Franklin Matters

Thursday, January 15, 2026

FHS wresting falls to Milford on Wednesday

Via Instagram, Franklin TV, and our subscription to HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the Winter sports competition for Franklin High School on Wednesday, January 14, 2026

Wrestling = Milford, 57 @ Franklin, 18 – Final

– Milford recorded eight pins and rolled to a big win over rival Franklin to stay unbeaten in league play through two dual meets. The meet was back-and-forth at the start, with the teams trading wins. Amelia Hough got the Hawks on the board with a second-period pin at 106 but John Woodall followed with a pin just 38 seconds into his match at 113 to tie it. Cameron Zicherman put Milford back in front with a first-period pin at 120 but Ben Ellis followed with a first-period pin of his own at 126 to bring the Panthers right back. Brayden Boccia matched them with a pin at 132 to give Milford the lead for good. Jack Sauer recorded a takedown midway through the third period to edge Dylan Wright at 138 and make it 18-15. Milford would win by fall in the next three matches to pull away. Ryan Flis oinned his opponent in the third period at 144 and Josiah Carney (150) and Kaua Reis (157) each ended their matches in the first round. Dom Joice got a first-period takedown and held off Anthony Marzullo for a hard-fought 4-2 win at 165. Wanderson Dos Santos won by forfeit at 175 to make it 45-15 and Anthony Norris followed with a second-round pin for the Hawks. Keaton Cooper took control of his match with a pair of third-period takedowns and won 9-2 at 215, Franklin’s fourth win of the meet. The match at 285 was a battle. William Best had a 6-2 lead after one period, but just when it looked like he might take Wellison Dos Santos down again, the Milford heavyweight flipped things around and finished it with a pin.

For a Photo Gallery from this dual meet (subscription required) -> https://hockomocksports.smugmug.com/2025-2026/Winter-2025-2026/Franklin-vs-Milford-Wrestling-01-14-26

For other results across the Hockomock League (subscription required)

https://hockomocksports.com/wednesdays-schedule-scoreboard-01-14-26/

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

MassMEP Awarded $2.93 Million in NIST MEP Cooperative Agreement to Support Massachusetts Manufacturers in FY 2026

MassMEP, the Massachusetts Manufacturing Extension Partnership, announced today that it has been awarded the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) Cooperative Agreement for Massachusetts for Fiscal Year 2026, totaling $2.9 million. The award coincides with MassMEP’s 30th year of service supporting small and medium-sized manufacturers throughout the Commonwealth.

As part of the national NIST MEP Network, MassMEP delivers high-impact consulting, training, and technical assistance designed to improve manufacturers’ competitiveness, profitability, and resilience. The FY 2026 cooperative agreement enables MassMEP to continue helping manufacturers strengthen their topline growth, bottom-line performance, and long-term business pipeline, while remaining and expanding in Massachusetts.

https://massmep.org/

Consistent with NIST MEP performance measures, MassMEP-supported manufacturers have reported significant economic impact in recent years, including increases in new and retained sales, measurable cost savings, and new capital investments. These engagements have also resulted in the creation and retention of thousands of manufacturing jobs across Massachusetts.

“This cooperative agreement reflects the strength of MassMEP’s results-driven approach and the confidence NIST places in our ability to deliver measurable impact for manufacturers,” said Kathie Mahoney, President of MassMEP. “For 30 years, we have worked directly with manufacturers to address their most pressing challenges, whether improving operational performance, achieving regulatory compliance, developing their workforce, or accessing funding and new markets.”

“I am thrilled to see MassMEP receive this $2.9 million NIST MEP cooperative agreement,” said State Representative Jeffrey N. Roy (10th Norfolk District), Co-Chair of the Manufacturing Caucus. “MassMEP’s unwavering commitment to innovation, training, and strong community partnerships continues to strengthen our manufacturing ecosystem and support the long-term economic health of the Commonwealth.”

About MassMEP: MassMEP is a private, nonprofit organization and part of the NIST Manufacturing Extension Partnership National Network.

The Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) is based at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). The national Program Office (NIST MEP) which provides the federal government funding for the MEP National Network™ is located in Gaithersburg, MD. The MEP National Network includes the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NIST MEP), MEP Centers across the U.S. and in Puerto Rico, the MEP Advisory Board, MEP Center boards, and the Foundation for Manufacturing Excellence, as well as nearly 1,400 trusted advisors and experts at approximately 475 MEP service locations, providing any U.S. manufacturer with access to resources they need to succeed.

For more information please reach out to MassMEP here.

