School Committee recognizes Seal of Biliteracy students and retirees (audio)

FM #1747 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1747 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, May 26, 2026 at 7:00 PM. All 7 members of the Committee participated, 6 were present in Chambers, 1 participated via Zoom. 

Quick recap

• 17 students were recognized for achieving the Seal of Biliteracy in one or more languages other than English

• A number of school department retirees from the Central Office or individual schools were recognized for their years of service

• Superintendent Giguere presented his evidence as part of his evaluation. The subcommittee will collect additional feedback from committee members and prepare the final evaluation for review at a future meeting

• The committee entered Executive Session, not to return to open meeting, to discussion negotiation strategy

Let’s listen (approx. 2 hours)

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1747-franklin-ma-school-cmte-mtg-05-26-26/

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School Committee, principals, and retirees

School Committee and Biliteracy students

Franklin TV video is available for replay - https://www.youtube.com/live/uf-sv9TG2GU?&t=67 

The agenda doc can be found - https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05262026-2332 

My notes can be found in one PDF file

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CM6UX_yg5qKduMZqiXqjYZNFCGQ4-K8T/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 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 Thursday, May 28, 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 my conversation The Moloney's as we talk about "More Farm Than Fancy"  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/01/mike-rescue-pig-was-1st-on-journey.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 the masterful sound production of Pink Floyd's "Dark Side of the Moon".  
• The Vibe Playlist Hour includes legendary Floyd classics both studio and live from "A Momentary Lapse of Reason",  "Wish You Were Here", "The Division Bell",  and "Pulse Live" with David Gilmour's amazing guitar work and vocals, Nick Mason on drums, Roger Waters on bass and vocals, and Richard Wright on the keyboards.

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 

Town of Franklin 2026 Memorial Day Ceremony - 05/25/26 (audio)

FM #1746 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1746 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the audio of the Town of Franklin Memorial Day ceremony held on the Town Common on Monday, May 25, 2026. The day was overcast, a rainy forecast had caused the cancellation of the parade. 

Veterans Service Officer Shannon Nisbett is the master of ceremonies and introduces each speaker, and walks us through the program. 

The ceremony runs about 56 minutes. 

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1746-town-of-franklin-memorial-day-ceremony-05-25-26/

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The ceremony program provides all the snake and roles of speakers and contributors (PDF) -> 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1y6VTbOFEgYFTve7wCVFaWcFpZIpRJBjx/view?usp=drive_link 

Photos from the ceremony - https://photos.app.goo.gl/Q4cdHXrCz7pNFfov6

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

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 316 - From Food Critic to Wine Titan With Meridith May

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

From Food Critic to Wine Titan With Meridith May

In this episode of The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW), Kim and Mark sit down with a true powerhouse of the industry: Meridith May. As the Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of both The Somm Journal  www.sommjournal.com and The Tasting Panel Magazine www.tastingpanelmag.com Meridith has her finger on the pulse of the global wine scene.

We trace Meridith’s fascinating journey from her days as a food critic to becoming a leading publisher and owner. Whether you are a casual enthusiast or a seasoned professional, this conversation pulls back the curtain on how wine media actually works.

What’s Decanting in This Episode:

• The Origin Story: How Meridith transitioned from critiquing plates to publishing pages
• Tailored for the Taster: We break down which publication fits your wine style—whether you’re a wine lover or a dedicated retailer
• The "Who’s Who" of Wine: A look at the industry legends who contribute to the magazines (including some familiar voices from our show!)
• The Power of Print: Why physical media still reigns supreme and the tactile joy of having a magazine in hand
• A Buyer’s Secret Weapon: Mark explains how he uses Meridith’s reviews to curate selections that match his profile and discover hidden gems
• The "Smooch" Factor: We dive deep into their unique rating system. Forget just numbers—we’re talking points and "smooches"
• Hot Topics & Red Flags: Meridith shares her insights on the current state of the wine world and the trends (or concerns) she’s watching closely
• The Big Question: How many wines does a professional reviewer actually taste in a single month? The answer might leave your palate exhausted just hearing it

Get Connected

Ready to upgrade your coffee table? We wrap up by showing you exactly how to get your hands on these publications and share a few "insider" facts that will totally surprise you.

Cheers

Kim and Mark

www.thewww.wine

#WinePodcast #SommJournal #TastingPanel #WineReviews #WineCulture #PrintIsNotDead #SommelierLife #TheWonderfulWorldOfWine

https://on.soundcloud.com/J4patvprG1a33ZXPn3

https://www.thewww.wine/from-food-critic-to-wine-titan-with-meridith-may/

The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) · Episode 316-From Food Critic to Wine Titan With Meridith May

Drummers Studio 16th year celebration scheduled for June 20

via The Drummers Studio

"We are 4 weeks away from our 16th Annual Celebration. This year we celebrate music from the 90's.

Dress and/or Dance the 90s and win $.

