Franklin Matters

Wednesday, March 11, 2026

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Wednesday, March 11, 2026 ???

Wednesday, March 11

1:00pm Writer's Group session moved to March 18

7:00pm Smarty Pants Trivia (Raillery Public House)

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 ***

Norfolk County Commissioners Public Hearing Notice

Wednesday, March 11 Time: 1:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03112026-2159

Public view budget for Norfolk County - https://cms5.revize.com/revize/norfolkcountyma/FY27%20BUDGET%20PUBLIC%20VIEWING%20COPY%203%205%2026.pdf?t=202603060812320&t=202603060812320

Finance Committee Meeting

Wednesday, March 11 Time: 6:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03112026-2176

Franklin Cultural Council Meeting

Wednesday, March 11 Time: 7:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03112026-2167

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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

Your Brain Is Your Superpower! - Franklin Recreation offers series of Chess Classes

Your Brain Is Your Superpower! - Franklin
Recreation offers series of Chess Classes

Join us this spring for Chess Wizards at the Franklin Recreation Department! Whether your child is brand new to chess or already loves the game, this program makes learning fun with engaging lessons, group activities, and exciting challenges. Kids will build strategy, confidence, and critical thinking skills while making new friends along the way.

Wednesdays:

4/1, 4/8, 4/15, 4/29, 5/6, 5/13 (No class 4/22)
4:30 – 5:30 PM
Franklin Rec Department – Art Room (235 Wachusett St.)
Grades K–5

$150 Residents | $160 Non-Residents

Seats are limited, so be sure to sign up soon!

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/18WcMqBtrv/

FUMC gets $75k grant to build downtown Franklin’s first community-based commissary kitchen

Rev Jacob Juncker

Via Franklin United Methodist Church:

"Exciting news!

We've received a $75,000 grant to build downtown Franklin’s first community-based commissary kitchen!

This new space will be a hub for learning, collaboration, and community meals.

Stay tuned for more updates! #FranklinCommunity #CulinaryInnovation

Shared from - https://www.instagram.com/p/DVtQwV6DzTj/"

Additional info on the capital work underway at FUMC

https://franklinumc.org/2026/02/12/february-12-2026-history-is-made/

School Committee gets insights the recipes and kitchens on food services (video)

The Franklin School Committee met as scheduled on Tuesday, March 10, 2026. All 7 members were present in Council Chambers.

The Franklin TV video is available for replay - https://www.youtube.com/live/CBHC618gXFE?&t=230

The agenda can be found - https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03102026-2175

My notes via Bluesky thread in one PDF - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xZdhJ_TR0vgcoX-NAP_06FKpj1LndhMW/view?usp=drive_link

Quick recap:

Recognition for Chloe Bowser, FHS sophomore, selected as one of 12 essays for the commissioning for the USS Massachusetts March 28, plaque on the sub, for Chloe and Franklin
Presentation on Food Services, self sufficient with fee based services, able to utilize almost $1M over 3 years for capital upgrades of ovens, refrigerators, etc. to support the food preparation and delivery operations

Grants also used to cover specific food program and in one case the start up costs for the new District Chef
pictures of the presentation slides in one album https://photos.app.goo.gl/KKTXdScdVsxVK6mg7

Consent agenda approved
March 18 Town Council meeting includes a presentation from DESE on Chapter 70 funding, School Committee also scheduled for a public meeting to enable participation that night

Mentioned during the presentation was a fish display at Parmenter School last year (which I was able to attend)

Mentioned during the presentation was a fish display at
Parmenter School last year (May 2025) (which I was able to attend)

FHS Class of 2026 fundraiser - Santa Fe Burrito Grill - March 12

"Make sure to stop by Santa Fe on Thursday to support our class!!

When purchasing food, remember to say you are supporting the FHS class of 2026!!"

