Providing accurate and timely information about what matters in Franklin, MA since 2007. * Working in collaboration with Franklin TV and Radio (wfpr.fm) since October 2019 *
"Hi there! Scott Mason and I will be doing a presentation at the studios of Franklin TV at 23 Hutchinson Street when we will examine the James Stewart Block, which is at Clark Square at the town bridge. We'll look back at the buildings that stood here over the years and how the block has evolved.
This program is part of a series of programs that will take a close look at the downtown area of Franklin. This will not be a live broadcast. It will be taped for future viewing on Franklin TV.
I hope you can make it! I’m sure you’ll enjoy it!!!!!"
FM #1654 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1654 in the series.
This session shares my conversation with Mitzi Gousie, Programming and Outreach Librarian with the Franklin Public Library. We had our discussion virtually on Wednesday, February 4, 2026.
We talk about
Reviewed the regular open hours, book sale and holiday scheduling for the month
Closed on Sundays due to budget reduction
Closed all day on Monday, Feb 16 for President’s Day
Library events for February 2026
In calendar order rather than by category this time around
Registration for those events required should be done through the Town website, Library page. There are nefarious folks trying to convince folks otherwise via Facebook. Be safe, use the official Town and Library pages.
The show notes include links to the Library page and to the calendar of events where registration for some of the events is required/recommended.
The recording runs about 17 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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You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"
Via Instagram, Franklin TV, and our subscription to HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the Winter sports competition for Franklin High School on Friday, February 6, 2026
Boys Basketball = Attleboro, 66 @ Franklin, 42 – Final
– Franklin hung around for the first half on Friday night but Attleboro dominated the third and ran away with a big win to sweep the regular season series. Franklin sophomore Danny Santos hit a trio of threes and had 11 points in the second quarter as the Panthers were within striking distance, down 33-24, at half. But it was all Attleboro in the third as senior Ladainian Rodrigues sparked a 17-0 run that spanned the first seven minutes of the quarter, getting a steal for a three-point play to ignite the Bombardiers. Rodrigues scored 12 of his team-high 20 points in the third as Attleboro pushed the lead to 52-28 going into the final quarter. Rodrigues also had nine rebounds, classmate Connor Houle added 11 points and four assists, and junior Ben Lally splashed in a trio of threes for nine points. Santos led the Panthers with 11 points and Ben Scaccia chipped in with nine points.
Girls Basketball = Franklin, 73 @ Attleboro, 57 – Final
– Franklin dominated the third quarter, outscoring Attleboro 23-6, to pull away and secure a road win that clinches at least a share of a second straight Kelley-Rex title. It was a shootout in the first half, with both team’s offenses clicking from the start. Tessah Rodrigues scored seven and Liz Dumais hit a pair of threes for the Panthers, who scored 20. Attleboro went one better in the opening eight minutes, as Jenna Callahan hit a pair of threes, Tia Williamson scored six points, and Lola Ronayne and Lily Didick were also on target from deep. Franklin grabbed the lead going into halftime with a 24-16 second quarter. Freshman Brielle Nicholls sparked the Panthers with all 11 of her points (including a pair from deep) coming in the second. Kaylee Fernandes added seven and Ava Bonney scored six points in the frame. Callahan hit two more threes but Attleboro went into the break down 44-37. Franklin took over in the third. Bonney hit a couple threes and scored seven points and Sophia Sacramone added five, while the Panthers held Attleboro to just six points. The Bombardiers flipped it in the fourth, holding Franklin to just six, and getting six points from Williamson but the Panthers comfortably held on for the win. Bonney led Franklin with 16 points, Rodrigues finished with a dozen, and Fernandes added 11. Williamson was the game’s top scorer with 19 and Callahan scored 12 points.
Gymnastics = Hockomock Championships,
Franklin finished 8th
Below are the results from the 2026 Hockomock League Gymnastics championship meet held at Starland Sportsplex in Hanover.
The Franklin (MA) Town Council met as scheduled on Wednesday, Feb 4, 2026 for their shortest public session of this term of office completing public business in under 2 hours. They did go to Executive Session so who know how long that took. We'll find out later.
