This podcast provides a trusted information source from the Town Administrators office, featuring news, alerts, department info and more. Created in coordination with Franklin TV and Radio and Franklin Matters.
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Talk Franklin, A Podcast from the Town Administrator's Office - August 17, 2026
Tuesday, August 18, 2026 • Duration 36:58
This session of the radio show shares our “Talk Franklin” discussion with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen. We recorded our conversation virtually via Zoom on Monday, August 17, 2026.
Key topics
Mid-summer status
Town Council & contract extension
A validated budget for FY 2027
Joint Budget working on a strategy
More topics coming
Sept 2
Town available land and facilities
Sept 16
Legislative update with Senator Rausch & Rep Roy
Presentations by Food Pantry, SAFE Coalition, 250th Celebration
Sept 3
Police station building committee
Economic Development
Split tax workshops
UMass students' study on downtown
The recording runs about 37 minutes. Let’s listen to our conversation.
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"
Talk Franklin, A Podcast from the Town Administrator's Office - May 28, 2026
Monday, June 1, 2026 • Duration 01:05:20
This session of the radio show shares our “Talk Franklin” discussion with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen. We recorded our conversation in the Franklin TV & Radio Studio on Thursday, May 28, 2026.
Key topics
Updates to the FY 2027 budget
Health care overview
Final stretch for budget approval
Finance Cmte Jun 3
Town Council Jun 10
Town Council Jun 17
The recording runs about 1 hour & 5 minutes. Let’s listen to our conversation.
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.
Talk Franklin, A Podcast from the Town Administrator's Office - March 2, 2026
Thursday, March 5, 2026 • Duration 59:45
FM #1680X = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1680xin the series.
This session of the radio show shares our “Talk Franklin” discussion with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen and Liz Kalaijian, the new Director of Communications and Community Engagement for the Town of Franklin. We recorded our conversation in the Franklin TV & Radio Studio on Monday, March 2, 2026.
Key topics
Welcome Liz
Quick updates on Town business
Deep dive on Mass Municipal Association (MMA)
Close with some musical fun (songs about communications)
The recording runs about 59 minutes. Let’s listen to our conversation.
We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio () or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.
Talk Franklin - A Podcast from the Town Administrator's Office
Tuesday, July 15, 2025 • Duration 57:54
FM #1478 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1478 in the series.
This session of the radio show shares our “Talk Franklin” discussion with Town
Administrator Jamie Hellen and School Superintendent Lucas Giguere in the Municipal
Building on Wednesday, June 25, 2025.
Key topics
● After the FY 2026 budget discussion, what’s next
○ Town business
○ School’s redistricting
○ Survey and engagement
● Music playlists, concerts, & time away
The recording runs about 55 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Jamie & Lucas.
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Town of Franklin page https://www.franklinma.gov/
Franklin Public Schools page -> https://www.franklinps.net/
Community calendar https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar
--------------
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.
Talk Franklin, A Podcast from the Town Administrators Office - February 11, 2025
Friday, February 14, 2025 • Duration 01:39:10
This session of the radio show shares our “Talk Franklin” discussion with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen in the Municipal Building on Tuesday, February 11, 2025.
Several folks joined in this roundtable discussion on a variety of hot topics around development. Joining the discussion
Breeka Li Goodlander, Conservation Director
Cathleen Liberty, Health Director
Bryan Taberner, Director of Planning & Community Development
Joel D’Errico, Franklin resident & developer
Joe Halligan, Franklin resident & developer
Brad Chaffee, Franklin resident & developer for Camford Property Group
Gus Brown, Building Commissioner
Key topics
Main development issue, change
Then 5 things that are top complaints
Traffic
Density
52:05 “The 3rd thing” environmental concerns
Too many school children
Character of the Town
The recording runs about 1 Hour & 40 minutes. Let’s listen to this conversation on Franklin’s development hot topics
Master Plan (as approved by Planning Board & Town Council)
Talk Franklin, A Podcast from the Town Administrators Office - December 17, 2024
Wednesday, December 18, 2024 • Duration 57:51
FM #1339 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1339 in the series.
This session of the radio show shares our “Talk Franklin” discussion with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen and Deputy Administrator Amy Frigulietti in the Municipal Building on Tuesday, December 17, 2024.
