Providing accurate and timely information about what matters in Franklin, MA since 2007. * Working in collaboration with Franklin TV and Radio (wfpr.fm) since October 2019 *
We are excited to partner again with the American Red Cross on Tuesday, April 22nd 1:00-6:00 PM at THE BLACK BOX.
We’ll be working together to give back to the community in a truly life changing way since each donation we collect can save up to three lives.
Please visit redcrossblood.org to sign up to be a donor. Enter zip code 02038 in the “Find a Blood Drive” search box, then scroll to the date. You can also sign up by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS.
We look forward to seeing you at THE BLACK BOX Blood Drive!
Today as I write this on September 11, 2023. I feel it appropriate to remind others that September is National Preparedness Month. This was established in 2003 by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). I have personally observed those who roll their eyes slightly annoyed at the campaign. However, I am here to tell you it is not to be taken lightly. If the 9-11 event of 2001 did not alter your perception of self-reliance and situational awareness, I am not sure what will.
Most Americans recall where they were that horrific day. In addition, others may remember how hurricanes such as Ian in 2022, Sandy in 2012, Katrina in 2005, or the recent wildfire in Maui impacted their lives.
I personally lost seven co-workers in the towers that day. Six I worked with personally at different times during my career. One met her fiancé while they both worked for the department I managed. Everyone has a connection somehow from that day. Many experienced a first-hand loss and others, as an American and basic human sensed the losses as if they were their own.
Additionally, I have had other personal experiences with unexpected emergencies. I traveled to Manhattan for a day work trip with only my laptop and the shirt on my back. I walked off an elevator into a cab and did not make it to the first traffic light before realizing that the entire city had encountered the second-largest blackout in North East history in August 2003. I got out of the cab and walked block after block in 90-degree temps without water, without a cell phone, and not knowing where I was heading. The sea of people flooded the streets getting out of work at 5 PM walking elbow to elbow. The only way to get home was to walk. The problem was I lived in Massachusetts. That was the day I vowed to always be prepared. Never again was I not going to be able to survive on my own. I vowed to always carry on my person what I would need to handle most situations.
Each individual needs to learn to be responsible for oneself. We cannot always rely on the safety of our National Guard, Power Linemen, Police, Fire, Doctors, and Nurses. We need to do our part to take responsibility to respond to our immediate needs at all times. This includes at the workplace, school, grocery shopping, or away on vacation.
One would easily agree that we cannot live in fear, nor should we. However, we can now take simple steps and actions to help and possibly save our lives. I encourage you to spend time reviewing the various Tool Kits, Animal Graphics, Disabilities Guides, and Older Adult references on sites such as ready.gov, fema.gov, redcross.org, or environmental emergencies information at epa.gov. Each site has extensive checklists, contact phone numbers, and additional links to help you and your family get prepared for the unexpected.
FEMA sets a theme each year to promote self-reliance. This year it is Take Control 1,2,3. It focuses on preparing the older adult community for disasters. In 2022 it was to help establish a lasting legacy for you and your family in preparedness. If you begin to take action now, others in your family and extended family may follow. Setting an example and teaching your children simple things such as keeping a flashlight next to each bedside or storing extra water in the home will be a great start. Mentoring now can set the tone for their future.
In the current tumultuous political climate and the endless changes in weather, things happen and will continue to do so. Our population is too vast to expect municipal resources to arrive at our rescue in a timely manner. The workforce and resources are strained and it is up to us to do what we can now to stand strong against fire, hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, political unrest, disruptions in our supply chain, pandemics, war, and terrorists. It can be a cruel world but there is no doubt a smart, loving, and capable population is out there that can do the right thing now. As they say… “Put your oxygen mask on first to then help others”. Prepare now so you can help others in times of need.
The Red Cross Club is hosting a movie night November 18th 5 to 7 PM in the cafeteria! (Note: time change to avoid conflict with Cinderella performance!)
Tickets are five dollars and will be sold at the door. All proceeds will be donated to Hurricane Ian Relief.
"The Franklin Fire Department SAFE Program would like to thank the Franklin Highs School American Red Cross Club for coming out and washing our trucks this weekend."
Shared from Twitter (link has additional photos) ->
The FHS Red Cross Club will be partnering with Pokemoto: Hawaiian Poke, in order to raise money for first aid kit supplies.
Come by and purchase a poke bowl or some dole whip! 40% of the sales will go towards the first aid kits, which will be going to members of the Franklin community and homeless shelters in the area.
