Apply for the PEERS Franklin High School Senior Year Internship!

Looking for a unique opportunity to learn about substance use, recovery, and community development?  Apply for the PEERS Franklin High School Senior Year Internship!

Job Overview:

In this role, the Senior Year intern will focus on SAFE Coalition program development, holding tours, collaborating with other high school substance use programs, aid in preparation for classroom based and evening support groups. The Senior Year Intern will also be asked to enter volunteer data, engage in substance use awareness training, and host Narcan trainings.

Responsibilities and Duties:

• Attend and co-lead weekly Peer to Peer program
• Support office staff with daily tasks and needs
• Develop and maintain all training needs as designated by the SAFE Coalition
• Meet with Executive Director weekly for 30 minutes for supervision

Experience and Learning:

• Develop a style of communication with community leaders and stakeholders
• Enhanced awareness around medical systems of care and state/federal benefits
• Establish a deep understanding of person centered recovery work and HIPPA regulations
• Develop relationships with other local high school substance use awareness programs

Qualifications:

• Franklin High School Senior
• Desire to advance in psychology, social services, mental health, science field
• No experience needed, prior healthcare or volunteer experience preferred
• Must be able to pass Massachusetts CORI test
• If under 18 years old, legal guardian must agree to volunteer program

The PEERS Franklin High School Senior Intern will be granted this $5,000 scholarship at the end of the school year

Are you interested in applying?

Please send a letter of interested to:
SAFE Coalition
Attention: Jennifer Levine
PO Box 434
Franklin MA, 02038


Letter must include:

• Why this internship is important to you
• What you hope to learn during your internship
• How you feel like you can positively enhance your peer community with your experience

Letters due by: August 1, 2020

Apply for the PEERS Franklin High School Senior Year Internship!

FM #274 SAFE Coalition - Their Story 5/13/20 (audio)

FM #274 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 274 in the series.

This session shares my conversation with Jim Derick and Jennifer Levine of the SAFE Coalition. We had our conversation via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

We walked through the development of the Coalition from the first meeting at FHS through to the evolution to where they are now, with a facility in Norfolk and Jen in the role of Executive Director. From what was truly a ‘coalition’ of stakeholders volunteering and making things happen to the newly evolved Board and Executive Director non-profit format to better accomplish their service delivery. And they are continuing to adjust during this pandemic.

Among the topics covered:

• Recovery is a journey
• Vaping and addiction cessation
• Grandparents Raising Grandchildren
• FHS high school peer-to-peer group
• Newsletter monthly
• Fundraising begins in earnest to support the new delivery model

The recording runs about 45 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Jim and Jen    Audio file = https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HyDfPhv7




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

Local Resources:
​SAFE Coalition, www.safecoalitionma.org, Franklin, 508-488-8105
​Turning Point Recovery Center, Walpole (508) 668-3960
​Wayside Youth and Family Support, www.waysideyouth.org, Milford, 508-478-6888
​Riverside Community Care, www.riversidecc.org, Milford, 800-294-4665

National Resources:
​Techtogether.co ​​This resource highlights support programs online nationwide

Learn 2 Cope parent peer-to-peer support info@learn2cope.org

Road 2 Recovery - 12 step meeting for parents and loved ones contact Jim Derick vice-president@safecoalitionma.org or jderick50@hotmail.com

Franklin Public Schools Substance Abuse Taskforce https://www.franklinps.net/district/substance-abuse-education


SAFE Coalition supports:

• Peer to Peer mentorship
• Peer to Peer parent mentorship
• Zoom Group Programming:
• ​Mondays: Learn2Cope
• ​Wednesdays: Grandparents Raising Grandchildren
• ​Wednesdays: 12 Step for Parents of those with children who are living with an addiction
• ​Saturdays: Parents general support group
• Grief Counselor
• Chaplain
• Section 35 aid
• Narcan Training
• Narcan Dispensing
• Medication Disposal
• Vaping education program in partnership with Stanford University
• Direct clinical counseling in partnership with Wayside Youth and Family Support Systems
• Referrals to all levels of substance use and mental health treatment
• One on One care planning
• Public and Private Consulting
• Support Line: 508-488-8105

*All services are free of charge. Donations accepted.

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

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm).

