Franklin Matters Radio

Hosted by Steve Sherlock

Business NewsInterviews guests

Website RSS feed YouTube

Episodes

200

Latest episode

Nov 2026

Language

About the show

What matters in Franklin MA - we follow the money sharing Town & School meetings, community events, and interviews to enable an informed resident & voter

Listen to episodes

60 recent

November 7, 20261 hr 12 min

FM #1852 - Town Council Communications Subcmte Mtg - 11/05/26

This session shares the Franklin, MA Town Council Communications Subcommittee meeting held virtually (via Zoom) on Thursday, November 5, 2026. Committee members: Caroline Griffith, Chair, Jane Callaway-Tripp, Vice Chair, Maxwell Morrongiello, Gene Grella and Elizabeth Kalaijian, Director of Communications and Community Engagement. Agenda: 1. Call to Order 2. Approval of Minutes a. July 15, 2026 Meeting Minutes b. May 28, 2026 Meeting Minutes c. April 27, 2026 Meeting Minutes 3. Review and Discussion: next steps, priorities, and questions a. Updated_2026-27_Comms Subcommittee Work Plan Draft b. 2026-2027 Communications Subcommittee work plan 4. Adjourn The recording runs about 72 minutes, so let’s listen to the Communications Subcommittee meeting of November 5, 2026. -------------- Agenda doc - https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_11052026-2590 Town Council Communications Subcmte page - https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/1311/Communications-Subcommittee -------------- 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 www.franklin.news or Franklinmatters.org/ 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"

November 5, 202638 min

FM #1851 - Franklin (MA) Board Of Health Mtg - 11/03/26

The Franklin, MA Board of Health met on Wednesday, September 2, 2026 at 5 PM as scheduled. All three members participated; 2 in the 3rd floor training room, 1 remotely (with an intermittent audio connection), along with additional representation by the Health Department members (C Liberty, Director; G McNeil). Quick recap: Approval of minutes for October, so moved, second, passes 2-0-1 (1 absent, joined just after vote) Kids vaccine clinic successful , approx 30+ received, comfort dogs were present Discussion on Kratom around potential penalties given the change that it that Federal status for the drug has changed to “restricted” change penalties for Kratom and derivatives, will advertise for meeting in Dec and implement in the new year Next up emergency dispensing site (FHS) in partnership with Police Fire and DPW for holding and conducting the plan Discussion on the need for interpreters , DPH removed the phone access service they had provided that Alicia used regularly; also consider sign language Next up, food violations, trends ? temp control, sanitation, usually the same repeat violations; lots of turnover within the food establishments doesn't help keep a stable process; looking at creating training via grant for those involved in food handling Motion to adjourn , passes 3-0, via roll call (and 1 hand signal) The recording runs about 38 minutes, so let’s listen in. -------------- Agenda doc - https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_11042026-2588 My notes in one PDF - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-B3I14vFnRZVMSPh6j-rvzge3uwtm9gb/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 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. 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"

November 5, 202650 min

FM #1850 - School Cmte - Policy Subcmte Mtg - 11/03/26

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. 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. -------------- 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"

November 3, 202639 min

FM #1849 - Energize Franklin Updates - 10/26/26

This session shares my conversation with Dave Rittenhouse and Marissa Bovie, both with the Energize Franklin group . We had our discussion virtually on Monday, October 26, 2026. We talk about Energize Franklin What has changed since we last talked Updated webpage Now using Facebook What hasn’t changed Information & testimonials to help Take action steps, small or large The recording runs about 39 minutes, so let’s listen in. -------------- Energize Franklin home page - www.energizefranklin.org/ You can email Dave at dsritt@gmail.com Prior recording (walk through of the Energize page & features) https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/06/making-sense-of-climate-27-dave-helps.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 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"

November 1, 20264 min

FM #1848 - FM Weekly Outlook & Lookback Combo - 11/01/26

This episode combines the Franklin Public Radio news briefing spots for the week of November 01, 2026 . The outlook for the week ahead November 01 through November 07, 2026 The look back at the week that was October 25 through October 31, 2026 -------------- The text and links referenced can be found at Franklin Matters Weekly https://www.franklinmattersweekly.org/2026/10/clocks-change-state-election-tuesday.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 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"

