Attention Veterans: Accessing Urgent Care

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

ACCESSING URGENT CARE

VA offers eligible veterans an urgent care benefit for the treatment of minor injuries and illnesses at retail and urgent care providers who are part of VA's contracted network. The urgent care benefit is offered to Veterans in addition to urgent care and same-day services VA provides through its medical facilities.

What type of care do urgent care providers provide?

Urgent care providers treat injuries and illnesses that require immediate attention but are not life-threatening, such as influenza, minor burns and skin infections.

Am I eligible for urgent care?

To be eligible for the urgent care benefit, you must (1) be enrolled in the VA healthcare system and (2) have received care through VA, from either a VA or community provider within the last 24 months.

How do I access urgent care?

If you're eligible, look up the nearest urgent care provider in VA's contracted network by using the VA's facility locator at: https://www.va.gov/find-locations/ and click on the link entitled "Find VA-approved urgent care locations and pharmacies near you." You can also call your local VA medical facility to find an in-network urgent care provider.

What do I do when I arrive?

Tell the urgent care provider you would like to use your VA urgent care benefit and confirm that they are part of VA's network. They will confirm your eligibility for the benefit. If there is an issue verifying your eligibility, call 1-833-4VETNOW (1-833-483-8669) or your local VA medical facility for assistance.

Will I have to pay any fees and/or co-payments out-of-pocket?

You may be charged a co-payment that is different from other VA medical co-payments.

Co-payments depend on your assigned priority group and the number of times you visit an urgent care provider in a calendar year. There is no limit on the number of times you can access urgent care.

Co-payments are NOT paid out-of-pocket at the time you receive care - they are billed separately by VA.

Can I use urgent care as a replacement for my primary care needs?

No. Urgent care is not a replacement for preventive health care or management of chronic and/or complex health conditions. You should work with your primary care provider for this type of care. If you go to an urgent care provider and receive non-covered services, you are responsible for the full cost of care.

Is urgent care prescription medication covered by VA?

VA will pay for or fill prescriptions resulting from your urgent care visit. Urgent care prescriptions for medication longer than a 14-day supply must be sent to VA to be filled. You can fill a 14-day supply of medication written by an urgent care provider at (1) a contracted pharmacy within the VA network, (2) a non-contracted pharmacy that is not part of the VA network, or (3) directly at VA. If a non-contracted pharmacy is used, you must pay for the prescription and then file a claim for reimbursement with your local VA medical facility.

Do I have to pay a co-payment for urgent care prescription medication?

You may be required to pay a co-payment for medication. These will be billed separately to you by VA as part of VA's normal billing process.

Does VA reimburse beneficiary travel for an urgent care visit?

VA reimburses beneficiary travel (BT) for eligible Veterans who must travel to receive community care. Payment is made for the distance to either the nearest VA or community medical facility that could have provided the care or services.

How do I find a VA medical facility?

Use VA's facility locator at: https://www.va.gov/find locations/

How do I find an in-network pharmacy?

Use VA's facility locator at: https://www.va.gov/find-locations/ and click on the VA-approved urgent care locations and pharmacies near you.

What services are covered?

Find a list of services at: https://www.gov/COMMUNITYCARE/programs/veterans/Urgent_Care.asp

Shared from the Town of Franklin page 
https://www.franklinma.gov/veterans-services/news/accessing-urgent-care
  

Attention Veterans: Accessing Urgent Care

Ask Franklin Matters: You ask the question, we'll get the answer!

New form to "Ask Franklin Matters" a question about the Town of Franklin. You ask the question, we'll get the answer!

Some of the questions may get queued for the regular Franklin Matters Radio show with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen.

Form link -> https://forms.gle/inzMdvBuQoaiM6ke6

** Anonymous questions are NOT likely to be answered **

Ask Franklin Matters: You ask the question, we'll get the answer!

Town Council - Rep Roy - Office Hours - Feb 20 - 8:30 AM

1

Town Council Office Hours

Franklin Senior Center

10 Daniel McCahill Road, Franklin, MA

Third Thursday/Monthly 8:30 AM

The Town Council will be holding monthly office hours at the Franklin Senior Center. One or more Councilors, along with the Town Administration, ​may​ be present for this standing time for seniors, their families and residents to ask questions, discuss issues of concern or just enjoy a complimentary cup of coffee!