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/
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 #274 SAFE Coalition - Their Story 5/13/20 (audio)

SAFE Coalition creates the "Jeffrey N. Roy - Excellence in Public Service Award"

The SAFE Coalition presented its’ first annual “Jeffrey N. Roy Excellence in Public Service Award” to State Representative Jeffrey N. Roy (D) Franklin. 

Representative Roy is a founding member and Director of SAFE Coalition.
The award has been named for Representative Roy in recognition of his extraordinary contributions to prevention, destigmatization and treatment of Substance Use Disorder. 

The “Jeffrey N. Roy - Excellence in Public Service Award“ will be awarded annually to a person(s) who have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to prevention and/or treatment of Substance Use Disorder.

SAFE Coalition president Jennifer Levine said, “Since helping to launch the coalition in 2015 Jeff Roy has been a tireless advocate for those impacted by Substance use Disorder. Jeff provided the leadership our organization needed in its early formation and has secured over $150,000 for SAFE in state funding that has enabled us to do our work."

About SAFE Coalition, Inc
SAFE is a regional coalition of community partners in Western Norfolk County (serving Franklin, Foxboro, Mansfield, Medway, Norfolk, Plainville, Walpole, Wrentham and surrounding towns) who have come together to provide a pathway for support, education, treatment options and coping mechanisms for those affected by substance use disorder. We do so by empowering those affected, including their families, with the tools necessary to succeed on their journey to recovery   https://www.safecoalitionma.org/

L-R Jennifer Levine, Rep Jeff Roy, Jim Derrick (Facebook photo via Rep Roy and SAFE Coalition)

"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

In the News: "staffed entirely by volunteers"

From the Sun Chronicle, articles of interest for Franklin:

"After years of borrowing space for meetings and support groups to help people with substance abuse disorders, the SAFE Coalition will finally have a home soon.

Next month, the grassroots organization will hold an open house at its first permanent office: 206 Dedham St., Suite E, at the corner of routes 1A and 115 in Norfolk.

The open house will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 13.

“Opening this office and conference space will allow us to grow and more efficiently provide services to those communities that mean so much to us. We will no longer have to store our materials in our collective garages. We are now able to centralize many of our services,” Steve Spiewakowski, the secretary of the board of directors for SAFE, said in an email."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.thesunchronicle.com/news/local_news/anti-drug-coalition-to-open-first-permanent-office-in-norfolk/article_92a427c4-eede-5f9a-9625-133c0288033e.html

For more about the SAFE Coalition, visit their web page   https://www.safecoalitionma.org/

In the News:  "staffed entirely by volunteers"

“It’s not likely that a single brand is responsible for this outbreak”

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

"Health officials investigating a nationwide outbreak of vaping illnesses have listed, for the first time, the vape brands most commonly linked to hospitalizations.

Most of the nearly 2,300 people who suffered lung damage had vaped liquids that contain THC, the high-inducing part of marijuana.

In a report released Friday, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention listed the products most often cited by patients, noting that some of them said they vaped more than one.

Dank Vapes was the brand used by 56% of the hospitalized patients nationwide.

Dank is not a licensed product coming from one business, it is empty packaging that can be ordered from Chinese internet sites. Illicit vaping cartridge makers can buy the empty packages and then fill them with whatever they choose."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/zz/news/20191206/officials-list-pot-vape-brands-reported-in-us-outbreak/1

Bold text added by Franklin Matters. This confirms the conversation shared at FHS PCC meeting where the panel reviewed the vaping issue. That audio recording is available for replay anytime.
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/11/fm-182-fhs-pcc-everything-you-need-to.html
 
Additional information can be found on the CDC page
https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/basic_information/e-cigarettes/severe-lung-disease.html

“It’s not likely that a single brand is responsible for this outbreak”

“Supervised injection facilities are an important, evidence-based tool"

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

"Doctors, legislators and medical students spoke during a recent Statehouse hearing in support of implementing so-called “safe injection sites” - facilities where trained medical personnel oversee people using illicit substances.

The safe injection sites, also known as safe injection facilities or safe consumption facilities, are public health spaces that provide hygienic equipment and areas for people who use drugs to take pre-obtained illicit substances. Trained medical staff are on-site in case of overdose, according to the Massachusetts Medical Society.

