Showing posts with label veterans. Show all posts
Showing posts with label veterans. Show all posts

Thursday, March 14, 2024

VFW Post 3402 Hosting Luncheon for Vietnam-Era Veterans 29 March 2024

Luncheon for Vietnam-Era Veterans

Calling local Vietnam-Era Veterans!

VFW Post 3402 is hosting a luncheon in your honor on 29 March 2024.

Event time is 12 PM (noon). RSVP required, call 508-613-1315.

See flier for more details!

 

VFW Post 3402 Hosting Luncheon for Vietnam-Era Veterans 29 March 2024
VFW Post 3402 Hosting Luncheon for Vietnam-Era Veterans 29 March 2024

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/veterans-services/news/vfw-post-3402-hosting-luncheon-vietnam-era-veterans-29-march-2024

Tuesday, March 5, 2024

Reminder: Veterans' Coffee Social on March 6, 2024 at 10 AM features Secretary Jon Santiago

Veterans' Coffee Social - March 6, 2024

Reminder to join the us, this Wednesday, March 6, for the Veteran's Coffee Social at the Franklin Senior Center!

We will be having a legislative visit from EOVS Secretary Jon Santiago (Army Veteran and Reservist), Rep. Jeffrey Roy, and Senator Rebecaa Rausch. Come and converse about issues that are important to our Veterans!

Join us on March 6th, 2024 at the Franklin Senior Center at 10:00AM

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/veterans-coffee-social-march-6th-2024

Reminder: Veterans' Coffee Social on March 6, 2024 at 10 AM features Secretary Jon Santiago
Reminder: Veterans' Coffee Social on March 6, 2024 at 10 AM features Secretary Jon Santiago

Friday, March 1, 2024

Hockey Triple Header at DCU in Worcester - FREE TICKETS FOR VETS!

Veterans Appreciation Day & Night - Saturday, March 30, 2024 
- Reserve your seat today!

Join the Department of Massachusetts VFW for a day of camaraderie and hockey on Saturday, March 30 beginning at 2:30 p.m. at the DCU Center in Worcester!

Reserve your seat today by calling: Mike Raymond at: (603) 608-6898

Read more

Hockey Triple Header at DCU in Worcester - FREE TICKETS FOR VETS!
Hockey Triple Header at DCU in Worcester - FREE TICKETS FOR VETS!


Tuesday, February 27, 2024

Veterans Coffee Social with Senator Rausch, Rep Roy, & Secretary Santiago at the Franklin Senior Center - March 6 at 10 AM

Save the date!!!      March 6 at 10 AM

State Rep Jeff Roy, State Senator Becca Rausch and Secretary of Veterans Service, Jon Santiago

Veterans Coffee Social with Senator Rausch, Rep Roy, & Secretary Santiago at the Franklin Senior Center - March 6 at 10 AM
Veterans Coffee Social with Senator Rausch, Rep Roy, & Secretary Santiago at the Franklin Senior Center - March 6 at 10 AM

Friday, February 9, 2024

Veterans Coffee Social at the Franklin Senior Center

Save the date!!!

March 6 at 10 AM.

State Rep Jeff Roy, State Senator Becca Rausch and Secretary of Veterans Service, Jon Santiago



Shared from -> 

Wednesday, January 24, 2024

New Ceremony to Honor Franklin Veterans Who Died In Service to Our Country: first of series starts Jan 26 at 9 AM

The Town of Franklin has one of the most beautiful Veteran’s Memorial areas in the state.  If you haven’t been there recently, it is worth a visit.  There are monuments for all wars centered in front of the WWI “Doughboy” monument.  At the rear of the monument area is the Veterans’ Memorial Walkway which currently honors 1866 veterans who have served America.

Perhaps the most moving part of the Memorial area are the 45 granite posts which line the Veterans’ Walkway.  Each one of these posts is dedicated to a Franklin veteran who gave his life, defending our freedom.  These columns are beautifully done, marked with bronze plaques and a flag.  During the holidays, each is also decorated with a beautiful wreath.

Over the past few months, Franklin’s Veterans’ organizations, the Edward L. Grant American Legion Post 75, and the Veteran’s of Foreign Wars Post 3402, under the auspices of the Town’s Veterans Council, have developed a program to further honor those who died for our nation, to ensure they are remembered, and their stories are kept alive.

