Wednesday, February 25, 2026

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Wednesday, February 25, 2026 ???

Wednesday, February 25


Schools: Franklin Public Schools & BFCCPS scheduled to open with 2 hour delay; Tri-County opens with normal schedule

Library, Municipal (with limited staff), DPW & Recreation Buildings open 

Senior Center scheduled to open at 10 AM

Curbside trash/recycling (finally) starts picking up today. 
  • Those scheduled for Monday are planned for Wednesday pickup, 
  • Tuesday on Thursday, 
  • Wednesday on Friday, 
  • Thursday on Saturday, 
  • and Friday on next Monday...

1:00pm BFCCPS Enrollment Lottery (Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter)

1:00pm Scribblers Writing Group (recording session) (Virtual only)

7:00pm Smarty Pants Trivia (Raillery Public House)

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   ***

Council on Aging Board Meeting

Wednesday, February 25 Time: 11:00 AM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02252026-2153 


Finance Committee Meeting

Wednesday, February 25 Time: 6:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02252026-2152 


250th Anniversary Celebration Subcommittee on Events and Logistics Meeting

Wednesday, February 25 Time: 7:30 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02252026-2141 



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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

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Children's Book: "Buddy the Brain", written and illustrated by Alison Rheaume

What prompted Alison to write the book? 
"As a brain injury survivor who is an adult, it has taken a lot of mindful language and education to help explain to my niece and nephews why I live a bit differently. From the perspective of a child, adults "should" be able to walk on grass, run, attend a birthday party, and handle loud environments, right? 
Well, as those are some of the things I have struggled with, along with feeling tired, using mobility devices, and more, I recognized the value in kid-friendly education about brain injury. 
This book is meant to be an engaging and cute way to start the conversation in understand the brain, what it does, how to keep it safe, and what someone who has sustained a brain injury may be going through, whether it's a parent, relative friend, or even themselves.  
Additionally, I have struggled to read children's books to my niece and nephews, which has felt embarrassing to me. The crazy fonts, visually busy illustrations, and text on top of graphics has made it extremely difficult to read. I realized that if books were more accessible to read, then many more people like myself could be included and feel confident in reading."

n's Book: "Buddy the Brain", written and illustrated by Alison Rheaume
Children's Book: "Buddy the Brain", written
and illustrated by Alison Rheaume
The book is available in many formats for accessibility; in addition to hardcover and paperback, there will also be an eBook with alt text embedded, Braille print, ASL video, and an audiobook with two versions - one reading the text and one reading the text and added character descriptions. (The audiobook recording and editing was performed at Franklin TV/Franklin Public Radio!)

The book is mindfully designed to be accessible to read due to: large print, simple font (that Alison created from her own handwriting), well-contrasted text on a solid background (never on top of images), and images that are fun and simple, not visually overstimulating.

You can order your copy (or copies) of the book - 
https://alirheaume.com/buddythebrain

Upcoming Author Events
March 13, 2026: MAHPERD Adapted PE Conference - book
sales and signing

March 20, 2026, 3:30 - 4:40 PM: Franklin Public Library author
reading and signing (no sales, BYOB) and illustration display

March 28, 2026, 10:30 - 11:30 AM: Tatnuck Book Store in
Westborough, MA - book sales, author reading, signing, and
illustration display

School book readings, discussions, and activities: various
schools and dates - email me to book one at your school!
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School Committee approves FY 2027 budget & 2026-207 school calendar in virtual only session Tuesday (audio)

FM #1669 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1669 in the series. 


This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, February 24, 2026 at 6:00 PM. All 7 members of the committee were present in the virtual session conducted via Zoom. Superintendent Lucas Giguere, Asst Supt Tina Rogers, Asst Supt Paula Marano, School Business Administrator Jana Melotti also participated.



Quick recap:

  • Superintendent’s report, Lucas Giguere provides an update on the snow day processing, thanks to DPW for snow removal efforts, thanks also to the community for staying off the roads to enable clean up efforts.

    • Schools opening Weds with 2 hour delay, emergency bus ops ready to pick up students as usual. Appreciate flexibility with schedule during this winter period.

    • Callaghan compliments Lucas for coordinating with DPW, Lucas was able to do a ride along with Brutus during Monday, an amazing experience

    • Clarification on the 1 hour delay for teachers, vs. what had been happening prior. Intentional to help stagger the staff arrival vs. students

  • School Budget for FY 2027

  • B. Discussion Action B – 2026-27 School Calendar Vote I recommend adoption of the 2026-27 School Calendar as discussed.

    • https://files-backend.assets.thrillshare.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/Fpsd/00dac9d1-b44e-4e39-bd5c-4dbdf132deda/Discussion-Action-B---26-27-School-Calendar.pdf?disposition=inline 

    • Dr Rogers provides updates on the survey (parents & staff) in development of the school calendar for the next year

    • Q on what could be done to avoid further extension to last day? June 25 is currently last day, only option would be looking at the April vacation. A delay opening or an early dismissal both count as school days. Hoping for the best.

    • Last day is a half day and the other extended days are full days. Last year 4 half days were added to assist in prep for the move, redistricting last year.

    • Able to reduce half days due to cycle of curriculum development and community desires, may need go with more in a future calendar; tradeoffs on both sides for staff and students with the half days on Fridays

    • Q why choice of Friday as half days? A - two days on the calendar already as "have to" due to coordination with other districts, so to be consistent, the rest fell in.

