Showing posts with label service. Show all posts
Showing posts with label service. Show all posts

Tuesday, September 19, 2023

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"


Thursday, August 24, 2023

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. 

Thursday, August 17, 2023

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
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. 

August 27: Everyday Spiritual Practices  

Friday, August 11, 2023

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
veterans memorials on the Franklin Town Common at night

Thursday, August 10, 2023

Sunday's service at FUSF: Respect for All Living Things - Aug 13

The description for this coming Sunday's lay-led summer service "Respect for All Living Things" at the First Universalist Society of Franklin (FUSF).

Stirling and Brian Cousins
The shared covenant of Unitarian Universalism is based on the eight principles that join us all together.  The seventh principle is: Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.  In this service we will explore Living the Seventh Principle in our everyday lives.  
Sunday's service at FUSF: Respect for All Living Things - Aug 13
Sunday's service at FUSF: Respect for All Living Things - Aug 13

We will be serving lunch after the service.

The service is set for 10:00 AM on Sunday, Aug  13 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. 

August 20: Trees: Bridges to Spirit  
August 27: Everyday Spiritual Practices 

Thursday, August 3, 2023

Sunday's service at FUSF: Nurturing the Fruits of Mindfulness - Aug 6

The description for this coming Sunday's lay-led summer service "Nurturing the Fruits of Mindfulness" at the First Universalist Society of Franklin (FUSF).

Sue Savoy and Ann Willever
Experience mindfulness practices based on the teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh, Zen Master.  Come into the present moment and share in the joys of being together as a sangha, a community of friends growing in awareness.  All are welcome to share in walking, sitting, and singing, regardless of experience with meditation.
Sunday's service at FUSF: Nurturing the Fruits of Mindfulness - Aug 6
Sunday's service at FUSF: Nurturing the Fruits of Mindfulness - Aug 6

The service is set for 10:00 AM on Sunday, August 6 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. 

August 13: Respect for all living things
August 20: Trees: Bridges to Spirit  
August 27: Everyday Spiritual Practices

Friday, July 28, 2023

Sunday's service at FUSF: Prayer as a Portal - July 30

The description for this coming Sunday's lay-led summer service "Prayer as a Portal" at the First Universalist Society of Franklin (FUSF).

Prayer as a Portal - July 30
Prayer as a Portal - July 30
Duncan Sings-Alone and Cilla Cogan
"What is prayer if not a question to the universe? What is a portal if not a doorway to an answer?

Duncan and Cilla take a different and brief look at the experience of prayer and how it impacts the individual and the sense of community. A portal entails a direction both inner and outer."

The service is set for 10:00 AM on Sunday, July 30 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. 

August 6: Sangha and Mindfulness 
August 13: Respect for all living things
August 20: Trees: Bridges to Spirit  
August 27: Everyday Spiritual Practices

Thursday, July 20, 2023

Sunday's service at FUSF: The Spirituality of the Labyrinth

The description for this coming Sunday's lay-led summer service "The Spirituality of the Labyrinth" at the First Universalist Society of Franklin (FUSF).
Bobbi Gerlits has two spiritual practices that involve the labyrinth – walking the labyrinth herself, and facilitating labyrinth walks for others. She feels most nourished when her life includes opportunities to engage in both spiritual practices. During this service Bobbi will facilitate a walk on her indoor canvas labyrinth. She will invite those present to find their inner stillness and silence and be open to what the labyrinth has to offer. 
Sunday's service at FUSF: The Spirituality of the Labyrinth
Sunday's service at FUSF: The Spirituality of the Labyrinth

The service is set for 10:00 AM on Sunday, July 23 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. 

July 30: Prayer as a Portal
August 6: Sangha and Mindfulness 
August 13: Respect for all living things
August 20: Trees: Bridges to Spirit
August 27: Everyday Spiritual Practices 

Wednesday, July 5, 2023

"Spirituality of Fishing" at FUSF Sunday, July 9, 2023

The description for this coming Sunday's lay-led summer service "Spirituality of Fishing" at the First Universalist Society of Franklin (FUSF).
"Spirituality of Fishing"
"Spirituality of Fishing"
As FUSF launches their summer theme of individual spiritual practices, Laura will explain how she first got “hooked” on the art of fishing and why she finds it deeply spiritual and peaceful—both on a warm summer day as well as on a bone-chilling day in the depths of winter—all the while trying not to get frustrated when the fish refuse to bite.

