Providing accurate and timely information about what matters in Franklin, MA since 2007. * Working in collaboration with Franklin TV and Radio (wfpr.fm) since October 2019 *
Sunday, May 17, 2026
"Buddy the Brain" reading & book signing at Barnes & Nobles, June 13
Friday, April 3, 2026
Ali Rheaume talks about the creation of "Buddy The Brain" (video & audio)
FM #1703 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1703 in the series.
This episode shares my conversation with Franklin author, educator, and disability advocate Ali Rheaume. We met virtually on Thursday, March 19, 2026 to discuss her new book “Buddy The Brain”.
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| Ali Rheaume talks about the creation of "Buddy The Brain" (video & audio) |
The book is available in multiple formats
The origin story of the book
Ali’s recovery journey and advocacy
The video runs about 23 minutes, let’s watch (or listen)
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The landing page for Buddy The Brain https://alirheaume.com/buddythebrain
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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 FM 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
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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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Saturday, March 28, 2026
"Buddy The Brain" reading at Tatnuck Bookseller and Café in Westborough
Wednesday, March 18, 2026
Visit with Author Ali Rheaume at the Franklin Public Library - Friday, March 20 at 3:30 PM
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| Visit with Author Ali Rheaume at the Franklin Public Library - Friday, March 20 at 3:30 PM |
Wednesday, February 25, 2026
Children's Book: "Buddy the Brain", written and illustrated by Alison Rheaume
"As a brain injury survivor who is an adult, it has taken a lot of mindful language and education to help explain to my niece and nephews why I live a bit differently. From the perspective of a child, adults "should" be able to walk on grass, run, attend a birthday party, and handle loud environments, right?
Well, as those are some of the things I have struggled with, along with feeling tired, using mobility devices, and more, I recognized the value in kid-friendly education about brain injury.
This book is meant to be an engaging and cute way to start the conversation in understand the brain, what it does, how to keep it safe, and what someone who has sustained a brain injury may be going through, whether it's a parent, relative friend, or even themselves.
Additionally, I have struggled to read children's books to my niece and nephews, which has felt embarrassing to me. The crazy fonts, visually busy illustrations, and text on top of graphics has made it extremely difficult to read. I realized that if books were more accessible to read, then many more people like myself could be included and feel confident in reading."
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| Children's Book: "Buddy the Brain", written and illustrated by Alison Rheaume |
March 13, 2026: MAHPERD Adapted PE Conference - booksales and signingMarch 20, 2026, 3:30 - 4:40 PM: Franklin Public Library authorreading and signing (no sales, BYOB) and illustration displayMarch 28, 2026, 10:30 - 11:30 AM: Tatnuck Book Store inWestborough, MA - book sales, author reading, signing, andillustration displaySchool book readings, discussions, and activities: variousschools and dates - email me to book one at your school!
Monday, February 16, 2026
Prerelease book purchase for "Buddy The Brain"
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| https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GG23WF6V? |
Wednesday, February 11, 2026
"Buddy the Brain" is available Feb 20, 2026
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| "Buddy the Brain" is available Feb 20, 2026 |






