Dean College Announces 2026–2027 Performing Arts Season

Dean College proudly announces its 2026–2027 performing arts season, featuring theatre and dance productions performed by Dean students and brought to life in collaboration with accomplished faculty, guest artists, choreographers and directors. Running from October through May, the season includes four mainstage theatre productions, four major dance concerts and four student showcase productions.

“This season gives our students opportunities to explore ambitious works, develop their individual artistic voices and share their talents with the wider community,” said Stephen Ursprung, Dean of the Schools of Performing Arts. “From contemporary musicals and thought-provoking plays to original student and faculty choreography, each production reflects the creativity, collaboration and professional preparation at the heart of Dean’s performing arts programs.

This season also arrives at a meaningful moment, as the nation marks its 250th anniversary. While not every production speaks directly to patriotism, the season as a whole is shaped around the question of what it means to be American: how we exist in community with one another, how we face challenges as a society, and how we embody ingenuity, collaboration and resilience in the face of adversity.   

Regularly priced tickets range from $12 to $22 per show. Full-season ticket packages offer a 25 percent discount off the regular single-ticket prices. The Full Season Package (eight performances) is $132 for the general public and $72 for senior citizens and non-Dean students. All shows for Dean students are $5.  

The Theatre Series Package (four performances – “The Skin of Our Teeth,” “Urinetown,” “August: Osage County,” and “9 to 5”) is $66 for the general public and $36 for senior citizens and non-Dean students.  

The Dance Series Package (four performances – “Fall Dance Concert,” “Faculty Dance Works,” “Choreographers’ Concert,” and “Dance Company”) is $66 for the general public and $36 for senior citizens and non-Dean students.  

Ticket packages are now available online at www.dean.edu/performance. Individual show tickets will be available beginning September 8.  

Continue reading the press release which includes additional details on each performance

https://www.dean.edu/news-events/story/dean-college-announces-2026-2027-performing-arts-season/

School Committee welcomes new administrators, approves handbook changes, gets updates on hiring, transportation & facility projects (video)

The Franklin School Committee met as scheduled on Tuesday, August 25 in Council Chambers. 6 of the 7 members were present; 1 participated remotely (O'Sullivan) (hence all votes were via roll call), 1 member absent (Callaghan).

Franklin TV video is available for replay - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XOqCiAbY_s4

The agenda doc - https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08252026-2467 

Quick recap:

• New administrators and Central office personnel were introduced and photos taken to share with the community
• Human Resources provided a hiring update, in a better position now with 17 openings than the prior 3 years, some of the openings are in the process of being fulfilled
• Review of the chnages to the school handbooks for the high school, middle school, elementary and ECDC. Mostly minor changes at the lewer levels some key chnages for the upper grades
• Later in the meeting, the handbooks were approved so they will be distributed electronically to all the parents and families
• Update on Transportation, only 40 on the waitlist, approx 280 had been on the waitlist, some having moved within the district or into the district but the majority simply missed the registration deadline in June
• bus schedules and routes are posted to the Schools page https://www.franklinps.net/o/fpsd/page/transportation/
• bus passes will be distributed by the schools when they open, elementary students will get a tag for their backpacks, middle and high school will get the standard pass
• Update on facility projects, some completed across the district some still in process, some funded but scheduled for later in the school year or next summer due to potential disruption of the school operations
• Committee entered Executive Session not to return to open meeting

My complete set of notes captured during the meeting

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1HWfAJ6oObFg475FYzqh8NS-TjQ3poSit/view?usp=drive_link

Photo album of the handbook updates https://photos.app.goo.gl/Ggp9R1C5182HgZY58

Photo album of the Transportation update

https://photos.app.goo.gl/HwiGhfnd4DcgfNQn8

Photo almbum of the Facilitiy updates

https://photos.app.goo.gl/8RnTJnVhvbCK9oMt6

Mitzi gives us the inside view on the event highlights for the Library in September 2026 (audio & video)

FM #1802 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1802x 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 Saturday, August 22, 2026.

