Board of Health starting discussion/process to ban sale of "mind altering" products (audio)

FM #1693 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1693 the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Town of Franklin Board of Health Meeting held on Wednesday, March 18, 2026. The meeting agenda was held in the 3rd floor training room as well as via Google Meet. All 3 board members were present with the full compliment of Health Dept staff. 

Quick Recap:

• Chair Kim Mu-Chow opens the meeting

• Reads protocol statement re: Google meet

• Confirms participation via roll call

• No citizen comments

• Discuss prohibiting the sale of mind altering products

• Concerns expressed, unregulated products in most cases

• Are being sold in Franklin

• Draft regulation based upon Northampton part of April agenda for review/comment

• Public hearing scheduled for May session

• Vote targeted for June session (depending upon how the preceding meetings/conversations go)

• Motion to adjourn, second, passes 3-0

The meeting runs about 30 minutes. Let’s listen to the Board of Health meeting March 18, 2026.

Audio link -  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1693-franklin-ma-board-of-health-mtg-03-18-26/

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Agenda doc ->

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03182026-2191 

 

Northampton, MA regulations on "mind altering" products - https://northamptonma.gov/m/newsflash/home/detail/1942

FDA & Kratom - https://www.fda.gov/news-events/public-health-focus/fda-and-kratom

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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!

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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"

School Committee Community Relations Subcommittee meeting audio for March 16, 2026 session (audio)

FM #1691 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1691 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin, MA School Committee Community Relations Subcommittee meeting held on Monday, March 16, 2026. 

The meeting agenda had placed the session in the 3rd floor conf room so I was there. Subcommittee Chair Al Charles, member Nadia Mausolf and Operations Director Colin Boisvert were remote. Member Stephen Karunakaran was caught in another meeting and didn’t make it. Future meetings are intended to be virtual unless otherwise noted. 

The agenda topics:

● Website Usage Metrics

● Quarterly Community Engagement Update

● Senior Center Visit / Monthly Q&A Session

● Strawberry Stroll Planning

● Newsletter Planning

The recording runs about 44 minutes, so let’s listen to the Community Relations Subcommittee meeting of March 16, 2026.

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1691-schcmte-community-relations-subcmte-mtg-03-16-26/

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School Committee Subcommittee assignments

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

Subcommittee agenda

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03162026-2181 

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

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 www.franklin.news or  Franklinmatters.org/

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"

This Chalkboard Chat recaps the School Committee meeting of March 10, 2026 (video & audio)

FM #1690 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1690 in the series. 

This session shares my conversation with School Committee Chair Paul Griffith.  We had our discussion via Zoom on Thursday, March 12, 2026. We condense and get into the explanations behind the key items from the recent School Committee meeting March 10, 2026.

Our conversation covered the following topics:

• Recognition of Chloe Bowser, essay contest winner (1 of 12) for the USS Massachusetts commissioning ceremony March 28, 2026

• Food Services presentation 

• Joint Budget subcommittee April 16

• Combined Town Council & School Committee meeting March 18

• A presentation/discussion by Department of Elementary & Secondary Education (DESE) on Chapter 70 and hold harmless

Our conversation runs about 38 minutes. Let’s listen

Video link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4n5r5NlMmfI

Audio link -  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1690-chalkboard-chat-03-12-26/

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School Committee page (with contact info) - https://www.franklinps.net/o/fpsd/page/school-committee 

School Committee subcommittee assignments - 

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

The Franklin TV video is available for replay - https://www.youtube.com/live/CBHC618gXFE?&t=230 

The agenda can be found - https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03102026-2175  

My notes via Bluesky thread in one PDF - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xZdhJ_TR0vgcoX-NAP_06FKpj1LndhMW/view?usp=drive_link 

The March 10, 2026 meeting recap and video can be found  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/03/school-committee-gets-insights-recipes.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 Friday, March 20, 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 a conversation talking about the Party for The Pantry coming up March 28 at THE BLACK BOX  ->   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/03/have-you-got-your-tickets-were-talking.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 Wednesday, March 18, 2026

Yes, Franklin has it's own radio station -> wfpr.fm. Franklin Public Radio introduced a brand new schedule early in 2025 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 Wednesday

8:00 AM, 1:00 PM and 6:00 PM   Franklin Matters Radio – Steve Sherlock 

Franklin and its local government, services and events  (repeats Saturday at 2 PM)  

• This segment shares my recent Town Council Quarterbacking session with Councilor Morrongiello   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/03/councilor-morrongiello-provides-some.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)  

• This segment features Kim & Mark in Episode 311 - The Liquid Jazz Experience with Inventor Michael Fors  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/03/the-wonderful-world-of-wine-www-episode_0924637746.html

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

The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW): Episode 311 - The Liquid Jazz Experience with Inventor Michael Fors (audio)

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

The Liquid Jazz Experience with Inventor Michael Fors

In this episode, Kim and Mark dive into the art of aeration with Michael Fors, a Massachusetts-based wine inventor and the creator of The Liquid Jazz Experience. Michael shares the fascinating journey of how a background in home winemaking and a simple trip to the beach sparked the creation of a revolutionary, patented decanter and glassware system.

Inside the Episode

From Vines to Inventions: Michael discusses his roots in home winemaking and how his hands-on experience with the "life" of wine led him to seek a better way to express its hidden notes.

The "Beach Eureka" Moment: Discover how the natural motion of the ocean inspired Michael to move away from traditional swirling and toward the "rocking" motion that defines his brand.

Visualizing the Design: Michael describes his unique decanter and aerating wine glasses in detail. Learn about the "note-opening ridges" at the base of the decanter that create a cascading "wave" effect to speed up oxidation without losing delicate aromas.

The Science of Decanting: Kim breaks down the "why" behind decanting—from softening harsh tannins in young reds to allowing older vintages to shed sediment and breathe.

The Hands-On Test: Kim and Mark share their personal experience meeting Michael and the results of their "test drive" using the rocking decanter and glasses.

The Rocking Revolution: * Rocking vs. Swirling: Michael explains why rocking the wine is a more efficient and gentler way to aerate than the traditional stem-swirl.

The Rocking Stand: A look at his invention of a specialized stand that brings a theatrical and functional element to restaurant service.

The Inventor’s Path: Michael provides a "behind-the-scenes" look at the patent process and the uphill battle of convincing traditional wineries to embrace a device that fundamentally changes the profile of their wine.

Product Details & Where to Buy

The Liquid Jazz Experience is designed to make wine "hit all the right notes" in minutes rather than hours.

Website: www.liquidjazzexperience.com

Cost & Availability: Michael discusses pricing for the Rocking Wave Decanter and Aerating Glasses, and where you can pick them up for your own collection.

"You will hear the passion of a true Massachusetts inventor throughout this episode. It’s time to stop swirling and start rocking."

Cheers

Kim and Mark 

🍷🍷🍷 

www.thewww.wine

https://soundcloud.com/user-492543397/episode-311-the-liquid-jazz

The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) · Episode 311-The Liquid Jazz Experience with Inventor Michael Fors