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

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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"

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

Audio replay of the Horace Mann Legacy Subcmte Meeting April 27, 2027 is ready (audio)

FM #1739 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1739 in the series. 

Horace Mann birthplace monument in Franklin 

This session shares the exclusive audio from the Horace Mann Legacy Subcommittee Meeting held on Monday, April 27, 2026. The meeting was held in the 3rd floor training room. 

 

The recording runs about 1 hour & 21 minutes, so let’s listen in.

Audio link -  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1739-horace-mann-legacy-subcmte-mtg-04-27-26/

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Meeting agenda https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04272026-2263 

My notes in one PDF 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1K0YXyEp3-9Y9AVbFRFm9kub4XsBW11nx/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 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"

Listen to the first session of the Joint Budget Subcommittee Thursday, April 16, 2026 (audio)

FM #1736 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1736 in the series. 

This session shares the Joint Budget Subcommittee Meeting held on Thursday, April 16, 2026. 

The recording runs about 1 hour & 55 minutes, so let’s listen in.

Audio link -  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1736-joint-budget-subcmte-mtg-04-16-26/

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Franklin TV video is available for replay

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dbKccD9CA3Q 

The agenda for this session

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04162026-2252  

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

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"

We sat down with Kevin Harn to hear about the Facilities Dept (audio)

FM #1735 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1735 in the series. 

This session shares my conversation with Kevin Harn, Director of Facilities. We had our discussion in person at the Franklin TV Studio on Tuesday, April 28, 2026.

 

We talk about 

• The amount of space and equipment managed across Town & schools

• The team structure and scope

• Coordination with all the other departments to deliver support

• Efforts to reduce cost in building maintenance 

The recording runs about 29 minutes, so let’s listen in.

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1735-franklin-ma-kevin-harn-facilities-dept-04-28-26/

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Facilities page: https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/193/Facilities-Department 

Projects page - https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/1196/Projects 

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

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"

Town Council hears from NatinalGrid, Fire Dept, and Police Dept and completes session within 4 hours - April 15 (audio)

FM #1734 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, numbers 1734 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin (MA) Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, April 15, 2026. The Council held this session as scheduled beginning at 6 PM. 8 members participated, 7 in Chambers, 1 remotely, hence all votes were recorded via roll call. 

The meeting recording runs 3 hours and 50 minutes

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1734-franklin-ma-town-council-mtg-04-15-26/

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Franklin Matters recap - https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/04/town-council-hears-from-natinalgrid.html

Franklin TV video for replay  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Z7xJHgZ4lI 

The agenda - https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04152026-2251  

My notes in one PDF - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1w2q_cMoAOiQs0picPbtkZonCRTXqxI63/view?usp=drive_link

Photos of the NationGrid presentation

https://photos.app.goo.gl/XPcwTx5vSXnDjQdy8 

Link to Fire presentation

https://drive.google.com/file/d/14vWcLc710A9CkTSgpJ0Tg3jcHcbR3zaY/view?usp=drive_link 

Link to Police presentation

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1yF7LNhdfHfpOL_sq8gIaWpW2eQCgT8MG/view?usp=drive_link 

page from Police presentation on recent budget history

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

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, April 30, 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 with Lauren Mottley about Brighlight Business Co  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/04/lauren-makes-case-for-how-brightlight.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)"  

• This week listen to the Turntable Show hosts, The Vibe and Pauly G features the Eagles "One Of These Nights" album and Vibe Eagles Playlist.  "One Of These Nights" released June 10, 1975, soared to the Eagles' first number one album on the Billboard LP chart and includes wicked popular hits including:  "One of These Nights", "Lyin' Eyes" and "Take It to the Limit". 
• The Playlist airs studio and live cuts from:  Desperado, The Long Run, Eagles Live, On The Border, Hell Freezes Over, So What - Joe Walsh, and Above the Clouds - Glen Frey.  Enjoy!"

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 

Mitzi shares the insights on the special events at the Library in May 2027 (video & audio)

FM #1733 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1733 in the series. 

This session shares my conversation with Mitzi Gousie, Programming and Outreach Librarian with the Franklin Public Library. We had our discussion virtually on Tuesday, April 21, 2026.

 

We talk about 

• Reviewed the regular open hours, book sale and holiday scheduling for the month

• Closed on Sundays due to budget reduction

• Closed all day on Monday, May 25 for Memorial Day

• Library events for May 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 17 minutes, so let’s listen in.

Franklin Public Library page

Video link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zKPfVe63_fU

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1733-franklin-public-library-may-2026-highlights-04-21-26/

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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 

May 2026 newsletter - https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/m/newsflash/home/detail/126 

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

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"