But U.S. Attorney Andrew Lelling is on record as being strongly opposed to the practice, saying it “amount(s) to giving up” on the opioid crisis. Last week he reaffirmed his position after a federal judge ruled in favor of a Pennsylvania nonprofit seeking to open a safe injection site, ruling it would not violate federal drug laws.

Despite the controversy, speakers at the Statehouse hearing strongly favored implementing a “pilot” safe injection site in Massachusetts."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20191008/safe-injection-sites-controversial-but-many-in-mass-support-pilot-program

The wikipedia entry for "supervised injection site"
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Supervised_injection_site

The Dept of Nursing at USC has a complete article with pros cons and an overview of the progression of supervised injection sites
https://nursing.usc.edu/blog/supervised-injection-sites/

https://nursing.usc.edu/blog/supervised-injection-sites/

“The way that the pills came to New England wasn’t from the local prescription pad”

Following up on the database released by the Washington Post with the opioid pills by manufacturer and distributor, the Boston Globe has an article on the single pharmacy in MA doing the most volume. The story within the data has many factors. The article also quotes Dr Ruth Potee who has been featured by the SAFE Coalition.

"Little about the appearance of the only CVS store in this picturesque old mill city of 17,000 suggests anything remarkable.

The cream-colored 24-hour pharmacy occupies a plaza wedged between a brick public elementary school and a storefront business that prepares tax returns.

But this CVS in the northern part of the state’s Pioneer Valley bears a dubious distinction: From 2006 to 2012, the pharmacy received the largest number of opioid painkillers of any neighborhood drugstore in Massachusetts, taking in 5.3 million hydrocodone and oxycodone pills from pharmaceutical distributors, according to recently released federal data.

The data, which The Washington Post and other media outlets recently obtained from the federal Drug Enforcement Administration, has stirred concerns about the painkillers that poured into this Western Massachusetts city."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2019/07/28/one-drugstore-dispensed-lot-painkillers-but-that-not-whole-story/knyhZsDzpA8gbHL8WggXEM/story.html

The post from last week

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/07/how-much-hydrocodone-and-oxycodone-went.html

 

 

Dr. Ruth Potee noted that many pills arrive in New England from places other than local pharmacies.(Steven G. Smith for The Boston Globe)

“We need to be creative and offer a panoply of options"

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

"Lawmakers who spent months studying ways to reduce the death toll from opioid overdoses did not parse words when presenting their findings Wednesday: failing to pilot a supervised injection site, as a commission recommended, would be “essentially sentencing people to death,” Rep. Jeff Roy, D-Franklin, said.

At a hearing packed with testimony from parents who lost children to overdoses and doctors who have watched patient after patient die despite available addiction treatments, officials who worked on the Harm Reduction Commission made their most forceful arguments yet that the state should pursue a program where drug users can receive medical supervision without fear of arrest, regardless of prosecution threats from federal authorities.

“I know that the idea of safe consumption sites is uncomfortable to many, but if they are proven to save lives, then we have an obligation to at least give them a try,” Sen. Cindy Friedman, one of two lawmakers on the commission alongside Roy, told a committee Wednesday. “Lives are at stake and we cannot wait any longer.”

Although the statewide death rate slightly declined last year, 2,033 people died from opioid overdoses, according to state figures. A key factor in recent years has been the increasing presence of the synthetic substance fentanyl, which was detected in 89 percent of 2018 deaths where a toxicology screen occurred."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190724/roy-no-supervised-injection-site-like-sentencing-people-to-death

"how much hydrocodone and oxycodone went to individual states and counties"

From the Washington Post, an article of interest for Franklin:

"For the first time, a database maintained by the Drug Enforcement Administration that tracks the path of every single pain pill sold in the United States — by manufacturers and distributors to pharmacies in every town and city — has been made public.

The Washington Post sifted through nearly 380 million transactions from 2006 through 2012 that are detailed in the DEA’s database and analyzed shipments of oxycodone and hydrocodone pills, which account for three-quarters of the total opioid pill shipments to pharmacies. The Post is making this data available at the county and state levels in order to help the public understand the impact of years of prescription pill shipments on their communities."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/2019/investigations/dea-pain-pill-database/?utm_term=.d5e6c395d5bd 

Check out the interactive database for numbers state and county
https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/2019/investigations/dea-pain-pill-database/?utm_term=.d5e6c395d5bd

https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/2019/investigations/dea-pain-pill-database/?utm_term=.d5e6c395d5bd

"recent evidence suggests that the impact of the opioid epidemic is moderating”

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

"The rate of opioid-related hospital visits in Massachusetts dropped slightly between 2016 and 2017, the first decline since those numbers were first tracked in 2010, according to a new analysis.

