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 #1653 - Franklin (MA) Board Of Health Mtg - 02/04/26
This session of the radio show shares the Town of Franklin Board of Health Meeting held on Wednesday, February 4, 2026. The meeting agenda was held in the 3rd floor training room as well as via Google Meet. 2 board members were present (Harris absent).
Quick Recap:
Chair Kim Mu-Chow opens the meetingReads protocol statement re: Google meetConfirms participation via roll callApproval of Dec minutes, moved, second, passes 2-0-1 (1 absent)No citizen commentsPlanning for a women's health fairLikely at New England Chapel, all women's health issues to be covered with vendors and info tablesAwaiting confirmation on a mo...FM #1652 - Chalkboard Chat - 02/02/26
This session shares my conversation with School Committee Chair Paul Griffith. We had our discussion via Zoom on Monday, February 2, 2026. We condense and get into the explanations behind the key items from the recent School Committee meeting January 27, 2026.
Our conversation covered the following topics:
Budget, and budget implications
Budget hearing Feb 10, budget vote Feb 24Health care costs proposed to move to Town Account 910
Simplification, ensure all depts now have apples to apples budget comparisonHold harmless, Chap 70 local contribution under re-evaluation
Special education reimbursement, cost advantages of...
FM #1651 - Franklin Senior Center - Feb 2026 Highlights - 01/21/26
This session shares my conversation with Franklin Senior Center Director Sarah Amaral and Activities Coordinator Jillian Rochat. We had our discussion in the Franklin Radio Studio on Wednesday, January 21, 2026.
We talk about
All the key event highlights for February 2026Van day trips planned for the year, touting those for March, AprilThe show notes include links to the Senior Center page, the calendar of events, and to subscribe to the monthly newsletter.
The recording runs about 31 minutes, so let’s listen in.
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Franklin Senior Center page -> ht...
FM #1650 - Franklin (MA) School Cmte Mtg - 01/27/26
This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, January 27, 2026. All 7 members of the committee were present.
Quick recap:
The committee and community got a preview of the FY 2027 school budget. Excluding the health care costs ($8.8M), they presented a 'level service' budget that stays within a 2.5% increaseThe discussions with the Town to transfer the health care costs to the Town account 910 are in process. A Memo of Agreement (MOA) is being prepared to cover the details of the transfer. The Committee will schedule a special meeting to vote to approve the transfer...FM #1649 - Franklin (MA) Town Council Mtg - 01/21/26 - P3 of 3
This session shares part 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.
1647 - covers the opening, Citizen comments, and 2 appointments to the Zoning Board of Appeals (approx. 2 hour 16 mins)1648 - segment from the meeting covering the full discussion on the DPW infrastructure update & discussion (approx. 1 hr 40 mins)1649 - segment from the meeting covers remainder of the meeting (approx. 52 mins)--------------
Additional notes on the meeting recap can be found (including link to Franklin...
FM #1648 - Franklin (MA) Town Council Mtg - 01/21/26 - P2 of 3
This session shares part 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.
1647 - covers the opening, Citizen comments, and 2 appointments to the Zoning Board of Appeals (approx. 2 hour 16 mins) 1648 - segment from the meeting covering the full discussion on the DPW infrastructure update & discussion (approx. 1 hr 40 mins) 1649 - segment from the meeting covers remainder of the meeting (approx. 52 mins)--------------
Additional notes on the meeting recap can be found (including link to Franklin...
FM #1647 - Franklin (MA) Town Council Mtg - 01/21/26 - P1 of 3
This session shares part 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.
1647 - covers the opening, Citizen comments, and 2 appointments to the Zoning Board of Appeals (approx. 2 hour 16 mins)1648 - segment from the meeting covering the full discussion on the DPW infrastructure update & discussion (approx. 1 hr 40 mins)1649 - segment from the meeting covers remainder of the meeting (approx. 52 mins)--------------
Additional notes on the meeting recap can be found (including link to Franklin...
FM #1646 - FM Weekly Outlook & Lookback Combo - 02/01/26
This episode combines the Franklin Public Radio news briefing spots for the week of February 1, 2026.
The outlook for the week ahead Feb 1 through Feb 7, 2026The look back at the week that was Jan 25 through Jan 31, 2026--------------
The text and links referenced can be found at Franklin Matters Weekly
https://www.franklinmattersweekly.org/2026/01/franklin-news-in-5-minutes-02012026.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...
