Lauren makes the case for how Brightlight Business Co can help (audio)

FM #1722 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1722 in the series. 

Brightlight Business Co

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Lauren Mottley, owner of Brightlight Business Co. We had our conversation in person at the Franklin TV & Radio Studios on Monday, April 20, 2026. 

We cover the following topics

• Lauren’s “Franklin story”

• How the “Brightlight” name came to be

• How the company is positioned to help

• How to get started

The conversation runs about 41 minutes. Let’s listen in

Audio - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1722-brightlight-business-co-04-20-26/

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Brightlight Business Co - https://brightlightbusinessco.com/ 

Brightlight business LinkedIn page - linkedin.com/company/brightlight-business-co 

Brightlight Instagram page - https://www.instagram.com/brightlight_businessco/ 

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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"

Beaver St. Interceptor Project: Construction Updates ~ Sunday (4/12) Through Friday (4/17)

RT. 140 (West Central Street) Lane Closure Alert: Sunday Night (4/12) through Thursday Morning (4/16), 7 PM to 5 AM and Friday (4/17) 7 AM to 3 PM

The Contractor will continue installing the sewer force main within RT. 140 (West Central Street). The work will be contained within the southbound lane from Burger King to Beaver Street. During this time there will be evening lane closures on RT. 140. Please use caution when traveling in this area and follow all posted signs.

Beaver Street Pump Station

At the Franklin Recreation Center, construction of the new Beaver Street Interceptor Pump Station will continue with the installation and testing of internal building components and pumps.  Access to the recreation center will NOT be affected during this time.

For additional info visit the project page - https://franklinma.gov/557/Beaver-Street-Interceptor-BSI-Project

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm Schedule for Wednesday, November 19, 2025

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. 

It is available anywhere, anytime at wfpr.fm or in the local Franklin, MA area at 102.9 on the FM dial.

Tune in to listen to the following:

 

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm Schedule for Wednesday

8:00 AM, 1:00 PM and 6:00 PM   Franklin Matters Radio – Steve Sherlock 

Franklin and its local government, services and events  (repeats Saturday at 2 PM)  

• This segment shares my conversation with Town of Franklin’s Water/Sewer Superintendent, Doug Martin, and Assistant Superintendent, Jake Standley to get an update on DPW Water & Sewer projects  ->   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/10/doug-jake-provide-updates-on-sewer.html

9:00 AM, 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM  The Wonderful World of Wine – Mark Lenzi, Kim Simone  All about wine, its culture, lore and finer points.    (repeats Saturday at 1 PM)  

• This segment features Kim & Mark in Episode 302 talking with "The Umami King Tim Hanni MW"  ->   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/11/the-wonderful-world-of-wine-www-episode.html

Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf 

Community Preservation Committee Meeting - Agenda for May 5, 2025

Community Preservation Committee Meeting
Agenda & Meeting Packet
May 5, 2025 = 7:00 PM

Agenda: (revised)

1. Approval of Minutes
a. August 20, 2024

b. December 18, 2024

2. 2025 (FY26 Budget) Annual Public Hearing

a. Anyone may suggest a Community Preservation Act project.
b. To file a suggestion, idea or proposal, please visit our online permitting
system, or attend in person and make a suggestion. Legal review is required through the Town Attorney for eligibility.
c. All ideas are welcome via online, in person or a simple email to the Town Administrator at jhellen@franklinma.gov

3. FY26 Proposed Budget & CPA Update

a. Overall Budget Update
b. Current Project updates
c. FY26 Budget Approval - Resolution 25-25
d. FY26 Project Slate - Resolution 25-26

i. Schmidt Farm Debt/Interest - $323,750
ii. Maple Hill Debt/Interest - $252,818
iii. School Playgrounds (Redistricting) - $181,623
iv. Open Space & Recreation Plan Supplement - $14,600
v. Sports Fields Wall Padding Replacement - $40,000
vi. Repair 1949 Fire Engine - $20,000
vii. Library Historic Hall Repairs - $80,000

e. FY26 Project - Resolution 25-27
i. Franklin United Methodist Church - $105,245

4. Set a date for October 2025 meeting

5. Adjourn
 

Agenda doc also contains remote participation info -> 
https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05052025-1717

 

cupola at the Franklin Historical Museum

 

Discussion on curriculum, middle school math, and universal design for Franklin Schools (audio)

FM #1402 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1402 in the series. 

