THE BLACK BOX: Food Truck and Live Music Festival - May 29-30

THE BLACK BOX supports the return of live music and enthusiastically welcomes food trucks to Downtown Franklin!

When not attending this special event, please support our local restaurants!

Saturday, May 29th and and Sunday, May 30th from 5-10 PM, General Admission tickets are $20 per day.

Saturday, May 29

• 5:00 Racky Thomas
• 6:00 Kaye Kelly
• 7:00 Ken DoRosario
• 8:30 Diane Blue
  

Sunday, May 30

• 5:00 Britt Connors Duo
• 6:00 David Thorne Scott
• 7:00 Honest Mechanik
• 8:30 The Gravel Project
  

Food trucks include Caribbean Press, Pangea Cuisines and Larry Joes' New England Fire Pit  

Tickets = https://www.theblackboxonline.com/events.php?id=1458

 

THE BLACK BOX: Food Truck and Live Music Festival - May 29-30

CommonWealth Magazine: "Senate passes spending plan unanimously"

 

"THE SENATE UNANIMOUSLY passed a $47.7 billion budget for next year after three days of debate over how best to invest state resources as Massachusetts looks to recover from the hardships of the past year of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Senate President Karen Spilka said the budget that passed 40-0 would put Massachusetts on “stable fiscal footing” and begin to restitch the fabric of society that had frayed over the last year, while Senate Ways and Means Chairman Michael Rodrigues said the bill would help get the state “back to better.”

Continue reading the article online 

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/state-government/senate-passes-spending-plan-unanimously

MA Budget page (not completely updated with the Senate action yesterday)

https://malegislature.gov/Budget/SenateDebate

 

CommonWealth Magazine: "Senate passes spending plan unanimously"

 

Open Studio Fund raiser for Gaspar Family - Sat, Jun 12

Franklin Culture (@franklinculture) tweeted on Thu, May 27, 2021:
 

Open Studio Fund raiser for Gaspar Family - Sat, Jun 12

 

https://t.co/YOoD6ZrmwV

 
Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/franklinculture/status/1397979219431469056

"COVID-19 symptoms commonly persisted beyond the acute phase of infection, with implications for health-associated functioning and quality of life"

While COVID-19 restrictions are easing, the disease and lasting effects remain to be reckoned with. 

Via Nature.com:  "Count the cost of disability caused by COVID-19

"The COVID-19 pandemic is well into its second year, but countries are only beginning to grapple with the lasting health crisis. In March, a UK consortium reported that 1 in 5 people who were hospitalized with the disease had a new disability after discharge1. A large US study found similar effects for both hospitalized and non-hospitalized people2. Among adults who were not hospitalized, 1 in 10 have ongoing symptoms 12 weeks after a positive test3. Treatment services for the long-term consequences of COVID-19 are already having to be absorbed into health and care systems urgently. Tackling this requires a much clearer picture of the burden of the disease than currently exists.

Tracking disease cases and deaths has advantages in a health emergency — they are easily collated, and, to some extent, trends can be compared across countries. But continuing the use of such simplified metrics heightens the risks of underestimating the true health impact on a population. It focuses policy and public discourse on the immediate prevention of deaths and on the economic impact of lockdown policies, ignoring the long-term disease-related disabilities that will also affect well-being and productivity."

Continue reading the article online 

https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-021-01392-2 

Via Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA): "Assessment of the Frequency and Variety of Persistent Symptoms Among Patients With COVID-19"

Question  What are the frequency and variety of persistent symptoms after COVID-19 infection?

Findings  In this systematic review of 45 studies including 9751 participants with COVID-19, the median proportion of individuals who experienced at least 1 persistent symptom was 73%; symptoms occurring most frequently included shortness of breath or dyspnea, fatigue or exhaustion, and sleep disorders or insomnia. However, the studies were highly heterogeneous and needed longer follow-up and more standardized designs.

Meaning  This systematic review found that COVID-19 symptoms commonly persisted beyond the acute phase of infection, with implications for health-associated functioning and quality of life; however, methodological improvements are needed to reliably quantify these risks.

