FM #1510 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1510 in the series.

This episode combines the Franklin Public Radio spots for the week of September 7, 2025.

The outlook for the week ahead Sep 7 through Sep 13, 2025

The look back at the week that was Aug 31 through Sep 6, 2025

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

https://www.franklinmattersweekly.org/2025/09/september-back-to-school-and-work.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!

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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"

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Tina Powderly, Executive Director of the Franklin Food Pantry. We had our conversation in person in the community room at The Pantry on Friday, September 5, 2025.

Discussion items:

Tina’s background

Location and renovations helps with delivery of services

Hunger Action Month - national awareness campaign

Storywalk at DelCarte

Town Council presentation 9/3/25

Greet Magazine cover story

Expanding curbside services to neighboring communities

Implementing Food as Medicine

Coordination with Town and other non-profits to coordinate services

The conversation runs about 35 minutes. Let’s listen in

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Franklin Food Pantry web page -> https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/

Follow The Pantry on

Facebook -> https://www.facebook.com/FranklinFoodPantry

Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/franklinfoodpan/

Amazon wishlist -> https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2SIL7UR08ZZUC?ref_=wl_share

Greater Boston Food Bank -> https://www.gbfb.org/

Grateful for the years of support from Rockland Trust for use of the prior building which is no longer standing on West Central St in the Rockland Trust parking lot.

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

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"

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.

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

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

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

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

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"

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

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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 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"....

This session of the radio show shares our “Town Council Quarterbacking” with Town Council Chair Tom Mercer. We had our conversation via the Zoom Conference Bridge on Thursday, September 4, 2025. Our conversation condensed the Town Council meeting of September 3, 2025.

We focus on two questions:

• ok, what just happened?
• What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?

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 conversation runs about 29 minutes. Let’s listen in

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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

Background on “assessment center” https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/assessment-and-selection/other-assessment-methods/assessment-centers/

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

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

This session shares the Franklin (MA) Zoning Board of Appeals meeting conducted via Zoom Only on Thursday, September 4, 2025 at 5 PM. All three members of the Board were present. The transcript provides additional details on the short meeting.

Quick recap:

• Mistake made with the vote to take the matter “under advisement”. The vote eas 2-1 which should have been successful. The Chair was looking for a 3-0, hence “it” failed. There was another vote in the prior meeting but that shouldn’t have occurred.
• The first vote on the measure to grant the variance was tonight. Motion made. Friendly modification to round from 22.1 to 22. Accepted.
• Vote passes 3-0, Meeting adjourns after some additional remarks by the Chair in light of comments he heard when he viewed the Town Council meeting on Wednesday, Sep 3.

The recording runs about 6 minutes, so let’s listen in.

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ZBA agenda doc -> https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09042025-1895

Franklin TV YouTube for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ClJoJ3ue4w

Transcript -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1QEN2Q-hSSNyAo7KHEes-15wvuyEeWfVX/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"

This session shares my conversation with Alex Rikleen, candidate for US Senate in the forthcoming Democratic Party primary, challenging current Senator Ed Markey. We had our conversation in the Franklin TV & Radio studio on Monday, August 25, 2025

Our conversation covers Alex’s road to his decision to run and several of his campaign points.

The recording runs about 48 minutes, so let’s listen in.

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Alex Rikleen campaign page -> https://www.alexrikleen.us/

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

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"

This session shares my conversation with Mitzi Gousie, Programming and Outreach Librarian with the Franklin Public Library. We had our discussion on Monday, August 25, 2025 in the Franklin TV & Radio Studio.

We talk about

• Reviewed the regular open hours, book sale and holiday scheduling for the month
• Closed on Sundays due to budget reduction
• Closed September 1 for Labor Day
• Book sale weekend September 19 & 20
• A new program “Community Song Circle” on Sep 10 & Sep 24
• Library events for September 2025
• Family events
• Kiddos, or “littles”
• Teens
• Adults

Registration for those events required should be done through the Town website, Library page. There are nefarious folks trying to convince folks otherwise via Facebook. Be safe, use the official Town and Library pages.

The show notes include links to the Library page and to the calendar of events where registration for some of the events is required/recommended.

The recording runs about 23 minutes, so let’s listen in.

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Mitzi Gousie’s email -> mgousie@minlib.net

Franklin Public Library page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/233/Franklin-Public-Library

Library event calendar -> https://www.franklinma.gov/942/Calendar-of-Events

September Library newsletter -> https://www.franklinma.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=77

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

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"