Beginning in January, specifically on January 26, at 9:00 AM, the first of 45 ceremonies will take place at the column of William O. Martello, Ensign, U.S. Navy who died on that date off Anzio beach in Italy, when his landing craft struck a mine.

In February, there will be four veterans honored, February 18 – Air Force SSgt Alan Willard, Vietnam; February 22 – Navy Oiler James P. Murray, WWI; February 24 - Marine Corporal David Laughlan III, WWII, and February 26 – Marine Lance Corporal Richard L. Desper, Vietnam.

For the month of March, we will honor the following veterans.  On March 10, a dual ceremony will be held for Army 2nd LT John A. Schur, WWII and Army PFC Marshall E. Rollins, both who lost their lives on the same day; March 18 - Army PFC Elton E. Ekstrom, WWII, and on March 30 – W. Franklin Lynch WWI.

This program will include the placing of a Memorial Wreath for the day, the playing of Taps, a salute from those present, and a reading of whatever history we may have on that veteran.  This is a way of keeping the memory of that veteran alive.

This event will happen 45 times during the coming year.  Some months, like January, only one ceremony will be held. Other months will have multiple ceremonies, such as February with 4 and June with 7.   On March 10, April 9, July 18, and September 21, there will be dual ceremonies as we lost two veterans on the same day.

Families of the veterans, if known, will be invited to attend the ceremony.

The public is invited to attend these ceremonies to honor those who gave their lives.

Franklin’s military organizations support numerous veterans’ activities  and encourage all veterans in town to join them.

Honoring Our Franklin Veterans Who Died In Service to Our Country
Honoring Our Franklin Veterans Who Died In Service to Our Country

Sunday, January 14, 2024

Veterans' Council Meeting - January 18, 2024 - 7:00 PM

All Franklin residents are invited!

The next monthly Veterans' Council meeting will be held on Thursday, January 18, 2024 at 7:00 PM at the Franklin Senior Center, 10 Daniel McCahill Street.

All Franklin residents interested in Veterans' activities and events are welcome to join us.

Meetings are held the third Thursday of every month.

For more information, please contact the Veterans' Services Office: (508) 613-1315.

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/veterans-services/news/veterans-council-meeting-january-18-2024-700-pm

Veterans' Council Meeting - January 18, 2024 - 7:00 PM
Veterans' Council Meeting - January 18, 2024 - 7:00 PM

Wednesday, January 3, 2024

Franklin Veterans come to your Coffee Social at the Franklin Senior Center January 3, 2024 - 10 AM

RING IN 2024 WITH US AT OUR

MONTHLY VETERANS' COFFEE SOCIAL ON

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 3, 2024 AT 10:00 AM AT THE SENIOR CENTER.

REFRESHMENTS WILL BE PROVIDED BY OUR WONDERFUL FRIENDS AT STARBUCKS!

ALL VETERANS ARE INVITED TO JOIN US 

FOR COFFEE AND CONVERSATION. 

DROP BY FOR A WHILE OR STAY AS LONG AS YOU'D LIKE.

HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/veterans-services/news/january-3-2024-coffee-social


Wednesday, November 15, 2023

Warrior Within Yoga Project Pilot Program Starts Dec 7, 2023 at the Franklin Senior Center

Franklin Warrior Yoga

A new Veteran yoga program with Warrior Within Yoga Project is coming to Franklin, MA starting December 7th and meeting Thursdays 6-7 PM at the Franklin Senior Center.

Warrior Within Yoga Project is a local nonprofit that specializes in accessible, evidence-based and trauma-informed yoga for military and first responder populations.

The class is free to all veterans, service members, first responders and their families/caretakers. The sessions are beginner friendly, taught at a slower pace and focus on improving mobility and decreasing stress.  

Two talented yoga instructors will be leading sessions including US Army veteran Christopher Boehm along with Cathy Kilcoyne.

The class has rolling enrollment so drop in at any time. You are welcome to any or all sessions. 


