Franklin Public Library: Important message for Hoopla users

Important message for Hoopla users

Important message to all of our Hoopla users:

Due to increasing usage, the Franklin Library has had to make some difficult decisions regarding our Hoopla account.  As you may have already noticed, we have lowered your monthly borrows to 5, and we have also put a monthly budget cap in place, so you may be blocked from the platform periodically. The system will reset on October 1st, and everyone should see an improvement in their borrowing ability.  We will be watching Hoopla usage closely and are hopeful that the changes implemented today will allow us to lift the borrowing cap soon. We are so happy that everyone loves Hoopla (we do too!),and we apologize for any inconvenience these changes may have caused.

Thanks so much for your understanding,

The Library Staff

p.s. If you've never heard of Hoopla and you'd like to learn more, click the image below:

https://www.hoopladigital.com/

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library/news/important-message-hoopla-users

Sept. 22, 2024 - Peace-ing Together with Rev. Beverly Waring

Upcoming Special Sunday Service @ 10:00 AM

Join us this Sunday as we celebrate the International Day of Peace. What is peace? How can we achieve it and maintain it – in our lives, our community the world?

As part of this worship service we will go outside and re-dedicate our peace pole.

The First Universalist Society in Franklin is a Unitarian Universalist Welcoming Congregation located at 262 Chestnut Street, Franklin MA. For further information about FUSF please explore our website at fusf.org or contact our Interim Minister, the Reverend Beverly Waring at 508- 528- 5348 or minister@fusf.org.

 

Sept. 22, 2024 - Peace-ing Together with Rev. Beverly Waring

Master Plan Subcommittee meetings for the week of Aug 12, 2024

Master Plan Subcommittee meetings for the week of Aug 12

• Community Services, Facilities & Circulation (CSFC) Subcommittee

Event Date:  Monday, August 12, 2024 - 6:00pm

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/csfc_subcommittee_agenda_-_august_12th_2024.pdf

• Land Use & Zoning Subcommittee Meeting

Event Date:  Tuesday, August 13, 2024 - 7:00pm

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/landusezoningagenda_-_2024-08-13.pdf

Master Plan Subcommittee meetings for the week of Aug 12, 2024

Visit with Frankie & Ben among the many booths at the Dog Project on the Town Common - Aug 24

Visit with Frankie & Ben 

Via Officer Frankie  

"Later this month come visit us at our booth!!!! 

Come pat and say Hi to Ben and I!!"

Shared from - > https://www.instagram.com/p/C-K8O9lMR-a/

First Universalist Society in Franklin: Present Moment, Wonderful Moment - July 7, 2024

First Universalist Society in Franklin (FUSF) is pleased to announce our Summer Sunday Worship Series for June 30, 2024 through July, 2024. Please join us each Sunday as we explore the Unitarian Universalist (UU) values of Equity, Transformation, Generosity, Interdependence, Justice, Pluralism and Love.

All services start at 10:00 am.

Afterwards, please plan to stay for cookies and conversation.

UU Value of Transformation: Present Moment, Wonderful Moment - July 7, 2024

Present Moment, Wonderful Moment - July 7, 2024

Lay Leaders: Ann Willever & Ellen Adduci

FUSF Lay leaders Ann Willever and Ellen Adduci will explore the Unitarian Universalist value of Transformation through the teachings and practice of Zen Buddhist monk and peace activist, Thich Nhat Hanh. Ann and Ellen are also members of the Path of Peace Sangha that meets at FUSF on Monday evenings. The service will include guided, silent and walking meditation, all of which are part of the Monday evening Sangha gatherings. Thich Nhat Hanh’s teachings focus on mindfulness and, together, we will reflect on how this practice has helped us deal with the challenges of everyday life and transform suffering as we discover more joy and compassion. No previous meditation experience is needed.   

The First Universalist Society in Franklin is a Unitarian Universalist Welcoming Congregation located at 262 Chestnut Street, Franklin MA. For further information about FUSF please explore our website at fusf.org or contact our Interim Minister, the Reverend Beverly Waring at 508- 528- 5348 or minister@fusf.org.  

