Franklin (MA) Matters

This session shares my conversation with Peter Mulliken, Franklin resident with some relatives having a role in the American Revolution. We had our discussion on Tuesday, July 29, 2025 in his residence here in Franklin.We talk about Nathaniel Mulliken and his story in LexingtonLydia Mulliken, Nathaniel’s daughter and betrothed to Dr Samuel PrescottDr Prescott’s role completing the ride of Revere & DawesAs Massachusetts celebrates the 250th anniversary, leading to the 250th anniversary of Franklin in 1778, there may be other family connections worth sharing with the community.The recording runs about 24 minutes, so let’s listen in.--------------Lexington Minutemen profile of Nathaniel Mulliken -> https://lexingtonminutemen.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/natemulliken.pdf Nathaniel’s background as a clockmaker ->https://www.delaneyantiqueclocks.com/clocks/maker/nathaniel-mulliken-i-lexington-massachusettsTour Lexington and see the Mulliken househttps://www.tourlexington.us/listing/nathaniel-m

This session shares my conversation with Mitzi Gousie, Programming and Outreach Librarian with the Franklin Public Library. We had our discussion on Monday, July 21, 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 for summer, and winter due to budget reductionBook sale weekend August 15 & 16Library events for August 2025Family eventsKiddos, or “littles”TeensAdultsRegistration 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 42 minutes, so let’s listen in.--------------Mitzi Gousie’s email -> mgousie@minlib.net Franklin Public Library page ->  https://www.frankl

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 Monday, July 28, 2025. Our conversation condensed the Town Council meeting of July 23, 2025.We focus on two questions:ok, what just happened? What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?Discussion items: Fire Department - Swearing In of New Firefighter / Paramedic i. Jeffrey Wolcott, a backfill for an existing & funded positionAnnual Reappointments and New Appointments of Boards and Committees Members i. See “Committee Appointments” in packet for member namesABCC TransactionsNew Section 12 Restaurant All Alcoholic Beverages License and Approval of Xiao Xia Zhang as the Manager - Kojo Asian Fusion LLC d/b/a Kojo, Located at 28 East Central Street, Franklin, MA 02038.License Modification - Change of Location of a Section 15 Wine and Malt Beverages Package Store License: The Little Shop of Olive Oils Inc. d/b/a The

The chock full agenda for the only July meeting of the Franklin Town Council kept the group active until almost 11 PM (6 PM start).All 9 councilors participated initially. Councilor Frongillo recused himself during the Crossing Neighborhood discussion and did not return for the remainder of the session. Councilors Dellorco and Hamblen were commended twice by Chair Mercer for coming to the meeting in person (from their vacation) to allow the group to avoid roll call on every vote (not just the bylaw acceptance that requires it whether remote or not)The Franklin TV video for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Dc10zX_m3kThe agenda docs and supporting material ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_07232025-1829 -------------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.

This session shares my conversation with Franklin artist extraordinaire Amy Adams. We had our discussion in the Franklin TV & Radio Studio on Monday, July 21, 2025.Our conversation covers some of Amy’s work and approachThe Wind Phone comes to NatickDealing with griefHealing with HeARTMural and other projectsThe recording runs about 51 minutes, so let’s listen in.--------------Painting Venus - Amy’s art portfolio page -> https://www.paintingvenus.art/ the Andrea Gibson quote we opened with:  “I have never met a heavy heart that wasn’t a phone booth with a red cape insideSome people will never understand the kind of superpower it takes for some people to just walk outsideSome days I know my smile looks like the gutter of a killing houseBut my hands are always holding tight to the ripchord of believing”Shared from Instagram ->   https://www.instagram.com/p/DMK1OK8ofa2/The Wind Phone is located to the right of the entrance for the Common Street Spiritual Center. You do not have to en

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Chris Flynn, Studio Manager at Franklin TV. We met at the Franklin TV studios on Tuesday, July 15, 2025.  Key topicsHorace Mann project Conceptually four episodes to retell the life of MannUses virtual technology to film real time with a green screenLooking for actors interested in participating in the productionReach out to Chris via email to CFLYNN@franklin.tvThe recording runs about  33 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Chris on his Horace Mann project--------------Louise Hall Tharp -> https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Louise_Hall_Tharp  ** The Peabody Sisters of Salem (Little, Brown and Company: Boston, 1950). 1968 pbk reprint.  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003UY3FFA  ** Until Victory: Horace Mann and Mary Peabody (Boston: Little, Brown, 1953)Jonathan MESSERLI (Author)** Horace Mann: A Biography Hardcover – January 1, 1972Horace Mann burial site in Providence RI, info and a site maphttps://www.

