Providing accurate and timely information about what matters in Franklin, MA since 2007. * Working in collaboration with Franklin TV and Radio (wfpr.fm) since October 2019 *
Wednesday, April 29, 2026
Early Bird Discounts fly away on May 1 for Lifelong Learning Summer Programs
Saturday, April 4, 2026
Monday, February 2, 2026
Check out the "Lean In Girls" Program on Thursdays at the Children's Museum of Franklin
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| Check out the "Lean In Girls" Program on Thursdays at the Children's Museum of Franklin |
Register online ->
Childrensmuseumfranklin.org/lean-in-girls
Tuesday, January 20, 2026
Audio recording of the January 13, 2026 Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting in 3 parts (audio)
FM #1635-36-37 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, numbers 1635-36-37 in the series.
This session shares part of the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, January 13, 2026. The Council held this session as scheduled beginning at 7 PM. All 7 members participated for this 4 hour plus session.
1635 - covers the opening, Citizen comments, and everything else except (approx. 1 hour 28 mins)
FHS Program of Studies discussion (see 1636)
Teaching & Learning presentation & discussion (see 1637)
1636 - segment from the meeting covering the FHS Program of Studies (approx. 51 mins)
1637 - segment from the meeting Teaching & Learning presentation & discussion (approx. 2 hrs. 3 mins)
Audio 1635 https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1635-fps-sch-cmte-mtg-p1-of-3-01-13-26/
Audio 1636 https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1636-fps-sch-cmte-mtg-p2-of-3-01-13-26/
Audio 1637 https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1637-fps-sch-cmte-mtg-p3-of-3-01-13-26/
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Additional notes on the meeting recap can be found ->
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/01/school-committee-approves-trip-program.html
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| audio segment 1635 has this portion of the meeting |
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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"
Thursday, January 15, 2026
School Committee approves trip, program of studies, & hears updates on Teaching Learning, childcare (video)
II. Guests/Presentations
A. FHS Galapagos Field Trip
_SC Galapagos Presentation https://files-backend.assets.thrillshare.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/Fpsd/5fadd50c-2e04-4b19-8e85-df8622bc8aa8/Discussion_Action_A_-_Galapagos_Islands_Trip.pdf?disposition=inline
B. FHS 2026-27 Program of Studies Update – Dr. Weber
2026-27 FHS Program of Studies Presentation https://files-backend.assets.thrillshare.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/Fpsd/9b101140-9f6a-41fe-aed3-7049f5df6797/2026-27-FHS-Program-of-Studies-Presentation.pdf?disposition=inline
C. Office of Teaching & Learning District Assessment Presentation – Dr. Rogers
Final January 2026 Assessment Presentation https://files-backend.assets.thrillshare.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/Fpsd/f93932c6-c93c-4de1-94be-d429f0ef6199/Final-January-2026-Assessment-Presentation.pdf?disposition=inline
D. Franklin Childcare Presentation – Patty Gay
FPS Child Care Presentation 1_13_2026 https://files-backend.assets.thrillshare.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/Fpsd/05d7d3a4-1581-482d-8807-b0fe22ba8d87/FPS-Child-Care-Presentation-1_13_2026.pdf?disposition=inline
- The Galapagos trip presentation -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/amcYuXHUxJfRbu6Y7
- The FHS Program of Studies -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/p5zRxxEXyke76hV66
- Teaching & Learning update -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/LotQq5wCQJ8qJmUy9
- Little Solutions Childcare update -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/JoMPxdB2v7a2TMV26
Monday, September 1, 2025
USA Facts lays out what programs immigrants are eligible for (chart)
Recent laws (including the One Big Beautiful Bill) have limited some immigrants’ access to government programs — but which ones, and for whom?
We broke it down in a new table to help make sense of this complicated system.
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| USA Facts lays out what programs immigrants are eligible for (chart) |
The USA Facts page has an interactive chart, scroll over it to get additional info ->
Sunday, August 24, 2025
Franklin Recreation: Preschool Programs Are Back! Registration is Open !!!