Franklin Food Pantry Awarded $24,929 Community Investment Grant from The Greater Boston Food Bank

The Greater Boston Food Bank (GBFB), the largest hunger-relief organization in New England, awarded nearly $25,000 to the Franklin Food Pantry to support its ability to empower food insecure neighbors, bolstering GBFB’s network of food distribution agencies and advancing hunger-relief efforts across Eastern Massachusetts in response to the continuing hunger crisis in the state. 

The annual grant program, originally founded in 2013, has now been investing in GBFB partner agencies for over a decade. This investment aims to strengthen The Pantry’s ability to provide nutritious food to the Franklin community. The grant will be used to fund the addition of a Support Services Coordinator who will enhance The Pantry’s client programs and services, and food procurement and processing systems. Individuals interested in the new position can learn more HERE.

“The support The Pantry has received from Greater Boston Food Bank has been instrumental in alleviating food insecurity in Franklin,” said Tina Powderly, Executive Director Franklin Food Pantry. “We’re grateful to receive the Community Investment Grant to strengthen our team and in-turn our community.” 

This grant coincides with GBFB’s fourth annual report on food insecurity, equity and access in Massachusetts. The 2024 study, “Opportunities to Improve Food Equity & Access in Massachusetts,” reveals consistently high rates of food insecurity in the state and sustained disparities in food access for communities of color and households with children.

“GBFB’s network of dedicated agency partners continue to inspire us to be innovative in our efforts to address food insecurity across Eastern Massachusetts,” said Catherine D’Amato, president and CEO at GBFB. “With sustained inequities in food access across our region, we aim to continue to invest in those communities facing a heightened need for food and drive progress towards hunger relief through strategic grantmaking to our network of agency partners. As the cost of living in our region continues to rise, we look forward to seeing how these funds bolster Franklin Food Pantry’s s ability to provide nutritious meals to our neighbors in Franklin.”

About the Franklin Food Pantry, Inc.:

The Franklin Food Pantry, Inc. offers supplemental food assistance, household necessities, and resource referral programs to more than 1,300 individuals per year. The Pantry relies on donations and grants to purchase items and pay for daily operations, and partnerships with The Greater Boston Food Bank, Spoonfuls, and local grocery stores to achieve greater buying power and lower costs. Programs include In-person Shopping, Curbside Pick-up, Emergency Food Bags, Mobile Pantries, Home Delivery, Kids’ Snack Bags, Weekend Backpacks, Holiday Meal Kits, and the SNAP match at Franklin Farmers Market. The Pantry is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization in good standing in Massachusetts, recognized by Charity Navigator as a Four-Star Charity, and awarded GuideStar’s Platinum Transparency ranking. The Pantry is located at 341 W. Central St. in Franklin, MA on Route 140. Please visit www.franklinfoodpantry.org for more information.

About The Greater Boston Food Bank:

The Greater Boston Food Bank (GBFB) is the largest hunger-relief organization in New England and among the largest food banks in the country. As the food bank for Eastern Massachusetts, GBFB is feeding people in 190 towns across the region, distributing the equivalent of nearly 90 million meals through a network of 600 dedicated food distribution partners and programs. A member of the national Feeding America network, GBFB’s mission is to end hunger here. The organization remains committed to the belief that access to healthy food is a human right regardless of an individual’s circumstances. Through policy, partnerships, and providing free, nutritious, and culturally responsive food, GBFB is committed to addressing the root causes of food insecurity while promoting racial, gender and economic equity in food access. For more information and to help us help others, visit us at GBFB.org, follow us on Facebook, Twitter (@gr8bosfoodbank) and Instagram, or call us at 617-427-5200.

Franklin Food Pantry Awarded $24,929 Community Investment Grant  from The Greater Boston Food Bank

FUSF schedules Special Pride Month Sunday Service - June 2

On June 2, 2024 the First Universalist Society of Franklin (FUSF), a Welcoming Congregation, will be celebrating Pride Month at their 10:00 AM service. The Welcoming Congregation designation of the Unitarian Universalist Association means we intentionally include LGBTQIA individuals in all aspects of congregational life and provide safe spaces that honor every part of our identities, backgrounds, and experiences.

This service will focus on the importance of allies in the lives of LGBTQIA individuals and what it means for people of all ages, gender expressions and sexual orientations to have a Welcoming Congregation such as FUSF welcome them fully into our community.

