Town of Franklin: Government 101 series - what does Franklin do & how do they do it?

We're going to the archives to bring forward a number of key items to share to help folks who are newly engaged to help understand the overall processes of Town of Franklin government in action.

Town of Franklin: Government 101 (audio) (2018)

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/09/town-of-franklin-government-101-audio.html

Town of Franklin: Government 101 (video) (2019)

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/09/town-of-franklin-government-101-video.html

Town of Franklin: Government 101 - budget cycle (audio) (2022)

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/09/town-of-franklin-government-101-budget.html

Town of Franklin: Government 101 - Finance Update (audio) (Dec 2024)

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/12/kerri-jana-share-finance-town-school.html

Town of Franklin: All about the water system, yes we have enough (audio) (August 2021)

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/09/town-of-franklin-all-about-water-system.html

Town of Franklin: All about the sewer system, yes we have capacity for growth (audio) (2023)

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/09/town-of-franklin-all-about-sewer-system.html

Town of Franklin Water & Sewer projects update (audio) (Oct 2025)

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/10/doug-jake-provide-updates-on-sewer.html

Franklin For All housing & zoning podcast series (audio) (2022-2023)

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/02/franklin-for-all-housing-zoning-podcast.html

*** Finance Committee "Deep Dive" series

Technology, Dec 2025

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/12/finance-committee-gets-answer-on-how.html

Capital budget FY 2024 

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/01/finance-committee-reviews-and-approves.html

Facilities, Dec 2023

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/12/finance-committee-takes-deep-dive-sorta_01138495076.html

Permitting & storm water credits Feb 2023

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/02/finance-committee-hears-from-town.html

Schools, Dec 2022 (audio)

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/12/finance-committee-gets-some-financial.html

Schools, Dec 2022 (Video) 

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/12/finance-committee-gets-to-better.html 

Storm water utility fee March 2022

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/03/your-time-is-needed-now-to-pay.html

"Talk Franklin" series on individual departments/services

• Town Clerk on elections - Jan 2024 ->    https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/01/nancy-danello-joins-this-talk-franklin.html
• DPW operations - Feb 2024 -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/02/in-this-talk-franklin-episode-we-talk.html
• School budget with Supt Lucas Giguere and Dr Tina Rogers - April 2024 ->  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/04/in-this-talk-franklin-episode-some.html
• Conservation & Recreation - April 2024 ->   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/05/earth-day-earth-month-conversation-with.html
• Mental health services (co-response program) - May 2024 ->   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/05/we-spent-our-talk-franklin-time-on.html
• School & Town budget leading into the Joint Budget sessions -> Sep 2024 ->   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/09/jamie-lucas-talk-town-and-school-topics.html
• Arts, culture & economic development Oct 2024 ->     https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/11/talking-franklin-arts-culture-economic.html
• Town Administrator Jamie Hellen takes on some myth busting  Nov 2024 ->  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/11/in-this-talk-franklin-episode-jamie.html 
• 2024 Year in Review with Jamie & Amy ->   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/11/in-this-talk-franklin-episode-jamie.html

You can also check out the department segments shared from each of the Annual Reports. While much of the report sections tout the stats for that department's activity in the prior year, they also get into some detail on what is done and how it is done. 

Town of Franklin: Government 101 series - what does Franklin do & how do they do it?

Senior Center January 2026 newsletter and audio insights to special events

January 2026 newsletter -> https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/7918/January-2026-Newsletter?bidId= 

We get an inside view on all the special events for January 2026 at the Franklin Senior Center (audio)

Audio link -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/12/we-get-inside-view-on-all-special.html

Senior Center January 2026 newsletter and audio insights to special events

Franklin Public Library - January 2026 newsletter

January 2026 newsletter -> 

Ben Franklin playing his glass armonica

https://www.franklinma.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=90  

Mitzi & I review the special events scheduled at the Library for January 2026 (audio)

Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1616-franklin-public-library-jan-2026-highlights-12-18-25/

Thursday, January 1, 2026 -> Commuter Rail to operate on Weekend Schedule

The Commuter Rail will be operating on a weekend schedule on Thursday, January 1st, in observance of New Year's Day.