Shared from - https://www.instagram.com/p/DVtcXybDsal/

Hockomock YMCA highlights from the Reach Out Campaign Breakfast (video)

On Friday morning (3/6/26), we gathered at Gillette Stadium for our annual Reach Out Campaign Breakfast — a powerful reminder of what can happen when a community comes together with compassion and purpose.

This special morning brought together over 600 people who believe in supporting one another. The strength of our community is rooted in this spirit - neighbors helping neighbors and people stepping forward so that no one has to face challenges alone.

We heard the moving stories of Maija, Shawna, and Shelly. Their experiences were powerful reminders that behind every program at the Y are real people and families whose lives are changed because someone chose to care. Your support makes these stories possible. And together, we continue building a community where everyone belongs.

Because of your generosity, more than $3.9 million in confidential financial assistance was provided to neighbors in need to experience our YMCA this past year.

Here is the link to this year’s event testimonial video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fTGN3fPyNpk) . Thank you for being part of this work. We hope you’ll share Shawna's story with others who may be inspired by the impact our community makes possible.

We will continue to meet emerging needs with integrity and innovation, steward your charitable investment responsibly, and ensure that our YMCA remains a beacon of strength for those who need us most.

Thank you for the impact you help us make by being part of our Y family.

Sincerely,

Jim Downs

CEO

Hockomock Area YMCA

There is still time to make an impact, you can still donate and help support individuals and families who rely on the Y. - www.givebutter.com/reachoutbreakfast2026

For those with eagle eyes, (and a few minutes to spare), I do appear in the video albeit briefly. See if you can find me - https://www.facebook.com/share/v/18TMTkgvD1/

DPW "Think Blue" reminder on proper handling of cleaning products

DPW "Think Blue" reminder on
proper handling of cleaning products

"Please keep Cleaners Out of the Stream

What goes down the drain doesn’t just disappear, it heads straight for your nearby streams or rivers in Franklin, untreated.

Paint thinner, cleaners, oils, and other household chemicals can pollute waterways when dumped or rinsed into storm drains.

A few smart steps can go a long way:

• Store products sealed and out of the rain
• Never dump chemicals outside
• Know what’s safe for septic systems

No treatment means no second chances. Protect your pipes, your property, and your watershed."

Learn more at https://franklinma.gov/530/Stormwater-Division

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/1KVLWswyP3/

Painting Venus schedule ends up at Franklin Senior Center March 19

Painting Venus schedule ends up at
Franklin Senior Center March 19

via Painting Venus:

"Hello art lovers!

The schedule is moving!!!

I will be at the next locations for Painting with Amy paint parties that were generously funded by our local community Cultural Councils through the Mass Cultural Council grant to support the arts. This means the sessions are free to participants to focus on social well being and while offering a healthy and inclusive experience.

I will be at the following locations this week. Please contact your local Council on Aging for times and attendance.

Wednesday March 11th - Bellingham Council on Aging
Thursday March 12th - Hopkinton Senior Center
Thursday March 19th - Franklin Senior Center"

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/187DLvJBfB/

"They understood the impact, the consequences, and they saw the profit that it offered and that overrode everything else"

"The oil and plastic industries have continually lied, created a demand for plastic, and shifted the blame of the climate crisis to consumers – all for profit, says author Beth Gardiner in an interview with the Guardian.⁠

⁠

As Gardiner started researching her book Plastic Inc: Big Oil, Big Money and the Plan to Trash our Future, she found that the lengths to which plastic was pushed into our lives “only becomes more shocking.”⁠

⁠

“I think what stood out most is the deliberateness and intentionality over the years of pushing plastic into our lives,” she said.⁠

⁠

Plastic was framed not as an overproduction problem, but as a litter problem. In the US in the late 50s, food, drink, cigarette and packaging companies formed the organization Keep America Beautiful, spending huge amounts on promoting themselves and the message to put rubbish in the correct places.⁠

