Public Hearing: Regulations Prohibiting the Manufacturing, Sale, and Distribution of Synthetically Derived Cannabinoids, Synthetically Derived Kratom

The Franklin Board of Health will hold a public hearing on implementing new Regulations Prohibiting the Manufacturing, Sale, and Distribution of Synthetically Derived Cannabinoids, Synthetically Derived Kratom and unregulated Novel Intoxicating Products. 

The readings and final votes on adoption of the Regulations will take place during the Board of Health meeting beginning at 5:00 pm on May 6, 2026; there will be an opportunity for public input during the process. Location: Municipal Building, 3rd Floor Training Room, 355 E. Central Street, Franklin,

and also via the Googlemeet platform.

§ 248: Sales Add to the Code of the Town of Franklin Chapter 248: Sales. The Regulations are to add new language to the new Regulations prohibiting the manufacturing, sale, and distribution of synthetically derived cannabinoids, synthetically derived Kratom and unregulated Novel Intoxicating Products.

Residents can visit the Town website (Franklinma.gov) town calendar to review the agenda including full text of proposed amendments, and for up to date meeting information on and after April 8, 2026. 

Please call the Health Department at (508) 520-4905 if you require further information.

Respectfully submitted by,

Cathleen Liberty

The proposed regulations - https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9031/Kratom-Draft-Regulations

The full agenda for the May 6 meeting  - https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05062026-2246

Old Colony Habitat for Humanity shines their Volunteer Spotlight on Kim Mu-Chow

via Old Colony Habitat for Humanity

Volunteer Appreciation Spotlight 

In honor of Volunteer Appreciation Month, we are so excited to kick off our very first spotlight with none other than the queen herself, Kim Mu-Chow! 💙

Kim Mu-Chow

Kim is the definition of dedicated, selfless, and joyful service. Whether she’s supporting her church community, serving on regional committees, rescuing and delivering food, or lending her time and talent to countless local organizations - Kim shows up with heart every single time. And we are so lucky she chooses to share that energy with Old Colony Habitat for Humanity!

From being inspired by Habitat’s mission to jumping right into our Franklin build, Kim has been all in - helping bring Sally’s home to life with passion and purpose.

When we asked about her favorite moments, it was clear just how much this experience means to her. 

Some moments include:

💫 Working side by side with Sally and her family

💫 Building connections at Women’s Build Day (and proving just how much can get done!)

💫 Watching the home transform with so much love poured into every detail

💫 And discovering a hidden talent - scraping anything and everything (even on her own 20-year-old label at home!)

Kim, thank you for your incredible generosity, your spirit, and the joy you bring to every build day. You truly make a difference, and we are so grateful to have you as part of our Habitat family. 

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/1CcLpY2e6B/

Board of Health reviews potential regulations for mind altering products (audio)

FM #1705 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1705 the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Town of Franklin Board of Health Meeting held on Wednesday, April 1, 2026. The meeting agenda was held in the 3rd floor training room as well as via Google Meet. All 3 board members were present with the full compliment of Health Dept staff. 

Quick Recap:

• Chair Kim Mu-Chow opens the meeting

• Reads protocol statement re: Google meet

• Confirms participation via roll call

• No citizen comments

• Motion to approve March 4 minutes, so moved, second, passes 3-0 

• Motion to approve Mar 18 minutes, second, passes 3-0

• PFAS advisory to be posted at Chilson beach and a couple of other spots near there (300 Fisher St)

• Fish for catch and release generally

• Chilson water is tested weekly during summer for E.coli. Testing not done with PFAS except for water supply sources

• Draft regulations for the mind altering products

• Suggestion on change to the coverage of the retail shops, clarification to cover potential loop holes

• Suggestion on altering the levels of fine to $300, $500, $1000. To raise the deterrent incentive

• Discussion on ensuring that the retail and tobacco products, how to best accomplish this so folks have a chance to address during the public hearing, and let the board consider changes before Making the regulation official

• Discussion on warming/cooling shelters, with restricted hours at Senior Center, and Library closed Sunday, what are our options?

