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

Sunday, April 5, 2020

“Senior isolation is always an issue, especially in the winter time”

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:
"Senior citizens and their advocates have long struggled to tackle seclusion and loneliness in a portion of the population – particularly those less fortunate than Foley, without close family or the ability to drive.

To see her grandchildren, 79-year-old Hopedale resident Phyllis Foley arms herself with disinfecting wipes, drives a few minutes up the street, and heads into her daughter’s garden.

While she does a little weeding, her grandchildren come out of the house and sit several feet away.

“I think I’ve got a pretty good sense of what to do, because I had to do it for many years,” the former Navy nurse and visiting nurse said, adding that she wipes down every door handle, gives people a wide berth, and rarely leaves her apartment."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200404/metrowest-greater-milford-seniors-battle-extreme-isolation-during-pandemic

From a soon to be available interview with Karen Alves, Director of the Franklin Senior Center, the Center offers a weekly reassurance call for those who would like to receive one. Please call the Center at 508 520-4945 and leave a message. They will follow up to confirm the details and set up the weekly call.


“Senior isolation is always an issue, especially in the winter time”
“Senior isolation is always an issue, especially in the winter time”

Saturday, March 21, 2020

"to better enable customers to practice social distancing"

From the Milford Daily News, an article of interest for Franklin:
"Hours and days for early shopping vary depending on the individual store. Shaw’s, Big Y and Price Chopper are providing them every day of the week from 6-7 a.m., while Market Basket is offering them from 5:30-7 a.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Hannaford offers them from 6-7 a.m. on those three days.

Grocery chains throughout the region, including Market Basket, Price Chopper, Hannaford, Shaw’s and Big Y, have begun to offer early shopping hours for seniors to help protect them from both coronavirus exposure and the increasing difficulty of securing high-demand products.

Customers aged 60 and over will have first access to food and supplies in the store, with younger patrons asked to come later.

Older people are most at risk of health complications and death from coronavirus, and are encouraged to minimize contact with potential carriers of the virus, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200320/area-grocery-chains-carve-out-morning-hours-for-shoppers-60-and-older

Big Y - Franklin, MA
Big Y - Franklin, MA

Tuesday, March 17, 2020

In the News: Stop& Shop opens early hours for seniors; Polar Park gets first steel beams

From the Milford Daily News, an article of interest for Franklin:
"Massachusetts-based grocery store Stop & Shop, with locations in Milford, Framingham and other area towns, announced it would begin offering special shopping times to accommodate and protect older customers.

“Effective on Thursday, March 19, Stop & Shop will create hours specifically geared to accommodate customers 60 and older,” the company said in a statement. “Stop & Shop stores will open from 6 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. ONLY for customers over the age of 60 who the CDC and local health officials say are most vulnerable.”

The company said it was making the decision to allow community members in this age category to shop in a less crowded environment, which better enables social distancing.

Stop & Shop said it would not be requesting ID for entry, but added that they hope everyone would respect the purpose of the early opening, and “do the right thing for our older neighbors.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200316/stop-amp-shop-offering-special-hours-for-coronavirus-high-risk-shoppers/1

https://stopandshop.com/
https://stopandshop.com/


"The first pieces of steel went skyward in Polar Park Monday and changed Worcester Red Sox president Dr. Charles Steinberg’s image of what will be come April 2021.

Before this, Steinberg couldn’t see much beyond the weeds, cracked asphalt and rocks above Madison Street that preceded what is becoming a ballpark.

“The vision is Larry Lucchino and Janet Marie Smith,” said Steinberg, while standing just above where the WooSox bullpen will be along the first base line. “They have 3D architectural talent that I don’t have. I imagine the cotton candy and the Cracker Jacks. I imagine where your seats will be and how many jalapeƱos are on your nachos.

“Larry and Janet Marie have that visual ability to see what could be, and they did it with Camden Yards. Larry had that vision, and Janet Marie was able to translate it to the architects. Larry had the vision of Petco Park in San Diego, and I did not. That’s not my area.”


Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200316/first-steel-goes-up-at-worcesters-polar-park

Tuesday, March 10, 2020

"Staffing is the biggest expense for nursing homes" ... "There were years in which my staff got no raises"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:
"Christopher House of Worcester is in relatively good shape for a nursing home. Residents — some who have lived there for years — receive attentive care and take part in activities such as the ice cream social several were enjoying on Wednesday. The 24-year-old building is in comfortable condition.

“Nobody wants to go to a nursing home, but sometimes people really thrive here,” said Sandra Mahoney, administrator of the nonprofit Christopher House.

Mahoney said it’s a constant frustration finding money to adequately pay direct care staff to maintain high quality care and to invest in the physical plant.

That’s because Medicaid, the state-administered program that pays for long-term care for people with low income, effectively limits nursing homes’ revenue through payment based on costs that are several years old. About two-thirds of nursing home residents, nearly 30,000 frail elders statewide, rely on Medicaid to pay for their care."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200309/residential-care-at-crossroads

Sandra Mahoney, MHA, FACHCA Administrator with resident (Christopher House photo
Sandra Mahoney, MHA, FACHCA Administrator with resident (Christopher House photo

Sunday, March 8, 2020

In the News: Firefighters serve seniors traditional Irish meal; some residents don't like the civil discourse pledge

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"St. Patrick’s Day came early to the Franklin Senior Center on Friday, as members of the Fire Department spent lunchtime serving plates of corned beef and cabbage, with potatoes and carrots, to a few dozen seniors.

Although the Lenten season has begun, Catholics in the group had no need to worry about enjoying the classic St. Patty’s day meal instead of sticking with fish and vegetables.

Firefighters had that covered.

“Maybe next year we’ll try not to plan it on a Friday during Lent,” said firefighter/paramedic Doug Perro, going on to quip, “However, we talked to Father Brian (Manning, of the Parish of St. Mary), so you get a special dispensation ... if you’re over 59.”
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200307/franklin-firefighters-dish-up-new-tradition/1

"That’s what the Franklin Fire Department is all about."
"That’s what the Franklin Fire Department is all about."

"A civil discourse pledge has upset dozens of residents who say the Town Council is targeting free speech rights when it comes to their – and certain councilors’ – online activity. One resident has even suggested it’s a violation of the U.S. Constitution.

While the proposed pledge originally stated that a councilor’s participation on certain social media channels could violate the Massachusetts’ Open Meeting Law statute, a crowded meeting room applauded as council Chairman Tom Mercer suggested a slight amendment to the pledge toward the end of Wednesday’s meeting.

On Wednesday, councilors approved the Civil Discourse Pledge, Resolution 20-14, which was originally drafted by Town Administrator Jaime Hellen and the Town Council. The resolution follows a series of related administrative actions, starting in 2018 with harassment training for all municipal employees, said Hellen in a memorandum dated Feb. 7.

Designed as an aspiration for the town to make everyone in the community feel welcome, the amended resolution was approved, 6-2-1. Councilors Andrew Bissanti and Eamon McCarthy Earls were opposed, and Matt Kelly abstained."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200307/civil-discourse-resolution-riles-some-franklin-residents

The audio file for the citizen comments and the civil discourse discussion can be found here  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/03/fm-218-town-council-citizen-comments.html


Thursday, January 16, 2020

FM #191 - Municipal Affordable Housing Trust - Jan 13, 2020 (audio)

FM #191

This internet radio show or podcast is number 191 in the series for Franklin Matters now collaborating with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm).

This recording shares the Municipal Affordable Housing Trust meeting held on Monday, January 13, 2020 in room 205 at 9:00 AM at the Municipal Building.

Agenda:
  • Jon Juhl of JNJUHL & Associates will give an update on Franklin Ridge Senior Housing
  • Bryan Taberner, Director of Planning and Community Development, to discuss the Housing Production Plan

The link to the proposal document for Franklin Ridge Senior Housing to follow along
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1fEIDh_9lPWMMLpmE_vilz9E0YMODrwf-/view?usp=sharing

After the presentation, the folks in the room do a round of introductions as this was the first time meeting in awhile. I had stepped out of the room to arrange for a copy of the presentation so did not participate in the round.

