What's happening in Franklin, MA: Saturday, February 21, 2026 ???

Saturday, February 21

8:00am St. Mary Men's Faith Formation Group (St. Mary's Parish)

9:00am Thrifty Threads (Franklin Federated Church)

9:00am      Library Book Sale (Franklin Public Library)

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

10:00am    Rise Up (Franklin United Methodist Church)

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

10:00am    Girl Scout Cookie sale (Stop & Shop)

10:00am Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

10:30am 7th Annual Valentine's Brunch (Canceled Again due to weather) (Central Park Terrace)

1:00pm      Library Books by the Bag Sale (Franklin Public Library)

2:00pm Much Ado About Nothing (Dean College Main Stage Theater)

7:30pm Much Ado About Nothing (Dean College Main Stage Theater)

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

For additional details on Library events -> 

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

*** 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

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, MA: Agenda for School Committee meeting Tuesday, Feb 24 at 6 PM

Franklin School Committee 

February 24, 2026 - 6:00 PM

Municipal Building – Council Chambers 

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. none

III. Discussion/Action Items

A. Discussion Action A – FY27 Budget Vote

I recommend approval of the FY27 School Budget in the amount of

$72,341,254.00 as discussed.

FY 2027 line item detail - https://files-backend.assets.thrillshare.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/Fpsd/2310ad24-dbbf-4303-850c-7485da4d9089/FY27-Line-by-Line-Item.pdf?disposition=inline

Budget book - https://files-backend.assets.thrillshare.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/Fpsd/33c4075e-72ac-4309-b0a3-964a9339868e/FY27-Franklin-Budget-Book.pdf?disposition=inline

B. Discussion Action B – 2026-27 School Calendar Vote

I recommend adoption of the 2026-27 School Calendar as discussed.  https://files-backend.assets.thrillshare.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/Fpsd/00dac9d1-b44e-4e39-bd5c-4dbdf132deda/Discussion-Action-B---26-27-School-Calendar.pdf?disposition=inline

IV. Discussion Only Items

A. ACCEPT Annual Report Documents

B. School Committee 26-27 Schedule  https://files-backend.assets.thrillshare.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/Fpsd/2857b878-73e3-4260-b216-f08a15c8524b/26-27-SCSchedule-DRAFT.pdf?disposition=inline

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 10, 2026 School Committee meeting as detailed.

B.   FMS Gifts

I recommend the acceptance of $13,500.00 from the FMS PCC for Field Trips as detailed.

VII. Citizen’s Comments

VIII. New Business

To discuss any future agenda items

IX. Adjournment

Agenda doc also contains remote participation info - https://files-backend.assets.thrillshare.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/Fpsd/01da4d8e-0539-4f0b-afc7-81a97a61d796/SCAGENDA-2-24-26.pdf?disposition=inline

Packet folder contains other docs released before (or after this session)

https://www.franklinps.net/documents/departments/school-committee/meeting-packets/2025---26-meeting-packets/february-24%2C-2026-sc-meeting-packet/25691390

Garnet Rogers in concert on FRIIDAY March 6, at the Circle of Friends Coffeehouse

Garnet Rogers in concert on FRIIDAY March 6
, at the Circle of Friends Coffeehouse 

Garnet Rogers

Friday, March 6, 2026
7:30 PM $30
Doors open at 7:00 PM
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Garnet Rogers (https://garnetrogers.com/) is a quietly commanding presence in contemporary folk music, admired for his rich baritone voice, deft guitar work, and songs that unfold like well-told stories. His writing is clear-eyed and compassionate, drawing power from everyday moments and the lives that shape them.

Born in Hamilton, Ontario, and long linked with the legacy of his late brother Stan Rogers, Garnet has forged a remarkable solo career of his own. His concerts blend moving, finely crafted songs with an easy, dry wit and relaxed storytelling, creating the rare feeling that you are not just attending a performance, but sharing an evening with a gifted musician and a genuinely engaging storyteller.

Upcoming Shows

• James Keelaghan, March 28
• Vance Gilbert, April 11
• Susan Werner, May 9

For more info and to purchase tickets visit https://www.circlefolk.org/

Arts & Culture: Call for Artists | Free to Participate & Open to All Ages!

Arts & Culture: Call for Artists | Free to
Participate & Open to All Ages!

The Franklin Sculpture Park Fairy House Exhibit is dedicated to fostering environmental awareness and strengthening community connections through public art. This exhibit invites participants of all ages to create and enjoy fairy houses crafted celebrating both creativity and environmental respect. 

