Saturday, February 15, 2020

Alzheimer's program for Kids at Franklin Senior Center - Feb 20

Thursday, Feb 20 at 10:00 AM, Shannon Reardona Franklin High School senior, who is a member of the High School's Alzheimer's Club, will be doing a presentation here at the Franklin Senior Center that teaches kids about Alzheimers and what activities they can do with their grandparents.

Shannon is doing this presentation as part of her Girl Scout Gold Award project. A brochure is attached. She also created a list of 50 activities kids can do with their grandparents. 

Franklin TV will be here to tape her "presentation" for us, the station, and for us to put on our Dementia Friendly Franklin web page. Could you please help us spread the word?
  • Brochure
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczYWVvY3pXQVlSdjZfZ013WFFTWGNKblV1aV9R/view?usp=sharing


  • 50 Things to Do
https://drive.google.com/file/d/148StBf_loQUdBv6yte0hPti4smT2-BaY/view?usp=sharing



Dementia Friendly Franklin
Dementia Friendly Franklin

FM #205 - Intro Conversation with Trish Collatos (audio)

FM #205

This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 205 in the series. We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm).

With my mobile recording equipment, I went to the Senior Center to sit with Patricia (Trish) Collatos. We talk about how she got to this role and what she does. As you’ll hear, there is a whole lot going on.

From blood pressure and blood sugar testing at the beginning, she began to expand the services offered. There is a balance and strength class, run for 5 weeks at a time. What is covered is primarily prevention and avoiding the fear of falling.

Trish’s overall goal is to keep the seniors healthy. A friendly reminder that the Senior Center is open to those 50 and older. While most services are geared to this ‘senior’ population, many services are provided to all of Franklin.

Trish is at the Center on Wednesdays and Thursdays. If you need to talk with her, she does have an open door policy.

Check out the Senior Center newsletter for the activities available Monday through Friday. Links to subscribe to the newsletter and to the current newsletter (including prior month archive) are included in the show notes

The conversation with Trish was lively and the time just runs along, so without further ado, here is the recording (approx 17 minutes):

https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/H6xtVQHX




Sign up for the newsletter https://www.franklinma.gov/subscribe

Current Newsletter
https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-senior-center/pages/franklin-connection-newsletter


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This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but I can't do it alone. I 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 this, please let me know


Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements.
Thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/
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"

FM #205 - Intro Conversation with Trish Collatos (audio)
FM #205 - Intro Conversation with Trish Collatos (audio)

"here’s the key – it’s really, really hard to do alone”

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:
"When Plainville resident Robin Hamlin found a bottle of OxyContin in her son’s bedroom, he confessed that he needed help.

“He sat down on our couch. Actually, just like this,” said Hamlin, pointing to a framed photo of her son – Brian Hamlin Jr. – sitting on their living room couch, both elbows resting on his thighs with his hands clasped loosely together.

The photo is nailed to a wall, under a banner reading, “Brian Hamlin Jr. Recovery Resource Center.”

“With tears pouring down his face, he said, ‘Mom, I’m in trouble,‘” she said. “I need help, I can’t stop.’”

Brian Hamlin Jr. died on June 11, 2014, at age 32. He had a seizure following an addiction to painkillers, though he was in recovery at the time of his death.

To honor his memory, the new, centralized location for the Support for Addicts and Families through Empowerment (SAFE) Coalition is dedicated to him. Previously based out of Franklin and borrowing space for meetings and support groups to help those struggling with substance abuse, the coalition moved to a permanent location at 206 Dedham St., Suite E, in Norfolk on Thursday night."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200214/safe-coalition-finds-permanent-home-in-norfolk-after-five-nomadic-years

Visit the SAFE Coalition on the web  https://www.safecoalitionma.org/

The SAFE Coalition opened their new office in Norfolk and they they did not do it alone
The SAFE Coalition opened their new office in Norfolk and they they did not do it alone

“a step in the right direction”

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

"Falling into step with many other area communities, Franklin this year will become yet another place unfriendly to thin-film, single-use plastic bags.