FM #578 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 578 in the series.
This session of the radio show shares my "Talk Franklin" conversation with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen. We had our conversation via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.
We talk about:
4th of July; Farmers Market and Concerts on the Common
Fire dept, Red Cross in response to lightning strike
Maple Hill right of first refusal scheduled for Town Council vote at meeting 7/21/21
Dale Kurtz retirement among several to be recognized
Links to the key topics covered here are included in the show notes. The recording runs about 30 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Jamie.
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 #578 - Talk Franklin with Jamie Hellen - 07/09/21 (audio)
FM #253 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 253 in the series. This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Patricia (Trish) Collatos, the nurse at the Franklin Senior Center. The conversation was conducted via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period. We talked about some of the virtual services provided by the Senior Center, some are being added, about some mental challenges to keep the synapses going. They are beginning to look at what it would look like to re-open, how many could come in, what meals and the seating would be like, etc. WE talked about Trish’s experience giving blood recently and how the need is there to donate blood if you can. The process is set up to take blood safely and to adhere to all the requirements social distancing, etc. The recording runs almost about 28 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Trish https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HDbXQ9s7
To donate blood find a location and date/time at Red Cross Blood https://www.redcrossblood.org/ 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 #253 Senior Ctr Nurse Trish Collatos 4/23/20 (audio)
"The Red Cross is tentatively stopping its mobile blood drive operations in central and western Massachusetts, potentially affecting 68 jobs. “As challenging economic conditions continue in the blood industry, the American Red Cross has made the difficult, tentative decision to discontinue its mobile blood drive operations in central and western Massachusetts,” Kelly Isenor, spokesperson of Red Cross Blood Services Region in Massachusetts, said in a statement. “To ensure long-term sustainability, the Red Cross needs to consolidate its operations in this market to generate greater efficiencies that will deliver cost-effective and reliable products and services for patients in need.” The Red Cross will continue to collect blood and platelet donations at donation centers in Springfield and Worcester, according to the statement. The organization will also continue to collect blood at donation centers, as well as at community blood drives in the eastern part of the state."
"Standing in an open bay of his auto repair shop off Beaver Street on Wednesday, Nice Car Care co-owner Jim Norris pointed to just some of the technology necessary to stay afloat in his industry. There’s the $3,000 “brick” – a tablet-like scanner with a cord that plugs into the beige sedan on which he needed to run diagnostics that morning. The device will look for general problems, but needs a $1,500 upgrade every year. And if he wants to get more in-depth, Norris turns to vehicle maker-specific software that he subscribes to for about $200 per month. “We lay out a lot of money just to stay in business,” he said."
Donors with the following blood types are invited to donate by our double red cell technology (2RBC): O- , O+, A- , B-. There are height and weight requirements. To find out more click here .
The Red Cross has launched a new tool called RapidPass, which allows you to complete your pre-reading and health history questions online from the comfort of your home or office. Reduce the time you spend at the blood drive by up to 15 minutes with RapidPass.
The American Red Cross will support 9/11 Day by offering the community an opportunity to honor those who lost their lives and those who responded following the events of Sept. 11. Interested individuals can volunteer or donate blood or platelets with the Red Cross and help ensure blood is available for patients in need.
9/11 Day was launched in 2002 as an annual day of service to honor the victims and heroes of Sept. 11. Since then, the observance has evolved into the largest annual day of charitable engagement in the U.S. and was designated as a National Day of Service and Remembrance by the U.S. Congress in 2009.
Every two seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood; regular donations are needed. Blood and platelet donors of all types are urged to give.
The following local blood donation opportunities will take place:
2-7 p.m. Sept. 8, Franklin Elks, 1077 Pond St., Franklin.
1-6 p.m. Sept. 16, Answer is Fitness, 7 Lincoln Road, Foxborough.
"Joseph O’Leary, a Life Scout from Boy Scout Troop 126 in Franklin and sophomore at Franklin High School, recently completed his Eagle Scout Project. The project, part of the requirements for the rank of Eagle Scout, involved clearing new trails in Franklin’s Indian Rock Conservation Area.
O’Leary planned the project over the winter and led a crew of 40 volunteers in the woods on May 14. The new trails lead from historic Indian Rock, the site of an attack by settlers on Wampanoag during King Philip’s War, winding through conservation land to meet up with existing trails. They provide a new view of the ledge and the rocky terrain below. Scouts and adults removed brush, cleared leaves and pruned trees and bushes to make the trails."
