The April 2026 Franklin School Committee Newsletter is here. Did you miss any of these items?

The April 2026 Franklin School Committee Newsletter is here

"Your April School Committee Newsletter is here! 

Stay informed & connected.

Read the entire Newsletter here:  https://aptg.co/xtRgLb"

Franklin First Newsletter: January–March 2026 for Franklin, MA

Explore updates, highlights, and important information from Town departments.

Stay informed and connected with what's going on in Franklin.

Read: Franklin First Newsletter: January-March 2026 (PDF)

or - https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/8928/Franklin-First-Newsletter-January-March-2026-PDF

Rausch Report: Celebrating Women’s History Month and More - 03/27/26

Dear Neighbor,

March always brings both warmth and renewal outdoors, with spring finally here, and a similar burst of activity on Beacon Hill and in our district. As we have done for several years now, my team and I have so enjoyed celebrating Women’s History Month by highlighting amazing women leaders across our district. I also spoke with a group of young girls at a leadership program that teaches resilience, confidence, and inclusivity – values the world needs deeply these days.  

Rausch Report

Heading outside, I had the awesome privilege and absolute pleasure as Senate Chair of the Environment and Natural Resources Committee to buckle up snowshoes, trek out into the woods with MassWildlife scientists, and snuggle a bear cub! Don’t try this without the scientists, folks. (Scroll down for more details and some can’t-miss photos!) Monitoring the health of our native black bear population is part of our state government’s ongoing conservation and wildlife protection efforts, work that my Committee oversees. 

Relatedly, and back inside, the Senate took steps to further support animal welfare, passing an omnibus bill that protects animals from abuse and neglect while also supporting responsible pet owners. As a pet owner myself, I’m glad this bill will end the puppy mill to pet store pipeline in the Commonwealth and further restrict animal testing for consumer products. (We had some special Senate guests the day of the debate!) 

Amid these and other things to celebrate are the ever-present and very real fears and concerns about the state of our country, ongoing wars, and geopolitics. These are difficult times, and the impacts of global and national decisions are felt by so many in our communities. My colleagues and I at the state government level continue to push back on the treacheries of Trump as much as we can, within the scopes of our roles and the limits of our state and federal constitutions. To that end, many of my pro-democracy bills are now under consideration in Ways and Means, and I late-filed a suite of five anti-ICE bills earlier this year. One day at a time, we keep going, and keep trying our best do the next right thing.

Read on in this month’s Rausch Report to learn more about recent legislation passed by the Senate, a recap of Women’s History Month recognitions, details on my upcoming annual Youth Summit and April events in the district, and more.

For real-time updates, please follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and Bluesky. If you are a constituent and need assistance, please don’t hesitate to call me and my team at (617) 722-1555, email me at becca.rausch@masenate.gov, or attend upcoming office hours. We are here to help.     

Yours in service, 

 
Senator Becca Rausch  

Continue reading the full set of content in this Rausch Report   https://mailchi.mp/masenate/monthlynewsletter-18252427

Jillian & Amanda share the event highlights for April 2026 at the Franklin Senior Center (audio)

FM #1699 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1699 in the series. 

This session shares my conversation with Activities Coordinator Jillian Rochat and Amanda Rabbitt, Supportive Day Program & Special Projects Coordinator. We had our discussion in the Franklin Radio Studio on Wednesday, March 18, 2026.

 

We talk about 

• All the key event highlights for April 2026

• Senior Center closed on Friday, April 3 for professional development - tax return schedules will be maintained

• Senior Center closed Monday, April 20 for Patriot’s Day

• Teaser for “Eat Around the World” on Friday, May 1

The show notes include links to the Senior Center page, the calendar of events, and to subscribe to the monthly newsletter. 

The recording runs about 35 minutes, so let’s listen in.

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1699-franklin-senior-ctr-april-2026-highlights-03-18-26/

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Franklin Senior Center page ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/583/Franklin-Senior-Center-Council-on-Aging 

April 2026 newsletter -> https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/8756/April-2026?bidId= 

The newsletter archive page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/585/Connection-Newsletter 

Senior Center calendar view (just FSC events) -> https://franklinma.gov/calendar.aspx?CID=37&showPastEvents=false 

Subscribe to the newsletter -> by calling 508-520-4945

 

My Active Center -> https://myactivecenter.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 it!

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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"

Michael Walker-Jones highlighted in "What's Happening in the District" newsletter from Rep Jeff Roy

State Rep Jeff Roy was honored to nominate Franklin’s Michael Walker-Jones for a 2026 Black Excellence Award. Michael, along with 100 nominees from across Massachusetts, was celebrated at the State House by the Black & Latino Legislative Caucus.