By making art accessible and free to everyone, we aim to inspire a shared appreciation for nature, encourage sustainable practices, and build a welcoming community space where imagination and conservation come together. 

Deadline to sign up is March 30, 2026 - apply - https://form.jotform.com/260285705792060

Congressional Update and Q&A this Sunday, Feb 22 in Foxborough

Hi neighbor, A friendly reminder that this Sunday, February 22, I'll be hosting a Congressional Update and Q&A in Foxborough. This is an opportunity for you to ask questions and hear updates on how I'm working to represent the district's values and priorities. Congressional Update and Q&A with Congressman Jake Auchincloss   Sunday, February 22 3:00pm – 4:00pm Foxborough, MA Doors will open at 2:30pm.  Location provided upon RSVP HERE. *By registering for this event, you grant our office permission to send you future communications and updates. Sincerely, Jake Auchincloss

Winter Farmers market Saturday, Feb 22

Here is the vendor list for this Saturday! 10 AM - 2 PM join us for fresh coffee, ready to eat food, farm fresh goods, handmade crafts, and more.

We have two heated greenhouses so make sure to check out both! Bring your dog too, Eight Elm Farm will have dog treats.

Don’t forget coffee & cuddles 11am-1:30pm and a flower/cupcake workshop from 11:30 - 2 PM. www.fairmountfruit.com/events

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18MBcB4Fj6/

You can answer the Last Call for Girl Scout Cookies - Saturday, Feb 21 at Stop & Shop

LAST CALL FOR COOKIES 

This is it, friends - our Brownie troop’s final cookie booth of the season!

Girl Scout Cookies - Saturday, Feb 21 at Stop & Shop

We’ll be at Stop & Shop tomorrow Saturday, February 21st from 10:00 – 1:30 ready to help you make very responsible decisions… like buying “just one more box.” 

Cookie season is wrapping up in the next few weeks, which means this is your sign to:

• Restock your favorites
• Fill the freezer
• Grab a “car box” (you know… for emergencies)

Come say hi, support our awesome girls, and help us go out with a cookie-filled bang!

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1B3Tbpvj6K/

Narcan training at Medway & Norfolk Public Libraries on Saturday, Feb 21

Narcan training this weekend! No registration required--free and open to all!

MEDWAY: 

Saturday, Feb. 21 

noon–1 PM 

Medway Public Library

NORFOLK: 

Saturday, Feb. 21 

1:30–2:30 PM 

Norfolk Public Library

Attendees will:

➡ Learn how to recognize an overdose

➡ Practice administering Narcan

➡ Develop confidence in responding to an overdose

➡ Leave with 2, 4mg doses of Narcan

See all upcoming trainings or request training: https://www.safecoalitionma.org/narcan-training 

Supported by Towns of Norfolk and Medway Opioid Abatement Funds

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/1cn3QByFuj/

Rotary Valentine's lunch CANCELED due to weather

Rotary Valentine's lunch CANCELED due to weather

CANCELLED!

Sadly, Rotary has to postpone this event again due to unsafe weather conditions coming this weekend. We already have future plans!! Stay tuned!!!

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1b4CZmYu2z/

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule for Saturday, February 21, 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, February 20, 2026 ???

Friday, February 20

10:00am Knitting Group (Franklin Public Library)

1:00pm Thrifty Threads (Franklin Federated Church)

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

7:30pm Much Ado About Nothing (Dean College Main Stage Theater)

8:30pm Kendo (live music) (The Tavern on Central)

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

*** 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

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

Humor Takes the Stage at March 10 Yankee Quilters Program: “Keeping You in Stitches: Quilters’ Comedy Café” with Barbara Graceffa

Yankee Quilters welcomes the talented quilt artist and speaker Barbara Graceffa to its meeting on Tuesday, March 10th at 7:00 p.m. at Emma’s Quilt Cupboard in the Horace Mann Plaza in Franklin. This will be an amusing program of Barbara’s personal stories, insider jokes, silly poems, games, and trivia on fabric stashes, messy sewing rooms, UFOs, quilters’ husbands, and more – guaranteed to tickle your funny bone! Great fun for quilters of all experience and styles.

A member of the New England Quilt Museum’s Teachers League, Barbara is an award-winning quilter and teacher, talented interior decorator, and published author who has taught quilters in the United States, Canada, Europe, and the Middle East. East. She has been honored with four solo exhibits. Her quilts hang in local and international juried quilt and art shows. They have appeared in local and national print publications and on local cable and PBS TV networks. Two quilts reside in museums in Boston and Ohme, Japan with others in private collections from Paris and Madrid to San Francisco and Sao Paolo, Brazil. Barbara is based in Quincy.

