What's happening in Franklin, MA: Tuesday, March 17 ???

Tuesday, March 17 = St. Patrick's Day

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

5:00pm All Town Chorus/Orchestra Concerts (Franklin High School)

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   ***

Pole Petition Hearing

Tuesday, March 17 Time: 12:30 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03172026-2178 

Design Review Meeting

Tuesday, March 17 Time: 7:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03172026-2190 

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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

All Town Showcase Concerts scheduled for Tues - 3/17 and Thurs - 3/19

via the Franklin Music Boosters

"Please join us for All Town Showcase Concerts on 3/17 and 3/19. These concerts are expected to be very busy with large crowds, so save time by purchasing gate donations, raffle tickets, or merchandise online before the show! 

3/17 Chorus/Orchestra (with detail schedule): https://givebutter.com/2026-ATS

3/19 Band (with detail schedule): https://givebutter.com/2026-ATS-B

All Town Showcase Concerts scheduled for Tues - 3/17 and Thurs - 3/19

The All Town Showcase concerts celebrate the upcoming MICCA Festival performance for each ensemble and serve as a "practice run" in a formal setting with an audience.  We like to call this the "MCAS" of music.  At this festival, each group performs in front of a panel of highly respected judges who assess our performances, providing feedback and a score aligning to a performance rubric.  This is always considered one of the highlights of our year. Please join us to celebrate the talented students in our middle school and high school ensembles.

Pardon the broken schedule for this particular evening. We are fortunate to have a large contingent of talented chorus students this year!

4:30 pm - 6th Grade chorus students arrive through the community entrance (normal auditorium/gym doors)

5:00 pm - performance starts

5:30 pm - Grades 7-12 chorus students arrive as follows:

• 7/8th Grade chorus students should arrive through the main office door (right side) and meet in the media center
• FHS chorus students please meet in the chorus room
• parents may park and enter through the community entrance (auditorium/gym doors)

6:00 pm - performance starts

6:15 pm - Grade 6-12 orchestra students arrive through the cafeteria doors around the back of the building

7:00 pm - parents may enter for the orchestra performance when the chorus audience has fully exited

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/1Byhug75XQ/

James Keelaghan to perform at the Circle of Friends Coffeehouse - March 28, 7:30 PM

͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌    ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­

James Keelaghan March 28, 2026  7:30 PM $25 Doors open at 7:00 pm.  Known for his rich baritone voice and masterful storytelling, James Keelaghan is one of Canada's most respected folk singer-songwriters. With songs that blend traditional folk, roots revival, and Celtic influences, Keelaghan weaves history and humanity into every lyric. From the haunting beauty of "Kiri's Piano"—a reflection on the internment of Japanese Canadians—to the moving "Cold Missouri Waters", inspired by the Mann Gulch fire, his music captures the power of real lives and moments in time. Join us for an unforgettable evening as James Keelaghan brings his warmth, wit, and poetic songwriting to our stage. It's folk music at its finest—deeply personal, yet universally resonant. Upcoming Shows Vance Gilbert, April 11 Susan Werner, May 9

Circle of Friends Coffeehouse · First Universalist Society · 262 Chestnut St · Franklin, MA 02038 · USA

Barbara & Ted officially are a realtor team (video & audio)

FM #1688 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1688 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with realtors Barbara Scardino and Ted Cormier-Leger. We had our conversation virtually via Zoom on Tuesday, March 10, 2026. 

We talk about

• Their background as realtors

• Starting their team at Coldwell Banker

• The benefits of planning

• The support structure at Coldwell banker that they can leverage

The conversation runs about 37 minutes. Let’s watch or listen

YouTube link - https://youtu.be/4SBGCepeNRA

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1688-barbara-teds-fine-homes-03-10-26/

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Barbara & Ted’s page on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/BTFineHomes/directory_contact_info 

Their webpage - https://www.barbarasfinehomes.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"

Franklin High School Freshman Wins Third Place in Poetry Out Loud State Final

Franklin High School is proud to share that freshman Marina Zaki recently won third place at the Poetry Out Loud state final.

Poetry Out Loud is a national arts education program that encourages the study of poetry through a recitation competition for high school students. Participants memorize and recite poems selected from the Poetry Out Loud database and are judged based on their physical presence, voice and articulation, interpretation, evidence of understanding and overall performance.

FHS ninth grader Marina Zaki, left, earned 3rd
place in the state's Poetry Out Loud competition.
 (Photo Courtesy Franklin Public Schools)

On March 8, Marina competed against students from 48 other schools across Massachusetts. She performed "The New Colossus" by Emma Lazarus, "My Grandmother's Love Letters" by Hart Crane and "My Papa's Waltz" by Theodore Roethke, ending her competitive run with a third-place finish. 

The Poetry Out Loud program begins at a local level, with students volunteering to perform in their own schools. Marina won the schoolwide competition and moved on to the district level, where she earned a top five spot and advanced to the state competition at the Old South Meeting House in Boston. 

The first-place finisher at the state level advances to the final, national competition. 

Marina was inspired to participate in Poetry Out Loud after watching her sister perform in the competition two years prior. 

“Seeing so many emphatic and passionate people presenting these poems and telling their story as if it was unfolding right in front of my eyes really inspired me,” Marina said.

“We are so proud of Marina for winning third place at the Poetry Out Loud state final,” said Principal Maria Weber. “The confidence she exudes during performances is inspiring, and it has been an honor to see her grow as she advanced through the competition. We are also so grateful to English teacher Erin Kennerley, who worked closely with the Poetry Out Loud program to bring the competition to Franklin High School and guide students through each round. Without her efforts, Marina and her classmates would not have had this opportunity.”

