THE BLACK BOX marquee is working!

A brief ceremony on Friday honored the accomplishment of the Franklin School for Performing Arts in turning on the marquee at THE BLACK BOX. The amazing performance venue will now be able to more easily advertise the shows available. Ironically, the first show on the marquee is already 'sold out.'

FSPA Director Raye Lynn Mercer and Alan Mercer talk to the small gathering inside the theater. They recounted some of the trial and tribulations on the journey to make the theater and the marquee a reality. Many helped in this effort. Representative Jeff Roy was on hand to be recognized for his assistance and to help acknowledge officials at both the local and state level that helped along the way.

FSPA Director Raye Lynn Mercer and Alan Mercer

FSPA Director Raye Lynn Mercer and Rep Jeffrey Roy

The lit up marquee

more about the FSPA   http://fspaonline.com/


THE BLACK BOX online box office   http://www.theblackboxonline.com/

Genealogy Club to hear about software choices

The next meeting of the Genealogy Club will meet at the Franklin Historical Museum on Thursday, June 30 at 6:30 PM.

Richard Reid from the Friends of Irish Research will discuss the options of software to use when doing research.

This was shared from the Franklin Library website
http://franklinpl.blogspot.com/2016/06/franklin-library-genealogy-club-meeting.html

Note: the Library is open and operational in its temporary location at 25 Kenwood Circle while renovations are being made to the building on Main St.
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/04/franklin-library-reopens-may-2-at-25.html

The Fiddling Thomsons To Perform At The Franklin Historical Museum

The Franklin Historical Museum is happy to be participating in the 2nd Annual Franklin Cultural Festival to be held the last week of July.

As part of the festival, the Fiddling Thomsons will perform on the front porch of the museum Thursday evening, July28th from 5:00pm -7:30pm.

Ryan and Brennish Thomson are an award winning father and son duo who will be performing lively tunes on a variety of old time instruments of historical nature. Together they play twin fiddles, wooden spoons, jaw harp, cajon box, drum, rhythm bones, mandolin,banjo, accordion, flute, foot percussion, penny whistle, to name a few! The duo will entertain with their large repertoire of fun and lively tunes and will be available to answer questions from the audience regarding the folk instruments they play.

Join us for Fiddling and Folk Music on Thursday the 28th, on the front lawn of the museum for some lively entertainment and a night of family fun.

More information on the duo can be found on their website, captainfiddle.com.

The evening is sponsored and hosted by the Friends of the Franklin Historical Museum. The Cultural District Festival runs from Wednesday, July 27th through Saturday July 30th. 

See you there.

Fiddling Thomsons (image grab from YouTube video)

For more about the Fiddling Thomsons visit their YouTube channel

In the News: Freedom from Hunger Food Drive, workforce disability conference, teacher contract close

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"St. Mary’s Conference of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul will host its sixth annual Freedom from Hunger Food Drive from June 25 to 26. 

In order to receive a variety of nonperishable items, the group has divided the alphabet into six groups and are requesting different donations from each group.
The items requested are divided by the spelling of last names. Below are the items requested by beginning letter of the donors' last names. 

• A-D: cereal; coffee; tea; juice boxes; muffins and bread mixes.
• E-H: peanut butter and jelly; individual containers of Jell-O, fruit and pudding.
• I-L: granola bars; rice; whole grain crackers; oatmeal.
• M-P: canned fruit; fruit juice; applesauce; cranberry sauce.
• Q-T: tuna and Tuna Helper; beef stew; spaghetti sauce and paste; canned vegetables.
• U-Z: all paper products; shampoo; detergent; soap; toothpaste; deodorant."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160618/freedom-from-hunger-food-drive-announced

"The Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress and Riverside Community Care’s Central Massachusetts Employment Collaborative co-hosted a free workshop at Milford National Bank &Trust to educate employers on ways to expand their workforce by hiring people with disabilities. Rep. Jeffrey Roy, D-Franklin, talked about the connection between members of the MDSC and government work. 

