:30 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Shaun Hart Pt 1
4:30 pm Franklin Matters: Nautilus
5:30 pm ArtWeek: Art + Music
6:30 pm Jon Mitchell & Randy LaRosa: 12-Tone Music
7:30 pm Once Upon A Town: The Ray Block
9:00 pm Franklin 4th: Ozzie Tribute Band

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

7:00 am FHS Concert Hour 02-26-26
10:30 am Arts Advocacy Day: Marketing
11:30 am FHS Spring Pops 2026
1:00 pm FHS Varsity Softball v King Philip 03-30-26
3:00 pm Critical Conversations: Student Wellbeing
7:00 pm All-Town Band Showcase 2026
9:00 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Shaun Hart Pt 1
10:00 pm FHS Theater Company: Legally Blonde

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

8:00 am School Committee 06-23-26
11:00 am Economic Development 08-04-26
2:00 pm School Committee 06-23-26
7:00 pm School Committee  CHAMBERS  867 7289 4374 Code: 979458


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, August 10, 2026

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Monday, August 10, 2026 ???

Monday, August 10



7:00pm Franklin Democratic Town Committee (Franklin TV and Radio)

7:00pm Summer Concert Series: Bluegrass & Hillbilly (Franklin Senior Center)



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 Housing Authority Meeting

Monday, August 10 Time: 4:30 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08102026-2437 


Franklin Public School Horace Mann Legacy Sub Committee Meeting

Monday, August 10 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08042026-2436 


Planning Board Meeting

Monday, August 10 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08102026-2438 


250th Anniversary Celebration Committee Meeting

Monday, August 10 Time: 7:30 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08102026-2439 



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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

Post 75 Junior Team wins the NE Region #1 Championship

With a 6-4 win over Braintree Post #86 on Sunday, the Post 75 Junior Team wins the NE Region #1 Championship.


photo shared from https://www.instagram.com/p/Db1LHHJy9o1/
photo shared from https://www.instagram.com/p/Db1LHHJy9o1/

Full bracket results of the NE Region #1 Tournament




You're Invited: Open House for Franklin's New Well 7-7A PFAS Treatment Facility - August 20

The Town of Franklin's Water and Sewer Division of the DPW invites residents to tour the new Well 7-7A PFAS Treatment Facility during a community Open House on Thursday, August 20, from 5 to 7 PM, located at 21 Elizabeth Avenue.
You're Invited: Open House for Franklin's New Well 7-7A PFAS Treatment Facility - August 20

The new facility was built to remove per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from drinking water and is designed to produce up to 580,000 gallons of treated drinking water per day while meeting Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) drinking water standards. The project also included upgrades to the site's existing treatment buildings, helping ensure Franklin continues to provide safe, reliable drinking water to the community.

During the Open House, visitors will have the opportunity to:
  • Tour the new treatment facility.
  • Learn how PFAS treatment works using granular activated carbon (GAC).
  • Meet members of Franklin's Public Works and Water Operations team.
  • Discover how the Town is investing in the long-term reliability and quality of Franklin's drinking water supply.
The event is free and open to the public. Whether you're interested in learning more about Franklin's water system or seeing the new facility firsthand, all are welcome to attend.


Senior Story Hour - WFPR: Episode 108 - Perfectly Lonely, August, Bob and Ray, Growing Old, Murder Most Foul, Franklin, Dad, and Hippidy Hops (audio)

In this episode, the Franklin Senior Center Writers Group shares stories, poems, and writings about summertime in July and August, being perfectly lonely, Bob and Ray, love growing older, the town of Franklin, Dad, a song about a beloved pet, and Alice shares the next chapter in her book Murder Most Foul.



Senior Story Hour - WFPR = The Franklin Senior Center Writer's Group
Steve Sherlock hosts The Franklin Senior Center Writer's Group for a monthly reading of short stories, essays, poetry and more. 
Find more episodes here (or on your favorite podcast app) ->  https://senior-scribblers.captivate.fm/episodes

Register O'Donnell Reveals Norfolk County’s Top Real Estate Sales: First Half of 2026

Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O’Donnell reported that during the first half of 2026, ten properties, a mix of commercial and residential, each sold for more than $20 million with an average price of $29.5 million.

The following prices pertain to real estate sales from January 1, 2026, to June 30, 2026.
Register O'Donnell Reveals Norfolk County’s Top Real Estate Sales: First Half of 2026


The ten properties were:

29 & 31 Wall Street, Foxborough, known as Foxmeadow Farm, a recently constructed mixed-use development consisting of 50 apartments and approximately 4,600 square feet of commercial space in downtown Foxborough, sold in February for $20,375,000.

333 Lee Street, Brookline, an 11-bedroom, 11-bath, 20,000-square-foot mansion in the Chestnut Hill neighborhood, sold in March for $22,150,000. The residence is situated on more than three acres of land and features a carriage house, as well as a separate indoor swimming pool pavilion connected to the main residence by an underground passageway.

