Wednesday, February 11, 2026

School Committee hear the details on "level service" budget that comes in at 2.5% increase (video)

The Franklin (MA) School Committee met as scheduled on Tuesday, Feb 10, 2026. All 7 members were present for this session in Council Chambers.

Franklin TV video is available for replay - https://www.youtube.com/live/gzeG61qJFfU?&t=361


The 4 page budget summary used for the discussion can be found - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1SpeLx7Zov0jH5Q-0P8FNjaLN3g3q1hlL/view?usp=drive_link

(This was made into a PDF from the hard copy available in Council Chambers. The formal posting is supposed to happen Wednesday along with the "budget book")

Quick recap
  • 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.
The slides shared were captured in one photo album

My notes are captured in one PDF doc



Franklin Art Association features Rachel Diamond Calow at the March 3, 2026 meeting

The Franklin Art Association warmly welcomes the public to it’s next public meeting at 6:30 PM on March 3 2026 at the Franklin Senior Center at 6:30 PM. 

Our artist demonstrator will be visual artist and urban sketcher, Rachel Diamond Calow. She is known for her expressive travel notebooks and illustrated journals. Because her recent world cruise moved quickly from port to port, many of her sketchbook pages were created from her own travel photographs; blending on-location experience with her reflective drawings. This hybrid approach forms the foundation of her newly published book, “Port to Port: A sketchbook Journey Around the World”.

Come to hear her discussion about her urban sketching process, using the audience as a springboard for discussing subject selection, composition and color and gesture choices on Wednesday, March 3 from 6:30 to 8:30 PM, Franklin Senior Center. 

She will bring her small artworks and printed postcard samples. Calow will also share samples from her travel sketchbooks, paired with her photography, and pages from her current reflective sketchbook project, “My Life in Days”, which combines everyday moments into expressive, non-sequential illustrated spreads. 

sample from her travel sketchbook
sample from her travel sketchbook


The Franklin Art Association takes pride in offering a student scholarship yearly to a local art student wishing to continue their art career in art instruction after high school graduation. Donations are welcome. FAA is having an on-going raffle for the scholarship of local artist’s, Peg Munson’s seashore pastel artwork. 

Please join us at our monthly meetings for art instruction, the camaraderie of art conversation and refreshments at intermission. 

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 cancer

Did 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.


Another First for Franklin: blood pressure kits can be checked out at the Library
Another First for Franklin: blood pressure
kits can be checked out at the Library
Did you realize this also happens to be another “First of Many” for the Town of Franklin? 

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




Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1656-another-first-blood-pressure-kits-at-the-library-02-09-26/

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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)

Via Instagram, Franklin TV, and our subscription to HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the Winter sports competition for Franklin High School on Tuesday, February 10, 2026


Milford, 57 @ Franklin, 64 – Final – 
The game recap By Ryan Lanigan || Hockomock Sports .com Editor
"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.”

Franklin TV video available for replay - https://www.youtube.com/live/t8wR1dmpqNU?&t=1096

Continue with the recap - (subscription required) - 




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 Theater Co scheduled for METG performance on Feb 28 at Middleboro High School

FHS Theater Co scheduled for METG performance on Feb 28 at Middleboro High School
FHS Theater Co scheduled for METG performance
on Feb 28 at Middleboro High School
"Where is your favorite school headed for Prelims?!

Visit www.METG.org to see the full schedule and to get your tickets today!

We can’t wait to see you on February 28th!"





Chess Tournament underway at the Senior Center

Chess players of all skills are invited to a chess tournament! The tournament starts on Tuesday, February 3 at 1 PM at the Franklin Senior Center, 10 Daniel McCahill St, Franklin MA.

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.
Chess Tournament underway at the Senior Center
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).

Additional details in the flyer you can down or share

"Buddy the Brain" is available Feb 20, 2026

"Buddy the Brain" is available Feb 20, 2026
"Buddy the Brain" is available Feb 20, 2026

"It's important that if a book is going to be written about brain injury, it can be read by those who have sustained brain injury.
Personally, this has been a struggle area for me, even with children's books, so I have taken both my personal experience and my accessibility knowledge to create "Buddy the Brain".
I hope it helps at least one other person who has sustained brain injury to be able to successfully read a children's book!
We're just a few days away; this book comes out on February 20!
The best way to stay up-to-date and get access first, is to sign up for emails by commenting "Buddy" below."