The First Universalist Society in Franklin is a Unitarian Universalist Welcoming Congregation located at 262 Chestnut Street, Franklin MA.  For further information about FUSF please explore our website at fusf.org or contact our Interim Minister, the Reverend Beverly Waring at 508-528-5348 or minister@fusf.org 

June 2, 2024  10:00 AM
First Universalist Society in Franklin
262 Chestnut Street Franklin MA

 

FUSF schedules Special Pride Month Sunday Service - June 2

Franklin Food Pantry recognized for service to the community with Tree of Life Award by Temple Etz Chaim

From the Franklin Food Pantry Facebook posting: 

"From an idea over 30 years ago, The Pantry has blossomed into a beacon of hope, nourishing over 660 households last year - and Temple Etz Chaim has been there from the beginning. We are humbled by their unwavering support and deeply honored to receive the Tree of Life Award for service to the community.  

Photo: Rachel Flum, Chair, Board of Directors (R) accepts the Tree of Life Award on behalf of the Franklin Food Pantry alongside Isaac Chartoff (L) who was also awarded for his individual service."

Franklin Food Pantry recognized for service to the community with Tree of Life Award by Temple Etz Chaim

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/5wYPW4Cdx1tjYVen/

Kevin Martin of NerdsToGo of Franklin, Mass recognized with Sales Achievement & President's Award

NerdsToGo®, a leading IT solutions and technology services franchise, recently held its 2024 NerdsToGo Franchise Convention in Orlando, Florida. Themed "Secure Your Future," the four-day event celebrated franchisee achievements and the growth initiatives of the network.

With an unprecedented number of franchisees in attendance, the conference was a reflection of the managed services industry's robust growth and the brand's growing U.S. presence. The event included networking opportunities for franchisees, roundtable discussions, and a comprehensive vendor show. Recognized leaders in the MSP industry, including Sean Lardo, a ConnectWise evangelist, and Rob Rae, CVP of Community and Ecosystems at Pax8, shared their expertise on growing a successful MSP business.

"Our 2024 convention brought our franchise network together to celebrate and recognize their many achievements, as well as to engage in both networking and educational opportunities," said Jim Howe, President of NerdsToGo. "The excitement from the convention is contagious, and it was the perfect way to begin a successful 2024, especially against the backdrop of significant industry growth. This growth not only highlights the achievements of our franchisees but also opens up a wealth of opportunities for owners to grow revenue and reach new heights in the managed IT services sector."

Highlights from the 2024 Awards Dinner at the Convention include:

• The award recognizing the Highest Volume locations in Sales Achievement were presented to Regis DeVeaux: NerdsToGo of Alexandria, Va.; Kevin Martin: NerdsToGo of Franklin, Mass.; and NerdsToGo of Bellevue, Wash. team led by Michael Santiago.
• The President's Award, which recognizes the top NerdsToGo locations with the highest total sales, was given to Regis DeVeaux: NerdsToGo of Alexandria, Va.; Kevin Martin: NerdsToGo of Franklin, Mass.; Gina and Michael Santiago: NerdsToGo of Bellevue, Wash.; David Alcorn: NerdsToGo of Kemah, Texas; Rory Dunnaback: NerdsToGo of Milwaukie, Ore.; and Erik Nelson: NerdsToGo of Swarthmore, Pa.
• Susan and Don Dally of NerdsToGo of Knoxville, Tenn., were recognized with the Rookie of the Year Award, which honors the franchisee with the highest sales for the first full 12 months of operation.

"NerdsToGo is at the forefront of providing franchisees the support they need to be successful in the growing IT solutions industry," said Regis DeVeaux, franchise owner of the Alexandria, Va. location. "I'm proud to be part of a network that is not only thriving but also embracing new strategies for revenue growth and operational efficiency."

About NerdsToGo®:

NerdsToGo® is a growing IT services franchise brand that provides a simple path to overcoming the pain points and complexities of technology. Friendly and approachable Nerds offer solutions for efficiency and security for small to medium-sized businesses, as well as the individual who needs help with personal computers, devices and home networks. NerdsToGo is a service-oriented brand in the Propelled Brands® family. Providing Managed IT Services for business, the Nerds can assess, design and support IT networks while providing remote support and vendor management.