Continue reading the article online 

https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2780376

FYI - Zoom update that users will notice

Recorded and livestreamed meetings

"In the latest product update, users will be notified when a meeting they are in is being recorded or livestreamed, along with information about who can see and share the recording and livestream. The user can consent to stay in the meeting or to leave the meeting if they wish.

In addition, users joining a recorded meeting in progress will have their audio and video automatically muted until they click “continue” in the dialog box. These notices will be displayed to all guests joining a meeting or livestream outside the account’s organization, regardless of the account owner’s settings."

There are additional updates but from a user joining a Town meeting, this is the most common. For the full listing visit the Zoom page  https://blog.zoom.us/zoom-expands-in-product-privacy-notifications/

 

Recorded and livestreamed meetings

 

Recap: Town Council takes 4+ hours to review FY 2022 budget on Wednesday

Quick Recap:

• Yup, over 4 hours for the Town Council to review, Q&A the budget; multiple questions, mostly answered, a couple carried over to Thursday's session
• Carried over a possible move of $3,000 from Historical Commission to Historical Museum; update from School Dept on unfunded mandates, update on total school age population and where schooling (inside or out of Franklin)
• Under the standard format, not sure the community gets the full picture of a department budget matter, they only get the phrasing of a particular councilor. To really understand a departmental budget, folks need to view the Finance Committee meetings; (it would also be good for more councilors to do so).
• Why wouldn't the Town proceed with a pilot effort to provide a full time nurse (RN) for the community? It uses the same process (grant and collaboration with neighboring communities) that other departments (Fire and Police for example) have (and did explain also during this meeting). Yet some councilors 'don't get it'
• Fire Dept hopeful for positive news on a SAFER grant that they submitted for which would enable the  addition of 4 more firefighter/paramedics. They would be funded by the grant for 3 years and then Town would need to pay
• MECC received a grant to enable Mendon and Millville to join regional dispatch. The grant fund Franklin's portion for several years. Town is planning to put money aside to save for the day when the grant expires and the funding is required
• Multiple questions around the school budget, how it continues to increase and yet the enrollment is decreasing. Chap 70 funding will provide some relief in transportation and special education circuit break costs. The Town faces a gradual increase in its own support of the schools. We (Town of Franklin) have historically underfunded the schools and are being forced by the State to eventually pay our fair share. The closing of Davis Thayer, and potentially other buildings to restructure will not provide the budget relief required to fix this structural deficit. Consider two numbers: the State calculates our per pupil expense at $14K per student; the average tax bill for a Franklin homeowner is $6-7,000. So if the homeowner/family has only one student, the Schools are already not recovering the cost for what educational benefit is provided to the family.
• DPW losing 2 positions (previously unfilled to help manage expenses during the pandemic); have other open positions they are attempting to fulfill within the budget
• Stormwater division created to help clearly identify all the costs associated with stormwater management. What is being done is less than that required by EPA MS4 permit. Stormwater utility fee had been on the discussion listing for this year but is is gone (for now). The Town needs to better manage the funding source for stormwater and the utility fee is a more more reasonable approach than using the current tax base. Too many don't pay their 'fair share'.
  
• Back again Thursday night for the remainder of the discussion and eventual vote on the budget for FY 2022

----

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  #tc0526

https://twitter.com/search?q=%23tc0526&src=typed_query

 

Photos captured during the meeting and shared via Twitter can be found in one album  https://photos.app.goo.gl/Fyhg4jjavLURjt92A

The agenda doc for this meeting can be found

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/05-26-2021_franklin_town_council.pdf 

Or https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/may-26-town-council-agenda 

