Providing accurate and timely information about what matters in Franklin, MA since 2007. * Working in collaboration with Franklin TV and Radio (wfpr.fm) since October 2019 *
Tuesday, September 29, 2026
FHS field hockey, volleyball, girls & boys soccer teams all post wins on Monday
Reminder: Encore Music Academy schedules an Open House for Saturday, October 3, 2026
Call - 508-533-7700
web page - encoremusicacademy.net
Email - info@encoremusicacademy.net"
Downtown Revitalization Series: Franklin For All podcast episodes - part 2 of 2
#5 - Conversation on Franklin's walkability & insights from Worcester (audio)
FM #962 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 962 in the series.
This session of the radio show shares the audio recording of the housing and zoning discussion with Brad Chafee, Melanie Hamblen, Cobi Frongillo and Dean College Chancellor Ed Augustus.
Brad, Melanie, Ed and I were in the Franklin TV Studio on Wednesday, March 15, 2023. Cobi joined us for the discussion via Zoom.
Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-962-walkability-worcester-insights-03-15-23
This session of the radio show shares the audio recording of the housing and zoning discussion with Brad Chafee, Melanie Hamblen, Cobi Frongillo and Joe Halligan. We were all in the Franklin TV Studio on Wednesday, April 12, 2023.
Consider this a continuation of the downtown zoning discussion from the “Franklin For All” project which is underway with review and discussion at the Economic Development Subcommittee Plus meetings that Melanie Chairs and for which Cobi is Vice-Chair.
We were joined by Joe Halligan for this session to include his insights as a former Planning Board member, Franklin developer, and recently appointed to the Master Plan Update Committee.
Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-974-franklin-for-all-discusses-buildable-affordable-04-12-23
This session of the radio show shares the audio recording of the housing and zoning discussion with Brad Chafee, Melanie Hamblen, Cobi Frongillo, and Sam Williams. Most of us were in the Franklin TV Studio on Tuesday, May 30, 2023. Cobi joined us via the Zoom conference bridge.
Consider this a continuation of the downtown zoning discussion from the “Franklin For All” project which is underway with review and discussion at the Economic Development Subcommittee Plus meetings that Melanie Chairs and for which Cobi is Vice-Chair.
We were joined by Sam Williams for this session to include his insights as the Vice-Chair of the Design Review Commission.
The conversation centered on design aspects of the ongoing Franklin For All discussion. Design Review had come up in a couple of the prior sessions so we decided to spend some time on it here with Sam.
This session of the radio show shares the audio recording of the housing and zoning discussion with Brad Chafee, Melanie Hamblen, and Cobi Frongillo. We were joined by Town Administrator Jamie Hellen and Town Council Chair Tom Mercer for this discussion on new growth. Most of us were in the Franklin TV Studio on Tuesday, May 30, 2023. Tom joined us via the Zoom conference bridge.
Consider this a continuation of the downtown zoning discussion from the “Franklin For All” project which is underway with review and discussion at the Economic Development Subcommittee Plus meetings that Melanie Chairs and for which Cobi is Vice-Chair.
The conversation centered on new growth and how the zoning decisions have a relationship with the budget.
Halloween Bash scheduled by Franklin SEPAC at the Children’s Museum October 29
2026 Ballot Question 2: Collective Bargaining for Committee for Public Counsel Services ("CPCS") Employees
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| https://commonwealthbeacon.org/ballot-question/ |
Showcase Pro Wrestling event scheduled for the at Elks, Saturday, Oct 3
The Franklin Music Boosters Concert Series Book could have a page or part of for you !!
Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm Schedule for Tuesday, September 29, 2026
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.
Franklin TV schedule for Tuesday, Sep 29, 2026
Franklin All Access TV - Our Public Access Channel (Comcast 6, Verizon 26) = TUESDAY
Franklin Pride TV - Our Educational Channel (Comcast 8, Verizon 28) = TUESDAY
Franklin Town Hall TV - Our Government Channel (Comcast 9, Verizon 29) = TUESDAY
Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf
Monday, September 28, 2026
What's happening in Franklin, MA: Monday, September 28, 2026 ???
The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW): Episode 325 - Adapting, Judging, and Unlearning Wine with Joe Roberts
Hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi exploring all things wine with you!
Adapting, Judging, and Unlearning Wine with Joe Roberts
In this episode of The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW), hosts Kim and Mark sit down for an engaging conversation with Joe Roberts, the creative force behind the long-running, award-winning blog 1WineDude. Joe is also the author of three fantastic books: Wine Taster’s Guide: Drink and Learn with 30 Wine Tastings, How to Win at Wine, and Unlearning Wine.
