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This session of the radio show shares the Town of Franklin Board of Health Meeting held on Wednesday, February 4, 2026. The meeting agenda was held in the 3rd floor training room as well as via Google Meet. 2 board members were present (Harris absent). Quick Recap: Chair Kim Mu-Chow opens the meetingReads protocol statement re: Google meetConfirms participation via roll callApproval of Dec minutes, moved, second, passes 2-0-1 (1 absent)No citizen commentsPlanning for a women's health fairLikely at New England Chapel, all women's health issues to be covered with vendors and info tablesAwaiting confirmation on a mobile mammogram vehicle to set a date and begin planning on earnestPossible time frame in afternoon but van dependentPediatric vaccine guidelines potentially conflict between state, federal, and medical orgs. State advising to follow the American Pediatric Society vs CDC advises to consult physicianDiscussion on moves of temp sensitive items (food, vaccines)Discussion on uninformed comments around supposed connection between pregnant women and acetaminophen; no study makes the connection,Acetaminophen can be dangerous if taken in high doses regularly by anyoneThere has historically been only a short list of approved drugs for pregnant women.When the doses available became 500, and folks still took 2, it can become very impactful quicklyReport on food inspection and trends coming in future meeting COVID in Jan, 19 vs 13 in prior monthFlu activity still high; 64 flu cases vs over 160 prior month Also va 170 last Jan (2025); 33% affected in 5-19 age groupBrain games a big hit at Central Park TerraceSenior Center training for staff on CPR in planning stageDiscussion on a hoarding issue, actually ended in a good place but did take emergency action coordination with Police, Fire etc.Motion to adjourn, second, passes 2-0-1 The meeting runs about 38 minutes. Let’s listen to the Board of Health meeting February 4, 2026. -------------- Agenda doc -> https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02042026-2115 My notes in one PDF file ->...

This session shares my conversation with School Committee Chair Paul Griffith. We had our discussion via Zoom on Monday, February 2, 2026. We condense and get into the explanations behind the key items from the recent School Committee meeting January 27, 2026. Our conversation covered the following topics: Budget, and budget implications Budget hearing Feb 10, budget vote Feb 24 Health care costs proposed to move to Town Account 910 Simplification, ensure all depts now have apples to apples budget comparison Hold harmless, Chap 70 local contribution under re-evaluation Special education reimbursement, cost advantages of in house programs Policy updates Remote participation Middle school awareness of pathways ECDC tuition re-voted to correct an oversight Our conversation runs about 49 minutes. Let’s listen -------------- School Committee page (with contact info) - https://www.franklinps.net/o/fpsd/page/school-committee School Committee subcommittee assignments - https://www.franklinps.net/o/fpsd/page/subcommittees-and-liaisons Franklin TV video is available for replay - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2-UxhayAn6s The agenda can be found - https://files-backend.assets.thrillshare.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/Fpsd/8d6ca562-53e6-4ea4-a1af-54dc11571527/SCAGENDA-1-27-26.pdf?disposition=inline FY 2027 budget presentation doc - https://files-backend.assets.thrillshare.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/Fpsd/f0eb6e5e-b914-4650-9811-892c46570b5f/FINAL---FY27-Superintendents-Recommended-Budget-%282%29.pdf?disposition=inline Released documents will be posted to the 'packet folder' - https://www.franklinps.net/documents/departments/school-committee/meeting-packets/2025---26-meeting-packets/january-27%2C-2026-sc-meeting-packet/24906664 My notes in one PDF file - https://drive.google.com/file/d/140kTZI5bmwVFlufRsU54cNneJ2BytZ-c/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...

This session shares my conversation with Franklin Senior Center Director Sarah Amaral and Activities Coordinator Jillian Rochat. We had our discussion in the Franklin Radio Studio on Wednesday, January 21, 2026. We talk about All the key event highlights for February 2026Van day trips planned for the year, touting those for March, April The show notes include links to the Senior Center page, the calendar of events, and to subscribe to the monthly newsletter. The recording runs about 31 minutes, so let’s listen in. -------------- Franklin Senior Center page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/583/Franklin-Senior-Center-Council-on-Aging February 2026 newsletter -> https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/8145/February-2026-Newsletter?bidId= The newsletter archive page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/585/Connection-Newsletter Senior Center calendar view (just FSC events) -> https://franklinma.gov/calendar.aspx?CID=37&showPastEvents=false Subscribe to the newsletter -> by calling 508-520-4945 My Active Center -> https://myactivecenter.com/ ------------- 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 neighborsIf you don't like something here, please let me knowAnd 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 it! ------------------ You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, January 27, 2026. All 7 members of the committee were present. Quick recap: The committee and community got a preview of the FY 2027 school budget. Excluding the health care costs ($8.8M), they presented a 'level service' budget that stays within a 2.5% increaseThe discussions with the Town to transfer the health care costs to the Town account 910 are in process. A Memo of Agreement (MOA) is being prepared to cover the details of the transfer. The Committee will schedule a special meeting to vote to approve the transfer next week The recording runs about 3 hours and 49 minutes -------------- Additional links to the meeting recap, Franklin TV video, and key documents for this session https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/01/school-committee-get-preview-of-fy-2027.html Superintendent’s Recommended budget for FY 2027 https://files-backend.assets.thrillshare.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/Fpsd/f0eb6e5e-b914-4650-9811-892c46570b5f/FINAL---FY27-Superintendents-Recommended-Budget-%282%29.pdf?disposition=inline Memo on the health care account transfer https://files-backend.assets.thrillshare.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/Fpsd/b1bd78ca-d7a9-4f42-a1b3-15fdce87d449/REVISED---Healthcare-memo-for-SC-discussion.pdf?disposition=inline ------------- 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 neighborsIf you don't like something here, please let me knowAnd 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 &...