Roy talked about different initiatives that he is currently following, in an effort to move people into more meaningful jobs. He mentioned the Inclusive Concurrent Enrollment Initiative and the higher education bill of Rep. Tom Sannicandro, D-Ashland, both of which push for people with differing abilities to receive higher education and skill training. Roy also told the attendees about his plans to refile a bill for student loan repayments."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160617/workforce-disabilities-conference-held

"The town school district and its teachers union are reportedly nearing a contract agreement. 

The School Committee, at its meeting this week, approved a memorandum of understanding with the Franklin Education Association, outlining the changes that a new three-year contract would bring. The committee is scheduled to sign the contract at its June 28 meeting, after which its full terms will be made public. 

Chairman Kevin O'Malley said the memo was approved unanimously by the committee. He said the teachers, too, voted to approve the document."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160617/franklin-teachers-district-nearing-agreement

For additional information from the recent School Committee meeting
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/06/school-committee-recognizes-retirees.html

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA Area: FRI 6/17/16 - THU 6/23/16

FRIDAY 6/17/16
12pm-6pm   Franklin Farmers Market at The Town Common
7pm-12am   Team O’Neil Fundraiser for Chris B O’Neil Children’s Fund @ Elks Lodge

SATURDAY 6/18/16
8am-11am   SNETT rail trail Clean Up/Walk - meet at Grove Street trailhead.
10am   Franklin Rock Walk - explore Franklin’s Geology, meet at the YMCA parking lot.
9am-5pm   Civil War Reenactment in Millis
7:30pm   Electric Youth 2016 Bon Voyage Concert @ The Black Box

MONDAY 6/20/16
7pm   Substance Abuse in “Our Community”  @ Dean College Campus Center (Atrium). Presenters: State Rep. Jeff Roy, James Derick (SAFE Coalition President)

TUESDAY 6/21/16
1:30pm   Knitting Circle for Adults @ Franklin Public Library (25 Kenwood Circle)
6:30pm   Teen Advisory Board @ Franklin Public Library

THURSDAY 6/23/16
10am   Zentangle Boxes @ Franklin Art Center
5-9pm   SAFE Coalition’s Substance Abuse Drop In Center Open @ St. John’s Episcopal Church (237 Pleasant Street)
6:30-8:30pm   Art Night Uncorked @ Franklin Art Center

For all the Town of Franklin Public Meetings click HERE.

For event details click HERE.

*If you have any suggestions or events for the calendar, please email Renata@BetterLivingRE.com

In the News: former Dean campus police appeal, Honor Flight take Franklin veteran to WDC

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"Former Dean College campus police officers are appealing a federal board’s decision to dismiss their case claiming they were wrongfully terminated just days after informing the school of their plan to form a union. 

The initial appeal was filed last month, but a supplemental brief filed last week calls into question the training and capability of TeamOps, the private security force that was hired to replace the school’s public safety officers."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160616/former-dean-college-police-officers-want-wrongful-termination-case-heard-by-nlrb

"A local veteran of the Korean War will get the opportunity to tour various Washington, D.C. landmarks this weekend as part of the "Honor Flight" program. 

Joseph McManus, who served in the Navy for 20 years, is flying out on Sunday, and will be given a whirlwind tour before returning. The Honor Flight program looks to celebrate veterans by giving them an opportunity to reflect at memorials in the nation's capital. 

McManus, raised in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, joined the Navy out of high school in 1947. 

"The war had just ended, and I felt I had to do my duty," he said. "I had an algebra teacher who was a lieutenant in the Navy at the time, and he asked, 'Why don't you join the Navy?'"

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160616/franklin-vet-to-travel-to-washington

My brothers and I had the opportunity to take our father to Washington, DC to see the memorials
 in 2007 and he talked of the trip for the rest of his life

You can contribute to Honor Flight to enable trips to Washington DC for other veterans  http://www.honorflight.org/

Why Honor Flight? The Sherlock family answered that question when Jerry Sherlock passed away in 2012 and recorded those reasons here
http://jerrysherlockstory.blogspot.com/2012/02/why-honor-flight.html

In the News: Orlando remembered, Drummers' Studio schedules summer camps

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"For one member of the First Universalist Society of Franklin, the recent shooting in Orlando, Fla., hit close to home. 