For more information or to learn about opportunities, visit NerdsToGo.com or contact Mark Jameson (mark.jameson@propelledbrands.com or call 214.346.5679)

Visit the webpage for Franklin to find out more info or schedule service   https://www.nerdstogo.com/franklin-ma/

Kevin Martin of NerdsToGo of Franklin, Mass recognized with Sales Achievement & President's Award

Reminder: FHS restores Community Services Hours as a grad requirement; Non-profits - Let's be ready to take advantage of this!

 At a recent Franklin School Committee meeting, Josh Hanna, the Principal of FHS, provided an update on the program of studies at the high school. The update is scheduled annually and gives the community a preview on significant course changes, adds, etc. before the students start registering for the next school year.

One key aspect that was announced can benefit the Franklin area nonprofits; the restoration of Community Services Hours as a graduation requirement at FHS. This becomes effective with the graduating class of 2028.

“Beginning with the class of 2028 Franklin High School students are required to complete 20 hours of community service as part of the requirement for graduation”  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/2024-2025_fhs_program_of_studies_.pdf 

As you have community service hour opportunities, please let Josh know. Please also give advance notice. He plans to be the central contact for now. He also plans to add a section to the FHS newsletter which goes out every 2 weeks to spread the word. Josh’s email is -> hannaj@franklinps.net 

Sample of a recent school newsletter -> https://t.co/Dv0lAS1YAz

If you want to listen to the meeting to hear the update the audio is available ->

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/01/school-committee-hears-about-oak-st-fhs.html

(due to some technical difficulties that night, the broadcast video is not yet available)

FHS restores Community Services Hours as a grad requirement; Let's be ready to take advantage of this!

Shared from FANN -> https://www.franklinareanonprofitnetwork.org/2024/01/fhs-restores-community-services-hours.html

Climate Change: A Spiritual and Moral Lens 10:00 AM Sunday, February 4, 2024

Please join Carolyn and Rand Barthel, lay members of the First Universalist Society in Franklin, on February 4, 2024, as they explore the spiritual and moral aspects of climate change and activism. Climate change will affect all of us, while further exacerbating current inequities and disproportionately adversely affecting the poorest among us. 

Carolyn and Rand are climate change activists who are recognized leaders in this work through their leadership in 350 Mass, a statewide climate organization (350mass.betterfutureproject.org); local and state testimony in support of legislative change; and establishment of Energize Franklin. Afterwards, they will be available for conversation about their service or discussion of "nuts and bolts" approaches to reducing individual greenhouse gas emissions (your carbon footprint).

The First Universalist Society in Franklin (FUSF) is located at 262 Chestnut Street, Franklin MA. For more information about FUSF please visit us at our website: FUSF.org. Our Interim Minister is Rev. Beverly Waring and she can be reached by emailing minister@fusf.org or calling 508-528-5348. FUSF is a Unitarian Universalist Welcoming Congregation.

Your help is needed to complete the Water Service Line Inventory

The Town of Franklin Public Works Department is undertaking a federally mandated survey of all customer service pipe materials and we need YOUR HELP to complete the Town’s Water Service Line Inventory!

To complete the survey and submit your inspection findings, please visit: https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/013052aa261942bf8fd7050476189e64

Your help is needed to complete the Water Service Line Inventory

Shared from ->   https://www.facebook.com/100064487150311/posts/pfbid02wcucT9ubGXzndqMUuf8NEo5GBhjHB1E5KEB9A9ewPpBaN8CqSezLYp2uYencrfP7l/

Community Services, Facilities & Circulation (CSFC) Subcommittee Agenda - Jan 10

Community Services, Facilities & Circulation (CSFC) Subcommittee

Agenda

January 10, 2024 - 5:15 PM

Meeting will be held at the Municipal Building

Room 205, 2nd Floor

355 East Central Street

1. Approve last meeting minutes

2. Revisit 2013 Goals & Objectives

3. Develop list of questions for relevant departments

4. Next steps:

a. Outline of meetings by topic

Agenda doc also contains remote participation info -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/csfc_subcommittee_agenda_-_january_10th_2024.pdf

 

Community Services, Facilities & Circulation (CSFC) Subcommittee Agenda - Jan 10

Another DePaolo family member continues Project PJ

"Hello everyone!  

