Saturday, March 28, 2026

Fallen Hero Recognitions for March & April 2026

Fallen hero schedule for the remainder of March & April 2026

March

30 – W. Franklin Lynch - WWI

April

9 – Joseph R. Paulette – Vietnam
9 – Russell W. Shaw – Vietnam
17 – John J. Kell – WWII
30 – John E. Pasquantonio – Vietnam

Complete schedule for year
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1tlyiAK18owM81p8aJs1vhKc3p2bIK1cv/view?usp=d
rive_link



Memorial Day Update via Franklin VFW Post 3402

Memorial Day Parade Route
Memorial Day Parade Route

"We’re less than 9 weeks until Memorial Day!

The parade will be held on Monday and follow the new route that was debuted last year. 

It will begin at 11:00 AM at the Franklin Middle School and travel up Oak/Daniel McCahill St to Union St to 140 to Emmons to Main ending back at the Town Common.

I am sorry to share that there will be no Franklin Public School bands in the parade this year due to budget cuts. We do have the Benjamin Franklin Charter School band playing and we’re supposed to have the National Guard Band that performed last year back this year (we’re very lucky)! 

We hope many veterans will join us to walk (or ride) in the parade. Those veterans with kids are welcome to have their kids walk with them!

Immediately following the parade’s conclusion will be the Memorial Day Ceremony at the Town Common. There will be additional sound speakers this year to help the audience hear what is being said. 

Looking forward to seeing everyone on May 25th!"


"Buddy The Brain" reading at Tatnuck Bookseller and Café in Westborough


Good morning,


Buddy the Brain has been having fun at schools, conferences, libraries, and more!


This Saturday, I will be at the Tatnuck Bookseller and Café in Westborough, MA for an author event. If you're local, come on by! There will be:

  • book sales
  • book signing
  • book reading
  • coloring pages
  • illustration display
  • brain injury resources
  • author meet and greet


There is also a café, so you can grab a drink and a treat while you hang out with us.

Please spread the word, and hope to see you there!!


-Ali and Buddy

Alison Rheaume | Franklin | Franklin, MA 02038 US


Constant Contact

SAFE answers your question on anxiety & panic attacks

Each week, a SAFE Licensed Clinical Social Worker answers questions about mental health, substance use recovery, wellness, and more. 

SAFE answers your question on anxiety & panic attacks
SAFE answers your question
on anxiety & panic attacks
👇Check out this week’s Q&A!  

Q: What's the difference between anxiety and panic attacks?  

A: Symptoms of anxiety often build up over time and are more long-term (persistent worrying, restlessness, difficulty relaxing, trouble concentrating) while panic attacks occur suddenly and are much more intense.   

Anxiety often stems from a triggering situation while panic attacks are sudden, often described as "out of the blue." Panic symptoms often include racing heart, difficulty breathing, sweaty palms, stomachache, nausea, or fear of death, among others. They typically subside within 10–30 minutes while anxiety is more persistent. Assessing the length of time an episode lasts can be helpful in differentiating between anxiety and panic attacks. 


-----------------------------  
Submit questions and view past answers at: https://www.safecoalitionma.org/ask-safe


Franklin Recreation has shared their 2026 Summer Brochure

"Good Afternoon,

We are excited to announce that the Franklin Recreation Summer 2026 Brochure is now available! (CLICK HERE)
Our summer lineup is packed with programs for all ages, including youth sports leagues, fitness programs, preschool activities, instructional classes, summer camp, and family-friendly opportunities designed to keep everyone active and engaged throughout the summer months.


Registration Information
  • Walk-in and online registration for select summer programs begins Monday, April 6 at 8:30 AM.
  • Online registration is available at franklinma.myrec.com.
  • In-person registration can be completed at the Franklin Recreation Department, located at 235 Wachusett Street.
Programs are filled on a first-come, first-served basis, and many programs reach capacity quickly. We strongly encourage early registration to secure your spot.

We look forward to another great summer and hope you and your family will join us for a season full of fun, learning, and community connection.

If you have any questions, please contact the Recreation Department at (508) 613-1666 or email franklinrecreation@franklinma.gov.

Thank you for your continued support of Franklin Recreation.

Sincerely,

Franklin Recreation Department
235 Wachusett Street
Franklin, MA 02038"


Beaver St. Interceptor Project: Construction Updates ~ Monday (3/29) Through Thursday (4/2)

RT. 140 (West Central Street) Lane Closure Alert: Sunday Night (3/29) through Wednesday Morning (4/1), 7 PM to 5 AM and Thursday (4/2) 7 AM to 3 PM

Beaver St. Interceptor Project
Beaver St. Interceptor Project
The Contractor will continue installing the sewer force main within RT. 140 (West Central Street). The work will be contained within the southbound lane from Burger King to Beaver Street. During this time there will be evening lane closures on RT. 140. Please use caution when traveling in this area and follow all posted signs.