Shared from the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/2020_town_council_senior_center_monthly_hours.pdf
 

2 

 Representative Jeff Roy
Franklin Office Hours

Franklin Senior Center

10 Daniel McCahill Road, Franklin, MA

Third Thursday/Monthly 8:30 AM

Have any questions or concerns about your state government? Please join me at office hours!

All office hours are open to any residents of Franklin and Medway who may have questions or concerns that they wish to bring to my attention. Walk-ins are welcome; no appointment necessary. James Gay, my staff director, will be accompanying me.

I look forward to hearing from you!

Follow the Facebook event
https://www.facebook.com/events/181589206267181/

Town Council - Rep Roy - Office Hours - Feb 20 - 8:30 AM

FM #208 - Jamie Hellen on Municipal Aggregation

This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 208 in the series. We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm).

During the Town Administrator’s Report segment of the Town Council meeting, Feb 12, 2020, there was a good piece of news. Municipal aggregation is finally here with a good deal.

What is municipal aggregation?

“It seeks to aggregate consumers in the Town to negotiate rates for power supply. It brings together the buying power of over 32,000 consumers. Furthermore, the Town seeks to better manage energy prices.

Participation is voluntary for each eligible consumer. Eligible consumers have the opportunity to decline service provided through the Plan and to choose any Competitive Supplier they wish.“

On your electric bill, there are two sections, one for delivery services, and one for the cost of the electricity itself. With aggregation, Franklin has just signed a contract to deliver electricity at a cost of only 10.5 cents for three years. This is one, an improvement over the current rate (around .14 cents) and two, confirms the rate for three years.

This is a good deal. More will be forthcoming on this as we get closer to Sep/Oct 2020. There will be additional information shared, info on how to opt out (accepting a rate other than the 10.5 cents confirmed for three years), etc.

Let’s listen to Jamie Hellen talk about the municipal aggregation deal at the Town Council meeting.

Additional info will be provided at the Town Council meeting on March 4, 2020.

Links to the archives for prior posts on municipal aggregation which was initially approved by the Town Council in 2016 are provided in the show notes


Audio file  https://player.captivate.fm/episode/d8099baa-7dc9-49c7-b55a-cfdb619a52d2

From the archives:

Aggregation Plan released for Town Council meeting review and discussion
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/02/municipal-aggregation-program.html

Link to Municipal Aggregation docs on Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinma.gov/administrator/pages/municipal-aggregation-documents

Embedded copy:




From the Town Council meeting where this was approved
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/03/live-reporting-legislation-for-action.html

Aggregation Presentation doc - March 9, 2016
https://www.slideshare.net/shersteve/franklin-community-choice-aggregation-program

Franklin Community Choice Aggregation Program from Franklin Matters

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

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but I can't do it alone. I 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 this, please let me know

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

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/
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"

FM #208 - Jamie Hellen on Municipal Aggregation

FM #207 - Technology Director Tim Rapoza - Feb 11, 2020 (audio)

FM #207

This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 207 in the series. We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm).

At the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting held on Feb 11, 2020, Technology Director Tim Rapoza presented a detailed overview of how his department supports and enables all of Franklin’s technology needs (both Town and schools).

Of all the updates on Technology that I have seen over my years of reporting, this is the most comprehensive and easily the most up to date as it contains all the current numbers.

When you stop to think about it, the Town of Franklin is really a service organization. Yes, it is a government entity with Town and School separation on some items (one of the key collaboration points is technology).

The Town exists to provide services to its residents: education, fire protection, police and other emergency response, roads maintained and plowed, recreation, library, senior services... The list is extensive.

These services are delivered all or in part with technology. How is it done? Let’s listen to Tim explain. The recording includes the Q&A with the School Committee and runs approx. 62 minutes.

School Committee Chair Anne Bergen introduces the agenda item. Superintendent Sara Ahern provides a more detailed intro and overview while Tim set up his laptop.

Links to the Town of Franklin Technology page and to the presentation document are included in the show notes so you can follow along.

