Franklin (MA) Matters

This session shares my conversation with Scott Mason, 3 x former Town Councilor and twice Chair of the Town Council. We had our discussion in the Franklin TV & Radio Studio on Wednesday, October 29, 2025.Our conversation covers Learning curve of a CouncilorFunctioning with other councilorsonly 1 of 9, takes 5 or 6 to get something passedHandling the myth of ‘found money’Impact and scope of decisionsThe recording runs about 37 minutes, so let’s listen in.--------------Scott’s contact info -> smason2@comcast.net -------------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 r

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Board of Health write-in candidate Diane Daddario. We had our conversation virtually via Zoom on Monday, October 27, 2025. The conversation runs about 18 minutes. Let’s listen in --------------Diane Daddario142 Lincoln StreetEmail ->  mailto:diane.daddario@bmc.org Video link -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FR_Xb_MOVkY2025 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 l

This session of the radio show shares my conversation withBoard of Health write-in candidate Christine Mucciarone. We had our conversation virtually via Zoom on Monday, October 20, 2025. The conversation runs about 25 minutes. Let’s listen in --------------Christine Mucciarone87 Hill AveEmail ->  mailto:Mrsmooch829@verizon.net  Video link ->  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLPckZEuvdE 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 friend

This session shares the Franklin (MA) Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, October 22, 2025.  The agenda was the same as the one published for Oct 15 which was not held and rescheduled for the 22nd. All 9 of the members of the committee were present in Council Chambers for this session. Quick recap:The recent Fire Dept promotions were sworn in. The promotions show the domino effect of the retirement of Chief McLaughlin.  Charles (Chuck) Allen moved up from Battalion Chief to Fire Chief, Sean Lovely took Chuck's former role as Battalion Chief, and Jaden Brodeur took Sean's former role as Lieutenant. Photos of the swearing in and pinning by family members can be viewed in one album -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/g3Y1X5Emuspooz6g6 The Franklin's 250th Anniversary Celebration Committee was appointed after first voting to increase the size of the committee that was initially scoped and authorizedThe 2025 Election Workers were approved as submitted by Town Clerk Nancy DanelloA public hearing

This session shares my conversation with Jillian Rochat from the Franklin Senior Center. We had our discussion in the Franklin Radio Studio on Tuesday, October 21, 2025. We talk about All the key event highlights for NovemberKey teasers for DecemberTax workoff program applications available, submit no earlier than Dec 1Winter Wonderland, Dec 11The show notes include links to the Senior Center page, the calendar of events, and to subscribe to the monthly newsletter. The recording runs about 37 minutes, so let’s listen in.--------------Franklin Senior Center page ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/583/Franklin-Senior-Center-Council-on-Aging November 2025 newsletter -> https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/7278/November-2025?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 newslette

This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee Budget Subcmte Meeting held on Tuesday, Oct 28, 2025. All 3 members participated in person in the 3rd Floor Training Room. Supt Lucas Giguere, Dr Tina Rogers, Paula Marano, and Jana Melotti participated. Quick recap:The meeting provided an overview of the budget processTimeline, budget drivers, fixed costs, etc.The recording runs about 51 minutes, so let’s listen in.--------------School Committee Budget Subcmte agenda -> https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10282025-1965 Photos of the slides presented for the discussion (when the slides themselves are available, we’ll update accordingly).https://photos.app.goo.gl/TKsNq1tYdhGC11Jv8My notes for the full session are captured in one PDF file ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1kTIpIZc47reYuvaaLK2tF8mW-G-WdtW2/view?usp=drive_link -------------We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Doug Martin, Franklin’s Water and Sewer Superintendent and Jake Standly, the Assistant Water/Sewer Superintendent . We had our conversation in the Franklin Public Radio studios on Hutchinson St on Tuesday, October 21, 2025. Our conversation covered updates on Water & Sewer projects previously discussed in each their own three-part series. The show notes include links to the Franklin water & sewer division page Let’s listen to this part of my conversation with Doug and Jake and learn about the updates to Franklin’s sewer and water projects. ---------------------Water Sewer Division - https://www.franklinma.gov/water-sewer-divisionThe main page contains links to the both of the 3-part series on water and sewer.Beaver Street interceptor project -> https://www.franklinma.gov/557/Beaver-Street-Interceptor-BSI-ProjectCharles River Pollution Control (sewerage processor) https://www.franklinma.gov/charles-river-pollution-control

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, October 27, 2025. Our conversation condensed the Town Council meeting of October 22, 2025.We focus on two questions:ok, what just happened? What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?We cover the following key topicsThe recent Fire Dept promotions were sworn in. The promotions show the domino effect of the retirement of Chief McLaughlin.  Charles (Chuck) Allen moved up from Battalion Chief to Fire Chief, Sean Lovely took Chuck's former role as Battalion Chief, and Jaden Brodeur took Sean's former role as Lieutenant. Photos of the swearing in and pinning by family members can be viewed in one album -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/g3Y1X5Emuspooz6g6 The Franklin's 250th Anniversary Celebration Committee was appointed after first voting to increase the size of the committee that was initially scoped and authorizedTh