My name is Ryan DePaolo and my family and I are continuing Project PJ this year! We have been running this organization since 2014 and are so excited to be doing it again!  

Project PJ is a community service project that aims to raise awareness for children placed in foster care through the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families.  

We are asking people to donate NEW pajamas for children of all ages, infant to age 18. If you have any questions you can email us at project.pj.ma@gmail.com and make sure to follow us on Instagram @projectpj.ma for updates and information about the project!  

You can drop in person donations off to my house at 48 High Ridge Circle, we have a donation bin on our side steps, and I have attached a QR code with links to online registries at Amazon and Target if that is easier.  

Thank you all for your consideration and constant support of this project!  

Happy holidays!"

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/groups/1551606135109407/permalink/3562135244056476/?mibextid=2JQ9oc

Another DePaolo family member continues Project PJ

This Franklin Food Pantry conversation focuses on Client Services (audio)

FM #1063 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1063 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Amber Baur, Franklin Food Pantry regular volunteer and recent addition to the Board of Directors along with Laura Du, Food Pantry Client Services Manager. We had our conversation in the new location of the Franklin Food Pantry at Edwin’s. 

We talk about the happy news that the Food Pantry has their own home, finally. While they are appreciative of the space Rockland Trust has let them use for many years, their needs had outgrown the space. The shower curtain that had divided the intake process within the room in the former building is now replaced by an office and regular doors/windows.

We talk about how the role of volunteers is critical to the successful operation of the Food Pantry assisting our neighbors. How the new facility enables the Food Pantry to better meet the needs of our neighbors in welcoming and treating them with the respect and confidentiality they deserve.

Disclosure: during the conversation you will hear about my background with the Food Pantry and that I have committed to this capital campaign.

The recording runs about 33 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Laura and Amber. Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1063-franklin-food-pantry-client-services-08-30-23

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The Franklin Food Pantry is here for you. If you need us, we are here with not only food, but useful programs and resources for individuals, seniors and families struggling with food insecurity. If you can support us, we thank you - visit franklinfoodpantry.org to explore volunteering, donating funds, donating food, or supporting our Capital Campaign to keep the lights on and the programs, from food elves to weekend backpack stuffing. It truly takes a village to keep our food pantry running and supporting the increasing demand, supporting our Franklin neighbors.

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

Franklin Food Pantry Launches Building Campaign (audio)

Sunday's service at FUSF: "Everyday Spiritual Practices" – Aug 27

The description for this coming Sunday's service "Everyday Spiritual Practices"  at the First Universalist Society of Franklin (FUSF). The service will be led by Rev. Bev Waring.

Plato said, “The life which is unexamined is not worth living.”  An extreme position that Rev. Scott Alexander addresses in the introduction to a book he edited, “Everyday Spiritual Practices; Simple Pathways For Enriching Your Life.” He writes: “many people get caught in a rut, meandering through their days, doing only what comes easily…” 

Join us for this last summer service as Rev. Bev Waring offers some options for how you can spiritually examine and shape your life; options that engage the mind, the body, the heart, the will and the soul will be discussed in this quick review of everyday spiritual practices.

 

NOTE: This service is in-person only and is open to people of all ages.  We will begin the service with a blessing of the backpacks for children and youth. Following the blessing, children and youth will leave the sanctuary with our Director of Religious Education for some fun activities in the grove. 

The service is set for 10:00 AM on Sunday, Aug 20 at the First Universalist Society in Franklin (FUSF), at 262 Chestnut Street. 

FUSF is a Unitarian Universalist LGBTQIA+ Welcoming Congregation. 

For more information about the FUSF, please visit our website: www.FUSF.org or call the Office at 508-528-5348. 

Sunday's service at FUSF: "Everyday Spiritual Practices" – Aug 27

Sunday's service at FUSF: Trees: Bridges to Spirit - Aug 20

The description for this coming Sunday's lay-led summer service "Trees: Bridges to Spirit" at the First Universalist Society of Franklin (FUSF).