We encourage registering online in advance at   www.warriorwithinyoga.org/schedule or by emailing WWYP's Program Coordinator Victoria Rojasss   victoriar@warriorwithinyoga.org

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/veterans-services/news/warrior-within-yoga-project-pilot-program-starts-07-dec-2023-franklin-senior

Monday, November 13, 2023

Women Veterans' Tea! at the Franklin Senior Center - 18 Nov 2023 at 10 AM

Women Veterans' Tea

Hoping our Women Veterans can all get together for some coffee, tea, and delicious homemade goodies before the busy holiday seasons! 

This event will be held at the Franklin Senior Center, sponsored by the Mansfield Chapter of the DAR.  

Please RSVP via email to snisbett@franklinma.gov


Shared from ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/veterans-services/news/women-veterans-tea-18-nov-2023-franklin-senior-center-10am

Women Veterans' Tea! at the Franklin Senior Center - 18 Nov 2023 at 10 AM
Women Veterans' Tea! at the Franklin Senior Center - 18 Nov 2023 at 10 AM

Friday, November 10, 2023

Veterans and families: Burial benefits and funeral planning


Consumer Alerts from the Federal Trade Commission

By Carol Kando-Pineda

If you're a veteran's surviving family or caregiver, you may be eligible for expanded burial benefits that help cover certain funeral expenses. 

But scammers may contact you, saying that for a fee they can do the paperwork and guarantee what benefits you'll get. 

Other scammers pretend to be from the VA. 

But the VA will never call, text, or email out of the blue and ask for your credit card or bank account information.

Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2023/11/veterans-and-families-burial-benefits-and-funeral-planning


Tuesday, November 7, 2023

Veterans need to be aware of scams


Consumer Alerts from the Federal Trade Commission

By Carol Kando-Pineda

As we approach Veterans Day, we thank our veterans for their service and sacrifice. But not everyone has a vet's best interests in mind. Whether you left the service decades ago or you're planning your transition to civilian life, scammers will try to get you to send money or share personal information. 

Scammers also want to get their hands on the valuable benefits you earned through military service. What are some ways to know you're dealing with a scammer?

Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2023/11/veterans-and-scams


Veterans need to be aware of scams
Veterans need to be aware of scams

Thursday, November 2, 2023

Breakfast4Vets: 100 Additional Free Tickets for Veterans Thanks to Anonymous Donor

The Massachusetts Military Support Foundation (MMSF) is grateful for the generosity of an anonymous donor that is allowing us to offer an additional 100 tickets for veterans to attend our upcoming Breakfast4Vets event taking place on November 10, 2023 at 8:30am, at the Resort and Conference Center in Hyannis, MA. This heartwarming event aims to bring the community together in appreciation of veterans and their service to our country for Veterans Day, while raising funds to support the Emergency Housing 4 Veterans (EH4V) program.

 

Breakfast4Vets: A Delicious Gathering with a Mission

 

At this year's event, attendees can expect a delicious breakfast spread, thought-provoking conversations, and inspiring stories shared by veterans and community leaders. By participating in Breakfast4Vets, guests will directly contribute to the EH4V program, whose mission is to provide transitional and permanent housing solutions for veterans in need.

 

The event aims to raise awareness about the challenges faced by veterans, particularly in securing stable housing, and to foster a supportive community for those who have dedicated their lives to protecting our nation. Breakfast4Vets is open to all who wish to join in honoring and supporting the brave men and women who have served our country.

 

Our new monthly program Breakfast4Vets continues monthly starting in December. We expect it to grow in popularity and impact, MMSF is committed to continuing its expanding reach while offering additional support to veterans and their families who find themselves in need of Emergency Housing through no fault of their own. The organization is actively seeking community partners and sponsors to help make Breakfast4Vets an even more powerful force for change in the lives of those who have selflessly served our nation.

 

Massachusetts Military Support Foundation (MMSF)
Massachusetts Military Support Foundation (MMSF)

Breakfast4Vets: Building Bridges and Strengthening Communities

 

"We are incredibly proud to host Breakfast4Vets this year, and to see the positive impact it has on the lives of veterans in our community," says Dawn Roche, MMSF spokesperson. "It's a testament to the power of coming together over a shared meal and a shared cause, as we work to ensure that our nation's heroes have a place to call home."

 

Breakfast4Vets offers an opportunity for veterans to connect with their community, as well as local businesses and organizations that support MMSF's mission. The event has been praised by veterans for fostering camaraderie and understanding, and for providing much-needed resources to help them rebuild their lives.