Franklin Public Radio wfpr.fm schedule for Thursday, January 15, 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 Thursday

8:00 AM, 1:00 PM, and 6:00 PM - Franklin Matters Radio – Steve Sherlock covering Franklin, its local government, services, and events

This shares the Town of Franklin - Board of Health Mtg of Jan 7, 2026 - https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/01/franklin-ma-board-of-health-mtg-010726.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)"

This week the 2 hour Turntable Show features Eric Clapton "Slowhand" Album and the Clapton Vibe Playlist. “Slowhand” was released on November 25, 1977 and was hugely successful commercially, reaching #2 on the Billboard 200 and going multi-platinum. The album includes big hits: “Lay Down Sally”; “Wonderful Tonight”; and “Cocaine”.
The Playlist Hour includes special live cuts and studio hits across Clapton's Blindfaith, Derek and the Dominos, and solo recordings. Enjoy listening to the music from one of the world's most influential rock n blues guitarists of all time

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, January 15, 2026 (Your local Public, Education & Government "PEG" station)

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

11:33 am Comfort Food: Comfort Food

12:03 pm Brook'n'Cookin: French Toast

12:35 pm Cooking with Linda: Chicken Pot Pie

1:30 pm Pizzapalooza: Emergency Pizza

2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Summer 2019 Show 3

3:00 pm Candlepin New Generation: Show 9

3:30 pm Aging Boldfully: Look Back then Move Forward

4:30 pm FPAC: The Nutcracker Day One

7:00 pm Frank's Musings: Venezuela

8:00 pm Metrowest Symposium: Equity & Access in Arts & Culture

9:00 pm Circle of Friends: Ellis Paul

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

9:30 am All-Town Showcase 2024: Chorus and Orchestra

11:00 am FHS Concert Hour 02-26-25

2:00 pm FHSTC - Flowers for Algernon

3:00 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Student Athletes Show 2 12-12-25

4:00 pm FHS Varsity Wrestling: v Taunton 01-05-23

5:30 pm FHS Girls Varsity Hockey v Mansfield 01-07-26

9:00 pm Franklin Footlighters: High School Musical Jr.

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

8:00 am Conservation Commission 12-11-25

2:00 pm Conservation Commission 12-11-25

7:00 pm Conservation Commission CHAMBERS 871 4623 0719

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

Wednesday, January 14, 2026

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Wednesday, January 14, 2026 ???

Wednesday, January 14

Early dismissal for Schools (not the normal early dismissal schedule)

Senior Center closes at noon

11:00 AM to 7 PM Traffic Advisory (St. Mary's Parish & Town Common area)

1:00pm Writer's Group (Franklin TV and Radio)

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

** Town Meetings today **

Finance Committee Meeting

Wednesday, January 14 Time: 6:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_01142026-2089

-----------

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 Police share info on road closures & timing for Weds/Thurs wake & funeral at St Mary's

The following information pertains to the upcoming wake and funeral services for Officer Stephen A. LaPorta. A significant police presence is expected in the vicinity of St. Mary’s Church and the Franklin Town Common during these services. Road closures and traffic detours will be in effect.

Residents and motorists are encouraged to seek alternate routes and avoid the area if possible. We recognize that these disruptions may be inconvenient, particularly for those who live nearby, and we sincerely appreciate the community’s patience and cooperation.

Your understanding and support will help ensure a dignified and respectful farewell for Officer LaPorta and his family.

Franklin Police share info on road closures & timing for Weds/Thurs wake & funeral at St Mary's

Wake:

St. Mary’s Church, 1 Church Square, Franklin, MA, Wednesday, January 14th, from 2p-6p.
Church square and surrounding streets will be closed from approximately 11am - 7pm.

Funeral:

St. Mary’s Church, 1 Church Square, Franklin, MA, Thursday, January 15 at 11am.
Church square and surrounding streets will be closed from approximately 9am - 2pm.

Road Closures:

• Church Square

• Beaver St from West Central St to Church Square

• Union St from School St to Church Square

• Daniel McCahill St. from Church Square to Senior Center

• Main St from School St to Highland St

• Pleasant St from Moore Ave/Hillside Rd to Church Square

• Crescent St, Garfield, Martin, and Queen will be limited access

Parking / Staging Areas:

• Public Parking:

o Davis Thayer School, 109 W. Central Street, Franklin;
o Dean College Campus Center lot (located next to Davis Thayer on W. Central Street);
o Dean College Jones Lot off of School Street;
o Dean Hall Lot off of Emmons Street

Shuttle buses will be provided for those with difficulty walking.

• Police Staging (Officers will be bused to church):

o 55 Constitution Blvd, Franklin
o Wake staging opens at 10am. Busing starts at 11am. Police walk through is at 1:45 pm.
o Funeral staging opens at 7am. Busing starts at 8 am.

