Thursday, November 5, 2026

350 Mass Franklin Node schedules regular meeting Thursday, Nov 5 at 7 PM (hybrid)

Hey, Greater Franklin Node members!

Our  will be held Thursday tomorrow night, November 5th, from 7-9 p.m.  This will be an in-person meeting held at 262 Chestnut Street (the First Universalist Church Franklin), also available to attend on Zoom for those who can't make it in person. 
350 Mass Franklin Node schedules regular meeting Thursday, Nov 5 at 7 PM (hybrid)

Meeting Zoom link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81930304274?pwd=Tm9VdGxYcDFaVTVDUkwyT3YvUnlFdz09

Meeting ID: 819 3030 4274 Passcode: 350ma
Dial-in +1 646 876 9923

Agenda Topics to include:
1. Mid-term election results and potential implications
2. Any updates on conference committee progress
3. Mark Dyen (a major SMCH team member) died last Friday, 10/30
4. Updates on SMCH 2.0 ideas

Yesterday's mid-term election was historic in the proportions of the Blue Tsunami that rolled across our nation.  People came out in record numbers and sent an unmistakeable vote for change from the course our nation has been on.  Let's celebrate this and talk about what it means as we go forward.

See you at 7 p.m. Tomorrow night!

With gratitude,
Carolyn, Rand and Steve

Young artists looking for part-time work? Check out Creative Corner Art Studio

Young artists looking for part-time work? Check out Creative Corner Art Studio


Young artists looking for part-time work? Check out Creative Corner Art Studio


Curbside Yard Waste Pick-Up is the Week of November 16, 2026!

How to Prepare Your Materials
Do not use plastic bags for yard waste; place loose yard waste directly into a container. Do not overfill your container. Brush must be tied with non-plastic twine no larger than twelve (12) inches by four (4) feet long.

Curbside Yard Waste Pick-Up is the Week of November 16, 2026!
What Belongs in Your Container
Acceptable items include grass clippings, leaves, tree branches (broken down to fit loosely in the container), and brush.

Non acceptable items include dirt, sod, stone, concrete, and rock. 

Place containers curbside by 7 AM on your regular collection day.

School Cmte Policy Subcmte approves policy chnages to bring to School Committee (audio)

FM #1850 - This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1850 in the series. 


This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee Policy Subcmte meeting held on Tuesday, November 3, 2026. All 3 members (Dave Callaghan (Chair), Al Charles, Reis Hansen) participated in the session held in the 3rd floor training room.Dr Tina Rogers, Paula Marano, and Elizabeth Morrison also participated.

School Cmte Policy Subcmte approves policy chnages to bring to School Committee (audio)


Quick recap:

  • Discussion on the audit done to confirm what other policies need to be adjusted based upon the recent Freedom to Read Act changes. Using the MASC policies as a guideline, reviewed the proposed changes, approved the 3 to bring to the full Committee for first reading. Internal work on the underlying procedures is still underway ideally to be completed by the time the policies are approved

  • Next up, Patricia Middelman, Treasurer of SEPAC (Special Education Parents Advisory Council) is present to talk about ensuring coverage for special education needs in any policy discussions. The group is coming back to life and will be attempting to have representation at Policy and School Committee meetings going forward. 

    • (Editor’s note: this is not just any old group. Per Mass General Law, districts that receive funding for special education are required to have such a group. It had been very active then the past couple of years it went quiet as leadership/membership changed (parents of special ed students aged out of the program).

  • Next up, continuation of the fiscal policy discussion. Complete set would be sent to the Budget Subcommittee for their review and comment, then back to this committee for any final edits before bringing to the full committee likely in December

  • Motion to adjourn, passes 3-0, folks move to Chambers for full School Committee meeting


The recording runs about 50 minutes, so let’s listen in.

Audio link - 
https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1850-school-cmte-policy-subcmte-mtg-11-03-26/


--------------


The meeting agenda can be found -> 

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10132026-2558 


My full set of notes taken during the meeting can be found in one PDF ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1KQwwtCt2nwHOX2ny8ANnYDcVwCxGGsHZ/view?usp=drive_link 


School Committee Policy manual - https://www.franklinps.net/o/fpsd/page/policy-manual 


School Committee Subcommittee assignments

https://www.franklinps.net/o/fpsd/page/subcommittees-and-liaisons 


-------------


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!