• Health director to do some research

• Food safety inspection

• Information shared on the inspection process, slides to be shared later

• Twice a year inspection, had considered a risk based approach but the key person moved on and with current staff, doing the 2 minimum per year per establishment (over 100)

• Review of reports

• Clarification questions on details of the reports 

• Motion to adjourn, second, passes 3-0

The meeting runs about 56 minutes. Let’s listen to the Board of Health meeting April 1, 2026.

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1705-franklin-ma-board-of-health-mtg-04-01-26/

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Board of Health page - https://www.franklinma.gov/444/Board-of-Health 

Agenda doc - https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04012026-2218 

My full set of notes in one PDF - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1XYJ75c4VsxJ3-1ElSbqeR7o0M2ROuNY8/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"

Stop the Bleed - Free Training (April 22) for Franklin, MA Community Members

Stop the Bleed - Free Training  (April 22)
for  Franklin, MA Community Members

The Franklin Fire Department and Health Department will host a free Stop the Bleed® training for community members on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, from 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM at the Franklin Fire Headquarters (EOC Classroom), 40 West Central Street.

This hands-on training is designed to teach participants how to recognize life-threatening bleeding and respond quickly and effectively in an emergency. Attendees will learn three simple, life-saving techniques that can help control bleeding and potentially save a life before first responders arrive.

Community members of all experience levels are encouraged to attend.

Sign up here: Stop the Bleed Training

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0945ACAF2EAAF9C25-63272812-stop#/

Save the Date: Women’s Health Expo - May 20, 2026 for Franklin, MA

The Town of Franklin Health Department invites residents to attend the Women's Health Expo on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, from 2 to 5 PM, at New England Chapel, 300 E. Central Street.

Save the Date: Women’s Health Expo -
May 20, 2026 for Franklin, MA

This indoor event is designed to educate, empower, and support women in taking charge of their health. Attendees will have access to health screenings, educational resources, giveaways, and local vendors offering information on preventive care, nutrition, fitness, and more.

A mobile mammography van from Dana-Farber Cancer Institute will also be on-site from 7 AM to 3:15 PM 

Please refer to the event flyers for additional details: Women's Health Expo & Mammogram Van Flyers

All are welcome to attend.

Download the flyer as a reminder or to share - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1V6UHPzYxz4J-zEheK72Y61SeecxETVvf/view?usp=drive_link

Franklin Public Radio wfpr.fm schedule for Thursday, March 26, 2026

Yes, Franklin has it's own radio station -> wfpr.fm. Franklin Public Radio has a brand new schedule for the locally produced shows that fill our air waves. 

It is available anywhere, anytime at wfpr.fm or in the local Franklin, MA area at 102.9 on the FM dial.

Tune in to listen to the following:

Franklin Public Radio wfpr.fm schedule for Thursday

8:00 AM, 1:00 PM, and 6:00 PM - Franklin Matters Radio – Steve Sherlock covering Franklin, its local government, services, and events  (Repeats Saturday at 3:00 PM)

• This session of the radio show shares the Franklin Board of Health meeting of March 18, 2026 ->   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/03/board-of-health-starting.html

9:00 AM, 2:00 PM, and 7:00 PM - first hour

10:00 AM, 3:00 PM, and 8:00 PM - second hour

Turntable – "Enjoy a fun experience with co-hosts The Vibe and Pauly G sharing personal discussions about a featured rock n roll vinyl record (1st hour) and the best, all music Vibe Playlist (2nd hour)"  

• The Turntable Show features Santana’s Monnflower double album released in 1977 by Carlos Santana and his amazing band.   It features both studio and live tracks.  The vinyl includes hits such as: “She’s Not There”,  “Black Magic Women”,  and “Europa”.    
• The Vibe Santana Playlist Hour continues to feature many live fan favorite Santana hits including a few from the band’s Woodstock performance. Enjoy the magic of Carlos Santana and his band

Find the playlist ->  https://tinyurl.com/TurntablePlaylists

Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf 

Board of Health starting discussion/process to ban sale of "mind altering" products (audio)

FM #1693 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1693 the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Town of Franklin Board of Health Meeting held on Wednesday, March 18, 2026. The meeting agenda was held in the 3rd floor training room as well as via Google Meet. All 3 board members were present with the full compliment of Health Dept staff. 

