Veterans Coffee scheduled for March 5 at the VFW Post 3402

March 5 at the VFW Post 3402

 

"Due to the Senior Center closure, our monthly Veterans Coffee Social will be held this month only (March) at the VFW Post 3402, 1034 Pond St, Franklin, MA"

Shared from ->   https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Eie4S96Vq/

MassVets: Veteran Financial Benefits

Massachusetts has a new MassVets Benefit Estimator, designed to help veterans and their families quickly determine their eligibility for monthly financial assistance. The MassVets Benefit Estimator provides a more seamless experience for veterans seeking financial relief through the Chapter 115 Safety Net Program. Massachusetts has the best veterans benefits in the nation and this new tool reaffirms our commitment to helping those who served our country and provides robust information on what’s available under Chapter 115.

Chapter 115 is a state-funded program that provides direct financial assistance to eligible Massachusetts veterans and their families who are facing financial hardship. Benefits may cover essential needs, including:

• Daily living expenses

• Medical and dental costs

• Rent and housing support

• Support for dependents

• Homelessness prevention

• Outpatient behavioral health services, including psychiatric care, substance use disorder treatment, and prescription assistance

With the passage of the 2024 HERO Act, Chapter 115 benefits have expanded, ensuring veterans do not lose eligibility due to annual cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) in state or federal benefits. Additionally, municipalities may now provide direct deposit options for faster and more convenient benefit distribution.

Shared from -> https://www.mass.gov/massvets-veteran-state-financial-benefits?

Veteran's Coffee Social at the Franklin Senior Center - Dec 4 at 10 AM

Join us for our Veteran's Coffee Social sponsored by Starbucks! We meet on the 1st Wednesday of every month from 10-11 AM

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-senior-center/events/358836

Veteran's Coffee Social at the Franklin Senior Center - Dec 4 at 10 AM

“Town Council Quarterbacking” with Council Chair Tom Mercer condenses the 3 hour meeting to 30 minutes (audio)

FM #1323 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1323 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares our “Town Council Quarterbacking” with Town Council Chair Tom Mercer. We had our conversation via the Zoom Conference Bridge on Thursday, November 21, 2023.  

• ok, what just happened? 

• What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?

Topics for this session

• The Elks Riders presented a check for $2000 to the Town and were recognized for their generosity

• The tax rate public hearing was held and after a brief presentation, followed by clarification questions from Councilors and community members, the Council vote to accept the rate at 11.62, down from 11.79 (due to the increased assessed valuation of the residential, commercial. and industrial properties in Town)

• Several zoning bylaw modifications were referred to the Planning Board. Once they review and respond, the measure will come back to the Council for public hearing and two readings before official vote to implement as proposed or modified

• Town Administrator Jamie Hellen outlined the alignment of stars to enable the start of the purchase of the unused rail bed from CSX to extend the SNETT rail trail to the Crossing and access to downtown Franklin. The process still requires multiple approvals including at the Federal level but this could be very beneficial for economic development

• Resolution 24-72: Local Acceptance of G.L. Chapter 59, Section 5, Clause 22I; moved, second, discussion. The Hero Act added a new provision effective July 1, 2025. This is a Local acceptance statue enabling annual cost of living adjustments. The measure passed 9-0

• Resolution 24-73: Local Acceptance of G.L. Chapter 59, Section 5, Clause 41C As Amended By Chapter 184, Section 51 Of The Acts of 2002; Moved, second, discussion; reduces required age from 70 to 65, increases ceiling on income levels, broadens ownership status, effectively beneficial for seniors that met these requirements. Thanks to recommendation from Max Morrongiello made earlier this year

The recording runs about 31 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Tom as we recap the Council meeting of Wednesday, November 20, 2024. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1323-town-council-quarterbacking-11-21-24/

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Franklin TV video ->  https://www.youtube.com/live/LbYhD3Ak3-4?t=137 

The Town Council full agenda doc ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/tc_agenda_nov_20_2024.pdf 

My set of notes in one PDF ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1FEABusbIglE2ocUlB9eKZfgBa2U2q00h/view?usp=drive_link 

Tax rate trend charts as mentioned during our conversation ->

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/11/annual-tax-rate-hearing-for-fy-2025.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

• And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do

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

For additional information, please visit 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 Quarterbacking” with Council Chair Tom Mercer condenses the 3 hour meeting to 30 minutes (audio)

Franklin VFW To Reactivate Post Auxiliary

Franklin VFW Post 3402 is working towards reactivating the Post Auxiliary and is seeking at least 15 qualified individuals to join.

Our original auxiliary closed in 2021 as a result of COVID.

In order to bring the auxiliary back, we’ll need to submit an application to the State VFW Auxiliary along with the names of 15 new members and supporting documentation establishing each potential member’s eligibility.

