Mitzi shares the Franklin Library event highlights for Nov 2026 (audio/video)

This session shares my conversation with Mitzi Gousie, Programming and Outreach Librarian with the Franklin Public Library. We had our discussion virtually on Tuesday, October 20, 2026. We talk about

The regular open hours, book sale and holiday scheduling for the month - Sunday hours (1:30 to 5 PM) returned in September - Book sale weekend Nov 20 & Nov 21 - Closed on Nov 11 for Veterans Day - Closing early Weds, Nov 25 (2:30pm) - Closed Thursday, Nov 26 for Thanksgiving
Library event highlights for November 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 21 minutes, so let’s listen in.

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1847-franklin-public-library-nov2026-event-highlights-10-20-26/

Video link - https://youtu.be/BkPn6n7mx_U

-------------- 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 November 2026 newsletter - https://myemail.constantcontact.com/November-2026-Franklin-Public-Library-News---Events.html?soid=1142311312837&aid=HAqVzsO_rY0 ------------- 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"

FHS football tops Taunton on Friday (video)

Via Instagram, Franklin TV, and our subscription to HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the Fall sports competition for Franklin High School on Friday, October 30, 2026.

Football = Franklin, 21 @ Taunton, 12 – Final

1st Quarter: (F) Owen Essam 6-yard rush, Owen Webster XP good; (F) O. Essam 2-yard rush, O. Webster XP good.

2nd Quarter: (F) O. Essam 26-yard interception return, O. Webster XP good; (T) Evan Kane 17-yard pass to Michael Braxton III, XP blocked.

3rd Quarter: (T) E. Kane 10-yard pass to Derek George, two-point rush failed.

4th Quarter: No scoring.

Franklin TV video available for replay - 

https://www.youtube.com/live/xPF4fQxaaL8?&t=644

For other results across the Hockomock League (subscription required)

https://hockomocksports.com/fridays-schedule-scoreboard-10-30-26/

FHS Panther sports results shared via Twitter & subscription to HockomockSports.com

Town Clerk Nancy Danello talks with Liz Harkins at the Library about the State Election Nov 3, 2026 (video)

Liz Harkins, Executive Director for Franklin TV met with Town Clerk Nancy Danello at the Franklin Public Library early in October to find out about the State election coming up Nov 3, 2026.

Thanks to Mitzi Gousie, Programing and Outreach Coordinator at the Library for hosting this event.

Video link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=05ktQgEuqS4

Visit the Town Clerk's page for additional election info

https://www.franklinma.gov/333/Town-Clerk-Elections-Division

School Committee gets updates on Franklin TV, Oct 1 enrollment, approves FHS student trip to Greece in 2028 (video)

The Franklin School Committee met as scheduled on Tuesday, October 27, 2026. 5 of the 7 members were present in Council Chambers, 2 absent (O'Sullivan, Karunakaran).

Franklin TV video is available fro replay - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EShcxo9UUCw

The agenda document can be found - https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10272026-2581

Quick recap:

• Presentation by Franklin TV's new Executive Director, Liz Harkins. Photos of the presentation in one album https://photos.app.goo.gl/7q258GY4iAQTGcbq5
• Presentation on proposed high school trip to Greece in 2028 (approved later in the meeting). Photos of the presentation in one album https://photos.app.goo.gl/3jJzPgUFzV1FsrGf6
• Policy ECAB Access to Buildings & Grounds moved to second reading as discussed. motion to approve, second, passes 5-0-2 (2 absent)
• the Oct 1, 2026 enrollment report and discussion    https://photos.app.goo.gl/gPpPP37KQVtYHXc59
• meeting change from May 11 to May 4, 2027, presentation on Horace Mann coincidentally on HM birthday; policy subcommittee also moves from May 11 to May 4
• Entered Executive Session for contract negotiation, did return and approved the addition of Applied Behavioral Analyst (ABA) Tutors to the ESP contract; vote on the motion 5-0-2 (2 absent)

My notes from this session in one PDF - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xlmiR4mJG0SM5ybaiv14_mEMqqy3TUAQ/view?usp=drive_link

Finance Committee gets insights on the enterprise funds & approves fiscal policy revision (video)

The Franklin (MA) Finance Committee met as scheduled on Wednesday, Oct 21 in Council Chambers. All 9 members participated, 1 remotely.

