What's happening in Franklin, MA: Monday, January 5, 2026 ???

Monday, January 5

• Christmas trees scheduled for curbside pickup on your normal trash/recycling day

12:00pm Protest illegal actions against Venezuela (Walpole Town Common)

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   **

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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

More Starry Night performers announced - Tickets available for Jan 9

Hosted by Ali Funkhouser, the cabaret will feature singers from the stages of Boston, Providence, and beyond! 

FPAC, Franklin’s own Actors’ Equity Professional Theater, is thrilled to welcome talented singers from the area’s robust theater scene to THE BLACK BOX stage for an evening of great music! 

🎟️ Tickets are available at FPAConline.com or by calling the box office at 508-528-3370!

When: January 9 at 8:00 PM

Photo Album of the performers announced ->    https://photos.app.goo.gl/z6ecEH8BMv8AL1Cr7

FHS gymnastics results from the High School Jacqui Rossini Invitational Sunday

via FHS Gymnastics:

"Competing in the High School Jacqui Rossini Invitational is such an honor. To hear how Jacqui was such an impact on the sport and to see all who loved her dearly gather is just amazing. Thank you @mhmgymnastics and @madsgymnastics_ for putting on an exceptionally run meet! 

Franklin I’m so proud of how you persevered and overcame today. Final score 131.2. Not everything will always go your way. I was impressed with how you all came together as a team, supported each other and recovered from adversity. You are stronger together and so capable!! 

Highlights for top contributors in photo, but a few shout outs 

• Kendra putting down her season high on Vault despite being sick 9.2 
• Alivia also putting down her season high on Vault with a 9.4, she also lead he charge on beam with a 9.4 and received most beautiful back handspring back layout step out award. 
• Abby Robillard also put down her season high on Vault 8.3 and 
• Veronica put it all together today and increased her beam score by a point and put down her season high of 8.35 with no falls!! 

• 

  FHS gymnastics results from the High School
  Jacqui Rossini Invitational Sunday

  Kendra pushes through beam and despite a fall still put down her season high!! 
• Ciara stepped up and replaced Kendra on Floor and came through for the team with her score counting!! 
• Alivia also received best Giants award! 

I also need to give a shout out to Madison, Ari and Haley. They have been the best support being sidelined from injuries. Thank you for your contributions to the team and being there for Beth and I! 

Your efforts are noticed!! Way to go team I’m so proud of you!! 

Next up Foxboro Friday night at O’Learys Gymnastics 8pm"

Did you take a chance on the Music Booster's February 2026 calendar fundraiser?

via Music Boosters:

"Our Community Full of Love calendar raffle is now live!

To purchase tickets, please visit: https://givebutter.com/CR2026"

Did you a chance on the Music Booster's February 2026 calendar fundraiser?

BTW - the Music Booster's have a new page on Facebook ->   https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61585781352997

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/DTGepgOj5az/

Piette Petal Co schedules Valentine's Workshop - Jan 27, 2026

Piette Petal Co schedules Valentine's Workshop - Jan 27, 2026

"New class just listed! Gather, snip, and play with blooms 🌸

Join us for a relaxed flower arranging class where you’ll create something beautiful, learn a few floral tips, and leave with a bouquet that’s all yours.

No experience needed — just come ready to get your hands happy."

Register online at  -> https://www.bcawworcester.com/product/gather-bloom-valentine-s-workshop-with-piette-petal-co-/UBQ6N5CQDSERU6X2MLDZEMV6

Shared from ->   https://www.instagram.com/p/DTGILKdke4a/

Walpole protest scheduled for Monday, Jan 5 at noon

Via The Franklin Democrat Town Committee

"Please join the Walpole Peace and Justice Group tomorrow

Hi all,

Join us tomorrow, Monday, January 5, 2026, from 12:00 to 1:00 pm at a vigil protesting President Trump’s illegal actions against Venezuela, violations of both U.S. and international law. Congress needs to stand up to President Trump who is only interested in Venezuelan oil. The rational that Venezuela poses a national security risk to the United States because of drug trafficking is only a pretext. President Trump is taking our country back to gunboat diplomacy of the past, when the United States used military action to invade countries for their resources. This reckless action risks a long period of turmoil. The Trump administration does not appear to have a plan. Our country’s history is full of wars that never solved anything, but made conditions far worse for the people in those countries. Afghanistan and Iraq are notable examples! War is never the answer!

