Showing posts with label seniors. Show all posts
Showing posts with label seniors. Show all posts

Thursday, February 22, 2024

Voices of Franklin: Objection to the Senior Development Proposed on Summer Street for Franklin, MA

Franklin Residents,

I am writing to you on behalf of the Summer Street residents regarding the proposed senior living development that Bruce Hunchard of 496 Summer Street, Franklin is applying to build.

Seven years ago, the Summer Street Residents fought hard to prevent Bruce Hunchard from re-zoning his 11.85 acres so he could build cluster homes just like the ones built on the Franklin Country Club driving range.    He lost due to an overwhelming objection of the residents on his street, not to mention a gentleman from town standing up and addressing the members that he thinks re-zoning parcels is a great idea, because I have 5 acres next to you, you and you and I think I will  re-zone all of these parcels. Well, what do you know, this project immediately failed.

Now, seven years later he wants to build a senior development which I believe due to a certain by-law amendment (01-461) adopted by the town this could be possible without the rezoning.

Hunchard is calling this a senior development.  Condominiums that will be 2- and 3-bedroom condo's, with a full basement and a garage that will sell for $850,000 -$900,000 dollars quoted to me by the builder.  REALLY!!!!  This sounds like a proposed development for anyone 55 and older that has this kind of money.  In other words, cluster homes for the wealthy seniors, not seniors that are in need of affordable senior living.   The project could net close to $45 million dollars or more. I find it interesting that a few of the town council members told me that there is a high demand for senior living because they can no longer afford to live in their single-family homes. Well, how on earth will they be able to afford these new homes.  They won't!!!  This is preposterous.  Not to mention Bruce Hunchard is the chairperson of the Zoning Board of Appeals committee.  This is a total conflict of interest.

To make matters worse, this proposed development abuts many, many acres of Franklin Town Forest.  This entire development is located on a slope that goes down into Uncas Brook, which feeds Uncas Pond. The Summer Street Residents, as well as the Rod and Gun Club and Armenian Camp are extremely concerned that the Uncas Brook Watershed which contributes water to the wells and the pump house will be compromised after a majority of trees are removed, as well as this parcel of land having to be completely re-graded.  This will make huge and unfavorable changes to the basic hydrology and siltation regardless of any measures that will be taken to prevent this from happening.

This land is zoned Rural Residential, it is NOT zoned for cluster homes.  It is out of control when town starts choosing rural residential locations for these types of homes.  They need to stick with the properly zoned locations for this type of building.

We invite you to attend the Monday night, February 26th Planning Board meeting at 7 PM.  There will be a strong showing of many people in opposition of this project.

Thank you.

Sally French Winters and the Summer Street Residents of Franklin, MA.



Voices of Franklin: Objection to the Senior Development Proposed on Summer Street for Franklin, MA
Voices of Franklin: Objection to the Senior Development Proposed on Summer Street for Franklin, MA

Sunday, December 31, 2023

Franklin Rotary Club President Diane Padula talks about "service before self" and Rotary events (audio)

FM #1121 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1121 in the series. 


This shares my interview and discussion with Franklin Rotary Club President Diane Padula. Our discussion was conducted in the Franklin TV & Radio studio.


Diane calls herself a “Rotary kid” as she grew up with her father as a member for many years.


We talk about the Rotary Club as “service before self”, meeting twice a month at the Rome Restaurant in Franklin. The annual pasta dinner for seniors in June, the Valentine’s Brunch for seniors coming up in February, and other events they host in Franklin. This “small but mighty” group is always looking for new members.


The recording runs about 22 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Diane as we talk about what the Rotary does for Franklin. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1121-franklin-rotary-club-president-diane-padula-12-11-23



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Franklin Rotary Club page  http://www.clubrunner.ca/portal/Home.aspx?accountid=3689 

Prior Interview (Nov 2020) https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/11/fm-400-franklin-ma-rotary-club-111720.html 


Interact Club efforts (August 2020)  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/08/franklin-interact-delivers-100-masks-to.html 


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


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


Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.


For additional information, please visit www.franklin.news/ or 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"



Franklin Rotary Club President Diane Padula talks about "service before self" and Rotary events (audio)
Franklin Rotary Club President Diane Padula talks about "service before self" and Rotary events (audio)

Friday, May 5, 2023

The Franklin Meals on Wheels office could use some help. Maybe that can be you?

