Franklin Matters Radio
What matters in Franklin MA - we follow the money sharing Town & School meetings, community events, and interviews to enable an informed resident & voter
FM #1702 - FM Weekly Outlook & Lookback Combo - 03/29/26
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 Weekly
https://www.franklinmattersweekly.org/2026/03/be-wary-of-foolishness-april-1-arrives.html
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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 y...
FM #1701 - No Kings Rally in Franklin (MA) - 03/28/26
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 group
Michael 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.
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Shared album of photos of the event https://photos.app.goo.gl/xYCz8suYGpaiYmaU7
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FM #1700 - Producer Series: The Vibe - 03/12/26
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...
FM #1699 - Franklin Senior Ctr - April 2026 Highlights - 03/18/26
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.
T...
FM #1698 - Franklin (MA) School Cmte Budget Subcmte - 03/24/26
This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee Budget Subcmte Meeting held on Tuesday, March 24, 2026 at 6 PM. All 3 members participated in person in the 3rd Floor Training Room.
Subcommittee Chair Paul Griffith, Ruthann O’Sullivan and Nadia Mausolf.
Superintendent Lucas Giguere and Business Administrator Jana Melotti participated.
Quick recap:
The meeting provided a discussion on updates to some of the key information and preparation for the budget hearings with the Finance Committee & Town CouncilDiscussion also on the talking points to continue to tell the full storyThe recording runs about 43 mi...
FM #1697 - Franklin Public Library: Apr 2026 Event Highlights - 03/17/26
This session shares my conversation with Mitzi Gousie, Programming and Outreach Librarian with the Franklin Public Library. We had our discussion virtually on Tuesday, March 17, 2026.
We talk about
Reviewed the regular open hours, book sale and holiday scheduling for the monthClosed on Sundays due to budget reductionClosed all day on Monday, April 20 for Patriot’s DayLibrary events for April 2026In calendar order rather than by category this time aroundRegistration for those events required should be done through the Town website, Library page. There are nefarious folks trying to convince folks otherwise vi...
FM #1696 - Franklin (MA) Finance Cmte Mtg - 03/11/26
This session shares the Finance Committee meeting conducted Wednesday, March 11, 2026. The Committee meeting opened with 6 members present, 2 absent (1 open position reportedly to be filled soon).
Quick recap:
a healthy and engaging discussion on the policies, to be resumed at one of the budget hearings in April before making a recommendation on changes (if any) to the Town CouncilPresentation on the grant process and the yield of $112M over 10 years, an average of $10M/yearFuture Agenda Items / Next meeting Dates:a. April 6, 7, 8 & 9, 2026 - Anticipated Finance Committee Budget Hearingsb. May 28, 2026 - FY27 Budget discussion - first look at...FM #1695 - Franklin (MA) School Cmte Mtg - 03/10/26 - P2 of 2
This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, March 10, 2026 at 6:00 PM. All 7 members of the committee were present in the virtual session conducted via Zoom.
Superintendent Lucas Giguere, Asst Supt Tina Rogers, Asst Supt Paula Marano, School Business Administrator Jana Melotti participated. Colin Boisvert and Aaron Lenart, RD presented on the Food Services operations.
The audio is shared in 2 parts
Part 1 - the beginning and end of meeting (48 minutes)Part 2 - just the Food Services update and discussion (1 hour 20 minutes)Quick recap:
Recognition for Chloe Bowser, FHS...FM #1694 - Franklin (MA) School Cmte Mtg - 03/10/26 - P1 of 2
This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, March 10, 2026 at 6:00 PM. All 7 members of the committee were present in the virtual session conducted via Zoom.
Superintendent Lucas Giguere, Asst Supt Tina Rogers, Asst Supt Paula Marano, School Business Administrator Jana Melotti participated. Colin Boisvert and Aaron Lenart, RD presented on the Food Services operations.