 

About Massachusetts Military Support Foundation

The Massachusetts Military Support Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing essential support to veterans and active-duty military personnel in need. MMSF offers a range of services, including housing assistance, food programs, and counseling services, to address the unique challenges faced by those who have served our nation. For more information, visit https://mmsfi.org.

 

Join us as we build bridges and strengthen communities, one breakfast at a time.

Saturday, September 30, 2023

Veterans Coffee Social scheduled for October 4, 2023 at 10 AM

October 2023 Veterans Coffee Social

Join Us for Coffee & Conversation!
Come to the Senior Center at 10 AM on Wednesday, Oct 4, 2023

Veterans Coffee Social scheduled for October 4, 2023 at 10 AM
Veterans Coffee Social scheduled for October 4, 2023 at 10 AM

Friday, September 29, 2023

Town Council Quarterbacking session catches up to the Sep 20 meeting and provides a recap (audio)

FM #1068 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1068 in the series. 


This shares my conversation with Town Council Chair Tom Mercer. This is one of a series of conversations meant to provide a recap of the prior Council meeting. Akin to one of the many sports post-game analysis broadcasts we are familiar with in New England,  this would be a discussion focused on the Franklin Town Council meeting of September 20, 2023


  • ok, what just happened? 

  • What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?


We cover the following key topics

  • Three appointments to individual committees were unanimously approved.  a. Council on Aging - Collette Ferguson  b. Finance Committee - Heather Sanscoucy   c. Municipal Affordable Housing Trust - Kimberly Mu-Chow 

  • Franklin Elks Riders presented a donation of $1k, the Franklin Elks Bingo donated $10k to the Town of Franklin veterans services

  • Council goals review, a long list of accomplishments, a list to be proud of

  • The funds previously allocated for purchase of a new ambulance were authorized to be paid to the vendor to hold the contract and avoid a price increase - Resolution 23-54: Ambulance Transfer & Appropriation

  • The Council discussed and approved placement of the debt exclusion to fund the Franklin portion of the Tri-County RVTHS new building. The question language approved was as follows: 

    • "Shall the Town of Franklin be allowed to exempt from the provisions of proposition two and one-half, so-called, the amounts required to pay the Town’s allocable share of the bonds issued by the Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical School District to pay costs of designing constructing and equipping a new high school to be located at 147 Pond Street, in Franklin, including the payment of all costs incidental or related thereto?"

  • The Open Space & Recreation Plan developed over the course of 15 months, muti[;e meetings and 3 public hearings was approved by the Council. IT will be submitted to the State and assuming their acceptance will also be part of the Master Plan Update now underway

  • Town Administrators report provided updates on the migrant housing situation, the demolition delay report and a report on decommissioning a section of Spring Street.


Our conversation runs about 35 minutes. Let’s listen to this session of Town Council Quarterbacking recorded Sep 20, 2023. Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1068-town-council-quarterbacking-09-28-23



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

The Franklin TV video is available for replay ->  https://www.youtube.com/live/bF13Dgn_6qs   

Town Council agenda doc -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/town_council_agenda_-_sept_20_2023.pdf 

My full set of notes captured via Twitter during the meeting are collected in a single PDF for easier reading  -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1khvMQCoANrW3vZxzRHMYP1pPlrpfAfP4/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


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 your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"


Town Council Quarterbacking session catches up to the Sep 20 meeting and provides a recap (audio)
Town Council Quarterbacking session catches up to the Sep 20 meeting and provides a recap (audio)

Saturday, September 23, 2023

Town Council receives Elks donations, approves debt exclusion question for Tri-County school (video)

The Franklin (MA) Town Council met as scheduled on Wednesday, Sep 20, 2023. There was a full and varied agenda accomplished in the 2 hour 16 minute meeting. All nine members were present in Council Chambers.

