Sunday, January 11, 2026

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Sunday, January 11, 2026 ???

Sunday, January 11

10:00am Girl Scout Cookies (Stop & Shop)

10:00am Girl Scout Cookies (Pet Supplies Plus Franklin)

1:00pm Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

1:15pm Second Sunday Speaker - Franklin in Miniature (Franklin Historical Museum)


**  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


Franklin, MA: Agenda for the Finance Committee Meeting scheduled Jan 14 at 6 PM

Finance Committee Meeting
Agenda & Meeting Packet
Wednesday, January 14, 2026 = 6:00 PM

Franklin Municipal Building
355 East Central Street, 2nd Floor Council Chambers

Agenda
1. Call to Order

2. Public Comments - 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 Finance Committee cannot engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Finance Committee may ask town staff to review the matter. Nothing herein shall prevent the town staff from correcting a misstatement of fact.

3. Approval of Minutes
a. December 10, 2025  
https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/7934/3a-FinCom-Minutes-12102025-2

4. The Bill Dowd “Deep Dive Series”
a. Board of Assessors and Town Staff: The Economics of Development
b. Board of Assessors and Town Staff: Understanding Abatements, Exemptions and Overlay

5. FY2026 Capital
a. Capital Improvement Book & Breakdown of Free Cash  
https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/8098/FY26-Capital-Improvement-Book
a. February 25, 2026 (Q2 Revenue Report and Year to Date expenditures)
b. March 11, 2026
c. April 6, 7, 8 & 9, 2026 Anticipated Finance Committee Budget Hearings

7. Finance Committee Member Comments

8. Adjourn

The agenda doc contains remote participation info -> https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_01142026-2089 

Franklin, MA: Agenda for the Finance Committee Meeting scheduled Jan 14 at 6 PM
Franklin, MA: Agenda for the Finance Committee
Meeting scheduled Jan 14 at 6 PM

Franklin School Committee opens the new year with 3 meetings

The key agenda items for two subcommittee meetings and the full School Committee meeting are shared below. The agenda PDF doc also contains remote participation info


1 - Franklin Public School Community Relations Sub Committee Meeting

Monday, January 12 Time: 6:30 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_01122026-2082 

Agenda:

● Establish Mission Statement / 2026 Goals

● 2026 Engagement & Activity Brainstorming

● Newsletter Planning


2 - Franklin School Committee - Policy Subcommittee Meeting

Tuesday, January 13 Time: 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_01132026-2087 


Agenda:

II. Review of Minutes

III. Overview of Policies & Procedures

IV. Approved Policies

A. none

V. Discussion of Policies sent to School Committee

A. IHAIA - Middle School Pathway Exploration

VI. Policy Revisions & New Policies - New Discussion Item

A. BL: Remote Participation

B. GBEBD - Online Fundraising and Solicitations- Crowdfunding

C. Signage on State Property (State Champions)

D. AEB - Recognition of Accomplishments

E. Facility Rental Policies (KF, KF-E1, KF-E2, KF-E3, KF-E4, KF-E5)


3 - Franklin School Committee

Tuesday, January 13 Time: 7:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_01132026-2086 


Agenda:


II. Guests/Presentations

A. FHS Galapagos Field Trip

B. FHS 2026-27 Program of Studies Update – Dr. Weber

C. Office of Teaching & Learning District Assessment Presentation – Dr. Rogers

D. Franklin Childcare Presentation – Patty Gay

III. Discussion/Action Items

A. FHS Galapagos Islands Trip

I recommend approval of the request of Jason Chetlan to take FHS Students to the Galapagos Islands from 2/13 - 21/2027 as discussed. 

B. 2026-27 FHS Program of Studies

I recommend approval of the 2026-27 FHS Program of Studies as discussed. 

C. Policy - First Reading

I recommend moving Policy IHAIA - Middle School Pathway Exploration to a second reading as discussed. 

