Friday, March 27, 2026

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Friday, March 27, 2026 ???

Friday, March 27


9:00am    Dean Women in Business (Dean College)

10:00am Knitting Group (Franklin Public Library)

1:00pm Thrifty Threads (Franklin Federated Church)

6:00pm Labyrinth Peace Walk (First Universalist Society Franklin)

6:00pm Paint Party (The Curry House)

7:00pm Karaoke Night (La Cantina Winery)




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



*** NO  Town Meetings today   ***


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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

Save the Date: Women’s Health Expo - May 20, 2026 for Franklin, MA

The Town of Franklin Health Department invites residents to attend the Women's Health Expo on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, from 2 to 5 PM, at New England Chapel, 300 E. Central Street.
Save the Date: Women’s Health Expo - May 20, 2026 for Franklin, MA
Save the Date: Women’s Health Expo -
May 20, 2026 for Franklin, MA

This indoor event is designed to educate, empower, and support women in taking charge of their health. Attendees will have access to health screenings, educational resources, giveaways, and local vendors offering information on preventive care, nutrition, fitness, and more.

A mobile mammography van from Dana-Farber Cancer Institute will also be on-site from 7 AM to 3:15 PM 

Please refer to the event flyers for additional details: Women's Health Expo & Mammogram Van Flyers

All are welcome to attend.



Massachusetts Says "No Kings" in Protests Across State March 28 (2 locations in Franklin)

Massachusetts Says "No Kings" in Protests Across State March 28

People in 130 Massachusetts cities and towns will rally against Trump administration abuses

On Saturday, March 28, Massachusetts residents will mobilize in Boston and more than 120 other cities and towns across the Commonwealth, joining millions around the nation and abroad in rallies against the Trump administration's authoritarian takeover of the United States. The events will be part of the nation's third and largest "No Kings Day," demonstrating an unequivocal belief by "we the people" that in a democracy, there is no king. 

The No Kings Boston rally is set for 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM on Saturday, March 28. It is organized by a coalition of Indivisible Mass Coalition, ACLU of Massachusetts, and Mass 50501.

In Franklin:
  • 10:00 AM - Franklin Town Common
  • 11:30 AM - i495/RT 140 Bridge Overpass

Massachusetts Says "No Kings" in Protests Across State March 28 (2 locations in Franklin)
Massachusetts Says "No Kings" in Protests Across State March 28 (2 locations in Franklin)


Dozens of other local Indivisible groups and allies – from Pittsfield, Northampton, Lancaster, and Worcester to Framingham, Methuen, Lexington, and towns in southeastern Mass and the Cape – have also scheduled No Kings events during the morning and early afternoon of March 28. 

The nonviolent protests will range from major gatherings in town and city centers to standouts on highway overpasses.

Information on the growing list of No Kings events throughout the Commonwealth can be found on the map HERE and in list form HERE.

***

Why the NoKings Protests? History has shown that mass mobilization is vital to block authoritarianism from taking hold. The Trump administration is trying to shred the Constitution; the No Kings movement is an unequivocal statement that we, the people, will not let that happen. This will be the third global No Kings Day, and it's not just about protesting what's wrong—it's about building something better. We intend to show our power, build our power, and power a democracy that advances freedom, equality, justice, and dignity for all.

 All No Kings events adhere to a shared commitment to nonviolent protest and community safety. Organizers are trained in de-escalation and are working closely with local partners to ensure peaceful and powerful actions nationwide.      

Indivisible Mass Coalition (IMC) consists of more than 120 Indivisible groups and their allies across Massachusetts, working to improve democracy and support policies and legislation that improve equity and justice for everyone and that eliminate institutional racism. IMC helps to build, support, and amplify the network of Indivisible groups throughout Massachusetts and is committed to ensuring that people are informed, organized, motivated and have the necessary tools to engage in our democracy. IMC coordinates with Indivisible National to work on our shared goals for democracy in our country.

Jillian & Amanda share the event highlights for April 2026 at the Franklin Senior Center (audio)

FM #1699 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1699 in the series. 


