Youth with an interest in chess? Consider the Southeast Massachusetts Scholastic Chess League

Southeast New England Chess Association (SENECA) is once again running the Southeast Massachusetts Scholastic Chess League!

Just as last year, the league will run similarly to any other scholastic sports program - there will be a set competition season and a tournament at the end of the season where trophies are awarded.

Registration starts now and league play begins in March!

Southeast New England Chess
Association (SENECA)

The season is 6-8 weeks long (depending on the number of teams), plus two weeks for makeup matches. At the end of the season, there will be a ceremony where we hold a blitz tournament for fun and present trophies to the top teams.

There are two divisions:

• Under 9 (U9) - Ages 5-8 may play in the U9 division
• Under 14 (U14) - Ages 9-13 may play in the U14 division

SENECA administrators will place the players on the teams, ensuring an even distribution of levels. Teams will consist of 3-5 players, all within the same division. The top three players from each team play on the Varsity boards; the remainder of the team plays on the Junior Varsity boards.

All matches will be held at the Bellingham Memorial School Library on Wednesdays from 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM.

Register here by March 1st:  https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/r79q2dc/lp/acea153d-f906-45b5-80da-c63c44c1aa5c

For more about Southeast New England Chess Association (SENECA) visit - https://senecachess.org/

National News Round up - Monday, Feb 23, 2026

• Worst of the worst? Most US immigrants targeted for deportation in 2025 had no criminal charges, documents reveal https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/22/us-immigration-trump-administration?CMP=share_btn_url

Most US immigrants targeted for deportation in 2025 had no criminal charges, documents reveal

• Homeland security to suspend TSA PreCheck and Global Entry airport security programs https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/22/homeland-security-suspends-tsa-precheck-global-entry-airport-security-programs?CMP=share_btn_url 

• Examples of Censorship from National Parks Conservation Association et. al. v. Department of the Interior, et. al. https://democracyforward.org/news/press-releases/examples-of-censorship-from-national-parks-conservation-association-et-al-v-department-of-the-interior-et-al/

• Trump’s Trade Gamble Will Continue, Despite Supreme Court Rebuke  https://www.nytimes.com/2026/02/21/business/economy/trump-tariffs-trade-war.html?unlocked_article_code=1.OFA.s-LJ.7kUNw85HPdei&smid=url-share

Massachusetts State Police request: "We urge anyone who can stay home to do so"

Massachusetts State Police

The Massachusetts State Police want to keep everyone safe as we prepare for blizzard-like conditions across the area.

• We urge anyone who can stay home to do so
• Fewer vehicles on the roads make it safer for those who have to be out in the conditions, like plow drivers and first responders
• Snow and ice increase travel times, stopping time, and the chance of crashes that require emergency response

Your decision to delay your travel keeps you and others safe!

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/17y6ESys7B/

Do you want to become a citizen archivist?

Do you want to become a citizen archivist?

Take part in a pension transcription program! In celebration of the 250th anniversary of American independence, the National Archives and the National Park Service are collaborating on a special project to transcribe the Revolutionary War Pension Files of more than 80,000 of America's first veterans and their widows, containing more than 2 million documents. 

Unlock the details and stories found within these rich records:

• March 11 at 11 a.m.: Blackstone Heritage Corridor; 670 Linwood Ave., Whitinsville, MA

Free and open to all. No registration is required. 

Please bring a laptop or tablet to participate in the transcription training.

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

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm Schedule for Monday, February 23, 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, February 23, 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: Joanne Schaefer

