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)  

https://hockomocksports.com/thursdays-schedule-scoreboard-03-26-26/

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

https://hockomocksports.com/2026-hockomock-league-gymnastics-all-stars/

wrestling

https://hockomocksports.com/2026-hockomock-league-wrestling-all-stars/

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

https://hockomocksports.com/2026-hockomock-league-girls-indoor-track-all-stars/

Boys

https://hockomocksports.com/2026-hockomock-league-boys-indoor-track-all-stars/

The FARM Bill is about resilience. By investing in farming families, we support a more secure and sustainable future for the Commonwealth.

͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­͏     ­

	Forwarded this email? Subscribe here for more The FARM Bill: Protecting Our Land, Water, and Local Food System The FARM Bill is about resilience. By investing in farming families, we support a more secure and sustainable future for the Commonwealth. Dylan Fernandes Mar 26 ∙ Guest post   READ IN APP   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 Happening Even 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.  Share Why It Matters Massachusetts 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.  Subscribed What Happens Next This bill will be debated in the Massachusetts State Senate the week of March 30, 2026. If approved in the Senate, it will move to the House of Representatives for their consideration. If approved in the House, the bills head to the Governor Healey's desk for her signature. For Your Consideration If the issue of supporting farming families is important to you, please: Learn more in the Senate Press Room. Keep an eye on the House of Representatives for further action on these bills. Contact your State Senator to voice your support. Follow the bill on the Massachusetts Legislature website. Share this update with others! Get more from The Massachusetts State Senate in the Substack app Available for iOS and Android A guest post by Dylan Fernandes Senator for Plymouth & the Cape Subscribe to Dylan Subscribe to receive The Gavel Drop in your inbox for FREE news and insights directly from the Massachusetts State Senate   Like Comment Restack   © 2026 Massachusetts State Senate Massachusetts State House, 24 Beacon Street Boston, MA 02133

Franklin Fire Dept: Press Release on the Structure Fire — 9 Willow St - March 26, 2026

Via Franklin Fire Dept:

Structure Fire — 9 Willow St.

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

Labyrinth Peace Walk scheduled
for Friday,  March 27

The First Universalist Society in Franklin (FUSF) will host a Labyrinth Peace Walk on Friday, March 27th, from 6-8 PM. This free event, open to all ages, offers an opportunity to experience a peace walk on FUSF’s indoor labyrinth, which will be set up in the sanctuary. During these difficult times it’s good to be together to cultivate peace.

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.

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

Check out these STEAM classes for
summer from Lifelong Learning

Students can learn engineering and financial literacy in these educational but entertaining summer classes.

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

How scammers are using the Iran conflict to try to steal your money and information By BCP Staff With global attention focused on the conflict in Iran, it's no surprise scammers have already added that situation to their story lines. Some recent reports to the FTC about imposter, romance, and fake charity scams include an Iran twist.  The details change, but the scammer's goal is always to trick you into paying or sharing your personal information.  Here are some examples of these scams — and how to protect yourself. Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2026/03/how-scammers-are-using-iran-conflict-try-steal-your-money-and-information?utm_source=govdelivery