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The Hockomock Area YMCA’s Bernon Family Branch in Franklin is proud to announce an initiative made possible through a grant from the Town of Franklin.
Available now, Franklin residents ages 13 to 17 are eligible for a free six-month YMCA membership, opening the door to programs and experiences that promote youth development, healthy living, and community connection.
Free Teen Fitness Opportunities Through Grant Support
This initiative reflects a shared commitment between the YMCA and the Town of Franklin to invest in the well-being and future of local teens. Now in its second year, the program will continue through December 2026. Since the grant program launched, more than 270 Franklin teens have benefited from their free six-month membership, gaining access to fitness facilities, group classes, and supportive coaching in a safe, welcoming environment.
Membership includes full access to the Bernon Family Branch’s facilities—health and wellness center, gymnasium, indoor and outdoor pools and aquatics center, indoor track, and group exercise classes. Teens can also enjoy basketball, pickleball, yoga, spin classes, and more—all at no additional cost to members.
Learn to Lift
Programs Offered at No Cost
In addition to facility access, the YMCA offers programs designed to help teens explore interests, build friendships, and develop healthy habits. Highlights include:
Learn to Lift: Building Confidence and Strength
Learn to Lift is a strength training program for ages 13–16 focused on building safe and effective workouts. Teens will learn proper loading and form, gain confidence in the weight room, and track progress. Strength training is one of the most popular fitness trends today, offering benefits like improved bone health, injury prevention, and long-term wellness.
Learn to Lift is offered at no cost to teens through this grant. Normally priced at $40 per month for members and $80 per month for non-members, the program meets Tuesdays from 4:15–5:00 PM, providing a structured and supportive environment for teens to build strength and confidence.
Learn to Babysit: A.S.H.I. Certification
This certification course is offered at no cost to teens through the grant. It will be held on two upcoming Saturdays, January 24 or February 14 from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Y. For more information, email Krystina Edens at Krystinae@hockymca.org.
Lifeguard Certification
This blended course includes e-learning and in-person instruction, starting February 8 at the Franklin YMCA. It is also provided at no cost to teens age 16+ through the grant. For more information, email Krystina Edens at krystinae@hockymca.org.
Chris Raymond, Fitness & Personal Training Director, who leads Learn to Lift, shared:
“I’ll be working directly with teens in Learn to Lift, helping them build a simple and safe gym routine. We’ll focus on major movements like Bench Press, Squat, Deadlift, and other compound lifts. My goal is to give them the tips and tricks that set them up for future success in the weight room—and they’ll leave with a routine of four different workouts they can use right away.”
Other Opportunities
•Social gatherings that foster connection and belonging
•Leadership and community service opportunities to empower youth
Employment Opportunities: Join the Y Team
The YMCA also provides part-time employment opportunities—an additional way for teens to get involved in the Y community while gaining valuable work experience. Positions include lifeguard, swim instructor, swim coach, Child Watch, sports coach, and camp counselors.
Leanne Eggimann, Senior Director of Camp and Youth Sports, explained:
“When I hire sports instructors or camp counselors, I look for enthusiasm and a genuine understanding of the YMCA’s impact in our community. My first job at the Y was as a camp counselor, where I learned how deeply the Y supports families. That experience taught me professionalism and sparked my desire to grow within the organization.”
Teens interested in joining can visit hockymca.org/teens-join-now, stop by the Bernon Family Branch at 45 Forge Hill Road, Franklin, or call 508-528-8708 for more information.
At the Hockomock Area YMCA, strengthening community is our cause. The Hockomock Area YMCA is an organization of men, women, and children sharing a commitment to nurture the potential of kids, promote healthy living, and foster a sense of social responsibility.
The Hockomock Area YMCA is committed to partnering and collaborating with others to create and deliver lasting personal and social change in the 15 communities they are privileged to serve. The Hockomock Area YMCA is a not-for-profit charitable cause-driven organization with facilities in North Attleboro, Foxboro, Franklin, and Mansfield. For more information visit hockymca.org.
I am asking the Town Council to ratify my nomination appointments of Jennifer Williams and Isabella Carter as At-Large members of the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA).