Town councilors on Wednesday voted to eliminate use of the ubiquitous plastic bags at checkout by all retailers, taking official action following an initial and extensive discussion of the topic last month during the first of two required readings of the bylaw.

According to Town Administrator Jamie Hellen, the ban will take effect on July 1, though local businesses will have an option to seek a three-month compliance extension if needed to use up existing stock.

The ordinance, he said is “very similar to others. It’s very close to the Medfield bylaw, which has been approved by the attorney general.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200214/franklin-adopts-plastic-bags-ban/1

The FHS students who persisted in advancing the plastic bag reduction were recognized with a proclamation for their efforts
The FHS students who persisted in advancing the plastic bag reduction were recognized with a proclamation for their efforts

From October 2016
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/10/we-dont-need-to-put-each-piece-of.html
 

From Nov 2017
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/11/nearly-60-massachusetts-municipalities.html

And more recently from 2019
  • Economic Development Meeting 12/4/19
https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HyrcVWxX

  • Economic Development Meeting 10/23/19
https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/H1gfBHQX

"these programs are really a win, win, win"

Via Commonwealth Magazine, we find that the State is suspending the HIP program as of Feb 24. The Farmers Market today in Franklin is not affected but the next markets in Mar and Apr will be.

"AT A MONTHLY WINTER FARMERS market run by Roots Rising in Pittsfield, shoppers can buy apples, canned tomatoes, carrots, potatoes, onions, and winter squash. A shopper using SNAP benefits can spend $1 to buy $2 of produce under the state’s Healthy Incentives Program, or HIP.

But as of Feb. 24, shoppers on public benefits will no longer get that extra money. The state is suspending HIP for the winter, with plans to restore it May 15. State officials say the program – which doubles the impact of SNAP benefits when produce is bought from a participating farm – is a victim of its own success and has outgrown its budget.

Without a temporary suspension of the program, state officials say its $6.5 million state appropriation would run out quickly and no money would be left during the busier buying and growing season this summer.

Advocates for farmers and low-income individuals say the loss of HIP will hurt shoppers and sellers. Recently, 89 legislators wrote to Department of Transitional Assistance Commissioner Amy Kershaw protesting the suspension, and the lack of notice."
Continue reading the article online
https://commonwealthmagazine.org/state-government/state-suspending-farm-food-benefits-program/

Winter Farmers Market
When: Sat, February 15, 10am – 2pm
Where: Fairmount Fruit Farm, 887 Lincoln St, Franklin, MA 02038, USA (map)
Description: A winter farmers market where local farms and crafters/vendors can gather together to sell products and network within their community
 
 
"these programs are really a win, win, win"
"these programs are really a win, win, win"

Reminder: Shuttle bus for Franklin Line this weekend

  • South Station – Forge Park/495 - bus shuttle on weekends through March



Shuttle buses will replace Franklin Line service between Forge Park/495 and Readville Stations while we upgrade the signal system as part of Positive Train Control (PTC) work. Also during this work, connecting train service between Readville and South Station will be on the Fairmount Line. There will be no Franklin Line service at Ruggles or Back Bay.
  • Learn about Positive Train Control

https://www.mbta.com/projects/commuter-rail-positive-train-control-ptc?
  • See all Franklin Line service changes

https://www.mbta.com/diversions/franklin-line?


MBTA - Franklin Line - Reminder: shuttle bus service on weekends through March 2020
MBTA - Franklin Line - Reminder: shuttle bus service on weekends through March 2020


  • Saturday schedule for President's Day

The Commuter Rail will operate on a normal Saturday schedule on Monday, February 17, for President's Day. There will be no disruption on the Lowell, Fitchburg and Franklin line.

