Sunday, October 11, 2020

Town Council Meeting Recap - Oct 7, 2020

Quick Recap:
  • CPA promoted during Citizens Comments
  • Two more sets of lot line clean ups approved by Council; sewer extension approved for single family residence
  • Citizen comment via landline phone added later as broadcast of number did not allow time to dial and address a comment. Question was effectively following up on a study of the DPW workforce and why there were so much turnover (and recently acknowledged 5 openings being filled). Study is being worked not received yet.
  • Presentation and discussion on Planning and Community Development Dept, which includes work by Planning Board, Zoning Board of Appeals, Design Review, Technical Review and Conservation Commission (see agenda doc for link to presentation)
  • Meeting broadcast was interrupted with loss of sound just as they moved into the Legislation for action section. Apparently, the laptop in the Chamber lost connection and no audio was broadcast either live stream or Zoom (it controlled the Zoom session). Did return approximately 20 minutes later with some disconnected audio, then it seemed to synch properly to close out the meeting
  • Light for intersection of Grove and Washington coming (yah!), plans for rework all along Grove St talked of, timeline TBD.
  • Study of South Meeting House received and to be posted to web site
  • Drought status is worsening
Photos captured during the meeting and shared via Twitter cen be found in the album https://photos.app.goo.gl/4c91qnWNXfmPKigi8
 
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As with most meetings in this pandemic period, I took my notes via Twitter during the meeting reporting in real-time via the virtual session.
 
The Twitter hashtag can be found online  #tc1007
 
  • Getting ready for the next meeting; Town Council up at 7 PM, agenda and connection info in doc here https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/10-07-2020_town_council_meeting_agenda.pdf… #tc1007
  • Multiple options to watch/listen to meeting; Comcast channel 11 or Verizon channel 29, also live streamed from town of Franklin page  https://franklinma.gov/home/pages/live-meetings-stream… as well as the Zoom info in doc linked earlier #tc1007  oh, and you can call in via phone as well!
  • #tc1007 Meeting opens
  • Citizen comments used by two Franklin folks to talk about the Community Preservation Act on the November ballot as ballot question #3. Webinar coming Oct 15 at 7 PM send email to cpa4franklin@gmail.com or visit http://cpaforfranklin.org for info #tc1007
  • Opening 2 hearings for lot line changes more in the series of clean up. #tc1007 parcels were in multiple zones and being moved to a single zone. No material impact to current owners (had my own lot line cleaned up previously)
  • Clarification questions on reading the map and which way the zone changes would go. One question was for a lot not part of this set of changes #tc1007 only changes the lots split, if lots weren't split not part of the change. Q on mixing changes, attorney approves this use case
  • #tc1007 single family house with failing septic, had been here previously (Sep) looking for a private extension for the one house; hearings closed
  • Reopening citizen comments for one who dialed via phone but couldn't do so fast enough to get into that section of the meeting. Comment on the study of the DPW mentioned previously: 5 open positions. Will the study be available?  #tc1007
  • Bryan Taberner of Planning and Community development here to do  presentation on their work #tc1007
  • Support conservation and planning issues, #tc1007 Planning Board elected positions
  • Lots of variety in applications submitted #tc1007
  • Q to clarify some of the categories
  • Q on who does the inspection of these plans and approvals, contracted with Beta to do so. #tc1007 Beta's report comes back thru channels for decision. Q on bond holding process re: enforcement for subdivision yes, site plan no
  • Attny Cerel comments on the covenant process for the subdivisions, various methods of surety (cash, etc) #tc1007 pros, cons and things change overtime with the market place
  • There are a few problem areas that remain unresolved. #tc1007 Jen Delmore, conservation agent takes this part of the presentation
  • #tc1007 clarification on types of work covered and required for ConCom
  • ConCom has an open position, looking for a volunteer. Design review commission support provided by dept. Covers all sign requirements. #tc1007 makes recommendations to Planning Board
  • #tc1007 Q when dealing with a franchise (Wendy's, etc) how do they handle them? Are their hands tied? Attny Cerel to weigh in on this in absence of others who may be out due to power outages around this evening
  • Comprehensive planning, zoning bylaws, master plan review should be started in 2023 for approval in 2025 or so. Hazardous plan in review with MA before going to FEMA, will ultimately require Town Council endorsement #tc1007
  • #tc1007 (just photos)
  • SNETT trail tunnel almost complete, 'complete streets' project coming #tc1007  use of TIFs is great, three used so far Hamilton, Cold chain, and Tegra Medical... https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/a._planning_and_conservation_presentation_web.pdf
  • Detail doc on master plan updates https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/masterplan_update_materials.pdf
  • #tc1007
  • Oops, just lost audio from meeting on both live stream and Zoom session #tc1007  (08:15 PM)
  • Meeting continues so they are not aware of our no sound status #tc1007
  • FYI the chamber lost connection and are working on it. #tc1007 (08:25 PM)
  • 5 minutes recess called #tc1007
  • They're back albeit with gaps in the audio more than a normal voice pause, phrases being missed. Oh well. We'll do what we can #tc1007  (08:33 PM)
  • Picking up with the authorization for fixing the intersection at Grove/Washington Sts (yah!) #tc1007 revenue from the cannabis companies coming would help to pay for this work, check the details in memo https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/resolution_20-59_borrowing_authorization_-_washington_and_grove_streets_0.pdf
  • Did apply for MassWorks grant for repaving of Grove St up to Kenwood Circle, need to get this and other pieces together to do the work in 2021. #tc1007
  • Still in drought and additional measures coming to help conserve water supply. #tc1007 museum may open before election. Should get an update each meeting.
  • We are in a drought, it could get really serious, forecast doesn't show help coming soon. #tc1007
  • Could we talk with Nationalgrid again, power outages are becoming frequent? #tc1007
  • Comments DPW study is being worked coming shortly, been worked. Flag policy reached tonight for 9/11 .
  • Museum holiday Ornaments for sale this weekend, drive by purchase at museum. Fund raiser for museum #tc1007 3 families affected by the fire on Peck/Winter st a stubborn blaze to fight
  • Compliments for fire department and response from local community
  • FEF fund raising via many smaller events as the basketball game can't be played #tc1007 SAFE Coalition busy as addiction is increasing during covid-19
  • Executive session to be entered and not return to open session #tc1007 motion passed 8-0, redo vote via roll call. Still 8-0

