S.A.F.E. Community Coalition Update - February 2017

View this email in your browser S.A.F.E. Resource Line: (508) 488-8105 Overdose fatalities continue to climb The Opioid epidemic continues to claim lives at an alarming rate.  In 2016 Norfolk County saw 172 fatalities, up from 163 In 2015. In an effort to keep the public informed as to the severity of this epidemic in our community, the Franklin Police Department has initiated a new on-line Opioid Overdose tracking report which you can view by clicking here. This report shows that in 2016 there there were 58 overdoses in Franklin with 9 suspected fatalities (pending confirmation by medical examiner).  In 2017 year to date the Franklin site reports 5 overdoses with no fatalities. "The opioid epidemic affects every community in this nation including Franklin and the surrounding area," said James A. Mill, Deputy Chief of Police Franklin Police Department. "It is a complex problem that requires a comprehensive effort from all members of the community. The Franklin Police are thankful for the partnership we have developed with the S.A.F.E. Coalition in providing support and resources." Mills also noted that Franklin officers have been able to direct those in need to the SAFE Resource Support Line at 508-488-8105.  The S.A.F.E. Coalition will continue to work with our police departments, first responders, schools and civic organizations to educate, reduce stigma and  help people access treatment. We will also continue to provide supportive services to the families impacted by Substance Use Disorder. There are a number of ways for you to become involved. Come out to one of the programs we have listed below and join the community conversation.  Become trained on how to use Narcan so that you will be prepared to save a life.  Or join us in any way that fits your schedule!  S.A.F.E. needs always needs more volunteers. There are plenty of ways to become involved. Call us at 508-488-8105 or email info@safecoalitionma.com for more information. NARCAN and CPR training available The S.A.F.E. Coalition, in association with the Franklin Fire Department, Franklin Police Department and BAMSI (Brockton Area Multi-Services Inc.) will present a Free Narcan and CPR ("Hands Only") Training Session on Wednesday February 15, 2017 at 4:00 – 8:00 pm at the Franklin Fire Department Headquarters, 40 West Central Street, Franklin MA. The public is invited. The 'Drop-In' Narcan Training Session will be ongoing from 4:00-8:00 pm with no reservation necessary. Narcan will be distributed at no charge after the training session. "Overdose deaths caused by heroin and synthetic opioids have reached an all-time high," said Franklin Police Chief T.J. Lynch. "Naloxone, commonly referred to by the brand name Narcan, has been proven to save lives by reversing the effects of opioids. Anyone with minimal training can learn how to administer naloxone and save the life of an individual experiencing an opioid-related overdose."   S.A.F.E. support line launch a success For Access to Treatment and Support Call (508)-488-8105 The SAFE Resource phone line was established to assist in locating treatment, supportive services and resources for those impacted by Substance Use Disorder. To date, this service has provided assistance to 54 people in our community. The phone line is manned by trained volunteers and provides assistance with: Locating treatment for Substance Use Disorder including Detoxification, In- and Out-patient Rehabilitation, Halfway Houses and Sober Homes Providing Referrals to counselors for psychiatric assessments and therapeutic treatment for Substance Use      Disorder  Utilizing Massachusetts General Law Section 12 (Mental Health) and Section 35 (Substance Abuse) for involuntary commitment  Understanding MassHealth Insurance benefits Obtaining NARCAN / NARCAN training - NARCAN is an opioid overdose reversal drug  Local Support for families and loved ones The S.A.F.E. Resource Line is answered between the hours of 9:00 a.m. ad 9:00 P.M. seven days per week.  Off hour calls will go to voicemail and be returned the following day.  In the case of an emergency, call 911. Support Meeting Schedule Healing Hearts Community Support Group Every Thursday 7:00-8:00pm 2nd floor of the Franklin YMCA T: (508) 570-6996 E: Healingheartscircle@gmail.com Learn to Cope, Franklin Chapter Meets Monday nights 7:00-8:30 Unitarian Universalist Church 262 Chestnut Street Franklin, MA Contact: Kathy Getchell T: (774)893-3878 E: kathyg17@verizon.net www.learn2cope.com Road to Recovery Meets Wednesday nights 7:00-8:30 Milford Regional Medical Center Main Building Conference Room C Contact: Katie Truitt T: (774)248-4526 E: ktruitt3@gmail.com S.A.F.E. is a coalition of community partners who have come together to provide support, education, treatment options, and coping mechanisms for those affected by substance abuse disorder. We do so by empowering those affected, including their families, with the tools necessary to succeed on their journey to recovery. We understand that while I can't, we can.   Copyright © 2017 Jeffrey.Roy@MAHouse.gov, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you expressed an interest in joining the fight against opioid abuse in our community. Our mailing address is: Jeffrey.Roy@MAHouse.gov State House - Room 527A Boston, MA 02133 This newsletter was shortened for printing here. Read the full version here View this email in your browser

Please take the Library survey!

The Franklin Library has released a survey to seek your input on the services they offer and what they could offer.

Follow the link to open up the survey and provide your input

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfOQlprFQmSzCEp-xuooxEl6JvEHMme2cKNT6XyAUgMhGw4Dw/viewform

exterior construction for the new wing has changed very little since winter started

Storm Prep: Commuter Rail notice, No School in Franklin, Trash/Recycling Delayed one day

The Commuter Rail is operating on a regular weekday schedule for Thursday, 2/9. Please be on platforms 5-10 min early to ensure timely boarding.