------------------


You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"


Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm Schedule for Thursday, November 5, 2026

Yes, Franklin has it's own radio station -> wfpr.fm. Franklin 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:

Franklin Public Radio wfpr.fm schedule for Thursday, October 29, 2026

8:00 AM, 1:00 PM, and 6:00 PM - Franklin Matters Radio – Steve Sherlock covering Franklin, its local government, services, and events  (Repeats Saturday at 3:00 PM)


Library event highlights for Nov 2026

9:00 AM, 2:00 PM, and 7:00 PM - first hour
10:00 AM, 3:00 PM, and 8:00 PM - second hour

Turntable – "Enjoy a fun experience with co-hosts The Vibe and Pauly G sharing personal discussions about a featured rock n roll vinyl record (1st hour) and the best, all music Vibe Playlist (2nd hour)"  
  • This week the Turntable Show re-airs the first show featuring "Mojo",  the twelfth studio album by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, released on June 15, 2010.   
  • The Tom Petty Vibe Playlist Hour drops the needle on popular live and studio hits including: You Want To Be A Rock 'N' Roll;  First Flash of Freedom; Lover's Touch; Here Comes My Girl; Lost Without You [Live]; It's Good To Be King; The Waiting; Tweeter and the Monkey Man;  and The Trip to Pirate's Cove. Enjoy a replay of the 1st Turntable Show and music with amazing mojo!


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 Thursday, November 5, 2026

  • Franklin All Access TV - Our Public Access Channel (Comcast 6, Verizon 26) = Thursday


8:00 am ArtWeek: Ed Iannuccilli
9:00 am Aging Agenda: Brian Maxfield
10:00 am Franklin Matters: Cemetery Tour
11:33 am Cooking Thyme: Lobstah
12:03 pm Brook'n'Cookin: Waffles
12:35 pm Cook with Linda: Chicken with Dijon
1:30 pm Pizzapalooza: Healthy Pizza Crusts
2:00 pm New England Candlepins Summer 2023 Show 5
3:00 pm Franklin Matters: Senior Expo 2026
3:15 pm Franklin Matters: Car Show
3:30 pm Aging Boldfully: Jenn Goebel
4:30 pm Veterans' Call: Dave Hencke
5:30 pm FM Journal October 2026
6:30 pm Frank Presents: Daniela Masters Pt 1
7:30 pm Sons and Daughters of Italy: Carlo Geromini
9:00 pm Circle of Friends: Brother Sun


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


7:30 am Winning Ways with the MIAA: Shaun Hart Pt 1
8:30 am Jazz Cafe 03-06-26
10:30 am FHS Varsity Field Hockey v Concord Carlisle 10-26-26
12:30 pm Lifelong Winter Music 2026
2:00 pm Metrowest Symposium: Sharing Identity on Social Media
3:00 pm FHS Boys Varsity Soccer v Mansfield 10-21-26
6:30 pm Franklin Youth Softball: All-Stars 06-11-26
9:00 pm FHSTC: Curious Case of the Cottingley Fairies


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

8:00 am Town Council 10-28-26

1:00 pm Town Council 10-28-26

6:00 pm Town Council 11-4-26 CHAMBERS 874 7637 4445



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


Wednesday, November 4, 2026

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Wednesday, November 4, 2026

Wednesday, Nov 4


10:00am Veterans Coffee Social (Franklin Senior Center)

1:00pm Writer's Group (Franklin Senior Center)

4:00pm FHS girls Soccer Fund Raiser (Bar Pizza & Salad Co)

5:30pm Bluegrass & Country Jam Circle (Franklin Senior Center)

6:30pm Franklin Art Association Monthly Meeting (Franklin Senior Center)
6:30pm Franklin Elks Bingo Night (Franklin Elks Lodge #2136)

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

For additional details on Library events -> https://www.franklinma.gov/942/Calendar-of-Events


For additional details on Senior Center events -> https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/11398/November-2026?bidId=


***  Town Meetings today ***

Board of Health Meeting

Wednesday, November 4 Time: 5:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_11042026-2588 


Town Council Meeting

Wednesday, November 4 Time: 6:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_11042026-2593 



---------


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

The Town meeting calendar is found https://www.franklinma.gov/Calendar.aspx


Town of Franklin: Unofficial Results for Nov 3, 2026 State Election

Town of Franklin: Unofficial Results for Nov 3, 2026 State Election
From the Town Clerk's office (and many thanks to all the work to make these resutlts possible).


