Franklin MA: Storm Center Collection for Jan 25 - 26, 2026

This page will get updated with additions and/or changes as the storm situation evolves. 

11:45am 1/25/26

Senior Center robocall with announcement of closure on Monday, Jan 26 due to the storm and other storm related updates -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/01/town-of-franklin-senior-center-update.html

11:00am 1/25/26

Town of Franklin robocall with DPW Director Brutus Cantoreggi delivering the messages https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/01/town-of-franklin-robocall-with-dpw.html

With the Town and School buildings closed on Monday, the meetings scheduled for Monday are also canceled and to be rescheduled.

10:45am 1/25/26

• Franklin Public Schools are cancelled on Monday, January 26, 2026, due to the forecasted winter storm and its expected duration   https://www.franklinps.net/live-feed#11182762

10:30am  1/25/26

• BFCCPS announces school closed for Monday, 1/26/26  https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1ATnLZH5gj/
• Teddy Gallagher's Closed for today
• Children's Museum of Franklin announces they are closed on Monday, 1/26
• FPSC performance of Steel Magnolia cancelled for today, contact box office to get refund

From Massachusetts Emergency Mgt Assoc (MEMA)

"With temperatures across Massachusetts forecast to be dangerously cold on Friday night and Saturday, if you or someone you know needs shelter from the cold, you can call 2-1-1 or reach out to your local public safety officials to find the nearest warming center."

More extreme cold safety tips: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/extreme-cold-safety-tips

"With a significant winter storm forecast to bring 12+ inches of snow to much of Massachusetts on Sunday and Monday, it's time to prepare. 

• Plan ahead for possible power outages. Fully charge your cellphone, laptop and any essential electronic devices before the storm. 

• Ensure you have extra batteries for medical equipment and assistive devices. 

• Take stock of your emergency kit and ensure it includes seasonal supplies, such as extra winter clothing and blankets."

❄️❄️❄️

For more safety tips visit mass.gov/mema/snow

"As a significant winter storm approaches, individuals with disabilities may experience additional challenges especially for those who rely on mobility aids, personal assistance, or durable medical equipment.

Keep in mind these safety tips to plan for everyone's needs and always remember to check on your neighbors!"

Additional information can be found here: https://tinyurl.com/MEMA26afn

From Franklin Police Dept:

"Community Warming Center Open: St. Mary's Church of Milford and Pathway to a Better Life are coming together to keep our community safe during the upcoming extreme cold and snowfall.

• Opening: Friday, January 23rd at 4pm
• Closing: Monday, January 26th at loam

(May extend through Tuesday, January 27th at 10 am)

If you or someone you know needs warmth — Unhoused, Living in a vehicle, No heat, Frozen pipes Any cold-weather emergency call Lisa at 508-92"

Warming center link - https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Bkhx3PwU5/

Parking ban reminder

"Repeat after me…

Milk, bread, and don’t park your car on the street when it’s expected to snow over a foot because the plows cannot properly clear the roads when you do that and your car will get ticketed and towed

Again

Milk, bread, and don’t park your car on the street when it’s expected to snow over a foot because the plows cannot properly clear the roads when you do that and your car will get ticketed and towed"

Parking ban link -> https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1HmegqoafR/

From Franklin DPW: 

Winter Storm Parking Ban

01/25/2026 12:00 PM to 01/26/2026 12:00 PM

A winter storm parking ban is in effect from 12:00 noon on 01/25/2026 until 12:00 noon on 01/26/2026.

During this period, parking of any motor vehicle is prohibited:

- within the right-of-way of any public street or roadway open to the public, and

- on any municipality owned property.

Purpose:

- Ensure safe movement of police, fire, and emergency medical vehicles;

- Facilitate efficient snow and ice removal by the Public Works Department;

- Protect public safety during winter weather conditions.

Penalty:

- Violators will be fined $25 for each offense.

Please move vehicles before 12:00 PM on 01/25/2026 to avoid fines and to help emergency services and snow-removal operations.

How to avoid frozen pipes

"Disconnect outside hoses and turn the water off at the valve inside your home.

Keep garage doors closed if there are water supply lines in the garage.

Open kitchen & bathroom doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing.

