Find out how Direct Impact Checking helps both Direct Federal CU and the SAFE Coalition (audio/video)

FM #1844 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1844 in the series. 

This session shares my conversation with Jennifer Levine, Executive Director, SAFE Coalition and Danya Raphael, Vice President, Brand Experience, Direct Federal Credit Union. We had our discussion virtually on Tuesday, October 27, 2026.

 

We talk about 

• Direct Impact Checking

• Account features

• Linked to one of 4 non-profits

• SAFE Coalition

• PFLAG Greater Boston

• The Ellie Fund

• Raising A Reader Massachusetts

• Importance of listening to serve the community

• Importance of building relationships

The recording runs about 20 minutes, so let’s listen/watch

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1844-direct-impact-checking-with-safe-coalition-10-27-26/

Video link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TlK8J9OiwSk

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Direct Federal home page - https://www.direct.com 

Press release on Direct Impact Checking - https://www.direct.com/learn/news/direct-federal-credit-union-launches-direct-impact-checking-turning-everyday-spending-into-community-impact 

SAFE Coalition home page - https://www.safecoalitionma.org/ 

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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"

Chasity & Jillian share insights on the November 2026 events at the Franklin Senior Center (audio)

FM #1843 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1843 in the series. 

This session shares my conversation with Jillian Rochat, Activities Coordinator and Chasity Cheng, Deputy Director of the Franklin Senior Center. We had our discussion in the Franklin Senior Center on Tuesday, Oct 20, 2026.

 

We talk about 

• All the key event highlights for Nov 2026

• Multiple program date changes due to Veterans Day, Nov 11

• Tax workoff program forms available at front desk or online Nov 30

• Winter Wonderland scheduled for Dec 10

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 35 minutes, so let’s listen in.

Audio - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1843-franklin-senior-center-nov-2026-highlights-10-20-26/

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November 2026 newsletter -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/11398/November-2026?bidId= 

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

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"

Senior Story Hour - WFPR: Episode 113 - Lost Love, City Living, Vaccination, Patron Saint of Writers, Fall in Franklin, and much more (audio)

In this episode, the Franklin Senior Center Writers Group shares stories, poems, and writings about lost love, a birthday surprise story about city living, the importance of getting vaccinated, the patron saint of writers, fall in Franklin, vacation stories from Spain and Portugal, and Alice shares the next chapter in her upcoming book.

Audio link - https://senior-scribblers.captivate.fm/episode/episode-113-lost-love-city-living-vaccination-patron-saint-of-writers-fall-in-franklin-and-much-more

Senior Story Hour - WFPR = The Franklin Senior Center Writer's Group

Steve Sherlock hosts The Franklin Senior Center Writer's Group for a monthly reading of short stories, essays, poetry and more. 

Find more episodes here (or on your favorite podcast app) ->  https://senior-scribblers.captivate.fm/episodes

Town Clerk Nancy Danello shares info on the Nov 3 State Election; please prepare, have patience (audio)

FM #1842 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1842 in the series. 

This session shares my conversation with Town Clerk Nancy Danello about the 2026 State Election to be held on Tuesday, November 3, 2026.  

Our conversation covers:

• Early voting ends on Friday, October 30

• Advance depositing scheduled for Oct 31 & Nov 1 (if necessary)

• Office closed on Tuesday November 3 to conduct the election at Franklin High School gymnasium

• November 3 election voting hours from 6 AM to 8 PM

• Unofficial results expected some time after 9 PM

• Official results not until Nov 18, 2026

Our conversation recording runs about 28 minutes, so let’s listen in 

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1842-town-clerk-on-the-state-election-2026-10-23-26/

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Town Clerk page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/333/Town-Clerk-Elections-Division

November 3, 2026 sample ballot ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/11309/NOV-3-SAMPLE-BALLOT 

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

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"

Santa Foundation talks with MyFM 103 about Gala and what's next (audio)

"Thank you to @myfm1013 for speaking with us about this year's fundraising gala and what's up next for us as Santa Foundation enters the season of giving. ❤️

🎧 Listen here (link in bio):

https://soundcloud.com/myfm1013/myfm-in-the-morning-santa-1"

MyFM1013 · MyFM in the Morning - Santa Foundation Gala Recap w/ Joe Formosa & Scott

Senior Story Hour - WFPR: Episode 112 - Equinox, Secret Santa, Shadows, Halloween Night, The Eagle King, The Leaves of Time, Castles Walking,and much more (audio)

In this episode, the Franklin Senior Center Writers Group shares stories, poems, and writings about the equinox with the start of fall, a sercret stalker Santa, what's hidden in the shadows, a Halloween night thriller, the eagle king, the leaves of time, castles, walking, and train rides.

Audio link - https://senior-scribblers.captivate.fm/episode/episode-112-equinox-secret-santa-shadows-halloween-night-the-eagle-king-the-leaves-of-time-castles-walking-and-much-more

Senior Story Hour - WFPR = The Franklin Senior Center Writer's Group

Steve Sherlock hosts The Franklin Senior Center Writer's Group for a monthly reading of short stories, essays, poetry and more. 

