Catching up to the Chalkboard Chat for the March 24 meeting of the School Committee (video & audio)

FM #1718 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1718 in the series. 

This session shares my conversation with School Committee member Reis Hansen  We had our discussion via Zoom on Monday, April 13, 2026. We condense and get into the explanations behind the key items from the recent School Committee meeting March 24, 2026.

Our conversation covered the following topics:

• Lifelong learning update

• Student Opportunities Act Plan Vote

• Endorsement of Request for Statement of Interest for Development of Strategic Plan

• Subcommittee & Liaison role updates

Our conversation runs about 40 minutes. Let’s listen

Video link - https://youtu.be/aVk_yy7ETU8

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1718-chalkboard-chat-04-13-26/

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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/uQe3rLUq6e8?&t=87 

The agenda for this session - https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03242026-2201 

My full set of notes taken during the meeting in one PDF -  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZuJSdiqLK1QBa9NdcjVsk5KVX7AH2MX3/view?usp=drive_link 

Photo album of the slides presented for Lifelong Learning

https://photos.app.goo.gl/adaJ3sZeYK5ih5t28

  

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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!

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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"

You can listen to the Hometown Hero event honoring Chief TJ Lynch Thursday, April 16, 2026 (audio)

FM #1717 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1717 in the series. 

David Morales, general manager of Wellpoint,
Franklin Town Administrator Jamie Hellen;
Franklin Chief of Police Thomas J. “TJ” Lynch;
and State Rep Jeff Roy (speaking)

This episode contains the audio recording of the Hometown Hero event held on Thursday, April 16, 2026. Held at the Town of Franklin Police Station to recognize Chief TJ Lynch as a Hometown Hero.

Speakers in order of appearance:

• Franklin Town Administrator Jamie Hellen

• David Morales, general manager of Wellpoint,

• Franklin Chief of Police Thomas J. “TJ” Lynch;

• State Rep Jeff Roy

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1717-hometown-hero-event-04-16-26/

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The Wellpoint press release can be found

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/04/wellpoint-honors-franklin-police-chief.html

State Rep Jeff Roy's remarks

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/04/remarks-by-state-representative-jeffrey.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, April 17, 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 my conversation with Donald Krishnaswami on the next concert of the LiveArts String Quartet, May 17-> (note it plays on the top of the hour and begins again at the half hour)   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/04/donald-krishnaswami-talks-about.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 

Listen to Franklin's Town Administrator, Jamie Hellen, on WBUR's Morning Edition (audio)

"Last week, Franklin's Town Administrator, Jamie Hellen, ICMA-CM joined WBUR's Morning Edition to discuss the fiscal challenges cities and towns are facing—from core service budget pressures to rising operational costs.

As municipalities continue to navigate complex financial landscapes, conversations like this help shed light on the real impacts to local services and the importance of informed community engagement.

Listen to the full conversation here: https://lnkd.in/eNc_27wg"

Shared from - https://www.linkedin.com/posts/why-many-massachusetts-cities-and-towns-are-share-7448363205057429504-A1ey/

The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW): Episode 313 - Decoding the Wine Label with Marie Cheslik (audio)

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

Decoding the Wine Label with Marie Cheslik

Ever feel like you need a PhD and a Rosetta Stone just to pick a decent bottle of Cabernet? You aren’t alone. This week on The Wonderful World of Wine(WWW), Kim and Mark sit down with Marie Cheslik, the brilliant sommelier and author behind the essential new book, “How to Read a Wine Label.”

Marie isn't your average wine expert—she’s a nurse and Sommelier who uses a stethoscope and corkscrew. We dive deep into the surprising parallels between the ICU and the cellar, proving that wine doesn't have to be intimidating; it just needs a little "triage."

