What's happening in Franklin, MA: Saturday, March 7, 2026 ???

Saturday, March 7

9:00am Thrifty Threads (Franklin Federated Church)

10:00am Volunteer Income Tax Preparation with VITA (Franklin Public Library)

10:00am Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

10:00am 2026 Franklin Polar Plunge (Beaver Pond)

10:00am    Winter Farmers Market (Fairmount Fruit Farm)

10:30am Irish Dance Showcase! (Franklin Public Library) 

2:00pm High School Musical (Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter)

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

7:00pm High School Musical (Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter)

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

For additional details on Library events -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/942/Calendar-of-Events

***  Town Meetings today   ***

-----------

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

An Invitation to a Conversation with Ali Coakley, Proprietor of Night Owl Farm

regenerative agriculture techniques

The First Universalist Society in Franklin’s Food Justice Team invites you to join us and Ali Coakley for a conversation about how she uses regenerative agriculture techniques at Night Owl Farm and their application for the home gardener.  

Lunch will be provided. 

Conversation starts at 12:00 PM.  

Please also bring seeds you would like to donate to a Seed Swap and feel free to take some home.  For additional information on how to donate to the Seed Swap, please contact Marian Szymanski at marianszymanski@verizon.net  

The First Universalist Society in Franklin (FUSF) is a Unitarian Universalist Welcoming Congregation located at 262 Chestnut Street, Franklin. Our Minister is Reverend Beverly Waring. For more information about FUSF please visit our website at Fusf.org. You can also contact us at info@fusf.org or by calling 508-528-5348.  

Agenda for the Franklin School Committee meeting - Tuesday, March 10 at 6 PM

Franklin School Committee 

March 10, 2026 = 6:00 PM

Municipal Building – Council Chambers 

FPS Portrait of a Graduate

Call to Order Dr. Griffith

 

Announcements from the Chair

Pledge of Allegiance 

Moment of Silence

I. Routine Business

A. Review of Agenda

B. Payment of Bills Mr. Callaghan

C. Payroll Dr. Griffith

D. FHS Student Representative Comments

E. Superintendent’s Report

II. Guests/Presentations

A. Food Services Presentation

III. Discussion/Action Items

A. none

IV. Discussion Only Items

A. Monthly Financial Report

V. Information Matters

A. School Committee Sub-Committee Reports

B. School Committee Liaison Reports

VI. Consent Agenda

A. Approval of Minutes

I recommend approval of the minutes from your February 24, 2026 School Committee meeting as detailed. 

B.   Washington Street K-2 Gift

I recommend the acceptance of $5,096.00 from the WK-2 PCC for field trips as detailed.

VII. Good of the Order

VIII. Citizen’s Comments

IX. New Business

To discuss any future agenda items

X. Adjournment

The agenda also contains remote participation info - 

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03102026-2175

The meeting packet folder will hold the docs released for this meeting. Some before, some are posted after the meeting

https://www.franklinps.net/documents/departments/school-committee/meeting-packets/2025---26-meeting-packets/march-10%2C-2026-sc-meeting-packet/26068396

Friendly reminder via Franklin Police: "If you don’t want your stuff stolen, lock it"

Overnight Vehicle Break-Ins 

Franklin PD has received numerous calls regarding car break-ins during the overnight hours. Before everyone pictures smashed windows and Hollywood-style burglars…   here’s the key detail:

Friendly reminder via Franklin Police:
"If you don’t want your stuff stolen, lock it"

None of the vehicles were forcibly broken into. 

Every single one was left unlocked.

These are what we call crimes of opportunity. Someone walks through neighborhoods pulling door handles. If the door opens, they help themselves to loose valuables like wallets, change, electronics, and that Dunkies gift card you got from Gramma for Christmas. 

To help everyone navigate this complicated issue, we’ve included a very advanced flow chart.

After extensive research, it reaches one very important conclusion: You should lock your car.

Because according to the chart…

If you don’t want your stuff stolen, lock it. 

We promise…  it works 100% of the time when used.

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/16FdUM8Nwx/

The Second Sunday Speaker Series: The Secrets and Lore of the "License Plate"

Alan Young was first introduced to license plate collecting by his father, more than 25 years ago and "never looked back." What started with an interesting plate or two has grown into a wide range of (mostly) New England license plates as well as research into who the early plates once belonged to.  

The Secrets and Lore of the "License Plate"

Young will share some of his collection and discuss the development of plates over the past 120 years. He has also promised to reveal the first automobile to be registered in Franklin!. 