• When the weather is very cold outside. let the COLP WATCR ONLY drip from the faucet served by exposed pipes. Running water through the pipe - even at a trickle - helps prevent pipes from freezing.

If your pipe runs through the attic or crawl space, open the door to allow warmer air to now in.

• Keep the thermostat set to the same temperature both during the day and at night. By

temporarily suspending the use of lower nighttime temperatures. you may incur a higher

heating bill. but you can prevent a much mote costly repair job if pipes freeze and burst.

If you will be going to be away in cold weather, leave the heat on"

Frozen pipe alert link https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1aU13EppZz/

UPDATE! Curbside Trash/Recycling

"Due to the predicted large amount of snow to fall tomorrow Sunday January 25th and Monday January 26th, 2026, your scheduled trash and recycling pick up will be delayed one day.

So, Monday trash and recycling will be picked up on Tuesday.

Tuesday trash and recycling will be picked up on Wednesday

Wednesday trash and recycling will be picked up on Thursday

Thursday trash and recycling will be picked up on Friday

Friday trash and recycling will be picked up Saturday!"

Curbside schedule change for next week https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1bgpchiWBD/

Franklin MA: Storm Center Collection for Jan 25 - 26, 2026 

Closed or Early Closing for Sunday, January 25, 2026

• Franklin Historical Museum - Closed   https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BzBUk73mz/
• Children's Museum of Franklin - closing at 12:30 PM  https://www.facebook.com/share/p/16sthCnPYP/
• 
  

Franklin Police Chief Lynch says thanks to the Franklin community for "your patience, understanding and support "

For the past two days the Town of Franklin has hosted the funeral services for Stephen A. LaPorta, an Uxbridge Police Officer who passed away tragically on January 7, 2026 while responding to multiple motor vehicle crashes on Route 146.  Thousands of mourners were expected to attend the services throughout the two days and as you can imagine, the planning for the services for a police officer killed in the line of duty is an extraordinary undertaken. 

Franklin Police Chief Lynch says thanks to the Franklin community for "your patience, understanding and support "

The Franklin Police Department was honored to assist in providing a safe and organized venue so the LaPorta family, the Uxbridge Police Department, the greater Uxbridge community, friends, and law enforcement officers from throughout the country could pay their respects to a public safety hero who gave his life in service to others. 

This extraordinary undertaking would not have been possible without the support, understanding and flexibility of the entire Franklin community.  A long list of organizations, agencies and town departments were requested and graciously agreed to provide direct support or alter their operations and schedules to assist in this endeavor. The members of these various entities had to adjust to changed schedules or cancellations.  The entire community was affected by the road closures, detours and increased traffic.

On behalf of the LaPorta family, the Uxbridge Police Department, the greater Uxbridge community and the Franklin Police Department; I want to thank the Town of Franklin for your patience, understanding and support over these last two days. 

Thank You!

Thomas J. Lynch

Chief of Police

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1HYexa5Gxa/

Franklin Police share info on road closures & timing for Weds/Thurs wake & funeral at St Mary's

The following information pertains to the upcoming wake and funeral services for Officer Stephen A. LaPorta. A significant police presence is expected in the vicinity of St. Mary’s Church and the Franklin Town Common during these services. Road closures and traffic detours will be in effect.

Residents and motorists are encouraged to seek alternate routes and avoid the area if possible. We recognize that these disruptions may be inconvenient, particularly for those who live nearby, and we sincerely appreciate the community’s patience and cooperation.

Your understanding and support will help ensure a dignified and respectful farewell for Officer LaPorta and his family.

Franklin Police share info on road closures & timing for Weds/Thurs wake & funeral at St Mary's

Wake:

• St. Mary’s Church, 1 Church Square, Franklin, MA, Wednesday, January 14th, from 2p-6p.  
• Church square and surrounding streets will be closed from approximately 11am - 7pm.  

Funeral:

• St. Mary’s Church, 1 Church Square, Franklin, MA, Thursday, January 15 at 11am.  
• Church square and surrounding streets will be closed from approximately 9am - 2pm.  

