Franklin Matters Radio

This session shares the Franklin Public Schools Horace Mann Legacy Subcmte Mtg held on Monday, March 30, 2026 at 7:00 PM. Meeting chaired by School Committee Vice-Chair Dave Callaghan. Members Ruthann O’Sullivan (in person) and Reis Hansen (remotely) participated. Superintendent Lucas Giguere and Director of Operations Colin Boisvert participated.Quick recapHistory of the chocolate chip cookie shared Cookies provided for those presentResource doc for committee to collect information about Horace to build thelevel base of understanding for the group to help prepare the story to be used by the committee for the community awareness May 2 film to be shown at museum Kids play area to understand Horace as he grew up. Presentation on the Research around the middle period of Horace's story in Franklin scheduled for Sunday. Multiple ideas to add to the weekend to augment the activity and improve the draw appealChildren's Museum checking with the Library to coordinate some younger age activities and infoMotion to adjourn The meeting runs about 1 hour and 20 minutes, so let’s listen in.--------------The agenda for this meeting can be found https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03302026-2211 My full set of notes in a PDF - https://drive.google.com/file/d/16dsOWdxcZ5Mn79mQAsfLMZVIDfbnTwXJ/view?usp=drive_link -------------We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial. This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.How can you help?If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighborsIf you don't like something here, please let me knowAnd if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach out. We’ll share, and show you what, and how we do what we doThrough this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot comThe music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.I hope you enjoy!------------------You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

This episode shares my conversation with Franklin author, educator, and disability advocate Ali Rheaume. We met virtually on Thursday, March 19, 2026 to discuss her new book “Buddy The Brain”.We coverThe book is available in multiple formatsThe origin story of the bookAli’s recovery journey and advocacyThe video runs about 23 minutes, let’s watch (or listen)--------------The landing page for Buddy The Brain https://alirheaume.com/buddythebrain--------------We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area FM radio dial.This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.How can you help?If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighborsIf you don't like something here, please let me knowAnd if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach out. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we doThrough this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news/If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot comThe music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.I hope you enjoy!------------------You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

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 Weeklyhttps://www.franklinmattersweekly.org/2026/03/be-wary-of-foolishness-april-1-arrives.html--------------We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial. This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.How can you help?If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighborsIf you don't like something here, please let me knowAnd if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach out. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we doThrough this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news/If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot comThe music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.I hope you enjoy!------------------You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

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 groupMichael 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.--------------Shared album of photos of the event https://photos.app.goo.gl/xYCz8suYGpaiYmaU7-------------We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial. This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.How can you help?If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighborsIf you don't like something here, please let me knowAnd if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach out. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we doThrough this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot comThe music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.I hope you enjoy it!------------------You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

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 project in video or audio, contact the studio with your idea. [email protected] or [email protected] The recording runs about 40 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with The Vibe.--------------Franklin Public Radio - https://wfpr.fm/ Franklin TV webpage - https://franklin.tv/ You can listen to one or more of The Vibe’s shows on Soundcloudhttps://soundcloud.com/wfpr/sets/the-vibeYou can listen to The Turntable show on Soundcloudhttps://soundcloud.com/wfpr/sets/the-turntable-show My intro to Rhiannon Giddens - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VbeekjZP-CI The mash up of Blackbird and Little Blue “Blackbird Blue”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S-LVkm6g4gA Jacob Collier’s “Little Blue” - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z2zLSkhANSY-------------We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial. This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.How can you help?If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighborsIf you don't like something here, please let me knowThrough this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot comThe music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.I hope you enjoy!------------------You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

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. The recording runs about 35 minutes, so let’s listen in.--------------Franklin Senior Center page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/583/Franklin-Senior-Center-Council-on-Aging April 2026 newsletter -> https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/8756/April-2026?bidId= 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 508-520-4945My 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 neighborsIf you don't like something here, please let me knowAnd if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach out. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we doThrough this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot comThe music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.I hope you enjoy it!------------------You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

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 minutes, so let’s listen in.--------------School Committee Budget Subcmte agenda ->https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03242026-2200Copies of the update slide pageshttps://drive.google.com/file/d/11QvzNNhI9VJuL3xIS96iWAhi6A_bvJJh/view?usp=drive_linkFull deck from the January School Committee meetinghttps://files-backend.assets.thrillshare.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/Fpsd/c4d59008-f976-47e4-98c1-b1a251bb5690/FINAL---FY27-Superintendents-Recommended-Budget-%282%29.pdf?disposition=inline-------------We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.How can you help?If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighborsIf you don't like something here, please let me knowAnd if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we doThrough this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.newsIf you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot comThe music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.I hope you enjoy!------------------You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

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 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 19 minutes, so let’s listen in.--------------Mitzi Gousie’s email -> [email protected] Franklin Public Library page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/233/Franklin-Public-Library Library event calendar -> https://www.franklinma.gov/942/Calendar-of-Events April 2026 newsletter -> https://www.franklinma.gov/m/newsflash/home/detail/109 -------------We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial. This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.How can you help?If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighborsIf you don't like something here, please let me knowAnd if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach out. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we doThrough this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot comThe music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.I hope you enjoy!------------------You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

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 health care numbers as open enrollment would have closed Apr 30c. June 3, 2026 - FY27 Budget discussion and vote to recommend budget with changes (if any) for the Town Council to vote on at their June 10 sessionThe recording runs almost 2 hours, let’s listen--------------Franklin TV video is available for replay - https://www.youtube.com/live/UZl8H4Koptg?&t=476Agenda (updated 3/11/26) - https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03112026-2189My notes in one PDF - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1oxC1JQgvl3PoNs-2qaHf9vacux3JvsZY/view?usp=drive_link Photo album of the grant presentation slides shared https://photos.app.goo.gl/kLdsxaJEHqXjYEzT7 -------------We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial. This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.How can you help?If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighborsIf you don't like something here, please let me knowAnd if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we doThrough this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot comThe music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.I hope you enjoy!------------------You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

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 partsPart 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 sophomore, selected as one of 12 essays for the commissioning for the USS Massachusetts March 28, plaque on the sub, for Chloe and FranklinPresentation on Food Services, self sufficient with fee based services, able to utilize almost $1M over 3 years for capital upgrades of ovens, refrigerators, etc. to support the food preparation and delivery operationsGrants also used to cover specific food program and in one case the start up costs for the new District Chefpictures of the presentation slides in one album https://photos.app.goo.gl/KKTXdScdVsxVK6mg7Consent agenda approvedMarch 18 Town Council meeting includes a presentation from DESE on Chapter 70 funding, School Committee also scheduled for a public meeting to enable participation that night--------------The Franklin TV video is available for replay - https://www.youtube.com/live/CBHC618gXFE?&t=230 The agenda can be found - https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03102026-2175 My notes via Bluesky thread in one PDF - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xZdhJ_TR0vgcoX-NAP_06FKpj1LndhMW/view?usp=drive_link -------------We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial. This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.How can you help?If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighborsIf you don't like something here, please let me knowAnd if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach out. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we doThrough this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot comThe music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.I hope you enjoy!------------------You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"