What's happening in Franklin, MA: Thursday, August 13, 2026 ???

Thursday, August 13

Franklin Lions Clothing Drive active through Aug 22   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/07/the-franklin-lions-conducting-clothing.html

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 ***

Municipal Affordable Housing Trust Meeting

Thursday, August 13 Time: 2:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08132026-2453

Joint Budget Subcommittee Meeting

Thursday, August 13 Time: 6:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08132026-2445 

Conservation Commission Meeting

Thursday, August 13 Time: 7:00 PM (3rd Fl Trng, updated 8/10)

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08132026-2452

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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

Register for your spot at the Free Flu Clinic, Tuesday, Sept 22 at the Senior Center

The Franklin Health Department will be hosting an upcoming FREE Flu Clinic on Tuesday, September 22, from 10:00 AM–1:00 PM at the Franklin Senior Center, 10 Daniel McCahill St.

💉 Free flu shots are available for all ages, and high-dose vaccines are available.

Appointments can be scheduled online ( SIGN UP LINK: https://home.color.com/vaccine/register/franklin?site=franklin-flu-clinic ) or by calling 508-613-1334.

Please help us spread the word by sharing the attached flyer with your clients, family, friends, and community members who may benefit from this free clinic.

Download a copy of the flyer as a reminder or to share

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Vk4y2yORylZ7VpBZLE2KjubJrb3ZiEON/view?usp=drive_link

Updated:

Q: Are these mRNA flu shots?

A: per the Town of Franklin Health Dept "No they are not; they are: Fluzone High-Dose and Fluzone Standard-Dose (manufactured by Sanofi)."

Q: It would be nice to list all adverse effects in order to have a truly informed consent.

A: per the Town of Franklin HEalth Dept: "attached is the latest Vaccine Information Sheet (VIS) related to the flu shot. We offer the Vaccine Information Sheet (VIS) every year at our flu clinics; it includes possible side effects.

Adverse reactions are harmful or dangerous responses that are typically unexpected, more severe and rare with the flu vaccine. 

Possible Side Effects After a Flu Shot

• Common: Soreness, redness, or swelling at the injection site; fever; muscle aches; or headache.
• Rare: There may be a very small increased risk of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) after a flu shot.
• Severe allergic reaction: Seek emergency medical care if you experience hives, swelling of the face or throat, difficulty breathing, fast heartbeat, dizziness, or weakness. Call 9-1-1 immediately.

For other concerning symptoms, contact your healthcare provider.

To report an adverse reaction:  Visit VAERS.gov or call 1-800-822-7967. 

Vaccine Information Sheet (VIS) Handout - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1wl8Ea6BDR54eSEI1HcOS3mscEzbzXQC4/view?usp=drive_link

Bus 14 & The Reminiscents scheduled for Concerts on the Common Friday, August 14

"Join us this Friday for live music on the

Franklin Town Common while you shop the Franklin Farmers Market!

Bus 14 | 3:00 - 5:00 pm

The Reminiscents | 5:30 - 7:30 pm

Note: the last Concerts on the Common this summer.

Spend the afternoon downtown with local vendors, fresh food, and great music."

Rise Up group meets Saturday, August 15 at 10 AM

Whether you navigate disability or not, anyone 18+ is welcome to join us!

Learn more and sign up for emails to stay updated: alirheaume.com/rise-up

Saturday, August 15th at 10:00am

Socialize and Create Bookmarks!

82 West Central St, Franklin, MA 

*please avoid the use of fragrance when attending

Free, adaptive, and inclusive for anyone 18+

Photo of a diverse group of people sitting on a table doing a craft.

Hashtags: #Disability #Inclusion #Accessibility #DisabilityCommunity #RiseUp

Reminder: The Franklin Food Pantry will match your SNAP benefits at the Franklin Farmers Market

The Franklin Food Pantry is sponsoring the SNAP Match program at the Franklin Farmers’ Market, offering an unlimited, dollar-for-dollar match that doubles the purchasing power for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients. Funded through grants and individual gifts, the SNAP Match program is a win-win for the local community. By effectively lowering the cost of farm-fresh produce, households experiencing food insecurity gain greater access to nutritious options. The program also supports local vendors and regional agribusinesses.

The Franklin Farmers’ Market takes place every Friday from 2 PM to 6 PM, June through October, on the Franklin Town Common.

How the SNAP Match Program Works

Any household registered with SNAP, regardless of their resident town or state, can participate in the SNAP Match at the Franklin Farmers’ Market.

Before shopping, SNAP recipients bring their SNAP EBT card to the Franklin Food Pantry booth. Shoppers tell the staff how much they would like to spend from their SNAP benefits. The representative swipes the SNAP EBT card and “matches” the chosen amount dollar-for-dollar in SNAP Tokens. For example, spending $10 results in $20 worth of tokens. 