Technology page:  https://www.franklinps.net/district/educational-technology

Presentation doc link: https://www.slideshare.net/shersteve/technology-presentation-2112020

Presentation doc:

Technology Presentation - 2/11/2020 from Franklin Matters

https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HsQxnhgX




This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but I can't do it alone. I 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 this, please let me know

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

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/
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"

FM #207 - Technology Director Tim Rapoza - Feb 11, 2020 (audio)

FHS girls basketball top Cathedral to win the Comcast Classic; Brigham named Hockomock Player of the Week

Via HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the FHS winter sports action on Monday

** Girls Basketball = Franklin, 73 vs. Cathedral, 56 – Final
– Franklin closed out a perfect regular season with its second straight 17-point win against a highly-ranked opponent at the Comcast Classic. Ali Brigham scored 16 of her game-high 22 points in the second half, but she also got plenty of help, as Franklin got another strong team effort in the win. Megan O’Connell scored 16 points and Olivia Quinn had a double-double, scoring 14 points and grabbing 14 rebounds.

For other results around the Hockomock League on Monday
https://hockomocksports.com/mondays-schedule-scoreboard-02-17-20/


** Player of the Week: Ali Brigham, Franklin Basketball

"Franklin senior Ali Brigham has been selected as the HockomockSports.com Player of the Week, presented by Morse Insurance, for Feb. 9 through Feb. 15. Brigham is the 21st player chosen as Player of the Week for the 2019-20 school year and the 10th for the winter season.

Brigham, the reigning Hockomock League MVP and HockomockSports.com Player of the Year, powered Franklin to another dominant week, as the Panthers closed out a perfect run through league play and made a statement with a big win against fellow Div. 1 state title contender Bridgewater-Raynham. In the process, Brigham has closed in on 1,600 career points, putting her in range to pass Kelly Meredith’s school scoring record (male of female) of 1,632.

“Ali has transformed our program,” said Franklin coach John Leighton. “She is a special athlete who draws the attention of every opponent. Yet, she welcomes the challenge. Ali has looked out of double teams to create offense through her teammates. As a coach it is very rewarding to have a player of Ali’s caliber who is always seeking to improve.”

Continue reading the Player of the Week write up
https://hockomocksports.com/player-of-the-week-ali-brigham-franklin-basketball-2/

Player of the Week: Ali Brigham (HockomockSports.com photo)

St. Mary's Women’s Faith Formation Group - March 7

The St. Mary's Women’s Faith Formation Group invites all interested women to attend a monthly program based on Bishop Robert Barron’s critically acclaimed “Catholicism” series. Our next meeting will take place on March 7 from 9:30-10:30 AM in the Sacred Heart Hall in the lower church, located at One Church Square, Franklin, MA. 

We meet on the first Saturday of each month. The videos are independent segments, so it is easy to join us at any point in the series. 

Come with an open mind, a willingness to share in informal discussion and a desire to learn more about our Catholic faith. Light refreshments will be served. All are welcome.

St. Mary's Women’s Faith Formation Group - March 7

Franklin Library: Avoiding Age Discrimination - Feb 18

Avoiding Age Discrimination: 

A Workbook for Baby Boomers

Tuesday, February 18, 2020 - 6:30 PM

People often worry about age discrimination when seeking new employment, spending an inordinate amount of time convincing themselves that they are no longer relevant in the workforce. We will address how job seekers can overcome age bias and turn their fears into selling points. This workshop is free and open to the public.

Shared from the Franklin Public Library page
https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library/events/248413

Franklin Library: Avoiding Age Discrimination - Feb 18

No delay in trash/recycle schedule this week

While this is not a delayed trash/recycling pickup week, here are a couple of friendly reminders:

• Please remember to keep carts three feet apart for collection to ensure that the truck has proper access and near the curb so the truck can access the cart. Recycling cannot be put into bags as the automated sorting process cannot open bags. Any bagged recycling will be processed as trash and is prohibited per town bylaw 151-7.

• Please be aware that putting trash (including any plastic bags) in your recycling cart may result in a fine of up to $100; any hazardous materials, televisions, air conditioners, etc. could result in a fine of up to $300.

 
Visit the Recycling and Solid Waste page for additional info
https://www.franklinma.gov/recycling-solid-waste

Download your copy of this one page reminder on recycling: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1z97AooY4FoXA7kKJlMg9p9zMd9FD6fFx/view?usp=sharing

No delay in trash/recycle schedule this week

FM #206 - SAFE Coalition open house and dedication - Feb 13, 2020 (audio)

FM #206

This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 206 in the series. We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm).

The SAFE Coalition open house and dedication ceremony was held on Thursday, February 13, 2020. They opened their new offices at 206 Dedham St. nearby in Norfolk. 

