Chasity & Jillian share insights on the November 2026 events at the Franklin Senior Center (audio)

FM #1843 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1843 in the series. 

This session shares my conversation with Jillian Rochat, Activities Coordinator and Chasity Cheng, Deputy Director of the Franklin Senior Center. We had our discussion in the Franklin Senior Center on Tuesday, Oct 20, 2026.

 

We talk about 

• All the key event highlights for Nov 2026

• Multiple program date changes due to Veterans Day, Nov 11

• Tax workoff program forms available at front desk or online Nov 30

• Winter Wonderland scheduled for Dec 10

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 - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1843-franklin-senior-center-nov-2026-highlights-10-20-26/

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November 2026 newsletter -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/11398/November-2026?bidId= 

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

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/ 

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

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!

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

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

The Franklin Recreation Department’s 2026-2027 Winter Brochure is here. Registration opens Nov 2

The Franklin Recreation Department’s 2026-2027 Winter Brochure is here! We are excited to share our upcoming winter programs and activities for residents of all ages.

Whether you are looking for preschool activities, arts and crafts, sports programs, after-school enrichment, or adult pickleball opportunities, we have something for everyone this winter!

Registration for selected winter programs will open Monday, November 2nd, at 8:30 AM. Programs fill quickly, so we encourage you to register early to secure your spot.

View our Winter Brochure: 

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/11481/WINTER-2026-2027?bidId=

Register Online: https://franklinma.myrec.com

If you have any questions, please contact the Franklin Recreation Department at 508-613-1666 or franklinrecreation@franklinma.gov.

We look forward to another great season and hope to see you this winter!

Tri-County Winter Sports Checklist & Registration

"Registration for winter sports is now OPEN!!!

Click on the link (below) to register for boys/girls basketball, boys/girls indoor track, boys/girls wrestling, winter cheer, or boys ice hockey."

Register - https://students.arbitersports.com/programs/tri-county-rvths-winter-2026-27-athletics

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/
• 
  

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Sunday, January 25, 2026 ???

Sunday, January 25

Storm Center Collection

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/01/franklin-ma-storm-center-collection-for.html

12:00pm Parking Ban takes effect until Monday, Jan 26 at noon time

12:30pm Children's Museum of Franklin (closing time due to storm)

1:00pm Franklin Historical Museum - CLOSED due to the Storm

2:00pm Steel Magnolias (THE BLACK BOX)

*** NO Town Meetings today   ***

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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

Town of Franklin: Winter Storm Parking Ban — Sunday, 01/25/2026 12:00 PM to Monday, 01/26/2026 12:00 PM

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

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Jq8ukS2kh/

Winter hours for Pour Richard's effective January 4, 2026

Winter hours for Pour Richard's
effective January 4, 2026

via Pour Richard's Wine & Provisions:

Winter Hours are live this week!

Closed Mondays, Open Sunday 11-5 PM, every other day hours remain the same!

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

Winter Fest expands upon the Farmers Market at Fairmont Fruit Farm - Dec 20

Winter Fest expands upon the Farmers
Market at Fairmont Fruit Farm - Dec 20

Santa Claus is coming to Fairmount Fruit Farm this Saturday from 11am-2pm for our Winterfest!

From 10 AM - 2 PM, walk around our two heated greenhouses and outdoor space for 30+ vendors.

Surprise your family and friends with quality, unique, and delicious gifts!

Free pictures with The Grinch (10am-11am) and Santa (11am-2pm)

Stay tuned for our vendor list.

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

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Thursday, December 11, 2025 ???

Thursday, December 11

• FYHA fundraiser - Eat at Santa Fe (Santa Fe Burrito Grill)

4:30pm Winter Wonderland (Franklin Senior Center)

7:00pm FHS Chorus/Orchestra Concert (Franklin High School)

7:30pm Musical Bingo (Teddy Gallagher's Irish Pub)

Library & Senior Center events

For additional details on Library events -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/942/Calendar-of-Events

For additional details on Senior Center events ->   

https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar.aspx?CID=37,24&showPastEvents=false

** Town Meetings today   **

Municipal Affordable Housing Trust Meetings (Canceled)

December 11, 2025, 2:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_11132025-2004 

Charles River Pollution Control Meeting

December 11, 2025, 3:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_12112025-2040 

Conservation Commission Meeting

December 11, 2025, 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Item/536?fileID=6995 

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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

The voice message left from the Franklin Senior Center robocall touting the Winter Wonderland on Thursday, Dec 11 (audio)

FM #1604 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1604 in the series. 

This episode shares the voice message left from the Franklin Senior Center robocall touting the Winter Wonderland on Thursday, Dec 11, 2025. 

“The Franklin Senior Center is hosting our 4th annual Winter Wonderland Community Event!

It's on Thursday, December 11 from 4:30 PM - 7:00 PM. Come one, come all! The entire community is invited, we hope to see you there! 

This is open to all ages. 

This is a completely free event but be sure to bring a little extra money for the large scale raffle put together by our Friends of Franklin Elders Inc. - FOFE”

Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1604-fsc-winter-wonderland-msg-12-11-25/

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The text and links referenced can be found at Franklin Matters https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/12/you-are-invited-to-winter-wonderland-at.html 

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

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!

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

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"