Franklin TV for replay - https://www.youtube.com/live/6TyCyxQt1cw?si=CGwvJ7CY9zKzCm2L&t=219

The agenda for this session - https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10212026-2572 

Quick recap

• The DPW Enterprise funds (water, sewer, solid waste, & storm water) are separate from the general fund. These are all user based funds from fees for the service, and the expenses for those services are paid from these accounts. The accounts are set to maintain a balance for emergencies, and in some cases calculated to build the balance to offset the need for a rate increase
• Slides presented captured in this photo album https://photos.app.goo.gl/9K8Hgc8HUVjg3umw5
• Review & discussion of the 1Q budget to date report
• https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/11317/5b-Local-Receipts-Enterprise-Revenues-Budget-to-Actual-Report-9-30-2026
• Review & discussion on the fee revenue generated by department
• https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/11375/5c-FY-2026-Revenue-By-Departments-ONLY
• Review & discussion on the expense analysis by Department through 1Q FY 2027
• https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/11376/5d-FY2026-Expense-Analysis-by-Departments
• Review & discussion on the FY 2027 budget tracker. Dept Management gets this report monthly, the Finance Committee gets this quarterly
• https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/11384/September-FY27-Budget-Tracker

My notes in one PDF as captured during the meeting

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1OnhbqHca8MjRiJW7ysNjxepf0_wKYxGU/view?usp=drive_link

Senator Rausch provides legislative updates and closes with encouragement to prepare for the ballot questions (video)

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with our State Senator Becca Rausch.  We had our conversation via the Zoom Conf bridge on Wednesday, October 14, 2026.

We cover some legislative updates and close with encouragement to prepare for the ballot questions, be patient, the ballot is 2 full sheets of heavy ballot paper with at least 3 sides of information.

The recording runs about 36 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Senator Rausch.

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1839-ma-state-senator-becca-rausch-10-14-26/

Video link - https://youtu.be/tDPckgapsgk

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

2026 Ballot Question Primer - https://www.beccarauschma.com/ballotquestions26

 

Official Website -> https://www.beccarauschma.com/

 

Campaign Website -> https://www.beccarausch.com/

 

Senator Rausch MA Legislature page -> https://malegislature.gov/Legislators/Profile/RLR0

 

Sign up for the Rausch Report Newsletter -> https://www.beccarauschma.com/newsletter

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

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"

The Franklin community's GREAT accomplishment with Old Colony Habitat For Humanity (video)

"A 170-year-old church transformed. A mother’s life changed forever. A New Beginning for the Marmol family. Old Colony Habitat for Humanity’s 2026 Franklin Build is chronicled in this short-form documentary, donated by Jeff Bragg of Storypulse Media (https://www.storypulsemedia.com/). This project in Franklin, MA was truly a special one, and we are so thankful to Jeff for sharing Sally’s story in such a beautiful way. 

We would also like to thank the over 50 sponsors and hundreds of other supporters who helped make Sally’s homeownership dream a reality. We give special thanks to the Town of Franklin, who donated the former South Franklin Congregational Meeting House to Old Colony Habitat for Humanity, allowing us to transform this piece of history into a forever home for Sally and her family.

Thank you to some of our biggest sponsors:

Town of Franklin, MA (https://www.franklinma.gov/)

Advanced Green Insulation (https://www.advancedgreeninsulation.com/)

Connell Roofing (https://www.connellroofing.com/)

Pinette Plumbing (https://www.pinetteplumbingandheating...)

Notturno Home Services (https://notturnohome.com/)

Camger Solutions (https://www.camger.com/)

O’Koren Electrical (https://okorenelectrical.com/)

Our project in Norton, MA will be very different from this one, but no less special. We are building a new home from the ground up on a plot of land donated to us by a Norton resident. Thank you to our donor and to the town of Norton for giving us the opportunity to provide another partner family with a safe, secure, and comfortable home. To stay up to date on or get involved with this new project, please visit us at oldcolonyhabitat.org."

Video link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kLrgF-k9lNY

Interview with Jamie Hellen and Kim Thomas in October, 2025  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/10/talk-franklin-update-on-old-colony.html

Ribbon cutting June 2026  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/06/historic-old-south-church-given-new.html

Old Colony Habitat given Mary Olsson Award    https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/06/the-third-annual-presentation-of-mary-c.html

School Committee gets update on student recognition sign project, sets Superintendent's goals (video)

The Franklin School Committee met as scheduled on Tuesday, October 13 in Council Chambers. 5 members were present in Chambers, 2 participated remotely so all vtoes were via roll call.

