Monday, September 14, 2026

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Monday, September 14, 2026 ???

Monday, September 14


7:00pm Franklin Democratic Town Committee (Franklin TV and Radio)



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

Franklin Senior Center Calendar for September


*** Town Meetings today ***

Town Administrator Evaluation Ad Hoc Committee Meeting

Monday, September 14 Time: 9:30 AM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09142026-2498 


FPS - Horace Mann Legacy Subcommittee

Monday, September 14 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09142026-2500 


Planning Board Meeting-Cancelled

Monday, September 14 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09142026-2493 


250th Anniversary Celebration Committee

Monday, September 14 Time: 7:30 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09142026-2501 



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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

24th Annual Harvest Festival scheduled to be Full of Fun, Food and Music - Saturday, September 26, 2026

24th Annual Harvest Festival scheduled to be Full of Fun, Food and Music - Saturday, September 26, 2026
Franklin Downtown Partnership’s 24th Annual Harvest Festival is set for Saturday, September 26, 12 noon to 5 PM. Rain date is Sunday, September 27, 12-4 PM. Like last year’s festival, it will extend up Main Street with more vendors and activities at Dean College and Franklin Library.

Main Street will be busy with more than 140 booths and thousands of visitors from Franklin and beyond. Come and enjoy live music and dance performers, lots of food, children’s activities, unique artwork and crafts, merch and services from local businesses, and meet local community groups. Celebrate the golden end of summer and get ready for the vibrant colors of autumn.

“The Harvest Festival is the ideal time to socialize, relax, and enjoy the community spirit,” said Kevin Johnson, Harvest Festival Chair. “Each year we try to add something different and recently we have expanded further north on Main Street. It is a special day.”

Here are some highlights:
Live music performances by Jamie Barrett, Critical Mass, and the Padula Family Band. Dance performances by Feet in Motion and Desi Swag Queens. Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FSPA) will perform a medley of songs and dances on Main Street.
Touch-a-Truck, courtesy of Franklin Fire.
Radio station MyFM 101.3 will broadcast on Main Street near the center island/bridge.
In partnership with the FDP, Franklin TV and WFPR 102.9 FM will be located near the library, filming booth activities and interviewing event participants for later broadcasts.
Franklin Library will have children’s activities on the lawn.
Dean College will have a trackless train on their quad at Awpie Way.
The Cultural Hub will have a pumpkin-themed art project and other activities. The Cultural Hub includes the Public Library; Cultural District Committee; Cultural Council; Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy; the Historical Museum; and the Franklin Art Association.
Enjoy great food all along Main Street. Dean Bank will be selling apple cider, donuts, popcorn, and water. Proceeds from their sales support FDP and the festival. Take a few extra steps to downtown and you can dine at more restaurants and cafes.
  Downtown activities: the Children’s Museum of Franklin will have kid-friendly fun at their home at 157 Cottage Street. 

The Harvest Festival is made possible because of generous local business sponsors. Franklin Downtown Partnership is very grateful to this year’s sponsors:

Platinum – Dean Bank; G&C Plumbing & Heating, Local Town Pages

Gold – Dean College; Glen Meadow Apartments; Middlesex Savings Bank; Sunrise Montessori School

Silver – Doherty, Dugan, Cannon, Raymond & Weil, P.C.; Eagle Stainless Tube & Fabrication, Inc.; Hockomock YMCA; Notturno Home Services; Rockland Trust Bank; The Enclave of Franklin

Bronze – ABI New England; Camford Property Group; Connell Roofing; DCU; DG Ranieri; Fenton Financial Group; Franklin Kitchen Center; Keefe Insurance; LeafFilter; MyFM; Simon’s Furniture

For festival updates and to stay in the know about activities throughout the year follow the FDP on Instagram and Facebook:

The Franklin Downtown Partnership is a non-profit 501 (c) 3 organization made up of more than 350 business owners, residents, and community leaders working to revitalize downtown Franklin. Residents can join the Downtown Partnership for only $25. The Partnership manages events like the Strawberry Stroll and the Harvest Festival, and initiatives such as beautification, streetscape design, green space, alley murals, and sculpture projects. For more information go to www.franklindowntownpartnership.org.
Dowload the flyer as a reminder or to share