8:00 am Pickleball Tournament: Pickleball Tournament

9:00 am Franklin History: Tommaso Juglaris

11:30 am Cooking Thyme: Red Pepper Soup

12:00 pm Brooke'n'Cookin: Mac'n'Cheese

12:30 pm Cook with Linda: Chicken with Dijon

1:30 pm     Pizzapalooza: Emergency Pizza

2:00 pm Martin Luther King: Music and Spoken Word

2:30 pm New England Candlepins: Summer 2018 Show 7

3:30 pm Candlepin New Generation: Show 11

4:30 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Pete Smith

5:30 pm United Methodist Church: Lola Richardson

7:00 pm Frank Presents: Daniela Masters Pt 2

10:00 pm Circle of Friends; Abbie Gardner

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

7:00 am Lifelong Winter Music 2026

8:30 am Pickleball Tournament: Pickleball Tournament

9:30 am Winning Ways with the MIAA: Pete Smith

10:30 am 6th Grade Winter Music 02-10-26

12:00 pm Middle School Winter Music: 2025: Band

1:30 pm     FHS Varsity Wrestling: v King Philip 01-17-24

5:00 pm FHS Boys Varsity Hockey v St. Johns's Prep 02-16-26

7:00 pm FHS Boys Varsity Basketball v New Bedford 02-16-26

9:00 pm FHSTC: Urinetown

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

8:00 am Planning Board 02-09-26

2:00 pm Planning Board 02-09-26

7:00 pm Planning Board  CHAMBERS  84972893187

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

Town of Franklin Senior Center Update: Due to storm closed on Monday Feb 23, 2026 (audio)

Franklin Senior Center Director Sarah Amaral with an update on the closure of the center for Monday, Feb 23, 2026 and other storm related updates.

Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1664-town-of-franklin-senior-center-closure-update-02-22-26/

DPW update in advance of the storm, parking ban announced

Good afternoon Franklin, looks like we got a “Big old Nor’ Easter” coming our way!

Weather forecasters are talking like 2-3 inches of heavy snow an hour, wind gusts up to 60 plus miles per hour, and even "thunder snow”!

Here are highlights of what is going on.

First and foremost, working with the Franklin Police, a full parking ban will be instituted tonight, Feb 22nd at 9PM and going through noon time Tuesday Feb 24th.

What does this mean to you? Please remove your vehicles from the roadways.

Leaving your vehicle in the public right of way makes our job of clearing snow much more difficult, costs more money and potentially causes safety issues for not only us, but also your fellow residents. So please remove your cars from the public right of way!

If you do not, your vehicle will be ticketed and towed if necessary.

Secondly, all non- emergency town offices will be closed tomorrow Feb 22nd due to the storm. Don’t worry, fire, police and most importantly public works will be working for you!

If you have not heard, The Franklin Public Schools will be closed tomorrow Feb 22nd.

Also, scheduled trash and recycling pick up will be delayed one day. I think most folks know the deal. Your Monday trash and recycling will be picked up on Tuesday, Tuesday trash and recycling will be picked up on Wednesday, etc., etc. Don’t worry Public Works and be ready and prepared, but we need your help to have the roads cleared in a timely and safe manner.

If you don’t have to go out, stay home, especially while it is snowing.

After the storm don’t put snow in the roadways, this includes cleaning off your in the street. cleaning them in the roadway potentially causes a safety problem for your neighbors but also takes more time and money for us to clean up.

If you lose power, contact the provider directly. Please do not call 911.

Most importantly have patience and understanding as this storm has the potential to be a long one!

Don't forget to check on your neighbors…

Have an excellent public works day!!!

Audio version - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1663-franklin-ma-dpw-snow-storm-update-02-22-26/ (audio added 4:15 PM)

https://www.facebook.com/share/185Xb7SAsC/

Storm alert and safety prep via Franklin Police Dept.

via Franklin Police Dept

"We’re fine. Everything is fine. Things are going great… 

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT – WINTER STORM WARNING 

A significant winter storm is expected to impact our area beginning Sunday night and continuing into Monday. Conditions may deteriorate quickly, and residents are urged to prepare now.

Storm alert and safety prep via Franklin Police Dept.

What to Expect:

• Heavy snow developing Sunday night

• Strong, gusty winds

• Possible blizzard conditions

• Periods of whiteout visibility

• Dangerous to near-impossible travel

• Potential power outages due to heavy, wet snow and strong winds

Storm Timeline:

• Sunday (Daytime): Mostly cloudy; storm developing late
• Sunday Evening/Night: Snow becomes heavy; winds increasing
• Monday: Snow continues with strong winds; blizzard conditions possible before gradually tapering

What You Can Do Now:

 • Charge all electronic devices

 • Prepare for possible power outages

 • Avoid unnecessary travel Sunday night into Monday

 • Check on elderly neighbors and vulnerable residents

 • Remove vehicles from roadways to allow plows to operate safely

Parking ban information will be shared as soon as it becomes available.