P Griffith, SchCmte Chair provides an update on budget, encourages budget hearing participation Tuesday, Feb 10
K Mu Chow informs on the Franklin Ridge presentation on Friday, 1:30 at Senior Center
DPW Director Cantoreggi, almost at total snow/ice budget for year, last storm cost $325,000
G Carlucci announces Quattro Eroi Lodge 1414 Order Sons and Daughters of Italy In America celebrating 100th Anniversary this year. Steve Puleo presenting April 12 at Historical Museum
Goals discussion, wrapped around terminology and strategic planning, could have chosen a subcommittee to help with prioritization, ended up not, will send adjustments, ideas, etc. to Jamie to consolidate for next discussion at the March 4 meeting. Consultants planned to be there to present on strategic plan option
Adoption of Amendment to the Procedures Manual of the Franklin Town Council
LeBlanc poses adjusted language, second,
P5, sec 2, regular meetings may not begin earlier than 6, provided that an agenda items is not already under discussion, the meeting may continue with a majority vote, vote on amendment Passes 9-0
Vote on the motion as amended, Passes 9-0
Moved to enter Executive session; Exemption #6: Considering the purchase, exchange, lease or value of real property, because an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the negotiating position of the Public Body:
i.Former Davis-Thayer Elementary School
ii.Former Parmenter Elementary School
iii.“Other Property” potentially available for Town purchase/acquisition
The Franklin (MA) School Committee met briefly (approx. 30 mins) in a remote only session on Tuesday, February 3, 2026. All 7 members participated along with key members of the School District Central office.
Supt Giguere talks of the health care accounting change, there is no impact to the employees on either Town or School, purely an accounting change. Food service and lifelong learning employees are paid from those revolving funds and charges would also go to the revolving funds for those associated health care cost for those employees. Coordinating with Town Finance to confirm minimum impact.
"I recommend approval to move the School Health Insurance, Medicare, and Long-Term Disability expenses and associated funding from the School Department 300 to the Town Benefits Department 910 as detailed."
So moved, seconded Discussion
This move allows for an apples to apples comparison with all of the Town departments
Jana explains the accounting for Lifelong learning and Food services, process very similar today and with this move.
MOA currently set for a five year term, could be a re-evaluation if required at time, not likely to revert, shared interest between Schools and Town to keep going forward
Ruthann comments on hope for future that the allocation for schools would be more predictable
Question on if the Town needs to add personnel to do this? No.
There are constant shifts among the individual personnel on both sides, Town and School...Moving forward with the GIC we should have more info sooner to help with the planning for future budgets to help with planning
Midyear retirement and other health care moves would be handled as normal (as done today on both sides)
Shift of costs that are not health care directly related are prohibited by both sides; the account 910 should be only health care period. Covers the revolving accounts which may have some 'excess' (by design, there should be a year's worth) those excess amounts can't move
Vote on the motion via roll call Passes 7-0, Motion carries
Motion to adjourn, so moved, second Passes via roll call, 7-0
FM #1652 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1652 in the series.
This session shares my conversation with School Committee Chair Paul Griffith. We had our discussion via Zoom on Monday, February 2, 2026. We condense and get into the explanations behind the key items from the recent School Committee meeting January 27, 2026.
Our conversation covered the following topics:
Budget, and budget implications
Budget hearing Feb 10, budget vote Feb 24
Health care costs proposed to move to Town Account 910
Simplification, ensure all depts now have apples to apples budget comparison
Hold harmless, Chap 70 local contribution under re-evaluation
Special education reimbursement, cost advantages of in house programs
Policy updates
Remote participation
Middle school awareness of pathways
ECDC tuition re-voted to correct an oversight
Our conversation runs about 49 minutes. Let’s listen
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"
Hosted by Kahlil Mateus, we sat down with Congressman Jake Auchincloss for a powerful conversation about the future of vocational‑technical education and why it matters for today’s students and communities. He also gives a behind‑the‑scenes look at life as a member of Congress and shares meaningful advice for students planning their next steps.
An inspiring, insightful episode you won’t want to miss.
