Tuesday, March 3, 2026

Community Closet Open Tuesdays Noon to 2 PM

Community Closet Open Tuesdays Noon to 2 PM
Community Closet Open Tuesdays Noon to 2 PM
Need clothes? Come visit the Community Closet

We’re open this Tuesday from 12–2 PM at 82 West Central Street, Franklin MA — and everything is FREE. 

We offer new and gently used clothing for all ages and sizes, no questions asked. Whether you’re looking for a warm coat, school clothes, or just something new-to-you, we’re here for you.

Learn more or sign up to volunteer: https://franklinUMC.org/community/closet

Powered by community generosity. Staffed by volunteers. Open to all.



Chicken Tending Workshop scheduled by Night Owl Farm - March 7

Our annual chicken workshop is back!


Night Owl Farm       Franklin, MA

Learn everything you need to know about chickens.

Let me answer all your questions!! 

Shared from - 

Senior Story Hour - WFPR: Episode 098 - Monsters Under My Bed, Old Love, Oh Snap, First Car, Positivity, Baseball, The Thousand Hour Lesson, and much more

In this episode, The Franklin Senior Center Writers Group shares stories, poems, and writings about the monsters under a child's bed, an old love poem made up of love songs, the weather, a story about a first car, positivity, reading a poem from Helen DeWitt, Scott shares a chapter from his upcoming baseball book, and Bob shares the latest chapter in The Thousand Hour Lesson.


Senior Story Hour - WFPR
Senior Story Hour - WFPR
Senior Story Hour - WFPR = The Franklin Senior Center Writer's Group
Steve Sherlock hosts The Franklin Senior Center Writer's Group for a monthly reading of short stories, essays, poetry and more. 
Find more episodes here (or on your favorite podcast app) ->  https://senior-scribblers.captivate.fm/episodes

Welcome to National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) 2026


Consumer Alerts from the Federal Trade Commission

By BCP Staff

It's National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) 2026. Welcome! Today kicks off the 28th year of the FTC joining with partner organizations to amplify the importance of consumer protection. 

This week, the FTC is focused on delivering messages and hosting events on how to avoid scams, how to report scams, and what to do to help recover from scams. Visit ftc.gov/ncpw to find those in-person and virtual events, as well as free tools to promote NCPW.

Here are some other ways to participate in NCPW 2026.

 

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm Schedule for Tuesday, March 3, 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:

wfpr.fm Schedule for Tuesday, Franklin Public Radio
wfpr.fm Schedule for Tuesday, Franklin Public Radio


Tuesday


SAFE Radio – Jim Derick and Dr. Anne Bergen Addressing issues of Drug Abuse Disorder 


Jazz Journey – with Pamela Hines - An insightful tour of Jazz Greats in a golden era


Franklin Public Radio wfpr.fm Schedule for Tuesday
Franklin Public Radio wfpr.fm Schedule for Tuesday

Franklin TV schedule for Tuesday, March 3, 2026 (Your local Public, Education & Government "PEG" station)

  • Franklin All Access TV - Our Public Access Channel (Comcast 6, Verizon 26) = TUESDAY
7:00 am Battleship Cove: Preserving the Fleet
7:30 am      Once Upon A Town: The James Stewart Block
9:00 am ArtWeek: Art + Music
10:00 am Frank Presents: Christel Akouri
12:00 pm Brooke'n'Cookin: Mac'n'Cheese
12:30 pm Cook with Linda: Pork Tenderloin
1:30 pm      Pizzapalooza: Emergency Pizza
2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Summer 2019 Show 7
3:00 pm Candlepin New Generation: Show 11
3:30 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Pete Smith
5:30 pm Celebrate with Pride 2025: Sioo
9:00 pm Franklin History: Tommaso Juglaris

