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 #1442 - Community Preservation Cmte Mtg - 05/05/25
This session of the radio show shares the Community Preservation Committee meeting held in the Council Chambers on Monday, May 5, 2025. All nine members of the committee were present in Council Chambers.
Quick Recap ->
No live broadcast of the Community Preservation committee meeting tonight. The meeting is being recorded and will be set for broadcast laterMinutes approved for August 20, 2024 and December 18, 2024 (approved as amended, some minor updates on who the members were at the time)Citizen comment; request for pickleball courts, already planned for the King St Park renovation, lights on the fields are out for b...FM #1441 - Senior Ctr May 2025 Event Highlights - 04/30/25
This session shares my conversation with Chasity Cheng, Senior Center Deputy Director and Jillian Rochat, Administrative Assistant, both with the Franklin Senior Center. We had our discussion in the Franklin Radio Studio on Wednesday, April 30, 2025.
We talk about
All the key event highlights for May, includingEat around the World - AustraliaVan and pavilion ribbon cutting May 15 at 10 AMVeterans breakfast May 23Teasers for June, including the Senior OlympicsThe show notes include links to the Senior Center page, the calendar of events, and to subscribe to the monthly newsletter.
The recording runs about 39 mi...
FM #1440 - Chalkboard Chat - 04/30/25
This session shares my conversation with School Committee Chairperson Dave Callaghan. This is a new episode of our continuing “Chalkboard Chat” series. We had our discussion in the Studio on Wednesday, April 30, 2025. We had the opportunity to recap the School Committee meeting of April 29, 2025.
We cover
Transportation, busing sign up now active, due by June 20Elementary Report Cards Letter of Support Campus Naming DiscussionOverride discussion, vote on or before June 3; any questions, please reach out to find outThe recording runs about 33 minutes, so let’s listen in.
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Contact info for D...
FM #1439 - Town Council Quarterbacking - 05/02/25
This session of the radio show shares our “Town Council Quarterbacking” with Town Council Chair Tom Mercer. We had our conversation via the Zoom Conference Bridge on Friday, May 2, 2025. Our conversation condensed the Town Council meeting of April 30, 2025.
We focus on two questions:
ok, what just happened? What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?Topics for this session:
SchCmte Chair Callaghan updates on SchCmte businessTown Clerk Nancy Danello with an update on the special electionProclamations:Police Department - Promotions = . Sergeant John GodinoPolice Department - Swearing in of New Court Prosecutor / Detective = . Tara L...FM #1438 - ToF - Finance Cmte Mtg Budget Hearing #3 - 05/01/25
This session shares the Finance Committee meeting conducted Thursday, May 1, 2025. 7 members of the Committee participated, 6 in Council Chambers, 1 remote (Hamilton) 1 absent (Nagel) for the last of the series of Budget Hearings for FY 2026. This session covered the General government line items and led to the series of recommending votes.
Quick recap
Up for review tonight were the General government departments, many of them much smaller than the Police, FIRE, DPW, and Schools covered previously but all key to Town services. Recreation pays for itself with fee revenue from servicing 7200 kids with 3 full time personnelLibrary just above the...FM #1437 - ToF Finance Cmte Budget Hearing #2 - 04/29/25
This session shares the Finance Committee meeting conducted Tuesday, April 29, 2025. All 8 members of the Committee were present in the 3rd floor training for the second of the series of Budget Hearings for FY 2026. This session covered Public Safety (police, fire, dispatch, and inspections) and Public Works (DPW, water, sewer, roads, etc).
Quick recap:
Police Chief TJ Lynch started his update. Basically the same as last year with some minor adjustments. If the override were to fail, he would loose 2 officers. He is hiring to backfill for retirees and transfers. When as ked to elaborate on that, he...FM #1436 - ToF Finance Cmte Budget Hearing #1 - 04/28/25
This session shares the Finance Committee meeting conducted Monday, April 28, 2025. All 8 members of the Committee were present in Council Chambers for the first of the series of Budget Hearings for FY 2026.