The audio is shared in 2 parts
Part 1 - the beginning and end of meeting (48 minutes)Part 2 - just the Food Services update and discussion (1 hour 20 minutes)Quick recap:
Recognition for Chloe Bowser, FHS...FM #1693 - Franklin (MA) Board Of Health Mtg - 03/18/26
This session of the radio show shares the Town of Franklin Board of Health Meeting held on Wednesday, March 18, 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 commentsDiscuss prohibiting the sale of mind altering productsConcerns expressed, unregulated products in most casesAre being sold in FranklinDraft regulation based upon Northampton part of April agenda for review/commentPublic...FM #1692 - FM Weekly Outlook & Lookback Combo - 03/22/26
This episode combines the Franklin Public Radio news briefing spots for the week of March 22, 2026.
The outlook for the week ahead March 22 through March 28, 2026The look back at the week that was March 15 through March 21, 2026--------------
The text and links referenced can be found at Franklin Matters Weekly
https://www.franklinmattersweekly.org/2026/03/your-franklin-ma-news-for-week-of-march.html
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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...
FM #1691 - SchCmte Community Relations Subcmte Mtg - 03/16/26
This session shares the Franklin, MA School Committee Community Relations Subcommittee meeting held on Monday, March 16, 2026.
The meeting agenda had placed the session in the 3rd floor conf room so I was there. Chair Al Charles, member Nadia Mausolf and Operations Director Colin Boisvert were remote. Member Stephen Karunakaran was caught in another meeting and didn’t make it. Future meetings are intended to be virtual unless otherwise noted.
The agenda topics:
● Website Usage Metrics
● Quarterly Community Engagement Update
● Senior Center Visit / Monthly Q&A Session
● Strawberry Stroll Pla...
FM #1690 - Chalkboard Chat - 03/12/26
This session shares my conversation with School Committee Chair Paul Griffith. We had our discussion via Zoom on Thursday, March 12, 2026.
We condense and get into the explanations behind the key items from the recent School Committee meeting March 10, 2026.
Our conversation covered the following topics:
Recognition of Chloe Bowser, essay contest winner (1 of 12) for the USS Massachusetts commissioning ceremony March 28, 2026Food Services presentation Joint Budget subcommittee April 16Combined Town Council & School Committee meeting March 18A presentation/discussion by Department of Elementary & Secondary Education (DESE) on Chapter 70 and hold harmlessOur conversation runs about 38...
FM #1689 - Town Council Quarterbacking with Councilor Morrongiello - 03/11/26
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 Wednesday, March 11, 2026. Our conversation condensed the Town Council meeting of Wednesday, March 4, 2026.
We focus on two questions:
ok, what just happened? What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?We cover the following key topics
Snow and Ice total at $2.1M which doesn't include the $65K from last night's double coat of salt to counter the ice. This amount will eat into the oper...FM #1688 -Barbara & Ted's Fine Homes - 03/10/26
This session of the radio show shares my conversation with realtors Barbara Scardino and Ted Cormier-Leger. We had our conversation virtually via Zoom on Tuesday, March 10, 2026.
We talk about
Their background as realtorsStarting their team at Coldwell BankerThe benefits of planningThe support structure at Coldwell banker that they can leverageThe conversation runs about 37 minutes. Let’s watch or listen
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Barbara & Ted’s page on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/BTFineHomes/directory_contact_info
Their webpage - https://www.barbarasfinehomes.com/
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We a...
FM #1687 - FM Weekly Outlook & Lookback Combo - 03/15/26
This episode combines the Franklin Public Radio news briefing spots for the week of March 15, 2026.
The outlook for the week ahead March 15 through March 21, 2026The look back at the week that was March 8 through March 14, 2026--------------
The text and links referenced can be found at Franklin Matters Weekly
https://www.franklinmattersweekly.org/2026/03/major-meeting-this-week-joint-session.html
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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...
FM #1686 - Franklin (MA) Commission On Disability Mtg - 03/05/26
This session of the radio show shares the Town of Franklin Commission on Disability Meeting held on Thursday, March 5, 2026. The meeting was held at the Senior Center. The meeting opened with a welcome by Chair Ali Rheaume.
