Jack Lank talks about making connections, small business issues, and the split vs. single tax rate (audio)

FM #1508 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1508 in the series.

This session shares my conversation with Jack Lank, Executive Director for the United Regional Chamber of Commerce. We had our conversation in the Franklin TV & Radio studio on Tuesday, September 2, 2025

 

Our conversation covers Jack’s role in fostering connections amongst business and government to meet the needs of the 16 communities the organization covers. We touch on the split tax vs single rate property tax, the tariffs situation and business disruption it brings given all the legal uncertainty around them. 

The recording runs about 46 minutes, so let’s listen in. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1508-jack-lank-chamber-small-business-connections-09-02-25/

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United Regional Chamber of Commerce page -> https://unitedregionalchamber.org/ 

On Facebook main page -> https://www.facebook.com/UnitedRegional/ 

 

Ribbon Cutting at BFT in Franklin Village on
Friday hosted by United Regional Chamber of Commerce

On Facebook “Rally Around the Restaurants” -> https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057116753301 

Original post in 2007

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2007/12/20-reasons-to-not-implement-dual-tax.html

Updated post in 2010 

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2010/12/split-tax-vs-single-tax-rate.html

Updated post in 2021

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/11/20-reasons-to-not-implement-dual-tax.html

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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"

When cereal is needed, the community stepped up: Including one donation of 89 boxes of cereal

via Franklin Food Pantry:

one donation of 89 boxes of cereal

"Our community is amazing!

When we asked for cereal, you all stepped up in a big way. One donation, in particular, was so touching we had to share it. A family sent us 89 boxes of cereal—one for each year of their grandfather/great-grandfather’s life—as a way to honor his memory.

We were truly moved by this incredible act of kindness and are honored to be a part of their tribute. Thanks to this generous donation, we're able to help so many of our neighbors.

Thank you to all who donated!"

https://www.instagram.com/p/DOJc6gAD2TM/

Franklin Music Boosters fund raiser Thursday, September 11, 2025 at Chipotle

Franklin Music Boosters fund raiser Thursday, September 11, 2025 at Chipotle

Shared from -> https://t.co/f11YYDDcIG

Be a Vendor at A-Wreath-of-Franklin Holiday Pop-Up!

Brought to the Franklin Community by the Franklin Cultural Council, Franklin Cultural District Committee and the Department of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy.

When: A-Wreath-of-Franklin, December 13, 2025!

Be a Vendor at A-Wreath-of-Franklin Holiday Pop-Up!

This holiday season, THE BLACK BOX is partnering with A-Wreath-of-Franklin volunteers and will be transformed into a festive indoor market—filled with creativity, community spirit, and cool handmade goods.

We’re now accepting vendor inquiries from local makers, artisans, and creatives!

✔️ Vendors keep 100% of their profits

✔️ A thoughtfully curated marketplace ensures a lively mix of offerings

✔️ A warm, welcoming venue in the heart of downtown Franklin

If you’re interested in joining this year’s celebration as a vendor; we’d love to hear from you—simply fill out our inquiry form ->   https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfmYg-hhX8nQhbs34ykqD3vzXfGC03amynq8q5BG0NnWgYMZw/viewform

Officer Frankie shares some back to school safety tips

Officer Frankie shares some back to school safety tips

Catching up to this from Officer Frankie/ Franklin Police Dept:

"Phew what a pawsome first day back at school for all FPS students.

Even though dad and I only got to spend a few moments at the schools I’m sure it went well. As far as the traffic goes, welllllllll we are all learning new routes, drop off procedures and PATIENTS!!! It will get better (We HOPE).

Leave a few minutes earlier, pull to the side and safely get the kiddos to and from safely. 💙🐕‍🦺💙.

Tomorrow is a new day and it’s going to be a PAWSATIVELY great one !!!!!"

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/DOHjV1GDsNa/

Town of Franklin, MA: latest issue of Franklin Newsletter

Town Administration has released the latest volume of Franklin First!

To read the latest volume, click here: https://t.co/UxmI2XZXUI

Town of Franklin, MA: latest issue of Franklin Newsletter

Shared from -> https://t.co/q8nR1CO31G

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule for Sunday, September 7, 2025

Yes, Franklin has it's own radio station -> wfpr.fm. Franklin Public Radio has a brand new schedule 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 Sunday

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

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule for Sunday

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Saturday, September 6, 2025 ??