July 9: The Spirituality of Fishing
July 16: Writing Poetry
July 23: Walking the Labyrinth
July 30: Prayer as a Portal
August 6: Mindfulness 
August 13: Veganism
August 20: Trees: Bridges to Spirit
August 27: Everyday Spiritual Practices
FUSF is located at 262 Chestnut Street, Franklin and is a Unitarian Universalist  LGBTQIA+ Welcoming Congregation. For more information about the First Universalist Society in Franklin, please visit our website: www.FUSF.org or call the Office at 508-528-5348. 

Friday, June 30, 2023

Reminder: Summer Services at First Universalist Society in Franklin

The First Universalist Society in Franklin (FUSF) is pleased to announce its summer worship services. These services will explore the theme of individual spiritual practices.  The series starts on July 9 and runs through August 27, 2023.  

Services begin at 10 AM and all are welcome to attend. 

Each Sunday, members of FUSF will share a spiritual practice that resonates deeply within them.  Attendees will have the opportunity to explore practices such as prayer; mindfulness meditation as inspired by Thich Nhat Hanh or walking the labyrinth.  Connection with nature underlies several other services. We will also explore poetry writing as a spiritual practice.  

During the last service of the summer, Reverend Beverly Waring, Interim Minister, will explore a multitude of ways to enhance your daily life through engaging your mind, body, heart, will and soul with themes such as contemplation, activity, relationships, action and creativity. 

Schedule of Spiritual Practices Sundays at FUSF:
July 9: The Spirituality of Fishing
July 16: Writing Poetry
July 23: Walking the Labyrinth
July 30: Prayer as a Portal
August 6: Mindfulness 
August 13: Veganism
August 20: Trees: Bridges to Spirit
August 27: Everyday Spiritual Practices
FUSF is located at 262 Chestnut Street, Franklin and is a Unitarian Universalist  LGBTQIA+ Welcoming Congregation. For more information about the First Universalist Society in Franklin, please visit our website: www.FUSF.org or call the Office at 508-528-5348. 

Summer Services at First Universalist Society in Franklin
Summer Services at First Universalist Society in Franklin

Wednesday, June 14, 2023

Summer Services at First Universalist Society in Franklin

The First Universalist Society in Franklin (FUSF) is pleased to announce its summer worship services. These services will explore the theme of individual spiritual practices.  The series starts on July 9 and runs through August 27, 2023.  

Services begin at 10 a.m. and all are welcome to attend. 

Each Sunday, members of FUSF will share a spiritual practice that resonates deeply within them.  Attendees will have the opportunity to explore practices such as prayer; mindfulness meditation as inspired by Thich Nhat Hanh or walking the labyrinth.  Connection with nature underlies several other services. We will also explore poetry writing as a spiritual practice.  

During the last service of the summer, Reverend Beverly Waring, Interim Minister, will explore a multitude of ways to enhance your daily life through engaging your mind, body, heart, will and soul with themes such as contemplation, activity, relationships, action and creativity. 

Schedule of Spiritual Practices Sundays at FUSF:
July 9: The Spirituality of Fishing
July 16: Writing Poetry
July 23: Walking the Labyrinth
July 30: Prayer as a Portal
August 6: Mindfulness 
August 13: Veganism
August 20: Trees: Bridges to Spirit
August 27: Everyday Spiritual Practices
FUSF is located at 262 Chestnut Street, Franklin and is a Unitarian Universalist  LGBTQIA+ Welcoming Congregation. For more information about the First Universalist Society in Franklin, please visit our website: www.FUSF.org or call the Office at 508-528-5348. 

Summer Services at First Universalist Society in Franklin
Summer Services at First Universalist Society in Franklin

Monday, May 15, 2023

Both the FHS Community Service & Empty Bowls Clubs help the Franklin Food Pantry this week

Via the FHS Empty Bowls Club

A set of avocado inspired vases will be for sale at the Empty Bowls Silent Auction, Thurs. May 18th, 6-8pm in the FHS cafeteria. 
Purchase tickets here: bit.ly/EmptyBowls2023
A set of avocado inspired vases will be for sale at the Empty Bowls Silent Auction
A set of avocado inspired vases will be for sale at the Empty Bowls Silent Auction



Via the FHS Community Service Club
hi everyone! just a reminder that our food drive ends this FRIDAY so please donate if you have not already!! 
Anything is appreciated :) https://t.co/OUxPLQuIn5


FHS Community Service Club food drive ends Fri, May 19
FHS Community Service Club food drive ends Fri, May 19

Tuesday, April 25, 2023

KP Sompally recognized by Boston Cares for Outstanding Volunteer Service

Boston Cares is the largest volunteer agency in New England, a member of the Points of Light Global Network, filling more than 20,000 volunteer spots annually in support of more than 150 Greater Boston schools and non-profit agencies.