This session shares part of the Franklin (MA) Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, January 21, 2026. The Council held this session as scheduled beginning at 6 PM. All 9 Councilors participated for this 4 hour plus session. 1647 - covers the opening, Citizen comments, and 2 appointments to the Zoning Board of Appeals (approx. 2 hour 16 mins)1648 - segment from the meeting covering the full discussion on the DPW infrastructure update & discussion (approx. 1 hr 40 mins)1649 - segment from the meeting covers remainder of the meeting (approx. 52 mins) -------------- Additional notes on the meeting recap can be found (including link to Franklin TV video) -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/01/town-council-spends-almost-2-hours-to.html ------------- 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 neighborsIf you don't like something here, please let me knowAnd 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"

This session shares part of the Franklin (MA) Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, January 21, 2026. The Council held this session as scheduled beginning at 6 PM. All 9 Councilors participated for this 4 hour plus session. 1647 - covers the opening, Citizen comments, and 2 appointments to the Zoning Board of Appeals (approx. 2 hour 16 mins) 1648 - segment from the meeting covering the full discussion on the DPW infrastructure update & discussion (approx. 1 hr 40 mins) 1649 - segment from the meeting covers remainder of the meeting (approx. 52 mins) -------------- Additional notes on the meeting recap can be found (including link to Franklin TV video) -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/01/town-council-spends-almost-2-hours-to.html ------------- 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 neighborsIf you don't like something here, please let me knowAnd 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"

This session shares part of the Franklin (MA) Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, January 21, 2026. The Council held this session as scheduled beginning at 6 PM. All 9 Councilors participated for this 4 hour plus session. 1647 - covers the opening, Citizen comments, and 2 appointments to the Zoning Board of Appeals (approx. 2 hour 16 mins)1648 - segment from the meeting covering the full discussion on the DPW infrastructure update & discussion (approx. 1 hr 40 mins)1649 - segment from the meeting covers remainder of the meeting (approx. 52 mins) -------------- Additional notes on the meeting recap can be found (including link to Franklin TV video) -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/01/town-council-spends-almost-2-hours-to.html ------------- 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 neighborsIf you don't like something here, please let me knowAnd 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"

This episode combines the Franklin Public Radio news briefing spots for the week of February 1, 2026. The outlook for the week ahead Feb 1 through Feb 7, 2026The look back at the week that was Jan 25 through Jan 31, 2026 -------------- The text and links referenced can be found at Franklin Matters Weekly https://www.franklinmattersweekly.org/2026/01/franklin-news-in-5-minutes-02012026.html -------------- 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 neighborsIf you don't like something here, please let me knowAnd 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 robocall message from Franklin Senior Center Director Sarah Amaral with the news that the Center will open with a 2 hour delay, hence at 10 AM on Tuesday, Jan 27, 2026.

This session shares the Finance Committee meeting conducted Wednesday, January 14, 2026. 8 members of the Committee participated, 1 absent. The recording is in 2 parts: 1 for the economics of development, 2 for the capital budget Quick recap -> Board of Assessors and Town Staff: The Economics of Development, residential valuations are based upon residential property sales and comparables. Commercial Industrial valuations are more complicated in that there is a revenue factor for how much money the operations is actually making (confidentially reported to the Assessors) along with several other factors. The repeated phrase was "it's complicated"We did hear that there is NO issue with water supply or sewer capacity. Police and Fire are understaffed (but managing as best they can for the volume), Schools built extra capacity as part of the redistricting effort. The per pupil amount talked of is not what each net new student would cost. There are existing capacities to handle some number of students without adding a teacherPart of the agenda included an update on the abatement process which was not covered and seems to be deferred to a future meeting (TBD)The capital budget first pass was approved after a lengthy discussion. Town policy calls for funding multiple stabilization accounts, this year only the OPEB account was proposed for funding due to the budget shortfall and that it had not been funded last year.The OPEB fund resolution passed 8-0-1 (1 absent)The first pass at the tier 1 capital requests accounted for $1.8M and was proposed to amend to remove the sprinkler system work required at the Senior Center. The amendment was meant to reserve the additional $750K for the potential budget deficit. The motion to amend after a lengthy discussion failed by a 1-7-1 (1 for, 1 absent, 7 against removal for the item). The vote on the original resolution passed 7-1-1 (7 for, 1 against, 1 absent) The recording for Part 1 - Economics of development runs just over 2 hours The recording for Part 2 - the capital budget runs just under 2 hours -------------- Franklin TV video for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BaC9XFahY1M The agenda and released documents for this meeting -> https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_01142026-2089 My notes collected in one PDF -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qRDOyvDbYn1A5DqogXU-4DpgjpwYvRNH/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...

