Senate President Karen Spilka: An invite to my 2025 Health and Wellness Fair - Oct 18

An exciting day at Keefe Tech on October 18

Dear friends —   My annual 55+ Health and Wellness Fair for active agers and those who love them is quickly approaching, and I'm inviting you, your loved ones, and your neighbors to join us for an exciting and informative day.   This year's event will be on October 18, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Keefe Regional Technical School in Framingham.    It is one of my favorite days of the year, and I hope you'll join us. Like in years past, this fun and free event will include more than 80 exhibitors, who will be sharing information and resources on ways to stay active, be mentally healthy, and plan for the years to come, no matter your age. This year I'm also happy to offer free health screenings, flu and COVID vaccines, workshops on fitness, healthy cooking, navigating social security, and much more.  Attendees can look forward to free breakfast and lunch, live music, free prize drawings from local MetroWest exhibitors, and exciting, interactive workshops.  Our event is free and open to everyone, including residents 55 and older and their family members.  Please RSVP to join us on October 18. If you've already registered, we look forward to seeing you there! Interested in being an exhibitor? We welcome all exhibitors who are interested in setting up a table that will help educate and inform aging members of the MetroWest community and their loved ones. Contact karen.spilka@masenate.gov for more information or register here. Visit karenspilka.com/fair2025 to learn more about the exciting day we have planned, and I can't wait to see you there.  Sincerely,   Karen E. Spilka  Senate President    karenspilka.com

Senate President Karen E. Spilka | Massachusetts State House Room 332 | Boston, MA 02133 US

You're Invited to the Community Conversation on the role of arts in supporting health & well being

The Town of Franklin is excited to welcome Michael Bobbitt, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Cultural Council, and Emily Devlin, LICSW, Head of Strategic Partnerships & Clinical Innovation at Art Pharmacy, for a Community Conversation on how the arts can play a vital role in supporting health and well-being in Franklin.

With funding from the Town opioid settlement funds, Franklin is launching Art Pharmacy—a nationally recognized program that connects individuals to arts and cultural engagements as a tool for healing, social connection, and overall wellness. The Town is rpiloting a program in Franklin specifically for substance use prevention, harm reduction, treatment, and recovery support.

You're Invited to the Community Conversation on the role of arts in supporting health & well being

We are seeking partners from across Franklin’s arts, culture, and social services sectors to help bring these programs to life. Whether you’re part of a cultural organization, a wellness or mental health provider, a social services agency, or a business focused on community well-being, this is an opportunity to collaborate and make a difference.

Wednesday, March 5 12 - 2 PM; At the Blackbox Theater, 15 W Central Street, Franklin, Massachusetts 02038

Join us to learn more about:

• How Art Pharmacy programs will positively impact Franklin
• Opportunities for local arts & culture organizations, social service providers, and community-focused businesses to become program partners
• The role of arts and culture in strengthening mental health, wellness, and social connection

Click here to RSVP to the conversation.

This community conversation is free and open to the public. Parking available onsite. For accessibility needs, please reach out to Cory Shea.

Bethany shares lessons from her Olympic journey, to help moms with their wellness (audio)

FM #1334 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1334 in the series. 

This session shares my conversation with Bethany Hart Gerry,  owner/operator of Destined 2 Evolve Wellness. We had our discussion in person at the Franklin TV & Radio studio on Tuesday, December 3, 2024.

Bethany Hart Gerry

We talked about 

• Bethany short story on how we got to the studio

• Her Olympic journey and lessons

• Her work focusing on wellness for moms

The audio recording runs about 35 minutes. Let’s listen in -> Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1334-destined-2-evolve-12-03-24/

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Bethany’s contact info -> bethany@destined2evolvewellness.com 

Destined 2 Evolve Wellness web page ->  www.destined2evolvewellness.com 

Instagram -> @destined2evolvewellness 

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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"

Moms Only Stroll in Holliston planned for Sep 27

Hello ladies,

Next walk will be hosted in Holliston!! See details below!! 

