Franklin (MA) Matters

This session shares the Finance Committee meeting conducted Tuesday, April 29, 2025. All 8 members of the Committee were present in the 3rd floor training for the second of the series of Budget Hearings for FY 2026. This session covered Public Safety (police, fire, dispatch, and inspections) and Public Works (DPW, water, sewer, roads, etc).   Quick recap:Police Chief TJ Lynch started his update. Basically the same as last year with some minor adjustments. If the override were to fail, he would loose 2 officers. He is hiring to backfill for retirees and transfers. When as ked to elaborate on that, he provided the details on the 5 recent departures, with one being sworn in at Council meeting and one still to be hired.Deputy Chiefs Klich & Barberi provided the update in lieu of Chief McLaughlin out this week on vacation. Similar to the police update, very little change in totals. If the override fails, they would lose the staffing for the 3rd ambulance. The 3rd ambulance responded to over

This session shares the Finance Committee meeting conducted Monday, April 28, 2025. All 8 members of the Committee were present in Council Chambers for the first of the series of Budget Hearings for FY 2026. This session covered Education; Tri-County, Norfolk Aggie and Franklin Public Schools. Only Franklin was there to present in person. The Chair almost closed the meeting without mentioning the other two budget items.  Quick recap:School Superintendent Lucas Giguere and Interim Business Administrator Jana Milotti made the presentation supported at different points by Dr Dutch and Asst Supt Paula MoranoThe slides of the presentation can be found ->   https://photos.app.goo.gl/RZR8tubpGhMB6Ac47 The school budget fits within the Town allocation which assumes a successful override vote on June 3. The school budget is an increase over last year by $2.9MRedistricting brought significant savings to the tune of $3.1MIf the override fails, $2M would be cut from this budget (per current Town do

This session shares my conversation with Dick Hynes and Scott Carruthers about the changes to the Memorial Day Parade for 2025. We recorded this conversation in the Franklin TV & Radio Studio on Thursday, April 17, 2025. Dick Hynes, American Legion, Post 75 CommanderScott Carruthers, Veterans of Foreign Wars, VFW Post 3402 CommanderWe cover the following in our conversationParade route route changedFor better staging locationShorten parade to enable more veerans to participateSeparate the cemetery ceremonies from the parade itselfDean & cemetery ceremonies start at 9:30 AMParade starts at 11:00 AMCeremony on the own Common remains at noon time About the American Legion & VFWMembershipactivitiesThe recording runs about 28 minutes--------------VFW page -> https://post3402.org/ American Legion page -> https://www.mapost75.com/ Parade Route Updated -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/04/did-you-hear-there-is-new-memorial-day.html  Or -> https://post3402.or

This session shares my conversation about the origin story of BLAST - Bringing Libraries and Schools Together. We talk with Erin O’Leary and Caliegh Keating, the collaborators who start with “Yes” and then figure it out. We recorded this conversation virtually on Thursday, April 17, 2025. Caleigh Keating, Youth Services LibrarianErin O’Leary, Reading Specialist at Horace Mann Middle SchoolWe cover the following in our conversationThe origin storyA ‘free’ service but dependent upon the override passingMiddle school and elementary school coordinationHow redistricting will simplify the operationsSummer reading kickoffs being planned forThe recording runs about 32 minutes--------------Franklin Public Library page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/233/Franklin-Public-Library Erin O’Leary email address -> olearye@franklinps.net Caleigh Keating email address -> ckeating@minlib.net -------------We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or

This session shares the Franklin (MA) Town Council Meeting of Wednesday, April 16, 2025. All 9 of the members participated in Council Chambers.   Approx 10-15 minutes of the recess for photos is excluded from the audio and replaced by a few seconds of music to mark the spot.Quick recap: School Committee Chair D Callaghan provided an update on recent meeting updates including the potential naming of the "Horace Mann Campus" per Town Clerk, notification of election coming via mail re: the override election June 3. Postcard with QR code to register to vote, also includes a vote by mail application. Only one card to head of household not one per every voter Proclamations and recognition for  the FHS Cheerleaders  the FHS boys basketball team  members of the Dean College Athletic Training first responders who saved the life of an individual at a recent athletic event Appointment of the 2025 election workers was approved by unanimous vote Public hearing conducted on 2 re

