Responding to the State of Our UnionThe Senate didn't need a rambling speech to understand the impact federal policies are having on Massachusetts communities. That's why we've been responding in real time over the past year.
President Trump delivered his State of the Union address Tuesday night. As we've come to expect, his speech spun a web of lies while completely ignoring the reality of what's happening to our country—and to people like you and me, our families and our neighbors. In the Massachusetts Senate, we believe in being honest. We also believe in focusing on substance and solutions, not soundbites. That's why the Senate has spent the past year examining ways to protect our residents, defend our values and lead Massachusetts during the second Trump administration. Because right now our rule of law is at risk and our residents are worried about their jobs and their healthcare, while our president only seems to care about punishing people who don't agree with him and making money for himself and his friends. We clearly need to act—and we have been through the Senate's Response 2025 initiative. What's at StakeIt's no secret that Massachusetts largely stands for everything Trump is trying to tear down. Personally, think he's jealous. We invest heavily in public education at every level, celebrate the strength that our diversity brings, and practice "small d" democracy in communities across our Commonwealth. Our economy is built on scientific research, innovation, and hard work, all of which we appreciate and celebrate. So, it should come as no surprise that the Trump Administration's pro-billionaire, anti-democratic, anti-science and, frankly, anti-American policies pose a number of threats to our Commonwealth. What Response 2025 Means for MassachusettsTo address these threats, the Senate Committee on Steering and Policy—of which I am Chair—has worked every day for nearly a year to analyze federal actions in real time, collaborate with experts, and elevate carefully-considered policy solutions. This is all part of the Senate's Response 2025 initiative, a name derived from the source of many policies we're responding to: the infamous Project 2025 agenda. Together, we have proposed and passed:
There's more. The Steering and Policy Committee have detailed all of our actions—from protecting the LGBTQ+ community to preventing book bans to keeping construction going on much-needed new housing even as costs rise due to tariffs—in a letter located on our committee website.
2025 May be Over, but Response 2025 is NotThe work to respond to Project 2025 is ongoing, because the impact from these policies is ongoing. Our committee continues to meet weekly—and remains committed to staying alert to new federal actions that could affect Massachusetts residents. Obviously, our top concern right now is the actions of ICE in our communities and the need to protect our immigrant neighbors. The Steering and Policy Committee was instrumental in helping to develop Senate President Pro Tempore Brownsberger's newly-proposed bill that seeks to protect residents from direct actions by federal law enforcement that violate our rights protected under the United States Constitution. While immigration enforcement falls to the federal government—only Congress can enact the comprehensive reforms needed to update our immigration system—we can and will act to protect our residents here in the Commonwealth. Senator Brownsberger's bill is just one piece of a broader, ongoing review of immigrant protections being undertaken as part of Response 2025. The Best Offense is a Good DefenseMassachusetts has always believed that the best offense is a good defense. We have budgeted carefully, set up strong civil rights protections, and kept faith with science, innovation and education. We invest in strong, sustainable programs to best serve our residents. We are focused on doing what we can to weather the storm ahead. But we also will never hesitate to protect our residents and our way of life when needed. Just like the patriots in my district 250 years ago on the Lexington Battle Green, we will never wait to be asked to lead—we just do it. And we will never back down when it comes to defending our values of freedom, compassion, creativity, integrity and justice for all. Know someone who may be interested in the Senate's Response 2025 initiative to protect and defend Massachusetts? Share this post!
© 2026 Massachusetts State Senate
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Friday, February 27, 2026
Mass Senate: Responding to the State of Our Union
Aging Boldfully: Joanne Schaefer (video)
Aging Boldfully is a new show on Franklin TV's All Access channel hosted by Susan Rohrbach. Joanne Schaefer was Susan's guest for this recent show.
The show description:
"Aging Boldfully is about living your next chapter outside of your comfort zone—fully embracing the uniqueness of you.
For many of us, the idea of aging doesn’t appear on our radar until we approach our 60s, when retirement begins to loom. During this time, our attention often narrows to one critical goal: ensuring financial independence. While that focus is important, it can distract us from an equally vital question: What am I going to do with the rest of my life?
Each of our journeys is unique. Rather than clinging to the tired concept of “retirement,” we have the chance to rethink and redesign this new chapter. What will life look like now that we are the CEO of our own story?
Aging Boldfully will explore the themes that matter most as we step into this phase—purpose, relevance, resilience, physical health, mental well-being, intentional living, and mindfulness. It will showcase members of our community who are finding meaning, living with purpose, and overcoming obstacles—real examples of what it means to age not just gracefully, but boldfully."
