What's happening in Franklin, MA: Sunday, Aug 3, 2025 ??

Sunday, Aug 3

11:00am Sunday Brunch (Teddy Gallagher's Irish Pub)

1:00pm Sunday Fundays (Fairmount Fruit Farm)

1:00pm Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

2:00pm Jamie Barrett (live music) (PiNZ Bowl, Milford)

7:00pm Sunday at Sunset (St John's Episcopal Church)

** NO Town Meetings today   **

------------

What's happening today in Franklin? 

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

Uncle Spiny schedule to perform at THE BLACK BOX August 15

Uncle Spiny schedule to perform at THE BLACK BOX August 15

Join us on August 15th for some rock ‘n’ roll!


THEBLACKBOXonline.com | 508-528-3370

Shared from ->   https://www.instagram.com/p/DMsYKnixe6j/

Tickets available ->  https://theblackboxonline.com/uncle-spiny/

The Police Station Building Committee will take a tour of the facility at 911 Panther Way - Aug 6 at 5 PM

Police Station Building Committee

Agenda & Meeting Packet

August 6, 2025 - 5:00 PM

Meeting will be held at the Franklin Police Station, 911 Panther Way

Agenda:

1. Tour of the Franklin Police Station located at 911 Panther Way.

facility at 911 Panther Way

The Building Committee will take a tour of the facility. The public is welcome to attend and tour the facility with the Committee. There will be more public opportunities to tour the facility in September and October as part of a formal public outreach and engagement series.

 

Agenda doc - (no remote participation) 

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08062025-1801

Welcome to August, enjoy these last weeks of summer before school and Town business resumes in earnest in September

Franklin Matters or Franklin Matters Weekly

Thank you for coming here directly, or subscribing to the daily dose of news that matters in Franklin, MA. A friendly reminder, that there is a weekly alternative to the daily email. 

Yes, each Sunday between 11:00 AM and noon, you can get ONE email with the outlook on the school and Town meetings for the coming week, and a look back at the meetings and events from the prior week.

One email, a snapshot of what's coming and what did happen. Rich with the links to the agendas for the coming meetings or to the TV, audio and textual reporting on what did happen.

You can find this week's outlook here -> https://www.franklinmattersweekly.org/

There is a tab along the top navigation bar where you can subscribe for the one email -> https://www.franklinmattersweekly.org/p/subscribe-for-email.html

Franklin TV: What’s Left?

by Pete Fasciano, Executive Director 08/02/2025

A casual conversation, overheard:

“I ‘member when y’ could ack-shly bang a left out o’ Hunnydoo Donitz.”

The group holding court in the corner were referring to the increasingly heavy –

and increasingly frustrating – traffic along Franklin’s main drag – Route 140.

“Yeh. You got that right. Ain’t like it usta be – wikkid busy these days.“

Behind the wheel, most of us suffer in silence. Then there are those who refuse to suffer so silently. They’re quick to lean on that horn over any and every thing.

Their car horn becomes weaponized.

Conversely, there are some who struggle to drive. They’re acutely hyper-cautious.

It’s all dangerous. Leaning on the horn from behind? Not helpful.

Standing at a corner, I witnessed one driver ‘of a certain age’ carefully preparing to negotiate a left turn. He rolled slowly, almost to a stop. The driver behind him wasn’t having it, and repeatedly hit the horn.

“What’s it take just to negotiate a left turn? You need a negotiating team.?  Turn already.”

More impatient honking – and yelling.

“Just take the turn, old man. Why are you even on the road?”

The cautious driver had started turning, then abruptly stopped – got out –

calmly walked back to the honker/screamer behind him. He said,

“I was turning – when all the honking distracted me – and yes, I froze. 

Consider, sir, that someday, if you are fortunate enough to live long enough – and to drive long enough – this – will be your turn. 

And, in turn – I hope that whoever is behind you is more considerate – more patient.”

Absent simple turns of kindness, what’s left?

And – as always –

Thank you for listening to wfpr●fm. 

And, thank you for watching.

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

Reminder, fundraising for FHS Boys Soccer at La Cantina - Aug 20

Reminder, fundraising for FHS Boys Soccer at La Cantina - Aug 20

Are you free on Wednesday 8/20? — the FHS Boys Soccer is hosting their fundraising event at @lacantinawinery . 

Support the boys and have a great night out. 

Stay tuned for our special events that we will announce shortly for our FHS Girls Soccer! 