The Franklin Meals on Wheels office needs volunteers to pack meals.  We also have volunteer delivery driver positions available.  

Volunteer drivers receive $0.56 per mile.  We provide a hot lunch to homebound seniors in Franklin, Medway, Bellingham & Blackstone.  

If you have a couple of hours to chip in and help out, please call Jeanne at 508.520.1422 for further information.

The Franklin Meals on Wheels office could use some help. Maybe that can be you?
The Franklin Meals on Wheels office could use some help. Maybe that can be you?

Monday, February 20, 2023

BARRON'S: Where Can I Afford to Live in Retirement? Senior Housing and the ‘Forgotten Middle.’

Where Can I Afford to Live in Retirement? Senior Housing and the 'Forgotten Middle.'
"Where am I going to live when I retire? 
And more important: Where can I afford to live when I retire? 
As housing costs soar, these are among the top questions retirees and near-retirees grapple with as they transition out of paid work and into a life on a fixed income. It's a particularly tricky issue for the so-called "forgotten middle" of the senior housing market—those who make too much to qualify for Medicaid and those who can't afford traditional senior living. "

Read in Barron's: https://apple.news/ARezeUt4qSLi_Tkv3jKcM5w

You can visit Opus Communities on the web, they are not yet located in MA ->  https://opuscommunities.com/

Noracarol/Dreamstime
Noracarol/Dreamstime

Monday, February 13, 2023

New York Times: "For Older Americans, the Pandemic Is Not Over"

Seniors are increasingly left to protect themselves as the rest of the country abandons precautions: “Americans do not agree about the duty to protect others.”

In early December, Aldo Caretti developed a cough and, despite all his precautions, came up positive for Covid on a home test. It took his family a couple of days to persuade Mr. Caretti, never fond of doctors, to go to the emergency room. There, he was sent directly to the intensive care unit.

Mr. Caretti and his wife, Consiglia, both 85, lived quietly in a condo in Plano, Texas. “He liked to read and learn, in English and Italian,” said his son Vic Caretti, 49. “He absolutely adored his three grandchildren.”

Aldo Caretti had encountered some health setbacks last year, including a mild stroke and a serious bout of shingles, but “he recuperated from all that.”

COVID was different. Even on a ventilator, Mr. Caretti struggled to breathe. After 10 days, “he wasn’t getting better,” said Vic Caretti, who flew in from Salt Lake City. “His organs were starting to break down. They said, ‘He’s not going to make it.’”

Continue reading the article online (subscription maybe required)
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/02/11/health/covid-pandemic-seniors.html

Eleanor Bravo of Corrales, N.M., lost her sister to Covid early in the pandemic, and two years passed before the family could gather for a memorial. “I had this inordinate fear that if I got Covid, I would die too,” she said.Credit...Adria Malcolm for The New York Times
Eleanor Bravo of Corrales, N.M., lost her sister to Covid early in the pandemic, and two years passed before the family could gather for a memorial. “I had this inordinate fear that if I got Covid, I would die too,” she said.Credit...Adria Malcolm for The New York Times

Wednesday, January 25, 2023

FHS Gymnastics catches up with the details on recent Senior Night

FHS Gymnastics (@fhs_gymnastics) tweeted on Tue, Jan 24, 2023:
"SENIOR NIGHT DETAILS - lots of season highs and career highs. So proud of this team!! "  https://t.co/jc5Pj9uRAt

"Such a fun night celebrating our seniors!! The energy competing against Canton is always our teams favorite. Great coach, great team spirit! Congratulations to the Canton Seniors as well. Lots to talk about! 

Top 4 - Vault - Molly Chandler 8.1, Senior Captain Emma Nelson 8.0, Abby Scotland 7.7, Molly D'Amato 7.6. 

Bars - Senior Captain Emma 8.55, Abby Robillard 7.6, Ciara O'Brien 7.6 season high, Senior Captain Maia Keohane 7.5. Shout out to Senior Katie Valutkevich for her season high of 7.35

Beam - SENIORS DOMINATED- Senior Captain Olivia Reagan 8.55, Senior Captain Maia 8.5, Senior Captain Emma 8.4, Senior Katie Valutkevich 8.1. 

