Dean College Appoints Heidi Bruce as Vice President of Institutional Advancement and Alumni & Family Engagement

Dean College has appointed Heidi Bruce, MBA, CFRM, as Vice President of Institutional Advancement and Alumni & Family Engagement.

Bruce brings more than 25 years of experience in fundraising, alumni relations, donor engagement, and institutional advancement. Throughout her career, she has held leadership positions in higher education, healthcare, and nonprofit organizations, helping institutions strengthen advancement operations, increase philanthropic support, and deepen stakeholder engagement.

In her new role, Bruce will provide leadership for Dean College's advancement efforts, including major and planned giving, annual giving, alumni and family engagement, corporate and foundation relations, stewardship, and advancement operations. As a member of the College's senior leadership team, she will work closely with alumni, donors, families, trustees, and friends of the College to support Dean's strategic priorities and strengthen engagement across the College community. 

Continue reading the announcement - https://www.dean.edu/news-events/story/dean-college-appoints-heidi-bruce-as-vice-president-of-institutional-advancement-and-alumni-family-engagement/

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"

From Participation to Purpose: Stories of Civic Engagement & Civic Careers (virtual event)

From Participation to Purpose: Stories of
Civic Engagement & Civic Careers (virtual event)

As a part of this year's Massachusetts Civic Learning Week, a virtual panel was designed for educators and students (but open to all!) and encourages panelists to share their "civic journey". 

Two of the four panelists are from Franklin: Cobi Frongillo and Jen Knight-Levine!

From Participation to Purpose: Stories of Civic Engagement and Civic Careers 

This session will engage middle and high school students and teachers in a discussion about pathways that panelists have taken to civic engagement. Four individuals representing a range of pathways and professions will participate in a moderated Q & A panel session to share their own educational experiences that helped pave the way for successful civic engagement. 

Teachers and students are invited to work together ahead of the panel to come up with interview style questions they would like to see the participants respond to during the session, with opportunities available for classes to directly ask questions during the panel. 

This moderated panel and Q&A session will provide middle and high school students and teachers with valuable perspectives on the skills and experiences that lead to meaningful civic involvement.

Registration is here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/from-participation-to-purpose-stories-of-civic-engagement-civic-careers-tickets-1979737827134?aff=odcleoeventsincollection. 

Voices of Franklin: Stephen Karunakaran encourages active engagement in the upcoming election

Dear Franklin Neighbors,

With the biennial election just weeks away, our Franklin community faces the important responsibility of selecting leaders for our Town Council and School Committee. These individuals will guide the direction of our town and schools, shaping our collective future. We are fortunate to have a range of candidates offering diverse perspectives for these critical roles.

As a committed member of the Franklin community and a candidate for the 2025 School Committee, I am writing to the "Voice of Franklin" to encourage our residents to actively engage in the upcoming election. The choices we make at the polls will shape the future of our schools and the opportunities we create for our children.

I urge voters to thoroughly assess each candidate’s vision, qualifications, and dedication to our community’s values. Look for those who will champion sufficient staffing, promote forward-thinking education policies that embrace technological trends, and ensure our students are well-equipped for higher education and beyond. These priorities require committed leadership.

Your vote is your voice. By participating, you support candidates who reflect your hopes for Franklin’s future. Let’s unite to make informed decisions that strengthen our schools and community.

Thank you for considering my message. I am confident that together, we can elect a Council that will guide Franklin toward a brighter, more prosperous future. Beyond casting my own vote, I aspire to serve our town with dedication and thoughtfulness if elected to the School Committee. 

If you’d like to discuss further, please feel free to reach out at stephenforschool2025@gmail.com. I’ll also be available for in-person conversations at the final Farmers Market of the season this Friday.

Stephen Karunakaran

Franklin candidate for School Committee

If you have something to say, you can find the guidelines here
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/03/introducing-voices-of-franklin.html

Voices of Franklin: Stephen Karunakaran encourages active engagement in the upcoming election

Survey says: more than half don’t watch Franklin TV

Survey says: more than half don’t watch Franklin TV.

That factoid helps to explain why it seems some social media postings seem to come from folks who appeared to be surprised about a 'new' topic when it has usually been talked about in some circles, for some time.  Clearly, not a circle the poster had participated in.

We are best served when we can assess objective facts and issues with our own eyes and ears, and think for ourselves.  You can become part of the informed circle with one web portal and subscribe to one daily email.

Franklin TV, Franklin Public Radio, and Franklin Matters are working together to advance the greater good, bringing us together as a community so that our focus is not on what divides us, but what brings us together.

* Watch: the standard public, education & government (PEG) channels or our three PEG YouTube Channels.

* Listen: Stream Franklin Public Radio anywhere, anytime online at wfpr.fm,

or tune in to our local Franklin public radio station wfpr.fm on 102.9 FM.

* Read: Franklin Matters to find the daily TV, Radio, and community event schedule along with the news that matters published to the internet, a daily newsletter, and then to key social media channels.  

All this to enable you to engage in the informed circle of the Franklin community - visit or subscribe at www.franklin.news

Survey says: more than half don’t watch Franklin TV

Going forward from FY 2024, what is sustainable? (audio)

FM #1020 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1020 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the conversation with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen, Town Council Chair Tom Mercer, School Superintendent Lucas Giguere, and School Committee Chair Denise Spencer. 