Where: Blair Square, Holliston Rail Trail, 62 Railroad St

When: Friday Sept 27 6 PM

Let me know you’re coming!! https://forms.gle/nNoCm98LJ1RAM7Ef8

I started the moms walks as a way to build community, encourage moms to carve out kid free time to re-energize, and also an opportunity to move our bodies!!  I also wish to support moms with my knowledge in all areas of wellness by providing webinars and other informational courses and events.  If you need this type of support, check out these events coming up soon!

FREE FALL WELLNESS WEBINARS!!

If you are struggling with low energy, constant overwhelm, irritability/mood swings, or not feeling good in your mind or body, feel free to check out my Rebuilding health webinar next Thursday!!  

Details and registration: https://forms.gle/dBbWzkLRvMeQnTi56

Both webinar details are in this form: 

#1 REBUILDING HEALTH IN MOTHERHOOD 

Thurs Sept 26th 12:30 pm (recording available)

#2 SUPPORTING YOUR BODY POSTPARTUM

Tues Oct 1st 10am (recording available) 

           

MOMS ONLY STROLL FB GROUP

Be sure to join the FB group to keep up to date if keeping track of emails is a challenge!

https://www.facebook.com/groups/2455463197972020/

--

Bethany Hart Gerry, CSCS, FDN-P

U.S. Olympian

Destined2Evolve Personal Training and Wellness

203-494-1261 (c)

www.destined2evolvewellness.com

IG @destined2evolvewellness

Sarah & Ariel reveals what's happening at the Senior Center this August 2024 (audio)

FM #1255 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1255 in the series. 

This session shares my conversation with Sarah Amaral, Director, and Ariel Doggett, Programming & Volunteer Coordinator with the Franklin Senior Center. We had our discussion at the Franklin Senior Center on Wednesday, July 31, 2024.

 

We talk about 

• Guided Meditation

• Intro to line dancing. Come learn the basics before joining our line dancing class at 11. 

• Neuroscience of Mental Health

• Hip Hop Chair Dance Class

• Laughter Yoga

• Pizza and Movie Night: If

• Eat Around the World: Iceland

• Memory Cafe 

• Monthly Party: Fish Fry with Barbershop Quartet

And many other aspects of the very busy and fun place that the Senior Center is for the whole community, not just seniors!

The show notes include links to the Senior Center page ,the calendar of events and to subscribe to the once  a month newsletter 

The recording runs about 30 minutes, so let’s listen in. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1255-franklin-ma-senior-center-august-2024-highlights-07-31-24/

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Franklin Senior Center page ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/fsc 

August newsletter -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/august_newsletter.pdf 

Subscribe to the newsletter -> by calling 508-520-4945

August 2024 Calendar of Events ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/node/39/events/month/2024-08 

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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

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"

Sarah & Ariel reveals what's happening at the Senior Center this August 2024 (audio)

Franklin Public Schools Wellness Advisory Council Recognized for Completing MA SWITCH Program

Superintendent Lucas Giguere and Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning Dr. Tina Rogers are pleased to share that Franklin Public Schools was recognized for completing the School Wellness Initiative for Thriving Community Health (SWITCH) Massachusetts Wellness Coaching Program.  

On May 21, Franklin Public Schools School Wellness Advisory Council (SWAC) was recognized at the Healthy Kids, Healthy Programs Summit by the Acting Commissioner of the Department of Education and Secondary Education (DESE). The District also received a large banner outlining the recognition that will be displayed on the fencing of the Oak Street Complex.

Franklin Public Schools Wellness Advisory Council Recognized for Completing MA SWITCH Program

The SWITCH program is a statewide initiative for supporting and advancing wellness efforts for Massachusetts students, schools and communities.
 
Members of the council worked to conduct a Wellness Policy Assessment, updating the policy to meet state and federal requirements, as well as action planning, prioritizing and implementing wellness initiatives and monitoring and evaluating results.

"I am very proud of our council members on this great accomplishment for our District," said Superintendent Giguere. "In our schools, we are dedicated to providing students with the top wellness practices, allowing for academic success and overall student performance."

The SWAC was created in 2013. It was established to recommend, review and help implement school district policies addressing school nutrition, nutrition education, physical activity and related issues that impact student health. The SWAC meets monthly and includes representation from students, parents, FPS staff, School Committee members and administrators from across the district developing programs that actively promote wellness in schools and maximize opportunities for grant awards.

