Councilor Max Morrongiello shares his insights in this Town Council Quarterbacking Session (audio)

FM #1660 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1660 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares our “Town Council Quarterbacking” with Town Councilor Max Morrongiello. We had our conversation in person at the Franklin TV & Radio Studios on Thursday, February 12, 2026. Our conversation condensed the Town Council meeting of Wednesday, February 11, 2026.

We focus on two questions:

• ok, what just happened? 

• What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?

We cover the following key topics

• After tabling the prior meeting minutes for a future meeting to add some questions that were asked but not reflected in the minutes, they approved a technical change for the Shaw's alcohol license

• Council comments followed Citizen Comments in this new order of agenda items

• The 5 year budget model and forecast 

• The Capital budget 

• Then as the clock turned past 10 PM during their deliberations on the amendments, the Council voted to allow extension of the meeting past their 4 hour curfew. The meeting did close approx. 20 minutes later.

The conversation runs about 58 minutes. Let’s listen in

Audio link -  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1660-town-council-quarterbacking-02-12-26/

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

Town Councilor
Max Morrongiello

Franklin TV video is available for replay

https://www.youtube.com/live/PGKBpPjZZTM?&t=210 

The agenda and docs released for this session

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02112026-2130  

My notes captured in one PDF file - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1OUdG4Uju_rM2ro2mJCBeEIXOfSx9T8M0/view?usp=drive_link 

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

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!

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

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

FHS boys basketball falls to Natick on Tuesday

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, February 17, 2026

Boys Basketball = Franklin, 54 vs. Natick, 57 – Final

For other results across the Hockomock League (subscription required)  

https://hockomocksports.com/tuesdays-schedule-scoreboard-02-17-26/

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

FHS results from the D1 Indoor Track & Field meet at New Balance

The MIAA hosted its divisional meets over a five-day stretch at the TRACK at New Balance. The Hockomock League had seven athletes claim a state title across three different divisions.

Full results for Division 1

https://www.athletic.net/TrackAndField/meet/627466/results

Franklin Boys Track:

• In the 55-meter dash, Peter Gubka ran a personal best to win the prelims in a league-leading time (6.55). He equaled that time to finish second in the final (6.55).
• In the 55-meter hurdles, Peter Gubka qualified eighth with a time of 7.83. He placed third in the final with a time of 7.71.
• Kyle Twomey ran a personal best and league-leading time to finish 12th in the mile (4:30.53).

Field:

• Peter Gubka finished 22nd in the high jump with a jump of 5’10.

Franklin Girls Track:

• The 4x400m relay team of Gwenyth Holland, Phoebe Cuneo, Callie Joyce, and Maddie Bruno placed third in a time of 4:07.80.
• Gwenyth Holland ran a personal best and league-leading time to place fifth in the 1000m (2:59.73).
• In the 600m, Maddie Bruno placed sixth in a time of 1:39.42. Reenad Osman finished 24th in a time of 1:51.92.
• The 4x800m relay team of Victoria Courtright-Lim, Stella Nappa, Keelan Donnelly, and Savannah Copeland placed sixth in a time of 9:55.40.
• The 4x200m relay team of Jossie Camp, Phoebe Cuneo, Penelope Brady, and Callie Joyce placed eighth in a time of 1:48.97.
• Stella Nappa ran a personal best and league-leading time to finish ninth in the mile (5:12.74). Victoria Courtright-Lim also ran a personal best to finish 10th (5:24.34).
• In the 55-meter hurdles, Phoebe Cuneo (9.24), Jossie Camp (9.72), and Sadie Kent (9.91) finished 10th, 20th, and 23rd.

Field:

• In the long jump, Jossie Camp finished 15th with a jump of 15’8.

For other results across the Hockomock League (subscription required)  

https://hockomocksports.com/hock-results-from-miaa-indoor-track-divisional-meets-2026/

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

Celebrate with Pride vendor and info booth sign up - June 27, 2027

Celebrate with Pride vendor and
info booth sign up - June 27, 2027

Calling all vendors, food trucks, exhibitors, nonprofits and artisans! We are looking for folks to come to Celebrate With Pride on June 27, 2026. 

Here is a link to sign up if interested: please note there are separate links on it for food vendors! 

Prices go up next month so sign up now and get the early bird special! 