Our discussion was essentially a review of the 2024 calendar year. While the failed override was significant, Jamie & Amy wanted to highlight some of the other key accomplishments.
Key topics
Franklin Crisis Action Team (FCAT)
Community survey
Community engagement & civil discourse
Many of the accomplishments are also listed in the mid year summary doc in the Council agenda for 12/18/24
The recording runs about 57 minutes. Let’s listen to this conversation closing out 2024
Talk Franklin, A Podcast from the Town Administrators Office - November 19, 2024
Wednesday, November 20, 2024 • Duration 48:13
FM #1319 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1319 in the series.
This session of the radio show shares our “Talk Franklin” discussion with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen in his office on Tuesday, November 19, 2024.
Jamie has mentioned in many meetings that he doesn’t spend time on social media. So I took some of the top items that generally get wrapped around misinformation and brought them to have Jamie provide his trusted source input
Franklin doesn't have enough water, we have a water ban every year
How come the Town of Franklin is building so many apartments
What happening with Davis Thayer building
I thought the old museum was being developed by Habitat for Humanity
Get more grants
Regionalization will save us
Parmenter school deed restriction
The recording runs about 45 minutes. Let’s listen to this conversation and bust some myths floating around some of the social media in Franklin.
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Town of Franklin page https://www.franklinma.gov/
Community calendar https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar
Talk Franklin, A Podcast from the Town Administrators Office - October 24, 2024
Thursday, October 31, 2024 • Duration 01:03:12
This session of the radio show shares our “Talk Franklin” discussion with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen in the 3rd floor Training Room on Thursday, October 24, 2024.
Jamie and I were joined in the roundtable discussion by (in order of appearance):
● Cory Shea, Town of Franklin Director of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy
● John Ristaino: Franklin Cultural Council Chair
● Sue Cass: Franklin Cultural District Committee member
● Lauren Kloos & Roger Trahan: Franklin Farmers Market
● Raye Lynn Mercer: Artistic & Executive Director at Franklin Performing Arts Company
● Kayla Nisbet: Franklin Artist; graphic designer, muralist & new Franklin Cultural Council Member
The recording runs about 62 minutes. Let’s listen to this conversation on the new & exciting cultural happenings in Franklin.
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Town of Franklin page https://www.franklinma.gov/
Cultural District page https://www.franklinculture.org/
Cultural Council page https://www.franklinma.gov/cultural-council
Franklin Farmers Market page https://www.franklinfarmersmarketma.com/
Franklin Performing Arts Company page https://fpaconline.com/
A Wreath of Franklin sign up page https://form.jotform.com/242634718318056
Community calendar https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar
--------------
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.
Talk Franklin, A Podcast from the Town Administrators Office - September 9, 2024
Tuesday, September 10, 2024 • Duration 51:58
FM #1275 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1275 in the series.
This session of the radio show shares our “Talk Franklin” discussion with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen and School Superintendent Lucas Giguere. We had our conversation in the Town Administrator's office on Monday, September 9, 2023.
September brings
● Renovation to Town offices, process improvements
● School re-opening
● Redistricting planning
● Joint Budget Subcommittee starts Sep 11 to work on budget for FY 2026
● More engaged now, need to bring them along the discussion on wish list items, what do we really need, and then prioritize accordingly
The recording runs about 50 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Jamie and Lucas
Talk Franklin, A Podcast from the Town Administrators Office - May 21, 2024
Tuesday, May 28, 2024 • Duration 45:17
This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen, Deputy Town Administrator Amy Frigulietti, Police Lt Jason Reilley, and Kallie Montagano, Co-Response Program Manager on Tuesday, May 21, 2024.
We get a very brief recap of current events (it’s all about the budget) and then get into the evolution of the “jail diversion” program to the “co-response” program now managed by Kallie with 2 other clinicians (Sonja and Caroline). There is no typical day.
We close out with discussion and laughter around the Top 20 songs of Hope. (playlist below)
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"
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"
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"
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"
--------------
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
Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.
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"
--------------
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
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"
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
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.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"
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
Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.
For additional information, please visit www.franklin.news/ or www.Franklinmatters.org/
If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve@gmail.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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