Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission: "From Elementary Physical Education Teacher to Award-Winning Artist: A Brain Injury Survivor's Journey"

In 2016, Ali Rheaume sustained Traumatic Brain Injuries, along with having a severe medication reaction that caused rare Tardive Dyskinesia and Serotonin Syndrome. This all landed her in the hospital at a 10% functioning level. She was unable to talk, walk, eat, or do anything herself. She couldn’t color a simple children’s coloring page and struggled to even pick one crayon out of a box. 

Ali found herself increasingly connected to the disability community as she navigated her journey, which included Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, Auditory Processing Disorder, Narcolepsy with Cataplexy, Dysautonomia, and more—all diagnosed after her brain injury. During her recovery, Ali not only persevered but also unearthed new talents and purpose. She began exploring art as a calming, seated activity and a means to enhance her visual perception, fine motor skills, and decision-making abilities. Starting with crayons and pencils, Ali gradually advanced to mastering acrylics and watercolors.

Now, Ali is a member of the Franklin Art Association and created her own art business called Embracing Unique. Her main work is “painting things that are important to people”, where someone will give her a photo of importance, and she will create a watercolor painting of it - a house, an engagement capture, a pet, a wedding moment, family photos, and more. She also specializes in unique sepia tone paintings created from handmade black walnut paint, foraged in Franklin, MA. 

In addition to art, Ali is a public speaker and a disability advocate. She serves on the Brain Injury Council of Massachusetts and the Franklin Disability Commission. Ali hosts “Rise Up”, a free in-person social hour for individuals navigating life with disability, and “Life After Concussion”, a free virtual growth mindset group to help regain life after a concussion. Her mission in life is to multiply hope, to encourage people to be their true selves, and to turn mourning into dancing.

Ali hosts “Rise Up”, a free in-person social hour for individuals navigating life with disability

Follow Ali's journey on Instagram: @alison.rheaume & @embracingunique and on Facebook: Ali Rheaume & Embracing Unique. 

Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission 

"The Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC) provides services that break down barriers and empower people with disabilities to live life in their own terms. Our programs focus on training and employment, community living, and disability determination for federal benefit programs. We are change agents and community builders. And we put the people we serve at the heart of everything we do."

shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/SS6maQLik1yqZFQy/

Beaver Street Interceptor Project: Construction alerts for week of August 19 - 26, 2024

Beaver Street Interceptor Project (BSI)

 

 

 BSI Construction Update for the Week of August 19!

Monday (8/19) - Friday (8/23) the construction crew will be working on Grove Street from Rt. 140 south towards the MBTA train tracks between the hours of 7am - 4pm.  There will be limited lane closures on Grove Street during this time please follow posted detour signs for directions.

Also, there will be a crew working on Old West Central Street Thursday (8/22) and Friday (8/23) connecting the sewer services for house no. 650 & 657.  A limited detour on Rolling Ridge Rd. will be in place during this time -- please follow posted detour signs for directions.

At the Franklin Recreation Center, the construction of the new Beaver Street Interceptor Pump Station will continue with excavation and the installation of steel beam bracing on sheet piles. 

Please reference the interactive map below and posted signs for details and updates.

We appreciate the public's continued support and understanding and will
continue to communicate regularly via social media, our dedicated email list, and the construction map below as work progresses.

BEAVER STREET INTERCEPTOR HOTLINE: 508-553-5526
(PLEASE LEAVE A MESSAGE AND WE WILL RETURN YOUR CALL)
EMAIL: BSI-info@franklinma.gov 

Beaver Street Interceptor Rehabilitation/Replacement Project

This project consists of the replacement and repair of Franklin's largest piece of sewer infrastructure, originally constructed in 1914.

 

Beaver Street Interceptor Project: Construction alerts for week of August 19 - 26, 2024

This site and map will be updated on a weekly basis to convey upcoming construction activities for the Beaver Street Interceptor (BSI) Construction project.

Interested in receiving email updates regarding the
Beaver Street Interceptor Rehabilitation/Replacement Project?
Please subscribe here (select Beaver Street Interceptor from the list).

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/water-sewer-division/pages/beaver-street-interceptor-project

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Friday, August 16, 2024?

