Mitzi gives us the inside view on the event highlights for the Library in September 2026 (audio & video)

FM #1802 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1802x in the series. 

This session shares my conversation with Mitzi Gousie, Programming and Outreach Librarian with the Franklin Public Library. We had our discussion virtually on Saturday, August 22, 2026.

 

We talk about 

• Reviewed the regular open hours, book sale and holiday scheduling for the month

• Sunday hours (1:30 to 5 PM) return on September 13

• Book sale weekend Sep 18 & Sep 19 

• Library event highlights for September 2026

• In calendar order rather than by category this time around

Registration for those events required should be done through the Town website, Library page. There are nefarious folks trying to convince folks otherwise via Facebook. Be safe, use the official Town and Library pages.

The show notes include links to the Library page and to the calendar of events where registration for some of the events is required/recommended.

The recording runs about 19 minutes, so let’s listen in.

Audio link -  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1802-franklin-public-library-sept-2026-event-highlights-08-22-26/

Video link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-wLaLjXquA

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Mitzi Gousie’s email - mgousie@minlib.net 

Franklin Public Library page -  https://www.franklinma.gov/233/Franklin-Public-Library 

Library event calendar - https://www.franklinma.gov/942/Calendar-of-Events 

September 2026 newsletter -  (to be added, still showing the August edition)

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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"

Aging Agenda: Arthur Vigeant (video)

Aging Agenda, a new show on Franklin TV hosted by Tony DaSilva, is a locally produced program that explores the important decisions people can make before and during retirement. In a relaxed interview format, DaSilva speaks with local experts about topics such as retirement timing, finances, taxes, wills and trusts, and ways to make the most out of life after leaving a traditional 8-to-5 career.

In this episode, Tony talks with Arthur Vigeant

• video link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tm6O1M5Ahz0

Attention high schoolers: Participate in this Year's MassDOT Safe Streets Smart Trips High School Video Contest!

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is excited to launch its 13th annual Safe Streets Smart Trips High School Video Contest and we look forward to your students participating!

For the 2026-2027 school year, we are inviting all enrolled Massachusetts public high school students to write and produce a 30-60 second video showcasing safe riding behaviors for electric micromobility devices (e-bikes, e-scooters, etc.). By bringing attention to this growing safety topic, we can help students, families, and community members better understand their role in promoting safe and responsible behaviors.

The video contest will feature two entry categories – a Freshman/Sophomore category and a Junior/Senior category. A grand prize, runner-up, and honorable mention will be selected in each category. Top videos may be used in future MassDOT safety campaigns.

Prize categories:

Grand Prize package – $500 Amazon gift card & sponsor items

Runner-up package – $300 Amazon gift card & sponsor items

Honorable Mention package – Sponsor items

All winners will be announced on October 27, 2026 at MassDOT’s Moving Together Conference. The winners will be featured during one of the conference sessions and the videos will be showcased to a large audience of transportation professionals.  

Please circulate the attached submission guidelines and encourage your students to have fun, be safe, and get creative! There is no limit to the number of students who can participate. All video submissions must be uploaded in the submission form no later than,

October 4, 2026 at 11:00 p.m. Eastern.

We encourage students and school staff to watch our recorded information session. For more contest information, please go to Mass.gov/road-safety-video.

• Download the full contest guidelines
• Access the contest submission form
• Download the contest promotional flyer
• View past winning videos

Frank Presents: Jason Poulos (video)

Frank Falvey sits to talk with Jason Poulos,

candidate for the 4th Congressional District in the September Democratic Primary.

Current video link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kzGolJwaHsg

The first video interview with Frank & Jason - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vtiVLSvBe64

GOOD DEEDS: 2026 Second Quarter Update (video)

Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O’Donnell and Quincy Access Television host Mark Crosby discuss Norfolk County real estate statistics, market trends, and various topics affecting Norfolk County residents.

Here is a link to view the taped production of “GOOD DEEDS: 2026 Second Quarter Update” that aired on QATV: https://www.norfolkdeeds.org/news-event/good-deeds-quarterly-update-q2-2026

Highlights of the program include:

• Real estate statistics comparing the Second Quarter of 2026 to the Second Quarter of 2025
• Housing affordability challenges, mortgage rates, and market conditions affecting homebuyers
• Updates on Norfolk County Registry of Deeds court cases involving Norfolk County government and recent court rulings
• The Registry’s celebration of America’s 250th Anniversary and publication of the book “We Remember America’s 250th Anniversary”
• The Registry’s History Comes Alive Project and the preservation of Norfolk County historic land records
• Preview and discussion on a new QATV documentary on General Sylvanus Thayer, the Braintree native known as the “Father of West Point”

Click the following link to read an article comparing the real estate statistics of the Second Quarter of 2026 to the Second Quarter of 2025 published in The Quincy Sun: https://www.norfolkdeeds.org/wp-content/uploads/2nd-Qtr-stats-The-Quincy-Sun-8-6-26.pdf

To learn more about Registry of Deed’s events and initiatives, like us on Facebook® at facebook.com/NorfolkDeeds or follow us on Twitter® at twitter.com/NorfolkDeeds and Instagram® at Instagram.com/NorfolkDeeds.