Beaver Street Pump Station

At the Franklin Recreation Center, construction of the new Beaver Street Interceptor Pump Station will continue with the installation and testing of internal building components and pumps.  Access to the recreation center will NOT be affected during this time.


Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule for Saturday, March 28, 2026

Yes, Franklin has it's own radio station -> wfpr.fmFranklin 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:

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule for Saturday
Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule for Saturday

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 for Saturday
Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule for Saturday

Friday, March 27, 2026

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Friday, March 27, 2026 ???

Friday, March 27


9:00am    Dean Women in Business (Dean College)

10:00am Knitting Group (Franklin Public Library)

1:00pm Thrifty Threads (Franklin Federated Church)

6:00pm Labyrinth Peace Walk (First Universalist Society Franklin)

6:00pm Paint Party (The Curry House)

7:00pm Karaoke Night (La Cantina Winery)




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



*** 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

Save the Date: Women’s Health Expo - May 20, 2026 for Franklin, MA

The Town of Franklin Health Department invites residents to attend the Women's Health Expo on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, from 2 to 5 PM, at New England Chapel, 300 E. Central Street.
Save the Date: Women’s Health Expo - May 20, 2026 for Franklin, MA
Save the Date: Women’s Health Expo -
May 20, 2026 for Franklin, MA

This indoor event is designed to educate, empower, and support women in taking charge of their health. Attendees will have access to health screenings, educational resources, giveaways, and local vendors offering information on preventive care, nutrition, fitness, and more.

A mobile mammography van from Dana-Farber Cancer Institute will also be on-site from 7 AM to 3:15 PM 

Please refer to the event flyers for additional details: Women's Health Expo & Mammogram Van Flyers

All are welcome to attend.



Massachusetts Says "No Kings" in Protests Across State March 28 (2 locations in Franklin)

Massachusetts Says "No Kings" in Protests Across State March 28

People in 130 Massachusetts cities and towns will rally against Trump administration abuses

On Saturday, March 28, Massachusetts residents will mobilize in Boston and more than 120 other cities and towns across the Commonwealth, joining millions around the nation and abroad in rallies against the Trump administration's authoritarian takeover of the United States. The events will be part of the nation's third and largest "No Kings Day," demonstrating an unequivocal belief by "we the people" that in a democracy, there is no king. 

The No Kings Boston rally is set for 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM on Saturday, March 28. It is organized by a coalition of Indivisible Mass Coalition, ACLU of Massachusetts, and Mass 50501.

In Franklin:
  • 10:00 AM - Franklin Town Common
  • 11:30 AM - i495/RT 140 Bridge Overpass

Massachusetts Says "No Kings" in Protests Across State March 28 (2 locations in Franklin)
Massachusetts Says "No Kings" in Protests Across State March 28 (2 locations in Franklin)


Dozens of other local Indivisible groups and allies – from Pittsfield, Northampton, Lancaster, and Worcester to Framingham, Methuen, Lexington, and towns in southeastern Mass and the Cape – have also scheduled No Kings events during the morning and early afternoon of March 28. 

The nonviolent protests will range from major gatherings in town and city centers to standouts on highway overpasses.

Information on the growing list of No Kings events throughout the Commonwealth can be found on the map HERE and in list form HERE.

***

Why the NoKings Protests? History has shown that mass mobilization is vital to block authoritarianism from taking hold. The Trump administration is trying to shred the Constitution; the No Kings movement is an unequivocal statement that we, the people, will not let that happen. This will be the third global No Kings Day, and it's not just about protesting what's wrong—it's about building something better. We intend to show our power, build our power, and power a democracy that advances freedom, equality, justice, and dignity for all.

 All No Kings events adhere to a shared commitment to nonviolent protest and community safety. Organizers are trained in de-escalation and are working closely with local partners to ensure peaceful and powerful actions nationwide.      

Indivisible Mass Coalition (IMC) consists of more than 120 Indivisible groups and their allies across Massachusetts, working to improve democracy and support policies and legislation that improve equity and justice for everyone and that eliminate institutional racism. IMC helps to build, support, and amplify the network of Indivisible groups throughout Massachusetts and is committed to ensuring that people are informed, organized, motivated and have the necessary tools to engage in our democracy. IMC coordinates with Indivisible National to work on our shared goals for democracy in our country.

