Franklin (MA) Matters

This session shares my conversation with School Committee member Reis Hansen We had our discussion via Zoom on Monday, April 13, 2026. We condense and get into the explanations behind the key items from the recent School Committee meeting March 24, 2026.Our conversation covered the following topics:Lifelong learning updateStudent Opportunities Act Plan VoteEndorsement of Request for Statement of Interest for Development of Strategic Plan Subcommittee & Liaison role updatesOur conversation runs about 40 minutes. Let’s listen--------------School Committee page (with contact info) - https://www.franklinps.net/o/fpsd/page/school-committee School Committee subcommittee assignments - https://www.franklinps.net/o/fpsd/page/subcommittees-and-liaisons The Franklin TV video is available for replay - https://www.youtube.com/live/uQe3rLUq6e8?&t=87 The agenda for this session - https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03242026-2201 My full set of notes taken during the meeting in one PDF - https:

This episode contains the audio recording of the Hometown Hero event held on Thursday, April 16, 2026. Held at the Town of Franklin Police Station to recognize Chief TJ Lynch as a Hometown Hero.Speakers in order of appearance:Franklin Town Administrator Jamie HellenDavid Morales, general manager of Wellpoint,Franklin Chief of Police Thomas J. “TJ” Lynch;State Rep Jeff Roy--------------The Wellpoint press release can be found--------------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 neighborsIf you don't like something here, please let me knowAnd 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 doThrough this feedback loop we can continue t

The Economic Development Subcommittee 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 presentThe recording runs about 1 hour and 16 minutes. —-----------Franklin Matters recap - https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/04/the-economic-development-subcommittee.html 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 --------------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

This session shares part of the Franklin (MA) Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, April 1, 2026. The Council held this session as scheduled beginning at 6 PM. 8 members participated, 7 in Chambers, 1 remotely, hence all votes were recorded via roll call. The meeting recording runs 2 hours and 27 minutes--------------The Franklin Matters recap - https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/04/town-council-moves-4-zoning-bylaw.html The Franklin TV video is available for replay - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N84cGZK_Ua4 The agenda doc - https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04012026-2229 My full set of notes in one PDF - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1jwviXzblwRVMwA3wkzuZcJlRE3tyZmsI/view?usp=drive_link -------------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 t

This episode combines the Franklin Public Radio news briefing spots for the week of April 12, 2026. The outlook for the week ahead April 12 through April 18, 2026The look back at the week that was April 5 through April 11, 2026 --------------The text and links referenced can be found at Franklin Matters Weeklyhttps://www.franklinmattersweekly.org/2026/04/the-budget-discussion-blossoms.html--------------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 neighborsIf you don't like something here, please let me knowAnd 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 doThrough this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for

This session shares my discussion with Donald Krishnaswami. We had our discussion in the Franklin TV & Radio Studio on Monday, April 6, 2026We discussed the LiveARTS String Quartet and their next concert set for May 17, 2026 at the Historical Museum at 3 PM.We talk aboutWebsite now available, likely to sell outTickets and /or donations through websiteAbout the program and performersNature of live music, chamber musicThe recording runs about 20 minutes, so let’s listen in.--------------LiveArts String Quartet https://www.liveartsstringquartet.org/ Press release link - https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/04/the-livearts-string-quartet-returns-to.html -------------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 neigh

This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, March 24, 2026 at 7:00 PM. All 7 members of the Committee were present in Chambers. Quick recap:Students scheduled for the pledge got to the meeting for the incorrect 6 PM start and will be rescheduled to another meetingSuperintendent's reportsubstitute nurses being looked forWinter sports round upearmark funded for middle school library (still needs to make through the budget cycle)Innovation labs grant also awardedFHS family science night April 9 from 5 to 8 pmLifelong learning updateFor Solutions, the students to teacher ratios; K - 1 to 10, others grades are 1 to 12, 1 to 13Footlighters program hiring for, trying to fulfill that position, complications in the hiring process had hindered the hiring to date. Still being workedOver 900 adults taking part, a wide variety of offerings from sports to arts, etc.Funding question, Lifelong learning is effectively another revolving fund, fee based and those fees can only be used within