For more information: https://mbta.com/holidays

Last Updated: Feb 10 2020 10:59 AM


Senator Rausch Office Hours Schedule




View this email in your browser
https://mailchi.mp/b8c323022b08/senator-rausch-state-house-briefing-2019-year-in-review-12204769? 
Greetings from Beacon Hill!
My team and I finalized my in-district office hours schedule through April 2020, and I wanted you to be the first to know! Here's the scoop:

We host in-district office hours every month, rotating through the northern, central, and southern regions of the district. Residents of any part of the district are welcome to attend office hours in any region. Office hours typically run for 2 hours: the first 90 minutes is reserved for 15-minute sign-up appointments, and the last 30 minutes is open for drop-in conversations. Constituents may reserve a 15-minute slot in advance at beccarauschma.com/office-hours. Constituents without a reserved slot are encouraged to come during the final half hour for a shorter walk-in meetings, held on a first come, first served basis.

Office hours will alternative between Fridays during the day and on Monday evenings to best accommodate all schedules.

The next three office hours will be:
  • SOUTHERN REGION - Attleboro: Monday, February 24, 2020, evening hours from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at the Tech Lab at the Attleboro Public Library. Sign up here!  https://calendly.com/senrauschofficehours
  • CENTRAL REGION - Millis: Friday, March 27, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. in the Local History Room at the Millis Public Library.
  • NORTHERN REGION - Wayland: Monday, April 13, evening hours from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. in the Raytheon Room at the Wayland Public Library.
Last year, I held office hours in every city and town in my district. I look forward to see you at an upcoming office hours session!
As always, please follow along on Twitter and Facebook, and don't hesitate to call our office at 617-722-1555 or stop by Room 218 at the State House.
Yours in service,

Senator Becca Rausch




Our mailing address is:
The Office of Senator Becca Rausch
Massachusetts State House, Room 218
24 Beacon Street, Boston, MA 02133

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Friday, February 14, 2020

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA: FRI - Feb 14 to THU - Feb 20

Friday, February 14
 Valentine's Day
9:00am
 Library-Baby-Wearing Dance Party- Ages 0-12mo
10:00am
 Knitting Group
1:00pm
 Book sale
8:00pm
 The Love Dogs
Saturday, February 15
9:00am
 Book Sale
10:00am
 Winter Farmers Market
10:00am
 Franklin Historical Museum (Always free)
1:00pm
 Bag Sale
2:00pm
 Everly Brothers Experience
Sunday, February 16
1:00pm
 Franklin Historical Museum (always free)
3:00pm
 Young Virtuosi Ilana Zaks, violin Eric Zaks, cello with Dina Vainshtein, piano
Monday, February 17
 Library Closed
 Presidents' Day (regional holiday)
Tuesday, February 18
 Library-The Amazing Race: Library Edition- Whole Family
9:30am
 Library- Cool Cruisers- 8mo-18mo
4:00pm
 Library-Toe-Tapping Tuesdays-Ages 2-4!
6:00pm
 Library - Adults - Drop-In ESL Conversation Class
6:30pm
 Avoiding Age Discrimination: A Workbook for Baby Boomers
Wednesday, February 19
 Library-The Amazing Race: Library Edition- Whole Family
10:30am
 Library - Animal World Experience - Ages 4+
3:30pm
 Library- Creation Station!- Ages 4+
6:00pm
 Library-RAD Storytellers Club!-Grades K+
Thursday, February 20
 Library-The Amazing Race: Library Edition- Whole Family
8:30am
 Town Council Office Hours
9:30am
 Library- Tummy Time- Ages 0-12mo (pre-walkers)
10:30am
 Library-Story Xplorers- Ages 0-5
1:00pm
 Library - Miss Mac author visit! - Ages 4+
4:00pm
 Library- Bookworm Bounce Storytime!- Ages 0-5
6:00pm
 Library-Volunteens-Teens (13+)

For the interactive version, please visit
For the Town of Franklin Public Meeting Calendar
https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar

Submit an event for the Community Calendar, please use this link

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA: FRI - Feb 14 to THU - Feb 20
Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA: FRI - Feb 14 to THU - Feb 20


“We have significantly more hearts than last year"

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

"Acts of kindness are a lot like exponents in a mathematical expression. Once they are applied, they only expand in greater quantity.