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| Aging Boldfully: Joanne Schaefer (video) |
Video link -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K8zhy3wuZ3c
Spill Smarts Start Here
From leaky drums to mystery puddles, even small spills can pollute local waterways when rain carries them into storm drains.
Avoid the oops:
• Label materials clearly and keep SDS sheets handy
• Use secondary containment and spill kits
• Train your team to respond fast and smart
Staying spill-ready helps protect your crew, your site, and your local rivers and lakes. Clean water starts with cleaner habits.
Learn more at https://franklinma.gov/530/Stormwater-Division
Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/17cgwToEkK/
Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule for Friday, February 27, 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:
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| Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule for Friday |
8:00 AM, 1:00 PM, and 6:00 PM - Franklin Matters Radio – Steve Sherlock covering Franklin, its local government, services, and events
- This hour features my discussion with our Town nurse Alisha Sullivan about the Blood Pressure Kits at Library -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/02/another-first-for-franklin-blood.html
9:00 AM, 2:00 PM, and 7:00 PM
10:00 AM, 3:00 PM, and 8:00 PM - Talkin’ the Blues – Jim Derick & Nick Remissong. 2 hours of awesome blues music, info, interviews Showcasing the "Blues" as a basis for and influence of Country, Jazz and Rock and Roll, here and worldwide.
11:00 AM, 4:00 PM, and 9:00 PM - “The Vibe” show plays music for everyone searching for some enjoyment, some dance, a happy or thinking mood, and most importantly, having fun. Tune in to wfpr.fm and listen to “DJ Vibe” spin music across many genres and join this new vibing experience
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 Friday, February 27, 2026 (Your local Public, Education & Government "PEG" station)
- Franklin All Access TV - Our Public Access Channel (Comcast 6, Verizon 26) = FRIDAY
7:00 am Franklin Art Association: Christine West
8:30 am Frank Presents: Daniela Masters Pt 2
9:30 am Martin Luther King: Music and Spoken Word
10:00 am Aging Boldfully: Joanne Schaefer
11:00 am Senior Connection: Ben Franklin
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 New England Candlepins: Summer 2018 Show 7
3:00 pm Candlepin New Generation: Show 11
3:30 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Pete Smith
5:30 pm Franklin History: Tommaso Juglaris
9:00 pm Circle of Friends; Abbie Gardner
Franklin Pride TV - Our Educational Channel (Comcast 8, Verizon 28) = FRIDAY
7:00 am Lifelong Winter Music 2026
8:30 am ArtWeek: Art + Music
9:30 am Middle School Winter Music: 2025: Band
11:00 am FHSTC - Flowers for Algernon
2:00 pm 6th Grade Winter Music 02-10-26
4:00 pm FHS Boys Varsity Basketball v New Bedford 02-16-26
8:30 pm FHSTC: Urinetown
Franklin Town Hall TV - Our Government Channel (Comcast 9, Verizon 29) = FRIDAY
8:00 am Zoning Board of Appeals 01-22-26
2:00 pm Zoning Board of Appeals 01-22-26
Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf
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| Watch Listen Read all things that matter in Franklin MA |
Thursday, February 26, 2026
Town Council Feb 4, 2026 meeting discusses goals, hears last storm cost $325,000, enters Executive Session (audio)
FM #1672 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, numbers 1672 in the series.
This session shares the Franklin (MA) Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, February 4, 2026. The Council held this session as scheduled beginning at 6 PM. All 9 Councilors participated for this less than 2 hour session.
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| Franklin (MA) Town Council |
Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1672-town-council-mtg-02-04-26/
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Additional notes on the meeting recap can be found (including link to Franklin TV video) ->
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/02/town-council-discusses-goals-hears-last.html
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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"
DPW Director provides a storm cleanup Update as Thursday ends (audio)
via robocall from Town of Franklin DPW Director Robert "Brutus" Cantoreggi
"As you are aware, we are continuing our work cleaning up after the Blizzard 0f 2026. We are making improvements to roadways, intersections and have also started clearing sidewalks, but this will take some time.
I have some important information regarding trash and recycling pick up, this continues to be a problem.
All of yesterday's rescheduled Monday’s trash and recycling pick was not completed. Waste Management is attempting to catch up today. This was due to the additional snow that fell yesterday, delays caused by the narrow roadways and equipment break downs.
So the new plan is:
- Wednesday's trash and recycling will be picked up tomorrow, i.e. Friday if you are confused of what day is right now because of lack of sleep over the last couple of days.. like us here at public works
- Thursday’s trash and recycling will be picked up on Saturday.
- And Friday’s trash and recycling will be picked up on Monday, not Sunday.
Here is the big change, because Friday's Trash and recycling is going to be picked on Monday, there will be no Monday trash and recycling pick up.