• Getting ready for the Town Council meeting, and 1st of two budget hearings for FY 2022. What is in the budget? What didn't make it? What questions will be asked tonight? Listen in to find out. Connection info and live stream available -> https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/may-26-town-council-agenda  tc0526
• Based upon prior sessions, the Council clerk will read the budget line items, line by line. Councilors with a question in that area can place a 'hold' and when done reading through, they'll come back and get to each line, question by question #tc0526.
• The voting doc copy you can follow along with is in the agenda doc https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/05-26-2021_franklin_town_council.pdf  #tc0526
• Meeting opens #tc0526
• Memorial Day service at noon on Monday, no parade however. Honor guard will visit Dean College, St Mary's cemetery, etc. that day before the service on the town Common #tc0526  2 minute recess as public hearing is posted for 7:10 PM
• Meeting resumes after recess  #tc0526
• Budget Subcommittee chair Kelly leads with comments thanking all the staff for their work during the pandemic. Pleased to present the budget for discussion. TA Jamie Hellen opens with his remarks also thanking the staff for the work done without skipping a beat #tc0526
• "Putting high quality affordable services forward" very fortunate, visit the Franklin page to visit the budget page with plenty of details. #tc0526 FinCom voted unanimously approved after 4 nights of deep dives into the details. "Towns look to emulate us"
• Council holds placed on 192, 210, 220, 300, and 422. That is Facilities, police, fire, schools and DPW. The five largest items in the budget. #tc0526
• Holds also placed on the following: 155, technology; 164, elections; #tc0526 225, regional dispatch; 390, tri-county; 395, Norfolk Aggie; 510, Board of Health; 690, historical museum; 691, historical commission;
• Cyber security new hire is for security split between town and schools, to oversee security, best practices, testing, etc. #tc0526 explanation on split of technology between schools and town, schools have a greater percent of usage.
• Elections #tc0526 actually just a decrease in budget from FY 2020, thanks
• Facilities - does the budget include reductions for the Davis Thayer facility closing? Yes. Still need some maintenance portion to keep it safe and kept up.
• $60k for DT building maintenance on town side; teachers etc and other expenses, are on the School side.
• #tc0526 the UVGI units came from CARES act funding (federal funds) not operational town funds. Equipment came in for school campus, library and Senior Center ->
• So those facilities will be operational in a couple of weeks. #tc0526 UV tubes will last a year, about $90 per (not thousands, just dollars) FHS was cheapest install due to the equipment already there. Presentation coming for MSBA on UVGI ->
• The budget last year includes bonding for facility projects at Remington/Jefferson and eventually we'll need to get to the other schools. #tc0526 Franklin is first with the UVGI, couldn't really have done it pre-COVID. None of the part-time staff have health insurance
• Now to Police, #tc0526 Q synopsis of Certification? Self initiated process audit, on all operations, training, etc. 159 standards to be met, evaluated and documented. 15 depts certified, 257 standards for accreditation. Q personal status, going from 52 to 53 ->
• Combination of personnel moves, replacing backfill, etc .allowed for the additional officer, including a reduction in ammunition used in fire arm training. A savings in unscheduled OT also helped with the new person. #tc0526 will need more $ next year to get 4 more
• Shortage of ammo is real, multiple factors playing but it should start easy up over time. #tc0526 things are going well with the changes to the force. Change can be fearful, haven't really had a baseline due to COVID yet but hopefully. Succession planning is underway ->
• Likely 6-8 over next several years, planning is underway. Collective bargaining agreements define what can be done. A lot will happen this fall and then dominoes will fall next year and later. #tc0526 trying to do accreditation within the year. Then good for 3 years
• Q on safety equipment line, also includes onboarding and hence the adjustments. Next year will likely increase due to changes but not this year. #tc0526 Jail diversion program is doing well, in year 3 of 10 year grant, looking to see how to expand with Advocates. Police exam ->
• Every three years, or with lateral transfers #tc0526 it is not hard for folks from elsewhere to want to be here. Would more officers help with response time? Yes. Town is growing, there is more if everything. Police have 2 drones, one used at the fire this week
• Next up Fire Dept. #tc0526 Q what is personnel status for this FY year, 56 firefighters and at full staff this time. Ambulance transport billing, we take the avg of top 50 to ensure our rates are competitive. Safer grant pending for more firefighters, very competitive
• Firefighters were evacuated just before the floor collapsed, shows the efficiency of the battalion chiefs. #tc0526 "you are a gift to the Community" folks don't realize how close we were to losing some folks the other day. We need another station out to serve the north ->