On Dec. 11, 2012, while the woman was working in a Sephora located in the Clackamas (Ore.) Town Center mall, she said “a man decided he was going to run in on holiday shoppers and open fire in our food court.” 

The woman, who did not want her name used, was celebrating her honeymoon with her wife in Orlando on Sunday, when the shooting took place. 

“Every single time one of these mass shootings happens," she said, "it’s like this wound is reopened.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160615/first-universalist-society-of-franklin-remembers-orlando-victims

"The Drummers’ Studio, 244 East Central St., will host a series of summer drum camps for middle and elementary students the week of July 11-15. 

Elementary students looking to have fun and/or prepare for middle school bands will cover the basics in reading, rudiments, styles and soloing. The middle school drum camp is designed to help students successfully prepare for Jazz and Concert Band auditions as well as the Central District auditions."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160616/drummers-studio-to-host-camps

image from the Drummers's Studio webpage

Most families' incomes not increasing along with growth

New national report and MassBudget study

MassBudget    Information.    Participation.  Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center    Democracy. Most Families' Incomes Are Not Increasing Along with Economic Growth New National Report and MassBudget Study Examine MA Income Data  A new national study and a MassBudget analysis show the benefits of economic growth in Massachusetts are not reaching most families. The Economic Policy Institute (EPI) today released Income Inequality in the U.S. by State, Metropolitan Area, and County, which finds that while incomes are increasing rapidly for the highest-income one percent of the Massachusetts population (32.5 percent from 2009 to 2013), the average income of the other 99 percent has barely budged (up only 1.6 percent over those years). Meanwhile, MassBudget's new fact sheet, The Effects of Skewed Growth on Household Incomes provides greater detail and shows how much higher Massachusetts incomes would be if incomes continued to grow together over the past several decades as they did before the 1980s.   MassBudget's new analysis reveals that: Had incomes at all levels grown after 1979 in line with overall income growth as they basically had in the preceding three decades, then annual median income in Massachusetts would have reached $85,200 in 2013 instead of $63,100. The share of income received by the bottom 99 percent has declined since 1979 when it stood at 90.3 percent of total income, compared to 77.0 percent in 2013. The top 1 percent pay a smaller share of their income in state and local taxes than the bottom 99 percent in Massachusetts. If the highest income earners contributed the same share of their income in state and local taxes as the bottom 99 percent, this would generate over $2 billion per year in additional tax revenue for the Commonwealth. You can read Mass Budget's new analysis (here). You can read the Economic Policy Institute study (here). #     #     # The Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center (MassBudget) produces policy research, analysis, and data-driven recommendations focused on improving the lives of low- and middle-income children and adults, strengthening our state's economy, and enhancing the quality of life in Massachusetts. MASSACHUSETTS BUDGET AND POLICY CENTER 15 COURT SQUARE, SUITE 700 BOSTON, MA 02108

Sent by nberger@massbudget.org in collaboration with Try it free today

screen grab of chart in report on MA Top Incomes

School Committee recognizes retirees, agrees to MOU on new contract

The School Committee spent the first several minutes of their meeting recognizing several personnel (teachers, van drivers, and administrators) that are retiring this year.

Oak St School provided an update followed by the Keller School.  