This session shares the Finance Committee meeting conducted Wednesday, January 14, 2026. 8 members of the Committee participated, 1 absent. The recording is in 2 parts: 1 for the economics of development, 2 for the capital budget Quick recap -> Board of Assessors and Town Staff: The Economics of Development, residential valuations are based upon residential property sales and comparables. Commercial Industrial valuations are more complicated in that there is a revenue factor for how much money the operations is actually making (confidentially reported to the Assessors) along with several other factors. The repeated phrase was "it's complicated"We did hear that there is NO issue with water supply or sewer capacity. Police and Fire are understaffed (but managing as best they can for the volume), Schools built extra capacity as part of the redistricting effort. The per pupil amount talked of is not what each net new student would cost. There are existing capacities to handle some number of students without adding a teacherPart of the agenda included an update on the abatement process which was not covered and seems to be deferred to a future meeting (TBD)The capital budget first pass was approved after a lengthy discussion. Town policy calls for funding multiple stabilization accounts, this year only the OPEB account was proposed for funding due to the budget shortfall and that it had not been funded last year.The OPEB fund resolution passed 8-0-1 (1 absent)The first pass at the tier 1 capital requests accounted for $1.8M and was proposed to amend to remove the sprinkler system work required at the Senior Center. The amendment was meant to reserve the additional $750K for the potential budget deficit. The motion to amend after a lengthy discussion failed by a 1-7-1 (1 for, 1 absent, 7 against removal for the item). The vote on the original resolution passed 7-1-1 (7 for, 1 against, 1 absent) The recording for Part 1 - Economics of development runs just over 2 hours The recording for Part 2 - the capital budget runs just under 2 hours -------------- Franklin TV video for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BaC9XFahY1M The agenda and released documents for this meeting -> https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_01142026-2089 My notes collected in one PDF -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qRDOyvDbYn1A5DqogXU-4DpgjpwYvRNH/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...

Franklin Senior Center Director Sarah Amaral with an update on the closure of the center for Monday, Jan 26 and other storm related updates.

DPW Director Brutus Cantoreggi with updates: Good Morning Franklin, this is Brutus Cantoreggi, your public works director calling about important information regarding the upcoming snow event that hopefully you have heard about! There is a lot going on, so get your pens and paper out for note taking! First thing first, working with the Franklin police, a full parking ban will be instituted today Jan 25th at noon and remain in effect until tomorrow Jan 26th at noon. What does this mean to you? Please remove your vehicles from the roadways. Leaving your vehicle in the public right of way makes our job of clearing snow much more difficult, costs more money and potentially causes safety issues for not only us, but also you fellow residents. So be a good citizen and more your vehicle! Secondly, all non- emergency town offices will be closed tomorrow Jan 26th due to the storm. Don’t worry, fire, police and most importantly public works will be working for you! Finally, Get your pens and paper ready, the following might get a little complicated for some folks, your scheduled trash and recycling pick up will be delayed one day. What does that mean to you? Monday trash and recycling will be picked up on Tuesday,Tuesday trash and recycling will be picked up on Wednesday,Wednesday trash and recycling will be picked up on Thursday,Thursday trash and recycling will be picked up on Friday,And Friday trash and recycling will be picked up Saturday! Finally if you don’t have to go out, please don’t while it's snowing. If you do, please be safe. Have an excellent public works day!!!

This episode combines the Franklin Public Radio news briefing spots for the week of January 25, 2026. The outlook for the week ahead Jan 25 through Jan 31, 2026The look back at the week that was Jan 18 through Jan 24, 2026 -------------- The text and links referenced can be found at Franklin Matters Weekly https://www.franklinmattersweekly.org/2026/01/snowmageddon-or-fern-take-your-pick.html -------------- 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 neighborsIf you don't like something here, please let me knowAnd 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"

This session shares my conversation with Lauren & Ryan Maloney. We had our discussion in the Franklin TV & Radio Studio on Thursday, January 18, 2026 Our conversation covers Their journey from a few pets to a farm with over 40 animal rescues To let them live a good lifeThe a ha moment for “More Farm Than Fancy” The product line to help with funding the animals care The recording runs about 36 minutes, so let’s listen in. -------------- Follow “More Farm Than Fancy” on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/1329150158885351 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/more_farm_than_fancy/ Visit their web page -> https://morefarmthanfancy.com/ ------------- 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 neighborsIf you don't like something here, please let me knowAnd 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"