Quick Recap:
Motion to approve previous meeting minutes, made, passed unanimouslyDiscussion on AAB Non-Compliance Letters, some sites getting repeat letters, MBTA supposedly to be compliant in MayResource Document is live, getting feedback, led to discussion on calling the doc a “resource” or list of “services available”, renamed to “Disability-Related Services”Discussion on “Accessibility in Franklin” - working on a doc to list publ...FM #1685 - Franklin (MA) Town Council Mtg - 03/04/26 - P2 of 2
This session shares part of the Franklin (MA) Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, March 4, 2026. The Council held this session as scheduled beginning at 6 PM. All 9 Councilors participated for this 4 hour plus session.
1684 - The Opening, and all agenda items except the goals which they saved for last (approx. 2 hr 7 mins) 1685 - Discussion on the goals brings them right up to the 4 hour limit which they managed to stay within (approx. 1 hour and 55 mins)--------------
Additional notes on the meeting recap can be found (including link to Franklin TV video) ->
https...
FM #1684 - Franklin (MA) Town Council Mtg - 03/04/26 - P1 of 2
This session shares part of the Franklin (MA) Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, March 4, 2026. The Council held this session as scheduled beginning at 6 PM. All 9 Councilors participated for this 4 hour plus session.
1684 - The Opening, and all agenda items except the goals which they saved for last (approx. 2 hrs. 7 mins) 1685 - Discussion on the goals brings them right up to the 4 hour limit which they managed to stay within (approx. 1 hour and 55 mins)--------------
Additional notes on the meeting recap can be found (including link to Franklin TV video) ->
https...
FM #1683 - FM Weekly Outlook & Lookback Combo - 03/08/26
This episode combines the Franklin Public Radio news briefing spots for the week of March 8, 2026.
The outlook for the week ahead March 8 through March 14, 2026The look back at the week that was March 1 through March 7, 2026--------------
The text and links referenced can be found at Franklin Matters Weekly
https://www.franklinmattersweekly.org/2026/03/marching-forward-to-spring-day-by-day.html
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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...
FM #1682 - Party for The Pantry - 03/02/26
This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Marsha Tait, Development Director of the Franklin Food Pantry, Jen Johnson, Development Associate, and Bill Donavan, (Director of A/V with Stage Edge). We had our conversation in person in the community room at The Franklin Food Pantry on Monday, March 2, 2026.
Discussion items:
Tickets on sale for Party for the Pantry; March 28 at THE BLACK BOXOnline bidding for silent auction items opens March 19Bidding for travel opportunities opens the night of3 bands to provide entertainment - Fab 3, Karate Show, and South Street SixLight food items catered...FM #1681 - Talk Franklin - 03/02/26
This session of the radio show shares our “Talk Franklin” discussion with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen and Liz Kalaijian, the new Director of Communications and Community Engagement for the Town of Franklin. We recorded our conversation in the Franklin TV & Radio Studio on Monday, March 2, 2026.
Key topics
Welcome LizQuick updates on Town businessDeep dive on Mass Municipal Association (MMA)Close with some musical fun (songs about communications)The recording runs about 59 minutes. Let’s listen to our conversation.
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Town of Franklin page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/
MMA pa...
FM #1680 - Franklin (MA) Board Of Health Mtg - 03/04/26
This session of the radio show shares the Town of Franklin Board of Health Meeting held on Wednesday, March 4, 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 callApproval of Feb minutes, moved, second, passes 3-0No citizen commentsRestricting the sale of tobacco products inspection violations discussion Report My Meal Report My Meal | Mass.gov link added to Town...FM #1679 - Franklin (MA) Finance Cmte Mtg - 02/25/26
This session shares the Finance Committee meeting conducted Wednesday, February 25, 2026. The Committee opened with 5 members in Chambers and 1 remote. 2 members absent and 1 had just resigned that morning (and hopefully to be replaced before April budget hearings).
