Wednesday, September 23, 2026

Children's Museum continues anniversary celebration with ribbon cutting on new outdoor space

The Children’s Museum of Franklin did celebrate the opening of their new ~4,000-square-foot outdoor play and exploration space with a ribbon cutting on Wednesday, September 23, 2026.

ribbon cutting for outdoor space at Children's Museum
The expansion comes just days after the Museum marked its first anniversary. Children’s Museum of Franklin first opened its doors on September 18, 2025, and in its first year has welcomed more than 70,000 visitors from 400+ towns and cities across Massachusetts, Rhode Island and beyond.

The new outdoor space extends the Museum experience beyond its walls, creating additional opportunities for children to get messy, experiment, create, gather and learn through play.



Designed with accessibility and open-ended exploration at its core, the approximately 4,000-square-foot space includes:
  • Accessible pour-in-place surfacing
  • Messy art and creative play
  • A hands-on water pump and tubing system
  • Giant bubble play
  • Picnic tables for gathering, creating and eating
  • A signature Farm to Fridge exhibit created in partnership with Garelick Farms
The Farm to Fridge experience introduces children to the journey of milk from the farm to their refrigerator through hands-on, imaginative play.

ABOUT CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF FRANKLIN
Children's Museum of Franklin is a nonprofit, hands-on museum on a mission to empower children and families to discover, imagine, and grow together through play and exploration. Through interactive exhibits, engaging programming, and a commitment to accessibility and belonging, the Museum creates opportunities for joyful learning for visitors of all ages.   https://www.childrensmuseumfranklin.org/

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Wednesday, September 23, 2026 ???

Wednesday, September 23


1:00pm Scribblers Writing Group (recording session) (Franklin Senior Center)

6:30pm Bingo night (Kings Brick Oven Pizza & Pub)

6:30pm Franklin Elks Bingo Night (Franklin Elks Lodge #2136)

7:00pm Smarty Pants Trivia (Raillery Public House)



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


Franklin Senior Center Calendar for September


*** Town Meetings today ***

Council on Aging Board Meeting

Wednesday, September 23 Time: 11:00 AM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09232026-2523


Finance Committee Meeting

Wednesday, September 23 Time: 6:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09232026-2522 


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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

"We Speak in Stitches” display and presentation scheduled for Yankee Quilters meeting October 8

On Tuesday, October 13, Yankee Quilters Guild will welcome Cathy Racine, of the Charlton Sewing Center, and Charlotte Kassal, who will bring a remarkable and emotional collection of approximately 200 hand-stitched pieces fabric of art made by women around the world.
"We Speak in Stitches” 1

"We Speak in Stitches” is a collaboration between project manager Charlotte Kassal, Racine, and others to collect textile works by women on themes of democracy, freedom, and civil rights. After the individual pieces were mailed to Kassal, work began with staff of the Charlton Sewing Center to combine blocks into 23 large quilted panels for display.

Kassal said "I started this project over a year and a half ago through the 'Slow Stitch' group.  This group has 149,000 members. I proposed to the group that we create 10 1/2" x 10 1/2" blocks making statements of how we feel about Democracy, Freedom, Civil Rights, and it was an inclusive project.  Whatever a person's "leanings" were, their work would be included when the blocks were assembled into quilt panels."

"We Speak in Stitches” 2

The event at Yankee will be the second public viewing after the project opened in September at the Charlton Sewing Center.

The program will begin at 7:00 PM at Emma's Quilt Cupboard, Horace Mann Plaza, Franklin. Non-members welcome for a fee of $5.00.

On November 10th, Yankee will present "Piece by Piece," a program on making "mosaic quilts" with quilt artist Heidi Proffetty.  $5.00 for nonmembers. For more information, contact yankeequilters11@gmail.com.

The Pumpkin Patch at St. John’s Church is open from September 26 through October 31, 2026

Pumpkin Spice. 
Pumpkin Lattes. 
Do you love pumpkin season? 

Visit the 7th Annual Pumpkin Patch at St. John’s Episcopal Church at 237 Pleasant Street, September 26 through October 31. The very popular patch will be open all day 10 am to 4 pm on October 12th Columbus/Indigenous Peoples’ Day.