 

Town Administrator Jamie Hellen with an update during the Town Council meeting
Town Administrator Jamie Hellen with an update during the Town Council meeting

Economic Development Meeting Recap - Oct 7, 2020

Quick Recap:
  • Bissanti was late for session so the first vote was 3 members, and remaining votes were 4. Room for improvement in knowing who is on when they are all in the room and no need to do the roll call they used to when remote.
  • Two more groups of lotline changes to better align the zoning with lots lines were brought forward for discussion. Both sets moved forward to full Council
  • Discussion on feedback from listening session.
  • Discussion on a draft trifold doc those in the room were able to see and comment on. Potential for use to tout businesses locally, i.e with the #thinkfranklinfirst tag


Photos captured during the meeting and shared via Twitter can be found in this album  https://photos.app.goo.gl/DK9KWgP9PYNj8gpN6

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As with most meetings in this pandemic period, I took my notes via Twitter during the meeting reporting in real-time via the virtual session.
 
The Twitter hashtag can be found online  #edc1007
https://twitter.com/search?q=%23edc1007&src=typed_query


  • Getting ready for Real time reporting for the Economic Development meeting tonight 5:45 agenda and link info here https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/2020-10-07_edc_agenda_complete_web_version.pdf  #EDC1007 
  • Multiple ways to participate: listen/watch only - Verizon 29 or Comcast 11 local cable channels ; via zoom at link in agenda doc, or via live stream via Town web page https://www.franklinma.gov/home/pages/live-meetings-stream #EDC1007 or follow text notes here, your choice
  • Meeting opening protocol message being read at start. #edc1007
  • Lot line changes next package, #5 in series, last set on Oak St. #edc1007
  • #edc1007 clarification questions on the changes and how the lines fell, circles vs ways handled differently by developers overtime motion to move to full council, second, passed (hard to see Committee members present, 3 known so far)
  • Next up,  group #6 of lot line changes, #edc1007
  • Bissanti now speaking and acknowledged that he arrived late, that makes 4 votes going forward and three for prior. #edc1007
  • #edc1007 motion to move to full Council, second, passes 4-0
  • Next up follow up on listening session, #1 last week. Sample brochure provided for those in chamber. Q raised on issues with college getting involved with jingle/social campaign
  • Hoping for more business participation in coming sessions, #edc1007 Q no one using the parking spaces in municipal lot as well as only a few cars in train station lot. Use of space in municipal lot for art. Anne Marie talking of draft/mockup brochure
  • Craft drink brochure to circulate with 67 Degrees, La Cantina, and Glen Pharma to help tell their story and activities. #edc1007 touts #thinkfranklinfirst series of videos on YouTube channel to update them; PPE and thermometers to help with local businesses reopening
  • Motion to adjourn. Passed 4-0. That's all for this one. Back at it with Town Council session coming up at 7 PM. #edc1007
Economic Development Meeting Recap - Oct 7, 2020
Economic Development Meeting Recap - Oct 7, 2020