The analysis, released Wednesday by the Health Policy Commission, found that rates of substance exposure in newborns also decreased by 6 percent from 2016 to 2017, along with the 2.3 percent drop in hospital visits.

The number of people dying of opioid overdoses was also on the decline over that time period, falling from 2,100 to an estimated 2,050, according to Department of Public Health data. The commission, in its report, notes that the drop came while the national opioid mortality rate climbed 11 percent, but that the rate in Massachusetts nonetheless remained high compared to other states, at nearly twice the national average."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190626/mass-opioid-hospital-visits-decline

For resources from the SAFE Coalition
http://www.safecoalitionma.org/safe-resource-manual/

one of the resources the SAFE Coalition developed is the "What do we do now? pamphlet

There is "Always Hope" a sober house for women

She wrote me to say: "So if any Franklin residents have daughters, sisters, mothers that need a sober house and want to be close to home this is a perfect fit!"

And that would be? https://alwayshopesoberhouse.org/

What makes it special? "This is a room at Always Hope. It’s called Caroline’s room and she was from Franklin.


I did not doubt her, and sure enough on the About page:

"The first house is located at #1 Franklin Avenue and called “Sweet Caroline’s House”. This house is named after Caroline D’Amelio, who struggled with an eating disorder and addiction. Caroline was a vibrant young lady who had an energy for life that was surpassed by few. She was active, fun, energetic, but most importantly kind. Her kindness was evident in her beautiful smile and in her desire for others to be happy. 

Caroline would never want to see anyone in need and would always be there to help if she could. During Caroline’s struggle with addiction she was at her best at the Windhaven sober house in Dallas, Texas, where she found her faith and led a productive life for over a year. It is in Caroline’s memory and loving spirit that this house is dedicated."

Visit the web page to donate, or to apply for residence
https://alwayshopesoberhouse.org/

There is "Always Hope" a sober house for women

In the News: opioid deaths down 4% in MA; another solar system in planning for Franklin

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

Opioid deaths down 4% from prior year

"Deaths from opioid-related overdoses declined in 2018 for the second consecutive year, according to state figures released Wednesday that officials said showed signs of progress in the fight against an epidemic that took nearly 2,000 lives last year. 

Total confirmed and estimated opioid-related deaths dropped from 2,056 in 2017 to 1,974 in 2018, or about 4 percent. From 2016 to 2017, the figure decreased 2 percent. 

The death rate is still significantly higher than it was before it began climbing rapidly at the start of the decade, but state officials said two straight years of decreases should be seen as evidence that efforts to support treatment programs, to improve access to the overdose-reversing drug naloxone, or Narcan, and to raise awareness about the risks of addiction are working. 

“When you look from 2016 to now, we are making progress,” Department of Public Health Commissioner Monica Bharel said Wednesday after a meeting of the Public Health Council. “We are making progress and fighting this devastating opioid epidemic. We’ve seen a 6 percent decrease, we know the efforts we have in place are beginning to work, and importantly, to me, from a public health point of view, we have to continue our sustained work to bring those deaths down further.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190213/mass-opioid-deaths-total-nearly-2000-in-18

SAFE Coalition - local support for substance abuse

Another solar system in planning for Franklin

"A California company is proposing a 2-megawatt, ground-mounted solar array that would occupy 15 acres off Summer Street. 

A public hearing to discuss the proposal from Santa Monica, California-based Cypress Creek Renewables is planned for 7:20 p.m. on Feb. 25 at the Franklin Municipal Building’s Town Council Chambers. 

The town has teo existing arrays - on Union Street and at Tri-County Regional Vocational High School - and three others in the proposal stage. 