Franklin VFW To Reactivate Post Auxiliary

WHAT DOES THE AUXILIARY DO?

The Auxiliary and the Post work together to serve veterans and our community. The nice thing about joining a new auxiliary is it’s a blank slate and the new membership can make it what they want it to be. They’ll elect a slate of approximately 9 officers including a president, a Secretary/treasurer, and 3 trustees.

The Post (Jointly with the Franklin American Legion) currently does the following activities that we envision the Auxiliary helping us with. Of course, it’s up to the Auxiliary whether or not to participate and they’re also free to do their own projects.

1. Holiday dinner on Thanksgiving and Christmas for veterans and widows/widowers of veterans with no local family

2. Holiday gift drive for veterans and their families that receive services from the Franklin Veteran’s Service Office

3. Back to School drive to get backpacks and school supplies for kids of veterans served by the Franklin Veteran’s Service Office

The Post also conducts the following activities that we envision doing with the Auxiliary

1. Volunteer at the VFWMA District 5 Cookout for the patients and staff of the West Roxbury VA Hospital (typically held each June)

2. Volunteer at the VFWMA Annual Christmas Party for the kids at the Pappas Rehabilitation Hospital in Canton (the second Monday in December)

3. Participate in the VFW Day of Service (first Saturday each May)

4. Conduct the VFW Voice of Democracy and Patriot’s Pen Essay Contests for students in grades 6-12 (essays are due each October 31st)

We’re always looking for additional activities to get involved in and welcome suggestions from our post members and future auxiliary members!

 

WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO JOIN THE AUXILIARY?

The auxiliary is made up of certain male and female relatives of VFW eligible veterans who are at least 16 years old.

Eligible relatives include:

1. Grandparents

2. Parents

3. Spouse

4. Siblings

5. Children

6. Grandchildren

Steps and adopted count for eligibility. Unfortunately in-laws do not count.

The eligible veteran does not have to be a VFW member (but we’d love it if they were). They don’t need to be living either. As long as you can provide proof they qualified (DD-214 or similar) then you’re good. VFW Eligibility details can be found here https://www.vfw.org/join/eligibility

Eligible service for VFW Membership includes service in WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Gulf War, Afghanistan, Iraq, Inherent Resolve (ISIS), certain submarine duty, receipt of hostile fire/imminent danger pay, or service in Korea for 30 consecutive days or 60 non consecutive days.

HOW DO I GET MORE INFORMATION?

Please reach out to Franklin VFW Post Commander Ernest Carruthers via e-mail at post3402@vfwma.org or send a Facebook message to the Franklin VFW. You can also leave a message at the post at 508-533-2377.

You can visit the VFW National Auxiliary website here https://vfwauxiliary.org/

You can visit the VFW Massachusetts Auxiliary website here https://vfwauxma.org 

You can visit the Franklin VFW website here https://post3402.org/

For Veterans Day, share how you spot and avoid scams

For Veterans Day, share how you spot and avoid scams By Samuel Levine Every November, people put out social media posts to honor family and friends who've served in the military. But did you know that servicemembers and veterans reported losing more than $350 million to fraud last year?  Chances are, fraud has happened to someone you know. This year, make sure your Veterans Day tribute includes ways to help veterans, servicemembers, and military families spot scammers. Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2024/11/veterans-day-share-how-you-spot-and-avoid-scams?

For Veterans Day, share how you spot and avoid scams

Veterans Day Luncheon - November 11 - Elks Lodge

Veterans Day Luncheon - November 11

Originally known as Armistice Day, Veterans Day is a national holiday in the US, observed annually on November 11 to honor America's Veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.

Franklin's annual veterans day luncheon will be held on Monday, November 11 at 11 AM at the Elks Lodge at 1077 Pond Street, Franklin.

Reservations are required by November 1. Call: (508) 613-1315 to RSVP.

Thank you to the Elks membership for sponsoring the luncheon again this year!

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/veterans-services/news/veterans-day-luncheon-november-11th-elks-lodge

Veterans Day Luncheon - November 11 - Elks Lodge - Please RSVP by Nov 1

Veterans Day Luncheon - November 11 - Elks Lodge

Honoring those who served

Veterans Day Luncheon - November 11

Originally known as Armistice Day, Veterans Day is a national holiday in the US, observed annually on November 11 to honor America's veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve, and sacrifice for the common good.

Franklin's Annual Veterans Day Luncheon will be held on Monday, November 11 at 11 AM at the Elks Lodge at 2136 Pond Street, Franklin.

Reservations are required by November 1. Call: (508) 613-1315 to RSVP.

Thank you to the Elks membership for sponsoring the luncheon again this year!

