Franklin Matters

Friday, October 23, 2026

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm Schedule for Friday, October 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 Friday, October 9, 2026

8:00 AM, 1:00 PM and 6:00 PM Franklin Matters Radio – Steve Sherlock Franklin and its local government, services and events (repeats Saturday at 2 PM)

9:00 AM, 2:00 PM, and 7:00 PM

10:00 AM, 3:00 PM, and 8:00 PM - Talkin’ the Blues – Jim Derick & Nick Remissong. 2 hours of awesome blues music, info, interviews Showcasing the "Blues" as a basis for and influence of Country, Jazz and Rock and Roll, here and worldwide.

11:00 AM, 4:00 PM, and 9:00 PM - “The Vibe” show plays music for everyone searching for some enjoyment, some dance, a happy or thinking mood, and most importantly, having fun. Tune in to wfpr.fm and listen to “DJ Vibe” spin music across many genres and join this new vibing experience

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 Friday, Oct 23, 2026

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

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

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

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

Thursday, October 22, 2026

Town of Franklin's Boston Post Cane Presented to Lydia Dolitka 10/22/2026

FM #1840 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1840 in the series.

This episode shares the Town of Franklin Boston Post Cane presentation to Lydia Dolitka by Town Clerk Nancy Danello. Recognizing Lydia as being the oldest Franklin, MA resident. State Representative Jeff Roy also presented a proclamation from the House of Representatives recognizing Lydia's youthful age.

Family and friends gathered for the brief ceremony at Magnolia Heights in Franklin, Ma on Thursday, October 22, 2026.

Video link - https://youtu.be/7kmTGkmkOgY

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1840-boston-post-cane-l-dolitka-10-22-26/

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Photo album - https://photos.app.goo.gl/L1HhXg2nh456d4vB8

Wikipedia entry https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Boston_Post

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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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You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Thursday, October 22, 2026 ???

Thursday, October 22

Get your spot for the FHS Theatre Company Boosters November Calendar Raffle

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/10/get-your-spot-for-fhs-theatre-company.html

8:00am Early voting (Town Clerk's Office)

4:00pm 7th Annual Pumpkin Patch (St John's Episcopal Church)

5:00pm Franklin SEPAC Meet & Greet (Franklin High School)

7:00pm Line Dance Class (Sold OUT) (La Cantina Winery)

7:30pm Franklin Fathers MeetUp (Teddy Gallagher's Irish Pub)

8:00pm Boots & Bottles Line Dancing (Sold OUT) (La Cantina Winery)

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/11022/October-2026-Newsletter?bidId=

*** Town Meetings today ***

Conservation Commission Meeting

Thursday, October 22nd Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10222026-2570

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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

Franklin Food Pantry gearing up to process SNAP applications in November 2026

Earlier this week, the Mass Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) published its August scorecard, revealing that 77% of calls to a caseworker on the Assistance Line were automatically dropped. This leaves thousands of families without access to critical help.

At the same time, the number of children receiving SNAP has fallen by 70,000 (a 21% decline) since July 2025. This isn’t because the need has gone away—in fact, child visits to the Franklin Food Pantry have increased by 35%.

To help meet the growing need and address the record number of people losing access to SNAP, the Franklin Food Pantry will offer on-site SNAP Assistance to Franklin residents beginning in November.

In partnership with the DTA and UMass Medical School, trained Pantry staff will have direct access to the DTA Connect Provider Portal. This allows us to work directly with clients to check SNAP eligibility, submit new applications, and complete recertifications efficiently.

Due to high anticipated demand, we are initially offering this service to Franklin residents, with plans to expand regional access in 2027. Franklin residents can schedule an appointment by emailing appointments@franklinfoodpantry.org or calling 508-528-3115.

Dean College Vocal Ensemble schedules "Over the Garden Wall" walk with song on Sunday, Oct 25

Join the Dean College Vocal Ensemble for an ‘
Over the Garden Wall’ themed walk around campus!

Come for Sweater weather, lantern light, and music that dances between spooky and cozy. Each leg of the walk will be punctuated by vocal performances and stories inspired our favorite Fall Cartoon.

Gather at 5:45 PM on the patio outside of the Dr. Paula Rooney Student Center—The walk begins promptly at 6 PM and will last about an hour.

Feel free to jump in if you catch us along the way!

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Nvy6AVFee/

Finance Committee gets insights on the enterprise funds & approves fiscal policy revision (video)

The Franklin (MA) Finance Committee met as scheduled on Wednesday, Oct 21 in Council Chambers. All 9 members participated, 1 remotely.