Franklin Art Association to welcome abstract artist Lenny Moskowitz October 7

The Franklin Art Association warmly welcomes the public to its meeting at 6:30 p.m. at the Franklin Senior Center on Wednesday, October 7.  The program will feature Lenny Moskowitz who will explore a painterly, abstract approach to landscape with a focus on atmosphere, light and spatial depth.
Franklin Art Association to welcome abstract artist Lenny Moskowitz October 7

Lenny teaches at various art centers in New England and exhibits regionally.  He taught at Quinnipiac University for 15 years and continues to enjoy doing demonstrations for art associations.  He likes to approach a painting without a preconceived idea of what the final work should look like, and thrives on surprise!

All programs are free and open to the public.  Coffee and snacks will be served at the intermission, where you will have a chance to meet and speak with the artist.

Lenny Moskowitz October 7

The Art Association is supported by grants from the Franklin Cultural Council which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council and the Franklin Cultural District.

Agenda for the Horace Mann Legacy Subcommittee Meeting - Mon, Sep 14 at 7 PM

Horace Mann Legacy Subcommittee 
Agenda for the Horace Mann Legacy Subcommittee Meeting - Mon, Sep 14 at 7 PM
September 14, 2026 = 7:00 PM

Municipal Building: 3rd Floor Training Room



AGENDA

"The listing of matters are those reasonably anticipated by the Chair which may be discussed at the meeting. Not all items listed may in fact be discussed, and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by law."

Farmer's Market Recap
Discussion of Funding Opportunities
Project Updates
Upcoming Events

The agenda doc also contains remote participation info - 

The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW): Episode 324 - Inside the Mind of a Master Sommelier with Michael Meagher (audio)

Hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi exploring all things wine with you!

Inside the Mind of a Master Sommelier with Michael Meagher

What does it actually take to reach the absolute pinnacle of the wine world?
In this powerhouse episode of The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW), hosts Kim and Mark sit down with a true titan of the industry: Massachusetts’ own Master Sommelier, Michael Meagher!
Episode 324 - Inside the Mind of a Master Sommelier with Michael Meagher (audio)

With fewer than 300 individuals worldwide holding this elite title, Michael pulls back the curtain on his extraordinary journey, his rigorous education, and the sheer dedication required to conquer the ultimate wine challenge. Whether you are a casual sipper, an aspiring industry pro, or a seasoned collector, this episode is packed with world-class insights you won't want to miss!

Inside This Episode:
  • The Path to Mastery: Michael shares his fascinating education and professional background that led him to the top.
  • Decoding the Court of Master Sommeliers: We break down the four intense levels, the grueling requirements, and what it really takes to pass.
  • Behind the Scenes of the <300 Club: Get first-hand insight into the mindset and discipline needed to join the world's most exclusive wine circle.
  • The True Meaning of a "Sommelier": We discuss the evolution of the role and how the definition is utilized in the modern world.
  • Boston’s Wine Scene: Michael gives us his expert feedback on the current status of Boston restaurant wine service.
  • Elevating the Local Scene: We explore the Boston Sommelier Society and Michael’s pivotal role in fostering local wine community and education.
  • The Vast World of Wine Education: A look at the many different educational pathways available for wine lovers today.
  • Mastering the Aisles: Finally, Michael drops invaluable insider shopping tips and discusses where to find real value in retail wine stores!

Connect with Us and Our Guest:
Listen to The Wonderful World of Wine:www.thewww.wine
Learn more about Michael Meagher:www.sommelierondemand.com


Cheers, 
Kim and Mark
 🍷🍷🍷

#WinePodcast #MasterSommelier #WineEducation #TheWonderfulWorldOfWine #BostonWine #SommelierLife #WineLovers #CourtOfMasterSommers #WineSmart #RetailWine #WineCommunity




Norfolk County Real Estate Market Remains Stable Despite Continued Inventory Challenges

Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell today released the real estate recording statistics for August 2026, which indicate continued stability in the Norfolk County real estate market compared to August 2025, particularly in overall document recordings and property values.