This session covered Education; Tri-County, Norfolk Aggie and Franklin Public Schools. Only Franklin was there to present in person. The Chair almost closed the meeting without mentioning the other two budget items.
Quick recap:
School Superintendent Lucas Giguere and Interim Business Administrator Jana Milotti made the presentation supported at different points by Dr Dutch and Asst Supt Paula MoranoThe slides of the presentation ca...FM #1435 - Memorial Day Parade - 04/17/25
This session shares my conversation with Dick Hynes and Scott Carruthers about the changes to the Memorial Day Parade for 2025. We recorded this conversation in the Franklin TV & Radio Studio on Thursday, April 17, 2025.
Dick Hynes, American Legion, Post 75 CommanderScott Carruthers, Veterans of Foreign Wars, VFW Post 3402 CommanderWe cover the following in our conversation
Parade route route changedFor better staging locationShorten parade to enable more veerans to participateSeparate the cemetery ceremonies from the parade itselfDean & cemetery ceremonies start at 9:30 AMParade starts at 11:00 AMCeremony on the own Common remains at noon time About the American Legion & VF...FM #1434 - BLAST Fun - 04/17/25
This session shares my conversation about the origin story of BLAST - Bringing Libraries and Schools Together. We talk with Erin O’Leary and Caliegh Keating, the collaborators who start with “Yes” and then figure it out. We recorded this conversation virtually on Thursday, April 17, 2025.
Caleigh Keating, Youth Services LibrarianErin O’Leary, Reading Specialist at Horace Mann Middle SchoolWe cover the following in our conversation
The origin storyA ‘free’ service but dependent upon the override passingMiddle school and elementary school coordinationHow redistricting will simplify the operationsSummer reading kickoffs being planned forThe recording run...
FM #1433 - Town Council Mtg - 04/16/25
This session shares the Franklin (MA) Town Council Meeting of Wednesday, April 16, 2025. All 9 of the members participated in Council Chambers.
Approx 10-15 minutes of the recess for photos is excluded from the audio and replaced by a few seconds of music to mark the spot.
Quick recap:
School Committee Chair D Callaghan provided an update on recent meeting updates including the potential naming of the "Horace Mann Campus"
per Town Clerk, notification of election coming via mail re: the override election June 3. Postcard with QR code to register to vote, also inc...
FM #1432 - Disability Expo with Randy Jay - 04/14/25
This session shares my conversation with Randy Jay. He is a member of the Commissionon Persons with Disabilities. We recorded this conversation in person at the Franklin TV & Radio Studio Monday, April 14, 2025.
We cover the following in our wide ranging conversation
Randy’s road to FranklinRole of the disability commissionExpo now in its 3rd yearHappening April 26 from 11 AM to 2 PM at the Senior CenterThe recording runs about 35 minutes.
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Tonw of Franklin page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/496/Commission-on-Persons-with-Disabilities
Facebook page with additional details including participating vendors/orga...
FM #1431 - Town Council Quarterbacking - 04/17/25
This session of the radio show shares our “Town Council Quarterbacking” with Town Council Chair Tom Mercer. We had our conversation via the Zoom Conference Bridge on Thursday, April 17, 2025.
Our conversation condensed the Town Council meeting of April 16, 2025.
We focus on two questions:
ok, what just happened? What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?Topic for this session:
School Committee Chair D Callaghan provided an update on recent meeting updates including the potential naming of the "Horace Mann Campus"per Town Clerk Nancy Danello, notification of election coming via mail re...FM #1430 - SAFE Coalition Services - 04/10/25
This session shares my conversation with Chavelyn Santana, Director of Collaborative Care and Emma Kelley, Director of Adolescent Wellness for the SAFE Coalition. We recorded this conversation in person at the Franklin TV & Radio Studio Thursday, April 10, 2025.
We cover the following in our wide ranging conversation
Their individual road to SAFEThe organization around three approaches Adolescent wellnessFamily recoveryCollaborative careListening as key to growth of services to 55 communitiesThe 90 day support planThe Gala as a fundraising event, May 8The recording runs about 49 minutes.
