Franklin (MA) Matters

This session shares my conversation with Sarah Amaral and Jillian Rochat, both with the Franklin Senior Center. We had our discussion in the Franklin Radio Studio on Tuesday, September 23, 2025.We talk about All the key event highlights for OctoberThe show notes include links to the Senior Center page, the calendar of events, and to subscribe to the monthly newsletter. The recording runs about 43 minutes, so let’s listen in.--------------Franklin Senior Center page ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/583/Franklin-Senior-Center-Council-on-Aging October 2025 newsletter -> https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/7021/October-2025-Newsletter?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/ -------

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Taryn Barlow, Cognitive Health Coach™ working at The Well Brain. We had our conversation virtually via the Zoom platform on Wednesday, September 24, 2025. Discussion items: Taryn’s background and road to the “well brain”Development of the “Cognitive Health Coach™”Process of delivering via H.O.P.E.The conversation runs about 40 minutes. Let’s listen in --------------Taryn Barlow -> Cognitive Health Coach™ | The WellbrainPhone -> 774-498-9234emailAddress -> thewellbrainslp@gmail.com Website ->  https://thewellbrainslp.com/LinkedIn profile -> https://www.linkedin.com/in/taryn-barlow-994917208/ Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/taryn_thewellbrain/ --------------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 alway

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Town Council candidate Gene Grella. We had our conversation virtually via Zoom on Monday, September 29, 2025. The conversation runs about 25 minutes. Let’s listen in --------------Gene GrellaPhone ->    508-878-1154Email ->  mailto:gene.p.grella@gmail.com Video link -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_UeeffDhuM4 2025 Franklin Election Collection ->https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/08/election-collection-2025.html Video playlist for all candidates -> https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLL2XKlvMgLAm3YOh0r7csln4dpZ5MN-ul --------------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 neighbo

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Town Council candidate Caroline Griffith. We had our conversation virtually via Zoom on Thursday, September 25, 2025. The conversation runs about 42 minutes. Let’s listen in --------------Caroline GriffithPhone ->    706-424-1874Email ->  caroline.w.griffith@gmail.com  Video link -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5RCEEl6uyqI 2025 Franklin Election Collection ->https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/08/election-collection-2025.html Video playlist for all candidates -> https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLL2XKlvMgLAm3YOh0r7csln4dpZ5MN-ul --------------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

This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, September 30, 2025. All 7 members of the committee were present. Quick recap:Supt Report: continue to make adjustments to the traffic, Transportation website has an update for the school arrivals/Dismissals  https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/6062062/Start_of_School_Traffic_Information.pdf New page FEF legacy program, online form to accept donations ... Additional info being added as the program gets fleshed out   https://www.franklinps.net/page/the-fef-legacy-programStudent Clubs & Activities Approval Procedural vote on account cleanup for inactive clubs, more next time for an update on current or new clubs. Amt of about $250 or so... https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/6059572/Discussion_Action_A_-_Student_Clubs-Activities.pdf   Will be transferred to use of other clubs.  Vote on motion,

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with School Committee candidate Henry Reis Hansen. We had our conversation virtually via Zoom on Thursday, September 25, 2025. The conversation runs about 30 minutes. Let’s listen in --------------Henry Reis Hansen  Phone ->     203-536-1243Email ->  schools@reishansen.comVideo link -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jYpm9NkOMIM 2025 Franklin Election Collection ->https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/08/election-collection-2025.html Video playlist for all candidates -> https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLL2XKlvMgLAm3YOh0r7csln4dpZ5MN-ul --------------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 fr

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Town Council candidate Max Morrongiello. We had our conversation virtually via Zoom on Tuesday, September 23, 2025. The conversation runs about 20 minutes. Let’s listen in --------------Max MorrongielloPhone ->   508-456-7629Email ->  max@votemax.us  Website ->  Votemax.us  Video link -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5RCEEl6uyqI 2025 Franklin Election Collection ->https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/08/election-collection-2025.html Video playlist for all candidates -> https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLL2XKlvMgLAm3YOh0r7csln4dpZ5MN-ul --------------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,