A perfect time to sign up to support Encore Music Education Foundation

It's PRIME DAY this weekend! 

What a perfect time to sign up to support Encore Music Education Foundation, Inc. with the click of a button. During COVID-19, ensuring students have access to enriching quality music lessons and classes online is a priority for EMEF. This can be made possible through your generous donations! 

See below for instructions on how to help.

Amazon donates .5% of eligible purchases through Amazon Smile to charitable organizations. Simply follow these instructions to turn on AmazonSmile, choose us as your organization, and start generating donations!

  • Open the Amazon Shopping app on your device
  • Go into the main menu of the Amazon Shopping app and tap into ‘Settings’
  • Tap ‘AmazonSmile’ and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process

A perfect time to sign up to support Encore Music Education Foundation
A perfect time to sign up to support Encore Music Education Foundation

FBRTC News: Grove Street Parking Lot Closure - Oct 13-16


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FBRTC News
Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee
PARKING ALERT!!
Grove Street Parking Lot Closure - Oct 13-16
No SNETT parking at Grove Street
If you are planning to visit the SNETT in Franklin from 10/13-10/16 be advised, you will not be able to park at the Grove Street trailhead. For more information and alternative parking please visit our website.
Copyright © 2020 Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee, All rights reserved.
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Our mailing address is:
Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee
PO Box 68
Franklin, Ma 02038
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What Is Pantherbook?

From Pantherbook we share the following: 

"Many of you may be wondering what is Pantherbook and how is it run. This article will explain everything Pantherbook does, how it operates, and how you can join if interested!

Pantherbook started many years ago at FHS but it was much different compared to the Pantherbook we know and love today. Pantherbook used to be a hard copy newspaper that was printed out weekly for students and teachers to read.

Believe it or not, Pantherbook is the way it is today because of Facebook! At the time Facebook was the new sensation, so the staff decided to move the school newspaper online to save paper but also make it easier for staff and teachers to view it as technology was on the rise. The play on words is “Panther” panther pride and then “Book” because of Facebook!"

Continue reading about Pantherbook
 
 
Halle Goldsmith (right) and Elise Ravech (left) representing Pantherbook at Panther Pride Night!
Halle Goldsmith (right) and Elise Ravech (left) representing Pantherbook at Panther Pride Night!



In the News: Identity theft problem with unemployment;

From the Milford Daily News, an article of interest for Franklin: 

"John and Stephanie Jennings received quite a surprise during the coronavirus pandemic.

Early in the outbreak, Stephanie opened a letter from the state Department of Unemployment Assistance that said her unemployment benefits claim had been processed.

The problem is she never filed one, because she wasn’t out of work.

A few weeks later, John received a similar letter from the DUA. He was also employed, working remotely from home.

Someone — or some entity — stole the couple’s personal identification, and filed fraudulent claims with the DUA."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)


"Gov. Charlie Baker met with White House coronavirus response coordinator Dr. Deborah Birx on Friday after she met with a group of college presidents in Cambridge.

Birx became a familiar face earlier this year when she regularly appeared with President Donald Trump at White House briefings on the coronavirus. Now she is on a nationwide tour of college campuses.

Birx visited the Broad Institute on the campus of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Friday for a roundtable discussion with college and university presidents from Massachusetts.

Birx said Massachusetts and the rest of the Northeast are seeing what she called a “silent spread” with more and people catching the virus, but not showing symptoms."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

Saturday, October 10, 2020

Franklin Senior Center: Email Blast - Oct 9, 2020

Hello Everyone!