Floor -Drum Roll season high and Career high from Senior Captain Maia 9.3 that routine was SPECTACULAR, Followed up by Senior Captain putting down her second meet in a row of a season high of 8.8, Ryann Chandler 8.4, and Senior Katie with her 3rd season high of 8.3, way to be consistent!!

So proud of these girls love coaching them and watching them bond, grow and work hard! 

Home meet Friday vs a tough Attleboro at All Around Gymnastics Academy 8:30 PM be there!"


SENIOR NIGHT DETAILS - lots of season highs and career highs
SENIOR NIGHT DETAILS - lots of season highs and career highs

Wednesday, January 18, 2023

Town of Franklin: Conservation Commission - Request for Determination of Applicability - Jan 26, 2023

Pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Ch. 131, s.40 (The Wetlands Protection Act) Franklin Conservation Commission will hold a Hybrid Public Hearing on Thursday, January 26, 2022 at 7:05 PM on a Request for Determination of Applicability filed by JNJuhl & Associates, LLC of Franklin, MA to develop a 6.5 acre portion of site into Affordable Senior Housing in the Buffer Zone of Bordering Vegetated Wetlands (BVW). This project is located on Veterans Memorial Drive.

The hearing will provide an open forum for the discussion. This meeting will be done remotely via the “ZOOM” platform and “In-person” in the Council Chambers of the Municipal Building, 355 East Central Street. Residents can visit the Town Website (Franklinma.gov) and click on the Town Calendar for up to date information on how to access the meeting. 

All records and files for this project can be viewed at the Conservation Office located on the first floor of the Franklin Municipal Building.

Any person or organization so wishing will be afforded an opportunity to be heard. The hearing location is accessible to persons with physical disabilities. If you require a translator or accommodations for a hearing impairment, contact the Conservation Department at the Municipal Building or by calling (508) 520-4929.

Patrick Gallagher
Chairman



senior housing expansion proposed for near Eaton Place
Franklin Ridge senior housing expansion proposed for near Eaton Place (May 8, 2019)

Friday, October 28, 2022

Franklin gains $3.2M grant for the Franklin Ridge Senior Housing project

"The Baker-Polito administration today announced more than $143 million in grant awards for economic development projects made through the Community One Stop for Growth portal.

The grants, which will support 337 local projects in 169 communities statewide, were announced at an event in Pittsfield by Gov. Charlie Baker, Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito, Undersecretary of Community Development Ashley Stolba, and MassDevelopment President and CEO Dan Rivera, who were joined by local officials. "

Continue reading the article at MMA -> 

Among the awards is one for Franklin:


$3.2M This grant will be used to support the Franklin Ridge Senior Housing project, a development that will increase affordable housing along Veterans Memorial Drive. Construction includes improvements to roadways, sidewalks, streetlights, utility connections, and the addition of a new water booster pumping station.

Governor Baker's press release ->

For the full listing of awards:

Franklin gains $3.2M grant for the Franklin Ridge Senior Housing project
Franklin gains $3.2M grant for the Franklin Ridge Senior Housing project

Saturday, September 17, 2022

The Senior Fair is back! - Oct 22 - Registration is open now

On Oct. 22, #MetroWest residents ages 55+ and their families can join at in #Framingham for workshops, exhibits, meals, prize drawings, and interactive activities and more!

Learn more and register TODAY here: karenspilka.com/fair
Shared from Twitter: 
https://twitter.com/KarenSpilka/status/1570759972442587138?t=4igukxVF74ycX-SgUqeAnA

The Senior Fair is back! - Oct 22 - Registration is open now
The Senior Fair is back! - Oct 22 - Registration is open now

Wednesday, July 27, 2022

MA Senate Passes Legislation Supporting Special Needs Trusts for Disabled Seniors

The Massachusetts State Senate on Tuesday passed legislation to promote the wellbeing of senior citizens with disabilities by clarifying their right to create and access pooled trusts while also receiving MassHealth benefits. Pooled trusts can provide funding to help seniors with disabilities to pay for items and services which are not covered by MassHealth, such as home care services, uncovered medical, dental and pharmacy costs, transportation, clothing, and household items.

 

“MassHealth serves some of the Commonwealth’s most vulnerable residents,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “Senior citizens and people with disabilities deserve to be able to save and make smart financial decisions for their living expenses without having to worry about their eligibility for MassHealth. I want to thank Senator Jehlen for pushing for this legislation and Senator Rodrigues for his committee’s review.”