We can’t wait to see you all and celebrate together 

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdvBVtBF2ZZtXP9LVDkTFeey91ZJplACUadlwZWqKynqQGc6g/viewform?

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/1cs77DGRDK/

FHS Theater Co schedules METG benefit shows of "Animal Farm" - Feb 27 & Mar 13

FHS Theater Co schedules METG benefit
shows of "Animal Farm" - Feb 27 & Mar 13

Come see our show and support this amazing cast. 

METG here we come - https://givebutter.com/AnimalFarm

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/1CKFZGiKg1/

Stop the bleed

The next "Stop the Bleed" Class is scheduled for February 18, 2026 (it is Free!)

The next "Stop the Bleed" Class is scheduled
for February 18, 2026 (it is Free!) 

The Franklin Health and Fire Department is having another FREE Stop the Bleed class for community members on February 18th from 3 pm - 4:30 PM at the Franklin Fire station. 

Individuals will learn how to recognize life-threatening bleeding and act quickly and effectively to control bleeding in order to help save a life. 

SIGN UP LINK:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0945ACAF2EAAF9C25-62141396-stop

Download a copy of the flyer as a reminder or to share ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/14zCwcnLZ8A3zcwFzbS9LGLqASQrukRBe/view?usp=drive_link

Franklin Ridge Senior Housing - Presentation with Q&A (video)

The video of the presentation and discussion held at the Franklin Senior Center Feb 6 is now available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8sD2t0uiwSY

Free Narcan training - Franklin Public Library, Weds, Feb 18 at 5 PM

Free Narcan training - Franklin Public
Library, Weds, Feb 18 at 5 PM

Free Narcan training this week! 

No registration required and open to all! PLUS A SAFE clinician will be on hand to answer questions from residents and connect them to resources.

FRANKLIN: 

Wednesday, Feb. 18 

5:00–6:00 PM 

Franklin Public Library

Attendees will:

➡ Learn how to recognize an overdose

➡ Practice administering Narcan

➡ Develop confidence in responding to an overdose

➡ Leave with 2, 4mg doses of Narcan

See all upcoming trainings or request training: https://www.safecoalitionma.org/narcan-training 

Supported by Town of Franklin Opioid Abatement Funds

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/p/179so8yv9z/

Got a letter about unemployment benefits you didn’t file? That’s identity theft

Got a letter about unemployment benefits you didn't file? That's identity theft By BCP Staff Unemployment benefits can be a life saver if you're between jobs. But what happens if a scammer misuses your personal information, like your Social Security number (SSN) to file a fraudulent unemployment claim? That's identity theft. Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2026/02/got-letter-about-unemployment-benefits-you-didnt-file-thats-identity-theft?utm_source=govdelivery

    

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm Schedule for Wednesday, February 18, 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 the Franklin Public Library Feb 2026 highlights ->    https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/02/mitzi-shares-insights-on-happenings-at.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 309 - Decoding Non-Alcoholic Wine with Rachel Martin  -  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/02/the-wonderful-world-of-wine-www-episode_0243911959.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, February 18, 2026 (Your local Public, Education & Government "PEG" station)

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

7:30 am      ArtWeek: Ed Iannuccilli

8:30 am  The Black Box: T3

10:00 am  Franklin Art Association: Charlie Guay

11:30 am  Comfort Food: Comfort Food

12:00 pm  Brook'n'Cookin: Stromboli

12:30 pm  Cooking with Linda: Chicken Divan

1:30 pm      Pizzapalooza: Game Day Pizza

2:00 pm  New England Candlepins: Summer 2019 Show 5

3:00 pm  Candlepin New Generation: Show 11

3:30 pm  More Perfect Union: Susan Rodriguez McDowell

5:30 pm  Martin Luther King: Music and Spoken Word

6:00 pm  ArtWeek: Airmen of Note

8:30 pm  Circle of Friends: Kim Moberg & Jenna Nicholls

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

7:00 am Cultural Council: BT ALC Big Band

8:30 am Lifelong Winter Music 2026

10:00 am SAFE Coalition: Woody Geissman

11:00 am FHS Winter Music: Chorus and Orchestra

1:30 pm     FHS Girls Varsity Hockey v Mansfield 02-14-26

4:00 pm Hockomock League Swimming Championships 2026 Day 2

8:00 pm FHS Varsity Wrestling: v King Philip 01-17-24

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

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

8:00 am Town Council 02-11-26

1:00 pm Town Council 02-11-26

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, February 17, 2026 ???

