Your Brain Is Your Superpower! - Franklin Recreation offers series of Chess Classes

Your Brain Is Your Superpower! - Franklin
Recreation offers series of Chess Classes

Join us this spring for Chess Wizards at the Franklin Recreation Department! Whether your child is brand new to chess or already loves the game, this program makes learning fun with engaging lessons, group activities, and exciting challenges. Kids will build strategy, confidence, and critical thinking skills while making new friends along the way. 

Wednesdays: 

• 4/1, 4/8, 4/15, 4/29, 5/6, 5/13 (No class 4/22)
• 4:30 – 5:30 PM
• Franklin Rec Department – Art Room (235 Wachusett St.)
• Grades K–5

$150 Residents | $160 Non-Residents

Seats are limited, so be sure to sign up soon! 

Register at franklinma.myrec.com

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FUMC gets $75k grant to build downtown Franklin’s first community-based commissary kitchen

Rev Jacob Juncker

Via Franklin United Methodist Church:

"Exciting news!

We've received a $75,000 grant to build downtown Franklin’s first community-based commissary kitchen!

This new space will be a hub for learning, collaboration, and community meals.

Stay tuned for more updates! #FranklinCommunity #CulinaryInnovation

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Additional info on the capital work underway at FUMC

https://franklinumc.org/2026/02/12/february-12-2026-history-is-made/

School Committee gets insights the recipes and kitchens on food services (video)

The Franklin School Committee met as scheduled on Tuesday, March 10, 2026. All 7 members were present in Council Chambers.

 

The Franklin TV video is available for replay - https://www.youtube.com/live/CBHC618gXFE?&t=230

The agenda can be found - https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03102026-2175 

My notes via Bluesky thread in one PDF - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xZdhJ_TR0vgcoX-NAP_06FKpj1LndhMW/view?usp=drive_link

Quick recap:

• Recognition for Chloe Bowser, FHS sophomore, selected as one of 12 essays for the commissioning for the USS Massachusetts March 28, plaque on the sub, for Chloe and Franklin
• Presentation on Food Services, self sufficient with fee based services, able to utilize almost $1M over 3 years for capital upgrades of ovens, refrigerators, etc. to support the food preparation and delivery operations
• Grants also used to cover specific food program and in one case the start up costs for the new District Chef
• pictures of the presentation slides in one album https://photos.app.goo.gl/KKTXdScdVsxVK6mg7
• Consent agenda approved
• March 18 Town Council meeting includes a presentation from DESE on Chapter 70 funding, School Committee also scheduled for a public meeting to enable participation that night

Mentioned during the presentation was a fish display at
Parmenter School last year (May 2025) (which I was able to attend)

FHS Class of 2026 fundraiser - Santa Fe Burrito Grill - March 12

FHS Class of 2026 fundraiser - Santa Fe Burrito Grill - March 12

"Make sure to stop by Santa Fe on Thursday to support our class!!

When purchasing food, remember to say you are supporting the FHS class of 2026!!"

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Hockomock YMCA highlights from the Reach Out Campaign Breakfast (video)

On Friday morning (3/6/26), we gathered at Gillette Stadium for our annual Reach Out Campaign Breakfast — a powerful reminder of what can happen when a community comes together with compassion and purpose.

This special morning brought together over 600 people who believe in supporting one another. The strength of our community is rooted in this spirit - neighbors helping neighbors and people stepping forward so that no one has to face challenges alone.

We heard the moving stories of Maija, Shawna, and Shelly. Their experiences were powerful reminders that behind every program at the Y are real people and families whose lives are changed because someone chose to care. Your support makes these stories possible. And together, we continue building a community where everyone belongs.

Because of your generosity, more than $3.9 million in confidential financial assistance was provided to neighbors in need to experience our YMCA this past year.  

Here is the link to this year’s event testimonial video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fTGN3fPyNpk) . Thank you for being part of this work. We hope you’ll share Shawna's story with others who may be inspired by the impact our community makes possible.