The Registry of Deeds recorded 10,209 documents in August 2026, a 2% increase compared to the 10,035 documents recorded in August 2025, but an 8% decrease from July 2026.
Norfolk County Real Estate Market Remains Stable Despite Continued Inventory Challenges

“August's recording activity reflects a Norfolk County real estate market that continues to demonstrate resilience despite ongoing affordability challenges and a limited supply of properties available for sale,” noted Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell. “The increase in overall document recordings compared to one year ago indicates that buyers, sellers, lenders, and property owners remain active participants in the market. However, the statistics related to recorded deeds bears watching.”

The total number of deeds recorded for August 2026, representing both commercial and residential real estate sales and transfers, was 1,528, a 1% decrease from the 1,549 deeds recorded in August 2025. Furthermore, compared to July 2026, deeds recorded decreased 11%. Looking at just real estate sales, 848 properties were sold in August 2026, a 4% decrease compared to the 881 properties sold in August 2025, and a 15% decrease from July 2026.

“While the number of property sales declined slightly compared to August of last year, Norfolk County continues to be one of the most desirable places to live and work in Massachusetts,” stated Register O'Donnell. “However, affordability challenges and a limited supply of properties available for sale continue to affect the market. Norfolk County continues to attract individuals and families who value the strong communities and quality schools found throughout the region, making the need for additional housing inventory increasingly important. But there have been less deeds being recorded when you examine these statistics”

The average sale price for both commercial and residential real estate in August 2026 was $1,177,803, a 15% increase compared to August 2025 and essentially unchanged from July 2026. The total value of commercial and residential sales recorded in August 2026 was approximately $999 million, a 10% increase from the $906 million recorded in August 2025.

“The data suggest that while some progress has been made in increasing property inventory, the supply of properties remains insufficient to meet buyer demand throughout Massachusetts. While affordability challenges and interest rates continue to influence purchasing decisions, the limited number of properties available for sale remains one of the primary factors affecting both property values and sales activity in Norfolk County,” said Register O'Donnell.

Lending activity was relatively stable compared to the same month last year. A total of 1,508 mortgages were recorded in August 2026, a 2% decrease from the 1,534 mortgages recorded in August 2025, but a 27% decrease from July 2026. Total mortgage indebtedness was approximately $1.55 billion, an 11% decrease compared to August 2025.

“Mortgage activity remained relatively stable compared to one year ago. The slight decrease in the number of mortgages recorded is consistent with the modest decline in property sales during the month. Despite ongoing affordability challenges and higher interest rates, buyers and businesses continue to obtain financing and invest in real estate throughout Norfolk County, however this statistic on mortgage activity also bears watching,” stated Register O'Donnell.

The Registry continues to closely monitor foreclosure activity. In August 2026, there were 6 foreclosure deeds recorded as a result of mortgage foreclosures taking place in Norfolk County, compared to 4 foreclosure deeds recorded in August 2025. Notices to foreclose, which represent the first step in the foreclosure process, increased to 34 in August 2026 from 26 in August 2025.

“Although foreclosure activity remains relatively low by historical standards, the increase in both foreclosure deeds and notices to foreclose is something we continue to watch carefully,” said Register O'Donnell. “Economic pressures, including household expenses, housing costs, and debt obligations, can create financial challenges for some homeowners. We encourage anyone experiencing difficulties meeting mortgage obligations to seek assistance as early as possible.”

For the past several years, the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds has partnered with Quincy Community Action Programs (617-479-8181 x376) and NeighborWorks Housing Solutions (508-587-0950) to help anyone facing challenges paying their mortgage. Another option for homeowners is to contact the Massachusetts Attorney General's Consumer Advocacy and Response Division (CARD) at 617-727-8400.