The current Housing Production Plan referred to can be found on the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/ahs.pdf

Additional info on the Municipal Affordable Housing Trust can be found on the Town of Franklin page https://www.franklinma.gov/municipal-affordable-housing-trust

The meeting runs about 75 minutes, so without further ado here is the Municipal Affordable Housing Trust meeting of Jan 13, 2020.


Audio link -> https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HXFgV7SX


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


This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but I can't do it alone. I can always use your help.

How can you help?

Overall:
If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors.
If you don't like this, please let me know.

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements.
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!

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FM #191 - Municipal Affordable Housing Trust - Jan 13, 2020 (audio)
FM #191 - Municipal Affordable Housing Trust - Jan 13, 2020 (audio)

Monday, July 29, 2019

1950's Car Show - August 10

A car show featuring vehicles from the 1950's is scheduled for the Benchmark Senior Living Center on Forge Hill Aug 10. Additional details in the flyer image.

1950's Car Show - August 10
1950's Car Show - August 10


Thursday, July 18, 2019

Elderly Resident Hot Weather Safety Announcement

Elderly Resident Hot Weather Safety Announcement

Given the excessive heat forecasted for Saturday, July 20, please be aware that the Franklin Public Library welcomes elderly residents on that date from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 PM. 

If you need to access the Library but do not have transportation, you can call the Franklin Police Department at (508) 528-1212 to obtain a ride to the Library. 

Hot weather safety tips:
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/news/franklin_council_on_aging_-_elderly_residents_heat_safety.pdf
 
Elderly Resident Hot Weather Safety Announcement
Elderly Resident Hot Weather Safety Announcement

Shared via the Town of Franklin alert:
https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/elderly-resident-hot-weather-safety-announcement

Sunday, June 9, 2019

Franklin (MA) Town Council - May 8, 2019 - meeting recap

Catching up to some of the meeting summaries that I missed posting, here is the recap for the May 8, 2019 meeting

  • A  bunch of residents from the Skyline Drive neighborhood complained about the shrinking the road surface and reduction of sidewalks in their neighborhood.
  • Roberta Trahan was appointed to the Cultural District Committee
  • La Cantina received approval for their liquor license to be used at the Farmer Market
  • A presentation and overview of the senior housing expansion proposed for near Eaton Place.
  • The legislative delegation: Senator Spilka, Senator Rausch and Representative Roy appeared to provide updates on legislation and the State budget process.

Additional details can be found in my notes recorded live during the meeting


Senator Spilka, Senator Rausch and Representative Roy appeared to provide updates on legislation and the State budget process
Senator Spilka, Senator Rausch and Representative Roy appeared to provide updates on
legislation and the State budget process

senior housing expansion proposed for near Eaton Place
senior housing expansion proposed for near Eaton Place

Thursday, May 30, 2019

FHS Senior Awards Night to be broadcast at 6:30 PM

Tune into Panther TV LIVE this Thursday, May 30 for Senior Awards Night! 

The ceremony begins at 6:30 PM here: https://www.youtube.com/c/PantherTVLive/live

FHS Senior Awards Night to be broadcast at 6:30 PM
FHS Senior Awards Night to be broadcast at 6:30 PM


Shared via notification from Panther TV
https://twitter.com/fhspanthertv/status/1133699755903803393

Tuesday, May 21, 2019

“There’s a great need”

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"A proposal for an affordable housing facility for seniors will be in front of the Zoning Board early next month. 
The 40B project has been in the works for over a year and will go to a public hearing at the Zoning Board meeting on June 6. 
The project, named Franklin Ridge Senior Housing, will be constructed on Veteran’s Memorial Drive off Panther Way near Eaton Place Apartments. The proposed three-story building will contain 60 dwellings for residents over 60 years old. 
The building will be placed on 6.5 acres of town-owned land. It will have 45 single-bedroom units at 700 square feet and 15 two-bedroom units at 900 square feet."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190520/proposal-for-senior-development-goes-before-franklin-zba-next-month


building views captured during presentation to Town Council, May 8
building views captured during presentation to Town Council, May 8

building layout captured during presentation to Town Council, May 8
building layout captured during presentation to Town Council, May 8

Sunday, May 12, 2019

Franklin Rotary Club plans their 28th Annual Pasta Supper - June 6

The Franklin Rotary Club International will host their 28th Annual Pasta Supper on June 6, 2019, at 5 PM, located at the Central Park Terrace Hall, 1000 Central Park Terrace, Franklin, MA. All Senior Citizens are welcome to attend this annual event and as always, it is completely free of charge.

