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/

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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 

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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. 

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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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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   **

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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.

SAFE Café After Dark featuring Danielle Miraglia scheduled for Sep 20

SAFE Café After Dark featuring
Danielle Miraglia scheduled for Sep 20

Get ready for a night of unforgettable live music at SAFE Café After Dark featuring Danielle Miraglia! Free and open to all!

Seating is limited—register today: https://www.safecoalitionma.org/after-dark

6–9 PM Saturday, Sept. 20, at SAFE – 31 Hayward St. Suite 2C in Franklin

Danielle Miraglia comes armed with a strong steady thumb on an old Gibson and an infectious stomp-box rhythm with tunes ranging from heart-felt to socially conscious that will move both your heart and hips. 

Her latest “Bright Shining Stars” debuted at #15 on the Billboard Blues Charts and is a solo acoustic folk/blues record that highlights the one-woman-band live sound she’s honed over the years. You won’t want to miss this!

SAFE Café After Dark - providing a safe, sober space for music, art, conversation, and connection.

Send questions to info@safecoalitionma.org

"Kids these days..." So the SAFE Coalition has a program to help !!!

"Kids these days..." So the SAFE
Coalition has a program to help !!!

"Kids these days..."

We at SAFE Coalition are thrilled to announce a YEAR LONG Teen Life Skills Classroom. This program will run weekly and will host basic life skills many of our amazing teens leave the home without knowing. As adults, it is our role to support the learning and encouragement of these skills and we are proud to offer a variety of classes with local business owners!

What does this have to do with mental health and substance use? GREAT QUESTION! This is an exercise in prevention. Many teens we work with have shared that they are scared to move forward because they do not have the independent skills to be successful. By teaching our children life skills, we honor their intelligence, we set them up for success outside of the family home, and we move into a relationship of autonomy instead of reliance.

Here are a few topics we will cover:

• Auto Ed 1: "What if" scenarios
• Auto Ed 2: Car Maintenance
• How to read a recipe & grocery shop
• What changes (legally) when you turn 18
• Advocating for medical needs after you leave home
• Plumbing/Heating/Electric: plunging, thermostats, and fuse boxes
• Communication skills: how to effectively use the telephone
• Stop The Bleed Fire Safety at school/home/in the car
• Banking, saving, and credit!
• Laundry: wash, fold, dry clean!
• Personal Paperwork: how to save and store your important documents
• Internet Safety: how to protect yourself
• Resumes: how to make them work for you
• MAIL & PAYING BILLS: How to do it and why it is important

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/1Eq2pTcQ7o/

For more about the SAFE Coalition visit their web page ->  https://www.safecoalitionma.org/

2025 International Overdose Awareness Day - August 31, 2025

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

SAFE 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.

Volunteers needed to help with International
Overdose Awareness Day - August 31, 2025

Memorial Flag Displays

In addition to the vigils, SAFE will collaborate with community members to place memorial flags across the county:

• ​Franklin Town Common
• Wrentham Town Common
• Norfolk Town Hill lawn
• Medway Town Hall lawn

Those interested in helping can sign up using the form below.

Together we can reduce substance use disorder stigma, increase understanding and awareness, remember those who died of overdose, and prevent drug-related harm.

https://www.safecoalitionma.org/ioad

SAFE's Family Recovery Center offers a variety of free support groups

SAFE's Family Recovery Center 

Each week, SAFE's Family Recovery Center offers a variety of free support groups for those impacted by substance use disorder, mental health challenges, and related concerns.

Check out our weekly schedule ⬇

MONDAYS: The Ripple Effect sibling support group
7–8 p.m. on Zoom. Meeting ID: 831 8134 8873

TUESDAYS: Families Anonymous
6:30–8 p.m. at SAFE and online

WEDNESDAYS: Postpartum Support Group (registration required)
Noon–1:30 p.m. at Bernon Branch YMCA

2nd & 4th THURSDAYS: Grandparents Raising Grandchildren
6:30–7:30 p.m. at Bernon Branch YMCA

FRIDAYS: SAFE Cafe drop-in hours
8:30 a.m.–noon at SAFE

Learn more about our groups and other support resources at safecoalitionma.org/get-support

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/DMXtJSCNWH6/?

Volunteers needed to help with International Overdose Awareness Day - August 31, 2025

Volunteers needed!!