Robert “Archie” Acevedo resigned from the ZBA on January 7, 2026 with a term nearing expiration on June 30, 2026. I am nominating Isabella Carter to fill this vacancy with the expectation she will be reappointed in June 2026 for a full three year term through 2029.
Bruce Hunchard’s 3-year term expired on June 30, 2025; however his term was extended through the completion of the ZBA’s final decision on the 444 East Central St. project. The current term for this vacated seat expires on June 30, 2028. I am nominating Jennifer Williams to fill this term.
Membership on the ZBA is challenging and board members are faced with some extremely difficult and divisive decisions to make. As I have already reported, this one Board receives scarce interest to serve and we have had very few people apply to be on the ZBA. Furthermore, the board requires technical knowledge, deep interest in these issues and a deep commitment to learn on their own personal time. The ZBA oversees a complicated, dense and deep set of issues that are affected by federal, state and local laws, case law and with potential significant consequences to the community, private property owners, residents, and commercial businesses.
Bruce and Archie have served the ZBA for 34 and 22 years respectively and have done an exceptional job. Their service to the Town is greatly appreciated by all of the staff, and sadly, often goes underappreciated by the general public. While I am firmly aware of the concerns in the community surrounding members of the ZBA, at times, there is no mix or words that I could come up with to commend Bruce and Archie's combined 56 years of volunteer service to the town. It is the end of an era. They deserve far more respect and appreciation than condemnation. There is no question Bruce and Archie have helped people in Franklin at a far greater level than not. Their decisions have helped
small businesses, commercial businesses, and thousands of residents. They have helped generate significant tax levy and tax base over the decades. They have an intimate knowledge of federal, state and local laws. Their expertise and institutional knowledge will be missed.
That said, the community clearly desires a new ZBA. If these nominations are approved this evening, the town will have very intelligent, thoughtful, considerate and engaged members on the Zoning Board of Appeals. I am hopeful that with new membership, our organization can steer the community toward greater understanding of the complex web of laws and case law that many times defines the final decision of the Board, enhance transparency and easier access to complicated materials and address concerns from residents. This does not mean residents will always see the decision they want. But we hope to provide a better experience to residents who choose to engage with the ZBA.
The volunteer forms and resumes for both Jen and Isabella are included in the agenda packet for the January 21st Town Council meeting.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Town Administrator Letter with ZBA Appointments - Jan 21, 2026 Town Council meeting
Today (1/16/26), Governor Maura Healey celebrated the completion of the New England Clean Energy Connect (NECEC) transmission line and is now delivering affordable, stable hydropower from Canada to Massachusetts. The NECEC line will provide Massachusetts with nearly 20 percent of its overall electricity, deliver $3.38 billion in total net economic benefits to Massachusetts ratepayers over the life of the contracts, and reduce ratepayer bills by around $50 million each year.
“Today, power is flowing to Massachusetts through the New England Clean Energy Connect transmission line,” said Governor Healey. “My administration worked closely with the Legislature, the Attorney General, and private partners to ensure the project moved forward and delivered savings. The NECEC line represents our all-of-the-above approach in action – working with regional partners to bring affordable energy into the state that will lower costs and meet our growing demand. We are proud to flip the switch on this line and bring costs down, and we are continuing to work to bring more energy into Massachusetts.”
“Over $3 billion in benefits will flow into Massachusetts thanks to this major transmission line,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “That means lower bills, more jobs, and the power we need to grow our economy. Our administration played an important role in keeping this project on track and affordable. We are glad to see NECEC start operation today.”
The NECEC project will deliver 1,090 megawatts of firm baseload power over a line capable of delivering up to 1,200 megawatts from Québec to New England. This line will serve as one of New England’s largest sources of baseload power, strengthening grid reliability and lowering energy costs for consumers.
The fixed prices in the contracts provide power and clean energy attributes at prices well below the projected costs of buying the same amount on the market, and lock in those prices for the next 20 years.