Seniors will not only enjoy a delicious homemade meal, but also a live musical performance by Brenda Padula and The Padula Brothers.

Seniors are urged to enter their names on a sign-up so that no one is left out. Sign-up sheets may found at the following locations:
  • Central Park Terrace, 1000 Central Park Terrace, Franklin, MA
  • Franklin Senior Center, 10 Daniel McCahill Street, Franklin, MA
The Rotary Club International is a non-profit organization made up of a diverse group of men and women “who come together to create positive, lasting change in our communities and around the world.” https://www.rotary.org/en/about-rotary

If you would like more information about our organization or Corporate Memberships, please call Terry Katsaros, 508-245-4127, Frank Cusano, 617-839-4567 or Scott Martin 774-235-2756 and they will make arrangements for you to be a guest at one of the upcoming meetings. 

Rotary members meet the first and third Thursdays of each month, 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM at The Rome Restaurant, 4 East Central Street, Franklin, MA. You may also visit our website: http://portal.clubrunner.ca/3689.

Franklin Rotary Club plans their 28th Annual Pasta Supper - June 6
Franklin Rotary Club plans their 28th Annual Pasta Supper - June 6






Wednesday, May 8, 2019

Live reporting: Senior Housing Project


b. Franklin Ridge Senior Housing Proposal

3 story building to meet an increasing need for Senior housing in Franklin
60% of Boston amount for income qualification

Eaton Place - 50 unit housing already in area

mimic some of the design used at Eaton Place
ledge primarily but to be landscaped all around

up to 3 years to get the financing needed
anticipate 2024 completion for occupation

looking for support

Jones - I am looking forward to this project
check on freezing water pipes in the existing building, hopefully to avoid in the new building
meeting with Eaton Place next week, meeting with Abutters as well

we are working with the Housing Trust and the Town
Eaton Place had a HUD2 design requirement limitation we are going with State requirements to avoid

Housing Trust did commit $500K and the land towards the project
working with low income housing tax credits and housing program to secure the financing necessary

Hamblen - any open space left?
Yes, another 8-10 acres being reserved for future housing options

Eaton Place meeting scheduled for May 17, 10:00 AM
most of the HUD components have shifted to the state level since the last time
don't need a co-sponsor like we did need at Eaton Place

10a. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 19-31: Franklin Ridge Senior Housing Development (Motion to Approve Resolution 19-31- Majority Vote (5))
motion to approve, seconded, passed 9-0


Friday, February 15, 2019

“Our lives aren’t just the moments we live, they’re the stories we tell” - Ron DiBona

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

FHS 40% Club hosts luncheon for Seniors
"Hundreds of yellow and pink pin-on ribbons littered a table at the Franklin High School cafeteria on Thursday, as students met residents from the Atria Senior Living for a Valentine’s Day luncheon. 
The yellow ribbons stand for happiness, while pink ribbons were for Valentine’s Day, said Brianna Ritchie, a nursing assistant at Atria. She said students have been more than accommodating for these types of events. 
“This is the happiest crew I’ve ever seen,” Ritchie laughed. “They haven’t stopped smiling since we’ve been here. They love it. This generation, I can’t even put into words. They’re just phenomenal.” 
Ritchie said at least 200 students made the effort during their lunch period to talk to senior citizens."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190215/franklin-high-students-senior-citizens-meet-for-lunch


Franklin High students, senior citizens meet for lunch
Franklin High students, senior citizens meet for lunch (@CountryGazette photo)

Thursday, January 10, 2019

2nd Annual Valentine's Brunch - Feb 9

Valentine's Brunch

The Franklin Rotary Club is presenting its 2nd Annual Valentine's Brunch from 10:30 til 12 Noon on February 9 at the Franklin Housing Authority's Community Center at Central Park Terrace. 

