SAFE Coalition schedules teen drop in hours on Wednesdays beginning July 1

Teens: discover your new summer hangout! tinyurl.com/su26awc

SAFE Coalition's Adolescent Wellness Center is a welcoming, low-key space to hang out, meet new people, express yourself, and grow, and our summer drop-in hours are a great chance to check it out for yourself.

FREE • Teens 13–18 • Wednesdays • noon–3 p.m. (drop in anytime) • Starts July 1 • Franklin, MA

Summer can be difficult for many young people who lose the structure and community provided by school. These drop-in sessions provide a safe, healthy space for teens to just BE this summer.

Questions? Contact SAFE at info@safecoalitionma.org or (508) 488-8105

The AskSAFE question of the week answered !!!

Each week, a SAFE Licensed Clinical Social Worker answers questions about mental health, substance use recovery, wellness, and more.

Check out this week’s Q&A!

Q: How do I balance staying safe and having fun in the summer?

A: Summer is full of celebrations: graduation parties, concerts, beach vacations, and more! These tips can help you mind your health and safety while enjoying these events:

Drink lots of water, apply sunscreen regularly, and leave the fireworks to the professionals. Some medications can affect how your body handles heat or sun, so be aware of any added risks.

When around water (pool, lake, ocean), have a designated Water Watcher. This sober, responsible adult supervises the people in and around the water—no phone or other distractions.

Be sure to know the exact address of where you are, so if you have to call 911, first responders can arrive as soon as possible.

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Submit questions and view past answers at: https://www.safecoalitionma.org/ask-safe

Reminder: The Nautilus Center for Mental Health -. Grand Opening/Open House event on Thursday, June 25

The Nautilus Center for Mental Health provides adolescents ages 13-18 with intensive outpatient treatment programs and wellness support to address mental health and/or substance use disorders. We invite you to attend our Grand Opening/Open House event on Thursday, June 25, between 5:00 PM and 7:30 PM. We are located on the second floor of the Middlesex Bank building, at 1000 Franklin Village Drive, Suite 201. 

www.thenautiluscenter.com

This informal, drop-in event is for anyone interested in seeing our space, meeting our administrative and clinical leaders, and building connections in our community. Whether you are a referral partner, educator, community or business leader, or parent/caregiver exploring resources for struggling teens, you’ll make new connections, reconnect with old friends and share resources with local colleagues dedicated to improving the mental health and wellness of adolescents & families. 

Highlights of the evening include:

• The Nautilus program in action: including mini mindfulness and movement sessions & group creative arts activities 

• A resource table for local providers to share information 

• Light bites & refreshments 

• An opportunity to meet two very good boys, Arlo & Taeo, Nautilus’ own therapy dogs 

We are thrilled to be a part of this dynamic and collaborative community and look forward to serving and supporting adolescents and families on their path to healing and wellness. We hope you will join us! 

Please use the Eventbrite link to let us know you are coming!

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-nautilus-center-grand-opening-open-house-tickets-1991325566374?aff=oddtdtcreator 

For more information, please contact Leah Valente at 508-954-4076 or visit our website at www.thenautiluscenter.com

The Nautilus Center for Mental Health schedules their Grand Opening/Open House event on Thursday, June 25

The Nautilus Center for Mental Health provides adolescents ages 13-18 with intensive outpatient treatment programs and wellness support to address mental health and/or substance use disorders. We invite you to attend our Grand Opening/Open House event on Thursday, June 25, between 5:00 PM and 7:30 PM. We are located on the second floor of the Middlesex Bank building, at 1000 Franklin Village Drive, Suite 201. 

www.thenautiluscenter.com

This informal, drop-in event is for anyone interested in seeing our space, meeting our administrative and clinical leaders, and building connections in our community. Whether you are a referral partner, educator, community or business leader, or parent/caregiver exploring resources for struggling teens, you’ll make new connections, reconnect with old friends and share resources with local colleagues dedicated to improving the mental health and wellness of adolescents & families. 

Highlights of the evening include:

• The Nautilus program in action: including mini mindfulness and movement sessions & group creative arts activities 

• A resource table for local providers to share information 

• Light bites & refreshments 

• An opportunity to meet two very good boys, Arlo & Taeo, Nautilus’ own therapy dogs 

We are thrilled to be a part of this dynamic and collaborative community and look forward to serving and supporting adolescents and families on their path to healing and wellness. We hope you will join us! 

Please use the Eventbrite link to let us know you are coming!

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-nautilus-center-grand-opening-open-house-tickets-1991325566374?aff=oddtdtcreator 

For more information, please contact Leah Valente at 508-954-4076 or visit our website at www.thenautiluscenter.com

During Mental Health Awareness Month take the time to ask “How are you really doing?”