November 1, 202621 min

FM #1847 - Franklin Public Library - Nov2026 Event Highlights - 10/20/26

This session shares my conversation with Mitzi Gousie, Programming and Outreach Librarian with the Franklin Public Library. We had our discussion virtually on Tuesday, October 20, 2026. We talk about The regular open hours, book sale and holiday scheduling for the month Sunday hours (1:30 to 5 PM) returned in September Book sale weekend Nov 20 & Nov 21 Closed on Nov 11 for Veterans Day Closing early Weds, Nov 25 (2:30pm) Closed Thursday, Nov 26 for Thanksgiving Library event highlights for November 2026 In calendar order rather than by category this time around Registration for those events required should be done through the Town website, Library page. There are nefarious folks trying to convince folks otherwise via Facebook. Be safe, use the official Town and Library pages. The show notes include links to the Library page and to the calendar of events where registration for some of the events is required/recommended. The recording runs about 21 minutes, so let’s listen in. -------------- Mitzi Gousie’s email - mgousie@minlib.net Franklin Public Library page - https://www.franklinma.gov/233/Franklin-Public-Library Library event calendar - https://www.franklinma.gov/942/Calendar-of-Events November 2026 newsletter - https://myemail.constantcontact.com/November-2026-Franklin-Public-Library-News---Events.html?soid=1142311312837&aid=HAqVzsO_rY0 ------------- 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

November 1, 202620 min

FM #1846 - MashUp Remarks - Rep Roy & M Tamasi - 10/27/26

This session shares individual remarks made by State Rep Jeff Roy and Michael Tamasi, President & CEO of Accurounds at the Annual Manufacturing Awardee Presentation held Tuesday, Oct 27, 2026 at GIllette Stadium. The recording runs about 20 minutes, so let’s listen in. The full listing of awardees and the presentation audio 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 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"

November 1, 20261 hr 25 min

FM #1845 - Manufacturing MashUp Awards - 10/27/26

This session shares the Annual Manufacturing Awardee Presentation held Tuesday, Oct 27, 2026 at GIllette Stadium. State Senator Paul Feeney and State Rep Jeff Roy , co-chairs of the Manufacturing Caucus shared reading and presenting the awards. The list of the awardees can be found https://drive.google.com/file/d/1XvaljLwPg_vElrK2XFP3ZK0jZBAlpEof/view?usp=drive_link The recording runs about 95 minutes, so let’s listen in. ------------- 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"

October 30, 202620 min

FM #1844 - Direct Impact Checking with Safe Coalition - 10/27/26

This session shares my conversation with Jennifer Levine, Executive Director, SAFE Coalition and Danya Raphael, Vice President, Brand Experience, Direct Federal Credit Union. We had our discussion virtually on Tuesday, October 27, 2026. We talk about Direct Impact Checking Account features Linked to one of 4 non-profits SAFE Coalition PFLAG Greater Boston The Ellie Fund Raising A Reader Massachusetts Importance of listening to serve the community Importance of building relationships The recording runs about 20 minutes, so let’s listen in. -------------- Direct Federal home page - https://www.direct.com Press release on Direct Impact Checking - https://www.direct.com/learn/news/direct-federal-credit-union-launches-direct-impact-checking-turning-everyday-spending-into-community-impact SAFE Coalition home page - https://www.safecoalitionma.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 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"

October 28, 202635 min

FM #1843 - Franklin Senior Center -Nov 2026 Highlights - 10/20/26

This session shares my conversation with Jillian Rochat, Activities Coordinator and Chasity Cheng, Deputy Director of the Franklin Senior Center. We had our discussion in the Franklin Senior Center on Tuesday, Oct 20, 2026. We talk about All the key event highlights for Nov 2026 Multiple program date changes due to Veterans Day, Nov 11 Tax workoff program forms available at front desk or online Nov 30 Winter Wonderland scheduled for Dec 10 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. -------------- November 2026 newsletter -> https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/11398/November-2026?bidId= Franklin Senior Center page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/583/Franklin-Senior-Center-Council-on-Aging 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/ ------------- 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! ------------------ You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"