Franklin United Methodist Church construction begins on foundation for their addition

"The excavator has arrived! 
Franklin United Methodist Church construction begins on foundation for their addition
Franklin United Methodist Church construction
 begins on foundation for their addition

The foundation for the addition—which will include new ground level entry, lift, church office, and lower-level reception area—should be dug this week.

This is part of Phase III of the Defining Our Generation capital campaign. To learn more about what we are facing and trying to accomplish, go to https://franklinumc.org/defining-our-generation/."





Aging Boldfully: LiveStrong (video)

Aging Boldfully is a new show on Franklin TV's All Access channel hosted by Susan Rohrbach. The LiveStrong Program at the YMCA is the topic for this new episode.

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."



Fair Housing listening session schedule

Fair Housing listening session schedule
Fair Housing listening session schedule
"If you’ve encountered barriers to fair housing — or you’re working to remove them — we want to learn from you. These sessions help us move from stories to solutions and inform practical recommendations statewide.


North Shore/Merrimack Valley — Thursday, Feb. 12






FPS Solutions Extended Day is looking to hire

FPS Solutions Extended Day is looking to hire
FPS Solutions Extended Day is looking to hire
Join the FPS Solutions Extended Day team!


Send your resume to Jennifer Maitland, maitlandj@franklinps.net.





Planning your finances for the year to come? Here are some tools that can help


Consumer Alerts from the Federal Trade Commission

By BCP Staff

For many, the beginning of the year is often a time for taking stock and planning for the year to come. If you're looking for ways to strengthen your financing footing in the new year, the FTC's consumer.gov has tools that can help.

Read more -> https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2026/02/planning-your-finances-year-come-here-are-some-tools-can-help?            utm_source=govdelivery


 
Planning your finances for the year to come? Here are some tools that can help
Planning your finances for the year to come? Here are some tools that can help

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. 

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 Wednesday
Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm Schedule for Wednesday


8:00 AM, 1:00 PM and 6:00 PM   Franklin Matters Radio – Steve Sherlock 
Franklin and its local government, services and events  (repeats Saturday at 2 PM)  

9:00 AM, 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM  The Wonderful World of Wine – Mark Lenzi, Kim Simone  All about wine, its culture, lore and finer points.    (repeats Saturday at 1 PM)  

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 Wednesday, February 11, 2026 (Your local Public, Education & Government "PEG" station)

  • Franklin All Access TV - Our Public Access Channel (Comcast 6, Verizon 26) = WEDNESDAY
7:30 am     ArtWeek: Ed Iannuccilli
8:30 am The Black Box: T3
10:00 am Franklin Art Association: Charlie Guay
11:30 am Comfort Food: Comfort Food
12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin: Stromboli
12:30 pm Cooking with Linda: Chicken Divan
1:30 pm     Pizzapalooza: Game Day Pizza
2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Summer 2019 Show 5
3:00 pm Candlepin New Generation: Show 11
3:30 pm More Perfect Union: Susan Rodriguez McDowell
5:30 pm Martin Luther King: Music and Spoken Word
6:00 pm ArtWeek: Airmen of Note
8:30 pm Circle of Friends: Kim Moberg & Jenna Nicholls

  • Franklin Pride TV - Our Educational Channel        (Comcast 8, Verizon 28) = WEDNESDAY

7:00 am Cultural Council: BT ALC Big Band
8:30 am Lifelong Winter Music 2026
10:00 am SAFE Coalition: Woody Geissman
11:00 am FHS Winter Music: Chorus and Orchestra
1:30 pm     FHS Girls Varsity Hockey v Norwood 01-24-26
4:00 pm Hockomock League Swimming Championships 2026 Day 1
8:00 pm FHS Varsity Wrestling: v Taunton 01-05-23
10:00 pm FHS Boys Varsity Basketball v Attleboro 02-06-26

  • Franklin Town Hall TV - Our Government Channel (Comcast 9, Verizon 29) = WEDNESDAY

8:00 am Town Council 02-04-26
1:00 pm Town Council 02-04-26
6:00 pm Town Council  CHAMBERS  849 1778 3849


Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf 

Tuesday, February 10, 2026

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Tuesday, February 10, 2026 ???

Tuesday, February 10


12:00pm Community Closet (Franklin United Methodist Church)

Library & Senior Center events
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   ***


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


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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