Road Closures:

• Church Square

• Beaver St from West Central St to Church Square

• Union St from School St to Church Square

• Daniel McCahill St. from Church Square to Senior Center

• Main St from School St to Highland St

• Pleasant St from Moore Ave/Hillside Rd to Church Square

• Crescent St, Garfield, Martin, and Queen will be limited access

Parking / Staging Areas:

• Public Parking: 

o Davis Thayer School, 109 W. Central Street, Franklin;

o Dean College Campus Center lot (located next to Davis Thayer on W. Central Street);

o Dean College Jones Lot off of School Street;

o Dean Hall Lot off of Emmons Street

Shuttle buses will be provided for those with difficulty walking.

• Police Staging (Officers will be bused to church):

o 55 Constitution Blvd, Franklin

o Wake staging opens at 10am.  Busing starts at 11am.  Police walk through is at 1:45 pm.

o Funeral staging opens at 7am.  Busing starts at 8 am.  

• Media Parking:

o Franklin Federated Church, 171 Main Street, Franklin

Download a copy of the Police press release as a reminder or to share

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1fLbrc8XFVc-2rgphjId7PENwAGK6k0MW/view?usp=drive_link

Franklin Police with a New Year reminder (or two)

Franklin Police with a New Year reminder (or two)

"Here’s your friendly New Year reminder to…LOCK YOUR CARS!

If it's not already on your New Year's resolution list, make sure to add, “I will not have my car stolen!”"

Shared from ->   https://www.facebook.com/share/1Cd8YTQAes/

Franklin Police Facebook page ->   https://www.facebook.com/franklinmapolice

Storm brings power outages, downed trees; Clean up and restorations continue this morning

Our household and neighborhood had power restored at 4 AM Saturday morning, an outage of approx. 17 hours. At the peak of the outages, streets were blocked with downed trees. Police and Fire units were active in responding. 

"Good morning,

I wanted to provide an update on the power outage situation from overnight into this morning.

I did not want to send emails throughout the night; however, please be assured that we were actively monitoring conditions and remained in close contact with National Grid throughout the event.

As of approximately 4:30 AM, there were about 1,600 households without power. By 6:30 AM this morning, that number had been reduced to approximately 600 locations still without power. National Grid continues to work on restoring service to the remaining customers.

I hope these updates have been helpful to you as you field questions from residents. I understand that some residents were looking for more detailed information and exact restoration timelines. I want to stress that we share all information as soon as it is provided to us by National Grid.

To recap, although there were multiple individual power lines down within our community the primary cause of the widespread outage was damage that occurred outside of town. National Grid advised that the root cause was a failure of a power transfer loop at a substation. This substation failure impacted four communities. The large-scale outage was due to the substation issue, not individual line failures.

Throughout the night, our crews kept up with demand and responded to calls for service as power was restored. There were no major incidents reported overnight.

We will continue to monitor the situation closely as the morning progresses and provide updates as necessary.

Please feel free to reach out if you need any additional information."

Fire Chief & Emergency Management Manager Charles Allen

And 

"Good morning,

The Department of Public Works has crews out this morning continuing with debris cleanup around town.

The good news is that we did not need to salt the roads, which saved municipal funds.

Have a great week!"

Robert Cantoreggi

Director, Department of Public Works

The NationalGrid outage map as of 7:30 this morning

The NationalGrid outage map as of 7:30 this morning

Franklin Police: Deputy Chief James West Graduates from FBI National Academy

On December 12, 2025, Chief Thomas Lynch announced that Deputy Chief James West has graduated as a member of the 296th session of the FBI National Academy. The graduation took place at the National Academy in Quantico, Virginia, on December 11th, 2025. Deputy Chief West is the fourth officer in department history to complete this prestigious program. Nationally, fewer than one percent of officers have the opportunity to attend the program.

 

Deputy Chief James West

Internationally known for its academic excellence, the National Academy offers 11 weeks of advanced communication, leadership, and fitness training. Participants must have proven records as professionals within their agencies to attend. On average, these officers have 21 years of law enforcement experience and usually return to their agencies to serve in executive-level positions.

The 296th session consisted of two hundred and fifty-four law enforcement officers who graduated from the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia. The 296th session of the National Academy consisted of men and women from 47 states and the District of Columbia. The class included members of law enforcement agencies from 24 countries, four military organizations, and two federal civilian organizations.

