Showing posts with label veterans. Show all posts
Showing posts with label veterans. Show all posts

Wednesday, February 15, 2023

Calling All Veterans! Memorial Day Parade Participants Wanted - Join Us

Calling All Veterans!

Memorial Day Parade Participants Wanted - Join Us!

We're hoping to have one of the best Memorial Day Parades ever to honor the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military.

We're looking for Veterans who would like to be part of this event by helping to:
  • Set up the day of the parade (May 29, 2023) or
  • Direct parade participants or
  • Walk or ride in the parade
If you'd like to join us, please call Dick at: (508) 735-5509.

Calling All Veterans!  Memorial Day Parade Participants Wanted - Join Us
Calling All Veterans!  Memorial Day Parade Participants Wanted - Join Us

Shared from Town of Franklin page ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/veterans-services/news/calling-all-veterans

Sunday, February 5, 2023

Attention Franklin Senior Homeowners - You may be entitled to a $1,000 tax reduction

Attention Franklin Senior Homeowners
You may be entitled to a reduction in the real estate tax you're required to pay this year!  July 2022

You may be entitled to a $1,000 tax reduction if you have been continuously domiciled in Massachusetts for 10 years and have owned and occupied a Massachusetts property for 5 years;
-AND-

You are single,
Age 70 or older on July 1, 2022,
Your income last year was $22,837 or less, and
Your assets (checking, savings, bonds, etc.) not including your home were $37,984 or less.

-OR-
You are married,
One of you was age 70 or older on July 1, 2022,
Your income last year was $28,151 or less, and
Your assets (checking, savings, bonds, etc.) not including your home were $40,696 or less.

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

If you are over an above limit, you may still be entitled to a $369 tax reduction if
you have owned and occupied your Franklin property as your domicile for at least 5 years,

-AND-
Your assets (checking, savings, bonds, etc.) not including your home were $54,262 or less,

-AND-
You are a surviving spouse, any age;

-OR-
If you are single and 70 or older as of July 1, 2022,

-OR-
If you are married and one was age 70 or older July 1, 2022.

If you think you might qualify and need information or assistance in completing the application, call the Franklin Senior Center; 508-520-4945.

Some widows of veterans may be eligible for a tax exemption.
Please contact: Veterans' Services Office at (508) 613-1315


Attention Franklin Senior Homeowners - You may be entitled to a $1,000 tax reduction
Attention Franklin Senior Homeowners - You may be entitled to a $1,000 tax reduction 



Saturday, January 28, 2023

All Veterans are welcome to enjoy the February 2023 Coffee Social at the Franklin Senior Center

February 2023 Coffee Social

All veterans are invited for coffee and conversation!

We hope you can join us on Wednesday, February 1 at 10:00 AM at the Senior Center.

Our Coffee Socials are a great way to meet other local Veterans and hear about upcoming Veterans' events and activities. We meet the first Wednesday of the month, same place, same time. Coffee and pastry is generously provided by our wonderful friends at STARBUCKS, East Central Street, Franklin. 

If you know a Veteran who would like to come, please bring them along!

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/veterans-services/news/february-2023-coffee-social

All Veterans are welcome to enjoy the February 2023 Coffee Social at the Franklin Senior Center
All Veterans are welcome to enjoy the February 2023 Coffee Social at the Franklin Senior Center

Friday, January 27, 2023

Veterans Memorial Walkway Update - Order by April 1 for install by Memorial Day 2023

The next engraved brick installation on the Veterans Memorial Walkway on the Franklin Town Common is scheduled to coincide with Memorial Day in May

An engraved brick makes a great birthday or Mother's or Father's Day gift for your special veteran or current military service member. Brick order forms are available in the Town Hall and Senior Center lobbies as well as on the Veterans' Services page on the Town web site.  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/brick_order_form_with_shannons_name.pdf

The deadline for ordering is April 1, 2023. Call the Veterans' Services Office for more info: (508) 613-1315. 

Thank you to all who have supported the Walkway Project!


Veterans Memorial Walkway Update - Order by April 1 for install by Memorial Day 2023
Veterans Memorial Walkway Update - Order by April 1 for install by Memorial Day 2023

Tuesday, January 10, 2023

Greater Franklin Virtual Career Fair - Feb 8, 2023

MassHire Career Centers and the Town of Franklin Veterans Services have collaborated to provide job seekers of all backgrounds and experience the opportunity to virtually apply and meet with a variety of employers throughout Franklin and Surrounding Areas. 

Using the Premier Virtual platform, MassHire Career Centers will work with Job Seekers and Employers to make those important connections at your convenience from your own home!

Date: Wednesday, February 8 2023 
Time: 4:30 to 6:30 - General Public

Veteran Job Seekers receive early access!
Free for all job seekers and employers.


