What matters in Franklin MA - we follow the money sharing Town & School meetings, community events, and interviews to enable an informed resident & voter
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August 16, 20263 min
FM #1799 - FM Weekly Outlook & Lookback Combo - 08/16/26
This episode combines the Franklin Public Radio news briefing spots for the week of August 16, 2026. The outlook for the week ahead August 16 through August 22, 2026The look back at the week that was August 9 through August 15, 2026 --------------The text and links referenced can be found at Franklin Matters Weeklyhttps://www.franklinmattersweekly.org/2026/08/a-relatively-quiet-week-ahead-lets.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.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 comThe 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"
August 15, 202616 min
FM #1798 - Talking With Super Kids - 08/04/26
Two young authors came to the Franklin TV & Radio Studio on Tuesday, August 4, 2026 to talk about their new book, “Super Kids”. You get to meet TJ Bowser and Christopher Charles and hear their story about this book, the first of a series.We talk aboutTheir goalTheir collaborative writing processAnd to “not give up”Our conversation runs about 15 minutes.—-----------You can buy the book on Amazonhttps://www.amazon.com/dp/B0H6CN33PZThe book/authors website https://sites.google.com/view/superkids-book/super-kids--------------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.For additional information, please visit www.franklin.news/ or www.Franklinmatters.org/If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot comThe 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"
August 13, 20265 min
FM #1797 - Franklin (MA) Town Council Mtg - 08/12/26
This session shares the Franklin (MA) Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, August 12, 2026. The Council conducted this session as scheduled beginning at 6 PM. All 9 members participated in Chambers. The Council voted to enter Executive Session immediately and about 4 hours later returned to open session, voting to return to open session before the recording was enabled. This post Executive Session portion was successfully broadcast to cable subscribers and to YouTube but unavailable for Zoom.Recap:There was only one action item on the agenda, to negotiate the Town Administrator contract in Executive Session, and then to vote on it in the public portion of the meeting.Motion to approve contract, second, passes 5-4 (4 = no, Callaway-Tripp, Grella, Griffith & Molloy) (Note, there should have been a roll call as the video did not capture the hands raised.) (Note, it would also have been good for the Council to inform the community of what was in the contract that they wrestled so long with.)Franklin TV YouTube video - - Part 2 return from Executive Session https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qy8O3CvNhHI - Part 1 - open meeting enters Executive Session https://www.youtube.com/live/KVGmbhOOM_A?&t=132Agenda doc for this session - https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08122026-2444 The audio link (leaving out the trouble with re-opening the Zoom session)-------------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.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 comThe 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"
August 12, 202648 min
FM #1796 - Franklin (MA) School Cmte - Policy Subcmte Mtg - 08/11/26
This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee Policy Subcmte meeting held on Tuesday, August 11, 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 and Paula Marano also participated.Quick recap:comment for discussion on page 3 of the restraint policy, suggestion to better clarify the separation of what is or isn't allowed by state and or here in Franklin; should be run by P Marano to confirm discussion on proposed adult meal price from $4.75 to $5.75at FHS higher utilization and a good amount from the other schools, relatively low financial piece of the overall budget adults get the same meal generally just an adult portion rather than student portion. pricing hasn't been changed since 2023. motion to approve recommendation for the adult meal fee from $4.75 to $5.75Ms Marano joins the discussion to review the earlier restraint item, she agrees with the minor modification discussed to clarify will be amended during the formal meeting 2nd reading later todaynext up discussion on technology and AI appropriate use in the classroom, informal advisory group of parents who responded to the survey, work still underway, needs to be done within the district too district improvement goals will include screentime on the scope, intentional use key next up, field trip forms consolidated amongst the schools to be more consistent will be able to address this in the early school year as field trips are not anticipated right away next up, community use of school facilities, should be available outside of school hours, during school hours, student and operations safety comes first so signage and communications around opportunity for a PSA video to help raise awareness of this itemMeeting adjourns, folks move to Chambers for full School Committee meetingThe recording runs about 49 minutes, so let’s listen in.--------------School Committee Subcommittee assignmentshttps://www.franklinps.net/o/fpsd/page/subcommittees-and-liaisons The meeting agenda can be found -> https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08112026-2442 My full set of notes taken during the meeting can be found in one PDF ->https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WlBkiyMfp-4d_K_m2aywqetojQ7s1-08/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 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.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 comThe 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"
August 11, 20261 hr 16 min
FM #1795 - Horace Mann Legacy Subcmte Mtg - 08/10/26
This session shares the exclusive audio from the Horace Mann Legacy Subcommittee Meeting held on Monday, August 10, 2026. The meeting was held in the 3rd floor training room. The recording runs about 75 minutes, so let’s listen in.--------------Meeting agenda https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08042026-2436 My notes in one PDF https://drive.google.com/file/d/1w37wBgM4rHwGkXX5ZF6Kdod5ujkWMLXR/view?usp=drive_link Horace Mann Statue unveiled in 2017. The dedication post contains the audio of the event, including the FSPA performance of the song “Horace, Now There was a Mann“ as well as the dedication booklet (PDF)https://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/05/fm-130-audio-recording-of-horace-mann.html Horace Mann trifold used beginning at Strawberry Strollhttps://drive.google.com/file/d/1KfKvOLhuXlzlor53vvErcTONj-6FFk24/view?usp=sharing -------------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.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 comThe 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"
