Franklin (MA) Matters

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

This session shares the Finance Committee meeting very briefly conducted Wednesday, June 11, 2025. The Committee initially struggled to make a quorum needing 5 members. It had one, then 2, 3, and 4. Discussion on whether to hold the meeting as quorum appeared to be in jeopardy. 2 more arrived to make quorum. Given the nature of the topic, a deep dive on Technology, that 3 new members of the committee will be appointed in July and should participate, that 1 present wouldn’t be returning, it was decided to postpone the meeting and topic until the fall.For the record, the decision was formalized with the ‘official’ meeting opening and closing in less than one minute. --------------Agenda doc -> https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06112025-1781-------------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 c

This session shares the Town Council Meeting of Wednesday, June 4, 2025. The FY 2026 second budget hearing continued from May 22, was reopened to make the adjustments due to the failed override June 3, 2025. All 9 Council members participated in the Council Chambers. Quick recap:After the 5 minutes late start, the public hearing on the FY 2026 budget was resumed from the May 22 session.Town Administrator Jamie Hellen walked through the recap and explained the Option A & B using 3 slides (see below) as well as the Option A & B voting docs (linked below)Chief Lynch, Chief McLaughlin, Supt Giguere, and Library Director Oti spoke of the cut impacts to their operations but approved of them as necessary due to the failed overrideSupt Giguere confirmed the full details of their cuts would be reviewed with the School Cmte at their meeting June 10. Of the projected 10-15 personnel, he confirmed likely 12 FTE positions,  some teachers, some retirees not being backfilled and other personnel across the

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Chris Correnti and Winslow Woodacre. We had our conversation in the newly renovated Fyzical Balance Therapy building on Main St in downtown Franklin on Monday, June 9, 2025. Our conversation provides an introduction to Chris, Winslow, and the new physical and balance therapy services they can provide to the community. Discussion items: How they got located here in Franklin Services provided Free balance analysisIntake process to confirm insurance coverageThe conversation runs about 30 minutes so let’s listen --------------Fyzical webpage  https://www.fyzical.com/franklin-main-street-maChris Correnti’s LinkedIn page-> https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-correnti-a40a2b5/ Staff page (Winslow’s info) ->  https://www.fyzical.com/franklin-main-street-ma/About/StaffContact form, or stop by during open hours -> https://www.fyzical.com/franklin-main-street-ma/Contact --------------We are now producing t

This session shares my conversation with Sarah Amaral, Senior Center Director and Jillian Rochat, Administrative Assistant, both with the Franklin Senior Center. We had our discussion in the Franklin Radio Studio on Wednesday, May 28, 2025.We talk about All the key event highlights for JuneSenior OlympicsIntroduction of myactivecenter.com/  for online Senior Center registrationTeasers for July & van 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 43 minutes, so let’s listen in.--------------Franklin Senior Center page ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/583/Franklin-Senior-Center-Council-on-Aging June 2025 newsletter -> https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/5701/Franklin-Connection-June-2025?bidId= Senior Center calendar view (just FSC events) -> https://franklinma.gov/calendar.aspx?CID=37&showPastEvents=false Subscribe to th

This session shares my conversation about the Summer Reading Blitz and the middle school program “Meet Me in the Middle.”  We talk with Erin O’Leary and Caleigh Keating, the collaborators who fill in the details on summer reading efforts for readers of all ages. We recorded this conversation virtually on Thursday, May 29, 2025. Caleigh Keating, Youth Services LibrarianErin O’Leary, Reading Specialist at Horace Mann Middle SchoolWe cover the following in our conversationLibrary events for the June school half daysReading program sign up for grades 0-6, teens, and adultsMiddle school “Meet Me in the Middle” reading programThe middle school will begin in September with some common points around reading (the 6 books)The recording runs about 37 minutes--------------Franklin Public Library page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/233/Franklin-Public-Library Meet Me in the Middle info page ->  https://www.franklinps.net/o/hmms/article/2230185 Erin O’Leary email address -> olearye@franklin

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, June 5, 2025. Our conversation condensed the Town Council meeting of June 4, 2025 and the closeout of the FY 2025 budget approval in light of the failed override June 3, 2025.We focus on two questions:ok, what just happened? What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?Discussion items: FY 2026 Budget adjusted for Option B and approvedThanks to all involved for their efforts and collaboration through the Joint Budget process and in resolving the required cutsWhat’s next, another Joint Budget series starts in the fallThe next couple of budget years are going to be equally tough, we need to work together to figure this outTHis weekend brings the Farmers Market opening, FHS Class of 2025 graduation, PorchFest returns on Saturday, there is a lot happeningThe conversation runs about 25 minutes--------------Franklin TV vid

This session shares my conversation about the 15th Anniversary of The Drummers Studio. I talk with Kris Russell, owner, operator, and drummer extraordinaire. We recorded this conversation in the “Honeycomb Hive” or “Chemistry Lab” on Wednesday, May 28, 2025. We cover the following in our conversationKris’ journey to FranklinCreation of The Drummers StudioEducational approach15th Anniversary celebration June 21 at Bellingham HighKris gives us about a 2 minute musical sample, the drum track to David Bowie's Let’s Dance song.The recording runs about 53 minutes--------------The Drummers Studio -> https://thedrummersstudio.com/ Kris plays the drum part of David Bowie’s Let’s Dance, about 2 minutes worth …https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VbD_kBJc_gI Links to some of the items mentioned during our conversation The California based drum corp -> https://muiralumnidrumcorp.org/  (Note: link doesn’t work in all browsers, must be some host based security setting at issue)Recent guest to the

This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, May 27, 2025. 6 members participated all in Council Chambers, 1 absent (Gallagher). Quick recap:In the Superintendent's Report, Supt Giguere used some time to recognize the FHS students who won MICCA awardsThe students who achieved the State of MA Biliteracy certificates were recognized. 13 were presentIn the Guests/Presentations segment, the school district personnel retiring this year were recognizedCivics Presentation by Students featured Mrs Ambrose from Remington MS and Kayla who share her project on autism awareness (photos of the presentation below)The District Improvement Plan/School Improvement Plan Update featured a portion on MS Math which was provided earlier this year--------------Franklin TV video is available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zBa7M7YI4A4 The agenda doc -> https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05272025-1761 The meeting folder where other docs

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, May 28, 2025. We had the opportunity to recap the School Committee meeting of May 27, 2025. We cover MICCA award recognitionsBiliteracy certificate recognitionsSchool personnel retiree recognitionsDistrict Improvement Plan/School Improvement Plan updatesOverride discussion, vote June 3; any questions, please reach out to find outThe recording runs about 42 minutes, so let’s listen in.--------------Contact info for Dave Callaghan -> callaghand@franklinps.net   Franklin TV video is available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zBa7M7YI4A4 The agenda doc -> https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05272025-1761 The meeting folder where other docs will be posted after the meeting -> https://www.franklinps.net/documents/departments/school-c

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 Tuesday, May 27, 2025. Our conversation condensed the Town Council meetings of May 21 & May 22, 2025. We focus on two questions:ok, what just happened? What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?FY 2026 Budget hearing process summary Wednesday, May 21Wednesday, the first night, the line item summary for each of the departments was read aloud by the Clerk of the Council. As it was read, members placed a hold on a department line item for follow-up (question, comment, etc.). A few departments were held automatically by the Chair (Police, Fire, Schools, DPW, Facilities). Another 14 departments were held by one or members of the Council.After the list of holds was confirmed, they started back at the beginning of the listing (account number order per voting document) to address the question for that item. Councilors firs