Episódios

  • FM #1729 - FM Weekly Outlook & Lookback Combo - 04/26/26

    FM #1729 - FM Weekly Outlook & Lookback Combo - 04/26/26
    Apr 26 2026

    This episode combines the Franklin Public Radio news briefing spots for the week of April 26, 2026.

    • The outlook for the week ahead April 26 through May 2, 2026
    • The look back at the week that was April 19 through April 25, 2026

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

    The text and links referenced can be found at Franklin Matters Weekly

    https://www.franklinmattersweekly.org/2026/04/where-have-all-showers-gone-vs-come.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 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"
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    3 minutos
  • FM #1728 - Finance Cmte Budget Hearing #4 - 04/09/26

    FM #1728 - Finance Cmte Budget Hearing #4 - 04/09/26
    Apr 25 2026
    This session of the radio show shares the Finance Committee Budget Hearing, the Last of 4 sessions to go over the FY 2027 budget. The meeting was held in Council Chambers with 7 of 9 members present.Quick recap:This session was time well spent by the Committee to review the potential adjustments to the budget and come to a consensus on them. They started with a set of goals and a process to work through the listing of the items for discussion based upon what had occurred over the prior three nights.They wanted to minimize use of free cash. The end proposal recommends $1.8M of free cash rather than $2MThey wanted to move some of the regular recurring 'capital items' to the ops budget where they belong. They took a step in that direction with less than $100K of police gear putting that in the Ops budget. Next cycle those items won't need to come before the Capital budget as a requestThey made a strategic investment in a couple of positions. One already in the budget for a part time clerk in the Assessors office, and additional hybrid inspector/admin help for the Building Commissioner's team. This should help the assessors and inspectors to do the work they need to do while providing some additional administrative help to help the work flow and improve our permit and tax base (both revenue generators)They proposed reducing the Facilities expense budgetThey confirmed the need for restoration of the Deputy Town Administrator and the School Resource officers (SROs)They will request that the Schools look as possibly using more of their revolving funds to help balance their budget and in turn free up more free cash on the Town side to not be used for the overall budgetThe complete set of the adjustments will be written up, presented by the FinCom to the Town Council and Joint Budget Subcommittee. The line item adjustments will be made and incorporate some other updates for the Town Administrator to issue a revised budget proposal before the Council gets to finalize their vote at the June 10th meeting. It may not be ready for the May 20-21 Council budget hearings, the key item that still might be outstanding before those hearings is the FY 2027 health costs as the annual enrollment completes April 30Let’s listen in--------------Franklin TV video is available for replay - https://www.youtube.com/live/3oIsBHQ73Ts?&t=1170 The amended agenda doc - https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04092026-2222 My full set of notes in one PDF - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NzSDXoQxk7P0ztXRKjPpcPTPrZgBNE78/view?usp=drive_link Dept of Arts, Culture & Creative Economy metrics as referenced by Cory Shea during the budget hearinghttps://drive.google.com/file/d/1zQV7NQTLRSy1UnPKxad0wtW8Q-76YqOc/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 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 doThrough 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 comThe 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"
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    3 horas e 58 minutos
  • FM #1727 - Finance Cmte Budget Hearing #3 - 04/08/26

    FM #1727 - Finance Cmte Budget Hearing #3 - 04/08/26
    Apr 25 2026

    This session of the radio show shares the Finance Committee Budget Hearing on Public Works & Public Safety, the 3rd of 4 sessions to go over the FY 2027 budget. The meeting was held in Council Chambers with 8 of 9 members present.

    Quick recap:

    • Gus Brown, Building Commissioner, up first
    • Brutus, DPW up next,
    • Next up Police Chief Lynch, level service plus 2, looking to get the SROs back
    • Next up, Chief Allen, Fire Dept.
    • Dispatch Center or the MECC being covered
    • Also skipped Tri-County and Norfolk Aggie last night with no explanation given for it. Tri-County and Norfolk Aggie, both assessments based upon enrollment, not much of a change year to year
    • So Thursday night, the Finance Committee will use the 3rd Floor Training room for their discussion to be more “around a table” rather than spread out to help their discussion. Potential revisions coming to the budget, what they are we'll watch and see.

    Let’s listen in

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

    The Franklin TV video is available for replay -

    https://www.youtube.com/live/x8Hb_pCl64A?&t=164

    Agenda doc including links to the FY 2027 budget

    https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04082026-2221

    My full set of notes in one PDF - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1D-RumOpcYkE7SZ_czpSZzW5TKdS9SE3B/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"
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    3 horas e 9 minutos
  • FM #1726 - Finance Cmte Budget Hearing #2 - 04/07/26

    FM #1726 - Finance Cmte Budget Hearing #2 - 04/07/26
    Apr 25 2026

    This session of the radio show shares the Finance Committee Budget Hearing on Education, the 2nd of 4 sessions to go over the FY 2027 budget. The meeting was held in Council Chambers with 8 of 9 members present.

