Rise Up will be at the Franklin Sculpture Park for a special Accessible Earth Day Event - April 19

Rise Up will be at the Franklin Sculpture Park this Saturday for a special Accessible Earth Day Event!!

Rise Up will be at the Franklin Sculpture Park

Date: Saturday, April 19th

Time: 10:00-11:00 AM

Location: Franklin Sculpture Park, off Panther Way (Next to the Police Station)

Event: (See attached graphic)

- Painting rocks for a sculpture that our very own Lauren Sanford will be creating for the park!!

- Cleaning up the park

- Socializing and having fun

- Co-hosted with Franklin Culture and Grieving Hearts (Lauren's non-profit)

Other Details: 

- Free

- There is a restroom in the Police Station

- There is a parking lot, or you can park along the street if you wish (There is one additional handicap parking spot off Edwards St)

- We will be gathered on the large "dock" area 

- There will be tables and chairs set up, with space for wheelchairs too

- The park has benches placed around the whole location (some with backs to them) and is lovely place for a stroll

- Dogs are allowed, if they are well trained - We will ask that any dogs that jump, continue barking, or are otherwise not in control take a break from the event. Please do not allow the dog to go up to people unless consent is given.

- See attached Map (below)  or interactive Google map ->   https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZKqYmHbuS3HrF7EP7

Hope to see you there!!

Franklin Sculpture Park

Rise Up Reminders: "Look Up Gallery" Opening Event - March 7 - 3:45 PM

Hey everyone,

Two quick reminders:

1. I'll be hosting an event at the Franklin Library, Friday, March 7, 3:45-4:45 PM to view my art gallery and celebrate Brain Injury Awareness Month. I'd love to have you join!!

2. There is NO Rise Up in March. We will resume in April, which will most likely be an outdoor gathering at the Sculpture Park for a special Accessible Earth Day event... stay tuned! 

Be well!

Rise Up Reminders: "Look Up Gallery" Opening Event - March 7 - 3:45 PM

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Saturday, February 15, 2025 ???

Saturday, February 15

9:00am Library Book Sale (Franklin Public Library)

9:30am Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) (Franklin Public Library)

10:00am Nerf Out (Fairmount Fruit Farm)

10:00am Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

10:00am Rise Up (Franklin United Methodist Church)

10:30am Weekend Wiggles (Franklin Public Library)

1:00pm Library Bag Sale (books by the bag) (Franklin Public Library)

1:00pm John Higby: Yo-Yo Guy (Franklin Public Library)

3:30pm Franklin Q&A (with remote option) (Franklin Public Library)

5:00pm Ricky Robidoux (solo) (live music) (Teddy Gallagher's Irish Pub)

7:00pm Jamie Barrett (live music) (AvaLena's Bar + Grill)

8:00pm Karaoke Night (Raillery Public House)

**  NO   Town Meetings today   **

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Why are there multiple calendars?

What's happening today in Franklin? 

Respectfully, the Library and Senior Center calendars are too full of events to include all their events so we tend to focus on the major events. Town and School meetings are also kept separate. Links for all the calendars are shared here:

Find the full Community event calendar  https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://bit.ly/Submit2Calendar

The Library calendar of events ->    calendar link

The Senior Center calendar of events ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar.aspx?CID=37&showPastEvents=false

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/Calendar.aspx
The School district calendar is found  https://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/o/fpsd/page/school-calendars

Rise Up meeting on Saturday, Feb 15 feaures "special discussion about disability awareness & advocacy"

Hi all,

Rise Up is this Saturday and we will have a special discussion about disability awareness & advocacy!

Date: Saturday, February 15th

Time: 10:00 AM  -11:00 AM

Location: Franklin United Methodist Church, 82 West Central Street, Franklin (Parking and ramp/door on the left side)

Agenda: 

- open social time

- introductions

- presentation/discussion about disability awareness & advocacy

- announcements

- wrap up

See you Saturday!