Shared from ->   https://t.co/ztKYtiO6ru

Historic Happenings at the Franklin Historical Museum for August 2025

Bridal Exhibit Continues

Thanks to popular demand, Franklin Historical Museum is holding over its popular Bridal Gown Exhibit, Something Old and Something New, through August! See gowns worn by Franklin-area brides in a range of fashions throughout the decades, from the late 1800s right up to the 2000s. Bridal photography and ephemera are also on display. 

Bridal Gown Exhibit, Something Old and Something New

Each of the more than  30 gowns carries with it a unique story, preserving the hopes and dreams of each bride on her special day for generations to come. Our 2025 exhibit again features the highly requested 1946 parachute dress with the amazing 15-foot train, sewn from the silk used in a Japanese military parachute.

The Bridal Exhibit continues through Saturday, August 30 during regular museum hours, Saturdays 10 to 1 and Sundays 1 to 4. 

Please verify open hours over Labor Day weekend by visiting https://www.franklinmuseum1778.com

Sunday, August 10 

Second Sunday Speaker Series:  A Deep Dive Into the Rayner Postcard Collection

The Rayner Postcard Collection is one of the most important collections of postcards of Franklin, currently in the collection of the Franklin Public Library. Historical Commission Chair, Alan Earls, will show as many of the 100 plus postcard, some in color and some in black and white, dating from the late 19th century to about 1970, as can be squeezed into 50 minutes! The program starts at 1:15.  

The museum is open from 1-4 and admission is free. Due to the presence of the Bridal Exhibit, seating is somewhat limited.

The Franklin Historical Museum is located at 80 West Central Street, Franklin. The museum is open Saturday mornings from 10AM-1PM and Sunday afternoons from 1:00PM-4:00PM. 

When visiting the museum, please consider donating a non-perishable item for the Franklin Food Pantry.    Questions? Contact Alan Earls at 508 560 3786.   

Visit us online at https://www.franklinmuseum1778.com

Additional photos of the Bridal Gown exhibit ->   https://photos.app.goo.gl/LainhpBGwGNUm6o49

FTC provides free resources for learning money management and how to spot and avoid scams

Free resources for learning money management and how to spot and avoid scams By BCP Staff Do you know someone who might need to brush up on their money management skills? Or learn to spot and avoid scams? Back-to-school season is a good time to get to work on learning. Whether you're a student, a parent, or just looking to sharpen your skills, you can learn how to protect your money and personal information. The FTC's consumer.gov has free, reliable information in plain language to help you get started. Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2025/08/free-resources-learning-money-management-and-how-spot-and-avoid-scams?utm_source=govdelivery

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule for Sunday, Aug 3, 2025

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 Sunday

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

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule for Sunday

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Saturday, August 2, 2025 ??

Saturday, August 2

9:00am Thrifty Threads (Franklin Federated Church)

10:00am Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

10:00am Walking Group (St John's Episcopal Church)

10:30am Toe Jam Puppet Band! (Franklin Public Library)

11:00am "Non-Scene" Friends LGBTQ Meetup (Bar Louie - Patriot Place)

12:00pm Mad Science Minis! (Franklin Public Library)

2:00pm ESOL Volunteer Tutor Training  (Franklin Public Library)

2:00pm PZC Zen Fest at Founder's Day (99 Pound Rd, Cumberland, RI)

8:00pm Karaoke at The Raillery (Raillery Public House)

8:00pm THE BLACK BOX Sings… Dolly Parton (THE BLACK BOX)

** NO Town Meetings today   **

------------

What's happening today in Franklin? 

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

Dean College' Schools of Performing Arts 2025-2026 Season Ticket Packages on sale as of Aug 1, 2025

The 25-26 Season Ticket Packages for the Schools of Performing Arts at Dean College are now available for purchase.  Regular single tickets will go on sale on September 1.  Here are the links to the different ticket packages available:

25-26 Dance Season Package - https://ci.ovationtix.com/36211/store/packages/148315

25-26 Theatre Season Package - https://ci.ovationtix.com/36211/store/packages/148314

25-26 Full Season Package - https://ci.ovationtix.com/36211/store/packages/148316

The Full Season Package (eight performances - four theatre and four dance) is $132 for the general public and $72 for senior citizens and non-Dean students

The Theatre Series Package (four performances – The Wolves, Cabaret, Much Ado About Nothing, and The Prom) 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 starting today at the links above.  Again individual single tickets for all shows will go on sale September 1 at  www.dean.edu/performance. If there are any questions about season ticket packages, please email David Rowell (drowell@dean.edu) or Anna Proulx (aprolux@dean.edu). 