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

The agenda doc - https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10132026-2559 

Quick recap:

• Update on the student recognition sign project, project team here to present an update, slides being captured via pix and the album will be shared shortly
• recognition of donors on the back of the sign, front touting the teams and champions
• pre bid meeting soon, bids due Oct 22
• target to complete Dec 2026 or when fund raising complete no donation is too small
• Superintendent goals
• feedback around the committee, some wanting more details on student metrics (this is coming as part of the progress reporting) 
• some liking the long range planning aspect as important to continue to carry the conversation forward 
• also suggestion that this might be a time for weighting the goals 
• long term planning properly set up can in turn generate individual goals year by year
• Supt will update doc as the year progresses with links to the evidence 
• vote on the motion to approve goals as presented, via roll call (with 2 remote) passes 7-0

Sign update slides captured as pictures - https://photos.app.goo.gl/XNsdT3YEp4W9eEzEA

Superintendent's Goals

https://photos.app.goo.gl/YUU7cyLgHXLemLgJ6

My notes in one PDF - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1VjCwnGIj_tWJdnufN3hZU175Sogt1ebI/view?usp=drive_link

Second Sunday Speaker Series: History of Hayward Manor (video)

Alan Earls talks about the history of the orphanage at Hayward Manor in this episde of the Sunday Speaker Series recorded at the Franklin Historical Museum, September 13, 2026

Announcement of the topic for this episode

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/09/reminder-mercy-and-malevolence.html

Video link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=47959PBbmHg

Once Upon A Town: Cataldo Block (video)

Joe Landry and Scott Mason share info about the Cataldo Block before an audicane in the Franklin TV Studio.

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

FM Journal October 2026 (video)

Watch the October 2026 edition of FM Journal 

video link -  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rdtTH6U6LNc

Frank Presents Diana DiZoglio (video)

Frank (Falvey) presents Diana DiZoglio (video)

Interview with Diana DiZoglio, candidate for re-election to State Auditor's Office

Video link - https://youtu.be/zQkaGM6rDGw?is=3UvK40M63TIaiWI- 

Frank Presents Wayne Adams (video)

Frank (Falvey) Presents Wayne Adams 

Interview with Wayne Adams of The Civil Right Coalition. For more information go to www.thecivilrightscoalition.com.

Video link - https://youtu.be/t2wKrrfRGqg?is=BMAfhD39bBHX_qbm

Agenda for the Joint Budget Subcommittee Meeting - Wedsneday, Oct 7, 2026

Joint Budget Subcommittee Meeting

(Members of the Town Council, School Committee, and Finance Committee)

Agenda & Meeting Packet

October 7, 2026, 6:00 PM

Franklin Municipal Building: Council Chambers

355 East Central Street, 2nd Floor

Agenda

1. Call the Meeting to Order

2. Approval of Minutes

a. August 13, 2026

3. Vote on Joint Budget Subcommittee Goals

4. Discussion of Franklin Finances 101 Educational Video Series

5. Kitchen Table Discussion: FY27 Financial Baseline

6. Revenue Ideation - Initial list of revenues to research

7. Future Agenda Items/Next Meeting Date

a. Revenue Ideation follow up

b. Massachusetts Municipal Association A Perfect Storm and Navigating the Storm reports

8. Adjournment

Agenda document contains remote participation info

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/11250/2026-10-07-JBSC-agenda-packet

Welcome to a Franklin Food Service video update! (Video)

Welcome to a Franklin Food Service video update! 

Throughout the school year, we love sharing a behind-the-scenes look at the exciting things happening in our kitchens and cafeterias. You can always find our latest videos pinned to the Franklin Public Schools Homepage in the "live feed" section or on our Official YouTube Channel.

Take a look at our most recent video below! To make sure you never miss a delicious update, don't forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel.  https://youtube.com/@foodservicesonline?si=kgDe6otWZogN6_RE

Click here to see our most recent video 

https://youtube.com/shorts/iUfCKmRNCpw?feature=shared

Franklin School Committee meeting goes long on the School Improvement Plans (audio)

FM #1828 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, numbers 1828 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, September 22, 2026 at 7:00 PM. 6 of the 7 members were present in Council Chambers, 1 participated remotely.

