Did you know that Blood Pressure Kits are now available at the Franklin Public Library ???

The Franklin Health Department and Franklin Library have partnered with the American Heart Association to bring home blood pressure kits to our library! Patrons who visit the Franklin library can now monitor their blood pressure at home as part of the American Heart Association's ongoing "Libraries with Heart" program, which allows for blood pressure kits to be borrowed, much like checking out a book.

There is also a blood pressure monitor set up at the Franklin library on the second floor for public use. In addition, there are educational materials from the American Heart Association about how to interpret results and why managing high blood pressure is essential to preventing heart disease and stroke.  

This is a great tool if an individual needs blood pressure (BP) monitoring, or cannot afford or have access to a BP monitor. Please share the attached flyer that helps explain this new program and help our community members be proactive about their heart health. 

Did you know that Blood Pressure Kits are now available at the Franklin Public Library ???

Download the flyer as a reminder or to share ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1TqJ1fMsln-1kgxsAMTL_XLrrORz-YfAw/view?usp=drive_link

Alisha Sullivan RN, BSN

Public Health Nurse | Health Department

10 Daniel McCahill Street

Franklin, Massachusetts 02038-1352

E. adeptula@franklinma.gov

Board of Health reviews changes to tobacco regulations to be voted on in January 2026 (audio)

FM #1600 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1600 the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Town of Franklin Board of Health Meeting held on Wednesday, December 3, 2025. The meeting agenda was held in the 3rd floor training room as well as via Google Meet. All 3 board members were present. 

Quick Recap:

• Chair Kim Mu-Chow opens the meeting

• Reads protocol statement re: Google meet

• Confirms participation via roll call

• Approval of Nov minutes, moved, second, passes 3-0

• Schedule of meetings for 2026, first Wednesday except Jul, Aug. Motion to approve, Second, passes 3-0

• Motion to open hearing on tobacco regulations, moved, passes 3-0

• Local rules not up to the minimum state standards

• Adding some definitions, 2 items of interest footage from a site to a school being one

• Discussion on limit of up to 6mg, in retail for all retail not just the adult establishments

• Motion to accept amendment as discussed passes 3-0

• Amendment to be voted on at the Jan meeting with an implementation date thereafter (1000 ft, 2 establishments grandfathered, restriction to up to 6mg)

• Discussion on food inspection, how to handle a rating system like some communities have.

• Can be challenging to administer never mind harmful to the business if taken out of context.

• Inspection reports are kept by the restaurant on site and available upon request

• Health reports

• Flu cases finally starting to rise in county; Infant formula recall discussed

• Possible choking class coming, pending final review of materials to ensure coverage and deliver in an appropriate timeframe (an hour or so)

• Other items of interest

• Health office hours at Senior center on Thursday

• Coat drive underway, closes out Dec 6, giveaway coming up Dec 13

• Future item, blood pressure cuff checks

• Motion to adjourn passes, 3-0

The meeting runs about 45 minutes. Let’s listen to the Board of Health meeting December 3, 2025.

Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1600-franklin-ma-board-of-health-mtg-12-03-25/

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

The Board of Health agenda can be found ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_12032025-2030 

My notes captured in one PDF -> 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GgGN4uzU93d01N_wRgOyAWeCvPKxXOi8/view?usp=drive_link

Board of Health reviews changes to tobacco regulations to be voted on in January 2026 (audio)

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

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!

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

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 votes to join GIC, approves FY 2026 budget adjustment, rescinds prior vote on 40b approval (audio)

FM #1592 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1592 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin (MA) Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, November 19, 2025. The Council held this session as scheduled beginning at 6 PM. All 9 Councilors participated during the early portion of this meeting. Councilor Cormier-Leger was traveling and joined remotely for part of the meeting. All of the other 8 councilors were in Council Chambers for this session.

 

Quick recap:

• The vote to join the GIC passed 9-0

• The vote to approve the budget adjustment was approved 9-0. TA Hellen to hold on posting for the Communications role pending further discussion with the Town Council

• After much discussion, the vote to rescind the vote on the approval of the "friendly 40b" for 444 East Central St was approved by 5-1 (Morrongiello no; Grella, Malloy both recused themselves; Cormier-leger was not online at the time of the final vote)

The recording runs about 4 hours & 20 minutes

Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1592-franklin-ma-town-council-mtg-11-19-25/

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

Franklin TV video is available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xGGEiz-8dlM 

The agenda for this session ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_11192025-2010 

My notes for the full meeting in one PDF -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/19-3d9qq6zRWsk0GedQJ6NUm6Q425CldU/view?usp=drive_link 

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

Town Council votes to join GIC, approves FY 2026 budget
adjustment, rescinds prior vote on 40b approval (audio)

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"

Agenda for Town Council meeting Weds, Nov 19 at 6 PM

Franklin Town Council

Agenda & Meeting Packet

November 19, 2025 - 6:00 PM

1. ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM THE CHAIR

a. This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 9 and Verizon Channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by others.

b. Chair to identify members participating remotely.

c. Upcoming Town Sponsored Community Events.