While this appears to be the largest actual turnout for a state election, it only meets the historical range of 60% turnout for a state election.

While this appears to be the largest actual turnout for a state election, it only meets the historical range of 60% turnout for a state election.



Exploring Goldsmith Wine Selections for Thanksgiving (Wine Club Event)

Elevate your holiday table this year with a journey around the globe! Join us for a special, immersive evening with The Franklin Wine Club as we taste, learn, and discover exceptional wine pairings designed to make your Thanksgiving feast unforgettable.

Event Details
Date: Thursday, November 19th
Time: 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Location: The Wine Room at Franklin Liquors
Host: Roger Warner

What Makes Our Club Unique

Unlike traditional, crowded walk-around tastings, The Franklin Wine Club offers a relaxed, sit-down wine education and tasting experience. Settle into the Franklin Liquors Wine Room for an intimate, guided session where you can truly engage with the glass, explore the stories behind the bottles, and understand the why behind great food and wine pairings.

What We Are Exploring: Goldsmith Selections

For this session, we are featuring stellar bottles curated by Goldsmith Selections—a premier portfolio dedicated to bringing high-quality, artisan wine and spirit brands with an uncompromised sense of place from around the world.

The Lineup: We will dive into a fantastic global array, featuring standout Cabernets, expressive Pinot Noirs, and more.

The Thanksgiving Connection: Learn how different flavor profiles, structures, and regional characteristics harmonize with traditional holiday fare—from roasted turkey and savory stuffings to rich gravies and cranberry sauce.

Whether you are looking to impress family at the dinner table or simply want to expand your palate with world-class selections, this guided educational tasting will give you the confidence and the bottles you need for a stress-free, delicious holiday.

Spaces fill up fast for our sit-down events—reserve your seat today and get ready to toast to the holiday season!

RSVP HERE:
 

About Roger:

With over 20 years’ experience in the wine industry, in roles including wholesale, retail, and supplier side, Roger Warner has extensive knowledge of wine production, from vineyard to glass. Roger has traveled to vineyards and wineries both within the United States and internationally, learning from growers and winemakers along the way. He is passionate about the wine industry and loves to share his knowledge and experience with consumers.

Franklin voters and advocates share their views (video)

Outside Franklin High School voters and sign holders share thier views on issues as captured by Franklin TV on Tuesday, Nov 3, 2026.



FHS field hockey & volleyball D1 seeds and initial playoff matches revealed

FHS field hockey & volleyball D1 seeds and initial playoff matches revealed

Below are the seeds and matchups for the Hockomock field hockey teams in the MIAA playoffs, which are subject to change. We will update this post with any changes that are made.

  • Division 1 - #2 Franklin (15-1-2) will host #31 Durfee (10-7-1) on Thursday, 11/5 at 3:30.



Below are the seeds and matchups for the Hockomock volleyball teams in the MIAA playoffs, which are subject to change. We will update this post with any changes that are made.

  • Division 1 = #5 Franklin (18-2) will host #28 Springfield Central (17-2) on a date and time to be announced.




School cafeterias were turned into haunted kitchens last Thursday and Friday (video)

"The kids had an absolute scream eating their way through this festive, spooky menu.
School cafeterias were turned into haunted kitchens last Thursday and Friday (video)

🎬 Want to see these ghoulish goodies in action? Check out our video to see all the spooky foods we served and the smiles they brought! 


Our school cafeterias turned into a haunted kitchen last Thursday and Friday, and we had a blast serving up some terrifyingly tasty treats to students across all Franklin Public Schools! 

Check out the culinary spell our amazing cafeteria teams cast:
🧀 Scary Grilled Cheese & 🍅 Blood Tomato Soup (The ultimate eerie comfort combo!)
🍇 Frankenstein Grapes & 👻 Ghost Bread
🌿 Celery “Ribs” & 👀 Mozzarella Eyes
🍝 Twisted Bone Pasta"

Pop-Up Holiday Shop scheduled for Saturday, November 21, 2026

Pop-Up Holiday Shop - Saturday, November 21
This only happens once a year, so save the date and come on by!

In addition to selling my art, book, and handmade items, there will also be: 

- a Rise Up table selling handmade items and apparel as a fundraiser for activity and accessibility supplies

- a clothing drive for the Community Closet

Pop-Up Holiday Shop!
Saturday, November 21 - 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

Come join Ali Rheaume: Franklin resident and Brain Injury Survivor, who is an Award-Winning Artist, Author of Buddy the Brain, and business owner of Embracing Unique! 