Deputy Chief West started his law enforcement career in Winthrop, MA in 1996 before transferring to the Franklin Police Department in 2001. He rose through the ranks and served as Sergeant, Lieutenant and currently holds the rank of Deputy Chief of Police. Deputy Chief West has also served on the Metropolitan Law Enforcement Council Special Weapons and Tactics Team (SWAT) and served as an academy drill instructor for many years for the Massachusetts Municipal Police Training Committee.

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/DSSw5z5iXS0/

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Saturday, December 13, 2025 ???

Saturday, December 13

9:00am Thrifty Threads (Franklin Federated Church)

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

9:00am St Mary's Women’s Faith Formation Meeting (St. Mary's Parish)

9:00am Winter Coat Giveaway (Franklin United Methodist Church)

10:00am A-Wreath-of-Franklin celebration (THE BLACK BOX)

10:00am Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

10:00am Pictures with Santa (Franklin Police Department)

10:30am Jamie Barrett (live music) (Franklin Public Library)

10:30am Pancakes & pajamas (Franklin Public Library)

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

4:00pm Holiday Stories & Sing-a-Long (Franklin United Methodist Church)

7:30pm Jamie Barrett (live music) (Morin's Hometown Bar & Grille, Attleboro)

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

For additional details on A Wreath of Franklin, please visit the event page ->   https://franklinartsculture.my.canva.site/wreath25-program-site

** NO  Town Meetings today   **

------------

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

Pictures with Santa at the Franklin Police Dept - Saturday, Dec 13 from 10 AM to noon

Pictures with Santa at the Franklin Police Dept
 - Saturday, Dec 13 from 10 AM to noon

"Join us this Saturday December 13 from 10 AM - 12 PM for pictures with Santa at the Franklin Police Department. 

It’s not required to get a picture but we will still be collecting toys for our holiday toy drive! 

We hope to see you there!"

Shared from ->   https://www.facebook.com/share/17oM386Mfe/

Franklin Police issue scam alert on cryptocurrency related scams

SCAM ALERT

Franklin Police issue scam alert on cryptocurrency related scams


Our department is seeing a rise in cryptocurrency-related scams targeting community members. Scammers often pose as government agencies, utility companies, or even law enforcement and demand payment in crypto.

Remember:

* No legitimate agency will ever request payment in cryptocurrency. EVER. EVER. EVER. EVER. EVER. EVER. EVER. EVER. EVER. EVER. EVER. EVER.

* Never send crypto to someone you don’t personally know.

* Be cautious of unsolicited messages, urgent demands, or threats.

* When in doubt — hang up, delete the message, and contact us directly. IT CAN WAIT.

Stay alert and help spread the word to keep our community safe!

If you have any concerns regarding these crypto scams please contact Detective Flynn at 508-440-2720.

Franklin Police Dept issue "TOY DRIVE ALERT"

TOY DRIVE ALERT

Franklin Police Dept issue "TOY DRIVE ALERT"

It’s that time of the year for our annual Holiday Toy Drive! We will be collecting toys the day after Thanksgiving, November 28th, from 9am-1pm at Marshall’s and BJs in Franklin. 

We will also be collecting toys at the station in the front lobby until December 12th. You can also donate toys in the lobby for the Franklin Fire Department headquarters on West Central Street. 

All donations go to Franklin families and the Santa Foundation!

If you can’t donate in person, check out our Amazon link: 

https://www.amazon.com/registries/gl/guest-view/2NNZ6AUQ5ZY8A

Shared from ->   https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Dfp58ugfU/

FPS Police Station Halloween Event not happening this year

FPS Police Station Halloween Event not happening this year

FPD HALLOWEEN PARTY

We’ve received several inquiries regarding our annual Halloween Party at the station. Unfortunately, this will be the first time in over two decades that we will not be able to host this party.

Following the results of the proposition 2.5% override the Franklin Police Department lost $250,000 out of our operational budget. This resulted in the elimination of 2 full-time patrol officer positions. With the two openings, two officers from the Community Service Unit/School Resource Officers were reassigned to the patrol division to fill the open vacancies and low staffing. The Community Service Unit was responsible for coordinating this large yearly party. With the reduced CSU staffing, events like this are simply not possible due to staffing restrictions. CSU Officers serve as School Resource Officers and their primary responsibilities are with the Franklin Public Schools. We hope that if staffing levels increase we will be able to throw this party and other community events again.