Please plan ahead, stay informed, and prioritize safety."

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

No Trash pickup on Monday, Feb 23; 1 Day delay for remainder of the week

Important Update regarding curbside trash/recycling collection:

No Trash pickup on Monday, Feb 23

There will be NOT BE A COLLECTION ON MONDAY due to the incoming snow event.

There will be a one-day delay for the remainder of the week. Monday's route will be collected on Tuesday, Tuesday's route will be collected on Wednesday; this pattern will continue and conclude with Friday's route (2/27/26) being collected on Saturday (2/28/26). 

Shared from - https://franklinma.gov/m/newsflash/Home/Detail/97

Storm Collection - Feb 22, 23, & 24, 2026

The collection of information for Franklin, MA as accumulated from trusted sources. Most recent up top, scroll down for earlier updates.

updated 5:15 PM 2/24/26

• Franklin Schools reopening with 2 hour delay (1 hour for staff)  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/02/franklin-public-schools-will-have-2.html

• Franklin Senior Center Delayed Opening (10 AM) (robocall audio)    https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/02/town-of-franklin-senior-center-update_01211849599.html

 

• Town of Franklin update on Municipal Bldg, Library, Senior Center, etc.  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/02/town-of-franklin-storm-recovery-update.html

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

Updated 9:00 AM 2/24/26 

• Curbside trash/recycling not happening today. Those scheduled for Monday are planned for Wednesday pickup, Tuesday on Thursday, Wednesday on Friday, Thursday on Saturday, and Friday on next Monday...

• Elizabeth's Bagels closed Tuesday Feb 24

• The Community Closet will be closed today (February 24) as we dig out from the Blizzard of ’26. We will be open next Tuesday, March 3, from 12-2p. Sorry for any inconvenience. Appointments can be made for later in the week.

• Franklin School Committee Meeting - confirmed as Remote Only - Tuesday, February 24 Time: 6:00 PM - https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02242026-2148 

Updated as of 8:00 PM - 2/23/26

• DPW Director Cantoreggi provides an update at end of today for Tuesday, Feb 24 (including curbside delay schedule)  (audio) https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/02/dpw-director-cantoreggi-provides-update.html

• Town of Franklin Senior Center Update: Due to storm closed on Tuesday Feb 24, 2026 (audio)  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/02/town-of-franklin-senior-center-update_23.html

In the aftermath of a storm in 2013

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

• Franklin Public Schools will be closed on Tuesday, February 24, 2026  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/02/franklin-public-schools-will-be-closed.html

• BFCCPS announces school closed on Tuesday, Feb 24   https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1HsbhT8cZ7/

• Tri-County announces school closed on Feb 24    https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Bw31b4y3a/

• 3 Restaurant reopening Tuesday, Feb 24 for dinner at 4 PM   https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1CBBpudhVS/

• Mass State Police remind - State of Emergency exists - "Please remain off the roads if able"  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/02/mass-state-police-reminder.html

• Town of Franklin Snow storm update - meeting at 4 PM will provide insights on Tuesday   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/02/town-of-franklin-snow-storm-update-1118.html

• St Mary's announces cancelation for Tuesday, Feb 24   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/02/updates-from-st-marys-parish.html

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

• Meals on Wheels canceled for Monday and Tuesday

• If you want to sign up for any Town of Franklin alerts, you can do so on the Town page  https://www.franklinma.gov/list.aspx 

• 3 Restaurant closed on Monday, reopening Tuesday, Feb 24 for dinner at 4 PM   at 11:30 AM   https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1CBBpudhVS/

• Franklin Senior Center sends robocall on closure for Monday, Feb 23   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/02/town-of-franklin-senior-center-update.html    added 5:30 PM; 2/22/26

• Forge Hill YMCA announces closure for Monday, Feb 23   https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1GQoDxGkQ2/