This session shares the Finance Committee meeting conducted Wednesday, October 22, 2025. The Committee opened with 3 new members getting sworn in. The Committee also formally organized itself with votes to select George Conley as Chair, Natalie Riley as Vice-Chair and Lauren Nagel as ClerkQuick recap:The agenda could not be completed in the time allotted before the Town Council meeting at 7:00 PM. The planned 'deep dive' on Technology was the major item as it will be rescheduled to their Nov 5 meeting.During Citizen Comments, M Minnechelli spoke on the economics of development proposals, i.e. 444 E Central, and the need for some body, perhaps FinCom to weigh in to help clarify the numbers that are being mentioned which are conflicting and perhaps erroneous. The Town Administrator advised not weighing in on the specifics of 444 East Central as the public hearing is underway. However an understanding of the overall economics of development would be a good topic for a future meetingMuch of the discussion re

This episode combines the Franklin Public Radio spots for the week of October 26, 2025. The outlook for the week ahead Oct 26 through Nov 1, 2025The look back at the week that was Oct 19 through Oct 25, 2025 --------------The text and links referenced can be found at Franklin Matters Weeklyhttps://www.franklinmattersweekly.org/2025/10/80-of-franklin-ma-registered-voters.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 th

This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, October 14, 2025. All 7 members of the committee were present. Quick recap:FHS club fair held, 35 clubs presented, looking to finalize what's active with signups and payments to confirm membership. If not all to operate there are additional proposals being developed that could be implemented in lieu of some that didn't make it. High school has a late bus confirmed, awaiting word from bus company on one for the middle schoolMiddle school working on confirming advisors and also setting survey to determine student club interest. Hopeful of get the matching done during NovemberFranklin Food Pantry presentation by Laura Doherty and Tina Powderly. Much work to create awareness, address stigma, expand the availability of food for those who need it. Lots of coordination, collaboration underway with School District, more to come. Empty Bowls will continue, looking also to expand and offer bowl workshops outside of the high school to t

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 via Zoom on Thursday, October 16, 2025. We had the opportunity to recap the School Committee meeting of October 14, 2025. We cover Superintendent’s ReportBudget book, zero based budget effortTeacher evaluations underwayUpdate on clubs for FHS & Middle SchoolFHS club fair held, 35 clubs presented, looking to finalize what's active with signups and payments to confirm membership. If not all to operate there are additional proposals being developed that could be implemented in lieu of some that didn't make it. High school has a late bus confirmed, awaiting word from bus company on one for the middle schoolMiddle school working on confirming advisors and also setting survey to determine student club interest. Hopeful of get the matching done during NovemberFranklin Food Pantry presentation by Laura Doherty and Tina Powderly. Muc

This episode combines the Franklin Public Radio spots for the week of October 19, 2025. The outlook for the week ahead Oct 19 through Oct 25, 2025The look back at the week that was Oct 12 through Oct 18, 2025 --------------The text and links referenced can be found at Franklin Matters Weeklyhttps://www.franklinmattersweekly.org/2025/10/glorious-weather-weekend-leads-to-full.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.

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Erin Campbell, Franklin Turkey Trot organizer and with Jen Johnson, Franklin Food Pantry Development Associate. We had our conversation at the Franklin Food Pantry at Edwin’s. We talk about the Turkey Trot coming up on Thanksgiving morning, November 27, 2025. We talk about how the race has evolved, sponsorship opportunities, the community event itself, free raffle prizes in addition to awards by race age category & more.New this year, a costume contest with prizes for best costume in different categories.Disclosure: during the conversation you will hear that I am happy to be a sponsor of this event, and that the recording is separately part of my overall public service effort for Franklin.News/Franklin Public Radio.The recording runs about 23 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Erin and Jen.--------------Turkey Trot webpage (register online through Tuesday, and in person Wednesday night (7 - 9 PM) or Thursday morning (from 6

This episode combines the Franklin Public Radio spots for the week of October 12, 2025. The outlook for the week ahead Oct 12 through Oct 18, 2025The look back at the week that was Oct 5 through Oct 11, 2025 --------------The text and links referenced can be found at Franklin Matters Weeklyhttps://www.franklinmattersweekly.org/2025/10/a-full-week-of-meetings-arrive-this.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 th

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with School Committee candidate Paul Griffith. We had our conversation virtually via Zoom on Tuesday, October 7, 2025. The conversation runs about 57 minutes. Let’s listen in --------------Paul Griffith609-203-8202mailto:paul.griffith.phd@gmail.com Video link ->  https://youtu.be/InpImgj62LA 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 something here, please

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with School Committee candidate Nadia Mausolf. We had our conversation virtually via Zoom on Tuesday, October 7, 2025. The conversation runs about 28 minutes. Let’s listen in --------------Nadia Mausolf617-733-9179mailto:nadiaet1@yahoo.com Video link -> https://youtu.be/KSiGm-COBdk 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 something here, please let me knowAnd

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with School Committee candidate Stephen Karunakaran. We had our conversation virtually via Zoom on Wednesday, October 1, 2025. The conversation runs about 22 minutes. Let’s listen in --------------Stephen Karunakaran617-480-2400mailto:stephensam@gmail.com Video link -> https://youtu.be/Ai_K3VzN1Z0 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 something here, pleas

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with School Committee candidate Ruthann O’Sullivan. We had our conversation virtually via Zoom on Monday, October 6, 2025. The conversation runs about 42 minutes. Let’s listen in --------------Ruthann O'Sullivan  508-397-7785mailto:ruthannosullivan@gmail.com Video link ->  https://youtu.be/UGuIVHpD29c 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 somethin

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Town Council candidate Glenn Jones. We had our conversation virtually via Zoom on Tuesday, October 7, 2025. The conversation runs about 32 minutes. Let’s listen in -------------Glenn Jones508-439-7011mailto:glennfjones172@gmail.com Video link ->  https://youtu.be/PNP0WNu9Xzo 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 something here, please let me know