What's happening in Franklin, MA: Friday, April 3, 2026 ???

Friday, April 3

Note: The Senior Center is closed on Friday for Professional Development

10:00am Knitting Group (Franklin Public Library)

1:00pm Thrifty Threads (Franklin Federated Church)

7:00pm The Pub Kings (live music) (Jimmy D's Bar and Grill)

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/calendar.aspx?CID=37,24&showPastEvents=false

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

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/Calendar.aspx
The School district calendar is found  https://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/o/fpsd/page/school-calendar

Ali Rheaume talks about the creation of "Buddy The Brain" (video & audio)

FM #1703 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1703 in the series. 

This episode shares my conversation with Franklin author, educator, and disability advocate Ali Rheaume. We met virtually on Thursday, March 19, 2026 to discuss her new book “Buddy The Brain”. 

Ali Rheaume talks about the creation
of "Buddy The Brain"  (video & audio)

We cover 

• The book is available in multiple formats

• The origin story of the book

• Ali’s recovery journey and advocacy

The video runs about 23 minutes, let’s watch (or listen)

Video link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9gLJIk2cRT0

Audio link -  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1703-ali-rheaume-on-buddy-the-brain-03-19-26/

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The landing page for Buddy The Brain https://alirheaume.com/buddythebrain 

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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 FM 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"

Culinary Cabaret Coming Friday, April 10

Culinary Cabaret Coming Friday, April 10

"Hello April  !!

The Franklin Cultural District is buzzing with fresh energy—explore local events, artists, and all the creativity our community has to offer this week! 

Check out our Eblast link shared below (or visit the link in our profile)

Eblast link - https://conta.cc/4tjWOQS"

Shared from - https://www.instagram.com/p/DWljODjleDX/

The Economic Development Subcommittee met for the first time Thursday (video)

The Economic Development Committee met for the first time in this new Council term. Committee Chair LeBlanc, members Morrongiello, Griffith & Malloy present for this session.

Town Administrator Jamie Hellen, Building Commissioner Gus Brown, and Planning and Community Development Director Morena Zelaya were also present

Franklin TV video is available for replay - https://www.youtube.com/live/EStN4ZeBYow?&t=112

The agenda here - 

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04022026-2223

My full set of notes taken during the meeting - 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1n0qTNv-eqTy85Vqdu3aJvo59fGJzHAwu/view?usp=drive_link

Quick recap:

• 300 Fisher is scheduled to present at a July session, an EPA brownfield, does have economic value down the line
• NuStyle with grant is advancing and that can be a valuable property given it's location
• The no cap on restaurant alcohol licenses is an untapped advantage, we could do more on it.
• Morena talks of the 600 page doc for Somerville as too much, a recent conference talked of "form based lite" and might be more workable here
• The Town has done a lot downtown but what have the property owners done? How do we engage them to find out what their plans are? There is a gap there, they didn't do much in the Franklin For All project.  We need them to tell us what they are looking for.
• Possible student class with a college graduate level project could help develop a vision or model of what the downtown could be, could incorporate the networking with the owners as part of it, UMass Boston could meet sooner to set the class for the fall.
• LeBlanc economic development is an area where you spend money to make money

The April 2026 Franklin School Committee Newsletter is here. Did you miss any of these items?

The April 2026 Franklin School Committee Newsletter is here

"Your April School Committee Newsletter is here! 

Stay informed & connected.

Read the entire Newsletter here:  https://aptg.co/xtRgLb"

FHS spring sports has 1 win, 1 loss, and 3 games/matches Postponed to TBD 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, April  2, 2026

Softball = Franklin vs. Hopkinton – Postponed to TBD.

Boys Lacrosse = Milford, 9 @ Franklin, 7 – Final 

– Milford overcame an early deficit, holding Franklin to three goals over the final three quarters to secure the upset and its first-ever win over the defending Kelley-Rex league champions. Down 4-1 after one quarter and 6-4 at halftime, the visiting Scarlet Hawks stayed consistent offensively to tie the game up in the third quarter at 6-6 and rally for three goals in the final quarter to pull away with a historic 9-7 win. Senior Jason Stokes had a huge offensive game for Milford with six goals and one assist. Senior Sully Driscoll added one goal and three assists, and freshmen Jeff Corbin (two goals) and Sam Stachowski each scored for the Scarlet Hawks. Milford senior goalie Anthony Mastrioanni played a vital role in net with 17 saves and one assist. “The kids just played their hearts out and they’ve bought in to what we need to do to be successful,” said Milford head coach Austin Costa. Franklin’s Thomas Quinn led the offense with two goals, along with goals from Kellan Taccini, Ryder Hanchett, Quinn Kielty, Rocco Lampasona, and Ethan Barnes.

Franklin TV video for replay - https://www.youtube.com/live/T_ygHcMQcWE?&t=466

Girls Lacrosse = Franklin, 18 @ Milford, 1 – Final 

– Franklin wasted no time to demonstrate their strength, amassing ten goals in the first quarter. The visiting Panthers carried that momentum through the rest of the game to end with a dominant 18-1 victory over Milford. Izzy Cross had a big game offensively with two goals and seven assists, alongside teammate Erin Peterson who added one goal and four assists. Morgan Lovell had a strong showing on defense and in the draw circle where she accrued six draw controls.

Boys Tennis = Franklin @ Dover-Sherborn – Postponed to TBD.