Register O'Donnell concluded, “August's real estate activity reflects a market that remains fundamentally strong. While the pace of sales softened modestly compared to last year, increases in overall recording activity, total sales volume, and average sale prices demonstrate continued confidence in Norfolk County real estate. As one of the Commonwealth's most sought-after regions, Norfolk County continues to attract homeowners, businesses, and investors who recognize the value of living and investing in our communities.”

To learn more about these and other Registry of Deeds events and initiatives like us on Facebook at facebook.com/NorfolkDeeds, or follow us on X at x.com/NorfolkDeeds and Instagram at instagram.com/NorfolkDeeds.

The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds is located at 649 High Street in Dedham. The Registry is a resource for homeowners, title examiners, mortgage lenders, municipalities and others with a need for secure, accurate, accessible land record information. All land record research information can be found on the Registry’s website www.norfolkdeeds.org. Residents in need of assistance can contact the Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center via telephone at (781) 461-6101, or email us at registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org.

Tri-County RVTHS Sports schedule for week of 9/14 - 9/19/26

Tri-County RVTHS Sports schedule for week of 9/14 - 9/19/26
Week number two and just look at the opportunities you have to come out and cheer on your Cougar teams!
Work hard. Today counts.

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm Schedule for Monday, September 14, 2026

Yes, Franklin has its own radio station -> wfpr.fm. Franklin Public Radio has a brand new schedule for the locally produced shows that fill our air waves.   
Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm Schedule for Monday, September 14, 2026

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:


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 Monday, September 14, 2026 (Your local Public, Education & Government "PEG" station)

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

7:00 am     Aging Boldfully: Fyzical
8:00 am ArtWeek: Ed Iannuccilli
9:00 am Franklin 4th: Full Circle
10:02 am Franklin 4th: Jeff Pitchell
11:30 am Cooking Thyme: Red Pepper Soup
12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin: French Toast
12:30 pm Learn to Cook with Linda: Cashew Shrimp
1:30 pm     Pizzapalooza: Meat-Lovers Pt. 2
2:30 pm New England Candlepins Summer 2023 Show 1
3:30 pm Candlepin New Generation: Spring 2019 Show 2
4:00 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Pete Smith
5:28 pm Aging Agenda Episode 1
7:00 pm Frank Presents: Joe Pagliarulo
9:00 pm The Black Box: A Magical Night of Disney Classics
10:00 pm Circle of Friends: Susan Werner

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

8:30 am ArtWeek: Ed Iannuccilli
9:30 am Winning Ways with the MIAA: Pete Smith
10:30 am Middle School 7th & 8th Grade Chorus & Orchestra
12:30 pm All-Town Band Showcase 2026
2:00 pm FHS Girls Varsity Soccer v Oliver Ames 09-04-25
6:30 pm ArtWeek: Airmen of Note
9:00 pm FHSTC: Urinetown

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

8:00 am Planning Board 08-24-26
11:00 am 250th Anniversary Committee 08-27-26
2:00 pm Planning Board 08-24-26


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


Sunday, September 13, 2026

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Sunday, September 13, 2026 ???

Sunday, September 13

10:00am St John's Episcopal: We invite you to join us for Kick-off Sunday

1:00pm Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

1:15pm Sunday Speaker Series: Mercy and Malevolence – Discovering the Complex Story of St. Theresa’s Home of the Little Flower (Franklin Historical Museum)

1:30pm        Now open on Sundays (Franklin Public Library)

Now open on Sundays Franklin Public Library



*** NO Town Meetings today ***

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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

Agenda for Town Council meeting Wednesday, September 16, 2026 at 6 PM

Franklin Town Council
Agenda & Meeting Packet
September 16, 2026, 6:00 PM

Franklin Municipal Building: 
Council Chambers 
355 East Central Street, 2nd Floor
Agenda for Town Council meeting Wednesday, September 16, 2026 at 6 PM

1. ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM THE CHAIR
a. This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 9 and Verizon Channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by others.
b. Chair to identify members participating remotely.
c. Upcoming Town Sponsored Community Events.