Volunteers needed to help with International
Overdose Awareness Day - August 31, 2025

As part of International Overdose Awareness Day, SAFE will work with community members to plant memorial flag displays  in Franklin, Medway, Norfolk, and Wrentham, where each flag represents one of the 1,763 lives lost in Massachusetts to overdose last year. 

We will be placing flags in each town from 9–11 AM on Friday, Aug. 29, and removing flags from 9–11 AM Tuesday, Sept. 2. 

Learn more and sign up here: https://tinyurl.com/safeoad

Send questions to info@safecoalitionma.org

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/1AppLkAL36/

Chad Hollister & Premo perform in the Franklin TV Studio (video)

Jim Derick, SAFE Coalition, welcomes Chad Hollister and Premo to the Studio for live performances along with a conversation.

Chad Hollister & Premo perform in the Franklin TV Studio (video)

Video link ->   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VXY5gQTcnpw

For more about Chad Hollister and his band visit -> https://chadmusic.com/

BEEP BEEP! The SAFE Coalition Mobile Outreach Van HAS ARRIVED!

BEEP BEEP! 

BEEP BEEP!  The SAFE Coalition
Mobile Outreach Van HAS ARRIVED!

The @safecoalition Mobile Outreach Van HAS ARRIVED!

❤️🙌🏻 WE ARE SO THANKFUL TO @vendetti_motors and @xpressionprints for making this purchase and wrap as easy (and exciting) as possible! 

✨Stay tuned for up-to-date programming we will be using this van for..and if you see us in the road, we love to wave! 

Thank you too to our amazing supporters of this program! @bankbluestone 

Bingham Trust

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

SAFE Coalition schedules Teen Mentorship program for Norfolk, Plainville, and Wrentham students

Would your teen benefit from safe, judgment-free meetings to build resiliency and learn life skills?

SAFE Coalition schedules Teen Mentorship
program for Norfolk, Plainville,
and Wrentham students

Enroll them today in SAFE & @healthykpcoalition's Teen Mentorship Program for Norfolk, Plainville, and Wrentham students!

Details:
• Ages: 14–18
• Dates: Tuesdays, July 8–August 12
• Times: Middle schoolers 2–3 p.m. | High schoolers 3–4 p.m.
• Location: Bumblebee Farm (461 Hancock St, Wrentham) 🐝
• Cost: Free! (snacks provided)

Registration required: https://tinyurl.com/safeKP

This evidence-based mentorship program helps teens 💪 build resiliency, develop responsible decision-making skills, and establish healthy relationships.

Participants will:
• Set personal goals and reflect on decision-making
• Experience substance use awareness activities (including Fatal Vision goggles)
• Learn stress management and relationship-building skills
• Build strategies for handling challenges
• Strengthen confidence and resiliency
• Enjoy games, snacks, and more!

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/DLib9YkhaIM/

SAFE works with Vizionara to develop a business case to help bridge gaps in care and programming

SAFE works with Vizionara to develop a business case
to help bridge gaps in care and programming

We are incredibly grateful to have partnered with the AMAZING team at Vizionara to develop a business case to help us bridge gaps in care and programming in Massachusetts and grow our service area to be more accessible for those in need!

 Vizionara, a leading women-owned technology and consulting firm, did this work as part of their Vizionara Gives Back program, which allows them to apply their business savvy to supporting causes that matter to their team.

A HUGE thank you to Kim Rader and Denise Keller, who went above and beyond to strategically consult SAFE on project planning, data analysis, research, and more. 

We can’t wait for you to see the positive impact this collaboration will have on individuals and families impacted by substance use disorder, mental health challenges, and related concerns!

Learn more about Vizionara Gives Back: https://vizionara.com/causes-and-partnerships/

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

For more about SAFE Coalition visit their page ->  https://www.safecoalitionma.org/

Narcan training via the SAFE Coalition June 4 & June 5

Get trained in how to administer Narcan at one of our upcoming sessions! This training is free and open to the public.

Attendees will:
➡ Learn how to recognize an overdose
➡ Practice administering Narcan
➡ Develop confidence in responding to an overdose

Wednesday, June 4
• 10–11 a.m. Norfolk Public Library

Thursday, June 5
• 10–11 a.m. Medway Public Library
• 1–2 p.m. Fiske Public Library (Wrentham)

See all our upcoming trainings or request training for you or a group: safecoalitionma.org/narcan-training

Supported by Medway, Norfolk, and Wrentham Opioid Abatement Funds

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/DKSyGYSN6re/