Animal Farm run comes to an end for FHS Theater Company

Animal Farm has come to an end, but we couldn’t be more thankful for the wonderful time we had at METG this year!

Hosted by the wonderful @whs.te, this year was one to remember. We are endlessly proud of all of our All-Star Award winners and this wonderful company for an amazing show!

This story has come to an end, but we have more on the way! Keep an eye out for our next show announcement to come…

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

Rise Up scheduled for Saturday, March 21 at 10:00 AM

Adaptable Self Defense

Good morning, Rise Up is this week and we are excited to see you! We have a special guest coming to talk to us and teach us about adaptable self defense. Date: Saturday, March 21st Time: 10:00am Location: Franklin United Methodist Church 82 West Central St, Franklin, MA 02038 Parking: On the left side of the building Entrance: On the left side of the building (choice of ramp or stairs) Restrooms: There is a handicap accessible restroom. Outline: open social time introductions discussion an demonstration of adaptive self defense announcements and wrap-up If you have any additional questions or needs, please reply or call me at (508) 455-5687 by Wednesday this week. You may also use that phone number to call or text me Saturday morning if you need any guidance. See you there! Ali

Alison Rheaume | Franklin | Franklin, MA 02038 US

Food services: beef brisket meal (video)

Check out our video - https://youtube.com/shorts/VYBTosx9M0U

Last week, our cafeterias were transformed into a local BBQ smokehouse! We treated students at the Elementary Schools on Thursday and the MS/HS on Friday to a true labor of love: 16-hour slow-cooked beef brisket.

We started by hand-rubbing each cut with a signature blend of mustard and savory spices before letting it cook low and slow until it was melt-in-your-mouth tender. Even better? We’re proud to partner with our neighbors at Weatherlow Farms in Westport, MA, to bring high-quality, grass-fed beef straight from their pastures to our students' plates!

Shared from - https://www.franklinps.net/live-feed#11733036

The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW): Episode 311 - The Liquid Jazz Experience with Inventor Michael Fors (audio)

Hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi explore all things wine with you!

The Liquid Jazz Experience with Inventor Michael Fors

In this episode, Kim and Mark dive into the art of aeration with Michael Fors, a Massachusetts-based wine inventor and the creator of The Liquid Jazz Experience. Michael shares the fascinating journey of how a background in home winemaking and a simple trip to the beach sparked the creation of a revolutionary, patented decanter and glassware system.

Inside the Episode

From Vines to Inventions: Michael discusses his roots in home winemaking and how his hands-on experience with the "life" of wine led him to seek a better way to express its hidden notes.

The "Beach Eureka" Moment: Discover how the natural motion of the ocean inspired Michael to move away from traditional swirling and toward the "rocking" motion that defines his brand.

Visualizing the Design: Michael describes his unique decanter and aerating wine glasses in detail. Learn about the "note-opening ridges" at the base of the decanter that create a cascading "wave" effect to speed up oxidation without losing delicate aromas.

The Science of Decanting: Kim breaks down the "why" behind decanting—from softening harsh tannins in young reds to allowing older vintages to shed sediment and breathe.

The Hands-On Test: Kim and Mark share their personal experience meeting Michael and the results of their "test drive" using the rocking decanter and glasses.

The Rocking Revolution: * Rocking vs. Swirling: Michael explains why rocking the wine is a more efficient and gentler way to aerate than the traditional stem-swirl.

The Rocking Stand: A look at his invention of a specialized stand that brings a theatrical and functional element to restaurant service.

The Inventor’s Path: Michael provides a "behind-the-scenes" look at the patent process and the uphill battle of convincing traditional wineries to embrace a device that fundamentally changes the profile of their wine.

Product Details & Where to Buy

The Liquid Jazz Experience is designed to make wine "hit all the right notes" in minutes rather than hours.

Website: www.liquidjazzexperience.com

Cost & Availability: Michael discusses pricing for the Rocking Wave Decanter and Aerating Glasses, and where you can pick them up for your own collection.

"You will hear the passion of a true Massachusetts inventor throughout this episode. It’s time to stop swirling and start rocking."

Cheers

Kim and Mark 

🍷🍷🍷 

www.thewww.wine

https://soundcloud.com/user-492543397/episode-311-the-liquid-jazz

The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) · Episode 311-The Liquid Jazz Experience with Inventor Michael Fors

Proposed Battery Energy Storage System for Pearl St in Bellingham - Hearing scheduled for Apr 2

The permit document - 

https://www.bellinghamma.org/DocumentCenter/View/5376/26-Pearl-Street---Special-Permit?bidId=

Link from the QR Code -  https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScFNfmY31zF35J1nwpYz3VghfbCiXDOJl9uI004Y-UEC6ZAzw/viewform?usp=publish-editor

Additional info - https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18TKCoaomL/

Matt Zajac scheduled to perform at La Cantina on Friday March 20

Matt Zajac scheduled to perform at
La Cantina on Friday March 20

Live Music at La Cantina Winery 🎶🍷

Join us Friday, March 20 from 7–10 PM for a great night of live music with Matt Zajac!

Come enjoy your favorite wine, tapas, and amazing vibes while Matt brings the music. It’s the perfect way to start the weekend with friends at La Cantina Winery.

Grab a glass, relax, and let the music play

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/187sqtzjT7/

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm Schedule for Tuesday, March 17, 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:

wfpr.fm Schedule for Tuesday, Franklin Public Radio

Tuesday

SAFE Radio – Jim Derick and Dr. Anne Bergen Addressing issues of Drug Abuse Disorder 

Jazz Journey – with Pamela Hines - An insightful tour of Jazz Greats in a golden era

Franklin Public Radio wfpr.fm Schedule for Tuesday