Then the School Committee went into Executive Session to discuss the labor agreement with the Franklin Education Association (teacher's union) returning to open meeting and the action items. The last action item was passed without revealing any details of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) or any discussion. Apparently, more will be discussed when the actual contract is formally signed in a future meeting.

j. I recommend ratification of the proposed MOU for a contract between the FEA and the Franklin School Committee.motion to accept, seconded, passed 7-0

   

Keller 2nd grade students ready to model their morning meeting for the School Committee

For the detail notes taken during the meeting: (photos were added to the individual sections):

• Live reporting: to closing
• Live Reporting: Action items
• Live reporting: School Committee to Executive Sess...
• Live reporting: Policy changes
• Live reporting: Keller Update
• Live reporting: Oak St Update
• Live reporting: School Committee - June 14, 2016
• 
  

SAVE THE DATE: Charles River Meadowlands Meeting - June 28

The next meeting of the Charles River Meadowlands Initiative will be on Tuesday, June 28, 2016 6:30 -8 at the  first floor Arcand meeting room at 10 Mechanic street in Bellingham (Bellingham Town Planner Jim Kupfer has offered to host us!). 

Details and agenda will follow soon!

photo from Charles River Meadowlands webpage

Visit the website for Charles River Meadowlands

http://www.charlesrivermeadowlands.org/

Last day of school upon us

Last day for kindergarten students today. The last day of school for the grades 1-11 is June 22. 

Parmenter sign showing last day for K on June 16, all other classes June 22

What do the school calendars look like for next year and the year after? You can find them on the school website here
http://franklindistrict.vt-s.net/Pages/FranklinDistrict_SchoolCalDocs/index

American Legion - 5 Miler Scholarship Fund Road Race - June 25

Saturday June 25th, 2016 at 8 AM Help support our effort to give scholarships to high school students looking at the high cost of secondary education. All profits from this event will go to the Scholarship Funds for Medway Post 367 and Franklin Post 75. Registration: 7:00 – 7:45am Start Time: 8:00am Start / Finish: Medway High School 88 Summer Street Medway, MA 02053 Run: 5 mile loop on paved roads Entry Fee: $25 $15 High School Students Post race refreshments Prizes awarded by category T-Shirts for entrants Raffle Prizes or download and register by mail

Forward this email American Legion: Medway Post 367 and Franklin Post 75

Franklin American Legion · 82 West Central St · Franlkin, MA 02038 · USA

Franklin Liquors: Father's Day Newsletter

This Newsletter Is All About Dads!

Many Items That Dads Love Are In Stock

Some Ideas Listed

Also You Can View Our Sale Items

Happy Father's Day!

In this newsletter:

Social Media Information

Sale Items & Gift Ideas

Everyday Wine Discount

Wine Education/Tasting Room

Past Newsletters

Franklin Liquors

Mike & Mark

Family Owned Vintage 1978

You can find the full newsletter and details on sales here:

http://ow.ly/4hzn301gvLh

http://franklinliquors.com/

Photos from the All Night Party 2016

Thanks to all the parents and volunteers for their work transforming Horace Mann Middle School for the FHS All Night Party held after the graduation on Friday, June 3. I created an album for the photos to share. I have a few more to add but the bulk of the photos are ready for your viewing now.

photos from the FHS All Night Party 2016

For all the photos visit this link
https://www.flickr.com/photos/steve_sherlock/albums/72157667120205253

Note the photos are all licensed with Creative Commons for non-commercial use, sharing with attribution.

FHS represented on baseball and softball Hockomock All Stars

Hockomock Sports has published the All Stars for the 2016 baseball and softball season. The FHS representatives are listed here:

Below are the official Hockomock League Baseball All Stars

HOCKOMOCK LEAGUE MVP = Luke Figueira, Taunton

HOCKOMOCK LEAGUE ALL STARS

• Ryan Hodgkins, Franklin
• Mike Skaza, Franklin

HONORABLE MENTIONS = Josh Macchi, Franklin

For the full listing of baseball All Stars
http://hockomocksports.com/the-2016-hockomock-baseball-all-stars-hms/

Below are the official Hockomock League Softball All Stars

HOCKOMOCK LEAGUE MVP = Aimee Kistner, Taunton

HOCKOMOCK LEAGUE ALL STARS

• Maddie Connelly, Franklin
• Alexx Niss, Franklin

HONORABLE MENTIONS = Clara DeCarvalho, Franklin


For the full listing of softball All Stars
http://hockomocksports.com/the-2016-hockomock-softball-all-stars-hms/

FHS Panthers

In the News: Scouts planting for seniors, Franklin man shaves head for cancer

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"Boy Scout Troop 126, in Franklin, has started its summer with service. 