The Pumpkin Patch at St. John’s Church is open from September 26 through October 31, 2026
Come and buy pumpkins of all sizes, gourds and colorful mum plants at St. John’s Church front lawn. It’s a fun outing with the kids and good photo opportunity - they can pick their own, and the right time to start decorating for autumn. 

Open 7 days a week, here’s the schedule:
  • Monday-Friday 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
  • Saturdays 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
  • Sundays Noon - 4:00 PM
  • Monday October 12, 10 AM to 4 PM
The pumpkins are grown using sustainable agricultural practices that help benefit the environment. They are grown in a region of New Mexico with 42% unemployment, providing jobs for Navajo people. Proceeds from pumpkin & plant sales benefit the Navajo Nation in New Mexico as well as St. John’s Episcopal Church and its service in the Franklin community. 

For more information:

FHS girls soccer, field hockey, volleyball & cross teams all posted wins on Tuesday

Via Instagram, Franklin TV, and our subscription to HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the Fall sports competition for Franklin High School on Tuesday, September 22, 2026


Boys soccer = Sharon, 3 @ Franklin, 1 – Final 
– Sharon earned its biggest win of the season, handing Franklin its first loss behind two goals from senior Zack Abdelkader and a pair of clutch saves from senior keeper Teigan Jones. The Eagles struck first in the 22nd minute when senior Jusenly Lorthe intercepted a pass and found Abdelkader, who slotted a low shot inside the far post. Abdelkader helped double the lead in the 35th, sending a long ball forward for senior Zach Tamkin, who was fouled in the box before Abdelkader converted the ensuing penalty kick. Franklin pulled one back in the 58th when senior Zach O’Mahony-O’Sullivan buried a penalty after a handball in the box, but Jones came up huge just two minutes later, denying another Franklin penalty to keep Sharon in front. The Eagles quickly carried that momentum the other way, with senior Josh Cabral crossing to junior Damian Gorea at the far post, where Gorea settled at the top of the six and poked a shot past the keeper. Jones added another one-on-one stop in the 78th minute to preserve the two-goal victory.

Girls Soccer =  Franklin, 3 @ Sharon, 1 – Final 
– Lily Strong scored twice and dished out an assist to lift Franklin to a win at Kelley-Rex title challenger Sharon. Strong got Franklin’s first off a corner that took a big deflection off a Sharon defender. She added the second off an assist from Laila Rosen. Claire Michel added the third for the Panthers, with Strong providing the assist. The win keeps Franklin alone in first in the division, one game up on Milford.

Field Hockey = Attleboro, 0 @ Franklin, 8 – Final 
– Franklin wasted no time taking control, scoring less than a minute in and erupting for four goals in the opening quarter to earn a statement win at home over Kelley-Rex rival Attleboro. Senior Ella Marzullo struck twice in the first and added an assist, while junior Penelope Brady finished with a hat trick. Sophomore Amelia Manning scored twice, and sophomore Riley Goodman buried the first varsity goal of her career. Sophomore Cade Taccini and junior Clara Blongastainer each added an assist, while junior Elise Ackerman recorded the shutout in net.

“It was a total team effort and I am so proud of my team,” Franklin head coach Michelle Hess said. “The offense and defense played outstanding today, and our midfielders did an excellent job of keeping the ball in our offensive zone. Their transitions from defense to offense were a big contributing factor in our win.”

Volleyball = Attleboro, 0 @ Franklin, 3 – Final 
– Junior Emerson Delleo reached a major milestone with the 500th kill of her career while leading Franklin to a straight-set win over Attleboro, 25-21, 25-19, 25-12. Delleo finished with 16 kills, three aces, and 11 digs, while senior Gianna Laurello added six kills, 11 digs, and two aces. Sophomore Phoebe O’Connor dished out 30 assists to go with six digs and an ace, and senior Katelynn Crosby anchored the defense with 16 digs and two aces. For Attleboro, senior Olivia Leonardo had nine kills and 14 digs, freshman Leah Motto handed out 10 assists, and senior Dhania Hines and junior Keilona Kennedy-Latham each recorded three blocks.