“The NECEC line proves we can do big things here in Massachusetts,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper. “Transmission is key to unlocking savings for ratepayers and businesses, but it requires partnership. To get this done, many people came together toward a common goal: get more affordable energy into Massachusetts. I want to thank the Legislature for their foresight and direction, state energy officials past and present for pushing this project forward, our Canadian partners and Hydro-Quebec for their continued collaboration, the Attorney General and the utilities for their work in the negotiations, Governor Mills for her support, and Avangrid for executing on this project. We’re going to continue to double down on regional collaboration to bring down costs and get more energy projects built.”
“Building and using this line shows us that Massachusetts ratepayers and our clean energy future benefit from planning, partnerships, and perseverance,” said Energy Resources Commissioner Elizabeth Mahony. “The hydroelectric power flowing into our electric grid will lower long-term electricity costs, provide needed winter reliability, help meet rising electricity demand, and bring billions of dollars in economic benefits for Massachusetts. We’ll build on this success with more regional collaboration, and more affordable, clean power for our homes and businesses.”
In addition to lowering electricity prices, this clean, sustainable hydropower will help meet rising electricity demand, provide needed energy reliability in the winter, and reduce harmful pollution in Massachusetts and the region. During cold temperature periods, New England relies on higher-priced, more carbon-intensive fuels. This leads to expensive and volatile winter energy pricing and regional reliability concerns. The NECEC project will help address these challenges by providing consistent clean energy production during cold temperatures.
“This is an historic day; the New England Clean Energy Connect is now delivering enough renewable energy to power a million homes,” said Hydro-Québec Energy Services U.S. COO Serge Abergel. “We are proud to be your partners. We have all overcome many obstacles to get to today. Now we are not just talking; we are delivering. This is a shining example of our regional partnership, which will continue for the next 20 years and beyond.”
In 2018, following a competitive solicitation, the Massachusetts electric distribution companies negotiated and executed contracts with the NECEC project. Following authorization from the Massachusetts Legislature in 2023, the Healey-Driscoll Administration, the Attorney General’s Office, Eversource, National Grid, and Unitil negotiated with NECEC to ensure these contracts remain beneficial for Massachusetts ratepayers. The joint settlement agreement was later approved by the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities, helping pave the way for the project to finish construction. Under the contracts, NECEC will import 9.55 terawatt-hours annually of 100 percent hydroelectricity from Quebec to the New England electric grid.
Statements of Support:
Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell:
“Today is a beacon of hope for our clean energy future at a time when many of our needed clean energy resources are under threat. After years of collaboration and perseverance, we are thrilled to see this power delivered to Massachusetts residents.”
House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano (D-3rd Norfolk):
“The completion of the NECEC transmission line comes at a critical time for Massachusetts residents. Hydropower from Québec will lower energy costs and improve reliability this winter and beyond, while also helping the Commonwealth to diversify our energy sources and transition to clean and renewable energy. I'm grateful to Governor Healey and her team, as well as my colleagues in the Legislature, for working to make this project a reality."
State Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Middlesex and Norfolk):
“With Donald Trump actively fighting against Massachusetts efforts to bring down our energy costs and push back against climate change, the completion of this transmission line marks a milestone in our collective work to deliver true cost savings for residents. This achievement reflects every lever of government working together toward a shared goal, and I applaud my colleagues in the Senate and the Legislature, the Healey-Driscoll Administration, and our partners in the energy sector for advancing a project that will lower costs, strengthen our energy grid, and further secure a clean energy future for Massachusetts.”
State Representative Mark Cusack, House Chair of the Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy (D-5th Norfolk):
“This infusion of clean and affordable hydropower onto the Massachusetts grid is a milestone to celebrate. After nearly a decade of work and regional collaboration, the NECEC transmission line will reduce emissions and stabilize electricity prices, supporting affordability and reliability for the residents and businesses of the Commonwealth."
State Senator Michael Barrett (D-Middlesex):
"Massachusetts is fighting for its clean energy agenda and gaining ground, President Trump's opposition notwithstanding. We should take hope from this. There is more work to do but breakthroughs are happening."