The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds is located at 649 High Street in Dedham. The Registry is a resource for homeowners, title examiners, mortgage lenders, municipalities and others with a need for secure, accurate, accessible land record information. All land record research information can be found on the Registry’s website www.norfolkdeeds.org. Residents in need of assistance can contact the Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center via telephone at (781) 461-6101 or email us at registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org.

Joint Budget Subcmte in healthy discussion seems to coalesce on 3 goals (video)

The Joint Budget Subcommittee met as scheduled on Thursday, August 14. 10 of the 11 members were present in Chambers for the session (Grella absent).

Franklin TV video is available for replay - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_PITPcwF6Lg

Meeting agenda - https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08132026-2445 

Quick recap

• TA Jamie Hellen provides a budget update https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/10586/3a-MEMO---FY27-Update-and-Five-Year-Forecast-
• five year forecast more accurate based on the process https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/10582/03b-1-Five-Year-Fiscal-Forecast---Control-Summary-Forecast
• Discussion on goals   https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/10588/04-JBSC-2026-27-Goals
• Consensus developed around three goals;, in my kitchen english wording - (1) education/awareness of the Town finances (2) alignment on the structural deficit for 3 years (3) potential solutions or strategy to resolve such deficit in that time. Additional wordsmithing being done by the committee for review at next session, no date available for next session

My notes captured during the session

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1UzwDKCfD_wh4wmgQdqZDH101egZACz-j/view?usp=drive_link

Town Council votes to approve Town Administrator's contract by 5-4 vote (video)

The Town Council met in Executive Session for more than 4 hours on Wednesday night, August 12, 2026. All 9 Councilors were present in Chambers for this session.

Motion to approve contract, second, passes 5-4

• (5 = yes, LeBlanc, Morrongiello, Dellorco, Cormier-Ledger, Ojukwo and 4 = no, Callaway-Tripp, Grella, Griffith & Molloy) (Note: The TV video did not capture the hands raised.) (Note, it would also have been good for the Council to inform the community of what was in the contract that they wrestled so long with.)

Franklin TV YouTube video - 

 - Part 2 return from Executive Session   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qy8O3CvNhHI

 - Part 1 - open meeting enters Executive Session   https://www.youtube.com/live/KVGmbhOOM_A?&t=132

Agenda doc for this session - https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08122026-2444 

Once Upon A Town: Ray Block (video)

Joe Landry & Scott Mason provide some insights on downtown Franklin focusing on the Ray Block

video link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YmvrPrdW3qM

Why AI Is an Even Bigger Deal Than You Think | Reed Hastings | TED (Video)

"Netflix cofounder and Anthropic board member Reed Hastings joins TED's Sal Khan to give a look inside the race to build AI. 

Hear his take on how the technology could accelerate education — including the possibility of an AI tutor for every student — and reshape the economy faster than anyone expects. 

(Recorded at TED2026 on April 15, 2026)

Video link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5e37ZT3SQbk

t

Understand the Burial Planning Process for your Veteran or Loved One (video)

When a Veteran or their spouse passes away, families often need to make important arrangements quickly. The last thing they should have to worry about is navigating burial benefits on their own. 

Knowing what benefits may be available and the steps to access them can help make that process easier. 

The National Cemetery Administration (NCA) helps families navigate both the burial and memorial benefits Veterans have earned and the process for requesting them. 

Helping Families Navigate Benefits and Next Steps 

Many Veterans have earned burial benefits they may not even know about, including a place in a VA national cemetery or VA grant-funded state, territorial or tribal Veterans cemetery, a headstone or marker, a burial flag, and perpetual gravesite care, all at no cost.  

▶ Watch: Honor Forever: A Guide for Families at Time of Need  video link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zXndT2OpG7g

This video explains:

• Burial benefits available at VA national cemeteries
• The steps families take to plan and schedule a burial at a VA national cemetery
• How VA and funeral directors will help guide families through the process
• Taking a few minutes to watch the video and sharing it with your family can help ensure they understand the benefits available and the steps to take when the time comes.

You can check with the Veterans Service Officer at the Franklin Senior Center

https://www.franklinma.gov/335/Veterans-Services

Jason Poulos explains his stand on key issues (video & audio)

FM #1789 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1789 in the series. 

