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"

SchCmte Chair Paul Griffith helps condense and elaborate on what happened at the SchCmte Mtg of Nov 18, 2025 (audio)

FM #1587 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1587 in the series. 

This session shares my conversation with the new Chair of the School Committee Paul Griffith.  We had our discussion via Zoom on Thursday, November 20, 2025. We condense and get into the explanations behind the key items from the recent School Committee meeting Nov 18.

Quick recap:

• Supt Giguere opens the session, solicits nominations for Chair. 

• One made by Callaghan for Griffith. Vote on the nomination passes 7-0

• Nominations asked for Vice Chair. One made, Griffith nominates Callaghan. Vote on the nomination passes 7-0

• Pledge students from the Washington 3-5 school. 5 students in one class had originated in one of the other 5 elementary schools

• Policy - 2nd Reading/Adoption. Superintendent recommends adoption of the following policies as discussed: 

• IKF - Graduation Requirements

• IKFE - Competency Determinations

• Discussion on the adjustments to the grad requirements and competency which fine tuned the language for clarity. Moved to accept as discussed, passes 7-0

• Discussion Only Items, informational for new members and for the weather as winter approaches for all

• A. Inclement Weather Notice

• B. Review of District/Superintendent’s Goals

• C. ACCEPT Quarterly Update

• Spent time on the rationale and objectives for each of the subcommittees or liaisons for the SchCmte to assist the new members as which ones to select. Chair will make alignment and reveal for next meeting so they can begin scheduling meetings as needed

• The importance of the MASC Workshop providing the first hour of training on the do's and don't of a School Committee member

Our conversation runs about 40 minutes. Let’s listen

Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1587-chalkboard-chat-11-20-25/

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

SchCmte Chair Paul Griffith helps condense and elaborate
on what happened at the SchCmte Mtg of Nov 18, 2025 (audio)

School Committee page (with contact info) ->  https://www.franklinps.net/o/fpsd/page/school-committee 

School Committee newsletter with brief biographical info on the 7 members in addition to other school news -> https://5il.co/3sh1v 

Franklin TV video of the Nov 18 meeting is available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ea9CmNWJI1s 

The agenda doc can be found ->  https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/6138802/SCAGENDA11-18-25.pdf  

The meeting packet folder with other docs released for this session ->

https://www.franklinps.net/documents/departments/school-committee/meeting-packets/2025---26-meeting-packets/november-18%2C-2025-sc-meeting-packet/862192 

My notes in one PDF -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xlF11yc5sLUZBOhYoY_95dGb6zI68i0e/view?usp=drive_link 

Pictures captured during the session are in one photo album -> 

https://photos.app.goo.gl/TKFnfsbkzprJ5xSj9

 

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

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"

Franklin Fire Dept gets training on thermal imaging

Franklin Fire Dept gets training on thermal imaging

Franklin Fire (@FranklinMAfire) posted Fri, Oct 24, 2025:

This week each group received an in depth presentation on thermal imagers by Bob Athanas from Safe-IR.

Shared from -> https://t.co/F8TUirqtx7

Franklin Fire Dept announce receipt of FEMA grant for training

Franklin Fire Dept announce receipt of FEMA grant for training

Franklin Fire (@FranklinMAfire) posted Mon, Sep 29, 2025:

The Franklin Fire Department is pleased to announce that we have been awarded a $119,023.63 grant through the @fema Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program.  These funds will be used for training. 

shared from -> https://t.co/wXM6oLTbq4

Franklin Fire Dept hosts technical rescue training

Franklin Fire hosted a technical rescue training drill today (07/21/25) at Indian Rock in town. We were joined by our peers from Bellingham and Millis Fire Departments.

These collaborative trainings ensure that when low-frequency, high-risk technical rescue incidents occur, your local fire department’s are skilled, equipped, and ready to respond.

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/DMYnIkZyHJZ/

Breanna Atwood offers goal keeper training

Breanna Atwood offers goal keeper training 

Breanna Atwood offers goal keeper training 

"Hi everyone!  

I’m offering one-on-one and small group goalkeeper training this summer and into the fall.  

I just recently graduated from The University of Southern Maine where I was apart of the women’s soccer team for my whole college career.  

If you’re interested don’t hesitate to message me for further details!"

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1AxF5RNcJB/

MasterPeace Service Dog Graduation - June 14, 2025 (video)

Part of Corey Silva's remarks at the MasterPeace Service Dog Graduation on Saturday, June 14

"Mike Masters, affectionately known as “The DogFather,” co-founded MasterPeace Dog Training in Franklin with his wife Fran in 2001. What they envisioned as a fun ten-year retirement project became so much more. Mike was a passionate dog owner, trainer, and competitor—most notably with his service dog Paxton, a Spinone Italiano. His passing was a tremendous loss to both the service and agility dog communities.

Dogs adored Mike, and the feeling was mutual. He began teaching agility in the 1990s, when the sport was just beginning in the U.S. Many top competitors holding multiple MACH titles began their journey with Mike’s guidance.

Even more remarkably, Mike was training his own service dogs as far back as the early 1980s—long before service dogs were widely understood or accepted. In one memorable story, he removed himself from his wheelchair and crawled up a flight of stairs to show a skeptical landlord why his service dog, Mariah, was essential for operating the elevator.

