Breakfast4Vets: Fostering Community Unity and Empowering Veterans Through Sustainable Housing Solutions

On November 10, 2023, the Massachusetts Military Support Foundation (MMSF) proudly presents its annual Breakfast4Vets event. Coinciding with Veterans Day, this hallmark occasion will be hosted at the Resort and Conference Center in Hyannis, MA. Celebrating our nation's heroes, Breakfast4Vets unites the community in support of the Emergency Housing 4 Veterans (EH4V) program.

 

Breakfast4Vets: More Than a Meal, A Commitment to Change

 

The power of Breakfast4Vets extends beyond the generous breakfast banquet and thought-provoking conversations that have come to define this inspiring event. Guests' participation signifies a tangible commitment to the EH4V program, a critical initiative that provides transitional and permanent housing solutions for veterans in need.

 

As the morning unfolds, poignant narratives from veterans and community leaders illuminate the pressing issue of housing instability among our nation's heroes. Breakfast4Vets presents a call to action, inviting all attendees to stand in solidarity with the brave men and women who have served our country.

 

This year, MMSF is pleased to announce the extension of Breakfast4Vets to a monthly event, starting in December. "We anticipate that the event's popularity will increase its impact," explains MMSF spokesperson, Dawn Roche. "This extension of Breakfast4Vets signals our unwavering commitment to supporting veterans and their families who unexpectedly find themselves in need of emergency housing."

 

Your Invitation to Get Involved

 

Breakfast4Vets is an ongoing testament to the transformative power of community solidarity. In addition to its purpose of providing a platform for veterans to engage with their community, it offers local businesses and organizations the opportunity to demonstrate their support for MMSF's mission.

 

Roche states, "It's heartening to see the positive impact of Breakfast4Vets on the lives of the veterans in our community. Coming together to share a meal and a common cause reinforces our dedication to ensuring that our nation's heroes have a place to call home."

 

MMSF: Champions for Veterans

 

About Massachusetts Military Support Foundation

The Massachusetts Military Support Foundation, a non-profit organization, is devoted to delivering crucial support to veterans and active-duty military personnel in need. Its services span housing assistance, food programs, and counseling services, directly addressing the unique challenges faced by those who have selflessly served our nation.

 

For media inquiries about Breakfast4Vets or to schedule an interview, please contact Dawn Roche at (508) 737-0086 or dawnroche@mmsfi.org. For sponsorship information, to buy tickets, or to donate please visit mmsfi.org and click on "Veterans Day Breakfast4Vets."

 

Join us as we build bridges and strengthen communities, one breakfast at a time.

Breakfast4Vets: Fostering Community Unity and Empowering Veterans

Veterans Coffee Social for September 6, 2023 at the Senior Center

September 2023 Coffee Social

All veterans are invited for coffee and conversation!

WE HOPE YOU CAN JOIN US!

 

Veterans Coffee Social for September 6, 2023

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

Bricks Are Still Available for Order to install for this November on the Veterans Memorial Walkway!

Bricks Are Still Available on the Veterans Memorial Walkway!

Order by September 15, 2023 for November Installation

An engraved brick on the Veterans Memorial Walkway, on our beautiful Town Common, makes the perfect birthday, Mothers' Day, Fathers' Day or holiday gift for your special Veteran or current military service member.

Bricks are installed in May and November to coincide with Memorial Day and Veterans' Day.

Brick order forms are available in the Town Hall and Senior Center lobbies, on the Veterans' Services webpage and in the Veterans' Services Office.

After the brick is installed, a frameable certificate is sent to the brick purchaser. A brick locator link can be found on the Veterans' Services webpage so purchasers can easily find their brick on the Walkway.

To date, we have installed 1,849 engraved bricks in honor of U.S. service members. We will continue to sell bricks until all blank bricks have been personalized. 

Thank you to all who have supported the Veterans Memorial Walkway project!

Brick order form ->    https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/brick_order_form_with_shannons_name.pdf

Bricks Are Still Available for Order to install for this November on the Veterans Memorial Walkway!

Chapters - WFPR: "22 Mohawks" and Helping Our Veterans with Dave Campisano and Stacey Coyne (audio)

In this episode we speak with Dave Campisano and Stacey Coyne about 22 Mohawks; it's mission to help get veterans the physical, mental or financial support they need after returning home, Dave and Stacey's backgrounds with the military and military families, the struggles veterans often face and much more.

