Tuesday, March 24, 2026

Reminder: Town of Franklin Dog Licenses Due April 1

Reminder: Town of Franklin Dog Licenses Due April 1!
Reminder: Town of Franklin Dog Licenses Due April 1 
Don’t forget to license your dog before April 1 to avoid late fees.

It’s quick and easy to do:
  • Online
  • By mail
  • In person at the Municipal Building (stop by and bring your pup for a treat )



Electronic Recycling Event scheduled for Saturday, April 11 from 9 AM to 2 PM

SAVE THE DATE – Electronics Recycling Event! 
Electronic Recycling Event scheduled for Saturday, April 11 from 9 AM to 2 PM
Electronic Recycling Event scheduled for
Saturday, April 11 from 9 AM to 2 PM

St. Mary Parish – 201 Main St, Franklin, MA

Saturday, April 11

Doing some spring cleaning? Don’t toss those old electronics — recycle them responsibly and support a great cause at the same time!  A portion of the proceeds will benefit St. Mary Parish.

All electronics, appliances, ANYTHING with a plug and/or batteries, as well as bicycles (reusable please!) will be accepted and recycled for a small cost 

(See event page) - >




There is no fooling around with what's happening at the Library in April 2026 (video & audio)

FM #1697 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1697 in the series. 


This session shares my conversation with Mitzi Gousie, Programming and Outreach Librarian with the Franklin Public Library. We had our discussion virtually on Tuesday, March 17, 2026.

 

We talk about 

  • Reviewed the regular open hours, book sale and holiday scheduling for the month

    • Closed on Sundays due to budget reduction

    • Closed all day on Monday, April 20 for Patriot’s Day

  • Library events for April 2026

    • In calendar order rather than by category this time around


Registration for those events required should be done through the Town website, Library page. There are nefarious folks trying to convince folks otherwise via Facebook. Be safe, use the official Town and Library pages.


The show notes include links to the Library page and to the calendar of events where registration for some of the events is required/recommended.


The recording runs about 19 minutes, so let’s listen in.


Video link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7uk0vR3tdKg




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Mitzi Gousie’s email -> mgousie@minlib.net 


Franklin Public Library page ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/233/Franklin-Public-Library 


Library event calendar -> https://www.franklinma.gov/942/Calendar-of-Events 


April 2026 newsletter -> https://www.franklinma.gov/m/newsflash/home/detail/109 


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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 Theater Company Seniors recognized (Part 2)


"Before our last show of the 25/26 season begins, we’d like to appreciate all of the wonderful seniors in our company. There’s so many, we had to split it into two posts!

Whether the weather be cold, 
or whether the weather be hot, 
we’ll be together whatever the weather,
 whether we like it or not. "

Recognized in Part 
  • Riley MacDonald
  • Charlie Nash
  • Bella Nuckolls
  • Caleb Pazvakavamwba
  • Grace Olah
  • Matthew Pellecchia
  • Keira Riendeau-O'Rourke
  • Hannah Scott
  • Aiden Sheppard
  • Katie Wylie
Follow the link for photos



Attention: water main break on Route 140 in front of Garelick Farms

Update 6:00am: Route 140 westbound into Bellingham is open. Any traffic in from coming from Bellingham remains closed


There is a water main break on Route 140 in front of Garelick Farms. Route 140 will be closed in both directions from Forge Parkway to the Bellingham town line until crews can shut off the water and ensure the roadway is safe.
What to Expect:
• Significant traffic delays
• Road closure in both directions
Detours:
• Westbound traffic into Bellingham is being turned around onto Forge Parkway
• Access to Bellingham is available via Grove Street → Washington Street → Prospect Street
• Eastbound traffic is being detoured onto South Maple Street or Maple Street (Bellingham)
The Halsted Apartments, Milford Regional, and nearby businesses before Garelick Farms will remain accessible.
Thank you for your patience. The road will reopen once it is safe to do so.

Almost time for our 2nd Annual Santa Foundation Bowling Event! - March 29


Will we see you at North Bowl 3-29? ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏

Safe Coalition - 10 Year Gala of Giving - April 17

BIG ANNOUNCEMENT LOADING… 
Safe Coalition - 10 Year Gala of Giving - April 17
Safe Coalition - 10 Year Gala of Giving - April 17

We’re keeping a secret (for now), but trust us—you’re going to want to be in the room when we reveal our special partnership at the 10 Year Gala of Giving.

Limited seats remain… don’t miss it.