Quick recap

• While the District Improvement Plan was reviewed last meeting, this session gets to the next level down, the school level plans. They started with ECDC, the Elementary k-2, then 3-5, then middle school and high school. Each administrator(s) presented the key 4 four goals. After all the initial presentations were made, the committee then in reverse order asked questions or commented on what was presented (high school, middle school, 3-5, K-2 and ECDC)

• Copy of the plan not yet posted to the FPS District page. (added here 9/24/26 - 9 PM) - https://files-backend.assets.thrillshare.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/Fpsd/5b12806e-2945-46d2-9cfc-544fd50bd75c/2026-27-FPS-DIP_SIP-Master-%282%29.pdf?disposition=inline

• The plan was ultimately approved as submitted and discussed by 7-0 vote. There was an amendment proposed to modify a goal or two but after clarification and discussion the amendment was withdrawn

• The Interacting with Law Enforcement Officers Engaged in Civil Law Enforcement (PROTECT Act) was up for first reading. Due to the timing (DESE submitted guidance just before school opened) and this was supposed to be in place before school started. The second reading was voted to be waived to move the measure into policy quickly

Let’s listen 

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1828-franklin-ma-school-cmte-mtg-09-22-26/

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

Franklin TV video is available for replay -  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w99jBCX0p60 

The agenda doc - https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09222026-2519 

My full set of notes captured during the session

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1KmZTifWEAGaFdkbTDEdKZGAgwcisDfq9/view?usp=drive_link

Photos of the slides presented can be found in one album

https://photos.app.goo.gl/K41YzLZdDQicN6TH7

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

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"

The first episode of FM Journal is now available on YouTube (video)

FM Journal is now available on YouTube . You can view it here

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YVWdEy2kLak

 

For the complete visit to the Maloney Farm and Forest, you can view it here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vEkAQfKLMU4

For the complete walk through of the Franklin Kitchen Center custom build process, you can view it here:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cc3ss_wlgpE

The remaining broadcast schedule for this week: 

• FRIDAY = 5:00 pm FM Journal Episode 1
• SATURDAY = 10:00 am FM Journal Episode 1

• Tune to the All access channel = Comcast 6, Verizon 26

School Committee meeting goes long on the School Improvement Plans (video)

The Franklin (MA) School Committee met as scheduled on Tuesday Sep 22, 2026. 6 of the members were present in Chmabers, 1 participated remotely.

Franklin TV video is available for replay -  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w99jBCX0p60

The agenda doc - https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09222026-2519 

Quick recap

• While the District Improvement Plan was reviewed last meeting, this session gets to the next level down, the school level plans. They started with ECDC, the Elementary k-2, then 3-5, then middle school and high school. Each administrator(s) presented the key 4 four goals. After all the initial presentations were made, the committee then in reverse order asked questions or commented on what was presented (high school, middle school, 3-5, K-2 and ECDC)
• Copy of the plan not yet posted to the FPS District page. It will be added here when available
• The plan was ultimately approved as submitted and discussed by 7-0 vote. There was an amendment proposed to modify a goal or two but after clarification and discussion the amendment was withdrawn
• The Interacting with Law Enforcement Officers Engaged in Civil Law Enforcement (PROTECT Act) was up for first reading. Due to the timing (DESE submitted guidance just before school opened) and this was supposed to be in place before school started. The second reading was voted to be waived to move the measure into ploicy quickly

My full set of notes captured during the session

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1KmZTifWEAGaFdkbTDEdKZGAgwcisDfq9/view?usp=drive_link

Photos of the slides presented can be found in one album

https://photos.app.goo.gl/K41YzLZdDQicN6TH7

Children's Museum continues anniversary celebration with ribbon cutting on new outdoor space

The Children’s Museum of Franklin did celebrate the opening of their new ~4,000-square-foot outdoor play and exploration space with a ribbon cutting on Wednesday, September 23, 2026.

The expansion comes just days after the Museum marked its first anniversary. Children’s Museum of Franklin first opened its doors on September 18, 2025, and in its first year has welcomed more than 70,000 visitors from 400+ towns and cities across Massachusetts, Rhode Island and beyond.

The new outdoor space extends the Museum experience beyond its walls, creating additional opportunities for children to get messy, experiment, create, gather and learn through play.

Designed with accessibility and open-ended exploration at its core, the approximately 4,000-square-foot space includes:

• Accessible pour-in-place surfacing
• Messy art and creative play
• A hands-on water pump and tubing system
• Giant bubble play
• Picnic tables for gathering, creating and eating
• A signature Farm to Fridge exhibit created in partnership with Garelick Farms

The Farm to Fridge experience introduces children to the journey of milk from the farm to their refrigerator through hands-on, imaginative play.

ABOUT CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF FRANKLIN

Children's Museum of Franklin is a nonprofit, hands-on museum on a mission to empower children and families to discover, imagine, and grow together through play and exploration. Through interactive exhibits, engaging programming, and a commitment to accessibility and belonging, the Museum creates opportunities for joyful learning for visitors of all ages.   https://www.childrensmuseumfranklin.org/

Reminder 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 PM 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