Challenger baseball: every Sunday at Fletcher Field

via Tim McDonald Jr.

"Good morning friends,

     I want to share an amazing opportunity within our community that you might want to be a part of. The Franklin youth baseball league hosts the Challengers League, designed specifically for children and young adults with disabilities.

 

     Games are held every Sunday at Fletcher Field in Franklin, and this league is more than just baseball; it's about building confidence, forming friendships, and promoting inclusion through the great American pastime. Every participant deserves the chance to play, and it’s heartwarming to see the positive impact this league has on our community.

     This is a wonderful chance not only to give back to the sport we love but also to teach our youth valuable lessons about teamwork, leadership, and compassion. They need us helping out during games, or simply spreading the word, your involvement could make a significant difference.

     Let’s come together to support our fellow community members and ensure everyone has a chance to play and enjoy the game we all cherish. If you're interested in participating or learning more, please feel free to reach out.

    My Single A Red Sox baseball team will be helping out as a team. Let's give back to the game and community we love so much. It doesn't take skill or talent to help and be a better human. It just takes time and heart."

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/1BAiM5Sw16/

Note: The register link appears to not work. I have a query in to get an updated one.

Ali Rheaume talks about the creation of "Buddy The Brain" (video & audio)

FM #1703 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1703 in the series. 

This episode shares my conversation with Franklin author, educator, and disability advocate Ali Rheaume. We met virtually on Thursday, March 19, 2026 to discuss her new book “Buddy The Brain”. 

Ali Rheaume talks about the creation
of "Buddy The Brain"  (video & audio)

We cover 

• The book is available in multiple formats

• The origin story of the book

• Ali’s recovery journey and advocacy

The video runs about 23 minutes, let’s watch (or listen)

Video link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9gLJIk2cRT0

Audio link -  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1703-ali-rheaume-on-buddy-the-brain-03-19-26/

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

The landing page for Buddy The Brain https://alirheaume.com/buddythebrain 

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

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV  and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area FM 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

• And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach out. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do

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!

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

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

The Guardian: "First wheelchair-using astronaut touches down after ride to edge of space"

"A paraplegic engineer from Germany blasted off on a dream-come-true rocket ride with five other passengers on Saturday, leaving her wheelchair behind to float in space while beholding Earth from on high.

The Guardian: "First wheelchair-using astronaut
touches down after ride to edge of space"

Severely injured in a mountain bike accident seven years ago, Michaela Benthaus became the first wheelchair user in space, launching from west Texas with Jeff Bezos’s company Blue Origin. She was accompanied by a retired SpaceX executive also born in Germany, Hans Koenigsmann, who helped organize and, along with Blue Origin, sponsored her trip. Their ticket prices were not divulged.

An ecstatic Benthaus said she laughed all the way up – the capsule soared more than 65 miles (105km) – and tried to turn upside down once in space.

“It was the coolest experience,” she said shortly after landing."

Continue reading the article with this 'gift' link -> 

https://www.theguardian.com/science/2025/dec/20/first-wheelchair-using-astronaut-blur-origin-rocket?CMP=share_btn_url 

Rise Up scheduled to meet on Saturday, Sep 20 at 10 AM

Rise Up this Saturday will be held at our regular location. We will visit the fire station in October instead.

Rise Up scheduled to meet on Saturday, Sep 20 at 10 AM

Date: Saturday, September 20th

Time: 10 - 11 AM

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

Agenda: 

- Come in, open social time

- Group discussion, including planning for upcoming farmers market table and other events

- More group and open social time

- Wrap up

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

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

Info on handicap parking access

via Ali Rheaume

"Did you know that not everyone who parks in a handicap navigates a visible disability? In fact, it can be quite easy to judge the situation and assume that the person is parking there illegally.

In order to park in a handicap spot, someone must have a legal plate or placard and be approved by the Registry of Motor Vehicles with medical documentation from a physician that they experience one or more of the following (from Massachusetts law):

Info on handicap parking access

- cannot walk 200 feet without stopping to rest, or cannot walk without the assistance of another person, prosthetic aid, or other assistive device, as a result of a described clinical diagnosis

- has certain severity of cardiovascular or pulmonary disease

- blind to certain acuity 

- limb loss or permanently lost the use of limb(s)

Some people may have assistive devices in the vehicle that you don’t see yet.

Some people don’t have any aides and can only walk a short distance.

Some people need the space to fully open the door to get in or out without falling, instead of squeezing sideways through tight space.

Some people have adaptations or aides that you don’t see under their clothes. 

Some people may feel okay when they arrive, but by the time they leave the location they need adaptations due to experiencing fatigue, pain, or other symptoms.

Some have needs that we may never know about.

So, next time you see someone park in a handicap spot, but they don’t “look” like they navigate a disability, remember to not judge the situation. 

Video: Ali, a white female with long curly dirty blonde hair and navy blue glasses wearing a purple T-shirt and a black skirt, getting out of the car and a handicap parking spot. Text on the screen reads "if someone parks in a handicap spot, but walks out of the car,". Video switches to another adult female with a black tank top and purple shorts, taking wheel wheelchair out of the trunk while text reads "some disabilities are invisible and you don't always know the whole scenario. More in caption".

Shoutout to my mom @sueflu who goes along with my "let's record something" antics"

View the video -> https://www.instagram.com/reel/DOZSybtkY6y/?

Worthy advice !!

via Ali Rheaume

"These are great things to put into practice as you continue to engage with people, both in person and on media!

