Franklin TV: The Senior Writers Group – Book Launch - Sep 26 at 10 AM

by Pete Fasciano, Executive Director 09/24/2023

Oh yes, we did. Our third Writers Book will be officially launched at the Senior Center on Tuesday morning (09/26/23) at 10 AM.

Writings from the Senior Scribblers

Third Edition – by Scribblers Press

This time we arranged for our collected works to be beautifully printed and bound as a self-micro-published run of 100*. 

It’s a real book book – 77 pages of collected writings and storytelling. Simple stories? Personal adventures? Musings? Poems?

There’s something for every reader.

It’s not in The Library of Congress. You won’t find it on Amazon or Google Books. It’s available only at the Franklin Senior Center. Come to our great unveiling, Tuesday, Sept 26 at 10 AM.

Join us for selected readings and copies of our latest ‘best seller’. The N Y Times literary critic wasn’t extended a special invitation. Not even Oprah’s Book Club. Just you.

Do you have some stories and scribbles in you? You can be part of our next book. 

And – as always –

Thank you for listening to wfpr●fm. 

And, thank you for watching.

* Note - of the 100 copies, the contributors got their share and there are 45 available for first come, first serve at the book launch.

PROGRAMMING NOTE:

Our assigned Comcast channels have changed. Verizon is not affected.

Our Public All-Access TV channel has moved from 8 to 6. 

Our Franklin Pride School channel has moved from 96 to 8.

Our Town Hall TV Government channel has moved from 11 to 9.

Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf   

Town of Franklin, MA: Children's flu clinic - Oct 11

The Franklin Department of Health is hosting a free Flu Clinic for children (18 and under) on October 11, 2023 from 3-6 PM at the Franklin Senior Center.  

Register here: https://buff.ly/3R9PQhv

Shared from -> https://twitter.com/TOFranklinMA/status/1703891818415260081

Town of Franklin, MA: Children's flu clinic - Oct 11

Your Franklin questions answered, in person or remotely - Sep 20 at 11 AM

What is going on with .... ?

What happened to ....?

How come .... ?

Join Steve Sherlock, Franklin Matters & wfpr.fm Community Information Director (volunteer), for an informal and informative Q&A session. 

What is the session about?

• Steve provides some updates on what's happened in the past month in the first 10-15 minutes, then opens the floor to answer whatever questions you have

When: Wednesday, Sep 20, 2023 at 11:00 AM  

Where: Franklin Senior Center (2nd floor conf room) and via Zoom

If you want the Zoom link, please use this form, or check with the Senior Center front desk, or email me:  https://forms.gle/veUNZaDe9jXzq3C97

Download this flyer as a reminder ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Nvlb-R-dDJYWwuxZTi6EYb2DXMe12HX4/view?usp=drive_link

Your Franklin questions answered, in person or remotely - Sep 20 at 11 AM

Franklin Art Association meeting Oct 4 will feature artist Carlie DeGaetano

The Franklin Art Association will hold its meeting on Wednesday, October 4, at 6:30 PM at the Franklin Senior Center.  

The featured artist is Carlie DeGaetano who will do a watercolor painting demonstration. Carlie resides in Blackstone and spends most days painting or teaching painting at the Medway Senior Center. Her medium of choice is watercolor, but she also paints in acrylic and water soluble oils. She paints in a loose free style with lots of color.  Her work can be seen at www.etsy.com/shop/CarlottasArt.

Established in 1971, the Franklin Art Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting a wide variety of fine art mediums and photography, while providing ongoing educational opportunities through live demonstrations and hands-on workshops. The Association gallery is located at the Escape into Fiction Bookstore at 12 Main Street, Franklin. The FAA is supported by the Franklin Cultural Council and the Franklin Cultural District.  www.franklinart.org, Instagram and Facebook.

We welcome members, friends, students and the public to attend this interesting program. There is no admission fee.

watercolor painting by Carlie DeGaetano

Town of Franklin, MA: Flu Clinic for adults (18+) - Sep 28 - Register Now!

Flu Clinic for adults (18+)

The Franklin Department of Health is hosting a free Flu Clinic for adults (18+) on 9/28/2023 from 12pm - 3pm at the Franklin Senior Center. 

Register here: https://t.co/YJaHO2MxJP

Shared from -> https://t.co/PiDTREuUoV

Take an International trip to Portugal or Italy with the Senior Center

Franklin Senior Center is going INTERNATIONAL with Collette Travel Join us for an informational session on Wednesday, September 13 at 1:00 PM to hear all the details of our planned trips to SUNNY PORTUGAL (April 27th - Mag 6) and ITALY (October 23 - November 1)

Take an International trip to Portugal or Italy with the Senior Center

The Franklin Community is invited to the 9/11 ceremony at the Senior Center

"The Franklin Community is invited to attend our annual 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony at 9 AM on September 11th, 2023 at the Franklin Senior Center. 