This session of the radio show shares our “Town Council Quarterbacking” with Town Councilor Max Morrongiello. We had our conversation in person at the Franklin TV & Radio Studios on Thursday, April 2, 2026. Our conversation condensed the Town Council meeting of Wednesday, April 1, 2026.We focus on two questions:ok, what just happened? What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?We cover the following key topicsMultiple citizen comments; topics covered = Bellingham battery storage, PorchFest, Quatro Eroi celebration events, & School Committee updateCouncilor commentsRecognition of Chloe Bowser, her essay was one of 12 selected for the commissioning of the new submarine USS Massachusetts 3 public hearings opened together for the MBTA zoning bylaw changes required to bring us to full compliance. Of note, to come into compliance while we did tweak our zoning to fit the requirements, we actually reduced the density that was already permitted for that area. All three proposals after clarification

This session of the radio show shares our “Town Council Quarterbacking” with Town Councilor Max Morrongiello. We had our conversation in person at the Franklin TV & Radio Studios on Monday, March 30, 2026. Our conversation condensed the Town Council meeting of Wednesday, March 17, 2026.We focus on two questions:ok, what just happened? What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?We cover the following key topicsPresentation on the Chapter 70 Program - Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE)Appointment to the Finance Committee: Tom Sullivan, Passes 8-0-1Legislation for Action (all votes passed by 8-0-1)Resolution 26-16: Approval for Request for Statements of Interest for Development of a Strategic Plan Resolution 26-17: Town Council’s Support of FY27 State Budget Priorities Resolution 26-18: Town Council Support for H. 4297, An Act relative to the Lowell Mason Act to mandate a percentage of Chapter 70 funds for Arts Education Programs Resolution 26-19: Request for Special Legislat

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with (in order of introduction)Donna O’NeillRoberta TrahanSally GrantKim DeCrescenzoCarol MalachowskiWe had our conversation in person in the community room at The Franklin Food Pantry on Wednesday, March 4, 2026. We started with a round of introductions and then 2 questions:How did you first get involved with The PantryWhat keeps you coming backThat was all the group needed. The conversation took off from there. It runs almost 40 minutes. Let’s listen in --------------2025 Annual report of The Pantry - https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/FY25-Annual-Report-2-page.pdf Franklin Food Pantry web page -> https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/ To volunteer - https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/get-involved/volunteer/ Follow The Pantry onFacebook -> https://www.facebook.com/FranklinFoodPantry Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/franklinfoodpan/ --------------We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Frank

This session shares part of the Franklin (MA) Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, March 18, 2026. The Council held this session as scheduled beginning at 6 PM. All 9 Councilors participated for this 4 hour plus session. The meeting was held in conjunction with the Franklin School Committee (all 7 members also present) for both to participate with the presentation by the Dept of Elementary & Secondary Education (DESE) to cover Chapter 70 & hold harmless.1707 - The Opening, and the DESE presentation & discussion (approx. 2 hr 45 mins) 1708 - After a brief recess, the remainder of the Council meeting (approx. 55 mins)--------------Additional notes on the meeting recap can be found (including link to Franklin TV video) ->https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/03/joint-meeting-of-town-council-school.htmlThe DESE presentation documenthttps://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1ZXyBdwq4EvQANLOM5qceeoId0ssrKQPU/edit?usp=drive_link&ouid=101938843903614700481&rtpof=true&sd=true-------------W

This session shares part of the Franklin (MA) Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, March 18, 2026. The Council held this session as scheduled beginning at 6 PM. All 9 Councilors participated for this 4 hour plus session. The meeting was held in conjunction with the Franklin School Committee for both to participate with the presentation by the Dept of Elementary & Secondary Education (DESE) to cover Chapter 70 & hold harmless.1707 - The Opening, and the DESE presentation & discussion (approx. 2 hrs. 45 mins) 1708 - After a brief recess, the remainder of the Council meeting (approx. 55 mins)--------------Additional notes on the meeting recap can be found (including link to Franklin TV video) ->https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/03/joint-meeting-of-town-council-school.htmlThe DESE presentation documenthttps://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1ZXyBdwq4EvQANLOM5qceeoId0ssrKQPU/edit?usp=drive_link&ouid=101938843903614700481&rtpof=true&sd=true-------------We are now producing this in

This episode combines the Franklin Public Radio news briefing spots for the week of April 5, 2026. The outlook for the week ahead April 5 through April 11, 2026The look back at the week that was March 29 through April 4, 2026 --------------The text and links referenced can be found at Franklin Matters Weeklyhttps://www.franklinmattersweekly.org/2026/04/budget-budget-budget.html--------------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 neighborsIf you don't like something here, please let me knowAnd 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 doThrough this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.F

