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/

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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

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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. 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"

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/

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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"

In this "Talk Franklin" episode Jamie & I welcome Liz, get updates, and dive into MMA (audio)

A new episode of the Talk Franklin podcast with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen is now available! 

In this "Talk Franklin" episode Jamie & I
welcome Liz, get updates, and dive into MMA (audio)

Produced in collaboration with Franklin TV and Franklin Public Radio, this conversation covers Town updates and community topics.

🎧 Listen here: https://buff.ly/0eTqtVi

This session of the radio show shares our “Talk Franklin” discussion with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen and Liz Kalaijian, the new Director of Communications and Community Engagement for the Town of Franklin. We recorded our conversation in the Franklin TV & Radio Studio on Monday, March 2, 2026.

Key topics

• Welcome Liz
• Quick updates on Town business
• Deep dive on Mass Municipal Association (MMA)
• Close with some musical fun (songs about communications)

The recording runs about  59 minutes. Let’s listen to our conversation.

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Wednesday, March 4, 2026 ???

Wednesday, March 4

• Regular curbside trash/recycle schedule for this week
• Free overflow bags at DPW Admin building, 257 Fisher St
• Hours added at Beaver St Recycling Ctr  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/03/reminder-regular-curbside-schedule-for.html

1:00pm    Joe Landry on the Morse Opera House (Franklin Senior Center)

6:30pm Franklin Art Association Monthly Meeting  (Franklin Senior Center)

7:00pm Smarty Pants Trivia (Raillery Public House)

Library & Senior Center events

For additional details on Library events -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/942/Calendar-of-Events

For additional details on Senior Center events ->   

https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar.aspx?CID=37,24&showPastEvents=false

Note: Senior Center checking on why their events are suddenly being shown as "All Day". You can use the monthly newsletter for specific program/event times

*** Town Meetings today   ***

Board of Health Meeting

Wednesday, March 4 Time: 5:00 PM

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

Town Council Meeting

Wednesday, March 4 Time: 6:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03042026-2166 

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Find the full Community event calendar  https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://bit.ly/Submit2Calendar

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/Calendar.aspx
The School district calendar is found  https://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/o/fpsd/page/school-calendar

Fire Dept & Health Dept schedule Hands Only CPR Training - March 25

Fire Dept & Health Dept schedule
Hands Only CPR Training - March 25

Hands only CPR Training (Free)

Registration required

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0945ACAF2EAAF9C25-62703663-handsonly?useFullSite=true#/

Stop the bleed

The next "Stop the Bleed" Class is scheduled for February 18, 2026 (it is Free!)

The next "Stop the Bleed" Class is scheduled
for February 18, 2026 (it is Free!) 

The Franklin Health and Fire Department is having another FREE Stop the Bleed class for community members on February 18th from 3 pm - 4:30 PM at the Franklin Fire station. 

Individuals will learn how to recognize life-threatening bleeding and act quickly and effectively to control bleeding in order to help save a life. 

SIGN UP LINK:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0945ACAF2EAAF9C25-62141396-stop

Download a copy of the flyer as a reminder or to share ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/14zCwcnLZ8A3zcwFzbS9LGLqASQrukRBe/view?usp=drive_link

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule for Friday, February 13, 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 Friday

8:00 AM, 1:00 PM, and 6:00 PM - Franklin Matters Radio – Steve Sherlock covering Franklin, its local government, services, and events 

• This hour features my discussion with our Town nurse Alisha Sullivan about the Blood Pressure Kits at Library ->   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/02/another-first-for-franklin-blood.html

9:00 AM, 2:00 PM, and 7:00 PM

10:00 AM, 3:00 PM, and 8:00 PM - Talkin’ the Blues – Jim Derick & Nick Remissong. 2 hours of awesome blues music, info, interviews  Showcasing the "Blues" as a basis for and influence of Country, Jazz and Rock and Roll, here and worldwide.

11:00 AM, 4:00 PM, and 9:00 PM - “The Vibe” show plays music for everyone searching for some enjoyment, some dance, a happy or thinking mood, and most importantly, having fun.  Tune in to wfpr.fm and listen to “DJ Vibe” spin music across many genres and join this new vibing experience

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