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

7:00 am Lifelong Winter Music 2026
8:30 am FHS Concert Hour 02-25-26
10:00 am ArtWeek: Art + Music
11:00 am FHS Winter Jazz 01-27-26
1:30 pm     FHS Girls Varsity Hockey v Norwood 01-24-26
3:00 pm Critical Conversations: Student Wellbeing
8:30 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Pete Smith
9:30 pm FHS Theater Company: Cinderella

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

8:00 am School Committee 02-24-26
12:00 pm Finance Committee 02-25-26
2:00 pm School Committee 02-24-26

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


Watch Listen Read all things that matter in Franklin MA
Watch Listen Read all things that matter in Franklin MA

Monday, March 2, 2026

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Monday, March 2, 2026 ???

Monday, March 2 = Town of Franklin (birthday)



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   ***

Library Board of Directors Regular Meeting

Monday, March 2 Time: 7:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03022026-2157 


Recreation Department Meeting

Monday, March 2 Time: 7:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03022026-2158 



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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

"Healing Power of Flowers" is the Focus of the Franklin Garden Club Meeting - March 3, 2026

"Healing Power of Flowers"
"Healing Power of Flowers" 
Suzanne Faith, RN, an award-winning press floral artist and certified dementia professional, will present a program on Flowers, Health and Healing, at the March 3, 2026, Franklin Garden Club meeting. The meeting will take place at the Franklin Senior Center, 10 Daniel McCahill Street, from 6:00– 8:30 p.m.  An informal social get-together will take place from 6:00 – 6:30 p.m. followed by a business meeting and the program. The meeting is open to the public at no charge. The club encourages those interested in becoming a member to attend. 

In this wonderful and innovative presentation, participants will learn how creating with flowers and color can increase memory and improve well-being.  The author of “Flowering Your Mind,” Faith draws on decades of experience in dementia care and a lifelong passion for art, to offer a unique and powerful approach to enhancing cognitive well-being through creativity and nature. Her engaging presentation explores how working with flowers and color can boost memory, uplift mood, and promote brain health.
 
Faith has held memberships to The Pressed Flower Guild of Great Britain, The International Pressed Flower Art Society, and the Worldwide Pressed Flower Guild for two decades. Through her innovative programs and global workshops, she inspires caregivers, professionals, and creative minds alike with tools that transcend language and touch the heart.




Save the date for the Lady Trail Spring Walk - April 25

Save the date for the Lady Trail Spring Walk - April 25
Save the date for the Lady Trail Spring Walk - April 25
Maybe if we think spring hard enough, the snow will melt!!

Save the date for our Ladybug Spring Trail Walk kickoff date! April 25th we kick off spring, welcome the warm weather, and encourage folks to EXPLORE downtown by walking our ladybug trail!

Following the map, you can spot all landmark ladybugs within the cultural district.

Make it a game or an excuse to get some fresh air and explore what our downtown has to offer.




Shared from (find the answer to the question by following the link) - https://www.instagram.com/p/DVUKwS4gTzI/

SAFE Coalition: Back to Life - Youth Theater Project Starting this April

Back to Life: Youth Theater Project Starting this April

SAFE Coalition: Back to Life - Youth Theater Project Starting this April
Back to Life - Youth Theater Project Starting this April
Date: Thursdays, April 2–May 7, 2026
Time: 3:00–5:00 p.m.
Location: SAFE Adolescent Wellness Center (Franklin)
Ages: 13–18

This spring, SAFE is partnering with Drug Story Theater to bring a powerful new program to the Adolescent Wellness Center.

Back to Life: Youth Theater Project is a free, 6-week theater program for teens ages 13–18. Starting April 2, participants will meet weekly to rehearse and perform an original play that tackles some of the hardest conversations facing young people today: substance use, fentanyl contamination, friendship, and asking for help.

Whether a teen wants to be center stage or help behind the scenes with lighting, sound, or set design, there's a place for them in this program. No theater experience is needed!