They have office space for conversations with individuals or with small groups. They have the “In Plain Sight” display set up in its own room, rather than moving it around, as they have for several years. They have a good size meeting room to hold their workshops and seminars.

After 5 years of working virtually, it is good to have a place to call home.

Here is the audio recording of the dedication and remarks. The order of speakers: Jim Derick, Jennifer Knight-Levine, Rep Jeff Roy, and District Attorney Mike Morrissey. Brian and Robin Hamlin also spoke eloquently about addiction and recovery. The space is dedicated to their son Brian Jr.

The show notes include links to the SAFE Coalition web page, map of the new office location, the Milford Daily News article on the opening and my photos of the event.

Without further ado, let’s listen to the dedication audio, approx. 50 minutes

https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/H1Fy41HX





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

For more about the SAFE Coalition, you can visit their page https://www.safecoalitionma.org/

Visit them at their new offices https://goo.gl/maps/9qjKCQ71j9jzZTTv6

Download their booklet “WHAT DO WE DO NOW?: Navigating The Substance Abuse System in Massachusetts” https://aff73139-bf6f-45ce-ad67-a9200941a860.filesusr.com/ugd/bb33cc_9824791cc5894ef8b7575e776b56567a.pdf

Milford Daily News article on the opening
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/02/heres-key-its-really-really-hard-to-do.html

Photos of the new space taken Feb 13, 2020
https://www.flickr.com/photos/steve_sherlock/sets/72157713112566193/

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

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but I can't do it alone. I 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.
Thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/
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"

FM #206 - SAFE Coalition open house and dedication - Feb 13, 2020 (audio)

2020 Presidents' Day Group Walk on the SNETT

The Franklin-Bellingham Rail Trail Committee (FBRTC) write:

"Please join us for our monthly group walk on February 17 (Presidents’ Day) at 10 AM. 

We will meet in the parking lot at the Grove Street trailhead in Franklin. All are welcome, including well behaved, leashed dogs."

Follow the Facebook event post by FBRTC
https://www.facebook.com/events/3344296688930355/
 

Wear good shoes, the trail is likely to be icy near the 'sunken' portion

It is not really 'sunken' as anyone knows who walks a rail trail. They are as flat as can be. Trains did not like to do steep elevations. Long and gradual inclines or declines are all you'll find on rail trails. The 'sunken' section (as I refer to it) is where the trail was cut through a rise. The walls on both side rise 30-40 feet and there is a natural gathering of water along the trail. Given the temp, it is likely frozen and with care can be traversed without problem. There are well worn paths on both sides as well that are much dryer than the center part of the trail.

FHS boys hockey team tops Mansfield 3-0

Via HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the FHS winter sports action on Sunday


Boys Hockey = Franklin, 3 @ Mansfield, 0 – Final
"Franklin took control of the game from the opening face-off, scoring a goal in each period to end a two-game losing streak. The Panthers outshot the Hornets 39-13 for the game, recording 13 shots in each period, and Mansfield struggled with its second game in 24 hours. 

Conor O’Neil opened the scoring with 2:21 left in the first when he was able to knock in the rebound of a Justin Abely shot from the point. JT Dwyer doubled the lead on the power play three minutes into the second. He corralled a loose puck at the far post and roofed a shot to make 2-0. 

In the third, Tom Tasker scored shorthanded to wrap up the win, picking the top corner from the right circle. Sean McCafferty was excellent in goal for the Hornets with 36 saves. Ray Ivers made all 13 stops to earn the shutout, including a big stop on a Kyle Oakley breakaway in the third period with Franklin leading by two."

For a Photo Gallery from the game:
https://hockomocksports.smugmug.com/2019-2020/Winter-2019-2020/Mansfield-Franklin-Boys-Hockey-2-16-20/

For other results around the Hockomock League:
https://hockomocksports.com/sundays-schedule-scoreboard-02-16-20/

FHS Tom Tasker with puck on his stick (HockomockSports.com photo)

Register O’Donnell Reports on January 2020 Norfolk County Real Estate Activity

A strong local economy and continuing low interest rates have resulted in a robust January Norfolk County real estate market, according to Register of Deeds William P. O’Donnell.