We had our conversation at the Municipal Building on Tuesday June 27,2023. Tom Mercer joined via Zoom.  

Now that the major FY 2024 budget decisions are behind us, how we will go forward becomes the topic. The next steps start with the Joint Budget Subcommittee meeting scheduled for Aug 2. 

Over the next several months, lots of conversations, and planning discussion should result in a plan to go forward that the ad-hoc residents committee can then spread the word on for a potential override decision by the Town.

The conversation runs about 54 minutes. Let’s listen to the recording of the way forward discussion on Tuesday, June 27, 2023. Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1020-fy2024-going-forward-06-27-23

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Town FY 2024 budget page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/webforms/fy-24-budget-materials 

School FY 2024 budget information -> https://www.franklinps.net/fy24budget 

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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

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"

Going forward from FY 2024, what is sustainable? (audio)

The budget, citizen engagement, good things happening, room to improve, and more in this Talk Franklin - 06/08/23 (audio)

FM #1010 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1010 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my "Talk Franklin" session with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen. We had our conversation via Zoom on Thursday, June 8, 2023.  

Topics for this session

Budget

Engagement

Good things happening, room to improve

Nason St, Sculpture Park, Memorial Day

The recording runs about 39 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Jamie on Thursday, June 8, 2023. Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1010-talk-franklin-06-08-23

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Town FY 2024 budget page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/webforms/fy-24-budget-materials 

Town Administrator page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/administrator

Talk Franklin podcast page -> https://anchor.fm/letstalkfranklin 

Town Council agenda for 06/07/23 meeting ->   

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/town_council_agenda_-_june_7_2023.pdf 

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

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 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"

The budget, citizen engagement, good things happening, room to improve, and more in this Talk Franklin - 06/08/23 (audio)

Talk Franklin: Jamie and I go 'long' talking patience, process, and engagement results - 04/28/23 (audio)

FM #985 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 985 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my "Talk Franklin" conversation with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen. We had our conversation in person at the Senior Center. We had already been involved in back-to-back sessions and added our recording session to this slot on Friday, April 28, 2023.  

We usually watch the clock to keep the session shorter but we were having such a good discussion we went with the flow.

Topics for this session

Arts & Culture listening session (2nd of 3 scheduled)

Senior Center volunteer recognition event

Finance Committee budget hearings scheduled May 8, 10, & 11

Town Council hearings scheduled for May 24 & 25

The recording runs about 55 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Jamie on Friday, April 28, 2023

Audio file -> https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/letstalkfranklin/episodes/State-of-Franklin---May-2023-e23gcru

 

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Town FY 2024 budget page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/webforms/fy-24-budget-materials 

Arts & Culture survey -> https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf4AWODps2aVQd_tzHIGfcJBRwUdpvYB9jK3hgfxploSWc7zw/viewform?usp=sf_link

Town of Franklin calendar for May meetings & events -> https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar/month/2023-05 

Town Administrator page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/administrator

Talk Franklin podcast page -> https://anchor.fm/letstalkfranklin 

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

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 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"

Talk Franklin: Jamie and I go long talking patience, process, and engagement results - 04/28/23 (audio)

Town Council Quarterbacking condenses the meeting to what it means for Franklin residents & taxpayers (audio)

FM #980 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 980 in the series. 

This shares my conversation with Town Council Chair Tom Mercer in our Town Council Quarterbacking session. This is one of the series of conversations meant to provide a recap of the prior night’s Town Council meeting. 

Akin to one of the many sports post-game analysis broadcasts we are familiar with in New England, this would be a discussion focused on the Franklin Town Council meeting of Apr 26, 2023: 

• ok, what just happened? 

• What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?

We cover the following key topics

2 license transactions

• Transfer of Section 15 Wine and Malt Beverages Package Store License and Approval of Parth Patel as the Manager - Marlboro Food, Inc. d/b/a 7-Eleven, Located at 664 Union St.   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/7a._1_license_transaction_-_7-eleven_transfer_of_section_15.pdf 

• Robert Vozzella / La Cantina Winery - Farmer-Winery, Farmer’s Market License    https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/7b._license_transaction_-_la_cantina.pdf 

1 piece of legislation

• Resolution 23-28: Town Council Approval of County ARPA Funds  (Motion to Approve Resolution 23-28 - Majority Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9a._23-28_arpa_700k.pdf 

PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION

a. Discussion: Open Space & Recreation Plan Update - Breeka Li Goodlander, Conservation Agent and Natural Resources Manager  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/8a._1_-_memo_-_osrp_presentation_.pdf 

b. Discussion: Display of Flags on Town Flagpoles or Property     https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/8b._flags_0.pdf 

Links to the meeting agenda and associated documents released for this meeting are included in the show notes. 

Our conversation runs about 32 minutes. Let’s listen to the Town Council Quarterbacking session recorded Apr 27, 2023

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-980-town-council-quarterbacking-04-27-23

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The agenda doc can also be found on the Town of Franklin page ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/town_council_agenda_-_april_26_2023_0.pdf 

My notes in one PDF file -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1a-fQYmqnEnma1RPjufiBjVjft3nJ5-GW/view?usp=share_link 

Franklin TV meeting video ->  https://www.youtube.com/live/VTsQ6p7Pc_w?feature=share 

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

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 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 your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

Franklin, MA: Town Council Agenda for April 26, 2023 meeting