This session shares my conversation with Jason Poulos, candidate for the 4th Congressional District in the September Democratic Primary. We had our discussion virtually on Monday, July 27, 2026.

 

We talk about 

• Jason’s background and reason to run

We cover issues like

• AI and jobs

• Data center control measures

• Voting rights

• Medicare for all

• Increasing affordable housing

The recording runs about 36 minutes, so let’s listen in.

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1789-jason-poulos-candidate-4th-congressional-district-07-27-26/

Video link - https://youtu.be/9OEsOWF0GkQ

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Jason’s campaign page https://poulos.house/ 

Jason’s position on many issues https://poulos.house/#issues 

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

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"

Aging Boldfully: Dr. Kymberlee O'Brien, Med, PhD (video)

Aging Boldfully is a regular show on Franklin TV's All Access channel hosted by Susan Rohrbach. Dr. Kymberlee O'Brien, Med, PhD was Susan's guest for this recent show.

The show description: 

"Aging Boldfully is about living your next chapter outside of your comfort zone—fully embracing the uniqueness of you.

For many of us, the idea of aging doesn’t appear on our radar until we approach our 60s, when retirement begins to loom. During this time, our attention often narrows to one critical goal: ensuring financial independence. While that focus is important, it can distract us from an equally vital question: What am I going to do with the rest of my life? 

Each of our journeys is unique. Rather than clinging to the tired concept of “retirement,” we have the chance to rethink and redesign this new chapter. What will life look like now that we are the CEO of our own story? 

Aging Boldfully will explore the themes that matter most as we step into this phase—purpose, relevance, resilience, physical health, mental well-being, intentional living, and mindfulness. It will showcase members of our community who are finding meaning, living with purpose, and overcoming obstacles—real examples of what it means to age not just gracefully, but boldfully."

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

Design Review Commission meeting - July 21, 2026 (video)

The Design Review Commission looks at signs for a new “Fresh Monkee” food oriented business which will apparently bring “Truly Healthy Shakes” according to the sign up for review. More importantly, the Design Review also gives us an initial view of the proposal to replace the Depot Plaza building. The site plan and architectural renderings of the proposal can be found as links in the agenda document.

Agenda: https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_07212026-2419

Video link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RepDJD1j44s

Thanks to the Department of Planning and Community Development for sharing the video.

Aging Agenda: Brian Maxfield, CFP (video)

Aging Agenda, a brand-new Franklin TV program offers practical conversations on life after 60.

Life after 60 does not have to mean scaling back dreams. It can be a time to choose new experiences, make thoughtful plans, and move confidently into the next chapter of life.

Aging Agenda, a brand-new show on Franklin TV hosted by Tony DaSilva, is a locally produced program that explores the important decisions people can make before and during retirement. In a relaxed interview format, DaSilva speaks with local experts about topics such as retirement timing, finances, taxes, wills and trusts, and ways to make the most out of life after leaving a traditional 8-to-5 career.

Tony talks with Brian Maxfield, CFP

Video link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NXTYChTbE-c

Frank Presents: Bob Jubinville (video)

Frank Falvey interviews Bob Jubinville one of the 7 candidates in the Democratic State Primary competing for the Norfolk County Ditrict Attorney.

Video link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bg8KlpKhxl0

Mitzi and I talk about the Library event highlights for August 2026 (video & audio)

FM #1785 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1785 in the series. 

This session shares my conversation with Mitzi Gousie, Programming and Outreach Librarian with the Franklin Public Library. We had our discussion virtually on Tuesday, July 21, 2026.

 

We talk about 

• Reviewed the regular open hours, book sale and holiday scheduling for the month

• Book sale weekend Aug 14 & Aug 15 

• Library events for August 2026

• In calendar order rather than by category this time around

Registration for those events required should be done through the Town website, Library page. There are nefarious folks trying to convince folks otherwise via Facebook. Be safe, use the official Town and Library pages.

The show notes include links to the Library page and to the calendar of events where registration for some of the events is required/recommended.

The recording runs about 31 minutes, so let’s listen in.

Audio link -  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1785-franklin-ma-library-events-for-august-2026-07-21-26/

Video link - https://youtu.be/E-jp8MOjcxM

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

Mitzi Gousie’s email - mgousie@minlib.net 

Franklin Public Library page -  https://www.franklinma.gov/233/Franklin-Public-Library 

Library event calendar - https://www.franklinma.gov/942/Calendar-of-Events 

August 2026 newsletter -  https://myemail.constantcontact.com/August-2026-Franklin-Public-Library-News---Events.html?soid=1142311312837&aid=5J_z2wkCZcU 

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

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"