- While level service there are 7 positions cut and 7 positions added so it washes out as no net change to head count.
- The budget comes in at a 2.5% increase over last year. The health care costs are being transferred to the Town line 910 so an apples to apples comparison can be made for all budgets.
Providing accurate and timely information about what matters in Franklin, MA since 2007. * Working in collaboration with Franklin TV and Radio (wfpr.fm) since October 2019 *
Wednesday, February 11, 2026
School Committee hear the details on "level service" budget that comes in at 2.5% increase (video)
Franklin Art Association features Rachel Diamond Calow at the March 3, 2026 meeting
Another First for Franklin: blood pressure kits can be checked out at the Library (video/audio)
FM #1656 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1656 in the series.
This episode shares my conversation with Town of Franklin’s public health nurse Alisha Sullivan. We talked virtually on Monday, February 9, 2026 about the blood pressure kits available at the Library.
Did you know high blood pressure is the #2 killer of MA residents?
Right behind the collection of illnesses called cancerDid you know you can check your own blood pressure at the Library?
A station is set up to take your blood pressure. You can even check out a device like you would a book or a video, or anything else in their Library of things.
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| Another First for Franklin: blood pressure kits can be checked out at the Library |
Yup, the Health, Dept, Library and American Heart Assoc have collaborated on this program. The first library in MA to have the test kit station and kits for check out
You can watch or listen to my conversation with Alisha. Approx. 17 minutes
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Health Dept page - https://www.franklinma.gov/444/Board-of-Health
Metacomet Public Health Alliance health resources - https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/7a79d8f9979f4709ad5b7311c91c8258
Video link - https://youtu.be/ChoyQZEc3Xk
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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"
FHS boys basketball tops Milford on Tuesday (video)
"The Panthers are one step closer to the state tournament.Franklin turned defensive pressure into offensive production, building enough of a lead in the second half to withstand a late comeback bid from Milford for a 64-57 win.With the win, Franklin moves within one win of automatically qualifying for the postseason with four games left.“Our defense creates our offense,” said first-year Franklin head coach Mike Masto. “We feel like we do a really good job on the defensive end of the floor. Credit to Milford, they run really good stuff but we lost a little bit of focus at times in the third and fourth quarters. But we locked back in and did what we had to do to come out with the win at home.”
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| FHS Panther sports results shared via Twitter & subscription to HockomockSports.com |
FHS Theater Co scheduled for METG performance on Feb 28 at Middleboro High School
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| FHS Theater Co scheduled for METG performance on Feb 28 at Middleboro High School |
Chess Tournament underway at the Senior Center
If you wish to participate, you MUST sign-up with the tournament director, Dennis Ferguson. Dennis will make all final decisions regarding the tournament. Standings will be emailed every week.
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| Chess Tournament underway at the Senior Center |
Tournament games can happen any time, any place. The winner is responsible for reporting game results to Dennis. Tournament players must agree this will be a tournament game BEFORE the game starts.
Participants should play two tournament games with each other (1 point for a win, a half point for a draw, no points for a loss). In each pair of games against the same opponent, Player #1 will take white once and take black once.
The entry for this tournament is $5, and the winner takes the pot. Dennis will collect the money and distribute the winnings to the winner. If the highest point total results in a tie, a playoff game will decide the winner of tournament.
Clocks are optional in each tournament game, but both players must agree to use the clock. Federation parameters should be observed (if you touch a piece, it must be moved; if you let go, it must stay there).
"Buddy the Brain" is available Feb 20, 2026
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| "Buddy the Brain" is available Feb 20, 2026 |
Franklin United Methodist Church construction begins on foundation for their addition
Aging Boldfully: LiveStrong (video)
"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."
Fair Housing listening session schedule
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| Fair Housing listening session schedule |
North Shore/Merrimack Valley — Thursday, Feb. 12
Register: www.mass.gov/FairHousing"
FPS Solutions Extended Day is looking to hire
Planning your finances for the year to come? Here are some tools that can help
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Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm Schedule for Wednesday, February 11, 2026
Yes, Franklin has it's own radio station -> wfpr.fm. Franklin Public Radio introduced a brand new schedule early in 2025 for the locally produced shows that fill our air waves.
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| Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm Schedule for Wednesday |
- This segment shares the Franklin Public Library Feb 2026 highlights -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/02/mitzi-shares-insights-on-happenings-at.html
- This segment features Kim & Mark in Episode 308 - Talking Whiskey With Colonel Craig Duncan (audio) -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/02/the-wonderful-world-of-wine-www-episode.html
Franklin TV schedule for Wednesday, February 11, 2026 (Your local Public, Education & Government "PEG" station)
- Franklin All Access TV - Our Public Access Channel (Comcast 6, Verizon 26) = WEDNESDAY
Franklin Pride TV - Our Educational Channel (Comcast 8, Verizon 28) = WEDNESDAY
Franklin Town Hall TV - Our Government Channel (Comcast 9, Verizon 29) = WEDNESDAY
Tuesday, February 10, 2026
What's happening in Franklin, MA: Tuesday, February 10, 2026 ???
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| Library & Senior Center events |
Bi-County Collaborative Meeting
Tuesday, February 10 Time: 2:30 PM
https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02102026-2132
Franklin School Committee
Tuesday, February 10 Time: 6:00 PM
https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02102026-2129
Friends of the Franklin Public Library Meeting
Tuesday, February 10 Time: 7:00 PM
No agenda for this session
The School district calendar is found https://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/o/fpsd/page/school-calendar














