Monday, January 26, 2026

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Monday, January 26, 2026 ???

Monday, January 26
  • Town office closed
  • Library closed
  • Senior Center closed
  • Public Schools closed
  • BFCCPS school closed
  • Tri-County Voc Tech closed

9am Fallen Heroes: William 0. Martello (Town Common, Veterans Memorial)
due to the storm, rescheduled to Tuesday, January 27 at 9am


*** NO Town Meetings today   ***

Meetings previously scheduled, canceled due to the storm


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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

Crys Matthews scheduled to perform at the Circle of Friends Coffeehouse Feb. 7, 7:30 PM


͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌    ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­


Crys Matthews

February 7, 2026 
7:30 PM $25
Doors open at 7:00 pm



Crys Matthews is a Nashville-based singer-songwriter originally from North Carolina whose music lives at the crossroads of Americana, folk, blues, and bluegrass. A preacher's kid with a sharp pen and a fearless voice, Matthews writes songs shaped by lived experience and a deep commitment to justice, compassion, and truth-telling. She often describes herself, with humor and honesty, as the "poster child for intersectionality," and her work reflects that wide, human lens.


On January 21, 2026, Crys Matthews' song "Sleeves Up" was chosen as Song of the Year at the 2026 International Folk Music Awards. You can hear her winning song here.
 

Upcoming Shows


James Keelaghan, March 28th

Vance Gilbert, April 11th

Susan Werner, May 9th


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

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4 hour Finance Meeting recording in 2 parts for convenience: P1 - economics of development, P2 - capital budget (audio)

FM #1643-44 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1643-44 in the series. 


This session shares the Finance Committee meeting conducted Wednesday, January 14, 2026. 8 members of the Committee participated, 1 absent. 

4 hour Finance Meeting recording in 2 parts for convenience
4 hour Finance Meeting recording in 2 parts for convenience


The recording is in 2 parts:

P1 for the economics of development

P2 for the capital budget


Quick recap -> 

  • Board of Assessors and Town Staff: The Economics of Development, residential valuations are based upon residential property sales and comparables. Commercial Industrial valuations are more complicated in that there is a revenue factor for how much money the operations is actually making (confidentially reported to the Assessors) along with several other factors. The repeated phrase was "it's complicated"

    • We did hear that there is NO issue with water supply or sewer capacity. Police and Fire are understaffed (but managing as best they can for the volume), Schools built extra capacity as part of the redistricting effort. The per pupil amount talked of is not what each net new student would cost. There are existing capacities to handle some number of students without adding a teacher

    • Part of the agenda included an update on the abatement process which was not covered and seems to be deferred to a future meeting (TBD)

  • The capital budget first pass was approved after a lengthy discussion. Town policy calls for funding multiple stabilization accounts, this year only the OPEB account was proposed for funding due to the budget shortfall and that it had not been funded last year.

    • The OPEB fund resolution passed 8-0-1 (1 absent)

    • The first pass at the tier 1 capital requests accounted for $1.8M and was proposed to amend to remove the sprinkler system work required at the Senior Center. The amendment was meant to reserve the additional $750K for the potential budget deficit. The motion to amend after a lengthy discussion failed by a 1-7-1 (1 for, 1 absent, 7 against removal for the item). The vote on the original resolution passed 7-1-1 (7 for, 1 against, 1 absent)


The recording for Part 1 - Economics of development runs just over 2 hours



The recording for Part 2 - the capital budget runs just under 2 hours



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Franklin TV video for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BaC9XFahY1M 


The agenda and released documents for this meeting -> https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_01142026-2089 


My notes collected in one PDF -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qRDOyvDbYn1A5DqogXU-4DpgjpwYvRNH/view?usp=drive_link 


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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. 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"


Franklin Library News & Events for February 2026 (part 3 of 3)

Weekly / Monthly Events for Teens

D&D Club, Mondays @ 4pm
Registration Required
Kids ages 10-17 are invited to join us for a weekly Dungeons and Dragons Club! Dungeons and Dragons, also known as D&D, is one of the most complex tabletop games in history. The library will supply dice, rulebooks, and blank character sheets! We will be using the 5th edition books and rules. Other Table Top systems are welcome!