This session shares my conversation with Randy Jay. He is a member of the Commissionon Persons with Disabilities. We recorded this conversation in person at the Franklin TV & Radio Studio Monday, April 14, 2025. We cover the following in our wide ranging conversationRandy’s road to FranklinRole of the disability commissionExpo now in its 3rd yearHappening April 26 from 11 AM to 2 PM at the Senior CenterThe recording runs about 35 minutes.--------------Tonw of Franklin page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/496/Commission-on-Persons-with-Disabilities Facebook page with additional details including participating vendors/organizations https://www.facebook.com/share/15RMr42ncJ/ -------------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 fi

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, April 17, 2025.  Our conversation condensed the Town Council meeting of April 16, 2025. We focus on two questions:ok, what just happened? What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?Topic for this session:School Committee Chair D Callaghan provided an update on recent meeting updates including the potential naming of the "Horace Mann Campus"per Town Clerk Nancy Danello, notification of election coming via mail re: the override election June 3. Postcard with QR code to register to vote, also includes a vote by mail application. Only one card to head of household not one per every voterAppointment of the 2025 election workers was approved by unanimous voteResolution 25-18: June 3, 2025 Election Early & Mail in Voting was approved unanimously. The scheduled early voting dates will be added to the Communit

This session shares my conversation with Chavelyn Santana, Director of Collaborative Care and Emma Kelley, Director of Adolescent Wellness for the SAFE Coalition. We recorded this conversation in person at the Franklin TV & Radio Studio Thursday, April 10, 2025. We cover the following in our wide ranging conversationTheir individual road to SAFEThe organization around three approaches Adolescent wellnessFamily recoveryCollaborative careListening as key to growth of services to 55 communitiesThe 90 day support planThe Gala as a fundraising event, May 8The recording runs about 49 minutes.--------------Link to SAFE Coalition -> https://www.safecoalitionma.org/ Purchase tickets to the SAFE Gala May 8 -> https://secure.qgiv.com/event/safegala/ -------------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 al

This session shares my conversation with Camille Bernstein about poetry and her project for April as Poetry Month. We recorded this conversation in person at the Franklin TV & Radio Studio Wednesday, April 9, 2025. We cover the following in our wide ranging conversationThe origins of her projectPoetry was responsible for meeting her husbandWords and how they matterPoetry as a centering aspect of lifeThe recording runs about 45 minutes.--------------Link to Today”, the Billy Collins poem Camille reads -> https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poetrymagazine/poems/40824/today-56d21ebdad746 The link to sign up for the April poem a day project https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1yf-G9LvPeAvF5B7FJdDSyBpr8eGNNkcfJbBTYl6xYtk/edit Find Steve's poetry at www.quietpoet.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 alo

This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, April  8, 2025. 7 members participated, 6 in Council Chambers.1 remote (Sompally). The audio for the meeting is split into 3 segments for ease of listeningPart 1 - #1426 = the beginning and ending of the meeting (approx. 43 minutes)Part 2 - #1427 = the Early Childhood Development Center (ECDC) update (approx. 53 mins)Part 3 - #1428 = the Elementary schools redistricting update (approx. 1 hr 16 minutes)Quick recap: ECDC update - Kimberly Taylor, PrincipalPhotos of the slides as presented -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/qYDXR58de1BmRCaa6  Elementary update ->       grade level                  3-5                K-2Washington                 Even Chalman         Stefani WasikLincoln              