This session of the radio show shares the Town of Franklin Board of Health Meeting held on Wednesday, April 1, 2026. The meeting agenda was held in the 3rd floor training room as well as via Google Meet. All 3 board members were present with the full compliment of Health Dept staff.Quick Recap:Chair Kim Mu-Chow opens the meetingReads protocol statement re: Google meetConfirms participation via roll callNo citizen commentsMotion to approve March 4 minutes, so moved, second, passes 3-0Motion to approve Mar 18 minutes, second, passes 3-0PFAS advisory to be posted at Chilson beach and a couple of other spots near there (300 Fisher St)Fish for catch and release generallyChilson water is tested weekly during summer for E.coli. Testing not done with PFAS except for water supply sourcesDraft regulations for the mind altering productsSuggestion on change to the coverage of the retail shops, clarification to cover potential loop holesSuggestion on altering the levels of fine to $300, $500, $1000. To raise the deterrent

This session shares the Franklin Public Schools Horace Mann Legacy Subcmte Mtg held on Monday, March 30, 2026 at 7:00 PM. Meeting chaired by School Committee Vice-Chair Dave Callaghan. Members Ruthann O’Sullivan (in person) and Reis Hansen (remotely) participated. Superintendent Lucas Giguere and Director of Operations Colin Boisvert participated.Quick recapHistory of the chocolate chip cookie shared Cookies provided for those presentResource doc for committee to collect information about Horace to build thelevel base of understanding for the group to help prepare the story to be used by the committee for the community awareness May 2 film to be shown at museum Kids play area to understand Horace as he grew up. Presentation on the Research around the middle period of Horace's story in Franklin scheduled for Sunday. Multiple ideas to add to the weekend to augment the activity and improve the draw appealChildren's Museum checking with the Library to coordinate some younger age activities and infoMotion to adjou

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”.We coverThe book is available in multiple formatsThe origin story of the bookAli’s recovery journey and advocacyThe video runs about 23 minutes, let’s watch (or listen)--------------The landing page for Buddy The Brain https://alirheaume.com/buddythebrain--------------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 neighborsIf you don't like something here, please let me knowAnd 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 doThrough this feedback lo

This episode combines the Franklin Public Radio news briefing spots for the week of March 29, 2026. The outlook for the week ahead March 29 through April 4, 2026The look back at the week that was March 22 through March 28, 2026 --------------The text and links referenced can be found at Franklin Matters Weeklyhttps://www.franklinmattersweekly.org/2026/03/be-wary-of-foolishness-april-1-arrives.html--------------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 neighborsIf you don't like something here, please let me knowAnd 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 doThrough this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank

This session shares the audio of the No KIngs Rally on the Town Common in Franklin, MA on Saturday, March 28, 2026.The audio lets you be there to hear the multiple speakers and the two musical performances by Sioo and Toby.Rachel Plukas welcomed the groupMichael Walker-Jones took over as master of ceremonies introducing the bands and the remaining speakers:Town Councilor Max MorrongielloSenator Becca RauschVeronicaState Rep Jeff RoyThe recording runs about 1 hour and 20 minutes, so let’s listen in.--------------Shared album of photos of the event https://photos.app.goo.gl/xYCz8suYGpaiYmaU7-------------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 neighborsIf you don't like something here, please let me knowAnd if you

This session shares my conversation with David Butler, also known as “Vibe”. Vibe started with one show, Turntables (The Turntable Show), in conjunction with Pauly G, and now does a separate (podcast) show called “The Vibe”. You can listen to both at wfpr.fm or on Soundcloud. We had our discussion at the Franklin TV Studios on Thursday, March 12, 2026.We talk about Creation of The Vibe experienceThe fun place to explore and learn at Franklin Public RadioShow development, how they come to beIf you have an interest reach outIf you are interested in doing a project in video or audio, contact the studio with your idea. Info@Franklin.tv or info@wfpr.fm The recording runs about 40 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with The Vibe.--------------Franklin Public Radio - https://wfpr.fm/ Franklin TV webpage - https://franklin.tv/ You can listen to one or more of The Vibe’s shows on Soundcloudhttps://soundcloud.com/wfpr/sets/the-vibeYou can listen to The Turntable show on Soundcloudhttps://soundcloud.com/wfpr/se

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 2026Senior Center closed on Friday, April 3 for professional development - tax return schedules will be maintainedSenior Center closed Monday, April 20 for Patriot’s DayTeaser for “Eat Around the World” on Friday, May 1The 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.--------------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 (