I hope you are enjoying the weekly email blasts. I would love to hear from folks about what you like, don't like or want to see more of! What programming would you like to join and be a part of? Do you know about the upcoming events this month? Name that Tune!!! Healthy Never Tasted So Good! Live outdoor concerts! Check out our offerings and sign up to join in the fun and win prizes!!


Staying Connected

Link to the Senior Center - https://www.franklinma.gov/fsc

Link to the Senior Center Calendar - https://www.franklinma.gov/node/39/events 

Link to Franklin Matters - https://www.franklinmatters.org/

Link to the Town's webpage - https://www.franklinma.gov/


Tips

11 minute Sit and be Fit with Paul Eugene

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5_UWf_mNYnk 


Chair exercises

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SaYDK_LH_uk 


Chair Dance Yoga with Shelly Zac

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9GS1CWDIkYU&t=17s 


Music

Top songs of 1963

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FHTUKcniD2U 


Daniel Quick blows the judges away on the X- Factor

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lSCiXpRNTco 


This young man wrote the most beautiful song

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UHhXq4aX-fc 


Hallelujah - pan flute played by Wuauquikuna

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cxr8Qyd2t1E 


Superstition by Stevie Wonder - I dare you to not start dancing when this plays!  Thanks Donna for getting this stuck in my head!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0CFuCYNx-1g 


Just for Fun

How is a kettle pond formed?  Ranger Allen Reinhard answers this question.  We are planning a zoom event with Allen soon!  Be on the lookout in an email blast soon!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iRNsToW84nY 

 

Cute and Funny Baby Animals

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M0O2pjCtptE 

 

Tour Utah's "The Mighty 5 and Beyond" National Parks.  An hour and a half incredible journey through some of America's most beautiful parks. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PFn-XYwVteE 


Humor

Jeanne Robertson - "A Flight Attendant deals with a bad potato"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=moSKtnuRnsM 


John Branyan - The weirdest name for a city you've ever heard of! 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_N9UEGO5494 


Kindness Matters

Animals saving other animals

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Af4CfwZCAwc&t=359s 


Have you ever wondered about those random painted rocks you find scattered around town?  Or the kindness gardens filled with cheerfully painted rocks?  This is the story of how kindness rocks started and the woman behind the mission.  Watch the video link embedded on their site for a great, feel good story of kindness, compassion and hope.  Have you ever made a kindness rock?    https://www.thekindnessrocksproject.com/ 


Attached you will find:


Love, virtual hugs and good health to you all!  We are still here for you!  Please feel free to email Donna and I with questions, concerns or just to check in!

Ariel & Donna


Please feel free to share this email with anyone you think might enjoy it.  If you want me to add someone to the email blast list just send me a message with their email in it. 


EVENTS AND HAPPENINGS AT THE FRANKLIN SENIOR CENTER


 October special events -call the Franklin Senior Center, visit our website or check out the October newsletter for more details about these programs! 

  • Oct. 13th - Time Out Memory Cafe

  • Oct. 14th - Senator Rausch coffee hour

  • Oct. 15th - Senior coffee hour with local and state officials

  • Oct. 19th - Medicare update with SHINE

  • Oct. 19th - Grateful Days Memory Cafe

  • Oct. 20th - LIVE IN PERSON concerts

  • Oct. 21st - Talk Franklin Matters with Steve Sherlock

  • Oct. 23rd - Name that tune game show

  • Oct. 26th - Norfolk County Sheriff presents "Scams"

  • Oct. 26th - Memory Cafe with Wayne Neon

  • Oct. 30th - Healthy Never Tasted So Good - cooking demonstration and food pick up


October daily events - contact the senior center, visit our website or the newsletter for more details about our weekly offerings. 

MONDAYS:  

  • Tele Bingo - call in game

  • Book Discussion Group (Page Turners) 1st Monday of the Month

TUESDAYS: 

  • Chair Exercises

  • Low Vision Support Group (1st and 3rd Tuesday)

  • Audio Book Club (2nd and 4th Tuesday)

  • Quarantini Time - Social cocktail group

WEDNESDAYS: 

  • Blood Pressure and Sugar screenings

  • Zumba gold

  • Wellness consults via phone

  • Medical equipment distribution and donations

  • Fibromyalgia support group (1st wed of the month)

  • Caregivers Support Group (2nd and 4th wed)

THURSDAYS: 