“The passage of this legislation today strengthens our support for our older disabled population by improving their quality of life and makes aging in Massachusetts a more caring experience for this population in need,” said Senator Michael J. Rodrigues (D-Westport), Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “I would like to thank the Senate President for her continued support, along with Senator Jehlen and others for their advocacy, ensuring we help to preserve funds for this vulnerable population, while protecting their eligibility for public benefits.”

 

"For decades, disabled people have been able to use special needs trusts to pay for important services not covered by MassHealth," said Senator Patricia B. Jehlen (D-Somerville), lead sponsor of the bill. "The trusts allow them to qualify for MassHealth while preserving enough assets to pay for items not allowed by Medicaid rules, such as home care, transportation, dental care, clothing, and personal care items.  When the beneficiary of a special needs trust dies, any remaining assets are returned to the Commonwealth.  Millions of dollars are recovered from these trusts each year."

 

Pooled trusts, which are managed by nonprofit organizations, combine the resources of many beneficiaries for the purposes of administrative cost-effectiveness and investment optimization. In Massachusetts, they have been used to give people with disabilities a way to access health care benefits, such as those offered by MassHealth, while depositing additional funds into the trust to pay for items and services not covered by those benefits.

 

Historically, disabled individuals of any age have been permitted to join pooled trusts without interfering with their MassHealth eligibility. In 2019 however, a federal court decision held that a Medicaid penalty may be imposed on a senior who creates a pooled trust account which is not regarded as a ‘fair-market value’. This makes it possible for MassHealth to penalize disabled individuals aged 65 and over who set up a pooled trust. This legislation would prevent this by requiring MassHealth to regard all pooled trusts as ‘fair-market value’.

 

Having passed the Senate this legislation now goes on to the House of Representatives for enactment.


Link to legislation -> https://malegislature.gov/Bills/192/H4792


MA Senate Passes Legislation Supporting Special Needs Trusts for Disabled Seniors
MA Senate Passes Legislation Supporting Special Needs Trusts for Disabled Seniors

Monday, June 13, 2022

Senior Story Hour: Episode 042 - Uvalde, Cribbage, Visiting The Neighborhood, Amazon and More (audio)

"In this episode, the Franklin Senior Center writer's group share stories, poems, writings and more about the tragedy Uvalde, Cribbage and a String of Pearls, Revisiting old neighborhoods, Amazon deliveries and more!

This episode aired on Franklin Radio for June 2022."

Audio file -> https://senior-scribblers.captivate.fm/episode/episode-042-uvalde-cribbage-visiting-the-neighborhood-amazon-and-more

Senior Story Hour: Episode 042
Senior Story Hour: Episode 042


The writer's group meets weekly on Wednesday's at 1 PM either in person at the Senior Center or virtually via Zoom. Once a month we meet at the Franklin TV studio to record this session for radio and podcast.

If you would like to join the writer's group contact the Senior Center or send me an email (shersteve @ gmail.com) and we'll get you on the mailing list.

Wednesday, June 8, 2022

How to Spot Misinformation Online - Self-directed course, free, start anytime

Attention seniors (but anyone who wants to know really!) 

"This free short course from MediaWise for Seniors will teach you how to tell what’s true and false on the internet. By looking at examples of political, health, travel and climate misinformation, you will learn techniques for identifying false information and how to seek out trustworthy sources.

Christiane Amanpour, Joan Lunden, Lester Holt, Hari Sreenivasan and Dave Jorgenson — MediaWise Ambassadors — will also pop in to share their advice as experienced journalists to help you navigate information on platforms like Google, Facebook and more."
You can register for a Poynter account, then register for the free course.

How to Spot Misinformation Online - Self-directed course, free, start anytime
How to Spot Misinformation Online - Self-directed course, free, start anytime

This is not the only course available via MediaWise for Seniors 

Friday, May 27, 2022

FHS Senior Awards Night 2022 (video)

The FHS Senior Awards Night was broadcast via multiple channels Thursday evening and is available via YouTube for replay.  Link -> https://youtu.be/soSP9PeOPKM


Wednesday, April 20, 2022

"a village is going to help them stay in their homes"

"For many older Americans and their families, the devastating COVID-19 outbreak — which caused more than 200,000 deaths in nursing homes nationally — was a persuasive argument for living at home as long as possible.