2. CITIZEN COMMENTS
a. Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to three minutes on a matter that is not on the agenda. In compliance with G.L. Chapter 30A, Section 20 et seq, the Open Meeting Law, the Council cannot engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Council may ask the Town Administrator to review the matter. Nothing herein shall prevent the Town Administrator from correcting a misstatement of fact.

3. COUNCILOR COMMENTS

4. SUBCOMMITTEE & AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS
a. Joint Budget Subcommittee (next meeting: TBD)
b. Economic Development Subcommittee (next meetings: Sept. 17, 6pm & Oct 1, 6pm)
c. Communications Subcommittee (next meeting TBD)
d. Town Charter Ad Hoc Committee (next meeting: TBD)
e. Police Station Building Committee (next meeting: TBD)

5. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

6. PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS
a. Proclamation: Hunger Action Month
b. Town Staff Retirements
i. John Rondeau, Facilities, 35 Years
ii. Michael Ellsworth, Facilities, 33 Years
iii. Patrick Farrell, DPW, 32 Years
iv. Irene McDonough, Facilities, 29 Years
v. Jon Chalk, Fire Dept, 21 Years

7. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
a. August 12, 2026

8. APPOINTMENTS
a. Franklin Cultural Council
i. Brittany Capozzi
ii. Jorge Marinez
iii. Jessica Phillips
iv. Nancy Rabinowitz
v. Leslie Rappaport-Atlas

9. PUBLIC HEARINGS - 6:00 PM - None Scheduled.
10. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS - None Scheduled.

11. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION
a. Franklin Elks Riders Donation to Veterans’ Services Department
i. Legislation for Action #12a

b. Legislative Update - Senator Rebecca Rausch & Representative Jeffrey Roy

c. Franklin Food Pantry Update - Tina Powderly, Executive Director, Franklin Food Pantry

d. SAFE Coalition Update - Jennifer Knight-Levine, Executive Director, SAFE Coalition

e. 250th Anniversary Celebration Committee Update - Jayson Joyce, Chair & Rob Browne, Vice Chair   https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/10976/11e-PRESENTATION---250th-Committee
i. Legislation for Action #12b

12. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
a. Resolution 26-52: Acceptance of Gifts - Veterans Services Department ($2,000) (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-52 - Majority Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/10968/12a-1---26-52---MEMO---Gift-Acceptances---Veterans-Services-Dept_2_combine

b. Resolution 26-53: Transfer of $25,000 from the Marketing & Branding Capital Account to the 250th Anniversary Celebration Committee (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-53 - Majority Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/10977/12b-Transfer-of-25k-to-250th-Committee

c. Resolution 26-54: Appropriation of Funds in Support of PEG Service and Programming Per MGL Chapter 44, Section 53F3/4 (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-54 - Majority Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/10967/12c-26-54-PEG-Comcast--Verizon

13. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION
a. Exemption #6: Considering the purchase, exchange, lease or value of real property, because an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the negotiating position of the Public Body and the Chair so-declares:
i. “Other Property” potentially available for Town purchase/acquisition
b. Exemption: To review and approve minutes from Town Council Executive Sessions.

15. ADJOURN


Note: Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes
Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting

The agenda doc also contains remote participation info

Franklin TV: You're On! Man-on-the-Street Interviews

Franklin TV: You're On! Man-on-the-Street Interviews


Think you can avoid the Franklin TV camera? Think again!

Our Franklin TV crew will be out and about with RJ Sheedy, hitting the festival grounds for some good old-fashioned man-on-the-street interviews.

We'll be asking festival-goers questions, getting reactions, finding out what everyone is enJoy1ng, and hopefully catching a few unexpected answers along the way. You never know when you might find yourself on Franklin TV - so keep an eye out for our crew!

And remember: if you see a camera pointed your way, just go with it.
You could be the next Harvest Fest celebrity.
 
Franklin TV: You're On!
Be sure to swing by the Franklin TV Tent while you're enjoying the festival.

We'll have games, fun activities, and plenty of opportunities to meet the people behind Franklin TV. Stop by and say hello to our new Executive Director, Liz Harkins, and meet some of the talented producers who help make Franklin TV great.