  • Chair exercise

  • Cardio strength and balance class

  • Current events discussion group

FRIDAYS: 

  • TOPS (Taking off pounds sensibly)

  • SUNSHINE group (supportive Day)



REMEMBER:

When searching for information about the Coronavirus, COVID-19 please use caution!  Unfortunately there are many false sites that contain viruses and malware that can threaten your computer.  Many look like real sites.  Your best bet is to go directly to the CDC, WHO or your local government page (links below).   

https://www.cdc.gov/ 

https://www.who.int/

https://www.franklinma.gov/home/urgent-alerts/coronavirus-information-portal-updates-here



--
Ariel Doggett

Virtual Program Coordinator
Respite Coordinator

"We rise by lifting others" - Robert Ingersoll
There is no act of kindness too small

Franklin Senior Center: Email Blast - Oct 9, 2020
Franklin Senior Center: Email Blast - Oct 9, 2020


Franklin Public Schools: Re-opening Update for Families - Oct 9, 2020

October 9, 2020

Dear Franklin Families,

Transition to Hybrid

The average daily cases of COVID-19 in Franklin have remained below 4 per 100,000 for the past three weeks and the percent positivity rate has been below 1%. Current numbers are 3.2 cases per 100,000 and a percent positivity rate of 0.96%. When taken into consideration with Norfolk County and Massachusetts data over the past several weeks, these current health metrics support us continuing forward with a transition to hybrid as follows:

10/19/2020 -- Grades 2, 3, 6
10/26/2020 -- Grades 4, 5, 7, 8 and High Needs at FHS  
11/2/2020 -- FHS

More details about the cohort assignments, schedule, and what to expect upon arrival will be shared from the schools.

Our teachers have been actively preparing to welcome students into our buildings. It will be important at this time to establish new routines, which is always important at the start of the school year, but it is even more important with the latest health and safety practices. As a result, remote instruction for those students whose cohort is not in the building will necessarily begin looking differently as we move into a hybrid environment.

At the elementary level: all students will participate in a synchronous live morning meeting and closing circle. Throughout the day, educators will engage with remote students multiple times throughout the day, and remote students will be provided with assignments and asynchronous learning opportunities as well. Compared to instruction experienced thus far, there will necessarily be less synchronous learning time as our teachers attend to in-person instruction as well as in-person health and safety practices.

We have received a few inquiries about transitioning from having chosen hybrid to Virtual Learning Academy (VLA) or from VLA to hybrid. A separate document explaining the process will be included in versions of this mailing to elementary families. Please know that there is little flexibility and shifts between the two require significant planning about staff and physical space.

At the middle and high school levels:
all students will participate in a lesson launch with their teacher. Educators will employ different strategies to engage students, both in person and remote learners, which may be synchronous or asynchronous. In the early weeks, our teachers will be working hard to establish new building routines, especially the new health and safety practices and there may be additional asynchronous instruction happening for those who are remote.

At all levels and both in person and remote, we ask for your understanding and patience as we begin a very novel way of teaching and learning. Everyone is working very hard and learning new strategies. We also wish to emphasize the need for adaptability. We know that we are in a changing environment and health data could result in partial or full closures, as we have seen in other districts. Flexibility will be important and we ask families to be sure to have a back up plan.

We also know that there may be nervousness about transitioning to the hybrid model. We will emphasize our health and safety practices with students (physical distancing, hand washing, and mask-wearing).

Travel to a Non-Lower Risk State
Students who are returning to Massachusetts from a non-lower risk state will have to quarantine for 14 days or receive a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours prior to their return to school. Students will continue to receive instruction at home.

DESE Letter to Families of Students with Disabilities
The Department of Elementary and Secondary education recently released this letter for families of students with disabilities, which we are sharing with you:
 http://www.doe.mass.edu/covid19/sped/back-to-school-letter/ 

Food Services Update 
The food pick up at the Parmenter Elementary School is being closed due to a lower level of participation. Pick up of breakfast and lunch will now all be done at the rear of Franklin High School, by the cafeteria’s entrance from 3:00 -- 4:00 PM. All meals are free until December 31, 2020


No School Reminder - No School on Monday, October 12, 2020

Have a wonderful weekend, Franklin Public Schools


Please e-mail reopening@franklinps.net with questions. https://sites.google.com/franklinps.net/returntoschoolplan/home


 

South Franklin Congregational Meeting House Existing Conditions Report and Peer Review

South Franklin Congregational Meeting House Existing Conditions Report and Peer Review


South Franklin Congregational Meeting House Existing Conditions Report and Peer Review
South Franklin Congregational Meeting House Existing Conditions Report and Peer Review



Daily News Sports: "Franklin field hockey’s family matters: Hess and Carney clans well represented for Panthers"

Via Daily News Sports (@MetroWestSports) we share this article:
"It is a family affair these days within the Franklin field hockey program.