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Link to SAFE Coalition -> https://www.safecoalitionma.or...
FM #1429 - CBernstein & Poetry - 04/09/25
This session shares my conversation with Camille Bernstein about poetry and her project for April as Poetry Month. We recorded this conversation in person at the Franklin TV & Radio Studio Wednesday, April 9, 2025.
We cover the following in our wide ranging conversation
The origins of her projectPoetry was responsible for meeting her husbandWords and how they matterPoetry as a centering aspect of lifeThe recording runs about 45 minutes.
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Link to Today”, the Billy Collins poem Camille reads ->
https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poetrymagazine/poems/40824/today-56d21ebdad746
The...
FM #1428 - School Cmte Mtg - 04/08/25 - P3 of 3 - Elementary Schools Update
This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, April 8, 2025. 7 members participated, 6 in Council Chambers.1 remote (Sompally).
The audio for the meeting is split into 3 segments for ease of listening
Part 1 - #1426 = the beginning and ending of the meeting (approx. 43 minutes)
Part 2 - #1427 = the Early Childhood Development Center (ECDC) update (approx. 53 mins)
Part 3 - #1428 = the Elementary schools redistricting update (approx. 1 hr 16 minutes)
Quick recap:
ECDC update - Kimberly Taylor, Principal
Photos of the slides as presented -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/qYDX...
FM #1427 - School Cmte Mtg - 04/08/25 - P2 of 3 -ECDC Update
This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, April 8, 2025. 7 members participated, 6 in Council Chambers.1 remote (Sompally).
The audio for the meeting is split into 3 segments for ease of listening
Part 1 - #1426 = the beginning and ending of the meeting (approx. 43 minutes)
Part 2 - #1427 = the Early Childhood Development Center (ECDC) update (approx. 52 mins)
Part 3 - #1428 = the Elementary schools redistricting update (approx. 1 hour & 16 mins)
Quick recap:
ECDC update - Kimberly Taylor, Principal
Photos of the slides as presented -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/qYDX...
FM #1426 - School Cmte Mtg - 04/08/25 - P1 of 3 (begin & ending)
This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, April 8, 2025. 7 members participated, 6 in Council Chambers.1 remote (Sompally).
The audio for the meeting is split into 3 segments for ease of listening
Part 1 - #1426 = the beginning and ending of the meeting (approx. 43 minutes)
Part 2 - #1427 = the Early Childhood Development Center (ECDC) update (approx. 52 minutes)
Part 3 - #1428 = the Elementary schools redistricting update (approx. 1 hour & 16 mins)
Quick recap:
ECDC update - Kimberly Taylor, Principal
Photos of the slides as presented -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/qYDX...
FM #1425 - Chalkboard Chat - 04/09/25
This session shares my conversation with School Committee Chairperson Dave Callaghan. This is a new episode of our continuing “Chalkboard Chat” series. We had our discussion in the Studio on Wednesday, April 9, 2025. We had the opportunity to recap both the Policy Subcommittee and School Committee meetings of April 8, 2025.
We cover
Policy Subcmte mtg - All About Horace
School Cmte Mtg
ECDC update - Kimberly Taylor, Principal
Elementary update ->
grade level 3-5 K-2
Washington Even Chalman Stefani Wasik
Lincoln Brad Hendrixson Keri Busavage
Discussion/ actions items -
School Choice Vote
Foreign Exchang...
FM #1424 - 3rd Annual Pen 2 Picture - 03/26/25
This session shares my conversation about the 3rd Annual Pen to Picture event scheduled for the Franklin Public Library May 10, 2025. We talk with Bree Comeau, Erin O’Leary and Pam Allard about this event with graphic novelist and illustrator Raul the Third. We recorded this conversation virtually on Wednesday, March 26, 2025.