During Mental Health Awareness Month
take the time to ask “How are you really doing?”

via Franklin Police Dept

"During Mental Health Awareness Month, the Franklin Police Department would like to remind everyone that a simple check-in can make a world of difference.

Whether it’s a friend, family member, coworker, or neighbor, taking the time to ask “How are you really doing?” can help someone feel seen, heard, and supported.

Remember:
• Listen without judgment
• Encourage others to seek help when needed
• Support one another through difficult times
• Know that mental health challenges can affect anyone

As a community, we are stronger when we stand together and support each other.

You are never alone."

Shared from - https://www.instagram.com/p/DY4zqg-REY5/

Co-response program making an impact for Franklin

via Franklin Police Dept

Co-response program making an impact for Franklin 

"As Mental Health Awareness Month comes to an end the Franklin Police Department’s Co-Response Program continues to make a meaningful impact in our community by connecting individuals with the help and support they need during difficult times.

Through the partnership between our officers and co-response clinicians, we are able to respond to mental health, substance use, and crisis-related calls with a focus on care, de-escalation, and access to services.

In the past year:
• 881 cases were referred to the Co-Response Program
• 44 individuals were diverted from arrest and connected to treatment
• 142 individuals were diverted from unnecessary emergency department visits

Our goal remains simple: helping people get the support they need while keeping them safely connected to community resources whenever possible.

We are proud of the work being done every day through this collaborative effort to support the wellbeing of our residents."

https://www.instagram.com/p/DYz1YTDpwAL/

May is Mental Health Awareness Month

At the Franklin Police Department, we recognize that mental health is just as important as physical health. We remain committed to supporting the well-being of our community through compassion, connection, and access to resources.

Seeking help is a sign of strength, and no one should ever feel alone. Together, we can continue working to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health and support one another — not just this month, but every day.

If you or someone you know is struggling:

• Call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

In an emergency, always call 911

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/1B2MkZEw4U/

SAFE Coalition: Hear Mark's Story (video)

"Mark represents everything we stand for at SAFE: compassion, dedication, and meeting people where they are. He reminds us that every person deserves dignity, respect, and to never feel alone—and that’s exactly what we strive to provide to everyone who walks through our doors.

Will you join Mark in investing in people?

Together, we can continue to show up, stand beside those in need,

and turn hope into action."

Donate here - https://secure.qgiv.com/event/safe2026/donate

Additional info on the SAFE Gala held recently

SAFE answers your question on anxiety & panic attacks

Each week, a SAFE Licensed Clinical Social Worker answers questions about mental health, substance use recovery, wellness, and more. 

SAFE answers your question
on anxiety & panic attacks

👇Check out this week’s Q&A!  

Q: What's the difference between anxiety and panic attacks?  

A: Symptoms of anxiety often build up over time and are more long-term (persistent worrying, restlessness, difficulty relaxing, trouble concentrating) while panic attacks occur suddenly and are much more intense.   

Anxiety often stems from a triggering situation while panic attacks are sudden, often described as "out of the blue." Panic symptoms often include racing heart, difficulty breathing, sweaty palms, stomachache, nausea, or fear of death, among others. They typically subside within 10–30 minutes while anxiety is more persistent. Assessing the length of time an episode lasts can be helpful in differentiating between anxiety and panic attacks. 

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Submit questions and view past answers at: https://www.safecoalitionma.org/ask-safe

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/1GEd1mSeGm/

Lasting brain rot effects from being chronically online | 60 Minutes Australia (video)

New medical evidence reveals how too much screen time is shrinking the brains of young Australians.

Video link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XBedpPCv5c4

Aging is not linear; what you believe matters

Aging is not linear; what you believe matters

"Nearly half of adults over 65 got physically or cognitively better over 12 years. The thing that predicted who did so had nothing to do with genetics, exercise, or education. It was what they believed about getting older.

📄 Levy, B.R. & Slade, M.D. (2026). Aging Redefined: Cognitive and Physical Improvement with Positive Age Beliefs. Geriatrics."

Shared from - https://www.instagram.com/p/DVykVnrgPx7/

Have you tried the Box Breathing Technique ?? great advice via SAFE Coalition !!!

Each week, a SAFE Licensed Clinical Social Worker answers questions about mental health, substance use recovery, wellness, and more.

Check out this week’s Q&A!

Q: What are some strategies for managing stress at work or school?

A: Some strategies can help calm our bodies (box breathing) while other strategies are more helpful for calming our minds (writing down to-do lists).

Box breathing can help you refocus. For 5 seconds each: inhale, hold, and then exhale. Repeat.