Register O’Donnell stated, “During the month of January, real estate sales, for both residential and commercial property, rose by 11% from the previous year. A total of 1,261 property transactions were recorded versus 1,141 in January 2019. This increase was all the more impressive when one considers the continuing challenges facing the real estate market due to limited amount of inventory for sale.”

According to January statistics, the average combined sale price of residential and commercial property for the month was $900,864, a 36% increase year over year. In addition, total dollar sales volume, again for both residential and commercial properties, was $636 million, a 47% increase from January of 2019. “These numbers,” noted Register O’Donnell, “were impacted by a $50 million commercial sale recorded during the month in Brookline.”

Norfolk County lending numbers, again fueled by low interest rates, showed a large increase during the month of January. The Register noted, “The number of mortgages recorded during the month increased by 64%. Also, the total volume of mortgage financing, for both residential and commercial properties, came in at $1.2 billion, a 98% increase year over year. There can be no doubt consumers and businesses both are continuing to take advantage of low interest rates.”

However, a definite concern was in the area of foreclosure activity. “During January,” noted the Register, “there were 15 foreclosure deeds filed compared to 12 during the same time period in 2019. Also, there was a 36% increase in the number of Notice to Foreclose Mortgage filings, the first step in the foreclosure process.”

“The foreclosure numbers seen in January are a stark reminder that while the local economy remains strong, some of our neighbors are having trouble paying their mortgage. I want to remind Norfolk County residents that my office continues to partner with the Quincy Community Action Programs, 617-479-8181 x376, and NeighborWorks Housing Solutions, 508-587-0950. These organizations can help homeowners who have received a Notice to Foreclose Mortgage document. A third option is to contact the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Consumer Advocacy and Response Division (CARD) at 617-727-8400.”

On the consumer front, the number of Homestead recordings also increased during January. A total of 842 Homesteads were filed compared to 757 in January 2019. O’Donnell noted, “A Homestead provides limited protection against the forced sale of an individual’s primary residence to satisfy unsecured debt up to $500,000. I urge homeowners to review the possibility of taking advantage of the Homestead law.”

Register O’Donnell concluded, “The data we have seen for Norfolk County is reinforced by what we are hearing from both real estate agents and mortgage loan officers. The low real estate inventory has led to bidding wars, where in some cases, properties are being sold above the original asking price. It is the industry’s belief that average real estate sales price should remain high until there is a substantial increase in inventory, something we do not see happening in the near future.”

To learn more about these and other Registry of Deeds events and initiatives, like us at facebook.com/NorfolkDeeds or follow us on twitter.com/NorfolkDeeds and instagram.com/NorfolkDeeds.

The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds is located at 649 High Street in Dedham. The Registry is a resource for homeowners, title examiners, mortgage lenders, municipalities and others with a need for secure, accurate, accessible land record information. It is also the repository of over 8.5 million land records. All land record research information can be found on the Registry’s website www.norfolkdeeds.org. Residents in need of assistance can contact the Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center via telephone at (781) 461-6101, or email us at registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org.

Register O’Donnell Reports on January 2020 Norfolk County Real Estate Activity

School Committee Feb 11, 2020 meeting recap

After the FHS student updates, Superintendent Ahern provided her info
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/franklinmaps/files/uploads/superintendents_report_to_school_committee_february_11_2020.pdf

Several 5th Graders from Jefferson Elementary coordinate to talk about their mural project. The presentation doc is shared here.

Technology Director Tim Raposa coordinates and manages the technology delivery for all of the Town of Franklin including the schools. Of all the updates I have seen on technology, this is the most comprehensive (and also with up to date info). You can review the presentation deck below. As this is one of the key enablers for the Town of Franklin, I will share the audio for this segment separately. It is definitively "shareworthy"

Asst Superintendent Lucas Giguere started the SEL update with a reflective breathe exercise which was timely and well worth it. There should be more of these moments in meetings. 

Asst Superintendent Lucas Giguere started the SEL update with a reflective breathe exercise

The Jefferson 5th Grade Mural Project:

5th Grade Mural Project - Jefferson Elementary - 2/11/2020 from Franklin Matters

The Technology update:

Technology Presentation - 2/11/2020 from Franklin Matters

The Social Emotional Learning update:

Social Emotional Learning - update 2/11/2020 from Franklin Matters

The Actions Taken for this meeting was published Weds AM
https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee/news/school-committee-actions-taken-2112020
 
For more details you can review my notes captured live during the meeting Tuesday.