Friday, August 16

10:00am Knitting Group (Franklin Public Library)

1:00pm Library Book Sale ($1/book) (Franklin Public Library)

2:00pm Franklin Farmers Market (Franklin Town Common)

2:00pm Farmer’s Market Fun (Franklin Public Library at the Market)

2:00pm Thrifty Threads (Franklin Federated Church)

3:00pm Matt Zajac (live music) (Franklin Town Common)

6:00pm Alex Franklin  (live music) (@ 67 Degrees/Wrentham Outlets)

6:00pm Pub Kings (live music) (Franklin Town Common)

8:00pm Movie night: Super Mario Bros (Franklin Town Common)

9:00pm Jack Cappadonna (live music) (3 Restaurant)

**  NO  Town Meetings today   **

What's happening today in Franklin? 

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

Why are there multiple calendars?

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

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

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

The Library calendar of events ->    calendar link

The Senior Center calendar of events ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/node/39/events/upcoming

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

What vendors and activities are at the Farmer's Market today - August 16?

We are glad you asked.  

Thanks to the good folks operating the Franklin Farmer's Market, we have the answers to share. 

Concerts on the Common also provides musical entertainment on the bandstand.

What vendors and activities are at the Farmer's Market today - August 16?

FHS Newsletter - late summer edition

The Franklin High School Newsletter - "late summer edition" is available now

https://www.canva.com/design/DAGHRkcH9UQ/FNZzlx0ji588h7RiCMvb6g/view?#1

FHS Newsletter - late summer edition

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/p/yN9XazD9cm1M29bV/

Town of Franklin: Job Opportunities with Police Dept, Senior Center, Treasurer, DPW, & Facilities

Job Opportunities

To apply for a vacant position, please submit a resume and cover letter to apply@franklinma.gov.  Please put the job title in the subject line of your email. 

Patrol Officer (academy trained) - Franklin Police Department

Part-Time Van Driver (2 positions) - Franklin Senior Center 

Deputy Director - Franklin Senior Center

Treasurer/Collector - Office of the Treasurer/Collector

Mechanic - Department of Public Works 

Heavy Motor Equipment Operator - Department of Public Works

Junior Building Custodian - Facilities Department

Part Time and Substitute Custodians - Facilities Department 

Updated 08/14/2024

If you do not have a resume, you may send a completed Application for Employment instead.

To receive notifications of all job opportunities in the Town of Franklin, subscribe here .

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/human-resources/pages/job-opportunities

Town of Franklin: Job Opportunities with Police Dept, Senior Center, Treasurer, DPW, & Facilities

Open houses scheduled at the Franklin School for the Performing Arts

Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FSPA) is excited to host a series of Open Houses for prospective students and families!

Invite a friend to stop by 38 Main Street to tour the facilities, speak with faculty, and explore all of the options FSPA has to offer!

• Tuesday, August 20
• Monday, August 26
• 10:00am-6:00pm

• Saturday, September 7
• 10:00am-2:00pm

Open houses scheduled at the Franklin School for the Performing Arts

For more info -> https://www.fspaonline.com/events.php?id=1783

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/UiFCcuTzWW6Vs1QC/

School Committee Approves FEF close out, hears summer update from Lifelong Learning, formally accepts $1M from Town (video)

The Franklin (MA) School Committee met as scheduled Tuesday, August 13, 2024. Five members were present in Council Chambers, 2 were absent (Charles, McNeill).

Quick recap:

• School dates for opening new year 

• Aug 26, teachers report 

• Aug 27 Professional development day

• Aug 28 First day for 1st - 12 grades

• Aug 29 First day for K

• Aug 30 No school (Labor Day weekend)

• Sep 3 pre-K first day

• Staffing update - 19 hired thus far, some still open, some resignations still coming in

• Redistricting status update - work progressing, principals announced, asst principals announcement forthcoming, work on the district alignment progressing, still working toward a release target of Sept/Oct. The boundary line info would go to the School Committee for review first, no word on the formal closing of the prior redistricting committee or the set up of a new process to continue the work during the school year to prepare for Sep 2025

• New website published as of July 1. Mobile client available for download to Apple or Android devices. Links still being fixed, content generally there and items being added as identified. Notifications not yet turned on