The series wraps up with a public performance on May 7, followed by a community talkback with Dr. Joseph Shrand, a nationally recognized expert in adolescent addiction. It's an opportunity for teens to not only express themselves creatively, but to become real educators in their communities, helping audiences understand overdose prevention and destigmatizing the use of Narcan.

If you know a teen who would benefit from this program, we'd love for you to share it with them. Registration is open now - https://www.safecoalitionma.org/get-support/youth-theater-project?blm_aid=465921

Back to Life: Youth Theater Project is made possible by the generous support of Mass Cultural Council, Lawson Charitable Foundation, and Community Health Systems Foundation.

Reminder: Regular curbside schedule for this week; Beaver St Recycling Ctr hours added


"Good morning!  Working with the Town Administrator and members of the Town Council, the following is planned to help folks that have been affected or will be affected by a trash and recycling missed pick-up or cancelled pick-up last week or this upcoming week caused by the Blizzard of 2026.

Free overflow bags (2) will be provided to residents who live in affected areas.  The affected areas are the Friday trash and recycling route and certain areas of the Monday route that could not be serviced.

To get these free overflow bags, come to the Franklin Public Works Administration Building at 257 Fisher Street with an ID.

Additionally, the Beaver Street Recycling Center will be open the following hours next week:
  • Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 9AM to 2:30PM
  • Wednesday from 9AM to 6PM
This will allow the affected residents mentioned above to drop off trash or recycling if needed.  A sticker is not required, but please bring an ID."

FHS Theater Co performance of "Animal Farm" advances to METG semi-finals

I took the opportunity to watch the preview performance of "Animal Farm" on Friday night. The FHS Theater Co did an amazing performance. The message of the performance is both earie and timely.

They performed at the METG competition on Sunday and advanced to the Semi-finals. Congratulations!

The METG competition page for the preliminaries (with results)


FHS Theater Co cast & crew of "Animal Farm"
FHS Theater Co cast & crew of "Animal Farm"

Updated 3/2/26 - adding the all-star awards for cast and crew recognitions

the all-star awards for cast and crew recognitions
the all-star awards for cast and crew recognitions

The program with the cast and crew as well as all the pages of local sponsors is available in PDF. Please support the sponsors - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1lZmKFgyhtT4Aj0qen0Alnw1Qza-92Gxg/view?usp=drive_link

Michael Walker-Jones recognized with 2026 Black Excellence Award


"It was my great honor to nominate Franklin’s own Michael Walker-Jones for a 2026 Black Excellence Award, celebrated at the State House alongside the Black & Latino Legislative Caucus.

(L-R) Michael Walker-Jones, State Rep Jeff Roy
(L-R) Michael Walker-Jones, State Rep Jeff Roy
An educator, advocate, and community leader, Michael Walker-Jones has built a life defined by public service and an unwavering belief in the transformative power of education. Beyond the classroom, he has been a tireless champion for systemic change. His decades of leadership include active membership in the NAACP dating back to the 1960s and service as Executive Director of the Louisiana Association of Educators. Here at home, he chaired the Franklin Democratic Town Committee for ten years and continues to elevate civic dialogue as co-host of the Towards a More Perfect Union podcast.

A devoted family man who raised four accomplished children, Michael embodies the principle that strong communities are built through connection, engagement, and service. Whether through broadcasting, advocacy, or one-on-one conversation, he remains an accessible and trusted voice working toward a more informed and equitable society.

During the ceremony, we also had the pleasure of sitting with Onawuni Jean Moss, the honoree nominated by Representative Mindy Domb. During the singing of Lift Every Voice and Sing — often called the Black National Anthem — she moved the entire room with a powerful and inspiring accompaniment of the performance. Be sure to watch the video below.

Congratulations to Michael and all the other awardees."

Shared from (view additional photos) - https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1PkjNfsaL7/

FHS Cheerleaders take home yet another trophy; on to States next week !!!


FHS Cheerleading are the 2026 Winter South Regional Large CoEd Champions!