Links:

22 Mohawks Website -> www.22mohawks.com

Safe Coalition Website -> www.safecoalitionma.org

Audio file -> https://player.captivate.fm/episode/fed0d97a-a3d0-4e7f-a760-3fed42a1425c

Chapters - WFPR: Chapters with Jim Derick

Chapters - WFPR: Chapters with Jim Derick

In Chapters, Jim Derick sits down with guests and community member to share their exciting and emotional stories of hope, resilience and giving back.

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

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

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' Council Meeting scheduled for Aug 17 at 7 PM

August 2023 Veterans' Council Meeting

All Franklin residents are invited!

The Franklin Veterans' Council will meet on Thursday, August 17, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. at the Franklin Senior Center.

All Franklin residents (Vets and non-Vets) who are interested in Veterans' events and activities are invited.

Council meetings held from January through May also include the Memorial Day Parade Committee. Volunteers for this committee are always needed and welcome!

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/veterans-services/news/august-2023-veterans-council-meeting

on a hot day, trying to think cool thoughts

Recognition for Franklin's Purple Heart Recipients held at Senior Center Aug 2, 2023

The text for the recent Purple Heart Recognition Ceremony held at the Franklin Senior Center, Wednesday, Aug 2, 2023. Three of Franklin's Purple Heart recipients were present.

"The first Purple Heart was awarded by General George Washington, commander­ in-chief of the Continental Army, on August 7, 1782 to recognize meritorious service in combat, but it quickly fell into disuse. Revived in 1932, the criteria for receiving the Purple Heart award was changed to recognize those who sustained combat injuries or passed away while serving in the U.S. Military. It is believed that the award is purple because the color represents courage and bravery.

National Purple Heart Day, which is celebrated on August 7 each year, offers Americans a special opportunity to say "Thank You" to the nearly two million brave men and women who fought for our nation's freedom and bear the scars of war.

There are currently 64 Franklin Purple Heart recipients in our database. We recently added Franklin's 45 fallen heroes to our list - those who made the ultimate sacrifice and died while serving our country from WWI to present day. If you know a Franklin resident who is a Purple Heart recipient, please let our office know and we will reach out to them to add them to our database.

The following Franklin Purple Heart recipients are joining us today or are represented by a family member. Please stand, if you are able, when your name is called:

Bob Gardner, Richard Douglas, Roger Gilbert

Larry Bederian, Richard Douglas, Gerald Dauley, Bob Gardner, Roger Gilbert and Philip Messere.

Thank you all for your service and sacrifices and thank you those who are here on behalf-of their family members who were awarded-the Purple Heart.  

Thank you to all Veterans, here with us today, for your service and sacrifices. Let us always remember ... America is the land of the free because of the brave.

This concludes our Purple Heart recognition. Please enjoy the coffee and refreshments provided by our wonderful friends at Starbucks East Central Street, Franklin. Special thanks to Starbucks' associates Jeff and Ashley for being with us today and thank you again to Rayna Nesbitt for her lovely performance."

The 45 Fallen Heroes marked with the pedestals along the Veterans Walkway on the Town Common:

Lawrence J. Clark 

Elijah H. Coldwell 

Emilio Daddario 

Jay Stone Davis 

Edward L. Grant 

Albert E. Johnson

W. Franklin Lynch 

Alfred L. Mucciarone 

James P. Murray 

Alesandro Patete 

Levi Pieri

Patrick Ristaino 

Frank J. Smith 

David Bullukian 

Charles Christakes 

Robert L. Cummings 

Edward C. Dailey 

Elton E. Ekstrom

Lloyd Ellis

Howard T. Feeley 

Frank Grzyboski

Timothy J. Hayes

William G. Hosford

John J. Kell

Edward A. Kelly 

David Laughlan III 

Baldo S. Lazzerini 

William 0. Martello 

Charles E. Mason 

Daniel E. McCahill

Anthony J. Mucciarone, Jr. 

Gerald M. Parmenter

Jules E. Perret 

Marshall E. Rollins J

ohn A. Schur

John W. Wyllie, Jr. 

