Winter Classes are open for registration with Lifelong Community Learning

Sign up now!

Our Winter Classes start in January 2026! There's something for everyone. For information and to register, visit: All Community Learning Classes

Lifelong Learning Institute - Franklin Public Schools | 218 Oak Street Room 137 | Franklin, MA 02038 US

Winter Coat Drive: Drop offs available Nov 10 through Dec 6, 2025

Donate gently used or new coats to help your Franklin-area neighbors!

Download the flyer as a reminder or to share ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1k2w031hOLT0W_84z2Tbwb2qq7yfK26Cv/view?usp=sharing

Winter Coat Drive: Drop offs available Nov 10 through Dec 6, 2025

Greco Design pops up in Applause for the winter, how cool is that?

Greco Design pops up in Applause
for the winter, how cool is that?

"I’m sooooo excited! 

We’ll be back in downtown Franklin just in time for holiday shopping! 

We’ll be in the Applause Gelato & Gifts space for 4 months starting Nov. 7. 

Stay tuned for more details but we have so many great new and unique gifts and goodies we think you’ll love "

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/DQJ2HhjkVIV/

Winter Coat Giveaway - Community Closet, Dec 13 from 9 AM to Noon

The Franklin UMC and New England Chapel have joined together to collect new and gently used coats. 

On December 13 from 9 AM to 12 PM, the Community Closet at FranklinUMC (82 W. Central Street, Franklin) will be open and distributing coats to neighbors who want and/or need one. 

Winter Coat Giveaway - Community Closet,
Dec 13 from 9 AM to Noon

All are welcome to come and pick out a new-to-them coat and some new clothes. And, everything is FREE! We have coats and clothing in sizes from infant to XXL adult.

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You do not need to register for this event. The winter coats are a mix of new and gently used in all sizes from infant through adult. We are sorting to make sure that they are all in good condition.

There will be a limit to the number of coats people can take: 1 coat per person in a household. This will help supplies last longer. 

We will hand out coats for as long as supplies last. The Community Closet will be open for the duration from 9 AM to 12 PM.

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WANT TO VOLUNTEER? HAVE QUESTIONS?

If you'd like to volunteer to help with setup, hospitality, and cleanup for this event or you have questions about this event, you can message this page or email jacob@franklinumc.org.

Franklin’s Public Works Department searches for a better way to use salt in the winter (video)

via the Franklin DPW 

If you have not noticed, we have been out treating our roadways often this winter. Over the last several weeks we have been getting a lot of calls about our salting procedures, particularly on the side roads. 

Salt is the most important and useful material we have to fight snow and ice and to assist safe traveling on our roadways. Salt is also a pollutant and can be a costly commodity that we try to use in responsible and cost effective ways.  

In basic terms we use more salt on the busier roads and hills and less on subdivision roadways; the result may be that some side roads are not always down to “bare pavement.” However, as you make your way to the main connector roads and primary roadways, they will be.  

There are so many factors that affect the use of salt and how we apply it: the temperature, the type of precipitation, the amount of precipitation, the time of day (day vs night), the time of year (how high sun is in the sky), previous applications, the availability of salt (might be in short supply), to name a few.  We are always going to do our best to provide the safest roadways with the best practices, in environmentally friendly ways that are cost effective. 

As always, please slow down if you think the roadway might be slippery. For additional information on our salting methods, check out the short film that details our procedures.

Video link ->  https://www.turnaround-films.com/15-public-on-the-road-with-salt?

how the squiggly lines get down on the roads before a storm arrives

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1GkcQc4C1W/

FHS Winter Jazz Concert - Jan 29, 2025 (video)

The Franklin High School Winter Jazz Concert was held on Wednesday in the FHS auditorium. It was broadcast by Franklin TV to YouTube where the video is available of the performance.

Video link -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LspNkCC6e0M

Winter Wonderland 2024 (video)

The Franklin Senior Center opened their doors to the community on Thursday, December 12, 2025. If you missed making the visit to Winter Wonderland, enjoy the recap by Franklin TV and make plans to be there next December!