Girls Tennis = Franklin @ Dover-Sherborn – Postponed to TBD.

For other results across the Hockomock League (subscription required)

https://hockomocksports.com/thursdays-schedule-scoreboard-04-02-26/

FHS Panther sports results shared via Twitter & subscription to HockomockSports.com

Register or Donate to the Franklin PMC Kids ride scheduled for June 7

Here is a great community event where your kids are empowered to help Crush Cancer.

Register or Donate to the Franklin
PMC Kids ride scheduled for June 7

Join us on Sunday, June 7 for the Franklin PMC Kids Ride, a bike ride for kids ages 3-14. Kids can choose from a 3, 6, or 10-mile course. Younger riders, not yet on two wheels, can take part in the Tikes and Trikes course in a fun, contained area. 100% of every rider-raised dollar goes directly to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute through its Jimmy Fund.

Kids can join a team, create their own or ride solo! All local communities are encouraged to participate.

This is our 20th year so come join the Fun!

Riders can register, and donations can be made online at www.kids.pmc.org/franklin or thru the code below

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1ECrAUjwbv/

Rain barrel program opens for spring

Rain barrel program opens for spring

via Franklin DPW

"Visit our website: https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/551/Rain-Barrels, to order your rain barrel today!"

#townoffranklin

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1KPC8pde7h/

Help Get Old Colony Habitat for Humanity to the Finish Line!

Your donation will get the Marmol Family in their Home by this Summer

DONATE HERE While we have come a long way in terms of fundraising, we still need to raise $40,000 to reach our goal by May 31st.  We've appreciated your volunteerism, financial donations, and gifts of talent and services. It has meant the world to us. Thank you! Sally Marmol and her three children will move into their new home in Franklin in a short two months. We all look forward to handing her keys to her home. Stay tuned for the Home Dedication announcement in the coming weeks. Please help make Sally's home possible by clicking here. Any amount helps, but at this crucial moment, we are asking those who can consider a, particularly generous contribution to ensure we reach our goal. Thank you for helping make homeownership possible for Sally and all of our Habitat families. Our Mission Dedicated to providing decent and affordable housing in partnership with families in need, Old Colony Habitat for Humanity is all of us working together, partnering with families to improve their housing, both locally and around the world. Building strength, stability and self-reliance through shelter. Thank you for all your support; be sure to follow our social media profiles (linked below) so you can always be up to date on all things Old Colony Habitat for Humanity! Towns and Cities We Serve Assonet, Attleboro, Bellingham, Berkley, Dighton, East Freetown, Fall River, Foxboro, Franklin, Mansfield, Medfield, Medway, Millis, Norfolk, North Attleboro, Norton, Plainville, Raynham, Rehoboth, Seekonk, Swansea, Somerset, Taunton, and Wrentham

Old Colony Habitat for Humanity | PO Box 100 | Attleboro, MA 02703 US

"Congratulations to the Franklin Performing Arts Center for receiving a Destination Development Capital Grant"

via Senator Becca Rausch

"Congratulations to the Franklin Performing Arts Center for receiving a Destination Development Capital Grant. These funds will cover roof renovation costs for THE BLACK BOX, a world-class stage that spotlights talented local actors and engaging Massachusetts stories. 

Thanks to the Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism for your continuing support of our vibrant creative economy. "

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1B2y32iXcf/

The Secrets and Lore of the "License Plate" - March 8,. 2026 (video)

Second Sunday Speaker Series: Alan Young

"Alan Young was first introduced to license plate collecting by his father, more than 25 years ago and "never looked back." What started with an interesting plate or two has grown into a wide range of (mostly) New England license plates as well as research into who the early plates once belonged to.  

Young will share some of his collection and discuss the development of plates over the past 120 years. He has also promised to reveal the first automobile to be registered in Franklin!. "

video link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e23hSRwaAaA

Sprinkler System Spruce up for Spring

Sprinkler System Spruce up for Spring

via Franklin DPW

"Turn over a new leaf this spring with a sprinkler spruce-up! 

Get your irrigation system ready for summer—inspect, connect, direct, and select your way to water savings.   - https://www.epa.gov/watersense/sprinkler-spruce-up"

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/1JeCcxNgHS/

Could that mortgage relief offer be a scam?

Could that mortgage relief offer be a scam? By BCP Staff Life happens and sometimes you end up with trouble paying your mortgage. Maybe you were affected by a natural disaster, lost your job, or got stuck with a bunch of medical bills after an illness.  Then, suddenly, you get an unexpected call offering you mortgage relief. But could it be a scam? Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2026/04/could-mortgage-relief-offer-be-scam?utm_source=govdelivery

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule for Friday, April 3, 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 Friday

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

• This hour features a new Producers Series episode with Vibe, David Butler  ->   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/03/producers-series-talking-with-vibe.html

9:00 AM, 2:00 PM, and 7:00 PM

10:00 AM, 3:00 PM, and 8:00 PM - Talkin’ the Blues – Jim Derick & Nick Remissong. 2 hours of awesome blues music, info, interviews  Showcasing the "Blues" as a basis for and influence of Country, Jazz and Rock and Roll, here and worldwide.

11:00 AM, 4:00 PM, and 9:00 PM - “The Vibe” show plays music for everyone searching for some enjoyment, some dance, a happy or thinking mood, and most importantly, having fun.  Tune in to wfpr.fm and listen to “DJ Vibe” spin music across many genres and join this new vibing experience

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