This session shares my conversation with Activities Coordinator Jillian Rochat and Amanda Rabbitt, Supportive Day Program & Special Projects Coordinator. We had our discussion in the Franklin Radio Studio on Wednesday, March 18, 2026.

 

We talk about 

  • All the key event highlights for April 2026

  • Senior Center closed on Friday, April 3 for professional development - tax return schedules will be maintained

  • Senior Center closed Monday, April 20 for Patriot’s Day

  • Teaser for “Eat Around the World” on Friday, May 1


The show notes include links to the Senior Center page, the calendar of events, and to subscribe to the monthly newsletter. 


The recording runs about 35 minutes, so let’s listen in.

Audio link - 
https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1699-franklin-senior-ctr-april-2026-highlights-03-18-26/


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Franklin Senior Center page ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/583/Franklin-Senior-Center-Council-on-Aging 


April 2026 newsletter -> https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/8756/April-2026?bidId= 


The newsletter archive page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/585/Connection-Newsletter 


Senior Center calendar view (just FSC events) -> https://franklinma.gov/calendar.aspx?CID=37&showPastEvents=false 


Subscribe to the newsletter -> by calling 508-520-4945

 

My Active Center -> https://myactivecenter.com/ 


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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 it!

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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 lacrosse fall to BC High in opening match on Thursday

Via Instagram, Franklin TV, and our subscription to HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the Spring sports competition for Franklin High School on Thursday, March 26, 2026


Boys Lacrosse = Franklin, 4 vs. BC High, 10 – Final 
– Franklin played equal with visiting BC High in the second half but were unable to dig out of a first half deficit. Ryder Hanchett, Drake Dolby, Quinn Kielty, and Alex Weber each scored once for the Panthers, Thomas Quinn and Jake Frigon each tallied an assist, and Dean Lawless recoded 18 saves in net.


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 representatives on the Hockomock League All Stars for Gymnastics & Wrestling

Catching up to share the FHS representatives on the Hockomock League All Stars for Gymnastics & Wrestling 

2026 Hockomock League Gymnastics All Stars

Below are the official 2026 Hockomock League Gymnastics All Stars, selected by the coaches in the league.

Hockomock League MVP
Raegan Bonneau, Attleboro

Hockomock League All Stars
  • Alivia Hess, Franklin

Honorable Mentions
  • Abby Robillard, Franklin



2026 Hockomock League Wrestling All Stars

Below are the official 2026 Hockomock League Wrestling All Stars, selected by the coaches in the league.

Kelley-Rex Division MVP
Cyrus Jones, Sharon

Davenport Division MVP
Joshua Hindin, Foxboro

Hockomock League All Stars
  • John Woodall, Franklin
  • Jack Sauer, Franklin

gymnastics

wrestling

FHS representatives on the Hockomock League Indoor Track All Stars

Catching up to share the FHS representatives on the Hockomock League Indoor Track All Stars 


2026 Hockomock League Girls Indoor Track All Stars

Below are the official 2026 Hockomock League Girls Indoor Track All Stars, selected by the coaches in the league.

Kelley-Rex Division MVP
Nina Kyei-Aboagye, Sharon

Davenport Division MVP
Chloe Dubuisson, Canton

Hockomock League All Stars
  • Stella Nappa, Franklin
  • Madison Bruno, Franklin
  • Gwenyth Holland, Franklin
  • Phoebe Cuneo, Franklin
  • Callie Joyce, Franklin
  • Savannah Copeland, Franklin
  • Keelan Donnelly, Franklin
  • Victoria Courtright-Lim, Franklin

Honorable Mentions
  • Annabelle Santiago, Franklin



2026 Hockomock League Boys Indoor Track All Stars

Below are the official 2026 Hockomock League Boys Indoor Track All Stars, selected by the coaches in the league.