Bree Comeau, Assistant Youth Services LibrarianErin O’Leary, Reading Specialist at Horace Mann Middle SchoolPam Allard, Reading Specialist at Remington Middle SchoolWe cover the following in our conversation
Details of the event May 10Graphic novels an entry point for some readersCollaboration between Library and the s...FM #1423 - School Cmte - Policy Subcmte Mtg - 04/08/25
This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee Policy Subcmte meeting held on Tuesday, April 8, 2025. All 3 members participated, Chair O’Sullivan, members Callaghan, McNeill. Supt Giguere, Ops Director Boisvert, and Dr Rogers representing the Central Office.
Quick recap:
Supt Giguere sets the stage with some background on how this topic has developed during the redistricting efforts first updated in Dec 2024, then in Jan 2025 to act on the notification to Police, Fire, and DESE on the temporary naming of the new schools operating in the buildings that remained operational in the DistrictSome members of the community have mis...FM #1422 - Franklin (MA) School Cmte Mtg - P3 of 3 - 03/25/25
This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, March 25, 2025. 7 members participated, 6 in Council Chambers.1 remote (Gallagher).
The audio for the meeting is split into 3 segments for ease of listening
Part 1 - #1420 = the beginning and ending of the meeting (approx. 58 minutes)
Part 2 - #1421 = the High School course curriculum update (approx. 1 hour, 22 minutes)
Part 3 - #1422 = the Middle School redistricting update (approx. 1 hour, 28 minutes)
Quick recap:
During the Superintendent's Report recognition was made of the Boys Basketball team for their first State D1 Championship. Recognition also made of...FM #1421 - Franklin (MA) School Cmte Mtg - P2 of 3 - 03/25/25
This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, March 25, 2025. 7 members participated, 6 in Council Chambers.1 remote (Gallagher).
The audio for the meeting is split into 3 segments for ease of listening
Part 1 - #1420 = the beginning and ending of the meeting (approx. 58 minutes)
Part 2 - #1421 = the High School course curriculum update (approx. 1 hour, 22 minutes)
Part 3 - #1422 = the Middle School redistricting update (approx. 1 hour, 28 minutes)
Quick recap:
During the Superintendent's Report recognition was made of the Boys Basketball team for their first State D1 Championship. Recognition also made of...FM #1420 - Franklin (MA) School Cmte Mtg - P1 of 3 - 03/25/25
This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, March 25, 2025. 7 members participated, 6 in Council Chambers.1 remote (Gallagher).
The audio for the meeting is split into 3 segments for ease of listening
Part 1 - #1420 = the beginning and ending of the meeting (approx. 58 minutes)
Part 2 - #1421 = the High School course curriculum update (approx. 1 hour, 22 minutes)
Part 3 - #1422 = the Middle School redistricting update (approx. 1 hour, 28 minutes)
Quick recap:
During the Superintendent's Report recognition was made of the Boys Basketball team for their first State D1 Championship. Recognition also made of...FM #1419 - Franklin (MA) Board Of Health Mtg - 04/02/25
This session of the radio show shares the Town of Franklin Board of Health Meeting held on Wednesday, February 5, 2024. The meeting agenda listed it being conducted via Google meet. However, the 2 members of the Board (Harris, Mu-Chow) (1 absent - Sweet) and Health Dept members apparently were present together.
Quick Recap:
Board of health meeting about to begin. All 3 board members present today for this session. Along with the Health Dept staffApproval of minutes for prior meetings, minor adjustments to one item on dementia experience moved as amended, second, passes 2-0-1 ( 1 abstained)Check on tobacco regulations d...FM #1418 - FSC April 2025 Highlights - 03/26/25
This session shares my conversation with Ariel Doggett, Programming & Volunteer Coordinator with the Franklin Senior Center. We had our discussion in the Franklin Radio Studio on Wednesday, March 26, 2025.
We talk about
2 new eventsMonday sports talk & Texas Hold’em1 rescheduled from the closureMind of a Woman, April 1All the special events during the month are coveredWe conclude with a possible adjustment to our formatIncorporating some of the regular events on a recurring basisThe show notes include links to the Senior Center page, the calendar of events and to subscribe to the monthly newsletter.