This year Franklin Resident and 2020 Franklin council candidate, two time presidential award recipient KP Sompally has been presented with Best Outstanding Volunteer Service Award for his exceptional service to the homeless with Red Cross.

For the complete listing of 2023 recognition awards by Boston Cares ->

Boston Cares for Outstanding Volunteer Service
Boston Cares for Outstanding Volunteer Service 

Outstanding Volunteer Service
Outstanding Volunteer Service

KP Sompally recognized by Boston Cares for Outstanding Volunteer Service
KP Sompally recognized by Boston Cares for Outstanding Volunteer Service 

Tuesday, April 18, 2023

Worship Services for Children offered on Selected Saturday Evenings

Rev Kathy offers a simple, informal service geared for young children at both Grace and St John’s. The services include stories, crafts or other activities, easy fun songs, and a simple Eucharist (Communion) totaling about 30 minutes.

All families are invited to join us Saturdays at 5pm: 
April 22, 29 and May 27 at Grace Episcopal Church, 104 N Washington St, North Attleboro
April 15 and May 20 at St John’s Episcopal Church, 237 Pleasant St, Franklin

For more information:
Call 857-237-9428 Email Rector@StJohnsFranklinMA.org

Worship Services for Children offered on Selected Saturday Evenings
Worship Services for Children offered on Selected Saturday Evenings

Thursday, April 13, 2023

2023 Disability Expo - scheduled for Saturday, May 20, 2023

The 2023 Disability Expo is scheduled for individuals with disability, support persons, community partners, and more. It will be held at the Franklin Senior Center on Saturday, May 20, 2023 from 11 AM to 2 PM.

Representatives are scheduled to be on site to share a variety of resources regarding disability services that are available.

Questions? call Disability Chairperson Mary O'Neill at 508-440-1265

Download the flyer to share or as your reminder

2023 Disability Expo - scheduled for Saturday, May 20, 2023
2023 Disability Expo - scheduled for Saturday, May 20, 2023


Thursday, March 30, 2023

Holy Week and Easter service schedule for St John's Episcopal & Grace Church announced

You are invited to join in Worship and fun with us at St John’s Episcopal Church in Franklin and Grace Episcopal Church in North Attleboro:
  • Palm Sunday – April 2 at 10am at St John’s & livestreamed to Grace
  • Maundy Thursday with footwashing – April 6 at 4pm at Grace
  • Stations of the Cross – Fri, April 7 at 12 Noon at Grace
  • Good Friday Liturgy with Veneration of the Cross – April 7 at 7pm at St John’s
  • Easter Egg Hunt – Sat, April 8 at 10am on the lawn at St John’s
  • The Great Vigil of Easter – Sat, April 8 at 7pm at St John’s (begins outside)
  • Easter Day – April 9 at 10am at Grace

St John’s Episcopal Church, 237 Pleasant Street, Franklin
Grace Episcopal Church, 104 N Washington Street, North Attleboro

For more information:
Call 508-528-2387 Email Rector@StJohnsFranklinMA.org
Like us on Facebook  and Twitter
See our website at www.stjohnsfranklinma.org    

Friday, March 24, 2023

Children’s Services at St John’s in Franklin and Grace Church in North Attleboro scheduled for April 2023

Your family is invited to join us for Children’s Services at St John’s in Franklin and Grace Church in North Attleboro.

Join us for a simple, informal service geared for children on Saturday evenings, including stories, crafts or other activities, easy fun songs, and a simple Eucharist (Communion) totaling about 30 minutes.

St John’s Episcopal Church, 237 Pleasant Street, Franklin on April 15 & 29
Grace Episcopal Church, 104 N Washington St, North Attleboro on April 1 & 22

For more information:
Call 508-528-2387 Email Rector@StJohnsFranklinMA.org
Like us on Facebook  and Twitter
See our website at www.stjohnsfranklinma.org