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| Congressman Jake Auchincloss poses with Stella Juncker. Stella had reached out to the Congressman as part of her HEPA filter project |
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 *
Thursday, February 5, 2026
Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter School: Winter 2026 Capstone Projects Highlight reel (video)
Town Council discusses goals, hears last storm cost $325,000, enters Executive Session (video)
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.
- Citizen comments:
- 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
FHS boys hockey top Attleboro on Wednesday
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| FHS Panther sports results shared via Twitter & subscription to HockomockSports.com |
FPS Food Service shares "Local Beef Bolognese" student meal (video)
New date for 7th Annual Valentine's Brunch Hosted by Franklin Rotary Club
Help the Franklin Music Boosters with their Panera fundraiser Feb 5
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| Help the Franklin Music Boosters with their Panera fundraiser Feb 5 |
Commuter Rail service change: Fare gates at South Station have resumed final testing
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| Commuter Rail service change: Fare gates at South Station have resumed final testing |
The next "Stop the Bleed" Class is scheduled for February 18, 2026 (it is Free!)
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| The next "Stop the Bleed" Class is scheduled for February 18, 2026 (it is Free!) |
10 Daniel McCahill Street
Franklin, Massachusetts 02038-1352
Taylor Swift Themed Public Skating scheduled for Feb 7 at FMC Franklin
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| Taylor Swift Themed Public Skating scheduled for Feb 7 at FMC Franklin |
Franklin Public Radio wfpr.fm schedule for Thursday, February 5, 2026
8:00 AM, 1:00 PM, and 6:00 PM - Franklin Matters Radio – Steve Sherlock covering Franklin, its local government, services, and events (Repeats Saturday at 3:00 PM)
- The episode features Exploring the Wonderful World of Wine & podcasting with Mark & Kim - https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/01/exploring-wonderful-world-of-wine.html
- "The Turntable Show Album Hour" features "Parachutes" from Coldplay. Parachutes, released July 10, 2000, is Coldplay's award winning debut record. The album reached double-platinum status and picked up a Best Alternative Music Album GRAMMY Award , establishing Coldplay as a major force in alternative rock. The album also received a Brit Award for British Album of the Year in 2001. The combination of the Grammy win, BRIT Award win, and a Mercury Prize nomination represents the “triple crown” of British music industry recognition - covering American, British, and artistic/critical acclaim respectively. This established Parachutes as not just a commercial success but also a critically respected debut that would launch one of the biggest bands of the 21st century.
- The Vibe Playlist Hour delivers Coldplay music and amazing performances LIVE for Turntable listeners to experience real Coldplay."
Franklin TV schedule for Thursday, February 5, 2026 (Your local Public, Education & Government "PEG" station)
- Franklin All Access TV - Our Public Access Channel (Comcast 6, Verizon 26) = THURSDAY
Franklin Pride TV - Our Educational Channel (Comcast 8, Verizon 28) = THURSDAY
Franklin Town Hall TV - Our Government Channel (Comcast 9, Verizon 29) = THURSDAY
Wednesday, February 4, 2026
What's happening in Franklin, MA: Wednesday, February 4, 2026 ???
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| Library & Senior Center Events |
Board of Health Meeting
Wednesday, February 4 Time: 5:00 PM
https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02042026-2115
Town Council Meeting
Wednesday, February 4 Time: 6:00 PM
https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02042026-2120
Franklin Cultural Council Meeting
Wednesday, February 4 Time: 7:00 PM
https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02042026-2117
The School district calendar is found https://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/o/fpsd/page/school-calendar
School Committee votes to move health care costs to Town budget line 910 (video)
- 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
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| School Committee votes to move health care costs to Town budget line 910 (video) |