Franklin TV video -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QpWpjEHW_Dw

FREE WINTER COAT GIVEAWAY! -> December 14 from 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

via Franklin United Methodist Church 

"We are utterly overwhelmed with the generosity of our community! Thank you to everyone who donated to the Winter Coat Drive! We are excited to welcome the community tomorrow, December 14 from 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM, at the FREE WINTER COAT GIVEAWAY!  

We have some 600 or so coats ... to hand out

We have some 600 or so coats that have been donated to hand out! We also have hats, gloves, and scarves. And, the Community Closet will be open to explore other clothing options you might be looking for. EVERYTHING IS FREE! 

Thank you to everyone who donated! Thank you to everyone who will volunteer and stop by to pick out a new-to-them coat and clothes tomorrow! You make this community amazing!"

Shared from ->  https://www.facebook.com/FranklinMaUMC/posts/pfbid0mydfH3to6LTyhwFFiUGoE1iYk3EkScNEhSPyxMmMQbG8MgHJycBTvgX6KJ9sP6oEl

 

 

Reminder: Winter Coat Give Away - Saturday, Dec 14

Reminder: Winter Coat Give Away - Saturday, Dec 14

Come pick out a FREE coat and shop the Community Closet for FREE winter clothing.

Questions?

Contact Jacob Juncker (jacob@franklinumc.org) 

or Kim Mu-Chow (neccares@nechapel.org).

Senior center event highlights for week of Dec 9 to Dec 13

Senior center event highlights for week of Dec 9 to Dec 13

WINTER WONDERLAND is this Thursday (12/12/24) at the Franklin Senior Center!

There is always lots to do. Come in and check out what’s happening! #franklinseniorcenter #franklinma

For details on these highlight events, or on the regular daily schedule, please visit the Senior Center online at ->    https://www.franklinma.gov/fsc

Did you listen to Sarah & Ariel reveal December event highlights at the Senior Center?  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/11/sarah-ariel-reveal-december-event.html

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/reel/DDUT9rvRj5I/

Winter Wonderland - Dec 12 from 4:30 to 7 PM at the Senior Center - Bring The Whole Family

Winter Wonderland - Dec 12

A Community Holiday Event

Come for an evening of holiday cheer! See an array of Christmas trees and holiday decor. Live entertainment with Elvis, cookies & hot cocoa, Franklin Fire Dept touch-a-truck, face painting, holiday craft-making for kids, raffle baskets, giveaways, and a visit from Santa & Mrs. Clause! 

The Senior Center gift shop will be open!

Download a copy of the flyer as a reminder or to share ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/15tfm_ItBSr5cJ5_-fzxLye7ztksml9xj/view?usp=drive_link

Lifelong Community Learning: Winter registration is open!

Over 25 classes to choose from...

There's something for everyone at Lifelong Community Learning! For information and to register, visit: Lifelong Community Learning All Classes

Lifelong Learning Institute - Franklin Public Schools | 218 Oak Street Room 137 | Franklin, MA 02038 US

Franklin Public Schools Schedule Series of Winter Concerts

Winter Concerts

The concerts are all listed on the Community & Cultural calendar.

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1CdZRAcQ4h/

Franklin Public Schools Announce Upcoming High School Winter Concerts

Franklin High School Winter Concerts

You are cordially invited to attend the FHS Winter/Holiday concerts on December 10th and 11th at 7PM in the FHS Auditorium. 

On the 10th, Ring in the holiday season and come listen to the orchestra and chorus perform a multi cultural winter and holiday program including  "All I Want for Christmas is You", "Bashana Haba 'ah", "Jambo Rafiki",  "Mother Ginger" from the Nutcracker and "Chanukah Festival Overture"!  

On the 11th come listen to an exciting traditional Band program under the direction of Mrs. Rudsit.  

Get a glimpse of what your high school music program has in store for you!

We hope to see you there!