• Lifelong Learning Summer program update - photos of the presentation were captured during the meeting in one photo album; the Lifelong Learning program is fee based and thus self funded, the fees taken in cover the expenses incurred

• Franklin Education Foundation (FEF) votes - two votes were taken to start the process of formally closing out the FEF (a 501(c3) organization) and rolling over the remaining funds they have (approx. $150K) to enable the District to continue their work with such funds; details remain to be worked out on the ‘grant application’, approval, and communication process

• FY 2025 budget update - some curriculum development work accomplished during summer but less than previous years due to budget cuts, the last of the additional funds approved by the Town Council ($1M from the debt stabilization account, one time funds) was accepted by the Committee by a 5-0 vote during the meeting

The Franklin TV video is available for replay ->  https://youtu.be/qA_oBUUMs0A?si=BWM0ekJVTq2Qffuc&t=95

Agenda doc  -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/events/franklin_school_committee_meeting_6.pdf     

Meeting packet folder -> (docs released for this meeting, some of them available after the meeting)  https://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/documents/departments/school-committee/meeting-packets/2024---25-meeting-packets/8%2F13%2F24-sc-meeting-packet/685844 

My notes in one PDF ->  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Gr8uvNEdDqoW8Irw8pjg3McXgxhRi4ai/view?usp=drive_link 

Audio link -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/08/school-committee-approves-fef-close-out.html

Lifelong Learning Summer Update )pix of slides shared) -> 

https://photos.app.goo.gl/FfeYoJc8S5UhAsVJ8 

School Committee Approves FEF close out, hears summer update from Lifelong Learning, formally accepts $1M from Town (video)

SAFE Coalition schedules film screening of "Recovery City" - Nov 7, 2024

 Via SAFE Coalition

"We are SO excited to host film director Lisa Olivieri and her team with a viewing of Recovery City directed by Lisa Olivieri in November!  

SAVE THE DATE: November 7th @ 6:30pm! 

Seats are limited! We will host a screening of the documentary and a live Q and A with Lisa and the 4 incredible woman in recovery featured in the film. 

We can’t wait to see you!"

 

SAFE Coalition schedules film screening of "Recovery City" - Nov 7, 2024

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/JtFXgKX74YaxgxRn/

Franklin TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) schedule for Friday, Aug 16, 2024

• wfpr.fm or 102.9 on the FM dial = Friday

9:00a/12:00p /6:00p Chapters – Jim Derick  Insightful, life-affirming stories and interviews

10:00a/1:00p/7:00p Music to Lift the Spirit - Jim Derick & Frank Falvey

11:00a/2:00p/8:00pm Senior Story Hour – Senior Center Scribblers Group

• Franklin All Access TV - Our Public Access Channel         (Comcast 6, Verizon 26) = FRIDAY

7:00 am Second Sunday Speaker Series: Wedding Gowns

8:30 am Frank Presents: William O'Donnell

10:00 am Riffin' on Main Street: Pauline Spender

11:00 am Senior Connection: Spaghetti Bolognese

12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin: Taquitos

12:30 pm Cooking with Linda: Breakfast

1:00 pm The Only Cure Is Education

1:30 pm Pizzapalooza: Healthy Pizza Crusts

2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Summer 2018 Show 6

3:00 pm Panther Pride: Todd Kiley

4:00 pm Pack 92 Pinewood Derby 2022

5:30 pm Veterans' Oral History Project: Dave Cargill

8:30 pm Endless Konnections: Alex Edwards

9:30 pm Franklin 4th of July 2024: Smoke 'n' Whiskey

• Franklin Pride TV - Our Educational Channel           (Comcast 8, Verizon 28) = FRIDAY

7:00 am Public School Event: Lifelong Music Pt. 2 05-13-19

8:30 am Mental Health: Max Morrongiello

9:30 am Public School Event: FHS Pops Night 05-09-18

11:00 am FHS Varsity Softball v Attleboro 04-26-24

1:30 pm Public School Event: Concert Hour Day 1

3:00 pm Franklin Cultural District: Brent Selby

4:00 pm Track and Field: v Taunton 05-18-21

6:30 pm FHS Varsity Swimming v Attleboro 01-12-24

8:30 pm Critical Conversations: Student Wellbeing

• Franklin Town Hall TV - Our Government Channel (Comcast 9, Verizon 29) =  FRIDAY

8:00 am Zoning Board of Appeals 05-23-24

2:00 pm Zoning Board of Appeals 05-23-24

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

Watch Listen Read all things that matter in Franklin MA

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Thursday, August 15, 2024?