Saturday, September 6

9:00am Thrifty Threads (Franklin Federated Church)

10:00am Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

10:30am Messtival! (Franklin Public Library)

1:00pm Painting for Adults! (registration required) (Franklin Public Library)

2:00pm Karaoke at the Library!  (Franklin Public Library)

8:00pm Karaoke at The Raillery (Raillery Public House)

** NO  Town Meetings today   **

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What's happening in Franklin, MA

Find the full Community event calendar  https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://bit.ly/Submit2Calendar

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/Calendar.aspx
The School district calendar is found  https://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/o/fpsd/page/school-calendar

Franklin, MA: School Committee meeting agenda for Tuesday, Sep 9, 2025 session at 7 PM

Franklin School Committee

September 9, 2025 - 7:00 PM

Municipal Building – Council Chambers

 

Call to Order                     Mr. Callaghan 

Announcements from the Chair

Pledge of Allegiance

Moment of Silence

I. Routine Business

A. Review of Agenda

B. Payment of Bills Mr. Callaghan

C. Payroll Mr. McNeill

D. FHS Student Representative Comments

E. Superintendent’s Report

II. Guests/Presentations

A. Portugal/Lisbon Trip Presentation

B. New Administrator Introductions

C. 2025-26 District and School Improvement Plans

III. Discussion/Action Items

A. Portugal/Lisbon Field Trip Approval

I recommend approval of the request of Chris Penza to take FHS students to Portugal and Lisbon from April 17-25, 2027 as discussed.

B. 2025-26 District Improvement Plan Approval

I recommend approval of the 25-26 District Improvement Plan as discussed.

C. 2025-26 ECDC School Improvement Plan Approval

I recommend approval of the 25-26 ECDC School Improvement Plan as discussed.

D. 2025-26 Elementary School Improvement Plan Approval

I recommend approval of the 25-26 Elementary School Improvement Plan as discussed.

E. 2025-26 Franklin Middle School Improvement Plan Approval

I recommend approval of the 25-26 FMS School Improvement Plan as discussed.

F. 2025-26 Franklin High School Improvement Plan Approval

I recommend approval of the 25-26 FHS School Improvement Plan as discussed.

Franklin, MA: School Committee meeting agenda
for Tuesday, Sep 9, 2025 session at 7 PM

IV. Discussion Only Items

A. none

V. Information Matters

A. School Committee Sub-Committee Reports

B. School Committee Liaison Reports

VI. Consent Agenda

A. Approval of Minutes

I recommend approval of the minutes from your August 26, 2025 School Committee meeting as detailed.

VII. Good of the Order

VIII. Citizen’s Comments

IX. New Business

To discuss any future agenda items

X. Adjournment

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09092025-1902

Biennial Election Candidate Nomination Papers Filing as of September 5, 2025

The local ballot is filling in. Town Clerk Nancy Danello posted the most recent updated report as of September 5, 2025 showing candidate nomination papers have been taken for Town Council, School Committee, Town Clerk, Board of Assessors and Planning Board at this point. 

There is/are 

1 candidate for the Board of Assessors

2 candidates for 2 spots on the Planning Board

9 candidates for 7 spots on the School Committee (1 withdrew)

1 candidate for 1 spot for the Town Clerk

15 candidates for 9 spots on the Town Council

The Board of Health, and Planning Board (Associate Member) remain without at least a candidate for each open position at this time. 

Biennial election Candidate Nomination Papers Filing

This will likely be fairly dynamic until September 15 when the signatures required are returned and validate. The Ballot doesn't get finalized until Sep 22.

The PDF download ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1wWxf1ysvCenaylwFJcKv1T2QZPFIrGsg/view?usp=drive_link

The PDF display: 

Town Council retires Fire chief, appoints new one, hears from Legislative delegates, Norfolk Cnty Sheriff & Food Pantry (audio)

FM #1507 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1507 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Town Council Meeting held Wednesday, Sep 3, 2025. 8 members were present to begin the session (Pellegri absent), one member during the long session (Chandler)

Discussion items: 

PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS

a. Proclamation: Hunger Action Month

b. Police Department

i. Retirement Recognition & Proclamation: Police Sergeant Michael Campanelli

ii. Promotion Recognition: Police Sergeant Joseph MacLean

c. Retirement Recognition & Proclamation: Fire Chief James McLaughlin

5. APPOINTMENTS

a. Fire Chief  - Chuck Allen

b. Community Preservation Committee - Richard Johnson    

c. Cultural Council

i. Ryan Hanley

ii. William Lee

iii. Caryn Parnell

PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION

a. Franklin Food Pantry Update: Tina Powderly, Executive Director

b. Norfolk County Sheriff’s Office Update: Patrick McDermott, Norfolk County Sheriff

c. Legislative Update: Senator Rebecca Rausch and Representative Jeff Roy

9. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

a. Resolution 25-50: Adoption of Local Initiative Program “Friendly 40B” Policy (Tabled from July 23, 2025 Town Council Meeting) 

b. Bylaw Amendment 25-942: A Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 170, Vehicles and Traffic - Second Reading 

c. Resolution 25-56: Acceptance of Gifts - Veteran’s Services ($750), Senior Center ($100)  

d. Resolution 25-57: Cable Funds in Support of PEG Service and Programming per MGL Ch. 44 §53F3/4  

The meeting recording runs about 4 hours and 10 minutes (the recess audio was removed to shorten the elapsed time). Let’s listen in Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1507-franklin-ma-town-council-meeting-09-03-25/

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Franklin TV video is available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s5ILK2Y6yTw 

The agenda doc ->    https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09032025-1891  

My notes captured in one PDF ->  https://drive.google.com/file/d/12XGRErMbkxyGIwR7fA0nqhhzqnrsJ-mV/view?usp=drive_link 

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

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"