Board of Health reviews emergency dispensing plan, will consider increase in penalties for Kratom (audio)

FM #1851 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1851 in the series. 

The Franklin, MA Board of Health met on Wednesday, September 2, 2026 at 5 PM as scheduled. All three members participated; 2 in the 3rd floor training room, 1 remotely (with an intermittent audio connection), along with additional representation by the Health Department members (C Liberty, Director; G McNeil).

Quick recap:

• Approval of minutes for October, so moved, second, passes 2-0-1 (1 absent, joined just after vote)

• Kids vaccine clinic successful, approx 30+ received, comfort dogs were present

• Discussion on Kratom around potential penalties given the change that it that Federal status for the drug has changed to “restricted”

• change penalties for Kratom and derivatives, will advertise for meeting in Dec and implement in the new year

• Next up emergency dispensing site (FHS)

• in partnership with Police Fire and DPW for holding and conducting the plan

• Discussion on the need for interpreters, DPH removed the phone access service they had provided that Alicia used regularly; also consider sign language

• Next up, food violations, trends? temp control, sanitation, usually the same repeat violations; lots of turnover within the food establishments doesn't help keep a stable process; looking at creating training via grant for those involved in food handling

• Motion to adjourn, passes 3-0, via roll call (and 1 hand signal)

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

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1851-franklin-ma-board-of-health-mtg-11-03-26/

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Agenda doc - 

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_11042026-2588 

My notes in one PDF -  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-B3I14vFnRZVMSPh6j-rvzge3uwtm9gb/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"

School Cmte Policy Subcmte approves policy chnages to bring to School Committee (audio)

FM #1850 - This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1850 in the series. 

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

Quick recap:

• Discussion on the audit done to confirm what other policies need to be adjusted based upon the recent Freedom to Read Act changes. Using the MASC policies as a guideline, reviewed the proposed changes, approved the 3 to bring to the full Committee for first reading. Internal work on the underlying procedures is still underway ideally to be completed by the time the policies are approved

• Next up, Patricia Middelman, Treasurer of SEPAC (Special Education Parents Advisory Council) is present to talk about ensuring coverage for special education needs in any policy discussions. The group is coming back to life and will be attempting to have representation at Policy and School Committee meetings going forward. 

• (Editor’s note: this is not just any old group. Per Mass General Law, districts that receive funding for special education are required to have such a group. It had been very active then the past couple of years it went quiet as leadership/membership changed (parents of special ed students aged out of the program).

• Next up, continuation of the fiscal policy discussion. Complete set would be sent to the Budget Subcommittee for their review and comment, then back to this committee for any final edits before bringing to the full committee likely in December

• Motion to adjourn, passes 3-0, folks move to Chambers for full School Committee meeting

The recording runs about 50 minutes, so let’s listen in.

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1850-school-cmte-policy-subcmte-mtg-11-03-26/

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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 

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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"

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm Schedule for Wednesday, November 4, 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:

8:00 AM, 1:00 PM, and 6:00 PM - Franklin Matters Radio – Steve Sherlock covering Franklin, its local government, services, and events  

Non-profit fund raising innovation revealed in conversation on the new Direct Impact Checking & SAFE Coalition   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/10/find-out-how-direct-impact-checking.html

9:00 AM, 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM  The Wonderful World of Wine – Mark Lenzi, Kim Simone  All about wine, its culture, lore and finer points.    (repeats Saturday at 1 PM)  

Episode 327 - Matchmaking & Premium Cocktails with Erik Segelbaum

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/10/the-wonderful-world-of-wine-www-episode_090694902.html

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

Marissa & Dave provide updates on Energize Franklin (audio/video)

FM #1849 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1849 in the series. 

This session shares my conversation with Dave Rittenhouse and Marissa Bovie, both with the Energize Franklin group. We had our discussion virtually on Monday, October 26, 2026.

 

We talk about Energize Franklin

• What has changed since we last talked

• Updated webpage

• Now using Facebook

• What hasn’t changed

• Information & testimonials to help

• Take action steps, small or large

The recording runs about 39 minutes, so let’s listen in.

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1849-energize-franklin-updates-10-26-26/

Video link - https://youtu.be/FbnatLqHh74

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Energize Franklin home page - www.energizefranklin.org/ 

You can email Dave at dsritt@gmail.com 

Prior recording (walk through of the Energize page & features)

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/06/making-sense-of-climate-27-dave-helps.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 the Franklin Library event highlights for Nov 2026 (audio/video)

This session shares my conversation with Mitzi Gousie, Programming and Outreach Librarian with the Franklin Public Library. We had our discussion virtually on Tuesday, October 20, 2026. We talk about

The regular open hours, book sale and holiday scheduling for the month - Sunday hours (1:30 to 5 PM) returned in September - Book sale weekend Nov 20 & Nov 21 - Closed on Nov 11 for Veterans Day - Closing early Weds, Nov 25 (2:30pm) - Closed Thursday, Nov 26 for Thanksgiving
Library event highlights for November 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 21 minutes, so let’s listen in.

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1847-franklin-public-library-nov2026-event-highlights-10-20-26/

Video link - https://youtu.be/BkPn6n7mx_U

-------------- 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 November 2026 newsletter - https://myemail.constantcontact.com/November-2026-Franklin-Public-Library-News---Events.html?soid=1142311312837&aid=HAqVzsO_rY0 ------------- 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"

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/ 

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

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"