Quick recap:
Motion to approve the prior meeting notes, so moved, second, passes via roll call (1 remote) was 6-0-3 (2 absent, 1 resigned this AM)Discussion on the need to replace a fire engine which has frame corrosion and was taken offline. Discussion on an undercarriage wash to help prolong the life of the trucks and rest of the fleet with...FM #1678 - FM Weekly Outlook & Lookback Combo - 03/01/26
This episode combines the Franklin Public Radio news briefing spots for the week of March 1, 2026.
The outlook for the week ahead March 1 through March 7 2026The look back at the week that was Feb 22 through Feb 28, 2026--------------
The text and links referenced can be found at Franklin Matters Weekly
https://www.franklinmattersweekly.org/2026/02/happy-birthday-town-of-franklin-248.html
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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...
FM #1677 - Franklin Senior Center - March 2026 Highlights - 02/18/26
This session shares my conversation with Activities Coordinator Jillian Rochat and Executive Assistant Mary Hynes. We had our discussion in the Franklin Radio Studio on Wednesday, February 18, 2026.
We talk about
All the key event highlights for March 2026Sign up for email delivery of the monthly newsletterThe show notes include links to the Senior Center page, the calendar of events, and to subscribe to the monthly newsletter.
The recording runs about 33 minutes, so let’s listen in.
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Franklin Senior Center page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/583/Franklin-Senior-Center-Council-on-Aging
...FM #1676 - Franklin (MA) DPW Curbside Schedule Change - 02/27/26
Per the 5 PM (2/27/2026) all-call from the Department of Public Works:
"Good evening Franklin, this is Brutus Cantoreggi, your Public Works Director.
I have important information regarding trash and recycling pickup. Working with the Town Administrator, the Town Council, resident ideas, and Waste Management, this is the plan going forward.
We will continue with the plan for tomorrow, Saturday, to pick up Thursday trash and recycling.
Next week, starting Monday, we will resume the regularly scheduled trash and recycling pickup plan. Monday will be on Monday, Tuesday on Tuesday, etc.
...
FM #1675 - Town Council Mtg - 02/11/26 - P3 of 3
This session shares part 3 of 3 for the Franklin (MA) Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, January 21, 2026. The Council held this session as scheduled beginning at 6 PM. All 9 Councilors participated for this 4 hour plus session.
1673 - covers the opening, Citizen comments, Council Comments, ABCC license change approval (approx. 45 mins)1674 - segment from the meeting covering the full discussion on the5 Year fiscal forecast & discussion (approx. 1 hr 33 mins)1675 - segment from the meeting covers the Capital Budget discussion and the remainder of the meeting (approx. 2 hours and 3 mins)--------------
Additional notes on the meeting recap can...
FM #1674 - Town Council Mtg - 02/11/26 - P2 of 3
This session shares part 2 of 3 parts of the Franklin (MA) Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, January 21, 2026. The Council held this session as scheduled beginning at 6 PM. All 9 Councilors participated for this 4 hour plus session.
1673 - covers the opening, Citizen comments, Council Comments, ABCC license change approval (approx. 45 mins)1674 - segment from the meeting covering the full discussion on the5 Year fiscal forecast & discussion (approx. 1 hr 33 mins)1675 - segment from the meeting covers the Capital Budget discussion and the remainder of the meeting (approx. 2 hours and 3 mins)--------------
Additional notes on the meeting recap...
FM #1673 - Town Council Mtg - 02/11/26 - P1 of 3
This session shares part 1 of 3 parts for the Franklin (MA) Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, January 21, 2026. The Council held this session as scheduled beginning at 6 PM. All 9 Councilors participated for this 4 hour plus session.
1673 - covers the opening, Citizen comments, Council Comments, ABCC license change approval (approx. 45 mins)1674 - segment from the meeting covering the full discussion on the5 Year fiscal forecast & discussion (approx. 1 hr 33 mins)1675 - segment from the meeting covers the Capital Budget discussion and the remainder of the meeting (approx. 2 hours and 3 mins)--------------
Additional notes on the meeting recap...
