The FARM Bill: Protecting Our Land, Water, and Local Food SystemThe FARM Bill is about resilience. By investing in farming families, we support a more secure and sustainable future for the Commonwealth.
As the descendant of Falmouth strawberry farmers, I know how important agriculture is for a healthy food system and the thousands of Massachusetts families who depend on it. My great-grandparents were among the many Azorean Americans who farmed Falmouth's strawberry fields. At its peak, before World War II, Falmouth produced more strawberries than any town in the country. Today, that legacy endures in a single remaining farm: Tony Andrews Farm, now stewarded by the town. This decline is visible across the Commonwealth. Since 1945, the number of farms in the state has declined from 35,000 to about 6,000. Much of that farmland has been developed into shopping centers, industrial parks, and housing—reflecting a changing economy and the cost of limited land. What's HappeningEven as these changes reshape our landscape, the need for a sustainable food system remains constant. With emerging threats like climate change and supply chain disruptions, it's imperative that we act to support healthy, locally grown food. That's why as Chair of the Joint Committee on Agriculture and Fisheries, I'm proud that a Committee priority, Senate Bill 3029, An Act fostering agricultural resilience in Massachusetts—or the FARM Bill—has advanced out of the Senate Ways and Means Committee and will be debated on the Senate floor next week. I want to recognize and congratulate my colleague Senator Jo Comerford for her leadership on bringing this bill forward. Why It MattersMassachusetts is home to more than 7,000 farms and fishing operations, spanning 500,000 acres—10 per cent of the state's land—and generating over $10 billion in economic activity. The FARM Bill will help preserve and strengthen this industry which supports our economy, feeds our families, and contributes to a sustainable future.
One key provision requires the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) to develop a plan to support agriculture, seafood, and processed food during emergencies to mitigate food supply chain disruptions. In crises like storms and pandemics, producers often lose access to markets and can't transport goods. This provision will ensure that farms and fisheries can continue operating, treating them as essential infrastructure rather than an afterthought. The FARM Bill also codifies key programs that support local agriculture and public health. The Healthy Incentives Program (HIP) helps residents purchase fresh produce from local farms. The Food Security Infrastructure Grant (FSIG) program strengthens supply chains and expands access to local foods. The FRESH program helps schools and early education centers increase local food purchasing. This legislation makes these programs permanent. Additionally, the bill directs the state to make recommendations for increasing the use of local food in assistance programs, creating stable markets for farmers while strengthening supply chains and supporting fresh, local food.
The FARM Bill also supports our cranberry industry, Massachusetts' most valuable agricultural product. The Cranberry Revitalization Task Force, which includes colleagues like Senate Ways and Means Chair Michael Rodrigues and former Senator Vinny deMacedo, recommended we adopt language empowering cranberry bog farmers to transfer their Water Management Act permit rights. That language, filed in Senate Bill 602, An Act relative to cranberry water use transfer program, is included in this legislation. The FARM Bill is about resilience—ensuring our farmers and fishermen can withstand disruptions, our land and water remain productive, and our food system is prepared for future challenges. By investing in farming families, we support a more secure and sustainable future for the Commonwealth. While Falmouth may no longer be the strawberry capital of the United States, Massachusetts continues to invest in its agricultural future through legislation that protects and strengthens our farmland for generations to come. What Happens Next
For Your ConsiderationIf the issue of supporting farming families is important to you, please:
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Friday, March 27, 2026
The FARM Bill: Protecting Our Land, Water, and Local Food System
Franklin Fire Dept: Press Release on the Structure Fire — 9 Willow St - March 26, 2026
Via Franklin Fire Dept:
Structure Fire — 9 Willow St.
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| Franklin Fire Dept: Press Release on the Structure Fire — 9 Willow St - March 26, 2026 |
At 3:48 PM the Metacomet Emergency Communications Center received a call reporting a possible structure fire at 9 Willow St.
Franklin Fire units arrived and found a fire that extended beyond the kitchen. Two pets were rescued and brought to tufts veterinary hospital by bystanders.
The Franklin Fire Department was assisted by the Bellingham, Medway, Norfolk, Plainville, and Wrentham Fire Departments.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Franklin Fire Department.
The Foxboro Fire Department provided station coverage during the incident.
Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/1G3mWFV7yF/
Reminder: Labyrinth Peace Walk scheduled for Friday, March 27
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| Labyrinth Peace Walk scheduled for Friday, March 27 |
Please allow about 30 minutes to walk the labyrinth. Socks are required for the walk. Booties that cover footwear will be provided for those who need shoes to walk. Finger labyrinths will be available for people who want to experience the labyrinth but have mobility issues.
Labyrinths provide an opportunity for personal reflection, spiritual practice, or the reduction of stress. There are many ways to respond to the challenging times we are experiencing. We hope you will join us for the FUSF Labyrinth Peace Walk.
Thrifty Threads Shop hours for March 27 & March 28, 2026
Thrifty Threads Shop at 171 Main St. is open Friday, 1 - 4 PM, and Saturday 9 AM - 1 PM.
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| Thrifty Threads Shop hours for March 27 - March 28, 2026 |
(Because of the Rally on the Common from 10-11:30, Saturday hours may change)
There is a large selection of Women's Large and Extra Large tops, many with tags.
Kids room is well stocked with spring selections, as is Men's. It may not feel like spring, but at least you can stock up for when it does!
Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/1BH4Kx2Byz/
Check out these STEAM classes for summer from Lifelong Learning
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| Check out these STEAM classes for summer from Lifelong Learning |
Go to bit.ly/42PoDVi for more information.