The Franklin TV video replay is available ->   https://www.youtube.com/live/bF13Dgn_6qs

Quick recap:
  • Three appointments to individual committees were unanimously approved.  a. Council on Aging - Collette Ferguson  b. Finance Committee - Heather Sanscoucy   c. Municipal Affordable Housing Trust - Kimberly Mu-Chow 
  • Franklin Elks Riders presented a donation of $1k, the Franklin Elks Bingo donated $10k to the Town of Franklin veterans services
  • Council goals review, a long list of accomplishments, a list to be proud of
  • The funds previously allocated for purchase of a new ambulance were authorized to be paid to the vendor to hold the contract and avoid a price increase - Resolution 23-54: Ambulance Transfer & Appropriation
  • The Council discussed and approved placement of the debt exclusion to fund the Franklin portion of the Tri-County RVTHS new building. The question language approved was as follows: 
"Shall the Town of Franklin be allowed to exempt from the provisions of proposition two and one-half, so-called, the amounts required to pay the Town’s allocable share of the bonds issued by the Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical School District to pay costs of designing constructing and equipping a new high school to be located at 147 Pond Street, in Franklin, including the payment of all costs incidental or related thereto?"

  • The Open Space & Recreation Plan developed over the course of 15 months, muti[;e meetings and 3 public hearings was approved by the Council. IT will be submitted to the State and assuming their acceptance will also be part of the Master Plan Update now underway
  • Town Administrators report provided updates on the migrant housing situation, the demolition delay report and a report on decommissioning a section of Spring Street.

The Council agenda doc including supporting documents

My notes captured during the meeting in one PDF for easy reading

Mark Ellis presenting the $10,000 check from bingo
Mark Ellis presenting the $10,000 check from bingo

Elks riders presenting the check for $1000
Elks riders presenting the check for $1000



Tuesday, September 19, 2023

Breakfast4Vets: Fostering Community Unity and Empowering Veterans Through Sustainable Housing Solutions

On November 10, 2023, the Massachusetts Military Support Foundation (MMSF) proudly presents its annual Breakfast4Vets event. Coinciding with Veterans Day, this hallmark occasion will be hosted at the Resort and Conference Center in Hyannis, MA. Celebrating our nation's heroes, Breakfast4Vets unites the community in support of the Emergency Housing 4 Veterans (EH4V) program.

 

Breakfast4Vets: More Than a Meal, A Commitment to Change

 

The power of Breakfast4Vets extends beyond the generous breakfast banquet and thought-provoking conversations that have come to define this inspiring event. Guests' participation signifies a tangible commitment to the EH4V program, a critical initiative that provides transitional and permanent housing solutions for veterans in need.

 

As the morning unfolds, poignant narratives from veterans and community leaders illuminate the pressing issue of housing instability among our nation's heroes. Breakfast4Vets presents a call to action, inviting all attendees to stand in solidarity with the brave men and women who have served our country.

 

This year, MMSF is pleased to announce the extension of Breakfast4Vets to a monthly event, starting in December. "We anticipate that the event's popularity will increase its impact," explains MMSF spokesperson, Dawn Roche. "This extension of Breakfast4Vets signals our unwavering commitment to supporting veterans and their families who unexpectedly find themselves in need of emergency housing."

 

Your Invitation to Get Involved

 

Breakfast4Vets is an ongoing testament to the transformative power of community solidarity. In addition to its purpose of providing a platform for veterans to engage with their community, it offers local businesses and organizations the opportunity to demonstrate their support for MMSF's mission.

 

Roche states, "It's heartening to see the positive impact of Breakfast4Vets on the lives of the veterans in our community. Coming together to share a meal and a common cause reinforces our dedication to ensuring that our nation's heroes have a place to call home."

 

MMSF: Champions for Veterans

 

About Massachusetts Military Support Foundation

The Massachusetts Military Support Foundation, a non-profit organization, is devoted to delivering crucial support to veterans and active-duty military personnel in need. Its services span housing assistance, food programs, and counseling services, directly addressing the unique challenges faced by those who have selflessly served our nation.

 

For media inquiries about Breakfast4Vets or to schedule an interview, please contact Dawn Roche at (508) 737-0086 or dawnroche@mmsfi.org. For sponsorship information, to buy tickets, or to donate please visit mmsfi.org and click on "Veterans Day Breakfast4Vets."

 

Join us as we build bridges and strengthen communities, one breakfast at a time.


Breakfast4Vets: Fostering Community Unity and Empowering Veterans
Breakfast4Vets: Fostering Community Unity and Empowering Veterans