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This one-hour social meet-up is intended to be a safe space for:

• individuals navigating life with disability to meet others they can relate with
• community partners to learn more about the population and share resources
• support persons to meet other support persons

For additional information about this event, please visit ->  https://alirheaume.com/rise-up

Rise Up meeting on Saturday, Feb 15 feaures "special discussion about disability awareness & advocacy"

Rise Up this Saturday 🌄, January 18, 2025 at 10 AM

Hi all,

Rise Up is this Saturday and I'm excited to see you!

Date: January 18

Time: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Location: Franklin United Methodist Church, 82 West Central Street, Franklin (Parking and ramp/door on the left side)

Agenda: Open social time and group conversation

See you in a few days!

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This one-hour social meet-up is intended to be a safe space for:

• individuals navigating life with disability to meet others they can relate with
• community partners to learn more about the population and share resources
• support persons to meet other support persons

For additional information about this event, please visit ->  https://alirheaume.com/rise-up

Navigating life with disability? Check out the Rise Up group meeting Saturday at 10 AM to see if it is for you

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Saturday, December 21, 2024 ???

Saturday, December 21

• Fiber Art Installation (Franklin Public Library)
• Fresh Floral Holiday Arrangements 4 Sale (via Instagram) 
• Franklin Art Association, Art Show & Sale (Norfolk Public Library)

9:00am Thrifty Threads (Franklin Federated Church)

10:00am Winter Farmers Market (Fairmount Fruit Farm)

10:00am Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

10:00am Rise Up Holiday party (Franklin United Methodist Church)

1:00pm Fairytale Fun (Franklin Public Library)

2:00pm 'Tis the Season (Franklin High School)

5:00pm Holiday Charcuterie Workshop (Birchwood Bakery & Kitchen)

7:00pm The Fourtet (live music) (La Cantina Winery)

7:30pm 'Tis the Season (Franklin High School)

8:00pm Country Christmas Band (Teddy Gallagher's Irish Pub)

8:00pm Karaoke (Raillery Public House)

**   NO  Town Meetings today   **

What's happening today in Franklin? 

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

Why are there multiple calendars?

Respectfully, the Library and Senior Center calendars are too full of events to include all their events so we tend to focus on the major events. Town and School meetings are also kept separate. Links for all the calendars are shared here:

Find the full Community event calendar  https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://bit.ly/Submit2Calendar

The Library calendar of events ->    calendar link

The Senior Center calendar of events ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/node/39/events/upcoming

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar
The School district calendar is found  https://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/o/fpsd/page/school-calendars

Rise Up Holiday Party scheduled for Saturday, Dec 21 at 10 AM

Hello friends!

Our Rise Up Holiday Party is this Saturday, woohoo!!

Date: December 21

Time: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Rise Up Holiday Party

Location: Franklin United Methodist Church, 82 West Central Street, Franklin (Parking and ramp/door on the left side)

Holiday Party Details:

- Feel free to arrive dressed festive, or not - totally up to you! I'll be wearing an ugly sweater  

- There will be food and drinks available, which you are welcome to enjoy as you wish!

- Anyone 18+ is welcome to join us, disability or not, so invite some friends along! (If under 18, please email me to discuss.)

I'm really looking forward to celebrating the holiday season and end of the year with you all!! 

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This one-hour social meet-up is intended to be a safe space for:

• individuals navigating life with disability to meet others they can relate with
• community partners to learn more about the population and share resources
• support persons to meet other support persons

For additional information about this event, please visit ->  https://alirheaume.com/rise-up

Rise Up: Announcements on wreath voting & party sign up

Rise Up wreath

Good day!!

I have two announcements to share with you today:

1. You can now vote for our Rise Up wreath for the "A Wreath of Franklin" initiative! I'm still not sure where it is hung, but if I find out before tomorrow's event, I'll share it with you. (If you know, please feel free to let me know.)

2. Reminder that our December gathering is an end of year / holiday party! We will have food and drinks available: if you are able to contribute, please sign up here to let us know and not duplicate anything. It's also okay to attend without bringing anything. Your presence is what's most important!

