Franklin Matters

Thursday, September 10, 2026

Children's Museum schedules A colorful evening just for grown-ups! - September 18

A Night at the Museum is back on September 18.

Bring your friends. Make it a date night. Get a group together.

Most importantly, come have a ridiculously fun night while supporting Children’s Museum of Franklin. As a nonprofit, nights like this help us continue creating joyful, accessible experiences for kids and families throughout our community.

Children's Museum schedules A colorful evening just for grown-ups! - September 18

🎨 A Night at the Museum: Color Party

📅 September 18, 7:00–10:00 pm

🥂 Adults only

📍 Children’s Museum of Franklin

We’re taking over the Museum for a night of food, drinks, music and plenty of fun!

Our theme this year is a Color Party!

We invite you to wear your favorite joyful shade – red, orange, yellow, green, blue, or purple – and help us fill the Museum with every color of the rainbow.

Get your tickets - https://childrensmuseumoffranklin.app.neoncrm.com/nx/portal/neonevents/events?path=%2Fportal%2Fevents%2F51603

SchCmte Policy subcommittee tackles fiscal policies, promotes PROTECT Act item to full committee (exclusive audio)

FM #1817 - This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1817 in the series.

This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee Policy Subcmte meeting held on Tuesday, September 8, 2026. All 3 members (Dave Callaghan (Chair), Al Charles, Reis Hansen) participated in the session held in the 3rd floor training room. Superintendent Giguere, Dr Tina Rogers, and Dr Bob Dutch also participated.

Quick recap:

Discussion on the recent release of new model policies, procedures and guidance by the Healey-Driscoll Administration today to help K-12 schools and child care programs respond to civil immigration enforcement, protect confidential information and implement the PROTECT Act ahead of the 2026–2027 school year. The District already had internal procedures covering such circumstances, this release brings it to a policy level with minimal wording changes to agree with the standards. Recommendation to move policy as discussed (include track changes in the doc)for first reading to the Sch Cmte, motion to move second, passes 3-0
Next up a series of fiscal policies and take the opportunity to build out a review of these, esp. since the budget timeline has changed. It will take time to roll through these and make modifications before bringing them to the full committee. They have the time to do so without rushing. The superintendent adds a comment to better clarify the transparency involved discussion around how the community is involved. "greatest educational return." Discussion on the fine line between advocating for school needs vs. recognition of town fiscal funding reality
Up for next time; policy on access to school grounds during the school day, encouraging use of the facility outside of school hours, and the freedom to read act is being reviewed to see what policies may be required for update
Meeting adjourns, folks move to Chambers for full School Committee meeting

The recording runs about 51 minutes, so let’s listen in.

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1817-school-cmte-policy-subcmte-mtg-09-08-26/

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The meeting agenda can be found ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09082026-2485

My full set of notes taken during the meeting can be found in one PDF ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1IF18b3caQKDgzNkfSalZUMrtwHb2uCQ3/view?usp=drive_link

Gov Healey’s press release on the guidance that drove the first discussion item

https://www.mass.gov/news/healey-driscoll-administration-releases-new-guidance-to-implement-protect-act-in-schools-and-child-care-programs

School Committee Policy manual - https://www.franklinps.net/o/fpsd/page/policy-manual

School Committee Subcommittee assignments

https://www.franklinps.net/o/fpsd/page/subcommittees-and-liaisons

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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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FHS golf team tops Attleboro on Wednesday

Via Instagram, Franklin TV, and our subscription to HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the Fall sports competition for Franklin High School on Wednesday, September 9, 2026

Golf = Franklin, 150 @ Attleboro, 159 – Final

– Ben Burgess fired a one-under 34 with a birdie on seven to lead Franklin past Attleboro. Bryce Botelho added a 38, highlighted by an eagle on the sixth hole, while Ayden Doyle and Ethan Helm each carded a 39 with birdies on six and seven, respectively. Tyler Perlman also shot a 39 for the Panthers. Jonathan Wellington led Attleboro with a 39, while Jackson Deyesso, Mark Lehtonen, and Nick Friess each finished with a 40.

For other results across the Hockomock League (subscription required)

https://hockomocksports.com/wednesdays-schedule-scoreboard-09-09-26/

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

The Gavel Drop: "Critics of the Legislature’s productivity ignore a key legal distinction setting Mass. apart from nearly all other states"

"EVEN-NUMBERED YEARS are always memorable on Beacon Hill, with a flurry of activity to get bills over the legislative finish line. As I write this, conference committees are working to deliver major bills to the governor’s desk before the end of the 2025-26 legislative session.

As attention turns to the big pieces of legislation awaiting final action, an accompanying narrative invariably gets a good airing: Massachusetts has the least productive legislature in the country, with lawmakers who pass few bills across the state’s two-year legislative session.

The Gavel Drop: "Critics of the Legislature’s productivity ignore a key legal distinction setting Mass. apart from nearly all other states"

It is easy to see how that storyline can spark the ire of voters and the scorn of opinion writers. But it is a fundamentally flawed reading of legislative productivity for reasons that are virtually never acknowledged amid the easy targeting of lawmakers.

As counsel to the Massachusetts Senate, I’m constantly reminded of the flaw in those attacks by reflecting on my experience at the end of a legislative session in a very different state. More than 20 years ago, during my third year of law school at the University of Virginia, I was a legal fellow in the Virginia governor’s office. On the final days of the Virginia legislative session in Richmond, I marveled at the stacks and stacks of approved bills that were delivered to the governor’s desk. The volume of bills was rather breathtaking, but the scope of each bill was sometimes painfully narrow.

That’s because Virginia is one of 43 states that have constitutions that limit all or most legislation to a single subject, a limitation known as the “single subject” rule.

The situation in Massachusetts is markedly different. The Bay State is one of only seven states—along with Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Rhode Island, Connecticut, and North Carolina—that have no such limitations. Similar to Congress, which has no single-subject limitations, the Massachusetts Legislature is allowed to pass a bill touching as many topics as it wants. There are no single-subject limitations in the Commonwealth’s constitution, statutes, or legislative rules.

It’s precisely because of that distinction between Massachusetts and most other states that I bristle at the disingenuous but persistent claim that Massachusetts has the least productive, least effective state legislature in the country."

Continue reading this issue of The Gavel Drop -

https://masenate.substack.com/p/critics-of-the-legislatures-productivity?r=2yhfei&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=email

Or at The CommonWealth Beacon -

https://commonwealthbeacon.org/opinion/critics-of-the-legislatures-productivity-ignore-a-key-legal-distinction-setting-mass-apart-from-nearly-all-states/

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."

https://gis.massdot.state.ma.us/SRTS_Universe/Flagship_Event_Registration/Editor/

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.

Video link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EGtNLXDSr-Q

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.

www.thezajacbrothersband.com

Where: Veterans of Foreign Wars, Walpole, MA

When: Friday, September 18 • 7 PM - 11 PM

For tickets to the Launch Party - https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ben-speaks-launch-party-tickets-1994700295279

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!

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)

This hour features The Commission on Disability Meeting 9/03/26 https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/09/commission-on-disability-meeting.html

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.

Find the playlist -> https://tinyurl.com/TurntablePlaylists

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