Affected lines:

Fall River/New Bedford Line

Newburyport/Rockport Line

Haverhill Line

Lowell Line

Fitchburg Line

Framingham/Worcester Line

Needham Line

Franklin/Foxboro Line

Fairmount Line

Providence/Stoughton Line

Kingston Line

Greenbush Line

Last Updated: Dec 31 2025 08:00 AM

https://www.mbta.com/schedules/CR-Franklin/timetable

Reminder: Fare gates at South Station will be activated incrementally this week, beginning on Tuesday, December 30. 

Riders may encounter active fare gates and will need to tap or scan to exit and enter the track area. Visit MBTA.com/CRGATES for more information.

All gates at South Station are expected to be in service during the first week in January.

Thursday, January 1, 2026 -> Commuter Rail to operate on Weekend Schedule

Franklin Public Radio wfpr.fm schedule for Thursday, January 1, 2026

Yes, Franklin has it's own radio station -> wfpr.fm. Franklin Public Radio has a brand new schedule 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 Thursday

8:00 AM, 1:00 PM, and 6:00 PM - Franklin Matters Radio – Steve Sherlock covering Franklin, its local government, services, and events 

• This shares the segment  from the Town Council meeting 12/17/25 covering the full discussion on the DPW snow update   ->   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/12/audio-of-121725-town-council-in-3.html

9:00 AM, 2:00 PM, and 7:00 PM - first hour

10:00 AM, 3:00 PM, and 8:00 PM - second hour

Turntable – "Enjoy a fun experience with co-hosts The Vibe and Pauly G sharing personal discussions about a featured rock n roll vinyl record (1st hour) and the best, all music Vibe Playlist (2nd hour)"  

• The Turntable Show album hour features the "The Rising" double album by Bruce Springsteen and a Vibe playlist hour including live Bruce music from Songs of Introspection.   "The Rising", released July 30, 2002, is Springsteen's 12th studio album and is based on his reflections in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks.  A big success and his first album to top the US Billboard 200 in 15 years winning two Grammy Awards.  It marked the return to the studio after almost two decades with the famous E Street Band.  Includes the hits: "The Rising",  "Lonesome Day", and "Waitin' on a Sunny Day".  
• Enjoy The Boss and Happy New Year!

Find the playlist ->  https://tinyurl.com/TurntablePlaylists

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 Thursday, January 1, 2026 (Your local Public, Education & Government "PEG" station)

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

8:30 am Santa_113025

9:30 am Humbug_122025

11:33 am Cooking Thyme: Centerpieces

12:03 pm Brooke'n'Cookin: Mac'n'Cheese

12:30 pm Cooking with Linda: Quiche

1:30 pm     Pizzapalooza: Healthy Pizza Crusts

2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Summer 2019 Show 3

3:00 pm Candlepin New Generation: Show 8

3:30 pm Aging Boldfully: Steve Sherlock

4:30 pm Nutcracker_Show1_120625

7:00 pm Frank's Musings: A Proposition

8:00 pm Mrs. Claus Storytime

9:00 pm Circle of Friends: Heather Pierson Trio

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

9:30 am Middle School Winter Music 2025: Chorus and Orchestra

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

2:00 pm FHS Theater Company: Lord of the Flies

3:00 pm WinningWays_StudentAthletesSh1_121225

4:00 pm FHS Varsity Wrestling v Milford 01-08-25

5:30 pm FHS Girls Varsity Hockey v Stoughton 12-18-24

8:30 pm Critical Conversations: Student Wellbeing

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

8:00 am  Conservation Commission 12-11-25

2:00 pm  Conservation Commission 12-11-25

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: Wednesday, December 31, 2025 ???