The program will run about 30 minutes, and retired New York City Police Sergeant Paul Faenza will serve as our keynote speaker."

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/Cw5HEkvrbAy/

The Franklin Community is invited to the 9/11 ceremony at the Senior Center

Veterans Coffee Social for September 6, 2023 at the Senior Center

September 2023 Coffee Social

All veterans are invited for coffee and conversation!

WE HOPE YOU CAN JOIN US!

 

Veterans Coffee Social for September 6, 2023

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/veterans-services/news/september-2023-coffee-social

Franklin Health Dept: Flu Clinic scheduled for the Senior Center Sep 28, 2023 at 12 PM

August is National Immunization Awareness Month! 

The Franklin Health Department is hosting a flu clinic at the Franklin Senior Center on September 28th, 2023 from 12 PM - 3 PM. 

Sign up for your flu shot today: https://home.color.com/vaccine/register/franklin?site=2023-franklin-senior-centerflu-clinic

Franklin Health Dept: Flu Clinic scheduled for the Senior Center Sep 28, 2023 at 12 PM

Franklin Garden Club - September 5th Program Open to New Members

The Franklin Garden Club will begin its 2023-2024 season on Tuesday, September 5, 2023, with a meeting at the Franklin Senior Center, 10 Daniel McCahill Street, from 6:30 – 8:30 PM.   

An informal social get-together will take place from 6:00 – 6:30 PM followed by a presentation on the coming year’s programs and preparation of items to be sold at the Franklin Harvest Festival.  The meeting is open to the public, including those interested in becoming a member.  All items that are made will be retained by the garden club for sale at the festival.

Club Co-Presidents Patricia Donnelly and Mary Anne Dean stated, “The Garden Club, founded in 1987, offers many educational programs, and one does not have to be a Master Gardener to join. Meetings provide a wonderful opportunity to learn about various aspects of gardening from experts and to exchange information with fellow members. We welcome anyone who is interested to attend the first meeting to learn more about the Club and planned activities.”

 

Franklin Garden Club - September 5th Program Open to New Members

In addition to the September 5 meeting, this year’s programming schedule includes: 

• October 3: Bridge of Flowers in Shelburne Falls, MA
• November 7: Flower Paint Night
• December 5: Using Medicinal Herbs
• February 6: To be determined
• March 5:  Fantastical Folktales of Flowers
• April 2: Ergonomic Tips for Healthier Gardening
• May 7: No Flower Thriller, Spiller and Filler Pot Arrangements
• June 4: Year End Social

Club community service activities include planting and maintenance of the Franklin Town Common gardens and the planters at the Franklin Library, sponsorship of an annual scholarship awarded to a high school graduate, distribution of pine tree seedlings in the elementary schools, and special projects with other community organizations. 

The Franklin Garden Club is a member of the Garden Club Federation of Massachusetts. 

Franklin Senior Center: The Connections Newsletter for September is ready for you

"The September 2023 Senior Connection Newsletter is out! Will start taking reservations for programs on Friday, September 1st

Check out all the fun programs and events planned for September: https://t.co/UYeu7wxVgN"

Shared from -> https://t.co/Qx9rAxK53x

Franklin Senior Center: The Connections Newsletter for September is ready for you

Call the Senior Center to get your copy via email or mailed to you

https://www.franklinma.gov/fsc

Find a copy online at the Senior Center page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-senior-center/pages/connection-newsletter

Senator Rausch To Host Community Town Halls; in Franklin on Oct 16

Senator Becca Rausch (D-Needham) will host community town halls this Fall in the Southern, Northern, South Central, and Central regions of her district.

During these town halls, Senator Rausch will provide legislative updates, local and statewide budget victories, and offer residents an opportunity to share their questions, concerns, and challenges.

“Civic engagement is an important part of our democracy,” said Senator Rausch. “Listening to the perspectives of my constituents informs my legislative work on Beacon Hill. I look forward to hearing from residents and collaborating with them to further support our families and our communities.”

Senator Rausch will host four community town halls throughout the district, as follows:

Southern Region

Monday, September 18, 2023, 6 PM 

Milford Town Hall, 52 Main St, Milford

Northern Region

Monday, October 2, 2023, 6 PM

Needham Town Hall, 1471 Highland Ave, Needham

South Central Region

Monday, October 16, 2023, 6 PM

Franklin Senior Center, 10 Daniel McCahill St, Franklin

Central Region

Monday, October 30, 2023, 6 PM 

Norfolk Library, 2 Liberty Ln, Norfolk

These town halls are open exclusively to residents of the towns comprising the Norfolk, Worcester and Middlesex District: Bellingham, Dover, Franklin, Medfield, Milford, Millis, Needham, Norfolk, Plainville, Sherborn, and Wrentham.

