Updates from the Franklin Veterans Service Office - May 2025 Schedule

May 7– Veterans’ Coffee Social – 10:00 AM at the Senior Center. All Veterans are welcome to join us for updates, coffee and conversation! Socials are held the first Wednesday of every month.

May 9 – Military Spouse Appreciation Day – This date recognizes the services and sacrifices of military spouses. Thank you to all military spouses for your love, loyalty and support!

May 15 – Veterans’ Council/Memorial Day Parade Meeting – 7:00 PM at the Senior Center. All members of the community interested in Veterans’ activities are invited. Parade volunteers are needed.

May 17 - Armed Forces Day – An annual holiday observed to pay tribute to men and women currently serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. Thank you to all members of the U. S. Military. We salute you for your service and sacrifices!

 

Franklin Senior Center

May 23 – Memorial Day Breakfast – 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM at the Senior Center. RSVP by May 9, 2025. Veterans will be given first preference.

May 26 – Memorial Day - Honors the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. Military. The Memorial Day Parade will begin at 11 a.m., starting at Horace Mann School, right onto Oak St., continues onto Daniel McCahill St., continues onto Union St., left onto West Central St., left onto Emmons St., left onto Main St., ending on the Town Common, where a Memorial Day Ceremony will be held at 12:00 p.m. If any Veteran would like to participate in the parade, please contact our office.

Veterans Memorial Walkway - The May installation of engraved bricks on the Walkway will be completed by Memorial Day. Thank you to all who’ve supported this project by honoring their special U.S. Service Members with a brick. The next installation will be in November to coincide with Veterans’ Day. Brick order forms are available in the Town Hall and Senior Center lobbies and on the Veterans’ Services page on the Town website.

Please let our office know if you or a family member (residing in Franklin) is a Purple Heart recipient. National Purple Heart Day is celebrated on August 7 every year. 

The Tune It Out guitar lessons program for Veterans meets on Tuesdays at 5:30 PM at the Senior Center. There is no charge for lessons and no guitar experience is required. We have guitars! Call our office for details. 

The Warrior Within Yoga program for Veterans and First Responders meets on Thursdays from 6:00 – 7:00 PM at the Senior Center. Call our office to sign up.

 

 

Franklin TV: Our Memorial Day Events

When and Where?

by Pete Fasciano, Executive Director 04/27/2025

 

In recent years Memorial Day has taken on greater import – as it should. It’s a time for solemnity and remembrance of our best and bravest when it mattered most.

We’re posting this information well in advance of events so veterans can call for breakfast reservations and parade arrangements.

VETERANS: If you wish to walk or ride in the Memorial Day parade, please call Veterans’ Services at 508-613-1315 by May 1st.

Memorial Day Breakfast - 9 AM to 11 AM, Friday May 23rd, at the Senior Center. Call the veterans’ services office at 508-613-1315 for reservations by May 9th.

The Memorial Day Parade – 11 AM, Monday May 26th.
From Horace mann Middle School to Oak, Daniel McCahill and Union Sts., left onto West Central, left onto Emmons, and left onto Main St. to the Town Common.

Memorial Remembrances will be held prior to the parade at cemeteries located at: Dean College, Union St. and St. Mary’s Church.

The Memorial Day Ceremony – Noon, Monday May 26th. Town Common.
We will recognize and honor our Franklin veterans who have passed since last Memorial Day as well as Franklin’s 45 fallen heroes who died in combat.

Please note: In case of rain please check our Veterans’ Services web page:
www.franklinma.gov/335/veterans-Services for updates.

Let us all remember –
We are the land of the free because of the brave.

And – as always –

Thank you for watching.
Thank you for listening to wfpr●fm.
And staying informed at Franklin●news.

 

Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf   

Watch Listen Read all things that matter in Franklin MA

HOUSE TO HOUSE FOR HEROES - NORFOLK MA

VOLUNTEER NOW!

HOUSE TO HOUSE FOR HEROES IN NORFOLK ON MAY 3RD STILL TIME TO VOLUNTEER! The Norfolk County Sheriff's Office is proud to host House to House for Heroes veterans' outreach in Norfolk MA on Saturday, May 3rd, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. There's still time to volunteer and be part of this meaningful effort to support our local veterans by delivering resource packets door-to-door. Volunteers will meet at the Norfolk Fire Department, located at 117 Main Street. We're honored to have Jim Schweitzer as our honorary chair. Mr. Schweitzer is a Vietnam War veteran who has called Norfolk home for the past 40 years. If you'd like to show your appreciation for our veterans and lend a helping hand, you can sign up to volunteer here: Volunteer Registration.

Norfolk County Sheriff's Office | 200 West St | Dedham, MA 02027 US

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Wednesday, April 2, 2025 ???

Wednesday, April 2

* Franklin Art Association Art Show and Sale Exhibit (Norfolk Public Library)

10:00am Veterans Coffee Social (Franklin Senior Center)

7:00pm Freaky Friday (Dean College Main Stage Theater)

For additional details on Library & Senior Center events ->       

https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar.aspx?CID=37,24&showPastEvents=false

** Town Meetings today   **

BOARD OF HEALTH MEETINGS

Wednesday, April 2   Time: 5:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04022025-1656

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Why are there multiple calendars?

What's happening today in Franklin? 

Respectfully, the Library and Senior Center calendars are too full of events to include all their events so we tend to focus on the major events. Town and School meetings are also kept separate. Links for all the calendars are shared here:

Find the full Community event calendar  https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://bit.ly/Submit2Calendar

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/Calendar.aspx
The School district calendar is found  https://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/o/fpsd/page/school-calendars

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

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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!

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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"

“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