She will be selling books, art, hats, embroidery, and more: get your holiday gifts!

Location: 82 West Central St, Franklin, MA
(Franklin United Methodist Church)*Accessible


Who doesn’t love pizza? Help the FHS girls soccer team fudner raiser at Bar Pizza- Weds, Nov 4 from 4 to 8 PM

Who doesn’t love pizza? Help the FHS girls soccer team fudner raiser at Bar Pizza- Weds, Nov 4 from 4 to 8 PM
Join the girls’ soccer team for a fundraiser on Wednesday, November 4th, from 4 PM to 8 PM at Bar Pizza & Salad Co. on Union St.

Please use the code PHSCS online when ordering takeout (no phone orders, please) or share it when you dine in person.

20% of the proceeds will help fund the girls’ Hockomock Champion jackets for the Varsity team, who went 11-0 in the Hock. The girls finished the season #4 in the MIAA D1 Power Rankings and are awaiting the D1 tournament seedings to come out this Thursday.

Bar Pizza & Salad Co. has been a fantastic addition to our town, providing great food and supporting local schools and sports programs. Tomorrow is a win-win for everyone: you get delicious food, the girls’ soccer team receives 20% toward their jackets, and Bar Pizza thrives as well. 

Sounds like a great deal, doesn’t it?

Hope to see you all there!




You can help the Franklin Music Boosters with their fund raiser at Dave's Hot Chicken on Friday, Nov 6

You can help the Franklin Music Boosters with their fund raiser at Dave's Hot Chicken on Friday, Nov 6
No school lunch to pack on Friday!

Make the most of the half day with lunch at Dave's Hot Chicken and support the Franklin Music Boosters!

Friday, November 6 -> 11 AM - 2 PM

See the flyer for all the details!





New Instagram account for Tri-County Athletic Dept

New Instagram account for Tri-County Athletic Dept
"Follow the new Tri-County Athletic department Instagram page. You’ll get the latest game updates, news and scores. 



Work hard. Today counts. 

#tcpride tc.cougars tc.cougarden"


Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm Schedule for Wednesday, November 4, 2026

Yes, Franklin has it's own radio station -> wfpr.fm. Franklin 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.

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm Schedule for Wednesday, November 4, 2026

Tune in to listen to the following:

8:00 AM, 1:00 PM, and 6:00 PM - Franklin Matters Radio – Steve Sherlock covering Franklin, its local government, services, and events  

Non-profit fund raising innovation revealed in conversation on the new Direct Impact Checking & SAFE Coalition   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/10/find-out-how-direct-impact-checking.html

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)  

Episode 327 - Matchmaking & Premium Cocktails with Erik Segelbaum

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, November 4, 2026

  • Franklin All Access TV - Our Public Access Channel (Comcast 6, Verizon 26) = WEDNESDAY


7:30 am Battleship Cove: Inside the History: Pt. 4
8:30 am Chad Hollister Band
10:00 am Franklin Art Association: Lenny Moskowitz
11:30 am Cooking Thyme: Lobstah
12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin: Waffles
12:30 pm Cook with Linda: Chicken with Dijon
1:30 pm Pizzapalooza: Healthy Pizza Crusts
2:00 pm New England Candlepins Summer 2023 Show 5
3:00 pm Franklin Matters: Senior Expo 2026
3:15 pm Franklin Matters: Car Show
4:00 pm Aging Agenda: Brian Maxfield
6:00 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Districts
7:00 pm ArtWeek: Airmen of Note
9:30 pm Circle of Friends: Brother Sun

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


8:30 am Middle School Winter Music: 2025: Band
10:00 am Franklin Library Association: Role of the Library in American Democracy
11:00 am Jazz Cafe 03-06-26
1:00 pm FHS Varsity Volleyball v Stoughton 10-23-26
5:30 pm FHS Varsity Field Hockey v Concord Carlisle 10-26-26
7:30 pm Lifelong Winter Music 2026
9:00 pm FHS Varsity Football v Taunton 10-30-26

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


8:00 am Town Council 10-28-26
1:00 pm Town Council 10-28-26
6:00 pm Town Council 11-4-26 CHAMBERS 874 7637 4445


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