• Live reporting: Consent Agenda - Closing

 https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/02/live-reporting-consent-agenda-closing.html

• Live reporting: Discussion Action Items - Information Matters

 https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/02/live-reporting-discussion-action-items.html

• Live reporting: District Improvement Plan - Update

 https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/02/live-reporting-district-improvement.html

• Live reporting: School Committee - Feb 11, 2020

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/02/live-reporting-school-committee-feb-11.html

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - Feb 11, 2020
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/02/franklin-ma-school-committee-agenda-feb.html

Lifelong Community Learning Announces More Classes - Registration Open Now

Registration is open for new, additional offerings at Lifelong Community Learning. Classes begin in March and in some cases continue through the summer months.

Participation is open to individuals, organizations, and businesses alike in Franklin and the surrounding region towns. Classes include everything from arts & crafts to child care education, various food and wine offerings, and the Basics of English as a Second Language. Participants will also find as many exercise programs as ever, including Yoga, Zumba, Tai Chi, and Community Walking. 

Looking ahead to late spring, Women’s Self-Defense, Becoming a Dementia Friend, and Enhancing Your Economic Security-a special one-night expert panel discussion, will all take place. These events are free BUT registration is required.
April vacation offers another babysitting certification class held in partnership with the Hockomock Area YMCA in Franklin and the Kids’ April Vacation Vegan Cooking Class. Coding with JavaScript, Parent and Child Painting Night, and a Kids’ Financial Education Series round out the spring session!

Let’s not forget summer. Men’s basketball is back on Tuesdays and Thursdays all summer long! And, in early August, Kids’ Summer Vacation Cooking Camp returns. 

For more information, go to www.FranklinLifelongLearning.com and click on Lifelong Community Learning. Or call Lifelong Community Learning at 508-613-1480.

Lifelong Community Learning Announces More Classes - Registration Open Now

“I think it validated that we’re here to play”

Josh Perry, Managing Editor of HockomockSports.com, provides the game recap for the FHS girls basketball win vs Bridgewater-Raynham in the Comcast Classic Tournament in Woburn this weekend. FHS plays their next game at 3:30 PM on Sunday Mondayvs. Cathedral.

"Running through a perfect league campaign and putting up an average margin of victory of more than 30 points per game has earned Franklin a consensus No. 1 ranking in the state. On Saturday night at Woburn High, the Panthers had the chance to show if they could be that dominant against one of the state’s other top teams.

Franklin answered the bell and then some, leading right from the opening whistle and never letting up to earn a 58-41 victory against Div. 1 title contender Bridgewater-Raynham.

“We talked a lot about playing in a big game,” said Franklin coach John Leighton. “The lights are brighter, the crowd’s bigger and that’s fine. We believe in what we do. We need to adapt to whoever we’re playing and see what we can do.”

He added, “When you play teams of this caliber, you get to really find out who you are. You play some teams and the game’s over kind of early, the kids don’t go all four quarters so it’s a different look.”

Continue reading the article online
https://hockomocksports.com/franklin-girls-basketball-makes-statement-against-b-r-in-comcast-classic/

For a photo gallery:
https://hockomocksports.smugmug.com/2019-2020/Winter-2019-2020/Franklin-Bridgewater-Raynham-Girls-Basketball-2-15-20

FHS Elizabeth Wilson passes to Erin Quaile (Josh Perry/HockomockSports.com)

FHS Wrestling takes D1 Central Championships

Via HockomockSports.com, we share the results of FHS wrestling team at the D1 Central meet on Saturday

** D1 Central **

Teams
1. Franklin – 242.5
2. Brookline – 229

Placements
113 = 4th – Dillon Cashin, Franklin
120 = 3rd – Drew Difilippo, Franklin
126 = 4th – Devon Bramson, Franklin
132 = 2nd – Jake Carlucci, Franklin
138 = 5th – Alex Foley, Franklin
145 = 3rd – Alex Fracassa, Franklin
152 = 1st – Ken Sauer, Franklin
160 = 1st – Dom Sackley, Franklin
170 = 5th – Luke Cashin, Franklin
182 = 1st – Dylan Nawn, Franklin
195 = 3rd – Ben Jacoby, Franklin
220 = 3rd – Matt Walker, Franklin
285 = 2nd – Matt Leofanti, Franklin


For other Hockomock League Sectional wrestling results on Saturday
https://hockomocksports.com/hock-results-from-miaa-wrestling-sectional-meets-2020/

Franklin wrestling won the D1 Central Sectional championship. (Twitter/FHSWrestle)

"municipalities face outlays of tens of millions of dollars to comply with the MS4 permit requirements"

Via the MA Municipal Assoc (MMA) we hear that the EPA has reached proposed settlement with Franklin (among others) on the MS4 implementation. The MS4 regulation is what has been driving Franklin actions on storm water and the development of the storm water utility fee.