For more information, please visit www.beccarauschma.com/townhalls.

Senator Rausch To Host Community Town Halls; in Franklin on Oct 16

Franklin Art Association welcomes new members to September meeting - Sep 6

“The Franklin Art Association welcomes new members”

The Franklin Art Association will have their first meeting of the season on Wednesday, September 6, at 6:30 PM at the Franklin Senior Center, 10 Daniel McCahill Street, Franklin.  Programs are free and open to the public.  

This month’s program will feature artist Sue Pratt Sheridan, who will demonstrate the use of many different types of mediums with a slide presentation of artwork, including oils, watercolors, pastels, charcoal and mixed media.  The unique qualities of each medium will be discussed, questions answered and encouragement given to explore new ways to create art!  Sue holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from UMass Amherst, and has been a practicing artist for most of her life.

Established in 1971, the Franklin Art Association has members from throughout MetroWest MA and RI.  They are a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting a wide variety of fine art mediums and photography, while providing ongoing educational opportunities through live demonstrations and hands-on workshops.

The association gallery is located at the Escape into Fiction Bookstore at 12 Main Street, Franklin.  The FAA is supported by the Franklin Cultural Council and the Franklin Cultural District.  www.franklinart.org, Instagram and Facebook.

Franklin Art Association

Memory Café Wed. August 16 at 1 pm

Memory Café

Hello All,

Please join us at our monthly "Where's The Toast" Memory Café on Wednesday, Aug. 16 at 1 PM.  Alex Connelly will be entertaining us with her incredible and engaging voice.

Memory Cafes are for those with memory loss, their family, friends and caregivers.  The event is free but please RSVP to Ariel 508-520-4945 or email adoggett@franklinma.gov so we know how many will join us. 

Please share with anyone who may wish to attend.

Ariel

Your Franklin questions answered, in person or remotely - Aug 16 at 11 AM

What is going on with .... ?

What happened to ....?

How come .... ?

Join Steve Sherlock, Franklin Matters & wfpr.fm Community Information Director (volunteer), for an informal and informative Q&A session. 

What is the session about?

• Steve provides some updates on what's happened in the past month in the first 10-15 minutes, then opens the floor to answer whatever questions you have

When: Wednesday, August 16, 2023 at 11:00 AM  

Where: Franklin Senior Center (2nd floor conf room) and via Zoom

If you want the Zoom link, please use this form, or check with the Senior Center front desk, or email me:  https://forms.gle/yaoTyeNdbs63pe7o9

Download this flyer as a reminder ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1H9b-EYD1D6CpKNjTQNsl0dvWva6-Utco/view?usp=drive_link

Your Franklin questions answered, in person or remotely - Aug 16 at 11 AM

Fun things at the Franklin Senior Center to do this week - Aug 14 - 18, 2023

"Time to break out and head to the Franklin Senior Center for some FUN! You don’t want to miss out this week on all the activities we have going on! 

No matter what you like to do we have something for you!"

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cv4zwOOAaHA/

Check the Franklin Senior Center page for additional info on these events

https://www.franklinma.gov/fsc

Fun things at the Franklin Senior Center to do this week - Aug 14 - 18, 2023

Fun things at the Franklin Senior Center to do this week - Aug 14

Fun things at the Franklin Senior Center to do this week - Aug 15

Fun things at the Franklin Senior Center to do this week - Aug 16

Fun things at the Franklin Senior Center to do this week - Aug 17

Fun things at the Franklin Senior Center to do this week - Aug 18

Senior Story Hour - WFPR: Episode 056 - Senior Singles Prepare To Mingle, Macho is Childish, Romance (audio)

In this episode, the Franklin Senior Center Writers Group share stories, poems, and writings about how being macho is childish, kindness, "Senior Singles Prepare to Mingle", light verse poetry and more.

This episode aired on Franklin Radio for August 2023. 

Audio file -> https://senior-scribblers.captivate.fm/episode/episode-056-senior-singles-prepare-to-mingle-macho-is-childish-romance

Senior Story Hour - WFPR

Senior Story Hour - WFPR = The Franklin Senior Center Writer's Group

Steve Sherlock hosts the Franklin Senior Center Writer's Group for a monthly reading of short stories, essays, poetry and more. If you'd like to join in person or remotely (via Zoom), contact the Franklin Senior Center to get on the mailing list.

