What's happening in Franklin, MA: Friday, Wednesday, January 21, 2026 ???

Wednesday, January 21

Curbside pickup delayed one day

• If scheduled for Tuesday, picked up today
• If scheduled for Wednesday, picked up Thursday

9:00am ECDC New Student Open House

11:00am Franklin Q&A Conversation (Franklin Senior Center)

1:00pm ECDC New Student Open House

1:00pm Where's the Toast? Memory Cafe (Franklin Senior Center)

6:30pm Queer Book Club (Franklin TV and Radio)

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

*** Town Meetings today   ***

Town Council Meeting

Wednesday, January 21 Time: 6:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_01212026-2101 

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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

FPAC’s Steel Magnolias set for performances Jan 23-25 at THE BLACK BOX

First look at the cast of FPAC’s Steel Magnolias directed by Robbie Rescigno! Running January 23-25 at THE BLACK BOX! 

FPAC’s Steel Magnolias set for performances
Jan 23-25 at THE BLACK BOX

Hair, Wig, & Makeup Design by @b.luxewigsandtoppers and Costume Design by @swissmisscatherine !

Special thanks to Heather and @bluxehairandmakeup for their support and guidance for this production! 

• Pictures by @vicariostudio 
• Tickets at FPAConline.com | 508-528-3370

Before the iconic 1989 film broke box office records nationwide, Louisiana salon owner Truvy first set up shop on the stage. The colorful cast of regulars and employees that frequent her establishment include a mother-daughter duo planning a wedding, a woman who’s “been in a bad mood for 40 years,” and a mysterious newcomer. Through laughter, tears, and a thick fog of hairspray, these women face trials and triumphs armed with their greatest strength: each other.

Content Advisory: Steel Magnolias deals with themes of death, grief, and loss and contains some mature humor and themes.

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/1BsugXeVW2/

KOC Franklin Basketball Free Throw Winners & Runners-Up Announced

Our Annual KOC Franklin Basketball Free Throw event was a success. Thank each of you for your support and friendship. The Shooters did well. Even we saw making 14 out of 15 shots. 

The Parents were very proud and happy. The Champs were invited to the "Districts" and "Regionals" and "States" are ahead.

Here are the Knights Franklin Sacred Heart Council 1847 BB Free Throw Champions and Runner Ups-

Council 1847 Champions

• Boys 10 year old            Daylan Chu
• Boys 11 year old            Liam Sebastian Pierre-Canel
• Boys 12 year old            Joe LaPaglia
• Boys 13 year old            Chris B. Naydenov

Council 1847 Runner Ups

• Boys 10 year old            Cameron Gregg
• Boys 13 year old            Masai Lafontant

KOC Franklin Basketball Free Throw Winners & Runners-Up Announced

Next round of Master Plan priority setting via poll opened by Town Councilor Morrongiello

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

Town Councilor Maxwell Morrongiello announced today (1/20/26) that establishing a minimum annual allocation to the school district operating budget received the most nominations in the first phase of his Master Plan priority survey.

The goal, identified as CSF6.1a in the Master Plan, received nine nominations in a survey that closed Jan. 19. Overall, residents submitted 35 valid nominations across 24 different Master Plan goals.

"I'm listening to Franklin residents," Morrongiello said. "So far, education funding has generated the most interest, but the poll will determine which goals the community wants prioritized."

Morrongiello has now opened a web poll asking residents to select which goals the Town Council should prioritize during his first term. The poll includes the 24 goals nominated by residents as well as several additional goals Morrongiello added based on his campaign platform and initial council priorities. The poll closes Monday, Jan. 26, 2026.

The Town Council will hold its goal setting meeting Wednesday, Feb. 4. Morrongiello encourages residents to fill out the poll and attend the meeting to advocate for goals important to them.

"This is your opportunity to make your voice heard before the council establishes its priorities for the term," Morrongiello said.

The poll is available at https://forms.gle/G5sckZhnPSHoNMiq8

The poll is non-binding but will inform Morrongiello's decision making as the council develops its legislative priorities for the 2025-2027 term.

Residents with suggestions or concerns beyond the Master Plan are encouraged to contact Morrongiello directly at mmorrongiello@franklinma.gov.

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.

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

Get that spring feeling with Scott Mason as he shares some baseball stories (audio)

FM #1638 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1638 in the series.