D. ECDC 2026-27 Tuition Rate

I recommend approval of the ECDC 2026-27 tuition rate as discussed

Franklin School Committee opens the new year with 3 meetings
Franklin School Committee opens the new year with 3 meetings

Samantha Piette talks about floral arrangements, pop ups, workshops & Valentine's Day (Video & audio)

FM #1626 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1626 in the series. 


We sat with Samantha Piette, entrepreneur creating Piette Petal Co, an artisanal florist operating on the internet and in pop up shops for now. 


We talked about her road to floral arrangements, the build up to Valentine’s Day and all that she offers. We recorded this virtually via Zoom on Monday, December 29, 2025.


The recording runs about 22 minutes


Audio link -> 
https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1626-piette-petal-co-12-29-25/




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Piette Petal Co can be found -> https://piettepetalco.com/


Follow Samantha on Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/piette.petal.co.floral/ 


Taco Tuesdays at Maya Mexican Cocina (from spring to fall)  -> https://mayamexicancocina.com/




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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"


FHS boys hockey ties Taunton on Saturday

Via Instagram, Franklin TV, and our subscription to HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the Winter sports competition for Franklin High School on Saturday, January 10, 2026


Boys Hockey = Franklin, 1 @ Taunton, 1 – Final
"Too much of a good thing can quickly become a burden.

That was the case on Saturday afternoon when Taunton spent over nine minutes on the power play in the second period alone and ended up with just one goal to show for it.

Even worse for the Tigers was that Franklin scored in the short time of 5-on-5 play it had in the period.

Both teams had chances in the third period and overtime, but the Tigers and Panthers settled for a point apiece in a 1-1 tie at Aleixo Arena."

Continue reading the recap by By Ryan Lanigan || HockomockSports.com Editor

For a photo gallery from this game -> 


Girls Hockey = Franklin, 3 @ Ashland, 4 – Final

Wrestling = Springfield Central Tournament (Franklin, Taunton)


For other results across the Hockomock League (subscription required)  
FHS Panther sports results shared via Twitter & subscription to HockomockSports.com
FHS Panther sports results shared via Twitter & subscription to HockomockSports.com

Children's Museum Spark Labs schedules two K&1 workshop on magnets

Children's Museum Spark Labs schedules two K&1 workshop on magnets
Children's Museum Spark Labs schedules
two K&1 workshop on magnets
"Get ready to pull, push, and experiment! In this hands-on, teamwork-powered class, kids will dive into the fascinating world of magnets. They’ll test which objects snap together, discover whether some magnets are mightier than others, and even see if magnetic forces can work through different materials. Through playful experiments and collaborative challenges, young scientists will explore, predict, and uncover magnetic magic together. Program is a two-week program for students in Grades K & 1 Dates: Thursdays, January 15 & January 22, 4:00-5:30 PM"

Learn more and register at childrensmuseumfranklin.org/magnets


Franklin TV: ReDieting – Again

It’s Baaaaaaaaack!

by Pete Fasciano, Executive Director 01/11/2026

We’re 11 days into 2026 – and counting. (‘Counting what?’ you may ask.) Counting days until we faceplant on our New Year’s resolutions. (Well, that’s a fairly negative outlook.) True, but the fact remains; most resolutions fade away by mid-month. This year I’m tackling three of them.
A. Keep things generally tidier. (Yeh. Good luck with that.)
B. Get more exercise. (Increasingly important.)
C. Lose weight. (Ah, yes. That perennial challenge.) (Sigh!)
Yet, diet we must. I’ve written much about dieting here – or ReDieting. The ‘Re’ part is a key acknowledgement that just because you (we/I) lost weight, that doesn’t mean you (we/I) can drift back to contentedly mindlessly binging on empty calories.

How we eat is a creeping habit. We become rehabituated, subtly slip-sliding in and through the ordinariness of our day-to-day circumstances. Time goes by-and-by, and you (we/I) find yourself (myself) off your (my) game – again. That diet discipline has dispersed, shifted. Shift happens. Hence, the most important aspect of the ReDiet? Monday!

That glorious Monday. It rolls around every week as an unavoidable trigger to rededicate yourself (myself) to restarting anew; redieting for just – one – day.