Thursday, August 15

8:30am Town Council Office Hours (Franklin Senior Center)

9:00am Fallen Hero: Jules Perret & Robert R. Pirelli (Veterans Walkway, Town Common)

10:30am Toddler & Kids Yoga (Franklin Public Library)

5:00pm Board Game Night (Pete's Nerd Emporium)

7:00pm 350 Mass Greater Franklin Node Meeting (virtual meeting)

9:00pm Joshua David (live music) (3 Restaurant)

**  Town Meetings today   **

• Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) Meeting (virtual meeting)

Event Date:  Thursday, August 15, 2024 - 7:30pm

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/8.15.24_zba_agenda_0.pdf

What's happening today in Franklin? 

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

Why are there multiple calendars?

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

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

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

The Library calendar of events ->    calendar link

The Senior Center calendar of events ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/node/39/events/month/39/2023-12

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

Fallen Hero Recognition: Jules E. Perret & Robert R. Pirelli - Aug 15, 2024 at 9 AM

Memorial event today (8/15/24) at 9 AM on the Town Common Veterans Walkway to honor Jules E. Perret  &  Robert R. Pirelli. 

This program will include the placing of a Memorial Wreath for the day, the playing of Taps, a salute from those present, and a reading of whatever history  may be available for that veteran.  This is a way of keeping the memory of that veteran alive.

Fallen Hero: Private Jules E. Perret, U.S. Army

Private Jules E. Perret, U.S. Army, was born on November 12, 1907 son of Jules and Maria Perret. Jules lived with his parents and three sisters at 29 Washington Street. 

Jules was a well known sportsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing. For many years he was an active member and tireless worker of the Franklin Rod and Gun Club. He did much towards the construction of the then new club house at Uncas Pond. Before volunteering to go into the service, Jules worked as a weaver in Canton, MA. 

Jules entered the service on October 12, 1943 and trained at Camp Croft, South Carolina. Pvt Jules E. Perret went overseas in March of 1944, first seeing action in North Africa and later serving in Italy where he met his death on August 15, 1944 in a vehicular accident. 

Pvt Jules E. Perret, U.S. Army, was 36 years old at the time of his death while serving his country in World War II.

Fallen Hero: Private Perret

Fallen Hero: Staff Sgt. Robert R. Pirelli

"Pirelli, a decorated Green Beret with the 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne), based in Fort Carson, Colo., was killed by enemy fire in the Diyala Province of Iraq on Aug. 15, 2007.

Around 8 p.m., Vallee and Rick Sullivan, deputy commissioner of the Conservation and Recreation Department, will speak briefly and dedicate the arena to Pirelli. State Sen. Scott Brown, R-Wrentham, Sen. Karen Spilka, D-Ashland, and Pirelli's parents, Nancy and Robert Pirelli, will also be on hand.

Pirelli, a 1996 Franklin High graduate, was one of two seniors to win a Booster Club scholarship, and graduated from Northeastern University with a degree in criminal justice.

"He grew up playing hockey and was on the varsity hockey team. He was an avid hockey player, and his dad was a hockey coach. He was an amazing guy, quite a young man," O'Conner said.

Pirelli joined the Army in December 2003.

He earned two Good Conduct Medals, a National Defense Service Medal, an Iraq Campaign Medal, a Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, a Non-commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, an Army Service Ribbon, an Overseas Service Ribbon, a Combat Infantry Badge, a Parachutist Badge, and a Special Forces Badge."

Shared from ->   https://www.milforddailynews.com/story/news/2008/02/19/town-to-dedicate-rink-to/41320877007/

The current schedule (note as additional info is gathered and confirmed this schedule may be updated)

https://drive.google.com/file/d/114IR6REsc-Ts_GLlfmgynjyD5IS595RA/view?usp=drive_link

For the full series of Fallen Heroes you can visit this link
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/franklin-fallen-heroes-series.html