This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, April  8, 2025. 7 members participated, 6 in Council Chambers.1 remote (Sompally). The audio for the meeting is split into 3 segments for ease of listeningPart 1 - #1426 = the beginning and ending of the meeting (approx. 43 minutes)Part 2 - #1427 = the Early Childhood Development Center (ECDC) update (approx. 52 mins)Part 3 - #1428 = the Elementary schools redistricting update (approx. 1 hour & 16 mins)Quick recap: ECDC update - Kimberly Taylor, PrincipalPhotos of the slides as presented -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/qYDXR58de1BmRCaa6  Elementary update ->       grade level                  3-5                K-2Washington                 Even Chalman         Stefani WasikLincoln            

This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, April  8, 2025. 7 members participated, 6 in Council Chambers.1 remote (Sompally). The audio for the meeting is split into 3 segments for ease of listeningPart 1 - #1426 = the beginning and ending of the meeting (approx. 43 minutes)Part 2 - #1427 = the Early Childhood Development Center (ECDC) update (approx. 52 minutes)Part 3 - #1428 = the Elementary schools redistricting update (approx. 1 hour & 16 mins)Quick recap: ECDC update - Kimberly Taylor, PrincipalPhotos of the slides as presented -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/qYDXR58de1BmRCaa6  Elementary update ->       grade level                  3-5                K-2Washington                 Even Chalman         Stefani WasikLincoln           &nbs

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 the Studio on Wednesday, April 9, 2025. We had the opportunity to recap both the Policy Subcommittee and School Committee meetings of April 8, 2025. We cover Policy Subcmte mtg - All About HoraceSchool Cmte MtgECDC update - Kimberly Taylor, PrincipalElementary update ->           grade level                      3-5                    K-2Washington                     Even Chalman             Stefani WasikLincoln                                    Brad Hendrixson          &n

This session shares my conversation about the 3rd Annual Pen to Picture event scheduled for the Franklin Public Library May 10, 2025. We talk with Bree Comeau, Erin O’Leary and Pam Allard about this event with graphic novelist and illustrator Raul the Third. We recorded this conversation virtually on Wednesday, March 26, 2025. Bree Comeau, Assistant Youth Services LibrarianErin O’Leary, Reading Specialist at Horace Mann Middle SchoolPam Allard, Reading Specialist at Remington Middle SchoolWe cover the following in our conversationDetails of the event May 10Graphic novels an entry point for some readersCollaboration between Library and the schoolsEvent is funded via grant from Mass Cultural CouncilThe recording runs about 29 minutes.--------------Pen 2 Picture info -> https://franklinma.assabetinteractive.com/calendar/pen-to-picture/ Download a copy of the flyer as a reminder or to share -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xhxb-vsN1yyqijCm34Rjwyvd_Tq67YIj/view?usp=drive_link ---------

This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee Policy Subcmte meeting held on Tuesday, April 8, 2025. All 3 members participated, Chair O’Sullivan, members Callaghan, McNeill.  Supt Giguere, Ops Director Boisvert, and Dr Rogers representing the Central Office.Quick recap:Supt Giguere sets the stage with some background on how this topic has developed during the redistricting efforts first updated in Dec 2024, then in Jan 2025 to act on the notification to Police, Fire, and DESE on the temporary naming of the new schools operating in the buildings that remained operational in the DistrictSome members of the community have misunderstood the delay in allowing the new middle school community to work to develop their identity “as the Schools doing away with Horace” which was not or ever the case, howeverMercer - Horace Mann is a central source of civic pride and if you wrap the district around H Mann then the community will come alongJ Johnston with the story of H Keller and some of the not so good as

This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, March 25, 2025. 7 members participated, 6 in Council Chambers.1 remote (Gallagher). The audio for the meeting is split into 3 segments for ease of listeningPart 1 - #1420 = the beginning and ending of the meeting (approx. 58 minutes)Part 2 - #1421 = the High School course curriculum update (approx. 1 hour, 22 minutes)Part 3 - #1422 = the Middle School redistricting update (approx. 1 hour, 28 minutes)Quick recap:During the Superintendent's Report recognition was made of the Boys Basketball team for their first State D1 Championship. Recognition also made of the Cheerleaders with their National Championship multiple years doing soOne team is still in competition, that is the FHS Theatre Co is scheduled to perform in the finals on Friday, with results known on Saturday evening. Tickets available via the website metg.orgFrance, England & Scotland Field Trip - Nikki Hafele - an EF Tour proposed for 2026, approved via