Th...
FM #1417 - Chalkboard Chat - 03/26/25
This session shares my conversation with School Committee Chairperson Dave Callaghan. This is a new episode of our continuing “Chalkboard Chat” series. We had our discussion virtually via Zoom on Wednesday, March 26, 2025. We had the opportunity to recap the School Committee meeting of March 25, 2025.
We cover
Recognition of Boys Basketball & Cheerleaders; acknowledgment of FHSATC still competing in State finalsEuropean capitals trip outlined; Paris, London, Edinburgh; approved by unanimous vote for 2026FHS update, trending on course selections; indication of the budget cuts and program stability in choices (my view)Middle school updateBudget remains a concern -June 3 date for ov...FM #1416 - Donna Grady on the Social Network Forum Apr 3 - 03/25/25
This session shares my conversation with Donna Grady about the internet safety event coming April 3. We recorded this talk in the Franklin TV Studios on Tuesday, March 25, 2025.
Most folks know of Donna as the Franklin Education Association (FEA) unit president and as a kindergarten at Keller, previously Jefferson, and teaching for over 35 years.
Donna has a new role as Chair of the MASS PTA Health & Wellness Committee. Wearing this hat, she heard of the grant opportunity to bring this program to Franklin and neighboring communities.
Parents with school age children are the target f...
FM #1415 - Franklin Fest centers on Flag Football Tournament - 03/21/25
This session shares my conversation with Quinten Jones, originally from Winchester, VA and a senior at Dean College. We had our discussion in person in the Franklin TV & Radio Studio on Friday, March 21, 2025.
We cover
The course requirements to prepare and conduct an eventFlag football tournament chosenHockomock YMCA in Franklin to benefit from proceedsFun family day with food and other activitiesThe recording runs about 12 minutes, so let’s listen in.
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As part of our Event Management & Operations class, we are tasked with planning and executing a successful event—and we’d...
FM #1414 - Franklin Public Library April 2025 Highlights - 03/24/25
This session shares my conversation with Mitzi Gousie, Programming and Outreach Librarian with the Franklin Public Library. We had our discussion on Monday, March 24, 2025 in the Franklin TV & Radio Studio.
We talk about
Reviewed the regular open hours, book sale and holiday scheduling for the monthOpen on Sundays Book sale weekend April 11 & 12Closed Sunday & Monday, April 20, April 21 Library events for April 2025Family eventsKiddos, or “littles”TeensAdultsThe 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 recordi...
FM #1413 - FHS Theatre Co YellowBoat - 03/24/25
This session shares my conversation with key members of the Franklin High School Theatre Co’s production of The Yellow Boat.
Virginia Bernstein (Ginny)Eden DonovanAiden SheppardWe had our discussion in person in the Franklin TV & Radio Studio on Monday, March 24, 2025.
We do a round of introductions so they can provide some info about themselves then we get into talking about
Theater and what it means to themThe impact of the budget cuts and the recovery with “Yellow Boat”The production process (auditions, casting, rehearsals, etc.)Competition (on the road vs. hosted)Learnin...FM #1412 - Town Council Mtg - 03/19/25
This session shares the Franklin (MA) Town Council Meeting of Wednesday, March 19, 2025. 8 of the 9 of the members participated in Council Chambers (1 absent - Dellorco).
Quick recap:
after approval of 2 prior meeting minutes, the Council get to the key item and after a brief discussion took two votes; one to approve the amount and ballot question text the second to set the date, Tuesday, June 3, 2025 for the overrideboth votes were 8-0-1 (1 absent)The School Committee had met earlier that evening and voted unanimously to support the override vote. Chair Dave Callaghan and Vice-Chair David McNeill stood up t...FM #1411 - Town Council Quarterbacking - 03/21/25
This session of the radio show shares our “Town Council Quarterbacking” with Town Council Chair Tom Mercer. We had our conversation via the Zoom Conference Bridge on Friday, March 21, 2025.
Our conversation condensed the Town Council meeting of March 19, 2025.