40 Robbie Road, Avon, a warehouse and distribution facility known as the Odyssey Building, sold in January for $22,200,000. Located within the Avon Industrial Park, the property contains approximately 156,000 square feet of industrial space with extensive loading capabilities.

978 Worcester Street, Wellesley, home to the Mass General Brigham Newton-Wellesley Ambulatory Care Center, a two-story, approximately 25,000-square-foot medical office building along Route 9, sold in March for $25,550,000. The outpatient facility provides primary care, imaging, laboratory, orthopedic, and specialty medical services.

324 Washington Street, Wellesley, known as Phillips Park Apartments, a 49-unit apartment complex situated on approximately 1.9 acres of land adjacent to the Wellesley Hills commuter rail station, sold in January for $26,500,000.

175 Revere Street, Canton, home to Cornerstone at Canton, an assisted living and memory care community, sold in June for $27,285,000. Opened in 2015, the facility contains 87 residential units and provides assisted living and specialized memory care services.

80-84 Wilson Way, Westwood, a research and development building containing approximately 117,000 square feet, sold in January for $30,000,000. Situated on more than 10 acres near Route 1 and Interstate 95, the property is occupied by Beth Israel Lahey Health Specialty Pharmacy.

206 Grove Street, Franklin, a modern industrial warehouse and distribution facility containing approximately 152,000 square feet, sold in January for $32,400,000. Constructed in 2021, the property was designed as a logistics facility with significant loading capacity and access to Interstate 495.

100 West Street, Needham, a 4.3-acre redevelopment site located adjacent to the Needham Heights commuter rail station, sold in January for $40,000,000. Formerly the site of an assisted living and skilled nursing facility, the property is slated for redevelopment into a 189-unit multifamily residential community.

399 Chestnut Hill Avenue, Brookline, a 160,000-square-foot mixed-use property at Cleveland Circle featuring the AC Hotel Boston Cleveland Circle, ground-floor restaurants, retail space, and 92 residential living spaces, sold in February for $48,910,848. Situated at the crossroads of Brookline, Brighton, and Chestnut Hill, the property is located in one of the area's most active neighborhoods.

The top sales appear to have been a combination of apartment complexes, distribution facilities, and private residences. The state and Norfolk County collected excise taxes totaling nearly $1,346,900 from these 10 sales.

“The variety in these real estate transactions bodes well for the Norfolk County economy, with high-value properties selling in both commercial and residential sectors,” stated Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O’Donnell. “This indicates that Norfolk County is not only a desirable place to live and work but also a magnet for business, industry, and trade. Overall, the strength of the local real estate market underscores the county’s attractiveness and its potential for continued growth and prosperity.”

To learn more about these and other Registry of Deeds events and initiatives like us on Facebook at facebook.com/NorfolkDeeds, or follow us on X at x.com/NorfolkDeeds and Instagram at instagram.com/NorfolkDeeds.

The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds is located at 649 High Street in Dedham. The Registry is a resource for homeowners, title examiners, mortgage lenders, municipalities and others with a need for secure, accurate, accessible land record information. All land record research information can be found on the Registry’s website www.norfolkdeeds.org. Residents in need of assistance can contact the Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center via telephone at (781) 461-6101, or email us at registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org.

Please consider making a donation to The Pantry, or become a GEM (Give Every Month) member

Summer means fresh, nutritious produce is in season! Good nutrition is foundational to leading a healthy life—giving us the energy to show up as our best selves at home, work, and school. Yet, for too many in our community, healthy food remains out of reach.

Please consider making a donation to The Pantry, or become a GEM (Give Every Month) member

Fresh produce and specialty items including low-sodium, gluten-free, and sugar-free options that are essential for managing medical conditions are often the most expensive items at the grocery store. In Massachusetts, 57% of households experiencing food insecurity also report low nutrition security, meaning they simply cannot afford the healthy foods necessary for long-term well-being.


Our neighbors experiencing food and nutrition insecurity face growing hurdles. Rising grocery prices, paired with state funding shortages at the Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) that delay SNAP and HIP benefits, have made access to healthy food harder than ever.


To meet these challenges, we’re continuing to collaborate with dedicated partners like Spoonfuls, Night Owl Farm, Boston Area Gleaners, and local supermarkets to supply us with wholesome food. We’re also expanding fresh food access directly out in the community by sponsoring a SNAP Match every Friday at the Franklin Farmers’ Market—but we need your support.


Please consider making a donation to The Pantry, or become a GEM (Give Every Month) member to provide dependable support for our neighbors. Your generosity helps local families receive the nutrition they need to thrive. Thank you for helping ensure that no one in our community needs to faces hunger alone.


With heartfelt gratitude for your partnership,


Tina Powderly

Executive Director, the Franklin Food Pantry