 

We will continue to meet emerging needs with integrity and innovation, steward your charitable investment responsibly, and ensure that our YMCA remains a beacon of strength for those who need us most.

Thank you for the impact you help us make by being part of our Y family.

Sincerely,

Jim Downs

CEO

Hockomock Area YMCA

There is still time to make an impact, you can still donate and help support individuals and families who rely on the Y. - www.givebutter.com/reachoutbreakfast2026

For those with eagle eyes, (and a few minutes to spare), I do appear in the video albeit briefly. See if you can find me - https://www.facebook.com/share/v/18TMTkgvD1/

DPW "Think Blue" reminder on proper handling of cleaning products

DPW "Think Blue" reminder on
proper handling of cleaning products

"Please keep Cleaners Out of the Stream

What goes down the drain doesn’t just disappear, it heads straight for your nearby streams or rivers in Franklin, untreated.

Paint thinner, cleaners, oils, and other household chemicals can pollute waterways when dumped or rinsed into storm drains.

A few smart steps can go a long way:

• Store products sealed and out of the rain

• Never dump chemicals outside

• Know what’s safe for septic systems

No treatment means no second chances. Protect your pipes, your property, and your watershed."

Learn more at https://franklinma.gov/530/Stormwater-Division

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Painting Venus schedule ends up at Franklin Senior Center March 19

Painting Venus schedule ends up at
Franklin Senior Center March 19

via Painting Venus:

"Hello art lovers! 

The schedule is moving!!!

I will be at the next locations for Painting with Amy paint parties that were generously funded by our local community Cultural Councils through the Mass Cultural Council grant to support the arts. This means the sessions are free to participants to focus on social well being and while offering a healthy and inclusive experience.

I will be at the following locations this week. Please contact your local Council on Aging for times and attendance.

Wednesday March 11th - Bellingham Council on Aging

Thursday March 12th - Hopkinton Senior Center

Thursday March 19th - Franklin Senior Center"

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"They understood the impact, the consequences, and they saw the profit that it offered and that overrode everything else"

"The oil and plastic industries have continually lied, created a demand for plastic, and shifted the blame of the climate crisis to consumers – all for profit, says author Beth Gardiner in an interview with the Guardian.⁠

⁠

As Gardiner started researching her book Plastic Inc: Big Oil, Big Money and the Plan to Trash our Future, she found that the lengths to which plastic was pushed into our lives “only becomes more shocking.”⁠

⁠

“I think what stood out most is the deliberateness and intentionality over the years of pushing plastic into our lives,” she said.⁠

⁠

Plastic was framed not as an overproduction problem, but as a litter problem. In the US in the late 50s, food, drink, cigarette and packaging companies formed the organization Keep America Beautiful, spending huge amounts on promoting themselves and the message to put rubbish in the correct places.⁠

⁠

It was a similar story with recycling. The industry understood that an attempt at recycling would make consumers less guilty about the waste they were producing. “They pushed so many myths and lies,” Gardiner says.⁠

⁠

Swipe to read more of the interview with Gardiner and follow the link in bio for the full story."  Link to Instagram pix to swipe through - https://www.instagram.com/p/DVJPP3jjsGV/

Direct link to the interview/article with Beth Gardner - https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/feb/19/they-pushed-so-many-lies-about-recycling-the-fight-to-stop-big-oil-pumping-billions-more-into-plastics?CMP=share_btn_url

Vacancy rates by state across the US In 2024

Vacancy rates by state across the US In 2024

*Checks Zillow*

In 2024, Maine, Vermont, and Alaska had the highest gross vacancy rates — 1 in 5 homes was vacant in Maine. The national rate dropped to 10.3% that same year (a 25-year low).