Step 1: Register for this event through Premier Virtual: Career Fair Registration Link 

PLEASE NOTE- All attendees must also be registered in Mass JobQuest as you need your JobQuest Job Seeker ID to complete your registration. Please visit: https://jobquest.dcs.eol.mass.gov/jobquest/LandingPage.aspx to register.


Step 2: Create Your Profile
If you have already participated in a Premier Virtual Event:
o Your profile will be saved and just needs to be updated.

If you have not participated in a Premier Virtual Event:
o Please follow the instructions provided by Premier. It is important to have a digital version of your resume ready to upload.

Once registered in Premier, a MassHire Representative will be in touch with all event details including the complete list of participating employers



Download the flyer as a reminder or to share with others

Greater Franklin Virtual Career Fair - Feb 8, 2023
Greater Franklin Virtual Career Fair - Feb 8, 2023


Sunday, December 4, 2022

This Town Council "Quarterbacking" session condenses the 11/30/22 meeting to about 28 minutes (audio)

FM #891 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 891 in the series. 


This shares my conversation with Town Council Chair Tom Mercer. This is one of a series of conversations meant to provide a recap of the prior Council meeting. Akin to one of the many sports post-game analysis broadcasts we are familiar with in New England,  this would be a discussion focused on the Franklin Town Council meeting of Nov 30, 2022


  • ok, what just happened? 

  • What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?


We cover the following key topics

8. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION

a. Presentation: Elks Riders Donation to Veterans’ Services Department


6. HEARINGS - 7:00 pm

a. Franklin Tax Classification Hearing

b. Resolution 22-77: Tax Classification Residential Factor

c. Resolution 22-78: Tax Classification Open Space Exemption

d. Resolution 22-79: Tax Classification Small Business Exemption

e. Resolution 22-80: Tax Classification Residential Property Exemption

f. Resolution 22-81: Tax Classification Senior Means Tested Exemption


g. Resolution 22-82: Declaration of Town-owned Property Containing “South Franklin Congregational Meeting House” Located at 762 Washington Street as Surplus and Authorization for Disposition (Sale) to Old Colony Habitat for Humanity


h. Resolution 22-83: Downtown Parking Lot Kiosks Authorization  


i. Resolution 22-84: 2023 Town Council Meeting Schedule


k. Resolution 22-85: Public Property Naming & Memorial Installation Policy


Our conversation runs about 28 minutes:


Links to the meeting agenda and associated documents released for this meeting are included in the show notes. 


Let’s listen to this session of Town Council Quarterbacking recorded Dec 1, 2022


Audio file -> 
https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-891-town-council-quarterbacking-12-01-22

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


Meeting agenda and documents released for this session ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/nov_30_town_council_agenda.pdf


Watch the Franklin.TV video replay on YouTube -> https://youtu.be/FXWkMcix63s


My notes in one threaded PDF document

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1uTxaQe3MXLug8od6xq5C_bqLzbDLoEjY/view?usp=share_link 


My 4 key tax rate charts as discussed in this session

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/11/good-news-tax-rate-is-going-down.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


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 your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"


South Franklin Congregational Meeting House
South Franklin Congregational Meeting House

Saturday, December 3, 2022

Town Council accepts Elk Riders donation, sets tax rate, approves sale of South Meeting House and more (audio)

FM #890 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 890 in the series. 


This session of the radio show shares the Town Council meeting held in Council Chambers on Wednesday, November 30, 2022. 7 members of the Council were present in the Council Chambers, one member remote (Pellegri) and one member absent (Dellorco), hence all votes were via roll call.


Quick summary of meeting:

  • Accepted donation from Elks Riders for the Veterans Services and Veterans Fund

  • Held the Tax Classification Public Hearing prior to approving the single rate at 12.58%. Overall residential assessments rose approx 17% resulting in the drop of the rate from 14.05 to 12.58. There were a series of votes to complete the formal process to set the rate for this Fiscal Year 2023

  • Approval to sell the Old South Meeting House to the Habitat for Humanity to convert to a single family affordable housing was granted by the Town Council to allow the Town Administrator to complete the paperwork and actions for the transaction

  • Formal approval to purchase the new kiosks to be used in the town parking lots to implement the parking bylaw changes approved in the prior meetings was granted

  • The Town Council approved as amended the calendar year 2023 meeting schedule. The one change was from Apr 9 to Apr 26. The document also included the Finance Committee and Community Preservation Committee proposed meeting schedules for reference. Those groups need to respectfully approve their own schedule

  • The policy to formally call out the process and approvals required for naming any public property was approved. It had been referenced many times that such a policy existed but when it was looked for it could not be found, hence this is now in place.  


The recording runs about 1 hour and 50 minutes, so let’s listen to the Town Council meeting on November 30, 2022.