This session shares my conversation with Ariel Doggett, Programming & Volunteer Coordinator of the Franklin Senior Center. We had our discussion in the Franklin Radio Studio on Wednesday, July 16, 2025.We talk about All the key event highlights for AugustPossible Great Gatsby themed future event(s)The show notes include links to the Senior Center page, the calendar of events, and to subscribe to the monthly newsletter. The recording runs about 40 minutes, so let’s listen in.--------------Franklin Senior Center page ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/583/Franklin-Senior-Center-Council-on-Aging August 2025 newsletter -> Link to be added when availableThe 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/ The Great

This session of the radio show shares the audio recording of the Economic Development Subcommittee meeting on Wednesday, July 16, 2025 in the 3rd Floor Training Room. 3 members were present and participated in the first agenda item. Once that was complete, the 4th member, Cobi Frongillo joined them for the remainder of the session. He had recused himself from the Crossing Neighborhood District discussion to avoid a conflict of interest. His father's business is located in that potential district.Quick recap:Item 1 - Crossing NeighborhoodTA Jamie Hellen provides the overview of the background on the proposal for the Crossing Neighborhood. Multiple zoning bylaws make up the "package" to work together. Direct link to the memo providing the overview https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/6226/1a-DPCD-Memo---Crossing-Neighborhood-Zoning-District---71625Hamblen looks at this as a "mini downtown commercial". She raises an issue on 3 family by right, J Halligan notes that the current bylaw actuall

This session of the radio show shares our conversation with Raye Lynn Mercer & Electric Youth in the Franklin TV studios on Tuesday, June 4, 2025.  Key topicsPerformance of their new acapella numberTheir European tourAfter Electric Youth returns from Europe, they are scheduled for a performance at the Farmers Market/Concerts on the Common on August 1. Be sure to stop by and catch their performance.The recording runs about  24 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Raye Lynn & Electric Youth 2025   --------------Franklin School for Performing Arts ->  https://www.fspaonline.com/ You can also check out Electric Youth's webpage -> https://www.electricyouth.com/  The "38 Years at 38 Main" audio interview mentioned can be found herehttps://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/09/raye-lynn-mercer-shares-some-stories-of.html Community calendar  https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar --------------We are now producing this in collaboratio

This session of the radio show shares our “Talk Franklin” discussion with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen and School Superintendent Lucas Giguere in the Municipal Building on Wednesday, June 25, 2025.  Key topicsAfter the FY 2026 budget discussion, what’s nextTown businessSchool’s redistrictingSurvey and engagementMusic playlists, concerts, & time awayThe recording runs about  55 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Jamie & Lucas.  --------------Town of Franklin page  https://www.franklinma.gov/ Franklin Public Schools page ->  https://www.franklinps.net/ Community calendar  https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar -------------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

This session shares my conversation with Chasity Cheng, Senior Center Deputy Director and Ariel Doggett, Programing & Volunteer Coordinator, both with the Franklin Senior Center. We had our discussion in the Franklin Radio Studio on Wednesday, June 18, 2025.We talk about All the key event highlights for JulyReminder on fee increases effective in July“Franklin First” for special event registrationsReminder on use myactivecenter.com/  for online Senior Center registrationTeasers for vans trips in the future The show notes include links to the Senior Center page, the calendar of events, and to subscribe to the monthly newsletter. The recording runs about 40 minutes, so let’s listen in.--------------Franklin Senior Center page ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/583/Franklin-Senior-Center-Council-on-Aging July 2025 newsletter -> Link to be added when availableThe newsletter archive page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/585/Connection-Newsletter Senior Center calendar view (

This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, June 24, 2025. 5 members participated in this virtual session, 2 were absent (Gallagher, Griffith). Quick recap:Superintendent’s report, end of school year officially June 18, schools closed out in memorable ways, thanks to PCC 's et al for making it possible. Boxes labeled, classrooms cleared… Summer relocation work underway, all packing was completed, walkthrough underway to confirm readiness for transition, thanks to Colin for all the effort in this. The preparation and communication was organizedTransportation registration closed, 16 already on waitlist, routes scheduled for posting in August; special education van can be purchased via earmark along with local funding to keep fleet currentQuestion: On the waitlist, when would they find out? During route creation over the next couple of weeks. The SchCmte will get an update on the routes before the initial routes are postedSPED vans backstory; had 3 in trouble and wer

This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee Policy Subcmte meeting held on Tuesday, June 24, 2025. 2 members participated in this virtual session; Chair O’Sullivan and member McNeill, Callaghan was absent.  Supt Giguere, Ops Director Boisvert, Jana Melotti and Dr Rogers represented the Central Office.Quick recap:Primary discussion on this agenda is fees, recommendation to keep the current 3 tier approach with the minor adjustment of moving wrestling from Tier 3 to Tier 2, from $350 to 600, Tier 1 remains at $1000. Fees can't be reduced due to the shortage of revenue from failed overrideAthletic fees approved by 2-0-1 vote (Chair O'Sullivan & McNeill present, Callaghan absent)Transportation fee discussion background on how the $387 was calculated to be the base charge with a cap. 2.5% escalation built into the prior schedule. Attempting to increase/keep ridership up as part of the redistricting; 2492 registered, 2466 for past year, 16 on waitlistMotion to accept new fee schedule, $387, cap