FM #1645 - Franklin Senior Center Delayed Open 1/27/26
The robocall message from Franklin Senior Center Director Sarah Amaral with the news that the Center will open with a 2 hour delay, hence at 10 AM on Tuesday, Jan 27, 2026.
FM #1644 - Franklin (MA) Finance Cmte Mtg - P2 of 2 - 01/14/26
This session shares the Finance Committee meeting conducted Wednesday, January 14, 2026. 8 members of the Committee participated, 1 absent.
The recording is in 2 parts: 1 for the economics of development, 2 for the capital budget
Quick recap ->
Board of Assessors and Town Staff: The Economics of Development, residential valuations are based upon residential property sales and comparables. Commercial Industrial valuations are more complicated in that there is a revenue factor for how much money the operations is actually making (confidentially reported to the Assessors) along with several other factors. The repeated phrase was "it's complicated"We did hear...FM #1643 - Franklin (MA) Finance Cmte Mtg - P1 of 2 - 01/14/26
This session shares the Finance Committee meeting conducted Wednesday, January 14, 2026. 8 members of the Committee participated, 1 absent.
The recording is in 2 parts: 1 for the economics of development, 2 for the capital budget
Quick recap ->
Board of Assessors and Town Staff: The Economics of Development, residential valuations are based upon residential property sales and comparables. Commercial Industrial valuations are more complicated in that there is a revenue factor for how much money the operations is actually making (confidentially reported to the Assessors) along with several other factors. The repeated phrase was "it's complicated"We did hear...FM #1642 - Town of Franklin: Senior Center Closure & Updates 1/25/26
Franklin Senior Center Director Sarah Amaral with an update on the closure of the center for Monday, Jan 26 and other storm related updates.
FM #1641 - Town of Franklin: Snow Update Messages - 01/25/26
DPW Director Brutus Cantoreggi with updates:
Good Morning Franklin, this is Brutus Cantoreggi, your public works director calling about important information regarding the upcoming snow event that hopefully you have heard about!
There is a lot going on, so get your pens and paper out for note taking!
First thing first, working with the Franklin police, a full parking ban will be instituted today Jan 25th at noon and remain in effect until tomorrow Jan 26th at noon.
What does this mean to you? Please remove your vehicles from the roadways...
FM #1640 - FM Weekly Outlook & Lookback Combo - 01/25/26
This episode combines the Franklin Public Radio news briefing spots for the week of January 25, 2026.
The outlook for the week ahead Jan 25 through Jan 31, 2026The look back at the week that was Jan 18 through Jan 24, 2026--------------
The text and links referenced can be found at Franklin Matters Weekly
https://www.franklinmattersweekly.org/2026/01/snowmageddon-or-fern-take-your-pick.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 #1639 - More Farm Than Fancy - 01/18/26
This session shares my conversation with Lauren & Ryan Maloney. We had our discussion in the Franklin TV & Radio Studio on Thursday, January 18, 2026
Our conversation covers
Their journey from a few pets to a farm with over 40 animal rescues To let them live a good lifeThe a ha moment for “More Farm Than Fancy” The product line to help with funding the animals careThe recording runs about 36 minutes, so let’s listen in.
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Follow “More Farm Than Fancy” on
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/1329150158885351
Instagram...
FM #1638 - Scott Mason Baseball Stories - 01/12/26
This session shares my conversation with Scott Mason. We had our discussion in the Franklin TV & Radio Studio on Monday, January 12, 2026
Our conversation covers
Trains & baseballPawtucket Red Sox, Ben MondorPlaying in senior leagueSpring training for new seasonThe recording runs about 54 minutes, so let’s listen in.
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Recording for Train Town 1 - Franklin/Dean Station https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/12/talking-about-train-town-franklin-with.html
Photos of Train Town 1 https://photos.app.goo.gl/63swENWgBkK4xMrh8
Train Town 2 - Thompson Print & the railroad roundhouse https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/12/scott-mason-talks-about-train-town.ht...
FM #1637 - FPS Sch Cmte Mtg - P3 of 3 - 01/13/26
This session shares part of the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, January 13, 2026. The Council held this session as scheduled beginning at 7 PM. All 7 members participated for this 4 hour plus session.
1635 - covers the opening, Citizen comments, and everything else except (approx. 1 hour 28 mins)FHS Program of Studies discussion (see 1636) Teaching & Learning presentation & discussion (see 1637) 1636 - segment from the meeting covering the FHS Program of Studies (approx. 51 mins) 1637 - segment from the meeting Teaching & Learning presentation & discussion (approx. 2 hrs 3 mins)
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Additional notes on the meeting recap can be found...