• Media Parking:

o Franklin Federated Church, 171 Main Street, Franklin

Download a copy of the Police press release as a reminder or to share

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1fLbrc8XFVc-2rgphjId7PENwAGK6k0MW/view?usp=drive_link

Bob Seeger Tribute Concert scheduled for THE BLACK BOX, January 31, 2026

A high-energy performance of old time rock ‘n’ roll hits and powerful ballads paying tribute to the legendary Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band by Rhode Island-based tribute band TURN THE PAGE!

TICKETS

$20 pre-sale, $25 at door *doesn’t include processing fees https://theblackboxonline.com/turn-the-page-a-bob-segar-tribute/

Bob Seeger Tribute Concert scheduled for THE BLACK BOX, January 31, 2026

Get ready with the YouTube playlist -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eMY1ewg-e9w&list=PLQMQ0pEi2FfpCMCQ2YKCJd_7sJH6__fzT

Councilor Morrongiello Seeks Public Input on Master Plan Priority Goals

Town Councilor Maxwell Morrongiello is inviting residents to help identify which goals from the recently adopted Master Plan the Town Council should prioritize during his first term.

The Town of Franklin adopted its 2025 Master Plan last year after extensive public input. The plan identifies more than 300 goals to accomplish over the next decade across six key areas: Housing Diversity, Complete Neighborhoods, Neighborhood Connectivity, Vibrant Downtown, Natural and Historic Conservation, and Resource Efficiency.

"I campaigned on a platform of transparency. Now I want to hear from you," Morrongiello said. "The Town Council will soon be deciding what goals to tackle during the current term."

The survey asks residents to nominate one goal from the Master Plan. Due to the expected volume of responses, participants are asked to submit only their top priority. Morrongiello will follow up with a web poll after the nomination period closes.

Nominations close Jan. 19, 2026.

The Town Council will hold its goal setting meeting Feb. 4. Morrongiello encourages community members to make their voices heard before the council establishes its priorities for the term.

The survey is available at https://forms.gle/f9xHt8wjaNDEFKHB8

The survey is non-binding but will help Morrongiello determine which goals to support as the council develops its legislative priorities for the 2025-2027 term.

Only goals from the adopted Master Plan will be considered for the survey. Residents with suggestions or concerns beyond the Master Plan are encouraged to contact Morrongiello directly at mmorrongiello@franklinma.gov.

The full Master Plan is available at https://www.franklinma.gov/295/Master-Plan

Councilor Morrongiello Seeks Public
Input on Master Plan Priority Goals

About the Franklin Master Plan

The Franklin Master Plan 2025 was adopted after a comprehensive public engagement process and provides a framework for municipal development and decision-making over the next 10 years. The plan includes recommendations for land use, housing, transportation, economic development, natural resources and community facilities.

FHS girls & boys basketball teams post wins vs Stoughton on Tuesday (video)

Via Instagram, Franklin TV, and our subscription to HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the Winter sports competition for Franklin High School on Tuesday, January 13, 2026

Boys Basketball = Stoughton, 52 @ Franklin, 75 – Final

– Stoughton got off to a strong start and had the lead after a quarter but Franklin surged ahead with 21 points in the second quarter and put the game out of reach with 22 points in the third quarter. Senior Traevon Jones was on fire in the opening quarter, hitting a trio of threes and finished with 13 of his 20 points (tying a career-high) in the opening frame as the Black Knights had a slim 17-15 edge after one. But Franklin started to attack the rim with success in the second: Ben Scaccia, Nas Johnson, Jack Sullivan, Justice Samuels, and James Crowley all hit shots from the floor as the Panthers pushed ahead, 36-27, going into halftime. It was more of the same in the third as Franklin had seven more two-point field goals, went 5-for-5 from the line, and sophomore Danny Santos hit a three as Franklin created plenty of separation, 58-39, going into the fourth. Crowley finished with a career-high 22 points to lead all scorers, Santos added 17 points, Sullivan scored 15 points, and Samuels chipped in with 10 points. Anthony Alessi added 13 points for the Black Knights.

Franklin TV video -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZdzU98jvr34

Girls Basketball = Franklin, 65 @ Stoughton, 26 – Final

- Franklin had 11 players score and held Stoughton to single digits in three of the four quarters to run away with a big win (their fourth in a row) that pushes the Panthers into a first-place tie with Milford atop the Kelley-Rex division. Stoughton was held to just one made field goal in the first and freshman Brielle Nicholls scored seven of Franklin’s 13 to give the visitors a nine-point lead after one. Franklin exploded for 21 points in the second, with Evelena scoring seven and four Panthers knocking down threes. Momentum continued to be with the road team in the third, as Liz Dumais (six points, eight rebounds, and two blocks) scored four and Franklin outscored the Black Knights 16-6 to make it a 30-point lead. Even with most of its starters on the bench for the whole fourth quarter, Franklin added 15 more, including four off the bench from Devyn Cairns. Dobecki, Nicholls (five rebounds, six steals, and three assists), and freshman Chloe Gordon each scored nine points for the Panthers, while Ava Bonney scored eight and Tessah Rodrigues and Sophia Sacramone each finished with seven. Raine Tat was Stoughton’s high scorer with seven and she grabbed nine rebounds. Isabel Belmonte chipped in with five points and five boards in the loss.