• DPW provides an update, parking ban Sunday night until Tuesday, 12 PM   https://www.facebook.com/share/185Xb7SAsC/   or https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/02/dpw-update-in-advance-of-storm-parking.html    (audio added 4:15 PM; 2/22/26)

• Franklin Recreation classes & programs canceled - Feb 23    https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1CrJU6NBTn/

• Storm alert & Safety prep from Franklin Police    https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/02/storm-alert-and-safety-prep-via.html

• Franklin Children's Museum closed on Monday, Feb 23 - https://www.instagram.com/p/DVEd26okXlv/

• Franklin Public Schools announcement expected during evening Sunday, Feb 22  "Franklin Public Schools will be closed on Monday, February 23, 2026. This includes all after-school activities. All town and school offices will also be closed. Stay safe and warm!" https://www.franklinps.net/live-feed#11502861

• Tri-County VTHS cancels classes for Monday, Feb 23  https://www.facebook.com/share/p/17wfHKXrjd/

• Benjamin Franklin Charter School cancels school for Monday, Feb 23 https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1DHQRxkHWo/

• No Trash pickup on Monday, Feb 23; 1 Day delay for remainder of the week  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/02/no-trash-pickup-on-monday-feb-23-1-day.html

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Sunday, February 22, 2026 ???

Sunday, February 22

9:00am Fallen Heroes: James P. Murray (Veterans Walkway, Town Common)

12:30pm Screening of "Common Ground" (First Universalist Society Franklin)

1:00pm Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

2:00pm Much Ado About Nothing (Dean College Main Stage Theater)

*** 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

Fallen Hero Recognition: James P Murray - Feb 22, 2026 - 9 AM

Memorial event today (2/22/26) at 9 AM on the Veterans Walkway at the Town Common to honor James P Murray.

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.

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

James P Murray, Oiler, US Navy - World War I

The only record we have of James P Murray is that he died from disease while serving in the Navy on February 22, 1918.

Fallen Hero Recognition: James P Murray - Feb 22, 2026 - 9 AM

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

Franklin, MA: Agenda for the Finance Committee meeting scheduled for Wednesday, Feb 25, 2026

Finance Committee Meeting

Agenda & Meeting Packet

Wednesday, February 25, 2026 - 6:00 PM

Franklin Municipal Building

355 East Central Street, 

2nd Floor Council Chambers

Link to agenda doc on Town page - https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02252026-2152

Agenda for the Finance Committee meeting

FHS Cheerleaders take First Place at Attleboro Winter Invitational on Saturday, Feb 21, 2026

FHS Cheerleaders take First Place at Attleboro
 Winter Invitational on Saturday, Feb 21, 2026

First place for Franklin today (2/21/26) at the Attleboro Winter Invitational! Congrats to all of the other amazing teams 

Thank you @attleboro_cheer for having us! 

See you all at leagues!!

https://www.instagram.com/p/DVAHImBDuP9/?

MIAA D1 Hockey and Basketball seeds for FHS Panthers

Hockomock Hockey Playoff Seeds & Matchups

Below are the seeds and matchups for Hockomock teams in the MIAA playoffs. Seeds, times, and dates are subject to change and we will update this post with any changes.

Boys - Division 1

#30 Franklin (7-13-1) will travel to #3 St. John’s Prep (15-3-2) on Wednesday, 2/25 at 4:20 at the Essex Sports Center.

https://hockomocksports.com/hockomock-hockey-playoff-seeds-matchups-2026/

Hockomock Basketball Playoff Seeds & Matchups

Below are the seeds and matchups for Hockomock teams in the MIAA playoffs. Seeds, times, and dates are subject to change and we will update this post with any changes.

Boys - Division 1

#36 Franklin (11-10) will travel to #29 Lowell (11-9) on Tuesday, 2/24 at 6:00.

Girls - Division 1

#15 Franklin (13-8) will host #18 Arlington (16-4) on Thursday, 2/26 at 6:00.

https://hockomocksports.com/hockomock-basketball-playoff-seeds-matchups-2026/

MIAA D1 Hockey and Basketball seeds for FHS