This session shares my conversation with Dr. Tina Rogers, Assistant Superintendent for Teaching & Learning; Dr. Timothy Frazier, Director of Curriculum ELA & SS; and Eric Stark, Director of Curriculum STEM. We had our discussion in person in the Franklin Public Schools Central District offices on Thursday, March 6, 2025. 

 

We cover 

• Middle School math curriculum changes

• Universal design, and tiered support

• Overall curriculum evaluation plan and processes

• Excitement of synergies coming with the redistricting

The recording runs about 50 minutes, so let’s listen in. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1402-franklin-public-schools-curriculum-disucssion-03-06-25/

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Teaching & Learning contact information

https://www.franklinps.net/page/teaching-and-learning

The Middle School math update presentation to the School Committee Jan 28, 2025

https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/5247238/January_28__2025_MS_Math_Update_to_SC_for_Website.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

• 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"

Discussion on curriculum, middle school math, and universal design for Franklin Schools (audio)

Beaver Street Interceptor (BSI) Project Construction Update for the Week of March 3

Monday (3/3) through Friday (3/7): The construction crew will be conducting the jack and bore trenchless installation of the new sewer under Rte. 140. The work will be occurring off the road at 38 Pond St. and within the Franklin Village Mall area. No traffic impacts are expected.

Construction Update for the Week of March 3

At the Franklin Recreation Center, the construction of the new Beaver Street Interceptor Pump Station will continue with removal of formwork, damp proofing of the concrete and backfilling of the structure.

Please reference the interactive map and posted signs for details and updates.

We appreciate the public's continued support and understanding and will continue to communicate regularly via social media, our dedicated email list, and the construction map as work progresses.

Interactive map ->  https://apexmapping.maps.arcgis.com/apps/instant/sidebar/index.html?appid=8aa942ac0c4c4942826c3bf83ef253ae

Beaver St Interceptor (BSI) Project page -> https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/557/Beaver-Street-Interceptor-BSI-Project'

Police Station Building Commitee gets an update from the Project team and starts to set dates for site visits (video)

The Police Station Building Commitee held it's first meeting of 2025 on Tuesday, February 25, 2025. 

I did watch about half the meeting via the video play. Four members of the project team of CHA and Kaestle Boos Associates were present for the meeting and discussion. They provided updates on the overall timeline, process, discussion around sites visits (dated to be determined), open houses to be scheduled (to enable walk through of the current facility). They presented a draft of the website to be used to share the project status. 

I had met with the Chief and Deputy Chief on Monday to do a walk trhough of the facility and begin planning for a video tour and production of other digital media information.

Franklin TV video for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IWC6PbFTu0s

Agenda doc ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02252025-1601

Police Station Building Committee Agenda for Feb 25 meeting at 7 PM

Police Station Building Committee Agenda for Feb 25 meeting at 7 PM

Police Station Building Committee

Agenda & Meeting Packet

February 25, 2025 = 7:00 PM

Agenda:

1. Introduction of CHA and Kaestle Boos Associates Team

a. The project team will do introductions

2. Launch the project website

a. The project team will walk through the new project specific website

3. Presentation and discussion on the site evaluation process and preliminary timeline

a. The project team will give a presentation on the project timeline, process, community outreach, open houses and site evaluation process.

4. Adjourn

Agenda doc also contains remote participation info ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02252025-1601

Police Station Building Committee Agenda for Feb 25 meeting at 7 PM

Sewer Lining Project work scheduled along Pine St, Mary Anne Dr & Stanwood Dr

"Phase 8 - Sewer Lining Project Starts Monday November 25th.

You will see National Watermain trucks conducting cleaning and CCTV inspection of the sewer lines on the following streets on 11/25 & 11/26 and 12/2 thru 12/6 :

Sewer Lining Project along Pine St, Mary Anne Dr & Stanwood Dr

• Pine Street (Pond St to Town of Bellingham Line)
• Mary Anne Drive
• Stanwood Drive

During this part of the lining there will be minimal disruption to sewer service. If you experience any issues please call the DPW at 508-553-5500.