Jillian & Amanda share the event highlights for April 2026 at the Franklin Senior Center (audio)

FM #1699 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1699 in the series. 


This session shares my conversation with Activities Coordinator Jillian Rochat and Amanda Rabbitt, Supportive Day Program & Special Projects Coordinator. We had our discussion in the Franklin Radio Studio on Wednesday, March 18, 2026.

 

We talk about 

  • All the key event highlights for April 2026

  • Senior Center closed on Friday, April 3 for professional development - tax return schedules will be maintained

  • Senior Center closed Monday, April 20 for Patriot’s Day

  • Teaser for “Eat Around the World” on Friday, May 1


The show notes include links to the Senior Center page, the calendar of events, and to subscribe to the monthly newsletter. 


The recording runs about 35 minutes, so let’s listen in.

Audio link - 
https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1699-franklin-senior-ctr-april-2026-highlights-03-18-26/


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


Franklin Senior Center page ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/583/Franklin-Senior-Center-Council-on-Aging 


April 2026 newsletter -> https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/8756/April-2026?bidId= 


The newsletter archive page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/585/Connection-Newsletter 


Senior Center calendar view (just FSC events) -> https://franklinma.gov/calendar.aspx?CID=37&showPastEvents=false 


Subscribe to the newsletter -> by calling 508-520-4945

 

My Active Center -> https://myactivecenter.com/ 


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


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 it!

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


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 lacrosse fall to BC High in opening match on Thursday

Via Instagram, Franklin TV, and our subscription to HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the Spring sports competition for Franklin High School on Thursday, March 26, 2026


Boys Lacrosse = Franklin, 4 vs. BC High, 10 – Final 
– Franklin played equal with visiting BC High in the second half but were unable to dig out of a first half deficit. Ryder Hanchett, Drake Dolby, Quinn Kielty, and Alex Weber each scored once for the Panthers, Thomas Quinn and Jake Frigon each tallied an assist, and Dean Lawless recoded 18 saves in net.


For other results across the Hockomock League (subscription required)  
FHS Panther sports results shared via Twitter & subscription to HockomockSports.com
FHS Panther sports results shared via Twitter & subscription to HockomockSports.com

FHS representatives on the Hockomock League All Stars for Gymnastics & Wrestling

Catching up to share the FHS representatives on the Hockomock League All Stars for Gymnastics & Wrestling 

2026 Hockomock League Gymnastics All Stars

Below are the official 2026 Hockomock League Gymnastics All Stars, selected by the coaches in the league.

Hockomock League MVP
Raegan Bonneau, Attleboro

Hockomock League All Stars
  • Alivia Hess, Franklin

Honorable Mentions
  • Abby Robillard, Franklin



2026 Hockomock League Wrestling All Stars

Below are the official 2026 Hockomock League Wrestling All Stars, selected by the coaches in the league.

Kelley-Rex Division MVP
Cyrus Jones, Sharon

Davenport Division MVP
Joshua Hindin, Foxboro

Hockomock League All Stars
  • John Woodall, Franklin
  • Jack Sauer, Franklin

gymnastics

wrestling

FHS representatives on the Hockomock League Indoor Track All Stars

Catching up to share the FHS representatives on the Hockomock League Indoor Track All Stars 


2026 Hockomock League Girls Indoor Track All Stars

Below are the official 2026 Hockomock League Girls Indoor Track All Stars, selected by the coaches in the league.

Kelley-Rex Division MVP
Nina Kyei-Aboagye, Sharon

Davenport Division MVP
Chloe Dubuisson, Canton

Hockomock League All Stars
  • Stella Nappa, Franklin
  • Madison Bruno, Franklin
  • Gwenyth Holland, Franklin
  • Phoebe Cuneo, Franklin
  • Callie Joyce, Franklin
  • Savannah Copeland, Franklin
  • Keelan Donnelly, Franklin
  • Victoria Courtright-Lim, Franklin

Honorable Mentions
  • Annabelle Santiago, Franklin



2026 Hockomock League Boys Indoor Track All Stars

Below are the official 2026 Hockomock League Boys Indoor Track All Stars, selected by the coaches in the league.

Kelley-Rex Division MVP
  • Peter Gubka, Franklin

Davenport Division MVP
Landon Sarney, Oliver Ames

Hockomock League All Stars
  • Peter Gubka, Franklin
  • Kyle Twomey, Franklin
  • Stephon Reed, Franklin

Honorable Mentions
  • Matthew Lord, Franklin

Girls

Boys