This session shares my conversation with Scott Mason. We had our discussion in the Franklin TV & Radio Studio on Monday, January 12, 20256

 

Scott Mason

Our conversation covers 

• Trains & baseball

• Pawtucket Red Sox, Ben Mondor

• Playing in senior league

• Spring training for new season

The recording runs about 54 minutes, so let’s listen in.

Audio link ->  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1638-scott-mason-baseball-stories-01-12-26/

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Recording for Train Town 1 - Franklin/Dean Station https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/12/talking-about-train-town-franklin-with.html 

Photos of Train Town 1  https://photos.app.goo.gl/63swENWgBkK4xMrh8 

Train Town 2 - Thompson Print & the railroad roundhouse  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/12/scott-mason-talks-about-train-town.html 

Photos of Train Town 2  https://photos.app.goo.gl/XmDcRiygct5kg6Vh7 

Train Town 3 - or “Franklin in Miniature” 

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/11/scott-mason-talks-about-train-town-3.html 

Photos of Train Town 3 or “Franklin in Miniature”

https://photos.app.goo.gl/6dX8gNB9q3yFfycW8 

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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"

Both FHS girls and boys (video) basketball teams top Canton on Tuesday

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 20, 2026

Girls Basketball = Canton, 42 @ Franklin, 68 – Final

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NAzhBupuaAk

Boys Basketball = Franklin, 61 @ Canton, 50 – Final 

"Franklin head coach Mike Masto knew that Canton was going to rattle off a run at some point.

But by the time it came, and with the cushion that his Panthers had built, they were more than ready to absorb it.

Franklin created a 20-point lead early in the second half, which was plenty of breathing room after the Bulldogs made a push late in the third quarter, cutting the deficit to single digits. The Panthers reestablished a double-digit lead going into the fourth and kept the Bulldogs at a distance the rest of the way, securing a 61-50 win on the road."

Continue reading the recap of this game By Ryan Lanigan || HockomockSports.com Editor

https://hockomocksports.com/franklin-boys-basketball-builds-early-cushion-holds-off-canton-road/

For a photo gallery from this game

https://hockomocksports.smugmug.com/2025-2026/Winter-2025-2026/Canton-Franklin-Boys-Basketball-01-20-26

For other results across the Hockomock League (subscription required)  

https://hockomocksports.com/tuesdays-schedule-scoreboard-01-20-26/

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

The FUSF Food Justice Team invites you to Join us for a screening of “Common Ground” and a Potluck - Feb 22

https://commongroundfilm.org/

On Sunday, February 22, 2026 at 12:30 PM, the First Universalist Food Justice Team will be screening the award-winning film “Common Ground”, starring among others, Woody Harrelson, Laura Dern, Jason Momoa and Danny Glover.  “By fusing journalistic expose’ with deeply personal stories from those on the front lines of the food movement, Common Ground unveils a dark web of money, power, and politics behind our broken food system. 

The film reveals how unjust practices forged our current farm system in which farmers of all colors are literally dying to feed us. The film profiles a hopeful and uplifting movement of white, black, and indigenous farmers who are using alternative “regenerative” models of agriculture that could balance the climate, save our health, and stabilize America’s economy”. 

Enjoy a potluck while watching or feel free to bring your own lunch.  Admission is free. The screening and post-film discussion will take place at the First Universalist Society at 262 Chestnut Street, Franklin MA.    

Please also mark your calendars for March 8, 2026 when the discussion of regenerative agriculture farming practices continues with a discussion with Ali Coakley, proprietor, Night Owl Farm, Franklin MA.

The First Universalist Society in Franklin (FUSF) is a Unitarian Universalist Welcoming Congregation located at 262 Chestnut Street, Franklin. For more information, please contact us at info@fusf.org or call 508-528-5348.  

Franklin Senior Center - Where's the Toast Memory Cafe - Weds, Jan 21 at 1 PM

Good day,

Where's the Toast Memory Cafe - Weds, Jan 21 at 1 PM

We welcome you all to join us at our "Where's The Toast?!" Memory Cafe TOMORROW Wednesday, January 21 at 1 PM. Patrick Durkin will be entertaining us this month!

Please RSVP to this email so I can make sure we have seating for your group. We hope to see you there!