The crew will then be back out in the same locations starting in early January to conduct the sewer main lining work. This work will help to improve the structural integrity of our sewer system and reduce groundwater intrusion which reduces our bill from the Charles River Pollution Control District"

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/18ZeMG8AwJ/

Dean College Humanities in Action Initiative restore gravestones in the Franklin community (video)

Dean College (@DeanCollege) posted:

Last fall, students and community volunteers gathered to restore gravestones in the Franklin community through our Humanities in Action Initiative. 

Check out the feature by DeanTV. We're looking forward to holding this event again this weekend! https://t.co/ZopsMzCgM7

Dean College Humanities in Action Initiative restore gravestones in the Franklin community

Shared from -> https://x.com/DeanCollege/status/1841553107391811846

Beaver Street Interceptor Project: Construction update for week of Aug 26 - Aug 30, 2024

Beaver Street Interceptor (BSI) Project

 

Beaver Street Interceptor (BSI) Project

 BSI Construction Update for the Week of August 26!

Monday (8/26) - Friday (8/30) the construction crew will be working on Grove Street from Rt. 140 south towards the MBTA train tracks between the hours of 7am - 4pm. There will be limited lane closures on Grove Street during this time. Please follow posted detour signs for directions.

At the Franklin Recreation Center, the construction of the new Beaver Street Interceptor Pump Station will continue with excavation to get the final grade depth for the pump station foundation. 

Please reference the interactive map below and posted signs for details and updates.

Beaver Street Interceptor Project: Construction update for week of Aug 26 - Aug 30, 2024

We appreciate the public's continued support and understanding and will
continue to communicate regularly via social media, our dedicated email list, and the construction map below as work progresses.

BEAVER STREET INTERCEPTOR HOTLINE: 508-553-5526
(PLEASE LEAVE A MESSAGE AND WE WILL RETURN YOUR CALL)
EMAIL: BSI-info@franklinma.gov 

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/water-sewer-division/pages/beaver-street-interceptor-project

Police Station Building Cmte agrees on RFP for the OPM, discusses timeline for selection (audio)

FM #1143 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1143 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Police Station Building Cmte Meeting held on Wednesday, January 24, 2023.4

Quick recap:

• Police Station Bldg Cmte meeting underway. M D'Angelo provides an overview of the Owner Project Manager (OPM). The request for proposal (RFP) for the OPM is the doc before the group to review and discuss tonight.

• The OPM really runs the project and is required by Mass Genl Law for projects of this size. The OPM responsibility list is more than a page of single spaced bullet items

• Submittals from the firms are usually interesting but the interview is key to determine who is most qualified to do the work. Example given of a firm that had done 1 specific project, another had done a few, the last one had more than 20. That experience can be key

• The initial response is a non price proposal, first you want qualifications, then you can work on a price. FHS OPM was the 3rd choice actually and did a good job ultimately.

• Chair Mercer reminds group to get to find out the team of individuals that the OPM form would bring to work on this. The firm maybe good but if they bring in a newbie to the firm it may not be so good.

• Meetings identified but with 3 public is it enough to cover the meetings with the committee? Change orders are key to keeping within the budget and there may be a few meetings involved to do that.

• Site visits? To consider prior work? Yes, as we get to the architect

• Setting some proprietary requirements (like common HVAC, locks, etc.) Helps with the overall maintenance and long term reduces cost of maintenance, folks already know of the component, minimum training required too

• Discussion on use of a 4 vs. 3 week period for firms to prepare. Discussion on the timing of notifications (central register), Feb 7 to March 7, interviews on Tuesday March 12. Feb 15 for a listening session, at the current station.

• Meeting adjourned with unanimous vote

The recording runs about an hour, so let’s listen to the Police Station Building Cmte Meeting of January 24, 2024. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1143-police-station-building-cmte-mtg-01-24-24

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Review of Owner’s Project Manager (OPM) Request for Qualifications (RFQ)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/draft_rfq_for_police_opm.pdf

Agenda doc    https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/2024-01-24_police_station_building_committee_agenda.pdf  

Committee page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/police-station-building-committee 

Franklin TV video link -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MPfLlqC_PXA

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

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"

Police Station Building Committee - Agenda for meeting - Jan 24, 2024 at 7 PM