State Representative Jeffrey N. Roy, former Chair of the Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities & Energy (D-10th Norfolk):
“Bringing Canadian hydropower into Massachusetts is a major milestone that strengthens our energy reliability, advances our clean energy goals, and—most importantly—delivers a robust new source of power to consumers at a reasonable and predictable price. This long-anticipated moment is the culmination of nearly a decade of careful planning, legislating, and implementation, carried forward despite significant legal, political, and logistical obstacles. I had the opportunity to see the source of this power firsthand when I visited the St. James Bay hydropower facilities—an engineering marvel—in Quebec last March, and it is deeply gratifying to see that work come to fruition.”
State Representative House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. (R-20th Middlesex):
“Diversification of our energy portfolio is crucial to ensuring the consistent delivery of reliable services to Massachusetts ratepayers. The completion of the New England Clean Energy Connect transmission line significantly increases the capacity of our existing power grid and provides the Commonwealth with an additional resource that will be critical to meeting the needs of the state’s utility customers moving forward.”
René Sylvestre, Québec Delegate to New England:
“The completion of the New England Clean Energy Connect today marks an important milestone in our shared energy future. It is through regional collaboration and subnational cooperation that this vision becomes a reality. The Québec and New England relationship is built on robust trade and integrated economies as well as shared culture and values. Today, we celebrate our partnership in creating a more sustainable, resilient grid.”
Michael P. Monahan, International Vice-President, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW):
“I applaud the Governor for recognizing the need for an all-of-the-above energy strategy. This new line brings in clean, firm power to meet our growing needs and reliably power our economy. Its construction provided thousands of good-paying jobs with benefits, to IBEW members. New England union workers are building our energy future. More savings and cleaner energy are flowing into Massachusetts thanks to the hard work of our brothers and sisters in Maine and the collaboration between utilities and governments on both sides of the border. It shows what can be done when we prioritize affordability, jobs, and reliable power."
Via Instagram, Franklin TV, and our subscription to HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the Winter sports competition for Franklin High School on Saturday, January 17, 2026
Boys Hockey = Franklin, 12 @ Foxboro, 3 – Final
Girls Hockey = Franklin vs. Medfield, 8:30
For other results across the Hockomock League (subscription required)
It began as a conversation with Frank Falvey. He said it. I bought it. We did it. We held a casual ‘Winter Warmer’ get-together among our board members, crew and our volunteer program producers. With the holidays in the books and January in full sway, folks aren’t preoccupied buying gifts, putting up decorations and getting ready for anything – except Spring. It’s a more relaxed time; perhaps to reflect, to look back, and perhaps look ahead. It’s a last hurrah and first social step into 2026.
Franklin TV: A Winter Warmer
We told our stories of Christmas past, displaying ornaments that we brought, and conveying why each was unique – and particularly meaningful in our lives. We spoke not of Christmas the day, but Christmas the spirit, embodied in family lore.
We spanned the warm-hearted and the whimsical. Each story brought smiles, quiet nods, and a reflective appreciation of all that the holidays can be. Frank presented ‘Santa, then and now’ as two figurines. One was of Sinterklass, the 4th-century Christian bishop Saint Nicholas and original Santa. The other, our modern jolly old elf popularized by illustrator Thomas Nast. Jeff Roy brought his Boston Strong ornament. Cobi Frongillo brought his paper tree he decorated as a child. Pete Rouce brought a Narragansett Beer ornament. Me? My Christmas cannoli – and of course – cannolis all around.
I appreciate the confidence in the posted calendar however, given recent history, as you know life happens; I prefer to classify this as "No Scheduled Trash Delay"
No "scheduled" trash delay due to MLK Day on Monday
If you misplaced the Curbside Recycling flyer, you can find a copy on the Town page to download and print for reference. Link to Town page for flyer ->
Today (1/14/26), Governor Maura Healey announced nation-leading action to make it easier and more affordable for Massachusetts residents to get the health care they need. The Division of Insurance (DOI) is issuing updated regulations to streamline prior authorization practices in the state, including eliminating prior authorization for many routine and essential services. These changes will reduce unnecessary delays and cut administrative burdens to make it easier, cheaper and faster for people to get the medications and care they need. Governor Healey also announced the creation of a Health Care Affordability Working Group charged with advancing proposals to reduce health care costs across the system, ultimately reducing costs for people and businesses across the state.