• We have 2 ambulances online, wouldn't make sense to bring a 3rd on now, using the reserve unit would help without relying on mutual aid. #tc0526 I think we are in a really good place right now, high training, good equipment, it has been a group effort and a team sport
• If we get the grant, it would cover salary/benefits for 3 years. After that would be in our budget. #tc0526 Pellegri not seen morale as high as it is now in her time. Your commitment to training has shown effects so far, thanks. ISO update, class 2 last year, with ->
• With so many changes in 12 months, we may ask them to come back. Left a spot on the side of the engine for the cert label when we get it #tc0526
• Mendon and Millville joined regional dispatch MECC, got a grant to cover their participation. #tc0526 amount budgeted for setting aside money to enable the future payment after the grant expires. (Brief sound interruption on one system may have been on my side issue) ->
• Switched to live stream from Zoom session to get audio #tc0526 Taking a 5 minutes break
• Meeting resumes, thunder still rolling around outside #tc0526
• Q on Board of Health increase? Working to bring in a public nurse along with a community grant. There is not a separate line item for enforcement, used CARES act funding for some of that. Qs on need for RN part-time. #tc0526 we are doing a regional effort ->
• LPN is part-time at Senior Center. Other towns have full time nurses, we don't. #tc0526  Q on historical museum vs commission and switching funds, to be researched and decided on Thursday session
• Next up Schools, Dr Ahern #tc0526 we're about 4800 this year, decreasing over next 10 years, slightly lower than forecasted, other districts lost more students due to the pandemic. Hot real estate is due to inventory, expecting a decrease and possible baby bust ->
• Elementary school population stabile, middle school seeing more of the decrease, also making it to the high school. Eventually FHS would operate at capacity or less ( has been over since opened) #tc0526  Attempted at a # for unfunded mandates, does have a partial ->
• Budget continues to rise, is related to special Ed costs? No, we are doing well there. The enrollment is well distributed so we don't see that economy of scale where it could help us. Rate increase is special Ed is out of our control, circuit breaker funding may help ->
• We are obligated to service all the students in town. #tc0526 if we lose students to other schools, do we know why? Programs cut in prior years could be not competitive vs other schools. There are 300 folks I have sought out and you don't seem to be getting to them ->
• 75% of districts spend more than Franklin does. How do we solve that? It is dollars. More teachers,  more programs, high school could use more teachers to improve offerings we can be creative but that doesn't solve the issue. #tc0526 approx 54% if the town budget
• To keep and retain the people we have here will cost more money. All the reforms won't change the expense side of the budget. Digital learning integrationists DLI support teachers and students and skills on digital literacy. #tc0526
• How do we tell, explain an increase in the budget when we are closing schools and loosing teachers. Health care and transportation are increasing. We are managing expenses elsewhere. Education is being more complicated, expanded nurses, all hands on deck, escalating ->
• Mental health concerns, we are happy to do it, our responsibility and each has expanded. #tc0526 Multiple questions around school budget, clear lack of understanding by TC. It is complex but when per pupil expense is $14k and the average property tax is $6 or 7k ->
• There is an issue with school funding. #tc0526 Plug for Tri-county by Kelly, less students going to Norfolk Aggie, should be trying to get more there Both also have changes in leadership for the schools
• Creation of Stormwater division shows the cost of doing business. Moved funds and personnel from other depts to accommodate. #tc0526 did remove 2 people from budget as well as the curb weed spraying. New treatment plant now online, provides capacity to pump full amount ->
• Permitted, and operates very efficiently. The 2 positions were open and not rehired during the past year. #tc0526 clarification on the cut positions are still in the budget.  There is a level of difference between what we are obligated to do and what we are doing
• We have been doing stormwater since 2007, some of the numbers are shifting from wherever to stormwater to better reflect the total expense. #tc0526 street lights down due to change to LEDs.  $40m in backlog of roadwork that needs to be done. Covers existing roads
• Chapter 90 has not seen increases to keep up. Ability to compost to save? It is expensive and we don't have a space for it, it is part of a plan going forward. #tc0526 water and sewer use going up, collections have increased. Retained earnings explained. Used to ->
• Pay cash for some expenses within the water and sewer expenses. When we talk stormwater, that has nothing to do with water or sewer. Look at the stormwater division, street sweeping, catch basin cleaning, etc. #tc0526 we run a lean ship, loosing 2 people is a big deal
• We will continue this hearing Thursday. #tc0526 council comments underway. Live stream cut out as the TV automation cut in at 11. The Council should (could) have not gone so long. Zoom session still working
• Motion to adjourn, passes 9-0 That's all for tonight, catch you next time #tc0526 