Reminder: Franklin Fallen Heroes’ Upcoming Remembrance Ceremonies

In honor of the 45 Franklin Veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces, remembrance ceremonies are held on the anniversary of their KIA date. The ceremonies are led by members of the American Legion Post 75 and VFW Post 3402 and are held at 9:00 AM on the Veterans Memorial Walkway on the Franklin Town Common. Family members, friends and members of the community are all welcome to attend.

The Edward L. Grant American Legion Post 75 was named in honor of Fallen Hero Edward L. Grant, who was born and raised in Franklin. Grant attended Dean Academy (now Dean College) for one year and received undergraduate and law degrees from Harvard University. He was an attorney and major league baseball player, and one of the first men to enlist in the Army in WWI. American Legion Post 75 members are invited to attend Edward Grant’s remembrance ceremony on Saturday, October 5. 

October 

October 5 – Edward L. Grant – WWI

October 6 – Shane Cabino – Iraq

October 10 – Emilio Daddario – WWI

November

November 6 – Jay Stone Davis – WWI

November 7 – Lawrence J. Clark – WWI

November 11 – Daniel E. McCahill - WWII

November 30 – Robert L. Cummings – WWII

December 

December 6 – Harry R. Bean – Korea

December 28 – Charles E. Mason - WWII

For the full published series of Fallen Heroes you can visit this link
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/franklin-fallen-heroes-series.html

Photo album of the Fallen Hero pillars along the Veterans Walkway

https://photos.app.goo.gl/oRGdmq9krLNEBnjJ7

The video series of recognition ceremonies for 2024 (YTD) 

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/07/fallen-hero-recognition-ceremonies-for.html

Fallen Hero Recognition earlier this year

Women Veterans Self-Care Workshop - Sep 13

Women Veterans Self-Care Workshop: Healing Modalities

Calling all Women Veterans!

Women Veterans Self-Care Workshop

Join us for a free Self-Care Workshop in Franklin on Fri 13 Sept (12 noon) at the Franklin Senior Center.

The workshop will be facilitated by the new EOVS Program Director for the Women Veterans Network (WVN), Jessica Frost D.M.  

Lunch will be provided.  RSVP to snisbett@franklinma.gov

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/veterans-services/news/women-veterans-self-care-workshop-healing-modalities

Veterans Coffee Social scheduled for Weds, Sep 4 at 10 AM at the Franklin Senior Center

Veterans Coffee Social scheduled for Weds, Sep 4

 

"Hi Everyone!  

Our next Veterans Coffee Social is next Wednesday, September 4, 2024, 10 AM at the Senior Center. 

All veterans are invited!  

Coffee and pastries are provided by our wonderful friends at Starbucks!

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/p/za2oyp3RUKe7SqPG/

This Quarterbacking session condenses the Town Council Meeting to about 30 minutes for you (audio)

FM #1260 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1260 in the series. 

This session shares my conversation with Town Council Chair Tom Mercer. The Council met on Wednesday, August 14, 2024 for the first meeting of the Fiscal Year 2025. We met Thursday morning August 15, to recap and condense the 3 and 40 minute session to about 30 minutes. 

We look to focus on 

• ok, what just happened? 

• What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?

Topics for this session:

• Annual Reappointments and New Appointments of Boards and Committees Members

• PUBLIC HEARINGS

a. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-906: Changes to §185-3. Definitions, Mixed Use Development Definition

b. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-907R: Changes to §185-21 Parking, Loading and Driveway Requirements

c. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-908: §185 Attachment 7. Part VI, Addition of Mixed Use Development to Use Regulation Schedule

d. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-913: Zoning Map Changes from Business to Commercial I, an Area on Union Street Near Franklin Crossing

• PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION

a. Presentation & Discussion: 4H Alarm Robotics Club 2079

b. Discussion: Legislative Delegation - Senator Rebecca Rausch and Representative Jeffrey Roy

c. Discussion: Norfolk Registry of Deeds Update - Register William O’Donnell

• Resolution 24-51: Gift Acceptance - Fire Department ($100), Senior Center ($10,070), Veterans’ Services Department ($150)

• Resolution 24-52: Revised 2024 Town Council Meeting Schedule

The recording runs about 31 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Tom.

Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1260-town-council-quarterbacking-08-15-24/

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The Franklin TV video is available for replay ->   https://www.youtube.com/live/ucR5rvaR-Pk?si=guHDipisHqH_Q9hn&t=73 

Agenda and docs released for this session  -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/town_council_agenda_aug_14_2024.pdf 

My full set of notes as captured during the meeting via Twitter/X ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/10kZggKLArBB2AbSMxRKHWb8b2iUFIhZH/view?usp=drive_link 

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

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 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"

This Quarterbacking session condenses the Town Council Meeting to about 30 minutes for you (audio)