Thursday, December 4, 2025

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/



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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)

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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. 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"


What's happening in Franklin, MA: Thursday, December 4, 2025 ???

Thursday, December 4

6:30pm Holiday Pop Up Shop (Creative Corner Art Studio)

7:00pm 350 Mass Greater Franklin Node Meeting (First Universalist Society Franklin)

7:30pm Musical Bingo (Teddy Gallagher's Irish Pub)




**  Town Meetings today   **

Franklin Commission on Disability Meeting

Thursday, December 4 Time: 4:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_12042025-2029 


Conservation Commission Meeting

Thursday, December 4 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Item/534?fileID=6990 


Zoning Board Of Appeals (ZBA) Meeting (Zoom Only meeting)

Thursday, December 4 Time: 6:00 PM (Note time change)

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_12042025-2034 



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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

14th Annual Franklin Turkey Trot raises a record-breaking $55,108 for the Franklin Food Pantry

The 14th Annual Franklin Turkey Trot took place Thanksgiving morning, drawing 1,015 registrants and raising more than $55,000 for the
Carolyn and Henry Kuehnel
Carolyn and Henry Kuehnel

Franklin Food Pantry
. All of the money raised will support The Pantry’s programs and services, which provided food assistance to individuals and families nearly 27,000 times last year. The annual Thanksgiving morning fun-run is organized in conjunction with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Franklin. 

The money raised at the Turkey Trot comes at a critical time. The Pantry is experiencing unprecedented demand for assistance, marked by an increase in new clients and the return of neighbors who previously utilized Pantry services.
“The past few months have been a particularly stressful time for individuals and families experiencing food insecurity. Seeing the kindness and community spirit at the Turkey Trot meant so much,” said Tina Powderly. “We are incredibly grateful to every runner, walker, sponsor, and spectator whose participation helped raise an incredible $55,108 for The Pantry. These funds will help provide our neighbors with access to nutritious food into the new year.”

The Franklin Food Pantry is grateful for the following organizations and individuals who served as this year’s race sponsors:

Presenting Sponsor: G&C Plumbing & Heating 

Platinum Sponsors: Advanced European Repair, Franklin Plumbing, Heating, & Gas, Inc, Franklin Stretching & Mobility, Grove Street Auto Repair, MJ Henry & Associates, Next9Up, Notturno Home Services, Starr and Glick Orthodontics, Terrazza, Wild Birds Unlimited of Franklin

Gold Sponsors: Connell Roofing, Siding and Gutters, Middlesex Savings Bank, MyFM 101.3, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Blackstone Valley 
Silver Sponsors: Accurate Baker Elman, Eagle Stainless Tube & Fabrication, Inc., Krav Running Club, Knights of Columbus Franklin Council #1847, Mount Street Farm, Nutrify Performance, The Longobardi Family, Vet Med Pet Supplies

Bronze Sponsors: Active Recovery Boston, Adirondack Club, Berry Insurance, Chestnut Dental, Costello Realty, Eastern Propane & Oil, Elizabeth’s Bagels & More, Emmons St., LLC, Franklin Matters, K Cooks, LLC, Keefe Insurance, Hilltop Auto, Maple & Main Renovations, LLC, Seniors Helping Seniors, Spiffy Designs, The Baur Family, The Sabolinski Family, The Sancher Family, Simon’s Furniture, Vendetti Motors, Xpression Prints

Friends Sponsors: The Beach Family, Body Fit Training, The Bradosky Family, Mary Clermont, Franklin Family Smiles, The Hauk Family, The Johnson Family, Mint Dental, Normandin Family, O’Neill Family, The Powderly Mason Family, The Tait/Shimer/Shanks Family, The Zicherman Family

Liam Vovk Seattle, WA, Carly Fredericks, Seattle, WA, Elizabeth Griffin, Seattle, WA, William Poole New York, NY
Liam Vovk Seattle, WA, Carly Fredericks, Seattle, WA, Elizabeth Griffin, Seattle, WA, William Poole New York, NY


For more information on the Franklin Food Pantry, to receive food assistance, or to donate funds and food, please visit www.franklinfoodpantry.org.