FM #1636 - FPS - Sch Cmte Mtg - P2 of 3 - 01/13/26
This session shares part of the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, January 13, 2026. The Council held this session as scheduled beginning at 7 PM. All 7 members participated for this 4 hour plus session.
1635 - covers the opening, Citizen comments, and everything else except (approx. 1 hour 28 mins)FHS Program of Studies discussion (see 1636) Teaching & Learning presentation & discussion (see 1637) 1636 - segment from the meeting covering the FHS Program of Studies (approx. 51 mins) 1637 - segment from the meeting Teaching & Learning presentation & discussion (approx. 2 hrs 3 mins)
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Additional notes on the meeting recap can be found...
FM #1635 - FPS Sch Cmte Mtg - P1 of 3 - 01/13/26
This session shares part of the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, January 13, 2026. The Council held this session as scheduled beginning at 7 PM. All 7 members participated for this 4 hour plus session.
1635 - covers the opening, Citizen comments, and everything else except (approx. 1 hour 28 mins)FHS Program of Studies discussion (see 1636) Teaching & Learning presentation & discussion (see 1637) 1636 - segment from the meeting covering the FHS Program of Studies (approx. 51 mins) 1637 - segment from the meeting Teaching & Learning presentation & discussion (approx. 2 hrs 3 mins)--------------
Additional notes on the meeting recap can be found ->
<...FM #1634 - Town Council Mtg - Part 3 of 3 - 01/07/26
This session shares part of the Franklin (MA) Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, January 7, 2026. The Council held this session as scheduled beginning at 6 PM. All 9 Councilors participated for this 4 hour plus session.
1632 - covers the opening, Citizen comments, and everything else except (approx. 1 hour 36 mins)the Facilities presentation & discussion (see 1633) and the friendly 40b policy discussion (see 1634) 1633 - segment from the meeting covering the full discussion on the Facilities update from Kevin Harn (approx. 1 hr 27 mins) 1634 - segment from the meeting covering the full discussion on the charter change process (approx. 1 hr 5 mins)--------------
<...FM #1633 - Town Council Mtg - Part 2 of 3 - 01/07/26
This session shares part of the Franklin (MA) Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, January 7, 2026. The Council held this session as scheduled beginning at 6 PM. All 9 Councilors participated for this 4 hour plus session.
1632 - covers the opening, Citizen comments, and everything else except (approx. 1 hour 36 mins)the Facilities presentation & discussion (see 1633) and the friendly 40b policy discussion (see 1634) 1633 - segment from the meeting covering the full discussion on the Facilities update from Kevin Harn (approx. 1 hr 27 mins) 1634 - segment from the meeting covering the full discussion on the charter change process (approx. 1 hr 5 mins)--------------
<...FM #1632 - Town Council Mtg - Part 1 of 3 - 01/07/26
This session shares part of the Franklin (MA) Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, January 7, 2026. The Council held this session as scheduled beginning at 6 PM. All 9 Councilors participated for this 4 hour plus session.
1632 - covers the opening, Citizen comments, and everything else except (approx. 1 hour 36 mins)the Facilities presentation & discussion (see 1633)and the friendly 40b policy discussion (see 1634)1633 - segment from the meeting covering the full discussion on the Facilities update from Kevin Harn (approx. 1 hr 27 mins)1634 - segment from the meeting covering the full discussion on the charter change process (approx. 1 hr 5 mins)--------------
<...FM #1631 - Joe Landry on "The Franklin YMCA" - 11/15/25
This session shares the presentation by Joe Landry at the Franklin Historical Museum on Nov 15, 2025. “The History of the Franklin YMCA.“
Joe was also recognized with the Mary Olsson Award for his contributions to the history of Franklin before his presentation began.
Approx. 45 minutes
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When the video is available, that will be shared
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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 #1630 - School Cmte - Policy Subcmte Mtg 01/13/26
This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee Policy Subcmte meeting held on Tuesday, January 13, 2026. All 3 members (Dave Callaghan (Chair), Al Charles, Reis Hansen) participated in the session held in the 3rd floor training room. Supt Lucas Giguere and Dr Tina Rogers also participated.
Quick recap:
Opening discussion on an update to the remote participation policy which dated from pre-COVID. This brings it up to current authorized practice per State law. Added clarification on a remotely only session where remote for the public goes down. (Note there is also a Backchannel process being put together to...FM #1629 - SchCmte Community Relations Subcmte Mtg - 01/12/26
This session shares the Franklin, MA School Committee Community Relations SubCommittee meeting held on Monday, January 12, 2026. The meeting was conducted via remote only.