The meal is free for all FHA residents and Franklin senior citizens. Several frittatas will be featured. 

Advance sign up is required at either the Community Center or at the Franklin Senior Center so that we can ensure enough food! 

This brunch was a big success last year.

The Rotary Club of Franklin
The Rotary Club of Franklin

Friday, October 19, 2018

There's Still Time to Join us for the 2018 Senior Fair!



There's Still Time to Join us for the 2018 Senior Fair!
Greetings,

Each fall, I am thrilled to host the Senior Health and Wellness Fair. As you may know from past years, this is an exciting event for everyone involved!

The fair will be held on Saturday, October 27, 2018 from 9:00 AM to 1:30 PM at the Joseph P. Keefe Technical School, 750 Winter Street in Framingham. The event includes a continental breakfast and hot lunch!

The goal of the Senior Health and Wellness Fair is to provide a forum for MetroWest seniors to learn, ask questions and enjoy a fun day out. This year's program will include workshops on health programs, benefits and wellness activities. A variety of booths will provide information on health and wellness topics ranging from preventing falls, to dental health, to decluttering your home. Remember to bring your insurance card to make sure you can get your flu shot!

I hope you or your loved ones will consider joining us for a fun, informative and engaging event! Please call my office at 617-722-1500 if you have any questions.


Sincerely,
Senate President Karen E. Spilka
2nd Middlesex and Norfolk
Want to stay up to date with the latest on this issue or other news
from the State House? Sign up for our newsletter today!
Office of Senate President Karen E. Spilka | Massachusetts State House, Room 332, Boston, MA 02133

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Tuesday, May 15, 2018

Attention high school seniors: Rotary Club Grant Application due May 31, 2018

As your high school experience is coming to a close, it is time to contemplate, plan and make decisions that will affect your future. Part of that process is determining how to pay for education. The cost of furthering your education is high but the failure to obtain additional knowledge will cost you even more. Our members understand this and recognize the significant expense and sacrifice that often accompanies its pursuit. With this in mind, the Rotary Club of Franklin, as it has for many years, continues to offer graduating high school seniors from Bellingham, Franklin, King Phillip, Medway and Tri-County High Schools an opportunity to receive a grant towards the expense of higher education.

The Rotary Club is an international service organization that is dedicated to world peace through service to others and an increased awareness of people’s needs though education. Based on this premise, each application for the Franklin Rotary Club Grant is evaluated on their community involvement, financial need, and academic achievement. This is a grant that is being offered to help defray college expenses in your second semester of your freshman year. The committee will let you know if you have been selected for a scholarship before you leave for college, but to actually receive your check, you will need to send in your first semester’s transcript.

Find the Rotary Club application here
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczSThVZ3JEYVBSb25ZNWg2OWZMT1dPaWtIS3gw/view?usp=sharing




Attention high school seniors: Rotary Club Grant Application due May 31, 2018
Attention high school seniors: Rotary Club Grant Application due May 31, 2018


Monday, April 23, 2018

"Raising awareness is the first step in prevention"


"Since April is Financial Literacy Month, it’s important that we remind ourselves and our older loved ones on the importance of being financially literate, and that includes knowing how to spot and prevent elder financial abuse. 
The National Council on Aging estimates that elder abuse costs older Americans $36.5 billion per year. Elders are a target for scammers for many reasons. They may be isolated from family and friends; they may be less technologically –inclined than younger generations; or they may have more assets, such as retirement funds, for scammers to steal. 
Financial abuse can take many forms, from common phone or email scams to stolen credit cards or depletion of financial accounts. A common scam known as the “grandparent scam” preys upon elders who are tricked into thinking they are helping a loved one (usually a grandchild). Callers will say that the grandchild has been arrested or kidnapped, for example, and need money transferred immediately or payment using gift cards to post bail or pay ransom. There are instances where seniors have spent hundreds of dollars hoping to help their grandchild only to learn she or he had been safe all along."
Continue reading the article from Mass Consumer Affairs
http://blog.mass.gov/consumer/massconsumer/becoming-a-scam-savvy-senior/

"Raising awareness is the first step in prevention"
"Raising awareness is the first step in prevention"