Find more episodes here (or on your favorite podcast app) ->  https://senior-scribblers.captivate.fm/episodes

Senior Center fantasy football - live draft scheduled for Sep 5

"Be a part of our Franklin Senior Center football community! Call for more info and sign up now to compete in our Fantasy Football League.  

Live Draft on 9/5 at Noon"

Shared from the Senior Center profile ->

https://www.facebook.com/100055668205744/posts/pfbid079E8sDEJyFKyZCbPVqTFYC7tFxjVNxxVXAXuxspP7gNqKBVNo9S3CCtQ6SPuA4Wil/?mibextid=Nif5oz

Senior Center fantasy football - live draft scheduled for Sep 5

Senior Center fantasy football - live draft scheduled for Sep 5 - page 2

Senior Center fantasy football - live draft scheduled for Sep 5 - page 3

VA extends deadline for PACT Act benefits backdated to August 10, 2022

Hello All, 

There is an extension to Monday to submit an Intent to File for backdated PACT Act benefits.  

Please know you can file a PACT Act claim at any time, the deadline only applies to back pay.

If you want to submit a PACT Act Intent to File before this deadline, please email me at snisbett@franklinma.gov No Later Than Monday 8/14/23 at 9 AM. 

For a list of PACT Act presumptives, visit:  https://www.va.gov/resources/the-pact-act-and-your-va-benefits/

See the press release below for more detailed information.

Sincerely, 

Shannon Nisbett

Veterans Services Officer

Town of Franklin, MA

Info on the PACT Act was shared in a video created last year and you can watch on YouTube ->  https://youtu.be/-qzZkUMsheI

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

VA extends deadline Through Monday for Veterans and survivors to apply for PACT Act benefits backdated to August 10, 2022 

 

Extension will ensure that no Veteran or survivor will miss out on a single day of backdated PACT Act benefits

Today VA announced that Veterans and survivors who apply (or submit their intent to file) for PACT Act benefits by 11:59PM ET on Monday, August 14, 2023 will be eligible to have their benefits backdated to August 10, 2022 – the day that President Biden signed the PACT Act into law. This is an extension from the original deadline of August 9, 2023. We encourage all Veterans and their survivors to apply – or submit their intent to file – for PACT Act benefits now by visiting VA.gov/PACT.

VA has made this decision out of an abundance of caution after experiencing technical difficulties with VA.gov/PACT in recent days. Specifically, due to extremely high demand, some Veterans who have sought to submit their intent to file for PACT Act benefits have received error messages while doing so. Despite these messages, VA has successfully logged every one of these intents to file – meaning that every Veteran or survivor who has received an error message while applying for PACT Act benefits can consider their intent to file complete. We are working to contact these individuals to confirm directly to them that their intent to file will be honored and their effective date protected. Most importantly, no Veteran or survivor will miss out on a single day of benefits due to this issue.

VA has also resolved nearly all of the technical issues with VA.gov/PACT. As of 5:00pm, less than one tenth of one percent of attempts to submit an “intent to file” today (August 9) had resulted in an error message. This percentage is down from about 18% on August 8. Additionally, we have had a high volume of calls to VA call centers throughout this week, and we are working to decrease abnormally long call center wait times. We continue to work on these issues and will not rest until they are fully resolved.

Throughout the past day, VA has sent out communications from all channels to reassure Veterans and survivors that they would not miss out on their earned benefits due to this issue. We put an emergency banner on the VA website to tell Veterans and survivors that their intents to file will be honored. We changed the intent to file error message to confirm that, despite the error message, the intent to file has been saved. Finally, we communicated with Veterans directly on social media, via email, and through coordination with Congressional leaders and Veterans Service Organizations. All of this messaging will be updated tonight (details below) to reflect the extended deadline for Veterans and survivors to apply for benefits backdated to August 10, 2022.

We at VA will continue to encourage Veterans and their survivors to immediately file their PACT Act claims — or submit their intents to file — at VA.gov/PACT. With the extended deadline, Veterans and survivors who do so by 11:59PM ET on Monday, August 14, 2023 may receive benefits backdated to August 10, 2022.

Please also see the news release that came out today: One year of the PACT Act: A historic expansion of benefits and health care for Veterans and their survivors

veterans memorials on the Franklin Town Common at night

Technology upgrades coming to the Franklin Senior Center

"We are so excited to announce we were awarded a $34,800 grant from the EOEA to Enhance Digital Literacy specifically for Older Adults! 

This will include replacing our outdated equipment, purchasing additional equipment, and developing and offering a full technology curriculum specific to seniors!"

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/CvvNsmrxiQt/

Technology upgrades coming to the Franklin Senior Center