Al Charles (Chair), and members Stephen Karunakaran and Nadia Mausolf participated. Operations Director Colin Boisvert also participated, representing the Central Office.
Discussion around Mission Statement / 2026 GoalsPotential 2026 Engagements & Activity BrainstormingDiscussion around newsletter planningThe recording runs about 55 minutes, so let’s listen to the Community Relations SubCommittee meeting of January 12, 2026.
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School Committee Subcommittee assignments
https://www.franklinps.net/o/fpsd/page/subcommittees-and-liaisons
SubCommittee ag...
FM #1628 - FM Weekly Outlook & Lookback Combo - 01/18/26
This episode combines the Franklin Public Radio news briefing spots for the week of January 18, 2026.
The outlook for the week ahead Jan 18 through Jan 24, 2026The look back at the week that was Jan 11 through Jan 17, 2026--------------
The text and links referenced can be found at Franklin Matters Weekly
https://www.franklinmattersweekly.org/2026/01/whatever-affects-one-directly-affects.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 #1627 - Chalkboard Chat - 01/16/26
This session shares my conversation with School Committee member Reis Hansen. We had our discussion via Zoom on Friday, January 16, 2026. We condense and get into the explanations behind the key items from the recent School Committee meeting January 13, 2026.
Our conversation covered the following topics:
Early insights on role as school committee member
Subcommittee work on Policy & Horace Mann Legacy
Meeting recap
Recognition of cheerleaders
FHS trip to Galapagos for 2027 was approved
FHS 2026-27 Program of Studies Update
how courses are added, selection by...
FM #1626 - Piette Petal Co - 12/29/25
We sat with Samantha Piette, entrepreneur creating Piette Petal Co, an artisanal florist operating on the internet and in pop up shops for now.
We talked about her road to floral arrangements, the build up to Valentine’s Day and all that she offers. We recorded this virtually via Zoom on Monday, December 29, 2025.
The recording runs about 22 minutes
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Piette Petal Co can be found -> https://piettepetalco.com/
Follow Samantha on Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/piette.petal.co.floral/
Taco Tuesdays at Maya Mexican Co...
FM #1625 - FM Weekly Outlook & Lookback Combo - 01/11/26
This episode combines the Franklin Public Radio news briefing spots for the week of January 11, 2026.
The outlook for the week ahead Jan 11 through Jan 17, 2026The look back at the week that was Jan 4 through Jan 10, 2026--------------
The text and links referenced can be found at Franklin Matters Weekly
https://www.franklinmattersweekly.org/2026/01/franklin-ma-news-in-less-than-5-mins.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...
FM #1624 - Vigil for Renee Nicole Good - 01/08/26
This session of the radio show shares the Candlelight Vigil for Renee Nicole Good held on Thursday, January 8, 2026. The vigil was held on the Franklin Town Common.
Each of the speakers are introduced by master of ceremonies Rachel Plukas
Erin FergusonRon TibbettsRev Beverly WaringState Rep Jeff RoyMichael Walker JonesThe recording runs about 30 minutes. Let’s listen to the candlelight vigil held January 8, 2026.
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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 po...
FM #1623 - Franklin (MA) Board Of Health Mtg - 01/07/26
This session of the radio show shares the Town of Franklin Board of Health Meeting held on Wednesday, January 7, 2026. The meeting agenda was held in the 3rd floor training room as well as via Google Meet. 2 board members were present (Daddario absent).
Quick Recap:
Chair Kim Mu-Chow opens the meetingReads protocol statement re: Google meetConfirms participation via roll callApproval of Dec minutes, moved, second, passes 2-0-1 (1 absent)Blood pressure kits available at Library Discussion around the additional communications to spread the word, possible audio opportunity too Flu cases Mass Dept Public Health numbers on respiratory...FM #1622 - Police Station Bldg Cmte Mtg - 01/06/26
This session shares the Police Station Building Cmte Mtg held on Wednesday, January 6, 2026. 2 members (K Alexander, G Premo) were absent.
Quick recap:
Refresh on membership: "The Town Administrator shall nominate all eleven members of the committee membership, to be ratified by the Town Council. The Chair of the Town Council shall select the Chair, Vice-Chair and Clerk. Terms of the committee shall be through substantial completion of the project." from the Committee charge document -> https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/1146/Police-Station-Building-Committee-Charge-PDF Chief TJ Lynch provides an update on the open house/tours held in Sept...FM #1621 - Exploring The Wonderful World of Wine Podcast - 12/18/25
We sat with Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi of the award winning Wonderful World of Wine show to explore wine tasting and podcasting. We recorded this virtually via Zoom on Thursday, December 18, 2025.