The museum opens at 1 and the program will start at 1:15 The museum opens at 1 and closes at 4. Admission is free but a suggested donation of $5 or more is always encouraged appreciated.

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

Questions? Contact Alan Earls at 508 560 3786.   Visit us online at https://www.franklinmuseum1778.org

FHS Best Buddies Spring Fling rescheduled to March 20

FHS Best Buddies Spring Fling rescheduled to March 20

UPDATE: Our Spring Fling has been rescheduled to March 20th! It will be from 6:00 to 8:00 PM in the FHS cafeteria.

Please RSVP through the link in our bio or in Google Classroom by March 17th.

Hope to see everyone there!!

Shared from - https://www.instagram.com/p/DVhUFF7ifQZ/?

Tri-County podcast features Pedro Martinez, Commissioner of DESE (video)

Tri-County podcast features Pedro Martinez,
Commissioner of DESE (video)

This week’s episode features a special guest: Pedro Martinez, Commissioner of the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. 

He joined us for a thoughtful conversation about his work, the priorities of the department, and the challenges and opportunities facing schools across the state.

A great episode for anyone interested in education, leadership, and the future of our schools.

Tune in and take a listen! 🎧 https://youtu.be/2wx7QiioB0E

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/1K1E8XURHW/

Friends' Social: You Are Invited! - Tuesday, March 10

͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌    ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­

🌟 You Are Invited! 🌟 📅 Tuesday, March 10 | 🕕6:30–7 PM | 📍 Franklin Public Library Join us for a Friends' Social — a chance to meet Friends and learn how you can get involved with Friends of the Franklin Library! Enjoy some refreshments, grab a free tote bag, and stay afterwards for our March Board Meeting — all are welcome! 💛About Us Friends of the Franklin Library is an all-volunteer, nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and promoting the Library's collections, programs, and community engagement. If you can't attend, please contact us at FoFL02038@gmail.com to learn more or get involved. 🙌 We're Looking For: ●       Volunteers — Looking for a way to give back? Come get involved! ●       Board Members — Step into a leadership role! ●       Website Helpers — especially those with Wix experience We hope to see you on March 10th! View email in browser Friends of the Franklin Library · PO Box 147 · Franklin, MA 02038-0147 · USA

We’re Moving! Follow Our New Official Page -> Town of Franklin on Facebook

Please follow and like our new page: "Town of Franklin"

The Town of Franklin has created a new, official Facebook page to better serve our community and keep residents informed.

Please follow and like our new page: "Town of Franklin" - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61588473912221

All future updates, announcements, meeting information, event details, and important town news will be shared there. We encourage everyone to make the switch so you don’t miss out on important information!

Thank you for staying connected and engaged with our community. We look forward to continuing the conversation on our new page!

— Town of Franklin

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1C3TmGNPtS/

Nationalgrid Customer Advocates at Senior Center Monday, March 9

Nationalgrid at Senior Center Monday, March 9

Customer Advocates from National Grid will be available at the Franklin Senior Center on Monday, March 9, 2026 to discuss options to manage your energy bill and help you find assistance, including: Discount Rate, Payment Plans, Budget Plan, and the Arrears Management Program (AMP). 

No appointment is needed, but please bring the following when you visit: If you receive SNAP, MassHealth, SSI or WIC, please bring your benefit card and/or program acceptance letter to enroll in their Discount Rate Program. 

You can learn more at https://www.nationalgridus.com/MA-Home/here-for-you

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/1CBSF8peV5/

Beaver St. Interceptor Project: Construction Updates ~ Monday (3/9) Through Friday (3/13)

RT. 140 (West Central Street) Lane Closure Alert

--Monday Night (3/9) thru Thursday Morning (3/12) 7pm to 5am, Friday (3/13) 7am-3pm

Beaver St. Interceptor Project

The Contractor will continue with the installation of the sewer force main within RT. 140 (West Central Street). The work will be contained within the southbound lane from Burger King to Beaver Street. During this time there will be evening lane closures on RT. 140. Please use caution when traveling in this area and follow all posted signs.

Beaver Street Pump Station

At the Franklin Recreation Center, the construction of the new Beaver Street Interceptor Pump Station will continue with construction of the internal building component installation and testing of the pumps.  Bypass piping equipment will be onsite and protected by barriers.  Access to the recreation center will NOT be affected during this time.