Jillian Rochat

ACTIVITIES COORDINATOR | FRANKLIN SENIOR CENTER

10 Daniel McCahill Street

Franklin, Massachusetts 02038-1352

O. 508-520-4945
F. 508-520-4917
E. jrochat@franklinma.gov

MMA Podcast: Building Trust and Resilience in Local Leadership (audio)

What are the real pressures facing local leaders in Massachusetts in 2026? 

"We are not built to go out of business but we are funded to go out of business."

In this episode, we speak with the outgoing president and incoming president of the MMA — Franklin Town Administrator Jaime Hellen and Amesbury Mayor Kassandra Gove, respectively — as they go in-depth about how local leaders are often torn in multiple directions and work to achieve success for their communities under the constraints of time, staffing and budgets. 

They share how fortunate they feel to do the work they do, despite the challenges, and how the MMA is the “glue” that brings local leaders together to solve mutual problems. They also discuss tackling funding shortfalls, and what they’ve learned from their mutual love of hiking.

For Further Reading:

• More on Jaime and Kassandra’s leadership: https://www.mma.org/jamie-hellen-is-new-mma-president-kassandra-gove-is-vp/
• To learn more about the MMA: www.mma.org

Listen On Spotify ->  https://open.spotify.com/episode/3sJHSmaKU2ZC71rVSiRGtH 

Tree Trimming street list for 2026 outlined by Franklin Dept of Public Works/ National Grid

Tree Trimming street list for 2026

TREE PRUNING TO TAKE PLACE OVER THE NEXT FEW MONTHS

North Eastern Tree Service will be pruning trees for National Grid's power lines. 

If you have any questions please reach out to Michael Warner, Field Manager, (401)-941-7204

FOLLOWING IS A LIST OF STREETS SCHEDULED TO BE INCLUDED:

Acorn Pl, Blueberry Ln, Briarwood Rd, Chestnut St. Collella Dr. Crestwood Dr, Denise Dr , East Central St, Essex Rd, Green St. Henry Way, Horace Mann Cir.  Jordan Rd, Julie Dawn Dr, Juniper Rd. King St. Longfellow Dr , Martha's Way, Mill St, Miller St. Old Chestnut St, Pleasant St. Russell St, Trevor Rd, Tyson Rd, Uncas Ave Ext, West Central St, Wyllie Ct, Wyllie Rd

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/p/17JrvDDhUS/

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm Schedule for Wednesday, January 21, 2026

Yes, Franklin has it's own radio station -> wfpr.fm. Franklin Public Radio introduced a brand new schedule early in 2025 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 Wednesday

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)  

• This segment shares the FPS Sch Cmte Community Relations Mtg 1/12/26  -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/01/school-committee-community-relations.html

9:00 AM, 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM  The Wonderful World of Wine – Mark Lenzi, Kim Simone  All about wine, its culture, lore and finer points.    (repeats Saturday at 1 PM)  

• This segment features Kim & Mark in Episode 307 - Wine Social Media Star Kelly Axelrad   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/01/the-wonderful-world-of-wine-www-episode_0602953869.html

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 Wednesday, January 21, 2026 (Your local Public, Education & Government "PEG" station)

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

7:30 am     ArtWeek: Theater in the Open

8:30 am Vera Meyer: Glass Armonica

10:00 am Franklin Art Association: Katie Kindilien

11:30 am Comfort Food: Comfort Food

12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin: Meatballs

12:30 pm Cooking with Linda: Broccoli Salad

1:30 pm     Pizzapalooza: Emergency Pizza

2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Summer 2019 Show 4

3:00 pm Candlepin New Generation: Show 9

3:30 pm More Perfect Union: Susan Rodriguez McDowell

6:00 pm U. S. Army: Jazz Ambassadors 04-01-19

8:30 pm Circle of Friends: Ellis Paul

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

7:00 am Public School Event: Concert Hour Day 1

8:30 am Lifelong Music: Strings School 01-22-25

10:00 am SAFE Coalition: Youth Sports

11:00 am Middle School Winter Music: 2025: Band

1:30 pm     FHS Girls Varsity Hockey v Mansfield 01-07-26

4:00 pm FHS Varsity Swimming v Taunton 01-09-26

8:00 pm FHS Varsity Wrestling: v Taunton 01-05-23

10:00 pm FHS Boys Varsity Basketball v Stoughton 01-13-26

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

8:00 am Town Council 01-07-26

1:30 pm     Town Council 01-07-26

6:00 pm Town Council  CHAMBERS 837 6897 1986

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

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