Franklin Matters Radio

I stopped by St Mary’s Church Tuesday evening to catch the community choir rehearsal for the Messiah scheduled for performance Sunday, Nov 15 at 3:00 PM. The Christmas portion of the Messiah used to be performed regularly and you’ll hear that it hasn’t been performed recently.

The choir members are on the one hand challenged by the music of the Messiah but also looking forward to singing it. Choir Director Krishan Oberoi has been working with the group to improve their performance. In the bit that I witnessed on Tuesday, the minor adjustments, timing, etc. were impactful.

Some members of the choir took time during a break in rehearsal to talk about the performance.

The recording runs about 3 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with members of the community chorus getting ready to perform the Christmas portion of the Messiah.

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Admission is free and there is a suggested goodwill offering.

Get your free tickets online -

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/handels-messiah-tickets-2003779262715

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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 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 neighbors
• If you don't like something here, please let me know
• And 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 do

Through 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 com

The 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!

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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 of the radio show shares my conversation with Kelly Rys and Kevin Sullivan, Franklin High School parents and booster club supporters. We talk about their efforts fund raising for the proposed FHS student achievement sign.

“The Student Achievement Signage Project is a community-driven initiative designed to permanently recognize and celebrate the outstanding achievements of our student-athletes, performers, and scholars.

The proposed signage will serve as a visible and lasting tribute to the hard work, dedication, and excellence demonstrated by generations of students.”

The recording runs about 30 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Kelly & Kevin.

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Learn more about the project in the Sponsor Information Packet: https://canva.link/0lcjiso5azm3m71

Donate online through UniPay: https://unipaygold.unibank.com/transactioninfo.aspx?TID=37604

Additional payment options are available in the Sponsor Information Packet https://canva.link/0lcjiso5azm3m71

--------------

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 neighbors
• If you don't like something here, please let me know
• And 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 do

Through 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 com

The 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 November 08, 2026.

• The outlook for the week ahead November 08 through November 14, 2026
• The look back at the week that was November 01 through November 07, 2026

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The text and links referenced can be found at Franklin Matters Weekly

https://www.franklinmattersweekly.org/2026/11/veterans-day-splits-busy-meeting-week.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 neighbors
• If you don't like something here, please let me know
• And 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 do

Through 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 com

The 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 of the radio show shares my conversation with the new First Universalist Society of Franklin minister, Reverend Chris Scheller. We talk about his journey to ministry and his role here in Franklin.

The audio recording runs about 28 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Reverend Chris.

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FUSF web page -> https://fusf.org/

Minister’s page -> https://fusf.org/who-we-are/minister/

Where is the FUSF meeting house? https://fusf.org/contact-us/

While FUSF is home to The Circle of Friends Coffeehouse -> http://circlefolk.org/

and LiveARTS -> https://www.liveartsma.org/ there are quite a few other active community groups -> https://fusf.org/community/

--------------

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 neighbors
• If you don't like something here, please let me know
• And 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 do

Through 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 com

The 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 Town Council Communications Subcommittee meeting held virtually (via Zoom) on Thursday, November 5, 2026.

Committee members: Caroline Griffith, Chair, Jane Callaway-Tripp, Vice Chair, Maxwell Morrongiello, Gene Grella and Elizabeth Kalaijian, Director of Communications and Community Engagement.

Agenda:

1. Call to Order

2. Approval of Minutes

a. July 15, 2026 Meeting Minutes

b. May 28, 2026 Meeting Minutes

c. April 27, 2026 Meeting Minutes

3. Review and Discussion: next steps, priorities, and questions

a. Updated_2026-27_Comms Subcommittee Work Plan Draft

b. 2026-2027 Communications Subcommittee work plan

4. Adjourn

The recording runs about 72 minutes, so let’s listen to the Communications Subcommittee meeting of November 5, 2026.

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Agenda doc - https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_11052026-2590

Town Council Communications Subcmte page - https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/1311/Communications-Subcommittee

--------------

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 neighbors
• If you don't like something here, please let me know
• And 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 do

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit www.franklin.news or Franklinmatters.org/

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The 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"

The Franklin, MA Board of Health met on Wednesday, September 2, 2026 at 5 PM as scheduled. All three members participated; 2 in the 3rd floor training room, 1 remotely (with an intermittent audio connection), along with additional representation by the Health Department members (C Liberty, Director; G McNeil).