Tickets for the Gala available - https://secure.qgiv.com/event/safe2026/

April 2026 Franklin Library News & Events (P3 of 3) Teens & Adults

 Weekly / Monthly Events for Teens

Library survey needs your input
Library survey needs your input
D&D Club, Mondays @ 4pm
Registration Required
Kids ages 10-17 are invited to join us for a weekly Dungeons and Dragons Club! Dungeons and Dragons, also known as D&D, is one of the most complex tabletop games in history. The library will supply dice, rulebooks, and blank character sheets! We will be using the 5th edition books and rules. Other Table Top systems are welcome! Please email mgousie@minlib.net for registration information.
 - Dungeon Masters must be at least 12 years old and have experience with Dungeon and Dragons.
 - Dungeon Masters are required to choose a premade adventure. Homebrew additions to the adventure are allowed.
 - Players and Dungeon Masters are required to be respectful, kind, and attentive to each other.
 - Groups of players with a Dungeon Master are welcome to share our space!

Teen Advisory Board, 2nd Wednesday of the Month @ 6:30pm
Join us each month for Teen Advisory Board. The Teen Advisory Board is a GREAT opportunity to get involved here at the library! You'll help plan events and programs, create displays and decorate the teen space, and help drive decisions around the kinds of materials we bring to the YA collection, all while eating snacks and getting volunteer hours. It's a win-win-win! No registration required.

Game Bytes, Wednesdays @ 4pm
Bring a snack and join us for two hours of casual co-op and solo play. Bring your own device or play on the big screen! No registration required.

Special Events for Teens

Favorite Poem Reading, Saturday, April 18 @ 1:30pm
Registration Requested
Come celebrate National Poetry Month at the Franklin Public Library! Choose a favorite published poem, whether it's one you have long treasured or recently discovered, and share it by reading it to those gathered for this event.
 - Poems may not be ones you or family members, or friends have written.
 - Limit: Five minutes reading time.
Favorite Poem Project™ hosted by Steve Sherlock

Boston Typewriter Orchestra Concert, Saturday, April 25 @ 2pm
It’s time for different type of music in a whole new key! The Boston Typewriter Orchestra (BTO) is a collective performance of rhythmic typewriter manipulation. Enjoy music, comedy, and satire while exploring the definition of ‘musical instrument’. Funding for this program is provided by, The Franklin Cultural District, a local agency funded by Mass Cultural Council, a state agency. No registration required.

STORMWARN Spotter Training with NOAA, Thursday, April 30 @ 6pm
Registration Requested
In most years, thunderstorms, tornadoes and lightning cause hundreds of injuries and deaths and billions in property and crop damages. To obtain critical weather information, the National Weather Service (NWS) established SKYWARN®. SKYWARN® is a volunteer program with between 350,000 and 400,000 trained severe weather spotters. These volunteers help keep their local communities safe by providing timely and accurate reports of severe weather to the National Weather Service. Learn about becoming a spotter at this training. 

Events for Adults

English Conversation Group, Tuesdays @ 6:30pm
Looking for a casual, low-stress place to practice your English language skills? Join us on Tuesday evenings for a friendly group chat with your fellow English learners. Please note: this group is meant for folks who have a basic grasp of English and are looking for conversational practice, not very beginners. A tutor will be present to answer questions and help keep the conversation flowing, but the focus will not be on formal instruction. No registration required.

Table Top, Alternating Tuesdays & Thursdays @ 6pm
Registration required (see below). No Experience Necessary.
It's time to dust off your dice, grab a source book and role play your way through hijinks and horrors! Table Top is a monthly game of tabletop role playing games for adults! Email mgousie@minlib.net to sign up and/or get more info.

Knitting Group, Fridays, 10am – 12pm
Love to knit or crochet? Join our group of local fiber artists who will be meeting in the Friends of the Franklin Library Community Room! All skill levels are welcome. No registration required.

Watercolors Workshop, Mondays, April 6 & 27 @ 6pm
Registration Required
Relax with a Monday watercolor class with local artist Sharon Carloni for adults 18 and over!

Craftalong for Adults, Saturday, April 11 @ 2pm
Registration Required
 Get crafty at the library! Adults of all ages and craft ability levels are welcome to join us for this program. One Saturday each month, we'll complete a new DIY, creative craft. All supplies provided. Because adults deserve arts & crafts fun, too! This month: Sun Wheels.

Favorite Poem Reading, Saturday, April 18 @ 1:30pm
Registration Requested
Come celebrate National Poetry Month at the Franklin Public Library! Choose a favorite published poem, whether it's one you have long treasured or recently discovered, and share it by reading it to those gathered for this event.
 - Poems may not be ones you or family members, or friends have written.
 - Limit: Five minutes reading time.
Favorite Poem Project™ hosted by Steve Sherlock

Boston Typewriter Orchestra Concert, Saturday, April 25 @ 2pm
It’s time for different type of music in a whole new key! The Boston Typewriter Orchestra (BTO) is a collective performance of rhythmic typewriter manipulation. Enjoy music, comedy, and satire while exploring the definition of ‘musical instrument’. Funding for this program is provided by, The Franklin Cultural District, a local agency funded by Mass Cultural Council, a state agency. No registration required.

Painting for Adults! Saturday, April 25 @ 1pm
Registration Required
Are you feeling creative? Join Miss Lily and create a step-by-step painting of a baby lamb! All materials provided.