»

Go ahead and save it for future reference! "

Find the advice on Instagram ->   https://www.instagram.com/p/DNlw9NRv0Qf/

Mary O'Neill and Randy Jay surprised with recognition

A carefully orchestrated surprise recognition was conducted before the Franklin Commission on Disability meeting on Thursday, August 7. The meeting was held at the Peter L Brunnelli Community Center (Central Park Terrace).

Mary O'Neill, was taken by surprise with the gathering of more than the Commission members and with the presentations of proclamations by State Rep Jeff Roy and Town Administrator Jamie Hellen.

Among the many things Mary is known for it is her inspiration and persistence that produced the "Kindness Matters" signs seen around town.

Mary was recognized for 14 years leading the Commission

Randy was recognized for 8 years serving as Clerk.

Some photos of the event can be found in the album -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/7UgtTdLxSvgHy7KF8

Recap of the formal meeting that followed will be available in a day or so

(audio not share worthy quality)

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Thursday, August 7, 2025 ??

Library & Senior Center events

Thursday, August 7

7:00pm 350 Mass Greater Franklin Node Meeting (First Universalist Society of Franklin)

For additional details on Library & Senior Center events ->        

https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar.aspx?CID=37,24&showPastEvents=false

**  Town Meetings today   **

Franklin Commission on Persons with Disabilities Meeting

Thursday, August 7 Time: 4:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08072025-1843

Conservation Commission Meeting

Thursday, August 7 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Item/459?fileID=5437 

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

What's happening today in Franklin? 

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 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-calendar

Rise up Saturday, July 19 at 10 AM

Rise up Saturday, July 19

Learn more about Rise Up and sign up for email updates here: https://alirheaume.com/rise-up

Shared from ->   https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1AjZStDzCE/

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

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

Ali Rheaume to present session virtually on Disability Awareness - Aug 27, 2025

Via Ali Rheaume

Ali Rheaume to present session virtually
on Disability Awareness - Aug 27, 2025

I'll be presenting this and highly encourage attending to learn more about:

• handicap parking
• handicap restroom stalls
• supporting people who navigate disability
• socializing with people navigating disability

Register free: https://biama.org/event/guest-lecture-series-disability-awareness-virtual/

Shared from ->   https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1ZtTduj8Ax/

Great Resource - Part 2: Sherlock Center listing for MASS

Earlier this week, we shared some of our Rhode Island-based titles of adapted literature for students with complex disabilities in recognition of Deafblind Awareness Week.

Today, we’re sharing some titles for our neighbors in Massachusetts:

• Massachusetts Famous People

Great resource to find adapted versions of popular
literature for students with complex disabilities

• Massachusetts Famous Places

• Massachusetts Famous Places 2

• Massachusetts Important Dates and Events

• Massachusetts Popular Foods

Check them out at https://bit.ly/Mass-lit or view all of our adapted literature offerings at https://bit.ly/adaptedliterature.

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/16pvwTTDvC/

Visit the website for more info on the Sherlock Center -> https://sherlockcenter.ric.edu/

*Yes, there is a family relationship to this Sherlock Center. Paul was my father's brother.

The earlier listing shared can be found here -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/06/great-resource-to-find-adapted-versions.html

Great resource to find adapted versions of popular literature for students with complex disabilities

via Paul V. Sherlock Center on Disabilities / RI College

Over 400 adapted versions of popular literature for students with complex disabilities are organized in a searchable database on our website; it’s our most-visited page every month!

In recognition of Deafblind Awareness Week, we’re highlighting a few of our Rhode Island-related titles:

Great resource to find adapted versions of popular
literature for students with complex disabilities

• Things Made in Rhode Island

• Rhode Island Beaches

• Rhode Island Famous People

• Rhode Island Famous Places

• Rhode Island Foods

• Rhode Island History

Check them out at https://bit.ly/RI-lit or view all of our adapted literature offerings at https://bit.ly/adaptedliterature.

Stay tuned, Massachusetts friends; we haven’t forgotten you!

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/1NopNYufN5/

Visit the website for more info on the Sherlock Center -> https://sherlockcenter.ric.edu/

*Yes, there is a family relationship to this Sherlock Center. Paul was my father's brother.

I can’t go everywhere my daughter goes – and it’s heartbreaking | Well actually | The Guardian

"We met K when she was a week old. We were foster parents and not expecting a call about a newborn. Despite becoming her mom with just 12 hours’ notice – we adopted her the next year – my early months with her felt so natural.

I had been disabled for six years. While on a hike, I developed dysautonomia, which is secondary to a genetic connective tissue disorder called hEDS [hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome]. I experience a great deal of daily pain and can’t stand for more than a minute or sit upright unsupported for more than five.

As a result, I spend most of my day reclined. Her high need for physical contact in infancy fit my need to rest all day. She didn’t need a mom who could pace. She needed a mom who didn’t get bored lying on the sofa. We were a perfect match.

After a few months with K, we started to make plans. The first was a trip to a small island called Lummi off the coast of Washington state. We flew out of Oakland; a friend drove us to the airport and helped us check the bags. David pushed me in my wheelchair, and I carried K on my lap. Once in the air, we learned the hard way that air pressure changes can contribute to diaper blowouts, but the flight was, generally, fine."

For some disabled or chronically ill people, leaving the house isn’t possible at all. But for others, the barriers are structural. Composite: The Guardian/Getty Images

 

 

 

 

 

 

Continue reading the article online -> https://www.theguardian.com/wellness/2025/apr/15/parenting-disability-wheelchair 

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!

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

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"