“Health care is too difficult and too expensive for far too many people,” said Governor Healey. “So we are taking the most comprehensive action in the country to make it faster, cheaper and easier to get the care you need. This is a moment of urgency, and today we are bringing together leaders from across health care, business and labor to find every possible step we can take to lower costs and improve health care in Massachusetts.”
“This initiative is cutting unnecessary red tape that has delayed care for too many patients and drives up costs for our families and businesses,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “If we are serious about lowering costs, we have to take on the waste and unnecessary barriers that are driving up the cost of health care.”
Prior authorization requires doctors to get approval from a patient's health insurance plan before providing a service or medication, which often causes long delays and increases administrative costs, which can be passed down to patients. DOI’s updated regulations streamline and standardize prior authorization practices across the health care system, reducing red tape and unnecessary barriers to care. The changes will eliminate prior authorization requirements for a wide range of services, such as emergency and urgent care services, primary care, chronic care, occupational and physical therapy and certain prescription drugs. The regulations also eliminate duplicative claims submissions and simplify approval processes, reducing administrative costs and burdens on doctors, hospitals and insurers and helping the system operate more efficiently while keeping the focus on delivering care.
For patients, these reforms mean faster, more reliable access to care and fewer delays caused by insurance paperwork. By eliminating prior authorization for many routine and essential services, requiring insurers to respond to urgent requests within 24 hours, and ensuring continuity of care when patients switch plans, the regulations reduce disruptions that can delay treatment or send patients unnecessarily to emergency rooms. Greater transparency and fewer administrative errors will also ease the burden on providers, allowing more time to focus on patient care, helping ensure people receive timely treatment when they need it most.
Some examples of how these updated regulations will impact patients include:
A patient with diabetes will no longer need a prior authorization for any services, devices and drugs associated with their chronic disease.
A patient with rheumatoid arthritis who has an existing authorization for his treatment but recently switched to a new insurer will have that prior authorization honored for at least 3 months.
An insurer will be required to respond to a prior authorization request from a multiple sclerosis patient experiencing a relapse and needing steroid injections to prevent permanent nerve damage within 24 hours.
A provider who recently diagnosed their patient with a new condition will more easily be able to identify if a prior authorization is required for a particular course of treatment.
The page once had a listing of the prices for each membership level
Attention Franklin Downtown Partnership (FDP) members!!!
Please join us for a fun, social and informal after hours networking event on January 22nd, from 5 PM to 7 PM at the Franklin Historical Museum. If you have NOT been to the museum, you are in for a real treat! It has a fantastic display of so many wonderful artifacts that are unique to Franklin - PLUS you will have the opportunity to see the miniature train exhibit that will be leaving the museum at the end of the month.
Light refreshments will be served!
Open to members only
Note: Check out the membership options. Individuals can join for $25, students & seniors for $15/year.
FM #1630 - This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1630 in the series.
This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee Policy Subcmte meeting held on Tuesday, January 13, 2026. All 3 members (Dave Callaghan (Chair), Al Charles, Reis Hansen) participated in the session held in the 3rd floor training room. Supt Lucas Giguere and Dr Tina Rogers also participated.
Quick recap:
Opening discussion on an update to the remote participation policy which dated from pre-COVID. This brings it up to current authorized practice per State law.
Added clarification on a remotely only session where remote for the public goes down. (Note there is also a Backchannel process being put together to enable communication among the meeting conductors and organizers).
Motion to bring as modified to School Committee as a first reading, second, passes 3-0
Discussion on crowd funding to help provide materials, is there a policy?
Yes, there is a policy and process, can review at the building level to ensure coverage
Discussion on the state championship signage, inconsistent in appearance and there is no policy. Complicated by State ownership of the existing sign (and land) and process around it. How do we create something equitable, consistent and sustainable?
Need to determine the equivalence of the title achieved; MIAA, MSAA, METG, DECA, etc.
Consideration for digital, the cost is coming down and it will make it easier to maintain going forward
Additional research to be done to bring together something as a 'strawman' for a policy for further review and discussion
Motion to adjourn, passes 3-0
The recording runs about 54 minutes, so let’s listen in.
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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