STORMWARN Spotter Training with NOAA, Thursday, April 30 @ 6pm
Registration Requested
In most years, thunderstorms, tornadoes and lightning cause hundreds of injuries and deaths and billions in property and crop damages. To obtain critical weather information, the National Weather Service (NWS) established SKYWARN®. SKYWARN® is a volunteer program with between 350,000 and 400,000 trained severe weather spotters. These volunteers help keep their local communities safe by providing timely and accurate reports of severe weather to the National Weather Service. Learn about becoming a spotter at this training. 

From the Friends of the Franklin Library

National Library Workers Day – April 21
Did you know that National Library Workers Day is celebrated on Tuesday, April 21 this year? This special day recognizes the dedicated staff members who make our library a welcoming and vibrant place for the community. From helping patrons discover their next great read to offering programs, technology, and a wide range of services, library staff play an essential role in supporting learning, curiosity, and connection. The next time you visit the library—please consider taking a moment to thank a staff member. Their hard work and commitment make everything the library offers possible. The Friends extend our sincere thanks to the library staff.

Give the Gift of Local History
In 2022, members of the Franklin Library Association published a limited-edition book that tells the remarkable story of our historic library and the Town of Franklin. The Franklin Library Association: Building the Future of the Nation’s First Public Library, 1858–2022 highlights the philanthropists and community leaders who supported the library for more than a century. If you would like to own a piece of local history or purchase one for a special someone in your life this spring, please visit www.FoFL02038.org/book.


Line Dancing is coming to La Cantina Winery! with Becca - April 9

Line Dancing is coming to La Cantina Winery! with Becca - April 9
Line Dancing is coming to La Cantina
Winery! with Becca - April 9
BIG NEWS at La Cantina Winery 

For the FIRST TIME EVER 
Line Dancing is coming to La Cantina Winery!

Save the Date: April 9

Workshop: 7–8 PM
Open Dance Floor: 8–9:30 PM

La Cantina Winery
FREE Admission

No partner needed! Come solo, with friends, or with your special someone everyone is welcome 

Grab your boots and get ready for a fun night of music, dancing, and great vibes!




Lasting brain rot effects from being chronically online | 60 Minutes Australia (video)

New medical evidence reveals how too much screen time is shrinking the brains of young Australians.



"Earth being ‘pushed beyond its limits’ as energy imbalance reaches record high" : The Guardian

"State of the Climate report finds Earth’s energy has moved dangerously out of balance, with oceans absorbing vast majority of trapped heat"


"Our home planet is struggling with a record energy imbalance, which is warming oceans to unprecedented levels, making weather more extreme and threatening health and food supplies, the World Meteorological Organization has warned.

The United Nations body confirmed 2015 to 2025 were the hottest 11 years ever measured, but a still bleaker message was that the rising temperature experienced by humans on the surface was only 1% of the faster-accumulating heat in the wider Earth system.

More than 90% of that excess is absorbed by the oceans, which experienced the highest heat content in history last year. The rate of ocean warming has more than doubled over the past two decades, compared with the average over the previous 45 years.

The authors of the latest annual State of the Global Climate report say this highlights the increasing vulnerability of a planet that is moving ever further out of balance as a result of human activity. The burning of oil, gas, coal and forests releases heat-trapping greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide, which are all at their highest level in at least 800,000 years."

Continue reading the article with this 'share' link - 

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm Schedule for Tuesday, March 24, 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 24, 2026 (Your local Public, Education & Government "PEG" station)

  • Franklin All Access TV - Our Public Access Channel (Comcast 6, Verizon 26) = TUESDAY
7:00 am Historical Museum: Randy LaRosa and Krishna Swain
7:30 am     Once Upon A Town: The Town Pool: The Rome
9:00 am Metrowest Symposium: Equity & Access in Arts & Culture
10:00 am Frank Presents: Daniela Masters Pt 2
12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin: Scones
12:30 pm Cooking with Linda: Pies
1:30 pm     Pizzapalooza: White Pizza
2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Summer 2019 Show 8
3:00 pm Candlepin New Generation: Spring 2019 Show 2
3:30 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Referee Shortage Pt1
5:30 pm Celebrate with Pride 2025: Toby
9:00 pm Metrowest Summit 02-26-26

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

7:00 am All-Town Band Showcase 2026
8:30 am FHS Concert Hour 02-26-26
10:00 am Metrowest Symposium: Equity & Access in Arts & Culture
11:00 am Jazz Cafe 03-06-26
1:30 pm     FHS Girls Varsity Hockey v King Philip 12-17-25
3:00 pm FHS Varsity Swimming v Taunton 01-09-26
8:30 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Referee Shortage Pt1
9:30 pm FHS Theater Company: Legally Blonde

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

8:00 am School Committee 03-10-26
12:00 pm Finance Committee 03-11-26
2:00 pm School Committee 03-10-26

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