About Franklin Food Pantry, Inc.
The Franklin Food Pantry, Inc. offers supplemental food assistance, household necessities, and resource referrals to more than 1,880 individuals per year. The Pantry relies on donations and grants to purchase items and pay for daily operations, and partnerships with The Greater Boston Food Bank, Spoonfuls, and local grocery stores to achieve greater buying power and lower costs. Programs include Inside Shopping, Curbside Pickup, Emergency Food Boxes, Mobile Pantries, Home Delivery, Kids’ Snack Bags, Weekend Backpacks, Holiday Meals, and the SNAP match at Franklin Farmers Market. 
The Pantry is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization in good standing in Massachusetts, recognized by Charity Navigator as a Four-Star Charity, and awarded GuideStar’s Platinum Transparency ranking. The Pantry is located at 341 W Central St. in Franklin, MA on Route 140. Please visit www.franklinfoodpantry.org, or on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn for more information.

Town Council approves single rate but shows interest in split rate, frustration on lack of preparation for the decision (audio)

FM #1599 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1599 in the series. 


This session shares the Franklin (MA) Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, December 3, 2025. The Council held this session as scheduled beginning at 6 PM. All 9 Councilors participated for this 3 hour session. 

 

Quick recap:

  • Franklin TV had trouble broadcasting the video. It was recorded and will be available later. The Zoom session was active for audio only.

  • Town Administrator Jamie Hellen walked the new Council though the 5 year revenue forecast and laid out what’s coming next

  • The Public hearing on the Tax rate was opened and ultimately closed after much discussion. The Council did vote to approve the single tax rate by an 8-1 vote. The Council indicated a strong interest for more info on the benefits of a split tax rate. They seemed wanting to go for until they understood that a split rate decision would delay the Town timeline on getting the 1st Quarter bills out


The recording runs about 3 hours 

Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1599-town-council-mtg-12-0325/


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Franklin TV video is NOT yet available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zByUmQbYP08


The agenda for this session ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_12032025-2031 


My notes for the full meeting in one PDF -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1zZoXOBk167dHuuSm3wetBhhP25WyaSRf/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 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"


Erin shares a middle school reading update (video & audio)

FM #1598 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1598 in the series. 


This session shares my conversation with Erin O’Leary, FMS Reading Specialist. We recorded this conversation virtually on Friday, November 14, 2025. 


We cover the following in our conversation

  • Success of the middle school program “Meet Me in the Middle.” 

  • Virtual visiting author series though The Unlikely Story bookstore

  • Culling the middle school library collection, Amazon wish list TBD

  • “Content in context”


The recording runs about 30 minutes

Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1598-fps-middle-school-reading-update-11-14-25/

Video link -> https://youtu.be/bNKJKKVqkvU?


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Erin O’Leary email address -> olearye@franklinps.net 


Meet Me in the Middle info page ->  https://www.franklinps.net/o/hmms/article/2230185 


Instagram posts referenced:


Middle School reading wish list -> https://bookshop.org/wishlists/79f98bd86f715dae8789b3296edd63ebd92ef1ea


Tom Asacker -> https://tomasacker.com/   his book “Sandbox Wisdom” is the source of the “content in context” story that you heard

https://www.amazon.com/Sandbox-Wisdom-Tom-Asacker/dp/1497554977//humanfactormarke 


Erin shares a middle school reading update (video & audio)
Erin shares a middle school reading update (video & 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 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"


Reminder: Old Colony Habitat for Humanity: Meet the Family You’re Helping - Dec 6 (RSVP requested)

Behind the Build: Meet the Family You’re Helping

Your community is growing in the best way possible. Meet your new neighbor, the Marmol Family. 

Check out this special build and have the opportunity to meet Sally and her children: Amelia, Evani, and Jonathan! They are thrilled to join the Franklin community, so join us by giving them a warm welcome!

Old Colony Habitat for Humanity: Meet the Family You’re Helping - Dec 6
Old Colony Habitat for Humanity:
Meet the Family You’re Helping - Dec 6

Saturday, Dec. 6 2025, 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
762 Washington Street, Franklin MA


Download the flyer as a reminder or to share ->


Reminder: Winter Coat Drive: Drop offs close out Dec 6, 2025

Winter Coat Drive: Drop offs available Nov 10 through Dec 6, 2025
Winter Coat Drive: Drop offs available Nov 10 through Dec 6, 2025

Donate gently used or new coats to help your Franklin-area neighbors!



Karaoke Friday night, Dec 5 at La Cantina

Karaoke Friday night at La Cantina
Karaoke Friday night at La Cantina
Karaoke Night at La Cantina Winery!

Join us Friday, December 5 at 7–10 PM for a fun night of music, wine, tapas, and good vibes. Bring your friends, warm up those vocal cords, and get ready to sing your heart Come by, relax, and enjoy your favorite tapas, pizza, and wine.
See you at La Cantina Winery! Cheers!