If you are looking for some festive Halloween activities this weekend. Make sure to check out the Franklin Lions Trunk or Treat this Saturday 4 PM - 6 PM at the Franklin High School.

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/17as4UP4Vy/

"School Resource Officers don't just wear a badge: they build trust, keep peace, and stay sharp under pressure"

via Officer Frankie: 

"School Resource Officers don't just
 wear a badge:  they build trust,
keep peace, and stay sharp under pressure"

"Sorry not sorry, this is the most important job in any police department, it also comes with the most RESPONSIBILITY. 

SRO’s do more for students and staff than anyone will ever know.  In this day and age being a police officer is a very tough job. Most of the time when we show up it’s on a persons worst day. 

Our Officers do so many good things, and yet most only focus on the negatives. Most of the time the only communications our department receives are complaints. 

On our website there is a form to praise or thank an officer for his/her behaviors."

Here is the site:  https://www.franklinma.gov/FormCenter/Police-7/Commend-a-Franklin-Police-Officer-49

Shared from: https://www.instagram.com/p/DP1yX8Hjljz/

Town of Franklin: Human Resources is looking for candidates for positions in Conservation, Fire Dept, Library, Police Dept, Facilities & DPW

To be considered for an open position, please submit a resume and cover letter in PDF format via email to Human Resources. 

Be sure to include the job title in the subject line of your email to ensure accurate processing. 

If you do not have a resume, you may submit a completed Application for Employment (PDF) as an alternative.

• Director of Conservation - Conservation Department 
• Licensed Plumber  - Facilities Department
• Firefighter / Paramedic - Franklin Fire Department
• Librarian - Youth Services - Franklin Public Library
• Heavy Motor Equipment Operator-  Department of Public Works
• Co-Response Clinician - Police Department
• Custodian (part-time) - Facilities

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/228/Job-Opportunities

Town Council welcomed 2 new Police hires, moved zoning bylaws to 2nd reading, hears of solicitation process, and personnel updates (audio)

FM #1517 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1517 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin (MA) Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, September  17, 2025. 7 of the 9 members of the committee were present (Chandler, Pellegri absent). 

Quick recap:

• Town Clerk Nancy Danello provides update on biennial election status

• School Cmte Chair Dave Callaghan provides an update on school opening and traffic issues being worked

• 2 new hires effectively back filling for positions authorized within the reduced Police Dept staffing were sworn in and pinned by family members

• 2 public hearings were opened separately; one for the 2 commercial kitchen bylaws to enable the operation of a commercial kitchen within a residence if on septic (not on town sewer); and second, a set of 6 bylaws to create the Crossing Neighborhood zoning district. It would be similar to the Downtown zoning with a couple of exemptions. Councilor Frongillo recused himself from these discussions and votes as his father's business operates in the proposed zoning area

• In legislation for action 

• all 8 of the zoning changes moved to a second reading

• The Council voted to formalize the early in person voting schedule for the November election as announced

• A couple of water & sewer extensions were approved

• A definition of a collection container was accepted and authorized to extend the current use by religious organizations to non-profits, in particular the American Legion and VFW

• A presentation on Solicitation Permits by Police Chief Thomas Lynch and Deputy Police Chief James West was made to provide some info on the process in response to an incident earlier this year. 

• In the Town Administrator's Report 2 key items were covered; 

• one a series of personnel moves; B Taberner's replacement was announced, M Kinhart and M D'Angelo are retiring, Breeka Li Goodlander to return from pregnancy leave in mid-Oct; 

• second, the Assessors revealed new growth will be about $271,000 shorter than projected earlier this year. This will need to be adjusted somehow before the tax rate hearing in Nov/Dec. It seems to be reflecting the slowdown in growth due to interest rates, uncertainty, and the 'nimby-factor', etc.

• The Council entered into executive session not to return to public meeting

The recording runs about 2 hours & 16 minutes

Audio link ->  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1517-town-council-mtg-09-17-25/

--------------

Franklin TV video available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pQsgBfKN8cY 

The agenda and docs released for this session can be found

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09172025-1911 

My notes in a single PDF can be found ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MNwWCGlCOgPnqbmMecTz5TqaesbmSt4z/view?usp=drive_link 

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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"

Jalen Samuels & Kyle Vaught

Jalen Samuels & Kyle Vaught getting pinned