Ever wondered what it actually takes to turn an idea into a television production?

Our producers will be there to tell you firsthand - from coming up with an idea and planning a production to getting the cameras rolling and bringing a finished program to the community.

Whether you're an experienced producer, someone with a great idea, or simply curious about how community television works, we'd love to talk with you.

And yes, there may be a few rubber ducks involved. Because at Franklin TV, we're not just floating ideas - we're helping them make a splash!

Man-on-the-Street Interviews
Harvest Fest is about celebrating Franklin, and Franklin TV is proud to be part of that celebration. Whether you stop by the WFPR.FM stage, spot our crew roaming the festival, or visit our tent to meet the team, we hope you'll take a moment to say hello.

Come see what's happening behind the cameras, meet the people who make Franklin TV happen, and maybe even become part of the show!

We'll see you at Harvest Fest - and we promise, it'll be anything but a dry event.

-  Liz Harkins
Executive Director, Franklin TV & WFPR-FM




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

Reminder: "Mercy and Malevolence – Discovering the Complex Story of St. Theresa’s Home of the Little Flower"

Where are they now, the scores of children who once resided in Franklin’s Catholic orphanage? The Franklin Historical Museum wants to know!

From the early 1940s to the early 1950s, an orphanage, operated by a Catholic religious order, occupied the Hayward Manor in Franklin, which had just recently been sold by its original owners, the family of a prominent textile executive.  St. Theresa’s Home of the Little Flower (also known as the Home of the Holy Child) was never a large institution, with no more than a few dozen children at a time housed there, but it left a deep impression on many of them. Inmates included children from around the region as well as several from Franklin itself whose circumstances made it difficult or impossible for their families to care for them.

On Sept. 13, Franklin Historical Museum Presents: Mercy and Malevolence – Discovering the Complex Story of St. Theresa’s Home of the Little Flower
On Sept. 13, Franklin Historical Museum Presents:
Mercy and Malevolence – Discovering the Complex
Story of St. Theresa’s Home of the Little Flower
At the time the “social safety net” was all but non-existent and some children were rescued from a life on the streets, stealing food to survive, and given food, clothing, and education. But the Bernardine sisters were not always up to the task, and some of those who lived there remember cruelty, a grim, unchanging routine, and a spartan diet. What’s more, the children mostly spoke English while most of the nuns spoke Polish – a formula for conflict and frustration.

Anyone who was ever a resident at the home or their family members are especially encouraged to attend. There will be a brief overview of history and newspaper stories about the Orphanage and those with stories to tell will be encouraged to share them.

On Sunday, Sept 13, 2026, the museum is open from 1-4 on Sunday and the program starts at 1:15. There is no admission charge but donations are encouraged and appreciated. Contact Alan Earls with questions at alan.r.earls@gmail.com or 508 560 3786.

Where's The Toast Memory Cafe returns Wednesday, Sep 16 at 1:00 PM

On behalf of the Franklin Senior Center, we would like to extend an invitation to our September 16th Where's the Toast?! Memory Cafe.
Where's The Toast Memory Cafe returns Wednesday, Sep 16 at 1:00 PM

Memory cafés offer a safe, judgment-free space to connect, socialize, and enjoy meaningful activities together, emphasizing companionship, creativity, and shared experiences. For individuals living with dementia, memory cafés help reduce isolation and foster a sense of belonging. For caregivers, they provide encouragement, understanding, and the chance to connect with others who truly support them.

Whether you come for conversation, laughter, music, or simply to be among supportive community members, you are welcome just as you are.

We hope you’ll join us and be part of a community built on connection, dignity, and joy.  Please RSVP to Amanda Rabbitt at arabbitt@franklinma.gov so we are ready to welcome you to the program!
 
Sincerely,

Amanda S. Rabbitt

Supportive Day Program and 

Special Project Coordinator

Tax Work Off Liaison


10 Daniel McCahill St

Franklin, Massachusetts 02038-1352

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"