Reminder & Updated Location Listing: Community Winter Coat Drive now through Dec 7

Late breaking news! New coat donation bin added to list below.

Donate gently used or new coats to help your Franklin-area neighbors in the Winter Coat drive from November 18 to December 7

Donations can be dropped off at

• Franklin Fire Dept., 40 West Central Street, Franklin, MA
• Franklin United Methodist Church, 82 West Central Street, Franklin, MA
• Hockomock YMCA, 45 Forge Hill Road, Franklin, MA
• Franklin Police Dept., 911 Panther Way, Franklin, MA

Community Coat Drive now through Dec 7

Questions? 

Contact Kim Mu-Chow at NECCARES@NECHAPEL.ORG.

Download this PDF as a reminder or to share ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/13GUK8wIdrV-YDwgAcxz80M6UaVHWgM5i/view?usp=sharing

The Community Closet @FranklinUMC will be offering a FREE COAT GIVEAWAY on Saturday, December 14, from 10a-2p to distribute coats donated through this drive.

FHS Indoor Track & Field schedule for 2024-2025

FHS Indoor Track & Field schedule for 2024-2025

For those who want to follow the FHS indoor track performances, the schedule is out and available to mark those key date on your calendar.

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/DCU1UK3S6IH/

MBTA Franklin/Foxboro Line: the new Fall/Winter Scheduled effective November 18, 2024

The new Fall/Winter Commuter Rail schedules go into effect on Monday, November 18th with seasonal and on-time performance adjustments. Schedules will be available online and in stations soon. Visit MBTA.com for more information.

- The ski train will be back on the Fitchburg Line. Wachusett Mountain ski area operates a shuttle between the ski area and Wachusett station during Winter months to connect to these trains which feature a specifically modified coach equipped with racks for ski and snowboard equipment. Update to when the Ski Trains will be in effect will come out soon.

- Holiday service: On Thursday, November 28th, 2024 (Thanksgiving Day), Wednesday, December 25th, 2024 (Christmas Day), Wednesday, January 1st, 2025 (New Year's Day), and Monday, February 17th, 2025 (President's Day) all lines will operate on a weekend schedule. On Monday, January 20th, 2025 (Martin Luther King Jr. Day), and Monday, April 21st, 2025 (Patriot's Day), all lines will operate on a regular weekday schedule.

Affected lines: Newburyport/Rockport Line Lowell Line Fitchburg Line Framingham/Worcester Line Needham Line Franklin/Foxboro Line Fairmount Line Providence/Stoughton Line Middleborough/Lakeville Line Kingston Line Greenbush Line

Download the Franklin Line new Fall/Winter schedule ->   https://cdn.mbta.com/sites/default/files/media/route_pdfs/batch_7237/2024-11-18-cr-fall-winter-franklin-foxboro-line-schedule.pdf

MBTA Franklin/Foxboro Line: the new Fall/Winter Scheduled effective November 18, 2024 

Boston Globe recognizes O'Leary, Neeley, Paterson, DeForge & Dumas for WINTER 2023-24 ALL-SCHOLASTICS

The Boston Globe has published their All-Scholastics selection for the Winter Sports season 2023-2024. The FHS selections are captured here.

Boys basketball

Sean O'Leary, FRANKLIN | SENIOR

O’Leary fueled Franklin’s march to the Division 1 final, tallying 16 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists per game during a 25-2 season. The two-time All-Scholastic forward repeated as Hockomock League MVP and will play at Bates.

Coaches of the Year

CJ Neely, DIVISION 1: FRANKLIN

In his 10th year at the helm, the Bates College and Oliver Ames alum led the Panthers to a 25-2 record and a third D1 state finals appearance since 2017. Neely holds a 249-136 career record, including a 187-47 mark at Franklin.

Boys hockey

Ben Paterson, FRANKLIN | SENIOR

The two-time Hockomock MVP and two-time Globe All-Scholastic dazzled once again, posting 28 goals and 28 assists to lead the Panthers in scoring. The high honor roll student recorded 119 career points and will do a post-grad year at Deerfield.