Dr Sara Ahern answering a question

DPW Director Cantoreggi answers a question

Affordable Housing Production Goals ** 2021 Town of Franklin - Housing Production Plan - Public Review Draft **

Affordable Housing Production Goals
The goals resulting from this Housing Production Plan (HPP) update process are basic goals intended to increase the number of Subsidized Housing Inventory (SHI) Eligible Housing units, but also to increase the number of affordable housing units available to the community’s families, individuals, persons with special needs, and the elderly.

Goal 1: Maintain Franklin’s Subsidized Housing Inventory above ten percent through 2030 and beyond.

 
Goal 2: Increase the number of housing units affordable to Franklin’s very low income, low income, and moderate income residents.

 
Goal 3: Increase the number of affordable housing units available to persons with special needs, and the elderly.

 
Goal 4: Support affordable housing appropriate for expected future demographics.

 
Goal 5: Provide housing alternatives that meet the needs of Franklin based employers and employees.

 
Goal 6: Adopt strategies that incentivize the production of affordable housing. 

Goal 7: Adopt zoning strategies that will advance affordable housing production.

 
Goal 8: Continue the funding and expansion of the Franklin Municipal Affordable Housing Trust for additional in-perpetuity affordable housing units.

 
Goal 9: Identify new funding sources and other resources for affordable housing production. 

 

 

Find the full copy of the Housing Production Plan

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/franklin_housing_production_plan_-_may_2021_public_draft.pdf

Info on the public comment period

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/05/2021-draft-housing-production-plan-open.html

Plan Development and Public Participation

FHS girls lacrosse tops Taunton on Wednesday

From HockomockSports.com we share the FHS spring sports results:

 

Girls Lacrosse = Franklin, 17 @ Taunton, 4 – Final 

– Kaitlyn Carney had a strong day in the circle with five draw controls and three Panthers had five or more points in a win on the road over Taunton. Katie Peterson led the offense with four goals and three assists, Kenzie Baker added four goals and one assists, and Katie Jones scored twice and added four assists in the win. For Taunton, Alana Tavares and Tasia Lajoie each scored twice while goalie Emily Gannon made 10 saves.  

 

For all the results around the Hockomock League

https://hockomocksports.com/wednesdays-schedule-scoreboard-05-26-21/

 

FHS Panthers

 

Lessons for Littles - June 6, 3:00 PM

Join Us for an Expert Panel Discussion on Racism for Parents of Young Children 

SUNDAY, JUNE 6  = 3:00–4:00 PM
Franklin Town Common & Virtual

How do you navigate conversations with your young children about topics such as race, diversity, inclusion and equity?

Join this free community event to learn from our panel of local experts when and how to have these important conversations with young children (0–8 years). Together, we can learn to raise kind, inclusive children who will know better and do better.

View & Share Event on Facebook = https://www.facebook.com/events/133800355442732

Attend in-person at the Franklin Town Common or virtually. 

For a reminder email and information on connecting to the event virtually, please fill out the form => https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScPl997Lsn75FOEUfnpeJnCUbH5xv4M-w7sk7NLrn_nyBsh8A/viewform

Presented by Franklin Area Moms and Franklin Area Against Racism.

Lessons for Littles - June 6, 3:00 PM

 

Still time for the 10th Annual FBRTC Virtual Race – 5K run or walk 2021

Register today and support the Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee and the SNETT rail trail. 

Thank you to TVFR (https://www.tri-valleyfrontrunners.com/) for partnering with us this year in organizing and supporting our event!

Register here: https://www.active.com/running/distance-running-virtual-events/10th-annual-fbrtc-virtual-race-5k-run-or-walk-2021

If you or your business would like to become a sponsor, please email us at fbrtcommittee@gmail.com for details. Thank you. 

When:  May 22 - May 31

 

Still time for the 10th Annual FBRTC Virtual Race – 5K run or walk 2021

Concert at Senior Center - June 2 - two shows (1:00 PM, 2:30 PM)

Hi everyone,

We are having another outdoor concert at the Senior Center next week.  Please see the attached flyer. There are 2 shows.  

An early one where folks can enjoy a late-lunch break (yes, our Senior Center is supplying individual snack-boxes) and a second one that is late enough that students can walk up from the school to attend. 