Boys Cross Country = Franklin @ Attleboro, 3:45

Girls Cross Country  Franklin, 15 @ Attleboro, 47 – Final 
– Annabelle Santiago and Keelan Donnelly crossed together at the front, with Donnelly earning the first win of her career, as Franklin swept the top five spots to beat Attleboro. Sasha Ignatova followed in third, Hannah Dulong took fourth, and Abby Liang finished fifth to round out the Panthers’ scoring.


For other results across the Hockomock League (subscription required)
https://hockomocksports.com/tuesdays-schedule-scoreboard-09-22-26/

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

Tri-County sports results for Tuesday, Sep 22

Tri-County sports results for Tuesday, Sep 22
Tri-County sports results for Tuesday, Sep 22



Notice of Advanced Removal of Early Voted Ballots from Envelopes and Advanced Depositing of Early Voted Ballots for the State Election 11-3-2026

Via the Franklin Town Clerk:

Notice of Advanced Removal of Early Voted Ballots from Envelopes and Advanced Depositing of Early Voted Ballots for the State Election 11-3-2026

In accordance with the Secretary of State Regulations 47.12 and under the provisions of section 7 (k) of Chapter 115 of the Acts of 2020, the Town of Franklin will be opening early voted ballots at the Municipal Building, 355 East Central Street at the following sessions:

Notice of Advanced Removal of Early Voted Ballots from Envelopes and Advanced Depositing of Early Voted Ballots for the State Election 11-3-2026
Monday, October 26 9:00 AM
Tuesday, October 27 9:00 AM
Wednesday, October 28 9:00 AM
Thursday, October 29 9:00 AM
Friday, October 30 9:00 AM


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In accordance 'with the Secretary of State Regulations 47.12 and under the provisions of section 7 (k) of Chapter 115 of the Acts of 2020, the Town of Franklin will be depositing early voted ballots at the Franklin High School, 218 Oak Street at the following sessions:

Saturday, October 31 9:00 AM
Sunday, November 1 9:00 AM - IF NEEDED

We respectfully ask that observers register by emailing townclerk@franklinma.gov in advance of all early voted ballots sessions.

In accordance with the Regulations 47.12 and the provisions of section 7 (k) of Chapter 115 of the Acts of 2020, no results shall be determined or announced until after the time the polls close on November 3rd. At that time the results from the advance processed ballots will be added to the election day results and posted in a public place.


In Person Early Voting Schedule In Town Clerk's Office Only for the State Election = 11/3/2026

State Election = 11/3/2026

In Person Early Voting Schedule In Town Clerk's Office Only

Saturday, October 17 - 8:00 AM -12:00 PM 
Sunday, October 18 - 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM 
Monday, October 19 - 8:00 AM -4:00 PM 
Tuesday, October 20- 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM 
Wednesday, October 21 - 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM 
Thursday, October 22 - 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM 
Friday, October 23 - 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM

In Person Early Voting Schedule In Town Clerk's Office Only for the State Election = 11/3/2026


Saturday , October 24 - 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM 
Sunday, October 25 - 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM 
Monday, October 26 - 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM 
Tuesday, October 27- 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM 
Wednesday, October 28 - 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM 
Thursday, October 29- 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM 
Friday, October 30 - 8:00 AM -1:00 PM

Please contact the Town Clerk's Office at 508-520-4900 with any questions

Reminder high schoolers: Participate in this Year's MassDOT Safe Streets Smart Trips High School Video Contest!

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is excited to launch its 13th annual Safe Streets Smart Trips High School Video Contest and we look forward to your students participating!

Attention high schoolers: Participate in this Year's MassDOT Safe Streets Smart Trips High School Video Contest!
For the 2026-2027 school year, we are inviting all enrolled Massachusetts public high school students to write and produce a 30-60 second video showcasing safe riding behaviors for electric micromobility devices (e-bikes, e-scooters, etc.). By bringing attention to this growing safety topic, we can help students, families, and community members better understand their role in promoting safe and responsible behaviors.

The video contest will feature two entry categories – a Freshman/Sophomore category and a Junior/Senior category. A grand prize, runner-up, and honorable mention will be selected in each category. Top videos may be used in future MassDOT safety campaigns.