Tomorrow’s vigil will be at the corner of Main and Elm Streets, along the Walpole Common near the gazebo.

People should dress for the weather. It will be chilly!

As a peace group, WPJG is committed to non-violence in all we do. At vigils, we expect people to stand peacefully and to act lawfully, to never respond to anyone who makes negative comments or appears angry or hostile, and to seek to de-escalate any potential confrontation or to step away. We have lights for our signs"

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/1QbJx2RdrZ/

Sight lines and parking, perspective to be aware of (video)

Sight lines and parking, perspective
 to be aware of (video)

Why do folks park in a mall lot, walk the long distance to the door, and never worry about it but won't park around the block of a downtown store as it is too far?

Check out the video short -> https://youtube.com/shorts/stKkE7qRGAc

For more about Streetcraft visit their page ->   https://www.streetcraft.co/our-work

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm Schedule for Monday, January 5, 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:

wfpr.fm Schedule for Monday - Franklin Public Radio

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

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule

Franklin TV schedule for Monday, January 5, 2026 (Your local Public, Education & Government "PEG" station)

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

7:00 am Aging Boldfully: Steve Sherlock

8:00 am SAFE Coalition: The Hamlins

9:00 am FPAC: Humbug

11:30 am Comfort Food: Comfort Food

12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin: French Toast

12:30 pm Cooking with Linda: Chicken Pot Pie

1:30 pm      Pizzapalooza: Emergency Pizza

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

3:00 pm Candlepin New Generation: Show 8

4:30 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Student Athletes Pt 2

5:30 pm Metrowest Symposium: Equity & Access in Arts & Culture

7:00 pm Frank's Musings: A Proposition

8:30 pm Circle of Friends: Ellis Paul

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

7:00 am All-Town Showcase 2024: Chorus and Orchestra

8:30 am SAFE Coalition: The Hamlins

9:30 am Winning Ways with the MIAA: Student Athletes Pt 2 01-16-25

10:30 am FHS Concert Hour 02-26-25

12:00 pm FHS Winter Music: Chorus and Orchestra 2024

1:30 pm     FHS Varsity Wrestling: v Taunton 01-05-23

3:00 pm FHS Boys Varsity Basketball v Taunton 01-02-26

5:00 pm FHS Boys Varsity Hockey v Canton 01-03-26

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

8:00 am  Planning Board 12-15-25

11:00 am  Finance Committee 12-10-25

2:00 pm  Planning Board 12-15-25

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: Sunday,, January 4, 2026 ???

Sunday,, January 4

1:00pm Franklin Historical Museum (always free) 

1:00pm Franklin in Miniature (Train Town 3) (Franklin Historical Museum)

1:00pm Musical Bingo (Teddy Gallagher's Irish Pub)

** 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

Franklin, MA: Agenda for Town Council meeting Weds, Jan 7 at 6 PM

Franklin Town Council

Agenda & Meeting Packet

January 7, 2026 = 6:00 PM

Meeting will be held at the Franklin Municipal Building

355 East Central Street - 2nd Floor, Council Chambers

1. ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM THE CHAIR

a. This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 9 and Verizon Channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by others.

b. Chair to identify members participating remotely.

c. Upcoming Town Sponsored Community Events.

2. CITIZEN COMMENTS

a. Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to three minutes on a matter that is not

on the agenda. In compliance with G.L. Chapter 30A, Section 20 et seq, the Open Meeting

Law, the Council cannot engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen

Comments. The Council may ask the Town Administrator to review the matter. Nothing

herein shall prevent the Town Administrator from correcting a misstatement of fact.