After six-plus months of quarantine with their mothers, Franklin senior Neilee Hess and senior Sara Carney along with her sister, sophomore Kaitlyn Carney, have kept the family time going, even while returning to the field.

Neilee’s mom, Michelle, is the Panthers’ head coach while the Carney sisters’ mom, Kim, is Michelle’s assistant and the JV head coach.

On Thursday, the Carney sisters had quite a day against Milford in a 13-0 rout. Kaitlyn had four goals while Sara added three assists. Hess had a shutout in goal with minimal work, and senior Amanda Lewandowski added four goals as well."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required) https://t.co/TdEe1UEPdc
 
Daily News Sports: "Franklin field hockey’s family matters: Hess and Carney clans well represented for Panthers"
Daily News Sports: "Franklin field hockey’s family matters: Hess and Carney clans well represented for Panthers" (Daily News and Wicked Local photo/Dan Holmes)


In the News: decline in cigarette tax stamp sales may exceed forecast

From the Milford Daily News, an article of interest for Franklin:

"Cigarette sales in Massachusetts were down by 24% in August, according to convenience store owners, and the state has seen a nearly $32 million drop in tobacco excise taxes in the three months since its first-in-the-nation ban on menthol cigarettes took effect.

The decline in cigarette tax stamp sales would put Massachusetts on pace to exceed the $93 million in foregone revenue projected by the Department of Revenue last year from the menthol and mint cigarette ban.

The New England Convenience Store and Energy Marketers Association said the ban has pushed sales to neighboring states, including New Hampshire and Rhode Island where overall cigarette sales were up 65% and 17% in August, respectively. New Hampshire saw a 91% spike in menthol cigarette sales alone in August, and Rhode Island’s coffers benefited from 40% bump in menthol sales.

The ban on menthol cigarettes in Massachusetts took effect on June 1, and while public officials were willing to give up some revenue for the public health benefits of banning all types of flavored tobacco, convenience stores say residents are simply bringing the products back from other states."

 


Town of Franklin, MA: October Senior Coffee Hour - Oct 15

The October Senior Coffee with Franklin Officials is scheduled for next Thursday, October 15 at 8:30 AM. 
 
Find the meeting link - Join Zoom Meeting  https://t.co/xY0HvlN7QK...
Meeting ID: 831 5465 3026
Passcode: 703738
 
Shared from Twitter:  https://t.co/97k2I0E25e


Town of Franklin, MA: October Senior Coffee Hour - Oct 15
Town of Franklin, MA: October Senior Coffee Hour - Oct 15

Commonwealth Magazine: "Pandemic hasn’t erased the opioid epidemic"

From CommonWealth Magazine we share an article of interest for Franklin:

"HE HAD JUST LOST his father to COVID-19. His dad had succumbed to this relentless disease while living in a long-term care facility. He was just beginning to cope with that loss.

Then, it got worse.

Two weeks later, he lost his son. His son died after a long-term battle with opioid addiction, stolen by an epidemic that has been raging since well before the pandemic – and still rages today.

What made these losses even more traumatic? Unable to hold a funeral or have any real way to join together with loved ones, he couldn’t say good-bye to either. The pandemic had taken that from him as well.

This is the tragic story of one family in Massachusetts. The pandemic has impacted so many more. And for those struggling with addiction, or who have a loved one who is, it’s brought a whole new set of challenges and hardship."

Continue reading the article online
 
SAFE Coalition provides a good deal of assistance in this arena. "Get Help Now! For Help Call the SAFE Support Hotline: 508-488-8105"
For additional info visit https://www.safecoalitionma.org/ 
 
 
Get Help Now! For Help Call the SAFE Support Hotline: 508-488-8105
Get Help Now! For Help Call the SAFE Support Hotline: 508-488-8105