FM #1672 - Town Council Mtg - 02/04/26
This session shares the Franklin (MA) Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, February 4, 2026. The Council held this session as scheduled beginning at 6 PM. All 9 Councilors participated for this less than 2 hour session.
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Additional notes on the meeting recap can be found (including link to Franklin TV video) ->
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/02/town-council-discusses-goals-hears-last.html
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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...
FM #1671 - DPW Storm Cleanup Update - 02/26/26
This episode shared the voice message left via robocall from DPW Director Robert “Brutus” Cantoreggi, with the snow update on the afternoon of Sunday February 26, 2026.
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The text and links referenced can be found at Franklin Matters
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/02/dpw-director-provides-storm-cleanup.html
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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...
FM #1670 - Town Council Quarterbacking - 02/13/26
This session of the radio show shares our “Town Council Quarterbacking” with Town Councilor Ted Cormier-Leger. We had our conversation in person at the Franklin TV & Radio Studios on Friday, February 13, 2026. Our conversation condensed the Town Council meeting of Wednesday, February 11, 2026.
We focus on two questions:
ok, what just happened? What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?We cover the following key topics
After tabling the prior meeting minutes for a future meeting to add some questions that were asked but not reflected in the minutes, they approved a technical change for...FM #1669 - Franklin (MA) School Cmte Mtg - 02/24/26
This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, February 24, 2026 at 6:00 PM. All 7 members of the committee were present in the virtual session conducted via Zoom. Superintendent Lucas Giguere, Asst Supt Tina Rogers, Asst Supt Paula Marano, School Business Administrator Jana Melotti also participated.
Quick recap:
Superintendent’s report, Lucas Giguere provides an update on the snow day processing, thanks to DPW for snow removal efforts, thanks also to the community for staying off the roads to enable clean up efforts.Schools opening Weds with 2 hour delay, emergency bus ops ready to pick up...FM #1668 - Franklin Senior Center: Delayed Opening - 02/25/26
Franklin Senior Center Director Sarah Amaral with an update on the delayed opening of the center for Wednesday, Feb 25, 2026. The Center will open at 10 AM.
FM #1667 - Franklin (MA) DPW Storm Updates - 02/23/26
Town of Franklin DPW Director Robert "Brutus" Cantoreggi with an update at the end of Monday, 2/23/26.
Town and Schools closed Tuesday, 2/24
parking ban extends to noon on Tuesday, 2/24
Curbside pickup delayed again.
Monday will now be picked up on WedsTuesday on ThursdayWednesday on FridayThursday on SaturdayFriday, next MondayThis is subject to change due to other weather events possible this week
FM #1666 - Franklin Senior Center Update: Due to storm closed on Tuesday Feb 24, 2026
Franklin Senior Center Director Sarah Amaral with an update on the closure of the center for Tuesday, Feb 24, 2026 and other storm related updates.
FM #1665 - Franklin Ridge Presentation Q&A - 02/06/26
This episode shares the Franklin Ridge Presentation and Q&A discussion at the Franklin Senior Center on Friday February 6, 2026.
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The video of the presentation and discussion held at the Franklin Senior Center Feb 6 is now available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8sD2t0uiwSY
The presentation doc can be found (PDF) https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MM0r-JKWU88LiB-AaYwzbdIc5Ylagloz/view?usp=drive_link
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We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr...
FM #1664 - Town of Franklin: Senior Center Closure Update - 02/22/26
Franklin Senior Center Director Sarah Amaral with an update on the closure of the center for Monday, Feb 23, 2026 and other storm related updates.
Audio link ->
FM #1663 - Franklin (MA) DPW Snow Storm Update - 02/22/26
This episode shared the voice message left via robocall from DPW Director Robert “Brutus” Cantoreggi, with the snow update on the afternoon of Sunday February 22, 2026.
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The text and links referenced can be found at Franklin Matters
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/02/dpw-update-in-advance-of-storm-parking.html
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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 alwa...