SNAP tokens can be spent just like cash with any SNAP-eligible vendor at the Franklin Farmers’ Market. Franklin Farmers’ Market SNAP tokens are exclusive to the Franklin Farmers' Market and SNAP tokens from other farmers’ markets cannot be accepted.

For more information on the SNAP Match program, please visit the Franklin Food Pantry booth at the Franklin Farmers’ Market, or contact the Franklin Food Pantry at 508-528-3115 or info@franklinfoodpantry.org.

To apply for SNAP benefits, please visit the Department of Transitional Assistance website. 

About Franklin Food Pantry, Inc.

The Franklin Food Pantry, Inc. offers supplemental food assistance, household necessities, and resource referrals to more than 1,880 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, 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.

West Nike Virus has been detected in the Franklin area

Via Franklin Heath Dept

Mosquito-borne illnesses like West Nile Virus (WNV) and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) can pose a risk during mosquito season.

The state’s interactive tracking tool lets you click or hover over your town to see the current risk level, updated throughout the active mosquito season (June–October).

📍 Check your local risk level: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/massachusetts-arbovirus-update

Franklin Public Radio wfpr.fm schedule for Thursday, August 13, 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  (Repeats Saturday at 3:00 PM)

• This hour features Jason Poulos, candidate for the Democratic Primary for the 4th District  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/07/jason-poulos-explains-his-stand-on-key.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 features "Harvest",  Neil Young's most successful album released February 1, 1972.  Harvest is the fourth studio album from Neil Young and includes two major hits, "Old Man" and "Heart of Gold".  
• The Vibe Neil Young Playlist Hour features both acoustic and electric classics from Neil Young performances.   A must listen if you like Neil Young live!

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 

Franklin TV schedule for Thursday, August 13, 2026 (Your local Public, Education & Government "PEG" station)

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

9:00 am Aging Agenda: Arthur Vigeant

10:00 am Franklin Matters: Nautilus

11:33 am Cooking Thyme: Fish

12:03 pm Brook'n'Cookin: Waffles

12:35 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 Aging Boldfully: Sisters United Against Cancer

4:30 pm Veterans' Call: Tune It Out

5:30 pm FSPA Spring Concerts Show 3

9:00 pm Circle of Friends: Vance Gilbert

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

7:30 am     Winning Ways with the MIAA: Shaun Hart Pt 1

8:30 am FHS Concert Hour 02-26-26

10:30 am U. S. Army: Jazz Ambassadors 04-01-19

12:30 pm All-Town Band Showcase 2026

2:00 pm ArtWeek: Theater in the Open

3:00 pm FHS Varsity Softball v King Philip 03-30-26

9:00 pm FHS Theater Company: Legally Blonde

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

8:00 am Conservation Commission 07-30-26

2:00 pm Conservation Commission 07-30-26

6:00 pm Joint Budget Subcommittee  CHAMBERS  878 8109 8012

7:00 pm Conservation Commission   REMOTE  897 8846 7620

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

Town Council votes to approve Town Administrator's contract by 5-4 vote (video)

The Town Council met in Executive Session for more than 4 hours on Wednesday night, August 12, 2026. All 9 Councilors were present in Chambers for this session.

Motion to approve contract, second, passes 5-4 (4 = no, Callaway-Tripp, Grella, Griffith & Molloy)

Franklin TV YouTube video - 

 - Part 2 return from Executive Session   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qy8O3CvNhHI

 - Part 1 - open meeting enters Executive Session   https://www.youtube.com/live/KVGmbhOOM_A?&t=132

Agenda doc for this session - https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08122026-2444 

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Wednesday, August 12, 2026 ???

Wednesday, August 12

Franklin Lions Clothing Drive active through Aug 22   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/07/the-franklin-lions-conducting-clothing.html

1:00pm Trust Fall Writing workshop/ Writer's Group (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)

7:00pm Impact of Screen on Learning: webinar (Registration required)   

Please sign up for this unique opportunity happening on Aug. 12 at 7pm at the link here = https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_BmEoa3oPTbiLr3AOPBAVLw#/registration

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 ***

Charles River Pollution Control Meeting

Wednesday, August 12 Time: 3:30 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08122026-2435 

Tri-County School Committee Nomination Committee Meeting

Wednesday, August 12 Time: 5:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08122026-2446 

Historical Commission

Wednesday, August 12 Time: 6:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08122026-2450

Town Council Meeting    (executive session)

Wednesday, August 12 Time: 6:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08122026-2444 

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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

Governor Healey Signs Freedom to Read Law at Franklin Public Library

The Town of Franklin welcomed Gov. Maura Healey to the Franklin Public Library on Monday, August 10, 2026, as she signed the Freedom to Read law, establishing protections for the freedom to read and creating a fair, transparent process for reviewing library materials.