Joe shares the story of his background and reflects on how his blog has adapted over the years to stay relevant in an ever-changing wine landscape. We dive into the meaning behind his unique motto and explore the fun, creative reasons behind his famous wine badge rating system.
Whether you are a novice or a seasoned enthusiast, Joe explains why it is incredibly important to learn exactly what you like in the wine world—and, more importantly, how to actually put that knowledge to practical use. We also chat about the wine shop experience, exploring why different retail environments offer such vastly distinct buying experiences.
Finally, Joe pulls back the curtain on what is currently annoying him in the wine industry, defines what "cheap wine" really means, and gives us a fascinating inside look at what is truly involved in professional wine judging.
Tune in for a fun, educational, and candid episode!
Visit The Wonderful World of Wine: www.thewww.wine
Connect with Joe Roberts: www.1winedude.com
Cheers,
Kim and Mark
#WinePodcast #1WineDude #WineEducation #WineTasting #UnlearningWine #WineJudging #WineBlogger #WineLovers #TheWonderfulWorldOfWine
https://on.soundcloud.com/RXdx5zmrGZxznVn2mM
https://www.thewww.wine/adapting-judging-and-unlearning-wine-with-joe-roberts/
Senator Rausch & State Rep Roy provide an update to the Town Council - 09/16/26 (audio)
This session shares a key segment of the Franklin (MA) Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, September 16, 2026. The Council held this session as scheduled beginning at 6 PM. 9 members participated in Chambers, 1 left not feeling well.
The key segments of the meeting recording are divided into 4 parts
Part 1 - Franklin Food Pantry Update - Tina Powderly, Executive Director, Franklin Food Pantry; presentation slides https://photos.app.goo.gl/2f1TjPBcXfMxVthM8
*** Part 2 - State Rep Jeff Roy and Senator Becca Rausch with a legislative update
Part 3 - Jen Levine with an update from the SAFE Coalition slides being captured to share via photo album - https://photos.app.goo.gl/1rD2MyGQg6hkdjC97g
Part 4 - The 250 anniversary celebration committee, the slides captured https://photos.app.goo.gl/bN3cFQPgHFQLCWm46
Quick Recap:
The recap and my notes can be found
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/09/town-council-approve-west-as-police.html
Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1832-rep-roy-senator-rausch-update-to-town-council-09-16-26/
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Follow along with the agenda here
https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09162026-2512
The full meeting is available via the FRANKLIN TV video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UfKg2tTQll8&
my notes in one PDF -
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WVXQJLaaFx2VZBVvIaNSlHYpN4KVt1PW/view?usp=drive_link
Photos of the recognitions and retirements
https://photos.app.goo.gl/zj3u5xQ78VKyvEcs6
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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!
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You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"
Downtown Revitalization Series: Franklin For All podcast episodes - part 1 of 2
I had an internal debate on what order to list these episodes and decided that the chronological order was probably best. You can listen to any or all as you choose.
#1 - This Franklin For All Discussion reveals insights on process and accessory dwelling units - 03/15/22 (audio) (39 minutes)
FM #755 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 755 in the series.
This session of the radio show shares my conversation with several members of the Economic Development “Plus” Committee to talk about the Franklin For All process. We recorded this via the Zoom conference bridge Mar 15, 2022.
Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-755-franklin-for-all-discussion-03-15-22
----------#2 -Downtown Zoning Discussion with Councilors Hamblen & Frongillo - 12/19/22 (audio) (45 minutes)
FM #904 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 904 in the series.
This session of the radio show shares the audio recording of my conversation with Town Councilors Melanie Hamblen and Cobi Frongillo. We met in the Franklin TV Studio on Monday, Dec 19, 2022.
#3 - Downtown Zoning Discussion with D'Errico, Frongillo & Hamblen - 01/18/23 (audio) (60 minutes)
FM #922 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 922 in the series.
This session of the radio show shares the audio recording of my conversation with Joel D’Errico, Melanie Hamblen and Cobi Frongillo. Joel, Melanie and I were in the Franklin TV Studio on Wednesday, January 18, 2023. Cobi joined us for almost all of the discussion via phone.
#4 - Listen to this discussion on housing, zoning, and getting the process to produce what we need (audio) (107 minutes)
FM #942 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 942 in the series.
This session of the radio show shares the audio recording of the housing and zoning discussion with Brad Chafee, Melanie Hamblen and Cobi Frongillo. Brad, Melanie and I were in the Franklin TV Studio on Wednesday, February 8, 2023. Cobi joined us for the discussion via Zoom.