This session (1474) shares the Polco Community Survey results discussion during the Town Council Meeting of Wednesday, June 18, 2025. 8 of the members started the meeting in Council Chambers (1 arrived before the Executive Session started).This session (1473) shares “everything but” the Polco Community Survey results discussion of the Franklin (MA) Town Council on Wednesday, June 18, 2025.   The meeting opens Chief McLaughlin’s retirement announcementCitizen commentsElectric Youth performance & proclamationAppointments, Farmers license for La Cantina WineryLegislation for actionCouncil CommentsExecutive SessionApproval of contracts# 1474 = The survey discussion recording runs about 1 hour and 10 minutes# 1473 = The “everything but” survey discussion recording runs about 1.5 hours  --------------The Franklin TV video is available for replay ->  https://www.youtube.com/live/RpRNbG1tXVw?&t=188 Agenda doc ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/A

This session (1473) shares “everything but” the Polco Community Survey results discussion of the Franklin (MA) Town Council on Wednesday, June 18, 2025. 8 of the members started the meeting in Council Chambers (1 arrived before the Executive Session started).  The meeting opens Chief McLaughlin’s retirement announcementCitizen commentsElectric Youth performance & proclamationAppointments, Farmers license for La Cantina WineryLegislation for actionCouncil CommentsExecutive SessionApproval of contractsThis session (1474) shares the Polco Community Survey results discussion during the Town Council Meeting of Wednesday, June 18, 2025.#1473 = The “everything but” survey discussion recording runs about 1.5 hours  #1474 = The survey discussion recording runs about 1 hour and 10 minutes--------------The Franklin TV video is available for replay ->  https://www.youtube.com/live/RpRNbG1tXVw?&t=188 Agenda doc ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agen

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, June 20, 2025. Our conversation condensed the Town Council meeting of June 18, 2025.We focus on two questions:ok, what just happened? What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?Discussion items: Fire Chief McLaughlin reads his statement announcing his retirement on or before Oct 1, 2025. Electric Youth made their annual 'bon voyage' appearance to perform an a cappella number fittingly "Time of my Life" from the Dirty Dancing movieAppointment to the Council on Aging: Elizabeth Sawyer, approvedAppointment to the Disability Commission: Cheryl Fisher, approvedMotion made and approved to create the Franklin 250 Celebration CommitteeLa Cantina was approved for their Farmers Market licenseThe Community Survey results were released and explained. Results can be compared with over 500 communities. Good response rate, amo

This session shares my conversation with Evelyn and Rion of the Franklin LGBTQ Alliance on Tuesday, June 21, 2025. We met to record in the Franklin TV & Radio Studio.We talked of4th Annual Celebrate with Pride Day June 21 (rain date June 22)Monthly meeting (1st Thursdays)Book Club (3rd Wednesdays)Sign up for the newsletter to keep informed on events & infoThe meeting recording runs about 12 minutes.--------------Franklin LGBTQ Alliance page -> https://franklinlgbtqalliance.com/   Celebrate with PRide 2025 -> https://franklinlgbtqalliance.com/pride-2025 If you have any questions or if you would like to join the mailing list, then please send an email to FranklinLGBTQAlliance@gmail.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 t

This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, June 10, 2025. 6 members participated in Council Chambers, 1 remote (Sompally). Quick recap:A brief executive session was held before approving the new teacher contract for a 3 year term. Details of the amount approved were not shared, however, members of the negotiation subcommittee spoke highly of the collaboration and cooperation that resulted in a good deal for the district and the Town. The vote was unanimous and included Town Administrator Jamie Hellen (7-0-1) (1 absent)The budget adjustment reducing the proposed budget by $2M was previewed in a subcommittee meeting before the full committee meeting. 12 personnel are added to the 29 that were reduced by redistricting. Additional expenses were cut to bring the budget into balance per revised Town funding due to the failed overrideBus fee will remain at $387, Sports fees will remain high at this year's levels for next year. A full analysis of the fees and participation wi

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 person on Wednesday, June 11, 2025. We had the opportunity to recap both the School Committee meeting of June 10, 2025. We cover Executive session to approve teachers contractVote on revised budget due to failed override, cutting $2M including 12 FTE positions, sports and activity fees remain as high this yearSuperintendent’s review approvedSchool ends June 18, redistricting works continues to implement for SeptReading program “Meet me in the Middle”Register for bus by June 20, fee set $387/student with a cap; if not registered by 20th no guarantee of a spot on a busThe recording runs about 24 minutes, so let’s listen in.--------------Contact info for Dave Callaghan -> callaghand@franklinps.net   Franklin TV video for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qYQVNOKqqR8 The agenda doc also contains

This session shares audio recording of the Appreciation Event celebrating the collaboration that returned a single family home to Franklin housing stock. State Representative Jeff Roy hosted the event on Monday, June 9, 2025--------------Video recording by Steve Sherlock (Franklin Matters/Franklin Public Radio) Video link -> https://youtu.be/lXcfc3-nNbI-------------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 informat