They compete at the State Championship next Sunday 3/8 at Worcester State!






Norfolk County Real Estate Activity Shows Steady to Start 2026

Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell reported that real estate activity in Norfolk County remained steady in January 2026, with slight fluctuations among key indicators compared to the same period last year.

The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds recorded 7,907 documents in January 2026, a slight uptick of 1% from January 2025, though 22% lower than activity levels seen in December 2025.

"Document recordings for January held close to last year's levels," stated Norfolk County Register of Deeds, William P. O'Donnell. "Real estate activity typically slows at the start of the year following December's end‑of‑year surge. Even so, the steadiness in year‑over‑year document volume demonstrates that engagement in the real estate market remains consistent throughout Norfolk County."

A total of 1,124 deeds were recorded in January, representing a 2% decrease compared to January 2025. Despite fewer transactions, overall sales volume demonstrated a notable increase. Total commercial and residential real estate volume reached $710 million, a 10% increase compared to January 2025.

"With the overall volume of real estate sales increasing even as fewer transactions took place suggests that higher‑value properties continue to play a significant role in the market," noted Register O'Donnell. "With a limited inventory of available property, the transactions that do occur tend to involve higher‑value properties, which is reflected in the overall sales volume. These numbers also reveal higher prices for real estate due to limited sales inventory in the Norfolk County communities."

The average sale price for all commercial and residential properties in January 2026 was $1,498,107, a 21% increase compared to January 2025 and a 4% increase compared to December 2025.

"Sale prices at the start of the year remained elevated," said Register O'Donnell. "While this continues to present challenges for some prospective buyers, it also reflects the desirability of living and doing business in Norfolk County."

Lending activity also saw encouraging growth when compared to last year. The Registry recorded 1,251 mortgages in January, an increase of 10% from January 2025, but down 29% from December 2025. Total mortgage indebtedness for the month amounted to $929 million, a 19% rise from the same period last year.

"The increase in mortgage activity indicates that many residents are securing financing for purchases or refinancing existing loans," said Register O'Donnell. "This level of activity suggests that homeowners and buyers remain willing to invest, supported in part by borrowing costs easing from the highs seen in 2023."

The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds has been closely monitoring the foreclosure market. In January 2026, there were 3 foreclosure deeds recorded as a result of mortgage foreclosures taking place in Norfolk County, down from the 4 recorded in January 2025. However, there were 24 notices to foreclose, the first step in the foreclosure process, which is an increase from the 20 recorded in January 2025.

"Unforeseen events can happen to any of us, and sometimes these events can have severe emotional and financial impacts. I urge anyone struggling to pay their mortgage, or who knows someone in this situation, to reach out to one of the non‑profit organizations listed on our website, www.norfolkdeeds.org," said Register O'Donnell.

For those seeking help, the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds partners with Quincy Community Action Programs (617‑479‑8181 x376) and NeighborWorks Housing Solutions (508‑587‑0950) to assist residents facing mortgage challenges. Homeowners may also contact the Massachusetts Attorney General's Consumer Advocacy and Response Division (CARD) at 617‑727‑8400.

"The stable start to the year, combined with growth in document volume and mortgage activity, reflects the continued resilience and desirability of the real estate market in Norfolk County," said Register O'Donnell. "As the year moves forward, we hope to see last year's positive trends continue."

To learn more about these and other Registry of Deeds events and initiatives like us on Facebook at facebook.com/NorfolkDeeds, or follow us on X at x.com/NorfolkDeeds and Instagram at instagram.com/NorfolkDeeds.

The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds is located at 649 High Street in Dedham. The Registry is a resource for homeowners, title examiners, mortgage lenders, municipalities and others with a need for secure, accurate, accessible land record information. All land record research information can be found on the Registry's website www.norfolkdeeds.org. Residents in need of assistance can contact the Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center via telephone at (781) 461-6101, or email us at registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org.