Norfolk Lions host fundraiser for SAFE Coalition on Saturday, Nov 22

Get ready for a SUPERCHARGED day of fun! 

Norfolk Lions host fundraiser for
SAFE Coalition on Saturday, Nov 22

Join us for the 1st Annual Youth Fundraiser supporting Safe Coalition, helping youth & families across 62 communities.

🗓️ Saturday, Nov 22 | 1–4 PM

📍 SUPERCHARGED Entertainment, Wrentham

🍔 Food & refreshments included!

Teens & kids (8–18) enjoy laser tag, wipe-out challenges, bumper cars, foam pits, trampolines & arcade games! 

+ Raffles, Auction & Prizes!

Scan the QR code or get tickets here www.norfolkmalions.org/safecoalition

Shared from ->   https://www.instagram.com/p/DQ9SBEBj7Rn/

ART PHARM | 6 month Check-In scheduled for Nov 14 at the SAFE Coalition

Since its official launch in May 2025, the Art Pharmacy partnership in Franklin has successfully integrated arts and culture into support systems for individuals in treatment for opioid use disorders and prevention efforts. The program established a custom referral workflow, trained Care Navigators, and engaged over 50 prescribing partners across schools, municipal departments, and recovery services. 

Community members referred to the program have participated in diverse arts and culture events, with costs covered for them and their companions, supported by bilingual navigation services. 



Click here for the quarterly report ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/7495/Quarterly-Report-with-our-Partners-at-Art-Pharmacy?bidId=

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ART PHARM | 6 month Check-In scheduled for Nov 14 at the SAFE Coalition

We're back this November for a follow up community conversation to welcome new partners and neighboring communities on learning more. Community conversation will take place with Emily Devlin, Art Pharmacy and Erik Holgrem, Massachusetts Cultural Council.



Presented at the Safe Coalition, 31 Hayward St Suite 2C, Franklin, MA 02038

Friday, November 14 10-11:30 AM

Please register here ->  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/art-pharm-community-check-in-tickets-1821512365519

This event is free and open to the public.

Art Pharmacy check in scheduled for Nov 14; Report now available

Art Pharmacy check in scheduled
for Nov 14; Report now available 

"The Art Pharmacy Quarterly Report highlights the program’s impact, artist partnerships, and community engagement, offering a snapshot of participation trends and future goals as it grows within Franklin’s creative economy."


For the full report = Art Pharmacy report ->    https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/7495/Quarterly-Report-with-our-Partners-at-Art-Pharmacy?bidId=

Register for the November 14th program -> https://www.eventbrite.com/e/art-pharm-community-check-in-tickets-1821512365519

Shared from ->   https://www.instagram.com/p/DQl_pLEFRZ7/

SAFE Radio (wfpr.fm) : Reed Reynolds (audio)

In this episode, Jim Derick and Anne Bergen invite Reed Reynolds to discuss his story, starting from childhood traumas, to drinking and drug use in high school, to his road to recovery in adulthood.

Audio link -> https://player.captivate.fm/episode/40534aa8-de30-4904-827b-01338b3ab3ad

SAFE Radio: Reed Reynolds (audio)

What is SAFE Radio?

SAFE Radio (a product of the SAFE Coalition) will examine the disease of Substance Use Disorder. Each week the program will feature guests that are subject matter experts covering topics such as treatment options, coping strategies and recovery. The SAFE Coalition exists to provide pathways for support, education, coping mechanisms and treatment options for Substance use Disorder.

For more about the SAFE Coalition ->  https://www.safecoalitionma.org/

Find more SAFE Radio episodes in your favorite podcast app or online at ->    https://safe-coalition.captivate.fm/episodes

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm Schedule for Tuesday, November 4, 2025

Yes, Franklin has it's own radio station -> wfpr.fm. Franklin Public Radio has a brand new schedule for the locally produced shows that fill our air waves. 

It is available anywhere, anytime at wfpr.fm or in the local Franklin, MA area at 102.9 on the FM dial.

Tune in to listen to the following:

wfpr.fm Schedule for Tuesday, Franklin Public Radio

Tuesday

SAFE Radio – Jim Derick and Dr. Anne Bergen Addressing issues of Drug Abuse Disorder 

Jazz Journey – with Pamela Hines - An insightful tour of Jazz Greats in a golden era

Franklin Public Radio wfpr.fm Schedule for Tuesday

National Take Back Day at SAFE Coalition Offices Saturday, Oct 25

National Take Back Day  at SAFE
Coalition Offices Saturday, Oct 25

Safely dispose of medications at SAFE’s RX disposal stations, part of the DEA’s National Take Back Day. It's completely free and totally anonymous!

📅 Saturday, Oct. 25
🕛 10 a.m. to noon

📍 Locations:
- Franklin, SAFE Office
- Medway Town Hall
- Norfolk Police Department
- Wrentham Fire Department (Open House)
- Millis Fire Department

What can you bring? Any medication you want to get rid of—over-the-counter pills, prescription medications, and even liquids and creams.

We CANNOT accept sharps/syringes.