That is the essential quality about kindness that students in the town’s school system are adeptly demonstrating with their Hearts of Kindness project - an endeavor to spread words of kindness and inspire kind acts.

For the past couple of weeks, children in grades K through 12 from 11 schools have been decorating hearts cut from foam board and writing notes containing references to kindness and kind acts. It fits in perfectly with Valentine’s Day, but is at its heart a recognition of Random Acts of Kindness Week, Feb. 17-20, and an expression of a growing movement to encourage more kindness and connectedness in everyday social interactions.

On Wednesday, a crew of student volunteers descended on the town common to hang the messages for all to share, using clothespins to secure them to lines strung between the trees by the Department of Public Works."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200213/heartfelt-endeavor-franklin-students-hang-words-of-kindess-on-town-common/1


Photo album with "Hearts of Kindness" hung in Feb 2018, Feb 2019, and this year, Feb 2020:

Hearts of Kindness

FHS girls post win vs. Attleboro

Via HockomockSports.com, we share the results of FHS winter sports action on Thursday

Girls Basketball = Attleboro, 26 @ Franklin, 64 – Final 
"Franklin jumped out to a 39-10 lead at halftime behind a dominant performance from Ali Brigham and rolled to a big win that completes a perfect run through the Hockomock League. Brigham scored 23 of her game-high 28 points in the first half and added 15 rebounds and blocked five shots in the final league game of her career. She scored 10 points in the first quarter and 13 in the second, including a corner three. 

Olivia Quinn scored seven of her nine points in the second quarter, as the Panthers outscored Attleboro 22-3 in the frame. Meghan O’Connell scored seven points, Erin Quaile scored six, and Elizabeth Wilson added five in the win. Nyah Thomas had all of Attleboro’s seven points in the first and finished with 10 points and five rebounds to pace the Bombardiers. Meghan Gordon scored five and Lillian Froio added four. Attleboro heads into its final game against North Attleboro needing a win to secure a postseason berth."

For a Photo Gallery from this game:
https://hockomocksports.smugmug.com/2019-2020/Winter-2019-2020/Franklin-Attleboro-Girls-Basketball-2-13-20/


Boys Basketball = Franklin, 56 @ Attleboro, 62 – Final

Ryan Lanigan, founder and Editor-in-Chief of HockomockSports.com, provides the recap:
"Attleboro High School had 1,000 point fever, and the only prescription was more ‘Q.’

‘Q’ being senior Qualeem Charles, the 6’5, 290-pound center and four-year starter for the Bombardiers, who went a perfect 11-for-11 from the floor, the last bucket giving him his 1,000th career point. Charles is the second Bombardier to reach the milestone in the past nine days, joining classmate Bryant Ciccio.

Behind Charles’ 27 points, 18 coming in the second half, Attleboro grinded out a 62-56 win over a hot-shooting Franklin squad, giving the Bombardiers a season sweep of the Panthers for the first time since joining the Hockomock League.

“I was aiming for 15 in the first half, but I wasn’t mad it didn’t happen, it was a close game and Franklin is a tough team,” Charles said. “I came out hot in the third quarter and the team kept feeding me. I’ve been a pass-first guy but all of my teammates keep rooting me on to shoot it, even if I miss, they want me to keep shooting. My teammates were patient in getting me the ball."
Continue reading the game recap
https://hockomocksports.com/qualeem-charles-1000-attleboro-boys-basketball-beats-franklin/

For a photo gallery from this game:

https://hockomocksports.smugmug.com/2019-2020/Winter-2019-2020/Attleboro-Franklin-Boys-Basketball-02-13-20/

For other results around the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/thursdays-schedule-scoreboard-02-13-20/


FHS Erin Quaile playing defense
FHS Erin Quaile playing defense (HockomockSports.com photo)