– For a Photo Gallery from this game -> https://hockomocksports.smugmug.com/2025-2026/Winter-2025-2026/Stoughton-Franklin-Girls-Basketball-01-13-26

Girls Hockey = Franklin, 0 @ Westwood, 5 – Final

For other results across the Hockomock League (subscription required)

https://hockomocksports.com/tuesdays-schedule-scoreboard-01-13-26/

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

2025 Hockomock Sports Field Hockey Awards recognize Barry, Lucenta, Marzullo, Camp, Blongastainer, Taccini, & Coach of the Year - Michelle Hess

HockomockSports.com First Team

Devon Barry – Franklin – Goalkeeper
Ava Lucenta – Franklin – Defense
Ella Marzullo – Franklin – Midfield/Forward
Jossie Camp – Franklin – Midfield/Forward

HockomockSports.com Second Team

Clara Blongastainer – Franklin – Defense
Cade Taccini – Franklin – Midfield/Forward

Coach of the Year

Franklin’s Michelle Hess has been selected as the 2025 HockomockSports.com Field Hockey Coach of the Year. Hess guided the Panthers through one of the most successful seasons in program history, leading Franklin to a seventh straight Kelley-Rex division title and its first-ever appearance in the Division 1 state championship game.

Franklin went 10-0-1 in league play, extending its remarkable unbeaten streak in league games to 106 in a row while allowing just two goals against Hock opponents all season. The Panthers finished 17-3-3 overall, earned the No. 2 seed in the Division 1 tournament, and put together a deep postseason run that carried them all the way to the state final for the first time in program history.

Continue reading the full article (subscription required)

https://hockomocksports.com/awards/field-hockey/2025-2/

Franklin’s Jefferson Elementary School Named a Massachusetts Blue Ribbon School

Jefferson Elementary School was one of only six schools in Massachusetts chosen by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) for a National Blue Ribbon School nomination in the 2025 Schools of Recognition program.

As part of its annual accountability reporting process, DESE identifies a small number of Schools of Recognition. These schools demonstrate progress toward annual accountability targets, with an emphasis on improved achievement in English Language Arts (ELA) and math. The highest annual recognition in the program is the National Blue Ribbon School Nominee designation.

Jefferson Elementary now the Washington K-2 School

Jefferson Elementary School was selected as part of the Exemplary High-Performing School category. This award recognizes schools that continue to demonstrate excellence across all subjects and deliver an overarching education program for all students, including students with disabilities and English language learners.

State officials recognized the consistency of Jefferson’s performance and the teaching practices that support it. The school’s practices are built on a strong curriculum and data-informed instruction. Staff collaborate closely and often involve multiple grades and subjects in their teaching.

Jefferson's inclusive practices were also a factor in the nomination. The school has multiple programs that are designed to link specialized instruction to general education classes, enabling students with disabilities to study grade-level material. This strategy has improved learning outcomes while maintaining students’ connections to the school community.

This collaboration happens throughout the building. General educators, special educators, specialists, and administrators collaborate to plan, assess, and modify curriculum and instruction as needed. The result is a whole-school model that focuses on providing access, consistency, and high expectations for each student, tailored to individual needs.

“This recognition is the result of the thoughtful leadership of Principal Stefani Wasik and Assistant Principal Beth Murray, commitment of our educators, and engagement of students and families at Jefferson Elementary School, which continues today throughout the district following the reorganization,” said Superintendent Lucas Giguere. "We are very proud of this achievement and grateful for the state’s recognition.”

Although the National Blue Ribbon Schools program at the federal level ended in August 2025, Massachusetts has chosen to continue this important recognition.

DESE is scheduled to honor Jefferson Elementary School at the 2025 Schools of Recognition Celebration, to be held on Jan. 20, at the Massachusetts State House. The state will recognize the six National Blue Ribbon School nominees, two ESEA Distinguished Schools, and 55 Schools of Recognition.

For the 2025-26 school year, Franklin Public Schools underwent a district reorganization based on the recommendation of the School Facilities and Educational Master Plan Report. The plan created a central unified middle school and four partner elementary schools in two locations.

In the fall, most students from Jefferson entered the Washington Street K-2/3-5 Elementary School, located in the former Remington Middle School/Jefferson Elementary School Complex.