An educator, advocate, and community leader, Michael has built a life defined by public service and an unwavering belief in the transformative power of education. Beyond the classroom, he has been a tireless champion for systemic change. His decades of leadership include active membership in the NAACP dating back to the 1960s and service as Executive Director of the Louisiana Association of Educators. Here at home, he chaired the Franklin Democratic Town Committee for ten years and continues to elevate civic dialogue as co-host of the Towards a More Perfect Union podcast.

(L-R) Michael Walker-Jones, Rep Jeff Roy

A devoted family man who raised four accomplished children, Michael embodies the principle that strong communities are built through connection, engagement, and service. Whether through broadcasting, advocacy, or one-on-one conversation, he remains an accessible and trusted voice working toward a more informed and equitable society.

The “Black Excellence on the Hill” is an annual event hosted by the Black and Latino Legislative Caucus to recognize “community leaders and trailblazers who are moving the needle forward in cities and towns across the Commonwealth.” The “Latino Excellence Awards” are celebrated in the fall.

Congratulations to Michael and all the other awardees.

Continue reading other updates from Rep Roy's newsletter -

https://mailchi.mp/8794830c17ab/march-2021-newsletter-10615259

An Update from Congressman Jake Auchincloss - 03/13/26

Good morning. I’m your Representative in Congress, and I write to keep you informed.

"A war of choice led by a president without a plan

Operation Epic Fury is a war of choice without congressional authorization. Given his lies to the Iranian protestors about help on the way, his weakness in Ukraine, and his blood-for-oil scheme in Venezuela, this president has no credibility on either the strategy or law guiding foreign policy. Congress must reclaim its war powers and insist that military force against Iran be debated in plain view of the American people, not on Signal chats.

Many Americans in the MA-04 have personal ties to the affected nations, particularly Israel and Iran, and I have spoken to individuals in both diasporas. They hold conflicting emotions, simultaneously – hope & fear, boldness & exhaustion. They and their families abroad, as well as all citizens of this Republic, deserve sound and lawful strategy from Washington.

I voted Yes last week on the War Powers Resolution to end hostilities with Iran until & unless the president comes to Congress for an authorization. I am ready to work across the aisle to craft congressionally directed strategy on Iran, especially for securing American air supremacy in the region to defend our allies & interests against the Islamic Republic’s belligerence; ensuring freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz; and supporting the Iranian people's right to self determination. But first, congressional Republicans must call the question on this fundamental issue of war powers by voting against a reckless commander-in-chief and for the Constitution.

Acting without oversight, the administration’s sophomoric strategy has created two problems:

 -  There’s a new Khamenei, and he’s worse than the old Khamenei

 -  The new Khamenei now has another ‘nuclear’ option, in addition to enriching the still at-large uranium: close the Strait of Hormuz for non-Chinese oil transit. 

Before the president travels to Beijing in a weakened position at the end of this month, he should present for congressional approval a plan for ending this war of choice while preventing the regime from denying transit through the Strait of Hormuz, in violation of international law. Kharg Island, the export site for nearly all Iranian crude oil (much of which goes to China), may be one critical element of that plan."

Onwards,

Jake

Continue reading the newsletter via PDF - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1z-WXduUAVaupGoVE048gmX4xTkzR4Su6/view?usp=drive_link

School Committee March Newsletter with FY 2027 budget info & 2026-27 School Calendar

School Committee March Newsletter 

The March School Committee Newsletter is available now. 

Get caught up on the FY27 Budget discussions and see the 2026 - 2027 School Calendar.

Read the entire Newsletter here:  https://aptg.co/FlGsHJ

Shared from https://www.franklinps.net/live-feed#11628628

Franklin LGBTQ Alliance: Join us March 5 at 6:30 PM

We are meeting at Franklin TV

Franklin LGBTQ Alliance In this newsletter we include an invitation to our next meeting and community events, including our next book club discussion, and include more opportunities to get involved.   Want more information or need to contact us? Visit our website here! You Are Invited To Our March Monthly Meeting!   When: March 5th  at 6:30pm   What: Join us for some origami making! (no experience needed, just come and join us for some crafting and conversation)  Where: 23 Hutchinson Street in Franklin Fundraiser Update! Thank you to everyone who supported our Pride and Popcorn and Bake Sale fundraisers! We are so appreciative of all the generous donations we received that will go towards putting on Celebrate With Pride this year. We also hope everyone enjoys their yummy popcorn and baked goods :)  FLA Events Announcing...    2025 Celebrate With Pride will be on June 27th from 12-4 on the Franklin Town Common!! (with a rain date of June 28th)    If you are a vendor, nonprofit, or food vendor looking to have a booth, please click HERE to use our exhibitor sign-up!   If you are interested in performing please email us at franklincwp@gmail.com    If you are looking to volunteer, we will be sending out volunteer sign-up forms when it gets closer to the event!   Please help us spread the word about 2025 Franklin Celebrate With Pride and we look forward to welcoming you to the common soon!  Any questions please email franklincwp@gmail.com If you are not on our email list, sign up to receive future emails with this form.  Note this newsletter was shortened for publication here. To view the full set of content, please visit this link ->  View this email in your browser