Supported by Opioid Abatement Funds from the Towns of Franklin, Norfolk, Medway, Millis, and Wrentham.

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/DQEglSYk4Ih/

Have you checked out the Teen Life Skills Classroom for your teen which runs weekly and hosts basic life skills ???

Have you checked out the
Teen Life Skills Classroom for your
teen which runs weekly and hosts basic life skills

"Have you registered your teen yet for our  next🌟FREE🌟 Life Skills Class? 

This week we'll be joined by @nicholsonplumbinghvac Nicholson Plumbing to talk all things heating & plumbing, from thermostats to plunging! 

Register: https://www.safecoalitionma.org/get-support/teen-skills

Wednesdays 3–4 p.m. at SAFE (Franklin)

The year-long Teen Life Skills Classroom runs weekly and hosts basic life skills many of our amazing teens may otherwise leave home without knowing."

Shared from ->   https://www.instagram.com/p/DPy298EFfN7/

Have you registered your teen yet for this week's FREE Life Skills Classroom ???

Have you registered your teen yet for this
week's FREE Life Skills Classroom ???

Have you registered your teen yet for this week's 🌟FREE🌟 Life Skills Classroom?

We'll be joined by Annarella Cookie Co to learn about reading recipes and grocery shopping!

Register: https://www.safecoalitionma.org/get-support/teen-skills

Wednesdays 3–4 PM at SAFE (Franklin)

The year-long Teen Life Skills Classroom runs weekly and hosts basic life skills many of our amazing teens may otherwise leave home without knowing.

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/DO5-LVIlclw/

Save the Date: SAFE Gala - April 17, 2026 Gillette Stadium

Save the Date The SAFE Gala: An Evening of Giving Friday, April 17, 2026 at 5:30pm Gillette Stadium - Foxborough, MA We're thrilled to share some exciting news—SAFE is celebrating 10 years, and we'd love for you to join us at our 4th Annual Gala: An Evening of Giving! Even better, this year's celebration will be held at the iconic Gillette Stadium! Mark your calendars now (and maybe even hold off on those April vacation travel plans), because this is going to be an unforgettable evening—and we want you there! In the coming weeks, we'll be sharing sponsorship opportunities, but in the meantime, please reach out if you'd like to sponsor the evening or donate an auction item. Your support helps make this night possible. As we look back on the beautiful evening we shared last May, we're still carried by the sense of community and love that filled the room. We can't wait to experience that same spirit again—with all of you by our side. Who's excited? We sure are! With gratitude and anticipation, Jen and Jim   Our Contact Information   SAFE Coalition 31 Hayward St., Suite 2C Franklin, MA 02038-0434 508-488-8105 http://www.safecoalitionma.org DONATE

Candlelight vigil for International Overdose Awareness Day 08/31/25 (audio)

FM #1502 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1502 in the series. 

This session shares the first part of the International Overdose Awareness Day candle light vigil held by the SAFE Coalition on Sunday, August 31, 2025. The vigil was held on the Franklin Town Common. This first part was conducted from the stage at the gazebo. The second part, recorded by Franklin TV, was held right near the flags planted on the Common.  

 

Speakers

• Jennifer Knight-Levine,  CEO | Co-Founder

• Jim Derick, Director of Family Recovery | Co-Founder

• Rev Doreen Oughton, Franklin Federated Church

• Anthony, member of SAFE Coalition with his recovery story

The recording runs about 20 minutes, so let’s listen in. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1502-ioad-safe-coalition-vigil-08-31-25/

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

For more about the SAFE Coalition, visit their web page -> 

https://www.safecoalitionma.org/ 

International Overdose Awareness Day -> https://www.overdoseday.com/ 

Photo album -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/eUJRuDrhDoZfSMp18 

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

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!

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

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

Candlelight vigil for International Overdose Awareness Day 08/31/25 (audio)

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Sunday, August 31, 2025 ??

Sunday, August 31

11am Sunday Brunch (Teddy Gallagher's Irish Pub)

1pm Sunday Fundays (Fairmount Fruit Farm)

1pm Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

5pm International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) (Franklin Town Common)

7pm Sunday at Sunset (St John's Episcopal Church)

** NO Town Meetings today   **

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

What's happening in Franklin, MA

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

Reminder: SAFE Coalition vigil 5 PM on Town Common - International Overdose Awareness Day

Last year, 1,763 people died from overdose in Massachusetts.

Join us for International Overdose Awareness Day on August 31 to remember and honor loved ones we’ve lost to overdose.

Community Vigils

flags to honor those who passed during 2024

SAFE Coalition will host community vigils from 5 to 6 PM at two locations:

• Franklin Town Common (200 Main St.)
• Wrentham Town Common (1 Franklin St.)

We encourage attendees to bring photos of loved ones to place on a special memorial display table at the vigils.

Shared from -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/08/2025-international-overdose-awareness.html

Did you see / read the SAFE Coalition July 2025 Newsletter ??

Missed it in your inbox? Our July Newsletter is available to read online!