Kelley-Rex Division MVP
  • Peter Gubka, Franklin

Davenport Division MVP
Landon Sarney, Oliver Ames

Hockomock League All Stars
  • Peter Gubka, Franklin
  • Kyle Twomey, Franklin
  • Stephon Reed, Franklin

Honorable Mentions
  • Matthew Lord, Franklin

Girls

Boys

The FARM Bill: Protecting Our Land, Water, and Local Food System



The FARM Bill is about resilience. By investing in farming families, we support a more secure and sustainable future for the Commonwealth.
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The FARM Bill: Protecting Our Land, Water, and Local Food System

The FARM Bill is about resilience. By investing in farming families, we support a more secure and sustainable future for the Commonwealth.

Mar 26
Guest post
 
READ IN APP
 

As the descendant of Falmouth strawberry farmers, I know how important agriculture is for a healthy food system and the thousands of Massachusetts families who depend on it.

My great-grandparents were among the many Azorean Americans who farmed Falmouth's strawberry fields. At its peak, before  World War II, Falmouth produced more strawberries than any town in the country. Today, that legacy endures in a single remaining farm: Tony Andrews Farm, now stewarded by the town. 

This decline is visible across the Commonwealth. Since 1945, the number of farms in the state has declined from 35,000 to about 6,000. Much of that farmland has been developed into shopping centers, industrial parks, and housing—reflecting a changing economy and the cost of limited land.

What's Happening

Even as these changes reshape our landscape, the need for a sustainable food system remains constant. With emerging threats like climate change and supply chain disruptions, it's imperative that we act to support healthy, locally grown food.

That's why as Chair of the Joint Committee on Agriculture and Fisheries, I'm proud that a Committee priority, Senate Bill 3029, An Act fostering agricultural resilience in Massachusettsor the FARM Bill—has advanced out of the Senate Ways and Means Committee and will be debated on the Senate floor next week. I want to recognize and congratulate my colleague Senator Jo Comerford for her leadership on bringing this bill forward.

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Why It Matters

Massachusetts is home to more than 7,000 farms and fishing operations, spanning 500,000 acres—10 per cent of the state's land—and generating over $10 billion in economic activity. The FARM Bill will help preserve and strengthen this industry which supports our economy, feeds our families, and contributes to a sustainable future.

One key provision requires the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) to develop a plan to support agriculture, seafood, and processed food during emergencies to mitigate food supply chain disruptions. In crises like storms and pandemics, producers often lose access to markets and can't transport goods. This provision will ensure that farms and fisheries can continue operating, treating them as essential infrastructure rather than an afterthought.

The FARM Bill also codifies key programs that support local agriculture and public health. The Healthy Incentives Program (HIP) helps residents purchase fresh produce from local farms. The Food Security Infrastructure Grant (FSIG) program strengthens supply chains and expands access to local foods. The FRESH program helps schools and early education centers increase local food purchasing. This legislation makes these programs permanent. 

Additionally, the bill directs the state to make recommendations for increasing the use of local food in assistance programs, creating stable markets for farmers while strengthening supply chains and supporting fresh, local food. 

The FARM Bill also supports our cranberry industry, Massachusetts' most valuable agricultural product. The Cranberry Revitalization Task Force, which includes colleagues like Senate Ways and Means Chair Michael Rodrigues and former Senator Vinny deMacedo, recommended we adopt language empowering cranberry bog farmers to transfer their Water Management Act permit rights. That language, filed in Senate Bill 602, An Act relative to cranberry water use transfer program, is included in this legislation.

The FARM Bill is about resilience—ensuring our farmers and fishermen can withstand disruptions, our land and water remain productive, and our food system is prepared for future challenges. By investing in farming families, we support a more secure and sustainable future for the Commonwealth. 

While Falmouth may no longer be the strawberry capital of the United States, Massachusetts continues to invest in its agricultural future through legislation that protects and strengthens our farmland for generations to come. 

What Happens Next

  • This bill will be debated in the Massachusetts State Senate the week of March 30, 2026.

  • If approved in the Senate, it will move to the House of Representatives for their consideration.

  • If approved in the House, the bills head to the Governor Healey's desk for her signature.

For Your Consideration

If the issue of supporting farming families is important to you, please:

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A guest post by
Dylan Fernandes
Senator for Plymouth & the Cape

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