A dozen Scouts from the troop spent their afternoon on May 14 planting vegetables in the garden for the residents at Franklin Health and Rehabilitation Center. 

The boys have built a relationship with the center and the residents in recent years, dropping in for a game of bingo and visiting on Veterans' Day. The gardening project included tomatoes, peppers, squash, kale and cantaloupe, which will be harvested for and eaten by the residents."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160614/boy-scout-troop-126-plants-vegetables-for-seniors

"Franklin resident Dan Chase shaved his head on June 5 at One Mission’s Buzz Off for kids with cancer. 

Chase shaved his head for the first time at the Sunday event. “I did it in honor of my mom, who had leukemia,” he said."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160614/franklin-resident-shaves-head-at-one-missions-buzz-off

Live reporting: to closing

6. Information Matters:

Superintendent’s Report

www.smveterans.org

School Committee Sub-Committee Reports
community relations subcommittee have one more scheduled meeting and then will make a formal report


a. Policy Sub Committee
none

School Committee Liaison Reports
none

a. Joint PCC
none

7. New Business:
To discuss future business that may be brought before the School Committee.

8. Motion to Adjourn – Dr. O’Malley

k. Motion & Second – All Approved/opposed.

Live Reporting: Action items

*** School Committee returns to open meeting

5. Action Items:

a. I recommend acceptance of two checks totaling $504.17 From Target – Take Charge of Education for FHS.
motion to accept, seconded, passed 7-0

b. I recommend acceptance of the following three checks for Davis Thayer totaling $721.44

1. Target - $93.91
2. DT PCC - $252.50
3. Ahold USA - $375.03

motion to accept, seconded, passed 7-0

c. I recommend acceptance of the donation of $180.00 from various donors for the Castelline Scholarship at FHS.
motion to accept, seconded, passed 7-0

d. I recommend adoption of the following policies as discussed:

1. IHBA-R - Programs for Students with Disabilities
2. IHBHA - Alternative School Programs
3. IJOAB - Extended Field Trips

motion to accept, seconded, passed 7-0

e. I recommend the request to declare yearbooks as surplus as detailed.
motion to accept, seconded, passed 7-0

f. I recommend acceptance of a check for $619.45 from the Parmenter PCC for field trips.
motion to accept, seconded, passed 7-0

g. I recommend acceptance of a check for $500.00 from the Jefferson PCC for Library books.
motion to accept, seconded, passed 7-0

h. I recommend acceptance of a check for $2,900.00 from Oak Street PCC for Supplemental Curriculum Materials.
motion to accept, seconded, passed 7-0

i. I recommend moving Policy IL - Evaluation of Instructional Programs to a second reading.
motion to move to 2nd reading, seconded, passed 7-0

j. I recommend ratification of the proposed MOU for a contract between the FEA and the Franklin School Committee.
motion to accept, seconded, passed 7-0

Live reporting: School Committee to Executive Session, will return to open meeting

The School Committee went to Executive Session and will return to open meeting when they are completed.



4. Executive Session – Motion to enter into Executive Session and return to open session (requires roll call vote)

- Matters pertaining to contractual bargaining negotiations

vote via roll call was unanimous 7-0

Live reporting: Policy changes

3. Discussion Only Items

Policy – First Reading

• IL – Evaluation of Instructional Programs

minor chnages, cleaned up language, document link here
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0BzI40-pPFDXhV0VhS0w1N2c1dFE