- Young Artists & Little Science Seekers – creative fun + hands-on learning
- First Friends & More Fun with Friends – great first steps into independence and play
Themed Drop-Off Classes – crafts, songs, games, and seasonal fun each week
https://franklinma.myrec.com/info/activities/default.aspx - Sports for Tots (NEW!) – try a different sport every week in a supportive, active setting
- Tykes Hikes (NEW!) – outdoor adventures, story strolls, and animal fun on the trails
Spots are limited — don’t wait!
Wednesday, March 5, 2025
Franklin TV schedule for Wednesday, March 5, 2025
Franklin All Access TV - Our Public Access Channel (Comcast 6, Verizon 26) = WEDNESDAY
Franklin Pride TV - Our Educational Channel (Comcast 8, Verizon 28) = WEDNESDAY
Franklin Town Hall TV - Our Government Channel (Comcast 9, Verizon 29) = WEDNESDAY
Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf
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| Watch Listen Read all things that matter in Franklin MA |
Sunday, March 2, 2025
Creative Corner Arts Studio: Upcoming Events & Classes
The Summer Program has new exciting themes with our new team. Registration is now open for all our summer sessions. Programs are offered Monday - Friday for Ages 6-11 from 8:30 AM - 12 PM and Teens Ages 12-16 from 1 PM - 4 PM. We will also offer Half Day Sessions in June for the FPS half days.
We are now hosting Thursday Night with the Arts at Birchwood Bakery Monthly. This is an opportunity for adult community members to tap into their creative side. Our next event will be Thursday, March 27th 5:30-8:00 PM. We will be doing acrylic paint on canvas with a local artist.
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| Thursday Night with the Arts |
Cost is $65 which includes an up to 10 minute reading with nationally known medium Maria Saganis.
After School Creative Club Servicing both Elementary Schools in Franklin for the 2025-2026 school year. After School Art Programs with Transportation Options to and from the Franklin Elementary Schools. Registration is now open with limited enrollment.
We offer Friday Open Studio Nights for Teens ages 13-17 from 4-6 PM.
We host Birthday Parties, Corporate and Family Events in our creative space.
Register for programs at: www.
Thursday, February 6, 2025
Board of Health designates agent for Tobacco control & appoints alternate for Metacomet Health (audio)
FM #1372 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1372 the series.
This session of the radio show shares the Town of Franklin Board of Health Meeting held on Wednesday, February 5, 2024. The meeting agenda listed it being conducted via Google meet. However, the 2 members of the Board (Harris, Mu-Chow) (1 absent - Sweet) and Health Dept members apparently were present together.
Quick Recap:
Discussion on designation of Mass Health Office Association (MHOA) as the tobacco control agent for the town. Motion approved by 2-0 vote via roll call
Discussion on the new MEtacomet Advisory Board oversight board and need to appoint an alternate contact in addition to Director Liberty. Motion made to appoint Kerry McKay as advisory board alternate board member and approved 2-0
Healthy brains program for 2025. Kick off with a podcast to be scheduled. Increase awareness, provide resources, in advance of the onset of dementia and other brain afflictions. Focus initially at the Senior Center, Housing Authority, & Library. SAFE Coalition is close to getting their ‘mega brain’ display which can be walked through. Simulation dementia experience via hospital. Training possible for wait staff to assist with making that restaurant ordering process a less stressful experience
Health agent report, monthly training completed
COVID tests still available via the Health nurse at Senior Center, call to arrange pickup. Flu season; 80% of the cases occurred during January (folks actually getting tested, so still likely an undercount)
Steve chimed in that he had a contact for the brain program will send info to Cathleen. Also the agenda doc link for the meeting was not clickable, it could be copied but wasn’t clickable
Motion to adjourn, second, passes 2-0-1 (1 absent)
The meeting runs about 26 minutes. Let’s listen to the Board of Health meeting Feb 5, 2025. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1372-franklin-ma-board-of-health-mtg-02-05-25/
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The Board of Health agenda can be found ->
https://franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02052025-1543
--------------
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"