The SWAC was selected to participate in DESE's two-year coaching model. The first year focused on evaluating and then revising Franklin's Wellness Policy using the WELLSAT Scorecard. The second year focused on implementing the policy.

Many community members have participated in SWAC over the years. Currently, the committee is chaired by Assistant Superintendent Dr. Tina Rogers and members include, Director of Food Services Colin Boisvert, Director of Life Long Learning Pattie Gay, YMCA Coordinator Krystina Edens, FHS Nurse Melissa Conroy, Community Member Elise Stokes, School Committee Member KP Sompally, Public Health Nurse Alisha Deptula,  Health and Wellness Director Kristin Letendre Smith, parent Stacey Federico,  Associate Director of Franklin Food Pantry Laura Doherty and three Franklin High School students.

On behalf of SWAC, "The SWAC Committee is fortunate to have built connections with many community partners. These relationships strengthen our initiatives by expanding our reach and providing support from businesses and organizations. We are grateful to these businesses and organizations for their support of education in Franklin."

SWAC will host a table at the June 14 Franklin Farmers' Market.

Five Days of Action for Child Abuse Prevention

As adults, perhaps our biggest responsibility in our lifetime is to protect our children, and the uncertainty of the world today has made that more important now than ever before. 

As part of our commitment to social responsibility to the communities we serve, the Hockomock Area YMCA, along with YMCAs throughout Massachusetts and across the nation will be sponsoring Five Days of Action for Child Abuse Prevention, a campaign committed to raise awareness and inspire adults to take an active role to protect children from sexual abuse.  Please visit one of our three branches to pledge to take action to protect kids all year long.

While child protection is our Y’s number one priority every day, this critical campaign will run April 15th through April 19th as we approach summertime, and will shine a collective spotlight on how everyone can do something to prevent child sexual abuse. 

5 Days of Action for Child Abuse Prevention

Our Y will share information and resources each day to our members and community partners about how adults can prevent, recognize and respond to child sexual abuse situations to keep children safe.

Statistics from Praesidium and the CDC indicate that 1 in 20 boys and 1 in 4 girls in the United States are sexually abused, typically by someone they know and trust. Child sexual abuse is happening regardless of age, gender, race, religion or socio-economic class.

But these are not just numbers. Behind every number is a child, a child who has been robbed of their innocence. A child whose life will forever have been changed by the heinous act of an adult. We owe it to our children, and we owe it to their future, to do better. 

Help us prevent child sexual abuse through Know, See, Respond.  When adults know how abuse happens, see the warning signs, and respond quickly to prevent abuse, they foster a culture of child abuse prevention. Together we can bring awareness to the issue of child sexual abuse in our communities and have important conversations on how we can all work together to prevent it from happening. Please join our YMCA to spread important awareness and resources with your social networks and family and friends around this devastating epidemic.

Our YMCA is proud to partner and collaborate with school systems, municipalities and other human service organizations throughout our service area to help bring awareness, education and training regarding this issue. We remain committed to this collaborative cause and our effort to be part of a community-based prevention movement.  

Our YMCA was awarded Praesidium Accreditation® in February by Praesidium, the leader in abuse risk management.  To achieve accreditation, our Hockomock Area YMCA underwent a rigorous process to implement Praesidium’s Accreditation Standards focusing on eight primary operational areas within our business: policies, screening and selection, training, monitoring and supervision, consumer participation, internal feedback systems, responding, and administrative practices. Praesidium then verified our Y’s successful implementation of these standards. The Hockomock Y will be accredited for three years, and during this time will commit to uphold fundamental organizational values and stringent safety practices that demonstrate our commitment to protecting those in our care from abuse.  We are proud to be part of the 24 YMCAs across the nation to reach this status and look forward to helping mentor other YMCAs in their process of becoming accredited.

As responsible adults, we need to give children a happy, healthy and safe childhood. Our world needs them, and they need us. Let’s give them the childhood they deserve.    

Jim Downs

CEO

Hockomock Area YMCA

www.hockymca.org