Thank you.

----------------

Here is a breakdown of the eight (four theatre and four dance) mainstage 25-26 season shows:

2025-2026 Performing Arts Season at Dean

The Wolves
Written by Sarah DeLappe
     October 15-19, 2025 - Main Stage

A contemporary play that follows the experiences of a high school girls' indoor soccer team. The drama unfolds entirely during their pre-game warm-ups as nine teenage girls navigate complex issues of adolescence, identity, and social dynamics. Presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc.  (www.concordtheatricals.com).

Fall Dance Concert
     October 31-November 1, 2025 - Guidrey Center

This performance showcases student choreography, celebrating the creative voices of Dean's dance majors and demonstrating a range of choreographic perspectives

Cabaret
Book by Joe Masteroff; Based on the play by John Van Druten and stories by Christopher Isherwood; Music by John Kander; Lyrics by Fred Ebb
     November 12-16, 2025 - Main Stage

Daring, provocative, and exuberantly entertaining, this musical explores the dark and heady life of Bohemian Berlin as Germany slowly yields to the emerging Third Reich.  Presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Tams-Witmark (www.concordtheatricals.com).

Faculty Dance Works
     December 5-6, 2025 - Main Stage

Two energetic and exciting evenings of dance, featuring outstanding works conceived by the Joan Phelps Palladino School of Dance faculty and guest artists.

Much Ado About Nothing
Written by William Shakespeare
     February 18-22, 2026 - Main Stage

One of Shakespeare's last comedies, Much Ado About Nothing was first presented in 1598 and feels as contemporary as if it were written yesterday. The classic play is chock-full of surprises, laughs, relationships that feel familiar, and unforgettable characters navigating their way through impossible circumstances.

Choreographers' Concert
     February 27-28, 2026 - Main Stage

Dean student choreographers will have selected works showcased and adjudicated by renowned industry professionals in this two-night concert. Join us to enjoy the creative talents of emerging choreographers in a full production setting.

Friday evening's presentation will feature live commentary from guest artists following each work, while the program will be reprised as a regular concert on Saturday evening.

Please note: The performances may differ each night, so please ensure you attend the appropriate performance if you hope to see specific students.

The Prom
Book and lyrics by Chad Beguelin; Book by Bob Martin; Music by Matthew Sklar; Based on an original concept by Jack Viertel; Original Broadway Production directed and choreographed by Casey Nicholaw
     April 8-12, 2026 - Main Stage

In this comedic and heartwarming musical, four Broadway stars come together to support a high school girl in a small town who faces backlash from the school's PTA for wanting to attend prom with her girlfriend. Winner of the Drama Desk Award for Best Musical, The Prom expertly captures all the humor and heart of a classic musical comedy with a message that resonates with audiences now more than ever.  Presented through special arrangement with, and all authorized performance materials are supplied by, Theatrical Rights Worldwide 1180 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 640, New York, NY 10036 (www.theatricalrights.com).

Dance Company
     April 23-26, 2026 - Main Stage

Faculty and guest choreographers will showcase the impressive talent of Dean's dance majors through a variety of new and restaged dance works, featuring a diverse program of dance genres.

Sunday Funday at Fairmount Fruit Farm - Aug 3 from 1 PM to 5 PM

Sunday Funday at Fairmount Fruit
Farm - Aug 3 from 1 PM to 5 PM

Shared from ->   https://www.facebook.com/share/p/19GBcwrwrb/

For more about Fairmount Fruit Farm ->   https://www.fairmountfruit.com/

Beaver St. Interceptor Project: Construction Updates ~ Monday (8/4) through Friday (8/8) -> Beaver Street will be closed at the MBTA train tracks

Monday (8/4) thru Tuesday (8/5) the contractor will be performing test pit excavations on Rt. 140 in the southbound lane from Burger King to Beaver Street.

During this time there will be a rolling lane closure. Please use caution when traveling in this area and follow all posted signs.

BEAVER STREET ROAD CLOSURE NOTICE!!

Starting Wednesday (8/6) thru Friday (8/8)  Beaver Street will be closed at the MBTA train tracks during the day between 7 AM to 4 PM.  