Find more episodes here (or on your favorite podcast app) ->  https://senior-scribblers.captivate.fm/episodes

The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW): Episode 327 - Matchmaking & Premium Cocktails with Erik Segelbaum

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

In this episode of The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW), hosts Kim and Mark sit down with the incredibly accomplished Erik Segelbaum. With an extensive wine background that earned him the 2019 Food & Wine Sommelier of the Year and 2020 Wine Enthusiast 40 Under 40 Tastemaker honors, Erik brings a wealth of knowledge and a unique perspective to the show.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

• The Non-Selling Sommelier: Tune in to find out why Erik has actually never sold a bottle of wine
• The Wine Matchmaker: Discover how he earned this unique title and his philosophy on pairing
• A Deep Dive into Riesling: Erik explains his love for the varietal and makes a compelling case for why you should pair Riesling with a steak!
• Somms at Sea: Erik shares his take on the modern term "Somm" and what it is really like serving fine wine on the open seas
• A Taste of Certo: We shift gears to talk about and taste his exciting new project, Certo premium Italian cocktails. Get ready to get thirsty as we sample their ready-to-drink Negroni and Espresso Martini!

 

Websites Mentioned:

 

The Wonderful World of Wine: www.thewww.wine

SOMLYST (Erik Segelbaum): SOMLYAY

Certo Cocktails: Drink CERTO – CERTO Italian Cocktails

Cheers, 

Kim and Mark

 🍷🍷🍷

#WinePodcast #Sommelier #Riesling #ReadyToDrink #ItalianCocktails

https://www.thewww.wine/matchmaking-premium-cocktails-with-erik-segelbaum/

https://on.soundcloud.com/8b6yhgO6WHdWkEe0V7

The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) · Episode 327-Matchmaking & Premium Cocktails with Erik Segelbaum

Audio recording of the School Committee Policy Subcommittee meeting Oct 13, 2026 available (audio)

FM #1838 - This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1838 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee Policy Subcmte meeting held on Tuesday, October 13, 2026. All 3 members (Dave Callaghan (Chair), Al Charles, Reis Hansen) participated in the session held in the 3rd floor training room. Superintendent Lucas Giguere and Dr Tina Rogers also participated.

Quick recap:

• discussion on the school grounds, community access allowed but not during school hours; The safety of students and schools takes priority; had been in policy discussion before but unsure of what happened as it never made it to the full committee, cross refs confirmed; vote to move to full Cmte passes 3-0; discussion also on press release and map of where signs are or will be posted to inform the community of access and NOT during school hours

• review of policy on field trips to create a more standard approach across the levels; links to other policies for extended and overnight field trips; recurring trips get approved by SchCmte also, some by special vote, some in Consent agenda; looking to tighten the language to make it clear; separate the exception clause to make it stand alone more appropriately and not confuse the sentence where it currently is; motion to bring to first read, second, passes 3-0

• new business 

• possible in spring a review of the documents required for enrollment confirmation of Franklin residency and have updates periodically, as needed (life changes) with the internal documents aligned with the procedures and process as well as confirming residency

• auditing the READ act to see how policies align and if any changes are needed, confirming internal procedures also align with the existing or expected policy

• next up, fiscal policy resource kit as part of review of the policies, helpful for passing along info to new members of the committee; setting expectations; discussion on review of these policies, the oldest not reviewed, minor wordsmithing required; will pick up DBD next time, motion to adjourn, passes 3-0

• Meeting adjourns, folks move to Chambers for full School Committee meeting

The recording runs about 53 minutes, so let’s listen in.

Audio link -  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1838-school-cmte-policy-subcmte-mtg-10-13-26/

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The meeting agenda can be found -> 

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10132026-2558 

My full set of notes taken during the meeting can be found in one PDF ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1KQwwtCt2nwHOX2ny8ANnYDcVwCxGGsHZ/view?usp=drive_link 

School Committee Policy manual - https://www.franklinps.net/o/fpsd/page/policy-manual 

School Committee Subcommittee assignments

https://www.franklinps.net/o/fpsd/page/subcommittees-and-liaisons 

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

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"

From the Archives: Glenn Jones shares lessons learned from the Master Plan process (audio)

FM #1383 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1383 in the series. 

This session shares my conversation with the new "former" Chair of the Master Plan Update Committee Glenn Jones. We had our conversation in the Franklin TV & Radio Studio on Monday, February 10, 2025. 

This session focused on the review of the full process and approval of the Master Plan to help guide Franklin for the next 10 years. 

We had talked at the beginning of the process (Feb 2023) and also before the major Open House event at Dean College (March 2024). Links for those are shared below.

The recording runs about 58 minutes, so let’s listen in. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1383-master-plan-recap-w-glenn-jones-02-10-25/

Feb 2023

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/02/talking-about-master-plan-committee.html

Mar 2024 https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/03/glenn-jones-talks-about-what-master.html

From the archives: Glenn Jones talks about what the Master Plan Committee is doing & the Open House March 23, 2024 (audio)

 FM #1155 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1155 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Town Councilor Glenn Jones. Glenn is currently Chair for the Master Plan Update Committee. They have been working diligently for the past year to revise and update the “Master Plan” for Franklin. 

The Committee is preparing for the Open House event, March 23. To be held at Dean College, 60 School St from 11 AM to 3 PM. Refreshments will be provided by Dean College.

We talk through the Master Planning process and what remains ahead of them.

The audio recording runs about 45 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Glenn on the Master Plan and come to hear more on March 23 at Dean College. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1155-master-plan-update-with-glenn-jones-03-05-24