Nicolas Galletout, project developer at the company, doing business as Simi Solar, LLC, is continuing to expand to the East Coast, with specific attention to Massachusetts."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190214/another-solar-array-proposed-for-franklin

the solar farm at Mount St Mary's Abbey as it was being installed in Aug 2013

Sober Mommies: Clothing Drive - Collection ends Jan 14

"The mission of Sober Mommies is to empower women in, and contemplating, recovery from substance use and misuse to reach their full personal recovery and parenting goals through peer-to-peer support and mentorship. "

Things Being Collected

• Personal hygiene products
• Diapers of all sizes
• Newborn clothing - up to adult
• Jackets
• Hats & Gloves
• New underwear and socks for all ages
• Strollers
• Gently used toys
• Gently used books

Drop off locations are at the Walpole Public Library, Hair with Flair: 499 High Street, Dedham and you can always drop off at 177 West Street, Walpole. 

Sober Mommies: Clothing Drive - Collection ends Jan 14

We will be donating up until the 14th. 

If you drop off at the library or Salon please fill out the sheet that is left there with your information, so I can send you a card and let you know exactly where your donations went. 

THANK YOU!


These donations are being personally delivered to halfway house and family shelters. Here are the places we're helping so far:

Serenity House - Located in Framingham is a residential treatment program for women recovering from substance abuse. The Serenity house has expecting mothers so they need maternity clothing, one is twenty-two weeks pregnant with a girl, and the other is thirty weeks pregnant with a boy. One little girl is one years old but will be leaving the program very soon but I’m sure she needs clothing and such to go home with, then they have two boys one is four months old and the other is a two month old preemie.

Pathways Family Shelter - Also located in Framingham. Pathways Family Shelter is a fourteen family shelter for homeless families. There are children from a newborn baby girl, up until early teens. There are boys and girls of all ages. The moms and dads need things too; things they really need are personal hygiene products, seasonal clothing and diapers!

Phoenix House - is a residential program for women with young children located in Dorchester; they also provide emergency shelter for mothers and their children.

Faith house - located in Worcester is a residential treatment program for women recovering from substance abuse. They have two women expecting, ones expecting twin girls and one is expecting a little boy. They also have a mother who is hoping to have her six month old son join her soon. Lets all pray that happens for her!

Sojourner House - Located in Roxbury houses up to nine families at a time. They can unfortunately, only accept new clothing and new twin and full size bedding. They really are in need though of diapers and hygiene products. The Sojourner house was the first shelter in Boston to house both men and female. They are really trying to help the homeless and they recognize the need for more affordable housing so they now have three houses located in Milton, Dorchester and Roxbury. They have units with 1,2 and 3 bedrooms. They have done amazing things and put on many events to raise money for the community and families in need but that doesn’t mean they don’t need help. We’ll see if we can gather up diapers and hygiene products for them.


For more about Sober Mommies, visit their web page  https://sobermommies.com/

3rd Annual Opioid Misuse Prevention Conference - Jan 16, 2019

Looking for FHS athletic results over the weekend, I found this video from State Rep Jeff Roy touting the 3rd Annual Opioid Misuse Prevention Conference to be held Jan 16, 2019 in Westboro on the MIAA webpage.

The video:


Jeff Roy and the MIAA Opioid Misuse Prevention Conference from MIAA on Vimeo.

Or find the video here  https://vimeo.com/306811402

To register for the Conference
http://www.miaa.net/contentm/blueprints/blueprint_form.php?sid=38&bp_form_id=172&event_id=1443

3rd Annual Opioid Misuse Prevention Conf

In the News: third of folks go without care; grant applications available for ArtWeek

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

"Most adults who sought care for mental health or substance use disorders in Massachusetts in the last year had trouble obtaining that care, regardless of whether or not they had insurance coverage to help pay for the care. 

The 2018 Massachusetts Health Reform Survey found that more than a third of the people who sought behavioral health care in the last 12 months have gone without that care and that 57 percent of the people who sought care said they had trouble finding a provider who would see them. 

The Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Foundation on Tuesday morning will release the results of the survey conducted by the Urban Institute and Social Science Research Solutions earlier this year based on responses from 2,201 individuals. 

“I think all in all, it’s sort of another set of data that indicates what we all sort of anecdotally experience and hear about: that there are real access problems with getting mental health and substance use disorder care,” Audrey Shelto, president of the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Foundation, said. She added, “In a state where we have made such dramatic gains in coverage, it is disturbing that so many people with mental health and substance use conditions face these challenges in getting treatment.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20181211/survey-mass-residents-have-trouble-accessing-behavioral-health-care

"Grant applications are now available for the ArtWeek 2019 in Franklin, the second year the town is participating in the statewide event. 