 

We talk about 

• Reviewed the regular open hours, book sale and holiday scheduling for the month

• Sunday hours (1:30 to 5 PM) return on September 13

• Book sale weekend Sep 18 & Sep 19 

• Library event highlights for September 2026

• In calendar order rather than by category this time around

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 19 minutes, so let’s listen in.

Audio link -  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1802-franklin-public-library-sept-2026-event-highlights-08-22-26/

Video link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-wLaLjXquA

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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 

September 2026 newsletter -  (to be added, still showing the August edition)

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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"

Franklin Navratri Is Back! October 17, 2026

"Get ready to celebrate, connect, and dance the night away! 

The Indian Cultural Association of Franklin (ICAF) is excited to bring our community together once again for Franklin Navratri — an evening filled with culture, music, fun, and celebration! 

Thank you for your continued support and for helping make this tradition so special. 

Mark your calendar and stay tuned for more details. We can’t wait to celebrate with you! 

Interested in hosting a vendor booth?

For details and inquiries, please email Contact: ICAFMA@gmail.com."

Shared from - https://www.instagram.com/p/DcZgPj0D7wU/?

ICAF Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61563869237280#

Save the date: You're invited to the Sculpture Park - Sep 10

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!

https://www.franklinma.gov/1000/The-Franklin-Sculpture-Park

Live music at the Farmers Market features Kaye Kelly, this Friday, August 28

Live music at the market this Friday!

We’re excited to have @one_creative_life (Kaye Kelly) joining us on Aug. 28 from 2–6 PM! Come spend the afternoon at the market, shop from your favorite local vendors, grab something to eat, and enjoy some live acoustic music from Heather.

This performance is sponsored by the @franklinculturalcouncil02038 and the @masscultural

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

Aging Agenda: Arthur Vigeant (video)

Aging Agenda, a 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.

In this episode, Tony talks with Arthur Vigeant

• video link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tm6O1M5Ahz0

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm Schedule for Wednesday, August 26, 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:

8:00 AM, 1:00 PM, and 6:00 PM - Franklin Matters Radio – Steve Sherlock covering Franklin, its local government, services, and events 

• This hour features Talking with 2 young authors "Super Kids"    https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/08/talking-with-couple-of-super-kids-audio.html

9:00 AM, 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM  The Wonderful World of Wine – Mark Lenzi, Kim Simone  All about wine, its culture, lore and finer points.    (repeats Saturday at 1 PM)  

• This segment features Episode 322 - A Masterclass With Deborah Parker Wong   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/08/the-wonderful-world-of-wine-www-episode_01540314501.html
   

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 Wednesday, August 26, 2026 (Your local Public, Education & Government "PEG" station)

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

7:30 am     Arts Advocacy Day: Marketing

8:30 am Franklin Art Association: Katie Kindilien

10:00 am Second Sunday Speaker Series: Peter Glass

11:30 am Cooking Thyme: Ice Cream

12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin: Taquitos

12:30 pm Learn to Cook with Linda: Sticky Buns

1:30 pm     Pizzapalooza: Meat-Lovers Pt. 1

2:00 pm New England Candlepins Summer 2023 Show 8

3:00 pm Candlepin New Generation: Show 11

4:00 pm Aging Agenda: Arthur Vigeant

5:00 pm Franklin Matters: Kitchen Center

6:00 pm Franklin 4th: 2 Guys Who Like Sharks

8:30 pm Circle of Friends: Vance Gilbert

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

8:30 am Middle School Spring Band 06-04-26

10:00 am Metrowest Symposium: Sharing Identity on Social Media

11:00 am FHS Winter Music: Band and Wind Ensemble

3:30 pm Mary Anning: Fossil Hunter

5:15 pm      Cultural Council: BT ALC Big Band

7:00 pm FHS Varsity Football v Wachusett 09-12-25

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

8:00 am  Town Council 08-12-26

1:00 pm  Town Council 08-12-26 

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

Did you hear about keeping the lid on it due to sewer line work overnight Tuesday to Wednesday??