Audio file ->  
https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-890-town-council-mtg-11-30-22


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


Meeting agenda and documents released for this session ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/nov_30_town_council_agenda.pdf


Watch the Franklin.TV video replay on YouTube -> https://youtu.be/FXWkMcix63s


My notes in one threaded PDF document (one correction, on the vote for the single tax rate my notes said the no vote was cast by Chandler when it was really Sheridan. Twitter doesn’t allow for editing tweets hence this note of acknowledgment.)

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1uTxaQe3MXLug8od6xq5C_bqLzbDLoEjY/view?usp=share_link 


My 4 key tax rate charts as discussed in this session

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/11/good-news-tax-rate-is-going-down.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


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"


Members of the Elks Riders presented a donation to the Veterans Fund
Members of the Elks Riders presented a donation to the Veterans Fund

Saturday, November 26, 2022

Franklin Veterans: December 2022 - Coffee Social - Dec 7 at 10 AM

Join Us for Coffee & Conversation!

Please join us for coffee and conversation with fellow veterans on Wednesday, December 7 at 10:00 a.m. at the Senior Center!

The Franklin Silvertones will perform a short program of holiday and patriotic tunes for your enjoyment!

December 7 is National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day...

 

Shared from ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/veterans-services/news/december-2022-coffee-social

Franklin Veterans: December 2022 - Coffee Social - Dec 7 at 10 AM
Franklin Veterans: December 2022 - Coffee Social - Dec 7 at 10 AM

Tuesday, November 22, 2022

Invisible People TV: "Veteran Homelessness: The War is Far from Over"

"Midterm election season has come to a close. Would-be leaders have engaged in heated debates. Maps of the United States have been posted online, stenciled, and colored in patriotic hues, the country taking on its patchwork of differing political opinions by presenting it to the public as a digital, color-coded pictogram.

Still, this is only part of the story.

As political ads fade back into the background and newly elected leaders take their posts, many of the diplomatic talking points that drove those campaigns will also dissipate, lost in the sea of social justice hashtags.

One of the biggest debates to take center stage in major metropolitan areas was homelessness. The discussion has captivated public interest in the wake of skyrocketing rents, astronomical housing prices, and unprecedented inflation levels. While the subjects of shelter beds, sweeps, and supportive housing fueled fiery discord across party lines, whether any of those words will give way to action remains a lingering hope yet to be seen."
Continue reading the article online at Invisible People TV ->

Credit Image: © Kenneth Martin/ZUMA Wire
Credit Image: © Kenneth Martin/ZUMA Wire

Thursday, November 17, 2022

Town Council recognizes Carloni, appoints Wallace, approves license for La Cantina, hears from the Recreation Dept, and more at their Wednesday meeting (video)

The Town Council held their session Wednesday in Council Chambers beginning at 7 PM. One member (Frongillo was remote) so all votes were via roll call. One member absent (Dellorco).

  • The meeting opened with recognition of Becki Carloni of the Franklin Fire Department for her off duty life saving effort at a sporting event.
  • The appointment of Alison Wallace to the Library Board of Directors was approved.
  • The Special License to allow sale of wine at 2022-2023 Franklin Winter Farmers’ Market by La Cantina Winery Company was approved. The first market is this Saturday from 10 AM to 2 PM.
  • Ryan Jette, Director of Recreation provided an update on the operation of the Recreation Department including near term plans and future plans.
  • There was also a discussion on the approach to determine the reuse of Davis Thayer. Consensus was to set up a Reuse Committee of town folks interested in this building and location to make a proposal to the Council for approval. Details on the volunteer application process will be forthcoming and the process will kick off sometime in 2023.
  • Legislation to approve of an increase to the minimum wage for both the senior citizen and veterans tax work off programs was approved.
  • Legislation to adjust the budget with some transfers and final numbers of state aid, etc. was approved. This had been previewed by the Finance Committee in their meeting last week and unanimously recommended. This adjustment step was needed before the tax rate is set. The hearing for the tax rate is scheduled for the Nov 30 Town Council meeting.
  • The Franklin Open Space and Recreation Plan Kickoff Process has begun. The Conservation Commission will lead this effort to update the plan.
The agenda and documents released for this session can be found

The Franklin TV video replay of the meeting is available on YouTube

My notes captured via Twitter during the meeting can be found in one PDF document ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Kcsiah2iONeLXjpPRlc9dOSEKNKpx8AQ/view?usp=share_link

firefighter/paramedic Becki Carloni Listens to Councilor Pellegri read the proclamation
firefighter/paramedic Becki Carloni Listens to Councilor Pellegri read the proclamation



Friday, November 11, 2022

Charity scams for veterans tug at heart strings and grab for wallets



Consumer Alerts from the Federal Trade Commission

By Terri Miller

Want to help charities that support servicemembers and veterans? Around Veterans Day, charity scammers seek to take advantage of your generosity. 