You (we/I) are/am back in training.

You (we/I) can make it through a day. Then, after a few weeks of Monday successes, you (we/I) can add a day later in the week. Now, it’s two days each week – and so on.

A small caution: ReDieting does not mean starving. (Although, it might feel like that.) Even dieting is subject to moderation. Consider that every 100 calorie gain or loss over a month of days is almost a pound. So, if you (we/I) can drop 300 calories on any given day, it’s decent progress, but not a huge ask. Now the trick is to start gradually lining up enough days each month to matter.

And – as always –
Thank you for watching.
Thanks for listening to wfpr●fm, 
and staying informed at Franklin●news. 

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
Watch Listen Read all things that matter in Franklin MA

Senator Rausch video interview on "That Milford Show" (video)

"Here in Massachusetts, we operate differently. We actually talk to each other, we trust science and understand evidence, and we don't dwell in rhetoric - we focus on action and meaningful results that are going to generate positive outcomes for people in their daily lives."
I joined Al Correia on "That Milford Show" for a wide-ranging conversation about the state budget, my Community Immunity Act to uplift public health in the Commonwealth, and much more.



Joe Landry and Scott Mason present "The Rome Block" (video)

Here is the presentation that Joe Landry and Scott Mason recorded at Franklin TV about the Rome Restaurant block.



Franklin Youth Hockey fund raiser Jan 13 at McDonald's

Franklin Youth Hockey fund raiser Jan 13 at McDonald's
Franklin Youth Hockey fund raiser Jan 13 at McDonald's
"Enjoy your favorite meal while giving back to FYHA! 

Stop by the Franklin restaurant (345 E. Central Street) on Tuesday, January 13th, from 4-7pm, to support the Flyers!

McDonald's will be donating 20% of all sales made from the evening directly to the association."



Top TED Talks in 2025 for viewing

The Essential TED Talk playlisting for 2025 ->  https://www.ted.com/playlists/891/10_essential_ted_talks_of_2025

And what is #1 on this list? 

The case for making art when the world is on fire | Amie McNee | TEDxManchester  video link -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2XZ9z6OewR0

"Another beautiful reason to create is because it reclaims your most valuable resource which has been robbed of us. And that's our attention. In a society that profits from you being stuck on your phone, giving your attention to art is a rebellious act. That means when you write that little piece of poetry, it isn't just a nice thing to do with your time. It is a revolutionary thing to do with your time.”




Know your protest rights

Know your protest rights
Know your protest rights

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule for Sunday, January 11, 2026

Yes, Franklin has it's own radio station -> wfpr.fmFranklin Public Radio has a schedule full of 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 Sunday
Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule for Sunday


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 Sunday
Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule for Sunday

Saturday, January 10, 2026

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Saturday, January 10, 2026 ???

Saturday, January 10

8:30am Girl Scout Cookie Sales (also collecting 4 Food Panty) (United States Postal Service)

9:00am Thrifty Threads (Franklin Federated Church)

9:00am St Mary's Women’s Faith Formation Meeting (St. Mary's Parish)

10:00am Girl Scout Cookie Sales (Shaw's)

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

10:00am Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

10:00am Franklin in Miniature (Train Town 3) (Franklin Historical Museum)

10:00am Open House (Franklin Children's School)
10:30am  Stuffed Animal Village! (Franklin Public Library)
1:00pm Community Concert: Vera Meyer (glass armonica) (Franklin United Methodist Church)
1:00pm  Painting for Adults! (Franklin Public Library)
2:00pm  Craftalong for Adults! (Franklin Public Library)
4:00pm The Franklin Stove: An Unintended American Revolution  (Franklin Public Library)
6:00pm Avery Markle Band (CraftRoots Brewing)
7:00pm Karaoke (La Cantina Winery)
7:30pm Kim Moberg & Jenna Nicholls (ticketed concert) (Circle of Friends Coffeehouse) 
8:00pm Karaoke at The Raillery (Raillery Public House)



For additional details on Library events -> 

**  NO 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