Prize categories:

Grand Prize package – $500 Amazon gift card & sponsor items

Runner-up package – $300 Amazon gift card & sponsor items

Honorable Mention package – Sponsor items

All winners will be announced on October 27, 2026 at MassDOT’s Moving Together Conference. The winners will be featured during one of the conference sessions and the videos will be showcased to a large audience of transportation professionals.  

Please circulate the attached submission guidelines and encourage your students to have fun, be safe, and get creative! There is no limit to the number of students who can participate. All video submissions must be uploaded in the submission form no later than,

October 4, 2026 at 11:00 PM Eastern.

We encourage students and school staff to watch our recorded information session. For more contest information, please go to Mass.gov/road-safety-video.

Community Cookout - Sep 26

Community Cookout - Sep 26
All are invited to a FREE community cookout at the Franklin United Methodist Church (82 W. Central Street) on Saturday, September 26. 
Food will be served from 5:30 - 6:30 PM. Bring a lawn chair or blanket to sit on. This event is outside in the grassy lot at the end of our parking area.
In case of rain, this event will be canceled. Notices will be posted to the church's website and Facebook page.
Download the flyer as a reminder or to share - 



Senior Story Hour - WFPR: Episode 111 - Transformation, Caregivers, Fall, Notre Dame, After Party and much more (audio)

In this episode, the Franklin Senior Center Writers Group shares stories, poems, and writings about the end of summer and the start of fall, from the transformation and changing of seasons, to the woods, caregiver appreciation day, Notre Dame haikus, the movie after party, the poet game, and Liz shares a teaser for the next chapter of her book.

Senior Story Hour - WFPR: Episode 111 - Transformation, Caregivers, Fall, Notre Dame, After Party and much more (audio)


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

Reminder: Encore Music Academy schedules an Open House for Saturday, October 3, 2026

Encore Music Academy schedules an Open House for Saturday, October 3, 2026
"Encore is having an OPEN HOUSE!

Come join us on Saturday, October 3, from 9 AM to 2 PM to see what we have to offer.

We will be hosting tours and demo classes.

See you soon!

Call - 508-533-7700
web page - encoremusicacademy.net
Email - info@encoremusicacademy.net"





Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm Schedule for Wednesday, September 23, 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 Wednesday, September 16, 2026



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  The Wonderful World of Wine – Mark Lenzi, Kim Simone  All about wine, its culture, lore and finer points.    (repeats Saturday at 1 PM)  
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, September 23, 2026 (Your local Public, Education & Government "PEG" station)

  • Franklin All Access TV - Our Public Access Channel (Comcast 6, Verizon 26) = WEDNESDAY
7:30 am     Battleship Cove: Inside the History Pt. 2
8:30 am The Black Box: Wicked
10:00 am Second Sunday Speaker Series: Scott Mason
11:30 am Cooking Thyme: Lasagna
12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin: Stromboli
12:30 pm Learn to Cook with Linda: Cashew Shrimp
1:30 pm     Pizzapalooza: Meat-Lovers Pt. 2
2:00 pm New England Candlepins Summer 2023 Show 2
3:00 pm Candlepin New Generation: Spring 2019 Show 2
4:00 pm Aging Agenda: Brian Maxfield
5:00 pm FM Journal Episode 1
6:00 pm Franklin Matters: Sculpture Park
7:00 pm Franklin 4th: Ed Peabody
8:00 pm Franklin 4th: Cliff Taylor
9:30 pm Circle of Friends; Abbie Gardner

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

8:30 am FHS Concert Hour 02-26-26
10:00 am Veterans' Oral History Project: Dave Cargill
11:00 am Middle School Spring Band 06-04-26
1:00 pm FHS Varsity Volleyball v Oliver Ames 09-18-26
3:30 pm FHS Varsity Field Hockey v King Philip 10-09-25
5:15 pm      FHS Spring Pops 2026
7:00 pm FHS Varsity Football v Brockton 09-18-26

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

8:00 am Town Council 09-16-26
1:00 pm Town Council 09-16-26
6:00 pm Finance Committee CHAMBERS 886 2253 7986

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