  • Registration for this club is for the September to December season of Dungeons and Dragons Club.
    If missing a session please email: mgousie@minlib.net as soon as possible.
  • Dungeon Masters must be at least 12 years old and have experience with Dungeon and Dragons.
  • Dungeon Masters are signing up to lead a table for ALL 16 meetings between September 8th and December 29th.
  • Dungeon Masters are required to choose a premade adventure. Homebrew additions to the adventure are allowed.
  • Players and Dungeon Masters are required to be respectful, kind, and attentive to each other.
  • Groups of Players with a Dungeon Master are welcome to share our space!
  • If you have any questions please email: mgousie@minlib.net
    Franklin Library News & Events for February 2026 (part 3 of 3)
    Franklin Library News & Events
    for February 2026 (part 3 of 3)

Teen Advisory Board, 2nd Wednesday of the Month @ 6:30pm
Join us each month for Teen Advisory Board. The Teen Advisory Board is a GREAT opportunity to get involved here at the library! You'll help plan events and programs, create displays and decorate the teen space, and help drive decisions around the kinds of materials we bring to the YA collection, all while eating snacks and getting volunteer hours. It's a win-win-win! No registration required.

Game Bytes, Wednesdays @ 4pm
Bring a snack and join us for two hours of casual co-op and solo play. Bring your own device or play on the big screen! No registration required.

Special Events for Teens

Interactive Movie! Thursday, February 5 @ 1pm
Families - join us for a special Interactive movie screening! Enjoy popcorn and some fun surprises. No registration required.

The Bad Apples Present: Date Night Concert,  Wednesday, February 11 @ 6:30pm
Join us at the library for an awesome weeknight concert with the Bad Apples! Featuring your favorite love songs, you're sure to fall in love with the library after this evening. No registration required.

Teen Paint Party, Tuesday, February 17 @ 6pm
Registration Required
Join Miss Lily and create your very own step-by-step painting of some sweet candy hearts! For ages 12+. All materials provided. 

Lunar New Year Celebration, Thursday, February 19 @ 1pm
It's the year of the horse! Come celebrate at the library with crafts, games, snacks and more. No registration required.

Events for Adults

English Conversation Group, Tuesdays @ 6:30pm
Looking for a casual, low-stress place to practice your English language skills? Join us on Tuesday evenings for a friendly group chat with your fellow English learners. Please note: this group is meant for folks who have a basic grasp of English and are looking for conversational practice, not very beginners. A tutor will be present to answer questions and help keep the conversation flowing, but the focus will not be on formal instruction. No registration required.

Table Top, Alternating Tuesdays & Thursdays @ 6pm
Registration Required (see below). No Experience Necessary.
It's time to dust off your dice, grab a source book and role play your way through hijinks and horrors! Table Top is a monthly game of tabletop role playing games for adults! Email mgousie@minlib.net to sign up and/or get more info.

Knitting Group, Fridays, 10am – 12pm
Love to knit or crochet? Join our group of local fiber artists who will be meeting in the Friends of the Franklin Library Community Room! All skill levels are welcome. No registration required.

Watercolors Workshop Monday, February 9 & 23 @ 6pm
Registration Required
Relax with a Monday watercolor class with local artist Sharon Carloni. For adults 18 and over.

The Bad Apples Present: Date Night Concert,  Wednesday, February 11 @ 6:30pm
Join us at the library for an awesome weeknight concert with the Bad Apples! Featuring your favorite love songs, you're sure to fall in love with the library after this evening. No registration required.

Craftalong for Adults, Saturday, February 14 @ 2pm
Registration Required
Get crafty at the library! Adults of all ages and craft ability levels are welcome to join us for this new program. One Saturday each month, we'll complete a new DIY, creative craft. All supplies provided. Because adults deserve arts & crafts fun, too! This month: Hand Made Cards.

Chocolate Tasting, Saturday, February 14 @ 3pm
Registration Required
New England, and Massachusetts in particular, has been a candy crown jewel since colonial times. Come taste various chocolate types from across the commonwealth as we explore the various types and treats!

Painting for Adults! Saturday, February 28 @ 1pm
Registration Required
Are you feeling creative? Join Miss Lily and create a step-by-step painting of a box of chocolates! All materials provided.

Putin's War: His Motives, Claims, and Lies, Saturday, February 28 @ 3pm
Dmitri Yakovlev wholeheartedly supports Ukraine in their fight for freedom and argues that the conflict soon may become the whole world's problem. Explore the history, consequences, and quandaries of the Russia Ukraine conflict. No registration required.


View it on website

Flowers for Valentine? Then nudge, nudge; order now, don't miss out

Flowers for Valentine? Then nudge, nudge; order now, don't miss out
Flowers for Valentine? Then nudge,
nudge; order now, don't miss out
This is your Valentine’s Day nudge 

Pre-order by February 1 to guarantee your flowers — after that, I can’t promise availability.