2. CITIZEN COMMENTS

a. Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to three minutes on a matter that is not on the agenda. In compliance with G.L. Chapter 30A, Section 20 et seq, the Open Meeting Law, the Council cannot engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Council may ask the Town Administrator to review the matter. Nothing herein shall prevent the Town Administrator from correcting a misstatement of fact.

3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

a. October 22, 2025   https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/7633/October-22-2025-TC-Meeting-Minutes--Draft-for-Review

b. October 29, 2025  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/7634/October-29-2025-TC-Meeting-Minutes--Draft-for-Review

4. PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS - None Scheduled.

5. APPOINTMENTS

a. Cultural Council - Elizabeth O’Day   https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/7637/5a---APPOINTMENT---ODay

b. Finance Committee - Jennifer D’Angelo  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/7638/5b---1---APPOINTMENTS---DAngelo

c. Historical Commission - Brandon Carrico  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/7639/5c---1---APPOINTMENTS---Carrico

6. PUBLIC HEARINGS - 7:00 PM- None Scheduled

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS - None Scheduled.

8. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION - None Scheduled.

9. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

a. Resolution 25-71: Adoption of MGL Chapter 32B, Section 21-23 For the Purpose of Town’s Participating in the Group Insurance Commission

(Motion to Approve Resolution 25-71 - Majority Vote)   https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/7640/9a-GIC

b. Resolution 25-72: General Fund Appropriation Reductions FY26

(Motion to Approve Resolution 25-72 - Majority Vote)   https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/7646/9b-Budget-Adjustment

c. Resolution 25-73: Franklin Town Council’s Withdrawal of Support of Proposed Chapter 40B Affordable Housing Project Located at 444 East Central Street (Motion to Approve Resolution 25-73 - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/7647/9c-1---MEMO-25-73---Repeal-of-444-E-Central-St

d. Resolution 25-74: 2026 Schedule of Town Council Meetings

(Motion to Approve Resolution 25-74 - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/7648/9d-TC-Meeting-Schedule

e. Resolution 25-75: Gift Acceptance - Fire Department ($1,000), Veterans Services Department ($1,175)  (Motion to Approve Resolution 25-75 - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/7649/9e-Gift-Acceptance

10. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

11. SUBCOMMITTEE & AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS

12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

13. COUNCIL COMMENTS

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION -

a. Exemption #3: Collective Bargaining (Police Patrol) - To discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining if an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the public body and the Chair so declares.

15. ADJOURN

Note: 

• Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes
• Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting

The agenda doc contains remote participation info

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_11192025-2010 

Agenda for Town Council meeting Weds, Nov 19 at 6 PM

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Tuesday, November 4, 2025 ???

Tuesday, November 4

Biennial Election Day - Franklin High school from 6 AM to 8 PM

all precincts vote in this one site

12:00pm Community Closet (Franklin United Methodist Church)

6:00pm Table Top (Franklin Public Library)

6:30pm Franklin Garden Club - monthly meeting (Franklin Senior Center)

For additional details on Library events ->    https://www.franklinma.gov/942/Calendar-of-Events

For additional details on Senior Center events ->   

https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar.aspx?CID=37,24&showPastEvents=false

**   Town Meetings today   **

Biennial Local Election

Tuesday, November 4th Time: 6:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Location: All Precincts Vote @ Franklin High School

Massachusetts Strategic Health Group Meeting

Tuesday, November 4 Time: 1:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_11042025-1989 

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

Find the full Community event calendar  https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://bit.ly/Submit2Calendar

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/Calendar.aspx
The School district calendar is found  https://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/o/fpsd/page/school-calendar

Taryn Barlow, Cognitive Health Coach™, talks about her road to The Well Brain (audio)

FM #1526 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1526 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Taryn Barlow, Cognitive Health Coach™ working at The Well Brain. We had our conversation virtually via the Zoom platform on Wednesday, September 24, 2025. 

Discussion items: 

• 

  Taryn Barlow, Cognitive Health Coach™

  Taryn’s background and road to the “well brain”

• Development of the “Cognitive Health Coach™”

• Process of delivering via H.O.P.E.

The conversation runs about 40 minutes. Let’s listen in 

Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1526-taryn-barlow-the-well-brain-09-24-25/

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

Taryn Barlow -> Cognitive Health Coach™ | The Wellbrain

Phone -> 774-498-9234

emailAddress -> thewellbrainslp@gmail.com 

Website ->  https://thewellbrainslp.com/

LinkedIn profile -> https://www.linkedin.com/in/taryn-barlow-994917208/ 

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

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

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!

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

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

Future topic, with expansion on use of the puzzle pieces, getting Ian Kabat together, he designed the logo with that puzzle in mind, introduced it in 2014 so it has been some years and has aged well