The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW): Episode 317 - Tariffs, Triumphs, and the Supreme Court: A Conversation with Victor Owen Schwartz (audio)

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

Tariffs, Triumphs, and the Supreme Court: A Conversation with Victor Owen Schwartz

In this landmark episode of The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW), hosts Kim and Mark sit down with a true titan of the industry and a recent headline-maker: Victor Owen Schwartz.

A Conversation with Victor
Owen Schwartz (audio)

As the founder and president of VOS Selections, a premier New York-based importer and distributor, Victor shares the incredible journey of his career—one that started not with a vineyard, but with a bold letter to the legendary British wine expert Steven Spurrier.

We dive deep into the mechanics of the industry, the complexities of the Three-Tier System, and the realities of wine taxes. However, the conversation takes a historic turn as we discuss Victor's role as the plaintiff in the 2025 Supreme Court case, Schwartz vs. Trump.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

• The Spark: How a single letter to Steven Spurrier launched a lifelong career.
• Industry Insights: A masterclass on importing, distributing, and navigating the Three-Tier System.
• The Legal Battle: The inside story of the Supreme Court case that shook the trade.
• The Win: Detailed analysis of Victor's successful challenge against tariffs and what it means for the future of wine.
• A Surprising Correspondence: The story behind the personal letter Victor received from former VP Mike Pence.

Connect with Our Guest and Show:

VOS Selections: www.vosselections.com

The Wonderful World of Wine(WWW): www.thewww.wine

Cheers 

🍷🍷🍷

Kim and Mark

#WinePodcast #VOSSelections #WineIndustry #SupremeCourt #SchwartzVsTrump #WineTariffs #ThreeTierSystem #WineEducation #TheWonderfulWorldOfWine #WineImporting

https://on.soundcloud.com/4kznzb5Lc4rjlotcpI

https://www.thewww.wine/tariffs-triumphs-and-the-supreme-court-a-conversation-with-victor-owen-schwartz/

The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) · Episode 317-Tariffs, Triumphs, and the Supreme Court: A Conversation with Victor Owen Schwartz

State Rep Jeff Roy provides a Legislative Update - 06/04/26 (video & audio)

FM #1757 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1757 in the series. 

This session shares my conversation with State Representative Jeffrey Roy. We had our discussion virtually via Zoom on Thursday, June 4, 2026.

 

We talk about 

• His legislative work on the budget, timing of the legislative session

• Prior work on higher education, current work on manufacturing 

• Earmarks for Medway & Franklin including the World Cup Fan Zone

• Whole lot happening in Franklin now through the summer

The show notes include links to Jeff's legislative page and campaign page. 

The recording runs about 37 minutes, so let’s listen in.

Video link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LRLwLOShel8

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1757-representative-jeff-roy-a-legislative-update-06-04-26/

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Representative Roy’s House page - https://malegislature.gov/People/Profile/JNR1 

Jeff’s campaign page - http://jeffreyroy.com/ 

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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!

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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"

Sue Regan talks about working at the Town of Franklin Passport Acceptance Office (audio)

FM #1756 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1756 in the series. 

This session shares my conversation with Sue Regan, Passport Acceptance Agent. We had our discussion in the Franklin TV & Radio Studio on Monday, June 1, 2026.

 

We talk about 

• Certification of the agent annually

• Schedule an appointment for new or renewal

• Bring the key certified documents required

• Photos available at the office

The show notes include the link to the Passport Acceptance Office page.

The recording runs about 25 minutes, so let’s listen in.

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1756-franklin-ma-passport-acceptance-office-06-01-26/

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Franklin Passport Acceptance Office page ->  

https://www.franklinma.gov/248/Passport-Acceptance-Office

Schedule an appointment ->  https://townoffranklinpassportacceptancefacility.as.me/schedule/9b4af9b0 

Passport Tip Sheet  https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/492/DS-11-Tip-Sheet-PDF

Passport Renewal Tip Sheet

https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/491/DS-82-How-To-Renew-Tip-Sheet-PDF 

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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"

Board of Health hears about new Facebook page, cooling center, Women's Health Fair success & more (audio)

FM #1755 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1755 in the series. 

The Franklin, MA Board of Health met on Wednesday, June 3, 2026 at 5 PM as scheduled. All three members were present in the 3rd floor training room with the full representation of the Health Department members.

