Town Council takes almost 5 hours to approve FY 2027 budget, the CPA funded projects & capital round 2 (audio)

FM #1771 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, numbers 1771 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin (MA) Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, June 10, 2026. The Council held this session as scheduled beginning at 6 PM. All 9 members participated in Chambers. 

The meeting recording runs about 4 hours and 45 minutes

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1771-franklin-ma-town-council-mtg-06-10-26/

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Franklin TV video is available for replay  https://www.youtube.com/live/qrKpQCBSomk?&t=170 

The agenda and associated materials can be found - https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06102026-2357 

My notes in one PDF can be found - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1EPl6-K3022R4Jzy0uObq2AyvHbqrl9lS/view?usp=drive_link

Town Council meeting 6/10/26 - recap & video

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/06/town-council-takes-almost-5-hours-to.html     

Vote tally for 6/10/26 meeting - https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/06/vote-tally-of-more-than-40-votes-taken.html 

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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!

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

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW): Episode 318 - Sip, Sense, and Savor: Unlocking the Mindful Glass with Carrie Boyle (audio)

Hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi exploring all things wine with you!

Sip, Sense, and Savor: Unlocking the Mindful Glass with Carrie Boyle

Cheers, wine lovers! In this episode of The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW), your hosts Kim and Mark sit down with the incredibly multi-talented Carrie Boyle. Carrie isn’t just a wine specialist; she is a renowned educator, judge, and the author of the transformative book, “The Mindful Glass: Hands-on Wine Lab.”

If you’ve ever wanted to deepen your connection to what’s in your glass, this episode is a masterclass in sensory exploration!

Inside the Episode:

• A Journey Through the Vine: Carrie shares her fascinating background in the wine world and gives us a peek into the exciting projects she is currently working on.
• Health First: We dive into why The Mindful Glass begins with a health advisory and the importance of approaching wine with intention.
• The Art of Mindfulness: Learn how to slow down and truly experience wine through the lens of mindfulness.
• Building Aroma Memories: Carrie explains her unique method for building "aroma capsules" to help you identify and remember scents forever.
• The Wine Lab Experiments: We get hands-on discussing Carrie’s experiments with acidity and glassware.
• Demystifying the 20-Point Scale: We break down the professional 20-point scoring scale.
• Entertaining & Future Flips: Carrie shares her secrets for entertaining with wine and gives us an exclusive scoop on her next book project!

Whether you are a novice or a seasoned sommelier, Carrie’s "Wine Lab" approach will change the way you pour your next glass.

Connect with our guest:

Explore Carrie’s book and educational resources at: www.the-mindful-glass.com

Keep up with Kim and Mark:

For more episodes and wine resources, visit us at:  www.thewww.wine

Cheers 

🍷🍷🍷

Kim and Mark

#WinePodcast #TheWonderfulWorldOfWine #TheMindfulGlass #WineEducation #WineTasting #MindfulDrinking #AromaMemories #FoodAndWine #WineLovers #CarrieBoyle #WineExperiments

https://on.soundcloud.com/6uCT7nBa50WQzPTblg

https://www.thewww.wine/sip-sense-and-savor-unlocking-the-mindful-glass-with-carrie-boyle/

The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) · Episode 318-Sip, Sense, and Savor: Unlocking the Mindful Glass with Carrie Boyle

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm Schedule for Monday, June 22, 2026

Yes, Franklin has its 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 

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

Councilor LeBlanc "quarterbacks' the June 10 & June 17 Town Council meetings (audio)

FM #1769 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1769 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares our “Town Council Quarterbacking” with Town Councilor Michael LeBlanc. We had our conversation in person at the Franklin TV & Radio Studios on Thursday, June 18, 2026. Our conversation condensed the Town Council meetings of June 17 and June 10, 2026. Yes, in reverse order.

We focus on two questions:

• ok, what just happened? 

• What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?

We cover the following key topics

• June 17 meeting

• Swearing of backfill new hires

• Budget closeout for FY 2026

• June 10

• FY 2027 budget approved by 6-3 vote

• Capital budget approved by 9-0

• CPA funding approved 7-2 vote

• Strategic investment to grow revenue

The conversation runs about 50 minutes. Let’s listen in

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1769-town-council-quarterbacking-06-18-26/

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Franklin TV videos for replay 

• Town Council - June 17 - recap & video link  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/06/town-council-witnesses-backfill-new.html 

• Town Council - June 10 - recap & video link  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/06/town-council-takes-almost-5-hours-to.html 

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

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!