All welcome. Non-member fee is $5.00 for this special program. New members always welcome. Dues for new members are $40 a year.

Quilters from new to experienced are welcome to attend Yankee activities throughout the year. A major focus every year is the creation of dozens of quilts which are provided to cancer patients and other families in need.

In addition to monthly meetings on the second Tuesday in Franklin, the group offers speaker programs, member “show and tell” demonstrations and opportunities to sew together throughout the year including three-day local “staycations” throughout the year, including on April 10th-12th in Holliston. Registration deadline for the April event is March 15th.

For information about these and future events, please contact YankeeQuilters11@gmail.com.

Yankee Quilters Guild is a 501-c-3 charitable organization based in Franklin with members throughout the region. The Guild meets on the second Tuesday each month at Emma’s Quilt Cupboard in Franklin, Horace Mann Plaza, East Central Street, Franklin in space generously donated by the store. Donations to the Guild are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by current law.

The Pantry is working to expand dietary options via grant (audio)

FM #1661 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1661 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Ann McGillis, Operations Director of the Franklin Food Pantry, and Stephanie Carlile, working part-time helping The Pantry as part of a grant. We had our conversation in person in the community room at The Franklin Food Pantry on Friday, February 13, 2026. 

Discussion items: 

• Welcoming Stephanie Carlile, MS, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, LDN, to The Pantry

• Empowering clients with dietary options and dignity in choice

• Introducing Poppy the Puzzle Piece, a new mascot to help identify nutrient dense foods

• Pantry named Healthy Pantry Leader by Greater Boston Food Bank

The conversation runs about 31 minutes. Let’s listen in 

Audio link -  
https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1661-franklin-food-pantry-food-is-medicine-02-13-26/

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Franklin Food Pantry web page -> https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/ 

Follow The Pantry on

Facebook ->  https://www.facebook.com/FranklinFoodPantry 

Instagram ->  https://www.instagram.com/franklinfoodpan/ 

Amazon wish list ->  https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2SIL7UR08ZZUC?ref_=wl_share 

Grateful for the years of support from Rockland Trust for use of the prior building which is no longer standing on West Central St in the Rockland Trust parking lot.

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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 winter sports results for Thursday, February 19, 2026

Via Instagram, Franklin TV, and our subscription to HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the Winter sports competition for Franklin High School on Thursday, February 19, 2026

Boys Basketball = Franklin, 37 @ Doherty, 48 – Final 

– Doherty built some breathing room through three quarters and finished strong in the fourth to knock off Franklin in the season-finale. Sophomore Danny Santos led the Panthers with nine points while Kyle Batla and Gio Carlucci each chipped in with six points.

Boys Hockey = Franklin, 1 @ Canton, 4 – Final 

– Junior Ryan Elrick scored a pair of goals in the third period to complete a hat trick and help Canton notch its second win over Franklin this season. The Bulldogs dominated the opening period and had a 23-1 advantage in shots on goal but Franklin senior Alex Weber stood tall and made some impressive stops to keep Canton scoreless. The hosts broke through just over four minutes into the second period as senior Joey Ryan dropped a pass to classmate Teddy Shuman, and he found Elrick in the right circle for a laser top shelf to break the stalemate. With under two minutes left in the middle frame, the Panthers nearly tied the game on a 2-on-1 when Thomas Quinn teed up Drake McAlpine, but Canton goalie Matt Wright made a quick push from left to right and made the stop. But on the ensuing face off, McAlpine circled the net, faked a centering pass, and then ripped a tight angle shot to the near post to tie the game 1-1 after two periods. Canton started the third with 58 seconds left on a power play but only needed 20 to regain the lead. Shuman once again found Elrick and this time he fired a low shot to make it 2-1. After killing off a Franklin power play, Canton got its third when sophomore Kellen Labanara found Ryan in the corner and he dropped a terrific pass to Elrick in the slot for his third goal of the game and 30th of the season. Ryan added an empty net goal in the final seconds to cap the scoring. Weber finished with 46 saves in net for Franklin.

Girls Hockey = Franklin vs. Leominster, 7:30

For other results across the Hockomock League (subscription required)  

https://hockomocksports.com/thursdays-schedule-scoreboard-02-19-26/

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