Exclusive audio of the Franklin Commission on Disability meeting March 5, 2026 (audio)

FM #1686 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1686 the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Town of Franklin Commission on Disability Meeting held on Thursday, March 5, 2026. The meeting was held at the Senior Center. The meeting opened with a welcome by Chair Ali Rheaume.  

Quick Recap:

• Motion to approve previous meeting minutes, made, passed unanimously

• Discussion on AAB Non-Compliance Letters, some sites getting repeat letters, MBTA supposedly to be compliant in May

• Resource Document is live, getting feedback, led to discussion on calling the doc a “resource” or list of “services available”, renamed to “Disability-Related Services”

• Discussion on “Accessibility in Franklin” - working on a doc to list public sites, and share standard accessible access points of interest Group working to divide to work and make progress

• Discussion on possible increase in membership by 2, ultimately a vote to approve the request for 2 more members

• Motion to adjourn, made, second and approved

The meeting runs just over 1 hour. Let’s listen to the Commission on Disability meeting held March 5, 2026.

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1686-franklin-ma-commission-on-disability-mtg-03-05-26/

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The Commission on Disability agenda can be found ->

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03052026-2163 

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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 Commission on Disability Seeking Two New Members

The Franklin Commission on Disability (COD) is excited to expand their team and is seeking two additional Franklin residents to join their efforts of advocacy, support, and education for disability in our community. Franklin Commission on Disability is seeking two new volunteer members. 

Franklin Commission on Disability Seeking Two New Members

Deadline 3/25/26

Of the two available seats:

• One position will begin with a one-year term expiring in 2027.
• The second position will begin with a two-year term expiring in 2028. (Both positions may transition to three-year terms upon renewal.)

Applications submitted by March 25 will be prioritized for consideration.

Residents interested in serving on the Commission can apply online at: https://franklinmaboards.vt-s.net/newcaf.php

For assistance with the application process, contact COD Chairperson Alison Rheaume at COD.FranklinMA@gmail.com or (508) 455-5687.

The Town encourages residents who are passionate about improving accessibility and supporting individuals with disabilities in Franklin to consider applying.

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Thursday, March 5, 2026 ???

Thursday, March 5

• 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

6:30pm Four courses. Four regions. All Italy (ticket event) (Birchwood Bakery & Kitchen)

7:00pm Argentine Tango Night! (La Cantina Winery)

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   ***

Franklin Commission on Disabilities Meeting

Thursday, March 5 Time: 4:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03052026-2163 

Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) Meeting

Thursday, March 5 Time: 7:30 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03052026-2146 

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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

Disability-Related Resources in or around Franklin, MA

The Franklin Commission on Disability is excited to share a wonderful new resource: "Disability-Related Resources in or around Franklin, MA", now available on the Town website! https://docs.google.com/document/d/1VYPlMEk8-gQ706ckntDjjvqdx-4NaFjBA4lJMbYvP8o/edit?tab=t.0

Questions?

Contact Chair Alison Rheaume: COD.FranklinMA@gmail.com/508-455-5687.

https://www.franklinma.gov/496/Franklin-Commission-on-Disability

Shared from - https://www.instagram.com/p/DUqxQR2koFM/

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Thursday, January 8, 2026 ???

Thursday, January 8

• Christmas trees scheduled for curbside pickup on your normal trash/recycling day

6:00pm Candlelight vigil (Franklin Town Common)

7:30pm Musical Bingo (Teddy Gallagher's Irish Pub)

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

**  Town Meetings today   **

Municipal Affordable Housing Trust Meeting

Thursday, January 8 Time: 2:00 PM 

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_01082026-2081

Franklin Commission on Disability Meeting

Thursday, January 8 Time: 4:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_01082026-2070 

Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School (updated 1/05/26)

Thursday, January 8 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_01082026-2078

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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

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Thursday, December 4, 2025 ???

Thursday, December 4

6:30pm Holiday Pop Up Shop (Creative Corner Art Studio)

7:00pm 350 Mass Greater Franklin Node Meeting (First Universalist Society Franklin)

7:30pm Musical Bingo (Teddy Gallagher's Irish Pub)

**  Town Meetings today   **

Franklin Commission on Disability Meeting

Thursday, December 4 Time: 4:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_12042025-2029 

Conservation Commission Meeting

Thursday, December 4 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Item/534?fileID=6990 

Zoning Board Of Appeals (ZBA) Meeting (Zoom Only meeting)

Thursday, December 4 Time: 6:00 PM (Note time change)

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_12042025-2034 

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

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

Audio recording of the Franklin Commission on Disability Mtg Nov 6, 2025 (audio)

FM #1578 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1578 the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Town of Franklin Commission on Disability Meeting held on Thursday, November 6, 2025. The meeting was held at the Senior Center. The meeting opened with a welcome by Chair Ali Rheaume.  

Quick Recap:

• Motion to approve previous meeting minutes, made, passed unanimously

• Discussion on local reports of access issues, process around them, property owner vs. business owner. Gus Brown, Building Commissioner, also the ADA compliance officer, complaints can be filed directly with him, or with the State. Pre-existing conditions is a challenge

• 

  Franklin Commission on Disability

  Rich list of resources across multiple categories being developed, will eventually be public with a public input for future updates option

• Another resource in development is a listing of locations, with accessibility information as to where they are accessible or issues where they are not; Update via online or paper form (public, and commission members)

• Discussion on next meeting, decoration of tree for Winter Wonderland, likely to hold a separate meeting just to discuss the decoration concept, then use time at the Dec session to do the decorations

• Motion to adjourn, made, second and approved

The meeting runs just over 1 hour. Let’s listen to the Commission on Disability meeting held November 6, 2025.

Audio link ->  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1578-franklin-ma-commission-on-disability-mtg-11-06-25/

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

The Commission on Disability agenda can be found ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_11062025-1985 

My notes captured in one PDF -> 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1wfj1PNsBG-jRh1EodMpE6oEMW6DKh4F4/view?usp=drive_link 

State info on ADA access requirements can be found 

https://www.mass.gov/lists/521-cmr-2006-edition

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

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"