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

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 Sunday, June 21, 2026

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm
schedule for Sunday, June 14, 2026

Yes, Franklin has its own radio station -> wfpr.fm. Franklin Public Radio has a schedule full of 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:

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

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule for Saturday, June 20, 2026

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm
schedule for Saturday, June 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:

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

 

Lucas & Colin close out the 2025-26 School Year & talk summer projects (audio)

FM #1768 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1768 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my discussion with School Superintendent Lucas Giguere and Operations Director Colin Boisvert. We recorded our conversation in the FPS Central office conference room on Monday, June 15, 2026.  

Key topics

• Closing out the 2025-2026 school year

• School budget complete, summer work back to ‘normal’

• Summer projects across the schools to get ready for September

• Reflections on last summer, plans for summer 2026

The recording runs about 35 minutes. Let’s listen to our conversation.

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1768-franklin-public-schools-2025-26-school-year-closeout-06-15-26/

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School budget page -  https://www.franklinps.net/documents/about-us/school-district-budget(2)/fy2027-budget/860340 

One page summary - https://files-backend.assets.thrillshare.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/Fpsd/2a015b07-c2a9-4913-ab84-2c2b384961b1/FY27-FPS-1-pager-Budget-Request.pdf?disposition=inline 

Facilities presentation - (add link when available) 

Community calendar  https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar 

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

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!

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

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 Friday, June 19, 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 conversation with Mitzi Gousie as we talk about the special events at the Library during June 2026   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/06/mitzi-shares-all-key-events-at-franklin.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 

Franklin Public Radio wfpr.fm schedule for Thursday, June 18, 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 State Rep Jeff Roy explaining the Audit issue    https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/06/whats-up-with-audit-state-rep-jeff-roy.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 Album Hour features Led Zeppelin IV, released November 8, 1971.  It was the 4th studio album created and produced in a short 2 years (1969-1971) from Jimmy Page, Robert Plant, John Paul Jones, and Jason Bonham.  The Untitled IV includes legendary Led Zep hits like "Stairway to Heaven", "Rock and Roll", and "Black Dog". 
• The Vibe Led Zep Playlist Hour continues to feature some super group hits from Kashmir, How The West Was Won, Led Zep I & II, In the Through The Outdoor and live recordings from Celebration Day.  Turn it up and enjoy one of the all-time best rock n roll bands.

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 

School Committee gets updates on Facilities, AI, and evaluates the Superintendent (audio)

FM #1766 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1766 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, June 9, 2026 at 7:00 PM. 6 members of the Committee participated, 1 absent. 

Quick recap

• Presentation and discussion on Facilities focused on school projects completed as part of the redistricting, and those left remaining, some of which are funded, some are pending funding and some are for future

• Presentation and discussion on the potential intentional implementation of AI as an educational tool as well as how to use AI being taught to the students. The work over the last four months has developed 4 main principles to guide the further discussion and planning. Additional updates will be made as progress is made

• Superintendent evaluation was discussed and approved. The doc with the feedback, goals and accomplishments is to be posted to the Schools page soon

• The Committee entered into Executive Session not to return to open meeting for contract negotiations approx. 10:30 PM

Let’s listen (approx. 3 hours & 15 minutes)

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1766-franklin-ma-school-cmte-mtg-06-09-26/

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Franklin TV video is available for replay - https://www.youtube.com/live/hgHgIZ5L_iY?&t=235 

The agenda document https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06092026-2356  

The presentations documents should be posted to this folder   https://www.franklinps.net/documents/departments/school-committee/meeting-packets/2025---26-meeting-packets/june-9%2C-2026-sc-meeting-packet/28109200 

 

Photos of the Facility presentation

https://photos.app.goo.gl/t3rkbwCxnDm6A9Wy6 

Photos of the AI discussion presentation

https://photos.app.goo.gl/TqNxhuTk8og7WqRp8 

The working 4 guiding principles on AI as presented

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

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!

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

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"