Since 2009 (post ‘08 housing crisis), gross vacancy rates were lower in every state in 2024. Where it dropped most:

Florida: -8.8 net change

Arizona: -7.8

Alaska: -7.4

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More from USA Facts - https://www.instagram.com/usafacts

That random call saying “you’ve won a prize” is a scam

That random call saying "you've won a prize" is a scam By BCP Staff If you get a call saying "you've won a prize," you might be thinking, why not claim it? Unfortunately, it's likely a scam to steal your money — especially if it's for a contest you didn't enter.  So how can you spot and avoid a prize scam? Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2026/03/random-call-saying-youve-won-prize-scam?utm_source=govdelivery

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm Schedule for Wednesday, March 11 2026

Yes, Franklin has it's own radio station -> wfpr.fm. Franklin Public Radio introduced a brand new schedule early in 2025 for the locally produced shows that fill our air waves. 

It is available anywhere, anytime at wfpr.fm or in the local Franklin, MA area at 102.9 on the FM dial.

Tune in to listen to the following:

 

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm Schedule for Wednesday

8:00 AM, 1:00 PM and 6:00 PM   Franklin Matters Radio – Steve Sherlock 

Franklin and its local government, services and events  (repeats Saturday at 2 PM)  

• This segment shares my recent conversation with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen in this "Talk Franklin" episode   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/03/in-this-talk-franklin-episode-jamie-i.html

9:00 AM, 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM  The Wonderful World of Wine – Mark Lenzi, Kim Simone  All about wine, its culture, lore and finer points.    (repeats Saturday at 1 PM)  

• This segment features Kim & Mark in Episode 310 - Uncorking a New Way to Learn with Mistral Wine Cards  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/03/the-wonderful-world-of-wine-www-episode.html

Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf

Franklin TV schedule for Wednesday, March 11, 2026 (Your local Public, Education & Government "PEG" station)

• Franklin All Access TV - Our Public Access Channel (Comcast 6, Verizon 26) = WEDNESDAY

7:30 am     Metrowest Symposium: Sharing Identity on Social Media

8:30 am FUMC: Cathy Cargill Koch

10:00 am Franklin Art Association: Christine West

11:30 am Cooking Thyme: Ice Cream

12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin: Brownies

12:30 pm Cook with Linda: Pork Tenderloin

1:30 pm     Pizzapalooza: Emergency Pizza

2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Summer 2019 Show 7

3:00 pm Candlepin New Generation: Show 1

3:30 pm SecSun_PeterGlass_021526

6:00 pm Franklin History: Tommaso Juglaris

8:30 pm Circle of Friends: The Kennedys

• Franklin Pride TV - Our Educational Channel        (Comcast 8, Verizon 28) = WEDNESDAY

7:00 am 6th Grade Winter Music 02-10-26

8:30 am FHS Winter Jazz 01-27-26

10:00 am Pickleball Tournament: Pickleball Tournament

11:00 am FHS Winter Music: Band and Wind Ensemble

1:30 pm     FHS Girls Varsity Hockey v Norwood 01-24-26

4:00 pm Critical Conversations: Student Wellbeing

8:00 pm FHS Varsity Wrestling v Milford 01-08-25

10:00 pm FHS Boys Varsity Basketball v Lowell 02-25-26

• Franklin Town Hall TV - Our Government Channel (Comcast 9, Verizon 29) = WEDNESDAY

8:00 am Town Council 03-04-26

1:00 pm Town Council 03-04-26

6:00 pm Finance Committee  CHAMBERS  892 8239 7154

Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf 

Watch Listen Read all things that matter in Franklin MA

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Tuesday, March 10, 2026 ???