language to be more reflective of the actual program evaluations


Policy – Second Readings

• IHBA-R - Programs for Students with  Disabilities

https://drive.google.com/open?id=0BzI40-pPFDXhaGZQLVFsb3FKdmM

• IHBHA - Alternative School Programs

https://drive.google.com/open?id=0BzI40-pPFDXhWGFXQk1Wcm1XS0U

• IJOAB - Extended Field Trips

https://drive.google.com/open?id=0BzI40-pPFDXhTlFhRWNlWDFhN2M

Live reporting: Keller Update

Principal Eric Stark, Amy Souls

The Keller Team presenting to the School Committee

Keller - Update from Franklin Matters

students from 2nd grade shared what they do in their morning meeting
Mrs Cahill, Mrs Cournoyer

trialed morning meeting with 1st and 2nd grade

2nd grade Keller students modeling the morning meeting 1

2nd grade Keller students modeling the morning meeting 2

see survey results on pages 7 and 8 of presentation document

(note the video portion is not likely available as part of the presentation document)

look for #kellerschoolcommunity on Twitter to follow updates next year

O-Malley - I'd be interested to hear what the parents think about this

Bilello - I applaud you and your steps to get into the classroom and understand the community. That goes a long way to build the community

Bergen - are you seeing the new behavior among the students in the unstructured areas, cafe, breaks, etc.?

Sabolinksi - some of our staff will be training the Y staff so that the methods and language will be consistent across the community. We'd love to connect with Ryan Jette and see how we can extend this to the recreation arena

Live reporting: Oak St Update

The Oak St Update presented by Principal Kate Peretz and Assistant Principal Kathleen Gerber

photo from the monitor in the Council Chambers

Oak St School - Update from Franklin Matters

Collecting acorns helps to reinforce the community at Oak St

decision making collaborative approach to running the school by determining the schedule, etc.

event 'EdCamp like' being planned for the parents/guardians at the Curriculum night next fall

Live reporting: School Committee - June 14, 2016

Present: Bilello, Scofield, Bergen, Douglas, O'Malley, Schultz, Jewell
Absent: none


1. Routine Business

Citizen’s Comments
Review of Agenda
Minutes: I recommend approval of the minutes from the May 24, 2016 School Committee Meeting.
motion to accept, passed 7-0

Recognition of Conor Schultz in audience as a step towards his Eagle Scout badge

Payment of Bills Dr. O’Malley

Payroll Mrs. Douglas

Correspondence: Budget to Actual – Miriam Goodman

Recognition of the high school graduation as a great event



2. Guests/Presentations:
a. Retirees
(list of retirees to be provided later)

Asst. Superintendent Sally Winslow (center) recognized by Chair Kevin O'Malley (left) and Superintendent Maureen Sabolinksi (right) (School Committee person Cindy Douglas in background)

For additional photos check out this Flickr link -->>
https://www.flickr.com/photos/steve_sherlock/albums/72157668903305530