Those needed to access 242 to 290 Beaver Street will be able to use Rt. 140 only.  This includes access to Franklin Glass, Panera Fresh Dough Facility and Franklin Recreation. Access to all other locations on Beaver Street, including the Town of Franklin Recycling Center, Beaver Street Recreation Area, and the businesses on Master Drive will be accessed from Grove St.

 

At the Franklin Recreation Center, the construction of the new Beaver Street Interceptor Pump Station will continue with construction of the exterior building structure and internal building component installation.

Shared from -> https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/557/Beaver-Street-Interceptor-BSI-Project

6th Annual Medway Community Church Reach Out & Run 5k = Aug 23

Want to get a little exercise for a good cause, and get some free swag too?  

Register for the 6th Annual Medway Community Church Reach Out & Run 5k by 8/3 to get a free race t-shirt.  

6th Annual Medway Community Church
Reach Out & Run 5k = Aug 23

100% of race proceeds benefit the Franklin Food Pantry, Medway Village Food Pantry, and the Medway House Family Shelter. 

Runners, walkers, and strollers are all welcome, and we have a fun Kids Run too.

See you at the starting line!

Register -> https://runsignup.com/Race/MA/Medway/ReachOutandRun5K

The Guardian: Changes at National Museum of American History come amid president’s push to reshape US cultural agencies

"The Smithsonian Institution has scrubbed all mention of Donald Trump’s impeachments from a prominent display at the National Museum of American History, temporarily eliminating any acknowledgment of the president’s unique status as the only US leader the House impeached twice.

The alterations to the presidential power exhibit, first reported by the Washington Post, occurred in July, with museum officials replacing contemporary signage with an older version that excludes Trump’s impeachment proceedings entirely. Visitors now see only a generic reference to three presidents facing potential removal from office.

An exhibit at the Smithsonian National Museum of
American History in Washington DC on 31 March.
Photograph: Maansi Srivastava for The Washington Post via Getty Images

Museum representatives confirmed the changes followed an institutional review of exhibition content.

“In reviewing our legacy content recently, it became clear that the ‘Limits of Presidential Power’ section in The American Presidency: A Glorious Burden exhibition needed to be addressed,” a Smithsonian spokesperson told the Guardian. “Because the other topics in this section had not been updated since 2008, the decision was made to restore the Impeachment case back to its 2008 appearance.”

Shared from ->  https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/aug/01/smithsonian-trump-impeachments?CMP=share_btn_url

"“This is a very targeted, well-thought-out plan of dismantling the Snap program that federal policy makers won’t take responsibility for"

"Poverty and hunger will rise as a result of the Trump administration’s unprecedented cuts to the US federal “food stamps” program, according to experts. Low-income workers who rely on the aid are braced for dire consequences.

Katie Giede, a single mother and waitress in Conyers, Georgia, is one of the 42 million Americans who use the supplemental nutrition assistance program (Snap). Even with the maximum benefit permitted, she struggles to afford food for her and her child.

Low-wage workers reeling over Trump’s
looming Snap cuts as food prices rise

She makes $3 an hour plus tips at the fast-food chain Waffle House, where she has worked for 11 years. The company deducts meals from workers’ pay check per shift, regardless of whether they eat one or not.

“Our pay is already so little that we’re struggling with everything,” Giede told the Guardian. “Single mothers like myself are reliant upon the benefits like Snap and Medicaid. So when you go and you cut that as well, now you have mothers out here that are not only worried at night because they already can’t afford housing or a vehicle, but we’re also worried what is our kid is going to eat? Because we no longer have help.”

Continue reading the article -> https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/aug/01/snap-food-stamps-trump-cuts?CMP=share_btn_url

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule for Saturday, August 2, 2025

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 Saturday

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

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule for Saturday

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Friday, Aug 1, 2025 ??

Friday, Aug 1

Library & Senior Center events

10:00am Knitting Group (Franklin Public Library)

1:00pm Thrifty Threads (Franklin Federated Church)

2:00pm Farmers Market (Franklin Town Common)

3:00pm David Rak (live music) (Franklin Town Common)

5:30pm Electric Youth and the Boston Show Band (live music) (Franklin Town Common)

7:30pm Jamie Barrett (live music) (Bog Iron Brewing)

8:00pm Movie Night (No confirmation that this is still happening) (Franklin Town Common)

For additional details on Library & Senior Center events ->        

https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar.aspx?CID=37,24&showPastEvents=false

** NO Town Meetings today   **

------------

What's happening today in Franklin? 

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