Tuesday, February 17

• No scheduled delay for trash/recycle curbside pickup due to the holiday all week

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   ***

Charles River Pollution Control Meeting

Tuesday, February 17 Time: 4:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02172026-2134 

Design Review Meeting

Tuesday, February 17 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02172026-2139

-----------

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

Steven Puleo talks about "The Boston Italians" - April 12

Steven Puleo talks about
"The Boston Italians" - April 12

Quattro Eroi Lodge is pleased to announce that it is sponsoring a presentation and book signing by author and historian Steven Puleo. The event will be held at the Franklin Historical Museum on Sunday, April 12 at 1:00 PM. It is free and open to the public. 

The presentation will focus on his book "The Boston Italians." Puleo is the author of several other books including "Dark Tide" about the molasses spill in the North End, as well as books about the Civil War, World War II, the Irish Famine, and most recently about Charles Sumner, the Great Abolitionist.

The event is part of our 100th anniversary celebration and will kick off an exhibit at the Historical Museum celebrating our 100 years of history. We will also be hosting a celebratory pasta dinner on May 16 at the VFW Hall. More information on these events will be posted here as we get closer to the events.

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

Polar Plunge scheduled for Beaver Pond, Mar 7, 2026 - 10 AM

Polar Plunge scheduled for
Beaver Pond, Mar 7, 2026 - 10 AM

Jamie Barrett is willing to get very cold and wet for a great cause. 

Can you help with his fundraising effort for Special Olympics with a donation?

Fundraising page for Jamie - https://fundraise.specialolympicsma.org/participants/Jamie-Barrett

Time to get your Franklin (MA) Questions Answered: Weds, Feb 18, 11:00 AM at the Senior Center or via Zoom

What is going on with .... ?

What happened to ....?

                How come .... ?

Join Steve Sherlock, volunteer Community Information Director for Franklin Matters & Franklin Public Radio for an informal and informative Q&A session. 

What is the session about?

• Steve provides some updates on what's happened in the past month in the first 10-15 minutes, then opens the floor to answer whatever questions you have.

When: Wednesday, Feb 18, 2026 at 11:00 AM  

Where: Franklin Senior Center  and via Zoom

If you want the Zoom link, please use this form, or check with the Senior Center front desk, or email me:  https://forms.gle/Nh8RxkMtG1J1DGwj9

https://www.franklinmattersweekly.org/2026/02/school-vacation-brings-light-meeting.html

FHS winter sports results for Monday, Feb 16

Via Instagram, Franklin TV, and our subscription to HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the Winter sports competition for Franklin High School on Monday, February 16, 2026

Boys basketball = Franklin, 44 vs. New Bedford, 61 – Final 

– Franklin kept the game low scoring and controlled the tempo for the most part through two and a half quarters but New Bedford seized control over the final 12 minutes of the game to pull away for the win. The Whalers threatened to pull away in the third but senior James Crowley scored back-to-back buckets off feeds from classmate Jack Sullivan and sophomore Danny Santos, and sophomore Gio Carlucci added a free throw as the Panthers pulled within 31-26 with 3:30 to play in the third. But over the the remainder of the third and the first half of the fourth, New Bedford outscored Franklin 23-12 to gradually create separation. New Bedford freshman Camden Hill scored 17 of his game-high 24 points in the second half and Diego Montanari (20 points, 13 rebounds, six assists) had a strong all-around game. Sullivan led Franklin with 14 points, 10 rebounds, and four assists while Santos chipped in wit 12 points.

Franklin TV video of the game - https://www.youtube.com/live/qpcNiMiP7zg?&t=353

Boys Hockey = Franklin, 2 vs. St. John’s Prep, 7 – Final

Franklin TV video of the game - https://www.youtube.com/live/EaYlaGS51cQ?&t=231

Girls Hockey = Franklin, 1 @ Billerica, 4 – Final 

For other results across the Hockomock League (subscription required)  

https://hockomocksports.com/mondays-schedule-scoreboard-02-16-26/

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