Summer Piano/Voice starts now! "

Shared from -

https://www.instagram.com/p/DYm0uV7kUNA/ 

Kris Russell and I talked last year as he approached the 15th Anniversary

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/06/kris-russell-and-i-talk-about-15th.html

The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW): Episode 315 - Sustainability with Sandra Taylor

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

Sustainability with Sandra Taylor

In this episode of The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW), hosts Kim and Mark dive deep into the world of sustainable viticulture with special guest Sandra Taylor. As the author of Vines and Values: A Consumer’s Guide to Sustainable Wine, Sandra brings a unique perspective to the table, sharing her fascinating professional journey from law school to earning a wine MBA.

Episode 315 - Sustainability with Sandra Taylor

The conversation breaks down the complexities of what "sustainable wine" actually means, why it is becoming a critical focus for the industry, and—most importantly—how you can identify these practices on a bottle label. Sandra explores the nuances of sustainability in both the vineyard and the cellar, shedding light on the reality of wine additives and the ongoing debate between "Big Wine" and artisanal productions.

Key topics covered in this episode:

• The Weight of Quality: Does a heavy glass bottle actually mean the wine inside is better?
• Organic vs. Certified: Understanding the distinction between "wine made with organic grapes" and "certified organic wine."
• Beyond the Soil: A look into biodynamics and vegan wine.
• The Future of Buying: Sandra introduces her upcoming "Wine-Watch" 50-point sustainable rating system, a potential game-changer for conscious consumers.

To learn more about Sandra’s work, visit sandraetaylor.com. 

For more episodes and wine education, head over to thewww.wine.

Cheers,

Kim and Mark

#WinePodcast #SustainableWine #VinesAndValues #WineEducation #OrganicWine #BiodynamicWine #EcoFriendly #WineLabels #WineIndustry #TheWonderfulWorldOfWine #VeganWine #SandraTaylor

The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW)

Hosts Mark Lenzi And Kim Simone Explore All Things Wine With You! Airing Weekly On Franklin Radio WFPR 102.9 FM ...

Episode 315-Sustainability with Sandra Taylor by The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW)

Audio link - https://www.thewww.wine/episode-315-sustainability-with-sandra-taylor/

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule for Friday, May 8, 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 shares  Talking about "Celebrate with Pride" ->    https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/05/fm-1737-this-is-franklin-matters-radio.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 Board of Health votes to prohibit "Synthetically Derived Cannabinoids, Synthetically Derived Kratom and Unregulated Novel Intoxicating Products"

FM #1742 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1742 in the series. 

The Franklin, MA Board of Health met on Wednesday< May 6, 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. A number of folks were in the room as well as joining remotely via the Google Meet connection.

Quick recap:

• Board approved by 3-0 the prior meeting minutes

• Opened the public hearing, heard from a number of folks for and against the proposed regulation

• Closed the public hearing

• Discussion amongst the Board resulted in an extension of the original proposal to include natural as it was present in energy drinks available to youth.

• Motion to amend the proposal, second, passes 3-0

• Vote on the motion to approve the regulation as amended, passes 3-0

• Notification to be mailed to current vendors

The recording runs about 56 minutes, so let’s listen in.

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1742-franklin-ma-board-of-health-mtg-05-06-26/

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Agenda doc - https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05062026-2246  

Proposed regulations doc (doesn't contain the amended version)

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9031/Kratom-Draft-Regulations

My notes in one PDF - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WP1tqQMiUsvAdEqI6jBFwNFCgBy06jBw/view?usp=drive_link 

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

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"

Town Council's Communication Subcmte meets for the first time Monday, April 27 (audio)

This session shares the Town Council Communications Subcommittee Meeting. The meeting was held in the 3rd floor training room at the Municipal Building on Monday, April 27, 2026.

Subcommittee Chair Caroline Griffith, members Jane Callaway-Tripp, Max Morrongiello, and Gene Grella (remote) also participated. Operations Manager Julie McCann and Director of Communications & Community Engagement Liz Kalaijian participated.

The recording runs about 1 hour & 20 minutes, so let’s listen in.

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1740-town-council-communications-subcmte-mtg-04-27-26/

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Franklin TV video = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ouZWNXNKTd8 

Meeting agenda - https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04272026-2270  

My set of notes from the meeting in one PDF - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1JiB0YpZXFHfWRnnMBQM7u26r8qx6cOiJ/view?usp=drive_link

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

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"

Senior Story Hour - WFPR:cEpisode 102 - Down Rising Run, Poetry, Pitch Letter, The Common Cold, Spring Gardening, and much more

In this episode, the Franklin Senior Center Writers Group shares stories, poems, and writings about a rewritten ending of a story, poetry of a new day, and pitch letter for a religious book, Bob shares the next part of his play about the common cold, spring gardening, and impactful storytelling.

Audio link ->  https://senior-scribblers.captivate.fm/episode/episode-102-down-rising-run-poetry-pitch-letter-the-common-cold-spring-gardening-and-much-more

Senior Story Hour - WFPR

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