See you on Saturday, December 21st, 10 AM, at the Franklin United Methodist Church 😄

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This one-hour social meet-up is intended to be a safe space for:

• individuals navigating life with disability to meet others they can relate with
• community partners to learn more about the population and share resources
• support persons to meet other support persons

For additional information about this event, please visit ->  https://alirheaume.com/rise-up

Navigating life with disability? Check out the Rise Up group meeting Saturday at 10 AM to see if it is for you

Rise Up scheduled for this Saturday, Nov 16 at 10 AM

Hi all,

Rise Up is this Saturday and I'm excited to see you!

Date: November 16

Time: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Location: Franklin United Methodist Church, 82 West Central Street, Franklin (Parking and ramp/door on the left side)

Agenda: 

In addition to open social time, we will also have:

- free clothes shopping from the Church's Community Closet that will be brought down and made accessible (donated new or used clothing)

- crafting a wreath for "A Wreath of Franklin" event hosted by Franklin Cultural Council (Note: If you have any medical supplies that could help create our wreath, such as tape, tubing, caps, coban, etc, please bring it with you, as our wreath will be made from medical supplies with a wheelchair wheel as the circle. I have a wheel.)

You are welcome to participate in all of it, or pick and choose what you would like to do.

See you in a few days!

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

This one-hour social meet-up is intended to be a safe space for:

• individuals navigating life with disability to meet others they can relate with
• community partners to learn more about the population and share resources
• support persons to meet other support persons

For additional information about this event, please visit ->  https://alirheaume.com/rise-up

Navigating life with disability? Check out the Rise Up group meeting Saturday at 10 AM to see if it is for you

Rise Up this Saturday, October 19 at 10 AM

Hi friends!

I'm so excited for Rise Up this Saturday! We will be joined by Waypoint Adventure , an organization that provides opportunities for adaptive recreational opportunities such as kayaking, hiking, rock climbing, and more!

Date: Saturday, October 19th

Time: 10am-11am

Location: Franklin United Methodist Church, 82 West Central St, Franklin, MA (parking/ramp/entrance on left side)

Agenda: 

- Open social time

- Group discussion and activity with Waypoint

- More open social time

- Wrap up/end

**Please help keep this a fragrance-free environment.

I look forward to seeing you on Saturday!! :)

Ali Rheaume

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

This one-hour social meet-up is intended to be a safe space for:

• individuals navigating life with disability to meet others they can relate with
• community partners to learn more about the population and share resources
• support persons to meet other support persons

For additional information about this event, please visit ->  https://alirheaume.com/rise-up

Navigating life with disability? Check out the Rise Up group meeting Saturday at 10 AM to see if it is for you

Rise Up this Saturday !!! Sep 21, 2024 at 10 AM

Hi friends!

I'm excited to see you this Saturday for our next Rise Up gathering!! 

- Date: September 21st

- Time: 10 AM

- Location: Franklin United Methodist Church, 82 West Central St, Franklin, MA (parking and ramp/entrance on left side)

Agenda: 

- Open social time

- Group social time and clay craft (if you choose to)

- Announcements & Wrap-up

*Please help us maintain a fragrance-free environment for allergy reasons (no perfume, cologne, etc.)

It would be fantastic if you could share this with your networks, as anyone 18+ is welcome to attend - disability or not!

See you then!

Ali Rheaume

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

This one-hour social meet-up is intended to be a safe space for:

• individuals navigating life with disability to meet others they can relate with
• community partners to learn more about the population and share resources
• support persons to meet other support persons

For additional information about this event, please visit ->   https://alirheaume.com/rise-up

Navigating life with disability? Check out the Rise Up group meeting Saturday at 10 AM to see if it is for you

Rise Up celebrates 1 year anniversary

Via Ali Rheaume:

Today (8/17/24) is Rise Up's one year anniversary 🎉

Rise Up celebrates 1 year anniversary

I took a chance in August 2023 to start something our community was missing, and it has paid off!!

»

Rise Up is a social hour intended to connect the community with those navigating life with disability.

»

Anyone 18+ is welcome to join us, disability or not.

»

We've had so much fun and are looking forward to another year, so come join us!