Trees: Bridges to Spirit - Barbara Aspland-Wolf

Let us see the forest AND the trees as we explore how they can aid us in our spiritual practice with a mind, body, and soul connection.

Sunday's service at FUSF: Trees: Bridges to Spirit - Aug 20

We will be serving lunch after the service.

The service is set for 10:00 AM on Sunday, Aug 20 at the First Universalist Society in Franklin (FUSF), at 262 Chestnut Street. 

FUSF is a Unitarian Universalist LGBTQIA+ Welcoming Congregation. 

For more information about the FUSF, please visit our website: www.FUSF.org or call the Office at 508-528-5348. 

Schedule of Spiritual Practices Sundays at FUSF:

August 27: Everyday Spiritual Practices  

VA extends deadline for PACT Act benefits backdated to August 10, 2022

Hello All, 

There is an extension to Monday to submit an Intent to File for backdated PACT Act benefits.  

Please know you can file a PACT Act claim at any time, the deadline only applies to back pay.

If you want to submit a PACT Act Intent to File before this deadline, please email me at snisbett@franklinma.gov No Later Than Monday 8/14/23 at 9 AM. 

For a list of PACT Act presumptives, visit:  https://www.va.gov/resources/the-pact-act-and-your-va-benefits/

See the press release below for more detailed information.

Sincerely, 

Shannon Nisbett

Veterans Services Officer

Town of Franklin, MA

Info on the PACT Act was shared in a video created last year and you can watch on YouTube ->  https://youtu.be/-qzZkUMsheI

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VA extends deadline Through Monday for Veterans and survivors to apply for PACT Act benefits backdated to August 10, 2022 

 

Extension will ensure that no Veteran or survivor will miss out on a single day of backdated PACT Act benefits

Today VA announced that Veterans and survivors who apply (or submit their intent to file) for PACT Act benefits by 11:59PM ET on Monday, August 14, 2023 will be eligible to have their benefits backdated to August 10, 2022 – the day that President Biden signed the PACT Act into law. This is an extension from the original deadline of August 9, 2023. We encourage all Veterans and their survivors to apply – or submit their intent to file – for PACT Act benefits now by visiting VA.gov/PACT.

VA has made this decision out of an abundance of caution after experiencing technical difficulties with VA.gov/PACT in recent days. Specifically, due to extremely high demand, some Veterans who have sought to submit their intent to file for PACT Act benefits have received error messages while doing so. Despite these messages, VA has successfully logged every one of these intents to file – meaning that every Veteran or survivor who has received an error message while applying for PACT Act benefits can consider their intent to file complete. We are working to contact these individuals to confirm directly to them that their intent to file will be honored and their effective date protected. Most importantly, no Veteran or survivor will miss out on a single day of benefits due to this issue.

VA has also resolved nearly all of the technical issues with VA.gov/PACT. As of 5:00pm, less than one tenth of one percent of attempts to submit an “intent to file” today (August 9) had resulted in an error message. This percentage is down from about 18% on August 8. Additionally, we have had a high volume of calls to VA call centers throughout this week, and we are working to decrease abnormally long call center wait times. We continue to work on these issues and will not rest until they are fully resolved.

Throughout the past day, VA has sent out communications from all channels to reassure Veterans and survivors that they would not miss out on their earned benefits due to this issue. We put an emergency banner on the VA website to tell Veterans and survivors that their intents to file will be honored. We changed the intent to file error message to confirm that, despite the error message, the intent to file has been saved. Finally, we communicated with Veterans directly on social media, via email, and through coordination with Congressional leaders and Veterans Service Organizations. All of this messaging will be updated tonight (details below) to reflect the extended deadline for Veterans and survivors to apply for benefits backdated to August 10, 2022.

We at VA will continue to encourage Veterans and their survivors to immediately file their PACT Act claims — or submit their intents to file — at VA.gov/PACT. With the extended deadline, Veterans and survivors who do so by 11:59PM ET on Monday, August 14, 2023 may receive benefits backdated to August 10, 2022.

Please also see the news release that came out today: One year of the PACT Act: A historic expansion of benefits and health care for Veterans and their survivors

veterans memorials on the Franklin Town Common at night