3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

a. December 3, 2025

4. PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS - None Scheduled

5. APPOINTMENTS

a. Municipal Affordable Housing Trust - Mark Minnichelli   https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/8039/5a-Appointment---Mark-Minnichelli

6. PUBLIC HEARINGS - 6:00 PM - None Scheduled

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS - None Scheduled

8. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION

a. Town and School Facilities Presentation - Kevin Harn, Facilities Director  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/8040/8a-1---MEMO---Facilities-Presentation

9. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

a. Resolution 26-01 - Friendly 40B Policy (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-01 - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/8041/9a-MEMO---Friendly-40B

b. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 26-946: A Zoning Bylaw Amendment to the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 185, Attachment 7, Part VI Use Regulation Schedule - Referral to the Planning Board (Motion to Refer Zoning Bylaw Amendment 26-946 to the Planning Board - Majority Vote)   https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/8043/9b-26-946

c. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 26-947: A Zoning Bylaw Amendment to the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 185, Attachment 9, Schedule of Lot, Area, Frontage, Yard and Height Requirements - Referral to the Planning Board

(Motion to Refer Zoning Bylaw Amendment 26-947 to the Planning Board - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/8044/9c-26-947

d. Resolution 26-02: Gift Acceptance - Veterans Services Dept. ($2,470)

(Motion to Approve Resolution 26-02 - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/8042/9e-26-02---Gift-Acceptances

10. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

a. Personnel Update

11. SUBCOMMITTEE & AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS

12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

13. COUNCIL COMMENTS

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION - None Scheduled.

15. ADJOURN

Note: Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes

Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting

Agenda doc also contains remote participation info ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_01072026-2073

Franklin, MA: Agenda for Town Council meeting Weds, Jan 7 at 6 PM

Franklin, MA: Agenda for Board of Health meeting Wednesday, Jan 7 at 5 PM

FRANKLIN BOARD OF HEALTH

Agenda & Meeting Packet

January 7, 2026 5:00 PM

Meeting will be held at the Franklin Municipal Building

355 East Central Street - 3rd Floor, Training Room

1. ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM THE CHAIR

a. Chair to identify members participating remotely.

2. CITIZEN COMMENTS

a. Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to three minutes on a matter that is not on the agenda. In compliance with G.L. Chapter 30A, Section 20 et seq, the Open Meeting Law, the Board of Health cannot engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Board of Health may ask the Director of Public Health to review the matter.

3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Agenda for Board of Health meeting

a. December 3, 2025  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/8009/December-3-2025---Minutes

4. NEW BUSINESS

a. Discussion of Blood Pressure program at the library  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/8010/Blood-Pressure-Monitor-Kits

b. Rising number of flu cases discussion

5. PUBLIC HEARING

a. Voting on Restricting the Sale of Tobacco Products Regulations amendments  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/7457/Draft-Regulation-of-the-Franklin-Board-of-Health-6325docx---Google-Docs

6. REPORTS

a. Metacomet shared service grant regional health agent report  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/8023/Regional-Health-Agent-December-2025-Report

b. Metacomet shared service grant public health nurse report  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/8022/Nursing-Agenda-December-2025

7. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

8. ADJOURNMENT

Agenda doc also contains remote participation info ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_01072026-2071

Exploring The Wonderful World of Wine Podcast with Kim & Mark (video & audio)

FM #1621 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1621 in the series. 

We sat with Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi of the award winning Wonderful World of Wine show to explore wine tasting and podcasting. We recorded this virtually via Zoom on Thursday, December 18, 2025.

While our conversation covers a broad range of topics, we start with Kim and Mark introducing themselves and their background in the wine industry.

The recording runs about 51 minutes

Video link ->  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YCuG5x9yLSc

Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1621-exploring-the-wonderful-world-of-wine-podcast-12-18-25/

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The Wonderful World of Wine episodes can be found ->  https:thewww.wine/  

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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!

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