Valentine’s options:
• $115 half dozen garden-style roses + seasonal flowers
• $150 dozen roses with filler + greenery
Click the link to order today 




Register O'Donnell Thanks Contributors to Registry's Annual Holiday Food Drive

 Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell today expressed his sincere appreciation to everyone who contributed to the Registry's 2025 Annual Holiday Food Drive. With the help of the local community, The Registry collected over 100 pounds of food this year.

"I am thankful that so many Norfolk County residents, including our employees and title examiners, took the opportunity to donate and to help those with hardships during this holiday season. We received a lot of pastas, sauces, soups, cereals, canned vegetables, and household products," stated Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell.

Register O'Donnell Thanks Contributors  to Registry's Annual Holiday Food Drive
Register O'Donnell Thanks Contributors
to Registry's Annual Holiday Food Drive

The non-perishable food collected during the drive will be dispensed to several pantries throughout Norfolk County.

Register O'Donnell stated, "While the holiday food drive has ended, it does not stop hunger from affecting many of our neighbors. There is definitely a need for more food assistance. Household expenses are higher due to the cost of home heating fuel and increased food costs. These increased costs disproportionately impact some Norfolk County families."

Today, according to the latest Project Bread statistics, 37% of all households in Massachusetts are considered food insecure. Furthermore, the Greater Boston Food Bank reports that child-level food insecurity—where parents must reduce or alter the food their children eat due to financial constraints—affected 43% of households with children in Massachusetts in 2024.

Register O'Donnell concluded by saying, "I urge residents to consider dropping off supplies at their local pantries. Besides food, many pantries are requesting toiletries and paper products. Dropping off a donation at your local food pantry can make a world of difference to a struggling family, especially in the winter months when the cost of fuel can play havoc with a family's budget."

For a list of food pantries in the 28 communities that make up Norfolk County, please visit the Registry of Deeds website at www.norfolkdeeds.org, go to the top of the menu bar, click on News and Events and then in the drop-down box click on Norfolk County Food Pantries.

To learn more about these and other Registry of Deeds events and initiatives, "like" us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/norfolkdeeds. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram at @norfolkdeeds.

The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, located at 649 High St., Dedham, is the principal office for real property in Norfolk County. The Registry is a resource for homeowners, title examiners, mortgage lenders, municipalities, and others with a need for secure, accurate, and accessible land record information. All land record research information can be found on the Registry's website, www.norfolkdeeds.org. Residents in need of assistance can contact the Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center at (781) 461-6101 or email us at registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org.

FHS Class of 2029 T-shirts for sale

FHS Class of 2029 T-shirts for sale
FHS Class of 2029 T-shirts for sale

Buy your class of 2029 T-shirts now!






Think Summer 2026: The Vendor / Performer Applications for the 2026 Franklin Farmers Market now open !!!

The Vendor / Performer Applications for the 2026 Franklin Farmers Market now open
2026 Franklin Farmers Market
Did you know that planning for the 2026 season has already gotten underway!?

There is a lot that happens behind the scenes so that things kick off smoothly in June.
  • Vendor application for the 2026 season is live
  • Performer application for the 2026 season is live
Youth Table and Community table application coming in March.
Find all the information on our website. Be sure to read everything and then reach out if you have questions.


Powerful statement from Chaplain of Minnesota Timberwolves

Originally written in response to the killing of Renee Good. Perhaps more important after the killing of Alex Pretti.


Powerful statement from Chaplain of Minnesota Timberwolves
Powerful statement from Chaplain of Minnesota Timberwolves



Save the Date! for Santa Foundation Bowling Fundraiser - March 29, 2026

Santa Foundation Bowling Fundraiser - March 29, 2026
Santa Foundation Bowling Fundraiser - March 29, 2026
Save the Date!

It may feel early, but after a long winter, it’ll be so nice to have a fun, family-friendly event to look forward to!

Join us on March 29 for a bowling fundraiser filled with:
  •  Bowling fun
  •  Raffles
  •  Food & drinks
  •  Great connections and community
Mark your calendars and start inviting friends and family—registration will be available soon!

More details coming your way!




Senior Center closed Monday, Jan 26

Senior Center closed Monday, Jan 26
Senior Center closed Monday, Jan 26

Due to inclement weather, the Franklin Senior Center, along with all non-emergency town departments will be closed on Monday, January 26th.