Quick Recap:

• Chair Kim Mu-Chow opens the meeting

• Reads protocol statement re: Google meet

• Confirms participation via roll call

• No citizen comments

• Discuss prohibiting the sale of mind altering products

• Concerns expressed, unregulated products in most cases

• Are being sold in Franklin

• Draft regulation based upon Northampton part of April agenda for review/comment

• Public hearing scheduled for May session

• Vote targeted for June session (depending upon how the preceding meetings/conversations go)

• Motion to adjourn, second, passes 3-0

The meeting runs about 30 minutes. Let’s listen to the Board of Health meeting March 18, 2026.

Audio link -  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1693-franklin-ma-board-of-health-mtg-03-18-26/

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

Agenda doc ->

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03182026-2191 

 

Northampton, MA regulations on "mind altering" products - https://northamptonma.gov/m/newsflash/home/detail/1942

FDA & Kratom - https://www.fda.gov/news-events/public-health-focus/fda-and-kratom

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

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"

Franklin Public Radio wfpr.fm schedule for Thursday, March 12, 2026

Yes, Franklin has it's own radio station -> wfpr.fm. Franklin Public Radio has a brand new schedule for the locally produced shows that fill our air waves. 

It is available anywhere, anytime at wfpr.fm or in the local Franklin, MA area at 102.9 on the FM dial.

Tune in to listen to the following:

Franklin Public Radio wfpr.fm schedule for Thursday

8:00 AM, 1:00 PM, and 6:00 PM - Franklin Matters Radio – Steve Sherlock covering Franklin, its local government, services, and events  (Repeats Saturday at 3:00 PM)

• This hour features a conversation talking about the Party for The Pantry coming up March 28 at THE BLACK BOX  ->   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/03/have-you-got-your-tickets-were-talking.html

9:00 AM, 2:00 PM, and 7:00 PM - first hour

10:00 AM, 3:00 PM, and 8:00 PM - second hour

Turntable – "Enjoy a fun experience with co-hosts The Vibe and Pauly G sharing personal discussions about a featured rock n roll vinyl record (1st hour) and the best, all music Vibe Playlist (2nd hour)"  

• The Turntable Show features Aerosmith's debut record and a rock n roll Vibe Playlist of studio and live recordings.  Aerosmith's debut was recorded in Boston and released January 5, 1973. The album features major hits including, "Dream On",  "Mama Kin",  and "One Way Street".
• The Vibe Aerosmith Playlist Hour mixes hits from A Little South of Sanity, Rock'n The Joint, , A Little South of Sanity, and Toys In The Attic.  Turn it up and rock n roll to our legendary, rock hall of fame local band, Aerosmith

Find the playlist ->  https://tinyurl.com/TurntablePlaylists

Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf 

Exclusive audio: Franklin (MA) Board of health Meeting held 3/04/26 (audio)

FM #1680 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1680 the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Town of Franklin Board of Health Meeting held on Wednesday, March 4, 2026. The meeting agenda was held in the 3rd floor training room as well as via Google Meet. All 3 board members were present with the full compliment of Health Dept staff. 

Quick Recap:

• Chair Kim Mu-Chow opens the meeting

• Reads protocol statement re: Google meet

• Confirms participation via roll call

• Approval of Feb minutes, moved, second, passes 3-0

• No citizen comments

• Restricting the sale of tobacco products inspection violations discussion 

• Report My Meal Report My Meal | Mass.gov link added to Town page

 https://www.mass.gov/info-details/report-my-meal 

• Planning for a women's health fair

• Mobile mammogram vehicle confirmed, child care set up for mother who make appointments

• At New England Chapel, all women's health issues to be covered with vendors and info tables

• Additional details being worked

• Motion to adjourn, second, passes 3-0

The meeting runs about 47 minutes. Let’s listen to the Board of Health meeting March 4, 2026. Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1680-franklin-ma-board-of-health-mtg-03-04-26/

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

Agenda doc ->

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03042026-2164 

My notes in one PDF file -> 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DjqfX6IxRhuLudVhGzMDybBtk2DIEu_D/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"