While our conversation covers a broad range of topics, we start with Kim and Mark introducing themselves and their background in the wine industry.
The recording runs about 51 minutes
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The Wonderful World of Wine episodes can be found -> https:thewww.wine/
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We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and...
FM #1620 - FM Weekly Outlook & Lookback Combo - 01/04/26
This episode combines the Franklin Public Radio news briefing spots for the week of January 4, 2026.
The outlook for the week ahead Jan 4 through Jan 10, 2026The look back at the week that was Dec 28 through Jan 3, 2026--------------
The text and links referenced can be found at Franklin Matters Weekly
https://www.franklinmattersweekly.org/2026/01/we-have-wolf-moon-to-begin-new-year.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 #1619 - FM Weekly Outlook & Lookback Combo - 12/28/25
This episode combines the Franklin Public Radio news briefing spots for the week of December 28, 2025.
The outlook for the week ahead Dec 28 through Jan 3, 2026The look back at the week that was Dec 21 through Dec 27, 2025--------------
The text and links referenced can be found at Franklin Matters Weekly
https://www.franklinmattersweekly.org/2025/12/for-same-of-old-time-franklin-we-need.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 #1618 - Chalkboard Chat - 12/15/25
This session shares my conversation with Vice Chair of the School Committee Dave Callaghan. We had our discussion via Zoom on Monday, December 15, 2025. We condense and get into the explanations behind the key items from the recent School Committee meeting Dec 9, 2025.
Our conversation covered the following topics:
Policy Subcommittee meeting update FHS Volleyball team recognized for D1 State Championship for first timeCapital budget presentationFranklin (MA) School enrollmentHold harmless and revolving fundsOur conversation runs about 40 minutes. Let’s listen
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School Committee page (with contact info) -> https://www.franklinps.ne...
FM #1617 - Senior Helping Seniors - 12/10/25
This session shares my conversation with Mithun Pasham of Seniors Helping Seniors on Wednesday, December 10, 2025. Our conversation was conducted in the Seniors Helping Seniors office on 31 Hayward St, here in Franklin.
Our conversation covers
Mithun’s path to this roleHow to get help from Seniors Helping SeniorsHow to join Senior Helping Seniors to provide helpLet’s listen to my conversation with Mithun
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Seniors Helping Seniors web page -> https://locations.seniorshelpingseniors.com/ma/norfolk/235.html
Facebook page -> https://www.facebook.com/p/Seniors-Helping-Seniors-Franklin-Brockton-61575188744572/
Mithun...
FM #1616 - Franklin Public Library - Jan 2026 Highlights - 12/18/25
This session shares my conversation with Mitzi Gousie, Programming and Outreach Librarian with the Franklin Public Library. We had our discussion virtually on Thursday, December 18, 2025.
We talk about
Reviewed the regular open hours, book sale and holiday scheduling for the monthClosed on Sundays due to budget reductionClosing early Weds, Dec 31 and all day on Thursday, Jan 1 for New YearsBook sale weekend January 16 & 17Library events for January 2026In calendar order rather than by category this time aroundAn update from the Circulation Desk on the new home delivery service we mentioned at the end of...
FM #1615 - Senior Center - Jan 2026 Highlights - 12/17/25
This session shares my conversation with Jillian Rochat from the Franklin Senior Center. We had our discussion in the Franklin Radio Studio on Wednesday, December 17, 2025.
We talk about
All the key event highlights for January 2026Key teasers for FebruaryThe show notes include links to the Senior Center page, the calendar of events, and to subscribe to the monthly newsletter.
The recording runs about 31 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
January 2026 newsletter -> https://www.fr...
FM #1614 - Charter discussion at Town Council Mtg - 12/17/25
This session shares part of the Franklin (MA) Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, December 17, 2025. The Council held this session as scheduled beginning at 6 PM. All 9 Councilors participated (1 remotely) for this 4 hour session.
1612 - covers the opening, Citizen comments, recognitions, alcohol license renewals and everything else except the snow update (see 1613) and the charter discussion (see 1614) (approx. 2 hours 27 mins)1613 - segment from the meeting covering the full discussion on the DPW snow update (approx. 58 minutes) https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/7855/Snow-Presentation---December-17-2025 1614 - segment from the meeting covering the full discussion on the charter change process (approx. 45...