Inside This Episode:

• The Nurse’s Palate: Marie shares how her background in nursing shaped her approachable, no-nonsense perspective on wine.
• Label Pet Peeves: Find out what common marketing gimmicks drive Marie crazy when she looks at a bottle.
• The "Additive" Debate: We peel back the foil on what’s actually inside your wine beyond just grapes.
• Teach a Man to Fish: Marie explains her philosophy on wine education—giving you the tools to choose for yourself rather than just following a "Top 10" list.
• Google vs. The Label: Is whipping out your phone in the wine aisle cheating? We discuss using tech to decode the glass.
• The "Body" Language of Wine: * Why Marie is officially "anti-milk" when it comes to describing wine texture.
• Kim pitches her "Soup Theory"—does it hold water (or broth)?
• Reading the Fine Print: A masterclass on the Address Statement and why the Importer might be the most important name on the back of the bottle.
• The French Connection: Marie drops an absolute gem of a line regarding the complexity (and ego) of French wine labels.
• The Tie-Breaker: Two wines. Same price. Same grape. Same region. How do you choose? Marie gives us her foolproof "shelf-side" strategy.

Connect With Us

Guest: Marie Cheslik Explore her work and grab her book at www.slikwines.com

The Wonderful World of Wine Visit us for more episodes and wine wisdom at www.thewww.wine

Episode link - https://soundcloud.com/user-492543397/episode-313-decoding-the-wine?

The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) · Episode 313-Decoding the Wine Label with Marie Cheslik

The Economic Development Subcommittee met for the first time April 2, 2026 (audio)

FM #1716 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1716 in the series. 

Economic Development Subcommittee

The Economic Development Subcommittee met for the first time in this new Council term. Committee Chair LeBlanc, members Morrongiello, Griffith & Malloy present for this session.

Town Administrator Jamie Hellen, Building Commissioner Gus Brown, and Planning and Community Development Director Morena Zelaya were also present

The meeting runs about 1 hour and 16 minutes. 

Audio link -  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1716-economic-development-subcmte-mtg-04-02-26/

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Franklin Matters recap - https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/04/the-economic-development-subcommittee.html 

Franklin TV video is available for replay - https://www.youtube.com/live/EStN4ZeBYow?&t=112 

The agenda here - 

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04022026-2223 

My full set of notes taken during the meeting - 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1n0qTNv-eqTy85Vqdu3aJvo59fGJzHAwu/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

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit www.franklin.news/ or  www.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"

School Committee gets update on Lifelong Learning at March 24 session (audio)

FM #1712 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1712 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, March 24, 2026 at 7:00 PM. All 7 members of the Committee were present in Chambers. 

Quick recap:

• Students scheduled for the pledge got to the meeting for the incorrect 6 PM start and will be rescheduled to another meeting

• Superintendent's report

• substitute nurses being looked for

• Winter sports round up

• earmark funded for middle school library (still needs to make through the budget cycle)

• Innovation labs grant also awarded

• FHS family science night April 9 from 5 to 8 pm

• Lifelong learning update

• For Solutions, the students to teacher ratios; K - 1 to 10, others grades are 1 to 12, 1 to 13

• Footlighters program hiring for, trying to fulfill that position, complications in the hiring process had hindered the hiring to date. Still being worked

• Over 900 adults taking part, a wide variety of offerings from sports to arts, etc.

• Funding question, Lifelong learning is effectively another revolving fund, fee based and those fees can only be used within the program

• Discussion/Action Items

• A.   Student Opportunities Act Plan Vote

• B. Endorsement of Request for Statement of Interest for Development of Strategic Plan

• both passed by 7-0 votes

• Subcommittee updates

• Citizen comment - I stepped up to say thanks for the participation at the Q&A and to provide 2 future dates for their calendars

• April 18, Favorite Poem Reading at the Library 

• On May 2, the 3rd annual Jane Jacobs walk, meet at the TV studio walk about 1 mile or so, return to the studio. Discussions of housing, zoning, which are all budget related. It is a generally good discussion with insights shared

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1712-franklin-ma-school-cmte-mtg-03-24-26/

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The Franklin TV video is available for replay - https://www.youtube.com/live/uQe3rLUq6e8?&t=87 

The agenda for this session - https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03242026-2201 

My full set of notes taken during the meeting in one PDF -  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZuJSdiqLK1QBa9NdcjVsk5KVX7AH2MX3/view?usp=drive_link 

Photo album of the slides presented for Lifelong Learning

https://photos.app.goo.gl/adaJ3sZeYK5ih5t28 

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

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"