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Town Council candidate Ken Ojukwu. We had our conversation virtually via Zoom on Monday, September 22, 2025. The conversation runs about 26 minutes. Let’s listen in --------------Ken OjukwuPhone ->  917-763-2981Email -> keno@sloan.mit.edu  Video link -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ITtVdS-J5qc 2025 Franklin Election Collection ->https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/08/election-collection-2025.html Video playlist for all candidates -> https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLL2XKlvMgLAm3YOh0r7csln4dpZ5MN-ul --------------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 s

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Amber Baur, Chair of the Board of Directors, for the Franklin Food Pantry. We had our conversation in person in the community room at The Pantry on Monday, September 22, 2025. Discussion items: Amber’s background and road to The PantryBoard and subcommittee structure to build a pipeline of talent Strategic & careful expansion of curbside services to neighboring communitiesMany opportunities to be involved to help The PantryThe conversation runs about 34 minutes. Let’s listen in --------------Franklin Food Pantry web page -> https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/ Follow The Pantry on Facebook ->  https://www.facebook.com/FranklinFoodPantry  Instagram ->  https://www.instagram.com/franklinfoodpan/ Amazon wishlist ->  https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2SIL7UR08ZZUC?ref_=wl_share Greater Boston Food Bank ->  https://www.gbfb.org/ --------------We are now producing this in

This session shares my conversation with Mitzi Gousie, Programming and Outreach Librarian with the Franklin Public Library. We had our discussion on Monday, September 22, 2025 in the Franklin TV & Radio Studio.We talk about Reviewed the regular open hours, book sale and holiday scheduling for the monthClosed on Sundays due to budget reductionClosed October 13 for Columbus or Indigenous People’s DayBook sale weekend October 17 & 18Library events for September 2025In 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 24 minutes, so let’s listen in.--------------Mitzi Gousie’s email -> mgousie@minlib.net Fr

This session shares the Franklin (MA) Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, September  17, 2025. 7 of the 9 members of the committee were present (Chandler, Pellegri absent). Quick recap:Town Clerk Nancy Danello provides update on biennial election statusSchool Cmte Chair Dave Callaghan provides an update on school opening and traffic issues being worked2 new hires effectively back filling for positions authorized within the reduced Police Dept staffing were sworn in and pinned by family members2 public hearings were opened separately; one for the 2 commercial kitchen bylaws to enable the operation of a commercial kitchen within a residence if on septic (not on town sewer); and second, a set of 6 bylaws to create the Crossing Neighborhood zoning district. It would be similar to the Downtown zoning with a couple of exemptions. Councilor Frongillo recused himself from these discussions and votes as his father's business operates in the proposed zoning areaIn legislation for action all 8 of the

This episode combines the Franklin Matters Radio spots for the week beginning September 28, 2025. The outlook for the week ahead Sep 28 through Oct 4, 2025The look back at the week that was Sep 21 through Sep 27, 2025 --------------The text and links referenced can be found at Franklin Matters Weeklyhttps://www.franklinmattersweekly.org/2025/09/a-summer-day-in-september-yup-it-can.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 imp

This episode combines the Franklin Matters Radio spots for the week of September 21, 2025. The outlook for the week ahead Sep 21 through Sep 27, 2025The look back at the week that was Sep 14 through Sep 20, 2025 --------------The text and links referenced can be found at Franklin Matters Weeklyhttps://www.franklinmattersweekly.org/2025/09/whats-outlook-this-week-not-enough-rain.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

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, September 18, 2025. Our conversation condensed the Town Council meeting of September 17, 2025.We focus on two questions:ok, what just happened? What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?We cover the following key topicsAnnouncements from the ChairTown Clerk Nancy Danello provides update on biennial election statusSchool Cmte Chair Dave Callaghan provides an update on school opening and traffic issues being worked2 Police Dept new hires effectively back filling for positions authorized within the reduced Police Dept staffing were sworn in and pinned by family members2 public hearings were opened separately; one for the 2 commercial kitchen bylaws to enable the operation of a commercial kitchen within a residence if on septic (not on town sewer); and second, a set of 6 bylaws to create the Crossing Neighborhood zoning di