Franklin TV for replay - https://www.youtube.com/live/6TyCyxQt1cw?si=CGwvJ7CY9zKzCm2L&t=219

Finance Committee gets insights on the enterprise funds & approves fiscal policy revision (video)

The agenda for this session - https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10212026-2572

Quick recap

The DPW Enterprise funds (water, sewer, solid waste, & storm water) are separate from the general fund. These are all user based funds from fees for the service, and the expenses for those services are paid from these accounts. The accounts are set to maintain a balance for emergencies, and in some cases calculated to build the balance to offset the need for a rate increase

Slides presented captured in this photo album https://photos.app.goo.gl/9K8Hgc8HUVjg3umw5

Review & discussion of the 1Q budget to date report

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/11317/5b-Local-Receipts-Enterprise-Revenues-Budget-to-Actual-Report-9-30-2026

Review & discussion on the fee revenue generated by department

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/11375/5c-FY-2026-Revenue-By-Departments-ONLY

Review & discussion on the expense analysis by Department through 1Q FY 2027

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/11376/5d-FY2026-Expense-Analysis-by-Departments

Review & discussion on the FY 2027 budget tracker. Dept Management gets this report monthly, the Finance Committee gets this quarterly

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/11384/September-FY27-Budget-Tracker

My notes in one PDF as captured during the meeting

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1OnhbqHca8MjRiJW7ysNjxepf0_wKYxGU/view?usp=drive_link

What is the Senior Expo like? Watch the recap and mark your calendar for next year (video)

Sarah Montoya, Senior Center Director

Over 40 vendors came to the Franklin Senior Center to educate the senior population on the services they offer. Everything from medical assistance to financial help and everything in between was on offer, and the house was packed!

Video link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-bzdbgW0wOo

FHS volleyball & boys soccer teams post wins 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, October 21, 2026.

Boys Soccer = Mansfield, 0 @ Franklin, 1 – Final

– Senior Will McAuley scored just after the midway point of the first half and Franklin’s defense registered its seventh shutout of the season, and the Panthers secured a share of the Kelley-Rex division with a 1-0 win over Mansfield. Shortly after a timeout from head coach Nick Goldman, Franklin put the pressure on the Hornets back line, and McAuley blocked a clearance and split a pair of defenders off a miscommunication and went in alone on goal and buried a low shot past the keeper. It marked the Panthers’ fifth straight Kelley-Rex division title, this one shared with Milford.

Franklin TV video available for replay - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FdmhvY0L9Gg

Volleyball = Franklin, 3 @ Taunton, 0 – Final

– Sophomore Phoebe O’Connor recorded her 1,000th career assist while filling the stat sheet in Franklin’s sweep of Taunton. The Panthers won 3-0 (25-14, 25-19, 25-8) as O’Connor finished with 23 assists, five aces, two kills, four blocks, and five digs, junior Emerson Delleo added 10 kills, 11 digs, and three aces, and senior Gianna Laurello chipped in six kills, six aces, and 11 digs.

For other results across the Hockomock League (subscription required)

https://hockomocksports.com/wednesdays-schedule-scoreboard-10-21-26/

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

DEA’s National Take Back Day - multiple locations - Oct 24, 2026

Safely dispose of medications at SAFE’s RX disposal stations, part of the DEA’s National Take Back Day. It's completely free and totally anonymous!

📅 Saturday, Oct. 24

🕛 10 a.m. to noon

📍 Locations:

- Franklin, SAFE Office (31 Hayward St)

- Medway Town Hall

- Norfolk Police Department

- Wrentham Fire Department (at their open house)

- Millis Fire Department

What can you bring? Any medication you want to get rid of—over-the-counter pills, prescription medications, and even liquids and creams.

We CANNOT accept sharps/syringes.

Supported by Opioid Abatement Funds from the Towns of Franklin, Norfolk, Medway, Millis, and Wrentham.

Pop Up Holiday Shop - Saturday, Nov 21 from 10 to 11:30 AM

"This only happens once a year, so save the date and come on by!

In addition to selling my art, book, and handmade items, there will also be: 

- a Rise Up table selling handmade items and apparel as a fundraiser for activity and accessibility supplies

- a clothing drive for the Community Closet"

Reminder: Tri-County Chamber Auction & Comedy Night, Saturday, October 24, 2026

This year’s Annual Auction event is bringing a whole new energy—and trust us, you’re going to want to be there. We’re turning up the fun with a night full of laughter, great company, and an auction packed with incredible finds. From unique experiences to must-have items perfect for holiday gifting (or treating yourself), there’s something for everyone to get excited about.

Tri-County Chamber Auction & Comedy Night, Saturday, Oct 24, 2026

https://www.tricountychamberma.org/auction

This year we're excited to add a Comedy Show with three amazingly funny comedians - Steve Bjork, Mike Koutrobis, and Gianni Saltalamacchia.

Don’t miss your chance to be part of one of the Chamber’s most anticipated nights of the year—all while supporting the Tri-County Regional Chamber and the local business community.

Saturday, October 24, 6pm

Doubletree Hotel

11 Beaver Street | Milford, MA

More info including tickets - https://www.tricountychamberma.org/auction

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/1LzBfU2eZ4/

Pantry Elves Registration Begins November 1, 2026

The Pantry Elves campaign is an annual fundraising drive led by middle school, high school, and college students. Running from late November through December, this online crowdfunding initiative helps the Franklin Food Pantry purchase essential food, personal care items, and household cleaning products for local families facing food insecurity.

Becoming a Pantry Elf is an empowering way for youth to make a meaningful local impact while earning community service hours. Registration to join Pantry Elves starts November 1.

For more information, visit our website or contact Special Events Manager Jen Johnson at Jjohnson@franklinfoodpantry.org.

Tri-County Alumni Volleyball game scheduled for Saturday, Nov 14

"Attention TC Alumni, family and friends

🗓️ Saturday November 14 at 11 am is the Alumni Volleyball game.

🏐 Come out and see some old friends, cheer on your grade and have a great time!

Work hard. Today counts. "

#tcpride

shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/16KahpFrHRQ/