Catch up ➡️ link -> https://www.safecoalitionma.org/newsletters

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

Reminder: Community Vigils for International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) - August 31, 2025

WHAT: Public vigils 

DATE: Sunday, August 31

TIME: 5:00–6:00 PM

LOCATIONS: 

• Franklin Town Common

• Wrentham Town Common

International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) will be marked this year in Franklin and Wrentham with community vigils from 5–6 PM on August 31 at Franklin Town Common and Wrentham Town Common. Additionally, SAFE Coalition will work with community members to plant memorial flag displays in Franklin, Wrentham, Norfolk, and Medway. This annual event is intended to end overdose, remember those who have died, and acknowledge the grief of those left behind. 

The vigils are hosted by SAFE Coalition, a local nonprofit committed to inclusive and judgement-free support for substance use prevention, harm reduction, treatment, recovery, and family support. 

Reminder: Community Vigils for International
Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) - August 31, 2025

“Each year, we have the privilege to come together as a community and remember those we’ve lost to the disease of addiction,” said Jen Levine, CEO and co-founder of SAFE. “It’s important to place the flags and hold these vigils because they create a space to meet, talk, and be with others who have felt similar losses.”

Massachusetts experienced 1,763 fatal overdoses in the last year, and more than 80,391 people died from overdose nationwide (Massachusetts Department of Health). Each loss sends ripples of grief through families, schools, workplaces, and neighborhoods.

This year, thousands of communities worldwide will participate in IOAD, a time to honor those who have died or suffered due to overdose. Established in 2001, IOAD seeks to reduce the stigma of drug-related deaths, remember those who died of overdose, and create change that reduces the harms associated with drug use. 

The theme of IOAD 2025 is “One Big Family, Driven by Hope.” It reflects the idea that while overdose fractures families and communities, it also reveals how deeply connected everyone is and the power of showing up for one another. Participate in the global day of acknowledgment using the hashtags #OneBigFamily #DrivenByHope #IOAD2025 #EndOverdose

With support groups, educational courses, events, training, support services and more, SAFE provides a whole-person, whole-family, whole-community approach to addiction, prevention, and recovery. 

SAFE is seeking volunteers to help plant and remove memorial flags for IOAD. Visit https://www.safecoalitionma.org/ioad to sign up and learn more.

Free Narcan Training Thursday, Aug 21 at the Franklin Public Library

Free Narcan training this week! 

FRANKLIN: Thursday, Aug. 21, 3 to 4 PM at Franklin Public Library

Free Narcan Training Thursday, Aug 21
at the Franklin Public Library

Attendees will:

• Learn how to recognize an overdose
• Practice administering Narcan
• Develop confidence in responding to an overdose
• Leave with 2, 4mg doses of Narcan

See all upcoming trainings or request training through our website: 

https://www.safecoalitionma.org/narcan-training

Supported by Town of Franklin Opioid Abatement Funds

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/15zMQhjmwB/

SAFE Commemorates Overdose Awareness Day with Community Vigils - Aug 31, 2025

WHAT: Public vigils 

DATE: Sunday, August 31

TIME: 5:00–6:00 PM

LOCATIONS: 

• Franklin Town Common

• Wrentham Town Common

International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) will be marked this year in Franklin and Wrentham with community vigils from 5–6 PM on August 31 at Franklin Town Common and Wrentham Town Common. Additionally, SAFE Coalition will work with community members to plant memorial flag displays in Franklin, Wrentham, Norfolk, and Medway. This annual event is intended to end overdose, remember those who have died, and acknowledge the grief of those left behind. 

The vigils are hosted by SAFE Coalition, a local nonprofit committed to inclusive and judgement-free support for substance use prevention, harm reduction, treatment, recovery, and family support. 

SAFE Commemorates Overdose Awareness Day

“Each year, we have the privilege to come together as a community and remember those we’ve lost to the disease of addiction,” said Jen Levine, CEO and co-founder of SAFE. “It’s important to place the flags and hold these vigils because they create a space to meet, talk, and be with others who have felt similar losses.”

Massachusetts experienced 1,763 fatal overdoses in the last year, and more than 80,391 people died from overdose nationwide (Massachusetts Department of Health). Each loss sends ripples of grief through families, schools, workplaces, and neighborhoods.

This year, thousands of communities worldwide will participate in IOAD, a time to honor those who have died or suffered due to overdose. Established in 2001, IOAD seeks to reduce the stigma of drug-related deaths, remember those who died of overdose, and create change that reduces the harms associated with drug use. 

Community Vigils - Aug 31, 2025

The theme of IOAD 2025 is “One Big Family, Driven by Hope.” It reflects the idea that while overdose fractures families and communities, it also reveals how deeply connected everyone is and the power of showing up for one another. Participate in the global day of acknowledgment using the hashtags #OneBigFamily #DrivenByHope #IOAD2025 #EndOverdose

With support groups, educational courses, events, training, support services and more, SAFE provides a whole-person, whole-family, whole-community approach to addiction, prevention, and recovery. 

SAFE is seeking volunteers to help plant and remove memorial flags for IOAD. Visit https://www.safecoalitionma.org/ioad to sign up and learn more.