They contact you about fake veteran and military causes, tugging at your heart strings — and grabbing for your wallet. A little research will help you spot these charity scams and make sure your donations count.



Charity scams for veterans tug at heart strings and grab for wallets
Charity scams for veterans tug at heart strings and grab for wallets

Monday, October 31, 2022

TUNE IT OUT: Guitar Lessons for Veterans - Open House - Nov 15 at 5:30 PM

TUNE IT OUT: Guitar Lessons for Veterans - Open House
TUNE IT OUT: Guitar Lessons for Veterans - Open House
The Tune It Out program will hold an Open House for veterans interested in learning how to play the guitar.

When: November 15 from 5:30 to 6:30 PM

Where: Franklin Senior Center, 10 Daniel McCahill Street, Franklin

Call 508-613-1315


The Guitar lessons are free of charge. 

Veterans, thank you for your service!


Download a copy of the flyer as a reminder:

Saturday, October 29, 2022

Attention Franklin (MA) Veterans the next Coffee Social is scheduled for November, Nov 2, 2022 - 10 AM

Attention Franklin (MA) Veterans the next Coffee Social is scheduled for November, Nov 2, 2022 - 10 AM
Attention Franklin (MA) Veterans the next Coffee Social is
scheduled for November, Nov 2, 2022 - 10 AM

Franklin Vet Bob Crowley will give a brief discussion about his recent Honor Flight experience.

Join us for coffee and conversation on Wednesday, November 2 at 10:00 a.m. at the Franklin Senior Center.

Franklin Veteran Bob Crowley recently took an Honor Flight to visit the national memorials in Washington, DC. Bob will share photos and tell veterans how they can apply for an Honor Flight experience (at no cost) through Honor Flight New England.


Shared from Town of Franklin page ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/veterans-services/news/november-2022-coffee-social


Friday, October 28, 2022

Veterans' Call: PACT Act (video)

Hoping to learn more about the PACT Act

For an overview from local experts, visit https://youtu.be/-qzZkUMsheI

The show features guest speakers Matt Ching and Tom Ryan from the state of MA Department of Veterans' Services.  Matt and Tom are both National Service Officers who provide technical assistance and advice to VSO's regarding VA claims. 

Their expertise and knowledge helps Veterans across the Commonwealth,  so please take advantage of this opportunity to hear from them directly.

If you have any follow-up questions or want to file a claim, just give our office a call!  

Best regards, 

Shannon


Shannon Nisbett
Veterans' Services Officer
10 Daniel McCahill Street
Franklin, MA 02038
T: 508.613.1315



Tuesday, October 4, 2022

Tuesday, September 27, 2022

Hear about the Veterans' Bonuses available on the new "Veterans' Call" (video)

Hello all,

Please watch my recent interview with Steven Croteau, state Veterans' Bonus Manager, on Franklin TV's YouTube Channel!  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cPWo7SlM47A

We've also posted the link to the video on our website under News and Announcements.  https://www.franklinma.gov/veterans-services

Please spread the word and share this info with other veterans.  If you want to apply for a bonus, just give our office a call!

Sincerely, Shannon
--
Shannon Nisbett
Veterans' Services Officer
10 Daniel McCahill Street
Franklin, MA 02038
T: 508.613.1315

veterans memorial son the Franklin Town Common at night
veterans memorial son the Franklin Town Common at night



Friday, September 23, 2022

VETERANS' EXPO - SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 - 10 AM to 2 PM at the VA Brockton Campus

VETERANS' EXPO - SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 

- 10 AM - 2 PM at the VA Brockton Campus

Vets, Troops, Family & Friends are Invited! NEW COVID Boosters!

Live Bands, Music, Free Food, Fun Prizes! Jobs & Career Fair! 

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/veterans-services/news/veterans-expo-saturday-september-24-10-am-2-pm-va-brockton-campus

VETERANS' EXPO - SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 - 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. VA Brockton Campus!
VETERANS' EXPO - SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 - 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. VA Brockton Campus!

Wednesday, September 14, 2022

Women Veterans' Network to Host First Family Day in the Park!

Women Veterans' Network to Host First Family Day in the Park!

FREE Admission! Saturday, October 1 from 10 A.M. to 2 P.M. Food, Fun & Games!

The Massachusetts Women Veterans' Network will host the first ever FAMILY DAY on Saturday, October 1, 2022 at Greenhill Park in Worcester! See flier to register!

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/veterans-services/news/women-veterans-network-host-first-family-day-park

Women Veterans' Network to Host First Family Day in the Park!
Women Veterans' Network to Host First Family Day in the Park!