Passengers are reminded to allow additional time while travelling to their local stations. Please use caution traversing platforms and parking lots. For the latest commuter rail information, follow us on Twitter @MBTA_CR, sign up to be a T-Alert subscriber and consider downloading the MBTA Commuter Rail or Transit apps.

Last updated: Feb 08 2017 04:15 PM

Click here for more information: https://www.mbta.com/winter

Franklin/Dean Station in light snow

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Franklin Public Schools closed Thursday/ No evening activities

Stay safe -

FHS after a prior winter snow storm

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Trash and Recycling will be delayed one day. Thursday pickup will be Friday, friday pickup will be Saturday...

The Franklin Public Schools are closed on Thursday, February 9th.

Note the Winter Parking Ban is in effect as of 1:00AM Thursday February 9th. NO PARKING on streets in downtown or you will be towed. remove all vehicles form the streets in town to allow DPW trucks to effectively remove the snow.

Municipal Offices are to be determined in the morning by 6:00 AM. Please check back in by 6:00AM for Municipal Offices.

Emergency Information can be foudn on our website here on the link on the homepage at http://www.franklinma.gov/home/pages/emergency-management-information

Call 911 if you there is an emergency!

Town Common covered in snow

This was shared from the Town of Franklin webpage
http://www.franklinma.gov/home/urgent-alerts/february-9th-snowstorm-information

Franklin Cultural Council Announces Logo Contest

The Franklin Cultural Council has announced a design contest for a new logo. Open to anyone, the contest encourages local talent to create a new, color logo for the Council that embodies its mission of supporting the arts, humanities and interpretive sciences through grant funding to local projects and programs. 

The contest will be open until March 12, 2017. The winner will be awarded a $50 cash prize and be recognized in a reception on March 23. 

Details, including contest rules and submission guidelines, can be found on the Cultural Council's website at www.franklinma.gov/cultural-council under the "Forms and Downloads" tab.

The mission of the Franklin Cultural Council (FCC) is to encourage participation and enhance opportunities for enrichment in the cultural arts and sciences throughout our community. 

Comprised of committed residents, the FCC meets monthly with the purpose of supporting events and programs through grants from the Town of Franklin, the Massachusetts Cultural Council, and the National Endowment for the Arts.

the current logo for the Franklin Cultural Council

Franklin Almanac - Episode 2

Polikseni Manxhari covers four stories in the new episode of Franklin Almanac now available from Franklin TV. Broadcast on Franklin cable channel at noon and 7:00 PM. You can also view the show via YouTube.

• Make Change for Change - addressing homelessness http://www.makechangeforchange.org/
• The 40% Club at Franklin High School
• Milford new radio station MyFM 101.3
• The story behind the new video for Jamie Barrett's song "The City called the Town of Franklin" produced by Chris Flynn

The full Franklin TV schedule can be found at http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf

Franklin TV studios at 23 Hutchinson St

In the News: superintendent search starts over; Downtown Partnership considering goals for 2017

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"The School Committee will once again seek candidates for its superintendent position. 

The committee voted unanimously Tuesday night to reopen its search, opting not to select either remaining finalist as its preferred candidate. 

Committee Chairman Kevin O'Malley opened the meeting by giving a history of the search process. He said two candidates, Weymouth Assistant Superintendent Susan Kustka and Blackstone-Millville Assistant Superintendent David Thomson, remained. A third finalist, Chelmsford Assistant Superintendent Linda Hirsch, had announced her intention to remain in her current position. 

O'Malley said the committee had options: it could choose either of the two candidates, or re-open the search. He suggested it opt for the latter choice."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170207/franklin-schools-re-open-superintendent-search

My notes and the audio recording of the meeting can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/02/school-superintendent-search-starts.html

"Members of the Franklin Downtown Partnership pondered several priorities for 2017 - including the best way to notify businesses of available commercial space. 

Partnership Executive Director Lisa Piana said at the Feb. 2 meeting that there are numerous upcoming events over the first half of the year - among them a beautification day in May and the annual Strawberry Stroll in June. 

Piana said that since it was the group's first meeting of the year, it also made sense to consider the partnership's goals for 2017. She suggested that because the partnership receives many calls inquiring about available commercial space in town, it place an inventory of such locations on its website."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170207/franklin-downtown-partnership-considers-2017-priorities

The Town of Franklin page focused on sharing business development info about the community

In the News: Senior Center open house; police association fund raising

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"An open house is planned at the Franklin Senior Center, 10 Daniel McCahill St., Franklin, on Sunday, Feb. 26, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., in celebration of the completion of the second floor or the facility. 

The open house will also highlight improvements completed on the first floor of the senior center, as well as new programs and activities, and will include refreshments and giveaways, as well as Charlie Cards provided by the center's outreach staff. 

For questions, call 508-520-4945."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170207/open-house-set-at-franklin-senior-center

The back side of the Senior Center shows the rise in the roof where the elevator shaft is located

"The Franklin Police Superior Officers Association is currently holding a fundraising drive to benefit the association's community-based programs. 

The association is also publishing an official 2017 business directory and safety book with various business advertisements and safety tips. 

For contributors, the association is offering free tickets to a comedy show it is hosting on Friday, March 10, 7:30 p.m., at the Elks Lodge, 1077 Pond St., Franklin. For more information, contact Association President Sgt. Chris Spillane at 508-440-2723."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170207/franklin-police-sergeants-union-holding-fundraiser