The Pantry is working to expand dietary options via grant (audio)

FM #1661 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1661 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Ann McGillis, Operations Director of the Franklin Food Pantry, and Stephanie Carlile, working part-time helping The Pantry as part of a grant. We had our conversation in person in the community room at The Franklin Food Pantry on Friday, February 13, 2026. 

Discussion items: 

• Welcoming Stephanie Carlile, MS, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, LDN, to The Pantry

• Empowering clients with dietary options and dignity in choice

• Introducing Poppy the Puzzle Piece, a new mascot to help identify nutrient dense foods

• Pantry named Healthy Pantry Leader by Greater Boston Food Bank

The conversation runs about 31 minutes. Let’s listen in 

Audio link -  
https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1661-franklin-food-pantry-food-is-medicine-02-13-26/

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Franklin Food Pantry web page -> https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/ 

Follow The Pantry on

Facebook ->  https://www.facebook.com/FranklinFoodPantry 

Instagram ->  https://www.instagram.com/franklinfoodpan/ 

Amazon wish list ->  https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2SIL7UR08ZZUC?ref_=wl_share 

Grateful for the years of support from Rockland Trust for use of the prior building which is no longer standing on West Central St in the Rockland Trust parking lot.

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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"

FISH of Franklin seeking volunteers

via Chris Oliveira

Hello everyone! 

I’m here today to tell you about FISH of Franklin. We are a nonprofit group of volunteers who give rides to medical appointments to people who live in Franklin. Most of our clients are elders and some are people with disabilities. 

All clients must be able to walk on their own, as we use our own vehicles and cannot physically assist them. We are in need of volunteers. Some of us volunteer by answering phone calls from our own home and trying to arrange requested  rides, and others volunteer as drivers. 

We have many requests for rides each month and could really use some more volunteers! You must be over 18 To volunteer. 

If this interests you, and you are able to commit to one day a month to either give someone a ride or to schedule rides, please call 508-528-2121 and leave a message with your name and a phone number where someone can reach you.— with Dara O'Neil.

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1YAkz1f6kX/

Listen to the recording of my recorded conversation with Barbara Steele, Nancy Rappa and Terry Robbins, all with FISH of Franklin. We had our conversation in the Franklin TV Studio conference room on Tuesday, August 29, 2023.  They were preparing to celebrate their 50th Anniversary.

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/09/have-you-volunteered-with-fish-of.html

Councilor Max Morrongiello shares his insights in this Town Council Quarterbacking Session (audio)

FM #1660 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1660 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares our “Town Council Quarterbacking” with Town Councilor Max Morrongiello. We had our conversation in person at the Franklin TV & Radio Studios on Thursday, February 12, 2026. Our conversation condensed the Town Council meeting of Wednesday, February 11, 2026.

We focus on two questions:

• ok, what just happened? 

• What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?

We cover the following key topics

• After tabling the prior meeting minutes for a future meeting to add some questions that were asked but not reflected in the minutes, they approved a technical change for the Shaw's alcohol license

• Council comments followed Citizen Comments in this new order of agenda items

• The 5 year budget model and forecast 

• The Capital budget 

• Then as the clock turned past 10 PM during their deliberations on the amendments, the Council voted to allow extension of the meeting past their 4 hour curfew. The meeting did close approx. 20 minutes later.

The conversation runs about 58 minutes. Let’s listen in

Audio link -  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1660-town-council-quarterbacking-02-12-26/

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Town Councilor
Max Morrongiello

Franklin TV video is available for replay

https://www.youtube.com/live/PGKBpPjZZTM?&t=210 

The agenda and docs released for this session

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02112026-2130  

My notes captured in one PDF file - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1OUdG4Uju_rM2ro2mJCBeEIXOfSx9T8M0/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"

Townhall Highlights on MYFM 101.3 features Franklin DPW Director "Brutus" Cantoreggi (audio)

Did you miss Robert “Brutus” Cantoreggi, Director of the Franklin Department of Public Works, on Town Hall Highlights?

No worries — catch the full conversation here:

https://soundcloud.com/myfm1013/town-hall-highlights-robert

We talked about the unsung heroes of Franklin — the DPW crew — and what goes into their tireless efforts to keep streets clear and the community safe during snowstorms. It’s a great behind-the-scenes look at the work that often goes unnoticed.

Give it a listen — and the next time you see a DPW worker, offer a high five and a thank you.  Franklin Department of Public Works 

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18Af3TeK1e/

MyFM1013 · Town Hall Highlights - Robert 'Brutus' Cantoreggi for the Franklin Department of Public Works

The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW): Episode 309 - Decoding Non-Alcoholic Wine with Rachel Martin

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

Decoding Non-Alcoholic Wine with Rachel Martin 

Get ready for groundbreaking wine education on The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) as Kim and Mark host Rachel Martin, the visionary Founder and CEO of Oceano Wines ( www.oceanowines.com ) and Co-founder of the AFNA Wine Certification Program (Alcohol-Free Non-Alcoholic).