    • Q what does the attendance record look like for half days leading to the weekend? A - don't have the data at hand but it can be factored in

    • Q better understanding of elementary va middle/high school parents A - 75% were primary level responses

    • FHS graduation June 4, 2027 was left off the draft shared before meeting, it has been added and wouldn't change

    • Chair Griffith adds to some of the statistical analysis of the survey in confirming the decisions made

    • Friday with half days vs. 5 Mondays we have no control over. A balancing act for both side

    • Want to be careful in the data dive and not wanting to make a choice between sets of parents when the calendar is meant for the whole district/community. Can help to reinforce use of the responses to hopefully get a broader representation of the families

    • With no further discussion, vote on the motion via roll call , passes 7-0

  • Round of updates from the subcommittee that have met or are scheduled to meet.

  • Citizen comment - just one tonight from Councilor Max Morrongiello commending them on the budget development and coming in with only the 2.5% increase


First use of Threads to capture my notes and I am disappointed with it (apparently doesn’t keep them in sequence, and doesn’t keep all of them - for use in reporting those items are unacceptable.)


The recording runs about 1 hours and 20 minutes

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1669-franklin-ma-school-cmte-mtg-02-24-26/


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Franklin TV video - https://youtu.be/FsWd1552cuI?si=-qL8Jn8EdgTYGMSJ&t=355


All the docs associated with the budget for FY 2027 

https://www.franklinps.net/documents/about-us/school-district-budget(2)/fy2027-budget/860340 


Meeting agenda and released documents

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/02/franklin-ma-agenda-for-school-committee.html 


Thread copy (such as it is) https://www.threads.com/@franklinmatters.ma/post/DVKIebXCTFa?xmt=AQF0enqjCQ787Jhw-3viCokfG2ha2bg2P_v68RDjQX5ZO8eS5KmTmExOsExiXTFmTe28bMI&slof=1 


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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"
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Republican Town Caucus Thursday Feb 26, 2026

Republican Town Caucus Thursday Feb 26, 2026
Republican Town Caucus Thursday Feb 26, 2026
ATTENTION: 

Franklin Registered Republican’s,

The Franklin Republican Town Committee will be meeting to elect 40 Delegates for the MassGOP Convention on April 25th where a Republican Candidate for Governor will be endorsed.

Contact FRTC Chair Chuck Bailey with any questions: cfbailey67@gmail.com




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Franklin Police Dept: Token of Appreciation for officers in action

Today (02/24/26), an elderly couple battling serious illnesses contacted the Police Department after becoming trapped inside their home by approximately 18 inches of snow blocking both their doors. Unable to get out and in need of assistance, they called us for help.

Officer Luther and Officer McVicar responded and made contact with the homeowners. After ensuring both residents were safe, the officers helped coordinate a plow company to clear access to the home and provided information about our local food pantry should additional support be needed.

Before clearing the call, Officers Luther and McVicar learned the couple were running low on milk. Without hesitation, the officers went to the store and purchased a gallon to make sure they had what they needed until they could safely leave their home.

Policing is not just about responding to emergencies — it’s about serving our community with compassion, especially during challenging times.

Great job, Officer Luther and Officer McVicar. Your actions truly reflect the heart of this department.


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Boston Globe: "Massachusetts is national outlier in how it funds special ed transportation, report says"

OIG report on funding special ed transportation
OIG report on funding special ed transportation
"Massachusetts makes it difficult for local schools to pay for transportation for special education students because the state relies on an overly complicated reimbursement system that ties up funding, according to a study released this week by the state inspector general.

The report described Massachusetts as a national outlier that is one of only six states that uses this funding formula, which places a significant financial burden on local school districts.

The state requires local schools to pay upfront for special education transportation costs and then seek to be partially reimbursed by the state the following year.

At a time when school budgets are tight and inflation is soaring, a year’s delay in repayment leaves school districts without funds “for other critical uses,” the report said."

Continue reading the article with this "share link"

You can go directly to download the report (PDF)

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How to avoid a side hustle scam


Consumer Alerts from the Federal Trade Commission

By BCP Staff

As the holiday season becomes an ever more distant memory, the holiday bills might not be. If you're looking to pick up a side gig to make extra cash, pay down debt, or catch up on some bills, know that scammers are looking to make money, too. One of their hustles is advertising fake jobs. So how do you tell a legit gig from a scam?

Read more -> https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2026/02/how-avoid-side-hustle-scam?utm_source=govdelivery
    
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Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm Schedule for Wednesday, February 25, 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
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Franklin TV schedule for Wednesday, February 25, 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: Art + Music
8:30 am FUMC: Cathy Cargill Koch
10:00 am Franklin Art Association: Christine West
11:30 am Cooking Thyme: Red Pepper Soup
12:00 pm Brooke'n'Cookin: Mac'n'Cheese
12:30 pm Cook with Linda: Chicken with Dijon
1:30 pm      Pizzapalooza: Emergency Pizza
2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Summer 2018 Show 7
3:00 pm Candlepin New Generation: Show 11
3:30 pm Franklin Ridge Senior Housing
5:30 pm Martin Luther King: Music and Spoken Word
6:00 pm Franklin History: Tommaso Juglaris
8:30 pm Circle of Friends; Abbie Gardner

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

7:00 am Lifelong Winter Music 2026
8:30 am Lifelong Winter Music 2026
10:00 am Pickleball Tournament: Pickleball Tournament
11:00 am Middle School Winter Music: 2025: Band
1:30 pm      FHS Girls Varsity Hockey v Mansfield 02-14-26
4:00 pm Hockomock League Swimming Championships 2026 Day 2
8:00 pm FHS Varsity Wrestling: v King Philip 01-17-24
10:00 pm FHS Boys Varsity Basketball v New Bedford 02-16-26

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

8:00 am Town Council 02-11-26
1:00 pm Town Council 02-11-26
6:00 pm  Finance Committee  CHAMBERS  820 7981 8365

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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