⁠

It was a similar story with recycling. The industry understood that an attempt at recycling would make consumers less guilty about the waste they were producing. “They pushed so many myths and lies,” Gardiner says.⁠

⁠

Swipe to read more of the interview with Gardiner and follow the link in bio for the full story." Link to Instagram pix to swipe through - https://www.instagram.com/p/DVJPP3jjsGV/

Direct link to the interview/article with Beth Gardner - https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/feb/19/they-pushed-so-many-lies-about-recycling-the-fight-to-stop-big-oil-pumping-billions-more-into-plastics?CMP=share_btn_url

Vacancy rates by state across the US In 2024

*Checks Zillow*

In 2024, Maine, Vermont, and Alaska had the highest gross vacancy rates — 1 in 5 homes was vacant in Maine. The national rate dropped to 10.3% that same year (a 25-year low).

Since 2009 (post ‘08 housing crisis), gross vacancy rates were lower in every state in 2024. Where it dropped most:

Florida: -8.8 net change
Arizona: -7.8
Alaska: -7.4

Shared from - https://www.instagram.com/p/DVtkP-HEqX1/?

More from USA Facts - https://www.instagram.com/usafacts

That random call saying “you’ve won a prize” is a scam

Consumer Alerts from the Federal Trade Commission

That random call saying "you've won a prize" is a scam

By BCP Staff

If you get a call saying "you've won a prize," you might be thinking, why not claim it? Unfortunately, it's likely a scam to steal your money — especially if it's for a contest you didn't enter.

So how can you spot and avoid a prize scam?

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm Schedule for Wednesday, March 11 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 my recent conversation with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen in this "Talk Franklin" episode https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/03/in-this-talk-franklin-episode-jamie-i.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 310 - Uncorking a New Way to Learn with Mistral Wine Cards https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/03/the-wonderful-world-of-wine-www-episode.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, March 11, 2026 (Your local Public, Education & Government "PEG" station)

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

7:30 am Metrowest Symposium: Sharing Identity on Social Media

8:30 am FUMC: Cathy Cargill Koch

10:00 am Franklin Art Association: Christine West

11:30 am Cooking Thyme: Ice Cream

12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin: Brownies

12:30 pm Cook with Linda: Pork Tenderloin

1:30 pm Pizzapalooza: Emergency Pizza

2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Summer 2019 Show 7

3:00 pm Candlepin New Generation: Show 1

3:30 pm SecSun_PeterGlass_021526

6:00 pm Franklin History: Tommaso Juglaris

8:30 pm Circle of Friends: The Kennedys

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

7:00 am 6th Grade Winter Music 02-10-26

8:30 am FHS Winter Jazz 01-27-26

10:00 am Pickleball Tournament: Pickleball Tournament

11:00 am FHS Winter Music: Band and Wind Ensemble

1:30 pm FHS Girls Varsity Hockey v Norwood 01-24-26

4:00 pm Critical Conversations: Student Wellbeing

8:00 pm FHS Varsity Wrestling v Milford 01-08-25

10:00 pm FHS Boys Varsity Basketball v Lowell 02-25-26

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

8:00 am Town Council 03-04-26

1:00 pm Town Council 03-04-26

6:00 pm Finance Committee CHAMBERS 892 8239 7154

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

Tuesday, March 10, 2026

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Tuesday, March 10, 2026 ???

Tuesday, March 10

9:00am Fallen Hero: Marshall E. Rollins & John A. Schur (Veterans Walkway, Franklin Town Common)

12:00pm Community Closet (Franklin United Methodist Church)

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 ***

250th Franklin Anniversary Communications Subcommittee Meeting

Tuesday, March 10 Time: 5:30 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03102026-2121

Franklin School Committee Meeting

Tuesday, March 10 Time: 6:00 PM

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

Friends of the Franklin Public Library Meeting

Tuesday, March 10 Time: 6:00 PM - 7:45 PM

Social event, no agenda posted