( www.alcoholfreeaficionados.com )

In this can't-miss episode, Rachel uncorks the secrets behind this trending wine style and the professional knowledge powering its growth. She shares her deep wine background and guides listeners on the proper way to refer to non-alcoholic wines.

The conversation centers on her brand, Oceano 0, which is making waves as one of the first U.S. non-alcoholic wines made with a true sense of place and vintage dated. You'll get the scoop on:

• The intricate process to make non-alcoholic wines, including the advanced techniques that preserve quality.
• An in-depth look at the use of additives, with a specific focus on Velcorin (dimethyl dicarbonate) for microbial control.
• Costs, shelf life, storage, and aging potential of non-alcoholic wines.
• The specifics of carbonated n/a wines.
• Crucial FDA and TTB label information for the category.
• Fascinating stories and trends in the n/a world.
• Details on the AFNA Wine Education Program, the first-of-its-kind credential for beverage professionals.
• How and where you can get your hands on the Oceano 0 wines.

Rachel is here to prove that removing the alcohol doesn't mean sacrificing a wine's complexity or its compelling story.

Cheers, 

Kim and Mark 

🍷🍷🍷 

www.thewww.wine

#wine #winetasting #wineeducation #rachelmartin #afna

Episode 309-Decoding Non-Alcoholic Wine With Rachel Martin by The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW)

https://soundcloud.com/user-492543397/episode-309-decoding-non

The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) · Episode 309-Decoding Non-Alcoholic Wine With Rachel Martin

School Committee hear the details on "level service" budget that comes in at 2.5% increase (audio)

FM #1658 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1658 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, February 10, 2026. All 7 members of the committee were present. 

Quick recap:

• The committee conducted the budget hearing for the FY 2027 school budget. Excluding the health care costs ($8.8M), they presented a 'level service' budget that stays within a 2.5% increase. Multiple questions to clarify amounts, rational, and sometimes accounting moves were raised and discussed. Many compliments on the layout and clarity of the budget were provided to Supt Lucas Giguere and to Business Administrator Jana Melotti

• The next step on the budget will be the School Committee vote on Feb 24. The complete timeline is provided in the budget folder

The recording runs about 2 hours and 45 minutes

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1658-school-cmte-mtg-fy-27-budget-hearing-02-10-26/

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Additional links to the meeting recap, Franklin TV video, and key documents for this session

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/02/school-committee-hear-details-on-level.html    

the school budget for FY 2027 

All the docs associated with the budget for FY 2027 

https://www.franklinps.net/documents/about-us/school-district-budget(2)/fy2027-budget/860340 

Budget timeline https://files-backend.assets.thrillshare.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/Fpsd/37787646-f072-494b-b560-903c09ba25be/UPDATED_-_Budget_Calendar_FY27.pdf?disposition=inline

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

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"

Community Relations Subcommittee - 2/09/26 meeting recording (exclusive audio)

The Community Relations subcommittee of the Franklin School Committee met on Monday, February 9, 2026 via remotely only.  Participating were Al Charles, Chair, Nadia Mausolf, Stephen Karunakaran, and Colin Boisvert, Operations Director. Yours truly participated and shares this recording.

The agenda topics:

• Finalize Mission Statement

• JGPR Overview

• Website Usage Metrics

• Quarterly Community Engagement Update

• Newsletter Planning

Link to agenda doc 

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02092026-2123 

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1657-schcmte-community-relations-subcmte-mtg-2-09-26/

Another First for Franklin: blood pressure kits can be checked out at the Library (video/audio)

FM #1656 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1656 in the series. 

This episode shares my conversation with Town of Franklin’s public health nurse Alisha Sullivan. We talked virtually on Monday, February 9, 2026 about the blood pressure kits available at the Library. 

Did you know high blood pressure is the #2 killer of MA residents?

            Right behind the collection of illnesses called cancer

Did you know you can check your own blood pressure at the Library?

A station is set up to take your blood pressure. You can even check out a device like you would a book or a video, or anything else in their Library of things.

Another First for Franklin: blood pressure
kits can be checked out at the Library

Did you realize this also happens to be another “First of Many” for the Town of Franklin? 

Yup, the Health, Dept, Library and American Heart Assoc have collaborated on this program. The first library in MA to have the test kit station and kits for check out

You can watch or listen to my conversation with Alisha. Approx. 17 minutes

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1656-another-first-blood-pressure-kits-at-the-library-02-09-26/

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Health Dept page - https://www.franklinma.gov/444/Board-of-Health 

Metacomet Public Health Alliance health resources - https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/7a79d8f9979f4709ad5b7311c91c8258 

Video link - https://youtu.be/ChoyQZEc3Xk 

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

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"