Town Administrator Jamie Hellen opened the event with remarks. Town Councilors, Town staff members and elected officials, library staff, Library Director Felicia Oti, Franklin Public Schools Superintendent Lucas Giguere, School Committee members, State Rep. Jeff Roy, State Sen. Becca Rausch and other local and state legislators were in attendance for the historic signing.

The Franklin Public Library — the nation’s first public lending library — provided a fitting setting for the signing of the legislation. As Town Administrator Hellen noted, “the Franklin Public Library is a perfect setting to celebrate this historic legislative achievement.”

The new law establishes statewide standards for how public and school libraries select and review library materials. It ensures families and community members have a voice when they have concerns about library materials, while establishing an open local process for reviewing those concerns. The law also protects librarians and educators who make library selections in good faith and reinforces local decision-making.

The Town of Franklin thanks Gov. Healey and the Healey-Driscoll administration for recognizing Franklin and its historic library and for joining the community for this important occasion.

The full press release from Gov Healey's office

https://www.mass.gov/news/governor-healey-signs-freedom-to-read-law-keeping-book-bans-out-of-massachusetts-schools-and-libraries

School Committee gets multiple updates on summer learning, transportation, etc. in 1 hour meeting (video)

The Franklin School Committee met as scheduled on Tuesday, August 11 in Council Chambers. All members participated, one (O'Sullivan) remotely.

Franklin TV video is available - https://www.youtube.com/live/VMpYB91A8Fw?&t=27

The Agenda document - https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08112026-2448 

Quick recap

• Superintendent report provides updates on multiple items; planning for Sept, transportation, hiring status (positions open, a better view to be provided next time), work on facilities progressing. Ms Melotti out on maternity leave, Dr Bob Dutch back to fill in while she is out, important school start dates on webpage - https://www.franklinps.net/o/fpsd/page/school-calendars/
• Joint presentation and updates on summer learning from Student Services and Lifelong Learning. Slides shown were captured in one photo album https://photos.app.goo.gl/7BGZeLN2QWEezqFw7
• 
  Annual report submission approved, minor formating remains to be done by the Town as the annual report book is prepared for publication
• The 2nd reading on the restraint policy was approved as amended by the Policy Subcmte meeting prior
• Consent agenda was also approved. All votes, by the way, were via roll call and passed 7-0
  

My notes captured during the meeting in one PDF

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hvmIVrFX0EwMzsGCAbVXWcNqeu2T-DO8/view?usp=drive_link

School Cmte Policy Subcommittee reviews multiple policies, sets up for financial policy reviews (audio)

FM #1796 - This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1796 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee Policy Subcmte meeting held on Tuesday, August  11, 2026. All 3 members (Dave Callaghan (Chair), Al Charles, Reis Hansen) participated in the session held in the 3rd floor training room. Dr Tina Rogers and Paula Marano also participated.

Quick recap:

• comment for discussion on page 3 of the restraint policy, suggestion to better clarify the separation of what is or isn't allowed by state and or here in Franklin; should be run by P Marano to confirm discussion on proposed 

• adult meal price from $4.75 to $5.75 at FHS higher utilization and a good amount from the other schools, relatively low financial piece of the overall budget adults get the same meal generally just an adult portion rather than student portion. pricing hasn't been changed since 2023. motion to approve recommendation for the adult meal fee from $4.75 to $5.75

• Ms Marano joins the discussion to review the earlier restraint item, she agrees with the minor modification discussed to clarify will be amended during the formal meeting 2nd reading later today

• next up discussion on technology and AI appropriate use in the classroom, informal advisory group of parents who responded to the survey, work still underway, needs to be done within the district too district improvement goals will include screentime on the scope, intentional use key 

• next up, field trip forms consolidated amongst the schools to be more consistent will be able to address this in the early school year as field trips are not anticipated right away 

• next up, community use of school facilities, should be available outside of school hours, during school hours, student and operations safety comes first so signage and communications around opportunity for a PSA video to help raise awareness of this item

• several items on budget and fiscal policy have not been touched since 2016. One makes reference to posting in newspaper. Would be good to review and potentially revise, then send to Budget Subcmte for their review and wordsmithing as necessary before bringing to full committee. Picking up these next time

• Meeting adjourns, folks move to Chambers for full School Committee meeting

The recording runs about 49 minutes, so let’s listen in.

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1796-franklin-ma-school-cmte-policy-subcmte-mtg-08-11-26/

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School Committee Subcommittee assignments

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

The meeting agenda can be found -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08112026-2442 

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

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WlBkiyMfp-4d_K_m2aywqetojQ7s1-08/view?usp=drive_link 

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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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