After Mariah, Mike went on to self-train two more Golden Retrievers and Paxton, his “heart dog.” He also helped many others with disabilities train their own service dogs here at MasterPeace. His legacy lives on today through the MasterPeace Service Dog Program.

So while I never got to meet Mike, I became a part of his community here. I built my own service dog curriculum from everything I could find—books, mentors, experience. I leaned on the knowledgeable trainers around me, especially Kelly Taylor, who teaches many popular classes on Saturday mornings. That work led to a conversation with Fran and Patty about creating a formal program for owner-trainers here at MasterPeace.

Mike has been the spiritual mentor and inspiration that guided this program into existence. 

Today we celebrate the achievements of two service dog teams.

Grisel and Luna

You’ve worked with me diligently over the last two years—even before this program officially launched. Luna’s service dog tasks include deep pressure therapy, interrupting repetitive behaviors, retrieving medication with water, and bringing her leash. Together, you’ve earned the AKC Canine Good Citizen, the MasterPeace Home Helpmate title, and passed the MasterPeace Public Access Test. My favorite of Luna’s accomplishments, however, was watching her overcome her fear of automatic doors and loud noises through countless training sessions at Stop & Shop and Forge Park Station.

Isabel and Nalah

You’ve worked so hard over these last two years and were among the first to attend our inaugural Service Dog 101 Workshop. Nalah’s service dog tasks include deep pressure therapy, retrieving medication with water, and her leash, and locating a seat for you. Together, you’ve also earned the AKC Canine Good Citizen, the MasterPeace Home Helpmate title, and passed the MasterPeace Public Access Test. Nalah is our first nosework dog turned service dog—a transition made possible by the beautiful bond you two share. I hope she inspires more teams to follow that path.

To conclude, I want to say how special it has been for me to witness owner trainers train their own service dogs. I’ve learned firsthand that the act of training your own service dog is therapeutic in itself. The bond that forms through that process is like nothing else.

I often liken dog training to a passage from one of my favorite books, The Little Prince. In it, the prince tames a wild fox, and the fox says:

“To me, you are still nothing more than a little boy who is just like a hundred thousand other little boys. And I have no need of you. And you, on your part, have no need of me. To you, I am nothing more than a fox like a hundred thousand other foxes. But if you tame me, then we shall need each other. To me, you will be unique in all the world. To you, I shall be unique in all the world…”

The bonds you’ve built with your dogs here at MasterPeace are just that—unique in all the world."

Video link ->  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pWy8wl0hvsY

Additional photos of the event at MasterPeace -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/e8bkJJxau2s2YH527

Service Dog Graduation Ceremony - Saturday, June 14 - MasterPeace Dog Training

Service Dog Graduation Ceremony -
Saturday, June 14 - MasterPeace Dog Training

This Saturday, June 14 at 11:30 AM, MasterPeace Dog Training will be hosting its first-ever Service Dog Graduation Ceremony. We’ll be celebrating the incredible journey of our first two graduates, Luna and Nalah, who have completed over two years of intensive training and are now fully certified service dogs.

This event also commemorates the life and legacy of Mike Masters the co-founder of MasterPeace Dog Training who was a disabled man with a service dog. This ceremony marks the 10th anniversary of his passing, and we are honored to dedicate it in his memory.

Franklin area firefighters conduct specialized technical rescue drill

specialized technical rescue drill 

On Monday, your Franklin Firefighters teamed up with our peers from the Franklin Water Department, the Plainville and Millis Fire Departments to conduct a specialized technical rescue drill at the Grove Street Water treatment building. 

These drills and interagency collaborations allow us to be better prepared to protect the community through our all-hazards emergency response skillset. 

Thank you to The Franklin Water Department for hosting us! It was a very successful training drill.

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/DHdqAR6MPuf/

Fire Dept gets hands-on “Man vs Machine” training via FEMA grant

“Man vs Machine” training via FEMA grant

"We would like to give a huge thank you to @pl_vulcan_fire_training for coming out and providing an excellent hands-on “Man vs Machine” training for all 4 groups this week. 

Members learned various methods for removing rings, extricating victims from under vehicles, impalements, and much more.

We are also pleased to report that this training was 100% funded by a grant awarded from @fema"

 

You can also view additional photos of this training at ->   https://www.instagram.com/p/DHEi4s2yAGb/

The Guardian: "Trump administration cancels classes at National Fire Academy amid funding freeze"

"The country’s pre-eminent federal fire training academy canceled classes, effective immediately, on Saturday amid the ongoing flurry of funding freezes and staffing cuts by Donald Trump’s administration.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency announced that National Fire Academy (NFA) courses had been canceled amid a “process of evaluating agency programs and spending to ensure alignment with Administration priorities”, according to a notice sent to instructors, students and fire departments. Instructors were told to cancel all future travel until further notice.

Firefighters, emergency medical service providers and other first responders from across the country travel to the NFA’s Maryland campus for the federally funded institution’s free training programs.

“The NFA is a powerhouse for the fire service,” said Marc Bashoor, a former Maryland fire chief and West Virginia emergency services director with 44 years of fire safety experience. “It’s not a ‘nice to have’. It is the one avenue we have to bring people from all over the country to learn from and with each other. If we want to continue to have one of the premier fire services in the world, we need to have the National Fire Academy.”

Shared from (subscription maybe required) -> https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/mar/08/trump-administration-national-fire-academy