Quick recap:

• Approval of minutes for May 6, so moved, second, as amended (one minor name typo)

• Discussion on Health Dept page on Facebook, to share info

• Cooling center needed, with the Library and Senior Center closed on Sundays, New England Chapel is prepared to help. Communications with Police & Fire on status, clarification on what the need is. Temporary cool place, during normal daytime  hours. At least a break during peak heat period. United Methodist wants to do more once their renovations are complete

• Women's Health Fair a success - 17 were signed up for mammograms, looking for confirmation of the exact count. Didn't take count of blood pressure checks it was busy, vendor feedback was all good. Discussion on timing of the event, some confusion with the van hours vs the event hours. Maybe skin screening for next year, specialist visit, not considered primary care

• Discussion on body works establishments, history of prior establishments that ended up getting shut down, regulations developed and a 4th opened even under the regs and yet they were likely part of human trafficking operations. Need a significant public health threat to foster a ban on such business. Risk that even a ban here will foster the company to move to another location and continue. Research and bring back in September

• Tick season is upon us, use a repellent, a case of alpha gal syndrome here, that tick has a white spot on its back, if seen get tested

The recording runs about 48 minutes, so let’s listen in.

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1755-franklin-ma-board-of-health-mtg-06-03-26/

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Agenda doc - https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06032026-2345 

My notes in one PDF -  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1JFIpqhR0zTQBtZO6M3CcTjwC1rQphz6l/view?usp=drive_link 

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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!

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

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

Jillian & Mary share the key June events that are happening at the Franklin Senior Center (audio)

FM #1754 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1754 in the series. 

This session shares my conversation with Jillian Rochat, Activities Coordinator and Mary Hynes, Executive Assistant. We had our discussion in the Franklin Senior Center on Wednesday, May 27, 2026.

 

We talk about 

• All the key event highlights for June 2026

• Senior Center closed Friday, June 19 for Juneteenth

• Teasers for summer concerts on select Mondays in July/August

• Teasers for other road trips coming this summer

The show notes include links to the Senior Center page, the calendar of events, and to subscribe to the monthly newsletter. 

The recording runs about 29 minutes, so let’s listen in.

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1754-franklin-senior-ctr-june-2026-highlights-05-27-26/

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Franklin Senior Center page ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/583/Franklin-Senior-Center-Council-on-Aging 

June 2026 newsletter -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/9582/June-2026-Newsletter?bidId= 

The newsletter archive page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/585/Connection-Newsletter 

Senior Center calendar view (just FSC events) -> https://franklinma.gov/calendar.aspx?CID=37&showPastEvents=false 

Subscribe to the newsletter -> by calling 508-520-4945

 

My Active Center -> https://myactivecenter.com/ 

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

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"

Did you miss the Pride Flag Raising Ceremony in Franklin on Sunday? You can watch/listen to it here (video & audio)

FM #1753 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1753 in the series. 

This session shares the Pride Flag Raising Ceremony held on Sunday, May 31, 2026 at the Town of Franklin Municipal Building. Town Council Ted Cormier-Leger was the Master of Ceremonies and introduced each of the speakers.

 

The recording runs about 38 minutes, so let’s listen in.

video link - https://youtu.be/zx4OF6PHxmM

audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1753-franklin-ma-pride-flag-raising-ceremony-05-31-26/

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Advance notice of the ceremony  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/05/reminder-annual-town-of-franklin-pride.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"

Mitzi shares all the key events at the Franklin Public Library during June 2026 (video & audio)

FM #1752 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1752 in the series. 

This session shares my conversation with Mitzi Gousie, Programming and Outreach Librarian with the Franklin Public Library. We had our discussion virtually on Tuesday, May 26, 2026.

 

We talk about 

• Reviewed the regular open hours, book sale and holiday scheduling for the month

• Closed on Sundays due to budget reduction

• Closed all day on Friday, June 19 for Juneteenth

• Closed all day Saturday, June 20 to make a long weekend

• Library events for June 2026

• In calendar order rather than by category this time around

Registration for those events required should be done through the Town website, Library page. There are nefarious folks trying to convince folks otherwise via Facebook. Be safe, use the official Town and Library pages.

The show notes include links to the Library page and to the calendar of events where registration for some of the events is required/recommended.

The recording runs about 27 minutes, so let’s listen in.

Video link - https://youtu.be/YW8whqrKNHc

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1752-franklin-public-library-june-2026-highlights-05-26-26/

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Mitzi Gousie’s email - mgousie@minlib.net 

Franklin Public Library page -  https://www.franklinma.gov/233/Franklin-Public-Library 

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

June 2026 newsletter - https://www.franklinma.gov/m/newsflash/home/detail/141 

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

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"