We focus on two questions:
• ok, what just happened?
• What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?
Topics for this session
Discussion and vote to set an override before the community in the amount of $3,862,672 and on Tuesday, June 3, 2025. There were 2 separate votes, one on the ballot question text and the seco...FM #1410 - Mary Anning - Fossil Hunter - 03/11/25
This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Jon Mitchell, composer of the Chamber opera, Mary Anning, Fossil Hunter. Timothy Ayres-Kerr, joins us for the discussion on the origin of this opera and its scheduled performance in Grafton on April 5.
Tim will play the role of William Buckland. We find out that he did not prepare for this by eating “mice on toast.” He does share some vocal insights on this role, his preparation and the history of opera in America in the course of our conversation.
We met to record this conversation in th...
FM #1409 - Franklin Senior Center Update 03/20/25
Sarah Amaral, Director, Franklin Senior Center with an update on the center opening Wednesday. Great spirits around, good to see everyone.
The second floor will not be available THursday/Friday so some programs/events will shift within the building.
The Fire Dept will be preparing the St Patrick's dinner & bingo so some events/activities will be canceled and she provides that listing.
FM #1408 - Party For The Pantry - 03/10/25
This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Marsha Tait, Development Director, and Jen Johnson, Development Associate. We had our conversation in the Franklin Food Pantry at Edwin’s on Monday, March 10, 2025.
We talk about the Party for The Pantry scheduled for March 29 at THE BLACK BOX.
Musical entertainment provided by JP Royer, Matt Zajac, & The Pub Kings.
Silent auction will be available online before and during the event closing out at 9:15 PM. Special bidding in person for one or more trips being offered by AMFund. The opportunity to bid on drea...
FM #1407 - Franklin Senior Center Update for Opening 3/19/25
Sarah Amaral, Director, Franklin Senior Center with an update that the center will open on Wednesday, March 19. The second floor will NOT be available so some programs/events will shift within the building
FM #1406 - Chalkboard Chat - 03/13/25
This session shares my conversation with School Committee Chairperson Dave Callaghan. This is a new episode of our continuing “Chalkboard Chat” series. We had our discussion virtually via Zoom on Thursday, March 13, 2025. We had the opportunity to recap the Joint Budget Listening Sessions and the School Committee meeting of March 11, 2025.
We cover
Recognition of multiple sets of students for accomplishments in (arts, writing, painting, ceramics), and for those in the DECA program who were State championsThe redistricting facility update was talked about. The doc itself was posted on Wednesday. It lays out the process in 3 phases of imm...FM #1405 - Senior Center Extends Closure - 03/13/25
Sarah Amaral, Franklin Senior Center Director, with the robocall message about the extension of the closure.
The Center will reopen March 19, and no events other than the van schedule will be held.
The Party had been rescheduled to Thursday, March 20.
FM #1404 - Joint Budget Listening Session #6 - 03/12/25
This session shares the last of the 6 Joint Budget Listening Sessions held Wednesday, March 12, 2025 at the FHS Auditorium. 10 of the 11 members participated along with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen & School Supt Lucas Giguere.
Quick recap:
Brief statements by TA Hellen and Supt Giguere opened the session before going to the audience for questions and comments. Approx 100 folks in the audience this evening, a mix of town staff, school dept and teachers, and residents10 members of the Joint Budget Subcmte present on the stage along with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen and School Superintendent Lucas GiguereA dozen folks asked q...FM #1403 - Franklin (MA) School Cmte Mtg - 03/11/25
This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, March 11, 2025. 6 members participated, 5 in Council Chambers.1 remote (Charles), 1 absent (Griffith).
Quick recap
Recognition of multiple sets of students for accomplishments in (arts, writing, painting, ceramics), and for those in the DECA program who were State championsThe redistricting facility update was talked about. The doc itself will be posted on Wednesday. It lies out the process in 3 phases of immediate, near term, and long term apparently in detail. The pix captured of the doc shown on the screen during the time shown didn't allow for s...