Wednesday, December 31 - New Year's Eve

• Senior Center = Closes at noon, December 31
• Public Library = Closes at 2 PM December 31

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

** NO Town Meetings today   **

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

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

Kim Moberg & Jenna Nicholls, January 10, 2026 - 7:30 PM at The Circle of Friends Coffeehouse

Kim Moberg and Jenna Nicholls January 10, 2026  7:30 PM $25 Doors open at 7:00 pm.  Award-winning singer/songwriter/guitarist Kim Moberg, born in Juneau, Alaska to a Tlingit mother and a U.S. Coast Guard veteran father from Kansas, creates Folk Americana music shaped by her diverse musical roots. Influenced by her mother's classical background and her father's love of Country, Kim began playing guitar at 14 but didn't pursue performing until 2014, when she overcame lifelong stage fright and started writing songs. She has since released three albums with Grammy-nominated producer Jon Evans (Tori Amos/Sarah McLachlan), including The Seven Fires Prophecy Suite for Humanity (2023), inspired by the Anishinaabe legend and acclaimed worldwide. Her warm, emotive vocals—described as "a blend of honey and whiskey"—carry stories of heartbreak, healing, and social awareness. Learn more at www.kimmobergmusic.com.  Hailing from the small town of Irwin, PA near Pittsburgh, after college Jenna Nicholls set her sights east to test her wings as a songwriter and performer. Initially trying Boston, she ultimately gravitated to the creative hotbed of Manhattan's Lower East Side forging lasting friendships with other like-minded artists and musicians. Nicholls made three albums on her own dime: Curled Up Toes in Red Mary Janes, The Blooming Hour, and Radio Parade. The albums revealed a restless muse and a theme that would be a constant for Nicholls: a love of vintage music – anything from classic music films like "Singin' in the Rain" to Bessie Smith. Learn more at www.jennanicholls.com    Upcoming Shows Crys Matthews, Feb. 7 Garnet Rogers - FRIDAY Show - March 6 James Keelaghan, March 28

Circle of Friends Coffeehouse · First Universalist Society · 262 Chestnut St · Franklin, MA 02038 · USA

FHS sports results for Tuesday, December 30, 2025

Via Instagram, Franklin TV, and our subscription to HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the Winter sports competition for Franklin High School on Tuesday, December 30, 2025

Boys Basketball = Franklin, 36 @ Winchester, 46 – Final

– Franklin’s offense went ice cold in the second half and the Panthers dropped the championship game of the Bob Bigelow Holiday Tournament to the hosts. Jack Sullivan and James Crowley each scored nine points to pace the Panthers.

Girls Basketball = Franklin, 44 @ Notre Dame Academy, 52 – Final 

– Despite being shorthanded because of the flu, Franklin battled on the road against NDA. Head coach John Leighton called it a “gritty effort” from the Panthers to stay in the game to the end. Sophia Sacramone finished with a team-high 10 points and Tessah Rodrigues added nine.

For other results across the Hockomock League (subscription required)  

https://hockomocksports.com/tuesdays-schedule-scoreboard-12-30-25/

FHS Panther sports results shared via Twitter & subscription to HockomockSports.com

5th Annual Beaver Pond Plunge - January 1 at 10:00 AM

5th Annual Beaver Pond Plunge - January 1 at 10:00 AM

"It's that time of year again!

Time to get cold with our community!!!!

Please bring as many friends and family as possible.

Looking forward to seeing everyone bright and early on Jan 1, 2026!"

Shared from the Facebook event ->   https://www.facebook.com/events/1553487792444770

KoC: Basketball Free Throw Contest - Jan 17, 2026

Contestants and Parents Join Us at This Year’s FREE THROW CONTEST

Date: Saturday January 17, 2026  3 PM - 5 PM  

Location: Hockomock YMCA, 45 Forge Hill Road   

     

Participants: Boys and Girls (9-14) 

KoC: Basketball Free Throw Contest - Jan 17, 2026

https://kofc1847.org/basketball-free-throw-contest

Great fun for contestants and fans. Winners will be declared after shooting sessions and be invited to participate at the District Competitions!

Come Shoot and Have Fun!!!

Join Us and Have Fun Competing with Boys and Girls!!!

Download the flyer as a reminder or to share ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1RC35uO6EQA_HiGCzgkcCC8IK7Whwl-ak/view?usp=drive_link