ArtWeek is a 10-day festival that features unique artistic experiences from local businesses and organizations. Some of the events offered are participatory, while others offer a look at how artists do their work. 

Chairman of the Franklin Cultural Council, Stacey David said that the town hosted 50 events in 2018′s ArtWeek. This year, Franklin hosted 10 percent of the state’s events, and had a massive turnout, she said. For 2019, they’re hoping for even more, she said. 

“The response was really great,” David said. “Everything was very well-attended and the people there were really excited.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20181212/franklin-artweek-grant-program-is-now-open

Franklin Cultural Council to Offer Artweek Festival Grants

Chris Herren to speak in Medway - Dec 11

Via the SAFE Coalition:

"Medway area parents and guardians are invited to hear former Celtics player Chris Herren of Fall River, who will share his inspirational - and painful - journey back from addiction to alcohol and drugs in the hopes of preventing others from making the same mistakes.

Back by popular demand, Herren's parent program has proven to be inspiring and powerful to Medway area parents and guardians. His tale of descent into addiction and a miraculous recovery is as powerful as his new life's mission: to share his story with audiences in the hopes of reaching at least one person and making a difference in their life.

At Medway High during school hours, students will watch a moving video chronicling the pro athlete's rise to fame and subsequent fall to substance abuse, and participate in an engaging talkback with Herren to share their views. This evening program is geared toward parents to explore the same topic. One objective of Mr. Herren's presentation is to have students not to begin using substances and how easily substance use can escalate. In this parent talk, he inspires while presenting the negative impact of drug and alcohol use, the reality of addiction, and how some students engage in self-injurious behaviors.

Parents will also be moved by this discussion on what we can do to help our teens be true to themselves and resist the need to turn to dangerous and destructive behaviors, and ways to support those who may be facing personal challenges.

The negative effects that drug and alcohol use can have on an individual and their loved ones is an important responsibility that we share with our families and the community. Please attend this free event and help spread the word.

For more information or resources, visit www.theherrenproject.org or see your child’s guidance counselor.

To reserve a seat, visit http://bit.ly/HerrenMedway.

This event is a collaborative effort funded by the Medway Foundation for Education, Medway Secondary PTO and Medway THRIVE"

Chris Herren tells the story behind August 1, 2008
when he spoke at FHS in Feb 2016

“The garden welcomes everyone”

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

"Victoria Almeida knew she wanted a dedicated spot for her grandson, Tristan, to pay his respects to his dad whenever he felt the need. 

Ryan Trant, Tristan’s father, was 24 when he died in September 2017 after accidentally overdosing on fentanyl - an opioid known to be 80 to 100 times stronger than morphine, according to the United States Drug Enforcement Agency. 

“Ryan was cremated, so I didn’t have a place,” Almeida said. 

After months of fundraising and working with the Our Lady of Fatima Shrine in Holliston and Trant’s girlfriend, Mikaela DeMaria, Almeida was able to make that wish a reality."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20181110/holliston-butterfly-garden-dedicated-to-overdose-victims

https://www.facebook.com/ryansbutterflygarden/

Myfm 101.3 interview with Victoria Almeida
http://www.myfm1013.com/news/family-honors-sons-memory-with-butterly-garden-in-holliston-myfm-audio?

SAFE Coalition Community Event - Oct 17, 2018

via Twitter, we share this news from the Safe Coalition:

"The SAFE Coalition Community Leaders event was a huge success! The evening brought together key stakeholder partners from the 8 communities that we serve. Michael Bottecelli, Exec Director at the Grayken Center for Addiction Medicine, was the keynote speaker. 

At the Community Leaders event Mandy Lerner courageously told her recovery story and illustrated how the collaboration between SAFE and Franklin Police department worked to open the pathway to recovery."

Michael Bottecelli, Exec Director at the Grayken Center for Addiction Medicine, was the keynote speaker

Mandy Lerner courageously told her recovery story

For more about the SAFE Coalition, visit their page
http://www.safecoalitionma.org/

The information was shared from the SAFE Coalition tweets:
https://twitter.com/SafeCoalitionMA/status/1054147580853215233

https://twitter.com/SafeCoalitionMA/status/1054146537801031680