August 8, 20263 min
FM #1794 - FM Weekly Outlook & Lookback Combo - 08/09/26
This episode combines the Franklin Public Radio news briefing spots for the week of August 9, 2026. The outlook for the week ahead August 9 through August 15, 2026The look back at the week that was August 2 through August 8, 2026 --------------The text and links referenced can be found at Franklin Matters Weeklyhttps://www.franklinmattersweekly.org/ --------------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.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 comThe 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"
August 7, 20261 hr 7 min
FM #1793 - Franklin Commission On Disability Mtg - 08/06/26
This episode shares the Franklin Commission on Disability Meeting held on August 6, 2026 at the Franklin Senior Center. 8 of the 9 members were present, (M Furilla absent).Quick recap:Discussion brainstorming ideas for potential use of their annual budget along with the use of the fees accumulated from parking fines paid by those violating accessibility spaces.Approved use of funds ($100) to obtain membership in Downtown Partnership to gain booth space for the Harvest FestivalDiscussion on purchase of Disability Pride Flag, would also need to adjust the current flag bylaw (https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/1107/2024-Town-Council-Flag-Policy-PDF?bidId=)Discussion on participation for the Harvest FestivalDiscussion on participation for the Senior Expo (Oct 2)Discussion on potential for creating a virtual option for meeting participation. Via Zoom and use of an Owl camera. Decision potentially to be made at the October regular meeting for implementation TBD there afterThe meeting recording runs just over 1 hour--------------The meeting agenda - https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08062026-2427 Commission on Disability page - https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/496/Franklin-Commission-on-Disability --------------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.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 comThe 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"
August 6, 20262 hr 37 min
FM #1792 - Economic Development Subcmte Mtg - 08/04/26
The Economic Development Subcommittee met on Tuesday, August 4, 2026 as scheduled. Committee Chair LeBlanc, members Morrongiello, Malloy & Griffith were present for this session.Quick recap:Discussion and update on the UMass Boston study of downtown to be conducted over 2 semesters of the college year. Final number of students involved to be determined when classes begin in September. Coordinate to have them meet the Committee (either in person, or virtually) early one (Sept or October).update: the Depot Plaza hearing at the Planning Board has changed from 8/10 to 8/24. the application was withdrawn for a technical change and resubmitted, hence the date changeNext up the 40b policy revisionlikely for Morrongiello and LeBlanc to meet with Jamie and Morena to review the items in more detail to bring back a version for further discussionnext up, Sustainability CommitteeJamie and staff can draft a charter for the committee to review before bringing to the Councilnext up, GATRA updateWorld Cup was big for them, transported a bunch of folksfunded by State, so we didn't lose anything from other servers to compensate 38,385 riders in Franklin during the past year (demand response) approx 3,000/monthGATRA had a fixed route once upon a time https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/03/on-this-date-mar-5-2010-franklin-area.html What would a study for the GATRA fixed route cost? What would it cost for GATRA to do so? We can't finance the route on our own. The pipeline to the Planning Board is minimal, they are cancelling meetings as they don't have work to reviewThe meeting runs about 2 hours & 35 minutes. —-----------The Franklin TV video can be viewed here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JJ8h5WC8rP0 The agenda and released docs can be found - https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08042026-2434 My full set of notes captured during the meetinghttps://drive.google.com/file/d/1cKNSbTXGpP-s3395o_i52zDkPXuPn4tJ/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 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.For additional information, please visit www.franklin.news/ or www.Franklinmatters.org/ If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot comThe 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"
August 4, 202622 min
FM #1791 - Franklin Interact - 08/03/26
This session shares my conversation with Syed Azhar of the Franklin Interact Club on Monday, August 3, 2026. Our conversation was conducted in the Franklin TV & Radio studios.The Franklin Interact Club is a service club for teens (high school & middle school) in the Franklin area sponsored by the Franklin Rotary. You must be a Franklin resident and between the ages of 12 to 18 to be a member.The show notes provide links to their web page, social accounts, email, etc.Special event at the Senior Center, Tuesday, August 18Coordinated with Franklin Recreation and the Senior Center“Voices of Franklin”Starts at 11:00 runs to 1:30 PMGames, lunch, then a cross generational discussionLet’s listen to my conversation with Sayed and find out how you participate in the “Voices of Franklin” discussion August 18.—------------Interact webpage https://sites.google.com/view/franklinmainteractclub/home The Interact Club GoFundMe page https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-franklin-interact-club-make-a-difference/donate?Application for new members https://forms.gle/qALcp6beLc9Zs6Ef7 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/franklin.ma.interact Facebook page -> https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61580646612868 Email for additional questions franklinmainteract@gmail.com --------------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.For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot comThe 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"
August 2, 20262 min
FM #1790 - FM Weekly Outlook & Lookback Combo - 08/02/26
This episode combines the Franklin Public Radio news briefing spots for the week of August 2, 2026. The outlook for the week ahead August 2 through August 8, 2026The look back at the week that was July 26 through August 1, 2026 --------------The text and links referenced can be found at Franklin Matters Weeklyhttps://www.franklinmattersweekly.org/2026/08/another-short-list-of-meetings-yet.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.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 comThe 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"
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