Harry R. Bean 

Richard L. Desper

Lawrence E. Garron, Jr. 

John E. Pasquantonio 

Joseph R. Paulette 

Russell W. Shaw

Alan W. Willard 

Shayne M. Cabino 

Robert R. Pirelli

Veterans Coffee Social scheduled for Wednesday - August 2, 2023 - 10 AM

Come to the Franklin Senior Center Café and enjoy coffee and with other veterans. In honor of National Purple Heart Day, we will recognize several Franklin Purple Heart recipients at this Social.

Refreshments will be provided by our wonderful friends at Starbucks!

All Veterans Are Welcome!

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

Veterans Coffee Social scheduled for Wednesday - August 2, 2023 - 10 AM

Veterans' Council Meeting for August 2023 - Aug 17 at 7 PM

August 2023 Veterans' Council Meeting

All Franklin residents are invited!

The Franklin Veterans' Council will meet on Thursday, August 17, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. at the Franklin Senior Center.

All Franklin residents (Vets and non-Vets) who are interested in Veterans' events and activities are invited.

Council meetings held from January through May also include the Memorial Day Parade Committee. Volunteers for this committee are always needed and welcome!

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/veterans-services/news/august-2023-veterans-council-meeting

on a hot day, trying to think cool thoughts

The Franklin Veterans' Council is scheduled to Meet - Thursday, June 15 at 7 PM

All Franklin residents are invited!

The Franklin Veterans' Council will meet on Thursday, June 15, 2023 at 7:00 PM at the Franklin Senior Center.

All Franklin residents (Vets and non-Vets) who are interested in Veterans' events and activities are welcome!

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/veterans-services/news/june-veterans-council-meeting

The Franklin Veterans' Council is scheduled to Meet - Thursday, June 15 at 7 PM

Town of Franklin Memorial Day Ceremony on the Town Common - 05/29/23 (audio)

FM #1001 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1001 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the audio of the Town of Franklin Memorial Day ceremony held on the Town Common at the end of the parade on Monday, May 29, 2023. The day was gloriously sunny, with a gentle breeze. The crowd was mostly finding shade and in good voice when required.

Veterans Service Officer Shannon Nisbett is the master of ceremonies and introduces each speaker. A copy of the program in PDF form is listed below.

The ceremony runs about 40 minutes. 

Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1001-town-of-franklin-memorial-day-2023-ceremony-05-29-23

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

The Memorial Day Program (PDF) ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-a7EJgglakr-QIkNJT0fzcZobhu2Fukc/view?usp=drive_link 

My photos (for both the parade & ceremony) are found in one album -> 

https://photos.app.goo.gl/bWv3d6SUt3o7ZPk59 

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

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"

Rev Doreen Oughton provides the blessing

Veterans' Council Meeting - Thursday, May 18 at 7 PM

May Veterans' Council Meeting

All Franklin residents are invited!

The Franklin Veterans' Council will meet on Thursday, May 18, 2023 at 7:00 PM at the Franklin Senior Center.

All Franklin residents (Vets and non-Vets) who are interested in Veterans' events and activities are invited.

Council meetings from January through May also include the Memorial Day Parade Committee. Volunteers for this committee are always needed and welcome!

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/veterans-services/news/may-veterans-council-meeting

Veterans' Council Meeting - May 18

Historical Museum offering to interview and/or record stories of Veterans' military service

In honor of Memorial Day Weekend, the Franklin Historical Museum will be open for its regular Saturday hours, May 27, 10 AM to 1 PM, and is welcoming Veterans to drop by at the museum (always free). 

Any veterans interested in sharing their stories of military service will be informally interviewed and (with their permission) recorded -- providing a chance to share their valuable recollections!  

For more information on this specific program, please email Alan Earls (alan.r.earls@gmail.com) or just drop by!

The museum is located at 80 West Central Street, is wheelchair accessible and entry is always free.

You can also visit the Historical Museum on the web at
http://franklinhistoricalmuseum.org/   

or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/FHM02038

Franklin Historical Museum, 80 West Central St 

April Veterans' Council Meeting - Thursday, Apr 27 - 7 PM

Join us! Thursday, April 27, 2023 - 7:00 p.m.

The April Veterans' Council/Memorial Day Parade meeting will be held on Thursday, April 27, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. in the Senior Center.