Shared from - https://www.instagram.com/p/DWW95PUiUMB/
How scammers are using the Iran conflict to try to steal your money and information
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Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule for Friday, March 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 a conversation talking about the Party for The Pantry coming up March 28 at THE BLACK BOX -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/03/have-you-got-your-tickets-were-talking.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, March 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: Rachael Diamond Calow
8:30 am Frank Presents: Daniela Masters Pt 2
10:00 am Aging Boldfully: LiveStrong
11:00 am Senior Connection: Kitchen Gadgets Pt. 1
12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin: Scones
12:30 pm Cooking with Linda: Pies
1:30 pm Pizzapalooza: White Pizza
2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Summer 2019 Show 8
3:00 pm Candlepin New Generation: Spring 2019 Show 2
3:30 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Referee Shortage Pt1
4:30 pm The Black Box: A Magical Night of Disney Classics
5:30 pm Metrowest Summit 02-26-26
9:00 pm Circle of Friends: Garnet Rogers
Franklin Pride TV - Our Educational Channel (Comcast 8, Verizon 28) = FRIDAY
7:00 am Jazz Cafe 03-06-26
8:30 am Metrowest Symposium: Equity & Access in Arts & Culture
9:30 am All-Town Chorus & Orchestra 2026
11:00 am FHSTC - Flowers for Algernon
2:00 pm FHS Concert Hour 02-26-26
4:00 pm FHS Boys Varsity Basketball v Mansfield 01-27-26
8:30 pm FHS Theater Company: Legally Blonde
Franklin Town Hall TV - Our Government Channel (Comcast 9, Verizon 29) = FRIDAY
8:00 am Zoning Board of Appeals 03-05-26
2:00 pm Zoning Board of Appeals 03-05-26
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, March 26, 2026
What's happening in Franklin, MA: Thursday, March 26, 2026 ???
Thursday, March 26
6:00pm The Little Shop | Food & Wine Tasting (The Little Shop of Olive Oils)
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 ***
Franklin 250th Anniversary Committee (meeting & agenda added 3/23/26)
Thursday, March 26, 2026 Time: 7:00 PM
Conservation Commission Meeting
Thursday, March 26 Time: 7:00 PM
https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Item/577?fileID=8621
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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
Old Colony Habitat For Humanity Hosts Women Build Day For Women’s History Month
Old Colony Habitat for Humanity of Raynham, MA, hosted its third annual Women Build Day this Saturday, 21 March.
Over 30 volunteers gathered at our current build site at 762 Washington Street, Franklin, MA, to support the project as it enters its final stages.
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| Women Build Day For Women’s History Month |
Habitat for Humanity International has supported Women Build efforts and volunteers since 1991. Globally, women are significantly more likely to experience housing insecurity. The Women Build initiative provides women with the opportunity to be proactive in aiding their communities, promoting agency and empowerment. As a woman-led Habitat affiliate, Old Colony Habitat for Humanity is proud to be a part of this program and thankful to all the women who have offered their support to our mission.
Our current project in Franklin is converting the former South Franklin Congregational Meeting House into a beautiful home for Sally Marmol and her children. Sally is a strong woman and mother who has worked tirelessly to support her family and become a homeowner. Her effort and determination inspire us to work alongside her in our mission to build hope, homes, and communities. We look forward to the Marmol family’s move-in, expected this upcoming June.
“Yesterday’s Annual Women’s Build Day was truly inspiring,” said Brenda McDonough, Board President and event sponsor. “Seeing more than 35 women come together–bringing their strength, skills, and heart–to support Old Colony Habitat for Humanity and the Marmol family in Franklin was incredible. This day is a powerful reminded of what happens when women unite with a shared purpose and community.”
Kimberly Thomas, CEO of Old Colony Habitat for Humanity, says, “My heart is full after such an incredible day. Women’s Build is one of the most meaningful traditions we have at Old Colony Habitat. To see so many women show up–supporting one another, lifting up the Marmol family, and creating something lasting together–was simply amazing. This is what community is all about.”
To learn more about how Habitat for Humanity’s Women Build program has helped support and empower women across the country, visit: https://www.habitat.org/stories/power-women-build.
For more information about Old Colony Habitat for Humanity, visit: https://linktr.ee/oldcolonyhabitat.
Mission: Dedicated to providing decent and affordable housing in partnership with families in need, Old Colony Habitat for Humanity is all of us working together, partnering with families to improve their housing, locally and around the world. Building strength, stability, and self-reliance through shelter.
Franklin Agriculture Commission shares presentation on who they are & what they do
via the Franklin Agriculture Commission
"We have a new presentation showing how we’re supporting local farmers and strengthening our community.
Take a look and see the impact for yourself."
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| Franklin Agriculture Commission shares presentation on who they are & what they do |
Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/p/15gtN8jwWP1/
School Committee Budget Subcmte reviews updates on key slides, discusses approach for budget hearings (audio)
FM #1698= This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1698 in the series.
This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee Budget Subcmte Meeting held on Tuesday, March 24, 2026 at 6 PM. All 3 members participated in person in the 3rd Floor Training Room.
Subcommittee Chair Paul Griffith, Ruthann O’Sullivan and Nadia Mausolf.
Superintendent Lucas Giguere and Business Administrator Jana Melotti participated.
Quick recap:
The meeting provided a discussion on updates to some of the key information and preparation for the budget hearings with the Finance Committee & Town Council
Discussion also on the talking points to continue to tell the full story
The recording runs about 43 minutes, so let’s listen in.
Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1698-franklin-ma-school-cmte-budget-subcmte-03-24-26/
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School Committee Budget Subcmte agenda ->
https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03242026-2200
Copies of the update slide pages
https://drive.google.com/file/d/11QvzNNhI9VJuL3xIS96iWAhi6A_bvJJh/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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