Special thanks to the Franklin Cultural Council.  Let's do more of this stuff !!!!  Call if you have any questions.

Senior Center Phone: (508) 520-4945

Concert at Senior Center - June 2 - two shows (1:00 PM, 2:30 PM)

Electronics Recycling Event - May 29

**SOCIAL DISTANCING WILL BE OBSERVED. PLEASE WEAR YOUR MASK**

Join us for our annual Electronics Recycling Event Saturday, May 29th from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM. We are accepting ALL electronics, appliances and bikes! 🔌♻

St. Mary's Church -Benjamin Franklin School Parking Lot

201 Main Street

Franklin, MA

Accepting any and all electronics and appliances, including TV’s, monitors, computers, printers, microwaves, AC’s, washers, dryers, lawn mowers and any item that has a plug.

Costs to You:

⚫ $5 each for Computers, DVD Players, Small Printers, Laptops, Misc. Electronics. (Hard drives will be destroyed)

⚫ $10 each for Microwaves, Small Household Appliances, Small Yard Equipment

⚫ $15 each for Computer Monitors, AC’s, Dehumidifiers. Large Printers, Range top Microwaves.

⚫ $20 each for TVs up to 24,” Washing Machines, Dryers, Stoves, Large Appliances, Dishwashers, Exercise Equipment, Grills, Large Yard Equipment

⚫ $25 each for TVs between 25” and 31,” and Large Refrigerators

⚫ $30 each for TVs between 32” and 35”

⚫ $35 each TVs over 36”

⚫ $40 each for Projection TVs

⚫ NO CHARGE for Cell Phones, Bikes, Car or Truck Batteries

Computer Hard Drives will be destroyed.

ALL TOWNS WELCOME, RAIN OR SHINE, ZERO LANDFILL, CASH PREFERRED, CHECK ACCEPTED (Over $30)

Please Share and Spread the Word!

Questions? Contact: GreenDayRecyclingMA@Gmail.com

 

Follow the Facebook event -> https://www.facebook.com/events/2756606877935257

 

Electronics Recycling Event - May 29

REQUEST - 50+ Program seeks employers for practice hiring event

The 50+ Job-seekers Networking Group is setting up its ultimate event for the Spring 2020 sessions --- Practice Interview With Employers -- to be held on June 24th, 2021; 10-12N [Eastern Time].

We seek employers and recruiters willing to participate by conducting practice interviews.

As we did last year, we will supply some suggested interview questions, but recall how many employers used their own favorites!

 Please let me or our director, Susan D Kelly, know if you would be willing to donate your time and talent to help us with this special event that assists mature job-seekers and career-changers.

Susan's contact info is:

Phone: 781-378-0528

LI Page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susandkelly/

Email: susan@sdkelly.com

Susan has told me that many of the employers who participated last years have already signed on again. I look forward to hearing from more employers during this exciting time as the economy re-opens.

Thanks!

Ed Lawrence

 

REQUEST - 50+ Program seeks employers for practice hiring event

Franklin fire donation information

"The Franklin MA Lions Club and Franklin Elks Lodge #2136 are working with the Red Cross to help families affected by today’s fire. We have been told the best donations right now are that of gift cards to various clothing, drug stores, food and restaurants. Please reach out to Franklin Lions to make your donation.

Update: The Lions met this evening. We have had an outpouring for clothing donations. For this reason we have decided to do a fund-drive to turn clothing and cloth material such as shoes, curtains, stuffed animals, blankets, etc into cash. We hope to collect 5000lbs by July 7th. We currently will pick up but are working on drop off locations for bags.

Update: we have set up an account with Rockland Trust: Franklin Lions Disaster Fund. Donations can be made there. 100% will be used to assist families to get back on their feet. In addition at the downtown Franklin branch across from post office is a drop box for gift cards. Gift cards and checks can also be mailed to

• Franklin Lions

  PO Box 3,

  Franklin , MA.

The Red Cross is still trying to reach all 36 families. If you know of a family or are a family affected by today’s fire. Please contact the Red Cross at 1-800-564-1234.

Shared from multiple Facebook updates including

https://www.facebook.com/franklinmalions/posts/858403611421274