Rausch Report: Bills, Black History, and another Blizzard

Your monthly Beacon Hill update from Senator Becca Rausch. 

View this email in your browser Dear Neighbor, Another month, another major blizzard! MassDOT snowplows with names like Flake Maye, Clearopathra, and Sleet Caroline have been out in force making roads safe to travel, as have hundreds of hardworking municipal employees and plow operators in our communities. I hope you and your families, friends, neighbors, and loved ones are safe and warm as we dig out together. It may be chilly outside, but in the Massachusetts Senate, things are heating up! We passed a slate of consumer protection measures and authorized more than $3 billion to boost public higher education. As Senate Chair of the Municipalities Committee, working in collaboration with my House colleague, we reported favorably a major bill filed by Governor Healey and Lieutenant Governor Driscoll to empower towns and cities. And early as it may seem, preparations for the May budget debates are already under way.    Longtime Rausch Report readers know I'm a huge supporter of civics education, and this month I joined Rhode Island electeds and education experts for a panel discussion about the success of Massachusetts Civics Project Trust Fund, funding for which I have championed for several years. Also, as we do every year, I hosted Brandeis University legislative advocacy students in the State House, where they delved into the details of bills ranging from immigration policy to reproductive health with the lawmakers and staff who filed them. Read on in this month's Rausch Report to learn more about legislation passed by the Senate, our district's Black Excellence on the Hill honoree, plans for Women's History Month, upcoming events in the district, and more. For real-time updates, please follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and Bluesky. If you are a constituent and need assistance, please don't hesitate to call me and my team at (617) 722-1555, email me at becca.rausch@masenate.gov, or attend upcoming office hours. We are here to help.      Yours in service,    Senator Becca Rausch    NEARING THE GOVERNOR'S DESK  Building Resilient Infrastructure to Generate Higher-Ed Transformation (BRIGHT) Act. I voted YES alongside my colleagues to pass the BRIGHT Act, a $3.28 billion bond bill to invest in our public higher education institutions and address the significant backlog of deferred maintenance on campuses. To help our students achieve success, they must have access to modern infrastructure and facilities, including modernized laboratories. These funding authorizations will also support workforce development and vocational technical training. The House passed a different version of the bill, so the differences between the two iterations must now be reconciled before the legislation goes to Governor Healey for her consideration. PASSED BY THE SENATE I voted YES along with my colleagues to pass the following bills, which are now before the House for their consideration:    Strengthening Fair Housing Protections. This bill will promote fairness in housing access by mandating anti-discrimination training for all real estate agents and strengthening state enforcement of fair housing law. Under the bill, applicants for a real estate license would attend at least four hours of classroom instruction on the Fair Housing Law. A real estate broker who violates that law twice in two years would have their license suspended for 180 days instead of 90, and information on complaints and license revocations would be published.   Car Purchase Consumer Protection. This bill strengthens the state's Lemon Law, allowing motor vehicle buyers to void a sale if the vehicle fails inspection within seven days of delivery of the car, rather than the date of purchase. The bill also increases the maximum mileage for used vehicle warranties and protects consumers from fraud by doubling the surety bond required of used car dealers. Small Business Unit Pricing Threshold. Grocery and big box stores are required to display products' unit pricing – often the "price per ounce" found in orange next to the total price. Small businesses such as bodegas are not required to have these labels if they generate less than $5 million in in-store sales each year. Recognizing the growing popularity of high-value lottery tickets and gift cards, which generate very little actual income for our small businesses, this bill excludes the sales of lottery tickets and gift cards from counting toward the annual sales volume of these small neighborhood stores.  Growing the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Workforce. This legislation modernizes the pathway to becoming a CPA by removing outdated and costly requirements and updating the standards for certification to feature a balanced mix of a college degree and on-the-job work experience. Note: This newsletter was shortened for publication here - view the full set of contents -> https://mailchi.mp/masenate/monthlynewsletter-18251903 Our mailing address is: The Office of Senator Becca Rausch Massachusetts State House, Room 215                          24 Beacon Street, Boston, MA 02133