FM #1717 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1717 in the series.
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| David Morales, general manager of Wellpoint, Franklin Town Administrator Jamie Hellen; Franklin Chief of Police Thomas J. “TJ” Lynch; and State Rep Jeff Roy (speaking) |
Speakers in order of appearance:
Franklin Town Administrator Jamie Hellen
David Morales, general manager of Wellpoint,
Franklin Chief of Police Thomas J. “TJ” Lynch;
State Rep Jeff Roy
Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1717-hometown-hero-event-04-16-26/
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The Wellpoint press release can be found
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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 out. 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"
FM #1701 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1701 in the series.
This session shares the audio of the No Kings Rally on the Town Common in Franklin, MA on Saturday, March 28, 2026.
The audio lets you be there to hear the multiple speakers and the two musical performances by Sioo and Toby.
Rachel Plukas welcomed the group
Michael Walker-Jones took over as master of ceremonies introducing the bands and the remaining speakers:
Town Councilor Max Morrongiello
Senator Becca Rausch
Veronica
State Rep Jeff Roy
The recording runs about 1 hour and 20 minutes, so let’s listen in.
Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1701-no-kings-rally-in-franklin-ma-03-28-26/--------------
Shared album of photos of the event https://photos.app.goo.gl/xYCz8suYGpaiYmaU7
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| Miss the No Kings Rally on the Town Common? Listen in (audio) |
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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 out. 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 it!
------------------
You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"
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| (L-R) Michael Walker-Jones, Rep Jeff Roy |
• $250,000 for Medway Burke/Memorial School parking lot improvements to remove rear and side parking area surface and replace with new subsurface and top course to improve pedestrian safety and address increased stormwater MS4 drainage efficiency
• $50,000 for the creation of a CTE Teacher Access & Equity fund to provide financial assistance to beginning vocational-technical instructors for fees associated with competency-based vocational-technical teacher training performance written examinations
• $150,000 to redesign and modernize the Franklin Middle School library/STEM space into a student-centered Library and Innovation Commons to support interdisciplinary learning, collaboration, hands-on problem solving, and an accessible gathering place.
• $5,000 for Smarter HEPA air filters for classrooms at the Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School in Franklin
$525 million for the Deficiency Reserve $125 million for the Workforce & Safety Reserve $60 million for physical infrastructure with a focus on the core subway system $20 million for low-income reduced fares $10 million for water transportation infrastructure
$50 million for snow and ice costs $25 million for Regional Transit Authorities (RTAs) workforce development $30 million to fund the Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Credit $30 million for MassDOT Service Investments
Includes $8 million for child care for providers and $7.5 million for the loan forgiveness program for providers
o Requires reporting on the expenses of proposed usage of the funds
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| (L-R) Michael Walker-Jones, State Rep Jeff Roy |
o The bill also tasks the Office of the Inspector General with a review of Mass Save to ensure that the program and its administrators are efficiently and effectively using ratepayer dollars. The report is due by July 1, 2027.
o After July 1, 2029, the Department of Energy Resources (DOER), in consultation with MassCEC, mandates that 70 percent of ACP payments be returned to ratepayers in any year where money in the funds exceeds the predicted level by 2 percent and energy costs are a substantial burden to residents of the Commonwealth.
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I had the opportunity to witness some of the 8th grade Capstone Project presentations at Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter School recently. 49 presentations in about 4 hours over 2 sessions.
Some of the 8th graders were nervous about speaking to the large gathering of parents, teachers, guests, and fellow students. Some spoke rapidly to get it over with. Some proceeded more calmly presenting on their project.
Their project topics ranged across a large variety of topics. Some close to home
Picnic tables for the teachers
Flowers at the school entrances
Animal crossing signs on a local road
Air filters for classrooms
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| BFCCPS Capstone Project Presentation Schedule |
Some issues with a broader reach
Food insecurity
Comfort kits for hospital patients, including children
Support for the homeless
Support for animal rescue
And some with an even broader reach
Light pollution
Marine animal health
Genetic disorders
Teen suicide
This selection can only highlight the breadth of the issues their projects researched.
Unlike the diversity of the projects, the student project experiences were similar. Many faced procrastination issues, and were hindered by a lack of response from key contacts at the subject organizations. Many adjusted their scope to complete the project, many learned better time management, and many built confidence from repeating the explanation of what their project was about.
A common theme I found was that a small effort can have a big impact. Some learned that better messaging could get the attention of the adults in authority at the organizations. Students also learned that while it is unfortunate, some political views do hinder making progress on really human issues.
Given that many of the students faced constraints with lack of resource time (much of it their own), a future consideration might be to enable collaboration among 2 or 3 students. Working together on their similar interests, they could perhaps accomplish more, and learn the keys to successful collaboration. This alone would be a good skill for life beyond 8th grade.
The students were not bashful in thanking all those who helped them along the way, teachers, family members, and friends. It does take a village.
Franklin Town Councilor Stephen Malloy was in one session with me and shared his reflection:
“Congratulations to the BFCCPS eight graders for completing their Capstone projects. I was able to attend three sessions and was very impressed at the range of organizations that were helped, the resiliency shown by the students during their year plus long efforts, and the quality of the public presentations. This is a fantastic program. Great job everyone.”
Town Councilor Max Morrongiello shared his reflection:
"I'm impressed by Benjamin Franklin Charter Schools commitment to educating well rounded citizens. I was also impressed with the amount of students who prioritized self- improvement and self-care, which is critically important in these trying times."
State Representative Jeff Roy shared his reflection:
"It was a profound honor to witness the dignity and professionalism displayed by the 8th graders at Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School during their superb Capstone presentations," said Rep. Jeffrey Roy (D-Franklin). "From tackling the complexities of cancer research and suicide awareness to advocating for animal protection, food insecurity and so much more, these students addressed our world’s most pressing challenges with remarkable maturity. The depth of research and the poise with which these students presented their findings reflect the high standards of the BFCCPS community and left no doubt that they are not just future leaders, but powerful voices for change today."