    Quick Recap:

    • Time spent at the opening to answer questions carried over from the Facilities discussion on Monday
    • Technology, Tim Raposa presents and answers questions
    • Next up, Schools - Supt Giguere, Business Manager Jana Melotti, Paul Griffith (SchCmte Chair)
    • Discussion among the committee on how to proceed, ultimately will use the Thursday session to consolidate their approaches in a discussion to lead to a recommendation vote.
    • Note - meeting location likely to change from Chambers to 3rd Floor Trng Room (Conservation Commission would come down to Chambers).

    Let’s listen in

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

    The Franklin TV video is available for replay - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6SrQw4jc-r0

    Agenda doc including links to the FY 2027 budget

    https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04072026-2220

    My full set of notes in one PDF - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AbMULy0fFpVjFAEsHm6Cs5-2PcxcfpBx/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"
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    3 horas e 55 minutos
  • FM #1725 - Franklin Senior Ctr - May 2026 Highlights - 04/15/26

    FM #1725 - Franklin Senior Ctr - May 2026 Highlights - 04/15/26
    Apr 24 2026

    This session shares my conversation with Jillian Rochat, Activities Coordinator and Emily Dellorco, Transportation & Volunteer Coordinator. We had our discussion in the Franklin Radio Studio on Wednesday, April 15, 2026.

    We talk about

    • All the key event highlights for May 2026
    • Senior Center closed Monday, May 25 for Memorial Day
    • Veterans Services coordinating for the Memorial Day parade and ceremony
    • Teaser for other road trips coming this summer

    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 33 minutes, so let’s listen in.

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

    Franklin Senior Center page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/583/Franklin-Senior-Center-Council-on-Aging

    May 2026 newsletter -> https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/9195/May-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 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 it!

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

    You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"
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    33 minutos
  • FM #1724 - Finance Cmte Budget Hearing #1 - P2 of 2 - 04/06/26

    FM #1724 - Finance Cmte Budget Hearing #1 - P2 of 2 - 04/06/26
    Apr 24 2026

    This session of the radio show shares the Finance Committee Budget Hearing on General Government, the 1st of 4 sessions to go over the FY 2027 budget. The meeting was held in Council Chambers with 8 of 9 members present.

    Part 1 runs about 2 hours 13 minutes

    Part 2 runs about 3 hours 11 minutes

    Let’s listen in

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

    The Franklin TV video is available for replay - https://www.youtube.com/live/Y7KSV5MTfHs?&t=140

    Agenda doc including links to the FY 2027 budget

    https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04062026-2219

    My full set of notes in one PDF - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1jmG8Vn97Cemo5YjonVvLtr72hkqHHM26/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"
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    3 horas e 12 minutos
  • FM #1723 - Finance Cmte Budget Hearing #1 - P1 of 2 - 04/06/26

    FM #1723 - Finance Cmte Budget Hearing #1 - P1 of 2 - 04/06/26
    Apr 24 2026

    This session of the radio show shares the Finance Committee Budget Hearing on General Government, the 1st of 4 sessions to go over the FY 2027 budget. The meeting was held in Council Chambers with 8 of 9 members present.

    Part 1 runs about 2 hours 13 minutes

    Part 2 runs about 3 hours 11 minutes

    Let’s listen in

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

    The Franklin TV video is available for replay - https://www.youtube.com/live/Y7KSV5MTfHs?&t=140

    Agenda doc including links to the FY 2027 budget

    https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04062026-2219

    My full set of notes in one PDF - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1jmG8Vn97Cemo5YjonVvLtr72hkqHHM26/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"
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    2 horas e 14 minutos
  • FM #1722 - Brightlight Business Co - 04/20/26

    FM #1722 - Brightlight Business Co - 04/20/26
    Apr 23 2026

    This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Lauren Mottley, owner of Brightlight Business Co. We had our conversation in person at the Franklin TV & Radio Studios on Monday, April 20, 2026.

    We cover the following topics

    • Lauren’s “Franklin story”
    • How the “Brightlight” name came to be
    • How the company is positioned to help
    • How to get started

    The conversation runs about 41 minutes. Let’s listen in

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

    Brightlight Business Co - https://brightlightbusinessco.com/

    Brightlight business LinkedIn page - linkedin.com/company/brightlight-business-co

    Brightlight Instagram page - https://www.instagram.com/brightlight_businessco/

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

    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"
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    42 minutos