For additional details on the project - https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/557/Beaver-Street-Interceptor-BSI-Project

"Struggle is not a flaw in thinking. Struggle is the thinking." (video)

"An idea that some may have forgotten. Struggle is not a flaw in thinking.

Struggle is the thinking.

Sitting in confusion. Following the thread. Feeling the discomfort of holding multiple ideas to be true at once. That’s how a person builds real understanding. The kind where you can creatively expand and synthesize ideas because you truly know what you think.

That’s also what education is supposed to do. Not just produce answers, but develop humans who can wrestle with complexity, form formidable conclusions and hold their ground in a messy reality.

In an AI world where answers are instant and the quality of endless content is questionable, this ability becomes rarer, and more valuable. Let's use this lens to evaluate the role of tech in learning."

Bloomberg's full interview with Meredith Whittaker is available on YouTube.

Who is Meredith Whittaker? - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meredith_Whittaker#

YouTube link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-CHfHA5ptaU

Boston Globe: "History is being erased in Lowell"

"The following things happened in Lowell in the 19th century: Girls as young as 10 worked 12-hour days, six days a week, in hot, unhealthy textile mills with little ventilation. The harsh conditions led the mill workers to organize the Lowell Female Labor Reform Association, which pushed for a 10-hour work day. Its newspaper, The Voice of Industry, took strong stands against war and slavery, and many workers stood in solidarity with the enslaved Africans who harvested the cotton spun in those very mills.

Apparently President Trump doesn’t want you to know about all of this, because in accordance with his executive order “Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History,” two videos about the mill workers shown at the Lowell National Historical Park have been removed.

“Lowell: The Continuing Revolution” is one of the two missing films (still available online if not on the park website). It’s a standard overview of the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution, mostly supporting the narrative of benevolent mill owners and young women happy to be liberated from farm drudgery to earn their own money. But the film does describe the air in the mills as “swarming with lint, leaving the workers susceptible to lung disease,” and says that owners looking to optimize profits regularly cut wages, leading to strikes. Since the US Interior Department’s directives enforcing Trump’s order compel the National Park Service to “flag for removal” any materials that “inappropriately disparage Americans past or living,” the educational videos had to go.

“Every American should be alarmed that this is happening,” said Kristin Sykes, Northeast regional director of the National Parks Conservation Association, an independent guardian of the parks. “We’re just starting to see this whitewashing, and we could see much more.”

Continue reading the article via this shared link -

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2026/03/06/opinion/lowell-mills-history-erased-trump/?s_campaign=sharetool_copypaste_view

Friendly reminder: Spring the clocks ahead one hour Saturday night

Friendly reminder: Spring the clocks ahead one hour Saturday night

Don’t forget to spring ahead!

Daylight Saving Time begins Sunday, March 8, 2026, at 2:00 AM.

Set your clocks forward one hour and take a moment to check smoke and CO detector batteries.

Shared from -

https://www.facebook.com/share/19JD5EBHrR/

How to avoid government grant scams that offer free money for personal expenses

How to avoid government grant scams that offer free money for personal expenses By BCP Staff Scammers make up all kinds of bogus stories to steal your personal information, or your money. Some go negative and make up a problem that doesn't really exist. Others try a positive spin and say you won something, like free money made available through a government grant or program. How do you know if these promises are legit—or a scam? Here are five common signs of a fake government grant scam: Read more -> https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2026/03/how-avoid-government-grant-scams-offer-free-money-personal-expenses?utm_source=govdelivery

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule for Saturday, March 7, 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 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, March 6, 2026 ???

Friday, March 6

• Regular curbside trash/recycle schedule for this week
• Free overflow bags at DPW Admin building, 257 Fisher St
• Hours added at Beaver St Recycling Ctr  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/03/reminder-regular-curbside-schedule-for.html

10:00am Knitting Group (Franklin Public Library)

1:00pm Thrifty Threads (Franklin Federated Church)

6:00pm Ken Barney (live music) (Lafayette House)

7:00pm High School Musical (Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter)

7:30pm Garnet Rogers - Special FRIDAY Show (ticketed concert) (Circle of Friends Coffeehouse)

Library & Senior Center events

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/calendar.aspx?CID=37,24&showPastEvents=false

Note: Senior Center checking on why their events are suddenly being shown as "All Day". You can use the monthly newsletter for specific program/event times

***  Town Meetings today   ***

Franklin School Committee - Policy Subcommittee Meeting

Friday, March 6 Time: 8:15 AM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03062026-2169

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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