When feeling overwhelmed by your workload, try physically writing down a to-do list. This tool will help you see what needs prioritized, and then you can break those tasks into smaller, more manageable steps.

Be sure to cross them off your list after you tackle them!

Have you tried the Box Breathing Technique ??   great advice via SAFE Coalition  !!!

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Submit questions and view past answers at: https://www.safecoalitionma.org/ask-safe

Shared from - https://www.instagram.com/p/DVg8kxnFLvF/

SAFE Coalition: Back to Life - Youth Theater Project Starting this April

Back to Life: Youth Theater Project Starting this April

Back to Life - Youth Theater Project Starting this April

Date: Thursdays, April 2–May 7, 2026

Time: 3:00–5:00 p.m.

Location: SAFE Adolescent Wellness Center (Franklin)

Ages: 13–18

This spring, SAFE is partnering with Drug Story Theater to bring a powerful new program to the Adolescent Wellness Center.

Back to Life: Youth Theater Project is a free, 6-week theater program for teens ages 13–18. Starting April 2, participants will meet weekly to rehearse and perform an original play that tackles some of the hardest conversations facing young people today: substance use, fentanyl contamination, friendship, and asking for help.

Whether a teen wants to be center stage or help behind the scenes with lighting, sound, or set design, there's a place for them in this program. No theater experience is needed!

The series wraps up with a public performance on May 7, followed by a community talkback with Dr. Joseph Shrand, a nationally recognized expert in adolescent addiction. It's an opportunity for teens to not only express themselves creatively, but to become real educators in their communities, helping audiences understand overdose prevention and destigmatizing the use of Narcan.

If you know a teen who would benefit from this program, we'd love for you to share it with them. Registration is open now - https://www.safecoalitionma.org/get-support/youth-theater-project?blm_aid=465921

Back to Life: Youth Theater Project is made possible by the generous support of Mass Cultural Council, Lawson Charitable Foundation, and Community Health Systems Foundation.

Franklin Police Complete Annual Mental Health Training

Via Franklin Police Dept:

Franklin Police Complete Annual Mental Health Training

Today (2/12/26), the Department concluded its annual Mental Health Training, led by the head of our Co-Response Program, Clinician Kallie Montagano.

Officers received continued instruction on the Section 12 process and had the opportunity to hear from guest speakers representing Tri-Valley Elder Services, Foundations Group Recovery Centers, and the Department of Children and Families.

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/1A76QcE2Bm/

"A two-week digital detox reversed 10 years of attention decline"

vis Steve Magness

"A two-week digital detox reversed 10 years of attention decline (Castelo et al, 2025). A one-week social media break cut depression by 25% and anxiety by 16%, effects rivaling clinical therapy. And after just 72 hours without a phone, brain scans showed the reward centers were still firing at smartphone cues—even when people swore they felt fine (Schmitgen et al., Computers in Human Behavior, 2025).

We're running on the same dopamine and serotonin pathways as substance addiction. The only difference? The substance is in your pocket 16 hours a day.

Be intentional on how you're handling social media. Yes, I get the irony of this being posted on here. But to me, that's the point. We need to figure out how to have better relationships with this stuff. And that starts with knowledge ... and then taking small actions."

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/DUf8f9PDSt4/

Safe online standards introduced by the Mental Health Coalition

Safe online standards introduced by the Mental Health Coalition

From the Mental Health Coalition comes:

Introducing Safe Online Standards (S.O.S.), a first-of-its-kind framework to ensure safer digital spaces for young people.

Learn more: safeonlinestandards.org

Shared from - https://www.instagram.com/p/DUlOZN1imkS/

The Guardian: "What to know about the jury trials of Meta, Snap, TikTok and YouTube"

"Social media companies will have to answer to a jury – for the first time – for allegations that their products are intentionally addictive and harmful to young users’ mental health. Hundreds of parents, teens and school districts sued Meta, Snap, TikTok and YouTube, leading to a series of landmark trials that began this week. Jury selection in the first case started on Tuesday in Los Angeles court.

Meta’s Mark Zuckerberg is among the big tech CEOs who are expected to testify. Both sides are likely to bring in experts to hash out the science behind alleged addiction to social media.

Social media companies
will have to answer to a jury

The initial trial involves a 20-year-old, identified by the initials KGM, who alleges she experienced physical and emotional harm after becoming addicted to social media at age 10. This case is expected to last six to eight weeks, and will be the first of about 22 “bellwether” trials. The outcome can signal, and influence, how courts and juries may handle similar lawsuits in the future. Snap and TikTok have settled with the plaintiff in the first case, leaving Meta and YouTube to stand trial.

“Everybody’s looking at it as a data point,” said Benjamin Zipursky, a law professor at Fordham University."