This episode shares the audio recording of the ribbon cutting ceremony held by the Children's Museum of Franklin on Wednesday, September 17, 2025. Town Councilor Melanie Hamblen opens the ceremony, then introduces Meg Hagen and Erin Gallagher, founders/co-owners, who then introduce the remaining speakers until the ribbon is cut. The kids led the countdown.The recording runs about 19 minutes, , let’s listen in--------------Children’s Museum of Franklin -> https://www.childrensmuseumfranklin.org/ Photos of the event -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/LZdvjA3EWGXevxVT6 --------------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

This episode combines the Franklin Public Radio spots for the week of September 14, 2025. The outlook for the week ahead Sep 14 through Sep 20, 2025The look back at the week that was Sep 7 through Sep 13, 2025 --------------The text and links referenced can be found at Franklin Matters Weeklyhttps://www.franklinmattersweekly.org/2025/09/biennial-election-ballots-gets-complete.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 t

This session shares my conversation with Heather Cohen, owner of the b.Luxe Hair & Makeup Studio in Medway. We had our conversation at the Franklin TV & Radio Studio on Thursday, August 28, 2025. Heather lives in Franklin and is now personally specializing in solutions for hair loss as part of the studio services. Our conversation covered Heather’s road to the present time, hair stylist, opening her own studio in Medway in 2011, growing the studio, facing hair loss and researching, experimenting to find appropriate solutions. It was a fun and fascinating conversation.The recording runs about 42 minutes, so let’s listen in.--------------b.Luxe web page -> https://bluxe.com/ Hair loss solutions -> https://bluxe.com/hair-loss-solutions Studio Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/bluxehairandmakeup/ Heather’s Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/b.luxewigsandtoppers/-------------We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (

FM #1510 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1510 in the series. This episode combines the Franklin Public Radio spots for the week of September 7, 2025. The outlook for the week ahead Sep 7 through Sep 13, 2025The look back at the week that was Aug 31 through Sep 6, 2025 --------------The text and links referenced can be found at Franklin Matters Weeklyhttps://www.franklinmattersweekly.org/2025/09/september-back-to-school-and-work.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

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Tina Powderly, Executive Director of the Franklin Food Pantry. We had our conversation in person in the community room at The Pantry on Friday, September 5, 2025. Discussion items: Tina’s backgroundLocation and renovations helps with delivery of servicesHunger Action Month - national awareness campaign Storywalk at DelCarte Town Council presentation 9/3/25 Greet Magazine cover story Expanding curbside services to neighboring communities Implementing Food as Medicine Coordination with Town and other non-profits to coordinate servicesThe conversation runs about 35 minutes. Let’s listen in --------------Franklin Food Pantry web page -> https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/ Follow The Pantry on Facebook ->  https://www.facebook.com/FranklinFoodPantry  Instagram ->  https://www.instagram.com/franklinfoodpan/ Amazon wishlist ->  https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2SIL7UR08ZZUC?ref_=wl_share Grea

This session shares my conversation with Jack Lank, Executive Director for the United Regional Chamber of Commerce. We had our conversation in the Franklin TV & Radio studio on Tuesday, September 2, 2025Our conversation covers Jack’s role in fostering connections amongst business and government to meet the needs of the 16 communities the organization covers. We touch on the split tax vs single rate property tax, the tariffs situation, and business disruption it brings given all the legal uncertainty around them. The recording runs about 46 minutes, so let’s listen in.--------------United Regional Chamber of Commerce page -> https://unitedregionalchamber.org/ On Facebook main page -> https://www.facebook.com/UnitedRegional/ On Facebook “Rally Around the Restaurants” -> https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057116753301 Original post in 2007https://www.franklinmatters.org/2007/12/20-reasons-to-not-implement-dual-tax.htmlUpdated post in 2010 https://www.franklinmatters.