We'll move back to our regular schedule, the third Thursday of the month, in May. That meeting will be held on Thursday, May 18 at 7:00 p.m. at the Senior Center.

All Franklin residents interested in Veterans' activities and events are welcome to join us!

April Veterans' Council Meeting - Thursday, Apr 27 - 7 PM

Veterans' Call Featuring American Legion Post 75 (video)

If you've ever wanted to know more about American Legion Post 75, this is your chance!

Please watch the latest Veterans' Call episode featuring Post 75 Commander John Milot.  He discusses all the excellent work the Legion does for the greater Franklin Veteran community.  

He also talks about membership in the Legion--it's the perfect time to sign up with their annual membership drive currently underway!

Here's the link:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N4kDjkeEdcI

Please share to help get the word out.  Have a great day!

Sincerely, 

Shannon

--

Shannon Nisbett

Veterans' Services Officer

10 Daniel McCahill Street

Franklin, MA 02038

Email: snisbett@franklinma.gov

T: 508.613.1315

Comedy Night to benefit Clear Path for Veterans programs - April 22, 7 PM

Join us for a fun night on Saturday, April 22, that will benefit Clear Path for Veterans programs and services and the Franklin Rotary Club.

With your help, we will continue to provide much-needed support to local veterans and the community.

A cash bar will be available at 6 PM. If you are joining us for dinner, the Buffet will be open from 6 to 7 PM, and the event begins at 7 PM.

The event will include raffles and a door prize.

Follow news about the event on Facebook and invite your friends and family to join you.

The event is held at the Franklin Elks, 1077 Pond Street, Franklin MA

Follow the Facebook event -> https://www.facebook.com/events/758142929063447/

Comedy Night to benefit Clear Path for Veterans programs - April 22, 7 PM

Massachusetts Department of Revenue - Tax Assistance for Veterans

Massachusetts Department of Revenue - Tax Assistance for Veterans

State Taxes Only

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/veterans-services/news/free-tax-preparation-qualified-veterans

Massachusetts Department of Revenue - Tax Assistance for Veterans - State Taxes Only

FREE Beginner Yoga Class for Veterans - March 24

FREE Beginner Yoga Class for Veterans

Friday, March 24, 6:15 PM - Vets and Spouses/Partners Invited!

Christopher Boehm, Veteran, and Certified Yoga Instructor, invites Vets and their spouses/partners to join him on Friday, March 24 at 6:15 PM for a FREE BEGINNER yoga class at Franklin Family Karate.

Interested? Email Chris at: christopher.m.boehm@gmail.com

See flier for details!

Shared from ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/veterans-services/news/free-beginner-veterans-yoga-class

FREE Beginner Yoga Class for  Veterans - March 24

Franklin VFW's Annual Corned Beef Dinner - Dine in or Take Out!

Franklin VFW's Annual Corned Beef Dinner - Dine in or Take Out! 

Saturday, March 11, 2023, 6:00 pm

VFW Post 3402 is hosting their annual Corned Beef Dinner and Voice of Democracy Awards 

Saturday, March 11, at 6:00 PM

Dine-in or Take-Out... All are invited!

VFW Post 3402 - 1034 Pond Street - Franklin 

See flyer for ticket info

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/veterans-services/news/franklin-vfws-annual-corned-beef-dinner-dine-or-take-out

Franklin VFW's Annual Corned Beef Dinner - Dine in or Take Out!

March Veterans' Coffee Social - LOCATION CHANGE to VFW Post

March Veterans' Coffee Social - LOCATION CHANGE

All Vets are invited!

PLEASE NOTE THE LOCATION CHANGE FOR THE MARCH 2023 COFFEE SOCIAL!

Please join us for coffee and conversation with fellow Veterans on Wednesday, March 1 at 10:00 AM at the VFW Post 3402 at 1034 Pond Street, Franklin.

Thank you to the VFW for offering their space to us while the Senior Center is undergoing repairs due to the flood earlier this month. Many thanks to Diana and her Associates at the East Central Street Starbucks for their flexibility and generosity. We are so appreciative!

Hope to see you all there on March 1! 

Shared from ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/veterans-services/news/march-veterans-coffee-social-location-change

March Veterans' Coffee Social - LOCATION CHANGE to VFW Post