S.A.F.E. Community Coalition Update

This is an update on SAFE Coalition activities and upcoming events. View this email in your browser SAFE joining Odd Fellows for SUD Forum On Monday, June 20, 2016 at 7 p.m., the SAFE Coalition is teaming up with the Franklin Odd Fellows to present a forum on substance use disorders in our community. The forum will take place at the Dean College Campus Center, Atrium, on Emmons Street in Franklin.  State Representative Jeffrey N. Roy and SAFE President Jim Derick will lead the talk. This event is being hosted to continue our series of community conversations and to increase awareness. The topics for discussion include: How did we get here? A discussion on the history of the Opioid epidemic, nationally and locally. Public Health Epidemic – Discuss current trends in substance use disorders. Just how bad is the problem and how is it impacting our communities? Faces of the Epidemic – Hear from a person in long term recovery into and out of active addiction. What defines a substance use disorder? What triggers addiction? How does a person recover from his or her disease? Responding to the Epidemic – How has the federal and state government responded and how are community agencies responding? What role do community coalitions play? How do citizens become involved in helping communities heal and in promoting change? Q & A: Engage audience members in the discussion. Please click here to see the Milford Daily News report on this event. For more information about this event and the S.A.F.E. Coalition please "Like" us on Facebook and visit our website www.safecoalitionma.com. Norfolk Sheriff introduces new treatment program The SOAR (Starting Over And in Recovery) Initiative is up and running in Norfolk County. This pilot program, a partnership between the Norfolk County Sheriff's Department and Wrentham District Court, provides substance abuse services to probation detainees struggling with Substance Use Disorders. Since June 1, a total of 3 referrals have been made to SOAR, with other referrals pending.  The first referral completed Detox protocol, was transported to court, and was transitioned to a 90 day out of state residential program with Naltrexone/Vivitrol treatment initiated. Two other referrals are presently in Detox protocol awaiting medical clearance to begin further programming. Wrentham Court is expected to fill between 10-12 program slots on a rolling basis during the pilot trial. We are proud to report that several SAFE members participated in the development of this program. So far, results are promising! Stay tuned! SAFE aids Vineyard coalition efforts SAFE board members Jim Derick and Steve Spiewakowski were part of a panel discussion last week on Martha's Vineyard designed to explore the possibility of forming a community coalition on the Vineyard. SAFE owes so much of it's success to the EB Hopes Coalition (East Bridgewater) and the many other coalition partners that have helped us along our way. It was great for us to be able to "pay it forward" and share some ideas with this community. You can read the stories on these efforts from the MV Times by clicking here, or the Vineyard Gazette by clicking here. New centers open to offer drop-in services The S.A.F.E Substance Abuse Outreach and Intervention Drop in Centers are up and running offering those impacted by Substance Use Disorder with a gateway to professional resources and support. This program provides treatment and recovery options to those impacted by Substance Use Disorder (SUD) along with supportive services for family member and loved ones. Drop in Centers are held each week at alternating between locations in the towns of Franklin and Milford (please see the summer schedule below).  The centers are open from 5:00 to 9:00 PM and offer a safe and confidential environment for people seeking treatment and supportive services.   The centers are staffed by trained recovery Angel volunteers as well as a mental health and substance abuse counselors equipped to provide access to a variety of services including; Mental health and substance abuse intake screening by mental health counselor professionals Access to outpatient levels of care Access to inpatient medical detoxification programs,  Information on and access to longer term inpatient substance abuse rehabilitation services  Resources for family support provided by Learn to Cope volunteers, a peer to peer support group for family members and loved ones of people impacted by SUDs Recovery Angel support and mentoring provided by trained volunteers who are themselves in long term recovery from SUDs. Faith-based support Information on how to obtain of nasal Naloxone (NARCAN) and opioid overdose reversal drug Procedural information and assistance with implementation of Section 35  Since opening on April 5th, the centers have had 15 people seen and engaged in a treatment plan during drop in hours. In non-drop in hours, we've had over 40 people call in  to our hotline for Substance Abuse treatment and support. If you or a loved one needs assistance please visit one of our centers or call our crises hotline at 508-488-8105.   DROP IN CENTER LOCATIONS: FRANKLIN – St John's Episcopal Church, 237 Pleasant St. MILFORD – Community Impact, 211 Main Street DROP IN CENTER JUNE/JULY SCHEDULE Franklin      Milford        Franklin        Milford           Franklin      Milford       Franklin      Milford June 9th    June 14th    June 23rd    June 28th    July 14th    July 19th    July 28th    August 2nd 5-9 PM         5-9 PM        5-9 PM          5-9 PM         5-9 PM       5-9 PM       5-9PM        5-9 PM Subscribe to this email list S.A.F.E. is a coalition of community partners who have come together to provide support, education, treatment options, and coping mechanisms for those affected by substance abuse disorder. We do so by empowering those affected, including their families, with the tools necessary to succeed on their journey to recovery. We understand that while I can't, we can.   Share Tweet Forward Copyright © 2016 Jeffrey.Roy@MAHouse.gov, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you expressed an interest in joining the fight against opioid abuse in our community. Our mailing address is: Jeffrey.Roy@MAHouse.gov State House - Room 527A Boston, MA 02133