Once again, because Friday's Trash and recycling pick is now on Monday, there will be no Monday pick up on Monday!
This will get us back on track, so the rest of the week will be regularly scheduled.
Tuesday will be on Tuesday, Wednesday will be on Wednesday, Thursday will be on Thursday and Friday will be on Friday.
I understand that some folks on the Monday schedule will not be happy, as I am not happy, but this is the best course of action for the Town overall.
If Monday folks feel that they will have too much trash and recycling, I have arranged for a dumpster to be placed at the Beaver Street recycling center that they can bring their trash to. You will not have to have a recycling sticker to use the dumpster this weekend or next.
I am once again sorry for the inconvenience, but want to thank you for your understanding!"
Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1671-dpw-storm-cleanup-update-02-26-26/
What's happening in Franklin, MA: Thursday, February 26 2026 ???
Thursday, February 26
Curbside trash/recycling continues picking up today.
- Those scheduled for Tuesday on Thursday
- Wednesday on Friday
- Thursday on Saturday
- and Friday on next Monday...
9:00am Fallen Hero Recognition: Richard L. Desper (Veterans Walkway, Franklin Town Common)
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| Library & Senior Center events |
For additional details on Library events ->
For additional details on Senior Center events ->
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 ***
Horace Mann Legacy Sub Committee
Thursday, February 26 Time: 2:30 PM
Conservation Commission Meeting. (Zoom only)
Thursday, February 26 Time: 7:00 PM
https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Item/559?fileID=8093
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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
The School district calendar is found https://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/o/fpsd/page/school-calendar
Fallen Hero Recognition: Richard L. Desper - Vietnam - Feb 26, 2026
Memorial event today (2/26/26) at 9 AM on the Veterans Walkway at the Town Common to honor Richard L. Desper.
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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"Lance Corporal Richard Lincoln Desper was born on February 12, 1947 the son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Desper. Richard lived at 45 Coutu St. with his parents, four brothers, and 13 sisters.
According to the war Department's official telegram Corporal Desper died five miles north of An Hoa in Quong Nan province of fragmentation wounds inflicted by mortar fire while on a search-and-clear mission with the Marine Corps in Vietnam on February 26, 1969. This was Corporal Desper's second tour of duty in the war zone having previously served in Vietnam with the Navy."
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| Lance Corporal Richard Lincoln Desper |
Lance Corporal Richard L. Desper was 22 years old at the time of his death in Vietnam.
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| Lance Corporal Richard Lincoln Desper |
For the full published series of Fallen Heroes you can visit this link
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/franklin-fallen-heroes-series.html
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/franklin-fallen-heroes-series.html
Photo album of the Fallen Hero pillars along the Veterans Walkway
You can find all the videos for 2024 in one playlist ->
Finance Committee approves funding recommendation for fire truck replacement (video)
The Franklin (MA) Finance Committee met on Wednesday, Feb 25, 206 as scheduled at 6 PM. 5 members were in chambers, 1 remote. It was announced 1 member had resigned that day and would hopefully be replaced before the budget hearings in April.
Franklin TV video is available for replay - https://www.youtube.com/live/sM7NUUmqKlw?&t=245
The agenda and released doc can be found - https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02252026-2152
My notes were captured via the Bluesky app, the top of the thread can be found here - https://bsky.app/profile/franklinmatters.bsky.social/post/3mfpsbpk6us2o
Quick recap
- Motion to approve the prior meeting notes, so moved, second, passes via roll call (1 remote) was 6-0-3 (2 absent, 1 resigned this AM)
- Discussion on need to replace a fire engine which has frame corrosion and was taken offline.
- Discussion on an undercarriage wash to help prolong the life of the trucks and rest of the fleet with other issues of corrosion
- Consider other alternatives for prevention of corrosion, maybe look to a cost analysis on the sand vs. salt/brine solution. What are the pros, cons?
- Multiple options available for financing, ultimately resolved to recommend authorization of a BAN (a short term borrowing instrument) for the full $935K.
- This keeps the stabilization account intact for now and can still be used to pay down the principal when the BAN is converted to a longer term finance deal
- Vote passed 5-1 via roll call
- Q2 report
- Snow and ice was gradually increased to be fully funded from ops instead of free cash
- Lack of FEMA money for 'disaster' events like the major storms
- Local receipts are not at the level that Kerri would like
- Library is only $25k over the State minimum
- Discussion on adding to a May meeting reconsidering the OPEB contribution to relook at the recommendation before the Council votes in June
- Discussion on the Council handling of the capital budget and suggestion of having FinCom representative at the Council meeting to support any recommendations. A great idea
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