This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, March 25, 2025. 7 members participated, 6 in Council Chambers.1 remote (Gallagher). The audio for the meeting is split into 3 segments for ease of listeningPart 1 - #1420 = the beginning and ending of the meeting (approx. 58 minutes)Part 2 - #1421 = the High School course curriculum update (approx.  1 hour, 22 minutes)Part 3 - #1422 = the Middle School redistricting update (approx.  1 hour, 28 minutes)Quick recap:During the Superintendent's Report recognition was made of the Boys Basketball team for their first State D1 Championship. Recognition also made of the Cheerleaders with their National Championship multiple years doing soOne team is still in competition, that is the FHS Theatre Co is scheduled to perform in the finals on Friday, with results known on Saturday evening. Tickets available via the website metg.orgFrance, England & Scotland Field Trip - Nikki Hafele - an EF Tour proposed for 2026, approved v

This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, March 25, 2025. 7 members participated, 6 in Council Chambers.1 remote (Gallagher). The audio for the meeting is split into 3 segments for ease of listeningPart 1 - #1420 = the beginning and ending of the meeting (approx. 58 minutes)Part 2 - #1421 = the High School course curriculum update (approx. 1 hour, 22 minutes)Part 3 - #1422 = the Middle School redistricting update (approx. 1 hour, 28 minutes)Quick recap:During the Superintendent's Report recognition was made of the Boys Basketball team for their first State D1 Championship. Recognition also made of the Cheerleaders with their National Championship multiple years doing soOne team is still in competition, that is the FHS Theatre Co is scheduled to perform in the finals on Friday, with results known on Saturday evening. Tickets available via the website metg.orgFrance, England & Scotland Field Trip - Nikki Hafele - an EF Tour proposed for 2026, approved via

This session of the radio show shares the Town of Franklin Board of Health Meeting held on Wednesday, February 5, 2024. The meeting agenda listed it being conducted via Google meet. However, the 2 members of the Board (Harris, Mu-Chow) (1 absent - Sweet) and Health Dept members apparently were present together. Quick Recap:Board of health meeting about to begin. All 3 board members present today for this session. Along with the Health Dept staffApproval of minutes for prior meetings, minor adjustments to one item on dementia experience moved as amended, second, passes 2-0-1 ( 1 abstained)Check on tobacco regulations does what we did still apply, as it may be some of the state regs don't work on the local level, to be clarified. If needed to be changed, then a process with public hearing, etc. would be requiredHealth fair next Weds (4/9) at the Library, at least 20 vendors, 3:30 to 5:00 PMHealthy brain initiative underway, nutrition, brain injury (bike safety), fall risks, to be held at the Senior Center,

This session shares my conversation with Ariel Doggett, Programming & Volunteer Coordinator with the Franklin Senior Center. We had our discussion in the Franklin Radio Studio on Wednesday, March 26, 2025.We talk about 2 new eventsMonday sports talk & Texas Hold’em1 rescheduled from the closureMind of a Woman, April 1All the special events during the month are coveredWe conclude with a possible adjustment to our formatIncorporating some of the regular events on a recurring basisThe show notes include links to the Senior Center page, the calendar of events and to subscribe to the monthly newsletter. The recording runs about 28 minutes, so let’s listen in.--------------Franklin Senior Center page ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/583/Franklin-Senior-Center-Council-on-Aging April 2025 newsletter -> https://franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4822/The-Connection-April-2025?bidId=Senior Center calendar view (just FSC events) -> https://franklinma.gov/calendar.aspx?CID=37&s