"The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has reached proposed settlements with several environmental and developer organizations, as well as two Massachusetts municipalities, over implementation of its small Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permits in Massachusetts and New Hampshire.

MS4, a type of National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit issued by EPA regional offices, authorizes certain discharges of stormwater to surface waters.

The most recent iteration of the MS4 permits were issued for Massachusetts in 2016 and for New Hampshire in 2017, replacing a permit issued in 2003. Environmental groups, including the Conservation Law Foundation and the Charles River Watershed Association, sued the EPA in 2017 to expedite implementation of the permit and ensure that it met stringent environmental and public health standards. Around the same time, several home builder and developer organizations, along with the town of Franklin and the city of Lowell, sued the EPA over the anticipated financial impact of the stricter regulations.

According to an EPA press release, the proposed settlements, announced on Dec. 27, are “the outcome of all parties’ efforts to ensure that, when fully implemented, both MS4 permits protect the environment, adhere to the Clean Water Act and EPA regulations, and address municipalities’ implementation concerns."

Continue reading the article online
https://www.mma.org/epa-negotiates-settlement-over-ms4-stormwater-permit/

The proposed settlement agreement and links to the amended permits are posted to the Federal Register at bit.ly/MS4settlement.


The EPA page on the MA MS4 regulation
https://www.epa.gov/npdes-permits/regulated-ms4-massachusetts-communities

Storm water utility information sessions have been scheduled. Ben Franklin, the Franklin police dog, will also be in attendance to provide a 'ruff' overview!

• Friday, March 6th, 2020 8 - 10 am in Town Council Chambers
• Wednesday, March 11th, 6 - 8 pm at Franklin TV
• Saturday, March 21st, 11 am - 1 pm at Franklin Library

 https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/stormwater-information-sessions

Massachusetts Phase II Automatically Designated Area (PDF) (EPA image)

US Census: Putting 2020 Census Rumors to Rest

"Every decade, technology plays a greater role in the way the census is conducted. But in 2020, the first time anyone who wants to respond to the census online has that option, the greatest change may come from the way all of us use technology.

For the first time during a decennial census, the majority of people in the United States are using digital and social media in their everyday lives.

“The rise of digital and social media use has exponentially increased the speed of how accurate and inaccurate information can spread,” said Stephen Buckner, assistant director for communications at the U.S. Census Bureau. “We know that many people may not know what the census is because it happens only every 10 years, making it a likely target for misinformation and disinformation campaigns, which is why we’ve been actively preparing to defend against them.”

The Census Bureau is ready for these challenges."

Continue reading the article online
https://www.census.gov/library/stories/2020/02/putting-2020-census-rumors-to-rest.html?

YouTube video link = https://youtu.be/EKUBQlcFjVw

Alzheimer's program for Kids at Franklin Senior Center - Feb 20

Thursday, Feb 20 at 10:00 AM, Shannon Reardon, a Franklin High School senior, who is a member of the High School's Alzheimer's Club, will be doing a presentation here at the Franklin Senior Center that teaches kids about Alzheimers and what activities they can do with their grandparents.

Shannon is doing this presentation as part of her Girl Scout Gold Award project. A brochure is attached. She also created a list of 50 activities kids can do with their grandparents. 

Franklin TV will be here to tape her "presentation" for us, the station, and for us to put on our Dementia Friendly Franklin web page. Could you please help us spread the word?

• Brochure

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczYWVvY3pXQVlSdjZfZ013WFFTWGNKblV1aV9R/view?usp=sharing

• 50 Things to Do

https://drive.google.com/file/d/148StBf_loQUdBv6yte0hPti4smT2-BaY/view?usp=sharing

• Dementia Friendly Franklin page   https://www.franklinma.gov/dff

Dementia Friendly Franklin