"OVERNIGHT SEWER LINE MAINTENANCE NOTICE 🚧

Pond Street from Partridge Street to Medway Town Line

The Franklin DPW Sewer Department will perform overnight high-pressure sewer jetting and cleaning to maintain optimal system flow and prevent backups.

What you need to know:

📆Schedule: Work takes place overnight from 11:00 PM Tuesday 8/25 to 6:00 AM Wednesday 8/26 to minimize daytime traffic disruptions.

🔊Noise Notice: Residents near the active work zones may hear moderate engine and vacuum noise from support trucks.

🚰 Sewer Usage: You may use water and sewer as normal - no service interruption.

Tip for Residents:  🚽 Please keep toilet lids down during work hours; high-pressure cleaning can occasionally cause minor air displacement or splashing in lower-level fixtures.

Direct any urgent questions to the Water / Sewer Division at (508) 520-4910.

#OvernightWork #PutDownTheLid #franklinma #keepfranklinflowing"

Shared from -  https://www.facebook.com/share/1csq6G27Nj/

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Tuesday, August 25, 2026 ???

Tuesday, August 25

8:00am Early Voting - State Primary (Town Clerk's Office)

12:00pm Community Closet (Franklin United Methodist Church) 

5:00pm Tuesday Night Cruise (Kings Brick Oven Pizza & Pub)

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

***  Town Meetings today ***

Franklin School Committee Meeting

Tuesday, August 25 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08252026-2467 

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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 Food Pantry Welcomes Community Leader Tom Mercer to Board of Directors

The Franklin Food Pantry is pleased to announce the appointment of lifelong Franklin resident Tom Mercer to its Board of Directors. Tom brings decades of public service, local governance expertise, and business leadership to the organization as it continues its mission to alleviate food insecurity.

Tom’s extensive record of civic involvement includes 10 years on the Franklin School Committee and 14 years on the Franklin Town Council. He has also chaired several of the town's major municipal construction initiatives, overseeing projects for Franklin High School, the Franklin Senior Center, and the Horace Mann/Oak Street/ECDC School Complex.

"We are incredibly fortunate to welcome Tom to our Board of Directors," said Tina Powderly, Executive Director, Franklin Food Pantry. "His deep commitment to Franklin and proven history of leadership will be invaluable as we expand our outreach and strengthen our support for local families facing food insecurity."

The addition of Tom comes at a crucial time for The Pantry, as demand for hunger-relief services increases. His strategic governance background will support The Pantry's ongoing operations, community partnerships, and long-term sustainability efforts.

"I am honored to join the Franklin Food Pantry Board of Directors," said Tom. "The Pantry plays an important role in ensuring our neighbors have access to essential resources. I look forward to working alongside the board, staff, and volunteers to advance The Pantry’s mission and ensure Franklin remains a supportive community for everyone."

Beyond his public service, Tom serves as Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Fuller Box Company, where he has led business development for more than 45 years. He is also actively involved with Dean College, the Franklin Performing Arts Company, and the Franklin Country Club.

The Pantry also extends its sincere gratitude to departing board members Oona Harrington and David Stott for their dedicated service and contributions to the organization.

About Franklin Food Pantry, Inc.

The Franklin Food Pantry, Inc. offers food assistance, household necessities, and resource referrals to more than 2,411 individuals per year. The Pantry relies on donations and grants to purchase items and pay for daily operations, and partnerships with The Greater Boston Food Bank, Spoonfuls, and local grocery stores to achieve greater buying power and lower costs. Programs include Inside Shopping, Curbside Distribution, Emergency Food Boxes, Mobile Pantries, Home Delivery, Kids’ Snack Bags, Weekend Backpacks, Holiday Meals, Food is Medicine Initiatives, and the SNAP Match at Franklin Farmers’ Market.  