"The American Red Cross urges eligible donors to give blood in the weeks surrounding Independence Day to help ensure a sufficient blood supply for patients now and throughout the summer.
Blood donations often decline in the summer months, especially around summer holidays when donors are less available to give. The need for blood doesn’t decrease, though — every two seconds, someone in the U.S. requires blood or platelets. In fact, a recent survey of Red Cross blood and platelet donors showed that nearly half knew someone who needed blood or they needed blood themselves.
Blood donation opportunities will take place at the following locations:
2-7 p.m. July 7, Franklin Elks, 1077 Pond St., Franklin
1-6:30 p.m., July 8, Lake Pearl, 299 Creek St., Wrentham
2-7 p.m. July 11, King Philip Middle School, 18 King St., Norfolk
"Franklin resident Jessica Studley, a culinary team member at Long Horn Steakhouse in Franklin, was recently recognized as the regional winner of the company’s Steak Master Series competition.
This title is given to the top performing culinary team members in the company. She is one of just 60 team members from Long Horn Steakhouse to achieve this distinction.
Studley has been with Long Horn Steakhouse for almost six years. She started as a hostess and has advanced her career within the company.
“I learned through the Steak Master Series competition that there are many talented people who help make Long Horn Steakhouse a great place to work and dine,” said Studley. “I’m proud to have been chosen to represent our team and showcase what I love to do.”
"The Franklin Rotary Club's Pasta Supper for Franklin Seniors will be held at 5 p.m. June 9 at Central Park Terrace.
Sign-up sheets are available at the Central Park Terrace, and the Franklin Senior Center, 10 Daniel McCahill St. Those interested can also call the senior center at 508-520-4945 to register."
"The American Red Cross will host the following blood drives in Franklin:June 8: from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 91 Jordan Road. This drive will be in honor of Richie Beaulieau. June 9: 2-7 p.m. at the Franklin Elks, 1077 Pond St.
Donors of all blood types are needed. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17, weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood."
"Residents attending the Town Council meeting Wednesday night applauded after the council approved a $1.8 million sidewalk project.
The council unanimously approved the work, which would install new sidewalks and repair existing sidewalks along Pleasant and Chestnut streets.
Town Administrator Jeffrey Nutting said the matter came before the council last year, with the body voting to devote $50,000 for the design of the sidewalk. The town had subsequently gone out to bid on the project, with the total cost coming to about $1.8 million."
"The American Red Cross will hold a blood drive from 2 to 7 p.m. April 21 at the Franklin Elks Lodge, 1077 Pond St.
Eligible donors can give red blood cells through either a regular whole blood donation or a double red cell donation, where available. During a double red cell donation, two units of red blood cells are collected while most of the plasma and platelets are returned to the donor. Double red cell donors must meet additional eligibility criteria, which will be determined at the donation appointment."
"The annual Students Against Drunk Driving Walk of Tears, in memory of Maura Howard, a graduate of King Philip Regional High School and Amy Callaghan, of Franklin High School, both victims of drunken-driving accidents, will take place at 11 a.m. May 1 at Franklin High School, 218 Oak St.
Registration begins at 10:30 a.m., followed by the ceremony; the walk will begin at 11 a.m. The walk is approximately 3 miles, and refreshments and water will be available."
"The American Red Cross encourages eligible donors to give blood during National Volunteer Month this April.
The next opportunities to donate will be from 2 to 7 p.m. April 7 at the Franklin Elks, 1077 Pond St.; and from 2 to 7 p.m. April 11 at the Franklin Country Club, 672 E. Central St.
Volunteer donors are the only source of blood products for those in need of transfusions. Donors of all blood types are needed this spring.
To make an appointment to give blood, download the free Red Cross Blood Donor app, visit redcrossblood.org or call 800-733-2767."
"A town committee is expected to make a recommendation to the Board of Selectmen later this month on whether the town should sell water to Exelon for the company’s proposed Medway expansion.
On Monday, the Drinking Water Committee, which has met on the issue several times, will be reviewing the final report from Kleinfelder – the engineering firm hired by Millis and paid for by Exelon – on the feasibility of the sale.
According to the report, the sale is possible, as the town’s water supply “appears to be adequate” to meet projected water demand, including from Exelon and other developments."