Continue reading the article with this 'share' link

https://www.theguardian.com/media/2026/jan/31/what-to-know-trials-meta-snap-tiktok-youtube?CMP=share_btn_url 

FHS Active Minds showing support for FHS Girls Basketball Friday, Jan 16

FHS Active Minds showing support for
FHS Girls Basketball Friday, Jan 16

via FHS Active Minds

ACTIVE MINDS X GIRLS BASKETBALL game Friday!!

Join us at a mental health themed basketball game.

Show your support by wearing green!

See you all there :)

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/DTbVw27DodL/

Town of Franklin: Government 101 series - what does Franklin do & how do they do it?

We're going to the archives to bring forward a number of key items to share to help folks who are newly engaged to help understand the overall processes of Town of Franklin government in action.

Town of Franklin: Government 101 (audio) (2018)

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/09/town-of-franklin-government-101-audio.html

Town of Franklin: Government 101 (video) (2019)

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/09/town-of-franklin-government-101-video.html

Town of Franklin: Government 101 - budget cycle (audio) (2022)

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/09/town-of-franklin-government-101-budget.html

Town of Franklin: Government 101 - Finance Update (audio) (Dec 2024)

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/12/kerri-jana-share-finance-town-school.html

Town of Franklin: All about the water system, yes we have enough (audio) (August 2021)

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/09/town-of-franklin-all-about-water-system.html

Town of Franklin: All about the sewer system, yes we have capacity for growth (audio) (2023)

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/09/town-of-franklin-all-about-sewer-system.html

Town of Franklin Water & Sewer projects update (audio) (Oct 2025)

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/10/doug-jake-provide-updates-on-sewer.html

Franklin For All housing & zoning podcast series (audio) (2022-2023)

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/02/franklin-for-all-housing-zoning-podcast.html

*** Finance Committee "Deep Dive" series

Technology, Dec 2025

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/12/finance-committee-gets-answer-on-how.html

Capital budget FY 2024 

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/01/finance-committee-reviews-and-approves.html

Facilities, Dec 2023

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/12/finance-committee-takes-deep-dive-sorta_01138495076.html

Permitting & storm water credits Feb 2023

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/02/finance-committee-hears-from-town.html

Schools, Dec 2022 (audio)

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/12/finance-committee-gets-some-financial.html

Schools, Dec 2022 (Video) 

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/12/finance-committee-gets-to-better.html 

Storm water utility fee March 2022

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/03/your-time-is-needed-now-to-pay.html

"Talk Franklin" series on individual departments/services

• Town Clerk on elections - Jan 2024 ->    https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/01/nancy-danello-joins-this-talk-franklin.html
• DPW operations - Feb 2024 -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/02/in-this-talk-franklin-episode-we-talk.html
• School budget with Supt Lucas Giguere and Dr Tina Rogers - April 2024 ->  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/04/in-this-talk-franklin-episode-some.html
• Conservation & Recreation - April 2024 ->   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/05/earth-day-earth-month-conversation-with.html
• Mental health services (co-response program) - May 2024 ->   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/05/we-spent-our-talk-franklin-time-on.html
• School & Town budget leading into the Joint Budget sessions -> Sep 2024 ->   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/09/jamie-lucas-talk-town-and-school-topics.html
• Arts, culture & economic development Oct 2024 ->     https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/11/talking-franklin-arts-culture-economic.html
• Town Administrator Jamie Hellen takes on some myth busting  Nov 2024 ->  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/11/in-this-talk-franklin-episode-jamie.html 
• 2024 Year in Review with Jamie & Amy ->   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/11/in-this-talk-franklin-episode-jamie.html

You can also check out the department segments shared from each of the Annual Reports. While much of the report sections tout the stats for that department's activity in the prior year, they also get into some detail on what is done and how it is done. 

Town of Franklin: Government 101 series - what does Franklin do & how do they do it?

Kuehnel Psychological Services supporting youth, parents, families & very concerned about screen time (audio)

FM #1609 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1609 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Dr. Carolyn Kuehnel and Dr. Cindy Ballou. We had our conversation in their office in downtown Franklin on Tuesday, December 9, 2025. 

Dr Carolyn Kuehnel is the owner of Kuehnel Psychological Services, PLLC.

In the course of our discussion we covered

• 

  Kuehnel Psychological Services

  Their individual road to this role

• The services they provide

• Supporting parents and families

• The need for a community approach

• The dangers of screen time

The recording runs about 59 minutes so let’s listen to my conversation with Carolyn and Cindy.

Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1609-kuehnel-psychology-12-09-25/

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Kuehnel Psychological Services  https://kuehnelpsych.com/ 

The Wait Until 8th organization website ->  https://www.waituntil8th.org/ 

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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

• 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!

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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"