»

Special Thanks to:

- all the attendees who show up

- my mom and dad for always taking me and helping me run it 

- Steve Sherlock for the continued support and community connections 

- Franklin EMS and Police Dept for joining us and educating us

- Representative Roy and James Gay for joining and supporting us

- Lisa for joining us and sharing your Merge resource with us 

- Franklin United Methodist Church for providing us space to host

»

This is what community is all about!!

»

If you're interested in joining and/or want to be a guest speaker/resource, message me.

»

Learn more about Rise Up and sign up for emails -> 

https://alirheaume.com/rise-up

 

View Instagram reel -> https://www.instagram.com/reel/C-xs0w3OpC9/?igsh=MTk4dXIydWloOHlkeA%3D%3D

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/AAjYJuSU2hVeprUd/

Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission: "From Elementary Physical Education Teacher to Award-Winning Artist: A Brain Injury Survivor's Journey"

In 2016, Ali Rheaume sustained Traumatic Brain Injuries, along with having a severe medication reaction that caused rare Tardive Dyskinesia and Serotonin Syndrome. This all landed her in the hospital at a 10% functioning level. She was unable to talk, walk, eat, or do anything herself. She couldn’t color a simple children’s coloring page and struggled to even pick one crayon out of a box. 

Ali found herself increasingly connected to the disability community as she navigated her journey, which included Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, Auditory Processing Disorder, Narcolepsy with Cataplexy, Dysautonomia, and more—all diagnosed after her brain injury. During her recovery, Ali not only persevered but also unearthed new talents and purpose. She began exploring art as a calming, seated activity and a means to enhance her visual perception, fine motor skills, and decision-making abilities. Starting with crayons and pencils, Ali gradually advanced to mastering acrylics and watercolors.

Now, Ali is a member of the Franklin Art Association and created her own art business called Embracing Unique. Her main work is “painting things that are important to people”, where someone will give her a photo of importance, and she will create a watercolor painting of it - a house, an engagement capture, a pet, a wedding moment, family photos, and more. She also specializes in unique sepia tone paintings created from handmade black walnut paint, foraged in Franklin, MA. 

In addition to art, Ali is a public speaker and a disability advocate. She serves on the Brain Injury Council of Massachusetts and the Franklin Disability Commission. Ali hosts “Rise Up”, a free in-person social hour for individuals navigating life with disability, and “Life After Concussion”, a free virtual growth mindset group to help regain life after a concussion. Her mission in life is to multiply hope, to encourage people to be their true selves, and to turn mourning into dancing.

Ali hosts “Rise Up”, a free in-person social hour for individuals navigating life with disability

Follow Ali's journey on Instagram: @alison.rheaume & @embracingunique and on Facebook: Ali Rheaume & Embracing Unique. 

Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission 

"The Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC) provides services that break down barriers and empower people with disabilities to live life in their own terms. Our programs focus on training and employment, community living, and disability determination for federal benefit programs. We are change agents and community builders. And we put the people we serve at the heart of everything we do."

shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/SS6maQLik1yqZFQy/

Talking accessibility enhancements with Ali Rheaume - 07/25/24 (audio)

FM #1253 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1253 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my recorded conversation with Franklin resident, artist, and disability advocate Ali Rheaume. We had our conversation via the Zoom conference bridge on Thursday, July 25, 2023. 

Our conversation covers the accessibility enhancements 

• to the MBTA Franklin/Dean Station

• other Franklin Projects (parks, trails, etc.)

• American Disability Act signing anniversary, July 26

We also talk about the Rise Up group meeting monthly on the 3rd Saturday for those navigating life with disability. The group is also open to advocates and community members.

The recording runs about 30 minutes so let’s listen to my conversation with Ali Rheaume. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1253-ali-rheaume-disability-enhancements-07-25-24/

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MBTA press release on Franklin/Dean raised platform

https://www.mass.gov/news/mbta-wins-67-million-federal-grant-to-improve-green-line-accessibility-for-people-with-disabilities 

Rise Up group page -> https://alirheaume.com/rise-up 

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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!

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You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

Ali awaiting a train at the MBTA Franklin/Dean Station

The fenced area pending the new high rise platform at Franklin/Dean Station