FM #1812 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1812 in the series.
This session shares my conversation with Saumy Jani and Andrew Bairos. As freshmen at FHS, they created SNND Events to make money and have been successful doing so. We had our conversation via Zoom on Monday, August 31, 2026.
How they started
How they networked and expanded
Advice for other students, start early
The conversation runs about 18 minutes. Let’s listen in
Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1812-high-school-entrepreneurs-snnd-events-08-31-26/--------------
SNND Events web page - https://snndevents.com/
Instagram page - https://www.instagram.com/snndevents/
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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"
FM #1811 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1811 in the series.
This episode shares the Franklin Commission on Disability Meeting held on Sep 3, 2026 at the Franklin Senior Center. The meeting was interrupted by a fire alarm at the Senior Center. The group managed to practice a safe exit and added planning for disability accommodations (as needed) for Town facilities and public events to their list of topics.
Quick recap:
Discussion on a backup clerk for this session, initially John, then Julie took notes.
Update on the accessibility working down at the Town level, becoming more formal, coordinating multiple departments as needed, likely meeting quarterly to work on a long range (10-year) plan. Potential covering areas like infrastructure and digital access
Disability commissions to gather for a roundtable discussion Oct 14, John and Randy volunteered to participate for this session
Issue raised with no audio signal for the Shaw’s traffic crossing; also with a homeowner on Mill St that needs handicap ramp put in
Minutes moved to approve for prior meeting, seconded
Interrupted by fire alarm, all clear received approx 20 minutes later
Discussion on planning for the Harvest Festival
Discussion on having or changing the October meeting date as it currently conflicts with the Senior Expo on October 2
Ultimately resolved to cancel the October session
Continued discussion on planning for the Senior Expo
ASL interpreter being set up for the Expo, vote to authorize the expense (approx $500)
Reminder for commission members to wear their t-shirts for the Festival and Expo
Motion to move a couple of agenda items out to the November session (advocacy letter to SNETT, and social media guidelines), seconded
Motion to adjourn, seconded
The meeting recording runs about 43 minutes (shorter due to the fire alarm interruption).
Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1811-commission-on-disability-mtg-09-03-26/--------------
The meeting agenda - https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09032026-2474
Commission on Disability page - https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/496/Franklin-Commission-on-Disability
--------------
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"
FM #1809 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1809 in the series.
This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Tina Powderly, Executive Director of the Franklin Food Pantry. We had our conversation in person in the community room at The Franklin Food Pantry on Friday, August 28, 2026.
Discussion items:
Hunger Action Month, nationwide program by Feeding America
Infographic confirms volume increases
Many ways to help, take a tour, volunteer, donate items, money, etc.
Plans for expansion to meet the growing need
The conversation runs about 32 minutes. Let’s listen in
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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 wishlist ->
https://franklinfoodpantry.mindfulgiving.org/campaigns/amazon-wish-list/products
Infographic- https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/about/impact-reports/
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.
--------------
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"
FM #1802 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1802x 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 Saturday, August 22, 2026.
We talk about
Reviewed the regular open hours, book sale and holiday scheduling for the month
Sunday hours (1:30 to 5 PM) return on September 13
Book sale weekend Sep 18 & Sep 19
Library event highlights for September 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 19 minutes, so let’s listen in.
Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1802-franklin-public-library-sept-2026-event-highlights-08-22-26/--------------
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
September 2026 newsletter - (to be added, still showing the August edition)
-------------
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"
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.
This session of the radio show shares our “Talk Franklin” discussion with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen. We recorded our conversation virtually via Zoom on Monday, August 17, 2026.
Key topics
Mid-summer status
Town Council & contract extension
A validated budget for FY 2027
Joint Budget working on a strategy
More topics coming
Sept 2
Town available land and facilities
Sept 16
Legislative update with Senator Rausch & Rep Roy
Presentations by Food Pantry, SAFE Coalition, 250th Celebration
Sept 3
Police station building committee
Economic Development
Split tax workshops
UMass students study on downtown
The recording runs about 37 minutes. Let’s listen to our conversation.
Audio link - https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/letstalkfranklin/episodes/Talk-Franklin--A-Podcast-from-the-Town-Administrators-Office---August-17--2026-e3nih1r/a-acr33iq--------------
Town of Franklin page - https://www.franklinma.gov/
Notify Me - sign up for notification on meetings and agendas https://www.franklinma.gov/list.aspx
Subscribe to Franklin First newsletter https://www.franklinma.gov/m/newsflash
Community calendar https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar
Town Administrator contract press release https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/08/franklin-town-council-approves-town.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"