Girls Indoor Track

Lily Deforge, FRANKLIN | SENIOR

The Holy Cross-bound senior followed up an undefeated regular season by placing second in the shot put (40-06.5) at All-States and 15th at New Balance Nationals. This season, she set school records in both the shot put and weight throw.

Sarah Dumas, FRANKLIN | SENIOR

The Penn-bound senior won the 55-meter hurdles (8.44) at the Division 1 championships and placed third in the pentathlon at the New Balance Nationals. She earned Hockomock League MVP honors and was an All-American selection for the third time.

For the full listing by the Boston Globe -> (subscription may be required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/high-schools/all-scholastics/

Boston Globe recognizes O'Leary, Neeley, Paterson, DeForge & Dumas for WINTER 2023-24 ALL-SCHOLASTICS

TURNAROUND - On the Road With Salt (video)

The Town of Franklin’s Public Works Department searches for a better way to use salt in the winter. Yes, familiar folks in a great production summarizes road treatments for winter travel.

If you are curious about the squiggly lines on the roads before recent storms, you can get the backstory here.

"We’ve come to expect, during winter in New England, being able to get out and drive around, even in the middle of a snowstorm.  Town and city DPW’s are using more and more road salt to keep us safe from ice and snow.  But after a storm, that salt hasn’t disappeared.  As the snow melts, the salt will be washed away and into our groundwater and soils.  High levels of sodium chloride in the environment are dangerous to plants and animals, corrosive on our cars and infrastructure, and increase health risks to humans.

In this episode, Franklin, Massachusetts DPW director “Brutus” Cantoreggi describes how he has to manage both keeping the roads safe from ice and providing clean, salt-free drinking water to the residents.  Highway Superintendent Carlos Rebelo describes the DPW’s efforts – technological, policy, and communal – to reduce how much salt they put down in the winter."

Video link -> https://vimeo.com/873725151/37d37e904c 

TURNAROUND - On the Road With Salt (video)

A friendly Winter Parking Ban reminder from Franklin Police Dept

Via Franklin Police Dept:

Dear Franklin,

It’s going to snow this weekend. That being said please reference the very official document below regarding on street parking. Winter parking ban by-law 170-60 will be in effect. 

The purpose of the winter storm overnight parking ban shall be to provide for the safe movement of police, fire and emergency medical service vehicles during snow and ice storms and otherwise provide for public safety during winter weather conditions. The parking ban shall also serve to enhance the capability of the Public Works Department to remove snow and ice from the roadways effectively and efficiently.

§ 170-61  Activation of parking ban.

A winter storm overnight parking ban shall automatically take effect upon occurrence of any of the following:

A. Snow, sleet, or freezing rain has fallen, or is imminent.

B. The National Weather Service and/or local television and/or radio stations or other media are reporting commencement of snow, sleet, or freezing rain within the local area or are predicting that snow, sleet, or freezing rain will begin in Franklin within 12 hours. 

Effect of parking ban.

The parking of any motor vehicle within the layout of the right-of-way of any public street or any roadway open to the public or on any municipally owned property is prohibited between the hours of 1:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. while a winter storm parking ban is in effect. 

Violations and penalties.

A. Winter storm overnight parking ban violators shall be charged a fine of $25 for each offense.

B. In addition to the foregoing penalty or in lieu thereof, the Town may have the violator's vehicle towed and stored at the violator's expense.

C. For purposes of this section, the vehicle's registered owner and any permitted user shall be deemed a violator. 

Effective time period.

This article shall be in effect from October 15 to April 15. 

Enforcement.  

The Franklin Police Department shall enforce the provisions of this article and shall be solely responsible for issuance of tickets and authorization of towing.

A friendly Winter Parking Ban reminder from Franklin Police Dept

Shared from ->   https://www.facebook.com/100064353536794/posts/pfbid0bSX3CP4VuX9THmBDNV5kXLH1bgGZv6bJSt9WkgUnhmBRfasoqJM3nxWfBndskqCEl/