What's happening in Franklin, MA: Wednesday, February 18, 2026 ???

Wednesday, February 18

9:00am Fallen Heroes: Alan W. Willard (Veterans Walkway, Town Common) 

11:00am Franklin Conversation; Q&A (Franklin Senior Center) 

12:00noon    Joe Landry Recording Session (Franklin TV and Radio 102.9 FM)

3:00pm Stop The Bleed (free training) (Franklin Fire Department)

5:00pm Free NARCAN Training (Franklin Public Library)

6:30pm Queer Book Club (Franklin TV and Radio 102.9 FM)

7:00pm Smarty Pants Trivia  (Raillery Public House)

7:30pm Much Ado About Nothing (Dean College Main Stage Theater)

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

***  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

Fallen Hero Recognition: Alan Wayne Willard - Feb 18, 2026 - 9 AM

Memorial event today (1/26/26) at 9 AM on the Veterans Walkway at the Town Common to honor Alan Wayne Willard.

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.

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Fallen Hero: Sergeant Alan Wayne Willard

Sergeant Alan Wayne Willard was born on July 1, 1947 the son of Mr. and Mrs. Warren A. Willard. Alan lived at 529 Pleasant St. with his parents, three brothers and one sister. Sergeant Willard lived most of his life here in Franklin. He was graduated from Franklin High School in 1965 and enlisted in the Air Force in August of that year. Sergeant Willard served for two years with his tour in Vietnam beginning on February 20, 1967.  

Sergeant Willard died on February 18, 1968 of ground causality wounds as a result of a hostile artillery attack when his barracks at Tan Son Nhut Air Base in Gia Dihh province, South Vietnam, was struck by rocket or mortar shell fire. He was a member of the 6250th Combat Support Group serving as a radar specialist.  

Sergeant Alan Willard was 20 years old at the time of his death in Vietnam.

Originally posted -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/11/fallen-hero-sergeant-alan-wayne-willard.html 

Sergeant Alan Wayne Willard

For the full published series of Fallen Heroes you can visit this link
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/franklin-fallen-heroes-series.html

Photo album of the Fallen Hero pillars along the Veterans Walkway

https://photos.app.goo.gl/oRGdmq9krLNEBnjJ7

You can find all the videos for 2024 in one playlist -> 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fo3eJGInVXU&list=PLbAODFjFPJ0zOqXRuHZ5-_LPf6UwmBNSA

State Rep Jeff Roy: What's happening in the district - February 2026

͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌    ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­

View this email in your browser Panthers Visit the State House Rep. Roy welcomed the Division 1 State Championship Volleyball team from Franklin High to the State House in January. A first for Franklin, and all of Hockomock, in D1 girls, Franklin High School secured their first-ever Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association Division 1 Girls Volleyball State Championship on November 15, 2025, defeating the three-time defending champion Newton North Tigers 3-2. The No. 5 seed Panthers finished their historic season with a 23-2 record. The team is led by head coach Chris Ridolfi. Congratulations Franklin. Jefferson Elementary Recognized for Excellence Rep. Roy was thrilled to join Franklin Superintendent Lucas Giguere and Elizabeth Murray, the former Assistant Principal at Jefferson Elementary and now a Math Specialist at the Washington Street School at the State House. They were there to accept the nomination of Jefferson elementary as a Blue Ribbon School, awards by the Department of Education for exceptional academic achievement. A total of 63 Schools of Recognition were identified throughout the state accountability system for demonstrating high achievement, significant improvement, and/or high growth. Jefferson Elementary was one of six Massachusetts schools to earn a National Blue Ribbon nomination before the US Department of Education discontinued the award in August. This is a tremendous honor and recognition of the great work being done for Franklin education. Congratulations to everyone who made this happen. This Newsletter was shortened for publication here. To view the full set of content, please visit - https://mailchi.mp/61c62947a52f/march-2021-newsletter-10614778 State Rep Jeff Roy  State House Room 7 Boston, MA 02133

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/

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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 

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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"

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