The Pantry is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization in good standing in Massachusetts, recognized by Charity Navigator as a Four-Star Charity, and awarded GuideStar’s Platinum Transparency ranking. The Pantry is located at 341 W Central St. in Franklin, MA on Route 140. Please visit www.franklinfoodpantry.org, or on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn for more information.

Reps. Auchincloss, Newhouse, Moolenaar, and Khanna Reintroduce Bipartisan Legislation Targeting China’s Role in U.S. Fentanyl Crisis

Today (8/24/26), Representatives Jake Auchincloss (D-MA) and Dan Newhouse (R-WA), alongside House Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) Chairman John Moolenaar (R-MI) and Ranking Member Ro Khanna (D-CA) reintroduced the CCP Fentanyl Sanctions Act to hold the Chinese Community Party responsible for its role in the U.S. fentanyl crisis. 

After its establishment in 2024, the House Select Committee on China’s Fentanyl Policy Working Group uncovered for the first time how the CCP directly subsidizes fentanyl precursors and analogues entering North America.

The CCP Fentanyl Sanctions Act strengthens sanctions on China-based and CCP-backed entities engaged in drug trafficking, by targeting the Chinese chemical manufacturers and online vendors that are profiting by poisoning the American people.

As Co-Chairman of the Policy Working Group last Congress, Auchincloss and his colleagues focused on combating the CCP’s role in the fentanyl epidemic with legislation to curtail the threat via sanctions, trade and customs enforcement, and regulatory and enforcement measures. 

The CCP Fentanyl Sanctions Act will address fentanyl exports from China by:

• Targeting the “Achilles’ heel” of fentanyl and related synthetic narcotics producers—their exposure to the U.S. banking system courtesy of their licit activity, 
• Codifying important new authorities to address this threat while working to target those responsible for the epidemic,
• Codifying and building on Executive Order 14059, which established critical new sanctions authorities against actors involved in fentanyl trafficking, 
• Expanding existing sanctions authorities to target PRC vessels or ports that knowingly or recklessly facilitate shipment/transportation of illicit synthetic narcotics, as well as PRC online marketplaces and other entities that knowingly or recklessly facilitate sale of illicit synthetic narcotics, and 
• Providing authority to restrict foreign financial institution correspondent accounts and payable-through accounts if the President determines the account has knowingly facilitated transactions on behalf of individuals engaging in synthetic narcotics trafficking.

“Thousands of families in Massachusetts have been scarred by fentanyl,” said Rep. Auchincloss. “Chinese chemical manufacturers that are exporting this addictive poison to American shores should bear the full force of U.S. sanctions and anti-money-laundering measures.”

“The Chinese Communist Party must be held accountable for helping manufacture the fentanyl crisis,” said Rep. Newhouse. “For too long, they have subsidized and exported illicit narcotics, and Congress must take aggressive action to counter this epidemic that’s ruining American lives and families. This bipartisan legislation is a strong step in the right direction, as it targets CCP-backed entities, like Chinese chemical companies, who continue wreaking havoc on our communities.”

“The Chinese Communist Party has long had a role in facilitating the fentanyl crisis that has killed hundreds of thousands of Americans. The Select Committee’s groundbreaking report in 2024 showed how the CCP subsidized the production of fentanyl precursors sold to the Mexican cartels. The bipartisan legislation we are introducing today targets the entities and individuals who participated in this deadly and illicit practice. It is a crucial step toward holding them accountable for the pain they have caused American families," said Chairman Moolenaar.

“Fentanyl has devastated communities across America,” said Ranking Member Khanna. “I’m proud to join Rep. Auchincloss’ bipartisan effort to hold the networks responsible accountable. We must stop the flow of fentanyl and illicit precursors into our country and protect American families.” 

The full text of the legislation can be found - https://auchincloss.house.gov/imo/media/doc/ccp_fentanyl_sanctions_act_bill_text.pdf