Now, as the pandemic grinds into its third year, a loose-knit band of tech gurus, gerontology researchers, and volunteer-powered elder support groups, called “villages,” is seeking to overcome the obstacles to aging in place. Among the toughest: a worsening shortage of home care workers, who can assist the oldest residents with walking, dressing, or showering.

Coronavirus sped up the deployment of “age-tech,” technology that helps older people age in place, by seven to 10 years, said Joe Coughlin, director of MIT AgeLab in Cambridge. "

Continue reading the article (subscription may be required)

Dale Orzalli, a Seaglass Village volunteer, arrived at Maureen Neumann's front door to take her to a doctors appointment at Lahey Medical Center in Peabody.MATTHEW J LEE/GLOBE STAFF
Dale Orzalli, a Seaglass Village volunteer, arrived at Maureen Neumann's front door to take her to a doctors appointment at Lahey Medical Center in Peabody.MATTHEW J LEE/GLOBE STAFF

Saturday, February 26, 2022

More Perfect Union -> "COVID and Seniors" (audio)

"In this episode, the group is rejoined with Frank Falvey to discuss the current COVID climate and the effects it's had on senior citizens; what it's like being a senior during this time, the disproportionate negative effects it's had on seniors, what has been done to aid this group and what more still needs to happen."

Audio file -> https://more-perfect-union.captivate.fm/episode/042-covid-and-seniors


More Perfect Union - episode 042
More Perfect Union - episode 042

Monday, December 20, 2021

Senior Parking Pass for MA Residents good for use at MA State Parks

Massachusetts residents aged 62 or older are eligible for a discounted lifetime parking pass. This pass covers the cost of parking at most state parks.

If you are eligible for a Senior Parking Pass, you can order it by mail.

Send a request for a Senior Parking Pass to your closest regional office:

Central Regional Office
355 West Boylston Street, Route 110
Clinton, MA 01510
Attention: Senior Pass 

Include:
  • A copy of your Massachusetts driver’s license or other official proof of state residency and age.
  • A check for $10 made out to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
  • A contact phone number or email in case we need to reach you. (Optional)
  • Senior passes may take 4-7 weeks before they are mailed.

For additional info on this program, use this MA Gov link ->  https://www.mass.gov/how-to/get-a-senior-parking-pass

Senior Parking Pass for MA Residents good for use at MA State Parks
Senior Parking Pass for MA Residents good for use at MA State Parks


Friday, November 26, 2021

Be Your Own Hero Q & A Event - Dec 3, 2021


͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌  ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌  ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌  ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ 
     
 

Be Your Own Hero Q & A Event - Dec 3, 2021

 
     

Friday, December 3 • 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

 

Are you thinking of moving to a senior living community, but have too many questions or concerns? Join us for a Q&A at Magnolia Heights and meet with current residents, our gracious staff, and knowledgeable guest speakers at our Be Your Own Hero Event. You'll get to learn all about our gracious retirement lifestyle so you can feel confident when planning for your next chapter.

     
 

For more information or to RSVP, please call

508-520-3471

 
     
     
   
     
     
 
 
Copyright © Magnolia Heights (567) All rights reserved.
 
     
Magnolia Heights Gracious Retirement Living (567)

Monday, October 25, 2021

Town Council Meeting - 10/20/21 - three audio segments

FM #646-647-648 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 646-647-648 in the series. 


This session shares part of the Franklin, MA Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, October 20, 2021. 


The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: members of the Town Council and Town Administration personnel, the Police retirement and promotion individuals, along with their guest and family members were in the Council Chambers, some members of the public participated in person, some via the Zoom conference bridge, all to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.


I’ve split the just about two hours and forty minutes ( 2:40 total elapsed time) into three (3) logical segments:

The show notes contain links to the meeting agenda. Let’s listen to this segment of the Town Council meeting of Oct 20, 2021


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


Agenda document ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/october_20_2021_town_council_agenda.pdf


Agenda folder ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/october-20-town-council-agenda 


My notes from the meeting  -> 

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/10/recap-town-council-approves-creation-of.html


Town Council Quarterbacking session (a short recap with Council Chair Tom Mercer) -> 

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/10/town-council-quarterbacking-with-chair.html 

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

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


Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

 

For additional information, please visit www.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"

 

Town Council Meeting - 10/20/21 - three audio segments
Town Council Meeting - 10/20/21 - three audio segments