Tuesday, March 10

9:00am Fallen Hero: Marshall E. Rollins & John A. Schur (Veterans Walkway, Franklin Town Common)

12:00pm Community Closet (Franklin United Methodist Church)

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

Note: Senior Center checking on why their events are suddenly being shown as "All Day". You can use the monthly newsletter for specific program/event times

***  Town Meetings today   ***

250th Franklin Anniversary Communications Subcommittee Meeting

Tuesday, March 10 Time: 5:30 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03102026-2121 

Franklin School Committee Meeting

Tuesday, March 10 Time: 6:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03102026-2175 

Friends of the Franklin Public Library Meeting

Tuesday, March 10 Time: 6:00 PM - 7:45 PM

Social event, no agenda posted

-----------

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

Fallen Hero Recognition: Marshall E. Rollins & John A. Schur - March 10, 2026 at 9 AM

There are two ceremonies today at 9 AM on the Town Common, Veterans Walkway.

2 of Franklin's 45 Fallen Heroes fell on the same date. This program will include the placing of a Memorial Wreath for the day, the playing of Taps, a salute from those present, and a reading of whatever history  may be available for that veteran.  This is a way of keeping the memory of that veteran alive.

Fallen Hero: Private First Class Marshall E. Rollins, U.S. Marine Corps

Private First Class Marshall E. Rollins, the son of Carl and Bessie Rollins, was born on May 23, 1925. Marshall lived with his parents and sister at 51 Crescent Street. 

Marshall E. Rollins attended Franklin High School but left high school at the end of his junior year to join the Marine Corps. 

Private First Class Marshall Rollins served in the Fourth Marine Division for nearly three years, participating in the Battles of Roi, Namur, Tinian, Saipan and Iwo Jima. His division received a Presidential Unit Citation for their efforts in the Saipan battle. PFC Marshall Rollins sustained an injury in this battle but later returned to active duty on Iwo Jima. 

Private First Class Marshall E. Rollins was severely injured on March 10, 1945 in the fighting at Iwo Jima, was evacuated to the U.S. Hospital in the Mariannas and subsequently succumbed to his battle injuries in the Guam Hospital on April 2, 1945. 

Private First Class Marshall E. Rollins, U.S. Marine Corps, was 19 years old at the time of his death while serving in the service of his country in World War II.

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/fallen-hero-private-first-class.html

Fallen Hero: Private First Class Rollins

Fallen Hero: Second Lieutenant John A. Schur, U.S. Army Air Corps

Second Lieutenant John A. Schur was born on July 26, 1922, the son of Mr. and Mrs. August Schur. John lived at 124 Beaver Street with his parents while attending the Franklin Public Schools. John graduated from Franklin High School in 1940 as Class Valedictorian. John was also very active in scouting and attained the rank of Eagle Scout. 

Following graduation from high school, John entered Northeastern University to study chemical engineering and was on the Dean’s List for his 3 years there. John left Northeastern to enlist in the U.S. Air Corps on October 17, 1942. 

In raids over Tokyo Second Lieutenant Schur was highly commended for his outstanding ability and courage when he left his post as navigator to repair and put back into operation radio and radar equipment which had become inoperable during the flight. In a later raid over Tokyo, 2nd LT John H. Schur was aboard a B-25 bomber loaded with bombs when the bomber sustained a direct hit and disappeared in a burst of an explosion over the heart of the city on March 10, 1945. 

Second Lieutenant John A. Schur, U.S. Army Air Corps, was 22 years old at the time of his death over Tokyo while serving his country during World War II.

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/fallen-hero-second-lieutenant-john.html 

Fallen Hero: Second Lt Schur

Phishing Scam Warning from Franklin Police Dept

Phishing Scam Warning from Franklin Police Dept

"The Town of Franklin has been alerted to fraudulent emails and messages pretending to be from Town officials. These scams attempt to trick people into sending money or sharing sensitive information.

Please remember:

• The Town of Franklin will never request payment by wire transfer.
• Scammers may use the Town’s name, logo, or similar email addresses to appear legitimate.
• Messages may create urgency and ask you to click links, download attachments, or send payment.

What to do:

• Do not click suspicious links or attachments.
• Double-check the sender’s email address.
• If unsure, contact the Town department directly using information on the official Town website.

Stay vigilant and help spread the word."

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