Quick recap:

• Approval of minutes for October, so moved, second, passes 2-0-1 (1 absent, joined just after vote)
• Kids vaccine clinic successful, approx 30+ received, comfort dogs were present
• Discussion on Kratom around potential penalties given the change that it that Federal status for the drug has changed to “restricted”
• change penalties for Kratom and derivatives, will advertise for meeting in Dec and implement in the new year
• Next up emergency dispensing site (FHS)
• in partnership with Police Fire and DPW for holding and conducting the plan
• Discussion on the need for interpreters, DPH removed the phone access service they had provided that Alicia used regularly; also consider sign language
• Next up, food violations, trends? temp control, sanitation, usually the same repeat violations; lots of turnover within the food establishments doesn't help keep a stable process; looking at creating training via grant for those involved in food handling
• Motion to adjourn, passes 3-0, via roll call (and 1 hand signal)

The recording runs about 38 minutes, so let’s listen in.

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Agenda doc -

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_11042026-2588

My notes in one PDF - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-B3I14vFnRZVMSPh6j-rvzge3uwtm9gb/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 neighbors
• If you don't like something here, please let me know
• And 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 do

Through 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 com

The 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 Policy Subcmte meeting held on Tuesday, November 3, 2026. All 3 members (Dave Callaghan (Chair), Al Charles, Reis Hansen) participated in the session held in the 3rd floor training room.Dr Tina Rogers, Paula Marano, and Elizabeth Morrison also participated.

Quick recap:

• Discussion on the audit done to confirm what other policies need to be adjusted based upon the recent Freedom to Read Act changes. Using the MASC policies as a guideline, reviewed the proposed changes, approved the 3 to bring to the full Committee for first reading. Internal work on the underlying procedures is still underway ideally to be completed by the time the policies are approved
• Next up, Patricia Middelman, Treasurer of SEPAC (Special Education Parents Advisory Council) is present to talk about ensuring coverage for special education needs in any policy discussions. The group is coming back to life and will be attempting to have representation at Policy and School Committee meetings going forward.
• (Editor’s note: this is not just any old group. Per Mass General Law, districts that receive funding for special education are required to have such a group. It had been very active then the past couple of years it went quiet as leadership/membership changed (parents of special ed students aged out of the program).
• Next up, continuation of the fiscal policy discussion. Complete set would be sent to the Budget Subcommittee for their review and comment, then back to this committee for any final edits before bringing to the full committee likely in December
• Motion to adjourn, passes 3-0, folks move to Chambers for full School Committee meeting

The recording runs about 50 minutes, so let’s listen in.

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The meeting agenda can be found ->

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10132026-2558

My full set of notes taken during the meeting can be found in one PDF ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1KQwwtCt2nwHOX2ny8ANnYDcVwCxGGsHZ/view?usp=drive_link

School Committee Policy manual - https://www.franklinps.net/o/fpsd/page/policy-manual

School Committee Subcommittee assignments

https://www.franklinps.net/o/fpsd/page/subcommittees-and-liaisons

-------------

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 neighbors
• If you don't like something here, please let me know
• And 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 do

Through 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 com

The 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 Dave Rittenhouse and Marissa Bovie, both with the Energize Franklin group. We had our discussion virtually on Monday, October 26, 2026.

We talk about Energize Franklin

• What has changed since we last talked
• Updated webpage
• Now using Facebook
• What hasn’t changed
• Information & testimonials to help
• Take action steps, small or large

The recording runs about 39 minutes, so let’s listen in.

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Energize Franklin home page - www.energizefranklin.org/

You can email Dave at [email protected]

Prior recording (walk through of the Energize page & features)

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/06/making-sense-of-climate-27-dave-helps.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 neighbors
• If you don't like something here, please let me know
• And 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 do

Through 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 com

The 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 November 01, 2026.

• The outlook for the week ahead November 01 through November 07, 2026
• The look back at the week that was October 25 through October 31, 2026

--------------

The text and links referenced can be found at Franklin Matters Weekly

https://www.franklinmattersweekly.org/2026/10/clocks-change-state-election-tuesday.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 neighbors
• If you don't like something here, please let me know
• And 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 do

Through 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 com

The 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, October 20, 2026.

We talk about

• The regular open hours, book sale and holiday scheduling for the month
• Sunday hours (1:30 to 5 PM) returned in September
• Book sale weekend Nov 20 & Nov 21
• Closed on Nov 11 for Veterans Day
• Closing early Weds, Nov 25 (2:30pm)
• Closed Thursday, Nov 26 for Thanksgiving
• Library event highlights for November 2026
• In calendar order rather than by category this time around

Registration 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 21 minutes, so let’s listen in.

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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

November 2026 newsletter - https://myemail.constantcontact.com/November-2026-Franklin-Public-Library-News---Events.html?soid=1142311312837&aid=HAqVzsO_rY0

-------------

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 neighbors
• If you don't like something here, please let me know
• And 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 do

Through 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 com

The 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